Match Report: FK Borac (Šamac) v FK Vrbas (Banja Luka)

Matchday 2 of 2nd division league group West in Republic of Srpska (Bosnia & Herzegovina): On "City stadium" in Šamac, there was played match between FK Borac (Šamac) and FK Vrbas (Banja Luka). The host team was looking for their first points in new season, but not just that. They have no victorious match since May of 2010. FK Borac (est. 1919.) are not in best situation since they were relegated from 1st league two seasons before. On the contrary, guest team, debuting in this league, had shown no respect for their more known opponent.

It was sunny, pleasant weather with a light wind. FK Borac had their traditional black/white sportswear, and FK Vrbas played in red/blue colors.

First half was an open match with many counterattacks, but without real chances in closing moments in front. The away team were slightly better in their creation of game, but had not created real chances to score.

Second half came with totally different style of play. Guests, obviously, have decided to play for a draw, so they made real wall in front of their goalkeeper, hoping to make something from rare counterattacks. Initiative was on home team, which still managed to find many wholes in guests wall, but from at least dozens of real opportunities and shoots on goal, they have not scored.

At the end of match, score was 0:0, and big disappointment for fans of FK Borac, guests had left stadium with valuable away draw.

After M`d 2 FK Borac has 1 pt, and FK Vrbas 2pts.

By Darko Kojić

Match Report: Spain v Portugal

The last World Cup game for me before heading home was 'La Furia Roja' v the Portugese at Greenpoint Stadium. For this game I got a taxi into the Civic Centre before getting the free shuttle bus to the ground. Once there I headed back up the fan walk to buy a Spanish scarf and meet up with the lads (Donny & his younger brother) I was going to the game with. The Spanish supporters were in Cape Town in big numbers and were confident of a victory over their Iberian neighbours.

One of Donny's mates, a local lad called Neil, had a bottle of the finest South African sherry which warmed us up on the walk down to the stadium. The organisation outside the ground had improved since the last couple of games I was at. We made our way into the stadium in plenty of time for the kick-off which was just as well as we had a long walk around the ground to our seats in the corner. Once there we had a superb view of the pitch.
I was expecting a classic World Cup encounter and with Spain playing really attractive passing football and having Liverpool connections throughout the time I was firmly on their side. Portugal also had the 'show-pony' Ronaldo playing for them which was another good reason to support the Spanish.

Spain's midfield containing Xavi, Iniesta and Xabi Alonso played some lovely passing football which was like watching a game of chess from our seats high up in the stand. Iniesta appeared to have the ball stuck to his foot and for me he stood out as the class act on show; it's no surprise that Pep Guardiola told Xavi that Iniesta would retire both of them when he first saw him in action. 'El Anti-Galáctico' stands in sharp contrast to all the glitz that surrounds Ronaldo. Pique looks a real prospect; I'm not sure the Mancs realised just how much potential this lad has.

Fernando Torres was disappointingly off the pace again but given his April operation and his lack of football in the final stage of the season it's not really a surprise he hasn't delivered yet on the biggest stage of them all. He was replaced with the impressive Fernando Llorente on the hour mark and he immediately made an impact. Villa scored Spain's winner around the 63rd minute after a Xavi backheel played him in. I expected a Portugese onslaught after that but it never came. Ronaldo was anonymous bar the odd threatrical dive which was greeted with derision around the stadium. I was hoping for an equaliser to take the game into extra time and a chance to see some proper World Cup theatre but Portugal had nothing to offer. The Spanish celebrations began.

Back home now I feel privileged to have seen three of the last four teams in action at Greenpoint. Just a pity that I missed the German demolition of Argentina by one day as tickets were easy to come by in work in the couple of days before the game.

By Mac

Match Report: Netherlands v Cameroon

What a difference two weeks makes in the world of football! After all the euphoria of 11th June Bafana Bafana were brought down to earth with a bang at the hands of Uruguay. Having held the 17th ranked team in the world to a draw hopes were high pre-match that the host nation would do the same to Uruguay, ranked 16th.

