2010 World Cup Thread

[Black Widow]

[Black Widow]

Day 1:

Result: South Africa (Tshabalala, 55) 1 - 1 Mexico (Marquez, 79)



Bafana Bafana held in opener
Marquez cancels out Tshabalala strike in Jo'burg


South Africa were denied a dream start to the 2010 World Cup after their opening Group A encounter with Mexico ended 1-1.

A sublime finish from Siphiwe Tshabalala had put Bafana Bafana within 11 minutes of victory, however Rafael Marquez levelled matters to ensure an absorbing contest finished all square.

Mexico, who dominated the first half, were made to pay for missing numerous chances when Tshabalala expertly latched on to Teko Modise's through ball and calmly lashed the ball past Oscar Perez 10 minutes into the second half.

The celebration which followed was something special, however the majority of the 90,000 fans inside Soccer City were to be denied a famous win.

After offering little in the way of attacking threat during the second period, defensive midfielder Marquez neatly controlled Andres Guardado's cross and fired home to level the scores.

Both sides pressed for a winner, and Katlego Mphela almost won it for the hosts but his last minute effort bounced back off a post.

Pressure

Mexico kicked off the first Finals to be held in Africa, and so nearly got off to a dream start with just two minutes on the clock.

Full-back Paul Aguillar's low teasing cross caused panic in the penalty area and, with goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune stranded on the floor, Aaron Mokoena dived in to deny Giovani dos Santos a certain goal.

Mexico continued to dominate possession and territory in the opening exchanges as the occasion appeared to be getting the better of the hosts.

El Tri should have made their pressure tell on 15 minutes, Giovani's pinpoint corner was inch-perfect, but the arriving Guillermo Franco headed over from six yards.

Efrain Juarez was the first man to be cautioned on 18 minutes when he prevented a quick free-kick taking place.

Giovani, who spent much of last season on loan at Galatasaray from parent club Tottenham Hotspur, continued to wreak havoc through the middle and his fizzing drive nearly saw the deadlock broken in spectacular fashion minutes later.

Reneilwe Letsholonyane joined Juarez in the book on 27 minutes when he cynically ended another menacing run through the middle from Giovani.

The wave of Mexican pressure continued and only an instinctive stop from Khune prevented Franco putting Javier Aguirre's men into a deserved lead.

Carlos Vela then saw a cross-cum-shot flash wide and Giovani had a shot deflected over as the hosts failed to deal with the movement and trickery of their opponents.

The ball did hit the South African net from the resulting corner, however Mexican celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag after he correctly flagged Vela offside.

Bafana Bafana put together their first meaningful attack three minutes before the break, quick interchange in the midfield eventually ending with Mexico nervously putting the ball behind for a corner.

Fierce drive

That gave the hosts some new-found belief and a dangerous cross from Modise was inches away from finding the head of the onrushing Tshabalala.

After ending the first half strongly, South Africa continued to press forward after the break as Everton playmaker Pienaar saw more of the ball.

And on 55 minutes the stadium erupted as Bafana Bafana went ahead courtesy of a stunning left-footed finish from Tshabalala.

With the Mexico backline caught square, Modise slipped the rampaging left-winger away and his fierce drive from just inside the area sailed past Perez and into the far top corner.

Mexico responded well, Giovani skipping inside and unleashing a rasping effort of his own which brought the best out of Khune.

The home side were content to play on the counter-attack thereafter and Modise nearly doubled Bafana Bafana's lead on 70 minutes but Perez was out quickly to block with his legs.

Mexico coach Aguirre rung the changes in search of a route back into the game, Vela and Franco both making way for Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Javier Hernandez respectively.

And, without threatening at all in the second period, Mexico grabbed a lifeline 11 minutes from time when Barcelona's Marquez sidefooted home after poor defending from the hosts.

A short corner was played in towards the back post by Guardado, and Marquez was allowed all the time in the world to control and take aim past the helpless Khune.

Mexico had the momentum in the final stages, but it was South Africa who could, and perhaps should, have won it when Mphela struck a post late on.


Man of the match: Siphiwe Tshabalala. Thunderbolt capped lively display.
Moment of the match: Mphela striking the post late on - so, so close to a late winner.
Attempt of the match: Tshabalala's goal - a quite brilliant strike.
Save of the match: Khune flung out an arm to save well from Franco.
Talking Point: Can South Africa improve defensively enough to get out of their group? They certainly need to.
Goal of the match: Tshabalala.

Result: Uruguay 0 - 0 France



Goalless for limp Les Bleus
Uruguay end Group A clash with 10 men as France fail to convince


France's opening game of the 2010 World Cup ended in a largely uninspiring 0-0 stalemate against Group A opponents Uruguay, who will undoubtedly be the happier with the result after finishing the game with 10 men.

In an encounter that failed to live up to the drama earlier in the day in Johannesburg, the French and Uruguayans joined South Africa and Mexico on a point apiece.

Sidney Govou spurned the match's best chance during the early exchanges before their South American counterparts grew in confidence only to later see Nicolas Lodeiro receive the tournament's first red card.

Abou Diaby was the surprise inclusion in France's starting XI with the Arsenal player slotting into a three-man midfield - Florent Malouda losing out following reports of a dispute with manager Raymond Domenech. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, meanwhile, named his side on Thursday.

Seven minutes into the game came the first real chance. Diaby did well to turn and lose his man centrally and then feed Franck Ribery, who got a tad fortunate with his dribbling before firing low across goal only for Govou to squirt an arguable sitter wide of the far post.

Forlan factor

Forlan continued the confidence of his fine season at club level for Atletico Madrid when on 16 minutes he attempted a right-footed drive at goal which drew a parried save from French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who earlier unconvincingly dealt with a bouncing ball.

