Africa bids farewell

Africa bids farewell – till next year
Sunday 28 June 2009
South Africa reflects on what has been an exhilarating two weeks of football as it gives the eight competing teams a warm, African farewell.

Fabiano the Fabulous

Fabiano the Fabulous
(FIFA.com) Monday 29 June 2009
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It is never easy being a goalscorer, and least of all in a team like Brazil, who have always taken great pride in their fearsome ability to outscore opponents.

Take the case of Luis Fabiano, who has experienced several highs and lows since beginning his quest to make the coveted No9 Seleção jersey his own six years ago. Initially considered an outsider for the post, he formed part of a clutch of players who failed to stake a convincing claim to regular striking duties in the Brazil side. Yet, over the last 18 months he has proved the doubters wrong with his dedication and uncanny ability to find the back of the net.

When he arrived in South Africa for the FIFA Confederations Cup, the Sevilla front man set himself the challenging target of scoring at least one goal a game in the competition. Not only did the 28-year-old striker achieve his personal goal, he also set his side on the road to victory in the final, scoring two second-half goals against USA to the level the score, a brace that ultimately helped them to their third Festival of Champions success.

The only problem for Luis Fabiano now is that Canarinha fans will almost certainly expect him to go out and do the same at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, not that he appears too concerned about that burden right now. "I'm delighted that everything worked out as planned in the final," he told FIFA.com after Brazil had completed their exciting comeback. "I hadn't scored in my two previous games but as it turned out there was no better way for me to reach that target of five goals in as many games."
It would be nice to keep the average going at the World Cup here next year. I'll be working hard to do just that,
Brazil striker Luis Fabiano.

"It would be nice to keep the average going at the World Cup here next year. I'll be working hard to do just that," vowed the smiling assassin, who will take home the adidas Golden Shoe as the top scorer in the competition, not to mention the adidas Silver Ball as the second best player of the tournament.

Despite his prolific performances, the man they call O Fabuloso is taking nothing for granted as far as his and Brazil's participation in next year's showpiece tournament is concerned. "We still haven't made sure of qualification yet and there's still a year to go before the finals. All I know is that in a country like Brazil nothing is ever certain and that you always have to fight for your place."

Perhaps he is right to be cautious, especially with Germany 2006 veterans Adriano, Fred and Ronaldo having all made successful goalscoring returns to Brazilian club football with Flamengo, Fluminense and Corinthians respectively.

"Every time I've gone out and played for the Seleção I've always been very calm," he continues, revealing his recipe for goalscoring success. "That's because I'm confident in what I do and also because Dunga has always made it clear how much confidence he has in me. No matter what happens or how many goals I score, I've got to keep on working hard."

As long as the goals keep flowing, however, particularly when there is important silverware at stake, there is little reason for the free-scoring No9 to be modest about his abilities. And regardless of whether he believes the jersey is his, fabulous Fabiano is determined to keep on doing what he does best. "Scoring goals is my life. It's my job. It's what I'm expected to do. And if my goals can help us achieve more wins like today, then I'll be a happy man."

Dunga reveals unwavering belief

Dunga reveals unwavering belief
(PA) Monday 29 June 2009
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Brazil coach Dunga had no doubt his side could overcome a two-goal deficit against USA to win the FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg last night.

The South Americans were in all sorts of trouble less than half an hour into the final at Ellis Park thanks to goals from Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, and went into half-time trailing 2-0. But Luis Fabiano halved the deficit almost immediately after the break and then drew his side level with 16 minutes to play, before a late header from Lucio broke American hearts.

"To overcome a 2-0 deficit is never easy, but if you have committed players that never give up, you always have a chance and we showed that tonight," Dunga said after his team successfully defended the title they won in Germany four years ago. "I think all the players were still focussed on what needed to be done.

"Being two goals down after 27 minutes, they were still sure of themselves. We were very determined and simply wanted to win. The US has always had a competitive team. They are a very tactical team, very disciplined and very physical team. It's always difficult to beat them."
Being two goals down after 27 minutes, they were still sure of themselves. We were very determined and simply wanted to win,
Brazil coach Dunga.

Asked about his half-time team-talk, the 45-year-old continued: "I said to them at half-time that something was lacking. A lack of good positioning, so we corrected that and we started pressurising our opponents, with the reward of a goal by Luis Fabiano. I brought on two faster players and we also brought on Elano, a very tactical player, and went forward making use of the wings better and scored."

However, Dunga reserved most of the praise for his players, who he admitted "made him proud". He added: "My players are a very committed team. They are players that are of high quality, very committed professionals and they are true men, who've been here for 20 days without any vacation or without their families. Every day that they play, they give of their best and I am very happy for them."

Man of the match and player of the tournament, Kaka, was modest after receiving his awards, saying that praise should be given to the whole team. He said: "The most important thing as I've always said is to win as a unit. All of that happened and Brazil was the champion. If it hadn't been for the team I wouldn't have been the best player or the man of the match."
The moment that really hurt was giving up the goal so early in the second half and at that point brings them right back into the game,
USA coach Bob Bradley.

USA coach Bob Bradley was bitterly disheartened by the loss and felt that conceding the goal early in the second half was decisive. "It's a difficult loss, especially after having a 2-0 lead," he said. "The moment that really hurt was giving up the goal so early in the second half and at that point brings them right back into the game."

However, he wanted his players to hold their heads up high after reaching their first final at a major FIFA event. He added: "The feeling is of great disappointment, but also of great pride. When we get past the disappointment, we know we are making progress. We will learn from these kinds of experiences and these kind of games, but it doesn't make it any easier on the night.

"It's been an experience for our team, playing the teams we played and to get to the final. But beyond that, the experience for our players in South Africa has been very special. It's something we'll remember and give us motivation to be back here next year for the World Cup."

Brazil turn focus to qualifiers

Brazil turn focus to qualifiers
(AFP) Monday 29 June 2009
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Brazil have already turned their attention to winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ after defending the FIFA Confederations Cup, with coach Dunga saying his players are capable of anything.

The five-time world champions came from behind to crush underdogs USA 3-2 at Ellis Park on Sunday for their seventh win in 20 days - five at the tournament and two FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

They looked out for the count after Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan put the Americans two up at half-time but bounced back with a Luis Fabiano brace drawing them level with 16 minutes left. It set the scene for an exciting finale and captain Lucio made it a memorable day with a powerful header from an Elano corner with six minutes remaining.

Brazil are not yet certain of being at the 2010 FIFA World Cup but top South American qualifying and hope to get over the line after their next two games, with Dunga already fighting to play down their early favourites tag. He said the key was not to get carried away with their victory on Sunday, having also clinched the FIFA Confederations Cup four years ago in Germany and then failing to translate their form at the FIFA World Cup a year later.

"The dangers are always there," said Dunga, the FIFA World Cup winning captain from 1994, in looking ahead to September's qualifiers. "I have to find players in form this coming year and deal with this issue of being a favourite team.
What's important is that we carry on working in a calm way and learn from our past mistakes and also from what went well,
Brazil coach Dunga.

"What's important is that we carry on working in a calm way and learn from our past mistakes and also from what went well. Any squad approaching the 2010 World Cup has a lot of interest in it but the national squad must be focused and not be distracted."

Sunday's victory was Brazil's third FIFA Confederations Cup crown following triumphs in 1997 and 2005 - something no other team has achieved. But they did it the hard way. "All the players were very concentrated on what needed to be done. I told them at half-time that we needed an early goal and to play the game we play. We wanted to win. We were very determined," said Dunga.

"It is difficult to overcome a 2-0 deficit but if you have committed players who always want to win then it is possible. If we can win this we can do much more in the future. I believe in these players."

Dunga has a young and hugely talented squad, epitomised by Real Madrid's new recruit Kaka who was voted man-of-the-match in the final and player of the tournament. He said the team was overjoyed at winning on Sunday but said they knew it was just a step on the long road to the bigger prize next year back in South Africa.

"We have to qualify first. We have four games left," said Kaka. "We must avoid any euphoria because that sort of thing hindered our preparations at the last World Cup. So here we are trying to be calm. But we hope our favouritism will be justified."

Santana: Promising future ahead

Santana: Promising future ahead
(PA) Sunday 28 June 2009
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South Africa coach Joel Santana preferred to focus on the positives of his side's FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 campaign despite their 3-2 defeat to Spain in the match for third place. Bafana Bafana defied expectations in reaching the semi-finals and gave European champions Spain a close match in Rustenburg before a pulsating game was finally settled by Xabi Alonso's free-kick in the latter stages of extra time.

Next summer South Africa will host the FIFA World Cup™ and Santana believes their achievements at this tournament will stand them in good stead for what is to come in 12 months' time. He said: "We have had a good Confederations Cup, so it's a positive experience for us and our players.

"Experience is acquired with time. I believe we played very well. I'm very satisfied with our team, a team that was not well thought of," said Santana. "It gives us a very promising future."

Spain, whose 35-match unbeaten run came to a shock end against the USA in the semi-finals, were lethargic for much of the encounter and appeared to be heading for another defeat when Katlego Mphela put Bafana Bafana ahead after 73 minutes. But two goals in the final three minutes from substitute Daniel Guiza turned the match around, only for Mphela to send the game into extra time with a blistering free-kick.

Spain sealed it when Liverpool midfielder Alonso curled a 107th-minute free-kick from the left into the area which eluded everyone and ended up in the bottom right-hand corner. Santana added: "It was a fantastic game; it was a match that either team could have won.

