Japan146;s secret weapon arrives

GOETTINGEN: Mexico8217;s first-choice keeper Oswaldo Sanchez has returned home from the World Cup after the death of his father who was due to to watch him play in the finals, the Mexican football association said. 8220;We received the call late yesterday and he has left for Mexico.8221; Juan Jose Kochen said. 8220;We are all shocked and our thoughts are with him.8221; Mexican officials were expected to make a statement later in the day about whether or they would call up a replacement for him.

Solution to own goal dilemma

BERLIN: FIFA will be using computer technology to clarify whether a goal is an own goal or not for the first time when the World Cup starts on Friday. Holger Osieck, the head of FIFA8217;s technical study group, told reporters on Thursday that for the first time all 13 members would see detailed technical images of any dubious goals downloaded to their laptops. 8220;Previous tournaments have been dotted with decisions about what constitutes an own goal which appeared to lack clear guidelines,8221; he told a news conference. Andy Roxburgh, UEFA8217;s technical director added: 8220;No matter where a member is in Germany, he will get images of the goal on his laptop and the decision will be made by the whole group as soon as possible. If a goal has been awarded wrongly, the decision will be rectified by the next day at the latest.8221;