Zenit clean up in 2010

Zenit clean up in 2010


After doing the double in the Russian league and cup and sailing comfortably through to the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League, Zenit St. Petersburg have enjoyed nothing but success in 2010.

"This victory is all down to the players, they did their job well. Secondly, I would like to thank Aleksei Miller and Aleksandr Dyukov, the men who created this team. Thirdly there is the city of St. Petersburg and our fans; I have felt at home here right from the moment when I arrived," said coach Luciano Spalletti, at the helm of the club since last December and who has steered Zenit to their second ever Russian Premier League title.

Remarkably, the team in blue and white were top of the league for 29 of 30 matchdays, being headed only by defending champions Rubin Kazan for a brief interlude after the second round of matches. From thereon in, the 2008 UEFA Cup champions made first place their own, in the process securing the most wins, scoring the most goals and recording the best goal difference in the country’s top flight.
This victory is all down to the players, they did their job well.
Luciano Spalletti, Zenit St. Petersburg coach

Struggles against closest rivals
Despite their overall dominance, Zenit found life comparatively tough against their closest pursuers. They took just a point from record league-title winners Spartak Moskva, who finished fourth, four points from holders Rubin and three from eventual runners-up CSKA Moskva.

And though Zenit finished some six points clear of CSKA in the final analysis, their fans had to endure some unexpected nerves after 10 November’s 3-1 home reverse to the same side. However, Zenit’s first home defeat since August 2009 proved simply a case of putting the champagne on ice, with the club’s second ever league title safely in the bag a few days later.

Zenit and CSKA will therefore be Russia's representatives in next season's UEFA Champions League, while Rubin Kazan will enter at the qualifying phase of the same competition. Moscow heavyweights Spartak and Lokomotiv will take part in the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League.

Relegation battle goes down to the wire
In the scorers’ charts, soaring clear was Spartak’s 19-goal Brazilian Welliton, who finished five ahead of both Lokomotiv’s Aleksandr Aliev and Sergey Kornilenko of Rubin. The newly-minted league champions, for their part, relied on grabbing goals from a number of sources, including 13 from Russia striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov and ten from Portugal schemer Danny.

Goals were much harder to come by for Alania Vladikavkaz and Sibir Novosibirsk, and after just one season in the top flight they find themselves back in the second division. The writing was on the wall for Novosibirsk right from the early stages of the season and they ended up with the fewest wins, the most defeats, the most goals conceded and the worst goal difference of any of the division’s 16 teams.

Vladikavkaz, in contrast, battled to the last in the hope of avoiding the drop. Indeed, they would have secured another season in the Premier League had they done better than a 1-1 draw in their final match away to Saturn Moscow Region or had Amkar Perm lost rather than drawn 0-0 with CSKA.

All change for Premier League
The two relegated teams will thus miss out on the big changes that are being introduced in the Russian top tier. The aim is to eventually have the season start in autumn and finish in spring, in order to bring the country in line with the rest of Europe's major leagues. The first steps towards this change are being taken in 2011, when the 16 teams in the top flight will all face each other home and away before the league splits into two groups of eight.

In spring 2012, the top eight will then fight it out for the title while the bottom eight will battle to avoid relegation. The two teams finishing at the foot of the table will be relegated, while those that are third and fourth from bottom will play off against the teams finishing third and fourth in the second division. From the 2012/13 season, Russia's second division is to be reduced from 20 to 18 teams, while the Premier League will remain at 16 clubs.

The battle for Russian footballing supremacy will therefore recommence in a few short months, with Zenit hoping to become only the second team from outside Moscow to successfully defend their title. Should they do so they will emulate the feats of Rubin, who achieved just that in 2008 and 2009.

2018 and 2022 announcements LIVE

2018 and 2022 announcements LIVE


The decision on the hosting of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournaments will be revealed in Zurich on Thursday 2 December. You can follow all the candidates’ presentations and the announcement of the winners, LIVE here on FIFA.com.

A host of VIPs and renowned personalities from the worlds of sport and politics will be present in Zurich, supporting their home nations’ bids. The world’s media will also turn out in force, with some 1,000 journalists accredited to cover the event, and nearly 70 TV stations broadcasting live from Zurich.

The final presentations by the nine candidates begin on Wednesday at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. Proceedings open with the contenders to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The running order starts with Australia at 14.00 CET, followed on the hour, every hour by Korea Republic, Qatar, USA and Japan, who have the final starting slot at 18:00.

The candidates for the 2018 FIFA World Cup take to the stage on Thursday morning. Belgium and the Netherlands start the ball rolling at 9.00, followed by Spain and Portugal, England, and finally Russia at 12 midday. The running order was previously determined by the drawing of lots.

Following the presentations, the FIFA Executive Committee will gather to consider its verdict and vote on the choice of host nation for the forthcoming finals. The announcement is expected at approximately 16.00 CET, when FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter will open the envelopes to reveal the names of the winners before a live audience and the global media representatives at Zurich Exhibition Centre.

Stay tuned to FIFA.com, the official website of world football’s governing body, for full coverage of two enthralling days. Our LIVE reporting on events at the Home of FIFA begins at 14.00 CET on Wednesday. We’ll exclusively bring you the presentations by all nine candidates, followed by the official announcement of the FIFA World Cup host nations on Thursday afternoon.

Matar: Give the fans something to cheer

Matar: Give the fans something to cheer
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Widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished players, United Arab Emirates international Ismail Matar first served notice of his rich talent when he collected the adidas Golden Ball at the FIFA U-20 World Cup UAE 2003. At the showpiece event on home soil, the attacking midfielder’s inspirational displays helped drive the hosts all the way to the quarter-finals.

Four years later Matar impressed again on the international stage when UAE won the 2007 Gulf Cup, and on the home front he has won two league championships with his club Al-Wahda Sports Club, the second of them coming last season. That triumph has earned them a pace at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010, which kicks off on Wednesday 8 December.

Coached by the Austrian Josef Hickersberger, the Abu Dhabi outfit's immediate aim is to improve on Al Ahli’s first-round exit in last season’s competition. To do that they will need to get past Oceania champions Hekari United FC in the tournament curtain-raiser. Chatting exclusively to FIFA.com, Matar discussed his side’s prospects ahead of the opening match, suggesting that victory over the Papua New Guinean side could herald the start of a new era in Emirati football.

Facing the first hurdle
“Win that game and we’ll take our first step forward in the competition,” said Matar expectantly. “Our immediate goal is to beat Hekari United so we can take on Seongnam of Korea in the second round. After that it’s the semi-finals.”

Future objectives aside, Matar is not taking the Hekari United threat lightly: “It’s our first game in what is a major competition and opening matches are always tough propositions. They’re a very ambitious team and they’ll be out to surprise us and earn the right to face the Asian champions. From what I’ve heard they’ve been preparing thoroughly. They’ve got quality players in every position and it won’t be a walk in the park for us by any means.
There’s a lot of desire among the players to put on a good show and raise the profile of Emirati football. The UAE have enjoyed a lot of success lately.
Ismail Matar

“We really want to beat them, though, and give the fans something to shout about. We’ve picked up a lot of experience playing in the AFC Champions League over the last few years and we have a good blend of youth and experience. Looking at the average age of the team I’d say we’ve got a pretty bright future ahead of us.”

Asked for an opinion on Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma F.C., whom his side will face if they beat Hekari United, Matar had this to say: “Everyone knows how strong South Korean football is and their clubs and the national team have done well for themselves in recent time. Seongnam have been dominating their league and they didn’t win the championship by chance.

“Winning the Champions League also showed how strong they are on the continent. They fully deserve their place in the competition and if we do get through, then we’ll really need to prepare well and stand up to them. They’ll want to do Asian football proud and they won’t be coming here to make up the numbers.”

Expectations to be met
Al Wahda’s domestic rivals Al Ahli were beaten 2-0 by Auckland City in last year’s opening match, a fate Matar believes his side can avoid. “I don’t want to be hard on the Al Ahli players,” he said. “They had a lot of problems to deal with going into that game. Several of their first-team players were injured and they didn’t have much time to prepare.”

And according to the Al Wahda star, they have learned lessons from their compatriots. “We’ve taken all those factors into account and there’s a lot of desire among the players to put on a good show and raise the profile of Emirati football. The UAE have enjoyed a lot of success lately, especially the national team, and at all age levels.”

Last year’s FIFA Club World Cup proved a success with Emirati football fans, and Matar is confident the locals will be turning out in force again, especially with his team carrying the flag for the Arab world and the likes of F.C. Internazionale Milano coming to town.

“Inter are the European champions and they’re a great club with many, many fans around the world, especially in the Middle East and the Gulf countries,” he said. “No doubt their supporters will be coming here in their thousands, and with the likes of Javier Zanetti and Samuel Eto’o they’ve got some genuine world stars. I’m also expecting all the Emirati fans to put their club allegiances to one side and to turn up and get behind Al Wahda, and I think all Arab people living in the UAE will be rooting for us too.”

“People from all over the world will be flocking to watch these stars in action, and whether they’re supporting their favourite team or just here to enjoy the spectacle I think they’re going to have a great time.”

Villa: We could not have performed better

Villa: We could not have performed better


Barcelona David Villa admits his side could not have asked for more after stunning arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-0 at the Nou Camp on Monday to take over top spot in La Liga.

Madrid came into the match unbeaten in 19 competitive games under new coach Jose Mourinho and with a one-point lead over second-placed Barcelona at the top of the Primera Division standings.

However, the capital club were swept aside in remarkable fashion as two goals from Villa, plus further strikes by Xavi, Pedro Rodriguez and substitute Jeffren, completed a comprehensive victory for Pep Guardiola`s defending champions.
The result and the manner in which we achieved it, you cannot ask for more.
Barcelona striker David Villa

Villa, playing in his first Clasico having joined Barcelona from Valencia in the off-season, said after the game: "It`s been a very important win. We looked for the victory and we got it. And the result and the manner in which we achieved it, you cannot ask for more."

