Get Adobe Flash player

Sport

Welcome to Zero Gravity

Dakar 2011

The 2011 edition of the Dakar Rally, being held in South America for the third year, is nearly complete, with competitors heading toward the finish line in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Sunday, January 16th. This is the 32nd running of the rally, and over 400 Teams are competing in the race with 200 motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, 140 cars, and 67 trucks. In the end, racers will have traveled 9,500 km (5,900 mi) in 13 stages across spectacular and varied terrain in both Argentina and Chile. Collected here are a handful of images from this year’s race as it nears its end this weekend.

Šerm 2010 – Paříž

From November 4th through the 11th, 950 athletes from 110 countries are meeting in Paris, France for the 2010 World Fencing Championships. The annual event welcomes contestants to the historic Grand Palais in Paris this year, to participate in foil, épée, and sabre events. Collected here are several images from the first half of the 2010 competition.

Maureen Nisima (left) of France and Tatiana Logournova of Russia compete during their semi-final of the epee competition at the 2010 the World Fencing Championships at the Grand Palais in Paris, France on November 8, 2010. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen)

Fencers compete in the Fencing World championships, on November 8, 2010, at the Grand Palais in Paris. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images) #

A fencer holds a foil during a Fencing world championships women’s foil qualifying match on November 7, 2010 in Paris. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Ukraine’s Olena Khomrova (left) faces Russia’s Dina Galiakbarova during their women’s team sabre final on November 9, 2010, at the Grand Palais in Paris. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

China’s Lei Sheng walks in front of a large video screen during a match against Japan’s Yuki Ota during a men’s foil semi final match on November 7, 2010 at the Grand Palais. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Elisa di Francisca (right) of Italy and her compatriot Arianna Errigo compete in the final of the foil competition in Paris on November 7, 2010. (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard) #

Belarussia’s Dmitri Lapkes gets ready prior to compete in the Fencing World championships men’s team saber qualifying round on November 9, 2010. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Mariel Zagunis from the U.S. in the Fencing world championships women’s saber competition on November 6, 2010 in Paris. Zagunis won the competition, Ukraine’s Olga Kharlan placed second, Russia’s Sophia Velikaia and Ukraine’s Olena Khomrova placed third. (LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Dagmara Wozniak (left), of the U.S. competes against France’s Leonore Perrus for the bronze medal during the Fencing World championships women’s team saber match on November 9, 2010. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

In a multiple-exposure image, Romania’s Gelu Florin Zalomir (left) faces Belarussia’s Aliaksandr Buikevich for the bronze medal during the men’s team saber match on November 9, 2010. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

A fencer in a wheelchair is seen during the Fencing World championships on November 8, 2010, at the Grand Palais in Paris. (LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Moez El Asine of France (right) and Chan Wing Kin of Hong Kong compete in the final of wheelchair sabre team competition at the 2010 the World Fencing Championships on November 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen) #

Moez El Assine (left) and Laurent Francois of France are congratulated after winning the final against Hong Kong during the wheelchair sabre team competition at the Grand Palais in Paris on November 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen) #

Italy’s Valentina Vezzali faces the tip of the foil of Netherland’s Djinn Geurts during a women’s foil qualifying match on November 7, 2010. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

France’s Cecilia Berder (left) faces Ukraine’s Olena Khomrova during their Fencing World championships women’s team saber semi-final match on November 9, 2010. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images) #

France’s Cecilia Berder reacts during the women’s team saber semi-final match against Ukraine on November 9, 2010. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Germany’s Peter Joppich prepares to face China’s Lei Sheng in the men’s foil final match on November 7, 2010 at the Grand Palais in Paris. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Germany’s Peter Joppich (right) competes against China’s Lei Sheng in the men’s foil final in Paris on Sunday Nov. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Francois Mori) #

Peter Joppich of Germany celebrates after beating China’s Lei Sheng in the men’s foil final match on November 7, 2010 at the Grand Palais in Paris. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images) #

A fencing helmet on the floor during a women’s foil qualifying match on November 7, 2010 in Paris. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Ibtihaj Muhammad (left) of the U.S. competes with France’s Leonore Perrus for the bronze medal in the women’s team saber match on November 9, 2010, at the Grand Palais in Paris. France won bronze. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Sophia Velikaia of Russia celebrates after defeating Mariel Zagunis of the U.S. to win their team sabre semi-final in Paris on November 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard IMAGES OF THE DAY) #

