TIPS of the DAY!

Remember all this tips are at your own risk and I do not hold any guarantee on this tips.

Paid tips are via email only.

Give it a try :)

13-06-2006
2200 1.785 Korea 0:1/4 Togo 2.140

Pick Togo and play small

14-06-2006
0000 1.985 France 0:3/4 Switzerland 1.940
Pick France and play big

0300 1.865 Brazil 0:1 1/4 Croatia 2.060
Pick Croatia and play big

Best of luck - all my tips are insider tips therefore do not simply spread this out!

ITALY 2-0 GHANA

Italy defeated African first-timers Ghana 2-0 in an exciting Group E fixture in Hanover on Monday, 12 June 2006.

A Ghana team making their FIFA World Cup™ debut contributed richly to the spectacle but Italy's greater know-how told as they won through goals from Andrea Pirlo and substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta.

After both sides had missed a succession of chances, Pirlo broke the deadlock with a shot through a crowded penalty area after 40 minutes. Iaquinta sealed the win after latching onto Samuel Kuffour's underhit back-pass with seven minutes remaining.

The match:
8': Italy rattled Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingston with an early series of crosses and corners, culminating in defender Fabio Cannavaro heading the ball over the crossbar.

11': Ghana captain Stephen Appiah had a free-kick on the edge of the box in a promising position, but he struck it straight into Italy's wall. The Italians immediately launched a counterattack and when Luca Toni missed from point-blank range, the ball broke to Alberto Gilardino. He managed to squirm a shot through Kingston's legs but it trickled towards goal and hit the post before going out for another corner.

16': Francesco Totti, back in the Italy side after recovering from a broken leg, was almost unrecognisable with his new close-cropped haircut and there was an unfamiliar look to his first proper shot as it missed the target by some distance.

18': Italy's Alessandro Nesta had to climb high to flick the ball away from Borussia Dortmund striker Matthew Amoah, who would have had a free header on goal if Michael Essien's cross had managed to reach him.

27': Toni smacked a thundering shot against Ghana's crossbar and John Mensah chested the rebound back to Kingston to relieve the pressure.

30': Essien charged towards the Italy penalty area and launched a powerful strike which just missed Gianluigi Buffon’s right-hand post, matching a similar effort by Asamoah Gyan moments earlier from the opposite flank.

33': Totti found his range from 25 metres with a free-kick that stung Kingston's fingertips before it went over. Not for the first time, the Ghana keeper came out to meet the resulting corner and missed it, but Cannavaro's header landed on the top of the net.

40': Italy's tenth corner was played short to Pirlo who sent a scorching shot through a crowd of bodies to finally beat Kingston right in the corner (1-0).
45': Kingston did well to block a goalbound effort by Fabio Grosso.

Kingston clearance
53': Kingston had to rush out of his area to deny Toni and the Ankaraspor goalkeeper lifted the ball over his head and allowed John Pantsil to bring it to safety.

54': Ghana’s Essien brought the best out of Buffon, who had to dive at full stretch to his right to beat away a forceful drive from 20 metres out by the Chelsea midfielder.

64': With Italy less dominant than in the first half and the passionate Ghanaian contingent in full voice, Essien threatened again but this time he dragged his effort well wide after bursting forward.

67': As play flowed freely from end to end, Simone Perrotta tested Kingston with a shot from inside the area. Kingston will have gained great confidence from a strong save which denied the Roma midfielder, who appeared set to extend Italy’s lead.

79': Gyan had the Italian defence in knots with a twisting, turning run just outside the area. As he tried to move into the box, the Modena striker tumbled over the legs of two defenders but Brazilian referee Carlos Simon waved play on.


83': A mistake by the last defender Kuffour gifted Italy their second goal as he sold his goalkeeper short with a back-pass and substitute Iaquinta was only too grateful to latch onto it and round Kingston before sliding the ball into an empty net (2-0).

In conclusion:
Italy got the better of Ghana in another entertaining, free-flowing contest, but the Africans acquitted themselves extremely well in their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup and a second-half equaliser always looked possible until Iaquinta finished them off.

USA 0-3 CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech Republic started their Germany 2006 campaign in style with a 3-0 win over the USA in Gelsenkirchen on Monday, 12 June 2006.

Jan Koller gave the Czechs a dream start in the opening match in Group E by heading them in front after five minutes and Tomas Rosicky doubled their advantage with a superb swerving strike in nine minutes before the break.

Despite the setback of losing Koller to a hamstring injury, Karel Bruckner's men retained their grip on the game and Rosicky sealed the three points with his second goal on 76 minutes.

