2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

Fans World Cup south Africa very sexy part2

2010-06-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

Fans World Cup south Africa very sexy

2010-06-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

Fans, robbers and a marketing stunt face justice, Fifa style

2010-06-21T07:03:00.003-07:00

The Johannesburg magistrates' court is the sort of unloved municipal building whose corridors smell of damp and bureaucracy, and whose chilly courtrooms recall Bismarck's observation that those who love sausages and believe in justice should never see either being made.

Enter this structure at present, however, and you are greeted by large signs proclaiming the "Fifa World Cup Courts", directing you to the courtrooms which have been specially established to deal swiftly with anyone besmirching the good name of this football tournament. Unsure of when the next case is up? Then do take your seat in the "Fifa World Cup Court Waiting Room".

If it feels inevitable that football's world governing body should finally have slapped its branding on justice itself, you are strongly urged just to submit. Consider this a little pocket of Zurich in an area of Johannesburg in which Fifa president Sepp Blatter is unlikely ever to dine.

Keen to dispel its crime-ridden image before the tournament, South Africa agreed to the establishment of 56 World Cup Courts across the country, staffed by more than 1,500 dedicated personnel, including magistrates, prosecutors, public defenders and interpreters.

Intended to dispense speedy justice, they sit late into the night – or rather they twiddle their thumbs late into the night, because a mere 25 cases have been heard at the time of writing. According to the Mail and Guardian newspaper, that clocks in at a competitively priced £160,000 a conviction.

The most high-profile cases have been the two Zimbabweans who robbed some foreign journalists on a Wednesday, were arrested on the Thursday, and began 15-year jail sentences on the Friday; and the Dutch women who wore orange dresses to Soccer City stadium and were charged with "ambush marketing" for Bavaria beer. The ladies appeared before Johannesburg magistrates last week – despite their arrest being denounced as "disproportionate" by the Netherlands foreign minister and an embassy official – and were bailed to return on Tuesday on criminal charges which carry a maximum penalty of six months.

And the others? "I don't work for Fifa," sighs the clerk at Johannesburg magistrates' court, but he is sufficiently amused by the resources lavished upon the handful of petty cases dealt with so far to produce the relevant charge sheets.

LA Law it is not. With the exception of the Dutch causes célèbres, a typical case features a Soweto man who stole two cans of Coke, two mini cans of soda water, and one mini can of lemonade from a Soccer City corporate hospitality lounge. He admitted guilt and paid a fine. Elsewhere, a pair of tourists who assaulted a local were fined £1,350 between them, while another Joburg resident who stole a few bottles of alcohol from Soccer City had his bail opposed and remains in custody, presumably lacking an irate foreign minister to intervene on his behalf.

In a country in which many residents feel the wheels of justice turn at a glacial pace, if at all, the speed of the World Cup courts was initially welcomed. But as more details emerge of their cost, and the nature of crimes being tried, some have predictably begun to ask whether time might not be better spent bringing more serious matters to court. For largely petty offences, the harsh sentences being handed down have a distinctly showy quality to them. At the weekend, the National Prosecuting Authority was forced to insist it was possible to mount a fair trial in 24 hours.

For all its superficial silliness, though, it is the Dutch case that touches on the most troubling issues. Placed on South Africa's statute book in 2006 was something called the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa Special Measures Act. The women in orange are accused of contravening two sections of this law, namely the parts that prohibit "unauthorised commercial activities inside an exclusion zone" and "enter[ing] into a designated area while in unauthorised possession of a commercial object".

What is so radical about the legislation, though, is the fact that it makes such activity a criminal rather than civil offence. Not only does this arguably debase what it is to be a crime, but it contravenes rights enshrined in South Africa's constitution. In March, Fifa successfully pursued a low- cost airline for using pictures of footballs, vuvuzelas, and stadiums in its advertising, causing a South African legal expert to voice amazement at the "excesses" of the World Cup legislation, and to lament the choice the government made "to placate Fifa" at the expense of freedom of expression.

Fifa praises South Africa for adopting this draconian stance – as well it might. It's all very pour encourager les autres. Yet, when it is pointed out that even the Chinese government stopped short of actually criminalising this kind of marketing intrusion at the Beijing games, a Fifa spokesman declares that similar legislation is in place in New Zealand ready for next year's Rugby World Cup.

Does that constitute what questionable newspaper convention demands we style as a "growing trend"? It's certainly not the most enormous stretch to imagine the International Olympic Committee demanding similar laws for London 2012, though one can only hope the coalition would roll over less easily on legislation affecting liberties than New Labour were given to doing.

In South Africa, alas, that horse has bolted, and it is difficult not to conclude the government was either browbeaten by Fifa or displayed an effectively unprincipled willingness to please. After all, under pre-existing laws, it would have been possible for Fifa to sue the Dutch beer company for what would amount to a compensatory royalty.

With the two offenders threatened with six months jail, however, all Fifa will tell the Guardian is that it is "considering" suing Bavaria. Yet if it truly believes it has suffered economic detriment, then why wouldn't it? It appears that instead of the hassle of launching its own litigation, Fifa would far rather see local law agencies enforce its rapacious will through the criminal courts, at whatever preposterous cost to the host nation. #

British Fan Stumbles Upon England’s Dressing Room, Gives Two

2010-06-21T07:03:00.001-07:00

This story just cracks me up. Between being star struck and a fan realizing this is probably an opportunity of a lifetime to tell his beloved team what he really thought of their performance, it's a good read. Click on The Mirror story for a video interview with Joseph.

After England’s game on Friday against Algeria, an English soccer fan entered the team’s dressing room and proceeded to give them his two cents about the team’s performance.

Pavlos Joseph, a 32-year-old South-East resident and mortgage broker, was allegedly on his way to find a bathroom after the match and stumbled upon the team’s dressing room. He explained to The Mirror, “The crazy thing is I only went looking for the toilet. I found a security guard, who sent me off back along a walkway underneath the stand out on to the pitch in the direction of the players’ tunnel and explained that there were toilets near there."

“I walked across the grass and up through the tunnel. Eventually, I took a right, down a corridor and before I knew it I found myself in the dressing room. There was no door.

“The next thing I knew, there was David Beckham standing in front of me."

Upon realizing where he was, Joseph said to Beckham and English player Joe Cole that he was just looking for the toilet. According to The Mirror article (and this is the good part), once the reality of who he was standing with set it in, Joseph decided he should say a few things.

“I looked David straight in the eye and said, ‘David, we’ve spent a lot of money getting here. This is a disgrace. What are you going to do about it?’” [...]

“I told them, ‘That was woeful and not good enough’. The room was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. The players’ chins were on their chests — they looked pretty ashamed.”

A soccer fan since childhood, Joseph was then escorted out of the locker room by FIFA officials. Because of security concerns, he will not be allowed to attend any more World Cup games.

In addition, because the Cape Town police don’t necessarily believe Joseph “was just looking for a toilet,” he has been charged with trespassing.

And ever the good business man, Joseph said he did tell the guys on the team, if they ever needed some mortgage advice, he was their guy.

Do you believe this story or think it was a calculated journey? #

World Cup Boots Up Ratings

2010-06-21T07:01:00.001-07:00

Even the B-flat drone of the vuvuzelas hasn’t tempered America’s enthusiasm for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and as the tournament heads into the third round of the group stage, ratings are at a 16-year high.

Through the first 14 matches of the World Cup, ESPN and ABC have delivered an average crowd of 3.35 million viewers, marking a 64 percent increase from the same period in 2006, when the nets drew 2.9 million fans. The initial portion of the round-robin stage was distinguished by the much-anticipated June 12 USA-England tie, which drew 13 million viewers on ABC, making it the most-watched first round World Cup game in U.S. broadcast history.

Spanish-language broadcaster Univision also drew a big crowd last Saturday, serving up 4.11 million viewers with its coverage of the 1-1 Yanks-Brits match. The Group C battle stands as Univision’s second most-watched U.S. World Cup match ever, trailing only the USA-Mexico round-of-16 showdown in 2002 (4.2 million). Through its first 17 broadcasts, Univision averaged 2.24 million viewers (data for 2006 coverage was unavailable at press time).

If the early numbers aren’t enough to convince skeptics that soccer is becoming America’s fifth major sport, consider this: In 2006, 99.7 million viewers turned to ESPN, ABC and Univision for their World Cup fix. All told, the nation accounted for the eighth-largest aggregate of global World Cup viewers, up from its No. 23 ranking in 1998.

Then there’s the outpouring of support for the U.S. side. When midfielder Clint Dempsey slipped a wobbler past luckless England keeper Robert Green, the rangy Texan all but ensured a solid draw for the June 18 USA-Slovenia match. “In those games the American team is in, we’re going to do great numbers,” said ESPN executive vp John Skipper. And while a trip to the round of 16 would keep the ratings fires burning, Skipper said he believes viewership “will be up dramatically whether they stay in or not.”

Granted, the deliveries would metastasize at an even greater rate if ESPN or Univision were credited for taproom and taqueria audiences. As neither net has made guarantees against Arbitron’s unaccredited ARB-TV service, millions of fans will go uncounted. “You go into it knowing you’re going to have a lot of bonus viewing around this big event, but we don’t factor that into the CPM,” said David Lawenda, Univision Communications’ president of ad sales and marketing. “But we’ve already booked more revenue for this year’s World Cup, and that speaks volumes to what the World Cup means to our audience.”

Along with the linear viewership, the tournament has drawn a sizable live audience to the Web. If nothing else, the World Cup appears to be proving the power of ESPN’s cross-platform heft. Based on early research, ESPN through Day 3 has recorded a 13 percent reach lift from non-TV platforms, which encompasses all World Cup content (not just live games) delivered by ESPN.com, ESPN3.com and mobile platforms, as well as ESPN Radio and ESPN The Magazine.

At press time, Bristol was unable to provide unique average audience numbers for live games on ESPN3.com; that said, 1.3 million users visited the site in the first 72 hours, accounting for 73.6 million minutes of viewing, or nearly an hour per user.

“We’re off to a flying start,” said Glenn Enoch, ESPN’s vp for integrated media research, adding that ESPN3 had drawn more traffic in those initial three days than during all of June 2009. (At that time ESPN3––then branded ESPN360––was available in half of the 50 million households it reaches today.)

Univision is also streaming all 64 games online for free. “We’ve set new records each day since the start,” said Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media. Through June 15, Univision.Futbol.com had tracked 6 million visits in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, double its 2006 traffic. The site averaged 250,000 unique viewers during live matches, peaking with 130,000 concurrent users during the Brazil-North Korea match. “What’s really notable is the level of engagement,” said Conroy, adding that the average time of a typical viewing session is 30 minutes.

While Web traffic is significant, live mobile streaming may be seeing the biggest uptick. Though neither ESPN nor its mobile partners could provide total audience numbers for live mobile streaming, according to Ray DeRenzo of MobiTV, this year’s Cup is the “biggest single viewing event in our history.” Similarly, Qualcomm’s Flo TV said the World Cup had already drawn the third largest audience in its history, behind Barack Obama’s inauguration and Michael Jackson’s funeral.

Back on the big screen, both ESPN and Univision have reserved a limited amount of inventory for clients who want to jump into the title match. “We’re watching to see how things progress,” said Ed Erhardt, ESPN’s president of customer marketing and sales. “We don’t have a lot left to sell, but we’ll see what opportunities arise when we know who makes it to the finals.” #

FIFA Born

2010-06-21T06:58:00.001-07:00

One baby girl was named 'FIFA' (all in capitals) after the sport's governing body, while another was called 'Ke Nako', a World Cup slogan that means 'it is time'.

FIFA Ntshinga was born at Rahima Moosa Hospital in Johannesburg, while baby boy Ke Nako was born to teenage mother Busiswa Landiso and her 21-year-old boyfriend Samuel Ntshiwa, who both are from Bloemfontein.

Another couple in Bloemfontein had twin boys during the opening match between South Africa and Mexico and decided to name their kids after the two teams playing.

Bafana (South Africa's nickname is Bafana-Bafana) and Mexico Venter were born during the 1-1 draw at Soccer City.

Their new dad, Charl (29) said: ''I'm giving them those names as a token of my willingness to know more about the game.

"My wife, Riana (26), and I knew in December that we would have twins but for them to be born on this day was a wonderful surprise."

FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer wished all the World Cup babies and their families the best.

Wayne Rooney: He doesn't have a clue

2010-06-19T08:09:00.002-07:00

There is a huge gap between the average supporter and the average football player these days. The gap is even bigger when you look at the type of player that plays for England - earning millions each season and living a life so far removed from the real world, that they can hardly be blamed not really knowing what is going on and acting the way they do.
They are coached on what to say, how to say it and when to say. Some are told to kiss the badge and if you offer one of them a little more money they will happily jump ship or say whatever you want.
The gap is so large these days that Wayne Rooney, someone that has only ever known football, can not be blamed for his outburst after the shambles of a performance he and the rest of the England players put in last night. He can not be blamed because they are better than us.

Real World Perspective

A friend of mine has saved up for two years to travel to South Africa this summer and when I say he has saved, what I mean is he has sacrificed. He got rid of his mobile phone, stopped with his favourite take away food and he only went out for a beer on a Thursday night - his reasoning was he wouldn't spend too much on a Thursday and you know what, it worked. After two years he had enough for all the flights, his hotels and match tickets for him and his girlfriend.
What my friend had to save, Wayne Rooney earns in a day. How can someone that has spent the last fourteen years of his life (he joined Everton when he was 11 years old) in the football bubble, really understand.
The truth is, he can't understand and despite all the coaching he will get when he gets home, to say the right things and despite all the money he will be paid by one of the tabloids to 'bare his soul' on his 'England heartbreak', what Wayne Rooney did last night, when he uttered those words into the camera, was just distance the supporters a little bit further.

Wayne Rooney
Nice to see your own fans booing you.

I didn't think there was much further the average football supporter could be distanced, but Wayne Rooney found a way last night. A very good footballer, of that there is no doubt, but he really doesn't have a clue.

Netherlands 1 Japan 0: Comfortable win and more to come

2010-06-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

A Wesley Sneijder goal in the second half fired the Netherlands to a fairly comfortable 1-0 win over Japan and into pole position in Group E in Durban today.
The Netherlands are now three points clear the top with Japan in second place. It isn't mathematically confirmed that hey have qualified, but they have qualified. They only have to play Cameroon and they will beat them, like I will be having a beer in about ten minutes and a bacon sandwich tomorrow morning.
Japan were solid and worked hard but the Dutch looked like they had another gear if they wanted it, a bit like a lot of the teams we have seen in this World Cup and the prospect of seeing more from the Dutch is mouth watering.
This is a quick post as we have to rush off for that beer and get ready for the 4pm game between Ghana and Australia, so team news and table below.

Netherlands

Stekelenburg, Van Der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst (c), Van Bommel, De Jong, Sneijder (Afellay, 82), Van der Vaart (Elia, 72), Kuyt, Van Persie (Huntelaar, 87)

Japan

Kawashima, Komano, Tanaka, Nagatomo, Nakazawa, Abe, Endo, Matsui (Nakamura, 64), Hasebe (c) (Okazaki, 77), Honda, Okubo (Tamada, 77)

Impact of World Cup on South Africa

2010-06-19T08:05:00.001-07:00

It has been an inauspicious start for the six African nations competing in the 2010 World Cup, who have produced one victory, two draws and five losses among them. Ghana stands the best chance of advancing to the final 16. And the prospects of host South Africa, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon and Algeria are grim.

But in the view of former president Nelson Mandela, the man most responsible for bringing the first World Cup to African soil, the tournament has succeeded because of the economic boost it has given South Africa and its promise of further uniting a country and continent that still bear scars of division.

So said Mandla Mandela, the eldest grandson of South Africa's first democratically elected president, in an interview Thursday.

"Looking at the World Cup and the impact it has had on our community and our country, he is fully satisfied with the investments that have been made on infrastructure," Mandla Mandela said of his 91-year-old grandfather. "That alone has enabled us as a country to have a steady economy through this recession."

Regarded as the father of the new South Africa, Mandela canceled plans to attend the World Cup's June 11 opening match following the death of his 13-year-old great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela, killed in a car accident on her way home from a celebratory concert the night before.

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He made his first public appearance since the day before the tournament began when he attended her funeral service Thursday at the chapel of St. Stithian's College in Johannesburg, looking drawn and frail. Inside the chapel, relatives and friends recalled a charming, beloved, big-hearted girl. But the most moving tribute, according to the Sowetan newspaper, came from Zenani's mother, Zoleka, whose remarks were read on her behalf.

"I should have allowed you to choose your own hairstyles, listened to you when you said I wasn't listening, gave you more hugs and kisses," her tribute read, the paper reported. "I should have helped you more with your homework and left you to leave your room in a mess. If I do all that now, would you come back to me . . . even if it's just for one more day? I need you to come back to me so that I can hold you in my arms. I miss you so much."

Given the family's loss, Mandla Mandela said his grandfather would not attend the World Cup final on July 11 but continue to follow it as he has from the outset, present in spirit.

A member of South Africa's parliament, as well as chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council, Mandla Mandela, 36, wore his black suit of mourning when he arrived at Johannesburg's upscale Melrose Arch district Thursday for a fundraiser to benefit the residents of the village where his grandfather was born.