The Spanish 2010 FIFA World Cup™ winner warned against getting too carried away with the victory, though, with only 13 rounds of the Primera Division season gone. "We are two points clear. We need to continue working hard. We are in November.

"Just as before the game nothing was lost, now neither have we won anything. We have an advantage but we need to continue working."

Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, whose side were up against it early on after falling 2-0 down after 18 minutes, was quoted as saying in AS: "We didn`t expect a game like this but there`s a lot of the season left and this isn`t over.

"They have made things a lot easier for themselves by scoring the first so early and then getting the second quickly. It`s been very difficult. We have to learn from the mistakes we`ve made."

Women’s round-up: November 2010

Women’s round-up: November 2010


The FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011 took shape, Asia crowned its top female players and Marta found herself without a club as USA’s champions went to the wall. FIFA.com reflects on all this and more in reviewing a dramatic month in women’s football.

Club Football
Marta up for grabs as champions fold
Less than two months after being crowned WPS champions, FC Gold Pride went out of business on 16 November, having failed to match their success on the field with investment off it. The Californian outfit are the third franchise to fold in the WPS’s short history, although those in charge of the US top flight have insisted that it will continue in 2011 with a reduced six-team format. A further consequence of Gold Pride’s demise is that the likes of Marta, Christine Sinclair, Ali Riley, Kelley O’Hara and Shannon Boxx find themselves among the most sought-after free agents in world football. With Ramona Bachmann, Cristiane and Natasha Kai also out of contract and on the hunt for new employers, it promises to be a busy close season.

Champions League field narrows
Fulham’s Craven Cottage has been named as the venue for this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League final, and two English clubs remain in the running to compete in Europe’s showpiece fixture. The competition has now reached the quarter-final stage, with Arsenal having qualified to face Sweden’s Linkopings FC, Everton up against FCR 2001 Duisburg, and French duo Lyon and Juvisy Essonne set to take on Russians Zvezda-2005 and Germany’s FFC Turbine Potsdam respectively.

In-form Frankfurt lead the way
Having underachieved in recent seasons, FFC Frankfurt are once again leading from the front in the Frauen Bundesliga after following up a 4-1 win over champions and nearest challengers Turbine Potsdam with an 8-0 drubbing of SC 07 Bad Neuenhar. A key factor in the club’s resurgence has been the outstanding form of its contingent of German internationals, with Kersten Garefrekes particularly impressive for a free-scoring side that also includes the talents of Nadine Angerer, Birgit Prinz, Melanie Behringer, Sanra Smisek and rising star Dzsenifer Marozsan.

International Football
Germany 2011 takes shape
November witnessed the final pieces of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ jigsaw fall into place as the last few berths were secured ahead of last night’s draw in Frankfurt. First to book their tickets were Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, with the former taking the African laurels following a 4-2 win in the final of CAF Women’s Championship. CONCACAF duo Canada and Mexico followed suit a couple of days later, the latter going down to a solitary Christine Sinclair goal in the final after upsetting USA in the last four. Brazil then took the South American title, qualifying alongside first-timers Colombia, this before the US gained a reprieve by edging out Italy in a tense play-off. The Americans’ reward was a place alongside Korea DPR, Colombia and Sweden in Group C, while the hosts will face up to Canada in the opening match before going up against France and Nigeria. Comprehensive coverage of the draw and all the final qualifying drama can be found by visiting our dedicated FIFA Women’s World Cup section and by clicking on the links to the right.

Gill, Yeo reign in Asia
Asia crowned its top performers of 2010 last week, with Australia’s Kathryn Gill taking the AFC Women’s Player of the Year award and Korea Republic U-17 star Yeo Min-Ji the youth equivalent. Gill, who described herself as “humbled” after receiving the honour, was rewarded for her outstanding form in the Matildas’ triumphant Asian Women’s Cup campaign, while Yeo earned recognition for her starring role in Korea Republic’s historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph.

Development
The Middle East provided the focus for FIFA’s development work over the past month, with consultancies in Jordan and Iraq, a coaching course in Bahrain and a combined coaching/refereeing Futsal course in Kuwait. A visit was also paid to eastern Europe, with Belarus’s aspiring coaches benefiting from a course of their own.

The stat
122 – The record number of nations that set out to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011, a number now whittled down to a final 16. Only 45 were involved in the preliminary competition for the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, with the number of qualifying matches during that same period having risen from 110 to 355.

The quote
“There are six or seven teams that can win it and that’s unique. We haven’t had that since this tournament started way back in 1991,” USA coach Pia Sundhage on next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Wenger: I am still quite optimistic

Wenger: I am still quite optimistic


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has once again urged Gunners' fans to "keep faith" with his young side ahead of their English League Cup quarter-final against Wigan on Tuesday.

The north London club have not won a major trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2005. Arsenal, in the intervening five years, have played some of the most attractive football in England, with Wenger repeatedly insisting the club's future is bright. But for some Arsenal fans who believe their club loses little in history or tradition compared to the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea, the Frenchman's assurances of a better tomorrow are starting to wear a bit thin.

At some point promise has to become achievement if it is not to turn into disillusionment and for many Arsenal supporters that time is now. Last weekend's 4-2 league win over Aston Villa meant Arsenal avoided a third straight defeat after blowing a two-goal lead against north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and losing 2-0 to Portuguese side Sporting Braga, a defeat that left them still short of qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

"For over two months we have played every three days, and part of that is sometimes you have ups and downs. It is how you respond to that," Wenger told his club's official website.

"The problem at the moment is that when these kind of things happen, everybody is emphasising the negative sides. I am still quite optimistic, even if disappointed by the results.

"I have no major reason to doubt the team and the players, so even if my disappointment was huge, maybe that is why I am less down than many people because I see all the positive signs which are in my team.

"I am confident on the longer-term, like it is a marathon, that will all come out - keep with us, and keep faith with the team. I know their attitude is spot on, I know they have the quality - and we will not always lose games where the opponent only has one shot on goal."

Wenger insisted he would take the League Cup tie "seriously" but he also said: "I have to consider how many games my players play. For six weeks we have played every three days with Champions League and internationals. I will consider who needs to play and who needs to rest."

The likes of strikers Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner, on the bench against Villa, could feature when Wigan come to the Emirates Stadium but Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and centre-half Sebastien Squillaci (knee) have both been ruled out of the tie.

Titans align in Group C

Titans align in Group C

Gasps filled the room when the combatants for FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011’s Group C were revealed. The section contains three of the world’s most feared competitors: USA, Korea DPR and Sweden. The Americans struggled to book their ticket at the big show in Germany, but the two-time champions and two-time Olympic gold medallists will still be in front of the pack as heavy favourites. Korea DPR, who have been coming on at youth level in recent years, bring their usual short-passing game and organisation. Sweden will aim to revive their former glory days of the 1990s while Colombia, playing in their first-ever Women’s World Cup, are very much the outsiders.

The favourite
USA: Pia Sundhage will guide the USA up against her native Sweden, where she was a playing icon during the 1980s and 90s. The Americans slipped up against Mexico in the qualifying tournament in Cancun and barely eked past Italy in the resultant play-off. Even so, the coach’s insistence on allying a stylish passing game with the team’s traditional competitiveness and physical power will have the Stars and Stripes – No1 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking – sitting sturdy favourites. The USA are a tough ask when titles are on the line, and with the likes of Hope Solo and Abby Wambach in the team, Germany 2011 is likely to be no exception. “The loss against Mexico and the play-off against Italy were a real eye opener; we realized that we're not unbeatable,” Sundhage told FIFA.com. “Now my girls are aware of the danger.”

The players to watch
Kristine Lilly (USA), Abby Wambach (USA), Hope Solo (USA), Jo Yun-Mi (PRK), Kim Kyong Hwa (PRK), Yorely Rincon (COL), Maria Usme (COL), Therese Sjogran (SWE), Sara Larsson (SWE), Lotta Schelin (SWE)

The crunch match
USA-Korea DPR: The last time the Americans took on Korea DPR at a FIFA Women’s World Cup came at China 2007, where the diminutive Asians were able to move the ball around direct North Americans, eventually earning a 2-2 draw. The Koreans also showed they were up for a battle, their willingness to stand up and fight evident when Abby Wambach stumbled off the pitch spilling blood and in need of emergency stitch work. In the last major competition for both teams, the 2008 Olympic finals, it was the USA that came up trumps, winning Gold while the Koreans headed for home with tails tucked after the group stages.

The stat
0 – the number of times the United States have failed to finish in the top four of a FIFA Women’s World Cup. At the other end of the spectrum, minnows Colombia have never played a match against non-South American opposition.

Have your say
USA or Korea DPR? Who do you think are favourites heading into Group C action at the 2001 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany? Click on 'Add your comment' to make your opinion known.

Mourinho: There is still much to play for

Mourinho: There is still much to play for


Jose Mourinho refused to make excuses for Real Madrid's humiliating 5-0 defeat to champions Barcelona in the Clasico at Camp Nou on Monday admitting his Galacticos had been well below-par but dismissed suggestions that the margin of victory reflected the difference between the two sides.

Mourinho tasted his first defeat in charge of Real and it was one of the heaviest and most painful of his career in what was his maiden Clasico as Barcelona outclassed their bitter rivals with Spanish 2010 FIFA World Cup™ winner David Villa scoring twice in the rout.

"It is a result for one team that played well and punishment for one that played very poorly and we deserved to lose," said Mourinho. "I don't think you can say the result reflects the difference between the two teams and the championship isn't over today and there is still a lot for us to play for in this league as we are only two points behind."
I don't think you can say the result reflects the difference between the two teams and the championship isn't over today and there is still a lot for us to play for in this league.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho

Real's wounded players have now lost five successive encounters against Barcelona, with their last victory coming back in April 2008, and must pick themselves up for Saturday's home match against Valencia. "We have to show character. I spoke to the players in the dressing room and when you lose 5-0 like today you have to come back with desire to train hard and win matches again," declared Mourinho. "The next game is Saturday which is a shame because I wish it were tomorrow as that would be the best thing."

