Officials confirmed for Germany 2011
Fifty-one female officials today received the news they have been working towards for four years; the news that they have been selected to officiate at the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™.
The FIFA Referees Committee, under the chairmanship of Ángel María Villar Llona, has appointed 16 referees, 32 Assistant Referees, and three referees who will serve exclusively as Fourth Officials during the competition between 26 June and 17 July.
The road to the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup began shortly after the conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007. The International List containing over 500 female officials was cut down to 110 by the end of 2010, prior to the final selection process.
To determine which officials would travel to Germany this summer, FIFA embarked on a comprehensive programme. This has seen officials from across FIFA’s six confederations monitored and assessed at domestic, continental and international competitions, as well as through a series of practical and interactive training sessions. The officials have also been tested regularly for fitness, refereeing technique, as well as competency in the lingua franca of international refereeing (English), most recently by FIFA at the Algarve Cup tournament last month.
Sonia Denoncourt, Senior Refereeing Manager at FIFA has overseen the preparation of the officials, and was herself a referee at the 1995, 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cups and 1996 and 2000 Olympic Football Tournaments.
“A lot of these officials have sacrificed careers or starting a family to achieve their dream of working at a World Cup so to receive this confirmation is a just reward for all their hard work” said Denoncourt.
“The difference in support structures and tools now for the officials is far removed from 1995 when the majority of the officials were men, with just six female officials on the final list, including myself.
“Of this year’s final list, many of them have officiated at either a World Cup or Olympic Games before and with the support of technical staff, fitness instructors, physiotherapists and sport psychologists, we have done everything possible to ensure they are at the top of their game coming into the competition. This is what we want, but of course what the teams want too.”
For all the officials, their participation in Germany will be subject to one final fitness test to be held in Frankfurt approximately a week before the first match on 26 June in Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
A full list of the officials can be found in the attached document.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Ogura: The Japanese game can be restored
Ogura: The Japanese game can be restored
Just 43 days after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that shocked Japan on 11 March, fans across the country poured into the stadiums as the J.League made an emotional return on Saturday. Players and supporters stood together to observe a moment's silence before kick-off to show their respect to those who lost their lives.
Prior to the resumption, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter offered his support to the nation's football community and paid tribute to the people's "powers of recovery". After the weekend games, his JFA counterpart, Junji Ogura, spoke to FIFA.com about the difficulties and hardship the country has gone through, the significance of the league's return and his prediction for the Japanese teams taking part in the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011.
FIFA.com: President Ogura, what damage did the disaster cause to Japanese football?
Junji Ogura: In the coastal areas of north-eastern Japan, playgrounds were damaged by the tsunami and children have lost their facilities. This, I think, is the biggest damage caused by the earthquake in footballing terms.
But with the resumption of the J.League we aim to encourage people and we believe that Japan’s football can be restored by everyone working together for the good of the game.
The message we received from Mr. Blatter before the resumption and his concern about the situation of Japan have touched us deeply.
Junji Ogura, JFA President
What are your emotions now that the J.League has resumed?
As everyone knows, the earthquake that hit Japan caused tremendous difficulties to many of our J.League clubs. Clubs like Kashima, Sendai and Mito suffered damage to their stadiums and other buildings so it took them time to restore training facilities.
We are also glad that J.League sides, together with all 37 clubs from divisions one and two, worked tremendously hard to resume the league as quickly as possible. This is a giant step forward in making this year’s league successful.
The message we received from Mr. Blatter before the resumption and his concern about the situation of Japan have touched us deeply. We are very grateful to FIFA's support for the reconstruction of Japan’s football.
Japanese football responded bravely to the disaster, by arranging a charity match featuring the country's stars on 29 March. What was the significance of that?
The Japan Football Association defied the post-disaster hardship and difficulties to arrange the charity match with a dual goal: firstly to encourage the afflicted area through football and to raise funds for the victims. We needed to do something for them. Despite the tight time in preparation, the stadium was full of spectators [40,613 supporters]. We are very grateful to all the people who took part in this event. As a result, more than 100 million Japanese yen were collected. We believe our message was delivered.
How do you rate the recent performances of the J.League participants in the AFC Champions League?
Despite all the difficulties facing them after the earthquake, our four clubs have worked to their utmost in Asian competitions and we look forward to more brilliant performances and results.
At international level, Japan will represent Asia at the FIFA Women's World Cup and FIFA U1-7 World Cup, both due to happen during June and July. What are your expectations for these two teams?
Japan has received a lot of encouragement and support from around the world. I expect the two teams to make our presence strongly felt through good performances. By doing so I hope we can express our gratitude to the world.
Just 43 days after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that shocked Japan on 11 March, fans across the country poured into the stadiums as the J.League made an emotional return on Saturday. Players and supporters stood together to observe a moment's silence before kick-off to show their respect to those who lost their lives.
Prior to the resumption, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter offered his support to the nation's football community and paid tribute to the people's "powers of recovery". After the weekend games, his JFA counterpart, Junji Ogura, spoke to FIFA.com about the difficulties and hardship the country has gone through, the significance of the league's return and his prediction for the Japanese teams taking part in the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011.
FIFA.com: President Ogura, what damage did the disaster cause to Japanese football?
Junji Ogura: In the coastal areas of north-eastern Japan, playgrounds were damaged by the tsunami and children have lost their facilities. This, I think, is the biggest damage caused by the earthquake in footballing terms.
But with the resumption of the J.League we aim to encourage people and we believe that Japan’s football can be restored by everyone working together for the good of the game.
The message we received from Mr. Blatter before the resumption and his concern about the situation of Japan have touched us deeply.
Junji Ogura, JFA President
What are your emotions now that the J.League has resumed?
As everyone knows, the earthquake that hit Japan caused tremendous difficulties to many of our J.League clubs. Clubs like Kashima, Sendai and Mito suffered damage to their stadiums and other buildings so it took them time to restore training facilities.
We are also glad that J.League sides, together with all 37 clubs from divisions one and two, worked tremendously hard to resume the league as quickly as possible. This is a giant step forward in making this year’s league successful.
The message we received from Mr. Blatter before the resumption and his concern about the situation of Japan have touched us deeply. We are very grateful to FIFA's support for the reconstruction of Japan’s football.
Japanese football responded bravely to the disaster, by arranging a charity match featuring the country's stars on 29 March. What was the significance of that?
The Japan Football Association defied the post-disaster hardship and difficulties to arrange the charity match with a dual goal: firstly to encourage the afflicted area through football and to raise funds for the victims. We needed to do something for them. Despite the tight time in preparation, the stadium was full of spectators [40,613 supporters]. We are very grateful to all the people who took part in this event. As a result, more than 100 million Japanese yen were collected. We believe our message was delivered.
How do you rate the recent performances of the J.League participants in the AFC Champions League?
Despite all the difficulties facing them after the earthquake, our four clubs have worked to their utmost in Asian competitions and we look forward to more brilliant performances and results.
At international level, Japan will represent Asia at the FIFA Women's World Cup and FIFA U1-7 World Cup, both due to happen during June and July. What are your expectations for these two teams?
Japan has received a lot of encouragement and support from around the world. I expect the two teams to make our presence strongly felt through good performances. By doing so I hope we can express our gratitude to the world.
Stars, silverware and sighs of relief
Stars, silverware and sighs of relief
(
FIFA.com’s latest statistical review reflects on drought-ending goals for Messrs Torres, Villa and Palermo, success for Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb, a return to football for Japan, and fresh records for Lionel Messi, Real Madrid and Robin van Persie.
903
minutes without a goal was the mammoth run that Fernando Torres finally brought to an end on Saturday. The Spaniard’s much-discussed barren streak for club and country had stretched back to 22 January and encompassed 16 matches: 13 for Chelsea, two for his national team and one for Liverpool. It proved to be a weekend full of goalscoring milestones in England, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Jermain Defoe becoming the 20th player to reach the 100-goal mark in the Premier League and Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez scoring his first hat-trick since September 2004. Robin van Persie also set a new benchmark by scoring in his seventh successive Premier League away match, eclipsing Didier Drogba’s previous record.
50
goals in all competitions this season is the tally that has enabled Lionel Messi to set a new Spanish record, surpassing Ferenc Puskas’s previous mark. The Hungarian's record, set when he racked up 49 over the course of the 1959/60 campaign, had stood for over half a century before being eclipsed in the 88th minute of Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday. The game’s opener had come from a relieved David Villa, who – like his international colleague, Torres – was enduring an unusually long drought, having failed to score in his previous 11 Barça appearances. Not to be outdone, Real Madrid became the first away team in the history of La Liga to score six goals at the Mestalla, with Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain accruing a combined tally of five goals and four assists in the highest-scoring match of the Spanish season: a 6-3 win at Valencia.
14
years after last scoring for Gimnasia La Plata, Guillermo Barros Schelotto was back on target for El Lobo on Sunday. The 37-year-old, who returned to Argentina earlier this year from Major League Soccer, left Gimnasia for Boca Juniors in 1997, scoring what everyone thought was his final goal for the club in a match against San Lorenzo. However, he was among the goals once again at the weekend, netting his first goal from open play in over seven months as his relegation-threatened side drew 1-1 with Arsenal. Barros Schelotto wasn’t the only the only Argentinian legend who ended a long wait over the weekend, with Martin Palermo bringing to a close a scoring drought of 951 minutes – the longest of his career – by sealing Boca Juniors’ 3-0 win at Huracan.
7
weeks after their last match, and over five months on from their last win, Vegalta Sendai made a triumphant return to action in a poignant weekend for Japanese football. The north-eastern outfit, who hadn’t tasted victory since 14 November and were on a five-match winless streak, came from behind to claim a dramatic late win away to Kawasaki Frontale, providing some much-needed cheer for their devastated region. Two goals in the final 17 minutes, the second of which came from defender Jiro Kamata – his first since that November victory over Jubilo Iwata – sparked moving celebrations that reduced coach Makoto Teguramori to tears.
6
successive league championships is the sequence that has made Dinamo Zagreb the toast of Croatia after they clinched their latest title on Saturday. A 1-0 win over Osijek enabled the Plavi to maintain a 13-point lead and retain the Prva Liga crown with four games to spare. Dinamo’s recent stranglehold on the domestic crown has enabled them to replace Hadjuk Split as the most successful team in Croatian football history. While Hadjuk were dominant during the pre-independence era, winning nine Yugoslav titles to Dinamo’s four, the years since 1991 have witnessed the men from the capital assume control, outscoring their old rivals by 13 Liga championships to six.
2
successive Coupe de La Ligue titles is a feat that, before Saturday, no-one had managed in the competition’s 16-year existence. Marseille were the team to rewrite history, beating Montpellier 1-0 to extend an eight-match winning streak in the competition and retain a trophy they won for the first time last year. Remarkably, Taye Taiwo – who scored his first goal in seven months to inflict a 2-1 league defeat on the same opponents six days earlier – was again Marseille’s match-winner, grabbing the decisive goal with nine minutes remaining. The win also established Souleymane Diawara and Didier Deschamps, with four and three Coupe de la Ligue triumphs respectively, as the most successful player and coach in the tournament’s history.
(
FIFA.com’s latest statistical review reflects on drought-ending goals for Messrs Torres, Villa and Palermo, success for Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb, a return to football for Japan, and fresh records for Lionel Messi, Real Madrid and Robin van Persie.
903
minutes without a goal was the mammoth run that Fernando Torres finally brought to an end on Saturday. The Spaniard’s much-discussed barren streak for club and country had stretched back to 22 January and encompassed 16 matches: 13 for Chelsea, two for his national team and one for Liverpool. It proved to be a weekend full of goalscoring milestones in England, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Jermain Defoe becoming the 20th player to reach the 100-goal mark in the Premier League and Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez scoring his first hat-trick since September 2004. Robin van Persie also set a new benchmark by scoring in his seventh successive Premier League away match, eclipsing Didier Drogba’s previous record.
50
goals in all competitions this season is the tally that has enabled Lionel Messi to set a new Spanish record, surpassing Ferenc Puskas’s previous mark. The Hungarian's record, set when he racked up 49 over the course of the 1959/60 campaign, had stood for over half a century before being eclipsed in the 88th minute of Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday. The game’s opener had come from a relieved David Villa, who – like his international colleague, Torres – was enduring an unusually long drought, having failed to score in his previous 11 Barça appearances. Not to be outdone, Real Madrid became the first away team in the history of La Liga to score six goals at the Mestalla, with Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain accruing a combined tally of five goals and four assists in the highest-scoring match of the Spanish season: a 6-3 win at Valencia.
14
years after last scoring for Gimnasia La Plata, Guillermo Barros Schelotto was back on target for El Lobo on Sunday. The 37-year-old, who returned to Argentina earlier this year from Major League Soccer, left Gimnasia for Boca Juniors in 1997, scoring what everyone thought was his final goal for the club in a match against San Lorenzo. However, he was among the goals once again at the weekend, netting his first goal from open play in over seven months as his relegation-threatened side drew 1-1 with Arsenal. Barros Schelotto wasn’t the only the only Argentinian legend who ended a long wait over the weekend, with Martin Palermo bringing to a close a scoring drought of 951 minutes – the longest of his career – by sealing Boca Juniors’ 3-0 win at Huracan.
7
weeks after their last match, and over five months on from their last win, Vegalta Sendai made a triumphant return to action in a poignant weekend for Japanese football. The north-eastern outfit, who hadn’t tasted victory since 14 November and were on a five-match winless streak, came from behind to claim a dramatic late win away to Kawasaki Frontale, providing some much-needed cheer for their devastated region. Two goals in the final 17 minutes, the second of which came from defender Jiro Kamata – his first since that November victory over Jubilo Iwata – sparked moving celebrations that reduced coach Makoto Teguramori to tears.
6
successive league championships is the sequence that has made Dinamo Zagreb the toast of Croatia after they clinched their latest title on Saturday. A 1-0 win over Osijek enabled the Plavi to maintain a 13-point lead and retain the Prva Liga crown with four games to spare. Dinamo’s recent stranglehold on the domestic crown has enabled them to replace Hadjuk Split as the most successful team in Croatian football history. While Hadjuk were dominant during the pre-independence era, winning nine Yugoslav titles to Dinamo’s four, the years since 1991 have witnessed the men from the capital assume control, outscoring their old rivals by 13 Liga championships to six.
2
successive Coupe de La Ligue titles is a feat that, before Saturday, no-one had managed in the competition’s 16-year existence. Marseille were the team to rewrite history, beating Montpellier 1-0 to extend an eight-match winning streak in the competition and retain a trophy they won for the first time last year. Remarkably, Taye Taiwo – who scored his first goal in seven months to inflict a 2-1 league defeat on the same opponents six days earlier – was again Marseille’s match-winner, grabbing the decisive goal with nine minutes remaining. The win also established Souleymane Diawara and Didier Deschamps, with four and three Coupe de la Ligue triumphs respectively, as the most successful player and coach in the tournament’s history.
Catolica, Velez take first leg advantage
Catolica, Velez take first leg advantage
Chilean giants Universidad Catolica took a very important step towards the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals with a 2-1 win away to Brazilian side Gremio in Porto Alegre on Tuesday night in the first leg of the sides' last-16 clash.
Lucas Pratto was the hero for Juan Antonio Pizzi's side as he netted either side of half-time to set Catolica up nicely for the second leg on 4 May. Pratto put the visitors ahead in the 29th minute, receiving possession from Marcelo Canete before he unleashed a right-foot strike.
Gremio forward Borges was sent off in the 35th minute for striking David Henriquez in the face with an elbow, but Douglas equalised for the hosts with a long-range shot just before the hour mark. The Chileans regained the lead with 15 minutes left as Pratto headed home Rodrigo Valenzuela's cross from the right.
The two-goal hero Pratto said afterwards: "Everybody was talking about Gremio beating us by a number of goals. We beat them on their own turf. We counter-attacked very well. Now, we should not relax. The score is good for us, but we must do our best in the second leg."
Catolica coach Pizzi added: "We beat great opponents. All our lines were solid tonight. We made the necessary difference and had almost no problems during the match."
In Buenos Aires, hosts Velez Sarsfield - who lead the Argentinian Clausura standings - hammered Ecuadorian giants Liga de Quito 3-0. Augusto Fernandez gave Velez a two-goal lead in the opening 11 minutes, adding the final touch to a Santiago Silva cross in the eighth minute to get the ball rolling.
Ten minutes after the break, Sebastian Dominguez headed home an Emiliano Papa cross from the left to give Velez a strong advantage heading into the second leg. Just before Velez's third, LDU midfielder Luis Bolanos was shown a second yellow card, while Neicer Reasco left his team with nine men with 21 minutes to go as he was dismissed for a bad foul on Papa.
Velez midfielder Fernandez told Fox Sports: "Scoring two goals is very important, but winning is even more vital. The three-goal lead is good in this round, but we could have scored one more."
The second leg of this tie will be played on 5 May in Quito.
Chilean giants Universidad Catolica took a very important step towards the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals with a 2-1 win away to Brazilian side Gremio in Porto Alegre on Tuesday night in the first leg of the sides' last-16 clash.
Lucas Pratto was the hero for Juan Antonio Pizzi's side as he netted either side of half-time to set Catolica up nicely for the second leg on 4 May. Pratto put the visitors ahead in the 29th minute, receiving possession from Marcelo Canete before he unleashed a right-foot strike.
Gremio forward Borges was sent off in the 35th minute for striking David Henriquez in the face with an elbow, but Douglas equalised for the hosts with a long-range shot just before the hour mark. The Chileans regained the lead with 15 minutes left as Pratto headed home Rodrigo Valenzuela's cross from the right.
The two-goal hero Pratto said afterwards: "Everybody was talking about Gremio beating us by a number of goals. We beat them on their own turf. We counter-attacked very well. Now, we should not relax. The score is good for us, but we must do our best in the second leg."
Catolica coach Pizzi added: "We beat great opponents. All our lines were solid tonight. We made the necessary difference and had almost no problems during the match."
In Buenos Aires, hosts Velez Sarsfield - who lead the Argentinian Clausura standings - hammered Ecuadorian giants Liga de Quito 3-0. Augusto Fernandez gave Velez a two-goal lead in the opening 11 minutes, adding the final touch to a Santiago Silva cross in the eighth minute to get the ball rolling.
Ten minutes after the break, Sebastian Dominguez headed home an Emiliano Papa cross from the left to give Velez a strong advantage heading into the second leg. Just before Velez's third, LDU midfielder Luis Bolanos was shown a second yellow card, while Neicer Reasco left his team with nine men with 21 minutes to go as he was dismissed for a bad foul on Papa.
Velez midfielder Fernandez told Fox Sports: "Scoring two goals is very important, but winning is even more vital. The three-goal lead is good in this round, but we could have scored one more."
The second leg of this tie will be played on 5 May in Quito.
