World Football Information

Carrasco rescues Tigre

2011-10-15T02:18:00.001-07:00

Javier Carrasco earned Tigre a 1-1 draw away to Olimpo in tonight's Apertura action.

Hosts Olimpo had gone in front in the 73rd minute through substitute Arturo Aquino. However, Carrasco, also on from the bench, found the equaliser with ten minutes to go.

In the day's other match, Juan Salgueiro struck in the 72nd minute to give San Lorenzo a 1-0 win at home to Banfield.

Source: Fifa.com

Wenger no complaints over Arsenal jeers

2011-05-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Monday 16 May 2011
Arsene Wenger admits he could have no complaints about the angry reaction from Arsenal fans who booed their team during and after the 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Wenger's team were jeered at half-time and then again at the final whistle, while some fans voiced their disapproval during the players' lap of appreciation following Arsenal's latest defeat of a miserable second half of the season. The Gunners were two goals down in the first 15 minutes as Darren Bent struck twice for Villa and Robin Van Persie's late goal wasn't enough to rescue a point.

Arsenal have now gone six seasons without a trophy and, with ticket prices set to rise next season, the Emirates faithful have clearly had enough of paying through the nose to see their team of underachievers. At one stage this season, Arsenal were challenging for a quadruple but they completely fell apart after losing the League Cup final to Birmingham and Wenger conceded the fans had every right to let off steam.

"It was not embarrassing, it was our job to thank the fans and you never have to be embarrassed when you do your job," Wenger said. "It was not a tour of glory but no matter what kind of result happened you have to respect your fans for turning up all season. It's not a ego trip it's a respect trip."

Many fans had already left by the lap of honour and those that stayed weren't in the mood to praise their players, making it an uncomfortable time for Wenger and company. "It doesn't matter what I feel, you have to respect the values of the club," Wenger added. "I feel very fortunate I've played 15 years with full stands so when people are not happy they can show it."

Arsenal could now lose third place to Manchester City if they fail to win their last game at Fulham. That would mean playing in a UEFA Champions League qualifier in pre-season and Wenger is keen to avoid such a pressurised fixture before the Premier League has even begun.

"We dropped three points that could cost us automatic qualification for the Champions League and were punished because we went in too tentative and not dominant in anything we did," Wenger said. "It will be a big setback to finish fourth but we will adapt our preparations to it."

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be without Cesc Fabregas in their bid to finish third after the Spain midfielder was ruled out for the rest of the campaign. Fabregas has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury and will miss the trip to Fulham when Wenger's team complete their season.

Samir Nasri is also a doubt for Craven Cottage. "Fabregas is out for the season and the international season, he had a setback on his thigh and is out for three or four weeks," Wenger said. "Nasri has very little chance for the weekend."

Gary McAllister, in charge of Villa while boss Gerard Houllier recovers from heart problems, saluted the impact of England striker Bent since his £24 million move from Sunderland during the January transfer window. "He's been class since the moment we signed him," McAllister said.

"He's been excellent around the place, it was a big show of faith for the owners to spend that kind of money but by the end of the month when players went for £35 million and £50 million he looked like a bargain."

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Lille on title brink, Lens suffer relegation

2011-05-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Sunday 15 May 2011
Lille could all but secure the Ligue 1 title on Wednesday after nearest rivals Marseille, the defending champions, were held to a 2-2 draw at Lorient.

Lille beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in yesterday's Coupe de France final to end a 56-year silverware drought and if they win at home to Sochaux on Wednesday, they will go six points clear of Marseille, who only have six points to play for.

Rudi Garcia's side are therefore four points from a league and cup double with three games to play and a goal difference that is seven goals superior to Marseille's.

Loic Remy put Marseille ahead with a classy solo goal in the 14th minute at Stade du Moustoir, twisting Lorient centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga inside-out before tucking the ball past Lionel Cappone in the home goal.

Lamine Kone equalised with a back-post header at the start of the second period and Marseille's title hopes looked dead in the 80th minute when Kevin Gameiro darted in to touch home Yann Jouffre's right-wing centre.

Andre-Pierre Gignac levelled with two minutes remaining, however, before Benoit Cheyrou spurned the chance to give Marseille all three points when his header from point-blank range was caught on the line by Cappone.

"Our hopes for the title were slim and now they're obviously tiny," admitted Marseille coach Didier Deschamps. "There are lots of regrets as we played a very good first half. We could even have taken a bigger lead and the start of the second half gave Lorient confidence. There's disappointment. There was an opportunity to win and we have regrets."

Lens drop after draw
Earlier, Lens were relegated after a 1-1 draw at Monaco. Monaco took a 14th-minute lead through Cameroon striker Benjamin Moukandjo, who dispatched a beautifully measured left-wing centre from Chris Malonga with a deft half-volley.

Teenage defender Raphael Varane, 18, equalised with an injury-time header, but although it was not enough to keep Lens out of Ligue 2, it did suck Monaco down into the relegation zone.

Lens, promoted from the second tier in 2009, have endured a tumultuous season, with experienced Romanian coach Laszlo Boloni unable to stop the early-season rot after replacing Jean-Guy Wallemme in January.

"It's the umpteenth time that we've got a good result away from home and it hasn't been enough," said Boloni. "When I arrived at Lens, I gave myself an objective: being able to go home every night and look at myself in the mirror. I can do that."

Lens' fate was sealed thanks to victories for Caen and Nancy, the former winning 2-0 at home to Montpellier, the latter crushing fellow strugglers Nice 3-0 on their home pitch.

The congestion at the bottom of the table means that just eight points separate seventh-placed Lorient and third-bottom Monaco. Nancy and Brest, who host Lyon on Monday, are a point above Monaco, with Nice a point further ahead in 15th.

"It's not a moment when I can talk easily," said Monaco coach Laurent Banide, who left his press conference in tears. "I've taken a blow to the head. Are the players affected? Everyone is affected."

Rennes end winless run
Elsewhere on Saturday, Rennes won 2-1 at Saint-Etienne, for whom Bakary Sako scored direct from a corner kick to end a dismal nine-game winless run and re-affirm their grip on fifth place.

Rock-bottom Arles-Avignon picked up only their second win of the season by prevailing 1-0 at home to Toulouse, who are now just three points above the drop zone. An 87th-minute equaliser from South Korean striker Jung Jo-Gook, meanwhile, earned Auxerre a 1-1 draw at Valenciennes.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Gamba, Hilal, Nassr complete line-up

2011-05-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Thursday 12 May 2011

Japan's Gamba Osaka stunned Tianjin Teda with two late goals to supplant the Group E leaders and reach the AFC Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, as Melbourne Victory's charge fell just short.

In a tense night at Expo 70 Stadium, Gamba were in danger of elimination until Yasuhito Endo's opener on 74th minutes, before Takashi Usami made it 2-0 in the dying seconds. China's Tianjin were the only team already qualified from Group E, with Gamba, Victory and Jeju United all in the running for the second spot heading into the final round.

Jeju and bottom-placed Victory fought to a 1-1 draw in South Korea, but the result was immaterial after Gamba's late double put the J.League side through alongside Tianjin. In hardman and skipper Kevin Muscat's last professional game, Victory had five 'goals' chalked off for offside - two controversially - and striker Robbie Kruse saw a shot cleared off the line. But they cancelled out Kim Eun-Jung's well-crafted opening strike with a sweet volley from midfielder Diogo Ferreira, who buried his shot from 20 yards.

The last-day scramble finally snuffs out Victory's faint hopes of knockout football after they lost their first two games but then went on a four-match unbeaten run. It also confirms the retirement of fiery ex-Premier League defender Muscat, who will be remembered by some for a series of much-criticised tackles, including January's scything challenge which earned him an eight-match A-League ban.

Double for Saudi representatives
Saudi outfit Al Hilal took second spot in Group A behind Iranian giants Sepahan after winning 2-0 at home against Qatar's Al Gharafa. Sepahan came away 4-1 winners at Al Jazira to ensure a home clash with Uzbek club Bunyodkor in the last 16. Brazilian Jader Volnei Spindler, better known as Bare, opened for the hosts after 14 minutes but Javad Kazemeyan pulled Sepahan level after 32 minutes before Ibrahima Toure scored twice (60, 71) and Reza Enayati completed the rout for the Iranians.

Meanwhile Qatari outfit Al Sadd finished top of Group B despite being held to a 1-1 draw at already eliminated Uzbek side Pakhtakor. The hosts took the lead through Stanislav Andreev just before the hour mark and had looked on course for all three points until Madji Siddiq's late free-kick caught out substitute keeper Eldor Tadjibaev.

There was heart-break however for Iranian side Esteghlal whose 2-1 home victory over Al Nassr was not enough to seal a last 16 place as they lost out to their Saudi rivals who finished second in Group B on goal difference. Bader Al Mutwa opened on the hour mark in Tehran before Farhad Majidi equalised two minutes later and Hawar Zeebari got the winner a minute from time.

Group F table-toppers FC Seoul were held to a 1-1 draw by China's Hangzhou Greentown courtesy of Zeng Yue's equaliser after two minutes of stoppage time. And the Korean side got to secure home advantage for this month's round of 16 after Al Ain ended Japan's Nagoya Grampus bid to top Group F with a 3-1 win in Abu Dhabi.

With Grampus and Seoul FC both on ten points before the game, the Japanese needed a win to seal a home advantage for the one-off round of 16. Al Ain led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Hamad Almarri and Elias Ribeiro de Oliveira with the Brazilian slotting home a second with a 50-minute penalty after Genta Matsuo brought down Haddaf Abdullah inside the box. Fujimoto Jungo got one back for the J.League team after 49 minutes.

The top two teams from eight groups qualify for the round of 16, before two-legged quarter and semi-finals followed by a one-match final in November to decide Asian football's top club honour.

Source: Fifa.com

Guardiola: We can celebrate now

2011-05-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Wednesday 11 May 2011

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola praised his weary players after watching them win a third successive La Liga title with a 1-1 draw at Levante today and said it had been even harder on the back of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Barcelona won the league with two games to spare to retain the title and become the first team to win three straight league crowns since 1993 when Johan Cruyff's great Barcelona 'Dream Team' won the third of four consecutive championships.

"It has been a difficult league, just like the last one was. If we are champions it is because we deserve to be," said Guardiola. "It is our fifth league title in ten years and I ask the players to celebrate it with their families as you can't forget these things."

Guardiola admitted his team had suffered to keep up their high standards in recent months, but pointed out that a number of his players had arrived worn out after playing the entire FIFA World Cup in the summer as Spain tasted glory in South Africa.

"We were fantastic for the first three quarters of the league and in the final quarter the goals dried up," said Guardiola. "If we have dropped our standards at the end of the season it is simply because the team has barely stopped for the past two seasons.

"It was difficult coming off the back of the World Cup. Nine Barcelona players won the World Cup (with Spain) and I didn't know how they were going to react. The attitude of all the players has been fantastic and the title is for them."

Barcelona are now targeting a league and European double as they switch their focus to the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley on 28 May, in what will be a repeat of the 2009 final which Barcelona won.

"We can celebrate now and then prepare for the most beautiful game of the season which is the Champions League final," added Guardiola.

Spanish World Cup winner David Villa, a €40 million signing from Valencia, echoed the sentiments of his manager after lifting his first league title with Barcelona. "This is the result of nine months hard work," said Villa. "Now we have to celebrate it and think about the Champions League final at Wembley."

Barcelona have been hailed as the greatest team on the planet with some saying they are among the best sides of all time, but Guardiola insisted there was still room for improvement. "We have to reinforce in certain areas and there are things we can improve on," he added.

Source: Fifa.com

Giroud puts Montpellier into Cup final

2011-01-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Tuesday 18 January 2011

Montpellier moved to within one win of their first trophy in over 20 years on Tuesday as they beat ten-man Paris Saint Germain in their French League Cup semi-final.

A header by Olivier Giroud four minutes from the end of extra time handed Montpellier - who won the second of their French Cups in 1990 - a date in the final at the Stade de France against either Auxerre or holders Marseille, who play on Wednesday.

PSG still entertain hopes of three trophies as they lie second in the title race and are involved in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League and the French Cup but the sending off of Clement Chantome late in the second-half proved instrumental in their interest being ended in this competition.

PSG coach Antoine Kombouare was left frustrated. "It is a huge disappointment, because I feel that we performed really well," he said. "But in football to win you have to score."

His Montpellier counterpart Rene Girard said that his side had shown that they were more than capable of taking on the richer clubs. "The boys showed this evening what they are capable of," he said. "It is an exceptional moment for us, the small guys from the provinces… to be contesting a final, against whomever it might be, is truly beautiful!"

Montpellier had the best chances of the first-half, Giroud having two of the opportunities against a visiting PSG side, who were seeking to end an 11 year winless run in Montpellier. His first, a half-volley in the 20th minute just missed the target, whilst the 24-year-old striker - who rejected an offer from Scottish giants Celtic to join Montpellier from Tours last year - later beat former France international keeper Gregory Coupet but the ball went wide of the far post.

Coupet was at his best when he pulled off a stunning fingertip save from Chilean midfielder Marco Estrada 12 minutes from the break, the former Lyon star turning the ball away for a corner.

The visitors had few chances to show for a high workrate, French international striker Guillaume Hoarau wasting two of them whilst former international Ludovic Giuly went close. Hoarau, who has broken into the national side since their chaotic FIFA World Cup™ finals campaign, also had their best chance in the second-half. He was put clean through and bearing down on goal only for young Moroccan defender Abdelhamid El Kaoutari to produce a superb tackle in the penalty area to dispossess him.

The balance of the game, though, shifted towards the hosts three minutes from time as Chantome was red carded for his second booking of the match when he clattered into Garry Bocaly. However, it was PSG who had the clearest chance of the first period of extra time as Hoarau once again was released but the striker made a hash of his shot and sliced it wide.

Giroud, though, remained the greatest threat for the hosts and he was unfortunate not to get a penalty in the second-half of extra time as his shot was seemingly blocked by defender Mamadou Sakho's arm but the referee failed to spot the infraction. Giroud was to have his revenge soon afterwards as he rose to head past a stationary Coupet and spark wild celebrations among the 20,000 odd spectators.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Mancini: We must improve our defence

2011-01-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Wednesday 19 January 2011

Roberto Mancini has warned his Manchester City side that they have to tighten up defensively or risk throwing away their chances of silverware this season.

City won through to the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-2 victory over Championship side Leicester in a third round replay at Eastlands on Tuesday. But the two goals they let in means they have conceded seven goals in just three matches. They drew 2-2 at Leicester, conceding from two crosses, and let in two late goals to set up a tense finish in a 4-3 win over Wolves at the weekend.

Mancini claims City's defence is putting too much pressure on their attack with the regularity they are allowing goals in. He insists that City have not had a chance to work on the problem because of the heavy schedule over the past few weeks. But he is sure that they have to iron out the defensive issues if they are to stay in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League.

Mancini said: "In the last ten minutes we thought the game was finished and made some mistakes but it was important that we won this game. I don't like it, 4-3 or 4-2. It's good for the media and good for the supporters but I like 4-1, 1-0 or 2-0. If you don't concede a lot of goals, you will win something at the end of the season.

"If you concede goal, goal, goal in every game, you can't keep scoring three or four goals because it's impossible. I think that we should improve this. I think that it's only concentration but it's better that we start to work out the game on the defensive phase. In the last three or four weeks we have been playing constantly and we haven't had the chance to work hard but we must start again."

Former Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes his Leicester team have shown that they can challenge for a spot in the Premier League over the course of their two matches against City. He said: "They are one of the teams who can win the league, I'm sure of that. I hope they win the FA Cup because it's nice for us to go out against the team that win the FA Cup.

"I said to the players ten days ago that we are playing one of the best teams in this country and that means one of the best teams in Europe. In the first game against them we were exactly as good as they were and in the two games it was twice into the last minute and we should be proud of that."

The Swede has also dismissed reports that he is trying to bring New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry to the Foxes. Eriksson has signed Nigerian veteran striker Ayegbeni Yakubu on loan from Everton and has been linked with a series of other high-profile moves. He admits he discussed possible targets with his former colleague Hans Backe, who is the Red Bull coach, but is adamant he has not made an approach for former Arsenal striker Henry.

Eriksson added: "Sometimes with rumours coming out there's a little bit of truth in it. This time, no. I asked the manager of New York Red Bulls, Hans Backe, who was here with me, when the league finished a long time before Christmas if he had some good players he wanted to give me on loan for two months.

"He said he hadn't and that was it. I have never spoken to Thierry or his agent about anything so I don't know where that is coming from. I don't think he would have come because he would go to the Premier League if he wanted to play football during the break."

City took the lead through Carlos Tevez before Paul Gallagher equalised from the penalty spot. Patrick Vieira and Adam Johnson put City in control before half-time before Tevez had a penalty saved. Lloyd Dyer halved City's lead before Aleksander Kolarov killed Leicester off with a fourth goal.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Atletico rebound with Mallorca win

2011-01-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Monday 17 January 2011

Ten-man Atletico Madrid moved back up to sixth in the Primera Division table as they saw off Mallorca in an eventful clash at the Vicente Calderon.

Juan Valera headed home an early opener for the home side before Diego Forlan put them two goals to the good before half-time. But the drama came after the break as Atletico had Antonio Lopez dismissed for bringing down Mallorca striker Gonzalo Castro as he raced through on goal to concede a penalty.

However, Pierre Webo saw his spot-kick saved by David De Gea and the visitors were also reduced to 10 men late on as Jonathan De Guzman saw red for violent conduct, before Jose Antonio Reyes sealed Atletico's win in injury time.

Los Rojiblancos had appeared to be on their way to a routine win when they took a 13th-minute lead as a Reyes cross allowed Valera to powerfully head home. The lead was doubled in the 34th minute as Uruguay forward Forlan raced onto Tiago's pass to slot home his seventh goal of the season.

There appeared no way back for Mallorca until Lopez's rash lunge on Castro earned him a red card and gave Webo the chance to claw a goal back, only for the Cameroon international to be denied by a great save from De Gea, who tipped the ball round the post.

Mallorca surged forward in search of an equaliser and Castro saw his shot from the edge of the box cannon back of a post with De Gea beaten. But their hopes of salvaging a point were dented as De Guzman lashed out at Diego Costa and was sent off, with Reyes then finishing off a fine move to seal the three points for Atletico.

Source: fifa.com

Arles shore up defence with Lorenzi capture

2011-01-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Tuesday 18 January 2011

French league tailenders Arles-Avignon moved to add some solidity to their porous defence on Monday by signing defender Gregory Lorenzi from Ligue 1 rivals Brest on loan till the end of the season.

The 27-year-old - who has only played three times for Brest this season - is due to sign his contract on Tuesday and will be reunited with coach Faruk Hadzibegic, who he played under at Bastia.

Arles-Avignon look set to be relegated after just one season among the elite, winning just one of their 20 matches having scored the least amount of goals, ten, and conceded the most, 40. They have just eight points and are 13 adrift of safety.

Source: fifa.com

Metsu thinking big

2011-01-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

(PA) Sunday 16 January 2011

Coach Bruno Metsu is daring to dream of the impossible after Qatar booked their place in the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Kuwait at Khalifa Stadium today.

Both sides had gone into the game with the chance to progress to the last eight, but it was the tournament hosts that effectively ended the game as a contest with two goals inside the first 16 minutes from Bilal Mohammed and Mohamed El Sayed. Kuwait were clearly deflated by those two early blows and rarely threatened to get back into the game before a Fabio Cesar free-kick four minutes from time wrapped up the win.

The victory means they finish second in Group A with six points, one behind Uzbekistan who drew 2-2 with China in the group's other game. And, after achieving the initial target set out for his side, Metsu now has ambitions of guiding Qatar to an historic Asian Cup triumph.

"We will strive to get the trophy and it is our right to dream and as you know I am a big dreamer," said the Frenchman. "For us the Asian Cup starts now. It transfers from a mere accumulation of points to aiming for the trophy.

"We have accomplished our task but our ambitions extend beyond that and it will be a great thing for all fans and players (if we can win the trophy)."

The defeat for Kuwait brings to an end a disappointing tournament for the reigning Gulf Cup of Nations champions, who leave Doha without having picked up as single point. Defeats to China and then Uzbekistan meant Kuwait headed into the game against Qatar with a very slim chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

But they appeared to lack the fight shown by Qatar and coach Goran Tufegdzic felt their first two defeats took their toll on his players.

"After we lost the first match and then lost the second to Uzbekistan it was very difficult for our players," he said. "We did not have concentration and you saw in this match what happened as a result. The spirit of the team after the two goals went down. They lost their energy and power and for sure they lost their spirit when we conceded."

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Pana keep up the chase

2011-01-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

(PA) Sunday 16 January 2011

A 4-2 win over Kavala helped Panathinaikos keep the heat on great rivals Olympiacos at the top of the table, reducing the gap between the two to five points.

Djamel Abdoun gave Kavala a shock third-minute lead, but Kostas Katsouranis soon levelled things up. Djibril Cisse put the home side ahead, only for Abdoun to level with a penalty, which Cisse matched with a penalty of his own after the break. Lazaros Christodoulopoulos wrapped things up after coming on as a substitute.

Third-placed AEK Athens enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at Asteras Tripoli. It took until the 47th minute for them to open the scoring through Nikos Liberopoulos but, once that had gone in, further goals followed from Blanco and a penalty from Ignacio Scocco. Ergotelis moved above FC Xanthi and into the top five as they won 1-0 at the home of their rivals thanks to Diego Romano's 32nd-minute goal.

Bottom club Larissa moved to within two points of Panserriakos with a 2-1 win at home to Iraklis. Jan Blazek gave them the perfect start with a first-minute opener and, despite Apostolos Vellios levelling, Joel Tshibamba won it nine minutes from the end.

In the night's other game, Panionios won 2-0 at Aris Salonika with a brace from Kostas Mitroglou.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Hulk boosts Porto, Benfica chase on

2011-01-16T19:01:00.000-08:00

(PA) Sunday 16 January 2011

Two goals from Hulk helped Porto maintain their eight-point advantage over Benfica at the top of the Liga table as they beat Naval 3-1.

Falcao gave Porto the lead in the 44th minute and Hulk improved it before the break to put the home side in total control. Hulk completed his brace in the 53rd minute, with a late Kevin Gomis penalty getting Naval on the scoresheet.

An early goal from Javier Saviola helped Benfica keep the pressure on, albeit from afar, as they won 1-0 at Academica. The Argentina forward netted after just 18 minutes, and, once Academica had lost Pape Habib Sow to a 35th-minute red card, the contest was effectively over, even despite Fabio Coentrao`s last-gasp red for Benfica.

Beira Mar enjoyed a fine 3-0 win at sixth-placed Uniao Leiria to move to within a point of their opponents. Carlos Ronny gave them an early lead, before late goals from Moreira Artur and Wang Gang wrapped things up.

Diego Barcelos scored 14 minutes from the end to give Nacional a 1-0 win over Rio Ave and Maritimo won 4-2 at Vitoria Setubal. Sidnei Dos Reis gave them a 25th-minute lead, cancelled out by Claudio Pitbull ten minutes later. But a five-minute second-half brace from Baba Diawara but Maritimo back in control and Joao Guilherme made things safe before Pitbull`s late consolation.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Table tight as top four win

2011-01-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

(PA) Saturday 15 January 2011

Lille remained a point clear of the chasing pack thanks to a 2-0 win at Nice but Paris St Germain, Rennes and Lyon all remained hot on the leaders' heels by also posting wins this evening as Ligue 1 resumed after its winter break. Gervinho and Moussa Sow were the men on target at the Stade Municipal du Ray as Lille put in an efficient display to overcome Nice, who slipped to only three points above the drop zone.

PSG kept pace with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Sochaux at the Parc des Princes. Modibo Maiga put the Montbeliard club ahead in the 14th minute but Mamadou Sakho hit back for the hosts within three minutes and Ludovic Giuly bagged what proved the winner seven minutes later.

Arles dispatched by ruthless Rennes
Rennes also maintained their title challenge with a ruthless 4-0 home win over ten-man bottom club Arles. Alexander Tettey put the home team ahead after 23 minutes and Yacine Brahimi doubled their advantage eight minutes before the interval.

Brahimi bagged a third goal ten minutes into the second half to quash any hope the basement boys harboured of getting back into the match and Yann M'Vila sealed the rout with a last-minute penalty. Arles' cause was not helped by the 70th-minute dismissal of Bakary Soro as they slipped to their 14th defeat of the season.

Lyon were also convincing winners, Bafetimbi Gomis netting twice in a 3-0 home triumph over mid-table Lorient. Gomis broke the deadlock just before half-time before adding his second to seal the win, after Kim Kallstrom's stunning volley had made it 2-0.

Also this evening, Toulouse maintained their push for European football with a 1-0 win over Nancy. Franck Tabanou scored the only goal in the first half to move the home side up to fifth in the standings - four points adrift of the top four.

Montpellier strike late turnaround
Montpellier moved up to sixth courtesy of a stunning late comeback which saw them defeat Valenciennes 2-1.VA looked to be set to pick up three points on the road when Mathieu Dossevi gave them the lead three minutes into the second half.

But Rudy Mater was sent off 12 minutes from time and the hosts wasted no time making the extra man pay, levelling through Olivier Giroud's penalty and then going ahead thanks to Abdel El Kaoutari in the 82nd minute. Montpellier themselves were reduced to ten men a minute later when Benjamin Stambouli was red-carded, but Valenciennes could not find the equaliser.

A new coach has brought new hope for second-bottom Lens and Laszlo Boloni's side tonight made a bright start in their bid to repair the damage of the first half of the season with a 2-1 home win over St Etienne.

All the drama came late at the Stade Felix Bollaert, with Les Verts going in front through Bakary Sako after 78 minutes before the home side staged a superb fightback. Sebastien Roudet fired home a penalty leveller in the 83rd minute and Issam Jemaa saw his shot deflected for the winner a minute later.

Caen climb up table
Two late goals earned ten-man Caen a much-needed 3-1 win at Brest which lifted the strugglers out of the bottom three. Benjamin Nivet had fired the visitors in front, but Thomas Heurtaux's dismissal and an equaliser from Bruno Grougi put Brest in the driving seat.

However, Caen dug deep in the last ten minutes and Youssef El Arabi's penalty and a strike from Romain Hamouma capped a remarkable display which produced their second successive win.

Auxerre were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Monaco in a result which did little to ease either side's relegation fears. Julien Quercia scored the opener for the home side before Adriano ensured a share of the spoils for the principality club midway through the second half.

Caen's win over Brest means Monaco drop into the bottom three, while Auxerre are just four points better off than their opponents.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Villarreal, Espanyol continue Euro hunt

2011-01-15T19:09:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Sunday 16 January 2011

A spectacular lob from the half-way line by Ruben Cani helped Villarreal to a 4-2 victory over Osasuna on Saturday which kept them in third place in La Liga and maintained their push for a place in Europe. Villarreal went into the game with several important players missing but Marco Ruben took advantage of a rare start with the opening goal.

Osasuna drew level from a corner with Krisztian Vadocz heading home but they were soon behind again when Cani spotted keeper Ricardo Lopez off his line and lofted the ball from the half-way line over his head. In an exciting end-to-end game Joan Capdevila and Gonzalo Rodriguez scored further goals for Villarreal with substitute Javier Calleja finding the back of the net in between for the visitors.

"We have played a lot of games and to maintain this level is not easy. We have managed it as a team by suffering and fighting in each game. This match was tough and to win without playing particularly well gives you a boost," said Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido.
This match was tough and to win without playing particularly well gives you a boost.
Villarreal's Juan Carlos Garrido on their win over Osasuna

Osasuna coach Jose Antonio Camacho admitted that Cani's goal was a big blow. "I told the keeper to push forward a bit and they caught us out. We now need to keep working but we have to do more than that to win as we are working hard at the moment," he said.

Espanyol win at Sevilla
A brace from Jose Callejon gave Espanyol a 2-1 win over Sevilla which put them on the verge of the UEFA Champions League places but the real star was keeper Carlos Kameni. Sevilla's form has improved since Christmas and they dominated from the start but could not find a way passed the Cameroon shot-stopper.

Kameni showed his dexterity to parry headers from Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute and then Sevilla were made to pay for their profligate finishing when Callejon scored from a breakaway. The Espanyol frontman found the back of the net a second time against the run of play after the break while Kameni was finally beaten by substitute Alvaro Negredo with a sumptuous half-volley in injury time.

Early goals from Javi Martinez and Iker Muniain set Athletic Bilbao up for a 2-1 victory over Racing Santander. More clinical finishing from the home side proved the difference as Racing Santander had plenty of possession but struggled in front of goal.

Pedro Munitis rounded keeper Gorka Iraizoz but shot over the cross bar while Kennedy hit the woodwork from 35 yards with a fine shot before Ivan Bolado earnt Racing a consolation.

Real Sociedad bounced back from four straight defeats with a convincing 4-0 win away to in-form Getafe. Xabi Prieto sent them on their way from the penalty spot after nine minutes and then Antoine Griezmann and a Mikel Aranburu double secured the win.

