Monday, December 31, 2012

2014 Mascot is big in Brazil

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2014 Mascot is big in Brazil

Ever since the Official Mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ was introduced to the Brazilian public the fun-loving armadillo has been very busy getting to know people and attending various activities.

Having first been introduced to the Brazilian public in his very own segment of TV Globo’s weekly Fantastico show last Sunday, where he met one of his footballing heroes Ronaldo, the mascot began his work, setting out to bring the joy of the FIFA World Cup™ to all corners of Brazil.

The day after his first appearance on television the Official Mascot woke up on Monday and went on a visit to one of FIFA Partner Coca-Cola’s Coletivos, meeting with lots of young people and learning some new dance moves. He then headed off to meet famous TV personality Luciano Huck before making another appearance nearby the Maracana stadium, where the Final Match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be played on 13 July 2014.

Brazil’s most famous armadillo was then out in public again on Tuesday 18 before making his most emotional visit so far on the Wednesday 19 September. Coca-Cola took him on a very special trip to visit children at the Casa Ronald McDonald, a home where a number of young people are being treated for long-term illnesses. The mascot’s visit was certainly well received:

“We hope he comes back soon to visit Casa Ronald!” said Casa Ronald McDonald’s director Sônia Novais Neves: “The kids, volunteers and staff were delighted to see the mascot and witness his affection for the children of this house which has been built with love”.

He then made a number of public appearances on Thursday and Friday, popping up in shopping malls in Sao Paulo and Rio before finally getting a bit of time at the weekend to rest, meet up with his friends and of course play some football!

The announcement that Coca-Cola will be unveiling huge inflatables of the Official Mascot in several of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™’s Host Cities between now and December is yet another sign that the Official Mascot is now hard at work in Brazil – but the question is….where will we see him next?

For more information on the Official Mascot please visit www.fifa.com/mascot


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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Prandelli: We weren't at our best

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Prandelli: We weren't at our best

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli admitted his side were far from their best as they laboured to a FIFA World Cup™ qualifying win over minnows Malta.

The UEFA EURO 2012 finalists claimed an unconvincing 2-0 win in the Group B clash in in Modena as they struggled to build on their opening draw with Bulgaria.

The goals came from Mattia Destro early in the game and Federico Peluso at the death.

"In the second half we did better, playing with more discipline and creating more space. At the moment we are not brilliant, September is always a difficult month," Prandelli said on the Italian Football Federation's official website.

Roma striker Destro scored his first senior international goal to open the scoring after five minutes.

"In Bulgaria I was not able to score, even though I had two chances and I was hoping to score today," he said. "For an attacker is easy to play with team-mates who can create chances. We played against a team who were difficult to break down.

"I congratulate Malta, who played a great game and made it difficult for us."

Peluso, the Atalanta defender, also scored his first goal for Italy and described the match as one he would "always remember."


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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Scoring sprees and broken records

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Scoring sprees and broken records

International action dominates FIFA.com’s latest stats review, which includes goalscoring feats by Lionel Messi, Brazil and a Bosnian duo as well as less welcome records for Austria and Steven Gerrard.

goals in 2012 was the tally Lionel Messi reached on Friday, meaning that he has already equalled his 2011 haul – in 25 fewer matches. The Barcelona star needed 70 appearances for club and country to reach this total last year, whereas it has taken him just 45 this time, making for an average of 1.3 goals per game. Messi now needs just one more goal to emulate his best-ever performance in a calendar year: 60 goals over the course of 2010. The 25-year-old would have dearly loved to reach that landmark in Peru last night, but he failed to score for the first time in seven appearances for Argentina. He had gone into the match having scored ten times in his previous six outings, becoming the first Albiceleste star since Hernan Crespo 11 years before to find the net in six successive internationals.

years and 104 days was the age at which Steven Gerard claimed an unwanted record last night by becoming the oldest player ever to be sent off for England. The red card was the first of the Liverpool midfielder’s 98-match international career, and the Three Lions as a whole received five yellows – their worst disciplinary performance in any match since a tempestuous ‘Auld Enemy’ duel with Scotland in November 1999. It was only a penalty from Gerrard’s midfield colleague, Frank Lampard, which secured England a 1-1 draw against Ukraine – and prevented Roy Hodgson becoming just the second England manager to lose his first home competitive match. The former West Bromwich Albion boss would have been in good company though; his only predecessor to suffer this indignity was Sir Alf Ramsey, the mastermind behind England’s sole FIFA World Cup™ success.

goals is the tally that has established Edin Dzeko as Bosnia-Herzegovina’s all-time leading scorer. The Zmajevi’s opening two Brazil 2014 qualifiers, in which they scored 12 goals, witnessed the Manchester City striker vie with Zvjezdan Misimovic for this title, which until Friday had belonged to the retired Elvir Bolic. Misimovic briefly held the record at half-time against Liechtenstein, having set his team on the road to an 8-1 win with a brace, but a second-half hat-trick from Dzeko enabled him to leapfrog into top spot. And while Misimovic again scored twice last night in a 4-1 in Latvia to temporarily claim a joint share in the record, Dzeko struck in injury time to take sole possession – for now at least. Vedad Ibisevic had also got in on the act for Bosnia with three goals against Liechtenstein, making this match the first European Zone FIFA World Cup qualifier to witness two hat-tricks since Johan Vonlanthen and Alexander Rey equally shared Switzerland’s goals in a 6-0 win over the Faroe Islands in 2004.

players from the German Bundesliga lined up against their adopted country last night, outnumbering the division's eight representatives in Germany’s ranks. Austria’s hopes of turning any ‘inside knowledge’ into a win were dashed, though, as the visitors secured a 2-1 win that maintains a long-established stranglehold in this fixture. This, indeed, was Germany’s eighth successive win over their south-easterly neighbours, and maintained an unbeaten run that stretches back 26 years to a Toni Polster-inspired 4-1 defeat in October 1986. Die Nationalelf also maintained their proud record of never having lost a FIFA World Cup qualifier abroad, having won 28 and drawn the other ten of their away preliminary matches thus far.

goals was the margin by which Brazil beat China PR on Monday to record their biggest win in almost seven years. Not since an identical 8-0 thrashing of United Arab Emirates in November 2005 have A Seleção triumphed in such resounding fashion, and for a time it appeared that the nation’s all-time record scoreline might even be under threat. As it is, that honour still belongs to a 10-1 win over Bolivia in the 1949 South American Championship (now known as the Copa America) and a 9-0 drubbing of Colombia in the same tournament eight years later, a game in which Evaristo de Macedo scored five. Monday’s win nonetheless took its place at fourth in the list of Brazil’s biggest-ever wins, and it was all the more impressive as China had gone into the match with an impressive recent defensive record. The Asian side had, in fact, conceded just four times in their previous six ‘A’ internationals – a run of fixtures that had included meetings with Ghana, Sweden and world champions Spain.


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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Underdogs steal the show in Asia

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Underdogs steal the show in Asia

Surprises dominated Tuesday's matchday 4 of Asia's final qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, with heavyweights floundering and underdogs celebrating as a series of shock results unfolded across the continent.

In a sense, the day belonged to a pair of strugglers in Lebanon and Jordan, both of whom saw their already-diminishing hopes reignited by stunning Iran and Australia respectively. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, held leaders Korea Republic to a 2-2 draw to salvage a lifeline, while Japan were the only favourite side that came up with three points with a solitary-goal home defeat of Iraq. As every catches their breathe FIFA.com looks back over these showdowns.

Asian final qualifying round, matchday 4 results:
11 September
Group A: Lebanon 1-0 Iran, Uzbekistan 2-2 Korea Republic
Group B: Japan1-0 Iraq, Jordan 2-1 Australia

The match
Jordan 2-1 Australia
Hasan Mahmoud 48(PEN), Amer Deeb 75; Archie Thompson 85

Jordan put their previous 6-0 loss in Japan back in June behind them to overcome Australia 2-1 at home and put their campaign back on track. Cheered on by a fervent home crowd, Jordan pressed forward from the outset but the visitors had the first chance with Tim Cahill denied by Amer Shafia. On the other side, Amer Deeb looked dangerous on break while Brett Holman tested the hosts’ keeper as the two sides finished the first half goalless.

The Jordanians began the second period firing on all cylinders and their efforts paid off when Odai Alsaify earned a penalty, which Hasan Mahmoud converted, to put the hosts in front. The goal sparked the Socceroos into action but their woes continued when Jordan doubled the lead through Amer Deeb. Throwing everything forward, the visitors pulled one back through Archie Thompson with five minutes remaining but the goal proved too little, too late. The surprise win moves Jordan into second behind Japan and leaves Australia level with Iraq and Oman on two points.

The surprise
Lebanon 1-0 Iran
Roda Antar 28

Lebanon captain Roda Antar was again the hero as his side produced one of the matchday's biggest surprises with a 1-0 home defeat of Iran. The Shandong Luneng midfielder, who turns 32 tomorrow, headed home the only goal off a Mohamad Haidar free-kick upon his return to the team, having missed the opening three games due to injury. The spirited victory not only marked the Cedars' first-ever win against Team Melli, but also brought the Iranians' 13-match unbeaten qualifying record to an end.

The home side also had goalkeeper Abbas Hassan to thank, whose Man of the Match performance between the posts earned them a hard-fought triumph. Having saved a Mohamed Noori header on hour-mark, the IFK Norrkoping custodian twiced denied Iran captain Javad Nekounam in the closing stages as his side hang on for a famous victory. The result saw the Lebanese draw level with the likes of Iran and Qatar on four points behind Korea Republic.