"There is a little bit of inexperience from our side when it comes to keeping possession a little bit longer, but with time they will learn this," he said.
I believe we played very well. I'm very satisfied with our team, a team that was not well thought of. It gives us a very promising future.
South Africa coach Joel Santana

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was also satisfied with his team's efforts, both in the match for third place and overall. He said: "I think we have felt at ease at this Confederations Cup.

"We did lose against the United States, but even that was a positive experience for us. Today was difficult for us, we were playing against a side that attacked us a lot," said del Bosque. "

"They played some excellent football. In the first half, we could have won the match, but we missed some chances. But I think it was a good game of football, where both sides played very well."

Khune distraught
South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune pulled off a string of fine saves and was distraught at having come out on the losing side. He said: "We are devastated. It was one of those matches where we had a lot of chances to win, but we let them come back.

"We worked very hard in a very difficult game," said Khune. "We always felt we had a chance and we fought until the end. The tournament has been a good experience for all the boys and we have learned a lot."

Top awards for Brazilian duo

Top awards for Brazilian duo
(FIFA.com) Sunday 28 June 2009
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Trophy-winning Brazil have duly provided the two men honoured with the most valuable individual accolades at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009. Kaka took the adidas Golden Ball as best player, with compatriot Luis Fabiano going home with the adidas Golden Shoe as the tournament’s top scorer. The two attacking stars provided the moments of magic as the five-time FIFA World Cup™ winners fought back from 2-0 down in the final to edge out a plucky USA side at the death.

FIFA.com presents a full analysis of all the individual and team awards after an absorbing Festival of Champions in South Africa.

adidas Golden Ball: Kaka (Brazil)
The very sight of Kaka’s name on the team-sheet is enough to strike fear into a defender’s heart these days. Like so many former legends who have worn the illustrious number 10 shirt, the Brazil playmaker was the orchestrator and string-puller in attacking midfield. His sublime assist to level the scores at 2-2 in the final, as he left two defenders rooted to the spot with an explosive burst of pace, must go down as one of the pivotal moments in the Seleção's march on the trophy. The 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year emphatically restated his credentials as one of the modern greats.

adidas Silver Ball / adidas Golden Shoe: Luis Fabiano (Brazil)
Brazil were in trouble at 2-0 down after 45 minutes, but Luis Fabiano rose irresistibly to the challenge, netting twice to bring his team right back into it and lay the foundation for the South Americans’ successful trophy defence. The athletic, lithe and technically gifted striker finished with an impressive five goals from five games, underlining his status as the undisputed number one goal-getter both for the current Seleção's line-up and at the tournament in general. The 28-year-old joins Romario, Ronaldinho and Adriano as the fourth Brazilian to go home from the FIFA Confederations Cup with the adidas Golden Shoe.

adidas Bronze Ball: Clint Dempsey (USA)
Singling out an individual from an outstanding USA team is a hard task, but if one man stood tall above the rest, it was the dangerous Fulham midfielder. The 26-year-old contributed three vital goals to the North Americans’ utterly commendable tournament, but was arguably even more valuable as a consistent source of unpredictable and inspirational ideas. One or two opponents may have gravely underestimated the US as a potent attacking force, but Dempsey’s superb touch and ability to make the difference will have teams around the world thinking again. The USA star rates as one of the biggest discoveries of the 2009 event in South Africa.

adidas Silver Shoe: Fernando Torres (Spain)
The Spain marksman struck three goals at the tournament, all of them in an action-packed 660-second blitz. In the European champions’ opening match against New Zealand, Torres blasted a hat-trick between the sixth and 17th minutes, employing his blistering pace and killer instinct to devastating effect against the bewildered Kiwis, and doubtless sparking panic among future opponents at the Festival of Champions. However, opposing bosses and defenders clearly did their homework, as the 25-year-old Liverpool ace failed to hit the target a fourth time at the tournament.

adidas Bronze Shoe: David Villa (Spain)
The striker, fondly nicknamed Guaje by the Spanish fans, continued his habit of scoring crucial goals for his country. Against New Zealand, Villa played a supporting role to Torres with just a single goal, but in the next two games against Iraq and South Africa, he netted a winner and an opener respectively. No-one seriously doubts the 27-year-old’s class, a fact underscored by his passing of a milestone during the event: Villa became the second-highest scorer in the history of the Spanish national team behind living legend Raul.

adidas Golden Glove: Tim Howard (USA)
Bob Bradley’s US team came within an ace of glory at the Confederations Cup, making a mockery of the pre-tournament betting. Their triumphant march into the final was in no small measure due to a series of truly outstanding performances by Tim Howard, who consistently left opposing strikers cursing in dismay. Everton's No1 combined calm authority with formidable presence of mind, visibly steadying his defence when the going got tough. With an eye on the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Howard looks set to provide the USA with a rock-solid last line of defence.

FIFA Fair Play Award: Brazil
The Seleção thrilled the watching world with football that was as graceful as it was effective, playmaker Kaka and top scorer Luis Fabiano leading the way as the South Americans deservedly retained the trophy. The passionate crowds took Dunga’s star-studded ensemble to their hearts, and the Brazilians’ power to captivate fans and followers of the game everywhere was, is and remains to their eternal credit.

Kaka: A leader in testing times

Kaka: A leader in testing times
(FIFA.com) Monday 29 June 2009
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It has now been a year and a half since Kaka was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year for 2007. At the time, he had already taken part in two FIFA World Cup™ tournaments: Korea/Japan in 2002 and Germany in 2006. And yet there is a sense that the Brazilian needs to accomplish one more feat to be considered a true legend of Brazilian football, namely playing a central role in leading the Seleção to glory in the biggest tournament of them all: the FIFA World Cup.

If Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite needed a chance to show that he could live up to such a substantial responsibility, it arrived at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009. As a true leader would, Real Madrid’s new signing displayed his talent when it counted most. With three goals and several assists, the 27-year-old won the adidas Golden Ball for best player of the tournament to go alongside his winner's medal.

Kaka won the individual prize due to his outstanding performance in the title decider against USA in which he was also named Budweiser Man of the Match. In the second half with Brazil trailing, Kaka was a central figure, urging his team-mates on, constantly looking for the ball and orchestrating the attacks that ultimately enabled his side to come from two goals down to win 3-2. In short, he provided leadership just when his team needed it most.

At the Festival of Champions, Kaka truly showed that he was worthy of the legendary Auriverde No10 shirt, but for his name to be forever engraved into the list of all-time Brazilian greats, he will need to repeat this performance next year at South Africa 2010. In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the Brazilian talent reflected upon his most recent triumph, as well as his hopes for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

FIFA.com: After Brazil’s opening match against Egypt, your role as an emerging leader of this team was discussed. Was the final your biggest day as leader of the Seleção?
Kaka: Leaders come to the fore in times of adversity and thankfully I had the chance to do so today when the Seleção needed it most. I knew that since we were behind, it was important to look for space to create attacking moves, as we did for our second goal, for example. But as I said the other day, the best thing about this team is that it has several leaders ready to step forward when we’re in trouble. You need look no further than our captain Lucio who scored the winning goal, or Luis Fabiano who proved his goalscoring potential when we really needed it. The fact that so many different players are willing to take on responsibilities shows that this is a strong group of individuals, which is what you need to win titles.

Brazil also won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2005 and yet failed to live up to high expectations the following year at the FIFA World Cup. What can you do to prevent this from happening again?
Things have changed since then. This is a new season, a new group of players with a different attitude. The players are hungry for success and willing to give everything to achieve it. For Brazil, the key is preparation. If we prepare well for a tournament, as we did in the Copa America 2007 and this Confederations Cup, and as we hope to do in 2010, the results will then follow.

Are you surprised that some of the key players have been ones with little experience with the Seleção?
The fact that they’ve come into the group and been crucial to our success shows the strength we have as a team. We must congratulate Andre Santos, Ramires, Felipe Melo and Alexandre Pato, as despite being new faces, they have managed to fit into a winning team like ours. When the right structure is in place, new players don’t have problems with their performance. There is an excellent atmosphere and attitude within the group, so talented players have no problems in showing what they can do.

With such a strong squad already assembled, will there be any openings for places ahead of South Africa 2010?
We do have a fantastic bunch of players and I’d say that 70% of them are sure of their places. But there’s still a long way to go before the World Cup, and with the footballing talent in Brazil, I’m sure that between now and then there will be new players in the frame battling it out for certain positions. Of course what we've achieved here in South Africa and the way we went about it will count for something, but Brazil has a lot of talent and next year is still a long way off.

What was said at half time to instil such determination and potency for the second half?
Dunga’s job is to give us a clear idea of our potential. Nobody panicked when we were 2-0 down because we knew what we needed to do to regain control and stage a comeback. We managed to do just that and thankfully we won the match.

Next season is the last before the 2010 FIFA World Cup and you have transferred to a new club. Is this a key season in your career?
It’s clearly an important time for me, with many new experiences ahead because I’m changing clubs. In any case, I think it’s off to a good start – this is my first title as a Real Madrid player.

Brazil crown fitting finale

Brazil crown fitting finale
(FIFA.com) Sunday 28 June 2009
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The final day of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 produced ten goals and two comebacks, as Brazil and Spain turned the tables on USA and South Africa respectively. When matchwinner Lucio lifted the trophy, he also created history for Dunga, who became the first person to win the tournament as a player and a coach.