The match:
5': The Czechs got off to the best possible start when a right-wing cross from Zdenek Grygera found Koller, who slammed a powerful header past goalkeeper Kasey Keller to give his team an early lead. 0-1

11': After a shaky start, the US produced their first period of pressure, beginning with a header from Eddie Pope which went wide.

28': Some fine possession finally produced a dangerous opportunity for the US when Bobby Convey squared a ball for Claudio Reyna. He shot from just outside the penalty area and his low drive hit the left post.

36':With the Americans threatening an equaliser, the Czechs found another moment of brilliance, as a headed clearance fell to Rosicky, whose wonder strike from 25 metres flew past Kasey Keller in the US goal. Two shots, two goals for the Czechs. 0-2

42':Just minutes later and a serious blow for the Czechs as Koller went down in obvious pain with an apparent hamstring injury and had to be replaced.

Rosicky seals it
46':The US started the second half with a double switch, Pablo Mastroeni and Steve Cherundolo coming off in favour of John O'Brien and Eddie Johnson.

51':Despite the changes, the Czechs were the ones who fired the opening salvo of the half, with Tomas Ujfalusi's glancing header missing at the far post.

62':Eleven minutes later, the Czech Republic gave another notice that more goals might be in the offing when Karel Poborsky's powerful volley from a left-wing cross flew wide of the near post.

68': Rosicky almost had his second with another shot from 25 metres, this one hitting the crossbar.

70':Minutes later at the other end, Johnson tried to answer with an attempt from a similar distance, but his bending shot went wide of the left post.

76': Shortly after Johnson had narrowly failed to connect in front of Petr Cech's goal, Rosicky sealed the Americans' fate when he broke free down the centre and beat Keller again. 0-3

81': Johnson continued to look dangerous for the US, firing in one shot that went just over the bar, but overall the Americans failed to force the Czech goalkeeper into a single difficult save.

In conclusion
The US team displayed several nice combinations in midfield throughout the match, but they struggled to translate them into clear scoring opportunities. Czech Republic, meanwhile, did not create a host of chances but they had the quality to capatilise on the ones they did make for themselves. Things will not get easier for the States, as they will face Italy next in another difficult Group E clash, while the Czechs will play Ghana.

AUSTRALIA 3-1 JAPAN

Substitute Tim Cahill was the hero for Australia as the Socceroos scored three times in eight minutes to beat Japan 3-1 in Kaiserslautern and record both their first goals and their first ever win in FIFA World Cup™ finals history on Monday, 12 June 2006.

Trailing at half-time to Shunsuke Nakamura's 26th-minute goal, the opening Group F match turned on its head with the arrival of Cahill. He equalised with a close-range strike in the 84th minute and then fired a spectacular second in the 89th before striker John Aloisi put the icing on the cake two minutes into added time.

The match
6': Under a blazing sun, it was Australia captain Mark Viduka who had the first attempt on goal. Latching onto a lobbed pass, the striker shot first with his left foot and then followed up with his right but both efforts were parried by Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.

14': As expected, Japan looked to build play more slowly with Guus Hiddink's side playing a more direct, energetic pressing game. After Takashi Fukunishi had hit a 30-yarder well over, the Socceroos proceeded to launch a barrage of crosses into the area testing Japan's defence to the full. From one, Marco Bresciano blasted over.

22': Japan were taking their time to settle but midway through the first half they almost took the lead. Turning past his marker on the edge of the box, Naohiro Takahara did not strike the ball as cleanly as he would have wished, however, and watched the effort trickle wide.

25': It was end-to-end stuff and Viduka produced a delightful back-heel into the path of Bresciano but the Brescia midfielder's side-footed finish from just inside the box lacked sufficient power and Kawaguchi got down well to save.

26': A minute later and Japan were in front with the softest of goals. Finding himself on the right wing, Nakamura chipped in a cross with his left foot that sailed over the advancing Mark Schwarzer and rolled into the empty net to the screams of the thousands of blue-clad fans in the arena. (0-1)

27': Almost from the restart, Harry Kewell, who had previously been kept fairly quiet, beat his man, tore goalwards and fired inches over with his left foot.
41': Australia were finding the going tough as the half wore on. Bresciano, who was finding more space than most, bent a low 30-yard free-kick into the side-netting.

Shutting up shop:
53' Hiddink sent on his leading scorer in qualifying as Cahill, who had been an injury doubt prior to the finals, took the field in the place of Bresciano.

