Angola battles Mexico to a 0-0 tie
HANOVER, Germany, June 16 (UPI) -- Goalkeeper Jano Ricardo stopped eight shots on goal Friday, lifting Angola to a stunning 0-0 draw with Mexico in the 2006 World Cup.
The decision leaves Mexico, which has a win and a tie for four points, with a narrow advantage in the Group D standings. Portugal also has a victory and plays its second game of the tournament Saturday against Iran in Frankfurt, Germany.
The group title may well come down to its final two games Wednesday when Mexico plays Portugal and Angola meets Iran. The top two teams in the group will move into Round of 16 play; the other two see their tournament runs end.
Mexico was a heavy favorite against Angola, which is playing in its first World Cup. Mexico even played about the last 15 minutes with a man advantage after Angola's Andre drew his second yellow card of the match and was disqualified.
But Ricardo was equal to the task, including a fully stretched out save off a blast by Mexico's Rafael Marquez in the 88th minute. Mexico also had a late shot go off a goalpost
For the game, Ricardo faced 13 shots, including those eight on goal.
Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez also recorded a shutout, but the Angola offense is not of the caliber of Mexico's. Angola managed just one shot on goal in the contest and didn't have one after the 58th minute.
U.S. in tough, deep hole
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany, June 16 (UPI) -- The United States' loss in its first game of the 2006 World Cup left it facing one of the highest rated teams in the world and in dire need of a good result.
The Czech Republic dominated the United States in a 3-0 game that opened Group E play. Italy, which stopped Ghana 2-0 in its opener, is paired against the Americans in the second game in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
The United States entered the 2006 tournament with high hopes and the No. 5 rating by FIFA. But after one game, the Americans are suddenly three points behind two teams and in no position to slip any further back.
"We need to forget about this game as quickly as is humanly possible," said U.S. forward Bobby Convey. "If we come out and play like this against Italy we're going to lose again. We really need to learn from the mistakes we made (against the Czech Republic)."
Italy, on the other hand, is in an enviable position of having any points from the U.S. game putting it close to wrapping up a berth in the elimination round.
"We worked hard this week to get to where we are and will continue to improve over the next five or six days," said Andrea Pirlo, who scored Italy's first goal against Ghana. " ... It's a good start."
The Czech Republic and Ghana play their second game in Group E play Saturday in Cologne. The Group E round robin winds up Thursday.
26 England fans held after World Cup win
NUREMBERG, Germany, June 16 (UPI) -- German police rounded up 26 England World Cup fans after their team toppled Trinidad and Tobago 2-0.
Sixteen were picked up Thursday at the stadium in Nuremberg where many sought to climb over barriers into unauthorized areas, Sky News said.
The others were detained for a variety of offenses around Nuremberg, including alleged assaults, drunkenness and ticket-touting. Most were subsequently released, Sky News said.
Steelers quarterback apologizes for crash
PITTSBURGH, June 16 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has apologized to his family, teammates and fans for the anxiety caused by his motorcycle crash.
He said that he will definitely wear a helmet if he ever rides a motorcycle again, the Pittsburgh Gazette reported.
"I recognize that I have a responsibility to safeguard my health in the off-season so I can continue to lead our team effectively," Roethlisberger said. "I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws. I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me."
Roethlisberger spent seven hours in surgery at Mercy Hospital after he hit the side of a car Monday. He was released from the hospital late Wednesday.
He was believed to be recuperating at his home with family members.
In his statement, Roethlisberger said he plans to be at training camp and fully able to play when the new season starts.
