Penalty pain for USA, as Japan hold their nerve in Women's World Cup Final shoot-out !

Japan celebrate their World Cup success after defeating USA in a penalty shoot-out tonight

Japan became the first Asian nation to win the Women's World Cup, beating the USA in a penalty shoot-out in Frankfurt tonight.

It was a heart breaking end to the tournament for the USA, who were just three minutes away from becoming the first country to lift the trophy for a third time, in what was a truly exhilarating final.

The USA dominated the opening stages. Lively winger Lauren Cheney forced a save from Ayumi Kaihori with a shot from an acute angle, just 25 second into the contest.

On eight minutes, Megan Rapinoe found some space on the left and her excellent near post cross was turned just wide again by Cheney. Barely a minute later, Abby Wambach fired a shot over as USA maintained their bright start.

Then it was Atlanta Beat midfielder Carli Lloyd who had the next chance to break the deadlock. Japan were unable to deal with Shannon Boxx's cross into the penalty area and the ball dropped kindly for the midfielder, but her sweetly struck shot from inside the the box sailed just over.

In the 12th minute Rapinoe then pushed the ball wide at the near post in a move reminiscent of Cheney’s effort a few minutes earlier.

In the 29 minute Wambach, the USA’s all-time top FIFA Women’s World Cup goalscorer, hit a stunning shot from close to the corner of the penalty area which rattled the underside of the crossbar and rolled away to safety.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with the USA looking the far more threatening and the more likely to score.

Alex Morgan who came on at half-time for Cheney immediately imposed herself on the game. Four minutes after coming on the youngster got on the end of a Heather O’Reilly cross, only to see her toe-poked effort come back off the upright.

Then on the hour mark a Wambach header forced an excellent save from Kaihori as USA pushed ever closer to an opener.

However it was Morgan (right, wearing 13) who eventually gave the Stars and Stripes the lead on 69 minutes. A quick counter attack saw Rapinoe play an excellent long ball through for Morgan to run onto. She used her strength to hold off a defender, before the 22 year-old substitute hit a perfectly placed angled drive past the despairing Kaihori. 1-0 USA.

The USA seemed comfortably on course for victory with Japan posing little in the way of an attacking force, but with nine minutes of normal time remaining and against the run of play the Asian side equalised. Rachel Buehler and Alex Krieger failed to clear their lines following a cross from the right, allowing Aya Miyama to smash the loose ball past Hope Solo. USA 1-1 Japan.

So for the fourth time in six FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals, the match went into extra-time.

The USA regained the lead in the 104th minute when Morgan aimed a pinpoint cross towards the towering Wambach. The forward powered home a header from six yards, Wambach's fourth goal of the tournament - all from headers. 2-1 USA

But once again, resilient and stubborn Japan equalised when captain Homare Sawa produced an audacious flick from a corner that left keeper Solo helpless. USA 2-2 Japan

The USA pressed again in search for a late winner. Morgan was en route to scoring her second before she was cynically brought down by Azuza Iwashimizu on the edge of the area, and the full-back received a straight red from German referee Bibiana Steinhaus.

The free-kick came to nothing which was followed by the whistle to signal the end of extra-time and penalty-kicks.

Shannon Boxx and Tobin Heath both had their penalties saved by Kaihori, whilst Carli Lloyd completely missed the target, as the USA failed to convert any of their opening three penalties. Although Yuki Nagasato had her effort saved by Solo, Saki Kumagai stayed cool to fire in the decisive spot-kick for Japan as they claimed the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

"We're so happy about the title, now we're number one," said Japan captain Homare Sawa, who won the Golden Boot for top scorer in the tournament with five goals.

Ayumi Kaihori, Japan's goalkeeper added: "We have some very good players on the team and this is why we have been able to win the final. I received excellent support from the other players and I want to emphasise this is a team effort. In the penalty shootout I just had to believe in myself and I was very confident."

USA goalkeeper Hope Solo offered her congratulations to Japan saying: "As much as I've always wanted this, if there were any other team I could give this to it would have to be Japan. I'm happy for them and they do deserve it."

Abby Wambach, the USA striker added: "Japan just kept coming and they never gave up, and in the end they're the world champs."

Match highlights: Women's World Cup Final - USA v Japan on 17th July 2011

Goals: Alex Morgan (USA) 69', Aya Miyama (JPN) 81', Abby Wambach (USA) 104', Homare Sawa (JPN) 117'

Penalty shoot-out:
Shannon Boxx - Saved
Aya Miyami - Goal
Carli Lloyd - Missed
Yuki Nagasato - Saved
Tobin Heath - Saved
Mizuho Sakaguchi - Goal
Abby Wambach- Goal
Saki Kumagai - Goal

Japan beat the USA 3-1 on penalties.

