Manchester City & Arsenal Ready To Move For Inter Striker Mario Balotelli

Manchester City and Arsenal are ready to entice Inter rebel Mario Balotelli with lucrative offers after he admitted his future in Milan is far from certain.

Balotelli opened the door to a Premier League move after claiming he was pleased with Arsenal's reported interest on Tuesday. That was quickly played down by his agent who said he would not leave Inter this summer.

But Il Corriere dello Sport claims City and the Gunners are now thinking of making a serious move for him by offering €25 million.

The 19-year-old striker is good friends with Roberto Mancini who gave him his Inter breakthrough when he was coach at San Siro.

However, since then Balotelli has endured problems and last term he was seen as a rebel by former coach Jose Mourinho and several senior players.

His troubles there have led him to consider a breath of fresh air could revive his career. The hitman is also liked in London and Arsene Wenger is pondering a €20m move.

However, both Premier League sides would have to increase their offers considerably as Inter value him at close to €40m.

Speculative voices have suggested the Nerazzurri could ask City for Carlos Tevez if the deal becomes fixed, but the English side have made it clear the himan is not for sale.

Best European Football

Roy Makaay rates as one of European football’s most prolific strikers of recent times, with a total of 256 goals in Spain’s La Liga, the Bundesliga in Germany and the Dutch Eredivisie. He reached a personal zenith in 2003, when he claimed the Golden Shoe as the continent’s leading scorer with 29 goals in the Spanish top flight. At the end of last term, Makaay brought down the curtain on his illustrious career, which for all his success at club level, never included a run-out at the FIFA World Cup™.

In the build-up to the quarter-finals in South Africa, FIFA.com spoke to the 35-year-old about his impressions of the tournament so far, the best forwards at the finals, and who he is backing to win the trophy.

Ghana fever grips South Africa

The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ has always been billed as a first for Africa, and as such all the African teams partaking in the tournament have felt the impetus of home ground advantage. As the last team still remaining in the tournament, Ghana have found themselves well supported in the host nation.

All over South Africa the Ghanaian colours are finding their way into the homes, cars and wardrobes of local fans. “Ghana was amazing against the US,” said Lebo Mahlatjie, an ardent African football fan. “They have really put Africa's presence into this tournament.”

For fans like Mahlatjie, the Black Stars epitomise Africa's efforts both on and off the pitch. “They have a good chance to get through. They have surprised everyone and done Africa proud, whatever happens on Friday.”

Ghana will make history on Friday if they can beat Uruguay to advance to the Semi Finals as the first team from the African continent to do so. “If they manage that I can't tell you how wild it will be,” said Mahlatjie. “It will be the greatest day.”

The successes of the Ghanaian team has converted many local people, many of whom were not necessarily the biggest football fans before. “They play great football,” said Samantha Robb. “It feels fantastic to see them doing so well, you have to support them.”

For Robb the thought of Ghana winning is almost too much to bear. “I will celebrate Africa's success. Together we have come so far and this is our World Cup, already we have broken perceptions around what Africa can do.”

South African fans will turn out in their thousands on Friday night to root for the Black Stars. “I have a ticket to the game,” said Tebogo Mutlanyune. “Ghana is representing Africa for all of us and I want to support that. Black Stars all the way.”

Even at an open air viewing of the Portugal vs Spain match on Tuesday night, George Mahlangu is dressed in his Ghanaian colours, preparing himself for the history books to be rewritten. “It is fantastic to have the Black Stars in the Quarter Final, especially in the World Cup hosted here in South Africa. All we need is one African team in the quarters, not all six, to fly the flag for Africa.”

Ronaldo gutted to go out

Portugal's resistance might have been breached by Spain, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo a broken man, but coach Carlos Queiroz believes his team will bounce back stronger.

The UEFA European champions won an absorbing FIFA World Cup™ round of 16 contest 1-0 on Tuesday evening, denying Portugal another crack at winning the tournament for the first time in their history. Portugal defended well, but they were ultimately suffocated of space and possession by a Spanish team starting to hit its stride.