55': Despite the Socceroos' efforts, Japan's defence continued to look safe as the Australians searched for an equaliser in the early stages of the second half. Conserving their energy better in the unrelenting heat, the Samurais were looking dangerous on the break with Nakamura and Hidetoshi Nakata finding plenty of space to weave their magic.

69': Kawaguchi, who had been well protected, pulled off a terrific save to keep his side ahead. After substitute Joshua Kennedy had been brought down on the edge of the box, Viduka threw his whole weight behind the resulting free-kick but the Japanese goalkeeper dived to his right to turn away the powerful effort.

76': With the game opening up, Takahara won possession just inside the Australian half and bore down on goal. The Hamburg striker delayed his pass to the unmarked Atushi Yanagisawa, however, and the final shot fell tamely into the hands of Schwarzer.

78': Two minutes later and Yuichi Komano found himself in acres of space on the right but again his cross failed to pick out any one of the three players in the box.

84': Substitute Aloisi forced another fine save out of Kawaguchi with a scorching 30-yard free-kick.

85': From the resulting corner, the goalkeeper was left punching thin air as he ventured outside his six-yard box and in the ensuing scramble Cahill bundled in the equaliser. (1-1)
87': With huge gaps opening up all over the park, Fukunishi fired just wide from 20 yards.

89': Cahill, from a similar position at the other end, made no mistake, crashing his 20-yarder off one post and into the opposite corner of the net to give Australia the lead with his second goal. (2-1)

90 +2':In the dying seconds, another substitute Aloisi left victory in no doubt, driving through the heart of Japan's defence and, with his favoured left foot, firing in the third. (3-1)

In conclusion: Australia showed all their fighting qualities to come back in a game in which they looked dead and buried with substitutes Cahill and Aloisi the heroes. Japan, who controlled the match for long periods, will be disappointed not to have added a second after squandering a number of presentable opportunities.

MEXICO 3-1 IRAN

Mexico scored twice in the final 20 minutes to defeat Iran 3-1 in their opening Germany 2006 match in Nuremberg on Sunday, 11 June 2006.

With the teams tied at 1-1, Omar Bravo capitalised on a mix-up in the Iran defence to slot home his and Mexico's second goal in the 76th minute. Three minutes later Zinha headed the third to seal victory for Ricardo La Volpe's side.

Bravo had earlier given Mexico the lead after 28 minutes before Iran drew level on 36 minutes through defender Yahya Golmohammadi.

The match:
4': Iran began with no hint of nerves, asking early questions of their Mexican opposition. Roaring forward, their German connection threatened a goal as Bayern Munich's Ali Karimi laid a nice ball through to Mehdi Mahdavikia. But the Hamburg midfielder sliced his 25-yard shot just wide of Oswaldo Sanchez's left-hand post.

11': Vahid Hashemian went even closer for the impressive Iranians. Unable to make contact with a fine cross from the right, the Hanover 96 striker met the resulting bit of service from the left with a strong header, only to see it saved well by a sprawling Sanchez.

14': Mexico began to look dangerous on the counterattack and Ricardo Osorio's cross from the right nearly caught out Ebrahim Mirzapour after taking a wicked deflection.

23': Now asserting themselves after a slow start, Mexico's Barcelona star Rafael Marquez spurned an opportunity with a header from a corner. Ultimately, it hardly troubled Mirzapour as the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar. Seconds later, Bravo broke down the right but his cross was wasted as it failed to reach Jared Borgetti.

28': The rising tide finally crashed on the Iranians as Pavel Pardo's free-kick from the right was nodded on by Guillermo Franco and poked home at the back post by Bravo. (1-0)

36': Seemingly from nothing, an Iranian equaliser. Sanchez came flying off his line to collect a corner from Karimi but a slight deflection saw the ball fall to the feet of full-back Golmohammadi, who made no mistake as he hammered it into the roof of the net. (1-1)

Borgetti limps off
52': Jose Fonseca of Cruz Azul took the field after Borgetti, Mexico's all-time top scorer, limped off with what looked like a sore left knee.

56': El Tri seemed unsettled by the withdrawal of Borgetti and Mahdavikia did his best to take advantage of some confusion in the Mexican rearguard. His hopeful shot from 25 yards missed Sanchez's far post by a whisker.

63': Iran's turn to lose an influential member of their side as Karimi made way for Mehrzad Madanchi. With concerns over his match fitness before the game, coach Branko Ivankovic seemingly decided to withdraw his Bundesliga star rather than push him too hard.