Les Bleus then responded with a chance of their own as Yoann Gourcuff ambitiously shot a free-kick at goal from a very tight angle, forcing keeper Fernando Muslera into an acrobatic right-wristed save. Moments later, Ribery was shown the second yellow card of the game after Patrice Evra had previously been cautioned for a similar pulling-back offence.

Diaby continued his impressive showing on 31 minutes when he galloped past a succession of challenges before threading in Govou. But an offside Nicolas Anelka nipped in ahead of the Lyon winger, bringing an end to a chance of a clean run in on goal, much to the disdain of Domenech.

The first half ended with a damp squib. Forlan huffed and puffed from deep while his attacking counterpart Suarez struggled to remain onside. For France, who were marginally the better side in the first 45 minutes, Anelka saw a header flash harmlessly wide before Japanese referee Yuici Nishimura called an end to a goalless period.

Uruguay began the second period the brighter as Arevalo Rios' first-time pop from outside of the area lacked a pure connection and skimmed wide. Then just a minute later, Forlan threatened but was forced wide by William Gallas as the former's hit zoomed high and wide.

Domenech decisions

After a slow start after the interval from France, Domenech's men steadily upped their tempo. In the 56th minute, Toulalan tried a hugely ambitious effort from around 40 yards out which was comfortably dealt with by Muslera, before Cesareo Victorino went into the book for a challenge on the advanced Evra.

Tabarez moved to alter the pattern of the game when he brought on Lodeiro in the 63rd minute, but the playmaker's first taste of action resulted in a booking. Nonetheless, Uruguay continued to pose a half-threat to Lloris' goal, with Forlan firing a free-kick down the throat of the keeper before Suarez was penalised for a barging the Lyon shot-stopper.

Then it was Domenech's turn to make a change, an arguably overdue one, when Thierry Henry replaced Anelka on 72 minutes. Yet it were Uruguay who again went the closest, this time Forlan lashing wide when he should have done better after a loose ball fell to his feet.

France then opted to bring on the out-of-favour Malouda, who wasted no time in smashing a strike, seemingly out of frustration, wide of the goal. And the French were handed greater momentum when Lodeiro received his marching orders after being handed a second yellow card for a crude tackle on Bacary Sagna.

The dismissal forced Domenech's last throw of the dice as Andre-Pierre Gignac entered the fray. Les Bleus' numerical advantage saw them dominate possession but with little penetration, and their hopes of a late victory evaporated when referee Nishimura confidently waved away appeals for a penalty as Henry's shot appeared to clip Victorino's hand.


Man of the Match: Diego Godin helped to repel the few meaningful attacks that France managed to muster.

Moment of the Match: Substitute Nicolas Lodeiro receiving the first red card of the tournament, having earned two yellow cards in the 18 minutes he was on the pitch.

Attempt of the Match: Sidney Govou fluffed the best chance of the match in only the seventh minute as he failed to get a significant touch on Franck Ribery's cross.

Save of the Match: There were not really too many to remember, but Hugo Lloris' diving stop to block a Diego Forlan effort was easy on the eye.

Talking Point: What is the matter with France? Will reported in-house squabbling and Domenech's impending departure lead to an early ticket home?

[Black Widow]

Day 2:

England v USA preview
Capello's men kick-off against Bradley's side


England will carry the hopes of an expectant nation on their shoulders when they open their World Cup campaign against USA.

The waiting is almost over and at 7.30pm on Saturday evening Fabio Capello's side will take to the field in Rustenburg for the first clash of their Group C campaign against Bob Bradley's men.

Capello has kept the public, the media and, to a certain extent, his players in the dark over who will be named in his starting XI.

But the Italian admitted on Thursday that he already knew his side - injuries permitting - and is sure to have used the closed training session on the same day to put his plans into place.

Debate

Questions remain over every aspect of the England side, but much of the debate has focused on who will be handed the goalkeeping duties, with David James, Rob Green and Joe Hart all in contention.

In defence, Capello must select a new central defensive partner for John Terry after captain Rio Ferdinand's tournament was ended by injury, with Ledley King, Matthew Upson, Jamie Carragher and Michael Dawson available.

Gareth Barry is unlikely to be fit enough to adopt the midfield holding role, although his recovery from an ankle injury has been encouraging, so new skipper Steven Gerrard is expected to partner Frank Lampard at the heart of the pitch.

Wayne Rooney's troublesome temperament has also generated plenty of column inches, but the Manchester United striker is certain to be England's focal point in attack.

Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe are options to partner Rooney, unless Capello adopts a five-man midfield with the 24-year-old operating in a lone role up front.

Exploits

USA may be 6/1 outsiders for success at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, but Bradley's men must not be underestimated following their exploits at the Confederations Cup last summer, where they beat Spain en route to a narrow final defeat to Brazil.

There will be a host of familiar faces in the USA side as a number of their party have Premier League experience, including the likes of Tim Howard, Jonathan Spector, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey.

Striker Jozy Altidore, who spent last season on loan at Hull City, is expected to be fit to face England after recovering from the ankle problem which kept him out of the 3-1 warm-up victory over Australia.

Bradley is also confident that defender Oguchi Onyewu will be able to complete the full 90 minutes having only recently returned to action from a lengthy lay-off after suffering a patella tendon injury seven months ago.

South Korea v Greece preview
Park and Lee boost for South Koreans; Moras out for Greece


South Korea and Greece will kick off Group B of the World Cup in Port Elizabeth on Saturday as both teams look to start their campaigns on a high note.

As Asia's most successful team in the World Cup, South Korea will be hoping to emulate their 2002 display when they reached the semi-finals of the tournament co-hosted by themselves and Japan.

The Taeguk Warriors, who have featured in the showpiece event since 1986, were less successful four years ago as they failed to advance past the group stages.

