USA midfielder Michael Bradley is attracting the interest of several Premier League clubs after some all-action displays in South Africa.
The 23-year-old dynamo is currently on the books of Borussia Monchengladbach, but Birmingham are keen on luring Bradley to the English top flight. Bradley has been a driving force for the USA at the World Cup and scored in the 2-2 draw with Slovenia.
He was also impressive in the draw with England, while his driving forward runs were a feature of the crucial last-gasp 1-0 win over Algeria.
As the son of the national coach Bob Bradley he was often blasted for his inclusion in the US side, but he has been a key figure in Group C and helped the Americans win the group.
The former Heerenveen star moved to the Bundesliga in 2008 - penning a four-year contract - and the German giants will be desperate to hang on to the former MetroStars star.
But Birmingham, who would have signed Bradley had they retained their Premier League status in 2008, are set to make another move for the player who would be an ideal replacement for the recently-departed Lee Carsley.
Blues boss Alex McLeish had Bradley on his shopping list a couple of summers ago, but the Scottish boss is keen to get Bradley on board at the second attempt and he will need a bid in excess of £5million after Bradley's displays in South Africa.
Meanwhile, world cup semi final betting and world cup final betting is coming in to relevance in the next few days, so get your money on the team you fancy to go all of the way.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Korea DPR - Ivory Coast - Highlights
For Live scores - Livescore
0-1 - Yaya Toure
0-2 - Romaric
0-3 - Kalou
Korea DPR 0-3 Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)
0-1 - Yaya Toure
0-2 - Romaric
0-3 - Kalou
Thursday, June 24, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Cameroon - Holland Goals - Highlights
Cameroon 1-2 Holland (Netherlands)
0-1 - Van Persie
1-1 - Eto (pen)
1-2 - Huntelaar
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Denmark - Japan Goals - Highlights
Denmark 1-2 Japan
0-1 - Honda
0-2 - Endo
1-2 - Thomassson
0-1 - Honda
0-2 - Endo
1-2 - Thomassson
Algeria get back on track
Archived News
England’s Group C opponents Algeria, managed to scrape a 1-0 win over the
UAE in their latest warm-up game. The narrow win comes after Algeria were
beaten 3-0 against Ireland in their previous friendly, as they look to
prepare for this summer’s World Cup, during which football betting pundits don’t expect them to progress too far.
After four successive defeats, the victory will give the Algerians a much
needed confidence boost as they set off for South Africa. Another reason for
Algerian confidence was the return of centre-back Madjid Bougherra, the
Rangers defender missed the Ireland game with a calf injury but looks as
though he will be fit to face Slovenia in his country’s opening match.
Algeria qualified for their third World Cup after a play-off victory over
rivals Egypt. After both teams finished dead level in their qualifying
campaign, it meant a winner takes all play-off held in Sudan.
The two countries were hardly the best of friends before and this was proven
in clashes in the build-up to the game between rival fans leading to 15,000
police being deployed in and around the ground during the match. A narrow
1-0 victory, thanks to a spectacular Antar Yahia goal, meant Algeria made it
to their first World Cup since 1982.
Algeria coach Rabah Saadane has only had two warm-up games to prepare his
squad for the World Cup and will be hoping that will be enough, as his
country look to defy online betting odds and make it to the second round for the first time. Leading the team will be Yazid Mansouri, with 58 caps he is his side’s most capped player.
Nadir Belhadj, who spent a less then stress-free season at Portsmouth, is
the most well-known player outside Algeria. Despite being favourites to
finish bottom of their group, if their key players perform the North African
side stand a chance of qualifying from their group and in doing so, making
history.
England’s Group C opponents Algeria, managed to scrape a 1-0 win over the
UAE in their latest warm-up game. The narrow win comes after Algeria were
beaten 3-0 against Ireland in their previous friendly, as they look to
prepare for this summer’s World Cup, during which football betting pundits don’t expect them to progress too far.
After four successive defeats, the victory will give the Algerians a much
needed confidence boost as they set off for South Africa. Another reason for
Algerian confidence was the return of centre-back Madjid Bougherra, the
Rangers defender missed the Ireland game with a calf injury but looks as
though he will be fit to face Slovenia in his country’s opening match.
Algeria qualified for their third World Cup after a play-off victory over
rivals Egypt. After both teams finished dead level in their qualifying
campaign, it meant a winner takes all play-off held in Sudan.
The two countries were hardly the best of friends before and this was proven
in clashes in the build-up to the game between rival fans leading to 15,000
police being deployed in and around the ground during the match. A narrow
1-0 victory, thanks to a spectacular Antar Yahia goal, meant Algeria made it
to their first World Cup since 1982.