The statistics spoke for themselves, with Spain plundering 19 shots to Portugal's nine and having 61 percent of the possession. Queiroz deployed Pepe in defensive midfield and Ronaldo and Simao on the wings, with Hugo Almeida as central striker. But they were unable to break through the Spanish defence, marshalled by Joan Capdevila, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo, the most expensive footballer in the world, was left broken, refusing to speak to the media after the match. His only remark was to a TV crew when he said: "How can I explain it (the defeat). Ask the question of Carlos Queiroz."

He was roundly criticised at home for that and for not assuming his responsibilities as the national captain. In a statement issued later, he said he was deeply sad. "I feel a broken man, completely disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness," he said.

"When I said 'put the question to the coach', it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference. I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone. I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities."

Queiroz - who got to know Ronaldo well when he was Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United - said his team had plenty of chances to snatch the match, but admitted Spain were worthy winners.

"It was an extremely difficult game but Spain moved the ball very well and had more possession and any team that does that can control the game better. We did have opportunities to score but unfortunately we were not able to do so, hence allowing Spain to win 1-0. We could have scored at certain critical moments, but Spain's victory is justified," he said.

Portugal leave the tournament having conceded just one goal, but it was a costly one with David Villa doing the damage. Queiroz said his team deserved praise despite being on an early plane home. "Portugal played a worthy game, the players fought with ambition and desire to win, but it was not possible. We have to come back stronger," he said.

"But I would also like to underscore the fact that Portugal played with a great degree of dignity and ambition and I believe the fans have justifiable reason to be proud of the way the team has played."

He said they would return home and work at becoming an even better side. "We wanted to do well and when we compete at this level, if we manage to obtain second or third, it is not satisfactory," he said.

"We always have as our main goal to win. We also want to have an honourable performance to dignify Portuguese football. I wanted us to be able to leave the field with our heads held high, and I think we accomplished this. We hope that in the next World Cup we can perform with a greater degree of ambition and keep alive our motto of playing to win."

The Portuguese finished second in their group after goalless draws with Cote d'Ivoire and Brazil and a 7-0 rout of North Korea before meeting Spain.

Did Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo Spit At The Camera On His Way Out Of The World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo has been criticized this morning for allegedly spitting at a TV camera following Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain last night.

The Real Madrid forward had a frustrating night as Spain rolled out their "tiki-taka" against their neighbors and dominated the ball for an incredible 62% of possession.

Much like Wayne Rooney's reaction to the camera after England's woeful 0-0 draw with Algeria, Ronaldo skulked away from the Green Point Stadium pitch with a sour look on his face and appeared to spit at the camera man following him.

In his defense, this kind of behavior is seen all across the football world and by aiming his phlegm at the ground he did not come close to hitting the camera or the man holding it.

Another intriguing aspect to Portugal and Ronaldo's exit is the ever greater belief in a Nike curse at the 2010 World Cup.

Spain 1-0 Portugal: David Villa Fires The European Champions Into The Quarterfinals

Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday night to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup. A second half strike from David Villa was enough for the European champions to see of the challenge of their Iberian rival in the last-16 encounter. Portugal's Ricardo Costa was sent off late in the game.

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso recovered from an ankle problem to start against Portugal on Tuesday night. Coach Vicente del Bosque maintained his faith in striker Fernando Torres too despite the Liverpool hitman failing to shine in the World Cup so far.

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz deployed Pepe in defensive midfield and Cristiano Ronaldo and Simao on the wings. Hugo Almeida was the central striker for the Euro 2004 finalists.

It was Spain who started the brighter of the two sides as they had their first shot on the Portuguese goal as early as the second minute.

Center-back Gerard Pique instigated the move on the right side as he played Xavi in central midfield position. The Barcelona medio spread the ball wide to the left to Sergio Ramos, who then played Torres but the Liverpool hitman’s shot on goal was palmed away by Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo.

A minute later David Villa attempted a long-range effort from a narrow angle on the left but once again Eduardo stood up to the challenge.