Neuer: We gave United too much respect
Neuer: We gave United too much respect
Manuel Neuer has claimed words of praise from Sir Alex Ferguson were no consolation after Schalke's 2-0 defeat by Manchester United in last night's UEFA Champions League semi-final, first leg in Gelsenkirchen.
The 69-year-old Scot hailed the Germany international's display as the best goalkeeping performance against the Red Devils since he assumed their reins in 1986.
Neuer, who is set to leave Schalke in the summer, with Bayern Munich his expected destination, pulled off a succession of outstanding first-half saves to keep his side in the game before he was beaten by post-interval efforts from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.
Asked if Ferguson's comments made him proud, he said: "Of course it's nice to hear things like that. But we have lost 2-0 and that irritates me very much."
Of course it's nice to hear things like that. But we have lost 2-0 and that irritates me very much.
Manuel Neuer of Schalke on praise from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
Neuer claimed Die Königsblauen showed United too much respect. "It was not [nerves], but the respect was very big - perhaps too big," he added.
The 25-year-old admitted his side now had "nothing more to lose" in the second leg at Old Trafford next week, but insisted they were not out of it.
"The first half will be nervous," he said. "If we go 1-0 up there, we'll still be in with a chance. The crowd will get nervous.
"They'll expect a clear win against the underdogs. But for that to happen we need a perfect day."
However, veteran forward Raul believes Schalke's hopes of making the final are all but over. "For us it will be very, very tough," he conceded.
Manuel Neuer has claimed words of praise from Sir Alex Ferguson were no consolation after Schalke's 2-0 defeat by Manchester United in last night's UEFA Champions League semi-final, first leg in Gelsenkirchen.
The 69-year-old Scot hailed the Germany international's display as the best goalkeeping performance against the Red Devils since he assumed their reins in 1986.
Neuer, who is set to leave Schalke in the summer, with Bayern Munich his expected destination, pulled off a succession of outstanding first-half saves to keep his side in the game before he was beaten by post-interval efforts from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.
Asked if Ferguson's comments made him proud, he said: "Of course it's nice to hear things like that. But we have lost 2-0 and that irritates me very much."
Of course it's nice to hear things like that. But we have lost 2-0 and that irritates me very much.
Manuel Neuer of Schalke on praise from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
Neuer claimed Die Königsblauen showed United too much respect. "It was not [nerves], but the respect was very big - perhaps too big," he added.
The 25-year-old admitted his side now had "nothing more to lose" in the second leg at Old Trafford next week, but insisted they were not out of it.
"The first half will be nervous," he said. "If we go 1-0 up there, we'll still be in with a chance. The crowd will get nervous.
"They'll expect a clear win against the underdogs. But for that to happen we need a perfect day."
However, veteran forward Raul believes Schalke's hopes of making the final are all but over. "For us it will be very, very tough," he conceded.
Cartagena ready for its big night
Cartagena ready for its big night
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colombian coastal city of Cartagena is busying itself for the Official Draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011, which takes place on Wednesday evening. The eagerly anticipated event begins at 20.00 local time at the Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala Convention Centre and will see the 24 contenders to Ghana’s crown drawn into six groups of four.
Luck of the draw
The draw will also decide which games are played where and will reveal the identity of the two sides that will get the tournament underway in Barranquilla on 29 July. “We're absolutely delighted to be staging this event in a city as famous as Cartagena,” the President of the Colombian Football Association and the Colombia 2011 Local Organising Committee, Luis H. Bedoya Giraldo, told FIFA.com.
“We've worked very hard to show the world all the great things this country has to offer, a country full of good, hard-working people and one which is ready to host a historic World Cup,” added Bedoya, who will have the honour of welcoming some of world football’s foremost dignitaries to Cartagena.
The compère for the evening will be Carolina Gomez, a well-known Colombian actress, model and conductor. Among the many leading figures taking part in the ceremony are former Colombia internationals Oscar Cordoba and Carlos Valderrama, the Mayor of Cartagena Judith Pinedo, and the talented Yorely Rincon, one of the stars of the Colombia side that will travel to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™.
We've worked very hard to show the world all the great things this country has to offer, a country full of good, hard-working people and one which is ready to host a historic World Cup.
Luis H. Bedoya Giraldo, President of the Colombian Football Association
Making sure everything goes well with a swing will be Colombian singer Jorge Celedon, who will perform the official tournament song Nuestra Fiesta (Our Party). “The song will give the tournament an identity and get the whole country dancing,” Bedoya said earlier this month.
A glittering guest list
More than 600 guests and nearly 200 journalists are expected to attend the convention centre. Among them will be some of Colombia’s most prominent footballing and sporting celebrities, such as the country’s national team coach Hernan Dario Gomez and one of his predecessors, Francisco Maturana, not to mention high-ranking officials from the Colombian and global football families.
Heading the list will be FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who is also the President of the Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and FIFA’s Director of Competitions Mustapha Fahmy, while a number of national FA presidents will also be making their way to Cartagena along with CONMEBOL President Nicolas Leoz.
They will be joined by the President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos, his Vice-President Angelino Garzon, and representatives from the eight venues and 24 finalists for an event that Bedoya anticipates will be “an unforgettable celebration for Colombian football”.
The third South American country to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup after Chile in 1987 and Argentina in 2001, Colombia will be staging games at eight different cities: Armenia, Barranquilla, Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Manizales, Medellin and Pereira. Following the Official Draw, the eight venues will be inspected by delegations representing the 24 participating nations.
Follow the draw live here
As is always the case on occasions like this, FIFA.com will be on hand to bring you all the news from Cartagena as it happens, including the Official Draw itself plus analysis and reactions from those present.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colombian coastal city of Cartagena is busying itself for the Official Draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011, which takes place on Wednesday evening. The eagerly anticipated event begins at 20.00 local time at the Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala Convention Centre and will see the 24 contenders to Ghana’s crown drawn into six groups of four.
Luck of the draw
The draw will also decide which games are played where and will reveal the identity of the two sides that will get the tournament underway in Barranquilla on 29 July. “We're absolutely delighted to be staging this event in a city as famous as Cartagena,” the President of the Colombian Football Association and the Colombia 2011 Local Organising Committee, Luis H. Bedoya Giraldo, told FIFA.com.
“We've worked very hard to show the world all the great things this country has to offer, a country full of good, hard-working people and one which is ready to host a historic World Cup,” added Bedoya, who will have the honour of welcoming some of world football’s foremost dignitaries to Cartagena.
The compère for the evening will be Carolina Gomez, a well-known Colombian actress, model and conductor. Among the many leading figures taking part in the ceremony are former Colombia internationals Oscar Cordoba and Carlos Valderrama, the Mayor of Cartagena Judith Pinedo, and the talented Yorely Rincon, one of the stars of the Colombia side that will travel to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™.
We've worked very hard to show the world all the great things this country has to offer, a country full of good, hard-working people and one which is ready to host a historic World Cup.
Luis H. Bedoya Giraldo, President of the Colombian Football Association
Making sure everything goes well with a swing will be Colombian singer Jorge Celedon, who will perform the official tournament song Nuestra Fiesta (Our Party). “The song will give the tournament an identity and get the whole country dancing,” Bedoya said earlier this month.
A glittering guest list
More than 600 guests and nearly 200 journalists are expected to attend the convention centre. Among them will be some of Colombia’s most prominent footballing and sporting celebrities, such as the country’s national team coach Hernan Dario Gomez and one of his predecessors, Francisco Maturana, not to mention high-ranking officials from the Colombian and global football families.
Heading the list will be FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who is also the President of the Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and FIFA’s Director of Competitions Mustapha Fahmy, while a number of national FA presidents will also be making their way to Cartagena along with CONMEBOL President Nicolas Leoz.
They will be joined by the President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos, his Vice-President Angelino Garzon, and representatives from the eight venues and 24 finalists for an event that Bedoya anticipates will be “an unforgettable celebration for Colombian football”.
The third South American country to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup after Chile in 1987 and Argentina in 2001, Colombia will be staging games at eight different cities: Armenia, Barranquilla, Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Manizales, Medellin and Pereira. Following the Official Draw, the eight venues will be inspected by delegations representing the 24 participating nations.
Follow the draw live here
As is always the case on occasions like this, FIFA.com will be on hand to bring you all the news from Cartagena as it happens, including the Official Draw itself plus analysis and reactions from those present.
Fergie braced for crucial United week
Fergie braced for crucial United week
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson basked in the 2-0 UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg win over Schalke on Wednesday and admitted that his team now face a crucial seven days.
United tackle Arsenal on Sunday and fellow Premier League title rivals Chelsea the weekend after with the return European leg against Schalke sandwiched in between. "I hope we get a positive result on Sunday against Arsenal and then from there, depending on that result, I may well make three changes for next week's second leg as we've got Chelsea the weekend after," said Ferguson. "It's a crucial seven days coming up for the club. I think we've come to our peak."
United are on the verge of a record 19th English league title, standing six points ahead of Chelsea and nine in front of Arsenal with just four matches left. And after Tuesday's impressive win, they are virtually assured of a place in the 28 May final of the Champions League where either Barcelona or Real Madrid will be their opponents.
The concentration, intensity and passing were all top class. They have all done fantastically well.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on his team's performance against Schalke
Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a reported United target, kept the three-time champions at bay almost single-handedly on Tuesday before quick-fire second-half goals from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney brought United victory. The result puts Ferguson's side firmly in the driving seat ahead of next week's return leg at Old Trafford, when they will seek to book their place in the Champions League final for the third time in four seasons.
"It was a very professional performance tonight," added Ferguson. "The concentration, intensity and passing were all top class. They have all done fantastically well."
Neuer admitted that United were just too good. "We had too much respect for our opponents," said Neuer. "We weren't compact enough, we weren't aggressive in the tackles. We can be proud of what we have done. We will try and keep the adventure going to the end."
Ferguson was impressed by Neuer, who seems set to move to Bayern Munich in the summer. "Manuel Neuer was incredible, it was perhaps the best performance I have seen by a keeper against us in my career."
Rooney, sent off on his last appearance at this venue in the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, believes United could have scored more goals after dominating from the early stages. "We're delighted but a bit disappointed in terms of not scoring more," he said. "We have done very well. We have to be professional for the second leg as Schalke can't be taken lightly. They went to Inter and won 5-2 (in the first leg of their quarter-final)."
Giggs was always confident of victory. "I thought if we kept creating chances then they would go in," said the Welshman who, at 37, became the oldest player to score a Champions League goal. "We could have been four or five up at half-time. Before the match we would have taken 2-0 but it's quite disappointing in terms of the final result now."
The situation at the moment is that United have a better chance, but things happen in football and you never know.
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick
Schalke defender Christoph Metzelder admitted his side were outplayed. "We have to recognise that we were dominated by a team playing in a different dimension," he said. "We still have hope, anything is possible. We'll try and do everything to win at Old Trafford."
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick refused to give up the ghost saying his side would not throw in the towel in the second leg at Old Trafford. "Why give up? Of course we won't do that," he said.
"The situation at the moment is that United have a better chance, but things happen in football and you never know. Perhaps they feel too secure and we can spring a surprise. We now have a Bundesliga game against Bayern Munich and then we play United. Of course we're going to attack them. But yes, we need to improve some points."
Rangnick said the ferocious will to win that had been so evident against Inter had not deserted his side. "I wouldn't say there was a problem with our fighting spirit," he said. "I think it was more of a tactical problem. We didn't really fit in the right position. You can't assume you can play the same against Inter every game. You need to have the right tactical nous in each position to play a game like this."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson basked in the 2-0 UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg win over Schalke on Wednesday and admitted that his team now face a crucial seven days.
United tackle Arsenal on Sunday and fellow Premier League title rivals Chelsea the weekend after with the return European leg against Schalke sandwiched in between. "I hope we get a positive result on Sunday against Arsenal and then from there, depending on that result, I may well make three changes for next week's second leg as we've got Chelsea the weekend after," said Ferguson. "It's a crucial seven days coming up for the club. I think we've come to our peak."
United are on the verge of a record 19th English league title, standing six points ahead of Chelsea and nine in front of Arsenal with just four matches left. And after Tuesday's impressive win, they are virtually assured of a place in the 28 May final of the Champions League where either Barcelona or Real Madrid will be their opponents.
The concentration, intensity and passing were all top class. They have all done fantastically well.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on his team's performance against Schalke
Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a reported United target, kept the three-time champions at bay almost single-handedly on Tuesday before quick-fire second-half goals from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney brought United victory. The result puts Ferguson's side firmly in the driving seat ahead of next week's return leg at Old Trafford, when they will seek to book their place in the Champions League final for the third time in four seasons.
"It was a very professional performance tonight," added Ferguson. "The concentration, intensity and passing were all top class. They have all done fantastically well."
Neuer admitted that United were just too good. "We had too much respect for our opponents," said Neuer. "We weren't compact enough, we weren't aggressive in the tackles. We can be proud of what we have done. We will try and keep the adventure going to the end."
Ferguson was impressed by Neuer, who seems set to move to Bayern Munich in the summer. "Manuel Neuer was incredible, it was perhaps the best performance I have seen by a keeper against us in my career."
Rooney, sent off on his last appearance at this venue in the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, believes United could have scored more goals after dominating from the early stages. "We're delighted but a bit disappointed in terms of not scoring more," he said. "We have done very well. We have to be professional for the second leg as Schalke can't be taken lightly. They went to Inter and won 5-2 (in the first leg of their quarter-final)."
Giggs was always confident of victory. "I thought if we kept creating chances then they would go in," said the Welshman who, at 37, became the oldest player to score a Champions League goal. "We could have been four or five up at half-time. Before the match we would have taken 2-0 but it's quite disappointing in terms of the final result now."
The situation at the moment is that United have a better chance, but things happen in football and you never know.
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick
Schalke defender Christoph Metzelder admitted his side were outplayed. "We have to recognise that we were dominated by a team playing in a different dimension," he said. "We still have hope, anything is possible. We'll try and do everything to win at Old Trafford."
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick refused to give up the ghost saying his side would not throw in the towel in the second leg at Old Trafford. "Why give up? Of course we won't do that," he said.
"The situation at the moment is that United have a better chance, but things happen in football and you never know. Perhaps they feel too secure and we can spring a surprise. We now have a Bundesliga game against Bayern Munich and then we play United. Of course we're going to attack them. But yes, we need to improve some points."
Rangnick said the ferocious will to win that had been so evident against Inter had not deserted his side. "I wouldn't say there was a problem with our fighting spirit," he said. "I think it was more of a tactical problem. We didn't really fit in the right position. You can't assume you can play the same against Inter every game. You need to have the right tactical nous in each position to play a game like this."
Mourinho remarks fire up Guardiola
Mourinho remarks fire up Guardiola
Coach Pep Guardiola wants Barcelona to do their talking on the pitch after a dramatic war of words erupted between him and Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho ahead of tonight's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.
Mourinho sparked an uncharacteristically angry response from Guardiola during his pre-match press conference last night with comments the Portuguese made about his opposite number earlier in the day.
Mourinho branded Guardiola as being a unique coach who "criticises the right decisions made by referees", referring to comments attributed to the Barcelona boss following last week's Copa del Rey final regarding a disallowed Pedro Rodriguez goal for offside.
That brought about a biting response from Guardiola, who said his post-cup comments had been misinterpreted. Guardiola also sarcastically conceded that Mourinho was the undisputed king of the press room and had won the off-field battle, but looked ahead to tonight's game for his side to make their response.
We will meet each other on the pitch. He's won his games off the pitch.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola
"Tomorrow we will meet each other on the pitch. He's won his games off the pitch and I'll give him his personal Champions (League) for that," said Guardiola. "In this room, he's the... the person who knows everything about the world and I don't want to compete with him at all.
"If you think that his allegation that I always complain about the referees is true after you've all heard from me over the last three years, well there's nothing I can do. Off the pitch there's nothing we can do to fight that. Off the pitch, he has already won, as he has done all year. On the pitch, we'll see what happens."
Guardiola has plenty on his plate heading into the semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu without having to worry about Mourinho's comments. Already without Eric Abidal, Adriano, Maxwell and Bojan Krkic, he lost Spain international Andres Iniesta for tonight's match due to a calf injury.
Madrid, who beat Barcelona 1-0 in the Copa del Rey final to end a three-year barren spell without any silverware, have less concerns. They are without the suspended Ricardo Carvalho and injured Sami Khedira and Fernando Gago, but with a supposed second-string side thrashing Valencia 6-3 at the weekend, Mourinho has an embarrassing array of riches at his disposal.
Taking all that into account, Guardiola said at the weekend that his side were underdogs heading into tonight's game. However, Mourinho dismissed that suggestion, saying: "For me there are no favourites. It's the Champions League semi-finals - two rival teams who know each other very well. Two teams with long traditions, two teams whose players know what it is to be successful, who know how to win things and play big matches."
Coach Pep Guardiola wants Barcelona to do their talking on the pitch after a dramatic war of words erupted between him and Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho ahead of tonight's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.
Mourinho sparked an uncharacteristically angry response from Guardiola during his pre-match press conference last night with comments the Portuguese made about his opposite number earlier in the day.
Mourinho branded Guardiola as being a unique coach who "criticises the right decisions made by referees", referring to comments attributed to the Barcelona boss following last week's Copa del Rey final regarding a disallowed Pedro Rodriguez goal for offside.
That brought about a biting response from Guardiola, who said his post-cup comments had been misinterpreted. Guardiola also sarcastically conceded that Mourinho was the undisputed king of the press room and had won the off-field battle, but looked ahead to tonight's game for his side to make their response.
We will meet each other on the pitch. He's won his games off the pitch.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola
"Tomorrow we will meet each other on the pitch. He's won his games off the pitch and I'll give him his personal Champions (League) for that," said Guardiola. "In this room, he's the... the person who knows everything about the world and I don't want to compete with him at all.
"If you think that his allegation that I always complain about the referees is true after you've all heard from me over the last three years, well there's nothing I can do. Off the pitch there's nothing we can do to fight that. Off the pitch, he has already won, as he has done all year. On the pitch, we'll see what happens."
Guardiola has plenty on his plate heading into the semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu without having to worry about Mourinho's comments. Already without Eric Abidal, Adriano, Maxwell and Bojan Krkic, he lost Spain international Andres Iniesta for tonight's match due to a calf injury.
Madrid, who beat Barcelona 1-0 in the Copa del Rey final to end a three-year barren spell without any silverware, have less concerns. They are without the suspended Ricardo Carvalho and injured Sami Khedira and Fernando Gago, but with a supposed second-string side thrashing Valencia 6-3 at the weekend, Mourinho has an embarrassing array of riches at his disposal.