Zaragoza came out on top 1-0 in the relegation scrap against Levante with Gabi Fernandez scoring the key goal while David Barral and Nacho Cases gave Sporting Gijon a 2-0 win over Hercules.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Newcastle's Ameobi picks Nigeria

2011-01-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Friday 14 January 2011

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi was on Friday named in the Nigerian squad for the first time despite having played at youth level for England.

Ameobi and Victor Moses of Wigan Athletic have never played for Nigeria at senior level, but both are set to be handed their opportunity in a February friendly against Guatemala in the USA. Emmanuel Emenike from Karabukspor in Turkey is also an uncapped player to feature at this level for the first time.

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi, the country's first-choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Taye Taiwo of Marseille and skipper Joseph Yobo, who features for Turkish club Fenerbahce, have also been included in the party for the 9 February clash in Miami.

Nigeria plan to use this match to prepare for a 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home to Ethiopia at the end of March. The Super Eagles are second in Group B behind leaders Guinea, who have six points after two matches.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv/ISR), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda/ISR)

Defenders: Chibuzor Okonkwo (Heartland), Ayodele Adeleye (Metallurh Donetsk/UKR), Taye Taiwo (Olympic Marseille/FRA), Michael Odibe (A. C. Siena/ITA), Olubayo Adefemi (Skoda Xanthi/GRE), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga/POR), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce/TUR)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG), Obiora Nwankwo (Inter Milan/ITA), Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic/ENG), Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Heartland), Olufemi Ajilore (FC Groningen/NED)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (VVV Venlo/NED), Osaze Odemwingie (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Obinna Nsofor (West Ham/ENG), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle/ENG), Emmanuel Emenike (Karabukspor/TUR), Peter Utaka (Odense Boldklub/DEN)

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Dortmund slam Bayer to extend lead

2011-01-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Friday 14 January 2011

Borussia Dortmund extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 13 points on Friday, blitzing second-placed Bayer Leverkusen with three goals in just six minutes for an impressive 3-1 away win.

Having already begun 2011 with a ten-point lead, Dortmund hit second-half goals in quick succession from teenager Mario Goetze and two from 22-year-old Kevin Grosskreutz to seal the win. With such a commanding cushion, Dortmund can start dreaming of their first German title since 2002.

"I have been going to watch Dortmund since 1994 and I know what it's like to win the league title as a fan on the terraces," said Grosskreutz. "I have been dreaming of this since I was a little boy and I'd love to hold the cup in my hands."

Although Leverkusen rallied in the game's final 15 minutes, Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp - who has been tipped as a future manager of English giants Liverpool - was clearly delighted with his side's convincing away win. "The plan was to continue to play our own style of football, which we did," said Klopp. "The first goal settled the nerves and we weren't comfortable until we got the third goal."

Dortmund's clinical second-half performance overshadowed the eagerly anticipated return of Germany captain Michael Ballack from the injury which has kept him out of football since September. Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes opted to delay the veteran's return by keeping him on the bench for the entire game.

Leverkusen's Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler had a busy evening between the posts. Grosskreutz, who is tipped as a future Germany star, opened the scoring when he latched onto a handball by Leverkusen defender Daniel Schwaab and tapped his shot past Adler on 49 minutes.

Just four minutes later, the attacking midfielder curled his shot around Adler after Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller's goalkick was headed on by striker Robert Lewandowski for Grosskreutz to blast home. And Leverkusen's misery was compounded when Grosskreutz turned provider as Goetze beat Adler for the third time from close-range on 55 minutes.

Only a superb save from Adler stopped it from being 4-0 when substitute Lucas Barrios fired in a shot from the left flank from long-range which needed a full-stretch save from the national shotstopper shortly after.

With 10 minutes remaining, Leverkusen striker Steffan Kiessling pulled a goal back for the hosts when he latched onto a cross from Renato Augusto to stab the ball into the net and injure himself on the goalpost in the process. The result sees Leverkusen drop down to third, while defending champions Bayern Munich open their 2011 campaign with a 17-point deficit to make up when they face Wolfsburg away on Saturday.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Stokes saves Celtic blushes

2011-01-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Thursday 13 January 2011
An Anthony Stokes penalty in stoppage time rescued a point for Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to bottom club Hamilton, who ended with nine men on Wednesday.

Simon Mensing was hero and villain as he fired Hamilton into a 27th minute lead before seeing red in injury time as he conceded the penalty which cost his side all three points. There was a hint of offside when Mensing headed the home side ahead before Celtic's James Forrest was sent off for a late challenge just after the break. Hamilton substitute Jim McAlister lasted just 35 seconds on the pitch before he saw red in the 64th minute for a dangerous tackle on Mark Wilson.

Freddie Ljungberg made his debut from the bench but it was Stokes who levelled the scores from the spot after Mensing brought down Emilio Izaguirre in the box. The Irishman then had the ball in the net again six minutes into injury time when he headed Izaguirre's corner past Tomas Cerny but the ball was adjudged to have gone out before reaching him.

The point extends Celtics lead over Ranger to five points, albeit their rivals have three games in hand.

Celtic came close when Paddy McCourt went on a mazy run to the by-line and sent a cut-back to Forrest but he delayed too long and his shot was charged down. However it was bottom club Hamilton who took a shock lead. Hasselbaink won a free-kick on the left-wing in line with the six-yard box which Flavio Paixaio whipped in.

The ball ricocheted off Forster's shin but Mensing was quick to react and sent a looping header into the bottom left-hand corner, much to the anger of the Celtic bench who felt Martin Canning had been in an offside position interfering with play as the free-kick came in.

Things got even worse for Celtic three minutes into the second-half when they were reduced to ten-men. David Buchanan cleared the ball up-field and Forrest steamed in with a late challenge that caught the Hamilton player's trailing leg and earned a straight red from referee Willie Collum.

Hamilton brought on Jim McAlister for Mark McLaughlin in the 64th minute but the winger lasted just 35 seconds on the pitch as he lunged into a dangerous late tackle on Mark Wilson to also see red.

Elsewhere Dundee United defeated Motherwell 2-0.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Messi stars again with treble

2011-01-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

(PA) Thursday 13 January 2011
Lionel Messi celebrated being voted the world's top player with a treble as Barcelona all but secured their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 5-0 win over Real Betis at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

On Monday Messi became the inaugural winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or after scoring an astonishing 60 goals for club and country in 2010, and he was back amongst the goals in the cup, netting in the 44th, 62nd and 73rd minutes to set Barcelona on their way to an impressive victory in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. Pep Guardiola's side then added further strikes through Pedro Rodriguez and substitute Seydou Keita in the final 14 minutes to complete the scoring and make the second leg largely academic.

The scoreline was harsh on Betis though, with the Segunda Division leaders giving the Primera Division pacesetters plenty of problems at the back with their high-pressing tactics, but they had no answer at the other end to Barcelona's all-star attack. Guardiola sent out all his big guns for the clash, including the three players who made up the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi - who were all hailed by the crowd and their team-mates prior to kick-off.

In-form Barcelona, unsurprisingly, enjoyed the better of the chances in the first period with David Villa hitting the post and also being denied twice by visiting goalkeeper Casto Barriga, who also did well to keep out a Messi effort. The home side had to wait until the 44th minute to make the breakthrough though, Iniesta feeding Messi on the edge of the box and the Argentina international coolly finishing with a delicate lob over the outcoming Casto.

Betis almost netted an immediate equaliser, however, as they raced down the other end and Ruben Castro thumped a 20-yard drive against the bar with Jose Pinto rooted to the spot. Pinto kept his side in the ascendancy at the start of the second half with a couple of good parries before Barcelona moved up through the gears in the final half-hour.

Messi made it 2-0 when he squeezed in the rebound after Casto had saved his initial effort, and the diminutive playmaker completed his hat-trick 11 minutes later after being put through by Xavi. Barcelona were creating chance after chance as Betis tired and it was no surprise to see them add more goals in the closing stages, Pedro firing home following good work by Dani Alves to make it 4-0 before Keita headed in late on to complete the scoring.

Sevilla, Villarreal share six
Earlier in the evening, holders Sevilla kept alive their hopes of retaining their trophy as they fought back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw against Villarreal at El Madrigal. Villarreal, who outclassed Real Madrid in the first half of Sunday's Primera Division encounter at the Bernabeu before losing 4-2, again started well and Cani's volley into an empty net and Giuseppe Rossi's deflected strike put them 2-0 up inside 28 minutes.

Sevilla pulled a goal back just before the break when Alvaro Negredo superbly brought down a fine pass from Ndri Romaric before slotting in, but hosts Villarreal resorted their two-goal advantage in the 55th minute when Marco Ruben headed in following good work down the left by Joan Capdevila and Rossi. At that stage Sevilla's grip on the cup looked to be slipping, but the Andalusians hit back to earn a draw, Negredo netting his second of the match in the 60th minute with a header before Alexis fired in Romaric's low cross in the 88th minute.

The remaining two quarter-final first legs will be played tonight, when Real Madrid host neighbours Atletico and Deportivo La Coruna go to Almeria.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Messi, Marta, Mourinho and Neid crowned as the best of 2010

2011-01-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

Argentina’s Lionel Messi collected the FIFA Ballon d’Or, his second consecutive title, while Brazil’s Marta continued her winning streak by claiming her fifth FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award at the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala held at the Zurich Kongresshaus on Monday evening. Meanwhile, José Mourinho, the Portuguese coach of Real Madrid, and Germany’s women’s national team coach Silvia Neid were the inaugural winners of the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football and FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football awards, respectively.

These awards were decided after a poll in which the captains and head coaches of the men’s (for the two men’s football awards) and women’s (for the two women’s football awards) national teams as well as international media representatives selected by France Football voted for candidates in each of the four categories. The votes from each of the three groups counted for one-third of the final result.

It was a night to remember, with on-stage appearances by former and current football stars, top celebrities and a performance by musician by Jamie Cullum to mark the first-ever awarding of the FIFA Ballon d’Or following an alliance to combine the FIFA World Player of the Year award with the France Football Ballon d’Or agreed by FIFA and the Amaury Group in Johannesburg in July 2010.

Messi had an outstanding 2010, winning the Spanish league with his club Barcelona. Messi obtained 22.65% of the votes, ahead of his club team-mates Andrés Iniesta (17.36%) and Xavi (16.48%).

Marta thrilled fans in the Women’s Professional Soccer League in the USA, where she won the Golden Boot and was elected best player of the season with FC Gold Pride. She collected 38.20% of the votes, ahead of Germany’s Birgit Prinz and Fatmire Bajramaj, who received 15.18% and 9.96%, respectively.

Mourinho, who led Inter Milan to the UEFA Champions League, the Italian Serie A and the Italian cup before moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2010, won with 35.92% of the votes, ahead of Spanish national coach Vicente del Bosque, who received 33.08%, and Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola (8.45%).

Meanwhile, Silvia Neid, coach of current world champions Germany, led the women’s coach category with 24.06% of the votes, ahead of Germany’s U-20 women’s team coach Maren Meinert (18.26%) and the Swedish coach of the USA women’s national team Pia Sundhage (11.68%).

The FIFA/FIFPro World XI to honour the best eleven players of the year 2010, as chosen by over 50,000 professional players from all over the world, went to a “dream team” consisting of Iker Casillas (Spain) in goal; Maicon (Brazil), Lúcio (Brazil), Gerard Piqué (Spain) and Carles Puyol (Spain) in defence; Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), Xavi (Spain) and Andrés Iniesta (Spain) in midfield; and Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and David Villa (Spain) up front.

The FIFA Puskás Award for the “most beautiful goal” of the year as voted for on FIFA.com by over one million fans was also handed out. This prize, created in honour and in memory of Ferenc Puskás, the captain and star of the Hungarian national team during the 1950s, went to Turkey’s Hamit Altintop for his fantastic goal in the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying match between Kazakhstan and Turkey played in Astana on 3 September 2010.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu received the FIFA Presidential Award from President Joseph S. Blatter for his outstanding commitment to youth development worldwide and his contribution to the use of football as a catalyst for positive social change, as well as for the support he gave to the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, the first one on African soil.

The FIFA Fair Play Award was given to the Haiti U-17 women’s team, who had to endure many hardships following the earthquake which struck their country in January 2010, during which their head coach sadly passed away. The team showed great courage to make it to the final round of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2010, where their performance was applauded by the fans despite their eventual elimination. The award was collected by the captain of the team, Hayana Jean-François.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Messi: It was a wonderful surprise

2011-01-11T19:45:00.000-08:00

Sporting a disbelieving look but smiling all the same, Lionel Messi joked at how heavy the newly presented FIFA Ballon d’Or felt. After his Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola offered to take it home for him, the Argentinian magician stepped down from the stage and spoke about his triumph to FIFA.com.

FIFA.com: Lionel, how are you feeling?
Lionel Messi: I’m happy, but I didn’t expect it because everyone had been talking so much about Xavi and Andres [Iniesta]. They also deserved it for the wonderful year they had. They won the World Cup, which usually goes a long way to deciding who wins this award, and they both had big parts to play in that. That’s why I thought one of them would be going up to collect the trophy. It was a wonderful surprise.

How do you think they are feeling?
I don’t think they’re sad about it. It was a great thing for the three of us and the club to have got this far. I think we all enjoyed the gala.

You obviously feel they deserved to win it, but what do you think tipped it in your favour?
Well, the people who voted decided to choose me and I’m very grateful for that. This is my second world player of the year award and I feel just as happy as I did the first time, if not more so. We’re going to enjoy it.

Did you feel that your performances at South Africa 2010 might have worked against you?
Yes. We didn’t have a bad World Cup but we didn’t achieve the goal we’d set ourselves, which was to be champions. That was the one big regret I have from last year.

Can you make up for it in this year’s Copa America?
That’s our next goal at international level and it’s in Argentina too. It would be great for the country, the fans and for us too because it will allow us to have a more relaxed build-up to the next World Cup.

It would also be something of a relief for you after all the criticism you’ve attracted with La Albiceleste.
Yes it would. I want to achieve something big with the national side and this would be a great opportunity to do just that.

Who are you going to dedicate the award to?
To all my team-mates for helping me to win it, to my family and to everyone who supports me.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Golden duo on top of the world

2011-01-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

Hosted at the Zurich Kongresshaus, Monday evening’s FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala raised the curtain on the new decade in style. Attracting the cream of the footballing world, who had come to pay tribute to the leading players and coaches of 2010, the event reached its long-awaited climax with the award of the inaugural FIFA Ballon d’Or, a fusion of the FIFA World Player of the Year award and France Football magazine’s Ballon d’Or.

Sports journalists Pedro Pinto of CNN International and Carol Manana of SAB Sports were our compères for the evening, which began promptly at 18.30 CET with a dazzling performance by football freestylers Jeremy Lynch and William Wingrove. Their ball-juggling trickery earned warm applause from an illustrious audience, which contained a galaxy of great names.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter then made a short welcome speech before inviting Francois Moriniere, the CEO of France Football, on to the stage to present an action-packed video showcasing the footballing highlights of 2010.

That look backwards was followed by a vision of the future as Steffi Jones, the President of the Local Organising Committee for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™, set out her hopes for what will be one of the main events of the year ahead.

The time had then come to start handing out the awards, with the peerless former Netherlands striker Marco Van Basten stepping up to announce the FIFA/FIFPro World XI for 2010. The players in question were Iker Casillas, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Maicon, Lucio, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Wesley Sneijder, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Villa, all of whom received a lengthy and deserved round of applause from the gallery.

Taking centre stage after that star-studded side was none other than ex-South Africa legend Lucas Radebe, who turned the spotlight on another very special outfit, the Haiti women’s U-17 team. The youngsters from the Caribbean nation pocketed the FIFA Fair Play Award for their courage in continuing to fulfil their playing obligations despite the immense suffering caused by the earthquake that struck the country last January.

From one of the emotional highpoints of the evening it was on to one of the new awards of this year’s revamped ceremony, as Vicente del Bosque presented the award for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football to Silvia Neid, who saw off the challenge of Maren Meinert (GER) and Pia Sundhage (SWE).

The title of FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football went to Jose Mourinho, who took receipt of the trophy from Silvia Neid and received the applause of his two fellow nominees, Vicente del Bosque (ESP) and Pep Guardiola (ESP).

Blatter then returned to the stage to bestow the FIFA Presidential Award to Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa for his contribution in making the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ such a success.

Goals galore and talent aplenty
Next on the agenda was the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of 2010. After the audience had been treated to a video showing the ten magnificent strikes in the running for the accolade, a clearly elated Hamit Altintop collected his prize.

That left just two more prizes to be announced, but not before a musical interlude in the company of Jamie Cullum. No sooner had the English jazz singer’s dulcet tones died down than the spotlight turned on Fatmire Bajramaj (GER), Marta (BRA) and Birgit Prinz (GER), the three nominees for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year. Following a short film summarising the trio’s achievements of 2010, the trophy was handed to an elated Marta. “It is another award for me, but that I wish to share with my colleagues from FC Gold Pride, Brazil and Santos FC. It's almost too good to be true,” said the winner with a tear in her eye.

From there it was on to the moment everyone had been waiting for: the announcement of the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010. The lights dimmed once more as the audience was treated to a video featuring just some of the magic moments that candidates Andres Iniesta (ESP), Lionel Messi (ARG) and Xavi Hernandez (ESP) served up last year. As the tension rose in the auditorium, Moriniere and Blatter joined forces to read out the winner’s name, presenting the coveted prize to a suitably grateful Lionel Messi. "Thanks so much for this applause. To be honest, I didn't expect to win today, but it was already great to be here next to my two mates," Messi said. "To win it makes it even more special. I want to share with all of my mates, my family, all the Barcelonistas and the Argentinians."

The seal was set on a truly glittering gala when he was joined on stage by all the evening’s winners, who received a thoroughly merited ovation from everyone present.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Olympiacos re-establish lead

2011-01-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

(PA) Sunday 9 January 2011

Olympiacos re-established their five-point lead at the top of the Super League as two second-half goals gave them a 2-0 win at Kerkyra.

They got a helping hand from their hosts as an own goal from Thanassis Tsigas set them on their way ten minutes after the break, before Kevin Mirallas' 70th-minute strike made it 2-0.

The win put Olympiacos five clear of second-placed Panathinaikos, who won yesterday, and 15 clear of the chasing pack, in the shape of AEK Athens and PAOK Salonika, who both won today.

AEK were 2-0 up at Panseriakos through Ismael Blanco and Nikos Liberopoulos before Georgios Georgiadis pulled one back just before the break. An 82nd-minute penalty from Liberopoulos sealed a 3-1 win.

A single goal from Dimitris Salpingidis in the 32nd minute was enough for PAOK to beat Asteras Tripoli 1-0.

Elsewhere, first-half goals from Christopher Katongo and George Boateng gave Xanthi a 2-0 win at Panionios, Constantin Iacob scored on the stroke of half-time as Iraklis beat Atromitos 1-0, and Ergotelis played out a goalless draw with Olympiacos Volou.

Source: www.fifa.com

Mourinho praises impressive Villarreal

2011-01-09T18:48:00.000-08:00

(PA) Sunday 9 January 2011

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho paid tribute to his side's fighting spirit after seeing them twice fight back from deficits and an under-par first-half display to defeat fellow high-fliers Villarreal 4-2 tonight.

Mourinho also heaped praise on their opponents, who he described as the best team to visit the Bernabeu this season. Real's 16-match winning streak in front of their own fans and Mourinho's remarkable record of having gone almost nine years without suffering a home defeat both looked in danger as impressive Villarreal caused numerous problems in the first half.

However, despite twice taking the lead through Cani and Marco Ruben, the Yellow Submarine had to settle for a 2-2 scoreline going into the interval as Real equalised both times through Cristiano Ronaldo.

The second half saw Real put on a much better showing and they got the lead they had been threatening when Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, before the Portugal international set up Kaka two minutes later to end the scoring.

Mourinho said: "We deserved to win for the courage we had in the second half. The team was marvellous. At the start Villarreal were fantastic and Madrid were bad. I didn't like it that our opponents played such an exceptional game in the first half. Villarreal are the best team to have come here and those who have come the closest to winning.

"A fairer scoreline at half-time would have been 3-1 to Villarreal. We made it 2-2 when we didn't deserve it, because they had control of the game. Because of them, we didn't do very much.

"During the break I spoke with the players. I told them that it was a false scoreline and that I wanted to change the system, and especially the way we pressurised them. And the game changed completely. I took a risk and switched Kaka for [Raul] Albiol, and we won. You cannot sit back and wait in a championship where the leaders have only dropped five points and the second-placed team seven. We need to give it everything."

Real moved back to within two points of Primera Division leaders Barcelona with the victory, whilst putting an 11-point gap between themselves and third-placed Villarreal. Mourinho also gave his side of events regarding the incident at the end of the game when he celebrated Kaka's goal in front of the Villarreal bench, incurring the anger the visitors, one of whom threw a water bottle in the direction of the Portuguese.

It missed, but the referee raced over to brandish a red card to one of the Villarreal contingent on the sidelines. Mourinho said: "I swear that I went to celebrate the goal with my son who was behind their bench and they thought I was provoking them."

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Saudis sack Peseiro after defeat

2011-01-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Monday 10 January 2011

Saudi Arabia today sacked their Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro after the team's shock 2-1 defeat to Syria in their opening AFC Asian Cup game - the first coaching casualty of the tournament.

The Saudi federation said that Nasser Al Johar will take over for the remainder of the showpiece event in Doha.

"We have sacked Jose Peseiro after the loss today and appointed Nasser Al Johar to continue our mission at the Asian Cup," said the Saudi Football Association in a statement.

The Saudis, three-time champions, had been expected to compete for the title alongside the likes of Japan, Australia and Korea Republic, but a brace from Abdulrazak Al Husein consigned them to defeat against Syria.

Peseiro had faced heavy criticism after failing to steer his side to the FIFA World Cup™ last year and has had tetchy relations with the Saudi press ever since.

Al Johar, a Saudi national, has coached the national team before. He took over at the 2000 Asian Cup when the Saudis fired Milan Macala in similar fashion to Peseiro after defeat in their opening game, and helped steer them to the final, where they lost to Japan.

He was also at the helm during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and took over again in 2008 when Helios Dos Anjos was let go, only to resign in February 2009 when the Green Falcons lost to Korea DPR in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Saudis finish preparations with draw

2011-01-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

(PA) Tuesday 4 January 2011

Saudi Arabia national team finished their preparations for the upcoming 2011 AFC Asian Cup with a scoreless draw with Angola at Prince Mohammed bin Fahed Stadium.

The Saudis were the better side and they should have scored after only seven minutes but Osama Al Mowallad's header went over the bar while the shot of Naif Hazzazi went wide on 29 minutes.

The hosts continued their dominance in the second half when substitute Muhannad Assiri sent a powerful shot narrowly wide before Hazzazi just missed once again with a header.

Saudi Arabia were drawn in group B of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals along with Japan, Jordan and Syria.

Source: fifa.com

Pana move within two of top

2011-01-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

(PA) Tuesday 4 January 2011

Panathinaikos moved to within two points of leaders Olympiacos after a 2-0 win at FC Xanthi in the Greek Super League.

Djibril Cisse opened the scoring in the first minute but had to wait until the final minute to secure victory through Lazaros Christodoulopoulos.

Aris Salonika move up to fourth as Carlos Ruiz's third-minute goal was sufficient to beat Kavala. Atromitos drew further from the danger zone when they trounced bottom side Larissa 3-0, the goals coming courtesy of Evangelos Nestos, Marek Saganowski and Marcelo Sarmiento.

Source: fifa.com

United go clear in England

2011-01-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

(PA) Tuesday 4 January 2011

Manchester United went three points clear at the top of the English Premier League table after a 2-1 win over Stoke on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Fulham climbed out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win at home to West Bromwich Albion while Birmingham also exited the bottom three following a 2-1 victory away to Blackpool.

Javier Hernandez, who scored United's winner in a 2-1 win away to West Brom last time out, broke the deadlock in the 27th minute at Old Trafford with a stylish flick behind his legs from Nani's cross.

However, Stoke were level five minutes after half-time when Dean Whitehead scored their first goal at Old Trafford since 1980 after rising unmarked to head in Tuncay's cross. But just after the hour mark United, the only unbeaten side in English football's top flight this season, regained the lead thanks to Nani's sublime left-footed curler from 20 yards out.

Second-placed Manchester City will go level on points again with United, who presently have a game in hand, if they beat Arsenal on Wednesday. Victory for the Gunners, currently third, would see them leapfrog City and leave Arsenal two points behind United.

Fulham scored on the stroke of half-time when Simon Davies's long-range shot went through the hands of former England goalkeeper Scott Carson, who ought to have saved the strike. The hosts doubled their lead at Craven Cottage when United States midfielder Clint Dempsey headed in Davies's corner in the 56th minute.

And nine minutes later a Davies corner also led to Fulham's third goal, with Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland heading home on this occasion. Albion's fifth defeat in a row left them just two points above the relegation zone.

Birmingham left it it late against Blackpool, Scott Dann scoring their winner in the 89th minute when he he got on the end of Roger Johnson's nod-down from Jean Beausejour's centre.

Alexander Hleb opened the scoring for Birmingham in the 24th minute at Bloomfield Road after intercepting a pass out of defence by the Tangerines' Stephen Crainey before finishing calmly. Blackpool though were level when former Birmingham forward DJ Campbell volleyed home in the 68th minute.

Source: fifa.com

Ghotbi: Iran are building towards 2014

2010-09-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Wednesday 22 September 2010

Iran were just eight minutes away from a place at the 19th FIFA World Cup™. However, an equaliser by Korea Republic’s Park Ji-Sung ultimately denied them – and snatched Korea DPR – a ticket to South Africa.

It was a bitter blow, but rather than mope in self-pity, Afshin Ghotbi has focused his charges on trying to atone for that heartbreak. Team Melli have already made good headway, winning all six of their friendlies in 2010, including away victories over China PR and the Taeguk Warriors in their last two outings. The former assistant coach of Korea Republic, who led Persepolis to the Iran Pro League title in 2008, has consequently had his contract renewed until after next year’s AFC Asian Cup.

That is a competition Ghotbi is determined to win. Another goal is to mastermind Iran’s qualification for Brazil 2014. The 46-year-old sat down with FIFA.com to discuss those two targets and his emerging stars ahead of the West Asian Football Federation Championship, which will begin on Friday.

FIFA.com: How do you rate the progress Iran have made over the past year?
Afshin Ghotbi: Iran have undergone a transformation, with a host of new talents combining with some veterans to inspire the national team to return to being one of Asia's best. We have improved our defense with tactical organisation and discipline, and this changed mentality, coupled with our pace and prowess in attack, has contributed to our good results so far this year. Our recent wins are just the beginning of the team’s bright future.

The current Team Melli looks rather different from the side that played in Asia’s final qualifying round for South Africa 2010, with several veterans having made way for new faces...
Having gone within eight minutes of qualifying for the World Cup, we thought it was time to build a new team. With the injection of new blood, there is competition for every position and the team has the perfect balance between youth and experience, with the average age of the team under 25 years old.

Ali Daei and Mehdi Mahdavikia were inspiration leaders for Iran. Who is going to follow in their footsteps?
We have different players providing leadership in various forms, but Javad Nekounam has proven to be a superb captain, providing the team with a role model both on and off the field.

Who are Iran's best prospects?
Iran has an enormous pool of promising talents. Ehsan Hajsafi, Karim Ansarifard and Milad Zanidpour, to name a few, represent the new generation of players who have a bright future.

Your aim is to win the AFC Asian Cup. Do you see it as a chance to revive Iran’s footballing fortunes?
Definitely, yes. Football plays a huge role in Iran and triumph at the Asian Cup would provide inspiration for Iranian people across the world.

What do you think of your group opponents, namely Korea DPR, Iraq and United Arab Emirates?
There are no easy opponents anymore in international football. The gap between Asian countries gets narrowed down with each competition, so we can take nothing for granted.

Do Ali Karimi and Hussein Kaebi have a chance of making it into your squad for the Asian Cup?
The doors are open to all players exhibiting the right form at club level, discipline on and off the field, and understanding of team spirit.

After the Asian Cup will come qualifying for Brazil 2014. How will you prepare the team for it?
With each match we are building towards 2014. So, we have already started the process. We hope an Asian Cup title will give Iranian football the confidence to live up to its true potential on the global stage.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

SINCLAIR TREBLE LIFTS ENGLAND HOPES

2010-09-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Swansea winger Scott Sinclair is on the brink of a call-up for the England under-21 squad after destroying npower League One Peterborough with his first professional hat-trick.

Sinclair, who cost City £500,000 from Chelsea, earned the Swans a place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup thanks to three clinical strikes at London Road.

His recent performances and his treble in their 3-1 win have put him on the check list of England under-21 boss Stuart Pearce.

"I contacted Stuart and asked if Scott was on their radar," confirmed Swans boss Brendan Rodgers.

"To be fair to Stuart, he told me they had been hearing all about him and the scouts had been watching him.

"He is still blossoming. He gets better with games and is really maturing. There is still a lot to come from him. He is still developing.

"Every game he plays, it looks like he is going to score. He knows he has got a lot to learn but he is a good kid.

