Anderson Silva

Latest news about Anderson Silva updates, UFC has its finger on the pulse of its fans. And then there are times when it seems to completely miss the boat.

Case in point: Dana White’s comments to MMAJunkie.com regarding a possible Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre “superfight,” something White said he’s “shocked” that fans keep demanding.

“It starts to get to the point where I’m like, ‘I guess if everybody wants to see this fight, maybe we make this fight,’” he said.

These are the words of a guy who would stare long and hard at a falling anvil before deciding to move out of the way.

There’s a real reason why audiences are rabid about the fight: Few times in the sport’s history have two athletes have been so uniformly dominant. The promise of one finally appearing human is an exciting prospect. The minute St. Pierre or Silva loses — from the UFC’s perspective, probably the most opportune time to make the fight — all of that anticipation goes out the window. As enjoyable as it was to see Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva in 2007, that match would’ve blown synapses in 2005. Timing is everything.

White is probably not oblivious to this, but he’s likely suspicious of sacrificing one pound-for-pound guy’s reputation for the sake of a one-night payoff (though it’d be a huge one night payoff). That’s sensible, but it’s also the kind of bureaucratic bungling that’s prevented boxing from making a lot of historic bouts over the past 30 years. It’s bad enough we’ve missed some big fights because of conflicting promotions. If two fighters are under the same employer, there’s no reason not to capitalize on it.

A religious experience: UFC exits Utah

Dana White imagines a day when the UFC holds 100 events per year around the world. I see a day in which quality control takes a serious hit.

MMA isn’t fast food, and there is no assembly line for an organized UFC experience — not unless they can clone event coordinator Burt Watson 50 times over.

The UFC may have gotten a taste of what it’s like to overextend itself in Utah, where the promotion was forced to bite the bullet and port over an Aug. 2 Versus television event to San Diego as a result of poor ticket sales. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the poor sales were due to the show being scheduled for a Sunday evening — traditionally a day of rest for the Mormons of Salt Lake City. Dodging blood splatter might not fit that description.

Pakistan to Bat First Against India in Asia Cup

DAMBULLA: Shahid Afridi won toss and elected to bat first against India in crunch game of Asia Cup tournament here on Saturday.

Pakistan have brought in an extra spinner, Saeed Ajmal replacing Mohammad Asif. Also Shahzaib Hasan makes way for Imran Farhat. India go in unchanged.

Teams:

Pakistan: Imran Farhat, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Umar Amin, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Aamer, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar

India: MS Dhoni, V Sehwag, R Ashwin, AB Dinda, G Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, RA Jadeja, Z Khan, V Kohli, P Kumar, A Nehra, PP Ojha, SK Raina, RG Sharma, SS Tiwary

India Vs Pakistan, India Face Pakistan, Asia Cup Match Today

Latest news about India Vs Pakistan, India Face Pakistan, Asia Cup Match Today: Old rivals Pakistan and India go head to head on the cricket field today for a crucial contest of Asia Cup here today. This is only the second Indo-Pak match being played after 26/11. The last occasion was at the Champions Trophy in South Africa last year, whichPakistan won by 54 runs.

It is a crucial tie as the result will go a long way in determining the lineup of the finals. Pakistan has played one match lost to hosts Sri Lanka. The Indians, having secured one victory already in the series with a bonus point, aren’t under the kind of pressurePakistan are facing.

If Akhtar and Mohammad Asif can get Sehwag and Gambhir early, it will really test the depth of the Indian middle-order.

Pakistan skipper Afridi has recovered well from a crippling attack of cramps and is fit.

USA Slovenia World Cup 2010

Latest news about USA Slovenia World Cup 2010 : USA Slovenia world cup match ends in a 2-2 tie as US holds its nerves in the second round

Is United States soccer team coming of age? After being on the margins, the team has done increasingly well during this FIFA World Cup being played in South Africa.

Its first match was against a football powerhouse England. No one thought that a football minnow, the United States team would do the first major upset in the tournament by holding England to a 1-1- draw.

But this football cup would be known for its upsets and disappoints. North Korea gave a tough fight to Brazil, the number one soccer team in the world, South Korea defeats Greece 2-0, Serbia beat European powerhouse Germany 1-0, Switzerland beats Spain 1-0 and Mexico beats France 2-0.

These are upsets that no one could have anticipated in advance.

But US team’s draw against England was not a coincidence. They again held to a tight draw against Slovenia.

This was a match that had many people thinking that the US would lose it as Slovenia had fired two goals against it in the first half. But the second half was completely dominated by the US that didn’t allow Slovenians to make a comeback in the game and in the process equaled the two goals by Slovenia.

It’s Pak, India Show at Asia Cup Today

DAMBULLA: Old rivals Pakistan and India go head to head on the cricket field today for a crucial contest of Asia Cup here today. This is only the second Indo-Pak match being played after 26/11. The last occasion was at the Champions Trophy in South Africa last year, whichPakistan won by 54 runs.

It is a crucial tie as the result will go a long way in determining the lineup of the finals. Pakistan has played one match lost to hosts Sri Lanka. The Indians, having secured one victory already in the series with a bonus point, aren’t under the kind of pressurePakistan are facing.

If Akhtar and Mohammad Asif can get Sehwag and Gambhir early, it will really test the depth of the Indian middle-order.

Pakistan skipper Afridi has recovered well from a crippling attack of cramps and is fit.

Phil Mickelson

Latest news about Phil Mickelson: The first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament can be a lot like a first date. Get acquainted with the surroundings, downplay expectations and make all moves carefully.

After Thursday’s opening round, two players who represent a big contrast in star quality would agree with that. One is recognizable by one name, the other unrecognizable, even with three names.

Meet Phil Mickelson, a.k.a. Phil. He is No. 2 in the world, attracts a crowd wherever he goes and spent the early hours of Thursday afternoon rationalizing his four-over-par 75 into a decent day at the office.

Mickelson, who has won three tour events at this Pebble Beach course and was expected to do well because of that familiarity, missed six putts of less than 10 feet and hit the ball into the ocean twice.

“If I shoot under par tomorrow,” Mickelson said, “I’ll be right back in it. On this course, an under-par score is not going to win it.”

Also, meet Rafael Cabrera-Bello of Spain, a household name in his own household, who had four birdies and three bogeys, and was among the best finishers of the day with his one-under 70.

“I looked up at the leaderboard near the end and laughed,” the 26-year-old Cabrera-Bello said. “I thought, ‘What’s my name doing there?’ ”

Asked what he expected for Friday, he laughed again and said, “Absolutely nothing.”

Golf allows for these moments, but as quickly as it gives, it takes away. Expect to hear Mickelson’s name plenty the rest of this weekend. He hit the ball well, but putted like a blacksmith. The word he used was “horrific.” But he didn’t win four majors — including three Masters — by folding after a bad opening round.

“It was very frustrating,” he said, “to miss all those opportunities.”

Mickelson said the ball was “jumping left, jumping right,” off his putter. He said he thought he figured out the flaw on the putting green afterward.

USA Slovenia World Cup

Latest news about USA Slovenia World Cup: The United States rallied from two goals down at halftime to salvage a 2-2 draw with Slovenia on Friday in Group C.

Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan scored in the second half as the United States denied the Slovenes a win that would have made them the first team to advance to the knockout round.

A third American goal was disallowed for an apparent foul.

“This team still understands how to fight for 90 minutes,” said United States coach Bob Bradley, Michael’s father. “This is something we’ve seen time and time again.”

Valter Birsa scored in the 13th minute and Zlatan Ljubijankic doubled the score for Slovenia in the 42nd.

The result at a cold and blustery Ellis Park left Group C wide open, with the last round of group stage matches to decide which teams move on.

“We lost our concentration in the second half and the Americans benefited from that,” Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said. “We were ahead of the United States but we didn’t overcome this pressure.”

The United States has two points in Group C after a 1-1 draw with England in the first match. The Slovenes, who beat Algeria in their opening match, have four points.

Bradley scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute from Jozy Altidore’s header. Altidore nudged it forward and Bradley, running at full speed, caught up to it just in front of the goal and tapped it up and over Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic’s head for the equalizer.

United States substitute Maurice Edu volleyed Donovan’s free kick into the net in the 86th but the goal was disallowed as the referee called an apparent foul that perplexed the Americans.

“I still don’t know why the goal was disallowed,” Bob Bradley said. “Nobody knows at this moment.”

Donovan gave the Americans hope at the start of the second half. Picking up a long pass from Steve Cherundolo, he broke in from the right flank and blasted a right-footer into the top of the net from a tight angle. It was Donovan’s 43rd goal for the United States.

“I’m a little gutted to be honest,” Donovan said. “I don’t know how they stole that last goal from us. … I’m not sure what the call was. He (the referee) wouldn’t tell us what the call was.”

Going all the way back to 1930, the Americans have never won a World Cup match in which they trailed. Still, Donovan was proud of his team for canceling a two-goal deficit.

“My guess is there’s not many teams in the tournament that could have done what we did,” Donovan said. “And that is what the American spirit is about.”

Birsa scored from 25 meters (yards), stunning United States goalkeeper Tim Howard, who stood frozen on the goal line and watched the shot drift into his upper left corner.

The Slovenian winger was left unchallenged by a passive American defense and had ample time to adjust his aim before curling the shot perfectly with his left foot.

