Bombs strike kill 64 World Cup watchers in Uganda.

Police said two explosions ripped through crowds watching the World Cup final in two places in Uganda's capital late Sunday, killing 64 people.  A spokeswoman for the U.S Emabassy said, one American was killed and several were wounded.
The deadliest attack occurred at a rugby club as people watched the final match  of the world cup football between Spain and the Netherlands on a large-screen TV outdoors. The second blast took place at an Ethiopian restaurant, where at least three Americans were wounded.
Kampala's police said, Somalia's most feared militant group, al-Shabab, could be responsible for the attack. Al-Shabab have links with al-Qaida, and it counts militant veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan conflicts among its ranks.
A head and legs were found at the rugby club, suggesting a suicide bomber may have been to blame, an AP reporter at the scene said.
"I remember blacking out, hearing people screaming and running," Sledge said from the hospital. His right leg was wrapped and he had burns on his face. "I love the place here but I'm wondering why this happened and who did this ... At this point we're just glad to be alive."
A senior police official at the scene said that 64 people had been killed — 49 from the rugby club and 15 at the Ethiopian restaurant. The official said he could not be identified.
This attacks are also one of al-Qaida's hallmarks.
In Mogadishu, Sheik Yusuf Sheik Issa, an al-Shabab commander, told The Associated Press early Monday that he was happy with the attacks in Uganda. Issa refused to confirm or deny that al-Shabab was responsible for the bombings.
"Uganda is one of our enemies. Whatever makes them cry, makes us happy. May Allah's anger be upon those who are against us," Sheik said.
White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said the U.S. was prepared to provide any necessary assistance to the Ugandan government.
"The president is deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from these deplorable and cowardly attacks, and sends his condolences to the people of Uganda and the loved ones of those who have been killed or injured," Vietor said.
Also, Kenya's foreign minister, Moses M. Wetangula, told The Associated Press last week that enough veteran militants from the Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan conflicts have relocated to Somalia to spark worry inside the international community.

Mr. Sepp Blatter mark's down referring mistakes.

Sepp Blatter is talking tough. It would be "a nonsense" not to consider changes to world Football body FIFA's policy against allowing the officials to use modern technology, said the head of the Switzerland-based organization.
Mr. Blatter explaining that he said sorry to England and Mexico officials after the  performances of World Cup referees during Sunday's second round matches. Refs missed a clear English goal in the England vs. Germany game and allowed a clearly illegal goal by Argentina in the Argentina vs. Mexico game. Both errors remarked by the modern technology.
"The English said 'thank you.' The Mexicans, they just go with the head," Blatter said, indicating that they nodded. "I understand that they are not happy. It was not a five-star game for refereeing."
OK, Mr. Blatter can admit mistakes. That's good. And he also is showing FIFA's willingness to change.
"After having witnessed such a situation," Blatter said, referring to England's non-goal against Germany, "we have to open again this file, definitely. Naturally we will take on board again the discussion about technology. Something has to be changed."
This should be reason for celebration, given that the famously opaque official procedure is not known for self-reflection. But there is still the sense that this is too little, too late.
England would have equalized with Germany right before halftime if FIFA had goal line technology in place to alert referees that the ball had crossed the goal line. That could have changed the tenor of the game. Mexico wouldn't have gone behind Argentina so early in that crucial match if the goal from Carlos Tevez, who was offside, had been reviewed via instant replay.
Other sports implemented these changes long time ago and they're better for it. And football players and fans have long asked for these changes-the goal-line technology. Yet FIFA has continually stonewalled any efforts to change.
The discomforting – and, for England and Mexico, infuriating – mistakes did not have to mar the top tournament in the world's most popular sport if FIFA had listened a little earlier. Yet as recent as March 11, Blatter said: "If play were to be stopped to take a decision, it would break up the rhythm of the game and possibly deny a team the opportunity to score a goal. It would also not make sense to stop play every two minutes to review a decision, as this would go against the natural dynamism of the game."
FIFPro- the group which represents pro players worldwide, is adding to the pressure on FIFA.
"The entire football world once again reacted with disbelief to FIFA's stubborn insistence that technology does not belong in football," FIFPro said. "The credibility of the sport is at stake."
Blatter said that with calls "like in the Mexico game, we don't need technology."
Football player’s and fan’s are hope that, Sepp. Blatter will do the right thing.

