Terry: Defence needs some work

John Terry believes England's ability to "keep it tight at the back" will have a massive bearing on their bid to win the World Cup.

Terry has confidence the forward power at coach Fabio Capello's disposal will always find the target despite the fact star man Wayne Rooney is on a run of just one goal in eight internationals.

And the Chelsea captain is confident the defence will come good in South Africa despite the concerns raised after the recent warm-up game against Mexico.

The Three Lions looked vulnerable during the first half against the central American team last week and conceded a sloppy goal in a 3-1 win.

The back four had more of an accustomed look about it in the final warm-up international against Japan in Graz on Sunday, with Terry reunited at the heart of the defence with Rio Ferdinand and left-back Ashley Cole back after a four game absence.

Glen Johnson did not have the best of games at right-back but Jamie Carragher looked more solid when he replaced his Liverpool team-mate for the second period.

Terry said: "The manager had stressed in the week that with the pace we have, the quality we have going forward, we're always going to create chances and score goals.

"It's up to us to keep it tight at the back. The goal we conceded against Mexico, and a couple of set-plays, are things we'll have to work on.

"But if we can keep it tight at the back, then we've got enough quality going forward which means we can always get a goal."

He added: "It's been a while since we've played together as a back four. Obviously I know Ashley and also Johnson from his Chelsea days, but myself and Rio have got a good understanding so when we slot in alongside each other, we know each other's game well enough.

"Jamie Carragher came on during the second half and did well, and I think as a back four or back five we looked solid."

Terry felt he benefited from his first game since the FA Cup final win over Portsmouth more than a fortnight ago.

He said: "It was a good run-out, especially after I missed the last game. But it was good for the whole squad, good for the manager to try new players and formations.

"In the last couple of games we didn't start as well as we could have done but it's eventually been good enough to win because late on you saw the fitness come into account. We came on strong and the fitness has shown."

Terry was impressed with the performance of Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole and hopes it will be sufficient to convince Capello he should be part of his final 23-man squad.

He said: "Joe has been very good. Towards the end of the season when we've needed big players, Joe Cole has been one of them at Chelsea.

"He scored a massive goal at Old Trafford and has done really well.

"The manager will make that final decision on whether to pick Joe. He's seen enough of Joe, what he's done in the last 10 days and against Japan, to know what he can do."

Pepe: Watch out for Ronaldo!

Portugal defender Pepe is backing Cristiano Ronaldo to set the stage alight at the World Cup in South Africa.

Real Madrid's Pepe was named in the Portuguese squad after recovering just in time from a knee ligament injury he suffered in December.

Speaking to club's official website, he said: "I feel good.

"Real Madrid's team of doctors know how important the psychological recovery is for a footballer and both Doctor Diez and Doctor Hernandez think I am of sound mind."

Commenting on his side's preparation for the World Cup, he said: "Portugal is in good shape and we are working hard.

"We are ready and have what it takes to fight for the World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the player to keep any eye on.

"He had a strong finish in La Liga and helped Real Madrid a lot. He will be a decisive player in South Africa if he keeps up the pace."

Alonso: Casillas as good as ever

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso claims national goalkeeper Iker Casillas will adapt to the new ball being used at the World Cup.

Casillas was unhappy with the way the ball behaved in the friendly against Saudi Arabia which Spain won 3-2 courtesy of an injury time goal.

The Spain number one fumbled the ball numerous times and was visibly frustrated during the match.

However, Alonso thinks the captain will soon get used to the new ball, just like everyone else.

In comments reported by Marca, Alonso said: "I see him [Casillas] the same as always, raring to go."

"We have to get used to the trajectories [of the ball], but as the days pass by I am sure that we will feel more comfortable."

Casillas is not the only one dissatisfied with the equipment being used in South Africa.

England's Joe Hart also expressed his unhappiness with the ball a week ago.

David James still in the dark

David James is unsure of whether he has done enough to cement his spot as England's No.1 goalkeeper.

The Portsmouth shot-stopper, who suffered with a knee injury last season, made his first England start since April last year in the World Cup warm-up match against Japan on Sunday.

