The big fella might not score many but his selfless running creates space just behind for Rooney and Gerrard.Between the sticks, Robert Green, it seems, stands in pole position and in fairness the West Ham keeper hasn’t done a lot wrong in an England shirt.You can’t imagine the England coach, for example, venturing into a major tournament with a total rookie he hasn’t already evaluated in previous games.
Not for Capello the Theo Walcott scenario when Sven Goran Eriksson controversially took a teenager with no Premier League experience to the last World Cup.Some players, of course, are automatic starters.Aaron Lennon was favourite before he got injured but now it’s less clear because Walcott still looks a better substitute than he does a starter, since his understanding of the game leaves a bit to be desired.Heskey, in effect, is used as a tool to maximize the talents of England’s star men.Who, for instance, starts on the right wing where the Italian demands pace and outright width?In his prime, David James was definitely a cut above while young Joe Hart, in time, could go further as well.
For that reason, we can almost discount those outsiders making a late bid for the World Cup 20 With one friendly left before the final squad is announced, the time for experiments has probably passed.To be frank, though, he’s nothing more than ordinary at this level.That only leaves the goalkeeper, seeing as the back four picks itself should Ashley Cole make it.Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney - if fit, they form the basis of the team.That only leaves James Milner, whose intelligence and versatility guarantee a plane ticket, but whose natural style doesn’t fit Capello’s requirements on the right.Capello’s final squad, then, will have its imperfections.A pity that, because, whereas Fulham’s Bobby Zamora falls short on quality if not on goals, I would take a punt on Adam Johnson, the 22 year-old winger settling in well at Manchester City.Less promising still, he can’t match the blinding speed of Lennon or Walcott.This brings us on neatly to a short explanation of Emile Heskey’s involvement.Carlton Cole, on the other hand, is more suited to the task, if only he could knock off one or two rough edges.Capello has got to think about that, just as he’s got to assess who’s in or out of form.Fabio Capello has never been much of a gambler.Neither can Jermain Defoe, as proved against Egypt in March.Downing, granted, is a capable footballer who can swing in a dangerous cross, but Johnson’s ability to beat a man might be more useful in a tight match.But it will also boast several figures of genuine class.Peter Crouch, despite a brilliant goal ratio, can’t do this so well.As it is, Stewart Downing, Johnson’s old Middlesbrough teammate, stands ahead in the queue as a left-sided option.In this regard, Shaun Wright-Phillips isn’t much better off.After that, though, even Capello might harbour one or two doubts.
Showing posts with label Team. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Team. Show all posts
Friday, April 9, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
World Cup 2010 : Don't Underestimate North Korea
I believe that the surprise may actually come from North Korea, so therefore we need to be careful and remain focused when playing against them.
The players may lack the technical skills, but they’re not selfish and are usually well conditioned and tactically very aware.The ex-Benfica legend was in charge of Portugal at the 2000 European championships and then succeeded Guus Hiddink in South Korea at the end of 2002 before resigning in April 20 After just failing to take Tunisia to South Africa following a last day 1-0 qualification loss to Mozambique in November, the former Portuguese international is taking a keen interest in how Portugal will fare in the ‘Group of Death’ in June.Former South Korea and Portugal coach Humberto Coelho has told Goal.Carlos Queiroz’s men have been drawn with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea but Coelho has warned that the East Asians may not be the pushover that many expect.North Korea should not be underestimated at the 2010 World Cup.Asian football is a very generous type of football,” Coelho told Goal.
The players may lack the technical skills, but they’re not selfish and are usually well conditioned and tactically very aware.The ex-Benfica legend was in charge of Portugal at the 2000 European championships and then succeeded Guus Hiddink in South Korea at the end of 2002 before resigning in April 20 After just failing to take Tunisia to South Africa following a last day 1-0 qualification loss to Mozambique in November, the former Portuguese international is taking a keen interest in how Portugal will fare in the ‘Group of Death’ in June.Former South Korea and Portugal coach Humberto Coelho has told Goal.Carlos Queiroz’s men have been drawn with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea but Coelho has warned that the East Asians may not be the pushover that many expect.North Korea should not be underestimated at the 2010 World Cup.Asian football is a very generous type of football,” Coelho told Goal.
Breakthrough for Spain In World Cup 2010
They have so much confidence right now and that’s essential for any team going into a major tournament.Spain’s weakest point might be its back four.
