Today's other stories in brief
Own goals in hi-tech age
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.
Holger Osieck, the head of Fifa's technical study group, said that for the first time all 13 members would see detailed technical images of any dubious goals downloaded to their laptops.
A verdict from the group would then be made as soon as possible.
Isaksson out of opener
Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson is out of his country's opening Group B encounter with Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow after suffering a bout of concussion.
The 24-year-old Rennes custodian, who would have been in the starting line-up to face the World Cup debutants, was struck on the head by a close-range drive from former Rennes team-mate Kim Kallstrom in training on Wednesday.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Rami Shaaban is likely to replace Isaksson, who will have to wait for his World Cup debut.
Govou gets Cisse's berth
It was confirmed yesterday that France's Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has been ruled out of the World Cup after fracturing his right tibia in a friendly against China in St Etienne on Wednesday.
Cisse collapsed in agony after colliding with China captain Zhi Zheng in the 11th minute of a match France eventually won 3-1.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has now accepted Djibril Cisse's expected move to France this summer is off.
Cisse (24) had been expected to move to Marseille or Lyon but the striker is now out until around Christmas.
France coach Raymond Domenech called up Lyon's Sidney Govou to replace Cisse and he joined the squad for the journey to their base in northern Germany yesterday, a castle converted into a luxury hotel.
Ukraine in full flow
Ukraine captain Andriy Shevchenko gave his side a huge boost yesterday, scoring as a second-half substitute in his first game after a month out with a knee injury. Shevchenko featured for 30 minutes as Ukraine defeated Luxembourg 3-0 in their final warm-up.
The 29-year-old appeared to show no ill effects from the injury which had forced him to miss friendlies against Costa Rica, Italy and Libya. He tapped in the easiest of chances as Ukraine scored twice in the final seven minutes for a somewhat flattering victory against a team ranked 152nd in the world.
Andriy Voronin broke the deadlock in the 55th minute and Maxim Kalinichenko added a late third.
SOCCER IN BRIEF: West Ham have signed Lee Bowyer for a second time after negotiating a deal with Newcastle. Andy Cole has signed a one-year extension to his contract at Manchester City. The 34-year-old striker scored 10 goals in 21 starts last season. Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn (39) has announced his immediate retirement after being told he needs an ankle operation.
