World Cup: Group A and B - DECIDED

And so the final games of Group A and B took place yesterday with Uruguay and Mexico going through from Group A and Argentina and South Korea going through from Group B.

It was always going to be difficult for both South Africa and France to qualify from Group A seeing as it was completely out of their hands however South Africa can take a lot of credit for the way they played against a hopeless French side who looked void of all confidence.

South Africa were all over France and scored twice in very quick succession leaving France looking dazed and confused.

However South Africa needed to score one more goal to have any chance of qualifying and also needed Uruguay to score against Mexico.

Suarez opened the scoring for Uruguay which meant that it was in South Africa's hands. They needed one goal but the reshuffle from the bench seeing Henry and Malouda come on for France saw heartbreak for South Africa as France pulled one back leaving South Africa still needing to score one more goal and hope that Mexico wouldn't equalise in the other game taking place at the same time.

South Africa came very very close to scoring another goal but it wasn't to be. They had played out of their skin but the final whistle sounded and Uruguay and Mexico went through.


The evening games came from Group B with Argentina facing off against Greece and Nigeria facing South Korea.

Greece just needed one point to qualify for the last 16 whereas South Korea had to beat Nigeria and hope that Greece were beaten by Argentina and Nigeria had to beat South Korea and hope that Greece lost to Argentina.

All was looking well for Nigeria when they went one goal up early on however they still needed Argentina to score against Greece.

South Korea equalised a few minutes later and then just a couple of minutes after that it was South Korea who led for the first time in the game.

The result, as it stood would see South Korea and Argentina through but there was a sting in the tail as Nigeria equalised via a Yakubu penalty which just found its way into the back of the net.

However it was still goal-less in the Argentina game until 77 minutes when DiMicheles popped up to thunder home a strike to put the Argentinian's in front.

As it stood it would be Argentina and South Korea going through unless Nigeria could find a winner....

It didn't happen however and South Korea and Argentina went through to the final 16.

So the next games confirmed thus far are:

Uruguay V South Korea
Argentina V Mexico

World Cup: Group A and B Final Matches

And so it comes down to the final group games. Who goes through to the last 16 and who goes home?

Makes for very interesting viewing now in some groups. Today's first... Well last games are France V South Africa and Mexico V Uruguay in Group A both kicking off at 3pm with the evening matches from Group B consisting of Greece V Argentina and Nigeria V South Korea.

France have an absolute mountain to climb in order to qualify but it's completely out of their hands and are relying on Uruguay or Mexico to win the game. A draw is no good for the French who are in absolute turmoil.

This is where it gets a bit confusing regarding Group A but bear with me.

If Uruguay beat Mexico then France will have to beat South Africa by 5 goals provided that Mexico don't score, should they lose. If this happens then France will go through ahead of Mexico.

If Mexico beat Uruguay then France will have to beat South Africa by 6 goals provided that Uruguay don't score, should they lose. If this happens then Mexico and France will go through.

South Africa can still qualify and they need either Uruguay and Mexico to win that game for them to have any chance to qualify.

If Uruguay beat Mexico then South Africa will have to beat France by 6 goals provided that Mexico don't score, should they lose. If this happens then Uruguay and South Africa will go through.

If Mexico beat Uruguay then South Africa will have to beat France by 7 goals provided that Uruguay don't score, should they lose. If this happens then Mexico and South Africa will go through.

Confused yet? Well don't worry this next one is simple enough... I promise.

If Uruguay and Mexico should draw then it doesn't matter what France or South Africa do as both Mexico and Uruguay will go through.


Group B doesn't get much easier really but let's soldier on.

All four teams can still qualify and the fixtures this evening are South Korea V Nigeria and Argentina V Greece.

As the table stands:

Argentina - 6 points
South Korea - 3 points
Greece - 3 points
Nigeria - 0 points.

Again this group may go down to goal difference and some teams have to rely on other results.

Argentina are as good as through on 6 points but just need one point to confirm that.

South Korea could pip Argentina to the post if Greece beat Argentina and South Korea can beat Nigeria by 5 goals provided that Argentina don't score, should they lose.

South Korea only need a point to ensure qualification from Group B and a draw will see them through so long as Argentina beat Greece.

Greece can qualify ahead of South Korea if they can beat Argentina. Both teams have the same number of points and have the same goal difference so if both teams should draw in their respective games goal difference could play a big part in deciding who goes through. It gets very confusing from there so I'll just leave it at that.

Nigeria can go through but they need to beat South Korea and hope that Argentina can beat Greece. But it doesn't end there for Nigeria. They have to beat South Korea by 2 goals and hope that Greece don't score against Argentina.

It's an interesting day of football ahead but I'd fully expect Uruguay and Mexico to go through today from Group A. It's hard to know who will top the group but I'm sure both teams will be hoping that they don't draw Argentina in the first round of the knockout stage.

As for Group B I expect Argentina to top the group and I have a sneaky suspicion that Nigeria could do it. Nigeria will play with their heart on their sleeve today for all their fans so should be a thrilling affair when those two teams meet.

World Cup: Argentina 4-1 South Korea

Higuain scores a hat trick as dominant Argentina hit South Korea for four.

I always imagined an Argentina win in this game but I was expecting a tighter affair having seen South Korea play exceptionally well against Greece in their first game.

It just wasn't to be as Argentina got their first goal via South Korea's Park Chu-Young turned the ball into his own net after a Messi free kick was whipped in viciously and caught him on the knee. Very very unfortunate goal to concede but it was just the breakthrough Argentina needed and they got their second when Maxi Rodriguez drifted a nice ball right-footed in from the left. Nicolas Burdisso flicked it on, Higuain manged to head it in at the back post to make it 2-0.

It all looked too easy for Argentina but South Korea were gifted a goal after a route one ball wasn't dealt properly by Demichelis and allowed Lee Chung-Yong in to make it 2-1 just before the break.

At half time you'd think that South Korea would be brimming with confidence having pulled a goal back but they lacked any sort of malice in going forward and it was still Argentina who managed to press on and dominate much of the game.

Lionel Messi was instrumental in the third goal as he weaved and turned his way into a good goalscoring position as his shot was parried away by the South Korean goalkeeper who unfortunatley directed into the path of Higuain who had a simple tap in to score his second on 78 minutes.