An action-packed competition got the final it deserved at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, with Brazil and USA serving up a five-goal thriller which ended in the Seleção's favour courtesy of Lucio's 84th-minute header. Yet it was the American underdogs who had looked the most likely to take the honours at the interval, having raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. However, the five-time FIFA World Cup™-winners grabbed a vital lifeline just moments into the second period through adidas Golden Shoe winner Luis Fabiano, who subsequently took his tally to five goals in five games with the 74th minute equaliser which set up his skipper's grandstand finish.

In the play-off for third place, any fans leaving Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium early will be kicking themselves after a match which failed to ignite until South Africa stung Spain into action through Katlego Mphela's 73rd minute opener. With Bafana Bafana all but ready to occupy the final place on the podium, two goals in a minute from La Roja's Daniel Guiza spun the scoreline on its head, only for Mphela to level matters in the third minute of added time. Clear chances came and went for the hosts in the first period of extra-time before Xabi Alonso's 107th minute free-kick eluded everybody before nestling in the back of the net to clinch third spot for La Selección here at South Africa 2009.

Results
USA 2-3 Brazil
Spain 3-2 South Africa (AET)

Goal of the day
Katlego Mphela, (90+3'): Still reeling from having seen their 1-0 lead turn into a 2-1 deficit within the space of a minute, South Africa were indebted to a sumptuous set piece from substitute Mphela to take the match into extra time. Handed a lifeline deep into injury time after a foul by Liverpool winger Albert Riera, Mphela stepped up to fire home a guided-missile of a free-kick from fully 35 yards which even a keeper of the calibre of Real Madrid's Iker Casillas could do absolutely nothing about.

Memorable moments
Heading in the right direction (74'): Sometimes you just cannot quite shake off the playing bug especially when you are a coach, as Dunga proved during the final. When the ball bounced kindly for Luis Fabiano after Robinho's shot had rebounded off the crossbar, the former FIFA World Cup winner was seen to mime the action of heading the ball into the net, as if to show Luis Fabiano exactly how to do it. Fortunately for Dunga, Brazil and the striker himself; that is exactly what he did.

‘Diamond' Guiza; did he mean it? (89'): Having stunned South Africa just moments earlier by levelling the score at 1-1 with a crisp right-footed finish, the Fenerbahce forward collected the ball just inside the box in the right-hand channel before sending a inch-perfect lob spinning high beyond the reach of the helpless Bafana Bafana keeper Itumeleng Khune and in off the inside of the far post. Though tempted to give full credit to the former Mallorca poacher for an opportunistic strike, could Guiza's pinpoint chip really have been a mis-hit cross?

The stat
5 - Before the tournament began, Luis Fabiano said that he would score in every match. Although he drew a blank against USA in the group stages and South Africa in the semi-final, a double against Group B rivals Italy and again tonight at Ellis Park ensured that he averaged a goal a game to pick up the adidas Golden Shoe.

In the crowd
Relatives of two famous figures evoked differing emotions during the final. Before the game, Marc-Scott Foe, the 14-year-old son of Marc-Vivien Foe, read an emotional tribute in which he thanked the football family for the support his family had received since his father's death. The former Cameroon star collapsed in the centre circle during the FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final six years ago against Colombia and died soon after arriving in hospital.

Then at the end of the match, there were cheers for Zenani Mandela, the great-grand daughter of Nelson Mandela who carried the trophy on to the stage for the award ceremony.

Fan's view
"Maximum respect to USA. They played well and had Brazil on the ropes. Like in the first game, I think inexperience killed them. Had they been more accustomed to these situations, they probably would have won," mehicoboy, writing in the FanChat section of the EMIRATES MatchCast.

Have Your Say
Were Brazil worthy winners of this year's FIFA Confederations Cup? Click 'Add your comment' to make your opinion known, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

Samba fever hits Ellis Park

Samba fever hits Ellis Park
(AFP) Sunday 28 June 2009
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Africa met South America on Sunday at the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, with local fans rallying behind five-time FIFA World Cup™-winners Brazil during their 3-2 comeback success over the United States at Ellis Park.

And despite Bafana Bafana's narrow loss to Spain in the play-off for third place earlier in the day, a win for Dunga's boys in the final did provide a measure of consolation.

"The US played well but they were totally outclassed by Brazil," said Sizwe Ndaba, one of the 52,291 fans, many of whom were waving Brazilian and South African flags, who watched the 2005 champions defend their title. "I can't wait to see them in 2010."

"Bafana Bafana may not have reached the final, but I am here for Brazil. I like their football," said James Chungu who travelled from Nelspruit, some 330 kilometres from Johannesburg. "Being here is all about celebrating the game of football. The Samba boys were the best team in this tournament."
I have supported Brazil since I was a kid, this is a fantastic opportunity to see them do their thing.
South Africa and Brazil fan Arnold Nkosi

"This could have been a great moment if Bafana was playing here tonight, but what can we say, they need to polish their skills ahead of the World Cup next year," added the secondary-school teacher, one of the thousands of fans with blue-and-yellow painted faces and blowing enthusiastically on vuvuzelas.

Arnold Nkosi, for his part, said he had saved for two months to buy a ticket for the final, played in a wintry 10 degrees celsius: "I knew that Brazil was going to be in the final. I have supported Brazil since I was a kid, this is a fantastic opportunity to see them do their thing."

"I have watched all the games on TV, but this one was worth spending all my savings on it. I couldn't afford to go and see them in other cities," said 18-year-old Nkosi, who is currently unemployed.

His sentiments were also shared by another Brazil supporter Antonio Moses who, like Canarinha fans across the globe, was breathing a sigh of relief after his side had been pushed all the way by the Stars and Stripes: "I'm overjoyed. What a game."

Castrol Index: Lucio's late charge

Castrol Index: Lucio's late charge
(FIFA.com) Monday 29 June 2009
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Lucio's love affair with the FIFA Confederations Cup is fast becoming one of world football's great romances. This was the Brazil centre-half's fourth Festival of Champions - only Dida has played in more - and scoring a dramatic winner to seal lift his first trophy as Selecao captain provided a climax almost too perfect to be true. That, however, wasn't to be the end of Lucio's South Africa 2009 story.

Instead, he today receives an honour that, though far from undeserved, is sure to be unexpected: winner of the FIFA Confederations Cup Castrol Index. This innovative system, which uses the latest technology to objectively analyse and rank player performances, had been dominated by Spain's front two from the first round, with Lucio nowhere to be seen in the top 20 until the final round of group matches.

Even then, he entered at No16, and his subsequent progress was only sufficient to see him climb five places to 11th after the semi-final win over South Africa. So how did he emerge as South Africa 2009's statistical king, seeing off the likes of long-term leader David Villa and adidas Golden Ball winner Kaka?

The answer, according to Castrol Performance Analysts, is that the Brazil captain produced one of the performances of the tournament against USA, one that ranked alongside Giuseppe Rossi's rescuing of Italy against the Americans and Fernando Torres' one-man demolition of New Zealand at the top of the statistical standings. Lucio's ‘score' of 1551 from the final ended up hefty enough to inch him ahead of team-mate Kaka, whose Castrol rating was adversely affected by some lax defensive moments, including his failure to track Landon Donovan's run at USA's second goal.

Dempsey denied as O Fabuloso climbs
Despite earning plus points for some impressive creative play, Kaka actually dropped a place, slipping to third behind the Americans' South Africa 2009 talisman, Clint Dempsey. Outstanding against both Egypt and Spain, the Fulham midfielder was found by Castrol to be USA's second-most effective outfield player in the final behind Landon Donovan, outscoring Kaka and only losing out on top spot due to Lucio's inspirational display.

The Brazil captain earned credit throughout the tournament for his impressive attacking endeavours and saved the best for last, with his bullet header completing a stirring comeback started by the deadly Luis Fabiano. The tournament's top scorer climbed from tenth to fifth on the back of his final heroics and may well have threatened Lucio but for the damaging legacy of a poor showing against USA during the group stage.

With names such as Torres, Maicon, Capdevila and Aboutrika all featuring prominently, the Castrol Index's top 20 offers a statistical representation of South Africa 2009 that, for many, will fit closely with what they witnessed on the pitch. Some, of course, will wonder why their own particular favourite does not feature, and perhaps the most obvious absentee is the tournament's adidas Golden Glove winner, Tim Howard.

The USA keeper made 33 saves during the tournament, almost twice as many as his nearest rival, but he also conceded more goals than any other keeper and his overall score paid the price for a disappointing opening showing against Italy. Castrol ranked Howard as South Africa 2009's second-best keeper, behind Mohamed Kassid, the Iraq No1 whose outstanding displays ensured the Asian champions conceded just one goal during their three matches.

Have Your Say
Castrol have named their top player. But who is yours? Just click ‘Add your comment' to share your views with the world.

The final day in numbers

The final day in numbers
(FIFA.com) Sunday 28 June 2009
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Brazil's comeback kings were crowned, while Spain edged the first of the day's fascinating five-goal thrillers in Rustenburg to claim bronze. As the world reflects on a memorable and historic South African spectacular, FIFA.com looks at the statistical stories behind an enthralling final day.

The teams
Possession. Efforts on goal. Who needs them? Not USA. For a time at least, it seemed that the Americans would continue to make a mockery of such statistics by winning a tournament in which they have consistently come off second best in such indicators. The unlikely US success story at South Africa 2009, which so nearly became a fairy tale, was based throughout on prudent use of scarce resources. While Castrol Performance Analysts found that teams average one goal every six chances, Bob Bradley's side established their two-goal lead in the final by taking 50 per cent of their four first-half opportunities.

