i World Cup

Slovenia were denied a place in the last 16 of the World Cup by a fine USA comeback. Having slumped to a 2-0 deficit at the interval, Bob Bradley’s men responded superbly after the break to earn a 2-2 draw.

It was Slovenia who showed better in the first half, deservedly leading thanks to goals from Valter Birsa and Milivoje Novakovic, but Landon Donovan’s powerful shot from a tough angle pulled the Stars and Stripes back into the game just after the restart.

The expectation in the early stages of the game was that the Europeans would sit back and simply soak up pressure, but that wasn’t the case. Matjaz Kek’s outfit looked the livelier side are a stodgy, disjointed start to the match. @Goal

Manchester City fans might not believe it, but Robinho is the toast of the Brazilian World Cup squad.

With Kaka not firing on all cylinders after a difficult season at Real Madrid it is Robinho who looks like being key to Brazil’s hopes of lifting a sixth world title.

With coach Dunga demanding the South Americans be miserly at the back and show grit in central midfield, it’s Robinho who could be the man to unlock the tightest defence.

The former Real Madrid man certainly appeared to be revelling in the role with his slide rule pass providing Elano’s clinching goal in the 2-1 win over North Korea. @Soccerway

Mexico stunned France 2-0 in a World Cup Group A match here on Thursday to leave the 1998 winners and 2006 finalists teetering on the brink of elimination.

Substitute Javier Hernandez, who will play for Manchester United next season, put Mexico ahead in the 64th minute after rounding French ‘keeper Hugo Lloris and coolly slotting the ball into the net soon after entering the game.

Mexico increased their advantage after an increasingly ragged France conceded a penalty when Eric Abidal scythed down Pablo Barrera, which 37-year-old Mexican striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco converted to the joy of Mexico’s fans. @Soccerway

Cafe Gauna is a bar like a thousand others in Buenos Aires. Located in the working class barrio of Villa Crespo, it is the kind of place where everybody knows your name and regulars sit for hours over an espresso waxing lyrical over love, life and, of course, football.

Today it was standing room only at 8am as the neighborhood gathered to watch Argentina taking on a tricky South Korea side. A good old-fashioned, English style drinking session was out of the question at this hour – this is a work day after all – so the faithful sat comfortably with their cafe con leche y medialunas (latte coffee with croissants) and fell silent in anticipation of their heroes’ arrival.

The early birds were not disappointed as a Pipita-fueled Argentina demolished their Asian rivals. @Goal

Argentina played like potential world champions as they demolished South Korea 4-1 with an outstanding all-round display highlighted by a hat-trick from Gonzalo Higuain at Soccer City on Thursday.

“South Korea were never capable of controlling us,” said Maradona. “Of course, they scored but they were never able to dominate any part of the match.

“I have 23 top players and they are all ready to put on the jersey and work on the pitch and that makes you happy and then you have peace of mind,” he added. @Telegraph

Both players have worn the number 10 shirt for Argentina and Barcelona and both have been recognised as the greatest players of their generation.

The iconic image of Maradona, now Argentina manager, facing Belgium in the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup, was replicated as Messi faced South Korea today.

Messi was captured in Argentina’s 4-1 win against South Korea taking on five players, reminiscent of the famous photo of Maradona facing the Belgians. @Telegraph

Mexico will face France at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane Thursday for their second group game in the 2010 World Cup. For that match, Rafael Marquez will take over as captain for the game, coach Javier Aguirre revealed in a press conference.

Mexican manager Aguirre confirmed that the Barcelona player would retake the captain’s arm band from Gerardo Torrado for the game against France. Marquez scored Mexico’s lone goal and equalizer in the 1-1 draw against South Africa in the opening game of the World Cup.

“Tomorrow the captain will be Rafael Marquez,” said Aguirre to the press Tuesday.

“Against El Salvador I told [Cuauhtemoc] Blanco and [Rafael] Marquez, there are three captains and I’m going to decide who will have the armband. This doesn’t come from a coin toss, it comes from work, handle of the team, and being a link between the players and manager.” @Goal