THE WORLD CUP

EURO TRIVIA

2011-02-02T19:10:00.002Z

TEN QUESTIONS ON .... THE 1992 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

TRIVIA ANSWERS

2011-01-03T19:30:00.015Z

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY'S TEN QUESTIONS

1. The first semi-final was between France and the Czech Republic and was played at Old Trafford, kicking off at 4pm.

2. Patrik Berger scored from the penalty spot in the 59th minute of the Final at Wembley. He moved to Liverpool from Borussia Dortmund.

3. Bulgaria and Romania. Romania lost all three of their matches while Bulgaria's 1-0 win over Romania was sandwiched by a draw against Spain and defeat to France.

4. Alan Shearer, David Platt, Stuart Pearce and Paul Gascoigne were England's spot-kick scorers that day. Spain missed twice (Fernando Hierro and Miguel Angel Nadal), rendering the fifth penalty unnecessary.

5. France failed to score in open play in the knock-out stages. They reached the semi-finals courtesy of a penalty shootout victory over Holland in the last eight followed a 0-0 draw. Their semi-final also ended scoreless after extra-time, but they lost out on a place in the Final to the Czech Republic.

6. Turkey failed to score in their three Group D matches. They were beaten 1-0 by both Croatia and Portugal before losing their final game 3-0 to Denmark.

7. Alan Shearer was the top goalscorer for host nation England with five goals. He also successfully converted his two penalties in his side's quarter-final and semi-final shootouts.

8. Italy and Russia, who finished 3rd and 4th respectively.

9. Germany and the Czech Republic clashed in the opening match of Group C with the Germans running out 2-0 winners, courtesy of first-half goals scored by Christian Ziege and Andreas Moller.

10. Five games in total went to extra-time, and four of them had to be settled by penalties. The quarter-finals between England and Spain and France and Holland all went the distance. The two victors - England and France - both then lost their respective semi-finals on penalties. The Final also went to extra-time but was won by a golden goal scored by Oliver Bierhoff.

EURO TRIVIA

2011-01-02T11:43:00.003Z

TEN QUESTIONS ON .... EURO 96

1. England and Germany contested the second semi-final at Wembley. Which two teams faced each other in the other semi-final and where was it played?

2. Which player scored the opening goal of the Final of Euro 96 and then transferred to Liverpool later in the summer?

3. Which two Eastern European sides failed to qualify from Group B?

4. Who scored England's four penalties in the shootout win against Spain in the quarter-finals?

5. How many goals did France score in open play in the knock-out stages of the tournament?

6. Which was the only side to fail to score a goal at Euro 96?

7. Who was the top goalscorer at Euro 96?

8. The two eventual finalists - Germany and the Czech Republic - both came out of Group C. Who were the other two teams in the group?

9. What was the result of the group encounter between the two finalists?

10. How many of the seven knock-out matches went to extra-time?

ENZO BEARZOT DIES

2010-12-21T16:51:00.005Z

Enzo Bearzot, the manager of the World Cup-winning Italian team of 1982, died today at the age of 83 in Milan.

Under Bearzot's guidance, Italy triumphed at Espana 82 after a dreadful start. They drew all three of their first round group games before going on to defeat Argentina, Brazil, Poland and West Germany to win the World Cup for a third time.

The manager's decision to keep faith with striker Paulo Rossi - who seemed completely out-of-sorts in the first three games - was widely criticized at the time by the Italian press, yet proved to be the turning point of the World Cup. Rossi ended up with the Golden Boot following a hat-trick against Brazil, a brace against Poland, and the opening goal against the Germans in the Final.

Bearzot became the coach of the national side in 1977 and steered Italy to a fourth-placed finish at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

His reign ended after the 1986 World Cup in Mexico when the defending champions bowed out disappointingly in the second round against France.

Bearzot's death today strangely falls on the same day as the passing of Vittorio Pozzo (December 21 1968), the man who managed the Italian national team to their first two World Cup triumphs in 1934 and 1938.

CLASSIC EURO ENCOUNTERS

2010-12-15T19:13:00.004Z

Yugoslavia v Spain, Group C final match, Euro 2000

Spain had to win this match to progress. Extraordinary drama, with commentary in French.

TRIVIA ANSWERS

2010-12-02T19:39:00.008Z

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY'S TEN QUESTIONS

1. The co-hosts Belgium opened the tournament against Sweden, and won the match 2-1. Neither side managed to progress beyond the group stage however.

2. Portugal and Romania.

3. The Final was played on July 2 at the Feijenoord Stadion in Rotterdam.

4. Spain. They followed up an opening match defeat against Norway with a narrow win against Slovenia, leaving their fate very much in the balance going into the final group match with Yugoslavia. Their dramatic assault in injury time - with a penalty by Gaizka Mendieta and a last ditch strike by Alfonso - turned a 2-3 deficit into a sensational 4-3 win.

5. 14 goals were scored in the four quarter-finals, half of them in Holland's 6-1 battering of Yugoslavia. In the other three games, Portugal beat Turkey 2-0, France defeated Spain 2-1 and Italy overcame Romania 2-0.

6. Denmark fared worst of the Scandinavians, losing their opening two games by the same score of 3-0 to France and Holland. In their last game they were beaten 2-0 by the Czech Republic, sending them home goalless and pointless.

7. Patrick Kluivert scored the Netherland's third spotkick. Frank de Boer - who had already missed a penalty in the first half of the match - failed again in the shootout, as did Jaap Stam and Paul Bosvelt.

8. Norway and Slovenia were the two debutantes at Euro 2000.

9. All the teams in Group D were previous winners of the European Championship; France in 1984, Denmark in 1992, Holland in 1988 and the Czech Republic (as Czechoslovakia) - in 1976.

10. Sylvain Wiltord scored the equalizer deep into injury time, and David Trezeguet hit the extra-time golden goal to seal the triumph for Les Bleus.

JOY FOR RUSSIA AND QATAR IN WORLD CUP HOSTING VOTE

2010-12-02T19:05:00.005Z

Russia and Qatar will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments following the voting rounds today in Zurich, which left nine other bidders - England, Holland/Belgium, Spain/Portugal (2018) and Australia, Japan, South Korea and the USA (2022) - desolate at missing out.

By voting two new hosts for its showpiece event FIFA appear to be continuing with a policy of seeking to expand the frontiers of the global game.

It was not a surprise to see Russia land the 2018 tournament as they have been the favourites throughout the majority of the bidding campaign, but Qatar beating the USA in the final round of voting for 2026 is a result that few were expecting.

England endured a dismal World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, and their elimination in the first round of voting today rounds off a year to forget for the Three Lions. They secured only two of the 22 votes today; a real kick in the teeth made all the more bitter when remembered in conjunction with their missing out on hosting the World Cup in 2006 as well. They now know that the next opportunity will not present itself until 2030.

The 2022 tournament will be the first 'Middle Eastern' World Cup, and the immediate on-the-pitch factor that stands out will be the searing heat.

FIFA SET FOR BIG VOTE

2010-12-01T21:14:00.005Z

This time tomorrow the hosts for the two World Cups following Brazil 2014 will also be known.

In a break with tradition, FIFA are set to name the hosts for the following two tournaments - 2018 and 2022 - on one day.

That day is tomorrow. In Zurich, Switzerland, where the governing body of World Football has its plush headquarters, at around 3pm; that's when and where the results of the vote will be announced.

For 2018, a joint bid by Holland and Belgium - neither of whom has hosted a World Cup before - is considered to be the rank outsider bid. England, Russia and another joint bid (Spain/Portugal) are competing to land the prestigious task of hosting what will be Europe's first World Cup for 12 years.

Because of FIFA's continental rotation policy for hosting, the 2022 tournament must be held outside Europe, and there are five hopeful candidates. They are Australia, Qatar, South Korea, USA and Japan. It wouldn't surprise me if we saw a maiden host voted for this one.

My guess is that England or Russia will win the race for the 2018 World Cup. It's really hard to call is between these two, I think England would be the right choice at this time, but I do sense there is some antagonism towards the English bid from within FIFA, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if Russia were given the tournament. I'm expecting either Australia or Qatar to get the nod for 2022. The USA are undoubtedly in with a shout as well.

EURO TRIVIA

2010-12-01T20:27:00.006Z

TEN QUESTIONS ON .... EURO 2000

1. Which two sides contested the opening match of the tournament?

2. England and Germany both failed to get out of Group A, finishing 3rd and 4th respectively. Who finished first and second?

3. In which city was the Final held?

4. Which team scored two crucial injury-time goals in their final group match to defeat Yugoslavia 4-3, thus securing the victory they required to qualify for the quarter-finals?

5. In total, how many goals were scored in the four quarter-finals?

6. Which of the three Scandinavian sides who participated at Euro 2000 (Sweden, Norway or Denmark) failed to score a goal or secure a point?

7. Who was the only Dutch player to score in the penalty shootout against Italy in their semi-final defeat?

8. Which two countries made their first ever appearance in the European Championship at Euro 2000?

9. What did the four teams in Group D - France, Holland, Denmark and the Czech Republic - all have in common?

10. Which two players scored the two goals that gave France victory over Italy in the Final?

EURO STORIES: OTTO REHHAGEL'S GREEK MIRACLE

2010-11-30T21:12:00.002Z

German coach Otto Rehhagel took over as coach of the Greek national team in 2001, in time for the team's final two qualifying matches for the 2002 World Cup.

COUNTRY FOCUS: GREECE

2010-11-22T20:42:00.004Z

Greece stunned the world in 2004 when they won the European Championships.

CLASSIC EURO ENCOUNTERS

2010-11-15T18:10:00.003Z

Portugal v England 2004, Quarter-Final (Lisbon)

TOP FIVE ..... EURO GOALS

2010-11-05T14:22:00.009Z

My picks, in ascending order:

5. Maniche Portugal v Holland Euro 2004 Semi-final

This incredible strike in the 58th minute put Portugal 2-0 ahead in the semi-final against Holland and had the host nation dreaming of European glory on home soil. Although they held out to beat the Dutch, they lost the Final to rank outsiders Greece in probably the biggest shock in the competition's history.

4. Poborsky Czech Republic v Portugal Euro 96 Quarter-final

Poborsky's lob against Portugal in the quarter-final of Euro 96 was his first international goal. It was innovative, technically brilliant, and stunned everbody watching. It also won the match.

3. Van Basten Holland v USSR European Championships 1988 Final

When Arnold Muhren lofted a high ball to the far side of the penalty area the world waited for it to drop at Van Basten's feet. Instead, the striker never let the ball touch the ground, implementing an audacious volley on goal from the tightest of angles. A stunning strike from which the USSR never recovered, sealing the Euro Title for Holland.

2. Gascoigne England v Scotland Euro 96 Second Group match

Few players have the ingenuity to conceive a manoeuvre like this, let alone possess the ability to execute it. Perhaps the two things go hand-in-hand; the hallmark of genius. Gascoigne's greatest goal resurrected England's tournament after a disappointing start, and they went on to reach the semi-finals.

1. Panenka Czechoslovakia v West Germany European Championships 1976 Final

How on earth can I choose a penalty as my pick for the greatest goal ever scored in European Championship history? Simply because of what was at stake. Panenka took a gamble that was unthinkable; one that he knew could make or break the rest of his life. The ultimate element of surprise gave Czechoslovakia their finest hour.

TRIVIA ANSWERS

2010-11-02T11:00:00.007Z

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY'S TRIVIA

1. Spain and Russia, who finished 3rd and 4th in the group respectively. Spain beat Russia, drew with Greece and lost to Portugal, while Russia were the only team in the tournament to inflict a defeat on Greece in the final round of group matches, having lost their first two games.

2. David Beckham. England were already a goal to the good and looking to bury the game, but Fabian Barthez beat Beckham's penalty away and France went on to snatch a highly unlikely and dramatic victory with two injury-time goals from Zinedine Zidane.

3. Milan Baros of the Czech Republic was the top scorer at Euro 2004 with five goals; three in the group stages and two more in a 3-0 quarter-final victory against Denmark. Defeat against Greece in the semi-final followed.

4. Seven. In the opening match Greece beat Portugal 2-1. In every subsequent match they scored one goal, securing a draw with Spain in their second match before losing 2-1 to Russia in their final group game. They then won each of their three knock-out ties - against France, the Czech Republic and Portugal - courtesy of a single goal.

5. England and Sweden, both in the quarter-finals. England were beaten 6-5 on penalties by Portugal following a 2-2 draw, whilst Sweden lost 5-4 in their shootout against the Dutch after a goalless 120 minutes. The winners met each other in the semi-final, with hosts Portugal emerging victorious.

6. Latvia. Euro 2004 was the first major tournament that the Baltic Republic had qualified for, and although they finished bottom in their group, they secured a creditable 0-0 draw against Germany and only lost narrowly (2-1) to the group winners the Czech Republic.

7. Angelos Charisteas. His header in the 57th minute of the Final became the most important goal ever scored in the history of Greek football as it was enough to secure the European Championship for his country. It was Charisteas's third goal of the tournament.

8. England and Sweden both notched up eight goals in their three group games. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their final group game to secure qualification and Sweden's tally was helped by a 5-0 thrashing of Bulgaria in their opening game.

9. The Czech Republic won all three of their group matches. They opened with a 2-1 success against Euro debutants Latvia before impressively overcoming Holland (3-2) and Germany (2-1) to top the group and qualify in style.

10. Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo was the hero in the penalty competition against England. With the score locked at 5-5, the shootout went into sudden death. Ricardo saved a weak effort from the English substitute Darius Vassell and then buried his own shot in the corner to send the hosts through to the last four.

EURO TRIVIA

2010-11-01T22:11:00.005Z

TEN QUESTIONS ON .... EURO 2004

1. Portugal and Greece played the opening match and met again in the Final. Who were the other two teams - who failed to qualify for the knock-out stages - in Group A?

2. Who missed a penalty for England in their group match against France?

3. Who was the tournament's top scorer and how many goals did he score?

4. How many goals did eventual winners Greece score in the tournament?

5. Which two sides exited the tournament on penalties?

6. Group D was considered the 'group of death', containing Germany, Holland, the Czech Republic and which other team?

7. Who scored the winning goal for Greece in the Final against the hosts and favourites Portugal?

8. Which two sides top-scored in the group stages with eight goals apiece?

9. Only one team qualified from the group stages with the maximum nine points. Who were they?

10. Which goalkeeper scored the winning penalty in a quarter-final shootout?

EURO STORIES: JOY AND TRAGEDY FOR KIM VILFORT

2010-10-31T18:30:00.007Z

Kim Vilfort. A name the Danish public will never forget, whose heroics at the European Championships in 1992 played out alongside one of the deepest personal tragedies that anyone can ever experience.

Denmark were invited by UEFA to take part in the Euros in 1992 just ten days before the tournament was due to start, as UN sanctions against Yugoslavia prohibited the then war-ravaged nation from participating. The Danish players were called back from their holidays and a squad was rapidly assembled. A key member of that squad was Brondby midfielder Kim Vilfort, whose 7-year old daughter was tragically suffering from leukemia at the time.

Vilfort returned home after the first two group games - a 0-0 draw with England and a 1-0 defeat against the host nation Sweden - in order to be at his daughter's side in hospital in Denmark. She was in very poor health and Vilfort wanted to stay with her. Denmark beat France in their last group game to progress in the tournament however, and his family persuaded him to return to Sweden and continue to represent his country, who were now preparing for a unexpected semi-final against defending European Champions Holland.

The decision to return must have been an agonizingly difficult one to make, but it had a significant bearing on the destiny of the European Championship. The clash with the Dutch was an enthralling affair; Denmark twice took the lead but couldn't hold on to it, and the game ended 2-2 after extra-time. In the resulting penalty shootout the Danes scored all five of their spot-kicks - Vilfort confidently taking the fourth one - meaning that one miss by Marco Van Basten sent the Danes through to the Final. They were now building up to the biggest match in their history, which would be against the World Champions Germany. They were massive underdogs.

