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.