Villa is also closing in on Raul Gonzalez’s record total of 44 goals for the team.Left back Joan Capdevila has also had a poor season at Villarreal, with Real Madrid pair Alvaro Arbeloa and Raul Albiol inconsistent and several other options inexperienced.It’s a nice moment for Spanish football.The 25-year-old striker should at least be well-rested from knee surgery when Spain plays its opening World Cup match against Switzerland on June 16 in Durban.And being drawn into one of the easier groups, with Switzerland, Chile and Honduras in Group H.South Africa 2010 is our big chance and we don’t want to waste it,” Torres said.The European champions travel to the tournament after a successful run that includes a 2008 European Championship victory that snapped a 44-year drought in major championships.No one looks as secure as them.The manner in which Spain goes into the tournament is also providing a boost.The Spaniard has scored 35 goals in only 53 appearances, compared to the Real Madrid striker’s 102 matches played.
To my mind, Spain are the best team in the world today,” said Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who plays for Barcelona.Torres will be looking to shed a forgettable season at Liverpool where he spent most of his time on the sidelines due to various injuries.We’ve now recovered any confidence that we may have lost that day against the United States.With Villa also up front, Spain’s attack is one of the most feared in Europe.Every rival is going to make things difficult for us.Jesus Navas could replace oft-injured Santi Cazorla, although the Sevilla winger’s anxiety problems could result in his sublime mix of pace and skill being left at home.And what better way to do that than winning 10 games in a row in qualifying.They have some absolutely fantastic players and there’s no doubt they play some lovely football.Whoever we face in the round of 16 will be fearsome, whether we finish first or second.Spain is built around a Barcelona team that won a record six club trophies in one calendar year, so expectations are probably higher than ever.The team has only dropped one game since a 1-0 friendly loss to Romania in November 2006—a 2-0 setback against the United States at last year’s Confederations Cup.Spain will head into the World Cup in South Africa confident that the team’s recent success will spur a long-awaited breakthrough on the international stage.Let’s see if we can harness our Euro momentum and use it at the World Cup, even though we know it gets harder and harder to win because we’ll be up against more difficult rivals.There is a lot of pressure—particularly on our players in terms of their club football before the World Cup—but there is a lot of optimism in Spain,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said.Xavi, Iniesta and Xabi Alonso anchor Spain’s midfield, while Marcos Senna’s unsteady form at struggling Villarreal has left question marks over whether Del Bosque will pick the 33-year-old naturalized Brazilian, a key member of the Euro 2008 run.But even if it all comes together for Spain, Del Bosque isn’t thinking ahead.We can’t start thinking about a Brazil final because it will be very difficult and it would show a lack of humility,” Del Bosque said.That defeat did us good by helping us realize that the road to the World Cup wasn’t going to be easy, but that we had to stay on track,” Torres said.Center back Gerard Pique is one of the best in the world at his position, but Spain’s defense can be shaky even with Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos in the lineup.Confidence comes from having Fernando Torres, David Villa, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and goalkeeper Iker Casillas in the starting lineup.
Villa is also closing in on Raul Gonzalez’s record total of 44 goals for the team.Left back Joan Capdevila has also had a poor season at Villarreal, with Real Madrid pair Alvaro Arbeloa and Raul Albiol inconsistent and several other options inexperienced.It’s a nice moment for Spanish football.The 25-year-old striker should at least be well-rested from knee surgery when Spain plays its opening World Cup match against Switzerland on June 16 in Durban.And being drawn into one of the easier groups, with Switzerland, Chile and Honduras in Group H.South Africa 2010 is our big chance and we don’t want to waste it,” Torres said.The European champions travel to the tournament after a successful run that includes a 2008 European Championship victory that snapped a 44-year drought in major championships.No one looks as secure as them.The manner in which Spain goes into the tournament is also providing a boost.The Spaniard has scored 35 goals in only 53 appearances, compared to the Real Madrid striker’s 102 matches played.
