Before every match fans predict which team is going to be the winner. Some times their prediction matches with the real result. But there is a sea creature which is predicting correctly about every match. The prognosticating octopus, which perfectly predicted the result of every game which is played by Germany in this World Cup including the loss to Spain in the semi-finals, sticks with the Spaniards against the Dutch in the final and ultimate match.

The name of the octopus is Paul. In a recent prediction it has given indication to the final result in the championship match. According to the predictor, the cup in going to be won by Spain before the second semifinals it had indicated that Spain is going to win the match and the result was the same. Now, again it is taking the side of the Spanish football team.

It also predicts that the third place achiever of the World Cup 2010 will be Germany. Paul’s popularity has earned him his own page in Facebook in addition to calls to lend his special super natural powers. A reporter who is a Greek asked whether Paul could predict the end of his country’s financial crisis or not, while in the Middle East commentators wanted to have Paul choose the next Iraqi prime minister.

And it seems Paul the Octopus gets it all right! Spain brings home the World Cup 2010 trophy beating out the Netherlands soccer squad. The German soccer team gets third place.

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Netherlands, Paul the Octopus, Spain, world cup 2010, World Cup champion

After a four year probe on the Southern California football and men’s basketball programs, the NCAA reveal their surprising findings last Thursday. The Trojan football program have received two-year bowl ban and reducing of their scholarships in the next three years. This would definitely cripple the team that was dominating the last decade. They also received probation for four years. This is due to the lack of institutional control. They must withdraw all the victories they gained like the Heisman Trophy starting 2004.

The USC Team also would lose their 2004 Bowl Championship Series title. In the statement made by the school, they would accept penalty but appeal to those the ones that were excessive. This sanctions that they plan to appeal wasn’t specified.

Todd Dickey, USC’s senior vice president for administration said:

We acknowledge that violations occurred, and we take full responsibility for them. However, we sharply disagree with many of the findings in the NCAA Committee on Infractions Report. Further, we feel the penalties imposed are too severe for the violations identified in the report.

The NCAA took no action in the men’s basketball team. The school didn’t play last season and were asked to vacate their wins in 2007-2008. This is because of the violations that involved OJ mayo. The whole allegations started in 2006 when a player and his family were receiving thousands of dollars from sports marketers.

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: basketball team, college basketball, college football, institutional control, NCAA, scholarship cuts, southern california, USC, USC Trojans

Guest analyst Mike Dunleavy is the former coach of four NBA teams namely Clippers, Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers. He said that Lakes bag game 2 because of Defense and Derek Fisher. The last quarter of the game was when Fisher was so impressive.

Fisher made three big ones at the final stretch to win one for the team. He has the ability to play through tough situation. Los Angeles Lakers really played up on defense especially against Ray Allen who made 8 three pointers in the last game. He came up short in this game and it was attributed to the defense of Lakers.

In Game 2 Lakers let Boston have a tempo however in this game didn’t get a chance to get on the open court. Rajon Ron wasn’t putting in the rim and make passes like what he did in game 2. Celtics didn’t have time to get their game going and put on shot. The only negative thing with Lakers is the fact that they drift away from Gasol. It was hard to ignore Gasol because of its length and very timely footwork. The Lakers would want to give him the ball especially his field-goal percentage. For Boston, they need to have a formula like defend better, push the ball, control the tempo. They also need their three big players to work — Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Allen.

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: boston celtics, derek fisher, kevin garnett, la lakers, Mike Dunleavy, milwaukee bucks, nba finals, Pau Gasol, paul pierce, ray allen

Spain has always been near the top when it comes to soccer. This year, though, a lot are revering them as a match or even better than the Brazilians. Spain is famous for underachieving in the World Cup despite their elite lineups. They have only been in the top four once and that was way back in 1950. This year, they are the favorite though. Their performance in the 2008 European Championships astounded the world and has given them a huge following, even larger than Brazil’s.

Spain is known for their possession game. They are fond of short passing and controlling the ball. FC Barcelona is said to be a huge influence as many of the national team players are from here.

Experts have already predicted how Spain will fare in the coming games. They are said to win easily in the first round though their opponents will be some challenge. Spain’s group mates are Chile, Switzerland and Honduras.