The other attractions
Iraq coach Zico arrived in Japan aiming to produce a Homeric miracle against his former side. The Brazilian manager made a series of startling changes to the line-up that drew 1-1 with Oman previously, including fielding six U-23 players. And his new-look side, full of youthful bravado, nearly caught the hosts out early on with both Ahmed Ibrahim and striking teenager Hammadi Ahmed coming close to opening the scoring. Having survived these early scares, Alberto Zaccheroni's hosts began to assert their authorities on the proceedings. The breakthrough came on 25 minutes when Ryoichi Maeda latched onto Shinji Okazaki’s volleyed cross to score the match-winning goal.

High-flying Korea Republic were lucky to leave Uzbekistan with a point. The Central Asians hosts began brightly, with captain Server Djeparov's in-swinging corner leading Ki Sungyueng to scoring an own goal early on. Having weathered the hosts' storm, the Taeguk Warriors drew level just before the break through Kwak Tae Hwi. The Uzbeks went on the offensive after the restart, but it was the visitors that took the lead against the run of the play through striking veteran Lee Dong Gook. That lead, however, proved short-lived as the home side equalised two minutes later through Sanjar Tursunov.

The player
Aside from driving his side from the midfield, two-time AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov had a hand in their two goals as his side nearly overturned Korea Republic.

The stat
1 - Jordan won their first meeting with Australia and Lebanon pulled off a maiden win against Iran.

What they said
"It was a great victory, but we must forget it just like we forgot the previous ten matches, because there is no time for celebration. What we need to do now is to focus on preparation for the next game against Qatar." Lebanon captain Roda Antar


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Friday, December 21, 2012

Varela spurs Portugal to victory

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Varela spurs Portugal to victory

Substitute Silvestre Varela needed just 82 seconds to fire Portugal on the way to a 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifier win in Group F over Azerbaijan.

The Porto frontman's 63rd-minute finish, which came almost immediately after he had replaced Miguel Veloso, finally gave the Portuguese the lead in a tense Group F encounter which was not settled until Helder Postiga and Bruno Alves struck inside the final five minutes to secure a 3-0 win.

But on a night when luck deserted Paulo Bento's men for long periods, the home side had earlier hit the woodwork on no fewer than four occasions, while Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo also saw a series of chances go begging in Braga.

Victory left Portugal locked together with leaders Russia on six points at the top of the group following a resounding 4-0 win in Israel for Fabio Capello's side.

Alves might have fired Portugal ahead within five minutes, but saw his shot from Raul Meireles' corner blocked by Mahir Shukurov, and Azerbaijan goalkeeper Kamran Agayev had to tip Meireles' shot around the post six minutes later.

Postiga rattled the crossbar with an 18th-minute drive and Joao Moutinho repeated the feat five minutes later as Agayev's goal led a charmed life. The keeper kept the visitors in it, denying Moutinho and Veloso, but needed the help of a post to deny Postiga on the stroke of half-time.

Ronaldo was denied by an upright six minutes after the restart and then saw Agayev punch away a 30-yard piledriver with the goalkeeper proving more stubborn than the men in front of him.

The former Manchester United man missed the target from inside the penalty area with 58 minutes played and then saw a 79th-minute overhead kick turned around the post.

Varela eventually opened the scoring with a right-footed finish from 12 yards barely a minute after being called from the bench, and although Agayev kept Nani, Ronaldo and Joao Pereira at bay, the respite was temporary.

Postiga converted Ronaldo's 85th-minute flick-on to ease the nerves and then Alves headed home Moutinho's corner three minutes later as Portugal eased across the finishing line.


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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Queiroz: I love this job

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Queiroz: I love this job

Portuguese Carlos Queiroz is one of the most recognisable faces in world football thanks to his spells in charge of some of the most prestigious sides on the planet. Much praised for his work as right-hand man to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, he went on to coach Real Madrid and Portugal after leaving Old Trafford, and he is now focusing his talents on leading Iran to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

FIFA.com met up with the respected tactician to discuss his brilliant career, which got off to a magnificent start when he led Portugal to consecutive triumphs at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1989 and 1991.

FIFA.com: Let's start by discussing your role as Iran coach. How do you rate your side's chances of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup?
Carlos Queiroz: The signs are promising, but I'm well placed to know that it'll be very difficult to qualify directly. For me, the top two spots will be contested between Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan and Qatar. I have a lot of respect for Lebanon, who have what it takes to spring a few upsets and have a chance of finishing third.

What strategy have you adopted for the qualifying campaign? What will you ask of your players?
We know the qualifiers are difficult and that each match requires the best possible preparation. Since arriving in Iran, I've endeavoured to change the mentality of the players. I want them to understand that every game is important. All the teams are competitive and whoever you're playing against, there are always three points at stake. They need to fight to win those three points, both at home and away. Beyond that, there's always luck and other factors you can't control. I would also point out that our schedule is tough. It's a veritable obstacle course getting from one end of Asia to the other, and not every team has a private jet. I hope that changes because it's a real hindrance for us.

Turning back to your campaign with Portugal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, how do you explain your side's loss in the last 16?
Before that disappointment, we'd played a lot of games – a total of 21 in 2009 and 2010. We only lost the very last one, against Spain, who knocked us out of the competition before becoming world champions. Still, I'd also like to point out that we weren't at our best. After a long season, we had to prepare in a hurry. Because of that, we lost players due to injury, such as Nani, on the eve of the competition. Others were just coming back and the rest of the team wasn't at its highest level technically or physically. You only have to look at the performances of Cristiano Ronaldo, who usually shines at big events. That said, overall I'm satisfied with our campaign.

Portugal are always one of the favourites in major competitions but they have yet to win a world or European title. Why is that?
That's the way football is. I think the major reasons have to do with resistance to change and a certain stagnation. We have a small country and our choices are limited. We need to strengthen our squad to find more solutions on the pitch. The final of EURO 2004, which we lost and will unfortunately never forget, was without doubt the high-water mark of a generation. Football is sometimes ungrateful towards the big teams. The Netherlands know all about that too as they've never won the World Cup.

What can you tell us about your experience at Real Madrid?
I disagreed with the policy of the President at that time. But I'm delighted with the policy of the President now, who listens to the coach and heeds advice. As a result, the club have won two important titles in the last two years.

What are your thoughts on the intense rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona and their stranglehold on Spanish football in the last few years?
They're two radically different entities. Barcelona have great players like [Lionel] Messi, Xavi [Hernandez] and [Andres] Iniesta, who've allowed them to collect a lot of titles in the last few years – and in style too. Once Real rediscovered their identity, though, they were able to dominate Barcelona, thanks also to excellent players. I think they're the best two teams around at the moment. Messi and Ronaldo are the kings of football. They're exact opposites, but our sport needs them both. As a coach, you don't want to come up against them, but that doesn't stop you feeling treated every time you see them.

You served as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, who recently oversaw his 1,000th match for Manchester United in just over a quarter of a century. Do you have a message for him to mark that occasion?
It's difficult to talk about him. I'd say that whereas the rest of us each make up a small part of football, he embodies football because of his exceptional personality. He's made from the same stuff as Pele, [Diego] Maradona, [Alfredo] Di Stefano and [Ferenc] Puskas. In football, there are men who inspire respect. When they walk into a stadium, you can't help but applaud them – and Ferguson is one of them.

Lastly, you have coached at club and international level. Which do you prefer?
They're two different jobs. I love the role of national coach at the start of a preparation phase or the start of a match, but I miss being a club coach during the long periods without any competitive activity. I love the day-to-day work, going to the stadium and leading training sessions. My favourite moments are on the pitch, with the players. It's different with national teams as that requires another type of commitment. You're working for the supporters of all the clubs, which is very difficult. You can go from heaven to hell in the space of one match. When you lose, you're as low as it gets because the whole country holds it against you. That said, I don't know why but I love this job.


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Sunday, December 16, 2012

Serbia on song against Wales

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Serbia on song against Wales

After a 0-0 draw with Scotland in their opening game, Serbia found their shooting boots to fire six past Wales in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Woeful defending played a major part in Wales' heaviest defeat since 1996 and Aleksandar Kolarov and Zoran Tosic had the hosts 2-0 up inside 25 minutes.

Gareth Bale gave Wales hope with a stunning free-kick but Filip Djuricic got a third for the hosts before the break and Dusan Tadic, Branislav Ivanovic and Miralem Sulejmani completed the rout.

There had been early warning signs when Adam Matthews was in the right place keep out a free header from Matija Nastasic, before Darcy Blake came close to putting through his own net with a sliced clearance. And it was no surprise when Wales fell behind after 15 minutes.

Chelsea's Ivanovic won a soft free-kick out of Simon Church on the right edge of the area and Kolarov, who had been critical of Wales in the build-up to the game, stepped up to curl a left-footed effort over the wall and beyond Boaz Myhill, who was slow to react to the strike.

The deficit doubled in the 24th minute, with Kolarov this time the creator amidst comedy defending. The left-back looked to have been stopped by Ashley Williams but he slipped away from the centre-half and Chris Gunter to get away a shot from near the byline. Myhill blocked that effort but Tosic had the simple task of converting the follow-up.

It would have been worse for Wales had Gunter not blocked Tadic's goalbound effort, with the visitors looking vulnerable almost every time the hosts came forward.

Bale gave them a lifeline just after the half-hour mark as he picked himself up after being fouled by Milan Bisevac to thump home a superb swerving free-kick from almost 30 yards.

It was the first goal of Coleman's stint in charge but Wales' defensive frailties resurfaced to undermine their attempt at a recovery as Blake's awful defensive header allowed Tadic to play in Djuricic, who went round Matthews and fired high into Myhill's net.

