Uruguay hammer hosts South Africa

Uruguay produced an assured performance to beat hosts South Africa in Pretoria and take control of Group A.

The South Americans were much more forward-thinking than during their nervous opening match with France five days ago providing a constant threat to Bafana Bafana's goal while also nullifying the meek attacking threat provided by their overwhelmed opponents.

Diego Forlan capped an impressive performance with two goals - the first a 30-yard deflected strike, the second a well-taken penalty after Luis Suarez had been fouled by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, for which he was red carded - and Alvaro Pereira added a late third.

The victory not only advances Uruguay to four points and to top of the table ahead of their final group game with Mexico, but gives them their first World Cup finals victory since a group stage win over South Korea at Italia 90.

In contrast, this defeat is South Africa's first in 14 matches and leaves them facing an uphill task to secure a place in the last 16.

Prior to the game, both coaches had promised more positive approaches from their sides following conservative showings in their opening games, which yielded them a point a piece, and so it proved in an entertaining match that not only improved on what Group A had offered, but what the tournament on the whole has provided thus far.

Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira kept essentially the same side - Tsepo Masilela replaced Lucas Thwala at left-back - and the same shape from the 1-1 draw with Mexico. Their performance was more in keeping with their passionate second-half display at Soccer City rather than their nervous first 45 minutes, but they were unable to pose enough of a threat to trouble their superior opponents.

Having navigated a tricky opening game against France relatively unscathed and knowing here lay their chance to seize control of Group A, Uruguay opted for a three man strike force, bringing in Edinson Cavani to partner Suarez, with Atletico Madrid's Forlan playing in a withdrawn attacking role.

The former Manchester United striker was the difference - dropping deep to collect possession and influence his side's attacks and providing the moment of individual brilliance that gave Uruguay the lead midway through the first half via a 30-yard dipping shot that found the net via a glancing deflection off Aaron Mokoena.

He also demonstrated an immense level of composure to emphatically hammer his penalty into the roof of the net following a considerable wait while the hosts replaced Khune with substitute keeper Moneeb Josephs.

The 75th-minute penalty prompted a silent, defeated exodus from the stands and when Forlan floated an exquisite pass to Suarez who then crossed for Alvaro Perreira to head home Uruguay's third deep into injury time the stadium was only half full.

For all their disappointment, the partisan home support can have no complaints as Oscar Tabarez's side were dominant. They set out their stall in an opening 10 minutes that saw them create more chances than in the whole of the 90 against the French, with Suarez's shot from a tight angle that flew wide the best of them.

Suarez, who is so prolific in front of goal for club side Ajax, was to squander further chances: hitting the side-netting from a tight angle from 10 yards and also firing straight at keeper Khune from a promising position 20 yards out.

His strike partner Edison Cavani also missed two good opportunities and captain Diego Lugano fluffed a header from a Forlan free-kick early in the second half.

South Africa's chances were significantly fewer but their wastefulness mirrored the worst of their opponents' attempts.

Siphiwe Tshabalala - brim full of confidence after his superb opening goal against the Mexicans - had two good shooting chances in the opening quarter but the first he fired over from 25 yards and the second he badly misjudged with an attempted chip when Steven Pienaar was perhaps better placed to receive a pass.

Katlego Mphela, who was denied giving his side a win against Mexico by a post late on - missed the target with a close range header in each half.

South Africa now face a final group game against France without suspended keeper Khune, midfielder Dikgachoi, who picked up a second yellow of the tournament, and with only slim hopes of qualifying.

Maradona hits out at Pele and Platini

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has hit out at Brazil legend Pele and former France star Michel Platini.

Maradona said Pele should "go back to the museum" after the ex-Brazil striker was quoted claiming he had only taken the job because he needed the money.

The 1986 World Cup winner Maradona also reacted to reported negative comments by Platini about his coaching ability.

Maradona said: "We all know how the French are, and Platini is French and believes he is better than the rest."

The 50-year-old Argentine delivered his stinging comments at a news conference on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's Group B clash with South Korea in Johannesburg.

