World Cup 2010 Online

Watch the 2010 World Cup Online

2010-06-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Being a footy fanatic, missing a minute of the 2010 World Cup is not an option. However, out of all the years that a person can get married, my fiancé decided to choose a World Cup year. Worse of all, my honeymoon is actually during the World Cup.

However, all is not lost. I've decided to sign up with Satellite Direct, and watch the 2010 World Cup live online from anywhere in the world! Yes, it does require you to sign up and pay a onetime fee, but if you're a footy fan like me, the price tag on 24/7 access to World Cup matches online is priceless.

So, even though I'll be travelling all over Europe, I can watch the Socceroos play from any place on the globe. The beauty with Satellite Direct is that it has over 3000 channels from all over the world. This means no matter what country you support, you can find a channel from that country and watch their games live.

For example, if you want to follow Fernando Torres' Spain, just tune into the Spanish sports channel and you will get live coverage of Spains game. Perhaps you want to follow Michael Ballack's Germany instead? Easy, switch the one of the 395 German channels available.

Missing the World Cup coverage is not an option, watching the World Cup streaming live online is a life saver.

The cool thing with Satellite Direct is that you get over 3000 channels from all over the world. So at the moment, I get to watch the Champions League, the Barclays Premier League, Spanish Primera divison, and pretty much any other league in the world all online!

Terry AXED as England Captain!!!

2010-02-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

We all knew Fabio Capello was strict; however, the boss has stamped his authority and sacked John Terry as England captain.

Rio Ferdinand will now take over as England captain.

"As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behavior," said Capello.

"However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad.

"After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry.

"What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice and John Terry was notified first."

This decision may unsettle the England squad, in what is believed to be their best chance to win the World Cup since 1966.

Personally, I think Capello's decision will have more of a negative effect on the team. First of all, it will increase the media exposure on the John Terry situation, and it will also cause more unrest within the squad. It will bring the situation at the forefront of the players mind in the next couple of games.

What do you all think? Comments welcome below.

Fifa want 'Fair Treatment' for South Africa World Cup

2010-01-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

Fifa have opposed negative publicity surrounding the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, while expressing their satisfaction with the high ticket sales.

Fifa announced that 2/3 of the three million tickets are now sold - with just over four months before the start of the tournament.

Fifa's general secretary, Jerome Valcke said: "It's sad that every morning you wake up and every morning there are articles from the world's football family saying that people should not fly to South Africa, that this is a dangerous country, that this is not good, that there is no way this person should fly to South Africa because it is a crazy country, that FIFA and Blatter made the wrong decision to host the World Cup in South Africa."

"What we are asking is for fair treatment for South Africa, the same treatment that all the other World Cup countries got. Don't kill the World Cup before it has even happened."

When asked which countries had portrayed the negative press, Valcke said: "I would say mainly in Europe from Germany and England. These are the two countries.

"I have not seen so much from France, Italy or Spain or from Holland or any of the other countries that have qualified.

"But again, these two countries are very big voices in the football family and that's why any time they are talking about the World Cup football, it's immediately in the headlines.

"I even said to Danny this morning we should even ask Mr Zuma (president of South Africa) to give a call to his colleagues Angela Merkel (Germany), Gordon Brown (UK), etc, call them and say 'hey, tell your country South Africa is a country and it's not the end of the world'.

"So there is no specific person, there are a lot of people who have been talking about South Africa and saying don't go to South Africa' so my comment is going to all of them and not specifically to one of them."

However, Jerome Valcke did express his concerns over flights to South African and the high cost.

"There are some issues with flying. It's very difficult to find a seat from Europe to South Africa for the World Cup.

"The price of tickets is also extremely high. So we are working and trying to see with airline companies, including our partners Emirates, to see how we could solve this issue."

Spanish Young Gun In-line for World Cup Call Up

2010-01-24T03:07:00.000-08:00

Spanish coach, Vicente del Bosque said on Friday that there is still two or three places up for grabs in the star filled World Cup squad. This gives hope for players such as Sevilla winger Jesus Navas, and Barcelona forward Pedro. Most surprisingly of all, Racing Santander teenager Sergio Canales, who has exploded on the scene in the last few weeks, is also in with a shot.