Coleman withdrew Matthews, who had endured a torrid time up against Tadic and Tosic, and David Edwards for Sam Ricketts and David Vaughan at the break but it made little difference.

Tadic struck the fourth in the 55th minute, Ivanovic dispossessing Bale and beating Ricketts down the right before sliding the ball across to give Tadic a simple finish.

Wales were once again guilty of making problems for themselves when it came to the fifth goal. Blake surrendered possession on the edge of his own area and home skipper Ivanovic capitalised to slide a right-footed effort into the bottom corner.

Substitute Sulejmani then rounded off the scoring as his deflected strike looped in over Myhill.


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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Sweden get off to good start

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Sweden get off to good start

Goals from Rasmus Elm and Marcus Berg ensured Sweden made a winning start to their World Cup qualifying campaign at the expense of Kazakhstan.

The Scandinavians had sat out last week's round of fixtures, but gave their Group C opponents food for thought with a workmanlike performance in Malmo.

Sweden dominated the early stages but had little to show for their efforts with the exception of a 12-yard drive from Elm which was high of the target.

Pontus Wernbloom could also have done better with a corner from Sebastian Larsson after 21 minutes which the CSKA Moscow midfielder volleyed past the right post.

Johan Elmander was wasteful with another opening soon after but Sweden's pressure finally paid off after 38 minutes when Mikael Lustig's ball in from the left was turned into the net by Elm.

The same player had another chance two minutes before the interval but this time pushed his shot wide of the right post in another let-off for Kazakhstan.

Sweden should have made it 2-0 at the start of the second half when Larsson whipped in a cross for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the Paris St Germain striker saw his header tipped round the post by visiting goalkeeper Andrey Sidelnikov.

Kazakhstan had a rare sight of goal after 60 minutes when Pavel Shabalin saw his 12-yard strike cleared by Jonas Olsson.

At the other end, Sidelnikov was called into action again after 69 minutes when he saved a testing drive from Emir Bajrami with his feet.

Home goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson had not been tested so far but his first touch of the ball five minutes from time was a crucial one as he palmed away a strike from Mikhail Rozhkov.

And Sweden made sure of the win in the fourth minute of stoppage time when substitute Berg put the finishing touch to Ibrahimovic's cross.


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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Leading pack bunches up

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Leading pack bunches up

The South American FIFA World Cup™ qualifying competition is living up to its reputation as one of the toughest on the planet, with a mere three points now separating leaders Argentina from sixth-placed Venezuela after Tuesday evening’s eighth round of games.

FIFA.com rounds up the action on a day that ended without a single home win and was also marked by the death of former Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone, a legend of South American football.

Match of the day
Chile 1-3 Colombia 
Goals: Matias Fernandez 41 (CHI); James Rodriguez 58, Radamel Falcao 73, Teofilo Gutierrez 76 (COL)

Fresh from ending Uruguay’s 18-match unbeaten run, Colombia handed Chile their first defeat in eight games, coming from behind to win a thrilling game that had a little bit of everything, with no shortage of goalmouth action to go with some feisty tackling and red cards for each side.  

Despite falling behind after Chile’s Gary Medel was dismissed 34 minutes in, Los Cafeteros threw everything they had into attack after the break to secure their first win in Santiago in 12 years, one that would have been even more emphatic but for Claudio Bravo’s performance in the home goal. Winners in three of their last four away games, Jose Pekerman’s side have now jumped up to second.

Elsewhere
Lacking the poise they have shown in previous games, leaders Argentina had to work harder than expected as they drew 1-1 in Lima, the visitors being grateful to come away with a point. After keeping out a Claudio Pizarro penalty, Sergio Romero was powerless to prevent the Peruvians taking the lead courtesy of Carlos Zambrano’s well-worked goal. Linking up on an all too rare occasion with Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain completed the scoring with a fine right-footed strike before the break.

Meanwhile, Venezuela continue to rewrite their footballing history. The only team on the continent yet to appear at a FIFA World Cup finals, La Vinotinto scored for the first time in Asuncion to sink struggling Paraguay 2-0, both goals coming from Salomon Rondon. The result avenged the Venezuelans’ semi-final defeat to La Albirroja in last year’s Copa America and leaves the Paraguayans with much to do. Bottom of the section with four points, some eight adrift of Chile in fifth, they now face a trip to in-form Colombia in the next round of games.

The last few days will not live long in the memory for Uruguay. Heavily beaten in Colombia on Friday, they were held 1-1 on Tuesday by Ecuador in Montevideo. Just as they had done against Bolivia last week, the visitors took the lead through a Felipe Caicedo spot-kick, though Edinson Cavani hit back with his second goal in 14 qualifying matches to complete the scoring in a game littered with chances. The point left both sides as they were, with El Tricolor in third and La Celeste in fourth. 

Player of the day
Daniel Hernandez (VEN)
Handed an unexpected debut in place of the experienced Renny Vega, the 26-year-old Real Valladolid custodian took his opportunity by turning in an excellent display. While the cameras were trained on team-mate Rondon, Hernandez almost stole the show with superb saves from Oscar Cardozo, Nelson Haedo and Jonathan Fabbro, as Venezuela departed Asuncion without conceding a goal for the first time in their history. “Congratulations on your debut, brother,” tweeted Vega, his understudy for the day. “You were the man today, and that’s the direction we want Venezuela to take.”

The stat
7 -
 The number of goals Gonzalo Higuain has now scored in nine FIFA World Cup qualifiers, an average of 0.77 per game. The Real Madrid striker, who also scored four times in as many matches at South Africa 2010, struck his first in his debut qualifying match, also against Peru, on 10 October 2009.

What they said
“The players are as committed as ever but it goes without saying that we haven’t come away with what we wanted from these two games. It was clear for everyone to see: we’re not playing well,” Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez reacts to his side’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador. 


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Sunday, December 9, 2012

Russia enjoy rout in Israel

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Russia enjoy rout in Israel

Alexander Kerzhakov scored twice as Russia cruised to a 4-0 victory over Israel in FIFA World Cup™ qualifying Group F.

The match was all but over as a contest inside 20 minutes as Kerzhakov and Alexander Kokorin put the visitors 2-0 up in Ramat Gan. Kerzhakov made it 3-0 in the 64th minute and Victor Fayzulin added a fourth as Fabio Capello's side made it two wins from two qualifiers.

The opening goal came from a free-kick in the sixth minute. Having been fouled by Tal Ben Haim, Kerzhakov stepped up to fire the ball into the top left corner from around 25 yards.

He dragged another effort wide and the opening exchanges were generally scrappy, but Russia doubled their advantage in the 18th minute when Kokorin beat Mallorca goalkeeper Dudu Aouate from 12 yards.

The visitors were dominant and could have had more goals before the interval, but Denis Glushakov's and Vasili Berezutskiy's efforts were too high and Aouate saved unconvincingly from Kerzhakov.

But Israel enjoyed a spell of pressure shortly before the interval, starting when Bebras Natcho volleyed over from long range. Mahran Radi wasted a good chance to pull a goal back when his close-range volley also cleared the crossbar, and he was off target twice more in stoppage time.

Israel introduced Eden Ben Basat and Ben Sahar at the break and the former headed Natcho's free-kick over shortly afterwards.

Glushakov and Alexander Samedov threatened for Russia before Ben Basat headed Hen Ezra's corner wide. But Russia put the game well and truly to bed when Fayzulin crossed from the left and Kerzhakov slotted home from six yards.

And Fayzulin grabbed a goal of his own in the 77th minute, converting Samedov's low cross at the near post. Radi and Yoav Ziv were unable to conjure an Israeli goal as their side finished well beaten.


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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Brazil set up Iraq and Japan friendlies

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Brazil set up Iraq and Japan friendlies

Brazil will face Brazilian football legend and current Iraq coach Zico before the Samba Kings match up against one of his former teams, Japan, in two October friendlies, the Brazilian Football Confederation announced today.

The Brazilians, who as hosts will qualify for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ automatically, will play Iraq in Malmo on 11 October and then Japan, the side Zico coached from 2002 to 2006, on 16 October in Wroclaw.


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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Lens double leads Dutch to victory

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Lens double leads Dutch to victory

Jeremain Lens was the star of the show as Louis van Gaal's new-look Netherlands side swept to a 4-1 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying win in Budapest.

The PSV Eindhoven forward, winning only his sixth cap, scored twice and hit the crossbar before setting up the fourth goal for substitute Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Young defender Bruno Martens scored his first international goal, rendering Balazs Dzsudzsak's eighth-minute penalty, an equaliser at the time, irrelevant in the final analysis.

Van Gaal has marked the start of his second spell in charge by giving opportunities to a host of new faces and two them combined for the opening goal in only the third minute. Luciano Narsingh crossed from the right and PSV team-mate Lens headed home from six yards.

But Hungary were soon on level terms courtesy of a former PSV player. Jordy Clasie brought down Zoltan Gera in the penalty area and was booked, and Dzsudzsak stroked home the resulting spot-kick.

Narsingh and Robin van Persie won free-kicks in dangerous positions but Wesley Sneijder failed to take advantage, hitting the wall with his first effort and shooting wide soon afterwards.

But the Inter Milan player fared better from a set-piece wide on the left in the 18th minute. Zsolt Korcsmar was booked for bringing down full-back Jetro Willems and Sneijder swung the free-kick into the box for Martens to head home.

Clasie and Lens both drew saves from home goalkeeper Adam Bogdan before Sneijder wasted another free-kick, firing over the bar after Roland Juhasz fouled Van Persie and was yellow-carded. Dzsudzsak talked his way into the book after Akos Elek fouled Narsingh but there was no further goalmouth action before the interval.

