Brazil

Brazil
THE DAY REPLAYED – The last four teams yet to make an appearance at this FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ entered the fray today in Monchengladbach and Augsburg. The latter city, the most southern of the nine selected to host matches during the tournament, was originally a Roman military base, and most fans expected a siege of the Equatorial Guinea goal in their match with Norway.

It did not turn out that way; under a burning sun, the unfancied CAF representatives made their supposedly superior opponents sweat with an impressive all-round performance. There was a Brazilian-style swagger to their play, which showcased a spectacular and entertaining array of skills, including step-overs, long-range lobs, shots from all sides and even bicycle kicks.

What was lacking in the final analysis was a result, as European experience finally overcame African exuberance, even if the scorer of the Norwegian goal, Emilie Haavi, is just 19 years of age. Two days after she turned three, Norway were crowned world champions, back on 18 June 1995. Could this again be the Scandinavians’ year?

The day’s second match pitted 2007 finalists Brazil against a constantly improving Australia side. The encounter promised action in the penalty area – in eight meetings between the two nations, there had never been a scoreless draw, and in Australia’s 13 previous FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, the Matildas had never managed to avoid conceding a goal.

In the arena that hosts Bundesliga giants Borussia Monchengladbach, the team whose attacking style of play thrilled Europe during the 1970s, the game did not produce the goalfest many had expected. The match was of a very high standard, however, with both defences putting in fine performances. A goal worthy of some of the great Brazilian men’s teams of the past was all that separated the teams in the end, maintaining the aforementioned statistical record in the process.

Results
Norway 1-0 Equatorial Guinea
Brazil 1-0 Australia

Goal of the day
Brazil-Australia, 54’, Rosana
If all of As Canarinhas’ goals display this combination of flair and killer instinct, their matches are going to be worth watching. On the edge of the box, Cristiane deftly flicked the ball over the head of her opposite number and headed it on towards team-mate Rosana. The Brazil No6, under pressure from the back-tracking Tameka Butt, controlled it with her right foot, before smashing an unstoppable half-volley into the Australian net with her left.

Memorable moments
Sisterly support
The Norway-Equatorial Guinea match unfolded in a surprising fashion, and there was an equally remarkable image in the stands to match it. Three nuns wearing Germany scarves were spotted enthusiastically joining in the Mexican waves that flowed through the crowd in Augsburg. Whether or not they called on some divine inspiration for the Norwegians as the game wore on is yet to be confirmed.

Orchestrating the match
It has become a routine as predictable as it is enjoyable to watch: Brazil’s pre-match musical warm-up. As radio-generated samba music accompanied the players’ march through the corridors of the Stadion im Borussia-Park towards the dressing rooms, Marta played the triangle, Cristiane showed off her singing voice, and Aline filmed it all on her video camera. The Guineans, meanwhile, may not be quite as ready to form a band just yet, but they were still able to finish off their own warm-up with a song initiated by midfielder Christelle.

The future is bright
If the matches played on 29 June proved anything, it is that experience is not the be-all and end-all in women’s football. Nineteen-year-old Haavi scored a late winning goal for Norway against Equatorial Guinea, while five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta was kept surprisingly quiet by precocious Australian defender Caitlin Foord, who at 16 years and 218 days is the competition’s third youngest player.

The stat
24 – The number of minutes that the unfortunate Lene Mykjaland spent on the pitch for Norway today. The midfielder came on as a half-time substitute in the match with Equatorial Guinea, but was forced to return to the changing rooms less than half-an-hour later, having taken a knock to the thigh. In doing so, she became the second fastest ‘substituted substitute’ in the history of the tournament, behind category leader Eriko Arakawa, the Japanese forward who lasted just 17 minutes in her country’s third group game in 2007.

Brazil

Brazil
THE DAY REPLAYED – The last four teams yet to make an appearance at this FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ entered the fray today in Monchengladbach and Augsburg. The latter city, the most southern of the nine selected to host matches during the tournament, was originally a Roman military base, and most fans expected a siege of the Equatorial Guinea goal in their match with Norway.

It did not turn out that way; under a burning sun, the unfancied CAF representatives made their supposedly superior opponents sweat with an impressive all-round performance. There was a Brazilian-style swagger to their play, which showcased a spectacular and entertaining array of skills, including step-overs, long-range lobs, shots from all sides and even bicycle kicks.

What was lacking in the final analysis was a result, as European experience finally overcame African exuberance, even if the scorer of the Norwegian goal, Emilie Haavi, is just 19 years of age. Two days after she turned three, Norway were crowned world champions, back on 18 June 1995. Could this again be the Scandinavians’ year?

The day’s second match pitted 2007 finalists Brazil against a constantly improving Australia side. The encounter promised action in the penalty area – in eight meetings between the two nations, there had never been a scoreless draw, and in Australia’s 13 previous FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, the Matildas had never managed to avoid conceding a goal.

In the arena that hosts Bundesliga giants Borussia Monchengladbach, the team whose attacking style of play thrilled Europe during the 1970s, the game did not produce the goalfest many had expected. The match was of a very high standard, however, with both defences putting in fine performances. A goal worthy of some of the great Brazilian men’s teams of the past was all that separated the teams in the end, maintaining the aforementioned statistical record in the process.

Results
Norway 1-0 Equatorial Guinea
Brazil 1-0 Australia

Goal of the day
Brazil-Australia, 54’, Rosana
If all of As Canarinhas’ goals display this combination of flair and killer instinct, their matches are going to be worth watching. On the edge of the box, Cristiane deftly flicked the ball over the head of her opposite number and headed it on towards team-mate Rosana. The Brazil No6, under pressure from the back-tracking Tameka Butt, controlled it with her right foot, before smashing an unstoppable half-volley into the Australian net with her left.

Memorable moments
Sisterly support
The Norway-Equatorial Guinea match unfolded in a surprising fashion, and there was an equally remarkable image in the stands to match it. Three nuns wearing Germany scarves were spotted enthusiastically joining in the Mexican waves that flowed through the crowd in Augsburg. Whether or not they called on some divine inspiration for the Norwegians as the game wore on is yet to be confirmed.

Orchestrating the match
It has become a routine as predictable as it is enjoyable to watch: Brazil’s pre-match musical warm-up. As radio-generated samba music accompanied the players’ march through the corridors of the Stadion im Borussia-Park towards the dressing rooms, Marta played the triangle, Cristiane showed off her singing voice, and Aline filmed it all on her video camera. The Guineans, meanwhile, may not be quite as ready to form a band just yet, but they were still able to finish off their own warm-up with a song initiated by midfielder Christelle.

The future is bright
If the matches played on 29 June proved anything, it is that experience is not the be-all and end-all in women’s football. Nineteen-year-old Haavi scored a late winning goal for Norway against Equatorial Guinea, while five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta was kept surprisingly quiet by precocious Australian defender Caitlin Foord, who at 16 years and 218 days is the competition’s third youngest player.

The stat
24 – The number of minutes that the unfortunate Lene Mykjaland spent on the pitch for Norway today. The midfielder came on as a half-time substitute in the match with Equatorial Guinea, but was forced to return to the changing rooms less than half-an-hour later, having taken a knock to the thigh. In doing so, she became the second fastest ‘substituted substitute’ in the history of the tournament, behind category leader Eriko Arakawa, the Japanese forward who lasted just 17 minutes in her country’s third group game in 2007.

Brazil

Brazil
THE DAY REPLAYED – The last four teams yet to make an appearance at this FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ entered the fray today in Monchengladbach and Augsburg. The latter city, the most southern of the nine selected to host matches during the tournament, was originally a Roman military base, and most fans expected a siege of the Equatorial Guinea goal in their match with Norway.

It did not turn out that way; under a burning sun, the unfancied CAF representatives made their supposedly superior opponents sweat with an impressive all-round performance. There was a Brazilian-style swagger to their play, which showcased a spectacular and entertaining array of skills, including step-overs, long-range lobs, shots from all sides and even bicycle kicks.

What was lacking in the final analysis was a result, as European experience finally overcame African exuberance, even if the scorer of the Norwegian goal, Emilie Haavi, is just 19 years of age. Two days after she turned three, Norway were crowned world champions, back on 18 June 1995. Could this again be the Scandinavians’ year?

The day’s second match pitted 2007 finalists Brazil against a constantly improving Australia side. The encounter promised action in the penalty area – in eight meetings between the two nations, there had never been a scoreless draw, and in Australia’s 13 previous FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, the Matildas had never managed to avoid conceding a goal.

In the arena that hosts Bundesliga giants Borussia Monchengladbach, the team whose attacking style of play thrilled Europe during the 1970s, the game did not produce the goalfest many had expected. The match was of a very high standard, however, with both defences putting in fine performances. A goal worthy of some of the great Brazilian men’s teams of the past was all that separated the teams in the end, maintaining the aforementioned statistical record in the process.

Results
Norway 1-0 Equatorial Guinea
Brazil 1-0 Australia

Goal of the day
Brazil-Australia, 54’, Rosana
If all of As Canarinhas’ goals display this combination of flair and killer instinct, their matches are going to be worth watching. On the edge of the box, Cristiane deftly flicked the ball over the head of her opposite number and headed it on towards team-mate Rosana. The Brazil No6, under pressure from the back-tracking Tameka Butt, controlled it with her right foot, before smashing an unstoppable half-volley into the Australian net with her left.

Memorable moments
Sisterly support
The Norway-Equatorial Guinea match unfolded in a surprising fashion, and there was an equally remarkable image in the stands to match it. Three nuns wearing Germany scarves were spotted enthusiastically joining in the Mexican waves that flowed through the crowd in Augsburg. Whether or not they called on some divine inspiration for the Norwegians as the game wore on is yet to be confirmed.

Orchestrating the match
It has become a routine as predictable as it is enjoyable to watch: Brazil’s pre-match musical warm-up. As radio-generated samba music accompanied the players’ march through the corridors of the Stadion im Borussia-Park towards the dressing rooms, Marta played the triangle, Cristiane showed off her singing voice, and Aline filmed it all on her video camera. The Guineans, meanwhile, may not be quite as ready to form a band just yet, but they were still able to finish off their own warm-up with a song initiated by midfielder Christelle.

The future is bright
If the matches played on 29 June proved anything, it is that experience is not the be-all and end-all in women’s football. Nineteen-year-old Haavi scored a late winning goal for Norway against Equatorial Guinea, while five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta was kept surprisingly quiet by precocious Australian defender Caitlin Foord, who at 16 years and 218 days is the competition’s third youngest player.