To my mind, Spain are the best team in the world today,” said Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who plays for Barcelona.Torres will be looking to shed a forgettable season at Liverpool where he spent most of his time on the sidelines due to various injuries.We’ve now recovered any confidence that we may have lost that day against the United States.With Villa also up front, Spain’s attack is one of the most feared in Europe.Every rival is going to make things difficult for us.Jesus Navas could replace oft-injured Santi Cazorla, although the Sevilla winger’s anxiety problems could result in his sublime mix of pace and skill being left at home.And what better way to do that than winning 10 games in a row in qualifying.They have some absolutely fantastic players and there’s no doubt they play some lovely football.Whoever we face in the round of 16 will be fearsome, whether we finish first or second.Spain is built around a Barcelona team that won a record six club trophies in one calendar year, so expectations are probably higher than ever.The team has only dropped one game since a 1-0 friendly loss to Romania in November 2006—a 2-0 setback against the United States at last year’s Confederations Cup.Spain will head into the World Cup in South Africa confident that the team’s recent success will spur a long-awaited breakthrough on the international stage.Let’s see if we can harness our Euro momentum and use it at the World Cup, even though we know it gets harder and harder to win because we’ll be up against more difficult rivals.There is a lot of pressure—particularly on our players in terms of their club football before the World Cup—but there is a lot of optimism in Spain,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said.Xavi, Iniesta and Xabi Alonso anchor Spain’s midfield, while Marcos Senna’s unsteady form at struggling Villarreal has left question marks over whether Del Bosque will pick the 33-year-old naturalized Brazilian, a key member of the Euro 2008 run.But even if it all comes together for Spain, Del Bosque isn’t thinking ahead.We can’t start thinking about a Brazil final because it will be very difficult and it would show a lack of humility,” Del Bosque said.That defeat did us good by helping us realize that the road to the World Cup wasn’t going to be easy, but that we had to stay on track,” Torres said.Center back Gerard Pique is one of the best in the world at his position, but Spain’s defense can be shaky even with Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos in the lineup.Confidence comes from having Fernando Torres, David Villa, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and goalkeeper Iker Casillas in the starting lineup.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Barreto tries to prove
I hope it works out that way and I can help the team win.
It’s hard to see us being among the favourites.Wouldn’t it be fantastic to score my second goal against Italy though?I only came on for a few minutes against Sweden and then against Trinidad and Tobago, when we were already out of the tournament.We want to improve on what we did at Germany and then get past the Round of 16, which has always been a stumbling block for Paraguay.A steady rise Born in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion, Barreto came up through the youth ranks at his hometown club of Cerro Porteno, one of the biggest sides in the land.Paraguay’s Edgar Barreto is especially looking forward to their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ debut against reigning champions Italy in Cape Town on 15 June.A confirmed admirer of Andrea Pirlo, Barreto is wary of their other opponents in Group F.His first division debut came in 2002, followed by his departure for Europe two years later, though he has every intention of returning home to attend to yet more unfinished business.Frustratingly, a similar injury to another toe on the same foot has delayed his return, not that he believes his chances of starting against the Italians have diminished because of that.In his career with Cerro, NEC Nijmegen, Reggina and Atalanta he has hit the back of the net 19 times, most of those goals coming from right-footed strikes from distance.That’s when we all get together and there’ll be others in the same situation as me.From then on Barreto became a permanent fixture in the side, which made Ruiz’s decision to relegate him to the bench for their opening match of the finals against England all the more surprising.Taking an objective line As far as the Atalanta man is concerned, there is a lesson to be learned from Paraguay’s first round elimination in Germany.Thanks to his ball-winning and distribution skills and ability to shoot from distance, Barreto made his mark with the national youth teams, appearing at both the FIFA U-17 World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2001 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup UAE 20 His breakthough year would come in 20 That January he made a big impression in the qualifying competition for the Athens 2004 Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, where he helped La Albirroja knock out Brazil.I’d been playing in the build-up to Germany 2006 but when we got there I wasn't given a starting place,” he explains.You don’t really see what I do on the pitch, although the coach obviously does.Maybe it’s got something to do with the fact that the national side plays a more defensive game.We want to improve on what we did at Germany and then get past the Round of 16, which has always been a stumbling block for Paraguay.Slovakia qualified ahead of some very good teams and that shows you what we can expect from them,” he says.There was no good reason for it although losing the first match turned out to be decisive in the end.He wouldn’t call me up otherwise!I’m not a standard bearer for Paraguayan football like Roque (Santa Cruz), Haedo (Valdez) and Salvador (Cabanas), so I have to work hard at what I do,” he says in reference to his virtues.I want to win the league in the Cerro shirt and my aim is to go back and do just that,” he vows.A few days later he joined Dutch club NEC Nijmegen, going on to make his full international debut in a friendly against Costa Rica that July.Senegal’s defeat of France in 2002 springs to mind, and that’s why we need to study them in depth.If we can do that, it will settle our nerves for the other games because there won’t be that same pressure on us to win.He wouldn’t call me up otherwise!The 25-year-old holding midfielder has unfinished business from four years ago and is anxious to atone for that frustrating experience and make his maiden start at the world finals.A long-range missile against the Italians would be just about the perfect way for him to extend his international account.Yet, given his selfless contributions to the cause, he cannot be too far from his coach’s thoughts.Currently plying his trade with Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, the midfielder has been out of action since November due to a hairline fracture in a toe on his left foot.The month leading up to the World Cup will be vital,” he explains.He capped it all the following month by winning a historic silver medal at Athens 2004 along with his brother Diego, now keeping goal for Cerro Porteno.No one was surprised when the then Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz called him up for a Germany 2006 qualifier against Venezuela that September.Our aim is to go as far as possible, and I’m convinced the squad can pull off a shock or two.I don’t mind admitting that I’m waiting for that day to come so I can put things right.It’s hard to see us being among the favourites.Before he signs off, Barreto identifies another objective of his at South Africa: scoring another goal for La Albirroja - he has only ever scored one, against the USA in the 2007 Copa America.Barreto on his hopes for South Africa 2010 And when talk turns to Paraguayan objectives, the defensive midfielder takes a realistic stance.Right now all I’m thinking about is getting fit again and making myself available for Martino.
