sports football: Februari 2010

Rabu, 24 Februari 2010

Neill: Gala move perfectly timed

Neill: Gala move perfectly timed
(AFP) Thursday 25 February 2010

Australian skipper Lucas Neill says the Dutch coaching presence at his new Turkish club Galatasaray is ideal preparation for this year's 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

Neill, who turns 32 next month, said he couldn't knock back a chance to join Australia team-mate Harry Kewell at Galatasaray after his short spell at English Premier League club Everton. Defender Neill said the lure of guaranteed first team football at the Istanbul giants and a chance to play under former Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard were too strong to ignore.

Neill said working with the Dutch coaching duo of dRijkaar and Johan Neeskens - assistant to Guus Hiddink for Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup - was the perfect buildup before heading to the World Cup in South Africa under fellow Dutchman Pim Verbeek. "I know the Dutch system and I'm very familiar with the way the Dutch think and work," Neill told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"It's great preparation going into a World Cup, playing in a very good team, playing very good football and playing in a system that is very similar to what I will play with Australia. I knew I was going to be a key part of the team at Galatasaray because they could only sign a certain amount of foreigners, and I knew they were signing me to play every game."

Polokwane awaits the big stage

Polokwane awaits the big stage
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 17 February 2010

As Polokwane prepares for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ to visit this summer, the newly completed Peter Mokaba Stadium sits right in the heart of the city as its pride and joy. And it is at the new stadium that locals will bask in the excitement of the global extravaganza as matches from four groups will be played out there.

With the exception of periodic visits from the Bafana Bafana players, the last big football star to visit Polokwane was the then largely unknown Didier Drogba back in 2001 when South Africa played Côte d'Ivoire in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium. However, in just four months time, the town will come alive as some of the world’s most decorated players will parade their skills at the impressive new ground.

The state-of-the-art, 45,000-capacity stadium opened its doors to top-flight football in January when some of the county’s premier sides competed in a four-team tournament that also included Danish side, Brondby IF. Other teams that featured were SuperSport United, the Pretoria-based outfit who have won back-to-back Premier Soccer League (PSL) championships, Kaizer Chiefs, who are regarded as the country’s most supported team, and Johannesburg’s Bidvest Wist.

During the stadium opening, Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale said the people of the province were not only proud of the facility but were also excited about the FIFA World Cup coming to their doorstep. “This stadium will be opened to all South Africans regardless of colour, religious belief or political affiliation. This building is constructed by the government of the people for the benefit of the people,” he added.

Besides the Peter Mokaba Stadium, there is more to Polokwane that visitors can enjoy. FIFA.com explores.

Visit Polokwane Game Reserve
Just a 10 minute drive from the city centre is the entrance to the Polokwane Game Reserve. Covering 3,250 hectares, this scenic stretch is one of the largest municipal reserves in South Africa, and it’s home to many enchanting species of animals. Amongst the favourites are the rare white rhino, sable antelope and giraffe.

Enjoy a round of golf
When in Polokwane you can use your spare time to visit the Polokwane Golf Course, one of the oldest golf courses in the country, having been founded in 1863. Over the years the course has evolved into an icon, and with 700 members, it is a hive of activity. Designed to cater to all members of the public, the establishment has a bar, a braai area for grilled meat and a function hall overlooking the ponds and bent grass greens. If golf is your pastime, or if you are just hankering for a cocktail and barbeque at the pool, Polokwane Golf Course is a must.

Lake Fundudzi and Thathe Vondo Forest
Locals refer to Lake Fundudzi as a place of “peace and tranquillity,” and once you visit it won't be long before you realise why people from around the area give such rave reviews. Lake Fundudzi is considered a sacred place for the Venda people, and they have developed much mythology about the area. Also considered rich in magic is the surrounding Thathe Vondo Forest, which is known as the ‘Holy Forest.’

My World Cup dream

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Bent: My World Cup dream
(PA) Wednesday 24 February 2010

Sunderland striker Darren Bent is refusing to give up on his FIFA World Cup™ finals dream. The 26-year-old frontman has plundered 16 goals to date for the Black Cats to fire himself to the fringes of the race to board the England plane for South Africa.

However, with Fabio Capello due to announce his squad for the friendly clash with Egypt at the weekend as Bent goes head to head with surprise contender Bobby Zamora at club level, time is running out for him to prove to the Italian that he has a role to play. But, as he has done ever since his form for Sunderland put the £10million man in the international frame, he is simply concentrating on his job on Wearside and allowing the rest to take care of itself.

Bent said: "It would be nice to be involved. I don't think I have done my chances any harm this season. There are only Wayne Rooney and maybe Jermain [Defoe} who have scored more goals than I have as an out-and-out front man. All I can do is keep working hard, keeping doing well for Sunderland - there's no more that I can do. If it doesn't happen, I will move on."

Bent's desperation to be involved is all the more acute because he believes England have a genuine chance of returning with the trophy after being drawn in Group C along with the United States, Algeria and Slovenia.

He said: "England have got a great chance of winning the World Cup. If we can play as a team and maintain the form that we are in, there's no reason we can't win the World Cup. It was a good draw for England. It's there for us, but it will be tough. There is a long way to go before then - anything could happen. We have always had some of the best players in the world but it's just been a case of them playing as a team and getting everything together.

"You can never really talk about anyone being favourites because there is danger all over. Brazil are strong, Spain are a good team and you can never, ever write off the Germans. Before ever major tournament, they get battered in the lead up to it but, as soon as the finals come around, are always in the semi-finals or final."

Capello talks Owen, Rooney, rivals

Capello talks Owen, Rooney, rivals
(PA) Wednesday 24 February 2010

Fabio Capello has reiterated to Michael Owen that he needs to gain more playing time with Manchester United if he wants to make England's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ squad. The Three Lions coach is in the process of narrowing down his options before selecting 23 players for the world finals.

Owen has scored more goals for England than any other active player, but has struggled for first-team action since joining United last summer. The 30-year-old striker recently admitted that he considers himself a "long shot" for a ticket to South Africa.
He is one of the best English goalscorers of all-time but if he doesn't play, I cannot pick him.
England coach Fabio Capello on Manchester United's Michael Owen

"One of the players (the fans) would like to see me select is Owen," Capello told Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport. "He is one of the best English goalscorers of all-time but if he doesn't play, I cannot pick him."

One player certain to feature, barring injury, is Owen's United team-mate Wayne Rooney. The 24-year-old has been in top form this season and his performances have earned Capello's praise.

"Wayne is an extraordinary player, he is talented and willing to learn," said the Italian. "(Sir Alex) Ferguson has taught him so much while I've only had to polish him.

"I have told him that he must make sure he plays inside the box and he must continue to score goals. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United has given Rooney more responsibility and he is now integral to their plans."
Wayne is an extraordinary player, he is talented and willing to learn. I have told him he must make sure he plays inside the box and must continue to score goals.
England coach Fabio Capello on Wayne Rooney

As for England's ambitions this summer, Capello does not rule out anything. "A top-four finish? It would be a good thing," he said.

"But I don't like to settle for anything even though in the Premier League, I only have 38 per cent of the players available for selection with respect to 67 per cent of Italy and 63 per cent of Spain. Of the rivals, the ones that have impressed me most have been Brazil and Spain."

Buffon ruled out for a month

Buffon ruled out for a month
(AFP) Wednesday 24 February 2010
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Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was on Wednesday ruled out of action for a month with a thigh injury, his club said.

The 32-year-old, who missed over a month earlier in the season after an operation on his knee, was injured during training on Tuesday.

He will miss world champions Italy's friendly against Cameroon in Monaco next Wednesday.

Left-back Fabio Grosso - like Buffon a member of the Italy team that captured the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ - also picked up a muscule injury and has been ruled out of Thursday's UEFA Europa League game against Ajax in Turin.