But after drawing against Argentina and Nigeria as well as Greece, Huh Jung-moo's side will have their sights set on at least the runners-up spot in their group.

Greece, meanwhile, have not featured in the World Cup finals since their debut appearance in 1994, when they endured a disastrous campaign in the USA.

The Greeks lost all three of their group matches that year, conceding a massive 10 goals and not once finding the back of the net.

Of all the European teams to have played at the tournament, Otto Rehhagel's men are the only side without a single goal.

Greece enter the competition on the back of a dispiriting 2-0 loss to Paraguay in their final warm-up match, but they were crowned European Champions under Rehhagel in 2004 and could be looking to spring another surprise.

South Korea news

The South Koreans will be boosted by the recovery of two of their star players, captain Park Ji-sung and striker Lee Dong-gook.

Former Middlesbrough forward Lee suffered a hamstring injury last month but is expected to play some part on Saturday after returning to fitness, and could even start for the Warriors.

Talismanic skipper Park, meanwhile, will play a crucial role in midfield after also recovering from a hamstring problem that forced him to miss the side's final friendly against Spain.

Veteran Lee Woon-jae is likely to retain his spot between the posts as Huh's No.1 goalkeeper.

Greece news

Defender Vangelis Moras is ruled out of the opener for Greece due to an ankle injury, with midfielder Kostantinos Katsouranis likely to drop into his position.

However, Rehhagel could choose to keep Katsouranis in midfield and consider other options for his central defence.

Vasilis Torosidis and Giourkas Seitaridis are both expected to start after overcoming their own injury problems.

Goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas could start ahead of the more experienced Kostas Chalkias after being first-choice for the majority of the Greek friendlies.

Argentina v Nigeria preview
Tricky opening test for Maradona's men


Argentina kick off their Group B campaign in Johannesburg on Saturday against an ambitious Nigeria outfit.

Despite only just scraping through the South American qualifying section, Argentina arrive at the World Cup as one of the favourites to win the tournament.

They have always produced players that excel on the international stage, none more so than their current manager Diego Maradona, but success in South Africa may depend on whether this legendary figure can get the best out of the talent at his disposal.

Maradona has been unpredictable with his team selections since taking charge, having called up over 100 players in his first 18 months, and is still searching for a system that allows all his top men to play together.

With an embarrassment of riches up front, Argentina are likely to line up with a three-man attack that includes World Player of the Year Lionel Messi.

Fears over the Barcelona superstar's fitness after a gruelling season have been dismissed and he will be looking to turn in the sort of dazzling display that has become commonplace at club level over the past few years.

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez appears to have played himself into the starting XI, meaning that either Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid or treble-winning Inter Milan hero Diego Milito will have to miss out.

Newcastle's Jonas Gutierrez is set to fill in at right wing-back alongside three more recognised defenders in Walter Samuel, Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze.

Javier Mascherano of Liverpool will add steel to midfield, where he could be supported by veteran playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron and rising star Angel di Maria.

Nigeria news

Nigeria may rue the fact that they have been drawn to face the group favourites in their opening match, but will believe they can claim at least a point and build from there against Greece and South Korea.

The Super Eagles have made it clear they expect to make an impact in the tournament, with striker Kanu setting his sights on a semi-final place at least.

Lars Lagerback has not had long to get to know his troops, having only been appointed as manager in February, and has had to deal with the withdrawal from the squad of Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel due to a knee problem.

Mikel's place in the starting XI against Argentina could go to Monaco youngster Lukman Haruna, who has impressed in warm-up games.

There are a host of faces still in the squad that will be familiar to Premier League audiences, with Bolton's Danny Shittu, Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu and Everton duo Joseph Yobo and Yakubu Aiyegbeni among those pushing for starts.

[Black Widow]

Day 2:

Result: Argentina (Heinze, 6) 1 - 0 Nigeria


Argentina make winning start
Maradona's men make hard work of victory


Argentina secured victory over Nigeria in what was a scrappy affair at Ellis Park in Johannesburg with a 1-0 victory.

Gabriel Heinze headed the early winner from a corner for Diego Maradona's side in an open game full of chances, but worryingly for Argentina their key players failed to hit the back of the net.

Lionel Messi created and missed several chances to kill the match off, denied on many occasions by keeper Vincent Enyeama, who was outstanding throughout.

Maradona was just as animated throughout the game, with constant passionate gestures and barking orders at his team from the touchline to try and organise his side who were, at times, sloppy in possession.

The Super Eagles had some significant openings themselves, with Kalu Uche coming closest for his side late into the game but striking a half volley over the bar after a clever cross from Yakubu.

Argentina made their way through the game with constant clever passes and creating several opportunities, however they lacked a killer instinct that could come back to haunt them against sides with more clinical quality.

Messi made a lively start and one mesmerising run from deep saw him ghost past three Nigeria defenders and pick out Gonzalo Higuain with a low cross, but the Real Madrid striker sidefooted an easy chance wide from close range.

The Barcelona forward then had a goalbound curling shot tipped over by Enyeama.

But from the resulting corner Argentina went ahead, with five minutes played. Juan Sebastian Veron swung the ball in from the right and Marseille defender Heinze, running towards the penalty spot, sent a powerful diving header into the top left corner.

Messi was then allowed to cut in from the right, leaving Chinedu Obasi on his backside and his curling left-footed shot was destined for goal until Enyeama at full stretch parried it away.

Confusion

Messi and Carlos Tevez were causing confusion for the Nigerians by taking turns to drop deep and move forward, and when the Manchester City man received the ball in a deeper position after 20 minutes his through-ball found Higuain bursting into the box but Enyeama dashed out to make the block.