Algeria coach Rabah Saadane has only had two warm-up games to prepare his
squad for the World Cup and will be hoping that will be enough, as his
country look to defy online betting odds and make it to the second round for the first time. Leading the team will be Yazid Mansouri, with 58 caps he is his side’s most capped player.
Nadir Belhadj, who spent a less then stress-free season at Portsmouth, is
the most well-known player outside Algeria. Despite being favourites to
finish bottom of their group, if their key players perform the North African
side stand a chance of qualifying from their group and in doing so, making
history.
City after Spanish World Cup winger
It seems Manchester City are willing to spend big in an attempt to win the Premier League title next season as it has been confirmed they are in talks with David Silva.
Roberto Mancini's side battled for the Premier League top four up until the final weeks of last season, but were pipped to the Champions League spot by Spurs - who they meet in the opening game of next season.
City have already had a £20 million bid for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner rejected, and are expected to return with an even bigger offer, while Valencia have confirmed they have allowed Silva to meet with the club.
The winger, who is currently helping Spain justify their World Cup betting odds in South Africa, has previously interested the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United - so while Valencia have not stated a price agreed you can predict it is going to be big money.
Valencia's deputy chairman Javier Gomez said: "As has been said, there is interest from Manchester City and we have permitted them to talk to the player, but we have reached no agreement and we have not talked about a fee."
Another high-profile player linked with City is Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdissa, who spent last season on loan at Roma.
According to the Premier League 2010/11 odds, City will be there or thereabouts when it comes to the run in, but they will need new signings.
As City look to strengthen their defence ahead of their pursuit of the Premier League title next season, Burdisso's agent has stated that Inter have told him of interest from Mancini's side.
Roberto Mancini's side battled for the Premier League top four up until the final weeks of last season, but were pipped to the Champions League spot by Spurs - who they meet in the opening game of next season.
City have already had a £20 million bid for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner rejected, and are expected to return with an even bigger offer, while Valencia have confirmed they have allowed Silva to meet with the club.
The winger, who is currently helping Spain justify their World Cup betting odds in South Africa, has previously interested the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United - so while Valencia have not stated a price agreed you can predict it is going to be big money.
Valencia's deputy chairman Javier Gomez said: "As has been said, there is interest from Manchester City and we have permitted them to talk to the player, but we have reached no agreement and we have not talked about a fee."
Another high-profile player linked with City is Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdissa, who spent last season on loan at Roma.
According to the Premier League 2010/11 odds, City will be there or thereabouts when it comes to the run in, but they will need new signings.
As City look to strengthen their defence ahead of their pursuit of the Premier League title next season, Burdisso's agent has stated that Inter have told him of interest from Mancini's side.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
France fly home
It’s fair to say, that not many in France will be sad to see Raymond Domenech be replaced by Laurent Blanc, when the French return home from South Africa.
The French FA decided to announce Blanc as the next French head coach before the World Cup and many World Cup 2010 betting pundits thought that he should have been put in charge straight away.
The decision to leave Domenech at the helm for the World Cup will now be filed away under the ‘Not such a great idea’ section in French football history.
The French were pants on the pitch, in their three group games, two defeats and a draw means they finished bottom of Group A. All of this after being well up there with the Italy world cup betting odds before the tournament.
Off the pitch the French were even more embarrassing. Nicolas Anelka was sent home, after a half-time bust up with Domenech during the 2-0 defeat to Mexico.
This prompted the French squad refusing to train, in support of Anelka. This was after captain Patrice Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne were seen squaring up to each other after a disagreement, Domenech was forced to separate the two
Domenech described the decision not to train as an aberration, labelling his players as imbeciles. Not a great morale boosting speech, days before France’s must win game against hosts South Africa. Evra, Eric Abidal, Flourent Malouda and Sidney Govou were left on the bench for the South Africa game. This strange tactical move didn’t pay off for Domenech and his team were played off the park by their African hosts, losing 2-1.
The French squad will now be preparing for an ten hour flight home, that promises to be a trifle tense. Upon their return they will say au revoir to Domenech as he leaves after six years in charge.
In those six years he has had mixed reviews from the French public. He will be heavily blamed for France’s early exit this year, the players must take their fair share of blame as well though. The rest of us can sit back and have a little chuckle.
The French FA decided to announce Blanc as the next French head coach before the World Cup and many World Cup 2010 betting pundits thought that he should have been put in charge straight away.
The decision to leave Domenech at the helm for the World Cup will now be filed away under the ‘Not such a great idea’ section in French football history.
The French were pants on the pitch, in their three group games, two defeats and a draw means they finished bottom of Group A. All of this after being well up there with the Italy world cup betting odds before the tournament.
Off the pitch the French were even more embarrassing. Nicolas Anelka was sent home, after a half-time bust up with Domenech during the 2-0 defeat to Mexico.