The next Women's World Cup finals will be held in Canada in 2015.

USA reach Women's World Cup Final as the French are fried!

For the first time since winning on home soil in 1999, the USWNT is back in the World Cup final, after they defeated a spirited French side 3-1 today in the Women's World Cup semi-final at the Borussia Park Stadium in Moenchengladbach, Germany.

Pia Sundhage, the Swedish coach of the USA team, was forced to make one lineup change from the starting eleven that took the field in the quarterfinal against Brazil. With defender Rachel Buehler serving a one-game red-card suspension, Sundhage opted to start Becky Sauerbrunn in her place in central defense.
Sauerbrunn aged 26, a former University of Virginia defender, was making her World Cup debut.

Although France started off the brighter and more adventurous of the two teams in wet conditions, it was the U.S. that took the lead in the ninth minute, when Lauren Cheney scored her second goal of the tournament. Following Heather O’Reilly’s strong run and cross down the left flank, Cheney was on hand at to deftly deflect the ball home at the near post.

Approaching the half-hour mark a Louisa Necib's shot from the edge of the penalty area forced Hope Solo (pictured right, at training yesterday) into a smart save, as she tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Then in the 33rd minute, the French then came even close to scoring an equaliser, but Sonia Bompastor's fierce shot rattled the crossbar.

USA striker Abby Wambach came close to increasing the American's lead twice in a matter of minutes before the interval. First she could only direct a header across the face of goal following a Shannon Boxx cross, and then she should have scored at the near post, but instead stabbed her shot wide.

However the first-half ended with the USA a goal to the good.

The second period continued in a similar vein to the first, with high tempo and end-to-end action. France restored parity ten minutes after the interval with a somewhat fortuitous goal, although one that proved reward for their persistent attacking endeavour. Bompastor played a searching cross into the penalty area for Gaetane Thiney and with Hope Solo in the American goal anticipating a header, she was caught wrong-footed when Thiney failed to connect, allowing Bompastor's cross to sail directly into the net.

Immediately Pia Sundhage made a couple of substitutions, bringing Alex Morgan on for Amy Rodriguez and Megan Rapinoe on for Carli Lloyd, and moving Cheney into the center of midfield.

With just 11 minutes remaining the U.S finally broke the deadlock and took the lead when Lauren Cheney's peach of a corner was met by Abby Wambach. The American striker scored with a towering header giving Berangere Sapowicz no chance in the French goal.

That goal saw Wambach, draw level with fellow American Michelle Akers as the USA's most prolific scorer to date in Women's World Cup Final tournaments, with twelve goals.

Alex Morgan, (below, wearing 13) who came on as a second-half substitute for Amy Rodriguez, added a third just three minutes later with a smart finish following a swift counter-attack, to put the result beyond doubt.

The 3-1 scoreline somewhat flattered the U.S, who were often outplayed by a French team that were resilient, dominated possession and were a constant goal threat throughout the match.

However their poor defending and goalkeeping was their undoing and proved to be the ultimate difference in the match.

So a combination of determination, some solid defending, particularly from the U.S central defensive pairing of Becky Sauerbrunn and Christie Rampone, and a a bit of luck saw the U.S through, but France have shown that they can compete with the superpowers of women's soccer. They are undoubtedly a team to watch in the future.

"First of all I’d like to thank the French team. They’re a fantastic side with an amazing attack. It was a great game and a privilege to play against them today. We stuck together out there. We stayed strong and we kept going when things got tough. In the dressing room I said to [Lauren] Cheney: ‘When we have a corner send the ball to the far post and we’ll score’. Her delivery was exceptional. I was so close to the post I thought I was going to bang my head against it, but luckily I made contact with the ball. I couldn’t be more excited, proud or happy." - USA striker Abby Wambach's post-match reaction.

"We didn’t play well today. France played well. But the team found a way to win and that’s the great thing about being the coach of this team. I made some tactical errors today, but my coaching staff gave me a hand and switched the midfield around just when France were playing their best football." - Pia Sundhage, the USA coach speaks after his sides victory over France.

Match highlights: Women's World Cup Semi-Final - USA v France on 13th July 2011

Goals:Lauren Cheney (USA) 9', Sonia Bompastor (FRA) 55', Abby Wambach(USA) 79', Alex Morgan (USA) 82'

In today's other semi-final, Japan beat Sweden 3-1 and will play the USA in Sunday's Women's World Cup Final.