Ultimately, however, justice was done in Johannesburg. Brazil, who registered a remarkable 25 shots on goal compared to their opponents' eight, continued their record of scoring at least three goals in each of their four FIFA Confederations Cup finals to date with a stirring second-half comeback. They also succeeded in rewriting another record. Previously at FIFA finals, Brazil had found themselves 2-0 behind at half-time on eight occasions; never before tonight had they managed to claw back such a deficit. Dunga claimed a little piece of history, too, becoming the first man to win the FIFA Confederations Cup as both player and coach.

For Spain, claiming third place will not prevent their South Africa 2009 story being remembered as a tale of promise unfulfilled. However, La Roja did at least cement their status as the tournament's top passers. The European champions played more passes (2,619) than any of their fellow participants, and there was quality to match the quantity, with their 81.11 completion rate unrivalled across the competition.

The players
Luis Fabiano came into this tournament vowing to score in every match. He didn't quite manage that, but the Sevilla striker's match-saving double this evening saw him achieve the next-best thing: an average of a goal a game. As well as securing the fourth adidas Golden Shoe for a Brazilian, following Romario (1997), Ronaldinho (1999) and Adriano (2005), the brace raised O Fabuloso's international scoring average to 0.71 goals per game and took him ever closer to Romario's final ratio of 0.79.

Earlier, the third-place match in Rustenburg turned into a tale of two substitutes. In scoring a brace apiece, Daniel Guiza and Katlego Mphela made history: never before at any senior FIFA men's tournament had this feat been achieved by substitutes from two different teams. Mphela's only prior involvement had been as a 91st-minute substitute against Brazil, and Joel Santana will perhaps wonder whether the Mamelodi Sundowns star could have been the answer to his team's miserable record of two goals from 57 shots on goal in their previous four games. Guiza, meanwhile - whose playing time before today amounted to just 16 minutes - cemented the supersub reputation first established at UEFA EURO 2008. The Fenerbahce star, in fact, has more international goals (5) to his name than he has starting appearances (3).

The action
Little Rustenburg might have lacked the glamour of Johannesburg and the large, passionate crowds of Mangaung/Bloemfontein, but one thing South Africa 2009's smallest venue did not want for was goals. The five served up by Spain and South Africa took Rustenburg's tally to 15 from four matches, an average of 3.75 per game. Fortunately, Johannesburg took this as a signal to get in on the goalscoring act. The first four matches at Ellis Park had yielded a miserly two goals, but this average of 0.5 per game was ditched in spectacular style as USA and Brazil produced a truly classic final.

Did you know?
The FIFA Confederations Cup remains the only FIFA men's competition that has never witnessed a first-minute goal. The two fastest goals in the tournament's history - from Argentina's Gabriel Batistuta in 1992 and Tuncay Sanli of Turkey in 2003 - were both scored in the second minute. The fastest goal of South Africa 2009 was Kaka's fifth-minute opener against Egypt.

Donovan: A lesson learned

Donovan: A lesson learned
(FIFA.com) Monday 29 June 2009
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At half-time of their first-ever FIFA final, USA were in the unlikely position of leading five-time FIFA World Cup™ winners Brazil by two clear goals at Ellis Park. There was a kind of hubris in their rampaging first-half performance, with Clint Dempsey flicking an elegant opener and the outstanding Landon Donovan doubling the lead after a devastating counter-attack shortly after.

In the end, though, normal service was resumed and the mighty A Seleção roared to life, scoring three times to seal their third FIFA Confederations Cup title with a thrilling 3-2 triumph. Although sadness was the general feeling in the Americans' camp at the final whistle, Donovan, speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, painted a picture of a team that will be better off for the hard lessons learned on Sunday night in Johannesburg.

FIFA.com: It was a tough loss tonight. Can you talk a little bit about how you're feeling right now?
Landon Donovan: We're disappointed. At the end of the day there's a reason why Brazil are consistently considered one of the best teams in the world. But in the situation we were in, up 2-0 at the half, we felt that we should have been able to kill off the game. We can't be happy with having gone this far. If we want to get better we have to demand more of ourselves.

Were you surprised to find yourselves with such a commanding lead after 45 minutes considering the fact that you lost 3-0 when you met Brazil in the group stages?
We weren't surprised, no. We had a plan at the start that we didn't want to be timid. That was the problem in the first game; we came out and got into trouble early because we were too tentative. Clint [Dempsey] made a great play to start us off early with a goal, and then we had a chance to counter-attack a little later and we got another one. With a lead like that you have to be able to hang on, no matter who you're playing.
We can't be happy with having gone this far. If we want to get better we have to demand more of ourselves.
USA star Landon Donovan.



What changed in the second half?
The first goal right after the break killed us. It just took the air completely out of the balloon and after that I have to give them a lot of credit. They just kept coming and coming and putting more and more pressure on us. They took their chances and put a lot of bodies into the attack.

Is there anything you think you could have done differently as a team in the last 45 minutes?
I think we probably could have done a little better job of counter-attacking and keeping them unbalanced and on their toes with our movement forward. But they're a great team and they just didn't give us an inch.

Is there a natural impulse to drop off a bit and go into a defensive shell when you're up 2-0 in the second half?
Yeah, in some scenarios it makes sense. But I don't think we did that today. Even after they made it 2-1, we kept going forward and managed to create a few chances, but they had all the momentum at that point so it was tough for us to get a foothold.
We need to learn from what happened today. If we don't learn from it, then all this achievement will have been for nothing.
Donovan bemoans the defeat.

Do you have any perspective at this point on what you've achieved for football in the United States of America with wins over Egypt and Spain and a first-ever appearance in the major world final?
Well, we've done better than we've ever done before at a competition like this, so I think we can all walk out of here with our heads held high. However, it's not good enough. Again, when you're up 2-0 in a final you need to be able to grab hold and make the game yours. So it's disappointing at the same time.

Do you think the USA national team took a next step here at the FIFA Confederations Cup?
Yes, I think we did take the next step. But we need to learn from what happened today. If we don't learn from it, then all this achievement will have been for nothing. Hopefully the next time we find ourselves in a similar situation we can kill the game off and hold the trophy over our heads instead of wearing silver around our necks.

Colombians crowned, leaders topple

Colombians crowned, leaders topple
(FIFA.com) Monday 29 June 2009
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On a weekend dominated by an incident-packed finale to the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, there was also plenty of domestic action to enjoy around the globe. In Colombia, fans of Once Caldas celebrated winning the Apertura title, while there was less to savour for the leaders in Brazil, United States and Paraguay, who all failed to pick up three points. This was in contrast to the Japanese top tier, where leaders Kashima Antlers are looking ever more assured. FIFA.com brings you the pick of what went on in Planet Football.

Brasileirao: Leaders lose out
A hat-trick from Ecuador's Luis Bolanos helped Porto Alegre outfit Internacional back onto the victory trail with a 3-0 home win over Coritiba. The three points took them level with leaders Atletico MG, who remain ahead only on goal difference after their defeat against Barueri. Vitoria eased to a 4-1 win over Santo Andre to move into third spot, while the matchday's Paulista derby between Palmeiras and Santos ended 1-1.

Big game: Competition revelations Barueri continued their fine start with an impressive 4-2 victory over high-flying Atletico MG. Having thrown away a two-goal lead in the space of just four minutes, Barueri showed great character to fire two late goals and clinch the win.
Headline-grabber: Though there was atmosphere aplenty for the Flamengo-Fluminense derby, with the duel between former Brazil front-men Adriano and Fred adding extra spice, goals and good football were both in lacking in a 0-0 stalemate. Making his farewell appearance for Flu was Thiago Nieves, who leaves the Carioca club for a Middle-Eastern adventure.

American Major League Soccer: Swings and roundabouts
Toronto FC wasted a great opportunity to move top of the Eastern Conference when falling to a 3-0 defeat at Real Salt Lake, a situation which reigning champions Columbus Crew took full advantage of. Crew, who beat New York Red Bulls in last year's MLS final, defeated the Red Bulls 1-0 to move into second spot in the East, behind DC United but ahead of Toronto on goal difference.

Big game: Los Angeles Galaxy bounced back from two consecutive defeats to beat Western Conference leaders Houston Dynamo 1-0 and breathe life into their hopes of reaching the MLS Cup. Todd Dunivant scored the only goal of the game.
Headline-grabber: Seattle Sounders ended Colorado Rapids eight-game unbeaten run with a 3-0 home win to keep them in third place in the West and just three points behind Dynamo.

Japanese J-League: Antlers in cruise control
Kashima Antlers continued their steady drive towards the title when picking up their sixth successive win away to bottom side Oita Trinita. Though closest pursuers Albirex Niigata and Urawa Red Diamonds also won, Antlers' 2-1 success keeps them seven points clear at the top.

Big game: An 89-minute goal from Chong Tese, his seventh of the season, earned Kawasaki Frontale a 1-0 win at Montedio Yamagata and keeps them in fourth spot, eight points behind Antlers.
Headline-grabber: Gamba Osaka battled back from a run of three league games without scoring and their dramatic midweek elimination from the AFC Champions League with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Yokohama F Marinos. The three points takes them into fifth place.

Ghanaian Premier League: Under pressure
Reigning champions Asante Kotoko eked out a 1-0 win over bottom-placed Saint Mirren and, with four rounds to play, are provisionally just one point behind leaders Hearts of Oak, whose game against All Stars was postponed due to inclement weather. Heart of Lions, for their part, moved within two points of top spot with a 1-0 victory over AshantiGold SC.