Barreto on his worker's role for Paraguay Despite starting 12 of his side’s 18 qualifying matches in the CONMEBOL Zone, Barreto knows he is not yet certain of a place in Gerardo Martino’s starting XI.I don’t know too much about New Zealand, but I’m sure they have their strong points.The thing about little-known teams is they can always surprise you.You don’t really see what I do on the pitch, although the coach obviously does.We’re starting out against another great side this time too, and it will be important to get a good result against the Italians.
It’s hard to see us being among the favourites.Wouldn’t it be fantastic to score my second goal against Italy though?I only came on for a few minutes against Sweden and then against Trinidad and Tobago, when we were already out of the tournament.We want to improve on what we did at Germany and then get past the Round of 16, which has always been a stumbling block for Paraguay.A steady rise Born in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion, Barreto came up through the youth ranks at his hometown club of Cerro Porteno, one of the biggest sides in the land.Paraguay’s Edgar Barreto is especially looking forward to their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ debut against reigning champions Italy in Cape Town on 15 June.A confirmed admirer of Andrea Pirlo, Barreto is wary of their other opponents in Group F.His first division debut came in 2002, followed by his departure for Europe two years later, though he has every intention of returning home to attend to yet more unfinished business.Frustratingly, a similar injury to another toe on the same foot has delayed his return, not that he believes his chances of starting against the Italians have diminished because of that.In his career with Cerro, NEC Nijmegen, Reggina and Atalanta he has hit the back of the net 19 times, most of those goals coming from right-footed strikes from distance.That’s when we all get together and there’ll be others in the same situation as me.From then on Barreto became a permanent fixture in the side, which made Ruiz’s decision to relegate him to the bench for their opening match of the finals against England all the more surprising.Taking an objective line As far as the Atalanta man is concerned, there is a lesson to be learned from Paraguay’s first round elimination in Germany.Thanks to his ball-winning and distribution skills and ability to shoot from distance, Barreto made his mark with the national youth teams, appearing at both the FIFA U-17 World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2001 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup UAE 20 His breakthough year would come in 20 That January he made a big impression in the qualifying competition for the Athens 2004 Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, where he helped La Albirroja knock out Brazil.I’d been playing in the build-up to Germany 2006 but when we got there I wasn't given a starting place,” he explains.You don’t really see what I do on the pitch, although the coach obviously does.Maybe it’s got something to do with the fact that the national side plays a more defensive game.We want to improve on what we did at Germany and then get past the Round of 16, which has always been a stumbling block for Paraguay.Slovakia qualified ahead of some very good teams and that shows you what we can expect from them,” he says.There was no good reason for it although losing the first match turned out to be decisive in the end.He wouldn’t call me up otherwise!I’m not a standard bearer for Paraguayan football like Roque (Santa Cruz), Haedo (Valdez) and Salvador (Cabanas), so I have to work hard at what I do,” he says in reference to his virtues.I want to win the league in the Cerro shirt and my aim is to go back and do just that,” he vows.A few days later he joined Dutch club NEC Nijmegen, going on to make his full international debut in a friendly against Costa Rica that July.Senegal’s defeat of France in 2002 springs to mind, and that’s why we need to study them in depth.If we can do that, it will settle our nerves for the other games because there won’t be that same pressure on us to win.He wouldn’t call me up otherwise!The 25-year-old holding midfielder has unfinished business from four years ago and is anxious to atone for that frustrating experience and make his maiden start at the world finals.A long-range missile against the Italians would be just about the perfect way for him to extend his international account.Yet, given his selfless contributions to the cause, he cannot be too far from his coach’s thoughts.Currently plying his trade with Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, the midfielder has been out of action since November