Villa tried to repeat his trick in the seventh minute when he collected a Xavi pass on the left, cut inside and took a low right-footed shot on the Portugal goal. But once again the newly signed Barcelona striker was thwarted by Eduardo.

Portugal had failed to make any meaningful forays into the Spain half so far but on 10 minutes star player Cristiano Ronaldo did attempt to create an opening. The Real Madrid player ran down the right and floated in a cross, which, though, was too far away for Almeida.

Three minutes later it was the European champions’ chance to threaten the Portuguese citadel as Xavi’s short corner was shot by Torres on goal on the spin from inside the penalty area. However, the former Atletico Madrid forward’s attempt went over the crossbar.

Spain continued to dominate possession and territory with Portugal restricted to hopeful crosses. In the 19th minute La Roja had their opponents in a fix when Ramos released Torres on the right who swung in a quick cross. However, there was no one in a red shirt to head home the cross.

A couple of minutes later Portugal had their first shot on target and could have actually taken the lead. Tiago was afforded too much time and space on the ball outside the Spain penalty box and took a stinging shot on goal. Casillas could only push it upwards and barely scrambled the ball away as Almeida rushed in to head it home.

The Group H winners propelled themselves into another attack in the 24th minute when a marching Ramos passed the ball to Andres Iniesta just outside the box. But the midfielder’s through ball aimed to find Villa went out for a goalkick. A minute later Xavi tried to put Villa through on goal but again the pass was too heavy.

However, Portugal could have taken the lead against the run of play in the 28th minute when Ronaldo’s straightforward freekick was wobbled over by Casillas before being finally put to safety.

A minute later Villa went for a cross-shot from the left but saw the ball end on the roof of the Portugal net. Moments afterwards Xavi went for goal himself from around 20 yards but couldn’t keep his shot on target.

Spain kept on trying to breach the Portugal citadel but the latter threw themselves at everything that even remotely threatened them. However, in the 39th minute it was Queiroz's side who could have taken the lead when Raul Meireles crafted a wonderfully floated ball into the Spain penalty area only for Almeida to head the ball wide despite out-jumping Joan Capdevila.

Portugal had two quick chances after that. First, in the 42nd minute Simao was almost sent through on goal on a quick counter but Casillas came out of his area to clear the danger. Moments later Fabio Coentrao delivered a dangerous cross into the area that Tiago fiercely headed towards Casillas’s goal but couldn’t find the target.

In the dying seconds, Torres had a chance but he was foiled by Portugal center-back Ricardo Carvalho.


Spain started the second half on an attacking mode as Torres tried to march along the left side. However, he was tackled by Coentrao.

On 52 minutes Ramos galloped down the right and delivered a ball towards Xabi Alonso, who was however beaten to the header by Tiago. The move continued, though, as Xavi tried to find Torres only to see the ball reach Eduardo.

Portugal then launched a counter-attack as Almeida whipped in a cross that was almost put into his own net by Carles Puyol as he protruded his knee to block the cross.

It became end-to-end action after that as Ramos and Xavi tried to play a one-two but failed. At the other end Casillas was forced to punch out a ball.

A minute before the hour mark Spain coach Vicente del Bosque brought on Fernando Llorente in place of Fernando Torres and the change almost made immediate impact. Ramos swung in a brilliant cross from the right that Llorente stooped to head into the Portugal net, but his header went straight to Eduardo.

Spain were the side imposing the most pressure at this point of time and the World Cup favorites eventually scored in the 63rd minute. A neat interplay among the Spanish players in tight spaces saw David Villa receive the ball on the left side of the box. His first attempt on the Portugal goal was blocked by Eduardo but the former Valencia striker made no mistake from the rebound.

La Furia Roja were clearly the side looking more likely to score the second goal of the night as Xavi and Capdevila both ventured forward. Indeed, the Spaniards could have netted in the 70th minute when right-back Ramos cut inside from the right and took an attempt on the Portugal goal with his left foot. Eduardo did just enough to parry it away.