Miley Cyrus to perform at 2010 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony?

 

The World Cup 2010 closing ceremony is  July 11, 2010. Rumor has it that Miley Cyrus will be on the stage at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremonies.
The World Cup kick-off celebration concert was held on June 10. There performed  Shakira, Alicia Keys, John Legend, the Mzansi Youth Choir and the Black Eyed Peas and other performers.
Miley Cyrus has been in the news for her more "grown up" non-Disney type performing and more risque clothing style.
If she is performing at the World Cup 2010 closing ceremony, it's a throw up as to what song she will perform as people tune in around the world.
Cyrus tells PopEater.com, "I wrote for women that feel like they're stuck in abusive relationships, but it's a dance song," she says. "So you think that must be kind of a sad ballad, but it's a party song. ... It's about breaking free."
The 2010 World Cup. Miley Cyrus. Interesting mix and sure to cause some conversation after the popular sports phenomenon is over.

Word Cup Football 2010: A large number of sex worker's are in South Africa to earn money.

Within this month thousands of football fans will fill the South African stadiums in hopes of watching for the  World Cup Football 2010.
The first time football are not attracted the sex trade, The World Cup has always been a magnet for sex tourism. In Africa where 1 in 5 people are living with HIV. International health experts believe sex workers will contribute greatly to the rise of newly contracted HIV infections that are certain to spread in other countries -- this has led world-wide media and governments to look to FIFA for leadership.
FIFA has committed to dispensing 1 billion of the condoms South African President Jacob Zuma requested for the major sporting event in the stadiums, but critics say that's not enough.
An advocacy officer Dianna Massawe for Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce, an non-profit organization located in South Africa, that works closely with sex workers dealing with issues on health and human rights. She thinks FIFA could take a larger responsibility in leadership, but the organization may risk losing support.
"Sex work is a controversial issue and one that not many people would want to take up especially if there are larger ramifications to it," says Massawe. "It is for this reason that I think that they do not only take a stance on sex work and many other issues."
Many attribute large economic disparities as the reason sex work is such a money-making and popular proficient choice in this region, and despite the fact that prostitution is illegal in South Africa.
However the responsibility doesn't only fall on FIFA, the South African government should be held at the highest standard.
The International Organization of Migration is keeping and open ear to complaints of people who are trafficked or forced into sex labor.
But this soccer sex scandal maybe a bit puffed up. Some are saying the large projection of sex workers migrating to South Africa may not even be accurate.
A senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, a think tank working in the area of African Human Security, says don't trust the numbers you hear.
FIFA has to find a way to deal with the surrounding issues of their hosting countries wherever they go. Prostitution is also a big problem in Brazil. Fifa will face the same difficulties at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Hottest or very sexy football fan's.

Rumours - S. Gerrard linked to pregnant 16-year-old

There's a rumour spreading on the internet that Steven Gerrard is facing accusations he got a 16-year-old Liverpool girl pregnant.

Fan site Redcafe.net pulished that the News of the World are planning to break the story on Sunday - while some sources are suggesting Gerrard has a court injunction to keep the girl quiet.

There are also rumours circulating that Gerrard's wife Alex Curran has been having an affair with a Derby County player.

According to some web sites, Gerrard will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after finding out about the affair.

Of course, it could all be scurrilous gossip with no foundation whatsover. Watch this space.

Results of tournament is Brazil 3- Ivory Coast 1.

Brazil will be the team to beat at these World Cup finals.However, their evening was marred when Kaka was sent off in the closing stages after lashing out at Kader Keita in an ill-tempered conclusion to the match.

The five-times World Cup winners only showed in brief glimpses their true quality but they still had far too much for the Elephants who produced another dire performance following their grim goalless draw with Portugal five days earlier.

Dunga opted to start with an unchanged starting line-up while Sven-Goran Eriksson brought in Didier Drogba only for the Chelsea striker to produce a limp display, despite scoring a late consolation goal.