Big game: King Faisal Babes dropped two important points when they were held 1-1 at home by Berekum Arsenal, though the visitors' effort was only the third goal the Babes have conceded at their Golden City Park stadium all season.
Headline-grabber: Asante Kotoko forward Alex Asamoah remains atop the scorers' standings after firing the winner against St Mirren: his 14th goal in 24 appearances so far this campaign.

Elsewhere
Once Caldas, winners of the Copa Libertadores in 2004, claimed their third Colombian league crown when completing a 5-2 aggregate win over Junior in the Apertura 2009. Holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg at home, the Manizales outfit won 3-1 in the return in Barranquilla thanks to goals from Alexis Henriquez, Alex Sinisterra and Dayron Perez. Haider Palacio it was who scored for the home side. The team coached by former Colombia coach Javier Alvarez will now take part in the 2010 edition of the Libertadores.

Over in Paraguay, Cerro Porteno were denied the opportunity to clinch the title with a match to spare when going down 3-0 at home against closest challengers Libertad. El Ciclón still have their fate in their hands, however, as they hold a two-point lead over Los Gumarelos going into the final matchday.

And finally to China, where leaders Beijing Guo'an and second-placed Shandong Luneng were held to 1-1 draws by Guangzhou Yiyao and Changsha Ginde respectively. Henan Jianye were the biggest beneficiaries, with their away win over Qingdao Jonoon taking them within two points of top spot.

Drogba fights xenophobia

Drogba fights xenophobia
(FIFA.com) Monday 29 June 2009
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The stadium could hardly have been more rustic and the goalposts had simply been planted between their rugby equivalents, but the atmosphere was worthy of Ellis Park itself during Bafana Bafana's recent outings. Welcome to the sports field of Jepper Boys High School in Johannesburg, where the Youth African Soccer Cup took centre stage this Saturday. A kind of mini-CAF African Cup of Nations on a local scale, the competition brought together schools from various Johannesburg townships to defend the colours of 19 African countries – and the presence of special guest and project ambassador Didier Drogba ensured the day was as noisy as it was unforgettable.

The passion emanating from the stands was impressive to behold, with flags, excited cries, crowd chants and, of course, the inevitable vuvuzelas offering the full South African football experience. Naturally, the spectacle itself contained no Fernando Torres, Kaka or Teko Modise, but the players aged 15 or below lacked none of the hunger of their elders, and in some cases their technical skills were barely lagging those of their heroes. "In addition to the extraordinary atmosphere, the level is very good," Drogba told FIFA.com. "I'd have loved to put my boots on and played with them, but the most important thing wasn't to play; it was the reasons behind the initiative."

To relive the Youth African Soccer Cup,
click on the video in the column on the right.

The project was launched by the African Diaspora Forum in response to the tragic events that unfolded in South Africa last year, when tensions spilled over between locals and foreign residents, resulting in the deaths of over 60 people in Alexandra Township in east Johannesburg. That prompted the African Diaspora Forum, an organisation representing 30 foreign-resident associations, to mount a campaign against xenophobia in South Africa, and what better way to lead the fight than by educating the young via their favourite activity?

Hence the Youth African Soccer Cup, devised to help the children of Johannesburg discover other African countries and their cultures. Indeed, not only did each team take to the field to defend the colours of a continental neighbour, they had already spent months learning about that country at school. It was therefore no surprise to see South African youngsters recite the Tanzanian or Nigerian national anthems to perfection before their matches kicked off.

A midfielder for the school from Troyville, Nelo was representing Tanzania for the day and, despite being just 11, he was keenly aware of being involved in much more than a mere football tournament. "My parents are Ivorian and came to South Africa 15 years ago," he explained, moments before his side won the final in their age category against Nigeria. "They were very moved by what happened last year. Today, I feel Ivorian and South African and I've discovered a third culture. I feel Tanzanian and I'm very proud to represent this country."

Knowledge and study
Nelo clearly had much more to share on the subject, but he suddenly fell mysteriously silent, before bolting off towards the school entrance with hundreds of his peers. A rumour had swept through the venue that Didier Drogba was present and the whole school quickly sizzled with euphoria. Matches had to be interrupted and an informal press conference was staged in the centre circle as the Elephants' captain stepped on to the pitch to greet the young protagonists.

Having long been involved in promoting national reconciliation within his own country, the Chelsea striker rarely misses the chance to add his encouragement to events of this type. "What these children are doing is fantastic," he said, impressed by how seriously the youngsters were clearly taking the tournament. "It's through knowledge and study that these children will succeed in changing mentalities and do away with xenophobia."

Hanging on her idol's every word, and with South African and Cameroonian flags painted on either cheek, Marcy provided perhaps the perfect symbol of the coming together of cultures so crucial in the struggle against xenophobia. "I'm happy to have discovered a new country and its culture," she said. "For now, it's only been through football and what we've learnt at school, but one day I hope to be able to visit Abidjan." In all the excitement, Marcy seemed to have mixed Yaounde up with the former Ivorian capital, but it was easy to understand such oversights on a day charged with emotion and spent in the presence of Côte d'Ivoire's most famous face.

What mattered most was that the intended message had been conveyed. By opening their eyes to other cultures, these children have started to close the door on xenophobia.

Kaka: A leader in testing times

Kaka: A leader in testing times
(FIFA.com) Monday 29 June 2009
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It has now been a year and a half since Kaka was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year for 2007. At the time, he had already taken part in two FIFA World Cup™ tournaments: Korea/Japan in 2002 and Germany in 2006. And yet there is a sense that the Brazilian needs to accomplish one more feat to be considered a true legend of Brazilian football, namely playing a central role in leading the Seleção to glory in the biggest tournament of them all: the FIFA World Cup.

If Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite needed a chance to show that he could live up to such a substantial responsibility, it arrived at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009. As a true leader would, Real Madrid’s new signing displayed his talent when it counted most. With three goals and several assists, the 27-year-old won the adidas Golden Ball for best player of the tournament to go alongside his winner's medal.

Kaka won the individual prize due to his outstanding performance in the title decider against USA in which he was also named Budweiser Man of the Match. In the second half with Brazil trailing, Kaka was a central figure, urging his team-mates on, constantly looking for the ball and orchestrating the attacks that ultimately enabled his side to come from two goals down to win 3-2. In short, he provided leadership just when his team needed it most.

At the Festival of Champions, Kaka truly showed that he was worthy of the legendary Auriverde No10 shirt, but for his name to be forever engraved into the list of all-time Brazilian greats, he will need to repeat this performance next year at South Africa 2010. In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the Brazilian talent reflected upon his most recent triumph, as well as his hopes for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

FIFA.com: After Brazil’s opening match against Egypt, your role as an emerging leader of this team was discussed. Was the final your biggest day as leader of the Seleção?
Kaka: Leaders come to the fore in times of adversity and thankfully I had the chance to do so today when the Seleção needed it most. I knew that since we were behind, it was important to look for space to create attacking moves, as we did for our second goal, for example. But as I said the other day, the best thing about this team is that it has several leaders ready to step forward when we’re in trouble. You need look no further than our captain Lucio who scored the winning goal, or Luis Fabiano who proved his goalscoring potential when we really needed it. The fact that so many different players are willing to take on responsibilities shows that this is a strong group of individuals, which is what you need to win titles.

Brazil also won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2005 and yet failed to live up to high expectations the following year at the FIFA World Cup. What can you do to prevent this from happening again?
Things have changed since then. This is a new season, a new group of players with a different attitude. The players are hungry for success and willing to give everything to achieve it. For Brazil, the key is preparation. If we prepare well for a tournament, as we did in the Copa America 2007 and this Confederations Cup, and as we hope to do in 2010, the results will then follow.

Are you surprised that some of the key players have been ones with little experience with the Seleção?
The fact that they’ve come into the group and been crucial to our success shows the strength we have as a team. We must congratulate Andre Santos, Ramires, Felipe Melo and Alexandre Pato, as despite being new faces, they have managed to fit into a winning team like ours. When the right structure is in place, new players don’t have problems with their performance. There is an excellent atmosphere and attitude within the group, so talented players have no problems in showing what they can do.

With such a strong squad already assembled, will there be any openings for places ahead of South Africa 2010?
We do have a fantastic bunch of players and I’d say that 70% of them are sure of their places. But there’s still a long way to go before the World Cup, and with the footballing talent in Brazil, I’m sure that between now and then there will be new players in the frame battling it out for certain positions. Of course what we've achieved here in South Africa and the way we went about it will count for something, but Brazil has a lot of talent and next year is still a long way off.

What was said at half time to instil such determination and potency for the second half?
Dunga’s job is to give us a clear idea of our potential. Nobody panicked when we were 2-0 down because we knew what we needed to do to regain control and stage a comeback. We managed to do just that and thankfully we won the match.

Next season is the last before the 2010 FIFA World Cup and you have transferred to a new club. Is this a key season in your career?
It’s clearly an important time for me, with many new experiences ahead because I’m changing clubs. In any case, I think it’s off to a good start – this is my first title as a Real Madrid player.

Brazil's rocks of strength

Brazil's rocks of strength
(FIFA.com) Monday 22 June 2009
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Brazil are sure to remember their handsome 3-0 defeat of Italy in Tshwane/Pretoria on Sunday for a long time. After all, comfortable wins over old adversaries tend to be few and far between, which explains why the Brazilians were celebrating gleefully at the final whistle and then in the changing room.

