sports football: Juli 2011

Rabu, 27 Juli 2011

Atletico dealt Norwegian Europa trip

Atletico dealt Norwegian Europa trip

The 2010 UEFA Europa League winners Atletico Madrid will be confident of reaching the play-off round after being drawn against Norwegian side Stromsgodset in the the third qualifying round today. Atletico, who finished seventh in La Liga last season, will be meeting a side with limited experience in Europe.

Stromsgodsets' last appearance came in the 1998/99 UEFA Cup, when they went out in the first round, but they are best known for losing 11-0 to Liverpool at Anfield in 1974/75. If they can overturn a 2-1 deficit from their first leg at Welsh side Llanelli, the 1981 Cup Winners' Cup winners Dinamo Tblisi are likely to face the Icelandic side KR Reykjavik, who lead Zilina 3-0 after the first leg.

Stoke City, runners-up to Manchester City in the FA Cup, return to European competition for the first time since 1974 and will meet Hajduk Split, with the Croatians hoping to mark their centenary celebrations with a good run in Europe.

Draw for the third qualifying round of the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League:
(First legs to be played on 28 July; second legs on 4 August)

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Stromsgodset (NOR)
Young Boys Berne (SUI) v TPS Turku (FIN)/KVC Westerlo (BEL)
Shaktyar Soligorsk (BLR)/FK Ventspils (LAT) v Red Star Belgrade (SRB)
Alania (RUS) v Kecskemeti TE (HUN)/Aktobe (KAZ)
Floriana (MLT)/AEK Larnaca (CYP) v Mlada Boleslav (CZE)
FK Zeljeznicar (BIH)/Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA) v Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR)/Xazar Lankaran (AZE)
AZ Alkmaar (NED) v KS Flamurtari (ALB)/Jablonec (CZE)
Olimpia Ljubljana (SLO)/Bohemians (IRL) v Rudar Pljevlja (MNE)/Austria Vienna (AUT)
Bursaspor (TUR) v Gomel (BLR)
Ferencvaros (HUN)/Aalesunds FK (NOR) v FK Suduva (LTU)/Elfsborg (SWE)
FC Minsk (BLR)/Gaziantepspor (TUR) v Legia Warsaw (POL)
Hapoel Tel-Aviv (ISR) v FC Vaduz (LIE)/FK Vojvodina Novi Sad (SRB)
Metalurgi Rustavi (GEO)/Irtysh (KAZ) v Rennes (FRA)
Levski Sofia (BUL) v KF Tirana (ALB)/Spartak Trnava (SVK)
The New Saints FC (WAL)/FC Midtjylland (DEN) v Vitoria (POR)
Dinamo Bucharest (ROM) v Iskra Stal (MDA)/Varazdin (CRO)
Karpaty Lviv (UKR) v Shaktar Karagandy (KAZ)/Saint Patrick's (IRL)
VK Vllaznia (ALB)/FC Thun (SUI) v Palermo (ITA)
KR Reykjavik (ISL)/MSK Zilina (SVK) v Llanelli (WAL)/Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO)
Omonia (CYP) v FK Tauras (LTU)/ADO Den Haag (NED)
SK Liepajas Metalurgs (LAT)/Salzburg (AUT) v Senica (SVK)
Club Brugge (BEL) v EB Streymur (FRO)/Qarabag FK (AZE)
Differdange (LUX)/Levadia Tallinn (EST) v FK Rad (SRB)/Olympiakos Volou (GRE)
Mainz 05 (GER) v KuPS Kuopio (FIN)/Gaz Metan Medias (ROM)
UE Sant Julia (AND)/Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv (ISR) v Helsingborg (SWE)
Stoke City (ENG) v Hajduk Split (CRO)
Anorthosis Famagusta (CYP)/Gagra (GEO) v Juvenese-Dogana (SMR)/Rabotnicki (MKD)
Orebro SK (SWE)/FK Sarajevo (BIH) v Sparta Prague (CZE)
Glentoran (NIR)/Vorskla Poltava (UKR) v Sligo (IRL)
Paksi SE (HUN)/Tromso IL (NOR) v Hearts (SCO)
Metalurg Skopje (MKD)/Lokomotiv Sofia (BUL) v Slask Wroclaw (POL)/Dundee United (SCO)
FH Hafnarfjordur (ISL)/CD Nacional (POR) v BK Hacken (SWE)/Honka Espoo (FIN)
Ried (AUT) v Brondby (DEN)
PAOK (GRE) v Mika (ARM)/Valerenga (NOR)
NK Domzale (SVN)/RNK Split (CRO) v Crusaders (NIR)/Fulham (ENG)

Next stop AEK for Gudjohnsen

Next stop AEK for Gudjohnsen
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Former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen has signed a two-year contract with AEK Athens, the Greek Cup winners announced today.

Gudjohnsen, 32, began his career with PSV Eindhoven in 1995, helping the team win the Dutch domestic double before moving on to Premier League side Bolton Wanderers in 1998.

From 2000 to 2006 he played for Chelsea, helping them to the English league title in 2005 and 2006.

The Iceland international then switched to Barcelona and was a member of the 2009 squad which won the Spanish double and UEFA Champions League.

For the last two seasons he has played six months each for Monaco, Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City and Fulham. Gudjohnsen is the top scorer for the Icelandic national team with 24 goals in 67 matches.

Hernandez: Good times ahead at United

Hernandez: Good times ahead at United

Few players have been able to make such a big impact on the global football scene after just one breakthrough season as Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez. Blessed with extraordinary talent, professionalism and an unerring nose for goal, as well as charisma and character in abundance, the Manchester United and Mexico striker was undoubtedly one of the stars of the 2010/11 campaign.

Just a few short weeks after playing a leading role in El Tri’s CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph, the No14 took time out from United’s pre-season preparations to chat to FIFA.com about his career so far, his spectacular recent successes and his future plans.

FIFA.com: Javier, what do you think was the key factor in Mexico’s Gold Cup success?
Javier Hernandez: The team’s hard work and commitment were what kept us on the winning trail. We were also very effective in front of goal, but that shouldn’t fool people into thinking it was easy. Right from the off, we said to ourselves that we weren’t under any obligation. We try and win every game we play and every tournament we enter, but success only comes with hard work.

That said, anything other than winning the competition would have been considered a failure back in Mexico…
I don’t agree with that view. Whether we won or lost, we knew what the consequences would be. Our objective was to win the competition and that’s what we did. That was what really mattered and I was really pleased to help give the fans something to celebrate. You have to remember that we went through a lot of difficult moments during the competition, which makes us even happier to have won it. It’s my first trophy with the national team, and it makes me really happy.

In your view, is this the most talented team Mexico have ever had?
I’ve never liked making comparisons. As a player you just have to do what your coach asks of you, and even more so at national-team level. I’m very grateful for the way I’ve been welcomed into the squad and the help I’ve been given. Every second I’ve played for El Tricolor has been great. I don’t live in the past, what drives me is the here and now.

After your national-team exploits, it’s now time to focus on Manchester United once more…
I’ve been treated wonderfully in Manchester, and I simply need to repay that faith. I had a very good first season and I hope to be able to contribute much more. I think there are good times ahead with this team and I’m very excited about the opportunities ahead in the coming season.
I’ve been treated wonderfully in Manchester, and I simply need to repay that faith. I had a very good first season and I hope to be able to contribute much more.
Javier Hernandez, Manchester United striker

In the past, Mexican players have struggled to adapt quickly to life in other countries. What was your secret?
Moving to a new country is always difficult, but the fact my dad and my sister came to live with me was a huge help. That made things easier. In fact, what I miss most about Mexico isn’t the food or the customs, it’s my family and the way we’d all sit around chatting together on an evening.

The fact you already spoke English must have helped too, didn’t it?
I spoke pretty well when I first arrived here, and since then I’ve been improving bit by bit, understanding more and more and speaking better. But the truth is that knowing English was a massive help, because it meant I could communicate in the dressing room and get to know my colleagues more quickly.

In a sharp change of subject, can you tell us how you’ve come to be wearing the No14 for club and country?
In fact, it was pure luck (laughs). When I joined Chivas first I had the No45, then 25 and then the player who was wearing 14 was sold and they gave it to me. By coincidence I was given that number for the (2010) World Cup because Miguel Sabah got injured, and then it turned out to be free at Manchester United too. Curiously, my dad wore that number when he won the title with (Mexican side) Puebla, so it’s quite fitting, even though it wasn’t a deliberate choice and just a series of coincidences.

How did you start out in the game, where did your passion for football come from?
From what I’ve always been told by everyone in my family, they tell me since I was small I always wanted to play with a ball. I used to like going to matches every weekend, I’d learn the players’ names and numbers and my whole life would revolve around football – talking about it, thinking about it and playing it. I just knew I was going to be a professional footballer. Besides, I used to watch my dad out there on the pitch and my grandad would tell me stories (from his playing days) too. It would have been harder not to have been a footballer!

Who were your idols growing up?
Well, I used to watch all the players, and when I saw them doing something exciting I’d try and copy them later. My idols were my dad and my grandad, they always have been and always will be. Aside from them, someone I always looked to imitate was Brazil’s Ronaldo. I used to think he was great and of course Brazil are one of those teams that always catch the eye. Particularly their France ’98 side, which was a class team and earned a lot of admirers thanks to the way they played. But of course, I wasn’t at all happy when they lost in the Final! (laughs)

And finally, what was your verdict on Mexico’s triumph on home soil at the recent FIFA U-17 World Cup?
As I’ve said before, I’ve got nothing but admiration for those lads. I was involved in the in the run-up to Peru 2005, but I didn’t make the squad which won the (U-17) world title – something these lads were able to achieve. They’ve boosted Mexico’s profile everywhere and that makes me feel very proud.

