WIMBLEDON 2010: Bring on Nadal! Andy roars into semi-final clash with Rafa as Federer fall hands Murray title chance

By Mike Dickson

Punch drunk: Andy Murray reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon for the second successive year after powering past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets


Andy Murray last night pledged that he is ready to end Britain’s long wait for a men’s
Wimbledon champion by making the quantum leap into the final at the expense of Rafael Nadal.

With Roger Federer sensationally ousted yesterday by Czech Tomas Berdych, Murray earned himself a semi-final shot at world No 1 Nadal tomorrow by coming back to defeat France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets.

‘Rafa’s obviously a very tough player on any surface and he plays great here,’ said Murray after his 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory. ‘I know it’s going to be an incredibly difficult match to win, but I believe I can if I play well.

‘Psychologically I need to believe that I can win the match, that’s the most important thing. He’s still favourite and must be playing well, but the odds are completely irrelevant.


Balancing act: Murray is targeting a first Grand Slam - but knows Nadal will be no pushover


‘It’s something that’s joked about by other players and people within tennis about how long it’s been.

‘It would be incredible to win a Grand Slam and to win your first one here, that would make it extra special.

‘But I’m still a long way from doing that, six sets away. I’ve got to beat the No 1 player in the world if I want to have a chance of doing it.’


Balancing act: Murray is targeting a first Grand Slam - but knows Nadal will be no pushover


‘It’s something that’s joked about by other players and people within tennis about how long it’s been.

‘It would be incredible to win a Grand Slam and to win your first one here, that would make it extra special.

‘But I’m still a long way from doing that, six sets away. I’ve got to beat the No 1 player in the world if I want to have a chance of doing it.’


source: dailymail

Wayne Rooney finally gets to see his £5million holiday home as he touches down in Barbados with Coleen

By Mail Online Reporter

Cheer up, you're on holiday: A dejected Wayne Rooney pushes his eight-month-old son Kai through Barbados airport
Although excited to see his latest property acquisition, the 24-year-old looked dejected after his disappointing performance in South Africa.


Wayne Rooney and his family arrived in Barbados yesterday for a holiday booked two days before the England team crashed out of the World Cup.

Joined by his wife Coleen, their son Kai, her brothers Anthony and Joseph and some of her female friends, the entourage headed to the Rooney's lavish £5million holiday home on the island.

While WAG Coleen previously visited the house in February, this is the first time Wayne has seen the luxury mansion since builders broke ground last year.

Wheeling his adorable son Kai, eight months, through the airport, Wayne looked miserable compared to his cheery wife Coleen.

Yesterday, it was revealed the Rooney had booked the flights to Barbados two days before England were knocked out of the World Cup after their 4-1 loss to Germany.

Perhaps feeling pessimistic about their chances, the striker had booked first class tickets for himself, Coleen and her two brothers on British Airways to the Caribbean at £5,923 each.


No wonder she's smiling: Coleen's trip to Barbados is the second time she's visited the island in five months - and her third holiday this year


On Tuesday, his management told The Sun he had made ‘contingency plans’ allowing him to go abroad at different stages of the tournament.

And as the bitter backlash over the nation’s worst ever World Cup defeat continued, the striker, who failed to score at the tournament, will be glad to be out of the country.

He is part of an exodus of England players and staff fleeing rather than staying at home to face the wrath of fans.

The Rooneys plans to spend time at their new holiday home, before enjoying a Caribbean cruise, and then a few days in Las Vegas - one of their favourite holiday destinations.


Daddy's boy: Wayne lifts his son into his car seat at the airport


When the Rooneys previous visited the Caribbean island in June 2009, the house was mid-way through construction.

The six bedroom villa comes with an infinity pool and breathtaking sea views from the bedroom, and the living room areas.

Coleen has furnished the Rooneys villa according to her exacting tastes.


source: dailymail

Planetary shift! Venus Williams sent packing by unseeded Tsvetana Pironkova

By Neil Moxley

Day in the sun: The impeccable Tsvetana Pironkova punished an error-prone Venus Williams


For the second day in succession, Venus Williams lost her bear ings around Wimbledon.