Brazil had been functional in their 2-1 victory against North Korea and played within themselves again until taking the lead in the 25th minute. The ball broke on the edge of the area to Luis Fabiano who strode forward before lashing a shot high into the net from a difficult angle.

The first half was very dull though with Eriksson contriving to set up a team of quality players into a dull, defensive unit. Just before the half-time whistle, Emmanuel Eboue lashed a shot wide but that was as good as it got for the Elephants in the opening 45 minutes.

The match was as good as over five minutes into the second period when Luis Fabiano added a second goal. This time the Sevilla star steered the ball home although there was a hint of handball in the build-up. Boubacar Barry got a hand to the shot but couldn't keep it out.

In the 52nd minute, Aruna Dindane picked out Drogba at the far post but the striker could only guide his header wide of the target.

After a few minutes later one of the best moves of the match ended with Barry parrying Kaka's shot. However, almost immediately Kaka beat his man, got to the byline and pulled the ball pack for Elano to sidefoot his shot into the net with Barry helpless.

The final ten minutes were extremely fractious and Kaka was booked late on for an off-the-ball incident before being dismissed after clashing with Keita.

Although the Real Madrid star did barge into Keita with his shoulder it was only a minor collision. However, after the Ivorian fell to the ground clutching his face, the referee opted to send Kaka off.

The incident left a nasty taste in the mouth and it could lead to Kaka playing no further part in the tournament.

Chocolate obsession of Shakira.

Shakira said: "I love chocolate. I'm addicted to it. Do you know when I realized that? Shortly before we started shooting the video for 'She Wolf.'

"I needed a whole month to get back into shape. I danced, worked out and had to stick to a strict diet - only fish, spinach and a specially-prepared dessert with tofu. For the first time in my life I was dreaming of chocolate and cake and always woke up with tears in my eyes."

However, the Columbian-born beauty made sure she made up for her deprivation as soon as filming the video was complete.

Shakira added to website Tagesspiegel.de: "When we finished shooting the video I went to a cafe in Los Angeles and had five pieces of chocolate cake in one go!"

Incredible journey of Samuel Eto'o: World cup 2010

"It's incredible," Samuel Eto'o says. "I've always had this dream of playing in the World Cup in Africa and it's about to become a reality. When I'm in South Africa it will be the same as if I'm back in Cameroon. I've always said that, even before Cameroon, I belong to Africa. I might live in Europe but I sleep in Africa."

Eto'o speaks in impassioned torrents of French. How his extraordinary journey merges with the wider story of Africa's first World Cup. After making his international debut the day before he turned 15 Samuel Eto'o Fils left Cameroon for Spain in 1996. He travelled from his hometown of Douala to Madrid. when he arrived at Barajas airport, lonely and frightened. "It seems incredible now," Eto'o exclaims again, reaching for his favourite word, "but then my whole life is incredible!"
His trial led to a contract with Real Madrid which ultimately entailed little more than him being shunted from one Spanish club to another. Eto'o was loaned out to Leganés and Espanyol and Mallorca before, finally, the last of those clubs bought him in 2000. Four seasons on, having won the first of three African Player of the Year awards, Eto'o moved to Barcelona. Despite suffering terribly from racism, Eto'o established himself as one of the world's great footballers as he helped Barcelona win three La Liga titles and two Champions League finals.

A few weeks ago, having been transferred last summer to Internazionale as the Italian club were offered Eto'o and €46m (£38m) in exchange for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he celebrated his first season in Serie A by winning the treble – including yet another Champions League title as his work-rate and discipline proved crucial to José Mourinho's tactical masterclass.

"That's why I'm so proud to be African in this World Cup," Eto'o says. "Like most Africans I had to work much harder and show much deeper belief than others. I started with nothing and reached the level I'm at today. All I had was football and God's help. But I made it and now I'm going home, to Africa, where we can show a different face to the world.

"Most people only see Africa in terms of poverty and war, famine and disease. But this World Cup gives us the chance to show something different. I think the whole world is going to be really surprised by Africa. This could be the best World Cup in history."