That region, like the vast majority of South Africa's rural villages, hasn't benefited from the building boom leading up to the World Cup in the same way host cities have. Johannesburg, for example, now boasts a high-speed commuter train; Durban recently opened a new airport.

Mvezo, in South Africa's impoverished Eastern Cape region, where roughly 70 percent live in poverty and few have electricity and clean drinking water, lacks a high school and health center. Those are among the needs Mandla Mandela hopes to address through an arts project dubbed "2010: Africa Salutes You." It's a series of 32 limited-edition prints that bear his grandfather's signature and a Keith Haring-style graphic, set against the national flag of the various World Cup participants, of a soccer ball and a team captain raising a trophy in the shape of the African continent.

"It is a project that is close to the heart of my grandfather and the Mandela family," Mandla Mandela said.

So, too, is the World Cup.

"It is our time, now, as Africans," he added, "to showcase to the world who we are and rid ourselves of the conflict that has put a negative face on Africa for the past decades. Our priority is to put out the message of nation building. To unite our people under a peaceful umbrella." #

Pele Gets to Score Again... At Age 70

2010-06-19T08:04:00.005-07:00

Like Rocky Balboa returning to the ring for his last fight, Y&R Brazil, along with Energy, has given the now 70-year-old football great Pele another chance to work his magic against Argentina on the field. After a tough first half, Pele gets it together and finally scores.

Called 1284, the video, which begins with Pele uttering, "If I could replay my life, maybe if I scored my last goal with the Brazilian Team, I'd like that," was created for Brazilian mobile telecommunications company Vivo which is Brazil's national team sponsor.

Lasting five minutes, 1284 was shot at Morumbi stadium in São Paulo. According to Marco Versolato, creative VP at Y&R, the greatest challenge was reproducing reality with all the details. "Despite being fiction, we wanted to produce a match as if it were a true story. And with Pelé at 70 against Argentina, it wouldn't be easy at all," he said.

The production involved 250 professionals and over 500 people as cast. A few professional players were brought in along with several Brazilian sports and journalism icons such as Rivellino, Carlos Alberto Torres, Orlando Duarte and Osmar de Oliveira. #

It's official... FIFA blew it

2010-06-19T08:04:00.003-07:00

Do you know what annoys FIFA most about the vuvuzelas? That they didn’t stick their ‘official’ logo on the infernal plastic trumpets and rake in even more cash.

Football’s governing body have made a preposterous mess out of ‘protecting their image’ with their greedy moneymaking and heavy-handed idiocy at this World Cup.

Their reaction to the marketing stunt by one beer manufacturer was to drag two of the 30 or so women who dressed up in orange outfits into court.

Until then, I’d guess most of you had never heard of Bavaria Beer. But by now, you will be familiar with Bavaria Beer. The Bavaria Beer that is not the official sponsor of the World Cup. The Bavaria Beer that was banned. Good work, FIFA.

Then they ignored the strike by stadium staff over their dismal wages — so much for the hypocritical rubbish about how this event would be a windfall for the African people.

The most enterprising traders here are the guys who sell the little flags people stick on their car doors and then steal them back later to sell again the next day. Or the earplug traders who stand next to the vuvuzela stalls.

Now that’s smart. #

World Cup Top Tips

2010-06-19T08:04:00.001-07:00

Recreate the 'unique' atmosphere of the South African vuvuzelas (above) for your neighbours by sitting outside the house and continually sounding your car horn for hours on end.
Transform your wife or girlfriend into a footballer's WAG by applying a layer of creosote and then filming them sobbing at the shallowness of their existence while standing beside bemused poor children.
Pretend you are in South Africa by slapping on mosquito repellent, erecting barbed wire on the garden fence and taking a taxi to your destination just 50 yards along the road in order to reduce the risk of being shot.
Live like England's Emile Heskey (right) by wandering aimlessly around the house, bumping into furniture and falling over, before heading to the lavatory - only to miss the target from unbelievably close range.
America - although your match with England kicks off at 19.30, why not turn up late at 19.41 and claim that is the moment the conflict turned. After all, you did it in World War II.
Shout and scream obscenities at the television whenever the England team are playing badly, as this is guaranteed to improve the performance of each and every member of the side.
Capture the spirit of 1966 by adjusting the TV to black and white, telling the wife to get back into the kitchen and contracting tuberculosis.
England players - attempt to preserve morale in the camp by declining the opportunity to have sex with team-mates' partners, past or present.
Should anyone look at you in a questionable manner feel free to punch them repeatedly and point out you are following the example of England captain Steven Gerrard and acting in 'self defence'.
To avoid 'trophy envy' become Brazilian for the World Cup by wearing a tight yellow shirt, dancing in a suggestive manner and shaving off all of your pubic hair.
Recreate the 'brilliant' atmosphere of watching the World Cup in a pub by inviting drunk strangers around to your house to shout insightful tactical advice such as 'give it' and 'close him' directly into your ear.
England penalty takers - deliberately attempt to miss those crucial spot kicks. This should improve your chances of scoring.
Fabio Capello, select Peter Crouch (above) in the high altitude conditions of South Africa as he has the unique advantage of having lived far above sea level throughout his entire adult life.
Recreate the 'brilliant' atmosphere of watching football in a wine bar by inviting Toby, Piers and Jeremy to your house to bray insightful observations such as 'I support England, but we have a villa in the Dordogne so I have a soft spot for France, too'.
Rio Ferdinand - rather than fly home from South Africa after the USA game, why not wait a few days and return with the rest of the squad for the sake of convenience?

Read here

Blown away by vuvuzelas

2010-06-19T08:03:00.003-07:00

With the World Cup now well under way Sky Bet PR director Dale Tempest joins us from South Africa to give us his thoughts on the tournament so far.

"You can stick your vuvuzela up your ****!"

It's not a chant I've heard yet but it's odds-on to be belted out anytime soon. Probably by me. They're fine if you are watching the games on the TV as there's just that steady din in the background. But having been around Cape Town when people are blowing them in your ears - apparently they can reach 125 decibels - they begin to get on your nerves!

It's an incredible atmosphere here in Cape Town, though, watching all the games on the big screens. Down by the waterfront you see shirts from every country you can imagine. The whole experience is very enjoyable.

Apart from watching England.

It's an absolute nightmare being a bookmaker and an England fan. You know it's going to cost you a fortune as a company if England win, but at the same time I'm sat there thinking 'hang on, I don't want the USA to equalise!'

The Steven Gerrard/2-0 scorecast would've cost us £250,000 alone so our compilers were panicking after just five minutes of the game, predicting doom and gloom.

But in the end the draw was a fantastic result. Nobody ever backs the draw and it's never a bad result for a bookmaker. Punters want things to happen and people don't tend to back things not to happen. It was a massive result for bookmakers around the country.

There'll be a few bottles of bubbly waiting for Rob Green when he gets back in the country I reckon. At half-time we went 9/2 Green to keep his place for the Algeria game, but when it all settled down and people listened to Fabio Capello in the press conference his odds shortened.

He's now odds-on at 4/5 to play against Algeria with David James 5/4 and Joe Hart 7/1 so it's a bit of a conundrum. I didn't know which way Capello would go before the game and I haven't got a clue which way he'll go now!

I do think the England coach made a lot of mistakes. James Milner was just a bad choice on the left, but at least he realised his mistake and got him off pretty quickly once he was booked.

I'm sticking by England to get to the semis, though. They are still in the weaker half of the draw and I still reckon they'll top the group. The Americans are very good at playing the role of the underdog, but not so good when the pressure's on.

I'd be surprised if they took six points from Algeria and Slovenia, but I'd expect England to.

Jamie Carragher should keep his place as he kept generally tight to the USA forwards when he came on while Emile Heskey played very well and he has a big role to play in this England team.

Looking at the other teams in the tournament so far, for me, Argentina won't be world champions. I thought Nigeria were absolutely woeful and if Diego Maradona's team can only scrape past them 1-0 they won't be lifting the trophy.

But the big talking point has been the ball. Five games so far and not one has had over 2.5 goals in it. Free-kicks are going well over the bar - even Lionel Messi hit it over 10 yards too high and he's the best there is.

I'd be looking at unders for the whole of the tournament. When players are putting their laces through the ball it just takes off. Expect a low amount of goals throughout the next month.

And yes, if I'm proved right, I'll be quick to blow my own vuvuzela!

What is a Vuvuzela?

2010-06-19T08:03:00.001-07:00

A vuvuzela, sometimes called a 'lepatata' (its Setswana name), is an air horn, approximately one metre in length, commonly blown by fans at soccer matches in South Africa.

The origin of the name is disputed; it may originate from the Zulu for "making noise", or from the "vuvu" sound it makes, or from township slang related to the word for "shower".

Originally made out of tin, the vuvuzela became popular in South Africa in the 1990s, The Vuvuzela can be blown by small children and it makes noise something like a charging elephant.

The vuvuzela is a feature of matches between big South African soccer teams Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The Chiefs supporters have yellow vuvuzelas while the Pirates have black-and-white vuvuzelas.

Vuvuzelas have been controversial and have sometimes been banned from stadiums.

Critics point out that the instrument is blown haphazardly and noisy which can be distracting when paying attention to the game.

On the other hand many soccer fans argue that this instrument brings lively atmosphere to the stadium and it is has become part of South African football culture and a way of showing loyalty and dedication to your soccer team. Just as fans in other countries beat up drums, blow trumpets and sing, South African soccer fans blow the vuvuzelas.

Rather than banning them fans need to familiarise themselves on how to blow the vuvuzelas. People should not blow them when it is silence and when blown they need to be organised into a rhythmic music sound accompanied by rhythmic movements.

Other issues around the vuvuzelas were raised by the world football governing body, FIFA, who wanted to ban the usage of vuvuselas during the World Cup 2010 because of a concern that the instrument could be used as weapons by hooligans or by business to have an advertising presence in World Cup Stadiums..

However after the South African Football Association, SAFA, made a presentation that the vuvuzelas were essential for an authentic South African football experience, in July 2008 FIFA decided to drop the ban and vuvuselas will be allowed at matches during World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

Vuvuzelas are rooted in African history as people would blow on a kudu horn to call villagers to a meeting.

Adding to the appeal is the African folklore that "a baboon is killed by a lot of noise", so the last quarter of a game sees even more frantic blowing of vuvuzelas as supporters try to "kill off" their opponents. (From Wikipedia)

Drogba and Ivory Coast wait on FIFA verdict

2010-06-14T19:48:00.003-07:00

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba is waiting for FIFA to decide if he will be allowed to play against Portugal tomorrow with a protective cast on his arm.
Drogba fractured his arm in a warm-up match against Japan on June 4th and initial fears were he would miss the World Cup, but after surgery he recovered quicker than expected and is ready to play, if FIFA approve the use of the cast.
Drogba has been training and is ready to play, it is just a case of knowing the answer. Head coach Sven Goran Eriksson revealed he was waiting to hear from FIFA. Eriksson said: "There has been a FIFA meeting today and the people haven't come back yet. We will know later."
Ivory Coast are in Group G up against Portugal, Brazil and North Korea.

Daniele De Rossi scores to save a point for Italy

2010-06-14T19:48:00.001-07:00

For a moment, there was an upset on the cards as Paraguay went in at half time 1-0 up, but actually the goal only served to wake Italy up because in the second half, they were a different team and they could have won.
In fact, I'll go so far to say had they played the first half like they played the second, they would have won, but they didn't and they would have learnt a lesson from that.
Paraguay are clearly not in South Africa to make up the numbers. They played some good football at times and I suspect they came out in the second half wanting to keep what they had rather than push for more, which didn't work out.
Italy clearly missed Andrea Pirlo in the middle but he will be back and if Italy can play like they did in the second for the rest of the tournament, then they will be hard to beat, if only because they will create chances.
Antolin Alacaraz put Paraguay ahead in the 40th minute when a free kick, from what seems like the Paraguay half it is that far out, is played in long and he jumps higher than everyone else to head the ball into the net past Buffon. They took the lead into the break.
After the break, Buffon didn't come back out and Italy had a job to do and they were well up for it. It took nearly twenty minutes for them to get the equaliser and it came from a corner. Simone Pepe crosses and the Paraguay keeper comes but doesn't get anywhere near it and Daniele De Rossi finds the ball at his feet. I wouldn't have missed that and he didn't.
Final score was 1-1 and Italy will be happiest but also maybe a little disappointed. Paraguay won't try to play a half of football defending again and if you are following our predictions, you will know that is eight out of eleven correct - who would have predicted a draw; just us!

Italy

Buffon (Marchetti, 46), Criscito, Chiellini, Cannavaro (c), Zambrotta, De Rossi, Pepe, Marchisio (Camoranesi, 59), Montolivo, Iaquinta, Gilardino (Di Natale, 72)

Paraguay

Villar (c), Morel Rodriguez, Da Silva, Torres (Santana, 60), Alcaraz, Caceres, Vera, Caceres, Riveros Nunez, Valdez (Santa Cruz, 68), Barrios (Cardozo, 76)

We are keeping our feet on the ground - Sergio Ramos

2010-06-14T19:47:00.001-07:00

Spain defender Sergio Ramos is keen to get his World Cup started but is also keeping his feet on the ground and not showing any signs of over confidence.
"After a long period in Spain and here in South Africa we're keen to play the match and we want to show what we've been doing for a long time," said the Spanish defender. "It's true that the first game is important. The first game is crucial for confidence and for the mood of the players."
Spain play Switzerland in their first game on Wednesday as the last two teams to play the first game in the group stages. That evening, South Africa will play their second game against Uruguay in Pretoria.
But, he is also not getting carried away. "It's the fans, the press and the other teams who have put us down as favourites, but we are keeping our feet on the ground, as we have been doing," said Ramos. "It would be a mistake to think we are the favourites."
Well, we here don't actually think they are favourites. There is a big difference in winning the European Championships and winning the World Cup and despite the unquestionable quality - we don't think Spain are ready.

Sexy Female Football Fans

2010-06-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

The World Cup soccer sure seems to bring out some of the hottest women we’ve ever seen. They are from all over the world and we think that they come to enjoy the festivities as much as to see the game. Football, foosball, soccer… who cares when the chicks are this hot?

Is the vuvuzela going to be banned from the World Cup?

2010-06-14T11:48:00.003-07:00

When I go to a game in England next season, I expect to hear the crowd singing. When I go to a game in Germany next season I will expect to hear drums and when I go to a game in Italy, I will expect flairs.
My point is, the vuvuzela is part of South African football and I expected to hear it at this World Cup. Is it right to ban it?
We ran a simple poll yesterday; is the vuvuzela a good thing or a bad thing and in eight hours we had just over 1,300 votes and most thought it was a bad thing. I must admit, it is a little annoying, but if you ban it, are you not taking away something that is truly South African from a South African World Cup?
What next; no thongs on the beach in Brazil in 2014 and no standing up at the World Cup in England or wherever in 2018?
We mention this today because Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan was asked the question about banning them and he responded. "If there are grounds to do so, yes.
"We did say that if any land on the pitch in anger we will take action. We've tried to get some order. We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or stadium announcements. It's difficult but we're trying to manage the best we can."
The vuvuzela is what South African fans do at games. They don't sing, they don't wave scarves or flags and believe it or not, the grounds are filled mostly with South Africans. You take the vuvuzela away and it might all of a sudden become very quiet.
Yes they're annoying, but it is part of the game in South Africa, I just think it is something we should accept and get used to, but that is just the opinion of a fan of South African football who thinks we try to control too many things these days and that people should be allowed to blow on a horn if they want to when it isn't illegal or breaking any rules.

England look set to lose another central defender

2010-06-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

A big World Cup day today if your name is Ledley King. After coming off against the United States at the weekend with a groin injury, the player was sent for a scan and the results are due in this afternoon.
His manager at Spurs however doesn't think the news is going to be good. "I spoke to our physio last night, Wayne Diesel. Wayne is out in South Africa, he's gone over there to be around the England camp." Redknapp told talkSPORT this morning.
"I don't think we'll see Ledley again if he's struggling to play. They are getting the result back from the scan today, but if there's a tear in the groin that would make it difficult for him."
"That's the problem for him, when you don't train and have to play at that top, top class level you're going to pick up injuries."
It will be sad news for the player but England do have two other central defenders to call on and while Jamie Carragher appeared to get the nod of approval by replacing King at the weekend, his Spurs team mate Michael Dawson has every opportunity too.

Sepp Blatter tweets about the vuvuzela

2010-06-14T11:47:00.002-07:00

I think the whole debate on will the vuvuzela be banned or not can now be finally put to bed, as FIFA President Sepp Blatter has tweeted his opinion on the subject and it is very much one that indicates this is no surprise and it was expected.
If you go to any football game in South Africa, you will hear the vuvuzela and that is very much the line taken by Mr Blatter.
On his Twitter account, that you can follow here, he posted 'I have always said that Africa has a different rhythm, a different sound..' and '...I don’t see banning the music traditions of fans in their own country. Would you want to see a ban on the fan traditions in your country?'
I think it fair to say we know where he stands on the subject and actually, he is right. Not everyone likes them that is clear, but not everyone likes brussels sprouts, but they always end up on the table at Christmas.
The vuvuzela is here to stay.