76': Mexico punished a mistake in the Iranian defence as substitute Zinha snuck in to cut out a sloppy pass and lay a beautiful through-ball to Bravo. The striker made no mistake in slotting home his second goal of the match. (2-1)

79': Zinha added a third to put the result beyond doubt. After a brilliant bit of dribbling, he kept his run going and nodded home the return cross from Fonseca to seal the three points for Mexico. (3-1)

In conclusion:
Iran suffered for their late collapse as Mexico finished with a 3-1 win which was arguably harsh on Ivankovic's men. The Mexicans will face Angola in their next match with confidence, but Iran – who looked a dangerous side in parts – must pick themselves up before facing Portugal.

SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO 0-1 NETHERLANDS

A first-half goal from Arjen Robben was enough to earn the Netherlands a 1-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro in their opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Leipzig on Sunday, 11 June 2006.

Robben struck the only goal of an absorbing contest in the 18th minute, finishing confidently after his speed carried him clear of the Serbia and Montenegro back line. The victory puts Marco van Basten's Dutch team level on three points with Argentina at the top of Group C.


The match:
2': A lively opening from the Netherlands and a half-chance for Arjen Robben, but his looping back-header was grabbed from under the crossbar by Dragoslav Jevric.

6': With the backing of terrific support from the Oranje fans on a warm afternoon in Leipzig the Netherlands did the early pressing, albeit without making any real inroads against the famously tight Plavi defence.

10': A foul ten yards from the right-hand edge of the Netherlands penalty area brought a free-kick for Serbia and Montenegro. But a curling effort from Savo Milosevic was saved comfortably by Edwin van der Sar.

13': A chance for Serbia and Montenegro but Milosevic and Dejan Stankovic got in each other's way.

17': The opening goal. Serbia and Montenegro attempted to play a high offside line but it did not work as Robin van Persie sent Arjen Robben clear ten yards inside the Serbia and Montenegro half. After bursting into the box, he struck a low shot past Jevric. (0-1)

21': Another chance for the lively Robben, this time a left-footed drive from some 20 yards which was palmed away by Jevric.

29': After being rocked by the goal, Serbia and Montenegro settled and Mateja Kezman went close with a header from the edge of the six-yard box.

36': Robben, a constant threat, cut in from the left and shot just wide of Jevric's left-hand post with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.

45': Serbia and Montenegro showed they were still in the game as Van der Sar stretched to catch a dangerous left-wing cross, and Ognjen Koroman was then inches wide with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area with Van der Sar well beaten.


Second half under way
46': Early pressure from Serbia and Montenegro brought a left-wing corner but the Netherlands scrambled the ball clear.

54': The first real chance of the second period came at the other end from a well-worked free-kick. Wesley Sneijder put the ball into the box but Robben missed with an attempted overhead kick when unmarked ten yards out.

60': Sneijder's shot from 17 yards was blocked close to goal and Jevric just got to the loose ball ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooij.

71': Serbia and Montenegro enjoyed a spell of possession and nearly drew level with a low shot from Koroman, which Van der Sar saves with his knees.

74': The Dutch were struggled to break Serbia and Montenegro's stranglehold on the game. Substitute Nikola Zigic was not far away when stretching for a left-wing cross inside the Netherlands penalty area.

81': Some respite for the Netherlands defence as the Dutch win a free-kick by the left-hand edge of the Serbia and Montenegro penalty area. A low drive from Van Persie whistled through the box untouched and went just wide.

88': A chance for a second goal for Robben but his low left-footed shot from 16 yards missed by a whisker.

In conclusion:
Serbia and Montenegro fought all the way but the Dutch did enough to secure a narrow and important win in this keenly contested game. Van Basten can celebrate his first victory in a FIFA World Cup game, either as a player or coach. The Oranje can look ahead with confidence to facing Côte d'Ivoire on Friday while Serbia and Montenegro next face another daunting assigment against Argentina.

TODAY'S TIPS?

The feelings for today is kinda off, but here goes and best of lucks for all World Cup supporters!

11/06
2100 1.975 Holland 0:1/2 Serbia & Mont 1.950
Draw game or pick Holland

12/06
0000 1.950 Mexico 0:3/4 Iran 1.975
Pick Mexico and get big for this


0300 2.075 Portugal 0:1 1/2 Angola 1.850
Pick Angola and here we are with good incomes :)

2200 1.800 Australia 0:0 Japan 2.145

ARGENTINA 2-1 CÔTE D'IVOIRE

As what I've suggested :)

Play Big & Support Argentina as the odds are only 3/4 LOL!!

In a highly entertaining Group C game in Hamburg, two first half goals from Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola helped Argentina to a 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire in Hamburg on Saturday, 10 June 2006.