This prompted the French squad refusing to train, in support of Anelka. This was after captain Patrice Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne were seen squaring up to each other after a disagreement, Domenech was forced to separate the two
Domenech described the decision not to train as an aberration, labelling his players as imbeciles. Not a great morale boosting speech, days before France’s must win game against hosts South Africa. Evra, Eric Abidal, Flourent Malouda and Sidney Govou were left on the bench for the South Africa game. This strange tactical move didn’t pay off for Domenech and his team were played off the park by their African hosts, losing 2-1.
The French squad will now be preparing for an ten hour flight home, that promises to be a trifle tense. Upon their return they will say au revoir to Domenech as he leaves after six years in charge.
In those six years he has had mixed reviews from the French public. He will be heavily blamed for France’s early exit this year, the players must take their fair share of blame as well though. The rest of us can sit back and have a little chuckle.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Royal Ascot makes the bookies squirm
So Royal Ascot 2010 has come and gone and as usual has provided us with some extraordinary sporting memories,writes Elliot Slater.
Probably the biggest thrill though has been the absolute hiding the bookies have taken on what for them is usually a five-day profit filled week that leaves most punters much worse off than they started.
Looking back, it all started with the very first race of the meeting, the Queen Anne Stakes, when a major gamble on French superstar mare Goldikova (9/4 down to 11/8) was landed as Freddie Head's five-year-old held off the fast finishing Paco Boy.
In the two following Group 1s on the card Equiano (9/2) was a well backed winner of the King's Stand Stakes and there was also plenty of money for joint-favourite Canford Cliffs, brilliant winner of the St James's Palace Stakes. Favourite Strong Suit (15/8) landed the Coventry and Junior (10/1 to 17/2) was not without support when landing the Ascot Stakes, after which Marine Commando, 15/2 down to 9/2 left the books in turmoil. Anyone who paid attention to the Timeform racing tips should have backed a few winners.
Still, they must have expected their luck would change over the subsequent four days. Byword and Maqaasid did more damage on day two. Day three saw Hibaayib, Afsare and Dandino romp home. Monteroso, Lillie Langtry, Mikhalil Glinka and a massive punt on Rainbow Peak made Friday a stunning day for backers. Then on Saturday the two huge gambles on Harbinger (8/11) and Laddies Poker Two (25/1 a week before, down to 9/2), as well as serious money for Golden Jubilee Stakes winner Starspangledbanner (13/2jf), compounded the bookies "worst ever" Royal Ascot. It was certainly a good time for anyone who kept their eye on the daily horse racing tips.
It's hard to know how true the bleating about a £50 million loss is for the firms, but there is no doubt that the royal meeting has given punters plenty of ammunition to use in the war against the bookmakers for the rest of the mid-summer run.
Even though I personally failed to finish ahead, knowing that so many others did show a profit is almost like winning myself - but not quite.
Probably the biggest thrill though has been the absolute hiding the bookies have taken on what for them is usually a five-day profit filled week that leaves most punters much worse off than they started.
Looking back, it all started with the very first race of the meeting, the Queen Anne Stakes, when a major gamble on French superstar mare Goldikova (9/4 down to 11/8) was landed as Freddie Head's five-year-old held off the fast finishing Paco Boy.
In the two following Group 1s on the card Equiano (9/2) was a well backed winner of the King's Stand Stakes and there was also plenty of money for joint-favourite Canford Cliffs, brilliant winner of the St James's Palace Stakes. Favourite Strong Suit (15/8) landed the Coventry and Junior (10/1 to 17/2) was not without support when landing the Ascot Stakes, after which Marine Commando, 15/2 down to 9/2 left the books in turmoil. Anyone who paid attention to the Timeform racing tips should have backed a few winners.
Still, they must have expected their luck would change over the subsequent four days. Byword and Maqaasid did more damage on day two. Day three saw Hibaayib, Afsare and Dandino romp home. Monteroso, Lillie Langtry, Mikhalil Glinka and a massive punt on Rainbow Peak made Friday a stunning day for backers. Then on Saturday the two huge gambles on Harbinger (8/11) and Laddies Poker Two (25/1 a week before, down to 9/2), as well as serious money for Golden Jubilee Stakes winner Starspangledbanner (13/2jf), compounded the bookies "worst ever" Royal Ascot. It was certainly a good time for anyone who kept their eye on the daily horse racing tips.
It's hard to know how true the bleating about a £50 million loss is for the firms, but there is no doubt that the royal meeting has given punters plenty of ammunition to use in the war against the bookmakers for the rest of the mid-summer run.
Even though I personally failed to finish ahead, knowing that so many others did show a profit is almost like winning myself - but not quite.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Spanish WAG takes the World Cup blame
Goalkeepers have been in the spotlight so far in this tournament, but spare a thought for Spain's Iker Casillas who, after making his blunder, was confronted by his girlfriend.