Ljubijankic doubled the score on a counterattack, set up by attacking partner Milivoje Novakovic. Howard rushed out to stop him but Ljubijankic kept his cool and slotted the ball inside the far post.

Slovenia is the smallest country represented at the World Cup and the United States is the biggest. The Slovenes face England in the last group stage match while the Americans take on Algeria in Pretoria.

Lineups:

Slovenia: Samir Handanovic, Miso Brecko, Marko Suler, Bostjan Cesar, Robert Koren, Zlatan Ljubijankic (Nejc Pecnik, 74; Andrej Komac, 90), Valter Birsa (Zlatko Dedic, 87), Milivoje Novakovic, Bojan Jokic, Andraz Kirm, Aleksander Radosavljevic.

United States: Tim Howard, Steve Chzerundolo, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu (Herculez Gomez 80), Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Jose Torres (Benny Feilhaber, 46), Jozy Altidore, Robbie Findley (Maurice Edu, 46).

Sri Lanka Make 312-4 Against Bangladesh

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 71 runs in 51 balls and shared a 111-run opening stand with Upul Tharanga as Sri Lanka amassed 312-4 against Bangladesh in the third Asia Cup match on Friday.

The pair got off to a flying start scoring nearly 10 runs an over after Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat first. It provided the hosts with an ideal platform to score the highest team total at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.

The previous best total at this ground was Sri Lanka’s 289-4 against Pakistan last year.

Dilshan hit a six and 11 boundaries in an entertaining innings for his 20th limited-overs half-century before being caught and bowled by Bangladesh captain Sakib Al Hasan.

Tharanga completed his 16th one-day half-century and was out for 54, stumped by Mushfiqur Rahim off spin bowler Mohammad Mahmudullah. He faced 73 balls and hit five boundaries and a six.

Tharanga also shared 44 runs with Sangakkara, who made 52.

Former skipper Mahela Jayawardene contributed 43.

Anjelo Mathews was unbeaten on 42 with Chamara Kapugedera on 37 after an aggressive 73-run partnership in 63 balls at the end.

Bangladesh seam bowler Shafiul Islam returned the best figures of 2-59 in 10 overs.

With a win, Sri Lanka will boost its chances of reaching next Thursday’s final after a close win against Pakistan in the first match.

Srilanka Vs Bangladesh

Latest news about Srilanka Vs Bangladesh: Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 71 runs in 51 balls and shared a 111-run opening stand with Upul Tharanga as Sri Lanka amassed 312-4 againstBangladesh in the third Asia Cup match on Friday.

The pair got off to a flying start scoring nearly 10 runs an over after Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat first. It provided the hosts with an ideal platform to score the highest team total at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.

The previous best total at this ground was Sri Lanka’s 289-4 against Pakistan last year.

Dilshan hit a six and 11 boundaries in an entertaining innings for his 20th limited-overs half-century before being caught and bowled byBangladesh captain Sakib Al Hasan.

Tharanga completed his 16th one-day half-century and was out for 54, stumped by Mushfiqur Rahim off spin bowler Mohammad Mahmudullah. He faced 73 balls and hit five boundaries and a six.

Tharanga also shared 44 runs with Sangakkara, who made 52.

Former skipper Mahela Jayawardene contributed 43.

Anjelo Mathews was unbeaten on 42 with Chamara Kapugedera on 37 after an aggressive 73-run partnership in 63 balls at the end.

Bangladesh seam bowler Shafiul Islam returned the best figures of 2-59 in 10 overs.

With a win, Sri Lanka will boost its chances of reaching next Thursday’s final after a close win against Pakistan in the first match.

Celtics Lakers

Latest news about Celtics Lakers: when Rasheed Wallace started in place of the injured Kendrick Perkins, Wallace’s old throwaway line may be the simplest description of Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. It was a game marked by dogged defense, sloppy play, and, eventually, shot-making.

And it may mark the end of the Big Three Era in Boston.

The Celtics fell to the Lakers 83-79 Thursday night at Staples Center, one great, proud franchise earning its 16th championship at the expense of another great, proud franchise. The Celtics led for the majority of the game, giving up the lead for the first time in the second half on a Kobe Bryant free throw with 5:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. Bryant received help from Pau Gasol and Ron Artest to close out the game and clinch the title.

“It was a hell of a series,” said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. “I thought both teams played terrific. I thought both teams played hard. It was a tough game for either team to lose.”

If this was the last chapter of The Big Three Era, it was a fitting way to close the book. The Celtics went down on their own terms, in their style of game. A team that has been called too old all season looked too experienced as the Celtics clamped down defensively for the first three quarters of Game 7.

When the season began the Celtics were talking about 70 wins. In Game 7 of the NBA Finals, it seemed like a race for who could get to 70 points.

“We liked the game,” said Rivers. “It was exactly the type of game that we wanted.”

The team that won the first quarter in the previous six games went on to win each of those games, and the same could be said for the team that won the rebounding battle in Games 1 through 6. But that combination was thrown out the window in the first quarter of Game 7, the Lakers out-rebounding the Celtics 16-9 but trailing 23-14 after one. The Lakers had 11 offensive rebounds to none for the Celtics in the first, but tenacious Celtics defense held Los Angeles to 6-of-27 shooting.

“We knew there was a long time left,” said Gasol. “We knew we weren’t playing our best. And we knew that we still had a chance, it was just about getting a few stops in a row and getting a few plays on offense together and just get ourselves going and just shake off all that tension, excitement that Game 7 of the NBA Finals carries.”

Adam Morrison

latest news about Adam Morrison: the Lakers send Vladimir Radmanovic to Charlotte for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown. This trade is more about freeing up some cap space for next year rather than making a big move.

Radman and Morrison are two players who see only limited playing time and neither player’s absence will affect either team significantly.Adam Morrison was a phenomenal college player at Gonzaga and was selected third overall in the draft in 2006, but has not adjusted well to the NBA.

Early in his career he had a knee injury, and he’s never had the speed or defensive sharpness needed to make it big in the NBA. It’s safe to say that so far his professional career has been a disappointment. Interestingly, Morrison was the first round pick by Charlotte, which was at the time (and still is) headed by Michael Jordan.

MJ was also the executive responsible for the Wizards drafting Kwame Brown, another player whose professional career never panned out and who played for the Lakers. I don’t expect Morrison will see nearly as much PT as Kwame got in those years he played with the Purple and Gold.

The Lakers won their sixth straight game today capping off their six game road trip by besting the Cleveland Caveliers 101-91. Kobe Bryant was reportedly feeling under the weather and didn’t have a major impact on the game, but Lamar Odom played very well, with 28 pts and 17 boards, both season highs.

Prior to Bynum’s knee injury, Lamar was coming off the bench and was playing limited minutes when compared to previous seasons. With Bynum’s absence from the lineup, he will be called on to start games and will need to stack up boards and easy points like he did today.

Despite Bynum’s injury, I think it’s safe to say that the Lakers are the hottest team in the league as we head into the week preceding the All Star Game break. They have the best record (41-9) and have beaten the Celtics and the Cavs on the road in the last week, as well as winning against Cleveland and the Spurs at home in the past three weeks.

Of course, we are still a fair stretch away from the postseason, and anything can happen between now and April, but if the Lakers can stay healthy and focused they are going to have another very successful postseason.

France Vs Mexico World Cup 2010

latest news about France Vs Mexico World Cup 2010: France, the 1998 world champions and 2006 runners-up, were left teetering on the brink of World Cup first round elimination on Thursday when they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Mexico.

Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco converted a late penalty to clinch the victory after substitute striker, Manchester United-bound Javier Hernandez, had put the Central Americans ahead 64 minutes into the Group A showdown at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Mexico’s first victory over France left them and Uruguay level on four points ahead of a June 22 Rustenburg clash and both will advance to the next round by drawing.

France play South Africa, who have a point each, at the same time in Bloemfontein and if either wins and the other game delivers a positive result, goal difference could come into play.

“We need a miracle now,” said France coach Raymond Domenech. “We have to be strong and at least play for our honour. At least we must show something in the last match. When we are forced to rely on others, there’s nothing to say.”

Skipper Rafael Marquez warned Mexico they could not let the win go to their heads.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground despite this win,” the Barcelona defender said.

Coach Javier Aguirre added: “It was very important to beat France – they are after all the vice-world champions. We turned in a very fine performance – but we are not yet mathematically through.

Hernandez, nicknamed the Little Pea, was ebullient after his goal. “I am delighted with this victory more so than for my goal or indeed getting the man of the match award.

“We wanted to make the Mexican people happy and this win is a first step for there is a long way to go.”

The fourth meeting of the countries in the history of the tournament kicked off in cold conditions before a large colourful crowd with each team making one change from their opening encounter last Friday.

Malouda replaced Yoann Gourcuff in the French line-up while defender Hector Morena came in for Paul Aguilar in the Mexico side.

Saudi Arabian referee Khalil al-Ghamdi stamped his imprint early with a fourth-minute caution for veteran Mexican striker Guillermo Franco amid much protest.
Mexico had a couple of early half chances that were not put away by Carlos Vela and Franco while a slick French free-kick manoeuvre fizzled out as Franck Ribery overhit a cross.

