I don't know if this has been mentioned in this thread but Tudor is out for Croatia. That is huge blow for them.
Mpenza is out for Belgium. That's pretty bad too.
Mpenza is out for Belgium. That's pretty bad too.
2002 World Cup soccer thread
- Thread starter Anders
- Start date
Croatia suffer blow as Tudor is ruled out
ZAGREB, May 7 (AFP) - Croatia suffered a huge blow to their World Cup finals hopes Tuesday when coach Mirko Jozic revealed star defender Igor Tudor would not be going as he has to undergo surgery on his right ankle.
The 24-year-old Juventus player suffered a recurrence of the injury in Sunday's 2-0 league win over Udinese which sealed the title for the club.
Tudor will have to undergo surgery next Tuesday in Amsterdam and will need at least a month to recover Jozic said.
"His absence will be a big handicap," Jozic added.
Croatia, who reached the semi-finals in 1998, are in Group G and open their campaign against Mexico on June 3 in the Japanese town of Niigata.
They play three-time winners Italy in Ibaraki on June 8 and debutants Ecuador in Yokohama on June 13.
ZAGREB, May 7 (AFP) - Croatia suffered a huge blow to their World Cup finals hopes Tuesday when coach Mirko Jozic revealed star defender Igor Tudor would not be going as he has to undergo surgery on his right ankle.
The 24-year-old Juventus player suffered a recurrence of the injury in Sunday's 2-0 league win over Udinese which sealed the title for the club.
Tudor will have to undergo surgery next Tuesday in Amsterdam and will need at least a month to recover Jozic said.
"His absence will be a big handicap," Jozic added.
Croatia, who reached the semi-finals in 1998, are in Group G and open their campaign against Mexico on June 3 in the Japanese town of Niigata.
They play three-time winners Italy in Ibaraki on June 8 and debutants Ecuador in Yokohama on June 13.
Group E-Germany
Germany trying to get it right again
Germany's national football team is second only to Brazil in terms of historical achievement. The Mannschaft has, however been in a state of decline for the past decade, and the team is now desperately looking for the spark that will bring them back among the world's elite.
Since stars like Lothar Matth?us, J?rgen Klinsmann and Rudi V?ller ended their careers, only a few national team players have lived up to their incredibly high standards. One is Bayern Munich's Oliver Kahn, who has been voted as the world's best goalkeeper on a number of occasions. Kahn is the epitome of willpower and discipline and the unquestioned leader of the side. His club team mate Mehmet Scholl is also a pillar of the line-up thanks to his technical skills and exuberant style of play. Jens Jeremies is another who stands out, possessing the commitment and toughness that marked previous German national sides.
The Bayern Munich trio have experience not only internationally, but have also achieved much with their club, culminating in their 2000-2001 UEFA Champions League success.
In general though, the feeling is that some players who were expected to make an impact have not performed to the level necessary so far and Germany's greatest hope for future success, midfielder Sebastian Deisler of Hertha BSC Berlin, may be too inexperienced to make his presence felt at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan?.
One player who has risen to the occasion, however, is Michael Ballack, who was the surprise package of this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder was Germany's top scorer and netted three times in the playoff matches against Ukraine, finally unleashing the potential that previously had only been on display at club level. Should he remain in this rich vein of form then he will be the key to Germany's dreams of winning the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time.
Germany's defence, with players such as Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen), Christian W?rns (Borussia Dortmund) and Thomas Linke (Bayern Munich), allowed only ten goals in eight qualifying matches, half of those in a 5-1 home loss to England. In attack, the days of captain Oliver Bierhoff (Monaco) seem limited, as he has been used as a substitute in recent international matches, whereas strikers such as Carsten Jancker (Bayern Munich), Oliver Neuville (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (Kaiserslautern) and Gerald Asamoah (Schalke 04) have proved worryingly inconsistent.
Significant past players:
Lothar Matth?us, J?rgen Klinsmann, Karl Heinz Rummenigge, Horst Hrubesch, Sepp Maier, Berti Vogts, Ulrich Stielike, Paul Breitner, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd M?ller, Fritz Walter.
Achievements:
-- Winner 1954 FIFA World Cup Switzerland
-- Winner 1974 FIFA World Cup West Germany
-- Winner 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy
-- Runner-up 1966 FIFA World Cup England
-- Runner-up 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain
-- Runner-up 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico
-- 3rd 1934 FIFA World Cup Italy
-- 3rd 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico
-- 4th 1958 FIFA World Cup Sweden
-- Quarter-final 1962 FIFA World Cup Chile
-- Quarter-final 1994 FIFA World Cup USA
-- Quarter-final 1998 FIFA World Cup France
-- Winner UEFA European Championship Belgium 1972
-- Winner UEFA European Championship Italy 1980
-- Winner UEFA European Championship England 1996
-- Runner-up UEFA European Championship Yugoslavia 1976
-- Semi-final UEFA European Championship West Germany 1988
-- Runner-up UEFA European Championship Sweden 1992
Germany trying to get it right again
Germany's national football team is second only to Brazil in terms of historical achievement. The Mannschaft has, however been in a state of decline for the past decade, and the team is now desperately looking for the spark that will bring them back among the world's elite.
Since stars like Lothar Matth?us, J?rgen Klinsmann and Rudi V?ller ended their careers, only a few national team players have lived up to their incredibly high standards. One is Bayern Munich's Oliver Kahn, who has been voted as the world's best goalkeeper on a number of occasions. Kahn is the epitome of willpower and discipline and the unquestioned leader of the side. His club team mate Mehmet Scholl is also a pillar of the line-up thanks to his technical skills and exuberant style of play. Jens Jeremies is another who stands out, possessing the commitment and toughness that marked previous German national sides.
