Spain's goal against Portugal

Graphics shows the goal of Spain in round of 16 match against Portugal at the 2010 South Africa World Cup on June 29, 2010.
(Xinhua)

Football baby cheers favourite team with hot bikini photos

Jiang Yihan

Jiang Yihan

Jiang Yihan

Jiang Yihan

(Photo: chinanews.com.cn)

New Glamorous Wedding Dress

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Netherlands beats Slovakia 2-1 in World Cup

Martin Jakubko (L) of Slovakia is defended during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against the Netherlands at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa, on June 28, 2010. Netherlands won 2-1 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

DURBAN, South Africa, June 28 -- Goals from Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder gifted the Netherlands a 2-1 win over Slovakia here on Monday and a berth in 2010 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Robben, a dribbling master for Bayern Munich, cut inside from the right in the 18th minute, dancing past two defenders outside the box and firing a shot in the near post.

Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart dropped to the bench to give Robben a chance to start for the first time in this World Cup and the latter made it.

Robben said after the game that he had been out for quite a long time and he knew he "must be explosive" in the match.

"I played confidently in the game, but I know it was not my top form," he noted. "The most important thing is that we win the first match of the knockout stage. We will relax tonight and sit and watch the game between Brazil and Chile."

Before Robben's goal, both sides played cautiously in a balanced game.

After the goal, the game returned to slow track and both made few scoring chances in the first half.

Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk said:"I don't think we played that bad. We have created many scoring chances. Anyway, we came here for the biggest prize and we need wins first."

"We deserved the win today," he added. "Slovakia are very tough and they had chances to tie the score or even win the game."

"I must thanked Robben and our keeper today," he added.

Before the game, the Netherlands topped Group E with nine points, beating Denmark 2-0, Japan 1-0 and Cameroon 2-1. Slovakia, the World Cup debutants, finished second in Group F, drawing 1-1 with New Zealand, losing 2-0 to Paraguay, but stunning defending champions Italy 3-2 to advance.

After the interval, Slovakia sped up their attacking pace first and brought the whole game into quick tempo.

Around 51st minute, the Dutch men played superb football. Arsenal striker Van Persie worried defender Jan Durica, who cleared to Robben. Robben dribbled in the same way of his first half scoring and blasted a shot at almost the same point. But it was brilliantly turned round the post by Slovakia keeper Jan Mucha this time.

After seconds, Robben got into the area and found Van Persie, but Mucha made a wonderful save again, stopping it from point blank range with his face.

Around 66th minute, Slovakia shocked the Netherlands once and again. Midfielder Miroslav Stoch came inside and smashed a shot towards goal. Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg had to tip it over the bar.

After seconds, Robert Vittek, who had scored triple in this World Cup, was clean through. The ball fell to him and he had only the keeper to beat from 16 yards but he hit it right at Stekelenburg.

On 73 minutes, Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt had a crack from 25 yards and Mucha slipped on his way across before turning it behind for a corner.

The second goal came in the 84th minute when Mucha had a nightmare as he rushed out for a long ball and Kuyt stole it, squared and Sneijder tapped in.

However, in injury time, Stekelenburg brought down Vittek in the box to help the Slovakia top scorer grab his fourth goal in the World Cup from the spot.

The Netherlands will face the winners of Brazil vs Chile in the quarterfinals.

Dirk Kuyt (L) of the Netherlands and his teammate gesture to spectators after the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Slovakia at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa, on June 28, 2010. Netherlands won 2-1 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Martin Jakubko (R) of Slovakia gets past the Netherlands' goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (L) during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa, on June 28, 2010. Netherlands won 2-1 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Slovakia's Marek Hamsik vies with a player of the Netherlands during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa, on June 28, 2010. Netherlands won 2-1 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

The Netherlands' goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (1st L) is shown a yellow card by Spanish referee Alberto Undiano (1st R) during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa, on June 28, 2010. Netherlands won 2-1 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Nigel De Jong (L) of the Netherlands vies the ball during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Slovakia at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa, on June 28, 2010. Netherlands won 2-1 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Nigel De Jong (L) of the Netherlands vies with Robert Vittek during their 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa, on June 28, 2010. Netherlands won 2-1 and is qualified for the quarterfinals

Brazil thump Chile 3-0 in World Cup

Chile's Arturo Vidal reacts after the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Brazil at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 28, 2010.Brazil won 3-0 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

JOHANNESBURG, June 28 -- Brazil extended their winning streak against Chile to eight as the five-time champions triumphed 3-0 in Ellis Park Stadium on Monday to advance into the World Cup last eight.