The stat
24 – The number of minutes that the unfortunate Lene Mykjaland spent on the pitch for Norway today. The midfielder came on as a half-time substitute in the match with Equatorial Guinea, but was forced to return to the changing rooms less than half-an-hour later, having taken a knock to the thigh. In doing so, she became the second fastest ‘substituted substitute’ in the history of the tournament, behind category leader Eriko Arakawa, the Japanese forward who lasted just 17 minutes in her country’s third group game in 2007.

Brazil

Brazil
THE DAY REPLAYED – The last four teams yet to make an appearance at this FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ entered the fray today in Monchengladbach and Augsburg. The latter city, the most southern of the nine selected to host matches during the tournament, was originally a Roman military base, and most fans expected a siege of the Equatorial Guinea goal in their match with Norway.

It did not turn out that way; under a burning sun, the unfancied CAF representatives made their supposedly superior opponents sweat with an impressive all-round performance. There was a Brazilian-style swagger to their play, which showcased a spectacular and entertaining array of skills, including step-overs, long-range lobs, shots from all sides and even bicycle kicks.

What was lacking in the final analysis was a result, as European experience finally overcame African exuberance, even if the scorer of the Norwegian goal, Emilie Haavi, is just 19 years of age. Two days after she turned three, Norway were crowned world champions, back on 18 June 1995. Could this again be the Scandinavians’ year?

The day’s second match pitted 2007 finalists Brazil against a constantly improving Australia side. The encounter promised action in the penalty area – in eight meetings between the two nations, there had never been a scoreless draw, and in Australia’s 13 previous FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, the Matildas had never managed to avoid conceding a goal.

In the arena that hosts Bundesliga giants Borussia Monchengladbach, the team whose attacking style of play thrilled Europe during the 1970s, the game did not produce the goalfest many had expected. The match was of a very high standard, however, with both defences putting in fine performances. A goal worthy of some of the great Brazilian men’s teams of the past was all that separated the teams in the end, maintaining the aforementioned statistical record in the process.

Results
Norway 1-0 Equatorial Guinea
Brazil 1-0 Australia

Goal of the day
Brazil-Australia, 54’, Rosana
If all of As Canarinhas’ goals display this combination of flair and killer instinct, their matches are going to be worth watching. On the edge of the box, Cristiane deftly flicked the ball over the head of her opposite number and headed it on towards team-mate Rosana. The Brazil No6, under pressure from the back-tracking Tameka Butt, controlled it with her right foot, before smashing an unstoppable half-volley into the Australian net with her left.

Memorable moments
Sisterly support
The Norway-Equatorial Guinea match unfolded in a surprising fashion, and there was an equally remarkable image in the stands to match it. Three nuns wearing Germany scarves were spotted enthusiastically joining in the Mexican waves that flowed through the crowd in Augsburg. Whether or not they called on some divine inspiration for the Norwegians as the game wore on is yet to be confirmed.

Orchestrating the match
It has become a routine as predictable as it is enjoyable to watch: Brazil’s pre-match musical warm-up. As radio-generated samba music accompanied the players’ march through the corridors of the Stadion im Borussia-Park towards the dressing rooms, Marta played the triangle, Cristiane showed off her singing voice, and Aline filmed it all on her video camera. The Guineans, meanwhile, may not be quite as ready to form a band just yet, but they were still able to finish off their own warm-up with a song initiated by midfielder Christelle.

The future is bright
If the matches played on 29 June proved anything, it is that experience is not the be-all and end-all in women’s football. Nineteen-year-old Haavi scored a late winning goal for Norway against Equatorial Guinea, while five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta was kept surprisingly quiet by precocious Australian defender Caitlin Foord, who at 16 years and 218 days is the competition’s third youngest player.

The stat
24 – The number of minutes that the unfortunate Lene Mykjaland spent on the pitch for Norway today. The midfielder came on as a half-time substitute in the match with Equatorial Guinea, but was forced to return to the changing rooms less than half-an-hour later, having taken a knock to the thigh. In doing so, she became the second fastest ‘substituted substitute’ in the history of the tournament, behind category leader Eriko Arakawa, the Japanese forward who lasted just 17 minutes in her country’s third group game in 2007.

Brazil

Brazil
THE DAY REPLAYED – The last four teams yet to make an appearance at this FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ entered the fray today in Monchengladbach and Augsburg. The latter city, the most southern of the nine selected to host matches during the tournament, was originally a Roman military base, and most fans expected a siege of the Equatorial Guinea goal in their match with Norway.

It did not turn out that way; under a burning sun, the unfancied CAF representatives made their supposedly superior opponents sweat with an impressive all-round performance. There was a Brazilian-style swagger to their play, which showcased a spectacular and entertaining array of skills, including step-overs, long-range lobs, shots from all sides and even bicycle kicks.

What was lacking in the final analysis was a result, as European experience finally overcame African exuberance, even if the scorer of the Norwegian goal, Emilie Haavi, is just 19 years of age. Two days after she turned three, Norway were crowned world champions, back on 18 June 1995. Could this again be the Scandinavians’ year?

The day’s second match pitted 2007 finalists Brazil against a constantly improving Australia side. The encounter promised action in the penalty area – in eight meetings between the two nations, there had never been a scoreless draw, and in Australia’s 13 previous FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, the Matildas had never managed to avoid conceding a goal.

In the arena that hosts Bundesliga giants Borussia Monchengladbach, the team whose attacking style of play thrilled Europe during the 1970s, the game did not produce the goalfest many had expected. The match was of a very high standard, however, with both defences putting in fine performances. A goal worthy of some of the great Brazilian men’s teams of the past was all that separated the teams in the end, maintaining the aforementioned statistical record in the process.

Results
Norway 1-0 Equatorial Guinea
Brazil 1-0 Australia

Goal of the day
Brazil-Australia, 54’, Rosana
If all of As Canarinhas’ goals display this combination of flair and killer instinct, their matches are going to be worth watching. On the edge of the box, Cristiane deftly flicked the ball over the head of her opposite number and headed it on towards team-mate Rosana. The Brazil No6, under pressure from the back-tracking Tameka Butt, controlled it with her right foot, before smashing an unstoppable half-volley into the Australian net with her left.

Memorable moments
Sisterly support
The Norway-Equatorial Guinea match unfolded in a surprising fashion, and there was an equally remarkable image in the stands to match it. Three nuns wearing Germany scarves were spotted enthusiastically joining in the Mexican waves that flowed through the crowd in Augsburg. Whether or not they called on some divine inspiration for the Norwegians as the game wore on is yet to be confirmed.

Orchestrating the match
It has become a routine as predictable as it is enjoyable to watch: Brazil’s pre-match musical warm-up. As radio-generated samba music accompanied the players’ march through the corridors of the Stadion im Borussia-Park towards the dressing rooms, Marta played the triangle, Cristiane showed off her singing voice, and Aline filmed it all on her video camera. The Guineans, meanwhile, may not be quite as ready to form a band just yet, but they were still able to finish off their own warm-up with a song initiated by midfielder Christelle.

The future is bright
If the matches played on 29 June proved anything, it is that experience is not the be-all and end-all in women’s football. Nineteen-year-old Haavi scored a late winning goal for Norway against Equatorial Guinea, while five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta was kept surprisingly quiet by precocious Australian defender Caitlin Foord, who at 16 years and 218 days is the competition’s third youngest player.

The stat
24 – The number of minutes that the unfortunate Lene Mykjaland spent on the pitch for Norway today. The midfielder came on as a half-time substitute in the match with Equatorial Guinea, but was forced to return to the changing rooms less than half-an-hour later, having taken a knock to the thigh. In doing so, she became the second fastest ‘substituted substitute’ in the history of the tournament, behind category leader Eriko Arakawa, the Japanese forward who lasted just 17 minutes in her country’s third group game in 2007.

Brazil and Norway pass tough tests

Brazil and Norway pass tough tests

THE DAY REPLAYED – The last four teams yet to make an appearance at this FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ entered the fray today in Monchengladbach and Augsburg. The latter city, the most southern of the nine selected to host matches during the tournament, was originally a Roman military base, and most fans expected a siege of the Equatorial Guinea goal in their match with Norway.

It did not turn out that way; under a burning sun, the unfancied CAF representatives made their supposedly superior opponents sweat with an impressive all-round performance. There was a Brazilian-style swagger to their play, which showcased a spectacular and entertaining array of skills, including step-overs, long-range lobs, shots from all sides and even bicycle kicks.

What was lacking in the final analysis was a result, as European experience finally overcame African exuberance, even if the scorer of the Norwegian goal, Emilie Haavi, is just 19 years of age. Two days after she turned three, Norway were crowned world champions, back on 18 June 1995. Could this again be the Scandinavians’ year?

The day’s second match pitted 2007 finalists Brazil against a constantly improving Australia side. The encounter promised action in the penalty area – in eight meetings between the two nations, there had never been a scoreless draw, and in Australia’s 13 previous FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, the Matildas had never managed to avoid conceding a goal.

In the arena that hosts Bundesliga giants Borussia Monchengladbach, the team whose attacking style of play thrilled Europe during the 1970s, the game did not produce the goalfest many had expected. The match was of a very high standard, however, with both defences putting in fine performances. A goal worthy of some of the great Brazilian men’s teams of the past was all that separated the teams in the end, maintaining the aforementioned statistical record in the process.

Results
Norway 1-0 Equatorial Guinea
Brazil 1-0 Australia

Goal of the day
Brazil-Australia, 54’, Rosana
If all of As Canarinhas’ goals display this combination of flair and killer instinct, their matches are going to be worth watching. On the edge of the box, Cristiane deftly flicked the ball over the head of her opposite number and headed it on towards team-mate Rosana. The Brazil No6, under pressure from the back-tracking Tameka Butt, controlled it with her right foot, before smashing an unstoppable half-volley into the Australian net with her left.

Memorable moments
Sisterly support
The Norway-Equatorial Guinea match unfolded in a surprising fashion, and there was an equally remarkable image in the stands to match it. Three nuns wearing Germany scarves were spotted enthusiastically joining in the Mexican waves that flowed through the crowd in Augsburg. Whether or not they called on some divine inspiration for the Norwegians as the game wore on is yet to be confirmed.

Orchestrating the match
It has become a routine as predictable as it is enjoyable to watch: Brazil’s pre-match musical warm-up. As radio-generated samba music accompanied the players’ march through the corridors of the Stadion im Borussia-Park towards the dressing rooms, Marta played the triangle, Cristiane showed off her singing voice, and Aline filmed it all on her video camera. The Guineans, meanwhile, may not be quite as ready to form a band just yet, but they were still able to finish off their own warm-up with a song initiated by midfielder Christelle.

The future is bright
If the matches played on 29 June proved anything, it is that experience is not the be-all and end-all in women’s football. Nineteen-year-old Haavi scored a late winning goal for Norway against Equatorial Guinea, while five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta was kept surprisingly quiet by precocious Australian defender Caitlin Foord, who at 16 years and 218 days is the competition’s third youngest player.