Sani Kaita miscued an attempted volley wide for the Africans who stepped up the pressure for a short period. Neat passing from Dickson Etuhu and Yakubu created an opening for Obasi but his low cross was just too far ahead of Yakubu as the Everton man tried to slot it home.

Messi again tested Enyeama to the limit with another curling effort destined for the right-hand corner of the goal but the goalkeeper stretched out his left hand to claw the ball away.

Walter Samuel headed a presentable chance over the top from a Veron corner six minutes into the second half and the Inter Milan defender almost released Angel Di Maria with a long ball but the Benfica man could not bring it under control.

Messi won a corner after a pacy dribble took him away from the Nigeria defence, with Chidi Odiah blocking his effort.

A swift break at the other end saw substitute Obafemi Martins square the ball to Kaita, but his 30-yard shot was far too ambitious and sailed over.

Stretched

The game was becoming more stretched and Tevez strode forward before picking out Messi, whose low left-footed shot was just wide and the Barca man then teed up Higuain, whose shot was again blocked by the ever-alert Enyeama.

Argentina's failure to kill the game off almost cost them as Peter Odemwingie played the ball inside to left-back Taye Taiwo, and his thunderous low effort had the beating of Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero but just skidded wide of the right post.

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero then had to punch clear a shot from Martins as the 'Jabulani' World Cup ball threatened to make a mug of him with its changes of movement in the air.

It was clearly not going to be Messi's afternoon to score as Enyeama spread himself to block after a wonderful interchange with Di Maria as the game entered its final 10 minutes.

Nigeria could have levelled seconds later when Yakubu's cross from the right found substitute Uche, but the Almeria midfielder struggled to get over the ball and could not keep his left-footed shot down, and Yakubu drilled another shot over the top from long range with three minutes left.

But it was Argentina's day as the early Heinze effort proved the difference.


Man of the Match: Vincent Enyeama. Constantly thwarted the brilliant Lionel Messi, who was a thorn in Nigeria's side for 90 minutes.

Moment of the Match: Messi bursting through the defence in the first half as he set up Higuain for a sitter which he missed.

Attempt of the Match: Kalu Uche clearing the bar from Yakubu's right-wing cross towards the end of the game.

Save of the Match: Enyeama's 37th minute save to deny a curling left-footed shot from Messi.

Talking Point: Although there is no doubting Argentina's attacking prowess, do they have the defensive capabilities to win the World Cup?

Result: South Korea (Lee, 7 Park, 52) 2 - 0 Greece


Koreans too slick for Greece
Early Jung-soo goal and Ji-sung effort secure Group B success

South Korea kicked off their World Cup campaign in Group B with a confident performance in beating Greece 2-0 in Port Elizabeth.

Lee Jung-soo gave the Koreans the perfect platform with an early goal before Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung finished coolly in the second half to seal the three points against a limited Greece side.

The 2002 semi-finalists enjoyed a dream start at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium by taking the lead after just seven minutes when Jung-soo stole in at the far post to side-foot home a free-kick from the left.

Korea should have been two goals to the good before the half-hour mark when Park Chu-yong was sent clear of the defence, but the Monaco forward's shot was diverted over by Greece keeper Alexandros Tzorvas' leg.

Greece struggled to create any chances, but were almost gifted an equaliser before half-time when Korean keeper Jung Sung-ryong struggled to deal with a ball into the box with Theofanis Gekas lurking close by.

And within seven minutes of the restart, Greece fell further behind after being the victims of their own downfall when Loukas Vyntra's poor control was seized upon by Ji-sung, who galloped into the box before neatly sliding the ball past Tzorvas.

Chu-yong headed another good opportunity off target before a late rally from Greece saw Gekas forced a smart reaction stop out of Sung-ryong.

Only a sprawling save from Tzorvas denied Lee Chung-yong a third goal as Korea put themselves in a strong position to progress from the group phase.

Relieved

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel had warned his players in advance to beware South Korea's panther-like qualities, and by the time he got them back into the dressing room at the break, he will have been relieved they had not been mauled further.

It took Korea just seven minutes to get their noses in front in the encounter when Jung-soo met Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-yueng's swinging free-kick unopposed and volleyed it gleefully into the back of the net.

Greece's woes might have increased further with Bolton's Lee Chung-yong astonished not to be awarded a 15th-minute penalty for a clumsy challenge from behind by full-back Vasilis Torosidis as referee Michael Hester waved play on.

But it would have been 2-0 with 28 minutes gone had defender Avraam Papadopoulos not got in a last-ditch challenge on striker Chu-young as he shot to allow keeper Tzorvas to make a vital block.

Greece had started the game brightly, Torosidis firing wide when he met skipper Georgios Karagounis' second-minute corner with an instinctive half-volley, but it was largely downhill from there.

The anticipated aerial onslaught never materialised as central defenders Jung-soo and Cho Yong-Hyung coped admirably with front two Gekas and Angelos Charisteas.

Enterprising

By contrast, Korea were enterprising in their movement and strikers Chu-young and Yeom Ki-hun, with support from a fluid midfield quartet, kept the Greek defence at full stretch.

They increased their lead within seven minutes of the restart when Ji-sung made the most of Vyntra's woeful control in the middle of the park to race in on goal, leaving the central defender and partner Papadopoulos for dead before sliding a shot across Tzorvas and into the bottom corner.

Rehhagel, who had replaced Karagounis with Christos Patsatzoglou at the break, withdrew Charisteas and Georgios Samaras in quick succession and asked Dimitrios Salpingidis and Pantelis Kapetanos to find a way back into the game.

But Chu-young headed just over from full-back Cha Du-ri's 63rd-minute cross as the Koreans threatened to run riot.

Gekas acrobatically fired high over after controlling a long ball well on his chest with 68 minutes gone and Salpingidis headed weakly at the keeper two minutes later with time fast running out for Greece.