Eto'o knocks on a wooden panel at Cameroon's pre-World Cup base in a French country retreat, 45 minutes north of Paris. "I'm doing that for luck but Africa is ready to show the world how much joy we can bring to this tournament."

An hour earlier there had been little joy in Eto'o. He had arrived at a round-table meeting with French journalists like a regal African prince. As he swanned through a sweltering conference room with haughty disdain it had taken less than a minute for Eto'o to display real anger. Eyes blazing, he responded to Roger Milla's recent suggestion that "Eto'o brought lots to Barcelona and Inter but never anything to Cameroon".

Milla, the star of the Cameroon side which became the only African team so far to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, when they lost to England in extra-time at Italia '90, was Eto'o's boyhood hero. But the very mention of Milla's name made him smack the table repeatedly so that a line of tape recorders toppled over in front of him.

"People should respect me and they must shut up because playing in the quarter-finals is not the same as winning the World Cup. My career does not just end in the quarter-finals. I've won the Olympic Games [in 2000], I've won two Africa Cup of Nations [in 2000 and 2002]. How many Champions Leagues have I won? I don't need to answer anything."

He was asked another tremulous question and, again, brought his fist crashing down. "I'm 29 years old and I've known glory for seven years. Is Roger Milla a selector? He must shut his mouth. The feelings I had for my idol mean that I can't say what I really think of him. But I've realised the facts and he hasn't made history."

And with that dismissive snort Eto'o stood up and sent a radio microphone spinning into the air. It struck a Frenchman in the face with sufficient impact to make even Eto'o pause. He held up his hand in silent apology, before striding out of the room.

A plan to use his communal exchange with the French press as a gentle warm-up for this, his only exclusive interview before the World Cup, seemed to have been obliterated by his rage. It was hard to forget that two years ago this month Eto'o had apparently head-butted a journalist.

This time, eventually, Eto'o was coaxed back into the hotel lounge – because he understood the significance of speaking at a Puma and United Nations Environmental Programme collaborative event to raise awareness and money for bio-diversity causes in Africa. It is an issue that means much to him. And then, in our interview, it was not long before his anger gave way to the sheer anticipation of playing in South Africa. Eto'o began to emerge as a far more engaging man – far removed from the seething figure he had been in a formal media setting.

But why had Milla so upset him? "It's the same before every tournament. We get some bitterness from older players. All the African teams came to Paris before the World Cup because we're sponsored by Puma. Puma want to build this unity between African teams and yet some of us are going our separate ways. That's a shame."

Milla's criticism was made with specific reference to Cameroon's disappointing Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. "It's true we didn't do well," Eto'o says, "but we need to write a better history in this World Cup. It's time for us to prepare mentally because the World Cup is played as much in the head as your legs."

How closely had Eto'o followed Cameroon, and Milla, in 1990? He beams again. "I was nine years old and after every match I'd run around the streets of Douala. No one could catch me because I was so happy. Even after we lost to England I thought it was amazing. But watching that game again in later years, as I sometimes still do today, I think the world wasn't ready for an African team to reach the semi-finals."

Eto'o harbours a more personal resentment from his World Cup debut in France in 1998. He was the youngest player in the tournament, at 17, and he has not forgotten the experience. "It was very traumatising because we needed to beat Chile to make the second round – and we had two penalties which were refused. We were knocked out and France went on to win."

He leans forward animatedly: "The question we have all the time is whether an African team is able to win the World Cup. But the real question is whether the world is ready for an African team to become champions?"

Does he believe some officials might still subconsciously favour the more traditional European and South American powerhouses over the six African teams? "I'm still a player," Eto'o smiles. "I can't say that sort of thing. We've covered a lot of ground in the last 20 years and in Europe so many leading players are African. If we prepare properly, then one of the African teams can do something special."

As a reward for their qualification Eto'o presented each squad member with a watch reputedly worth €29,000. That's almost €700,000 worth of watches but Eto'o shrugs when asked about his lavish generosity. "It's a small present I'm giving to the national team compared to the joy they gave to our people."