From left to right, Sophia Velikaia, Julia Gavrilova Svetlana, Kormitsyna and Dina Galiakbarova of Russia celebrate on the podium after winning the final against Ukraine in the sabre team competition at the 2010 World Fencing Championships on November 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard) #

Italy’s Diego Occhiuzzi (left) faces Russia’s Nikolay Kovalev in the men’s team saber final on November 9, 2010, at the Grand Palais in Paris. Russia won 45 to 41. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Italy’s Valentina Vezzali (right) competes against Poland’s Sylwia Gruchala in a women’s single foil quarterfinal in Paris, Sunday Nov. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) #

Alim Latreche (right) of France and Hu Daoliang of China compete in the final of the wheelchair foil competition at the 2010 World Fencing Championships at the Grand Palais in Paris on November 8, 2010. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen) #

China’s Sheng Lei celebrates after beating Japan’s Yuki Ota in their men’s foil semi final match on November 7, 2010 in Paris. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Russia’s Sophia Velikaia, during the Fencing World championships women’s team sabre final on November 9, 2010. (LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Italy’s Elisa di Francisca celebrates with her coach after beating her compatriot Arianna Errigo in the women’s foil final match on November 7, 2010 at the Grand Palais in Paris. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Ibtihaj Muhammad of the U.S. reacts as she competes against France for the bronze medal during the women’s team saber match on November 9, 2010. (LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images) #

This multi-exposure picture shows Ukraine’s Galyna Pundyk (left) competing with Russia’s Julia Gavrilova during their women’s team sabre final on November 9, 2010, at the Grand Palais in Paris. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Maureen Nisima of France cries during the medal ceremony after wining her final against Emese Szasz of Hungary in the epee competition at the 2010 World Fencing Championships on November 8, 2010. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen) #

Italy’s Elisa di Francisca (left) faces South Korea’s Nam Hyun Hee during a women’s foil semi final match on November 7, 2010 in Paris. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Halfway in – 2010 World Cup

Nearly halfway through the month-long 2010 World Cup Tournament in South Africa, over a dozen teams have been eliminated from the original group of 32, with the Round of 16 beginning tomorrow, June 26th. Television and web viewership has been setting records all over the world as supporters tune in to watch the events in South Africa and react along with the fans and players in the stadiums as they celebrate their wins and suffer through losses. Collected here are recent photos from the 2010 World Cup, as some of the players and their supporters have been experiencing it – in South Africa and around the globe.

Landon Donovan of the United States (front left) celebrates after scoring a goal with fellow team members Clint Dempsey (back left) and Edson Buddle, during the World Cup group C soccer match between the United States and Algeria at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, June 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Members of the United States national soccer team celebrate after teammate Landon Donovan scored a goal against Algeria at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on June 23, 2010. (REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi) #

A dejected Algeria fan, after defeat and elimination during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between USA and Algeria at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on June 23, 2010 in Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa. (Ian Walton/Getty Images) #

A fan blows a vuvuzela ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group G match between Brazil and Ivory Coast at Soccer City Stadium on June 20, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) #

South African fans celebrate in Johannesburg after their team scores during the Group A, first round match of France vs. South Africa on June 22, 2010. (MUSTAFA OZER/AFP/Getty Images) #

A Denmark supporter arrives for the World Cup group E soccer match between Denmark and Japan at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, Thursday, June 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) #

Brazil and Ivory Coast supporters watch the Group G first round World Cup match of Brazil vs. Ivory Coast on June 20, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto. (ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images) #

South Korean soccer fans gather to watch a live TV broadcast of their 2010 World Cup Group B soccer match against Nigeria in Durban, at the Seoul City Hall Plaza June 23, 2010. South Korea drew 2-2 in a tense match with Nigeria to advance to the second round of the World Cup on Tuesday. (REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak) #

An Australian fan awaits the start of the 2010 World Cup Group D soccer match against Serbia at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, June 23, 2010. (REUTERS/Rogan Ward) #

Serbia’s Milan Jovanovic (center) scores past Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (right) and Arne Friedrich during a Group D match at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth June 18, 2010. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) #

Fans blow their vuvuzelas before the Group F match between Paraguay and New Zealand at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane June 24, 2010. (REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado) #

France’s striker Djibril Cisse reacts as Colombian referee Oscar Ruiz gives a red card to France’s midfielder Yoann Gourcuff (not pictured) during the Group A first round 2010 World Cup football match of France vs. South Africa on June 22, 2010 at Free State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein. (VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) #

