Are they spraying shaving cream on the pitch?

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WORLD Cup viewers around the globe are asking the same question right now: what is that magical vanishing spray the referees are using on the field?

Referees are using a spray similar to shaving foam to stop defenders from edging closer to the ball during free-kicks in Brazil.

Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura sprays a line after calling for a free kick during the World Cup opener between Croatia and Brazil. Source: AFP

The ref sprays the water-based foam in a circle around the ball, walks 10 yards and sprays another line that the defenders need to stand behind.

Then, magically, the spray vanishes.

Well, maybe not magically. The can contains water and butane gas. The butane expands when the pressure changes and quickly evaporates, leaving just the water on the ground.

Ivorian referee Noumandiez Doue sprays a free kick marker on the pitch during a Group B football match between Chile and Australia. Source: AFP

Players, constantly looking for any advantage they can get, would often encroach on the 10-yard area they are supposed to stand behind, but this measure allows referees to police the problem much more easily.

The product has been used in domestic leagues in Brazil and Argentina but is making its first appearance — and disappearance — at international level.

Referee Wilmar Roldan sprays the temporary line for a free kick as Benjamin Moukandjo and Enoh Eyong of Cameroon form a wall. Source: Getty Images

Australian referee Ben Williams joked it was like "pulling a can of Mace", while English official Howard Webb suggested it could lead to more goals being scored from set pieces.

"It will assist us in getting the players back at a free-kick and, in turn, that gives the attacking team a better opportunity of creating something from that set piece," Webb told the BBC.

Unsurprisingly, the spray has become a hit on social media. A Facebook page is dedicated to it and there is no shortage of memes.

... It does now. Source: Twitter

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Coal Train almost quit league for NFL

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THREE years ago Dave Taylor almost quit rugby league to pursue an opportunity to trial for a career in the NFL.

As Taylor prepares for his return to rugby league's biggest arena for Queensland on Wednesday night, it can be revealed that a conversation in Maroons camp in 2011 almost convinced the 122kg backrower to walk away from the NRL forever.

Taylor met former NFL star Colin Scotts during an Origin camp and was told he had the potential to make a career for himself playing American Football.

TIME FOR COAL TRAIN TO HIT TOP SPEED

WHY MAROONS 'LOVE' TO BE UNDERDOGS

Dave Taylor at Queensland State of Origin training. Source: News Corp Australia

At the time Taylor was playing for South Sydney and genuinely considered pursuing the option, to the point that dates and locations were locked in for camps and trials in the US.

Taylor was just weeks away from asking South Sydney for permission to head to the US for trials over Christmas, a move that could potentially have led to a release from the final year of his contract at the Rabbitohs.

The Rockhampton junior had to weigh up the interests of his young family, who desperately wanted to move back to Queensland, and the financial risk of tearing up a $400,000 NRL contract for no guaranteed success in the US.

BIG DOG TAYLOR TO BE LET OFF ORIGIN LEASH

SMITH RACKS UP AIR MILES FOR ORIGIN

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Ultimately it was his family's needs, his love of rugby league and the desire to claim higher rep honours for Queensland and Australia that helped convinced Taylor to remain in the game.

"He was genuinely interested in it," Taylor's manager Col Davis confirmed.

"It was an idea Dave had but I never got to the point of asking South Sydney because it was all just too hard.

"It was canned because he would have needed three weeks off training to go do it.

"But really at the end of the day Dave wanted to be a Queensland and Australia player too and I think being back in Origin he would think he has made the right decision."

TOUGH MAN SCOTT MAROONS TOP TARGET

HOW GUERRA AND PEARCE CLEANED UP ACT

Dave Taylor and Israel Folau celebrate an Origin win in 2010. Source: News Limited

Taylor and his family returned to Queensland when he signed with the Gold Coast Titans for 2013 and his strong performances this season have helped him finally win his position back in the Origin team.

He might seem nonchalant towards his football, but there is no more passionate Queenslander than Taylor as shown by his emotional one-fingered salute after the 2012 series decider.

