LONDON, March 4, 2010 (AFP) - South Korea coach Huh Jong-moo believes his side's impressive victory over the Ivory Coast leaves them perfectly positioned to make an impact at this year's World Cup. Goals from Lee Dong-gook and Kwak Tae-hwi secured a 2-0 win against the Elephants at Loftus Road as South Korea impressed on the counter-attack at the home of second division Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday. The 2002 World Cup semi-finalists face Argentina, Nigeria and Greece in their Pool in South Africa, and Huh is adamant his side's preparations are going to plan perfectly. "This game was excellent practice for us before the World Cup," he said. "We have to play Nigeria and while their style is not exactly the same, Ivory Coast are another African team and it was important for us to go up against a team like that before we go to South Africa. "Of course it will be tough for us in the World Cup but we have confidence that we can perform and are looking forward to the challenge." Huh's … [Read more...] about South Korea get World Cup boost after Ivory Coast win
North korea wins world cup
Popular England arrive in S.Africa for World Cup
JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - England arrived in South Africa Thursday morning hoping a favourable first-round draw can be the catalyst for a serious World Cup challenge. Cool, clear conditions greeted some of the most watched performers in the global televised football arena when they landed at Johannesburg international airport with manager Fabio Capello. "I hope the World Cup will be a big success for South Africa and also for my team. Thank you. It is good to be here," the Italian told reporters on the airport tarmac. Live broadcasts of virtually all Premiership matches mean the stars of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are more recognisable to many South Africans than domestic equivalents. A recent survey here revealed England would be the second most popular team after Brazil among local supporters should the national side fail to go all the way in the June 11-July 11 tournament. Tight security surrounded the grey-suited England stars as they followed Australia, … [Read more...] about Popular England arrive in S.Africa for World Cup
Work suffers, parties thrive during World Cup
Leonardo Munoz, wearing a foot-tall blue-and-white wig, is ready to bare it all for the glory of Argentina. Before the start of the World Cup that is keeping billions glued to their TV sets, Diego Maradona — Argentina's greatest player and now its eccentric national team coach — vowed to run naked through the streets of Buenos Aires if his team wins the title. Following Argentina's 4-1 win Thursday over South Korea, it seems many of the team's fans are ready to follow him. "If Maradona runs naked, I'll do it too — I'll be painted blue and white!" said Munoz, adding he "screamed like an animal" from his desk at a call center during the game. World Cup fever hits every four years, and fans around the world bring their own particular flavor to watching the spectacle. In Germany, known for its strong work ethic, some firms are allowing employees to watch at the office. Iraqis are enjoying a decrease in violence that, unlike in 2006, lets them gather in public and … [Read more...] about Work suffers, parties thrive during World Cup
Brazil, Argentina advance at Under-20 World Cup
Argentina and Brazil won easily to reach the second round of the Under-20 World Cup, while England is likely to advance despite drawing all its three matches 0-0. Mexico tied England and also advanced, while Egypt progressed by beating Austria 4-0. Panama, North Korea, and Austria were eliminated. Inter Milan playmaker Philippe Coutinho scored twice to lead Brazil over Panama. Henrique opened the scoring in the 40th minute, and Coutinho added to the lead in first-half stoppage time and in the 52nd. Dudu completed the scoring in the 89th. Coutinho's second goal was a beauty. He controlled the ball with his thigh inside the area and cleared a defender before firing a well-placed shot into the far corner. It was his third goal in three games. "It was an important victory because if gives us even more confidence going into the next round," Coutinho said. Brazil won Group E with seven points. Egypt also finished with seven points, but trailed Brazil on goal difference. … [Read more...] about Brazil, Argentina advance at Under-20 World Cup
Viet Nam to test World Cup players at Thang Long tourney
Viet Nam 's national football squad will meet North Korea in the Millennium Thang Long-Ha Noi Football Cup next Friday. North Korea will send a 22-member squad, including 14 who played at the World Cup in South Africa in June. The North Korean team will feature eight key players including goalie Ri Myong-guk; defenders Pak Chol-jin, Nam Song-chol; midfielders Kim Yong-jun and Pak Nam-chol, Kim Kum Il and Mun In-guk; and striker Choe Kum-chol. Viet Nam will also play against U-23 teams from Australia and Kuwait during the tournament that runs from September 20 to 24. Viet Nam will meet Kuwait in their opening game next Monday before taking on Australia two days later. The winning squad will walk away with US$20,000 cash, while the second and third place squads will pocket $10,000 and $5,000. The Millennium Cup's tickets, which cost from VND40,000 ($2) to VND120,000 (US$6), will go on sale in Ha Noi on Friday. The Viet Nam Football Federation and … [Read more...] about Viet Nam to test World Cup players at Thang Long tourney