"....Dinzzzz UnderGround...."

Let the countdown begin.

Friday's World Cup draw in Cape Town, South Africa, lit the fuse on one of the most anticipated tournaments in soccer history and kicked off a six-month glut of prediction and speculation.

As ever, millions around the world waited with whitened knuckles as their nation's fate rested in a faraway goldfish bowl. As ever, there was a Group of Death, potentially with thrilling matchups and a wealth of intriguing storylines to look forward to.

Here we take a look at the groups and games that will send the soccer world into a frenzy from June 11 onward.

Just six months to go. Get excited.

Group A

No host nation has ever been eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup, but that is a very real possibility for a weak South African side that ended up with a tough draw.

France was the big winner here, ending up with a scenario that is easier than if it had been seeded. The French are riding their luck just after squeezing through a playoff thanks to Thierry Henry's infamous handball.

Mexico will be quietly pleased with its outcome and will like its chances of getting past Uruguay and claiming a place in the knockout phase.

Group B

Argentina's Diego Maradona was the only head coach missing from the draw, as he is suspended from all official events following a crude rant after his team narrowly qualified for the tournament.

He will be back, of course, when the event starts and will try to lead an inconsistent but supremely talented side to glory. A weak Nigeria and shaky South Korea should not pose too many problems.

Keep an eye out for Greece, though. An unspectacular but hard-as-nails Greek defensive unit will be hard to break down.

Group C

This group kicks off with a mouth-watering clash between England and the U.S., with the Americans hoping to repeat the miraculous victory in the 1950 World Cup.

Recent form might be a better indicator, though, with England having comfortably won a friendly 2-0 in 2008.

Although those two teams will be favorites to qualify, both Slovenia and Algeria came through tense playoffs to clinch a spot in the tournament and can't be discounted.

Group D

This is a tougher group than it looks like on paper. While Germany will like its chances of topping the table, it could be heavily tested.

Ghana is one of the most dangerous African teams, while Australia is a rugged unit that believes in its ability to cause shock results.

Serbia was powerful in qualifying but struggled desperately in 2006, finishing without a point. Another early exit could beckon here.

Group E

Many will expect the European powers of the Netherlands and Denmark to dominate, but this group could be wide open.

The Dutch were outstanding at Euro 2008 before being upset by Russia and should have enough fluidity and technique to force their way through.

However, don't be surprised if Cameroon puts up a strong display. It's a talented and experienced squad that can go deep. Denmark qualified well but has a point to prove, while Japan is capable of springing the occasional shock.

Group F

The Italians showed incredible spirit and resilience in lifting the trophy in 2006, and they're hungry for more glory. The Azzurri could not have wished for a better group and rightly expect to win all three games.

Slovakia was a revelation in qualifying, while Paraguay mixed outstanding form with some alarming dips. New Zealand may be the worst team in the tournament and will be outclassed.

Group G

This is one of the most stacked World Cup groups in recent memory and shapes up as a three-way battle between Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. There is star power aplenty here with Kaka, Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ivory Coast is a serious threat, especially on African soil, while the final game between Brazil and Portugal is the highlight of the first stage.

Brazil, as always, is the favorite, but it could not have imagined a group as tough as this. Winning the group could be imperative, as the second-place finisher is likely to meet Spain in the round of 16.

Oh, and North Korea? Going home early.

Group H

Spain came from the bottom group of the Euro 2008 draw and went on to sweep its way to the title. The world's second-ranked side will be pleased with its group, but knows it is guaranteed to face a tough opponent in Round 2.

Chile is an outfit that could take many by surprise, having played some slick and attractive soccer in cruising through the South American group.

Switzerland looks to be too limited to advance far even if its gets through the group, while Honduras' World Cup adventure after coming through CONCACAF may be a brief one.

