Women’s round-up: February 2011

Women’s round-up: February 2011
(FIFA.com) Friday 25 February 2011
Print
Email my friend
Share

While there is a sense of calm before the coming storm on the international front as teams limber up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, the club scene is just hotting up, with a title decided in Australia and Germany’s big two battling it out. As February draws to a close, FIFA.com rounds up the main events in the female game.

Club Football
Roar on top Down Under
Brisbane Roar claimed their second Australian W-League title in three seasons with a 2-1 grand final victory over arch-rivals and reigning champions Sydney FC. The Sky Blues had finished the league season three points clear at the top of the table but it was the Roar who edged the play-off decider, exacting revenge for a 3-2 defeat in last season’s final. Matildas star Lisa De Vanna grabbed the winning goal midway through the second half while the Roar’s other goalscorer, Tameka Butt, was named player of the match.

Dominant duo do battle, Duisburg wield the axe
The race for the Frauen Bundesliga title is developing into one of the tightest and most dramatic in recent memory, with no room for error between the leading duo of Turbine Potsdam and FFC Frankfurt. Turbine are in pole position to successfully defend their title, but their rivals remain just a point behind after a month in which neither has dropped a single point. Frankfurt, in fact, have racked up an aggregate score of 26-0 in their February matches thus far, and boast a goal difference 36 superior to the leaders. Four points further back in third place are FCR 2001 Duisburg, who despite reaching the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals, sacked coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg earlier this month following back-to-back domestic defeats to Turbine and Bayern Munich.

Ground broken in Palestine
The female game’s growth around the world continued earlier this month with the launch of a first-ever 11-a-side league in Palestine. Previously, women’s football in the troubled nation had only ever been played on an indoor, five-a-side basis, but a crowd of 11,000 turned out to give enthusiastic backing to the opening match of this new division. Deyara Bethlehem beat Sareiat YMCA Ramallah 2-0 in this historic encounter, and with the national team competing in ever more regional and continental tournaments, Palestinian women’s football looks set for a bright future.

National Teams
Hopefuls set off for Algarve and Cyprus
The Algarve and Cyprus Cups have become well-established fixtures in the women’s football calendar over recent times, and both will carry even greater interest this year. That’s because, with the FIFA Women’s World Cup just a few months away, these fiercely-contested tournaments are sure to be seen as an indicator of what we can expect from the various contenders at Germany 2011. Teams began arriving in Portugal last week for the Algarve event, which kicks off on Tuesday, with holders USA up against the likes of Japan, Norway and 2009 winners Sweden. Another five Germany-bound teams are heading to Cyprus, meanwhile, where Canada, England, France, New Zealand and Mexico will be aiming to signal their intent ahead of the female game’s showpiece event.

Germany 2011 hits the road
While tickets continue to sell like proverbial hotcakes at home, Germany have been taking the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the road with their Welcome Tour of the other 15 participating nations. The tour has taken in stops at Oslo, Paris and London since our last monthly round-up, with Organising Committee chairman Steffi Jones leading the efforts to promote not only the tournament but also women’s football as a whole. More information on the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Welcome Tour events can be found by clicking the links on the right.

The stat
510,000 – The incredible number of tickets that have now been sold for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. The fourth phase of ticket sales came to an end on Sunday with 80,000 fresh orders having been received, and all tickets for Germany’s group games – save for restricted view seats – have been sold out.

The quote
“The biggest [area of] development has been in technique. There are no longer huge gaps between teams in terms of performance, which wasn’t the case before... The next step will be tactics. Reading the game and making decisions when play is in full flight will be the next challenge,” USA coach Pia Sundhage on women’s football’s progress and main area for improvement.