The Dutch don't scare: Netherlands 2 Denmark 0

2010-06-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you something for nothing; while we predicted the win, which is seven correct results out of nine now, we are a little disappointed with the performance from the Netherlands. They didn't really look the side we had expected - they looked more like England.
We mean no disrespect to England, it's just that should always do better than they do and you always think you'll get a great game and it is rate that you do. Today, the Dutch looked ordinary and if it wasn't for a lot of luck, they wouldn't have won.
The first goal was an own goal, scored moments after the second half resumed by Simon Poulsen and the second was scored after the ball came off the post, from probably the best chance the Dutch had in the whole game, and landed at the feet of Dirk Kuyt in the last five minutes.
You could argue that they were not pushed or threatened and it is valid and I hope that as the games get harder for them they will get better, but if it doesn't they won't go very far and certainly not where the 16 million people back home want them to go.
Up next, in just over half an hour is Japan against Cameroon - follow us on Twitter for updates.

Netherlands

Stekelenburg, Van Der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst (c), Van Bommel, De Jong, (De Zeeuw, 88), Sneijder, Van der Vaart (Elia, 67), Kuyt, Van Persie (Afellay, 77)

Denmark

Sorensen, Poulsen, Kjaer, Agger, Jacobsen, Poulsen, Jorgensen (c), Kahlenberg (Eriksen, 72), Enevoldsen (Gronkjaer, 56), Bendtner (Beckmann, 62), Rommedahl

Italy v Paraguay, World Cup Group F, Match 11

2010-06-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Italy surprised me in 2006. They were not the last team I thought were going to win and there is no doubt they have quality player and they know how to play football, but they were not on my list of teams that I thought were going to win.
Tonight they face Paraguay in Cape Town and both teams could win this. This isn't anyone playing Greece and it should make for an interesting game. When I say both teams could win, I also expect both teams to go through from this group so it might very well be a draw and this result won't be seen as that relevant when they both get six points against the other two teams in Group F.
But we know they wont be thinking like that as the walk out onto the pitch in the Mother City - they will be treating it as a battle and both teams will go all out for the win.

Italy v ParaguayKick off: 8.30pm - Venue: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town - Fixtures, Results and Table

Prediction

A good game with lots of passion, but a draw. It's just that I think these two sides will equal themselves out and Italy will know this is the hardest game of the group and they might not want to risk too much knowing that Paraguay can be a threat when attacking.

We have predicted seven out of nine correct so far but this one will get us in trouble and we suspect the Japan v Cameroon game won't be a draw also. But this one very well could be and if you click here you can get a free £25 bet from Betfair to put on the draw.

View from the Opposition

Paraguay striker, Lucas Barrios
We have to take advantage of today's game and our chances - almost nobody in this World Cup is winning by more than one or two goals.

Italy goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon
We have the qualities needed to safeguard our title, but it will not be easy. We are here without an obsession to win, but convinced we can play well.

End Notes

We expected much from the Netherlands and got little. We expect little from Italy and we hope they surprise us. Could be a cracking game - Italy have the ingredients and they do know how to cook.

Japan and Cameroon almost bore entire office to sleep

2010-06-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Japan beat Cameroon in a match that I didn't expect much from and ultimately I wasn't disappointed. It does mean that we have only predicted seven out of ten matches correctly this World Cup and we also fancy our little run is coming to an end after predicting a draw between Italy and Paraguay tonight.
But Italy and Paraguay are for later. For now, we have to look at Japan and Cameroon and I really did nod off for a moment in the second half when nothing seemed to be happening.
I'll be honest with you, I'm going to struggle to try and find something to write that isn't going to sound bad against either side so I'm going to say little. It isn't how you start a tournament, it is how you end and Japan just got lucky today, because both sides were awful and they just took the opportunity when it presented itself - Cameroon had a couple too.
So, I can tell you that it was Honda that scored for Japan and that I'm not sure the cross was meant for him, but he was in the right place at the right time and that is all that matters.

Japan

Eiji Kawashima, Komano, Tanaka, Nagatomo, Nakazawa, Abe, Endo, Matsui (Okazaki, 68), Hasebe (c) (Inamoto, 88), Honda, Okubo (Kisho Yano, 81)

Cameroon

Hamidou, Assou-Ekotto, N'Koulou, Bassong, Matip (Emana, 63), Makoun (Geremi, 75), Enoh, M'bia Etoundi, Eto'o (c), Choupo-Moting (Idrissou, 75), Webo

FIFA looks to resolve glitches

2010-06-14T11:43:00.005-07:00

FIFA (along with the local organisers of the World Cup) has launched an investigation into some minor glitches experienced during the first day of competition.

The 2010 edition of the finals began in Johannesburg on Friday with hosts South Africa and Mexico playing to a 1-1 draw, but there were several empty seats during the opening ceremony at Soccer City, while traffic problems around the stadium were also evident.

Both were unsurprisingly linked - the issue of transportation leaving the stadium just over half-full by the time South African Air Force fighter jets flew over the stadium to mark the start of proceedings.

"We are very happy with how things went on day one with the first two matches," Local Organising Committee (LOC) chief communications officer Rich Mkhondo said. "There were some challenges when it came to transportation. We are aware of those challenges and are working on them with our partners in the city."

However, Mkhondo felt that part of the problem came from the public's lack of trust in the country's transport system.

South Africa has never had a proper functioning transportation network, meaning most spectators coming to the stadium in their own vehicles, and the LOC has made a plea to change that attitude.

Mkhondo said: "The transportation challenges are caused by people. I would like to say the change of people's willingness to use public transportation will help us a great deal."

In response to a question about the empty seats in the stadium, FIFA spokesperson Nicolas Maingot said: "I think, to be fair, there were not many empty seats - there was an attendance of 84,000 people. There was one block which looked empty. Our people in charge of ticketing are looking into it."

FIFA Rankings 2010 Are Available and Dictate World Cup Favorites

2010-06-14T11:43:00.003-07:00

FIFA Rankings 2010 Are Available and Dictate World Cup Favorites. The FIFA rankings are available, and dictate the favored teams for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The rankings indicate that Brazil is the top team, but Spain recently held that honor earlier in the regular soccer season. Many people estimate that there will be a Brazil-Spain showdown during the finals, but as we remember from various other tournaments there’s bound to be some upsets.

Portugal, the Netherlands, and Italy round out the top five in the FIFA rankings. Italy is the defending champions, as they won the 2006 games in Germany.

Today, #14 US plays #8 England, and if the US can pull off a win that could mean that they are ready to head to the finals … however may don’t expect the US to go beyond the “sweet 16″ of the World Cup tournament.

The rankings don’t really mean anything. After all – #17 Mexico played #83 South Africa and didn’t demolish them – they tied the match.

The entire list of the FIFA rankings are available (here). There are over 200 teams that are listed in the rankings. Still, the FIFA rankings should only be used as a guide to estimate what will transpire during the match, as there could be major upsets that transpire. Stay tuned.

Fifa's money making machine

2010-06-14T11:43:00.001-07:00

Just before Italy walk out of the tunnel tomorrow evening to begin their defence of the World Cup trophy, the blimp will scan its lenses over the startling panorama which surrounds the Green Point Stadium. There's Table Mountain, there's Robben Island, there's the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. What a picture, what a country, what a con.

By rights, the eye in the sky should be sweeping across the Athlone township, across the squalor and the grime, before it reaches the Athlone Stadium. This is the venue where the original South African winning bid said the Cape Town matches should be held, this is the venue which the local government on many occasions insisted would be the city's primary venue. But Fifa didn't agree. "A billion television viewers don't want to see shacks and poverty on this scale," said one of the organisation's reports.

So instead of spending the 200 million rand (£18m) to make the necessary upgrades to the ground nestled in the football-obsessed environs, Fifa insisted the South Africans spend 4.5bn rand on a new stadium nestled in all the scenery. The vista would, of course, make it more palatable to all those billions who didn't have a clue there were social problems in South Africa and hence make it easier to sell advertising for the games at the Green Point, including a semi-final. And while they were at it, Fifa could lob another 20,000 or so seats on the plans to ensure they receive more revenue. Everyone's a winner. Well, everyone at Fifa, that is.

This is the reality of this World Cup. Not the camera crews sticking their microphones in the face of dancing locals, before, in their very roundabout and racist way, asking: "How grateful do you poor little Africans feel to the big, rich men for bringing their competition to your slums?"

The Fifa festival is dressed up as some great gift to the contingent, which will send the revenues soaring of local economies, local communities and local football clubs. In fact, it will do nothing of sort. Just as the Olympics never does what it promises any more, just as no event on that scale ever could do what it promises.

There have been enough well-detailed articles in the build-up to this and every other recent "sports event to bring humans together" to convince all those who can be bothered to read past the headlines that it is a total myth that the great sporting spectacles of our time boost the economic growth of the host nations. And as we set out on Britain's so-called "decade of sport", which may or may not include the 2018 World Cup, the alarm bells are ringing through the offices of every local sporting organisation, every charity and, if they are wise, every school and hospital. They could all suffer in the drive to deliver a successful event and not become a global laughing stock. For what? A fortnight of feelgood?

Ah, they say, but what about the legacy? What legacy? The legacy which saw South Korea having to pull down two brand spanking new stadiums built for the 2002 World Cup because no side could afford either the rent or the upkeep? The legacy which saw the famous Greek debt pile on a few more noughts because of the 2004 Olympics? The legacy which says that all these kids will jump off their couches and rush out to participate in sports before discovering non-existent sports fields boasting non-existent sports facilities? The only guaranteed legacy is a few votes for whichever politician fired up the bandwagon.

And for Fifa and the IOC, naturally. These two organisations are so far apart from what they set out to be that they would long ago have become unrecognisable to their founders. Just check the Fifa accounts from last year. They made more than $1bn, spent more than $863m, of which $172m went on development. $172m? That's not far off what Manchester City spent on development last year. Next year the Fifa balance sheet will be yet more anomalous. They are to make more than £2.3bn from the South African World Cup. Or, put another way, a quarter of the entire education budget for a country with a population of 50 million; a country called South Africa.

Then there's the obscene Fifa stockpile of $1bn of assets. For what? For the good of their sport? Or the good of their own egos sitting in their shiny Swiss offices, governing over what is merely a pastime like they are heads of state? Such power trips allow men such as the president, Sepp Blatter, to believe they are entitled to insist on luxury toilets in their hotels – at South Africa's expense – and imbue the organisation with the arrogance to demand the overriding of a nation's sovereignty to grant Fifa tax-free status, as well as guarantees that no protests take place when members of the public wake up to the outrage.

What has any of this got to do with the football? As sports-lovers we are just interested in the Messi on the pitch not the mess off it. Yeah, we mutter tut-tut and call Blatter and his cronies names. But then we go and afford them their life-force, the 22 million viewing figures which ensure their party is ever-replenished with the choicest caviar and bubbly.

We should finally acknowledge that this is a sporting and not a political disgrace. Just think, it was always supposed to be an escape from modern life; instead it is the grotesque encapsulation of modern life.

So we will all go on watching with our dreamy eyes, applauding our own interest in the very convenient notion that the Rainbow Nation has come across its pot of gold. And the cheek of it is, we will do so berating the South African horns, as if they're the only thing in danger of ruining this World Cup. But then perhaps that's why Blatter chose not to act on his initial threat and ban the vuvuzela – to drown out the din of that money-making machine in the background.

Look closer still and you may very well spot a Fifa-endorsed logo on the side of the horns. What a racket. #

FIFA battles unauthorized World Cup merchandising

2010-06-14T11:42:00.003-07:00

While South Africa celebrated the kickoff of the World Cup on Friday, Grant Abrahamse is plotting his revenge against the organizer, FIFA, soccer's governing body.

The Cape Town businessman spent the past five years embroiled in a legal fight with Zurich-based FIFA, which accused him of violating its patent rights by marketing a commemorative key-ring holder. The case, scheduled to come to court in November, has cost him $65,000 in legal fees.

"I've done everything legally," Abrahamse said. "No one's benefitted from the World Cup except FIFA. They are actually worse than the mafia. They should get their just rewards. I'm going to pursue it. We are going to go for costs and damages when we win this case."

Abrahamse is up against one the world's most powerful sporting bodies intent on protecting the rights of broadcasters and sponsors such as Adidas AG and Coca-Cola Co., which paid $3.2 billion to be associated with the World Cup.

FIFA lawyers have filed 2,519 cases globally against parties it accuses of so-called ambush marketing. In only one instance did they have to go to court to get redress, forcing wholesaler Metcash Trading Africa (Pty) Ltd. to stop selling 2010 lollipops.

"You are in or you are out," FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke said. "If you are out, you have to respect the rights of others. We can send people to jail if they try and profit from the World Cup when they have no right to do so."

Contested by 32 nations, organizers expect the monthlong tournament to draw a half billion television viewers and blanket press coverage.

"You couldn't have a better platform to build awareness," said Roger Sinclair, a marketing professor and partner at Prophet Brand Strategy, which offers marketing advice.

Companies will exploit any opportunity to "ride on the back of the tournament by ambush marketing. It will be difficult" given how tightly FIFA guards its brand, he said.

"FIFA has been very helpful in terms of responding and calling out companies that are trying to use something that they haven't paid for," said Scott McCune, vice president of integrated marketing at Coca-Cola. The contract with soccer's governing body is the company's largest marketing program.

FIFA has produced thousands of words to copyright the World Cup name, including several permutations used to describe the tournament. It obtained similar protection for the last World Cup in Germany, in 2006, when 3,200 infringement cases were filed.

South African budget airline Kulula.com, which advertised itself as the "Unofficial National Carrier of the You-Know-What," found out first-hand how all-encompassing FIFA's rights are when it was pressured into dropping the slogan. Kulula is owned by Comair Ltd., a British Airways franchise.

FIFA's response was "over the top and heavy handed," Heidi Brauer, the airline's marketing director, said. "It's left a foul taste in people's mouths. If I could ask FIFA one question, I'd ask them: 'How can you sleep at night?'"

Kulula's decision to drop the slogan and change it to "the sporting event that can't be mentioned" is "the best proof that those guys recognized they did something they shouldn't have," said Thierry Weil, FIFA's marketing director. "We allow everybody to make business around the World Cup. We just do not allow companies, and mainly it's just the bigger companies," from portraying themselves as part of the event.

Sponsors recognize that the event's profile means companies will always try to exploit the World Cup whether they are official partners or not.

Adidas is providing the ball, outfitting the referees and the ball boys, and its branding will be festooned across the 10 stadiums used for the competition. Rival Nike Inc. isn't an official partner.

Yet, Nike's new "Write the Future" campaign featuring stars like England's Wayne Rooney and the world's most expensive player, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, is being broadcast to homes across the planet. The advertisement had more than 14 million views on the YouTube website.

An analysis of online blogs, message boards and social networking sites carried out by the Nielsen Co. between May 6 and June 7 found Nike was more frequently linked to the World Cup than any official sponsors. Carlsberg beer attracted four times as many mentions in English language messages relating to the tournament than official sponsor Budweiser, the study found.

"Savvy marketing can successfully connect a brand to a major event like the World Cup, without shelling out millions of pounds for exclusive sponsorship rights," New York-based Nielsen said in an e-mailed statement Friday.

"Sometimes we are doing the same thing," said Adidas' global PR manager, Erik Van Leeuwen, when asked about rivals using events like the World Cup to market their goods. "It's a thing that will go on and completely stopping it is undoable."

The sports companies are competing for soccer sales. Adidas is the world leader with $1.8 billion in revenue to Nike's $1.7 billion.

Charlie Brookes, head of corporate communications at Nike in Britain, said the event was a vital part of his company's global sales campaign.

"It's the time when the world is focused on football and there's so much energy around the sport," he said. "So we're always going to be communicating around the time of the World Cup."

World Cup Guides

2010-06-14T11:42:00.001-07:00

Mayer Weisel has compiled the must have handbook for this summer for the not so rabid soccer fan looking to take in their first World Cup. In his new book, Weisel lays out the who, what, when, where and why’s of world football and soccer in regards to viewership in the states.

More a tool than a beach side read, The American Fan’s World Cup Handbook will be perfect for your office mates and friends who hope to enjoy some matches yet know nothing of the beautiful game.

In early chapters, Weisel points out key points in the organizational structure of world football. The FIFA’s, UEFA’s and CONCACAF’s of the world are second nature to us, yet can be quite daunting to the soccer youngster. Weisel spells out the importance and purpose of the continental federations without pretense or snobbery as to ease in the soccer newbies. Ours is a world that takes some time to adapt to, to learn about. Weisel is saying “come one, come all, I’ll lay it all out for you” with his easy to read guide.

Mainstream American sports fans will appreciate Weisel’s comparison of popular American sports to that of soccer as he weaves in and out of the two clearly stating the similarities and differences while educating the soccer newbie to world soccer’s intricacies and oddities when it comes to rules, cultural aspects, Championships, league and cup play, length of season and more.

The remainder of the 75 page book plays out by perfectly explaining the structure of the upcoming World Cup. Qualifying, group stage play through to the final and who will be playing who are listed for convenience.