James was replaced by Joe Hart for the second half in Graz as the Three Lions clinched a 2-1 win, while West Ham keeper Robert Green is also in the frame for South Africa.

And despite being tipped to land the No.1 jersey this summer, James insists nothing is certain until manager Fabio Capello names his final squad on Tuesday.

"It's been a long season obviously, with injuries and whatever else," James told Sky Sports News.

"Just to start today was very nice because it was my first start in over a year.

"We'll see what happens with the selection. Hart played well in the second half and the squad's looking alright, so we'll see.

"As far as I'm concerned, the way that Mr Capello sorts things out, by the start (of the World Cup) the squad will be in the best shape we can be.

"I'm hoping it'll be myself of course, but it's about the squad, and if the squad's going to do alright then I'm sure we'll be there for that."

"Lampard, Gerrard could play together"

Fabio Capello might play Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield for the match against the United States.

The conundrum of how to get the best from England's finest two attacking midfielders proved beyond Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren.

Capello discovered the answer immediately, shifting Gerrard forward to turn the axis onto the partnership between the Liverpool captain and Wayne Rooney, while deploying a holding player that let Lampard cut loose from further back.

Yet, less than two weeks before England go into battle for the greatest prize in the game, Capello finds himself in the delicate position of having to wind the clock right back.

The problem has been created by a combination of a long-term injury to Owen Hargreaves, Capello's first-choice holding player, a more short-term problem for Gareth Barry that should at least allow him to make it to South Africa but not face the USA, and Michael Carrick's loss of form.

Twice in the past week, against Mexico and Japan, England have been in trouble until Gerrard was switched into central midfield and, on both occasions, the improvement has been instant.

Now, after spending so long pursuing another idea, Capello must decide whether it is worth resurrecting the Lampard-Gerrard formula.

"I know the history," Capello smiled. "This is a big question for you always? Can't play together?

"Probably both were too young. That was a joke. I hope that they can play together. I have to decide whether to try."

Capello likes to play his cards close to his chest and rarely reveals all about any particular subject.

Clues can be found though, and in highlighting how quickly England began to move, both with their passing and their feet after half-time, suggested Capello feels he will pair Lampard and Gerrard together in Rustenburg.

"Good players can move positions," he said. "Frank and Steve are used to going forward because they have a holding player alongside them.

"If they play together one will have to stay at different moments.

"The most important thing I saw against Japan was when these players got the ball they played it really quickly.

"The passes through the Japan defence were really good."

Capello will not start formulating his plans until he receives the latest medical bulletin on Barry Wednesday morning.

He expects to be told the Manchester City midfielder will be fit enough to train properly immediately after the United States encounter and therefore pass his minimum requirement for a place in the 23-man squad.

Once that information has been digested, Capello can begin the difficult task of making seven phone calls that inform the unlucky recipient their services are no longer required.

Scott Parker, Stephen Warnock and Michael Dawson will surely be out, so too Tom Huddlestone and Darren Bent.

To an outsider, the main problem is whether Capello utilises the guile of Joe Cole at the expense of the pace provided by either Adam Johnson or Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Capello's previous statements on the three players indicate a belief this World Cup has come too early for Johnson, who has made rapid progress after starting the season in the Championship with Middlesbrough but may have to wait for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Wright-Phillips did well against Japan on Sunday, but not as well as Cole, so unless Capello springs a major surprise by omitting Matthew Upson, Ledley King or Michael Carrick, there is no room for the Manchester City man.

Capello has already declared the decisions he has to make to be the hardest part of his job, and he will couch the bad news in the softer wrapping of telling the not-so-magnificent seven they were only in this position because they are among England's finest talents.

"I have told them all they are the best English players and that is why they were here," Capello said.

"They have all trained very well and stayed focused throughout, but I am disappointed because I have to choose 23 players."

There is also the matter of Capello's future to secure, by taking out the clause in his four-year contract that would allow either the Italian or the FA to terminate it following the World Cup.

A verbal agreement had been reached with former FA chairman Lord Triesman and Capello wanted to receive assurances from Club England chairman Sir David Richards before ignoring overtures from Inter Milan and concentrating on the biggest challenge of his career.

