Saturday, June 26, 2010

Sunday's World Cup round-up

England keeper Rob Green blamed the ball for his fumble which gifted United States an equaliser
England keeper Rob Green blamed the ball for his fumble which gifted United States an equaliser

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is confident striker Fernando Torres will recapture his scoring touch - but is happy with his all-round contribution.

"What's important is that he's played in the three games and has progressed in his preparation," Del Bosque said.

"He's a player who even though he hasn't scored goals he benefits us as someone who makes it hard for opposing defences and who is always a threat to the other team. He's a very dangerous player."

The 2010 World Cup has become the fourth consecutive tournament to be free of doping so far.

More than 450 players have been screened during the World Cup, including almost 200 match day checks.

Brazil striker Luis Fabiano has revealed a move to Manchester United would be "very attractive".

"I must be honest and say Premier League football attracts me and also the way Manchester United play football attracts me," he said.

Fifa has finally acknowledged that there may be something wrong with the Jabulani World Cup ball, but won't act on the problem until after the tournament.

"We're not deaf," said Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke. "Fifa is not unreceptive about what has been said about the ball."

Brazil coach Dunga got into a verbal spat with Valcke over the Jabulani before the tournament, challenging him to come out onto the pitch and attempt to control it.

Denmark defender Daniel Agger said the ball made some outfielders look like "drunken sailors."

Valcke said that Fifa will discuss the matter with coaches and teams after the World Cup, then meet with manufacturer Adidas.

Former France captain Patrick Vieira said he would not be available for selection under new coach Laurent Blanc.

The 34-year-old, who was not part of the squad for South Africa, told French television channel Canal Plus: "No, it wouldn't be reasonable."

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said his side have been too casual at times and wants to see a more focused approach in the last-16 match against Slovakia.

"They are an opponent we must not underestimate," he said. "We must be patient to score goals, we've got speed we can use, but we can't afford to play like we did for periods against Cameroon when we were so nonchalant."

Japanese fans celebrated wildly after their country's 3-1 win against Denmark, with police called on to fish revellers out of Osaka's Dotonbori river.

The victory for the Blue Samurai put them into the knockout stages and TV viewing figures nudged past 41%, despite the game finishing just before 0530 in Japan.

Updated throughout the day

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