€29,000 is still a staggering price for a watch – even for a diamond-encrusted galáctico such as Eto'o. "The amount of money I spend is not important. If I were Bill Gates I don't know what I would've given my team-mates because the joy people felt after that game in Morocco [when Eto'o's goal secured Cameroon's record sixth qualification for an African country] has no price."

The distance between such grand largesse and his humble arrival in Madrid 13 years before is stark. "I never forget it. In the moments before I went out for the Champions League final last month I thought about that day again. It helped calm my nerves and make me appreciate how far I've come. I came to Madrid on a freezing winter day, in short trousers and a T-shirt. I was with another African kid, a guy from Nigeria [Antonio Olisse]. He broke his leg and didn't make it. But we stayed in touch because I don't forget. It's always been a very tough journey for African footballers in Europe – and it's still tough today."

Eto'o was subjected to racism throughout his career in Spain. "I suffered a lot. I'll be a bit rude here but those who come to the stadium to whistle at me and make monkey chants and throw banana skins have not had the chance to travel and educate themselves like we did."

He sounds strangely polite, with the power of his words underlined by the civility of his tone. "I had to deal with it so often I found ways of making a point against racism. When we played Real Zaragoza they chanted like monkeys and threw peanuts on the pitch. So when I scored I danced in front of them like a monkey. And when the same thing happened against Real Madrid I scored and held my fist in a Black Power salute."

When he joined Barcelona he said he would "run like a black man to live like a white man". Eto'o nods at the memory: "People didn't really understand the deep meaning of my words. Some treated me as a racist but the reality was there. What I was trying to say is that [as an African] I need to do more than others to be recognised at the same level."

Will the first ever World Cup in Africa help eradicate these last festering outbreaks of racism in football? "I hope so," Eto'o says, "but I suffered a lot in Italy this year. So it's not just one country where there is racism. But to obtain these rewards you have to go through that. And that's why it's incredible we're playing in the country where my idol, Madiba [Nelson Mandela], lives. I've been lucky enough to meet him twice. I had the honour of being at his 89th birthday and had 10 minutes of private conversation with him. It was one of the most amazing things that ever happened to me."

Eto'o will lead Cameroon in two former Afrikaner heartlands with their first match next Monday against Japan in Bloemfontein before they travel to Pretoria to meet Denmark. Both teams are beatable and the schedule suits Cameroon because they will face the group favourites, Holland, in their final group match.

"We have a good opportunity but I'm not thinking of the quarters or the semi-finals yet. On paper Brazil and Spain are the best but in Africa we say, 'You can't give power – you must earn it.'"

Eto'o has earned more respect for his selfless play at Inter this season. "It made me extremely happy that, two months ago, Mourinho told me he needed me to do something particular. He wanted a very disciplined role and, because I respect him so much, I said, 'Yes, coach,' and stuck to my task exactly. These days you have to show that disciplined and tactical approach. It's not the same as the pure African football I played as a kid where you could be spontaneous. We must bring this same discipline in the World Cup."

Rather than not trying hard enough for Cameroon, as Milla implied, Eto'o has often attempted to do too much – constantly chasing the ball in an attempt to provide the individual magic missing from less illustrious team-mates. "It's different now. I'm the captain and my task is to inspire the team in another way. In the same way I hope I can convince young Africans to believe in their dreams. If you believe in something and have the strength not to give up, it can happen. I am the living proof it can be done."

Prostitute breaks her silence about Franck Ribery football Scandal.