Capello and Richards spoke on the telephone and a source close to the discussions, who did not wish to be named, said they were "very positive" with both parties now hoping to bring a close to the matter by the time the team departs for South Africa.

It is understood that improving the terms of the contract is not on the agenda and discussions will only deal with removing the clause inserted in Capello's contract when he was appointed England manager.

"I cannot wait for the World Cup to start," he said. "I am focused on everything that I have to do and prepare so I hope the result will be good.

"But the whole thing is very exciting. I know that a whole nation stands behind the team and me. A whole country, with all its fans.

"The pressure is higher in England because the last title was achieved a long time ago.

"But the supporters have confidence in the team because I have it too."

Cole impresses club captain Terry

John Terry has hailed the qualities of Joe Cole as his Chelsea team-mate waits to find out if he will be part of the England World Cup squad.

Cole is one of those players who went into the two week training camp in Austria fighting to convince Fabio Capello he should be in the final 23 - which will be announced on Tuesday - after a mixed season at Stamford Bridge.

But he ended the campaign in good form and impressed when introduced as a second half substitute against Japan in Graz yesterday, first as a second striker behind Wayne Rooney and then in a wide right role.

Former England skipper Terry said: "Joe did very well and personally I'm pleased for him. He was great towards the end of the season for Chelsea as well.

"I was delighted to see him in and given a chance. He causes defenders all sorts of problems when he floats in between the midfield and the front men.

"He can see passes too. Look at the ball he played through for Ashley Cole. He made a big impact against Japan and he'll just have to wait and see (if he is selected.)"

Terry insists England have "as good a chance as anybody" of winning the World Cup because of the attention to detail paid by Capello.

And Terry stresses he has no injury worries ahead of the finals in South Africa despite suffering a tight calf in the 2-1 win against Japan.

The Chelsea captain said: "The warm-up games are really all about learning things. The first half against Japan was probably a little bit slow with the tempo we played.

"But the second half was definitely a lot better with the way we pressed, which was something the manager wanted after the previous game against Mexico.

"The attention to detail the manager shows, even after the games, stressing we need to work on a few things, is great.

"He leaves no stone unturned and, when we go to South Africa, we'll be fully prepared.

"The training camp in Austria has been good, with the training at altitude, and the facilities and the training pitch were fantastic.

"With a bit of luck, and everybody fit, we've got as good a chance as anybody.

"As you've seen game after game, you need to improve. But we're going there sharp, we'll get everybody fit and you can't argue with that.

Terry tasted his first match action since the FA Cup win over Portsmouth against Japan after being not considered along with Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and David James for the win over Mexico a week ago.

He suffered a tight calf but is adamant he has no injury worries heading into the finals.

Terry said: "I'm okay, I just got a kick on the calf as I went for a header.

"My calf tightened up but it was just a little bit of cramp in the end and nothing to worry about and, coming away from the game having won, that's the main thing. There are no injury concerns."

India sets ODI record

India surpassed Australia in playing the most number of One-day Internationals when they crushed Sri Lanka in the tri-series in their 742nd match.

The record-breaking match turned out to be a memorable one as India overhauled the target of 243 with 6.3 overs to spare at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday.

Australia have played 741 ODIs so far to hold the second position, while Pakistan are in third place with 715 ODIs.

Fourth in the list are the West Indies (636), followed by Sri Lanka (599) and New Zealand (584).

India played their first ODI on July 13, 1974 -- against England in Leeds. India had lost the match by four wickets.

England overcome resilient Tigers

England duly completed an eight-wicket win with a session to spare over Bangladesh, a one-sided outcome that masked a struggle to prove their superiority in the first Test.

England duly completed an eight-wicket victory with a session to spare over Bangladesh, a one-sided outcome that masked a struggle to prove their superiority in the first npower Test.

Steve Finn's nine wickets on his home debut and Jonathan Trott's first-innings double-century underpinned a success which came despite the rusty efforts of several others, apparently finding it tough to reattune themselves to the demands of five-day cricket.