The Bayern Munich trio have experience not only internationally, but have also achieved much with their club, culminating in their 2000-2001 UEFA Champions League success.
In general though, the feeling is that some players who were expected to make an impact have not performed to the level necessary so far and Germany's greatest hope for future success, midfielder Sebastian Deisler of Hertha BSC Berlin, may be too inexperienced to make his presence felt at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan?.
One player who has risen to the occasion, however, is Michael Ballack, who was the surprise package of this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder was Germany's top scorer and netted three times in the playoff matches against Ukraine, finally unleashing the potential that previously had only been on display at club level. Should he remain in this rich vein of form then he will be the key to Germany's dreams of winning the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time.
Germany's defence, with players such as Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen), Christian W?rns (Borussia Dortmund) and Thomas Linke (Bayern Munich), allowed only ten goals in eight qualifying matches, half of those in a 5-1 home loss to England. In attack, the days of captain Oliver Bierhoff (Monaco) seem limited, as he has been used as a substitute in recent international matches, whereas strikers such as Carsten Jancker (Bayern Munich), Oliver Neuville (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (Kaiserslautern) and Gerald Asamoah (Schalke 04) have proved worryingly inconsistent.
Significant past players:
Lothar Matth?us, J?rgen Klinsmann, Karl Heinz Rummenigge, Horst Hrubesch, Sepp Maier, Berti Vogts, Ulrich Stielike, Paul Breitner, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd M?ller, Fritz Walter.
Achievements:
-- Winner 1954 FIFA World Cup Switzerland
-- Winner 1974 FIFA World Cup West Germany
-- Winner 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy
-- Runner-up 1966 FIFA World Cup England
-- Runner-up 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain
-- Runner-up 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico
-- 3rd 1934 FIFA World Cup Italy
-- 3rd 1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico
-- 4th 1958 FIFA World Cup Sweden
-- Quarter-final 1962 FIFA World Cup Chile
-- Quarter-final 1994 FIFA World Cup USA
-- Quarter-final 1998 FIFA World Cup France
-- Winner UEFA European Championship Belgium 1972
-- Winner UEFA European Championship Italy 1980
-- Winner UEFA European Championship England 1996
-- Runner-up UEFA European Championship Yugoslavia 1976
-- Semi-final UEFA European Championship West Germany 1988
-- Runner-up UEFA European Championship Sweden 1992
Group E-Saudi Arabia
Pride of the Gulf
With five appearances in a row in the final of the Asian Cup since 1984, yielding a record-equalling three titles, Saudi Arabia have been the continent's leading light for the last 20 years. Qualifying for their third consecutive FIFA World Cup? finals has cemented their position as the Persian Gulf's top football nation of recent years.
The nation's high point undoubtedly came in 1994 when they qualified for the World Cup finals in the United States, becoming the first Asian team to reach the second round since North Korea's heroic performance in England in 1966. Four years later, and with expectations running high, the Saudis fell short of their quarter-final target, losing to Denmark and France before salvaging a point in their final match against South Africa.
Saudi Arabia's success is all the more remarkable given the nation's revolving door policy regarding coaches. Since Eduardo Vingada guided the Saudis to the Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates in 1996, there have been no fewer than eight changes of head coach, with Otto Pfister and Nasser Al Johar both holding the position twice.
Expectations are sure to be high again, especially with the return of Asian Player of the Year Nawaf Al Temyat to the side, who missed qualifying due to a serious knee injury.
Qualification - Sleepless Arabian nights
Saudi Arabia's qualification for Korea/Japan could not have been more dramatic. Needing to win their last game against Thailand and hope Bahrain could defeat Group A leaders Iran, Nasser Al Johar's side went through as their Arab neighbours did them a massive favour, beating Iran 3-1 as the Saudis won 4-1 against Peter Withe's Thais.
The Saudis had a poor start to the final stage of the campaign, drawing with Bahrain in Riyadh and then losing to the Iranians in Tehran, results that ended the short reign of Slobodan Santrac as head coach. Al Johar returned, however, to take the Saudis back to the top of the group to become the first Arab nation to qualify for three World Cups in a row.
Significant past players:
Al Owairan Saeed, Majed Abdullah, Youssef Al Thuniyan
Achievements:
-- Champion Asian Cup 1984, 1988, 1996
-- Runner-up Asian Cup 1992, 2000
-- Winner FIFA World Youth (U17) Championship 1989
Pride of the Gulf
With five appearances in a row in the final of the Asian Cup since 1984, yielding a record-equalling three titles, Saudi Arabia have been the continent's leading light for the last 20 years. Qualifying for their third consecutive FIFA World Cup? finals has cemented their position as the Persian Gulf's top football nation of recent years.
The nation's high point undoubtedly came in 1994 when they qualified for the World Cup finals in the United States, becoming the first Asian team to reach the second round since North Korea's heroic performance in England in 1966. Four years later, and with expectations running high, the Saudis fell short of their quarter-final target, losing to Denmark and France before salvaging a point in their final match against South Africa.
Saudi Arabia's success is all the more remarkable given the nation's revolving door policy regarding coaches. Since Eduardo Vingada guided the Saudis to the Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates in 1996, there have been no fewer than eight changes of head coach, with Otto Pfister and Nasser Al Johar both holding the position twice.
Expectations are sure to be high again, especially with the return of Asian Player of the Year Nawaf Al Temyat to the side, who missed qualifying due to a serious knee injury.