On a personal note it was a disappointing night for Mourinho on his return to Camp Nou, where he used to work as a translator under Bobby Robson and where he became public enemy number one when his Inter Milan defeated Barcelona in last season's UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

"Sometimes you come away with good results as I did with Chelsea and Inter Milan but sometimes it doesn't work out," said Mourinho. "I am sad of course because we lost and I expected much more as we had been playing well. However, the game is over now and there is nothing much we can do. We are still a work in progress."

For Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola it was a fifth consecutive Clasico win as he continued his 100 per cent record in the fixture and the 5-0 drubbing goes down as one of the greatest ever Barcelona wins along with the 6-2 thrashing of Real at the Santiago Bernabeu in May 2009. "We won the league with the 6-2 in Bernabeu but we are only in November now," said Guardiola. "Real are a strong rival and this will be a tough title fight until the end of the season.

"To beat a team with the most league championships and Champions League titles gives us real satisfaction and we can be happy to stay loyal to our philosophies of attacking and dominating games with style. The difference between the two sides is not reflected by the result as it is just one game. Everything went well for us and these games don't happen very often."

Asked if the current Barcelona side was the best ever Guardiola replied: "I am not going to say we are the best Barcelona team ever or that we are the best team in the world. I will let time pass and people can decide that on their own."

FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking

FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
Since its introduction in August 1993, the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking has become a regular part of international sports reports and an important indicator for FIFA's member associations to find out where their respective teams stand in world football's pecking order and how they are progressing.

Last Updated 17 Nov 2010
Next Release 15 Dec 2010
Ranking Team Pts +/- Pos Nov 2010
1 Spain Spain 1920 0 Equal
2 Netherlands Netherlands 1718 0 Equal
3 Brazil Brazil 1493 0 Equal
4 Germany Germany 1489 0 Equal
5 Argentina Argentina 1353 0 Equal
6 England England 1250 0 Equal
7 Uruguay Uruguay 1174 0 Equal
8 Portugal Portugal 1102 0 Equal
9 Croatia Croatia 1098 0 Equal
10 Egypt Egypt 1047 1 Up
11 Greece Greece 1043 1 Up
12 Norway Norway 1004 1 Up
13 Russia Russia 1003 -3 Down
14 Italy Italy 995 2 Up
15 Slovenia Slovenia 958 0 Equal
Best movers
Best
1 Grenada GRN
from 125 to 91
( +34 pos, +180 pts )
2 Trinidad and Tobago TRI
from 106 to 78
( +28 pos, +120 pts )
3 Cuba CUB
from 121 to 94
( +27 pos, +135 pts )
Worst movers
Worst
1 Togo TOG
from 87 to 107
( -20 pos, -82 pts )
2 Barbados BRB
from 107 to 120
( -13 pos, -52 pts )
3 St. Vincent and the Grenadines VIN
from 126 to 139
( -13 pos, -37 pts )

* Ranking Table
* CAF
* CONCACAF
* CONMEBOL
* OFC
* AFC
* UEFA

Kayserispor, Turkey's latest sensation

Kayserispor, Turkey's latest sensation


Istanbul is far and away Turkey’s biggest city, with a population exceeding 13 million. The city’s dominant position is reflected in the nation’s football, where Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Galatasaray have amassed a total of 47 Super Lig titles between them, including 25 in the last 26 seasons.

However, momentous change seems to be in the air. Bursaspor emerged from near-obscurity to seal a sensational championship triumph last term, and now it appears to be the turn of another provincial upstart to make their way towards a place at the top table.

Thirteen games into the campaign, Fenerbahce are fourth, Besiktas sixth and Galatasaray tenth in the standings, far below their own expectations and making a mockery of the pundits’ pre-season predictions. Instead, the headlines belong to a club from Kayseri, a city of 900,000 situated to the west of Cappadocia in central Anatolia, where Kayserispor are handing the Super Lig another thorough shake-up.

"Turkish clubs have become much more professional," new Kayserispor signing Selim Teber said in an exclusive FIFA.com interview. "The attitude to transfers has changed completely: you’re seeing many more big-name players, clubs are investing heavily in top-class scouting, and they’ve worked hard on youth development, which is making the league much more attractive.

"These are the major factors, and they’re changing the rules of the game. The smaller clubs believe in themselves against the Istanbul clubs now, and it's bringing success. It’s much more competitive, and the league’s a lot more exciting now.”

Consolidation after years of instability
At the time of their foundation on 1 July 1966, few people could have imagined that Anadolu Yıldızı (the Star of Anatolia) would one day be mixing it near the top of the Super Lig. Events over the next few decades did little to dispel that notion.

After a period spent oscillating between the first and second divisions, Kayserispor hit a new low in 1990-91 with relegation to the third tier. The men in red and yellow subjected their fans to further extremes in subsequent years with a string of promotions and relegations, but much-needed stability arrived after their ascension to the Super Lig in 2004.

The newcomers finished 15th in their first season back in the top flight, and were then fifth three times in a row, before winning the Turkish Cup two years ago. Kayserispor finished a respectable seventh and eighth in the last two seasons, but are now determined to secure a berth among the Super Lig elite.

A strong hint that something was stirring in Anatolia came in the fourth round of matches, when the home side beat Fenerbahce 2-0. Kayserispor have only lost once since, a 2-1 defeat away to eighth-placed Antalyaspor a week after the triumph against Fener.
The smaller clubs believe in themselves against the Istanbul clubs now, and it's bringing success.
Kayserispor's Selim Teber

Kayserispor bounced back strongly from that setback, forcing a goalless draw against leaders Trabzonspor, before beating Manisaspor 2-0 and Sivasspor 4-1, and topping the lot with a 1-0 victory on their home Kadir-Has stadium turf against the Black Eagles of Besiktas. Last Sunday, again at their lofty home some 1,054 metres above sea level, the minnows drew 0-0 with Galatasaray and currently occupy third spot in the division.

"Our support is a huge factor in our success. We always attract good crowds to our new stadium and the fans are 100 per cent behind us. It makes us very confident as a team," Teber told FIFA.com.

The goalless draw with the 17-time champions was Kayserispor’s eighth clean sheet of the campaign. The defence, the meanest in the league with just six goals against, is shored up by current Cameroon keeper and 2010 FIFA World Cup™ participant Hamidou Souleymanou, who joined the club in summer 2008 and is the undisputed first-choice.

The task of marshalling the defensive line falls to former Turkey international Onder Turaci, a summer capture from Fenerbahce, who lines up alongside Aleksander Amisulashvili and Serdar Kesimal, both of whom have contributed two goals to this season’s effort. Former Bundesliga stars Teber (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Jonathan Santana (Wolfsburg) have added solidity to the midfield anchor roles.

However, the real jewels in the squad coached by Georgian boss Shota Arveladze are to be found up front, where a South American trio has captivated the hearts of the Turkish footballing media and public alike.

Centre-forward Marcelo Zalayeta is the best-known of the three, as the former Uruguay star lists Juventus, Sevilla and Napoli among his previous clubs. Zalayeta currently has four goals in eight games in his adopted country. On the flank, Argentinian Franco Cangele has chipped in two goals but is currently sidelined with injury, while Brazilian striker Andre Moritz has scored one of the club’s 18 league goals to date.

"All four South Americans are quality players. Zalayeta boasts valuable experience from Serie A and Santana from the Bundesliga. Cangele and Moritz have already proved their worth in Turkey," said Teber, when asked to assess his prominent team-mates.

Big game in Bursa, not Istanbul
Kayserispor clearly harbour title ambitions, and could take another giant stride forwards next Monday in a showdown graphically illustrating a potential shift in the balance of power in Turkey, at least in the eyes of those responsible for fixture scheduling.

Saturday’s programme sees fifth-placed Istanbul BB take on Fenerbahce, before Galatasaray and Besiktas face off on Sunday in one of the nation’s most prestigious derbies. However, the big game of the round does not take place until 29 November, when second-placed Bursaspor entertain the up-and-coming hopefuls from Kayseri.

As Teber said: "Our aim is to remain there or thereabouts for as long as possible. It's still fairly early in the season, but if we can be somewhere near the top for the last five or six matches, we’ll try and make the best of the situation."

Mourinho bids to continue Barcelona hex

Mourinho bids to continue Barcelona hex

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho hopes to end the club's recent woes against champions Barcelona when the two bitter rivals lock horns in the season's first Clasico at Camp Nou on Monday.

Unbeaten Real lead the Spanish league by a point from Barcelona and the winner of the fixture would gain a significant edge in the title race, particularly as the dominant duo rarely slip up elsewhere, dropping just nine league points between them so far this season. If Mourinho can win his maiden Clasico, his Real side would go four points clear, but Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has a 100 per cent record in the fixture, including the famous 6-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu in May 2009.

Mourinho has masterminded wins over Barcelona in Europe with former clubs Chelsea and Inter Milan and can expect a hostile reception from the fans who watched his Inter outfit beat Guardiola's side in last season's UEFA Champions League semi-final.

"They (the Barcelona fans) will never forgive me for denying them the chance to win the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu and I will get a hostile reception," said Mourinho. "It is not easy facing Barcelona. I beat them with Chelsea and Inter Milan but that was in cup competitions, which is easier."

All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have set the league alight this season and are the top two scorers in the league. Real's Portuguese star Ronaldo leads the scoring charts with 15 goals after a hat-trick in his side's 5-1 win over Athletic Bilbao last time out and he scored two more in the 4-0 Champions League win at Ajax on Tuesday.

Barcelona's Argentine Lionel Messi has 13 league goals after also scoring a hat-trick in his last league match as Barcelona thumped Almeria 8-0 and he has netted in his last ten games in all competitions.