In the end, all was right with the world for England supporters as returning captain Andrew Strauss (82) and Trott helped their team canter home with a second-wicket stand of 80 in front of a crowd approaching 10,000.

On a day when MCC broke with recent tradition by allowing spectators to roam the outfield during lunch for the first time in more than 35 years, brighter skies - absent while Bangladesh lost their last five wickets this morning - appeared on cue to help England hasten past the 160 they needed.

If there was a significant crowd caveat - hundreds missed much of the first session in queues reported to be half-a-mile long as turnstile arrangements failed to cope - there were a few more when it came to England's below-par performance.

Only four of the team were involved in this month's glorious ICC World Twenty campaign, yet it seemed they were not the only ones who failed to bring their A game to the Test arena.

James Anderson, by his own admission, and Tim Bresnan, by common consent, were short of their best in a four-man attack; England's cricketer-of-the-year Graeme Swann failed to take a wicket for the first time since Headingley in last year's Ashes - and as Trott dominated the first-innings 505, only Strauss also managed to post a half-century.

Bangladesh by contrast deserved honourable mention, not just for second-innings centurion Tamim Iqbal's breath-taking strokeplay and Shahadat Hossain's five-wicket haul first time round but for the support generally forthcoming through the ranks.

The cruel statistic remains nonetheless that they have still won just three of 67 Tests, and avoided defeat in only six others.

But either their progress is beginning to take hold, or England have been even more off-colour than was evident. Finn struck three quick blows on the final morning - but still England's victory push was held up by Bangladeshi determination.

Up the pecking order on his home ground and given his favourite pavilion end, the 6ft 7in seamer took three wickets in 15 balls to put his name on the honours board and earn match figures of nine for 187.

Yet Bangladesh - having followed on before lunch yesterday - still managed to turn a start-of-play 328 for five into a lunchtime 382 all out, leaving England 73 overs to knock off the arrears.

Sixth-wicket pair Junaid Siddique (74) and Shakib Al Hasan safely negotiated 40 minutes against a second new ball, in awkward conditions under heavy cloud cover.

Finn could claim no great credit either for the ball that made the first breakthrough, Shakib cutting a long-hop fiercely but straight to Eoin Morgan in the gully.

Junaid's departure came from a slightly more deserving delivery yet was probably again more of a reward for Finn's previous efforts, the left-hander checking a drive on the up for an easy catch at short extra-cover.

The end of his 162-ball stay opened the way for England to dispose of the tail and knock off the runs required with minimal pressure on time or wickets resources.

There was no argument with Finn's third success, Mushfiqur Rahim caught behind when he edged a very good ball which bounced and left him from a perfect line.

But England were still not quite through Bangladesh.

Mahmudullah remained as a near frontline batsman, and Rubel Hossain a well-organised number 10.

Finn needed a rest after a spell of eight overs, and it did not help when Bresnan failed to hold a stinging chance above his head at third slip when Mahmudullah flashed at Anderson.

Bresnan (three for 93) made up for that slip, though, by having Rubel edging low to first slip - trying to pull the bat away - and then finishing off the innings on the stroke of lunch when Mahmudullah aimed a slog but could only edge behind.

The sun broke through after lunch to greet what proved a near valedictory second innings for the hosts, Strauss set up for a rush of early boundaries by poor length and direction from Shahadat and debutant Robiul Islam.

Strauss edged through Junaid's fingers off Mahmudullah on 28, as the spinners came on to slow the inevitable.

But despite Alastair Cook's departure lbw pushing forward to Mahmudullah and Strauss then going caught behind cutting at his opposite number Shakib with victory already assured, Bangladesh had finally run out of resistance.

Butt set to become Pak vice-captain

Opener Salman Butt is all set to be named as Pakistan vice-captain for the forthcoming Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the subsequent tour to England, according to PCB sources.

Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that chairman Ejaz Butt and chief selector Mohsin Khan had suggested Salman's name for the post of vice-captain, a move which was also supported by newly-appointed Test skipper Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis.

"PCB chairman Ejaz Butt will make the announcement later this week when the team is announced for the Asia Cup," one source said.

