Fans showing U.S. team love after Confed Cup upset Jun 26, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -A week ago, the U.S. men's soccer team was barely an afterthought, its struggles hardly stealing the spotlight from golf, baseball or "Jon & Kate.''Well, well, well, look who has America's attention now.There's nothing like a big win to get the fans back home excited, and the U.S. team's upset of top-ranked Spain at the Confederations Cup on Wednesday night certainly qualified. The game was replayed on ESPN2 a few hours later, an honor reserved for "instant... (MSNBC -- Sports)
* US defeat Spain to reach Confederations Cup final Jun 26, 2009
AFP , BLOEMFONTEIN Friday, Jun 26, 2009, Page 20. Clint Dempsey of the US, right, scores a goal past Spains Iker Casillas, left, and Sergio Ramos, No. 15, during their Confederations Cup semi-final soccer match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Wednesday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
US dismantle Europe's red-hot big guns Jun 26, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN: The United States stunned Spai 00004000 n 2-0 to book a place in the Confederations Cup final and end the European champions record-breaking win streak. A first-half strike from Villarreal's Jozy Altidore and another 16 minutes from time by Fulham's Clint Dempsey did the damage on Wednesday in what will go down as one of the biggest victories in US football history. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
CONFEDERATIONS CUP Shocking triumph raises game another notch in U.S. Jun 26, 2009
(06-26) 04:00 PDT Bloemfontein, South Africa. A week ago, the U.S. men's soccer team was barely an afterthought, its struggles hardly stealing the spotlight from golf, baseball or "Jon ". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
> Black gun owners slam cops Jun 26, 2009
Police stations such as Park Road police station in Bloemfontein have been flooded with firearm owners the past week, either handing in firearms to be deactivated or trying to register sold firearms. Sapa Digg. (iAfrica.com)
Analysis of Confederation Cup semifinal Jun 25, 2009
Spain's 35-match unbeaten streak ends on a frigid night in Bloemfontein, where the United States men's national team has engineered an improbable 2-0 upset of the reigning European champions ... 2:12 p.m. ET: We're approaching kickoff time in Bloemfontein ... The Americans needed a just to make it out of the group stage, so there's the sense they're rolling with house money today in Bloemfontein. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Major upset: United States soccer team beats Spain 2-0 Jun 25, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa The U.S. soccer team pulled off a major upset Thursday, beating top-ranked Spain 2-0 on goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey. The victory sends the Americans to the Confederations Cup final, and snaps Spain s 15-game winning streak. (KHOU.com, TX)
Hasta la vista, Spain Jun 25, 2009
(06-25) 00:57 PDT BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) ... Rain on Spain: US reaches 1st FIFA tourney final Articles (06-25) 00:57 PDT BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -- Talk about a full reversal of fortunes. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Confed Cup: US upsets Spain 2-0 Jun 25, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP): Goalkeeper Tim Howard's standout performance helped to beat European champion Spain 2-0 on Wednesday in one of America's greatest football victories. "It certainly can be argued that if it's not the top, it's up there," Howard said after the stunning win put the Americans into Sunday's Confederations Cup final. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
U.S. triumph over Spain helps image of soccer Jun 25, 2009
Yet the men in all 00003857 white created enough chances just in the first eight minutes in Bloemfontein to suggest they were the ones with the long unbeaten record. Charlie Davies went close twice, Clint Dempsey shaved Spain's post and Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas gestured to his teammates to calm down. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Miracle on Grass Jun 25, 2009
This shocking match in the Confederations Cup in Bloemfontein was the equivalent of those one-off thrillers, like Gonzaga or Davidson beating a giant of American college basketball ... The Yanks of Bloemfontein were not even expected to be in the semifinals. (Modesto Bee, CA)
U.S. Soccer Team Beats Top-Ranked Spain in Major Upset Jun 25, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa The United States stunned top-ranked Spain 2-0 Thursday night on goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, advancing to the Confederations Cup final with one of the Americans' biggest soccer victories. Altidore scored in the 27th minute and Dempsey added a goal in the 74th as the Americans became the first team to defeat Spain since Romania in November 2006. (Fox News)
DeMerit, U.S. Blank World No. 1 Spain, Advance to Confederations Cup Final Jun 25, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa- Former UIC back and the U.S. Men's National Team continued what is turning out to be a historic South African trip for the Americans, as the Red, White and Blue defeated top-ranked Spain 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup on Wednesday, June 24. DeMerit led the defensive effort as the U.S. recorded its second straight shutout, this time against FIFA's No. 1 team. (Uicflames.com)
South Africa: Confederations Cup - Semi Final Matches Tomorrow Jun 25, 2009
Host country South Africa will take on Brazil in Bloemfontein whereas the European champions, Spain, will slug it out with the USA in Johannesburg. South Africa's campaign in the festival of champions has been full of ups and downs and they merely sailed to the semi finals, thanks to the draw pulled by Iraq and New Zealand in the last group match. (allAfrica.com)
