Marquez stresses loyalty to Mexico


Rafa Marquez says he plans to play for Mexico for at least two more years and has revealed he may even continue until the next FIFA World Cup™.

The Barcelona defender, who played at the recent FIFA World Cup in South Africa, has appeared 94 times for Mexico and played in three FIFA World Cups for El Tri, but is still only 31 and eager to to carry on representing his country.
I am planning to carry on in the national team.
Mexico's Rafa Marquez

"Much has been said about whether I am going to carry on playing for the national team or not, but I see myself there for at least two more years," he told reporters in Guadalajara.

"After that we'll see how I am, how I feel and the condition I can be in for the next World Cup. The truth is I don't know, but if I'm in not in a condition to play then I will prefer to give the opportunity to the younger players. But I am planning to carry on in the national team."

Marquez has spent seven years at Barcelona, but is reportedly set to join his former Barca team-mate Thierry Henry at the New York Red Bulls.

Marseille win Champions Trophy

Marseille win Champions Trophy
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League champions Marseille won France's Champions Trophy when they beat their biggest rivals Paris St Germain 5-4 on penalties on Wednesday after the match ended goalless.

After a tepid 90 minutes the game went straight to spot-kicks. PSG's Peguy Luyindula missed the very first kick but goalkeeper Gregory Coupet kept out Lucho Gonzalez to leave it level at 4-4 after five kicks.

Ludovic Giuly then missed the first extra kick leaving Marseille's Edouard Cisse to seal the first silverware of the season. The annual curtain raiser to the domestic season between the Ligue 1 winners and the French Cup winners - PSG beat Monaco in the final this year - was some way below the intensity usually shown when these two sides meet in spite of the encouragement of a 55,000 crowd at the November 7 Stadium.

The first half was particularly grim with neither side able to conjure even a hint of a chance. The tempo picked up slightly in the second half when Hatem Ben Arfa came on as a 61st minute replacement for Mathieu Valbuena. The French under-21 international, who has been linked with a number of clubs including Newcastle United and AC Milan as cash-strapped Marseille attempt to raise some revenue, looked keen to impress potential suitors. Four minutes after coming on he went within a whisker of putting Didier Deschamps' side ahead, his 30-metre drive just sliding the wrong side of the upright.

Two minutes from time Luyindula turned well inside the area but put his shot centimetres over the bar. Marseille almost snatched it when Taye Taiwo's shot deflected off PSG's Leyti N'Diaye and on to the post but it was not enough to stop the match from going to penalties. The Champions Trophy is often played outside France in order to boost the image of French football abroad. Last year's curtain-raiser was played in Quebec.

A Menezes rings Brazilian changes

Menezes rings Brazilian changes
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 28 July 2010
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Just 24 days have passed since Brazil were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup™ by the Netherlands. In that short space of time A Seleção have undergone something of a revolution, with Dunga having been replaced in the hot-seat by Mano Menezes, who has picked 11 uncapped players for next month's friendly against USA in New Jersey. Featuring in his first squad are just four men who competed at South Africa 2010, as clear a sign as any that the new coach is intent on giving everyone a chance to stake their claim.

“We are not excluding any of the players who took part in the World Cup,” said Menezes in a press conference after announcing his maiden 24-man party. “You have to understand that most of them need to take a rest.”
I have three main objectives to work on: the 2011 Copa America, the Olympics and the 2014 World Cup, which is the big one.
New Brazil coach Mano Menezes

The quartet in question are Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Ramires and Robinho. And while Menezes is sure to be calling on more of the South Africa 2010 survivors in the months to come, the fact is that with the Men's Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ on the horizon, a process of transition is inevitable.

“We’re not ruling anyone out but in football, like life, nothing stays the same,” explained the former Corinthians coach. “Other players have to be prepared to come in and take their place.”

Whatever process of change Menezes is about to embark on, he has promised it will be “slow and gradual”. That said, with an average age of 23.1 years, his squad for the USA game is markedly younger than the one that travelled to South Africa, which was a mature 28.7 years. The 'veteran' of the group is the 26-year-old Robinho, who will be expected to provide some guidance for the ten new faces: goalkeepers Jefferson, Renan and Victor, defenders Rever and David Luiz, wingback Rafael, midfielders Jucilei, Ganso and Ederson, and forwards Neymar and Andre. Seven of that ten are also young enough to qualify for the team aiming for glory at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in London in two years time.

“I have three main objectives to work on: the 2011 Copa America, the Olympics and the 2014 World Cup, which is obviously the big one as far as we’re concerned,” said Menezes, before underlining the value of Brazil winning a football gold medal for the first time: “London 2012 is a very important target for us too though.”

Three of the players who are sure to feature in his plans for London are Andre, Ganso and Neymar, who have been dubbed Os Meninos da Vila (The Vila Kids). The latest revelations of Brazilian football, the trio have provided lots of goals and entertainment with Santos this year en route to the Campeonato Paulista title and the Copa do Brasil final, the first leg of which will take place tonight against Vitoria.

Talking to FIFA.com back in May, Andre, who has since earned a move to Ukrainian giants Dinamo Kiev, spoke of his hopes of one day running out for the national side: “There’s no doubt that my dream is to make A Seleção and the World Cup here in Brazil. I’ve got four years of hard work ahead of me to achieve that and I want to see everyone together – me, Neymar and Ganso – making history in 2014. Who knows, we could even be doing our dance routines at the World Cup. Can you imagine that?”
I like 4-2-3-1. I like it because it allows you to pick two ball-playing midfielders, which is essential in today’s game.
Mano Menezes on his preferred formation

Whatever selection choices the new coach makes in the months and years to come, he looks set to dispense with the holding midfield role so beloved of his immediate predecessor. None of the five midfielders named in his squad for the USA game – Lucas, Jucilei, Hernanes, Ramires and Sandro – can be regarded as exclusively defensive players, a change in focus that Menezes explained during his unveiling.

“I like 4-2-3-1, a formation that we saw a lot of at the World Cup,” he said. “I used it with Gremio in 2006, when we had a great Brazilian championship, and I like it because it allows you to pick two ball-playing midfielders, which is essential in today’s game. Football is cyclical and this is probably the road we need to take in the next few years.”

It remains to be seen whether Menezes and his team will stick to that road, and whether the promised process of renewal becomes a reality, but for the time being at least, Brazil fans are dreaming of a brighter future.

Jol set to shun Fulham, stay at Ajax

Jol set to shun Fulham, stay at Ajax


Martin Jol is prepared to snub Fulham and remain at Ajax, providing the latter allow him to strengthen the squad this summer.

The 54-year-old Dutchman is reportedly the Cottagers' first choice to replace Roy Hodgson, who has joined Liverpool, but he has hinted he will remain in Amsterdam after talks with the Ajax hierarchy.

"They [Fulham] were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax," Jol told newspaper De Telegraaf this morning.
They [Fulham] were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax.
Martin Jol

Jol had been told he was not able to recruit this summer until Netherlands right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had departed to free up funds.

But, following talks with financial director Jeroen Slop and chief executive Rik van den Boog, Jol has been reassured he can bring in a cheap right-wing option and then spend more if the likes of Van der Wiel and Suarez leave.

The plan needs to be approved by the club's supervisory board - headed by Uri Coronel - but that is unlikely to be a problem after they recruited Jol just a year ago.

Juve lose Iaquinta for a month

Juve lose Iaquinta for a month


Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta has been ruled out for around a month with a thigh injury, the Turin giants have confirmed.

The 30-year-old has felt a pain in his left leg since Italy's last 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ match and, underwent tests when he reported back to the club following the summer holidays.

The tests revealed the presence of a muscular lesion, which has not yet healed on the femoral biceps of the left thigh.

Juve are confident Iaquinta will be back in time for the start of the Serie A season, which kicks off on 29 August.

Juventus's 2009/10 campaign was blighted by injuries, and Iaquinta himself was sidelined for six months following knee surgery on the same leg in October.

Smith worried about lack of depth
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Rangers manager Walter Smith fears suspensions and injuries could turn their season into a struggle. The 62-year-old has lost five players this summer, with key pair Kris Boyd and Kevin Thomson departing to Middlesbrough, and Stevie Smith, DaMarcus Beasley and Nacho Novo also moving on.

Smith, who is entering what he insists will be his last season in the dugout, saw a bid to buy his first player for more than two years fail last week when Burnley winger Chris Eagles rejected a switch to Ibrox. And the former defender is increasingly concerned about the depth of his squad as he bids to win a third successive Scottish Premier League title.

"Injuries and suspensions are what worry me right now, and more than ever before," Smith said ahead of Rangers' pre-season tour of Australia. "In fact, they are what worry me most as I look towards the new season.

"We still have a strong base of a team and if one or two more could be added that would be great. But when you are running with a small squad it's the number of injuries and suspensions that hit you harder.
Injuries and suspensions are what worry me right now, and more than ever before. There is no doubt that could inhibit us a bit.
Rangers manager Walter Smith

"You have to factor in the European football and the matches some of the boys will be playing with their national sides in the first part of the season. I can only hope that doesn't take its toll. There is no doubt that could inhibit us a bit in terms of any success."

Smith, whose side will play Blackburn Rovers, Sydney FC and AEK on their pre-season tour of Australia, added: "We just have to do everything we can to make sure everyone stays as fit as possible, but we have to keep a certain level of discipline in our play as well.

"In fairness to players, there are a lot of times when they get yellow cards for doing very little. But I will be stressing to every player the need to avoid cards.

"If we can keep as many as possible fit and out of trouble with refs then we will be as competitive as we have been in the past. But if we can't then we'll have a problem. It will be a bit of a struggle."

Rangers have already suffered an injury blow: Sasa Papac was withdrawn from the Australian trip as a precaution, after suffering a swollen knee during a collision in Sunday's friendly win over Queen of the South.