Singing South Africa's praises

Singing South Africa's praises
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 24 February 2010

It is now almost six years since it was announced that South Africa would host the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. During that time much has been written about the first African nation to host the game’s showpiece event, from ringing endorsements to the most hurtful misgivings. So, as the countdown continues to June’s eagerly awaited kick-off, who better to hear from than some of the coaches of the national teams who will grace the big event itself?

FIFA.com caught up with a selection of the national team supremos who were attending the Team Workshop in Sun City this week and can confirm that, for the finalists themselves, the tournament could not be in better hands.

A united front
Despite the dissenting voices, there can be no disputing that the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil has generated an enormous swell of enthusiasm and expectation. Encapsulating this perfectly was Vicente del Bosque, coach of a Spanish side hotly tipped to lift the Trophy for the very first time: “We coaches, and everyone else who comes to this tournament, have to make this the best advertisement for Africa. This continent needs it, and I believe these finals will be every bit as successful as the previous 18 editions.”

The Spanish tactician, who got a taste of South Africa at last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup, was not the only one delighted to see the elite of world football coming to the continent. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, for his part, felt the most significant thing was that “the tournament was being played outside Europe and the Americas. All the populations of the world have the right to host a World Cup which, given the huge amount of organisation and logistics involved, appeared to be increasingly beyond the reach of less-well-off countries.”
I love this country, and the sense of pride the public feel to be hosting the World Cup is palpable. The people here know how to enjoy themselves.
Joachim Low, Germany coach.

The Celeste supremo, who was also at the helm of his national team at Italy 1990, went further, saying. “It could even pave the way for another African country to host the event, perhaps in the north of the continent. South Africa faced considerable challenges [in organising this event], like improving the road network and the availability of public transport, but it’s worth it as it’s all in aid of the best sporting event on the planet.”

A familiar sight
Of the coaches attending the Workshop, almost all have been to South Africa before – most for last December’s Final Draw, others for the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009, and more still to sample its delights while on vacation. For Marcello Lippi, coach of the defending champions Italy and visiting for the third time, “There is a huge determination here to make the most of this exceptional opportunity. Every effort is being made to ensure this tournament continues to be a great success.”

Echoing that sentiment was Germany’s head coach Joachim Low, who admitted to having visited the country on “countless occasions”. So how would he sum it up? “I love this country, and the sense of pride the public feel to be hosting the World Cup is palpable. The people here know how to enjoy themselves, that’s apparent, and we’re looking forward to coming here in June to join the party.”

Another to have visited the homeland of Nelson Mandela on numerous occasions is New Zealand supremo Ricki Herbert. “We were very impressed with the facilities available for the Confederations Cup. It’s a great country with very friendly people, and I’m sure visiting fans will fall in love with South Africa.”

Doing it their way
With his vast experience in African football, Algeria coach Rabah Saadane said he was “confident the tournament would be organised perfectly. The shared commitment and hard work being done by FIFA and the LOC is very apparent. There’s no reason at all to be worried.” The coach also had other grounds for optimism, saying: “The weather should help produce better games – it’ll be ideal.” It was a theme also touched on by Del Bosque and Lippi, who both felt that playing in the South African winter would reduce the incidence of physical exhaustion.

“I’ve been here seven or eight times,” said Australia coach Pim Verbeek, “and I’ve always enjoyed it, including as a tourist. It’ll be a fabulous tournament, mark my words. I haven’t the slightest doubt that everything will be very well organised.”

In the face of comparisons with previous editions, some grossly unfair it should be said, South Africa’s organisers do face the considerable challenge that is having to follow Germany in the hosting of sport’s premier event. France coach Raymond Domenech had his say on the issue. “We’re in Africa not Germany. Just because there are differences doesn’t mean it won’t be a success here. On the contrary! It’s a challenge for everybody, and one that I have no doubt will be met successfully.”

With such confident predictions from key protagonists, South Africa can be duly proud of the impression it has already made as it goes about its final preparations.

The rise of Mexico's Little Pea

The rise of Mexico's Little Pea
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 24 February 2010
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Up until a little over a year ago, the name Javier Hernandez was associated with the former Mexico striker who represented his country at the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™. Nicknamed El Chícharo (The Pea) because of his small stature, the pacy left-winger was called up as a teenager by the then Tricolor coach Bora Milutinovic. Sadly for him, however, he did not make a single appearance at the finals.

Over the last few months another player with the same name and nickname has been staking a compelling claim for a place in the Mexico squad for South Africa 2010. That player is none other than Hernandez’s son, who at the tender age of 20, has become an idol at club side Guadalajara and the country’s great new hope ahead of the finals.

Patience is a virtue
Although El Chicharito (Little Pea) made his professional debut back in 2006, marking the occasion with a goal, he has had to wait for his chance to shine. With goalscorers of the calibre of Omar Bravo, Adolfo Bautista and Alberto Medina ahead of him in the queue at Chivas, the young striker served a lengthy apprenticeship on the bench, attempting to make the most of whatever opportunities came his way as a second-half substitute.
For me this is a chance to prove myself, and it’s just another goal for me, another dream that’s been fulfilled. The main thing, though, is to make the most of the opportunity.
Javier Hernandez on his chance with the national team

His next goal at the highest level did not arrive until three years later. Yet from that moment on he has done nothing but score, hitting the back of the net 23 times in his last 38 games, the best strike rate by a Mexican forward in recent times. Hernandez Jr. has kicked the new 2010 Bicentenario league season off in style, firing eight goals in the first five games before a niggling muscle injury checked his stellar progress slightly.

Aside from the quantity of goals he's managed, the youngster also has plenty of quality to offer and is one of the most complete forwards Mexico has seen for many a year. Despite his slight build and lack of height, he poses a formidable aerial threat, and his speed on the ground allows him to steal in at the far post unnoticed. And to cap it all, he has a fearsome shot on him.

National duty calls
It is no surprise, then, that Mexico fans and the country’s football writers have succumbed to the youngster’s charms. With Chícharomanía sweeping the nation, much is expected of Hernandez, not least by Tricolor coach Javier Aguirre, who has called him up for Mexico’s friendly against Bolivia Wednesday.

Among the centre forward’s many admirers is the owner of his hometown club, Jorge Vergara. “He’s an extremely mature young lad, unlike many other boys his age,” he enthused. “He’s got a good head on him, and I’m convinced he’s ready for the national side because he’s a great striker, something that he’s proved since being given his opportunity with the first team.”

Hernandez certainly fits that glowing description. A calm, modest character, his success is based on hard work and commitment. “Like any player, my dream is to play in the World Cup,” said the man of the moment. “That’s my goal, and there’s nothing wrong with dreaming about it. All the same, I want to approach things with a cool head. This is a great chance for me right now, and I need to enjoy it and work really hard.”

Despite his inner calm, he admits to feeling nervous at the prospect of the famous green jersey resting on his shoulders. “There are always nerves whenever you play, but I am delighted to be here,” he said with obvious enthusiasm. “For me this is a chance to prove myself, and it’s just another goal for me, another dream that’s been fulfilled. The main thing, though, is to make the most of the opportunity.”

Mexico have the honour of kicking off South Africa 2010 when they take on the host nation in the Opening Match. And as far as Hernandez’s compatriots are concerned, they would like nothing better than to see their new idol mark a memorable occasion by hitting the winning goal.

Champs Pohang stumble in Adelaide

Champs Pohang stumble in Adelaide
(AFP) Wednesday 24 February 2010
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Defending champions Pohang Steelers stumbled to an opening 1-0 defeat in defence of their AFC Champions League title on Wednesday on a disappointing night for teams from Korea Republic.

The Steelers went down to Adelaide United in Australia after exciting youngster Matthew Leckie scored an individual goal in first-half injury time. Leckie ran from deep inside his own half and held off four defenders in a mazy run before scoring with help from defender Park Hee-Chul for the eventual winner.

