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World Cup Match 18 Preview

2010-06-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

First game of the day see's Diego Maradona's Argentina go up against South Korea in Johannesburg. Both sides won their first group match, suprisingly the better victor was South Korea but the Greek side they played were nothing short of awful. Argentina beat a spirited Nigeria and will probably feel this game is a easier test than their opening match. Lionel Messi was in inspirational form against Nigeria and with his sconfidence rising by the game he will feel he is unstoppable. At Germany 2006 Argentina beat Serbia 6-0 and I can see a similar performance today.

Head To Head: Argentina 2 wins, 0 Draw, South Korea 0 wins

Last Meeting: 11/06/2003 South Korea 0 Argentina 1 (Seoul)

Best Odds: Argentina 1/2, Draw 10/3, South Korea 15/2

GOAL COUNT

2010-06-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

We aim to give you as much information as possible during the World Cup Finals.

Everyone says the most entertaining leagues in the world are the English and Spanish so we have decided to do a goalcount and let you know which league had the most goalscorers in so keep an eye out on your league and the winner would surely then have to become the most entertaining league.

(English Premier League, England) 5 goals

Park (South Korea), Gerrard (England), Dempsey (USA), Kuyt (Denmark), Alcaraz (Paraguay)

(Bundesliga, Germany) 4 goals

Podolski (Germany), Klose (Germany), Muller (Germany), Cacau (Germany)

(Ligue 1, France) 4 goals

Heinze (Argentina), Gyan (Ghana), Vittek (Slovakia), Fernandes (Switzerland)

(La Liga, Spain) 3 goals

Forlan (Uruguay) 2 goals, Marquez (Mexico)

(Serie A, Italy) 2 goals

De Rossi (Italy), Maicon (Brazil)

(Premier Soccer League, South Africa) 1 goal

Tshabala (South Africa)

(J League, Japan) 1 goal

Soo-Lee (South Korea)

(Russian Premier League, Russia) 1 goal

Honda (Japan)

(Danish Superliga, Denmark) 1 goal

Reid (New Zealand)

(Turkcell Super Lig, Turkey) 1 goal

Elano (Brazil)

(DPR Korea League, North Korea) 1 goal

Yun-Nam (North Korea)

(Primera División Profesional, Mexico) 1 goal

Beausejour (Chile)

(Portugese Liga, Portugal) 1 goal

A.Pereira (Uruguay)

(Unattached) 1 goal

Koren (Slovenia)

(Own Goals) 1 goal

Agger (Denmark for Holland)

South Africa 0 Uruguay 3

2010-06-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Scorers: Forlan (Uru) 2 goals, A.Pereira (Uru)

Attendance: 42658

Diego Forlan silenced the crowd for the first time during South Africa 2010 with a wonder-strike worthy of any stage, and was on target from the spot as Uruguay took a step closer to the last 16 with a 3-0 win over the hosts. Alvaro Pereira sealed a comfortable victory for the South Americans with a stoppage-time tap-in.

South Africa, who hadn't beaten Uruguay in their previous two meetings, headed into this game in Pretoria knowing the hopes of the Rainbow Nation rested upon their shoulders, with both sides having picked up a point in their openings game in Group A. Carlos Alberto Parreira brought in Tsepo Masilela for Lucas Thwala in the hosts' starting line-up, while Uruguay opted to make two changes, with Edinson Cavani and Jorge Fucile coming in for Mauricio Victorino and Ignacio Gonzzlez.

Pretoria had been a lucky place for Bafana Bafana, who had not yet lost at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, but it was Uruguay who started the brighter. In the 23rd minute, Luis Suarez teased his way past Bongani Khumalo before stinging the palms of Itumelenge Khune. It was clearly a warning shot of what was to come and, within 60 seconds, the South Americans were ahead through Forlan.

Khune had clearly not been expecting the Atletico Madrid forward to unleash a shot from 30 yards out, and stood rooted to the spot as his stunning drive, taking a slight deflection off the back of Aaron Mokoena, dipped over his head and into the back of the net.

The second half started as the first had finished, with Oscar Tabarez's side threatening to add to their lead. Cavani was first denied an opportunity to strike at goal thanks to some smart defending by Tsepo Masilela, Diego Lugano might have been wheeling off in celebration had he made any kind of decent connection with Forlan's inviting corner-kick, and, in the 67th minute, the lively Pareira was guilty of scuffing a gilt-edged chance wide.

Bafana Bafana were still being frustrated in their search for an equalising goal, but when the chances did present themselves, the South African failed to profit. Tego Mphela couldn't direct a header from Sibiniso Gaxa's cross, Pienaar's attempted shot was blocked, and Modise's 68th minute shot, South Africa's first on target, was easily smothered.

The host nation's hopes of making it past the group stages for the first time in their FIFA World Cup history were dealt a hammer blow in the 76th minute when Khune was adjudged to have brought down Suarez, prompting the referee to point to the spot, before flashing a red card at the South African keeper. Forlan stepped up to take the resulting penalty and made no mistake in smashing the ball past the deputising Moneeb Josephs.

Mphela and Tshabalala both had chances to reduce the deficit in the closing stages but, in the end, there was little the hosts could do to deny Uruguay a deserved and vital three points. Indeed, the South Americans added insult to injury in stoppage time as Alvaro Pereira was given the space to tap in Suarez's inviting cross.

South Africa: 16. Khune, 2. Gaxa, 3. Masilela, 4. Mokoena, 8. Tshabalala, 9. Mphela, 10. Pienaar, 11. Modise, 12. Letsholonyane, 13. Dikgacoi, 20. Khumalo

Subs Used: 1. Josephs, 19. Moriri

Uruguay: 1. Muslera, 2. Lugano, 3. Godin, 4. Fucile, 7. Cavani, 9. Suarez, 10. Forlan, 11. A.Pereira, 15. Perez, 16. M.Pereira, 17. Arevalo Rios

Subs Used: 5. Gargano, 20. A.Fernandez, 21, S.Fernandez

World Cup Match 17 Preview

2010-06-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

South Africa v Uruguay tonight begin the second round of group matches in what will be a packed stadium in Pretoria. Both teams had a good start in the first round of matches, South Africa drawing against Mexico and Uruguay getting a draw against France but a win tonight for either team would mean 1 foot in the last 16.
Uruguay have a potent striker force in Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan and even though they both drew a blank in the first game they both have what it takes to both find the net tonight.
South Africa proved they are worthy hosts and not just here to make the numbers up but a win for them is very important. Failure to win tonight will mean they will have to beat France in their last group game to stand a chance of qualifying. If they fail to qualify they would become the first host nation to go out in the first round.