The Albiceleste took the lead in the 24th minute when Crespo scored a classic poacher’s goal. Henri Michel’s side failed to deal with a Juan Riquelme free-kick and the Chelsea striker was on hand to turn the loose ball home.

Argentina doubled their advantage fourteen minutes later when Riquelme picked out Saviola with a great pass and the striker produced a beautiful finish to steer the ball past Jean-Jacques Tizie.

Didier Drogba, Crespo’s team-mate at Chelsea, gave the Ivorians hope with a goal eight minutes from time, but the South Americans hung on to secure the three points.

The match:3‘: Côte d’Ivoire forward Didier Drogba had his first sight of goal but his header missed the target by some distance and flew over the top of the crossbar.

14‘: Argentina’s Juan Riquelme released Maxi Rodriguez, who whipped in a dangerous cross and Côte d’Ivoire defender Kolo Toure just beat Hernan Crespo to it to concede a corner before the Chelsea striker was able to pounce.

15‘: From the resulting corner, Roberto Ayala powered a header towards goal and the Elephants’ keeper Jean-Jacques Tizie was relieved to gather it at the second attempt.

24‘: The Albiceleste moved in front as the game took on a frenetic pace. Riquelme provided the cross from a free-kick and when the Ivorians failed to deal with it and clear their lines, Crespo was on hand to stab the loose ball home past Tizie (1-0).

30‘: As the TV cameras picked out Argentine legend Diego Maradona looking happy in the crowd in Hamburg, Bonaventure Kalou tried to wipe the smile off his face by bursting into the area and shooting, but his effort flashed past the post.

35‘: Drogba’s cushioned header provided the Elephants’ midfielder Kader Keita with a fantastic opportunity to equalise, but as he stooped to try to guide the ball home with his head, Argentina goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri blocked the attempt with his legs.

38‘: Argentina extended their lead and, once again, the outstanding Riquelme was the provider. He cleverly steered the ball through to Javier Saviola, who beat the offside trap to quickly poke the ball past Tizie (2-0).

Argentina search for third:48‘: Argentina wasted little time as they went in search of a third killer goal. Saviola fed Rodriguez in space. He took a touch to steady himself before clipping the ball over the crossbar.

55‘: Villarreal playmaker Riquelme continued to cause havoc for Côte d’Ivoire with his crosses. He came close to scoring directly from a free-kick near the corner flag as his pacy curling delivery evaded everyone and almost crept in at the far post.

59‘: Ivorian substitute Aruna Dindane crossed for Drogba, but the Côte d’Ivoire skipper
could not get enough power on his downward header and Argentina cleared the danger.

70‘: Drogba showed great power and determination in the box to shield the ball well from the Argentine defence and try to get a shot in. The attempt fell to Keita, who in turn squared it to Arouna Kone, but he could not keep his shot down.

72‘: Yaya Toure had a free-kick partially blocked from the edge of the area, but Drogba came close to turning the ball in for the Africans, although he guided his volley wide.

82‘: The Elephants got the goal their efforts richly deserved and the inspirational Drogba was the man who eventually claimed it. He was twice involved in a move which saw him head the ball away from goal instead of at the target, but when Bakary Kone crossed it back to the Chelsea star, he steered it into Argentina’s net (2-1).

85‘: Amid intense pressure at the other end, Rodriguez believed he had made the game safe for Argentina by lifting the ball over Tizie and guiding it home, but play was pulled back for an offside flag.

In conclusion:Argentina held on for a precious victory in a classic end-to-end encounter, but Côte d’Ivoire were desperately unlucky not to claim in a point in a frenetic finish.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 0-0 SWEDEN

Dwight YORKE (TRI), Budweiser Man of the MatchAfter winning a treble with Manchester United and having some great footballing memories I can say honestly that this draw ranks right up there with the best. This was really quites an achievement for us and I am so proud to be a part of it and am thrilled for my team-mates and the fans and everyone back home.

Cyd GRAY (TRI)This is not only the biggest footballing day for me, but for most my team-mates as well. It’s also the biggest night in our country’s footballing history. Now we just need to keep our feet on the ground and try to give a little taste of Trinidad to England in our next match.

Cornell GLEN (TRI)We worked really hard together today. For weeks we’ve been putting in the hours and coming together as a team and it really paid off. We fought hard for each other, but we didn’t really play a great game. Hopefully we play better in our next match, but to not play your best and still get a result is a very good sign.

Brent SANCHO (TRI)We played pretty well today. Our defence held the line pretty well and we did enough I think to get the point, especially after going down to ten men. No one expected us to get a result in this game but we always believed. Who knows what can happen now? This is the biggest moment in our footballing lives and hopefully we will have bigger ones in this tournament.