Qualification - Sleepless Arabian nights
Saudi Arabia's qualification for Korea/Japan could not have been more dramatic. Needing to win their last game against Thailand and hope Bahrain could defeat Group A leaders Iran, Nasser Al Johar's side went through as their Arab neighbours did them a massive favour, beating Iran 3-1 as the Saudis won 4-1 against Peter Withe's Thais.
The Saudis had a poor start to the final stage of the campaign, drawing with Bahrain in Riyadh and then losing to the Iranians in Tehran, results that ended the short reign of Slobodan Santrac as head coach. Al Johar returned, however, to take the Saudis back to the top of the group to become the first Arab nation to qualify for three World Cups in a row.
Significant past players:
Al Owairan Saeed, Majed Abdullah, Youssef Al Thuniyan
Achievements:
-- Champion Asian Cup 1984, 1988, 1996
-- Runner-up Asian Cup 1992, 2000
-- Winner FIFA World Youth (U17) Championship 1989
Group E-Republic of Ireland
Ireland re-emerging from the shadows
The Republic of Ireland emerged in 1987 under the tutelage of former England great Jack Charlton, who took the team to two FIFA World Cups? and a UEFA European Championship in the space of six years.
Since Big Jack's retirement in 1995, his former prot?g? Mick McCarthy initially struggled to return the nation to former glories before qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, where the Irish emerged from the "group of death" that included The Netherlands and Portugal.
Captain and playmaker Roy Keane has finally reached the level of impact at international football that he has had for his club Manchester United over the past few years. The gritty midfielder has a talismanic power over the Irish team, lifting the entire side to levels they would almost never reach on their own.
Keane's supporting cast are mostly young and exciting prospects. Blackburn Rovers winger Damien Duff, Ipswich's Matt Holland, Charlton's Mark Kinsella and Wolves flanker Mark Kennedy all give the Republic an unprecedented level of skill and flexibility in midfield.
Leeds striker Robbie Keane (no relation to Roy) is one of Europe's most potent threats up front, while free-scoring Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison appears to have a bright future in the green shirt. Wimbledon and former Feyenoord striker David Connolly is also an excellent impact player that any side would love to have on the bench.
Significant past players:
Paul McGrath, Liam Brady, Johnny Giles
Achievements:
-- Quarter-final 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy
Ireland re-emerging from the shadows
The Republic of Ireland emerged in 1987 under the tutelage of former England great Jack Charlton, who took the team to two FIFA World Cups? and a UEFA European Championship in the space of six years.
Since Big Jack's retirement in 1995, his former prot?g? Mick McCarthy initially struggled to return the nation to former glories before qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, where the Irish emerged from the "group of death" that included The Netherlands and Portugal.
Captain and playmaker Roy Keane has finally reached the level of impact at international football that he has had for his club Manchester United over the past few years. The gritty midfielder has a talismanic power over the Irish team, lifting the entire side to levels they would almost never reach on their own.
Keane's supporting cast are mostly young and exciting prospects. Blackburn Rovers winger Damien Duff, Ipswich's Matt Holland, Charlton's Mark Kinsella and Wolves flanker Mark Kennedy all give the Republic an unprecedented level of skill and flexibility in midfield.
Leeds striker Robbie Keane (no relation to Roy) is one of Europe's most potent threats up front, while free-scoring Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison appears to have a bright future in the green shirt. Wimbledon and former Feyenoord striker David Connolly is also an excellent impact player that any side would love to have on the bench.
Significant past players:
Paul McGrath, Liam Brady, Johnny Giles
Achievements:
-- Quarter-final 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy
Group E- Cameroon
New coach, new challenge
Cameroon's Indomitable Lions will be competing in the FIFA World Cup? for the fifth time, a record for the African continent, and again go into the tournament with high hopes of being able to set new benchmarks for African soccer.
It is the fourth successive appearance for Cameroon, who are also reigning African champions and hold the distinction of being the only side from the continent to have reached the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup. It was in Italy in 1990 that Cameroon captured the world's imagination with their charismatic team, characterised by the unique goal celebrations of 38 year-old Roger Milla. For the first time, an African team showed no signs of being in awe of their opposition and it was only in extra-time in Naples that their colourful run was finally ended by England.
Many of current crop of Indomitable Lions have already tasted international success with the triumph of Cameroon's under-23 side at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Key players from that unexpected triumph, including current African Footballer of the Year Patrick Mboma, his strike partner Samuel Eto' o and the exciting winger Lauren Etame Mayer, will return to the world stage in Japan and Korea.
In contrast to its undoubted skill on the pitch, the Cameroon side has been through much coaching turmoil over the last year and will have a new face at the helm for the 2002 finals - German-born coach Winfried Sch?fer, formerly with Bundesliga clubs VfB Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, who took over the managerial reins exactly seven months prior to the start of the tournament.
Significant past players:
Fran?ois Omam-Biyik, Roger Milla, Jean-Manga Onguene, Theophile Abega, Thomas N'Kono
Achievements:
-- Quarter-final 1990 FIFA World Cup
-- Champion 1984, 1988, 2000 African Cup of Nations
-- Champion Olympic Games 2000
-- Champion All Africa Games 1999
-- Champion African under-20 1995
New coach, new challenge
Cameroon's Indomitable Lions will be competing in the FIFA World Cup? for the fifth time, a record for the African continent, and again go into the tournament with high hopes of being able to set new benchmarks for African soccer.
It is the fourth successive appearance for Cameroon, who are also reigning African champions and hold the distinction of being the only side from the continent to have reached the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup. It was in Italy in 1990 that Cameroon captured the world's imagination with their charismatic team, characterised by the unique goal celebrations of 38 year-old Roger Milla. For the first time, an African team showed no signs of being in awe of their opposition and it was only in extra-time in Naples that their colourful run was finally ended by England.