The left-handed opener, who has been in prolific form in recent times, was made vice-captain for a short period of time in 2007 but was later unceremoniously removed without any explanation.

Sources said that with Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan still uncertain for the both the series because of PCB bans and fines, the board had decided to opt for Salman.

Salman's elevation to the vice-captaincy is significant as many critics and experts still doubt whether Afridi would be able to justify his place in the Test side when Pakistan play two five-day games against Australia and four against England this year.

Afridi has been made captain for all three formats of the game recently but the hard-hitting all-rounder has not played a Test since mid 2006.

"Salman's promotion indicates that the board and selectors also want to have a proper back up to lead the team in the Tests in case Afridi's form does not justify his place in the side," one source said.

The source added that Afridi had backed Salman's appointment as his deputy as the opener had largely emerged as a non-controversial character during the probe into Pakistan's disastrous New Zealand and Australia tours.

Salman has so far played 27 Tests, 76 ODIs and 22 Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan. He is one of the few players in the side who has a strong educational background.

Former Test opener and captain Aamir Sohail said that if Salman was made the vice-captain, he will have to be careful about his own form.

"He has to concentrate full time on his batting as he is improving day-by-day and his role will be important for Pakistan in the coming matches," Sohail said.

Finn taking nothing for granted

Steven Finn will already be pencilled in by many for next winter's Ashes, after his nine-wicket haul in England's Lord's victory over Bangladesh.

Steven Finn will already be pencilled in by many for next winter's Ashes, after his nine-wicket haul in England's Lord's victory over Bangladesh.

The 6ft 7in seamer looks a natural for Australia's bouncier pitches, where traditional English seam and swing is less effective.

But Finn will be taking no such thing for granted for some time yet, reasoning he needs to take plenty more wickets this summer - starting against Bangladesh again in this week's second and final npower Test at Old Trafford.

Asked whether he may take a punt on cramped bookies' odds of 1/6 that he will be on the plane down under in October, he pointed out: "No, I'm not allowed.

"There is a lot of hard work (ahead) for me, because there are guys to come back in who are ahead of me in the pecking order.

"I'm not going to kid myself; I've had fun in this Test match and I'm loving playing for my country at the moment.

"But fundamentally, it's up to me to make it difficult for the selectors to drop me - whether I do that playing for England or through consistent performances for Middlesex throughout the season.

"If I keep taking wickets, my name will be there or there abouts - but it'll be a lot of hard work."

Finn's match figures of nine for 187 made up for a largely off-colour performance from the remainder of a four-man England attack in their first Test of the summer.

Jonathan Trott's double-hundred and two half-centuries from returning captain Andrew Strauss also helped to do the trick - albeit in a match which was taken almost into the final session yesterday - to ensure England go to Manchester, against opponents who have lost all but nine of their 67 Tests, one up with one to play.

Twenty-one-year-old Finn has yet to sample the likely pacy conditions at Old Trafford - but is unsurprisingly looking forward to doing so.

"Yeah, of course Old Trafford appeals to me - after playing in Bangladesh and a relatively slow wicket out here," he confirmed.

Strauss could hardly disagree that Finn's style may be just what is required in Australia.

He said: "If you look at bowlers who take wickets in Australia, those kind of heavy hit-the-deck bowlers tend to do well - [Australia great] Glenn McGrath had a reasonable career there.

"But Finny's right - there is a lot of water under the bridge before then.

"I hope we'll have a full complement of bowlers to pick from - with the likes of Stuart Broad and Graham Onions to come back.

"Everyone will be jostling for position, which is a healthy thing for the side."

Strauss senses Bangladesh are inching ever closer to being truly competitive against the top Test nations - and his opposite number Shakib Al Hasan, predictably, agrees.

"We are not depending on one person," he said.

"[Second-innings centurion] Tamim (Iqbal) played a fantastic game at Lord's.

"But it was not only him - Junaid (Siddique) and Imrul (Kayes) faced a lot of short balls but showed their character."

Bangladesh began the final day with an almost even chance of closing out a draw, only five down and 105 runs ahead - but were unable to hang on.