Kelvin JACK (TRI) It’s a calf strain, I hope it’s not a tear. I’ll have it looked at tonight and hopefully I can come back and play in some games later in the campaign.

Stern JOHN (TRI)We ground out a result today and we fought hard all the way. We had some bad luck to get a red card so early in the second half, but we stayed together and played as a team and got a result when no one gave us a chance. We earned some respect and made some friends all over the world with this game. Hopefully we can make some more as the tournament goes on.

Carlos EDWARDS (TRI)We fought like lions today. No one rated us before, but now they will know that Trinidad is no joke. This won’t be the last surprise we spring in the tournament.
Shaka HISLOP (TRI) I don't know about unbeatable, but I certainly enjoyed myself today. I didn't have any really good saves to make because the team defended very well. This evening was a dream come true; it was very emotional. We hope this is just the beginning. The great thing is that we've made some new fans this evening.

Rami SHAABAN (SWE)I hardly had anything to do all evening. We knew the match would go the way it did, but we could have made things much easier for ourselves with a better start. In these kinds of matches, you always think you're going to score eventually, but unfortunately it didn't happen for us this time.

Kim KALLSTROM (SWE) Trinidad and Tobago played very well, while we had no luck in front of goal. We created at least 20 chances and when you create them you have to put them away. We tried everything, but they defended well. Personally I did ok, but that doesn't make up for the disappointment. We know we've got to win the next game, or we'll be going home. But Paraguay are in the same boat, so it'll be a difficult game.

Tobias LINDEROTH (SWE)I think overall we played pretty well. I’m not sure what went wrong really, but in front of goal we failed to get the job done. This is what killed us I think.

Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC (SWE)We just couldn’t put the ball in the net tonight and that was the difference. The Trinidad goalkeeper had a wonderful game and really their whole team played the games of their lives. It’s football and if you don’t take your chances you are not going to win. Now we know what went wrong and we will try to correct it. We are still alive with two games to play and nothing is decided. We will not let our heads drop.

Olof MELLBERG (SWE)It has been a very frustrating evening for us. We created more chances, kept the ball more but for some reason it did not want to go into the net for us. Now with a draw in this first game we will have to double our efforts and try to get maximum points from our next two matches. It won’t be easy, but we are still very much alive.

Tips of the day: buy small
Take T&T

Cheerz

ENGLAND VS PARAGUAY

Well its not that hard to have a prediction on this match.

For those whom play Big & Small - just buy small

For those who wants to play a full 90 mins game, England stand the highest chance even though its a stiff game. England will lead this first game anyway. Just be smart in deciding!


England Victory tonight at 3pm (Asia 21:00pm).

Those who take this tips, give and post some comments here.

Pele: It's dangerous to take Rooney

Football legend Pele says it's 'dangerous' for Wayne Rooney to go to the World Cup.
The Brazilian told the Daily Telegraph:

"It concerns me to hear that England may take Rooney.

"It's dangerous to take a player whose fitness is in question. It can disturb the way the coach chooses his team.

"The 65-year-old compared Rooney's situation with that of Ronaldo in the 1998 World Cup final.

He said: "He played in the final even though he had been taken ill on the day of the game and Brazil lost 3-0.

"The World Cup lasts only four weeks. You need players who are at the top of their game, which includes their fitness.

"England have plenty of other big-match players such as David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. They are not a one-man team."

Rooney comeback boost

Encouraging news today as England striker Wayne Rooney stepped up his recovery from injury by starting light training.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "I've always been confident he will take part in Germany. I've always said that.

"He's been working really, really hard. Physically he's very good, and he hasn't put on weight."

He added: "I think we have to wait until 7 June when he has the scan. I look forward to that but from tomorrow he will practice with us, with our physios."

England assistant-manager Steve McClaren said: "He has been working with the United physios all this week.

"He's stepping things up, having the relevant scans and progressing well."

He added: "Of course, you never take things for granted in football and with the metatarsal especially.

"Hopefully the scans will be OK but you've seen the progress he's making.

"He's a confident lad and he wants to be there and he'll be doing everything possible to be there."

England captain David Beckham said: "He was at the training ground on Thursday and was kicking balls today. It's all good news but we have to be careful with him as well.

"We have to take the advice of the Man Utd and England physios and doctors because they know best, and we have to listen to Wayne too, and when he feels right.

"If he carries on recovering the way he has in the last few months then I'm sure he will play a part but we have to be careful with him because we don't want him breaking down and Manchester United certainly don't want him breaking down."