"The Clasico is an important game for us and we are favourites because we are at home," said Barcelona midfielder Xavi. "We have a lot of respect for Madrid but we are playing well and in fine form."
This Madrid team is completely different to last season and we haven't lost in the league or the Champions League.
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo

Barcelona have won their last six league matches, scoring 23 goals in the process, and defeated Panathinaikos 3-0 on Wednesday in the Champions League to qualify for the knockout phase as group winners. Real are also in great shape, having dropped just four points in the league, although their win at Ajax was overshadowed by accusations that Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso got deliberately sent off in order to clear their disciplinary accounts for the next phase.

"This Madrid team is completely different to last season and we haven't lost in the league or the Champions League," explained Ronaldo. "It will be an exciting game at Camp Nou and I think we will win there as we are in good form."

In other matches, surprise package Espanyol travel to sixth-placed Atletico Madrid on Saturday aiming to hold on to their impressive fourth place. "It annoys me that people don't talk about us as we should be getting a lot more credit," said Espanyol striker Luis Garcia. "However, it wouldn't be a good idea for us to set Europe as the target because the first aim is the 42 points to stay up."

Espanyol have been a real force at home with a maximum 18 points from their six games, but the Barcelona-based club have garnered just four points on the road.

Third-placed Villarreal visit bottom side Real Zaragoza, for what will be new Zaragoza coach Javier Aguirre's first home game in charge.

Fifty-five players shortlisted for FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2010

Fifty-five players shortlisted for FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2010


The worldwide players’ union FIFPro and FIFA today announced the 55 players shortlisted for the FIFA/FIPro World XI 2010 (see full list below), which is to be revealed at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich on 10 January 2011.

The 50,000 professional footballers belonging to the players’ unions across the world that form FIFPro received voting forms in a secret ballot to nominate their peers for inclusion in their World XI – choosing the best four defenders, three midfielders, three forwards and goalkeeper of 2010.

World champions Spain lead the way with the most players in the shortlist with ten, followed by nine from Brazil, eight from Argentina, six from England, four from Germany, three each from the Netherlands and Italy, two from Portugal and one each from Uruguay, Wales, France, Bulgaria, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Spain’s Primera Division attracted the most nominees with 18, followed by England’s Premier League with 17 and Italy’s Serie A with 15. Four nominees came from Germany’s Bundesliga and one from France’s Ligue 1.

The final FIFA/FIFPro World XI will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in the Zurich Kongresshaus on 10 January 2011. During this televised gala, the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the best player of 2010 and the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2010 award will also be revealed. Meanwhile, the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award and the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football award will be presented for the first time, while the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year will be announced for the second year running. The FIFA Presidential Award and the FIFA Fair Play Award will also be presented during the gala.

The 55-player shortlist in full:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus FC), Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea FC), Julio Cesar (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands, Manchester United FC)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Brazil, FC Barcelona), Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur), Michel Bastos (Brazil, Olympique Lyonnais), Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea FC), Patrice Evra (France, Manchester United FC), Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United FC), Philipp Lahm (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Lucio (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Maicon (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid C.F.), Alessandro Nesta (Italy, AC Milan), Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid C.F.), Gerard Pique (Spain, FC Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Spain, FC Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Walter Samuel (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), John Terry (England, Chelsea FC), Thiago Silva (Brazil, AC Milan), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia, Manchester United FC), Javier Zanetti (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale)

Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), Michael Essien (Ghana, Chelsea FC), Cesc Fabregas (Spain, Arsenal FC), Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool FC), Andres Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona), Ricardo Kaka (Brazil, Real Madrid C.F.), Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea FC), Javier Mascherano (Argentina, FC Barcelona), Thomas Muller (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Mesut Ozil (Germany, Real Madrid C.F.), Andrea Pirlo (Italy, AC Milan), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands, F.C. Internazionale), Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Xavi (Spain, FC Barcelona)

Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria, Manchester United FC), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea FC), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon, F.C. Internazionale), Diego Forlán (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina, Real Madrid C.F.), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, AC Milan), Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona), Diego Milito (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München), Ronaldinho (Brazil, AC Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid C.F.), Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United FC), Carlos Tevez (Argentina, Manchester City FC), Fernando Torres (Spain, Liverpool FC), David Villa (Spain, FC Barcelona)

The battle of the wonder goals

The battle of the wonder goals

When Cristiano Ronaldo collected the ball 40 yards from goal at the Estadio do Dragao in April 2009, few expected him to have the audacity to shoot, fewer to score and nobody to consequently become the inaugural recipient of an award honouring one of football’s most prolific posters of wonder goals. That, though, is exactly what happened, the Portuguese’s rocket earning Manchester United a 1-0 win over Porto and him the FIFA Puskas Award. "I am very proud of this award, it's a great honour for me," said Ronaldo upon being presented with the prize at the last December’s FIFA World Player Gala.

Now ten players are vying to savour that feeling, namely Hamit Altintop, Matthew Burrows, Linus Hallenius, Lionel Messi, Samir Nasri, Neymar, Arjen Robben, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Giovanni van Bronckhorst or Kumi Yokoyama, and like last year it’s up to you, the FIFA.com users, to vote for a winner.

“All ten nominated goals were very exciting moments, so the voters have to make a difficult choice,” Van Bronckhorst, in the running due to the inconceivable thunderbolt that set the Netherlands en route to victory over Uruguay in their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ semi-final, told FIFA.com.

“As a young boy I dreamed of scoring goals like that. In 1982, at the age of eight, I watched the World Cup for the very first time on television and it made a huge impression on me. The great dribbles of Diego Maradona, the fantastic attacking football of Brazil, and of course the unforgettable goal and emotions of Italy’s Marco Tardelli. And now my goal against Uruguay is also part of World Cup history, and that makes me enormously proud.”

Van Bronckhorst is not the only man in contention due to a strike in South Africa. And while the now-retired Dutchman’s master stroke came towards the end of what was a memorable tournament, the other was its maiden goal. It came courtesy of Tshabalala, who latched on to Kagiso Dikgacoi’s 40-yard, defence-parting through-ball and viciously flung the ball into the top corner from distance to put the host nation ahead against Mexico.

"It’s an honour to be nominated for the Puskas award,” the 26-year-old Kaizer Chiefs midfielder told FIFA.com. “Scoring the opening goal at the World Cup, and in my home country, was something special. I have replayed it a number of times in my mind. It brought a special feeling to me, one I cannot easily describe in words. In my opinion that goal set the tone for the tournament.”
I’m very happy I have been nominated. It is just unbelievable to be on the list with Messi and other big-name players.
Kumi Yokoyama

It was a tournament Argentina’s Messi curiously failed to find the target in, but the Barcelona No10 nonetheless finds himself in contention due to the mercurial dribble and finish he registered against Valencia.

"It was a beautiful goal because it was picked by FIFA as one of the best goals of the year,” Messi told FIFA.com. “People can choose as they wish. I think each of the [ten] goals means a lot to the scorer, his or her friends, and above all the fans that celebrated it.”

Yokoyama, whose inclusion on the shortlist owes to her Messi-esque goal for Japan against Korea DPR during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, was thrilled to see her name alongside that of the Argentinian superstar.

“I’m very happy I have been nominated,” she told FIFA.com. "It is just unbelievable to be on the list with Messi and other big-name players. When I received the ball, I had already decided to take it all the way by myself, but I was surprised I was surrounded by so many defenders.”

Arsenal’s Nasri, Santos revelation Neymar and Robben of Bayern Munich also had to navigate their way past multiple opponents en route to scoring breathtaking goals against Porto, Santo Andre and Schalke. "A force of nature, a hurricane, a miracle of biblical proportions," said Munich newspaper Abendzeitung of the Dutchman’s effort, which snatched the Bavarian giants a place in the DFB-Pokal final.

The remaining three contenders were all volleys, though Burrows’ came with his back to goal and via his heel to grab Glentoran victory over Portadown. “I could maybe try to do that 100 times and it would only come off once,” said the 25-year-old. “I caught it perfectly. The whole thing is unreal and it's only just sinking in."

Altintop’s impeccable strike came for Turkey against Kazakhstan, while Hallenius’s was from such a tight angle that it has been compared to Marco van Basten’s immortalised gem for the Netherlands against Soviet Union. ”It’s very flattering to be a part of such a renowned group of footballers, a bit unreal actually,” enthused the 21-year-old Hammarby forward. “In a competition there is always the chance of winning, but I don’t have any expectations - I’m happy just to be nominated."

Rooney apologises to United fans

Rooney apologises to United fans

Wayne Rooney has tried to make his peace with Manchester United's fans by saying sorry for the way his contract talks were concluded last month.

The England striker appeared to question United's desire and left open the possibility he might move to local rivals Manchester City. It left a sour taste with many United fans who, when Rooney did extend his Old Trafford contract by five years, felt he toyed with their emotions in the hope of getting a better financial deal.

Rooney, before scoring his match-winning penalty in United's 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday, said: "I feel like I have apologised to the fans but everyone keeps saying that I haven't. If that is the case, then I apologise for my side of things.
Everyone is saying that I was definitely going to Manchester City. Believe me if I had gone it wouldn't have been in England.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney

"I have made my point clear since I signed my contract that I am committed to this club for the long term. I want to be successful here. Everyone is saying that I was definitely going to Manchester City. Believe me if I had gone it wouldn't have been in England."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson blamed Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, for giving the forward bad advice but the 25-year-old himself was adamant he never wanted to leave Old Trafford. "You see so many players leave this club and not do so well so I am delighted to have stayed."

Independiente into final as holders beaten

Independiente into final as holders beaten


Independiente set up a clash with Goias in the Copa Sudamericana final by clinching an away-goals victory over Liga de Quito on Thursday.

Trailing 3-2 to the defending cup holders from the first leg in Ecuador, Independiente had the benefit of home advantage and made it count, securing a 2-1 win for a 4-4 aggregate scoreline.