The Hertha Berlin frontman forced a fine one-handed save from Jung with a left-foot shot on the turn with nine minutes remaining, but Yeom, Chung-yong and Kim Jung-woo all went close at the other end as time ran down.


Man of the Match: Park Ji-sung. The Manchester United midfield star provided a vital link between the Korean midfield and lone striker, and capped off a mercurial display with a superbly taken goal.
Shot of the Match: Theofanis Gekas was lively all afternoon for Greece and his swivel and hit on the volley was nearly rewarded with a scarcely deserved consolation late on.
Save of the Match: Alexandros Tzorvas made a crucial stop to keep his Greece team in the match, standing up big and tall to thwart Park Chu-yong as bore down on goal.
Moment of the Match: The rapturous celebrations of the South Korea supporters and players as they greeted Ji-sung's expertly taken goal.
Talking point: Can South Korea qualify for the knockout phase after this win? And are Greece facing an early exit from South Africa after this awful display?

[Black Widow]

Day 2:

Result: England (Gerrard, 4) 1 - 1 USA (Dempsey, 40)


Green gift spares States
Gerrard on target but England unable to hold on in opening fixture


A terrible error by Robert Green cost England two points in their World Cup opener, as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with the United States of America.

Steven Gerrard had the Three Lions in front early on, with the new skipper leading by example throughout.

However, the USA were level shortly before half-time when a tame effort from Clint Dempsey slipped through Green's grasp and into the back of the net.

The air of expectation around the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg was almost tangible prior to kick-off, while the omnipresent vuvuzelas added to the atmosphere once more.

England were the first to find their feet and they needed just four minutes to break the deadlock, with captain Gerrard handing them the perfect start when he burst onto a pass from Emile Heskey and steered low into the bottom corner.

Fabio Capello's side were well on top early on, with Frank Lampard fizzing in a driven free-kick which only needed a touch to double their lead.

America's biggest threat was coming from set-pieces, with AC Milan's domineering centre-half Oguchi Onyewu proving to be a handful as he attacked a couple of deliveries from Landon Donovan.

Former Hull City frontman Jozy Altidore also came close with a header, and he will feel he should have done better after meeting a pinpoint cross unchallenged.

England soon clicked back into gear, though, and were incisive and crisp in their passing.

Aaron Lennon sprang clear at one stage, with plenty of space to move into, but he opted to square rather than go for goal and America were able to bundle the ball clear.

James Milner, selected on the left, was then cautioned after putting in one too many rash tackles, before Howard dived bravely at the feet of Heskey to prevent the big striker from poking home a second for England.

Rather surprisingly, on the half-hour mark, Capello then opted to haul off Milner and send on Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The Aston Villa man had missed training on a few occasions in the build-up to the game through illness and appeared to be struggling with the pace.

Ambitious

A couple of ambitious efforts from Altidore and Donovan helped to perk the Americans up as the half wore on, but England were rarely rattled and looked comfortable - even freeing the buccaneering Ashley Cole down the left as they sought to put the game to bed.

They were, however, forced to enter the interval all square after a catastrophic mistake from Green.

Dempsey prodded a speculative shot goalwards, with little power or pace behind it, and was ready to turn away in disgust.

All of a sudden the ball was over the line as Green fumbled and allowed the much-maligned Jabulani to slip through his grasp.

England responded well, as Glen Johnson went close after a typically sprightly break inside from the right, but they were unable to re-establish a deserved lead.

Capello faced another dilemma at the break and was forced to make his second substitution of the night as Ledley King, whose fitness had been questioned throughout the build-up, made way for Jamie Carragher.

The Three Lions refused to dwell on the events of the first half, though, as they again burst out of the blocks in the second 45.

Jay DeMerit saw yellow trying to keep them out, as Lennon and Johnson did their utmost down the right flank to carve open a gilt-edged chance for those waiting in the middle.

Rooney thought he had ghosted in behind on 50 minutes, but was pulled back for Heskey straying offside - and was unable to find a way past Howard anyway.

A few moments later it was Heskey's turn to bear down on goal, but the goal-shy Villa ace lashed straight at Howard when faced with a one-on-one with the Everton shot-stopper.

The USA were only offering fleeting glimpses of attacking intent at this stage, with Carragher's experience helping to keep Capello's side watertight at the back.

The Liverpool man was cautioned, though, just before the hour mark when he caught Robbie Findley with a wild tackle.

His Anfield team-mate Gerrard also went into the referee's notebook shortly after, with his protestations to the award of a free-kick falling on unsympathetic ears.

Testing

America almost benefitted from the resulting set-piece, but Carlos Bocanegra took his eye off the ball at the vital moment and diverted a close-range effort well wide off his shoulder.

All of sudden the game opened up, with Lampard testing Howard from range, but it was the United States who went agonisingly close to forcing a further goal on 65 minutes.

Altidore, after a bustling burst down the left, thought he had beaten Green at his near post, but the West Ham goalkeeper redeemed himself as he produced a fantastic fingertip save to push the ball onto the woodwork.

With 20 minutes remaining Wayne Rooney finally found the kind of space he craves, as he ghosted in the at the back post, but he could not grow enough to meet a swinging delivery from Gerrard.

Moments later Carragher's heart was in his mouth for a moment as he cut across Findley, but the referee gave nothing, and the American striker was booked shortly after for a clumsy challenge.

Rooney was now seeing more of the ball in dangerous errors and he had Howard clutching at thin air on 75 minutes when he crashed a 25-yard drive inches past the post.

The American goal was now under siege, with Wright-Phillips shooting at Howard from a tight angle, Rooney twice foiled from close range and Heskey nodding a towering header over the bar.

Capello played his last card with 12 minutes left on the clock, throwing on Peter Crouch in place of the industrious Heskey.

