Category Archives: news-t

NZ boss eyes more surprises

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New Zealand manager Ricki HerbertNew Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has hailed his side’s 1-1 draw with Slovakia on Tuesday as their “best ever result” as they look to make a surprise impact in the World Cup (NZ 50/1 to qualify from Group F).

Winston Reid was the New Zealand hero as he headed home an injury-time equaliser to cancel out Robert Vittek’s 50th-minute header for Slovakia in Rustenburg – a goal that secured their first-ever World Cup finals point.

Herbert’s men were expected to be among the first sides heading back home following the group stage in South Africa, but their performance in their Group F opener has raised expectations they can cause a few upsets along the way.

“We are very, very proud. You would have to say this is our best ever result,” said Herbert.

“We have come and thrown some extremely good punches and got what I thought was a fully deserved result.”

New Zealand now face current world champions Italy on Sunday in their next game and Herbert has been buoyed by their performance against Slovakia (NZ 18/1 to win, Italy 1/8, the draw 6/1).

“I thought the opening game was a good chance to get something and I would have been disappointed with a loss after conceding a goal like that,” he added.

“But we kept coming, the boys kept coming. We came across with the intention to make a difference and we certainly did that against a highly-rated team.”

Despite his joy at the draw, Herbert is well aware his side’s next two games – against Italy and Paraguay – will be extremely difficult.

“We still have two heavyweights to go and they will be tough,” he added.

“I think we showed the kind of football we play now is conducive to results.

“Some of the quality of the movement up front could be better and we’ll work on that.”

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Sven on the ball

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Ivory Coast manager Sven-Goran ErikssonIvory Coast boss Sven-Goran Eriksson (Ivory Coast 5/1 to win Group G) has called for the world’s top goalkeepers to be consulted when new footballs are being made for future international tournaments.

The new matchball for the World Cup – the Adidas ‘Jabulani’ – has come in for heavy criticism from players both before and during the tournament with accusations it deviates too much in the air and is too light overall.

Goalkeepers have been among the most vocal of those speaking out against the new ball with Australia stopper Mark Schwarzer, England star David James and Italy number one Gianluigi Buffon all criticising it in the build-up to the competition (Italy 5/1 to beat New Zealand 3-0).

And now Eriksson says in future, when new balls are developed, the top goalkeepers should be consulted over how it fares in practice before big tournaments.

“It’s too late to do something about it in this World Cup,” said the Ivory Coast coach.

“It’s a decision for the authorities for the next big tournament. It should be discussed and everyone should listen to the top goalkeepers in the world.”

The new ball, which was part-developed at Loughborough University before its release, has been defended by FIFA while manufacturer Adidas insist it meets all the relevant criteria and was put through all the standard testing procedures.

The ball was made available to the various FAs around the world at the start of 2010 but it was not used in the English Premier League due to the ongoing contract it has with rival Nike.

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Concern grows over Buffon

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Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi BuffonItaly remain concerned that first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon could miss the rest of the World Cup after he again sat out training on Wednesday with a back injury (Italy 8/15 to win Group F).

The Juventus keeper has been struggling with a nerve problem in his back and was forced to come off at half time in the world champions’ unimpressive 1-1 draw against Paraguay on Monday.

The 32-year-old was confident the injury was only minor and he would be available for the Azzurri’s next Group F game against New Zealand on Saturday (Italy to win 4-0 – 10/1) but now there are suggestions he may miss the rest of the tournament.

A statement later released by the Italy camp read: “It’s impossible to estimate when he might return.”

If Buffon is ruled out, Federico Marchetti, who came on at the break against Paraguay, is expected to stay in goal as Marcelo Lippi’s men look for a better showing against New Zealand.

Italy have been criticised for their lacklustre display on Monday but Lippi was keen to stress the positives and insisted they deserved more than a point in their opening game.

“Italy is right here. We’re here tactically, physically, with our hearts, we’re here full stop,” he said.

“I just regret that we did not get the points we deserved, but sometimes that’s what happens, you get less than you deserve.”

He added: “The important thing is this was not a decisive game. What is important is that people now realise we are here and have got our act together.”

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Rafa backs Dalglish for Reds job

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Kenny Dalglish is 15/8 to become the next manager of Liverpool and former Reds boss Rafa Benitez says the Scot is keen to take charge at Anfield once again.