Many of current crop of Indomitable Lions have already tasted international success with the triumph of Cameroon's under-23 side at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Key players from that unexpected triumph, including current African Footballer of the Year Patrick Mboma, his strike partner Samuel Eto' o and the exciting winger Lauren Etame Mayer, will return to the world stage in Japan and Korea.
In contrast to its undoubted skill on the pitch, the Cameroon side has been through much coaching turmoil over the last year and will have a new face at the helm for the 2002 finals - German-born coach Winfried Sch?fer, formerly with Bundesliga clubs VfB Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, who took over the managerial reins exactly seven months prior to the start of the tournament.
Significant past players:
Fran?ois Omam-Biyik, Roger Milla, Jean-Manga Onguene, Theophile Abega, Thomas N'Kono
Achievements:
-- Quarter-final 1990 FIFA World Cup
-- Champion 1984, 1988, 2000 African Cup of Nations
-- Champion Olympic Games 2000
-- Champion All Africa Games 1999
-- Champion African under-20 1995
Group E-
Post Draw: Quotes and Analysis
Germany (GER)
Coach: Rudi V?ller
This is a middling group - neither weak nor a group of death like Argentina?s ? you don?t have to be an expert to realise that that one is the strongest group. Cameroon are not to be underestimated, since they are by far and away the best team in Africa and are the one team from that continent with the potential to go far. It will also be particularly enjoyable to face Winni Sch?fer. Ireland might also not appear to be one of the top teams at first glance, but I haven?t forgotten that they qualified at the Netherlands? expense. Saudi Arabia is somewhat of an unknown quantity and represents the outsider of the group, so we are going to have to learn all about them in the coming months.
Quite apart from the fact that they have a very strong team, I am glad that we weren?t drawn against England again, having met them in our qualifying group and also at EURO 2000. We have a few options regarding accommodation in Japan and we?ll be trying to find a nice area over the next two or three days ? it?s a really important aspect when you are so far from home. Two elements are always primordial ? good training grounds and comfortable accommodation.
Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Coach: Nasser Al-Jawhar
We are in a good group and we can produce good results. All the teams which qualified for the finals are strong but we will try our best against them. In football nothing is impossible. If you play well, you can win. Germany is one of the biggest teams in the world and we respect them. We saw Ireland in the last two games against Iran and we have some information about them. We will try to put an end to the well-known "Arabian hospitality".
Republic of Ireland (IRL)
Coach: Mick McCarthy
If you?re drawn in any group you deserve respect because you qualified in the first place ? We came out of a group with Holland. If Holland were here, they?d be good enough to win it.
Cameroon (CMR)
Coach: Winfried Sch?fer
We will have to produce some top performances to progress. With Ireland and Germany, this is a strong group. The Cameroon team has a lot of character. The players are very enthusiastic about their football, patriotic and most importantly, they stick together as a team. It is a pleasure for me to train them. Speaking fluent French is not necessary ? the players don?t need a language teacher, they need a football coach. I needed to earn their trust and I have done that.
I am glad to be playing Germany. They have progressed at every World Cup and if Scholl and Deisler are fit, they will have a good team. I hope we?ll beat them, though.
Post Draw: Quotes and Analysis
Germany (GER)
Coach: Rudi V?ller
This is a middling group - neither weak nor a group of death like Argentina?s ? you don?t have to be an expert to realise that that one is the strongest group. Cameroon are not to be underestimated, since they are by far and away the best team in Africa and are the one team from that continent with the potential to go far. It will also be particularly enjoyable to face Winni Sch?fer. Ireland might also not appear to be one of the top teams at first glance, but I haven?t forgotten that they qualified at the Netherlands? expense. Saudi Arabia is somewhat of an unknown quantity and represents the outsider of the group, so we are going to have to learn all about them in the coming months.
Quite apart from the fact that they have a very strong team, I am glad that we weren?t drawn against England again, having met them in our qualifying group and also at EURO 2000. We have a few options regarding accommodation in Japan and we?ll be trying to find a nice area over the next two or three days ? it?s a really important aspect when you are so far from home. Two elements are always primordial ? good training grounds and comfortable accommodation.
Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Coach: Nasser Al-Jawhar
We are in a good group and we can produce good results. All the teams which qualified for the finals are strong but we will try our best against them. In football nothing is impossible. If you play well, you can win. Germany is one of the biggest teams in the world and we respect them. We saw Ireland in the last two games against Iran and we have some information about them. We will try to put an end to the well-known "Arabian hospitality".
Republic of Ireland (IRL)
Coach: Mick McCarthy
If you?re drawn in any group you deserve respect because you qualified in the first place ? We came out of a group with Holland. If Holland were here, they?d be good enough to win it.
Cameroon (CMR)
Coach: Winfried Sch?fer
We will have to produce some top performances to progress. With Ireland and Germany, this is a strong group. The Cameroon team has a lot of character. The players are very enthusiastic about their football, patriotic and most importantly, they stick together as a team. It is a pleasure for me to train them. Speaking fluent French is not necessary ? the players don?t need a language teacher, they need a football coach. I needed to earn their trust and I have done that.
I am glad to be playing Germany. They have progressed at every World Cup and if Scholl and Deisler are fit, they will have a good team. I hope we?ll beat them, though.
Mexico beat Colombia in World Cup warm up
Click to enlarge photo
MEXICO CITY, May 12 (AFP) - Mexico beat Colombia 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up at the Azteca stadium here on Sunday, just 19 days before the finals begin in Korea and Japan.