"I know the boy well and his mentality. We kept in touch when I left Chelsea. He was a big talent when he broke on the scene at 17 but then went out on loan at teams where he did not play.

"When you get to 20 or 21, you need to go. Scott's career was out on loan at clubs in difficult moments. He was not getting the game time.

"He needed to find a home. I spent hours on the phone to him and convinced Swansea was the place for him to be. He can help the club and help himself.

"He has had two years resting. He is so fresh, he wants to play every game. He wants to score goals and at this moment in time in his career, he will tell you, he wants to play football. He is loving it at Swansea."

Sinclair opened the scoring in the fifth minute only for Peterborough's Craig Mackail-Smith to level a minute later.

Sinclair restored Swansea's lead second four minutes before the break and completed his treble in the 78th minute.

Rodgers added: "We prepare for every game and want to win it. We saw that tonight. We worked hard and our control and domination was really good.

"Peterborough are a very good side and could go straight back up to the Championship, which I hope they do."

Posh boss Gary Johnson was unhappy with referee Nigel Miller who refused to give the home side a penalty, despite numerous appeals.

"We are angry," said Johnson. "It spoilt the game because I don't think he wanted to make those kind of decisions.

"If it was once or twice, you might be unlucky, but you are not unlucky five times.

"I felt we didn't quite finish the game well enough. The last 20 minutes, we were demoralised."

Source: http://www.football365.com/

adidas Golden Boot: Thomas MUELLER

2010-07-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Thomas Muller’s opening goal for Germany against Uruguay in the third-place play-off proved enough to earn the Bayern Munich starlet the adidas Golden Boot. Muller finished on five goals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but claimed the top scorer accolade thanks to no fewer than three assists, leaving him ahead of Spain marksman David Villa and Dutch hitman Wesley Sneijder, both of whom finished on five goals but with only one assist apiece.

MinP	TP	GF	S	SOG	Y	R	2YC	FC	FS
473	241	5	13	5	2	0	0	5	8

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Diego Forlan - adidas Golden Ball

2010-07-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Diego Forlan has been named Best Player at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Uruguay striker topped the prestigious poll of accredited media representatives ahead of the Netherlands’ Wesley Sneijder and Spain hitman David Villa. The 31-year-old Forlan took the starring role in his country’s heroic performance at the FIFA World Cup finals.

Diego Forlan:

MinP	TP	GF	S	SOG	Y	R	2YC	FC	FS
654	309	5	32	15	0	0	0	2	2

Wesley SNEIJDER:

MinP	TP	GF	S	SOG	Y	R	2YC	FC	FS
652	371	5	27	11	1	0	0	15	12

David VILLA:

MinP	TP	GF	S	SOG	Y	R	2YC	FC	FS
635	244	5	32	17	0	0	0	2	15

Source: http://www.fifa.com

adidas Golden Ball past winners

2010-07-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

1982 FIFA World Cup™ Spain: Paolo Rossi (Italy)
1986 FIFA World Cup™ Mexico: Diego Maradona (Argentina)
1990 FIFA World Cup™ Italy: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
1994 FIFA World Cup™ USA: Romario (Brazil)
1998 FIFA World Cup™ France: Ronaldo (Brazil
2002 FIFA World Cup™ Korea / Japan: Oliver Kahn (Germany)
2006 FIFA World Cup™ Germany: Zinedine Zidane (France)

Source: www.fifa.com

Germany v Spain: Paul The Octopus predicts Spain victory over Germany

2010-07-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Paul has predicted all of Germany's World Cup results correctly so far, including wins against England and Argentina.

Paul even said that Serbia would beat Germany 1-0 in the group stage.

However, there is still a glimmer of hope for Germany. In all his years of making predictions, the only one Paul has ever got wrong was the Spain v Germany final at Euro 2008.

The octopus opted for Germany but Spain were the victors, winning 1-0.

German fans are now hoping the opposite will happen and by picking Spain to win it will actually be Germany who come out on top.

Such is the popularity that surrounds the octopus the German news channel n-tv actually broadcasted its Germany-Spain prediction live, even having two reporters commentating on it.

The handlers of the psychic octopus at Aquarium Sea Life in Oberhausen encourage Paul to make the predictions by putting mussels into two glass cubes, with each cube having one of the nation's flags on the front.

The mussel Paul chooses first is taken to be its prediction.

Paul initially went to the Spain-marked container before moving around the tank and then hovered over the German box. But he eventually opted for the European champions.

Paul has become world reknowned, but this good humoured, quirky phenomenon has not been well recieved by everybody.

Following the quarter-final prediction where Paul correctly guessed Argentina would lose to Germany the Argentineans threatened to kill the octopus and put it in a paella.

The newspaper El Dia gave this recipe for anyone daring to capture Paul: "All you need is four normal potatoes, olive oil for taste and a little pepper."

Argentinan chef Nicolas Bedorrou has suggested on Facebook a far more simplistic and brutal way to cook the octopus.

"We will chase him and put him on some paper. We will then beat him (but correctly!) in order to keep the meat tender and then put it in boiling water."

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/germany/7874714/Germany-v-Spain-Paul-the-psychic-octopus-predicts-World-Cup-defeat-for-Joachim-Low.html

Dreams over for Brazil and Ghana

2010-07-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Friday 2 July 2010

There were tears for all the teams involved on Friday – tears of joy for the Netherlands and Uruguay, and of despair for Brazil and Ghana, as the first two quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ served up almost unbearable drama and tension. The Dutch beat five-time world champions Brazil 2-1, while Uruguay needed penalties to overcome brave Ghana.

A continent cheered for the Black Stars as they bid to become the first African team ever to make the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. It was looking good for Ghana at Soccer City in Johannesburg when Sully Muntari blasted his side in front from fully 35 yards in first-half stoppage time. However, Diego Forlan levelled for Uruguay early in the second half, and the South Americans could easily have gone on to win in normal time.

Ghana boss Milovan Rajevac's men more than matched the Uruguayans in extra time, though, taking the fight to their skilful opponents and coming within inches of winning it in the dying seconds, only for Asamoah Gyan's penalty to hit the bar and fly over. Then, dramatically, the African Brazilians – a nickname earned by Ghana in the 1990s for their ebullient attacking flair – were beaten in the shoot-out by the composed Celeste penalty-takers.

The first clash of the day in Port Elizabeth was shorter on drama but equally long on excitement, as the Netherlands and Brazil squared off for the fourth time at the FIFA World Cup. The Europeans had only won one of those past meetings, back in 1974, but they doubled that tally and booked a fourth semi-finals appearance, keeping alive their hopes of emulating the legendary Cruyff-inspired team of the 1970s and progressing to the Final.

As for the Brazilians, Felipe Melo would be delighted to erase the memory of a horror second half. After missing the Round of 16 tie with suspension, the 27-year-old returned to the starting line-up and laid on Robinho's tenth-minute opener with a slide-rule pass. But with his side in command, he unluckily put through his own goal on 53 minutes to spark a Dutch renaissance. Then, just five minutes after Wesley Sneijder had handed the Oranje a 68th-minute lead, Melo was shown a red card for kicking out at Arjen Robben. A Seleção were headed for the exit, and must now wait four long years before launching their quest for a sixth triumph on home soil.

Results
Netherlands 2-1 Brazil
Uruguay 1-1 Ghana (aet, 4-2 pso)

Goal of the day
Netherlands 2-1 Brazil, Wesley Sneijder, 68 minutes: Sneijder is unlikely to forget his third goal at these finals. An Arjen Robben corner was flicked on by Dirk Kuyt to the Netherlands playmaker, who nodded home from three yards to seal a 2-1 win over Brazil. Headed goals are a rarity for the midfielder, who stands just 1.70 metres tall, and he underlined the fact by repeatedly slapping his forehead as he charged off to celebrate. "For the goal I just had to get my head on the ball – it was a great feeling," Sneijder said afterwards.

One to remember
It was a moment to make history, and for a player to earn himself footballing immortality. It was the last minute of stoppage time in extra time at the quarter-final between Uruguay and Ghana. Luis Suarez had just been dismissed for deliberately handling a goalbound shot on the line. The score was 1-1, and the Africans had a penalty. Gyan, with two converted spot-kicks to his name at the finals, stepped up for the last kick of the match. He took a five-pace run-up and shot; the ball smacked the top of the bar, flew out of play, and the final whistle blew. Had he scored, Ghana would have been the first-ever African team to make it through to the semi-finals. But the beautiful game can be cruel too: the South Americans held their nerve and won the shoot-out. Coolly converting Ghana's first penalty in the shoot-out will prove to be no consolation at all for Gyan.

Quote of the day
"We've not come here to settle for the semi-finals. Of course what we're experiencing now is fantastic because we've beaten one of the favourites, but the tournament starts for real from now on," Arjen Robben, Netherlands winger.

Stat of the day
24 – The Netherlands' long and successful run just keeps on going. The Elftal are unbeaten in 24 matches. They last tasted defeat back on 6 September 2008 in a 2-1 reverse against Australia in a friendly in Eindhoven. That was also their solitary loss in 26 matches under coach Bert van Marwijk.

Voice of the fans
"Nothing but respect for Gyan. He misses the penalty and then seconds later, he steps in first to shoot and scores...brave man!" FIFA.com user FOne1979.

Have your say
Can the Netherlands emulate the legendary generation featuring Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Rob Rensenbrink and Co, finalists in 1974 and 1978, and reach the FIFA World Cup Final for the third time?

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1266482/index.html#dreams+over+brazil+ghana

Zamorano: I’m so excited

2010-06-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 15 June 2010

In the course of his distinguished 17-year career, Ivan Zamorano scored goals, and lots of them, both for his country and for clubs of the stature of Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

The leader of a generation of Chilean players and a veteran of three FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaigns, including one appearance at the finals themselves, at France 1998, Bam Bam is in South Africa commentating for Chilean channel TVN. He broke off from his media duties to offer FIFA.com his insight on La Roja’s chances.

FIFA.com: Ivan, what are you expecting from this Chile team?
Ivan Zamorano: The same as everyone else in Chile – a lot. We’ve got a great team – never better in my opinion – a great coach who has stamped his philosophy on the side, and the complete commitment of the players. You can see all that out on the pitch. They’ve been playing well and getting good results and I’ve never been more certain that we can have a great World Cup.

Are you surprised at how quickly Bielsa gelled with the team?
Not at all. I’ll say one thing, it was a real challenge for the players to have a coach like him come in. He’s a true professional who strives for perfection and analyses every detail to achieve it. With him in charge we know Chile will be able to develop their own style in time.

Are there any comparisons to be made between this side and the one you played in at France 1998?
This Chile team has a desire and faith that remind me of the side we had back then, although they do play a different type of game. We played a simple 4-4-2 while this team uses a 3-1-3-3 formation, which has a lot to do with the players that are around now. There will always be comparisons to make but they are two very different generations.

What do you think about Chile’s opponents?
Spain are clear favourites to win not just the group but the World Cup itself. In [Iker] Casillas, Xavi [Hernandez], [Fernando] Torres and [David] Villa they have a better backbone than anyone. The Hondurans have added a bit of physical power to their technical abilities and that means they have to be respected. It’s the opening match, though, and it’s one we just have to win. As for Switzerland, their strong point is their coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who’s a born winner. I think Chile will be right in the fight for second place along with Honduras and the Swiss.

Do you think nerves might get the better of Chile’s younger players?
I’ve seen a lot of nervous teams. No one ever goes into a World Cup in a relaxed frame of mind, but nerves aren’t necessarily a bad thing. You just need to be able to control them if you want to reach your objectives. Most of them will have the chance to appear in another World Cup but they need to go out and play as if it were their last. I think they know that, though.

How much are Chile going to miss Humberto Suazo if he is unable to play?
If there’s one thing that stands out since Bielsa took over it’s how well he’s got the team working as a unit. Suazo is a key player, make no mistake. He’s a goalscorer and his confidence rubs off on his team-mates, but I’ve got more faith in what the team can do than any one player. Bielsa needs to have a Plan B in mind too, and a Plan C even. We need to have confidence in the players who might stand in for Suazo.

Who is your favourite player in the Chile squad?
I think Alexis Sanchez is a cut above everyone else. He’s on a high right now and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go to a big European team after the World Cup.

You are working here as a television commentator. What do you find harder: playing in a World Cup or sitting in front of a camera?
Sitting in front of a camera (laughs). Believe me, playing football was much easier than this. I like a challenge, though, and I like responsibilities, so here we are.

Does it not make you want to get on the pitch and start playing again?
That’s something that never leaves you. I get butterflies before a stint in the commentary box, just like I did when I was playing. I can picture myself on Wednesday, getting all excited about another World Cup with Chile. And I won’t even tell you how I’ll be feeling when they play the national anthem.

What other teams are you looking forward to seeing?
The Netherlands are always well worth paying to see. They play exciting, attacking football and they have some top-quality players. They could be the surprise team of the World Cup. Then there’s the two favourites: Brazil and Spain.

You played for many years in Italy. What is your take on the defending world champions?
Italy are always there or thereabouts and the last two times they won the World Cup, in 1982 and in 2006, they started off badly. That’s why you always need to be careful with them. Their strength lies in the experience of the players and Marcello Lippi, and they’re in a fairly straightforward group too. They’re a threat for sure.

And one to watch out for?
Nobody likes to play Germany. When you get drawn against them you usually end up cursing your luck. It won’t be any different this time either.

Which players are you excited about seeing in action?
I really wanted to see [Lionel] Messi and boy, did I see him? He’s the world’s best and he keeps on proving it. There’s Cristiano Ronaldo too. I want to see how fit he is, what kind of form he’s in and how Portugal operate around him. And then there’s Luis Fabiano, who could be a big star here.

One last question, and its about goalscorers as well. Why do you think most of the goals we have seen so far have been scored by defenders and midfielders?
I think it has a lot to do with the fact that coaches are scared. Their first concern is to defend rather than attack and that means the strikers are having less chances. And when they get them they’re snatching at them a little. It’s happened to [Diego] Forlan, [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Wayne] Rooney. Even so, they’re still all in the frame to finish the tournament as top scorer.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1245373/index.html#zamorano+im+excited

England are one of the great threats - Marcello Lippi

2010-06-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

"England are one of the great threats. It is not because Capello is Italian that is important. It is because he is a winner." Lippi told press in Cape Town. "He's a coach who has always built very pragmatic teams that are very determined."

But he wasn't just talking about England, he thinks there are a few teams that can go on and win it.

"Everyone has made Brazil or Spain favourites and I would not disagree," Lippi added.

"Personally I feel Argentina, Holland, Germany, Italy, France and England - can all win - they come to the World Cup not just to participate but to win."

Lippi is in a positive mood and is hoping to to take Italy all the way and become only the second manager ever to win the World Cup twice.

Source: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com/world-cup-group-c/england/england-can-still-win-world-cup-marcello-lippi/

Uruguay coach Tabarez springs surprise

2010-06-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Thursday 10 June 2010

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has named his team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Group A clash against France on Friday with defender Mauricio Victorino and midfielder Egidio Arevalo Rios surprise choices.

They are the only two changes to the side which defeated Israel 4-1 in the team's only warm-up match on 26 May. Victorino, who plays in Chile with Universidad de Chile, replaces Andres Scotti of Colo Colo, also in the Chilean top flight.

Arevalo Rios, who plays for top Uruguayan side Penarol, takes over from Napoli's Walter Gargano in a 3-4-1-2 formation. "The system we have chosen can adapt to the different things we could face against France," said Tabarez, who is nicknamed 'El Maestro'.

Up front, star striker Diego Forlan will be partnered by Luis Suarez, who scored 35 goals for Ajax in the Dutch championship last season.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1232774/index.html#uruguay+coach+tabarez+springs+surprise

Matthaus: A tournament full of surprises

2010-06-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 7 June 2010

Germany’s most-capped player Lothar Matthaus is currently busily preparing for his role as a TV pundit at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, the former FIFA World Player of the Year outlined his plans for the future, Germany’s chances at the finals, and what he expects to see at the first FIFA World Cup finals in Africa.

FIFA.com: You recently signed up with the biggest Arabic broadcaster Al-Jazeera Sport as a commentator at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Do you see your future in the media?
Lothar Matthaus: I’ll always be involved in football, and it's true I’ve been busier with media projects than the playing side of the game recently. I’ve been travelling a lot, mainly working on international TV projects. I’d still like to get back into coaching, but I have a very specific vision. Everything would have to be right before I took up a new position. A couple of contracts have been put in front of me and just required my signature, but I was never 100 per cent convinced, and I’m not the kind of guy who takes snap decisions. I’m prepared to wait patiently.

Your former club and UEFA Champions League winners Inter Milan have a coaching vacancy right now. How good are your contacts in Milan?
It's true that I’m still in touch with Inter, although nowhere near as closely as with Bayern Munich. There’s a new board in Milan, and the folks I knew back then have moved on. By the way, I’d just like to take this opportunity to congratulate Inter on winning the Champions League. They deserved it, even if it was a case of split loyalties for me. As for the job as head coach, I’m a realist. I can’t believe my name’s come up. I’ve won a few trophies, but I just don’t have the track record.

On the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, what are you expecting from the tournament?
I’m expecting a festival of football, like the one four years ago in Germany. I think we’re in for a peaceful and magnificent World Cup. The finals are taking place in a country where the people are passionate about football. I think the passion will sweep over the field of play from the stands, and vice-versa.

Just like the other 31 FIFA World Cup hopefuls, Germany are in the final stages of preparation for the finals. Are Joachim Low’s players ready for the task?
That's very hard to say as an outside observer. Their preparations have hardly been optimal. The loss of Michael Ballack was a blow, as he would have been a dominant personality at the tournament. And the Bayern contingent joined up with the rest of the squad very late.

You mentioned that Germany captain Michael Ballack is out of the tournament. How much of a loss is that?
It's obviously a setback at first, but we’ve seen teams grow closer together in the past as a result of things like this. The players regroup and become even more determined. It also means a change in the hierarchy. The players who’ve been around for a while take another step up the ladder. At the end of the day, Ballack’s absence could even prove a positive.

First-choice keeper Rene Adler is also out of the finals with injury. How much of a setback is that?
I view the situation with Rene Adler a little differently. He’s not as strong a character as Ballack. It's a choker for Rene, and I’m gutted for him, but that’s football. It's a tough business. In any case, Germany don’t have a goalkeeping problem. All three keepers are on a par with Rene Adler - not to detract from the huge contribution he made towards Germany qualifying for South Africa, especially in the games against Russia.

You’ve said the three keepers are all as good as Adler, so who should keep goal in South Africa?
Before Adler’s injury, Manuel Neuer was second-choice and Tim Wiese third. Logically, Neuer should now be No1. Both Wiese and Jorg Butt have plenty of factors in their favour, as both have greater international experience. But Neuer was outstanding at the U-21 European Championship. I believe he has what it takes to provide a strong last line of defence at the World Cup.

In Ballack’s absence, Germany have appointed a new captain for the finals. Is Philipp Lahm the right choice?
I see Philipp Lahm as Michael Ballack’s natural successor. The only thing that bothers me is that he’s a full-back, so by definition he’s not in the midfield area. But otherwise, he has everything you need from a captain. He’s an excellent communicator, be it with the other players, the association, the media or anyone else in the national set-up, and that is vital at a World Cup. He’s respected by everyone, and especially his team-mates at club level. That power base will protect and support him.

The Germans finished third at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and runners-up at UEFA EURO 2008. Where will they finish in South Africa?
Expectations are high, but other countries have caught up fast. Germany lack the brilliant individuals who can settle a match on their own, and that’s been obvious for some years now. But there’s still a huge amount of respect for Germany, which is part of what makes them so dangerous. They have to make the quarter-finals at a minimum. Whether they go any further depends on a lot of factors.

Who are your favourites for the trophy?
I have European champions Spain, Confederations Cup winners Brazil, and Argentina at the top of my list. They can pick from the best players in the world. The Netherlands have great players too, but with the exception of 1974 and 1978, they’ve never really done well at the World Cup. There’s a tendency for their individuals to play to the gallery, and that affects their performance as a team.

For the first time, six African nations are at the finals. How do you think they might fare, and what of hosts South Africa and their passionate home crowds?
If you just look at the quality of the players, South Africa are the weakest team at the tournament. They have a great coach, but he can’t do much without quality players. Obviously, they have the huge advantage of playing at home, and I do hope they make it out of their group, but it will be an immense challenge. I hold out more hope for the other African teams, all of whom boast players who are at leading European clubs. I expect an African team to make the semi-finals, because they definitely have what it takes, although I wouldn’t like to identify one nation at this stage. What I am expecting is a World Cup full of surprises, with one or two pre-tournament favourites knocked out quite early on.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1229790/index.html#matthaus+a+tournament+full+surprises

England captain taken to hospital for scan

2010-06-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

Rio Ferdinand has been taken to hospital after suffering a knock to his knee in training.

On a day that saw all but David James train in South Africa, including Gareth Barry, this isn't the most positive news to come from South Africa.

Initial concerns are focused on the ligaments in the left knee and every precaution is been taken.

If the injury is serious, Capello has until 24 hours before the first game to replace Ferdinand. No replacements to the squad can be made after this time. Ferdinand is on his way to a local hospital by ambulance.

The injury happened as Ferdinand was turning after a tackle. The news was passed on by Capello who was talking at a press conference at the England training camp. There will be no further comment from the Italian without seeing the results of the scan.

David James didn't train with the rest of the players, instead he spent time in the gym.

Source: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com/world-cup-group-c/england/rio-ferdinand-taken-to-hospital/

Messi on a mission

2010-06-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Friday 4 June 2010

There is not much that has not already been said about Lionel Messi. Still only 22, the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year has won everything there is to win with his club Barcelona and is a familar face in the four corners of the globe, his public appearances attracting legions of admirers.

Yet, as he explains in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the Argentina No10 still has one dream left to fulfil: to win the FIFA World Cup™. As well as discussing that lofty objective, the magical Messi gives us his thoughts on the pressure that comes with spearheading La Albiceleste's challenge at South Africa 2010, and his desire to keep reaching new levels of excellence.

No shortage of confidence
It was not so very long ago that Messi cut a somewhat shy and reserved figure whenever he appeared before the world's press. Those days seem to have gone, however. Now just as at ease in front of the cameras and microphones as he is on the ball the Argentinian has grown accustomed to being in the spotlight – a spotlight that has only intensified since he embarked on his meteoric rise to global stardom.

Despite having touched the pinnacle, Messi believes his best is still to come. "I don't think I've reached my peak yet," he says, his appetite for success undiminished. "My dream is to win the World Cup with Argentina and then to go and repeat what we've achieved at Barcelona, and to keep on going after that. My aim is to keep improving day by day. I want to keep on growing, I want to learn the things I don't know and to keep working on the things I do know so that I don't forget them."

At Germany 2006 he became the youngest ever Argentina player to score a FIFA World Cup finals goal, although he spent most of a frustrating tournament on the bench. Things promise to be very different in South Africa, where Messi will be the man La Albiceleste are banking on to spearhead their bid for a third world crown.

Not that the extra responsibility has altered his approach as he prepares for the tournament. "No, the fact is it doesn't," comes the unequivocal response. "I know I'm going to have more responsibility and more opportunities, but I'm just as excited and as keen as I was the last time. We are very confident we can have a good World Cup and lift the Trophy."

"The fact is I'm relaxed," he continues, shrugging off the obvious pressure that comes with wearing Argentina's No10 jersey. "I didn't go looking for any of this and I haven't tried to create any of it. The same thing happened to me in Barcelona and things have gone really well for me there. I hope I can play with the same style and character for the national side."

A new beginning
Argentina's journey to the world finals was an arduous one. In danger of elimination as the qualifying competition came to a close, they only booked their place in South Africa in their final game, yet Messi believes this will have no bearing on their performance in the next few weeks.

"The qualifiers are behind us now," he says. "For one reason or another we found it tough and we had to put a lot of hard work in. This is totally different, though. Argentina are always going to be one of the favourites. We've got some fantastic players and we are a great national team that's always right in there competing for trophies."

In Messi's eyes one of the main reasons he and his team-mates can go into the tournament in confident mood is the identity of their coach, Diego Maradona, a man who knows what it takes to win the biggest prize in football. "Exactly, we all know that," he says. "That's why I said that the qualifiers don't mean anything now. We have a lot of faith and desire, and Diego's experience is going to be crucial."

Though Argentina are favourites to top Group B in South Africa, the Barcelona man is taking nothing for granted. "There are no pushovers in the World Cup. I saw Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations and they are a typical African team with good and physically strong players. We played Côte d’Ivoire in Germany and they [Nigeria] will be a similar proposition. I haven't seen much of Korea Republic and Greece but to win games, you have to go out and play them. We have confidence in our ability, though, and we feel we can get through the group comfortably enough."

Before signing off, Messi gives one final indication of what makes him tick. "My dream is to win, come what may," he says with a steely look in his eyes. "I can picture us getting to the Final, winning it and holding the Trophy aloft. I haven't even thought about how we'll get there, but I'm convinced we're going to win it."

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1228451/index.html#messi+mission

De Rossi: Our mentality is key

2010-06-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Wednesday 2 June 2010

Not only is Daniele De Rossi a vital cog in experienced coach Marcello Lippi’s Italy line-up, but the AS Roma midfielder’s innate desire to win and tactical ability have made him one of the Azzurri’s most respected figures. A national-team fixture since playing his part in his country’s triumph at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, De Rossi told FIFA.com of the Italy squad’s confidence in an exclusive interview ahead of South Africa 2010, and spoke of their determination to defend their world crown.

FIFA.com: Daniele, what’s your verdict on the route Italy took to South Africa 2010?
Daniele De Rossi: We had a great qualifying campaign and were able to clinch our place with a game to spare. We had some tough games like the Bulgaria match in Turin and the one against Montenegro, though the matches against Ireland were the hardest. It’s hard to judge the first of those because we went a man down early on and that changed everything. We scored a goal and spent the rest of the game sitting back and defending. We played a fair bit better in the second game against them and got the result we needed.

What were the reasons behind this success?
I think that Italy’s biggest secret is the group of players that we have. It’s the same core as the one that won the World Cup and which played at the last EURO, which we didn’t win but only went out against eventual champions Spain on penalties. It’s true that during qualifying several very talented youngsters were brought in, but that hasn’t changed our mentality. We’ve still got the same attitude we had before and that’s what has led to our recent successes.

What’s your opinion on Group F, the section you have been drawn in at South Africa 2010?
At first glance it might look easy, but we know that’s never the case at World Cups. Paraguay were great in qualifying and they finished above Argentina in the standings. We played New Zealand in a friendly before the Confederations Cup (last year) and were really made to struggle before beating them 4-3. Slovakia, meanwhile, are a well-organised European side and have players like Marek Hamsik, who has been outstanding in Serie A. We can’t afford to be overconfident.

On the subject of the FIFA Confederations Cup, what did you learn from South Africa 2009?
Well, not many people are mentioning the altitude in South Africa. We experienced it during the Confederations Cup and it’s a factor that must be taken into account. It’s not the same playing at sea level as it is playing over 1,000 metres up. That was a huge learning curve for us and now we’re ready to adjust to that difference. We also learned that it won’t be enough to merely repeat our level of performance from 2006, given how much teams like Spain, England, Brazil and Argentina have improved since. It’s going to be tough.

Mention is often made of the age of the Italian national squad. Do you think the number of veteran performers could be problem?
It’s true that there are quite a few players over 30, but you have to remember that a World Cup is a short tournament lasting only seven games. A lot of the players who will be in South Africa will probably retire from national-team duty after the tournament, but what matters is that we are in top form both mentally and physically come June. What’s more, we couldn’t have a better coach than Marcello Lippi. He played a vital role at the World Cup four years ago as well as during the period beforehand, when the team’s morale had taken a real hit. He’s fantastic, both as a coach and as a person.

To date, only Italy and Brazil have won two FIFA World Cups in a row. Is this Azzurri squad capable of emulating that feat?
It’ll be incredibly hard, because it’s not enough to just have a great team. You have to be strong, fit and brave, as well as having excellent group spirit and a slice of luck. We know that we can’t improve on what we’ve done before, only match it. Of course we’re very confident, but we know how tough it’s going to be.

Finally, looking ahead to after the tournament, there’s been a lot of talk of you signing for a club outside Italy. Is that part of your plans?
It has crossed my mind and I have wondered what it would be like to play abroad, but to be honest Rome is everything to me: it’s my life. I don’t feel as if I could be happy somewhere else. Obviously you never know what might happen, but at the moment I can’t see myself playing for another club or living somewhere else.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1222792/index.html#de+rossi+our+mentality

Nelsen: All Whites riding a wave

2010-06-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 1 June 2010

Ryan Nelsen is now just days away from being just the second man to lead New Zealand into a FIFA World Cup™. The long-serving Blackburn Rovers centre-half debuted for the All Whites eleven years ago, but no achievement in his long career has come close to last November’s play-off victory over Bahrain and qualification for South Africa 2010.