The stat
24 – The number of minutes that the unfortunate Lene Mykjaland spent on the pitch for Norway today. The midfielder came on as a half-time substitute in the match with Equatorial Guinea, but was forced to return to the changing rooms less than half-an-hour later, having taken a knock to the thigh. In doing so, she became the second fastest ‘substituted substitute’ in the history of the tournament, behind category leader Eriko Arakawa, the Japanese forward who lasted just 17 minutes in her country’s third group game in 2007.

Brazil and Norway pass tough tests

Brazil and Norway pass tough tests

THE DAY REPLAYED – The last four teams yet to make an appearance at this FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ entered the fray today in Monchengladbach and Augsburg. The latter city, the most southern of the nine selected to host matches during the tournament, was originally a Roman military base, and most fans expected a siege of the Equatorial Guinea goal in their match with Norway.

It did not turn out that way; under a burning sun, the unfancied CAF representatives made their supposedly superior opponents sweat with an impressive all-round performance. There was a Brazilian-style swagger to their play, which showcased a spectacular and entertaining array of skills, including step-overs, long-range lobs, shots from all sides and even bicycle kicks.

What was lacking in the final analysis was a result, as European experience finally overcame African exuberance, even if the scorer of the Norwegian goal, Emilie Haavi, is just 19 years of age. Two days after she turned three, Norway were crowned world champions, back on 18 June 1995. Could this again be the Scandinavians’ year?

The day’s second match pitted 2007 finalists Brazil against a constantly improving Australia side. The encounter promised action in the penalty area – in eight meetings between the two nations, there had never been a scoreless draw, and in Australia’s 13 previous FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, the Matildas had never managed to avoid conceding a goal.

In the arena that hosts Bundesliga giants Borussia Monchengladbach, the team whose attacking style of play thrilled Europe during the 1970s, the game did not produce the goalfest many had expected. The match was of a very high standard, however, with both defences putting in fine performances. A goal worthy of some of the great Brazilian men’s teams of the past was all that separated the teams in the end, maintaining the aforementioned statistical record in the process.

Results
Norway 1-0 Equatorial Guinea
Brazil 1-0 Australia

Goal of the day
Brazil-Australia, 54’, Rosana
If all of As Canarinhas’ goals display this combination of flair and killer instinct, their matches are going to be worth watching. On the edge of the box, Cristiane deftly flicked the ball over the head of her opposite number and headed it on towards team-mate Rosana. The Brazil No6, under pressure from the back-tracking Tameka Butt, controlled it with her right foot, before smashing an unstoppable half-volley into the Australian net with her left.

Memorable moments
Sisterly support
The Norway-Equatorial Guinea match unfolded in a surprising fashion, and there was an equally remarkable image in the stands to match it. Three nuns wearing Germany scarves were spotted enthusiastically joining in the Mexican waves that flowed through the crowd in Augsburg. Whether or not they called on some divine inspiration for the Norwegians as the game wore on is yet to be confirmed.

Orchestrating the match
It has become a routine as predictable as it is enjoyable to watch: Brazil’s pre-match musical warm-up. As radio-generated samba music accompanied the players’ march through the corridors of the Stadion im Borussia-Park towards the dressing rooms, Marta played the triangle, Cristiane showed off her singing voice, and Aline filmed it all on her video camera. The Guineans, meanwhile, may not be quite as ready to form a band just yet, but they were still able to finish off their own warm-up with a song initiated by midfielder Christelle.

The future is bright
If the matches played on 29 June proved anything, it is that experience is not the be-all and end-all in women’s football. Nineteen-year-old Haavi scored a late winning goal for Norway against Equatorial Guinea, while five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Marta was kept surprisingly quiet by precocious Australian defender Caitlin Foord, who at 16 years and 218 days is the competition’s third youngest player.

The stat
24 – The number of minutes that the unfortunate Lene Mykjaland spent on the pitch for Norway today. The midfielder came on as a half-time substitute in the match with Equatorial Guinea, but was forced to return to the changing rooms less than half-an-hour later, having taken a knock to the thigh. In doing so, she became the second fastest ‘substituted substitute’ in the history of the tournament, behind category leader Eriko Arakawa, the Japanese forward who lasted just 17 minutes in her country’s third group game in 2007.

Asia day in Morelia and Monterrey

Asia day in Morelia and Monterrey

THE DAY REPLAYED – There was precious little drama in the first pair of knockout games at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011, with Brazil and Uzbekistan running out easy winners. The Selecao met up with Ecuador in their familiar venue of Guadalajara, Ademilson scoring again and Leo adding a late insurance goal in a simple 2-0 win against a defensive-minded opponent. Uzbekistan, for their part, have kept the dream alive, booking passage to the quarter-finals in their first-ever appearance at a junior world finals with a convincing 4-0 victory of nine-man Australia, who looked tired and deflated from their difficult group campaign.

Japan also moved on to the last eight with minimal resistance, hammering hopeful Oceania outfit New Zealand by a resounding 6-0. The clash between Congo and Uruguay in Morelia proved the true contest on the day’s menu, and the only one in which both teams found the back of the net. In the end, the realistic Uruguayans prevailed and tearful Congo trudged off to a standing ovation from the Morelia faithful.

The Uruguayans will now take on Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals, while Brazil and Japan will lock horns in a mouth-watering battle of entertainers.

Results
Uzbekistan 4-0 Australia
Brazil 2-0 Ecuador
Congo 1-2 Uruguay
Japan 6-0 New Zealand

Goal of the day
Hideki Ishige 20’, Japan-New Zealand
Japan’s dazzling technique has been one of the highlights of Mexico 2011, and the Samurai Blue piled on the style again in their meeting with the gritty Kiwis in Monterrey. Hideki Ishige typified the East Asians’ silky style after 20 minutes, racing to the byline and shaping as if to cross, but instead lofting a clever chip up and over Scott Basalaj and into the net. Only the Shimizu S-Pulse midfielder himself can tell you if his intention was to cross or shoot, but considering the Japanese player tried the same trick just one minute before on the other side of the pitch, the smart money is on shot.

Memorable moments
Ademilson’s jackhammer drives Brazil
Brazilian football is often associated with subtle slight of foot, but it is the direct, pounding jackhammer approach of one Ademilson that has set the Selecao alight here in Mexico. The Sao Paulo striker, who only secured a spot in the team on the eve of the finals, scored a stunning goal from distance to help undo Ecuador’s stingy resistance and book Brazil a place in the quarter-finals. It was his fourth goal of the tournament, putting him just behind Ivorian prodigy Souleymane Coulibaly on the scorers’ chart, and his fourth ferocious pile-driver that threatened to burst the net.

Déjà vu in Torreon
Debutants Uzbekistan and Australia met in the semi-finals of the Asian qualifying tournament in Tashkent, and today’s replay began and ended the same way. Talismanic Abbosbek Makhstaliev opened the scoring once again, this time in the 11th minute rather than the 17th, en route to an Uzbek win and a continuation of their historic run here in Mexico with a place in the quarter-finals. In scoring four in the lopsided win in Torreon, they also matched the number of goals they conceded in their group opener against Australia’s near neighbours New Zealand.

11 minutes of heaven, hell
Japan came out all guns blazing in their contest against New Zealand, scoring their first three goals inside a torrid span from the 20th to the 32nd minute. While the Japanese were celebrating scoring three goals in one half for the first time, and even added a fourth before the break, the Kiwis were cursing their misfortune as they conceded more goals in those 11 minutes than they had in their three previous games combined. Japan went on to make happier history of their own: their 6-0 win is the biggest scoreline they have racked up in the tournament’s history.

Red mist descends on Hudanski
Congo coach Eddie Hudanski has been one of the true characters at these finals, one of those inimitable, hot-headed football philosophers who loves to speak his mind. His animated and vocal approach got him into trouble against Uruguay, when what he thought was a missed offside call led to the South Americans rattling the crossbar. The coach’s protestations saw him earn a red card for his troubles, at which point he climbed into the seats behind the bench to a standing ovation from the crowd at the Estadio Morelos in Morelia, who grew to love Hudanski’s team and his antics.

The stat
5 – The number of times that Brazil have met a fellow South American side at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the number of times they have come out victorious. Five is also the number of goals Ecuador scored at these finals, all of them coming in the second half. They were to have no such luck on this day at the Estadio Guadalajara, however, as they were held scoreless by a smashing Brazil who are hunting their fifth U-17 world crown.

Up next
Thursday 30 June 2011
Germany-USA (Queretaro, 15.00)
England-Argentina (Pachuca, 15.00)
France-Côte d'Ivoire (Queretaro, 18.00)
Mexico-Panama (Pachuca, 18.00)

Asia day in Morelia and Monterrey

Asia day in Morelia and Monterrey

THE DAY REPLAYED – There was precious little drama in the first pair of knockout games at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011, with Brazil and Uzbekistan running out easy winners. The Selecao met up with Ecuador in their familiar venue of Guadalajara, Ademilson scoring again and Leo adding a late insurance goal in a simple 2-0 win against a defensive-minded opponent. Uzbekistan, for their part, have kept the dream alive, booking passage to the quarter-finals in their first-ever appearance at a junior world finals with a convincing 4-0 victory of nine-man Australia, who looked tired and deflated from their difficult group campaign.

Japan also moved on to the last eight with minimal resistance, hammering hopeful Oceania outfit New Zealand by a resounding 6-0. The clash between Congo and Uruguay in Morelia proved the true contest on the day’s menu, and the only one in which both teams found the back of the net. In the end, the realistic Uruguayans prevailed and tearful Congo trudged off to a standing ovation from the Morelia faithful.

The Uruguayans will now take on Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals, while Brazil and Japan will lock horns in a mouth-watering battle of entertainers.

Results
Uzbekistan 4-0 Australia
Brazil 2-0 Ecuador
Congo 1-2 Uruguay
Japan 6-0 New Zealand

Goal of the day
Hideki Ishige 20’, Japan-New Zealand
Japan’s dazzling technique has been one of the highlights of Mexico 2011, and the Samurai Blue piled on the style again in their meeting with the gritty Kiwis in Monterrey. Hideki Ishige typified the East Asians’ silky style after 20 minutes, racing to the byline and shaping as if to cross, but instead lofting a clever chip up and over Scott Basalaj and into the net. Only the Shimizu S-Pulse midfielder himself can tell you if his intention was to cross or shoot, but considering the Japanese player tried the same trick just one minute before on the other side of the pitch, the smart money is on shot.