Adelaide, who lost to Japan's Gamba Osaka in the 2008 final, finished at the bottom of this season's A-League but they showed plenty of spirit against Pohang in a niggly Group H match of 38 fouls.

Asia's top club competition got underway with eight games on Tuesday, a night that saw former Pohang striker Denilson among the goals for Uzbek giants Bunyodkor in their 3-0 demolition of Saudi powerhouse Al Ittihad. Their target is the final in November, with the winner assured of a place in the FIFA Club World Cup.

In other matches on Wednesday, Japan's Gamba Osaka ground out a well-deserved 0-0 draw in Korea against Suwon Bluewings in their opening Group G match. Despite holding the K-League side on their own ground, Gamba will feel that they did enough to take all three points as it was the Japanese team who created the better openings.

In Hiroshima, Sanfrecce's AFC Champions League debut ended in disappointment with a second-half strike by Han Peng enough for China's Shandong Luneng to seal a 1-0 victory. The Chinese international headed home a corner 13 minutes from time to help new boss Branko Ivankovic's side get off to a winning start.

Chinese Super League underdogs Henan Jianye, meanwhile, drew 0-0 at home against Singapore Armed Forces on their competition debut in a tough group that will also see them face Suwon and Gamba. In the other matches being played on Wednesday, Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor secured a 1-0 away victory over United Arab Emirates side Al Ain. The Uzbek side opened their Group C account with three points thanks to a 59-minute strike from Artur Gevorkyan.

Meanwhile, Iranian powerhouse Sepahan drew 1-1 with Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia. Midfielder Hosseini Seyed Jalal opened the scoring for the visitors in the 14th minute but Fisal Bin Sultan denied them victory with an equaliser 20 minutes from the end.

In Group D, Saudi side Al Hilal, coached by former Marseille manager and Belgian footballing great Eric Gerets, thumped Qatar's Al Sadd 3-0 in Doha with striker Yasser Al-Qahtani grabbing the first two goals. Brazilian Thiago Neves then completed the rout in the final minute when he finished from close range past goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.

In the group's other game on Wednesday, Iran's Champions League newcomers Mes Kerman - who are battling against relegation domestically - convincingly beat Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates 4-2 with the Iranian side's midfielder Mahdi Rajabzadeh scoring two.

Spurs, Villa through to cup quarters

Spurs, Villa through to cup quarters
(PA) Wednesday 24 February 2010
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Tottenham and Aston Villa reached the last eight of the FA Cup after victories in their respective fifth round replays on Wednesday.

Roman Pavlyuchenko continued his form, scoring twice as Spurs beat Bolton 4-0 while John Carew converted two late penalties in Villa's 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace. The £13.8 million Russia international Pavlyuchenko, who was starting only his third game of the season after bagging a double off the bench against Wigan at the weekend, put Spurs ahead after 23 minutes with a tenacious turn and finish.

Tottenham's passage was sealed with own goals either side of half-time from Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and defender Andy O'Brien. Pavlyuchenko then rounded off the evening with the fourth goal, which he slotted past Jaaskelainen after being picked out in the box by substitute Danny Rose. Tottenham will face Fulham in the last eight.

John Carew won and converted two late penalties to keep Aston Villa on course for a second Wembley final as they disposed of Crystal Palace 3-1 at Villa Park. Villa took the lead three minutes before half-time but, like in the first leg, there was controversy, with the ball appearing to go out of play off James Milner, but referee Martin Atkinson awarded a corner.

Agbonlahor was first to react to Ashley Young's centre and sent a back header into the corner of the net for his 14th goal of the campaign. However, Palace drew level after 72 minutes when defender Stephen Warnock was adjudged to have brought down Alan Lee in the area and Darren Ambrose converted the penalty. Carew had the final say for the Carling Cup finalists with his double blast after both penalties were conceded by Matthew Lawrence.

City's silverware hopes ended
Ryan Shawcross and Tuncay struck in extra time as Stoke dramatically emerged victorious from their three-game epic with Manchester City to book a meeting with Chelsea. Craig Bellamy had ensured the match at the Britannia Stadium finished 1-1 after 90 minutes by immediately cancelling out Dave Kitson's late opener. But Stoke made a numerical advantage after Emmanuel Adebayor's harsh sending off count by reclaiming the lead through Shawcross from a Rory Delap throw and Tuncay finished the job.

Villa will now travel to Reading after the Royals staged a remarkable comeback to claim a 3-2 victory at West Brom. Gylfi Sigurdsson was the matchwinner in the fifth minute of extra time, just moments after Brian Howard's strike in the third of four stoppage-time minutes at the end of normal time had brought a dramatic end to the replay.

The final whistle was greeted by a mass melee involving players, stewards and officials, with a Reading player appearing to be shown a red card. Robert Koren handed the Baggies a sixth-minute lead before Jimmy Kebe levelled almost immediately.

The hosts restored the lead shortly after half-time when Koren turned on the edge of the area before firing a low shot that went straight through Adam Federici's grasp and into the back of the net. The Baggies appeared set to progress until Howard silenced the home crowd in the third minute of stoppage time. And there was worse to come for Albion in extra time as Sigurdsson settled matters with a sublime curling effort from 25 yards.

UEFA Champions League review

UEFA Champions League review
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 24 February 2010
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The final evening of first-leg contests in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 was marked by a narrow 2-1 loss for 2009 semi-finalists Chelsea at Inter Milan. Despite the defeat the London club grabbed what could prove to be a vital away goal for the return at Stamford Bridge.

Sevilla collected an even better result away from home, eking out a 1-1 draw away against a valiant CSKA Moscow side who lacked fluency during the first half as they returned to action after a lengthy Russian domestic off-season.

The results
CSKA Moscow 1-1 Sevilla
Goals: Mark González 66 (CSKA); Alvaro Negredo 25 (Sevilla)

Inter 2-1 Chelsea
Goals: Diego Milito 3, Esteban Cambiasso 55 (Inter); Salomon Kalou 51 (Chelsea)

Goal of the night
CSKA Moscow 1-1 Sevilla (Mark Gonzalez 66)

Picked out with a short pass some way from goal, Mark Gonzalez’s initial control let him down as he knocked the ball a little too far in front of himself. However that gave the Chilean time to wind up a sizzling shot which flew into the top-left corner of the goal from more than 20 metres past a helpless Andres Palop.

The key moments
Lapse punished: Deprived of regular competitive match action since the Russian league season ended on 8 December last year, CSKA’s defenders took time to find their rhythm. As a result, goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and his two centre-backs were left simply watching each other as a cross came in from Jesus Navas on the right. The ball passed under Vasili Berezutsky’s nose without being cleared and that allowed Alvaro Negredo to steal in and poke the ball into the net. CSKA recovered well after the break but that shaky spell could cost them very dearly.

A perfect start: The second Anglo-Italian meeting of the round began in spectacular fashion, with Inter taking the lead from their very first attack. Samuel Eto’o directed a pass towards Wesley Sneijder and the Dutchman let the ball run through to Diego Milito before dragging a marker away from his team-mate. Milito was then able to turn past John Terry with ease and aim a right-footed drive past Petr Cech. Though containing his joy on the bench, Nerazzurri coach Jose Mourinho must have warmly savoured the moment against his former club.

Twists and turns: Having made the initial breakthrough, Inter let their opponents dominate possession and opted to attack on the counter. After Didier Drogba had connected with the crossbar from a free-kick in the first half, the game changed six minutes after the interval when Salomon Kalou equalised following excellent work by Branislav Ivanovic. That prompted the hosts to change their game plan and they immediately began taking the match to the Blues. This tactic paid off just four minutes later as a failed clearance from Ricardo Carvalho gifted Esteban Cambiasso two attempts on goal, his second a powerful volley from outside the area that finished in the back of Cech’s net. With an hour gone, the Czech custodian had to leave the field with a knee injury picked up away from the action, but his replacement Hilario was given little to do. Everything now looks balanced perfectly for a fascinating decider in London.

