In-form Negredo eyes Spain recall

Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo hopes his two-goal salvo against Real Mallorca caught the attention of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.

Negredo twice netted equalisers as Sevilla battled back to beat Mallorca 3-2 in last night's La Liga clash at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Those goals took Negredo's tally for the season to six in eight La Liga matches and the 27-year-old hopes his form has not gone unnoticed by Del Bosque.

Negredo was part of Spain's successful UEFA EURO 2012 squad but has not been called up by Del Bosque for the last five internationals.

Negredo told reporters: "This is the only way to get into the national squad, scoring goals and working well. I'll be hoping for a call from Del Bosque, and if not, I'll continue working hard."

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Stadiums Progress: Brazil 2014

At each of the 12 stadiums that will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, fans can already get a sense of what it will be like to be in the stands when the action gets underway. Moreover, at the venues which will also be hosting games at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, it is not just the impressive stands that catch the eye. The installation of seating and the advances in the various roof constructions highlight the strong focus the country’s stadiums are placing on the comfort and protection of attending fans.

Check out this month’s stadium pictures by clicking on the photo gallery bar on the right-hand side brought to you by FIFA.com.

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Zaccheroni untroubled by Kagawa absence

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni on Monday shrugged off the absence of injured Manchester United attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa from a FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Oman away next week. The four-time Asian champions, leading Asia's final round Group B five points clear of Oman and Australia, have the depth to make up for missing stand outs, the coach insisted.

Zaccheroni, announcing his 23-man squad against Oman, recalled how Kagawa had stayed idle for months after breaking his right foot in the January 2011 Asian Cup and CSKA Moscow playmaker Keisuke Honda had missed the next-to-last FIFA World Cup qualifying round with a knee injury.

"But don't forget that the players that have come in to deputise for them have done a great job," theKyodo news agency reported. "Kagawa is not here this time, but I'm sure that whoever fills in for him will do well."

Kagawa, 23, who moved from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, injured his left knee in Manchester United's 3-2 UEFA Champions League win over Braga on 23 October. His Premiership club want him to be out for four weeks. He has scored 12 goals in 37 internationals, most recently in the 1-0 friendly win over France in Paris last month.

Zaccheroni has called up 13 Europe-based stars including such regulars as Honda, Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo and Stuttgart striker Shinji Okazaki for the 14 November match. Okazaki is coming back to international duty after a foot injury forced him out of Japan's European tour last month, in which they upset 1998 World Cup winners France but bowed 4-0 to five-time champions Brazil in Wroclaw, Poland.

Zaccheroni also called up Takashi Usami, on loan to Hoffenheim from Bayern Munich, for the first time in over a year. But Wigan Athletic striker Ryo Miyaichi, who played the final few minutes against Brazil and is recovering from a groin injury, miss out.

Japan currently lead Group B with ten points from three wins over Oman, Jordan and Iraq and a draw with Australia, having beaten their upcoming opponents 3-0 at home in June.

"Oman are one of the more organised and balanced teams in the group," Zaccheroni said, recalling that they "sat back and defended" against Japan in their last encounter. "But they will come at us this time. We have to be very focused," he added, warning that Paul Le Guen's squad are armed with "highly accurate counter-attacks."

Japan squad
Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege/BEL), Shusaku Nishikawa (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo)

Defenders: Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka) Yuzo Kurihara (Yokohama Marinos), Masahiko Inoha (Vissel Kobe), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan/ITA), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke/GER), Maya Yoshida (Southampton/ENG), Hiroki Sakai (Hannover/GER)

Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg/GER), Hajime Hosogai (Bayer Leverkusen/BER), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Hideto Takahashi (FC Tokyo)

Forwards: Ryoichi Maeda (Jubilo Iwata), Shinji Okazaki (Stuttgart/GER), Mike Havenaar (Vitesse Arnhem/NED), Takashi Inui (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), Hiroshi Kiyotake (Nuremberg/GER), Takashi Usami (Hoffenheim/GER)

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LOC board meeting discusses FIFA Confederations Cup

The FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 was the main item on the agenda at the latest six-weekly board meeting of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Organising Committee (LOC), held on Thursday at Rio de Janeiro’s Riocentro. Also up for discussion were preparations for Brazil 2014.

“This is a special moment,” said LOC President Jose Maria Marin. “It is the first time that one of these meetings has been held at the Riocentro, the new headquarters of the Local Organising Committee, which will grow even more in size at the start of next year.”

For his part, Brazilian Minister of Sport Aldo Rebelo said: “I would like to restate our desire and commitment to work together and make every effort to ensure that preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil progress smoothly.”