Blatter mourns Fatton, hero of Sao Paulo

Blatter mourns Fatton, hero of Sao Paulo

, born in Exincourt (France) on 19 December 1925, sadly passed away on 25 July 2011 at the age of 85. The ex-Servette player made a considerable impact on Swiss football, and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter was quick to offer his condolences via a letter addressed to the Geneva-based club.

“I had the huge privilege of seeing this exceptional player in action on numerous occasions, and his place in the annals of Swiss football is assured thanks to his long, successful career and unerring eye for goal,” wrote the FIFA President.

Fatton, who represented Switzerland 53 times between 1946 anThe former Switzerland international Jacques ‘Jacky’ Fattond 1955, is fondly remembered in his homeland for his exploits at the 1950 FIFA World Cup™, where his brace against eventual runners-up Brazil in Sao Paulo enabled the Helvetians to secure a 2-2 draw in the group stage.
I was struck by his great generosity and the extraordinary warmth and humility he showed people.
President Blatter on Jacques Fatton

Fatton also took part in the subsequent FIFA World Cup four years later, held on Swiss soil. The host nation reached the quarter-finals of the event, before losing 7-5 to Austria, despite having built up a 3-0 lead after just 19 minutes of play.

Servette chairman Majid Pishyar made the following statement on the club’s website: “The name of Jacky Fatton will forever be linked with Servette FC, and I hope that we will always remember figures such as Jacky Fatton, who have contributed so much to this great club.”

After the 1954 FIFA World Cup, Fatton joined Lyon for three seasons, before returning to Servette to see out the remainder of his career. A natural goalscorer, his career statistics make for impressive reading: 274 goals in Switzerland, and 33 in France.

“As a young student, I had the chance to make his acquaintance in the restaurant he owned in Geneva. I was struck by his great generosity and the extraordinary warmth and humility he showed people,” concluded Blatter.

Ethics Committee bans football officials

Ethics Committee bans football officials

The FIFA Ethics Committee, under the chairmanship of Petrus Damaseb (Namibia), has today decided to ban football officials from taking part in any football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) for periods of between life and one year, after they were found to have breached various articles of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

The decisions, which were taken during a two-day meeting of the Ethics Committee held in Zurich on 22 and 23 July 2011, are the following:

• Mohamed bin Hammam (FIFA Executive Committee member) was banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) at national and international level for a period of life.

• Debbie Minguell (Caribbean Football Union official) was banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) at national and international level for a period of one year.

• Jason Sylvester (Caribbean Football Union official) was banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) at national and international level for a period of one year.

• Furthermore, Chuck Blazer (FIFA Executive Committee member) received a warning for comments he made on 30 May at the CONCACAF Caucus held in Zurich. These comments suggested some CFU members were “under investigation”, when this was not true.

Asian hopefuls in do-or-die deciders

Asian hopefuls in do-or-die deciders

ASEAN sides are aiming to make more of an impact than four years ago as Asia's second qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ reaches its decisive second leg on Thursday.

In qualifying for South Africa 2010 only Thailand and Singapore progressed into the third stage representing the South-East Asian region. This time around, however, it looks likely that they will have their presence more strongly felt. With either Malaysia or Singapore to advance, Thailand travel to Palestine with a 1-0 lead while Indonesia return home with the away-goal advantage they accrued in Turkmenistan.

Having won their first legs at home, the ten higher ranked West Asian winners are expected to round off the campaign in perfect fashion. While a place in the next stage should be within the grasp of the majority, Syria must remain wary of the resilient Tajikistan who boast an away goal despite losing the opening leg 2-1. With these games and many others in store, FIFA.com runs the rule over the enticing match-ups ahead.

The game
Indonesia-Turkmenistan
The two sides are among the closest rivals of the fifteen pairings, with Indonesia ranked just eleven places above Turkmenistan. Their first-leg outcome didn't suggest otherwise, with midfielder Muhammad Ilham striking on the hour-mark to cancel out Vyacheslav Krendelev's opener to seal a 1-1 draw in Ashgabat. The result leaves them tied in their qualifying head-to-head record, having each boasted a 3-1 home win on the road to Germany 2006. The winning side in the return game will not only book their place in the next stage but also tilt the balance in their favour.

The start to the tie marked a positive beginning for Indonesia's new boss Wilhelmus Rijsbergen, who replaced Austrian Alfred Riedl a week prior to Saturday's first leg. Now playing on home soil, the ASEAN side can capitalise on the away goal and progress to the third stage for the first time with just a goalless draw. Coach Yazguly Hojageldiyev's charges, though, can take heart from their performance four years ago, where victory saw them storm into the third phase. Ultimately they finished with the wooden spoon behind the likes of Korea Republic, Korea DPR and Jordan.

The other head-line grabbers
Still lamenting the numerous chances they squandered against Palestine, Thailand's new German coach Winfried Schafer admitted the away game will be tough. Despite their one-goal cushion, his outfit will have to overcome the fatigue of travel, the fervent home supporters and a determined Palestinian team in Al Ram, where the two sides will compete on an artificial pitch. Still, the Land of Smiles possess the pedigree and experience to break into the third round for the second successive time if they can maintain their performance level.

The 5-3 first-leg defeat in Singapore leaves Malaysia still in a desperate search for their first win over their neighbours since 2004. The two-goal advantage, allied with their unbeaten record over the recent years, provides the Lions with a clear mental edge going into the away fixture. However, they must remain wary of the Malayan Tigers' impressive form on home soil – they crushed Indonesia 3-0 in last December's AFF Championship final before going on to lift the trophy 4-1 on aggregate.

Another close tie worth mentioning is Tajikistan versus Syria, whose 2-1 home victory extended their winning tally against the Central Asians to four. In their previous qualifying attempt the West Asians made it through to the third stage after thrashing Indonesia 11-1 on aggregate, and despite the narrow lead they are still very much the team to beat.

Elsewhere, India's hopes of their first trip to the third round were dealt a double blow in their 3-0 defeat by United Arab Emirates. Facing an uphill task in the home match, they must make do with the suspension of defender Debabrata Roy and goalkeeper Subrata Pal, who were both sent off as they stumbled in the first leg.

With few realistic hopes to overcome their significant first-leg deficits, both Nepal and Laos are left with only pride to play for when they entertain Jordan and China respectively. This can also be said of the likes of Hong Kong, Philippines and Vietnam who, having lost the first legs by the identical 3-0 scoreline, will look to show a sign of their progress.

Player to watch
Vietnam’s Le Cong Vinh may lead the qualifying scoring-chart with 7 goals, but the second leg provides China's Yang Xu (three goals) with a chance to close the gap.

What they said
"Thailand is a good team. We did not start well but we are pleased that we lost only 1-0. I still believe that we will beat Thailand and qualify for the next round." Palestine coach Moussa Bezaz

Asia's second qualifying round (second leg) fixtures:
28 July
Palestine - Thailand
Bangladesh - Lebanon
Laos - China
Indonesia - Turkmenistan
Philippines - Kuwait
Myanmar - Oman
Hong Kong - Saudi Arabia
Maldives - Iran
Tajikistan - Syria
Vietnam - Qatar
Yemen - Iraq
Malaysia - Singapore
Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan
India - United Arab Emirates
Nepal - Jordan

The preliminaries in numbers

On Saturday, the eyes of the footballing world will be on Rio de Janeiro’s Marina da Gloria as 166 nations await their destiny in the Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. As the big day edges closer, FIFA.com looks at some eye-catching statistics from the qualifying competition's history as well as a few records likely to crash en route to Brazil 2014.
19.3

million fans, a record number, clicked through the turnstiles during the 2010 preliminary campaign, producing an unsurpassed average attendance of 23,000. Leading the way in this respect were Mexico and England, whose home fixtures attracted around 82,000 and 80,000 spectators per match respectively.
162

thousand and 764 was the incredible record attendance recorded at the Maracana in 1977 for a FIFA World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Colombia.
16448

goals have been scored in the 78 years of FIFA World Cup qualifying, an average of 2.92 per game.
5,602

players, 310 referees and 650 assistants took part in the 2010 preliminaries.
1500

people, including a 600-strong band of volunteers, will be involved in the staging of Saturday's Preliminary Draw.
824

matches are scheduled for the Brazil 2014 preliminary competition, taking the all-time number of FIFA World Cup qualifiers well beyond the 6,000 mark. At the end of the last preliminary competition, the total stood at 5,630, with a record tally of 853 matches having been contested on the road to South Africa.
203

teams, another record high, will take part in the 2014 preliminaries, topping the 200 who participated four years ago. The only associations not to have signed up to compete this time around are Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Guam, Mauritania and the tournament hosts, Brazil.
141

FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been contested by Mexico, making El Tri the most experienced of all the preliminaries’ participants. By contrast, the Central African Republic, Comoros, Myanmar and Timor-Leste have all played just two qualifiers and are yet to register their first win.
100

FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a landmark already reached by 40 nations, will be passed by several more during the 2014 campaign, with current champions Spain (currently 99) leading a group that also includes former winners England (92) and France (91), Morocco (98), Poland (96), Canada (95), Iran (94), Cyprus (94) and Saudi Arabia (92).
78

years and one month have passed since Sweden and Estonia contested the very first FIFA World Cup qualifier in Stockholm in June 1933, a game won 6-2 by the hosts.
35

goals in 51 preliminary appearances established Iran legend Ali Daei as the most prolific goalscorer in the history of FIFA World Cup qualifying. The other leading marksmen by confederation are Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine, 26), Carlos Pavon (Honduras, 25), Hernan Crespo (Argentina, 19), Vaughan Coveny (New Zealand, 19) and Moumouni Dagano (Burkina Faso, 18).
31

unanswered goals against American Samoa in April 2001 gave Australia the biggest win ever seen in a FIFA World Cup preliminary match.
25

qualifying meetings between Mexico and USA have established this fiercely-contested North American derby as the FIFA World Cup preliminary competition’s most-played fixture.
19

consecutive qualifying competitions, Brazil 2014 being the latest, have involved Luxembourg, Portugal and Republic of Ireland, the only nations to have competed in all 18 to date.
9

seconds was the time at which San Marino's Davide Gualtieri scored the fastest goal seen in FIFA World Cup qualifying – a shock opener against England in 1993.
8

teams remained unbeaten throughout the 2010 preliminaries: Côte d’Ivoire, Germany, Italy, Korea Republic, Nigeria, Spain, the Netherlands and, most surprisingly, the British Virgin Islands, who crashed out on the away goals rule following two draws against the Bahamas.
7

nations - Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Korea Republic, Spain and USA – have qualified for each of the last six FIFA World Cups.
2

years and five months is how long the 2014 FIFA World Cup preliminary competition is scheduled to last. The qualifiers began on 15 June 2011 and are due conclude on 19 November 2013.
2

defeats in 74 qualifiers have ensured Germany’s reputation as the preliminary competition’s most successful nation. The Germans go into the 2014 campaign averaging 2.46 points and 2.9 goals per game.

The preliminaries in numbers

The preliminaries in numbers
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On Saturday, the eyes of the footballing world will be on Rio de Janeiro’s Marina da Gloria as 166 nations await their destiny in the Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. As the big day edges closer, FIFA.com looks at some eye-catching statistics from the qualifying competition's history as well as a few records likely to crash en route to Brazil 2014.
19.3

million fans, a record number, clicked through the turnstiles during the 2010 preliminary campaign, producing an unsurpassed average attendance of 23,000. Leading the way in this respect were Mexico and England, whose home fixtures attracted around 82,000 and 80,000 spectators per match respectively.
162

thousand and 764 was the incredible record attendance recorded at the Maracana in 1977 for a FIFA World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Colombia.
16448

goals have been scored in the 78 years of FIFA World Cup qualifying, an average of 2.92 per game.
5,602

players, 310 referees and 650 assistants took part in the 2010 preliminaries.
1500

people, including a 600-strong band of volunteers, will be involved in the staging of Saturday's Preliminary Draw.
824

matches are scheduled for the Brazil 2014 preliminary competition, taking the all-time number of FIFA World Cup qualifiers well beyond the 6,000 mark. At the end of the last preliminary competition, the total stood at 5,630, with a record tally of 853 matches having been contested on the road to South Africa.
203

teams, another record high, will take part in the 2014 preliminaries, topping the 200 who participated four years ago. The only associations not to have signed up to compete this time around are Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Guam, Mauritania and the tournament hosts, Brazil.
141

FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been contested by Mexico, making El Tri the most experienced of all the preliminaries’ participants. By contrast, the Central African Republic, Comoros, Myanmar and Timor-Leste have all played just two qualifiers and are yet to register their first win.
100

FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a landmark already reached by 40 nations, will be passed by several more during the 2014 campaign, with current champions Spain (currently 99) leading a group that also includes former winners England (92) and France (91), Morocco (98), Poland (96), Canada (95), Iran (94), Cyprus (94) and Saudi Arabia (92).
78

years and one month have passed since Sweden and Estonia contested the very first FIFA World Cup qualifier in Stockholm in June 1933, a game won 6-2 by the hosts.
35

goals in 51 preliminary appearances established Iran legend Ali Daei as the most prolific goalscorer in the history of FIFA World Cup qualifying. The other leading marksmen by confederation are Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine, 26), Carlos Pavon (Honduras, 25), Hernan Crespo (Argentina, 19), Vaughan Coveny (New Zealand, 19) and Moumouni Dagano (Burkina Faso, 18).
31

unanswered goals against American Samoa in April 2001 gave Australia the biggest win ever seen in a FIFA World Cup preliminary match.
25

qualifying meetings between Mexico and USA have established this fiercely-contested North American derby as the FIFA World Cup preliminary competition’s most-played fixture.
19

consecutive qualifying competitions, Brazil 2014 being the latest, have involved Luxembourg, Portugal and Republic of Ireland, the only nations to have competed in all 18 to date.
9

seconds was the time at which San Marino's Davide Gualtieri scored the fastest goal seen in FIFA World Cup qualifying – a shock opener against England in 1993.
8

teams remained unbeaten throughout the 2010 preliminaries: Côte d’Ivoire, Germany, Italy, Korea Republic, Nigeria, Spain, the Netherlands and, most surprisingly, the British Virgin Islands, who crashed out on the away goals rule following two draws against the Bahamas.
7

nations - Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Korea Republic, Spain and USA – have qualified for each of the last six FIFA World Cups.
2

years and five months is how long the 2014 FIFA World Cup preliminary competition is scheduled to last. The qualifiers began on 15 June 2011 and are due conclude on 19 November 2013.
2

defeats in 74 qualifiers have ensured Germany’s reputation as the preliminary competition’s most successful nation. The Germans go into the 2014 campaign averaging 2.46 points and 2.9 goals per game.

Old masters, South American sensations

Old masters, South American sensations

The fall-out from the Copa America dominates FIFA.com’s latest statistical review, with mixed fortunes for Diego Forlan and Sergio Batista catching the eye along with the feats of veterans Alexsandar Duric and Rivaldo, youngster Ralf Faehrmann, and the ending of Corinthians’ long unbeaten run.
40

years, 11 months and 11 days was the age at which Aleksandar Duric struck a decisive double in Singapore’s 5-3 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying win over Malaysia on Saturday. The veteran striker, who competed in kayaking for Bosnia-Herzegovina, the country of his birth, at the 1992 Olympics, has represented Singapore for the past four years, having established himself as the most prolific striker in the history of the S-League. Even now, as his 41st birthday approaches, Duric is joint-top of the division’s scoring chart, having contributed 18 goals to the league-leading Tampine Rovers’ title charge. The evergreen frontman, who has now scored six times in nine FIFA World Cup qualifying appearances, can also reflect with pride on maintaining his adopted country’s historical edge on their oldest rivals, with Singapore now boasting 22 wins to Malaysia’s 20 in the countries’ 58 meetings.
31

goals for Uruguay, the two most recent of which came in Sunday’s Copa America final, have established Diego Forlan as his country’s joint-record goalscorer. The 32-year-old’s brace took him alongside Hector Scarone – a star of the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930 - and were crucial to securing a record 15th South American title for Uruguay, and their first in 16 years. Forlan endured a difficult season at club level last season but made a spectacular return to form in Argentina, registering more shots (24) and setting up more (22) than anyone else at the tournament. Uruguay, who are now unbeaten in their last eight matches, succeeded in moving beyond Argentina’s tally of 14 Copa Americas despite boasting the competition’s lowest pass completion average (68.5 per cent). However, their triumph did follow a historical pattern, with each of La Celeste’s previous five continental conquests - 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987 and 1995 - having come in the year directly following a FIFA World Cup. As for Paraguay, who advanced to the final despite failing to win a single match, their long wait for a victory in the knockout rounds continues, with 22 years having now passed since La Albirroja’s last success in the competition’s latter stages.
17

matches was all that Sergio Batista oversaw during his brief reign as Argentina coach. Not since Vladislao Cap, who took charge of ten during 1974, has an Albiceleste coach enjoyed such a short-lived tenure, with Batista removed from his post just eight months after being appointed on a permanent basis. Argentina’s poor showing on home soil at the Copa America sealed the fate of the 48-year-old, who departed having won just 48 per cent of his matches at the helm.
9

months and 11 days after their last Brasileiro loss, Corinthians finally succumbed to a top flight defeat on Sunday. Cruzeiro were the team to end O Timão’s long unbeaten run, with Wallyson’s solitary goal - his fourth in three appearances - inflicting the Sao Paulo outfit’s first reverse since 13 October 2010. Corinthians, who had previously survived 18 successive Brasileiro matches without defeat, had also been protecting a seven-match winning streak, and were within one more of equalling the record – held, ironically, by Cruzeiro – since the league adopted its current format in 2003. The all-time record is held by Guarani, who racked up 12 straight victories between 1978 and ’79. Also in the Brazilian headlines this week was Rivaldo, who – 95 days after celebrating his 39th birthday – became the week’s oldest goalscorer with a fine header in Sao Paulo’s 2-2 draw with Goianense.
1

shutout and 2 saves in the resulting penalty shoot-out saw Schalke debutant Ralf Faehrmann emerge as the hero of Sunday’s German Super Cup final. The 22-year-old, whose previous spell in Gelsenkirchen was spent in the shadow of Manuel Neuer, returned to the club from Eintracht Frankfurt during the summer following Neuer’s €18 million move to Bayern Munich. And far from being overawed by the task of replacing Germany’s No1, Faehrmann excelled, thwarting Borussia Dortmund to end the champions’ 100 per cent record in this competition – and secure Schalke’s first-ever Super Cup success.

Jumat, 22 Juli 2011

Rooney: Liverpool will challenge this time

Rooney: Liverpool will challenge this time

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has tipped Liverpool to be the Premier League dark horses this season. The 25-year-old has never made any secret of his antipathy for the Anfield outfit.