It was Lionel Messi again who instigated a killer ball which led to Argentina's 4th goal when he picked out a lovely pass to find Sergio Aguero who in turn picked out Higuain for him to head home for his hat trick.

Very very good attacking performance from Argentina but I would still have a huge question mark over their defence.

World Cup: South Africa 0-3 Uruguay

Host nation living life on the edge as Uruguay net three vital goals in the second round of group games.

South Africa are living on the edge as their World Cup survival hangs in the balance after a strong display from Uruguay and particularly Diego Forlan.

It was Forlan who opened the scoring after the South African defence gifted the prolific striker a ton of room and struck beautifully from way out to score a cracking opening goal which looped over the goalkeepers head and settled in the back of the net, narrowly missing the top of the bar.

Half time couldn't come soon enough for South Africa who created absolutely nothing by way of chances.

The second half was much the same with South Africa frustrated by the resolute defence of the Uruguayans.

It was 68 minutes that South Africa finally had their first shot on target with a shot from Modise which barely tested Muslera in the Uruguay goal.

The goals second goal came about when Suaraz made a darting run into the South African box and was caught by keeper Kuhne who received a straight red card ruling him out of the last game of the tournament.

5 mins passed before the sub keeper Joseph's was ready.

It was Forlan to step up to the spot and blasted home in the top left corner of the net to make it 2-0.

South Africa had already been poor throughout and the sending off didn't help them one bit as Suaraz crossed beautifully from the right over Joseph's head and hands to pick out Pereira in the fifth minute of injury time to give Uruguay a well deserved 3-0 victory.

South Africa are now in danger of being the only host nation of the World Cup to not qualify for the next round of the tournament.

A win is now required and all South African eyes will be on France and Mexico's game this evening in the hope for a draw.

World Cup: Spain 0-1 Switzerland

Swiss roll over Spain in opening match of Group H.

Pun-tastic. :)

This was a game I was convinced Spain were going to run rampant but to be quite honest with you, I'm delighted that Switzerland got the victory due to the fact that I have them as part of my World Cup draw along with Chile from Group H.

After a drole first half you wouldn't be belittled in thinking that the second half was going to throw up the same boring and unspirited play but boy were we wrong and aren't we glad for it?

World Cup favourites Spain were dominant in possession as you would expect with chances galore falling their way but were denied each time, particularly Alonso's ripping strike which smashed off the crossbar.

When your luck is out, it's out and Switzerland, not keen to just defend, threw players forward and grabbed a sloppy goal against the Euro 2008 winners.

World Cup: Honduras 0-1 Chile

Jean Beausejour's strike earned Chile a first World Cup victory for 48 years as Marcelo Bielsa's side got their 2010 campaign off to a winning start.

Despite having last tasted a win in a World Cup match on this day in 1962, against Yugoslavia, Chile came into the match well tipped to emerge from Group H alongside favourites Spain.

And they ended a 13-match winless streak in far more comfortable fashion than the scoreline suggests, with Honduras grateful to keeper Noel Valladares for keeping the score down.

Following, too, a start to the tournament best described as uninspired, Chile's ambitious approach - full of one-touch passing, movement and pace - provided a refreshing change.

It was a performance in keeping with Bielsa's attacking philosophy, and one that saw Chile - playing a unique 3-3-1-3 formation - pick up where they left off from qualifying, during which they scored 32 goals, just one fewer than Conmebol group winners Brazil.

Reported Real Madrid target Alexis Sanchez, given the freedom of Nelspruit by a Honduras team lacking in cohesion or discipline, was at the heart of all Chile's good play.

Predominantly a right winger but happy to drift inside and beyond his attackers, the 21-year-old was a bagful of tricks, teasing the Honduran defence at every turn and the focal point of the vast majority of the Chilean attacks.

He earned the free-kick from which Chile forced the first save of the match, Valladares equal to Matias Fernandez's whipped effort from 25 yards, while the Honduras keeper also had to be alert to beat away a swerving long-range effort from Arturo Vidal that underlined just why keepers are said to be so wary of the Jabulani balls in South Africa.

Such was Chile's dominance against a poor Honduras side, that the only surprise was that it took until the 34th minute for them to break the deadlock.

There was an element of fortune about it, Beausejour's finish coming courtesy of a ricochet off a Honduras defender, but some fine build-up play between Sanchez and Mauricio Isla deserved its reward.

Chile thought they might have had a penalty before half-time when Sanchez's goalbound shot hit Osman Chavez's hand, but nothing was given by referee Eddy Maillet - one of a number of debatable decisions from the Seychelles official.

Just before the break, Honduras forced their first half-decent effort on goal, Claudio Bravo comfortably tipping Ramon Nunez's free-kick over the bar.

But it was not enough to rouse a Honduras response in the second-half, which if anything saw Chile's dominance increase.

Just after the hour mark, Chile twice created golden chances to extend their lead, Sanchez firing the first wide from inside the box and then Waldo Ponce - with the goal gaping - seeing his header from six yards out saved by a sprawling Valladares.

Any hopes of a late Honduras rally failed to materialise as Chile controlled possession inside their opponents' half, and in the end an entertaining encounter petered out towards the final whistle.

Not that Chile were complaining, and they will hope now that a good result against Switzerland in their next group game on 21 June in Port Elizabeth will be enough to see them through to the last 16.

World Cup: Portugal 0-0 Ivory Coast

Dull and lifeless as World Cup viewers are shrouded in the tournament's 6th draw in the opening round.

Once again I've been wrong regarding a game in the World Cup. Shock and horror.

On paper you'd look at the two teams involved. Ivory Coast and Portugal and then you'd look to their star players. Firstly to Portugal boasting such players as Ronaldo, Deco, and Carvahlo.

And Ivory Coast with players such as YaYa Toure, Kolo Toure and Didier Drogba.

And having looked at these two teams you'd then think "goal fest" but this wasn't the case at all.

Apart from a stunning strike from Ronaldo in the first half which was denied by the post there wasn't a whole lot to talk about really.

The same could be said about the second half too even though the Ivory Coast were well on top but didn't create any clear cut chances.

It was only when Didier Drogba was brought on when the crowd burst into life as Chelsea's prolific striker was brought into the field of play despite wearing a protective cast on his arm having received a broken arm in a friendly against Japan prior to the World Cup.

"Star players" were nowhere to be seen and sloppy passing from both sides made for frustrating viewing.