An estimated 50,000 supporters of Germany watch the World Cup soccer match between Germany and Ghana at a public viewing area in Hamburg, Germany, on Wednesday, June 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) #

The arms of a humanoid robot wave as Japanese and Danish soccer fans watch a live broadcast of the World Cup Group E match between Japan and Denmark in South Africa at the Danish Embassy in Tokyo early Friday morning, June 25, 2010. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) #

A fan watches the South Africa 2010 World Cup match between Argentina and Greece on a giant screen in Buenos Aires, Tuesday, June 22, 2010. Argentina defeated Greece 2-0. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) #

In this Sunday June 20, 2010 file photo, South African worshipers hold their vuvuzelas after attending a religious service at Pretoria’s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in South Africa. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) #

Slovakia’s goalkeeper Jan Mucha watches as the ball flies past him and into the goal on the shot of Paraguay’s midfielder Cristian Riveros (unseen) during the Group F first round match of Slovakia versus Paraguay on June 20, 2010 at Free State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein. (JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images) #

Soccer fans celebrate Paraguay making it to the next round of the World Cup, after watching a match against New Zealand on a big-screen television, in Asuncion, Paraguay on Thursday, June 24, 2010. Paraguay was held to a 0-0 draw by New Zealand in the match, but still won its World Cup group and moved into the round of 16. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz) #

Photographers gather in front of Argentina’s coach Diego Maradona as he sings the national anthem before the 2010 World Cup Group B soccer match against Greece at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane June 22, 2010. (REUTERS/David Gray) #

A fan waits for the start of a World Cup Group E soccer match between Cameroon and Denmark at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 19, 2010. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez) #

Portugal players celebrate after Portugal’s midfielder Raul Meireles scored during the Group G first round 2010 World Cup football match North Korea versus Portugal on June 21, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town. (HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/Getty Images) #

Fans in Kiwi costumes react after New Zealand failed to progress to the second round after their World Cup Group F soccer match against Paraguay at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane June 24, 2010. (REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado) #

A dejected Germany fan sits alone in the stands after the 2010 World Cup Group D soccer match against Serbia at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth June 18, 2010. (REUTERS/Paul Hanna) #

Slovenia’s Zlatko Dedic takes a shot as England’s John Terry (horizontal) dives in front of the ball next to teammate Glen Johnson during the World Cup Group C soccer match in Port Elizabeth June 23, 2010. (REUTERS/Darren Staples) #

Brazilian soccer fans pray in front of a image of former South African President Nelson Mandela before a public screening of the FIFA World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Ivory Coast on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 20, 2010. (REUTERS/Bruno Domingos) #

Italy’s defender Fabio Cannavaro (right) consoles striker Fabio Quagliarella in the Group F first round 2010 World Cup football match between Italy and Slovakia on June 24, 2010 at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. Slovakia won 3-2 to knock Italy out of the tournament. (FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Brazilian fans await the Group G soccer match against Ivory Coast at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, June 20, 2010. (REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon) #

Australia’s team lines up at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on June 23, 2010 in Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) #

Slovakia’s Jan Durica celebrates after teammate Robert Vittek scored a second goal during their Group F soccer match against Italy at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg June 24, 2010. (REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi) #

Netherlands’ Rafael van der Vaart kicks between the legs of Cameroon’s Aurelien Chedjou during a Group E soccer match at Green Point stadium in Cape Town June 24, 2010. (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen) #

A fan of the Netherlands smiles prior to the World Cup group E soccer match between Cameroon and the Netherlands in Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, June 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) #

The Glastonbury Festival crowd celebrate England’s goal during their World Cup match that is being shown on the main stage screens at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 23, 2010 in Glastonbury, England. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images) #

A supporter of England attends the 2010 World Cup group C first round football match between England and Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) #

Argentina’s defender Nicolas Burdisso celebrates with Argentina’s coach Diego Maradona after they won the Group B first round match against Greece on June 22, 2010 at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. (PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images) #

Slovakia’s midfielder Marek Hamsik celebrates after Slovakia’s striker Robert Vittek scored a second goal during their Group F first round match on June 24, 2010 at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. (PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images) #

A student who escaped from North Korea watches a live broadcast of the 2010 World Cup Group G soccer match between North Korea and Portugal in Cape Town, at the Hangyeore middle and high school for North Korean teenage defectors in Anseong, about 50 mi (80 km) south of Seoul, South Korea on June 21, 2010. About 100 students of the school gathered at its gymnasium and cheered for their former nation’s soccer team. (REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak) #