By far the highest-profile member of the All Whites squad, Nelsen is an inspirational figure for the national team and now follows in the footsteps of Steve Sumner, who donned the captain’s armband at Spain 1982. Injury prevented the Christchurch native from appearing at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where his organisational skills in defence were sorely missed, but now Nelsen has the opportunity to make his mark in South Africa. And a creditable performance in a last-gasp defeat against Australia last week, combined with victory over Serbia on the weekend, suggests the Kiwis have reason for optimism.

FIFA.com chatted exclusively with the New Zealand skipper as the team prepares to create their own slice of history.

FIFA.com: The team preparations seem to have been going very well, with that unlucky last-minute defeat against Australia and a win against Serbia.
Ryan Nelsen: The result (against Serbia) wasn’t too bad but it was good to get a good 90 minutes under our belts. We had a disappointing result against Australia and we probably would have won it with good preparation, but it's just great to have a good run.

With those two matches behind you, how are the preparations coming together as South Africa 2010 approaches?
It was only this group of players who knew we were a decent team. Unfortunately now, with the results against Australia and Serbia, other teams are starting to realise that. We were hoping to fly under the radar a bit. Now teams will probably take us more seriously. We will keep going about our business. We are doing well but we have a lot of work to do before we get to South Africa.

You have had some injury concerns in recent times, missing some matches for Blackburn and also the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. How is the body feeling after a long English season?
I feel pretty good. I had a break of about five weeks when I injured my knee. I still played 30 to 35 games during the English season so it was one of those ones that is a blessing in disguise in the context of the World Cup schedule.

How do you find the leadership role with the national team, especially given you play in the English Premier League, while not all of the New Zealand squad are full-time professionals?
Everybody is pretty experienced in their own right. This team pretty much has 18 or so players that have been around the block a few times and know what is required. We only have two or three players that are semi-pro but they are young and learning and good, and it's only a matter of time before they become professional. Probably if they were playing in other countries they would be professional, it’s just that they don’t get as many opportunities to be noticed. So we have some good experience in the team and really I don’t have to do that much.

Your only the second man to lead New Zealand at a FIFA World Cup. How does that feel?
It’s an incredible feeling. At the moment we have a job to do, so it’s more stress and excitement because we want to do well. When I look back, maybe when I’m old and grey and with a walking stick, I might then look back and say ‘that was pretty unbelievable’.

How has the team improved over the course of the many years that you have been involved in the national team set-up?
This is by far the best team I have ever been involved in. We have players playing at a high level. Our four strikers are all playing at a really good level or have done well in their respective competition. We have experience at the back, we have keepers that are experienced and guys like Simon Elliot that have been around forever as well. We have a really nice balance around the squad now and we have a bit more depth as well.

How does the attention given to football in New Zealand leading up to South Africa compare to what you're used to, and how good has that been for the game domestically?
It's been fantastic for the game. It is not what we are used to in New Zealand, but in the few days we had at home before we left the whole country was really positive and really behind us. It is unprecedented compared to what we are used to. We are now riding a nice little wave with a couple of good results and the country believes that we are a decent team and can be really competitive so it’s really exciting.

What benefits are you expecting in New Zealand football as a spin-off from South Africa 2010?
More players playing, more interest in the game, more media, more public attention and more exposure. It’s a very athletic country but some fantastic players fall away at the younger age groups because there is not always the infrastructure in place, so that hopefully that will be sorted out and in the long run will benefit the national team.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1222372/index.html#nelsen+all+whites+riding+wave

Marin: We can go all the way

2010-05-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 31 May 2010

At barely 1.70m, Marko Marin may be one of the smallest German internationals, but his reputation is growing by the day. Since making his senior debut in May 2008, the 21-year-old winger has picked up seven caps under Joachim Low and cemented his place in the squad.

FIFA.com caught up with the UEFA European U-21 Championship winner at Germany’s training camp in the South Tyrol, where the squad is preparing for next month’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

FIFA.com: Marko, after a rollercoaster season, your club Werder Bremen finished third in the Bundesliga and reached the final of the German Cup. On balance, how would you sum up the year?
Marko Marin: It was a very positive season for us. The second half in particular went very well and we also produced some great performances in Europe. In the end we did well in the league as well as the cup, so I think it was a good showing.

You scored four goals and made 14 assists in 32 league appearances. How happy were you with your own performance?
For me personally, things went very well. I started almost every match and really raised my game in the second half of the campaign. I scored and set up goals in all competitions, which, when all is said and done, is what people measure you by. I also had the chance to gain some international experience in the Europa League, something that was extremely important to me.

You mentioned your strong second half of the season. What would you put that down to?
It’s quite simple really. When you arrive at a new club as a young player you need some time to get used to your new surroundings. Luckily, in my case it didn’t take me too long to settle. The coach had confidence in me and I put in some good performances in the first half of the season, something I was able to build on in 2010.

Having been named in the provisional squad for South Africa 2010, how would say preparations are going for the big event?
The mood within the squad is excellent and preparations are going really well. We’re now anxious for the tournament to start and can’t wait to get to get on the plane for South Africa. I try to do my best when I play, but ultimately it’s down to the coach to decide whether I‘m good enough.

How serious is the loss of your first-choice goalkeeper Rene Adler and captain Michael Ballack?
I think we’re still coming to terms with being without Michael. To lose a major figure like him is a huge blow for us, but there’s nothing we can do to change it. I still believe this team can be successful if we pull together. It is also very sad for Rene that he can’t be there, but we have some excellent keepers in the squad who can do a good job in his place. They have proved that time and again.

Competition for attacking midfield berths looks particularly intense with Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski, Piotr Trochowski and yourself all vying for places in the starting XI. What’s your take on that situation?
I think that our system, with two defensive and three attacking midfielders, suits me because that’s the system we use at Bremen. I’m also happy playing on either flank. My strength is going forward, where I can put my dribbling skills to good use, and that’s something the coach knows as well.

Two years ago you were also in the provisional squad for UEFA EURO 2008 but did not make the final 23. What’s your gut feeling this year?
I was in a totally different position then. I was coming straight from the 2. Bundesliga (the second tier in German football) and it was a dream for me to be named in the squad for the first time. Since then I’ve had two years experience in the top flight and have played in Europe. I don’t worry about it too much though, I just put everything into training and believe I’ll be there in South Africa.

What would a ticket to South Africa mean to you at the age of 21?
I don’t think age really comes into it because a World Cup is something special for any player. It’s the biggest tournament in world football and everyone is looking forward to it. Moreover, I believe we have the potential to go all the way.

How do you rate Group D opponents Australia, Serbia and Ghana?
I see Serbia as our main rivals. They were excellent in qualifying and are a very solid side who keep things tight at the back. They also have some great individuals so we don’t expect an easy time of it. Ghana did well at the African Cup of Nations and showed us what they can do in 2006, so they will be dangerous opponents. Australia will look to defend against us and make us take the game to them.

Is there any one game you’re particularly looking forward to?
The game against Serbia will be special for me of course. I was born in the former Yugoslavia and have a lot of friends there. I was a big fan of Yugoslavia as a child, so I hope we can both reach the knockout phase.

Who are your favourites for the title?
Spain have a very strong squad, as they showed at EURO 2008. They haven't changed very much since then so have to be among the favourites. That said, there are a number of good teams at the World Cup, including ourselves. Whatever happens, we’ll do all we can to achieve our goal.

Which player are you most looking forward to meeting in South Africa?
I hope that we come up against Portugal at some point during the tournament. It would be nice to play against my Bremen team-mate Hugo Almeida. If we knock them out of the tournament, we’ll have plenty to talk about back at our club next season (laughs).

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1221906/index.html#marin+we

11 days to go

2010-05-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

(PA) Monday 31 May 2010

The fastest goal in a FIFA World Cup™ was scored by Turkey's Hakan Sukur after only 11 seconds against Korea Republic in 2002.

Sukur's early strike paved the way for Turkey to run out 3-2 victors in Daegu in the third-place play-off. Lee Eul-Yong drew the sides level before Ilhan Mansiz's first-half brace put the game beyond the co-hosts, who pulled another goal back late on through Song Chong-Gug.

Sukur has since retired and his career achievements include winning the UEFA Cup and eight Turkish league titles with Galatasaray. He also had spells with Inter Milan, Blackburn and Parma.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1221383/index.html#days

Boateng: Bad boy label is a burden

2010-05-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 24 May 2010

Kevin-Prince Boateng has ridden a metaphorical roller-coaster this season. On the up-side, his club Portsmouth defied expectations to reach the FA Cup final, where they fell narrowly to Chelsea. On the down-side, the midfielder and his team-mates bade farewell to the English top flight after being docked nine points for entering administration.

The player, who insists he has moved on from the bad boy image beloved of the media, is now focusing all his attention on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The 23-year-old was born in Berlin but has opted to play for Ghana, and in an ironic twist of fate, he is now set to face his country of birth at the finals.

The eagerly-awaited group fixture has even more of an edge to it now, after Boateng’s challenge on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final caused the injury that forced the Germany captain to pull out of the FIFA World Cup™. Interviewed by FIFA.com, former Germany junior international Boateng spoke about his reputation, assessed Ghana’s chances in South Africa, and named his favourites for the global showdown.

FIFA.com: Kevin, you’ve faced a storm of criticism for the foul which put Germany captain Michael Ballack out of the FIFA World Cup. You’re still a young player, so how have you coped?
Kevin-Prince Boateng: Let me say first of all how sorry I am that Michael can’t play at the World Cup. I never meant to hurt him, and I apologised to him on the spot. It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start. These things amuse you as an 18-year-old. But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now. The media have given me this tag and they just sit and wait for me to do something stupid. But the people who know me realise I’m not like that. The most important things to me are my family and football, and I hope I can rid myself of this bad boy reputation over time.

Turning to football, let’s have a look back over your career to date, which began in Berlin.
When I was a little kid, I played in the Berlin streets with my brothers and my dad. I started at Hertha when I was just seven. I played for all the youth teams and eventually signed as a pro. I had a few problems at the start, mainly due to the pace and the hard tackling, but I was lucky enough to be playing alongside some really helpful older players. Niko Kovac, Dick van Burik and Fredi Bobic gave me a lot of support. I’m still really grateful to those guys.

At just 20, you switched to Tottenham Hotspur in England. Why did you opt for the Premier League?
I became personally unhappy in Berlin, so I wanted to change clubs. Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur both came in for me, and at the end of the day I opted for Spurs, because I’d always wanted to play in the Premier League.

It didn’t work out in north London though and you only made a handful of appearances, so you went out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
It was a difficult time for me. Spurs boss Martin Jol told me he thought I was a good player, but there was no place for me in his system, so I lost a year-and-a-half when I hardly played. By contrast, I had a very positive time in Dortmund. I had six terrific months there. I fitted in really well with the club, the coach and the team.

You maintained your good form for Portsmouth last season. Were you satisfied with yourself?
You can always do better, but I had a decent season and learned a lot. We gave it everything we had as a team, and I’m really upset about what’s happened to the club. I’ve yet to think through my future at club level. I have two more years on my contract, but I’m concentrating totally on South Africa now. We’ll see what happens after that. But obviously, the eyes of the world are on the World Cup, so it can always be a showcase for a player.

You played for Germany as a youth, but you’re a member of the Ghana squad for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. What are the reasons behind your choice?
I really enjoyed playing for Germany. It was recognition for all the work I put in, and the German FA really helped me develop as a player. But I made mistakes. I had a feeling the German FA wasn’t prepared to forgive me and I wouldn’t be given another chance for the national team. I delivered for my clubs, but I was never mentioned in connection with the Germany set-up. By comparison, I could have turned out for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup and at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. I was still holding out hopes of being picked for Germany and playing alongside my brother Jerome, so I turned Ghana down. But now I’ve made a rational decision, with my head rather than my heart.

Ghana have landed in a tough group. How would you rate Germany, Serbia and Australia?
I think Germany are favourites, although you have to fancy the Serbs too. But I know we have quality in the team, and I’m convinced we can spring a surprise.

On 23 June, you’re very likely to face your country of birth and probably your brother too, as he’s in the Germany squad.
Obviously, the Germany game is a special one for me. But I can promise the Ghana fans this: I play to win, even against my brother – or my father or mother, for that matter.

This is the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. What does it mean for the African people?
This World Cup is incredibly important for the continent as a whole. I’m expecting a tournament full of joy and excitement, like four years ago in Germany. Everyone in Africa’s looking forward to the finals.

Finally, who are favourites to win the FIFA World Cup?
Côte d’Ivoire are there or thereabouts. They have a superstar in almost every position. They’ve again been drawn in a tough group, but the time has come for them to make their mark. All their players are at top European clubs. If they can play well as a team, they could go a long way. Spain are also very strong contenders, and I see them in the final. And you can never discount Brazil and Germany.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1216876/index.html#boateng+bad+label+burden

Black Stars eye quick start

2010-05-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Saturday 22 May 2010

Ghana launch their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Group D campaign against Serbia and the outcome could decide whether the Africans survive the first round. Victory at Loftus Versfeld, one of three rugby union stadiums transformed for the first tournament staged by Africa, and the Black Stars will feel confident of a top-two finish in a pool completed by Germany and Australia.

But defeat at the 50,000-seat Pretoria ground would leave the 2010 CAF Africa Nations Cup runners-up probably needing maximum points against the Germans to survive. Serbia-born coach Milovan Rajevac admits the Cape Town draw last December did a Michael Essien-inspired team no favours and predictions that they could go all the way to the 11 July Johannesburg final are far from his thoughts.

"We are in a strong group with Australia, Germany and Serbia and all the matches will be tough," conceded the 56-year-old plucked from Eastern Europe obscurity two years ago in an interview with the domestic media. "The opening match is against Serbia, and I know a lot about them. Australia have a strong team and Germany are favourites to win this group. Our target is to advance from the group stage and move on from there."

And "on from there" could mean a second-round showdown against England and a reunion for injury-plagued midfield dynamo Essien with Chelsea team-mates Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. Despite an English season from hell that saw him witness the Chelsea Premiership-FA Cup double from a stand seat, Essien believes he can start against the Serbian 'White Eagles'.

"I have to keep working hard on my fitness and that is what I am doing. It is up to the medical team because if they declare me ready, I will be in South Africa," he stressed. Hamstring problems sidelined Essien late last year and after just 45 minutes of Nations Cup action against Côte d'Ivoire during January, he sustained a knee injury while training in Luanda and has not played since.

Hoping for better than 2006
Essien does not possess fond memories of the 2006 World Cup in Germany - the first four-time African champions Ghana qualified for - as a ban ruled him out of a second round loss to Brazil with the 3-0 scoreline flattering the South Americans.

Injuries ravaged Ghana ahead of the Nations Cup and two victims, central defenders John Mensah of Sunderland and John Pantsil of Fulham, are expected to return while Samuel Inkoom and Hans Sarpei guard the flanks. Inter Milan reserve midfielder Sulley Muntari has settled differences with Rajevac that kept him away from Angola and veteran former captain Stephen Appiah is fit again if ring rusty with minimal action for Bologna.

Ghana boast an embarrassment of midfield riches led by Essien with Nations Cup star Kwadwo Asamoah of Udinese and Anthony Annan from Rosenberg other possible starters against the Serbs. France-based striker Asamoah Gyan scored three goals during the Nations Cup, including knockout-stage winners against Angola and Nigeria, and his probable strike partner is Matthew Amoah from Dutch outfit NAC Breda.

Rajevac demonstrated in Angola that he is a pragmatic, results-obsessed coach and the 'Black Stars' won three consecutive matches by taking the lead, then retreating in depth at the slightest hint of trouble.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1215983/index.html#black+stars+quick+start

Danes include injured Sorensen

2010-05-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

(PA) Monday 10 May 2010

Thomas Sorensen was included in Denmark's provisional FIFA World Cup™ squad this afternoon despite suffering a dislocated elbow last month.

The Stoke City goalkeeper sustained the injury in City's 7-0 thrashing at newly-crowned Premier League champions Chelsea on April 26 and is still not certain to be fit for South Africa but that did not prevent Denmark coach Morten Olsen from naming him in a 26-man party.

Sorensen has been the Danish number one for nine years and will be key to their hopes of progressing out of Group E, which also contains the Netherlands, Japan and Cameroon. The 26 players named today will take part in a friendly against Senegal in Aalborg on 27 May with four others on standby.

Olsen will then whittle down the squad to 23 prior to Denmark's FIFA World Cup opener against the Dutch on 14 June. Malaga defender Patrick Mtiliga was the surprise inclusion having not played for his country since November 2008.

"We had Patrick with us against Wales in November 2008 when he played for one half and we have followed his progress closely since," said Olsen. "With the move from NAC Breda to Malaga he went to a better club and a better league. We believe Patrick is the perfect fit for the type of opposition we will face."

Denmark's provisional FIFA World Cup: Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhagen), Kim Christensen (IFK Gothenburg), Stephan Andersen (Brondby), Thomas Sorensen (Stoke City); Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn), Patrick Mtiliga (Malaga), Per Kroldrup (Fiorentina), Simon Busk Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar), Simon Kjaer (Palermo), William Kvist (FC Copenhagen); Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Christian Eriksen (Ajax), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Jakob Poulsen (AGF Aarhus), Michael Silberbauer (FC Utrecht), Mikkel Beckmann (Randers), Thomas Enevoldsen (FC Groningen), Thomas Kahlenberg (Wolfsburg), Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax), Jesper Gronkjaer (FC Copenhagen), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord), Martin Jorgensen (AGF Aarhus); Michael Krohn-Dehli (Brondby), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Soren Larsen (Duisburg)

Standby: Anders Moller Christensen (Odense), Leon Jessen (FC Midtjylland), Mikkel Thygesen (FC Midtjylland), Morten Rasmussen (Celtic)

*Please note that squad lists only become official after they have been submitted to and announced by FIFA.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1208242/index.html#danes+include+injured+sorensen

Lippi names pre-World Cup squad

2010-05-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Sunday 2 May 2010

Italy coach Marcello Lippi on Sunday named a 29-man squad for a pre-FIFA World Cup™ get-together in Rome on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Of the players likely to go to South Africa only AS Roma's Daniele De Rossi was missing from the squad.

Italy are the reigning champions and face Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand in Group F of this summer's finals.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo)

Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti and Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini, Fabio Grosso and Nicola Legrottaglie (all Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan)

Midfielders: Mauro German Camoranesi, Antonio Candreva and Claudio Marchisio (all Juventus), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese)

Forwards: Marco Borriello (AC Milan), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli)

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1204101/index.html#lippi+names+world+cup+squad

Shawcross: Finals hopes have faded

2010-05-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

(PA) Sunday 2 May 2010

Ryan Shawcross fears his chances of joining the England squad in South Africa are effectively at an end after "the worst two months of my career".

The Stoke defender returned to the starting line-up for the first time in 10 games in the 0-0 draw against Everton at the Britannia Stadium yesterday. Getting back into action was a welcome relief for Shawcross, demonised for his challenge on Aaron Ramsey that left the Arsenal player with a broken leg. And no sooner had he served his suspension then the 22-year-old was sidelined with ankle and foot injuries.

However, he looked back to his best against Everton after stepping off the bench in the 7-0 humbling by Chelsea. Shawcross, though, feels it might be too late to catch the eye again of England manager Fabio Capello even though doubts remain about Rio Ferdinand's fitness and John Terry's form.

"It has faded a bit as I have been out so long. You can never say never but my main aim is to play well for Stoke first of all," he said. "There is always hope, but the manager usually picks on form and fitness, and it has been the hardest two month of my career. That might count against me.

"The people who needed to be there were there for me and I thank them for that. I am delighted to be back on the pitch. I was a bit off the pace against Chelsea, which was not unexpected, but feel much sharper now. I am feeling good and confident," he continued.

Rory Delap should have put Stoke ahead shortly after half-time but he somehow contrived to side-foot the ball the wrong side of the post when it seemed easier to score.

Shawcross added on the club's website: "It was a thoroughly enjoyable game and we are happy with a clean sheet after what happened at Chelsea. It has been a difficult week with a few home truths spoken as there needs to be. We showed our character and came back strong."

Jagielka in the frame?
Everton looked to have sealed a victory in the 72nd minute that would have maintained their hopes of a Europa League slot when defender Phil Jagielka headed into the net. However referee Howard Webb disallowed his effort, explaining on television that Victor Anichebe was in an offside position.

That explanation is unlikely to appease manager David Moyes, who skipped the usual post-match conferences and despatched his assistant Steve Round instead. Round believes Jagielka, who missed large chunks of the campaign through injury, has the versatility that would serve England well.

"I thought Jagielka was outstanding. Centre-back, right-back, wherever you play him he does that. Today he showed just how much quality he has got," he said.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1204040/index.html#shawcross+finals+hopes+have+faded

Walcott intends to impress Capello

2010-05-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

(PA) Sunday 2 May 2010

Theo Walcott intends to make full use of the final two Barclays Premier League games of the season to cement his place in England's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ squad.

The 21-year-old was hampered by injury earlier in the campaign, but has recently produced a number of impressive displays, including when he came off the bench to score in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona.

Walcott knows how important it is to finish the season in good form, especially with competition for places in Fabio Capello's final 23-man squad for South Africa hotting up with Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon now playing again after his injury lay-off.

"I have not played much this season and I feel fresh, so hopefully the more games I get to play, the better I will be and I will get to be on the plane," said Walcott, who has four goals from 28 appearances, 15 off the bench.

"The World Cup is the biggest dream of all for every boy - everyone dreams of a 1966 moment, at least I know I do. Hopefully we can make it another one. We believe we can win it and we will do everything to bring the World Cup back home - it has been too long," he admitted.

Walcott came in for criticism following a subdued display in the international friendly against Egypt at Wembley during March - with former England winger Chris Waddle claiming he "doesn't understand the game". The Arsenal forward - who smashed a famous hat-trick in the World Cup qualifier against Croatia at the start of last season - maintains his game is moving in the right direction.

"The thing about being a winger is that it is the end product which matters - you can do everything right, dribble past people and beat your men, but just not get a final ball in," Walcott said in the May edition of the official Arsenal magazine. "Players like David Bentley and James Milner have that end product and hopefully I am showing that in my own game a little more.

"Sometimes people think I do not realise that it is quite hard to pick people out when you are running so quickly - I just try to put the ball into the space, and if players are getting into the box then it works even better," he said.

Gunners give support
Walcott joined Arsenal in a big-money move when still only 16 during January 2006 and suddenly found himself thrust into the spotlight when he was a controversial inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad despite not having featured for the Gunners first team.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels the former Southampton trainee is on the right track, despite being an easy target for critics. "After coming back from injury, I believe Theo is on the way to efficiency," Wenger said. "For me he has become more of a man this season, more responsible tactically and he is going the right way. Theo is improving and do not forget, he is still only 21."

Wenger had personally championed Walcott's inclusion in the last World Cup squad. The Arsenal manager feels it would be a major disappointment were the young forward, who played for the Under-21s in last summer's European Championships, not to go to South Africa. "As much as it was a little bit of a present last time, this time it would be a blow [if he missed out]," the Arsenal manager said.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1204013/index.html#walcott+intends+impress+capello

Nakamuras carry Samurai sword

2010-05-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Friday 30 April 2010

The Japan team that competed at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ boasted two of the greatest midfielders in Asian football history in Hidetoshi Nakata and Shunsuke Nakamura. Following the former’s post-tournament retirement, however, the latter was left to shoulder an immense weight of responsibility.

The emergence of the 31-year-old free-kick specialist’s namesake, Kengo, has nevertheless shifted some of the burden. Now the Nakamuras will set out to work in tandem and help their country reach the Round of 16 and beyond at South Africa 2010.

An Asian great
Shunsuke is not only an outstanding player, but he also has a wealth of experience in Europe. He turned out for Reggina from 2002 until 2005, before joining Celtic. Nakamura came into his own for the Bhoys, starring in the UEFA Champions League and helping them win three successive Scottish Premier League titles. The Yokohama-born ace also pocketed the Scottish PFA Players' Player of the Year and Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year in the 2006/07 season.

“I think I got stronger and stronger there,” the Yokohama Marinos playmaker recalled of his time in Glasgow. “I could not play my football at Reggina because of their kick-and-rush style, but I was released from that stress in Scotland. My Celtic team-mates were top-class footballers, so it was easy for me to enjoy their pass-and-move style.”

Gordon Strachan, Namamura’s manager at Celtic, once described him as “one of the most brilliant playmakers I have ever seen”. Renowned for his free-kicks, including Japan’s opener against Australia at Germany 2006 and a stunning goal against Manchester United in the Champions League later that year, the N10 is also a master at creating chances with perfectly-weighted through-balls and crosses.

Nakamura joined Espanyol last year but, fed up with warming the bench in Catalonia, swiftly returned to his city of birth to rejoin the Marinos. He is confident the Samurai Blue can excel at South Africa 2010, where they will face the Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon in an examining Group E.

“We played the Netherlands last September in a friendly and lost 3-0. The Dutch were really strong,” Nakamura commented. “Cameroon have Samuel Eto’o up front. Denmark should be much stronger than the Croatia team we played in the first phase at Germany 2006.

"It will be tough but I believe Japan can surprise the world. Our aim is still the same: to reach the semi-finals.”

Renwoned in Asia, little-known elsewhere
Another Japanese player to keep an eye on in South Africa is Kengo Nakamura. He is, at 29, arguably in the form of a club career he has spent entirely at Kawasaki Frontale.

Nakamura models his game on that of former Barcelona and Spain great Pep Guardiola, although Japan coach Takeshi Okada has urged him to assume a Steven Gerrard-type role. If the 53-year-old decides to employ, as expected, a 4-2-3-1 formation at the global finals, the Kodaira native could play as a defensive midfielder or as one of the three playmakers. Wherever he operates, Nakamura is likely to impress non-Asian fans; the majority of whom have not seen his excellent distribution and ability to shoot powerfully from distance.

“We are not afraid of any big teams, even the Netherlands,” he told FIFA.com last December. “When Japan played them last September, we played very well in the opening half, creating more chances than them and dominating territorially.

One thing is for sure: Japan’s chances of turning that 3-0 loss into a victory over the Oranje rest abundantly on their two Nakamuras.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1202652/index.html#nakamuras+carry+samurai+sword

Huh names provisional squad

2010-05-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

(PA) Friday 30 April 2010

Korea Republic have named a preliminary squad of 30 players for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ which contains few surprises.

Coach Huh Jung-Moo, whose side were drawn in Group B alongside Argentina, Greece and Nigeria, included no uncapped players. Park Ji-Sung of Manchester United and Monaco's Park Chu-Young head a 13-strong foreign contingent, while 2002 FIFA World Cup hero Ahn Jung-hwan is also included as he bids for a third consecutive appearance on the global stage.

Huh will reduce the size of the squad to 23 after the Taeguk Warriors take on Ecuador in a FIFA World Cup warm-up match in Seoul on 16 May. "The Ecuador game is the last opportunity for the domestic players," said Huh. "We will also be checking the condition of the foreign-based stars."

There is no place for former Fulham and Reading star Seol Ki-Hyeon, who is still recovering from a knee operation. "Seol hasn't been included because he hasn't played as he is still recovering and hasn't trained. Of course, it is regrettable for the players who haven't made the squad but those 30 players have the opportunity to play a big part for the national team."

South Korea 30-man preliminary FIFA World Cup squad:
Kim Young-Kwang (Ulsan), Lee Woon-Jae (Suwon), Jung Sung-Ryong (Seongnam); Kang Min-Soo (Suwon), Kwak Tae-Hwi (Kyoto), Kim Dong-Jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-Il (Pohang), Oh Beom-Seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-Pyo (Al Hilal), Lee Jung-Soo (Kashima Antlers), Hwang Jae-Won (Pohang), Cho Won-Hee (Wigan), Cha Du-Ri (SC Freiburg), Cho Yong-Hyung (Jeju); Koo Ja-Cheol (Jeju), Ki Sung-Yong (Celtic), Kim Bo-Kyung (Oita), Kim Nam-Il (Tom Tomsk), Shin Hung-Min (Pohang), Kim Jae-Sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-Woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton) Kim Chi-Woo (Seoul), Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United); Park Ju-Young (AS Monaco), Ahn Jung-Hwan (Dalian Shide), Lee Seung-Ryul (Seoul), Yeom Ki-Hun (Suwon), Lee Keun-Ho (Jubilo Iwata), Lee Dong-Guk (Jeonbuk).

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1202666/index.html#huh+names+provisional+squad

Conquer the world with EA SPORTS

2010-05-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Friday 30 April 2010

EA SPORTS this week released its now-traditional FIFA World Cup™ finals official licensed videogame, generating great excitement in the gaming world.

Available in all platforms, EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa takes its inspiration from the superb FIFA10, which hit stores last October. That does not mean to say, though, that it is just a national team version of the hugely popular FIFA series. There is more, much more to EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa than that.

Aside from its vastly improved gameplay, it also boasts exceptional graphics and a host of new features guaranteeing you hours of exciting videogame action.

“Without a doubt it's the most complete online mode we've put together,” says its line producer Simon Humber. “We’ve redesigned the visuals from scratch and the result is even sexier and more appealing than FIFA10.”