Another boring game and we can only hope that Brazil can add some flare when they play North Korea this evening.

World Cup: New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia

New Zealand gain their first ever World Cup point as they grab an injury time equaliser against Slovakia.

I reckon I shouldn't be allowed to call anymore games prior to any games in the World Cup. Already I thought that Australia would do well against Germany and I wrote off New Zealand completely today.

Yet another World Cup game that had very little to talk about bar the goals.

New Zealand threatened the Slovakian goal very early on but then just sat back as Slovakia came back into the game and dominated possession in the first half without really creating any goal scoring opportunities.

Slovakia opened the scoring five minutes into the second half when Slovakia finally found a good delivery from Sestak on the right, the Bochum winger whipping a cross in from deep for Vittek to plant a perfect header into the bottom corner.

Slovakia just seemed to sit back after that and New Zealand continued to press and got a well deserved equaliser thanks to their never say die attitude when Tony Lockhead crossed setting up an unlikely equaliser, delivering a perfect ball from the left for Reid to head past Mucha.

The point will feel like a victory for the Kiwi's as they secure their first ever World Cup point.

This result leaves everyone on the group on even in terms of goals, points and goals conceeded.

I am tempted to say that neither Slovakia and New Zealand will threaten Italy and Paraguay but I've been wrong already during this campaign so I'll hold my tongue.

World Cup: Italy 1-1 Paraguay

World champions Italy had to fight back from a goal down to earn a point against Paraguay as they began the defence of their crown with an unconvincing draw.

Marcello Lippi's side looked like they would be on the wrong end of the first major shock of the 2010 World Cup when they fell behind to Antolin Alcaraz's first-half header but an error from the South American side's goalkeeper Justo Villar gifted Daniele de Rossi an equaliser.

The ageing Azzurri, who featured five of their 2006 winning team in their starting line-up, looked short of ideas going forward and also have a concern over the fitness of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was forced off at half-time with an apparent back injury.

Italy did avoid their first defeat in their opening game of a World Cup since losing to the Republic of Ireland in New York in 1994 but this was not a performance to reassure their army of travelling fans that they are in any sort of shape to defend their title.

In the absence of the injured Andrea Pirlo, who is expected to return later in the group stage, it fell on Simone Pepe to try to open up the Paraguayan defence, but it was only in the closing stages of the game that he and his side managed any sustained spells of pressure.

Lippi's men dominated possession but their opponents' disciplined and regimented approach, in some ways reminiscent of many cautious Azzurri sides in the past, held firm.

Italy's best opening of the first half hour actually came on the break when Riccardo Montolivo dispossessed Salvatore Bocchetti on the half-way line but, after running to the edge of the area, his low shot barely tested Villar.

At the other end, Paraguay were growing in confidence and they had already wasted a couple of decent shooting chances when they stunned the world champions by taking the lead after 39 minutes.

Aureliano Torres curled in a wicked free-kick and Alcaraz leapt to beat Fabio Cannavaro and De Rossi and power home his header into the corner of the net.

Things got even worse for Italy at half-time when goalkeeper Buffon, another survivor of 2006 and still the anchor of their side, had to be replaced by Federico Marchetti.

Paraguay continued to look comfortable after the break and Enrique Vera came close to adding a second when he drove a fierce shot over the bar when the ball broke to him in the area.

But Italy were gifted an equaliser by the sort of goalkeeping howler that we have become used to in the opening days of this World Cup.

Villar flapped horribly at Pepe's corner and missed his attempted punch, allowing the onrushing De Rossi to force the ball the home from close range.

Italy looked a lot sharper after equalising and ended the stronger side but they were still finding things frustrating in the final third and had to settle for shots from distance.

Pepe fired wide after cutting in from the right and Montolivo had a low effort turned round the post before the end but the Paraguayans held on for the draw that their performance merited.

World Cup: Japan 1-0 Cameroon

Japan edged out Cameroon in a dour encounter at Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium which produced little in the way of goalmouth action.

A far from capacity crowd witnessed two out-of-form teams struggle to find any inspiration in another tepid World Cup encounter.

After a dire opening half-hour the Japan took the lead against the run of play when Dalsuke Matsui's cross looped over Stephane Mbia and was met by Keisuke Honda, who fired in coolly at the back post.

Japan almost doubled the lead when Makoto Hasebe crashed an effort towards goal but it was well saved by Souleymanou Hamidou before the offside Shinji Okazaki clattered the post as he followed up.

Cameroon finally found some urgency in the closing stages as Mbia rattled the crossbar from 25 yards but the well-drilled Japan side were able to hold on and go level with the Netherlands at the top of Group E.

The Blue Samurai, who had lost four straight games in their World Cup build-up before drawing 0-0 with Zimbabwe, set out so defensively it seemed they would be happy with a point from the opening whistle.

And although Cameroon showed more endeavour, the fact that star striker Samuel Eto'o was played wide on the right and was often found lurking very deep, they lacked any sort of cutting edge.

A 37th-minute shot from Eyong Enoh was the first goalmouth action of the game and, although it was comfortably collected by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, it did finally suggest Cameroon may start to find gaps in the Japanese defence.

But the opposite was true as, despite their lack of attacking intent, Japan took a surprise lead one minute later.

Matsui's deep left-footed cross was completely missed by the Cameroon defenders and Honda had time to control the ball before passing into the net.

The Indomitable Lions are the most successful African side in World Cup history having qualified for the World Cup six times, but the pride and passion shown by previous incarnations was sadly lacking in this first tournament on their own continent.

Immediately after half time however, it suddenly seemed Cameroon had roused themselves from their slumber.

Three-time African Footballer of the Year Eto'o finally showed a glimpse of his ability when he picked the ball up on the right and beat two men on his way into the area before squaring to Maxim Choupo-Moting but the striker could not control his finish and blasted over the bar.

But that impetus was not to last and it was not until the 85th minute that Cameroon found two efforts which could have stolen them a point.

In a moment of inspiration totally out keeping with the rest of the game, Mbia hammered a stunning effort towards goal from 25 yards which crashed off the crossbar and following that Kawashima saved from Pierre Webo in injury time.

In fairness to Japan the Asian side's tactics worked almost perfectly as they defended solidly but on this evidence the Netherlands and Denmark will have little to worry about going into the tournament's second week.

World Cup: Netherlands 2-0 Denmark

Again, I didn't actually watch any matches today so I'll post up the BBC analysis of the three games today.