Memorable moments
Ademilson’s jackhammer drives Brazil
Brazilian football is often associated with subtle slight of foot, but it is the direct, pounding jackhammer approach of one Ademilson that has set the Selecao alight here in Mexico. The Sao Paulo striker, who only secured a spot in the team on the eve of the finals, scored a stunning goal from distance to help undo Ecuador’s stingy resistance and book Brazil a place in the quarter-finals. It was his fourth goal of the tournament, putting him just behind Ivorian prodigy Souleymane Coulibaly on the scorers’ chart, and his fourth ferocious pile-driver that threatened to burst the net.

Déjà vu in Torreon
Debutants Uzbekistan and Australia met in the semi-finals of the Asian qualifying tournament in Tashkent, and today’s replay began and ended the same way. Talismanic Abbosbek Makhstaliev opened the scoring once again, this time in the 11th minute rather than the 17th, en route to an Uzbek win and a continuation of their historic run here in Mexico with a place in the quarter-finals. In scoring four in the lopsided win in Torreon, they also matched the number of goals they conceded in their group opener against Australia’s near neighbours New Zealand.

11 minutes of heaven, hell
Japan came out all guns blazing in their contest against New Zealand, scoring their first three goals inside a torrid span from the 20th to the 32nd minute. While the Japanese were celebrating scoring three goals in one half for the first time, and even added a fourth before the break, the Kiwis were cursing their misfortune as they conceded more goals in those 11 minutes than they had in their three previous games combined. Japan went on to make happier history of their own: their 6-0 win is the biggest scoreline they have racked up in the tournament’s history.

Red mist descends on Hudanski
Congo coach Eddie Hudanski has been one of the true characters at these finals, one of those inimitable, hot-headed football philosophers who loves to speak his mind. His animated and vocal approach got him into trouble against Uruguay, when what he thought was a missed offside call led to the South Americans rattling the crossbar. The coach’s protestations saw him earn a red card for his troubles, at which point he climbed into the seats behind the bench to a standing ovation from the crowd at the Estadio Morelos in Morelia, who grew to love Hudanski’s team and his antics.

The stat
5 – The number of times that Brazil have met a fellow South American side at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the number of times they have come out victorious. Five is also the number of goals Ecuador scored at these finals, all of them coming in the second half. They were to have no such luck on this day at the Estadio Guadalajara, however, as they were held scoreless by a smashing Brazil who are hunting their fifth U-17 world crown.

Up next
Thursday 30 June 2011
Germany-USA (Queretaro, 15.00)
England-Argentina (Pachuca, 15.00)
France-Côte d'Ivoire (Queretaro, 18.00)
Mexico-Panama (Pachuca, 18.00)

>River suffer historic drop

River suffer historic drop


River Plate, the most successful club in Argentinian football, were relegated from the Clausura on Sunday for the first time in their history.

The Buenos Aires giants went into their promotion play-off against second-tier side Belgrano needing to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit, but fell short, drawing the return leg 1-1 at a sold-out Monumental.

It started promisingly for River when they went ahead through Mariano Pavano after just six minutes, but they failed to build on the lead and Guillermo Farre equalised 17 minutes into the second half. The home side had the chance to restore their advantage midway through the second half, but Pavone had his penalty superbly saved by visiting keeper Juan Olave.

River, who won the last of their 33 Argentinian titles in the the 2007/08 season, sunk into a play-off after a poor end to the Clausura campaign meant their three-season points average required them to play Belgrano in order to preserve their top-flight status they have enjoyed for the entirety of their 110-year existence.

Hosts on a high, France on target

Hosts on a high, France on target

THE DAY REPLAYED – The sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup is finally under way, with Sunday’s two opening games producing two tight scorelines and no shortage of quality football. A crowd of 73,680 flocked to the Olympiastadion in Berlin to watch the hosts edge out Canada in an exciting official Opening Match that produced great goals and a nailbiting conclusion.The main event was preceded by a spectacular crowd mosaic in the colours of the German flag.

The first game of the tournament took place in Sinsheim just hours earlier, with France overcoming the German heatwave to complete the tightest of wins over Nigeria and draw first blood in Group A.

Results
Nigeria 0-1 France
Germany 2-1 Canada

Goal of the day
Christine Sinclair, 82, (Germany-Canada)
Though the Canadian captain missed a great chance only six minutes in and barely figured thereafter, she brought her class to bear in the closing stages, sending a classy free-kick into the top corner. Sinclair’s late strike ensured a nervy finale for the hosts and was made even more memorable by the fact she had broken her nose earlier in the game.

Memorable moments
No clean sheet for Nadine
Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer went through the whole of China 2007 without conceding, a record she looked set to extend until Sinclair’s superb set-piece. In all, Angerer had gone 622 minutes without letting in a FIFA Women’s World Cup goal. An even higher total, 679 minutes, had elapsed since the Germans last conceded in the competition - against Sweden in the final at USA 2003, when Silke Rottenberg was between the posts

And the band played on
Nigeria’s enthusiastic posse of supporters did not let the Super Falcons’ seventh defeat in their last eight FIFA Women’s World Cup matches get them down, bringing the stands to life with their blaring trumpets and booming drums.

The sun has got his hat on, at last
The weather forecasters got it spot on as the grey skies, spitting rain and cool temperatures of Saturday gave way to much more pleasant conditions on Sunday. The players may not have appreciated the ten-degree rise in temperatures but the fans certainly welcomed summer’s long-awaited arrival.

The Gallic goal machine
The Nigerians made life hard for France in Sinsheim, creating few chances but keeping things very tight at the back. It takes a lot to keep Marie-Laure Delie quiet, however, as her record of 22 goals in 21 games indicates. The Montpellier striker it was who unlocked the Nigerian rearguard, making a clever run into the box and collecting a pass from the right before slotting home from six yards out.

The stat
3 - The number of FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in which Germany’s Kerstin Garefrekes has now scored, a record made even more notable by the fact she has been on the scoresheet in each of her side’s last three opening matches. On target today against Canada, she also netted against the Canucks in the 4-1 win that marked the start of Germany’s campaign at USA 2003 and was in among the goals again in their opener at China 2007, an 11-0 humbling of Argentina. The only player who can trump that record is team-mate Birgit Prinz, who has scored in four opening matches for Germany, a record the great striker failed to extend today in what was also the 150th game in the tournament’s history.

The quotes
"The spectators were amazing! The people felt that it could get tight for us at the end. The whole crowed stood behind us and the players felt that too," Silvia Neid, Germany coach.

“That was a real physical challenge, though we expected it because Nigeria are a very powerful team. We suffered a lot with the heat too because it’s been a lot colder in the last few days,” Elise Bussaglia, France midfielder.

Next up
Monday, 27 June 2011
Japan-New Zealand, 15.00 (CET), Bochum
Mexico-England, 18.00 (CET) Wolfsburg

Green is the colour for Rangel

Green is the colour for Rangel


It is a busy time for Mexico, with El Tri’s various national teams battling on a number of fronts. The men’s senior team concluded the CONCACAF Gold Cup with victory on Saturday evening, the U-22 side are already in Argentina for the 2011 Copa America, which begins on Friday, and the U-17s are busy hosting the FIFA World Cup for their age group, having reached the second round with a perfect group record.

And, not to be outdone, the women’s senior team are also braced for action, with an opening match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ to come on Monday against England.

One of the girls lining up for Las Tricolores in Germany is teenage midfielder Lydia Nayeli Rangel, who is delighted to see Mexican football in such rude health. “This is a great time for football in Mexico and we have to capitalise on it,” she says. “We’re following and supporting all our colleagues and we can’t wait to get going too.”
It’s a unique atmosphere [in Germany], so unique you can’t put it into words.
Mexico midfielder Lydia Nayeli Rangel

Twelve months ago, the Tigres player was captaining the U-20 team at Germany 2011, where they made it all the way to the quarter-finals. “It was a great event,” she recalls. “We showed we had a lot to offer and it got people talking more about the women’s team. We’ve kept on growing since then and the success we had in Germany has generated more interest, as well as extra support and commitment from fans. The mindset is changing. There’s more passion now and that’s motivating us even more.”

As the 19-year-old goes on to explain in her soft but firm voice, she is one of Mexico’s battlers. “I can handle myself physically and in the air and I’m very passionate about pulling on the green jersey. I think this team can go on and achieve big things, and do at least as well as we did last year.”

A scholar of the game
The Mexicans have put themselves through a tough build-up for Germany 2011, taking on three strong sides in USA, Sweden and Australia, and losing on each occasion, albeit by narrow margins. As those defeats suggest, Leonardo Cuellar’s side still have some fine-tuning to do if they are to fight their way out of a testing Group B that also contains Japan, New Zealand and England, their opponents in Wolfsburg in their opening game.

Rangel has fond memories of beating the English at Germany 2010, but knows Monday’s meeting will be an entirely different ball game. “At this level every team is a strong one and every game is difficult, though I think we’re in the right frame of mind to do the best job we can. We really want to get off to a great good start and put some good results together.”

A high school student debating whether to take a course in Business Studies or Management, Rangel has learned to juggle her burgeoning football career with her education. “I’ve been able to coordinate the two,” she explains. “I’ve kept my football up thanks to the support of my school and my parents, but I’ve never stopped studying because I know it’s hard for women to make a living from football. My education will be very important one day, and though it’s a huge sacrifice, it’s worth it to be here. It’s a unique atmosphere, so unique you can’t put it into words. We need to enjoy it and get as much out of it as we can.”

A veteran of two FIFA U-20 World Cups (Germany 2010 and Chile 2008), Rangel is proud to be representing her country on the global stage once more and believes the experience has helped her become a more fully rounded person. “I’ve grown so much since Chile, both in my personal life and in my football career,” she says, bringing the interview to a close. “I’ve never stopped learning and I want to keep on improving. The fact I’m getting picked shows that I’m doing things right. My aim now is to make the most of the opportunities that come my way and keep giving people reasons to believe in me.”

Asante Kotoko

Asante Kotoko
The great Porcupines of Africa

Name: Asante Kotoko
City: Kumasi
Founded: 1935
Official website: http://www.asantekotokofc.org/

Like many clubs from a nation’s ‘second city’, Asante Kotoko have a special bond with their local supporters, united against an eternal rival from the capital. In the case of the Porcupine Warriors, they hail from Kumasi, which is the home of the ancient Ashanti or Asante peoples, and their main competitors are Accra’s venerable Hearts of Oak. While the larger city on the coast is considered the modern centre of Ghana, it is a point of great pride for residents of the northern city that their representative football club has surpassed their opposite number in titles both domestic and continental. They even have claim to bragging rights across Africa after the International Federation of Football History and Statistics ranked them as the continent’s Club of the Century in 2000 based on results. Although CAF placed them third in a similar ranking - behind Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek - they still could look down at Hearts of Oak in seventh with a smile.