However, this was no domestic dispute but, in fact, a post match interview. Casillas' partner, Sara Carbonero, is a TV reporter and after Spain's shock 1-0 defeat to Switzerland she asked him: "How did you muck that up?"
Casillas, perhaps shocked at the bluntness of the question, refused to answer and simply walked off.
However, before the incident Carbonero had managed to get some comments out of the Spain keeper who said the "dressing room was fed-up" after the defeat. That's probably to be expected - prior to the game the World Cup odds made them favourites for the tournament, afterwards they weren't.
However, it seems the Spanish don't believe the defeat was down to footballing reasons.
The reporter's presence in South Africa has already caused controversy in Spain - the wives and girlfriends of players were banned from attending the tournament, but Carbonero's presence was unavoidable.
Before the big kick off many Spain fans had suggested that she would somehow distract Casillas and, after his blunder which allowed Switzerland to score the winning goal, they claimed to have been proven right.
There's no doubt that the keeper was at fault for gifting the Swiss a gilt-edged chance - he made a half hearted attempt to challenge for the ball near the edge of his area but missed, leaving the goal completely undefended.
However, to suggest that the presence of Carbonero somehow put him off is as ludicrous as suggesting the ball was responsible for Robert Green's error against the USA. In both cases the keepers made basic errors and in both the two players were punished for doing so. You don't get to the World Cup football final with a dodgy keeper between the sticks.
The reporter herself has already dismissed any concerns about her presence. She said: "Can I destabilise the team? I think it's nonsense."
If Spain are to recover from the disappointment of their first match, they need to stop looking for excuses and get on with the football.
However, this was no domestic dispute but, in fact, a post match interview. Casillas' partner, Sara Carbonero, is a TV reporter and after Spain's shock 1-0 defeat to Switzerland she asked him: "How did you muck that up?"
Casillas, perhaps shocked at the bluntness of the question, refused to answer and simply walked off.
However, before the incident Carbonero had managed to get some comments out of the Spain keeper who said the "dressing room was fed-up" after the defeat. That's probably to be expected - prior to the game the World Cup odds made them favourites for the tournament, afterwards they weren't.
However, it seems the Spanish don't believe the defeat was down to footballing reasons.
The reporter's presence in South Africa has already caused controversy in Spain - the wives and girlfriends of players were banned from attending the tournament, but Carbonero's presence was unavoidable.
Before the big kick off many Spain fans had suggested that she would somehow distract Casillas and, after his blunder which allowed Switzerland to score the winning goal, they claimed to have been proven right.
There's no doubt that the keeper was at fault for gifting the Swiss a gilt-edged chance - he made a half hearted attempt to challenge for the ball near the edge of his area but missed, leaving the goal completely undefended.
However, to suggest that the presence of Carbonero somehow put him off is as ludicrous as suggesting the ball was responsible for Robert Green's error against the USA. In both cases the keepers made basic errors and in both the two players were punished for doing so. You don't get to the World Cup football final with a dodgy keeper between the sticks.
The reporter herself has already dismissed any concerns about her presence. She said: "Can I destabilise the team? I think it's nonsense."
If Spain are to recover from the disappointment of their first match, they need to stop looking for excuses and get on with the football.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Beckenbauer's World Cup criticism is spot on
England will not win the World Cup because of the style of football they play. It's an opinion I've held for some time and now the legend that is Franz Beckenbauer has also criticised the Three Lions.
He pointed to the match against the USA on Saturday night and claimed that what went on over the course of 90 minutes "had very little to do with football".
Although some England fans may find it hard to accept the views of a former Germany player as the truth, anyone who watched the match would be hard pressed to argue the Three Lions looked anything like potential World Cup winners.
The side struggled to keep possession and, despite the side making excuses about the new ball, this is something they've had problems with in all recent major tournaments. England's World Cup betting odds may make them among the favourites this competition, but that is merely a reflection of patriotic fervour.
Speaking to the South African Times, Beckenbauer said: It looked to me as if the English have gone backwards into the bad old days of kick and rush."
The former German captain also warned that the problem is a fundamental issue at the heart of the English game and suggested that Capello would struggle to address the issue during his time in charge of the side.
He pointed to the number of foreign players in the Premier League as a symptom of this problem as the top sides have avoided English stars to ensure they can compete at the highest level.
To be honest, it's hard to argue with anything Beckenbauer had to say. I still think England will get out of Group C and they have every chance of finishing top.
However, even if they manage to dispatch both Algeria and Slovakia in a comprehensive manner I find it impossible to see them getting past the quarter final stage.
Even teams like France, who are seen as inferior to the Three Lions, are in possession of the technical skills needed to prosper in the knockout stages. England do not.
He pointed to the match against the USA on Saturday night and claimed that what went on over the course of 90 minutes "had very little to do with football".