FIFA World Cup™ contenders
Among the galaxy of internationals on show at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, there were notable performances from Chelsea’s Ivorian pair, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, as well as a tireless evening’s work from Serbia’s Branislav Ivanovic and the rarely seen French winger Florent Malouda at left-back. In contrast, England’s John Terry still looks to be affected by his recent problems having been beaten for Inter's opening goal. In the Inter camp, the front three of Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto'o and Diego Milito were able to make use of every opening, while the mere presence of Lucio at the back seemed to reassure his colleagues.

In Moscow, CSKA’s rearguard may have failed to shine on the artificial pitch, but the display from Chile’s Mark Gonzalez must have cheered his national team’s training staff after he fractured his ankle in October. Likewise, there was an encouraging debut from Japan’s Keisuke Honda, the 23-year-old who has already notched ten international goals since winning his first cap in June 2008. Lastly, Serbia’s Milos Krasic (28 caps) put in another huge amount of work on the right flank. All will be hoping to grab the limelight in South Africa this summer.

Selasa, 23 Februari 2010

FIFA Master

FIFA Master -
International Master (MAS) in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport

The FIFA Master - International Master (MAS) in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport is a unique Sports Master programme, initiated by FIFA, coordinated by the CIES (International Center for sports Studies) and taught by three prestigious European Universities: De Montfort University (Leicester, UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Milan, IT) and Neuchâtel University (Neuchâtel, CH).

Every year, from late September to early July, a truly international group, approximately 30 postgraduates from over 20 nationalities, is selected among candidates coming from all over the world to participate in this full-time course. Students will attend exciting classes covering all major issues that sports organisations face today. They will hear from qualified professionals and academics and have the opportunity to visit prestigious sporting locations.

To download to brochure of the FIFA Master, please click on the right link.

For further details and in order to apply please click on the link on the right to fifamaster.org.

FIFA World Cup™

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Gerrard: I’ve learned the lessons

Gerrard: I’ve learned the lessons
(FIFA.com) Monday 22 February 2010

Steven Gerrard is one of England’s 'golden generation' of footballers, a group, including Frank Lampard, John Terry and David Beckham, seen as the country’s best chance of winning a major international tournament for the first time since 1966.

The 29-year-old midfielder has lifted the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, League Cup and UEFA Cup in his time at Liverpool, where he has become a legend among the Reds fans as their 'Captain Fantastic'. However, the Anfield favourite has yet to taste glory at international level. Having qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ with a near-perfect record of nine wins from ten games, Gerrard is out to put that right.

Here, he talks to FIFA.com about learning from what happened in Germany in 2006, the pressure of taking part in a penalty shoot-out and the competition England will face in the group stage in South Africa.

FIFA.com: Steven, you missed a penalty as England lost a shoot-out to Portugal at Germany 2006. What did you learn from that experience?
Steven Gerrard: I think, having missed the penalty, I’ll probably be a bit more composed next time and take my time a bit more. I’ll work that little bit harder in training to make sure I know what I’m going to be doing. It all happened really fast in 2006 and I felt after the penalties that I should have taken my time more.

What goes through your mind when you step up to take a spot-kick?
It is massive pressure, but that’s what we’ve got to do, we’ve got to try and handle that pressure. I didn’t handle it in 2006, so if I’m put in that situation again I will try and deal with the pressure a lot better. But it’s difficult, it’s not like taking a normal penalty in practice – you’ve got so much responsibility. You know all the fans back home are watching and when you’re tired, when you’re under so much pressure, that’s when mistakes happen and that’s what happened to me in 2006.

You mentioned being tired in a penalty shoot-out. What about in extra-time? What happens to the body and the mind when a game reaches that stage?
You’re very tired. You’ve run out of energy, you’re desperate for the game to stop, but you need to try and remain focused and concentrate right to the end. It’s very difficult, because at this level a game is very quick, so after 90 minutes you’ve ran out of energy. [Extra-time] is when lot of mistakes come. When the body and the mind are really tired you see teams make mistakes, the game becomes a lot slower. Obviously, the two teams are desperate not to lose the game, so everyone becomes a bit edgy.
It all happened really fast in 2006 and I felt after the penalties that I should have taken my time more.
Steven Gerrard on missing from the spot in 2006

On to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. What was the highlight of the qualifying campaign?
I don’t think there was one moment, but if you consider the overall campaign, we were very consistent. We became a very difficult team to beat and we put in some excellent performances, but the most important thing is that we still keep working hard to improve ahead of the World Cup. We’ve still got a long way to go.

How do you think Fabio Capello will cope at his first FIFA World Cup?
He’ll bring many qualities to the team. He’s a winner; he’s got an unbelievable amount of experience and has enjoyed a remarkable amount of success. He’s transmitting a winning mentality to the team, so fingers crossed that will stand us in good stead for the tournament.

What are your responsibilities within the team? What does England manager Fabio Capello want from you?
The manager wants me to play with freedom, to express myself. It’s starting from the left, but he doesn’t want me to stay in the one position. He wants me to move around and cause the opposition problems by getting into areas where they don’t want me to be.

You are the club captain at Liverpool, but vice-captain with England. What’s the difference between when you are captain and when you are not? Is the pressure off?
Not at all, it’s exactly the same. When I play for England, when I’m not captain, I still approach it exactly the same as if I am captain and I try and go out there and lead by example, so I can help my team-mates and do the right thing. So, although it is nice to be captain and it’s a privilege, you approach the game exactly the same with an armband on or off.

England expects this team to win the FIFA World Cup. Does that weigh heavily on your shoulders?
As players, we have to deal with the expectations and the pressure of playing for England. The supporters and media are very passionate about the country and a lot is expected of us. It’s important that we, as players, cope with that in the best way we can.

Some people are saying England’s group in South Africa will be easier than some of the others. What do you think?
We are pleased with the draw and we’re very confident that we can qualify from the group, but at the same time we have to show the teams respect. Every team has done fantastically well to get to the World Cup and all three teams against us in the group [Algeria, Slovenia and the USA] are desperate to beat England. We know they’re going to play the game of their lives, so we need to make sure we perform well to win.
We are pleased with the draw and we’re very confident that we can qualify from the group, but at the same time we have to show the teams respect.
Gerrard's on England's South Africa 2010 section

When it comes to the USA game, you will have played against some of their players in the English Premier League, such as Hull City’s Jozy Altidore. What do you think of him and how will the team deal with him?
He’s a big, strong centre-forward. He likes to run behind and cause defenders a lot of problems with his strength and his height, so the England defenders will have to play well to contain him. We have fantastic defenders in England, but we need to keep him really quiet, because if we give him time and space he will hurt the team.

Looking back to past FIFA World Cups, which players did you look up to when you were a child and which players do you admire the most?
My favourite player of all time is Zinedine Zidane, the [former] French captain. Just to see him play – the way he moves, the way he controls the ball, the way he passes – is an absolute privilege and there’s so much you can learn from that guy, he’s a genius with the ball. From an England point of view, there is Gazza [Paul Gascoigne]. I like watching gifted players who are skilful, and Gazza is probably one of the most skilful English players there’s even been, so I would pick those two.

Paul Gascoigne played in the FIFA World Cup in Italy 1990 alongside Gary Lineker, who won the Golden Boot with six goals in Mexico in 1986 as well. What do you think of him as a player and his playing style?
His playing style was all about scoring goals. He used to pick up the right positions, really close to the goal, and score a lot in the area. To me, Gary Lineker is a legend. I grew up watching him and I loved it when he was knocking in the goals in 1986 and 1990. You’ve got to take your hat off to him, because scoring goals is the most difficult thing to do in football and he had a very good instinct to be in the right place at the right time.