Claudio Borghi's vital statistics

Claudio Borghi's vital statistics
(FIFA.com) Friday 25 February 2011
Print
Email my friend
Share

Appointed Chile coach yesterday, the Argentinian Claudio Borghi is nothing if not his own man. Witty, blindingly honest and hardworking, the former attacking midfielder was once touted as the next Diego Maradona, but enjoyed most success in Chile, first as a player and then as a coach. Now, as Borghi takes the helm of La Roja, FIFA.com brings you some of the key stats from his distinguished career.
46

- Claudio Borghi’s age, making him the third youngest national team coach in South America. Born on 28 September 1964, the Argentinian is only senior to Gustavo Quinteros (15 February 1965) and Cesar Farias (7 March 1973), the coaches of Bolivia and Venezuela respectively.
18

- Borghi is the 18th foreigner and fourth Argentinian to coach Chile, Jose Salerno, Alejandro Scopelli and Marcelo Bielsa being the three former supremos from across the border.
15

- The number of clubs Borghi ran out for during his 18-year playing career. In addition to spells with homeland sides Argentinos Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Union de Santa Fe, Huracan and Platense, the nomadic midfielder played for Italian sides AC Milan and Como, Swiss outfit Neuchatel, Brazilian giants Flamengo, Chilean clubs Colo Colo, O’Higgins, Audax Italiano and Wanderers, as well as Correcaminos of Mexico. “I was always a footballing wanderer. I used to enjoy moving on and getting to know new places. If someone offered me the chance to live in Switzerland or Brazil, I always said yes,” he said recently.
13

- The number of major titles Borghi won: eight as a player and five as a coach. In the former category, four came with Argentinos Juniors, two with Colo Colo, one with Flamengo. Most famously though, he was part of the Argentina team that won the 1986 FIFA World Cup™ in Mexico. From the bench, he guided Colo Colo to an unprecedented four straight league championships, before steering another former club, Argentinos Juniors, to the Clausura title last year.
7

- The number of siblings with whom Borghi grew up in Castelar, a district in the western suburbs of Buenos Aires. “We never went hungry, but the food didn’t go much beyond soups, stews, boiled cornmeal, and sandwiches with mate”, recalls El Bichi, who lost his father to a heart attack when he was just ten.
5

- The number of clubs he has coached: Audax Italiano, Colo Colo, Independiente, Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors. His most successful spell was with Colo Colo, whom he led to 83 wins, 27 draws and 27 defeats in 137 games.
4

- The shirt number he used at Mexico 1986 – rather unusual for an attacking midfielder. During that victorious campaign, Borghi accumulated 119 minutes of playing time from the group games against Bulgaria and Italy. All told, he won nine caps with La Albiceleste, scoring once.
1

- Borghi is a former winner of the Americas’ Coach of the Year award given by the Uruguayan daily El Pais. He took the accolade in 2006 after winning the opening and closing league titles with Colo Colo, beating off competition from the likes of Alfio Basile, Abel Braga, Luis Suarez and Diego Simeone.

Rejuvenated Nolan awaits Bolton reunion

When news broke in January 2009 that midfielder Kevin Nolan was discussing a move from Bolton Wanderers to Newcastle United, there was surprise among football followers across the land. The Liverpudlian had spent ten years at the Reebok Stadium and been a part of the team’s European adventures, while the Magpies were stuck in the quagmire of a relegation battle. But despite a tumultuous opening six months at St James’s Park – which ended with relegation to the Championship - Nolan is now club captain and having arguably his finest Premier League season to date.

The 28-year-old will face his old club tomorrow when Newcastle host Bolton, with both sides in the top half of the table and harbouring ambitions to qualify for European football next season. Newcastle have settled after a difficult two months which saw the club controversially replace the popular Chris Hughton as manager with Alan Pardew, and suffer the loss of star centre-forward Andy Carroll – a close friend of Nolan’s – who was sold to Liverpool for £35 million.

Nolan broke into the Bolton first-team squad under Sam Allardyce in 1999 and two years later found himself playing in the Premier League alongside the likes of Fredi Bobic, Youri Djorkaeff and Bruno N’Gotty. Nolan scored eight goals from midfield as Bolton retained their top-flight status, finishing 16th. Allardyce’s policy of recruiting experienced players with a touch of flair continued and Nolan excelled as he learnt from those around him, including Ivan Campo, Jay Jay Okocha and Gary Speed.