Taking all that into account, Guardiola said at the weekend that his side were underdogs heading into tonight's game. However, Mourinho dismissed that suggestion, saying: "For me there are no favourites. It's the Champions League semi-finals - two rival teams who know each other very well. Two teams with long traditions, two teams whose players know what it is to be successful, who know how to win things and play big matches."
Van der Wiel inking his own future
Van der Wiel inking his own future
In the hit American television series Prison Break, the hero Michael Scofield used a blueprint of the prison hidden in his tattoos as part of an elaborate escape plan. It is easy to imagine the premise appealing to Netherlands defender Gregory van der Wiel, though the copious ink designs covering his own arms serve an altogether different purpose: to never let him lose sight of how far he has come.
“Sometimes I look at a few of them to remind me of their message,” the right-back told FIFA.com, in the sunlit surroundings of Ajax’s training complex. Indeed, nine years ago, Van der Wiel was taken aside by Ajax academy staff and asked to continue his development elsewhere in a bid to improve his discipline. A loan move to nearby Haarlem was agreed and the 23-year-old now looks back upon his spell there as a crucial one.
“That’s where I became who I am,” he said. The youngster quickly matured at Haarlem and his playing skills evolved too, to the extent that aged 17 he was invited back into the Ajax fold. Two years later he was handed his Eredivisie debut and his dream was back on track.
From there, his upward trajectory has not faltered. Winner of the Johan Cruyff Prize as the best young talent in the Dutch elite last year, Van der Wiel earned himself a trip to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and helped the Oranje finish runners-up, making five appearances and starting the Final. Now attracting admiring glances from a number of leading clubs in England, he can look with pride upon the message contained in one of his more recent tattoos: “Don’t judge a person by their appearance.”
‘I’ve grown up’
"People often see me as a bad boy because of my style,” added the defender, billed by international team-mate John Heitinga as the long-term successor to Michael Reiziger. “Hip hop is my culture so I often wear headphones. I dress in streetwear and that means some people get me wrong. It’s a shame.”
Van der Wiel is nonetheless willing to admit his past mistakes. “I should never have told the press that my boyhood idol was [ex-Feyenoord and current Arsenal striker] Robin van Persie,” he explained with a smile. “The [Ajax] supporters took a long time to forgive me for that.”
I’ve grown up, I’ve matured. I’ve got used to the lifestyle of a footballer.
Gregory van der Wiel, Netherlands defender
He has also moved on from the controversy surrounding his presence at a concert by the rapper Lil’ Wayne in 2009, after he had withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for a friendly in Australia due to medical reasons. As for being sent away from the Ajax academy in his youth, he now feels it was the correct decision. “With hindsight, they were right,” he said.
“I was acting tough, had a big mouth and I deserved it. At Haarlem, I focused on my game and I calmed down. I progressed and I came back here even though I had offers from other teams. This is my club, this is my town and I wanted to show that I’d changed.”
He did precisely that and he continues to reap the benefits. “I’ve grown up, I’ve matured. I’ve got used to the lifestyle of a footballer,” added the Amsterdam native, whose philosophy remains consistent whether he is wearing jeans or football boots: “I take each day as it comes.”
‘I still haven’t got over it’
Van der Wiel relishes his privileged standing as a professional, but his laid-back approach to life has its limits and he takes little for granted, least of all the wealth that comes with the job. “We didn’t have much when I was young, but my parents gave me a lot,” he said, his Dutch mother and father from Curacao still living just two minutes away from him.
“They took me by bike if they had to when I needed to go and play. I was four-years-old and that taught me the value of money. I give them some every month and I appreciate mine even more than I otherwise would have.”
Further riches potentially lay in store abroad and Van der Wiel admits he is intrigued by the prospect of testing himself on a different stage. “I’ve never left Amsterdam and I don’t know what life is like elsewhere. It would be a huge challenge, but it ought to work out well; I’m sure of that.”
Despite the interest emanating from the Premier League, however, he is fully focused on helping Ajax in the race for the Eredivisie title. “I want to win trophies, keep progressing and play at the very highest level,” he said, having learnt from last year’s adventure in South Africa to “keep believing in my qualities and stay confident”.
First capped in 2009, Van der Wiel looks upon the Netherlands squad as another “family”, and together with his Oranje brethren he is desperate to heal the wounds opened in the loss to Spain at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium on 11 July 2010.
“To lose like that, four minutes from the end, was so harsh. If we’d have gone to penalties, we would have won it. I still haven’t got over that lost Final and I won’t unless we win the World Cup.” That is one message he will surely never need a tattoo to reinforce.
In the hit American television series Prison Break, the hero Michael Scofield used a blueprint of the prison hidden in his tattoos as part of an elaborate escape plan. It is easy to imagine the premise appealing to Netherlands defender Gregory van der Wiel, though the copious ink designs covering his own arms serve an altogether different purpose: to never let him lose sight of how far he has come.
“Sometimes I look at a few of them to remind me of their message,” the right-back told FIFA.com, in the sunlit surroundings of Ajax’s training complex. Indeed, nine years ago, Van der Wiel was taken aside by Ajax academy staff and asked to continue his development elsewhere in a bid to improve his discipline. A loan move to nearby Haarlem was agreed and the 23-year-old now looks back upon his spell there as a crucial one.
“That’s where I became who I am,” he said. The youngster quickly matured at Haarlem and his playing skills evolved too, to the extent that aged 17 he was invited back into the Ajax fold. Two years later he was handed his Eredivisie debut and his dream was back on track.
From there, his upward trajectory has not faltered. Winner of the Johan Cruyff Prize as the best young talent in the Dutch elite last year, Van der Wiel earned himself a trip to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and helped the Oranje finish runners-up, making five appearances and starting the Final. Now attracting admiring glances from a number of leading clubs in England, he can look with pride upon the message contained in one of his more recent tattoos: “Don’t judge a person by their appearance.”
‘I’ve grown up’
"People often see me as a bad boy because of my style,” added the defender, billed by international team-mate John Heitinga as the long-term successor to Michael Reiziger. “Hip hop is my culture so I often wear headphones. I dress in streetwear and that means some people get me wrong. It’s a shame.”
Van der Wiel is nonetheless willing to admit his past mistakes. “I should never have told the press that my boyhood idol was [ex-Feyenoord and current Arsenal striker] Robin van Persie,” he explained with a smile. “The [Ajax] supporters took a long time to forgive me for that.”
I’ve grown up, I’ve matured. I’ve got used to the lifestyle of a footballer.
Gregory van der Wiel, Netherlands defender
He has also moved on from the controversy surrounding his presence at a concert by the rapper Lil’ Wayne in 2009, after he had withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for a friendly in Australia due to medical reasons. As for being sent away from the Ajax academy in his youth, he now feels it was the correct decision. “With hindsight, they were right,” he said.
“I was acting tough, had a big mouth and I deserved it. At Haarlem, I focused on my game and I calmed down. I progressed and I came back here even though I had offers from other teams. This is my club, this is my town and I wanted to show that I’d changed.”
He did precisely that and he continues to reap the benefits. “I’ve grown up, I’ve matured. I’ve got used to the lifestyle of a footballer,” added the Amsterdam native, whose philosophy remains consistent whether he is wearing jeans or football boots: “I take each day as it comes.”
‘I still haven’t got over it’
Van der Wiel relishes his privileged standing as a professional, but his laid-back approach to life has its limits and he takes little for granted, least of all the wealth that comes with the job. “We didn’t have much when I was young, but my parents gave me a lot,” he said, his Dutch mother and father from Curacao still living just two minutes away from him.
“They took me by bike if they had to when I needed to go and play. I was four-years-old and that taught me the value of money. I give them some every month and I appreciate mine even more than I otherwise would have.”
Further riches potentially lay in store abroad and Van der Wiel admits he is intrigued by the prospect of testing himself on a different stage. “I’ve never left Amsterdam and I don’t know what life is like elsewhere. It would be a huge challenge, but it ought to work out well; I’m sure of that.”
Despite the interest emanating from the Premier League, however, he is fully focused on helping Ajax in the race for the Eredivisie title. “I want to win trophies, keep progressing and play at the very highest level,” he said, having learnt from last year’s adventure in South Africa to “keep believing in my qualities and stay confident”.
First capped in 2009, Van der Wiel looks upon the Netherlands squad as another “family”, and together with his Oranje brethren he is desperate to heal the wounds opened in the loss to Spain at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium on 11 July 2010.
“To lose like that, four minutes from the end, was so harsh. If we’d have gone to penalties, we would have won it. I still haven’t got over that lost Final and I won’t unless we win the World Cup.” That is one message he will surely never need a tattoo to reinforce.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Gutierrez: Fans are incredibly passionate
Gutierrez: Fans are incredibly passionate
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 19 April 2011
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Jonas Gutierrez was considered so important to Argentina by Diego Maradona that he once announced his team was "Mascherano, Messi, Jonas and eight more." Sadly for the midfielder, it seems current Albiceleste coach Sergio Batista does not feel the same way, omitting him from the last six matches.
Yet the 27-year-old is adored by supporters of Newcastle United and, as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the club tonight at home to Manchester United, FIFA.com caught up with him for a chat about the Magpies, Maradona, Lionel Messi, this year's Copa America and more.
FIFA.com: Jonas, Newcastle have defied many people's expectations so far this season. Why do you think the club has done so well after promotion?
Jonas Gutierrez: We have a good squad of players and a terrific team spirit. Some of our results have been outstanding - for example the heavy home wins over Aston Villa, Sunderland and West Ham - but at the same time we have let ourselves down against teams like Stoke and Blackpool, who have come to St James’ Park and won.
What was your reaction to the sacking of Chris Hughton and are you enjoying playing under Alan Pardew?
The players enjoyed playing for Chris and we enjoy playing for Alan too. It’s football, changes happen, and you just have to move on and play your best in every game.
Arguably the game of this Premier League season was the 4-4 draw with Arsenal, when Newcastle recovered from 4-0 down. What was that like to play in?
Crazy. The first half was horrendous; the second phenomenal! I have never played in a game like it. And what’s more, both teams could have got a fifth in injury time, can you imagine that? Unbelievable! Cheik Tiote’s goal to equalise was outstanding, it was his first for the club and you should have seen his celebration! John Carver (Newcastle's assistant manager) was telling us all to calm down after Cheik’s goal and concentrate, but we wanted the winner!
You played in the now famous 5-1 defeat of Sunderland. Were you aware of how important this game is to the Newcastle fans and did this spur the side on to perform?
Without a doubt, it’s the game of the season here in the North East and it was a very memorable day. But when we went to Sunderland in January and were only denied victory in the last minute, it was heartbreaking for the team and the fans. However, we didn’t lose to them in either game and a 6-2 aggregate win in our favour keeps us happy! I see the fans when I am out and all they want to talk about is Newcastle United and of course after those two games, they kept patting me on the back and saying ‘well done.’
The first half was horrendous; the second phenomenal! I have never played in a game like it.
Jonas Gutierrez on Newcastle's 4-4 draw with Arsenal.
Has the presence of fellow Argentinian Fabricio Coloccini helped you settle at Newcastle United. Do you keep in contact with any other of your compatriots in the Premier League?
Yes, it’s great having Colo here with me. We also have Jose Enrique here, another Spanish-speaking player, so there is plenty of company. And don’t forget Xisco too, who’s currently out on loan at Deportivo. Marcos Angeleri is down the road at Sunderland and of course there are other lads at clubs like Man City, so we’re not alone!
The Newcastle fans are famous for their vocal support. How do they compare to the supporters in Mallorca and back in Argentina?
They are incredibly passionate and give their all for the team. It really is great to play for them both at home and away, where they follow us in large numbers. The fans in Argentina are similar because they have a fantastic desire for the team to do well.
Tell us about the Spiderman mask that you celebrate with. Where did the idea come from?
When I was in Mallorca, I went to the cinema and that’s when I first saw it. It all took off from there. You saw it a few times last season in the Championship but when I scored this season at Manchester City, I didn’t have it with me, so just celebrated anyway. But it wasn’t a good day as we lost the game. It’s no good scoring if you don’t get any points. That’s most important thing for me.
Turning to Argentina, you got to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa. Were you disappointed not to go further in the competition with the strength of the squad?
Yes. We all felt we had a good chance to go further in the competition than we did. We had a good team and a strong squad, but against the Germans we just had a terrible day. That’s football, it happens.
How was it playing under a legend like Diego Maradona? Do you miss him as coach?
Diego is a legend in Argentina and rightly so. It was a pleasure to play for him, he was unique as a manager and brought a tremendous amount to the team.
You were played in defence during the World Cup. Did you enjoy that role?
Well, it was unusual but you are playing for Argentina so it was not a problem for me.
There is no doubt he is the outstanding player in world football right now, a really special talent that you only see once in a while.
Gutierrez on Lionel Messi.
You weren't called up by Sergio Batista to face Spain in September. Is that frustrating or do you take it as a new challenge to work hard and be called again?
Absolutely. All I will do is work hard and play my best for Newcastle United and just see what happens.
Having played alongside Lionel Messi, were you pleased he won the FIFA Ballon d'Or and did you think he was a deserving winner?
Hugely deserving, there is no doubt he is the outstanding player in world football right now, a really special talent that you only see once in a while.
Argentina have lost the last two Copa America finals and haven't won the competition since 1993. Do you feel that you are favourites for the tournament this year, with it being played in your country?
It is good that the tournament is being played in Argentina but that does not mean that we are automatically the favourites. Yes, we have a good chance but there are a lot of good teams competing who are capable of challenging for first place.
You have been drawn alongside Japan in this year’s tournament. Are you looking forward to facing a team from outside of South America?
Whatever competition you’re playing in, I think it’s great when you play teams from other continents, as it’s always a test to pit yourself against different styles of play. That’s what is so wonderful about international football.
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 19 April 2011
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Jonas Gutierrez was considered so important to Argentina by Diego Maradona that he once announced his team was "Mascherano, Messi, Jonas and eight more." Sadly for the midfielder, it seems current Albiceleste coach Sergio Batista does not feel the same way, omitting him from the last six matches.
Yet the 27-year-old is adored by supporters of Newcastle United and, as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the club tonight at home to Manchester United, FIFA.com caught up with him for a chat about the Magpies, Maradona, Lionel Messi, this year's Copa America and more.
FIFA.com: Jonas, Newcastle have defied many people's expectations so far this season. Why do you think the club has done so well after promotion?
Jonas Gutierrez: We have a good squad of players and a terrific team spirit. Some of our results have been outstanding - for example the heavy home wins over Aston Villa, Sunderland and West Ham - but at the same time we have let ourselves down against teams like Stoke and Blackpool, who have come to St James’ Park and won.
What was your reaction to the sacking of Chris Hughton and are you enjoying playing under Alan Pardew?
The players enjoyed playing for Chris and we enjoy playing for Alan too. It’s football, changes happen, and you just have to move on and play your best in every game.
Arguably the game of this Premier League season was the 4-4 draw with Arsenal, when Newcastle recovered from 4-0 down. What was that like to play in?
Crazy. The first half was horrendous; the second phenomenal! I have never played in a game like it. And what’s more, both teams could have got a fifth in injury time, can you imagine that? Unbelievable! Cheik Tiote’s goal to equalise was outstanding, it was his first for the club and you should have seen his celebration! John Carver (Newcastle's assistant manager) was telling us all to calm down after Cheik’s goal and concentrate, but we wanted the winner!
You played in the now famous 5-1 defeat of Sunderland. Were you aware of how important this game is to the Newcastle fans and did this spur the side on to perform?
Without a doubt, it’s the game of the season here in the North East and it was a very memorable day. But when we went to Sunderland in January and were only denied victory in the last minute, it was heartbreaking for the team and the fans. However, we didn’t lose to them in either game and a 6-2 aggregate win in our favour keeps us happy! I see the fans when I am out and all they want to talk about is Newcastle United and of course after those two games, they kept patting me on the back and saying ‘well done.’
The first half was horrendous; the second phenomenal! I have never played in a game like it.
Jonas Gutierrez on Newcastle's 4-4 draw with Arsenal.
Has the presence of fellow Argentinian Fabricio Coloccini helped you settle at Newcastle United. Do you keep in contact with any other of your compatriots in the Premier League?
Yes, it’s great having Colo here with me. We also have Jose Enrique here, another Spanish-speaking player, so there is plenty of company. And don’t forget Xisco too, who’s currently out on loan at Deportivo. Marcos Angeleri is down the road at Sunderland and of course there are other lads at clubs like Man City, so we’re not alone!
The Newcastle fans are famous for their vocal support. How do they compare to the supporters in Mallorca and back in Argentina?
They are incredibly passionate and give their all for the team. It really is great to play for them both at home and away, where they follow us in large numbers. The fans in Argentina are similar because they have a fantastic desire for the team to do well.
Tell us about the Spiderman mask that you celebrate with. Where did the idea come from?
When I was in Mallorca, I went to the cinema and that’s when I first saw it. It all took off from there. You saw it a few times last season in the Championship but when I scored this season at Manchester City, I didn’t have it with me, so just celebrated anyway. But it wasn’t a good day as we lost the game. It’s no good scoring if you don’t get any points. That’s most important thing for me.
Turning to Argentina, you got to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa. Were you disappointed not to go further in the competition with the strength of the squad?
Yes. We all felt we had a good chance to go further in the competition than we did. We had a good team and a strong squad, but against the Germans we just had a terrible day. That’s football, it happens.
How was it playing under a legend like Diego Maradona? Do you miss him as coach?
Diego is a legend in Argentina and rightly so. It was a pleasure to play for him, he was unique as a manager and brought a tremendous amount to the team.
You were played in defence during the World Cup. Did you enjoy that role?
Well, it was unusual but you are playing for Argentina so it was not a problem for me.
There is no doubt he is the outstanding player in world football right now, a really special talent that you only see once in a while.
Gutierrez on Lionel Messi.
You weren't called up by Sergio Batista to face Spain in September. Is that frustrating or do you take it as a new challenge to work hard and be called again?
Absolutely. All I will do is work hard and play my best for Newcastle United and just see what happens.
Having played alongside Lionel Messi, were you pleased he won the FIFA Ballon d'Or and did you think he was a deserving winner?
Hugely deserving, there is no doubt he is the outstanding player in world football right now, a really special talent that you only see once in a while.
Argentina have lost the last two Copa America finals and haven't won the competition since 1993. Do you feel that you are favourites for the tournament this year, with it being played in your country?
It is good that the tournament is being played in Argentina but that does not mean that we are automatically the favourites. Yes, we have a good chance but there are a lot of good teams competing who are capable of challenging for first place.
You have been drawn alongside Japan in this year’s tournament. Are you looking forward to facing a team from outside of South America?
Whatever competition you’re playing in, I think it’s great when you play teams from other continents, as it’s always a test to pit yourself against different styles of play. That’s what is so wonderful about international football.