Head To Head: South Africa 0 wins, 1 draw, Uruguay 1 win

Last Meeting: South Africa 0 Uruguay 0 (Johannesburg)

Best Odds: South Africa 9/4, Draw 23/10, Uruguay 6/4

Spain 0 Switzerland 1

2010-06-16T09:32:00.001-07:00

Scorer: Fernandes (Swi)

Attendance: 62453

Switzerland pulled off the biggest shock so far at this FIFA World Cup™ as Gelson Fernandes's strike against the run of play earned them a 1-0 win against European champions and tournament favourites Spain in Durban. Vicente del Bosque's team predictably dominated possession but were hit on the break seven minutes into the second half as the Swiss recorded their first win over Spain in 19 attempts.

Stylish Spain had all of the ball in the early stages, painting pretty patterns around the pitch with astounding ease as the Swiss chased and harried. The Swiss hardly got a sniff of the ball in the first quarter-hour but were not unduly troubled either as Spain failed to turn their elegant control and ball play into concrete attempts on goal. Their first chance of any real substance came after 25 minutes. After coming forward for a free-kick, centre-back Gerard Pique stayed in an advanced position and collected a brilliant through-ball from the lively Iniesta, back from injury in time to make the starting eleven. Turning his man with the acumen of a seasoned striker, the tall defender was only denied at the last by the legs of Diego Benaglio, who came roaring bravely off his line.

The Swiss had their only chance of the first period just seconds later, with Reto Ziegler’s free-kick from 20 yards hardly troubling Iker Casillas, the Real Madrid man diving to his left to keep out the tame strike. The UEFA EURO 2008 winners soon shifted the focus to the other end of the pitch and on the half-hour mark Silva's looping ball from midfield picked out Iniesta racing toward goal. The Barcelona gem was pulled back by Stephane Grichting before Pique slammed his free-kick harmlessly into the Swiss wall. As the opening stanza ground to a halt, Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was forced to replace influential centre-back Philippe Senderos, who limped off early in a match in his second consecutive FIFA World Cup.

A similar trend developed in the second half, with Spain dictating the patterns but stuttering in front of goal. Their profligacy was punished in the 52nd minute when a long, hopeful ball hoofed up the field was collected by Eren Derdiyok. The outrushing Iker Casillas saved at his feet but the ball ricocheted to Gelson Fernandes who slid home from close range. It was only the second shot on goal for the Swiss, who celebrated the unlikely lead with a combination of shock and delight. The Spanish fans were stunned into the silence, but their favourites continued to press in search of that elusive goal. Villa went close on the hour, two minutes before Spain boss Vicente del Bosque added a bit of firepower, bringing Fernando Torres and Jesus Navas off the bench. With supporters back on their feet again, Iniesta's curler beat Benaglio, only to drift the wrong side of the post as the Swiss retreated into a defensive shell.

Liverpool man Torres began to torment the defence with his running and pace, leading directly to a vicious strike from Xabi Alonso in the 71st minute which rattled the crossbar and left it shaking. Shortly after Navas saw a chance from close-in well saved by Benaglio as Spanish pressure began to mount. The Swiss were dangerous on the break, however, and Derdiyok hit the post with a quarter-hour to go after the Spaniards committed too many men forward. Seconds later Spain lost their Iniesta, who limped off after a rough challenge; he may have aggravated the muscle injury that made him a doubt before the game. In his absence, the Spanish lost their spark and they will need to rebound against Honduras at Ellis Park on 21 June. The Swiss take on Chile, the other Group H winners, earlier that same day in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Spain: 1. Casillas, 3. Pique, 5. Puyol, 6. Iniesta, 7. Villa, 8. Xavi, 11. Capdevila, 14. Alonso, 15. Ramos, 16. Busquets, 21. David Silva

Subs Used: 9. Torres, 18. Pedro, 22. Navas

Switzerland: 1. Benaglio, 2. Lichtsteiner, 4. Senderos, 6. Huggel, 7. Barnetta, 8. Inler, 10. Nkufo, 13. Grichting, 16, Fernandes, 17. Ziegler, 19. Derdiyok

Subs Used: 5. Von Bergen, 15. Yakin, 22. Eggimann

World Cup Match 16 Preview

2010-06-16T07:48:00.001-07:00

After this game we would have seen all 32 teams in the World Cup. Spain have more talent in their squad than anyone else in the tournament and are rightly the favourites for the competition. With David Villa and Fernando Torres up front they boast one of the most potent strike forces in world football. Their midfield is so jammed full of talent Arsenals (or will it be Barcelona's) Cesc Fabregas can't get a regular start for his country. Previous records would confirm everyone else's prediction and that is an easy win for the Spaniards.
Switzerlands goal threat comes from Basel's Alexander Frei and in defence they will be putting their hopes on the shoulders of Evertons Philippe Senderos who will be hoping to show Arsenal that they were wrong to send him packing to Merseyside. Another Premier League player to look out for is West Ham's Valon Behrami. He could be their key if they are to get anything out of this game but Spain could just prove to strong.

Head To Head: Spain 15 wins, Draw 3, Switzerland 1 win

Last Meeting: 2/7/1994 Spain 3 Switzerland 0 (Washington DC)

Best Odds: Spain 2/7, Draw 9/2, Switzerland 25/2

Verdict: Spain 3 Switzerland 0

Honduras 0 Chile 1

2010-06-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Scorer: Beausejour (Chi)

Attendance: 45000

Chile ended a wait of almost half a century for a victory on the world stage by defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening Group H game in Nelspruit.

If there was a touch of fortune about Jean Beausejour's 34th-minute winner – Roger Espinoza's attempted clearance striking him as the pair slid in to meet a cross – it was the least Chile deserved for an impressive attacking display that had Honduras on the ropes for much of the 90 minutes at the Mbombela Stadium. For Chile, it was a victory exactly 48 years in the making – the South Americans had not won a FIFA World Cup™ match since defeating Yugoslavia in the match for third place on home soil on this very day in 1962. Moreover, they had never won outside their home continent but they showed here just why they were strong enough to finish second in South American qualifying.

Facing a Honduran side making their first finals appearance since 1982, Marcelo Bielsa's men hit the ground running, dominating possession in the opening half-hour and pinning Honduras back. Matias Fernandez sent a free-kick dipping on to the roof of Noel Valladares' net after just three minutes andLa Roja's quick passing soon led to several half-chances. Arturo Vidal drove in a long-range shot that Valladares required two attempts to hold, then sent a header over the crossbar from a corner. In between Chile opened up the Honduran back line with one swift passing exchange only for Jorge Valdivia to overhit his final ball to Beasejour.

