Tornado Alley (PROG)

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World Cup 2010: Mexico add spice to opener in South Africa's cauldron

Javier Aguirre has turned Mexico into dangerous dark horses since he replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager
Paul Wilson in Johannesburg .. The Guardian, Friday 11 June 2010


Mexico prepare themselves for the World Cup opener against South Africa at
Soccer City in Johannesburg. Photograph: Themba Hadebe/AP

Feeling down? Demotivated? Tired and quarrelsome? Then try sacking Sven-Goran Eriksson and appointing Javier Aguirre instead. [...] .. to last paragraph ..

What does interest Aguirre is South Africa in general and Nelson Mandela in particular. The former president
is expected at today's game, though he is in frail health and his schedule is uncertain."He's an icon, a beacon, what
he's done in his life is admirable," the Mexico coach said, revealing he was a keen student of African politics in
his youth. "I don't know if it is going to be possible but I would be extremely honoured to shake his hand."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/11/world-cup-mexico-south-africa

South Africa celebrates World Cup start

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbGYK3bRuYg

One other .. Latest World Cup 2010 .. http://english.aljazeera.net/sport/worldcup2010/

One more .. Congratulations USA .. United States beats Australia 3 - 1 in Friendly Match


PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 03: Bob Bradley (L) head coach of US national soccer midfielder Clint Dempsey (C) and goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann (C) during a news conference at Irene Farm on June 3, 2010 in Irene near Pretoria, South Africa. US will face England in their 2010 World Cup opener on June 12. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The U. S. beat Australia 3 - 1 in the last Friendly match before the World Cup begins.The match took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. It also had two Fulham players who would be on opposite sides today. Clint Dempsey was playing for the U.S. and Mark Schwarzer was the goalkeeper for Australia.

The U.S. started strong and scored in the fourth minute of the match. Edson Buddle blasted a shot past Mark Schwarzer to give the U.S. the early lead 1 - 0. Australia would fight back and tie the match in the 19th minute. Off of a corner kick, the ball was kicked in the box. Tim Cahill who plays for Everton got to it and shot it past Tim Howard. The game was then tied 1 - 1. The U.S. would strike again in the first half. In the 31st minute, Steve Cherundolo sent in a great cross to Edson Buddle and he shot it past Schwarzer. The half ended with the U.S. up 2 - 1.

The second half saw Australia very aggressive with several scoring chances. Clint Dempsey actually had a goal disallowed. He took a rebound off of a shot on net and headed it past Mark Schwarzer . Unfortunately, the referee had his flag up and called offsides on the U.S.

The U.S. ended the scoring in stoppage time. Landon Donovan struck a nice pass inside the box to Hurcules Gomez. He struck it past Mark Schwarzer. The game ended with the U.S. winning 3 - 1.

The U.S. performance was inconsistent. At times they looked very good and controlled the match. In the second half though Australia really controlled the game. For the U.S. to have a shot against England they are going to need to be much more consistent. There was though encouraging play from Robbie Findley and Edson Buddle. Edson scored two goals and did have chances for the hat trick.

It is now on to the opening match for the U.S. against England next Saturday. It should be fun.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/6/5/1502707/united-states-beats-australia-3-1

See you in the final. LOL