Steven Gerrard has leapt to the defence of Michael Owen and predicted he will deliver World Cup goals for England.

"Michael has come in for a bit of criticism because he hasn't scored but I know goals are only around the corner. He is not worried about the way he is playing and neither is the team and we know it's only a matter of time before he is banging goals in."

THE NETHERLANDS GOAL DELIGHT FOR RUUD

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who looks likely to be on his way out of Old Trafford in the near future, says his goal in The Netherlands' 2-1 win over Ivory Coast tops every goal he has scored for Manchester United.

"It is the biggest goal I have ever scored, no doubt about it, " he said. "I have scored a lot of goals in my career but this one is definitely the best. You watch the World Cup as a boy and to be part of it is just amazing."

IVORY COAST TOURE TO BUILD ON EXPERIENCE

Kolo Toure is refusing to put the Ivory Coast's early World Cup exit down to bad luck.

"You have to meet whoever you get drawn against and try to beat them, something we have not managed to do, " said the 25-yearold. "It is not possible to say whether we would have got out of another group. We are all disappointed but this is our "rst time in the competition. We have a lot of young players and we can only gain from the experience."

ARGENTINA DIEGO'S SUPPORT SPURS

MESSI Lionel Messi has thanked Diego Maradona for his support after the 18-year-old Argentina prodigy made a remarkable entrance on the biggest stage of all in the 6-0 defeat of Serbia and Montenegro.

"Diego Maradona came up to me before the match and wished me luck. That was a big lift for me, no doubt about it. I am happy to have made my World Cup debut, and, of course, because I scored.

BRAZIL KAKA READY TO BATTLE AUSTRALIA

Kaka has warned Australia that Brazil will be firing on all cylinders when they tackle the Socceroos today.

"The game against Australia will be different, I can assure you, " Kaka said. "I'm not going to give too much away but we need to have more movement and play more quickly and we will. We have looked at the video and we know exactly how to get things right next time."

GERMANY HITZLSPERGER EYES UP ENGLAND

Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger says Germany are capable of beating England should the two sides meet in the second round.

"If you compare England to us, I think we can safely say we are playing better, " said 24-year-old.

"They are supposed to be one of the favourites, but have yet to play very well. We are at least on their level and England have not been convincing yet.