UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WEDNESDAY GAMES FINAL RESULTS

UEFA Champions League continued tonight with the remaining two Spanish Football Clubs in action. Here are the final results along with the goalscorers.

Atletico de Madrid hosted Olympiakos for their Group A match. Important game for the Spaniards as they needed a win to secure their presence into the next stage of Champions League. The final result went the Spaniards way with a convincing 4 - 0 victory that included a HAT-TRICK by Mandzukic. Atletico could now finish top of Group A if they can draw/win their next match against Juventus, or lose by just one goal. 

A totally different story from the last time they meet in Athens, with At. Madrid dominating on all fronts with their habitual intensity, pressure Football & and their Croatian Forward Mandzukic in tune. 

Goals fell in the following order:

• Raul Garcia 9th min, 1 - 0
• Mandzukic 38th min, 2 - 0
• Mandzukic 62nd min, 3 - 0
• Mandzukic 65th min, 4 - 0

Basel FC hosted Real Madrid for their Group B match. The final result was a 0 - 1 win to Real Madrid, thus securing top spot of the Group & notching up their 15th straight win. However, misleading was the result as the locals gave the visitors a run for their money that could have given Real Madrid a surprise. 

Basel lost but showed they are a tough nut to crack with a solid defence, aggressive & brave that was perhaps let down by some less than effective finishing. They created & had goal chances in the second half & made Real Madrid sweat to keep them out.

The winner came in the 34th min when Benzema did his magic running the left wing to the corner line to find an incoming Cristiano Ronaldo who fired home. 

In conclusion, a tough night at the office for Real Madrid, but the job was done.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAMS | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WEDNESDAY GAMES FINAL RESULTS

The last two Spanish Football Clubs with UEFA Champions League Group duties played their games tonight with positive outcomes, but hard worked by but sides. Here are the final results along with all the goalscorers.

Atletico de Madrid hosted Juventus FC in their Group A clash with the following starting 11:

Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Ansaldi; Tiago, Koke, Saúl, Arda Turan; Raul García & Mandzukic.

A must win situation for the Spanish Football Club in order to remain open for Group qualification. Atletico de Madrid did not disappoint with a gutsy 1 - 0 win which was won with sweat & heart.

The reality was that these two teams are similar & have plenty of muscle in the midfield that neutralised each other for most of the game. Both teams showed their teeth all match with hard play, strict tactical positioning & creating little real chances. 

Atletico de Madrid pulled from heart in the second half & took advantage of a tiring Italian side that was paying for their tremendous first half effort. The grid-lock was broken in the 74th min when Atletico defender Juanfran crossed into the squared & the ball found Arda Turan who scored the winner. Atletico de Madrid Coach Simeone then took off forwards & packed more the midfield to secure the result. 

A great win for Atletico de Madrid who put in an amazing match of pressure Football neutralizing Tevez & Llorente, apart for "destroying" the play making abilities of Juventus in the midfield. The Italian can leave with their head up high as they too proved "rocky", courageous & had their chances to score.

Real Madrid travelled to Bulgaria (Sofia) to play Ludogorets in their Group B match with the following starting 11:

Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Illarra, Modric, Isco; Bale, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, & Cristiano Ronaldo.

The final result was a 1 - 2 victory to Real Madrid which had some serious scares & had to sweat to get their victory.

The Bulgarian Team showed plenty of personality & some great counter-attacking Football that really troubled Real Madrid all match. The Spaniards had to work & had some luck not to have finished with a draw. Iker Casillas had to pull off a flying save to secure the victory for Real Madrid. Speaking of goalkeepers the Ludogorets goalie Stojanov stopped a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the 11th min & later made three more incredible saves, including a Bale header that had goal written on the ball. 

The Bulgarians scored first in the 6th min through Marcelinho - another corner-defensive lapse from Real Madrid. Then the Spaniards missed a penalty that Cristiano Ronaldo failed to convert, but he made up for it in the 24th min equalizing with another penalty opportunity. 