Returning to Maroons camp for the first time last week, Taylor was as excited as any rookie and keeping him level-headed has been a major focus for Queensland.

HAGAN CHECKS PLAN OF ATTACK

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He was greeted in camp by the sledgehammer comment from coach Mal Meninga that Taylor had never done the job for Queensland in his past six Origins.

Skipper Cameron Smith on Monday outlined clear and concise guidelines he wants the 25-year-old to follow to be a valuable contributor to the Maroons on Wednesday night.

Crucially, Smith believes Queensland will see a different Dave Taylor to the one that last graced the Origin arena in 2012.

MENINGA FACES CHERRY-EVANS GAMBLE

A dejected Dave Taylor. Source: News Limited

"I think you might see a different Dave Taylor now he has got another opportunity to put himself in a good position as far as playing a fair few games for Queensland now," Smith said.

"I just think Dave needs to just have a simple mindset and think he has to go out and play like he does for the Titans.

"When he gets the ball just run as hard as he can and make it hard for the Blues to stop him.

"We played the Titans early in the year and he was almost unstoppable. "We all know it's a different brand of footy in State of Origin, but that doesn't take away his ability to run hard and be a threat to the Blues."

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Wally’s nephew primed to battle Blues

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HE IS the first Lewis to wear Queensland's No.6 jersey in almost a quarter of a century and Wally's 17-year-old nephew Lachlan has a pass even ''The King'' raves about.

A lanky playmaker who will end up near 190cm in height, Lachlan will play five-eighth for Queensland's under-18 team against the Blues in Wednesday night's State of Origin II curtain-raiser.

Lachlan was starstruck as he tried to defend against Greg Inglis's palm on Sunday morning when the teenagers took on the Maroons in an opposed session. Lachlan is the son of Wally's younger brother Scott, whose Broncos career was cut short by knee injuries.

Lachlan Lewis, nephew of Wally. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

A Canberra Raiders prodigy, Lachlan rejected the Broncos' advances two years ago to show loyalty to the club that signed him when he was 12 years old.

Wally said schedules had often meant he was unable to see his nephew's games in recent years but when he saw him play for Canberra's under-20s team on television recently, he was stunned by his vision.

Lachlan Lewis. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

"I hadn't seen a lot of him recently but I watched him play for Canberra in the under-20s and he threw a pass that was timed so well and put his player through the line, and I thought 'that's a pass that shows real footy instinct'," Wally said.

"Scott deserves all the credit in building him to where he is.

''He is the one who has taught him. In terms of football I haven't had a lot to do with Lachlan, just through work often not allowing me to see his games.

"He's a really good kid though but there's a lot of hard work from here to make the next level."

Lachlan, who was born four years after Wally's final match in '92, said his uncle's incredible career for Queensland inspired him.

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"It is not just advice, it is him proving to me Queensland's spirit and how much fun it can be to play NSW," Lachlan said with a cheeky grin.

"He's just my uncle. He is just part of the family.

"He played footy and so did everyone else in my family.

''It was all pretty normal."

Lachlan knows how tough an athletic career can be.

His father was very talented until his knee gave out, while he also gains inspiration from his sister, who is carving out a ballet career in America and has performed alongside pop star Lady Gaga.

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Gallen reveals ASADA baby anguish

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ON the eve of perhaps his greatest moment, NSW skipper Paul Gallen has opened up about the mental anguish ASADA's investigation has taken on him and Cronulla.

A candid Gallen has spoken about how he has been forced to deal with 19 months of damaging innuendo as the ASADA supplements drama continues to hover menacingly over the game.

Gallen yesterday revealed:

* How the investigation has prevented he and wife Anne from having another child.

* Young Sharks players have endured "mental health issues".

* Other players have been medicated.

* Sharks staff and officials have been hospitalised.

* How the NRL has done little to help.

Paul Gallen and wife Anne at the 2013 Dally M Awards. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

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Thirty-four Essendon players from their 2012 squad have been given show-cause notices by ASADA over their supplements saga, and speculation continues that Cronulla will be next.