Unlike on Monday, this time it proved fatal.

While the five-time champion emerged nothing more than disorientated by the unfamiliar surroundings on Court No 2, she was left dizzy from defeat yesterday as Tsvetana Pironkova caused the upset of the Championships so far.

The No 2 seed had been left to fend for herself ahead of her fourth round match, failing to grasp that she would not be escorted to an outside show court.

That almost led to her forfeiting her place in the tournament after she arrived five minutes late.

But on Court No 1 she really did fail to turn up, leaving her normally reliable game on grass behind in the locker room, as the Bulgarian triumphed 6-2, 6-3 to pull off what was easily the best result of her career so far.


Floored: Tsvetana Pironkova is elated after clinching victory


The magnitude of Pironkova’s achievement is underlined by the statistics. In the past decade, Venus has lifted the famous Venus Rosewater dish five times and contested another three finals.

And her Bulgarian opponent, who fell during the qualifiers at Eastbourne to British teenager Heather Watson and hails from a country without a single grass court, was rated at 150-1 to win the Wimbledon title before this quarter-final


Terrible day at the office: Venus Williams


‘The match was over a lot quicker than I thought it would be,’ said the unseeded Pironkova, who also knocked Venus out of the Australian Open fours years ago.

‘Winning 6-2, 6-3 was a big surprise. I expected a longer match. I haven’t played against anyone with a faster serve.

‘But maybe her first-serve percentage wasn’t very good. And I really pushed her a lot. She started very strong but then I guess I resisted.’

There was no real explanation from Venus, other than this was just a bad day at the office. A very bad day, in fact.

‘It was not a good match today,’ said Williams, whose defeat now leaves sister Serena the overwhelming favourite to win the Wimbledon crown.

‘I was in a spiral and just could not hit balls in. I don’t think I did anything right. I didn’t do myself any favours. She played solidly, but I contributed to her effort.

'There were too many unforced errors. If there was a shot to miss, I missed it — forehand, volley, backhand.

‘I just got too caught up in the mistakes I was making instead of letting go and moving on. I expect a lot from myself at this tournament. Maybe I’m a little too hard on myself.

‘But this wasn’t as tough as my fourth round, or my third, or even my second round. I wasn’t overpowered. I just kind of let myself exit.

'Obviously, I’m not pleased with this result but I have to move on. What else can I do? Unless I have a time machine, which I don’t.’

Williams made 29 unforced errors. But just as much as that, it was problems with her serve that led to her downfall.

Time and again she doublefaulted. Indecision during her ballthrowing gave rise to the suspicion that all was not well. She looked forlornly up at her family for inspiration.It never came. Sensing this, Pironkova took her chance.


The toast of Court One: Tsvetana Pironkova won the applause of the watching public


She may be slight in stature at just 10 stone but she fought fire with fire and, by penning her opponent as close to the baseline as possible, engaged her in combat that Williams really did not feel comfortable with.

It was some performance from the 22-year-old who played her first match on grass only five years ago and now faces Vera Zvonareva in tomorrow’s semi-final.

‘I think it was at Roehampton,’ she said, ‘I thought, “Wow, it’s impossible. How can I play on this surface?” But I feel better and better.

‘The last time I beat her I was shocked, you know, at all the attention. But I’ve learned my lesson now.’

Then, asked whether the dominance of the Williams sisters was nearing its end, she replied: ‘They are still doing pretty well, but at one point in the future it will.

'I guess it may be soon.’

For Venus, her interest in the 2010 competition is certainly over. And how.


source: dailymail

WORLD CUP 2010: Cristiano Ronaldo's spitting mad at TV camera after Portugal exit

By Sportsmail Reporter

Spitting mad: Cristiano Ronaldo vents his anger in defeat in the most unsavoury manner by spitting at TV camerman


Cristiano Ronaldo ook out his frustration by spitting towards a TV camera following Portugal's exit last night.