A freak own goal from Denmark defender Daniel Agger helped Netherlands on their way to victory in the World Cup Group E contest at Soccer City.

After a tight first half, the crucial breakthrough came moments after the break as Simon Poulsen tried to head a Robin van Persie cross clear only for the ball to strike Agger on the back and fly past a wrong-footed Thomas Sorensen.

At the time the goal was harsh on Denmark after Morten Olsen's side matched the Dutch in the opening period, but they offered little having fallen behind and can have few complaints about the result.

The Dutch wrapped it up with five minutes left when lively substitute Eljero Elia raced on to a through ball and after his shot struck the post, Dirk Kuyt tapped in the rebound to add gloss to the scoreline.

But in truth, the ninth game of the tournament followed many of its predecessors as both teams struggled for any sort of fluency and neither could find any real attacking momentum in the Johannesburg sunshine.

With World Cup greats Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane watching on from the stands, it provided another sharp reminder that, Germany apart, so far this tournament has significantly failed to provide the entertaining, creative football many had expected.

Netherlands were many people's dark horses coming into the competition, but, missing the wing play of the injured Arjen Robben, they struggled to find a way through a dogged Danish defence.

Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Van Persie all threatened to deliver in the early stages, but the Dutch build-up was too laboured and with Denmark getting men behind the ball they managed to frustrate Bert van Marwijk's side.

After Van der Vaart had a shot deflected behind and then curled narrowly off target it seemed as though Netherlands had found their feet, but that only prompted the best spell Denmark had in the game.

The Scandinavians burst into life as Nicklas Bendtner headed a gilt-edged chance wide from six yards, Dennis Rommedahl shot straight at Martin Stekelenburg and then Thomas Kahlenberg forced a fine save from the Ajax stopper.

Unfortunately for Denmark, that was as good as it got as, seconds after the restart, Poulsen and Agger's calamitous moment gave the Dutch an initiative they never looked likely to surrender.

Denmark had no answer to falling behind and the Netherlands began to press for a second they knew would put the result beyond doubt as Van der Vaart brought a sprawling save from an increasingly extended Sorensen.

When the Dutch brought on Elia his pace and directness presented another problem the Danes could not deal with and after Sneijder's shot was deflected on to the bar, the goal that killed the game arrived soon after.

Elia's pace took him clear of the static Danish backline and after his shot stuck the post, Kuyt was only hand to wrap up the three points for the jubilant Dutch.

The nearly had another in the closing stages, only for Poulsen to produce a fabulous clearance with an overhead kick, but the damage had already been done and the Netherlands' World Cup campaign got off to a winning start.

World Cup: Germany 4-0 Australia

Stunning Germany cruise past clueless Australia.


Personally, I had this down as a much tighter affair than this. Having not really seen the new and improved German side, I had this one down as a draw and boy was I wrong.

The Socceroo's started brightly with two glorious chances early on in the game which were both missed.

It was then that the young and lively German squad came into the game with delicous passing, fantastic movement and great skill. In all honesty, it was just like watching Barcelona.

It was Lucas Podolski who opened the scoring on 8 minutes with a thunderous strike which flew into the top right hand corner. On closer inspection it actually took a touch off Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to send it to the right hand corner but too much pace on the ball meant that there was no stopping the shot.

Germany weren't keen on resting on their laurels and continued to pour forward in attack and ripped through the Australian defence and were awarded with a second goal when Klose converted after Mueller's effort was parried out to the feet of Klose.

Half time couldn't come soon enough for Australia and they started off brightly in the second half creating a few chances but it was Germany who came on top every single time.

And when your luck is down, it's also out as Tim Cahill was sent off for a straight, yet very harsh red card which resulted in the Australian's going down to 10 men.

It was always going to be Germany's day and they got their third with Mueller tucking in off the post from the edge of the area to score.

Germany's fourth came 2 mins later when substitue Cacau turned in Ozil's centered cross just 2 minutes after coming on.

When you're good, you're good and Germany have looked the most impressive team thus far in this World Cup.

World Cup: Serbia 0-1 Ghana

I'll be honest with you. I've not really been watching the World Cup matches as of late but I'll paste the BBC analysis of the game.

An 85th-minute penalty from Asamoah Gyan ensured Ghana began their Group D campaign with victory against 10-man Serbia.

The striker converted emphatically from the spot when Serbia substitute Zdravko Kuzmanovic was penalised for handball attempting to clear a dangerous cross.

Raddy Antic's side had struggled to contain Ghana's dominance in midfield and their task was made even more perilous when defender Aleksandar Lukovic was red carded for his second bookable offence in the 74th minute.

The four-time African champions had dominated large stretches of the game, creating sufficient opportunities to win by a greater margin than the scoreline suggested.

Serbia boss Raddy Antic named his strongest starting XI following Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic's return from illness.

Meanwhile, Ghana manager Milovan Rajevac, a Serb, omitted European Cup-winning midfielder Sulley Muntari in midfield, while Kevin-Prince Boateng, who represented Germany under-21s, lined up for only his second appearance in a Black Stars shirt.

Despite the lack of clear-cut first-half chances, the first 45 minutes were played at a rapid tempo as both sides displayed slick passing moves, albeit without the crucial addition of a quality final ball.

Ghana created the first genuine opportunity of the match when a stinging goalbound left-foot strike by Kwadwo Asamoah was deflected wide by the sprawling right leg of striker Nikola Zigic, while John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan failed to capitalise on half-chances shortly after.

Serbia's best opportunity came from a set-piece when Aleksandar Kolarov's superbly struck 30-yard left-footed free-kick curled past the left-hand post.

Ghana once again dictated the tempo at the start of the second half, with Andre Ayew miscuing a header wide with his marker Vidic well beaten.

Gyan went even closer soon after when he leapt elegantly to meet John Pantsil's long throw into the 18-yard box, only for his powerful six-yard header to skim the outside of Vladmir Stokjovic's left-hand post.

Although Serbia were not without their chances - a Marko Pantelic cross was well blocked by Isaac Vorsah with Zigic lurking - Antic's side showed little attacking threat in the final third.

And Serbia were forced to endure a nervous final 15 minutes when Lukovic was sent off for a second bookable offence when he held back Gyan on the half-way line.