due to a hairline fracture in a toe on his left foot.The month leading up to the World Cup will be vital,” he explains.He capped it all the following month by winning a historic silver medal at Athens 2004 along with his brother Diego, now keeping goal for Cerro Porteno.No one was surprised when the then Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz called him up for a Germany 2006 qualifier against Venezuela that September.Our aim is to go as far as possible, and I’m convinced the squad can pull off a shock or two.I don’t mind admitting that I’m waiting for that day to come so I can put things right.It’s hard to see us being among the favourites.Before he signs off, Barreto identifies another objective of his at South Africa: scoring another goal for La Albirroja - he has only ever scored one, against the USA in the 2007 Copa America.Barreto on his hopes for South Africa 2010 And when talk turns to Paraguayan objectives, the defensive midfielder takes a realistic stance.Right now all I’m thinking about is getting fit again and making myself available for Martino.
Barreto on his worker's role for Paraguay Despite starting 12 of his side’s 18 qualifying matches in the CONMEBOL Zone, Barreto knows he is not yet certain of a place in Gerardo Martino’s starting XI.I don’t know too much about New Zealand, but I’m sure they have their strong points.The thing about little-known teams is they can always surprise you.You don’t really see what I do on the pitch, although the coach obviously does.We’re starting out against another great side this time too, and it will be important to get a good result against the Italians.
Monday, February 8, 2010
World Cup 2010: Portugal Are In The Toughest Group - Simao
he Portuguese winger has made it clear that it won't be easy for Portugal to survive the group stage...
By Stefan Coerts
Feb 8, 2010 2:52:00 PM
Deco, Simao, Portugal
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"Carlos Queiroz was trying to find a core of players for the World Cup. He decided to put his faith in youngsters, and that made things very hard for us early on in the qualifying campaign," said Simao to FIFA.com.
"Our group is the toughest group at the competition. Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire and North Korea - it’s so difficult. If we want to progress, we’re going to have to reproduce our form from the last few qualifiers.
"It’s vital to win, or get at least a point, in our first game against the Africans. Our opponents are very strong, we know that, but we’ll have time to prepare for that encounter. It’s the most important game of our World Cup.
"Given the group we’ve been drawn in, our main aim is getting through to the last 16. Then we’ll see what happens, but if we can get through then anything’s possible."
World Cup 2010: New Zealand Expect No Surprises In Final Squad For South Africa
All of the All Whites who finished qualification should be on the plane...
Feb 9, 2010 2:04:00 AM
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has told his players who took the All Whites to the 2010 World Cup that they are all likely to be going to South Africa.
Eighteen players were in the squad that defeated Bahrain in November’s World Cup play-off match and all will be in line to face Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia in June in the Kiwis’ first appearance on the world stage for 28 years.
Most of the ‘Bahrain-beaters’ will travel to Los Angeles on March 3 for a friendly with Mexico.
"Nothing has changed there. I don't think any of them [the Bahrain 18] will miss out - the only reason would be a real downturn in form and there is no case of that at the moment," Herbert said according to the New Zealand Herald.
"There are situations out of your control where players aren't playing much for their clubs but that is not a recipe to leave anyone out at this stage. If someone was left out of their club side for a long time you could look at it, though,” he added.
The newspaper also reports that Herbert will not take four goalkeepers to South Africa although Glen Moss is serving a four-match suspension that will not expire until the final group game against Paraguay.
Friday, January 8, 2010
African teams eye next step: winning the World Cup
OHANNESBURG (AP)—Now that an African country has won the right to host the World Cup, the next step is for one of the continent’s teams to win the trophy.
Whether that day will come on July 11 in South Africa is uncertain, but some certainly think the opportunity is there for the taking.
“When I say this people laugh, but I believe it,” former Ghana great Abedi Pele said. “But here in Africa we will definitely have one team that will go far—and when I say go far, I mean as far as getting the trophy.”
