South Africa Goal Keeper Sustained Injury

Emile Baron dreamed to be a contestant at the 2010 Fifa WorldCup but this South Africa goalkeeper Emile Baron looks set to miss the World Cup after surgery on his shoulder.

Baron sustained the injury in mid-March while he was away with Bafana Bafana at a national training camp in Brazil.

The SuperSport United player was initially told the injury may heal in time, but his club have now confirmed it is unlikely he will be fit before the June 11 kick-off after he went under the knife last Wednesday.

"I don't know how to explain this man; I'm disappointed because it looks like I will sit out for four months in order to make a full recovery," Baron said. "I underwent surgery on Wednesday and it was successful but there is nothing I can do at this stage, just to rest and wait to make a full recovery and any thing can happen."

Baron, 30 yo, who has also played for Norwegian club Lillestrom and Kaizer Chiefs, has six caps for South Africa, but was only expected to be a back-up to Carlos Alberto Parreira first-choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune at the finals.

Complete TV Listing World Cup 2010

According to ITV.com...
"During the knockout stage of the tournament the split of games between the two broadcasters will depend on England’s progression through the tournament. In all scenarios, the BBC will take first pick of the ‘round of 16’ and ‘quarter final’ matches.
"If England reach the semi final, the game will be shown live by both ITV and the BBC. Both ITV and the BBC will show the World Cup final live. "
World Cup 2010, TV listings for group stages


Friday, June 11
3pm - South Africa v Mexico - ITV 
7.30pm - Uruguay v France - BBC
Saturday, June 12
12.30pm - South Korea v Greece - ITV 
3pm - Argentina v Nigeria - BBC 
7.30pm - England v USA - ITV
Sunday, June 13
12.30pm - Algeria v Slovenia - BBC 
3pm - Serbia v Ghana - ITV ~
7.30pm - Germany v Australia - ITV
Monday June, 14
12.30pm - Holland v Denmark - ITV 
3pm - Japan v Cameroon - BBC 
7.30pm - Italy v Paraguay - BBC
Tuesday, June 15
12.30pm - New Zealand v Slovakia - BBC 
3pm - Ivory Coast v Portugal - ITV 
7.30pm - Brazil v North Korea - ITV
Wednesday, June 16
12.30pm - Honduras v Chile - ITV 
3pm - Spain v Switzerland - BBC 
7.30pm - South Africa v Uruguay - BBC
Thursday, June 17
12.30pm - Argentina v South Korea - ITV 
3pm - Greece v Nigeria - BBC 
7.30pm - France v Mexico - BBC
Friday, June 18
12.30pm - Germany v Serbia - BBC 
3pm - Slovenia v USA - BBC 
7.30pm - England v Algeria - ITV
Saturday, June 19
12.30pm - Netherlands v Japan - ITV 
3pm - Ghana v Australia - BBC 
7.30pm - Cameroon v Denmark - ITV
Sunday, June 20
12.30pm - Slovakia v Paraguay - BBC 
3pm - Italy v New Zealand - ITV 
7.30pm - Brazil v Ivory Coast - BBC
Monday, June 21
12.30pm - Portugal v North Korea - BBC 
3pm - Chile v Switzerland - BBC 
7.30pm - Spain v Honduras - ITV
Tuesday, June 22
3pm - Mexico v Uruguay - ITV 
3pm - France v South Africa - ITV 
7.30pm - Nigeria v South Korea - BBC 
7.30pm - Greece v Argentina - BBC
Wednesday, June 23
3pm - Slovenia v England - BBC 
3pm - USA v Algeria - BBC 
7.30pm - Australia v Serbia - ITV 
7.30pm - Ghana v Germany - ITV
Thursday, June 24
3pm - Slovakia v Italy - ITV 
3pm - Paraguay v New Zealand - ITV 
7.30pm - Denmark v Japan - BBC 
7.30pm - Cameroon v Holland - BBC
Friday, June 25
3pm - Portugal v Brazil - BBC 
3pm - North Korea v Ivory Coast - BBC 
7.30pm - Chile v Spain - ITV 
7.30pm - Switzerland v Honduras - ITV

Spain Represented by Real Madrid and Barcelona

Few footballing rivalries are able to capture the imagination of the wider world quite as much as that of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Meetings between these two star-studded outfits make for compulsory viewing, even if the games themselves do not always live up to the pre-match billing.

Their next coming-together, which takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night, promises to be quite a spectacle however. Aside from the incentive of getting one over their biggest rivals, both sides know that the three points at stake are of vital importance in their private battle for the Spanish league title. Tied on 77 points with the Catalans, the hosts go into the game as leaders on goal difference. And with only seven games remaining after this one, a three-point advantage at this late stage could well prove decisive.