Wayne has been really positive

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard says Wayne Rooney is confident on featuring in the World Cup. On Sunday the 20-year-old joined up with the rest of the England squad at their hotel in Manchester.

Gerrard said: "Wayne has been really positive.

"He is confident he can play some part although he doesn't want to name a game for his comeback.

"He added: "He's young, fresh and full of confidence - and really upbeat.
"The first time I saw him after his injury, I expected him to be a bit down. But even then he was adamant he was going to play some part."He's not a person to be miserable or need much picking up."

That's great news as a team-mate and there's no one more desperate than Wazza to play in the World Cup - except for me."

Owen and Beckham share scoring mission

If England fail to score in the first half of today’s FIFA World Cup™ fixture with Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup Stadium Frankfurt, their supporters will start to worry that they'll be unable to launch their Group B campaign with a victory.

England's last ten FIFA World Cup fixtures have produced ten goals in all – all of which were scored inside the first 45 minutes. Their last second-half strike came on 22 June 1998 in Toulouse when Michael Owen scored seven minutes after appearing as a substitute.

With 36 goals for his country, Owen is hoping to edge nearer England’s all-time record haul of 49 established by Sir Bobby Charlton in 106 international appearances. Gary Lineker (48 goals/80 caps) lies second in the rankings and only Jimmy Greaves (44 goals/57 caps) stands between Owen and the top two.

Owen's goal record in FIFA World Cup finals is impressive – 4 in 9 appearances, two of which were as a substitute.

David Beckham has scored twice in previous FIFA World Cup matches but the England captain is on a bad run of goalscoring form. He has not scored in nine internationals and has only one in 13 (against Azerbaijan on 30 March 2005). He enjoyed a prolific run of six in eight games between October 2002 and September 2003 but in the subsequent 27 games, the England captain scored only three times.

However when Beckham's 31 direct assists are added to his tally of 16 goals it’s clear he has managed to have a major influence on the result in every other game he has played for his country.

POLAND 0-2 ECUADOR

Luis Suarez’s Ecuador side began their 2006 FIFA World Cup™ campaign with a convincing

2-0 win over Poland in Gelsenkirchen on Friday, 9 June 2006.
A hard-fought encounter witnessed goals either side of half-time for La Tri. Carlos Tenorio profited from Agustin Delgado’s flicked header in the 24th minute to give the South Americans the lead.

With ten minutes of normal time remaining, the provider turned goalscorer as Delgado side-footed home from close range to put Ecuador second in the Group A table behind Germany on goal difference.

The match:5': The balmy late spring conditions in Gelsenkirchen contrasted with those in Barcelona where the teams met in a friendly last year just ahead of the Final Draw for Germany 2006. On that evening, a torrential downpour did not prevent Poland from scoring a convincing
3-0 victory. However, Ecuador began this first competitive fixture between the nations brightly and Luis Valencia had the first attempt, screwing a 20 yarder wide of the target.

11' : It was a fast opening with the excitement generated by the teams' colourful and boisterous followings adding to the tempo. While Ecuador goalkeeper Cristian Mora's painted face caught the eye, Artur Boruc was the busier of the two keepers. The Celtic custodian had to be alert to stop a speculative 30-yard volley from Segundo Castillo.

24' : Chances were few and far between but just as it appeared the game would become a midfield battle, the South Americans struck in a straightforward fashion. Ulises de la Cruz hurled in a long throw from the right, Agustin Delgado provided the flick-on and Tenorio, reading the move to perfection, raced in to guide his header into the far corner of the net. (0-1)

29' : On top now, Ecuador almost doubled their lead with a copycat move. De la Cruz threw the ball in, Tenorio, this time at the near post, muscled his way to the goal-line and cut the ball back but Delgado, six yards out, could not keep his effort down.

38' : Boruc was called into action twice in four minutes as Ecuador refused to sit on their lead. He kept out a thunderous 35-yard free-kick from Edison Mendez before holding on well to Valencia's effort from the right-hand side of the box.

Plenty of spirit:46' The legions of Polish supporters that had travelled across Germany for the game saw their team dominate possession at the beginning of the second half but they were getting no joy from an Ecuadorian defence prepared to throw their bodies into every challenge.

62’:Now playing on the break, La Tri almost grabbed the second goal. Delgado turned neatly on the edge of the box, raced towards goal before tumbling under the challenge of Mariusz Jop. The referee waved play on as the hearts of Polish fans skipped a beat.

73’: Pawel Janas' men were unable to create a clear-cut opening while the sights of Ecuador’s forwards were set firmly between the goalposts. Another Mendez effort from distance forced Boruc into more action as the game became increasingly stretched.