Villa, who had earlier scored his fourth goal of the World Cup in South Africa, could have added to his tally on 77 minutes when he went for an audacious 30-yard attempt on goal that Eduardo once again punched away.

Spain continued to suffocate Portugal of space and possession. Things turned from bad to worse for the Portuguese when Ricardo Costa was sent off for elbowing Capdevila in the face on 88 minutes. Deep into injury time Portugal came close to stealing the equalizer but the Spanish defenders stood strong as Spain deservedly reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur Deny Palermo Claims They Have Bid £28.5m For Simon Kjaer And Edinson Cavani

Tottenham have strongly denied claims by Palermo that they have made a £28.5 million bid for Simon Kjaer and Edinson Cavani.

Spurs issued a denial after Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini was quoted as saying Denmark centre-half Kjaer and Uruguay forward Cavani, who have both been involved at the World Cup in South Africa, are heading for White Hart Lane.

“Tottenham have bid €35m, an offer we cannot refuse, seeing as the two players have both said they want to leave,” Zamparini told Sky Italia television on Monday.

“We will reinvest the money for these players. The midfield is my biggest concern, whereas in defence and attack we are fairly covered.”

But a Tottenham spokesperson told soccer moment:“This is inaccurate. We have not made a bid for either Cavani or Kjaer."

It is understood that Spurs are keen on the pair but have not yet taken their interest any further.

Manager Harry Redknapp has had issues in defence, with both Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate struggling with long-term injury problems, while chairman Daniel Levy is understood to be willing to pay up to £25m for a world-class striker.

Palermo signed Kjaer, 21, from FC Midtjylland in 2008 and a string of impressive performances in Serie A have brought him to the attention of Europe’s leading clubs.

Cavani, 23, was equally unknown when he moved to the Sicilian club from Danubio in January 2007. He only signed a four-year contract two months ago, while Kjaer agreed an improved deal with Palermo in September last year.

Report: Blackburn Rovers Interested In Signing Real Madrid Legend Raul

Could Raul be on his way to Ewood Park?

Blackburn Rovers are believed to be planning a shock swoop for legendary Real Madrid forward Raul.

The Spaniard had a relatively quiet season for the Primera Division heavyweights, and Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is consequently hopeful he can lure him to Ewood Park. Allardyce is reportedly readying a sensational bid to prise the hitman away from the White House.

And The Daily Express claims that the 33-year-old is now willing to leave the Madrid-based club following the arrival of Jose Mourinho at the helm, and could welcome a move to the Premier League.

It has been reported than Schalke and Sampdoria are also interested in making a move for the veteran striker, but Rovers are said to be putting together a lucrative package which they hope will tempt Raul to throw in his lot with the east Lancashire side.

His signing would be a coup for Rovers, not least because Raul has also been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the past.

World Cup 2010 Comment: Who Needs Flashy Football When You Have Brilliant Brazil

Much has been made of Argentina, Spain and the Netherlands’ appetite for joga bonito at the 2010 World Cup while the likes of Chile and Mexico have also been highly commended for playing the beautiful game.

But the one country that everyone wanted to see turn on the style in South Africa was Brazil. Not Dunga and his 23 soldiers, though. And based on their dismantling of Chile in Monday night’s last-16 encounter, they have every reason not to follow the trend and stick with their own brand of football.

It’s difficult to categorise Brazil’s current style. While it has a distinct European feel to it, they are by no means a defensive side. They do like to absorb pressure and they do it very well, but every time they bring the ball forward, there’s still a gasp of excitement in the air as fans wait with baited breath to see what feast will be served up.

The Selecao’s 3-0 thumping of the Chileans once again highlighted how effectively balanced Dunga’s Brazil are. Each of the three goals perfectly summed up their style of play: direct and lethal on the counter-attack with a very subtle hint of Samba beat hidden between the lines of play.