Saturday’s duel also has a number of interesting sub-plots, not least the continuing battle for the coveted title of pichichi (top scorer) between current leader Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain. And, as FIFA.com explains, the form of the many players on both sides who will be gracing the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ will also be closely assessed by a select band of national coaches.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque will need to keep his wits about him as he attempts to monitor the ten players who habitually form part of his line-ups, not to mention four others who could yet squeeze into his 23-man squad for the world finals. Two of the most eagerly anticipated match-ups pit goalkeepers Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes against each other and midfield schemer Xavi against Xabi Alonso.

Known for their attacking prowess, Barça can also pride themselves on having the tightest defence in La Liga, having shipped only 19 goals in 30 games. One of the biggest reasons for that impressive record is the form of Valdes, who is on course for his third Zamora trophy, awarded to the goalkeeper conceding the fewest goals during the league season. Surprisingly, however, the Barcelona custodian has never been called up for international duty, with Casillas maintaining an iron grip on the No1 jersey.

“We’ve never had any reason to discard Casillas and (Pepe) Reina,” Del Bosque said recently, before giving the Barça shot-stopper a glimmer of hope. “Valdes is in with a chance of going to the World Cup as the third-choice keeper.”

Saturday’s clásico will also give the Spain coach an excellent opportunity to appraise his options in defence. Lining up for Barça will be their first-choice centre-half pairing of Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, while Raul Albiol will be slotting into central defence for Los Merengues, alongside full-backs Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Setting the tempo on both sides will be two mainstays of the national side in Xavi and Xabi Alonso. While the Barcelona linchpin is the more creative and attack-minded of the two and a deadly threat at set-pieces, his Blanco counterpart is a formidable defensive bulwark and distributor of the ball, with the ability to score spectacular goals from distance. (fifa)

Walcott Leads ArsenalTo Defeat Barca

Theo Walcott has vowed to give Barcelona a run for their money again when Arsenal head to the Nou Camp tomorrow.

The Gunners looked all but out of the UEFA Champions League following a brilliant opening by the Spaniards to the quarter-final first leg at Emirates Stadium last week, where they dominated the opening stages and went on to take what looked a commanding 2-0 lead.

However, the introduction of the England winger helped turn the match, as Walcott ripped full-back Maxwell to shreds and slotted in an impressive individual goal before a late penalty from captain Cesc Fabregas levelled a dramatic tie at 2-2.

If I can create space for some of the others, then that is all part of my job. It is a nice thing to have people talking good things - I just have to do it on the pitch.

Theo Walcott ahead of the Barcelona clash

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the impact of the 21-year-old, who produced an efficient display when restored to the starting XI in the English Premier League against Wolves on Saturday.

Walcott would like nothing more than to be given another chance to impress against the European champions. "As a winger, an attacking player, you always have to be on the front foot. Hopefully I can get at them and will give them a problem," Walcott said. "If I can create space for some of the others, then that is all part of my job. It is a nice thing to have people talking good things - I just have to do it on the pitch."

Walcott - who netted a famous hat-trick for England in the FIFA World Cup™ qualifying win away to Croatia last season - is relishing the chance to play at one of the world's most renowned footballing venues. "I have been to some fantastic stadiums in my short career so far, and this could potentially top that, especially with the result," he said. "The main thing, though, is getting the win and to be part of that would be something."

Keeping faith

Despite Arsenal's injury problems - with Alex Song today joining captain Cesc Fabregas, Andrey Arshavin, William Gallas and Robin van Persie on the sidelines - Walcott insists Arsene Wenger's men must keep the faith. "We have got to believe we can come here and get a result, there is no point playing within ourselves, we have all got to be at it," he said. "There are some big players missing, but players will come in and do a job. We just have to work 100%, that is all we can do."

Walcott added: "Barcelona played some fantastic football at times in the first half last week, and was some of the best I have even seen a team play. However, they seemed to die off a bit in the last 20 minutes and if we can keep it 0-0, or sneak an early goal hopefully we can upset the fans, keep them all quiet.

"We have scored a lot of late goals this season, especially in the Premier League, so hopefully we can believe and can do it again."

source : fifa.com

Stay out of Trouble

Crime cause you a problem. Know where you going is the first best way to reduce crime victim. These are some tips for you to pay attention :

Carjackings

Those who choose to drive private cars, either borrowed or hired, should be aware that car hijackings do occur, although precautions can be taken to avoid this.

Drivers should always be on the alert when they come to a halt at traffic lights or stop streets, as well as when they are arriving at or leaving premises. Doors should be locked at all times, and while the temptation is to keep windows open in sunny weather, they should be kept closed. Plan your travel route beforehand. Make sure that you do not leave valuables in clear view of people on the side of the road.