Sunday 17th July: FIFA Women's World Cup Final, United States v Japan, in the Frankfurt Stadium, Germany, kick-off 19.45 BST, live on BBC3, ESPN, British EuroSport1, ARD, CBC, cbcsports.ca, FIFA.com, SBS One Australia, TLN.

Read more at: USA Women's Soccer and USA Women's Soccer/Facebook

Babes Of The Month - Sexy Soccer Stars of 2011 World Cup

Top: Madeleine Giske - Norway and Arna-Bjørnar, midfield/striker, aged 23.

Middle left: Jessica Landström - Sweden and FFC Frankfurt, midfield/striker, aged 26.

Middle right: Corine Franco - France and Lyon, defensive midfielder, aged 27.

Bottom: Alex Morgan - United States and Western New York Flash, striker, aged 21.

Hannah Teter and Clair Bidez - US Snowbarding Babes

Hannah Teter (born 27th January, 1987 in Belmont, Vermont, USA) is a US Professional Snowboarder.

Hannah started snowboarding at the age of eight, taking her first lesson at her home mountain of Okemo. By 2002 at the age of fifteen, she was the World Junior Halfpipe Champion, and had begun riding on the FIS Snowboard World Cup circuit.
























From 2002–2004 Teter competed in seven World Cup events winning four of them.
In 2005 she won a bronze medal at the FIS World Championships at Whistler, British Columbia.

At the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, she became an Olympic Champion, taking the gold medal in the halfpipe, and her accomplishment was rewarded further by the United States Olympic Committee, who named her the USOC SportsWoman of the Year. She also won the ESPY Award for Best Action Sports Female in 2006.

In January 2010, Teter was named to the US Team for the 2010 Winter Olympicsin Vancouver. She won the silver medal in women's halfpipe at the Vancouver Games.

Hannah in snowboarding action in Vancouver.

In 2008 Teter founded a charity called Hannah's Gold which raises money through the sales of Vermont maple syrup. The charity, in partnership with World Vision, helps to support the village of Kirindon, Kenya through building schools, digging fresh water wells, and providing water filtration.

In 2009 Teter donated all of her prize money to the Kirindon program. She has also worked to raise money for Darfur and other causes, sponsors children in Honduras and the Philippines through Children International, and is a spokesperson for Boarding for Breast Cancer.
In 2009, Vermont based ice cream company Ben & Jerry's created a new flavour in honour of their fellow Vermonter: 'Hannah Teter's Maple Blondie.' The new flavour went on sale in December 2009, and a portion of proceeds will go to Teter's charity.

In 2010 Teter launched a new charity initiative, 'Sweet Cheeks,' which donates 40% of the sales proceeds from an exclusive line of underwear to partner organization 'Children International' to help feed children living in extreme poverty around the world.

Also in 2010, Teter was also one of four American athletes chosen to model for the 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue' in a section devoted to Winter Olympians.

Also see: HannahTeter/Facebook and HannahTeter/Twitter

Clair Bidez (born on the 8th July, 1987 in Vail, Colorado, USA) is a US Professional Snowboarder.

Clair first started skiing at a young age and by time she was nine she was ski racing in Colorado. She made the switch to snowboarding in 1996 after being introduced to the sport by her younger brother Dylan, and her competitive career began in 2004 with local USASA contests, which in turn helped develop her halfpipe riding to new levels.
























As a member of the US Snowboarding team, Bidez's breakout season came in 2005-06, when she won both the USASA National Championships at Copper Mountain and the Junior World Championships. She also claimed seventh at the Burton New Zealand Open

Making her X Games debut in 2006, Bidez finished just out of the medals in fourth place. She went on to claim a pair of podium finishes on the 2008 Grand Prix circuit. After breaking her right heel at the beginning of 2009 and battling the nagging injury, Bidez struggled to match her early performances, although still producing consistent top-15 finishes.

Clair snowboarding at a Grand Prix meeting in Utah.

With four spots open on the 2010 US Olympic snowboarding team, Bidez made a strong push to make the squad and never finished below ninth on the Grand Prix circuit. However, with an eighth place rank overall she just missed the cut.

In 2010, Bidez (like Hannah Teter) was one of four American athletes chosen to model for the 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue' in a section devoted to Winter Olympians.