In the second round, they are up for the ride of their lives. Their probable opponents will be Brazil, Portugal or Ivory Coast. Brazil is a huge factor to consider. After all, they have the most number of World Cup victories. This year, though, Brazil’s lineup is not as astounding as the previous years.

Argentina is another opponent to consider. Their flair surpasses even that of Brazil’s but their coach is another story. Before getting addicted to drugs, Diego Maradona was undoubtedly the best player in the Argentina. Some even considered him the best in the world. He single-handedly brought Argentina the World Cup gold as a player before. Can he do it as a coach this time around?

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: argentina, Diego Maradona, FC Barcelona, FIFA, ivory coast, South Africa, world cup 2010

As the much anticipated sporting event of the year,  World Cup 2010 in South Africa is already in full swing.  All over the world, people are excited to see their bets battle it out in the field to be on top of the competition.

If you don’t have the bucks to watch the soccer games in South Africa, you might as well wait for it on television. Here are the FIFA World Cup 2010 Game Schedules so you won’t miss a beat:

FIFA World Cup 2010 Groups

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France.
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece.
Group C: England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana.
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon.
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia.
Group G: Brazil North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal.
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile.

2010 FIFA World Cup Schedule ( All Times Local UTC+2)

First Round:

June 11 Friday

16:00 – South Africa Vs Mexico – Johannesburg (SC)
20:30 – Uruguay Vs France – Cape Town

June 12 Saturday

13:30 – South Korea Vs Greece – Johannesburg (SC)
16:00 – Argentina Vs Nigeria – Port Elizabeth (Ellis)
20:30 – England Vs USA– Rustenburg

June 13 Sunday

13:30 – Algeria Vs Slovenia – Polokwane
16:00 – Serbia Vs Ghana – Pretoria
20:30 – Germany Vs Australia – Durban

June 14 Monday

13:30 – Netherlands Vs Denmark – Johannesburg (SC)
16:00 – Japan Vs Cameroon – Bloemfontein
20:30 – Italy Vs Paraguay – Cape Town

June 15 Tuesday

13:30 – New Zealand Vs Slovakia – Rustenburg
16:00 – Ivory Coast Vs Portugal – Port Elizabeth
20:30 – Brazil Vs North Korea – Johannesburg (Ellis)

June 16 Wednesday

13:30 – Honduras Vs Chile – Nelspruit
16:00 – Spain Vs Switzerland – Durban
20:30 – South Africa Vs Uruguay – Pretoria

June 17 Thursday

13:30 – Argentina Vs South Korea – Johannesburg (SC)
16:00 – Greece Vs Nigeria – Bloemfontein
20:30 – France Vs Mexico – Polokwane

June 18 Friday

13:30 – Germany Vs Serbia – Port Elizabeth
16:00 – Slovenia Vs USA – Johannesburg (Ellis)
20:30 – England Vs Algeria – Cape Town

June 19 Saturday

13:30 – Netherlands Vs Japan – Durban
16:00 – Ghana Vs Australia – Rustenburg
20:30 – Cameroon Vs Denmark – Pretoria

June 20 Sunday

13:30 – Slovakia Vs Paraguay – Bloemfontein
16:00 – Italy Vs New Zealand – Nelspruit
20:30 – Brazil Vs Ivory Coast – Johannesburg (SC)

June 21 Monday

13:30 – Portugal Vs North Korea – Cape Town
16:00 – Chile Vs Switzerland – Port Elizabeth
20:30 – Spain Vs Honduras – Johannesburg (Ellis)

June 22 Tuesday

16:00 – Mexico Vs Uruguay – Rustenburg
16:00 – France Vs South Africa – Bloemfontein
20:30 – Nigeria Vs South Korea – Durban
20:30 – Greece Vs Argentina – Polokwane

June 23 Wednesday

16:00 – Slovenia Vs England – Port Elizabeth
16:00 – USA Vs Algeria – Pretoria
20:30 – Ghana Vs Germany – Johannesburg (SC)
20:30 – Australia Vs Serbia – Nelspruit