Top four games of the first round

1. Brazil vs. Portugal in Durban on June 25 – Two heavyweights will slug it out.

2. England vs. United States in Rustenburg on June 12 – Huge opener for both teams.

3. South Africa vs. Mexico in Soccer City on June 11 – The host nation kicks off the tournament.

4. Portugal vs. Ivory Coast in Port Elizabeth on June 15 – Could decide second place in the Group of Death.

Valentino Rossi sealed his second successive MotoGP world championship after finishing third at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The championship was Rossi's fourth for Yamaha, his seventh premier class world title and his ninth overall.

Ducati rider Casey Stoner made light of wet conditions at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, snatching the lead from Dani Pedrosa on the first lap and then powering away from the Spaniard.

Pedrosa finished in second place while Jorge Lorenzo, the only rider who had any hope of catching Rossi in the title race, finished fourth.

Needing only a top four finish to seal the title, Rossi's title hopes were further bolstered when Spaniard Lorenzo was penalised for failing to take his starting position on time and made to start at the back of the grid.

Lorenzo, who had qualified second behind Rossi, battled his way up the order but his efforts came to nothing as Rossi settled after an early error and came home safely to win the title.

"It was a difficult year. This race reflected how the season went - very tough, with some mistakes, some disappointing results," Rossi said.

"But I won six races, I was consistent and it's another world championship. I thank all the team and everyone who's helped me."

Rossi has an insurmountable 286 points in the world title standings with Lorenzo on 245 and Stoner on 220 with the final race taking place in Valencia, Spain next month.

Swine influenza (also called H1N1 flu, swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs.[2] As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.

Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.

Q: What is swine flu?
A: Influenza is a virus that infects people, birds, pigs and other animals such as ferrets. Swine flu, or swine influenza, is a form of the virus that normally infects pigs. There are many forms of flu, and the different varieties have the ability to exchange genes with one another. The form of flu that originated in Mexico is a genetic mixture of viruses that have been seen in pigs, birds and people. It’s being called a swine flu because the overall structure of the virus is of the type that affects pigs, said Keiji Fukuda, a WHO official.

Q: How do people catch swine flu?
A: Studies are still ongoing on how this particular swine flu is transmitted. Flu is generally transmitted through the respiratory tract. Droplets of infected body fluids can carry flu when people cough or sneeze. Studies indicate that masks called N95 respirators that, when properly used, filter germs from the breath and hamper the spread of flu. Neither contact with pigs nor eating pork has been linked to the spread of the flu, Fukuda said today. Still, health researchers are working to establish that the virus is spreading from person-to-person.

The swine flu transmits from person to person just like an ordinary seasonal flu. A human can get infected by means of coming into direct contact with an infected person, by touching contaminated items, through coughing and sneezing.

The symptoms of the swine flu are similar to those of the seasonal flu. The only difference is that the new infection may lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

A human body does not have a natural immunity against the swine flu. Therefore, the only possible cure and protection is immunization. However, the conclusion of Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England, is that it may take months for a vaccine against the new type of influenza to be created.

Swine flu, a mutated mix of human and bird flu, has become a real threat to the health of all the world’s nations. It is transmitted as easily as an ordinary seasonal flue. The symptoms are rather similar as well. However, while seasonal flu can be treated by means of the existing medication and vaccines, there is no protection against the swine flu so far.

Q: What are the symptoms of swine flu?
A: About one to four days usually elapse between the time a person is infected and the onset of symptoms. Influenza normally causes symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, headaches and body aches, fever, chills, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Swine flu causes the same symptoms, and may be difficult to distinguish from other strains of flu and respiratory illnesses. Severe cases of flu that lead to death are normally seen in very young and very old people whose immune systems are too weak to fight off the virus. Adults with severe illness may also have difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion, or severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Q: When are people most infectious?

A: People are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms. They can continue to shed (spread) the virus (for example, in coughs and sneezes) for up to five days (seven days in children). People become less infectious as their symptoms subside, and once their symptoms are gone they are no longer considered infectious to others.

