World Cup diary - Suarez nominated for goalkeeping award

Published: 06 Jul 2010 - 07:24:02

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Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten sent a mischievous text message to Ajax team-mate Luis Suarez, to nominate him for the World Cup's best goalkeeper award.

Suarez was sent off in Friday's match with Ghana after a deliberate handball denied the Africans a goal. The striker misses tonight's semi-final against the Netherlands as a result. "I sent him a text message saying that he has been the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

"I think he should get the Lev Yashin award," said Stekelenburg. Let's hope the Dutchman doesn't end up with egg on his face.

OFFICIALS REFUSE TO SHOULDER BLAME

Uruguayan assistant referee Mauricio Espinosa has denied making a mistake for Frank Lampard's 'phantom goal' for England against Germany.

Espinosa said: "It was simply bad luck with the ball moving at high speed which we couldn't see as it came down over the line - even though I was properly positioned".

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MIROSLAV SO KLOSE TO RON RECORD

Miroslav Klose is just one goal short of Brazil legend Ronaldo's record tally of 15 at World Cup finals. Klose played in the 2002 World Cup final, in which the mercurial forward scored twice.

"I spoke with Ronaldo after the final", said the 32-year-old striker. "At the time I would not have dreamed of ever coming this close to him, needing two more goals to surpass him. I hope he's not too worried."

MERKEL STEERS CLEAR OF SPAIN SEMI

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not watch her national team take on Spain in Durban in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.

Deputy government spokesman Christoph Steegmans said it remains unclear whether Merkel would attend Sunday's final in Johannesburg, should Germany make it.

BUFFON ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has undergone successful surgery on a back injury sustained during his country's opening World Cup match against Paraguay.

Great news Gigi, though some would argue that the Italians' displays since have been spineless.