Also see: Clair Bidez/Twitter

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

Lindsey Vonn - American Alpine Ski Babe

Lindsey Vonn (née Kildow, born 18th October, 1984 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA) is a US alpine ski racer.

In 1999, Vonn became the first American female to win at Italy's Trofeo Topolino (for skiers of ages 11–14) where she was victorious in slalom. After climbing through the ranks of the U.S. Ski Team, she made her World Cup debut aged 16 on the 18th November, 2000 in Park City, Utah.

Lindsey Vonn made her Olympic debut at the 2002 Winter Olympics, where she raced in both the slalom and combined in Salt Lake City, coming sixth in the combined.

At her second Winter Olympics held in Turin, Italy in 2006, Vonn crashed while training for the downhill race and was evacuated by helicopter and hospitalized overnight. Despite a bruised hip, she returned the following day to compete and finished eighth. The gritty performance earned her the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award, as voted by American fans, fellow Team USA athletes, former U.S. Olympians, and members of the media for 'best representing the Olympic Spirit.'

At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Vonn won the gold medal in downhill, the first American woman to do so. She also won bronze in the Super-G (Super Giant Slalom).

She also won three consecutive overall World Cup championships ( in 2008, 2009, 2010), the first American woman and only the second woman ever to accomplish this.

With her Olympic gold and bronze medals, 34 World Cup wins in four disciplines (Downhill, Super G, Slalom and Super-Combined), her two World Championship gold medals and two World Championship silver medals, Lindsey Vonn has become the most successful American woman skier in history.

Read more at: http://www.lindseyvonn.com

Also see: Lindsey Vonn/Facebook and Lindsey Vonn/Twitter

Part Two of The World's Wackiest Sports - Ferret Legging

What do coal miners do for fun in Yorkshire, England? They partake in a sport that involves these three things: trousers, a ferret, and the ability to endure a fully fanged ferret shoved inside one's trousers.

The sport is surprisingly simple:

Contestants tie their trousers at the ankles, then drop two ferrets inside and fasten their belts to prevent the animals from escaping. The man that lasts the longest wins.

Lest they have sneaky contestants, judges make sure that the ferrets aren't sedated and the contestants aren't drunk. The ferrets must have a mouth's full of teeth - unfiled or otherwise blunted. Their nails mustn't have been clipped. Oh, and in case anyone asks: no underwear, please. The trousers must be loose so the ferret can move from ankle to ankle.

The sport involves little innate talent, except for the ability of ignoring a nasty bite to one's ....... well, you get the picture!

Indeed, before entering a competition, males "whose families are not yet complete" are required to have written permissions from their partners.

The ferrets are occasionally put inside the contestants' shirts in addition to their trousers. An attempt to introduce a female version of the sport—ferret busting, in which female contestants introduced ferrets down their blouses—proved unsuccessful.

So how long do you think people last with ferrets rummaging around in their trousers? A couple of seconds? A few minutes? Half an hour?

On 5 July 1981, retired miner Reg Mellor, from Barnsley, set a new world record time of five hours and twenty-six minutes at the 'Annual Pennine Show' at Holmfirth, Yorkshire. He had practised the sport since his youth, but had received no recognition until he set the new world record.

Mellor, who had hunted with ferrets in the dales outside of Barnsley for many years, had grown accustomed to keeping them in his trousers to keep them warm and dry when out working in the rain. Mellor's "trick" was to ensure that the ferrets were well-fed before they were inserted into his trousers.

Frank Bartlett, a retired headmaster, and Christine Farnsworth, broke Mellor's record in 2010. The pair managed five hours and thirty minutes, raising £1,000 for the Whittington Community First Responders.

Ferret legging has existed for centuries. Following a brief resurgence in popularity during the 1970's, ferret legging has been described as a "dying sport", that according to a 2005 report published in the 'English Northern Echo' newspaper, is being replaced by ferret racing, in which the animals race through a plastic pipe.

Although the sport is now uncommon, you don't have to trek to the coal country of Yorkshire, England to find the sport of ferret legging - a national 'ferret legging' competition has been held at the Richmond Highland Games and Celtic Festival in Richmond, Virginia, USA, since 2003,

In 2007, the 'Manitoba Ferret Association' held a ferret legging competition in St. Vital Park, Winnipeg, Canada to raise money in support of the organization's shelter for homeless ferrets.

According to Kelly Yager of the 'Manitoba Ferret Association,' the animals actually like small, confined spaces.

