England and Germany just made it into the knock-out stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday together with the United States but Australia went out despite a victory that paradoxically saved Africa’s chances.

Ghana, the continent’s last real hope, lost 1-0 to Germany after a thundering 60th minute strike by Mesut Ozil, but finished second in Group D thanks to the Socceroos convincing 2-1 victory over Serbia.

Two half brothers faced each other for the first time at a World Cup when Kevin-Prince Boateng played for Ghana and Jerome Boateng for Germany.

England finally found some of their form to beat a feisty Slovenia, who saw their chance of qualification from Group C agonisingly stolen at the last moment by a USA goal by Landon Donovan in injury time against Algeria.

The last gasp USA victory sparked scenes of joy in Pretoria among American fans and gave them first place in the group over England.

(more…)

The UK press had no mercy on England goalkeeper Robert Green for his blunder that cost England their win against the USA in their World cup encounter.
The weekly press printed frame-by-frame images of Green’s error, with the front pages of the News of the World and the Sunday Mirror both reading “Hand of Clod”, accompanied by a giant picture of Green.

Any England goalkeeper guilty of a clanger is given merciless treatment by the national newspapers, with international careers usually then brought to a shuddering halt.

David Seaman, David James, Paul Robinson and Scott Carson can all testify to that.

“Cock-up keeper Green wrecks dream start,” said the News of the World, adding: “Stars and tripe”.

(more…)

Brazil came from behind to beat the USA 3 – 2 on Sunday in the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

The five-times world champions trailed 2-0 at halftime to the hard-running Americans after goals by Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.

Luis Fabiano pulled one back at the start of the second half and levelled after 74 minutes before captain Lucio headed the winner six minutes from time.

“When we went in at halftime we only heard about was how we were going to come back and we got that at first goal at an important time,” he told reporters.

“It was great that we managed it. It was very hard and we had to fight for it.

“Our first goal was crucial to keep our belief. We scored early enough so that we knew we had plenty of time maybe to go to extra time. Then we got the second one. After that kept the ball, we moved them from side to side, we kept our patience and we got the third.”

(more…)

The USA have stunned the World’s number one team Spain 2 – 0 to reach the finals of the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

A first half strike from Villarreal’s Jozy Altidore and another 16 minutes from time by Fulham’s Clint Dempsey did the damage on Wednesday in what will go down as one of the biggest victories in US football history.

They also had a flawless performance by Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and a commendable defensive display to thank for earning them a shot at the trophy on Sunday against either Brazil or hosts South Africa.

“When you play Spain you certainly have to work very hard as a group to defend. We made a special point to close down Xavi as best we could to prevent his penetrative passes,” said Bradley.

“We felt strongly that when we got the ball we needed to be aggressive and have the confidence that we could keep the ball and move it.

(more…)

Brazil qualified for the Confederations Cup semi-final by beating a 10-man USA team 3 – 0 on Thursday.

Felipe Melo, Robinho and Maicon secured the three points that lift Dunga’s men to the top of Group B with Italy, in action against Egypt in Thursday’s other game, to come on Sunday.

“We played well but we want to play even better in the games ahead,” warned Manchester City striker Robinho.

“Against Egypt we didn’t play well in the second half but today we showed our real game,” added Kaka, while Dunga’s thoughts had already turned to Saturday’s final group game.

“When Brazil face Italy you never know what’s going to happen,” ventured the Brazil coach.

(more…)