Although some England fans may find it hard to accept the views of a former Germany player as the truth, anyone who watched the match would be hard pressed to argue the Three Lions looked anything like potential World Cup winners.
The side struggled to keep possession and, despite the side making excuses about the new ball, this is something they've had problems with in all recent major tournaments. England's World Cup betting odds may make them among the favourites this competition, but that is merely a reflection of patriotic fervour.
Speaking to the South African Times, Beckenbauer said: It looked to me as if the English have gone backwards into the bad old days of kick and rush."
The former German captain also warned that the problem is a fundamental issue at the heart of the English game and suggested that Capello would struggle to address the issue during his time in charge of the side.
He pointed to the number of foreign players in the Premier League as a symptom of this problem as the top sides have avoided English stars to ensure they can compete at the highest level.
To be honest, it's hard to argue with anything Beckenbauer had to say. I still think England will get out of Group C and they have every chance of finishing top.
However, even if they manage to dispatch both Algeria and Slovakia in a comprehensive manner I find it impossible to see them getting past the quarter final stage.
Even teams like France, who are seen as inferior to the Three Lions, are in possession of the technical skills needed to prosper in the knockout stages. England do not.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Caragher defends Capello's World Cup selection policy
Prior to the start of the Football World Cup England manager Fabio Capello seemed to lead a charmed life - almost nothing went wrong for him and he had the backing of both the fans and the media.
However, Saturday's 1-1 draw with the USA completed a souring in relations between supporters and pundits and the Italian coach. Questions about his decision making were first raised in the weeks leading up to the competition and, after Ledley King limped off and Robert Green palmed the ball into his own net, the discontent has reached its highest level yet.
Now Jamie Carragher, whose recall to the international scene raised more than a few eyebrows, has stepped in to defend the manager.
One of the issues which has caused mutterings in the press has been Capello's habit of not telling the squad who's playing until two hours before the match.
According to the manager's critics this doesn't give players the chance to deal with their nerves and, with uncertainty surrounding the number one jersey, would serve to unsettle the three keepers in the squad most of all.
However, Carragher has revealed that Capello's actions are nothing unusual in the world of football.
He pointed out that his club side, Liverpool, have always told the team who's playing two hours before the match, so it was something he'd come to regard as normal.
Carragher also believes the technique can get something extra out of the players in the run up to the match, so anyone who has placed a World Cup bet shouldn't worry too much.
He said: "It keeps everyone on their toes and if you give the team out earlier how do you know it's not going to affect training?
"Do the people who are playing take it easy? Do the people who are not playing get the hump and not train properly?
Blaming England's failing on the way the team has picked seems very short sighted and although Capello may have made mistakes, the media are barking up the wrong tree with this one.
However, Saturday's 1-1 draw with the USA completed a souring in relations between supporters and pundits and the Italian coach. Questions about his decision making were first raised in the weeks leading up to the competition and, after Ledley King limped off and Robert Green palmed the ball into his own net, the discontent has reached its highest level yet.
Now Jamie Carragher, whose recall to the international scene raised more than a few eyebrows, has stepped in to defend the manager.
One of the issues which has caused mutterings in the press has been Capello's habit of not telling the squad who's playing until two hours before the match.
According to the manager's critics this doesn't give players the chance to deal with their nerves and, with uncertainty surrounding the number one jersey, would serve to unsettle the three keepers in the squad most of all.
However, Carragher has revealed that Capello's actions are nothing unusual in the world of football.
He pointed out that his club side, Liverpool, have always told the team who's playing two hours before the match, so it was something he'd come to regard as normal.
Carragher also believes the technique can get something extra out of the players in the run up to the match, so anyone who has placed a World Cup bet shouldn't worry too much.
He said: "It keeps everyone on their toes and if you give the team out earlier how do you know it's not going to affect training?
"Do the people who are playing take it easy? Do the people who are not playing get the hump and not train properly?
Blaming England's failing on the way the team has picked seems very short sighted and although Capello may have made mistakes, the media are barking up the wrong tree with this one.
Germans make their World Cup mark
There are few better ways of making your mark on a World Cup than by smashing in four goals without reply during your opening group game.
That's exactly what the Germans did against Australia last night and the result already seems to have proved the trite old adage which says you can never write off Die Mannschaft. World cup last 16 betting certainly expects them to cruise through their group.
Of course, their cause was helped when Australia's Tim Cahill received a red card for an innocuous challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger, but by that time Germany were already two goals up and well in control of the game.
After the Socceroos were dispatched with very little effort, much of the post match debate focused on the relative merits of the two sides. Are the Germans are as good as they looked, or did a poor Australia make them seem more impressive than they actually are?
After just one game it's difficult to say - although Australia's patchy form in the run up to the tournament suggests they are not the force they were when they escaped Group F during World Cup 2006.