Andrius Velicka will also be absent when his team-mates depart today as he continues his recovery from the knee injury that has kept him out since August.

Cole is a fantastic buy

Cole is a fantastic buy


Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes signing Joe Cole is a real coup for new manager Roy Hodgson. Despite his undoubted merits working with players on the training ground, there were those who questioned whether the 62-year-old Englishman had the ability to attract top stars.

But securing the services of the biggest free transfer of the summer, admittedly on reported wages of £90,000 a week, sends out an important message, according to Rush. "I think it's a fantastic buy," said the club's record goalscorer.

"When you look at what we've got attacking-wise, we've got younger lads. But we needed more experience and Cole brings that. Joe could play just behind Fernando Torres. People don't know his position because he can play on the left, right and just off the striker, and I think it's a wonderful signing.

"Skill-wise he is the best in England - there is no-one better. I'm sure Roy Hodgson will play him in every game, especially if he is playing well, and maybe getting regular football is a reason why he has come to Liverpool.
Skill-wise he is the best in England. He can play on the left, right and just off the striker, and I think it's a wonderful signing.
Ian Rush on Liverpool recruit Joe Cole

"To get Joe to come out of London and come to Liverpool is a coup for Hodgson himself. A lot of people were expecting him to stay in London because that's where he was born and been brought up. I think this sends a sign out to Liverpool supporters that the club do mean business."

The 28-year-old England international has agreed personal terms on a four-year deal and will undergo a medical over the next couple of days, but no problems are envisaged which will prevent the deal being concluded. Cole's arrival will also provide Hodgson with a boost as he seeks to persuade the likes of Torres and Steven Gerrard they can be successful at a club which finished a disappointing seventh in the Premier League last season.

Thompson hails Cole capture
UEFA European Cup-winning captain Phil Thompson believes Hodgson has pulled off a masterstroke. "I think he [Hodgson] has had a chat with Torres, met with Steven Gerrard, and he'll have been saying to them, 'we've got a chance of getting Joe Cole'," the Reds' former assistant manager told Sky Sports News.

"Buying Joe will tell them all is not lost. Joe Cole has that bit of character, he can do something out of nothing and has the creative ability that Torres comes alive to, Gerrard too."

Hodgson will now turn his attention to finding a new left-back to replace Fiorentina-bound Emiliano Insua, and also a striker to ease some of the pressure on Torres.

Mosimane: We have to box smart

Mosimane: We have to box smart
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After several years in the shadows, Pitso Mosimane has finally stepped into the spotlight after being promoted to the role of South Africa’s head coach. However, for all his delight at graduating from the position of assistant, Bafana Bafana’s new supremo is the first to recognise the benefits gained from four years under two vastly experienced Brazilians.

The 43-year-old was, as expected, confirmed as Carlos Alberto Parreira’s successor last week, this as the FIFA World Cup hosts attempt to look beyond their successful hosting of the 2010 finals to a new era for both the national team and the domestic game as a whole. Mosimane served as assistant to Parreira during the recent showpiece and also worked under Joel Santana, as well as boasting experience of seven games in charge in a caretaker capacity in 2006.

The former SuperSport coach’s appointment is designed to ensure a seamless transition, with South Africa hoping that they will be able to build on a morale-boosting period of results over recent months that culminated in an unprecedented surge of nationalistic fervour and sentiment at the FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana had been in the doldrums for several years until Parreira's return, and although they did not get past the first round at the FIFA World Cup, they did go on a 13-game unbeaten run in the build-up to the tournament and then beat their highest-ranked opponent to date in a 2-1 win over France in Parreira’s final game.

With such evident progress having been made, it is understandable – and indeed sensible - that Mosimane should be found preaching evolution over revolution. He said: “I want the country to know I have not arrived to throw everything upside down or out of the window. I will listen carefully and communicate effectively.”
I want the country to know I have not arrived to throw everything upside down or out of the window.
Pitso Mosimane

Anxious to avoid changing too much, too soon, the new Bafana Bafana coach is nonetheless very much his own man, and he made it clear that he will not shy away from being tough and ruthless in taking the team forward. “I will not hesitate to make relevant changes where necessary in the interests of the team,” he said. “This job is about taking tough decisions that may not be popular in certain instances, but I will not hesitate to make such decisions.”

Keen to learn the lessons dealt out by the FIFA World Cup, Mosimane used the example of the champions to show the value in staying true to a philosophy even after a major setback. “A defeat is not a disaster,” he said. “Spain lost their first game and won the Cup by showing that technique and tactical organisation is imperative.”

Closer to home, he made a plea for unity to be maintained between all elements of the South African football family, saying: “The Confederations Cup and the World Cup have shown us there has to be continued co-operation and compromise for the sake of the country.”

The Mosimane era heralds a new chapter for Bafana Bafana as they seek to qualify for the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after missing out on the last tournament in Angola. South Africa share a qualifying group with defending champions Egypt but start with games against Niger and Sierra Leone that, on paper, they should negotiate comfortably.

The Pharaohs remains the side most likely to stand between Bafana Bafana and a place at the 2012 finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, but Mosimane is undaunted. “You have to beat them to show who you are,” he said of the impending match-up with the reigning champions. “We have to box smart. When you are up against someone with a strong punch, you don’t fight toe to toe.”

Yet before Egypt can be tackled, Mosimane will first need to face another African giant, Ghana, in his debut as coach in a friendly at Johannesburg’s Soccer City on 11 August. The new man clearly relishes the prospect of a tough start to his tenure. “You can’t run away from these games. The bigger, the better,” he insisted. “We must try as much as we can to arrange matches against big teams so that get a true measure of our team.”

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* Uphill task for Glentoran

UEFA Europa League
Uphill task for Glentoran
Thursday 1 July 2010

Glentoran and Port Talbot are each left with mountains to climb after lopsided first-leg defeats in their UEFA Europa league qualifiers.
* Women's round-up: April 2010

Women's Football
Women's round-up: April 2010
Thursday 29 April 2010

FIFA.com's latest monthly review details the latest developments in FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying and the start of the second WPS season.

Forlan: A reward for Uruguayan football

Forlan: A reward for Uruguayan football


If there was one thing lacking from Diego Forlan’s stellar performance here at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ it was a piece of silverware, particularly after the deadly striker just missed out on clinching the adidas Golden Shoe for the competition’s top scorer. No matter, the inspirational Uruguayan No10 instead made off with the coveted adidas Golden Ball – awarded to the finest player at this year’s finals on South African soil.

Forlan thus becomes the fourth South American to claim the prize, following in the footsteps of Argentina’s Diego Maradona (1986) and Brazilian duo Romario (1994) and Ronaldo (1998). Just minutes after learning of his award, the Atletico Madrid hitman spoke exclusively to FIFA.com.

FIFA.com: Diego, how does it feel to have won the Golden Ball?
Diego Forlan: It’s as great as it is unexpected. I never even imagined something like this, nor did I have my sights set on it. As I’m a striker, I perhaps could have seen myself chasing the Golden Shoe, and in fact I came close. That would have been more normal. But to go from that to winning the prize for the best player... I’m enjoying it and I’m delighted, but I’m very aware that it’s the result of the spectacular tournament the team has had. It’s another reward for this positive period for Uruguayan football.

How did you find out you’d won?
To be honest, after I was nominated I decided to wait and see what happened, especially as there were rumours that I might win but nobody was revealing anything. Then I got a message from a friend in Buenos Aires which said 'Congratulations, you’ve won the Golden Ball’. Then my agent called me and confirmed it. I started getting more calls and suddenly all my squad-mates had charged into my room, and before I knew it they’d chucked me into the hotel swimming pool!

And yet you’re dedicating it to the people who did that to you...
It was incredible how they all came to my room to congratulate me. The fact that my team-mates and a lot of people back home in Uruguay pinned their hopes on me, and I was able to repay that faith out on the pitch while being just another member of the team, makes me feel very happy. I’d also like to highlight those lads who didn’t play much or didn’t feature at all. Those guys make up the backbone of the squad and this award is for them too.

Do you ever worry receiving this kind of recognition will go to your head?
I’ve won other awards during my career and I’m very grateful, but I don’t let them stop my feet from staying on the ground. I’ve got parents who taught me key values and brothers and sisters who help me stay on the right path. Everything is the result of hard work, so I’ll keep working to try and improve.
The fact that my team-mates and a lot of people back home in Uruguay pinned their hopes on me, and I was able to repay that faith out on the pitch while being just another member of the team, makes me feel very happy.
Uruguay striker Diego Forlan

Does this prize help make up for Uruguay not finishing on the podium?
I’m very happy about this award and the goals I scored, but to be honest I’m heading home a little sad because, having watched the Final, it hit me how close we were to playing in it. Losing the semi-final was a really cruel blow, which took me a couple of days to get over and which I still find hard to swallow.

Are you looking forward to having the Golden Ball in your hands?
I’ve not had much time to find out about that, but I gather that they’ll give me it in Zurich. I must admit that I’d have liked to have flown back to Uruguay with it. There’s no doubt it would have been the icing on the cake at the party they’re waiting to throw for us back in our country.

If you keep picking up awards, you’ll end up with no room on your mantelpiece soon...
It’ll definitely look good next to my two Pichichi awards for top scoring in the Spanish league! (laughs) We’ll find a good place for it, I’m sure of that.

Finally, were Spain worthy champions?
No doubt about it. They played the best football over the course of the tournament, they managed to bounce back quickly from their defeat against Switzerland and they always looked to take the initiative. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate their players and coaching staff. Let’s hope one day it happens to us too!

Last phase of bidding process

Last phase of bidding process
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The Bidding Process is entering the last phase, which will also include the upcoming inspection tours, starting Monday 19 July 2010, until the FIFA Executive Committee decides on 2 December about the hosting of the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cups™.