Bielsa's men gained their reward for an impressive start after 34 minutes. It was a nicely worked goal, if fortuitous in the final execution. Chile's pinball passing created a gap for Mauricio Isla to break clear on the right side of the penalty box and fire in a low cross to the near post. Although Espinoza got a stretched leg to the ball first, it bounced up against Beausejour and deflected into the net. Chile kept coming forward, with Sanchez driving in a shot that struck the hand of Maynor Figueroa. There were few glimmers of hope for Reinaldo Rueda's Honduras at the other end. Ramon Nunez finally called Chile custodian Claudio Bravo into action on the stroke of half-time, dipping in a free-kick that the goalkeeper tipped over.

The attacks kept flowing toward Honduras's goal in the second period. Sanchez should have added a second just after the hour when Valvidiia played him in down the right, only for the Udinese winger to drag his shot wide of the far post. Valladares then made a superb diving save to keep out Waldo Ponce's close-range header, stretching out his right hand to block the ball when the defender looked certain to bury Vidal's header across goal. Next it was Figueroa's turn to rescue his side with a goal-saving challenge on Mauricio Isla. When Valdivia did find the net he was offside but one goal would be enough for the inventive Chileans.

Honduras: 18. Valladares, 2. Chavez, 3. Figueroa, 7. Nunez, 8. Palacios, 9. Pavon, 13. Espinoza, 17. Alvarez, 20. Guevara, 21. Izaguirre, 23. Mendoza

Subs Used: 6. Thomas, 12. Welcome, 15. Martinez

Chile: 1. Bravo, 3. Ponce, 4. Isla, 6. Carmona, 7. Sanchez, 8. Vidal, 10. Valdivia, 14. Fernandez, 15. Beausejour, 17. Medel, 20. Millar

Subs Used: 5. Contreras, 11. Gonzalez, 18. Jara

World Cup Match 15 Preview

2010-06-16T02:03:00.000-07:00

This match could go down in World Cup history today when Honduras take the field, for the first time ever we could have 3 brothers representing Honduras. Tottenham Hotspur's Wilson Palacios could line up with brothers Johnny and Jerry today in their opening match.

Previous meetings would suggest a winning outcome here as there has never been a draw between these two countries with Chile edging it 3 wins to Honduras 2.

I can see this being a battle of the Suazo's. Honduras have David Suazo of Genoa and Chile have Humberto Suazo of Real Zaragoza. Humberto has the better scoring record and for this reason I can see Chile edging it 2-1

Head To Head: Honduras 2 wins, Draw 0, Chile 3 wins

Last Meeting: 18/01/2009 Honduras 2 Chile 0 (Fort Lauderdale)

Odds: Chile 4/6, Draw 11/4, Honduras 11/2

Verdict: 1-2

Wednesday 16th June Transfer Speculation

2010-06-16T01:49:00.000-07:00

DAILY STAR
* Real Madrid are ready to offer a staggering £110million for England pair Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.
* Matthew Upson last night claimed that Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer doesn't know what he's talking about.
* West Ham chairman David Sullivan last night played down reports that the club are set to sign former Argentina star Juan Roman Riquelme.
* Rafa Benitez last night marched into Inter Milan - and immediately took a swipe at his old enemy Jose Mourinho.
THE SUN
* ITV pundit Robbie Earle was sacked yesterday for offloading 150 World Cup tickets.
* Fabio Capello will continue to name the England team two hours before kick-off.
* Cristiano Ronaldo reckons he is being targeted by World Cup hatchet men.
* Clint Dempsey says England are running scared as they prepare to face Algeria in their must-win World Cup crunch.
* Ledley King could be fit for England's final Group C match after scans revealed only a slight groin tear.
* Giorgio Chiellini's agent last night opened the door for a megabucks move from Juventus to Manchester United.
* Miroslav Klose says Germany want to face England in the last 16 as they know they'd win on penalties.
* Rafa Benitez believes the best man to take over from him at Anfield is Kenny Dalglish.
* Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has opened the door for a move to Manchester City.
* Owen Coyle admits Bolton would be crazy not to consider a big offer for defender Gary Cahill.
* Adel Taarabt could be in line for a shock move to Villarreal.
* Manchester City's Martin Petrov is wanted by Everton, West Ham and Spanish side Espanyol.
* Sheffield United's Lee Williamson nearly died after complications following a routine back op.
* Birmingham hope to complete a £5million raid for Italian striker Fabrizio Miccoli after Palermo said he could leave.
* Andrey Arshavin admits it will be "par for the course" if Arsenal are finally forced to flog skipper Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.
DAILY MIRROR
* Fabio Capello is determined to make 'Kaiser' Franz Beckenbauer eat his words.
* Algeria have warned England they will test Robert Green's nerve with a barrage of shots.
* Matthew Upson last night confessed to his "disappointment" at being denied a World Cup breakthrough.
* Rafal Benitez signed in at Inter Milan yesterday - with a swipe at his predecessor and the players at Liverpool who deserted him.
* Yaya Toure has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Manchester City.
* West Ham are set to make an offer for St Etienne striker Gonzalo Bergessio.
* Geroge Burley is in talks with Crystal Palace about a surprise return to club management.
* Liverpool will resist all attempts to snatch any of their players before they have a new manager.
DAILY EXPRESS
* Fabio Capello is going to keep his goalkeepers guessing by sticking to his routine of only naming his England team two hours before kick-off.
* Yaya Toure's agent expects the Barcelona midfielder's transfer to Manchester City to be finalised in the next couple of days.
* Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson intends to keep David Wheater, despite offers from a host of Premier League clubs.
* Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has told Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic to shape up or forget about a return to the Premier League.
* Mick McCarthy is ready to hijack Stoke's £3.75million bid for Hull defender Steven Mouyokolo.
* Bolton boss Owen Coyle has pleaded with £16million-rated defender Gary Cahill not to walk out on the Trotters. He's been linked with Arsenal and Spurs.
DAILY MAIL
* Yaya Toure hopes to decide over the next 48 hours whether to join Manchester City - with Barcelona poised to accept their £25million offer.
* Laurent Koscielny has told Lorient he is desperate to join Arsenal and wants the club to accept their offer of £8.3million.
* Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will do his old club Portsmouth a favour and loan them defenders Kyle Walker and Danny Rose once the Hampshire side's transfer embargo is lifted.
DAILY RECORD
* The for sale signs were pulled down from Ibrox last night signalling the death of Andrew Ellis' bid to take control.
* Rangers are set to enter into signing talks with former Hearts defender Jose Goncalves.
* Germany legend Thomas Hassler last night pulled out of the running for the manager's job at Kilmarnock.
* Hearts last night revealed they won't sell winger Andy Driver for less than £3.5million.
* Hibs have beaten Barnsley and MLS outfit DC United to land highly-rated Dutch midfielder Edwin de Graaf on a two-year deal.