Japan’s Shinji Okazaki hugs Keisuke Honda as they celebrate their victory against Denmark after their Group E soccer match at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg June 24, 2010. (REUTERS/Toru Hanai) #

France’s midfielder Florent Malouda waves to supporters at the end of the Group A first round 2010 World Cup football match France vs. South Africa on June 22, 2010 at Free State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein. South Africa won 2-1. (VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) #

Ghana’s John Pantsil receives assistance after being injured during the World Cup group D soccer match between Ghana and Australia at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on Saturday, June 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) #

US supporters cheer after the Group C first round World Cup match US versus Algeria on June 23, 2010 at Loftus Verfeld stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria. US won the match 1-0. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) #

Jermain Defoe of England scores the opening goal past Samir Handanovic of Slovenia during the Group C match between Slovenia and England at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 23, 2010 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Serbia’s Dejan Stankovic reacts after his team’s loss to Australia during a Group D match at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit June 23, 2010. (REUTERS/Rogan Ward) #

A fan kisses her ticket prior to a Group F first round World Cup match on June 24, 2010 at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. (FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)

Mistrovství světa ve fotbale 2010

The 2010 FIFA World Cup opened last Friday in South Africa, after years of preparation, with an Opening Ceremony at Soccer City Stadium – the first matches taking place over the weekend. Thousands attended the opening concerts and matches in person, while tens of millions watched events unfold on screens large and small across the world. Collected here are some scenes from the opening ceremonies, the first several matches, and fans young and old around the world riding emotional rollercoasters while watching the 2010 World Cup.

A man watches the opening match of the 2010 World Cup between South Africa and Mexico in Bloemfontein June 11, 2010. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

A South African flag incorporating the flags of each nation at the tournament is waved at the Opening Ceremony ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group A match between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City Stadium on June 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Clive Rose/Getty Images) #

South African air force aerobatic planes fly by on June 11, 2010 during the FIFA WC2010 opening ceremony at Soccer city stadium in Soweto. (GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images) #

A drummer performs during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony on June 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Clive Mason/Getty Images) #

A performer in the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony in Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 11, 2010. (REUTERS/David Gray) #

A South African dancer smiles during the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2010 in Soweto, South Africa. (PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images) #

South African dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2010 in Soweto. (PIERRE PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images) #

Photographers are led onto the field before the 2010 World Cup opening match between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 11, 2010. (REUTERS/David Gray) #

A fan blows a vuvuzela during the Group A first round 2010 World Cup football match South Africa vs. Mexico on June 11, 2010 in Soweto. (VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Giorgio Rovida, an Italian motorbike engineer, watches the opening game of the 2010 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa in his Milan workshop on June 11, 2010. (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images) #

South Africa’s midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala (center) runs with the ball to score the opening goal during their Group A first round 2010 World Cup match on June 11, 2010. (OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images) #

Mexico’s goalkeeper Oscar Perez fails to catch the shot by South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala on June 11, 2010. (OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images) #

A man celebrates Mexico’s goal as he watches the 2010 World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa on a large TV screen in Zocalo Square, downtown Mexico City June 11, 2010. (REUTERS/Eliana Aponte) #

South Africa’s goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune watches the action at the other end of the pitch during their Group A first round World Cup match on June 11, 2010 at Soccer City stadium. (VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Prisoners watch the World Cup opening match between South Africa and Mexico in Mexico City’s Reclusorio Sur prison June 11, 2010. (REUTERS/Daniel Aguilar) #

People gather around a television to watch the opening game of the soccer World Cup at the Tembisa neighborhood in the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, June 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan) #

A Chinese couple watches a live broadcast of the World Cup soccer match between South Africa and Mexico, outside a grocery store in a hutong of Beijing, China, Friday, June 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen) #

Photographers take pictures during the Group A first round 2010 World Cup match between South Africa and Mexico on June 11, 2010. (ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) #

South African residents of the Vrededorp neighborhood react to a save by South Africa as they watch the opening match of the World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday June 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) #

Schoolchildren watch the World Cup opening match between South Africa and Mexico in San Jose, Costa Rica on June 11, 2010. Costa Rica’s Education Minister Leonardo Garnier authorised all schools across the country to have a television in their classrooms to watch the World Cup matches. (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate ) #