Various bidding associations were contacting members of the FIFA Executive Committee, either formally or informally, in relation to the relevant bids.

In order to ensure maximum transparency and preserve the independence of the members of the Executive Committee during the bidding procedure, FIFA has sent a circular to the bidding member associations informing them of a new policy which makes it mandatory for all bidders to inform the FIFA Ethics Committee in advance and in writing of any form of communication with a member of the FIFA Executive Committee or a member association of a FIFA Executive Committee member.

*To read the latest circular letter to the bidders, as well as information on the Rules of Conduct, please click on the relevant links on the right nad side.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Official Mascot

FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Official Mascot
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In keeping with a tournament that aims to demonstrate "The Beautiful Side of 20Eleven", FIFA and the Local Organising Committee are extremely proud to unveil the most elegant FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 signing so far, in the form of a cat named Karla Kick!

The typically curious Karla Kick, presented today during the opening game of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Germany 2010 in Bochum, will be ever-present at all nine venues in Germany next summer, reflecting the unique qualities and emotions associated with the women's game as a demanding, exciting and highly watchable sport in its own right. Fans can catch a first glimpse of the Official Mascot this year at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany, which kicks off on 13 July.

"Our mascot fully conveys the attributes of women's football, namely passion, enjoyment and dynamism. Thanks to her charisma, I'm sure she will become an appealing figure and a strong symbol of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2010 and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011™,” states Steffi Jones, President of the Local Organising Committee.

“The Official Mascot is a magnificent representative for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 in Germany. Karla Kick displays all the attributes necessary for such an important tournament role and perfectly captures the joy, grace and athleticism of women's football. I’m convinced that this cat's elegance and enthusiasm will be a big hit among fans and players alike," says Thierry Weil, FIFA Marketing Director.

As well as at the stadiums, fans will be able to meet the mascot in the Host Cities, fan parks and at additional venues where people gather to celebrate our magnificent game. As well as fulfilling her important duties as a FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 ambassador, Karla Kick will proudly help to welcome visitors to her beloved country - from north to south and east to west.

The recruitment of the Official Mascot is another landmark on the road to a FIFA Women’s World Cupä that is rapidly gaining the public's attention. With over a year still to go before the kick-off in Berlin on 26 June, more than 200,000 tickets have already been snapped up and the tournament's sponsorship programme is completely sold out.

About the Official Mascot:
Born in Germany in 1995, on the very same day that the German team played in a FIFA Women’s World Cup™ final for the first time, Karla Kick will be 16 years old when the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ kicks off in Berlin next June.

Typically for a cat, Karla Kick is very curious and, although she cannot speak, she will be able to interact with all fans on a non-verbal, emotional level. As the Official Mascot of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011™, she is fully aware of her role as an ambassador for host country Germany and its people.

The Official Mascot, designed by the creative agency GMR Marketing GmbH in Frankfurt, embodies German virtues such as thoroughness and discipline, but she is also adventurous, spontaneous, bubbly, fond of children and very playful. She will often be found carrying around her football, which she uses to overcome all cultural and language barriers. Most importantly, she absolutely believes in fair play and is keeping her fingers crossed for all of the participating teams.
Franz Beckenbauer (2f.R), chairman of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Committee with Steffi Jones (2f.L), chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Marina Hegering of Germany (L), Katherine Alvarado (R) of Costa Rica and the mascot pose
(Getty Images)
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* FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™ a magnet for sponsors: sponsorship programme sold out already »
* Smisek and Korbel named ambassadors for Frankfurt for 2011 »
* Kick-off for volunteers 2011 »
* One year to go until the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2010 »
* Germans promote Women's World Cup in USA »

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Barrera, Piquionne head for West Ham

Barrera, Piquionne head for West Ham
(AFP) Friday 16 July 2010
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English Premier League strugglers West Ham signed Mexico World Cup winger Pablo Barrera from Pumas UNAM for £4 million and also landed French striker Frederic Piquionne from Lyon on Friday.

Barrera agreed a four-year contract with the club after passing a medical and receiving his work permit. The 23-year-old's deal has the option of a further one-year extension. The wide man, who played three times for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ was the second signing made by new Hammers boss Avram Grant and Piquionne became the third less than two hours later.

Piquionne spent last season playing for Grant on loan at Portsmouth and the 31-year-old has signed a three-year contract with West Ham after the east London club agreed an undisclosed fee for the forward. Capped once by France, he scored 11 goals in all competitions for Portsmouth and helped the team reach the FA Cup final.
My goal is to win my place in the team with my skills, to show the fans that I will do my best for West Ham and to win a title with West Ham.
Mexican winger Pablo Barrera

"I am very happy to sign for West Ham because my last manager was Avram," he told the club's website. "I know Avram and I like working with him and I think he likes me. I'm coming to work hard for the squad and I hope we have a good season. Avram is a very, very good coach. Last year we had many problems at Portsmouth but we got to the FA Cup final. As a player, it will be good just to concentrate on my football."

Grant first noticed Barrera's potential in Mexico's 3-1 friendly defeat against England just before the FIFA World Cup and the player believes he can make a big impact at Upton Park. "I knew about West Ham when I was in Mexico. They are a big club and I have heard about the great players they have had in the past," he told West Ham's website.

"For sure, I think it is possible for us to win trophies. I am very excited about the possibilities with West Ham and excited about working with the new manager and the team," he went on. "My goal is to win my place in the team with my skills, to show the fans that I will do my best for West Ham and to win a title with West Ham. People have said that I am the sort of player that the fans want to have the ball as often as possible because I can make things happen. I like to excite supporters."

Barrera, Piquionne head for West Ham

Barrera, Piquionne head for West Ham


English Premier League strugglers West Ham signed Mexico World Cup winger Pablo Barrera from Pumas UNAM for £4 million and also landed French striker Frederic Piquionne from Lyon on Friday.

Barrera agreed a four-year contract with the club after passing a medical and receiving his work permit. The 23-year-old's deal has the option of a further one-year extension. The wide man, who played three times for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ was the second signing made by new Hammers boss Avram Grant and Piquionne became the third less than two hours later.

Piquionne spent last season playing for Grant on loan at Portsmouth and the 31-year-old has signed a three-year contract with West Ham after the east London club agreed an undisclosed fee for the forward. Capped once by France, he scored 11 goals in all competitions for Portsmouth and helped the team reach the FA Cup final.
My goal is to win my place in the team with my skills, to show the fans that I will do my best for West Ham and to win a title with West Ham.
Mexican winger Pablo Barrera

"I am very happy to sign for West Ham because my last manager was Avram," he told the club's website. "I know Avram and I like working with him and I think he likes me. I'm coming to work hard for the squad and I hope we have a good season. Avram is a very, very good coach. Last year we had many problems at Portsmouth but we got to the FA Cup final. As a player, it will be good just to concentrate on my football."

Grant first noticed Barrera's potential in Mexico's 3-1 friendly defeat against England just before the FIFA World Cup and the player believes he can make a big impact at Upton Park. "I knew about West Ham when I was in Mexico. They are a big club and I have heard about the great players they have had in the past," he told West Ham's website.

"For sure, I think it is possible for us to win trophies. I am very excited about the possibilities with West Ham and excited about working with the new manager and the team," he went on. "My goal is to win my place in the team with my skills, to show the fans that I will do my best for West Ham and to win a title with West Ham. People have said that I am the sort of player that the fans want to have the ball as often as possible because I can make things happen. I like to excite supporters."

Barrera, Piquionne head for West Ham

Barrera, Piquionne head for West Ham


English Premier League strugglers West Ham signed Mexico World Cup winger Pablo Barrera from Pumas UNAM for £4 million and also landed French striker Frederic Piquionne from Lyon on Friday.

Barrera agreed a four-year contract with the club after passing a medical and receiving his work permit. The 23-year-old's deal has the option of a further one-year extension. The wide man, who played three times for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ was the second signing made by new Hammers boss Avram Grant and Piquionne became the third less than two hours later.

Piquionne spent last season playing for Grant on loan at Portsmouth and the 31-year-old has signed a three-year contract with West Ham after the east London club agreed an undisclosed fee for the forward. Capped once by France, he scored 11 goals in all competitions for Portsmouth and helped the team reach the FA Cup final.
My goal is to win my place in the team with my skills, to show the fans that I will do my best for West Ham and to win a title with West Ham.
Mexican winger Pablo Barrera

"I am very happy to sign for West Ham because my last manager was Avram," he told the club's website. "I know Avram and I like working with him and I think he likes me. I'm coming to work hard for the squad and I hope we have a good season. Avram is a very, very good coach. Last year we had many problems at Portsmouth but we got to the FA Cup final. As a player, it will be good just to concentrate on my football."

Grant first noticed Barrera's potential in Mexico's 3-1 friendly defeat against England just before the FIFA World Cup and the player believes he can make a big impact at Upton Park. "I knew about West Ham when I was in Mexico. They are a big club and I have heard about the great players they have had in the past," he told West Ham's website.

"For sure, I think it is possible for us to win trophies. I am very excited about the possibilities with West Ham and excited about working with the new manager and the team," he went on. "My goal is to win my place in the team with my skills, to show the fans that I will do my best for West Ham and to win a title with West Ham. People have said that I am the sort of player that the fans want to have the ball as often as possible because I can make things happen. I like to excite supporters."

CAF Champions League preview

CAF Champions League preview
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The race for Africa’s premier club title is about to enter its decisive phase with the start of the competition’s mini-league this weekend. The remaining eight contestants – Congolese outfit TP Mazembe, ES Setif of Algeria, Tunisian champions Esperance, and Dynamos of Zimbabwe in Group A, and Heartland of Nigeria, Algeria’s JS Kabylie and the two Egyptian outfits, Al Ahly and Ismaily, in Group B – will be battling it out for the top-two spots in their respective sections and places in the semi-finals.