The Real Madrid winger spat at the feet of a cameraman who was trailing him at the final whistle.

Ronaldo endured a particularly poor night and appeared not to take kindly to being the focus of attention as he trudged off the pitch.

It is a far cry from the last World Cup in Germany when he winked at team-mates after getting Wayne Rooney sent off in Portugal's quarter-final victory over England.


Ask the boss: Unhappy after Portugal's exit and a poor performance Ronaldo directed post-match questions towards coach Carlos Queiroz


Ronaldo was in no mood to take the blame for the 1-0 loss to Spain and appeared to point the finger at the coach who made him captain, saying only: 'Ask Carlos Queiroz.'


source: dailymail

WORLD CUP 2010: Spain 1 Portugal 0

By Ian Ladyman in Cape Town

King David: Striker David Villa clips the ball over Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo to score the decisive goal for Spain


Just as South American teams were threatening to sweep all before them, Spain delivered a superb reminder on Tuesday night that the champions of Europe are more than capable of claiming the biggest prize in the game.

Vicente del Bosque's side were forced to reach the World Cup quarter-finals the hard way. Portugal provided stern opposition and they can count themselves unlucky to be going home. Ultimately, they paid the price for being drawn in a difficult group and, as a result, progressing as the second-placed team behind tournament favourites Brazil.

Spain, though, were irresistible at times and - the out-of-form Fernando Torres notwithstanding - they produced a spell midway through the second half last night that culminated in a fourth tournament goal for David Villa and a last-eight match-up with Paraguay.


Headache: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo endures a frustrating night


Torres was so ineffectual that he had been substituted five minutes before his team scored. He will surely start the quarter-final but there is a growing case for his omission. That, of course, is a debate for later in the week. Last night was all about the heavenly gifts of the Barcelona trio, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Villa.

The admirable thing about teams like Spain, and indeed Portugal, is that there is so much to watch even when the game is a stalemate, as it was for an hour last night.

When the going is tough and the route to goal uncertain, these teams do not ask their central defenders to hit long balls. They rely on what they do best and trust that, eventually, they will do it well enough to break through.

This is what happened last night as Spain emerged from a period of uncertainty either side of half-time to spring forward and secure the vital goal.

Del Bosque's team almost scored twice in a minute just after Torres had been replaced by Fernando Llorente, who headed a superb Sergio Ramos cross straight at goalkeeper Eduardo. Villa then curled a ferocious shot inches wide with his right foot.

Seconds later, though, they were ahead and it was a superbly crafted goal. Iniesta and Xavi - who else? - combined on the edge of the penalty area to play in Villa and when his first shot came back off Eduardo, he rammed the rebound high into the net.


Seven heaven: Villa wheels away in delight after his decisive goal


It was tough on the Portugal goalkeeper, who enjoyed an impressive night. He later left the field in tears.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo cut a miserable figure, too. His irritation was understandable. After a stellar first season at Real Madrid, he did not produce anything like his best form at this World Cup and the forward endured a poor night against Spain.

No matter. This was a game that Spain deserved to win, if only just. They began brightly, with Torres and Villa (twice) bringing saves from Eduardo in the first 10 minutes, and for a while it looked as though Xavi would simply pass Portugal on to the plane home. However, Portugal were unbeaten in 19 games before last night and - content to play on the break - they grew into the game.


Flashpoint: Argentine referee Hector Baldassi shows the red card to Portugal's Ricardo Costa as Joan Capdevila writhes in agony


Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas pushed up a Tiago drive and then had to paw the ball away from under his own bar as striker Hugo Almeida closed in. Tiago and Almeida then went close with headers.


Notice of the Portuguese threat had duly been served but the game took its decisive course in the quarter of an hour after half-time as an Almeida cross struck Carles Puyol and almost looped in, before Spain recovered to score.

Once ahead, they could have stretched further clear.

Eduardo saved well from Villa and the excellent right back Sergio Ramos, but Spain's all-round ability was best illustrated right at the death when left back Joan Capdevila threw himself into the path of a goalbound drive from Ricardo Carvalho. Spain are not just a pretty side.