A boyhood Evertonian, Liverpool were always the enemy and after scoring the penalty which sealed United's record title triumph, Rooney posted a picture on Twitter showing he had the number 19 shaved into his chest hair. However, he does recognise the revolution that has taken place under Kenny Dalglish.

Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have joined this summer, giving the Reds a British feel following the £35m arrival of Andy Carroll in January. And while it might be 21 years since Liverpool last finished top, Rooney thinks they have the capability to end that run.

"I think Liverpool will challenge this time," he said. "They have made some really good signings, British players, and under Kenny Dalglish I am sure they will be fighting harder than they ever have done to be up there. They will think they have a chance of winning the title."
They have made some really good signings, British players, and under Kenny Dalglish I am sure they will be fighting harder than they ever have done to be up there.
Wayne Rooney

Clearly, Rooney will be doing his utmost to stop that happening. His hat-trick away to Seattle Sounders on Wednesday was a pointer towards form that will be better than his tepid efforts for the first-half of 2010/11.

"I don't set targets for myself but it would be nice if I can get through the season injury free," he said. "It's always a big thing to get your pre-season under your belt, because that is the main bulk of the work you get to do. We have trained very hard this week and we are looking forward to all the games."

Thanks to United's latest championship success and the ending of Manchester City's 35-year trophy drought in last term's FA Cup final, the Red Devils launch their new campaign against their near neighbours when they square up in the Community Shield at Wembley on 7 August.

It already seems patently obvious Roberto Mancini's men represent a clear danger to United's hopes of retaining their Premier League crown, which Rooney confirms is the number one priority this season. But that traditional curtain-raiser takes on added meaning purely because of the fact it will be a derby.

Rooney said: "When you play at a club like Manchester United, the goal is to win all the competitions. It is true our priority is to keep our Premier League title, but we won't ignore any competition.

"We want to win everything, starting with the Community Shield. There is nothing better than a derby to start the season."

Old Firm resume battle for supremacy

Old Firm resume battle for supremacy

The Scottish Premier League resumes in prompt fashion this weekend, with reigning champions Rangers kicking off an early start to the season by hosting Heart of Midlothian on Saturday. Just 69 days after they earned their third consecutive championship, and their 54th in total, Ally McCoist’s side will begin another battle in their eternal struggle with city rivals Celtic.

McCoist himself is the significant change in the Glasgow landscape since the 2010/11 campaign, having been promoted from assistant manager to take overfrom Walter Smith, who retired in May after two spells in charge. The 48-year-old, a Rangers legend who holds the club's all-time goalscoring record, has served a length apprenticeship, and is now beginning to make his own mark on Rangers' squad.

In his final years at the helm, Smith was increasingly forced to work on a shoestring budget due to financial restrictions, but the arrival of new owner Craig Whyte earlier this year is finally beginning to provide McCoist with some buying power in the transfer market. Deals have already been completed for Hearts left-back Lee Wallace and Almeria midfielder Juan Manuel Ortiz, while a pre-contract has been agreed with USA midfielder Alejandro Bedoya.

Perhaps even more pleasing for McCoist and the Ibrox faithful is the news that several key players, including goalkeeper Allan McGregor, defender Steven Whittaker and Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis, have all signed contract extensions. “In all honesty, the three players have been part of the spine of the team that has been successful in recent seasons,” said McCoist. “It is going to cost you a fortune to replace them if you lose them, so I am genuinely thrilled the players have decided to stay and pledge themselves to the club for the long-term.”
We want to provide our fans with entertaining, attacking and professional football but ultimately we aim to deliver silverware.
Neil Lennon, Celtic manager

Rangers have also submitted a £2 million bid to bring former player Carlos Cuellar back to Scotland, as they seek to enhance a squad which is likely to again depend on the goals of Nikica Jelavic and the power and athleticism of Madjid Bougherra.

As always, their strongest challenge is sure to come from across the city, where Celtic will be determined to end a run which has seen them fail to lift the title since 2008. A point behind Rangers when the league campaign concluded in May, Neil Lennon’s side did beat Motherwell 3-0 at Hampden Park a week later to win the Scottish Cup, the Irishman’s first trophy since becoming manager.

Lennon was awarded a new contract by the Celtic hierarchy this summer, signalling the board’s belief in a 40-year-old who endured with dignity several difficult off-field incidents in his first season in charge. Upon agreeing his new deal, Lennon made his ambitions clear: “We want to provide our fans with entertaining, attacking and professional football but ultimately we aim to deliver silverware.”

The Bhoys' squad has changed precious little in the transfer window thus far, with the purchase of Kenya international Victor Wanyama their only significant outlay. Crucially, however, Lennon has managed to keep hold of key players such as Emilio Izaguirre and Beram Kayal, who had been linked with moves away from Celtic Park after impressive debut seasons in 2010/11.

Rangers will be Scotland’s sole representative in the UEFA Champions League this year, with Celtic entering the UEFA Europa League alongside Hearts. Dundee United were also eligible for the qualifying rounds of the Europa League, but suffered an early exit against Slask Wroclaw last night on away goals. A recent improvement in Scotland’s UEFA coefficient means the new SPL season will have two qualifying spots available for the 2012/13 Champions League.

Dundee United, Hearts lead chasing pack
While the two Glasgow sides are expected to dominate once again, Hearts and Dundee United will hope to build on positive seasons to further reduce the gap to the big two. United have every reason to be optimistic, having managed to retain the services of top goalscorer David Goodwillie, while Hearts have strengthened an already sturdy squad with the likes of John Sutton and Mehdi Taouil.

After a disappointing ninth-place finish last time around, Aberdeen have made six summer signings and the minimum target willl be a return to the top six under former Scotland coach Craig Brown. Hibernian, who had an equally disappointing 2010/11 after finishing one place below the Dons, have re-signed former stars Ivan Sproule and Garry O’Connor in their bid to return to the league's elite.

St. Mirren have also raided England’s Championship, capturing well-travelled forward Steven Thompson and Scotland international Gary Teale. Dunfermline Athletic, meanwhile, are back in the top division after a four-year exile, and will have their sights set on survival.

Thirty hopefuls begin road to round three

Thirty hopefuls begin road to round three

Asian minnows rarely take centre stage. However, the continent's second qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ provides them with a seldom chance to rub shoulders with the big boys. Fifteen underdogs, including the eight successful sides from the opening round, will challenge higher-ranked rivals over two legs, the first of which will unfold tomorrow, for the right to join Australia, Bahrain, Japan, Korea DPR and Korea Republic in the next phase.

Such meetings invariably used to end in one-sided results, with upsets scarce. With the gap between teams in Asia having narrowed significantly in recent years, though, the favourites can take nothing for granted. FIFA.com previews the ensuing action.

Click on this 'Classic Qualifiers' link to read about some of the most thrilling FIFA World Cup preliminaries in history.

The big game
United Arab Emirates-India

This is without doubt the pick of the contests, given that it is the only one featuring two sides which competed in January's AFC Asian Cup. Both ultimately exited at the group stage, though India can take heart from returning to the competition for the first time since 1984 and United Arab Emirates can draw encouragement from being unlucky to be held to a goalless draw by South Africa 2010 participants, Korea DPR.

The pair have both made fast progress thereafter. Under new coach Armando Colaco, India recently stunned Qatar 2-1, while Srecko Katanec's side thrashed Lebanon 6-2 in a friendly. The South Asians can look to the prolific form of Sunil Chhetri, who was twice on target during the continental finals. For their part, the UAE, with the talismanic Ismail Matar likely to miss out through injury, will entrust striking prodigy Ahmed Khalil, who netted a hat-trick against the Lebanese, with inspiring a home triumph.

Despite the first leg taking place in Al Ain, Colaco wants nothing less than victory. He said: "My players are eager to play the UAE, and we will play to win." Katanec, meanwhile, has fixed his sights on no fewer than an emphatic success: "The India match is a test for us. But the players are confident of building up a big cushion to take to Dehli.

United Arab Emirates have met twice in the FIFA World Cup preliminaries, on the road to Korea/Japan 2002, when they recorded a 1-0 win apiece.

The best of the rest
The aforementioned game is one of eight involving teams who have encountered one another before in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Among them is Iran-Maldives, whose last meeting, in the run-up to France 1998, ended in an astounding 26-0 aggregate victory for Team Melli – a then record in the preliminaries.

This time around, a far tighter contest is expetced. Maldives highlighted their progress with by holding Korea Republic to a goalless draw in qualifying for Germany 2006, before reducing Yemen to a narrow 3-2 aggregate win in their attempt to reach South Africa 2010. That said, Iran, under Carlos Queiroz and captained by Ali Karimi, are still very much the team to beat.

Like Maldives, Vietnam have a score to settle, having been humiliated 4-0 both home and away by Qatar in their debut qualifying appearance in 1994. Their hopes lie on the form of forward Le Cong Vinh, who smashed home seven goals against Macau over two legs. Qatar, spearheaded by their Asian Cup hero Yusef Ahmed, must overcome inconsistency if they are to live up to their billing as the firm favourites.

Inspired by their elimination of Chinese Taipei, Malaysia expect to upstage neighbouring Singapore and seal their first-ever qualification for the third round. With goal-getter Mohd Safee Mohd Sali back to fitness, coach Rajagobal Krishnasamy can field the formidable side which conquered all at last December’s AFF Championship. Radojko Avramovic’s charges do boast the better qualifying record, however, having reached the third stage in their previous attempt for South Africa 2010.