Great expectations
This current phase kicks off on Friday with the visit of Esperance to ES Setif’s 8th of May Stadium. The capacity 30,000 crowd in Setif will be in expectant mood having seen their side prevail against the visitors in the teams' last meeting. Moreover, the Algerians have just finished an intensive 10-day training camp in Tunisia, where they enjoyed two morale-boosting wins against top flight opposition.

Tempering that optimism, however, has been a spate of recent injuries and concerns about the fitness of key players. Hadj Aissa and Youcef Ghazali are struggling to shake off knocks picked up early on in Tunisia, a fate that also befell Abdelmoumene Djabou and Hocine Metref. With the latter having been definitely been ruled out of their opening fixture, coach Noureddine Zekri will be hoping the club’s famously passionate home supporters can inspire their heroes to a winning start.

For their part, Esperance opponents rounded off their preparations with a crushing 4-0 win over local rivals CS Sfaxien shortly before leaving for Algeria. However, coach Faouzi Benzarti will be missing injured Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo and will have to call on Ghanaian Harrison Afful and Youssef Mskani to deputise for his injured captain.

In Group A’s other fixture, Dynamos face a stern test with the visit of defending champions TP Mazembe. That said, the Harare side have overcome stiff odds in the past, not least in the same tournament two years ago when they emerged from a group containing Egyptians giants Al Ahly and Zamalek as well as Côte d'Ivoire’s ASEC Mimosas at the expense of the latter two. Commenting on their last-eight draw, former Dynamos coach David Mandigora said: “We’re in a very difficult group but facing the holders in the first match could work in our favour. If we can beat them, then that could give us the impetus to go on and reach the last four.”

More than a game
Another battle royal is expected in the Group B clash between Egypt’s Ismaily and JS Kabylie of Algeria. In the wake of the social and political tensions that accompanied Algeria’s elimination of the Pharaohs in a play-off for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ last year, both countries will be hoping the meeting in Ismaily is remembered for purely sporting reasons and is a step towards the normalisation of their relationship.

For his part, Kabylie striker Mohamed Amine was focusing solely on footballing challenge, saying: “The match will certainly be very difficult, as we’re facing a strong, well respected team with a fantastic history. Ismaily will be very difficult to beat on their own ground and I think they’ll cause us a few problems.”

The hosts, meanwhile, will be without key holding midfielder Hosny Abd Rabo - currently out with cruciate ligament damage - causing a further headache for coach Mark Wotte, who has only one recognised striker available in Mohamed Mohsen. His Kabylie counterpart, the Swiss-born Alain Geiger, opted to take the Canaries to Morocco for their preparation, as they look to upset the 2003 African champions

In the second Group B match, last year’s runners up, Heartland, will host Al Ahly. The Nigerians had a far from ideal build-up with the club enduring financial problems and then parting company with their coaching team this week. Replacements have just been appointed, led by former international Samson Siasia, and they could hardly have been given a tougher start. An official spokesman for the club said this week: “We’ll be giving every support to him [Siasia] but are seeking nothing less than victory over Al Ahly.”

After six years under Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, during which time Al Ahly picked up three African Champions League titles, coaching duties are now the responsibility of Hossam El-Badry. The Egyptian strategist will be hoping to follow in his predecessors footsteps and do justice to their tag as favourites, and will take encouragement from his side’s successful two-week preparation in Germany and Austria.

What was your favourite moment?

What was your favourite moment?

Poll
Who was the most entertaining team at South Africa 2010?

*

Spain
*

Netherlands
*

Germany
*

Uruguay
*

Ghana
*

Brazil
*

Other

The biggest event in sporting history is now over, and the one thing football followers can agree on is what an exhilarating 30 days it has been in South Africa.

Where fans are sure to divided, though, is when it comes to naming their favourite moment of the tournament. FIFA.com wants to hear what was yours.

Perhaps it was something that happened on the pitch, such as a miraculous save, a breathtaking piece of skill, a wonderful or crucial goal, or even a gesture. Maybe it was something that happened in the stands or the Kick-Off Concert, Opening Ceremony, Grande Finale Concert or Closing Ceremony.

Whatever it was, be sure to share your favourite moment with fellow supporters from across the world.

Van Persie: Spain are favourites

Van Persie: Spain are favourites


A day prior to the Dutch facing off against Spain at Soccer City in the Final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Arsenal ace Robin van Persie spoke exclusively with FIFA about his fears, excitement and dreams. “Spain are slight favourites,” he admitted in a candid interview before discussing what it would mean to be a part of the first Dutch side to bring home a world crown.

FIFA: What has coach Bert van Marwijk said to you about playing in the Final?
Robin van Persie: He’s said a lot, but the most important thing is that we got this far, which is good, but it can even be better. We have to show up one more time. We have to give everything one more time and then, hopefully, something beautiful can happen and we can make a lot of people very happy.

The Netherlands have played in two Finals before, in 1974 and 1978. You must be hoping it is third time lucky...
I really do hope so. I experienced it a little bit, what it meant for Holland. Everyone was so happy and now it can even be a step further, a step higher. That’s what we need to make sure of now. This is the third time in our history that we’ve reached the Final, so it’s already quite an achievement that we’re here. But sometimes when you lose by an inch, people are disappointed despite having a great tournament. Hopefully we can prevent this.

Spain, who you will face in the Final, were clearly the better team in their semi-final with Germany. Does this worry you?
Spain are mostly concerned with keeping possession of the ball. I believe you have to put pressure on them. If you don't do that, you’ll let them dominate the match and you put your fate in their hands. I’m not a fan of that.
Spain are mostly concerned with keeping possession of the ball. I believe you have to put pressure on them. If you don't do that, you’ll let them dominate the match and you put your fate in their hands.
Netherlands striker Robin van Persie

Many people consider Spain to be favourites in the Final. How do you see Vicente del Bosque’s team?
They are a fantastic team. They have very good defenders and fantastic midfielders. They have very good forwards and they pass the ball brilliantly. I also think they are favourites to win this final, but that doesn’t say everything. It actually says nothing. It will probably be a beautiful final because we also like to play football with good combinations. I think that we’ll give each other space to play football.

So, the Dutch are underdogs?
Yes. I think Spain are slight favourites in this match because they were European champions two years ago and they just have a very good group. But we have that as well.
It will probably be a beautiful final because we also like to play football with good combinations.
Robin van Persie, Netherlands forward

Do you feel pressure mounting as the Final gets closer?
Not really. We don't have any idea of all that’s happening in Holland, or in the rest of the world, regarding the pressure and media attention, and it has to stay like that.

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is your team-mate at Arsenal. Have you had any contact with him? Would it be strange to play against him?
It’s always a bit strange to play against your colleagues, and we have been in touch via SMS a couple of times. Cesc is a fantastic player. I also find it really strange that he isn’t in the first team for Spain. I don't understand that at all. I think he’s incredible. I’ve been playing at Arsenal for six years with him and every year he’s improved. He’s the captain of our team and I have a lot of respect for him.

You have a picture in your home of Diego Maradona holding the World Cup in his hands. Can you describe what he means to you?
Actually, I never really thought that I’d ever be able to have such a picture [with myself as the subject]. And it’s getting close now. I have a very beautiful picture of him [Maradona], where he’s on the shoulders of a couple of colleagues while he’s holding the cup with a big smile. The picture is hanging in my games room, and it’s a fantastic picture. He expresses a lot of happiness and passion, and everything that a footballer has to have. And maybe, if we win, I can also take such a picture with the Cup.

What do you expect the final moments before the Final to be like, can you describe them?
I’ve never played such a Final of course. I’m not too chatty with the opponent. I keep it short and sweet when talking to them. It’s no different than a match in the Premier League or in Europe. You need to have a firm base. When you enter the stadium you have 45 minutes to do everything - taping your ankles or getting a short massage. When you go outside you have 30 minutes to prepare yourself and then the match starts, so there isn’t anything really exciting.

You are 90 minutes away from being a world champion...
It’s bizarre and it’s weird. I try not to think about it too much. I try to think about the game itself and not about the consequences.

Defeated Dutch honoured at home

Defeated Dutch honoured at home
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Thousands of fans turned the canals of Amsterdam into a sea of orange Tuesday, honking vuvuzelas and throwing confetti at the Dutch football team after its nailbiting FIFA World Cup™ defeat to Spain.

The team, casual in shorts and T-shirts, floated along the seven-kilometre (over four-mile) route on a river boat decorated with orange flowers, sipping beer and making toasts in the direction of the adoring crowds who waved flags, danced and chanted "Holland, Holland" to pumping music.

Supporters, numbering more than 500,000 according to police, lined the city streets and canals vying to get a glimpse of their heroes, many jumping in the water despite having been warned of health hazards. Dozens of small vessels crowded that of the players on the first stretch of the parade on the Ij River, and had to be steered away by police in rubber boats.

"I have never seen a Dutch team fight to the end like this. The players deserve this parade even if they didn't win," 40-year-old Denny de Jonge, two chains of orange flowers draped around her neck, told AFP as she waited for a glimpse of the floating procession.

The Dutch team lost 0-1 to Spain in extra time in Johannesburg on Sunday. "On Sunday, we were very, very disappointed, but now we are mostly proud: second in the world is not bad when you think about it," said Nico Bakker, 23, his cheeks painted in the red, white and blue colours of the Dutch flag.

"Thank you our heroes," read one of the many posters hung from bridges over the canals. Wearing an orange mane and an orange lion's tail in honour of the national symbol, 25-year-old Stefan Bons said Tuesday's parade would "help us process the disappointment". He added: "One doesn't know when the Netherlands will play in another World Cup Final, thus we have to enjoy this to the maximum!"

Team captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst and coach Bert van Marwijk were knighted in The Hague earlier in the presence of Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende who called the team an "inspiration".

