Monday, June 07, 2010

Soccer Aid 2010 - Woody Harrelson's Penalty Goal

Cheers to Roger Austin for this one...

World Cup Watch ... Four Days to Go





French politician wants Les Bleus to slum it, Iker Casillas fears for English keepers and Arjen Robben's condition improves.

The Joy of Six: World Cup Memories

From Northern Ireland beating Spain to Scotland holding Brazil, Guardian writers share their fondest World Cup reminiscences.


World Cup 2010 Tactical Lowdown: Groups A -- D





Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Carlisle: The Bad Old Days


When the United States clinched qualification for the 2010 World Cup last October, it marked the country's sixth consecutive appearance in the finals of soccer's biggest party, and in every respect it wasn't a surprise. Given the resources the sport enjoys in the U.S. these days, qualifying for the World Cup is the bare minimum that is expected. Any other outcome is borderline unthinkable. Yet there was a time when such expectations were the stuff of fantasy.

Between 1950 and 1990, not only did the U.S. fail to qualify, on only one of those occasions could it claim to have gotten as close as the final hurdle. That came in 1954, when the qualifying journey consisted of a single round of games.

The Mill +





Monday's Rumours



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Monday's World Cup 2010 Round-up




Argentina defender Martin Demichelis has defended coach Diego Maradona against criticism that the nation's legendary former midfielder could be a hindrance to their chances of World Cup glory.

Round-Up

Eyes of the world more anxious as they focus on South Africa


It could have been worse. That was the only consoling thought on a day when Africa’s World Cup euphoria evaporated.

For 20 people, including a policeman, to be injured in a stampede at the friendly match between Nigeria and North Korea in the Johannesburg suburb of Makhulong was nonetheless bad enough. This, after all, was one of those low-key fixtures designed to tune national teams for tournaments at which passion is usually hard to summon.

England's opening World Cup 2010 referee branded a 'crook'


The Brazilian referee appointed for England's opening Group C game against the USA was suspended last season by his national federation amid accusations of bribery and incompetence.

Carlos Eugênio Simon, who has officiated at the last two World Cup finals, was stood down by the Brazilian football confederation for the final six weeks of the domestic campaign after a build-up of perceived errors culminated in the president of Palmeiras denouncing him as "a crook, a scoundrel and a shameless bastard".

Plenty to ponder for U.S. team


United States 3 - 1 Australia
As dress rehearsals go, the U.S. men's national team had plenty to be happy about following its 3-1 victory over Australia. Yet while the scoreline implies a resounding victory, it was a result that flattered the Americans to an extent, giving them plenty to ponder as they prepare for their long-awaited matchup with England next week.

Kevin McCarra's Report

Winners and Losers

2010 World Cup Tuneups: Serbia storms back, Italy held by Swiss


Forward Marko Pantelic scored in first-half injury time as Serbia twice came from a goal down on Saturday to win 4-3 over a Cameroon side playing without its captain Samuel Eto'o.

In other World Cup tuneups, Switzerland and slumping world champion Italy drew 1-1 and Honduras lost in Austria to non-qualifier Romania 3-0.

In Belgrade, Serbia, CSKA midfielder Milos Krasic scored first for Serbia in the 16th minute, kicking in a ball that bounced off Cameroon goalie Souleymanou Hamidou.

Friday, June 04, 2010

World Cup Watch ... Seven Days to Go




MLS Friday Forecast



The Forecast explains the importance of the World Cup break and offers its Week 11 picks.

The father & son plotting England's downfall



Michael sounds relaxed and laid back during our conversation, often spending a long time considering his answers. On the field, he is a different proposition.

A tenacious midfielder who thrives on breaking up play, he is equally adept at initiating attacking moves with raking defence-splitting passes.

The Mill +




World Cup 2010: Serbia seek to banish discord under Raddy Antic


Serbia qualified impressively and have an experienced operator for a coach, but recent setbacks have reawakened old doubts.

Rio Ferdinand a World Cup worry for England after knee injury


"Rio picked up a knee problem in training. It happened near the end. He has gone to hospital for a scan and we will have to see how things are."

Liverpool: Who will succeed Rafa?


Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish has been asked to find Rafael Benitez's successor as Liverpool manager, with Roy Hodgson and Martin O'Neill among the frontrunners.

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

World Cup Watch ... Nine Days to Go


Top 10 World Cup 2010 Tough Guys










Fabio Cannavaro completes move to Al Ahli


Fabio Cannavaro, the Italy captain, has signed a two-year deal with Al Ahli, the defending UAE League champions.

The Mill +










Theo Walcott, England's World Cup flier, will remain forever grounded


There is an air of sadness around Fabio Capello's decision to dash the dreams of England's boy wonder.

World Cup 2010 Group C: Final 23-man squads announced





Barcelona open talks with Arsenal over Fabregas


The club's director confirmed on the official website that a written offer has been submitted and formal talks are underway.