Gallen is trying to push the saga to one side as he prepares to lead NSW in a bid to end Queensland's eight-year series reign on Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium.

Paul Gallen trains with NSW in Coffs Harbour. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

"Put it this way, I would have had another kid by now if this wasn't going on. So it's been horrendous, it's been disgraceful," Gallen said.

"It has impacted lives. I know we have had players medicated, we have had staff and officials who have been hospitalised. It's terrible, it's terrible. I don't think any of the players aren't worried about it. I didn't watch The Footy Show last week but I think a couple of guys got on there and spoke about some mental health issues.

Paul Gallen has opened up on the ASADA scandal. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Paul Gallen trains with the Blues. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

"It made me shake my head. I think the NRL has had the biggest (mental health) in history right under its nose and basically done nothing about it. That's very, very frustrating for me because what I have seen some young guys go through the past 17 or 18 months has been disgraceful. They're still going through it and, as I say, we still don't know what's going on.

"I will go into it one day. I am not going to go into it now. As I said, some very young guys, what they have had to go through, has been too much. As far as I am concerned there has been very little help."

Gallen said he has personally intervened in an attempt to bring the ongoing dispute to a head. "Last year was so intense with it all and this year it seems to come up every couple of weeks," he said.

Paul Gallen down injured in Origin II. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia

"This is as honest an answer as I can give. From day one, from the time Cronulla got brought into it, which was a week or so after that press conference, I don't know anything.

"Nothing has changed for me. I have been told to turn up to a meeting. I turned up at that meeting. Other than that I don't know anything."

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Each day passes and the frustration increases for Gallen, who says the investigation "has just become a part of life".

"Every time it comes up, I just wait for the next phone call or the cameras to be in my face," he said. "Because at the end of the day no one is worried about some of the lesser-named players at Cronulla. They're concerned about me, which has been the most frustrating thing from day one."

The NRL on Monday responded to Gallen's claims. "NRL welfare and education officials have met with the Sharks players many times and offered counselling support. As recently as last week the NRL offered assistance to deal with any anxiety among the Sharks players," a spokesman said.

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Tomic beats Golubev, saves ranking

Bernard Tomic has avoided a ranking slide by beating Andrey Golubev. Source: Steve Bardens / Getty Images

BERNARD Tomic has averted a rankings crisis — for now — after charging into a second-round clash with top-seeded Frenchman Richard Gasquet at the AEGON International in Eastbourne.

Tomic swept to a 6-4 6-4 over talented Kazakhi Andrey Golubev after producing an erratic, angry start.

The Queenslander was warned for ball abuse — after winning the point — in the sixth game of the match.

Seemingly distracted by noise from adjoining court one at the quaint Devonshire setting, Tomic swatted a ball into the car park.

He early swished his racquet in frustration and spoke in Croatian repeatedly towards his courtside support crew, led by his coach and father John.

Umpire Mohamed Layhani issued the warning, prompting Tomic to settle but not before another long exchange with Layhani at the next change of ends.

Needing to at least repeat his 2013 run to the quarter-final to avoid another rankings slide — he currently sits at No 82 in the world — Tomic was too strong for Golubev.

The Australian hit 12 aces and three double faults and undoubtedly should have won by a greater margin.

He converted only two of 10 break point opportunities, albeit in windy, overcast conditions.

Tomic will seek to avenge a listless first-round French Open defeat to Wimbeldon semi-finalist Gasquet as he bids to intensify Wimbledon preparations.

Victorian qualifier Chris Guccione was dispatched 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 by French sixth seed Gilles Simon.

The Victorian lost serve only once in a serve-dominated contest, delivering 13 aces to Simon's 15.

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What you missed on TV last night

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HIGH contact was back on the agenda following the Match Review Panel's decision to throw out Heath Hocking's rough conduct charge.

The MRP ruled Hocking was competing for the ball and had no other option but to make high contact with Richmond young gun Ben Lennon last Saturday.