Crouch's first touch was not what his manager had hoped for, though, with a difficult header looped into the arms of Howard.

Stray passes started to infiltrate the English game thereafter, with the pursuit of a winner becoming increasingly desperate.

Their final opportunity came with America sleeping, but four white shirts, including the outstretched toe of Lampard, could not force the ball home with time running out.

Altidore was hauled off with less than five minutes remaining, giving Bolton Wanderers' Stuart Holden, who is still working his way back to full match sharpness, an opportunity to grace the biggest stage in sport.

Donovan fired high into the stands as clear-cut chances dried up, but both teams will take positives from the night and will be pleased to have got points on the board from what looks like being their toughest test in Group C.



Man of the match: Landon Donovan - Composed on the ball and always a threat.

Goal of the game: Gerrard's finish in the first five minutes was calmness personified and handed England a dream start.

Moment of the match: Rob Green inexplicably allowing Clint Dempsey's low shot to slip through his fingers for the equaliser.

Attempt of the match: Glen Johnson's great run and shot just after Dempsey's equaliser which resulted in a good save from Tim Howard.

Save of the match: Rob Green pushing Jozy Altidore's shot from a tight angle against the post to prevent the USA from taking a 2-1 lead.

Talking point: Should Fabio Capello drop Green for the next game and replace him with either David James or Joe Hart?

[lɐuǝɯo⊥ǝɥԀ]

1-1 was a fair result and I think the Americans arent given enough credit...they were very lucky with their goal but Altidore shoulda scored later on it was a good game and result for both teams who will probably win their next 2 games against Slovenia and Algeria

[Black Widow]

it was a fair match but green really should have done better with the ball lol

[Black Widow]

Day 3:

Algeria v Slovenia Preview
Victory vital for both nations


Algeria and Slovenia go into their opening World Cup Group C encounter at the newly built 45,000-seat Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday aiming for three vital points.

After reaching South Africa 2010 via continental play-offs, both sides are underdogs in a group which also contains England and the United States.

Slovenia had to overcome European heavyweights Russia to earn a spot in the World Cup for the second time and have recently beaten Qatar 4-1 and New Zealand 3-1 in international friendlies in the run-up to the tournament in South Africa.

Slovenia's only previous experience in football's marquee event was in 2002, when they lost all three matches against Spain, South Africa and Paraguay.

Head coach Matjaz Kek is expected to stick with his more favoured starting line-up. Striker Milivoje Novakovic has overcome an abdominal injury to score a brace in the recent match against New Zealand. The Cologne hitman has scored 16 goals in 28 matches for the national team.

However, Kek does have a slight worry over fellow forward Zlatan Ljubijankic, who is suffering from an ankle problem, but is expected to start.

The Slovenians will rely on the goalscoring threat of Bochum striker Zlatko Dedic and influence of captain and former West Brom midfielder Robert Koren.

Algeria call on spirit of '82

The Algerians won every match at home during qualifying but had to beat Egypt in a play-off to secure the last of the African spots at the first World Cup ever staged on their continent.

The North Africans will be making their first appearance at the showpiece event since 1986. They also appeared at the 1982 tournament defeating West Germany and Chile, but controversially still failed to progress.

Head coach Rabah Saadane has dropped captain Yazid Mansouri for the first time following some below par performances.

The team's most experienced player with 67 caps will be replaced in midfield by Medhi Lacen, while defender Anther Yahia will wear the captain's armband.

It will be the first ever World Cup match to be played on a surface partly consisting of artificial grass.

The Polokwane venue has millions of threads of synthetic grass fibres woven in between and beneath the natural grass.

Serbia v Ghana preview
Muntari boost for Ghana, Vidic fit for Serbia


Ghana and Serbia kick off their World Cup campaigns with their Group D opener in Pretoria on Sunday.

In a tough looking group, with Germany and Australia making up the rest of the pool, both sides will be keen to get off to a winning start at the Loftus Versefeld Stadium.

This is Ghana's second World Cup finals following their debut in Germany four years ago, while for Serbia it is the first finals as a single nation.

Ghana are coached by Serbian boss Milovan Rajevic, but he insists there will be no divided loyalties on Sunday.

Ghana lost their most influential player prior to the finals when Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

Inter Milan star Sulley Muntari has handed Ghana a boost after recovering from a thigh problem which forced him to miss his side's final warm-up game.

Stephen Appiah will captain the Black Stars, while Fulham defender John Pantsil will start in defence.

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng could start in midfield after pledging his international allegiance to the Africans ahead of Germany.

Serbia news

Serbia expect Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic to be fit after illness ruled him out of the recent friendlies against Poland and Cameroon.

Serbia coach Radomir Antic has no other injury worries to contend with as they look to get off to a flying start in South Africa.

Birmingham new boy Nikola Zigic is expected to lead the attack, while highly-rated duo Milos Krasic and Milan Jovanovic will provide the ammunition from the wings.

Germany v Australia preview
Experienced Aussies look for shock start


Three-time World Cup winners Germany head into their 15th consecutive finals competition looking to draw level with Italy as the second most successful side in the history of the tournament.

Their opening game of Group D in Durban will be a sufficient test as Pim Verbeek's Australia look to cause a major upset, the Germans however have not lost a group game since 1994, winning their last five opening games.

Despite manager Joachim Low selecting the youngest German squad in 76 years to travel to South Africa, their reputation as a side always there or thereabouts at the latter stages of the tournament means they will be one of the teams to fear.

There is also a vast difference in experience, with an average age of 25 in Low's squad, whereas Verbeek's team have a more experienced look about them, with an average age of 30.

The game will come as a stern test for new captain Philipp Lahm following talisman Michael Ballack's withdrawal after being injured in Chelsea's FA Cup final in May.