Wanderers finished in the top half of the Premier League for four consecutive seasons between 2004 and 2007, reaching sixth in 2004/05. Nolan’s goals were a key part of that success and a call-up to the England squad was expected, with then manager Allardyce leading the calls for Nolan to be given international recognition.
The stadium, the city, everything just breathes football, and to be a part of it and be captain of this club is such a massive privilege.
Kevin Nolan, Newcastle United captain

The England call has never arrived but Nolan is doing his chances no harm with his current form for Newcastle. It did not start well on Tyneside, however. Nolan was sent off for a reckless challenge on Everton’s Victor Anichebe just three weeks after signing, and failed to score a goal as United were relegated on the final day of the season. Nolan rejected links with a move away that summer and was clear about his intention to guide Newcastle back to the Premier League.

True to his word, the midfielder was an inspiration for Newcastle throughout 2009/10, scoring 17 goals and occasionally captaining the side in the absence of Nicky Butt. In March 2010 he was named Championship Player of the Year and the following month Newcastle sealed promotion back to the top flight. Nolan has not looked back since and was handed the captaincy permanently at the beginning of the current campaign following the retirement of Butt.

Starting as he clearly meant to go on, Nolan scored twice in Newcastle’s first home game back in the Premier League as the Magpies hammered Aston Villa 6-0. In October he wrote his name into Newcastle folklore by hitting a hat-trick against great rivals Sunderland to inspire a 5-1 success. He set the side on their way to a 3-1 win over his boyhood club Liverpool in December before grabbing another goal against their Wearside foes in January. He currently has ten for the season – the first time he has reached double figures in the Premier League – and would dearly love to add to that against his former club tomorrow.

Nolan recently revealed to the club’s website just how happy he is: “The stadium, the city, everything just breathes football, and to be a part of it and be captain of this club is such a massive privilege. The sheer volume of support we get is fantastic. The fans are starting to get what they deserve, and that's a team who truly love this club and who want to do the best for Newcastle. With them I'm sure we can get to where we want to go.”

Planet football hails O Fenômeno

Planet football hails O Fenômeno
(FIFA.com) Friday 25 February 2011
Print
Email my friend
Share

As part of our regular ‘The things they say’ series, FIFA.com has brought together selections of the choicest phrases ever uttered by such footballing luminaries as Romario, Diego Maradona and Eric Cantona, to name just three. We have decided to mix things up a little in the case of Brazilian goal-getter Ronaldo, who last week announced his retirement, choosing to highlight one of his final statements as an active pro as well as a host of tributes from some of planet football’s biggest names.

“After yet another groin injury, I gave it a lot of thought and decided I’d reached a point where I had nothing more to give and that the sacrifices were too great, something I never thought would happen. Once I’d made the decision it felt as if I was in Intensive Care with a terminal condition, and that this announcement would be like passing away. Giving up something that’s made me so happy is very tough, I’ve always loved the game and would give anything to carry on. But you can’t win them all and I’ve been beaten by my own body.”
Ronaldo

“He’s the best striker I’ve ever seen.”
Lionel Messi

“Ronaldo is the man and I don’t care what y'all say. [He’s the] best striker ever, hands down, and anyone who doesn’t agree has problems.”
Jozy Altidore

“He went to Holland, Spain and Italy and enhanced the reputation of Brazilian football in all three countries. He came back home and breathed new life into the Brazilian championship and Corinthians. Brazilian people should be grateful for what he’s done for our football.”
Pele

“He was a one-off in terms of ability and had the skill to turn a half-chance into an incredible goalscoring opportunity. He was phenomenal when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Those who saw him play know what I’m talking about. It’s not easy to put it into words, but I’m not exaggerating by any means.”
Zinedine Zidane