A young supporter waves Spanish flags before the welcome ceremony for Spain’s national football team on June 11, 2010 in North West University Sports Village on the opening day of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. (LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) #

South Korean soccer fans cheer for the South Korean World Cup soccer team as they watch a live TV broadcast of the 2010 World Cup Group B soccer match against Greece in Port Elizabeth, at Seoul City Hall Plaza June 12, 2010.(REUTERS/Lee Chung-Woo)#

Uruguay’s striker Diego Forlan (right) tries to head the ball with France’s defender William Gallas during their Group A first round World Cup football match on June 11, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town. (STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images) #

Uruguay’s Diego Lugano, center, and France’s Jeremy Toulalan, second from right, argue as referee Yuichi Nishimura of Japan, second from left, and France’s Sidney Govou, right, intervene during the World Cup group A soccer match between Uruguay and France in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday, June 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) #

France’s Patrice Evra, left, goes for the ball as Uruguay’s Mauricio Victorino, bottom right, falls during the World Cup group A soccer match between Uruguay and France in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday, June 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) #

U.S. and British troops watch the World Cup soccer match from South Africa between the U.S. and England in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan June 12, 2010. (REUTERS/Corporal Gary Kendall RLC/MoD/Crown Copyright) #

Police restrain fighting fans as supporters of the England football team watch National Team’s opening world Cup soccer match, against the U.S., at a Fan zone in the Castlefield area of Manchester, England, Saturday June 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Jon Super) #

England’s goalkeeper Robert Green reacts after he allowed a goal by the U.S. during a 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg June 12, 2010. (REUTERS/Darren Staples) #

U.S. players celebrate after midfielder Clint Dempsey (right) scored a goal against England during their 2010 World Cup group C first round football match on June 12, 2010 at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) #

American fans cheer as they watch through a giant screen the World Cup group C soccer match between England and the United States, at Durban beach, South Africa, Saturday, June 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) #

Tunisian and Algerian fans react as they watch the Algeria vs Slovenia football FIFA world cup match on television, on June 13, 2010 in the cafe bar in Tunis. (FETHI BELAID/AFP/Getty Images) #

A man reacts as he watches the World Cup 2010 soccer match between Argentina and Nigeria In Port-au-Prince, haiti on Saturday, June 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini) #

Argentina’s Jonas Gutierrez (right) battles for the ball with Nigeria’s Chinedu Obasi during the World Cup Group B soccer match at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg June 12, 2010. (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen) #

Roadside mechanics and their clients watch Nigeria take on Argentina during the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa on a battery powered two-inch television in Lagos, Nigeria on June 12, 2010. (PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images) #

Argentinian soccer fans watch a World Cup match between Argentina and Nigeria at a market in Tucuman, Argentina, Saturday, June 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) #

Argentina’s Gabriel Heinze (left) runs in celebration towards the bench after scoring the first goal during the World Cup group B soccer match between Argentina and Nigeria at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday, June 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) #

A football fan reacts as Nigeria misses a goal at a public viewing center in Lagos, Nigeria during the World Cup match between Nigeria and Argentina in South Africa, on June 12, 2010. (PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images) #

Supporters of Germany’s football team watch the match against Australia on a giant screen during the public viewing event in the northern German city of Hamburg on June 13, 2010. (FABIAN BIMMER/AFP/Getty Images) #

Lukas Podolski of Germany celebrates scoring the first goal during the World Cup South Africa Group D match between Germany and Australia at Durban Stadium on June 13, 2010 in Durban, South Africa. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) #

Palestinians and foreigners watch the World Cup game between Germany and Australia projected onto a screen on the separation barrier in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday June 13, 2010. The wall that separates this biblical town in the West Bank from nearby Jerusalem has recently been bringing an international crowd together to watch the World Cup games. Every night, local restaurant owner and avid soccer fan Joseph Hasboun has been projecting games of the World Cup onto the wall facing his eatery, the Bahamas Sea Food Restaurant. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi) #

Wearing 3D glasses, Australian fans watch their team in their South Africa World Cup match against Germany in 3D at a movie theater in Melbourne on June 14, 2010. Germany won the match 4-0. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #

A South African fan arrives at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg on June 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Mistrovství světa ve fotbale 2010