The Central Americans were more threatening as the halfway point of the opening half approached with a William Gallas block taking the sting out of a move and Carlos Salcido firing past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris only to miss the target.

It was Lloris versus Salcido again on 27 minutes with the French goalkeeper doing well to push away a hard, low drive after the Mexican cut in from the left flank helped by timid defending.

Mexico suffered a blow when Vela limped off to be replaced by Pablo Barrera, who put Lloris under pressure almost immediately from a cross that the goalkeeper unconvincingly punched away.

Mexico broke the deadlock on 64 minutes when Hernandez raced on to a lobbed Rafael Marquez pass, rounded Lloris and calmly stroked the ball into the net.

Domenech, who gives way after this tournament to former star Laurent Blanc, stared emotion-less at the action as his side struggled to make an impact up front.

And his worst fears were realised after 79 minutes when Eric Abidal fouled Pablo Berrera and 37-year-old Blanco made a long run before placing a low spot kick wide of Lloris into the corner of the net.

Argentina Beats South Korea 4-1 at World Cup

JOHANNESBURG: Diego Maradona’s Argentina look certainties for a place in the last 16 of the World Cup after their 4-1 Group B victory over South Korea on Thursday as Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat-trick.

Maradona’s side will be sure of a place in the knock-out phase later on Thursday if Group B rivals Greece and Nigeria draw in Bloemfontein.

Midfield maestro Lionel Messi was superb throughout as Argentina raced into a 2-0 first-half lead thanks to a header from Higuain and an own-goal by Korea’s Park Chu-Young.

Monaco forward Park turned a free-kick by Messi into his own net on 17 minutes before Higuain’s header extended the South American giants lead with his first goal on 33 minutes.

South Korea’s Lee Chung-Yong gave his side hope with a goal at the end of the first half to make it 2-1, but Messi-inspired Argentina were not to be denied.

Higuain made sure of the win with two goals in four minutes late in the second-half in front of a 82,174-strong crowd at Soccer City.

Argentina meant business from the kick-off and took the lead when Messi’s free-kick deflected off Park’s legs who could only watch in horror as the ball flew over the line.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona then replaced the limping Walter Samuel with AS Roma’s Nicolas Burdisso on 23 minutes.

Lineups:

Argentina: Sergio Romero, Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain (Mario Bolatti, 82), Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez (Sergio Aguero, 75), Walter Samuel (Nicolas Burdisso, 23), Javier Mascherano, Jonas Gutierrez, Maxi Rodriguez.

South Korea: Jung Sung-ryong, Oh Beom-seok, Cho Yong-hyung, Park Ji-sung, Kim Jung-woo, Park Chu-young, Lee Young-pyo, Lee Jung-soo, Ki Sung-yong (Kim Nam-il, 46), Lee Chung-yong (Lee Dong-gook, 82), Yeom Ki-hun.

South Korea Vs Argentina

Latest news about South Korea Vs Argentina: Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat trick in Argentina’s 4-1 win over South Korea at the World Cup on Thursday, a result that put the South Americans on the brink of qualifying for the next round from Group B.

Higuain scored his first goal in the 33rd minute with a far post header after Nicolas Burdisso flicked on a cross from Maxi Rodriguez. He added two second-half goals — in the 76th and 80th minutes — to put the result beyond doubt.

“I have to congratulate the players … everything they did worked out well,” Argentina coach Diego Maradona said. “I am very happy.”

Argentina had gone ahead 1-0 in the 17th when Park Chu-young deflected a free kick from Lionel Messi into his own net, and looked to be comfortable after Higuain’s header. But South Korea pulled one back in first-half injury time when Lee Chung-yong pounced on a defensive mistake by defender Martin Demichelis.

Argentina now leads Group B with six points from two games, while South Korea, which beat Greece 2-0 in its opening match, has three.

With Messi playing in a slightly deeper role, Argentina lacked a cutting edge in the opening stages, its main threat coming down the left wing where Carlos Tevez was drifting into space and linking well with Gabriel Heinze and Angel Di Maria.

Higuain, who missed a string of chances against Nigeria, shot high over the bar in the eighth minute and Messi only showed occasional flashes of brilliance as he was man-marked and often found himself closed down by two or three opponents.

However, the South Korean tactics of targeting Messi, so influential in Argentina’s opening match, freed up Tevez, and the combative Manchester City striker was his team’s main inspiration in the first half.

South Korea came close to scoring in the 26th when Ki Sung-yong sent in a swerving shot from outside the box that just cleared the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Messi backheeled a free kick to Tevez, who sent a powerful shot just over the bar.

The match was played in a cold wind, and the South Koreans emerged with more confidence in the second half after they had pulled a goal back.

In the 58th, Yeom Ki-hun almost equalized following a flowing counterattack but put his shot just wide of the left-hand post.

Maradona brought on striker Sergio Aguero in the closing stages, and with 14 minutes left Messi — increasingly breaking free of his markers — skipped past two challenges and shot against the post, but Higuain was on hand to tap in the third goal.

Four minutes later, Messi played in Aguero, who crossed for Higuain to head in the fourth.

Higuain, now the tournament’s leading scorer, said he was delighted to lead his team to victory. “I’m very happy to score the goals, but we have to think of the team as a whole.”

Lineups:

Argentina: Sergio Romero, Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain (Mario Bolatti, 82), Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez (Sergio Aguero, 75), Walter Samuel (Nicolas Burdisso, 23), Javier Mascherano, Jonas Gutierrez, Maxi Rodriguez.

South Korea: Jung Sung-ryong, Oh Beom-seok, Cho Yong-hyung, Park Ji-sung, Kim Jung-woo, Park Chu-young, Lee Young-pyo, Lee Jung-soo, Ki Sung-yong (Kim Nam-il, 46), Lee Chung-yong (Lee Dong-gook, 82), Yeom Ki-hun.

Nigeria Vs Greece

Latest news about Nigeria Vs Greece: Nigeria, who had their match in their palms managed to lose thanks the expulsion of Kaita.
At eleven against ten, Greece took the opportunity to score two goals and get back into the race for qualification. No one expected to see the Greek team evolve in this direction.
Here is a brief recap of the match:

The Super Eagles dominated Greece and moved towards success during most of the match.They even had the lead 1-0, thanks to Uche (16th) and have nothing to fear from the harmless Greek team . But Kaita, who was guilty of a gross negligence on Torosidis, is expelled. And this is where the entire game changes. The expulsion awakens the Greeks.

Henceforth, the team of Otto Rehhagel increases the pace and puts pressure on Nigeria which takes time to find its feet with only ten players. The Greece equalized before half-time (44th) by Salpingidis thanks to a pass perfectly served by Katsouranis.
Nigeria, who can not recover from losing a player take their second goal from Torosidis (71).

Mexico Vs France

Latest news about Mexico Vs France: France, the 1998 world champions and 2006 runners-up, were left teetering on the brink of World Cup first round elimination on Thursday when they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Mexico.

Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco converted a late penalty to clinch the victory after substitute striker, Manchester United-bound Javier Hernandez, had put the Central Americans ahead 64 minutes into the Group A showdown at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Mexico’s first victory over France left them and Uruguay level on four points ahead of a June 22 Rustenburg clash and both will advance to the next round by drawing.

France play South Africa, who have a point each, at the same time in Bloemfontein and if either wins and the other game delivers a positive result, goal difference could come into play.

“We need a miracle now,” said France coach Raymond Domenech. “We have to be strong and at least play for our honour. At least we must show something in the last match. When we are forced to rely on others, there’s nothing to say.”

Skipper Rafael Marquez warned Mexico they could not let the win go to their heads.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground despite this win,” the Barcelona defender said.

Coach Javier Aguirre added: “It was very important to beat France – they are after all the vice-world champions. We turned in a very fine performance – but we are not yet mathematically through.

Hernandez, nicknamed the Little Pea, was ebullient after his goal. “I am delighted with this victory more so than for my goal or indeed getting the man of the match award.

“We wanted to make the Mexican people happy and this win is a first step for there is a long way to go.”

The fourth meeting of the countries in the history of the tournament kicked off in cold conditions before a large colourful crowd with each team making one change from their opening encounter last Friday.

Malouda replaced Yoann Gourcuff in the French line-up while defender Hector Morena came in for Paul Aguilar in the Mexico side.

Saudi Arabian referee Khalil al-Ghamdi stamped his imprint early with a fourth-minute caution for veteran Mexican striker Guillermo Franco amid much protest.
Mexico had a couple of early half chances that were not put away by Carlos Vela and Franco while a slick French free-kick manoeuvre fizzled out as Franck Ribery overhit a cross.

The Central Americans were more threatening as the halfway point of the opening half approached with a William Gallas block taking the sting out of a move and Carlos Salcido firing past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris only to miss the target.

It was Lloris versus Salcido again on 27 minutes with the French goalkeeper doing well to push away a hard, low drive after the Mexican cut in from the left flank helped by timid defending.

Mexico suffered a blow when Vela limped off to be replaced by Pablo Barrera, who put Lloris under pressure almost immediately from a cross that the goalkeeper unconvincingly punched away.

Mexico broke the deadlock on 64 minutes when Hernandez raced on to a lobbed Rafael Marquez pass, rounded Lloris and calmly stroked the ball into the net.

Domenech, who gives way after this tournament to former star Laurent Blanc, stared emotion-less at the action as his side struggled to make an impact up front.