Brazil 2 North Korea 1

2010-06-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

Scorers: Maicon (Bra), Elano (Bra), Ji Yun Nam (NK)

Attendance: 54331

Brazil secured a 2-1 win against Korea DPR but they were made to work extremely hard to secure maximum points after the Asian outsiders showed impressive resilience. The Koreans kept the Brazilians scoreless until ten minutes into the second half when Maicon scored a stunning goal from an outrageous angle. Elano doubled the lead midway through the second half and the contest appeared all over, but a late goal from Ji Yun-Nam ensured Brazil endured some nervy moments in the final minutes.

On paper the contrast between the pair could not have been starker, in what was the first match between the two nations. Five-time world champions Brazil, are currently placed at the top of FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking while Korea DPR sit at 105. The Koreans came into the contest on a run of eight outings without a victory, while Brazil conversely, had won their previous four matches.

The first half was largely all Brazil, though they had very few clear sights of goal, and Korea DPR weren’t without their own lively moments going forward. Defender Cha Jong-Hyok fired a shot wide, while Japan-based striker Jong Tae-Se, who had tears streaming down his face as the national anthem played, looked particularly keen to offer drive in his role at the point of the attack.

Kaka made a dangerous run into the penalty area in the opening minutes, which seemed likely to set the tone for the match, but a Korean side which conceded just seven goals in their 14 qualifying matches are known for their swarming defence in their own third.

The nearest Brazil came to scoring in the first half was through a Michel Bastos drive from distance which clipped the roof of the net but, in truth, the shot never looked like dipping under the crossbar.

Korea DPR went into the half-time interval looking relatively comfortable, despite conceding 63 per cent of possession. The Koreans no doubt allowed themselves at least brief thoughts of repeating the heroics of that famous defeat of Italy at England 1966.

Brazil started the second half brightly, and a Bastos’ free-kick from a central position looked dangerous, but the blistering effort curved wide of the mark. As did Robinho's snapshot moments later, as Brazil were often forced to resort to shooting from distance.

Ten minutes after the interval, a moment of brilliance from Maicon broke the deadlock. There appeared little danger as Maicon chased down a slightly overhit pass into the penalty area, and with the ball just about to roll over the by-line, he blazed a shot between Ri Myong-Guk and the near post, in a goal reminiscent of fellow Brazilian right full-back Josimar at Mexico 1986.

The goal opened up the match as the Koreans started to show more endeavour with numbers going forward. Luis Fabiano looked set to take advantage midway through the second half after being set up by Robinho but the Sevilla man could not find the target.

The contest appeared over as Elano comfortably finished past an exposed Ri Myong-Guk with 18 minutes remaining, with Robinho the provider thanks to an exquisite pass that check-mated the entire Korean defensive quartet.

It was A Selecao who looked more likely to score, but with a minute of regular time remaining, Ji Yun-Nam burst into the penalty area and drove a memorable strike past Julio Cesar - Korea DPR's first goal at a FIFA World Cup™ for 44 years.

Brazil: 1. Julio Cesar, 2. Maicon, 3. Lucio, 4. Juan, 5. Felipe Melo, 6. Michel Bastos, 7. Elano, 8. Gilberto Silva, 9. Luis Fabiano, 10. Kaka, 11. Robinho

Subs Used: 13. Dani Alves, 18. Ramires, 21. Nilmar

North Korea: 1. Myong Guk Ri 2. Jong Hyok Cha, 3. Jun Il Ri, 4. Nam Choi Pak, 5. Kwang Chon Ri, 8. Yun Nam Ji, 9. Tae Se Jong, 10. Yong Jo Hong, 11. In Guk Mun, 13. Choi Jin Pak, 17 Yong Hak An

Subs Used: 6. Kum Il Kim

World Cup Match 14 Preview

2010-06-15T09:07:00.003-07:00

A nice gentle start to the World Cup for 5 times champions Brazil today. They should be able to field a weak 11 and still walk away with a comfortable victory. North Korea are just happy to be at the tournament but they were dealt a terrible hand by landing themselves in this group. If they can score a goal the that would be an achievement, whether that would please Kim Jong-Il though would remain to be seen. It has been said the fans in North Korea will only be allowed to watch matches at the World Cup if North Korea have won so I can't see them seeing any action this year.
The toughest battle will be the samba beat going up against the vuvuzelas. One thing everyone loves about the World Cup is the party atmosphere brought to the tournament by Brazil but they will not be heard which is one thing I will miss from this competition.

Head To Head: No Previous Meetings

Last Meeting: None

Best Odds: Brazil 1/9, Draw 10/1, North Korea 33/1

Ivory Coast 0 Portugal 0

2010-06-15T09:07:00.001-07:00

Scorers: None

Attendance: 37034

Although much has been said about the attacking power of Côte d'Ivoire and Portugal, the two Group G giants proved themselves solid at the back, cancelling each other out in a scoreless draw in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth .

The first half at Nelson Mandela Stadium was one of the most even of the tournament so far, with both teams pushing forward but giving no quarter in defence or in the tackle. Côte d'Ivoire’s attacking triumvirate of Gervinho, Salomon Kalou and Aruna Dindane confirmed themselves to be full of pace and movement, but it was Portugal’s own fleet-footed forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, who had the best chance of the opening period.

The Real Madrid man turned something into nothing in the 11th minute when he smacked an unstoppable, dipping shot off the outside of the post to the goalkeeper’s right from 30 yards. But the Elephants were not fazed by the Germany 2006 semi-finalists, and shortly after Ronaldo‘s attempt, Siaka Tiene zipped a free-kick just past the post and Ismael Tiote fizzed a shot just over the bar.

If the two teams engaged in trench warfare for the rest of the first half, the second half burst to life early on. Two minutes after the break, Gervinho’s shot was flapped at by goalkeeper Eduardo, and from the resulting corner, Tiate rose, but couldn’t get a clean header on it. Half chances came fast and furious then, with Gervinho’s wayward header from Tiote’s cross on the hour mark being the pick of the bunch. The introduction of Didier Drogba in the 66th minute threatened to turn up the action even more, but as a heavy shower settled on the area, the match lost some steam.

As the clock ran down, Portugal went close from long range efforts from Raul Meireles and Ronaldo, while Kolo Toure might have done better at the far post with a header. In injury time, the west Africans pushed hardest and a chance finally came to Drogba, who clutched his injured arm throughout his time on the pitch, but the big Chelsea man hooked Kader Keita’s through-ball off target.

Côte d'Ivoire will now face group favourites Brazil in Johannesburg’s Soccer City on Sunday, while Portugal take on Korea DPR the following day in Cape Town.