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
Since its introduction in August 1993, the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking has become a regular part of international sports reports and an important indicator for FIFA's member associations to find out where their respective teams stand in world football's pecking order and how they are progressing.
Last Updated 13 Apr 2011
Next Release 18 May 2011
Ranking Team Pts +/- Pos Apr 2011
1 Spain Spain 1857 0 Equal
2 Netherlands Netherlands 1702 0 Equal
3 Brazil Brazil 1425 2 Up
4 Germany Germany 1386 -1 Down
5 Argentina Argentina 1276 -1 Down
6 England England 1163 0 Equal
7 Uruguay Uruguay 1094 0 Equal
8 Portugal Portugal 1052 1 Up
9 Italy Italy 1019 2 Up
10 Croatia Croatia 991 -2 Down
11 Norway Norway 987 0 Equal
12 Greece Greece 985 -2 Down
13 Japan Japan 961 2 Up
14 Chile Chile 952 0 Equal
15 Ghana Ghana
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
Since its introduction in August 1993, the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking has become a regular part of international sports reports and an important indicator for FIFA's member associations to find out where their respective teams stand in world football's pecking order and how they are progressing.
Last Updated 13 Apr 2011
Next Release 18 May 2011
Ranking Team Pts +/- Pos Apr 2011
1 Spain Spain 1857 0 Equal
2 Netherlands Netherlands 1702 0 Equal
3 Brazil Brazil 1425 2 Up
4 Germany Germany 1386 -1 Down
5 Argentina Argentina 1276 -1 Down
6 England England 1163 0 Equal
7 Uruguay Uruguay 1094 0 Equal
8 Portugal Portugal 1052 1 Up
9 Italy Italy 1019 2 Up
10 Croatia Croatia 991 -2 Down
11 Norway Norway 987 0 Equal
12 Greece Greece 985 -2 Down
13 Japan Japan 961 2 Up
14 Chile Chile 952 0 Equal
15 Ghana Ghana
>Internacional,
Internacional, Libertad advance to last 16
(PA) Wednesday 20 April 2011
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Reigning Copa Libertadores champions Internacional secured their berth into the last 16 thanks to a 2-0 win over Ecuador's Emelec. The final matchday in Group 6 saw Internacional joined by Jaguares of Mexico in the knockout stage while Emelec and Bolivian side Wilstermann were eliminated.
Rafael Sobis opened the scoring for Internacional five minutes after the interval. Andres D'Alessandro crossed the ball to Leandro Damiao, who headed it on for Sobis, who then nodded past Javier Klimowicz. With seven minutes to go, Leandro Damiao doubled the lead for the Brazilian hosts after Klimowicz failed to hold a Pablo Guinazu shot.
Despite the win, D'Alessandro has warned his team-mates they will need to improve. "We have to celebrate the qualification. It was very tough. The team can still improve," he said. "If we want to keep dreaming, we must keep working. We fixed some things during the interval and we managed to win the match."
Internacional lost only one of the six games they played in Group 6 and collected 13 points, leaving them four ahead of Jaguares. The Mexican side progressed despite a 2-1 away loss to Wilstermann.
If we want to keep dreaming, we must keep working. We fixed some things during the interval and we managed to win the match.
Andres D'Alessandro, Internacional midfielder
A seventh-minute strike by Julio Frias put Jaguares ahead, but he was sent off at the 50th minute after a clash with Wilstermann goalkeeper Mauro Machado. The home side was then able to respond and Fabio Lima headed a Nicolas Torres cross into the back of the net to equalise with 13 minutes to go.
Five minutes later, Torres slotted home a Juan-Carlos Ojeda cross to give the Bolivian team their first win in the tournament.
Once Caldas claim victory
In Group 1, Paraguayan giants Libertad and Colombia's Once Caldas have made it into the last 16. First-half goals by Jorge Gonzalez and Nicolas Pavlovich gave Gregorio Perez's Libertad a 2-0 home win over Mexico's San Luis. Meanwhile in Peru, visitors Once Caldas claimed their very first win in this year's Libertadores as they defeated hosts Universidad San Martin 2-0.
Wason Renteria put Once Caldas ahead in the 16th minute with a left-footed shot before Matias Mirabaje sealed the win with a 74th minute free-kick. Universidad's disappointing day then got worse as Adan Balbin and Orlando Contreras were sent off in the closing minutes.
Once Caldas forward Dayro Moreno told Fox Sports: "We are very, very happy. The coaching staff and the players have had humility and sacrifice and it helped us progress in the tournament."
Libertad topped the group with 14 points, seven more than Once Caldas, while San Martin and San Luis were eliminated.
(PA) Wednesday 20 April 2011
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Reigning Copa Libertadores champions Internacional secured their berth into the last 16 thanks to a 2-0 win over Ecuador's Emelec. The final matchday in Group 6 saw Internacional joined by Jaguares of Mexico in the knockout stage while Emelec and Bolivian side Wilstermann were eliminated.
Rafael Sobis opened the scoring for Internacional five minutes after the interval. Andres D'Alessandro crossed the ball to Leandro Damiao, who headed it on for Sobis, who then nodded past Javier Klimowicz. With seven minutes to go, Leandro Damiao doubled the lead for the Brazilian hosts after Klimowicz failed to hold a Pablo Guinazu shot.
Despite the win, D'Alessandro has warned his team-mates they will need to improve. "We have to celebrate the qualification. It was very tough. The team can still improve," he said. "If we want to keep dreaming, we must keep working. We fixed some things during the interval and we managed to win the match."
Internacional lost only one of the six games they played in Group 6 and collected 13 points, leaving them four ahead of Jaguares. The Mexican side progressed despite a 2-1 away loss to Wilstermann.
If we want to keep dreaming, we must keep working. We fixed some things during the interval and we managed to win the match.
Andres D'Alessandro, Internacional midfielder
A seventh-minute strike by Julio Frias put Jaguares ahead, but he was sent off at the 50th minute after a clash with Wilstermann goalkeeper Mauro Machado. The home side was then able to respond and Fabio Lima headed a Nicolas Torres cross into the back of the net to equalise with 13 minutes to go.
Five minutes later, Torres slotted home a Juan-Carlos Ojeda cross to give the Bolivian team their first win in the tournament.
Once Caldas claim victory
In Group 1, Paraguayan giants Libertad and Colombia's Once Caldas have made it into the last 16. First-half goals by Jorge Gonzalez and Nicolas Pavlovich gave Gregorio Perez's Libertad a 2-0 home win over Mexico's San Luis. Meanwhile in Peru, visitors Once Caldas claimed their very first win in this year's Libertadores as they defeated hosts Universidad San Martin 2-0.
Wason Renteria put Once Caldas ahead in the 16th minute with a left-footed shot before Matias Mirabaje sealed the win with a 74th minute free-kick. Universidad's disappointing day then got worse as Adan Balbin and Orlando Contreras were sent off in the closing minutes.
Once Caldas forward Dayro Moreno told Fox Sports: "We are very, very happy. The coaching staff and the players have had humility and sacrifice and it helped us progress in the tournament."
Libertad topped the group with 14 points, seven more than Once Caldas, while San Martin and San Luis were eliminated.
Sydney, Pakhtakor sparked by wins
Sydney, Pakhtakor sparked by wins
Kashima Antlers and Suwon Bluewings shared the spoils at the National Stadium in Tokyo as Yuzo Tashiro's goal secured a 1-1 draw for the hosts in Group H.
Suwon took the lead two minutes after the break when Yeom Ki-hyun found the back of the net with a free-kick from just outside the box. However, Kashima levelled in the 54th minute when Tashiro converted Yasushi Endo's knock-back from close range. Both sides move onto six points, although Suwon lead the way on goal difference.
Also in Group H, Mark Bridge's late winner resurrected Sydney FC's campaign with a 3-2 win at Shanghai Shenhua.
Jiang Jiajun gave the home side the lead after seven minutes when he latched onto Jiang Kun's free-kick, but Sydney levelled in first-half stoppage time when Shannon Cole fed Bruno Cazarine and he beat goalkeeper Qiu Shengjong.
Stuart Musailik headed Jiang Kun's cross past goalkeeper Liam Reddy for an own goal, which restored Shanghai's lead. Cazarine then equalised for a second time when he coolly converted Terry McFlynn's cross. Bridge volleyed home Dimitri Petratos' header with time running out to snatch the points at the death.
Goals from Mu Kanazaki and Kensuke Nagai gave Nagoya Grampus a 2-0 win at FC Seoul to send them to the top of Group F. Kanazaki pounced from close range after 26 minutes before Kim Tae-hwan's back-pass gave Nagai the oppotunity to score the second with only eight minutes to go.
Pakhtakor earn much-needed win
Igor Krimets' header four minutes from time sparked Pakhtakor's Group B campaign with a 2-1 win over Esteghlal at Pakhtakor Stadium.
Pakhtakor went in front after 27 minutes when a cross picked out Andreev unmarked on the edge of the box and, although his first-time volley hit Pejman Montazeri, the striker displayed exquisite technique to hook the rebound over his shoulder and in off the far post with goalkeeper Mohammad Mohammadi looking on.
Arash Brohani then guided Javad Shirzadeh's cross past 19-year-old keeper Nikita Ribkin with his thigh to level for the visitors in first-half injury time. Hanif Omranzadeh was sent off for two bookable offences in the 86th minute and, from the resulting free-kick, Krimets nodded home unmarked in the six-yard box to earn Pakhtakor the points.
Bougueche double lifts Emirates
In Group D, Emirates upset Al Shabab 2-1 to record their second victory of the competition and boost their chances of reaching the next stage.
The hosts went ahead in the 25th minute when Amer Deeb's incisive run ended with him playing in Hadj Bougueche on the left side of the box and he fired home. Emirates doubled their lead in the 40th minute when skipper Karim Kerkar's corner to the near post was touched home by Bougueche.
Al Shabab pulled a goal back when Camacho's shot hit Abdulaziz Saran and the striker was alert enough to slot home the loose ball. Saran collected a second booking 15 minutes from time and as he was being persuaded to leave the field, defender Mustafa Saeed was also sent-off in the ensuing proceedings.
An Esmaeil Farhadi goal was enough to edge Zob Ahan over Al Rayyan in Esfahan. Hossein Mahini latched onto a long ball in the first half before setting up Farhadi to score the winner.
Omar Abdulrahman's goal kept Al Ain's Group F bid alive with a 1-0 win over Hangzhou Greentown. Abdulrahman met Ali Al Waheebi's cross with one touch on the hour mark to clinch the points.
Finally in Group B, Al Nassr came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at home to leaders Al Sadd. Majidi Siddiq had given the visitors the lead shortly before half-time when he converted from close range at the second attempt, but Hussain Sulaimani's free-kick flicked off the head of Al Sadd forward Abdul Kader Keita with 17 minutes to go to earn Al Nassr a point.
Kashima Antlers and Suwon Bluewings shared the spoils at the National Stadium in Tokyo as Yuzo Tashiro's goal secured a 1-1 draw for the hosts in Group H.
Suwon took the lead two minutes after the break when Yeom Ki-hyun found the back of the net with a free-kick from just outside the box. However, Kashima levelled in the 54th minute when Tashiro converted Yasushi Endo's knock-back from close range. Both sides move onto six points, although Suwon lead the way on goal difference.
Also in Group H, Mark Bridge's late winner resurrected Sydney FC's campaign with a 3-2 win at Shanghai Shenhua.
Jiang Jiajun gave the home side the lead after seven minutes when he latched onto Jiang Kun's free-kick, but Sydney levelled in first-half stoppage time when Shannon Cole fed Bruno Cazarine and he beat goalkeeper Qiu Shengjong.
Stuart Musailik headed Jiang Kun's cross past goalkeeper Liam Reddy for an own goal, which restored Shanghai's lead. Cazarine then equalised for a second time when he coolly converted Terry McFlynn's cross. Bridge volleyed home Dimitri Petratos' header with time running out to snatch the points at the death.
Goals from Mu Kanazaki and Kensuke Nagai gave Nagoya Grampus a 2-0 win at FC Seoul to send them to the top of Group F. Kanazaki pounced from close range after 26 minutes before Kim Tae-hwan's back-pass gave Nagai the oppotunity to score the second with only eight minutes to go.
Pakhtakor earn much-needed win
Igor Krimets' header four minutes from time sparked Pakhtakor's Group B campaign with a 2-1 win over Esteghlal at Pakhtakor Stadium.
Pakhtakor went in front after 27 minutes when a cross picked out Andreev unmarked on the edge of the box and, although his first-time volley hit Pejman Montazeri, the striker displayed exquisite technique to hook the rebound over his shoulder and in off the far post with goalkeeper Mohammad Mohammadi looking on.
Arash Brohani then guided Javad Shirzadeh's cross past 19-year-old keeper Nikita Ribkin with his thigh to level for the visitors in first-half injury time. Hanif Omranzadeh was sent off for two bookable offences in the 86th minute and, from the resulting free-kick, Krimets nodded home unmarked in the six-yard box to earn Pakhtakor the points.
Bougueche double lifts Emirates
In Group D, Emirates upset Al Shabab 2-1 to record their second victory of the competition and boost their chances of reaching the next stage.
The hosts went ahead in the 25th minute when Amer Deeb's incisive run ended with him playing in Hadj Bougueche on the left side of the box and he fired home. Emirates doubled their lead in the 40th minute when skipper Karim Kerkar's corner to the near post was touched home by Bougueche.
Al Shabab pulled a goal back when Camacho's shot hit Abdulaziz Saran and the striker was alert enough to slot home the loose ball. Saran collected a second booking 15 minutes from time and as he was being persuaded to leave the field, defender Mustafa Saeed was also sent-off in the ensuing proceedings.
An Esmaeil Farhadi goal was enough to edge Zob Ahan over Al Rayyan in Esfahan. Hossein Mahini latched onto a long ball in the first half before setting up Farhadi to score the winner.
Omar Abdulrahman's goal kept Al Ain's Group F bid alive with a 1-0 win over Hangzhou Greentown. Abdulrahman met Ali Al Waheebi's cross with one touch on the hour mark to clinch the points.
Finally in Group B, Al Nassr came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at home to leaders Al Sadd. Majidi Siddiq had given the visitors the lead shortly before half-time when he converted from close range at the second attempt, but Hussain Sulaimani's free-kick flicked off the head of Al Sadd forward Abdul Kader Keita with 17 minutes to go to earn Al Nassr a point.
Rufer: Football has power to unite
Rufer: Football has power to unite
The name Wynton Rufer is legendary in New Zealand football circles with the Wellington-native named Oceania Player of the Century for his goal-scoring feats with both club and country. As a youngster Rufer helped his nation to an against-the-odds qualification for the 1982 FIFA World Cup™ before carving out an impressive career in Switzerland, Germany, Japan and finally, in New Zealand. Most notable was a lengthy spell at Werder Bremen with Rufer’s stay coinciding with one of the most successful stints in the club’s history.
Now based in Auckland, Rufer runs a highly successful youth academy, often providing an outlet for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. With Maori bloodlines on his mother’s side, Rufer talks to FIFA.com about his own experiences with racism and discrimination and expands on football’s unique ability to deal with such issues.
FIFA.com: With your Maori parentage did you experience discrimination as a youngster?
Wynton Rufer: I used to sometimes get called Blackie as a youngster, and sometimes people try to say hurtful things, just to try and cut you down. From a very young age I was very driven to succeed and turned my focus elsewhere. I always tried to remain positive and look to the big picture.
Did you ever find yourself looked down upon in your younger days when football was very much a second-tier sport in New Zealand?
In some ways we were like second-class citizens and I can’t disagree with that view but I don’t want to make a big deal about it. I always liked to channel positive energy which is now why I now work with youth trying to make a difference with local communities and teaching good values.
In your playing career did you experience direct instances of racism or discrimination?
Definitely, playing in European football with Werder Bremen there were experiences with negative banners for one. Also from time to time in the Bundesliga as well, with African players being taunted which was pretty low and it was sad to see.
We experienced problems especially in Eastern Europe but it has largely changed. There is more integration in modern society and things have changed for the better.
For instance, Poland had a Nigerian-born player [Emmanuel Olisadebe] at the [2002] World Cup, so times have changed.
So what, as an individual, can one do to combat that kind of racism when it happens?
People must speak up about it either as a direct victim or a witness. We must communicate openly about it and only then can we fight the problem head on.
Is football uniquely placed among all sports to take effective action?
Football plays such an important role in modern society as the most popular sport in the world. It unites people like nothing else, as we saw in South Africa last year and it can genuinely make the world a better place. The various governing bodies have good campaigns based on values of respect and tolerance which is really positive.
How do you think soccer and FIFA can help in the fight against discrimination?
Dealing with it openly in forums such as this interview is important and all part of the process. Players speaking openly, such as Samuel Eto’o a few years ago, and not tolerating bad behaviour is important. It is something we need to teach our youth in local communities and footballers as role-models can significantly help. Teaching kids to understand this responsibility, which is something that starts in their own small communities. It’s all about making a difference in people lives and making the world a better place. That is the power sport has. It can unite the people. Loyalty, honesty, friendship, solidarity, these are all values that need to be promoted so that we can combat discrimination.
The name Wynton Rufer is legendary in New Zealand football circles with the Wellington-native named Oceania Player of the Century for his goal-scoring feats with both club and country. As a youngster Rufer helped his nation to an against-the-odds qualification for the 1982 FIFA World Cup™ before carving out an impressive career in Switzerland, Germany, Japan and finally, in New Zealand. Most notable was a lengthy spell at Werder Bremen with Rufer’s stay coinciding with one of the most successful stints in the club’s history.
Now based in Auckland, Rufer runs a highly successful youth academy, often providing an outlet for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. With Maori bloodlines on his mother’s side, Rufer talks to FIFA.com about his own experiences with racism and discrimination and expands on football’s unique ability to deal with such issues.
FIFA.com: With your Maori parentage did you experience discrimination as a youngster?
Wynton Rufer: I used to sometimes get called Blackie as a youngster, and sometimes people try to say hurtful things, just to try and cut you down. From a very young age I was very driven to succeed and turned my focus elsewhere. I always tried to remain positive and look to the big picture.
Did you ever find yourself looked down upon in your younger days when football was very much a second-tier sport in New Zealand?
In some ways we were like second-class citizens and I can’t disagree with that view but I don’t want to make a big deal about it. I always liked to channel positive energy which is now why I now work with youth trying to make a difference with local communities and teaching good values.
In your playing career did you experience direct instances of racism or discrimination?
Definitely, playing in European football with Werder Bremen there were experiences with negative banners for one. Also from time to time in the Bundesliga as well, with African players being taunted which was pretty low and it was sad to see.
We experienced problems especially in Eastern Europe but it has largely changed. There is more integration in modern society and things have changed for the better.