Juan’s opening goal from a header off a Maicon corner is about as un-Brazilian as the archetypal Brazil can get. Described and labelled as a typical 'English' goal, it’s the kind of goal that Dunga and his players always look for to open the scoring as it gives them the freedom to just relax and slowly ease into a more attractive style of play.

The second and third goals are proof of that. Both were scored on a blistering counter-attack and yet, they captured everyone’s imagination. First, there was Robinho’s charge down the left wing which teed up Kaka to cushion on the most delicate of through balls to Luis Fabiano, who proceeded to round the goalkeeper and tuck into the empty net.

Then there was Ramires’ lung-bursting 40-yard dash which set up Robinho for the sweetest of finishes. Two goals on the break that can only be made to look so good by Brazilians. Simple yet elegant at the same time.

To further illustrate how little Dunga cares about fancy flicks, dizzying step-overs and jaw-dropping tricks, and how little the players have been practising their Samba moves, look no further than Luis Fabiano’s embarrassing attempt of a backheel and Kaka’s equally horrible effort. But who needs backheels!

While the Netherlands and Spain, and indeed many other teams, are struggling to juggle between playing good football and avoid getting eliminated from the World Cup, Brazil seem to have found the right mix between efficiency and entertainment.

But just how far can they go with this type of football? Well, the Dutch are about to find out next.

Martino: We're in with a great chance

As Paraguay attempt to reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time in their history, their Argentinian coach Gerardo Martino has been speaking to FIFA about his team’s exploits in South Africa. The 47-year-old has led the South Americans since 2007 and in the eyes of many, his clear thinking and positive attitude have been two of the major factors in guiding Los Guaraníes to the brink of history.

Such is the high esteem in which he is held by his players, Martino has successfully managed to change La Albirroja’s style of play from his early days, and the squad has been quick to acknowledge the coach’s foresight in helping them become a potent force in South American football. Now more aggressive and adventurous in attack, but with the same miserly defence, the Paraguayans are dangerous opponents for any team in South Africa.

Attacking adventure and defensive discipline helped Martino’s men cut a swathe through South American qualifying and they have not stopped there. In the first stage they topped Group F, leaving reigning champions Italy in their wake, and they have now set their sights on glory in the knockout stages. But Paraguay's opponents in Tuesday’s last 16 game, Japan, have FIFA World Cup ambitions of their own.


In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Martino spoke openly of his respect for Japan and the satisfaction he gets from working with such a talented crop of Paraguayan players. The feeling of respect between coach and players is, it seems, mutual.

FIFA: This is a historic opportunity for Paraguay. How do you see the game going?
Gerardo Martino: Yes, it’s a great opportunity. Personally I think we can make history in one of two ways. Either we play well, really well, even if we lose, or we just win regardless of the performance.

Japan present a very distinct challenge, and play in a markedly different way to the teams you faced in the group stage. What are you expecting from them?
Every team plays in a different way. The thing is, this is the first game where we know that the winner takes all. That changes things completely because as well as dealing with the opposition, we will have to keep our nerve.


And what are you expecting from your own team?
I want us to be aggressive and to win back possession quickly. I want us to be positive in possession as well because sometimes when we play we have problems in that regard. We need to improve that side of our game. But putting pressure on them to win the ball back is key. We need to get at them, and fortunately that positive aggression is something we have in our team.

Speaking to the players, they all say that you give them a lot of confidence in themselves, and the belief that they can beat anybody on their day. Is confidence an important part of your approach?
I am always honest with my players from the outset. I speak from the heart when I analyse their strengths and weaknesses and that means that I can speak to them easily. It’s true that there are teams with better players than us but I also think that we have tremendous team spirit something which, in my opinion, can balance out better technical ability on the part of other teams.

After a long time in Paraguayan football, you know the players very well. How would you describe the typical Paraguayan player?
Someone who brings a lot to the team and works hard. They are unselfish, they don’t play for themselves, they are dedicated, not only in games but also in training. I’ve always said that the typical Paraguayan footballer gives a coach self-belief, because they play with such intensity that you can’t help but feel that you really have prepared them very well. In truth, that doesn’t have anything to do with the Paraguayan FA, but simply to do with the attitude of the players. And you see that out on the pitch. Every single one of them puts his ego to one side to fight for the team as a whole.