Unfortunately the game went as per the FIFA rankings and Uruguay won comfortably; Diego Forlan had the same effect on South Africans that regrettably he has had on the red half of Merseyside. The bar emptied immediately after the final whistle and the disappointment was tangible. Reaction to the defeat in South Africa was fierce with neither the players nor the manager spared. National loyalty at least to the football team seems fairly loose here; given the nation’s prowess at both rugby and cricket it’s probably hard to take the football team’s lowly-standing in the ‘beautiful game’. And the World Cup has led to supporters outside the traditional supporter base getting on board with Bafana Bafana who perhaps lack an emotional tie to the team.

Expectations were fairly low against France although some hoped for a miracle and South Africa’s luminaries called on the nation to get behind the team. On my walk to work I noticed how few people were wearing their national colours in contrast to the sunny morning of the opening day. Unfortunately I had to watch this one in work with a 4pm local time kick-off. Bafana Bafana romped home playing a more offensive style of football than before and with the French already clearly in disarray having a man sent off didn’t help their cause. Training strikes, rumours of a match strike threat and Nicolas Anelka’s attack on the coach (whatever opinion one holds of Domenech) reflected very poorly on the French team; no tears will be shed for them in Ireland though and it was maybe just a case of bad karma. Even in work the atmosphere was electric although confusion reigned about the number of goals needed to see the hosts’ through. Ultimately the final whistle brought huge disappointment.
It was very tough for South Africa to go out at the first hurdle on goal difference and become the first hosts to do so. Most sensible observers (not too many of them on Supersorts though!) would have settled in advance for one win. One draw and one defeat although few would have predicted the win coming against the French. However, having had such anticipation in advance of the tournament the nation was visibly deflated at their early exit but the Bafana Bafana performance was creditable especially when compared to England’s performance in the ‘EASY group’. Having a local coach, playing a more attacking style which seems to suit the players and getting more players’ big-league exposure perhaps hold the key to a brighter future for South African football.

The next game up for me was Cameroon v Netherlands at Greenpoint Stadium on 24th June. We collected our tickets the day before the game at the FIFA Ticketing Centre in the CBD without any problems. It was a gloriously sunny afternoon and we would love to have ditched work for the neighbouring tapas bar but unfortunately we had to get back to work as we had yet to negotiate an early finish for the match.

The game itself was a dead rubber but I was still excited at seeing La Oranje and their colourful fans in action. The Netherlands were the first international World Cup team I was really aware of as a young boy and players like Johnny Rep, Rob Rensenbrink, Ruud Krol and the van de Kerkhof twins were heroes of mine. I don’t know whether my memory has been blurred with the passing of time but the orange shirts seemed to regularly knock the tango ball into the net from distance in that summer in the late 70s.

My work colleague had arranged for us to latch onto a corporate hospitality affair with free pre-match drinks at a country club and a bus to/from the ground. The journey to the ground was very straight-forward with many roads only open to buses. Arriving at the ground I saw the remains of the old Greenpoint stadium that I had read about. Whilst the rest of the bus headed for their hospitality we headed back up the fan-walk where the real action was. All the bars & restaurants at Greenpoint were heaving with people spilling out onto the streets. With the Slovakia v Italy game still in progress we tried to get a view of the game. It ended with another shock in a World Cup of quite a few surprising results so far. We headed back up the fan-walk and passed Giovanni’s Deli where the mood was sombre. Once again the streets were filled with people of all nationalities but orange was the dominant colour as La Oranje were there in their droves to reclaim Kaapstad; in fact there was even more orange on show than in East Belfast on the ‘12th’. We bought a Dutch scarf from a market-stall and headed for another drink before heading to the ground. We got talking to a couple of US girls who predicted ‘Africa’ would win the World Cup and to be honest they have been the exception as most States-side supporters I’ve spoken to have been knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

We left for the stadium. Shouts of ‘Hup Holland!’ brought a warm greeting from the Dutch supporters. I bumped into a Mexican with a sombrero, thanked him for beating the French and grabbed the photo opportunity. We were sitting in different sides of the ground but made a plan to meet up if there was an empty seat beside either of us. I passed a few ‘Norn Iron’ lads with the obligatory Ulster flag on my way to my seat; we could learn a lot from the South Africans about creating an inclusive flag although a hybrid of the Ulster flag and the tricolour would be a tough task even for the most creative-mind.
My ‘category 1’ seat had an excellent view of the pitch and the sea of orange on the opposite side of the ground. The noise in the stadium from the vuvuzelas was intense; it has been well-described like the drone of a massive swarm of angry wasps. The local guy beside me had taken like many to wearing ear-plugs and to be honest it really isn’t necessary although I would hate to see them take off back home; they are an intrinsic part of this World Cup but I don’t feel they will travel well.