And his worst fears were realised after 79 minutes when Eric Abidal fouled Pablo Berrera and 37-year-old Blanco made a long run before placing a low spot kick wide of Lloris into the corner of the net.

Greece Record Historic World Cup Victory

BLOEMFONTEIN : Greece recorded their first ever win at the World Cup finals here on Thursday with a 2-1 win over 10-man Nigeria in the Group B clash.

Goals by Dimitrios Salpingidis and Vassilis Torosidis after Nigeria’s Sani Kaita had been sent off gave them their first ever victory after four successive defeats, three coming in 1994 and a 2-0 loss to South Korea earlier in this tournament.

The Greeks – European champions in 2004 – can still reach the second round if they beat Argentina in their last match or could even draw were South Korea to lose to Nigeria in their final match.

Greece World Cup

Latest news about Greece World Cup: Greece recorded their first ever win at the World Cup finals here on Thursday with a 2-1 win over 10-man Nigeria in the Group B clash.

Goals by Dimitrios Salpingidis and Vassilis Torosidis after Nigeria’s Sani Kaita had been sent off gave them their first ever victory after four successive defeats, three coming in 1994 and a 2-0 loss to South Korea earlier in this tournament.

The Greeks – European champions in 2004 – can still reach the second round if they beat Argentina in their last match or could even draw were South Korea to lose to Nigeria in their final match.

History, Making Swiss Shock Favourites Spain

DURBAN : World Cup favourites Spain crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat to unfancied Switzerland in their opening game of the tournament here on Wednesday.

A rock solid defence and a tremendous goalkeeping effort from Diego Benaglio saw the Swiss take the lead in the 51st minute through Gelson Fernandes and sustain wave after wave of pressure to hold on for the win in the Group H clash.

The victory was Switzerland’s first-ever over Spain in 19 games dating back 85 years.

Fernandes’ scrambled goal was exactly the type pundits said the Swiss might score against a Spanish team whose slick passing game failed to convert territory and overwhelming possessional advantage into anything concrete.

A long, straight goalkick was picked up by striker Eren Derdiyok, whose path was blocked by an onrushing Iker Casillas.

In the melee, the ball squirted into the path of defender Gerard Pique who fell as he twisted trying to clear the ball, and the Cape Verde-born Fernandes was left with the easiest of tap-ins.

Derdiyok could have made it two for the Swiss but saw his prod with the outside of his foot rebound off the post in the 74th minute.

Spain will be left kicking themselves after dominating much of open play, while Vicente Del Bosque’s selection policy will be questioned after the positive impact of strikers Jesus Navas and Fernando Torres off the bench.

But the Spanish, fielding the backbone of the side that won Euro 2008, did have their chances.

In the first tame 45 minutes, Pique’s shot was parried by Benaglio, and David Villa made a real hash of a cross rather than shooting.

Benaglio, who saw key Fulham defender Philippe Senderos limp off with an ankle injury after half an hour, was tested more as Spain pressed in the second-half after going behind to Fernandes’ goal.

In short succession, Villa was thwarted by a diving Benaglio, Andres Iniesta saw a curling effort miss the posts by a metre, and Torres twisted and fired high and wide.

Alonso then saw a 30-yard bullet of a strike come back off the woodwork with Benaglio well beaten. Navas had a shot well saved by the Swiss keeper and went narrowly wide shortly after.

But the Swiss, often playing with nine of their 10 outfield players behind the ball, held on for the historic win and gave themselves hope of progressing to the second round, as they did four years ago in Germany.

Spain Vs Switzerland

Latest news about Spain Vs Switzerland: World Cup favourites Spain crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat to unfancied Switzerland in their opening game of the tournament here on Wednesday.

A rock solid defence and a tremendous goalkeeping effort from Diego Benaglio saw the Swiss take the lead in the 51st minute through Gelson Fernandes and sustain wave after wave of pressure to hold on for the win in the Group H clash.

The victory was Switzerland’s first-ever over Spain in 19 games dating back 85 years.

Fernandes’ scrambled goal was exactly the type pundits said the Swiss might score against a Spanish team whose slick passing game failed to convert territory and overwhelming possessional advantage into anything concrete.

A long, straight goalkick was picked up by striker Eren Derdiyok, whose path was blocked by an onrushing Iker Casillas.

In the melee, the ball squirted into the path of defender Gerard Pique who fell as he twisted trying to clear the ball, and the Cape Verde-born Fernandes was left with the easiest of tap-ins.

Derdiyok could have made it two for the Swiss but saw his prod with the outside of his foot rebound off the post in the 74th minute.

Spain will be left kicking themselves after dominating much of open play, while Vicente Del Bosque’s selection policy will be questioned after the positive impact of strikers Jesus Navas and Fernando Torres off the bench.

But the Spanish, fielding the backbone of the side that won Euro 2008, did have their chances.

In the first tame 45 minutes, Pique’s shot was parried by Benaglio, and David Villa made a real hash of a cross rather than shooting.

Benaglio, who saw key Fulham defender Philippe Senderos limp off with an ankle injury after half an hour, was tested more as Spain pressed in the second-half after going behind to Fernandes’ goal.

In short succession, Villa was thwarted by a diving Benaglio, Andres Iniesta saw a curling effort miss the posts by a metre, and Torres twisted and fired high and wide.

Alonso then saw a 30-yard bullet of a strike come back off the woodwork with Benaglio well beaten. Navas had a shot well saved by the Swiss keeper and went narrowly wide shortly after.

But the Swiss, often playing with nine of their 10 outfield players behind the ball, held on for the historic win and gave themselves hope of progressing to the second round, as they did four years ago in Germany.

Asia Cup, India Beat Bangladesh by 6 Wickets

DAMBULLA : India beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets in the second Asia Cup cricket match at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium on Wednesday. India chased down Bangladesh’s 167 all out with 168-4 in the 31st over of the 50-over match.

Gautham Gambir hit 82 in a 78-run partnership with Mahrendra Singh Dhoni, who in the over in which Gambir fell leg before wicket, hit two successive boundaries to end the match. Part-time offspinner Virender Sehwag took a career-best 4-6 to help bowl outBangladesh.

India Vs Bangladesh

Latest news about India Vs Bangladesh: Batting star Virender Sehwag turned an unlikely bowling hero as India whipped Bangladesh by six wickets in the Asia Cup on Wednesday.

Sehwag grabbed four wickets for six runs with his off-spin as Bangladesh were shot out for 167 in 34.5 overs after losing their last six batsmen for the addition of just 12 runs.

India cantered past the modest target in the 31st over, with Sehwag’s Delhi team-mate Gautam Gambhir smashing 82 off 101 balls with the help of six boundaries.

Sehwag managed only 11 with the bat and Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan removed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma off successive balls, but India were never in trouble.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (38 not out) put on a match-winning stand of 78 with Gambhir, who fell leg-before to Mashrafe Mortaza when just 10 runs remained for victory.

Defending champions Sri Lanka had opened the four-nation tournament on Tuesday with a 16-run win over Pakistan.

Each team plays the other once in the league with the top two advancing to the final on June 24.

Bangladesh, who elected to bat after winning the toss, made a flying start as openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes hammered 35 from the first 17 deliveries.

After Tamim fell for 22 off 12 balls, caught in the covers off Praveen Kumar, Kayes and Mohammad Ashraful added 46 for the second wicket.

Bangladesh were 81-1 in the 14th over before three wickets fell for 19 runs, two of them to seamer Ashish Nehra who removed Kayes (37) and Ashraful.

Mushfiqur Rahim (30) and Mohammad Mahmudullah (23) put on 55 for the fifth wicket, before India dented the innings.

Sehwag, who missed the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean due to a shoulder injury, marked his return with a superb spell on the slow wicket at the Rangiri stadium.

He had Rahim caught at the wicket, trapped Suhrawadi Shuvo and Shafiul Islam leg-before and then terminated the innings by bowling last man Syed Rasel.

Sri Lanka take on Bangladesh in the next match on Friday.

Bdesh 167/10(34.5) | Ind 168/4(30.4)
Ind won by 6 wickets. Man of the match: Gambhir
Last 2 overs : 4 1 . 1 2 1 | W 1Wd 1 4 4

Honduras Vs Chile 2010

latest news about Honduras Vs Chile 2010″: Honduras Vs Chili in world cup 2010, it was the day for Honduras to remember because exactly 28 year ago on the same day 16th June, Honduras played their first ever match of FIFA world cup and fans wanted to add today’s win over Chili to their celebrations but Chili defeated Honduras 1-0 and left nothing for Honduras to celebrate.

On the other side Chili has their own celebrations because they were waiting for a win in a world stage for 50 years and the wait ended today when they managed to win the match against Honduras.

Spain and Switzerland are the other team from the same group, playing their opening match of FIFA World cup 2010.

Jean Beausejour was the man from Chili who scored the match winning goal in the 38th minute of the match and Chili led 1-0 which remained the same till the end. Although Chili got several opportunities to score more goals to make the match safer, yet at the end single goal was enough to win the match.

Honduras team was really out colored on the field. They were missing their star player Caser throughout the match. Caser ruled out of the tournament due to injury and his injury really cost Honduras in the first match of the tournament.