US surprises, upsets Spain Jun 25, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa - The world will surely take notice of this. The US soccer team is in the final of the Confederations Cup, beating mighty Spain, 2-0. (Boston Globe)
US celebrates huge Confed Cup victory over Spain Jun 25, 2009
Spanish defender Carles Puyol (R) fights for the ball with US forward Jozy Altidore during their Fifa Confederations Cup semi-final football match in Bloemfontein, South Africa ... BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AFP) - Brilliant tactics helped the United States pull off a stunning 2-0 win over Spain and reach the Confederations Cup final, something coach Bob Bradley described as huge. (Yahoo! Asia News)
United States beats Spain, reaches Confederation final Jun 25, 2009
USA's Jozy Altidore reacts after scoring a goal during their Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match against Spain at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Wednesday, June 24, 2009 ... BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa -- The U.S. soccer team pulled off a major upset Wednesday, beating top-ranked Spain 2-0 on goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey. (Erie Times-News, PA)
U.S. to wait for opportunities against No. 1 Spain Jun 24, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -Spain is relishing the pressure of going for another record on Wednesday when the European champions play the United States in the Confederations Cup semifinals. Spain can surpass Brazil's record 35-match unbeaten run from 1993-96 by reaching Sunday's final, but the Spanish remain weary of their surprise opponent. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
US braces for No. 1 Spain Jun 24, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa - Talk about tests: After reaching the Confederations Cup semifinals in unlikely fashion, the reward for the United States soccer team is a matchup today with top-ranked Spain. The team is on a high for sure, US coach Bob Bradley said Tuesday. (Boston Globe)
Confederations Cup: Spain tackles US in semiJohannesburg, South Africa (PANA) - After a two-day rest break, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup resumes Wednesday with pre-tournament favourite Spain taking onthe US, the unlikely semi-final qualifier from group B. 24/06/2009 Full Text... Jun 24, 2009
In addition to being favoured to win Wednesday's match in Bloemfontein, the Span iards will also be driven by their quest for history - beating Brazil's record o f 35 matches without a loss. Spain has already set a new record by taking its wins to 24th in a row, after th e 2-nil spanking of host South Africa in their final group match. (Panapress.com)
Confederations Cup: U.S. 'on a high' about facing No. 1 Spain Jun 24, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa -- Talk about tests: After reaching the Confederations Cup semifinals in unlikely fashion, the reward for the U.S. soccer team is a matchup today with top-ranked Spain ... FIFA said there were about 6,000 tickets still on sale for the match at the 38,000-seat Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein ... Where: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Brazil wary of South Africans Jun 24, 2009
Brazil has to avoid an upset on Thursday at Ellis Park to keep alive its hopes of winning its second consecutive Confederations Cup title, and possibly secure a much-anticipated final against Spain, which plays as the favorite in the other semifinal match against the United States on Wednesday in Bloemfontein. The Brazilians had the day off Monday and underwent light training on Tuesday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Euro champs dream of final with Dungas side, but US up first Jun 24, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN (South Africa): Although they still have to get past the United States, Spain are already dreaming of playing the Confederations Cup final against Brazil ... Ready to roll: Spain defender Sergio Ramos tries to catch midfielder Pablo Hernandez's shot during a training session in Bloemfontein on Monday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Burger returns for Boks Jun 24, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN - Schalk Burger returns to the South Africa team for the second Test against the British and Irish Lions at Loftus Versfeld here on Saturday. A calf injury prevented the fearless Western Stormers flanker playing in the first Test last Saturday, won 26-21 by the Springboks after the Lions scored 14 points in a late rally. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
U.S. to be challenged by Spain in Confederations Cup match Jun 24, 2009
Now, with Vicente del Bosque in charge, the Americans face the task of preventing Spain from stretching its unbeaten streak to 36 matches when they play in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup today in Bloemfontein, South Africa. "We certainly understand the challenge of playing Spain," United States coach Bob Bradley said Tuesday, recalling Spain's 1-0 win last June, when Xavi Hernandez spun through a crowd to score in the 79th minute. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Blatter invites Obama to World Cup in So. Africa Jun 23, 2009
The United States, which reached the semifinals of the Confederations Cup and will face Spain on Wednesday in Bloemfontein, is seeking its sixth straight World Cup appearance at the tournament in South Africa, which runs from June 11-July 11. SI.com on. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Jozy's text to Spain Jun 23, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -Jozy Altidore better hope his scoring touch is better than his language skills when the United States plays Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals. Altidore warned the European champions of the American threat through a text message sent to Villarreal teammate Joan Capdevila. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Spain favored over US to reach Confed Cup final Jun 23, 2009