A revolution in gaming
As well as improvements to lighting and sharper graphics, EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa also features the coaches of the 32 qualifiers, not to mention the tournament stadiums, all of them packed to the rafters.

It also offers countless modes, with gamers being able to play qualifiers, warm-up matches, the knockout rounds or the tournament in its entirety. Thanks to EA Sports, you can take the likes of Vanuatu or Haiti all the way the FIFA World Cup Final.

Perhaps the most exciting new feature of them all, though, is the FIFA World Cup online tournament, in which you can select your favourite team and take on other gamers from around the world, no matter where they are.

So get gaming and live the dream with EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. Who knows, you could end up leading your country to glory on the biggest stage of all.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1203341/index.html#conquer+world+with+ea+sports

Bafana back on winning trail

2010-04-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Wednesday 28 April 2010

2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts South Africa got back on the winning trail by defeating non-qualifers Jamaica 2-0 in a friendly at Kickers Offenbach Stadium Wednesday.

Veteran striker Surprise Moriri punished sloppy defending off a cross to drive a low shot into the corner of the net on 51 minutes and set up Bafana Bafana (The Boys) for a first success in four international outings.

Siyabonga Nomvete added a second five mintues from full-time in this German city as he ran on to a pass from fellow substitute Andile Jali and slammed the ball wide of goalkeeper Dwayne Kerr into the net.

Jamaica, last-minute replacements for China, faded after failing to convert a few first-half chances in a game between teams relying almost exclusively on home-based players.

South Africa made one change from the team held 0-0 by fellow qualifiers Korea DPR in Frankfurt last week with Siboniso Gaxa replacing Thabo Nthethe at rightback. Jamaica arrived in Germany via the United States just 10 hours before the kick-off with a squad of local players and San Jose Earthquakes striker Ryan Johnson.

With three previous matches between the countries drawn and delivering only two goals, it was no surprise that the first half ended goalless before a few hundred spectators. South Africa had scored just five goals in six matches since Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreirra returned last November for a second spell in charge.

They could have added to that total less than two minutes into the match as a glancing Moriri header off a Siphiwe Tshabalala free kick forced Kerr into an acrobatic parry at the expense of a corner. But if the largely South Africa-supporting crowd thought this was the start of a siege on the Jamaican goalmouth they were sadly mistaken with the Reggae Boyz coming close to scoring twice by the half-hour mark.

Openings at the back
Sleepy South Africa failed to pick up Dicoy Williams off a Xavian Virgo free kick and his near-post header beat goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and flew just over the bar. And when the Caribbean team launched a lightning counter-attack in perfect conditions, Navion Boyd was staring at an unguarded route toward goal only to be let down by a poor first touch.

South Africa finished the opening half with a flourish and Kerr did well to hold a volley from striker Katlego Mphela, seeking to improve his one-goal input from the six matches since Parreira replaced compatriot Joel Santana.

The deadlock was finally broken six minutes into the second half in comical fashion as two defenders failed to cut off a cross that appeared to pose no threat and Moriri had time and space to beat Kerr with a low shot.

Moriri made way soon after for Nomvete, a 32-year-old from the Soweto-based Moroka Swallows club recalled for the Germany camp three years after last appearing in Bafana Bafana colours. And Nomvete repaid the faith of Parreira and the South African media who campaigned hard for his inclusion in the squad when he put the result beyond doubt.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1201688/index.html#bafana+back+winning+trail

Maradona hands Ortega recall

2010-04-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Wednesday 28 April 2010

Argentina coach Diego Maradona on Wednesday handed veteran midfielder Ariel Ortega a surprise recall to the national team for a friendly international against Haiti.

Ortega, who took part in the 1994, 1998 and 2006 World Cups, has been pondering retirement after facing serious personal problems in recent years, including a battle with alchohol.

Maradona, who has used over 100 players since taking over as coach in 2008, was forced to dig deep into his reserves once he knew he was unable to call on his Europe-based stars for the 5 May game at Cutral-Co, 1,200km to the south-west of Buenos Aires.

The game, aimed at raising funds for the Haiti earthquake relief fund, will probably be the last for Ortega, who has played in three World Cups.

Maradona has also called up a new goalkeeper in Adrian Gabbarini of Independiente while Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo, who like Ortega is also 36, was also named in the squad.

Argentina are in Group B at this summer's 2010 FIFA World Cup™ with KoreaRepublic , Nigeria and Greece.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1201645/index.html#maradona+hands+ortega+recall

Hurst: Rooney key for England

2010-04-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

(PA) Wednesday 28 April 2010

Sir Geoff Hurst believes Wayne Rooney is "the one player that England cannot afford to be without" if they are to have a realistic chance of winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ this summer.

England's hat-trick hero of 1966 feels Rooney has been at the peak of his powers this season, but the former West Ham star warned it is of paramount importance to keep the Manchester United star fit for the duration of the tournament.

"Rooney is the one player that England cannot afford to be without," Hurst told Press Association Sport. "Wayne, with the season he has had for Manchester United and England, needs to be playing. That would certainly be the case for the latter part of the tournament. You could get away with it in the early rounds, maybe, but to win it, you need your best players for the latter stages.

"He gives you that x-factor. He is one of the top players in the world now. He is at his peak and that is hard to replace. You can't replace great players playing at their best. It is impossible," he added.

Hurst also backed Rooney to lead the line on his own if necessary. "I think there is a strong case for playing Rooney up front on his own like he does for United," he said. "I am not sure whether he could have done that a couple of years ago but he has proved he can do it and score goals."

A trip to the last four
Hurst believes it would be a major disappointment if England fail to reach at least the semi-finals for the first time in 20 years, and feels it is time for the team to finally live up to their potential. "It is hugely disappointment that we haven't been closer to winning the World Cup than we have in 40 odd years, very disappointing," he said.

"I will be very disappointed, if we keep the team together and remain injury-free, if we don't get at least to the semi-final. Anyone can get to a quarter-final. We've been there a couple of times. We are well-managed now, there is a lot of discipline in the squad."

But Hurst conceded: "The big argument is: have we enough players in the squad to win six or seven games? We are capable of making the last four and, when you get to that stage, you are in the lap of the gods. You are up against the big boys - Spain, Italy and Brazil - and then you need an ounce of luck.

"On a one-game basis, we are capable of beating anyone in the world. But it is important that we keep our best team on the field because our squad is not that strong and you have to take into account injuries and suspensions. Apart from Rooney, you can't afford to lose a Steven Gerrard or a Frank Lampard. If we don't, we have got a chance," he finished.

Hurst, who was spotted by West Ham playing Sunday football in the Tandridge League, is an advocate for non-league football and its role in the development of the English game.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1201567/index.html#hurst+rooney+england

Rossi: We want to keep our title

2010-04-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Wednesday 28 April 2010

Born to American and Italian parents, Giuseppe Rossi could easily pass as an Argentinian forward, possessing, as he does, a slight build, skilful repertoire and impressive pace. Yet despite being the antithesis of the physically imposing attackers so typical of Italian football, Rossi is in no doubt about which flag he prefers to fly on the pitch: “As a boy, I dreamed of playing for Italy. I feel Italian.”

Rossi is one of the best young forwards in an Italy squad normally associated with defensive solidity and which shares many similarities to the one that lifted the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. “There’s always pressure,” he told FIFA.com. “You just have to try to put it to one side. It’s all for the good of the team. As a forward, my responsibility is to score goals. If I’m not able to do that, the least I can do is to try to assist in some other way.”

Despite having been included in his country’s squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup last year, the Villarreal forward remains guarded as to his potential participation at South Africa 2010, preferring not to take anything for granted. “My prime objective is to make the squad and be able to play a part," he said. "Once that’s achieved, it’s no longer a question of personal goals - what matters are those of the group.”

An age-old tactic
Rossi admitted that the experience gained at South Africa 2009 helped him to find his place in the group and provided him with the opportunity to score his first goals for the full international side. There was also the small matter of a match against USA, whose colours he could have been representing had he not politely declined their advances a few years back.

“It was a poignant moment when I received a call-up from the USA," he explained. "I remain very grateful to them that they thought that highly of me. On top of that, they’re a great team, and they’re improving very, very quickly." This was all too evident during last summer’s tournament, where the Stars and Stripes eventually finished as runners-up.

The top scorer at the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 makes no secret of the fact that Italy’s results at the FIFA Confederations Cup left a little to be desired, but is confident that his country’s second trip within a year to the African continent will be more productive. As justification for this self-belief, Rossi cites a quality often used to criticise Marcello Lippi’s teams: age.

“A large part of the current group played at Germany 2006," said the New Jersey-born marksman. "They know how it’s done and how to deal with the pressures of winning such a prestigious competition. If we can tap into their experience, we stand a good chance of winning it again."

Rossi is one of only two current internationals playing abroad [Liverpool’s Alberto Aquilani being the other], which offers him a broader perspective on Italy’s chances. His present employment within a Spanish club also leaves him well-placed to pass comment on Vicente del Bosque’s successful La Roja team. He leaves absolutely no doubt, however, as to which country he sees as the favourite to win in South Africa.

“Everyone talks about Spain and that’s understandable," he said. "They’ve got some very good players. They all have great control and they pass the ball around well. But let’s not forget that we are currently in possession of the Trophy, and we’d like it to remain that way.

“The general opinion in Spain is that Italy are a top side. Because of their style of play, they’re difficult to get the better of. I recall that, when my Villarreal team-mates who’d been selected for Spain came back from EURO 2008, they told me that their trickiest match was the quarter-final win over Italy.”

The path to another FIFA World Cup Final will not be easy. But difficulties are nothing new for Rossi. Aside from the challenges posed by Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia, who all lie in wait for Italy in Group F, Rossi has just been through an extremely tough 12 months. First and foremost, there was the death of his father after a long battle with illness. And on a professional level, there was a mediocre season at Villarreal to contend with, which included two changes of coach in under a year.

Nevertheless, reflecting his club side’s recent improvement, the only way is up now for the Azzurri attacker, and he will not miss the opportunity to test this theory in South Africa should it come his way.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200896/index.html#rossi+we+want+keep+title

Cahill: Bring on the Germans

2010-04-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Wednesday 28 April 2010

Tim Cahill has a knack of being in the right place at the right time. It is an uncanny skill that's earned him superstar status in his native Australia, and adoration among the throng of Everton fans who delight in the frequency of his corner flag-punching goal celebration.

The versatile midfielder's uncanny ability to spring a surprise earned him a place in Australian folklore four years ago, when he scored his country's maiden FIFA World Cup™ goal and then hit another to help claim a last-gasp victory over Japan and a place in the Round of 16. That was as far as Cahill and his team-mates were to go, though, as Francesco Totti's injury-time penalty for Italy tore their dream to shreds.

Memories of Germany are assured for Cahill this time around, too, as the three-time world champions pose the first threat to Australia's ambitions in South Africa. It's a match that could threaten Pim Verbeek's side's pursuit of success, but as the 30-year-old enjoys a renaissance at Goodison Park after a ponderous start to the Premier League campaign, he's anxious to shoot down German hopes and write a new chapter in the Socceroos' history books.

As one of the biggest summers of his life edges ever closer, FIFA.com spoke to Cahill about the challenge of overcoming Germany, his reputation as Australia's secret weapon and, as a UNICEF ambassador, what he hopes the FIFA World Cup will do for South Africa.

FIFA.com: Tim, what are your memories of watching the FIFA World Cup as a boy?
Tim Cahill: As a kid, for me, it was Roberto Baggio kicking that penalty over the bar (at USA 1994) and (Toto) Schillaci making a name for himself (at Italy 1990), scoring for Italy every time he had the chance. I used to try and emulate players like Bebeto and Romario, too. I like watching players like Bebeto and Schillaci, opportunist players who seize the moment, do something different and make something happen.

You 'seized the moment' in the game against Japan at Germany 2006, but how disappointed were you to be on the bench?
Oh yes, I was very disappointed, but looking back on it now, we had such a good squad that I can see why the manager [Guus Hiddink] made his decision. Plus, it allowed me to achieve one of the greatest things in my life: coming off the bench to score two score twice, including Australia's first-ever World Cup goal. So in hindsight, there are no regrets.

You were knocked out of the last FIFA World Cup by Francesco Totti's injury-time penalty for Italy. That denied you a place in the quarter-finals. How did that feel?
It hurt, especially with the penalty being given when we were so close to extra time, and with them only having ten men. I remember standing, putting my hands on my head and thinking: 'Please don’t shatter my dreams'. The only positive I can take from it is that Italy went on to win the World Cup and we were probably one of their toughest opponents in the competition. I think things happen for a reason. For us, it was a great learning experience because it showed that if you don’t punish a team with ten men during 90 minutes, then anything can happen.

Australia’s South Africa 2010 campaign begins with a match against Germany. How tough is that going to be?
It’s going to be very difficult. When I was sitting there watching the draw I thought: 'Oh, here we go'. We were in Germany for the last World Cup so it did bring back some memories. We know they’re very disciplined and tactically very strong but, as it's the first game, there's no reason why we can't catch them cold. The most special thing about the group matches in the World Cup is that they are down to just 90 minutes, or 93 minutes, of football. They are sudden-death games and anything can happen. A draw and a win can sometimes get you through the group stage, regardless of whether you win the first game. I’m just excited about it. I think the most important thing for us is to take each game at a time and not get ahead of ourselves.

They say you should never write off the Germans. Why is that?
I think it's because Germany have always been there or thereabouts in every competition they’ve played in. In a lot of competitions they start off slowly but they get stronger as the tournament goes on. I think it's down to their discipline, their formation, their squad, and how thorough they are on and off the pitch. It’s a massive credit to them and their country. But we're aware of that and we'll be just as disciplined.

You’ve been described as Australia’s secret weapon. Why do you think that is?
I think I've got the knack of scoring goals and being in the right place at the right time, but my priority is to work hard and to do a good job for the team. It's great that people say that about me, but I've got to make sure that I keep doing it on a regular basis. It's difficult on the international stage because the game is sometimes slower and a lot of teams can sit behind the ball, so I have to find the knack of scoring from a set-play or getting in behind their defence. You just keep going and don't stop.

You're no longer such a secret, but which of the new generation of Socceroos do you think will shine in South Africa?
Several have a chance in a variety of areas. Dario Vidosic, who is playing for Nuremberg, is very quick. We've got Alex Brosque, who plays in the A-League, who comes in and does well, Nicky Carle too, so there's three names to watch out for!

Finally, you do a lot of work for UNICEF and other charities. What would you like to see come out of the FIFA World Cup being held in South Africa ?
As footballers, we are some of the biggest superstars on the planet. It’s nice to be able to inspire kids to live a better life, to eat right, and to try and go in the right direction. I think if you can change the thought process of one in ten, or even one in 1,000, then you’ve done your job. And if you can use your image to help in the right way then I’m all for it. I’m lucky enough to play with South Africa’s Steven Pienaar at Everton, so I understand a lot about the country. A lot of people are talking about the negatives but every country has its pros and cons. The positive thing is that it’s going to bring a flourish of football to South Africa, and happiness. It’s going to inspire the people who live there, those people who aspire just to see their country hold one of the biggest competitions in the world. That's why I feel so passionately about Australia bidding for the World Cup. If, for that short period of time, it takes kids off the streets and changes their lives as a result, then I’m sure that it’s going to be a success.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200800/index.html#cahill+bring+germans

Les Bleus to be named on live TV

2010-04-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Tuesday 27 April 2010

Players hoping to be named in France's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ would be well advised to tune in to the main evening news on 11 May.

The reason? That is the time and place coach Raymond Domenech has chosen to reveal his squad for South Africa 2010, French television station TF1 announced on Tuesday.

Domenech is breaking from tradition as in the past he has unveiled his national squads at a press conference open to all media.

France's FIFA World Cup campaign kicks off against Uruguay in Cape Town on 11 June, followed by Mexico in Polokwane on 17 June and hosts South Africa in Bloemfontain five days later.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200506/index.html#les+bleus+named+live+tv

Adler back in training

2010-04-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

(PA) Tuesday 27 April 2010

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler returned to training today, 10 days after suffering a broken rib.

Adler, who will be Germany's number one at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ this summer, picked up the injury in the recent 2-1 defeat to Stuttgart.

Although he was not thought to be in danger of missing the tournament, his return to training will be a boost to national team boss Joachim Low as well as Bayer in their bid to finish third in the Bundesliga.

It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old will be fit for Saturday's clash with Hertha Berlin.

"We first have to see how it develops," he said on Bayer's official website.

Coach Jupp Heynckes appeared optimistic, adding: "It looked good, how Rene trained."

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200478/index.html#adler+back+training

The irrepressible Djibril Cisse

2010-04-27T19:41:00.001-07:00

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 27 April 2010

Often down but never out, Djibril Cisse has suffered a long list of setbacks since his France career began in a 2-1 loss to Belgium on May 18, 2002. The blows would have sunk many a footballer, but the Arles native has always responded by rolling up his sleeves and summoning the physical and mental effort needed to fight his way back to the top.

With three weeks to go before Raymond Domenech announces his France squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, Cisse is now a genuine candidate for a place in the travelling party. The striker originally unearthed by legendary former Auxerre coach Guy Roux may be a surprise contender, but he has more than earned the right to be considered.

“Behind his star façade, he possesses impressive strength of character,” said Domenech during his spell as France Under-21 coach. “Djibril loves to win so much that he gives everything he has to do it.” Given the stunning ill fortune that has befallen him at key moments in his career, the 28-year-old has undoubtedly needed all that fortitude to stay positive.

Everything kicked off so smoothly for Cisse when he was called up for the 2002 FIFA World Cup as a 21-year-old freshly crowned top scorer in Ligue 1. The adventure quickly turned sour, however, as reigning champions France were sent packing after the group stage. Then, on the eve of UEFA EURO 2004, the young forward was sent off during an U-21 match against Portugal and picked up a three-game suspension, prompting Jacques Santini to leave him at home.

Lightning strikes twice
Disaster befell Cisse again later that year, a couple of months after his high-profile move to Liverpool. Having made a promising start to his time at Anfield, he suffered a double fracture in his left leg during a game against Blackburn Rovers on October 30, 2004, but he worked his way back to the top and finished leading scorer for Les Bleus in qualifying for Germany 2006. Sadly for him, another cruel twist of fate lay ahead.

As France were facing China PR in their final warm-up game on 7 June – a day before their trip to Germany, in fact – Cisse was struck down by a second double bone break, this time in his right leg. Halting images of the ill-starred striker writhing in pain were shown all around the globe. “The doctors think my bones aren’t flexible enough,” he said. “Instead of absorbing the shock, they break. It’s painful. I set alarms off when I go through airport metal detectors!”

Undaunted, Cisse again got back to work and returned to the limelight with Marseille, scoring around 20 goals per season to signal his new-found form. That earned him a berth in France’s initial long-list of players for EURO 2008, but his run of bad luck was far from over. A starter as Les Bleus took on Ecuador in a warm-up encounter on 27 May, he was replaced by Bafetimbi Gomis at half-time and watched as the debutant struck both goals in a 2-0 win. The following day, Cisse was named as one of seven players left out of the final squad and quietly departed France’s training camp.

Firm believer
Back on the sidelines once again, Cisse struggled to keep his head up for the first time. “It hurt to no longer be a part of Les Bleus,” he said later. “I let myself go a bit.” Frozen out by Eric Gerets at Marseille, that August he set sail for Sunderland on a loan deal, hoping to rediscover his thirst for victory.

Back in the Premier League for a second spell, the switch produced the desired effect and, after returning to OM the following summer, Cisse opted for Panathinaikos. Since then, he has taken Greece by storm. “Not many people rated my chances, but here I am today,” he said. “I’m happy with my choice.” Indeed, top scorer in the Greek elite for 2009/10, he can also point proudly to winner’s medals in both the league and cup, as well as a return of 29 goals in 47 outings.

“I’m a firm believer in my World Cup chances,” he explained, clearly backed up by his performances this term. “If you judge me by my displays on the pitch alone, I’ve got every chance. I think I’ve done enough. If Domenech calls me up, I’ll do whatever he asks of me. He knows I’m hungry. If I only get to play for five minutes, I’ll give absolutely everything for those five minutes. He knows as well that a striker needs confidence. You get it by scoring goals and that’s what I’ve done this season.”

Cisse’s hopes of making the cut were given a boost when he was called up at the last minute to face Spain on 3 March, his first selection in two years. With nine goals to his name from 38 caps, he also comes with the added bonus of being one of the few French marksmen to have genuinely shone at club level over the past year. Thierry Henry and Karim Benzema have both struggled for playing time, Nicolas Anelka has been shunted out on to the wing for Chelsea and Pierre-Andre Gignac has been hit with a string of injuries.

Luck could, of course, abandon Cisse at the last moment yet again, but luck can also be earned through sheer effort. And having overcome so many obstacles down the years, surely he now merits a sizeable serving of good fortune.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200459/index.html#the+irrepressible+djibril+cisse

Birsa: Nothing to lose

2010-04-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 27 April 2010

Everyone knew that he had talent to burn, but somehow Valter Birsa could not seem to give his skills free rein, either for his club or his native Slovenia. Patience is a virtue however, and Auxerre’s wait has been rewarded, with Birsa proving to be the revelation of 2009/10 Ligue 1 season.

The Burgundy-based club are second in the table with four games to go, while Slovenia have also secured their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ berth. The mercurial 23-year-old attacking midfielder has become a fixture in both starting XIs thanks in no small part to the magic woven by his cultured left foot. His trademark good humour to the fore, 'Biky' spoke to FIFA.com and looked back on a season that has been as surprising as it has successful.

FIFA.com: Valter, despite the fact that you are only 23 you have achieved an incredible amount this season: second in Ligue 1 with Auxerre and part of the Slovenia team set to appear at South Africa 2010. How pleased are you with the way things have gone?
Valter Birsa: It’s obviously been a very positive time. I am delighted with the way things are going both with Auxerre and the national team, but I do also know that I still have room for improvement. I still feel full of energy and I’m going to carry on working to keep myself on top form. I’m trying to give 100 per cent every time and the way I see it, if you do that, then it always pays off in the end.

You scored plenty of goals as a striker in your first few years in Slovenia, including 27 in your second season as a pro. However, as soon as you arrived in France in 2006 you were moved back into midfield. Are you finally settling into the role?
That’s right, after two years playing up front for ND Gorica in the Slovenian league, Sochaux bought me in to play centre forward. Then they were hit by injuries and I was temporarily moved back into midfield as cover and ended up staying there. Quite honestly I’m totally happy with the way things are at Auxerre and for Slovenia. Even though I play out on the left, I still have an attacking role and that’s fine by me. I repeat, it doesn’t matter where I play out on the pitch, the main thing is that I give it my all.

Auxerre are having an excellent year. You are currently second behind Marseille and still in with a chance of winning the league. Are you and the rest of the squad excited about that possibility?
No, ever since the start of the season we have been making sure that we take each match as it comes and keep our feet on the ground. We need to stay focused as if you get all carried away you’re guaranteed to fail.

We’re all very good friends off the pitch.

Valter Birsa on the Slovenia squad.

Auxerre’s surprise run to the top of the table seems to be quite similar to Slovenia’s qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010.
Yes, it’s true that the two teams have probably gone further than people originally expected. Slovenia is a small country and it was seen as a surprise that we qualified. Auxerre are the same. It’s true that at the start of the season, people didn’t expect us to do this well, but as the season went on, both Auxerre and Slovenia got on a good run. With hindsight, I think though that we deserve to be where we are, both at the top of Ligue 1 and at the World Cup.

When you were 18, you became the youngest person ever to play for Slovenia. Did you feel that this brought with it a certain level of expectation?
No, I don’t feel any particular pressure from this. I see it more as a gift or an honour. And when you’re young, people tend to forgive your mistakes a little more easily! My aim is always to fit into the way the Slovenia team is playing and give it my all. That’s the only way that I have found to repay the confidence people have shown in me.

You scored your first goal for Slovenia last September against Poland. How did you feel when the ball went in?
It was a relief, I can tell you! I got into the squad at a time when the team was going through a bit of a rough patch and couldn’t get into a rhythm, so that didn’t exactly increase my chances of scoring. Then the team finally started to get into a groove, and then we played Poland last September, and to top it off I managed to score. Then helped me to relax and I feel like I’ve been playing better since then.

Slovenia had a really impressive qualifying campaign, but was it a surprise or rooted in logic? Did you ever doubt the team would not make it?
I have to admit that we weren’t that confident to begin with. And then we started winning matches and the points and the victories all started adding up. We had the confidence we needed and that really helped us when we played Slovakia twice who were top of our group, and in particular when we faced Russia in the play-offs. At the end of the day, we showed a lot of courage and we got our reward, qualifying for the tournament and genuinely deserving it.

So now you’ve qualified. What happens next?
All we can do now is carry on giving our all and fighting for every ball, like we have up until now. We have three matches against big teams, but the aim is to pick up as many points as possible and to finish ahead of them. After that, we’ll see.

What will be Slovenia’s strengths in this respect?
The fact that the group is such a closely knit one. We’re all very good friends off the pitch, most of us have been close for a long time after playing together in junior and youth teams. I think that this is what could help us make the difference again.

You shot to prominence this season when you made a very fair gesture. Last December when you were playing Marseille, you went and told the referee that Bakary Kone, who had been sent off, did not actually elbow you.
I don’t deserve any credit for that. You mentioned something being logical earlier, and that’s exactly what this was. There wasn’t a foul so it was only natural that I should point that out. And it didn’t change the final result as we went on to win anyway.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200456/index.html#birsa+nothing+lose

45 days to go

2010-04-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

(PA) Tuesday 27 April 2010

England have played 45 FIFA World Cup™ matches and are fifth in the all-time standings for results with 20 wins and 13 draws.

The nation's finest hour undoubtedly came in 1966 when the Three Lions won the competition on home soil. Victories over France and Mexico, coupled with a draw in their opener against Uruguay, ensured a safe passage through to the knockout stages.

Geoff Hurst scored the only goal of the game to see off ten-man Argentina in the quarter-finals before Eusebio and Portugal awaited England in the last four. Bobby Charlton's brace proved the difference to pave the way for a final showdown against Germany FR that saw Hurst score a controversial hat-trick at Wembley.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200306/index.html#days

South Africa set Jamaica friendly

2010-04-26T20:32:00.001-07:00

(AFP) Monday 26 April 2010

Hosts South Africa will play a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ warm-up match against Jamaica in Germany on Wednesday, the national football association said.

A statement said the hastily arranged game would be staged at the Offenbach Kickers Stadium in Frankfurt [1830 GMT] and comes as a welcome boost to a Bafana squad battling to find suitable opposition.

The side, which has been training in Germany since early April with home-based players, was due to face China Wednesday after a 0-0 draw against fellow FIFA World Cup qualifiers North Korea.

But the Chinese withdrew from the fixture last Friday, citing travel problems in the aftermath of the European airspace closure crisis after volcanic ash drifted south from Iceland.

It will be the second game between Bafana Bafana and the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica in five months following a goalless draw in Bloemfontein last November.

South Africa return to Johannesburg at the end of this week, resume camp on 5 May and play friendlies against Colombia and Denmark before facing Mexico in the 11 June opening match of the World Cup.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200125.html#south+africa+jamaica+friendly

South Africa set Jamaica friendly

2010-04-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Toni dreaming of South Africa spot

2010-04-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Monday 26 April 2010

On-loan AS Roma forward Luca Toni said he is still dreaming of a place in Italy coach Marcello Lippi's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ squad after bouncing back to form since the turn of the year.

Toni has featured little since Lippi came back to the helm following Italy's quarter-final exit at the UEFA EURO 2008 two years ago.

And after being frozen out at Bayern Munich over the first half of the season his chances of a FIFA World Cup call up seemed to have disappeared. But a loan move to the Italian capital as helped rejuvenate not just the 32-year-old but also his chance of heading to South Africa, although he recognises that there is a lot of competition for the striker positions.

"There's many of us in contention for the Italy shirt, Lippi already has his ideas on his squad. I hope to go, he knows me well," said Toni. "I've had some good games and I've got my form back. If I do go it will be a dream, otherwise I'll still be supporting Italy."

As for his club future, Toni admitted he doesn't know where he will be playing next season. He has made it clear he would like to stay in Rome and reiterated that as long as Luis van Gaal is the Bayern coach, he cannot see a future in Bavaria.

"I have to think about finishing the last three games on a high. I've still got a contract with Bayern, my relationship with the club is very good but if van Gaal stays it will be difficult for me to do so," he said. "We'll get together around a table and decide what's best for everyone. They helped me a lot in coming to Rome and I have to thank them for that."

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200115.html#toni+dreaming+south+africa+spot

Rooney: Knocks could be a blessing

2010-04-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

(PA) Monday 26 April 2010

Wayne Rooney believes England will benefit from his recent injury problems as he will be revitalised for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Rooney gave the nation a fright when he missed Manchester United's victory over Tottenham on Saturday because of groin damage sustained in training. The 24-year-old had just returned from an ankle problem that forced him to miss two matches and England coach Fabio Capello can ill-afford any further setbacks to his most influential player.