It followed a precedent set by the MRP when it let Sydney's Dan Hannebery off the same charge last month.

Western Bulldogs veteran Adam Cooney also escaped penalty for his high hit on Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett.

AFL 360 co-host Gerard Whately said the MRP's ruling on Hannebery set a dangerous precedent.

"This is going to end pretty badly," Whateley said.

"He had to be cleared Hocking ... we never should have gone down this path."

The debate was again waged when Melbourne coach Paul Roos and Essendon caretaker Mark Thompson joined the program.

Both agreed rules surrounding headhigh contact made it difficult for players.

"It must be hard for the players because they seem to be getting it wrong," Thompson said.

Roos was equally as strong on the point.

"I've got no doubt players are confused about what they can and can't do at the moment."

Collingwood midfielder Steele Sidebottom was remorseful after this incident. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Extras ...

■ Essendon coach Mark Thompson was quizzed on Geelong's performance against Sydney last week.

"They just lost their way," he said. "They were overawed."

Melbourne coach Paul Roos said the Swans were reaping the rewards of having the most talented team in the competition.

"They've always had that hardness and competitiveness, no you've got that elite talent to go with culture and competitevness they've always had."

■ Robbo was scathing of Richmond in his assessment. "I don't even barrack for Richmond but I am embarrassed looking at Richmond. They are pretenders."

Robbo said Tigers coach Damien Hardwick had to make 'the' hard decisions to stop the rot.

"In this age of brutal intensity — defensive attitudes, attitudes to win contested ball — it's unconditional and Richmond don't play unconditional football, they play football on their own terms."

■ Roos praised the form of utility Cameron Pedersen. He said the defender-turned-forward was enjoying "career-best" form.

■ Thompson said the Bombers used "serious sessions" during the bye weeks to work key aspects of their game including ball movement.

■ The entire panel lauded the arrival of new St Kilda development coach Peta Searle.

■ Gerard and Robbo sang North Melbourne's praises after Sunday's win over West Coast. Robbo said it was "Fremantle-like". "This was as clinical a dismantling of a team (that we've seen) ... they shut them down, attacked from the back

half." Gerard said the last piece of the puzzle would be for North to become "dependable".

■ They agreed on the MRP's decisions with Steele Sidebottom (three weeks), Jeremy Cameron (one week) and Adam Goodes (cleared).

■ Robbo said Greater Western Sydney made a "statement" pushing an undermanned Hawthorn to edge on the MCG.

Jack Watts is making the most of a turnaround in fortunes. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

ON THE COUCH — Fox Footy

MELBOURNE star Jack Watts spoke openly about his and the club's resurgence.

Watts said he was enjoying the benefits of extra rotations (7-8) to aid recovery and reduce mistakes.

"A lot of that (mistakes) happens when I'm stuffed," he said.

"The last couple of weeks I've been working on coming to the bench a bit more ... I'm a bit more of a burst player instead of endurance wise."

Watts said he was confident in the direction the club was taking under coach Paul Roos.

"We're not setting the world on fire by any means — but the direction — feel there's good times ahead."

Watts who made his debut in the 2009 Queen's Birthday loss to Collingwood said he was looking forward to Monday's renewal.

"We're ready," he said referring to Roos' "team first" concept.

"In the past we've fallen in that trap with guys thinking they've got to win the game themselves," he said.

"All the boys now know: 'play your role, do the simple things, you don't have to go over and above'."

Blues skipper Marc Murphy leads his team from the field after shock loss to Brisbane. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

■ Lists dominated the early segments with Mike Sheahan revealing his "Ladder of Shame" and "Top 10 Recycled Players".

The respected AFL journalist had West Coast in the gun as the most disappointing team of all in 2014.

Richmond and Carlton were next on the hit list from the Bulldogs, Brisbane, GWS, St Kilda and Melbourne.

In contrasts, Sheahan deemed Port Adelaide and Gold Coast to be operating above expectation.