That work ethic can only come from unity within the squad, and that seems to be the hallmark of your team. How have you managed to achieve that in only one month, and in a different country?
It’s something that we emphasise to the players. The FA gives the players the very best. We don’t want to think that any of us, from the medical staff to the admin staff, have got anything wrong. We know that we have the country’s best players here with us and so we have to treat them accordingly. When we first got together we spoke to them a lot about unity and the fact that we would be together for 60 days. We knew that a few things would crop up, and that we would have to sort everything out amongst the squad. The conversation we had with the players was very positive although we had to see them put our plans into practice. And they have done that to a degree that has gone way beyond my expectations.

Appiah: This team is special

After a few days of reflection on their historic second-round victory over USA, Ghana captain Stephen Appiah told FIFA that the Black Stars are staying themselves: relaxed and happy to be together. Having now gone further in the FIFA World Cup™ than ever before, and with a tricky match with Uruguay up next on Friday, the Bologna midfielder reflected on the values of what he calls "a special team".

"I am warmed by the players," said the 29-year-old from the team's camp outside of Rustenburg. "You can see that there is no tension, no pressure. Always with smiles, singing and laughing – stuff like that. What I've learnt is the more pressure you put on yourself, the more things go wrong. So, I have been telling the guys that they should be free [and that] nobody should even think about the games. Maybe a day or two before, then we have to focus on the game. But, for now, we're relaxed, training, laughing, singing, dancing. I think that's very important."

Handling the world's biggest football tournament in this way has been a consistent refrain from the Black Stars in South Africa. As they were four years ago on their finals debut, Ghana are the only African representatives in the knockout rounds, so they are obviously doing something right. And as anyone who has seen the joy and unity in their post-match celebrations can attest, togetherness is one of the team's hallmarks – not just in word but in spirit.


'I think you can see the atmosphere," he said. "You can see the way we talk to and the respect we have for each other. We practise together, we laugh together, we do everything together. In fact, you can't even see the difference with the lower-cut players and the professional players. I think that's the secret. It's the nice thing about this team."

Grounded but with an eye on history
One of the veterans of what is the youngest team in South Africa, Appiah has been around the block a few times. He started his career with Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak before embarking on a 13-year career, mostly in Italy's Serie A with Udinese, Parma, Brescia and Juventus. Appiah, who also had a spell in Turkey with Fenerbahce, explained that the young Black Stars are naturally driven in a way many sides are not.

"This Black Stars team is strange," he said. "If you go to some of the teams, if you go to their camp after a big victory like [against the US], you'll see the players outside the lobby, drinking and going to bed late. But, in our camp, you won't even see the players outside. After a big win you'll see us in our room, maybe talking with our wives, with our girlfriends or friends. We will be playing cards or listening to music. I think it's a good thing because – as I always say – with big players, you don't see them out after a big victory. They always stay in and focus. I think it's a good sign. The moment you think everything is going well and you start getting a cocky head, then everything goes wrong."

But while admitting that the team are "really proud" of their achievement in becoming the third team to reach the last eight at the FIFA World Cup, matching Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002, they are excited rather than intimidated by the opportunity that now presents itself. "I think that history is always history," he said about reaching the last eight. "Now it's our turn. Now that we're there, it's history for Ghana. We hope that we can still better it by going to the semi-final. And, for myself, it would be a great achievement because one day I would like to talk to my kids and explain to them what happened in South Africa in 2010."

Tenga: Ghana has a bright future

It was very pleasing to see an African team in Ghana progress to the Round of 16. All of us Africans are looking for the teams from the continent to do well and show the strength of African football. It is extremely important we can show the world that we can do well here, and it is important for the tournament as well. And of course it is always important that the host continent and nation does well and performs with pride.