Ivory Coast: 1. Barry, 4. K. Toure, 5. Zokora, 8. Kalou, 9. Tiote, 10. Gervinho, 15. Dindane, 17. Tiene, 19. Y.Toure, 20. Demel, 21. Eboue

Subs Used: 11. Drogba, 13. Romaric, 18. Keita

Portugal: 1. Eduardo, 2. Alves, 3. Ferreira, 6. Carvalho, 7. Ronaldo, 8. Mendes, 9. Liedson, 10. Danny, 16. Meireles, 20. Deco, 23. Coentrao

Subs Used: 11. Simao, 17. Amorim, 19. Tiago

World Cup Match 13 Preview

2010-06-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Ivory Coast v Portugal for me is the match of the day. It opens up the "Group Of Death" and will be a hard fought close encounter. Didier Drogba will be hoping to play in a cast after breaking his arm in a friendly and if he plays then the Ivory Coast have a chance. It'll be interesting to see what Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo can do with the new "rounder" ball from 20 yards out. So far this tournament a lot has been said about the ball but I haven't seen much swerve on it but if anyone can take advantage it'll be Ronaldo. If I had to choose a winner I would have to go for Ivory Coast as they have the strikers that can punish any lapse in concentration with the likes of Aruna Dindane, Drogba and Kalou of Chelsea. This will be an entertaining game.

Head To Head: No Previous Meeting

Last Meeting: None

Best Odds: Ivory Coast 13/5, Draw 23/10, Portugal 5/4

Verdict: 2-1

New Zealand 1 Slovakia 1

2010-06-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

Scorers: Reid (NZ), Vittek (Slo)

Attendance: 23871

A last-gasp Winston Reid header snatched New Zealand an improbable draw against a dominant Slovakia side in their Group F opener in Rustenburg. Robert Vittek had put the Europeans in front, also with his head, in the 50th minute but the All-Whites hit back for a result that leaves the section's four sides level on one point - and goal difference - after Italy and Paraguay also drew 1-1 yesterday.

New Zealand defied their underdogs' status in the opening five minutes. First Killen broke free from his marker just inside the Slovakia half, charged forward and unleashed a shot that flew over. Then the same player headed wide from an inviting Leo Bertos cross. That seemed to awaken the Europeans. Wladimir Weiss, the son of the Slovakia coach, darted down the right flank before producing a low cross that Mark Paston did well to hold, before Robert Vittek cut inside but blazed his shot high and wide.

The flair of Weiss was thrilling the crowd and on 22 minutes, the Slovakia No7 found space down the left and threaded the ball through to Hamsik, who curled it wide from inside the area. Weiss then craftily laid on a chance for Stanislav Sestak, who fired into the side-netting. Minutes later the No9 missed another chance, this time from a close-range header following a corner. With ten minutes of the half remaining, Vittek cut inside from the right and fired a fierce 20-yard shot wide.

New Zealand, who had been spectators for a period, then went close. Following a neat passing move, Smeltz played a give-and-go with Rory Fallon before shooting into the side-netting from a difficult angle. It proved a brief respite, as the Slovaks dominated possession for the remainder of the half, albeit without creating any meaningful opportunities. They did just that five minutes after the restart, though, and this time they took it. Sestak crossed from the right, and Vittek powered his header into the bottom corner. It was a just reward for Slovakia's relentless assault on the Kiwis' goal.

Rather than sit back, the team in blue went in search of a second goal. On 58 minutes Sestak held the ball up well and touched it into the path of Hamsik, who failed to keep his shot down from the edge of the area. Slovakia almost doubled their lead after 66 minutes. Zdenko Strba and Sestak exchanged passes, before the latter set up Vittek. However, Paston rushed from his line to make a smart block from the 28-year-old forward.

It took an alert Tony Lochhead to deny Vittek a clear sight on goal with 15 minutes remaining, before Smeltz headed wide from a rare New Zealand attack with just minute remaining. It appeared then that their last chance had gone, but deep into injury time Smeltz crossed for Reid to steal in and nod home a dramatic equaliser.

New Zealand: 1. Paston, 3. Lochhead, 4. Reid, 5. Vicelich, 6. Nelson, 7. Elliott, 9. Smeltz, 10. Killen, 11. Bertos, 14. Fallon, 19. Smith

Subs Used: 20. Wood, 21. Christie

Slovakia: 1. Mucha, 3. Skrtel, 4. Cech, 5. Zabavnik, 6. Strba, 7. Weiss, 9. Sestak, 11. Vittek, 16. Durica, 17. Hamsik, 18. Jendrisek

Subs Used: 13. Holosko, 15. Stoch, 19. Kucka

World Cup Match 12 Preview

2010-06-15T00:23:00.000-07:00

If this match is a sell out then I will eat my hat, although I will have to go out and by one first. This will be a scrappy match and to me it looks like it has 0-0 written all over it so cue a 5-4 scoreline!!
New Zealand got into the finals by beating Bahrain in a play off but during their own qualifying campaign had to defeat the international powerhouses Vanuatu and Fiji. They do boast Premier League experience, There captain is Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Nelson and striker Chris Killen has Champions League experience follwing his days in Scotland with Celtic. Slovakia also boast a Premier League player in Martin Skrtel of Liverpool but neither side really has any real attacking flair so as I say this game will finish 0-0

Head To Head: No Previous Meetings

Last Meeting: None

Best Odds: New Zealand 8/1, Draw 10/3, Slovakia 1/2

Verdict: 0-0

Premier League Fixtures 2010-11

2010-06-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

With all the action going on in South Africa at the moment you will be forgiven if you didnt know what is happening on Thursday. That is the day the new fixtures for the 2010-11 season will be announced. After a couple of months waiting the likes of Blackpool, Newcastle and West Brom will finally know who they will be facing on the first day and find those local derbies. When the opening days fixtures are announced at 10am I will put them up here so keep a look out. We will also let you know the first title match of the season. Who will Chelsea play, will they get a tough opening or will one of the promoted sides get a tough challenge to open their Premier League account? Find out first and fastest right here so just to remind you the new fixtures for the season, don't forget now, THURSDAY 17TH JUNE - 10AM, RIGHT HERE

Italy 1 Paraguay 1

2010-06-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Scorers: De Rossi (Ita), Alcaraz (Par)
Attendance: 62869

Holders Italy opened their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ campaign with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in Group F on a rainy evening at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.

Antolin Alcaraz shocked the Gemany 2006 champions in the 39th minute to open the scoring, while Italy’s Daniel De Rossi took advantage of some unconvincing goalkeeping by veteran Justo Villar to equalise just after the hour mark. New Zealand and Slovakia play the group’s other opening match tomorrow in Rustenburg.