Birth of an institution
The history of Asante Kotoko begins in the colonial past when a Kumasi native named Kwasi Kumah went to Accra in the early 1920s and became a driver for an English soldier. Exposed to the inventors of the game and impressed by the football scene in the capital, he went back to his home in 1924 and established a club, which struggled to find an identity until almost a decade later. It was then that a local sage prophesied great things if they change their name to Kotoko, which is the Asante word for porcupine, a symbol of their famed empire. The name Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC was taken in 1935, and the club has been closely intertwined with the Garden City and its residents ever since. The crest features a remarkably threatening looking porcupine and the motto ‘Kum apem a, apem beba’, which means roughly ‘Kill a thousand, and a thousand more will come.’

The making of a legend
By the time the Ghanaian national league got in full swing in the late 1950s, the Porcupine Warriors were national powers, and they won the title in its second year. However, it was not until the next decade that the side put a mark of dominance on domestic football and began to make major strides on the continent. In fact, beginning in 1967, they reached the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs four times in seven years. Although they won the top continental prize only in 1970 during that run, things could have been much different.

In 1967, they drew the first two legs of the final against Zaire’s TP Englebert. With no penalties played, they went back home and did not find out about the tie-breaking third match until it was too late and they were marked down as a walkover. Four years later, as defending champions after gaining revenge on Englebert, they again went to a third-match tiebreaker and fell to Cameroon’s Canon Yaounde 1-0 after the match was abandoned early due to crowd problems. In 1973, they seemed to be coasting to a second continental crown after winning the first leg 4-2 at home, but AS Vita Club thumped them in the second leg 3-0 to bring the trophy back to Zaire.

Further losses in the ultimate match in 1982 as well as in 1993, on penalties after two scoreless legs with Zamalek, have given the Kumasi side something of a bridesmaid reputation. A record five defeats in the final of the top continental tournament as well as similar losses in the 2004 CAF Confederation Cup and 2002 African Cup Winners Cup are offset by the 1970 triumph as well as continental glory in 1983. In that year, they claimed the scalp of the event’s most successful team, Al Ahly, and earned revenge for the defeat in the previous year’s final.

They have gone through periods of great dominance in Ghana as well. Between themselves and Hearts of Oak, the two have shared 40 of Ghana’s 50 titles, with Asante Kotoko winning two more than their rivals. They have won three titles in a row three times, and between 1980 and 1983, they lifted the trophy four times consecutively.

The present
Given their stellar history, Asante Kotoko have been going through a relatively barren patch. They have finished top of the Ghanaian table just three times since 1993, with the last of those coming in 2008. On the continent, they have been even more disappointing, and they have failed to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League since 2006. They seemed to be sinking into crisis mode early in the 2010/11 season as they started off with a shocking seven defeats on the trot. However, they showed their pedigree by recovering enough to finish the season in second place - three points ahead of Hearts of Oak.

The stadium
Asante Kotoko play in Ghana’s largest venue, the Baba Yara Stadium, which holds just over 40,000 people and shades Hearts of Oak’s Ohene Djan Stadium by under 1,000. Formerly known as Kumasi Sports Stadium, it was built in 1959 in time for the club’s glory days, renovated in the late 1970s, and again in the late 2000s ahead of the 2008 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The stadium also hosted matches at the 1963, 1978 and 2000 continental championships.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers
(
The line-up for Asia's third round of Men’s Olympic Football Tournament preliminaries was completed on Thursday, with a total of 12 teams advancing to the continental qualifying finals for London 2012.

A final draw on 7 July will place these sides into three groups, which will be contested between 21 September 2011 and 14 March 2012, with the section winners guaranteed an Olympic place. The three second-placed teams will then clash at a centralised venue from 25 to 29 March, with one going on to meet an African representative a playoff for a berth at London 2012.

The majority of the favourites proved their credentials, with ten of the 13 seeded sides prevailing in their respective match-ups to make it through. But there were surprises, most notably Oman, who came from nowhere to eliminate China PR 4-1 on aggregate, while unfancied Malaysia stunned Lebanon 2-1.

Aurelio Vidmar's Australia enjoyed arguably the most comfortable victory, firing seven unanswered goals past Yemen over two legs to seal their place in the last 12. "It wasn’t an easy game but we took our chances well," Vidmar said, paying tribute to his players. "We could very easily have scored a couple of more but I’m very pleased that we have got to the next stage."

Also making light work of their opponents were Saudi Arabia, who cruised to a 6-1 aggregate win over Vietnam, and Syria, who recorded an unlikely 4-0 second-leg victory to round off a 6-2 triumph over Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan proved too strong for Hong Kong, advancing as 3-0 winners, while a 3-1 first-leg home win saw Korea Republic through against Jordan despite being held to a 1-1 draw in the return match.
It wasn’t an easy game but we took our chances well. We could very easily have scored a couple of more but I’m very pleased that we have got to the next stage.
Australia coach Aurelio Vidmar

Having beaten Kuwait 3-1 at home in the first leg, Japan looked likely to cruise through when Saki Oriki opened the scoring in the reture on 22 minutes. However, they were made to sweat after the interval, when Hamad Aman equalised to reduce the aggregate deficit before Yousef Nasser Al Salman put the game on edge with a penalty. The Kuwaiti hosts threw everything forward in the closing stages but the could not find the goal that would have forced the game into extra time.

Also close to causing a major upset were Palestine, who entered Thursday's second-leg at home with a solitary-goal advantage over Bahrain courtesy of Khaled Salem's second-half strike. Spurred on by their home crowd, Palestine took the lead on the stroke of half-time, again through the impressive Salem, only for Bahrain to stage a powerful second-half comeback, goals from midfielder Sayed Dhiya Saeed and defender Ali Khalil sending them through on away goals.

Elsewhere, trailing by a 1-0 home defeat to UAE four days ago, Korea DPR clawed themselves back into the contest when forward Pak Kwang Ryong broke the deadlock on 19 minutes. However, the hosts sealed a narrow aggregate win through Hamdan Al Kamali. Enjoying more success, however, were a resolute Malaysia, who battled to a spirited 2-1 home win over Lebanon. That result, coupled with the sides' goalless first-leg draw, saw Malaysia through at the expense of the West Asians.

Emerging starlets
A series of striking prodigies chose the Olympic qualifiers to explode on to the continental scene, with their goals helping their respective sides through. Topping the second round's scoring charts was Australia No9 Jason Hoffman, who struck a brace to steer his side to an 3-0 first-leg win before netting a hat-trick in their 4-0 victory in the return.

Amjad Radhi, meanwhile, struck in each half as Iraq secured a 2-0 second-leg win over Iran, a result which ensured their passage through despite losing 1-0 in the previous meeting. However, shining most brightly was Oman's Hussain Al Hadhri, who almost single-handedly inspired his side to victory over China. Having capitalised on a defensive error to score the only goal in the sides' first meeting, Al Hadri netted twice and set up another as Oman rounded off their campaign at home with a 3-1 second-leg win.

Young: I'm ready for the challenge

Young: I'm ready for the challenge


New says he is fully prepared for the challenge of breaking into a t Manchester United signing Ashley Youngeam which won a record 19th league title last season.

Although it was not a vintage year for the Red Devils, they still finished nine points clear of Chelsea to win the Premier League and overtake rivals Liverpool.

The retirement of Paul Scholes and the release of the injury-plagued Owen Hargreaves has freed up some space in midfield, but Young knows he will still have to fight for a starting berth with the likes of Antonio Valencia, Nani and Park Ji-Sung.
I'm going to be coming in looking to establish myself in the team. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I'm up for that challenge.
Ashley Young, Manchester United forward

"There's a lot of competition for places at the club," he told MUTV. "If you are in the team there is always going to be someone biting away at your heels trying to get in.

"I'm going to be coming in looking to establish myself in the team. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I'm up for that challenge.

"It is a fantastic team. The club always produces fantastic players. They have that winning mentality. I hope to be a part of that this season. I can't wait to get started."

Realising a childhood dream
The England international, 26 next month, agreed a five-year deal yesterday and has immediately set his sights on helping United win a 20th title next season as he realises a boyhood dream.

"To come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, it is an opportunity that I couldn't turn down, to play with such great players that play for this club and to hopefully become part of the history of winning the 20th title," he added.

"As a child I always wanted to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and I've got that opportunity now. I've just got to take it with two hands. I just want to get out there and start training now."

Goals and assists in his game
Young became United's second signing of the summer, following England U-21 international Phil Jones, who was signed from Blackburn Rovers.

The forward scored 39 goals in 193 appearances for Aston Villa but, significantly, in the past five Premier League seasons only Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has provided more assists.

Coulibaly sparkles as Brazil, Germany stroll

Coulibaly sparkles as Brazil, Germany stroll
(

THE DAY REPLAYED – In beating Australia and Burkina Faso respectively, Brazil and Germany advanced to the knockout stages of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011.

The Brazilians sealed their passage by virtue of a marvelous free kick from Flamengo forward Adryan, which propelled the South American side to a tightly-contested 1-0 triumph, and sent them to the top of Group F with six points in the process. In the same section, Côte d’Ivoire twice came from behind to see off a stubborn Danish team, and still hold their destiny in their own hands. The game’s outstanding player by far was Souleymane Coulibaly, who notched all four of his side’s goals in a remarkable individual performance.

Germany, meanwhile, again demonstrated their attacking prowess in Group E by comprehensively dismissing Burkina Faso 3-0, a result that booked a place in the next round. In the pool’s other encounter, Ecuador overcame the setback of going a goal down to Panama to eventually emerge 2-1 winners. The Central Americans’ chances of progressing will depend on the outcome of their third and final match with Burkina Faso, who prop up the group on zero points.

Results
Burkina Faso 0-3 Germany
Panama 1-2 Ecuador
Australia 0-1 Brazil
Côte d’Ivoire 4-2 Denmark

Goal of the day
Souleymane Coulibaly, 23’, Côte d’Ivoire-Denmark
When on-song Ivoirian ace Coulibaly reached the byline and stopped the ball dead, Danish defender Frederik Holst appeared to be anticipating just one thing: a cross into the box. However, the Siena player had other ideas, taking on and beating his man with a combination of speed and skill and, from a seemingly impossible angle, dispatching a powerful shot past the flat-footed opposition goalkeeper. Coulibaly would go on to find the net on three further occasions, thereby becoming just the third player to score four goals in a FIFA U-17 World Cup game.

Memorable moments
No comebacks
Despite having managed it in their opening match, Australia have historically had trouble in games where they have fallen behind. In fact, out of 12 games at this event in which the Joeys have conceded the first goal, nine have ended in defeat, with one finishing with the scores level. Côte d’Ivoire, on the other hand, turned the record books on their head by beating Denmark, as it was the first time in four meetings that the Africans have managed to get the better of a European side.