Following the semi-final Vilfort again returned to Denmark to be at his daughter's side. Again he was persuaded to return for the Final, and - in a fairy tale ending as good as any that Hans Christian Andersen ever wrote - Vilfort stole the moment of crowning glory. With 11 minutes left of the Final and Denmark leading 1-0, Vilfort latched on to a forward header 30 yards out, threaded his way between two defenders and unleashed a left-footed drive from the edge of the penalty area that found the back of the net via the post. Without that second goal, Germany may well have found enough in the tank to conjure up an equalizer. But this was a moment of fate for player and country; Vilfort and Denmark had achieved the impossible. Three weeks earlier Denmark had not even been on the guest list for the Euros; now, they were heading home as the Kings of European football.

Kim Vilfort's daughter had been terminally ill, and he knew that there would be no miracles off the pitch. Line Vilfort herself had pleaded with her father to return to the tournament and play for his country. He respected and trusted the tremendous courage of his daughter, and the rest is history.

COUNTRY FOCUS: ENGLAND

2010-10-22T21:31:00.008+01:00

The 1966 World Cup winners have a very poor record in the European Championships. The tournament is considered by many to be a better indicator of a nation's standing in World football than the World Cup, given that the quality of teams that compete in the final tournament are much more evenly matched. On that basis, England are clearly lagging woefully behind the other giants of Europe who have also won the World Cup. On five of the eleven occasions that they entered the qualifying phase of the competition they failed to make it through to the Finals. That leaves six occasions where they did qualify, plus their appearance as hosts in 1996 when qualification wasn't required. In short, England have only appeared in just over half of the European Championship Finals (seven out of thirteen).

Euro Pedigree:

After not entering the inaugural tournament in 1960 and then failing to qualify in 1964 following a defeat by France over two legs, England proceeded to get through to the Finals in 1968 where they faced Yugoslavia in Florence in the semi-finals. World Champions at the time, England fell to a late goal by the wonderful Dragan Dzajic to miss out on a place in the Final. That was England's last match at the Finals for twelve years, when the tournament was again held in Italy. England were beaten 1-0 by the hosts in the group stage, and despite victory against Spain and a draw with Belgium, they only finished third in the group and were out.

England again missed out on the Finals in France in 1984, but started as one of the favourites to win the tournament four years later in Germany. A disastrous campaign saw England lose all three of their group matches to the Republic of Ireland and the two eventual finalists, Holland and the USSR. In 1992 England again fell at the group stage and were lambasted by the English Press for their unacceptable performances. Two goalless 'bore draws' with Denmark and France were followed by a defeat against hosts Sweden which put paid to hopes of progressing.

In 1996 on home soil England enjoyed their finest hour in the Euros, only being denied a place in the Final following a heartbreaking semi-final shootout defeat to old rivals Germany. Prior to that they had destroyed the Dutch 4-1 on a memorable night at Wembley, with Paul Gascoigne and the two strikers (Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham) oozing class and confidence. Victory over Spain in the quarter-finals on penalties set up the clash with Germany, and despite taking the lead with an Alan Shearer header after only two minutes the game finished 1-1. Extra-time saw the Germans have a goal disallowed and both Darren Anderton and Gascoigne come within an inch of the golden goal that would have taken England through, but it was not to be. Defender Gareth Southgate missed the crucial sixth kick in the shootout. In spite of the defeat, Euro 96 was a tournament that England could look back on with pride in the level of their performances.

Four years on and England were drawn with Germany again, this time in the group stages. Despite a 1-0 win, England went home early again as they lost their other two games against Portugal and Romania, both by a 3-2 scoreline. England led in both games, and an inability to defend a lead at vital stages is a recurring feature of England's international football history. On no occasion was this more evident than in their opening group match four years later against France at Euro 2004. England were leading 1-0 with the game virtually over, yet contrived to hand the French a free kick and a penalty in the time that remained, both of which were clinically dispatched by the brilliant Zinedine Zidane. To their credit England recovered to win their other two group games and qualify, but in the quarter-final against hosts Portugal they again surrendered a long-held lead and were beaten in a dramatic penalty shootout. Key defeats in qualifying for Euro 2008 - against Croatia (twice) and Russia - meant that England missed out again on a place at the Finals in Austria and Switzerland. Qualification for the 2012 tournament started well with wins against Bulgaria and Switzerland, but England seemed to be slipping into old habits earlier this month as they stuttered to a 0-0 draw at home to Montenegro.

Greatest Moment:

Surely the 4-1 destruction of Holland at Wembley in 1996 - one of England's finest performances ever - that confirmed their quarter-final berth.

Biggest Heartbreak:

Seven days on from the heroics against Holland, England were denied a place in the Final following more penalty pain against Germany.

CLASSIC EURO ENCOUNTERS

2010-10-15T12:41:00.003+01:00

West Germany v Holland 1988 Semi-Final (Hamburg)

Never dull, matches between these two bitter rivals. In a repeat of the 1974 World Cup Final, both sides scored from the penalty spot. The Dutch had looked very impressive in their group fixtures and Marco Van Basten was in sensational form. It was they who made most of the running in the first half and created the better chances, but it was the host nation who took the lead in the 55th minute, Lothar Matthaus converting with typical ease from the spot after Jurgen Klinnsmann had been bundled off the ball by Frank Rikjaard. A few minutes later Klinnsmann shot narrowly wide following a great run by Matthaus, thus failing to secure the Germans passage to the Final. At 2-0 down even the Dutch would have struggled to find a way back. In the 74th minute, Van Basten tricked his way into the box and Jurgen Kohler challenged him. Van Basten went down and the referee pointed to the spot, although TV replays clearly showed that Kohler had played the ball. Ronald Koeman scored the resulting penalty and the watching world geared up for a grandstand finish.

With just seconds to go on the clock, Jan Wouters slid a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area and Van Basten provided a gloriously instinctive first time finish to stun the home crowd and send Holland into the Final.

PLAYER FOCUS: JACK WILSHERE

2010-10-08T13:00:00.005+01:00

With the European Championships a mere spot on the horizon there are literally hundreds of players in with a shot of reaching the final stages.

One player that seems to have almost secured a spot on the plane already (if England qualify) is Arsenal's wonder-teen Jack Wilshere. Despite his tender age of just 18 and so few caps he could actually wear them on his head and not look a fool making this achievement even more impressive.

Young Jack burst onto the scene last summer in the annual Emirates Cup tournament in pre-season. After being hailed for his skillful trickery there were some who called for him to go to the World Cup in South Africa but Fabio Capello opted against taking the youngster.

Now a regular in the Gunners' first team we've started to see more of the real Jack Wilshere. In his first appearance on our screens some 18 months ago he appeared as a flying winger, skinning players and making darting runs into the box from the flanks. However an injury prone Spaniard has left a hole in the middle of Arsenal's midfield and now we can see the player that Wilshere really is.

The teenager cuts a Scholes-like figure in the middle of the park, chasing back, stringing passes together and pushing forward into the box when needed.

The young gun may well give Mr. Capello the option he has been looking for in the middle of the park while giving England fans the replacement they've been searching for since a certain Manchester United midfielder retired some six years ago.

TOP FIVE EURO FINALS

2010-10-06T12:27:00.014+01:00

Here are my top five European Championship Finals in ascending order:

5. 1960: USSR 2-1 Yugoslavia (Paris)

The first ever European Championships were held in France. The official title of the competition was the "European Nations' Cup" and the inaugural event was won by the Soviet Union - their one and only major international trophy. The Final was a closely fought affair which could have gone either way. Yugoslavia drew first blood with a scrappy goal just before half-time from ace striker Milan Galic but the lead was to be short-lived. Slava Metreveli levelled matters in the 49th minute. The Soviets then had legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin to thank as he proceeded to make a string of great saves as the match wore on and took the Final to extra-time. The superior fitness of the Soviets began to tell, and Viktor Poneldelnik's strike seven minutes from the end sealed victory.

4. 1980: West Germany 2-1 Belgium (Rome)

German playmaker Bernd Schuster has an outstanding match that day in Rome to lead his country to a deserved second European Championship triumph. A spirited Belgium made a game of it and rallied in the second half to cancel out Horst Hrubesch's early goal with an equalizer from the penalty spot in the 75th minute. The Germans were not to be denied, however, and Hrubesch headed a dramatic winner with just two minutes left.

3. 1992: Denmark 2-0 Germany (Gothenburg)

This was one of the truly great football stories. Denmark hadn't even qualified for the tournament, but stepped in as last-minute replacements for war-ravaged Yugoslavia. World Champions Germany were huge favourites ahead of the Final, in spite of the fact that the Danes had seen off the defending European Champions Holland in a thrilling semi-final. The fairytale ending became reality when superb strikes from John Jensen and Kim Vilfort sealed a truly memorable and extraordinary triumph.

2. 2000: France 2-1 Italy (Rotterdam)

Unlike Germany in 1992, France did succeed in adding the European Championship Title to their World Title in Rotterdam in 2000 - in dramatic circumstances. For long periods of the match Italy were comfortably in control, and appeared to be cruising to victory following a Marco Delvecchio goal early in the second half. Substitute Alessandro del Piero missed two gilt-edged opportunities to extend the lead though, and the Azzurri were made to pay. A late, late equalizer from Sylvain Wiltord dealt the Italians a savage blow, and it was left to David Trezeguet to smash home a golden goal winner 13 minutes into extra-time.

1. 1976: Czechoslovakia 2-2 West Germany (Belgrade)

A thrilling Final, full of direct, attacking football and tremendous goalkeeping from both Ivo Viktor and Sepp Maier. The Czechs built up a deserved two-goal lead inside 25 minutes, but the West Germans halved the deficit almost immediately following a goal by Dieter Muller, who punished the Eastern European nation for slack defending. Both teams continued to play on the offense and several chances to score went begging at both ends. In the last attack of the match the Germans won a corner, and Bernd Holzenbein rose above everybody to head his side level. The frenetic pace continued in extra-time as both teams sought - but failed - to find a winning goal. With the score in the penalty shootout locked at 3-3, up stepped Uli Hoeness to blast his shot over the bar and leave Czechoslovakia one penalty away from winning their first major Title. What followed was an audacious demonstration of supreme confidence by Antonin Panenka, who dinked the ball over Maier in what is probably the most famous penalty ever scored.

TRIVIA ANSWERS

2010-10-02T14:33:00.011+01:00

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY'S TRIVIA

1. EURO 2012 will be the 14th European Championships held. The first tournament was staged in 1960, and they have been held every four years since then.

2. Nine different nations have won the Euros - The Soviet Union, Spain, Italy, (West) Germany, Czechoslovakia, France, Holland, Denmark and Greece.

3. 1996 in England. Four groups of four teams played a round robin format, with the top two going through to the last eight where straight knock-out football took over. This format has been used ever since then and will be used in Poland/Ukraine in two years time. However, plans to expand the following tournament in France in 2016 to 24 teams have been approved by UEFA.

4. The first European Championships Finals were held in France in 1960. Only four nations participated - France, The Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia.

5. Denmark had not qualified for the European Championships in neighbouring Sweden in 1992 after finishing runners-up to Yugoslavia in their qualifying group. When the severity of the Yugoslav wars caused the Eastern Europeans to have to withdraw from the tournament, UEFA awarded the Danes their place. The rest is history, as Denmark negociated a difficult group before defeating defending champions Holland in the semi-final and Germany in the Final to complete a fairytale victory.

6. England. The 1966 World Champions have a poor European Championship record, their best result being beaten semi-finalists in 1968 and again on home turf in 1996.

7. (West) Germany have a fantastic record in the European Championships, having reached the Final on no fewer than six occasions. They have been victorious three times, in 1972, 1980 and 1996, and finished runners-up in 1976, 1992 and 2008.

8. Incredibly, the semi-final of a major international tournament was decided by the toss of a coin. For the record, Albert Shesternyov - the captain of the USSR - called it incorrectly and Italy went through to the Final.

9. The opening match and the Final were contested by the same two teams, Greece and hosts Portugal. The Greeks won both games, 2-1 and 1-0 respectively.

10. Dino Zoff, donning glasses and a serious expression led Italy to the brink of glory at Euro 2000 only to be dramatically denied by the French. Eighteen years previously he had captained his country to a World Cup triumph at Espana 82.

EURO TRIVIA

2010-10-01T15:56:00.004+01:00

TEN QUESTIONS ON .... THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. Euro 2012, to be held in Poland and the Ukraine, will complete how many Euro tournaments that have taken place?

2. How many different winners of the Euros have there been?

3. In which year did 16 teams take part in the Finals for the first time?

4. Which country held the first ever European Championships and how many teams took part in the final tournament?

5. Which is the only Scandinavian side to be crowned European Champions and what was remarkable about their victory?

6. Of the five European sides who have won the World Cup, which is the only one never to have won the Euros?

7. How many times have Germany played in a European Championship Final?

8. Following a 0-0 draw between hosts Italy and the Soviet Union in the 1968 semi-final, how was the outcome of the game determined?

9. What was unique about the opening match and the Final of Euro 2004?

10. Which former World Cup winning captain led Italy - as manager - to the Final of Euro 2000?

SPAIN'S DATE WITH DESTINY

2010-07-14T20:01:00.004+01:00

Spain, then, have finally achieved the ultimate goal and landed the biggest Trophy that it's possible to win on Planet Earth.

And not before time. This was a date with destiny. Perennial underachievers no longer. Years of failures and frustrations. Tears and heartache. Inevitable moments of believing that it would never happen, that the dream would never come to pass. And then one day it comes, that one Victory that contains all the power in the world to heal the scars of the past and turn despair to triumph and heartache to delirious elation.

This was a World Cup of firsts. The first time that Spain have won the Cup. The first time any team has won the Cup after losing their first game. And the first time that a European team has won it outside of their own continent. Spain have made history in South Africa in 2010.

Germany have now lost to the eventual winners in each of the three World Cups since the turn of the century. For the second World Cup running the team that knocked out Brazil ended up losing the Final.

Holland have now appeared in three Finals and not won any of them. England's seemingly interminable wait for a shot at glory goes on as they continue to flatter to deceive.

The rise of the Asian sides was a feature in South Africa, and the closely fought nature of matches such as Paraguay v Spain and Uruguay v Holland and the third/fourth-place match are also indicative of the gap between so-called big teams and the rest of the world closing. The fates that befell the mighty France and Italy may become a common occurrence for the big guns in future tournaments.

The closing images of the World Cup - Iniesta's late strike and the jubilant celebrations that followed - must have warmed the heart of many neutrals across the world; for Spain were worthy Champions, and fully deserve their moment. For now - and rightly so - they reign peerless, perched majestically at the summit of World Football.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTION - THE FINAL

2010-07-11T15:19:00.002+01:00

WORLD CUP FINAL

SPAIN v HOLLAND

Looking at this game objectively, there is a considerable gap between the teams. Spain are way ahead of the rest of Europe. There are many - myself included - who would love to have seen Spain play Brazil today, as in many ways that would be the ultimate challenge for the majestic European Champions.

It's difficult to see how Holland can win. They have stated their intent to press Spain high up the pitch, to try and deny them the possession that they usually enjoy and employ to such devastating effect. Switzerland did show the world that it's possible to beat Spain, but like so many Champions-elect, the Spanish have progressed and improved as they have moved through the tournament to the Final.

Holland do have match-winners of their own. Arjen Robben is one of the best five players in the world right now in my book. And he could find himself face to face with the one possible weak link that Spain have - left-back Joan Capdevila. I feel Holland are going to need something special from Robben tonight if they are to unburden themselves of the two failures at the last hurdle in the 1970s.

