A Return to the Action: Anelka sent home, Nelsen leads biggest upset of the tournament, and Koman Coulibaly: need I say more?

A faulty computer charger combined with the strain of studying for a final exam has kept me out of action for the last week. For that, I apologize. But what a week it's been!

France in shambles, Anelka sent home, team in mutiny

French coach Raymond Domenech has reached unheard-of levels of incompetence. His criticism of striker Nicolas Anelka's first-half performance against Mexico prompted a heated exchange between coach and player, and as a result Anelka has been sent home, certain to play no further part in the tournament. In the ensuing chaos, the team director has resigned and the team now refuses to train, angered by the administration's handling of the Anelka incident. Domenech has completely lost control of his team, and looks to be scapegoat for what may be a low point for French football. On one point after two games, the French will need a win against South Africa and a LOT of help from either Uruguay or Mexico. Advancement from the group seems improbable, but the French have the talent to do their part, and stranger things have certainly happened, as New Zealand demonstrated just this morning.

Part-timers, their minds probably on rugby, humble world champions

New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz, who scored their only goal against Italy.

Italy has not looked up to their usual levels, and the absences of star 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon and playmaker Andrea Pirlo have not helped. But a game against New Zealand seemed the perfect tonic. Yes, the All Whites had valiantly drawn with Slovakia, but come on. Their captain and talisman, Ryan Nelsen, is a central defender who plays for Blackburn Rovers, a mid-level English Premier League club. Some of their players don't even have clubs. Italy would get back on track, and order would be restored, right? RIGHT?

Nope.

A horrendous error by 36-year old Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro handed New Zealand an early lead, and all Italy could show for the rest of the game was a lone goal, scored from the penalty spot after a very weak foul  by Tommy Smith and a typically Italian piece of acting by Daniele De Rossi. Italy are now level (!) on points with New Zealand after two games, but could still win their group with a win and a loss for Paraguay. New Zealand is highly unlikely to advance, despite being in the same position, but this game ranks as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Nelsen was understandably jubilant after the game, and even the English TV commentators admitted they were rooting for the Kiwis. So was I, boys. So was I.

American comeback kids robbed by sleepy referee


Already down 1-0 to a surprisingly tidy Slovenia side, the US came within inches of tying the game close to halftime, denied only by a wonderful defensive play from Miso Brecko. Then, disaster. A quick Slovenian counterattack ended with the less-than-sharp Oguchi Onyewu playing Zlatan Ljubijankic onside, and the striker made no mistake, beating Tim Howard 1-on-1 (no easy task) to seemingly break American backs heading into the locker room for halftime.

But the USA would not be denied. Landon Donovan scored a wonderful solo goal soon after the restart, and Michael Bradley's stinging volley capped off a wonderful individual performance and tied the game. Late on, Donovan's free kick was stabbed home by Maurice Edu, but the goal was disallowed by Malian referee Koman Coulibaly. Why? No one knows. He wouldn't explain himself to the American players. Replays reveal  multiple fouls by the Slovenians. Shades of that famous call against the US basketball team at the 1976 Summer Olympics, handing the Soviet Union the game.

Coulibaly is unlikely to referee any more games, but he has already done his part to deny the Americans a fully deserved win in one of the most exciting matches of this World Cup. An injustice, and a black mark for FIFA if they fail to punish this gross mistake.

The best of the rest: a quick rundown of other notable happenings


Paraguay look to be a surprise team this year, topping their group and almost certain to advance. The Netherlands continue to chug along, recording another workmanlike victory over Japan. We may have to wait until the more attack-minded knockout stages to really see them shine. Spain require a major dose of soul-searching after their unconvincing loss to the Swiss, but they are not in crisis. England look awful, and anything but a win against Slovenia will almost surely see them fail to advance from the group stage. Wayne Rooney hit out on-camera at the England fans, who booed their team off the field. He has since apologized. They deserved it.

That's all for now. If you're going to watch any game, watch the Brazil-Ivory Coast matchup, coming up at 2:30 ET. Should be a good one.