Liverpool are on the look out for a new boss after parting company with Benitez and the Spaniard, who has quickly taken charge at Inter Milan, says that Dalglish is the man the Reds board should turn to.

Dalglish is a legend at Anfield and would no doubt be a very popular choice with the fans but it remains to be seen whether he could match the success he had during his previous spell in charge.

The Scot won three league titles and two FA Cups from 1985 to 1991, which included the double in his first year, beating Merseyside rivals Everton in the process.

Dalglish went on to manage Blackburn where he won another league title, Newcastle and Celtic but he has not been at the helm since leaving Parkhead back in 2000 and that is a long time to have been out of the game.

Management has moved on a lot over the last 10 years and there has to be a huge question mark over whether Dalglish is the man as many believe he may have lost touch with the game.

However Benitez is not concerned and believes Dalglish is definitely the man to get the fans back on board and bring the glory days back to the club.

“I think Liverpool should look at Kenny Dalglish,” the Spaniard revealed. “He is the man for the job. The owners should listen to the fans because they are unhappy.

“No one knows the club better than Dalglish and he would be perfect there. He wants the job and in my opinion he should get it.”

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson remains evens favourite to take charge but the Cottagers would want to be compensated heavily and the easy route for the Reds would be to hand Dalglish the job.

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Silva backs Fab stay

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Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has suggested that Cesc Fabregas should stay at Arsenal (6/1 to win the 2010-11 Premier League) rather than move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

Fabregas has been strongly linked with a return to the club where he started his career as a youngster.

However, Silva, who spent six years at the Emirates before moving to Greek side Panathinaikos, believes the Arsenal captain should stay at the Gunners.

He said: “I hope he stays. He is a big person and must ask himself and think very carefully if he has to go or not.”

“But of course the final decision (is something) he has to do. In case this situation happens, it will be a big blow for Arsenal. But let’s wait and see,” he added.

Barcelona have already had a £30m bid turned down for the Fabregas but have stated that they will continue their efforts to sign the player during this summer’s World Cup.

The 23-year-old is currently preparing for Spain’s opening game of the tournament, which is against Switzerland on June 16.

Fabregas will be looking to feature in the starting line up for a side that are seen as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup on July 11.

Spain (18/5 to win the World Cup) have been bolstered by the return of Fabregas who fractured his fibula playing in the Champions League against Barcelona.

Liverpool’s Fernando Torres has also returned from injury however Andres Iniesta could miss out on the opener against the Swiss after picking up a leg injury against Poland.

Fabregas featured for the first time since the injury against South Korea and came close to hitting the back of the net after hitting the crossbar in a match the Spanish won 1-0.

Former team-mate Silva is also preparing for the World Cup with another side who are tipped to well in the tournament in South Africa.

Brazil face Group G minnows North Korea in their opening game and will look to put their stamp on the competition. The 33-year-old believes the Samba boys can live up to the expectations that they face before every World Cup.

He said: “Of course, in our squad everyone is happy to be here and to represent our country.

“But we know our responsibility in the game and what it means to all of us what it means to wear this shirt.”

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Bafana Bafana looking for Uruguay win

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The Bafana Bafana go into Wednesday night’s game against Uruguay knowing that a win could be key to them making a shock appearance in the last 16. (13/8 to qualify)

South Africa, who are trying to avoid the unwanted tag of being the first nation to be knocked out in the group stages as hosts, kicked off their campaign with a thrilling draw with Mexico. The Bafana Bafana made a nervous start to the game and were largely uninspiring during the first half but came to life after a Siphiwe Tshabalala strike and were and unlucky not to take the points after Katlego Mphela  struck the post in the dying moments.

The hosts will now be looking to carry this from into their second match and will be looking to put themselves at the top of Group A against a Uruguay side that looked uninspired in their first group game against France.

“Uruguay will be in trouble if we carry on where we left off against the Mexicans,” said Tshabalala.

“A win against Uruguay will virtually seal our passage into the second round and make the nation even prouder.”

On paper, the Uruguayans possess one of the most potent strike partnerships in the competition with Ajax’s Luis Suarez and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Forlan (Forlan 5/1 favourite for first goalscorer). The two failed to gel during the first match but the forwards failed to gel in the first match the South Africans know that it only takes these strikers a split second to score a goal.

Despite the constant threat, South African centre-half Bongani Khumalo says he is excited by the prospect of facing two of the world’s best strikers.