Van Gaal replaced Van Persie with Huntelaar at half-time, with Hungary introducing Tamas Hajnal in place of Vladimir Koman. The Dutch soon made it 3-1 when Lens tucked away his second of the game, and third for his country, from 12 yards eight minutes after the restart.

Huntelaar ends the scoring
Hungary enjoyed a spell of pressure after the goal, but Dzsudzsak's free-kick was out of the Sneijder playbook and into the wall. Maarten Stekelenburg denied Tamas Priskin from close range and substitute Hajnal shot over from 20 yards.

Both teams made substitutions shortly after the hour mark, with Adam Gyurcso introduced for Elek before the experienced Joris Mathijsen took the place of Martens.

The woodwork denied Lens a hat-trick when his left-footed shot from the edge of the box was a couple of inches too high. Defensive walls were proving a hazardous place to be, with Sneijder again failing to get the elevation needed on a 25-yard effort.

The Netherlands were home and dry in the 74th minute, though, with the impressive Lens turning provider for Huntelaar to score from six yards. Adam Maher stepped off the bench for his first competitive international in place of Kevin Strootman and quickly collected a yellow card for dissent after fouling Dzsudzsak.

Huntelaar shot wide in stoppage time as the Netherlands finished the match on the front foot on their way to a second successive win in Group D.


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Saturday, December 1, 2012

Turkey defeat ten-man Estonia

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Turkey defeat ten-man Estonia

Turkey got their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign up and running with an emphatic victory over ten-man Estonia in Istanbul.

Emre, Umut Bulut and Selcuk Inan all got on the scoresheet as the Turks dominated proceedings after the early dismissal of Enar Jaager at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

The hosts should have had much more for their efforts in a game they completely dominated but they at least put last week's loss in the Netherlands firmly behind them. Estonia, also looking to bounce back from a defeat, showed some life early on with Joel Lindpere hitting the post.

But the game's critical moment came in the 19th minute when Jaager was dismissed for a professional foul on Burak Yilmaz.

By then Turkey had already gone close with Bulut heading wide, Yilmaz both missing the target and testing goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko and Arda Turan shooting over. That dominance continued as Pareiko again saved from Yilmaz, Mehmet Topal fired wide and Emre stretched the keeper from a free-kick.

Bulut headed over and Topal and Emre were also off-target with shots before the opener finally came on the stroke of half-time. Emre this time finished from 12 yards and Turkey powered on after the break with Bulut and Yilmaz again close before the second came on the hour.

Bulut was finally rewarded for his efforts with a good close-range header from a Sercan Sararer cross and Inan struck from the edge of the box 15 minutes later.

Turkey wanted another and Pareiko was kept busy to the end but there were to be no more goals.


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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Jagielka satisfied with return

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Jagielka satisfied with return

Phil Jagielka is confident England's FIFA World Cup™ qualifying draw with Ukraine would prove a good result - provided they now took a grip on Group H.

Jagielka would have been delighted after being given the nod to replace the injured John Terry before last night's game at Wembley. But the Everton defender's joy was short-lived as Ukraine threatened to pull off a shock victory until Frank Lampard's late penalty snatched what could prove a vital 1-1 draw.

The result nevertheless saw England surrender first place in Group H, a position they should reclaim next month when they host minnows San Marino. A tricky trip to Poland follows four days later and victory there would ensure they end 2012 with at least a share of top spot.

Asked if last night's performance and result were merely "OK", Jagielka said: "It's probably the right word to use, 'OK.' No great shakes. We'd have loved to have had the full six points but four points will do. As long as we continue building on it, we'll be fine."

He added: "Definitely one point gained. We look forward to the next game now and if we can make that seven then it's a progression and hopefully we'll finish top of the group."

Ukraine outplayed their opponents for large parts of last night's game and asked if England had "got out of jail", Jagielka said: "Yeah, a little bit.

"But if you look at the chances we created, two or three pretty clear-cut ones in the first half and a couple more in the second - hitting the post and stuff - as much as the performance wasn't amazing, we still showed glimpses of being able to create the chances. If we'd taken them, especially earlier on, we'd have been in control of the game."


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Monday, November 26, 2012

FIFA calls for solidarity eradicate match-fixing

Chaired by the president of FIFA Joseph Blatter s., the Executive Committee of FIFA ended today a two-day meeting at the home of FIFA in Zurich, where it is called to the solidarity of the community to help eradicate match-fixing from the game of football.

"Nearly 300 million people play football in the world." This extraordinary popularity gives us responsibilities. One of them, one a major, is to protect the integrity of the game. Match-fixing jeopardizes exactly this. We do already many - the early warning system, our partnership with INTERPOL, the creation of a Division of FIFA security, etc. - it, but in addition to this, what is needed is the solidarity of all those involved in the game. In particular, whenever you notice a match-fixing attempt, this must be reported to the competent bodies. This is crucial, said the FIFA president.

Concerning the process of reform of governance and of the decisions taken by the Congress of the FIFA 2012, the roadmap was developed which follows in order to complete the process at the Congress of the FIFA 2013 as initially planned. A working group chaired by a member of the Executive Committee of FIFA and Chairman of the Task Force review of the statutes Theo Zwanziger and comprising the Secretaries General and legal directors of the confederations and FIFA, was established to consult 209 member associations and submit proposals for the revision of the statutes of FIFA.

As regards the World Cup 2014 ™ Brazil Cup Executive has ratified the time kick-off of the matches of the final tournament (see: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup) and changed dates from the inter-Confederal playoffs at 13 or 14 November 2013 (go: Asia c. North and South America, Central America and the Oceania v. Caribbean) and November 20, 2013 (second stage) (: South America c. Asia and Oceania v. North, Central America and Caribbean) in order to give a longer period of rest for the teams involved. The Executive also decided to create the prize money of the FIFA confederations Cup by Brazil 2013 at $ 20 million, an increase of 2.4 million dollars from the last edition in 2009. It also approved the host cities 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia ™, which will be officially announced tomorrow in Moscow.

The Executive has proposed for FIFA member associations, to introduce periodic articles of FIFA the obligation for member associations to hold general meetings (at least every two years) and adopt their own statutes in accordance with the statutes of FIFA Standard. In addition, the following decisions were taken:

-Gambia: the Standardization Committee's mandate has been extended until March 31, 2013

-Sierra Leone: a Standardization Committee will be appointed to run the day-to-day operations of the association, to redo the electoral process and to hold elections by January 15, 2013

-Maldives: the mandate of the current Board has been extended until January 31, 2013 and an electoral Committee is appointed to hold elections by 31 January 2013

Other questions:

-Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK): the folder will be finalized at the next meeting of the Executive Committee in Tokyo on December 14.

-FIFA competitions:

o the Executive stressed the success of the Olympic Football tournaments of London 2012, in particular in terms of attendance (approximately 2.2 million viewers) and women of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Japan 2012.

o 2012 FIFA U-17 women's World Cup, currently being played in Azerbaijan, has been highlighted as a good example of how to use a FIFA event to create a legacy for women's football

o the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2013: Marrakech and Agadir have been ratified as sites of the tournament

o FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: the Executive is pleased to note that no less than 13 member associations are currently offers to host the 2015 edition, thus proving the growing success of this event

Finally, the Executive Branch has received detailed reports of FIFA 11 committees that held meetings this week at the home of FIFA.


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Friday, November 23, 2012

Low: Germany lacked self-assurance

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Low: Germany lacked self-assurance

Germany coach Joachim Low believed his side's 2-1 win over Austria could have been a lot easier had his side kept their composure in the second half.

Germany led 2-0 early in the second period when Mesut Ozil converted a penalty, but Austria replied and had their visitors on the ropes for the final half-hour, missing numerous chances to make the breakthrough and grab at least a point.

Indeed, Germany struggled from start to finish against a hungry Austria, but Low said all his team had failed to do was land a decisive blow. "We had the chances to make it 3-0, which we should have done," he said.

"They showed a lot of energy but they tired after an hour or 70 minutes and we should have got the third goal and that would have been that. Instead, we let them come at us and committed too many mistakes."

Low admitted he was not surprised by Austria's strength, or their doggedness, in what he described as "the biggest game they can have".

He told Germany's ARD television: "I don't think there is one game in which Austria want to win more than against Germany. This makes them so motivated. We lacked self-assurance and got nervous and we did not deal with that very well."

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira agreed: "We can be happy with our three points, but not with the way we won them. We were up 2-0 and then we let Austria back into the game with tactical errors. That should not happen."

Bayern Munich's Thomas Mueller added: "We made mistakes and literally handed our opponents two or three invitations (to score). We did not deliver a perfect game. We were just lucky in the end."

Austria were left frustrated at the final whistle given the number of opportunities they wasted. Marko Arnautovic missed the best chance in the closing moments of the game, but he received support from his team-mate Martin Harnik.

"I reminded him that he set up our goal well and had played a good game and it could just happen to anybody" said the Stuttgart attacker. "It's deja-vu from last year - we really had to win. Germany had maybe three chances and we had at least double so we are disappointed. Now we have just got to pick up the points against other nations and not Germany."


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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Higuain earns Argentina draw in Peru

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Higuain earns Argentina draw in Peru

Argentina held on to top spot in the South American qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ with an lacklustre 1-1 draw at Peru.

Alejandro Sabella's men were way below their best and they fell behind to Carlos Zambrano's opener - after Claudio Pizarro had missed from the penalty spot - before Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain levelled matters. The draw helped Argentina stay on top by one point, ahead of Colombia and Ecuador respectively.

