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France go from bad to worse
US storm back to tie with Slovenia
Now, Serbia shock Germany
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Japan hold no surprises for Dutch
Cameroon in disarray before facing Danes
Wives, girlfriends on Brits’ minds
Emphatic win for Lanka
IAF honour for Sachin
Stokes warns teams of IHF meet
Soccer: Punjab club beat Kolkata
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France go from bad to worse
Polokwane, June 18 Substitute forward Javier Hernandez beat an offside trap, raced into the box unchallenged and twisted his way past France keeper Hugo Lloris to put Mexico ahead on 64 minutes. Wily forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 37, doubled the advantage from the penalty spot at 79 minutes after Pablo Barrera was brought down by Eric
Abidal, sending his country's fans wild with delight in a contrast to the glum French faces. "I'm delighted. The goal is for the whole country," Hernandez told a news conference as cries of "Ole!, Ole!" from Mexican fans could be heard outside. France, the 1998 champions, have just one point from two games and face hosts South Africa in their final pool game next week. Even a win might not be enough for them to qualify and escape another disaster after their Euro 2008 flop. Uruguay and Mexico, who top the group with four points each, will both qualify if they draw their match next week, and eliminate France and South Africa, who are both on one point. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was full of praise for his team after what he said had been a tight match. "Whoever scored first was going to win. The goal made us feel calm," the former Mexico international told reporters, expressing his pleasure that the team's style of bombing forward had paid off. Mexico's Achilles heel in the first game — the lack of a killer instinct in front of goal — was again threatening to hinder their progress until Hernandez's timely strike. The 22-year-old latched onto an expert pass from captain Rafael Marquez to find himself in acres of space, and calmly took the ball around the oncoming Lloris to finish. Not long after, first half substitute Pablo Barrera's searing run into the penalty area ended with a foul by Abidal and Blanco smashed home the resulting penalty in emphatic fashion for his 39th goal for his country. With their fate out of their hands, they will have to face their final match against South Africa without holding midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, who will be suspended after picking his second yellow card. The only sour news for Mexico was the first-half leg injury to lively forward Carlos Vela, although it was not immediately clear how long he might be out of action.
— Reuters |
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US storm back to tie with Slovenia
Slovenia took a surprise 2-0 lead by halftime, outplaying the Americans and scoring with goals from Valter Birsa in the 13th minute and Zlatan Ljubijankic in the 42nd. But Landon Donovan scored a brilliant individual goal three minutes after the break and as the Americans poured forwards, Michael Bradley, son of coach Bob Bradley, grabbed an equaliser eight minutes from time. Slovenia grabbed the lead through a superb 25 metre strike from Valter Birsa - left in acres of space the winger looked up and fired past a strangely stationary Tim Howard. The U.S were struggling to match-up in midfield with Birsa causing isolated U.S left-back Carlos Bocanegra all kinds of trouble but they went close to leveling in the 41st minute when Clint Dempsey crossed low to Landon Donovan but Miso Brecko slid in to clear. But a minute later, the U.S were caught on the break, Milivoje Novakovic split open a flat back line with a superb through ball to Zlatan Ljubijankic who kept his cool and slotted past the advancing Howard. U.S coach Bob Bradley had plenty to sort out at the break and he brought on Maurice Edu and Benny Feilhaber to the midfield, taking off Jose Torres and striker Robbie Findley. Within three minutes of the restart the U.S pulled a goal back, Landon Donovan cutting in from the right flank and then blasting in at the near post from the tightest of angles. The U.S. poured forward in search of an equaliser and eight minutes from time Michael Bradley surged into the Slovenia penalty area to get onto a knock-down from Jozy Altidore and put a rising shot past keeper Samir Handanovic.