Shannon Brown

latest news about Shannon Brown : Lakers vs. Celtics, a tough, well fought match; at the end Lakers winning over Celtics 89-67. Lakers domintated the game from the beginning till the end. After the first quarter, the Lakers were ahead by 10.

Then she further improved the gap, and after the half time, they were ahead of the Celtics by 20. They kept their nerves, and finally ended the game with a 22 points win. Kobe Bryant ended up top in the official record with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Pau Gaso finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Srilanka Vs Pakistan Asia Cup Cricket 2010

about Srilanka Vs Pakistan Asia Cup Cricket 2010: The Sri Lankan team scored 242-9 against Pakistan in opening match of the 10th Asia Cup on Tuesday.

Shoib Akhtar took three while Muhammad Amir gained two wickets.

Earlier, the Lankans have won the toss and elected to bat first.

The Asian Cup tournament was started in 1986. India and Sri Lanka have won the Cup for four times each while Pakistan could only once bring the trophy to home.

Teams:

Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (Capt), Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Shahzaib Hasan, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal†, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Umar Amin, Mohammad Aamer

Sri Lanka: WU Tharanga, TM Dilshan, KC Sangakkara (Capt), DPMD Jayawardene, TT Samaraweera, CK Kapugedera, AD Mathews, MF Maharoof, KMDN Kulasekara, M Muralitharan, SL Malinga

Sl Vs Pak, Srilanka Vs Pakistan

latest news about Sl Vs Pak, Srilanka Vs Pakistan: Sri Lanka scored 242-9 from their 50 overs in the opening match of the Asia Cup limited-overs tournament against Pakistan on Tuesday.

Teams:

Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (Capt), Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Shahzaib Hasan, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal†, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Umar Amin, Mohammad Aamer

Sri Lanka: WU Tharanga, TM Dilshan, KC Sangakkara (Capt), DPMD Jayawardene, TT Samaraweera, CK Kapugedera, AD Mathews, MF Maharoof, KMDN Kulasekara, M Muralitharan, SL Malinga

Holland Vs Denmark

latest news about Holland Vs Denmark: Netherlands get the job done but they did not really impress today. They are 9/1 on Betfair to win the World Cup this year and while there is not doubt that they have the potential, they will need to improve on today’s showing when they find themselves facing more formidable opponents.

93.00: Full-time: Netherlands 2-0 Denmark

89.50:Denmark finally get the ball into their opponents half but even they don”t seem to believe they can score, tamely giving the ball away with little support.

87.30: Clearance off the line by Poulson, who scored the own goal to open the scoring. Denmark clinging on as Boylesports offer 7/1 on 3-0.

Netherlands 2-0 Denmark

85.40: GOAL: And it is 2-0! Elia goes through, his shot is half-saved onto the post but Dirk Kuyt is there to knock in the rebound.

83.33: Wesley Sneidjer, poor by his standards today, shoots from distance and his deflected effort loops onto the crossbar. The Netherlands getting closer and 2-0 is now 4/1 on Betfair.

81.09: Bet365 are best price on Holland but only offer 1/11 that they can hold on to this lead. Denmark seeing none of the ball and looking tired.

76.26: Ibrahim Afellay on for Robin van Persie and over 2.5 goals is now 9/1 with Betdaq. All Holland as Afellay puts in a dangerous cross but can’t find a man in the box.

72.50: The width provided by Elia seems to have got the Netherlands going now and Van Bommel and van Persie both go close after a great run from the substitute. Still 1-0 and 5/6 on Betfair to stay that way.

70.00: More open now with both sides having a go. Elia looking dangerous for Holland but van Persie is still favourite to score the game’s next goal at 13/2 with Betfred and Bet365.

67.32: Daniel Agger takes out his frustration with a weak shot from distance when he had other options. His team are now 69/1 onBetfair and 74/1 with Canbet, who also offer 13/2 on the draw.

65.00: Eljero Elia looks set to come on for the Netherlands, who are now 1/7 with Bet365.

Find live odds on all the markets in the game at Bookies.com

62.10: Looking at the spread markets, Sportingindex sell total goals at 1.8 and buy at 2.00. A nice Dutch move sees a lovely finish from an offside van Persie.

58.40: 1-0 is the favourite score for the game at 13/8, with Paddy Power offering 5/2 on 2-0.

55.20: Over 2.5 goals now 2/1 with the bookmakers and 3.45 on Betfair as the game gets a bit more physical with the tackles flying in thick and fast.

52.40: Terrible first touch from van Persie, should be 2-0 as he knocks it out for a goal kick. The Netherlands looking really dangerous for the first time and Canbet make them 1/6 to hold on to their lead.

49.40: The draw now 13/2 with Totesport and 7/1 on Betfair as Denamark go as long as 38/1 on the exchange, where 1-0 is 11/5.

Netherlands 1-0 Denmark

13.30 pm: GOAL: We’re back and less than one minute into the second half a calamitous own goal sees the Dutch take a completely undeserved lead,the ball coming off the back of Simon Poulson after a Robin Van Persie cross. The Netherlands now 1/5 on Betfair.

Half time betting: The best bookmaker odds on offer are 10/11 Holland, 8/5 the draw and 13/2 Denmark. Holland are 10/11 with Betfred, 13/2 Denmark is on offer with Betfred and Blue Square while the draw odds can be backed with Bet 365 and Ladbrokes.

Under 2.5 goals is 1.17 on Betfair while the over 2.5 goals can be bet at 6.40 on Betfair. A nil-nil final score is just 3.60 on Betfair although 5/2 with Paddy Power is better value when you take commission into account.

Half-time: Netherlands 0-0 Denmark

45.08: Manchester City’s Nigel De Jong sees yellow as the Netherlands, who started the game at 8/15, go evens on Betfair, 9/10 with Canbet.

42.50: The draw is 7/4 with most bookmakers as Holland hit 10/11 on the exchanges. Shot from van Persie goes wide after some neat footwork in the box.

40.37: Betfair also offers 4/1 that the game finishes over 2.5 goals, shorter than the 7/2 available on 0-0.

38.00: The Netherlands look to break but Sneidjer again disappoints. They do seem to miss the injured Arjen Robben as they drift to 5/6 on Betfair.

36.37: Denmark getting into the game now and Kjaer strikes a free kick into the wall from 40 yards. They are 13/2 with Betfred and Totesport.

33.10: Dangerous cross from Dirk Kuyt turned behind for a corner. Canbet still best price on Holland at 4/5.

31.49: Not as many chances as we had hoped for and 0-0 is only 9/2 on Betfair. Still only one save called for from the Denmark keeper as Sneidjer again tries from way too far out.

27.47: Arsenal fans will not be too surprised but Nicklas Bendtner misses a great chance for Denmark, heading wide in acres of space.

26.53: Under 2.5 goals is now as short as 4/11 on Betfair. Those expecting Holland to turn on the style will be disappointed so far.

24.24: Stan James now make it only 11/2 that we do not see a single goal in this one.

23.00: Paddy Power and Bet365 now both make Robin Van Persie 7/2 to score the game’s first goal. However, we have seen almost none of the Arsenal striker so far.

20.20: Chance for Van der Vaart as the Dutch continue to threaten. 12/5 now on Over 2.5 goals on Betfair.

19.40: The bookmakers generally making Holland 2/1 to lead at both half-time and full-time, with the Dutch 5/7 on Betfair. They have a corner but it comes to nothing.

16.41: As the game continues with few clear opportunities it is now 2/1 to finish over 2.5 goals on Betfair.

15.00: 0-0 is now 7/1 with Betfair, where the draw is available at 3/1. Canbet offer the best price on the Dutch now at 4/6.

6.55: Now Denmark try their luck from a free kick but it’s always going wide. The Netherlands are now 4/7 to win it with Betfair.

5.33: An ambitious long-rage effort from Sneidjer flies over the bar from a free-kick. The game is 9/1 to finish 0-0 and we are yet to see a real chance.

3.30: An open start to the match as both sides seeing plenty of the ball. Denmark now 7/1, with Over 2.5 goals 11/8 on Betfair.

2.30 pm: Holland start the game as 8/15 favourites with Paddy Power, leaving Denmark as underdogs at 13/2, with the draw at 10/3.

12.29: Team News:

Netherlands: 1 Maarten Stekelenburg; 2 Gregory van der Wiel,
3 John Heitinga, 4 Joris Mathijsen, 5 Giovanni van Bronckhorst,
7 Dirk Kuyt, 6 Mark van Bommel, 10 Wesley Sneijder, 8 Nigel de
Jong, 23 Rafael van der Vaart, 9 Robin van Persie.

Netherlands Vs Denmark

Latest news about Netherlands Vs Denmark: The Netherlands were able to march past Denmark in their World Cup match. The team almost looked as good as they used to be in the match. Could the Netherland team be returning to their former glory, or was it simply a one game deal.

The stadium was filled to its capacity, and the 26 year old Dutchman was able to stick it to the Danish team, that was unable to keep up with the swifter, faster, more polished Netherlands team. It almost looked as if the Netherlands were just better prepared for the game from the onset, as the Denmark squad was unable to really get anything going at any time during the match.

Three World Cup 2010 Matches Today

CAPE TOWN: Last World Cup winners, Italy facing Paraguay later Monday evening in Cape Town. Paraguay has been billed as the holders’ toughest test in Group F and if Italy drop points here, the pressure will mount on them. The game will kick off at 20:30 (local time).