The 9 May English Premier League clash with Stoke has been set as the return date for the newly-crowned Professional Footballers' Association player of the year. "I'm pleased to have done well in a World Cup year but it's been a difficult last couple of months injury-wise," said Rooney. "I'm disappointed to have missed a couple of games over the last few weeks.

"No one likes watching football if you're a player, it's difficult knowing you can't influence the game. It's frustrating," he went on. "But if there's any consolation I'll probably be fresher for the World Cup, which will be good for me."

Rooney's outstanding form this season ensures he carries the nation's hopes in South Africa, but he insists England are not a one-man team and that they are capable of winning the tournament. "We have a lot of world-class players in the team and a great manager," he said. "If I get injured then so be it, there are other players there to do the job.

"There's a lot of hype but that's something you must live with," Rooney added. "Success in South Africa would be to win the trophy. We've definitely got a good enough squad to do that. In the qualifying games we played extremely well and were disappointed to not win all the games. We'll prepare well for the finals and hopefully we can bring the trophy back home."

United pressing
On the domestic front, Rooney hopes to help United claim a fourth successive Premier League crown before jetting off for South Africa. Chelsea sit one-point clear at the top of the table with two matches remaining and on paper they have the trickier run in with fixtures against Liverpool and Wigan to come.

The fate of the title race remains in their hands but Rooney insists United must be ready to pounce should they falter. "I'm enjoying the title race. We need Chelsea to slip up now so hopefully Liverpool or Wigan can do us a favour," he said. "Liverpool are a proud club with a lot of history and I'm sure they'll want to win that game as they're fighting for the Europa League. We just have to try and win our last two games. If Liverpool or Wigan can help us out we'll be happy."

Ryan Giggs took over the penalty-taking duties for Saturday's 3-1 victory over Spurs, converting twice from the spot, but Rooney will resume the responsibility upon his comeback. "No I don't think I've lost the penalty-taker's job - Giggsy scored two great pens but I'll be back on it when I get back!" he said.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200086.html#rooney+knocks+could+blessing

CAF President Hayatou gets South African government honour

2010-04-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

(LOC) Monday 26 April 2010

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Issa Hayatou today endorsed South Africa’s readiness to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, saying the tournament would provide Africa with an opportunity to prove itself not just on the playing field, but also in football administration.

Hayatou, who has been at the helm of African football since 1988, is in South Africa to receive the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo (Gold) from South African President Jacob Zuma in recognition of his contribution to the development of football and bringing the FIFA World Cup to Africa for the first time.

FIFA president Joseph Blatter will also be honoured by President Zuma on April 27 - Freedom Day in South Africa and the day on which the country held its first democratic elections in 1994 - but will not be attending tomorrow’s ceremony.

Speaking at a media briefing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup headquarters in Sandton, Johannesburg, Hayatou said he was honoured to receive the award, but stressed he was doing so on behalf of everybody who has worked to strengthen African football over the years.

“We need to reward the efforts of all Africans that have led us to where we are. I will accept this award for the African people and I want to assure them that we will double our efforts to ensure that African football will progress after the World Cup.”

"It’s an honour I cannot even begin to describe...how I wish we can take tomorrow's (Tuesday's) celebration to the field and see one of the African countries reach the finals of the tournament.

"We (the African continent) have among the best players in the world and as for us administrators we will double our efforts to make progress in African game," he said.

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer, Dr Danny Jordaan, thanked Hayatou for his support of South African football.

In 1991 Hayatou as the CAF president was part of the team which decided to accept the then newly formed South African Football Association into the continent’s governing body.

It was this decision which helped to expedite FIFA’s decision to unban South Africa from international football the following year.

“I want to thank President Hayatou for his support in 1991 and for helping us become members of CAF and later FIFA. It was only as members of FIFA that we could make our initial bid to host the World Cup in 2006 and we did so with the support of CAF. Your award tomorrow is recognition to all of those who have helped us,” Jordaan said.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1200035.html#caf+president+hayatou+gets+south+african+government+honour

Deco: We can go a long way

2010-04-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 26 April 2010

One of the highlights of December's Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, though perhaps less so for the teams involved, was the emergence of a mouthwatering section containing Brazil, Portugal, Côte d’Ivoire and Korea DPR.

The prospect of 25 June’s clash between A Seleção and A Selecção das Quinas in Durban in particular sparked a huge amount of column inches, thanks to the countries’ historical connection, recent encounters between the two teams and the clutch of Brazilian-born stars turning out in Portuguese colours.

Anderson Luis de Souza, better known as Deco, is one such player, a man inextricably caught up in the Brazil versus Portugal debate throughout his career. Born in Sao Bernardo do Campo in Sao Paulo state, the midfielder arrived on Portuguese shores at the age of 20 in 1997 and stayed until 2004.

It was in March 2003 that he was controversially called up by compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari to play his first game for Portugal: a friendly against none other than Brazil. Underlining the strength of character that has marked his hugely successful career, Deco joined the fray as a substitute and scored the winner in a 2-1 success.

In addition to that baptism of fire, Deco started another Portuguese victory over the country of his birth, a 2-0 friendly win in London in February 2007 that inflicted Dunga’s first defeat as Brazil coach. Yet there has been despair as well as joy in these encounters, and the Chelsea midfielder will remember well a humbling 6-2 mauling in Brasilia in November 2008.

All in all, FIFA.com could barely have picked a better person to comment on the teams’ South Africa 2010 showdown, and assess Portugal’s chances of emulating their run to the last four at Germany 2006.

FIFA.com: Deco, you were part of the Portugal team that reached the last four at the FIFA World Cup four years ago. What do you remember about that tournament?
Deco: The World Cup is something else. It’s the biggest thing a national team player can aspire to: there’s nothing to compare to it. I put in some good performances but that competition was also a bit of a struggle, as I took a knock early on in the tournament that prevented me from finding my best form. But I do remember it being an excellent World Cup for us. We played well in the semi-final and only just lost to France. In the end the only goal went to them and we missed out on reaching the final. In general terms it was an excellent World Cup.

What are the main differences between the squad that travelled to Germany 2006 and the one that will go to South Africa 2010, both in terms of the players and the respective coaches: Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlos Queiroz?
A lot of the players in the Portugal squad in 2006 are no longer part of the set-up, so we’ve got a lot of players who’ll be playing in their first major competition. I think that the quality is just as high, though we don’t have the same level of experience we had in 2006. The same could be said about our dugout: Felipão (Scolari) had already won the World Cup with Brazil and led Portugal at [UEFA] EURO 2004, while this will be Queiroz’s first big competition at the helm. But he’s an excellent coach who’ll have a very good squad of players at his disposal. That’s why I think we’ve got all the necessary ingredients to be successful.

Do think Portugal are among the favourites?
No, because the favourites are those national teams with a World Cup pedigree, something that Portugal, who have never won the Trophy, don’t have. So, we can’t be considered among the favourites. That said, we do have a team boasting plenty of quality, with great players and which can go a long way at the finals.

Given the talented players that Portugal have had over the years, what has prevented them winning major titles at senior international level?
Listen, it’s not easy to win the World Cup. After all, there’s a good reason why so few countries have done it so far. There are great teams that have never won a World Cup, because often the difference can be made by tiny details, like having a bit of luck at a decisive moment. It’s hard to put your finger on.

There has been a lot of talk this season about Real Madrid’s alleged dependence on Cristiano Ronaldo, but the same be said of Portugal?
We won several games without Cristiano and equally we’ve won games with him on the field. Nowadays you just don’t get big teams depending on just one player. Manchester United have done very well since Ronaldo left, Madrid have won games without him, as have Portugal. Of course you notice the absence of any great player, there’s no doubt about that, but the Portuguese national side isn’t dependent on him. It’s only natural that teams want their best players available and miss them when they’re not. That being the case, given he’s one of the world’s best players, he is important to us.

The Brazil-Portugal game is packed with sub-plots regarding Brazilian-born players now turning out for Portugal. As a veteran of this debate, will the experience of having played against A Seleção on three occasions prove useful?
It’s an interesting experience, no doubt about it, but a friendly is totally different to a game at the World Cup. It’s good that I’ve already gone through that experience and already know what it means to play against Brazil, the difference that it makes. But the World Cup is still a different story. Anyway, we mustn’t think that there’s any negative feeling, on the contrary. I’m Brazilian but I took the nationality of a country where I spent many years and which gave me everything. That’s all there is to it. At the end of the day, it’s just another big game. To be honest, at the moment I think our opening game is our biggest challenge. If we can win our opener against Côte d’Ivoire, we’ve got a great chance of progressing. Whichever team loses that match will find it very difficult to reach the next round.

As you say, Portugal kick off against Côte d’Ivoire and round off their group-stage campaign against Brazil, currently second in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. Then in the Round of 16, a Group G side could find themselves up against the team at the top of that Ranking: Spain. What is the feeling in the camp at the prospect of facing so many big names in a short space of time?
We’re not worried about anybody. If that’s who we have to play, we’ll just get on with it. If you go to the World Cup thinking about who you’re going to play and trying to pick your opponents then you’d be better off staying at home.

At club level, do you see yourself eventually returning to Brazilian or Portuguese football?
I’m going to go back and live in Brazil for personal reasons, because my family’s there and I’ve been in Europe for 13 years now. I’ve got a huge amount of affection for Portugal and the city of Porto in particular, where I’ve got a house, but I was born in Brazil and my family is there, as is my social project the Deco Institute, in Indaiatuba. I want to go back and that’s what I’ll do when my Chelsea contract runs out in 2011. And if I’m fit enough to do a job for a Brazilian team then I’ll come back and play too.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1199304.html#deco+we+long

Sorensen faces finals heartbreak

2010-04-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Sunday 25 April 2010

Stoke City's Danish international goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen could miss the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ after dislocating his elbow during his team's 7-0 Premier League mauling at Chelsea on Sunday.

Sorensen suffered the injury when he collided with Salomon Kalou as the Chelsea player slotted home the second goal of a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge.

"He has definitely dislocated his elbow," said Stoke manager Tony Pulis. "We are hoping they can just pop it back in without him needing an operation. If he needs an operation he will be struggling for the World Cup."

Sorensen was stretchered off and replaced by Asmir Begovic after the 31st-minute collision.

Denmark finished top of their World Cup qualifying group, ahead of Portugal and Sweden, with just one defeat in 10 matches.

They have been drawn in Group E in South Africa, alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Cameroon, with their opening game being against the Dutch on 14 June.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1199599.html#sorensen+faces+finals+heartbreak

Wenger: Campbell could be England asset

2010-04-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

(PA) Sunday 25 April 2010

Arsene Wenger believes Sol Campbell's experience could prove a crucial asset if the veteran defender stays on at Arsenal next season - and sees no reason why the 35-year-old should not go to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ with England.

Campbell, who rejoined his old club during January on a short-term contract after leaving Notts County, produced a composed display at the heart of a makeshift backline alongside fellow senior campaigner Mikael Silvestre as Arsenal all but secured third place in the Premier League following a goalless draw against Manchester City at Emirates Stadium.

England manager Fabio Capello was in the stands - although perhaps more to assess the efforts of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, along with City's World Cup hopefuls Adam Johnson, Gareth Barry and Micah Richards than take a considered look at Campbell.

Wenger, though, feels Campbell's presence within his own squad, both on and off the pitch, has proved some much-needed nous, even if it could not ultimately help his youthful side deliver a trophy.

"I believe it is fantastic to see how well Sol has come back. When he has his mind on the game he is unbelievable," said the Arsenal boss, who is in the process of discussing with Campbell options for a possible new contract. "Sol is a strange guy because when he is focused sometimes he can be very detached - but when he is in with you, he is 100%, not 99, that is what I like.

"In the dressing room as well he has been very good. If Sol sets himself a target he is an unbelievable soldier," he also said.

Wenger believes Campbell, a former England skipper, still has something to offer the national team, his last of 73 caps - including three World Cups - having come in the defeat to Croatia at Wembley which ended hopes of reaching the 2008 European Championships.

"I just see that many centre-backs are injured, so why not?" said the Arsenal boss. "Sol has got the experience and it is up to Capello to decide. Of course others have an advantage because they are younger, but if England have a problem in numbers Sol is always there. I do not select the team and I do not say Capello has to take him - I just say you compare him today in the Premier League with the other centre-backs and he does not suffer in the comparison."

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1199492.html#wenger+campbell+could+england+asset

47 days to go

2010-04-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

(PA) Sunday 25 April 2010

San Marino conceded an astonishing 47 goals in their qualifying campaign for this year's FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The minnows, who are officially ranked 202nd in the world by FIFA - lost all 10 qualifiers they played, scored just one goal in the process and were thrashed 10-0 by Poland in Kielce.

They are currently even with Anguilla, Montserrat, American Samoa, Central African Republic and Papua New Guinea at the foot of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings with zero points.

However, San Marino do have the honour of scoring the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup qualifying history when Davide Gualtieri netted after just 8.3 seconds against England in November 1993, although they lost the match 7-1.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1199385.html#days

Fabregas confident of finals fitness

2010-04-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

(PA) Saturday 24 April 2010

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is "100 per cent" confident he will be fit to play for Spain at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been out of action since suffering a cracked bone in his fibula during the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Barcelona on 31 March and will not feature again for the Gunners this season.

Fabregas is set to visit a specialist in London next week, with the player expecting to then step up his rehabilitation work ahead of Spain's opening match in South Africa, against Switzerland at Durban on 16 June.

Writing his captain's notes in the Arsenal match programme for the Premier League game against Manchester City, Fabregas said: "I am back in Spain at the moment, but will return to London for a specialist appointment and routine scan in the next few days.

"I will be at the last [Arsenal] game of the season, of course, because all the players will go on a lap of the pitch to thank the fans for their support again this season.

"After that, I will return to Spain for the rest of my rehabilitation, then get ready for the World Cup.

"In my mind, it is 100 per cent that I will be over my injury in time for the World Cup," the note read.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1199016.html#fabregas+confident+finals+fitness

Kiwis to meet Chile in warm-up

2010-03-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

(AFP) Tuesday 23 March 2010

New Zealand will play Chile in a training match in the lead up to their opening match in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ in June.

The game on 9 June - six days ahead of New Zealand's FIFA World Cup opener against Slovakia - would likely be played behind closed doors in three 30 minute spells, New Zealand Football said on Tuesday.

"I think we've got some really good fixtures lined up leading into our arrival in South Africa so something a bit more informal will be an ideal opportunity to finalise our build-up," New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said.

"We may tinker with positions and personnel, but we aim to be heading into the opening game against Slovakia with all those bases covered and players fully aware of what they need to do."

New Zealand Football also said New Zealand and Australian players will go into a camp from 28 April to 10 May before the South Africa 2010 squad of 23 is named.

The All Whites, who have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1982, will play friendlies against Australia, Serbia and Slovenia in late May and early June on the way to South Africa.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1184113.html#kiwis+meet+chile+warm

Palacios happy at Spurs

2010-03-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

(PA) Tuesday 23 March 2010

Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios has played down reports he wants to move to a bigger club, insisting he is happy at White Hart Lane.

The 25-year-old was recently linked with a move to Real Madrid but he claims he is focused on reaching the UEFA Champions League with Spurs.

Palacios was quoted in The Sun as saying: "The truth is I'm very, very happy here. My team-mates have really helped me to settle in.

"We have worked very hard to get to fourth position. I think if we keep on working hard we can achieve what we want. We are in a great position and we are all very concentrated on keeping that fourth spot."

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1184112.html#palacios+happy+spurs

Socceroos suffer Kisnorbo blow

2010-03-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

(PA) Tuesday 23 March 2010

Australia defender Patrick Kisnorbo is set to miss the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ after picking up an Achilles injury playing for Leeds on Monday night.

The 28-year-old buckled in pain after only six minutes of his side's home defeat against promotion rivals Millwall and was carried off on a stretcher.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson said: "I am absolutely gutted for the lad. Paddy's dream was to play in the World Cup and it looks like that dream has been shattered.

"Unfortunately he picked up a severe Achilles injury which will rule him out for the rest of the season and probably the World Cup as well. It is a huge blow for Paddy who has been a real warrior for us this season."

Kisnorbo, who has 18 caps for his country, had been expected to be named in Pim Verbeek's Socceroos squad for South Africa.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1184111.html#socceroos+suffer+kisnorbo+blow

80 days to go

2010-03-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

(PA) Monday 22 March 2010

Former Italy and Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola scored 80 goals in 312 appearances for the Premier League club between 1996 and 2003.

Zola left Stamford Bridge to return to his home country with Cagliari before retiring in 2005. He became manager of West Ham in 2008 following a spell with Italy U-21s.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1184002.html#days

Forlan: I'm a better player now

2010-02-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 15 February 2010

Diego Forlan is one of the leading lights of Uruguayan and South American football. During the course of a career in which he has played for Independiente de Avellaneda, Manchester United, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, the blond-haired front man has become a deadly striker and the figurehead of an ambitious Charrúa side aiming to achieve big things at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

A bubbly character on and off the pitch, the free-scoring No9 chatted to FIFA.com about the challenges facing his beloved Atleti, his hopes for South Africa 2010 and his passion for the game of tennis.

FIFA.com: Diego, how would you sum up Uruguay’s South Africa 2010 qualifying campaign?
Diego Forlan: It was tough, as they always are in South America. We played some good football at times and collected points but there were other times when we felt we were out of it. We lacked consistency but we qualified in the end and that’s what counts.

What was the turning point?
The Ecuador match was the decisive game. We were playing at altitude against a very tough team who were also going for a place at South Africa, and we went out and gave our best performance of the competition. That’s the game that clinched it for us, though the matches against Argentina and Costa Rica after that were really tough.

Then came the FIFA World Cup draw. How did you find out who you were drawn against and what do you think about the group?
I was sitting on a plane with my Atletico team-mates, waiting to take off. It was a Friday and we had an away game, and all the players who are going to the World Cup were getting text messages. Maxi Rodriguez was getting them faster than everyone else and he was keeping me posted. It’s a very hard group (Uruguay have been drawn in Group A with South Africa, Mexico and France) but we were in the third pot and were always going to come up against some really strong teams. We know Uruguay are never going to start as favourites but we’re there and we’re not ruling anything out.

What is your opinion of Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez?
I have a very high opinion of him. The coaching staff have been really professional since he arrived, arranging friendlies from before the 2006 World Cup, and the results of that work can be seen now. That shows you what kind of a coach Tabarez is. He’s already been to one World Cup (Italy 1990) and obviously that’s going to help us in South Africa.

Uruguay teams have always been known for their garra, their grit and determination. Is that still the case or is it a myth?
It’s not a myth. We play tough. We’ve been playing that way for years and it’s part of the national team’s make-up. Uruguay aren’t going to change the way they play now. That said, we do have different types of players, young players with a lot of quality. We can play good football, as we showed in some of our qualifiers and we hope to show again at the World Cup.

How would you describe the other South American sides you faced during the qualifiers?
They all play different types of football. You know what you’re going to get with Argentina, for example. People have their doubts about them at the moment but they’re still a powerful side with some fantastic players and I’m sure they’ll be up there with all the big teams. Brazil will be there too, no question, and Chile have been doing really well with [Marcelo] Bielsa. He’s put together a young side and they had a great tournament. Paraguay have a very definite style which has always worked for them, as we saw again this time.

What would be a successful South Africa 2010 for you?
I don’t even want to think about it. The important thing is to qualify from the group and then see who we get in the next round. Let’s play the first game, see how it goes and then we’ll know what our chances are.

South Africa 2010 is just around the corner. How easy is it for you to focus on your club football?
It’s still a long way away so it’s easy for me to concentrate on Atletico’s objectives at the moment. We’ve got the Copa del Rey, the league and the Europa League. They are all important tournaments and we need to be focused on them. The World Cup comes at the end of the season but the short-term goals are all at club level. At least I don’t have the extra pressure of playing qualifying games with Uruguay now. That was intense.

Atletico’s form has been very up and down this season. What are the club’s objectives?
Obviously the Cup has become the most important thing right now. And then there’s the Europa League, which is about to enter its final stages. We’re right in there for that too. As for the league, we need to find some consistency, which we haven’t so far. We need to get some points together and see where we end up.

What is the difference between the Diego Forlan of today and the young player we saw at Korea/Japan 2002?
I’ve spent a lot of time in Europe and I’ve gained much more experience in the process. I was more of an out-and-out striker then, whereas now I’m still a front man but I play more of a creative role. I think I’ve become a better player since then.

You nearly made to the last 16 at Korea/Japan 2002. Do you still look back on that group match with Senegal and think about what might have been?
That was a real shame. We’d gone 3-0 down after a terrible first half and we came back to level at 3-3 in the second only to miss a great chance in the last minute. It was an incredible miss. We had a place in the next round in our hands and we let it slip.

Quite a few famous South American players have decided to return home in the last few months. Are you planning to do the same?
I’d like to return to Argentina, to Independiente. It’s a club I love and it would be great to have the chance to go back. I’d love to go to Sao Paulo in Brazil for my dad as well. That’s where he played. But I’m happy at Atletico right now and my contract runs until 2013. I’m not planning anything in the short term.

Your wife is Argentinian and there is a chance Uruguay might play La Albiceleste in the second round. Do you foresee any marital problems?
No, not at all (laughs). I need to ask her who she’s going to be supporting though.

Finally, we know you love your tennis. Which player would you compare yourself to on court?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I’m left-handed so obviously I identify myself with Rafael Nadal. I like to chase after every ball and not give anything up, though obviously I’m not at the same level as he is. I’m a really bad loser though. I challenge lots of calls!

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Terry stripped of captaincy

2010-02-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

(PA) Friday 5 February 2010

John Terry has been sacked as England captain. The 29-year-old was informed of the decision by Fabio Capello during a brief meeting at Wembley this afternoon. The decision comes after allegations surrounding the Chelsea skipper's private life came to light.

"After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry," said the Italian in a statement.

Capello made it clear that while Terry's conduct on the field had been exactly what he wanted when he made his decision to appoint the central defender as skipper in August 2008, recent headlines about his personal life left him with little choice other than to remove the honour from the Barking-born player. It is alleged that Terry had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge, also a former club-mate of Terry's at Chelsea.
After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice.
England coach Fabio Capello

"As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour," added Capello. "However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice and John Terry was notified first."

Although Capello has not clarified whether he still intends to select Terry, it seems he has already confirmed Rio Ferdinand will replace the Chelsea man, with Steven Gerrard acting as his deputy.

"When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice," said Capello. "There is no reason to change this decision. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FA, particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore for allowing me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest of the team."

Capello has only been in the job for just over two years but it is a measure of his standing within the English game that both FA chairman Lord Triesman and chief executive Watmore were happy to let him make the judgement.

Terry kept his own comments brief. However, he had little option other than to accept Capello's decision and gave a broad hint that he would continue to be involved with the national team.

"I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision," Terry said in a statement. "I will continue to give everything for England."

Source & Picture: http://www.fifa.com

Fourth ticket sales phase starts on 9 February

2010-02-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Friday 5 February 2010

The fourth ticket sales phase will kick off on Tuesday, 9 February 2010 at 12.00 (Central European Time). This phase, one of the last chances for fans to make sure that they do not miss out on attending the first FIFA World Cup™ on African soil, will run for 58 days until 7 April 2010. Tickets will be allocated on a “first come, first served, subject to availability” basis. Applications can be made via http://www.fifa.com/2010 or (for South African residents only) at FNB branches.

The third ticketing sales phase for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ was finally concluded today. The 2010 FIFA World Cup Ticketing Centre has ensured that the maximum number of available tickets have been included in the random selection draw for the general public. Extensive validation of the results of the random selection draw process has been conducted in order to ensure the FIFA Sales Regulations have been adhered to.

A total of 1,206,865 tickets have been requested from 192 countries by the general public (excluding those tickets that have been sold through the participating teams to their fans). Of this total, 585,175 tickets were drawn successfully, and 413,072 (70.6 per cent) of those were allocated to South African residents.

Outside the host country, the United States received the highest number of tickets drawn (35,262), followed by the United Kingdom (21,614), Mexico (11,893), Australia (11,804), Germany (9,692), Brazil (5,891), Canada (4,642), France (4,268) and Israel (3,677). In Africa, Botswana remains the leading country behind the hosts, with a total of 1,587 tickets drawn, followed by Mozambique (1,142). Kenya completes the top three African countries with 785 tickets.

With regard to individual match tickets, category 4 was the most popular and the final received the highest number of applications. All applicants will be informed via e-mail or SMS whether they were completely or partially successful by Monday.

Additional information regarding the fourth sales phase: tickets are available at this stage for 53 of the 64 matches. Matches 5, 11, 37, 45, 54, 56, 59, 60, 61, 62 and 64 are not available in this phase. In addition, team-specific ticket series (TST) for England and Brazil are not available.

Source & Picture: http://www.fifa.com

Italy announce friendly fixtures

2010-02-05T19:20:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Friday 5 February 2010

Italy will play Cameroon on 3 March in Monaco and Switzerland on 5 June in Geneva in warm-up matches for this summer's FIFA World Cup™.

I Azzurri, the reigning world champions, will also play a friendly on 3 June against a team to be decided, the federation adding that talks were underway with Mexico.

Cameroon, Switzerland and Mexico will all be making the trip to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup, which takes place between 11 June and 11 July 2010.

Source & Picture: http://www.fifa.com

John Terry should quit as England captain

2010-02-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

There are unwritten rules in every sport, little reminders to athletes that the game should be played in a certain manner, with honour and integrity.

You always run out ground balls in baseball. You never look to score in the final seconds of a blowout in basketball. You never walk across another player's putting line in golf, and during the warm-ups, you never shoot high on the goalie in hockey.

While each sport has its own code of ethics, there are some rules that are considered so taboo that they transcend all sports.

If the allegations coming out of England this past week are proven to be true, England and Chelsea captain John Terry just broke the biggest unwritten rule of them all.

You never, ever mess around with a teammate's girlfriend.

The code of ethics

I'm not going to rehash the details of Terry's alleged infidelity. If you haven't already heard about the story, you can read about it here.

What I will do is tell you why, if the alleged affair did occur, John Terry should resign as England captain.

Back in October, I wrote a blog about what defines a captain. Unfortunately, there is no manual out there with a checklist of personality traits or attributes that makes someone suitable for the job. After nearly a decade of wearing the armband and learning the ropes the hard way, I think the role of captain can be summed up as such: to be the voice of the coach in the dressing room and on the field, and to be the voice of the players in the coach's office.

In order to be an effective captain, you must establish trust and respect with both the players and the coaching staff. You do this by maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in everything that you do on and off the field.

There will always be players or even coaches on your team that you do not particularly like personally. That is the nature of a competitive environment like professional football. Personalities will always clash, but since it is a professional environment, individuals should be willing and able to put their personal feelings aside for the good of the team.

By maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, those individuals with whom you are not especially friendly will still treat you with respect. They will trust you to do your job on and off the field to the best of your ability, and they will know that regardless of personal differences, you will always be there to watch their back.

John Terry broke that trust.

He didn't break that trust because he cheated on his wife. I'm not condoning his behaviour, but that is a personal matter between a husband and his wife. Other than being an indicator of his character, Terry's infidelity has little, if any, bearing on his ability to be England captain.

He broke that trust because he went behind the back of one of his teammates - one of his closest friends, in fact - to carry out an illicit affair with that teammate's former girlfriend.

That Wayne Bridge and his girlfriend were no longer together at the time of the alleged affair is irrelevant; they have a son together, and if Terry thought that having an affair with her would cause Bridge anything other than considerable pain and embarrassment, he is as lacking in intelligence as he is in integrity.

Which brings me to the crux of the issue. Should John Terry resign as England captain?

Purely from a football perspective, it is difficult to argue for Terry's resignation. He is a superb defender, and he exudes the robust, committed defiance that any manager would look for in a leader. His distribution from the back is very underrated, and he has proven over the course of his career to be very adept at picking up goals from set pieces, as well.

On the field, without a doubt, he is a winner.

Respect in the locker room is gone

However, whatever respect he has established over the years in that dressing room is now gone. He will have a few supporters in the team, but he will also have plenty of detractors. The players will already be taking sides on this issue, and a divided camp can be cancerous in a dressing room, especially in a tournament such as the World Cup where the players are together for an extended period of time.

If John Terry had any integrity, he would acknowledge that his behaviour has made his captaincy untenable. He cannot lead a group of players that do not as a whole respect him, and for the good of the team he should resign his position as captain.

This scandal is only just getting started in England, and there will certainly be much more to come. Government ministers, former England players and journalists alike are all weighing in with their opinions - many of which are calling for Terry's resignation.

The only way that is going to happen is if Terry accepts that by keeping the armband, he is doing himself more harm than good. He must realize that the longer this drags on, the more likely it is to become an unnecessary distraction leading up to the World Cup.

He won't give up the armband because he feels like he has let his teammates and his country down; that would require a great deal of integrity, and Terry has already demonstrated that integrity is not a characteristic that he has in abundance.

But he might give it up if he realizes that the scandal could cost him millions of dollars in lost endorsement deals.

Regardless of how this scandal unfolds in the days and weeks ahead, John Terry is going to learn the meaning of another unwritten rule - you reap what you sow.

