The FIFA World Cup Report #1/Sports Thread #1 For 6/17/10: Park Looks For Revenge on Messi; Zidane Becomes The Latest To Slam Domenech

Photo from Getty Images and FIFA.com

Park Ji Sung is looking for some revenge against Lionel Messi after losing to him in the 2009 Champions League Final, as Barcelona defeated Manchester United.

Just two minutes in, his legions of devotees were on the edge of delirium. Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes had spilled Cristiano Ronaldo's shot into the path of Park. Atypically, the Korea Republic captain panicked. The chance went begging. Park's thoughts turned instantly to making amends. A diminutive Argentinian had other ideas. His name was Lionel Messi. His performance inspired Barcelona to a 2-0 victory.

Park and Messi will reunite in Soccer City today. This time they will be in the colours of their respective countries. This time the former is determined to emerge a winner, despite his side being overwhelming underdogs against a star-stacked Albiceleste side that includes the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year. "Argentina are the best team in our group," began Park. "They have a lot of top international players. People are saying they could make the Final. Of course there is a difference in standard between the two teams but the unexpected can happen in this World Cup, and that is what we are looking to do."

The latest to slam the always slammable one is the legend of the country, and the guy who lead him to the final four years ago !

Zinedine Zidane lashed out at France Coach Raymond Domenech and chastised his countrymen for their lackluster play.

“He is not a coach,” Zidane, the former France captain, said. “There is no teamwork.”

An interview with Arjen Robben, who is slated to miss the Dutch's 2nd match against Japan in Group E.

FIFA: Arjen, you had a fantastic season until your injury. What went through your mind when you were injured?
Arjen Robben: My first thought of course was 'that was it' and 'the World Cup is over'. But I tried to look at the possibilities of still coming to the World Cup, and we did everything to make this happen. I’m glad to be here now and I'm hoping to join in with the rest of the group as quickly as possible.

Can you describe how the injury was caused?
It was in our friendly against Hungary, a few minutes before the end. The game was practically over. I wanted to play the ball to the outside with my heel. I just made an unfortunate movement that caused the muscle to tense too much, and it just went wrong.

At least he was honest. Rudd Gullit, who smugness has been so outstanding as an ESPN commentator so far (it's great to see his honestly and frankness), called Robben's trick "stupid." That guy is classic.

Finally, Slovenia are talking a little too smack over there. Thankfully they return to humble waters here:

Determined and deadly serious about making the Round of 16, Slovenia’s players have been toiling tirelessly on the training ground to ready themselves for this next, vital challenge. However, it hasn’t been all work and no play, with Kek having given the green light for a team excursion to one of South Africa’s world-renowned lion parks. With morale already high, this opportunity to sample their unique surroundings as a group merely strengthened Slovenian solidarity.

As centre-half Matej Mavric told FIFA: “The landscape was so beautiful, as well as the park, and I saw that everybody was having lots of fun. I was really happy to see that. I’m not counting, but it had been a while since we had a day off and we definitely deserved an afternoon off. We had a good training session in the morning and we will keep doing a good job. I just hope that the results will be perfect and that we will leave an unforgettable impression."

Yup, an unforgettable impression that will include a 5-0 dubbing from the US tomorrow (and I seriously mean that, call me a madman all you want.)

Your first World Cup report to start your day.

All Fun And Games For Now For Slovenia, But We'll See If They Will Have Fun Tomorrow Against The US? (Photo from Getty Images and FIFA.com)