Facundo Parra put Independiente ahead after 26 minutes, nodded in from close range at the far post after the ball was headed high across goal from the left.

The home side, back on level terms in the tie, threatened to move ahead but wasted chances before their visitors struck in the 45th minute to make it 1-1 on the night and 4-3 in their favour on aggregate. Juan Salgueiro took one touch to buy himself space 22 yards out from goal and crashed a left-footed drive into the bottom right corner.

The second half was then just 30 seconds old when Liga defender Patricio Urrutia made a calamitous error on the edge of his own penalty area. He was far too casual than was called for with a short square pass to a colleague and it was intercepted by Hernan Fredes who could hardly believe his luck as he slotted home from 14 yards. Urrutia was soon substituted and the goal proved decisive.

"We played a great team and we deserved to win," said goalscorer Parra. "We left everything we had on the field, and we're now in great shape to play the final."

The final, another two-leg contest, will be played on 1 and 8 December, with Goias at home in the first match.

Zidane excited by Real Madrid role

Zidane excited by Real Madrid role


Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane has expressed his enthusiasm about working more closely with the first-team squad at Real Madrid.

Zidane, who played for Real Madrid for five years between 2001 and 2006, will start work on Monday as an advisor to president Florentio Perez on first-team affairs.

"I'm happy to be able to get closer to the club and to the team," Zidane said in an interview with Real Madrid's official website.
I'll be closer to the team. I'll travel with the squad for Champions League matches. Day-to-day I'll be with the team at Valdebebas.
Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid advisor

"It's a role that's taking shape gradually. It's not like a new position but for me it's as good as. I will try to work with the team, positioning myself between the president and the squad.

"I'll be closer to the team. I'll travel with the squad for Champions League matches. Day-to-day I'll be with the team at Valdebebas (Real's training centre).

"It's four years since I left football (as a player) and it's the right time to seize another opportunity to be closer to what I like, which is football," said Zidane

Zidane's re-positioning will bring him into closer contact with Real coach Jose Mourinho and the Portuguese tactician welcomed the move.

"We all wanted this moment to arrive and his presence alone will give us lots of positive things," said Mourinho.

Flu take pole from stuttering Corinthians

Flu take pole from stuttering Corinthians


Fluminense returned to the top of Brazil's Campeonato with a convincing 4-1 win at nine man Sao Paulo.

The home side had substitute Alexandre Xandao and Felisbino Richarlyson dismissed in the space of eight minutes midway through the first half, with the teams level. Sao Paolo's Lucas Gaucho had cancelled out Wellington Gum's 34th-minute opener for the visitors - but with two extra men Fluminense took control with goals in the last 15 minutes from Dario Conca (2) and Frederico Guedes.

Corinthians were dislodged from pole position after only managing a 1-1 draw at struggling Vitoria. Gabriel Danilo gave the visitors a 20th-minute lead but they were pegged back by goalkeeper Julian Viafara's penalty two minutes before half-time.

Cruzeiro moved to within a point of Corinthians, and two off Fluminense, after a 3-1 home defeat of Vasco da Gama in a game where all the goals came in the first half. Flores Roger, Lima Henrique and Edcarlos Conceicao had the points wrapped up with a little more than half an hour on the clock, before Renato Augusto's 44th-minute reply.

Junior Neymar's seven-minute hat-trick in the second half was the highlight of Santos' 4-1 win at second from bottom Goias. Lopes Ernando gave the hosts an 11th-minute lead but Da Silva Danilo levelled eight minutes later and that was how it stayed until Neymar took over 15 minutes from time.

Botafogo slipped up at home to Internacional, losing 2-1. Luiz Andrezinho and Rafael Sobis scored for the visitors in the second half, before Antonio Carlos netted.

Atletico Mineiro won 2-0 at Palmeiras with goals from Diego Souza and Neto Berola - either side of Junior Gualberto's dismissal for the home side, while Elton Eltinho and sub Rodrigues Gonalves Jefferson's late double gave Avai a 3-0 success against Atletico Goianiense, who had Thiago Feltri dismissed.

Colombia secure historic qualification


Colombia have created history by qualifying for their first FIFA Women's World Cup™ and Women's Olympic Football Tournament. A hard-fought 1-0 win over Argentina on Sunday in the qualifying tournament being played in Ecuador ensured Las Cafeteras won through to both Germany 2011 and London 2012.

A lone strike from Ingrid Vidal six minutes after the interval proved the difference, but Colombia were forced to endure a nervy wait pending the outcome of the other match.

Brazil, having already qualified for both competitions, confirmed their status at the summit with a 3-1 triumph over Chile who had needed three points to progress. Goals from Danielle Batista (2') and Marta (37', 80'), ultimately proved too much for the valiant Chileans whose lone reply came from Janet Salgado a minute before the break.

The historic achievement capped a memorable year for Colombian women’s football following a landmark fourth-placed finish at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Brazil have appeared in all five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments having been joined by Argentina for the two most recent editions.

Honour Roll
Ecuador 2010 saw Brazil secure their fifth regional title in six attempts. In 2006, Argentina cut the streak of Canarinhas to win the title on home turf.

In the individual honour roll, Marta was named player of the tournament, while team-mate Cristiane was crowned top scorer with eight goals. Chile won the fair play award.

The presentation ceremony was led by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter who is in Quito for the inauguration of the Ecuador FA's new headquarters.

Results - Day 3
Argentina 0-1 Colombia
Brazil 3-1 Chile

Final Standings
Brazil 9, Colombia 4, Chile 2, Argentina 1

Rafa defends Inter and Eto'o

Rafa defends Inter and Eto'o


Rafael Benitez has his hands full tonight, first leaping to the defence of his team for their 2-1 loss to Chievo and then to that of star striker Samuel Eto'o who may yet face a trial by television after appearing to headbutt Chievo defender Bostjan Cesar.

The defending Serie A champions slumped to another disappointing defeat this afternoon, losing 2-1 in Verona with the pressure increasing further on Benitez after another indifferent display. Eto'o complicated matters further, after thrusting his head into Cesar's chest in retaliation to a sly punch from the centre-back seven minutes before half-time.

But former Liverpool and Valencia boss Benitez believes no retrospective action should be taken. "You can see Eto'o received a punch and had a reaction to being provoked, in a difficult situation," said Benitez.
I am a professional coach and have been in these types of situation: the only way to change it, though, is to continue working and today I saw the will to win in our players.
Rafael Benitez, Internazionale coach

The Inter boss was largely satisfied with Inter's display although their only reward was a late Eto'o strike which proved to be a mere consolation after efforts from Sergio Pellisier and Davide Moscardelli had given Chievo a two-goal lead. The Spaniard confirmed he would meet with club officials after the game but insisted it was routine.

"It will be like always, we talk after every game, with (technical director Marco) Branca, with (sporting director Piero) Ausilio, with (Benitez's consultant Amedeo) Carboni," he said.

"It's obvious that a team like ours should be winning these sort of games, but the boys displayed character.

"I am a professional coach and have been in these types of situation: the only way to change it, though, is to continue working and today I saw the will to win in our players.

"What we are living is a difficult situation, of a team which has won a lot, but also where a lot of players are missing, which is the reason why we are forced to field so many young players," said Benitez.

The defeat left Inter nine points adrift of leaders AC Milan after 13 rounds.

Rapids finally crowned MLS kings

Rapids finally crowned MLS kings

Colorado's Macoumba Kandji fired a shot that produced an own goal in the 107th minute to give the Rapids a 2-1 victory over FC Dallas in Sunday's Major League Soccer Cup final.

The Senegalese forward eluded a defender near the backline to the left of Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman and fired a shot that struck the left knee of defender George John and deflected into the goal to break a 1-1 deadlock. "I just got a chance one-on-one, the ball popped up right in front of me and when I looked up it was in the back of the net," Kandji said. "I don't know what's wrong with my leg now, but it was worth it."

Kandji was injured on the play and went off, leaving the Rapids at ten men to the finish of the second extra-time period, both sides having used all their substitutions earlier. John blasted a hard shot that was batted away by Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens and Colorado defender Drew Moor, a former FC Dallas player, kicked away another bid in the final seconds to deny the equaliser and give the Rapids their first MLS crown in the North American league's 15-year history.

"The guys were knocking balls away there. That's what you have to do at the end when you are holding on," said veteran Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni. "It was a game of very few chances, a 'roll up your sleeves and work' day."

The Rapids lost the 1997 final in their only prior trip to the championship game while the Texas club was making its first appearance in the final, which was played in cold and windy conditions. "We just stuck with it, got a lucky bounce, kept battling and it's ours," said Colorado's Conor Casey, who was named the final's Most Valuable Player.

Dallas striker David Ferreira, an attacking midfielder from Colombia who was voted the MLS regular season Most Valuable Player, opened the scoring in the 35th minute.

Colorado equalised in the 57th minute when USA international Casey flicked a loose ball into the net while on his back as he and Hartman were sprawled on the ground with a defender. "I was trying to find it," Casey said. "I got to it before anybody else did. It was attitude. That was a battle. Not the prettiest game but the squad showed a lot of heart."

MLS commissioner Don Garber said on Sunday that the league will expand its play-off field from eight to ten teams next year and will look into realigning its season to conform with the calendar used by most other nations worldwide. MLS will grow to 18 clubs in 2011 when the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps begin play, with a Montreal team set to join in 2012. Each team will play 34 regular-season games in 2011, four more than 2010.

Rapids finally crowned MLS kings

Rapids finally crowned MLS kings

Colorado's Macoumba Kandji fired a shot that produced an own goal in the 107th minute to give the Rapids a 2-1 victory over FC Dallas in Sunday's Major League Soccer Cup final.

The Senegalese forward eluded a defender near the backline to the left of Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman and fired a shot that struck the left knee of defender George John and deflected into the goal to break a 1-1 deadlock. "I just got a chance one-on-one, the ball popped up right in front of me and when I looked up it was in the back of the net," Kandji said. "I don't know what's wrong with my leg now, but it was worth it."