Articles such as cellular phones and handbags left on seats are favoured targets of smash'n'grab thieves.

When parking at night choose well-lit or security-patrolled parking areas. Street security guards will usually ask whether they can watch over your car and in return should be paid a small fee – anything from two rand upwards.

ATMs and con artists

Watch out for con artists. A favoured target is the automated teller machine (ATM).

Under no circumstances allow a stranger to assist you in your transactions. Should your card become stuck in the ATM, enter your PIN three times whereupon the machine will retain your card. You can then approach the bank to release it, or call the helpline number that can usually be found at ATMs for assistance.

Beware, too, of confidence tricksters who try and persuade you to invest in their schemes, requiring you to disclose confidential banking details.

Lost passports

Should you lose your passport, report the loss as soon as possible to your country's embassy or consulate, and to the local police.

source : southafricainfo

UEFA Champion League Info

FC Barcelona central forward Zlatan Ibrahimović will undergo tests on Sunday to determine the extent of the right calf problem he suffered during the warm-up for his side's Liga encounter with Athletic Club. The Swedish international – who scored twice for Barça in the 2-2 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg draw away to Arsenal FC in midweek – was replaced by Bojan Krkić in the starting lineup. The Azulgrana host Arsenal in the return leg on Tuesday.

Hopeful of filling in for the injured Zlatan Ibrahimović, FC Barcelona forward Bojan Krkić has warned Arsenal FC to expect another attacking display in Tuesday's quarter-final decider.

Homeless Have To Move Out

Over 1,000 homeless South Africans have been moved out of Johannesburg and Cape Town to hide the scale of poverty from World Cup fans travelling to South Africa ahead of the World Cup, it is claims.

More than 800 tramps, beggars and street children have already been removed from Johannesburg and sent to remote settlements hundreds of miles away and in Cape Town, up to 300 have been moved to Symphony Way Temporary Relocation Area where 1,450 families are crammed into a camp designed for just 650 people.

The moves have happened in Cape Town and Johannesburg but it is believed that other host cities are also drawing up plans to tidy the streets. Johannesburg councillor Sipho Masigo confirmed it was a big problem but likened the actions to cleaning your house before you have guests.

Campaigners however are not happy and have slammed the policy as a sham and a temporary solution.

Warren Whitfield, Addiction Action

It's a cosmetic fix to create an impression of South Africa for football fans which is not real. We have huge problems with homelessness and that is what the world should see.

Homelessness is an issue faced by South Africa and while this might just be the first move to try and help and the streets of South Africa might be free of this terrible reality when the World Cup is on, the fear is it wont be long until it returns.

source : worldcup2010

Health Tips and Insurance Travel in SOuth Africa fot You

Some good tips from SelfTour :

HEALTH

* It is always a good idea to take out medical insurance with your travel agent when you buy your tickets.

* Vaccinations and other medical precautions are needed for travel to some countries, and advise is easily obtained through your doctor or chemist. Have them well before your departure, to allow time for recovery from any side effects.

* If you are on a prescription or if you take a specific medicine, take enough away with you, as you may not be able to get replacements.  Carry your medical prescription clearly stating what medication you are taking just in case you have to purchase more during your summer holiday vacation.  In this day of illegal drugs it is wise to carry them in the manufactures box/container so if stopped by a customs official he can clearly see the name and know that these are not illegal drugs.

* Always carry a doctor’s certificate for any prescribed drugs so you don't have any problems at customs.

* If you have prescription spectacles, carry a copy of the prescription for easy replacement should you lose or break them.

* Kruger Park and Namibia are Malaria areas - ask your family chemist for the right anti malaria pills for your country of destination. Remember to start 2 weeks before you depart and continue 2 weeks after returning home. We do not recommend ‘Larium’ as there have been many reports of adverse side effect.  Small babies must not be taken into Malaria areas.

*Always carry a few basic items from Elastoplasts, head ache pills, & something for upset tummies.

* A word of caution on drinking water – The tap water all over South Africa is normally perfectly safe but if you are not acclimatised to it or have a sensitive tummy you could spend a great deal of your holiday in various bathrooms. This warning also covers ice in your drinks and rinsing ones mouth after brushing your teeth. All the international canned drinks are available as well as various bottled spring waters. What has become very popular are the flavoured spring waters and they have the added advantage of a screw-on cap so they can be saved for later without leaking – very refreshing

INSURANCE

As you are probably aware, health insurance is an integral part of your travel package, and should be purchased at the same time as you purchase your travel tickets. 

Your existing house hold insurance policy may well have All Risks cover which is international cover and where you can specify various important & expensive items – jewellery, cameras etc. Strongly recommend you phone your insurance agent beforehand and ask him how much cover you have under the All Risks section for overseas travel.