(06-23) 01:48 PDT BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP). For Spain, it always was a given that the team would reach the semifinals of the Confederations Cup. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
GregLalasOutside The Box U.S. makes of most of its second wind at the Confederations Cup. Jun 23, 2009
The result right now is that the U.S. is traveling to Bloemfontein to face Spain in the semifinals on Wednesday; Egypt and Italy are going home. Does that mean I also consider the U.S. better than Italy. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
* US net three to join Brazil in semis Jun 23, 2009
Spain, who topped Group A on Saturday after a world record 15th consecutive win, will face the US in Bloemfontein tomorrow, with South Africa tackling Brazil in Johannesburg 24 hours later. Egypts Mahmoud Fathalla, left, battles for the ball with Ricardo Clark of the US during their Confederations Cup Group B match in Rustenburg, South Africa, on Sunday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Last-chance saloon for Williams Jun 23, 2009
" He admitted that he has felt weighed down by the the title of the world's best player, awarded after he scored six tries in the 2008 Six Nations and was named player of the tournament as Wales won the Grand Slam for the second time in four years. He also scored two memorable tries in successive matches against the Springboks in Pretoria and Bloemfontein during Wales' summer 2008 tour. "I've found it harder this season. The attention has been on me constantly, both on and off the pitch," he... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
U.S. blanks Egypt Jun 22, 2009
b-Wednesday, June 24: vs. Spain at Bloemfontein, South Africa, 2:30 p.m.. c-Saturday, July 4: vs. Grenada at Seattle, 9 p.m.. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
U.S. blanks Egypt 3-0, advances Jun 22, 2009
With Brazil beating Italy 3-0 in the other Group B game, the United States will now play Spain in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Wednesday. Michael Bradley, left, and Landon Donovan of the U.S. celebrate after beating Egypt. (News & Observer -- Sports)
* Spain defeat hosts to win 15th consecutive game Jun 22, 2009
South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune makes a save during their Confederations Cup Group A match against Spain in Bloemfontein on Saturday ... Substitute Fernando Llorente added a second on 72 minutes as the class of the European champions told before a sell-out 40,000-plus vuvuzela-blowing crowd at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein ... Spain stay in Bloemfontein to face the Group B runners-up on Wednesday, while South Africa head north to Johannesburg for a showdown with the Group A winners 24... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
South Africa: Bafana Head for Confeds Cup Semis Jun 22, 2009
Despite Bafana's loss at the Free State stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africans can be proud of the team's performance, as they gave as good as they got, holding the Spanish to a scoreless draw at half-time ... " It had started so well for the Springboks as they sought to erase the memory of the last Lions tour to these shores in 1997. On that day at the Absa Stadium, Jeremy Guscott had broken South African hearts with a drop goal that clinched the series. This time, however, it began so much... (allAfrica.com)
South Africa: Bafana Bafana Through to Semifinals Jun 22, 2009
Bloemfontein Bafana Bafana are through to the FIFA Confederations Cup semi-finals, despite losing 2-nil to Spain in their last group A match in Free State Stadium last night. Bafana Bafana will lock horns with the winner of group B in the first semifinal clash at the same stadium on Wednesday. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Danny Jordaan Delighted for South Africa, Mandela [column] Jun 22, 2009
In the middle of the 2009 Confederations Cup, he is constantly moving between the four host cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Rustenberg with Fifa's delegation while coordinating the progress of work in the other six towns that will host the World Cup. Thanks to SuperSport, we succeeded in getting a 30-minute meeting with one of South Africa's most influential men and true to his nature, he afforded us an extra 20 minutes. (allAfrica.com)
South Africa: Bafana Bafana for Semis Jun 22, 2009
Johannesburg SOUTH AFRICA can close a great week for African football - and keep alive the home fans' interest in the 2009 Confederations Cup - by qualifying for the semi-finals when they take on European champions Spain at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein tonight ... Bafana Bafana players have been calling for support from their fans, especially the famous Siwelele supporters who have turned Bloemfontein into a cauldron, to help them clear the final hurdle. (allAfrica.com)
Spain vow to stretch winning streak and set more new marks Jun 22, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN: Spain warned yesterday there are plenty more victories left in them after setting a new world record by beating South Africa 2-0 for their 15th consecutive win ... They now play the runners-up in Group B, likely Italy or Egypt, in the semi-finals in Bloemfontein next Wednesday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Xavi misses Barcelona pal Iniesta Jun 22, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN: Barcelona star Xavi is a proud man after helping Spain set a new world mark of 15 consecutive wins, but he is missing injured team-mate Andres Iniesta ... Spain play their semi-final in Bloemfontein next Wednesday against the runner-up from Group B, either Brazil, Italy or Egypt. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* Chelsea teammates edge their countries closer to World Cup Jun 22, 2009
