World Cup news
World Cup news updates
Posted: 2010-06-23 13:00
Spain striker David Villa has escaped punishment for striking Honduras defender Emilio Izaguirre on Monday night.
The new Barcelona recruit scored twice in the match to secure a 2-0 victory for the European champions but was captured on camera hitting out at Izaguirre as the pair waited for a set-piece to be taken late in the first half.
Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura took no action at the time and a spokesman for Fifa said today: "The disciplinary committee of FIFA have examined the situation and have found no grounds to open a case against David Villa.”
That leaves the star striker free to play in his team's vital third Group H match against Chile.
Socceroos makes changes
Towering striker Josh Kennedy will start for Australia in place of suspended Harry Kewell, while Michael Beauchamp will replace Craig Moore for the Socceroos' crucial final Group D match against Serbia in Nelspruit.
It is understood Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek will use Kennedy to give his side an attacking focal point while Beauchamp, who impressed during the 2010 World Cup warm-up matches, is the natural successor to Moore and will earn his 22nd cap with his debut World Cup appearance.
Elsewhere, Tim Cahill returns to the starting line-up at the expense of Brett Holman, who impressed against Ghana and netted the Socceroos' only goal of the tournament so far.
Italy back in training
Italy are back in training this morning as they prepare for their final Group F clash against Slovakia on Thursday.
According to La Repubblica, the session started at the Southdowns College in Centurion with players doing w warm up exercises before doors were closed to the press as Marcello Lippi focused on tactics.
Indications from over the past few days have suggested the coach will use a 4-3-3 with the introduction of Gennaro Gattuso and Antonio Di Natale from the start.
Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio are likely to be sacrificed. Andrea Pirlo returned to training on Tuesday and took full part. He is back on the pitch today and he could play against the Slovakians.
It's a must win game for the Italians. A draw may not be enough for them to qualify for the last 16.
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