Next Friday, June 11th, South Africa will step onto the world stage as host nation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup as the international soccer tournament begins – welcoming 32 teams from around the world. South Africa was selected as the host six years ago, and has been preparing ever since, building five new stadiums, upgrading five existing stadiums, and building up public transportation, including a new rapid transit railway. Over the past weeks, the teams and their legions of fans have begun arriving while final preparations are made and and dress rehearsals held for the Opening Ceremony on Friday. The tournament takes place over a month, ending on July 11th. Collected here are recent scenes from South Africa as it readies itself to welcome the world. )

A fan waves a South African flag during a parade for Bafana Bafana, the South African national soccer team on June 9th, 2010 in Sandton, South Africa. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The South African soccer team parades through Sandton, South Africa as thousands of local supporters cheer on June 9, 2010. (Michael Steele/Getty Images) #

A supporter of 2010 South Africa World Cup wears goggles with the colors the South African flag in Rustenburg, South Africa, Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man) #

People surf on the beach near the Moses Mabhida Stadium (background) in Durban on June 5, 2010. Seven matches of the South Africa 2010 World Cup will be held at Mabhida Stadium. (JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images) #

A South African government staffer blows a vuvuzela soccer horn during the last Football Friday celebration at the government residence in Pretoria, Friday, June 4, 2010. During Football Fridays, that were activated last year to mobilize the country behind hosting the World Cup, South Africans were encouraged to wear their team’s colors. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan) #

Workers put up a 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup banner at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 7, 2010. (REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado) #

Primary school children perform a play celebrating the soccer World Cup on June 8, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Children from the King David Victory Park Primary School completed their final dress rehearsal before performing in two sold out shows highlighting South African enthusiasm for the World Cup. (John Moore/Getty Images) #

Local children play soccer on a dirt pitch in a Soweto township on June 7, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) #

Workers fix a giant vuvuzela soccer horn on top of Cape Town’s famous unfinished highway bridge, May 27, 2010. (REUTERS/Mark Wessels) #

A replica of the Jabulani match ball is seen on the pitch during a test match of youth teams at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 8, 2010. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) #

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal warms up before an international friendly match against Mozambique at Wanderers Stadium on June 8, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) #

A youngster enjoys the sun as she sits in the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva) #

The sun sets behind supporters watching Slovenia’s national team during a team training session at the Hyde Park High School in Johannesburg on June 8, 2010. (MUSTAFA OZER/AFP/Getty Images) #

Slovenia’s national soccer team members walk across the tarmac upon the team’s arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, June 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) #

A young girl blows a vuvuzela horn while walking in the Table Mountain National Park on June 5, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #

Cape Town stadium, host to some of the 2010 Soccer World Cup games, seen with the ocean in background in Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, May 20, 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) #

A worker mows the grass at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on June 8, 2010. (REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado) #

Technicians prepare for the satellite transmission of the World Cup on June 8, 2010 in Johannesburg. (YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images) #

New Zealand’s goalkeeper Mark Paston (left) punches the ball away as teammates Ivan Vicelich and Chile’s Esteban Paredes (right) jump during a friendly soccer match in Pretoria June 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado) #

A man walks through empty seats at the Ellis stadium, Johannesburg, Monday, June 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Guillermo Arias) #

Brazilian striker Kaka is seen through the viewfinders of several television cameras during the Brazil team press conference at the Fairways Hotel on June 4, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) #

Children from The Kings School watch from a gate the South Africa’s national soccer team training session in Johannesburg, Friday, June 4, 2010. (AP Photo/Guillermo Arias) #

A street artist creates models of the Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium, right, and the Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, left, out of sand at the Durban beach, South Africa, Saturday, June 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) #

A South African aerobatic squad practices above the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg on Monday June 7, 2010, ahead of the World Cup opening ceremony. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) #

Municipal workers paint the 2010 structure at the Alexandra township in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday June 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) #

Footballs cover the pitch as Uruguay’s football players take part in a training session at the GWK Park stadium in Kimberley on June 7, 2010. (RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP/Getty Images) #

Australia’s Lucas Neill is reflected in the water as he jogs with the team during a training session at Ruimsig Stadium in Roodepoort, just outside of Johannesburg June 7, 2010. (REUTERS/Daniel Munoz) #

A worker rests on the roof of Cape Town Stadium after work May 18, 2010. (REUTERS/Mike Hutchings) #

Portugal’s supporters cheer during a warm-up match against Mozambique at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, Tuesday, June 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Guillermo Arias) #

A worker paints a sculpture made out of soccer balls at the International Broadcasting Center near the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg June 7, 2010. (REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado) #