"We had a good chance to draw if we could bat more than 50 overs - giving us 200 and them 40 overs to chase.

"It is always frustrating when you lose. We can take many positive and negative things from this - and we need to learn from them and improve."

Skipper Afridi bats for youngsters

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Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was of the view that three to four young players should be included in the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka from June 15.

"We should have three to four new players along with the seniors so that we can strike the right balance in the one-day side,"Afridi said on Monday.

"I think the time is right to start grooming and giving exposure to some of our young lot because we also have to keep the 2011 World Cup in mind," he said.

Reminded that the selectors have ignored young all-rounder Hammad Azam from the 35-member list of probables for the Asia Cup and the subsequent tour to England even though he was part of the Twenty20 World Cup squad in the West Indies, Afridi said neither he nor coach Waqar had any hand in the selection of the T20 squad.

"The selectors had picked that squad but as a matter of policy myself and the coach want to give exposure to young players so that they can provide stable support and back up to the seniors in future," he said.

Afridi, however, refused to comment on Shoaib Malik availability for the Asia Cup and England tour after the PCB appeals tribunal had lifted the one-year ban imposed on the former skipper.

"It is something that concerns the board. As far as I am concerned whoever is eligible for selection is an important player for me," he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's long-serving manager Yawar Saeed said that he did not foresee any problems in the team with the expected return of Malik.

Malik came in for sharp criticism from Afridi, former captain Mohammad Yousuf, former coach Intikhab Alam and manager Abdul Raquib for his behaviour and attitude on the troubled tours to New Zealand and Australia.

Malik was described as a intriguer and responsible for creating disharmony in the team. But Yawar, who was not part of the Pakistan contingent on twin tours of New Zealand and Australia, said he did not think there would be any disciplinary issues on the upcoming series.

"All these players have played before when I was manager and I faced no problems at all from them. They know each other well so I don't think it is a big thing if Malik or even Younis Khan is selected in the side," said Yawar, who was a member of the PCB inquiry committee.

"There is no personality clash involved anymore and the New Zealand and Australian tours are past. The code of conduct on tour is the same for any player. I am confident no player will give me or PCB any cause for complain," he said.

Speed backs Howard for ICC post

Malcolm Speed, the former CEO of the ICC, is confident that John Howard will have his nomination confirmed as the ICC’s president-designate by getting India’s support.

"It's outrageous," Speed said, referring to the protests made by South Africa and Zimbabwe.

"There is some irony in this," Speed told the 'Australian'. "Zimbabwe throughout has said 'you must come and play against us for the sake of our cricket. You can't have politics in cricket, you can't make political considerations', and the ICC has consistently endorsed that position.

"Their position now, as I understand it, is that Howard's not qualified because he's a politician and he's criticised Zimbabwe, so they bring politics back into it when it suits them. I think the behaviour of Zimbabwe, and South Africa supporting them, has been outrageous.

"They agreed to the process. They knew it was to be Australia and New Zealand's decision and they should have been prepared to accept that position and not second-guess those countries. The process should have been followed."

Sri Lanka justified its opposition by saying that Howard did not qualify for the post as he was not a member of Cricket Australia, but Speed drubbed it as "nonsense".

"[Ehsan] Mani wasn't a member of the Pakistan board," Speed said of the ICC president elected in 2003. "In fact he lived in England, but he was their nominee and he was a very good president."

Paes-Black advance to quarters

Leander Paes and his partner Cara Black advanced to the quarterfinals of the French Open mixed doubles event after a win over Su-Wei Hsieh and Bruno Soares.

The second seeded Indo-Zimbabwe pair beat the unseeded Chinese Taipei-Brazilian duo of Hsieh and Soares 7-5 2-6 1-0 (10/8) in a second round match which lasted 111 minutes and spread over two days.

Rain delay and bad light had forced the match to stop last night after Paes and Black were leading 7-5 0-2.

In the quarterfinals, Paes and Black will take on another unseeded duo of Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan and Julian Knowle of Austria.

Partnering with Lucas Dlouhy of Czech Republic, Paes, the lone Indian remaining in the fray in the clay court Grand Slam, has also reached the quarterfinals in men's doubles.