Peru dominated possession throughout and they had an opportunity to make a dream start when Angel Di Maria fouled Jefferson Farfan in the box. Pizarro stepped up, but his effort produced a fine save from Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

The two-time FIFA World Cup winners were given a reprieve, but they could not take advantage and it was Peru who took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute. Rinaldo Cruzado picked out Luis Advincula, who was allowed plenty of room to cross to Zambrano to score.

That spurred Argentina into action and Higuain drew them level seven minutes before half-time after a flowing move involving Federico Fernandez and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

The visitors came firing out of the traps after the interval as Lavezzi forced keeper Raul Fernandez to save at his near post while at the other end, Andre Carrillo's long-range strike struck a post.

Argentina finished the match strongly with Higuain forcing Fernandez into action from distance, while Marcos Rojo headed over from a corner. Peru were worthy of at least a share of the spoils, however, they remain third from bottom in the standings.


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Sunday, November 18, 2012

Mexico first to advance

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Mexico first to advance

Mexico beat Costa Rica to advance to the final six-team phase of the CONCACAF qualifying competition for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and leave their opponents struggling for survival. Meanwhile, the USA and Honduras both won to move back into the qualifying places in their respective groups.

In contrast Cuba became the first side to be eliminated from the competition, a fate that is all but certain to befall Antigua and Barbuda unless they can work a miracle in their final two games.  FIFA.com reviews Tuesday’s events in the region.

Match of the day
Mexico 1-0 Costa Rica
Goal: Javier Hernandez 60

Handsome 2-0 winners at San Jose’s Estadio Nacional last Friday, Mexico went into this game with their sights set on booking an early place in the fourth and final qualifying round, while Los Ticos were anxious to avoid a defeat that would leave them staring elimination in the face.

Battling to avoid such an outcome, the Costa Ricans acquitted themselves better than they had done four days previously, but the game was up for them on the hour mark, when Javier Hernandez broke through their defensive barrier to score the only goal of the match and his first in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Victory maintained the Mexicans’ perfect record and sent them into the final phase two games early. The picture is a good deal gloomier for Los Ticos. Now relegated to third place in Group B by El Salvador’s 3-2 win at Guyana, they will go out of the competition if they lose away to La Selecta in their next outing on 12 October.

Elsewhere
While the Mexicans can now afford to put their feet up, arch rivals USA have no such luxury, though they remain masters of their own destiny after downing Jamaica 1-0 in Columbus, avenging last Friday’s 2-1 defeat to the same opposition in Kingston.

Herculez Gomez’s strike ten minutes into the second half took the Americans on to seven points in Group A and into a three-way tie with the Jamaicans and Guatemala, who edged out bottom-placed Antigua and Barbuda thanks to Carlos “Pescadito” Ruiz’s solitary goal. Guatemala and the USA now share the top two spots on goal difference, one goal better off than the Reggae Boyz, with Antigua and Barbuda, who remain bottom on one point, virtually out of the running.

In Group C regional heavyweights Honduras stayed in contention for a place in the next round following their second defeat of Cuba in four days, secured by a lone Jerry Bengtson goal. In the other match in the section, Rolando Blackburn and Blas Perez were both on target as Panama downed Canada 2-0 to gain instant revenge for last week’s reverse in Toronto. Back on top with nine points, the Panamanians stand two clear of Honduras and the Canadians, while Cubans - still without a point - are now out of the competition.

Player of the day
Herculez Gomez (USA)
Failure to beat Jamaica would have left the USA in real danger of not reaching the final qualification phase. Though a combination of woodwork and fine goalkeeping caused American nerves to fray as the game went on, the Santos Laguna striker eased the tension with a superb free-kick 55 minutes in.

The stat
10 -
The number of FIFA World Cup qualifiers Mexico have now gone unbeaten. El Tri’s last qualifying defeat was a 2-1 loss away to El Salvador on 6 June 2009, since when they have chalked up nine wins and a draw.

What they said
“We’ve been one of the best sides in the CONCACAF region behind Mexico and the USA for some time now, but we’re not through yet. We’ve taken a big step towards qualification, and as they show every time they play, this team is hungry to win,” Panama coach Julio Dely Valdes.


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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Makridis makes the difference for Cyprus

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Makridis makes the difference for Cyprus

Konstantinos Makridis belatedly launched Cyprus' FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign with the only goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Iceland.

The Cypriots, who lost their opening qualifier 3-1 in Albania on Friday, bounced back to take three vital points, courtesy of Makridis' 57th-minute strike from Dimitris Christofi's cut-back.

Iceland, who had Solvi Ottesen dismissed for using foul and abusive language four minutes from full time after being penalised for a foul on the goalscorer, started brightly with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson creating two early opportunities for Birkir Bjarnason.

However, Anthos Solomou tested Icelandic goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson at his near post with 32 minutes played and it was the home side who took the lead 12 minutes after the restart when Makridis fired home from 12 yards.

The visitors might have been back in the game within seconds, but substitute Alfred Finnbogason's effort came back off the crossbar and Cyprus held on with little difficulty to secure the win.


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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Davids saluted as Goliaths feel the heat

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Davids saluted as Goliaths feel the heat

Australia and Iran were expected to achieve routine victories in Amman and Beirut in the fourth round of Asian Zone qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. Instead, they were stunned 2-1 by Jordan and 1-0 by Lebanon respectively to significantly complicate their hopes of making it.

Naturally, the Socceroos and Team Melli have come in for criticism back home. With the Jordanians and Lebanese being showered in praise, FIFA.com reflects on the Asian media’s reaction to the latest action in the continent’s preliminary competition.

Pressure on for big guns
In an article entitled 'Poor showing as Socceroos lose to Jordan’, the country's leading newspaper, The Australian, surmised that Holger Osieck's team have much to do if they are to qualify for Brazil 2014.

It read: "Hassan Abdel Fattah and Amer Deeb's second-half strikes sealed Australia's fate overnight when the Socceroos were ultimately unable to match the unrelenting intensity of their less-fancied opponents. Archie Thompson's late strike - his second goal in as many games - was all Australia had to celebrate on an evening when their treacherous World Cup journey was underlined emphatically."

Osieck, speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, said his men had nobody to blame but themselves. "We never could get into our normal rhythm," said the German. "We played a lot of long balls and there was not enough movement in midfield. We could have scored, but when we can't capitalise then you can't blame anybody else but us."

Also under fire is Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, whose side fell to Roda Antar's first-half strike in a game they largely dominated. Disappointed by the result, Iransportspress.com made its feelings clear in a piece entitled ‘Team Melli suffers its first-ever defeat against Lebanon’.

It labelled the game as "one of the most forgettable results in Iran’s football history", because "Iran showed a very weak and disappointing performance".

Lebanon, Jordan earn the plaudits
The producers of those aforementioned upsets came in for high praise from their own media.

‘Al-Nashama regain the spirit’ was the top headline in Al Rai, Jordan's leading newspaper. "The defeat of Australia is a good sign as the campaign reaches the halfway mark.”

Addustour, the country’s oldest newspaper, hailed the achievement as "A gift to the nation. Our national team outplayed the Socceroos and the victory sees our World Cup hopes revived."

In Lebanon, the Aliwaa newspaper paid tribute to Antar and goalkeeper Abbas Hassan, both of whom were instrumental as they stunned Iran. "The duo led our team to a history-making win against Iran.”

The Assafir newspaper, meanwhile, pointed out that "the national team have restored the lost credibility with the Iran win".

The Al Akhbar newspaper, for its part, revealed optimism in Lebanon’s chances of reaching the next FIFA World Cup: "Coach Theo Bucker silenced the critics with the win. The victory has revived our hopes and established our place among Asia's big boys. The team showed they are capable of reaching Brazil 2014."


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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Volunteer Programme applications to close in one week

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Volunteer Programme applications to close in one week

Prospective volunteers for the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ have until Friday 21 September to make their applications.

“We opened the application process three weeks ago and nearly 120,000 people have applied to sweat for the jersey with us,” said 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Organising Committee (LOC) Management Board member Bebeto. “With this response from the public I’ve got no doubts that we’ll have the very best volunteers for the national team, who’ll be doing their level best when all 32 sides enter the field of play.”

As of this morning, 111,799 Brazilians and 6,418 people from the rest of the world had applied to the Programme, which includes the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and the draws for the two events, which will be held in Sao Paulo and Costa do Sauipe respectively. Out of the total of 118,210 candidates, 97 percent registered to work at the FIFA World Cup and 77 percent at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

A large number of people have also applied to work at the draws, with 65,304 registering for this December’s event at the Anhembi and 77,678 for next year’s in Bahia.

Despite having reached the initial target of 90,000 applications within a mere eight days of the recruitment process starting, the LOC decided to extend the deadline to next Friday, exactly one month after it began.

“We want to give everyone a chance to apply and make sure that we have volunteers of all different types: men and women and people from all social backgrounds and age groups, as well as disabled people,” said Bebeto’s fellow LOC Management Board member Ronaldo.

A resident of Sao Paulo, the state that is home to the highest number of candidates (29,992), 51-year-old Rubens Jose da Silva has already made his application. A wheelchair user, he sees the Programme as an excellent opportunity to lend a helping hand.

“I suffer from multiple sclerosis and I had to retire at a very early age as a result,” he said. “With my experience in logistics and communications, I want to make my contribution to ensure that this event brings the results that we Brazilians are hoping for.”

To apply to the Volunteer Programme, simply click on the “Brazil 2014 - Volunteers” link on the right of this page.