For instance, Poland had a Nigerian-born player [Emmanuel Olisadebe] at the [2002] World Cup, so times have changed.
So what, as an individual, can one do to combat that kind of racism when it happens?
People must speak up about it either as a direct victim or a witness. We must communicate openly about it and only then can we fight the problem head on.
Is football uniquely placed among all sports to take effective action?
Football plays such an important role in modern society as the most popular sport in the world. It unites people like nothing else, as we saw in South Africa last year and it can genuinely make the world a better place. The various governing bodies have good campaigns based on values of respect and tolerance which is really positive.
How do you think soccer and FIFA can help in the fight against discrimination?
Dealing with it openly in forums such as this interview is important and all part of the process. Players speaking openly, such as Samuel Eto’o a few years ago, and not tolerating bad behaviour is important. It is something we need to teach our youth in local communities and footballers as role-models can significantly help. Teaching kids to understand this responsibility, which is something that starts in their own small communities. It’s all about making a difference in people lives and making the world a better place. That is the power sport has. It can unite the people. Loyalty, honesty, friendship, solidarity, these are all values that need to be promoted so that we can combat discrimination.
Ferguson: I'm confident we'll be fine
(AFP) Wednesday 20 April 2011
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Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Manchester United are one game closer to regaining the Premier League title, but has warned of the threat posed by champions Chelsea.
The UEFA Champions League semi finalists missed the chance to move nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal following Tuesday's goalless stalemate at Newcastle United. However, with the Gunners having also been held during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool, Ferguson believes that, with just five games remaining, time is running out for Arsene Wenger's side, who face Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night.
"I'm confident we'll be fine," said the Scot in the wake of the Tyneside deadlock. "We're in a better position than we were on Saturday. There's one game less and were in the same position."
Ferguson, though, is wary of Carlo Ancelotti's Blues, who now have a trio of winnable home games against Birmingham City, West Ham United and Spurs. The third-placed Londoners are some nine points behind United but have a game to spare and a potentially decisive trip to Old Trafford still to come on 8 May.
I'm confident we'll be fine. We're in a better position than we were on Saturday.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson added: "We also have to look at Chelsea; they've got three home games in a row now. Obviously we've got two very important games coming up - the games against Arsenal away and Chelsea at home."
Ferguson served the last of his five-game touchline ban at St.James's Park and will be back in the dugout when they entertain Everton on Saturday lunchtime. The United boss joked: "I'll be glad to be back but I don't think my staff will."
Ferguson's temperament would have been tested during injury time against the Magpies when Javier Hernandez, his Mexican striker, was booked by referee Lee Probert for an apparent dive inside the penalty box. "It was a clear penalty and it was an insult to book him," said the 69-year-old, whose side were beaten 1-0 by rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday. "The referee had a good game but that lets him down. There was definite contact."
He added: "Newcastle did terrifically well in the first 20 minutes, but I was sure we would improve after that. We had great passing and movement but did not trouble the goalkeeper. But I was really pleased with the energy of our players because Wembley can take it out of you. They will thrive on the challenge now."
The Red Devils travel to Schalke next Tuesday for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-four tie. That is followed by the trip to Arsenal on 1 May before the return leg against the Germans and then that all-important visit of Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is convinced that Ferguson's men will lift the title. "I think Man United will win it (the league)," he said. "They are the best team we have played in terms of quality and the options available to them. Going into the final stretch I can't see past them winning it."
(AFP) Wednesday 20 April 2011
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Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Manchester United are one game closer to regaining the Premier League title, but has warned of the threat posed by champions Chelsea.
The UEFA Champions League semi finalists missed the chance to move nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal following Tuesday's goalless stalemate at Newcastle United. However, with the Gunners having also been held during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool, Ferguson believes that, with just five games remaining, time is running out for Arsene Wenger's side, who face Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night.
"I'm confident we'll be fine," said the Scot in the wake of the Tyneside deadlock. "We're in a better position than we were on Saturday. There's one game less and were in the same position."
Ferguson, though, is wary of Carlo Ancelotti's Blues, who now have a trio of winnable home games against Birmingham City, West Ham United and Spurs. The third-placed Londoners are some nine points behind United but have a game to spare and a potentially decisive trip to Old Trafford still to come on 8 May.
I'm confident we'll be fine. We're in a better position than we were on Saturday.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson added: "We also have to look at Chelsea; they've got three home games in a row now. Obviously we've got two very important games coming up - the games against Arsenal away and Chelsea at home."
Ferguson served the last of his five-game touchline ban at St.James's Park and will be back in the dugout when they entertain Everton on Saturday lunchtime. The United boss joked: "I'll be glad to be back but I don't think my staff will."
Ferguson's temperament would have been tested during injury time against the Magpies when Javier Hernandez, his Mexican striker, was booked by referee Lee Probert for an apparent dive inside the penalty box. "It was a clear penalty and it was an insult to book him," said the 69-year-old, whose side were beaten 1-0 by rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday. "The referee had a good game but that lets him down. There was definite contact."
He added: "Newcastle did terrifically well in the first 20 minutes, but I was sure we would improve after that. We had great passing and movement but did not trouble the goalkeeper. But I was really pleased with the energy of our players because Wembley can take it out of you. They will thrive on the challenge now."
The Red Devils travel to Schalke next Tuesday for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-four tie. That is followed by the trip to Arsenal on 1 May before the return leg against the Germans and then that all-important visit of Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is convinced that Ferguson's men will lift the title. "I think Man United will win it (the league)," he said. "They are the best team we have played in terms of quality and the options available to them. Going into the final stretch I can't see past them winning it."
Leonardo: Rumours don't worry me
Inter Milan coach Leonardo has said that he is not concerned by speculation that he may lose his job.
Reports in Italy suggest the Brazilian may be on his way out and that former Nerazzurri coach Jose Mourinho could leave his post at Real Madrid and return to the Inter helm. The Portuguese guided Inter to a Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia treble last season before joining the Spanish giants.
"I am not worried about these rumours," Leonardo said. "I'm not thinking about the future. I live in the present. I don't even think about these things. I have an open rapport with the club president (Massimo Moratti). He knows me, knows what I think and the only thing that interests me is to find a solution so that the team wins."
I am not worried about these rumours. I'm not thinking about the future. I live in the present.
Leonardo
Leonardo coached AC Milan last season but parted ways with I Rossoneri only to come back to Italy from Brazil to replace Rafael Benitez when he was sacked by Inter earlier this year. He enjoyed a strong start but his squad have endured a difficult spell in recent weeks, with their UEFA Champions League title defence ended by Schalke and city rivals Milan strengthening their grip on top spot in Serie A.
Inter did beat Roma 1-0 last night in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final at the Stadio Olimpico, though. "It was important to halt the negative run of results," Leonardo said. "It wasn't easy, especially after our Champions League elimination.
"But against Roma we showed maturity and we took an important result - something that is not easy to do in Rome. Now we must continue to win. We still have five league games and the Coppa Italia and we need to remain lucid and calm."
Inter have lost two of their last three league games and host Lazio on Saturday trailing Milan by eight points with five games remaining.
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Inter Milan coach Leonardo has said that he is not concerned by speculation that he may lose his job.
Reports in Italy suggest the Brazilian may be on his way out and that former Nerazzurri coach Jose Mourinho could leave his post at Real Madrid and return to the Inter helm. The Portuguese guided Inter to a Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia treble last season before joining the Spanish giants.
"I am not worried about these rumours," Leonardo said. "I'm not thinking about the future. I live in the present. I don't even think about these things. I have an open rapport with the club president (Massimo Moratti). He knows me, knows what I think and the only thing that interests me is to find a solution so that the team wins."
I am not worried about these rumours. I'm not thinking about the future. I live in the present.
Leonardo
Leonardo coached AC Milan last season but parted ways with I Rossoneri only to come back to Italy from Brazil to replace Rafael Benitez when he was sacked by Inter earlier this year. He enjoyed a strong start but his squad have endured a difficult spell in recent weeks, with their UEFA Champions League title defence ended by Schalke and city rivals Milan strengthening their grip on top spot in Serie A.
Inter did beat Roma 1-0 last night in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final at the Stadio Olimpico, though. "It was important to halt the negative run of results," Leonardo said. "It wasn't easy, especially after our Champions League elimination.
"But against Roma we showed maturity and we took an important result - something that is not easy to do in Rome. Now we must continue to win. We still have five league games and the Coppa Italia and we need to remain lucid and calm."
Inter have lost two of their last three league games and host Lazio on Saturday trailing Milan by eight points with five games remaining.
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Odemwingie: England suits me perfectly
Odemwingie: England suits me perfectly
Peter Odemwingie has developed a reputation as one of football’s nomads. A Nigeria international born in Uzbekistan, the striker’s club career has been a tale of five clubs in as many different countries, with Birmingham the latest stop in a journey that has taken him through Belgium, France, Russia and Nigeria itself. Yet now, at the age of 29, he looks to have finally found a home.
Even with Juventus leading a host of continental suitors aiming to add another stamp to his passport, it seems Odemwingie may take some persuading. After all, his mutual infatuation with English football has flourished, with the former Lokomotiv Moscow striker – signed for just £2 million last summer – emerging as one of the sensations of the Premier League season.
The division’s managers recently elevated him alongside Rafael van der Vaart and David Silva in a vote for the top three newcomers, recognition for a campaign in which he has outscored the likes of Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba. No West Bromwich Albion player has ever produced a Premier League haul to match Odemwingie's current tally, and it is the Nigerian's goals that look likely to spare the Baggies their traditional fate of a swift return to the second tier.
Fresh and exciting challenges also loom in the international arena, where he is once again at the forefront of the Super Eagles’ attack, so it was no surprise that FIFA.com should find Odemwingie in relaxed, contented mood as he assessed a landmark campaign.
FIFA.com: Peter, with a few games left to go, how would you assess your first season in English football?
Peter Odemwingie: I’m really happy with how it’s gone. Personally it’s been a big success and I feel very comfortable and at home here. English football suits me perfectly really. The team had a tough spell but we have been climbing the table again recently and I feel good about the future.
Roy Hodgson’s arrival as manager seems to have crucial to that turnaround. What has he brought to the club?
His mentality is probably the main thing. He’s a very strong person with real character, and he makes sure the team is always extremely well organised and focused. I must say too that I still admire Roberto Di Matteo (Hodgson’s predecessor) because we played some great football under him earlier in the season. But I do think we started relaxing after starting so well and began to think the job was done. Maybe the previous manager lost a bit of control when that started happening.
It’s been an amazing season in the Premier League, with so many teams potentially involved in the relegation battle and so few points separating everyone from the top five down. What have you made of it?
Obviously this is only my first season in England but everyone is saying that it’s a special one and I can see why. Everyone seems very close together - there’s no-one who’s way off at the bottom and no-one way better than the rest. For me, that’s a good thing for the league because you know that nothing’s certain in any match. Every team has quality players. The main thing is that we stay up and I think we're going to do that now.
It was a decision I made many years ago and I’ve never regretted it. Playing for Nigeria puts a smile on my face and I feel very happy and proud every time I pull on that shirt.
Peter Odemwingie on opting to represent Nigeria ahead of Russia and Uzbekistan
You are now within three goals of making this the highest-scoring season of your career. How confident are you of breaking your own record?
That would be fantastic. It’s a target of mine anyway, so let’s see how it goes. I’ve never scored more than 14 in any season, so I have five games left to make it happen now. I’ll fight until the last minute of the last game to get there. Whatever happens though, it’s been a great season for me. I feel good here and I like the country and the Premier League a lot.
You’ve been linked with the likes of Juventus recently and Roy Hodgson has admitted that he fears he won’t be able to keep hold of you in the summer. Do you see yourself moving on?
You never know what’s round the corner in football but all I can say right now is that I’m very happy here at West Brom. I’m not anxious to move again. Transfers can always happen but this club gave me a chance in England and, as long as I’m happy and I’m scoring goals, I’ve no problem staying here.
West Brom have traditionally been known as something of a yo-yo club over, coming up to the Premier League one season and then going straight down the next. But do you see potential for something better?
I do, and the important thing for me is that the people at the club want something better. They made it clear to me that they want to stay in this league and become a team that competes to a good level every season. My hope is that, if we stay up, we can start raising our objectives and look at reaching the top half and qualifying for Europe.
Turning to Nigeria, results seem to be improving after that CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying defeat in Guinea last October. Are you still confident of qualifying?
Very much so. We’ve not been 100 per cent so far but although Guinea are top of the group at the moment, we still have to play them at home. I think that’s a big factor in our favour and I’m sure we’ll get the results we need.
There was talk of a bust-up between you and your coach, Samson Siasia, recently after you posted some critical comments on your Twitter page. Has that been resolved?
Everything is fine now. I poured out my frustration a bit but it wasn’t meant as an attack on the coach and I have apologised if it was taken that way. I was upset at the time because I felt that people didn’t understand why I had pulled out of a friendly match when I was struggling with an injury. But everything’s resolved now and we’ve both moved on.
Given that you were born in Uzbekistan to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, you were obviously eligible to play for all three nations. What made you choose the Super Eagles?
My dad. For him, it wasn’t even a question! My mum was open to me playing for any country, and I would probably have been fine with playing for Uzbekistan or Russia. But it was a decision I made many years ago and I’ve never regretted it. Playing for Nigeria puts a smile on my face and I feel very happy and proud every time I pull on that shirt. Because I love football so much, I also think the passion Nigeria has for football and their style of play really suits me very well. I’ve had some great memories with the Super Eagles.
Was reaching the final of the Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing the best of those memories?
One of the best for sure. We really sparked at that tournament and the Olympics is special for anyone in sport. To come away with a silver medal was amazing and the whole experience is something I’ll always remember.
You were the squad’s only overage player in Beijing. Given that you enjoyed it so much, would you consider competing again on that basis in London next year?
Of course. I don’t know whether I will be called and we obviously still need to qualify, but it’s going to be another beautiful tournament and the fact it’s in England will make it extra special. I’d be honoured to play.
What about last year’s FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa? How do you reflect on that?
I have mixed emotions about it because it’s a dream to play in a World Cup and the experience was something I’ll never forget. But it didn’t go well for us as a team and, frankly, I feel that I should have played more. I’d played 11 or 12 times during qualifying, yet when the tournament came I was out of the starting line-up. It was still an amazing experience though. I still have my accreditation card actually and it’s a nice thing to look at from time to time.
You’ll be 33 by the time Brazil 2014 comes around. Do you still have ambitions of competing in that one?
I would love to. You see players staying at the top level until they’re 35, 36 these days and I have always tried to be careful about looking after myself, eating the right things and resting properly. I still feel I have a few good years ahead so maybe I could end my international career in Brazil. That would be wonderful.
Peter Odemwingie has developed a reputation as one of football’s nomads. A Nigeria international born in Uzbekistan, the striker’s club career has been a tale of five clubs in as many different countries, with Birmingham the latest stop in a journey that has taken him through Belgium, France, Russia and Nigeria itself. Yet now, at the age of 29, he looks to have finally found a home.
Even with Juventus leading a host of continental suitors aiming to add another stamp to his passport, it seems Odemwingie may take some persuading. After all, his mutual infatuation with English football has flourished, with the former Lokomotiv Moscow striker – signed for just £2 million last summer – emerging as one of the sensations of the Premier League season.
The division’s managers recently elevated him alongside Rafael van der Vaart and David Silva in a vote for the top three newcomers, recognition for a campaign in which he has outscored the likes of Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba. No West Bromwich Albion player has ever produced a Premier League haul to match Odemwingie's current tally, and it is the Nigerian's goals that look likely to spare the Baggies their traditional fate of a swift return to the second tier.
Fresh and exciting challenges also loom in the international arena, where he is once again at the forefront of the Super Eagles’ attack, so it was no surprise that FIFA.com should find Odemwingie in relaxed, contented mood as he assessed a landmark campaign.
FIFA.com: Peter, with a few games left to go, how would you assess your first season in English football?
Peter Odemwingie: I’m really happy with how it’s gone. Personally it’s been a big success and I feel very comfortable and at home here. English football suits me perfectly really. The team had a tough spell but we have been climbing the table again recently and I feel good about the future.
Roy Hodgson’s arrival as manager seems to have crucial to that turnaround. What has he brought to the club?
His mentality is probably the main thing. He’s a very strong person with real character, and he makes sure the team is always extremely well organised and focused. I must say too that I still admire Roberto Di Matteo (Hodgson’s predecessor) because we played some great football under him earlier in the season. But I do think we started relaxing after starting so well and began to think the job was done. Maybe the previous manager lost a bit of control when that started happening.
It’s been an amazing season in the Premier League, with so many teams potentially involved in the relegation battle and so few points separating everyone from the top five down. What have you made of it?
Obviously this is only my first season in England but everyone is saying that it’s a special one and I can see why. Everyone seems very close together - there’s no-one who’s way off at the bottom and no-one way better than the rest. For me, that’s a good thing for the league because you know that nothing’s certain in any match. Every team has quality players. The main thing is that we stay up and I think we're going to do that now.
It was a decision I made many years ago and I’ve never regretted it. Playing for Nigeria puts a smile on my face and I feel very happy and proud every time I pull on that shirt.
Peter Odemwingie on opting to represent Nigeria ahead of Russia and Uzbekistan
You are now within three goals of making this the highest-scoring season of your career. How confident are you of breaking your own record?
That would be fantastic. It’s a target of mine anyway, so let’s see how it goes. I’ve never scored more than 14 in any season, so I have five games left to make it happen now. I’ll fight until the last minute of the last game to get there. Whatever happens though, it’s been a great season for me. I feel good here and I like the country and the Premier League a lot.
You’ve been linked with the likes of Juventus recently and Roy Hodgson has admitted that he fears he won’t be able to keep hold of you in the summer. Do you see yourself moving on?
You never know what’s round the corner in football but all I can say right now is that I’m very happy here at West Brom. I’m not anxious to move again. Transfers can always happen but this club gave me a chance in England and, as long as I’m happy and I’m scoring goals, I’ve no problem staying here.
West Brom have traditionally been known as something of a yo-yo club over, coming up to the Premier League one season and then going straight down the next. But do you see potential for something better?
I do, and the important thing for me is that the people at the club want something better. They made it clear to me that they want to stay in this league and become a team that competes to a good level every season. My hope is that, if we stay up, we can start raising our objectives and look at reaching the top half and qualifying for Europe.
Turning to Nigeria, results seem to be improving after that CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying defeat in Guinea last October. Are you still confident of qualifying?
Very much so. We’ve not been 100 per cent so far but although Guinea are top of the group at the moment, we still have to play them at home. I think that’s a big factor in our favour and I’m sure we’ll get the results we need.
There was talk of a bust-up between you and your coach, Samson Siasia, recently after you posted some critical comments on your Twitter page. Has that been resolved?