Oranje pride
"The Netherlands is proud of Oranje [Orange, the team's nickname]," Balkenende, wearing an orange tie, told the players at his official residence where he hosted them for coffee and cakes with orange icing in the garden decorated with orange balloons. The squad then met their sovereign, Queen Beatrix, before departing by helicopter for their official tribute in Amsterdam.

"Even in second place, the Dutch team are champions in the eyes of their country," the city said in a statement after deciding to press ahead with the boat parade initially scheduled to take place only if the team won. After the boat parade, the players were taken to the city centre Museumplein (Museum Square), where they were presented one-by-one on a big stage to tens of thousands of waiting supporters. Warmly received, the team and its fans then erupted together in a popular Dutch folksong entitled: "Blood, sweat and tears."

About 1,800 police had been deployed around Amsterdam for Tuesday's tribute, as well as about 700 security guards and 200 traffic regulators. "Things were convivial," a police spokeswoman said.

Iniesta: I never lost faith

Iniesta: I never lost faith


Spain hero Andres Iniesta claims he never lost faith in achieving FIFA World Cup™ success, despite a frustrating season with injuries and a bad start for Vicente del Bosque's side in South Africa.

Iniesta, who scored the extra-time winner for Spain in the FIFA World Cup Final against Holland on Sunday, struggled for long periods last season with a thigh problem and only reappeared for Barcelona right at the end of the campaign. The midfielder then aggravated the injury in Spain's friendly win over Poland before the start of the FIFA World Cup and was forced off once more as Del Bosque's side went down 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening match in South Africa.

But the 26 year-old returned to play a key part in Spain's first ever FIFA World Cup success and scored the crucial goal four minutes from the end of extra time on Sunday.

"I have always had faith and confidence. I had a lot of confidence in this team from the very first moment." he said in a press conference organised by Nike in Barcelona on Tuesday.

"It has been a difficult season, hard for me in many ways, but there have also been moments of the season when I have felt good. It has simply been a hard season and nothing more. Then there was the World Cup and all of us were so excited and keen to play. I really hoped things would turn out well for me and after the first game, everything changed - the team recovered well and it ended up as we knew it could."

Iniesta admits it is hard to describe the emotion he felt at having such a crucial hand in Spain's "priceless" victory. "It's hard to explain. All I can say is that I feel very happy, and to have scored such an important goal for everybody, to make millions of people happy - that is priceless," he said. "A lot of people follow us and suffer with the national team, so to see them all so happy is priceless."
I have always had faith and confidence. I had a lot of confidence in this team from the very first moment.
Andres Iniesta, Spain midfielder

Up until the weekend, Iniesta's most famous goal had been an injury-time strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2009, which gave Barcelona passage to the UEFA Champions League final, where they beat Manchester United. And the midfielder is aware Sunday's goal was much more important.

"Every situation has its feelings. The joy I felt that day against Chelsea was the maximum, the same as the other day, maximum joy. But there are only a few teams lucky enough to win the World Cup and it's the biggest tournament there is," he added.

After scoring his goal against Holland in Johannesburg, Iniesta peeled off his shirt to reveal a tribute to former Espanyol captain Dani Jarque, who passed away tragically from a heart attack last year at the age of 26. "It's always been in my mind to pay tribute to him in some way," Iniesta said.

"He was a footballer and the idea came about before the Final. [Spain team-mate] Fernando Llorente mentioned it to me because some of our team-mates were doing similar things with Antonio Puerta [who passed away from a heart condition in late 2007], or some other person they cared for who isn't around anymore.

"And what a moment to pay tribute to such a great person and great friend like Dani. It was the best tribute in the best moment to make sure he remained with us."

South Africa 2010: The Interviews

South Africa 2010: The Interviews
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The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa proved to be every inch the spectacle promised by organisers of these first global showpiece staged on African soil. As the competition’s official website, FIFA.com featured a vast array of interviews with the tournament's top stars. Read on for a sampling of some of the more enticing one-on-ones, or click on the link to the right to read them all.

Andres Iniesta (ESP), 12, July 2010
I'm happy, I'm really happy, that I've been able to score these decisive goals. But the whole team's done an excellent job

Diego Forlan (URU), 12 July 2010
I’m enjoying it [being named South Africa 2010’s top player] and I’m delighted, but I’m very aware that it’s the result of the spectacular tournament the team has had. It’s another reward for this positive period for Uruguayan football.

Robin van Persie (NED), 11 July 2010
Cesc [Fabregas] is a fantastic player. I also find it really strange that he isn’t in the first team for Spain. I don't understand that at all. I think he’s incredible. I’ve been playing at Arsenal for six years with him and every year he’s improved. He’s the captain of our team and I have a lot of respect for him.

Antolin Alcaraz (PAR), 3 July 2010
Just being in the national team was a surprise for me. I think we had three or four players who joined in the squad just before the World Cup. I was surprised to make the final squad and the fact that I started the game against Italy, and scored our goal, was probably the highpoint of my career so far and something to remember for the rest of my life.
We like football that is attractive, attacking and easy on the eye. When you win playing like this it’s twice as satisfying.
Xavi speaks to FIFA.com

Martin Demichelis (ARG), 2 July 2010
South American Zone qualifying is very tough - you only need to look at the quarter-final line-up here to see that half the teams come from our region. Both our style of play and Diego Maradona’s coaching ability came under fire, but we did have to get used to a change of coach, a new style and new players coming in.

Eusebio (POR), 2 July 2010
The players gave everything they had in every game and that’s always the most important thing because results can be unpredictable. We know that we have an excellent team and that we’re in good shape for the next few big tournaments.

Jens Lehmann (GER), 2 July 2010
We've seen a few good matches and a few disappointing ones, obviously. But that's normal at a huge tournament like this.

Eljero Elia (NED), 1 July 2010
We can play a lot better than we have. We’ve been getting the results, but we’ve not yet shown the kind of team we are and the kind of football we can play. We’ve been controlling all the matches, but I think we can still get a lot better and I am sure we will.

Stephen Appiah (GHA), 29 June 2010
I am warmed by the players. You can see that there is no tension, no pressure. Always with smiles, singing and laughing – stuff like that. What I've learnt is the more pressure you put on yourself, the more things go wrong. So, I have been telling the guys that they should be free [and that] nobody should even think about the games.

Yasuhito Endo (JPN), 28 June 2010
We have put in a great deal of effort in training so we are able to move forward very strongly when the ball is passed. Set-pieces are also an important weapon for us. We are also strong when playing as a group.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst (NED), 27 June 2010
We know what’s it’s like to go out of a tournament after one bad match. It’s a familiar feeling actually, and we do not want to feel it again. I hope it will be different here. I am thrilled with the way the team has been playing here in South Africa.

Rafael Marquez (MEX), 26 June 2010
I behave exactly the same on the pitch whether I'm wearing the captain's armband or not. But it's a big responsibility, as well as a good incentive to be well-motivated and to lead by example. It's a great honour.

Sylvain Wiltord (FRA), 24 June 2010
It's completely inexplicable and worrying. This team isn't attractive to watch. There's a real lack of desire and understanding between the players. That can't be the fault of the coach alone.

Salomon Kalou (CIV) 24 June 2010
I think all of us have put lots of pressure on ourselves because this World Cup is being played on our continent. Expectations were huge and we owed it to ourselves to perform well, but the pressure has caused us more stress than anything else and even inhibited our talents. There have been a few players who haven’t been up to the standard required. Their abilities have been crushed by the pressure they’ve put on their own shoulders.

Marek Hamsik (SLK), 23 June 2010
We could have done better. We haven’t showed the best of ourselves and in our last group game we absolutely have to demonstrate that we’ve made improvements.

Xavi (ESP), 23 June 2010
Yes, I’m a footballing romantic just like Cruyff. We like football that is attractive, attacking and easy on the eye. When you win playing like this it’s twice as satisfying. Switzerland’s tactics won them the game; they were trying to find a way to nullify us.

Dirk Kuyt, 23 June 2010
What I try to do as a player is work hard, fight for the ball. Obviously every team wants to perform well, play well, get the good results and score more goals and great goals, but this is the World Cup and every opponent can hurt you.

Michael Bradley (USA), 22 June 2010
I try to play with intensity every time I step on the field. It doesn't matter for me if it's a World Cup or a league match, or training. I am who I am as a player, and it's important to know the things that I do that help my team. I always try to bring that to the table.

Beckham: I don't want to manage

Beckham: I don't want to manage


England midfielder David Beckham has no intention of becoming a coach and is instead focusing on his recovery from an Achilles injury, which he has revealed is ahead of schedule. The 35-year-old's dreams of participating in a fourth FIFA World Cup™ were shattered in March, when he sustained the injury while on loan to AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy.

However, Beckham was invited along to South Africa as part of Fabio Capello's backroom staff and sat on the bench for what turned out to be a wretched campaign, which ended with 4-1 defeat by Germany in the Round of 16. It has been suggested the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player could take charge of the national side in future, but the free-kick specialist is not interested in such talk at this stage in his career and cannot foresee that changing down the line.

"I must admit it's something I've never been interested in," he said in a webchat with Yahoo. "It's not a passion of mine to be a manager of a football team. I'm passionate about the game and being there, and obviously I was wearing the suit, so people have looked and thought I could be going into that."
It's something I've never been interested in. It's not a passion of mine to be a manager.
David Beckham

"I spoke to James (Milner), Shaun (Wright-Phillips), Aaron (Lennon)... all the right-sided players. I spoke to all the players. If there's anything that needed saying from the manager of the players, that was kind of my role. I enjoyed that but, coaching-wise, I love coaching kids - that's one of the reasons I have my academies - the children, I love seeing their faces when they're kicking the ball around.

"I love the enthusiasm, the honesty - that's one of the things I love doing. But coaching a team, being a manager, at this point in my career I don't want to do that and in the future I don't think that will happen either."