Paes and Dlouhy, the defending champions, will meet Polish pair of Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski in the last eight stage.

Henin drained by Stosur defeat

Justine Henin revealed she was emotionally exhausted after slipping to her first French Open defeat for six years.

Four-time champion Henin surrendered a one-set lead to lose 2-6 6-1 6-4 in round four to Samantha Stosur on a stunned Suzanne Lenglen Court as her 24-match winning run at Roland Garros finally came to an end.

The former world number one's last defeat on the Paris clay came back in 2004, after which she won a hat-trick of singles titles before announcing her shock retirement from the game just over two years ago.

This year's French Open was her first since and, despite being less than six months into her comeback, she was widely regarded as one of the favourites for the title.

But her aura of invincibility at Roland Garros faded somewhat when her 40-set winning sequence came to an end in the last round against Maria Sharapova - before being shattered for good today.

Henin, who was playing for a fifth successive day after her last two matches took place across two days, said: "It hasn't been easy, of course, the last few days, to play so many days in a row, even if it's not a full match.

"Emotionally, it was difficult to deal with all these matches. The two matches I had to stop and start again, especially against Sharapova, emotionally probably took a lot from me. It wasn't easy to come back on the court today."

The 27-year-old 22nd seed was nevertheless gracious in defeat, adding: "I just wanted so much that the adventure could keep going.

"I haven't been of course at my best today. Samantha was the best player on the court. She took her chances.

"When you come back at this level after two years off, you know it's not going to be easy to deal with a lot of situations.

"That means I still have to work harder and see it as a big challenge.

"I took this year as a year of transition, so of course it's hard.

"But, in another way, it seems a bit normal. I'll just try to keep a lot of positive things and get focused on the future now."

Australian seventh seed Stosur, who has been a revelation since reaching the semi-finals at Roland Garros last year, will now face world number one Serena Williams in the last eight.

Williams watched sister Venus crash out of the women's singles yesterday but there was little danger of her following suit in a 6-2 6-2 victory over Shahar Peer on Philippe Chatrier Court.

The 28-year-old struggled to hold serve at times and was broken twice but fashioned an ominous six breaks of her own against an opponent who came close to knocking her out of the Australian Open three years ago.

Williams, who has not reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros since 2003, said: "I seem always to be able to turn it up during this particular stage maybe, the fourth round, for some reason.

"Hopefully, I turn it up again."

Nadal holds off brave Bellucci

Rafael Nadal buried the ghosts of his first French Open defeat by notching up his 200th win on clay and reaching the quarter-finals.

Four-time champion Nadal was stunned by an inspired Robin Soderling in round four 12 months ago, but despite a defiant display on Philippe Chatrier Court this afternoon, young Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci was unable to repeat the feat.

Despite creating a similar number of break points as his illustrious opponent, the 24th seed was ultimately beaten in straight sets, 6-2 7-5 6-4, as Nadal set up a last-eight clash with Fernando Verdasco or Nicolas Almagro.

Brazilian Bellucci was playing at the last-16 stage of a grand slam for the first time, having upset 14th seed Ivan Ljubicic on Saturday.

The 22-year-old lost in the first round to Nadal two years ago in their only previous meeting and appeared keen to show how much he had improved.

His hopes of doing so were dented when he dropped serve in the opening game but he had deuce in the next and broke back with some fine play two games later.

He immediately surrendered his serve from 40-0 up before more errors saw him broken again in game seven, allowing Nadal to serve out the set.

The second set went with serve until Bellucci bounced back from a break in game five, before a double fault in game nine gave Nadal the chance to serve out the set.

The Brazilian raced to 0-40 before converting his third break-back point with a beautiful running forehand, but he dropped serve again amid brilliant counter-punching from Nadal, who served out again.

The topsy-turvy action continued at the start of the third, Bellucci immediately recovering a Nadal break with a cracking backhand before two errors handed the advantage back to the Spaniard in game five, mistakes that ultimately proved decisive.

Mourinho takes Madrid bow

Jose Mourinho was presented at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium as the new coach of Real Madrid after signing a four-year deal.