80’:The South Americans doubled their advantage with a devastating move. Mendez split the Polish defence with an inch-perfect pass, substitute Ivan Kaviedes, unselfishly, drew Boruc before squaring to Delgado, who, completely unmarked, side-footed the ball into the empty net.

86’: With the clock ticking down, Poland twice came within a whisker of halving the deficit.

First Ireneusz Jelen saw his left-foot snapshot strike the bar, then another substitute, Pawel Brozek, watched agonisingly as his curling effort from the right edge of the box crashed off the post to safety.

In conclusion:Learning from their debut at the FIFA World Cup four years ago, Ecuador produced a highly efficient team performance to deservedly take the three points in their opening game. Poland, more direct and anxious, will need to improve if they are to take something from their eagerly awaited fixture against hosts Germany.

Poland gave 1/2 ball to Ecuador, which eventually gave all of us a significant answer to this match.

Lets move on to the next match England vs Paraguay

Germany 4 - 2 Costa Rica

Hosts Germany opened the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ finals with a 4-2 win over Group A rivals Costa Rica in Munich on Friday, 9 June 2006.

An exciting Opening Match produced three goals inside the first 17 minutes as Philipp Lahm fired Germany in front on six minutes, Paulo Wanchope drew the Ticos level six minutes later and then Miroslav Klose restored the Germans' lead.

Klose, celebrating his 28th birthday, made it 3-1 after 61 minutes and although Wanchope narrowed the deficit with his second goal on 73 minutes, Jurgen Klinsmann's men secured the three points through Torsten Frings' spectacular drive three minutes from time.

The match:3': Germany’s Torsten Frings fired the first shot at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, a dipping effort which had Costa Rica goalkeeper Jose Porras well beaten, but the ball just cleared the crossbar and landed on the roof of the net.

6': The Mannschaft got off to a fantastic start as full-back Lahm cut inside on the left flank and curled a beautiful drive which clipped into the net off the far post to send Germany into an early lead (1-0).

12': After weathering the storm, Costa Rica provided the perfect riposte as Ronald Gomez released Wanchope who beat Germany's offside trap, sprinted clear and composed himself before sliding the ball past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to score the equaliser (1-1).

17': Germany went in front again in probably the most spectacular start to an Opening Match in the rich history of the finals. Team captain Bernd Schneider fed Bastian Schweinsteiger from near the corner flag and his cross from just inside the area was turned home by Klose from two metres out to restore Germany’s advantage (2-1).

24': Klose tried his luck from distance and Porras had an anxious moment as the drive bounced back off his chest but there was nobody in a white shirt on hand to capitalise on the rebound.

38': Wanchope provided Germany with a worrying moment of their own as he found himself in space again and lobbed the ball over Lehmann, but his attempt floated wide and play was called back for an offside flag against the striker.

40': German forward Lukas Podolski curled a left-footed free-kick just over the top from 18 metres as the relentless pace of the first half had the crowd in Munich on the edge of their seats.

No let-up:46': The second half was barely 30 seconds old when Germany came charging at Costa Rica again, with Podolski cracking in another fierce drive which Porras was happy to see fly a metre over the centre of his goal.

48': The Ticos were in no mood to sit back and let Germany dominate proceedings and Danny Fonseca managed to beat the markers to a cross and send a diving header flashing past Lehmann’s right-hand post.

55': Porras had to be alert and athletic as he sprinted off his line to gather a dangerous pass which Per Mertesacker was hoping to make the most of.

61': Germany increased their lead as Klose, one of the strikers tipped to challenge for the adidas Golden Shoe, scored his second goal of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and his seventh in the finals overall. From Lahm's teasing cross, the ball looped up off Costa Rican defender Michael Umana and although Klose's initial header was well saved by Porras, the Werder Bremen player followed up to lift it high into the net (3-1).

73': With echoes of the first half, Wanchope matched Klose by once again skipping through Germany’s defence courtesy of a delicate chipped pass by Walter Centeno and wrong-footing Lehmann, who was left exposed for a second time (3-2).

79': Mertesacker forced a great save out of Porras by rising highest from a corner and sending a firm header toward goal, but the Costa Rican keeper was equal to it.

87': Werder Bremen provided the goalscorer again as midfielder Frings put the icing on the cake of a truly spectacular Opening Match with an unstoppable drive into the corner from some 25 metres (4-2).

In conclusion:Germany made the best possible start to the finals with three points and a healthy return of four goals, but there will be questions raised about their offside tactics after being caught out twice at the back.

Predicted that Germany win, the host will not lose at the first game.