The party over, Dunga's men finally started making their way out of the stadium complex en route to the bus taking them back to their hotel, giving FIFA.com the opportunity to catch up with defensive mainstays Maicon and Lucio. Understandably, the duo were happy to talk and gave their exclusive views on a memorable night for Brazil and their army of fans around the world.

"It's a historic match," was the Inter Milan full-back's verdict on the evening. "We played an absolutely fantastic game. We were extremely focused and we played with a lot of quality. It was one of those games you remember for a long time. We beat the world champions and we have to make the most of it."

His captain and defensive colleague was in similarly euphoric mood. "I don't know if it was the perfect match but was a great night for us. We produced an excellent display at the back and we played a high-tempo game. We knew that they had to come out and try and win the game but we controlled things calmly, defending well and hitting them on the break."

The Brazilian back-line gave a masterclass in the art of defending against a side well-known for its abilities in that department. One man to benefit from that solidity was goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who enjoyed a relatively untroubled evening between the posts. And as Maicon explains, that solidity has become a feature of Brazil's performances in South Africa. "It's very important," he said. "That's two games we've gone now without conceding a goal and we've also been very effective up front. That's what makes this such a rewarding win for us. Scoring three goals against a top team and not conceding any is quite an achievement."
I don't know if it was the perfect match but was a great night for us.
Lucio on the the game with Italy.

Though the Brazilians have now beaten Italy in their last two meetings, Lucio does not believe they have established a hold over the reigning world champions. "It's always difficult to predict a Brazil-Italy match. They've got some great players and I really don't know if we've come across the formula for beating them. What I do know is that we were the better side today and we deserved to win."

For Maicon, meanwhile, there is the obvious temptation of teasing his Inter Milan team-mates in the Italy side. "No, no (smiles). I won't be doing that. I'll be celebrating this but we're going to let them enjoy their holidays."

Next up for the Brazilians comes a meeting with the tournament hosts. And while the South Africans lie over 70 places below Brazil in the FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking, the Copa America champions will not be taking their opponents lightly, as the right-back explains.

"We know South Africa. We've seen their games on TV and they're a very quick team. We need to be on our guard because they could give us a nasty surprise. What's important now is that we get as much rest as possible.
We won for the first time in years in Chile and at the Centenario against Uruguay, and we can do the same here and win next year too.
Maicon on the FIFA Confederations Cup 'jinx'.

Maicon's caution is shared by his captain. "Yes, they're very rapid and they'll have the fans behind them too. Giving ourselves time to recover is the key to winning the match."

As the Brazilians well know, the winners of the FIFA Confederations Cup have never gone on to lift the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy the following year. But as Maicon explains, A Seleçao are not in the least concerned about hoodoos. "The Brazilian newspapers have been talking about that to but I don't think it's important at all. We've already put an end to some bad runs in the qualifying competition. We won for the first time in years in Chile and at the Centenario against Uruguay, and we can do the same here and win next year too."

The five-time champions are determined to avoid a repeat of four years ago, when they claimed the FIFA Confederations Cup only to flop in Germany 12 months later. "The Confederations Cup is what matters now," explains Lucio, focusing on the immediate task in hand. "We'll see what happens in the World Cup next year. That said, I do think the team is going to be stronger and more mature and the experience of Germany 2006 is going to be very important, as we want to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Positive Parker keeps the faith

Positive Parker keeps the faith
(FIFA.com) Monday 15 June 2009
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South Africa forward Bernard Parker, who inadvertently prevented Bafana Bafana from scoring a late winner in their FIFA Confederations Cup opener against Iraq, has underlined his belief that the host nation can still reach the semi-finals.

"The reality is, we need to snap out of it, we have to think about the next game," Parker told FIFA.com in the wake of 14 June's 0-0 draw at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, a game in which South Africa spurned a host of goalscoring opportunities. "It is important for us to get maximum points against New Zealand, but we're also planning for the game against Spain. We can't talk about the Iraq game forever."

"Some people might say we don't have a chance, but I don't think that's true," said the Boksburg-born front-runner, who plays his club football in eastern Europe with Crvena Zvezda. "If we can keep this form going, then I think we can do well against any team. We just need to be lucky, we need luck on our side."
If we can keep this form going, then I think we can do well against any team. We just need to be lucky.
Bernard Parker

"In football, you need some luck and, against Iraq, I think we were unlucky. We did everything right, we attacked a lot, we took a lot of shots at goal, but we simply couldn't put that ball in the net," said Parker, whose team will be determined to make amends against Ricki Herbert's All Whites on 17 June in Rustenburg. "I'm sure we will spend the next few days before our clash with New Zealand thinking about the (Iraq) game."

Chief among those thoughts will no doubt be the moment he unwittingly blocked Kagisho Dikgacoi's goal-bound header in the 84th minute of the Opening Match. "I think that after that I stopped thinking for a while, I felt so bad: it was a horrible experience," said Parker. "But these things happen in football. KG (Dikgacoi) understands that, he knows that I wouldn't have blocked his goal on purpose. It was a mistake, an honest mistake."

And in the absence of Benni McCarthy, Bafana Bafana's leading scorer of all time, can Parker ably fill the Blackburn Rovers hitman's goal-laden shoes? "In football there is pressure, there is pressure everywhere, but you need to get results," said Parker, as the interview drew to a closer. "As a player, you just have to learn to live with it."

Hitzfeld: Spain are the favourites

Hitzfeld: Spain are the favourites
(FIFA.com) Monday 15 June 2009
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Ottmar Hitzfeld has won every honour there is to win as a coach, among them the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, not to mention a host of German and Swiss national titles. Following a highly successful double-winning campaign with Bayern Munich in 2008, the then 60-year-old supremo revealed that he would not be extending his contract with Germany’s most successful club as he went in search of a new challenge.

The former Stuttgart, FC Basel and FC Lucerne striker’s next assignment came in the form of the Swiss national team. Despite enduring a shaky start to his tenure and most notably a humiliating 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Luxembourg in FIFA World Cup™ qualifying, the ‘General’ has managed to put the Schweizer Nati firmly in contention for a place at next summer’s finals since taking over last July. The side captained by Borussia Dortmund striker Alexander Frei currently share the Group 2 lead with Greece, who have their noses in front thanks to a slightly superior goal difference.

FIFA.com caught up with the legendary German tactician for an exclusive interview at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.

FIFA.com: Ottmar, you recently arrived in South Africa for the FIFA Confederations Cup. What are your thoughts so far?
Ottmar Hitzfeld: So far it’s been great. The opening ceremony was really well put together and the crowd gave Sepp Blatter a warm reception for bringing the Confederations Cup and of course the World Cup to South Africa. The atmosphere for the first match was fantastic but, as with many opening fixtures at international tournaments, the game itself was a bit cautious and both teams let nerves get the better of them.

You mentioned the wonderful atmosphere created by the fans at the opening game. How would you compare spectators here with those in Europe?
The fans are certainly more demonstrative over here. If things are going well, they are really enthusiastic, but if not, they can be a little impatient. The atmosphere is good, though, and there are a lot of emotions on display.

Away from the pitch, what are your first impressions of South Africa and Johannesburg in particular?
My first impressions have been very good. The transport, the hotel and the stadium have all been first-class. The security operation here seems very well organised and access to the stadium is very efficient.

Who is the favourite for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 in your eyes? I don’t think it’s going to be the world champions, Italy, so I’d have to go with Spain after their European Championship success last year.
The fans are certainly more demonstrative over here. If things are going well, they are really enthusiastic, but if not, they can be a little impatient.
Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland coach.


Returning to the subject of FIFA World Cup qualification, your group is very close at the moment. How do you rate Switzerland’s chances?
We’ve managed to put ourselves in a decent position, but now it’s up to us to get the results we need to ensure qualification. The match against Greece on 5 September will be crucial. We have home advantage, but it really is a must-win game, especially considering we are level with them at the top. After that, we still have to face Latvia, Luxembourg and Israel, but I think we ought to qualify if we can open up a three-point lead over the Greeks.

It would be your first FIFA World Cup as a coach. What would it mean to you personally to lead Switzerland into next year’s finals?
It would be a dream come true. I’ve experienced a lot as a coach at club level, such as the Champions League and the German and Swiss domestic leagues, but pitting your wits against the greatest teams on the planet and representing a country like Switzerland would be a very proud moment for me. I’m looking forward to it and I hope that we’re there come next summer.

Day 2 in numbers

Day 2 in numbers
(FIFA.com) Monday 15 June 2009
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Great goals, and plenty of them, are sure to guarantee that South Africa 2009's second matchday lives long in the memory. After Egypt emerged empty-handed from a thrilling battle and Italy profited from a direct approach against USA, FIFA.com and Castrol Insights once again reflect on the numbers behind the matches.

The teams
Though it will be of scant consolation to their heartbroken players, Egypt earned immense credit for a daring performance that witnessed them become the first team to score three times against Brazil during Dunga's reign. Yet although they dominated their star-studded rivals for long periods and gained a 52 per cent share of possession, the Pharaohs ultimately found themselves outgunned by a team that has now scored three or more goals in ten of their 24 FIFA Confederations Cup matches.

Italy, meanwhile, rediscovered the value of shooting from distance in their 3-1 win over USA. Set pieces had been identified as I Azzurri's primary weapon ahead of this tournament, but after an impotent showing in the opening 58 minutes, it was two 25-yard-plus screamers that turned the game in their favour.

The players
Castrol Performance Analysts recently proved that strikers score, on average, one of every six chances. Mohamed Zidan's brace against Brazil becomes all the more impressive in light of this statistic, with the Egypt forward having clinically dispatched his only two opportunities in the entire match.