Recent success is not something Thailand can count on when they entertain Palestine in Bangkok. Having failed to progress beyond the group stage in the recent AFF Championship, despite being three-time winners of the tournament, the Land of Smiles, under newly-appointed Winfried Schafer, are desperate to redeem themselves against the West Asians.

Despite progressing with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Sri Lanka, Philippines face an uphill challenge against a Kuwait outfit 57 places above them on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. The Azkals' German coach Michael Weiss told FIFA.com: "We are underdogs in many aspects, but the team are on their top form and we will strive to defy the odds."

Elsewhere, China PR are expected to make light work of Laos, while the same can be said of four-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia, who take on Hong Kong. Uzbekistan are hoping to continue their regional authority over Kyrgyzstan, and an easy tie against Yemen should beckon for Iraq, who ran out 9-1 aggregate winners in the sides’ last meeting ahead of USA 1994.

Player to watch
Having established himself as one of south-east Asia's best forwards in recent years, can Le Cong Vinh prove himself on the entire continental stage by steering Vietnam past Qatar?

What they said
"To be honest I was not happy when I learned that we have to face Iran. However, we are not daunted by the task and our target is to play as best as we can and achieve satisfying results," Andres Cruciani, Maldives coach.

Second round, first legs
23 July
Thailand-Palestine
Lebanon-Bangladesh
China PR-Laos
Turkmenistan-Indonesia
Kuwait-Philippines
Oman-Myanmar
Saudi Arabia-Hong Kong
Iran-Maldives
Syria-Tajikistan
Qatar-Vietnam
Iraq-Yemen
Singapore-Malaysia
Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan
United Arab Emirates-India
Jordan-Nepal

The second legs will be played on Thursday 28 July.

Have Your Say
Which underdogs do you foresee springing a surprise? Which players do you reckon will headline the upcoming games? Simply click ‘Add your comment’ to make your views known, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

Thirty hopefuls begin road to round three

Japan settle in with the leading pack

Japan settle in with the leading pack

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ has clearly left its mark on the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking.

That being said, despite changes in the points tallies, there have been no moves in the top five, with finalists the USA continuing to lead the pack, followed by Germany, Brazil, Japan and Sweden. Japan’s defeat to England in the group stage prevented the newly crowned world champions from moving any further up the ranking – although for the Nadeshiko, winning their first title will surely more than make up for it.

Meanwhile, England have made a big jump thanks to their victory over better-ranked Japan, which earned them four places, landing them in sixth position. For two other Women’s World Cup participants, however, the move is in the opposite direction following disappointing performances at the tournament, with Canada (8th, down 2) and Korea DPR (12th, down 4) slipping down the ranking after failing to record a win.

For Korea DPR, this is the first time ever that they have been outside the top ten, where they have been replaced by FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finalists Australia (9th, up 2).

After their three group-stage victories and USA’s defeat to Sweden, Women’s World Cup hosts Germany briefly held the top spot in the ranking, but their quarter-final exit at the hands of Japan and the USA’s further wins restored the established order, with the USA not having relinquished first place since March 2008.

The results of 161 matches have been recognised in the current edition of the world ranking. Five teams (Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Mozambique and Malawi) have made their international comeback after temporary absences and have now re-entered the ranking, bringing the total number of ranked teams to 129.

Selasa, 19 Juli 2011

Le Guen: Oman is a new adventur

Le Guen: Oman is a new adventure

During Paul Le Guen’s 2002-05 stint as coach for Olympique Lyon the club won three consecutive Ligue 1 championships, three Trophee des Champions and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League two years in a row.

Spells with Glasgow Rangers and Paris Saint-Germain followed, before the 47 year-old took the helm at Cameroon and led their ultimately unsuccessful bid to qualify from the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Now Le Guen is back with a new challenge in his sights, having recently signed up with the Oman Football Association to coach the Oman national team through the AFC qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014. The experienced strategist and one-time defender met with FIFA.com to discuss his memories of Olympique Lyon and Cameroon, Oman and his thoughts on the future of French football.

FIFA.com: You had a lot of offers, but chose to go with Oman. Why?
Le Guen: I met with the president of the OFA in London in February and then again in April, and we clicked. I had a number of options open to me, but I took my decision then. It’s a new adventure and an opportunity for me to continue working with my friends, which is something that’s very important to me.

This will be your first time working in the Middle East. Are you at all nervous, especially given the cultural differences?
Not at all. One always takes things like cultural differences into account. The important thing is to listen to the people who are there to help me, like Mohanna Saeed. Things are not the same over there and I’ll need the assistance. At the same time, I have a good feeling, and I’ll be able to work without any distractions. I believe we can achieve something positive.

You’re famous for uncovering hidden talent like Shabani Nonda and El Hadji Diouf. Will you be able to do the same for Oman?
Of course, that’s why I’m here. Claude Le Roy did a great job for Oman in the past, but my task is to keep us moving forward. With the greatest respect to Claude, I have to find my own way of working with the support staff and making a success of my time here.

What do you hope to achieve with the Oman national side?
It’s not so much an aim or target, as a dream: we want to give everything we’ve got and qualify for the FIFA World Cup. We know that we’re not expected to make it to the finals, and that there are lots of sides better than ourselves, but I believe we have to dream: we have to try to achieve the unexpected.

Let’s talk about your time at Olympique Lyon. What’s the secret behind your huge success at the club?
Well, we had wonderful players, of course, and an excellent team spirit. The players were always exceptional on the pitch, and despite the fact that the squad was never more than 17 or 18 strong, they were a tight-knit group. Not only were the players technically impressive they were mentally strong as well. It was a fantastic time for me.

Last year you coached Cameroon at South Africa 2010. Why do you think the team made such a poor showing and lost all three group stage games?
It was odd. We were the last side to qualify for our group and so much was written and talked about our problems that to even be there was something of a miracle. We shouldn't forget that. I wasn’t happy with our performance at the FIFA World Cup, but sometimes it’s not such a bad thing to get a bit of perspective and realize we were the weakest of all the qualifying teams. The reason we failed in South Africa was the lack of unity in the side, plus I suspect I may not have chosen the best squad for the task.

Do you believe that inexperience at the very highest level is a problem facing not just Cameroon but all African sides?
As for Cameroon, I don’t think experience had anything to do with it. We lost because of a lack of unity and because the team spirit we showed during the qualifiers wasn't there in the finals. During the qualifiers we had a target: qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals. Everybody recognized this and stayed focused. When we got to the finals this focus went missing.

What about the other African teams? Ghana in particular could have gone even further than they did.
The desire is there, but the African teams have to understand that team spirit is incredibly important. They have to think as a single unit in order to achieve their goals.

As a French coach, what are your feelings about France’s performance in South Africa?
I was very disappointed. I think the players themselves regret what happened. Sometimes, though, you just have to accept what you did and move on.

What can a coach do in such difficult circumstances?
I don’t want to start giving lessons, but we had problems in the Cameroon camp. I had personal issues with the players. It’s easy to judge from a distance and that goes for France, too. For instance, no one else knows what went on in the Cameroon camp, so I'm the only one who can pass judgement and perhaps learn from the experience.

How do you see the future of French football?
I'm optimistic. A new president of the French Football Federation has been elected, which is very important. I'm glad that Noel Le Graet got the job: I know him well and I also know he’s the best choice for the future of the game in France.

The U-20 France side has qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time since 2001. How important is this emerging talent to the game?
France has always worked on developing young talent and I believe that we are very strong at the Academy level. The fundamental problem we have is team spirit and morale. If we can all learn from the lessons of 2010 South Africa that will stand us in good stead for the years ahead.

What did you think of the tournament’s organization in South Africa?
It was a fantastic experience. Unbelievable. We might have lost three games but it was still a great adventure: it was brilliant to be playing in the FIFA World Cup. When I took over at Cameroon at the beginning of the year I never dreamed I we would be playing in the World Cup.

And finally, will we be seeing you with Oman at 2014 Brazil?
I hope so! But if I’m not there with Oman I’ll definitely be in the stands watching with the fans. I love football enough to travel at my own expense and attend the greatest footballing show on the planet!

Adverse analytical findings recorded

Adverse analytical findings recorded for three additional players from Korea DPR

Adverse analytical findings recorded for three additional players from Korea DPR
Getty Images

Adverse analytical findings have been recorded in the anti-doping tests of three additional players from Korea DPR, following target testing of the whole team which participated in

This target testing was conducted after previous anti-doping tests during the competition produced adverse analytical findings for two other Korea DPR players (cf. media release from 7 July, which is availablthe 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™.e by clicking the news links on the right.)

In accordance with article 58 of the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations, which states that “Where more than one member of a team has been notified of an anti-doping rule violation under chapter VIII in connection with a competition, the ruling body for the competition shall conduct appropriate target testing of the team during the competition period”, the whole Korea DPR team was required by FIFA to undergo an anti-doping test after the team’s last match in the competition. The target testing of the entire Korea DPR team was coordinated with WADA.

As the proceedings are still in progress, FIFA will not disclose the names of the three players whose test results have produced adverse analytical findings, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code.

Gervinho: I expect a great season

Gervinho: I expect a great season

New Arsenal forward Gervinho is in no doubt he has joined a club on the up. The Côte d'Ivoire international has now completed his move to the Emirates Stadium after paperwork was completed on a reported £11m deal to bring him from Lille.

The capture of Gervinho is the first major addition by manager Arsene Wenger as he looks to arrest a six-season trophy drought and put together a squad capable of lasting the distance. After firing 18 goals to spearhead Lille's drive towards a Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double, the 24-year-old is confident more success is on the way with the Gunners.