A two-goal blitz in the first half and an hour-mark goal ensured Dunga's side a quarter-final meeting on Friday with the Netherlands, who beat World Cup debutants Slovakia 2-1 in Port Elizabeth the same day.

The two sides appeared even until the ninth minute, when Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva struck a dipping right-foot shot from 30 meters, which was pushed out by Chile keeper Claudio Bravo. Moments later, Kaka fired wide from the edge of the box.

Brazil opened the scoring at the 35th minute when Juan rose above the packed area to head home a cross swung in by Maicon.

Just three minutes later, Robinho ran down the left and fed Kaka who set up for Luis Fabiano. The Sevilla player beat the offside trap before slotting past Bravo.

It was Fabiano's third goal in the 2010 World Cup finals and eighth in South Africa, where he had topped the 2009 Confederations Cup scorers with five goals.

With a two-goal lead, Brazil were in safe zone.

Brazil had won all 33 previous World Cup finals matches when they were 2-0 up and it have been seven years since Brazil lost a two goal lead in a competitive match - drawing 3-3 with Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier in November 2003.

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa made a double change at the break, throwing in midfielders Rodrigo Tello and Jorge Valdivia to replace out-of-form forward Mark Gonzalez and defender Pablo Contreras.

The second half saw Brazil playing with unrivaled swagger and pressing the opponents as they wished.

At the 59th minute, Ramires stole the ball and ran down the center before passing to Robinhuo, who fired past Bravo to put the Brazilians 3-0 up.

"It was a nice game and the Chileans played well, but Brazil were able to play a balanced and controled game," said the Brazilian coach after the match.

"Chile is a very fast moving team, we have to use very rapid, aggressive players," Dunga added.

Chile coach said loopholes in his side's defence cost them dearly.

"Brazilians were quick to take advantage of loopholes in our defense," said Bielsa.

Brazil's head coach Dunga (L) celebrates the victory after the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Chile at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 28, 2010.Brazil won 3-0 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Brazil's players celebrates their victory after the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Chile at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 28, 2010.Brazil won 3-0 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Brazil's Kaka celebrates a goal during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Chile at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 28, 2010.Brazil won 3-0 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Chile's Humberto Suazo (L) vies with Brazil's Lucio during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 28, 2010.Brazil won 3-0 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Arturo Vidal (front) of Chile breaks through during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Brazil at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 28, 2010.Brazil won 3-0 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

Chile's goalkeeper Claudio Bravo (L) saves a ball during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Brazil at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 28, 2010.Brazil won 3-0 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

NBA star Kobe visits Johannesburg

Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant poses for a photograph in front of an image of Brazil's Luis Fabiano (R) and Portugal's Criatiano Ronaldo, in downtown Johannesburg June 27, 2010.

Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant poses for a photograph in front of an image of Brazil's Luis Fabiano (R) and Portugal's Criatiano Ronaldo, in downtown Johannesburg June 27, 2010.

(Reuters)

Argentina, Germany to meet in World Cup quarters following controversial wins

Combination photo shows Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer watching the ball cross the line during the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against England at Free State stadium in Bloemfontein June 27, 2010. England were denied an equalising goal on Sunday when a Frank Lampard shot from 20 metres out hit the crossbar and dropped well over the line.

Glen Johnson (L) of England vies with Lukas Podolski of Germany during the 1/8 final match between England and Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Free State stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Germany won 4-1 and is qualified for the quarterfinals.

JOHANNESBURG, June 27 -- Argentina set up a World Cup quarterfinal showdown with Germany on Sunday after defeating Mexico 3-1 in an entertaining second round clash at Soccer City Stadium.

Carlos Tevez scored twice - once clearly offside while Gonzalo Higuain capitalized on a defensive error to top the tournament goalscorers with four in four matches.