I moved to the other side of the ground to sit by my mate around twenty minutes in and although it was a lesser category seat it was much closer to the pitch; switching sides of the ground during a half is a strangely disorientating experience! The Dutch took the lead before half-time through Van Persie. During the break I spotted Sky Sports Chris Kamara who was just behind us in the ‘cheap-seats’ with his son and a mate. I had a quick word with him and to be fair he was an absolute gent.

Eto pulled one back from the spot around midway through the second half. My mate’s cousin and his girlfriend joined us sitting on the steps; unlike an English ground the stewards were very relaxed. I missed Huntelaar’s goal as I had nipped to the toilet before the final whistle; how many times has that happened down the years! At the final whistle we headed for our coach. I met a couple of Brazilian lads on the way back and tried to engage them in a conversation about Liverpool’s much-maligned Brazilian, Lucas; they didn’t even know who he was……..says it all really!

Next up for me is the ‘last 16’ game in Cape Town and I’m still hoping for Spain v Portugal.

By Mac

Match Report: Uruguay v France

Throughout Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday morning the vuvuzela could be heard sporadically much as it has been for the last few months close to where I'm staying in Cape Town. Walking the brief distance to work just before 8am you really could feel it was here after such a long wait for this country and its' people with most of those I passed wearing their colours and carrying the obligatory vuvuzela. The atmosphere built in work over the course of the morning with the plasmas showing the build up to the game making it hard to focus on work. Popping out of the office at lunchtime you could sense something special was about to happen ; there's always a buzz in any city lucky enough to host a big international club or country game. Watching the opening ceremony the pride of the country was clear almost two decades after South Africa was shunned by the international sporting community ; this is South Africa's time and it will deliver a truly spectacular and successful World Cup despite some of the negativity from outside the country in the run up to the tournament.

I finished up around 2:45pm and headed from the Southern Suburbs into the city-centre. There was almost no traffic as most people were already in the Fan Parks or the city's bars and restaurants gearing themselves up for the Bafana Bafana game ; although some office workers were on the balconies of their offices bedecked in yellow & enjoying the pre-match sun . The sun was shining and the 'Mother City's' panaroma seemed even more stunning than normal. We got to a tapas bar in plenty of time for the kick-off. It was a quality venue for watching football - comfy sofas , big screens , good sound and not too packed so you could get to the bar & toilet without any hassle ; in fact it was as good as watching it at home with the atmosphere of a bar. Result . Given Mexico were playing it would be rude not too have a couple of cheeky tequilas!
Mexico ranked at number 17 in the world and are no mugs ; I thought they could present the South Africans with their trickiest game in the group. Avoid defeat here and a nation's optimism will build even further carrying the team through. South Africa began nervously but the Mexicans failed to capitalise. Then in the 55th minute a bolt from the blue with Siphiwe Tshabalala scoring a goal of supreme quality ; Fernando Torres couldn't have hit it any sweeter! Cue chaos. Mexico equalised which their dominance deserved but the 'Mzansi' heroes could have nicked it at the end.