Real Madrid was not able to secure things until substitutes James & Benzema combined to see the Frenchman score from the Colombian pass in the 74th min. From this moment onwards Real Madrid suffered to the end to get their 3 points.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAMS FINAL RESULTS | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE kicked off this season with Group matches & two of the four Spanish Football representatives in action tonight. Here is a brief summary of events, with final results & goalscorers.

Spanish Football Club Atletico de Madrid travelled to Greece to meet Olympiakos in their Group A match. An unexpected result with Olympiakos winning 3 - 2 At. Madrid & complicating things for the Spaniards in their quest to repeat their marvellous Champions League run last season as finalists.

The novelty for Atletico was the start of goalkeeper Jan Oblak over regular goalie Moya, & defender Ansaldi. Some Football observers have quickly come out of the wood-work to criticise Coach Simeone for putting on Oblak who frankly has had better nights & may have done better in the first Greek goal. However, Atletico was not as tight as usual in defence & made mistakes that cost them goals, especially the last & third Olympiakos goal when Ansaldi made a poor defensive mistake. 

Olympiakos took well their chances & converted in the correct moments which indicates their excellent effectiveness tonight. Atletico de Madrid deserved at least the draw as the team lifted their game in the second half especially when Griezmann came on. The Spanish Team created chances but failed to "nail" them, & the Olympiakos Spanish goalkeeper Roberto also played his part to keep out the ball. 

Here are all the goals in order:

• Masuaku 13th min , 1-0
• Afellay 31th min  , 2-0
• Mandzukic 37th min, 2-1 
• Mitroglou 73rd min, 3-1
• Griezmann 86th min, 3-2

As the goal order illustrates Atletico had their best moments in the second half until the commented defensive mistake allowed Mitroglou to score & put the wind out of the Spanish sails.

Good win for the Greeks who get off to  flying start & a disappointing result for Atletico de Madrid which perhaps deserved more for the Football shown. That´s Football.

Real Madrid hosted Basilea in their Group B match & won 5 - 1. Therapeutic victory which will calm the rough waters these past days over the poor Real Madrid play in Liga & some unjust Iker Casillas treatment from home fans. 

Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti surprised with young defender Nacho starting over veteran Alvaro Albeloa which has opened up speculation about the latter & his near future at the Club. Said this, Nacho played a great match, even opening up the goal scoring for his team. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas was whistle again tonight until he saved a fantastic one on one situation late second half which shut a few mouths. Karim Benzema finally got out of his "dry spell" & scored the fifth goal which should lift his confidence. 

The 5-1 result is deceptive, Real Madrid continues to show symptoms of decomposition in the second half. Tonight the best moments for Real Madrid was the first 40 min of play where most of their goals arrived. The rest of the time saw defensive & midfield lapses-mistakes that allowed Basilea to create chances & make Real Madrid look out performed.

Here are the goals in order:

•  Suchy own goal (Nacho) 14tth min, 1-0
• Gareth Bale 30th min , 2-0
• Cristiano Ronaldo 32nd min, 3-0
• James Rodriguez 37th min, 4-0
• Derlis Gonzalez 39th min, 4-1
• Karim Benzema 79th min, 5-1 

Cristiano Ronaldo was again the main engine of his team with an excellent performance. The Portuguese not only scored tonight but surpassed Messi in Champions League goals (68 goals) & is only three away from Raul Gonzalez (Real Madrid) & his historic Champions League goal record of 71 goals.

Good start for Real Madrid, but still has 2º half playing & defensive issues to solve. 

Tomorrow Spanish Football Clubs FC Barcelona & Athletic Club Bilbao will be in action.

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL RESULTS | REAL MADRID - REAL SOCIEDAD

UEFA Champions League had two Spanish Football Clubs in action tonight with their last Group match duties. Real Madrid as expected qualified as leader of Group B while Real Sociedad said goodbye last placed of Group A & without even qualifying for the Europa League.