"I have always followed Arsenal in the Premier League," Gervinho said. "At some points they were really good, but also had some difficulties like a lot of big clubs do. They did not finish in the position they wanted and sometimes seasons like that happen, but we all know the potential of this team and hopefully we will do better next season.

"I can expect a great season from Arsenal, with a lot of success and a lot of emotion at the end. I expect us to achieve our goals, and also in the seasons beyond. I hope the fans will enjoy watching me play and that at the end of the season, we will have the opportunity to celebrate something great together."
I hope the fans will enjoy watching me play and that at the end of the season, we will have the opportunity to celebrate something great together.
Gervinho

Gervinho caught the eye of plenty of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. However, once Arsenal's interest was confirmed, the opportunity to work with Wenger was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Gervinho explained: "I came here because I believe that he can improve my game and help me reach another level, but the most important thing for me is that I bring a lot to the team for whom I am playing."

Gervinho accepts it make take a few weeks to adapt to the hustle and bustle of the English top flight, but is determined to hit the ground running when the Gunners kick off their Premier League campaign at Newcastle on 13 August.

"I know English football is harder and I might need a bit of time at the start, but ultimately it is down to me to raise my game and adapt," he said. "With the help of the team, I hope I can do that quickly. I will prepare well to be ready by the start."

Fabregas doubt, Campbell arrival likely
Arsenal will travel to Cologne later this week for their next warm-up game after what was, off the pitch at least, viewed as a hugely successful Asian tour.

However, it remains to be seen whether captain Cesc Fabregas will join up as he continues rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. Brazilian midfielder Denilson is set to spend next season on loan at former club Sao Paulo, having failed to cement a regular first-team place.

There is expected to be an imminent arrival from South America as Arsenal close in on the £900,000 signing of highly-rated Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell, 19, from Deportivo Saprissa.

Bittersweet for Solo and Wambach

Bittersweet for Solo and Wambach

USA goalkeeper Hope Solo and striker Abby Wambach had to breathe deeply and put on a brave smile as they collected richly deserved awards for their outstanding individual performances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™.

The US custodian collected the adidas Golden Glove as the number one goalkeeper of the competition and also made off with the adidas Bronze Ball as the third best player at Germany 2011.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling,” Solo told FIFA.com after her side had gone down on penalties to Japan in Sunday’s Final in Frankfurt. “My goal has always been to be the top goalkeeper in the world and it’s also been my goal to be world champion too, so I’m not entirely happy. It’s been a bit tough to come out here and collect these prizes. I’d have preferred to be up there picking up another trophy with my team-mates rather than the individual awards.”

Wambach, the scorer of four goals at the tournament, voiced similar sentiments after she had taken receipt of the adidas Silver Ball and the adidas Bronze Boot: “I’m honoured to have won these two awards but I’m heartbroken not to have achieved just a little bit more.”

Nevertheless, both players were effusive in their praise of the new world champions. “It was a tight, tough game,” said the keeper, who chatted at length to Aya Miyama at the end of the game before embracing the Japan star warmly. “The Japanese showed a lot of passion and a lot of fight. I don’t say that about many teams but I have an awful lot of respect for them. They played for a lot more than sport. They played for so many good and wonderful reasons.”

“I feel sad,” added Wambach. “We should be applauding Japan though. What a fantastic game Sawa had. She was magnificent, and she worked so hard she deserved it. This is very tough for us to take because we came so close, though I think that Japan have suffered so much and needed to win more than we did. I’d like to think that this win can bring a little hope and joy to the Japanese people.”

As the dust settled on a closely fought and exciting game that went all the way to penalties, the Americans struggled to find fault with their performance. “We showed that USA are a team that likes to attack, that we’re not a defensive side,” continued Hope, accentuating the positive. “We created a lot of chances but luck wasn’t on our side in the end. It was with Japan.”

Recognition as the third best player in the competition should at least go some way to ending the debate surrounding the standard of keeping in the women’s game. “That’s a good point, though I don’t see goalkeeping as the weak point of women’s football,” commented Solo. “You’ve only got to look at the Japanese keeper tonight. She had a magnificent game and a terrific tournament. I think it was the goalkeepers who made the difference in the matches and I’m proud to have received this award. As for tonight’s shootout, what can I say? It’s difficult to win two games from the penalty spot. There’s nothing I can say.”

Ferguson salutes Liverpool and Barça

Ferguson salutes Liverpool and Barça

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes deadly rivals Liverpool are a team to be reckoned with once again. It is now 21 years since the Reds last won a league title. As their enemy from down the East Lancs Road were clinching a record 19th crown, Liverpool were finishing in sixth, 22 points adrift with not even a UEFA Europa League place to cheer them.

However, under Kenny Dalglish, Ferguson can sense a giant awakening from its slumber. And the United manager is prepared to concede they are a club to be wary of again.

He told Press Association Sport: "Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it. Long-term you know they are going to there."

It is the same with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. "Let's be honest, you hate losing to any of them," Ferguson said. "One of those four will always be a thorn in our flesh. They are our immediate challengers.

"History doesn't change. No matter where it comes from, somewhere along the line we are going to be faced with a big challenge from one of those four great clubs."
Barcelona are the team of the moment. They can dominate any game and could have probably done that to any other team.
Sir Alex Ferguson on the UEFA Champions League final

Recent history for United is not particularly comfortable. A summer that could have been spent basking in the glory of Liverpool being knocked off their perch has instead involved reflection on the UEFA Champions League final, and a chastening experience at Barcelona's mesmeric feet.

So clinical was the Catalans' victory it has almost been forgotten United went into the game having secured four Premier League titles out of five and were featuring in their third European final in four attempts.

It should be one of the club's most notable periods. Instead the Red Devils are being written off as inferior.

Not by Ferguson. Not by a man who is forever plotting and scheming to give his side the best possible advantage. Not for a man who simply refuses to abandon the fight.

"Barcelona are the team of the moment," said Ferguson. "It is a cycle. It is the same players. They can dominate any game and could have probably done that to any other team.

"But it is not the kind of thing that makes you think, 'let's not bother with European football any more, we are never going to beat Barcelona'. Manchester United are bigger than that. We have a better philosophy than that. The challenge will be [to] improve enough to get to the final next season and win it."

Japanese heroines reflect on triumph

Japanese heroines reflect on triumph

"The Final will be played to an audience on both sides of the world," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter ahead of Sunday's FIFA Women's World Cup 2011™ showpiece in Germany. "From the East, where the sun rises, all the way over to the West."

After Japan's dramatic penalty shoot-out win over USA, it was as if the sun had decided to remain in the East for the time being, at least judging by the radiant smiles of Homare Sawa and Co. as they paraded the trophy around the packed arena in Frankfurt.

"I can still hardly believe we won," said FCR 2001 Duisburg star Kozue Ando. "After our game against Germany, my colleagues from Germany told me we had to go on and win the title. That really inspired us. I'm very proud that we're the first-ever Asian world champions. Our predecessors paved the way for us to go on and succeed."
It's almost like a miracle. We've played the USA 25 times before and never won.
Junji Ogura, the JFA President

Norio Sasaki's Nadeshiko were certainly made to work for their title, requiring extra-time and penalties to overcome a USA side currently top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking. "I didn't know how the Americans were going take their penalties, I just trusted my intuition," said goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori. "When we were 2-1 down, we didn't give up because we knew we still had enough time."

"I still can't believe we did it," continued the 24-year-old, who, like many of her colleagues, dedicated her success to the victims of the catastrophic earthquakes in her homeland earlier this year. "I'll be delighted if our victory gives the people of Japan strength. It proves that you can achieve anything if you fight hard enough."

Almost four months after the tragedy, the Japanese squad set out on their mission to bring a smile back to people's faces back home. Midfielder Aya Miyama said: "Obviously the victims of Fukushima were a huge motivation. The team should take the money they've won here and give it to the victims. At least that's what I'm going to do with my money. We kept fighting right to the end and I always believed we could do it, even ahead of the tournament."

All hail Sawa
The players were not the only ones beaming after their historic achievement. Japanese Football Association (JFA) President Junji Ogura also took the opportunity to express his delight at the victory. "It's almost like a miracle. We've played the USA 25 times before and never won. After all, the USA are top of the world rankings."

"If Japan ever host a FIFA Women's World Cup in the future, I hope Homare Sawa is responsible for the organisation. I'm delighted that our players were able to demonstrate the strength of Japanese women. There can't be a happier President in the world than me right now."

Homare Sawa's name will forever be associated with Germany 2011. Undoubtedly the star of the Japanese team, she finished the tournament as the adidas Golden Boot winner with five goals and also won the Golden Ball as the competition's best player.

"I'm so grateful and proud that Sawa won so many awards as she's the engine of our team," said Yuki Nagasato. Fellow striker Shinobu Ohno added: "Sawa is the big star in Japan. What she's done for this team is worth more than any gold medal."

Selasa, 12 Juli 2011

Almost half the world tuned in at home to watch 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™

Almost half the world tuned in at home to watch 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™

The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ was shown in every single country and territory on Earth, including Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, generating record-breaking viewing figures in many TV markets around the world. The in-home television coverage of the competition reached over 3.2 billion people around the world, or 46.4 per cent of the global population, based on viewers watching a minimum of over one minute of coverage. This represents an eight per cent rise on the number of viewers recorded during the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.

Based on viewers watching a minimum of 20 consecutive minutes of coverage, the 2010 tournament reached nearly a third of the world population with 2.2 billion viewers, or three per cent higher than in 2006, according to data compiled by KantarSport on behalf of FIFA. The average in-home global audience for each match was 188.4 million, up six per cent on 2006, while the highest average audience measured was for the final at 530.9 million, up five per cent on 2006.