Leaving the bar around 6pm to head to Greenpoint darkness was falling on the city. Vuvezlas were everywhere. The atmosphere in the city had gone up a fair few notches since earlier in the day. The walk to the ground was fairly rushed meaning you didn't have time to take it all in. It was a blur of nationalities and colour or was that the tequila kicking in! I got myself a Uruguay scarf along the way to show my solidarity for the' Charrúas' ; it worked so well a fella from Chile thought I was Uruguayan. The French had no reply to chants of 'Thierry Henry you're having a laugh' or jibes about his handball. I'm disappointed that such a great player and a seemingly decent fella will be remembered this way. His respect for Liverpool FC and its' fans has helped endear him to me before that incident. I greeted the Uruguayans as lost brothers & wished them luck. I bumped into a few USA fans along the way and wished them every success in attempting to repeat 1950 the next day . Outside the ground there were a few Irish lads with tricolours with 'Henry Le Cheat , 'Football not Handball' and 'Anybody but France'. The arrangements matched any big game I've been to in Europe and thankfully there was no ID check on the name on the ticket as mine was purchased via a fairly convoluted route.
Getting my first glimpse inside a major football stadium still excites me as much as when I first visited Anfield as an 11 year old. Make no mistake this is a special special stadium ; it just lacks the history & heritage that sweats from every pore of the likes of a Camp Nou. After almost 30 years of watching Liverpool at home and in Europe and a few Republic games thrown and being unable to drink in my seat/spec on the Kop or on occasions having the game moved to a daft kick off time with no drink at all in I was surprised to be able to drink a beer in my seat at the game. The price was almost double normal prices of course. I enjoyed the rare privilege of being treated as a decent human being who beer wouldn't turn into a rampaging hooligan but the incongruity still grates with me ; as FIFA's brewing marketing partner Budweiser have to cash in on 'Woza 2010'.

The climb to my seat in the skies took out of me but the view of the pitch was superb. Despite any lingering resentment and a feeling Ireland should be here 'La Marseillaise' made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. I was sat next to a local couple who thought France were playing in blue. There were some empty seats in the ground especially the pricier ones and I'm not convinced by FIFA's assertion that 98% of the tickets have been sold for this tournament. And whilst I was sat next to a couple along for the ‘World Cup experience’ who had no clue the real football supporters in this country were literally locked out ; there's something wrong there......

The game itself was fairly dull as often happens with opening group matches but the atmosphere inside the ground more than made up for it.

Next up for me is the Netherlands v Cameroon which should be an absolute cracker!

By Mac

England's biggest day

Richard Jackson is blogging throughout the World Cup as he travels around South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg. You can follow his journey through the 'Bolton Raider' facebook page and on www.subsidesports.com

It's hard to believe that it's 9 years since that famous night in Munich when Germany and England last did battle and today one of football's most famous rivalries will be reignited. With all the excitement that has gripped both nations it is easy to forget that a few hours later a World Cup rivalry just as fierce will be taking part.

I'm lucky enough to have tickets for the Argentina v Mexico game at Soccer City, and to tell you the truth I can't wait. Of course, I'd love to be in Blomfontein, but at least this way I can guarantee I won't find myself in cardiac arrest. The Argentinians are in fine form, and in Lionel Messi they possess probably the most talented player at the tournament. To see him live will be something quite special and with a whole host of other stars you'd have to think they'll have too much for Mexico. Whilst the Mexican's were impressive against France in truth they rarely looked threatening against Uruguay and they will have to step it up considerably if they are to trouble Diego Pozo. Regardless of the result it promises to be a free flowing attacking match - with more than a hint of latin spice.

The England Germany game will be something quite different. Drama you can guarantee. Footballing genius you cannot. When I saw Germany lose to Serbia in Port Elizabeth they were impressive even in defeat, although they are a greatly unbalanced side. Miroslav Klose will always be a dangerous marksmen and talisman Lukas Podolski is sure to cause Glen Johnson trouble all day, but the German back line undoubtedly lacks pace. I was shocked at how often Serbia widemam Milos Krasic was found unmarked in dangerous positions, with Phillip Lahm helpless. At Port Elizabeth Podolski missed three great chances in as many minutes, but Serbia could easily have scored three themselves. There 1-0 victory was no fluke.

Capello's men were much better in their final game against Slovenia, although it was hardly a convincing performance. Before that game I suggested the Italian should change formation to get the most out of his side, and whilst this wish was not granted the principle of England's game plan was much better. They must play with width on both flanks and with James Milner expected to keep his spot wide right they have a young man with a highly dependable delivery. If England continue to get the ball wide and zip crosses between the goal and the last defender they will give themselves a great chance. If they fail to keep to this game plan they will find life extremely difficult. 