However, Richard Kingson produced a fine stop to deny Milos Krasic when the CSKA Moscow midfielder fired a stinging 12-yard strike straight at the keeper following an enterprising left-wing run from Pantelic.

But Ghana eventually made their dominance count when Kuzmanovic inexplicably left his arm lingering when attempting to head clear a dangerous cross, allowing Gyan the opportunity to step up and wrong-foot goalkeeper Stokjovic with a powerful penalty.

The Rennes striker almost added a second in injury time when his curling shot struck the post with Stokjovic beaten.

Free plug: ACB Radio Interactive

Join Stuart Lawler and Keri Doyle for the Syndication Nation at 8pm tonight and every Sunday (I think) for 2 hours on ACB Radio Interactive.

http://interactive.acbradio.org

World Cup: Algeria 0-1 Slovenia

Kick Off: 12:30pm
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium

Line Ups:

Algeria

• 16 Chaouchi
• 02 Bougherra
• 03 Belhadj
• 04 Yahia (Captain)
• 05 Halliche
• 08 Lacen
• 15 Ziani
• 19 Yebda
• 21 Foued Kadir
  
• 11 Djebbour
• 13 Matmour
  

Substitutes:

• 01 Gaouaoui,
• 23 M'Bohli,
• 12 Bellaid,
• 14 Abdelkader Laifaoui,
• 18 Medjani,
• 06 Mansouri,
• 07 Boudebouz,
• 17 Guedioura,
• 20 Mesbah,
• 22 Abdoun,
• 09 Ghezzal,
• 10 Saifi

Slovenia

• 01 Handanovic
• 02 Brecko
• 04 Suler
• 05 Cesar
• 13 Jokic
• 08 Koren (Captain)
• 17 Kirm
• 18 Radosavljevic
• 10 Birsa
  
• 11 Novakovic
• 14 Dedic

Substitutes:

• 12 Handanovic,
• 16 Seliga,
• 03 Dzinic,
• 06 Ilic,
• 19 Suad Filekovic,
• 22 Mavric,
• 07 Pecnik,
• 15 Krhin,
• 20 Komac,
• 21 Stevanovic,
• 09 Ljubijankic,
• 23 Matavz

Boring, boring, boring, sending off, boring, goal and did I mention boring?


Usually when it comes to football I'm very positive that I'm going to see a good game no matter what game I see but today was just so so boring. Not a whole lot of action to get excited about in either half.

Not many chances at either end at all with spineless performances from both sets of players.

Only in the 73rd minute did we say any sort of talking point when Algerian substitute Abdelkader Ghezzal was sent off. Having only been on the pitch for 15 minutes he immediately got booked for shirt pulling and was later given a second yellow for a stupid and unnecessary handball in the box resulting in the Algerian's being reduced to 10 men.

It only took 7 minutes for Slovenia to take adavantage of the numbers game and scored on 79 minutes via a goalkeeping howler which can make Robert Green feel a little bit better after his mishap last night against the USA.

Robert Koren was the goalscorer who is looking for a new contract next season having not been given a new contract by West Brom.

A boring and dreadful game was finally brought to an end and realistically England should be looking to take maximum points when they come across these two teams in their two remaining group fixtures.


Attendance: 35,000

ITV HD misses England's first World Cup goal.

A cock up of epic proportions last night as thousands of people who upgraded to enjoy the World Cup in high defintion were left bewildered, confused and very angry when ITV's HD channel decided to take a random commercial break and when the pictures of the game returned, the England players were celebrating in a huddle after Steven Gerrard scored their opening goal of this years World Cup in South Africa.

YouTube video below.

World Cup: England 1-1 USA

Kick Off: 7:30pm
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium

Line ups:

England

• 12 Green
• 02 G Johnson
• 03 A Cole
• 06 Terry
• 20 King
• 04 Gerrard (Captain)
  
• 07 Lennon
• 08 Lampard
• 16 Milner
• 10 Rooney
• 21 Heskey

Substitutes:

• 01 James,
• 23 Hart,
• 05 Dawson,
• 13 Warnock,
• 15 Upson,
• 18 Carragher,
• 11 J Cole,
• 14 Barry,
• 17 Wright-Phillips,
• 22 Carrick,
• 09 Crouch,
• 19 Defoe

USA

• 01 Howard
• 03 Bocanegra (Captain)
• 05 Onyewu
• 06 Cherundolo
• 15 DeMerit
• 04 Bradley
• 08 Dempsey
• 13 Clark
• 10 Donovan
• 17 Altidore
• 20 Robbie Findley

Substitutes:

• 18 Guzan,
• 23 Hahnemann,
• 02 Spector,
• 12 Bornstein,
• 21 Goodson,
• 07 Beasley,
• 11 Holden,
• 16 Torres,
• 19 Edu,
• 22 Feilhaber,
• 09 Herculez Gomez,
• 14 Buddle

Robert Green in goalkeeping howler as USA snatch a draw against toothless England.

Heavily backed England looked void of all confidence as they took on the USA in their opening group game last night.

On paper, England looked a solid unit bar maybe two questions posed about Robert Green in goal and Emile Heskey up front.

England got off to a flying start with a nice through ball from Heskey to allow Steven Gerrard to score easily to make it 1-0.

James Milner, playing on the left looked completely off the pace and was subbed early for Shaun Wright Philips who immediately had a positive impact on the game linking up well with Ashley Cole down the left.

Apart from the goal there really wasn't a ton of action to be had in the first half until a goalkeeping howler reminiscent of Scott Carson's blooper against Croatia, allowed the USA back in it when they really didn't deserve it.

A simple catch turned nightmare for Robert Green whose confidence must be shattered having been given the nod over David James and Joe Hart.

Second half started brightly for England with Lennon bursting down the right creating chance after chance but squandered each time by Rooney and Heskey.

As the half wore on it was evident that Lampard and Gerrard in midfield was not working and so the game suffered with not one player looking confident and really felt like they were hanging on for the draw.

Disappointing game from an England point of view but an absolute life line for the USA.