As for his personal fitness, Beckham indicated in late April he may not play again until November, sparking fears he may miss the entire Major League Soccer season, which is due to end on the 21st of that month. However, he was seen kicking a ball in South Africa and admitted: "I was told off for that!"

Beckham is now aiming to be back in action by the start of September. "When I had the surgery, the surgeon gave me a schedule," he explained. "I've got a week now before it's four months and then I'm allowed to run, but I've been running for the last ten days. I'm ahead of schedule, it's going well. I should be back in a month and a half."

Becks blames players, not Capello
Meanwhile, Beckham has laid the blame for England's dismal World Cup campaign squarely at the door of the players. "He (Capello) did everything that he could have done," said the midfielder. "He prepared us right. He worked the players to the right amount and he set everything up for the players, but obviously the players know it was disappointing.

"We didn't perform and as players you know that - you know when you don't perform, you know when you don't play well. The manager can do so much and then it's down to the players. The players go on to the pitch and they know if they don't perform, they don't win games.

"The players are honest about that but it's not about individuals, it's not about how individuals play - it's about how we played as a team. It's a cliche but you win as a team and you lose as a team. You have to take the good days and enjoy those, and the bad days you learn from and the team will do that because we've got a lot of young players."
If I'm still playing and I'm still considered to make a difference to the team, I'd love to.
David Beckham on the prospect of representing England at the Men's Olympic Football Tournament in 2012

Beckham also revealed his goal of representing Britain at the Men's Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 - by which time he will be 37. "If I'm still playing and I'm still considered to make a difference to the team, I'd love to, but if not then I'm definitely going to be there anyway," he said.

"It's the east end of London - it's on my manor. To be part of getting the Olympics to the east end of London... it's one of the best experiences that I've ever experienced."

The Netherlands or Spain?

The Netherlands or Spain?
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 7 July 2010
The Netherlands or Spain?
Getty Images
Poll
Which of the following players has the best chance of winning the adidas Golden Boot?

*

David Villa (5, ESP)
*

Wesley Sneijder (5, NED)
*

Thomas Muller (4, GER)
*

Diego Forlan (4, URU)

The Netherlands will take on Spain in the Final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

FIFA.com wants to know which one of these teams you think will lift the Trophy for the first time at Soccer City on Sunday.

Simply click ‘Add your comment’ to join the discussion, remembering to keep your comments clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

What was your favourite moment?

What was your favourite moment?
(FIFA.com) Sunday 11 July 2010
What was your favourite moment?
Getty Images
Poll
Who was the most entertaining team at South Africa 2010?

*

Spain
*

Netherlands
*

Germany
*

Uruguay
*

Ghana
*

Brazil
*

Other

The biggest event in sporting history is now over, and the one thing football followers can agree on is what an exhilarating 30 days it has been in South Africa.

Where fans are sure to divided, though, is when it comes to naming their favourite moment of the tournament. FIFA.com wants to hear what was yours.

Perhaps it was something that happened on the pitch, such as a miraculous save, a breathtaking piece of skill, a wonderful or crucial goal, or even a gesture. Maybe it was something that happened in the stands or the Kick-Off Concert, Opening Ceremony, Grande Finale Concert or Closing Ceremony.

Whatever it was, be sure to share your favourite moment with fellow supporters from across the world.

Bocelli: Showing the best of Italy

Bocelli: Showing the best of Italy

Andrea Bocelli performed at the ‘Celebrate Africa – The Grand Finale’ concert in Johannesburg on Friday and was left satisfied that he had shown the South African public the ‘best of Italian music’ - intimating that those same people had not been treated to the best of Italian football.

As a keen football fan, the world-renowned tenor and multiple World Music Award winner was dismayed to see his team exit South Africa 2010 at the group stage without winning a single game, drawing with Paraguay and New Zealand, before losing to Slovakia.

“In terms of my World Cup memories, I prefer to think back to Spain in 1982 or even Germany in 2006 when we were world champions,” he told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview in the singer’s dressing room. “Of course, this year has bad memories for me because unfortunately our football team didn’t do very well here, so I’m here to at least try and show people the best music that Italy has to offer!”

And show that he did, wowing the sell-out crowd with his musical ability, charm and good humour, the latter typified when he carried a vuvuzela on stage during one of his encores, much to the delight of the audience.

During the concert, Bocelli was joined on stage by Canadian rock star Bryan Adams, performing the Beatles’ track ‘Yesterday,’ but mainly he sang numbers from Verdi and Puccini operas, supported by South African soprano Pretty Yende as well as the Johannesburg's Festival Orchestra and the Gauteng Choristers.
I prefer to think back to Spain in 1982 or even Germany in 2006 when we were world champions!
Andrea Bocelli on his FIFA World Cup memories.

Fittingly, his finale was Nessun Dorma, a song introduced to football fans across the world by Luciano Pavarotti during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. And Bocelli was keen to point out why he felt that particular piece of music could transcend the boundaries between the beautiful game and opera.

“Well, Nessun Dorma finishes with the word ‘Vincerò’ which means ‘I will win’, he explained. “For football fans and footballers, that’s a very strong message. And because of that World Cup, everyone in the world now knows that piece of music – and I’m delighted about that because it’s such a beautiful piece from the operatic repertoire. But in terms of the football [at Italy 90], I simply remember a tragedy because Italy didn’t win!”

Friday's concert was Bocelli’s debut appearance in South Africa, and despite his hectic touring schedule, he was determined to sample a bit of the country’s character and environment with his fiancée Veronica.

“Above everything else, I’m here to learn – I love to learn,” said the 51-year-old. “At the concert, I discovered the heart of the South African audience and I’m really excited because we’re going to be going on a safari in the centre of the country. I’m sure it will be incredible.

“It’s quite emotional to me to be here for many reasons because at school I learned a few things about South Africa, in terms of its history, which I’ve never forgotten. South Africa is a country with a very big story.”

Shakira: I'm feeling the love

Shakira: I'm feeling the love


After performing at the kick-off concert for this FIFA World Cup™, Shakira will also contribute to Final day in South Africa when she sings the official tournament anthem, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), before the players of Netherlands and Spain take the field at Soccer City.

The Colombian pop singer, who also performed prior to the 2006 Final in Germany, took time out from rehearsing to reflect on an "inspiring" month and explain to FIFA.com why she is rooting for Spain and why she has fallen in love with both football and her South African hosts.

What has struck you most about being in South Africa?
I think this whole month that I spent in South Africa has been so inspiring, so stimulating, one of the happiest months of my life in recent years. It's been so exciting to wake up every morning looking forward to the matches, looking forward to the newspaper just to open the sports section because I became such a football fanatic. The people of South Africa are definitely the highlight of this World Cup. They're amazing, they're so joyful, expressive and affectionate. I've been feeling the love since the first day I arrived, every day more and more. For the first time of my life, I arrived at immigration and I saw the immigration officers actually dancing and singing the Waka Waka. It's been such an amazing experience.
They're amazing, they're so joyful, expressive and affectionate.
Shakira on South Africans.

Have you been to any games?
I've been to three. I went to the first game right after the kick-off concert, Mexico-South Africa. I went to Argentina-Nigeria and to Spain-Paraguay. And tomorrow, Spain-Netherlands.

Which teams have you been following?
Of course I was supporting the Latin teams. I think they've played an amazing role in this World Cup. Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil. But I think the Spanish team is quite amazing. And I support them big time. It's my moral duty, I'm Hispanic and I have to support the Spanish team.

Can you give your prediction for the Final?
I wouldn't dare to predict the score but I think you have to believe the octopus. So whatever Paul says, I'll go with him.

Have you learned anything from practising and performing with the South African group Freshlyground?
Absolutely. Freshlyground are such an amazing group. Zolani's voice is very unique, it's incredible. I love their flavours and how they combine different influences and pop music. They're just an amazing talent. I've been so pleased to work with them and to count on their talent for the Waka Waka song.

What is your best memory of the tournament?
One of the most memorable moments I've experienced was when I was stuck in traffic going to the Argentina-Nigeria match and I saw people in the street, coming out of their cars, dancing and singing, and giving me so many hugs. I have never received so many hugs in one month! They're so affectionate, so sweet. All the time, you see a smile on their faces and that is quite inspiring. It has definitely shaped this World Cup. It has also influenced the entire environment, the surroundings and the tourist mood as well. Because I think the tourists feed from the locals' energy. And the locals have been so kind to them that no one can complain. You've seen that spirit of integration, respect and tolerance on the field and in the stadium too. You see how the soccer players hug themselves after a match, how the fans are completely in harmony with the football fans of the opposite team. I think that happens because this World Cup is being held here in South Africa. That influences everyone's state of mind in so many ways.

Webb: We rely on each other

Webb: We rely on each other
(FIFA.com) Saturday 10 July 2010
Webb: We rely on each other
Getty Images

Howard Webb will become the first Englishman to step out at a FIFA World Cup™ Final since 1974 when he leads the Netherlands and Spain out in Soccer City. He sat down with his assistant referees, Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann, and FIFA.com to discuss the challenge ahead and reflect on the importance of teamwork.

FIFA.com: How does it feel to follow in the footsteps of Jack Taylor, the last English referee of a FIFA World Cup Final 36 years ago?
Howard Webb: It is a really special honour. Jack is someone we look up to, he is a refereeing icon and has been a big supporter over the years so to be able to follow him is wonderful. I've just spoken to him on the phone, he has come over for the game so hopefully we'll have a chance to meet. Only 19 men have refereed this game so we feel very privileged to join this exclusive band.

