JOHANNESBURG - One of the most arrogant pronouncements so far of the WorldCup came from Steven Gerrard.Trying to explain how lowly Algeria managed torestrict England's more competent footballers to a goalless tie, the Englishcaptain said the North Africans played as though they were competing in theWorld Cup final.In other words, the Algerians really put their hearts into it.For Englandit was ju
IRENE, South Africa - Italian football federation president Giancarlo Abetehas called for a serious analysis of the national sport following the defendingchampion's dismal first-round elimination from the World Cup.Italy's 3-2 loss to Slovakia on Thursday marked the first time the Azzurriexited the World Cup without winning a game, and the 2006 champion hasn't won atall in 2010.'We all know the
MILAN - Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is resting at home following a calfinjury that could force him to miss the World Cup in South Africa.The AC Milan midfielder injured his left calf muscle in the friendly loss toMexico on Wednesday and will now sit out the exhibition against Switzerland onSaturday. The Italian Football Federation says Pirlo will travel with the team toSouth Africa and contin