Mexico's goals came from Jared Borgetti in the 52nd minute and Monaco defender Rafael Marquez a quarter-hour before the end. Oscar Restrepo had earned an equalizing goal for Colombia midway through the second half.
Mexico's performance however will have given them more doubts than hope ahead of the May 31 to June 30 finals in the Far East.
In the first half, Mexico, in first round Group G with Ecuador, Italy and Croatia, hardly made an attack in a scrappy display showing little enthusiasm.
The crowd showed their displeasure by whistling and booing the team of Javier Aguirre at the half-time whistle.
Four substitutions were made by Aguirre in the second half and, playing with more purpose, they went ahead.
In a move involving Ramon Morales and Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Borgetti easily found the net for the first goal but Colombia were back on level terms after a defensive mistake to let in Restrepo to score.
Borgetti turned playmaker for the last goal to set up Marquez in this far-from-convincing display by Mexico.
Aguirre said afterwards: "We may have won but I wish we had played better, particularly in the first half."
Striker Borgetti agreed the match was hardly a superb performance but added it had little bearing on what he believed would be a good World Cup. "We need to play more together to become more of a unit but I think we are on course to have a good finals," Borgetti said.
Click to enlarge photo
MEXICO CITY, May 12 (AFP) - Mexico beat Colombia 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up at the Azteca stadium here on Sunday, just 19 days before the finals begin in Korea and Japan.
Mexico's goals came from Jared Borgetti in the 52nd minute and Monaco defender Rafael Marquez a quarter-hour before the end. Oscar Restrepo had earned an equalizing goal for Colombia midway through the second half.
Mexico's performance however will have given them more doubts than hope ahead of the May 31 to June 30 finals in the Far East.
In the first half, Mexico, in first round Group G with Ecuador, Italy and Croatia, hardly made an attack in a scrappy display showing little enthusiasm.
The crowd showed their displeasure by whistling and booing the team of Javier Aguirre at the half-time whistle.
Four substitutions were made by Aguirre in the second half and, playing with more purpose, they went ahead.
In a move involving Ramon Morales and Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Borgetti easily found the net for the first goal but Colombia were back on level terms after a defensive mistake to let in Restrepo to score.
Borgetti turned playmaker for the last goal to set up Marquez in this far-from-convincing display by Mexico.
Aguirre said afterwards: "We may have won but I wish we had played better, particularly in the first half."
Striker Borgetti agreed the match was hardly a superb performance but added it had little bearing on what he believed would be a good World Cup. "We need to play more together to become more of a unit but I think we are on course to have a good finals," Borgetti said.
Doubt over injured Swedish keeper Kihlstedt
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden second-choice goalkeeper Magnus Kihlstedt could miss the World Cup after hurting his thigh in FC Copenhagen's 1-1 draw against Brondby in the Danish superleague.
"This will probably take a month to heal and then I'll miss the World Cup," Kihlstedt said on the Swedish public television website.
Coventry keeper Magnus Hedman will be Sweden's first choice at the World Cup. Sweden are drawn with England, Nigeria and Argentina in the group phase.
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden second-choice goalkeeper Magnus Kihlstedt could miss the World Cup after hurting his thigh in FC Copenhagen's 1-1 draw against Brondby in the Danish superleague.
"This will probably take a month to heal and then I'll miss the World Cup," Kihlstedt said on the Swedish public television website.
Coventry keeper Magnus Hedman will be Sweden's first choice at the World Cup. Sweden are drawn with England, Nigeria and Argentina in the group phase.
USA : Uruguay 2 - 1
by FIFAworldcup.com
Click to enlarge photo
A scintillating match from RFK Stadium in Washington DC saw a steady US side down South American challengers Uruguay 2-1 on the strength of two first-class, first-half strikes.
In only the 6th minute some bustling work from the Chicago Fire's 19-year-old left flank Damarcus Beasley earned the US a corner - the first of the meeting. Veteran American central defender Jeff Agoos' well-driven ball found a darting Tony Sanneh unmarked at the near post. The hulking left back's flicked header snuck past Gustavo Munua between the Uruguayan posts, opening the US account to rapturous applause (1-0, '6).
The battling, tough-tackling South Americans didn't take long to find their way into the match as a Federico Magallanes free-kick from 30 yards forced US 'keeper Brad Friedel into a tricky save at the 13-minute mark.
Uruguay again went close in the 24th minute as some brilliant approach work down the right flank saw Mendez rifle a pin-point cross to the head of white-booted striker Sebastian Abreu who rose unopposed 5 metres from Friedel's goal. The normally lethal striker's bid went begging over the top, earning a collective sigh of relief from the partisan crowd.
Amid a series of noble Uruguayan surges, it was the North Americans that grabbed the vital second goal. Young Damarcus Beasley burned down the left flank five minutes from the interval, cutting inside to leave three defenders for dead before picking up his own rebound to poke past a sprawling Munua for a 2-0 advantage at the break (2-0, '40).
The second half began at a ferocious pace, as Jeff Agoos was forced to clear from a gaping goal in the opening moments after Mario Regueiro looked likely to cut the lead in half.
The South Americans continued to press as Alvaro Recoba's quick shot in the 50th minute again forced a tough save from Friedel, and a dangerous rebound.
In the 56th minute Clint Mathis nearly extended the US lead against the run of play as some tough work cleared the way for a left-footed strike from 18 yards. The roving striker beat Munua, but splattered his rocket against the crossbar.
Uruguay finally found the target in the 59th minute, as a poor back pass from second half substitute Landon Donovan, gifted Alvaro Recoba a golden opportunity in front of goal. Two brilliant saves from Friedel could do nothing to thwart the third attempt, as Abreu poked calmly into the American net after a ferocious flurry (2-1, '59).
