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Domenech focused on South Africa

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France coach Raymond Domenech claims he is “not bothered” about Mexico and Uruguay’s Group A game next week in despite the fact a draw will eliminate Les Bleus (France 17/2 – To Qualify).

France have drawn one and lost one so far, and so must beat hosts South Africa on Tuesday to stand any chance of making it into the last 16 at the World Cup.

Domenech’s team selection will be extremely interesting in Bloemfontein amid reports of a bust-up with Nicolas Anelka and the fact Thierry Henry has played just 20 minutes.

The France coach did restore Florent Malouda to his XI against Mexico but it did not go to plan, while Anelka was hauled off at half-time with the French media now claiming he was involved in an angry exchange with Domenech following criticism of the Chelsea striker’s recent performances.

But for now the outgoing France boss is just concerned with his side’s showdown with Bafana Bafana rather than worry about the outcome of the other group game which will kick off simultaneously.

He said: “I am not bothered about the others.

“We have to play and do our thing and the other match is not my problem.”

Domenech will leave his post when France exit the World Cup “whenever that may be”, with legendary defender Laurent Blanc already confirmed as his successor after six years in the hot seat.

Meanwhile, Uruguay defender Diego Godin insists La Celeste have every intention of beating Mexico which would be a massive help to the French cause (Uruguay 16/5 to win their last group game).

Ahead of the clash with El Tri, Villarreal star Godin claimed: “Our only thoughts are on Mexico and how to control possession, create goalscoring opportunities and finish them off.

“We have not conceded a goal so far and that is very important.

“If we do the same against Mexico, then we will have progressed to the next round and anything can happen from then on.”

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James tipped to get England nod

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Fabio Capello looks set to drop under-fire goalkeeper Robert Green and replace him with David James when England go in search of a much-needed win against Algeria in World Cup Group C on Friday (England 1/4 to win).

Green of West Ham has come in for some heavy criticism since he dropped a clanger against USA last Saturday and whether he keeps his place in the side has been the main talking point in the build up to the game.

Capello is refusing to confirm who will take the number one jersey but there are strong reports suggesting that James, who has dropped a few howlers himself throughout his career, will get the nod.

The Portsmouth keeper was even nicknamed ‘Calamity James’ but Capello could be ready to throw him in against the Algerians, which will be a huge blow to Green.

“When I chose Green last week he was in good form,” said Capello in yesterday’s press conference. “He played very well in the first half of the friendly against Mexico. And even last week, the outcome was good for the team because usually you would lose the game after a mistake like that.

“But I have to choose the value of different players, not just think about their mistakes. I have to justify selecting the keeper I choose.”

Green’s confidence has no doubt taken a hammering and Capello must decide whether he is capable of keeping goal in another high-pressure game.

If he does keep faith and Green makes another mistake then he will be hammered by the media but who is to say James will not drop a clanger if he comes into the side?

If all goes to plan whoever plays is likely to have a quiet evening and it would be the prefect opportunity to help Green get his confidence back.

England are 8/15 to keep a clean sheet but it remains to be seen which keeper will be in the starting line up come 7.30pm in Cape Town.

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Greece make Nigeria pay

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World Cup Group BGreece (18/1 to win Group B) made Nigeria pay for having a man sent off as they came from behind to win their Group B encounter 2-1.

Vassilis Torosidis netted a 71st minute winner to secure a first ever World Cup victory for the Greeks.

Kalu Uche had given Nigeria the lead from a free-kick, but after Sani Kaita was sent off, Greece drew level through Dimitris Sapingidis.

Nigeria can still qualify for the round of 16 if they beat South Korea in their final group game and Argentina see off Greece.

“We started the game well, controlled the game, got the goal and then had a sending off. That caused us problems, especially in the first half,” Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback said after the match.

“The positive thing is that if Argentina win their game we still have a chance to qualify,” Lagerback said.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel was delighted with the outcome.

“We are going to take on Argentina, a world class team. They will clearly be better than us and we have got to see how to cope with them,” he said.