Zahia Dehar has told that she had £2,000-a-night sex with all three players. Now 18 years old Zahia said she was "shocked" that the players were going to three years in prison for the crime.
Franck Ribery- 27, Karim Benzema- 22, and Sidney Govou- 30, had all treated her with utter respect and should be left alone- said Zahia Dehar.
Mr Ribery, a £40 million target for Chelsea, flew the young French Moroccan to a hotel in Germany, where he is currently a winger for Bayern Munich, last Spring. He is then alleged to have paid her up to £2,000 for sex. Something he continued to do back in France.
Zahia Dehar was one of 18 girls quizzed during a police raid on a Café, a nightclub on the Champs Elysee, last week. She told vice squad officers that she had £2,000-a-night sex with all three players.
Prostitution is legal in France but those selling sex must be over 18.
Mr Ribery, widely considered to be France's best player, told examining magistrates that he saw the girl over a number of months in 2009.
If found guilty and charged the Muslim convert faces a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of up to £40,000.
Judge Andre Dando has yet to decide if Mr Ribery is to be prosecuted but it remains a possibility,' said a judicial source in Paris.
It has been reported that Mr Ribery has sexual relationship with the girl over several months, but denies knowing she was underage. He could be in very serious trouble at the worst possible time in his career.
The same troubles for the other players if they are found to have been knowingly sleeping with an underage prostitute. Mr Ribery is hoping to star in this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.
A man named "Abou" from a hit French reality TV show was questioned about his alleged role in acting as a "pimp" to introduce players to the girls.
Mr Ribery bought by Bayern for £25 million in 2007, converted to Islam to marry his French Algerian wife Wahiba. The couple have two daughters.
Mr Govou, a winger with Lyon is single and he has a five-year-old daughter with his ex-girlfriend- Pascale. The two men will meet in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday in Munich.
Mr Benzema, who plays for Real Madrid and is a target for Manchester United, is believed to be single.
Sophie Bottai, Mr Ribery's lawyer, continued to deny that her client had slept with the girl.
This affair does not concern my client and could only, in the worst case, involve his private life alone,' she said. Lawyers for Mr Govou, and Mr Benzema also deny any wrongdoing.
While players for teams like England have frequently been involved in scandals involving sex and alcohol, this is the first time that the French have been connected with widespread unpleasantness allegations.
Zahia Dehar celebrated her 18th birthday on 28th February this year. A picture taken on the day shows her with Mr Ribery.
Dehar started working as a prostitute in March 2008 acording to the police files.. She was making up to £20,000 a month sleeping with wide range of rich clients, especially multi-millionaire footballers.
Detectives said Miss Dehar has co-operated fully with their enquiries, and did not face criminal charges herself. She is currently staying with friends in Paris.
Despite the scandal, indications are that Mr Ribery's wife will stand by him. She has told his club that she will attend tonight's European Cup tie against Lyon.

The Draw of England vs Algeria.