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke was unable to attend the meeting due to a kidney infection and was represented by FIFA Deputy Secretary General and Director of Finance Markus Kattner. After visiting Valcke on Thursday, Dr Joao Mansur Filho said he was responding well to treatment.

“I hope the Secretary General is fit and well again soon,” said Kattner. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the LOC and the federal government for the first-class cooperation they have offered in recent months, which has already yielded excellent results.”

The LOC announced that a press event would be held in Sao Paulo on 8 November, where it will reveal the prices and terms and conditions of sale of the tickets for the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

The draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup, which will take place on 1 December at the Anhembi Convention Centre in Sao Paulo, was also discussed. Brazilian television presenter Glenda Kozlowski will host the event, which will feature musical performances by Arlindo Cruz, Maria Gadu and Os Meninos do Morumbi.

It was also confirmed that FIFA would set up its head office at the Forte de Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro during Brazil 2014.

During the meeting the Brazilian government’s representatives provided an update on the work it has been carrying out, and focused in particular on the operational plans that are currently being implemented. In addition, the LOC and FIFA also provided an update on the situation with regard to national team training centres, safety, team services, broadcasting and marketing.

The next LOC board meeting is scheduled to take place in Sao Paulo on 28 November. “The next time we come together the group draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup will be almost upon us,” commented Marin. “That competition will give us a valuable opportunity to test out all the services for the FIFA World Cup.”

The meeting ended with all those present wishing the FIFA Secretary General the speediest of recoveries.  

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Pick of the qualifying Tweets

Featuring regional clásicos, stunning fightbacks, teams reaching the next phase and virtuoso displays from players the world over, the latest 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying double-header had many a tale to tell. We took to Twitter to find out how some of the biggest names on Planet Football viewed the latest twists and turns on the road to Brazil.

“France vs Spain. None of the Spanish guys are singing their anthem, not that it stops them being the best. Go for it lads!” French striker Louis Saha (@louissaha08) as kick-off time to the European Zone Group I crunch clash drew closer. 

“@louissaha08 that’s normal bro, their anthem doesn’t have any words!!! LOL,” FC Rostov’s French attacker Florent Sinama-Pongolle (@sinamapongolle4), who spent several seasons in La Liga, sets Saha straight. 

“For once I won’t be cheering for Iker Casillas!! But after this game I’d be pleased to see him win the Ballon d’Or, he deserves it,” Le Mans keeper Jeremie Janot (@jeremiejanot).

“Be realistic, ask the impossible!” France midfielder Blaise Matuidi (@MATUIDIBlaise), prior to the game against Spain.

“I am as proud to wear the Portugal jersey for the 100th time as I was the first time,” Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (?@Cristiano), who reached this landmark figure in the draw with Northern Ireland.

“Did I say 5 - 0 England.....errrr, yes! Love it lads! Congrats to Wales winning their 1st game under Chris Coleman + @AshWills84 as captain!” Veteran England defender Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5), after the Three Lions’ win over San Marino at Wembley.

“Huge fan of Baines and I love how unselfish Welbeck is. Decent performance, no more than that. Game on Tuesday is a big one,” former England striker Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) who, like Ferdinand, is very active on Twitter, gives his verdict on the San Marino win.

“This German team is different class. Can't remember the last time Ireland got thrashed on their own patch,” Owen again, proving our point.

 “@LAMBREMONTPY: @VincentKompany It’s my birthday today. I only want one present: the win. COME ON BELGIUM!!! " - Happy Birthday :-)” BELGIUM captain and centre-back Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany), makes a birthday wish ahead of the clash with Serbia. 

“Proud of my team, proud of our fans, proud of our country. Together we can achieve anything. #Belgium,” Kompany underlines his flair for leadership, on the back of scoring a fine goal in the victory over Scotland.

?#NigeldeJong played yesterday a great game for Holland. Now take Milan by the hand and go for the Scudetto...” Former AC Milan and the Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit (@GullitR), throws his support behind the combative Dutch midfielder. 

“Congratulations to my friend @_Pedro17_ for his three goals today and to @andresiniesta8 for his 75th cap. You guys deserve it!!!” David Silva (@21LVA), underlines the mutual respect between the members of the Spain squad, when hailing his team-mates’ feats in the victory over Belarus. 

“Nice match today in Belarus, great work by the team and especially Pedro! Looking forward to the next match against France!” Spain and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas (@cesc4official) continues the swift exchange of compliments. 

“Great win in my 75th game for La Selección!! Congrats to Pedro on his hat-trick!” Andres Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) rounds off the tiki-taka of La Roja stars.