Abreu again looked to have evened the score in the 74th minute, as his well-placed header beat a diving Friedel. However the goal was disallowed as the striker was questionably judged to be in an offside position.
Despite a spate of chances at both ends in the fading moments, the end-to-end action ground to a halt at 2-1.
by FIFAworldcup.com
Click to enlarge photo
A scintillating match from RFK Stadium in Washington DC saw a steady US side down South American challengers Uruguay 2-1 on the strength of two first-class, first-half strikes.
In only the 6th minute some bustling work from the Chicago Fire's 19-year-old left flank Damarcus Beasley earned the US a corner - the first of the meeting. Veteran American central defender Jeff Agoos' well-driven ball found a darting Tony Sanneh unmarked at the near post. The hulking left back's flicked header snuck past Gustavo Munua between the Uruguayan posts, opening the US account to rapturous applause (1-0, '6).
The battling, tough-tackling South Americans didn't take long to find their way into the match as a Federico Magallanes free-kick from 30 yards forced US 'keeper Brad Friedel into a tricky save at the 13-minute mark.
Uruguay again went close in the 24th minute as some brilliant approach work down the right flank saw Mendez rifle a pin-point cross to the head of white-booted striker Sebastian Abreu who rose unopposed 5 metres from Friedel's goal. The normally lethal striker's bid went begging over the top, earning a collective sigh of relief from the partisan crowd.
Amid a series of noble Uruguayan surges, it was the North Americans that grabbed the vital second goal. Young Damarcus Beasley burned down the left flank five minutes from the interval, cutting inside to leave three defenders for dead before picking up his own rebound to poke past a sprawling Munua for a 2-0 advantage at the break (2-0, '40).
The second half began at a ferocious pace, as Jeff Agoos was forced to clear from a gaping goal in the opening moments after Mario Regueiro looked likely to cut the lead in half.
The South Americans continued to press as Alvaro Recoba's quick shot in the 50th minute again forced a tough save from Friedel, and a dangerous rebound.
In the 56th minute Clint Mathis nearly extended the US lead against the run of play as some tough work cleared the way for a left-footed strike from 18 yards. The roving striker beat Munua, but splattered his rocket against the crossbar.
Uruguay finally found the target in the 59th minute, as a poor back pass from second half substitute Landon Donovan, gifted Alvaro Recoba a golden opportunity in front of goal. Two brilliant saves from Friedel could do nothing to thwart the third attempt, as Abreu poked calmly into the American net after a ferocious flurry (2-1, '59).
Abreu again looked to have evened the score in the 74th minute, as his well-placed header beat a diving Friedel. However the goal was disallowed as the striker was questionably judged to be in an offside position.
Despite a spate of chances at both ends in the fading moments, the end-to-end action ground to a halt at 2-1.
England prepared for "cheating" clampdown, says Eriksson
LONDON (Reuters) - Sven-Goran Eriksson believes his England players will avoid falling foul of a referees' clampdown on diving at the World Cup finals.
"At every World Cup, FIFA gives orders to referees to pay attention to something, and the big thing this time will be cheating, or diving," Eriksson told a news conference.
"But we have had meetings and we know all about it...it is good to know that a player will be punished for something before the tournament starts because you can deal with it."
Eriksson has met with Graham Poll, the English refereeing representative at this year's finals, which begin in South Korea and Japan on May 31.
"It was very useful, he told me what had been said at the (World Cup) referees' workshop," said the Swede.
"We know the referees will be hard against diving, and that's okay -- as long as you know about it."
England face Sweden, Argentina and Nigeria in the first group phase of the finals.
LONDON (Reuters) - Sven-Goran Eriksson believes his England players will avoid falling foul of a referees' clampdown on diving at the World Cup finals.
"At every World Cup, FIFA gives orders to referees to pay attention to something, and the big thing this time will be cheating, or diving," Eriksson told a news conference.
"But we have had meetings and we know all about it...it is good to know that a player will be punished for something before the tournament starts because you can deal with it."
Eriksson has met with Graham Poll, the English refereeing representative at this year's finals, which begin in South Korea and Japan on May 31.
"It was very useful, he told me what had been said at the (World Cup) referees' workshop," said the Swede.
"We know the referees will be hard against diving, and that's okay -- as long as you know about it."
England face Sweden, Argentina and Nigeria in the first group phase of the finals.
2 1/2 weeks to go 
. The English Premier League season comes to a close with little sadness this yr as we have a summer of World Cup Football in front of us. Bring on the Swedes. & plse no more injuries.
. The English Premier League season comes to a close with little sadness this yr as we have a summer of World Cup Football in front of us. Bring on the Swedes. & plse no more injuries.Just to let you all know that I am supporting three teams in the World Cup this year :
Argentina, Nigeria, Sweden
Cmon lads lets cane the English!!!!!
Argentina, Nigeria, Sweden
Cmon lads lets cane the English!!!!!
GERRARD OUT OF WORLD CUP
By Phil Casey, PA Sport
Sven-Goran Eriksson's worst fears were realised on Tuesday when Steven Gerrard was definitely ruled out of England's World Cup squad.
Gerrard visited a specialist on Monday and scans have since confirmed the need for surgery on his groin injury.
The 21-year-old will undergo an operation later this week and has ruled himself out of contention for the finals in Japan and South Korea.
Gerrard said on Liverpool's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "The rehabilitation period for this sort of operation is six weeks, so obviously I'm going to miss the World Cup which is a massive disappointment.