I am very happy that Ghana did well as they a young team with plenty of promise. They are an attacking team and they look for goals. I’m very proud of this team and they can do well in the future. Certainly, they are one of the bright hopes for African football. They are technically very good, they are capable of fast passing and good movement in attack, though of course being a young team they are inexperienced at this level. For me the fact they employed positive tactics is a revelation as not all teams at the tournament have done that. It will be a great contest against USA and a very tough match but I have confidence in their ability.

I saw the way all the African teams played and mostly they put up excellent performances. They fought extremely hard and had some great moments in attack. They fought hard, but I think they could have done better if they were mentally prepared a little better. Mostly they played very good final matches, unlike the first two group matches. They struggled a little with the pressure, but more so the mental preparation. You need to be prepared to concentrate for 90 minutes at this level.

Jordaan: Bafana did their jersey and their country proud

“Bafana Bafana are out of the World Cup but they won the hearts and minds of all South Africans and the whole world tonight,” said 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) CEO Danny Jordaan after South Africa’s final group stage match against France in Mangaung/Bloemfontein tonight.

South Africa won the match but it was not enough for the host nation to progress past the group stage of the tournament.

“Yes they did not make it past the group stage but they did what the country asked of them – they played with pride, passion, skill and commitment, they gave their best. They did the national team jersey and every single South African proud and we want to thank them for what they’ve done for this country,” he added.

Jordaan also thanked South Africans for the tremendous support they have shown for the South African team.

“The passion and enthusiasm we have seen across the length and breadth of South Africa in recent weeks has made this tournament truly come alive for locals and visitors alike,” he said.

Jordaan does not believe that South Africa’s exit will affect the overall success of the tournament.

“It may be over for Bafana Bafana but it is not over for South Africa. This is still South Africa’s World Cup. We are not going home, the World Cup is happening in our home,” he said.

“South Africans have already proven their support for Team South Africa. Without millions of them we would not have delivered ten world-class stadiums, opened new airports, highways and train stations in record time or welcomed hundreds of thousands of new visitors to our country. We would not have already hosted more than half of the World Cup matches successfully,” he explained.

“I remain confident that South Africans will continue to be fantastic hosts for the next two and a half weeks and make the most of this incredible time in our country’s history, which has already seen us achieve so much,” said Jordaan.

Jordaan said that support for the tournament to date has met all expectations with a total of 1 570 447 people attending the first 32 matches (an average of 49,076). More than a million people have watched the matches at the ten FIFA Fan Fests in South Africa and hundreds of thousands more have watched the games in public viewing areas around the country, with World Cup matches also shattering television audience records in the country.

Durban has proved to be the most popular FIFA Fan Fest with 238,546 visitors from the start of the tournament until 20 June.

Holman scores against his critics

Brett Holman hopes he has silenced his detractors once and for all with his performances and two goals in the FIFA World Cup™ campaign.

The Socceroos went out of the tournament fighting and with their reputation enhanced after a pulsating 2-1 win over world number 15 Serbia at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Wednesday.

Holman, 26, finished as the Socceroos' unexpected leading scorer at the tournament with his goals against Ghana and Serbia and attracted rave reviews for his performances as an all-action midfielder. Fans have not always taken to Holman, but coach Pim Verbeek has consistently been an admirer of his selfless non-stop running and energy.

"You always get criticism from anybody and everybody," said Holman, who has played eight years in the Dutch league and is currently with AZ Alkmaar. "You always want to perform for everybody, but you are always going to get criticism now and then and you have to deal with it and prove them wrong.

"I have always given my best in every game I've played for Australia and it was lucky that I scored these goals in my last two games. I think I always belong, I feel part of the team and part of this group and the atmosphere was great and I always felt comfortable around the boys."

Verbeek leaves no doubt as to what he thinks of Holman and his importance to the Socceroos set-up. "I have always been a fan of Brett Holman. I always thought he was very important to the team," Verbeek said.