— Reuters |
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Now, Serbia shock Germany
Port Elizabeth, June 18 Milan Jovanovic grabbed the winner in the 38th minute with Germany in disarray moments after striker Klose was sent off for a foul that landed him with a second yellow card. Germany should have equalised in the 61st when Nemanja Vidic needlessly handled in the area but goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic dived to his left to save Podolski’s spot kick. The result takes the shine off a young German side that came into the match high on confidence after hammering Australia 4-0 in their opener and gives World Cup newcomers Serbia a chance to reach the second round after they lost 1-0 to Ghana. Germany still lead Group D with three points from two games, ahead of Ghana and Serbia, also on three, and Australia on none. Ghana and Australia meet on Saturday in their second game. Until Klose’s dismissal Germany had been in control of the match, playing with attacking flair, fast breaks and fluid movement off the ball that left Serbia on the back foot. The three-times World Cup winners’ bright start saw them create a chance after three minutes when Sami Khedira found space and volleyed over after a neat cross by Thomas Mueller. They kept up the pressure and came close again four minutes later, when Mueller's dangerous cross was partially cleared by Vidic and volleyed just wide by Podolski. The Serbs squandered their first chance after 12 minutes when Milos Ninkovic found himself with time and space but blasted Milos Krasic’s inch-perfect cross over the bar. Mueller and Klose always looked threatening for Germany but the altter’s frustrations mounted after he missed chances and had a goal ruled out for offside on the half-hour mark. The game was turned upside down seven minutes later when the German forward was given his marching orders after receiving a second booking for bringing down Milos Krasic. With the Germans stunned, Serbia took full advantage and snatched the lead a minute later with a superb team effort that culminated in Jovanovic’s close-range strike. Zdravko Kuzmanovic slid the ball into the path of Krasic, who delivered a delightful cross that was headed to the unmarked Jovanovic, who chested down and converted on the turn. Germany quickly tried to level the score and burst forward, with Khedira seizing on Stojkovic's punched clearance to unleash a fierce long-range shot that cannoned off the bar. They came out fighting again after the break and Bastian Schweinsteiger twice went close with an impressive solo run and powerful strike from outside the box that stung the palms of Stojkovic. Podolski almost equalised after 56 minutes when he chased Khedira’s long pass and struck the ball wide under threat from the onrushing Vidic. The pressure paid off three minutes later when Germany were awarded a penalty for handball by Vidic but Podolski's poorly struck spot-kick was turned away by Stojkovic, who was later named man of the match. Serbia fought hard to protect their lead and could have had a second when Zigic’s header clipped the bar.
— Reuters |
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Japan hold no surprises for Dutch
The Dutch, who will be looking for vast improvement on their laboured 2-0 victory over Denmark on Monday, still have fresh memories of their shock at being outplayed by the Japanese for an hour in a friendly match last year. The Dutch ultimately ran out 3-0 winners in that match in Enschede and a similar result in tomorrow at the Moses Mabhida stadium would suit them fine as they look to book a place in the round of 16. “The first hour of that match Japan was in charge but finally we won,” Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder told reporters. “Our coach said that was the only match our opponents really made it difficult for us, so let that be the only one.” Coach Bert van Marwijk is expected to stick with the same line-up he chose for the Denmark game.
— Reuters |
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Cameroon in disarray before facing Danes
Cameroon lost 1-0 to Japan and Denmark were beaten 2-0 by the Netherlands in their opening games on Monday and both sides desperately need a win at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld stadium to have a realistic hope of making the second round. Cameroon’s players are especially unhappy because Frenchman Le Guen omitted seasoned campaigners like defender Rigobert Song and Geremi and midfielder Alexandre Song from the Japan game. “What we have seen in recent games, which we think is unfortunate, is that many young fresh players have been introduced into the team at the expense of experienced ones,” midfielder Achille Emana said yesterday. Cameroon, one of six African teams in the tournament, were expected to do well, but their chances now hang by a thread. Emana said the young players had been asked to do too much. “They cannot withstand the sort of pressure that comes with playing in big tournaments such as the World Cup,” he noted. “That is why we are appealing to the coach to review the lineup for Saturday’s game against Denmark.” Emana is also unhappy with his present role. “More often than not I am not fielded in my right position. I’m made to chase the ball all over the field. In that case, how do you expect me to be effective?” he said.