REUTERS, BLOEMFONTEIN Monday, Jun 22, 2009, Page 20. Tunisia striker Sami Allagui, right, is tackled by Nigerias Ayodole Adelye during their 2010 World Cup-Africa Cup of Nations Group B qualifying match at the Rades Olympic Stadium in Tunis on Saturday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Spain set record 15 wins on trot Jun 22, 2009
Martin Parry in BloemfonteinJune 22, 2009 ... They now play the runner-up in group B - likely Italy or Egypt - in the semi-finals in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Villa disturbed by transfer talk Jun 22, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN: Real Madrid target David Villa says the past week has been unbearable with his future up in the air ... They are currently in the semi-finals, which are played in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Drogba, Essien inspire teams to crucial wins Jun 22, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN: Chelseas Didier Drogba and Michael Essien helped their respective countries move closer to World Cup qualification on Saturday as Ivory Coast and Ghana both scored away wins in the qualifying campaign. Drogba grabbed the winning goal as the Ivory Coast ended Burkina Fasos unbeaten run in the African preliminaries with a 3-2 win in Ouagadougou. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Hosts South Africa relieved to reach the semi-finals Jun 22, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN: Hosts South Africa expressed a sense of relief at reaching the Confederations Cup semi-finals despite being outplayed by Spain and losing 2-0 in their final group match on Saturday. For us its great relief and its history too for us to make the semi-finals of a competition like this, captain Aaron Mokoena said after the match, which saw Spain finish top of Group A with nine points and South Africa second with four. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
USA through as Italy and Egypt slip up Jun 22, 2009
The United States will play in the first semi-final match against European champions Spain on Wednesday in Bloemfontein. Five-time world champions Brazil will face hosts South Africa on Thursday in Johannesburg. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Spain wins, but South Africa also goes through Jun 21, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -Spain set an international soccer record with its 15th straight victory, a 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday that allowed the host nation to scrape into the Confederations Cup semifinals along with the European champion. Moments after missing a penalty kick, David Villa took a high cross on the chest in the 52nd minute and with perfect control, turned and shot past goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune for his 31st goal in 47 international appearances, 13 goals shy of... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Villa again refuses to talk about future after win Jun 21, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -- David Villa again refused to answer questions about his future Saturday after scoring the winning goal in Spain's 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Confederations Cup. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are among the teams trying to lure the 27-year-old striker, and he believed it would be "impossible'' to make up his mind about where he will next play after Valencia suddenly announced Friday it did not want to sell him. "I don't want to answer any questions... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Football: Spain extend unbeaten winning streak Jun 21, 2009
(CNN) -- Spain have drawn level with Brazil's record by going 35 matches unbeaten, after second-half goals from David Villa and Fernando Llorente gave them a 2-0 Confederations Cup victory over host nation South Africa in Bloemfontein. The South African players appeal for handball as David Villa celebrates Spain's opening goal on Saturday. (CNN -- International)
Forward Progress Jun 21, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -- Spain got a record. South Africa was happy just to reach the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, even with a loss. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Confed Cup: South Africa goes through after big scare Jun 21, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa: (AP) Players huddled in midfield. The fans were restless in the stands. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Spain beat South Africa, set world record Jun 21, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN (South Africa): David Villa and Fernando Llorente scored the goals that gave Spain a 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday for a world record 15th straight victory. Valencia's Villa broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute and substitute Llorente sealed the game with 18 minutes left to ensure the European champions finished top of their group at the Confederations Cup. (India Times, India)
The reign in Spain: 15 straight victories Jun 21, 2009
"We're conscious we've made history," Spain's Fernando Torres said after Saturday's 2-0 victory over the host nation in Bloemfontein. "And we want to do more.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Spain sets winning record by beating South Africa 2-0 Jun 21, 2009