Unsurprisingly the competition’s most-watched match was the final between Spain and the Netherlands, which reached 619.7 million in-home viewers based on those watching at least 20 consecutive minutes of coverage. This figure, however, rises to 909.6 million viewers based on watching over one minute and is likely to have surpassed one billion when out-of-home viewers are included. Indeed, all the figures cited do not include people watching out-of-home at the FIFA Fan Fests and other public viewing venues, as well as in pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, or even online and via mobile handsets.

“When you consider the increasingly fragmented media environment, where people face ever more choice in terms of the platform, place and time of their viewing selection, these results show that the FIFA World Cup remains a compelling spectacle for viewers around the world,” said Jérôme Valcke, FIFA Secretary General. “The FIFA World Cup was shown in every single country and territory on Earth and with an unprecedented level of TV production geared to serve screens of all shapes and sizes, it was also the first major sports event to be distributed globally across all platforms, namely TV, radio, mobile, broadband as well as in 3D.”

Several records were smashed, most spectacularly in the host nation South Africa and Germany. South Africa’s second match against Uruguay attracted an average live in-home audience of 10.15 million, breaking all previous records including the 1995 Rugby World Cup final; Germany’s semi-final against Spain recorded an average of more than 31 million viewers in Germany, which is the first time in German television history that an in-home audience of more than 30 million has been achieved by a single broadcaster.

Mertesacker: We want the trophy

Mertesacker: We want the trophy
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It can sometimes take much, much longer than a player wants before he earns his first international cap. Years, decades even, may pass before the call comes in from the national coach – and sometimes it never comes at all.

Of course, the opposite can also happen too, as in the case of Per Mertesacker. A fixture in the Germany defence nowadays, he had made just 20 Bundesliga appearances when coach Rudi Voller summoned him to the senior squad in October 2004. The man nicknamed Merte was still only 20 when he made his debut for the three-time world champions in a 2-0 victory away to Iran.

The player has clocked up a further 74 international appearances since then, and has collected medals for third place at two FIFA World Cups™, in 2006 and 2010, and as a runner-up at UEFA EURO 2008. Since the finals in his home country five years ago, where he went the full distance in all of Germany’s games, the 6ft 6in stopper has played his club football for Werder Bremen, where he has become a respected authority figure and dressing room leader.

The towering defender is now finally hoping to win his first international trophy with Germany next year, as the three-time European champions are all but certain to qualify for UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine after taking maximum points from their seven fixtures to date. FIFA.com spoke exclusively to Mertesacker about his medium-term ambitions and goals for the future.

FIFA.com: Is the accommodation in Poland and Ukraine already booked?
Per Mertesacker: Well, we've been preparing for it for a number of years now, but any plans we have obviously have to be backed up with performances. We've certainly delivered so far, but it’s definitely not done and dusted yet. We mustn’t allow the other teams any chance of getting close to us.

Did you expect to run away with it like this?
It's a huge challenge, over and over again. Our victory over Turkey was a pivotal match, and it definitely helped us on our way, just like winning away to Belgium. Those were games where we underlined our determination to qualify. We've been finishing second and third in recent years, but every player's biggest goal is finally to lay hands on a major trophy.

Can that happen at UEFA EURO 2012?
We're always up for it, but we've run up against teams who have prevented us getting there lately. However, we want the trophy and we're totally fired up.

There's something approaching a youth revolution taking place in the Germany set-up at the moment. As a 26-year-old, does that give you any reason to be worried?
It's unbelievably important for German football that younger players pick up experience as Bundesliga regulars. That's how I made my way into the national team, and it’s vital for the future. And should the day arrive when I'm no longer a good enough footballer, I'll step down. But that day is still some way off, I think.

People say the best age for a footballer is his late twenties, and you’re not even there yet.
Yes, but there have been so many huge changes in recent years. Even for a 26-year-old, the burden is much greater than it used to be. And national teams bring in players when they're still a lot younger now.
We've been finishing second and third in recent years, but every player's biggest goal is finally to lay hands on a major trophy.
Per Mertesacker on Germany's attempt to win a tournament

You've been a regular for Germany for many years, but when people are asked to name the big personalities in the team, they tend to think of Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose and the like. Do you feel hard done by?
I don't see it like that. I've been a member of the players’ council for a number of years now, and I know exactly where I stand within the dressing room hierarchy. We have a lot of players prepared to take responsibility, and I'm one of them. It's not important whether my name is mentioned explicitly. The national team is a homogenous group, which always pulls together and turns in a performance as a collective. That's what matters, not looking over your shoulder to see who's the most powerful. Over the last few years, we've never had one obvious single leader, it's always been that a group has emerged, each making a contribution to our success.

You’ve scored just a single goal for Germany so far. Do you remember it?
It was back in 2005 against Australia in the Confederations Cup, and I remember it perfectly. I met the ball with my forehead and powered it into the net. It was a great feeling, and I’d love to repeat it at some point.

Turning to your personal situation, and a question you’re surely used to hearing by now: What happens next? Are you staying with Werder, or are you looking for a new challenge?
I'm injured at the moment, and I still need to recover from a tough season. I have another year on my contract with Werder, so we'll have to see what happens. We had a very poor 2010/11, but Werder always have the potential to mix it at the top, which is obviously something that matters to every player.

You've frequently been linked with a move to England. Why do you find the Premier League so attractive? Why wouldn't you choose Spain?
Taking a long-term view, the English Premier League is the more appealing option. The Bundesliga has steadily improved in recent years, but England and Spain are still ahead, because that's where you find any number of top clubs. I'm not ruling anything out, but it is extremely attractive. Moving abroad brings you on both as a player and a person.

Is the Premier League the best in the world?
Two clubs are way ahead of the rest in Spain, and Barcelona have set the standards in recent years. But the English league is definitely the most physical. You can't really compare leagues against each other, so I'm not going to pronounce a verdict. Both are fantastic in their own way.

Have you spoken to any of your Germany team-mates about playing overseas?
What you generally pick up is that a spell abroad brings you on in ways you can't imagine. You see it confirmed time and time again. The experience you pick up is unbelievably important. You could develop so much as a footballer, and hopefully, it would never rule out a return to Germany at some point.

Who's the best defender at the moment, in your opinion,? Do you have an idol?
I've tended to look to teams for inspiration, rather than individuals. Obviously you watch a lot of football, the English league for example, and you see how hard and committed they are there. But I honestly can't name a role model, as there are far too many interesting centre-backs.

What are the hallmarks of a good defender?
That you keep winning the tackles that matter. That you pick the moment to make a challenge, and know when it's better to hold back. It has a lot to do with understanding tactics. If you're part of the back four, you have to perform at a very high level in terms of tactics and tackling.

One last question: on your homepage, you say that if you could be a rock star for a day, it would be Bob Marley. Why?
When I was at school, I was always listening to Bob Marley, when I played cards during recess, for example. It's something that accompanied me right through my years as a youth, and he's an unbelievably good musician who really inspired me.

Blatter extends his condolences to Congolese football

Blatter extends his condolences to Congolese football

Following the death of six Congo DR football officials in an air crash last Friday, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written to the country’s Football Association to offer his condolences.

The plane, a Boeing 727 operated by Hewa Bora Airways, crashed in the city of Kisangani, in the north east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 112 passengers and six crew on board. The final death toll has yet to be confirmed.

Among those dead are Tshimuanga Mukobuela, a member of the national football league’s management committee, match commissioner Mafuta Kibeke, international referee Justin Mayabuana, and national referees Benjamin Mpande, Mahungu Miboti and Manix Bofanda.

The six were travelling to Kisangani for the league match between Tout Solide Malekesa and Tout Puissant Mazembe.

“On behalf of FIFA and in my own name, I am writing to extend my most sincere condolences to you and to the Congo DR Football Association,” wrote Blatter in a letter to the President of the Congo DR Football Association Constant Omari Selemani.

“I would also be grateful if you would pass on the deepest sympathies and support of the entire football world to the families, friends and clubs of the victims at this especially difficult time.”

Gomez: It's hard to take it all in

Gomez: It's hard to take it all in

Sometimes, fate smiles on footballers at crucial moments in their careers. Julio Gomez, winner of the adidas Golden Ball award, the trophy accorded to the best performer at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011, has had an early taste of that phenomenon. As he clutched his prize in a Mexico dressing room that positively vibrated with songs and shouts of joy, it seems likely he will enjoy many such experiences in the future.

In just three days, Mexico midfielder Gomez has gone from scoring an astounding winning goal against Germany in the semi-final of the tournament to receiving a standing ovation from almost 100,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca during the final versus Uruguay.

Sandwiched in between those two incidents, even his President got in on the act by citing him as an example for fellow Mexicans to look up to. With all this going on, the player in question was polite enough to take some time out from his team’s raucous title celebrations to share his thoughts with FIFA.com.

FIFA.com: Julio Gomez, how do you feel after winning the competition?
I’m full of emotion, because you always dream about being part of a team that becomes world champions, so to have actually done it is just unbelievable. It’s something that we really wanted to accomplish ever since we started preparing for this tournament, and today we can say loud and clear that we achieved our objective and created a bit of history.

Would it be fair to say that the semi-final against Germany has changed your life? As if that weren’t enough, the entire Azteca Stadium chanted your name today.
It’s hard to take it all in! So many people shouting out my name – that’s something I’ll never forget. The same goes for seeing supporters with bandages wrapped around their heads like I had in the Germany game. I could never have imagined having that kind of effect on the fans. And when they were calling for me to be sent on as a sub, it almost made me feel a bit embarrassed.
So many people shouting out my name – that’s something I’ll never forget.
Mexico standout Julio Gomez

Why did you not start the match?
I didn’t start because I didn’t feel 100 per cent, but I was desperate to get on. Fortunately, in the end I got the chance to play for a bit, and there were no problems.