However, it does appear that Germany are the best team in the group and, although their games against Ghana and Serbia are likely to be much tougher, they look certain to qualify in first place.
After England's slip against the USA on Saturday this means Fabio Capello's men will need to buck up their ideas or risk finding out just how good this German side are at first hand.
The winners of Group D will face the Group C runners up in the last 16 and the Three Lions will be keen to avoid what could be an extremely tricky tie against a side who seem to have a psychological edge over them. World cup quarter-finals betting pundits would expect it to be a very tight game, after all.
Surely a potential tie against the Germans is all the motivation England need to win their last two games convincingly and top their group?
That's exactly what the Germans did against Australia last night and the result already seems to have proved the trite old adage which says you can never write off Die Mannschaft. World cup last 16 betting certainly expects them to cruise through their group.
Of course, their cause was helped when Australia's Tim Cahill received a red card for an innocuous challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger, but by that time Germany were already two goals up and well in control of the game.
After the Socceroos were dispatched with very little effort, much of the post match debate focused on the relative merits of the two sides. Are the Germans are as good as they looked, or did a poor Australia make them seem more impressive than they actually are?
After just one game it's difficult to say - although Australia's patchy form in the run up to the tournament suggests they are not the force they were when they escaped Group F during World Cup 2006.
However, it does appear that Germany are the best team in the group and, although their games against Ghana and Serbia are likely to be much tougher, they look certain to qualify in first place.
After England's slip against the USA on Saturday this means Fabio Capello's men will need to buck up their ideas or risk finding out just how good this German side are at first hand.
The winners of Group D will face the Group C runners up in the last 16 and the Three Lions will be keen to avoid what could be an extremely tricky tie against a side who seem to have a psychological edge over them. World cup quarter-finals betting pundits would expect it to be a very tight game, after all.
Surely a potential tie against the Germans is all the motivation England need to win their last two games convincingly and top their group?
England player ratings v USA
Robert Green 3/10
A terrible error was not redeemed by a decent second-half save. The Football World cup 2010 Capello axe might fall on him.
Glen Johnson 7
England’s most dangerous attacking threat, a reflection of his team-mates. Mazy dribbles only partially disguise defensive frailties.
Ledley King 6
An injury should not reflect on him but somehow does. He might struggle to regain his place, as absence from Algeria match puts question mark against his reliability, which was in fact in evidence during his 45 minutes on the pitch.
John Terry 7
Reliable and unaffected by nerves, the former captain needs to come to the fore even more now.
Ashley Cole 6
Defensively sound, he was largely anonymous in the opposing half.
Aaron Lennon 6
Produced the best pass of the night to release Heskey in the second half, but final-ball decision-making again otherwise suspect.
Frank Lampard 5
Struggled to impose himself on unadventurous opponents. Tidy but uninspired.
Steven Gerrard 7
Took his goal well and generally played his part as captain.
James Milner 4
Off-the-pace after illness, his early substitution will be demoralising.
Wayne Rooney 6
One good long-range effort was the only flash of brilliance. World cup top goal scorer betting still has him as one of the favourites though.
Emile Heskey 7
A good all-round display will be remembered more for a tame effort when clean through, meaning he will have to wait to shake off his reputation as a non-scoring striker.
Substitutes
Jamie Carragher 4
Comprehensively beaten for pace by Jozy Altidore and booked for a badly timed lunge. A poor return to the England fold.
Shaun Wright-Phillips 5
Created little and wasted an excellent chance with a weak shot from close range.
Peter Crouch 5
Made little impact but did enough to suggest he can play a role at some stage.
A terrible error was not redeemed by a decent second-half save. The Football World cup 2010 Capello axe might fall on him.
Glen Johnson 7
England’s most dangerous attacking threat, a reflection of his team-mates. Mazy dribbles only partially disguise defensive frailties.
Ledley King 6
An injury should not reflect on him but somehow does. He might struggle to regain his place, as absence from Algeria match puts question mark against his reliability, which was in fact in evidence during his 45 minutes on the pitch.
John Terry 7
Reliable and unaffected by nerves, the former captain needs to come to the fore even more now.
Ashley Cole 6
Defensively sound, he was largely anonymous in the opposing half.
Aaron Lennon 6
Produced the best pass of the night to release Heskey in the second half, but final-ball decision-making again otherwise suspect.
Frank Lampard 5
Struggled to impose himself on unadventurous opponents. Tidy but uninspired.
Steven Gerrard 7
Took his goal well and generally played his part as captain.
James Milner 4
Off-the-pace after illness, his early substitution will be demoralising.
Wayne Rooney 6
One good long-range effort was the only flash of brilliance. World cup top goal scorer betting still has him as one of the favourites though.