The two teams were well-organised in the early stages despite the difficult conditions and neither could fashion a chance of note in the opening of the match. In the 22nd minute, however, the South Americans showed they would be dangerous on the break, finding Aureliano Torres all alone on the edge of the box. But the defender failed to hit his shot cleanly and Gianluigi Buffon let it run wide as Italian supporters held their breath.

Italy threatened shortly after as young midfielder Claudio Marchisio swung in a nicely flighted corner, but Cristian Riveros was first to it, stretching smartly to clear over his own crossbar with striker Vincenzo Iaquinta lurking.

Paraguay were again quickest from a dead ball situation six minutes before the break to open the scoring. Torres sent in a lovely free-kick, and defender Alcatraz cut in front of Daniel De Rossi and rose higher than Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro to thump a header past the stranded Buffon.

At half-time the Squadra Azzurri got more bad news as Buffon retired hurt for Federico Marchetti, who won just his sixth cap between the sticks. But the four-time FIFA World Cup winners began stronger after the restart, and an unmarked Simone Pepe might have scored at the far post from Gianluca Zambrotta’s cross, but he could not connect with an ambitious overhead kick.

Pepe had another chance in the same spot just minutes later, but Villar caught it just in front of the charging Italian. However, the keeper was keft completely stranded in the 63rd minute when he came out to collect Pepe’s corner, only to miss the ball and watch helplessly as De Rossi flicked it simply into the empty net.

The momentum swung solidly in Italy’s favour after that, but Villar came up strongly for the South Americans. First, he claimed the ball well in front of Iaquinta from a similar looking corner to the one he missed, and then in the 80th minute, he held Pepe’s low shot in front of the eager Italian attack. And he continued his redemption three minutes later, as he saved to his right to claimRiccardo Montolivo’s long but skipping shot.

Italy next play New Zealand on Sunday in Nelspruit, while Paraguay take on Slovakia the same day in Mangaung/Bloemfontein.

Italy: 1. Buffon, 3. Criscito, 4. Chiellini, 5. Cannavaro, 6. De Rossi, 7. Pepe, 9. Iaquinta, 11. Gilardino, 15. Marchisio, 19. Zambrotta, 22. Montolivo
Subs Used: 10. Di Natale, 12. Marchetti, 16. Camoranesi

Paraguay: 1. Villar, 3. Morel Rodriguez, 6. Caceres, 13. Vera, 14. Da Silva, 15. Caceres, 16. Riveros Nunez, 17. Torres, 18. Valdez, 19. Barrios, 21. Alcaraz
Subs Used: 7. Cardozo, 9. Santa Cruz, 11. Santana

World Cup Match 11 Preview

2010-06-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Italy will be firm favourites in this game tonight. I just hope they don't play like the Italy of old, especially if they score early. Imagine a goal after 5 minutes and 85 minutes of defending!!!!
I can't see it being like that though as Italy have a plethora of talent up front and like Germany yesterday Italy will be looking to get some goals in the back of the net to settle them down.
Paraguay's main hope will be Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz. He didn't have much of a season last season but at least that means he will be fit and ready to go for Paraguay but with Italy boasting the likes of Iaquinta, Gilardino and Di Natalie up front Italy will be to strong for the South Americans.

Head To Head: Italy 2 wins, Draw 0, Paraguay 0

Last Meeting: 22/04/1998 Italy 3 Paraguay 1 (Parma)

Best Odds: Italy 6/5, Draw 9/4, Paraguay 10/3

Verdict: 3-0

Japan 1 Cameroon 0

2010-06-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Scorers: Honda (Jap)

Attendance: 31600

Japan recorded their first FIFA World Cup™ win on foreign soil after Keisuke Honda's 39th-minute strike proved enough to down Cameroon at the Free State Stadium.

Honda's decisive contribution was handsome reward for Japan coach Takeshi Okada's gamble to deploy the CSKA Moscow midfielder in a central attacking role in an attempt to remedy his team's lack of goals. The Japanese, without a clean sheet in their warm-up matches, then frustrated Cameroon at the other end, surviving a late scare when the woodwork denied Stephane Mbia.

With the victory – their first in an opening game – Japan joined the Netherlands on three points at the top of Group E, while Cameroon's second match against Denmark, the day's other losers, assumes do-or-die dimensions.

The match began with a surprise in the Cameroon starting lineup with Mbia asked to fill in at right-back, his usual holding role in the middle going to Joel Matip. It was Cameroon's left-back Benoit Assou who was busier, though, with most of Japan's forward movement coming down their right side through Daisuke Matsui.

The Grenoble-based midfielder was the creator of Honda's winning goal when, after several crosses that came to nothing, he finally got his angles right and swung over a high ball which evaded the Cameroon defenders and fell at the far post to Honda. The CSKA Moscow man needed one touch to control the ball before steering it coolly past Hamidou Souleymanou.

Ironically Honda's strike came just moments after Cameroon had a shooting chance at the other end, when Eric Choupo Moting played a ball back to Enyong Enah but his low effort from the edge of the box went straight at Eiji Kawashima. There had been little end product up to then from the west Africans, despite their greater share of possession.

Samuel Eto'o, Cameroon's captain, had a quiet half, although the couple of occasions he did get on the ball brought the promise something might happen. The constant noise inside the stadium rose several notches when the Inter Milan forward delivered an early scare for Japan's defence after eight minutes, freeing Pierre Webo on the right side of the penalty box but his intended cutback to Choupo Moting was cleared.

Eto'o produced a flash of brilliance shortly after the restart when he span away from three blue shirts by the corner flag and teed up Choupo Moting for a shot that sailed over the far post. Cameroon were pushing Japan back and as night began to fall, and the temperature with it, coach Paul Le Guen looked to increase the pressure by sending on a fourth forward, Achille Emana, in place of Matip in the 63rd minute.

Webo got through but was offside, another Cameroon forward – Mahamadou Idrissou – entered the fray but still Japan absorbed the pressure. Indeed they might have had a second when Makoto Hasebe drew a low save from Souleymanou; substitute Shiniji Okazaki put the follow-up against the post but was offside. At the other end Mbia drove a shot against the crossbar but Japan – eight years to the day since their last FIFA World Cup victory – held on.