"However, I need to get myself right as I wouldn't have been able to do myself or the team justice in Japan.
"In the short term it's a big blow, but I'm only 21 and confident this surgery means I'll be involved in other major tournaments for the national side in the future.
"I want to send all the England lads my best wishes for the tournament and let them know I'll be cheering them on from home.
"My priority now has to be to get myself fit for the start of next season with Liverpool."
Gerrard limped off in the first half of Liverpool's final league game of the season on Saturday, a 5-0 victory over Ipswich which secured second place in the Premiership and a place in the Champions League next season.
It was initially thought the injury was not too serious and Gerrard sat on the bench for the remainder of the game.
But England coach Eriksson revealed on Sunday the extent of the problem and the Swede's fears he would be deprived of one of his best players were realised.
By Phil Casey, PA Sport
Sven-Goran Eriksson's worst fears were realised on Tuesday when Steven Gerrard was definitely ruled out of England's World Cup squad.
Gerrard visited a specialist on Monday and scans have since confirmed the need for surgery on his groin injury.
The 21-year-old will undergo an operation later this week and has ruled himself out of contention for the finals in Japan and South Korea.
Gerrard said on Liverpool's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "The rehabilitation period for this sort of operation is six weeks, so obviously I'm going to miss the World Cup which is a massive disappointment.
"However, I need to get myself right as I wouldn't have been able to do myself or the team justice in Japan.
"In the short term it's a big blow, but I'm only 21 and confident this surgery means I'll be involved in other major tournaments for the national side in the future.
"I want to send all the England lads my best wishes for the tournament and let them know I'll be cheering them on from home.
"My priority now has to be to get myself fit for the start of next season with Liverpool."
Gerrard limped off in the first half of Liverpool's final league game of the season on Saturday, a 5-0 victory over Ipswich which secured second place in the Premiership and a place in the Champions League next season.
It was initially thought the injury was not too serious and Gerrard sat on the bench for the remainder of the game.
But England coach Eriksson revealed on Sunday the extent of the problem and the Swede's fears he would be deprived of one of his best players were realised.
ronnieseah,
those props are from William Hill.
I like Germany under 7 best, I don't think they will make it out of the group and even if they survive one more round, seven is a lot. I just hope they don't trash Saudi Arabia by 3 or more.
I also like total goals to be under 160.
I believe that's 2,54 per game (are there 63 games?) and with a number of defensively orientated teams that is a high average. There won't be as many hammerings as some expect in the group games.
those props are from William Hill.
I like Germany under 7 best, I don't think they will make it out of the group and even if they survive one more round, seven is a lot. I just hope they don't trash Saudi Arabia by 3 or more.
I also like total goals to be under 160.
I believe that's 2,54 per game (are there 63 games?) and with a number of defensively orientated teams that is a high average. There won't be as many hammerings as some expect in the group games.
Group F-Argentina
Argentina await acid test
The number 13 can be an indicator of good times and bad - depending on where you are in the world. So as Argentina prepare for their 13th FIFA World Cup? finals appearance, coach Marcelo Bielsa must be wondering exactly what to expect from next summer's trip to Korea/Japan.
On paper, the trainer should have few worries as the "Albiceleste" chase a third victory in the competition; on grass, too, the picture looks bright after Argentina were emphatic winners of the South American qualifying section.
Colombia coach Francisco Maturana said of the then runaway group leaders: "It is hell playing against Argentina." Maturana's assessment is understandable when you consider the players at Bielsa's disposal: Batistuta (Roma, Italy), Crespo (Lazio, Italy), Veron (Manchester United, England), Gonzalez (Valencia, Spain), Samuel (Roma, Italy), Gallardo (Monaco, France), Ayala (Valencia, Spain), Zanetti (Inter Milan, Italy), Ortega (River Plate), and Sorin (Cruzeiro, Brazil).
To these established stars you can add 10 other names, of players whose stock may be less but whose abilities are just as great. Playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, the darling of Boca Juniors, is one. Then there are talented tyros Javier Saviola, now with Barcelona, and Andres D'Alessandro from River Plate.
Not to forget Villarreal centre-forward Martin Palermo, who is surely worth another go at international level.
Whatever the personnel, those who slotted into Bielsa's 3-3-2-2 system produced 13 wins and four draws from 18 matches in the 2000-01 Conmebol tournament. And the only question is whether they can replicate that success seven or eight months down the line in the Far East.
That is the great unknown, for a FIFA World Cup?-winning coach needs his players to hit form at the same time, and within the same limited time frame. More certain is the fact that if Argentina steer clear of injuries, they will be among the favourites to lift the trophy on June 30.
Whether you would rank them above France or England is a moot point, and Spain, Italy, Russia and Brazil will also have their say.
The likes of Japan, Croatia, Paraguay, Nigeria and the United States are all potential Davids too, so Argentina cannot afford to rest on their laurels. For Bielsa and Co the hard work starts here.
Significant past players:
Claudio Caniggia, Oscar Ruggeri, Sergio Goicochea, Diego Maradona, Mario Kempes, Ubaldo Fillol, Daniel Passarella, Guillermo Stabile
Achievements:
-- FIFA World Cup? winners 1978, 1986, runners-up 1930, 1990
-- Copa America winners 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993
-- Olympic silver medallists 1926, 1996
-- FIFA World Youth Championship winners 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001
Argentina await acid test
The number 13 can be an indicator of good times and bad - depending on where you are in the world. So as Argentina prepare for their 13th FIFA World Cup? finals appearance, coach Marcelo Bielsa must be wondering exactly what to expect from next summer's trip to Korea/Japan.