Supportive screams
Prior to their match with Côte d’Ivoire, the Danish national anthem was accompanied by the deafening noise of a large group of female Mexican fans, who appeared extremely taken with the sight of the Scandinavian players. The extra encouragement initially appeared to have inspired Thomas Frank’s boys, who broke the deadlock in the 9th minute. Kenneth Zohore’s deflected goal was Denmark’s first at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, but it did not prevent them from losing the match and remaining rooted to the bottom of their group.

Dancing in the rain
As half-time approached in the Panama-Ecuador clash, the city of Queretaro was hit by a violent downpour. Most spectators ran for shelter, with the exception of a 100-strong cluster of Ecuadorian and Burkinabe supporters, the latter having stayed on after their defeat by Germany in the stadium’s earlier match. Putting their drums to good use, they proceeded to dance joyfully in the rain. By the end of the game, the Ecuador fans among the bunch were drenched but happy, having witnessed their side attack in waves in the second half to pull off an impressive come-from-behind win.

The stat
6 – The number of games in which Brazil have gone undefeated against Australia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The last and only victory for the AFC representatives came in their first-ever encounter – a 1-0 group-stage win in Montreal – back in 1987. It is worth noting that these two teams have met more than any others in the history of the competition, including a memorable final in 1999, when A Seleçãozinha prevailed on penalties and lifted the trophy.

Up next
24 June 2011
Japan-Argentina (Morelia, 15.00)
Jamaica-France (Monterrey, 15.00)
Korea DPR-Congo (Morelia, 18.00)
Netherlands (Monterrey, 18.00)

Zenga: I’ve dedicated my life to football

Zenga: I’ve dedicated my life to football


On 28 April, the players of UAE club Al Nasr surprised their coach Walter Zenga by presenting him with a cake on his 51st birthday. Perhaps an unwelcome reminder that he was now into his sixth decade, the touching gesture was nonetheless a fitting tribute to the Italian’s belief that such occasions are as important to coaching as picking players and honing their technique. Building good relationships with the media, the club’s administration and support staff, not to mention fostering team spirit and friendships between players, are among Zenga’s top priorities.

Known as Spiderman for the incredible shot-stopping reflexes that allowed to him to keep a clean sheet for a record 518 consecutive minutes of FIFA World Cup™ football, Zenga finally hung up his goalkeeping gloves at the age of 39 to pursue a career as coach. His new career has taken him to six countries in three continents, with the latest stop at Dubai’s Al Nasr Sporting Club.

Here, Zenga talks to FIFA.com about the achievements of a life in football and the challenges to come in Dubai and further afield.

FIFA.com: Walter, how are you enjoying life in the Gulf?
Walter Zenga: Of course it’s different to anywhere I’ve lived before. Every place has its own character and atmosphere. Life in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is similar to Turkey, where I lived for a while. Football itself tends to stay the same no matter where you are. I try to bring European professionalism to the players, because that is what they are lacking. Everyone has their own unique skills and talents; my job as coach is to bring out the best in the players I deal with and help them put in good performances on the pitch.

Did you ever think that football would bring you to this part of the world?
Sometimes you don’t get enough time to stop and think. Football took me to the United States as a player, for instance, and that’s where I retired and started out as a coach with New England Revolution. I went back to Italy, where I coached an amateur side in Milan called Brera Calcio, and then I went wandering: lots of different countries and clubs.

Was it easy for you? As a former goalkeeper, didn’t people assume you should stick to training goalkeepers?
There’s no such thing as an easy job. The belief that goalkeepers don’t make good coaches is just one of those silly myths. There’s no basis to it. There are a lot of superstitions like that in football and people repeat them unthinkingly until they become the truth. For instance, there are players out there who are labelled 'crazy' because they once lost their heads on the field, but the label sticks with them for life. It’s the same as saying a goalkeeper can’t coach. I always ask these people: 'Why not? What’s stopping him?' They’re forgetting that some great goalkeepers went on to make great coaches, people like Romania’s Valentin Stanescu, or Michel Preud’homme from Belgium. These two alone are proof that goalkeepers can do it.
The belief that goalkeepers don’t make good coaches is just one of those silly myths. There’s no basis to it.
Walter Zenga

How would you describe your career to date?
I’m pleased with what I’ve achieved. I live for football: it’s given me 40 years so far, with more to come, and in return I’ve dedicated my life to the game. It feels like I’m doing the right thing. If I were only involved in football for the money that would be a mistake. Like everyone, there have been wonderful moments in my career and bad times, too, but the one thing life has taught me is not to look back. I don’t keep any photographs of myself as a player at home and I’m not one for swapping memories with former team-mates. What’s done is done: it’s in the past now. There’s no point in chewing over things that happened 20 years ago. I think about the present and the future. I’ve played a lot of football in my life. I’ve seen happy times and tough times, and it has all helped make me more experienced. I was nine when I started, and I went on to play at the highest level. Now I coach teams at the highest level. If I was pressed I’d say being part of the Italy squad at the 1990 World Cup was a highlight, but as I say, it’s all in the past.

Is there anything in your career that stands out for you?
I truly believe that God gave me a talent, and I’ve looked after it: I haven’t wasted it. I achieved a lot as a player: I took part in the World Cup and represented my country on numerous occasions. Then there are all the clubs I played for, including my hometown team Inter Milan, where I won titles.

Do you dream of coaching Inter one day?
If I was offered the job I certainly wouldn’t refuse, but I don’t like to live in a dream world. I don’t sit around waiting for things like that to fall in my lap. I love my work and that’s what I prefer to focus on. Right now I’m with Al Nasr and I’m doing my best to make the team better.

Some people say that working out here in the Arab world could affect your chances of being offered a coaching job in Europe. What do you say to that?
People might think like that, but I don’t. If there are those that reckon I’m a poor coach or a failure because I’m not in Europe, I couldn’t care less. My life is where I am, not where I’m supposed to be. I enjoy my life here and I’m not thinking of anything else. Right now I work for a big club; all the clubs I’ve coached have been big clubs. Let me list them: Steaua Bucharest and Dinamo Bucharest in Romania, Rad Beograd in Serbia, Al Ain in the UAE and Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Then there’s Italy: Catania and Palermo are both top clubs. Anyway, that’s not the way I measure my success.

So how do you measure it?
Not by where I work, but rather how I work. The names of the clubs aren’t enough: it’s what I’ve managed to achieve with the staff and players. I’ve coached three of the biggest clubs in Romania. I won the 2004/05 league title with Steaua and in the 2005/06 season I won the Jelen SuperLiga in Serbia with Rad Beograd, but even so, it isn’t all about titles. When I took over at Catania they had just avoided relegation the previous season, but in my first year in charge they rose to the middle of the table and in the process got a reputation for playing attractive football. Even with the clubs where I didn’t stay long, like Palermo, Al Ain and Gaziantepspor in Turkey, I still left my mark. My departure from Al Nassr came in unfortunate circumstances but under me, the club came second in the league and never lost a match against the other big sides, despite the fact I was fielding a young and inexperienced team.

What is the biggest problem you have faced as a coach?
Language. At Catania and Palermo things were easy because I communicated with the players and media in Italian. I speak English but it’s not my first language and all my teams have included both local players and overseas signings from all over. At Al Nasr, for instance, my instructions are translated into three languages: French for Ismael Bangoura, Spanish for Leo Lima and Arabic for the junior players in the squad. It’s tricky to wait while each phrase is translated then try and pick up your train of thought. It’s made me use simple phrases to communicate my ideas directly to the players.
We love living here. Although we were only in Riyadh for six months my wife cried when we left. She spent the whole day in tears.
Walter Zenga on life in the Arab world

How do you spend your time in Dubai?
Preparing training sessions, training and matches. I work long hours, between five and six hours a day on average. Away from the football I spend my time with my family. I play with my daughter Samira and occasionally I’ll have a meal with friends or the support staff.

Do you ever see Fabio Cannavaro?
We’re friends. We live in the same part of the world and our wives get on well.

Why did you choose to give your daughter an Arabic name?
My wife speaks eight languages including Arabic. She studied it in Romania. We love this part of the world and decided to give our daughter an Arabic name. In Italian, Samira means 'my sweetheart'. If we’re blessed with another child we’ll choose an Arabic name for them, too. We love living here. Although we were only in Riyadh for six months my wife cried when we left. She spent the whole day in tears.

Is the United Arab Emirates different to Saudi Arabia?
Not so different, I think. The customs and traditions are all the same. The football is a little different, perhaps: there’s a different atmosphere to the matches. In Saudi Arabia the terraces are packed, the fans are very vocal and it’s quite normal to have thirty or forty thousand spectators at a game. In the UAE the stadiums are a little emptier.

What were your impressions of the Riyadh derby between Al Nassr and Al Hilal?
At Al Nassr we had some big games against Al Hilal, Al Shabab and Al Ittihad and we didn’t lose one. The fans were fantastic and supported the team wherever we played.

Do you think Inter Milan will win the scudetto this season?
I’m not in a position to guess. I haven’t followed Serie A because of the time difference and the schedules clash with some of my games here. Generally speaking, though, the winner will deserve it. To win the title you need to keep winning all season long, and if you end up on top you’ve earned it.

Suspension of the Football Federation of Belize

Suspension of the Football Federation of Belize


The FIFA Emergency Committee decided today, 17 June 2011, to suspend the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) with immediate effect on account of severe governmental interference. The suspension means that the return leg of the qualifying tie for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, due to be played in Belize on 19 June between the home team and Montserrat, has been postponed. The first game, played in Couva (Trinidad & Tobago) on 15 June, was won 5-2 by Belize.

On 8 June, the government of Belize, through the Ministry of Sports, informed the FFB that it was “not authorized to represent this Country in any local or international competition or in any other forum for football on behalf of the Government, People and Nation of Belize”, since it had “failed to meet the requirements for registration with the Council, as the National body for the administration of football in Belize”, according to the Ministry.

Two days later, FIFA wrote to the FFB to inform them that this was a clear case of governmental interference and gave the FFB until 30 June to settle the dispute or be referred to the FIFA Emergency Committee for suspension due to a violation of the FIFA Statutes. However, the Belize government wrote to FIFA on 16 June saying the Belize police would “not be providing any services to the Federation with respect to the security of the visiting team and officials at the match” to be played on 19 June.

Under these circumstances, and due to the interference of the government of Belize, FIFA cannot take the responsibility of letting the match take place. The match has therefore been postponed to a new date to be confirmed, but no later than 10 July 2011, provided that the situation is back to normal regarding the FFB and the suspension has been lifted by that date. In the event that the match cannot take place by that date, the national “A” team of Belize will be excluded from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ preliminary competition.

The suspension will be in place until the Belize government reverses its decision. Any action taken by the government against the office-bearers of the FFB will not be recognised by FIFA.