Yesterday I was able to briefly meet Hertha Berlin Captain Arne Friedrich at Johannesburg's famous Lion Park . At 31 he makes up one quarter of the under paced back four and after captaining a side which finished rock bottom of the Bundesliga its difficult to say he is in good form. That said Friedrich was confident about Germany's chances, already looking ahead to the latter stages. This was not arrogance, it is just the German way. Their aim will always be to win this tournament - 3 stars in not enough. If England want to halt the Germans prematurely they will have to play much better than they have done previously. Here's the bad news, Germany have never gone over 20 years without winning a world cup. The last time they won it was in 1990. As I left the lion park I was unable to wish Friedrich luck, confessing I was English. Friedrich smiled and shook his head before pointing to my shirt. I got the distinct impression that if I hadn't been wearing an Italy shirt (as a mark of respect of course), I probably wouldn't have got a photo.

Richard Jackson (The Bolton Raider) for Subside Sports

Sun, sea, sand, surfing, speed cameras and shed loads of pride - Bolton Raider reflects on his time in Durban

Richard Jackson is blogging throughout the World Cup as he travels around South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg. You can follow his journey through the 'Bolton Raider' facebook page and on www.subsidesports.com

Durban is a city which has really taken the World Cup to its heart, filling its streets with banners, posters and fabulous World Cup illuminations. Before we arrived here we heard a lot about the high risk nature of being a tourist in Durban, but yet again we will leave a South African city with a positive impression. As in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the security here has been exemplary. Police are ever present whether you are on the beach, in the city or at the stadium and whilst it's a bit odd having am armed officer checking your match ticket before confiscating your crisps and drinks the use of police at every level of the event is reassuring. Despite this display of authority all the security personnel we have encountered have conducted themselves in a non-threatening and friendly manner at all times. As far as I'm concerned they are doing a excellent job.

In truth security has been the last thing on our mind this week. The promotional banners here proudly boast that, "Durban is a city with two seasons, summer and summer" and in with warm oceans, blue skies and beautiful sunshine during what is areas coolest month, it certainly lives up to hype. In a stark contrast to the wet and windy conditions of Cape Town, Durban's Fan Fest is located on its central beach, which yesterday was flooded with thousands of fans to watch Bafana Bafana take on France. As always the atmosphere was fabulous. Whilst the 2010 World Cup will go down in history as the first where a host nation failed to reach the 2nd round, South Africa bow out with their heads held high. It should not be forgotten than South Africa were in a group with three nations ranked inside the worlds top 20 and whilst they probably did not deserve to qualify, they thoroughly deserved their victory against the French. In truth qualification was not a realistic aim, but  the significance of beating a nation which has reached two of the previous three world cup finals cannot be understated. With a young and promising squad Bafana Bafana are here to stay.

Yet football is only a temporary visitor to the golden side of Durban. All year round the beach is filled with surfing fanatics, who have also benefited from the recent renovation of the coastal areas. The brand new promenade extends well past Fan Fest and with purpose built storage facilities, instructors quarters and plans for a beach front restaurant the World Cup will leave in real legacy here. I'm happy we gave surfing our first shot here, but I'd be lying if I said I was converted. I spent well over an hour flapping around and falling off my board, without spending more than a second actually standing, yet I still left the ocean with plenty chaffing in the only area where the sun didn't shine. I'm much happier to recommend the local food than the surfing, not least the bunny chow, a curry dish inside a hallowed loaf of bread. Not only is it delicious but more importantly you can enjoy it sat down.

Our final night in Durban was spent at the magnificent Durban Stadium, with its fabulous arch and open South stand providing a genuinely unique arena. The game between South Korea and Nigeria was equally impressive. It was a real end to end game, played at a terrific tempo where both teams could have snatched victory, although the best chance of the game fell to Everton striker Yakubu, who prodded wide from less than a metre out with the keeper stranded. It was a moment that is sure to find it's way onto a YouTube reel of greatest misses soon. The 2-2 draw took Korea through to the last 16, sending the small but wonderfully passionate group of Korea fans into a frenzy, staying well after the final whistle to celebrate. Support for the Super Eagles was also quite remarkable. The culture all across South Africa is to support their African brothers at every opportunity, a stark contrast to the culture of strong and often vicious rivalry between  teams in Europe. The game provided a brilliant end to a fabulous week in Durban and the pride the people here have for everything African is terrific. One word of caution for those travelling to Durban - beware of the barrage of speed traps around the city, which includes an army of camouflaged traffic police with hand held devices. Believe me, those guys are hotter than the bunny chow.