On paper, the trainer should have few worries as the "Albiceleste" chase a third victory in the competition; on grass, too, the picture looks bright after Argentina were emphatic winners of the South American qualifying section.
Colombia coach Francisco Maturana said of the then runaway group leaders: "It is hell playing against Argentina." Maturana's assessment is understandable when you consider the players at Bielsa's disposal: Batistuta (Roma, Italy), Crespo (Lazio, Italy), Veron (Manchester United, England), Gonzalez (Valencia, Spain), Samuel (Roma, Italy), Gallardo (Monaco, France), Ayala (Valencia, Spain), Zanetti (Inter Milan, Italy), Ortega (River Plate), and Sorin (Cruzeiro, Brazil).
To these established stars you can add 10 other names, of players whose stock may be less but whose abilities are just as great. Playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, the darling of Boca Juniors, is one. Then there are talented tyros Javier Saviola, now with Barcelona, and Andres D'Alessandro from River Plate.
Not to forget Villarreal centre-forward Martin Palermo, who is surely worth another go at international level.
Whatever the personnel, those who slotted into Bielsa's 3-3-2-2 system produced 13 wins and four draws from 18 matches in the 2000-01 Conmebol tournament. And the only question is whether they can replicate that success seven or eight months down the line in the Far East.
That is the great unknown, for a FIFA World Cup?-winning coach needs his players to hit form at the same time, and within the same limited time frame. More certain is the fact that if Argentina steer clear of injuries, they will be among the favourites to lift the trophy on June 30.
Whether you would rank them above France or England is a moot point, and Spain, Italy, Russia and Brazil will also have their say.
The likes of Japan, Croatia, Paraguay, Nigeria and the United States are all potential Davids too, so Argentina cannot afford to rest on their laurels. For Bielsa and Co the hard work starts here.
Significant past players:
Claudio Caniggia, Oscar Ruggeri, Sergio Goicochea, Diego Maradona, Mario Kempes, Ubaldo Fillol, Daniel Passarella, Guillermo Stabile
Achievements:
-- FIFA World Cup? winners 1978, 1986, runners-up 1930, 1990
-- Copa America winners 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993
-- Olympic silver medallists 1926, 1996
-- FIFA World Youth Championship winners 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001
Group F-Nigeria
Africa's great hope
Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and can boast more than 200 professional footballers scattered around the world, plying their trade across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. They have an incredible pool of talent to draw upon and a side now beginning to reap the benefits of a policy of blooding young players when they featured in their first FIFA World Cup? in the USA in 1994.
From that squad, the likes of Sunday Oliseh, "Jay Jay" Okocha, Finidi George and Victor Ikpeba are likely to return for their third FIFA World Cup ,the wiser and more confident for their experience. Add to the mix the enigmatic skills of Nwankwo Kanu, the proven goal scoring ability of Victor Agali and the tigerish defending of Celestine Babayaro and Nigeria have the capacity to reach new heights.
The Super Eagles have long been regarded as Africa's best hope for FIFA World Cup success and on both their previous appearances in the final phase, they have made it past the first round only then to have their hopes thwarted. Their ambitions will be set higher this time, particularly after their fight-back from a seemingly hopeless position in their African qualifying group.
Team coach Shaibu Amodu, who had on two previous occasions stepped into the job in a caretaker capacity, has been promised a more permanent position,but his future will depend on just how the Super Eagles perform on the world stage in Korea and Japan.
Significant past players:
Muda Lawal, Segun Odegbami, Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Daniel Amokachi
Achievements:
-- FIFA World Cup finals qualification 1994, 1998
-- Champion African Cup of Nations 1980, 1994
-- Qualification 1963, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000 African Cup of Nations
-- Champion Olympic Games 1996
-- Champion All Africa Games 1973
-- Champion FIFA under-17 World Championship 1993
-- Champion FIFA under-16 World Championship 1985
-- Champion African under-20 Championship 1983 1985, 1987, 1989
-- Champion African under-17 Championship 2001
Africa's great hope
Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and can boast more than 200 professional footballers scattered around the world, plying their trade across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. They have an incredible pool of talent to draw upon and a side now beginning to reap the benefits of a policy of blooding young players when they featured in their first FIFA World Cup? in the USA in 1994.
From that squad, the likes of Sunday Oliseh, "Jay Jay" Okocha, Finidi George and Victor Ikpeba are likely to return for their third FIFA World Cup ,the wiser and more confident for their experience. Add to the mix the enigmatic skills of Nwankwo Kanu, the proven goal scoring ability of Victor Agali and the tigerish defending of Celestine Babayaro and Nigeria have the capacity to reach new heights.
The Super Eagles have long been regarded as Africa's best hope for FIFA World Cup success and on both their previous appearances in the final phase, they have made it past the first round only then to have their hopes thwarted. Their ambitions will be set higher this time, particularly after their fight-back from a seemingly hopeless position in their African qualifying group.
Team coach Shaibu Amodu, who had on two previous occasions stepped into the job in a caretaker capacity, has been promised a more permanent position,but his future will depend on just how the Super Eagles perform on the world stage in Korea and Japan.
Significant past players:
Muda Lawal, Segun Odegbami, Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Daniel Amokachi
Achievements:
-- FIFA World Cup finals qualification 1994, 1998
-- Champion African Cup of Nations 1980, 1994
-- Qualification 1963, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000 African Cup of Nations
-- Champion Olympic Games 1996
-- Champion All Africa Games 1973
-- Champion FIFA under-17 World Championship 1993
-- Champion FIFA under-16 World Championship 1985
-- Champion African under-20 Championship 1983 1985, 1987, 1989
-- Champion African under-17 Championship 2001