The opening exchanges looked a rushed and revealed apart from that once again the Jabulani ball is cause problems, with Algerian keeper Rais M'Bholi reaching behind his head to collect a towering, if aimless, cross which seemed to balloon over him unexpectedly.
Ryad Boudebouz led a attack down the right for the Algerians, but the match was a cagey affair by and large, with good, if at times a little burdened, defending exasperating the early thrusts from both sides.
Final ball delivery from both open play and set-piece was horrible, continuing the theme of much of the match so far.
Jamie Carragher looked lively and just about quick enough at the defence though, whilst Gareth Barry's capacity to calm things down in midfield was already apparent in the otherwise disjointed early minutes.
David James faced on 11 minutes, when a poor clearance from Glen Johnson just about got rid of the threat after another high cross, this time from Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra, swirled high over his head. His punch was right, and James looked typically insouciant afterwards, but it made English hearts race a little faster all the same.
He was forced into action once again, when Carragher nervily glanced a cross back to him. Link looked to be hampered by the anxiety that seemed to be growing in the Three Lions' ranks, although Carrager looked decisive when called into action.
Defensive qualities off Barry's were shown again when he made a challenge to deflect a Bougherra corner away from Hassan Yebda in the few yards box.
James assuredly claimed the resulting corner and seemed to grow in confidence from then, his early nerves settling.
Steven Gerrard swapped wings with Aaron Lennon on 24 minutes, as Fabio Capello's animation in the dugout improved, with things not quite clicking for England in attack, the fans' interest rarely matched by the players' quality.
After half an hour Lampard almost pooled with Rooney on the edge of the Algerian area, with England gradually looking more easy, at least in parts.
Lampard was properly tested M'Bholi for the first time on 32 minutes, when a cross from Lennon, now back on the right, fell to him just inside the area. The Algerian held the snap shot well.
England continued to labour, but lacked the kind of calmness that can make inspiration. Barry forced M'Bholi to make another save, and Rooney started to look like he was beginning to bubble, but it was unthreatening stuff generally as the half petered out.
The second half continued in much the same vein, with neither side showing any real sign that the intermission was likely to improve thing.
Algeria won two free kicks in England's half, but they were blocked by the wall without ever looking anything like upsetting James.
Heskey's bungled shot at a cross from the right summed things up absolutely as far as England were concerned: purposeless, inept and nervous.
At least Carragher looked to be keeping his head, relatively speaking, at the back as Algeria looked to warn on the counterattack.
Ziani gave the ball away on 54 minutes on the edge of his own box, but Gerrard couldn't convert the chance that was gracelessly worked.
Even Rooney's performance began to fall victim to what looked to be increasing and increasingly clueless anxiety in the England ranks, for all Steven Gerrard's anxious expressions and
Carragher was booked in for a foul on Hassan Yebda on the edge of the box. He will now miss England's concluding group game against Slovenia.
Aaron Lennon managed to chip in a cross from the left that almost found Rooney's head, before Capello moved to change things just after the hour, bringing Shaun Wright-Phillips on for the Tottenham Hotspur winger. There was no change of shape.
Gerrard and Heskey combined well on the right of the Algerian penalty area on 70 minutes. Gerrard then forced a save with a header from the resulting corner, as Jermain Defoe warmed up on the sidelines.
The Spurs striker replaced Heskey on 73 minutes, but there was no alteration of England's formation, with Gerrard still playing from the left.
His first occasion came as a result of Gerrard surging into the centre of midfield to make the play, but the Three Lions were still nervously inept in their execution, almost as bad as Algeria were.
Both sides seemed to have settled for a draw by the time Peter Crouch replaced Gareth Barry on 83 minutes, England's shape remaining 4-4-2 with Rooney switching to the left flank.
The fact that the jeers of the England fans managed to drown out the ubiquitous drone of the vuvuzela is perhaps the most eloquent comment that can be provided on this game.
England must now beat to Slovenia for the second round. To do so they will have to be much better than this.

Business and the orangedresses 30 girls.

Two women have been arrested by police in South Africa for their alleged role in sending more than 30 women in orange minidresses to advertise on behalf of the Dutch beer company’s brewer. The women are being prosecuted for covers ambush marketing, when a company benefits from an event without paying for advertising. Johannesburg police arrested the women at their hotel on Wednesday. “We view ambush marketing in a very serious light and we urge people not to embark on these ambush campaigns,” police said in a statement. The women appeared at Magistrates Court and released on bail of $1,300 each, with their next court appearance set for Monday. FIFA claims it didn't press charges against the two women who are accused of organizing the stunt, but with all that's keeping South African police busy at the moment, it seems odd that it would pursue such an innocuous case without a bit of encouragement. And that kind of encouragement seems well within FIFA's iron-fisted protection of its official sponsors — sponsors such as Budweiser, which paid millions to be the official beer of the World Cup.

Bobby Charltond the Legends of World Cup

Bobby Charltond born in 1937 into a famous football family. His uncle Jackie Milburn was the Newcastle striker - he was soon striking and signed on at Old Trafford at 17.

One of the survivors of the 1958 Munich air crash which decimated Manchester United's 'Busby Babes', B. Charlton bounced back to become his country's most great footballer.

No one of English footballer can match Charlton's collection of winners medals - World Cup, European Cup, League title and FA Cup.

As a youngster he started as a left winger, his searing pace, exemplary balance and ability to unleash ferocious shots with either foot making him rightly fitted to the role.

Later B. Charlton evolved into a midfielder, working for club and country as a goal-creator and goalscorer par superiority. He remains England's record international goalscorer, with 49.

The highlight of Charlton's international career came at the 1966 World Cup, where he was one of the important numbers in England's sole accomplishment in the event.

Charlton’s England had a jumpy 0-0 draw with Uruguay in their opening match but improved to hammer Mexico and France.

Against the Mexicans Charlton opened with a trademark goal, his right-foot rocket from outside the area flying into the central Americans' net.

In the semi-final against Portugal his booming shooting capability again set up England, Charlton scoring two fine long-range efforts in a match some regard as his finest ever.