Earlier Sunday, Germany beat England 4-1 but that game was also mired in controversy after the referee ruled out a clear goal from England midfielder Frank Lampard with the score at 2-1.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona was pleased with the win, but admitted Germany would be a step up from the hard-working Mexicans.

"I feel like pulling on the jersey and playing myself," said Maradona.

"We know Germany are a different team to the side we faced in Mexico. They are stronger, but we will field the right players to beat them."

Argentina went ahead on 26 minutes when Tevez headed into an empty net from close range after Lionel Messi had latched onto a loose ball toward goal. TV Replays showed Tevez to be offside, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti allowed the goal to stand despite protests from the Mexicans.

Higuain then capitalized on a blunder by Mexico defender Ricardo Osorio who passed the ball straight to Higuain just outside the penalty box. The Argentinean striker calmly rounded goalkeeper Oscar Perez before slotting into an empty net in the 33rd.

Tevez arguably scored the goal of the tournament so far on 52 minutes by smashing an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner just outside the penalty area.

Mexico forward Javier Hernandez earned his side a consolation goal when he fired a shot past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero in the 71st minute.

Argentina's Carlos Tevez (L) controls the ball during the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010.

Germany powered into the last eight by crushing England 4-1 in a match that will be remembered for the goal not awarded to Lampard.

England coach Fabio Capello believed that referee Jorge Larrionda's wrong decision was the turning point and eventually caused a disastrous end to his team's South African journey.

"If we had been awarded the goal at 2-2, the game would be different," said the Italian.

"It's a big mistake from the referee. It's too important for us to go forward," he added.

Thomas Mueller finished two quick counterattacks within four minutes in the second half to sink England's hopes of beating Germany at the World Cup for the first time since the 1966 final and send the English to their worst ever defeat at a final tournament.

Miroslav Klose broke the deadlock after 20 minutes for Germany and opened the goal flush in a highly-anticipated match.

Lukas Podolski doubled the Germans' lead in the 32nd minute. Although England pulled one back only five minutes later through Upston's header, Thomas Mueller made a double within three minutes after the break to put the victory beyond the reach of Capello's squad.

Seven minutes before halftime, Lampard's blasting shot bounced off the underside of the bar and landed about half a meter over the goal-line.

The twist recalls the memory of England's highly controversial goal in the 1966 World Cup final against Germany, which was awarded and helped England lift the trophy with a 4-2 win on home soil. Ever since then, Germany have had the hex over the Three Lions at the World Cup, winning in 1970, drawing in 1982 and triumphing in the penalty shoot out in 1990.

Loew admitted the referee's mistake but emphasized their domination in most of the time.

"From TV images, I have to say this ball was across the line. It should be awarded," Loew said.

"After 2-0, we took control of the game. I have to say we were dominant over long patches.

"We were very aggressive, very pushy from the first minute. Our midfielders were very creative and helped us penetrate their defence. We should have been three to nil in the first half," he added.

Klose bagged his 50th goal for Germany and his personal 12th in the World Cup, only three short of Brazilian Ronaldo's record 15. The Bayern Munich forward could have even added two more but saw his efforts blocked.

Opposite to the tension before the game, both sides started lack of creativity and inspiration until when a Germany's long cross found dashing Miroslav Klose well, who held off Matt Upson in the box to poke the ball past David James.

At 2-1 down in the second half, Lampard had another chance to level the score but his free-kick hit the bar, again, and went wide this time.

The final stage of the match was all about Germans' break with pace and Mueller's brace were the fine conclusions of two lightening counter-attacks.

In the 67th minute, Bastian Schweinsteiger played a perfect pass for Mueller, who inside the area, smashed it off the body of David James and into the net. The 20-year-old grabbed his third goal in the tournament three minutes later when he whacked in Mesut Oezil's pass along the six-yard box.

Socks with shoes raising the style quotient

Go on with your gut feeling and wear ankle socks under your favorite pair of heels. Never give it a second thought as it no longer is a faux pas. The idea is sure to get your goose bumps if you are a fashion freak. There is no room to be skeptical about it as you can start looking at the bright side of it. Point one, socks are cheap. Point two, they take up considerably less space in your wardrobe and point three, they are wholly practical. Plus the latest fashion trends suggest that it is high time you experiment something daring.