— Reuters |
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Wives, girlfriends on Brits’ minds
Star players like Wayne Rooney, 24, Steven Gerrard, 30, and John Terry, 29, could finally be with their wives if given the nod by Capello. The Italian boss has banned WAGs from South Africa until England make it through the group stage next week. Capello reckons WAGs such as Crouch's girl Abbey Clancy, Rooney's wife Coleen, and Gerrard's wife Alex Curran would turn England's campaign into a repeat of the "circus" in Baden Baden in 2006, the Daily Star reports. On Wednesday, the team pleaded with Capello, saying: "If we can't have games, please just let us have our wives." They have been cooped up in Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus for 13 days, and face 24 more days in the hotel if they reach the final on July 11. At the last World Cup, their base had an entertainment room with football games, golf simulators and beat-em-ups. This time the team has been left playing darts and snooker as well as passing time on the golf course. A senior source at the hotel said: "There are no video games. Because we're an all-in-one campus with training pitches at the hotel, we have to be aware of cabin fever setting in. And we've all had enough of golf!"
— ANI |
Dambulla, June 18 After scoring an intimidating 312 for four, the hosts bowled out Bangladesh for a mere 186 and collected a bonus point to take their points tally to nine from two matches at the Rangiri Dambulla International stadium. Dilshan first scored a fiery 71 while opening the innings and then capped the successful day with a three-wicket haul. India, who play Pakistan in a crucial match tomorrow, have five points from their six-wicket win over Bangladesh earlier in the week. Pakistan, who lost their opener to Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh (two defeats) are yet to open their account. Bangladesh were hopelessly outclassed in all departments of the game. Tamim Iqbal top scored with 51 (52b, 5x4, 1x6) while Junaid Siddique made a gutsy 35-ball 38 before being superbly caught by a diving Nuwan Kulasekara at square leg off Muthiah Muralitharan (2/38). The rest of the batsmen lacked the wherewithal to challenge the Lankan dominance. Earlier, half centuries by Dilshan, Upul Tharanga (54) and Kumar Sangakkara (52) and a brisk 73-run partnership between Angelo Mathews (42 not out) and Chamara Kapugedara (37 not out) for the unbroken fifth wicket put Lanka in total command. Sri Lanka galloped to 111 for no loss with Dilshan and Tharanga punishing the profligate Bangladesh new-ball attack led by Mashrafe Mortaza. Mortaza conceded as many as 26 runs in two overs to set the tone for the Lankan rampage. Bangladesh earned the breakthrough in the 16th over when Dilshan offered a feeble return catch to Shakib Al Hasan. The flamboyant opener smashed 11 boundaries and a six during his 51-ball tenure at the square. It was to the visitors' fortune that Tharanga offered his wicket on a platter to Mahmudullah in the 27th over. Thereafter, it was Sri Lanka all the way as Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene picked runs with effortless ease. The elegant twosome had posted 69 runs for the third wicket in 66 balls when Jayawardene (43), venturing to hit Shafiul Islam through the vacant on-side, holed out to Shakib Al Hasan at covers. Shafiul Islam, Bangladesh's best bowler of the day, was to account for Sangakkara as well, having the Lankan captain caught at the point by Shakib Al Hasan. — PTI Scoreboard Sri Lanka: Tharanga c Rahim b Mahmudullah 54 (73) Dilshan c & b Al Hasan 71 (51) Sangakkara c Al Hasan
b S Islam 52 (69) Jayawardene c Al Hasan b S Islam 43 (35) Mathews not out 42 (41) Kapugedera not out 37 (30) Extras (b 2, lb 3, w 8) 13 Total (4 wkts; 50 overs) 312 Fall of wickets: 1-111, 2-155, 3-224, 4-239 Bowling: Mortaza 8-0-70-0, Rasel 8-0-61-0, Islam 10-0-59-2, Al Hasan 10-0-49-1, Ashraful 4-0-19-0, N Islam 3-0-21-0, Mahmudullah 7-0-28-1. Bangladesh: Iqbal st Sangakkara