Yet although Zidan was a worthy Budweiser Man of the Match, he was far from the only outstanding player on show. Daniel Alves' contribution may have been more subtle, but the all-action Brazil wing-back played more passes than anyone else on the park (71), an impressive 90 per cent (64) of which successfully sought out a team-mate. The Barcelona star, whose incisive through ball picked out Kaka for A Seleção's opener, also found his mark with 67 per cent of his crosses. Furthermore, Daniel Alves covered more ground more than any his colleagues, running 10,275 metres during the course of a match in which the Brazilian average was 7,005.

Italy's 3-1 win over USA, meanwhile, became a story of two American-born forwards. Landon Donovan's third goal in as many internationals gave the US their first-ever half-time lead in ten meetings with I Azzurri, but New Jersey-born Giuseppe Rossi took just a minute to turn the game on its head after coming off the bench. Only two substitutes in the history of the competition had previously struck so quickly: Brazil's Roni against Mexico in 1999 and Mike Hanke in Germany's 3-0 win over Tunisia four years ago.

The action
Skill, drama, goals - Brazil's 4-3 win over Egypt had it all. The two teams' unrelenting commitment to attack ensured a thrilling spectacle that produced no fewer than 29 shots on goal, 17 of which came from the South American champions.

Some of the finishing was exceptional, yet arguably the most impressive feature of an explosive first half was the standard of delivery from wide areas. Brazil's Elano proved the most productive, finding team-mates with all four of his first-half crosses, two of which led to goals for Luis Fabiano and Juan.

Egypt, though not as successful in the goal count, matched Elano's remarkable 100 per cent success rate, with Mohamed Aboutrika providing the pick of the Pharaohs' centres with a beautifully measured delivery for Zidan's equaliser. Unsurprisingly, this standard could not be maintained. Normal service was resumed in the second half as Egypt and their conquerors slumped to more humble overall success rates of 43 and 47 per cent respectively.

Did you know?
Every edition of the FIFA Confederations Cup held in a pre-FIFA World Cup™ year has been won by the reigning world champions, who then went on to concede their global crown. Will Italy continue this trend?

Brazil must maintain focus

Brazil must maintain focus
(Reuters) Monday 15 June 2009
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Brazil playmaker Kaka has said that his side cannot allow themselves to play as poorly as they did in the second half of Monday's 4-3 win over Egypt if they want to retain the FIFA Confederations Cup. Brazil, producing some typically attractive passing moves, led Egypt 3-1 at halftime in their opening Group B match at the Free State Stadium before allowing Egypt to claw back to 3-3.

Kaka scored Brazil's opening goal after five minutes and his stoppage-time penalty saved the blushes of the five-times world champions who have been playing some superb football in their South American FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches of late. Kaka, who moved from AC Milan to Real Madrid for a fee of around 68 million euros [$94 million] earlier this month, said even experienced, top class internationals like himself had something to learn from a game like that.

"We were doing very well in the first half, but then we tired. We're all suffering from some jet lag, some players have only slept for four or five hours a night since we have been here and that's the reason," he said.

"It was really important to win this match though, and in a competition it's important to win your first game. But we mustn't let that happen again."

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who was beaten twice in a minute, said: "It was like we had a blackout in the second half.

"The concentration went and we allowed them back into the game and as we saw they are a very good passing team.

"They played a bit like we do, but we allowed them to do it and they almost punished us with what would have been a big upset result," he said.
The concentration went and we allowed them back into the game and as we saw they are a very good passing team.
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar

Mohamed Zidan, who scored two well-taken goals for Egypt, said even though they lost, their performance proved they could recover from a poor start in their final African qualifying group and reach the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

"Obviously for us, as African champions, it is more important to qualify for the World Cup than to win this tournament ,but we have the players who can bring us back to South Africa next year," he said.

"We can take a lot of encouragement from the way we played in the second half."

Dunga delighted with spirit

Dunga delighted with spirit
(PA) Monday 15 June 2009
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Brazil coach Dunga praised his side's never-say-die attitude after today's last-gasp 4-3 victory over Egypt in their FIFA Confederations Cup opener. The South Americans had to rely on a 90th-minute Kaka penalty to overcome their brave opponents and claim a barely-deserved win in Bloemfontein.

A relieved Dunga said afterwards: "We played two very demanding South American World Cup qualifiers (against Uruguay and Paraguay) before we came out here and all we did in the training sessions for the Egypt match was try to get the players back into shape.
What pleased me most about today was the fact that we kept going until the end, trying to score the winner.
Brazil coach Dunga after his team beat Egypt 4-3

"We almost paid for the lack of rhythm today. It wasn't easy getting those three points and what pleased me most about today was the fact that we kept going until the end, trying to score the winner."

Brazil looked to be on their way to an easy win in Group B, after first-half goals from Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan opened up a 3-1 lead at the break. But a fragile first-half defensive performance meant they never fully looked in control of the contest, and two goals in as many minutes soon after the restart, from Mohamed Shawky and Mohamed Zidan, had the Africans dreaming of a memorable win.

Those hopes were dashed a minute from time, however, when defender Ahmed Al Muhamadi handled a Lucio shot on the line and was given his marching orders. New Real Madrid signing Kaka, who had been a largely peripheral figure, then stepped up to coolly convert the spot-kick and deny Egypt.

Kaka felt his side were well worth the win. "I think we deserved the goal at the end for all our excellent play in the first half and above all for the commitment we showed throughout the game," he said. "I've got used to taking important penalties over the last few seasons at Milan, so I didn't think twice about taking this one.

"We expected it to be a very tough opening match and we're very happy to leave here having got the job done in what is a very tight group. We've got the three points we wanted and now we're in a position to reach the semi-finals."

In-form Spain eye world record

In-form Spain eye world record
(Reuters) Tuesday 16 June 2009
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European champions Spain are strong favourites to sweep into the Confederations Cup semi-finals and should extend their winning run against Iraq in Wednesday's Group A match in Bloemfontein.

A 5-0 opening win over New Zealand on Sunday, inspired by a hat-trick in the first 17 minutes from striker Fernando Torres, emphasised Spain's class. Three more points against the Asian champions would mean Spain equalled the longest consecutive winning run in the record books.

That mark currently stands at 14 wins and is shared by Australia (1996-97), Brazil (1997) and France (2003-04). Spain's win over New Zealand was their 13th successive victory and if a 34th game unbeaten would move them within one match of the world record mark of 35 games established by Brazil between 1993 and 1996. Another three points would see Spain into the last four.

Iraq midfielder Nashat Akram said an opportunity to share the field with the big names of Spain was a dream for the players. "We are so proud to be in this competition and to get a chance to be on the pitch with the stars. It will be a very tough game, they have so many quality players. We'll do our best," he said.

Early exit
However, for hosts South Africa the spectre of an early exit looms after their goalless draw with Iraq on Sunday. Bafana Bafana, heavily criticised for a negative approach to the match, need to beat New Zealand at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg to get back on course for a semi-final place.

Coach Joel Santana hinted at changes for Wednesday's Group A match, including a return to the starting line-up for midfielder Steven Pienaar. "I'm looking at a few new options," the Brazilian-born coach said. "If we beat New Zealand I think we can make the semi-final, but they are big and physical and will be dangerous."

It will be the first soccer meeting in 62 years between the two countries, whose rugby rivalry is one of the most intense in the world but whose footballing prowess is rather more limited. The top two finishers in the group advance to next week's semi-finals. The final set of group matches is scheduled for Saturday.

Asia hopefuls face decisive contest

Asia hopefuls face decisive contest
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 16 June 2009
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The final round of Asian qualifying reaches its denouement on Wednesday with five teams left battling for the continent's remaining automatic qualifying spot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and the two play-off berths.

The competition in Group B remains quite open with three teams vying for the right to become Asia's fourth and final automatic qualifier. Saudi Arabia and Korea DPR are locked in a make-or-break contest in Riyadh, with the winning side advancing to the global showpiece. Both teams will be desperate to win as a draw would allow the fourth-placed Iran to steal second place with an away win against Korea Republic.

The battle in Group A is straightforward with Bahrain needing a point at home against Uzbekistan to seal third place. But the Central Asians, though, can also turn the table should they come away with any win.

Matchday 8 fixtures:
17 June 2009

Group A: Australia-Japan; Bahrain, Uzbekistan
Group B: Korea Republic-Iran; Saudi Arabia-Korea DPR

The big match
Saudi Arabia-Korea DPR, Riyadh
Trailing behind the East Asians on goal differences, coach Jose Peseiro's Saudi side face the pressure of a must-win scenario. Added to their difficulties for the home side is the absence of creative brothers of Abdoh Ateef and Ahmed Ateef, who are ruled out due to injury and suspension respectively. On the opposing side, the Koreans will draw inspiration from their 1-0 win in the previous leg, and with a point able to see them finish no lower than third place, they will enjoy more tactical options than the Saudis.

The other headliners
Korea Republic-Iran, Seoul
With their backs against the wall, Afshin Ghotbi's Iran are left with little option but to go for broke and try to beat hosts Korea Republic in the hope of securing an automatic qualification berth and avoid the lottery of a play-off. The visitors can expect no let-up from his opposite number Huh Jung-Moo, who vows to field the strongest team despite already securing qualification. Having spent seven years with Korea Republic as an assistant coach, Ghotbi boasts immense knowledge about the opponents. But Korea Republic, who remain undefeated in the final round, will be motivated to protect a proud home record and cap their campaign with a satisfying result at home.