Including host South Africa, the continent will have six teams competing at the World Cup this year against traditional powers such as Brazil, Italy and Germany. But not all Africans think Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Algeria can win this time around.
Former African Player of the Year Patrick Mboma of Cameroon is skeptical because of the nature of African soccer management.
“You are forgetting that these players hail from African soccer federations, hence there is a lot of disorganization,” Mboma said. “That’s why Africa will always fall short of glory.”
Former England coach Steve McClaren, however, believes it’s just a matter of time before an African team succeeds on soccer’s biggest stage.
“In the future, an African team can win the World Cup,” McClaren told The Associated Press. “Whether that will be World Cup 2010, it is hard to predict.”
Five of Africa’s six World Cup qualifiers will get a chance to showcase their ability at this month’s African Cup of Nations in Angola. Players including Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and midfielder Michael Essien, and Cameroon forward Samuel Eto’o will be representing their countries at the 16-team tournament. South Africa failed to qualify.
African teams have never before reached the semifinals at a World Cup, but Cameroon made the quarterfinals in 1990 and Senegal matched that in 2002.
But more than mere sporting glory, African soccer confederation president Issa Hayatou is looking at the World Cup in South Africa to help the continent achieve economic development.
“This World Cup will inspire hope and aspiration throughout Africa,” Hayatou said.
Whether that day will come on July 11 in South Africa is uncertain, but some certainly think the opportunity is there for the taking.
“When I say this people laugh, but I believe it,” former Ghana great Abedi Pele said. “But here in Africa we will definitely have one team that will go far—and when I say go far, I mean as far as getting the trophy.”
Including host South Africa, the continent will have six teams competing at the World Cup this year against traditional powers such as Brazil, Italy and Germany. But not all Africans think Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Algeria can win this time around.
Former African Player of the Year Patrick Mboma of Cameroon is skeptical because of the nature of African soccer management.
“You are forgetting that these players hail from African soccer federations, hence there is a lot of disorganization,” Mboma said. “That’s why Africa will always fall short of glory.”
Former England coach Steve McClaren, however, believes it’s just a matter of time before an African team succeeds on soccer’s biggest stage.
“In the future, an African team can win the World Cup,” McClaren told The Associated Press. “Whether that will be World Cup 2010, it is hard to predict.”
Five of Africa’s six World Cup qualifiers will get a chance to showcase their ability at this month’s African Cup of Nations in Angola. Players including Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and midfielder Michael Essien, and Cameroon forward Samuel Eto’o will be representing their countries at the 16-team tournament. South Africa failed to qualify.
African teams have never before reached the semifinals at a World Cup, but Cameroon made the quarterfinals in 1990 and Senegal matched that in 2002.
But more than mere sporting glory, African soccer confederation president Issa Hayatou is looking at the World Cup in South Africa to help the continent achieve economic development.
“This World Cup will inspire hope and aspiration throughout Africa,” Hayatou said.
Beckham's AC Milan stint to seal his England ticket for 2010 World Cup
Ace midfielder David Beckham is certain of his ticket to the England team for the 2010 World Cup after being promised regular first-team football with AC Milan.
Beckham is back in Italy for a second loan spell and could play for the Rossoneri against Genoa at the San Siro tonight.
England boss Fabio Capello warned Beckham that he needs to be playing regularly in Europe if he is to make the squad for South Africa. But Milan coach Leonardo revealed that he expects Beckham to be more than just a bit-part player as AC Milan.
Beckham made 20 appearances under Carlo Ancelotti in last season's loan stint with Milan. Although Ancelotti is now at Chelsea, it appears his successor is happy with the loan deal, The Sun reports.
"We have a lot of matches and he will have a lot of football over the next few months. David will have plenty of opportunities because there is no doubt he is going to be an extremely important player for us over the rest of the season," Leonardo said.
"Not many English players do well in Serie A. That is true. But Beckham has adapted his life here. He has created a good relationship with everyone. He trains hard, he sacrifices himself. He works hard and does everything we ask. It is impossible for a player like him not to be successful," he said.
"He is always motivated which is very special. We have created a good relationship with him from the last time. I genuinely believe David feels at home here, which is important. David has been here over a week now and he has not lost his condition since playing in the US," Leonardo added.
Beckham is back in Italy for a second loan spell and could play for the Rossoneri against Genoa at the San Siro tonight.
England boss Fabio Capello warned Beckham that he needs to be playing regularly in Europe if he is to make the squad for South Africa. But Milan coach Leonardo revealed that he expects Beckham to be more than just a bit-part player as AC Milan.