Kandji was injured on the play and went off, leaving the Rapids at ten men to the finish of the second extra-time period, both sides having used all their substitutions earlier. John blasted a hard shot that was batted away by Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens and Colorado defender Drew Moor, a former FC Dallas player, kicked away another bid in the final seconds to deny the equaliser and give the Rapids their first MLS crown in the North American league's 15-year history.

"The guys were knocking balls away there. That's what you have to do at the end when you are holding on," said veteran Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni. "It was a game of very few chances, a 'roll up your sleeves and work' day."

The Rapids lost the 1997 final in their only prior trip to the championship game while the Texas club was making its first appearance in the final, which was played in cold and windy conditions. "We just stuck with it, got a lucky bounce, kept battling and it's ours," said Colorado's Conor Casey, who was named the final's Most Valuable Player.

Dallas striker David Ferreira, an attacking midfielder from Colombia who was voted the MLS regular season Most Valuable Player, opened the scoring in the 35th minute.

Colorado equalised in the 57th minute when USA international Casey flicked a loose ball into the net while on his back as he and Hartman were sprawled on the ground with a defender. "I was trying to find it," Casey said. "I got to it before anybody else did. It was attitude. That was a battle. Not the prettiest game but the squad showed a lot of heart."

MLS commissioner Don Garber said on Sunday that the league will expand its play-off field from eight to ten teams next year and will look into realigning its season to conform with the calendar used by most other nations worldwide. MLS will grow to 18 clubs in 2011 when the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps begin play, with a Montreal team set to join in 2012. Each team will play 34 regular-season games in 2011, four more than 2010.

Ancelotti: Chelsea will recover

Ancelotti: Chelsea will recover


Carlo Ancelotti expects to come in for criticism following Chelsea's dramatic slump in fortunes. The Blues still lead the Premier League on goal difference from Manchester United. But Saturday's shock 1-0 reversal at Birmingham - in the bottom three at the start of the game - was their third defeat in four league games.

It was also the first time Chelsea had lost back-to-back league matches since May 2006. Ancelotti said: "Obviously (criticism) can happen when the team don't win. There is more responsibility on the coach but this is normal. This is my job. If the team is not doing a good job, it is normal to have more responsibility. I don't have a problem.

"Am I prepared for criticism? Yes, I am prepared. This is the life of the coach. This is a difficult moment but I think we are capable of moving on. It is true we didn't play well last weekend against Sunderland but we played very well against Birmingham. Everyone who saw the game can say this."

Ancelotti believes Chelsea will bounce back from their mini slump although he admits defensively they have to tighten up. Birmingham scored from their only worthwhile attack through Lee Bowyer.
I am not worried about the team because I think we are again able to play good football and so we have to move and look forward to the next game against Newcastle.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti

Ancelotti said: "It is important to have a difficult moment and stay top of the table. We know very well that we have lost three games in four and this is not good for Chelsea. For this reason, I have to take my responsibility. But I am not worried about the team because I think we are again able to play good football and so we have to move and look forward to the next game against Newcastle.

"How much of a concern is the defence? At Birmingham, we conceded from the one opportunity they created. We had 10-12 opportunities to score ourselves. Obviously we have to stay more concentrated if you concede one opportunity and the opponents score from it. There we have to have more concentration."

Ancelotti is reluctant to talk about the departure of his assistant, Ray Wilkins, who is claiming unfair dismissal. But he claimed the situation is different to the likes of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson with the Italian not having complete control of team matters.

He said: "This (the Wilkins situation) is not the reason why we lost the game(s). We lost the games because in four games, we scored just one goal. We have to improve there, to stay more in focus, we have to continue to play like we did against Birmingham."

But, when it was suggested to Ancelotti Ferguson would not tolerate such a move at United without giving it his full approval, he said: "It is a different position to Ferguson. It is different because Ferguson has total control of the team. I have just the technical direction, full stop, okay."

European Leagues review

European Leagues review

Four of the leaders in Europe’s five biggest leagues were in danger of being toppled this weekend, but as it was, only Brest in France failed to retain pole position. Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Real Madrid all continue to lead the way, albeit following a mixed bag of results.

FIFA.com reviews the action in the top leagues around Europe, and also reports on the outcome of prestige duels in Russia and the Netherlands.

Premier League: Manchester united in celebration
Manchester duo United and City were the big winners of the 14th round of fixtures. The Red Devils cruised to a 2-0 win over Wigan and are now level with leaders Chelsea, who lost 1-0 away to Birmingham. Arsenal missed the chance to go top after a painful 3-2 defeat at home to Spurs in the North London derby. The Gunners led 2-0 at the break but crumbled in the second half.

City moved to within three points of the lead with a 4-1 win away to Fulham, while Liverpool beat bottom club West Ham 3-0 to go ninth.

Top three: Chelsea, Manchester United (both 28 points), Arsenal (26)
Bottom three: Wigan Athletic (14), Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United (both 9)
Leading scorers: Carlos Tevez (9 goals), Andrew Carroll, Johan Elmander (both 8)
Weekend stat: 17 – For the first time since May 1993, back at the venerable Highbury stadium, Tottenham won away to north London rivals Arsenal.

La Liga: Thumping wins for big two
The last two FIFA World Players of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Lionel Messi of Barcelona, warmed up in style for next weekend’s El Clasico with hat-tricks. Leaders Real swept aside Athletic Bilbao by a 5-1 margin, and Barça handed Almeria an 8-0 battering. Home boss Juan Manuel Lillo was relieved of his duties immediately after the final whistle.

Even though the season is but a third old, the rest are already looking like also-rans. Third-placed Villarreal and fifth-placed Valencia drew 1-1, allowing Espanyol to go fourth with a 3-0 victory over Alicante. Sevilla lost ground in seventh with a last-gasp defeat at home to eighth-placed Mallorca.

Top three: Real Madrid (32 points), Barcelona (31), Villarreal (24)
Bottom three: Malaga (10), Almeria (9), Zaragoza (7)
Leading scorers: Cristiano Ronaldo (14 goals), Lionel Messi (13), Fernando Llorente (9)
Weekend stat: 8-0 – Saturday’s crushing 8-0 triumph equals Barcelona’s best-ever away win in the Spanish top flight. The Catalans beat Las Palmas by the same score on 25 October 1959.

Bundesliga: Dortmund express powers on
Leaders Borussia Dortmund came from a goal behind at half-time to win 2-1 in Freiburg and maintain their seven-point lead at the top. The men in yellow and black have now won all seven of their away fixtures this term. Mainz cemented their grip on second spot with an away win of their own, 3-2 against tailenders Borussia Monchengladbach.

Champions Bayern drew 1-1 away to third-placed Leverkusen and remain marooned in no-man’s land, fully 14 points off the lead. In the clash between two crisis-ridden Champions League participants, Raul grabbed a hat-trick as 15th-placed Schalke racked up a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Werder Bremen. High-flying Hannover beat northern rivals Hamburg 3-2.

Top three: Borussia Dortmund (34 points), Mainz (27), Leverkusen (25)
Bottom three: VfB Stuttgart, Cologne (both 11), Monchengladbach (10)
Leading scorers: Theofanis Gekas (11 goals), Papiss Demba Cisse (10), Edin Dzeko (9)
Weekend stat: 100 – Borussia Dortmund lead the Bundesliga table at the end of a round of matches for the 100th time in their history.

Serie A: Contrasting fortunes for Milan giants
AC Milan made it four wins on the bounce with a 1-0 success against Fiorentina, and also stretched their lead at the top to three points, as second-placed Lazio were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Parma.

Treble winners Inter lost 2-1 away to Chievo and slipped to sixth after their second defeat in a row. The champions are already nine points off their city rivals, but it was otherwise a good weekend for the chasing pack, as Napoli beat Bologna 4-1, Roma defeated Udinese 2-0, and Juventus won away to Genoa by the same score.

Top three: AC Milan (29 points), Lazio (26), Napoli (24)
Bottom three: Brescia, Cesena (both 11), Bari (9)
Leading scorers: Samuel Eto’o, Edinson Cavani (both 9), Marco di Vaio, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Javier Pastore (all 7)
Weekend stat: 9 – Juventus are undefeated in their last nine matches, during which time they have climbed from 16th to fourth.

Ligue 1: Lille seize top spot
Brest started the weekend as leaders but finished it in sixth, all thanks to a 2-1 defeat away to fourth-placed Rennes. The rest of the contenders wasted no time in brushing past the toppled Bretons: new pacesetters Lille beat Monaco 2-1, Montpellier won 1-0 away to Nice, Paris Saint-Germain downed Caen 2-1, and champions Olympique Marseille won 1-0 away to Toulouse.

OM are now up to fifth, and the other top teams are also steadily recovering from poor starts to the campaign. Bordeaux won 4-2 away to doomed Avignon to go seventh, with Olympique Lyon right behind them after a 3-1 success away to Lens. Such is the congestion in the standings, both les Girondins and OL could theoretically go top next weekend, as they are separated from the lead by a mere two points.

Top three: Lille, Montpellier (both 24 points), Paris Saint-Germain (23)
Bottom three: Caen, Lens (both 14), Arles-Avignon (6)
Leading scorers: Youssef El Arabi (10 goals), Moussa Sow (9), Dimitri Payet (8)
Weekend stat: 1 – Lille lead the Ligue 1 standings for the first time since August 2008.

Elsewhere
In Russia, the clash of champions old and new ended 2-2. Newly-crowned title holders Zenit St. Petersburg were two-up away to dethroned champs Rubin Kazan, but the home side fought back to salvage pride and a point. In the Moscow derby, CSKA beat Spartak 3-1 to seal second spot in the standings.