Did you have any inkling you would get the Final before the appointment was made?
Our games went really smoothly, Darren and Mike did unbelievable work for me, and because of the way those games went we thought, 'we've got the chance of a latter stage game'. Other things need to fall into place, like your national team not progressing. We didn't want them to get knocked out but when they did, we realised it increased our chance. To hear our names actually mentioned at the meeting on Thursday was an unbelievable moment for us – we held hands tightly under the table. But the hard work is still to come.
One thing this tournament has demonstrated quite clearly is the importance of teamwork.
Howard Webb

The focus is on you, Howard, but it's clear you're very much a team.
One thing this tournament has demonstrated quite clearly is the importance of teamwork. The three officials taking charge of every game know that one mistake can cost the entire team and mean the end of your ambitions and we rely on each other. The experience we've been through, at the European Championship two years ago [where they went home early] and in domestic and Champions League football, and the World Cup experience here has made us into a really tight unit.

How do you prepare for refereeing a game that several billion people will be watching?
It is a huge game and the pinnacle of our careers but we need to prepare as normally as possible. The game will still last 90 minutes or maybe two hours, we'll still have 22 players and one ball. We will eat at the same time as normal, have some good rest like before a Champions League game, but what we will do is visit the stadium. We have been to Soccer City but only as spectators so we would like to walk the field of play the day before and visualise some situations that might happen. These guys will have a look on their touchline, on the surface and visualise themselves running the line. I'll walk the diagonal that I'll mainly patrol. We did this before the Champions League final and it just makes you comfortable in your surroundings.

What kind of team talk do you have before a game?
Darren Cann: Howard will give us our normal pre-match instructions usually on the morning of the game so we are fully focused. We are aware of the size of the game but have to almost treat it as though it's not the World Cup Final. If you thought about the many thousands of people at the game and billions watching on television you wouldn't be able to perform effectively.
Mike Mullarkey: We'll talk before the game about being the best we can be and having no regrets when we come off. With the radios, we give each other constant encouragement and support, saying things like 'great flag signal'. Although we are not involved in the immediate play all of the time, we are still involved in the game.
The fact we were able to perform under that sort of scrutiny tells us we can do it again.
Howard Webb on the UEFA Champions League Final

It's been an amazing 14 months – FA Cup final in May 2009, UEFA Champions League final in May and now the FIFA World Cup Final. How do you explain what you have achieved as group?
Refereeing is ups and downs and you need to keep your self-belief when things have not gone so well. It is also testament to our teamwork. You need good fortune as well. There are some really talented guys who've not been lucky here. The Champions League this year was the first chance we've had for some years because of the progress of English teams in the past. The fact the opportunity came around was good fortune but you have to take your opportunities when they come.

Will the experience of the Champions League final help you?
In terms of mental preparation, yes. The build-up was similar in terms of media attention and the messages you get from home. We will draw strength from having done that game so close to this one – it takes away some of the unknown factors. The fact we were able to perform under that sort of scrutiny, and that people were talking afterwards about the teams and not us, tells us we can do it again.

Are your families here?
My father came over for the first three weeks of the tournament, but actually went home last Tuesday. Like Mike's father, he had to fly back out on Thursday night.
Darren Cann: My father obviously had more confidence. He took a chance we might get to the final and he stayed. All three fathers will be sitting next to each other.

Finally, Howard, your wife told an interviewer that you can't control your kids, is this true?
She phoned me yesterday and said she was asked who wears the trousers at home – to be fair she is more of a disciplinarian at home, probably because I am away so much and when I go home I treat the kids and am very soft with them. She is the one who has to take control.

Webb: We rely on each other

Webb: We rely on each other
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Howard Webb will become the first Englishman to step out at a FIFA World Cup™ Final since 1974 when he leads the Netherlands and Spain out in Soccer City. He sat down with his assistant referees, Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann, and FIFA.com to discuss the challenge ahead and reflect on the importance of teamwork.

FIFA.com: How does it feel to follow in the footsteps of Jack Taylor, the last English referee of a FIFA World Cup Final 36 years ago?
Howard Webb: It is a really special honour. Jack is someone we look up to, he is a refereeing icon and has been a big supporter over the years so to be able to follow him is wonderful. I've just spoken to him on the phone, he has come over for the game so hopefully we'll have a chance to meet. Only 19 men have refereed this game so we feel very privileged to join this exclusive band.

Did you have any inkling you would get the Final before the appointment was made?
Our games went really smoothly, Darren and Mike did unbelievable work for me, and because of the way those games went we thought, 'we've got the chance of a latter stage game'. Other things need to fall into place, like your national team not progressing. We didn't want them to get knocked out but when they did, we realised it increased our chance. To hear our names actually mentioned at the meeting on Thursday was an unbelievable moment for us – we held hands tightly under the table. But the hard work is still to come.
One thing this tournament has demonstrated quite clearly is the importance of teamwork.
Howard Webb

The focus is on you, Howard, but it's clear you're very much a team.
One thing this tournament has demonstrated quite clearly is the importance of teamwork. The three officials taking charge of every game know that one mistake can cost the entire team and mean the end of your ambitions and we rely on each other. The experience we've been through, at the European Championship two years ago [where they went home early] and in domestic and Champions League football, and the World Cup experience here has made us into a really tight unit.

How do you prepare for refereeing a game that several billion people will be watching?
It is a huge game and the pinnacle of our careers but we need to prepare as normally as possible. The game will still last 90 minutes or maybe two hours, we'll still have 22 players and one ball. We will eat at the same time as normal, have some good rest like before a Champions League game, but what we will do is visit the stadium. We have been to Soccer City but only as spectators so we would like to walk the field of play the day before and visualise some situations that might happen. These guys will have a look on their touchline, on the surface and visualise themselves running the line. I'll walk the diagonal that I'll mainly patrol. We did this before the Champions League final and it just makes you comfortable in your surroundings.

What kind of team talk do you have before a game?
Darren Cann: Howard will give us our normal pre-match instructions usually on the morning of the game so we are fully focused. We are aware of the size of the game but have to almost treat it as though it's not the World Cup Final. If you thought about the many thousands of people at the game and billions watching on television you wouldn't be able to perform effectively.
Mike Mullarkey: We'll talk before the game about being the best we can be and having no regrets when we come off. With the radios, we give each other constant encouragement and support, saying things like 'great flag signal'. Although we are not involved in the immediate play all of the time, we are still involved in the game.
The fact we were able to perform under that sort of scrutiny tells us we can do it again.
Howard Webb on the UEFA Champions League Final

It's been an amazing 14 months – FA Cup final in May 2009, UEFA Champions League final in May and now the FIFA World Cup Final. How do you explain what you have achieved as group?
Refereeing is ups and downs and you need to keep your self-belief when things have not gone so well. It is also testament to our teamwork. You need good fortune as well. There are some really talented guys who've not been lucky here. The Champions League this year was the first chance we've had for some years because of the progress of English teams in the past. The fact the opportunity came around was good fortune but you have to take your opportunities when they come.

Will the experience of the Champions League final help you?
In terms of mental preparation, yes. The build-up was similar in terms of media attention and the messages you get from home. We will draw strength from having done that game so close to this one – it takes away some of the unknown factors. The fact we were able to perform under that sort of scrutiny, and that people were talking afterwards about the teams and not us, tells us we can do it again.

Are your families here?
My father came over for the first three weeks of the tournament, but actually went home last Tuesday. Like Mike's father, he had to fly back out on Thursday night.
Darren Cann: My father obviously had more confidence. He took a chance we might get to the final and he stayed. All three fathers will be sitting next to each other.

Finally, Howard, your wife told an interviewer that you can't control your kids, is this true?
She phoned me yesterday and said she was asked who wears the trousers at home – to be fair she is more of a disciplinarian at home, probably because I am away so much and when I go home I treat the kids and am very soft with them. She is the one who has to take control.

Van Persie: Spain are favourites

Van Persie: Spain are favourites


A day prior to the Dutch facing off against Spain at Soccer City in the Final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Arsenal ace Robin van Persie spoke exclusively with FIFA about his fears, excitement and dreams. “Spain are slight favourites,” he admitted in a candid interview before discussing what it would mean to be a part of the first Dutch side to bring home a world crown.

FIFA: What has coach Bert van Marwijk said to you about playing in the Final?
Robin van Persie: He’s said a lot, but the most important thing is that we got this far, which is good, but it can even be better. We have to show up one more time. We have to give everything one more time and then, hopefully, something beautiful can happen and we can make a lot of people very happy.

The Netherlands have played in two Finals before, in 1974 and 1978. You must be hoping it is third time lucky...
I really do hope so. I experienced it a little bit, what it meant for Holland. Everyone was so happy and now it can even be a step further, a step higher. That’s what we need to make sure of now. This is the third time in our history that we’ve reached the Final, so it’s already quite an achievement that we’re here. But sometimes when you lose by an inch, people are disappointed despite having a great tournament. Hopefully we can prevent this.

Spain, who you will face in the Final, were clearly the better team in their semi-final with Germany. Does this worry you?
Spain are mostly concerned with keeping possession of the ball. I believe you have to put pressure on them. If you don't do that, you’ll let them dominate the match and you put your fate in their hands. I’m not a fan of that.
Spain are mostly concerned with keeping possession of the ball. I believe you have to put pressure on them. If you don't do that, you’ll let them dominate the match and you put your fate in their hands.
Netherlands striker Robin van Persie

Many people consider Spain to be favourites in the Final. How do you see Vicente del Bosque’s team?
They are a fantastic team. They have very good defenders and fantastic midfielders. They have very good forwards and they pass the ball brilliantly. I also think they are favourites to win this final, but that doesn’t say everything. It actually says nothing. It will probably be a beautiful final because we also like to play football with good combinations. I think that we’ll give each other space to play football.

So, the Dutch are underdogs?
Yes. I think Spain are slight favourites in this match because they were European champions two years ago and they just have a very good group. But we have that as well.
It will probably be a beautiful final because we also like to play football with good combinations.
Robin van Persie, Netherlands forward

Do you feel pressure mounting as the Final gets closer?
Not really. We don't have any idea of all that’s happening in Holland, or in the rest of the world, regarding the pressure and media attention, and it has to stay like that.