The Portuguese coach moves from Serie A outfit Inter Milan, where he helped guide the side to a Coppa Italia, Serie A and Champions League treble-winning campaign.

Mourinho, who becomes the Spanish giants' ninth coach in six years, replaces Manuel Pellegrini.

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano said: "Mourinho has signed a contract for four seasons.

"It's an honour to have with us one of the most prestigious coaches in the world.

"We are delighted to have him here with us.

"The best thing for our club right now, is to have Mourinho with us."

Mourinho, 47, terminated his contract with Inter last week after two seasons at the club.

Real have paid Inter a reported eight million euros (£6.8million) in compensation.

Mourinho said: "I don't know if I was born to coach Real Madrid but I was born to be a football coach.

"I love important challenges.

"I am Jose Mourinho and I don't change. I arrive with all my qualities and my defects.

"My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win.

"It's a unique club and I believe that not to coach Real leaves a void in a coach's career.

"Luckily, I've had a beautiful career and it makes me proud to have come here.

"I am very enthusiastic.

"I want my players to think that way.

"The beauty is not so much to train or play at Real, but to win at Real Madrid."

Real parted company with Pellegrini last week after a disappointing campaign.

Click here for a look at Jose Mourinho's Press Conference

They lost out to Barcelona in the title race and were knocked of the Champions League by Lyon in the first knockout stage.

"I think a coach needs to be ready to be sacked," Mourinho said. "But if a coach fears that, he doesn't work well and has great problems.

"I am a coach that has a lot of self-esteem and confidence and I don't think about the possibility of being sacked.

"I think four years of contract is enough to win, to build a strong team for the present and the future.

"The sacking of Pellegrini doesn't make me happy. I am never happy when a coach is sacked.

"But football is like that.

"I have a lot of confidence in my players, I have the hope that my new players have confidence in me."

Mourinho shed little light on what changes he will bring to Real but outlined his vision for the future of the club.

He said: "It's too early to speak about changes.

"I believe it's time to analyse the situation, to get to know my club, ask lots of questions and get answers.

"I need to realise the direction of my work.

"The most important thing is not the coach or the players but the club.

"We are too small compared to the dimension of the club.

"If we work as a group, it's not difficult to get results.

"I want this group to have an identity, to win everything.

"The strength of my team is always the team and not the individuals.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is an incredible player not only for Real but for the whole of football.

"Cristiano is a winner and it's not difficult to persuade him of this."

When asked if this was his biggest career challenge, Mourinho said: "I cannot say this is the biggest motivation in my career.

"My biggest ambition is always the next one. Right now it is Real Madrid.

"I don´t change my level of ambition or motivation. I gave everything to every club where I have been and I will do the same here.

"I don´t feel any kind of different pressure. I am a coach that improves day-by-day. I arrive with everything a coach can win at club football."

Mourinho refused to shed light on Real's transfer objectives but admitted few changes would be made with respect to last season's squad.

"I don't like to talk about players because their prices will go up if I do," Mourinho said.

"The club is happy with the roster of last season and so am I. We don't need major changes.

"We need three or four players for the coach to have more possibilities to get closer to my ideal of a team.

"But I don´t think it´s going to be a summer with a lot of changes. I think it will be a more calm summer with all the focus on the World Cup."

Speaking of arch-rivals Barcelona, Mourinho said: "I am not anti-Barcelona.

"I am coach of Real but Barca doesn't worry me. My only concern is to grow Real.

"Barca are great rivals and we respect them. If I am hated at Barcelona, it is their problem but not mine.

"Fear is not a word in my football dictionary."

The former Chelsea manager had kind words for Inter, the club he left after two successful seasons at the helm.

"I hope my former players can win everything in Italy but not the Champions League," he said.

"I cannot forget the group that I´ve had. Inter has a team for the future.

"They will need a quality coach and the coach that arrives will need to be intelligent and follow the path he needs to follow.

"Whoever arrives will be lucky because they will get the chance to play in three finals, the Italian Supercup, European Supercup and World Club tournament, a present I have left."