Emile Heskey 7
A good all-round display will be remembered more for a tame effort when clean through, meaning he will have to wait to shake off his reputation as a non-scoring striker.
Substitutes
Jamie Carragher 4
Comprehensively beaten for pace by Jozy Altidore and booked for a badly timed lunge. A poor return to the England fold.
Shaun Wright-Phillips 5
Created little and wasted an excellent chance with a weak shot from close range.
Peter Crouch 5
Made little impact but did enough to suggest he can play a role at some stage.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 2010 : Tremor in Chennai
Slight tremors were felt in Chennai in the early hours of Sunday(June 13th). It is thought be in the range of 2.6 on the ritcher scale. I felt my body moving both ways as I was watching the World Cup match between England and United States. Initially I did not realize it was a tremor and when my sister came running towards me and asked if I felt any tremor, I realized that. On checking with my friends in Chennai, I can confirm that slight tremors were felt in the city. One of my friends who was boozing at that time in his house even told me that the bottle was "shaking". The time was roughly around 1.10 a.m...
For more info on this -> Times Of India Report
For more info on this -> Times Of India Report
FIFA World Cup 2010 : England - USA Goals - Highlights
For live scores - Livescore
England take on the United States of America in their opening match of the FIFA World cup 2010.
1-1 - Dempsey (Horrendous mistake from Green)
Goals to be posted as they are scored.
England take on the United States of America in their opening match of the FIFA World cup 2010.
England 1-1 U.S.A
1-0 - Gerrard - (goal to be posted soon)1-1 - Dempsey (Horrendous mistake from Green)
Goals to be posted as they are scored.
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Argentina - Nigeria Goals - Highlights
For Live scores - Livescore
Half Time Score : 1-0 (Heinze)
First Half Highlights
Goals to be posted as they are scored.
Half Time Score : 1-0 (Heinze)
Argentina 1-0 Nigeria
1-0 - Heinze -First Half Highlights
Goals to be posted as they are scored.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
United star 'vital to England's World Cup hopes'
Gary Lineker claims Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is the key to England's chances of winning the World Cup.
The former international forward and World Cup Golden Boot winner has told Fifa.com that Rooney, who scored 35 goals for Manchester United in their ill-fated bid to win the Premier League title lsat season, is a vital component for Fabio Capello.
Barring injury, Rooney is certain to start England's first World Cup game against the USA in Rustenburg on June 12th and Capello will be hoping that Rooney can recapture his club goalscoring form on the international stage.
England's World Cup 2010 betting make them among the favourites for the tournament and Lineker, who will be working for the BBC in South Africa, believes the forward will be the key man.
"We need a fit and on-form Wayne Rooney. He is one of the best players in the world and this is his big chance to show that on the world stage," Lineker said.
"He has learned about the game, he doesn't chase people with the ball willy-nilly as he used to. I don't think England could win it without him - a hell of a lot revolves around him."
Anyone who has placed a World Cup bet on England will be hoping the striker stays fit.
While Rooney is away with England, his Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted there may not be many new faces at Old Trafford this summer.
The veteran manager has admitted that he will make few changes to the squad as he looks to wrestle the Premier League title away from Chelsea - who they lost out to last season.
The former international forward and World Cup Golden Boot winner has told Fifa.com that Rooney, who scored 35 goals for Manchester United in their ill-fated bid to win the Premier League title lsat season, is a vital component for Fabio Capello.
Barring injury, Rooney is certain to start England's first World Cup game against the USA in Rustenburg on June 12th and Capello will be hoping that Rooney can recapture his club goalscoring form on the international stage.
England's World Cup 2010 betting make them among the favourites for the tournament and Lineker, who will be working for the BBC in South Africa, believes the forward will be the key man.
"We need a fit and on-form Wayne Rooney. He is one of the best players in the world and this is his big chance to show that on the world stage," Lineker said.
"He has learned about the game, he doesn't chase people with the ball willy-nilly as he used to. I don't think England could win it without him - a hell of a lot revolves around him."
Anyone who has placed a World Cup bet on England will be hoping the striker stays fit.
While Rooney is away with England, his Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted there may not be many new faces at Old Trafford this summer.
The veteran manager has admitted that he will make few changes to the squad as he looks to wrestle the Premier League title away from Chelsea - who they lost out to last season.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Pantsil: Ghana aiming for World Cup semis
Ghana should be targeting a semi-final place at least, according to their right-back John Pantsil.
Although the World Cup betting suggests the side face a tough task getting out of a group that also contains Germany, Australia and Serbia, the Fulham men clearly thinks the Black Stars have what it takes to make a real impression in South Africa.
Speaking to the BBC World Service, he expressed the belief that this tournament could see an African nation lift the tournament for the first time and there is every reason to believe Ghana will be there or thereabouts when it comes down to the final stages of the competition.