Marlene Blackburn, who works with the 'Ferret Rescue League' to ensure that no ferrets are harmed in the sport, claims that during the years the competitions have been held in Richmond no contestant has ever been bitten, although some may get a few scratches.

Jay Lugar, spokesman for the Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival, said ferrets are "generally very harmless, fun-loving creatures."

Louis Mahoney of the 'Richmond Times-Dispatch' newspaper said it is "sure to bring a laugh."

The magazine 'Cracked' listed it as the fifth "most baffling" sport in the world.

Rick Reilly, American sportswriter for ESPN, a worldwide leader in sports coverage, tried ferret legging as part of his quest to find "the world's dumbest sport" for a book he published on the 4th May 2010 called "Sports from Hell."

Heather Mitts - USA Soccer Babe

Heather Blaine Mitts (born 9 June 1978) is an American currently playing for Philadelphia Independence as a defender in the (WPS) Women's Professional Soccer league in the United States. Heather is also a member of the United States women's national soccer team, having won 109 caps to date, and she is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Read more at: http://www.heathermitts.com/

Celtic thriller as Europe triumph in Ryder Cup classic!

A victory roar from McDowell (left) and Poulter after clinching the Ryder Cup

A stunning days golf at the Celtic Manor in South Wales saw Europe win the closest Ryder Cup contest since Brookline, Massachusetts in 1999.

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won the final singles match to help Europe regain the trophy by the smallest possible margin, 14½ points to 13½ points.

Trailing 9-6½ going into the weather delayed finale, the United States fought back superbly to take the match to the wire. Only Europe's Luke Donald, Ian Poulter and Miguel Angel Jimenez managed to win their singles matches, whist victories in the singles today by American's Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Jeff Overton, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson brought the USA level with Europe at 13½ points apiece.

This meant it all went down to the final singles match between McDowell and Californian Hunter Mahan, as Europe went in search of the magical 14½ points needed for outright victory. McDowell, ironically the US Open champion kept his cool and held his nerve as Mahan was forced to concede defeat on the 17th green, sparking wild celebrations among the European team and the majority of the 35,000 fans.

HOW THE FINAL DAY UNFOLDED (BST)

0905: Westwood/Stricker start singles (Europe 9½-6½ USA)
1149: Europe up in 7 matches, USA in 4, one all-square
1247: Stricker beats Westwood 2&1 (9½-7½)
1248: D Johnson beats Kaymer 6&4 (9½-8½)
1302: Poulter beats Kuchar 5&4 (10½-8½)
1320: McIlroy halved with Cink (11-9)
1329: Donald beats Furyk 1up (12-9)
1403: Jimenez beats Watson 4&3 (13-9)
1409: Overton beats Fisher 3&2 (13-10)
1414: Woods beats F Molinari 4&3 (13-11)
1442: Mickelson beats Hanson 4&2 (13-12)
1501: E Molinari halved with Fowler (13½-12½)
1502: Z Johnson beats Harrington 4&3 (13½-13½)
1520: McDowell beats Mahan 3&1 (14½-13½)

"A fantastic result for Europe's golfers, a great advert for the game and a marvellous advert for sport."

Chicago, Illinois is the venue in two years time, when the USA will have the opportunity to regain the coverted trophy on home soil.

The 2010 Ryder Cup in detail: http://www.rydercup.com/2010/

The Latest World Cup News

After yesterday's final group games which saw Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Chile book their places in the second round of the 2010 World Cup, we now move straight into the knock-out phase of the tournament.
Today sees Uruguay up against South Korea in Port Elizabeth, whilst the USA take on Ghana in Rustenburg in the late kick-off.

Uruguay are expected to stick with the same line-up that beat Mexico 1-0 in their final group game. Coach Oscar Tabarez may be tempted to bring in defender Diego Godin in place of Mauricio Victorino, who is one booking away from suspension, as are fellow defenders Diego Lugano and Jorge Fucile - BBC Sport

South Korea coach Huh Jung-Moo could drop fullback Cha Du-Ri, who was at fault for Nigeria's opening goal in their 2-2 draw, with Kim Dong-Jin favourite to replace him.
One booking away from suspension are midfielders Lee Chung-Yong and Kim Nam-Il, along with striker Yeom Ki-Hun - BBC Sport

The United States welcome the return of Robbie Findley from suspension after he missed the Algeria victory thanks to two yellow cards picked up in the opening two matches.
Replacing Findley in attack for the game in Pretoria was Herculez Gomez, however with DaMarcus Beasley and Edson Buddle also both available, coach Bob Bradley has options as to who will partner Jozy Altidore up front.
Midfielder Maurice Edu is likely to retain a starting berth after coming in for Jose Francisco Torres - skysports.com