“We all know the Argentine team is of extraordinary quality.”

Nigeria struck first, on 16 minutes, when Uche’s free-kick eluded everyone including goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

But in the 33rd minute Kaita was red carded for foolishly kicking out at Torosidis.

Rehhagel reacted by replacing defensive midfielder Socratis Papastathopoulos with striker Giorgos Samaras, who minutes later had a shot cleared off the line.

Salpingidis found space to drive home his country’s first ever World Cup goal with a 44th minute strike that deflected off Nigeria midfielder Haruna Lukman.

Nigeria substitute Chinedu Obasi missed an open goal after a swift counter-attack, but Greece went close again through Samaras before Torosidis stabbed home a second after Enyeama had spilled a low Alexandros Tziolis shot.

Russian-based Kaita apologised after the match for the incident which turned the game.

“I apologise to everyone. To the Nigerian people, the officials and my team mates,” the 24-year-old said.

“I accept the red card as a justified decision, I am very disappointed, I hope Argentina can help us out,” Kaita added.

Nigeria forward Nwankwo Kanu remained typically relaxed about his country’s chances.

“If you look at the table it is not really bad, but we need a win,” he told reporters.

“We cannot go for a draw, we have to go all out and make sure that we win and then it depends on what happens between Argentina and Greece.”

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There is more to come from Chile – Gonzalez

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Chile international Mark GonzalezFormer Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez believes there is much more to come from his Chile (7/10 to qualify from Group H) outfit in the World Cup.

The Chileans impressed in their 1-0 win over Honduras as they started their Group H campaign in Nelspruit.

Jean Beausejour’s 34th minute goal was the first time Chile had hit the net in the World Cup finals since 1962, but Gonzalez says the team won’t be celebrating their success too long, with Monday’s clash against Switzerland in Port Elizabeth just around the corner.

The 25-year-old, now at CSKA Moscow, said: “It is always important to win the first three points and after that you can think you have one leg in the second round.

“We just want to celebrate, especially because we have made history – for so many years Chile did not win a game at the World Cup.

“We are very happy about that but looking forward to the second game now.

“We just have to think about Switzerland now. It will be a tough game and we will have to keep up our good work.

“I don’t know much about the Swiss but we know they are a very tough team.

“We will watch videos during the week, so we will know them better.

“We will try to win the next game so we can think about the next round.”

Chile are joint top of the group, along with Switzerland who shocked World Cup favourites Spain 1-0.

“We can’t relax yet,” Gonzalez added. “I think we can do much better.

“We won 1-0 but could have scored more goals. As a team we did things wrong and we will try to fix that up.”

Honduras’ first World Cup in 28 years started with a whimper, even before the game, as key striker David Suazo failed a fitness test on a thigh injury and playmaker Julio Cesar de Leon was ruled out of the tournament on the eve of the match after breaking down in training.

Honduras now have five days to lift themselves before their daunting match-up with Spain at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park.

Veteran captain Amado Guevara said: “Nobody likes to lose, less so in a World Cup, but there are things we can salvage.

“We knew Chile would play to attack but we lacked the patience to control the ball.

“We misplaced too many passes and we need to be more relaxed.”

For De Leon, the result compounded his sadness at being forced home early.

The Torino midfielder suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the week and, after being told to rest for at least a fortnight, gave up his place in the squad.

De Leon said: “I go with the bitterness of not giving the people what they deserve, not showing the world my football.

“There’s something dead inside me, I have no strength to mourn.

“But I must be positive, put on a brave face and smile, because some people are worse off than me.

“For years I struggled to achieve my dream of playing a World Cup, and it has gone – but every player is exposed and unfortunately it befell me.”

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Maradona in Platini apology

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Argentina (9/2 outright to win the World Cup) coach Diego Maradona made a public apology to UEFA President Michel Platini after his side beat South Korea 4-1.

But Maradona failed to apologise to Brazilian legend Pele at a news conference following the match.