Bahrain-Uzbekistan, Manama
After edging out Uzbekistan in the Asian play-off for Germany 2006, Bahrain will be hoping that history again repeats itself. But the bitter loss four years ago also provides an extra edge to the contest and undoubtedly provides the Central Asians with extra motivation. The underachieving Uzbeks though will be relying on a sudden return to form if they are to win in Manama following recent eratic performances.

Elsewhere
Australia-Japan, Sydney
For fans across Asia, the game between Group A's two proud qualifiers loses none of its intrigue, despite the fact that the two sides will play without qualifying pressure. Australia enters the match with a slight historic margin, winning six of their 17 meetings with five matches drawn. Both sides though are missing key stars for a variety of reasons with perhaps the visitors suffering the more significant losses to their line-up. While the Socceroos have only been defeated once at home in 28 years in FIFA World Cup qualifying, with Mark Schwarzer also keen to defend an equally proud record that currently extends to seven consecutive clean sheets.

Player to watch
Ali Karimi's form will likely prove to be the key if Iran are to gain maximum points against hosts Korea Republic. The enigmatic former Bayern Munich midfielder played an inspirational role against United Arab Emirates last week scoring the winner following a lengthy absence from the national team set-up.

The words
"Our draw against Korea Republic a week ago was important for us, as we had to get four points in the last two matches to qualify. Korea DPR need just a draw from this game but only a win against them will do for us," Saudi Arabia coach Jose Peseiro.

Brazil and Italy made to work

Brazil and Italy made to work
(FIFA.com) Monday 15 June 2009
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There was no shortage of excitement on Monday as Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 started with a bang. The four teams on view at the Free State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein and Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane/Pretoria served up plenty of entertainment and goals in two exciting, closely contested matches.

The day began with a brave and skilful Egypt side posing serious problems to Brazil, despite trailing 3-1 at half-time. The Egyptians made light of that deficit to pull level shortly after the restart and it was not until Kaka stroked home an injury-time penalty kick that Dunga's men restored their advantage and made sure of the points.

There were similar problems for Italy in the evening game. Despite being reduced to ten men early on, opponents USA took the lead just before half-time, with the Italians only making their numerical advantage count in the final 30 minutes. Ironically it was US-born forward Giuseppe Rossi who made the difference, the Villarreal man coming off the bench to score a decisive brace.

Results
Brazil 4-3 Egypt
USA 1-3 Italy

Click on the link on the right-hand side to read the reports from both games.

Goal of the day
Brazil-Egypt, Kaka 5': What made Brazil's struggles all the more surprising was the fact that they seemed to have done the hard part in taking the lead after only five minutes. Played in by Dani Alves, Kaka treated the Bloemfontein crowd to a wondrous piece of skill, controlling the ball with his left foot, flicking it over defender Hani Said, stealing it away from Wael Gomaa with the toe of his right boot and then stabbing it past the advancing Essam El Hadary for a goal as beautiful as it was clinical.

Memorable moments
Ahmed Al Muhamadi's handball, (89'): Egypt's hopes a securing a notable result against the five-time world champions were dashed when the ENPPI midfielder was left with no choice but to save a Lucio volley on the line with his right arm. Al Muhamadi's instinctive reaction, which turned out to be in vain, earned him a red card and suspension.

Landon Donovan's spot-kick ceremony, (40'): Few sportsmen are as superstitious as footballers, and if anyone doubted that all they had to do was watch the American forward prepare for his first-half penalty against Italy. Getting down on his knees, Donovan kissed his wrists and his fists before rising to his feet and sending Gianluigi Buffon the wrong way.

Marcello Lippi's coaching masterstroke, (57'): With his side trailing 1-0 to USA, Lippi showed his powers of perception remain intact by bringing off Mauro Camoranesi and Gennaro Gattuso for Riccardo Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi and sparking an Italian revival. While the Fiorentina man brought a touch of class to the Azzurri midfield, the diminutive Rossi hauled his side back into the game with a thundering equaliser and made sure of the points with a cool finish right on the final whistle.

The stat
3 - The number of times that two goals have been scored in a minute in a FIFA Confederations Cup match. Mohamed Shawky and Mohamed Zidan struck in 60 seconds against Brazil this afternoon, the first time the feat had been achieved in the tournament since Alex grabbed a quick-fire double in Brazil's 4-0 defeat of Germany in 1999. Two years earlier Braulio Luna and Cuauhtemoc Blanco swelled Mexico's goal tally in a 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia in double-quick time.

For a more in-depth statistical look at the day's action, be sure to read FIFA.com's ‘Day 2 in numbers' piece. Click on the link on the right hand side for the full story.

In the crowd
Right behind Brazil in the first half at Bloemfontein, the South African fans at the Free State Stadium showed their appreciation of good football by giving their full support to the battling Egyptians as they staged a stirring comeback after the break. With a vociferous contingent of their own fans also urging them on, Mohamed Aboutrika and Co could have been forgiven for thinking they were playing in Cairo at times.

Fan's view
"This is just more proof that the gap between the 'strong' nations and 'weak' nations in world football is smaller than ever. Every major football nation has got gifted players nowadays," DarkTint, writing in the EMIRATES MatchCast during the Brazil-Egypt game.

Have your say
What did you like about today's games? Click 'Add your comment' to make your opinion known, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

The New FIFA.com: World Football, Video and Interactivity

The com: World Football, Video and Interactivity
(FIFA.com) Thursday 7 June 2007
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Launched on Friday 1 June 2007, the new FIFA.com takes football to a new level on the internet. Fans all over the world will enjoy an abundance of content on the new site, but will also have the opportunity to interact with each other about the world's favourite topic of conversation, the Beautiful Game.

"With its new website, FIFA now has an integrated communication platform which leverages the convergence of internet, TV and print media to offer the best of football to the widest possible audience at anNew FIFA.y time of the day" said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. By opening our official site to comments, FIFA is proud to provide a platform for fans from across the world to exchange views, memories and experiences of our shared passion: football."

Following a resounding success with 4.2 BILLION page views on the Official Website of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ during the month of the final competition, which was a world record for a sporting website, the new FIFA.com merges FIFA's previous websites (FIFA.com and FIFAworldcup.com) and adds an outstanding array of content to it.

As well as the very latest news, in-depth features, interviews, statistics, fixtures, results, etc, the new site will also offer an unparalleled free video offering and a large, interactive community space, embracing the most significant evolutions in the interactive world for the benefit of football lovers worldwide.

Available in the four official FIFA languages (English, German, French and Spanish) as well as the 'host language' depending on the competition (eg Korean for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup and simplified Chinese for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup), the new FIFA.com has also been developed in compliance with the WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative) guidelines for people with disabilities.

The site also serves as a unique gateway to a vast range of FIFA activities from Ticketing and Accommodation for all FIFA Events to the Media Channel, as well as information about the various Local Organising Committees for their respective competitions.

Developed, designed and produced by football fans for football fans, the new FIFA.com is produced by the FIFA New Media department, supported by an alliance led by Delta Tre, the leading sports technology company in Europe, and including NTT Europe Online and Entriq.

Main features of the new FIFA.com

* A FREE two minute video highlights package for every FIFA match, from the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Also, some matches will be made available live (and for free!) in certain parts of the world. Check FIFA.com regularly to see if you can follow the action from your computer.

* An unparalleled and free video archive with EXCLUSIVE interviews of previous FIFA World Cup winners to round-ups of each tournament and a wealth of additional video features and news.
* FIFA.com Club. The new FIFA.com welcomes fans' comments and memories about the subjects closest to their hearts. A simple one-step registration is all that is needed to become fully interactive with the site, giving users many benefits including a personalised homepage, newsletter, games (starting with a unique Predictor in August 2007) and the community section.
* In-depth coverage of world football, supported by the worldwide FIFA New Media Editorial Network.
* An Extensive FIFA World Cup section including live scores for all matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition which starts in August 2007, plus archives of all previous Tournaments (qualifying and final competitions).

The new FIFA.com MatchCast

The new FIFA.com MatchCast
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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Welcome to the new FIFA.com EMIRATES MatchCast - it's bigger, better and more interactive.

The MatchCast has always been one of the most popular applications on FIFA.com - and we're sure that it's going to be even more enjoyable for football fans around the globe after its most recent transformation.

Instead of just focusing on one game, the FIFA.com editorial team will be providing you with a live commentary of the day's proceedings; analysing which teams are moving closer to a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - and which teams are seeing their dreams slipping away.

There is also a section devoted to goal flashes - proving that FIFA.com has it on the net when it hits the net! Find out who has scored and where as the qualifying action unfolds.

Our in-game data updates also give you information about every single game played in the qualifying round. You can check the line-ups and important match details such as scorers, substitutes and yellow and red cards.

The fans can have their say during every single minute of the qualifiers, thanks to our FanChat. Previously, this was limited to just the match which the MatchCast focused on, but now users can talk football from dawn until dusk!

FIFA.com's extensive photo database will allow you to view the latest images from the games played around the globe, while you can now also check out the latest scores in one dedicated area.

We also have a brand new widget for you to download for free! The FIFA World Cup qualifying widget is a fully personalised tool, so that you can get the latest news, scores and standings of your team as they bid to qualify for South Africa 2010.

For a rundown on how to use the FIFA.com EMIRATES MatchCast, just click on 'The road to South Africa - LIVE coverage' on the right-hand side of this story.