Ghana could be without centre-back Isaac Vorsah for the knockout encounter as the defender struggles to win his fitness battle. Vorsah missed the draw against Australia through injury and was hoping to be in contention for the loss to Germany, however Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac was forced to start him on the bench.
There was better news for fellow first-choice defender John Mensah, who also returned from the sidelines to complete 90 minutes, meaning Ghana may field an unchanged starting XI.
Midfielder Sulley Muntari may come in for Prince Tagoe, despite a 'reported bust-up' with his coach, should Rajevax decide to tinker with his system - skysports.com

The clash between arch-rivals Germany and England rates as one of the glamour fixtures in world football, as both teams gear up for Sunday's last 16 meeting in Bloemfontein.
England's Jamie Carragher could return after suspension at the heart of England's defence replacing Matthew Upson.
Striker Miroslav Klose should return to the German starting line-up after suspension with Cacau making way. Toni Kroos may start in midfield as Bastian Schweinsteiger is doubtful with a thigh muscle injury - Fourfourtwo.com

Brazil will welcome back midfield pair Kaka and Elano for Monday's last 16 encounter against fellow South Americans Chile, in Johannesburg. Kaka served a one-match ban against Portugal while Elano was ruled out through injury - Fifa.com

Spain midfielder Xavi Alonso is a doubt for the World Cup round of 16 showdown with Iberian neighbours Portugal after suffering a sprained ankle in their win over Chile - Goal.com

Japan striker Shinji Okazaki has warned Paraguay that they have "nothing to lose" as they bid for a historic place in the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.
The Samurai Blue helped Japan to victories over Cameroon and Denmark in Group E to seal their place in the last 16 for the first time ever on foreign soil. Okazaki opened his World Cup account when he came off the bench to score the clincher in the 3-1 win over the Danes on Thursday.
Okazaki's first World Cup goal came as a relief for the 24-year-old, who finished as the world's top international scorer for 2009 with 15 goals. Since the turn of the year, however, he has struggled to match that form, but after getting off the mark on Thursday he is determined to add to his tally in South Africa - Fifa.com

Sven-Goran Eriksson has refused to confirm where his future lies after stepping down as Ivory Coast manager.
His team crashed out of the World Cup in the opening stages after failing to progress from Group G, and now that the Swede's short term deal as coach has ended, he has been linked with a return to club management - Goal.com

More Butter Fingers than Green Fingers !

Now I would like to point out that due to work commitments I had to view last night's game intermittently at work on a small screen TV with the sound muted, and as of yet I have not listened to or read any broadcasting opinions, official interviews or press reports made since the final whistle of the England v USA game.

As a result this article is brief and written without any outside influence, so here we go!

England's history of starting major tournaments poorly continued with another rather uninspiring display last night, as they 'let slip' an early lead given to them courtesy of a serene Steven Gerrard strike, to share the spoils in a rather drab 1-1 draw with the United States in their opening group C match, on day two of the 2010 World Cup.

It may sound a bit premature with only five matches completed as I write, but the word 'uninspiring' seems prevalent thus far in football's showpiece event, with adventurous attacking flair playing second fiddle to some rather apathetic tactics, seemingly deployed and installed by managers into their players.
A psychological condition I am going to call for the time being anyway, the 'lose at no costs' syndrome.

Not for the first time last night England fell foul, largely due to yet another goalkeeping 'gaffe' that would rival any other previous goalkeeping faux pas made by the men between the sticks over the years. Is their some kind of goalkeeping style Masonic Club we are unaware of on these shores!

If there is should it read something like this:

"Ultimately, we are the same Freemasons that you have known throughout your life and all of history – a fun-loving Brotherhood of Charity, that is reflected in our works. We are dedicated to promoting good will in our local communities while at the same time promoting fun, unsafe and unreliable English goalkeepers."

Current members of our club include, Mr.Bonetti, Mr.Clemence, Mr.Seamen, Mr.Robinson, Mr.Carson. Now step forward Mr.Green who has himself thrown his own hat into the ring. However, full membership can only be achieved upon that individual being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason...........

I digress. Moving on swiftly.
Robert Green in my opinion should not bare the sole brunt of the blame for our failure to beat the USA at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium near Rustenburg last night.
There are other candidates who's influence on our national team puts them well and truly in the line of fire! Not least the Football Association's own £6 million a year employee, our very own England manager, be he of Italian descent, Mr.Fabio Capello.