Pele and Platini had made comments regarding Maradona’s coaching ability, but the Argentinian said: “The other day I spoke about Mr Platini. Mr Platini sent me a letter, saying that he never said what you (reporters) told me he had said.”

He added: “I want to send my apologies, through you (reporters), to Mr Platini… but not Pele,” Maradona said after producing a letter he said was from the French UEFA president.

Platini was reported to have said Maradona was only a good coach as a player, implying he was not any good now.

Maradona had criticised the pair on Wednesday, telling Pele he should “go back to the museum” while describing Platini as arrogant.

Maradona praised his players after Argentina made it two wins from two games to put themselves in control of Group B.

“Argentina played a great match and were unforgiving. We deserved to give ourselves such a win,” he said.

“In (our 1-0 victory over) Nigeria we had come close to playing a match like this but we couldn’t achieve it on the scoreboard,” Maradona added.

“Argentina controlled the ball at will (today). Korea never dominated, they never found the answer to our game apart from one counter-attack,” he said.

Maradona did not blame Martin Demichelis for the mistake that handed the Koreans their goal in the first half on Thursday, saying such a setback merely made his team more determined to play better in the second half.

Central defender Walter Samuel came off midway through the first half with a leg muscle strain but team spokesman Andres Ventura said: “We don’t think it’s a pull but he’ll have to do some tests.”

Samuel, who was replaced by the impressive Nicolas Burdisso, will probably miss their final group match against Greece on Tuesday in which a draw will be enough for them to qualify.

Maradona also had an unexpected answer to a reporter’s question on whether love would win the World Cup given the hugging and kissing that goes on in Argentina’s squad.

“I love women… so people don’t think I’ve turned over,” Maradona exclaimed with wide eyes and made a gesture with his hand.

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Inter make Mascherano enquiry

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Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano is considering a summer move from Liverpool to join Serie A and European champions Internazionale, his agent has confirmed (10/1 Liverpool – Premier League outright).

Mascherano is said to be considering his options after the Merseysiders suffered a poor campaign by their standards, finishing seventh and failing to secure Champions League football next season.

La Liga winners Barcelona have been looking at the Argentina captain for a few seasons, although they are in negotiations with Arsenal over a potential move for Cesc Fabregas which could deter them from signing Mascherano.

With former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez moving to the San Siro this summer, Mascherano could be keen to join his former boss, according to his agent Marco Piccioli.

He said: “We are evaluating the move hard and in the next few days we will have a new meeting to better establish the details of this transfer deal.

“It is no mystery that he is a player liked by Inter and by Benitez. There is nothing concrete at the moment, but we are in the talking phase.”

Mascherano is currently with the Argentina squad at the World Cup in South Africa with the side winning their first two games in Group B.

Diego Maradona’s men are one of the tournament favourites after showing some impressive performances, including a 4-1 romp over South Korea on Thursday thanks to a hat-trick form Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Mascherano has been a key member of the side playing the anchorman role in the middle of the field, allowing players like Lionel Messi to roam free and create chances.

The 25-year-old has not ruled out a move to Inter as has revealed that he is a big fan of the kind of football Benitez likes to play.

He said: “Would I follow Benitez? I don’t know.”

He added: “At the moment I really know little about my future.

“But of course with Benitez at Liverpool I experienced three incredible years. His football is my football.”

Argentina will face Greece (Greece 5/1 draw 13/5 Argentina 4/7 – match betting) in their final game in Group B and look like clear favourites to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

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Italy reeling from Buffon blow

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Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi BuffonAn injury to Gianluigi Buffon that will sideline the goalkeeper for Sunday’s Group F match against New Zealand is a major blow for Italy, defender Giorgio Chiellini has admitted (2/11 Italy 11/2 draw 14/1 New Zealand – match betting).

Buffon, the Juventus stopper, suffered a herniated disc and is out indefinitely after being substituted during his team’s 1-1 draw with Paraguay in their World Cup Group F opener.

He will miss Sunday’s match against New Zealand in Nelspruit and almost certainly their final group game against Slovakia on June 24 in Johannesburg.