Everything is fine now. I poured out my frustration a bit but it wasn’t meant as an attack on the coach and I have apologised if it was taken that way. I was upset at the time because I felt that people didn’t understand why I had pulled out of a friendly match when I was struggling with an injury. But everything’s resolved now and we’ve both moved on.
Given that you were born in Uzbekistan to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, you were obviously eligible to play for all three nations. What made you choose the Super Eagles?
My dad. For him, it wasn’t even a question! My mum was open to me playing for any country, and I would probably have been fine with playing for Uzbekistan or Russia. But it was a decision I made many years ago and I’ve never regretted it. Playing for Nigeria puts a smile on my face and I feel very happy and proud every time I pull on that shirt. Because I love football so much, I also think the passion Nigeria has for football and their style of play really suits me very well. I’ve had some great memories with the Super Eagles.
Was reaching the final of the Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing the best of those memories?
One of the best for sure. We really sparked at that tournament and the Olympics is special for anyone in sport. To come away with a silver medal was amazing and the whole experience is something I’ll always remember.
You were the squad’s only overage player in Beijing. Given that you enjoyed it so much, would you consider competing again on that basis in London next year?
Of course. I don’t know whether I will be called and we obviously still need to qualify, but it’s going to be another beautiful tournament and the fact it’s in England will make it extra special. I’d be honoured to play.
What about last year’s FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa? How do you reflect on that?
I have mixed emotions about it because it’s a dream to play in a World Cup and the experience was something I’ll never forget. But it didn’t go well for us as a team and, frankly, I feel that I should have played more. I’d played 11 or 12 times during qualifying, yet when the tournament came I was out of the starting line-up. It was still an amazing experience though. I still have my accreditation card actually and it’s a nice thing to look at from time to time.
You’ll be 33 by the time Brazil 2014 comes around. Do you still have ambitions of competing in that one?
I would love to. You see players staying at the top level until they’re 35, 36 these days and I have always tried to be careful about looking after myself, eating the right things and resting properly. I still feel I have a few good years ahead so maybe I could end my international career in Brazil. That would be wonderful.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Zico: It’s great to be able to help Japan
Zico: It’s great to be able to help Japan
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 13 April 2011
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When Zico joined Japanese club Kashima Antlers in 1991, at the ripe old age of 38, he was approaching the end of a glorious playing career in which he had excelled for Brazil, Flamengo and Udinese. As it turned out, however, that adventure in the Far East proved to be much more than a footnote. Such was the empathy and depth of feeling between the No10 and country that it transformed his life and marked a new beginning for Japanese football.
As a key player in the professionalisation of the J.League, and then as Samurai Blue coach, Zico built up a very close relationship with Japan. He showed his deep affection for the country once more last Friday, in helping to organise O Jogo da Solidariedade (The Solidarity Match) in Curitiba, the proceeds of which went to the victims of both the natural disasters which devastated Japan last month and the recent floods in the Brazilian state of Parana.
The fund-raising match between the Friends of Japan, featuring the likes of Dunga, Careca and Romario, and the Friends of Parana, represented by Zetti, Rai and Paulo Rink to name but a few, ended in an entertaining 5-5 draw. Just before kick-off, FIFA.com got the chance to speak to Zico about the charity initiative and his special bond with Japan.
FIFA.com: Zico, the football community is rallying behind the people of Parana and Japan. Do you think the sport can really help the victims of tragedies like these?
Zico: Yes, of course I do. It’s a way for the players to repay all the support and affection they’ve received during the season and over the course of their careers. It’s great to be able to help at tough times like this. Kashima has just invited me to promote a match in June between their star players and a J.League All-Star team. All the gate money from that match will also be going to the victims.
Have you been in touch with any football people in Japan since the disaster, and have you been impressed by the country’s reaction to events?
Yes, I’m regularly in touch with the people at Kashima, especially my interpreter. Everyone knows about the powers of recovery of the Japanese people, and once again they’re showing that strength and discipline of theirs. We know it’s going to take time, but what else can you do? They’re going to recover from this.
You have very strong ties with Japanese football, going all the way back to the 1990s, when you helped pioneer the sport’s revival there and the move towards professionalism, becoming a hero in the process. How did all that come about?
My aim when I went there was to help them make the change from amateurism to professionalism. That was why I went. But there was something in my character that identified with Japanese culture, with their sense of discipline, the desire to succeed and their determination, and I think all that contributed to the connection that there was. I earned people’s trust and doors started opening, which allowed me to do my job.
Everyone knows about the powers of recovery of the Japanese people, and once again they’re showing that strength and discipline of theirs. They’re going to recover from this.
Zico
The initial idea was for you to promote the game in Japan, so how did they persuade you to start playing again?
I knew when I went to sign that they wanted me to play, but I made it clear during the negotiations that I wanted to stop playing and that I was set on being a coach or something like that. And when I got there I saw that the difference in class was so big that I could play even at 60 per cent of my ability. So that's what made my mind up, and in the end I didn't have any problems with my knees. It all worked out fine. I was the leading scorer in the second division, we finished runners-up and won promotion to the professional league. It was a very positive experience. They could see how committed I was and the hard work we were putting in.
How did Kashima develop from that point on?
We outlined a structure for them and they put it in place, and things went on from there. Kashima have since become a big club, winning more titles and matches than anyone else, and I feel very proud to have helped start all that.
In 2002 you assumed the Japan reins in what was your first coaching job. What was that like?
It was a very rewarding experience and marked the start of my coaching career. I took it on because I knew Japanese football pretty much inside out. They were very grateful to me and that’s why I accepted the job. I did it for them and it was something I just couldn’t turn down. You experience things on a day-to-day basis when you’re not playing. You get to experience the culture and that stood me in very good stead.
During your tenure Japan won the AFC Asian Cup in 2004 and reached the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. How would you assess your time in the post?
I think the results were pretty good, apart from the World Cup, when we lost our opening game to Australia. That proved to be a turning point. We had a disastrous eight-minute spell against them and I’m sure we would have got through if we’d held on in that game (Japan lost 3-1 after leading 1-0 with six minutes remaining, and they eventually finished bottom of their group). A lot of the players in the team I put together were in the starting XI in 2010, and I’m happy to have made that contribution. They’ve just won the Asian Cup again, with the skipper Makoto Hasebe lifting the trophy. He was one of the players I brought into the team.
Finally, do you have a message of support for the people of Japan?
My message is for them to keep on showing that togetherness, that solidarity and that strength. Sadly, it’s a country where nature tends to cause a lot of problems, and it’s important that they stay on their guard and are ready to tackle situations like this.
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 13 April 2011
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When Zico joined Japanese club Kashima Antlers in 1991, at the ripe old age of 38, he was approaching the end of a glorious playing career in which he had excelled for Brazil, Flamengo and Udinese. As it turned out, however, that adventure in the Far East proved to be much more than a footnote. Such was the empathy and depth of feeling between the No10 and country that it transformed his life and marked a new beginning for Japanese football.
As a key player in the professionalisation of the J.League, and then as Samurai Blue coach, Zico built up a very close relationship with Japan. He showed his deep affection for the country once more last Friday, in helping to organise O Jogo da Solidariedade (The Solidarity Match) in Curitiba, the proceeds of which went to the victims of both the natural disasters which devastated Japan last month and the recent floods in the Brazilian state of Parana.
The fund-raising match between the Friends of Japan, featuring the likes of Dunga, Careca and Romario, and the Friends of Parana, represented by Zetti, Rai and Paulo Rink to name but a few, ended in an entertaining 5-5 draw. Just before kick-off, FIFA.com got the chance to speak to Zico about the charity initiative and his special bond with Japan.
FIFA.com: Zico, the football community is rallying behind the people of Parana and Japan. Do you think the sport can really help the victims of tragedies like these?
Zico: Yes, of course I do. It’s a way for the players to repay all the support and affection they’ve received during the season and over the course of their careers. It’s great to be able to help at tough times like this. Kashima has just invited me to promote a match in June between their star players and a J.League All-Star team. All the gate money from that match will also be going to the victims.
Have you been in touch with any football people in Japan since the disaster, and have you been impressed by the country’s reaction to events?
Yes, I’m regularly in touch with the people at Kashima, especially my interpreter. Everyone knows about the powers of recovery of the Japanese people, and once again they’re showing that strength and discipline of theirs. We know it’s going to take time, but what else can you do? They’re going to recover from this.
You have very strong ties with Japanese football, going all the way back to the 1990s, when you helped pioneer the sport’s revival there and the move towards professionalism, becoming a hero in the process. How did all that come about?
My aim when I went there was to help them make the change from amateurism to professionalism. That was why I went. But there was something in my character that identified with Japanese culture, with their sense of discipline, the desire to succeed and their determination, and I think all that contributed to the connection that there was. I earned people’s trust and doors started opening, which allowed me to do my job.
Everyone knows about the powers of recovery of the Japanese people, and once again they’re showing that strength and discipline of theirs. They’re going to recover from this.
Zico
The initial idea was for you to promote the game in Japan, so how did they persuade you to start playing again?
I knew when I went to sign that they wanted me to play, but I made it clear during the negotiations that I wanted to stop playing and that I was set on being a coach or something like that. And when I got there I saw that the difference in class was so big that I could play even at 60 per cent of my ability. So that's what made my mind up, and in the end I didn't have any problems with my knees. It all worked out fine. I was the leading scorer in the second division, we finished runners-up and won promotion to the professional league. It was a very positive experience. They could see how committed I was and the hard work we were putting in.
How did Kashima develop from that point on?
We outlined a structure for them and they put it in place, and things went on from there. Kashima have since become a big club, winning more titles and matches than anyone else, and I feel very proud to have helped start all that.
In 2002 you assumed the Japan reins in what was your first coaching job. What was that like?
It was a very rewarding experience and marked the start of my coaching career. I took it on because I knew Japanese football pretty much inside out. They were very grateful to me and that’s why I accepted the job. I did it for them and it was something I just couldn’t turn down. You experience things on a day-to-day basis when you’re not playing. You get to experience the culture and that stood me in very good stead.
During your tenure Japan won the AFC Asian Cup in 2004 and reached the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. How would you assess your time in the post?
I think the results were pretty good, apart from the World Cup, when we lost our opening game to Australia. That proved to be a turning point. We had a disastrous eight-minute spell against them and I’m sure we would have got through if we’d held on in that game (Japan lost 3-1 after leading 1-0 with six minutes remaining, and they eventually finished bottom of their group). A lot of the players in the team I put together were in the starting XI in 2010, and I’m happy to have made that contribution. They’ve just won the Asian Cup again, with the skipper Makoto Hasebe lifting the trophy. He was one of the players I brought into the team.
Finally, do you have a message of support for the people of Japan?
My message is for them to keep on showing that togetherness, that solidarity and that strength. Sadly, it’s a country where nature tends to cause a lot of problems, and it’s important that they stay on their guard and are ready to tackle situations like this.
Cruzeiro claim top with Estudiantes win
Cruzeiro claim top with Estudiantes win
(PA) Thursday 14 April 2011
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Brazilian giants Cruzeiro strolled past Argentinian champions Estudiantes 3-0 to confirm their qualification to the last 16 as top seeds.
Both sides had already qualified from Group 7, but the win means Cruzeiro will play the second leg of all the ties in the knockout stages at home.
Thiago Ribeiro finished from a Wallyson assist to open the scoring in the 11th minute, before Wallyson showed great individual skill to double the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Estudiantes pressed for an equaliser but found Cruzeiro keeper Fabio in fine form. Indeed, he even started the move which led to the third goal, passing to Everton who set up Gilberto to finish seven minutes from time.
Now in the last 16, the real Libertadores starts.
Estudiantes forward Leandro Gonzalez
"We played good football tonight. We still have a lot to give in this championship," Wallyson told Fox Sports. "The team counter-attacked very well and we are very happy to have won in Argentina."
Estudiantes forward Leandro Gonzalez said: "Cruzeiro were a very tough team. They are strong candidates to win the championship. When we had chances, we didn't score. They did. Now in the last 16, the real Libertadores starts."
Also in Group 7, Colombian side Tolima claimed a 2-0 away win over Guarani in Paraguay. Danny Santoya opened the scoring three minutes after the interval before Luis-Francisco Closa widened the gap in the 68th minute. Both sides had already been eliminated.
(PA) Thursday 14 April 2011
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Brazilian giants Cruzeiro strolled past Argentinian champions Estudiantes 3-0 to confirm their qualification to the last 16 as top seeds.
Both sides had already qualified from Group 7, but the win means Cruzeiro will play the second leg of all the ties in the knockout stages at home.
Thiago Ribeiro finished from a Wallyson assist to open the scoring in the 11th minute, before Wallyson showed great individual skill to double the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Estudiantes pressed for an equaliser but found Cruzeiro keeper Fabio in fine form. Indeed, he even started the move which led to the third goal, passing to Everton who set up Gilberto to finish seven minutes from time.
Now in the last 16, the real Libertadores starts.
Estudiantes forward Leandro Gonzalez
"We played good football tonight. We still have a lot to give in this championship," Wallyson told Fox Sports. "The team counter-attacked very well and we are very happy to have won in Argentina."
Estudiantes forward Leandro Gonzalez said: "Cruzeiro were a very tough team. They are strong candidates to win the championship. When we had chances, we didn't score. They did. Now in the last 16, the real Libertadores starts."
Also in Group 7, Colombian side Tolima claimed a 2-0 away win over Guarani in Paraguay. Danny Santoya opened the scoring three minutes after the interval before Luis-Francisco Closa widened the gap in the 68th minute. Both sides had already been eliminated.
Fernandez revives flagging Israel
Fernandez revives flagging Israel
(FIFA.com) Thursday 14 April 2011
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Less than a month ago, Israel looked to be teetering on the brink of a crisis. Coach Luis Fernandez was clinging to his job in the face of growing criticism and his dismissal could have proved the tipping point for a team low on confidence. Rather than bow to public pressure, however, the Israel Football Association (IFA) opted to back their man. It has since proved to be a shrewd decision.
A place at UEFA EURO 2012 had begun to resemble an unattainable dream after defeats by qualifying Group F rivals Croatia and Greece, but since then Israel have made up vital ground in the race for a finals berth. A 2-1 win against Latvia and a 1-0 victory over Georgia three days later propelled them up to third spot in their section, while sending them soaring to 33rd in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.
“It’s not easy to win two home games in such a short space of time, but we managed to do it,” said Fernandez, the former French international midfielder. Elyaniv Barda echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing that Israel were under serious pressure too. “We had no choice but to win,” the Genk striker told FIFA.com. “We knew it would be difficult against Latvia, because they beat us at home in our last qualifying campaign. But we were ready for these crucial matches.”
Reasons for optimism
Those successive triumphs have breathed new life into the Blue and Whites, rekindling their dream of reaching Poland and Ukraine and simultaneously lifting their global standing. True, the side still have a long way to go to match their highest ever placing of 15th in November 2008, but reasons abound to believe they can continue climbing.
To begin with, Barda and Co could make up significant ground in their next few outings, with their July trip to Latvia followed by a home meeting with Greece and an away mission in Croatia – the latter two nations having recently graced the top ten. “We’re just third in the group for the moment,” Barda said. “We have to do our job to at least keep our destiny in our own hands. That means we have to get a result in Latvia and a win against Greece.”
He spoke a lot, especially to the younger players. He gave them confidence... He’s prepared to make sacrifices for the national side.
Elyaniv Barda on Yossi Benayoun
Israeli supporters can also take heart from the return of captain and star player Yossi Benayoun, who has recently recovered from long-term injury. “He was with us before the match against Latvia, in particular during the training sessions,” said Barda, who notched Israel’s opening goal against the Baltic side.
“He spoke a lot, especially to the younger players. He gave them confidence. After that, he played in the second match and you have to respect that. Not many players would make their first match back after six months out one with the national team, especially in such difficult circumstances where victory was essential. He’s prepared to make sacrifices for the national side.”
Win or go home
Benayoun’s presence against Georgia proved inspirational to the more junior members of Fernandez’s squad, most notably Tal Ben Haim, who made the biggest impression after coming on to win his first cap. Called up at the last minute as a replacement for Eran Zahavi, the 21-year-old striker took just seven minutes to post the only goal of the game.
“The coach couldn’t have prepared us better for those two matches, either mentally, physically or tactically, in terms of changing the system,” added Barda. “He rotated the line-up because the two games were so close together, and everything worked out.”
Just as well too, as a few days previous to the crucial double-header, the newspaper Israel Hayom warned: “If he doesn’t bring victory, he should go home and see the Arc de Triomphe.” A few weeks on and it is Israel who are edging closer to triumph.
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(FIFA.com) Thursday 14 April 2011
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Less than a month ago, Israel looked to be teetering on the brink of a crisis. Coach Luis Fernandez was clinging to his job in the face of growing criticism and his dismissal could have proved the tipping point for a team low on confidence. Rather than bow to public pressure, however, the Israel Football Association (IFA) opted to back their man. It has since proved to be a shrewd decision.
A place at UEFA EURO 2012 had begun to resemble an unattainable dream after defeats by qualifying Group F rivals Croatia and Greece, but since then Israel have made up vital ground in the race for a finals berth. A 2-1 win against Latvia and a 1-0 victory over Georgia three days later propelled them up to third spot in their section, while sending them soaring to 33rd in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.
“It’s not easy to win two home games in such a short space of time, but we managed to do it,” said Fernandez, the former French international midfielder. Elyaniv Barda echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing that Israel were under serious pressure too. “We had no choice but to win,” the Genk striker told FIFA.com. “We knew it would be difficult against Latvia, because they beat us at home in our last qualifying campaign. But we were ready for these crucial matches.”
Reasons for optimism
Those successive triumphs have breathed new life into the Blue and Whites, rekindling their dream of reaching Poland and Ukraine and simultaneously lifting their global standing. True, the side still have a long way to go to match their highest ever placing of 15th in November 2008, but reasons abound to believe they can continue climbing.
To begin with, Barda and Co could make up significant ground in their next few outings, with their July trip to Latvia followed by a home meeting with Greece and an away mission in Croatia – the latter two nations having recently graced the top ten. “We’re just third in the group for the moment,” Barda said. “We have to do our job to at least keep our destiny in our own hands. That means we have to get a result in Latvia and a win against Greece.”
He spoke a lot, especially to the younger players. He gave them confidence... He’s prepared to make sacrifices for the national side.
Elyaniv Barda on Yossi Benayoun
Israeli supporters can also take heart from the return of captain and star player Yossi Benayoun, who has recently recovered from long-term injury. “He was with us before the match against Latvia, in particular during the training sessions,” said Barda, who notched Israel’s opening goal against the Baltic side.
“He spoke a lot, especially to the younger players. He gave them confidence. After that, he played in the second match and you have to respect that. Not many players would make their first match back after six months out one with the national team, especially in such difficult circumstances where victory was essential. He’s prepared to make sacrifices for the national side.”