He said that he was unsurprised by Uefa president Platini's criticism of him, and described their relationship as "very distant".

And after previously complaining about the Jabulani ball, which has been subject to criticism throughout the tournament in South Africa, Maradona also challenged Pele and Platini to give the ball a try.

"I don't want to go into the ball again because everyone is talking about it," Maradona added.

"But it is important and it does play a part and I would ask Pele and Platini to go out there and play with the ball and take a closer look at it to see if it's a good one or bad one, and to stop talking rubbish about me."

As far as Thursday's match is concerned, Maradona told reporters that Argentina would be out for victory against surprise group leaders South Korea.

"Korea don't have a Messi, they're a very strong collective block, they're fast, they have a good team," he reflected.

"They're to be respected but we're going out to win that match. We don't know how to speculate with a result."

He added that no other player had performed "within 40%" of Lionel Messi, the Barcelona forward, who was named best player in the world by Fifa in 2009.

South Korea lead Group B on goal difference from Argentina after they beat Greece 2-0 on Saturday.

Veron ruled out of Argentina game

Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has been ruled out of Thursday's World Cup Group B game against South Korea because of a leg injury.

The former Manchester United player is being rested as a precaution after suffering a calf muscle strain.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona said he did not want to risk Veron aggravating the problem and ending his World Cup.

Maxi Rodriguez is set to deputise, in what is likely to be the only change from the side that beat Nigeria 1-0.

Maradona admitted it was a difficult decision to leave out Veron but said the 35-year-old playmaker could return for the final group game with Greece.

The coach told a press conference: "It was a difficult decision to leave Seba out, because he really wants to play and of course nobody wants to miss out on the World Cup, but we have to deal with the problem of risk."We don't want the injury to get worse, we don't want Veron's World Cup to end. I need him.

"He understood perfectly well that it was the best for the team. We'll just let Veron rest and recover and we hope he can play against Greece.

"Although we may be losing a very important player I think Maxi Rodriguez is going to do a wonderful job."

South Korea top the group on goal difference after the first round of matches, following their 2-0 victory over Greece.

The tournament has yielded fewer goals than expected so far with Germany's 4-0 thrashing of Australia and Brazil's 2-1 win over North Korea the only games to feature three or more goals.

But Maradona is confident the level of excitement will improve.

"I'm having a wonderful time to tell the truth, to me a World Cup is something that's quite amazing," said Maradona.

"I'm not worried by the fact there aren't many goals, I'm sure there will be goals, I'm sure the players will see to that.

"Of course in the first matches you are more careful, perhaps more careful than you should be."

Portugal in Ronaldo yellow card appeal

Portugal have appealed against the yellow card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo during their 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast.

Ronaldo was booked after an altercation with Ivorian defender Guy-Roland Demel, who tackled him on the edge of the penalty area in the 21st minute.

The Portuguese captain complained to referee Jorge Larrionda, who responded by showing both players a yellow card.

Portugal have asked Fifa to rescind the booking as there were no grounds for the disciplinary sanction.

The Portugal Football Federation added Ronaldo was "pushed and insulted" by opposition players but walked away. It claimed there was a "disparity" in the referee's criteria.Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Deco has clarified comments made following Tuesday's Group G opener in Johannesburg.

Deco, who was substituted midway through the second-half, called coach Carlos Queiroz's tactics after the game "strange" and "not as good as they might have been."

But in a statement posted on the Portuguese Football Federation's website on Wednesday, Deco says he expressed his opinions "in the heat of the moment" and had not intended to question Queiroz's leadership.

"The strange thing is, he moved me to the right flank. I'm not a winger," Deco said in a post-match interview.

"We weren't playing great but I'm sure we were improving."He later added: "The substitutions weren't as good as they might have been, but the coach makes the calls."

But Deco said in his statement that he was feeling frustrated when he made the remarks, after not being able to help the team.

"I want to make clear that I did not, and do not, have any problem with the coach and it was never my intention to question the leadership and decision-making of Carlos Queiroz," stated Deco.