Italy is expected to sail through the group and make it to the Knock out stage without much problem, but Paraguay will likely be their strongest rival in the group. Paraguay with their lanky striker, Roque Santa Cruz will be their major threat up front.

Italy will be relying on their Goalie Gianluigi Buffon who is arguably the best keeper of his generation.

In the first match of the day Holland will play against Denmark, while in the second match of day Japan will face Cameroon.

Italy Vs Paraguay World Cup 2010

Latest news about Italy Vs Paraguay World Cup 2010: Last World Cup winners, Italy facing Paraguay later Monday evening in Cape Town.

Paraguay has been billed as the holders’ toughest test in Group F and if Italy drop points here, the pressure will mount on them. The game will kick off at 20:30 (local time).

Italy is expected to sail through the group and make it to the Knock out stage without much problem, but Paraguay will likely be their strongest rival in the group. Paraguay with their lanky striker, Roque Santa Cruz will be their major threat up front.

Italy will be relying on their Goalie Gianluigi Buffon who is arguably the best keeper of his generation.

In the first match of the day Holland will play against Denmark, while in the second match of day Japan will face Cameroon.

Vince Young

Latest news about : Vince Young, Vince Young got himself into a little bit of a situation over the weekend when he clocked a guy in a strip club for making an upside down “Hook ‘em, Horns” gesture and now the league, according to a tweet from NFL PR, is planning to “look into it.”

Young could get a $500 fine from the authorities, but any kind of league discipline could be much more costly to a guy who is playing out a five-year, $58 million contract.

Football World Cup, Slovenia Beat Algeria by 1-0

POLOKWANE : Slovenia recorded their first ever World Cup finals victory here on Sunday with a 1-0 win over 10-man Algeria in their Group C clash.

Captain Robert Koren scored the only goal of a poor game in the 79th minute to give Slovenia the three points after they lost all three matches in their previous finals appearance in 2002.

Algeria had substitute Abdelkadel Ghezzal sent-off in the 72nd minute after only being on the pitch for 14 minutes.

Koren, pivotal in West Brom’s promotion to the Premier League last season, scored in the 79th minute with a well struck right footed effort from just outside the area but Faouzi Chaouchi should have done better instead of mis-timing his drive and seeing the ball bobble over him.

The first-half had offered little in terms of excitement as warm, clear conditions greeted the outsiders in a mini-league expected to be dominated by 1966 champions England and the United States, who drew 1-1 in Rustenburg the previous night.

A free-kick in front of goal and outside the penalty area offered the North Africans the first chance and goalkeeper Samir Handanovic did well to tip over a Nadir Belhadj shot.

Chaouchi and Portsmouth midfielder Belhadj were fortunate starters for the ‘Desert Foxes’ as bans stemming from 2010 African Nations Cup red cards were dropped only this week by the African Football Confederation.

Chaouchi came to the rescue as half-time approached, acrobatically tipping over a dipping Valter Birsa shot as Slovenia moved up a couple of gears and also forced a couple of corners.

Gyan Stars As Ghana Sink 10-Man Serbia

PRETORIA : An Asamoah Gyan penalty six minutes from time gave Ghana a crucial 1-0 World Cup victory over 10-man Serbia in Group D at the Loftus Versfeld stadium here on Sunday.

Gyan’s rasping spot-kick meeted out the ultimate punishment for Zdravko Kuzmanovic’s needless handball in the box after Serbia had lost Aleksandar Lukovic to two bookings.

And the noise which met Ghana’s victory, the first by an African country at this year’s World Cup, by a partisan African crowd was truly deafening.

Ghana’s victory puts them in pole position to emulate their performance in 2006 and qualify for the knock-out rounds in a tough group including Germany and Australia.

Chances were few and far between in a poor first half and every time either side played a pass with either pace or distance, the receiver was taking so long to bring the ball under control that the move lost its momentum.

What few chances there were largely came from dead ball situations.

Gyan fired a 25 yard free-kick over the bar on four minutes while Serbia’s Aleksandar Kolarov also curled a free-kick just over.

Things picked up after the restart as Prince Tagoe dinked a cross from the right to the back post but Andre Ayew, the son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele, headed wide from close range when it looked easier to score.

Up the other end Marko Pantelic played an identical ball into Nikola Zigic but the Valencia forward somehow played the ball back away from goal.

Gyan then clipped the outside of the post with a header from John Pantsil’s long throw into the six-yard box.

Ghana had been the better side and their hopes of finding a winner improved on 74 minutes as centre-back Lukovic was dismissed for a second booking for tugging Gyan’s arm.

And yet it was Serbia who should have broken the deadlock as substitute Danko Lazovic left Pantsil on the seat of his pants and pulled the ball back for Milos Krasic but his left-foot effort was straight at goalkeeper Richard Kingson who palmed the ball over the bar.

From the resulting corner Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic sent a bullet header a touch too high.

Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic then burst forward and hit a dipping drive just over.

But then substitute Kuzmanovic’s flailing arm connected with a deep cross into the box and Gyan thrashed the ball home to send the stands wild.

And the Rennes striker was even denied a second by the post in injury time as he curled the ball around goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic.

Ghana celebrated at the final whistle as if they had won the World Cup, dancing on the pitch as some players even partook in a lap of honour.

Mirko Cro Cop Vs Pat Barry

Latest news about Mirko Cro Cop Vs Pat Barry: Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic will step for the seventh time inside The Octagon, to face the young up-and-comer Pat “HD” Barry. Cro Cop will look to prove the World that he still belongs to the top of the UFC Heavyweight division, after many critics claimed that the Croatian legend should hang up his gloves.

Despite the fact that many people think Filipovic is way past his prime, the Cro Cop won two of his last three fights in the UFC – all by TKO.

So, statistics-wise Mirko Cro Cop is still a menace in the UFC Heavyweight division. But when it comes to opponents, Mirko Cro Cop struggles against what the top UFC Heavyweight contenders have to offer.

Patrick Barry is a tough test for Filipovic, but definitely an opponent the Croatian can digest. Both fighters have an equal chance against each other, what turns this bout into a crossroads of their careers.

A winner of that fight will reclaim his place among the top of the UFC Heavyweight food chain, trying his luck against the likes of Frank Mir, Cheick Kongo, Minotauro Nogueira and Roy Nelson.

The most likely scenario is that the winner of Barry-Cro Cop bout will find himself inside the Octagon against the Yvel-Rothwell triumphant.

Slovenia

Latest news about Slovenia: United States goalkeeper Tim Howard will have a rib injury evaluated later on Saturday but coach Bob Bradley expects him to play against Slovenia in their second Group C match.

Howard suffered the injury when England striker Emile Heskey slid into him during the first half of the 1-1 draw in Rustenburg on Saturday but carried on after receiving treatment.

“At this point, there is no answer,” Bradley told reporters on Sunday when asked if Howard was doubtful for Friday’s match in Johannesburg.

“When you see the way Timmy handled himself after the collision, you’d certainly expect he will be on the field again.”

“He’ll be evaluated later today and then a decision will be made whether he will need further tests. Obviously he was sore, he did a great job of taking a tough hit, staying in it and playing it really well. We will assess it and figure out how to go on from there.”

The States have Marcus Hahnemann and Brad Guzan available as back-up.

Bradley said that after a tough encounter with England, he expected Friday’s opponent’s Slovenia to offer another style.

“I think it will be a different kind of game, obviously we will watch them but they are a hard working team, well organized and they have an ability to sometimes sit back a little and still catch you on the counter.

Ufc 115 Post Fight Press Conference

latest news about Ufc 115 Post Fight Press Conference: UFC 115: “Liddell vs. Franklin” from the GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is set to go off tonight (Sat., June 12) live on pay-per-view (PPV).

Following the caged combat, company president Dana White and a handful of participating fighters will be on hand for the UFC 115 post-fight press conference, which is now embedded below (after the jump) for an approximate 1:00 a.m. ET start time.

Be sure to tune in immediately following the fisticuffs to get post-fight reactions from all the major players. as well as up-to-the-minute results of all the post-fight bonuses, including “Fight of the Night,” “Knockout of the Night” and “Submission of the Night.”

Liddell Vs Franklin Video

latest news about Liddell Vs Franklin Video: UFC 115 Results Fight Card Full Online Watch Live Streaming On 12 June 2010 UFC TV and Spike TV , Telecast Spike TV broadcast at 9 p.m. ET, Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC Saturday, June 12, 2010 pay-per-view PPV event in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from the GM Place.

Rich Franklin is training harder than ever and is prepared for Chuck’s power and other overlooked aspects of Chuck’s fight game. Don’t miss UFC 115: Liddell vs Franklin this Saturday, June 12th at 7pm PT/ 10pm ET on Pay-Per-View
Main bouts:
Rich Franklin vs Chuck Liddell
Pat Barry vs. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic
Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel
Rory MacDonald vs. Carlos Condit
Paulo Thiago vs. Martin Kampmann

On Spike TV:
Tyson Griffin vs. Evan Dunham
Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman

Magical Messi Inspires Argentina to Victory Over Nigeria

JOHANNESBURG: Lionel Messi conjured a spellbinding opening to the World Cup highlighting Argentina’s 1-0 win over Nigeria in their Group B match at Ellis Park Stadium here on Saturday.