He said: "In Germany in 2006 we reached the last 16 but now, with Africa hosting and a stronger squad I have full confidence of us being in the semi-finals."
Although Pantil admitted Ghana's group will be tricky to get out of, he also added that the side's ambition must be to improve on their showings in previous World Cups.
Last time out, they chalked up wins against American and the Czech Republic, results that upset many World Cup predictions, before ultimately falling to Brazil.
This time out, the country's likely second round opponents are England and the USA, with both of the sides more than capable of giving the Black Stars a run for their money.
Pantsil is unconcerned though, and pointed out that every African side in the competition will recivie the backing of local fans throughout the tournament.
Whether Ghana can live up to the player's dreams remain to be seen, but from the looks of things they have every intention of giving it ago. After all, what football fan wouldn't be delighted if an African nation was crowned Champions on June 11th?
Although the World Cup betting suggests the side face a tough task getting out of a group that also contains Germany, Australia and Serbia, the Fulham men clearly thinks the Black Stars have what it takes to make a real impression in South Africa.
Speaking to the BBC World Service, he expressed the belief that this tournament could see an African nation lift the tournament for the first time and there is every reason to believe Ghana will be there or thereabouts when it comes down to the final stages of the competition.
He said: "In Germany in 2006 we reached the last 16 but now, with Africa hosting and a stronger squad I have full confidence of us being in the semi-finals."
Although Pantil admitted Ghana's group will be tricky to get out of, he also added that the side's ambition must be to improve on their showings in previous World Cups.
Last time out, they chalked up wins against American and the Czech Republic, results that upset many World Cup predictions, before ultimately falling to Brazil.
This time out, the country's likely second round opponents are England and the USA, with both of the sides more than capable of giving the Black Stars a run for their money.
Pantsil is unconcerned though, and pointed out that every African side in the competition will recivie the backing of local fans throughout the tournament.
Whether Ghana can live up to the player's dreams remain to be seen, but from the looks of things they have every intention of giving it ago. After all, what football fan wouldn't be delighted if an African nation was crowned Champions on June 11th?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Moore shows true talent
Going into the Epsom classics weekend champion jockey Ryan Moore was acknowledge as a determined, hard working, if somewhat colourless rider who through sheer hard graft and application had risen to the top of his profession. Now, having won both the Oaks and Derby in tremendous fashion, he has shown to the racing world and beyond, just what true talent he possesses, writes Elliot Slater.
Camera shy and often monosyllabic when interviewed, Moore displayed a grin as wide as the Epsom Downs after threading Snow Fairy through an apparently impossible maze to come from last to first to win the Investec Oaks on Friday. Often perceived as something of a grump, Moore pulled himself together quickly enough and after being asked what winning his first classic meant to him he replied: "Well, it's not the Derby is it?"
24 hours later however it was the Derby as the son of south coast trainer Gary Moore and brother of talented jumps jockey Jamie, rode a perfectly judged race on the mighty Workforce, to come home seven lengths clear of At First Sight in the fastest time ever recorded in the 231-year history of the great race. Many horse racing tips had suggests Workforce would win, but no one expected the victory to be so emphatic.
Moore may well have been highly regarded by those that follow the sport of horse racing on a daily basis, but with this classic double he has now demonstrated his undoubted skills to a huge international audience that extends far beyond the equine world. There was even a hint of a tear in his eye after he pulled up on Workforce and realised the enormity of what he had just achieved. The Timeform horse tips suggest Workforce could go on to even greater things.
Maybe now, having proved to himself that he is a truly great jockey, Ryan Moore might relax a bit and let us see the more human side of a devoted jockey and family man.
Camera shy and often monosyllabic when interviewed, Moore displayed a grin as wide as the Epsom Downs after threading Snow Fairy through an apparently impossible maze to come from last to first to win the Investec Oaks on Friday. Often perceived as something of a grump, Moore pulled himself together quickly enough and after being asked what winning his first classic meant to him he replied: "Well, it's not the Derby is it?"
24 hours later however it was the Derby as the son of south coast trainer Gary Moore and brother of talented jumps jockey Jamie, rode a perfectly judged race on the mighty Workforce, to come home seven lengths clear of At First Sight in the fastest time ever recorded in the 231-year history of the great race. Many horse racing tips had suggests Workforce would win, but no one expected the victory to be so emphatic.
Moore may well have been highly regarded by those that follow the sport of horse racing on a daily basis, but with this classic double he has now demonstrated his undoubted skills to a huge international audience that extends far beyond the equine world. There was even a hint of a tear in his eye after he pulled up on Workforce and realised the enormity of what he had just achieved. The Timeform horse tips suggest Workforce could go on to even greater things.
Maybe now, having proved to himself that he is a truly great jockey, Ryan Moore might relax a bit and let us see the more human side of a devoted jockey and family man.
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