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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Luxembourg strike late to deny Northern Ireland

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Luxembourg strike late to deny Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland had to accept a demoralising home draw against Luxembourg, after a match they dominated ended with the visitors scoring a heavily deflected equaliser in the 86th minute.

The evening had started so promisingly for Michael O'Neill's side, with Dean Shiels claiming his first international goal with a deft finish in the 14th minute. The hosts had nearly all of the meaningful chances thereafter, with three goals disallowed and Chris Brunt hitting the post, only for Daniel Da Mota's shot to squirm home via Ryan McGivern's shoulder.

Coming on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Russia, Northern Ireland's 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying hopes are already hanging by a thread.

Having set his team out for containment in Moscow, with Kyle Lafferty often stranded at the head of a defensive 4-5-1 formation, O'Neill selected a more attack-minded XI in Belfast. Shiels returned in the No10 role, with Shane Ferguson back on the left side of midfield and the more aggressive McGivern replacing Craig Cathcart behind him.

Northern Ireland started with real purpose, almost scoring in the first minute. The chance came from a corner, won after good interplay between Lafferty and Shiels.

Brunt floated it to West Bromwich Albion team-mate Gareth McAuley who, after winning the header, directed the ball straight at the goalkeeper. A loose pass from McGivern gifted Aurelien Joachim space to shoot, only for Jonny Evans to make the block.

Then Northern Ireland took the lead through Shiels. Somewhat surprisingly Evans played the role of creator, surging upfield and exchanging neat passes with the Rangers man. Evans' second pass cut open the defence and Shiels lifted his shot deftly over the oncoming Jonathan Joubert.

After 21 minutes Evans thought he had made it 2-0 himself from a neat corner routine, but the goal was ruled out due to a push.

There was disappointing news in the 29th minute when McAuley received his second booking in as many matches to rule him out of next month's trip to Portugal. The hosts had a second effort disallowed soon after, Lafferty stroking a fine effort into the top corner after good work from Chris Baird, only to be pulled up for offside.

In the five minutes before half-time, Northern Ireland had three presentable chances to add to their lead. Shiels failed to make the most of Guy Blaise's slip, then Lafferty chipped high and wide after being teed up by Brunt, who himself might have shot. The West Brom man then found Baird with a bullet corner, but the latter's header flashed inches wide of the far post.

Luxembourg sent on Maurice Deville to lead the line for the second half in place of Joachim and they looked a sturdier proposition as the second half got under way. Winger Mario Mutsch attempted to stretch the home back four five minutes into the second period but Evans was on hand with a forceful sliding tackle.

A McGivern overlap set Northern Ireland back on the attack but although Shiels got his head to Steven Davis' cross, a red shirt blocked it on its way towards goal. Unbelievably, the home side had a third effort struck off by the officials on the hour, Lafferty in an offside position when he sidefooted Ferguson's cross home. Had their advantage not been so slender, Northern Ireland may even have found some humour in the situation.

Lafferty, given onside for once, saw a 20-yard shot brush the outside of the post via Joubert's gloves but otherwise the closing stages were an increasingly nervy affair as Luxembourg pressed forward.

Davis gave Brunt the chance to ease the pressure with seven minutes left but, after meeting the carefully-measured pass, he rolled his shot against the base of the post.

Then, just moments later, the sucker punch arrived. With too many green shirts committed forward, Luxembourg surged up the pitch and a shot opened up for Da Mota. His effort appeared to be heading wide until it took a huge deflection off McGivern's shoulder to leave Roy Carroll stranded.

The Luxembourg bench celebrated emphatically, leaving the home fans to boo their players off at the final whistle.


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Monday, November 5, 2012

ETO ' o resumed service in Cameroon

Eto'o returns to Cameroon fold

Samuel Eto'o was persuaded to resume playing for Cameroon after a meeting with Prime Minister Philemon Yang.

ETO ' o was banned by the Football Federation of Cameroon last November after having led the strike of players on late payments of bonuses and appearance fees. The 31 years after having served the suspension, then refused to play in 2-0 defeat go CAF African Cup of Nations qualifying match of the month last by Cape Verde in protest against the establishment of the national team.

However, after discussion with the Prime Minister Yang Team Manager, Minister of the Sports Adoum Garoua, song Bahang and coach Jean Paul Akon, it has decided to make a return. 'On the request of the supreme authority of the Republic, I am available for the indomitable Lions' Eto'o, said on its Web site.

"I am encouraged by my desire to serve my country with the same faith, zeal and determination of 15 years ago." I was received these days by the authorities of the State to discuss the current situation of football in Cameroon and more specifically the national team.

"I'm convinced that together, putting aside other interests for the country, we are able, with the help of God, to give Cameroon football plume and shine of the past. ETO ' o, who scored 53 goals in 109 caps, will face Cape Verde in the second inning on 14 October.


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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Hodgson plays down reliance on 'old guard'

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Hodgson plays down reliance on 'old guard'

Roy Hodgson insists England's lacklustre 1-1 draw against Ukraine should not obscure the promise of a brighter future as his young stars helped preserve the side's unbeaten start to their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying campaign.

Hodgson's team were on the verge of a shock defeat at Wembley on Tuesday as they laboured to recover from Yevhen Konoplyanka's stunning first-half strike. However, England finally sparked into life after Hodgson threw on Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck and Chelsea duo Daniel Sturridge and Ryan Bertrand in the second half.

The youthful trio gave the hosts more pace and energy after a painfully low-tempo first hour and it was Welbeck who won the penalty that Frank Lampard converted five minutes from full-time to salvage a point.

England ended an underwhelming night with ten men after captain Steven Gerrard was sent off for a second booking in the closing moments and the Liverpool midfielder will be suspended for the next qualifier against San Marino in October.

But Hodgson is convinced the performances of his young substitutes show England, who were without the injured Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Ashley Cole against Ukraine, can cope in the absence of their top stars. "I'm not sure I'm prepared to accept it was a bad performance, although I suppose people will always say that when we draw at home," Hodgson said.

"We did miss a lot of players, but the ones that came in, including the three youngsters who came on, acquitted themselves well. It shows we aren't totally reliant on the old guard. Welbeck had a good impact and Bertrand was excellent as well."

Hodgson was adamant England were worthy of at least a point, even though Ukraine often looked the more incisive outfit. "I suppose you are relieved when you are losing 1-0 and get a late equaliser, but I didn't think we did that badly," Hodgson said.

"We started very poorly in the first ten minutes, but once we got into our stride we did well. We went 1-0 down to a wonder strike and of course against a good Ukraine side you are going to be up against it. But I was pleased with the way we kept probing and with the way our players went about the task."

After routing Moldova 5-0 in their opening qualifier on Friday, this was the first true test of England's mettle. But Hodgson claimed that just underlined the quality of a group where the other significant threats are likely to come from Poland and Montenegro.

"I would be surprised if people thought it would be an easy group," he said. "We played better tonight than when we beat Ukraine at EURO 2012, but we didn't win this time."

Meanwhile, Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin believes the draw puts his side in a strong position to mount a serious bid to qualify as group winners. "For us it's a big result because we will compete to win the group alongside England, Poland and Montenegro," Blokhin said.

"I couldn't imagine a better start for us. We created problems for England that they couldn't solve in the first half. We had really good chances, but the young players were probably a little bit intimidated that we were winning against England.

"We got tired and made a mistake at the end for the goal. Even so, I'm very happy about the result."


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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Italy make hard work of Malta

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Italy make hard work of Malta

Italy claimed their first win of the FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, although it was a less than convincing 2-0 performance against Group B rivals Malta in Modena.

Goals at either end of the match from Mattia Destro and Federico Peluso sealed the points for the home side, which sees them tied with Bulgaria on four points at the top of the standings.

However, they will not be happy with the manner of the win as they did little to show they had learned the lessons from last Friday's 2-2 draw with the Bulgarians.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was looking for an improved performance on their opening qualifier and things looked hopeful when Gli Azzurri took the lead after just five minutes.

Claudio Marchisio's pass from the right landed at the feet of Destro, who smashed a shot into the bottom right corner from 18 yards.

Another goal almost followed five minutes later from an Alessandro Diamanti free-kick, but Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg did brilliantly to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Pablo Osvaldo had the home side's next chance soon after with a header from Andrea Pirlo's corner but the Roma striker steered the ball past the left post.

Another chance fell Osvaldo's way after 25 minutes as Italy continued to drive forward in numbers but defender Luke Dimech cleared the ball for the Maltese.

Pietro Ghedin's men had barely had a look-in so far but reminded the Italians of their presence on the half-hour with a long-range effort from Michael Mifsud which flew over the bar. Gli Azzurri responded with a cross-shot from Diamanti which was easily saved by Hogg.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had been surplus to requirements for much of the half, but had to get his fingertips to a right-footed strike from Roderick Briffa after 33 minutes as Malta threatened a surprise equaliser.

The momentum quickly swung back Italy's way, however, although Leonardi Bonucci and Pirlo were both wasteful with chances before the interval.

Malta keep hosts honest
Italy continued to rule the roost at the start of the second half and defender Andrei Agius had to clear a threatening strike from Lorenzo Insigne. Osvaldo also saw his volley held by Hogg in the Malta goal as another chance went begging.

And nerves began to jangle around the Alberto Braglia stadium after 60 minutes when Briffa drilled a shot narrowly over the bar for the unfancied visitors.

The midfielder unleashed another strike six minutes later which had to be booted out of the area by Antonio Nocerino, before Italy launched an attack down the other end which resulted in Marchisio firing over the bar.

The home side began to settle down once more and Bonucci put another effort high of the mark before Destro saw his effort saved by Hogg as Malta continued to frustrate their opponents.