The biggest game in the Netherlands between leaders PSV Eindhoven and Amsterdam giants Ajax ended goalless. AZ Alkmaar, who won the league two seasons ago, beat reigning champions Twente Enschede 2-1.

Brazil beaten by late Messi magic

Brazil beaten by late Messi magic

A brilliant solo goal in injury time by Lionel Messi earned Argentina a 1-0 victory over their arch-rivals Brazil in an international friendly.

The Barcelona superstar picked up the ball midway inside the Brazil half and weaved past four defenders before firing a low shot into the bottom-right corner with just a minute of added time to play. It was Messi's first ever goal against Brazil and allowed Argentina to record their first win against their old enemies since June 2005.

"It's always important to win and this victory is even more important because it's against a direct rival and it gives us confidence," said Messi. "My goal was important because it enabled us to beat Brazil."

His strike also allowed coach Sergio Batista to celebrate victory in his first game in charge since he was confirmed as the long-term successor to Diego Maradona. For Brazil it was a first defeat in four matches for new coach Mano Menezes, who had led his country to victories in his first three matches at the helm and had not previously seen his team concede a goal.
It's always important to win and this victory is even more important because it's against a direct rival and it gives us confidence.
Lionel Messi, Argentina forward

Both South American giants are rebuilding after disappointing FIFA World Cups™ and they will resume hostilities in La Plata, Argentina on 19 December. The Albiceleste were second-best for much of the first half, as Brazil impressed with their slick approach play, and Batista will have been delighted to secure a famous win after the 1-0 loss to Japan in their previous outing.

AC Milan forward Ronaldinho was making his first Brazil appearance since April 2009 and although he illuminated the game with some classy touches, he could not prise open the Argentine defence. Clattering tackles were a recurring feature of the encounter and a glut of second-half substitutions seemed set to usher the game towards an anti-climactic conclusion.

A pitch invader who completed a hasty circuit of the pitch raised the crowd from their slumber with ten minutes to play and Messi's magical intervention made sure that a forgettable encounter concluded in unforgettable fashion. Messi's early touches had drawn roars of encouragement from the crowd, but the reigning World and European Footballer of the Year initially found his route to goal blocked by the imposing form of Benfica centre-back David Luiz.

Brazil's twinkle-toed attacking triumvirate of Robinho, Ronaldinho and 18-year-old Santos starlet Neymar quickly demonstrated their understanding and the early chances of note all fell to the five-time world champions. Dani Alves cracked a shot against the crossbar after a one-two with Luiz, while Ronaldinho tested goalkeeper Sergio Romero with an instinctive back-heel following a corner from Neymar that was only partially cleared.

Messi grazed the left-hand post with a rasping shot shortly before half-time, but Brazil goalkeeper Victor's only prior involvement had been a double save from Gonzalo Higuain rendered irrelevant by the linesman's flag. Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi added industry and energy to the Argentinian attack after replacing Higuain at the interval.

He scampered down the right flank early in the second half before teeing up club-mate Javier Pastore, but although the midfielder's strike appeared to hit Thiago Silva on the arm, the referee was unmoved. Brazil were then aggrieved when the referee played advantage after Neymar was chopped down on the edge of the Argentina box, as Robinho had strayed into an offside position and the flag went up when the ball came to him.

England fall to French flair

England fall to French flair


If the friendly match between England and France was a match between two European nations who flattered to deceive at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, then it was Laurent Blanc's side who seem to have made the greater strides since South Africa, judging by the showing at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.

With the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney all missing through injury, England’s line-up had an experimental air about it as Fabio Capello turned to the nation’s youth. The Tyne-Tees duo of Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson were the highest profile debutants, but Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs was also given his first start, while Everton centre-half Phil Jagielka found himself in an unfamiliar right-back berth.

France fielded a largely experienced side, with Rennes star Yann M’Vila continuing to carve out a place in the heart of Laurent Blanc’s midfield, with Florent Malouda on the left-hand side of a three-pronged attack.

The Three Lions started brightly. Steven Gerrard tested Hugo Lloris inside the first minute, striking from 30 yards after Carroll was fouled challenging for a high ball. The game followed a similar pattern in the opening minutes, with England looking to take advantage of Carroll’s height and willingness to run, while the French looked comfortable with the ball at their feet, with Samir Nasri controlling their play from midfield.

Florent Malouda was at the centre of France’s first meaningful attack, with the Chelsea star cutting in from the right and testing Ben Foster from 18 yards. Mathieu Valbuena ended a good spell of pressure by firing wildly over, before Malouda again carved out a half chance for himself which went well wide.

Yoann Gourcuff continued the early French dominance as his right-footed strike was palmed round the post by Foster. From then on, France began to exert more pressure, looking wholly more confident in possession than an England side struggling to find their rhythm. Indeed, it wasn’t long before the visitors found a breakthrough after 16 minutes.

Malouda was allowed time to control a cross on the edge of England’s penalty area, before a neat exchange with Karim Benzema saw the Real Madrid forward clear of the backline, before beating Foster with a confident low strike at his near post.

Gerrard, playing just behind Carroll, was the fulcrum of all the home side’s early play, but was finding it tough to infiltrate an organised French defence and escape the attentions of his marker M’Vila.

Another French slick passing move, this time between Benzema and Nasri, saw the Real man dangerously enter the England box, but his shot was well closed down by Joleon Lescott.

Carroll’s impact as a target man was cause for some positivity from the Wembley faithful with his flick-ons setting up half chances for both James Milner and Gerrard, but Lloris was rarely tested in the opening 45 minutes.

Looking to improve on their lacklustre first-half display, Capello introduced Micah Richards, Adam Johnson and Ashley Young, in place of Rio Ferdinand, Theo Walcott and Gareth Barry. France introduced Mamadou Sakho for Roma’s Philippe Mexes.

The changes brought about a temporary improvement for England, who looked hungrier in the early stages of the second half. Richards broke down the right early-on before Henderson clattered into Gourcuff, being somewhat fortunate to escape a card.

This energy spread throughout the side, Gerrard and Milner putting together a flowing interchange down the right which brought the Wembley crowd to its feet. France replied with a bursting run of their own, with Nasri breaking through England’s back four and going down under a challenge, but referee Claus Bo Larsen waved away the half-hearted penalty appeals.

Moments later France doubled their lead. Bakary Sagna stole in behind Arsenal team-mate Gibbs, and his cross was dutifully turned in by the onrushing Valbuena, volleying across goal and past Foster. It was no less than their dominance deserved.

With nothing to lose and the pace of Johnson and Young on either wing, England began to stretch France. Johnson drew a foul from Eric Abidal, and his floated cross from the resulting free-kick found Gerrard at the far post with his looping header clipping the top of the bar.

In an attempt to see the game out, Blanc removed the influential Benzema and Valbuena in place of young striker Loic Remy and experienced midfielder Alou Diarra.

England refused to lie down, however and Carroll had his best chance of the night when he rose above the French defence, but headed straight at Lloris. This was to be the Newcastle United striker’s last action of the night, as he and Gibbs made way for Stephen Warnock and another debutant in the shape of Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd.

The new-boy almost found an opening moments later, when a short free-kick found Johnson just inside the French 18-yard-box. His deflected shot almost fell at the feet of the substitute, but the ball went out for a corner.

France showed their confidence as they took of star-man Malouda in place of Dimitri Payet for only his third appearance for Les Bleus.

However Johnson’s impact was being increasingly apparent, none more so when he drove an awkward cross along the six-yard box, which Lloris could only parry into the path of Gerrard who struck wide under pressure.

France immediately hit back, as a bursting run from Nasri saw the midfielder round Warnock with ease, but his strike ricocheted off the England upright. The home side’s night got worse as stand-in captain Gerrard limped off the pitch, being replaced by Peter Crouch. The tall front-man made an instant impact however, breaking free from his marker to smartly side-foot a corner into the roof of the net with his first touch.

Predictably, it set up a grandstand finish. Indeed, England could have found themselves level in stoppage time, with Bothroyd meeting Johnson’s cross with a far post heaeder, but the result did little to trouble a well-placed Lloris.

The 2-1 scoreline was a fair reflection of Les Bleus' dominance over the 90 minutes, with France looking the more energetic on and off the ball, while Peter Crouch's 85th minute strike, his 22nd goal in 42 international appearances, proved merely a consolation.

England fall to French flair

England fall to French flair

If the friendly match between England and France was a match between two European nations who flattered to deceive at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, then it was Laurent Blanc's side who seem to have made the greater strides since South Africa, judging by the showing at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.

With the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney all missing through injury, England’s line-up had an experimental air about it as Fabio Capello turned to the nation’s youth. The Tyne-Tees duo of Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson were the highest profile debutants, but Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs was also given his first start, while Everton centre-half Phil Jagielka found himself in an unfamiliar right-back berth.

France fielded a largely experienced side, with Rennes star Yann M’Vila continuing to carve out a place in the heart of Laurent Blanc’s midfield, with Florent Malouda on the left-hand side of a three-pronged attack.

The Three Lions started brightly. Steven Gerrard tested Hugo Lloris inside the first minute, striking from 30 yards after Carroll was fouled challenging for a high ball. The game followed a similar pattern in the opening minutes, with England looking to take advantage of Carroll’s height and willingness to run, while the French looked comfortable with the ball at their feet, with Samir Nasri controlling their play from midfield.

Florent Malouda was at the centre of France’s first meaningful attack, with the Chelsea star cutting in from the right and testing Ben Foster from 18 yards. Mathieu Valbuena ended a good spell of pressure by firing wildly over, before Malouda again carved out a half chance for himself which went well wide.

Yoann Gourcuff continued the early French dominance as his right-footed strike was palmed round the post by Foster. From then on, France began to exert more pressure, looking wholly more confident in possession than an England side struggling to find their rhythm. Indeed, it wasn’t long before the visitors found a breakthrough after 16 minutes.

Malouda was allowed time to control a cross on the edge of England’s penalty area, before a neat exchange with Karim Benzema saw the Real Madrid forward clear of the backline, before beating Foster with a confident low strike at his near post.