Richard Jackson (The Bolton Raider) for Subside Sports

PHOTOS FROM GERMANY V SERBIA - Report to follow

For all the photos from Bolton Raider's visit to Port Elizabeth for Germany v Serbia just go on the 'Bolton Raider' facebook page. All flags, scarves and shirts kindly provided by www.subsidesports.com

Algeria join in the giant killing but England must not panic

Richard Jackson is blogging throughout the World Cup as he travels around South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg. You can follow his journey through the 'Bolton Raider' facebook page and on http://www.subsidesports.com/

In my short time watching football it seems the only thing for sure in this game is that nothing is for certain. Spain have fallen to Switzerland, Germany were beaten by Serbia and after failing to qualify since 1966, North Korea came within a goal of a famous result against Brazil. In  the grand scheme of things England drawing against Algeria last night was small fry and with a win against Slovenia guaranteeing qualification England fans and journalists  should be wary of writing off their team too early.

Of course, the result is an embarrassment for England and the performance was poor. Algeria certainly deserved the draw they earned, as the lions lacked imagination in there build up play. In truth they never looked like creating a meaningful opening and were restricted to efforts from distance for much of the game. Most of all England lacked movement from the forwards players and once again failed to play with the drive tempo there Premier League stars are characterised by. It was a shame to see the frustrated Rooney dropping so deep in the latter stages. If Capello is to get the best of his talented group he must devise a system which gets much more out of the United front man.

I have never really been a fan of explaining formations in terms of numbers, as I feel fluidity of the modern game often makes them misleading, although it seems the systems based around greater use of width are massively underused by Capello (typically referred to 4-3-3 or 4-5-1). It is rare to have a forward so good both in front of goal and with his back to it, and as the spearhead of Man Utd's attack Rooney is utilised in both departments. So often Rooney uses his excellent vision to find his overlapping wingers and with a legitimate goal threat from both Nani and Valencia United are so often devastating in attack. In contrast England's flat rigid system offers no such threat from wide areas, and Rooney is often left marooned as his teams predictable attacks are foiled. It is ironic that Rooney is much less isolated when he plays as a lone striker for United. England certainly have the players for the type of system I suggest; Rooney as the front-man, Lennon and Joe Cole wide with Gerrard and Lampard central in front of Barry holding. It is unfortunate that this allows no starting spot for Emile Heskey, who has been one of England's best players this campaign, although his exclusion may be necessary to allow England to play the high tempo and varied football to get their World Cup back on track.

Despite this criticism I must end this blog with a call for support for England. I have never met a group of fans so unhappy as the English. Leaving a bar in Port Elizabeth last night my England cricket shirt was commonly greeted by disgruntled England fans, with a nod and a short insult about the team, most of which I cannot repeat. England fans both in South Africa and back home must have some perspective.  England have had one poor result - it is not disastrous. For what it's worth I think qualifying as runners-up would be good for England. If fans and players are serious about winning this competition they must be prepared to face the best teams in the world at any stage. It might be the kick up the back side they need.

 If England stumble against Slovenia we must realise that this competition is about much more than England. Big teams will lose. Big players will under perform. Big bets will be lost. It's this unpredictability that makes football such a beautiful game. That said, having spent the last 10 days here in South Africa, I'm increasingly aware of how this tournament more than anything,  is about much more than just football.

Richard Jackson (The Bolton Raider) for Subside Sports

BOLTON RAIDER PHOTOS

NEW PHOTO'S FROM SOUTH AFRICA - Just search 'Bolton Raider' on facebook. All football jersey's kindly provided by www.subsidesports.com

World Cup is warming up as Bolton Raider heads to PE

Richard Jackson is blogging throughout the World Cup as he travels around South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg. You can follow his journey through the 'Bolton Raider' facebook page and on http://www.subsidesports.com/


It's been a fabulous week here in Cape Town and whilst much of what has happened on the field has been a little underwhelming, my first taste of Africa has been nothing short of incredible. No amount of superlatives can explain the atmosphere that has gripped the nation - the celebrations are quite simply relentless.

