World Cup Update #1: Laser pointers

In just three days, there has already been a lot of complaining about the ball, the quasi-artificial pitch at some stadiums, and the vuvuzelas. Not much has been made, however, of the fact that Lionel Messi and others were menaced with a laser pointer in yesterday's Argentina-Nigeria match.

Champions League Update: Semifinals are set

Above: Arjen Robben celebrates the winning goal

Below: Seconds earlier, the Manchester United players watch Robben's goal go in the net

All four Champions League quarterfinal ties are over, and here are the results:

• Barcelona defeated Arsenal
• Inter Milan beat CSKA Moscow
• Olympique Lyon beat Girondins Bordeaux
• Bayern Munich defeated Manchester United

Below: Messi scores one of his four goals against Arsenal on Tuesday

In the Bayern-Man Utd. match on Wednesday, Bayern arrived at Old Trafford with a 2-1 lead and hopes that Wayne Rooney would be unable to play due to injury. Rooney did start, however, and United quickly built up a 3-0 lead. Bayern scored at the end of the first half (on a goal by Olic), and then, in the second half, Manchester United's Rafael was sent off with his second yellow card, and Rooney had to leave due to a re-aggravation of his ankle injury. Arjen Robben then scored a pretty astounding goal to pull Bayern level 4-4 over the two legs of the tie. Due to the away-goals rule, Bayern advance.

After the match, United coach Alex Ferguson denounced the Bayern players for being "typical Germans."

For highlights, watch this:

When You Tube takes this video down, try this link instead.

The semifinals will see Barca play Inter and Lyon versus Bayern.

A soccer highlight

I wish Milan had a player who could do something like this (just not Ibrahimovic).

Champions League Final: Barcelona 2 - Manchester United 0

Above: Lionel Messi scores Barcelona's second goal.

Below: Thierry Henry shows off his new trophy.

Above: Barcelona players celebrate their success by tossing rookie manager Josep Guardiola into the air.  In his first season, Guardiola won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.

Below: Sir Alex Ferguson walks off the pitch after the game.

Please forgive me for posting an ad #1

They are selling shoes and other equipment