Following are the final results - scores & the goalscorers

Real Madrid won Copenhague 0 - 2 giving the Spanish Football Club 5 wins & a draw in theie Group participation. In the process Real Madrid scored its 800 th goal in Champions League, 31 straight games scoring & Cristiano Roanldo who scored the second in the 48th min managed the record of being the goalscorer with 9 goals in the Champions League Group phase surpassing Crespo (2002-03), Inzaghi (2002-03) & Van Nistelrooy which have previously the record with 8 goals. Apart CR7 equals Van Nistelrooy as the third all time Champions League goalscorer.

The match was relatively dominated by the Spaniards on a difficult & uneven ground that made ball control very difficult. The Danes created "luke warm" chances & they only came close when Copenhague player Delaney had correctly a goal disallowed when he fouled goalie Iker Casillas on the goal line in the 40th min. The Danes had some chances in the 2º half but they were not effective as Real Madrid missed many more including a post by CR7 in the 75th min &  missed a penalty by Cristiano Ronaldo in the 87th min. Towards the end of the game Bale also missed a good opportunity.

The first half gave the first goal to Real Madrid in the 25th min when Modric did his magic & curled a perfectly placed ball into the top left corner of the goal. Beautiful execution from the "man of the match" - my opinion - who was later taken off late in the game with a knock.

Names to mention for Real Madrid are Pepe & Nacho solid in defence, Xabi Alonso great in the centre of the field & Benzema who did a "dirty job" tonight of contention & setting up his team-mates. 

Real Sociedad said goodbye from Europe without being able to give their home fans the pleasure of at least a victory. The Group A game finished with a 0 - 1 result in favour of the Germans Bayern Laverkusen. The Spanish team did not stop trying but failed to get pass the solid German defence & then finish off chances once created. Real Sociedad forward Griezmann had a bad night & could not convert his many chances into goal, it was the tonic of the night for Real Sociedad which ends the Champions League Group adventure with 0 points.

The winner came from a set piece to which Leverkusen player Toprak managed to score in the 50th min. It was enough as the Germans who qualify for the next stage of the Champions League competition.

Tomorrow Spanish Football Clubs FC Barcelona & Atletico de Madrid are in action in their respective Champions League Groups.

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL RESULTS | REAL SOCIEDAD - REAL MADRID GAMES

UEFA Champions League Group matches continued tonight with Spanish Football Clubs Real Sociadad & Real Madrid with their respective matches. Bad news away in the Ukraine for Real Sociedad & good news for Real Madrid with their home duty. Here is a brief summary of events, the final results-scores & all the goalscorers.

Ukrainian Club Shakhtar Donetsk won 4 - 0 Real Sociedad in their Group A match. The home team managed to grab second place - for now - of the Group & get ahead by 1 point over German Club Leverkusen. Sadly the loss by Real Sociedad puts them last on the Group table which eliminates them from the next rounds of Champions League & unfortunately also does not make the Spanish Club eligible for the Europa League competition.

Too many mistakes by the Real Sociedad defence allowing Shakhtar to score relatively easy goals, plus Shakhtar player Douglas exploded mid second half to put on his magic & sink further a demoralized Real Sociedad as they saw their European dream fade out. The goals came in the following manner:

• Luiz Adriano 37th min 
• Alex Teixeira 48th min
• Douglas 68th min ( brilliant goal)
• Douglas 87th min 

The Ukrainians play their qualification into the next round of Champions gainst Bayern Leverkusen in the last Group game. Shaktar needs a draw or a win , while a win by the Germans puts them through!

Real Madrid hosted fellow Group B Club Galatasaray with the Turks needing a win to keep firm their Champions League hopes. However the final result was a 4 - 1 victory to Real Madrid who ran over Galatasaray in the 2º half with only 10 men as Sergio Ramos saw a red card mid 1ºst half. Galatasaray are third with 4 points with Juventus second with 6 points, & both will meet in the last Group game where only a victory will suffice for Galatasaray. Real Madrid guarantees the top spot of Group B with 4 victories & 1 draw & currently 13 points.

Real Madrid was without Cristiano Ronaldo & this allowed young Jese a run, but that was short lived when Ramos was sent off leaving his team with 10 men. Jese was sacrificed for another youngster defender Nacho. 