Del Bosque told students at the Complutense University of Madrid: "The squad is settled and, bar two or three players, everyone knows who is going to be on the list."

"The way we play is well-known, we have our style and tactics and all we are missing now are the photos to complete the picture. After that we just need to put the accent on the little details."

Talking about Canales, Del Bosque said: "His sudden appearance is fantastic. His age (18) does not rule him out for the World Cup but there is a lot of competition in his position."

Owen Looks to Rooney for England Advice

2010-01-24T02:43:00.000-08:00

Manchester United striker, Michael Owen has sought the advice of club team-mate, Wayne Rooney, on how to break into Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup.

Owen has spoken with Rooney about what the Italian expects as he desperately seeks to break into the England squad for South Africa.

Speaking to the Guardian, Owen said: "I've watched all the games. I know what the manager is looking for, even though I'm not there listening."

"For example, I ask Wayne, 'What does he expect when you've not got the ball?'

"So I have to stay in with it without thinking I'm part of it, because I'm not."

Speaking about first being overlooked by Capello, Owen said he felt "numb" - "It was really disappointing, upsetting".

"I was proper, proper fast at one point, and obviously I'm not now, so I've lost certain things, but when I was that fast I didn't need to do certain other things in a game.

"It was such a potent weapon. I was in the team to threaten in behind, to get the ball and run at players.

"But when I started losing that I had to find other ways to scare defenders. And that's how your game evolves.

"I'm much better now at timing the run and picking the moment and being able to spot something develop.

"I'd say my runs are more thought-out now."

Steven Pienaar Dismisses World Cup Security Fears

2010-01-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

Everton and South African midfielder, Steven Pienaar, insists the terrorist attack on the Togo squad at the African Nations Cup should not let people fear that a similar disaster may occur during the World Cup.

Speaking to the media regarding the recent attack on Togo, Pienaar said: "It will definitely not have any impact on the World Cup. It is something that's happened but South Africa and Angola are two different worlds apart.

"I understand how people might be worried. They have seen what has happened and think it might happen in South Africa. But it's two different worlds. This would not happen in South Africa."

"It's a disgrace to the continent and a shame for the people involved. You just can't do that. Football is supposed to bring the continent together.

"People love the game in Africa, they live for football. An incident like this is disappointing but I think the tournament should go ahead."

"I know this area quite well. Angola is a country which has been dismantled through civil war over the years.

"I don't think anyone was surprised to hear they were holding games in Cabinda. If a country is chosen to host the African Nations Cup it is an honour and everyone was looking forward to it."

Henry Escapes Punishment from Fifa

2010-01-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Thiery Henry has escaped punishment from Fifa, for his 'hand of frog' incident during the World Cup qualifying match with Ireland.

Fifa's disciplinary committee concluded there was "no legal foundation" for them to deal with the matter, rubbing further salt in the Irish wound.

This means Henry will not face a ban for any matches at the beginning of the World Cup finals.

FIFA said in a statement: "The disciplinary committee reached the conclusion that there was no legal foundation for the committee to consider the case because handling the ball cannot be regarded as a serious infringement as stipulated in article 77a) of the FIFA disciplinary code.

"There is no other legal text that would allow the committee to impose sanctions for any incidents missed by match officials."

Henry's handball led to William Gallas' decisive goal during the World Cup playoff qualifier, which ended Republic of Ireland's dreams of qualifying for the biggest sporting tournament in the world.

Huntelaar Transferring to Birmingham City?

2010-01-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is looking for a move in the January transfer window to boost his World Cup chances. The Dutchman has been frustrated with his lack of game time at AC Milan following his move from Real Madrid, and is worried about his place in the national squad.

Huntelaar spoke to a Dutch newspaper saying:"I am thinking about leaving. When I spoke with the directors, they comforted me and told me that they have faith in me.

"That's important for me because our national team boss has explained to me many times that you need to play a lot for your own club to then play for Holland.

"I would like to stay in an important league so I can show that I am worthy of being a Milan player. I would like to go on loan and then return."

Huntelaar has previously been linked with a string of EPL clubs, with Tottenham and Manchester United showing strong interest in the Dutchman during the summer. However, with Huntelaar desperate for game time, could Birmingham City be a possible move for the Dutchman? City has reportedly been given £40 million by its owners to spend in the transfer window, and could promise Huntelaar the game time he needs.