Attendance: 44,026

World Cup: Argentina 1-0 Nigeria

Kick Off: 3:00pm
Venue: Ellis Park

Line ups:

Argentina

• 22 Romero
• 02 Demichelis
• 06 Heinze
• 13 Samuel
• 07 Di Maria
  
• 08 Veron
  
• 14 Mascherano (Captain)
• 17 Gutierrez
• 09 Higuain
  
• 10 Messi
• 11 Tevez

Substitutes:

• 01 Diego Pozo,
• 21 Mariano Andujar,
• 03 Rodriguez,
• 04 Burdisso,
• 12 Ariel Garce,
• 15 Otamendi,
• 05 Bolatti,
• 20 Maxi,
• 23 Pastore,
• 16 Aguero,
• 18 Martin Palermo,
• 19 Milito

Nigeria

• 01 Enyeama
• 02 Yobo (Captain)
• 03 Taiwo
• 06 Shittu
• 17 Odiah
• 14 Kaita
• 15 Haruna
• 20 Etuhu
• 08 Yakubu
• 18 Obinna
  
• 19 Obasi Ogbuke
  

Substitutes:

• 16 Ejide,
• 23 Aiyenugbu,
• 05 Afolabi,
• 21 Echiejile,
• 10 Brown,
• 12 Uche,
• 13 Yussuf,
• 22 Adeleye,
• 04 Kanu,
• 07 Utaka,
• 09 Martins,
• 11 Odemwingie

Argentina silence critics for the time being with an opening win over Nigeria in Group B.


Will he play? What position is he playing in? Will he pick the right players? Why no Cambiasso?
These are all questions associated with the Argentina squad these days it would seem since Diego Maradona took over the team.

Many critics have questioned the tactics of Diego Maradona and were ready to pounce should any mishaps occur in their opening group game against Nigeria.

Argentina with a left midfielder at right back with 3 centre backs making up the rest of the back four, they actually got off to a blistering pace.

It was always a question as to whether or not Lionel Messi could bring his club form to his country and those questions were answered yesterday with Messi instrumental in Argentina's attacking play.

Messi had a glorious number of attempts to score but were denied each time by Nigerian goalkeeper, Enyeama who , for me earned a man of the match for his performance in goal.

It was Argentina who were dominant throughout the half. It was Tevez's shot which led to the goal as the keeper tipped over for Veron to supply the cross for Heinze to head home a beauty into the top left hand corner.

Nigeria had their chances when former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins was brought on. Himself and Yakubu played well together with narrow misses.

The game was rather stretched and Argentina were calm and cool in their passing to break up play and earn a large slice of the possession.

One last chance for Messi in the final minute of the game was to prove unsuccessful as the little magician must have wondered how he could score at all against an in form Nigerian goalkeeper.

A swift blast of the full time whistle saw Argentina across the line with a well deserved victory.

The critics may have their doubts about the defensive options of the Argentina team but there's no doubt that Messi aims to be the star of the tournament after a sensational performance.


Attendance: 50,389

World Cup: South Korea 2-0 Greece

South Korea V Greece.

Kick Off: 12:30pm
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Line ups:

South Korea

• 18 Jung
• 04 Cho
• 12 Lee
• 14 Lee
• 22 Cha
• 07 Park (Captain)
• 08 Kim
• 10 Park
  
• 16 Ki
  
• 17 Lee
  
• 19 Yeom

Substitutes:

• 01 Lee,
• 21 Kim,
• 02 Oh,
• 03 Hyung-ll Kim,
• 15 Kim,
• 23 Kang,
• 05 Kim,
• 06 Bo-Kyung Kim,
• 13 Kim,
• 09 Jung-Hwan Ahn,
• 11 Seung-Youl Lee,
• 20 Lee

Greece

• 12 Tzorvas
• 02 Seitaridis
• 08 Papadopoulos
• 11 Vyntra
• 15 Torosidis
• 06 Tziolis
• 10 Karagounis (Captain)
• 21 Katsouranis
• 07 Samaras
  
• 09 Charisteas
  
• 17 Gekas

Substitutes:

• 01 Chalkias,
• 13 Michail Sifakis,
• 04 Spyropoulos,
• 05 Moras,
• 16 Kyrgiakos,
• 19 Papaststhopoulos,
• 22 Malezas,
• 03 Patsatzoglou,
• 18 Ninis,
• 23 Prittas,
• 14 Salpigidis,
• 20 Kapetanos

Slick South Korea ease past spineless Greece at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.


This was always going to be a difficult game to call involving two teams who aren't without their flaws. A lot of questions have been asked about the height of the South Korean squad and could they deal with the aerial threat of a fairly tall Greece team.

South Korean's lack of height was almost found out very early on in the game when a whipping cross came in from the right by Tziolis almost connecting with the head of Karagounis to put Greece in front.

The former Euro 2004 winners looked completely void of all ideas and barely created a chance throughout the rest of the game.

Despite that early scare, South Korea came back well into the game with slick passing, great movement and a wonderful goal from Lee Jung Soo from a corner kick.

The ball was flighted in well by Ki Sung-yueng which took an unfortunate knock from a Greece player to put it straight into the path of Lee who finished marvellously to give the Korean's a well deserved lead.

It finished 1-0 at half time with South Korea dictating the play in every sense leaving Greece to bring on a host of new substitutes.

Second half brought more of the same from a South Korea side dominant in possession and got the reward of a second goal when Greek defender Loukas Vyntra made a horrible defensive blunder with a poor first toucfh allowing Manchester United and South Korean captain, Park Ji Sung to slide the ball home for the South Korean's second goal.

Long ball tactics were on the menu for Greece who looked slightly better having brought on their fresh legs from the bench but still looked gutless and had absolutely no conviction about them whatsoever.

Greece scored no goals in their last World Cup campaign and it's difficult to see where they will get goals from considering that their next games are against Nigeria and Argentina. Chances of qualifying look extremely slim for the former Euro 2004 champions.

Attendance: 31,500

World Cup: Day 1

And so the 2010 World Cup began today with an opening ceremony in "Soccer City" located in Johannesburg before the opening game between host nation South Africa and Mexico.