England qualified for the World Cup with aplomb, but since the end of the English domestic season, and the announcement of the provisional 30 man squad, we seem to have lost our way.

Three lacklustre warm-up matches prior to the tournament seem to throw the England circus out of formation.

I find some of Capello's behaviour and decision making of late somewhat unsettling. The manner in which he whittled down his squad of 30 to a final 23, the omission of certain players and the inclusion of others, along with the reported and I feel rather bizarre decision not to tell his squad who would be starting the game against the USA, until something like two hours before kick-off. Football is as much a mental game as a physical one, and I am not sure I agree with the wisdom of his methods of thinking!

Some may argue the phrase there is 'method in the madness,' but on this occasion I am not convinced the boss got it right!

Having said that, it is still early days, but if 'Fabio' wants to live up to his name, then he has some serious thinking and soul searching to do before Friday's must win encounter with Algeria.

Who will wear the goalkeeping jersey?
What formation should he play?
Should Rooney play as a loan striker?
Is there room for a fit Gareth Barry?
Who will make up the best centre-half pairing?
Should Lennon or Wright-Phillips provide the width?

Good luck Fabio, because ' your necky may well be on the blockey ' if the team fails to deliver on Friday!

Arse About Face - World Cup Hair To Die For!

A hairdresser is a universal term referring to someone whose occupation is to cut or style hair in order to change or maintain a person's image. This is achieved using a combination of hair colouring, haircutting and hair texture techniques.
Some barbers prefer to see themselves as hairdressers or hairstylists.
In fact, barbers can cut hair, trim beards, colour, perm, provide facials, and shave. Today, barbers and stylists may be found working side by side in establishments known as male salons. Male salons have afforded the barber the opportunity to remain traditional in all aspects of the term, yet also progressively contemporary as fashion and trends evolve.

In the dock and charged with crimes against football, in this case for attempting and failing to carry off the role of a fashion icon are:

Defendant One: Ronaldo (Brazil) seen at the 2002 World Cup in Japan & South Korea sporting this cataclysmic faux pas.....

Defendant Two: Carles Puyol (Spain) a repeat offender - seen firstly at the 2002 World Cup in Japan & South Korea and again at the 2006 World Cup in Germany sporting this cataclysmic faux pas.....

Defendant Three: Alexis Lalas (USA) seen at the 1994 World Cup in the United States sporting this cataclysmic faux pas.....

Defendant Four: Carlos Valderrama (Columbia) seen at the 1990 World Cup in Italy sporting this cataclysmic faux pas.....

Defendant Five: Roberto Baggio (Italy) seen at the 1994 World Cup of in the United States sporting this cataclysmic faux pas.....

Could the USA really threaten England in South Africa? - 2010 World Cup Betting News with Betfred

V.

With England due to kick-off their 2010 World Cup campaign three weeks today, the hype about this summer's World Cup is well and truly underway, and you can't move for adverts in support of our national team. However one football expert reckons Fabio Capello's side face a tricky task early on in the competition.

England, who are third favourites in the World Cup 2010 betting, face the USA in Rustenburg in their opening game on June 12th. The Three Lions are well-fancied to win this clash at 1/2 with Betfred, while the Americans are 5/1 to cause a shock.

One man who thinks it may not be so easy for England is Sir Alex Ferguson, who thinks the USA have a "very good chance at qualifying", which could see some punters seeing the Americans to win Group C at 5/1 as a reasonable shout.

The Manchester United manager said there are a number of players in Bob Bradley's squad who are more than capable of springing a surprise on opposition defences in South Africa.

"I don't think they're going to be overwhelmed with the atmosphere of the World Cup, the importance of the World Cup, the intensity," Ferguson said.

"I think that will be easy for them. I think they'll be used to that. Those players have that, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey. Dempsey has had a great season in England this year."

He added: "They are very athletic, they apply themselves very well, and are difficult to play against."

England and the USA, the two favourites to progress from Group C, also have to play Slovenia and Algeria. The eastern European nation failed to clock up a point in their only other World Cup appearance in 2002, while the African side also have a poor record in the tournament. They are 15/8 and 10/3 respectively to make it through to the second round, something I can't see happening.

Remember, this is the same USA side that is ranked 14 in the world and made it into the final of the Confederations Cup last summer, beating Spain on the way and giving Brazil a real game in the final. So not only should they make it out of the group, but they could go even further - the online betting makes them 20/1 shots to be knocked out in the semis.