“I'm glad we fulfilled our goal - get the full 6 points in these two matches. We achieved that in the best way possible,” Argentina striker Sergio Aguero (@aguerosergiokun), savouring the moment after La Albiceleste’s back-to-back wins over Uruguay and Chile.

“Great win. Today’s was a team display, and I’m happy with that. Laters!!!” Argentina’s midfield general Javier Mascherano (@Mascherano), highlights the increasing solidity of Alejandro Sabella’s La Albiceleste, after the win in Santiago.

“How they roar, the fans in the Metropolitano [stadium] and in Colombia as a whole!! Thanks be to God for this success, the glory’s all yours!” Los Cafeteros’ red-hot goal-getter Radamel Falcao (@Falcao), scorer of a brace in his country’s win over Paraguay. Mere days later he was in the stands of Atletico de Madrid’s Vicente Calderon stadium to watch Spain-France.

“The idea is to win your home games but there’s a real football saying that says ‘if you can’t win at least try not to lose’. There’s a long way to go left! And we’re still picking up points,” Venezuela defender and key man Oswaldo Vizcarrondo (@vizcarrondo4), after La Vinotinto moved up to fifth in South American Zone qualifying after the home draw with Ecuador. 

“A vital 3 points, well deserved but what an emotional way to do it. Great spirit lads, it's in our hands!” Australia captain Lucas Neill (@LucasNeill|), both proud and relieved after the Socceroos 2-1 comeback win over Iraq.

“Good luck boys. 3 points. We will all be watching. ?#USAvGUA,” Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach), lethal goal-getter for the US women’s side, gets behind her counterparts in the men’s set-up.

“On to the Hex! Congrats to the ?#USMNT on a job very well done. Great and fun game to watch. Keep it going! ?#USA ?#USA ?#USA,” American striker Jozy Altidore (@JozyAltidore), after the USA’s victory over Guatemala which guaranteed their berth in the region’s final six-team hexagonal qualifying round.

“Watching world cup qualifiers makes me excited for ?#brazil2014,” Wambach’s Stars and Stripes strike partner Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13), just can’t get enough of the beautiful game.

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Trio celebrate as Iran stumble

Japan took a giant stride towards 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification with a 2-1 win in Oman cementing their dominance in Asia's Group B.

Over in Group A, Qatar edged out visiting Lebanon 1-0 to claw themselves back into contention. Iraq also revived their fortunes by scraping past Jordan with the same scoreline.

Elsewhere, there was a surprise as Uzbekistan overcame all the odds in Tehran to record their first-ever win against hosts Iran. Join FIFA.com as we detail an enthralling matchday in Asia.

Final qualifying round, matchday 5 results:
14 November
Group A: Iran 0-1 Uzbekistan, Qatar 1-0 Lebanon
Group B: Oman 1-2 Japan, Iraq 1-0 Jordan

The match
Oman 1-2 Japan
Goals: Ahmed Mubarak 77; Hiroshi Kiyotake 20, Shinji Okazaki 89

A pair of new faces shone as Japan maintained their dominance with a hard-fought victory over Oman. Nurnberg midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake, on for injured Shinji Kagawa, put Alberto Zaccheroni's visitors ahead on 20 minutes with his first international goal. Ahmed Mubarak may have drawn the hosts level on 77 minutes, but second-half substitute Gotoku Sakai provided the decisive cross which led to Shinji Okazaki's match-winning goal a minute from time.

The hosts carved out more clear chances as they sought their first win against the Japanese. Coach Paul Le Guen's Red Warriors nearly broke the deadlock on ten minutes, too, with Fawzi Bashir agonisingly pulling his shot over with only the goalkeeper to beat. The Omanis were soon punished for the near-miss when Kiyotake latched onto Yuto Nagatomo's pull-back from the right to put his side ahead.

The home team would miss another glorious chance when Ismail Al Ajmi's glancing header rattled the upright. Cheered on by the home crowd, the hosts continued to press forward after restart, with Mubarak equalising from a free-kick to put the game on a knife’s edge. However, Sakai surged down the left to flick a venomous cross into the area, which was tapped home by Okazaki to settle the affair.

The surprise
Iran 0-1 Uzbekistan
Goal: Ulugbek Bakaev, 71

While few teams have left Tehran unscathed, Uzbekistan returned home in celebratory mood by inflicting their first-ever defeat on their hosts. Ulugbek Bakaev struck the match-winning goal as the visitors ended the Iranian jinx. The result moves coach Mirdjalal Kasimov's charges to the top of the section, a point clear of the Iranians, Qatar and Korea Republic, all of whom are level on seven points.