Which position is most important?

Which position is most important?
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 23 February 2010
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From back to front and flank to flank, the best teams function as one unit, but FIFA.com wants to know which position on the pitch you consider the most important.

A good side starts at the back, and having a safe and commanding presence in goal is certainly vital, especially if your goalkeeper can deny goals that your team otherwise might have conceded. A strong central defender commanding the back and thwarting all danger can have as much of an impact as the goalkeeper, and don’t underestimate the value of a good overlapping run from the full-back position either.

Everyone loves a good winger, and they can stretch and twist defences unlike any other, but the creative midfield position is the pivotal spot for making chances and picking apart opponents. But football is all about goals, so can you look beyond a good striker? And the best defence is a good offence, right?

So, what is the most important position? Simply click 'Add your comment' to make your opinion known, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

Milan look to re-open title race

Milan look to re-open title race
(AFP) Tuesday 23 February 2010
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AC Milan will be hoping to spark renewed life into the Serie A title race when they travel to Fiorentina on Wednesday to play their game in hand on leaders Inter Milan.

Milan sit third in the table, seven points behind the champions but would go second, a point ahead of Roma, if they were to win in Florence. However, the match is as vital for their hosts who need three points to propel them back into the race for a top four finish and UEFA Champions League football for a third season in a row.

Inter moved top of the table at the beginning of October and have stayed there ever since, enjoying at times a lead of up to nine points on the rest but that was cut to five at the weekend following their third draw in a row and Roma's seventh successive success. But Milan could shave another point off that with a victory and vice-president Adriano Galliani believes that would be in the best interests of everyone watching Serie A.

"If that happens it will be interesting for all the media world, the newspapers, television, the fans," he said. "I don't know if the title race is on again, five points isn't a huge amount but Inter have been ahead for several years now. We'll see but this match against Fiorentina is very important for us."

Inter have won the last four Serie A crowns, although the first of which came due to sanctions imposed on Milan and Juventus for match-fixing. That hit both those two clubs and neither has been able to recover enough to seriously challenge Inter in the league since then. The closest anyone has come was two years ago when Roma lost the league by three points but Juventus were a distant third that season and Milan finished fifth.

Recent form
Inter have drawn their last three matches to offer some hope to their rivals but they earned a point on Saturday against Sampdoria despite playing more than half the match with only nine men following the dismissals of centre-backs Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba. Milan have recovered well since their morale-sapping 2-0 loss to Inter in January, when the champions also finished with nine men but still dominated the match while Ronaldinho missed a penalty for Milan.

That result knocked the Rossoneri out of their stride and they followed it up with poor draws against Livorno and Bologna. But wins against Udinese and away to Bari have at least given them some hope. But this match won't be easy against a team that finally managed to bounce back at the weekend after a long dip in form.

Fiorentina had not won in five matches before Sunday's visit of Livorno and were in danger of dropping out of contention for the European places. Things looked bad too when they fell behind but La Viola hit back to win 2-1 and a win would bring them to within four points of fourth placed Juventus.

The other match to be played on Wednesday sees relegation-threatened Udinese host Cagliari. Udinese sit one point above the drop zone and on Sunday fired coach Gianni De Biasi and replaced him with his predecessor Pasquale Marino.

But for Sardinians Cagliari, this match is of even greater significance as if they win they will overtake Juventus and occupy a Champions League qualification position, an unlikely feat for such a small club. Both these games were postponed in December due to the weather.

Asian elite aim for glory

Asian elite aim for glory
(FIFA.com) Monday 22 February 2010
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Asia’s premier club competition kicks off on Tuesday, just two months after Pohang Steelers represented the world’s most populace continent at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009. The South Korean club endured a tumultuous off-season, having lost both their coach Sergio Farias and a host of key players, and their crown will be eyed by a number of well-credentialed candidates from both east and west Asia. Matchday 1 will conclude on Wednesday, with a further batch of eight matches as the 32 participating teams complete the opening fixtures.

As always Japanese clubs will likely prove a major stumbling block for any title aspirant, with J.League clubs having won two of the last three titles. This time around the Japan representatives will be Sanfrecce Hiroshima, J.League champions Kashima Antlers, 2008 Asian champions Gamba Osaka and Kawasaki Frontale. A bonus incentive for Japanese clubs will be the opportunity to win the title on home soil, with Tokyo again scheduled to host the decider in November.

Big-spending Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan, under the guidance of Brazilian FIFA World Cup™-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, have significant aspirations and will most certainly be aiming to improve on last season’s quarter-final elimination. The Uzbeks have boosted their ranks with the addition of a host of talent most notably Pohang’s Brazilian top scorer Denilson.

Two-time champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia will also look to go a step better than their loss in the final last November. On the same side of the continent Iran’s clubs will look to bounce back after a disappointing campaign last year with Esteghlal and Sepahan leading the charge. New teams shooting for continental glory are Iranian outfit Mes Kerman, Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Henan Jianye of China and Indonesian champions Persipura Jayapura.

Sleeping giants
Yet to taste glory at this level since the AFC Champions League commenced in 2003 are Australian or Chinese clubs. Liaoning FC claimed the Asian Club Championship in 1990, while Australia’s Adelaide United were runners-up two years ago, however that is all that two of the regions biggest nations have to show for their efforts in continental club competition.

This year, China’s four representatives are C-League champions Beijing Guoan, newcomers Henan Jianye, Shandong Luneng and Changchun Yatai. Jut two teams will represent the A-League being 2008 FIFA Club World Cup participants Adelaide United and Australian champions Melbourne Victory. Despite domestic domination, the Victory underachieved on their first sojourn into Asia two seasons ago with elimination in the group stage, and the same fate befell Beijing last year. These two clubs will face-off in Beijing in an intriguing highlight of Wednesday’s action.

Tuesday’s eight-match schedule will see Pohang commence their title defence in Adelaide. Both clubs feature significantly changed rosters with key signings being former Fulham star Seol Ki-Hyeon for Pohang, while Adelaide have snapped up proven Dutch striker Sergio van Dijk.

Western challenge
On the other side of the continent one of Asia's best financed teams, Bunyodkor, which features the likes of Brazilian star Rivaldo and AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov, will be further boosted by goal-ace Denilson. After reaching the knockout stage two years in a row, the Tashkent-based side are desperate to make their heavy investment count with an Asian title.

However Scolari's side will find the fiercest of rivals in Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, who demolished fellow Uzbeks Pakhtakor in last season’s quarter-finals before ultimately losing in the final. The Jeddah-based powerhouse suffered a double blow last season by also conceding the domestic title to Al Hilal. Their poor showing cost Argentine Gabriel Calderon his coaching position but with his countryman Enzo Hector at the helm and inspired by the talismanic Mohammed Noor, Al Ittihad appear in good shape to take their Champions League campaign further this time around.

Fellow Saudi club Al Hilal appear a club on the rise having won the league in a canter and then claiming the double with recent success in the cup. Their match-up with Qatar's Al Sadd promises to be another opening highlight.

