Friday's World Cup round-up

Former France captain Zinedine Zidane has criticised coach Raymond Domenech after the 2-0 defeat by Mexico which left Les Bleus on the brink of World Cup elimination.
Zidane, a member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team, believes Domenech got his selection wrong by demoting Yoann Gourcuff to the bench, depriving the side of a creative spark.
"The coach made the decision but I don't agree with it," Zidane told Mexican television station Televisa. "I am disappointed because France did not have a single shot on goal and that should be the least to be expected. Mexico were superior to France, especially physically."

Captain Patrice Evra said it felt like France were a "small football nation - and it hurts" after Thursday's defeat by Mexico.
"It's a catastrophe, that's all we can say. We are not a great team," said Evra, who was part of the side which suffered an early exit at Euro 2008. "When you are knocked out of the European Championship in the first round and you are also capable of being knocked out in the first round of the World Cup, you just don't want to think about football after that." 

Injured England defender Rio Ferdinand has told his England team-mates: "You can still win the World Cup."
"We still have a great chance of winning the World Cup," Ferdinand told The Sun. "No team can claim to be the outright favourites. There is no one who scares us. I'm sure we'll beat Algeria. I've played with these players for years and know how good they are."

Senior Cameroon players have asked coach Paul Le Guen to reconsider his team selection for the Group E match against Denmark on Saturday.
Defender Song made a substitute appearance against Japan
Cameroon's players are unhappy because Le Guen omitted seasoned campaigners like defenders Rigobert Song and Geremi and midfielder Alexandre Song from the Japan game, which they lost 1-0. 
"What we have seen in recent games, which we think is unfortunate, is that many young fresh players have been introduced into the team at the expense of experienced ones," said midfielder Achille Emana. 

United States captain Carlos Bocanegra said his team will not be underestimating Slovenia just because they lack household names.
The former Fulham defender said: "We have some personal experience against these guys. A few play in Germany, a few in France, just because they're not in the Premier League we're still familiar with these guys. We are not going to take them lightly just because some people might not know the names as well."

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong is confident his team can win the World Cup in South Africa.
Ahead of Saturday's Group E clash with Japan, De Jong said: "We just have to deliver this World Cup. We have got enough quality to do it." 

Former Tottenham manager Osvaldo Ardiles, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 1978, says he wants to be Australia's new national coach.

Dutchman Pim Verbeek will vacate the position after the tournament and Football Federation Australia is seeking a big-name candidate to replace him.

www.bbc.co.uk

Spain 0-2 USA

The United States caused one of the biggest upsets in world football by beating European champions Spain in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.
Jozy Altidore broke the deadlock on 27 minutes when he turned Joan Capdevila and beat Iker Casillas from 15 yards. 
Fulham's Clint Dempsey then doubled the lead on 74 minutes when he converted Landon Donovan's pass from close range. 
The defeat in South Africa ended Spain's world record of 15 straight wins and their 35-match unbeaten run. 
"It's exciting, a great team effort. To beat an amazing team like Spain and make the final, it's big," said US coach Bob Bradley. 
"We played as hard as we could and that's what it took. Every guy contributed, so it's a very good feeling."
US captain Carlos Bocanegra added: "I think it just shows that we can compete with the best. Now we need to do it on a consistent basis." 
The US opened the tournament with a 3-1 loss to world champions Italy before being outclassed 3-0 by Brazil but they advanced to the last four by beating Egypt 3-0. 
"It goes to show what hard work and commitment to each other can bring," stated US goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made crucial saves to deny David Villa and Fernando Torres. "Football is a funny thing." 
Victory meant the US advanced to their first Fifa final, although the achievement was slightly soured by the dismissal of Michael Bradley. 
The midfielder, son of the US coach, will now miss Sunday's showdown against either defending champions Brazil or hosts South Africa.

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Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Capdevila, Pique, Puyol, Xavi, Fabregas (Santi Cazorla 68), Alonso, Riera (Mata 78), Torres, Villa.

Subs Not Used: Diego Lopez, Albiol, Arbeloa, Marchena, Pablo, Busquets, Silva, Llorente, Guiza, Reina. 
Booked: Capdevila, Pique. 

USA: Howard, DeMerit, Spector, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Clark, Dempsey (Bornstein 88), Davies (Feilhaber 69), Donovan, Bradley, Altidore (Casey 84).
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Pearce, Califf, Wynne, Beasley, Kljestan, Adu, Torres, Robles. 
Sent Off: Bradley (87). 
Booked: Donovan, Altidore. 
Goals: Altidore 27, Dempsey 74. 

Att: 40,000 
Ref: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay).
www.bbc.co.uk

Egypt - USA

This is the last game in the group. The propositions say Egyptians are definitely through if they better Italy's result. Should the Azzurri win, the Egyptians can overtake them if they beat the USA by a bigger margin. Before the start of competition, Egypt was rated as a third selection in the group, but after two games played they deserve a title of biggest surprise. In the first game, they were equal against World Champions-Brazil, loosing the game in the last moments (from controversial penalty kick). Players’ confidence raised rapidly and that was more than obvious in the second game, where Pharaons made a historic victory over Italy. They played tactically perfect and score from the only good opportunity. But, while the lads were beating Italy, five of the players were the victims of burglary, with thieves breaking into their hotel rooms in Johannesburg. That has done little to dampen the Pharaohs' spirits, with the squad confident they can record a convincing win against the USA. Bad news is Egypt could be without striker Mohamed Zidan after he picked up a hamstring injury in the win against Italy. The Pharaohs are short of experienced strikers, with Amr Zaki injured before the tournament began and Mido out of favour with coach Hassan Shehata.

Oposite from Egypt, before the start of Confederations Cup USA was declared as the group outsider. And in the first two games they proved that status. The only good thing was the first half in the opening game against Italy. They scored, even with a player less and were equal on the pitch. But, till the game end conceded three times. Second game didn’t bring anything good. Another three hits, from Brazil (with mixed starting eleven) this time, and another red card. The USA squad records an obvious improvement in last couple of years, but it seems they’re still far from the best world teams. Even at competition such as Confederations Cup. The players are certainly disappointed with two convincing defeats and the question is will they be able to recover mentally for the Pharaons. However, USA is not without the chance for progress. They have to win by at least three goals and Italy to lose. Ricardo Clark is back after a ban but Sacha Klejstan is suspended. Watford's Jay DeMerit may again deputise for Carlos Bocanegra if the former Fulham defender fails to recover from a hamstring problem.

After two excellent games, Egyptians proved their confidence wasn’t uncovered. Win over Italy and Brazil game put them in the position of big favorites against USA and missings in attacking lines won’t change it too much. Americans are discouraged after two defeats and six goals conceded. In the last game will play “for the fans” and I can’t see any different epilogue, than Egypt’s victory.Pinnacle offers 1.81. Home win and little gamble on x-1, again.

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