For Americans who don’t speak soccer English, Weisel cheekily lists a vocabulary section where the overwhelmed soccer newbies can compare and learn such words and phrases as, relegation and promotion, set piece and just what are international breaks and two-legged playoffs.

The owner of this compact book won’t read it once and never touch it again, Weisel has compiled an in-depth chapter featuring fill in brackets and group stage result tracking which will serve as a great companion throughout the duration of the tournament.

Related: Football Books

Do You Need Vuvuzela to Enjoy the Game

2010-06-14T11:41:00.001-07:00

The sign outside the Springbok bar near the Newlands Rugby Stadium said it all: No Vuvuzelas. Those trying to sneak one of the plastic horns that have so characterised this World Cup into the stadium for the France v South Africa Test match were also asked to give them up.

In Cape Town, the football World Cup may be dominating the TV schedules and the newspapers but rugby - still the white population's most popular sport here - is holding firm.

Rugby Ahead of Saturday's 55,000 sell-out at Newlands, FIFA asked the South African Rugby Union if they would postpone the match until after the World Cup, so as not to detract from the majesty of their own tournament.

The SARU by all accounts took about five second to say 'no'. Quite right, too. South Africa's grand sporting heritage reaches far beyond football and there is absolutely no reason why the world should stop turning here just to make way.

Certainly the crowd at Newlands was rather different to that found at Green Point Stadium for the France v Uruguay World Cup game the night before. It was, it has to be said, a whiter crowd and certainly a more middle-class crowd.

Vuvuzelas It was, however, more knowledgeable too. The spectators that saw the Sprinboks beat an under-par France 42-17 cheered and applauded in all the right places. They certainly didn't need to blow on a long plastic horn to show that they were enjoying themselves.

The stadium itself is a fantastic arena. Built adjacent to the Newlands cricket ground that is recognised as one of the world's most picturesque, both have views of Table Mountain. Well, they do if you are lucky enough to be sitting in the right seats.

The rugby ground has hosted football before. Manchester United played there on the pre-season tour to South Africa two summers ago. Which, of course, asks the question of why it couldn't have been used as a venue this month?

Lion An atmospheric stadium, it certainly has enough corporate facilities and even has its own train station serving the centre of Cape Town that lies 20 minutes away.

It seems odd that while Johannesburg and the north are being serviced by five World Cup stadia, there is only one within reaching distance of Cape Town.

Certainly here in the Mother City that fact has not gone unnoticed. #

How to watch World cup 2010 online for free?

2010-06-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

The biggest sporting event of the year is here. The 2010 FIFA World Cup, the premier international football (Soccer if you are from US) tournament kicks off on June 11th 2010 and will be held in South Africa. This will be the first time that the tournament has been hosted by an African nation.
While Italy are the defending champions, the tournament will see 32 nations fight it out for the glory. The World cup 2010 has already started to create a huge buzz amongst the online users with at least 20% of all searches in the UK being related to world cup. There are 64 matches being played during this world cup which culminates on July 11th 2010. You can check out the Fifa world cup 2010 fixtures to keep track on the world cup 2010 dates. The first match of the tournament features the hosts South Africa and Mexico on June 11th.
The FIFA world cup 2010 matches will be aired live on television via different channels across the world. BBC & ITV in UK, ABC & ESPN in US, Doordarshan & ESPN-Star Sports in India and CBC in Canada will be the official broadcasters for the mega sporting event. Some of them will be Free-to-air channels while others will be subscription based. ESPN will also telecast some of the soccer matches in 3D (only in US).
But what if you are at work or if your cable gets disconnected? You cannot afford to miss your favorite match. Not to worry, you can always watch world cup 2010 matches live online wherever you are and that too for FREE! We have done all the hard work in order to help you find the live streaming links of FIFA world cup 2010 which are really free and actually working.
The below list will get updated frequently with working live streaming links, so make sure you bookmark this page and keep checking back often. And yeah, feel free to share this with your family and friends and help them watch football world cup online for free!

10 Ways to Watch World Cup 2010 Live Online for Free

1. Watch world cup 2010 football live online for free on atdhe – much recommended link for live online streaming of football matches.
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3. Watch world cup soccer 2010 live streaming online for free on MyP2P – another recommended link which lists multiple sources for watching world cup 2010 live. You would need to download few harmless software though.
4. Watch world cup 2010 Live online for free on TVBunch – multiple streams available for each match.
5. Watch Soccer world cup 2010 live online for free on FromSport
6. Watch 2010 world cup soccer live online for free on IraqGoals – another popular link for live football streams.
7. Watch live football 2010 world cup for Free on Live Foot forum – Live-foot forum gives the best guidance for finding the exact channels where to watch the match.
8. Watch FIFA world cup 2010 football matches live + Highlights on Justin TV – another site which contains multiple live streaming links, but hard to expect high quality streaming over here.
9. World cup 2010 Live streaming links for free on UStream – very similar to Justin tv. Mirror link here.
10. Watch wc 2010 live football matches online for free on ChannelSurfing
(via Techpp)

Serbia v Ghana, World Cup Group D, Match 7

2010-06-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

This will be a good game and end to end. Ghana will know a lot about Serbia and they will play a very African game in attacking them. Serbia will play a very European game defending. We are predicting this to be the game of the day.
When we say defending, we don't expect Serbia to just sit back, we expect them to counter attack Ghana and that is why it will be end to end. There are no second chances in the World Cup which is why you usually see this.
The only team you'll not see doing this is Germany later. They will give us the perfect demonstration in how a team should play if they want to progress. No risks and no silly mistakes. But Ghana and Serbia and not Germany and that is why it will be end to end.

Serbia v GhanaKick off: 4.00pm - Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Fixtures, Results and Table

Prediction

You can not say there is an out and out winner for this match, like you could with say for example, the next team to play Greece. No, this is going to be a tight game and I think this game will be won by the team that goes for it.
I think that team is going to be Ghana. They will have a huge amount of support in the stadium and they will not want to risk not winning it and they know the only way to win this match is to play it like it is the final. The difficult thing for Ghana, maybe a little easier if they win today, will be playing like the next match is their final, but I think they'll do well.

Join Betfiar and get a free £25 bet but don't bet on this game. We said earlier you should bet on Germany and we stick by that - German efficiency will win you money today.

View from the Opposition

Serbia defender, Nemanja Vidic
We have players in our side who took part in the 2006 World Cup. I think we'll need to prepare better this time. There won't be any easy opponents as each team has good players and everyone wants to appear in this event. The task won't be easy, but we're confident and think we can do ourselves justice.

Ghana coach, Milovan Rajevac
I'm confident and full of hope. I hope the players will give the best of themselves. We want to do great things with this team. We're going to concentrate on the next game and we hope to leave the World Cup having achieved some good results.

End Notes

If you read the comments from either side above, you have to agree that Ghana sound the more confident and that is the reason why I think they will win. Fortune favours the brave and I think the Black Stars will be fortunate today.

First for FIFA World Cup: Not 100% grass

2010-06-13T06:26:00.003-07:00

The match between Algeria and Slovenia that has just kicked off will be the first World Cup match ever that is played on a surface that is not 100% grass - not something that will be new to all players, but still a first for a FIFA World Cup.
The stadiums in Polokwane and Nelspruit are the only ones at this World Cup to not have 100% grass but if it goes well, expect more stadiums to be given approval for this at future World Cups.
"It's brand new turf for us," said Algerian defender Majid Bougherra. "It'll be a pretty fast game," he said when asked about the surface.
Slovenian defender Bostjan Cesar was happy with it. "Sometimes it might be a bit unusual for the Slovenians -- but the ball runs smoothly," he told the press.
The match has just kicked off so why not follow us on Twitter for updates.

The vuvuzela: A World Cup memory or World Cup nightmare

2010-06-13T06:26:00.001-07:00

I'm a fan of African football and the vuvuzela isn't new to me and I am was not surprised to hear it for ninety minutes of the first match. I wasn't surprised to hear it in the second or the third and it hasn't surprised me that it is the only thing I can hear in all of the matches.
But, I have to admit, it is starting to annoy me, just a little. So I thought I'd ask a question, because we are also getting a lot of emails and comments into the site from people getting very annoyed.
So, just to see what the general feeling is, we've launched a poll to the right - are they good or bad. No middle ground, because there isn't one and they are not all of a sudden going to be banned.
I've also just seen a mini vuvuzela today so even if they did try and stop supporters bringing them into the ground, there is no way they would be able to stop the small ones coming in and we also shouldn't forget, they are part of South African football and the World Cup is taking place in South Africa.
But, if you have a moment, please vote - good or bad. I think it will be interesting to see the results.

Will the World Cup Start a Riot?

2010-06-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

The World Cup has officially started, and the home team can hold its head high: South Africa tied group-favorite Mexico 1-1 on Friday. That means the host nation remains undefeated in opening World Cup matches, with a record of 15-0-5. South Africa took the early lead, despite playing defense most of the first half, when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored after 55 minutes. Rafael Marquez evened the scored for Mexico after 79 minutes, and the score remained there—the closest call being a shot by South Africa’s Katlego Mphela hit the post in the 90th minute of play. Meanwhile, The Daily Beast's Gretchen L. Wilson reports a rumor is sweeping the country: When the soccer ends, a war on foreigners and the poor will begin.

When the first whistle blows in the opening match of the World Cup Friday, think of Abdirahman Nuur Jilley, who will be watching at a friend’s house, wearing the yellow jersey of Bafana Bafana, the national team of his adopted country.

Jilley was born in Somalia 22 years ago, but fled the war-torn country as a teenager to settle in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Jilley calls himself a “soccer addict.” He’s thrilled to have tickets to see his two other favorite teams (Ivory Coast and Portugal) go head to head next week. But like many undocumented immigrants in South Africa, he is afraid of what will happen to him when the tournament ends on July 11.

“I feel very scared,” he said. “We’re getting threatened—told that after the World Cup is over, we’re going to attack you, loot your property, and chase you away from South Africa.”

World Cup Hotties - Players at Their best

2010-06-13T06:24:00.002-07:00

They don’t call it “The Beautiful Game” for nothing—more than a few viewers of soccer’s World Cup are tuning in just for the gorgeous men. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Fabio Cannavaro, VIEW OUR GALLERY of the finest 15.

Click here to view gallery of soccer’s 15 finest!

World Cup Fans

2010-06-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Sports fan Mark Thompson has spent £400 transforming his living room into a football stadium. Mark, 45,and his 55-year-old wife Karen decked out their lounge with England emblem wallpaper, erected a towering stadium mural, festooned it with St George flags and marked out their green carpet with a six-yard box and penalty spot. The project features three false walls, including one covering the entire front window, a painted crowd of spectators and flags and bunting extending into a St George-themed gazebo in the back garden.

Living room now and before the change

Now the sports-crazy couple, who have been together for twelve years and have three grown-up children between them, are looking forward to holding a host of World Cup parties as friends and family round to watch the tournament over the next month, with food themed to each country the Three Lions are taking on.

Joiner Mark, who has lived in the house in Oldham, Greater Manchester for the past twelve years, said: 'The neighbours just keep laughing and they think it's really cool, all the young kids too. I'm a hero on our street. 'We're going to be watching all the games at our house. We've got a theme for every match. We're doing a food theme for each one. We're having burgers for the USA match then curries for Algeria then goulashes for the Slovenia game.

Jamie Redknapp goes ball-istic!

2010-06-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

My advice to players at this World Cup is: Shoot! Let fly from as far out from goal as you dare. This Jabulani ball at South African altitude can only mean one thing - goals, and lots of them.

I've tried out both the Jabulani, which will be used in the group stages and knock-out rounds, and the Jo'bulani that will be used in the final on July 11 - they're essentially the same ball although the final's ball carries gold livery. The balls look and feel like kids' footballs but they don't play like them.

Read here.

U.S. Faces the U.K in the Global game

2010-06-13T06:22:00.001-07:00

Tunku Varadarajan.

For the next month or so, as various bands of balletic, histrionic, and tireless men kick, head, dribble, and chest the Jabulani soccer ball to the infernal din of the South African vuvuzela, cultural differences between countries as unsuited to each other as Brazil and North Korea, Cameroon and Denmark, Ghana and Germany, Paraguay and New Zealand, Argentina and Nigeria, will dissolve as surely as an ice-cube does in a glass of single malt.

Of all the team games that are played in the world, only one—soccer—is irrefutably universal (and yes, that includes Arizona, where Hispanics, legal or otherwise, are known to play something they call “futbol”). Every other team game—the noble cricket, the actuarial baseball, the brutal rugby, the cartoon-costumed American football, the primitive ice hockey, the invigorating field hockey, the carcass-strewn buzkashi, the absurd kabaddi, the pseudo-aristocratic polo—is peculiar to a country, a region, a language group, or an ex-colonial context. Every other team game, however spellbinding or brutal, graceful or epic, rule-bound or free-for-all, lacks that transcendental ingredient of symphonic, globally comprehensible, non-pedantic vigor that soccer possesses.

This factor, I wager, entitles soccer to be ranked among the 10 greatest inventions in human history, alongside (in no particular order) fire, money, electricity, the wheel, wine, the flush toilet, bikinis, democracy, and the Internet. It is certainly (along with the sedentary chess) the foremost ludic—or play-themed—invention of mankind. (I am, here, treating sex not as an invention but as the acting out of an instinct.) So as soccer unfurls on our televisions—whether on Univision, with its operatic, deep-lunged, fast-talking, unembarrassable commentators who live for the moment when they can scream “gooooooooooool,” or on ESPN, with its coolly English and Scottish bank of commentators (the inept American commentators having been cut from the cast, gracias a Dios!)—it behooves Americans to take a modest, humble backseat, and spend a whole month learning about the arts and methods of a glorious game, and of the countries that play it.

The Diamondbacks, the Lakers, the Giants, the Jets, the Rangers, the Devils, the Whatchamacallits—these teams, these names, these confections of pumped-up confrontation, these fat tires of hype, pale into inconsequence when you utter the word “Slovakia”… or invoke the magic and energy of a confrontation over 90 minutes on a soccer field between Slovakia and Paraguay, two land-locked countries blessed with little else by God other than an ability to love soccer; or when you consider the marvel that this soccer World Cup features only four of the 10 most populous countries on earth, and only seven of the most populous 20. How eye-catching it is, and how confounding, that you have neither China nor India at play—both unable to qualify despite having, each, more than a billion people—and instead have not one but two Koreas in the tournament.

Both North and South Korea are playing, though sadly—imagine the tension, the theater, the Tom Friedman op-eds!—they are not in the same group. (Come to think of it, there are very few historically or geopolitically explosive matchups: England vs. U.S.A. on Saturday is the closest one gets to an encounter that is fraught with more than sporting history. Germany vs. Serbia, one might say, comes close, for it was Germany—with its premature recognition of Croatia as an independent state—that sparked the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, of which Serbia is the rueful rump. Portugal vs. Brazil offers a spicy matchup, you’d think, of ex-colony and ex-imperial power; but in matters footballistic, as everyone knows, Portugal is the peon and Brazil the aristocrat.

At the very least, let American parents with kids who play soccer—is there a suburban family that does not fit the bill?—use this World Cup to teach their children about not just the complexity of their weekend sport, but also of the countries who play it. Ask little Rachel to find Paraguay in the atlas; ask Jack to name the African countries taking part; ask Tamiqua if she can find where Slovakia is; and ask them all to practice their Spanish—especially if they’re in Arizona—by watching a game or two on Univision.

Then watch in wonder as they kick, head, dribble, and chest the ball around the backyard, pretending to be Drogba, or Anelka, or Kaka, or Messi, and screaming “goooooooool” as they pound the ground of a universal game, a global jamboree. What a sight that would be, what a lesson from soccer.

Tunku Varadarajan is a national affairs correspondent and writer at large for The Daily Beast. He is also a research fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution and a professor at NYU’s Stern Business School. He is a former assistant managing editor at The Wall.

Fifa World Cup Fever Hits South Africa

2010-06-11T21:33:00.001-07:00

Nelson Mandela (above) not able to attend Fifa 2010 World Cup

I woke up this morning at 7:00 am to the sound of vuvuzelas blowing, cars have flags over their mirrors and attached on roofs. Last night's opening concert in Soweto was packed and clearly had a African flavour with a line up of black artists.

Unfortunately, Nelson Mandela who dreamed of attending the Fifa World Cup will not be attending as his great granddaughter (13) was killed in a car crash, his ex wife Winnie Mandela was also in the car accident. What a sad day for such a tragic accident to have taken place. It is so sad not to see Nelson Mandela attending this once in a life time event.

Mexico will be taking on South Africa at 4:00 pm this after noon at Soccer City in Johannesburg and to say the least it will be a noisy event. The gates opening at 10:00 am this morning and fans are already packing into the stadium, at 2:00 pm the official opening event will take place before the kick off.

The time has come at last for South Africa to show the world that we are capable of hosting the largest sporting event on the planet...let the games begin!