Portugal lost their cool in the closing moments and, as tempers became frayed, a series of heavy challenges went in and Capdevila was left prone by an elbow from Ricardo Costa.

The defender was sent off. That, though, was not the story. Happily, there were better things to talk about.



source: dailymail

WORLD CUP 2010: Paraguay 0 Japan 0 (Paraguay won 5-3 on pens)

By Matt Barlow reports from Pretoria

Dying hope: Japan in agony as lucky charm Yuichi Komano misses his penalty and Oscar Cardozo scores the winner


Paraguay coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino collapsed in his seat and cried like a baby.

Not tears of boredom at such a turgid spectacle but of pure joy as the Argentinian led his adopted nation to their first World Cup quarter-final.

Paraguay made it four South American teams in the last eight, from just five qualifiers, but they needed the tournament’s first penalty shoot-out to kill off Japan and it was Oscar Cardozo, a familiar name on Merseyside this season, who claimed the winning penalty.

Cardozo scored three for Benfica against Liverpool in their Europa League quarter-final, including two penalties in the first leg.

And he scored twice in a minute in a 5-0 destruction of Everton in Lisbon earlier in the campaign. For every shoot-out hero, however, there is a villain, so spare a thought for Japan’s Yuichi Komano — a player who has endured a series of harsh setbacks in his career.

Komano suffered thrombosis while recovering in hospital from a cruciate ligament injury, then broke his collarbone before an eye complaint almost made him blind.


Still running: Parauguay players celebrate after Cardozo's crucial penalty booked their place in the last eight


After overcoming his troubles, Komano was fondly named ‘Good Luck’ by fans, but last night his fortunes turned.

The penalty shoot-out was 3-2 to Paraguay when he stepped up. His shot struck the bar and flew into the sky.

Nelson Valdez and Keisuke Honda both found the net before Cardozo coolly completed the win, firing past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who had saved a penalty from Frank Lampard in a friendly last month and from Jon Dahl Tomasson in the group stage.

As Komano broke down on the pitch, manager Takeshi Okada strode solemnly out to console him.


Gutted: Japan's Komano looks to the sky after his penalty hits the crossbar and hands Paraguay the advantage


Martino was an emotional wreck too, removing his glasses to dry his eyes as he was mobbed by staff and players.

‘Everyone knows it is unfair to settle a game like this,’ said Martino.

‘When you make it all the way to the shoot-out you’ve made a huge effort and the tension is released, so many things go through your mind. That was the reason for the tears.’

Martino, a former Argentina player, won the Paraguay title four times before transforming the national team over the last three years.


Denied: Lucas Barrios (centre) can't find a way past Marcus Tulio Tanaka (left) and Eiji Kawashima


‘We celebrate with the rest of Paraguay,’ said Martino.

‘Let them enjoy it. The players made a huge effort. This is a success.

‘We know we are in the best eight in the world. We were just lucky in the shoot-out.

We had solidarity, enthusiasm and will to make it to the history books.’

Paraguay deserved to win, dominating possession over 120 goalless minutes and finishing strong in extra-time.


So close: Justo Villar is beaten by Daisuke Matsui but the bar saves the Paraguay keeper
Japan risked little but had their chances to seize the lead. Daisuke Matsui smashed a 30-yarder against the bar in the first half and CSKA Moscow striker Honda missed a terrific opportunity, firing wide from the edge of the penalty area before the break.

Roque Santa Cruz screwed Paraguay’s best chance wide from eight yards. ‘I have no regrets about how we played,’ said Japan boss Okada.

‘The players were wonderful. They represented Japan and Asia as a whole.’ He also hinted he may no longer be in charge by the next World Cup.

There is a rumour he intends to become a farmer.



CORRECTING ID OF PARAGUAY PLAYER Japan's defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka (R) deflects a ball next to Paraguay's striker Lucas Barrios (L) and Japan's defender Yuji Nakazawa during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Paraguay vs. Japan on June 29, 2010 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria.



Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz, second from left, and Paraguay's Paulo Da Silva, second from right in front, try to score a goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, June 29, 2010.




Paraguay's Paulo da Silva goes in for a tackle on Japan's Keisuke Honda during their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.




Paraguay players, front row from left, Carlos Bonet, Nestor Ortigoza, Cristian Riveros, Claudio Morel, Edgar Benitez, Lucas Barrios, back row from left, Enrique Vera, goalkeeper Justo Villar, Antolin Alcaraz, Roque Santa Cruz, and Paulo Da Silva pose for a team photo before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, June 29, 2010.




Paraguay's Edgar Benitez (R) and Cristian Riveros (16) fall during the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.



Japan's national soccer team poses for a photo at a 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010. Pictured are (front L-R) Japan's Makoto Hasebe, Yuto Nagatomo, Yasuhito Endo, Yuichi Komano, Yoshito Okubo, Daisuke Matsui, (rear L-R) Yuki Abe, Yuji Nakazawa, goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, Tulio and Keisuke Honda.




Paraguay's team huddles before their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.



Japan supporters with Japan's national flag painted on their cheeks are pictured before the 2010 World Cup round of 16 match Paraguay versus Japan on June 29, 2010 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.




A Japan's fan, with his face painted, waits for the start of the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match between Japan and Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.


Japan's Keisuke Honda (4th L) warms up with team mates before the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010

Back to the airport: WAGs return home as their boys are bungled out ahead of plan

By Daily Mail Reporter

Heading home: Christine Bleakley (left) and Carly Cole arrive at Johannesburg's Tambo Airport for their flights back to London today


The majority of England's WAGs had heeded Fabio Capello's request to stay away until the team had made it through the group stage of the World Cup.

So, for them, the party in South Africa was short lived - and, for some, it didn't even begin.

For those who had made it out to Bloemfontein for Sunday's game, it must have been a rapid repacking of the designer bags before heading back to the airport today.

Christine Bleakley, who had been in the crowd to witness the German drubbing, looked subdued but still happy as she arrived at Johannesberg's Tambo Airport today.

Similarly, Joe Cole's wife Carly probably hoped for her break would last a little longer after less than a week in the country.

Instead she arrived at the airport with her and Joe's three-month-old daughter Ruby - who should make the 11-hour trip home an interesting experience.


Long flight ahead: John Terry's wife Toni (left) and Matthew Upson's girlfriend Ellie Darby at the airport


It's all over: TV presenter Christine Bleakley, girlfriend of Frank Lampard, watches England crash out of the World Cup after losing to Germany


John Terry's wife Toni, Matthew Upson's girlfriend Ellie Darby and Glen Johnson's wife Laura were all heading back today.

For some of the WAGs, however, the party didn't even get started.

Coleen Rooney did not feature at all in the World Cup - more than a few critics could say the same for her husband - and Steven Gerrard's wife Alex Curran had planned to fly out if the team made it to the quarter finals.

The WAGs were partially blamed for England's poor showing at the 2006 World Cup, which led to Capello 'requesting' that they stay away from the team during the opening games.

The post-mortem of this year's disaster is sure to want to blame something or somebody - the FA, the ball, the players, the manager, the referees, the technology, the media - but surely the WAGs are out of the firing line this time.


source: dailymail

WORLD CUP 2010: Brazil 3 Chile 0

By Sportsmail Reporter

Three and easy: Robinho celebrates Brazil's brilliant third after his sublime shot sailed into the back of the net


Brazil cruised into the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Monday night with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chile at Johannesburg's Ellis Park stadium.

The five-times world champions struggled to break down the Chile defence for a little over half an hour but once central defender Juan headed in a corner in the 34th minute the die was cast.

Four minutes later striker Luis Fabiano sprung the offside trap to score a second and Robinho added a third with a great strike in the 59th minute.

Brazil will play Netherlands, 2-1 winners over Slovakia earlier in Durban, in the quarter-finals on Friday in Port Elizabeth.


