Abramovich, Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin in trouble with the cops It seems a scriptwriter on US drama Law and Order decided the quickest way to name some Russian mobsters in the show was to throw in his favourite soccer stars safe in the knowledge that the unsuspecting average American would be none the wiser.

Amanda Palmer is one half of The Dresden Dolls. "Leeds United" is off her solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer?. The track isn't directly about Leeds but the pounding on the keys, the blaring horns, the voice hoarse from shouting/screaming/singing taps into the riot of football crowds. She explains that the whole idea of turning out to support your team & getting into brawls with each other struck her as "Roman" and a good subject for her.

Like an episode of Law and Order, Richie Williams is building a case for head coach, 2010. And if he keeps this up, he won't have to press too much to get it done.

In a scrappy back and forth effort, the Red Bulls downed defending champions Columbus 1-0 on an absolutely beautiful 70 yard run by Dane Richards (yes, that Dane Richards!

Thierry Henry's left forearm makes first contact with the ball but then as the ball bounces off ever so slightly his hand comes up and he steers the ball onto his foot. The first touch was inadvertent but his second touch had clear intent. What is so amazing about this is that the linesman on the opposite side should have seen happened because as far as one can see his vision remains unobstructed with Henry furthest out clear of the Irish defenders and Shay Given.

Kicking off this morning's World Cup review is a selection of photographs from The Telegraph. "World Cup 2010: football culture around the world" put me in the mood for a great 2010. Enjoy.
Rio Ferdinand will hope to enjoy the football culture of South Africa in 2010. What's the latest on his back and calf?