Statement on international matches

Statement on international matches


Contrary to what has been published in a newspaper today, FIFA is not looking to increase the number of international match dates by five or at anything related to a 17-game international season.

Strikers shine as leaders press on

Strikers shine as leaders press on


Asian fans were treated to a wonderful weekend of football, during which big scorelines and thrilling encounters were commonplace. Also dominating the headlines were a series of star strikers who embarked on goal sprees as their respective sides enjoyed morale-boosting victories.

In the Uzbek League, leaders Bunyodkor thrashed Sogdiana Jizzakh 6-1, with Victor Karpenko and Milos Trifunovic each on target twice, while in Korea Republic Yeom Ki-Hun struck a hat-trick as his Suwon Bluewings side won 4-1 against Daegu. Join FIFA.com as we review these matches and all the action across Asia’s major leagues.

Japan's J-League: Heavyweights bounce back
Surprise front-runners Kashiwa Reysol continue to set the pace in Japan. Their latest success, a 2-0 win over bottom side Avispa Fukuoka, saw the leaders open up a four-point gap over second-placed Vegalta Sendai, who could only pick up a point at Albirex Niigata. Elsewhere, a clutch of erstwhile faltering giants stole the show, most notably Gamba Osaka, who defeated Yokohama F Marinos 2-1, and Kashima Antlers, who emerged 2-0 victors over Jubilo Iwata.

The big game: Despite the departure of top scorer Adriano, Gamba proved they do not lack for firepower by overpowering visitors Yokohama. Yasuhito Endo was the driving force behind their victory, opening the scoring on nine minutes with a sublimely taken free-kick, before his inch-perfect corner found Satoshi Yamaguchi's head midway through the opening half. Hun Hoan Kim pulled one back for the visitors in the closing minutes, but it proved too little, too late.
The headline-grabber: Sanfrecce Hiroshima conceded third place in the standings after losing 2-0 away to Kawasaki Frontale. Takuro Yajima and Kosuke Kikuchi struck either side of half-time to ensure a comfortable home win for Kawasaki.

China's Super League: Guangzhou strengthen lead
Pacesetters Guangzhou Yiyao cementing their place at the summit in China with a 2-0 home win over Shaanxi Chanba, while Beijing Guoan remain their closest challengers despite being held to a 1-1 draw by reigning champions Shandong Luneng. Liaoning Whowin produced the biggest scoreline by crushing the visiting Shenzhen Ruby 6-1 to move up to third. Also making progress in the standings are Hangzhou Greentown, who climbed to fourth courtesy of a solitary-goal home win over Shanghai Shenhua.

The big game: Shaanxi travelled to Guangzhou knowing that only a win would put them up among the title-contenders, but after a goalless opening half, it was the home side who seized the initiative when Brazilian forward Muriqui's cross-cum-shot flew into the net. Midfielder Wu Pingfeng struck in added time to seal Shaanxi’s fate and secure a 2-0 win for the leaders.
The headline-grabber: One of the C-League's most high-profile imports, Brazilian striker Obina, has been found struggling in his first season in the C-League, scoring only four times for Shandong. However, the 31-year-old former Flamengo marksman showed a glimpse of his undoubted talent on Saturday when he struck the equaliser against Beijing with an acrobatic shot.

Korea Republic’s K-League: Goals galore as top two march on
Round 14 in the K-League certainly wasn’t short on goals, with 29 produced across the eight matches. Both Jeonbuk Motors and Pohang Steelers came from behind to claim dramatic victories against Jeju United and Sangju Sangmu, as the Motors maintained a four-point lead at the top. Meanwhile, the struggling trio of FC Seoul, Seongnam Chunma and Suwon Bluewings all recovered from recent slumps with morale-boosting wins over minnows Gangwon, Daejeon and Daegu respectively.

Big game: Hosts Pohang seemed to be heading for a humiliating defeat at the hands of Sangju, who took a two-goal lead through Kim Jung-Woo and Jang Nam-Suk before half-time. However, the Steelers fought back to score four times after the interval, with Brazilian striker Mota scoring from the spot and setting up three more to turn a two-goal deficit into a two-goal lead. Ko Cha-Won pulled one back deep into stoppage time to ensure a nervy finish, but the visitors could do nothing to prevent the points slipping away.
Headline-grabber: Yeom Ki-Hun’s hat-trick against Daegu was not only the first of his professional career, but has given Suwon their first win in eight matches. This feat was achieved much to the delight of the Bluewings faithful, not to mention their former coach Kim Ho, who made a rare appearance in the northern stand to join the supporters group Grand Bleu.

Elsewhere
In Saudi Arabia, Al Ittihad secured their place in the King's Cup final with a 4-1 aggregate win over arch-rivals Al Hilal. Having won the semi-final first leg 3-0, Ittihad came from behind to hold Hilal to a 1-1 draw in the return match on Sunday. Meeting them in the final will be the winners of the match between Ahli and Al Wahda, who play the decisive second leg today with the score poised at 2-2.

In Uzbekistan, international strikers Victor Karpenko and Milos Trifunovic each struck a brace as leaders Bunyodkor trounced hosts Sogdiana Jizzakh 6-1. The result maintained the leaders’ three-point cushion on Pakhtakor, who dispatched Samarkand-Dinamo 3-1 at home. Raising most eyebrows, however, was Nasaf Qarsi striker Nosirbek Otakuziev, who was on target four times as his side romped past Shurtan Guzar 5-0.

In Singapore, Tampines Rovers maintained their four-point lead over second-placed Home United with a resounding 5-0 win over bottom side Woodlands Wellington. At the opposite end of the table, despite languishing at the second from bottom, Tanjong Pagar secured their second win this season by overcoming the Young Lions by a solitary goal.

USA, Panama book a rematch

USA, Panama book a rematch
e

Putting their group stage struggles aside, a new-look USA side defeated Jamaica at RFK Stadium to secure their place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals. In Sunday’s later match, El Salvador looked to have pulled off the upset of the quarter-finals, but a late Luis Tejada strike sent the match into extra time. The Panamanians, finally saw off their Central American rivals on penalties to book a rematch with the United States in the semi-finals.

Results
Quarter-finals
Jamaica 0–2 USA
Panama 1–1 El Salvador (5-3 on penalties)

The day replayed - Jamaica and USA kicked-off Sunday’s quarter-finals action with United States coach Bob Bradley fielding a surprise starting line-up without Landon Donovan, who had just flown in the morning of the match. The United States’ scoring troubles seemed to plague them once more throughout the first half, as goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts parried away several fine chances from the likes of Clint Dempsey, including a difficult volley from the Fulham midfielder in the 13th minute. Each team went into the break empty-handed, but Jermaine Jones inspired a strong second-half display for the Americans. Shortly after the restart Jones’ long-range shot took a deflection, giving Ricketts no chance for the save. The Stars and Stripes began to break down the Reggae Boyz defence with leading through balls, one of which Jones got to the end of, but took a dive in what appeared to be a Jermaine Taylor tackle from behind. Taylor was subsequently shown a red card, and capitalising on their one-man advantage Dempsey silenced his critics, showing tremendous composure to evade Ricketts and slot into an open net.

Central American rivals Panama and El Salvador capped off quarter-finals action at the Gold Cup in a hotly contested encounter. The Panamanians entered the match hoping to extend their unbeaten run at the tournament, but El Salvador had plans of an upset in mind. Both Jaime Penedo and Montes were called into action to defend their nets throughout the first half and Penedo notably kept El Salvador’s semi-finals hopes alive as he saved Rodolfo Zelaya’s first attempt from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute. Despite several chances for each side, the deadlock was not broken until the 78th minute when Zelaya showed enough equanimity to score from the spot. However, El Salvador’s celebrations were short lived as Luis Tejada again played last-minute heroine as he levelled the score in the 90th minute. Several defensive scrambles ensued throughout extra-time, and the match was finally settled on penalties. Penedo came up with a tremendous save, blocking Dennis Alas’s spot-kick attempt, and the Panamanians ran out 5-3 shootout victors.

The number
18 - USA have extended their unbeaten run against Jamaica to an impressive 18 matches between 1996 and 2011. The Americans quarter-final win over the Reggae Boyz was their tenth victory over the Caribbean squad.

Player of the day
Jaime Penedo (Panama)
The Panamanian goalkeeper was called upon to make several vital saves for the Central Americans, but most notably saved two penalty attempts, one of which lead to victory. Panama, hoping for a replay of their 2005 campaign that saw them reach the finals, were happy to have Penedo defending their net as the keeper first denied Zelaya in the first half, and blocked El Salvador’s first attempt from the spot once the match went down to penalties.

Goal of the day
Jamaica-USA, Clint Dempsey (80')
After missing several chances in USA’s narrow 1-0 victory over Guadeloupe in the group stage, including a walk-in attempt, Dempsey came out with redemption in mind. The midfielder lead the Americans in spirited style, generating chances and getting on the end of several balls within the Jamaican area. With a few opportunities gone begging, Dempsey finally topped off a successful night for the United States, showing his comfort on the dribble as he received a cross from substitute Juan Agudelo and touched around Ricketts to tap home with ease.

Quote of the day
“They were confident - they didn’t have any set backs in the group stage when we were having to fight to get through. I think as it has gone on we have progressed as a team and we are getting better. I think we are going to peak at the right time.” Clint Dempsey, USA midfielder

Up next
The semi-final round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup will get underway on Wednesday 22 June in Houston, with Mexico taking on Honduras and USA meeting Panama with a place in the final the day’s prize.

River face relegation, Paulistas riding high

River face relegation, Paulistas riding high


With Velez Sarsfield already crowned 2011 Clausura champions, the battle against relegation heated up in Argentina. As three Argentinian clubs attempt to avoid the drop, Sao Paulo are enjoying an impressive start to their Brazilian championship campaign, while Vancouver Whitecaps brought an end to an unprecedented winless streak in Major League Soccer. FIFA.com reviews all this and more in a weekly review of the leagues across the Americas.

Argentina: River amid relegation drama
The final round of action in the Argentinian Clausura presented plenty of drama for those in the fight to avoid relegation. With the drop determined by a points average over the course of three seasons, the most surprising club struggling for first division survival is River Plate. After a 2-1 loss to Lanus on Saturday, the 33-time Argentinian champions face a play-off match for the first time in their 110-year history, against second division Belgrano. River were unable to win any of their last seven matches, and with a play-off match now scheduled they will miss the next Copa Sudamericana.

Huracan and Gimnasia, on the other hand, have ended up with the same points average and will now play a final match to determine which of the two clubs will go straight down to the second division and which will navigate a play-off match. In a complex series of events, Gimnasia dropped a two-goal lead to draw with Boca Juniors, who were shockingly revived by defender Christian Cellay. Gimnasia’s draw thus saved Huracan from automatic relegation after they had lost 5-1 to Independiente. Quilmes were not as fortunate to survive another day as they were relegated after a 1-0 loss to Olimpo.