I have nothing but praise for how the tournament has been conducted here, with an unprecedented amount of security both in the city centre and the magnificent Green Point Stadium. There is a genuine feeling in Cape Town that this is an opportunity for South Africa to show how far it has come since the dark days of apartheid and the ability this competition has to unite people cannot be understated. Even watching the England v USA game surrounded by American's was not enough to dampen our spirits - what is happening here is about so much more than football.

Of course tragic tales of muggings and worse will come out of this tournament, although these must be taken in context. It should not be forgotten that this is a country with deep problems of poverty and unemployment; in many ways it is remarkable that the world's most beloved tournament can be staged in South Africa at all. As we set off for the next leg of our journey towards Port Elizabeth I have come to realise that the case of my missing shoes is little short of insignificant , although that is a story for another day.

Last night we were lucky enough to see World Champions Italy begin their title defence, albeit in a rather timid fashion. Whilst the Italian's enjoyed the lions share of possession an organised and hard working Paraguay side fully deserved the point. They did not resort to the 'park the bus' tactics that some expected, but left two genuine strikers leading the line even after taking the lead. But for an impressive performance from Fabio Cannavaro they may have claimed all three points, although the captain's seemingly telepathic ability to read the game shut down any attacks time and again. Seeing him live was more than enough to make up for Pirlo's absence – at 36 he is still one of the best defenders in South Africa.

The last word this morning however has to go to the People's Republic of Korea. In their first World Cup outing since England lifted the trophy in 1966 they played with terrific commitment and intensity against a far superior Brazilian team. Even after two beautifully made goals from Micon and Elano there was no let up in their approach and with the final whistle approaching a superb Korean move deservedly resulted in Ji Yun-nam's lashing the ball past Julio Cesar. Brazil held on for the victory, but PRK send out a very clear message, that there days in the footballing wilderness and over. Ronaldo and Drogba have more than just Brazil to worry about.

South Africa prepares to welcome to world

Richard Jackson is blogging throughout the World Cup as he travels around South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg. You can follow his journey through the 'Bolton Raider' facebook page and on www.subsidesports.com

I wasn't planning to write a blog today, although after going into Cape Town city centre this morning the atmosphere was so incredible I really had no other choice. It's more than four hours before South Africa lifts the curtain on the 2010 World Cup, yet nearly 1,500km from Johannesburg the streets are already alive with the deafening sound of the vuvuzela. Everywhere you look the golden shirts of South African Bafana Bafana fill the streets and whilst there is a healthy following of fans from all over the world, especially from France and Uruguay who play later tonight, it is nothing compared to the home support. Today really is not about winning or losing for the South African's, they are already thrilled to be hosting the worlds most prestigious tournament, although with this level of support they will always have a chance.

Come 4pm the 95,000 capacity Soccer City Stadium will be more akin to a rock concert than a football stadium and like any great performers South Africa need a front man. Everton's Steven Pienaar must be the main man today if Bafana Bafana are to get a result today - he is the most talented player the South African's have by some distance. Importantly the South African's are also blessed with a genuine goal threat, No.9 Ketlego Mphela, who is the PSL's top scorer. If Mphela can keep his cool in Johannesburg's a pressure cooker he will become an instant hero. Souh Africa are an unknown quantity, they pass the ball well in the middle of the field although they often lack a cutting edge as their play becomes predictable. Today is a day for South Africa to show the world what they are made of, they must express there attacking play and allow there offensive fullbacks to push forward if they are serious about progressing to the knock out stages. You can absolutely guarantee the fans will play their part off the field - it is now down to Pienaar and co to do their work on the field.

Richard Jackson (The Bolton Raider) for Subside Sports

Lineker signals to Spain as Cape Town get's ready to party

Richard Jackson is blogging throughout the World Cup as he travels around South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg. You can follow his journey through the 'Bolton Raider' facebook page and on www.subsidesports.com


With two days to go until Africa hosts it's first World Cup the atmosphere here in Cape Town is already electric. As the clock hit midday thousands of people throughout the city left their workplaces to get involved in South Africa's most anticipated festival, filling the streets and squares to show their support for the tournament. The tone of the African vuvuzela horn may not be to everyone's taste, but it is sure to be a signature sign of the 2010 World Cup. As the South Africa party approached full swing the air was filled with the sound of the vuvuzela and it certainly cranked up the volume as people from all over the world sang, danced and partied together. What I saw today was not the intimidating South Africa that is so often portrayed by the media, but a vibrant, beautiful and fun loving nation that looks set the show the world one hell of a tournament.