Portugal's final group game is against North Korea in Cape Town on Monday 21 June.

Thursday's World Cup round-up

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas faced an awkward post-match inquisition from his girlfriend Sara Carbonera, a sideline reporter for the Telecinco channel, following the defeat by Switzerland. During a post-match interview, the journalist asked Casillas: "How did you manage to muck it up?"

And a shocked Casillas replied: "I don't know what to say. I don't know if this defeat will have consequences. The dressing room is fed up."

Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes was as surprised as everyone else after scoring the winning goal in his team's historic World Cup triumph over Spain.

The St Etienne midfielder's strike seven minutes into the second half of Wednesday's Group H match proved enough for Ottmar Hitzfeld's side to beat the European champions - and left Fernandes stunned.

"I don't think I realise what is happening right now," said the 23-year-old. "I'm a bit surprised. It's a very special moment for our country and I'm very happy. We were definitely very good against Spain and we played very well as a team."






Argentina coach Diego Maradona has again called on referees to protect flair players such as Lionel Messi in the World Cup, urging officials to be even stricter with offending opponents."If we are going to see a match when the star players are not going to be mistreated then I think the referees need to be a lot stricter, and if Korea's players do something to Messi or Carlos Tevez then they need to get out the yellow cards, and if it happens a second time, then that's it," said Maradona.

Greece striker Theofanis Gekas is the latest player to call for World Cup organisers to ban vuvuzelas. Gekas was irritated by the noise in their opening game against South Korea, which his side lost 2-0.

"I do think the trumpets should be stopped. They are affecting the players as we cannot communicate properly," he stated.

Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou has called on his team take inspiration from North Korea's resilient defensive display against Brazil where they lost 2-1.

Ivory Coast play Brazil on Sunday and the 24-year-old said: "I saw the first half of their match and North Korea defended really well and annoyed Brazil, they serve as a good example. We have the players who can make a difference, our strength will always be in attack but we must focus on defence."

World Cup organising chief executive Danny Jordaan is confident South Africans will continue to embrace the tournament even if they fail to reach the knockout stages.

South Africa lost 3-0 to Uruguay on Wednesday and are now on the brink of elimination. "June 16 was another night of pain. What is important now is that the fans embrace the tournament beyond the Bafana team," said Jordaan.

Germany and Serbia have had to cancel training sessions at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium to protect the pitch after heavy rain.

The two sides, who play each other on Friday, have had to make alternative arrangements after being informed by Fifa that they could not hold their traditional eve-of-match training at the venue.

Midfielder Yuki Abe has said Japan will need to "wind up and frustrate" the Netherlands if they are to claim a second successive victory at the World Cup.

Japan face the Netherlands on Saturday, and the Urawa Reds midfielder said: "There are other good players on their team as well and it will be difficult to keep tabs on all of them so we will have to be on our guard."

South Africa 0-3 Uruguay

Uruguay produced an assured performance to beat hosts South Africa in Pretoria and take control of Group A.

The South Americans were much more forward-thinking than during their nervous opening match with France five days ago providing a constant threat to Bafana Bafana's goal while also nullifying the meek attacking threat provided by their overwhelmed opponents.

Diego Forlan capped an impressive performance with two goals - the first a 30-yard deflected strike, the second a well-taken penalty after Luis Suarez had been fouled by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, for which he was red carded - and Alvaro Pereira added a late third.

The victory not only advances Uruguay to four points and to top of the table ahead of their final group game with Mexico, but gives them their first World Cup finals victory since a group stage win over South Korea at Italia 90.

In contrast, this defeat is South Africa's first in 14 matches and leaves them facing an uphill task to secure a place in the last 16.

Prior to the game, both coaches had promised more positive approaches from their sides following conservative showings in their opening games, which yielded them a point a piece, and so it proved in an entertaining match that not only improved on what Group A had offered, but what the tournament on the whole has provided thus far.

Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira kept essentially the same side - Tsepo Masilela replaced Lucas Thwala at left-back - and the same shape from the 1-1 draw with Mexico. Their performance was more in keeping with their passionate second-half display at Soccer City rather than their nervous first 45 minutes, but they were unable to pose enough of a threat to trouble their superior opponents.

Having navigated a tricky opening game against France relatively unscathed and knowing here lay their chance to seize control of Group A, Uruguay opted for a three man strike force, bringing in Edinson Cavani to partner Suarez, with Atletico Madrid's Forlan playing in a withdrawn attacking role.

The former Manchester United striker was the difference - dropping deep to collect possession and influence his side's attacks and providing the moment of individual brilliance that gave Uruguay the lead midway through the first half via a 30-yard dipping shot that found the net via a glancing deflection off Aaron Mokoena.

He also demonstrated an immense level of composure to emphatically hammer his penalty into the roof of the net following a considerable wait while the hosts replaced Khune with substitute keeper Moneeb Josephs.

The 75th-minute penalty prompted a silent, defeated exodus from the stands and when Forlan floated an exquisite pass to Suarez who then crossed for Alvaro Perreira to head home Uruguay's third deep into injury time the stadium was only half full.

For all their disappointment, the partisan home support can have no complaints as Oscar Tabarez's side were dominant. They set out their stall in an opening 10 minutes that saw them create more chances than in the whole of the 90 against the French, with Suarez's shot from a tight angle that flew wide the best of them.

Suarez, who is so prolific in front of goal for club side Ajax, was to squander further chances: hitting the side-netting from a tight angle from 10 yards and also firing straight at keeper Khune from a promising position 20 yards out.

His strike partner Edison Cavani also missed two good opportunities and captain Diego Lugano fluffed a header from a Forlan free-kick early in the second half.

South Africa's chances were significantly fewer but their wastefulness mirrored the worst of their opponents' attempts.

Siphiwe Tshabalala - brim full of confidence after his superb opening goal against the Mexicans - had two good shooting chances in the opening quarter but the first he fired over from 25 yards and the second he badly misjudged with an attempted chip when Steven Pienaar was perhaps better placed to receive a pass.

Katlego Mphela, who was denied giving his side a win against Mexico by a post late on - missed the target with a close range header in each half.

South Africa now face a final group game against France without suspended keeper Khune, midfielder Dikgachoi, who picked up a second yellow of the tournament, and with only slim hopes of qualifying.

Fabio hits back at Der Kaiser

Fabio Capello has accused Franz Beckenbauer of showing a lack of respect to England after his recent comments.

The Three Lions coach also lambasted the adidas Jabulani World Cup ball as the worst he has ever come across.

Germany legend Beckenbauer accused England of adopting a 'kick and rush' approach in their opening Group C draw against the United States and claimed they had gone backwards under the Italian.

Capello was clearly riled by the comments and suggested Beckenbauer, nicknamed Der Kaiser from his playing days, would be wise to keep his opinions to himself in future.
Respect

"I am surprised by his comments," he said. "When you speak about another team you should always respect them.

"It is easy to speak about a team when you sit in the stand. But you have to see the game live.

"We didn't play the long ball. We played a lot of passes and had chances to score.

"For this reason, I don't understand what Beckenbauer said."

Terrible

Capello is equally unhappy with the controversial Jabulani ball, produced specifically for this tournament, which has attracted criticism from most quarters.

"This is the worst ball that I have seen in my life," he said. "It is terrible for the players.

"It is terrible for the keepers because it is impossible to follow the trajectory.

"When you try to switch the ball with long passes it is really difficult to understand where it is going to go.

"But the really big problem is that sometimes this ball is impossible to control."

Spain 0-1 Switzerland

World Cup favourites Spain suffered a shock defeat by Switzerland as South Africa 2010 served up its first major upset.

The European champions enjoyed almost total control of the game in Durban but were wasteful in front of goal and went behind after 52 minutes when a long ball eventually found its way through to Gelson Fernandes, who, after a series of errors, bundled it into the net.