THE LADDER OF SHAME

1. West Coast

2. Richmond

3. Carlton

4. Western Bulldogs

5. Brisbane

6. Greater Western Sydney

7. St Kilda

8. Melbourne

—

9. Adelaide

10. Essendon

11. Fremantle

12. North Melbourne

13. Geelong

14. Collingwood

15. Hawthorn

16. Sydney

17. Gold Coast

18. Port Adelaide

■ The conversation shifted to North Melbourne and in turn Nick Dal Santo, who Jason Dunstall had as his recruit of the year.

Dunstall had Port Adelaide speedster Matt White ahead of Lance Franklin in third most effective recruits.

Sheahan had another Power player in Jared Polec atop his list of high performing recruits.

Dal Santo was second on Sheahan's list from Franklin and Melbourne midfielder Dom Tyson.

TOP 10 RECRUITS

Mike Sheahan

Jared Polec (PA)

Nick Dal Santo (NM)

Lance Franklin (Syd)

Dom Tyson (Mel)

Jesse White (Coll)

Bernie Vince (Mel)

Paul Chapman (Ess)

Stewart Crameri (WB)

Daniel Cross (Mel)

Andrejs Everitt (Carl)

Lance Franklin is back to his best. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Jason Dunstall

Nick Dal Santo (NM)

Jesse White (Coll)

Lance Franklin (Syd)

Jared Polec (PA)

Dom Tyson (Mel)

Daniel Cross (Mel)

Paul Chapman (Ess)

Bernie Vince (Mel)

Matt Thomas (Rich)

Andrejs Everitt (Carl)

Extras ...

■ The panel was united in the belief Essendon and Adelaide are the only clubs outside the eight with a realistic chance of playing finals. But no one was prepared to suggest which clubs inside the eight would fall out of contention.

■ Dunstall lauded Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker's return to form with five goals to sink Gold Coast. "He controlled the forward line," Dunstall said. "There's a touch of arrogance about the way he plays and I like that."

■ Sliding came under scrutiny with vision of Tiger Steve Morris taking out Bomber Michael Hibberd's legs last Saturday night. Dunstall said there was confusion around the rule and that it was the players' — arriving second to a contest —

responsibility to avoid traffic.

■ Plight of the Tigers: Healy said Cotchin had to lead Richmond out of its slump. "Cotchin is the master of the chip kick but he's not hitting targets. He is their quality in the middle of the ground and he's got to lead the way."

TALKING FOOTY — 7mate

■ In an interview recorded before the MRP announced its three-match penalty, Collingwood midfielder Steele Sidebottom said he would cop any sanction that came his way on the chin. He said the incident "shook" him up. "To say that it

wasn't on my mind I'd be lying," he said. "I went over and apologised, obviously it happened and there was nothing I could do after it, I just said I was sorry — I don't like to be seen like that."

■ Laws of the Game committee member John Worsforld said the panel was looking at the possibility of zones to restrict players' movement in a bid to ease congestion. The West Coast premiership coach said the first step towards any changes

would be to get input about what would coaches do (if zones were implemented), how would it possibly be interpreted by clubs and how would they try and exploit it.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou departs the game with a glowing legacy. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: News Corp Australia

FOOTY CLASSIFIED — Channel 9

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou joined the program for the last time before handing over the reins to successor Gillon McLachlan on Thursday.

Demetriou was quizzed on a range of issues including Etihad Stadium, Essendon and his relationship with James Hird.

"It would have been nice to have purchased Etihad Stadium earlier because I think it would have been good for our clubs," he said.

Under the current terms the AFL will buy the stadium for $30 in 2025.

"I think it would be very advantageous if the league look it earlier ... no doubt the clubs that have played at Etihad Stadium (North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and St Kilda) have born the brunt of poor match returns and they've helped

pay the stadium off to be honest."

Demetriou said he was not conflicted by sitting on the AFL Commission during the league's investigation into Essendon's supplements program.

"There's no doubt that there is a signifanct advantage in a matter that is as complex as the one that we had with Essendon that the CEO can be in there and be the voice and talk to the public about all sorts of issues."