2010 AFC Champions League Matchday 1 fixtures
23-24 February

Group A: Al Jazira (UAE)-Al Gharafa (QAT); Al Ahli (KSA)-Esteghlal (IRN)
Group B: Bunyodkor (UZB)-Al Ittihad (KSA); Zob Ahan (IRN)-Al Wahda (UAE)
Group C: Al Ain (UAE)-Pakhtakor (UZB); Al Shabab (KSA)-Sepahan (IRN)
Group D: Al Sadd (QAT)-Al Hilal (KSA); Mes Kerman (Iran)-Al Ahli (UAE)
Group E: Seongnam Ilhwa (KOR)-Kawasaki Frontale (JPN); Beijing Guoan (CHN)-Melbourne Victory (AUS)
Group F: Persipura Jayapura (IDN)-Jeonbuk Motors (KOR); Kashima Antlers (JPN)-Changchun Yatai (CHN)
Group G: Suwon Bluewings (KOR)-Gamba Osaka (JPN); Henan Jianye (CHN)- Singapore Armed Forces (SIN)
Group H: Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)-Shandong Luneng; Adelaide United (AUS)-Pohang Steelers (KOR)

Villa double extends Valencia's run

Villa double extends Valencia's run
(AFP) Monday 22 February 2010
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Spanish international striker David Villa scored twice to keep Valencia on course for a UEFA Champions League place as they beat Getafe 2-1 on Monday despite being reduced to ten men.

Valencia - who are in third place in the table eight points clear of fifth placed Deportivo La Coruna - recorded their fourth successive home victory and deserved the three points despite never being at their best. Alejandro Dominguez twice went close to giving Valencia the lead before Villa struck after 39 minutes.

Villa appeared to have wrapped the game up with his second after the re-start to move to the top of the goalscoring charts with 17 for the season. However, the game took a twist with the sending off of defender Alexis Ruano for a second yellow card although there looked to be little contact. Manu Del Moral pulled a goal back for Getafe but for all their pressing they were unable to get the equaliser.

Valencia coach Unai Emery accepted that Villa's clinical finishing had been the difference between two fairly evenly-matched sides. "It was a game in which Getafe created openings but our finishing was crucial to the result," said Emery.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are a long way ahead of us and so realistically we have to look at third place.
Valencia coach Unai Emery

"When we play, we are concentrated on that game and not speculating about the following ones. Barcelona and Real Madrid are a long way ahead of us and so realistically we have to look at third place."

His Getafe counterpart Miguel Gonzalez saw good aspects from his side's performance but generally he was disappointed. "I cannot feel good about the result because we haven't been able to pick up any points but we did dominate possession and our problem was that we did not press forward enough," he said.

On Sunday Real Madrid showed their championship credentials with a 6-2 destruction of Villarreal that put them back on the shoulders of Barcelona at the top of the table. A Cristiano Ronaldo opener was followed by braces from Kaka - one of them a penalty - and Gonzalo Higuain before Xabi Alonso rounded off the scoring with a penalty to give Real coach Manuel Pellegrini victory over the side he left last summer and leaves his side two points adrift of Barcelona.

Despite missing several key players, Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 win over Racing Santander on Saturday. Andres Iniesta scored the opener and then Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez added to the lead with free-kicks before substitute Thiago Alcantara made the win more emphatic with a deflected goal.

Sevilla hold the fourth Champions League spot after they condemned Mallorca to their first home defeat of the season as they ran out 3-1 winners also on Saturday.

Ronaldo to retire next year

Ronaldo to retire next year
(AFP) Monday 22 February 2010
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Double FIFA World Cup™ winner Ronaldo, who is now playing for Sao Paulo's Corinthians, said Monday he would retire from professional football at the end of next year.

The three-times FIFA World Footballer of the Year aged 33 told a media conference he would continue to represent Corinthians afterwards, but only as an "ambassador."
We'll see. I still have a chance to go. For the next one (in Brazil in 2014), it's impossible. It's so far away and time is passing -- including for me.
Ronaldo is still hoping to go to South Africa 2010

"I've renewed for another two years and they will be the last of my career. I want to give my all. I hope to have fun and end with some big wins," he said, according to the G1 news website.

The 1994 and 2002 FIFA World Cup winner did not hide his aspirations of being called up to play for Brazil in South Africa in this year's world finals. "We'll see. I still have a chance to go. For the next one (in Brazil in 2014), it's impossible. It's so far away and time is passing -- including for me."

Storied career
The former Barcelona, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan striker helped Brazil to victory in the 1994 and 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, shrugging off injury to end the latter tournament as top finals scorer of all time with 15 goals. He last played for his country in the 1-0 defeat to France in the quarter-final of the 2006 tournament in Germany. He scored his last goal for Brazil four days earlier in the 3-0 win over Ghana.

Ronaldo's stellar career was overshadowed by injury and fitness issues. He was sidelined while playing for Inter by a knee injury in 1999 only to damage the same knee in his comeback for the club in February 2000, effectively keeping him out of action until March 2002.

Ronaldo was a favourite with fans at the Santiago Bernabeu during a prolific spell with Real Madrid, helping them to the Spanish title in 2003, his debut season. That year he also scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, second leg win over Manchester United. But injuries and his failure to control his weight led to his departure in 2007 for AC Milan.

In February 2008 he ruptured a tendon in his right knee playing for the club against Livorno, an injury that ended his career with the Italian club and triggered his return to Brazil where he signed for Corinthians last year after a long battle to regain form..

UEFA Champions League preview

UEFA Champions League preview
(FIFA.com) Monday 22 February 2010
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Chelsea, Inter Milan and Barcelona, the leaders of Europe’s top three leagues, are the main attractions as the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League enters its second week.

The Londoners are at Inter in the tie of the week and will be hoping to come away from the San Siro with the same kind of result Manchester United recorded there seven days ago. Elsewhere, the reigning Spanish and European champions visit Stuttgart, while CSKA Moscow will need to shake off their midwinter rustiness when Sevilla come calling. In the week’s remaining first-leg match, Bordeaux will be hoping to live up to their superb group-phase form when they sample the white-hot atmosphere of Olympiakos’s Georgios Karaiskakis stadium.

The fixtures
Tuesday 23 February (return leg on 17 March)
Stuttgart-Barcelona
Olympiakos-Bordeaux

Wednesday 24 February (return leg on 16 March)
CSKA Moscow-Sevilla (18.30)
Inter Milan-Chelsea

Match of the day
Inter Milan-Chelsea, San Siro, 20.45

These two sides have never met before in the competition but that does not mean say they are not well acquainted. Having spent three years at Stamford Bridge, where he continues to enjoy plenty of popular support, Jose Mourinho knows the Chelsea team like the back of his hand. Not to be outdone, Carlo Ancelotti is equally well versed on Inter’s strengths and weakness thanks to his eight seasons at the helm of AC Milan.

The Italian will know only too well that, while Inter continue to dominate the Serie A scene, they rarely show the same authority in Europe. Proof of that is the fact that I Nerazzurri have been knocked out at this stage of the competition in the last three seasons, with Manchester United brushing them aside 2-0 on aggregate last year. Further cause for concern for Mourinho’s men is their faltering league form. The championship leaders have recorded three consecutive draws to allow Roma to pull within five points. Inter will have been grateful for a point at Sampdoria last Saturday, however, having played for nearly 50 minutes with just nine men.

In contrast, Chelsea go into the game on the back of a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. That result, secured by two goals from Didier Drogba and a string of fine saves from Petr Cech, allowed the Blues to pull four points clear of United.

The other matches
After sliding to their first league defeat of the season against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona calmed their supporters’ fraying nerves with a comfortable 4-0 win over Racing Santander. The news on the injury front looks brighter too, with both Yaya Toure and Dmitro Chygrynskiy back in action, although the Ukrainian cannot play for the Catalans in this season’s Champions League. Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez are also back from suspension.

On the downside, Guardiola will be without his first-choice full-backs Eric Abidal and Dani Alves, not to mention the midfield duo of Xavi Hernandez and Seydou Keita. Thanks to their well-stocked academy, however, Barça have plenty of back-up to call on. And with Marquez and Thierry Henry also showcasing their dead-ball skills at the weekend, the holders should possess plenty of firepower.