Japan: 21. Eiji Kawashima, 2. Abe, 3. Komano, 4. Tanaka, 5. Nagatomo, 7. Endo, 8. Matsui, 16. Okubo, 17. Hasebe, 18. Honda, 22. Nakazawa

Subs Used: 9. Okazaki, 12. Kisho Yano, 20. Inamoto

Cameroon: 16. Hamidou, 2. Assou-Ekotto, 3. N'Koulou, 5. Bassong 9. Eto'o, 11. Makoun, 13. Choupo-Moting, 15, Webo, 18. Enoh, 19. M'bia Etoundi, 21. Matip

Subs Used: 8. Geremi, 10. Emana, 17. Idrissou

World Cup Match 10 Preview

2010-06-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Japan v Cameroon shouldn't be a classic, but I think this could well be quite an entertaining game. Both countries have a big reputation in their respective continents and neither will want to begin their quest with a defeat today, but both will want to avoid disappointing their fans so it could be quite an encounter. Both sides scored 23 goals in qualifying so they know where the net is.
Cameroon will be relying on their star man, Inter Milan's Samuel Eto'o. He has avoided suspension after being sent off in a recent friendly so he will be geared up and ready to go. The twice African Footballer Of The Year will want to stamp his authority on the tournament and I can see him getting a couple of goals today.
Keiji Tamada will be Japans likely source of goals but they will have to get the ball to him and one thing you can say about Cameroon, there not shy putting a tackle or two in so the Japanese midfielders will have their work cut out so for me the point will be heading to the Indomitable Lions.

Head To Head: Japan 2 wins, Draw 1, Cameroon 0 wins

Last Meeting: 22/08/2007 Japan 2 Cameroon 0 (Oita)

Best Odds: Japan 3/1, Draw 23/10, Cameroon 23/20

Verdict: Japan 0 Cameroon 2

Holland 2 Denmark 0

2010-06-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

Scorers: Agger O.G (Hol), Kuyt (Hol)

Attendance: 83465

A Daniel Agger own goal and Dirk Kuyt’s late winner earned the Netherlands a deserved 2-0 win over Denmark at Johannesburg’s Soccer City as the Dutch took an early lead in Group E and stretched their long unbeaten run.

Oranje coach Bert van Marwijk had sprung a pre-match surprise with the inclusion of Arjen Robben as a substitute and the early stages could certainly have done with the Bayern Munich winger’s pace and trickery. With Soccer City bathed in afternoon sunshine, the players took some time to establish the expected tempo, and the best efforts of a tight opening 20 minutes came through two hugely ambitious and off-target free-kicks from Wesley Sneijder and Thomas Enevoldsen.

Neither side were doing themselves justice at this stage but, of the two, it was the Netherlands who were displaying the greater attacking intent, with Rafael van der Vaart proving a lively deputy for the sidelined Robben. Twice in as many minutes midway through the half, the Real Madrid midfielder turned neatly on the edge of the box to fashion scoring opportunities, but on each occasion was unable to find the target.

Thomas Sorensen, fit again after suffering a dislocated elbow, endured a heart-stopping moment shortly after when he fumbled a tame-looking Dirk Kuyt shot only to recover the ball at the second attempt. The Dutch would have been worthy of a goal at this stage, but their failure to convert territorial dominance into goals threatened to cost them dearly as half-time approached.

The warning signs had been there when, with 28 minutes played, Nicklas Bendtner found space at the back post to head wastefully wide from a measured Dennis Rommedahl cross. Rommedahl himself tried his luck soon after, firing straight at Maarten Stekelenburg at the end of a lightning Danish break, while Thomas Kahlenberg provided the best effort of the half with a flashing left-foot shot that forced a terrific save from the Dutch No1.

However, it is not for nothing that Van Marwijk’s side came into this match on a record 19-match unbeaten sequence, and they took a deserved lead within a minute of the second half commencing. Robin van Persie was the goal’s architect, beating Sorensen to a through ball before curling over an inviting cross which Simon Poulsen, in his attempts to clear, headed across goal, but crucially against the back of Agger and into the net.

The Danes nearly self-destructed again four minutes later when a misplaced pass allowed Van Persie a clear sight of goal, but the Arsenal forward hesitated and Sorensen smothered bravely. Van der Vaart then came close an early contender for goal of the tournament with an audacious flick matched only in quality by Sorensen’s agile save, while Sneijder rattled the crossbar with a deflected 25-yard shot.

The Dutch were not to be denied, however, and their continued superiority was rewarded with five minutes remaining when Dirk Kuyt slotted home from close range after substitute Eljero Elia’s initial effort had struck the post. The bounce of the ball had again favoured the Oranje, but there could be no Danish complaints about a result that is sure to enhance their Group E rivals’ standing as genuine FIFA World Cup™ contenders.

Holland: 1. Stekelenburg, 2. Van Der Wiel, 3. Heitinga, 4. Mathijsen, 5. Van Bronckhorst, 6. Van Bommel, 7. Kuyt 8. De Jong, 9. Van Persie, 10. Sneijder, 23. Van Der Vaart

Subs Used: 14. De Zeeuw, 17. Elia, 20. Afellay

Denmark: 1. Sorenson, 2. Poulsen, 3. Kjaer, 4. Agger, 6. Jacobsen, 10. Jorgensen, 11. Bendtner, 12. Kahlenberg, 15. Poulsen, 19. Rommedahl, 20. Enevoldsen

Subs Used: 8. Gronkjaer, 17. Beckmann, 21. Eriksen

World Cup Match 9 Preview

2010-06-14T01:11:00.000-07:00

We see the Oranjeboom begin their World Cup campaign today in the competitions first all European encounter when they face Denmark in Johannesburg today. With the like of Raphael Van Der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie in their squad Holland are tipped as one of the favourites for the tournament. They should get off to a winning start today and if Nicklas Bendtner recovers from injury it should see a clash between Arsenals hitmen. Van Persie is the favourite to come out on top of that battle. Denmark aren't a patch of the team that played in the World Cup in 1986 but they will want to prove they arent here to make up the numbers. Denmark are in a tough group with Japan and Cameroon being the other teams so if they can pick up a point today that just might be the launchpad to get them through to the last 16.

Head To Head: Holland 11 wins, Draw 10, Denmark 7 wins

Last Meeting: 29/05/2008 Holland 1 Denmark 1 (Eindhoven)

Best Odds: Holland 8/15, Draw 10/3, Denmark 7/1

Verdict: 2-0

Germany 4 Australia 0

2010-06-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Scorers: Podolski (Ger), Klose (Ger), Muller (Ger), Cacau (Ger)

Attendance: 62,660

This match was the first for the new generation of German footballers and one thing I noticed when I saw the squad for the World Cup was the fact no German footballer was plying his trade outside the Bundesliga.

They were going up against an aging Australia, this was said to be their last chance of any glory before Australia would have to take a leaf out of Germany's book and find a new generation of players and it was the old folk from down under that had the first chance after 3 minutes, Lucas Neill's header found Richard Garcia and his shot from 8 yards was blocked on the line by Lahm.

4 minutes later and it was Germany that took the lead. Lukas Podolski was found running unmarked into the area and hit a ferocious shot that even though Mark Schwarzer managed to get a full hand on it the ball still found the back of the net.