June 24 Thursday

16:00 – Slovakia Vs Italy – Johannesburg (Ellis)
16:00 – Paraguay Vs New Zealand – Polokwane
20:30 – Denmark Vs Japan – Rustenburg
20:30 – Cameroon Vs Netherlands – Cape Town

June 25 Friday

16:00 – Portugal Vs Brazil – Durban
16:00 – North Korea Vs Ivory Coast – Nelspruit
20:30 – Chile Vs Spain – Pretoria
20:30 – Switzerland Vs Honduras – Bloemfontein

Second Round – ROUND OF 16

June 26 Saturday

16:00 – Group A winner Vs Group B 2nd place – Port Elizabeth
20:30 – Group C winner Vs Group D 2nd place – Rustenburg

June 27 Sunday

16:00 – Group D winner Vs Group C 2nd place – Bloemfontein
20:30 – Group B winner Vs Group A 2nd place – Johannesburg (SC)

June 28 Monday

16:00 – Group E winner Vs Group F 2nd place – Durban
20:30 – Group G winner Vs Group H 2nd place – Johannesburg (Ellis)

June 29 Tuesday

16:00 – Group F winner Vs Group E 2nd place – Pretoria
20:30 – Group H winner Vs Group G 2nd place – Cape Town

Quarter-finals

July 2 Friday

16:00 – 1st Quarter-final – Port Elizabeth
20:30 – 2nd Quarter-final – Johannesburg (SC)

July 3 Saturday

16:00 – 3rd Quarter-final – Cape Town
20:30 – 4th Quarter-final – Johannesburg (Ellis)

Semi-finals:

July 6 Tuesday

20:30 – 1st Semi-final – Cape Town

July 7 Wednesday

20:30 – 2nd Semi-final – Durban

Third Place (July 10 Saturday)

20:30 – Semi-final losers – Port Elizabeth

Final (July 11 Sunday)

20:30 – Semi-final winners – Johannesburg (SC)

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: FIFA, game schedules, South Africa, united states, world cup 2010

Wayne Rooney may be at risk of being ejected in a World Cup game if he continues to behave hot headedly toward the referees. The incident being reminisced is the England team’s 3-0 victory over Platinum Stars at the Moruleng Stadium last Monday.

Rooney had only been introduced in the 2nd half and his presence really changed the game. He even gave the team their third goal. However, referee Jeff Selogilwe said that Rooney threw a lot of verbal abuse his way.

He said Rooney insulted him. According to reports, Rooney was not happy with the decisions the ref had been giving especially him not calling a lot of fouls against England.

Selogilwe told reporters that Rooney is definitely a good player but on the field, he’s different than when you see him on television. In television, you don’t hear the string of insults he hurls at the referee.

“He must learn to control his temper. He could get sent off in the World Cup, especially if he uses this kind of language” advised the referee to Rooney.

Fabio Capello is no doubt worried about these comments as the American team has reportedly said that they will use Rooney’s short temper to their advantage.

On the other hand, teammate Jermain Defoe says that Rooney’s personality is alright the way it is. He comments on Rooney’s temper, “When you’ve got that fire in your belly as a player, if you take that away from him then he won’t be the same player.”

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: england team, Fabio Capello, jermain defoe, referee, Soccer, wayne rooney, world cup 2010

The Or Tambo International Airport has been under siege from thousands of Americans taking their vacation in South Africa. These Americans came from different cities such as New York, Atlanta and Washington. Others who were not so fortunate to get direct flights arrived groggy as their connecting flights took up to 2 days to complete.

Americans go to this continent to explore Kruger National Park or hike the Table Mountain. Some are interested in Nelson Mandela’s fight and choose to trace his path. This time around, the exodus of Americans is for a different reason though. Yes, it’s the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
There are only 3 days left to go before the soccer spectacle the whole world awaits is to start.

Statistics show that during this World Cup, the largest number of ticket holders did not come from countries that hold soccer as their primary sport. The country that has the most ticket holders is amazingly the United States, the country that focuses on Baseball, American Football and Basketball of course.

FIFA stated that more than 130,000 of the nearly 3 million tickets went to Americans. Apart from the host country, the United States garnered the most ticket purchases.

Not all of them are going to support the American World Cup team though. Inhabitants of the United States are fans of various teams such as Mexico, Honduras and other Latin American nations.

