French Cuppa/ Quicksips

Beans and gone

England striker Alan Shearer is having to come to terms with a ban on one of his favourite dishes 8211; baked beans. Despite being part of a player8217;s staple diet for years, for the football association, the humble legume has bean and gone8217; as its sauce contains too much sugar. Instead broccoli and spinach are on the menu.

Living in fantasy land

FIFA8217;s decision to ban Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert for two matches after his sending off against Belgium has had far reaching consequences, and not just for his coach Guus Hiddink who must now revamphis squad. Incensed by the decision, an irate punter in England, wrote to FIFA to complain he stood to lose 100,000 from the decision 8230; because Kluivert is an integral member of his fantasy team.8217; The fan is now threatening legal action.

It8217;s Confucius8217; teaching8217;

Despite residing at the Golf National Course Hotel, South Korea8217;s World Cup players refuse to offend the elders in the delegation by hitting the fairways. 8220;It8217;s Confucius8217; teachings,8221; said Chun Hanjin, the team8217;s vice-manager. quot;There is still a lot of that influence in Korea. Just like smoking or drinking, playing golf in front of elders or parents doesn8217;t look good. It isn8217;t done.8221; But if odds-makers were consulted, the South Koreans would probably have a better chance of getting a hole-in-one than defeating their next opponents, The Netherlands on Saturday.

PM visits Reggae Boyz

Jamaica8217;s Prime Minister PJ Patterson visited the national soccer team8217;s adopted home in France on Thursday and lauded the people of thistown about 270 kms, southeast of Paris.

quot;I just want to thank the people for their graciousness, warmth and hospitality,quot; Patterson said. 8220;The whole world is watching you,8221; Patterson told the team. quot;You have done us proud so far and we expect you to do even better against Argentina.8221;