“I’d like to have played alongside him, because I’d have been able to put him through on goal all the time. He’s always in the right place to receive the ball and he thinks really quickly. It wasn’t by chance that he was the world’s best player on several occasions. He also did his bit for A Seleção, being a part of two World Cup wins and one second place. He even went on to become the highest scorer in World Cup history. That was a phenomenal feat, in keeping with his nickname.”
Zico

“I didn’t need any time to gel when playing alongside Ronaldo. He knew how I played and I knew where he liked to receive the ball. It was very easy to play with him because he was great at finding the right positions both inside and outside the box. As soon as I picked up the ball, he already knew what I was going to do with it.”
Rivaldo

"He was always an example for young people to look up to, for the way he overcame adversity. I was fortunate enough to play alongside him, my idol, for many years and we had so many great times together. He was always an idol of mine and will always be a friend.”
Ronaldinho

“Just as I’d believed he’d be one of the best players in our Seleção back then, I believe that he’s made the right decision now. I understood that if I backed him he’d be an important player for us (in Korea/Japan). I wish him the very best because he remains one of my best and closest friends, and he was a vital player in a triumph that had a huge impact on him and us.”
Luiz Felipe Scolari

“I’m a huge fan of Ronaldo, I’ve followed his career since his time at Barcelona. I once asked my uncle Miguel Angel [Nadal] if I could get a photo with him. So I even got to go in the dressing room and have a photo taken with one of my biggest idols. There’s no doubt that overcoming adversity, making it back to the very top of the game and winning trophies deserves huge credit.”
Rafael Nadal, the tennis superstar whose uncle was a team-mate of Ronaldo’s at Barça

“One of the most talented footballers ever, Ronaldo won two World Cups with A Seleção and remains the leading scorer at World Cup finals. He was already a genuine legend, even while still playing, and exemplified how to overcome adversity. All of us will be eternally grateful for the joy he gave us and what he did to boost Brazil’s prestige.”
Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian President

Diego brace wins it for Wolfsburg

Diego brace wins it for Wolfsburg


Diego made amends for missing a penalty as his two goals guided Wolfsburg to a narrow victory over bottom side Borussia Monchengladbach in an eventful match in the Bundesliga. Diego blazed the ball over the bar when a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Sascha Reither in the 28th minute, but made up for it seven minutes later when he put the hosts ahead.

The Brazilian scored his second in first-half injury time with an unstoppable curling free-kick before Gladbach pulled one back with a contentious penalty. Mike Hanke had a great chance to equalise in the 89th minute but squandered the opportunity as Wolfsburg moved three points clear of the relegation zone.

Wolfsburg were dominant from the outset, Cicero shooting just wide before Dieumerci Mbokani headed against the bar. Borussia goalkeeper Logan Bailey parried a shot from Diego with Mbokani sending the follow-up wide before Borussia even managed their first shot. On that occasion, Mohamadou Idrissou headed the ball tamely into Marwin Hitz's arms.

Pierre Littbarski's side had a chance to go ahead when Reither was brought down by Juan Arango, but Diego sent his penalty well over. Borussia almost took advantage with Marco Reus squaring to the onrushing Roman Neustader but his left-footed shot went high and wide.

Just three minutes later Wolfsburg were ahead. Reither rolled the ball across the box and Mbokani dummied for Diego to slot home. Diego then followed up with a second when he whipped a shot into the net to put the hosts firmly in control.

With a little less than 15 minutes remaining, Gladbach reduced the deficit when the referee decided Jan Polak climbed above Hanke in the box. Filip Daems then converted the penalty.

Reus forced Hitz to tip over before the hosts had a goal disallowed when Simon Kjaer was deemed to have pulled down Daems. Martin Stranzl inexplicably missed from five yards for the visitors, while replays showed Wolfsburg's Arne Friedrich had likely handled the ball. Gladbach then passed up a great chance to draw level when Hitz dropped a cross only for Hanke to hit the ball straight at the Wolfsburg goalkeeper.