If you are having long legs, then you are at the lucky end. Keep the socks bunched up at the ankles and it would make your legs looks shorten. It is of no surprise that it would look best on you and there would be a bonus if you have defined ankles. There are, of course options open to those not blesses with models’ legs. You can go for mid-calf versions, finer fabrics that don’t bunch too much and the like. Make yourself comfortable and try out very low sitting ankle socks that would just show a peep above your shoes.

Bring in the fashion trend and dare to look like female dandy with ankle or mid-calf socks. The chic side can also be downplayed with the socks gilding with the heels. They can even be paired with man-style flats like lace up oxfords. If you are concerned about the intensity of warmth that you would get, you can wear the socks on top of stockings which would give a layered look this season.

Argentina beat Mexico 3-1 to face Germany

Argentina's Carlos Tevez celebrates his score during the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010.

JOHANNESBURG, June 27 -- Argentina set up a World Cup quarterfinal showdown with Germany on Sunday after defeating Mexico 3-1 in an entertaining second round clash at Soccer City Stadium.

Carlos Tevez scored twice - once clearly offside while Gonzalo Higuain capitalized on a defensive error to top the tournament goalscorers with four in four matches.

Mexico forward Javier Hernandez earned his side a consolation goal when he smashed a shot past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero in the 71st minute.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said two mistakes cost his side the game.

"In the first few minutes we were superior. But then we conceded a goal which was offside and then there was an error in the defence. Two mistakes made a dramatic difference," said Aguirre.

Argentina went ahead on 26 minutes when Tevez headed into an empty net from close range after Lionel Messi had latched onto a loose ball toward goal. TV Replays showed Tevez to be offside, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti allowed the goal to stand despite protests from the Mexicans.

Higuain then capitalized on a blunder by Mexico defender Ricardo Osorio who passed the ball straight to Higuain just outside the penalty box. The Argentinean striker calmly rounded goalkeeper Oscar Perez before slotting into an empty net in the 33rd.

Tevez arguably scored the goal of the tournament so far on 52 minutes by smashing an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner just outside the penalty area.

Argentina's Angel Di Maria (R) vies with Mexico's Efrain Juarez during the 1/8 final match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010.

Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain (L) controls the ball during the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010.

Argentina's Javier Pastore (Top) breaks through during the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1.

Argentina's players celebrate winning the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1.

Argentina's coach Diego Maradona (R) celebrates after winning the 1/8 final match against Mexico at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1.

Argentina's Martin Demichelis (R) vies with Mexico's Guillermo Franco during the 1/8 final match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1.

Ball Gown Wedding Dress

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World number one Nadal battles into last 16 at Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates the victory after his second round match of men's singles against Robin Haase of Netherlands at the 2010 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Britain, June 24, 2010. Nadal won 3-2.

LONDON, June 26 -- World number one Rafael Nadal battled for five sets to advance into the round of last 16 at the Wimbledon Championships on Saturday.

Nadal, 24, couldn't split up with his German opponent Philipp Petzschner after four sets but managed to dominate the decider. The second seed finally won the match 6-4, 4-6, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-3.

The 2008 Wimbledon champion is going to meet Paul-Henri Mathieu from France in the next round.

(Xinhua)

Sharapova enters Wimbledon last 16

Maria Sharapova of Russia serves during her third round match of women's singles against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of Czech Republic in the 2010 Wimbledon Championships in London, Britain, June 26, 2010. Sharapova won 2-0 to meet Serena Williams among the last 16.

Maria Sharapova of Russia returns a shot during her third round match of women's singles against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of Czech Republic in the 2010 Wimbledon Championships in London, Britain, June 26, 2010. Sharapova won 2-0 to meet Serena Williams among the last 16.

Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates scoring during her third round match of women's singles against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic in the 2010 Wimbledon Championships in London, Britain, June 26, 2010. Sharapova won 2-0 to meet Serena Williams among the last 16.

Jolly moments of World Cup 2010 Version 2.0

(Photo Source: titan24.com)