Uruguay v France: World Cup Group A, Match 2

2010-06-11T21:32:00.001-07:00

We had fun in that last game over on Twitter and we think we will have fun again with the game about to kick-off. Uruguay are one of only seven clubs to have won the World Cup and they have won it twice, so seeing as France have strutted around since 1998 as if they invented the game - Uruguay can if they want to too.
Now, if this game is as good as the one we have just watched it will also be a lot of fun. We saw two different types of football in the first World Cup game today and I suspect, mostly because of the continents these two teams come from, we will see two different types again and hopefully another good one.

Uruguay v FranceKick off: 8.30pm - Venue: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town - Group Fixtures, Results and Table

Prediction

I'm going to go for a draw with this one, only because I don't want either side to be favourites. I also don't really want either side to go through but I shouldn't be biased and I'll probably get it wrong. If you were a betting man, you'll have your money on France, if you're not a betting man, more of a romantic, your money will be on Uruguay.

We will be live blogging from our Twitter page again and we had fun in the last match, so if you're not following us, follow us.

End Note

Not many countries have won the World Cup and not many twice. I'd like to think Uruguay could get something out of this match/group, but I just can't see it. Maybe I'm going to be surprised. I hope so.

South Africa v Mexico betting preview World Cup 2010

2010-06-11T10:34:00.001-07:00

The World Cup kicks off today and the South Africa v Mexico odds show the first World Cup winners in 2010 are set to be the Mexicans.
Home advantage should never be underestimated. South Africa play all their World Cup games at home, which means they’ll have massive home support at all their games and this should see them do very well. In fact no World Cup hosts have ever been eliminated at the group stage so the World Cup Group A odds on South Africa qualifying look very generous at almost 2/1.
As for South Africa v Mexico, Mexico are a decent team. They displayed this in a recent friendly against England. Mexico definitely have a stronger team, but home support for South Africa levels the playing field, the draw is looking a great bet and it is a result both teams would take before the game.
Many probably won’t have heard of Katelgo Mphela but he has an outstanding goal average of a goal every two games for South Africa. He’s well worth a bet for first goalscorer in this match. He should be able to score but there probably won’t be many goals, the South African defence is tough to beat and with four clean sheets in six games it is hard to see them giving many goals away, the 1-1 scoreline makes plenty of appeal.
Betting on the World Cup can be quite difficult, although there are many good bets available, and it’s well worth taking advantage of all the World Cup free bets that are on offer. Click on the link above to see a full list of World Cup free bets.

2010 World Cup: World Cup sweepstake and £1000 tipster competition

2010-06-11T10:33:00.002-07:00

The World Cup only comes around every four years so you want to make the most out of it. It is obviously massively enjoyable but many want to make it a bit more exciting by betting on the World Cup or getting involved in a World Cup sweepstake.
Over at OLBG there is a World Cup 2010 tipster competition that is free to enter yet puts up £1000 in prize money. This is a bit like betting without having to risk any money and allows people to get extra enjoyment out of the World Cup and games they would not ordinarily have an interest in by tipping outcomes and hopefully winning a cash prize at the end of the World Cup. Full details are on the link above, simply click it for all the rules and what you have to do.
If you haven’t already become part of a World Cup 2010 sweepstake then click the highlighted link for your free World Cup sweepstake kit. It is very easy to use and can help you have the winner of the World Cup even if your native team goes home early.
The obvious teams you want to draw are World Cup favourites Brazil and Spain, North Korea, Honduras and New Zealand are the teams to avoid! If you draw a team somewhere in the middle then you should get a run for your money, not that any money is required.
There has already been plenty of speculation about who will win the World Cup 2010 and with Spain and Brazil the favourites, and possible World Cup Final opponents, many pundits are calling it a two horse race. The England World Cup odds have drifted in recent months from 11/2 out to 8/1 and they now look a very good price, you can be sure they will shorten plenty once they qualify from Group C.

South Africa draw with Mexico in World Cup opener

2010-06-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

On chances, 1-1 is a fair result, but I so wanted South Africa to win and I know that it is probably wrong of me to write that, at the very beginning, but it is true. South Africa would have come alive tonight had Bafana Bafana won but in the real world, this is probably the best result for them.

And when I say it is a fair result, chances are you will find a South Africa or two later, somewhere, claiming they should have won and you know what, they could have, they were that close.
South Africa were also a little unlucky. They went 1-0 up, courtesy of a very well taken goal from Tshabalala in the 55th minute and kept that lead until ten minutes from time and they even hit the post with two minutes to go. They also had the better chances to win this match, but like I said, overall, probably a fair result.
Mexico looked good early on, attacking mostly down the right and using what looked like three up front. South Africa on the other hand decided to sit back and soak up the pressure and it worked for them.
I also wouldn't be surprised to read one or two South African media outlets comparing the football we saw today, to that of a Brazilian side, which some might think is overly generous but it is also not without merit; the football was played along the ground and it was good. You could argue that they are just lacking the quality players in the final third to really make it work but Carlos Alberto Parreira has left his signature all over this team.
Mexico were no slouches either and while I fancy both these team to do well in the group, I'll hold off predicting that both will go through on the back of one match, but I really wouldn't be surprised.
A great opening game and the opening ceremony was fantastic too. More of this and we will all be very happy. Now, we have just under three hours until the next game. I can't wait.

South Africa - Tshabalala, 55

Khune, Gaxa, Mokoena Captain, Thwala (Masilela, 45), Khumalo, Tshabalala, Pienaar (Parker, 83), Modise, Letsholonyane, Dikgacoi, Katlego Mphela

Mexico - Marquez, 79

Perez, Rodriguez, Salcido, Marquez, Osorio, Aguilar (Guardado, 56), Juarez, Torrado Captain, Franco (Hernandez, 73), Vela (Blanco, 69), Giovani

Bendtner not likely to make Netherlands match

2010-06-11T10:32:00.001-07:00

Denmark look set to be without star striker Nicklas Bendtner for their opening game against the Netherlands on Monday as he is still suffering from a groin injury.
"We'd love to have him back of course but I think I would be dreaming to have him back but I don't think he will play On Monday." said Denmark coach Morten Olsen.
"Surely we hope to have him back (sometime during the World Cup), he is a good player, a talented player and we hope."
The player however is optimistic he might be available for the match on Monday.
"You want to be 100 percent but you have to take it day-by-day and see what happens," said Bendtner.
"No I am not confident I will play (against the Netherlands), I will take it day-by-day then see how it works and see what happens.
"I am still missing a few things and it is not great but we will see."

World Cup Begins in Colour and Rhythm

2010-06-11T10:30:00.001-07:00

The South Africa 2010 party got under way in style last night with a joyous, colourful and truly African FIFA World Cup™ Kick-off Celebration Concert in Soweto, Johannesburg.

Held in the football heartland that is Orlando Stadium, home of iconic club side Orlando Pirates, the concert featured a host of stars including Shakira, Alicia Keys, K'Naan and the Black Eyed Peas. A wide variety of acts took to the stage but the abiding theme was one of celebration for the African continent with the event broadcast across the world.

The countdown clock introducing the three-hour extravaganza finally hit zero and with it came a cacophonous roar as seemingly thousands of South Africa flags were lifted aloft creating an ocean of colour among the estimated 30,000 in attendance. Joining the countless Rainbow Nation colours were a broad cross-section of national flags representing every corner of the globe, as the many visitors in attendance took the opportunity to enjoy Africa’s impressive ability to turn on a party.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and South African President Jacob Zuma jointly opened the concert after the early acts. As the evening progressed a cavalcade of football stars took to the stage between performances including former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe, Christian Karembeu, Quinton Fortune, Socrates and Jay Jay Okacha. Another joyous presenter was Archbishop Desmond Tutu decked out in Bafana Bafana supporter gear and who introduced a video presentation on Nelson Mandela with trademark enthusiasm.

The large crowd rarely dropped their energy levels and their infectious enthusiasm was palpable. "I have been to a lot of concerts but I have never been to a concert like this," said ebullient Johannesburg resident Khensami Majola, just as K'Naan took to the stage to perform his poignant song 'Wavin Flag'. "It is amazing fun, we are having a huge jam. It is a perfect presentation of Africa – north, south, east and west." The concert drew to a spectacular conclusion with Colombian pop princess Shakira in impressive form. She was joined on stage by Freshlyground for a rendition of 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', the Official FIFA World Cup theme.

Another proud concert-goer was Soweto local William Oosthuizen who spoke with pride as he took a rare break from dancing. "I am very proud and I am enjoying this immensely,” he said. “Beauty in the heart of Soweto. This is what Africa is all about. Sport has a unifying factor and it’s all about people enjoying themselves." #

South Africa, are you ready?

2010-06-11T10:29:00.003-07:00

South Africa, South Africa, are you ready?" Black Eyed Peas will.i.am shouted to the 30-000 strong crowd 12 minutes into the live broadcast - and from that moment, the first-ever FIFA World Cup Kick-Off concert hit its stride and the pace never let up.

Dressed in glitzy military-themed costumes, Black Eyed Peas ran rapidfire through a medley of hits: "Where Is The Love," "Pump It," "Meet Me Halfway," "Boom Boom Pow," and "I Gotta Feeling" - the latter's refrain of "tonight's gonna be a good, good night" setting the tone for a rare display of stadium-sized international music talent.

The live broadcast had opened with a statement of African past and present, with veteran South African jazzman Hugh Masekela segueing from his classic "Grazing in the Grass" into the late Miriam Makeba's signature song, "Pata Pata" - this time featuring young Afro-soul multi-award winner, Lira on vocals.

The potency of Africa's talent was plain to see: whether it was Benin's Angelique Kidjo in full vocal throttle on the "Malaika/Afrika" medley with Grammy Award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, Mali's Amadou & Mariam's transporting "Welcome To Mali," and "Africa", the intoxicating sound of Mali's desert Blues outfit, Tinariwen, South Africa's Afro-folk favourite Vusi Mahlasela, previously unannounced South African kwaito (township house) hitmakers Big Nuz and DJ Tira, The Parlotones' full-throttle rock or the deft guitarwork of Mali's Vieux Farka Toure, Africa claimed the spotlight with passion, energy and no small amount of talent.

But it was the collaborations that really stole the hearts of the crowd: among the raft of pair-ups was Alicia Keys and swampy South African art-rock outfit BLK JKS in a version of the late Brenda Fassie's decade-old hit song "Too Late For Mama", and John Legend riffing off Kidjo before heading off into several of his hit songs including "Green Light."

Thankfully, appearances by dignitaries - including FIFA president Sebb Blatter and South African President Jacob Zuma - were kept to a minimum, with more time given over to 1GOAL, the global education program to provide education for 72 million children around the world. 91-year-old former President, Nelson Mandela, was saving his energy for Friday's opening match between South African and Brazil at Soccer City (Soweto), but the mainly South African-flag waving crowd were delighted to see another of the country's Nobel Peace Prize winners on stage. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who still stays in his township house near the stadium when he's in Joburg, joked he was only there to give the crowd "time to rest." Dressed head-to-toe in the colors of the national South African football team, the peace activist said "You can feel it. You can touch it," before welcoming the world in multiple languages and getting the crowd to join in praising Mandela.

The international artists wore their support for Africa boldly: Juanes sported an Adidas jacket in the colors of the South African flag for his set which included a collabo with BEP's Taboo. Alicia Keys exhorted the crowd not to "forget to love each other," and then plunged into "No One." "Johannesburg it's such a beautiful night today," she said before introducing BLK JKS. "It's our moment," cried rapper K'Naan, clutching a Somalian flag - his version of "Wavin' Flag" (Celebration Mix) a show highlight that caused a riot of multi-colooured flag waving in the crowd.

Shakira provided the show's crowning moment, the Colombian singer launching first into "She Wolf" before delivering a show-stopping performance of "Hips Don't Lie" with South African hip-hop artist Tumi Molekane who had performed earlier in the evening as part of the pre-broadcast show. And when the first notes of the official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song, "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" were heard and Shakira's South African collaborators - Afro-pop outfit Freshlyground - appeared, the crowd erupted into an unceasing cry of delight. "Ngiyabonga Mzansi," ("thankyou South Africa") Shakira said in closing.

After that, all that was left to do was for the performers to gather on stage to jointly (and loosely!) sing "Everyday People". The Sly & The Family Stone song makes a heartfelt plea for peace and equality and proved a fine end to a night of global football and music unity.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off concert was available in the U.S. (and other international territories) as a live stream on vevo.com and it was broadcast by Univision. The concert will air in primetime on ABC, Friday, June 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. #

World Cup Analysis

2010-06-11T10:29:00.001-07:00

GROUP A

France
Mexico
South Africa
Uruguay

FAVORITE

Very few teams are playing better at the moment than Mexico. Recently beat Italy on neutral ground.

SLEEPER

Uruguay hasn’t done much since winning the World Cup in 1930 and 1950. Has the talent to make some noise.

KEY GAME

Uruguay vs. France, today: The winner will keep pace with Mexico, who draws South Africa first.

BEST PLAYER

French attacking midfielder Franck Ribery helped Bayern Munich win Bundesliga and German Cup titles and reach the Champions League final.

THE SKINNY

It’s rare to find a World Cup group where the host country is the worst team of the four, but that’s the case with South Africa this year. Mexico, buoyed by some young players, appears to have finally come into its own. France, a finalist in 2006, will be in a battle with Uruguay to advance, and Uruguay, with forwards Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, may have the edge.

Swiss captain picks up ankle injury ahead of World Cup

2010-06-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

Swiss captain Alex Frei has picked up what might be quite a serious ankle injury today and he has left quite a few Swiss football fans worried that it could mean he is out of hte World Cup.
Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld isn't worried though and he has put Frei on the plane to South Africa tonight and he is confident he will be able to call on the player sometime during the tournament.
"I hope the ligaments are not damaged, that there is no fracture," Hitzfeld told Swiss news agency ATS. "I believe Alex will be on the flight with us tonight for South Africa even if it's a bad injury. I leave in the belief that he will take part in the World Cup.
"He perhaps will not be ready for the first match but I will be able to call upon him after that."
The Swiss line up against Spain, Honduras and Chile in Group H - what we are referring to as the easy group.

Take it all in, World Cup history begins today

2010-06-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

The countdown on the FIFA website and our countdown to the right, tell you the World Cup starts today and in some weird universe where people care more about formalities than football, it does. For us, it starts tomorrow at 4.00pm when South Africa kick off against Mexico, but our point is, it is starting and history is getting made.
So, if you are in South Africa, take a moment, take several moments. Breath it all in and take as many mental and real images as you can. The World Cup comes to South Africa - officially the new home of football.
Also, if you are in South Africa, take every opportunity you can to explore - I promise you, if it is your first time in South Africa and you really do give it a chance, it won't be your last. But you need to get out and about as the football is only a few hours a day - the rest of the time is for seeing new things.
But, if you are not in South Africa you need to know what we are going to be doing here.
From this afternoon onwards - we are going to be focusing on the actual football. So for every match there will be a match preview and for every match there will be a match report. We have individual group pages and we have all the group fixtures on one page as well as every World Cup group table on another - all will be updated as soon as the match is over so you'll be able to get your information as you need it.
On the day of the match and during the match we will be updating our Twitter feed with team news and all the match action. Twitter is where you will get our micro blogging - short one liners about what is happening in South Africa throughout the World Cup. Twitter will also be a good place to be as we will drop links to new news on here and everywhere else on the web too.
So, according to FIFA, the World Cup starts today, according to us, the World Cup starts tomorrow - either way it is here. Welcome to the new home of football!

World Cup Impac on Bussiness

2010-06-10T10:55:00.002-07:00

World Cup fever is set to trigger headaches for HR and IT managers at businesses big and small around the world.

For one, there’s likely to be a higher than normal level of absenteeism in certain countries when their nations are playing. Italians, for example, maybe unusually absent from work June 14, 20 and 24 while Brits may be scarce June 12, 18 and 23.

Then there’s the issue of network traffic: With games streamed live and on-demand, more than a few employees may be tempted to catch up on the action online. Given the density of data they’ll be pulling, it could cause corporate networks to slow to a crawl as all those video packets are routed through.

Of course, company executives can attempt to nip this all in the bud with a well-timed missive reminding staff that work is work and play is play and that World Cup games are strictly for outside work consumption.

But that wouldn’t be very sporting, says Susan Doniz, former CIO at multi-national giant Proctor and Gamble and newly promoted to run global service for P&G’s line of beauty and grooming products.

“We had this issue when I was in Argentina with P&G,” she says. “I wanted to book a meeting and everyone said, ‘oh, no, you can’t at that time that day.’”

At first the idea a mere soccer game would interfere with productivity was a complete culture shock but she soon became a convert to the game.

“In Argentina, in Buenos Aires, I never saw the streets so empty as when there was a big game on,” she says. “I worked all over Latin America and Mexico and in Europe too. At one point we realized that because a game was on there would be no one to run the production line at one of our factories. It seemed absurd that a soccer game would shut down a line but we had to do something to accommodate the employees. We set up TVs in the common area so they could watch the game.”

P&G employees this time around across the globe will be encouraged to come to the common areas to watch games on TV.

“It’s a two for one,” says Doniz. “One, it’s good from an employee moral aspect. You have young people, older workers, everyone, sharing a moment together. In fact, it becomes strange if they stay in their cubicles and don’t socialize. And of course, it means the network isn’t getting slowed down.”

It also cuts across all levels, she adds, meaning it’s truly a moment shared in fun and not fabricated.