Germany took a hold on the match from here and Australia struggled to make any impact, the German defense was just to well orchestrated, in fact after 23 minutes Germany should have made it 2-0. Podolski made a run down the left, whipped in a cross and somehow Klose missed from 3 yards but it wasnt long before Germany did make it 2-0. A long ball upfield from Philip Lahm and the Australian goalkeeper was in no mans land and Miroslav Klose made amends for his earlier miss by heading in. From here it seemed to be game over already.

Germany seemed to be toying with the Australians and ready to score at will and in the 30th minute Mesut Ozil flicked the ball over Schwarzer and the ball seemed to be going in but Socceroo captain Lucas Neill managed to clear and keep Australia in the game.

The second half began with a booking for Lucas Neill who managed to knee Klose in the back and 3 minutes later they had a penalty appeal turned down. Mertesacker looked to have handled but it was accidental and the Mexican referee was right to turn the appeals away.

In the 55th minute Tim Cahill slid into Schweinsteiger in what looked an innocuous challenge but the referee Marco Antonio Rodriguez obviously thought otherwise as he showed Cahill the red card effectively killing the game off for Australia. From this moment the Germans smelt blood and attacked the Australian defence at will. Mark Schwarzer earned his money tonight.

67 minutes Germany made it 3-0. Great interplay by Klose and Podolski who played in Muller who kept his composure and put it past the desparing dive of Schwarzer, now it was time for the Germans to introduce Brazilian born striker Cacau and within 2 minutes he scored with his first touch tapping in from 3 yards out scoring his first goal for his adopted country. Was there to be more embarrasement for Australia. All 4 German strikers had scored today so Joachim Low obviously thought it was right to introduce a 5th. Mario Gomez replacing Ozil. Could he complete a full set of strikers scoring? Unfortunately not but woith this performance tonight Germany have proved their many doubters wrong. They will be a force in this World Cup. An amazing performance.

Germany: 1. Neuer, 3. Friedrich, 6. Khedira, 07. Schweinsteiger, 8. Ozil, 10. Podolski, 11. Klose, 13. Muller 14. Holger Badstuber, 16. Lahm, 17. Mertesacker

Subs Used: 19. Cacau, 21. Marin, 23. Gomez

Australia: 1. Schwarzer, 2. Neill, 3. Moore, 4. Cahill, 5. Culina, 7. Emerton, 8. Wilkshire 11. Chipperfield, 13. Grella, 16. Valeri, 19. Garcia

Subs Used: 14. Holman, 15. Jedinak, 17. Rukavytsya

World Cup Match 8 Preview

2010-06-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

This one is my match of the day. Germany v Australia will be a very close encounter. Many people are tipping Germany to flop in this tournament but even though they might lack a bit of power up front the Germans always come good in the tournament. Australia are currently riding high in the rankings and arent the soft touch they use to be. With the likes of Tim Cahill they possess and ariel threat and if Harry Kewell can stay injury free Cahill could benefit from his crossing abilities. Marco Bresciano is another to keep an eye out for as he is currently tipped to be heading to the Premier League, he is another quality player.
My player of the tournament though is in the German side. Bastian Schweinsteiger is a fantastic midfielder and holds the keys for Germany, if he is on his game then Germany tick. If Klose has his shooting boots on then Germany could make it to the semi's.
This game will be close, tough and one to watch.

Head To Head: Germany 2 wins, Draw 0, Australia 0 wins

Last Meeting: 15/06/2005 Germany 4 Australia 3

Best Odds: Germany 8/15, Draw 3/1, Australia 13/2

Verdict: 1-1

Serbia 0 Ghana 1

2010-06-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Scorer: Gyan (GHA)

Attendance: 38833

An 83rd-minute Asamoah Gyan penalty snatched Ghana a deserved 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Group D opener at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The Black Stars, despite having the better of the play, appeared en route to a goalless draw until the Beli Orlovi hit the self-destruct button late on, with Aleksandar Lukovic earning himself a red card before Zdravko Kuzmanovic’s needless handball presented the Africans with the spot-kick from which they seized the three points.

The game got off to a lively start, with Gyan firing a free-kick narrowly over from the edge of the box before Prince Tagoe shot wide. Ghana continued to press forward. Kwadwo Asamoah’s 18th-minute set-piece found the head of Mensah, who was unable to direct it on target, while Gyan, from six yards out, was just inches from connecting with Boateng’s teasing cross two minutes later when the slightest of touches would have surely broken the deadlock.

Serbia spurned a golden opportunity on 26 minutes. Milijas curled a set-piece into the path of Pantelic, who had cleverly spun and lost his marker to find space inside the penalty area. However, the Ajax forward’s control deserted him and the ball went out for a goal-kick. Soon after, Kolarov curled a firmly-stuck free-kick narrowly wide of the post.

Ghana emerged from the break in determined mood and proceeded to monopolise possession. The opportunities duly began to flow. Eight minutes after the restart, Tagoe curled a delightful ball to the back post, but the unmarked Ayew somehow failed to hit the target with a close-range header. With the half-hour mark approaching, Gyan stole in front of Vidic to head the ball against the post from five yards, and Tagoe then volleyed wide a difficult chance at the back post.

With 16 minutes remaining, Ghana gained a numerical advantage. Lukovic, who had already been booked, held back Gyan and was consequently given a second yellow card. This, curiously, spurred Serbia into life and when Marko Pantelic’s mishit shot fell inviting into the path of Krasic, the CSKA Moscow winger should have done better then shooting straight at goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

Milovan Rajevac’s side swiftly regained control, though, and got the reward they merited seven minutes from time. There appeared no danger when an overhit cross from the left travelled towards Kuzmanovic, but he inexplicably handled it to afford Ghana a glorious chance to clinch victory. And that Gyan did, thumping the ball down the middle and into the back of the net.

The scorer then hit the post late on, but that will have done little to dampen his delight on an afternoon when he walked away with the Budweiser Man of the Match Award, Ghana put three points on the board and Africa got its first victory of this FIFA World Cup

Serbia: 1.Stojkovic, 3. Kolarov, 5. Vidic, 6. Ivanovic, 9. Pantelic, 10. Stankovic, 11. Milijas, 13. Lukovic, 14. Jovanovic, 15. Zigic, 17. Krasic

Subs Used: 8. Lazovic, 20. Subotic, 22. Kuzmanovic

Ghana: 22. Kingson, 2. Sarpei, 3. Gyan, 4. Pantsil, 5. Mensah, 6. Annan, 12. Tagoe, 13. Ayew, 15. Vorsah, 21. Asamoah, 23. Boateng

Subs Used: 10. Appiah, 19. Addy, 20. Owusu-Abeyie