b Dilshan 51 (53) Kayes c Jayawardene b Kulasekara 3 (9) Siddique c Kulasekara b Muralitharan 38 (34) Ashraful lbw Dilshan 9 (29) Al Hasan b Muralitharan 20 (26) Rahim st Sangakkara
b Dilshan 6 (12) Mahmudullah c Sangakkara b Welegedara 9 (23) N Islam lbw Malinga 15 (30) Mortaza c Sangakkara
b Welegedara 15 (15) S Islam b Malinga 2 (7) Syed Rasel not out 0 (5) Extras (b 1, lb 4, w 11, nb 1) 17 Total (all out; 40.2 overs) 186 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-77, 3-104, 4-110, 5-126, 6-143, 7-167, 8-168, 9-186, 10-186 Bowling: Kulasekara 6-0-39-1, Malinga 8.2-0-35-2, Dilshan 10-0-37-3, Muralitharan 8-0-38-2, Welegedara 8-2-31-2. Man of the Match: Dilshan
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IAF honour for Sachin
Separately, the Mumbaikar, one of the world’s best batsmen, has requested the IAF that he wants to fly Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, IAF’s frontline fighter. Indian President Pratibha Patil and her predecessor, APJ Abdul Kalam have been flown around a twin seater Sukhoi by IAF pilots on special sorties. In case of the cricketer a twin-seater can be used at Lohegoan, near Pune that is major base for the fighters, said sources. Earlier, the move was to confer a rank of either a Squadron leader or wing commander to Tendulkar. That was revised and it has now been decided that the batsman will be conferred the rank of Group Captain. The rank will be conferred the ranks once the dates of Sachin’s availability are known. These have to be coordinated with his cricket schedule. The file for his honorary rank will be with consent of the government and completion of formalities. |
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Stokes warns teams of IHF meet
New Delhi, June 18 “Strict disciplinary action and penalisation as deemed fit would be taken against all those teams and players who participate in such kind of unauthorised tournaments,” Stokes said in a statement here yesterday. The Indian Hockey Federation, headed by KPS Gill, in its general council meeting in Delhi recently, had decided to hold the national championship in Bhopal in view of the Delhi Hight Court lifting the ban imposed on it by the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry. But Hockey India would have none of it, as it emphasised that HI was the “sole governing body for men and women (hockey) in India and duly recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).” Stokes said it was the “sole prerogative” of Hockey India to conduct the National Championships and also grant permission for the holding of various domestic tournaments, besides sending teams for overseas competitions, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Cup and the Olympic Games. “Hockey India has not given permission for the conduct of the men’s championship in Bhopal,” she asserted. At the general council meeting of Hockey India here on June 14, it was decided to hold the National Championship in November-December this year. |
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Soccer: Punjab club beat Kolkata
Mandi, June 18 YFC pierced the defence of CSC on many occasion but succeeded in 43rd and 70th minutes when their striker Sarabjit Singh scored the second and third goal to consolidate the lead 3-0. The Kolkata team could only manage to score one goal through striker Ananta Murmu. In Group B, MEG Bangalore defeated Indian Army Junior, Lucknow, 2-1. The scorers from MEG were Krishna and Galm. Palizar Bhulia scored the only goal from the other side.
— TNS |
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Mexico recorded their first victory over France and left the former winners facing a possible embarrassing early World Cup exit after a 2-0 win in their second Group A game on Thursday.
Johannesburg, June 18
Durban, June 18
Johannesburg, June 18
New Delhi, June 18