Beckham made 20 appearances under Carlo Ancelotti in last season's loan stint with Milan. Although Ancelotti is now at Chelsea, it appears his successor is happy with the loan deal, The Sun reports.
"We have a lot of matches and he will have a lot of football over the next few months. David will have plenty of opportunities because there is no doubt he is going to be an extremely important player for us over the rest of the season," Leonardo said.
"Not many English players do well in Serie A. That is true. But Beckham has adapted his life here. He has created a good relationship with everyone. He trains hard, he sacrifices himself. He works hard and does everything we ask. It is impossible for a player like him not to be successful," he said.
"He is always motivated which is very special. We have created a good relationship with him from the last time. I genuinely believe David feels at home here, which is important. David has been here over a week now and he has not lost his condition since playing in the US," Leonardo added.
Zim to provide World Cup staff
Zimbabwe and South Africa have agreed on a mode of co-operation that will see Harare providing human resources to its neighbour for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Under the agreement, some members of the Cabinet Taskforce on Tourism will be travelling to South Africa fortnightly to attend meetings on the 2010 football extravaganza and help map the way forward.
South Africa, which hosts the soccer showpiece in June, has asked Zimbabwe to help with drivers, ushers and waiters for the duration of the games.
Sports, Tourism, Image and Communication Ministerial Taskforce chairperson and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi said the committee’s success could only be measured by the ability to connect Zimbabweans to the finals, the amount of revenue realised from the period and managing to attract at least three teams to camp in Zimbabwe before, during and after the games.
He said time had come for Zimbabwe to organise itself and look at achievable targets before June.
"Time is running out for the country and we need to put our house in order so that we can reap rewards from the World Cup extravaganza," he said.
Minister Mzembi said the taskforce would decentralise its operations to provinces to increase the participation of local structures.
"We will come up with the same structures in provincial capitals to encourage the participation of local people in preparing for the World Cup. We will be recommending to the ministerial taskforce that provincial governors spearhead the development aimed at attracting visitors for the World Cup in their areas," he said. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Dr Sylvester Maunganidze said there was need for the taskforce to synchronise its operations with what is being done in South Africa.
"The taskforce will next week come up with teams of technocrats in the field of communication, transportation, accommodation and services to complement those that are operating in South Africa.
"The country has made strides in the telecommunications sector where the country’s tele- density grew from eight percent in February to 24 percent in November last year, with much of the growth being in the mobile telephone sector," he said.
Dr Maunganidze said there was no activity in trying to bring fixed lines to the people as this was heavily linked to the availability of power. Power availability has been erratic in the country. He said work at the Beitbridge Border post was going on at the required pace and there was a need to quickly implement the one stop border post and improve connectivity.
"It is hoped that lead ministries and institutions will in the next few months move with speed to make this happen. This will enable a quick flow of goods and people into and out of the country," he said.
The taskforce’s briefing was yesterday attended by the Environment and Natural Resources Minister Francis Nhema, Information Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa and Labour and Social Services Minister Paurina Mpariwa. Deputy Ministers of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture Lazarus Dokora, Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development Tichaona Mudzingwa and Regional Integration and International Co-operation Rueben Marumahoko also attended the briefing.
Under the agreement, some members of the Cabinet Taskforce on Tourism will be travelling to South Africa fortnightly to attend meetings on the 2010 football extravaganza and help map the way forward.
South Africa, which hosts the soccer showpiece in June, has asked Zimbabwe to help with drivers, ushers and waiters for the duration of the games.
Sports, Tourism, Image and Communication Ministerial Taskforce chairperson and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi said the committee’s success could only be measured by the ability to connect Zimbabweans to the finals, the amount of revenue realised from the period and managing to attract at least three teams to camp in Zimbabwe before, during and after the games.
He said time had come for Zimbabwe to organise itself and look at achievable targets before June.
"Time is running out for the country and we need to put our house in order so that we can reap rewards from the World Cup extravaganza," he said.
Minister Mzembi said the taskforce would decentralise its operations to provinces to increase the participation of local structures.
"We will come up with the same structures in provincial capitals to encourage the participation of local people in preparing for the World Cup. We will be recommending to the ministerial taskforce that provincial governors spearhead the development aimed at attracting visitors for the World Cup in their areas," he said. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Dr Sylvester Maunganidze said there was need for the taskforce to synchronise its operations with what is being done in South Africa.