Leonardo: Inter can match anyone

Leonardo: Inter can match anyone


Leonardo has made light of Inter Milan's lack of attacking options as he prepares them to face Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow. The Nerazzurri coach is without the injured Diego Milito and Giampaolo Pazzini, who is ineligible having already played for Sampdoria earlier in the competition.

It means Samuel Eto'o will likely be partnered by Goran Pandev, with playmaker Wesley Sneijder in the hole behind the front two and inexperienced Brazilian Coutinho as back up from the bench. But Leonardo doesn't believe that will hamstring his side in the last 16, first leg tie at the San Siro.

"If we think about the foundation of the team, it's there," he said. "The league is one thing and the Champions League is another. We have options, less than we have in the league, but we do have some."

The Brazilian also believes that Europe provides a more attacking platform than Serie A, where most teams play with a safety-first policy. "The Champions League brings together great players and great teams with great ambitions," Leonardo said. "That makes the desire to play take precedence over the desire to contain, and I like this attacking mentality in the Champions League."
This team are the reigning champions, they can match anyone. We will behave like champions should.
Leonardo, Inter Milan coach

Although Inter have not shown the kind of all-conquering dominance this campaign that they enjoyed under Jose Mourinho last season, Leonardo believes they still have what it takes to go far in the competition.

"This team are the reigning champions, they can match anyone," he vowed. "We'll fight with all our strength. We have the ability to overcome any difficulties and that makes me feel strong. We will behave like champions should."

Inter beat Bayern 2-0 in the 2009/10 Champions League final, but could only finish second to Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage and therefore received a tougher draw in the first round of the knockout phase. However, captain Javier Zanetti doesn't believe the Madrid final will have much bearing on the outcome of this tie.

"There will be 180 minutes, that's the first difference to when we played Bayern in May," said the veteran Argentinian. "They're different to what they were and tomorrow's will be a different game, but we know that we're in great form, as we were then.

"Bayern are a great team but we need to try to win the game, to think as a team, to keep it tight, and then counter. We must make sure we don't leave them much space. We're ready, we know our strengths and this is the Champions League, we want to progress."

USA, Panama push through

USA, Panama push through


The USA had to work hard to keep up their record as the only side ever to qualify for every instalment of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, requiring extra-time on Tuesday to down a rugged El Salvador in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

A foul-littered regular time ended 1-1 after Alejandro Guido’s fourth-minute opener for the USA was cancelled out by Jose Pena just five minutes later. The extra-time period proved as eventful as regular time was laboured, with the USA’s star performer Marc Pelosi taking control of proceedings. He set up Mario Rodriguez in the 95th minute and then made it 3-1 himself, finishing off a fine bit of approach work by Guido.
This is a big moment for Panama and I am proud of my players.
Panama coach Jorge Dely Valdes


Salvadoran ace Gerardo Iraheta pulled one back from the spot to make it 3-2 in the fading moments, but the USA – the better team on the day – never looked like conceding a late equaliser. The tense contest saw three late sendings off and produced no less than 52 fouls.

Hurrah for Panama
Panama surprised Costa Rica in the earlier quarter-final at the Montego Bay Sports Complex to reach the semi-finals of the CONCACAF qualifiers and, in the process, booked their passage to the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup this June and July in Mexico.

The balanced quarter-final was eventually decided by Alfredo Stevens, who scored the only goal of the contest in the 76th minute to put former playing idol Jorge Dely Valdes’s side into the junior world finals for the first time in their history. Panama, whose strike against the fancied Costa Ricans had a decidedly fortuitous feel to it, only squeaked into the last eight after losing to the USA and drawing 0-0 with Cuba in the group stage.

"This is a big moment for Panama and I am proud of my players," said coach Dely Valdes. "Now we have to focus on the next game and see what we can do."

Two more sides from the CONCACAF region will stamp their tickets to Mexico tomorrow when Canada take on Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica host Honduras.