Gerrard, playing just behind Carroll, was the fulcrum of all the home side’s early play, but was finding it tough to infiltrate an organised French defence and escape the attentions of his marker M’Vila.

Another French slick passing move, this time between Benzema and Nasri, saw the Real man dangerously enter the England box, but his shot was well closed down by Joleon Lescott.

Carroll’s impact as a target man was cause for some positivity from the Wembley faithful with his flick-ons setting up half chances for both James Milner and Gerrard, but Lloris was rarely tested in the opening 45 minutes.

Looking to improve on their lacklustre first-half display, Capello introduced Micah Richards, Adam Johnson and Ashley Young, in place of Rio Ferdinand, Theo Walcott and Gareth Barry. France introduced Mamadou Sakho for Roma’s Philippe Mexes.

The changes brought about a temporary improvement for England, who looked hungrier in the early stages of the second half. Richards broke down the right early-on before Henderson clattered into Gourcuff, being somewhat fortunate to escape a card.

This energy spread throughout the side, Gerrard and Milner putting together a flowing interchange down the right which brought the Wembley crowd to its feet. France replied with a bursting run of their own, with Nasri breaking through England’s back four and going down under a challenge, but referee Claus Bo Larsen waved away the half-hearted penalty appeals.

Moments later France doubled their lead. Bakary Sagna stole in behind Arsenal team-mate Gibbs, and his cross was dutifully turned in by the onrushing Valbuena, volleying across goal and past Foster. It was no less than their dominance deserved.

With nothing to lose and the pace of Johnson and Young on either wing, England began to stretch France. Johnson drew a foul from Eric Abidal, and his floated cross from the resulting free-kick found Gerrard at the far post with his looping header clipping the top of the bar.

In an attempt to see the game out, Blanc removed the influential Benzema and Valbuena in place of young striker Loic Remy and experienced midfielder Alou Diarra.

England refused to lie down, however and Carroll had his best chance of the night when he rose above the French defence, but headed straight at Lloris. This was to be the Newcastle United striker’s last action of the night, as he and Gibbs made way for Stephen Warnock and another debutant in the shape of Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd.

The new-boy almost found an opening moments later, when a short free-kick found Johnson just inside the French 18-yard-box. His deflected shot almost fell at the feet of the substitute, but the ball went out for a corner.

France showed their confidence as they took of star-man Malouda in place of Dimitri Payet for only his third appearance for Les Bleus.

However Johnson’s impact was being increasingly apparent, none more so when he drove an awkward cross along the six-yard box, which Lloris could only parry into the path of Gerrard who struck wide under pressure.

France immediately hit back, as a bursting run from Nasri saw the midfielder round Warnock with ease, but his strike ricocheted off the England upright. The home side’s night got worse as stand-in captain Gerrard limped off the pitch, being replaced by Peter Crouch. The tall front-man made an instant impact however, breaking free from his marker to smartly side-foot a corner into the roof of the net with his first touch.

Predictably, it set up a grandstand finish. Indeed, England could have found themselves level in stoppage time, with Bothroyd meeting Johnson’s cross with a far post heaeder, but the result did little to trouble a well-placed Lloris.

The 2-1 scoreline was a fair reflection of Les Bleus' dominance over the 90 minutes, with France looking the more energetic on and off the ball, while Peter Crouch's 85th minute strike, his 22nd goal in 42 international appearances, proved merely a consolation.

Portugal power past Spanish

Portugal power past Spanish

Portugal gained a measure of revenge for their FIFA World Cup™ exit at the hands of Spain by inflicting a heavy 4-0 defeat on their Iberian neighbours in tonight's friendly in Lisbon.

Goals from Jorge Carlos Martins, visiting defender Sergio Ramos, who put into his own net, Helder Postiga and Hugo Almeida sealed a deserved win for the Portuguese, who were knocked out at the last-16 stage in South Africa as Spain went onto win their maiden FIFA World Cup crown.

One of the reasons for tonight's match was to promote the two Iberian countries' joint bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but off-field alliances were firmly put to one side in a hard-fought and entertaining encounter at the Estadio da Luz.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque started with ten of the side that began the FIFA World Cup final, with David Silva coming in for the ill Pedro Rodriguez as the only change. However, it was Portugal who enjoyed the better of the first half with wide men Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani featuring heavily.

Nani produced the first effort of the match in the second minute, his low 20-yard drive being turned behind by Iker Casillas, before Real Madrid star Ronaldo and Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets both picked up bookings in quick succession for crunching challenges on the other.

Spain then twice went close through Andres Iniesta and Silva - who should have done better with a free header - before Portugal looked to have taken the lead in the 36th minute.

A fired-up Ronaldo cut inside Gerard Pique before scooping a shot over Real team-mate Casillas. The effort was going in but Nani headed the ball over the line from point-blank range and the goal was ruled out for offside.

Ronaldo was far from pleased, throwing his captain's armband to the floor, but the world's most expensive player would have been happier eight minutes later after playing a key part in helping Portugal take the lead. Martins had already gone agonisingly close to putting his side ahead just previously when his well-struck volley was headed off the line by Pique, but Spain did not survive a second time.

Ronaldo showed great skill and strength to muscle his way past Busquets before firing in a thunderous shot from a tight angle that Casillas could only parry, and Martins slammed the loose ball home from near the penalty spot.

Both teams made a number of changes at the break, with Ronaldo among the players to make way and Spain striker Fernando Torres - who had been a doubt after suffering an ankle strain playing for Liverpool at the weekend - among those introduced.

The first effort of the second half came from Spain, with Xabi Alonso attempting an audacious long-range lob that almost caught out Rui Patricio, but 60 seconds after that Portugal doubled their advantage. A good pass from Nani put Joao Moutinho in on the right and his low cross found its way into the back of the net via team-mate Postiga and Spain right-back Ramos. Postiga's back-heel may have been going in but Ramos put the ball in whilst attempting to clear.

Portugal should really have made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute but Nani's attempted chip over Casillas was comfortably saved. Reigning world and European champions Spain attempted to rally, with Cesc Fabregas going close with a volley, but Portugal wrapped up a comprehensive win with two more goals in the final 23 minutes.

Postiga made it 3-0 following good work by Danny and Moutinho before substitute Almeida completed the scoring after being put clean through by Pepe in injury time, a goal that sealed a third successive win for new Portugal coach Paulo Bento since he replaced Carlos Queiroz in September.

Holman: We need to do better at Asian Cup

Holman: We need to do better at Asian Cup

Brett Holman has been a regular in the Australia squad since his debut in 2006, and while he has accumulated well over 30 caps, most have been earned as a substitute.

Then came the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, where Holman impressed with both his work-rate and technical ability, while also managing to double his international goal tally. Crucial strikes, firstly against Ghana, and then a spectacular long-range effort against Serbia, saw the 26-year-old catapulted to fame Down Under.

The Sydneysider’s star has also long been on the rise at club level. A number of Australians have plied their trade in the Dutch Eredivisie over the years but none have done so for as long as Holman, who is enjoying his ninth season in the Netherlands. Four years at humble Rotterdam club Excelsior were followed by a two-term stint at NEC Nijmegen, but the crowning glory has been helping AZ Alkmaar achieve long-awaited title success and, with it, UEFA Champions League football.

Holman tells FIFA.com about his continued growth as a footballer for both club and country, his experiences at South Africa 2010 and his thought’s on January’s AFC Asian Cup, a tournament in which he says Australia are aiming to excel.

FIFA.com: How is the season going with AZ and can the club go close to repeating their 2009 Eredivisie title success?
Brett Holman: We have lost some of our good players but we have a good team and we are doing really well at the moment. The title might be too big an ask, but we will definitely look to stay in the top five and reach the Europa League, or with a bit of luck the Champions League.

What was it like to win the 2009 title at a club that have waited so long for success?
I had mixed feelings from a personal perspective as I didn’t play as much as I am doing now. It was my first year here and it was a big achievement for the club. I did play a play a part and scored a couple of goals. But you want to more involved and make a bigger contribution. It was definitely a good party!
I think we deserved more than we got... We showed everybody around the world what Australia stands for and that is our fighting spirit.
Brett Holman on Australia's South Africa 2010 campaign

How was the experience of playing in the UEFA Champions League last season?
It was an unbelievable experience and a great learning curve. We were a little bit unlucky to be honest. We conceded goals in the last minute twice and if we won those two games we would have been through from the group phase. But we ended up with nothing.

Australia are currently preparing for January’s AFC Asian Cup, which didn’t go well in many ways last time in 2007. Is that something the team is especially keen to atone for?
Last time I think we didn’t understand how tough it was going to be in what was our first time in the Asian Cup. I don’t think we underestimated it but it was a lot tougher than we actually thought, but now we have had that first challenge and we know what to expect. We need to do better and can do better.

Australia obviously started disappointingly at South Africa 2010 but how did you view the campaign overall?
I think we deserved more than we got. Aside from the Germany game we performed really well. We showed everybody around the world what Australia stands for and that is our fighting spirit. Coming back from such a defeat, and doing what we did, I believe was a success in itself.

Personally, did it feel like you took your Socceroo career to another level in South Africa?
I don’t think much changed, it was more that everything fell for me at that moment. I was feeling really good, I was feeling really fit and a lot of confidence was going through my body at that time.

How did it feel when the goal against Serbia went in, and how did that rate in terms of career goals?
To be honest it was a great goal, but even though the Ghana goal wasn’t the most spectacular goal it will stay with me the longest because it was my first ever goal in a World Cup. That will stay with me forever. To get just one goal in a World Cup is amazing, let alone two.

How gratifying was it to be on the field at a FIFA World Cup and scoring goals among the world’s elite?
You work so hard to try and do the right things over so many years so when these sort of things happen you think to yourself, ‘All the hard work has paid off’. It is definitely a great feeling.