Samba style: Luis Fabiano rounds Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to score Brazil's second


Doing us proud: English referee Howard Webb makes his authority clear to the Chilean players


In control: Brazilian playmaker Kaka is fouled by Chile's Arturo Vidal


Juan-nil: Defender Juan (No4) rises to head home the opening goal for Brazil



source: dailymail

World Cup 2010: Netherlands 2 Slovakia 0

Slovakia's goalkeeper Jan Mucha (R) eyes Slovakia's midfielder Juraj Kucka heading a ball during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 match Netherlands vs Slovakia on June 28, 2010 at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.



Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha, foreground, fails to block a shot by Netherlands' Arjen Robben, second from right, during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the Netherlands and Slovakia at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Monday, June 28, 2010.



(Top row, L to R) Slovakia's midfielder Juraj Kucka, Slovakia's goalkeeper Jan Mucha, Slovakia's defender Martin Skrtel, Slovakia's defender Jan Durica, Slovakia's striker Robert Vittek and Slovakia's defender Radoslav Zabavnik (bottom row, L to R) Slovakia's midfielder Miroslav Stoch, Slovakia's midfielder Marek Hamsik, Slovakia's midfielder Vladimir Weiss, Slovakia's striker Erich Jendrisek and Slovakia's defender Peter Pekarik pose before the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Netherlands versus Slovakia on June 28, 2010 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.




Netherlands' Joris Mathijsen, right, and Slovakia's Robert Vittek, left, compete for the ball during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the Netherlands and Slovakia at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Monday, June 28, 2010.




Slovakia's Erik Jendrisek, right, kicks the ball past Netherlands' players from left: Nigel de Jong, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the Netherlands and Slovakia at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Monday, June 28, 2010.



Netherland's Mark van Bommel fights for the ball with Slovakia's Erik Jendrisek (L) during their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban June 28, 2010.



A Netherlands fan dressed as an airline stewardess gestures during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Netherlands versus Slovakia on June 28, 2010 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.




Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder (L), Arjen Robben (C) and Robin van Persie stand during the national anthem before their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Slovakia at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban June 28, 2010.



Photo: Reuters, Gettyimages, AP

'Oh my God', what the Uruguayan referee said when he saw his World Cup blunder on TV as England are crushed 4-1 by Germany

By Christian Gysin and Tom Kelly

The sequence which will leave England fans burning with resentment for decades: German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sees Frank Lampard's shot bounce off the crossbar and over the line before he grabs the ball and continues play


The referee who shattered England's World Cup dreams gasped 'Oh my God!' after seeing a replay of Frank Lampard's disallowed goal.

Uruguayan Jorge Larrionda was said to be aghast when shown the image of the ball at least a yard over the line.

But while some fans blamed him for turning the course of the match, there was a furious backlash at the England manager and team after a disastrous World Cup campaign which ended in a 4-1 thrashing by Germany - their heaviest ever defeat in the competition.


Wayne Rooney complains to referee Jorge Larrionda about disallowing Lampard's goal during the Germany clash


As Fabio Capello appeared at a press conference, one furious England fan summed up the national mood as he shouted at him: 'I paid £5,000 to come and watch the team you put out here and they were useless.

'You should be ashamed of yourself as manager.'

Bookmakers William Hill slashed the odds on Capello being sacked to 7/4 as fans leaving the stadium and big screens put up around England said it was time for him to go.

But Capello insisted last night that he would not quit despite the team's woeful performance.

Asked directly if it was time to go, the 64-year-old Italian said: 'Absolutely not.'

He said he would seek urgent talks with Club England chairman Sir David Richards to decide his future, adding: 'I need to know whether the FA have confidence in me or not.'

His refusal means the FA could be left with a £12million payout if it decides to axe Capello after an extraordinary decision to renegotiate his £6million-a-year contract five weeks ago, removing a clause which would allow either party to terminate the contract after the World Cup.