David Villa Favourite for the 2010 World Cup Golden Boot

2010-01-19T14:54:00.001-08:00

Valencia and Spanish hitman, David Villa, is the bookies favourite to take out the Fifa 2010 World Cup golden boot award. Despite playing for an under-performing club side at the moment, the striker has been in top form the last few seasons, and won the Euro 2008 golden boot. His odds are 9-1, followed by Brazil's Luis Fabiano at 10-1, and fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres at 11-1.

Here is a look at the top contenders:

David Villa 9
Luis Fabiano 10
Fernando Torres 11
Wayne Rooney 12
Cristiano Ronaldo 16
Lionel Messi 14
Sergio Aguero 20
Miroslav Klose 25
Nilmar 25
Robin Van Persie 25
Luca Toni 33
Didier Drogba 20
Gonzalo Higuain 25
Jermain Defoe 28
Mario Gomez 40
Nicolas Anelka 33
Robinho 33
Thierry Henry 28
Alberto Gilardino 33
Kaka 22
Lukas Podolski 50
Alexandre Pato 33
Carlos Tevez 40
Lisandro Lopez 40
Diego Milito 33
Karim Benzema 33
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 33
Liedson 33
Luis Suarez 50
Marko Pantelic 66
Michael Owen 40
Samuel Etoo 33
Carlton Cole 66
Vincenzo Iaquinta 50
Andre Pierre Gignac 33
Antonio Di Natale 50
Darren Bent 66
Giampaolo Pazzini 66
Giuseppe Rossi 40
Humberto Suazo 80
Xabi Alonso 80
Salomon Kalou 80
Steven Gerrard 66
Adriano 40
Xavi 80
Diego Forlan 40
Daniel Guiza 40
Frank Lampard 66
Frank Ribery 80
Gabriel Agbonlahor 100
Michael Ballack 66
Ikechukwu Uche 100
Peter Crouch 80

Spain - The Bookmarkers Favourite to Win the 2010 World Cup

2010-01-19T02:09:00.000-08:00

Spain is the favourites to win the 2010 Fifa World Cup, according to the bookmakers. Their superb form in the last few years has deservedly put them on top of the list. Spain won their first major trophy in 2008 (European Cup), and there are promising signs of them going one better and lifting the World Cup.

They have an embarrassing amount of talent at their disposal. Just take a look at the midfield - Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, Xabi Alonoso, and let's not forget the superb Cesc Fabregas. Is there any stronger midfield in world football at the moment?

England has also looked promising in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. The question is whether they have the mentality to go all the way? Only time will tell.

Below are the latest odds for who will win the World Cup.

Spain 5.5
Brazil 6
England 7
Argentina 11.5
Italy 14
Germany 15
Netherlands 16.5
France 17
Côte d'Ivoire 29
Portugal 30
Chile 54
Ghana 81
Serbia 81
USA 81
Paraguay 84
Cameroon 111
Nigeria 112
Uruguay 118
Mexico 126
South Africa 151
Australia 151
Denmark 151
Greece 160
Switzerland 255
Slovakia 260
Slovenia 290
Japan 320
South Korea 370
Algeria 501
Honduras 1001
Korea DPR 2001
New Zealand 3001

The Making of the Jabulani 2010 Fifa World Cup Ball

2010-01-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this video. Gone are the days of the good ol' 'medicine balls'.

As with every World Cup, the ball becomes lighter, and moves through the air at faster speeds. Great for specators, not so for goalkeepers. The process is very thorough, and each World Cup Jabulani ball has to meet strict guideliness.

Wouldn't you just love to have a kick about with this ball at the local park?

World Cup Tickets Selling Fast

2010-01-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

The third ticketing sales phase for the 2010 FIFA World Cup has seen the number of World Cup tickets applied for hit the 500,000 mark within the first ten days. 386,300 of those tickets were requested by South African residents (77 per cent of the total applications), while 114,237 tickets applied for came from the rest of the world.

At the moment, USA leads the list of foreign countries for this sales phase with 22,942 tickets, followed by the UK (20,232), Mexico (7,981), Germany (7,697) , Australia (6,277) and Brazil (4,760). In total, applications from 166 countries have been received (the figures do not include the participating member associations allocated ticket sales).