“I think our Canadian CIO is Italian so I’m betting he’s going to be watching with everyone too.”

Australia's 2018 Bid

2010-06-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Australia remains in the bidding to host the 2018 World Cup despite the Asian confederation declaring the event should go to Europe.

Australia is bidding for either the 2018 or 2022 event, even though the consensus is that 2018 will, indeed, go to Europe.

Asian Football Confederation president Mohammad bin Hammam, speaking at an AFC meeting Tuesday, officially threw his organization's support behind Europe — somewhat unusual with one of its members still in the running.

"We have a bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups," Football Federation of Australia chairman Frank Lowy said Wednesday while making a charity appearance at a primary school in Randfontein. "It's also our decision (whether) to pull out. Right now, we haven't done that. If we do, we will let the world know."

Asked to comment on Bin Hammam's snub, Lowy said: "He's said what he has said. He is my boss. We are bidding."

Bin Hammam said individual FIFA executive committee members from Asia would not have to follow the official AFC stance.

"It will be an open bid and everybody is free to support anyone," Bin Hammam said. "But our support is for Europe when it comes to 2018. The mood inside the FIFA executive committee is that Europe should host the 2018 version."

The FFA's bids have been backed by the Australian government. Australian sports minister Kate Ellis, who was at the charity event, said the government will take advantage of the Socceroos' participation in this World Cup to push its own campaign.

"Certainly, Australians have shown that they are serious about this bid," Ellis said. "We will continue working hard in South Africa to make sure that it's a success. We are really excited about being in South Africa."

Australia is the only Asian country bidding for both 2018 and 2022, and FIFA will announce the winners in December. Australia is competing with England, Russia, the United States and joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Spain-Portugal for 2018.

Japan, South Korea and Bin Hammam's home nation of Qatar are bidding for 2022 only.

Twitter's World Cup There

2010-06-10T10:54:00.002-07:00

If Twitter is fast becoming the world’s watercooler as it is, watch what happens in the next few weeks as the World Cup takes over the planet. And as with any event of that size and – being a football fan at heart – importance, rest assured that hip Internet companies will be scrambling to lay some easter eggs.

Yesterday, we learned that Google has a special surprise in store for those who search for ‘world cup’ – scroll to the bottom if you’ve been living under a rock for the past 24 hours and you don’t know what we’re referring to.

An eagle-eyed reader just alerted us to the fact Twitter itself is also doing its part, by quietly adding a custom ‘South Africa 2010′ theme to its design gallery.

We don’t know how long it’s been there, but here’s how to get it: go to Twitter.com, log on, go to Settings and then click the Design tab. The theme can be found at the bottom. [Via]

Wavin’ a different flag

2010-06-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

The fact that I can count down the days to the 2010 FIFA World Cup on my fingers gives me one of the best feelings of excitement ever. While football might not be on par with cricket in terms of fervor and zeal in our neck of the woods, when the World Cup rolls around every four years, even the most dormant of football fans are awakened and make it a point to watch the beautiful game being cherished.

I fell in love with football after getting caught up in the excitement of the 2002 World Cup and it has been a wonderful journey since; comprising breathtaking goals, brilliant tackles and awe inspiring saves.

From June 11 until July 11, football fans across the nation will be glued to their television screens and all eyes will be on South Africa as it hosts one of the biggest events in the sporting world for the first time on African soil. With thirty-two countries participating and sixty-four games being played, the World Cup guarantees non-stop entertainment for its fans.

Hiba, a student from Szabist, Karachi says, “I am excited for the World Cup and just want it to start now! I will be supporting Germany and I really want them to win it this time after coming so close in the last two World Cups.

“A month back, I would have confidently predicted Germany to at least reach the semi-finals if not the final; however, the recent injuries to the players have left me worried. They were already in a tough group so now I just hope they play to their potential and we’ll see what happens.”

The World Cup has a tendency to attract even those who do not follow football as fanatically as some. “I will try watching some of the matches. I’d probably be supporting the underdogs,” says Usman, a student at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. “I’m not a big football fan but I will end up watching the World Cup because most of my friends will be.”

While there is massive support for big teams such as Spain and Germany, a lot of people are rooting for the underdogs too. “I would love to see an underdog do well, especially an African country, and of all the teams, Ivory Coast are the most likely to perform well, even though the competition is stiff for them as they will be facing giants Brazil and Portugal.

“I cannot wait to watch Messi, simply because of his performance for Barca. Other than him, Ronaldo and Kaka are definitely in the spotlight, but personally, I want some action from Van Persie, Sneijder, and Ribery,” says Bilal, a student from the Fatima Jinnah Dental College.

These sentiments are echoed by many others who are looking forward to star studded performances by Ronaldo, Kaka, Messi and Rooney in the absence of the now elder statesmen David Beckham and Michael Ballack.

The anticipation in the country is such that even the arid, coastal strip of the Makran coast wears a rainbow feel as you travel through its ports while the violence hit northern valley of Swat has also been going through football therapy, organising matches to keep the youth busy and distracted. The effect of football reaches beyond the festivities in Pakistan as documented by a report in The News which revealed that during 2006 World Cup the crime rate in Lyari actually fell. Lyari is a heavily populated locality in Karachi, plagued by gang wars and street crime. It is a hotbed of football and home to Abdul Ghafoor, the ‘Pele’ of Pakistan.

So how is it that the football World Cup is so hyped up in Pakistan when we do not even have representation (aside from a few officials at the opening ceremony) in the tournament? When asked, most people said it is largely because football is starting to emerge as a popular sport here, building a bigger fan base. While it might not rival the passion for cricket in Pakistanis, it definitely tugs at some strings.

“It is sad that our country does not qualify for the World Cup but I think the game here is emerging; there are local and private clubs and if the government starts supporting football here, I think we have the potential to be part of the sport at that level but till then I’m happy chanting ‘Viva Espana’ and I hope Spain wins!” says Huzefah from the Indus Valley School of Arts.

Every four years the World Cup also offers restaurants, hotels and cafés the opportunity to cash in on the action and as such the various hotspots around Pakistan are getting into the spirit.

In Karachi popular match viewing spots such as the Sports Bar and Le Grand have made special arrangements for the World Cup and are expecting a big turnout, especially for the later stages of the tournament. The Sports Bar has private viewing spaces, which, people can book in advance. Matches will also be shown at the Rahat Stadium and Sheraton Hotel, which can accommodate large groups of excited aficionados.

Football fans in Lahore will be going to Kaps, the Mall of Lahore and Jinnah Gardens to watch the World Cup.

However, these won’t be the only places hosting big screens and large crowds – university campuses too have made arrangements to cater to the frenzy. The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) is also a popular spot for the football fans to gather and watch the games on big screens.

Shaukat Hamdani, a LUMS alumni, pointed out that even though lots of people such as himself will be sitting at work when the matches start, there’s always the mini-golf in Lahore to get together at for the later games.

Regardless of it not being Pakistan’s most popular sport, a lot of places are banking on the event to bring big business. The Pearl Continental hotel in Bhurban is one of these places while Café Brabus and Espresso Lounge in Islamabad too are making arrangements to cater to the fans.

One day, we will hopefully have Pakistan to cheer for but until then let us make the most out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Who will it be from the thirty-two? Maradona’s Argentina? Euro 2008 winners, Spain? The favourite favourites, Brazil? The defending champions, Italy? One of the underdogs? I cannot wait to find out!

By Tabinda Siddiqi for Dawn.com

Football’s Myths

2010-06-10T10:53:00.003-07:00

FAKING A FALL: How can you tell when a player is diving? One telltale is the “archer’s bow,” says British psychologist Paul Morris. This is when a player falls with both arms in the air, with open palms, chest thrust out and legs bent at the knee, like a sprung archery bow.

“This occurs in many dives but biomechanically it does not occur in a natural fall,” said Morris. “Instead, instinctively the arms go down in an attempt to cushion the fall or out to the side for balance.”

World Cup 2010 Jabulani Official Soccer Match Ball

2010-06-10T10:53:00.001-07:00

Jabulani means to celebrate in Zulu, one of the 11 languages of South Africa, and the design of the Jabulani has 11 colors to honor those 11 languages, in addition to the 11 communities of South Africa and and the 11 players on a team. The 11 colors also honor the fact that this is adidas' 11th FIFA World Cup ball. Constructed with eight new thermally bonded, spherically shaped, 3 D EVA and TPU panels, the Japbulani is perfectly round and has been equipped with a new Grip'n'Groove technology. Grip'n'Groove is a textured treatment that ensures the Jabulani flies straight and true. The Japbulani is designed for never before seen power, swerve and control. It's a ball truly worthy of the best in the game.

South Africa can win the World Cup, despite the nerves

2010-06-09T07:03:00.001-07:00

Nerves are good. You need nerves before a football game if you are to do well, because without nerves, the butterfly feeling in the stomach, you don't truly know what is at stake. Some of the South African players have admitted to feeling nervous today and it's not a bad thing.
In fact, it's a good thing, because having these nerves also means they believe they can achieve something special and you know what, they can.
"As it gets nearer to kick off, the nerves are beginning. All we have in mind is not to disappoint," said striker Bernard Parker.
"There are times now when you get really nervous but having the nation behind us means a lot to the squad," added winger Siphiwe Tshabalala.
"I don't know how we are going to feel on the bus on the way to the opening game," said the David Beckham of South African football and not because he looks like him, just because of the media coverage of him and his wife, Matthew Booth.

Just a chance for South Africa

You see, South Africa have looked good lately. The football has been very focused, very crisp and very controlled. When you look at France, Mexico and Uruguay and then back at the football South Africa have played recently, there is reason to believe they will get through this group.
Mexico looked good against England despite losing 3-1 so they will be tough but South Africa drew with Bulgaria and they beat Colombia recently also. They will believe they can finish in the top two.
"We are all aware of the importance of winning the first game," said goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
"We have the advantage of home support and with the whole nation behind us there is a real energy. But there is a little bit of nerves while we wait."
Nerves are good, but local support is going to be important too and I fancy South Africa will get it.

Denmark manager misses training through illness

2010-06-09T07:01:00.001-07:00

In the good old days, they used to play with snow on the ground. In the good old days, when a player was tacked he'd stand up, brush himself off and continue playing. In the good old days football was a contact sport and you were allowed to tackle and make contact and if you did get hurt, there existed a magic sponge that could take away all known pains.
Sadly, not any more. Players are not allowed to touch other players, in case the player they are making contact with falls over, or dives and the referee awards a free kick.
Today, if a player does go down, he stays down and waits for the physio to come on so he can get a mouthful of an energy drink and if he was actually tackled, like they used to do it in the good old days, he will wait for the stretcher and take an extra minute.
Football has changed. Players are soft. It used to be if you got a kick you would run it off, not be subbed and miss the next game. It used to be if you had a cold, you still played, but not these days and it appears it isn't just the footballers, because Denmark coach Morten Olsen has a cold and his assistant, Peter Bonde, has taken training today.
We know what those colds are like, especially a Cape Town cold in the middle of winter, so we hope he gets better and while we are having a little joke, it was probably advisable he didn't take training, just in case he passed it on to any of the players and just in case it really does turn out to be a virus, which is what some are saying.

Good news for Denmark

There was good news today; striker Nicklas Bendtner and defender Simon Kjaer resumed training today. We like Nicklas Bendtner and we will be looking out for him over the next couple of weeks because we think he will score one or two.
Denmark are in Group E, up against the Netherlands, Japan and Cameroon. This is a tough group to call so I won't make a joke about it, instead I will just wish Mr Olsen a speedy recovery.

The World Cup will be marvellous - Sepp Blatter

2010-06-09T07:00:00.002-07:00

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is looking forward to the World Cup and while he is offering up words of caution, most of what he said yesterday focused on why this will be best World Cup.
“Be conscious of the fact that we are in Africa, even if South Africa is the best organised country on the continent. You can be critical — that is your right — but admit that you really feel something here,” Blatter told a press conference.
“This World Cup will be marvellous and we are looking forward to the kick-off,” said Blatter. “This will be a fantastic World Cup.”
“Everywhere, one can feel, even you journalists, I hope, that this World Cup is very special, the first on African soil,”
Blatter is a big fan of South Africa and was instrumental in making sure that Africa staged a World Cup by bringing in the continent rotation policy, that ends after Brazil in 2014 and every since it was awarded to South Africa has backed the country in what seems every way possible.
Mr Blatter will of course be at the World Cup opening ceremony and the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.

Not a joke: Germany can get to the final, apparently

2010-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Germany can get to the final. That isn't me saying it, it is German legend Franz Beckenbauer and well, he is German and you just have to admire his optimism. I'm not, I just can't see it this time round.
We all know football is a team game, but Germany lost their most influential player in Michael Ballack as well as Christian Traesch, Simon Rolfes and first choice keeper Rene Adler and I'm sorry to say it but even German efficiency isn't going to get them to the final.
There you go, our big World Cup prediction; Germany will not make the final. But don't take our word for it, we also said Italy wouldn't win the World Cup in 2006 and Herr Beckenbauer does know a little more about football than us.
"I saw them playing recently against Hungary and Bosnia, very impressive. You know the Germans, the spirit, they always fight till the last minute - Germany is respected by the opponents because they never give up," he told reporters.
"Ballack is the most important player in the German team and a World Cup is a great stage for the really big ones and when they are not there, they are missed - but if the other players are able to give 5-10 percent more, you can balance that out - and the team can get to the final," he said.
We say good luck to Germany in Group D and while we think they really should get through, we wouldn't be surprised if two of Australia, Serbia and Ghana did enough to beat them to the prize.

Spain thrash Poland but Iniesta comes off injured

2010-06-09T06:59:00.003-07:00

Spain beat Poland 6-0 yesterday, at a canter, but the real news is that in the 39th minute of the game Andres Iniesta came off with a muscle problem. He will have a scan today and the reason why this is real news is because Iniesta is one of the reasons why Spain are favourites to win the World Cup starting this week.
"He felt a little strain in his leg but we hope it's nothing," said coach Vicente del Bosque. But there was also some very good news if you are a Spanish supporter.
The good news is, Fernando Torres is back and the even better news is he hasn't forgotten where the goal is. The even better news is that Cesc Fabregas, David Villa and Xabi Alonso have also not forgotten where the goal is.
The reason this is a worry is because Iniesta spent a fair chunk of the season out with a thigh problem, so Spanish fingers will be crossed today, hoping the scan comes back giving it the all clear.
"The injury has passed and now I'm able to help my team-mates, so it's time to enjoy it," said Torres. "Tomorrow [Wednesday] I'm sure there will be a lot of optimism and euphoria but we know it will be difficult."

Ramos talks down Spain chances ahead of World Cup

2010-06-09T06:59:00.001-07:00

Spanish defender Sergio Ramos thinks that Italy, Brazil, Holland and Portugal all have a chance of winning the World Cup this year but we think this is just the Spanish way of trying to ease the pressure on the World Cup favourites.
"Well, I think in these kinds of events you always have a surprise," the Real Madrid defender said.
"Obviously the favourites are Italy, Brazil, Portugal, Holland ... in this year's tournament we will see so many good players which make the World Cup so interesting and exciting. So, we pass the status of being the favourite to the other teams.
"We do not like to be seen as favourites but of course we have a strong team and if we do the things well as we did in the European Cup, step by step and respecting every team, we will play an important role. I would be happy reaching the 11th of July, the day of the final."
Ramos is just trying to deflect the pressure away from his team-mates, but we all know Spain are looking the best and have done for two or three years. If you were going to have a bet on the World Cup - we say put it on Spain, we think they will do it too.

Odds point to a Spain and Brazil final, with England third

2010-06-09T06:58:00.001-07:00

There are loads of different World Cup betting markets available from the bookies. One of the favourites at the moment is to bet on what teams will make it to the finals.
The strongest selection at the moment with the shortest odds is a Brazil V Spain final. But what about England? Stop sweating, the second favourite according to the bookies is a Spain V England final.
England are entering the World Cup as third favourites, that means they’re predicted to reach the World Cup Semi Final, if all favourites win their groups, England are on target to meet Brazil in the semi final. Everyone is predicting that Spain, Brazil and England will all reach the semi final, what team will fill the fourth space?
Germany will avoid the three favourites until the semil final, if they win their group. Most people have dismissed Germany this year but looking at their stats, they prove to be a formidable team. Their World Cup record is nothing short of amazing, their worst performance in twenty years is going out in the quarter final. Despite this amazing record, they are currently at a big price to win the World Cup.
One of the reasons they’re seen as outsiders at this years tournament is their lack of star players and this is where England are hoping Rooney will make a difference. He is one of the favourites to win the Golden Boot, behind International stars Lionel Messi and current favourite David Villa.
For all the latest World Cup odds, on any market, click the highlighted link.
Bookies become very generous during World Cups. They’re desperate to get you betting with them, so it’s a great time to take advantage of all the great offers and free bets they have. Click here to get a full list of World Cup Free Bets.