The England team, every one a millionaire, also faced severe criticism for their lacklustre performance.


No goal: Lampard's 39th-minute effort wasn't given, despite clearly being over the line


Feeling blue: David Cameron said he was 'gutted' at the result after breaking away from the G20 summit in Toronto to watch the game. By unhappy coincidence, he was joined in front of the TV by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who apologised to him after admitting Lampard's over-the-line shot should have been a goal


Disbelief: England fan Emma Bains reacts while watching the World Cup match against Germany


But Capello and his men could still escape being the villains of the piece because of the extraordinary goal which should have been.

It came a minute after England had pulled back the score to 2-1 following two early goals by the Germans.

Lampard's shot hit the bar before dropping and clearly crossing the German goalline.

Linesman Mauricio Espinosa - also from Uruguay - did not give the goal and his compatriot Larrionda waved play on.

Their mistake was so bad that German Chancellor Angela Merkel even apologised to Prime Minister David Cameron as they watched the game together at the G20 summit in Toronto, Canada.

The incident brought back memories of England's crucial third goal in the 1966 World Cup final scored by Geoff Hurst against Germany.


Dejected: John Terry and ambassador David Beckham leave the ground on the team coach after their defeat


As the teams left the field at half time, a clearly angry David Beckham waited for the officials and motioned with his arms apart just how far the ball had crossed the line.

William Hill said it would pay out to customers who bet on Lampard scoring against Germany.

An estimated television audience of 30million had watched the crucial match on the hottest day of the year so far.

Motorways emptied and shopping centres across England were transformed into ghost towns as all eyes turned to South Africa.


Fans: Festival-goers at Glastonbury took time out from the live music to support England - but it was all in vain


Defeat: The crushing disappointment is clear as football fans in Bristol watch the score go from bad to worse


Downcast: England fans in Queens Square, Bristol watching the fateful game


Blown it: An England fan looks on dejected at the final whistle


At the Glastonbury Festival, 50,000 revellers turned their backs on the bands to pack into a field where the match was shown.

Thousands more congregated at special fan parks, including 13,500 in Castlefield, Manchester, and 7,000 in Queen Square, Bristol.

Falling out of the tournament will be a blow not just to fans but to the economy. But the consolation for England's followers was that at least they didn't lose to Argentina in the next round.

For a traditional village fete in Hertfordshire, the effect was particularly dramatic.

At 2.15pm in Shenley, hundreds of families had packed on to the playing fields for ferret racing, a tug-of-war and a hog roast.

But by 3pm, the tombola was deserted, leaving only a handful of forlorn-looking stallholders to pack up and go home.

In Bournemouth, thousands of hopeful England fans left the beaches to see the game - then wished they hadn't.

At the Pig and Whistle pub, close to the beach, Phil Hoyle, 35, who runs an events company in the town, said: 'That was awful to watch.

'I don't mind us losing when we are beaten by a better side - but I do mind when the players didn't really try.'

At the Manchester big screen, thousands left before the final whistle as it became obvious that England were heading for ignominious defeat.


Game over: Wayne Rooney reacts after England's defeat


Getting the blues: Mick Jagger watches the England team on their way to defeat


Disappointment: England fans in Manchester react as Germany score another goal


Among them was teacher Thomas Jones, 28, from Preston, who said the England players should 'hang their heads in shame'.

He added: 'They think they are world-class players but their performances don't justify their massive salaries.

'I am embarrassed to be English today.'

But Martin Delfrate, 42, from Macclesfield, blamed the disallowed Frank Lampard goal for England's exit.




'If it was 2-2 at half time we would have come out and would not have been slaughtered like we have been today,' he said.

At Glastonbury, 55-year-old Terry Jenkins said: 'If it wasn't so painful I'd laugh.

'The players should be met by boos when they arrive back at Heathrow.
'I might even go myself to tell them how I feel.'


Oh no! For some fans watching the game in London, it was all too much


Desolate: Fabio Capello, pictured after the game, reacted angrily to the referee's controversial goal decision


source: dailymail