Spain's Fernando Torres reacts during the Confederations Cup soccer match against South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein June 20, 2009 ... BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa, June 20 (Xinhua) -- European champions Spain set a new winning record on Saturday by defeating South Africa 2-0 in the FIFA Confederations Cup in the central South African city of Bloemfontein ... Spain's coach Vicente Del Bosque reacts during the Confederations Cup soccer match against South Africa at the Free... (Xinhuanet, China)
South Africa could make major changes for 2010 Jun 20, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP): South Africa coach Joel Santana is ready to make major changes to his team for next year's World Cup if the hosts fail to reach the Confederations Cup semifinals. South Africa captain Matthew Booth said it would be a disaster if Bafana Bafana failed to earn a spot in the next round at the eight-team tournament that serves as a warmup for next year's showcase event. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Morning leadoff Jun 20, 2009
SPEED - NASCAR, Sprint Cup, ``Happy Hour Series," final practice for Toyota/SaveMart 350, at Sonoma, Calif.4 p.m.SPEED - Rolex Sports Car Series, EMCO Gears Classic, at Lexington, Ohio5:30 p.m.ESPN2 - NASCAR, Nationwide Series, pole qualifying for 250, at West Allis, Wis. (same-day tape)7:30 p.m.ESPN2 - NASCAR, Nationwide Series, 250, at West Allis, Wis.BOXING4 p.m.ESPN CLASSIC - Champion Wladimir Klitschko (36-2-0) vs. Ruslan Chagaev (20-0-1), for IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight title, at... (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
South Africa need a draw against Euro champs Spain Jun 20, 2009
The distinctive air horns blown by South African football fans will be out in force when the national team face European champions Spain in their final Group A match in Bloemfontein ... The match, in Bloemfonteins Free State Stadium, is a guaranteed sellout with fans hoping to see their team advance to the last four. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Vuvuzela-fest: Get ready for more noise in 2010 Jun 19, 2009
Associated Press writers Stuart Moir in Rustenburg and Tales Azzoni in Pretoria, and AP Sports Writer Paul Logothetis in Bloemfontein contributed to this report. SI.com on. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
* N Korea end 44-year World Cup wait Jun 19, 2009
Spains David Villa, center, heads the ball into the goal past Iraq goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid, left, during their Confederations Cup Group A match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Wednesday ... South Africa have the much harder final mini-league task against Spain in Bloemfontein tomorrow, while Iraq tackle New Zealand at the same time in Johannesburg, where the tournament end next Sunday ... Coach Bora Milutinovic was true to his word as Iraq put 10 men behind the... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Iraq coach Milutinovich delighted despite defeat Jun 19, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN (South Africa): Iraq coach Bora Milutinovich, whose news conferences rattle along like an old-time vaudeville show, amazed the media on Wednesday when he ex--pressed his delight at Iraq s 1-0 defeat to Spain. The 64-year-old Serbian-born coach, in charge of his eighth national side, proved he has lost none of his entertainment value when he said he was happy despite losing the Group A Confederations Cup match to the European champions. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Former Springbok Pretorius signs with Force Jun 19, 2009
" The Lions are hoping for a repeat of their last visit to South Africa 12 years ago. Like now, the South Africans were also the World Cup holders and the unfancied Lions beat them 2-1 after winning the first two tests. The big common link is head coach Ian McGeechan. Born in England but capped 32 times by Scotland at flyhalf and center, he was the head coach in '97 and has the same role now. This is his seventh Lions tour as a player or coach and he has used his expertise and experience to... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
FIFA removes TVs from sidelines at Confed Cup Jun 19, 2009
Blatter said the events in Bloemfontein confirmed his opinion that replay technology was not suitable for soccer. "I am still of the opinion that we should not use video for decisions in the field of play,'' Blatter said. "And this principle is not my principle: it has been confirmed and reconfirmed by the International Football Association Board, the guardians and custodians of the laws of the game. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Villa says he has made decision Jun 18, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -- David Villa has made a decision about where he will play club football next season, although the Spain striker isn't saying where yet. The Valencia striker said Wednesday that he has "made a decision and my representative knows it and so I'm relaxed.". (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Fans come alive as South Africa win Jun 18, 2009
David Villa scored the lone goal for Spain in Bloemfontein, slipping between a pair of defenders scoring from Joan Capdevila's cross in the 55th minute. The goal was Villa's 30th in 46 international matches, putting him alone in second place behind Raul Gonzalez's 44. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Spain beats Iraq 1-0 to reach semifinals Jun 18, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -Spain earned its record-tying 14th straight win and a spot in the Confederations Cup semifinals by beating Iraq 1-0 on Wednesday. David Villa slipped between two defenders and beat Iraq goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid for the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, sending Joan Capdevila's cross low and inside the right post for his 30th goal in his 46th international appearance. (MSNBC -- Sports)