Line ups:

South Africa -

South Africa

• 16 Khune
• 02 Gaxa
• 04 Mokoena
• 15 Thwala
• 20 Khumalo
• 08 Tshabalala
• 10 Pienaar
  
• 11 Modise
• 12 Letsholonyane
• 13 Dikgacoi
• 09 Katlego Mphela

Substitutes:

• 01 Josephs,
• 22 Walters,
• 03 Masilela,
• 05 Ngcongca,
• 14 Booth,
• 21 Siyabonga Sangweni,
• 06 Sibaya,
• 07 Davids,
• 19 Moriri,
• 23 Thanduyise Khuboni,
• 17 Parker,
• 18 Nomvethe

Mexico

• 01 Perez
• 02 Rodriguez
• 03 Salcido
• 04 Marquez
• 05 Osorio
• 12 Aguilar
  
• 16 Juarez
• 06 Torrado (Captain)
• 09 Franco
  
• 11 Vela
  
• 17 Giovani

Substitutes:

• 13 Ochoa,
• 23 Michel,
• 15 Moreno,
• 19 Magallon,
• 20 Torres,
• 07 Barrera,
• 08 Castro,
• 18 Guardado,
• 10 Blanco,
• 14 Hernandez,
• 21 Bautista,
• 22 Alberto Medina

Attendance: 84,000

Mexico's Rafael Marquez struck 12 minutes from time to deny hosts South Africa a winning start to the World Cup at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Marquez controlled Andres Guardado's cross at the back post and rifled past Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune to ensure the spoils were shared after a breathless opening to the tournament.

The Mexicans were the better team throughout, but they fell behind when Siphiwe Tshabalala fired in a left-foot thunderbolt from an angle on the left to give the hosts a lead in which their supporters revelled.

In an atmosphere bordering on ecstasy in Johannesburg, Tshabalala's screamer threatened to provide the 19th World Cup with the fairytale beginning it was hoping for, before Marquez and Mexico intervened.

Even then, South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira saw his team almost snatch it in the dying moments, only for striker Katlego Mphela to agonisingly roll a shot against the post with keeper Oscar Perez beaten.

Yet over the 90 minutes, Parreira and his side were perhaps lucky to get away with a draw themselves in front of a partisan 84,490 crowd as Mexico failed to turn their startling superiority into victory.

For South Africa, the first African nation to host the footballing spectacular, what was supposed to be a day of celebration began with the announcement that the 13-year-old great-granddaughter of former president and icon Nelson Mandela had tragically died in a car crash on Thursday.

The 91-year-old Mandela stayed away from the opening ceremony - which preceded the game - to mourn, but through president Jacob Zuma, who declared the World Cup open, he asked people to "enjoy the game".

It is unlikely many of the South African fans enjoyed the first 54 minutes of their moment in the global footballing spotlight as their team were comprehensively outplayed by a Mexico side that knocked the ball around the gorgeous surface with consummate skill and ease.

With Giovani sitting in the hole behind Carlos Vela and Guillermo Franco, the Mexicans had weapons Bafana Bafana simply could not handle - and the movement of the front three quickly began to cause the hosts all kinds of havoc.

Khune was only spared the embarrassment of his early fumble costing a goal by Aaron Mokoena's reflex block to deny Giovani, before Franco headed a corner wastefully over.

South Africa were struggling to get out of their own half with any real consistency and former West Ham striker Franco was inadvertently keeping them in the contest, again heading off target when he should have done better and seeing another shot expertly saved by Khune.

Mpehla had been forced to feed off scraps until he was inches away from heading in Tshabalala's cross just before the break, but soon after the interval the world had the goal for which it had been waiting.

Tshabalala, a 25-year-old Soweto-born left winger for Kaizer Chiefs, wrote his name down in football folklore with a strike of such pure quality it almost took a second for him to realise what he had done.

Mexico were shell-shocked, but after Giovani's left-foot rocket was tipped away by Khune, up popped Marquez to slot in and quieten some of the vuvuzelas in the crowd.

Mphela's late flirtation with the woodwork only compounded the agony for the hosts, but their World Cup campaign remains very much alive.

All in all a decent opening game to the tournament. First half was largely dominated by Mexico and should have scored at least 2 or 3 goals but thanks to South Africa's keeper, Kuhne, they were closed out quite well despite some terrible defending.



The second game of the day was Uruguay and Ireland's "favourites", France in Cape Town.

Uruguay

• 01 Muslera
• 02 Lugano (Captain)
• 03 Godin
• 06 Victorino
• 16 Pereira
• 11 Pereira
• 15 Perez
  
• 17 Arevalo Rios
• 18 Gonzalez
• 09 Suarez
  
• 10 Forlan

Substitutes:

• 12 Castillo,
• 23 Silva,
• 04 Fucile,
• 19 Scotti,
• 22 Caceres,
• 05 Gargano,
• 08 Eguren,
• 14 Lodeiro,
• 20 Fernandez,
• 07 Cavani,
• 13 Abreu,
• 21 Sebastian Fernandez

France

• 01 Lloris
• 02 Sagna
• 03 Abidal
• 05 Gallas
• 13 Evra (Captain)
• 08 Gourcuff
  
• 14 Toulalan
• 19 Diaby
• 07 Ribery
• 10 Govou
  
• 21 Anelka
  

Substitutes:

• 16 Mandanda,
• 23 Carrasso,
• 04 Reveillere,
• 06 Planus,
• 17 Squillaci,
• 22 Clichy,
• 15 Malouda,
• 18 Diarra,
• 20 Valbuena,
• 09 Cisse,
• 11 Gignac,
• 12 Henry

Attendance: 64,000

France and Uruguay contested a truly awful goalless draw in the second match of the 2010 World Cup at the Cape Town Stadium.

The result ensured that both of the opening day Group A fixtures ended in draws - but there was much more to savour in South Africa's earlier game against Mexico.

The match in Cape Town never really got going; instead of sparking into life, it deteriorated into a largely forgettable contest only briefly illuminated by the occasional moment of trickery and skill.

In a game of few chances, Uruguay came closest to scoring through a Diego Forlan shot that was saved in the opening half, while they finished the contest with 10 men after substitute Nicolas Lodeiro picked up two bookings.

France were arguably the better team and might have snatched the points with a free-kick from a promising position deep into injury-time, but substitute Thierry Henry's strike hit the wall.

Both teams had laboured through qualification, requiring play-offs to reach South Africa, and their lack of fluency was clear to see.

France, who recently switched to a 4-3-3 formation, lost to China in their final warm-up game and were too ponderous in possession against La Celeste, with a lack of understanding undermining their efforts.

This was encapsulated in one move when Abou Diaby, surprisingly recalled in favour of Florent Malouda amid suggestions of a training ground row with manager Raymond Domenech, played a superb through ball for Sidney Govou.

But striker Nicolas Anelka, who made way for Henry with 20 minutes left, intercepted the pass after returning from an offside position and a promising opening was completely wasted.