The Bayern Munich full-back leads his side out at a major tournament for the first time as one of their most experienced players with 65 caps to his name at the age of 26.

Germany team news

Low has no injury worries ahead of the game, leaving his selection down to personal choice, with Manuel Neuer expected to play in goal despite some picking him out as a weak link.

He is also expected to stick with out of form Miroslav Klose ahead of Cacau in the lone striker's role, as well as partnering Manchester City new boy Jerome Boateng with Per Mertesacker at centre-back. Sami Khedira looks set to take Ballack's place in midfield.

Australia team news

Australia are likely to bring back Brett Emerton into midfield, with Jason Culina, who is set to win his 50th cap, moving from the right wing into the centre of the park.

Verbeek's biggest doubt comes over the fitness of key man Tim Cahill, with the Everton midfielder suffering from a neck problem that has seen him train alone during the week.

Injury-prone Harry Kewell has won his battle for fitness however and is likely to spearhead the Australian attack in what is likely to be a 4-5-1 formation.

[Black Widow]

Day 3:

Result: Algeria (Ghezzal s/o, 73) 0 - 1 Slovenia (Koren, 79)


Slovenia bag first finals win
Chaouchi blunder gifts Slovenia priceless win


Slovenia have moved top of Group C in South Africa courtesy of a late 1-0 success over 10-man Algeria.

The victory, Slovenia's first-ever success in a World Cup, came following yet another goalkeeping blunder after Faouzi Chaouchi spilled Robert Koren's hopeful shot.

The game offered little in terms of entertainment before second-half substitute Abdelkader Ghezzal's moment of madness which saw him collect two quick-fire yellow cards.

With England being held by USA in Saturday's group opener Slovenia now lead the way on three points while Algeria are bottom without a point.

Little separated the teams in the opening exchanges with Nadir Belhadj's free-kick just three minutes into the contest the only early chance of note for either side.

The Portsmouth full-back struck his 20-yard effort well enough, but it was straight at keeper Samir Handanovic who made little mistake helping the ball over for a corner.

Slovenia attempted to cause problems of their own, although Koren's speculative effort from distance was comfortably blocked with 15 minutes on the clock.

Possession

Any quality shown in the early exchanges soon disappeared as both teams became guilty of surrendering possession far too easily, especially when well placed.

In the 29th minute Foued Kadir's cross was over-hit for lone striker Rafik Djebbour while at the other end Zlatko Dedic wasted an opportunity to test Faouzi Chaouchi.

Then came the first flashpoint as Aleksander Radosavljevic was rightly booked for hauling down the marauding Nadir Belhadj down Algeria's left-hand side.

The action did improve as half time approached with Rafik Halliche heading wide at the back post from an inswinging corner.

Valter Birsa twice tried his luck before the interval with one left-footed effort forcing Chaouchi to palm over while his second soon after was well wide.

Although Slovenia began the second half on the front foot the first sight of goal fell to Djebbour, but poor control allowed Matjaz Kek's side to clear.

Kek then made his first substitution with Zlatan Ljubijankic replacing Dedic with 52 minutes on the clock.

Lively

Algeria continued to look lively from set-pieces and Samir Handanovic had to be en guard to collect Belhadj's delivery with Halliche sniffing a chance at the back post.

Rabah Saadane then brought on a fresh face up front with Ghezzal replacing work horse Djebbour.

However, Saadane would not have been pleased to see Ghezzal booked within minutes of his introduction for a needless shirt-pull on Marko Suler.

Ghezzal was made to pay for his early indiscretion when his blatant handball saw Guatemalan referee Carlos Alberto Batres unsurprisingly produce a red card.

Slovenia then dodged a bullet when Suler was not awake to Samir Handanovic's short pass and Ziani very nearly gave the 10-men a shock lead.

The game's decisive moment arrived on 79 minutes when Koren's speculative shot embarrassed Chaouchi who made a hash of a simple save.

Algeria attempted to push numbers forward late on in search of a last-gasp leveller, but it was not to be as Slovenia held on for a priceless success.


Man of the match: Karim Matmour. In a game lacking in attacking endeavour, Matmour at least tried to get Algeria moving forward.

Save of the match: Faouzi Chaouchi displayed commendable agility to tip a stinging drive from Valter Birsa over the bar shortly before half-time.

Gaffe of the match: Chaouchi really should have dealt with Robert Koren's hopeful effort from the edge of the box, but somehow allowed the ball to squeeze past him.

Moment of the match: Abdelkader Ghezzal had been on the field just 15 minutes when he picked up a needless red card. Slovenia went on to make their numerical advantage count.

Talking point: Should England and the USA have anything to fear from Slovenia and Algeria in the race for a top-two finish in Group C?

Result: Serbia (Lukovic s/o 74) 0 - 1 Ghana (Gyan 84,pen)


Ghana beat 10-man Serbia
Black Stars earn vital win after penalty in last 10 minutes


Ghana snatched a late 1-0 win over 10-man Serbia in Pretoria after Asamoah Gyan scored from the penalty spot in the closing stages.

Group D's opening game was on the whole a dour spectacle at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium and had looked to be petering out to a goalless draw.

However, things spiced up in the 74th minute when Aleksandar Lukovic was sent off for a second yellow card.

Serbia seemed to respond well to the loss, but disaster struck for the Europeans when substitute Zdravko Kuzmanovic handled in the area.

Gyan stepped up to slam the ball home and give Ghana a crucial win, while Serbia will have to regroup for their next match.

The game nearly started with a bang when Marko Pantelic hit a stinging long-range shot that went narrowly wide.

Response

Ghana then responded and Anthony Annan struck a volley at the other end, which also was not too far away from finding the net.

However, despite both sides looking threatening when coming forward, neither had a clinical edge in the final third and both goalkeepers had little to deal with before half-time.