“Diego is a world-class footballer, but the whole point of playing in this tournament is to test yourself against the best,” Khumalo said. “There is no fear of Forlan nor Uruguay.”

The south Africans will be hoping for the same kind of feverish support that they had for their first game and although many of the sides have been complaining about the noise of the vuvuzelas the South Africans say that the sound of the horn like instruments are inspiring to the African players

“What we have seen from our supporters is amazing and we need to reach the second round for their sake,” South African defender Siboniso Gaxa said. “I believe four points will be enough to claim a place in the knockout stage.”

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Algeria prepared for England clash

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Algeria midfielder Adlene Guedioura has insisted that his side will show more determination when they face England in Cape Town on Friday. (11/1 to beat England)

The Wolves midfielder came on as a late substitute in the Desert Foxes’ disappointing defeat to Slovenia on Sunday, which left the north Africans with a mountain to climb if they are to progress from Group C. (Algeria 20/1 to qualify).

Algeria, who are making their first appearance in the tournament for 24 years now, have to beat England and the USA in consecutive games to make the last 16

Against Slovenia, Algeria had the upper hand throughout the match, playing most of the football but losing their shape after substitute striker Abdelkader Ghezzal was sent off for two bookable offences, and eventually  went down to a late Robert Koren strike.

However. the midfielder believes his side are over the disappointment of the defeat and are looking forward to the prospect of facing England on Friday.

“It was a disappointing performance because we didn’t deserve to lose,” he said.

“What we have to do is say it is finished now and look forward. Now we have two big matches and we have to be focused for England.

“We showed against Slovenia that we can do something. We will see against England. We need to be focused and we need to be confident.

Both sides fell foul to goalkeeping errors in their first game and the selection between the sticks will be one of the main talking points in the build up to the match.

Robert Green failed to hold Clint Dempsey’s long range shot to give the USA a draw and the Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi was at fault for the Slovenian winner on Sunday. Algeria coach Rabah Saadane has been quick to back his goalkeeper and has guaranteed his place for the game against England. However England coach Fabio Capello has been a little more reluctant to support his goalkeeper and speculation is rife that he is set to be replaced and the midfielder is reluctant to blame his goalkeeper for the error

“I don’t know, I’m not the coach,” he said.

“We saw the England goalkeeper making a mistake so it is not his (Chaouchi’s) fault. I am disappointed for him.

“Everyone makes a mistake in football: sometimes it’s the goalkeeper, sometimes it’s me, sometimes another player.”

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Evra defends France tactics

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France skipper Patrice Evra denied that his team needed major tactical changes following their 0-0 draw against Uruguay (France 21/20 Mexico 5/2 draw 9/4 – match betting).

Les Bleus had Thierry Henry and Florent Malouda on the bench for the game, and the latter expressed his frustration later at only being used as a substitute.

However, Evra does not thing a drastic overhaul is needed for the Group A game against Mexico on Thursday (4/9 France – To Qualify).

“What would I change for the next game? Score a goal!” said Evra.

“We will keep going, create a lot of chances and be strong like we were in the first match, because I don’t think Uruguay caused a lot of problems for us.

“We need to create more chances to score goals. I think the tactics were okay for us.

“We talked with the boss before the game and we were very happy with these tactics. It is not the first time we’ve played like that. Maybe against Mexico we can change things around, we’ll see.

“Now, against Mexico, we need to win and we’ll see after that in the match against South Africa (what we need).”

Meanwhile, France goalscoring legend Just Fontaine says he is struggling to see the side scoring goals during the tournament.

Fontaine, whose record of 13 goals in a tournament from 1958 still stands, is confident none of the current players are about to pass that mark.

“It’s not because of any of the strikers I saw in France-Uruguay that I’m going to be shaking,” said Fontaine.

“Anelka continues to come back, which meant the the three Uruguay centres were gifted, so much so that there wasn’t a single shot from 25 metres, only rugby conversions!

“I think Domenech should have taken off Anelka well before. He never left behind one or two of the three centres on crosses, didn’t catch a single ball with his head.

“During the match someone said that he had leaden feet. Well the head too then.

“Ribery? One day, we made the stupidity of saying that he was the brains of the team and since then he has believed it. He dribbles past seven players but then the eighth one takes the ball off him.