Cape Town is a city which boasts "an ocean to the right, a mountain on the left and a stadium in the middle", and as we arrived at the top of signal mountain today we were given a rare view of all three. Atop this fabulous viewing point, 350metres above sea level, the iconic peak of Table Mountain was still hidden beyond the clouds, although the newly built Green Point Stadium could be seen in all it's glory. Dominating the lower landscape, this 66,000 capacity arena will host the tournament's first real sight of World Cup contenders on Friday, with France entertaining Uruguay in Group A. Le Bleus no longer possess the wealth of world class stars that graced their side a decade ago, but with the likes of Anelka and Ribery on the team sheet they cannot be written off. Whilst making this report at the highest point Signal Hill, I was lucky enough to see BBC pundit and Mexico '86 golden boot winner Gary Lineker, who was making his own slightly higher budget report. When I asked him for his tip for the trophy Lineker smiled casually, replying "if only I knew", although he emphasised that from an analysts point of view Spain were the team to beat. It's an argument I've heard many times over the last few weeks but if Spain are to lift to trophy on June 11th they will be the first team since the French to win consecutive World Cup and European Championships. It will be no easy feat, although they are perhaps the only side that boasts a squad as strong as the French had in Euro 2000. For the time being however, the focus will be more off the field than one it and regardless of whether the Bafana Bafana can get a result from a difficult Group A, you can bet the South Africa's will enjoy the party.

Richard Jackson (The Bolton Raider) for Subside Sports 

On route to Cape Town

Richard Jackson is blogging throughout the World Cup as he travels around South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg. You can follow his journey through the 'Bolton Raider' facebook page and on www.subsidesports.com

With the World Cup just a few days away it's finally time for Bolton Raider to head to South Africa. Despite a few travel readjustments due to the BA strikes we're set to arrive in Cape Town on Tuesday , with plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere before the tournament begins on Friday. You can keep up to date with everything direct from South Africa right here as we'll be reporting from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg.

As this is my first international tournament I've had the opportunity to report from and my first visit to Africa I really am in unchartered territory, albeit without the £1,000 a day security operations that some reporters enjoy. To date I've not been overly concerned with security at the tournament. Whilst the crime rates and hijack horror stories may not make for easy reading, it seems that the media have ignored the fact that this South Africa's has held major events many times before. South Africa has successfully hosted the Rugby World Cup, Champions Trophy and was even the chosen destination of last year's  IPL and whilst the FIFA World Cup is the biggest event of the lot it's also coupled with one of the most elaborate police operations in the nations history. With a little luck, a cautious approach and some common sense should allow visitors from around the world to enjoy South Africa for the rich sporting heritage, breathtaking scenery and hospitable locals that the country is famed for.

On the football side of things injuries to some key players have really opened up the tournament. It's a real blow for any country to lose their Captain so close to a World Cup, although England fan's really shouldn't feel too hard done by. Rumours of England being 'cursed' are a little vulgar considering a whole host of other nations have all lost their talisman to injury. Ferdiand is a world class defender of course, although his season has been disjointed by injuries and he has never truly found his best form. Ferdinand's omission is far less problematic for England than Ballack's is for Germany and injuries to Drogba, Essien and Mikel have left a trio of African teams with worries that dwarf those that Capello faces. Overcoming such setbacks will not be easy although you can bet an extra spot on the starting team sheet has added a hint of spice to training camp. For those young and eager there may be a sense of 'nothing to lose', but for the likes of Ledley King it offers a final chance to establish themselves on the international stage. It is both cruel and ironic that the spotlight will be on King's fitness as much as his form.

Welcome to Away Days

Follow us as we go to South Africa and beyond for the 2010 FIFA World Cup!

This blog will be updated shortly.