Win or go home
Benayoun’s presence against Georgia proved inspirational to the more junior members of Fernandez’s squad, most notably Tal Ben Haim, who made the biggest impression after coming on to win his first cap. Called up at the last minute as a replacement for Eran Zahavi, the 21-year-old striker took just seven minutes to post the only goal of the game.
“The coach couldn’t have prepared us better for those two matches, either mentally, physically or tactically, in terms of changing the system,” added Barda. “He rotated the line-up because the two games were so close together, and everything worked out.”
Just as well too, as a few days previous to the crucial double-header, the newspaper Israel Hayom warned: “If he doesn’t bring victory, he should go home and see the Arc de Triomphe.” A few weeks on and it is Israel who are edging closer to triumph.
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Raul: Nothing is impossible
Raul: Nothing is impossible
(AFP) Thursday 14 April 2011
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Schalke 04's veteran striker Raul said the German underdogs can afford to dream of the UEFA Champions League final after setting up a semi-final clash with giants Manchester United.
Schalke are in the last four of European football's premier domestic competition for the first time in their history after knocking out holders Inter Milan in Wednesday's quarter-final. Having won the first leg 5-2 at Inter's San Siro stadium last week, Schalke finished the job off with a 2-1 win at their Veltins Arena stadium.
"It is a special moment, it is the first time we are in the semi-finals in our history," said the 33-year-old Raul, who won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid. "Nothing is impossible in football, so even against Manchester United, why can't we dream of the final?"
Raul opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time on Wednesday to extend his record Champions League tally to 71 goals while Inter midfielder Thiago Motta levelled minutes after the restart. Defender Benedikt Hoewedes put the matter beyond doubt with a late winner.
Nothing is impossible in football, so even against Manchester United, why can't we dream of the final?
Schalke striker Raul
Having knocked out Valencia in the Round of 16 and now holders Inter on their way to the semi-finals, Raul said the sky is the limit for Germany's Royal Blues with the final at Wembley on 28 May.
"It's an incredible situation, you have to see that Valencia thought they were going to win against us and then so did Inter," said Raul. "I do hope Madrid get through to the final and we get to play against them, but we need to focus on the semi-final."
Inter coach Leonardo was gracious in defeat. "Schalke deserved the win," said the Brazilian. "They were the better team over the two legs and were a bit tired, we have played a lot of football in the league and we showed it. They have a chance against Manchester United, it will depend on what happens on the day."
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick warned his team will be underdogs against Manchester. "The team has been rewarded with this victory, this is an extraordinary evening, but we will be underdogs against Manchester United," said Rangnick.
"The team has produced two great performances, if you only allow the Champions League winners just two chances, you know you have done well. Every player worked for his team-mates and that was the key to our success, the boys can be proud of their achievement."
Schalke will host United on 26 April in the first leg of the semi-final, with the return leg at Old Trafford on 4 May.
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(AFP) Thursday 14 April 2011
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Schalke 04's veteran striker Raul said the German underdogs can afford to dream of the UEFA Champions League final after setting up a semi-final clash with giants Manchester United.
Schalke are in the last four of European football's premier domestic competition for the first time in their history after knocking out holders Inter Milan in Wednesday's quarter-final. Having won the first leg 5-2 at Inter's San Siro stadium last week, Schalke finished the job off with a 2-1 win at their Veltins Arena stadium.
"It is a special moment, it is the first time we are in the semi-finals in our history," said the 33-year-old Raul, who won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid. "Nothing is impossible in football, so even against Manchester United, why can't we dream of the final?"
Raul opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time on Wednesday to extend his record Champions League tally to 71 goals while Inter midfielder Thiago Motta levelled minutes after the restart. Defender Benedikt Hoewedes put the matter beyond doubt with a late winner.
Nothing is impossible in football, so even against Manchester United, why can't we dream of the final?
Schalke striker Raul
Having knocked out Valencia in the Round of 16 and now holders Inter on their way to the semi-finals, Raul said the sky is the limit for Germany's Royal Blues with the final at Wembley on 28 May.
"It's an incredible situation, you have to see that Valencia thought they were going to win against us and then so did Inter," said Raul. "I do hope Madrid get through to the final and we get to play against them, but we need to focus on the semi-final."
Inter coach Leonardo was gracious in defeat. "Schalke deserved the win," said the Brazilian. "They were the better team over the two legs and were a bit tired, we have played a lot of football in the league and we showed it. They have a chance against Manchester United, it will depend on what happens on the day."
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick warned his team will be underdogs against Manchester. "The team has been rewarded with this victory, this is an extraordinary evening, but we will be underdogs against Manchester United," said Rangnick.
"The team has produced two great performances, if you only allow the Champions League winners just two chances, you know you have done well. Every player worked for his team-mates and that was the key to our success, the boys can be proud of their achievement."
Schalke will host United on 26 April in the first leg of the semi-final, with the return leg at Old Trafford on 4 May.
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Rating: 5.0
Powell: We want to be the new Germany
(FIFA.com) Thursday 14 April 2011
Powell: We want to be the new Germany
Getty Images
At 5.30pm yesterday, a new era began for women’s football with the launch of the FA Women’s Super League (WSL), with Chelsea and Arsenal kicking off proceedings at Tooting and Mitcham’s ground in Surrey. Television cameras brought the game live into the homes of the nation, as Arsenal came out on top 1-0. An interested spectator at the game was none other than England manager Hope Powell.
For the 44-year-old, the launch of the competition holds tremendous significance. Powell can well remember the days when women were banned from playing on any Football Association-owned pitches. That eventually changed in 1993, when the country’s governing body began to acknowledge the female form of the game.
Since then a massive transformation has occurred, culminating in the WSL, in which the FA is investing £3m over the next two years. With the UEFA Women’s Champions League final also being hosted at Fulham's Craven Cottage next month, as well as prominent international friendlies for the national team on home soil, and the FIFA Women's World Cup™ in Germany kicking off in June, is 2011 the year in which the women's game emerges from the shadows and into the public's consciousness?
“I sincerely hope so,” Powell told FIFA.com. “This is an incredibly exciting year for women’s football in the country, but if you were to ask me what our ambitions are, well, we want to be a Germany. We want to be the leading nation in women’s football. Germany inspires us and we want to surpass them in the future.
“This new league and being at the World Cup is a massive bonus for us, as it helps drive participation. The games are going to be on TV and hopefully that will drive more young girls in England to take up the sport. Do we need to be successful? Well, of course it helps. Is it the be-all and end-all? No. It’s all about raising the profile.”
Great expectations
Women's football is already the most popular team sport for English females, and has been since 2002. Powell believes England’s qualification for China 2007 was important in giving the game a further boost, but it also brought a change in mentality from football fans in the country.
“Expectations have certainly grown,” she continued. “People weren’t surprised by our qualification for this World Cup. We came through a very, very tough group, but many didn’t appreciate that. It’s almost easier to prepare for a World Cup when you aren’t expected to achieve, but during the course of the year we’ve hopefully had enough experiences of being in a position of expectation that now we can manage that.
“We had a good training camp in January and we have just built from there. We’ve got the preparation in place, the opposition we want to play, we’ve got a nice timeline going forward, so come the summer we should hit the level of fitness and readiness to go. We should just about be on track.”
We want to be the leading nation in women’s football. Germany inspires us and we want to surpass them in the future.
Hope Powell, England coach.
One match in which Powell’s team were underdogs was against USA on 2 April. However, goals from Jess Clarke and Rachel Yankey gave England their first victory over their transatlantic rivals for 22 years.
“The guys were delighted,” said the former England midfielder, smiling. “Obviously it’s in the World Cup that it matters, but this result is a good foundation to build on. We have to be pleased. We’ve got another game in May against Sweden, but it was really important to me that we played [against USA]. It was about setting a benchmark and seeing where we are in the world. The important thing was that we proved we can compete.”
Admiring, but avoiding the hosts
Although Powell holds women’s football in Germany in the highest regard, she is at present plotting a path to avoid meeting Die Frauen-Nationalelf in the early knockout stages. To do this, England must top a group which contains Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. And she is leaving no stone unturned in order to achieve her goal.
“A World Cup is not just about on-the-field matters but the off-field preparations as well: knowing who you’re up against, being able to counter all their strengths, and making things work in your favour. Fortunately, the draw has been quite good to us in terms of our knowledge of the teams. We met Japan in 2007 and we played Mexico a few years ago at the Algarve Cup (they drew 2-2 with the Asians, and defeated the Mexicans 5-0 in 2005). New Zealand also gave us a tough game at last year’s Peace Cup in Korea (0-0). So we have got some work to do just to find out how well they have progressed since our last encounters.
“We’re expected to qualify from the group along with Japan. If you believe that Germany are going to come top of Group A, which they probably will do, we need to finish top of our group as well to avoid meeting them in the quarters. If that happens, I think in the semi-finals there’s a possibility we could play Brazil, so we’ve got to make sure that we’ve got those teams scouted. It’s all very exciting. Germany is going to be one of the best World Cups ever, so we’re just making sure that we’re prepared for it.”
Powell will have been pleased to hear that her feelings for German football aren’t unrequited. During the recent tour of the participating countries, LOC President Steffi Jones publically announced: “Hope is a great coach – and she’s done a lot for women’s football. I’ve played several times against her teams and they’ve always provided great opposition.”
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Rating: 5.0
Powell: We want to be the new Germany
(FIFA.com) Thursday 14 April 2011
Powell: We want to be the new Germany
Getty Images
At 5.30pm yesterday, a new era began for women’s football with the launch of the FA Women’s Super League (WSL), with Chelsea and Arsenal kicking off proceedings at Tooting and Mitcham’s ground in Surrey. Television cameras brought the game live into the homes of the nation, as Arsenal came out on top 1-0. An interested spectator at the game was none other than England manager Hope Powell.
For the 44-year-old, the launch of the competition holds tremendous significance. Powell can well remember the days when women were banned from playing on any Football Association-owned pitches. That eventually changed in 1993, when the country’s governing body began to acknowledge the female form of the game.
Since then a massive transformation has occurred, culminating in the WSL, in which the FA is investing £3m over the next two years. With the UEFA Women’s Champions League final also being hosted at Fulham's Craven Cottage next month, as well as prominent international friendlies for the national team on home soil, and the FIFA Women's World Cup™ in Germany kicking off in June, is 2011 the year in which the women's game emerges from the shadows and into the public's consciousness?
“I sincerely hope so,” Powell told FIFA.com. “This is an incredibly exciting year for women’s football in the country, but if you were to ask me what our ambitions are, well, we want to be a Germany. We want to be the leading nation in women’s football. Germany inspires us and we want to surpass them in the future.
“This new league and being at the World Cup is a massive bonus for us, as it helps drive participation. The games are going to be on TV and hopefully that will drive more young girls in England to take up the sport. Do we need to be successful? Well, of course it helps. Is it the be-all and end-all? No. It’s all about raising the profile.”
Great expectations
Women's football is already the most popular team sport for English females, and has been since 2002. Powell believes England’s qualification for China 2007 was important in giving the game a further boost, but it also brought a change in mentality from football fans in the country.
“Expectations have certainly grown,” she continued. “People weren’t surprised by our qualification for this World Cup. We came through a very, very tough group, but many didn’t appreciate that. It’s almost easier to prepare for a World Cup when you aren’t expected to achieve, but during the course of the year we’ve hopefully had enough experiences of being in a position of expectation that now we can manage that.
“We had a good training camp in January and we have just built from there. We’ve got the preparation in place, the opposition we want to play, we’ve got a nice timeline going forward, so come the summer we should hit the level of fitness and readiness to go. We should just about be on track.”
We want to be the leading nation in women’s football. Germany inspires us and we want to surpass them in the future.
Hope Powell, England coach.
One match in which Powell’s team were underdogs was against USA on 2 April. However, goals from Jess Clarke and Rachel Yankey gave England their first victory over their transatlantic rivals for 22 years.
“The guys were delighted,” said the former England midfielder, smiling. “Obviously it’s in the World Cup that it matters, but this result is a good foundation to build on. We have to be pleased. We’ve got another game in May against Sweden, but it was really important to me that we played [against USA]. It was about setting a benchmark and seeing where we are in the world. The important thing was that we proved we can compete.”
Admiring, but avoiding the hosts
Although Powell holds women’s football in Germany in the highest regard, she is at present plotting a path to avoid meeting Die Frauen-Nationalelf in the early knockout stages. To do this, England must top a group which contains Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. And she is leaving no stone unturned in order to achieve her goal.
“A World Cup is not just about on-the-field matters but the off-field preparations as well: knowing who you’re up against, being able to counter all their strengths, and making things work in your favour. Fortunately, the draw has been quite good to us in terms of our knowledge of the teams. We met Japan in 2007 and we played Mexico a few years ago at the Algarve Cup (they drew 2-2 with the Asians, and defeated the Mexicans 5-0 in 2005). New Zealand also gave us a tough game at last year’s Peace Cup in Korea (0-0). So we have got some work to do just to find out how well they have progressed since our last encounters.
“We’re expected to qualify from the group along with Japan. If you believe that Germany are going to come top of Group A, which they probably will do, we need to finish top of our group as well to avoid meeting them in the quarters. If that happens, I think in the semi-finals there’s a possibility we could play Brazil, so we’ve got to make sure that we’ve got those teams scouted. It’s all very exciting. Germany is going to be one of the best World Cups ever, so we’re just making sure that we’re prepared for it.”
Powell will have been pleased to hear that her feelings for German football aren’t unrequited. During the recent tour of the participating countries, LOC President Steffi Jones publically announced: “Hope is a great coach – and she’s done a lot for women’s football. I’ve played several times against her teams and they’ve always provided great opposition.”
Mourinho anticipates Barcelona challenge
Mourinho anticipates Barcelona challenge
(AFP) Thursday 14 April 2011
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After overcoming Tottenham with ease, Jose Mourinho is eagerly anticipating a UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown against Spanish rivals Barcelona, with four upcoming matches between the pair in less than a month.
Spurs had to make Champions League history in coming from 4-0 down after the first leg and they made a good fist of it in the first half, having a goal ruled out and two penalty appeals turned down before Cristiano Ronaldo's scored with help from a Heurelho Gomes's goalkeeping error.
Mourinho had fielded a full strength side despite the huge lead from the first leg which came at a cost as central defender Carvalho was booked and is suspended for the opening tie of the Barcelona clash.
"I had to field a first choice side because Spurs are a top class side and capable of scoring early on which would have rattled us and made it a more nervous match," said Mourinho. "As it was I was right because they had one or two chances in the first half but Ronaldo's goal killed the game."
I don't think it would be considered a good season to get to the final of the Spanish Cup and the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho
Real have fallen well behind Barcelona in La Liga and face a must-win clash against Pep Guardiola's team on Saturday. They meet again in the Spanish Cup final on 20 April before heading into the two European meetings. "In a semi-final anything can happen. They have a great situation with the suspensions, which we don't. But we will fight," Mourinho said.
"We have two matches against them before the semi-finals, so we have to look at those games first. We have to take each game as a separate entity. I'm not of the opinion that what happens in the first game can influence the second, third or fourth."
Taking a team to their first Champions League semi-final for eight years would be a significant achievement at some clubs, but Mourinho knows only securing Madrid's tenth triumph in the competition would be enough to satisfy his demanding employers.
"I know you are judged by your results," he said. "If you don't win titles it is easy to forget all the good work that has gone before. But I don't think it would be considered a good season to get to the final of the Spanish Cup and the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Inevitably on one of his rare returns to England, former Chelsea boss Mourinho was asked if his future lies in the Premier League. "It is my natural habitat," he said. "It is where I want to come... after Real Madrid. I stay in Real Madrid next season, unless the press sacks me."
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(AFP) Thursday 14 April 2011
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After overcoming Tottenham with ease, Jose Mourinho is eagerly anticipating a UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown against Spanish rivals Barcelona, with four upcoming matches between the pair in less than a month.
Spurs had to make Champions League history in coming from 4-0 down after the first leg and they made a good fist of it in the first half, having a goal ruled out and two penalty appeals turned down before Cristiano Ronaldo's scored with help from a Heurelho Gomes's goalkeeping error.
Mourinho had fielded a full strength side despite the huge lead from the first leg which came at a cost as central defender Carvalho was booked and is suspended for the opening tie of the Barcelona clash.
"I had to field a first choice side because Spurs are a top class side and capable of scoring early on which would have rattled us and made it a more nervous match," said Mourinho. "As it was I was right because they had one or two chances in the first half but Ronaldo's goal killed the game."
I don't think it would be considered a good season to get to the final of the Spanish Cup and the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho
Real have fallen well behind Barcelona in La Liga and face a must-win clash against Pep Guardiola's team on Saturday. They meet again in the Spanish Cup final on 20 April before heading into the two European meetings. "In a semi-final anything can happen. They have a great situation with the suspensions, which we don't. But we will fight," Mourinho said.
"We have two matches against them before the semi-finals, so we have to look at those games first. We have to take each game as a separate entity. I'm not of the opinion that what happens in the first game can influence the second, third or fourth."
Taking a team to their first Champions League semi-final for eight years would be a significant achievement at some clubs, but Mourinho knows only securing Madrid's tenth triumph in the competition would be enough to satisfy his demanding employers.
"I know you are judged by your results," he said. "If you don't win titles it is easy to forget all the good work that has gone before. But I don't think it would be considered a good season to get to the final of the Spanish Cup and the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Inevitably on one of his rare returns to England, former Chelsea boss Mourinho was asked if his future lies in the Premier League. "It is my natural habitat," he said. "It is where I want to come... after Real Madrid. I stay in Real Madrid next season, unless the press sacks me."
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
Portugal Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
* News
* Fixtures and Results
* Ranking
* National League
* Country Info
* Goal Programme
* Officials
* 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™
RSSLatest News
* Groans, glory and goals galore
The Week in Numbers
Groans, glory and goals galore
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Dejan Stankovic's speedy UEFA Champions League strike feature alongside Porto's title triumph, Wayne Rooney's hat-trick, mixed fortunes for the Special One and a Colombian goal-fest in this week's statistical review.
* Portuguese hopes high for Europa League
UEFA Europa League
Portuguese hopes high for Europa League
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Portugal are strong contenders for European silverware this season with three representatives - Benfica, Porto and Braga - lining up for Thursday's UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
*
Iran
Portugual's Queiroz to coach Iran
Monday 4 April 2011
*
Club Football
European Leagues review
Monday 4 April 2011
*
Portugal
Title glory for Porto
Monday 4 April 2011
Portugal
* News
* Fixtures and Results
* Ranking
* National League
* Country Info
* Goal Programme
* Officials
* 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™
RSSLatest News
* Groans, glory and goals galore
The Week in Numbers
Groans, glory and goals galore
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Dejan Stankovic's speedy UEFA Champions League strike feature alongside Porto's title triumph, Wayne Rooney's hat-trick, mixed fortunes for the Special One and a Colombian goal-fest in this week's statistical review.