Though languishing in a mid-table position, opponents Stuttgart have recovered well from a poor start to the season. Three wins in a row, the most recent of them a 5-1 romp at Cologne, have helped restore morale, although coach Christian Gross will be denied the services of Ciprian Marica, Arthur Boka and Sami Khedira for Tuesday’s daunting assignment.

Bordeaux ended the group phase unbeaten with five wins and a draw, and also boasted the tightest defence, with only two goals conceded. That record will surely be put to the test in Piraeus, where the French league leaders will run out without the imposing Alou Diarra. Worryingly for them, playmaker Yoann Gourcuff also appears to have gone off the boil. Yet with Marouane Chamakh spearheading the attack, Bordeaux will still feel confident of snatching an all-important away goal.

Olympiakos are a changed team since Bozidar Bandovic took over from Zico in January, and they proved in the group phase that they can be a formidable force in Europe. Finishing second behind Arsenal, the Greeks won all three of their home engagements without conceding a single goal.

CSKA Moscow have not played a competitive match since the Russian league season ended in November, hardly the ideal preparation for the visit of Sevilla. That said, the Andalusian side will have some chilly temperatures to contend with and are still recovering from Saturday’s encounter at Mallorca, a game they won 3-1 but which featured six yellow cards and three reds. Leonid Slutski’s men could only finish fifth in the Russian championship, but earned a creditable second place in the group stage behind Manchester United and ahead of Wolfsburg and Besiktas.

Player to watch
Stuttgart’s naturalised Brazilian striker Cacau tuned up for the visit of the defending champions by hitting four goals against Cologne at the weekend, three of them coming in a 25-minute blitz. “If things go our way, we might just spring a surprise against Barcelona,” warned the red-hot forward.

The stat
100 - The number of matches Pep Guardiola has racked up as Barcelona coach. His record is the kind that most of his colleagues can only dream about: 71 wins, 19 draws and just 10 defeats, with 242 goals scored and 76 against. To cap it all, Guardiola has also steered his side to six trophies out of a possible seven.

What they said
“There’s no question Mourinho left his mark at Chelsea. There’s also no question that Inter are a solid team and that the signings of [Diego] Milito and [Wesley] Sneijder have made them stronger. But we have power and quality in every department. It’s going to be a fantastic match. Chelsea are going to be your worst European nightmare,” Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Have your say
Who will emerge triumphant from the duel between old rivals Ancelotti and Mourinho?

Gerrard: I’ve learned the lessons

Sabtu, 20 Februari 2010

Forlan: I'm a better player now

Forlan: I'm a better player now
(FIFA.com) Monday 15 February 2010

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

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

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

What was the turning point?
The Ecuador match was the decisive game. We were playing at altitude against a very tough team who were also going for a place at South Africa, and we went out and gave our best performance of the competition. That’s the game that clinched it for us, though the matches against Argentina and Costa Rica after that were really tough.
We play tough. We’ve been playing that way for years and it’s part of the national team’s make-up. Uruguay aren’t going to change the way they play now.
Diego Forlan on the Uruguay way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dani Alves or Maicon? You decide.

Dani Alves or Maicon? You decide...
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 16 February 2010
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Brazil has unearthed some outstanding right-wingbacks over the years, among them Djalma Santos, Carlos Alberto, Nelinho, Leandro, Jorginho and Cafu. Now Seleção coach Dunga has the welcome dilemma of having two of the world’s best to pick from.

Dani Alves, an indefatigable 26-year-old with a penchant for taking on opponents, creating chances and cracking fierce, swerving shots from distance, helped Barcelona to an unprecedented quintuple in 2009. He has also impressed for Brazil when given the opportunity.

Maicon is another right-wingback with boundless energy. The 28-year-old’s galloping runs and capacity to defend have helped Inter Milan win the last three Serie A titles, while he has repeatedly excelled in the camisa canarinho of his country.

So, it’s over to you: Who is the better player, Dani Alves or Maicon?

Simply click 'Add your comment' to join the debate, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

Nene proves his worth

Nene proves his worth
(FIFA.com) Friday 19 February 2010
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In 2002, during his first season with Palmeiras, Anderson Luiz de Carvalho or ‘Nene’ was being hailed as one of the revelations of Brazilian football. A move to Santos soon followed, but barely a season later, the then-22-year-old was whisked off to Spain’s La Liga after signing for Mallorca.

For the skilful left-footer, it was to be the start of a roller-coaster six seasons in Iberia that would also take in spells with Alaves and Celta Vigo. Despite enduring relegation with both of the latter while having to battle hard for a first-team place, Nene never stopped believing, and he was rewarded with a 2007 move to AS Monaco. After a loan spell last year at Espanyol, the player got a second chance with the principality side this season, and it is one he has seized with both hands.
I heard Spain’s coach has his eye on me, which is a nice thought. It’s always been my dream to play for Brazil, but the World Cup is a big deal and I couldn’t let such an opportunity pass me by at 28, if it were to come knocking.
Nene on the possibility of playing for Spain

Now 28, Nene currently leads the Ligue 1 scoring charts with 13 goals in 22 outings, and he is playing a key role in the club’s fruitful season. Almost forgotten in Brazil, the playmaker has found favour with both the French media and supporters thanks to his powerful shooting, inventive assists and decisive goals. Moreover, he has proved that the reported seven million Euros Monaco paid for him was not the gamble many people claimed.

Nene’s first stint at the club did not get off to the most auspicious of starts, however. At the time, fellow Brazilian Ricardo Gomes was at the helm, but the attacker failed to ignite under the tutelage of his compatriot. Struggling to adapt, Nene opted to return to Spain when Espanyol showed an interest.

“When I first came to France I noticed quite a different style of football, a long-ball game that was more physical than in Spain. Consequently, I saw little of the ball, something that was not helped by the difficulties I had with the language. I was able to speak to the coach about this issue but not with my team-mates, and that had an adverse effect,” the Brazilian told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview.

“That said, I don’t think I had a bad year. After all, I scored five goals, but I didn’t see eye-to-eye with Ricardo Gomes. He’d been in France for some time, had adopted a French mind-set, and there were things we disagreed about. Although I respect him, I decided it was best to leave,” explains the player who only returned when he got a call from Guy Lacombe, the new man in charge at Monaco.

A new beginning
On his return to the principality, things soon looked up for Nene. “Yes, everything began to better. When I arrived I had a good pre-season, trained really hard and then started taking corners, free-kicks and penalties. So that gave my confidence a boost. I’m more experienced now and my positioning is better, both in terms of marking and instigating attacks. As a result I often have stamina left when my opponents are spent.”

This was evident in two notable performances, against Boulogne-Sur-Mer and Sochaux, when Nene scored crucial goals in the dying minutes. Moreover, he has established a reputation as a dead-ball specialist with four goals from free-kicks (two in the same game against Boulogne) and three from the penalty spot. "I’ve always scored these kinds of goals but my stats have been better this year. That’s why I’ve really impressed,” he says with a smile.

Unsurprisingly, the player is now enjoying everyday life in the peaceful principality. “It’s a lovely place with a pleasant climate, and it’s safe to go out in the streets. I get recognised but not everybody stops me. People here are used to stars,” he continues light-heartedly.

Red or Yellow?
In fact, such has been Nene’s form of late that just last week the Spanish press raised the possibility of his donning the red of Spain for the final few friendlies before this summer’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The midfielder has a Spanish passport, and, having only pulled on the yellow strip for Brazil in a non-official tournament in Qatar in 2003, hewould be eligible. It is a prospect that he admits is flattering but not something he is obsessing about.

“I heard Spain’s coach has his eye on me, which is a nice thought. It’s always been my dream to play for Brazil, but the World Cup is a big deal and I couldn’t let such an opportunity pass me by at 28, if it were to come knocking. But in saying that, I don’t want to think too much about it. I’ll keep trying to play my best and take it from there,” he adds.

