David Beckham is a reason why England have not shone in two laboured wins to date, according to Argentine 1978 world champion Osvaldo Ardiles. "David Beckham is one of the problems for England," opined the former Tottenham star. "He does so little. No one should have the right to play." (AFP)

Put it in your diary - robots get ready

July 17, 2050. Put the date in your diary as the current competitors in the robot world championships will be capable of beating a human team by then, organisers believe.

"The ultimate goal of the Robocup is to develop by 2050 a team of humanoid robots capable of beating the world champions," according to organisers at the tenth Robocup, which has been taking place this past week in the German city of Bremen.

Below an advertisement proclaiming that the goal is a clock counting down the time to the day when the electronic player will be able to claim a winners medal - 16,00 days hence as of Saturday. At the moment, a baby could outrun the robots, however. (AFP)

Murray to ape happy Ronaldinho

British up and coming tennis star Andy Murray, renowned for an often gloomy countenance during matches, says Ronaldinho is a role model with his happy attitude to football. "He's always grinning regardless of what the score is. I think that's something I have to try to get into my game a bit more." (AFP)

Spike seeks French goal

Actor and director Spike Lee, a friend of Thierry Henry, hopes the French are going to come good finally after their goalless start against the Swiss. "When are they going to score? They haven't scored a goal during a World Cup since they won it in 1998," he told the FIFA World Cup website. He added that Ronaldo "looked disinterested " for Brazil against Croatia. (AFP)

Thais for Czechs

Berlin has a thriving Thai community and they are caught up in World Cup fever like most of the capital, backing Asian giants Japan and South Korea - but also the Czech Republic.

"We like the Czech team. Of course we want the Asian teams to do well but we have a soft spot for the Czechs and their very tall star (Jan) Koller," said barworker Janrat, originally from Lampang. "We like the Dutch too - we like their kit, and Arjen Robben," piped up a colleague. (AFP)

Embassy flies the flag - the other one

The British embassy in Berlin has been showing its support for the England team by switching the Union Jack to the George Cross on days when David Beckham and company have a match.

"We want to support the team and can guarantee to fly the English flag at least a couple of times," a spokesman said. (AFP)

Roses aren't red

Roses aren't red when it comes to the World Cup, but black, red and gold when it comes to an allotment in the western German city of Dusseldorf. There, keen gardener Werner Rehland has been cultivating roses in the German colours, RTL television reported. "It's my way of flying the flag," he laughed. (AFP)

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