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is your team-mate at Arsenal. Have you had any contact with him? Would it be strange to play against him?
It’s always a bit strange to play against your colleagues, and we have been in touch via SMS a couple of times. Cesc is a fantastic player. I also find it really strange that he isn’t in the first team for Spain. I don't understand that at all. I think he’s incredible. I’ve been playing at Arsenal for six years with him and every year he’s improved. He’s the captain of our team and I have a lot of respect for him.

You have a picture in your home of Diego Maradona holding the World Cup in his hands. Can you describe what he means to you?
Actually, I never really thought that I’d ever be able to have such a picture [with myself as the subject]. And it’s getting close now. I have a very beautiful picture of him [Maradona], where he’s on the shoulders of a couple of colleagues while he’s holding the cup with a big smile. The picture is hanging in my games room, and it’s a fantastic picture. He expresses a lot of happiness and passion, and everything that a footballer has to have. And maybe, if we win, I can also take such a picture with the Cup.

What do you expect the final moments before the Final to be like, can you describe them?
I’ve never played such a Final of course. I’m not too chatty with the opponent. I keep it short and sweet when talking to them. It’s no different than a match in the Premier League or in Europe. You need to have a firm base. When you enter the stadium you have 45 minutes to do everything - taping your ankles or getting a short massage. When you go outside you have 30 minutes to prepare yourself and then the match starts, so there isn’t anything really exciting.

You are 90 minutes away from being a world champion...
It’s bizarre and it’s weird. I try not to think about it too much. I try to think about the game itself and not about the consequences.

Romario: My heart's divided

Romario: My heart's divided


The winner of the adidas Golden Ball during Brazil’s charge to a fourth title at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™, Romario de Souza Faria knows all about the pressure of representing A Seleção at the competition. And as he also knows, that pressure will be greater than ever when his country plays host to the rest of the footballing world in four years' time.

Romario’s contribution to the tournament’s history made him an obvious choice as one of the guests at the unveiling of the Official Emblem of Brazil 2014 in Johannesburg. Taking the opportunity for an exclusive audience with the legendary goal-getter, FIFA.com asked him about his expectations for the big event on home soil and for Sunday’s Final between two nations he forged close ties with during the course of his club career.

FIFA.com: Romario, you know exactly what the FIFA World Cup means to the people of Brazil under normal circumstances. What can we expect then when the country hosts the event for the second time?
Romario: There’s huge expectation in Brazil, I can tell you that. As millions of people around the world know very well, Brazil is famous for its football, beaches, pretty women and samba. But with the 2014 World Cup coming up our responsibility is to show that there’s more to Brazil than those things, that it’s also a country that can get the job done. I can tell you that in the run-up to 2014 the country will be tackling issues affecting many other parts of the world, like crime and public safety, and we’ll be seeing incidence rates drop. There’s real hope that the country will change for the better in every way, in social and economic terms etc. I’m telling you, the world will see a different Brazil from 2014 onwards.
Winning the title’s an absolute necessity for A Seleção in 2014. The responsibility is huge for the players and the coaching staff.
Romario

You experienced a lot of pressure at USA 1994, a tournament Brazil went into without having won the FIFA World Cup for 24 years. How much pressure will be on the side to win at home after two successive quarter-final eliminations?
It’s very simple: winning the title’s an absolute necessity for A Seleção in 2014, and the only pressure that will be on the players is the pressure to win. It can’t be any other way. The president of the country and Ricardo Teixeira, the President of the CBF (Brazilian Football Federation), have already said 2014 is the biggest thing there is, bigger than anything we’ve had since 1950. The responsibility is huge for the players and the coaching staff because the World Cup is coming back to Brazil after 64 years. We have to use our skill and be the champions.

Are you an admirer of the new generation of players, who should reach their peak at 2014?
No question, we’ve got a great bunch of kids. By the time 2014 comes around this generation will be an average age of between 24 and 26 and that’s important. But even more important is having a group of top-class players who can really make the difference.

Let’s turn to South Africa 2010 now. Do you think the Netherlands and Spain deserve to be in the Final?
With everything the two teams offer in terms of technical ability, they definitely deserve to be there. That’s the conclusion you reach when you look at their recent history too. When the World Cup started I said, as did several other people, that the Netherlands and Spain were two sides to really watch out for. And look what’s happened. The Dutch knocked us out and Spain, who are one of the big candidates, did the same to Germany. It’s got all the makings of the best game of the World Cup.
It’s got all the makings of the best game of the World Cup. With two teams like these, football will be the winner.
Romario on the Netherlands-Spain Final

You played in both countries and you know all about the frustration both have experienced in the FIFA World Cup. Do you think they have finally overcome a barrier now?
I don’t think the Netherlands have because they’ve already reached this stage twice. Make no mistake, to overcome that barrier they need to win the Final. As for Spain, they’ve never got past the quarter-finals and they’ve got a very talented generation of players that’s made the most of this opportunity. Neither side will want to pass up this great chance they have of making history and that’s why I’m convinced it’s going to be a great game.

Whose side will you be on?
Listen, I had the chance to play in both countries. I spent five and a half years in the Netherlands (playing for PSV) and a year and a half with Barcelona, followed by a spell at Valencia. My heart will be divided although the most important thing is that, with two teams like these, football will be the winner. I won’t be cheering either side on although Spain are technically the better team to watch. They play the ball around more, and their style has been drummed into them by the coaches that came along after the [Johan] Cruyff generation. It’s funny to think that a Dutchman introduced this possession-based style to Spanish football. As for the Netherlands, they’ve got some skilful players too, but they all help each other out and are extremely disciplined in tactical terms. So the only thing I can say with any certainty is that it’s going to be a duel between two great footballing schools.

Romario: My heart's divided

Romario: My heart's divided


The winner of the adidas Golden Ball during Brazil’s charge to a fourth title at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™, Romario de Souza Faria knows all about the pressure of representing A Seleção at the competition. And as he also knows, that pressure will be greater than ever when his country plays host to the rest of the footballing world in four years' time.

Romario’s contribution to the tournament’s history made him an obvious choice as one of the guests at the unveiling of the Official Emblem of Brazil 2014 in Johannesburg. Taking the opportunity for an exclusive audience with the legendary goal-getter, FIFA.com asked him about his expectations for the big event on home soil and for Sunday’s Final between two nations he forged close ties with during the course of his club career.

FIFA.com: Romario, you know exactly what the FIFA World Cup means to the people of Brazil under normal circumstances. What can we expect then when the country hosts the event for the second time?
Romario: There’s huge expectation in Brazil, I can tell you that. As millions of people around the world know very well, Brazil is famous for its football, beaches, pretty women and samba. But with the 2014 World Cup coming up our responsibility is to show that there’s more to Brazil than those things, that it’s also a country that can get the job done. I can tell you that in the run-up to 2014 the country will be tackling issues affecting many other parts of the world, like crime and public safety, and we’ll be seeing incidence rates drop. There’s real hope that the country will change for the better in every way, in social and economic terms etc. I’m telling you, the world will see a different Brazil from 2014 onwards.
Winning the title’s an absolute necessity for A Seleção in 2014. The responsibility is huge for the players and the coaching staff.
Romario

You experienced a lot of pressure at USA 1994, a tournament Brazil went into without having won the FIFA World Cup for 24 years. How much pressure will be on the side to win at home after two successive quarter-final eliminations?
It’s very simple: winning the title’s an absolute necessity for A Seleção in 2014, and the only pressure that will be on the players is the pressure to win. It can’t be any other way. The president of the country and Ricardo Teixeira, the President of the CBF (Brazilian Football Federation), have already said 2014 is the biggest thing there is, bigger than anything we’ve had since 1950. The responsibility is huge for the players and the coaching staff because the World Cup is coming back to Brazil after 64 years. We have to use our skill and be the champions.

Are you an admirer of the new generation of players, who should reach their peak at 2014?
No question, we’ve got a great bunch of kids. By the time 2014 comes around this generation will be an average age of between 24 and 26 and that’s important. But even more important is having a group of top-class players who can really make the difference.

Let’s turn to South Africa 2010 now. Do you think the Netherlands and Spain deserve to be in the Final?
With everything the two teams offer in terms of technical ability, they definitely deserve to be there. That’s the conclusion you reach when you look at their recent history too. When the World Cup started I said, as did several other people, that the Netherlands and Spain were two sides to really watch out for. And look what’s happened. The Dutch knocked us out and Spain, who are one of the big candidates, did the same to Germany. It’s got all the makings of the best game of the World Cup.
It’s got all the makings of the best game of the World Cup. With two teams like these, football will be the winner.
Romario on the Netherlands-Spain Final

You played in both countries and you know all about the frustration both have experienced in the FIFA World Cup. Do you think they have finally overcome a barrier now?
I don’t think the Netherlands have because they’ve already reached this stage twice. Make no mistake, to overcome that barrier they need to win the Final. As for Spain, they’ve never got past the quarter-finals and they’ve got a very talented generation of players that’s made the most of this opportunity. Neither side will want to pass up this great chance they have of making history and that’s why I’m convinced it’s going to be a great game.

Whose side will you be on?
Listen, I had the chance to play in both countries. I spent five and a half years in the Netherlands (playing for PSV) and a year and a half with Barcelona, followed by a spell at Valencia. My heart will be divided although the most important thing is that, with two teams like these, football will be the winner. I won’t be cheering either side on although Spain are technically the better team to watch. They play the ball around more, and their style has been drummed into them by the coaches that came along after the [Johan] Cruyff generation. It’s funny to think that a Dutchman introduced this possession-based style to Spanish football. As for the Netherlands, they’ve got some skilful players too, but they all help each other out and are extremely disciplined in tactical terms. So the only thing I can say with any certainty is that it’s going to be a duel between two great footballing schools.