Aside from the actual result, did the game turn out as you had expected?
It developed more or less how we had imagined. The Uruguayans were tough opponents who fought for every ball right up to the final whistle, and that makes us appreciate this title even more.

What does winning the award for best player in the tournament mean to you?
It’s the product of a lot of hard work, but it’s actually a reflection of the team’s achievements. Without the support of my team-mates, I would never have managed such a thing.

Do you already know where you are going to display your adidas Golden Ball award?
Well, tonight I’m going to sleep next to it! [Laughs loudly] Then I’ll try to find a place in my room that allows me to see it as soon as I get out of bed in the morning, to remind myself that I was voted the best player at the U-17 World Cup, and that we were world champions.

How do you envision your career developing from here?
I’ve got to take things slowly, step by step. Of course I’d love to establish myself at Pachuca, my club, and become a first-team regular, but we’ll just have to see how things go. I’m in no hurry; right now all I want to do is celebrate with the rest of the squad.

What do you think will go through your mind when you get around to watching the video of the final?
That I was there, that I played and won a world title for my country.

USA through after thriller, Sweden stroll

USA through after thriller, Sweden stroll
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THE DAY REPLAYED – The two quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ played on Sunday proved to be a real test of nerves for players and fans alike. After both France and Japan needed an additional 30 minutes to qualify on Saturday, it was the turn of USA to draw out the suspense by taking their game against Brazil into extra time. And just like Les Bleues, their upcoming semi-final opponents, the North Americans required penalty kicks to see off their resolute rivals.

Again inspired by an impressive Marta, Brazil may look back with regret on this loss, during which they contrived to score an own goal in the opening minutes, fail to properly capitalise on a second-half numerical advantage, and concede an equaliser in the final seconds of extra time.

Earlier on in the day, Sweden saw off Australia to qualify for the last four in more straightforward circumstances, as their challengers were unable to live up to their status of dark horses. Under a scorching afternoon sun, the Scandinavians put on a display of composure and maturity, scoring from sharp, well-constructed moves, and taking full advantage of some of the errors present in the inexperienced Australians’ play.

The Matildas can nevertheless be proud of what they have achieved, recording double the number of victories at this year’s event than they had in all of their previous FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances put together. Their one previous win had come four years ago at China 2007, where they also fell at the quarter-final stage.

Results
Sweden 3-1 Australia
Brazil 2-2 USA (aet, USA win 5-3 on penalties)

Goal of the day
Brazil-USA, Abby Wambach 120+2'
Deep in injury time of extra time, the Americans, with just ten players and trailing 2-1 following Marta’s second goal of the match, looked to be down and out. But with virtually the last kick of the ball, Megan Rapinoe hoisted a deep cross into the box that appeared to be heading straight into the gloves of Andrea in the Brazil goal. The Canarinhas' keeper miscalculated her dive, however, missing the ball by the slightest of margins and allowing Abby Wambach to thump a header into the back of the net for her second goal of the competition. The unlikely equaliser saved the United States from defeat and eventually propelled them into the semi-finals, with the help of a penalty shootout.

Memorable moments
Lively Lotta
The Australians were twice found guilty of defensive naivety in their quarter-final clash today. Knocking the ball back to the goalkeeper is a dangerous game to play when faced with a forward with the instincts of Sweden’s Lotta Schelin. When the Lyon striker failed to punish Collette McCallum’s error early on in the match, this should perhaps have served as a warning for the Antipodean side. The second time around the Swede would make no mistake, pouncing on Kim Carroll’s wayward pass to round the keeper and score her country’s third goal of the day.

Record collection
The 28th meeting between Brazil and USA was an amazing encounter that swung this way and that. It was also a match that saw two new FIFA Women’s World Cup records set. The first came right at the start when, with under two minutes on the clock, the unfortunate Daiane scored the quickest own goal in the history of the tournament. The second now belongs to Abby Wambach who, with an equaliser in the 122nd minute of the game, scored the latest goal the event has ever seen.

The stat
14 – The number of FIFA Women’s World Cup goals scored by Brazil star Marta, whose two quarter-final strikes against USA saw her draw level with Birgit Prinz’s all-time tournament record. This achievement may offer the South American some measure of consolation, following her team’s dramatic defeat by USA. A little further down the list on 11, Abby Wambach would appear to be the only player in with a possibility of equalling or surpassing this total at Germany 2011.

The quote
“Things just fell into place for my goal. It was a bit of a relief for me, because Sweden’s first two goals stemmed from moves down my side, so I kind of owed it to my team-mates. But what an incredible feeling it was to score, especially when you play at the back and you don’t get that many shooting chances,” Ellyse Perry, Australia right-back and scorer of her nation’s goal against Sweden

he man of the hour

A perfect ending
(FIFA.com) Monday 11 July 2011
A perfect ending
Getty Images

THE FINAL DAY REPLAYED – Mexico’s merry band of tomorrow’s stars were crowned U-17 World champions on Sunday on hallowed ground at the fabled Estadio Azteca, the very same turf where the likes of legends Diego Maradona and Pele had some of their most iconic moments. Uruguay spilled the inevitable bitter tears on the night, so close yet so far to a first title in the junior category.

While the final itself was as tense and tightly played a game as we’ve seen at this FIFA U-17 World Cup, the match for third place was a spectacle of open play, goals and carefree football. Germany beat Brazil 4-3 with the crowd treated to a dazzling undercard.

Results
Uruguay 0-2 Mexico (final)
Germany 4-3 Brazil (third-place)

Goal of the day
Giovani Casillas 90’+2, Uruguay-Mexico
It wasn’t the prettiest goal of the day, but the reaction from the nearly 100,000 fans at the Azteca to the clinical counter-attack in the closing moments of the final was nothing short of bombastic. Collecting the ball from Arturo Gonzalez as the Uruguayans were stretched in search of a late equaliser, the super-sub extraordinaire slammed into the side netting to put the final result beyond doubt and spark scenes of unparalleled joy in the Mexican capital.

Memorable moments
A love affair resumed
It was strange to see fans at the Azteca supporting Germany so fervently, especially just days after the semi-final where the Germans gave the home side a fright and were subjected to all manner of insults and abuse from the Torreon faithful. But the attacking nature of this German team is nothing short of infectious and the fans appreciated Samed Yesil and Co’s outstanding display as they bested Brazil to finish the tournament with the best attacking record, a full 24 goals scored in seven games. Green-clad Mexican supporters threw sombreros down to the bashful Germans and blew kisses as the junior Nationalmannschaft did an impromptu victory lap after the final whistle. Coach Steffen Freund even donned one of those oversized traditional Mexican hats at the post-game press conference, saying “adios” and “muchas gracias” with a wide smile in his best, broken Spanish.

The Colossus, the Azteca, the difference
While they did seem to care for the Germans a great deal, the Azteca fans’ one true love remained their young El Tri. And though it is a cliché to talk about the 12th man and its influence in football, the power of the hulking stadium itself seemed to count for much down on the pitch. The first glimpse the massive crowd got of their young heroes was not during the final itself. While Germany and Brazil traded goals in the third-place game, the Mexican players stuck their heads out of the tunnel for a brief second. The roar that greeted the cameo was as explosive and joyful as the cacophony of whistles, boos and clenched fists that greeted the Uruguayans’ first appearance. It was a hint of things to come as the huge crowd at the mighty Azteca roared, shouted, chanted, ‘Cielito Lindo-d’ and ‘ole-d’ the boys on to a 2-0 win and a second U-17 world title.

The man of the hour
The enduring affection for star midfielder Julio Gomez simply could not be contained. The Pachuca man single-handedly put Mexico into the final after scoring twice and playing on with a bloody head injury in the semi-final win over Germany. He started the final on the bench, but the fans, many of them wearing bandages on their head in his honour, chanted his name all night long. He received the biggest roar when he finally entered the pitch, head still bandaged, mid-way through the second half. The gathered media, most of them Mexican, also voted with their hearts, voting him the adidas Golden Ball winner as tournament top player by a wide margin.

The stat
98,943 - The number of fans that filed through the gates at the massive Azteca for the final of the U-17 World Cup. The fans turned out in their numbers to support the home side’s charge to the title, and in doing so they broke the record for the largest final-day crowd in the tournamen

Rabu, 27 Juli 2011

Atletico dealt Norwegian Europa trip

Next stop AEK for Gudjohnsen

Hernandez: Good times ahead at United

Blatter mourns Fatton, hero of Sao Paulo

Ethics Committee bans football officials

Asian hopefuls in do-or-die deciders

The preliminaries in numbers

Old masters, South American sensations

Jumat, 22 Juli 2011

Rooney: Liverpool will challenge this time

Old Firm resume battle for supremacy

Thirty hopefuls begin road to round three

Thirty hopefuls begin road to round three

Japan settle in with the leading pack

Selasa, 19 Juli 2011

Le Guen: Oman is a new adventur

Adverse analytical findings recorded

Gervinho: I expect a great season

Bittersweet for Solo and Wambach

Ferguson salutes Liverpool and Barça

Japanese heroines reflect on triumph

Selasa, 12 Juli 2011

Almost half the world tuned in at home to watch 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™

Mertesacker: We want the trophy

Blatter extends his condolences to Congolese football

Gomez: It's hard to take it all in

USA through after thriller, Sweden stroll

he man of the hour

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