South Africa’s goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune trains in Johannesburg on June 7, 2010. (ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) #

Soccer City, also known as the FNB Stadium, seen in Johannesburg on May 11, 2010. The stadium is set to host both the opening and final soccer matches of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. (REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko) #

Shadows of the Australian team are highlighted on a fence as they arrive for a training session in Roodepoort on June 7, 2010. (STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images) #

Dancers perform during a dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony for the Soccer World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) #

A view of the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 9, 2010. Soccer City will host the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)) #

The Sun sets behind South African spectators during a public training match against between local team Platinum Stars FC and England at Moruleng stadium in Moruleng on June 7, 2010. (JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images) #

South Africa’s defender Matthew Booth and teammates train in Johannesburg on June 7, 2010. (ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) #

The sun sets as the team play a short match during a Brazilian training session at Randburg High School on June 4, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) #

A South African boy plays soccer in an open field in Soweto, South Africa on June 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Tak trochu jiné Olympijské hry

Over 500 athletes from 44 countries around the world have once again descended on Vancouver Canada, for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games, (officially known as the X Paralympic Winter Games). After a separate torch relay and opening ceremony, competitors faced off in five different sports: Sledge hockey, Wheelchair curling, Alpine skiing, Biathlon, and Cross-country skiing – the last three broken into classes of sitting, standing and visually impaired. Currently Russia is leading the medals race, with Canada and Ukraine tied for second place. The Winter Paralympics continue until the Closing Ceremony on Sunday March 21st. Collected here are some scenes from this year’s games.

Torchbearer Daniel Wesley carries the Paralympic flame during the Torch Relay at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games at BC Place on March 12, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)

Flame attendant Martie Wyse transfers a flame from a fire started by Algonquin elders into a portable lantern during the start of the Paralympic torch relay on Victoria Island in Ottawa, Canada, on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Pawel Dwulit) #

Betty and Rolly Fox, parents of Terry Fox, light Daniel Wesley’s torch during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games at BC Place on March 12, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) #

Animal spirit Sumi performs during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games at BC Place on March 12, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

The Paralympic flame burns during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games at BC Place on March 12, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

Members of team Canada arrive during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver, Friday, March 12, 2010. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Jonathan Hayward) #

Alana Nichols of the USA practices during a training run for the Sitting Women’s Downhill competition prior to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics at Whistler Creekside on March 10, 2010 in Whistler, Canada. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) #

Tomas Kvoch #21 of the Czech Republic battles for the puck against Byeong-Seok Cho #27 of Korea during the Ice Sledge Hockey Preliminary Round Group A Game between the Czech Repulic and Korea on day five of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games at UBC Thunderbird Arena on March 16, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) #

Norway skip Rune Lorentsen, left, delivers a stone as Geir Arne Skogstad, right, steadies his wheelchair and Lene Tystad, center, watches while playing Japan during the paralympic wheelchair curling competition in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Daryl Dyck) #

Nicolas Loussalez-Artets of France rounds a curve in the Men’s Sitting Giant Slalom during Day 5 of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics at Whistler Creekside on March 16, 2010 in Whistler, Canada. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

(Left to right) Silver medalist Gerd Schonfelder of Germany, Gold medalist Adam Hall of New Zealand and Bronze medalist Cameron Rahles-Rahbula of Australia celebrate on the podium after the Men’s Slalom Standing event during day 4 of the Winter Paralympics at Whistler Creekside on March 15, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

Adam Hall of New Zealand celebrates with his mother Gayle Hall after winning the Men’s Slalom Standing event at Whistler Creekside on March 15, 2010. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

Santino Stillitano #1 of Italy is scored on for the second time by Kjell Vidar Royne #13 of Norway (R) during the third period of the Ice Sledge Hockey Preliminary Round Group B Game between Norway and Italy on day three of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games at UBC Thunderbird Arena in Vancouver, Canada. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) #

Monica Bascio of USA competes in the Woman’s 10k sitting event at Whistler Paralympic Park on March 14, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) #

Switzerland’s Chiara Devittorri-Valnegri falls at the finish during the women’s 15km cross-country standing in Whistler, British Columbia on March 15, 2010. (REUTERS/Andy Clark) #

Patrick McDonald of the United States touches the center of the scoring circle before the Wheelchair Curling Round Robin game between the United States and Germany on day three of the 2010 Winter Paralympics on March 14, 2010. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) #