“Gigi has charisma,” said Chiellini.

“He gives strength to others. His saves’ worth are like goals from strikers.

“I know what it means for him to play at the World Cup.

“We miss Gianluigi as a man and we hope he will recover as soon as possible.”

However, the Juventus defender believes Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti will be a good replacement.

“Federico has matured,” said Chiellini.

“He proved against Paraguay that he is a good goalkeeper and he is calm and ready to help the team.”

Chiellini believes the team will improve as the tournament goes on (8/15 Italy – Group F winner).

“Italy can do well,” he said. “We want to score more goals and we will continue to grow as a team.

“Perhaps the draw between New Zealand and Slovakia is a point in our favour but we will have to show a lot of strength to beat New Zealand and finish first of our group in order to avoid facing Holland in the next round.”

Chiellini expects a tough match against New Zealand, a side Italy faced last year in a friendly in Pretoria which ended 4-3 in favour of the reigning world champions.

“New Zealand are a very physical side, mentally strong and dangerous in dead-ball situations,” Chiellini said.

“They take few risks and I remember last year they scored two goals against us because of dead-ball situations.

“We need to bring more flair in attack and take more shots.

“I don’t want to think about a draw.”

Italy will also be without playmaker Andrea Pirlo for the clash against New Zealand but are hopeful the AC Milan man will return in time for the match against Slovakia.

Meanwhile, Marchetti says he is worried about the official Jabulani ball ahead of his first ever World Cup start.

The 27-year-old Cagliari goalkeeper said: “We know the ball does unexpected things and the goalkeepers, like defenders and strikers have to expect a change of trajectory or a strange bounce.

“The pitches are heavily watered so the ball skips off the surface really quickly and hence that makes things much harder.”

Marchetti also agreed with England coach and compatriot Fabio Capello that this is the worst ball he’s ever played with.

He added: “It’s a difficult ball, I think it’s the worst. Gigi (Buffon) and Morgan (De Sanctis) who have played in previous World Cups and have the experience of other balls say it’s the worst of all time.

“The thing that makes you understand just how bad it is, is that all players are complaining about it.

“The flight changes unexpectedly. High balls, low balls, the flight is not that of a normal ball.

“It’s difficult to read and goes faster than normal balls.”

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Messi eyes Fabregas reunion

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Argentina and Barcelona's Lionel MessiBarcelona superstar Lionel Messi admits he is desperate to be reunited with Cesc Fabregas at the Catalan giants next season after Arsenal turned down an opening offer for the 23-year-old Spain international (Arsenal 6/1 – Premier League 2010/11 Outright).

Messi and Fabregas were team-mates during their days as trainees with the Nou Camp outfit before the midfielder made the switch to north London as a 16-year-old where he has gone on to make his name as one of Europe’s best players.

And Messi insists Fabregas’ return would help Barca in their bitter battle against arch-rivals Real Madrid who have been linked with summer moves for Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole, among others, since Jose Mourinho was installed at the Bernabeu.

Messi told Sport: “I would like to play with Cesc again because I know him like (Gerard) Pique (from the youth team). We shared many things at that moment, when we coincided in Barca’s youth team, and I know what he can give on the pitch.”

Like Fabregas, Pique made the move away from Catalonia, to Manchester United, before returning to play a key role in defence over the last two seasons.

And Messi admits he and Fabregas are still in touch while claiming the Arsenal captain “wants to come to Barcelona”.

Messi added: “We speak and sometimes we send each other messages.

“He wants to come to Barcelona and we’re all waiting to see what will happen. I hope he ends up coming and that we can play together again.

“Nobody imagined that one day we could all be together in Barcelona’s first team, especially when Cesc and Pique left.

“For us to be together again would be special, a lovely situation for those of us that were there back then.”

Whether or not Fabregas is still on board remains to be seen, with Arsenal set to kick off their Premier League title challenge with a trip to Liverpool (Reds 5/4, draw 9/4, Gunners 7/4).