As my predictions for this tournament have shown - I am notoriously bad at doing it! So if I get this last one wrong it's not going to further tarnish my reputation too much... Spain should win this game. But my gut tells me the Dutch are going to.

MATCH PREDICTION: SPAIN 1-2 HOLLAND

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 10 JULY

2010-07-10T08:49:00.002+01:00

Third Place Match

Uruguay v Germany

I've never liked this match or really seen the point of it. FIFA like to have their "top four" anyway. Let's get it over with and let the poor players go home.

MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 2-1 Germany

WINNER NUMBER EIGHT

2010-07-07T22:33:00.004+01:00

In 1998 when France beat Brazil in the Final they became the seventh nation to win the World Cup.

In 2010 the world is celebrating 80 years of World Cup history, and following victories for Holland and Spain in the semi-finals we are now guaranteed a new winner of the most coveted sporting prize in the world. The eighth winner of the FIFA World Cup will be confirmed in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Amazingly, the clash between Holland and Spain will be the first ever between the two countries in a major international tournament. Spain will be appearing in their first ever World Cup Final, and will be seeking to add the World Title to the European Championships they won so convincingly two years ago. For Holland it will be the first appearance in the World Cup Final for 36 years, and their third overall. It's tough for them to contemplate that they could finish runners-up yet again.

So the stage is set for the biggest and most important football match played anywhere in the world over a four-year period to take place in Johannesburg on Sunday. The destiny of the World Cup is Europe. The old guard has been pierced, and the world awaits the heralding of a new winner.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTION WEDNESDAY 7 JULY

2010-07-07T18:40:00.002+01:00

SEMI-FINAL

Germany v Spain

Simply mouthwatering. I expect a classic match, and I also expect nobody in the world to agree with my prediction.

MATCH PREDICTION: Germany 2-2 Spain.

It'll be 1-1 at 90 minutes. Germany will take the lead and Spain will hit back late. Perhaps Torres after coming on. After extra-time it'll be 2-2. Spain will take the lead but the Germans will save the day and send the game to the drama of penalties. And then - Spain will win.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS TUESDAY 6 JULY

2010-07-06T17:39:00.002+01:00

SEMI-FINAL

Uruguay v Holland

This semi-final guarantees that, for the first time since 1978, a team outside the 'Big Five' of Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina and France will be in the World Cup Final. The absence of Luis Suarez following his goal line handball against Ghana tips this one heavily in favour of the Dutch for me. Since Holland's last appearance in a major final - Euro 88 - they have lost four semi-finals, in the World Cup in 1998 and in the European Championships in 1992, 2000 and 2004. It's about time they won one, and I think they will.

MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 0-2 Holland

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 3 JULY

2010-07-03T13:57:00.002+01:00

QUARTER-FINALS

Argentina v Germany

I can sense revenge in the air today. Four years ago many thought that Argentina were on course to win their third World Cup, but Germany - the host nation - came from behind to level the quarter-final and went on to win on penalties. Argentina have been waiting for just such a day as today, and I have a feeling they are going to enjoy themselves.

MATCH PREDICTION: Argentina 4-0 Germany

Paraguay v Spain

The South Americans will not lie down in this one, and I think they'll give Spain a tough game and a long evening. It's hard to imagine that the class of the European Champions won't tell in the end though.

MATCH PREDICTION: Paraguay 0-2 Spain (after extra time)

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FRIDAY 2 JULY

2010-07-02T09:09:00.007+01:00

QUARTER-FINALS

Holland v Brazil

I well remember the clashes between these two in the consecutive World Cups of 1994 and 1998 in the quarters and semis respectively - both fiercely contested and both won by Brazil. There is a feeling in the air in some quarters that it's Holland's time to beat Brazil. We don't know yet how good this Dutch team really is as they haven't had to raise their game yet to the higher levels to get this far. Arjen Robben in my book is one the very best around, and he needs to play a big game today if Holland are to progress. Brazil looked highly impressive against Chile in the last round and if they play like that again today then it's very hard to see the Dutch dream surviving. Both teams know that winning today's clash will give them a real chance to making it to Soccer City for the Final, as they will face the winners of tonight's clash between Ghana and Uruguay.

MATCH PREDICTION: BRAZIL 3-1 HOLLAND

Uruguay v Ghana

This is a fascinating one - both impressed in their second round wins over South Korea and the USA, and both will be desperate to get through to the last four where they know anything could happen. I really can see this going either way, but I'm going to predict with my heart and say that the African dream will roll on to Cape Town next Tuesday.

MATCH PREDICTION: URUGUAY 2-3 GHANA

LAST SIXTEEN REVIEW

2010-06-30T20:34:00.009+01:00

Brazil stated their claim for a sixth World Cup as they cruised past the fancied Chileans and into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win.

The Samba Kings put their South American cousins to the sword with three top quality goals while their other near neighbours Argentina also impressed with a 3-1 demolition of Mexico.

Elsewhere England were taken apart, in typically efficient style, by the old enemy and Uruguay sent the South Koreans packing thanks mostly to Luis Suarez, while Ghana kept African dreams alive. Japan departed by the most painful method of all - penalties - while Spain and the Netherlands did just enough to progress.

PERFORMANCE OF THE ROUND
Germany 4 - 1 England

It was billed as the tie of the round and for one set of fans it fulfilled all expectations as Germany destroyed England with a devastating 4-1 victory.

SHOCK OF THE ROUND
Lampard's goal that never was.

Germany started much the brighter and with assistance from a woeful English defence raced into a two goal lead. However after pulling one back through the head of Matthew Upson it appeared the Three Lions had clawed themselves back into the game when a looping effort from Frank Lampard clipped the bar and bounced at least six feet over the goal line before heading back up, hitting the bar and bouncing back down on the line.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer then showed everyone his uncanny Roy Carroll impression, grabbing the ball and launching it up field, more in hope than expectation, and suddenly the English players, fans and commentators realized the Uruguayan officials had failed to spot a certain goal. Lampard was gutted, Rooney was stunned and England never recovered. For Germany it was some long awaited sweet revenge for '66.

On the line? You cannot be serious!

GOAL OF THE ROUND

"...he's got an angle HEERRRE!"

South Korea had battled their way back into the game after Luis Suarez opportunistic eighth minute opener for Uruguay and were more than deserving of taking the South Americans into extra time.

However it wasn't to be for the Asian side as that man Suarez showed just why he scored 49 goals for Ajax last season. Picking up the ball at the side of the box he uses his quick feet to work a yard of space knocking the ball back towards the edge of the area before wrapping his foot around the ball and curling it a good mile around the despairing 'keeper and in off the post. Glorious.
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea

Simão | MySpace Video

PLAYER OF THE ROUND

Asamoah Gyan, Ghana
Perhaps something of a controversial choice but the Ghanaian's third goal of the tournament against the USA sent the whole of Africa into wild celebrations and his outstanding effort in the lone striker role was essentially what pulled Ghana into the quarter finals.

He ran tirelessly and never shirked a tackle against the big American backline even after getting kicked in the chest. While all and sundry were expecting the Americans to finally break African hearts as the game went into extra time, Gyan continued to chase every ball before finally getting his reward when he latched onto a hopeful long ball and fired past the on-rushing Tim Howard. Great effort, great finish, great performance.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger's showing Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard how to marshal the midfield, David Villa putting Torres in his place after being left in the shade at Euro 2008 and finally the Brazilians, who just make it look oh so easy.

ASIAN TEAMS CAN HOLD THEIR HEADS HIGH

2010-06-30T18:08:00.006+01:00

South Korea and Japan may have returned home from South Africa but they can do so with their heads held high after both broke new ground at the World Cup.

Prior to this tournament neither nation had ever reached the second round on foreign soil, and both not only achieved that this time but with a bit of luck could have gone further.

The Koreans lost narrowly to Uruguay after dominating the game for long periods of the second half, and were only undone by one of the goals of the tournament scored by Luis Suarez in the closing minutes of the game.

In a competition which is proving to be highly successful for the South American teams, Japan lost to Paraguay yesterday in the first penalty shootout of this World Cup following a 0-0 stalemate in Pretoria.

Both South Korea and Japan have impressed and it is clear that the gap between the traditional giants of world football and countries like these two Asian nations is narrowing. A growing number of Korean and Japanese players now ply their trade in the European Leagues, which is testament to their improved technical ability compared to ten or fifteen years ago. There is also a team ethic evident in the way their national teams play that was sorely lacking in the supposedly superior French and English sides, both of whom capitulated in dismal fashion in South Africa.

Back in the 1980s Pele predicted that an African team would win the World Cup by the year 2000. A quarter-final appearance by Cameroon in 1990 was the best result from a team from that continent, an achievement that was equalled by Senegal in 2002 and could be bettered this time round by Ghana if they beat Uruguay on Friday.

African football on the whole was on the slide following Cameroon's last eight appearance at Italia 90. I can see no reason why the same should be true of the progress of Asian football. In two or three World Cups we could be looking at the likes of Japan and South Korea setting their sites higher and aspiring to win the World Cup itself. This could coincide with the hosting of the tournament returning to Asia - both Japan and South Korea have submitted bids for the 2022 World Cup.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS TUESDAY 29 JUNE

2010-06-29T11:22:00.005+01:00

PARAGUAY v JAPAN

Two sides that have impressed hugely. The Japanese teamwork against Denmark was simply stunning, and in Keisuke Honda they have an exceptional player. Paraguay have become regular qualifiers for the World Cup and will be looking to reach the quarter-finals for the very first time. It's a fascinating clash.

MATCH PREDICTION: Paraguay 0-1 Japan

SPAIN v PORTUGAL

What a game this could be. Portugal's incredibly mean defence will surely be tested tonight against the European Champions. In Cristiano Ronaldo they have a potential match-winner - and I think he's been playing well at this tournament. Spain are not at their best yet in South Africa, but you get the feeling there's a lot more to come. They last met on the international stage at Euro 2004 in the group stages, where hosts Portugal edged Spain out. Is revenge on the cards? This is tough one to call. I can see another tight affair and a long evening.

MATCH PREDICTION: Spain 2-1 Portugal (after extra-time)

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS MONDAY 28 JUNE

2010-06-28T09:41:00.005+01:00

Holland v Slovakia

Slovakia have surprised a few people to have got through their group, especially after going into their last group match against Italy with only one point. The Dutch have been in cruise control so far, but I think they'll have a difficult afternoon.

MATCH PREDICTION: Holland 2-1 Slovakia

Brazil v Chile

Chile had Spain rattled for the first 20 minutes last Friday and will be good enough to give Brazil a tough game. It's difficult to see anything beyond a victory for the Samba Stars though.

MATCH PREDICTION: Brazil 1-0 Chile

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SUNDAY 27 JUNE

2010-06-27T07:44:00.010+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Germany v England

The tie of the Second Round - so much history bound up with this one. One of these two previous winners must bow out in Blomfontein today. Neither had a smooth ride through the group stage, and both have injury problems. Nobody could predict this one with great certainty.

For me now - and from here on in - it's about a feeling in the gut. Something is telling me this may not be a classic, and not quite as close as form and history suggests it should be.

MATCH PREDICTION: Germany 0-2 England

Argentina v Mexico

This is a repeat of the second round clash four years ago which Argentina won 2-1 after extra time. Following the 2006 World Cup in Germany I thought for a long time that Argentina would win this next one in South Africa. My doubts started when Maradona became the coach. I am convinced that this generation of Argentinian players will have their day in the sun and win a World Cup, I'm just not sure it's going to be here in South Africa under 'Diego'.

This is the best Mexico side I can remember. They will get at a suspect Argentinian defence, and there'll be goals in this one.

MATCH PREDICTION: Argentina 2-2 Mexico

Mexico will break Maradona's heart by progressing on penalties.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 26 JUNE

2010-06-26T13:51:00.006+01:00

URUGUAY v SOUTH KOREA

The opening match of the last 16, and a fascinating one. South American teams were unbeaten in this World Cup up until last night when Chile lost. Japan and South Korea have both made it through to the second round from Asia, and both have impressed. Asian football is certainly on the rise, and it may only be two or three more World Cups until they become serious contenders.

Uruguay can point to history - but it's all a very long time ago for them. Victory today would see them through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years, and back in 1970 they ended up as losing semi-finalists.

I can't imagine that either side will run away with this one. In fact, my gut says this is going all the way.

MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 1-1 South Korea (after extra time)

The Koreans will take the lead but get pegged back. And the two-time winners Uruguay will edge through 4-3 on penalties.

USA v GHANA

The only surviving African team in the competition - will that act as a spur or a burden for Ghana? The USA scraped through with a goal at the death against Algeria - could that be a launching pad for a decent run?

I find this a very difficult one to call. Neither side has the best defence so there could be goals.

MATCH PREDICTION: USA 3-2 GHANA

The States to just edge it and head into the quarters.

TIME TO DELIVER

2010-06-26T10:00:00.006+01:00

This is it. No second chances anymore. The knock-out stages of the World Cup are here and it's do-or-die time. Over the next eleven days fourteen more nations will fall by the wayside, and two will be left. The road to Johannesburg is not easy. It's time to separate the living from the dead.

If Brazil do not make the Final from the top half of the draw, then we will have a new Finalist outside the big five (Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy and France) for the first time since 1978. With two of those big five already out - the Finalists of four years ago - it looks quite likely that there will be at least one new face present at Soccer City on July 11.

The bottom half of the draw looks like an absolute minefield, with at probably six of the eight times harbouring realistic ambitions of reaching the showpiece Final in 15 days time. The favoured Final of Brazil v Spain is still on, but I remain convinced that will not be it.

Once again, pundits all over the world have been stumped in their predictions of the Group stages, and it seems to me we never learn. Or at least we never remember. Four years is enough time for people to forget the unpredictable nature of how the groups and the knock-out phases unfold. For me, there is no certain outcome of any of the second round matches. Anybody can beat anybody from here on in.

That's why we can all dare to dream.

Every confederation is represented in the second round. Six Europeans. All five South Americans. Two Asians. Two from CONCAF. And one African.

The opportunity is right here, right now. Destiny beckons. This is the moment to seize. This is the chance to reach immortality.

CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD CUP

2010-06-25T12:12:00.003+01:00

WAVING FLAG

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FRIDAY 25 JULY

2010-06-25T10:58:00.003+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Portugal 1-1 Brazil

Brazil will want to top Group G and even though they will probably rest some players, there won't be any slip-ups here. A draw will satisfy both teams' requirements, and therefore it's a logical outcome.

North Korea 2-2 Ivory Coast

I always expected the North Koreans to get a point somewhere, and this is their last chance. Apparently their footware was the problem against Portugal, which is a shame because their spirited display against Brazil should be an abiding memory of this World Cup. An entertaining draw to end with here.

Chile 1-1 Spain

Spain are going to have a hell of a scare today but my gut tells me they will sneak through. The other result will go their way and get them off the hook. Group H on this last day has 'squeaky bum time' written all over it.

Switzerland 0-1 Honduras

The Central American outfit are too good to exit this tournament with nothing and will win here, causing the Swiss much anguish at a failed opportunity when they see the result in the other game.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS THURSDAY 24 JUNE

2010-06-24T09:15:00.005+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Slovakia 2-3 Italy

The defending champions are under pressure but will deliver. I sense considerable drama in this one though.

Paraguay 3-0 New Zealand

It's going to be a stroll in the park for the very well-organized and impressive South Americans - a dark horse for the tournament.

Denmark 1-0 Japan

The Danes have never failed at the group stage in three previous World Cup appearances. They will be good enough again to just see off Japan.

Cameroon 2-1 Holland

Cameroon are out but will finish with a win again the Dutch who are already through.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE

2010-06-23T08:41:00.002+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Slovenia 0-2 England

It's hard to imagine that England will not improve on last Friday's dismal display, but their problem will be that Slovenia only need a draw and will set up to frustrate the Three Lions. England will scrape over the line though.