In a scrappy match at the intimidating Azadi Stadium, Carlos Queiroz's home side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but they had few clear-cut opportunities. Mohammad Nori had a goal ruled out early on, before Karim Ansarifard saw his effort fly just over after the restart. With the hosts looking too anxious in front of goal, the visitors took a surprise lead when an unmarked Bakaev turned Server Djeparov's dipping free-kick home to silence the 100,000-strong home crowd and seal a famous triumph.

The other attractions
Striker Sebastian Soria eased a nation's worries by scoring the only goal as hosts Qatar scraped past Lebanon in Group A. The result not only extends the Qataris' unblemished head-to-head record to five wins, but also leaves them sharing second spot, level with Korea Republic on seven points.

With Theo Bucker's visitors content to defend, coach Paulo Autuori's home side were limited to three shots in the opening half despite pressing forward with gusto. The breakthrough finally came on 75 minutes, when an onrushing Soria caught keeper Abbas Hassanout, coolly firing into the top of net from 25 yards out. 

Elsewhere, captain Noor Sabri put in a series of brave saves before teenage striker Hammadi Ahmed scored the only goal against Jordan four minutes from time as Iraq recorded their first win of the campaign.

The triumph leaves Zico’s side level with Australia and Oman on five points, with the Jordanians trailing by a point. With Japan boasting a massive eight-point cushion at the top, Group B looks likely to turn into a three-way battle for the second automatic qualifying spot.

The player
Having netted the match-winning goal in their first-leg 3-0 home win against Oman, Shinji Okazaki continued his prolific form against the West Asians by sealing the second victory.

The stat
3 - Three players - Okazaki, Younis Mahmoud and Hassan Abdel Fattah - are tangled for tournament top-scorer honours with seven goals apiece.

What they said
"I know this young squad doesn't have enough experience, but I always believe what they are capable on the pitch. Before the match I told them to focus on their play and to my pleasure, they performed well as an organised team," Iraq coach Zico.

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Okazaki nicks Japan win in Oman

Shinji Okazaki scored a late winner as Asian champions Japan edged Oman 2-1 to home in on a berth at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil.

Oman had not lost at home in the final round of qualifiers and Ahmed Mubarak's 77th-minute free-kick looked like preserving their unbeaten streak, after Hiroshi Kiyotake's first goal for Japan had put the visitors in front after 20 minutes.

But Okazaki had the last word when he scored from close range after a break down the left, putting Alberto Zaccheroni's men provisionally eight points clear at the top of Group B with three games to play.

"I'm pleased I was able to score because I didn't do much else for the whole of the match," Okazaki said. "We kept chipping away and found a way to win in the end. We weren't in control today so I hope we can dominate to beat Jordan next time." 

Japan were weakened by the injury-enforced absence of Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa and Schalke defender Atsuto Uchida, while Hiroki Sakai started at right-back in place of Yuichi Komano, who hurt his back in training.

Oman looked dangerous on the break and should have taken the lead after ten minutes, but Fawzi Bashir blazed over from a promising position after being picked out from the right wing by Ismail Al Ajmi.

Stuttgart's Okazaki, who missed Japan's recent friendlies against France and Brazil, saw a couple of half-chances saved by Oman's Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi at the other end, before Kiyotake broke the deadlock.

Oman failed to properly deal with Yuto Nagatomo's cross from the left and Nurnburg midfielder Kiyotake seized on the loose ball to slot home from close range.

Okazaki winner downs Oman
The goal settled nerves but Oman were unlucky not to be on level terms in the 36th minute, as Al Ajmi headed against the post and Nagatomo hacked the ball to safety, before Al Ajmi was taken off injured.

Oman came out with renewed purpose after the break and Mubarak nearly made it all square with a long-range effort that was well dealt with by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

Kiyotake and Sakai both had chances to extend Japan's lead as the pace slowed, but with 13 minutes remaining, Mubarak squeezed in a low free-kick which sent the home fans into a frenzy.

However, as Oman pressed for the winner, substitute Gotoku Sakai raced free on the left flank and his cross was flicked on at the near post by Yasuhito Endo, leaving the arriving Okazaki with the simplest of finishes. Japan resume their qualifying campaign away to Jordan on 26 March, when Oman are away to Australia.

"We had set ourselves the target of three points here, and I'm happy we accomplished that goal," Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said. "The heat meant we couldn't play the way we're capable of playing. Oman showed a lot of heart but I'm proud of the way my team refused to give in."

Oman coach Paul Le Guen commented: "We played against one of the best teams in the world at the moment and we had a great performance so we are very disappointed with the result, the manner in which we lost. There are still three games to play and we are still in the running to qualify."

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