The game started with Bale missing a "sitter" in the 3rd min which he later made up with a screamer free-kick goal in the 37th min to open things up for the Spanish Club. However, Galatasaray answered immediately after Drogba superbly found Bulut who equalized in the 40th min. Things looked equal at this point with Real Madrid still finding themselves in a disadvantage but the Turks "strangely" disappeared thereafter. They nearly redeemed themselves in the 2º half  but Casillas made a huge save from a Drogba header.

The second half saw Di Maria, Isco, Bale, Illara & Xabi Alonso ( on for Casemiro ) all lift in their game with a special mention to defender Arbeloa who "starred" & was pivotal. Alvaro Arbeloa scored the second goal in the 51st min, missed a close one soon after & then set up the third for Di Maria in the 62nd min. The last goal was an Isco "gem" with some class individual dribbling ( plus some luck ) that culminated in his goal & the Real Madrid 4th in the 81st min.

It was an amazing finish from a team down 10 men & surprising to watch the ineffectiveness of Galatasaray under such circumstances. The Turks now play Juventus for the prized second place of Group B were only a victory serves Galatasaray while the Italians have margin to at least go through with a draw. 

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | REAL MADRID - REAL SOCIEDAD GROUP GAMES

UEFA Champions League action tonight with two Spanish Football Clubs - Real Madrid & Real Sociedad - with Group match duties. Here is a brief summary of the main events, the final results - scores & all the goalscorers.

It was a virtual final for Juventus as they needed at least not to lose & thus stay in touch in the Champions League tournament, while Real Madrid needed at least a draw to assure virtually their presence in the next phase. The local atmosphere was ripe for Juventus & the first half was theirs as the Italians went from cold to hot, putting Real Madrid on the back foot as the first half went on. Juventus was more intense & managed to bring out the "defensive disorganization" that Real Madrid has been suffering the last few games. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas had to make a few very important saves to keep his team alive. However, Juventus managed to get their prize when Real Madrid defender Varane fould Pogba in the penalty area. Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal fired home for goal in the 42nd min. 

The second half started with Real Madrid more concentrated & a terrible mistake by Juventus defender Caceres allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to rob the ball & that was enough for the Portuguese star to brilliantly put in the equalizer in the 52nd min. This lifted Real Madrid as Juventus was now on the ropes & Xabi Alonso hit the cross-bar in the 55th min. Soon after Cristiano Ronaldo again robbed the ball & run away this time finding Gareth Bale on the right flank who controlled & fired in their second goal in the 60th min.

Juventus needed at least a point to stay alive in Champions & they bravely reacted to find the equalizer in the 65th min when Spanish International Fernando Llorente headed in the equalizer. From here both sides attempted the winner but as time ran out they settled for the draw.

Juventus would have preferred the win but the draw keeps them alive in Group B. Real Madrid managed the objective but again did not convince fully with their play & especially in defence. 

Real Sociedad drew 0 - 0 with Manchester United & basically puts them out of the next stage of Champions League. The Spanish club will now have to look to secure third place of Group A to think about the Europa League. The match was fairly even with moments to Manchester United which could have sealed the victory. It was a even first half with the second half full of action. Manchester United forward Van Persie hit the post in the 65th min & then failed to convert a penalty in the 70th min. Real Sociedad tried hard in the latter part of the game but could not break through the Manchester United set up that allowed the English team to create their own chances as Real Sociedad left spaces in their attacks. Manchester United player Fellaini received a red card in the 90th min but the Spanish team could not take the numerical advantage as time had run out. 

Tomorrow more Champions League action with Spanish Football Clubs Atletico de Madrid & FC Barcelona up for their Group duties.

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REAL MADRID - REAL SOCIEDAD GAME RESULT | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Sweet & sour results for Spanish Football after the two participating Clubs in Group A & B gave mix results. Here is a brief summary of the main events & the final results for Real Madrid & Real Sociedad in their respective games along with all the goalscorers.