The effervescent Holman, who came on with Scott Chipperfield in the 66th minute, let fly with a wonderful long-range strike seven minutes later which left Serbian goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic flailing. "Normally, I would have passed it, but it was one of those things, especially with the ball in this World Cup," he said. "You can shoot from anywhere and it can go all over the place and lucky I connected alright and it hit the back of the net, so it was a good feeling."

Holman is expected to figure more prominently in the future Australian side, now in a transition phase with several long-term Socceroos stepping down from the international arena. "Now this is all over I will sit down and write down what sort of goals I will have over the next four years and we'll go from there," he said.

"I have mixed feelings. We gave a good performance and we beat a great Serbian side, it's unfortunate that we didn't qualify and that was the tough part. Trying to weigh it all up it's great to score two goals at the World Cup, but on the other hand I would have rather not have scored them and us gone through to the next round."

Bath centre Shontayne Hape will make his England Test debut in Saturday's Cook Cup clash with Australia in Perth.

The New Zealand-born rugby league convert, 29, takes over at inside centre from the injured Riki Flutey.

Hooker Steve Thompson and lock Tom Palmer both start, and there is a return for Leicester flanker Tom Croft.

Jonny Wilkinson is on the bench, with Toby Flood retained at fly-half, while Danny Care holds off the challenge of scrum-half rival Ben Youngs.

Leicester hooker George Chuter and Northampton lock Courtney Lawes are both on the bench.

England are chasing their first victory over the Wallabies on Australian soil since the 2003 World Cup final - and only their third ever.

Hape will become the third former Kiwi rugby league international to play for England, following in the footsteps of Henry Paul and Lesley Vainikolo.

He's one of those guys that seems to have a bit more time than most, he's very composed

England manager Martin Johnson on Shontayne Hape

He was set to make his Test debut against Wales during the Six Nations, just weeks after qualifying for England on residency grounds, before falling ill on the eve of the game.

England manager Martin Johnson said: "I have been very impressed with him. He's a very smart carrier with the ball in hand.

"He's one of those guys that seems to have a bit more time than most, he's very composed."

Hape made his first England appearance in the non-cap game against the Barbarians at Twickenham before the squad left for Australia and has been preferred at inside centre to Bath team-mate Olly Barkley.

Thompson came on tour as first-choice hooker after Dylan Hartley was ruled out of the five-match trip through injury, while Palmer impressed off the bench against France in Paris at the end of March.

Croft, a star of the Lions tour 12 months ago, returns to the back row after missing the Six Nations with a knee injury.

Australia rugby coach Robbie Deans has made four changes from the team which beat Fiji last weekend for Saturday's match.
Shontayne Hape in training for England
Hape has shone for Bath since switching codes

James O'Connor displaces Kurtley Beale at full-back after scoring three tries for the Australian Barbarians team which drew 28-28 with England in Perth on Tuesday, and Drew Mitchell returns in place of the injured Adam Ashley-Cooper on the left wing.

Deans has opted for an inexperienced front row of props Salesi Ma'afu and Ben Daley and hooker Saia Faingaa.

Daley and Faingaa take places occupied by Benn Robinson and Huia Edmonds in the Fiji Test which the Wallabies won 49-3.

Quade Cooper remains at fly-half outside scrum-half Luke Burgess while Matt Giteau continues at inside centre in a midfield pairing with Rob Horne.

Rocky Elsom will captain the team as blind-side flanker.

England team:
B Foden; M Cueto, M Tindall, S Hape, C Ashton; T Flood, D Care; T Payne, S Thompson, D Cole, S Shaw, T Palmer, T Croft, L Moody (capt), N Easter.
Replacements: G Chuter, D Wilson, C Lawes, J Haskell, B Youngs, J Wilkinson, M Tait.

Australia team:
J O'Connor, D Ioane, R Horne, M Giteau, D Mitchell, Q Cooper, L Burgess; R Brown, D Pocock, R Elsom (capt), N Sharpe, D Mumm, S Ma'afu, S Faingaa, B Daley.
Replacements: H Edmonds, J Slipper, M Chisholm, M Hodgson, W Genia, B Barnes, K Beale.