The world’s best player was in irresistible form as the two-time world champions dominated Nigeria, but only had Gabriel Heinze’s sixth-minute goal to show for their superiority in an exhilarating spectacle before 55,686 noisy fans.

Messi taunted the Africans with his mesmerising skill and virtuosity and was denied his first goal at South Africa 2010 only by the acrobatic saves of Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

With coach Diego Maradona prowling his sideline technical area for the whole match, Argentina could not find the second killer goal as the uninhibited Nigerians came close several times in the second half to grabbing an equaliser.

It was a rasping Messi volley tipped over the bar by Enyeama that indirectly led to the only goal in the opening minutes.

Sebastian Veron’s corner picked up unmarked Heinze hurtling in late and the Marseille defender headed powerfully past Enyeama to send the large contingent of Argentine fans wild.

Argentina had numerous scoring chances, none more so than Messi’s charge on goal nine minutes from time.

Yet again he was thwarted by Enyeama’s blocking feet to keep the Nigerians in the game.

On another occasion Carlos Tevez triggered a counter-attack from deep inside his own half in the 65th minute and set up Messi only for him to shoot agonisingly past the post with Enyeama beaten.

Left-back Taye Taiwo came closest for Nigeria in the second half with his thumping volley just fizzing past the far post on 71 minutes.

But the Nigerians made the openings only to spoil their chances with errant finishing with Hoffenheim’s left winger Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi going close on a couple of occasions in the first half.

Argentina’s Newcastle United defensive midfielder Jonas Gutierrez and Nigeria midfielder Lukman Haruna picked up yellow cards in the match.

Argentina have won all three of their matches with Nigeria at the World Cup after winning 2-1 at the 1994 tournament in the USA – Maradona’s last international appearance as he was then sent home in disgrace for failing a drugs test – and 1-0 at the 2002 Korea/Japan edition.

Nigeria’s last victory at the World Cup was back in 1998 when they beat Bulgaria 1-0 and since then the Super Eagles have lost five games and drawn one.

Nigeria Vs Argentina 2010

Latest news about Nigeria Vs Argentina 2010: Lionel Messi conjured a spellbinding opening to the World Cup highlighting Argentina’s 1-0 win over Nigeria in their Group B match at Ellis Park Stadium here on Saturday.

The world’s best player was in irresistible form as the two-time world champions dominated Nigeria, but only had Gabriel Heinze’s sixth-minute goal to show for their superiority in an exhilarating spectacle before 55,686 noisy fans.

Messi taunted the Africans with his mesmerising skill and virtuosity and was denied his first goal at South Africa 2010 only by the acrobatic saves of Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

With coach Diego Maradona prowling his sideline technical area for the whole match, Argentina could not find the second killer goal as the uninhibited Nigerians came close several times in the second half to grabbing an equaliser.

It was a rasping Messi volley tipped over the bar by Enyeama that indirectly led to the only goal in the opening minutes.

Sebastian Veron’s corner picked up unmarked Heinze hurtling in late and the Marseille defender headed powerfully past Enyeama to send the large contingent of Argentine fans wild.

Argentina had numerous scoring chances, none more so than Messi’s charge on goal nine minutes from time.

Yet again he was thwarted by Enyeama’s blocking feet to keep the Nigerians in the game.

On another occasion Carlos Tevez triggered a counter-attack from deep inside his own half in the 65th minute and set up Messi only for him to shoot agonisingly past the post with Enyeama beaten.

Left-back Taye Taiwo came closest for Nigeria in the second half with his thumping volley just fizzing past the far post on 71 minutes.

But the Nigerians made the openings only to spoil their chances with errant finishing with Hoffenheim’s left winger Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi going close on a couple of occasions in the first half.

Argentina’s Newcastle United defensive midfielder Jonas Gutierrez and Nigeria midfielder Lukman Haruna picked up yellow cards in the match.

Argentina have won all three of their matches with Nigeria at the World Cup after winning 2-1 at the 1994 tournament in the USA – Maradona’s last international appearance as he was then sent home in disgrace for failing a drugs test – and 1-0 at the 2002 Korea/Japan edition.

Nigeria’s last victory at the World Cup was back in 1998 when they beat Bulgaria 1-0 and since then the Super Eagles have lost five games and drawn one.

Argentina Vs Nigeria Live Score

Latest news about Argentina Vs Nigeria Live Score: LIONEL MESSI ARGENTINA VS NIGERIA SCORE RESULTS — Earlier today we witnessed the Argentina vs Nigeria of Group B game. Argentina pounced on the helpless Nigerian squad at Ellis Park Stadium. The game ended with a 0-1score in favor of Argentina but the score doesn’t reflect how the game turned out.

Lionel Messi took center stage today for Argentina. If you didn’t know, the week before the tournament, Messi told media that Argentina will be taking home the trophy this year and by the looks of their game tonight, they could be one of the teams that has a chance this year.

Argentina could have lead for more than the 0-1 score but Lionel Messi was not able to score on some very good opportunities.

Argentina is one of the teams favored to make it to the next round in their bracket and it was evident today why they have that distinction. It was clear that the Argentina team came to South Africa prepared and they only have one thing in mind, to take back home the trophy.

Fifa World Cup 2010 Results

Latest news about Fifa World Cup 2010 Results: 2010 FIFA World Cup Results: England Vs United States & Argentina Vs Nigeria Score’ Saturday’s second game in the World Cup Scores & 2010 World Cup Live Online was a disappointment somewhat for Argentina because the team played it closer than expected.

Still, they are the second to stay perfect on their start. After Herinze’s goal, Team Argentina seemed to slow the pace of the game down a bit instead of that high intensity they had before they scored that first and only goal.

With the win, Team Argentina will now face Team South Korea which won their match earlier in the day as well. England will have to be content with a point from their opening World Cup group C encounter with the USA after their match finished 1-1. England is out in front of the USA by a goal at the 3:00 ET point of their game.

South Korea Record First Win at World Cup 2010, Beat Greece 2-0

PORT ELIZABETH: South Korea registered the first win at the 2010 World Cup, a richly deserved 2-0 victory against Greece here Saturday to give them a live chance of achieving their ambition of a last 16 berth.

South Korea, semi-finalists when they co-hosted the competition in 2002, were too quick and too smart for Otto Rehhagel’s Euro 2004 champions, who were sent packing by goals from Lee Jung Soo and captain Park Ji Sung.

The Asian side grabbed this Group B fixture by the scruff of the neck as early as the seventh minute when Celtic’s Ki Sung Yueng’s freekick from beside the left corner flag skimmed over the heads of the Greek defence for Lee to volley in at the far post.

Considering it was Greece with their far superior statures that were supposed to present the setpiece threat the manner of Korea’s goal will have come as a nasty surprise.

Understandably Rehhagel did not look the happiest person among the crowd at the three-quarter full 42,000-capacity Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in this Eastern Cape port.

The Koreans proceeded to run rings round the Greeks and were close to a second goal in the 27th minute after Park Ji Sung’s superb through ball found Park Chu Young only for the Monaco striker’s shot to be deflected over the crossbar by keeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

Rehhagel made one switch at the break, replacing captain Giorgis Karagounis with defender Christos Patsatzoglou.

Seven minutes later Greece, who have never had the pleasure of celebrating a World Cup goal, fell further behind after a masterful charge by the sparky Park Ji-Sung.

The talismanic Manchester United midfielder beat off defenders Avraam Papadopoulos and Loukas Vyntra to slot the ball deftly past Tzorvas, triggering a flurry of flag waving among the Korean fans.

This Group B opener represented a personal milestone for Michael Hester, the first New Zealander to referee a match at the World Cup, and he marked the occasion by dishing out a yellow card to Greek defender Vasilis Torosidis.

Ten minutes from time something unusual took place, Greece had a shot at goal – but Korea’s veteran keeper Jung Sung Ryong lived up to his nickname of ‘Spiderhands’ to tip Theofanis Gekas’s close range attempt over the bar.

Group B favourites Argentina take on Nigeria later on Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

England Vs USA World Cup 2010

Latest news about England Vs USA World Cup 2010: The England vs USA World Cup 2010 live stream going to be available on the Justin.TV live chanels. England vs America kickoff time is 8:30pm (South Africa local time), today, on 12 Jun, 2010. Alternative option to view the match online is the CBC FIFA World Cup 2010 page with online live streaming.

Argentina vs Nigeria 2010: The Argentina team led by Diego Maradona will be the first match today in the 2010 World Cup, debuting against Nigeria in the Ellis Park stadium, with their ace of spades, Lionel Messi.

The 2010 World Cup, which starts for England on Saturday, against the United States can be for Rooney the chance to make up for his performance in the World Cup, which was not at his best.

The selection of Fabio Capello, England defined the starting lineup to be used in Rustenburg in the meeting which will open the tournament for the group C.

World Cup 2010 schedule: After the match against the United States, England will face two of his key rivals, Algeria, on Friday 18 June in Cape Town, and Slovenia, on Wednesday 23 Pot Elizabeth.

South Korea Vs Greece World Cup 2010

Latest news about South Korea Vs Greece World Cup 2010: South Korea registered the first win at the 2010 World Cup, a richly deserved 2-0 victory against Greece here Saturday to give them a live chance of achieving their ambition of a last 16 berth.