“Gourcuff? He’s lost. He is tired following his season, he is less lively and above all, he doesn’t know who to give the ball to, since Anelka plays behind him!

“I’m not optimistic. I hope they’ll prove me a liar. But…”

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James knocking on the door

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David James insists he is fully fit and available to play in England’s second Group C game against Algeria on Friday (Eng 1/4, Alg 11/1, Draw 4/1 – 90 Minutes Betting).

Many had predicted that the Portsmouth shot-stopper would be Fabio Capello’s first choice at the World Cup because of his greater experience.

But the Italian decided to go with Robert Green against USA and the West Ham keeper was castigated for a calamitous error with led to America’s equaliser.

There had been suggestions that James was suffering with an injury and that’s why he played no part in Rustenburg, but the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man insists he is “fit and well”.

Reports have also claimed that the Pompey man had been unhappy at the way Capello delayed the decision to announce who would start between the posts and that he was left on the bench.

James has denied that though, saying: “I don’t have a problem with the selections. I am part of the squad.

“Rob hasn’t been on the losing side in a qualifying or competitive match. There are seven games and 23 players.”

Meanwhile, Green says the late team selection did not hamper his preparation for the 1-1 draw with the US.

Some pundits had claimed that Green was ill-prepared for the match, as he only found out that he was starting just two hours before kick-off.

But the Hammers custodian has rejected that his ‘late selection’ was an excuse for the error that cost the Three Lions (England 4/9 to win Group C) an opening game win.

Green stated: “Only knowing two hours before the game that you are playing is not a problem. You prepare as though you’re playing.

“If you don’t, that’s the mistake. The other guys prepared as though they were playing and we will again for Friday. You prepare for Friday as though you are playing again. It’s not a surprise when you are playing then.”

Green has called on Capello to give him a chance to redeem himself against Algeria, although the coach is expected to make a late decision once again.

Green added: “You want to be tested. Playing lovely football and making wonderful saves is not a challenge. This is a challenge and this is why you are a footballer.

“It’s how you bounce back from things like that.”

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Dutch deliver in Group E opener

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Holland got off to an excellent start in Group E with a deserved 2-0 win over Denmark at Soccer City on Monday afternoon (Holland 7/1 outright).

A freak own goal from Daniel Agger put them ahead before his Liverpool team-mate Dirk Kuyt sealed the points late on.

The first half failed to excite the fans, but the Dutch were ahead within a minute of the restart and took command of the match.

Rafael van der Vaart failed to find the target with a couple of early half-chances from the edge of the area for the Dutch before the best chance of the first half arrived on 27 minutes when Dennis Rommedahl played in a cross from the right which was nodded wide of the target by the unmarked Nicklas Bendtner.

Holland could have taken the lead in fortunate circumstances on 33 minutes when Kuyt’s low cross deflected off a Danish defender and then ricocheted off Johnny Heitinga on its way over the bar.

Rommedahl drilled a fierce attempt at Maarten Stekelenburg before the Dutch shot-stopper was forced to parry away Thomas Kahlenberg’s thumping effort for a corner.

The Netherlands were in front inside the opening minute of the second period and luck played a major part in the goal.

Simon Poulsen’s laughable attempt to head clear Van Persie’s cross merely bounced off the back of Agger before clipping the post on its way past a helpless Sorensen.

The Danes could have swiftly found themselves 2-0 down if Van Persie had not produced a terrible first touch following a poor pass by Simon Kjaer.

Van Persie then sought to be the creator once again as his clipped pass into the box was turned towards goal by Van der Vaart, allowing Sorensen to produce an acrobatic save for the cameras.

Holland continued to look the more likely to score, with Sorensen pushing Mark van Bommel’s drive wide and Van Persie heading the resultant corner off target when found unmarked.

A second goal for Bert van Marwijk’s side almost arrived eight minutes from time when Sneijder’s shot deflected off Agger and looped on to the top of Sorensen’s crossbar.

The Dutch wrapped up the points with five minutes to go when Kuyt tucked away the loose ball after Elia, who had injected some spark into the game after his introduction from the bench, had seen his delicately clipped shot come back off the post.

Simon Poulsen did at least prevent the score from becoming worse for Denmark when he acrobatically cleared the ball from underneath his own bar after substitute Ibrahim Afellay had beaten Sorensen to a cross, but it was a case of too little, too late.

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