World Cup daily: Tuesday 15 June 2010

Published on 15/06/2010 10:48

The football at this year's World Cup hasn't set the heather alight so far but today's star-studded match between the Ivory Coast and Portugal could provide the tournament with a much-needed spark.

Picture of the Day: Netherlands' striker Dirk Kuyt bares a stark resemblance to Chunk from the Goonies as he celebrates his side's second goal against Denmark yesterday.

Today's match schedule

New Zealand v Slovakia, 12:30, Rustenburg

Minnows New Zealand - featuring former Scotland youth player Michael McGlinchey - are the tournament's rank outsiders and face a tough test against Slovenia who are famed for their solid defence and ability to grind out victories in tight matches.

Ivory Coast v Portugal, 15:00, Port Elizabeth

Two of the tournament's biggest stars in Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba will attract much of the attention, but in truth both teams are packed with pedigree.

Brazil v North Korea, 19:30, Johannesburg

North Korea couldn't really have asked for a tougher opener to their first World Cup since 1966 and are unlikely to trouble one of the tournament's firm favourites.

Yesterday's results

Italy 1 - 1 Paraguay

Having played well in the first half at Green Point Stadium Italy were shocked when Wigan-bound defender Antolin Alcaraz rose to head home a 39th-minute free-kick.

Match report

Netherlands 2 - 0 Denmark

A second goal late in the game from Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt sealed the points for the highly-fancied Dutch, and their manager Bert van Marwijk hailed the importance of winning the opening Group E game.

Match report

Japan 1 - 0 Cameroon

Much was expected of Cameroon skipper Samuel Eto'o but the Inter Milan striker was left frustrated as Japan defended in numbers.

Match report

From today's Scotsman

• Madjid Bougherra hoping to further rattle England

• Cool Capello can handle the pressure

• Wayne Rooney misses training as problems mount for England

Fact of the Day

Roger Milla holds the record for the oldest player ever to play in a World Cup finals after appearing for Cameroon in the USA 94 tournament.

Team of the Day

North Korea

They may not stand a cats chance in hell of getting a result against Brazil but they should make for good TV.

Striker Jong Tae-Se is known for weeping uncontrollably when the national anthem is played.

For news, reports and video from South Africa, visit scotsman.com/worldcup2010