Kewell and Emerton train for Australia ahead of World Cup

2010-06-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Three bits of news for Australian football fans today and while none of it is bad news or going to get you that worried about your chances in South Africa, it is a little interesting.
The news all comes from quite an intensive two hour training session last night and seeing as we always like good news at the end, we will start with the not so good news.
The not so good news is that Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and the one player the Australian starting eleven can not do without if they are to stand a chance of getting past Ghana, Germany and Serbia, only took part in light training and is still suffering form the neck injury he picked up in the defeat to the USA last week.
The good news is that one time bright prospect Harry Kewell took part in training and Blackburn midfielder Brett Emerton also completed the two hour session.
It's good news for Australia and it will be even better if Tim Cahill is fit to play. Without him, we are not so sure.

Onyewu and Altidore available for World Cup opener

2010-06-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

USA coach Bob Bradley says defender Oguchi Onyewu is ready to play ninety minutes against England and the defender is also keen to play, despite not playing a full ninety minutes since October last year.
Bradley used him as a 61st minute substitute against Australia on Saturday and the player would have liked more.
"Obviously, yeah, I would love to be able to see if I could have played a full 90," Onyewu said yesterday.
USA play England on Saturday in the first World Cup match of the campaign and Bradley is keen to have his strongest team available and is also confident that Jozy Altidore will be available after spraining his ankle in the warm up match against Austrlia last week.
Altidore took part in training yesterday and Bradley knows he is available: "He's available for whatever role we choose for Saturday."

Time for African Glory

2010-06-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

With Pele’s prediction that an African team would win the FIFA World Cup™ by the end of the last century having proved wide off the mark, Africans are desperate for the continent' first finals to witness a meaningful achievement. Many see a semi-final place for one of the African contenders at South Africa 2010 as an absolute must, especially with the backing of a football-mad people that are sure to support their home side first and any other African nation second.

Considering that Cameroon at Italy 1990 and Senegal at Korea/Japan 2002 are the only African sides to reach the quarter-finals of the world’s showpiece football event and that no FIFA World Cup has ever had more than one African side in the knockout rounds, it seems a tall order. And while there is no doubt that the continent has continued to produce some of the world’s best players, the inconsistency of its national teams has left many scratching their heads.

However, typical of Africa, optimism somehow triumphs in the face of any odds, and many legendary figures, past and present, have gone on the record predicting success. For current players, the idea of lifting the spirits of the continent’s people to the level of ecstasy is the ultimate. “My team-mates and I want to make history and want to change the way the world sees African football. I hope that we'll be the team that is going to go to the Final and win the competition,” said injury-worry Didier Drogba, who may miss the tournament with a broken arm, but who captains what many consider to be the most talent-laden side on the continent.

World Cup Murals

2010-06-09T06:28:00.003-07:00

ESPN's advertising campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a celebration of the World Cup and the host country, South Africa.

These promotional efforts include 33 original pieces of artwork -- one for each participating country and one general World Cup piece. The look of each work was inspired by hand-painted African signage and movie posters. This hand-painted style can be found in the streets and townships across South Africa and the entire African continent.

The paintings, created at AM I Collective Studios in Cape Town, South Africa, tell the story of each team's plight or essence as it enters the country for the World Cup.

Nelson Mandela will attend FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies in South Africa

2010-06-09T06:28:00.001-07:00

As was announced today by his family, South Africa's Former President Nelson Mandela is scheduled to attend the opening ceremonies of the World Cup this week.

This means the world event has now become an even bigger one with the promise of an appearance of this great man who worked long and hard for his country's unification, winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. The World Cup symbolizes that courage, and so to have this global leader show up to start the event will mean, well, the world to the millions who admire Mandela.

Although the Nelson Mandela Foundation said the great man will be appeared, this has been confirmed by Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela today who told the press:

"He will come and greet the fans... before he retires to his home. We're trying to see how long he will stay at the stadium. At least 10 to 15 minutes.'

Since this South African icon is now 91, and since his appearances are not very frequent, all fans of football (both soccer and American) and all fans of civil rights should be sure to put their focus on Nelson Mandela as he greets the world at the opening ceremonies of this world-class event. Hopefully, the whole experience will mean a big boost to South African tourism as we start to watch the FIFA World Cup beginning Friday in Soccer City.

Vuvuzela: SA football's beautiful noise

2010-06-09T06:27:00.003-07:00

What's plastic, a metre long, brightly coloured and sounds like an elephant? It's the vuvuzela, the noise-making trumpet of South African football fans, and it's come to symbolise the sport in the country.

It's an instrument, but not always a musical one. Describing the atmosphere in a stadium packed with thousands of fans blowing their vuvuzelas is difficult. Up close it's an elephant, sure, but en masse the sound is more like a massive swarm of very angry bees.

Soccer fever grips Parliament

2010-06-09T06:27:00.001-07:00

Football fever seized MPs on Thursday at a joint sitting of Parliament's two houses to debate the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

"Honourable members, please, there should be no vuvuzelas in the House!" Speaker Max Sisulu admonished members in the National Assembly, after his call for them to come to order was greeted with a horn blast.

This provoked much laughter among MPs, all of whom were in a festive mood, wearing Bafana shirts under their jackets. Many had donned football hats and scarves, while one NCOP member sported an Afro-style brightly-coloured wig.

DA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip had mounted a small Zakumi mascot doll on his bench alongside a miniature soccer ball.

Across the floor, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe sat with a scarf in the colours of the South African flag around his neck.

Australia might be looking for new training venue

2010-06-06T06:51:00.001-07:00

Australia might quit their designated FIFA World Cup training base, if the condition of the grass does not improve very quickly after a friendly match with the United States tomorrow.
Australia coach Pim Verbeek has confirmed that they are already looking at alternatives if the pitch is left in it's current state after the friendly match with the United States this weekend.
“We are thinking, of course, for a Plan B and a Plan C but let’s see how it is tomorrow first,” Verbeek said.
“If there is too much damage then maybe we have to do something different. On the other hand, it is just for the upcoming 10 days before Germany. I’m not so sure you can destroy the field in 10 days. If it is the case, then we have to find somewhere else.”
No players have complained about the pitch but FIFA have apparently confirmed that plans are under-way to find a new training venue.
“Our players never complain,” Verbeek said. “We have seen some quite interesting fields in the last two and a half years travelling over the world. They just do their job.”

Ivory Coast beat Japan but Drogba goes off injured

2010-06-06T06:50:00.004-07:00

Ivory Coast might have beaten Japan 2-0 in a World Cup warm up match but if you ask Ivory Coast coach Sven Goran Eriksson if he could go back in time and lose and not have a doubt over Didier Drogba - he'd pick the latter.
The match ended 2-0 earlier today but captain Drogba picked up a right arm injury which forced him to go off after just 18 minutes. He is now on his way to hospital for a scan.
Drogba scored the first after his free kick went in off Marcus Tulio Tanaka, but just three minutes later a knock against the same player meant he had to go off. Reports coming out of South Africa are saying Drogba might be out of the World Cup after a serious fracture of his elbow, but these reports are unconfirmed.
Kolo Toure of Manchester City added the second goal ten minutes from time to complete the match although all the news will focus on the Chelsea striker.

France beaten by China in World Cup warm up match

2010-06-06T06:50:00.002-07:00

Things do not look to be going the way they should be for the French. While they might still be feeling a little guilty over the way they made it to South Africa that is no excuse to perform so poorly during the build up to the event. Now, to top it all off, they go and lose to China.
Deng Zhuoxiang's 68th-minute goal was enough to win it for China and the match finished 1-0. While the French will feel a little unlucky, they did have the majority of the ball, it is results that matter and this wasn't a good one.
But, it was just a warm up match and the real business for France starts next week with their first match against Uruguay in Cape Town. They have no more warm up matches planned so all the focus will switch to getting as many points as possible with the three games.
They are also up against hosts South Africa and a much improved Mexico. I don't think the French are going to make it.

Odds point to a Spain and Brazil final, with England third

2010-06-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

John Obi Mikel to miss World Cup

2010-06-06T06:48:00.001-07:00

World Cup players are dropping like flies at the moment. Next on the list of players that were, but will no longer be playing in the World Cup is Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel who has withdrawn from the squad.
The Chelsea midfielder has been struggling with a knee injury and rather than risk his club career by playing, he decided to pull out of the Nigeria squad and make sure his knee is better for next season.
"We have dropped Mikel from the World Cup after he told the team he did not want to put his career at risk as his knee injury has yet to fully heal after a recent surgery," team co-ordinator, Emmanuel Attah, told www.mtnfootball.com.
Mikel was rested in the game against Colombia over the weekend and the Swedish coach Lars Lagerback explained "there was nothing wrong, but it was just a precaution".
The player did train with the squad yesterday in Durban but it appears the knee didn't full react the way he would have liked.
Attah also confirmed that officials from the Nigerian camp are currently meeting to decide on a replacement - which must come from the seven players axed by Lagerback who were part of the preliminarily squad.

Pirlo travels back to Milan Lab ahead of World Cup

2010-06-06T06:47:00.001-07:00

It is looking likely that Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo will miss the opening match of the World Cup against Paraguay in Cape Town due to a calf strain.
"Pirlo's is an injury that worries me, but luckily we have time," Italy's doctor Enrico Castellacci told ANSA. "Everybody reacts in a different way and Pirlo will be monitored day by day."
The AC Milan star will now travel back to Italy and first stop on his arrival is expected to be the famous Milan Lab where he hopes they will be able to help speed up his recovery.
Pirlo is still expected to travel with the Italy side to South Africa and he will be assessed ahead opening game although isn't expected to be fully fit.
Castellacci also said that injuries like Pirlo's usually come with a recovery period of 15 to 20 days so the midfielder should be in contention to play against New Zealand on June 20.

Paraguay must work harder - Gerardo Martino

2010-06-06T06:46:00.003-07:00

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino is demanding more hard work from his players ahead of the World Cup if they are going to be able to compete.
"I have been to South Africa before. I think now we know what to expect. We have been preparing well for this World Cup. I believe we will be in good condition for the first game," said Martino to fifa.com.
"We will be trying to do our best to prepare for our game against Italy, which should be tough. We are aware that this is going to be a difficult tournament for everyone, but we need to work harder and make sure we qualify for the next round."
Paraguay beat fellow qualifiers Greece 2-0 in a friendly match in Winterthur, Switzerland on Wednesday. Goals from Enrique Vera and Lucas Barrios put it beyond the Eueo 2004 winners and they will be confident going into Group F up against Italy, New Zealand and Slovakia.

Dutch beat Hungary but Robben limps off

2010-06-06T06:46:00.001-07:00

Arjen Robben, the Holland wide man, will be taken to hospital for a scan on his hamstring tomorrow after picking up the injury during the 6-1 win against Hungary today.
Dutch coach, Bert van Marwijk, admitted he is concerned about Robben but will not consider calling up a stand-in until they can fully determine the extent of the injury.
"He made an unnatural move and then sustained the hamstring injury," Van Marwijk told the press. "He will not join us tonight on our way to South Africa as he will undergo a scan tomorrow as it was no use to do it now."
"My first thought was this can't be true, the end the final warm-up match, everyone is fit and then this," he added.
"We now have to wait. I can replace Robben until 24 hours before our opening match but as long as there is hope he recovers in time he will stay in the squad."
"I would rather lose this match and have Arjen stay fit. He felt a sharp pain. That does not bode well. But I do not lose hope." Robben was a second half substitue and he also scored twice, with Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel and Eljero Elia scoring the others.

Unlucky Swiss only draw with Italy in World Cup warm up

2010-06-06T06:45:00.002-07:00

Switzerland will consider themselves unlucky to have not beaten Italy yesterday and Italy will likely be scratching their heads wondering what is going on; they just don't seem to be able to do anything right at the moment.
The game ended 1-1 but on chances it should have been a victory for Switzerland. The Italians however will like this result; in warm up matches against the Swiss in 1982 and 2006, two World Cups Italy won, they also drew 1-1 with the Swiss.
Italy really won't care about the draw as they will know it is mostly about the results in the actual World Cup, but Switzerland should be happy and they will take heart from it as they are in one of the groups where anyone could get through.
Switzerland when ahead with a long range effort from Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler, but Italy quickly responded and Napoli striker Fabio Quagliarella headed in to level things up.
Switzerland open their Group H campaign against Spain and then have Chile and Honduras, both matches they should win on this performance.

England keepers the real problem - Iker Casillas

2010-06-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

Fighting talk from Spain keeper Iker Casillas this weekend. He believes England's keepers will be their weakness at the World Cup this summer because they don't have European experience.
The Real Madrid keeper has questioned the temperament of Robert Green, David James and Joe Hart ahead of the tournament and called in to question their ability to handle big-match environments.
"I can see why both Lionel Messi and Xavi have talked up England's chances at the World Cup because their class is undisputed," said Casillas.
"But their goalkeeping situation is a real problem: none of the keepers have played even European Cup level, that's the highest level you can play at club level.
"And if you have never played in the top club competition in the world, you are going to find it hard to perform at the top international level in the world when even more eyes are on you.
"If you look at myself, Gigi Buffon of Italy and Julio Cesar of Brazil, we are keepers who've all won European Championships, World Cups and European Cups."
Casillas is a great keeper and great players get asked questions and those questions can lead to statements like this. I'm sure he didn't mean to belittle the achievements of David James, Joe Hart and Robert Green and I'm sure he didn't want to try and get into their heads that maybe they are not ready.

FIFA World Cup Odds - 2010 World Cup Predictions

2010-06-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

FIFA World Cup Odds - 2010 World Cup Predictions: Injuries have claimed two of the FIFA World Cup players as both Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand have been ruled out of the 2010 World Cup odds matchups. In a match against Japan last week the well known striker for the Ivory Coast injured his elbow, which in turn has severely effected the 2010 World Cup odds to win Group G.

For England the loss of their defender Rio Ferdinand could potentially spell disaster. Ferdinand was injured during training on Friday and is officially listed as out of the FIFA 2010 World Cup odds action. Known as one of the World Cup's best defenders and quite possibly one of the best defenders of all time was injured while defending England's own striker Emile Heskey during England's first full training session.

With these two key players out of the FIFA 2010 World Cup action you can expect the 2010 World Cup odds to shift to recognize the loss of these two players from the tournament. The 2010 World Cup betting action kicks of is just eight days.

Stay on top of the 2010 World Cup odds and point spreads with our live World Cup 2010 odds feed which provides real time point spreads and sports odds from the top internet sportsbooks in the world, all in one easy to use sports betting location. Get LIVE World Cup odds line moves in real time and find out which World Cup team has the best World Cup 2010 Odds and Football Odds. [Via]

FIFA World Cup 2010 Football Jerseys

2010-06-06T06:43:00.003-07:00

Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner were in South Korea yesterday for the continued promotion of the movie, Twilight Eclipse. The latest segment of the promotion brought a new type of media blitz.

The stars were allowed to walk around the very well behaved crowds and sign autographs along with the chance to take pictures. After they were done mingling with the crowd, they went up on stage for some photographing time. Spending a few minutes they modeled in front of the huge poster behind them.

After the modeling in front of the poster, two big pens came out the and cast signed the poster behind them. This cute moment was followed up by the two signing FIFA World Cup 2010 Football jerseys.

Around the world FIFA football fever has been the rage. People love the chance to share the fun in this classic game with every country participating in the best until the two teams of the best talent are chosen. The signing of the jersey is a symbolic image for South Korea and has a special meaning for the country.

Life Outside South Africa’s Stadiums

2010-06-06T06:43:00.001-07:00

As hundreds of thousands of soccer fans pour into South Africa to watch the World Cup, we asked residents from five of the nine host cities what shouldn?t be missed. While sharing their favorite things to eat, see and do, they all agreed on a few larger truths: some streets could be safer, the beaches are beautiful, the cities electric and the wildlife unparalleled. This week, with the eyes of the world upon them, they are ready to show it all off. Read more here!

The World is a Ball

2010-06-06T06:42:00.003-07:00

Olé, olé, olé, olé.... The FIFA World Cup 2010 runs June 11 to July 11 in South Africa, and all this month, the Book Club is getting into the spirit of this huge sporting event — 32 countries, 31 days and a celebration of soccer that pulls in an audience of billions — with an in-depth look at the world's most popular game by one of Canada's finest journalists, John Doyle.

"Television has had a profound effect on international soccer tournaments, creating a vast global culture of celebration, joy, bittersweet feelings and, sometimes, despair. When the World Cup unfolds now, the planet is truly a global village."

In The World is a Ball: The Joy, Madness and Meaning of Soccer (Doubleday Canada), author and award-winning Globe and Mail television columnist John Doyle offers a richly detailed social history of "the beautiful game" and a thoughtful appraisal of its global impact in the 21st century.

Opening Ceremony of FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010

2010-06-06T06:42:00.001-07:00

South Africa has a golden opportunity to host The 2010 Fifa (Soccer/football) World Cup and showcase uniqueness about the country. South Africa is a beautiful country, it is also known for its diverse culture, religion and language. South Africa is famous for its scenic beauty, lofty mountains and beautiful beaches. South Africa is now gearing up with the arrangements to prove itself as a perfect host for the most prestigious tournament and make it a lifetime experience not only for its country but for the thousands of people visiting the country. Hosting World cup is a counted as a National Pride and unity.

