BY ADAM SERRANO
Just when you think it can't get any worse for France, it does. Head Coach Raymond Domench has sent home forward Nicolas Anelka. The forward launched an expletive ridden tirade against his coach at halftime of France's 2-0 loss to Mexico on Thursday. Anelka was removed at the half in a match where he was mostly ineffective against El Tri.
France has suffered in South Africa after reaching the Final in 2006. Over the first two matches in Group A, the talented French offense has been anemic failing to score a goal in its first two matches and faces a uphill climb to make the knock out stages. France's final group game is against the hosts South Africa.
SLOVENIA'S PECNIK BREAKS ANKLE AGAINST U.S.
Slovenia forward Nejc Pecnik is reportedly out for the World Cup according to the Solvenian Press Agency. The forward was injured after a collision with Clint Dempsey in Slovenia's 2-2 draw against the United States. Pecnik came on as a sub in the 77th minute and will not be available for Slovenia's final Group C match against England.
TOURE NEARS MAN CITY SWITCH
Yaya Toure looks set to make his long awaited switch to Manchester City after the World Cup according to the Barcelona midfielder's agent. The fee is believed to be in the range of 22 and 25 million pounds for the Ivory Coast International. Toure has been highly sought after by several Premiership sides including City and Chelsea.
The Ivory Coast International midfielder will team up with his brother Kolo at the Eastlands.
COTTERILL ANNOUNCED AS PORTSMOUTH MANAGER
Steve Cotterill, the former boss at Notts County has been named the manager of Portsmouth. The 42-year-old manager led Notts County to promotion and the League Two title last season and will now try to launch cash-strapped Portsmouth back to the Premiership.
Portsmouth was relegated from the Premiership last season after financial issues that put the club into administration. The club announced Thursday that they hope to exit administration by this Summer after reaching an agreement with creditors to repay Portsmouth's massive debt.
MASCHERANO HINTS AT INTER MOVE
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has hinted that he may be open to a move to Inter Milan to join his former manager Rafa Benitez. The midfielder's agent has admitted that he has had preliminary contact with Inter Milan's sporting director. It is widely believed that Benitez would like the midfielder to join him as he prepares for life in Italy. The Argentine was brought to Anfield by Benitez and has been a key cog in Liverpool's midfield for several years.