Good news for Real Madrid which won 2 - 1 their match against Juventus that keeps them top of Group B with a healthy points margin over the other Clubs with 9 points. This victory virtually gives Real Madrid a ticket to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League while it puts Juventus in dire straits after Turkish Club Galatasaray won their game. 

The Italians will be quiet upset with the result after defender Chellini was harshly sent off in the 47th min with a red card after "elbowing" Cristiano Ronaldo. It made no real difference to the game, Juventus took off forward Fernando Llorente to strengthen the midfield to defend more but Real Madrid played their worst Football thereafter. The second half was a poor performance from Real Madrid which will not put aside worries on the teams  Football offer with the "Clasico" coming up next Saturday.

Juventus nearly surprised Real Madrid goalie Casillas with a long range driver at the beginning of the clash, but it was Real Madrid that shook off that "surprise" & opened the scoreline when Cristiano Ronaldo converted a brilliant Di Maria precision pass into a goal in the 4th min. However, strangely enough Real Madrid failed to power on & gave the initiative to Juventus which got their reward when forward Fernando Llorente equalized in the 22nd min from a Iker Casillas earlier save that put the ball into the path of the Juventus player. Real Madrid smartened up again & won a penalty when Sergio Ramos was tackled & thrown to the ground in a corner. Cristiano Ronaldo  converted the penalty into the second goal in the 28th min to put Real Madrid back ahead.

The second half was strange, Real Madrid played badly with Juventus down to 10 men. Benzema was again non-existent & unfortunately is in danger of losing his starting position to Morata & Bale did little in his 25 mins. The best player for Real Madrid was Di Maria who was given an ovation when substituted late in the match. Lots of questions without answers at Real Madrid.

The sour taste for Spanish Football was the 1 - 0 loss of Real Sociedad to Manchester United in their Group A game. The negative result for Real Sociedad virtually puts them out of the next stage of  the UEFA Champions League competition barring a miracle.

They were unlucky with the winning goal that came early & was an own goal from Sociedad defender Iñigo Martinez in the 2 min. Real Sociedad bravely attempted to hold back Manchester United & hit the post twice - 42nd min Griezmann & 53rd min De La Bella - but could not find the equalizer.

Manchester United also were unlucky not the have scored more goals as they too hit the post in the 63rd min with a Valencia shot & missed numerous opportunities to shut the match.

Unlucky night for Real Sociedad but a deserved win for Manchester United which never gave the initiative away, although Real Sociedad was brave & honoured themselves in defeat.


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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PRE-MATCH | REAL MADRID - REAL SOCIEDAD POSSIBLE STARTING 11 TEAMS

It is the turn tonight of the other two Spanish Football Clubs  - Real Sociedad & Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Group matches. As habitual pre-match Spanish Sports daily "Sport" has created infographs detailing the game & putting forward their speculated possible starting XI team line-ups.  

The Real Madrid vs Juventus Group B match is a historical European Classic & possibly the most attractive match of the night. Real Madrid come into this clash below their best level & Juventus from a 2-4 whipping by Fiorentina in their Seria A match. A win by Real Madrid tonight will clear their road towards the next stage of the competition. Juventus looks to "clean its image" & has a powerful midfield which will give Real Madrid problems, the power of Pogba, Vidal & skill of Pirlo will keep Real Madrid busy. 

Plenty of questions in the possible line-ups, with Real Madrid still in doubt with Arbeloa ( Carvajal ) , Varane ( Pepe ) , Modric (Illaramendi) & if isco or Bale starts. Will all theses "unknowns" , the speculated Real Madrid starting 11 team line-up against Juventus is:

Casillas, Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Khedira, Modric, Di Maria, Bale (Isco), C Ronaldo & Benzema.

Top game,  & dangerous for Real Madrid.

Real Sociedad travels to England to play Manchester United in their Group A match. It´s a must win game for Real Sociedad if they wish to keep alive their Champions League options. Manchester United is not at their best level & have their "weakness" in the midfield area but at "Old Traffford" they still remain the favourites & have a powerful forward line. 