Whether or not international football is on the horizon, Nene can console himself with the knowledge that he is still fondly remembered by the fans in Sao Paolo. “I still get a lot of e-mails pleading with me to return, and that makes me very happy.” However, the Brazilian dismisses the idea of following in the footsteps of compatriots like Adriano, Ronaldo and Robinho and returning to his homeland anytime soon.

“I don’t miss many things. I’m happy here. I’d like to stay for another three or four years, and then I’ll think about going back,” concludes the player whose contract with Monaco expires in 2011.

Valcke: The fans are our priority

Valcke: The fans are our priority
(FIFA.com) Friday 19 February 2010
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Approximately 20 international journalists gathered at the Home of FIFA in Zurich for a roundtable meeting with FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke to discuss various topics concerning world football and the FIFA World Cup™. The group was warmly welcomed by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, who stressed to the assembled party that: "Our focus and concentration for the upcoming months is solely the successful organisation of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa."

After the President’s opening words, Valcke answered the journalists’ questions.

On the FIFA World Cup in South Africa
We are on track. FIFA has still not yet received SocceCityr in Johannesburg yet, but the deadline for the handover is on 15 March. On the other hand, we’re very impressed by Durban. It’s one of the most beautiful stadiums ever used at a FIFA World Cup.

On the number of expected visitors
There will be fewer people visiting South Africa than previously estimated by the LOC, which was 450,000. I think that figure may be lower, but I have no idea by how much.
There is no proposal in place at the moment which completely guarantees that a switch to another system would be without problems.
Valcke on video technology.

On refereeing
Nothing will change at the World Cup. We cannot use the World Cup to test things. It’s too late now to change the system. We have been working with these referees for more than two years now and they are the best trios. Plus, there is no proposal in place at the moment which completely guarantees that a switch to another system would be without problems. On 6 March the IFAB [International Football Association Board] will meet in Zurich and, amongst other things, goal-line technology will be discussed when two systems (Adidas-Cairos and Hawkeye) will be presented. But we also need to wait for the results of the experiment currently in place at the UEFA Europa League. So, we can only discuss this at next year’s IFAB in March 2011. Let’s make sure, that when a decision is made, it’s a good one.

On ticketing
We have increased the ticket allocations for South Africans. We need to make sure that we give fans access to the stadiums. We need to offer what fans are expecting, not just hospitality packages. We have moved some Category 2 and 3 tickets into category 4 to reach a level of 20 per cent exclusively for the South African Market. I don’t want to see an empty seat at the World Cup - and we will never give away tickets for free. We have got all unused tickets back from our partners, so we can bring them in the markets. We also work closely with our partners to make sure that all tickets will be going to the fans. So far, we have sold 2.1 out of 2.9 million tickets.
We need to make sure that we give fans access to the stadiums. We need to offer what fans are expecting, not just hospitality packages.
Valcke on ensuring the fans' place.

On travel and transportation
We are in contact with our partner Emirates and also with South African Airways. Emirates, for example, have decreased the prices for a flight from New York to Johannesburg by 30 per cent and implemented new connections from Amsterdam. Domestically, we have arranged extra flights, so that we can move people whenever we want, day and night.

On security
We have invited the respective Chiefs of Police from the 32 participating member associations and all the team security officers for a high level security workshop here in Zurich on 4 and 5 March. It’s the first time ever that a sporting organisation has organised such a meeting before an event. What we are facing in South Africa is a low level crime system, not organised crime. The event itself will be safe, but we cannot secure all of South Africa. We need to make sure that no-one is in danger when we moving from city to city or from the stadium to the hotel. We hope that the country will be a different one after the World Cup in terms of security.

On Brazil 2014
We will have learned some good lessons from the organisation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 2014 will be a similar event in terms of the number of teams coming from European countries. So, for the next World Cup, we might even open ticketing centres around the world.

On the possibility of having a European-only bid for 2018
We will not ask the FIFA Executive Committee to make a decision on having only European countries bidding for 2018. That is up to the associations who are bidding for the World Cup. They need to make up their mind in terms of what they are bidding for. If, in the end, only European associations bid for 2018, then that’s their decision.

Valcke: The fans are our priority

Valcke: The fans are our priority
(FIFA.com) Friday 19 February 2010
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Approximately 20 international journalists gathered at the Home of FIFA in Zurich for a roundtable meeting with FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke to discuss various topics concerning world football and the FIFA World Cup™. The group was warmly welcomed by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, who stressed to the assembled party that: "Our focus and concentration for the upcoming months is solely the successful organisation of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa."

After the President’s opening words, Valcke answered the journalists’ questions.

On the FIFA World Cup in South Africa
We are on track. FIFA has still not yet received Soccer City in Johannesburg yet, but the deadline for the handover is on 15 March. On the other hand, we’re very impressed by Durban. It’s one of the most beautiful stadiums ever used at a FIFA World Cup.

On the number of expected visitors
There will be fewer people visiting South Africa than previously estimated by the LOC, which was 450,000. I think that figure may be lower, but I have no idea by how much.
There is no proposal in place at the moment which completely guarantees that a switch to another system would be without problems.
Valcke on video technology.

On refereeing
Nothing will change at the World Cup. We cannot use the World Cup to test things. It’s too late now to change the system. We have been working with these referees for more than two years now and they are the best trios. Plus, there is no proposal in place at the moment which completely guarantees that a switch to another system would be without problems. On 6 March the IFAB [International Football Association Board] will meet in Zurich and, amongst other things, goal-line technology will be discussed when two systems (Adidas-Cairos and Hawkeye) will be presented. But we also need to wait for the results of the experiment currently in place at the UEFA Europa League. So, we can only discuss this at next year’s IFAB in March 2011. Let’s make sure, that when a decision is made, it’s a good one.

On ticketing
We have increased the ticket allocations for South Africans. We need to make sure that we give fans access to the stadiums. We need to offer what fans are expecting, not just hospitality packages. We have moved some Category 2 and 3 tickets into category 4 to reach a level of 20 per cent exclusively for the South African Market. I don’t want to see an empty seat at the World Cup - and we will never give away tickets for free. We have got all unused tickets back from our partners, so we can bring them in the markets. We also work closely with our partners to make sure that all tickets will be going to the fans. So far, we have sold 2.1 out of 2.9 million tickets.
We need to make sure that we give fans access to the stadiums. We need to offer what fans are expecting, not just hospitality packages.
Valcke on ensuring the fans' place.

On travel and transportation
We are in contact with our partner Emirates and also with South African Airways. Emirates, for example, have decreased the prices for a flight from New York to Johannesburg by 30 per cent and implemented new connections from Amsterdam. Domestically, we have arranged extra flights, so that we can move people whenever we want, day and night.

On security
We have invited the respective Chiefs of Police from the 32 participating member associations and all the team security officers for a high level security workshop here in Zurich on 4 and 5 March. It’s the first time ever that a sporting organisation has organised such a meeting before an event. What we are facing in South Africa is a low level crime system, not organised crime. The event itself will be safe, but we cannot secure all of South Africa. We need to make sure that no-one is in danger when we moving from city to city or from the stadium to the hotel. We hope that the country will be a different one after the World Cup in terms of security.

On Brazil 2014
We will have learned some good lessons from the organisation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 2014 will be a similar event in terms of the number of teams coming from European countries. So, for the next World Cup, we might even open ticketing centres around the world.

On the possibility of having a European-only bid for 2018
We will not ask the FIFA Executive Committee to make a decision on having only European countries bidding for 2018. That is up to the associations who are bidding for the World Cup. They need to make up their mind in terms of what they are bidding for. If, in the end, only European associations bid for 2018, then that’s their decision.

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Forlan: I'm a better player now

Dani Alves or Maicon? You decide.

Nene proves his worth

Valcke: The fans are our priority

Valcke: The fans are our priority

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