Cologne, Germany – Michael Owen’s World Cup appears over.
The England striker was carried from the field in the second minute of Tuesday’s 2-2 tie against Sweden with what looked like a serious knee injury. He’ll have a scan today, but England isn’t expecting him to play any more in his third World Cup.
“It doesn’t look good at all,” England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said. “Exactly how long it will take I don’t know. It’s better to wait until (today) before we say anything, but it doesn’t look good for him or for us.”
Owen’s right knee buckled beneath him just after he had played a pass. He rolled a yard so he was off the pitch, and lay on the sideline clutching his leg while play continued. Owen was treated by doctors and strapped to a stretcher and taken away.
Owen, 26, only returned last month from a broken foot suffered Dec. 31.
De Rossi sends letter to FIFA
Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi sent a letter to FIFA’s disciplinary committee explaining his elbow to an opponent’s face. Italy expects FIFA to announce a punishment Friday.
De Rossi elbowed U.S. forward Brian McBride in the face in Saturday’s 1-1 draw, earning a red card and drawing blood from a cut under McBride’s left eye. The cut required three stitches to close. In the letter, De Rossi took full responsibility for his error and explained how he apologized personally to McBride after the game. De Rossi also apologized for damaging soccer’s image.
The red card automatically prevents De Rossi from playing in Thursday’s final group match against the Czech Republic.
Aussie Kewell cleared to play
Australia’s Harry Kewell will not be suspended for his outburst at a referee after a loss to Brazil, clearing the winger to play Thursday’s crucial match against Croatia. The decision by FIFA’s disciplinary committee came after German referee Markus Merk complained Kewell had insulted him during a finger-wagging episode lasting several minutes Sunday.
“The FIFA disciplinary committee decided to close the investigation because of inconsistent reports by the referee,” FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said.
Australia needs at least a draw against Croatia in Stuttgart to advance.
Referees dealing the cards
Referees have handed out an average of 4.9 yellow cards a game during the first 36 matches, compared with the previous high of 4.5 in 1994. That’s 2 1/2 times more than in 1982.
“It seems like referees are giving out yellow cards just for fun,” U.S. defender Carlos Bocanegra said after his team had two players ejected in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Italy.
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