USA 0-0 Algeria

Algeria know that victory would give them a chance of going through. I expect a tight start, but the game will open up. Both sides to end frustrated though, and the scoresheet blank.

Ghana 1-1 Germany

Africa's hopes are now largely resting on Ghana's shoulders, and they won't disappoint. A point here will take them through, Germany will scrape through too.

Australia 1-0 Serbia

The Aussies will finish with a win but it won't be enough to save their World Cup.

SOUTH KOREA EDGE THROUGH AS NIGERIA AND GREECE EXIT EARLY

2010-06-22T22:40:00.006+01:00

South Korea scraped a draw with Nigeria in a tense Group B finale to progress with Argentina and set up a last sixteen tie against Uruguay.

The Asian outfit haven't found scoring a problem in this tournament which perhaps gave them the confidence to bounce back after an early defensive lapse allowed Kala Uche to get in ahead of Cha Du-Ri and fire home from eight yards.

The early goal put Nigeria firmly in the hunt for a last sixteen berth despite having lost their opening two games. However it wasn't long until the group swung back in favour of the Koreans when a glorious free kick was delivered perfectly between defence and 'keeper towards the back post for Lee Jung-Soo to somewhat fortuitously divert the ball home with his foot after initially attempting to head the ball.

A draw would have been enough for South Korea providing Greece did not beat Argentina, which was looking increasingly unlikely after a first half of little action from the surprisingly defensive Greeks.

In the second half the Koreans again opened up their opponents from a set piece as Park Chu-Young wrong-footed the Nigerian goalkeeper to curl the ball inside the far post and give his side the lead.

Everton striker Yakubu had the perfect opportunity to level the scores but managed to send the ball wide of an open goal from just six yards out, before eventually levelling from the penalty spot just minutes later.

Nigeria went in pursuit of the one goal they needed to progress and dump South Korea out of the tournament. By this stage Greece were well out of the running as their utter refusal to attack cost them dear as they quickly conceded two goals too say goodbye to the World Cup for another four years.

Nigeria came within inches of stealing the tie when Obafemi Martins' dinked effort beat the keeper but rolled wide of the post before Victor Obinna's long range effort crept agonisingly wide.

A draw proved to be enough for South Korea who will face the impressive Uruguay in the next round while group winners Argentina will play an unpredictable Mexico side in a repeat of their second round clash four years ago which Argentina won 2-1 after extra time.

HOSTS BOW OUT WITH ADMIRABLE VICTORY

2010-06-22T16:56:00.003+01:00

South Africa's World Cup dream is over despite a spirited performance and a 2-1 win over France in their final group match.

South Africa are the first host nation ever in the history of the World Cup not to make it beyond the first round.

France's debacle of a tournament ended with defeat and bottom place in the group, with just one goal scored.

Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 in the other game and both teams progress to the knock-out stages. They await for the results of tonight's final games in Group B to see who they will play.

WORLD CUP LATEST LAST SIXTEEN PREDICTIONS

2010-06-22T13:12:00.004+01:00

Before the tournament started your two dedicated bloggers from World Cup Latest set about predicting the outcome of the entire tournament. Now this is no easy task as I'm sure many of you are well aware but for Euro 2008 both of us managed to correctly predict three of the four semi finalists, so we've got previous.

With the group stages about to drwa to a close we've decided to share our predictions so you can see how close, or how far, we are from the mark.

Group A vs Group B

David's Predictions
Uruguay vs Nigeria
Argentina vs France

Charlie's Predictions
Mexico v South Korea
Argentina v France

No major surprises here. Both of us favoured France to come through as runners-up in their group and face a serious test aginst Group B winners Argentina in the second round. At the start of the tournament that was considered an upset but with the turmoil currently surrounding the French side you wouldn't find many people backing them to beat South Africa tonight.

However, we differ wildly on the other tie that will result from this group, but are both in with a chance of getting it right. Nigeria, the only African side I backed to get through the groups, have been short of form and a devestating loss to Greece means only victory over the impressive South Korea will give them any hope of qualifying for the next round.

With Charlie backing Mexico to top the group he'll be hoping they can get a win against current Group A leaders Uruguay tonight, but this all South American clash will be a tight affair with bost sides aware that they will be in with a real shot of a quarter final place should they top the group.

Tommorrow; England, America, Germany et al.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FOR TUESDAY 22 JUNE

2010-06-22T10:37:00.003+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Mexico 1-0 Uruguay

Mexico have been highly impressive so far and are gaining confidence. Winning Group A will in all likelihood mean avoiding Argentina in the last sixteen. A big incentive.

France 1-2 South Africa

The hosts will finish with a win against the team whose spirit has broken irreparably, but it won't be enough to stop them being the first host nation not to qualify from their group.

Nigeria 2-2 South Korea

Nigeria are in that unusual situation of having lost two games but still being in with a chance of getting through. South Korea are in pole position to reach the second round though - a win for them would guarantee progress.

Greece 1-3 Argentina

Maradona's men will finish their group with three wins, opening the door for the winners of the other game to progress.

PORTUGAL FIND THEIR FORM TO PUT SEVEN PAST NORTH KOREA

2010-06-21T14:57:00.006+01:00

A rampant Portugal side dispatched North Korea from the World Cup with a ruthless second half display this afternoon.

Carlos Queiroz's men led by just one goal at half time as the plucky North Koreans did their best to take something from the fixture.

After the interval Portugal looked like a changed side and Cristiano Ronaldo finally found some space to make things happen.

Portugal got their second in the 53rd minute and that was the signal for the floodgates to not just open, but collapse, as the Koreans shipped a further five goals on their way out of the tournament.

After the Ivory Coast's loss to Brazil last night Portugal were well aware their qualification from the group could come down to goal difference and that showed in the second half of the game.

Despite the Europeans taking a 23rd minute lead through Raul Meireles, North Korea put in an impressive effort, forcing Portugese 'keeper Eduardo into a couple of good stops.

However after the break every changed with the North Koreans appearing unable to continue their tiring running to chase the ball down that gave them such a respectable start to the tournament against Brazil.

Two goals in three minutes from Simao and Hugo Almeida put the game beyond the Koreans with less than an hour played. When former Chelsea midfielder Tiago added a fourth on the hour mark fans were left wandering how many.

Cristiano Ronaldo hit the crossbar with a magnificent effort before substitue Liedson capitalised on a defence error to fire home with his first touch of the game. Ronaldo finally got his goal two minutes from time after a fortunate deflection off his own head allowed him to tap into an empty net and Tiago grabbed his second to complete the rout just 60 seconds later.

With a nine goal and three point advantage over Ivory Coast it will take a stunning turn of events in the last round of group games for Portugal not to qualify for the last sixteen but when you're playing Brazil, anything can happen.

2010-06-21T08:31:00.001+01:00

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS MONDAY 21 JUNE

2010-06-21T08:01:00.002+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Portugal 1-1 North Korea

Portugal did not impress me in their opener, North Korea did. This group is wide open for who goes through with Brazil. Don't rule out the Koreans.

Chile 1-2 Switzerland

No South American side has lost yet at this World Cup. A Swiss win would give them a place in the next round, and make it unlikely that Spain will win Group H.

Spain 2-1 Honduras

Spain will be nervy after their defeat against Switzerland but will squeak home in this one. I'm not expecting it to be easy for them though.

KAKA CONTROVERSY MARS SAMBA KINGS VICTORY

2010-06-20T21:34:00.005+01:00

Brazil's qualification for the knockout stages was cast under a dark cloud as Kaka was controversially sent off late on in their 3-1 victory over the Ivroy Coast.

Luis Fabiano opened the scoring in the first half with a fantastic finish from a tight angle, powerfully finding the top corner after latching onto Kaka's through ball.

The first moment of controversy came with Fabiano's second when he twice appeared to handle the ball in the build up to what was otherwise a sublime individual goal.

Brazil added a third when Kaka again supplied a perfect ball for Elano to tap home, Didier Drogba then pulled one back for the African side before the Brazilian playmaker was controversially sent off for a second bookable offence.

A good performance from the five times World Champions saw them cruise past Sven-Goran Eriksson's Ivory Coast side without ever having to find top gear. However two classy goals from Luis Fabiano and a tap in from Elano are simply the side story to the most controversial moment of the tournament so far.

After receiving a first yellow card for a petty argument with Barcelona star Yaya Toure over a disputed free-kick, just three minutes later Kaka was shown a second yellow and a red one to go with it. An off-the-ball incident picked up by none of the commentators on TV or radio had left substitute Kader Keita on the ground and sparked a furious reaction from his teammates.

With Kaka appearing to flee the scene of the crime the attentions turned to the TV replays as the officials attempted to restore order on the pitch. Replays showed Kaka had, perhaps intentionally, blocked off Keita's run but the minimal contact brought out an exceptional reaction from the winger.

Whilst Keita writhed in 'agony', clutching his face and rolling on the floor, the referee, despite not seeing the incident, decided Kaka was to blame and duly trotted across the pitch to give the Real Madrid star his marching orders.

The incident reeks of irony for Brazil and those who can remember as far back as the 2002 World Cup will remember why. Rivaldo's disgraceful theatrics when a ball was kicked at him with a little extra sauce in a match against Turkey saw his opponents undeservedly reduced to ten men as the shocked Hakan Unsal was sent from the pitch.

Rivaldo was clearly struck on the knee and yet threw himself to the floor clutching his face. The Brazilian legend was fined for his actions but refused to apologize, saying, "I'm calm about the punishment, and I am not sorry about anything. I was both the victim and the person who got fined."

Ironically for the Ivory Coast Keita's theatrics mean that their qualification rivals Portugal will face a notably weakened Brazil side at arguably the most crucial stage of the tournament.

Rivaldo's dive against Turkey. (2002 World Cup)

SNEAKING IN THE BACK DOOR

2010-06-20T14:01:00.009+01:00

It's do or die time at the World Cup. With the last round of group games to take place over the next few days, heartache, joy and drama awaits.

As always, it's squeaky bum time for quite a few of the big boys. France, runners-up four years ago, have the most difficult situation as their destiny is out of their hands. They have to beat South Africa in their last game - probably by a few goals - and hope that Mexico and Uruguay don't play out a draw which would take them both through. And by the way, in case you haven't heard, the French squad refused to train today - in protest at the sending home of Nicolas Anelka. France appear to be in complete meltdown, and barring an extraordinary turnaround their World Cup looks over.

The defending champions Italy have just played out a frustrating 1-1 draw with New Zealand, a result which leaves their progress out of Group F in doubt. Their situation suddenly has a similar look about it to that of England in Group C, who have registered two points from their opening two games against the USA and Algeria. England face Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon and Italy will play Slovakia 24 hours later; and both nations are facing the very real possibility of the unthinkable - elimination from the World Cup at the group stage.

Of the two, I would say England have the more difficult task, simply because their last game is against the group leaders who only need a point to ensure their qualification and at the same time almost certainly put England out. Slovenia may well pack players behind the ball and seek to frustrate England, something the Algerians did to great effect. Italy, on the other hand, should have more of a chance to get at their opponents Slovakia, for whom a draw will count for nothing.

The World Cup only comes round every four years, and that's why it is felt so passionately by fans everywhere. It's so intense, a defeat in the group stages is felt so deeply and is taken so personally. It's the end of the world until the next game.

Four years is also enough time for us to forget certain realities about the World Cup. The things that seem impossible when you are living the roller-coaster ride of the tournament, in the intensity of the moment, can be the very realities that actually come to pass. Let me invite you to remember history as I try to sell to you the extreme importance of sneaking through the back door into the knock-out stages.

Cast you mind back if you can to Italia 90. Defending champions Argentina were shambolic in their opening game against Cameroon and went down 1-0. They recovered to beat the Soviet Union and draw with Romania, results which saw them qualify as one of four best third placed teams. Their reward was a second round clash with Brazil, who had cruised their group with three wins. You can guess what happened if you don't remember...Yes, Argentina put Brazil out 1-0 in an extraordinary game, and went on to win their quarter-final and semi-final on penalties against Yugoslavia and Italy respectively. Argentina were a poor side and rode their luck, but having sneaked through the back door in their group they ended up in the Final.

Four years later at USA 94 the Italians also made it to the Final despite having lost their opening match against the Republic of Ireland. That group ended up with all four teams finishing on four points each (the only time in World Cup history that this has ever happened) and Italy - as Argentina had done four years earlier - only qualified in third place. In the second round only a last minute equalizer by Roberto Baggio staved off a shock defeat to Nigeria.

The Italians in 1982 provide us with another spectacular example of how things can turn round for a team - and for an individual player. Italy drew all three of their group games against Peru, Poland and Cameroon - only scoring two goals in the process. They only went through by virtue of having scored one more goal than Cameroon. After that, nobody was talking about Italy as potential World Champions that year, especially when in the second group phase they were paired with Argentina and Brazil, with only one semi-final place available amongst the three of them. However, Italy beat them both in the space of six days and went on to beat Poland in the semi-final and West Germany in the Final. Italian striker Paulo Rossi had done nothing at all in the first group phase but his manager stuck faith with him, and his hat-trick against Brazil opened the floodgates. Two more in the semi and the opening goal in the Final gave Rossi six goals in three games and the Golden Boot.

As despondent as English, French, Italian - and perhaps even Spanish - fans may be feeling, take heart from this history lesson of the World Cup. The back door is still open. The team that dares may just sneak through it and find that it opens up to the Promised Land. This week will contain tears, and the dreams of some will die over the next few days. But strange things happen in football, just as they do in life. Three weeks tonight we could be gearing up for a France v Italy Final again. Or England v Spain. You never know.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SUNDAY 20 JUNE

2010-06-20T12:03:00.005+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Slovakia 1-2 Paraguay

Paraguay have an excellent chance to win Group F and avoid a possible clash with Holland in the first knock-out round. They'll sneak this one.

Italy 3-0 New Zealand

The World Champions will take a big step to Round 2 with a routine victory here.

Brazil 1-1 Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast impressed me in the their first game and I think they can get something from this. I've backed them to get out of Group G.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 19 JUNE

2010-06-19T10:42:00.003+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Holland 1-0 Japan

I expect the Dutch to confirm their progress with a win in this one, although Japan will not lie down.

Ghana 3-2 Australia

Ghana are fast becoming Africa's best hope in this World Cup, and they'll have just too much for Australia in a game of goals.

Cameroon 2-0 Denmark

Cameroon need to win this one and hope that the Dutch beat Japan. They'll then need to get something out of their clash with Holland next Thursday and hope that Denmark beat Japan. Complicated? Let's stick with today's game; Cameroon to win.

GROUP D BLOWN WIDE OPEN WITH SERBIA VICTORY

2010-06-18T14:30:00.005+01:00

Serbia's 1-0 win over Germany has blown their group wide open as the World Cup provides another shock.

After Switzerland's stunning win against Spain and Mexico's deserved victory over France the World Cup has given us possibly the biggest shock so far with this result.

Germany not only lost their first group game since the 1982 World Cup but also missed a penalty, something they are renowned for being experts in.

Germany started well in their second game of the tournament giving their opponents no time to settle on the ball and creating some early opportunities.

However their gameplan was blown apart when Miroslav Klose was given two harsh yellow cards and promptly recieved his marching orders in the 37th minute of the game. The Serbians wasted no time in making their advantage pay, scoring what would prove to be the winning goal just sixty seconds after the dismissal.

A good run and cross down the right flank from Milos Krasic picked out Nikola Zigic backing away towards the back post and the lanky striker's header down was the perfect setup for Milan Jovanovic to control on the chest and fire home from five yards.

Much to their credit the Germans continued to chase the game with Sami Khedira smashing the ball against the crossbar just before half-time.

In the second half Lukas Podolski looked the man most likely for Germany, going close with numerous attempts before being given a golden opportunity to level the scores from the spot.

