World Cup Tracker

Captain Park Ji-sung inspired South Korea to a 2-0 away win over fierce rivals Japan on Monday in a World Cup send-off for both teams.

Korea knock Japan out of the park

SAITAMA: Captain Park Ji-sung inspired South Korea to a 2-0 away win over fierce rivals Japan on Monday in a World Cup send-off for both teams. Park stunned Japan in the sixth minute with a superb solo goal,bursting past three players before smashing a right-foot shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty box. Substitute Park Chu-young added an injury-time penalty to complete a deserved victory for the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists in front of a packed crowd of 57,000 in Saitama.

Last-gasp strike spares Aus the blushes

Melbourne: Brett Holman struck four minutes into injury-time to spare Australian blushes and give the Socceroos a 2-1 victory over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in a World Cup warm-up on Monday. Holman grabbed the winner after receiving a deft chip in the box from fellow midfielder Carl Valeri to lift more than 55,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground into a frenzy. The last-gasp goal was a cruel ending for the All Whites who were the far more composed side. It wasnt the best of performances,but a win is good, said Holman,a second-half replacement for Everton midfielder Tim Cahill.

Spain gather to begin training

Madrid: Spains squad has gathered to begin training ahead

of the World Cup. The 23 players in coach Vicente del Bosques squad arrived at the Spanish football federations Las Rosas training facilities on the outskirts of Madrid to start preparations for the finals in South Africa. Reigning European champion Spain plays its first Group H match against Switzerland on June 16 before facing Honduras and Chile. Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas,who are both recovering from injuries,were present.

Special courts for offenders

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa has set up more than 50 special courts to provide fast justice during the World Cup,officials said on Monday. Justice Ministry spokesman Tlali Tlali said the 56 courts around the country would start operations immediately and wind up two weeks after the month-long tournament ends on July 11. South Africa has also built holding cells in several of the 10 World Cup football stadiums to handle hooligans and others who commit offences during matches.