The outgoing chief refuted suggestions the investigation and fallout became personal between him and exiled Bombers coach James Hird.

"It never became personal for me," he said.

Extras ...

■ Richmond led the agenda with Matthew Lloyd accusing the club of "shortsighted recruiting", while Craig Hutchison questioned Tiger's coach Damian Hardwick's job security.

■ Lloyd's comments sparked debate around the club's recruiting and the need to refresh the list at the end of the season.

■ Hutchison suggested Carlton forward Jarrad Waite, an unrestricted free agent, would not be at Visy Park next year. The conversation shifted to Mick Malthouse and whether his position was assured beyond next year. Caroline Wilson and

Hutchy felt Malthouse faces an uncertain future, while Garry Lyon said the Blues' bosses should "give him a chance" to get the club back in form.

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Origin deserves better than Melbourne

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CAREFUL please. That's our baby you've just handed to the neighbours for a quick, cold cuddle.

That, essentially, is what giving an Origin game to Melbourne is like.

Melbourne folk will rock our baby, smile for some photos and say how nice he looks. Then they will gladly hand him back, swiftly get back to the game that matters for them (AFL) and won't give our boy a millisecond of deeper thought.

State of Origin rugby back at the MCG in 2015. Queenslands Cameron Smith and Billy Slater and NSW's Ryan Hoffman with Victorian premier Denis Napthine after todays launch at the MCG today. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Origin deserves more than that. News that Melbourne will host a State of Origin game next year is another worrying sign that the game's administrators are losing touch with the people who matter most — the fans.

PLAYERS PUSH FOR STAND-ALONE ORIGIN

First came the soaring ticket prices, so dear that even some former Origin players could not afford them.

Now the first game of the next series has been taken away from Sydney and given to Melbourne, whose fans traditionally embrace State of Origin like 20-year-olds at a KISS concert — they sense that there's a fair bit happening but haven't grown up with the songs and don't really connect.

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Yes, yes we know all about the arguments claiming the game must spread its boundaries.

Sorry to kill the myth, but rugby league, much as we love it, is what it is — a game with a narrow, clearly defined support base. It's been around for 100 years and barely grown in that time. It's not suddenly going to take over the world.

ORIGIN TO RETURN TO MCG

The MCG will attract a monster crowd, but it is a poor rugby league ground — you are literally watching a square peg in a round hole from a long way away.

By all means should the NRL look for ways to promote the game in Melbourne, but the Anzac Day Test against New Zealand would have been a better option.

Cameron Smith gives the 'G a little of what it can expect next year. Source: News Corp Australia

There are tens of thousands of New Zealanders who live in Melbourne and luxuriate in all things Kiwi — they would come out and cheer the sight of a bubbling mudpool if you could put one on at the MCG.

Given the narrow boundaries of AFL football, just having an international game in Melbourne is novelty enough to ensure a decent crowd.

DEBATE: ORIGIN AT MCG WORTH THE RISK

Melbourne got Origins when they needed them most, when officials were trying to convince the state government to open its purse strings for a new ground.

But that mission has been accomplished. The Storm is now based at a plush new stadium.

Origin deserves to be played in front of crowds that appreciate it the most.

What do you think of the decision to take Origin to the MCG in 2015?

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Ferrer to meet Nadal in quarters

Spain's David Ferrer celebrates his four-set victory against South Africa's Kevin Anderson. Picture: AFP Source: PASCAL GUYOT / AFP

SPANISH fifth seed David Ferrer reached his 10th successive grand slam quarter-final with a four-set win against South Africa's Kevin Anderson in the French Open fourth round.

Ferrer, last year's runner-up, will face defending champion Rafael Nadal in the last eight after his 6-3 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 victory.

Ferrer had beaten Anderson at the same stage of the tournament last year.

Anderson had hoped to be the first South African man in the last eight since Cliff Drysdale in 1967.

Moving on ... Spain's David Ferrer serves to South Africa's Kevin Anderson. Source: AFP

Eight-time champion Nadal brushed aside outclassed Dusan Lajovic 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 to book his spot in the quarterfinals.