Giampaolo Pazzini was unable to turn Gli Azzurri's fortunes either, smashing the ball past the left post, but they eventually made the breakthrough in stoppage time when Pirlo's corner was neatly headed home by Peluso.


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Monday, October 29, 2012

Four more goals for Romania

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Four more goals for Romania

Romania continued their winning start in FIFA World Cup™ qualifying Group D with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Andorra in Bucharest.

Gabriel Torje, also on target against Estonia last week, opened the scoring before Costin Lazar effectively wrapped up the match before half-time.

Andorra occasionally threatened as Romania eased off after the break but Valerica Gaman and Alexandru Maxim gave the scoreline an emphatic look in stoppage time.

Andorra's Sebastian Gomez actually had the first chance of the game from an early Marc Pujol free-kick but missed the target. Romania then began to settle and Alexandru Bourceanu curled an effort over before Torje had a shot blocked.

Torje opened the scoring after 29 minutes with a powerful left-footed strike from 12 yards and Gheorghe Grozav twice went close to adding a second. The hosts eventually doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Lazar struck from the edge of the area.

Romania lost Bogdan Lobont and Ciprian Marica to injury in the second period and, aside from another Torje shot, were quiet until the closing moments.

Pujol shot over for Andorra before Romania stirred and Josep Anton Gomez saved from Lazar two minutes from time. Gaman then struck after a free-kick and Maxim added the fourth with a shot from the left.


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Friday, October 26, 2012

Colombia, Venezuela surprise winners

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Colombia, Venezuela surprise winners

Radamel Falcao put in a man of the match display as Colombia came from a goal down to claim a surprise 3-1 win at Chile in the South American 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers.

In an encounter that saw both sides reduced to ten men, Atletico Madrid striker Falcao scored one and set up another as Colombia remained in second place in the table.

Despite midfielder Gary Medel being sent off in the 34th minute for hitting Luis Perea, Chile took a half-time lead through Matias Fernandez following a blunder from the Colombian defence.

In the 41st minute Chile's Matias Fernandez struck from outside the box to beat Colombia keeper David Ospina.

However, James Rodriguez levelled just before the hour mark with a free-kick, while Aldo Ramirez teed up Falcao, who put Colombia ahead in the 73rd minute at the Estadio Monumental.

Two minutes later, Teofilo Gutierrez linked up with Falcao before finishing with aplomb although Colombia were also then reduced to ten men when defender Abel Aguilar was sent off for a second bookable offence with six minutes remaining.

"This is a magnificent win for us. We were sure it was going to happen," Falcao told reporters in Santiago. "This is the result of the maturity of a team who did not give up after Chile's goal."

Colombia are now on 13 points in the CONMEBOL qualifying zone, the same as Ecuador, who played out a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in Montevideo.

Former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo put Ecuador ahead with a seventh minute penalty before Edinson Cavani gave the Uruguayans a share of the spoils in the 66th minute.

Ecuador then saw Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia sent off in injury time.

Argentina remain top of the group despite a 1-1 draw at Peru in Lima. Carlos Zambrano had put the hosts in front after 22 minutes but Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain (38) drew level for Argentina.

Salomon Rondon's double gave Venezuela a shock 2-0 victory at Paraguay. Rondon struck in either half as Venezuela strengthened their hold on sixth on 11 points, just one point off an automatic qualifying position.


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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Van Gaal calms RVP fears

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Van Gaal calms RVP fears

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal played down concerns over the fitness of Robin van Persie after the Manchester United striker was replaced at half-time during last night's FIFA World Cup™ qualifying victory

Van Persie was forced out of the 4-1 win in Budapest after suffering a knock to his thigh, with Klaas Jan Huntelaar brought on in his place, but the Oranje boss insisted he was merely erring on the side of caution.

"We took off Robin for precautionary measures," Van Gaal told the SBS6 television channel. It doesn't seem to be too serious, but you never know. We didn't want to take any risks."

Van Persie's injury scare came after the Dutch had already lost Arjen Robben to a groin strain in the warm-up, with the Bayern Munich winger's misfortune allowing Jeremain Lens into the starting XI.

And Lens did not let his opportunity pass him by, turning in a man-of-the-match display. The PSV Eindhoven striker, winning only his sixth cap, scored twice and hit the crossbar before setting up the fourth goal for Huntelaar.

Young defender Bruno Martins Indi scored his first international goal, rendering Balasz Dszudszak's eighth-minute penalty for the hosts irrelevant in the final analysis.

"I have to highlight Jeremain Lens' performance," Van Gaal told reporters. "He had an excellent game despite the fact he only got into the starting XI just before the match started."

Van Gaal has marked the start of his second spell in charge of Holland by giving opportunities to a host of new faces. Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie was among those to impress last night, but the coach reserved praise for experienced pair Joris Mathijsen and Maarten Stekelenburg, both of whom have been edged out of the first team by younger players in recent times.

Stekelenburg returned to the fold last night after Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul was ruled out through injury, while defender Mathijsen entered the fray after an hour when Martins Indi picked up a knock.

"Immediately after Krul could not continue I could tell Stekelenburg he would goalkeeping," said Van Gaal. "Both he Mathijsen have behaved as professionals. Which is how it should be, but it is not always."

Van Gaal added that his move towards younger players represented a risk, but was delighted that so far it had paid off with two wins from two in Group D.

"It's about the experience," he said. "As a club coach you can easily take such a risk. As a national coach it is that much harder. It's a risk. Because if it goes wrong, then my head gets chopped off. But six points from two games, six goals for and one against. That's fine."


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Sunday, October 21, 2012

Shakira: The Brazil is ready to shine

Shakira: Brazil is ready to shine

After enjoying a smash hit with Waka Waka at 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Colombian singer Shakira became more more involved in the world of football. As well as regularly attend matches and by supporting social projects related to sport, it is also a partner of Barcelona and the Spain central defender Gerard Pique and plans to be at the Brazil in the next world final.

Sitting for an interview with the star, FIFA.com asked what she expected from the 2014 Brazil and for its reaction to the strong support that Colombian colleagues gave tournament volunteers program. 7 450 Non-Brazilian applicants, some 908 (12%) hail from Colombia, more than any other country and well ahead of the second place with 509 Argentina and the Spain in third with 504.

FIFA.com:No foreign country has provided the Colombia Brazil Cup World Cup more candidates for 2014 volunteers program. Why do you think so many Colombians want to be part of the event?
Shakira: It's great to hear. Love the young football in my country and I imagine having the World Cup to return to Latin America, after so many years, that's really the motivation. In addition, there are many players of Colombian football excelling in Europe right now, including Falcao, who is a great source of inspiration for young people. It takes the love of the sport to a whole new level in my country.

How would you describe the experience and the atmosphere of the World Cup?
What is most interesting to me was seen so many different cultures come together to celebrate the world of football. There was a unique energy in Germany and South Africa, which I never felt before. I liked the distinct color and the perfection of the the World Cup in Germany and incomparable energy and the heat of the South Africa in the last World Cup. It really is an incredible experience, I recommend at all if the opportunity.

Waka Wakais a song about believing and seizing the opportunity to shine. Do you see similarities between the South Africa 2010 and 2014 to the Brazil?
Obviously in Latin America myself and after spending much time in the country, I know that Brazilians and their culture very well. I imagine that this will be a unique and unforgettable experience. The Brazil is the land of opportunity, and its inhabitants will be ready to show the world their potential and to share their culture. What makes the incredible World Cup, it is that each of them is distinctly influenced by the host country, so you are introduced into a way for the country and its inhabitants. In this regard, I think the Brazilians will open their arms and embrace all the people who come to enjoy the games, just like South Africa did.

Do you like Brazilian music? What kind of music would you recommend to fans to come abroad to Brazil 2014?
Absolutely! I just finished recording a song with my Brazilian friend, Ivete Sangalo. We sang together at Rock in Rio last year also. I listen to lots of music from the Brazil, and its rhythms such as samba and bossa nova are known and loved around the world.

Are there any particular host city you want to visit to Brazil 2014?
I had the opportunity to visit several Brazilian cities over the years and I've loved with all. I expect to be there during the upcoming FIFA World Cup and intend to visit cities as much as possible.


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Friday, October 19, 2012

Mexico flying high under De la Torre

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Mexico flying high under De la Torre

Jose Manuel de la Torre had barely completed five years as a head coach when, with the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying campaign looming, he was handed the Mexico reins ahead of candidates with considerably more experience. But, as well as the three domestic trophies he had conquered in a very short space of time, it was his modern approach to the game that earned him this much-coveted opportunity. 

And the 46-year-old tactician has not disappointed those who appointed him to take charge of El Tri. Indeed, he has enjoyed the best start by a coach in the history of the Mexican senior side, overseeing victories in his first ten competitive matches. 

“In general terms, the Mexican game is in a strong and healthy state," said Javier Aguirre, who led Mexico at Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010. "The senior team are also thriving under Chepo de la Torre, who’s doing great work with them. Overall, the outlook is very positive.”

Judging by the results secured so far, El Vasco Aguirre would appear to be correct in his optimistic assessment of De la Torre’s tenure. In the Mexican’s first tournament as national coach, the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, his charges captured the trophy in impressive style, racking up six wins and 22 goals in the process, while conceding just four. 

Although it may not appear all that surprising at first glance, no previous Mexico coach has ever experienced a similar level of early success. Looking back at former incumbents’ records is therefore a valid method of measuring the performance of the Guadalajara-born supremo. 