* Portuguese hopes high for Europa League
UEFA Europa League
Portuguese hopes high for Europa League
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Portugal are strong contenders for European silverware this season with three representatives - Benfica, Porto and Braga - lining up for Thursday's UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
*
Iran
Portugual's Queiroz to coach Iran
Monday 4 April 2011
*
Club Football
European Leagues review
Monday 4 April 2011
*
Portugal
Title glory for Porto
Monday 4 April 2011
Orban: We need to work more closely with FIFA
Orban: We need to work more closely with FIFA
Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, currently holding The presidency of the Council of the European Union, paid a visit to FIFA on 5 April, where he met FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
Following his meeting with the FIFA President, Mr. Orban was happy to give an exclusive interview to FIFA.com, in which he went over the issues he had discussed with the head of world football's governing body. The affable 48-year-old is a real football fan and still plays the game despite, as he puts it, “not getting any younger”. It was no surprise, then, that he spoke passionately in defence of football.
FIFA.com: Mr Orban, would you mind telling us why you are in Zurich today?Viktor Orban: I came on the invitation of President Blatter because Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. There are a number of European rules that are posing a problem in sport in general and in football in particular.
What did you discuss specifically?
We talked about ways to protect national teams, the rule that allows workers to move freely around Europe, and ways to protect footballers who are minors. In all these areas, European rules are not adapted to sport in general, which is a specific area that cannot be treated like any other.
Did you talk about any other issues?
We discussed other important topics such as illegal betting, which can lead to the sort of scandals that have occurred recently. These kinds of incidents completely ruin the spirit of the game. These are issues FIFA has been tackling, alongside the European Union, and I hope this co-operation will continue. I stand right behind FIFA in all these areas.
What can the European Union do to defend the specificity of sport?
The EU’s Treaty of Lisbon makes specific reference to the special nature of sport, without precisely defining what those specifities are. Yet you cannot treat a footballer like a normal worker, just like you cannot consider a football club like a normal employer. So we need to define the special nature of sport in concrete terms. That is why I am currently trying to form a group of Prime Ministers within the EU who are interested in sport, to move this forward.
Traditionally a great footballing nation, Hungary have struggled in recent years. Can you explain why?
Hungary is a football-loving country. Our past record speaks for itself. But after the fall of communism, all the structures, from the Federation to the clubs, disintegrated. The market economy that followed did not give priority to the restoration of Hungarian football. Only now are we attempting to relaunch a viable football economy. We have new people in charge of the Hungarian Football Federation, including a president who is among the top businessmen in the country. The government is cooperating as best it can, notably in the field of education. Slowly but surely, Hungarian football is on the mend.
It is often said that football is “more than a game.” Do you agree?
Yes, because football really is a formidable tool for educating young people. The sport is a vector for society’s important values and allows a nation to come together. It is an instrument of peace and, more philosophically, football is life. Twenty-two players joining together on a pitch for an hour and a half is a testing ground for life in society. If you love football, you love life! That is why I am such a passionate football fan and why I am doing what I can to protect it.
Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, currently holding The presidency of the Council of the European Union, paid a visit to FIFA on 5 April, where he met FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
Following his meeting with the FIFA President, Mr. Orban was happy to give an exclusive interview to FIFA.com, in which he went over the issues he had discussed with the head of world football's governing body. The affable 48-year-old is a real football fan and still plays the game despite, as he puts it, “not getting any younger”. It was no surprise, then, that he spoke passionately in defence of football.
FIFA.com: Mr Orban, would you mind telling us why you are in Zurich today?Viktor Orban: I came on the invitation of President Blatter because Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. There are a number of European rules that are posing a problem in sport in general and in football in particular.
What did you discuss specifically?
We talked about ways to protect national teams, the rule that allows workers to move freely around Europe, and ways to protect footballers who are minors. In all these areas, European rules are not adapted to sport in general, which is a specific area that cannot be treated like any other.
Did you talk about any other issues?
We discussed other important topics such as illegal betting, which can lead to the sort of scandals that have occurred recently. These kinds of incidents completely ruin the spirit of the game. These are issues FIFA has been tackling, alongside the European Union, and I hope this co-operation will continue. I stand right behind FIFA in all these areas.
What can the European Union do to defend the specificity of sport?
The EU’s Treaty of Lisbon makes specific reference to the special nature of sport, without precisely defining what those specifities are. Yet you cannot treat a footballer like a normal worker, just like you cannot consider a football club like a normal employer. So we need to define the special nature of sport in concrete terms. That is why I am currently trying to form a group of Prime Ministers within the EU who are interested in sport, to move this forward.
Traditionally a great footballing nation, Hungary have struggled in recent years. Can you explain why?
Hungary is a football-loving country. Our past record speaks for itself. But after the fall of communism, all the structures, from the Federation to the clubs, disintegrated. The market economy that followed did not give priority to the restoration of Hungarian football. Only now are we attempting to relaunch a viable football economy. We have new people in charge of the Hungarian Football Federation, including a president who is among the top businessmen in the country. The government is cooperating as best it can, notably in the field of education. Slowly but surely, Hungarian football is on the mend.
It is often said that football is “more than a game.” Do you agree?
Yes, because football really is a formidable tool for educating young people. The sport is a vector for society’s important values and allows a nation to come together. It is an instrument of peace and, more philosophically, football is life. Twenty-two players joining together on a pitch for an hour and a half is a testing ground for life in society. If you love football, you love life! That is why I am such a passionate football fan and why I am doing what I can to protect it.
Football Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina suspended
Football Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina suspended
The Football Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina (FFBH/NSBiH) has been suspended until further notice by FIFA and UEFA as of today, 1 April 2011. This decision was necessary as the General Assembly of the FFBH did not adopt the statutes according to FIFA and UEFA requirements.
The Executive Committees of FIFA (on 28 October 2010) and UEFA (on 4 October 2010) had requested the FFBH to adopt the statutes according to FIFA and UEFA minimum requirements by no later than 31 March 2011, otherwise the FFBH would be automatically suspended.
The FFBH General Assembly, held in Sarajevo on 29 March 2011, did not achieve the necessary quorum of support to adopt the FFBH statutes, with only 22 out of the 54 delegates present voting in favour of amending the FFBH statutes. Consequently, the FFBH has lost all of its membership rights with immediate effect and until further notice.
The FFBH representative and club teams are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions as of 1 April 2011 and until the aforementioned problem is resolved. This also means that, as of 1 April 2011, no FFBH official or representative may participate in any international match or event.
FIFA and UEFA deeply regret that this decision had to be taken and will meet shortly to discuss the next steps required to try to bring the FFBH back into the football family as soon as possible.
FIFA Statutes: http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/01/29/85/71/fifastatuten2010_e.pdf
The Football Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina (FFBH/NSBiH) has been suspended until further notice by FIFA and UEFA as of today, 1 April 2011. This decision was necessary as the General Assembly of the FFBH did not adopt the statutes according to FIFA and UEFA requirements.
The Executive Committees of FIFA (on 28 October 2010) and UEFA (on 4 October 2010) had requested the FFBH to adopt the statutes according to FIFA and UEFA minimum requirements by no later than 31 March 2011, otherwise the FFBH would be automatically suspended.
The FFBH General Assembly, held in Sarajevo on 29 March 2011, did not achieve the necessary quorum of support to adopt the FFBH statutes, with only 22 out of the 54 delegates present voting in favour of amending the FFBH statutes. Consequently, the FFBH has lost all of its membership rights with immediate effect and until further notice.
The FFBH representative and club teams are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions as of 1 April 2011 and until the aforementioned problem is resolved. This also means that, as of 1 April 2011, no FFBH official or representative may participate in any international match or event.
FIFA and UEFA deeply regret that this decision had to be taken and will meet shortly to discuss the next steps required to try to bring the FFBH back into the football family as soon as possible.
FIFA Statutes: http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/01/29/85/71/fifastatuten2010_e.pdf
A Brazilian show of solidarity
A Brazilian show of solidarity
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 6 April 2011
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A legend in his native Brazil, Zico is no less revered in Japan where he brought an end to his playing days and began his coaching career. In fact, it would be fair to say the affection is mutual. As the Asian nation continues to recover from the tragic events of last month, Zico is making his contribution by helping to organise O Jogo da Solidariedade (The Solidarity Match), which will take place tomorrow evening at the Arena do Atletico Paranaense, in Curitiba.
The game will bring together some of the biggest stars in Brazilian football, among them Romario, Bebeto, Rai, Edmundo and Paulo Rink, with proceeds going to the victims of both the earthquake and devastating tsunami that struck Japan and the recent floods in the state of Parana.
The fund-raising match is the brainchild of former striker Alcindo Sartori, who hails from Parana and who played alongside Zico at Japanese club Kashima Antlers, becoming one of their greatest idols of all time.
We’ve got two teams, the Friends of Japan and the Friends of Parana, and it should be great.
Zico, charity match organiser
“Alcindo called me and we spoke about what we could do to help,” Zico told FIFA.com. “I play in the All Star Game in Brazil every year, and I thought with all these problems going in Parana and people losing everything, it would be a good idea. Things just carried on from there. We got in touch with the authorities, such as the governor [Beto Richa], and the media did their bit. We also managed to get one of the World Cup stadiums and we spoke to the players.”
Zico confirmed that 10,000 tickets have already been sold, with organisers expecting to double that figure. On sale at the Arena’s ticket office between 10am and 6pm, tickets cost R$20.00 (nearly US$12.50) and are available at half price for students. Some 60 per cent of the gate money will be forwarded to the Japanese consulate in Brazil, with the remaining 40 per cent going to the government of Parana.
“It was easy to get the players together,” added Zico. “Everyone was willing to play and to do it for free. We’ve got two teams, the Friends of Japan and the Friends of Parana, and it should be great. It’s a way for the players to repay all the affection they got during their careers, and it’s great to be able to help out at difficult times like these.”
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 6 April 2011
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A legend in his native Brazil, Zico is no less revered in Japan where he brought an end to his playing days and began his coaching career. In fact, it would be fair to say the affection is mutual. As the Asian nation continues to recover from the tragic events of last month, Zico is making his contribution by helping to organise O Jogo da Solidariedade (The Solidarity Match), which will take place tomorrow evening at the Arena do Atletico Paranaense, in Curitiba.
The game will bring together some of the biggest stars in Brazilian football, among them Romario, Bebeto, Rai, Edmundo and Paulo Rink, with proceeds going to the victims of both the earthquake and devastating tsunami that struck Japan and the recent floods in the state of Parana.
The fund-raising match is the brainchild of former striker Alcindo Sartori, who hails from Parana and who played alongside Zico at Japanese club Kashima Antlers, becoming one of their greatest idols of all time.
We’ve got two teams, the Friends of Japan and the Friends of Parana, and it should be great.
Zico, charity match organiser
“Alcindo called me and we spoke about what we could do to help,” Zico told FIFA.com. “I play in the All Star Game in Brazil every year, and I thought with all these problems going in Parana and people losing everything, it would be a good idea. Things just carried on from there. We got in touch with the authorities, such as the governor [Beto Richa], and the media did their bit. We also managed to get one of the World Cup stadiums and we spoke to the players.”
Zico confirmed that 10,000 tickets have already been sold, with organisers expecting to double that figure. On sale at the Arena’s ticket office between 10am and 6pm, tickets cost R$20.00 (nearly US$12.50) and are available at half price for students. Some 60 per cent of the gate money will be forwarded to the Japanese consulate in Brazil, with the remaining 40 per cent going to the government of Parana.
“It was easy to get the players together,” added Zico. “Everyone was willing to play and to do it for free. We’ve got two teams, the Friends of Japan and the Friends of Parana, and it should be great. It’s a way for the players to repay all the affection they got during their careers, and it’s great to be able to help out at difficult times like these.”
Monterrey, RSL rise to the top in CONCACAF
Monterrey, RSL rise to the top in CONCACAF
Major League Soccer outfit Real Salt Lake overcame Costa Rican giants Deportivo Saprissa to reach the final of the CONCACAF Champions League, where they will meet Mexican side Monterrey, who beat last year’s losing finalists Cruz Azul to book their place.
Real Salt Lake became the first side from the USA to reach the final of the CONCACAF Champions League (previously the CONCACAF Champions Cup) since LA Galaxy in 2000 by beating Deportivo Saprissa by a slim 3-2 margin over two legs. After winning 2-0 on home soil last month, their 2-1 defeat two nights ago at Saprissa’s hugely intimidating ‘Monster’s Cave’ was just enough to see the Utah-based MLS club through to the grand finale of the region’s top club competition. The surprise 2009 MLS Cup winners are now just one step away from becoming the first American side ever to reach the FIFA Club World Cup.
When the final whistle blew, we were both relieved and happy with the result.
Real Salt Lake's Andy Williams
The men from Salt Lake are known for a lack of stars but a surplus of determination and grit. They failed to put in their best performance in the second leg, although did well enough to grind out a result which was enough to see them through. “We would have liked to advance to the final in a more impressive fashion," said coach Jason Kreis, a former striker at the club and one of MLS’s finest-ever goal poachers. "This was not our best game, but I don't want to take anything away from the accomplishment. The guys are pleased and we are happy to be moving on to the finals."
Saprissa were unable to get much going in the first half, but in the opening seconds of the second, Luis Diego Cordero slammed a fine shot over the head of veteran RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Jamison Olave drew the visitors’ level just 15 minutes later and the goal, important for obvious reasons, also dented the home crowd’s enthusiasm.
“It was critical for us to respond at that point in the game," Olave said. "We'd just fallen behind and their crowd was getting loud. When we tied the score, it completely changed the game. It gave us a cushion and let us relax again."
An Alonso Solis penalty three minutes from time set up a wild finish, with Costa Rican league leaders Saprissa pressing hard for the crucial goal. Javier Arrieta went closest, but he put his effort wide to a groan from the crowd. "When the final whistle blew, we were both relieved and happy with the result. The second half was tough and their pressure was relentless," Salt Lake’s Jamaican midfielder Andy Williams said. "But we were able to hold them off and accomplish what we set out to do. Now we'll start thinking about the final.”
Suazo paves the way for Monterrey
RSL’s opponent in the ultimate two-game series will be Monterrey, the seventh time in a row a Mexican team has reached the continental final. Los Rayados needed a penalty - finished with aplomb by Chilean talisman Humberto Suazo - nine minutes from time to seal the tense semi-final encounter with fellow Mexican outfit Cruz Azul.
The opening clash between the two sides finished 2-1 to Monterrey at home in mid-March, but Cruz Azul took the edge in the second leg on Wednesday night and looked well on their way to the final when Cesar Villaluz hit home in the 24th minute for the home side. They were just nine minutes from booking their place in their third consecutive final, but Waldo Ponce committed a second bookable offence and Monterrey were awarded a penalty. Jose De Jesus got his fingertips to the stocky Chilean’s spot-kick, but he couldn’t keep the firm strike out. A furious attack followed from the hosts, but they failed to find the goal they needed as Monterrey’s players celebrated wildly at the final whistle.
The first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final will take place on 19 April at Monterrey’s Estadio Tecnologico, with the second leg coming a week later at Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium. Whichever team wins the final will do so for the first time in their history, also reaching their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup into the bargain.
Major League Soccer outfit Real Salt Lake overcame Costa Rican giants Deportivo Saprissa to reach the final of the CONCACAF Champions League, where they will meet Mexican side Monterrey, who beat last year’s losing finalists Cruz Azul to book their place.
Real Salt Lake became the first side from the USA to reach the final of the CONCACAF Champions League (previously the CONCACAF Champions Cup) since LA Galaxy in 2000 by beating Deportivo Saprissa by a slim 3-2 margin over two legs. After winning 2-0 on home soil last month, their 2-1 defeat two nights ago at Saprissa’s hugely intimidating ‘Monster’s Cave’ was just enough to see the Utah-based MLS club through to the grand finale of the region’s top club competition. The surprise 2009 MLS Cup winners are now just one step away from becoming the first American side ever to reach the FIFA Club World Cup.
When the final whistle blew, we were both relieved and happy with the result.
Real Salt Lake's Andy Williams
The men from Salt Lake are known for a lack of stars but a surplus of determination and grit. They failed to put in their best performance in the second leg, although did well enough to grind out a result which was enough to see them through. “We would have liked to advance to the final in a more impressive fashion," said coach Jason Kreis, a former striker at the club and one of MLS’s finest-ever goal poachers. "This was not our best game, but I don't want to take anything away from the accomplishment. The guys are pleased and we are happy to be moving on to the finals."
Saprissa were unable to get much going in the first half, but in the opening seconds of the second, Luis Diego Cordero slammed a fine shot over the head of veteran RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Jamison Olave drew the visitors’ level just 15 minutes later and the goal, important for obvious reasons, also dented the home crowd’s enthusiasm.
“It was critical for us to respond at that point in the game," Olave said. "We'd just fallen behind and their crowd was getting loud. When we tied the score, it completely changed the game. It gave us a cushion and let us relax again."
An Alonso Solis penalty three minutes from time set up a wild finish, with Costa Rican league leaders Saprissa pressing hard for the crucial goal. Javier Arrieta went closest, but he put his effort wide to a groan from the crowd. "When the final whistle blew, we were both relieved and happy with the result. The second half was tough and their pressure was relentless," Salt Lake’s Jamaican midfielder Andy Williams said. "But we were able to hold them off and accomplish what we set out to do. Now we'll start thinking about the final.”
Suazo paves the way for Monterrey
RSL’s opponent in the ultimate two-game series will be Monterrey, the seventh time in a row a Mexican team has reached the continental final. Los Rayados needed a penalty - finished with aplomb by Chilean talisman Humberto Suazo - nine minutes from time to seal the tense semi-final encounter with fellow Mexican outfit Cruz Azul.
The opening clash between the two sides finished 2-1 to Monterrey at home in mid-March, but Cruz Azul took the edge in the second leg on Wednesday night and looked well on their way to the final when Cesar Villaluz hit home in the 24th minute for the home side. They were just nine minutes from booking their place in their third consecutive final, but Waldo Ponce committed a second bookable offence and Monterrey were awarded a penalty. Jose De Jesus got his fingertips to the stocky Chilean’s spot-kick, but he couldn’t keep the firm strike out. A furious attack followed from the hosts, but they failed to find the goal they needed as Monterrey’s players celebrated wildly at the final whistle.
The first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final will take place on 19 April at Monterrey’s Estadio Tecnologico, with the second leg coming a week later at Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium. Whichever team wins the final will do so for the first time in their history, also reaching their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup into the bargain.
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