With Barcelona trio David Villa, Andres Iniesta and Xavi unable to conjure a breakthrough, coach Vicente Del Bosque threw on Fernando Torres, Jesus Navas and Pedro, but to no avail as the Spanish slumped to only their second defeat in 49 games.

The result piles pressure on Spain, who were widely-tipped to finally end decades of underachievement on the game's biggest stage and Del Bosque's men could now be forced to face Brazil in the second round if they finish Group H as runners-up. Chile beat Honduras 1-0 in the earlier match.

For the unfancied Swiss, it was a historic first victory over the Spanish and another triumph in the glittering career of their German coach Ottmar Hitzveld.

Del Bosque's men had quickly settled into their rhythmic short passing game and, with Switzerland struggling to get the ball out of their own half, the match came to resemble a training session.

The first real opening fell to Spain right-back Sergio Ramos, who received the ball in space on the right before dragging his shot wastefully wide, much to the anger of his better-placed team-mates Xavi and David Villa.

Moments later, Iniesta slipped a pass through to Gerard Pique, who cut inside his man before firing straight at goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.

The next attack saw David Silva chip a delightful ball over the Switzerland defence for Iniesta, who was brought down on the edge of the area as he tried to get his shot away. Villa fired the resultant free-kick straight at the wall.

The Swiss were forced into a change midway through the half when former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos limped off with a foot injury and was replaced by Steve Von Bergen.

Lone striker Villa looked skilful and lively, but when he finally found space in the box, he opted to pass, and chipped tamely across the face of goal.

The second half began in a similar vein until the Swiss took the lead with the first real attack of the game.

A long goal-kick was flicked through to Eren Derdiyok, who bundled it past goalkeeper Iker Casillas and the falling Pique to leave former Manchester City midfielder Fernandes with a simple finish.

Spain, who won all 10 of their World Cup qualifiers, looked visibly shaken and Del Bosque responded by sending on Torres and Navas just after the hour mark.

Iniesta and Torres both curled shots wide before former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso almost broke the crossbar with a stunning strike from just outside the area.

With Spain committing more men forward, the game became stretched and Switzerland came within a whisker of taking a 2-0 lead when Derdiyok cut inside Pique and Carles Puyol before flicking a shot which had Casillas beaten but bounced back off the post.

The last 10 minutes were a predictable Spanish onslaught but, with Torres looking rusty on his return from knee surgery, Spain seemed to run out of ideas as their efforts became increasingly desperate.

As it was, Switzerland held firm for a truly memorable victory - their first in a World Cup opener since 1954.

Honduras 0-1 Chile

Jean Beausejour's strike earned Chile a first World Cup victory for 48 years as Marcelo Bielsa's side got their 2010 campaign off to a winning start.

Despite having last tasted a win in a World Cup match on this day in 1962, against the former Yugoslavia, Chile came into the match well tipped to emerge from Group H alongside favourites Spain.

And Bielsa's men ended a 13-match winless streak in far more comfortable fashion than the scoreline suggests, with Honduras grateful to goalkeeper Noel Valladares for keeping the score down.

Following, too, a start to the tournament best described as uninspired, Chile's ambitious approach - full of one-touch passing, movement and pace - provided a refreshing change.

It was a performance in keeping with Bielsa's attacking philosophy, and one that saw Chile - playing a unique 3-3-1-3 formation - pick up from where they left off in qualifying, during which they scored 32 goals, just one fewer than Conmebol group winners Brazil.

Reported Real Madrid target Alexis Sanchez, given the freedom of Nelspruit by a Honduras team lacking in cohesion or discipline, was at the heart of all Chile's good play.

Predominantly a right winger but happy to drift inside and beyond his attackers, Sanchez was a bagful of tricks, teasing the Honduran defence at every turn and the focal point of the vast majority of the Chilean attacks.

The 21-year-old earned the free-kick from which Chile forced the first save of the match, Valladares equal to Matias Fernandez's whipped effort from 25 yards, while the Honduras keeper also had to be alert to beat away a swerving long-range effort from Arturo Vidal that underlined just why keepers are said to be so wary of the Jabulani balls in South Africa.