The picky Spanish referee was criticised for his poor officiating for much of the game but no one could argue with this decision as Nemanja Vidic inexplicably handled the ball in a presssure-less situation.

However the three time winners failed to punish the opposition with Vladimir Stojkovic getting down quickly to Podolski's weak effort.

Serbia could have sealed the game twice when first Jovanovic hit the post and then Zigic clipped the bar with a free header.

Germany were unable to break down the Serbian back line and a win for Australia against Ghana this afternoon would make this the most open group of the tournament.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FRIDAY 18 JUNE

2010-06-18T10:42:00.005+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Serbia 1-0 Germany

The Germans have a very poor record against sides from Eastern Europe and Serbia have all to play for after defeat in their opening game.

Slovenia 1-0 USA

Buoyed by the win over Algeria, Slovenia can book their place in the last 16 with a win today.

England 2-0 Algeria

Jittery England will make their fans sweat but scrape the win they desperately need. I think.. Either that or another draw.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FOR THURSDAY 17 JUNE

2010-06-17T08:07:00.002+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Argentina 2-2 South Korea

I think Argentina will be surprised by the levels of fitness and teamwork of the Koreans, who I believe can work on their opponents weakness. I almost predicted a Korean victory here, but I'll stick with the draw.

Greece 1-3 Nigeria

Both teams have to try and win this one so I think there will be goals. The African nation to end Greek hopes of progressing.

France 1-1 Mexico

Hard one to predict this, as we keep expecting France to turn up and do what their talent suggests they can do and they keep staying at home. They will keep their hopes alive here - as will Mexico - as they share the points to set up a dramatic last round of games in Group A.

SOUTH AFRICA ON BORROWED TIME AFTER URUGUAY DEFEAT

2010-06-16T21:37:00.004+01:00

South Africa are facing the very real possibility of an early exit from the World Cup Finals after a dismal display against Uruguay on Wednesday night.

The South Americans were the better team for much of the game, restricting the hosts to nothing more than hopeful long shots.

Diego Forlan gave his side a one-nil half time lead with a dipping effort that took the slightest of deflections off of a South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena.

Forlan doubled the lead with a penalty in the second half as Bafana Bafana 'keeper Itumeleng Khune was sent off for a foul on Luis Suarez before Alvaro Pereira wrapped up the win with a third goal deep into injury time.

The hosts now face the daunting prospect of needing a win against former World Champions France in their final group game to stand any chance of progress. The hosts will be hoping for a draw in France and Mexico's second group game tomorrow knowing that that gives them the most likely route to progress. In that event the Mexicans would have to beat Group leaders Uruguay in their final game to secure a place in the knockout stages while France would also have to chase victory against South Africa.

If South Africa do fail to progress they will be the first host nation ever to fail to get through the group stages of the tournament. It may also adversely effect the rest of the tournament with the party atmosphere sure to dampen should the hosts head home early.

The noise levels inside the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria fell dramatically with each Uruguay goal and fans were streaming for the exits as their side fell two goals behind. A chorus of 'boos' replaced the seemingly unstoppable choir of Vuvuzelas as Khune received his marching orders from the referee, but the fans will now have to get behind their team for them to stand any chance of beating France next Tuesday.

For Uruguay however the first task is almost complete. A draw against Mexico in their final game will be enough for them to advance to the round of sixteen but Diego Forlan and his team will undoubtedly want to go through as group winners and show the world they are a force to be reckoned with.

BIG NAMES FLATTER TO DECIEVE AS FIRST ROUND OF FIXTURES DRAWS TO A CLOSE

2010-06-16T19:03:00.004+01:00

So with just twenty minutes or so left until South Africa play their second game of the tournament we have little time left to reflect on the opening round of fixtures, although maybe we shouldn't look back for too long.

It's not much to look at after all, most of the talk has been about the lack of action and excitement. With just two games containing more than two goals and Germany the only team to bag more than a brace, the competition has been somewhat bereft of world class football.

Some blame the ball, some blame the altitude, most blame the Vuvuzelas. But as far as I can see it's been a case of the big boys not playing well and the underdogs giving all they've got. The biggest surprise undoubtedly came in the final match of the first round of fixtures as Gelson Fernandes converted the ugliest goal in World Cup history to help his Swiss friends secure a shock victory over bookies favourites Spain.

Previously France, England, Portugal and Italy had all failed to win their opening games while Brazil and Argentina had looked unimpressive in victory. It was the unfancied Germans who stole the show with their four-nil demolition of Australia.

However the series of results has provided one of the most open World Cups in recent history with nobody written off as possible qualifiers for the last sixteen. In fact underdogs such as South Korea, Slovenia and Japan could secure qualification for the knockout stages with victory in their second games. While lowly New Zealand and North Korea put up spirited performances against Slovakia and Brazil respectively to prove there are no easy games at the World Cup.

Perhaps there's one thing that we always fail to remember about football; It's totally unpredictable. But we'll never stop trying to predict it.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE

2010-06-16T10:01:00.005+01:00

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Honduras 2-2 Chile

We've had a glut of drawers and I see another one here. Honduras will be a tougher proposition than many suppose.

Spain 3-0 Switzerland

I can't see the Swiss containing Spain at all. An early goal will set the World Cup favourites on course for a routine win.

South Africa 0-0 Uruguay

Both teams will keep their hopes alive with a point in what is going to prove a very tight group.

NEW ZEALAND STUN SLOVAKIA TO PICK UP FIRST POINT

2010-06-15T14:37:00.004+01:00

New Zealand picked up their first ever point at the World Cup Finals with a last gasp equaliser against an unimpressive Slovakia side.

The Slovakians, competing in their first World Cup as an independent nation, had been expected to cruise past the All Whites with their wealth of European stars. However Ricki Herbert's men were well organised and gave a strong account of themselves to pick up a deserved draw.

New Zealand were unlucky not to be ahead at half time, threatening the Slovakian defence with a number of good crosses. Shortly after the break Slovakia punished New Zealand with their first clear cut opportunity as Robert Vittek directed a header into the far corner of the goal.

Slovakia looked capable of playing some neat football when not falling on the floor in 'agony' but they were still struggling to create chances and when they did they failed to test the 'keeper. Napoli's highly rated midfielder Marek Hamsik wastefully fired over after good work from striker Stanislav Sestak in the build up.

Slovakia attempted to see out the match with their one goal advantage in tact but a barrage of long and early crosses from New Zealand kept the pressure on deep into injury time.

The Islanders appeared to waste their last chance for an equaliser when Tony Lochead's superb cross was headed wide by Shane Smeltz just before the ninety minutes was up. However the Kiwi's kept pushing and it was Smeltz himself who delivered a glorious curling cross to the far post for defender Winston Reid to divert in off the post with a glancing header.

Cue scenes of jubilation as every member of the squad rose from the bench to celebrate with the now shirtless Reid in front of the joyous New Zealand support. Slovakia's inability to win against New Zealand could compound them to exit as they will now surely have to win against either defending champions Italy or the highly rated Paraguay to stand and chance of qualifying for the knock out stages.

On the other hand, for New Zealand, a country without a professional football league, the party will continue against Italy on Sunday.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS TUESDAY JUNE 15

2010-06-15T10:28:00.003+01:00

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

New Zealand 1-4 Slovakia

Goals will in abundance in this one, and Slovakia will get their campaign off to a flyer.

Ivory Coast 3-1 Portugal

This is a fascinating one, and I think both teams will go for broke. They both know Brazil await them, so yes, they could play out a bore draw but an early goal will set the scene for an entertaining game. The tournament needs another big performance from an African team and I think it'll happen here.

Brazil 1-1 North Korea

OK, at least you can't accuse us of making boring predictions! I just have a feeling in the old bones about this one. The easiest games on paper can often be the hardest ones on the pitch. North Korea to get the world talking with no mention of Great Leaders or nuclear arms.

WORLD CUP LATEST PREDICTIONS - MONDAY JUNE 14

2010-06-14T08:28:00.002+01:00

World Cup Predictions for today:

Holland 1-1 Denmark

Much is expected from the Dutch but this is a tough opener - the Danes have never failed to make it out of the group stages in three previous appearances at the Finals and will be good enough for a point.

Cameroon 3-0 Japan

I expect more joy for the African nations with a comfortable win for Cameroon against a weak Japanese side.

Italy 1-1 Paraguay

These two teams should qualify from Group F and I expect a cagey opening and the points shared.

RAMPANT GERMANS DISMANTLE AUSSIES AS CAHILL SEES RED

2010-06-13T23:32:00.004+01:00

Tim Cahill became the third player of the day to be sent off in South Africa as his Australia side fell to a crushing four-nil defeat against Germany.

Australia started brightly and created a chance to go ahead in the opening minute of the game but it wasn't long before the Germans took control.

Lukasz Podolski gave Germany the lead in just the eighth minute of the match with a thunderbolt from the edge of the area that proved too hot to handle for Fulham 'keeper Mark Schwarzer.

From then on the three time champions didn't look back, slicing open their opponents defence with ease to create a number of opportunities. The Socceroos were given a reprive when Miroslav Klose fired high and wide from ten yards out. However the Bayern Munich striker made no mistake just minutes later, darting between defender and goalkeeper to get his head to Phillip Lahm's pinpoint cross and double the lead.

Australia made all the right changes at half time in an attempt to turn the game around as they brought on a natural striker to allow Tim Cahill to drop into a deeper role. However all of Australia manager Pim Verbeek's good intentions went to waste when Cahill was harshly punished for a strong tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger just before the hour. The Everton man was sent off by the Mexican referee who had had a faultless game up until that decision.

It was effectively game over as Australia's talisman left the pitch, and it could be tournament over for the boys from down under with Cahill forced to sit out their next game. True to form the efficent Germans remained ruthless as first Thomas Mueller, and then Brazilian born substitue Cacau compounded the Aussies misery by making it four-nil with over twenty minutes left.

With the game well and truly over the Aussies showed real spirit to battle on and almost salvaged some pride when substitue Nikita Rukavytsya forced the German 'keeper into a decent save, but it will take real determination for the Aussies to find a way through the group stages after such a bruising defeat.

FIRST PENALTY GIVES AFRICA FIRST WIN

2010-06-13T16:51:00.006+01:00

A late penalty converted by Asamoah Gyan gave Ghana a narrow victory over Serbia in the opening match of Group D.

The penalty was correctly awarded for a handball by Serbian midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic and is the first of the 2010 World Cup. Ghana's victory is also the first victory for an African nation at this World Cup, the first to take place on African soil.

Ghana had showed more enterprise during the game and deserved to take the three points. Serbia finished the match with ten men following the dismissal of Aleksander Lukovic for a second bookable offence ten minutes before the penalty.

PARK JI-SUNG LEADING BY EXAMPLE

2010-06-13T13:06:00.013+01:00

South Korea's World Cup is up and running with gusto, and captain Park Ji-Sung is leading by example.

The Manchester United star has grown in stature over the five years he has spent in England and is fast becoming a veteran of World Cup football.

His superbly taken goal against Greece on Saturday was his third goal at World Cup Finals, and each have been scored in separate tournaments.

In 2002 Park sent the Korean nation delirious when he struck the winner against Portugal in the final group game that confirmed the then-Host nation as group winners and put them into the knock-out stages of the World Cup for the first time ever.

Four years ago in Germany Park popped up with a late equalizer in Korea's second match with France that kept alive their hopes of qualifying in that tournament, and now, following his strike against Greece in what was his 89th international appearance, Park joins a select group of players who have scored in three different tournaments.

South Korea have one foot in the second round again and are now preparing for Argentina on Thursday. The two countries met in the first group match of the 1986 World Cup when the South Americans emerged as 3-1 winners and went on the win the tournament.

On two other occasions South Korea have faced South American opposition at the World Cup. In 1990 they lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their final group match and in 1994 played out a 0-0 draw with Bolivia.

Confidence is high amongst the players following yesterday's sparkling display and they will provide a stern test for Argentina in Johannesburg on Thursday in a game which could decide who wins Group B.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS, SUNDAY 13 JUNE

2010-06-13T12:22:00.003+01:00

Predictions for today's World Cup games:

Algeria 2-1 Slovenia

The extra support for the African nation should give them the lift them need.

Serbia 2-0 Ghana

My tip to win the group, I'm expecting a good start from them today.

Australia 1-1 Germany

I can see the Germans struggling here. Australia will run all day and have enough to take a point from this opening match.

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS SATURDAY JUNE 12

2010-06-12T10:50:00.002+01:00

World Cup-Latest predictions for Saturday games at the World Cup:

Greece 0-1 South Korea

The spirited Asians will have just enough to win by a single goal.

Argentina 2-1 Nigeria

Maradona to get lucky in what I think will be a tight game. The Africans will have great support and will get at the Argentinian defence.

England 2-1 USA

I'm not expecting a classic here. If England hit the ground running they might build up a lead, but the USA will be so up for this one as it's so key to the outcome of the Group C.

FRANCE FAIL TO BEAT TEN MAN URUGUAY

2010-06-11T22:43:00.005+01:00

France were unable to take an advantage in Group A as they failed to beat ten man Uruguay in their opening game of the tournament.

The uninspiring fixture, described as "truly awful" by a BBC match report, saw second half Uruguay substitute Lodeiro given his marching orders for a disgraceful tackle on Bacary Sagna.

France came close to scoring early on but Sidney Govou was unable to direct Franck Ribery's cross towards goal.

Diego Forlan carved out Uruguay's best chance of the match but the Atletico Madrid striker was unable to beat French 'keeper Hugo Lloris.

FRANCE V URUGUAY PREDICTION

2010-06-11T18:36:00.005+01:00

World Cup Latest blog prediction for France v Uruguay:

France 2-2 Uruguay

Since the draw was made I thought this could be any two teams from the four who could go through. France will struggle tonight unless they get off to a quick start. It'll be tight as neither side will want to lose following the draw this afternoon between South Africa and Mexico. But I expect goals - and another draw.

HOSTS HELD TO DRAW IN OPENING GAME

2010-06-11T17:44:00.004+01:00

Hosts South Africa secured a 1-1 draw with Mexico as the 2010 World Cup got underway.

Simphiwe Tshabalala latched on to a perfectly weighted throughball to fire home a glorious strike right into the top corner of the goal.

Mexico pegged the hosts back in the 79th minute when Rafael Marquez caught the South African's defence sleeping, and despite an unconvincing finish the game was level.

Both sides had their chances to win and whilst the game was far from a classic it was an encouraging performance for the underdog hosts.

OPENING MATCH PREDICTION

2010-06-11T14:41:00.003+01:00

World Cup latest blog prediction for the opening match of South Africa 2010:

South Africa 1-1 Mexico

I see this one ending in a draw. I think the hosts may take a first half lead but get pegged back. Mexico are a tough proposition, but if South Africa can draw on the incredible energy from the crowd and let it inspire them they could set the tone for a successful campaign. The atmosphere over there is absolutely electric. Here we go.

WHY THE WORLD NEEDS THE CUP

2010-06-11T13:25:00.009+01:00

There is a popular notion of a football match that likens it to war. Eleven players become the embodiment of a nation's strengths and values for an encounter of epic proportions with an 'enemy'. In the pressured cauldron that is the World Cup, war may seem an appropriate appellation.

History painfully reminds over and over of the horrors of war and its essentially destructive nature. Football, however, does not portray destruction; on the contrary, the essence of the beautiful game - and the reason we love it - are the creative qualities it embraces.

War creates division, the World Cup - like nothing else in the scope of human experience - engenders unity. Cultural diversity can be celebrated instead of frowned upon. Political differences can be set aside, and skill and ability can be appreciated and applauded in their own right.

In our troubled times, how much we need the Cup. The Football World Cup creates unity because when we see the stadiums with their colour and passion we empathize. We all understand the pain and the passion. The Cup engenders empathy rather than intolerance, respect in place of retaliation. Competition? Yes, of course. But not combat, not to the level of life and death significance.