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng nearly provided a telling ball into the box from the left in the 21st minute, but Asamoah Gyan could not quite get enough on his header and it flashed wide.

And despite a curling free-kick from Aleksandar Kolarov that whipped narrowly wide, it was Ghana who were asking the most questions on the counter-attack, although the final ball into the box was often left wanting.

However, it was African goalkeeper Richard Kingson who had the first effort to save in the 39th minute, and he was almost the third keeper in the tournament to make a blunder as he spilled a Dejan Stankovic effort, but claimed it on the second attempt.

After the break it was Serbia who created the first half-chance, but Milan Jovanovic sliced his shot wide from inside the box on the left after a good jinking run.

But Ghana created an excellent opportunity when Prince Tagoe chipped in a pin-point cross to the back post only for Ayew to head wide when he should have hit the target in the 54th minute.

Chance

Ayew then drove forward and hit a shot over the bar, before Pantelic pulled a ball back from the by-line at the other end that could not find a team-mate.

Minutes later Pantelic put a great cross into the back post but Zigic, who has signed for Birmingham for a reported £6million, could not get decisive contact on it

Asamoah Gyan came closest though, when a header from a long throw clipped the outside of the post and went wide, before Tagoe fluffed a chance from another cross.

Things spiced up when Lukovic picked up a second booking but Serbia responded and Kingson had to palm away a Milos Krasic effort.

Ghana took the lead when Gyan slammed his penalty home after a needless handball from substitute Kuzmanovic.

The final minutes were frantic and while Serbia pressed for an equaliser, the Black Stars held on for a crucial three points and Gyan hit the post in the dying seconds.


Man of the match: Asamoah Gyan. Capped fine display with the winner from the penalty spot and hit the post moments later.

Moment of the match: Zdravko Kuzmanovic's inexplicable handball five minutes from time which gave Ghana a penalty.

Attempt of the match: Gyan hitting the post moments after he had put Ghana in front.

Save of the match: Richard Kingson tipping over Milos Krasic's fierce shot from 12 yards in the second half.

Talking point: Will Serbia miss out on the last 16 having been tipped to come through the group stages?

[Black Widow]

Day: 3

Result: Germany (Podolski, 8, Klose, 27, Muller, 68, Cacau, 70) 4 - 0 Australia (Cahill s/o, 56)


Germans tear Aussies apart
Low's silky side produce tournament's best performance yet


The new-look Germany made light work of 10-man Australia to kick-off their World Cup campaign with an impressive 4-0 win in Durban.

Joachim Low's youthful outfit dismantled their ageing Group D opponents to top the table alongside Ghana, who beat Serbia 1-0 earlier in the day, after becoming the first side in the South Africa finals to score more than two goals.

Lukas Podolski put the Germans in front within eight minutes with an unstoppable drive after latching onto Thomas Muller's centre.

Miroslav Klose extended his World Cup scoring spree as he took advantage of some lax Australia defending to head home his 11th finals goal from Philipp Lahm's searching cross.

Tim Cahill became the fourth player to see red in this year's tournament after the Socceroos midfielder's clumsy challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger before Muller scored his first goal in national colours in the 68th minute.

And there was time for Cacau to come off the bench and add a fourth two minutes later, as Low's side rubber-stamped their World Cup credentials with an emphatic win at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Wise move

Low, whose side had not lost a group game since 1994, handed out-of-form Klose the lone striker's role and it proved a wise move.

The men from Down Under had the better of the opening stages and came close to taking the lead in the third minute.

During a scramble in the area, Richard Garcia's close-range shot was blocked by Lahm.

The Germans responded shortly after, with an unmarked Klose surging inside the area and hitting a right-footed strike towards the centre of goal which Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer parried away.

Podolski made no mistake seconds later. He got behind Muller's pull back from the right and drove the ball in from 15 yards. Schwarzer managed to get a fist on the ball but it was too hot for the Fulham shot-stopper to handle.

Jason Culina could have restored parity in the 17th minute but he nodded high from Brett Emerton's cross.

Midway through the first half, Klose missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0. The veteran got behind Podolski's cross and struck the ball wide from the heart of the area.

Sloppy defending

Klose made amends shortly after as he extended his team's lead in the 26th minute after sloppy defending by Australia.

Schwarzer came off his line and got to Klose just as the striker headed home from Lahm's cross from the right.

On the half-hour mark, captain Lucas Neill managed to clear Mesut Ozil's goalbound shot with Schwarzer already beaten.

Germany's Sami Khedira headed high over the crossbar as Germany went into the break after a near-perfect first half.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek brought on Brett Holman at half-time in the hope of sparking his team into life.

Holman tried to make an immediate impact but his diagonal shot went wide of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's far post.

Australia's hopes then nose-dived when Cahill was shown a straight red card for a tackle from behind on Schweinsteiger.

With one man short, Australia struggled to stop Germany's advances and conceded shortly after the hour mark.

Muller got away from his marker before lashing home a shot in off the post.

Australia had little time to react as Germany struck again two minutes later - Ozil surged down the left and cut it back for Brazilian-born striker Cacau to slot past Schwarzer.


Man of the match: Thomas Muller. Always a danger and deserved his well-taken goal. Narrowly gets the nod over the outstanding Mesut Ozil and Phillip Lahm.

Moment of the match: Ozil, Muller and Lukas Podolski combining to wonderful effect to score the first goal.

Attempt of the match: Ozil's chip over Mark Schwarzer that was cleared off the line by Lucas Neill.

Save of the match: Schwarzer denying Miroslav Klose well from close range.

Talking point: Germany have been by far the most impressive side on show. Can they win this World Cup for a fourth time? Australia need to pick themselves up now, can they do it without Cahill who was sent off?