Of Mexico’s last five four-year FIFA World Cup cycles, just one, during which Ricardo La Volpe led the nation to Germany 2006, has begun and ended with the same coach in control. In the Argentinian’s first ten competitive encounters, he steered his players to eight victories and two draws.

Including friendlies, De la Torre has, from a total of 23 games, recorded 17 wins, four draws and two defeats, whereas La Volpe only managed to achieve ten wins, nine stalemates and four losses from the same number of encounters.

“Nobody wins by just strolling through games," explained Chepo, making it clear that he views concentration and day-to-day work as being crucial to attaining success. "You win through putting in a lot of effort, hard work and tireless running, by knowing how to handle yourself and by making sure that these factors give you the upper hand.”

Modified mentality
De la Torre, who steered Guadalajara to the league title in his first year as a club coach and subsequently won two further titles with Toluca, typifies the new footballing mindset in Mexico. The country's national sides have now very much got a taste for victory and go into tournaments with the firm belief that they can emerge on top of the pile.

What, then, is his secret? According to the ex-international, it can be summed up by fostering a winning mentality and by putting the team ahead of the individual. “Our approach has remained the same across the board," he said. "That’s been very satisfying for everyone, from our youth teams right up to the senior side.”

“This sport is one in which 24 players take part but only 11 start, while the others must make their way to the bench or the stands," chipped in Javier Chicharito Hernandez, one of the stars of the current Mexico XI. "There’ll always be competition for places, and it’s great when it's really difficult for the coach to pick the team.” 

Having guaranteed their ticket for the final six-team Hexagonal qualifying round after beating group rivals Costa Rica on 11 September at the Estadio Azteca, El Tri’s dream of appearing at Brazil 2014 remains very much alive.

“We’re preparing non-stop, because I know it’s not going to be easy. We’ve made a firm commitment to accomplishing our main objective, which is to qualify; that’s the target,” said De la Torre, who is well aware that any slip-up caused by overconfidence, brought on by the team’s impressive start, could do serious damage to Los Aztecas’ qualification chances.

But the excellent displays thus far have raised expectations among a Mexican faithful hungry for sporting success and recognition, and which has high hopes for De la Torre’s new-look side. And going by the results his players have chalked up under his command, he is certainly on the right track.

Mexican Football Association President Justino Compean is better placed than anyone to sum up De la Torre’s effect on his country’s national side: “Hopefully in 2014 we can enjoy a nice little surprise, like the one we got from Luis Fernando Tena [coach of the Olympic team] at London 2012, and the ones Chepo keeps giving us with the seniors. Let's hope we can all feel honoured to witness and play a part in Mexico taking the next step.”


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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Terry retires from international football

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Terry retires from international football

Chelsea captain John Terry has announced his immediate retirement from international football, accusing the Football Association of making his position "untenable".

The 31-year-old said in a statement: "I am today announcing my retirement from international football. I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps.

"I have had great pleasure in sharing that honour with all the players that I've played with. I would like to thank them, the fans and my family for their support and encouragement during my international career.

"Representing and captaining my country is what I dreamed of as a boy and it has been a truly great honour. I have always given my all and it breaks my heart to make this decision. I want to wish Roy [Hodgson] and the team every success for the future.

"I am making this statement today in advance of the hearing of the FA disciplinary charge because I feel the FA, in pursuing charges against me where I have already been cleared in a court of law, have made my position with the national team untenable.

"I now look forward to playing for Chelsea FC, and challenging for domestic and European honours, and I want to thank the fans and the club for their continued support."


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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Deschamps: It's always good to win

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Deschamps: It's always good to win

Didier Deschamps encouraged France's players to enjoy the taste of victory after seeing his side overcome Belarus 3-1 in their second 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying match on Tuesday.

Second-half goals from Etienne Capoue, Christophe Jallet and Franck Ribery put paid to the Belarusians and sent France top of Group I ahead of their 16 October showdown with world and European champions Spain in Madrid.

Deschamps was overseeing his first game as national coach at Stade de France, the stadium where he led Les Bleus to victory as captain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and he was pleased to have marked his return with victory.

"It's always a very good evening when you win," said Deschamps. "And it's becoming rarer and rarer to score three goals at the highest level, so you have to savour it."

With France having won 1-0 in Finland in their opening game on Friday, Deschamps' side are three points clear of Spain, who began their title defence with a narrow 1-0 win over Georgia on Tuesday.

Deschamps has built his managerial reputation upon a pragmatic approach to winning matches and he emphasised his belief that wins at international level cannot be taken for granted.

"Spain's great team only won 1-0 in Georgia," he said. "It's difficult for everyone. We should savour these six points, but it's a reward for the general spirit. The players feel good together. That's only background noise if you don't see the result on the pitch, but there's a collective desire to make an effort and to hassle (opposition players)."

Against a Belarus side ranked 76th in the world, Deschamps opted for a slightly experimental 4-3-3 formation that saw Ribery aligned next to Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud in a lopsided attacking trident.

Benzema began the game in an unfamiliar right-wing role, but displayed plenty of confident touches and although he did not score himself, he did set up Ribery for a coolly taken goal in the 80th minute. "He was out of position," said Deschamps of Benzema's new role.

"I know he's not an out-and-out winger, but in order to make Giroud the focal point, Karim made lots of effort in the build-up. He made an effort in defence as well. It seemed to me the best solution to cause them problems."

Deschamps also praised Toulouse midfielder Capoue, who came into the team for the injured Abou Diaby and opened the scoring in the 49th minute to mark his first France start with his first international goal.

"He was playing in a different position to at Toulouse," said Deschamps of Capoue. "He has quality and he was rewarded tonight, but the most important thing is the team. We'll remember his first goal for the national side.

"He's not comfortable with his back to goal, but he got himself forward and that's what I'd asked of him. He's not there to be a number 10 and he doesn't have 50 caps either. I won't ask any more of him."


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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Late penalty secures point for England

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Late penalty secures point for England

Steven Gerrard was sent off as Frank Lampard's 86th-minute penalty spared England's blushes in a 1-1 draw with Ukraine at Wembley.

Gerrard was red-carded two minutes from the end of a poor display from Roy Hodgson's men in their FIFA World Cup™ qualifier. The hosts were saved when Yevhen Khacherdi blocked Danny Welbeck's flick with his arm, allowing Lampard to drive home from the spot to earn England a point.

Gerrard's dismissal followed shortly afterwards for a second yellow card. The Liverpool man becomes the 14th England player to be sent off, although the damage is not too bad as he only misses the visit of San Marino next month.

Ukraine will be cursing a missed opportunity, though. Oleg Blokhin's men came agonisingly close to what would have been a deserved victory. In Yevhen Konoplyanka, they had not only the game's star performer but also scorer of a goal worthy of winning any match.

And, while defeat was avoided, clearly there is so much work ahead of Hodgson and his team if they are to reach Brazil 2014. It had not gone unnoticed that the last time England went into a competitive game with John Terry, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand all missing from their starting line-up was against Croatia almost five years ago.

That miserable night was the last time England had lost a qualifying match on home soil. It was a record that soon became obvious was going to be tested. Only three minutes had elapsed when Oleg Gusev's cross flicked off Leighton Baines, dipped over Joe Hart and clipped the outside of a post.

Joleon Lescott cleared another Gusev cross, then Roman Zozulia failed to capitalise on Konoplyanka's neat approach work. During those dodgy opening minutes, England's passing was awful, costing them a chance to build up any momentum.

Five-goal winners in Moldova on Friday and third-ranked team in the world, but any sense of superiority was shaken out of England by spirited opponents. Andriy Shevchenko's retirement, far from weakening the team, created a greater bond, which new captain Anatoliy Tymoschuk marshalled around the field in impressive fashion.

It might have been different had Jermain Defoe's thunderous effort not been ruled out. Defoe's disbelief was obvious. Yet it was also beyond doubt he had shoved a textbook rugby hand-off into the neck of Andriy Yarmolenko.

Gerrard was trying to inspire, like a good captain should. Clearing a goalbound Ruslan Rotan effort at one end, driving a pass through for Defoe at the other, the striker's flick almost releasing James Milner.

It was the prelude to Tom Cleverley's succession of glaring misses. Defoe showed admirable unselfishness when he opted to steer Gerrard's cross back into the six-yard box rather than go for goal himself from an acute angle. Cleverley raced in, looking certain to gobble up the chance with only Andriy Pyatov to beat.

Unfortunately, the Manchester United man fired straight at the Ukraine goalkeeper, whose reactions were up to the task. Cleverley then flicked Lampard's pass well wide from a good position, before lifting the ball against the outside of a post from Milner's pass.

Konoplyanka stuns Wembley
Amid the personal anguish, Ukraine had seized the initiative. After Denys Garmash had let England off the hook by heading over when he crept into space to meet Yevhen Selin's cross, Konoplyanka showed them no mercy. Stepping inside Gerrard, the highly-rated midfielder sent a 25-yard effort curling over Hart and into the top corner.

In a second-half littered with yellow cards, six of them for England including Gerrard's double caution, Baines needed to make a timely intervention to prevent Zozulia reaching Konoplyanka's cross.

Glen Johnson, among those to get booked after the break, went close at the other end but the introductions of Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge were inevitable given how the game was panning out.

The decision to replace Baines with Ryan Bertrand was less obvious, especially as young duo Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana both offered more attacking invention from the bench for all their inexperience. Welbeck almost profited from Sturridge's cross nine minutes from time, but prodded against a post.

Redemption came shortly afterwards, with Lampard converting from the spot, just as he did in Chisinau on Friday. But the outcome will fool no one, least of all Hodgson, into thinking that England really do deserve to be rated as highly as they are currently.


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