Such was Chile's dominance against a poor Honduras side, that the only surprise was that it took until the 34th minute for them to break the deadlock.

There was an element of fortune about it, Beausejour's finish coming courtesy of a ricochet off a Honduras defender, but some fine build-up play between Sanchez and Mauricio Isla deserved its reward.

Chile thought they might have had a penalty before half-time when Sanchez's goalbound shot hit Osman Chavez's hand, but nothing was given by referee Eddy Maillet - one of a number of debatable decisions from the Seychelles official.

Just before the break, Honduras forced their first half-decent effort on goal, Claudio Bravo comfortably tipping Ramon Nunez's free-kick over the bar.

But it was not enough to rouse a response from Honduras in the second-half, which if anything saw Chile's dominance increase.

Just after the hour mark, Bielsa's men twice created golden chances to extend their lead, Sanchez firing the first wide from inside the box and then Waldo Ponce - with the goal gaping - seeing his header from six yards out saved by a sprawling Valladares.

Any hopes of a late Honduras rally failed to materialise as Chile controlled possession inside their opponents' half, and in the end an entertaining encounter petered out towards the final whistle.

Not that Chile were complaining, and they will hope now that a good result against Switzerland in their next group game on 21 June in Port Elizabeth will be enough to see them through to the last 16.

Tabarez laughs at Parreira rant

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez found Carlos Alberto Parreira's criticism of the match officials laughable after Uruguay's 3-0 victory over South Africa.

South Africa's manager blasted referee Massimo Busacca following his side's defeat in Pretoria, which leaves the World Cup hosts in danger of elimination at the group stages.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan was the architect of Bafana Bafana's downfall as he opened the scoring in the first half before converting a late penalty prior to playing a role in the build-up to Alvaro Pereira's injury-time header.

Parreira was unimpressed with the award of the spot-kick and Busacca's decision to dismiss goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune for bringing down striker Luis Suarez, but Tabarez did not agree.

He said: "In an earlier press conference I said I never talk about the referees, I talk about the circumstances of the game.

"I think there were other instances of penalties that the referee didn't notice, but these are circumstances of the game.
Dominate

"I certainly can't agree and I even laugh at the suggestion that Uruguay maybe won this game thanks to the referee, because I think we dominated the game throughout.

"But I didn't come to the press conference for that, I'm not here to talk about the referee or discuss my colleague's opinions, but in my view Uruguay won the game deservedly."

Forlan wanted to deflect attention away from his superb individual display against South Africa in order to credit Uruguay's team performance.

The South Americans are within touching distance of the knockout stages after a comprehensive victory ahead of their final game in Group A against Mexico next Tuesday.

He said: "Obviously, as a forward I like to score goals, but the important thing is to win,"

"The team is good. We also played well against France. We're very solid."

Greece v Nigeria preview

Nigeria take on Greece in a game that both sides will be looking to win to keep their hopes of qualifying from Group B alive.

Both teams were beaten in their opening games, with the Super Eagles going down valiantly 1-0 to group favourites Argentina, whereas the sluggish Greeks were soundly beaten 2-0 by South Korea.

On paper, it would seem that the African side have the edge over their European opponents, having seen none of the form and solidity Greece showed to emerge as shock winners of the 2004 European Championships in Portugal.

Nigeria showed in spells that they were capable of troubling Argentina, creating several good chances they could not convert, but the score was kept down by a combination of poor finishing from the South Americans and magnificent goalkeeping from Vincent Enyeama, who was named man of the match.

Greece are still yet to win a World Cup game in their history after losing all three at the 1994 finals in America, and have not scored a single goal, suggesting their triumph under current manager Otto Rehhagel six years ago was very much a flash in the pan.
Pedigree

The Super Eagles, meanwhile, have a better pedigree, reaching the second round in 1994 and beating Greece on the way in the group stage 2-0.