Human times are no more troubled now than in the past, but how much we need the Cup.

SOUTH AFRICA'S OPEN ARMS

2010-06-11T03:21:00.005+01:00

The world is welcome in South Africa.

SOUTH AFRICA'S MOMENT - THE WORLD CUP IS HERE

2010-06-11T02:18:00.005+01:00

The waiting is over, and the World Cup is here.

SQUARE BALLS AND PAPER PITCHES

2010-06-10T22:04:00.011+01:00

Thank God it ain't like that. No square ball and no paper pitches. Thank God the World Cup is not played on paper, but on grass, and that the ball is round and not square!

The beauty of the World Cup is its unpredictable nature. I know I'm not alone in feeling frustration at hearing pundit predictions of a certain Spain v Brazil Final at this year's World Cup. It always happens, and it makes me laugh. How quickly history is forgotten.

I well remember the build up to the 2002 tournament in the Far East - all the talk was of an invincible French team who, in their bid to retain their World title, could only possibly to challenged by a highly talented Argentinian side.

France were as fancied then as Spain are for this World Cup. Honduras, Switzerland and Chile take heart - France exited that tournament in the group stages with one point and no goals. Argentina followed suit, out in the first round, and suddenly the Cup was open.

So, when did the best team win the World Cup? Let's consider that question for the World Cups since 1970...

Did the best team win the World Cup in.....

1970?

YES. Brazil ruled the world and deservedly so. Arguably the best team in history.

1974?

NO. Beaten finalists Holland were the inventors of 'Total Football' and should have conquered the world, but were undone by the dogged hosts West Germany.

1978?

NO again. The Dutch blew another chance to capture the biggest prize and lost out again to the hosts (Argentina) in the Final.

1982?

Absolutedly NOT. Brazil should have won this one at a canter, but couldn't play safe when they needed to. A draw against Italy in a second round group game was all they needed to reach a semi-final against Poland, but a Paolo Rossi hat-trick resulted in a 3-2 scoreline that dumped the Samba Stars out.

1986?

NO again, but a little more debatable this one. Although Argentina with an unstoppable Maradona were worthy winners, Brazil again played with a panache that looked like it would take them all the way. It would have made a fitting Final, but France and a penalty shootout in the quarter-final ended Brazilian dreams.

1990?

YES. Following defeat in the 1986 Final to Argentina, Franz Beckenbauer had said that his team would be ready to go a step further at the next World Cup, and they did. Their only serious test was a fabulously well-balanced semi-final with England which finished 1-1. But once it went to penalties, well, there was only one winner.

1994?

YES. This was an extremely open tournament, with no outstanding candidates prior to kick-off. Although not in the same league as the 1970 team, Brazil were too good for the rest in the USA and won their first Cup for 24 years.

1998?

YES. France certainly enjoyed luck with the draw and the rub of the green at some key moments - and may have come unstuck had they come up against Holland or Argentina - but there was an unexpected strength about them that got them through to the Final where they trounced Brazil to forcibly silence all their critics.

2002?

NO. The two pre-tournaments favourites France and Argentina were knocked out in the group stages. Both would have given eventual winners Brazil serious problems had they clashed in the knock-out stages. Why did they both fail so miserably then? Reasonable question. The round ball I guess.

2006?

NO. I fancied Italy to win this World Cup and backed them heavily, but not because they were the best team. And they weren't. Argentina were set for glory, but the fateful substitution of play-maker Riquelme in their quarter-final against hosts Germany altered the course of World Cup history and opened the door for an Italian side to meet their destiny with glory.

So there you have it. In only four of the last ten World Cups have the best team won the tournament, but only according to my humble opinion. It does suggest that fans of many countries can harbour dreams of reaching the stars over the next month. It also suggests that Spain have only a 40% chance of taking home the treasured trophy. From a Spanish perspective though, that's pretty good if you think about it, given that there are 32 participating nations.

Hey, let's get one thing clear. I'm not saying that the Final won't be Spain v Brazil. OK, perhaps I am saying that! Actually I expect them to clash in the second round, as I have a funny feeling Brazil are not going to win their group. That would be great for the tournament, one of the big two out by the quarter-finals. That would open the door.

The World Cup is here, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank God for lush grass, and the fact that the ball is round. Fasten your seatbelts everyone. Let the unpredictability begin.

NANI OUT AS WORLD CUP CURSE STRIKES AGAIN

2010-06-08T13:45:00.006+01:00

Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani is the latest player to fall victim to an emerging World Cup curse, after being ruled out of the showpiece event.

Portugal confirmed the news in a team statement saying, "After tests we conclude he is unfit to participate in the World Cup."

The 23 year-old suffered a shoulder injury in training on Friday and tests have confirmed he will not be fit for the tournament.

England skipper Rio Ferdinand has already been ruled out of the World Cup while Côte d'Ivoire captain Didier Drogba is touch and go after suffering a broken arm in a warm-up game against Japan. The African nations have suffered badly with injuries with Drogba's club mates John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien having been ruled out of action for Nigeria and Ghana respectively.

The fitness of Dutch winger Arjen Robben remains a major concern for Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk after the Bayern Munich winger limped out of his side's 6-1 win over Hungary last week.

However it is better news for Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios who has been passed fit to play, as has Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Initial fears that both would be unable to make the tournament have proven unfounded.

ENGLAND UNSCATHED AND UNDERWHELMING IN PLATINUM STARS VICTORY

2010-06-07T17:08:00.012+01:00

England cruised to a 3-0 win over South African club side Platinum Stars as they completed their warm-up for the World Cup.

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe got England off to a great start when he tapped home Steven Gerrard's lay-off in the third minute of the game but the Three Lions struggled to find their form in the first half.

The Platinum Stars had a chance to level from the spot shortly after Defoe's strike but Bradley Grobler fired his penalty harmlessly over the crossbar.

Joe Cole, the only England player to complete the whole ninety minutes, got the second after a quick break from Wayne Rooney before Rooney got himself on the score sheet as he volleyed home James Milner's cross to round off the best move of the match.

The match had many pundits and fans fearing the worst due to the close proximity of England's opening game against the USA on Saturday but the team managed to come through the game without picking up any injuries.

Many questions remain unanswered as to Capello's preferred starting line-up with few England players doing anything to confirm their place on the team sheet in this final warm-up game.

All four strikers got forty five minutes on the pitch with Spurs striker Peter Crouch partnering his club mate, Defoe, in the first half before the pair were replaced by Emile Heskey and Rooney at half time.

This leaves the question unanswered as to who will partner Rooney against the USA with neither Crouch nor Heskey having an impact on the game. It would be something of a surprise should pint-sized Defoe make the first eleven as that would surely see Rooney play a deeper role to support his strike partner, something Fabio Capello has shied away from in the past.

There also remains questions as to who will start on the flanks for England with Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon both desperate to fill the right midfield berth. However Joe Cole's performance may have done enough to convince Capello he is worthy of starting on the left with Steven Gerrard moving into the middle to partner Frank Lampard.

Ledley King seems set to partner John Terry in defence after Rio Ferdinand's heart wrenching injury in training, while it still remains a mystery who will wear the gloves for the Three Lions.

Joe Hart started today's game and was replaced by Rob Green at half time although neither were given much of a chance to prove their worth. Portsmouth's David James is the most experienced of the three and has been handed the No. 1 by Capello which would make him the favourite to start in Rustenberg.

There's certainly plenty of decisions left for Fabio to make.

COUNTING DOWN THE HOURS

2010-06-07T11:19:00.003+01:00

100 hours to go...

WORLD CUP VIEW FROM...SOUTH KOREA

2010-06-07T07:51:00.004+01:00

Tim Alper writes for Best 11, a South Korean monthly football magazine, and is a producer for tbs eFM, South Korea's only English-language radio station. He will be producing the 2010 World Cup Update show for the station.

What is the mood in South Korea now with the team's opening match against Greece just five days away?

It's close to fever pitch out here. The World Cup has been a huge deal in South Korea ever since they co-hosted it back in 2002. Just about every major square and sports stadium in Seoul has been decked out with massive TV screens, and people are set to go wild with excitement here. Korea is a pretty exciting place to be when the World Cup rolls around.

Has the Korean Football Association set any particular target for the team at South Africa 2010?

I am not aware that they have. However, the public perception is that, after the disappointment of 2006, when they were knocked out in the group stages, reaching the second round would be a massive achievement. I don't think anyone dares dream of getting further that that.

The level of expectation amongst the fans was clearly very high four years ago following the amazing run to the semi-final on home soil in 2002. Has the sobering experience of Germany 2006 tempered expectations this time?

Certainly. South Korean fans are pretty realistic. They know that 2002 was not a template for future success, it was just one glorious moment in Korean sporting history. But this time, they just want the team to make a real fist of it, and push for the round of 16.

Who do you think are the two most important players for South Korea as this World Cup?

It's hard to narrow it down to two, South Korea's squad in 2010 is quite possibly the best squad they have ever sent to a World Cup. I would say watch out for Celtic's Ki Seung-Young, he is one of the most creative players Korea have in their side. Also, a lot of responsibility lies in the hands of their veteran goalkeeper, Lee Woon-Jae. It either of these players underperform, South Korea will struggle.

The balance of South Korea's group (Group B) is perfect on paper as it contains four teams from four different confederations. Do you think the Korean team is more suited to playing teams from a particular confederation?

If the World Cup were being played anywhere but Africa, I'd say African teams. A lot of teams from Africa see South Korean players as lightweights who they can muscle off the ball easily. But where a lot of teams that play against South Korea come undone is when it comes to underestimating the energy levels of East Asian sides. I doubt there are many sides that can outdo Korea when it comes to basic fitness. A lot of the time, African sides play at really high tempo and run out of steam in the final third of the game. If it weren't for the 'home advantage' of playing in Africa, I'd say that sides like Nigeria, who South Korea will be playing against, would be perfect opponents.

On paper the most difficult of the three group matches looks to be the middle one against Argentina. How important do you think the order in which you play the teams in your group is?

I don't think it makes much difference. South Korea will be going out to win all three, though personally, if I were Huh Jong-Moo, I'd want an early crack at Argentina. Player for player, they look frightening, but I don't think Maradona has the coaching skills or the tactical nous to win them the World Cup.

So, how far do you think South Korea will go?

I would say the second round is realistic. As long as they can take a point or more from their first game, I think they'll do it. If they lose against Greece, they may struggle to qualify.

Looking at the tournament as a whole, which four teams would you expect to reach the semi-finals?

England, Germany, Brazil, Italy.

And the winners?

It's tough to say, as this is the first ever African World Cup. I think it might come down to team spirit and self-belief, and Germany or Italy have those qualities in spades. Spain are easily the best side, if you look at their squad, but I think they may get vertigo when they get to the later rounds. You have to remember that before they triumphed at EURO 2008, they were labelled along with the Dutch as perennial bottlers. I can see the wheels coming off if they go a goal behind against a big, confident side like the Brazilians or the Italians.

THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY

2010-06-05T21:02:00.021+01:00

For the likes of Holland and England, the weight of World Cup history inescapably bears down on the shoulders of the current teams. The echelons of world football are fairly firmly established, as can be clearly seen when we delve into the histories of the 18 previous tournaments. The old guard generally rules; heritage appears to count for much when the ultimate goal is at stake. Every four years the opportunity to challenge the established order presents itself to nations such as England and Holland, but with each passing failure, the burden of history intensifies and the pressure to deliver grows.

England fans are long-suffering and ever-optimistic, but the reality is that 44 long years have passed since the founding country of football stood at the summit of the world. That glorious Saturday afternoon at Wembley Stadium way back in 1966 and the accompanying images of English celebrations are all the fans have had to live off for nearly half a century. Creating new images of glory by winning the thing again in the modern era has become a national obsession. But the game has changed so much, and English football - like many other aspects of English life - has failed to keep pace with the rest of the world. The 'weight of history' is all too often evident on the faces of the players, who have become past masters at talking the talk, but do not convince you that deep down they believe they are good enough.

As for the Dutch, they have no previous World Cup triumph to haunt them; instead they have a psychological barrier that afflicts many great sides - the clearing of the final hurdle. Twice they stood on the brink, twice they could not cross the threshold. Instead they labour under the label 'best team never to have won the World Cup'. On both the occasions they reached the Final - 1974 and 1978 - they had the armoury to see off the opposition (West Germany and Argentina respectively), but could not find the indefinable quality that transforms potential into victory. Since that era Holland have continued to produce teams of exquisite latent ability, yet at too many subsequent tournaments the 'weight of history' has been apparent in the manner in which they seemed to take a perverse joy in refusing to unite, leading to the self-destructing of their own dreams.

This is not to say that the weight of history does not effect the members of the higher rank of world football. To the likes of Italy, Germany and Brazil - who have all tasted the sweetness of the ultimate victory on several occasions - history weighs on them, too. For sure. Between them they have won 12 of the 18 World Cup tournaments that have taken place, and each has won it at least once in the last 20 years. Success creates expectation, but the prolonged lack of success of the likes of the Dutch and the English fosters growing desperation.

The statistics tell the story. In the last seven World Cups (1982-2006) only FIVE different nations have played the Final - Germany (four times), Italy (three times), Brazil (three times), and Argentina and France with two appearances each. In this same period, the semi-finals have been graced by Poland, Belgium, Sweden, Bulgaria, Croatia, Turkey and South Korea. The point? The old guard rules. Ultimate success - and particularly in recent years - is the reserve of a select few.

Spain may be another side whose continued failure to deliver may start to feel this burden that the passing of the years can bring. Two years ago they won the European Championships in style, and in doing so crossed their own personal 'psycological barrier' of how to deliver their potential when it really counts. But on the only truly global stage that is the World Cup, there is a still higher mental level to summount. Arguably Spain were not tested sufficiently two summers ago in Austria and Switzerland. That will not be the case in South Africa. Their World Cup record is poor - it's a staggering 60 years since they reached the last four. And there are those who still claim they are weak when it comes to the really big games, and point to the EURO 2008 quarter-final with Italy as an example, where they had to rely on a penalty shootout to get through.

A new weight of history for Spain begins now. The tag of pre-tournament favourites usually belongs to Brazil, but they will be very happy for Spain to carry it for them this time and deal with the pressure that goes with it. Based on results and first team selection, the favourites label appears justified. The Spanish fans believe, and with good reason, that their team is the best in the world. The key question is whether the players will have the same self-assurance when they play a Holland, an Italy, or a Brazil in the cauldron of a World Cup knock-out encounter.

South Africa 2010 will be upon us shortly. Is the safe bet to rely on what recent history tells us, that Cup pedigree should feature heavily in our suppositions of what may happen in this latest chapter of World Cup history? Will the tournament provide the means for an England or a Holland to alleviate themselves of the burden of the weight of history? Will Spain break the trend of recent tournaments and become the first Finalist outside the big five for 32 years? Will an outsider write themselves into the annals of international football folklore? Or will the Usual Suspects rule again? The page is blank. The answers are coming. The Cup is here.

INJURY CURSE CONTINUING TO STRIKE KEY PLAYERS

2010-06-05T15:42:00.007+01:00

Arjen Robben is the latest in a string of key players bound for the World Cup in South Africa to suffer a worrying injury.

The Dutch winger limped out of Holland's 6-1 win over Hungary earlier today after appearing to pull a hamstring.

Holland are scheduled to depart for South Africa tonight, but no decision will be made on Robben's inclusion until more is known about the nature and extent of the injury.

Despite the morale boosting victory, Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk stated that he "would rather lose this match and have Arjen stay fit" as reported by The Guardian.