The main point of this all is soccer’s growing influence in a country that is so engrossed in other games. This comes as a big shock.

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 2010 World Cup ceremonies, FIFA, nelson mandela, Soccer, South Africa, ticket holders, ticket sales, united states

In the first two games in the NBA finals, Pau Gasol has put in the board 48 points, 22 rebounds and 9 blocks. According to Chip Schaefer the Lakers’ athletic performance director, the Spaniards player is hustling out there during the practices. Gasol’s play can be described as blando or soft which he was trying to get away with this kind of game. According to him, blando is trying to avoid contact and when you get to him, he wants out of the game. There is no competitive aspect in the player. The series is now on the side of Boston because they won the 2nd game.

The Lakers won the first game partly because of Gasol’s effectiveness. Of course, they lose the second round not because of Gasol. In 2008, Celtics won the championship because they were over matched in terms of physical. In the next game, Gasol and Bryant will have to be at their best because the home court advantage is gone. Although Gasol’s game is often referred to as soft, it is now beautiful and elegant like a comforter. They often stereotyped some international basketball players.

It was 2008 when Gasol was traded to Lakers. He seemed to fit a triangle offense which emphasis on mental and physical talents. This came too easily for him. Let us see if Lakers will win another title or lose again to Celtics. Let us also observe if Gasol will not play a soft game.

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: athletic performance, boston celtics, home court advantage, la lakers, nba finals, Pau Gasol, physical talents, rebounds, triangle offense

Unusual to many, Tiger Woods is content with a 19th place finish in the recent Memorial Golf Tournament. Even more surprising is that it is in Jack Nicklaus’ tournament, one which he has won 4 times. This was his worst ever finish in the Memorial Tournament, finishing 12 strokes over Justin Rose who won brought home the champion’s trophy.

Woods however has other goals in mind. His target is the majors as well as breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record. He says he is getting into better shape for the upcoming U.S. Open. This time around he will be without a coach though.

It’s good though that Woods has gotten his sense of humor back. When teased about his 72-69-69-72 rounds, he replied, “Well, I’m capable of playing four rounds in a row. Thank you.” This is a nice improvement after everything that has happened in his life especially this last six months.

Who couldn’t forget the scandal that plagued Woods and cost him a lot of sponsors? His cheerfulness just proves that he is able to cope with any difficulty that arises in his life and he is strong enough to turn his life around.

The U.S. Open will be played at Pebble Beach which coincidentally Woods owns. He has one week to practice and has high hopes in the coming tournament. He says that he has been getting better and better with every round. “I hit some shots that I hadn’t hit in a long time,” says Tiger. Fans are enthusiastic about his performance in the forthcoming tournaments and wish him the best of luck.

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Golf, Jack Nicklaus, Justin Rose, Memorial Golf Tournament, Tiger Woods, US Open

On Monday, a stampede injured 16 people prior to a World Cup friendly game between Nigeria and North Korea. However, FIFA has cleared out that this incident is in no way related to their organization of the 2010 World Cup. They are still confident that the fixtures will remain peaceful the entire month in South Africa.

Despite their statement, media has still enjoyed publishing this story. The organizers couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable with the situation after they have assured the world that security in South Africa would be in order. Headlines like “Soccer Stampede Mayhem” only aggravated the situation.

A lot of those injured feared for their lives. Princess Mbali said:

When we were coming in, they were just stepping on us. I thought I was dying. I was at the bottom.

Among the 16 injured, only one was severely injured and that man was a police officer. The cause of the stampede was said to be a number of fans who tried to force their way in since they didn’t have tickets.

Lt. Col. Eugene Opperman, the official police spokesman, said that prior to the match, 8000 free tickets had been distributed and those who were not privileged enough to avail of them tried to force their way in before the kick-off.

Police officers did not know who distributed the tickets and FIFA has stated that it did not come from them.

This incident serves as a reminder of the probable setbacks the tournament might experience. Hopefully it will remain as a reminder and not turn out as a preview of things to come.

© admin for Work at Home News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 2010 World Cup ceremonies, FIFA, Nigeria, North Korea, Soccer, South Africa, stampede