World number one Nadal, who turns 28 today, was at his ruthless, efficient best against the world number 83, who claimed a paltry 15 points off the champion's serve.

Watched by US rock star Prince, who played a concert in the French capital on Sunday night,

Nadal, seeking to become the first man to win five French Opens in a row, needed just 93 minutes to go through to a last-eight showdown with Ferrer.

Royal attendee ... Prince attends the French tennis Open round of sixteen match between Spain's Rafael Nadal and Serbia's Dusan Lajovic. Source: AFP

The two men met in last year's final where Nadal allowed Ferrer just eight games.

Despite his Philippe Chatrier court mauling, Lajovic at least had the consolation of avoiding the worst Roland Garros rout handed out by Nadal.

That unwanted record belongs to Juan Monaco who won just two games in a fourth-round loss in 2012.

"Dusan had a great tournament, he had three good wins," said Nadal, whose record in Paris now stands at 63 wins against just one defeat.

Nadal holds a 21-6 advantage over Ferrer in their career meetings but it was his compatriot who won their most recent clash in the Monte Carlo quarter-finals in April.

Winning ways ... Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Serbia's Dusan Lajovic. Source: AFP

Spain's David Ferrer serves to South Africa's Kevin Anderson. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

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Villa signs for New York City FC

Villa is the Spanish team's all-time top scorer. Picture: Jorge Guerrero Source: Jorge Guerrero / AFP

DAVID Villa, who helped Spain capture the 2010 World Cup and Atletico Madrid win this year's La Liga crown, has signed a three-year deal with Major League Soccer's New York expansion team.

New York City FC announced the signing on Monday, giving the club star power for its debut in 2015.

Villa will keep the number seven jersey he has worn for most of his career, including a stint at Barcelona from 2010 to 2013.

"I'm keen to do the best I can, take on board that extra responsibility and prove my worth by repaying the confidence they have shown in me," Villa said.

The newly formed Major League Soccer club, who are jointly owned by Manchester City and the New York Yankees, confirmed on their Twitter account that the 32-year-old was their first-ever player.

The club tweeted: "Welcome to New York City: David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) officially signs as #NYCFC's first ever player. #VillatoNYCFC."

Villa is the Spanish team's all-time top scorer.

He netted four goal's in Spain's 2008 European title campaign and five goals in Spain's run to the World Cup crown in 2010.

He is on the squad that defends the trophy starting later this month in Brazil.

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‘We should have won by more’

On the ball ... Spain's Xavier Lleonart (L) vies with 's Simon Orchard (R) during a group stage match in the men's tournament of the Field Hockey World Cup in The Hague. Source: VALERIE KUYPERS / AFP

AUSTRALIA'S men strolled to a 3-0 win over Spain at the hockey World Cup in The Hague on Monday, with coach Ric Charlesworth unhappy that his side didn't score more.

The Spaniards drew their opening game with England but were no match for the Australians, who seized the momentum early on thanks to Tim Deavin sliding in the opening goal after only two minutes.

Mark Knowles flicked in a penalty after Spain committed an offence while defending a penalty corner, and another short corner was finished by Kieran Govers to make it 3-0 on the stroke of half time.

Game on ... Eddie Ockenden (L) and Timothy Deavin of Australia fight for the ball with Sergi Enrique (C) of Spain. Source: AFP

In between goals two and three Knowles rattled the bar as Australia overwhelmed Spain with a wonderful display of fast, attacking hockey.

"We took our foot off the pedal in the second half," Deavin said in explanation for the goal-less second period.

"That can happen when you have a lead and it is something we need to look at."

The Kookaburras moved onto six points at the top of Pool A, with their next match against European silver medallists Belgium on Thursday.

"I think we played as well as well as we've played this year in the first half," Charlesworth said.

"I want us to play that way all the time. The second half was pretty disappointing. We took our foot off the pedal. I don't ever want to do that, so that was disappointing."

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