Brazil: Joy in Sao Paulo, frustrations in Rio
After the fifth round of action in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Sao Paulo and Palmeiras have stamped their places atop the table. Sao Paulo defeated Ceara 2-0 in Fortaleza, making it five wins in all five of their opening matches - a feat never before accomplished since the Brasileiro implemented a new format in 2003. Marlos and Lucas scored for the impressive leaders, while Rogerio Ceni blocked a penalty effort to ensure the Paulistas took all three points from Sunday’s match. At Caninde stadium, Palmeiras stayed within close distance of the leaders, moving up to second place, after they eased to a convincing 5-0 win over Avai.

While the Paulista sides enjoyed successful outings at the weekend, it was a day of draws in Rio on Sunday. Botafogo and Flamengo were frustrated by a goalless draw and Vasco da Gama drew 1-1 with Gremio in Porto Alegre. The day prior, new coach Abel Braga was unable to lead Fluminense to victory in a late 1-0 loss to Bahia at Engenhao, while Cruzeiro have yet to claim a win this campaign after they drew 1-1 with America-MG. As a result, the bottom-dwellers’ coach Cuca announced his resignation.

USA: Whitecaps revived, Sounders survive setback
The Western Conference's Vancouver Whitecaps finally felt some relief as they brought an end to their 14-game winless run – a Major League Soccer single-season record. The MLS newcomers stopped their drought in style at Empire Field, defeating the Eastern Conference’s Philadelphia Union 1-0. Alain Rochat hit a left-footed strike in the 12th minute, draining a Philadelphia side, who put on a weary offensive display. Union missed their chance to surpass New York Red Bulls at the top of the Eastern table, who drew 3-3 in a chaotic encounter with Portland Timbers on Sunday. And despite their weekend success, Vancouver remain at the bottom of the Western Conference.

A depleted Los Angeles Galaxy bounced back from two successive draws, bringing an end to Colorado Rapids' nine-game unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory. While the Galaxy were pleased to increase their cushion atop the Western Conference, it was a ten-man Seattle Sounders who pulled off a more impressive 1-0 win over Toronto FC. Seattle had lost Jhon Kennedy Hurtado to two yellow cards, but hung on to secure a last-gasp victory over the struggling Easterners. Fredy Montero scored the decider from a free-kick to earn the Sounders their first-ever victory when playing a man down.

Elsewhere
In the second leg of their league play-off final in Colombia, Atletico Nacional emerged 3-2 victors on penalties. La Equidad had secured a 2-1 advantage in the first leg, but with Atletico finishing Saturday’s match 2-1 winners with goals from Dorlan Pabon and Carlos Renteria, their 3-3 aggregate draw was settled by way of a shootout.

In Ecuador, Emelec maintained their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 victory over Espoli, while LDU Quito leapfrogged Deportivo Quito into second place, despite a 1-0 loss to the Deportivo club in midweek. LDU Quito drew 1-1 with Olmedo to move four points adrift of Emelec atop the table, while Deportivo suffered a 2-0 loss to Manta on Sunday.

Zenga: I’ve dedicated my life to football

Zenga: I’ve dedicated my life to football


On 28 April, the players of UAE club Al Nasr surprised their coach Walter Zenga by presenting him with a cake on his 51st birthday. Perhaps an unwelcome reminder that he was now into his sixth decade, the touching gesture was nonetheless a fitting tribute to the Italian’s belief that such occasions are as important to coaching as picking players and honing their technique. Building good relationships with the media, the club’s administration and support staff, not to mention fostering team spirit and friendships between players, are among Zenga’s top priorities.

Known as Spiderman for the incredible shot-stopping reflexes that allowed to him to keep a clean sheet for a record 518 consecutive minutes of FIFA World Cup™ football, Zenga finally hung up his goalkeeping gloves at the age of 39 to pursue a career as coach. His new career has taken him to six countries in three continents, with the latest stop at Dubai’s Al Nasr Sporting Club.

Here, Zenga talks to FIFA.com about the achievements of a life in football and the challenges to come in Dubai and further afield.

FIFA.com: Walter, how are you enjoying life in the Gulf?
Walter Zenga: Of course it’s different to anywhere I’ve lived before. Every place has its own character and atmosphere. Life in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is similar to Turkey, where I lived for a while. Football itself tends to stay the same no matter where you are. I try to bring European professionalism to the players, because that is what they are lacking. Everyone has their own unique skills and talents; my job as coach is to bring out the best in the players I deal with and help them put in good performances on the pitch.

Did you ever think that football would bring you to this part of the world?
Sometimes you don’t get enough time to stop and think. Football took me to the United States as a player, for instance, and that’s where I retired and started out as a coach with New England Revolution. I went back to Italy, where I coached an amateur side in Milan called Brera Calcio, and then I went wandering: lots of different countries and clubs.

Was it easy for you? As a former goalkeeper, didn’t people assume you should stick to training goalkeepers?
There’s no such thing as an easy job. The belief that goalkeepers don’t make good coaches is just one of those silly myths. There’s no basis to it. There are a lot of superstitions like that in football and people repeat them unthinkingly until they become the truth. For instance, there are players out there who are labelled 'crazy' because they once lost their heads on the field, but the label sticks with them for life. It’s the same as saying a goalkeeper can’t coach. I always ask these people: 'Why not? What’s stopping him?' They’re forgetting that some great goalkeepers went on to make great coaches, people like Romania’s Valentin Stanescu, or Michel Preud’homme from Belgium. These two alone are proof that goalkeepers can do it.
The belief that goalkeepers don’t make good coaches is just one of those silly myths. There’s no basis to it.
Walter Zenga

How would you describe your career to date?
I’m pleased with what I’ve achieved. I live for football: it’s given me 40 years so far, with more to come, and in return I’ve dedicated my life to the game. It feels like I’m doing the right thing. If I were only involved in football for the money that would be a mistake. Like everyone, there have been wonderful moments in my career and bad times, too, but the one thing life has taught me is not to look back. I don’t keep any photographs of myself as a player at home and I’m not one for swapping memories with former team-mates. What’s done is done: it’s in the past now. There’s no point in chewing over things that happened 20 years ago. I think about the present and the future. I’ve played a lot of football in my life. I’ve seen happy times and tough times, and it has all helped make me more experienced. I was nine when I started, and I went on to play at the highest level. Now I coach teams at the highest level. If I was pressed I’d say being part of the Italy squad at the 1990 World Cup was a highlight, but as I say, it’s all in the past.

Is there anything in your career that stands out for you?
I truly believe that God gave me a talent, and I’ve looked after it: I haven’t wasted it. I achieved a lot as a player: I took part in the World Cup and represented my country on numerous occasions. Then there are all the clubs I played for, including my hometown team Inter Milan, where I won titles.

Do you dream of coaching Inter one day?
If I was offered the job I certainly wouldn’t refuse, but I don’t like to live in a dream world. I don’t sit around waiting for things like that to fall in my lap. I love my work and that’s what I prefer to focus on. Right now I’m with Al Nasr and I’m doing my best to make the team better.

Some people say that working out here in the Arab world could affect your chances of being offered a coaching job in Europe. What do you say to that?
People might think like that, but I don’t. If there are those that reckon I’m a poor coach or a failure because I’m not in Europe, I couldn’t care less. My life is where I am, not where I’m supposed to be. I enjoy my life here and I’m not thinking of anything else. Right now I work for a big club; all the clubs I’ve coached have been big clubs. Let me list them: Steaua Bucharest and Dinamo Bucharest in Romania, Rad Beograd in Serbia, Al Ain in the UAE and Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Then there’s Italy: Catania and Palermo are both top clubs. Anyway, that’s not the way I measure my success.

So how do you measure it?
Not by where I work, but rather how I work. The names of the clubs aren’t enough: it’s what I’ve managed to achieve with the staff and players. I’ve coached three of the biggest clubs in Romania. I won the 2004/05 league title with Steaua and in the 2005/06 season I won the Jelen SuperLiga in Serbia with Rad Beograd, but even so, it isn’t all about titles. When I took over at Catania they had just avoided relegation the previous season, but in my first year in charge they rose to the middle of the table and in the process got a reputation for playing attractive football. Even with the clubs where I didn’t stay long, like Palermo, Al Ain and Gaziantepspor in Turkey, I still left my mark. My departure from Al Nassr came in unfortunate circumstances but under me, the club came second in the league and never lost a match against the other big sides, despite the fact I was fielding a young and inexperienced team.

What is the biggest problem you have faced as a coach?
Language. At Catania and Palermo things were easy because I communicated with the players and media in Italian. I speak English but it’s not my first language and all my teams have included both local players and overseas signings from all over. At Al Nasr, for instance, my instructions are translated into three languages: French for Ismael Bangoura, Spanish for Leo Lima and Arabic for the junior players in the squad. It’s tricky to wait while each phrase is translated then try and pick up your train of thought. It’s made me use simple phrases to communicate my ideas directly to the players.
We love living here. Although we were only in Riyadh for six months my wife cried when we left. She spent the whole day in tears.
Walter Zenga on life in the Arab world

How do you spend your time in Dubai?
Preparing training sessions, training and matches. I work long hours, between five and six hours a day on average. Away from the football I spend my time with my family. I play with my daughter Samira and occasionally I’ll have a meal with friends or the support staff.

Do you ever see Fabio Cannavaro?
We’re friends. We live in the same part of the world and our wives get on well.

Why did you choose to give your daughter an Arabic name?
My wife speaks eight languages including Arabic. She studied it in Romania. We love this part of the world and decided to give our daughter an Arabic name. In Italian, Samira means 'my sweetheart'. If we’re blessed with another child we’ll choose an Arabic name for them, too. We love living here. Although we were only in Riyadh for six months my wife cried when we left. She spent the whole day in tears.

Is the United Arab Emirates different to Saudi Arabia?
Not so different, I think. The customs and traditions are all the same. The football is a little different, perhaps: there’s a different atmosphere to the matches. In Saudi Arabia the terraces are packed, the fans are very vocal and it’s quite normal to have thirty or forty thousand spectators at a game. In the UAE the stadiums are a little emptier.

What were your impressions of the Riyadh derby between Al Nassr and Al Hilal?
At Al Nassr we had some big games against Al Hilal, Al Shabab and Al Ittihad and we didn’t lose one. The fans were fantastic and supported the team wherever we played.

Do you think Inter Milan will win the scudetto this season?
I’m not in a position to guess. I haven’t followed Serie A because of the time difference and the schedules clash with some of my games here. Generally speaking, though, the winner will deserve it. To win the title you need to keep winning all season long, and if you end up on top you’ve earned it.