~~~~~ The OFFICIAL World Cup 2010 Thread ~~~~~

[SPATCH]

The World Cup Schedule (Group Play)

US v England: Saturday, June 12 at 1:30 pm CST on ABC
US v Slovenia: Friday, June 18 at 9:00 am CST on ESPN
US v Algeria: Wednesday, June 23 at 9:00 am CST on ESPN


Group C rankings

England - FIFA Ranking: 8 SPI: 3
Slovenia - FIFA Ranking: 25 SPI: 35
Algeria - FIFA Ranking: 30 SPI: 64
United States - FIFA Ranking: 14 SPI: 15

[Stinger]

And now for something completely different off the field...........

World Cup organiser mulls vuvuzela ban

(AFP) – 3 hours ago

JOHANNESBURG — World Cup organising committee head Danny Jordaan on Sunday did not rule out banning vuvuzelas, the noisy plastic trumpets which have proved a hit with fans in South Africa but threaten to deafen players and viewers alike.

Criticism of the vuvuzelas has been almost as loud as the instruments themselves with broadcasting companies complaining the din is almost drowning out commentary.

"We've tried to get some order," said Jordaan.

"We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or during stadium announcements. I know it's a difficult question," he added, saying that "we're trying to manage the best we can.

"We heard from the broadcasters and individuals and it's something we are evaluating on an on-going base.

Jordaan told the BBC in an interview that he had to consider the option of banning the trumpets.

"If there are grounds to do so, yes," he said, asked if a ban was an option.

France captain Patrice Evra said the incessant noise was a factor in his side's poor display in their draw with Uruguay.

According to Evra: "We can't sleep at night because of the vuvuzelas. People start playing them from 6 a.m. We can't hear one another out on the pitch because of them," the Frenchman added.

Jordaan said: "I would prefer singing" and called on fans to chant instead.

"In the days of the struggle (against apartheid) we were singing, all through our history. It's our ability to sing that inspired and drove the emotions."

Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp..._A_qJZppPbhjVw

[Stinger]

Ut Oh ...

Bradley isn't sure if Howard has broken ribs

IRENE, South Africa (AP) — U.S. coach Bob Bradley isn't sure whether goalkeeper Tim Howard broke ribs during a collision with Emile Heskey in the Americans' World Cup opener against England.

"He'll be evaluated later today and then a decision will be made as to whether he'll need further tests," Bradley said Sunday. "Obviously he was sore — did a great job of taking a tough hit, and staying in it and playing really well. But we'll assess him later today and figure out then what we need to do from there."

Howard was injured when Heskey's foot slid into him in the 29th minute Saturday night. Howard was down for a while, saying he felt "in agony." When the game resumed, he grimaced several times.

Howard played the second half after having an injection of a painkiller and made six saves as the United States rallied for a 1-1 tie.

"Any time you're in a big game like that and you get injured, there's no chance anybody is taking you off that field. And Tim is no different than the rest of us," defender Steve Cherundolo said. "Having a good goalkeeper in a tournament like this is essential, so we're very happy Tim is on our team, and I'm certain he'll continue with his good performances."

Bradley couldn't say if Howard's participation in Friday's game against Slovenia was in doubt. Slovenia played Algeria later Sunday in Group C.

"At this time I think there's no answer," he said. "But when you see the way Timmy handled himself after the collision last night, you'd certainly expect he'll be on the field again."

Howard, the starter for Everton in the Premier League, is backed by Wolverhampton's Marcus Hahnemann on the U.S. team. Brad Guzan, the backup to Brad Friedel on Aston Villa, is the No. 3 American goalkeeper.

Howard said after the game in Rustenburg that he felt sore, but that team doctors at first impression didn't think there was a break. The U.S. team then made the two-hour trip back to its base camp in Irene.

"In a couple hours I'll be struggling," he said before leaving Royal Bafokeng Stadium in northern South Africa. "It's going to take me a few days."

Howard was disappointed at allowing Steven Gerrard's fourth-minute goal, but pleased with the way the Americans rallied on Clint Dempsey's 40th-minute goal. Dempsey's a 25-yard shot bounced twice and went in off the hands of goalkeeper Robert Green, a major blunder.

Howard made a point-blank stop on Heskey's 18-yard right-footed shot in the 52nd minute and parried Frank Lampard's 20-foot left-footed shot over the crossbar in the 63rd.

"I don't know what it is about us," Howard said. "We're resilient — always after we get the punch in the face."

http://mediacomtoday.com/news/read.p...ARSDCCLM_UNEWS

[cj2wr]

I'm just happy we fielded a competitive team out there... Very enjoyable to watch. Looking forward to the rest of the tourny.

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

couldn't stop thinking about this team with Davies.....we'd of won today

we shit our pants for about 5 mins, after that we were solid....England had more chances, but we just need a striker that instills fear..that was Davies...

Fill me in. What happened with Davies?

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

six inches to the right and Altidore's shot goes in

Actually only a couple of inches. The roundness of the goal post would have taken care of the angle. :headbang:

[vailpass]

[QUOTE=the_spatula;6816800]...can everyone stop bitching about random bullshit? Thanks

Just got back from the pub. Incredible atmosphere.


QUOTE]

Are you from across the pond or just a Euro-wanna' be?

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by Silock

At least this team SHOULD make it out of the group.

Let's not curse them. The ball is round.

[Frankie]

Just a thought, how come Donger hasn't posted here? I would have loved to read his posts in this thread.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by Frankie

Fill me in. What happened with Davies?

Serious car accident last October, hoped to be rehabbed in time. Looked to be ready but his club team Sochaux wrote the US team saying they wouldn't release him medically for the tourney. Davies disagrees, but he's not on the [US] team.

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Serious car accident last October, hoped to be rehabbed in time. Looked to be ready but his club team Sochaux wrote the US team saying they wouldn't release him medically for the tourney. Davies disagrees, but he's not on the [US] team.

Ouch.

[NewChief]

Germany v. Australia is off to a good start.

[NewChief]

And goal!

[Stinger]

Nice strike there.........

Although Australia had a golden opportunity earlier and missed it.

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by Stinger

Nice strike there.........

Incredible pass as well. Lots of people would have tried to take the shot.

[Stinger]

This is odd .... but Great job by the official there giving a card to the player for diving.

[the Talking Can]

germany's coach is dressed like stan van gundy....have some self respect