South Korea, semi-finalists when they co-hosted the competition in 2002, were too quick and too smart for Otto Rehhagel’s Euro 2004 champions, who were sent packing by goals from Lee Jung Soo and captain Park Ji Sung.

The Asian side grabbed this Group B fixture by the scruff of the neck as early as the seventh minute when Celtic’s Ki Sung Yueng’s freekick from beside the left corner flag skimmed over the heads of the Greek defence for Lee to volley in at the far post.

Considering it was Greece with their far superior statures that were supposed to present the setpiece threat the manner of Korea’s goal will have come as a nasty surprise.

Understandably Rehhagel did not look the happiest person among the crowd at the three-quarter full 42,000-capacity Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in this Eastern Cape port.

The Koreans proceeded to run rings round the Greeks and were close to a second goal in the 27th minute after Park Ji Sung’s superb through ball found Park Chu Young only for the Monaco striker’s shot to be deflected over the crossbar by keeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

Rehhagel made one switch at the break, replacing captain Giorgis Karagounis with defender Christos Patsatzoglou.

Seven minutes later Greece, who have never had the pleasure of celebrating a World Cup goal, fell further behind after a masterful charge by the sparky Park Ji-Sung.

The talismanic Manchester United midfielder beat off defenders Avraam Papadopoulos and Loukas Vyntra to slot the ball deftly past Tzorvas, triggering a flurry of flag waving among the Korean fans.

This Group B opener represented a personal milestone for Michael Hester, the first New Zealander to referee a match at the World Cup, and he marked the occasion by dishing out a yellow card to Greek defender Vasilis Torosidis.

Ten minutes from time something unusual took place, Greece had a shot at goal – but Korea’s veteran keeper Jung Sung Ryong lived up to his nickname of ‘Spiderhands’ to tip Theofanis Gekas’s close range attempt over the bar.

Group B favourites Argentina take on Nigeria later on Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Korea Republic Vs Greece World Cup 2010

Latest news about Korea Republic Vs Greece World Cup 2010: Korea Republic will play against Greece on 12/06 13:00 in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth

The last time the Greeks took part in a World Cup, they were the last to finish among 24 teams. This time it might not happen since they have a solid chance at advancing. The Greece national football team represents Greece in international football and the Hellenic Football Federation is its controlling body. Greece spent most of their history in virtual anonymity.

It only participated twice in the final tournaments of the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship, in 1994 and 1980 respectively. While South Korea’s World Cup experience in 2002 where they were co-hosts, they registered a 3-2-2 mark and ended up in fourth surprising. They were 1-11-5 in two other cup competitions.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is the venue of their match. It is set on the shores of the North End Lake. It is the first stadium dedicated for football in the city or surrounding areas. The stadium is newly-built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was finished a year prior to the start of the world’s greatest show on earth. This was a major milestone for the city.

This Stadium will host the match for third place and a quarter-final in the middle of a total of eight matches during the FIFA World Cup. It has an eye-catching unique roof-structure and a spectacular view, that over looks the North End Lake. Before the construction of the venue, The EPRU Stadium or Eastern Province rugby stadium was the venue of all international football matches.

The playing field is made of natural grass with the outer /surrounding area to be artificial turf. The first major test events was the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. This is the game that attracts a lot of crowds in South Africa.

On record, the two teams played each other only one with Argentina winning over Greece by four goals to zero.

USA Vs England World Cup 2010

Latest news about USA Vs England World Cup 2010: Argentina vs Nigeria world cup 2010 time, South Korea vs Greece world cup 2010 time : FIFA World Cup Today’ Match: Three matches will be played on the second day of FIFA World Cup 2010 which is being held in South Africa.
USA Vs England World Cup 2010
In the first match South Korea will place Greece. Greece vs Korea is scheduled to begin at 5pm Indian Standard Time. It will be telecast Live on ESPN.

In the second game, Argentina will lock horns with Nigeria. The game will begin at 07:30 PM Indian Standard Time. In the final game of second day, USA will take on England. It will begin at 1200 am Indian Standard Time on 13 June. Both these matches will also be telecast live on ESPN.

On the first day Mexico vs South Africa was a 1-1 draw and France vs Uruguay was a 0-0 draw. It is expected that the second day of the World cup will bring more excitement and it will be better than first day.

South Korea Vs Greece

Latest news about South Korea Vs Greece: For all you World Cup fans out there that do not have access to a TV broadcast of the game between South Korea and Greece today for some reason we are providing live reporting for this game.

All you need to do in order to follow our live reporting of this World Cup match is to check back here 30 minutes before the start of the game (1:00 p.m CET).

Fifa Worldcup 2010, First Two Games End in a Tie

Uruguay (0-0) France
South Africa (1-1) Mexico

France and Uruguay contested a truly awful goalless draw in the second match of the 2010 World Cup at the Cape Town Stadium. The result ensured that both of the opening day Group A fixtures ended in draws. In a game of few chances, Uruguay came closest to scoring through a Diego Forlan shot that was saved in the opening half, while they finished the contest with 10 men after substitute Nicolas Lodeiro picked up two bookings.

France were arguably the better team and might have snatched the points with a free-kick from a promising position deep into injury-time, but substitute Thierry Henry’s strike hit the wall.

The opening game of the World Cup between South Africa and Mexico was also tied. South African striker Siphiwe Shabalala opened the scoring in the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a stunning goal during the 55th minute of the game. But Mexico, whose superiority in the FIFA rankings transpired for much of the game, clinched the equalizer with a short-range effort from Rafael Marquez in the 79th minute. Earlier South Africa president Jacob Zuma has officially declared the World Cup open. The scores were 0-0 during the first half however Mexico were denied a goal for offside in an entertaining opening half to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

World Cup Scores, Mexico Vs South Africa 2010

latest news about World Cup Scores, Mexico Vs South Africa 2010: Mexico-South Africa (1-1)
The opening game of the World Cup between South Africa and Mexico was tied. South African striker Siphiwe Shabalala opened the scoring in the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a stunning goal during the 55th minute of the game.

But Mexico, whose superiority in the FIFA rankings transpired for much of the game, clinched the equalizer with a short-range effort from Rafael Marquez in the 79th minute.

Earlier South Africa president Jacob Zuma has officially declared the World Cup open. The scores were 0-0 during the first half however Mexico were denied a goal for offside in an entertaining opening half to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico Vs South Africa 2010

Latest news about Mexico Vs South Africa 2010: South Africa were denied the dream start to their World Cup finals in Friday’s opening match after Barcelona’s Rafael Marquez scored a late equaliser for Mexico to seal a 1-1 draw.

South Africa had looked to be on course for a surprise win thanks to Siphiwe Tshabalala’s superb 55th-minute volley only for the lead to be cancelled out by Marquez’s strike in the 79th minute.

The Bafana Bafana then went agonisingly close to sneaking a win right at the death when striker Katlego Mphela hit the post after outpacing two defenders.

South Africa’s coach Carlos Alberto Parreira praised his side for their battling display.

“Mexico are the most daring team in the World Cup and they threatened us early on, but I believe we were more balanced in the second half and could have won the game,” said the Brazilian.

“It is a fair result.

“Our spirit was high from the beginning, whatever happens I expect things will be decided by our last game against France.”

His opposite number Javier Aguirre admitted he was disappointed his side failed to make their first-half dominance count.

“I think we had a very good first half, but we weren’t capable of really putting away our chances,” said Aguirre, who is in his second spell as national coach having been in charge for the 2002 World Cup finals.

“The team was confident, but we missed a few chances and things got complicated after they scored.

“The South African goalkeeper played really well and kept them in the game in the first-half.

“Both teams are going away with a bitter, sweet taste and now we are forced to beat France in our next game,” added Aguirre, who played for Mexico at the 1986 finals when they hosted them and reached the last eight.

After a nervy opening half in front of 84,490 fans at Soccer City, South Africa finally found their rhythm to take the lead as Mexico failed to make their first-half domination count.

The Bafana Bafana were lucky to go into the half-time break at 0-0 after Mexico dominated the opening 45 minutes, but Carlos Vela’s 38th minute effort was ruled offside.

South Africa had a let off after just four minutes when Mexico captain Gerardo Torrado whipped in a cross which goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune fumbled into the path of Giovani Dos Santos, but his shot was blocked.

Galatasaray’s Dos Santos was a constant threat in the opening stages as the Mexicans attacked relentlessly.

Mexican midfielder Efrain Juarez was shown the tournament’s first yellow card on 18 minutes, but South African play-maker Steven Pienaar sent the free-kick sailing over the crossbar.

Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi was then shown a yellow card for the hosts after fouling Dos Santos on 27 minutes, but Marquez fired the free-kick high.

After the break, a perfectly-timed through ball from Pienaar split the Mexican defence and put Tshabalala into acres of space for the Kaizer Chiefs’ star to slam home his shot giving Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez no chance.

With 20 minutes left, Aguirre made some changes to push his side forward and they were rewarded with Marquez’s goal.

The Barcelona star was left unmarked at the far post and he wasted no time in drilling his shot past Khune.

South Africa now face Uruguay in Pretoria on June 16, while Mexico take on France in Polokwane on June 17.

France and Uruguay meet each other later on Friday in Cape Town.