They also made it through the first stage in 1998 in France, falling to Denmark at the second phase of the tournament.

With Greece registering just two shots on target against South Korea and their goal record at this stage there for all to see, Nigeria have to be considered favourites although they have not scored in their last four games at the tournament.

The record demonstrates that it isn't likely to be a pretty, free-flowing, high scoring game, something that has epitomised the competition so far, but there will be a lot riding on this game for both teams, with victory putting them right back in the mix for qualification and a draw doing little to satisfy either.

Team news

Taye Taiwo is poised to start at left back for Lars Lagerback's side, despite stubbing his toe in Nigeria's opener.

Lagerback may also recall winger Peter Odemwingie to the starting line-up after bringing him on to good effect against Argentina, but he has no further injury worries ahead of a game that will see one side almost certain to make their exit should they be defeated.

Greece boss Rehhagel looks set to recall Liverpool centre back Sotirios Kyrgiakos to the side after he was surprisingly omitted from their defeat to South Korea.

The Greeks' poor defending from set pieces appears to have been a catalyst for the Reds stopper's return, while fellow defender Vangelis Moras is available after recovering from a knock.

Whether the German coach will make any further changes to shake up his lacklustre side following their drab performance is unknown, but Dimitrios Salpingidis could gain a starting berth after impressing in the second half of their opening game.

France v Mexico preview

France will have to up their game against Mexico in Polokwane as the race to qualify from Group A hots up.

Les Bleus played out a dour 0-0 draw with Uruguay in their opening game, while hosts South Africa and Mexico could not be separated after a 1-1 stalemate.

Manager Raymond Domenech received criticism for not changing his tactics early enough in his side's first match, and he will want a result against Mexico so as not to be going into the final group game against South Africa needing a win.

With Laurent Blanc waiting in the wings to take over after the World Cup, Domenech is under pressure to deliver.

The much-maligned longest-serving French coach led his side to the final in 2006, but he could make changes after a poor showing last time out.
Team news

Florent Malouda is reportedly preparing to return to the starting line-up after he was left out against Mexico.

Rumours of a bust-up with Domenech have been played down and the Chelsea winger, who had an excellent campaign in the Premier League, could come in on the left.

However, William Gallas is a doubt after missing training with a muscular problem, potentially leaving France short of options in central defence.

But the 32-year-old, who was reportedly angry at the decision to award Patrice Evra the captain's armband, could pull through and continue his partnership with Eric Abidal.

Meanwhile, reserve goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso has been ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.

Carrasso pulled a left thigh muscle in training on Monday and will miss the remainder of the tournament, but a request to replace him was turned down by Fifa.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has vowed to continue his attacking mentality when his side take on the 1998 world champions.

El Tri set out with a 4-3-3 formation against South Africa, and are expected to keep going with their three-pronged attack of Guillermo Franco, Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos.

Mexico stalwart Rafael Marquez picked up a minor calf problem against South Africa but is likely to play in midfield.

He said: "I'm fine now, at 100 per cent. I've had trouble with the calf and against South Africa I even was thinking of being taken off, but I've been able to recover over the past few days."

Rooney determined to shine

England striker Wayne Rooney is determined to prove himself on the world stage after a quiet game against the USA.

Rooney has been tipped to shine in South Africa this summer but was marked out of the match against America, as England only managed a 1-1 draw.

The 24-year-old had a superb campaign last term with Premier League side Manchester United but picked up a knock towards the end of the season and seemed to lose his sharpness in front of goal.

Rooney suffered a minor ankle injury against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League and by his own admission, he was rushed back into the team too quickly.

Now the England star is keen to get his World Cup up and running, as the Three Lions take on Algeria on Friday in Group C.

"This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself at world level," he said.

"I look at what Maradona and Pele did. They took the World Cup by the scruff of the neck and virtually won it single-handed.

"If I can manage half of what they achieved, it would be great.

"It was difficult for me to play as well as I wanted after I got the injury against Bayern Munich. I played when I probably shouldn't and lost my match fitness and sharpness.