Totesport.com makes Chelsea the 13/8 favourites to retain their Premier League crown with Manchester United available at 2/1.

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Algeria fired up for England clash

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Algeria are rated at 20/1 to qualify from Group A and have gained added motivation for Friday night’s crunch clash from Wayne Rooney, who has confidently predicted that England will not need to be at their best to take the three points.

The Three Lions opened up with an unconvincing performance against USA, which ended 1-1 after Rob Green’s howler allowed Clint Dempsey’s weak effort to cancel out Steven Gerrard’s early strike.

Algeria were the better side in their first game against Slovenia on Sunday but lost 1-0 after a goalkeeping error of their own from Fawzi Chaouchi, which came after the sending-off of striker Abdelkader Ghezzal, who will of course be suspended for tomorrow’s game.

Following England’s performance, Rooney had claimed that he and his team-mates will pick up their first win on Friday, which is 1/4 in the match betting, even if they are not at their best again.

However, Algeria (12/1 to win, 9/2 the draw) appear to have been angered by the comments and believe that, despite the fact they currently prop up the table, all the pressure going into the match is on the favourites.

“Rooney can say what he wants,” said Madjid Bougherra. “It’s his problem. We will play to win this game. We want to qualify as well.

“Algeria always react when we are under pressure. You saw that in the play-off against Egypt.”

The Desert Foxes are currently ranked 22 places below England in the world rankings but upset Egypt in a play-off in October to make it to the finals, although they went on to lose to their arch rivals in the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.

England (8/1 in the outright market) have come under-fire from all quarters after their opening draw and Algeria coach Rabah Saadane feels that it is the Premier League stars who will be feeling the heat in Cape Town.

“England have their backs to the wall,” Saadane said. “We have nothing to lose and have everything to win.”

It is a thought echoed by midfielder Ryad Boudebouz, who added: “England are the team under pressure. They are the ones who claimed that they came here to win the World Cup.”

USA have the chance to go top of the group earlier in the day when they take on Slovenia, who could of course book a place in the knockout stages with a victory of their own, before the final group games take place next Wednesday.

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Holloway realistic on task ahead

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Blackpool manager Ian HollowayBlackpool boss Ian Holloway has admitted his side have a huge challenge ahead of them as they open their first season in the Premier League with a home match against Lancashire rivals Wigan Athletic (Blackpool 6/4, draw 11/5, Wigan 6/4).

Holloway has warned fans not to expect the club to bring in a hatful of new players as the Seasiders will adopt a conservative approach to try and stay in the top flight next term.

The 47-year old has learned lessons from other Championship clubs who reached the Premier League and went for the ‘boom or bust’ approach to stay in the division.

He said: “People think we’ve got £90million hanging out of our back pocket that all the wages and transfer fees we used to pay before, they think we can suddenly join the big boys, which would be suicidal if we did and we’re not going to do that.

“You’ve only got to look at Hull and the problems they’ve now got. All of a sudden the wheels come off – we can’t afford to do that for our club so we’ve got to be really careful what we do. It’s learning new things and we’ve got to learn very quickly,” he added.

Blackpool will be looking to follow the success of teams like Stoke City who, as well as retaining Premier League status for two straight seasons, have managed to be one of the few clubs in the division to run at a profit.

The fixtures for next season were released on Thursday and after the Pools home match with Latics, they face tough games against Arsenal (6/1 to win the Premier League)  Fulham and fellow promoted side Newcastle United.

Holloway has said the players already at Bloomfield Road will have their chance to play against the Premier League’s best teams as they managed to get the Tangerines up from the Championship thanks to a 3-2 playoff win against Cardiff City.

However, the manager has reiterated that his team will have to raise their game if they expect any chance of avoiding relegation.

He said: “My players will have to get used to getting beat a few times. It’s fantastic, isn’t it? Has it really sunk in with anyone (yet)? Blackpool are in a league fixture against some of these teams.

“We’ve got a complete culture shock. We’ve got a complete change in everything we ever thought about as a football club. The most exciting thing for all of us is that it’s such a challenge.”

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