Meanwhile, the defending World Champions Italy have concerns over the fitness of Andrea Pirlo who suffered a calf problem during the warm up defeat to Mexico. Pirlo, who played a key role four years ago in his country's success, is not currently with the squad and his progress is being closely monitored.

South American giants and five-time winners Brazil have worries over goalkeeper Julio Cesar who is struggling with a back problem and is currently unable to train.

The USA, whose opening Group C match against England is just a week away now, today beat Australia 3-1 in their final warm up game, but a notable absentee from the starting line-up was Jozy Altidore. The striker is nursing a sprained ankle but is expected to recover in time for the start of the tournament.

DROGBA HOPES HANGING BY A THREAD

2010-06-05T12:04:00.005+01:00

Didier Drogba's hopes of taking part in the World Cup remain very much in the balance following confirmation that he broke his arm in yesterday's friendly against Japan.

It is understood that permission from the medical staff at Drogba's club Chelsea may be required for the player to undergo immediate surgery in a last ditch bid to be fit to play some part in the Ivory Coast's campaign.

The importance of Drogba to the Ivory Coast's hopes cannot be understated; 45 goals in 70 internationals is a superb return, and his presence in the dressing room and on the pitch is one of a natural leader from whom team-mates derive inspiration.

Drogba recently stated his desire to take the golden boot at South Africa 2010. You could sense in his words a sense of responsibility not only to his own country, but to the African continent as a whole, who desperately hope to have at least one or two representatives in the latter stages of the competition.

Many thought that - in spite of being drawn in the toughest group (G) with Brazil, Portugal and North Korea - the Ivory Coast represented Africa's best chance of being represented in the semi-final. That is a view which may be revised if Drogba doesn't make it. The sad reality may be that the injury impairs his performance level even if he is passed fit.

Meanwhile Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel - one of Drogba's Chelsea team-mates - has definitely been ruled out of the World Cup following an ankly injury.

Drogba's misfortune was one of two high profile injuries yesterday; England captain Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the tournament following an accident in training resulting in knee ligament damage.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson - who was planning his summer holiday - got the dramatic call last night informing him that his country would indeed need him after all, and had about an hour to pack his suitcase and get to the airport. He arrived in South Africa this morning and has joined up with the squad at their base in Rustenburg.

CUP FEVER GRIPS THE WORLD

2010-06-05T11:34:00.005+01:00

World Cup Fever is in full swing across the globe and the final countdown well and truly on, with squads and fans arriving in South Africa for the showpiece event of world sport.

The opening match between the host nation and Mexico is only 150 hours away and will kick-off the tournament which will see 64 matches played over a period of 31 days.

In five weeks time the world will be reflecting on the triumph and heartache of the semi-finals, and building up to match number 64 which will determine the nation who will enjoy the status of World Champions for the next four years.

For the hosts South Africa this is the culmination of a dream which began six years ago when they were awarded the World Cup, beating Egypt and Morocco for the right to host the tournament - the first to take place on African soil.

For the other 31 competing nations there are a range of expectations and dreams; for some, a victory in the group stages would represent an admirable acheivement, for others, a place in the second round. And for one or two nations, only the winning of the greatest prize in sport would satisfy the dreams and expectations of delirious fans.

The colour, pride, passion and drama of the World Cup is almost upon us again, and there truly is nothing to compare. They call it the greatest show on earth. Let the show begin.

RIO FERDINAND'S WORLD CUP HEARTACHE

2010-06-04T15:19:00.007+01:00

England skipper Rio Ferdinand's has been ruled out of the World Cup.

The defender's tournament is over before it has even begun following a ligament injury sustained to his left knee during the first full training session of the England squad this morning in Rustenburg.

Ferdinand was photographed leaving a local hospital on crutches on Friday afternoon following the incident, which happened towards the end of the training session and which coach Fabio Capello called an "accidental injury". The player has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks, which means any involvement in the latter stages of the competition would not be possible.

The news represents a serious blow to Capello's build up to England's Group C opener against the USA a week tomorrow, and indeed their hopes of landing a first World Cup since 1966.

Spurs defender Michael Dawson is due to fly to South Africa tonight as Ferdinand's replacement, and Steven Gerrard has been confirmed at the man who will now captain the England side.

Meanwhile Ivorian Coast striker Didier Drogba has suffered a suspected fractured elbow in his country's last warm up match against Japan, leaving his hopes of appearing at the tournament in doubt.

It was initially thought that Drogba would be likely to miss out, but The Guardian reports that the star striker will undergo an emergency operation tonight in a desperate bid to be fit for the Ivorians opening game against Portugal on June 15.

ITALIAN GRAVEYARDS

2010-06-02T16:16:00.006+01:00

1950...Sao Paolo
a 3-2 group defeat to Sweden.

1954...Basel
a 4-1 play-off loss to hosts Switzerland.

1962...Santiago
Host nation hoodoo strikes again, 2-0 to Chile.

1966...Middlesborough
One of the great World Cup shocks, North Korea 1 Italy 0.

1970...Mexico City
Beaten by the best. 4-1 to Brazil in the Final.

1974...Stuttgart
Poland 2 Italy 1, out in the group stages again.

1978...Buenos Aires
2-1 defeat to the Dutch in the final group game of the second stage, with a place in the Final awaiting the winners.

1986...Mexico City
2-0 to France in the second round.

1990...Naples
So close to the Final, but beaten to it by the golden boy of Naples - Maradona - and Argentina, who marched on to Rome via a penalty shootout.

1994...Los Angeles
Penalties again, this time in the Final, with hero turned villian Roberto Baggio missing the decisive kick.

1998...Paris
Three in a row: penalty exit again to hosts France in the quarter-finals.

2002...Daejeon
Merging of two hoodoos: hosts and the Korean peninsula! Out in the second round, South Korea 2 Italy 1, evoking memories of 1966.

WORLD CUP NUMBERS

2010-06-02T08:36:00.011+01:00

32 participating nations in the 2010 World Cup
31 days of World Cup football
30 the total number of goals Uruguay scored in qualifying for South Africa 2010
29 the age of Aaron Mokoena, captain of hosts South Africa
28 the average age of the England squad
27 the FIFA World ranking of dark horses Ivory Coast
26 the number of international goals Brazilian superstar Kaka has scored
25 the record number of World Cup appearances - by German legend Lothar Matthaus
24 years since Argentina last won the World Cup
23 players in each nation's final squad
22 the total number of games played in the 1950 World Cup
21 the total number of goals Portugal have conceded at the World Cup Finals
20 the squad number of Mexican midfielder Jorge Torres
19 the total number of World Cup matches that Germany have lost
18 previous World Cup tournaments, and number of European coaches at South Africa 2010
17 the number of goals Holland scored in qualifying for South Africa 2010
16 the number of participating nations in eight of the previous World Cups
15 the record number of goals scored by one player - Ronaldo - at the World Cup Finals
14 the number of times Argentina have played at the World Cup Finals
13 the record number of goals scored by one player in one tournament - Just Fontaine, 1958
12 years since the last of the seven World Cup winners - France - joined the prestigious list
11 the shirt number of Argentinian ace Carlos Tevez
10 the total number of World Cup goals England striker Gary Lineker scored
9 the number of times a European team has won the World Cup
8 years since an African side reached the quarter-finals
7 previous winners
6 African nations competing at South Africa 2010
5 combined number of coaches at South Africa 2010 that come from either Argentina or Brazil
4 years of waiting are over...
3 Asian nations competing at South Africa 2010
2 teams that will face each other in Johannesburg, Sunday July 11
1 winner, at the end of it all...

WALCOTT OUT AS CAPELLO SWINGS THE AXE

2010-06-01T13:12:00.002+01:00

Strong rumours out of Wembley today suggest that Arsenal winger Theo Walcott will not be making England's 23-man squad for the World Cup Finals.

The youngster has been a fixture of Fabio Capello's team since the Italian took charge of the national side and repaid his manager's faith with a magnificent hat-trick against against Croatia in Zagreb during the qualification stages.

However that glowing performance has faded over time and his inability to command a regular spot for his club appears to have seriously shaken his confidence and his form for England has perhaps made the decision to leave him off the plane somewhat justified.

Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips seems set to take his place on the plane whilst his teammate Adam Johnson appears to have lost out to Chelsea's Joe Cole in the battle for the left midfield berth.

Others expected to be excluded from the squad are Sunderland striker Darren Bent and Everton left-back Leighton Baines who has been suggested to have suffered from home sickness.

News is yet to be confirmed over Gareth Barry, the only man to play in every qualifier for England, who has been suffering with injury over the past couple of weeks.

WORLD CUP STORIES: THE TRAGEDY OF ANDRES ESCOBAR

2010-05-31T19:04:00.004+01:00

As passionately as we may feel about the World Cup, every once in a while we are solemnly reminded of how tragic the consequences can be if the implications of a match are taken beyond the events on the pitch.

The Colombian defender Andres Escobar represented his country at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. On June 22 1994 Colombia lost their second group match to the USA and Escobar had the misfortune to score an own goal whilst intercepting a cross from the right. The result put Colombia out of the World Cup. Ten days later, on July 2, Escobar was shot dead outside a bar in the suburbs of Colombia's second biggest city, Medellin. The killer reportedly shouted the word "goal!" as he fired no fewer than twelve shots.

It is not sure whether the killing of Escobar was purely motivated by a desire to punish the own goal or whether there were other factors. Rumours have circulated that the murder was ordered by a gambling syndicate that had bet a lot of money on Colombia's involvement in the knock-out stages.

120,000 people attended the player's funeral. A teacher at a local elementary school - Humberto Munoz Castro - was found guilty of Escobar's murder in June 1995. Despite being given an initial prison sentence of 43 years for the murder, Munoz was released in 2005 to the uproar of many and outrage of the family.

Escobar was about to marry his girlfriend of five years when he was murdered, Pamela Cascardo. She still keeps his team shirts and medals. There was also talk of him penning a deal to move to the mighty AC Milan. He was known in his playing career as "The Gentleman of football". His life was tragically taken from him at the tender age of 27.

Andres Escobar's father passed away two years ago at the age of 77. It was said of him that he died of a grieving heart, never understanding why his son was murdered and not being able to speak of him. Too many questions remained unanswered in a case where justice was never done.

On the eve of South Africa 2010, where we all wait expectantly and with such anticipation to discover the fate of our teams, we would do well to temper the emotions that will accompany the triumphs and defeats with a perspective on the things in life that truly matter; which of course includes the preciousness of life itself.

GRAVEYARD OF DREAMS

2010-05-30T12:17:00.004+01:00

Florence, 1934....Rio de Janeiro, 1950....Vina del Mar, 1962....Birmingham (UK) 1966....Mar del Plata, 1978....Madrid, 1982....Puebla, 1986....Verona, 1990....Foxborough, 1994....Lens, 1998.....Gwangju, 2002....Hanover, 2006.

What is the connection between these cities and the World Cup years?

These are the places over the years where the World Cup dreams of one nation have come to an end...Spain.

Perennial underachievers at international tournaments, Spain finally delivered in the European Championships two years ago, winning the competition in style.

They head to South Africa as rightful favourites to win what would be a first World Cup, and look to have all the ingredients in place for a successful campaign. When they play, they look like a well-oiled machine, and winning has become a habit.

Spain are in Group H and should win it, their three matches being against Switzerland, Honduras and Chile. If they do finish top they are likely to face a tough second round clash against the runners-up of Brazil's group, which contains North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal.

And if they don't win the tournament, which city will be the graveyard of their dreams in 2010?

COUNTRY FOCUS: ITALY

2010-05-22T16:35:00.020+01:00

With four World Cup triumphs, Italy are the most successful European nation in the history of the tournament and are second only to five-times winners Brazil. They head to South Africa 2010 as defending Champions, and if the Azzurri successfully defend their crown they will emulate the acheivements of the Italian side that won the second and third World Cups in 1934 and 1938. Italy build their teams on defence and are traditionally very hard to beat, and don't expect it to be any different this time around. Few people fancied them to make an impact four years ago (myself excluded!) and not many are talking about them as potential winners this time either. Ignore them at your peril. In the five World Cups between Italy's last two triumphs - 1982 and 2006 - only France (1986) and South Korea (2002) have knocked them out of the tournament in open play, and the latter by virtue of a golden goal. From 1990 to 1998 they were knocked out on penalties. Marcelo Lippi answered the call to return as national coach following Italy's penalty exit to Spain at Euro 2008 in the quarter-finals, and he knows just what it takes to win the greatest Cup of them all. Italy have a unique opportunity this summer to become the first team ever to successfully defend their World Title twice, and in the process to join Brazil as five-time Champions.

World Cup Pedigree:

Italy won the first two World Cups they took part in. As hosts in 1934 they beat the USA, Spain, Austria and Czechoslovakia in a tournament that was used as a political tool by Mussolini to promote fascism. Four years later in France the Italians successfully defended their Title with victories over Norway, France, Brazil and Hungary.

Following the twelve-year gap due to the war a lean period followed for the Italians. They headed to Brazil in 1950 looking for a hat-trick of Titles. A crucial 3-2 defeat against Sweden in the group stages put paid to their hopes though, and in 1954 a play-off defeat against Switzerland again meant failure to get through to the knock-out phase.

Italy didn't even qualify for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, and in 1962 again went out at the group stage following a defeat to the host nation Chile. Four years later in England they fell victim to one of the great World Cup shocks when defeat by North Korea in their final group game dumped them out. In 1970 Italy reached the Final but were outclassed by a fabulous Brazilian team who were dominating world football at the time. Four years later in Germany it was a familiar story; a key defeat against Poland yet again saw Italy fail to qualify for the latter stages.

In Argentina in 1978 the Italians did manage to get through to the second group stage, but lost 2-1 to Holland in the last match to miss out on a place in the Final. At Espana 82 Italy delivered their third World Cup in unlikely circumstances; a famous victory over Brazil in Barcelona was the launch-pad for Paulo Rossi to score six goals in three games and win the golden boot. Italy ruled the world following a 3-1 win over West Germany in the Final in Madrid.

Their reign as World Champions came to a tame end at Mexico 86 when France knocked them out with a 2-0 win in the second round. As host nation in 1990 the Italians bore a huge weight of expectation and reached the semi-finals without conceding a goal. They lost a penalty shootout against Argentina following a 1-1 draw, and this was the first of three consecutive World Cups in which they would lose in this manner. At USA 94 it was in the Final against Brazil and at France 98 it was in the quarter-final against the hosts. More heartache followed at Korea/Japan 2002 when South Korea beat them with a golden goal in the second round - evoking memories of what happened to them in 1966.

Italy arrived in Germany for the 2006 World Cup unfancied, but the heartache of recent years appeared to have injected some steel into the Italian psyche, and they progressed through to the semi-finals and a meeting with the host nation Germany. A famous 2-0 win set up a Final with France, who had a resurgent Zinedine Zidane in their side determined to end his career with a second World Cup triumph. But with the match locked at 1-1, the French captain was red-carded in the closing stages of extra-time and Italy went on to bury their penalty shootout hoodoo and secure a fourth World Cup.

Greatest Moment:

After three lame draws in their group matches at Espana 82 Italy appeared to have no chance of glory, but went on to beat Argentina, Brazil, Poland and West Germany to win their first World Cup of the modern era.

Biggest Heartbreak:

Roberto Baggio stood on the brink of greatness at USA 94 having carried Italy through to a Final against Brazil, but his penalty miss in the shootout dashed the dreams of a nation in the cruelest of circumstances.

At South Africa 2010 Italy will be competing in their seventeenth World Cup Finals.

CLASSIC WORLD CUP ENCOUNTERS

2010-05-15T23:13:00.006+01:00

ITALIA 90, Semi-Final: Italy v Argentina

As host nation the Italians were under tremendous pressure to deliver on a night of huge drama in Naples. Diego Maradona stoked the pre-match fires by pleading with the Napolitan people to support him (his club side was Napoli) rather than their native Italy. On paper Italy had the armoury to see off the defending champions, but there was something about the way Argentina had bluffed their win through to the last four that cast a doubt in the back of the minds of many.