My Opening Tip of the Tournament:

England and USA to qualify from Group C at 4/5 with Betfred, while England at 3/1 to get knocked out in the quarter-finals should also be considered by those punters seeking value.

England v United States - Saturday 12th June, kick-off 7.30pm, live on the ITV.
England v Algeria - Friday 18th June, kick-off 7.30pm, live on the ITV.
England v Slovenia - Wednesday 23rd June, kick-off 3pm, live on the BBC.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

A History of Idiosyncratic Events in Football – Part Three

--------------World Cup Shock--------------

With the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa due to kick-off in less than 100 days, it is somewhat ironic that if we roll the tape back almost exactly 60 years to the day, to the World Cup Finals of 1950, a comparable fixture rears its head again for the England national team.

The opening match in Group C takes place on the 12th June in Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium and sees England up against the United States, the first World Cup match-up between the two countries since the 1950 tournament in Brazil.

On the 29th June 1950 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil's third largest city the USA (below) beat England 1-0, and in doing inflicted one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, then and still to this day !

At the time, the English considered themselves the "Kings of Football", with a post-war record of 23 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws. Conversely, the Americans had lost their last seven international matches (including the 1934 World Cup and 1948 Summer Olympics).

The USA, who had no professional league to draw upon and whose star player was a Scotsman who had been released by Third Division Wrexham, were certainly not among the pre-tournament favourites!

The American team consisted of semi-professional players, most of whom had other jobs to support their families. Midfielder Walter Bahr was a high school teacher, and others worked as mail carriers or dishwashers.

England were expected to enjoy something akin to shooting practice and an easy victory was apparently assured.
However things did not run to plan. The Americans had not read the script and scored the game's only goal when Joe Gaetjens headed in their only chance.
The English quickly began to complain.........the crowd were too close, the pitch was too hard and bumpy, and the players were still tired from a long domestic season.

But the excuses could not disguise the fact that they had lost in humiliating fashion to a team of part-timers from a country which was largely uninterested in football/soccer.

England lost their next match and failed to qualify for the final round, finishing the first round with a record of one win and two defeats.

The USA also lost their next match versus Chile, ending their own 1950 World Cup run. They would not qualify again for the World Cup for another forty years, until Italia 1990.

Match details:
29th June 1950
18:00 BRT
United States 1 – 0 England, Estádio Independência, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Generoso Datillo (Italy)
Goalscorer: Gaetjens 38'


England Team:
GK: Bert Williams
DF: Alf Ramsey
DF: John Aston
DF: Billy Wright (c)
MF: Laurie Hughes
MF: Jimmy Dickinson
FW: Wilf Mannion
FW: Tom Finney
FW: Jimmy Mullen
FW: Stan Mortensen
FW; Roy Bentley
Manager: Walter Winterbottom

Interest in soccer within the United States has grown rapidly since the 1990's. This has been attributed to the fact that the 1994 FIFA World Cup was played in the United States, the first time the event was held in the U.S. This won the sport more attention from both the media and casual sports fans. As part of the United States' bid to host the World Cup in 1994, U.S. Soccer pledged to create a professional outdoor league for the first time since the collapse of the NASL a decade earlier. That effort culminated in the launch of Major League Soccer in 1996, which helped develop American players in a way that was not possible without a domestic league.

Many of these players competed in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where the United States did surprisingly well, reaching the quarter-finals after beating arch rivals Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16, before narrowly losing 1-0 to the eventual runners-up Germany in the quarter-finals.

Since the early 1990's, many American men have found opportunities to play soccer at the highest levels of foreign leagues.

The following is a list of Americans playing in the English League's alone.
Others ply their trade in European leagues in the likes of Croatia, Denmark, Germany, France, Norway, Sweeden and Portugal.

In England's Premier League:

Cody Arnoux (Everton)
Landon Donovan (Everton)
Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Tim Howard (Everton)
Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
Eddie Johnson (Fulham)
Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa)
Anton Peterlin (Everton)
Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
Jozy Altidore (Hull City)
Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers)

In England's Football League Championship:

Jay Demerit (Watford)
Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday)

In England's Football League One:

Mike Grella (Leeds United)
Jemal Johnson (Milton Keynes Dons)
Ian Joyce (Southend United)
Jon-Paul Pittman (Wycombe Wanderers)
Zak Whitbread (Norwich City)

I have no doubt that England boss Fabio Capello will have his team primed and ready come the 12th June, and I fully expect England to win a tough opening game against the USA, and avoid a repeat of the events of 60 years ago!