Q: What are the complications of swine flu?
A: One of the most common complications of any type of flu is a secondary bacterial chest infection, such as bronchitis (infection of the airways).

This can become serious and develop into pneumonia. A course of antibiotics will usually cure this, but the infection sometimes becomes life-threatening.

Other rare complications include:

* tonsilitis,
* otitis media (a build-up of fluid in the ear),
* septic shock (infection of the blood that causes a severe drop in blood pressure),
* meningitis (infection in the brain and spinal cord), and
* encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Q: What are the symptoms of swine flu?
A: The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or over), fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing (see Symptoms). Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Q: Are there drugs that treat swine flu?
A: Roche Holding AG’s Tamiflu and GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s Relenza both have activity against swine flu. The U.S. has released its stockpile of Tamiflu to treat people with swine flu. Flu viruses sometimes develop resistance to antiviral drugs. The human form of H1N1 that’s currently circulating is resistant to Roche’s Tamiflu (not Relenza). If the two viruses were to exchange genes, the swine flu might become resistant, too.

Q: How else can I protect myself from swine flu?
A: Personal hygiene measures, such as avoiding people who are coughing or sneezing and frequent hand-washing, may prevent flu infection. Those who aren’t health professionals should avoid contact with sick people, or those who are coughing or sneezing. People who get sick with flu symptoms should stay home. Studies have suggested that closing schools, theaters, and canceling gatherings in the early stages of a pandemic can limit its spread. Such measures would likely take place if health officials determine that the virus is spreading quickly enough and is deadly enough to cause a pandemic.

Q: What if I don't recover within a week?
A: You will be drinking coffee with God.

Q: How to Keep Swine Flu Away?
A: Swine flu in India is spreading like wildfire, taking the toll to ten. Officials say there are currently more than 1000 cases of the H1N1 flu strain in India. Governments from all around the world are finding ways to combat this deadly disease. So what can you do to protect yourself? Stay calm and practice these 10 effective prevention tips.

1. Wash your hands frequently

Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.

2. Get enough sleep

Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

3. Keep hydrated

Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

4. Boost your immune system

Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

5. Keep informed

The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.

6. Avoid alcohol

Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.

7. Be physically active

Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.

8. Keep away from sick people

Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else’s nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact.

9. Know when to get help

Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.

10. Avoid crowded areas

Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Moreover, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Michael Jackson's family and fans have said farewell to the pop superstar at an emotional memorial service.

Jackson's daughter Paris, 11, fought back tears to describe him as "the best father you could ever imagine".

The singer's coffin was placed in front of the stage during the event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles after an earlier private funeral.

Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey paid tribute before the family joined a sombre finale on stage.

Jackson's siblings, children and parents took part in a chorus of We Are The World and Heal the World.

His family, with the brothers each wearing a single jewelled glove in Jackson's honour, then took to the podium.

Comforted by aunts and uncles, Paris stepped up the microphone. "I just wanted to say, ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," she said.

"And I just wanted to say I love him so much."

Marlon Jackson spoke of the troubles his brother faced. "We will never, never, understand what he endured," he said.

"Not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathered around, being judged, being ridiculed. How much pain can one take?

"Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone."

'Nothing strange'

Jackson's brother Jermaine earlier took to the stage to perform the song Smile. It was said to be the King of Pop's favourite song, featuring the lyric: "Smile though your hearts are aching."

At the start of the service, Jackson's brothers carried the golden flower-draped coffin into the arena to the strains of a choir singing "Hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the King" from the song Soon And Very Soon.

Mariah Carey was among the artists paying tribute, performing I'll Be There and ending with the words: "We miss you."

Stevie Wonder said: "This is a moment I wished I didn't live to see come. Michael I love you."

Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton gave a fiery speech, telling Jackson's children: "There weren't nothing strange about your daddy.

"It was strange what your daddy had to deal with but he dealt with it."