This was the clash between the last two winners of the World Cup; the Hosts v the Holders. Argentina had lost the tournament opener to Cameroon and consequently only just sneaked through their group in third place, meaning that they faced Brazil in their first knock-out match. They sneaked an extremely lucky 1-0 win with a late Claudio Caniggia goal, and only won their quarter-final against Yugoslavia on penalties, despite a potentially key spotkick miss by Maradona. The gods appeared to be smiling on the Albiceleste.

Italy had grown in stature as the tournament had progressed; they hadn't conceded a single goal in their five matches and Salvatore Schillaci was leading the line with four goals to date. He duly delivered again 17 minutes into the semi-final to calm home nerves, but Italy could not add a second goal and Caniggia equalized midway through the second half with a flicked header. The pendulum didn't swing however, and it was the Italians who pushed more to find a winning goal, coming close in the closing stages. Extra-time was typified by the inevitable fear of losing, and the emotional roller-coaster of the penalty shootout loomed large. With the scores tied at 3-3, Roberto Donadoni saw his kick saved by Goycochea, and the brave Maradona stepped up to banish the memory of his quarter-final miss and put Argentina ahead. Aldo Serena's next penalty was also saved by Goycochea, and the Italian dream of becoming the first country to win a fourth World Cup was over.

SELECTION HEADACHES

2010-05-12T16:38:00.011+01:00

There's no denying it, we may be thirty days from the start of the tournament but South Africa 2010 is well and truly in full swing.

With squads being announced left, right and centre there is talking point after talking point arising from all corners of the globe and believe it or not there's the odd metatarsal raising it's ugly head, or toe as the case may be.

It seems that South Africa will be a World Cup that will make new international superstars rather than showcasing the ones we are already familiar with. Maradona kicked things off by giving Argentina fans something of a head scratcher as he left out not one, not two, but three big names in his provisional squad.

The legend has left the trio of Javier Zanetti, Fernando Gago and Esteban Cambiasso without a seat on the plane to South Africa. In an apparent catching trend Ronaldinho has been omitted by the Brazilians, Ruud van Nistelrooy overlooked by the Dutch, Luca Toni and Francesco Totti ignored by the Azzuri and Patrick Vieira left out of the France squad.

That crazy Raymond Domenech has also left out Arsenal's Samir Nasri and decided that Real Madrid's £30 million striker Karim Benzema is not one of the top eight French strikers with the twenty-two year old told to take a holiday somewhere other than South Africa this summer.

In other news, Mexico have named just five midfielders in a thirty man squad and New Zealand have selected two men who don't have clubs.

On the home front it's somewhat less surprising that there is no Michael Owen in the England squad and for injury reasons David Beckham has also missed out. However don't think Fabio Capello has it all that easy, since naming Rio Ferdinand the new England captain the Manchester United defender has struggled to string two games together while there are strong whispers that John Terry has done his metatarsal (that's a toe to us simpletons).

The first choice replacement is Tottenham Hotspur's Ledley King, a man who has such injury problems that he doesn't train for the Premier League outfit, but admittedly it doesn't seem to effect his performances on the pitch. King was an integral part of Spurs successful charge to fourth place this season and you'd bet your house on him to put his career on the line for the cause.

Other backups in the centre back position are the untried Michael Dawson, the uninspiring Matty Upson and the un-retired Jamie Carragher all of whom would have to string together an immediate understanding to give England some leadership at the back.

When is this tournament over? I've already got a headache.

SQUADS ANNOUNCED AS TOURNAMENT DRAWS CLOSER

2010-05-11T14:58:00.003+01:00

A number of squads, be they preliminary, provisional or predictable have now be announced for this summer's World Cup, with the tournament just over thirty days away.

Today England manager Fabio Capello announced his thirty-strong provisional squad with many rumours circling around possible surprise inclusions. Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has come out of international retirement to answer the Italian's call while no less than six Tottenham players have made the first draft of the national squad.

Darren Bent is another player to perhaps unfairly be named as a 'surprise' inclusion, after all what more can a striker do to get in the England team if 24 league goals isn't enough? Other mild surprises were those of West Ham midfielder Scott Parker and the injured Gareth Barry who had been expected to miss out.

Capello will now scrutinise his thirty men over the coming weeks before the players are given their final chance to impress in the friendlies with Mexico and Japan at the end of May. He will then announce his final 23 man squad on June 1st, just ten days before the start of the tournament.

England aren't the only team to announce their squad however, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Ghana, Portugal, Nigeria, Spain and hosts South Africa are just a few of the nations to have named a squad in some capacity.

PLAYER FOCUS: GIANLUIGI BUFFON

2010-05-08T17:04:00.004+01:00

In the world of international football, they don't come much more respected than Gianluigi Buffon.

The eternally brilliant Italian commands praise from all corners of the globe and even now in his thirty-second year he still gets linked to the biggest clubs in Europe, despite the inevitable price that would be required.

Rumours of a summer transfer to the Premier League seem to gather pace with every passing day and perhaps playing abroad is one of the few things left to accomplish for the veteran 'keeper.

Buffon's move from his first club, Parma, to Juventus in 2001, sent shockwaves around the footballing world when he made the switch for over £23 million, an amount that still remains the highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper.

Perhaps even more impressive than his exemplary club record - UEFA Cup winner, Italian Cup winner and twice a Serie A winner - is his incredible international career. South Africa will be Buffon's fourth World Cup and the Italy legend has more than proven his ability on the big stage.

In Italy's victorious campaign at Germany 2006 Buffon kept five clean sheets in seven matches including a 453 minute streak without conceding. Buffon's form was influential in Italy's run to glory and he'll be hoping to provide the same stronghold this time around in South Africa.

Buffon reached the magical mark of one hundred caps for his country earlier this year and will be looking to add seven more to that total this summer.

TOP FIVE......ABIDING IMAGES OF THE WORLD CUP

2010-05-05T18:26:00.016+01:00

This is very personal, and of course depends very much on age and how many World Cups we remember. I'm 38, and my 'live' World Cup memories go back to Spain in 1982. Three of my 'abiding images' come from these live memories, the other two are pre-82 and find their place in my list based on what I have seen and read myself, and heard from others. More difficult than deciding on what my top five memories were was deciding on the order in which to place them, as each in its own unique way says so much about the World Cup, and the ways that the drama that unfolds on the field of play reflects the scope of experience of human life. A tough task. Here's mine anyway, in ascending order.

5. Zidane's headbutt - 2006

The World Cup Final of 2006 between France and Italy was finally poised at 1-1 and extra-time was being played. The French, inspired by Zinedine Zidane, were starting to impose some authority on the game and boss the midfield. Then an unthinkable occurence in the 110th minute. Zidane, running back up field, suddenly turned back on himself to viciously headbutt Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest. The two players had been the two goalscorers, and a verbal exchange had taken place between them to prompt Zidane's extraordinary attack. A red card is shown, and France have lost their talisman at the most crucial of moments. The image of Zidane leaving the greatest football stage and disconsolately walking past the trophy, taking the hopes of a nation with him, is pure pathos.

4. Hurst's crossbar goal - 1966

England boss Al Ramsey had made the decision to play Geoff Hurst up front in the World Cup Final against West Germany owing to the questionable fitness of first-choice striker Jimmy Greaves. The rest is history. Hurst scored a hat-trick, but his crucial second goal in the eleventh minute of the first period of extra-time remains one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history. His shot hit the underside of the crossbar and appeared to bounce down on the line. The incident led to the referee consulting with his linesman, and to the dismay of the Germans the goal was given. Fourty four years later, and the reality is that the same thing could happen again this summer - technology still has no place in football.

3. Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" - 1986

Surely the ultimate juxtaposition of football irony. Six minutes into the second-half of Argentina's quarter-final against England, Diego Maradona clearly punches the ball over Peter Shilton's head into the net with his left hand. Incredibly, the officials fail to spot the misdemeanour and the 'goal' stands. Maradona would later make his infamous and ambiguous claim that the the goal was scored by the "Hand of God". Four minutes later, Maradona picks up the ball in his own half and weaves his way up-field, leaving player after player in his wake to score what would later be voted the best goal of the century in a FIFA poll. One moment of cheating and another of pure genius by the same player, within a four-minute spell of World Cup madness, were enough to dump England out and send Argentina marching on towards their destiny with glory.

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2. Tardelli's celebration - 1982

Marco Tardelli scored the second Italian goal against West Germany in the 1982 World Cup Final in Madrid. It was the goal that effectively sealed triumph for his country as it gave Italy a 2-0 lead against a tired German side. After crashing his shot past Schumacher from the edge of the area he turned with a trance-like expression, shaking fists and mounting tears and set off on a run to the Italian bench. Such moments are the priviledge of so very few players, and Tardelli's show of passion will always be one of those lasting World Cup memories. Fabian Grosso's celebration four years ago after scoring in the last minute against Germany in the semi-final was strikingly similar.

1. Alberto's goal - 1970

My favourite team goal ever, and many will share the view. It was the ease with which the Brazilians stroked the ball around, there was a laziness to it that was arrogant, a self-belief in a collective ability that belonged to another world. No team in history could have lived with Brazil that day, the occasion was the World Cup Final of 1970, and Italy were the opponents who were crushed 4-1 in Mexico City. Carlos Alberto's goal was the last of the four, and the one that so gloriously epitomized everything about the Brazil team of the 1970 World Cup.

TRIVIA ANSWERS

2010-05-02T23:52:00.011+01:00

See yesterday's post for questions.

Brazil. Although they have won the World Cup on five occasions, they didn't win it on the only occasion - 1950 - that they hosted the tournament. They have won the World Cup in Sweden (1958), Chile (1962), Mexico (1970), the USA (1994) and Japan (2002).

Franz Beckenbauer in 1974. Brazil had kept the previous trophy after their third World Cup triumph in Mexico four years earlier.

Eleven different countries have played in a World Cup Final - Uruguay, Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Brazil, England, Holland, France and Sweden.

This was the second semi-final in Spain, 1982. After a 3-3 draw, West Germany beat France 5-4 on penalties to book a clash with Italy in Madrid.

Portugal and the Soviet Union. Both had lost their semi-finals by a 2-1 scoreline, to England and West Germany respectively. Portugal won the third-fourth place match by the same score.

Hungary hit double figures to win 10-1, but both nations failed to qualify for the second round, losing out to Belgium and Argentina who finished first and second in Group 3.

Red cards were first introduced in 1970, but no players were sent off in that tournament. Carlos Caszely of Chile became the first player to be sent off in their opening group game against the hosts and eventual winners West Germany.

There was no World Cup Final in 1950. To decide the tournament there was a final group of four teams who all played each other. Uruguay beat Brazil in the final and decisive match.

Hristo Stoichkov of Bulgaria and Oleg Salenko of Russia. Bulgaria reached the semi-finals giving Stoichkov seven matches to bag his tally. The Russians didn't get out of their group, but Salenko notched an incredible five goals in a single game against Cameroon.

In 1982, when Italy, Poland, France and West Germany made up the last four.

WORLD CUP TRIVIA

2010-05-01T18:11:00.004+01:00

Ten Questions On...

The World Cup - in general

1. Seven countries have won the World Cup. Which of the seven is the only one never to have won it on home soil?

2. Who was the first winning captain to lift the current World Cup Trophy?

3. How many different countries have appeared in a World Cup Final?

4. Which was the first World Cup match to be decided by a penalty shootout?

5. Who contested the third/fourth placed match in 1966?

6. In a group match between Hungary and El Salvador at the 1982 World Cup in Spain there were eleven goals scored. What was the result?

7. In which World Cup were red cards first introduced, and who was the first player to be shown one?

8. What was unique about the 1950 World Cup in terms of something that it didn't have?

9. Which two players shared the Golden Boot at USA 94 with six goals each?

10. All four semi-finalists in the last World Cup were European teams. When was the last time that happened?

AS ALWAYS, ANSWERS TOMORROW!

WORLD CUP STORIES: A GOLDEN GOAL?

2010-04-30T23:37:00.006+01:00

Scoring a goal has been described as an orgasmic experience, and anyone who has played football at any level can understand that. Imagine doing it at the World Cup Finals, in front of a watching television audience of millions of people, and knowing that you have become an instant hero back in your country.

Now throw one more thing into the mix. The goal you score is no ordinary goal. It gets voted by FIFA as the sixth greatest goal of the century. USA 94, Saudi Arabia v Belgium, a match played in Washington. Five minutes on the clock - in temperatures of 40 degrees centigrade, and this happens:

A golden goal? It took Saudi Arabia through to the second round, yes. But for the goalscorer Saeed Al-Owairan, it was the beginning of a nightmare.

On returning to Riyadh, King Fahd presented Al-Owairan with a luxury car and he discovered that he had become an overnight celebrity, for whom it seemed people would do anything. The lure of celebrity status and the lifestyle that can accompany it was too much for Al-Owairan. Certain aspects of the western-style nightlife that he started to enjoy were strictly forbidden by the strict Islamic laws that the monarchy of Saudi Arabia adhere to.

Al-Owairan admitted himself that the impact of his goal against Belgium was very much a double-edged sword. The final straw was when he was discovered by Saudi police reveling during Ramadan in early 1996, and a year-long ban from competitive football followed plus a jail sentence which lasted about six months.

Is there a moral to this story? Well, there are certainly goals, and then there are 'Goals'. Goals don't only change football matches and sporting history - they can change lives as well. Diego Maradona is another man who knows how true that is. And the most tragic example of that would have to be the Colombian player Andres Escobar - but that's another World Cup story for another day.

HOSTS TO PLAY JAMAICA

2010-04-27T10:38:00.004+01:00

South Africa will play a friendly against Jamaica on Wednesday in Frankfurt.

The fixture is a boost to Bafana Bafana's preparations as finding opposition to play warm-up games has proved difficult, with most players involved in the last fixtures of the domestic club season.

With just 45 days to go to the World Cup, South Africa will be looking for a confidence-boosting performance and result against the Carribean side, before they face Denmark and Colombia in their final two build-up games prior to the big kick-off on June 11, when they will face Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg in the opening match of the tournament.

DO INCREDIBLE COINCIDENCES POINT TO ENGLISH GLORY?

2010-04-22T16:59:00.006+01:00

The Sun Newspaper recently ran an article listing a number of coincidences which they claim point to it being England's turn to lift the World Cup this summer.

Now I'm not one for superstitions, other than the regulation pre-match toilet stop, but the lengthy list of comparisons between the last (and only) time England tasted glory in 1966 and this year certainly caught my attention.

Here's just a selection of the spooky occurrences:

1966 was a General Election year. So is 2010.

The victory year saw a new Dr Who on TV, as Patrick Troughton took over from William Hartnell. In 2010, Matt Smith replaced David Tennant.
North Korea have only qualified twice - in 1966 and 2010.
In 1966, Spain were the European champions. In 2010 the reigning European champs are... Spain.
Only twice have England, North Korea, Uruguay, Mexico, France, Argentina, Portugal and Germany all appeared in the same World Cup Finals - in 1966 and 2010.
The English World Cup-winning captain, Bobby Moore, began his career at West Ham - just like 2010 captain Rio Ferdinand.
England's opponents in their 1966 opening match, Uruguay, featured a father and son combination - coach Ondino Viera and his boy Milton. England start their 2010 campaign against the USA, managed by Bob Bradley and with his son Michael in the squad.
The opening of Parliament was first televised in 1966. Thursday night saw the first TV debate between prime ministerial candidates.

(This one's my personal favourite) In their winning year, France, Mexico and Uruguay were drawn in the same World Cup group as hosts England. This year France, Mexico and Uruguay are in a group with hosts South Africa.

This is a dead cert, I'm getting down the bookies.