The speculated Real Sociedad starting 11 team line-up against Man Utd. is:

Bravo, C Martinez, Mikel, Iñigo Martinez, De La Bella, Markel, Zurutuza, Vela , Griezmann, X Prieto & Agirretxe.

Just to remind you the above line-ups are speculations  It is more than likely that Coaches of all sides will have aces up their sleeve & will give us last minute surprises.

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GALATASARAY 1 REAL MADRID 6 | REAL SOCIEDAD 0 SHAKHTAR D 2 | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP MATCH RESULTS

The long awaited UEFA Champion League season kicked off tonight with two Spanish Football Clubs represented for Group game duties. Real Sociedad hosted at home Ukrainian Club Shaktar D in Group A, while Real Madrid travelled to Turkey to play Galatasaray in their Group B obligations. 

Here is a brief summary of the main events, with all the final results-scores plus the goalscorers.

Turkish Club Galatasaray lost 1 - 6 to Real Madrid. An "unreal" & distorting scoreline because Galatasaray were severally punished in a night were they deserved more reward. The Turks started very well with maximum pressure on all fronts that put the Spaniards on the back foot most of the first half. In fact, I would say that the first half was mostly Galatasaray & what let them down was their lack of ability of converting their numerous opportunities in front of goal. Part of the lack of effectiveness was thanks to Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas who started & made a fabulous save from a Felipe Melo shot early in the 6th min. The bad news for Casillas was that he injured himself in the 1st min when he clashed with team-mate Sergio Ramos defending a ball. Casillas was substituted for Diego Lopez who in turn later made his own brilliant saves to keep out the Turks & Real Madrid alive.

In the only real chance for Real Madrid, a Di Maria long pass found Isco who magically control the ball, lost his opponent & scored the first in the 33rd min. This action was to precisely illustrate the story for the rest of the match: Galatasaray failed to convert their chances, while Real Madrid nailed theirs. 

Luck then went against Galatasaray when Pepe & Drogba clashed for a ball & the latter fell badly on his shoulder which forced him to be substituted & this changed around the team set-up & tactics which was to be paid dearly later in the second half.

The second half saw Galatasaray push hard to find an equalizer, but once again a single piece of individual magic in the Real Madrid midfield found Benzema alone who sprinted in the 54th min to score the second. From here the "wind was pushed out" of the Turks & Cristiano Ronaldo began his personal show of goals & assistances. 

The Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo got the third for Real Madrid in the 63rd min, a his second & teams fourth in the 67th min, an assistance later to allow Benzema to score his second & teams fifth in the 81st min & lastly his HAT-TRICK in the 90th min & Real Madrid sixth goal.

Galatasaray rightly got a consolation goal when Bulut tipped a pass into the net in the 84th min.

Final result 1 - 6 with Real Madrid getting the three points, top spot of Group B. Great game from Di Maria, excellent Ronaldo as expected, very nice work from Modric, Benzema worked hard & Gareth Bale looked good when he came on mid second half as he assisted with his pass a Ronaldo goal & tried his luck as well during the time he was on.

Different outcome at San Sebastian where Real Sociedad hosted Shakhtar Donetsk & lost 0 - 2 in their Group A match. The Spaniards played well the first half creating chances, but the Ukrainians were physically stronger & waited for their chances to arrive.

Real Sociedad lessened in their intensity & ball control as the match advanced & Shakhtar pounced when given half the chance mid second half when Teixeira scored in the 65th min & then again in the 87th min.

The Spaniards claimed a penalty in this game but the truth is they were fairly defeated by a more stronger, patient & experienced Champions League team.

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FIFA WORLD CUP 2010 | 32 TEAMS | GROUP A

Original Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog /
As mentioned yesterday SFS begins to get into FIFA WORLD CUP 2010 mode. Today begins a daily serving that highlights the 32 teams, with their photo, that will be competing in South Africa starting the 11th of June. Today GROUP A is featured, with tomorrow Group B & so on daily until Group H.

Hope these photos serve the many global readers who enjoy collecting them.

GROUP A

FRANCE
SOUTH AFRICAURUGUAY
MEXICO
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