WORLD CUP 2010: Portugal 0 Brazil 0 - Joga Bonito gives way to petulance in defensive draw of convenience

 
Given the runaround: Ronaldo (No 7) tries to get away from Dani Alves .In acres of space: Brazil right back Maicon takes the ball in his stride.So close: Nilmar rattles the Portugal upright

Left out: Robinho (far right) watches from the Brazil bench

This was the game that made the mouth water when the World Cup draw was made last December - but there was little samba football to report in Durban.

A draw was always going to be good enough to see both teams progress from Group G, and a stalemate is exactly what we got.

WORLD CUP 2010: Diego Maradona tells Luis Fabiano there is only one Hand of God

In black and white: Maradona's infamous handball in 1986 and Fabiano on Sunday

Luis Fabiano's second goal against Ivory Coast at the World Cup was not with the Hand of God as the Brazilian claimed, Diego Maradona said on Monday.

'No, this one was with his arm, he brought it down with his arm, it's very evident, I think there was a double handball,' Argentina's coach said laughing.

WORLD CUP 2010: Brazil coach Dunga says sorry for branding journalist 'wimp' and 'donkey'

Sorry for his harsh words: Brazil coach Dunga

aking steps to put things right: Dunga has been under pressure, he claims

Brazil coach Dunga apologised to his country's fans ahead of today's World Cup match against Portugal in Durban.
Dunga verbally insulted a Brazilian reporter after his team's 3-1 triumph over the Ivory Coast.

The former Brazil star used the words 'donkey' and 'wimp' as well as launching a verbal attack on the journalist in question in his post-match press conference.

'I'm sorry to the fans for the language I used and for the manner in which I spoke after that game,' said Dunga.

WORLD CUP 2010: Fabio Capello's England boys will wear lucky red strip again on Sunday

Red alert: Fabio Capello's side will wear their all-red strip against Germany on Sunday

Lucky omen? John Terry and Matthew Upson both scored in England's win over Germany when the sides last met

England will play against Germany in their all-red strip after the colour brought Fabio Capello luck against Slovenia.

As group winners, the Germans are technically the 'home team' when the old rivals meet in Bloemfontein on Sunday to dispute a place in the World Cup quarter-final and they will wear their traditional white shirts, black shorts and black socks.

World Cup 2010: USA out for revenge as they face Ghana in 2nd Round

Bob Bradley has his mind focused on progression

USA's reward for beating England to the summit of Group C is a second-round meeting with Ghana instead of Germany. But given that their participation at the 2006 World Cup ended at the hands of the Black Stars, Bob Bradley and his side will not underestimate Saturday's opponents as they look to build on the momentum generated by Landon Donovan's dramatic goal against Algeria.

David Beckham has made me believe I can be a star for England, says James Milner

Eye-catching: Milner produced an inspired display for England against Slovenia

Cheers mate: Jermain Defoe and Milner celebrate as England qualify for the next stage of the World Cup

James Milner says David Beckham has given him the belief that he can become a star for England at this World Cup.

Becks has been assisting England boss Fabio Capello after getting the invite to help out in South Africa.

England will need to hit top form to beat Germany... who won't be practising penalties, warns Michael Ballack

Big test: Wayne Rooney will spearhead England's battle with Germany

Michael Ballack has warned England they will need to be at their very best to beat Germany in Sunday's World Cup showdown.

The old enemies meet again in Bloemfontein for a place in the quarter-finals and German legend Franz Beckenbaur has already stoked up the fires by branding England as 'stupid' and 'burnt out'.
Now Ballack has turned up the heat on their rivals by questioning their nerves under pressure - and he also claimed that they will not be practising penalties in the build-up to the game.

Joyous Japan fans take dawn dips after Denmark win

Japanese football fans celebrated wildly as dawn broke today and police were called on to fish revellers out of rivers after the national side stunned Denmark 3-1 to reach the second round of the World Cup in South Africa.

Newspaper headlines boasted of “history in the making” after the Blue Samurai reached the last 16 for the second time, while television viewing figures nudged past 41 per cent despite the game finishing just before 5.30am local time.

World Cup 2010 : Opportunity knocks for Uruguay and South Korea in 2nd Round

Luis Suarez is a player in the spotlight

Following France's farcical implosion and England's potentially fatal failure to finish top of their group, Uruguay and South Korea know that their quarter of the draw has opened up nicely and the victors in Port Elizabeth will compete with Ghana and USA for a place in the semi-finals. It is a huge motivation for both countries as they prepare for Saturday's second-round tie.

WORLD CUP 2010: Fabio's magic formula! England boss Capello has learned some new tricks just in time for Germany

Keeping up appearances: Fabio Capello shows the strain during England's win over Slovenia

New tricks: Capello reveals his softer side as he embraces skipper Steven Gerrard at the final whistle in Port Elizabeth

Even for a manager of Fabio Capello's considerable experience and expertise, the last few weeks have been an education.

Because for all the pressure that comes with winning trophies in Milan and Madrid, there is nothing quite like a World Cup. Nothing that compares to the burden of responsibility that an international manager has to cope with at a major tournament.