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/fifaworldcup/

Africa’s time in the sun

2010-02-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

(LOC) Monday 1 February 2010

The growing stature and success of African football took centre stage this past week as the Africa Cup of Nations reached its crescendo in Luanda on Sunday. And according to many of the football administrators present for the tournament, this was just a taste of things to come in 2010.

Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC), Dr Danny Jordaan, summed up the mood in Angola when he told officials gathered at the 32nd CAF Congress that Africa is not a charity but has the right to host the FIFA World Cup and any other major football competitions.

“Last year the FIFA Under 17 World Cup, the FIFA Under 20 World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup were all hosted successfully on the African continent. As we go towards this World Cup we must defend our right to host this event on the basis that as members of FIFA we are all equal, and not as a charity, but as a right.”

The media and football administrators discussed football development on the continent, preparation for the FIFA World Cup, just over 130 days away, and other football events on the African continent in 2009.

As the world continues to focus on Africa and its role in world football, Jordaan took the opportunity to congratulate Egypt and Nigeria for hosting successful tournaments last year.

“It does not matter whether you have the economy the size of the USA or of Uganda or whether you have a population the size of China or Chad, as members of FIFA we are all equal. “

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter said it was time for the world to stop doubting Africa’s capabilities.

“Why do people still doubt Africa? We have been working with Africa for years and now we have brought the World Cup to Africa which has given so much to football. I think it is only fair that the World Cup comes to South Africa. So let us trust the organisers.”

Issa Hayatou, president of CAF and head of FIFA’S World Cup Organising Committee said he was confident that Africa’s first World Cup would be a success.

“Journalists, fans and the teams must have trust and confidence in the organisation of this tournament. All the necessary steps have been taken to ensure that this World Cup is a success.

2010 FIFA World Cup ambassador, Roger Milla, who spoke to the congress via a pre-recorded video message, once again reiterated his joy at the World Cup being hosted in Africa for the first time.

“The World Cup is an historic event and we are particularly proud not only of South Africa but of the African continent as a whole. As the days go by we that Africa is going forward and that Africa is an important part of FIFA and is part of the power of football to generate hope. I hope this will continue,” he said.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

New stars emerge in Angola

2010-02-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 1 February 2010

While Egypt’s lifting of their third consecutive CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy surprised few, there were plenty of revelations at the biennial tournament in Angola. Particularly notable was the emergence of a handful of players that have now planted themselves firmly on world football's radar.

This was not a tournament in which established stars dominated, with the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba never really hitting form. However, a new generation of players emerged to pick up the slack, providing countless memorable moments. Ahmed Hassan was surely an exception, winning the tournament’s best player award in his fourth successful continental campaign, but it was the emergence of super-sub Mohamed 'Gedo' Nagui that was the biggest bonus for Egyptian supporters.

And while Nigeria’s Peter Odemwingie, Mali’s Seydou Keita and Côte d'Ivoire’s Gervinho confirmed their places among the best on the continent, a clutch of unheralded players also caught the eye at this latest Cup of Nations.

Mohamed Nagui, Egypt
The breakout star of the tournament with five goals in as many substitute appearances, the Al Ittihad striker known as Gedo scored a goal for every 35 minutes he was on the pitch. And they were almost all top-class finishes, with his quick-thinking volley against Mozambique in the group stage arguably the best of the lot. His finish in the 85th minute of the final as Egypt beat Ghana 1-0 was every bit as classy though, and even better was his run and full-speed combination play with Mohamed Zidan that set up the chance with extra time looming.

Samuel Inkoom, Ghana
A strong and balanced right back with a knack for finding himself in the middle of attacking action up the other end, Inkoom proved himself to be a good crosser of the ball as well as a solid defender. The 20-year-old Basel youngster was one of six players from the team that won the U-20 World Cup last October, and the only difficult choice for watchers was which of the composed young Ghanaian defenders were best as Isaac Vorsah, 21, and Lee Addy, 19, also enjoyed top-drawer tournaments.

Jonathan Pitroipa, Burkina Faso
The speedy winger was about as impressive as could be for a player whose team didn’t score any goals in the event. The 23-year-old was often left to cover great distances for his side up front, and he in turn showed great acceleration and skill with both feet as his team drew 0-0 with Côte d'Ivoire before falling to Ghana 1-0. It was a measure of his heart against the Black Stars that even though he spent the match taking on more than one defender at a time, he earned praise from Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac and his backline after the match. At the other end, defender Saidou Panandetiguiri, 25, was the best of back for the Burkinabe.

Emmanuel Mbola, Zambia
Aged just 16 years and eight months, the left-back was a strong part of the Zambian team that performed so well in reaching the quarter-finals in Angola. The Armenian-based player impressed with his physical defending and attacking instincts. He was one of the side's best players in the last eight defeat to Nigeria on penalties and has already earned 20 caps for the Chipolopolo. The youngest player in the tournament, he is the second player under 17 to play at a Cup of Nations (after Gabonese striker Nzighou Chiva).

Mabina, Angola
While Flavio, Manucho and Gilberto drew most of the headlines for the hosts, little-known right-sided player Mabina also turned a lot of heads. He was a reserve coming into the event, but the Angola-based player was a tireless threat down the flank in Group A before being stymied along with the rest of his team in the quarter-finals by Ghana. Many are now describing him as the next Gilberto, referring to the 27-year-old winger who stars for Al Ahly in Egypt.

Andre Ayew, Ghana
The son of Black Stars legend Abedi Pele, Ayew has seemed to have little problem adjusting to such lofty comparisons so far in his fledgling career. Also a member of the world champion U-20 Ghana team, the 20-year-old was a confident, positive presence in midfield for the injury-hit Black Stars in Angola. The Marseille player was very comfortable on the ball and excelled in running at opposition defences. He kept his concentration to head home the only goal against Burkina Faso in Group B, which sent his team into the knockout rounds. .

Victor Nsofor Obinna, Nigeria
After coming on as a substitute in each of his country’s first five Cup of Nations matches and impressing with his rangy agility and dangerous running, Nsofor finally started a match in the third-place contest against Algeria. And the player, who is on loan at Malaga from Inter Milan, did not disappoint. The 22-year-old scored the game’s only goal with a tremendous burst of pace through the middle of Les Fennecs' defence before finishing well with his left foot. It was one of the best moments of the tournament for the bronze-medal winners.

Kwadwo Asamoah, Ghana
The 21-year-old Udinese midfielder had one of the sweetest touches in the Cup of Nations, justifying his wearing of the No10 shirt at such a young age. It was his corner kick that curled perfectly onto the head of Asamoah Gyan, who scored the all-important goal in the semi-final against Nigeria. He also showed great skill in the Group B encounter against Côte d'Ivoire with speed and a fine shot that forced the best from goalkeeper Boubacar Barry.

Didier Ovono, Gabon
The goalkeeper, who turned 27 during the tournament, was the hero of the Black Panthers’ shock 1-0 victory over Cameroon to open the tournament. And though the team went out at the group stage based on goals scored, the Le Mans player continued to make an impact with his leadership of the backline and quick reflexes. Ovono only saw his goal breached twice at the CAN, both by Zambia in their third match. Talented young defender Bruno Ecuele Manga also impressed for the Gabonese.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Zidan: We can still get better

2010-02-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 1 February 2010

If there were any questions or doubts before the CAF Africa Cup of Nations about Egypt’s strength in African football, the Pharaohs offered the best possible answer by winning their third consecutive continental trophy and a record seventh overall.

Statistically, they are the most successful team in African football by almost all conceivable measures, and they have now put behind them the disappointment of losing out on a FIFA World Cup™ berth. It was enough to make the usually steely Egyptian coach Hassan Shehata gush after the 1-0 final win over Ghana. “This is the best Egypt team ever, of any generation. Three in a row is something that will be hard to beat,” he said.

FIFA.com spoke exclusively to one of the shining stars of the team, Mohamed Zidan, minutes after they had been crowned as champions of Africa at the 11 November stadium in Luanda. The Borussia Dortmund forward, who turned 29 during the event, says that despite finishing the tournament with a perfect record, the Egyptians are still hungry to achieve more.

FIFA.com: First of all, congratulations on winning yet another Africa Cup of Nations. It’s been yet another flawless campaign for Egypt.
Zidan: Yes, we are very excited with this victory. It’s very moving for us. We knew that that the final was important for us as we wanted to set another record. We are all hungry to achieve more. And the good thing is, I believe we can be better. We have now won this competition three times in a row and anyone who wants to equal our record will have to work very hard.

Egypt have now won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times. Do you think anyone can top that record?
I would say it’s impossible, but again, in football, they say nothing is impossible. I don’t see that happening anytime soon though. To beat this record, I think a team must come up with something very special for a long time.

Would you say this is the best Egyptian side ever?
That is not for me to say, that is for the people and the fans to decide. I think we just have to focus on doing well as a team and let others judge. We are enjoying our football at the moment. I’m not in a position to make comparisons.
Honestly, there is no secret. I think the most important thing is that we don’t really have any big stars in our team.
Zidan on Egypt's success

Playing Ghana in the final was never going to be an easy task for you.
Ghana are a quality side, they are a good team and we have a lot of respect for them. We watched them against Nigeria in the semis, and we saw a very organised team. We knew that we had to play very well to beat them. As I said, playing against a side like Ghana is not easy, they have some good players, and they gave us a good game. And they had their chances, but fortunately for us, they couldn’t score. I think the difference between us and them is that we utilised our best chance to score.

Many people say Egypt played the best football in this tournament. What was the biggest motivation for you and the team?
In every competition, we always try to do our best. We came to this tournament determined to play good football and obviously defend this trophy, and we have done that. It was not easy because there were many good sides in this competition. If you look at some of the teams, they have good players and those teams play good football. But we knew what we wanted to achieve and we decided that we were not going to concentrate on them. We played good football, and we won all our matches. I think it was only fair that we won the trophy at the end of the day.

What is the secret behind the success of this Pharaohs team?
A lot of people tend to ask that question, but honestly, there is no secret. I think the most important thing is that we don’t really have any big stars in our team. By that, I don’t mean we don’t have good players, but in our team, we see each other as equal. Everyone is there to work for the team. We have one objective and that is to make Egypt the best. We try and develop ourselves every match and improve.

Just how important is the captain, Ahmed Hassan, to the team?
He has been brilliant in this competition. He leads by example. But as said, we don’t really single out players in our camp, everything we do, we do it as a team. We fight for each other, we play for each other. But yes, Ahmed is a special player who has a lot of experience.

What does the future hold for you?
At the moment I’m happy, and I’m enjoying football. I don’t worry about the future. Let me just say that we will see. But as I said, I’m happy for now.

Finally, missing on the World Cup must have been disappointing for you and fellow Egyptians.
Oh yes, it was. I was looking forward to playing at this World Cup in South Africa. But I don’t have to talk about that forever. It’s in the past now, and we would rather focus on the future.

Source: http://www.fifa.com

Shehata eyes historic hat-trick

2010-01-30T19:28:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Saturday 30 January 2010

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata should be basking in the glow of the spotlight on the eve of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final, the result of an incredible run of success that is finally earning him richly deserved plaudits. Instead he studiously avoids the attention that should come with being a coach on the verge of winning his third successive continental championship ahead of Sunday’s African final against Ghana.

It is perhaps modesty that has kept him from making even a single pronouncement to the public since arriving in Angola, or alternatively, an indifference to the media show that goes with coaching the most successful footballing nation in Africa as they stand poised to win their seventh CAN trophy.

Whatever the reason may be, Shehata remains an enigmatic figure despite the fact he's close to a historic treble, with only the young upstarts from West Africa in his way at Luanda’s 11 November Stadium. Even more, he and his team are unbeaten in three successive tournaments. His own run of 17 matches undefeated is one fewer than Egypt’s record-breaking tally of 18 because their last group match in the 2004 tournament was before he took over for the 2006 edition.

Start of something good
If there was ever vindication sought for the growing belief in Africa that more home-grown coaches might be given a chance at the highest level, it is Shehata’s success that provides a compelling argument. As a former Egypt international, he reached three Nations Cup semi-finals (in 1974, 1978 and 1980) as a player, but he never had anything approaching the success he has achieved from the bench.

Shehata was initially a stop-gap replacement for the Italian Marco Tardelli, hired in October of 2004 during Egypt’s abortive run in the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers. But while the Pharaohs looked for another higher profile coach to take charge as they planned to host the 2006 Cup of Nations finals, Shehata’s successful tinkering with the team set them off on a run of seven wins in his first eight games, turning his tenure from temporary to permanent.
Ghana are one of the strongest teams here, and we are totally focused on facing them in the final.
Egypt assistant coach Shawky Gharib

His easy handle on one of the most pressurised jobs in world football looked somewhat tenuous during that Nations Cup at home when confronted with an angry Ahmed ‘Mido’ Hossam, the talented striker he took off in the semi-final against Senegal. An angry touchline confrontation threatened to undermine his authority but the introduction of Amr Zaki produced a winning goal within minutes, and any suggestion that Shehata’s hold on the job was in question were dispatched when Mido was banished to the stands for the final and forced to publicly apologise.

His hand has strengthened considerably since then on the back of his success, although Egypt’s failure to qualify for the first African World Cup in South Africa this summer with a golden generation of players will surely go down as a major disappointment. But the events of just over 70 days ago in Khartoum - when they lost their 2010 World Cup play-off 1-0 to Algeria - will be banished from memory if Egypt achieve the unlikely hat-trick of successive titles on the final day of the tournament in Angola.

Planning with precision
Behind his steely façade, Shehata possesses a jocular personality, according to star striker Mohamed Zidan. There is also a confidence and strength of will that allows him to steer an Egyptian ship despite all of the distractions that surround a team whose every move is closely watched by a fanatical population of almost 80 million. As injured striker Amr Zaki put it last year: “Shehata gives us a winning mentality. So now, even if we are playing a tough competitor on the road, we are confident enough to go right after them.”

In Angola, Shehata has inspired his charges to such self-belief right from the start, as they blitzed Nigeria 3-1 in their opening match. Straightforward wins over Mozambique, Benin, Cameroon and finally Algeria, by a stunning 4-0 score, followed and are enough to prove the in-form Pharoahs favourites against an short-handed Ghana team in the final.

Though Shehata has been unable to call upon the injured trio of Zaki, Mohamed Aboutrika or Mohamed Shawky in this tournament, he has still had the talent of Zidan, Hosni Abd-Rabou, Ahmed Hassan, Essam Al Hadari and Emad Moteab at his disposal. But his tactics have also proven masterful, notably the timing of his substitutions. Mohamed "Gedo" Nagui has come consistently off the bench to score, his four goals making him the tournament’s top scorer.

“We’ve won all of our games because of the strategies that we set up ahead of time,” explained Egypt Assistant Coach Shawky Gharib, who attends press conferences for Shehata, after the victory over the Desert Foxes. “We also planned well how to handle each adversary at the start of the competition.”

Just six months ago Egypt beat world champions Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in what was regarded as a major upset. Now if Shehata and his side fail to write a new chapter in African football history, that will be considered a shock result. But Gharib knows they will not be taking the Black Stars lightly, saying: “Ghana are one of the strongest teams here, and we are totally focused on facing them in the final.”

Source & Picture: http://www.fifa.com

Ghana ready for final test

2010-01-30T19:22:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Friday 29 January 2010

If there is an inspirational story to come out of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, it has to be the emergence of a youthful and tenacious Ghana side, whose performances in Angola have won hearts and sent warnings through the continent that the Black Satellites have become fully fledged Black Stars.

Riddled by injury in the run-up to the tournament, coach Milovan Rajevac and his team have since had to deal with losing inspirational midfielder Michael Essien after he made a brief appearance at the biennial event. As a solution, the Serb-born coach has turned to a nucleus of players from the Satellites that made history by winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt three months ago. Though they still have their highest mountain to climb on Sunday when they meet clinical and enterprising continental champions Egypt in the final, Ghana have already achieved more than anyone expected.

Holding their nerve
While nobody is too surprised that the Egyptians are playing for their third consecutive CAN, the young Ghanaians started the tournament as outsiders compared to the likes of Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire. They had a shaky start - the Ivorians brushed them aside 3-1 in their opener - but the team showed remarkable confidence in winning their next three matches by the score of 1-0. And all were impressive.

Shrugging off the defeat to the Elephants, they beat Burkina Faso to advance from Group B when a draw would have seen them eliminated. And their two knockout wins, over Angola in front of a demanding home crowd and against their more experienced regional rivals Nigeria, proved them to be remarkably solid at the back and determined all around. Irrespective of the results at the 11 November Stadium in Luanda on Sunday, Ghana will have achieved much in reaching their eighth Cup of Nations final, though clearly the Black Stars have proven that they are capable of grinding out a result.
We have been enjoying ourselves and our football. I think we have done very well in this tournament. Most of the guys are hungry. They were presented with an opportunity and they grabbed it.
Ghana's Andre Ayew

They're playing with a level of confidence that the players are clearly enjoying. It has been apparent in the play of both veterans like Asamoah Gyan, scorer of three of Ghana’s four goals, and goalkeeping stalwart Richard Kingson, as well as the younger players like Andre Ayew, Samuel Inkoom, Lee Addy, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and Agyemang Opoku.

Ayew, the son of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele (who was part of Ghana's last Nations Cup-winning squad in 1982), was one of the success stories at the U-20 World Cup, and he scored the winning goal against Burkina Faso. He says the team spirit couldn’t be higher. “We have been enjoying ourselves and our football. I think we have done very well in this tournament. Most of the guys are hungry. They were presented with an opportunity and they grabbed it,” he explained to FIFA.com.

Making Ghana proud
After losing players like Essien, John Mensah, Laryea Kingston, Stephen Appiah and others, Rajevac plugged the holes in his backline with Inkoom, Addy and 21-year-old Issac Vorsah, and they have been mostly cool under pressure. The rapid maturation of the youngsters has repaid the faith of the coach, and in return the boss will have a more mature squad when they are called to duty at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa this summer.

“One must give credit to these boys, they have done well,” said the coach after the 1-0 semi-final win over Nigeria. “They have exceeded all expectations. This is a young team. They were at this tournament to learn, and I think most of them have emerged better players. This has given them priceless exposure to international football and the demands of competing in big tournaments.”

Black Stars keeper, 31-year-old Richard Kingson, is one of the senior members of the team, and he also heaped praise on his young team-mates. “When the tournament started, most of the guys were a bit nervous, and that is expected when you have a young team. But they have adjusted and adapted well. From time to time, I have to shout some instructions because they are young and nerves might have the better of them. But they have made Ghana proud.”

They will try make Ghana even happier against an equally confident Egyptian team fresh off a 4-0 beating of Algeria in the semi-finals. The North Africans are trying to extend their 18-match unbeaten streak in the Cup of Nations and also win their seventh continental trophy.

Source & Picture: http://www.fifa.com

Zuma invites world to experience Africa

2010-01-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Fifa World Cup is an opportunity for the world to see and experience Africa in a different way, President Jacob Zuma told delegates attending the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday.

"It is an opportunity to tackle stereotypes and preconceptions about the continent, and explore new frontiers of interaction and cooperation. It is an important milestone in the regeneration of the continent."

Go to South Africa at Davos 2010 Zuma said the South African government and its partners had been working hard to ensure that the event was a success.

South Africa was ready for business and for football fans from around the globe, he said.

"Other than the football games that South Africans will be privileged to be part of, the country's potential as a destination for business, trade and tourism will be on display during the World Cup tournament."

Zuma said this was also an important year for the country because it would mark the 20th anniversary of the release of former president Nelson Mandela from prison.

He said the decades of the struggle against apartheid by South Africans, supported by Africa and the world, had yielded results.

He mentioned the country's sound macroeconomic policies, effective regulatory environment, and sustained political and social stability, saying they continued to make South Africa a candidate for even greater and faster economic growth.

"These are strengths on which we continue to build, identifying opportunities and confronting challenges.

"We cannot think of any logistical hurdles that cannot be overcome. South Africa is truly ready for business and for football fans from around the globe."

Source: www.buanews.gov.za

2010: two million tickets sold

2010-01-29T19:27:00.000-08:00

After three of five ticketing sales phases for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ South Africa, over 2-million tickets – two-thirds of the total available – have been sold.

The third ticketing sales phase, which will conclude with a random draw for oversubscribed matches on 1 February, saw a total of 1 206 865 applications received from 192 countries.

Six matches are currently oversubscribed (in all categories), among them the semi-finals and the final. In total, 55 matches are oversubscribed in at least one category.

There was huge interest from South African residents, who accounted for 79 percent of the total applications received (958 381) in this phase. This represents an increase of 24.9 percent in applications from South African residents in the third sales phase when compared to the earlier ticketing stages.

Apart from the host country, the USA led the ticketing standings for the third phase with 50 217 applications, followed by the UK (41 529), Australia (15 523), Mexico (14 804), Germany (14 647) and Brazil (10 767).

Increased interest was also noted in the neighbouring countries of South Africa – Botswana leading with 2 519 ticket applications, followed by Mozambique (1 795) and Namibia (1 191).

The next ticketing sales phase will start on 9 February and end on 7 April. During these 58 days, more than 400 000 tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis via www.fifa.com/2010 or in FNB branches (in South Africa only).

From 15 April onwards, ticketing centres will be open in each host city (with two in Johannesburg) where fans will be able to buy tickets over the counter and also collect their confirmed tickets.

To further enhance the service, ticketing call centres will be open during the fourth sales phase – both internationally and in the host country. The call centres will assist fans with enquiries and applications. The hotline number for international customers is 00 41 44 583 2010, and for domestic customers 083 123 2010.

For residents of the host country, the allocation of category 4 tickets (the most affordable, for South African residents only – starting from US$20/R140) will, as planned, increase significantly.

Source: www.Fifa.com

England to be best supported in South Africa and potential new phase for ticket sales to be introduced

2010-01-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

Rumour and speculation is trickling through that ticket sales for the World Cup in June are not going as hoped and that England supporters might get an increased allocation. Surely, if this is true, it just strengthens the England Bid for 2018?

The news comes after several countries announced that they have only sold a fraction of their tickets for the event starting in just over four months.

FIFA is due to announce today the results of the third phase of ticket sales tomorrow and the talk is that they will add an additional phase to allow national associations more time to sell their tickets.

England look set to be one of the best supported nations in South Africa as the Football Association announced recently that members of Englandfans, the official supporters' club, had bought 23,000 of the official allocation of 29,000 available with half of the unsold tickets an allocation to the third-fourth place play-off match, traditionally a match that doesn't sell very quickly.

But it isn't just England that are selling well, the United States also look like they will be one of the best supported teams at the World Cup and it is expected there will be large numbers travelling from the US.

If FIFA do add an additional phase to the ticket sales, there is every chance that the allocation for England fans will also increase for matches where they are over subscribed which means more tickets for supporters travelling to South Africa.

It is worth noting that the figures above are from the English FA and that tickets sold via the FIFA website are not added. So, while England fans have purchased 23,000 tickets of 29,000 available through the FA - there is every chance that they have sold another 23,000 through the FIFA website.

One thing you can be sure of and that is the World Cup will be a sell out, but don't think that means you can relax and take it easy. Phase four stars on February 9th - you have to get your tickets ordered or you might not get one. (http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com)

Thumbs-up for SA 2010: Maradona

2010-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Argentinean national coach and former football star Diego Maradona has expressed his satisfaction with South Africa's preparations for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, while dismissing security concerns and encouraging fans to come to the tournament.

He was in the country to mainly to inspect the University of Pretoria's High Performance Centre, where the Argentinean football team will be based.

"They can say what they want, but we know we are coming to play the World Cup in a safe country," said Maradona, speaking at Safa House in Johannesburg on Thursday. "I have seen that with my own eyes. Anything can happen in the world, but I have spent a week in South Africa and everything is very good and the people very friendly.

"This will be a great World Cup with no doubts of security," Maradona said. "I will tell my players that they only have to think of playing football when they come here and worry about nothing else.

"I think that it is only fair for South Africa to host the World Cup because they have deserved it for a very long time," the former Footballer of the Year and World Cup winner said.
Special players, beautiful stadiums

On Thursday, Maradona met 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) chief executive Danny Jordaan, SA Football Association president Kirsten Nematandani and CEO Leslie Sedibe, as well as senior LOC management.

Jordaan said he felt there were many similarities between the 1986 Fifa World Cup winning team in which Maradona played and the one he is currently coaching.

"I told the coach that in 1986 when Argentina left for the World Cup the people of Argentina did not think that team would bring back the cup. But that team had a special player and in the end they won the World Cup.

"This year your team also has a very special player. They may not be among the favourites to win the World Cup this year but I think your team is going to surprise many people," Jordaan said.

Maradona and Jordaan exchanged signed national jerseys on the pitch at Soccer City.

"They really did a great job on this stadium," said Maradona of Soccer City which will host both the opening and closing games of the World Cup. "I have been to many stadiums before, but this is very big and so great. To be able to enter this stadium is so beautiful.

"I feel inspired to play here but unfortunately my time has passed." (www.southafrica.info)

Goalkeeper the hero for Nigeria

2010-01-25T19:37:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Tuesday 26 January 2010

Nigeria goalkeeper Victor Enyeama turned Africa Cup of Nations matchwinner by converting the decisive kick in a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Zambia on Monday after a goalless quarter-final.

John Obi Mikel, Obafemi Martins, Obinna Nsofor and Osaze Odemwingie also scored from the spot to give the 'Super Eagles' a 100 percent success rate from five kicks. Thomas Nyirenda was the unconsolable Zambian at the end after Enyeama saved his kick - the seventh of the shootout - and Nigeria scraped through despite having Onyekachi Apam sent off during extra time.

The ultra-negative last quarter-final of the biennial African football showcase was a massive disappointment after victories for Ghana, Algeria and Egypt in thrillers.

Defending champions Egypt made the penultimate stage a few hours before Nigeria thanks to a 3-1 extra-time triumph over Cameroon with 170-cap midfielder Ahmed Hassan scoring twice for his side and once for his opponents.

Back in the knockout phase of the competition for the first time since 1996, Zambia had to make two enforced changes from the side that defeated Gabon to reach the quarter-finals as shock Group D table-toppers. Defender Chintu Kampamba and midfielder Rainford Kalaba collected two yellow cards each in the mini-league stage and young French coach Herve Renard drafted in Hichani Himonde and William Njobvu.

Nigeria retained the starting line-up from their final pool match against Mozambique that delivered an ultimately convincing 3-0 win and justification that they could go far in the tournament after a sluggish start. Jubilant that his pre-tournament promise of a quarter-finals place had been met, Renard saw the game as a chance to embellish his reputation amid reports that he desires a more attractive African coaching post.

Rival coach Shaibu Amodu is 10 years older at 51 and under constant stress from public and media criticism despite just one competitive loss since taking charge of the national team a third time a couple of years ago.

The countries had come face to face four previous times in the Nations Cup with Nigeria winning two and Zambia one after a goalless first meeting in Ghana 32 years ago. And after a goalless first half in this central Angolan town it was hard to fathom who would prevail this time and book a semi-finals date with the Black Stars of Ghana in Luanda on Thursday afternoon.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel ended a lot of cagey early combat with a sweetly struck drive after some slick passing, but Kennedy Mweene dived swiftly to his left and pushed the ball away with a strong one-hand save. Zambia became more adventurous as time passed and after Enyeama rose to grasp a deep, dangerous cross, striker James Chamanga just failed to connect with a threatening ball across the six-yard box.

It was not a half for the faint hearted with some borderline tackling and by the break Zambians Felix Katongo, Himonde and Joseph Musonda had been shown yellow cards by the Egyptian referee. The second half began as the first ended with more than fouls than thrills for a less-than-capacity crowd in the 20,000-seat venue and Apam joined the yellow-card offenders via a rash tackle on Chamanga.

Midway through the half and finally the crowd had something to cheer as Yusuf Mohammed cleared off the line to rescue Nigeria and hesitant captain Yakubu Aiyegbeni squandered a close-range opportunity at the other end. It was painful watching the closing stages of regulation time as two teams far more concerned with not losing than winning rarely mounted threatening attacks and full-time came without a goal. (www.fifa.com)

Egypt, Nigeria set up showdowns

2010-01-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 26 January 2010

Egypt and Nigeria added their names to the list of CAF Africa Cup of Nations semi-finalists after winning nail-biting matches on Monday. Egypt beat Cameroon 3-1 after extra time in Benguela, while Nigeria needed to be perfect on penalties to overcome Zambia after a goalless stalemate in Lubango.

Egypt’s march of dominance at the Nations Cup continued as the team’s record unbeaten run at the event now stretches to 17 matches, and Ahmed Hassan celebrated his Egyptian record 170th international appearance by scoring twice in the victory. Unlike their two wins over the Indomitable Lions at the 2008 tournament in Ghana, this one went into extra time, but the Pharaohs advance to continue on their quest for a third continental trophy on the trot.

In the other quarter-final, unheralded Zambia matched two-time champions Nigeria stride for stride but neither team was able to score after two hours of football. It all came down to a dramatic penalty shootout with goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama’s diving save from young full-back Thomas Nyirenda seeing Nigeria to their fifth semi-final in the last six Cup of Nations.