That was a calculate of the fear Charlton induced in opponents that West Germany singled him out for the final.

The method was not sufficient to stop England from exciting the label. Later that year he received recognition for his input to the England cause by deservedly being named European Footballer of the Year.

After two years Charlton return to Wembley, this time with Manchester United for their 4-1 victory over Benfica in the European Cup final.

He remained a important member of England's squad and with Gordon Banks and Bobby Moore, carried his team's hopes into the 1970 World Cup.

England started well and qualified with West Germany in the quarter-finals. Moore was his usual inspirational self as England surged into a 2-0 goals.

England manager Alf Ramsey controversially substituted Charlton after the Germans had pulled a goal back, and Beckenbauer excited more space in midfield.

"When Charlton was taken off we couldn't believe our luck," Beckenbauer said later. Germany finished 3-2 winners and there was to be no World Cup repeat for Charlton.

Charlton go on retired with 109 caps for England and quite his playing career in 1973. Charlton become manager of Preston North End and also the director of Wigan Athletic. Before becoming a director at Manchester United in 1984.

Todays football Gossip.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been acknowledged as Real Madrid's number one shift target this summer.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has allegedly met with Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Miami, to discuss a possible move to Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid look set to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to the signing of Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.

Arsenal and Tottenham are sheltered in a head-to-head fight for the signature of £9m-rated Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

Portsmouth and England goalkeeper David James could be in line for a move to Fulham as Arsenal step up their interest in the Cottagers' Mark Schwarzer.

Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could also be on the move, to Sunderland, as a replacement for Craig Gordon who has failed to convince manager Steve Bruce he is up to the job.

Arsenal have become the latest team to be linked with Chelsea's out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole, but the player will not decide on his future until after the World Cup.

James Milner has refused to commit his future to Aston Villa and could be in line for a £30m move to Manchester City.

Hamburg's German defender Jerome Boateng has confirmed that he will sign for Manchester City after the World Cup.

Manchester City will play a waiting game for Wolfsburg's Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko, but have no intention of breaking his £34m buy-out clause.

Another Manchester City target - Inter Milan full-back Maicon - says he has no intention of moving to Eastlands, but instead would like to link up with former Inter boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Birmingham are preparing a £4.5m offer for Newcastle's 21-year-old striker Andy Carroll.

Fulham have agreed a £2m deal with Lyon for French striker Frederic Piquionne, who was at loan at Portsmouth last season.

Portsmouth have turned down a "derisory" £300,000 offer from Rangers for striker Tommy Smith.

"Sacked" (Daily Mirror), "Rafa Out" (The Sun), "Rafa's £3m Kop Off" (Daily Star), "Rafa is Out" (Daily Mail), "End of Road for Rafa" (Daily Express), "Benitez on the Brink" (Daily Telegraph), "Liverpool offer Benitex £3m to quit" (Guardian), "Benitez set to quit" (The Independent). With the World Cup just over a week away, there is only one story dominating the back pages of Thursday's newspapers.

It is claimed that player power is responsible for Benitez's potential departure from Anfield.

Liverpool's wish list to replace Benitez is thought to include ex-Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, Fulham's Roy Hodgson and former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink.

Inter Milan are now thought to be monitoring Benitez's situation and are lining up the Spaniard to replace Jose Mourinho who this week joined Real Madrid.

Hiddink meanwhile has ruled himself out of the running to be Inter Milan's next coach, after his agent claimed he was the club's number one choice.

Hull are in talks with former Portsmouth and Crystal Palace manager Paul Hart about becoming their new boss.

Portsmouth flop John Utaka

Pastures new? Utaka

Portsmouth misfit John Utaka is set to join French side Sochaux in a cut price £3million agreement.

Nigerian international Utaka, 28, has scored just seven Premier League goals since attractive Pompey's record £7m signing from Rennes in 2007.

Utaka said: 'I will decide on my future after the World Cup.'

The strange case of John Westwood... or Dr Jekyll and Mr Portsmouth Portsmouth fulcrum Kevin-Prince Boateng sidelined from FA Cup final by ankle damage PORTSMOUTH FC