Laurie Stephens of USA makes a run in the Women’s Sitting Giant Slalom during Day 5 of the 2010 Winter Paralympics on March 16, 2010. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) #

Alana Nichols of the United States celebrates her gold medal in the women’s alpine skiing giant slalom sitting during the medal ceremony at the Winter Paralympic Games in Whistler, Canada on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Dominic Favre) #

U.S. athlete Monte Meier passes a gate during the second run of the Men’s slalom standing of the 2010 Winter Paralympics at Whistler Creekside on Monday, March 15, 2010. (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Dominic Favre) #

Irek Zaripov of Russia celebrates winning Gold in the Men’s 15k Sitting Cross Country skiing event during Day 3 of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics on March 14, 2010. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) #

Alexi Salamone #21 of the United States looks up during the first period of the Ice Sledge Hockey Preliminary Round Group A Game between the United States and Japan in the 2010 Winter Paralympics on March 16, 2010. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) #

Valery Kupchinskiy #43 of Russia is led by guide Viacheslav Dubov as he competes in the men’s visually impaired 20km free cross-country skiing race during Day 4 of the Winter Paralympics on March 15, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) #

Lauren Woolstencroft of Canada celebrates after winning the Women’s slalom standing of the 2010 Winter Paralympics on Monday, March 15, 2010 in Whistler, Canada. (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Dominic Favre) #

Linnea Ottosson Eide of Sweden crashes out in the Women’s Slalom Sitting event in the Winter Paralympics on March 14, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

Bart Bunting, right, of Australia, and his guide, Nathan Chivers, ski in the men’s giant slalom visually impaired event during the Winter Paralympic Games in Whistler, British Columbia on March 16, 2010. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward) #

Andy Yohe #9 of the United States carries the puck during the Ice Sledge Hockey Preliminary Round Group A Game between the United States and Korea on day two of the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games on March 13, 2010. The United States defeated Korea 5-0. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) #

Ralph Green of the United States competes in the Men’s Slalom Standing event during day 4 of the Winter Paralympics on March 15, 2010. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

Tokedal Trygve Larsen of Norway tucks, cresting a hill, in the Men’s 15k Sitting Cross Country skiing event in the Winter Paralympics on March 14, 2010. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) #

Wheelchair Curling Round Robin games take place on day three of the Winter Paralympics on March 14, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) #

Takayuki Endo #10 of Japan reacts after his team was defeated 6-0 by the United States during the Ice Sledge Hockey Preliminary Round Group A Game on day five of the Winter Paralympics on March 16, 2010. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) #

David Warner of South Africa clears a gate during the Men’s Standing Slalom on Day 4 of the Winter Paralympics on March 15, 2010. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) #

Claudia Loesch of Austria leans into a turn in the Women’s Slalom Sitting event during the Winter Paralympics on March 14, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

Lou Gibson of Canada shoots in the Men’s 2.4km Pursuit Sitting Biathlon on Day 2 of the Winter Paralympics at Whistler Paralympic Park on March 13, 2010. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

Werner Winkler #7 of Italy (center) celebrates his goal against Roger Johansen #1 (left) and Stig Tore Svee #8 of Norway (right) during the first period of the Ice Sledge Hockey Preliminary Round Group B Game between Norway and Italy during the Winter Paralympic Games at UBC Thunderbird Arena on March 14, 2010. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) #

Iuliia Batenkova of the Ukraine wipes her eye after winning a silver medal in the women’s 15-kilometer free standing cross country ski race in Whistler, British Columbia on Monday, March 15, 2010. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward) #

Haitao Du #5 of China competes in the men’s standing 20km free cross-country skiing race during Day 4 of the Winter Paralympics on March 15, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) #

Josh Dueck of Canada celebrates finishing second in the Men’s Slalom Sitting event during day 3 of the Winter Paralympics at Whistler Creekside on March 14, 2010. (Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #

Gold medalist Verena Bentele #28 of Germany celebrates her win with her guide Thomas Friedrich after competing in the women’s visually impaired 15km free cross-country skiing race during Day 4 of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) #

Lyudmyia Pavlenko of the Ukraine competes in the women’s sitting 10km cross-country skiing race during the Winter Paralympics at Whistler Paralympic Park on March 14, 2010. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) #

Team Canada celebrates their 10-1 victory over Sweden during the Ice Sledge Hockey Preliminary Round Group B Game between Canada and Sweden on day three of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games at UBC Thunderbird Arena on March 14, 2010. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) #