Motown boss Berry Gordy, who signed the Jackson Five, ended his tribute with the words: "Michael, thank you for the joy, thank you for the love. you will live in my heart forever."

History was made on Sunday 5th July on the hallowed turf of Wimbledon’s Centre Court as arguably the greatest player ever to grace the game, Roger Federer, won an all-time record 15th Grand Slam singles title.

The Swiss superstar, who was contesting a record seventh successive Wimbledonmen’s singles final, served a personal-best 50 aces as he prevailed in a marathon five-set final against long-time rival Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14 after four hours and 16 minutes to claim his sixth crown at The Championships. Roddick's serve was inpenetrable until the final game of the match, when Federer clinched victory on his first match point and seventh break point. Until then, Roddick had held 37 straight service games.

In a fitting touch, seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras was there to see his record broken – the American finished his illustrious career with 14 major singles titles. Sampras was joined on the front row of the Royal Box by tennis greats Manolo Santana, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg.

"I'm happy I broke the record here in some ways because this is always the tournament that's meant the most to me because of my heroes and idols being so successful here," said Federer. "It definitely feels like it's come full circle for me starting it here (with his first Grand Slam victory in 2003) and ending it here. Of course, my career is far from over.

"But it's also nice to think especially so many legends were sitting there today. Especially Pete. I know how much the record meant to him and he knows how much the record means to me. In a way, I still feel like we share it just because he was such a wonderful champion. He still has one up against me here at Wimbledon. It's nice that he shows appreciation for what I'm doing, and it's just great seeing so many legends coming out and enjoying or our tennis today."

While it took Sampras 12 years to amass his 14 Grand Slam titles (1990 – 2002 US Open), Federer has remarkably taken half that time to reach 15. Since winning his first Wimbledon title in 2003 (d. Philippoussis), the right-hander has gone on to win five more Wimbledon trophies, five US Open trophies, three Australian Open trophies and enjoyed one victory at Roland Garros.

"It's staggering that I've been able to play so well for so many years now and stay injury free," commented Federer. "Of course there is a certain routine that's started to happen the last few years since I sort of became No. 1 in the world. I knew what it took to win the big ones. That's obviously a lot of experience that comes with it being there and giving myself chances. It's crazy that I've been able to win so many in such a short period of time, I think."

The victory also holds significance in the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings as Federer will now reclaim the No. 1 ranking after surrendering the top spot to Rafael Nadal for 46 weeks on 18 August, 2008. The Swiss had previously sat atop the Rankings for a record 237 weeks, since 2nd February, 2004 – the day after he claimed his first Australian Open crown (d. Safin).

"I'm happy at least that I became No. 1 in the world by winning the tournament, not just by him (Nadal) not playing at all," said Federer. "It's supposed to be that you win big matches, big tournaments. That's how you get back to it."

Federer continues to etch his name in the history books. Just four weeks ago the 27 year old became just the sixth man in history to achieve the career Grand Slam as he finally laid his hands on the Coupe des Mousquetaires, defeating first-time finalist Robin Soderling in his fourth straight Roland Garros final. The victory at Roland Garros last month means he is only the fourth man in the Open Era to win the clay-court and grass-court Grand Slams in the same year – following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal, who achieved that feat last year.

Federer, who has reached the final in 16 of the past 17 majors, was contesting an all-time record 20th Grand Slam singles final, having previously shared the record with Ivan Lendl. Contesting his sixth consecutive Grand Slam final, he is the only man in history to have reached a succession of at least five Grand Slam finals twice - having also advanced to 10 straight major finals between 2005 Wimbledon and the 2007 US Open.

The Swiss is only the third player to win six or more Wimbledon titles, behind William Renshaw and Sampras – who both won seven titles. He also now has broken another Open Era record of Sampras’ by winning his 11th grass-court title – in addition to Wimbledon his other five titles came at Halle in 2003-06 and ’08.

Michael Jackson, the singer, has died after suffering a suspected heart attack. He was 50.