Johannesburg which is also known as Joburg, it is also considered as the city of gold and is honoured to host greatest event which would prove to be a landmark in the history of city. Johannesburg will host the opening and the closing ceremonies of the Fifa World Cup (soccer/football) 2010 along with the starting and the final match would be organised in the city itself and some preliminary and quarter final matches too.

Being the most prestigious event Johannesburg is all set to provide the best platform for the event. Johannesburg is the working hard to meet the requirements of Fifa like transport, accommodation, security. Johannesburg is all set to outshine the standards developed by the previous host cities and with full warmth and generosity welcomes everyone to experience the African culture.

Though nothing have been disclosed about the event being performed at the opening ceremony, but it is to be believed that it would symbolise the African culture, preparations are on for the ceremony. The special firework arrangements are being done to make the vent a breathtaking and a memorable one .Also the selection of Soccer cheerleaders are also on .No Doubt Soccer girls and boys are going to enjoy this event.

South Africa the host of the most prestigious event and Johannesburg is playing as a key host for the Fifa soccer /football 2010 world cup.

FIFA 38,000 Unsold Tickets

2010-06-06T06:41:00.001-07:00

FIFA will put 38,000 unsold World Cup tickets costing up to $300 on to the market after the global recession badly dented its traditionally lucrative corporate hospitality packages.

The tickets, released on Monday only four days before the World Cup kick-off, will range from $200-$300, soccer's governing body said on Saturday.

They include posh lounge seats and complimentary drinks but no food.Jaime Byrom, head of FIFA's official travel agent MATCH, told Reuters last month that foreign demand for corporate hospitality packages, which usually make up a significant chunk of the organization's revenue, had collapsed because of the global recession and alarmist reporting about crime.

Foreign financial services companies dominated the luxury hospitality packages at the last World Cup in Germany in 2006 but their demand has evaporated during the recession.

Byrom said South African firms had stepped in to fill some of the gap.At the other end of the scale, FIFA said on Saturday about 15,000 tickets, close to the pitch with partially obstructed views, would be sold at the lowest price of $20.

Both types of ticket would be available only for cash at FIFA ticket offices in South Africa and would not include the July 11 final, semi-finals, opening match and any games involving South Africa.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said this week that revised seating plans and reallocation of tickets had freed an additional 100,000 seats for Africa's first World Cup, bringing the total to more than three million.

He said the proportion sold could exceed the 97 percent sold for the 2006 finals.

(Editing by Jon Bramley)

North Korea name striker as goal keeper in squad list

2010-06-03T21:48:00.002-07:00

North Korea named an extra striker as a goalkeeper in their squad list but their plan to be able to use him as an extra striker has backfired today.
FIFA have told North Korea that Kim Myong-Won, who usually plays as a centre-forward, will only be able to play as a goalkeeper in the World Cup.
In a statement, FIFA said: "The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the FIFA World Cup and cannot play outfield. This will be communicated to the teams in the team arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days."
You'll get a good price with the bookmakers on him getting a game.

Nigeria finally arrive in South Africa for World Cup

2010-06-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

Nigeria have finally arrived in South Africa after getting delayed in England. The plane they chartered had problems, so they stated an extra day while alternative plans were made.
The Nigeria Football Federation issued an apology for the delay. "We apologize to the federal government and the good people of Nigeria for this charter company's failure," Bolaji Ojo-Oba of the Nigerian Football Federation said.
"[We also apologise to] the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa and the staff who went through considerable discomfort waiting for the team to arrive on Tuesday. "We didn't want the team to fly regular airline with its complications and unpredictability.
"The players fly business class, it would have been difficult for us to secure in excess of 40 business class seats on one aircraft. Whatever we did was in the interest of the team, their safety, security and comfort.
"What has happened is unfortunate, but we are full of gratitude to the federal government for its keen interest in this matter."
The team have now landed, are in their business class hotel and they are preparing for the World Cup in Group B up against Korea Republic, Greece and Argentina.

Video: Brazil beat Zim in World Cup warm up match

2010-06-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Brazil beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in Harare in front of thousands of fans witnessing the first visit to the country by a non-African national team since 1980 and they were not disappointed.

Brazil were using the game as a warm-up before the World Cup starting next week, won with goals from Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano.

Brazil named a very strong side, including Kaka, Maicon and Robinho and looked the business and while it was Zimbabwe and while they are the footballing equivalent of Birmingham City, Brazil never really loeft second gear - the same gear most teams do beat Birmingham City in, but a victory nonetheless.

But, don't take our word for it, you can watch the goals below and we would suggest muting.
Brazil beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in Harare

Exclusive video: Steven Gerrard in training

2010-06-03T21:46:00.001-07:00

The World Cup is very much upon us and you know we like videos and here is a pretty much exclusive first look at a video taken of Steven Gerrard training just before the World Cup.
Yes, it is a promotional video and no, we are not getting paid, but if the guys at Lucozade want to send some of whatever it is Steven Gerrard is drinking, we'd happily accept - we are sort of getting fed up of the Gu Gels and Red Bull - they're keeping us up for hours.
Anyway - secret video footage captured below - just click play and if you have any videos leave a comment below and come back tomorrow when we are launching our first World Cup competition. We wont tell you what it is about now - it's top secret. Like this video.

Germany win final World Cup warm up match in Germany

2010-06-03T21:45:00.001-07:00

For a moment, there was a scare. Germany went 1-0 down against Bosnia-Herzegovina Nil in the 15th minute and it wasn't until the second half that they managed to get an equaliser.
For a moment, a Stephen Hawking moment looking back, the Mercedes Benz of football wasn't going to make it up the hill and over that mountain, but a half time team talk, focused on mirror, signal, manoeuvre and and making sure that when they did move up a gear, the clutch was all the way in, saw the German side we all fully expected to see in the first half dominate the game and finish the night as 3-1 victors.
Bosnia-Herzegovina Nil were fortunate with their goal and they did very little, if anything, in fact nothing, to deserve it. A poor clearance from Philipp Lahm hit Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko and went in, over keeper Manuel Neuer.
At half time, the eight Bosnia-Herzegovina Nil travelling supporters that had made the journey were ecstatic and there was a real belief in the camp that this could be that historic day. Sadly, the second half wasn't like the first.
Lahm made up for his earlier mistake in the 50th minute by scoring the equaliser before club team-mate, Bastian Schweinsteiger converted two penalties in the last twenty minutes.
Now Germany will travel to South Africa full of confidence having beaten Bosnia-Herzegovina, much like I am going to go to bed in a moment full of confidence having swatted that fly on my desk. Go Germany and I apologise for making light of this tremendous win, but come on, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Mexico stun Italy in World Cup 2010 warm up match

2010-06-03T21:44:00.001-07:00

In what might be seen as the surprise result of the night Italy slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico - the same Mexico that was beaten by England a couple of weeks ago, but also the same Mexico that showed us glimpses of what might be possible.
Well tonight, it was possible and they put Italy to bed with a warm cup of milk and stories of San Pedro and the devil.
Carlos Vela opened the scoring for Mexico in the 17th minute and second half substitute Alberto Medina doubled their lead in the 84th minute before Italy got one back, Leonardo Bonucci scoring with a minute to go of normal time.
It has to be said, as it was after Mexico lost to England, that the Mexicans did look good and tonight they looked better - almost more focused and determined. The football was the same there was just and edge to their game.
I think I'm going to have a cheeky bet on Mexico to qualify from Group A and I hope South Africa do too, because I'd love it if France failed because I think they cheated to get here. Is that wrong of me?

FIFA Fever

2010-06-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

The stage is set for football lovers for the biggest event in history of the sports where teams from 32 countries are going to battle hard to prove their worth. FIFA World Cup 2010 is being played in South Africa, from June 11 to July 11, 2010 and football fans have already gathered there to watch the thrilling game and the rest are glued to different media channels to find what is happening.

The passion for Football is certainly sweeping every one in Pakistan this time, particularly the sportsmen and the youth. In addition to conventional media, Pakistani football fans are going online to find all sorts of information about the championship, including multimedia content such as brief video clips of stars and highlights from games from earlier championships. Many Internet sites have sprung up which are reporting each and every thing about the World Cup. "The hype this time is of an entirely different order," says Zahir Khan, footballer and a student in Business and Information Technology.

World Cup Football 2010 Countdown Begins

2010-06-03T21:42:00.003-07:00

The countdown to the biggest show on Earth begins in earnest with less than two weeks to go before the kick-off of the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa on June 11.

The 2010 Football World Cup marks the first occasion that the tournament will be played in Africa. To date only seven countries have had the honour of lifting the World Cup Trophy. If bookmakers' predictions are right, Spain may join this select group in July.

Spain's impressive win at Euro2008 showed a team at the peak of its powers, and the side's speed, accuracy and flair is likely to take it deep into the tournament.

Aged Corporations That Come With Free Extras

2010-06-03T21:42:00.001-07:00

Entrepreneur who are want to have a running business may explore WholesaleShelfCorporations.com and see what is on the offer and how. Best thing is that the site is yet not launched and users can have advantage of special pre-launch offers on all Aged Corporations. Buyers can get an additional discount on their already guaranteed low prices. What is more, Shelf Corporations they sell come with so much more totally free (See YOUR AGED CORPORATION COMES WITH THE FOLLOWING 21 FREE EXTRAS WORTH $3,964).

Aged Shelf Corporations are business entities that have been previously registered with the secretary of state several months or years ago, and are now available for purchase.

Buying Aged Shelf Corporations brings along credibility and repute that allows buyers to continue its business operations as usual and add more over time. The buyers don’t have to start from the scratch. Buying Aged Shelf Corporations is easy. Once you make your payment, you will get the list of Aged Corporations available so you can pick the name that you like the best. You can then file any name certificate you want for the trade.

I suggest you bookmark the site and see what more is coming up and what Shelf Corporation suites you the best.

Brad Pitt in USA FIFA World Cup Bid Committee

2010-06-03T21:41:00.003-07:00

Brad Pitt is part of the USA Bid Committee, which hopes to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022, reports OK. Brad Pitt has joined the effort along with other celebrities’ such as director Spike Lee, Gavin Rossdale, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Drew Carey to bring the FIFA World Cup to the US.

“Soccer is a truly global sport and the opportunity to join the effort to have the US host the world’s greatest sporting event again is a great honor,” said Pitt.

“FIFA has set a world standard for using sports as a tool for positive social change and I’m proud to be associated with a United States World Cup bid that has so ardently adhered to the principles established by FIFA.”

World Cup Souvenirs and other Memorabilia

2010-06-03T21:41:00.001-07:00

Amsterdam-based creatives bas van de poel and daan van dam have created these t-shirts in support of the dutch football federation for the 2010 world cup. the heads of the players of the dutch national team are printed on the inside of the t-shirts. the idea is that when a player of the dutch team scores, t-shirt wearers can pull the front of their shirts over their own faces, and become one of the players.

Brad Pitt Vies to Bring FIFA World Cup Back in USA

2010-06-03T21:40:00.001-07:00

Brad Pitt just joined the star studded team of US who will vie to bring the World Cup back to the country in 2018 or 2022. Other members of the team that will bid for USA are former President Bill Clinton, California Governor / actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, director Spike Lee, comedian Drew Carey and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The group revealed on Wednesday that Brad Pitt accepted to join the USA Bid Committee. Pitt in his statement said that it’s an honour to join the committee and that “soccer is a truly global sport”. He also added that FIFA has used the sport to help and bring in positive social changes around the world. He is proud to be part of such a team that will follow the principles set by FIFA.

USA last hosted the event in 1994. This time for the year 2018, USA will go up against Australia, England, Russia and two joint bidders, Belgium – Netherlands and Spain – Portugal. For 2022, it will bid with Qatar, Japan, and South Korea. It is most likely that the bid will go to a European country / countries for 2018, since eight of the 24 votes will come from that region.

On Dec 2, FIFA will select the host countries for the Soccer World Cup for the years, 2018 and 2022. [Via]

Eto'o sent off for Cameroon and final World Cup squad

2010-06-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

No reason now excuse. His name is Samuel Eto'o and he got sent off in the first half and then proceeded to watch his country lose 3-1 to Portugal. This is no big thing to him as he doesn't need to prepare as he is ready for the World Cup. His main concern is; is the World Cup ready for Samuel Eto'o.
He was sent off for a tackle on Portugal left back Duda, straight after he picked up a yellow for protesting at how Portugal got their first goal. Typical Samuel Eto'o - he wants to referee the game too. No doubting though; Samuel Eto'o is a class act and he will score goals.
Cameroon looked unsettled after he was sent off and while it was only a warm up match and the 23 man squad had been picked, they would have wanted to have done better. Still, Samuel Eto'o is ready and he can carry the hopes of a nation - it's just can the nation manage his demands - that is what he is worried about.

World Cup 2010 squad for Cameroon

Goalkeepers

Guy Roland N'Dy Assembe (Valenciennes), Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Hamidou Souleymanou (Kayserispor)

Defenders

Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspur), Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham Hotspur), Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes), Aurelien Chedjou (Lille), Geremi (Ankaragucu), Stephane Mbia (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Nkoulou (Monaco), Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor)

Midfielders

Achille Emana (Real Betis), Enoh Eyong (Ajax Amsterdam), Jean Makoun (Olympique Lyon), Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern), Joel Matip (Schalke 04), Landry Nguemo (Celtic), Alexandre Song (Arsenal)

Strikers

Vincent Aboubakar (Coton Sport), Eric Choupo-Moting (Nuremburg), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan), Mohamadou Idrissou (Freiburg), Achille Webo (Real Mallorca)
Cameroon are in Group E up against Netherlands, Denmark and Japan - they would be a good bet to get out of this group.

Lippi names final 23 man squad for World Cup 2010

2010-06-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

We don't know much, but we know we love the Italians when it comes to food, the opera and football and not in that order. And we especially love the Italians when it comes to football because they play a way that while maybe not the most entertaining, is one of the most difficult.
The Italians put winning above entertainment and they are right to do this. The game isn't about who had the ball longer or who had the most shots it is about who scored the most and who didn't let in any and the Italians are quite good at not letting in any. They proved this in the 2006 World Cup when they won it.
Their success in 2006 is probably why Marcelo Lippi is not going to be changing that many things. Some thins he has had to change but the core of this team is very much the same as 2006 and if they still have that energy, to chase down every ball and every lost cause - Italy could surprise a few - they have surprised us four times before.

World Cup 2010 squad for Italy

Goalkeepers

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari)

Defenders

Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan)

Midfielders

Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)

Strikers

Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli)

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

Fans World Cup south Africa very sexy part2

Fans World Cup south Africa very sexy

Fans, robbers and a marketing stunt face justice, Fifa style

British Fan Stumbles Upon England’s Dressing Room, Gives Two

World Cup Boots Up Ratings

FIFA Born

Wayne Rooney: He doesn't have a clue

Real World Perspective

Netherlands 1 Japan 0: Comfortable win and more to come

Netherlands

Japan

Impact of World Cup on South Africa

Pele Gets to Score Again... At Age 70

It's official... FIFA blew it

World Cup Top Tips

Blown away by vuvuzelas

What is a Vuvuzela?

Drogba and Ivory Coast wait on FIFA verdict

Daniele De Rossi scores to save a point for Italy

Italy

Paraguay

We are keeping our feet on the ground - Sergio Ramos

Sexy Female Football Fans

Is the vuvuzela going to be banned from the World Cup?

England look set to lose another central defender

Sepp Blatter tweets about the vuvuzela

The Dutch don't scare: Netherlands 2 Denmark 0

Netherlands

Denmark

Italy v Paraguay, World Cup Group F, Match 11

Prediction

View from the Opposition

End Notes

Japan and Cameroon almost bore entire office to sleep

Japan

Cameroon

FIFA looks to resolve glitches

FIFA Rankings 2010 Are Available and Dictate World Cup Favorites

Fifa's money making machine

FIFA battles unauthorized World Cup merchandising

World Cup Guides

Do You Need Vuvuzela to Enjoy the Game

How to watch World cup 2010 online for free?

10 Ways to Watch World Cup 2010 Live Online for Free

Serbia v Ghana, World Cup Group D, Match 7

Prediction

View from the Opposition

End Notes

First for FIFA World Cup: Not 100% grass

The vuvuzela: A World Cup memory or World Cup nightmare

Will the World Cup Start a Riot?

World Cup Hotties - Players at Their best

World Cup Fans

Jamie Redknapp goes ball-istic!

U.S. Faces the U.K in the Global game

Fifa World Cup Fever Hits South Africa

Uruguay v France: World Cup Group A, Match 2

Prediction

Follow Us

End Note

South Africa v Mexico betting preview World Cup 2010

2010 World Cup: World Cup sweepstake and £1000 tipster competition

South Africa draw with Mexico in World Cup opener

South Africa - Tshabalala, 55

Mexico - Marquez, 79

Bendtner not likely to make Netherlands match

World Cup Begins in Colour and Rhythm

South Africa, are you ready?

World Cup Analysis

Swiss captain picks up ankle injury ahead of World Cup

Take it all in, World Cup history begins today

World Cup Impac on Bussiness

Australia's 2018 Bid

Twitter's World Cup There

Wavin’ a different flag

Football’s Myths

World Cup 2010 Jabulani Official Soccer Match Ball

South Africa can win the World Cup, despite the nerves

Just a chance for South Africa