Franck Ribery was an early threat down the left and his low cross after seven minutes should have been converted by Govou, while playmaker Yoann Gourcuff had few opportunities to showcase his skills - although he almost caught Fernando Muslera out with a free-kick from a tight angle on 17 minutes.

France's holding midfielder Jeremy Toulalan was reduced to trying his luck from more than 35 yards, while Uruguay's Diego Lugano mystified his team-mates by shooting at goal from deep inside his own half.

Toulalan was booked for a heavy tackle on Alvaro Pereira after 68 minutes and locked horns with Lugano seconds later. Domenech came on to the pitch to try to calm the situation, but at least it was something to rouse the crowd, leading to a brief cacophony of vuvuzela sounds.

Forlan, who forced an excellent first-half save from Hugo Lloris after cutting inside and shooting from 20 yards, was impressive for Uruguay.

The Atletico Madrid striker was alive with craft and invention, but he wasted a decent opening with 20 minutes left, shooting wide from 16 yards after a decent lay-off from Luis Suarez.

Striker Suarez, with 49 goals in 48 games for Ajax last season, was all too frequently caught offside, while playmaker Ignacio Gonzalez was a peripheral figure.

Uruguay coach Javier Aguirre brought on the highly rated Lodeiro in place of Gonzalez shortly after the restart, and Domenech replaced Gourcuff with Malouda.

Lodeiro's only mark on the game was arguably made on the ankle of Bakari Sagna as the Uruguayan picked up his second booking with 10 minutes to go.

Henry almost produced a moment of late drama with a header that glanced across the face of goal and had an appeal for a handball against Mauricio Victorino turned down as Uruguay held on.

All in all a truly awful and dull game with France looking hopeless at times. Perhaps the unsettled group of players hasn't quite settled yet since their arrival in South Africa.

Also how ironic of Henry to be claiming a handball in the box towards the end. :)

Here's hoping for a flurry of more goals tomorrow with three matches being played over the course of the day.

<

Awkward TV

James Cordon V Patrick Stewart.... Fight fight fight!!!

I don't know whether or not this was staged, but either way it was horrible and uncomfortable to watch.

James Cordon is best known from the comedy series, "Gavin and Stacey" and is also host of the Question Of Sport type show, "A League Of Their Own" on Sky 1.

Patrick Stewart.... Well he needs no introduction.. Mr. Star Trek.

So anyway, Cordon was host of the the 2010 Glamour Awards and Stewart was up to introduce an award.... Things suddenly became awkward... and a little confusing.

YouTube video below.

World Cup Betting

So with the World Cup right around the corner..... tomorrow to be exact, I've decided to post up my bets selections for you all to hum and haw over.

I've a few top goalscorer bets and a few doubles. Anyway, I'll start.

€2 on Spain and Brazil to be in the final - 9/1

€2 on England and Argentina to be in the final - 22/1

Top goalscorer: Robin Van Persie - 11/1
David Villa - 8/1
Carlos Tevez - 40/1

To win outright: England - 15/2
Spain - 4/1
Ivory Coast - 50/1


I think Ivory Coast, should they manage to get out of their group have a really good outside chance of going all the way. Decent outside bet in my opinion.

Also Tevez at 40/1 is pretty surprising to be honest and is well worth a euro or two. Can understand the high odds though seeing as it is Maradona managing the team. Never really know who will be starting.

Should be a good World Cup I think.

All odds are from Paddy Power by the way.

Another plug: HKC Radio and Lawler Live

I'm not sure if anybody is actually reading this or not but in case you happen to come across this blog I'm just gonna advertise a radio programme a friend of mine has.

The show entitled, "Lawler Live" is broadcast on HKC Radio which has a pretty big international listenership.

Lawler Live is a fun filled chat/music show with NCBI Training Centre manager, Stuart Lawler.

Stuart himself is fully blind and often has other visually impaired guests in studio with him giving their experiences living with a visual impairment which is a wonderful thing.

Fun chat, good music and very very funny.

Every Saturday on HKC Radio (http://www.hkcradio.com/) from 3pm - 5pm.

Very much a show which loves interaction with listeners via Twitter and Skype.

I myself only really started listening to the show this week via podcast and I am absolutely hooked now. Seems like a great atmosphere in studio and I've often found myself laughing out very loudly at times.

Various links are below in how you can get in touch with the show.

Skype: HKCRadioLive
Twitter: @StuartLawler

WANTED: New bands.

Right, so as I mentioned before in a previous post, I'm back on Second Life doing DJ sets.... by the way the stream is working ok... Thank you SAM broadcaster.

Anyway, that's beside the point.

I love listening to new music and new bands especially bands who need a helping hand in getting their music played.

I'd gladly play new bands music and link to their various websites. Preferably rock/metal/indie bands seeing as the club on Second Life I DJ in is a rock club.

The club itself is pretty packed most of the time so chances are someone is bound to like you.

Good new bands are hard to come by due to lack of promotion and I am willing to have a slot in my set where I'll play a couple of tracks to get a few listeners interested.

I know how tough it is to be in a band and getting your music out there to the masses so I'll gladly do it for absolutely nothing.

All I need is your band name, where you're from, what style of music you are and an mp3 you can send me.

In return just put a message up on your myspace or website with a link (which will come soon) to Exodus Rock Club on Second Life and stardom will fall at your feet in no time.

Rejection emails from employers.

Right, I've been searching for a job for the last month and a half now and I'm getting absolutely nowhere fast. Had one interview out of the hundreds of jobs I've applied for.

It's not the amount of interviews that gets on my nerves it's the lack of replies I get from employers.

I took the time to write out a CV, send it on to you, even do a glossy cover note and you don't even acknowledge that my CV has been sent successfully.

Fair enough if I don't get the job, I don't get the job but at least give me some sort of sign at least that you actually took the time to read my CV.

A simple generic rejection email would be ok. At least it'd be a sign, albeit a lazy one that you actually took the time out of your busy schedule to have a look at my CV.

I'd say I've gotten 3 rejection emails/phone calls from employers which is ok. At least I've got some sort of recognition from them.

Jobs are scarce but the HR department in companies should be doing their job correctly. It's their job to receive these CV's, look over them and decide whether or not the person in question is right for the job.

Don't just look at my CV at your leisure and don't get back to me. Rather annoying.

Serious lack of professional courtesy with several companies these days.

Rant over.