Both winners now face regional rivals as Egypt must take on Algeria, the team that denied them a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, Thursday in Benguela, while Nigeria meet neighbours Ghana the same day in Luanda.

Results
Egypt 3-1 Cameroon a.e.t. (Hassan 37’, 95’, Nagui 92’; Emana 26’)
Zambia 0-0 Nigeria a.e.t., Nigeria won 5-4 on PKs

Goal of the day
Egypt 2-1 Cameroon , Mohamed Nagui (92’)
Mohamed 'Gedo' Nagui has come on as a substitute throughout this Nations Cup and contributed to the success of the Egyptians with vital strikes. His goal just into the start of extra time against many people’s pre-tournament favourites was symbolic of the deep talent at the disposal of Egypt as well as the error-ridden way the match was headed. Nagui profited from a shallow back pass by right back Geremi Njitap to his goalkeeper Carlos Idriss Kameni, sliding in to steal the ball and steer it into the net for the go-ahead goal. The two teams had battled through a niggly encounter and were still even, but the poacher's goal proved the turning point.

Memorable Moments
Jersey No. 170
A landmark day for Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan looked at one stage to be turning into a nightmare as the diminutive midfielder got a touch to, but failed to stop, an in-swinging corner from Achille Emana from bulging his net. It was the goal that gave Cameroon the lead as Hassan marked his 170th international appearance, which is also an African record. The veteran stormed about the pitch for the next 11 minutes before producing a swerving 35-metre shot that caught out Kameni and gave Egypt an equaliser. Cue the celebrations, as Hassan waved a jersey with the figure ‘170’ on both the front and back in a mixture of pride and relief.

Third goal unlucky
Samuel Eto’o refused to get drawn into blaming the referees after Egypt were given a late third goal from a free-kick that many questioned. It could have turned into a tale of woe from Cameroon after Hassan’s 95th-minute strike put the result beyond their reach, but the Indomitable Lions captain accepted his side were outdone by a better team on the day. “Mistakes are part of the game, there is never a match in which there are no mistakes by the referee or the players,” said the three-time African Footballer of the Year afterwards.

Goalkeeper duel
With Nigeria ahead 4-3 in the penalty shootout, Zambia net-minder Kennedy Mweene stepped up to try and even the score against his opposite number Vincent Enyeama. Mweene is a regular penalty taker in the South African league for his club Free State Stars and showed his acumen with a competent conversion. But Nigeria had one kick left to go to win the game. And amazingly enough, the roles were reversed as Enyeama had the responsibility of the fifth kick from the Super Eagles. The hero who had already saved a kick successfully sent Mweene the wrong way and Nigeria to the semi-finals.

A cruel fate
Nigeria were reduced to 10 men when Aurelien Chedjou was sent off in the 112th minute, but even before then Zambia had most of the run of play. Particularly in the second half, the Chipolopolo threatened the Super Eagles goal far more than the other way around. So how cruel was it then to watch the brave underdogs fall short in penalty kicks as their inspirational young coach Hervé Renard went about the pitch trying to comfort his promising team? Nyirenda, whose penalty was solid but the only unsuccessful one on the night, was just one of the stricken players.

The stat
16 – The number of years since Nigeria last won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Their last success was in the 1994 edition in Tunisia , the same year they made their debut in the FIFA World Cup finals.

What they said
"I still have a lot of thinking that I will have to do before we get to the World Cup finals. A lot of these youngsters in my team still have to prove themselves in the squad to go to South Africa .” Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen after their CAF Africa Cup of Nations exit.

“It was a really, really crazy game. Zambia played so well, and we had a difficult time breaking them down because they are technically and tactically very strong. They made it very hard for us.” Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Next matches
Ghana - Nigeria (28 Jan. 16:00 GMT )
Algeria - Egypt (28 Jan. 19:30 GMT )

Have your say
Have Egypt reached a stage now where they are untouchable in the Nations Cup? Can Algeria stop them like they did on the way to the FIFA World Cup? Click on 'Add your comment' and share your opinion with other football fans from around the world. (www.fifa.com)

Felipe Melo: We're very united

2010-01-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 25 January 2010

Many Brazilians were surprised when Felipe Melo received his first international call-up last year. Yet, within months, no less an authority than Argentina coach Diego Maradona was hailing the midfielder as one of world football's biggest revelations.

It has been a long journey to international stardom for the Juventus player. After starting his career in 2001 with a two-year stint at Flamengo, followed by shorter spells at Cruzeiro and Gremio, Melo made the move to Spain. Failing to make much of an impact at Mallorca or Racing Santander, he eventually shone in a midfield holding role with Almeria. His success there earned him a move to Fiorentina, and after catching Dunga’s eye, his career took another upward turn when he signed for Juventus in 2009.

FIFA.com caught up with the 26-year-old and spoke to him about his long road to the top, his hopes of booking a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ with Brazil, and how it feels to earn the praise of Maradona.

FIFA.com: Felipe, do you think the path your career has taken has helped you tackle the challenges you have faced along the way?
Felipe Melo: I was only 20 when I left Brazil and joined Mallorca from Gremio. I didn’t do much in Brazilian football apart from scoring the goal that saved Flamengo from relegation one year [in a vital Brasileirao match against Internacional]. That made me a little more famous at the time. I went to Europe soon after and, being a foreigner, I had to learn lots of new things like the language and customs. It’s a different type of football too, and I had to take lots of tactical and disciplinary aspects on board. It was very difficult and maybe that’s why it took me a little time to come through.

What was the biggest difference when you moved to Italy from Spain?
I was at Racing Santander for two years and really suffered there until I went to Almeria, where Unai Emery [the current Valencia coach] gave me a lot of help. I really progressed with him and by the time I went to Fiorentina I’d earned much more respect. That was a far bigger shop window. I was playing regularly in a team that was going for the European places and I was developing a lot from a tactical point of view. That all helped me make the Brazil team.
If I can make it, it will make me very proud to be able to sit down and tell my children and grandchildren that I played in a World Cup.
Brazil's Felipe Melo

What did you like most about Unai Emery? Has he been the most important coach in your career so far?
He really was like a teacher for me. He used to sit down and speak to me in every training session and he made me an important player. There are two other coaches I can’t forget either. Vanderlei Luxemburgo [his coach at Cruzeiro in 2003] helped me a lot when I was in Brazil and made me become more professional. Then there was Cesare Prandelli, who was very intelligent and was almost like the king of Florence.

It was during your time at Fiorentina that you caught Dunga’s attention. How did you feel when he called you up for the first time? How did you find out and had you spoken to him beforehand?
I used to look out for all the squad announcements and I thought that maybe one day I might make the list. I found out about the call-up on the internet one day. I was looking at some stuff online and a friend called to tell me about it. I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy I ran around the house screaming! I spoke to Dunga for the first time when I joined up with the squad.

When you were watching Brazil at Germany 2006 on TV at home did you think that one day you might be part of the team yourself?
I always had that dream of making the national team. Every player does. People used to laugh at me for talking about it in public, but I worked hard and never gave up and it finally came true for me. I was 25 when I got the call, though some players make it when they’re 18 or 20. Even so, a few of them haven’t gone on to achieve very much. I don’t believe for a minute though that my place at the World Cup is assured. Brazil is the biggest footballing country in the world and no-one’s place is safe. I feel I’m not far away from making the squad but I’ll only believe it until I’m actually there. If I can make it and if I can achieve something in my career, it will make me very proud to be able to sit down and tell my children and my grandchildren that I played in a World Cup.

You got the nod ahead of some big names for your debut match against Italy in London. Can you tell us a little about the whole experience?
Dunga had a few questions for me in the hotel and we had a bit of a chat, though not about his tactics for the match. We only had two days together and it was only in the team talk the day before the match that I found out I’d be playing. I felt a shiver go down my spine when he said in the dressing room that I was in the team. Everything that had happened in my career to that point flashed through my mind and I knew it was the opportunity I’d been waiting for for so long. I knew I absolutely had to make the most of it and show what I was worth. Thanks to God I had a really good match and I kept my place in the team with some more good performances.

You are now playing alongside a very experienced midfielder in Gilberto Silva, who occupies a deep position, while your job is to close people down and get forward when you can. Do you think you can make a comparison between the two of you and the tandem formed by Mauro Silva and Dunga at USA 1994? Has the coach spoke to you about this?
He’s never mentioned it but I’m sure he and Jorginho [Dunga’s assistant coach and a member of the Brazil team at USA 1994] are aware that the experience they gained then can be useful for us now. They come from a generation of champions and that’s no coincidence. Their experience shows that and everything they went through in that World Cup can be of use to us. They are both very focused on their work and they know what it takes to win. I’ve worked with one or two coaches who had very fixed ideas but Dunga is just another member of the team who puts a lot of hard work in and it feels like he’s been coaching for years. He knows how to listen and knows what players need. He knows the shortcuts to success.

How does it feel to play alongside someone with Gilberto Silva’s experience and stature?
It was fantastic to have him by my side when I made my international debut. He made me feel very calm. It’s hard to explain just how much help he gives you on the pitch, both when we’ve got the ball and when we haven’t. Even though we’ve played a lot of games together I’m still learning. He’s got great tactical awareness and I suppose that’s something he developed when he was in England, where you have to be positionally aware. He is a terrific fighter and a champion too of course.

What are the strengths of the current Brazil team?
The national side is very organised in a tactical sense. We play as a team and there’s a lot of unity out on the pitch. You can see how much everyone helps each other. Everyone runs, closes players down and gives their all, and players like Kaka and Robinho do their fair share of marking too. It’s things like that have brought A Seleção closer to the fans again, just like in the past when people really loved the team.
It was a very great honour. To be honest, though, I’d really like Pele to give me some praise. After all, Maradona is Argentinian, isn’t he?
Brazil's Felipe Melo on how it felt to receive high praise from Argentina coach Diego Maradona

Let’s turn to Juventus now, who have been struggling of late. How are you coping with that?
Juventus are a big club and like all the great names they have to win titles. But it’s been a few years since that has happened. A lot is expected of us and hopes were high that we could win the Scudetto. But the only place we can sort this out is on the pitch. We are going through a tough patch but that’s something that happens to every team, like Milan at the start of the season. I know what pressure is and when I was called up for the national side, 99 per cent of people were criticising me. I had to turn the situation around by playing well. So we’re going to stay calm and even though people are saying we are not up to the job, we play for a great club and I’m absolutely convinced we’re going to get through this.

One last question. In an interview with FIFA.com last year, Maradona named you as one of the players of the season and one of the revelations of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. How does it feel to receive praise from someone of his stature?
It was a very great honour because he is one of the two greatest players in the history of the game. If he were playing today, he’d still putting on a show. Naturally, it made me very happy (pauses). To be honest, though, I’d really like Pele to give me some praise. After all, Maradona is Argentinian, isn’t he (laughs)? (www.fifa.com)

Ooijer: Dutch attitude is crucial

2010-01-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 25 January 2010

Bart van Marwijk has been involved in football for far too long not to have heard all the old sayings. Some may be more valid than others, but few can be more enduring than the idea that experience is needed to win trophies, particularly the FIFA World Cup™. It was perhaps with that in mind that he placed his faith in a pair of veterans after following Marco van Basten as Netherlands coach in 2008.

Appointed in the wake of the Oranje’s disappointing UEFA EURO 2008 bid, the former Feyenoord trainer quickly displayed a strong desire to build from the back. The evergreen Giovanni van Bronckhorst was the most regularly used player during the Netherlands’ historic 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualification campaign, for example, and, after Joris Mathijsen, fellow stalwart Andre Ooijer was third on the list. It was surely no coincidence that all three pillars of the side operate in defence.

”In this team, the players who can make the difference on their own are all forwards,” explained Ooijer, now 35. “We have enormous talent up front, but our real outstanding quality is that everyone has the same attitude, which is that first of all we mustn’t concede goals. We play as a unit, very compact, and we’ll have to stick with that philosophy in South Africa.”

Does this mean that the Netherlands are ready to sacrifice their commitment to attacking verve in order to focus on result alone? “Our first intention remains to play beautiful football,” said the PSV Eindhoven stopper.
Our first intention remains to play beautiful football. But we also have to learn how to win without playing well.
Andre Ooijer

“But we also have to learn how to win without playing well. In a EURO or a World Cup, if you want to go all the way, you need to find other means of winning when the team is performing less well. It doesn’t matter how: sometimes you just need to win. Our ambition has been to instil this way of thinking and so far it’s worked.

“Looking back, some might say we had an easy qualifying group because we won all eight matches,” the former Blackburn Rovers player added. “That’s not how it was at all, though. We just played very well. This team has a fabulous mix between young players and senior ones; it’s perfect. There are a lot of talented players but that’s not always enough.

"Right now, I’m really enthusiastic because we’ve built up a lot of confidence and for the last year the stability in the team and the hierarchy the coach wanted have borne fruit. Our roles are clear and well-defined and if we can keep the same attitude while focusing on the quarter-finals as our first target, I think we can go far.”

Fresh from firing 17 goals and conceding just two in their faultless qualifying campaign, the Netherlands have understandably been installed as favourites in Group E. “We want to live up to that standing,” said Ooijer, now enjoying his second spell at PSV. “That’s going to be difficult as Denmark, Japan and Cameroon aren’t just anyone. We’ll have to be at our best to get out of the group and hit the ground running from the off.”

Preparation is sure to be crucial, therefore, and Ooijer hopes the players can pick up where they left off, having known nothing but victory in their last year and a half of competitive matches. “We need to get back together again and get into old habits,” he said. “Finding the right chemistry between very good players is a really tough job. But even if we lose some friendly matches, it won’t affect our confidence one bit. We know what we’re preparing for.

"The World Cup only really starts from 19 May onwards, as until then everyone is 100 per cent focused on their clubs. That’s normal, but the match against the United States in March will come at the right time. We’re always pleased to meet up again because, honestly, the atmosphere within this team is great.” For the moment, the outlook appears decidedly rosy for the Oranje. (www.fifa.com)

Black Stars shine, Elephants tumble

2010-01-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Sunday 24 January 2010

The heart of the host nation was cruelly broken on Sunday as Ghana beat Angola to become the first side into the semi-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. But the emergence of a solid young Ghanaian side was overshadowed by a shock win for Algeria over hot favourites Côte d'Ivoire in a thriller in Cabinda later in the day.

Angola saw their dreams of a home triumph in the Nations Cup shattered by a 16th-minute beauty from Asamoah Gyan. Even though there were several gilt-edged chances for Angola after that, Ghana held firm to reach the semi-finals for a second successive tournament. They will face the winner of Monday’s match between Nigeria and Zambia in Luanda on Thursday.

A dramatic late burst of goals between two FIFA World Cup™-bound teams in Cabinda produced a thriller as the Ivorians took the lead twice, but Algeria ended up surprise victors. The Desert Foxes fought back from an early goal to equalise before half-time, but a wonder strike from Kader Keita seemed to seal it for the Elephants in the final minutes, only for Algeria to equalise again. Then just two minutes into extra time, they snatched the lead for the first time and held on for a sensational result. For their reward, Algeria will meet the winner of the Egypt and Cameroon match in Benguela on Thursday.

Results
Angola 0-1 Ghana (Gyan 16’)
Côte d'Ivoire 2-3 Algeria a.e.t. (Kalou 4’, Keita 89’; Matmour 40’, Bougherra 90+1’, Bouazza 92’)

Goal of the day
Angola 0-1 Ghana, Asamoah Gyan (16’)
Ghana legend Abedi Pele had predicted before the game that if Asamoah Gyan played he would prove the match winner. Injury concerns have hung over him for yet another tournament and indeed he went off during Sunday’s match against Angola as he felt the twinge of his troubled hamstring. But by then Gyan had already provided the shock to the Angolan nation with a simple angled shot that crept wide of goalkeeper Carlos Fernandes for the only goal of the match at the November 11 Stadium in Luanda. While the final touch was perfectly placed, what made the goal special was the pass down the centre from midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah that left the defence sliced open. His ball had a perfect weight for Gyan to run on to, and his finish sent Ghana into the last four.

Memorable Moments
Keita classic not enough
Abdelkader Keita has hit a few long-range thunderbolts before in the colours of Côte d'Ivoire but never with such accuracy as the last-minute strike that seemed to seal up the match against Algeria for the Elephants. Coming on as a substitute for the impressive Salomon Kalou, Keita ran with it diagonally along the edge of the penalty area until he suddenly unleashed a 30-metre drive to the top left corner that gave Algeria’s Faouzi Chaouchi no chance. It seemed a worthy winner for the quarter-final tie, but within minutes Algeria were level again.

Nightmare misses
Young Angola striker Manucho missed three perfect chances to turn around Sunday’s quarter-final tie against Ghana. He did well to slip his marker and find space at the back post to meet Flavio’s 30th-minute cross, but with the rest of the goal at his mercy his header was directed too close to Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson. Just before half-time came an even worse miss from close range as Flavio flicked the ball back, and Manucho, albeit in the process of losing his balance, contrived to blast well over the top. He might well have redeemed himself a quarter of an hour from the end with another header, but this time he powered it just over to the despair of the capacity 50,000-person crowd.

Things fall apart
Once Algeria had taken the lead for the first time against the Ivorians, with substitute Hameur Bouazza scoring from his first touch of the ball, both sides seemed to lose shape, and the match was full of chances. In the second half of extra time, Algeria had several great opportunities in quick succession to extend their 3-2 advantage. Abdelkader Ghezzal should have bulged the net from a cross from the left, but he failed to connect, and then Hassan Yebda just got under a near-post header, while in between, a goalmouth scramble had Côte d'Ivoire's defence in disarray.

Sporting touch
Although he might have been entitled to rant on about missed chances and the superior enterprise of his team, there was a dignity in defeat for Angola coach Manuel Jose. He congratulated Ghana first on their win and for reaching the semi-finals, then the Angolan people for their staging of the tournament. Only then did he ascribe the missed opportunities to a night of "poor luck."

Disappointment for the “Sea of Red”
Although Angola gave as good as they got and came so close to scoring numerous times against Ghana, the thousands of Angolans leaving November 11 Stadium had nothing but heartbreak written on their faces. It was the same people who only two hours earlier had made Luanda one of the centres of world football for the evening, covering the stadium in a boisterous sea of red and yellow. They danced, sang passionately, cheered enthusiastically every time their side launched an attack, and even spurred their side on when they seemed done for. But ultimately, it was an evening of what could have been for the nation and the team that was hoping to join in among the continent’s elite for the first time in a CAN semi-final.

The stat
9 - The number of days that Côte d'Ivoire went without a match at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations before Sunday’s quarter-final. They had drawn with Burkina Faso to open the tournament and then beat Ghana to make sure of top place in Group B, but their final group match did not happen because of the early withdrawal of Togo.

What they said
“I’m very proud to be the coach of this team. They gave everything they had and fought to the end. Ghana had one chance, and they scored a goal. We played very well, but the only thing that was missing was goals. We are out of the competition, but I’m very proud of this team.” Manuel Jose, Angola coach.

Next matches
Egypt - Cameroon (25 Jan. 16:00 GMT)
Zambia - Nigeria (25 Jan. 19:30 GMT)

Have your say
Does the defeat to Algeria change your opinion of Côte d'Ivoire? Click on 'Add your comment' and share your opinion with other football fans from around the world. (www.fifa.com)

Ki: The Korean Gerrard

2010-01-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Friday 22 January 2010

It is not just suspected but taken for granted that a youngster from Korea Republic will use the FIFA World Cup™ to catapult himself into the global spotlight. Kim Joo-Sung did so at Mexico 1986 and was succeeded at the ensuing five editions by Hong Myung-Bo, Lee Woon-Jae, Lee Dong-Gook, Park Ji-Sung and Park Chu-Young respectively. Midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng, to those who have witnessed his sharp reading of the game, passing and free-kick expertise, is poised to continue that trend at South Africa 2010.

It was something that was unforeseen ten years ago, when Ki was a run-of-the-mill apprentice in Korea Republic’s U-12 set-up. However, aged 13, he decided to learn his trade in Australia. There, the Gwangju native, who turns 21 on Sunday, spent his time improving his distribution and, especially, refining a set-piece technique that would help him become one of the eminent dead-ball specialists in Asia.
I’m neither a defensive midfielder who fights for the ball with tough tackles, nor an attacking midfielder who plays behind strikers. My style is more like those of Andrea Pirlo or Xabi Alsonso.
Ki Sung-Yueng

“I’ve have been confident in my free-kicks since I was a boy,” said Ki. “And all the time I followed the English Premiership, which was huge in Australia, I could learn from those players. I thought I should play like them, especially Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, in order to succeed. And I spent quite a lot of time practicing free-kicks.”

Ki, who is nicknamed ‘Kirrard’ after his idol, demonstrated this aptitude during Korea Republic’s successful qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010. In a crucial encounter with Iran last February, he stunned the Azadi with an audacious free-kick from 40 metres that Seyed Rahmati barely managed to parry away, before setting up Park Ji-Sung’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with another set-piece in the closing minutes. Ki had already risen to prominence in September 2008, when he scored his first international goal: a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Korea DPR that denied Ri Myong-Guk a seventh successive clean sheet.

One down, one to go
It was not all plain sailing for Ki upon his return from Down Under, though. Although began his professional career at FC Seoul in 2006, the promising central midfielder initially struggled to break into the first team and, at international level, was forced to operate as a centre-back during the AFC U-19 Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007.

“I really wanted to play in midfield but there were so many good players back then, and I was not even sure if I could make the trip to Canada,” Ki recalled. “But I gained confidence after I was called up to the first team at Seoul, and I took more chances after that. All in all, I think it was a good experience. When can I ever play in defence again?”

Having taken part in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008, Ki became an integral figure for both his club and the senior Taeguk Warriors. “After the Olympics, I came to realise that my position is somewhere in between: I’m neither a defensive midfielder who fights for the ball with tough tackles, nor an attacking midfielder who plays behind strikers,” he said. “Probably my style is more like those of Andrea Pirlo or Xabi Alsonso, but I’m trying to raise the offensive side of my game.”
If I could make the World Cup, it would be another chance for me to improve. I hope we can reach the last 16 and I want to score a goal.
Korea Republic's Ki Sung-Yueng

Ki recently realised his dream of playing in Europe by debuting for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League, but there is one more ambition he is eager to fulfil this year. “If I could make it to the World Cup, it would be another chance for me to improve,” he said.

“I could play against the best players in the world, who are stronger than any other opponents I’ve ever faced. I hope we can reach the last 16 this time, and personally I want to score a goal. Then I would want nothing else.” (www.fifa.com)

Ono's sights on South Africa

2010-01-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

(AFP) Friday 22 January 2010

Shinji Ono has said that he is hoping for a recall to the Japan team for this year's FIFA World Cup™ after returning to the J-League to play for Shimizu S-Pulse.

The 2002 AFC Player of the Year spent two years in Germany but struggled to get much first-team football with Bochum largely due to injury. Now he says he is determined to do what it takes to play again for Japan, having won his last cap in August 2008.
I'm now 30 years old. I want to prove that you can start your career at 30.
Shinji Ono

"It will be impossible unless I can play seriously for Shimizu in every game. In so far as I have a chance, I just want to go ahead to realise my dream," Ono told reporters.

The midfielder previously played for Japan in three FIFA World Cups. He won the 2002 UEFA Cup with Dutch side Feyenoord then joined Bochum in January 2008 before returning to Japan this month. "It was the best timing for coming back," he said. "I'm now 30 years old. I want to prove that you can start your career at 30."

Shimizu coach Kenta Hasegawa said: "He has a lot of experience. Of course, our target is to win the title. We are going to challenge with the fresh spirit of a beginner." Shimizu finished the season seventh in the J-League. (www.fifa.com)

Kiwis prepare for world stage

2010-01-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

(FIFA.com) Friday 22 January 2010

New Zealand’s momentous qualification last November for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ has raised hopes that the All Whites can make a significant impact on their second appearance on the world’s greatest stage. However, the Oceania representatives face a number of logistical issues in preparing their team for South Africa 2010, some of which are unique to the team from the ‘land of the long white cloud’.

Coach Ricki Herbert is used to working with the All Whites squad sporadically, with the national team only taking the field on 28 occasions across nearly six full years since their early elimination from the 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign. The tyranny of distance has been one factor contributing to the sparse schedule and has also meant Herbert has not always had his best side available in those matches.

The other major hurdle facing the New Zealanders is the lack of regular club football in the months leading up to South Africa 2010. Many of the squad members play in the Australian A-League, which concludes in March, leaving a large gap prior to fulfilling their Group F fixtures against world champions Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia.

Schedule planning
Currently the New Zealanders have just one match confirmed for the coming months: an extremely challenging visit to Pasadena, USA for a meeting with CONCACAF champions Mexico. While the current FIFA Coca-Cola World Ranking of the two nations suggests a one-sided contest, history advocates a different view.

The form book well and truly went out the window 30 years ago in the only previous meeting between the sides when a young Ricki Herbert made a memorable international debut as the Kiwis recorded one of the nation’s best results with a 4-0 home win. "It (Mexico) is a massive game,” says Herbert. “It's important to stretch ourselves leading into the World Cup - but those elements: quality opposition, big crowds, playing away from home are all things we need to consider.”

The All Whites are set to announce a comprehensive match schedule in the coming days, with their plan based around a late but intense build-up. The squad will gather in mid-May and play a number of international opponents in the weeks leading up to their opener against Slovakia.

A-League challenge
In the meantime, the Australia and New Zealand-based players, seven of whom started that memorable final qualifier against Bahrain, must attempt to maintain form and fitness at the conclusion of the A-League campaign. Key players including goal-machine Shane Smeltz, vice-captain Tim Brown and flanker Leo Bertos will finish their commitments as early as mid-February if their respective teams fail to make the finals.

“It has been pretty difficult (putting together a suitable schedule ahead of South Africa 2010) with over half of the squad playing out of season so most of them are facing a 2 or 3 month break,” says New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum. “It is really important to get a good solid build-up and have a good month together before June, so the challenge has been to find games that will mean being prepared for the 15th of June (against Slovakia in Rustenburg)."

Unlike a number of Australia’s A-League players, who are seeking opportunities to ensure they keep playing until the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Herbert hopes to keep his locally-based players together once their domestic commitments finish. "I want to take them into camp, I'd like to get them abroad somewhere and play two or three games," Herbert said. It is a tricky balancing act for Herbert, who is also coach of the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s only A-League team, where a number of the All Whites are based. Indeed, club commitments precluded Herbert from attending the 2010 FIFA World Cup draw in Cape Town last month.

The last 12 months have proved a breakthrough for New Zealand football, with the U-17s achieving a first-ever qualification for the knockout stage of a FIFA tournament. The All Whites then followed up a resolute showing at the FIFA Confederations Cup with that memorable qualification achievement against Bahrain. Now the challenge is to make 2010 even more memorable as Van Hattum is at pains to point out: “Being on the biggest stage is a great focal point and it’s a matter of making sure we take all the opportunities that come out of that and maintaining credibility."

Source & Picture: www.fifa.com

Maradona’s high praise for Soccer City

2010-01-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

(LOC) Friday 22 January 2010

In the last day of his brief visit to South Africa, Argentinean coach, Diego Maradona, paid a visit to the venue that all 2010 FIFA World Cup™ teams will hope to be playing in come 11 July 2010 – the final at Soccer City stadium.

With the pitch freshly laid and the finishing touches being applied ahead of the opening match on 11 June, the former FIFA World Cup winner walked out into the middle of the stadium to survey what will soon become one of the most recognised stadiums in the world.

“They really did a great job on this stadium (Soccer City). I have been to many stadiums before but this is very big and so great. To be able to enter this stadium is so beautiful. I feel inspired to play here but unfortunately my time has passed,” said Maradona.

Breaking away from the crowd of media, Maradona walked to the centre of the pitch in a silent moment of contemplation. For the Argentinean coach, the desire to have his team run out onto the Soccer City pitch for the FIFA World Cup Final was evident as he circled in prayer - recognising the special moment inside Soccer City.

The former World Cup winner then went over to a group of construction workers to congratulate them on the great work done on the stadium. For one of the workers it was a moment that will live with him for a long time. “That was so wonderful, I used to watch him play and now I see him on the field of the stadium I am building. This is truly great”.

Having spent the last week in South Africa, Maradona is confident that fans and teams alike will greatly enjoy the World Cup.

“I have been here a week and everything is good and everyone is very friendly. There is no doubt this will be a great World Cup because the people of South Africa want this and they will get it. This is the impression I take to my country”.

Maradona was in South Africa to inspect his team’s base camp at the High Performance Centre at the University of Pretoria as well as to visit a number of schools in the area. For Maradona, the Argentinean fans coming to South Africa for the World Cup need not worry about feeling at home in South Africa.

Speaking earlier in the week to learners at Lowe Middle School, situated nearby the Argentinean base camp, Maradona spoke to the crowd about the warmness of South Africans. “I have had many welcomes throughout my career but I am sure that this day I will never forget. With each handshake I felt I had a friend. Thank you for welcoming me like this”. (www.fifa.com)