"The taskforce will next week come up with teams of technocrats in the field of communication, transportation, accommodation and services to complement those that are operating in South Africa.
"The country has made strides in the telecommunications sector where the country’s tele- density grew from eight percent in February to 24 percent in November last year, with much of the growth being in the mobile telephone sector," he said.
Dr Maunganidze said there was no activity in trying to bring fixed lines to the people as this was heavily linked to the availability of power. Power availability has been erratic in the country. He said work at the Beitbridge Border post was going on at the required pace and there was a need to quickly implement the one stop border post and improve connectivity.
"It is hoped that lead ministries and institutions will in the next few months move with speed to make this happen. This will enable a quick flow of goods and people into and out of the country," he said.
The taskforce’s briefing was yesterday attended by the Environment and Natural Resources Minister Francis Nhema, Information Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa and Labour and Social Services Minister Paurina Mpariwa. Deputy Ministers of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture Lazarus Dokora, Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development Tichaona Mudzingwa and Regional Integration and International Co-operation Rueben Marumahoko also attended the briefing.
Will African stars burn bright?
Source: Getty ImagesChelsea's Didier Drogba
2010 is a momentous year for African football.
Not only is there another African Nations Cup in January, but football's biggest prize, the World Cup, arrives in South Africa in June.
Back in 1977 none other than the legendary Pele backed an African team to take the World Cup by 2000. Admittedly, that was ambitious, but now 10 years later, all those Afrophiles are again touting the challenge of the continent's best.
For the first time ever Africa has a quota of six nations. Along with hosts South Africa, there are Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria. Is it expecting too much for one of these not only to go beyond the quarter finals, something no African side has managed, but all the way to the final winners podium?
An early indication of the strength of their challenge will be gauged at this month's Nations Cup in Angola. Much is predicted of Ivory Coast and Ghana with all the big name players, and their match up in Group B is eagerly anticipated.
Expect Cameroon to progress, too, with Samuel Eto'o leading the charge. Nigeria, not the super power they once were, should get through Group C, with the holders Egypt.
Egypt, knocked out of the last World Cup in a tense play off with Algeria, will be out to prove a point, and there is every chance that the two North Africans could again meet in the latter stages. Their animosity was evident in the awful violence that surrounded the Cairo play off, and also in the scenes of wild celebration that signalled Algeria's win in Sudan.
Observers of the African game will be very familiar with the passionate nationalism that football provides, and there is no doubt the local fans love the game. African players are increasingly featuring in European football at a high level. Thus greater professionalism and tactical awareness is added to the already technically gifted array of talents coming out of Africa.
Many pundits follow Pele's conviction that it is only a matter of time before the World Cup is won by a third continental representative.
However, there are detractors that believe the ultimate African glory will remain a bridge too far for many generations yet, even though the competition is on home soil now.
Strange as it may seem, but it is the Nations Cup that arguably may well be holding African football back. The argument stems from the timing of the bi-annual affair. Always held in January and February, this collides with the major European leagues. For a month clubs have no option but to release their prize African stars, and this enforced period of unavailability at a crucial stage of domestic seasons is cited as a reason why the top ranked teams in Europe are reluctant to invest too heavily in African talent.
In England, apart from Chelsea, the squads of the rest of the top four are remarkably light in Africans. Similarly in Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona only have a couple each. In Italy, only Mourinho's Inter have bucked the trend. Do the big clubs consciously avoid signing too many Africans for this reason?
The second argument for the gradual, but slow development of Africa is undoubtedly financial. Hardly any of the continent's ruling bodies have much cash to throw at recruiting the cream of Europe's coaches. Cameroon's ex-Lyon mastermind Paul Le Guen is probably the most well-known of the current crop, while any number of journeymen Dutch, French and Serbian coaches find themselves washed up on the African continent.
A final consideration should be the spread of the talent. Massive as Africa is, with well over 50 nations, the growing populations will produce more potential, but no one country seems to benefit from a whole generation of world beaters. Each team has its world class leader, but beyond that the cupboard is alarmingly ordinary.
Ivory Coast can boast a brilliant attack with Drogba and Kalou, while Ghana have a powerful midfield with Essien and Muntari. Neither is defensively sound. Cameroon have the athletic Kameni in goal and Eto'o to fire the goals, but who provides the passes?
With better coaches and investment in youth, Africa will continue to develop strength in numbers, and one day the World Cup will be landed. Just not in 2010.
World Cup 2010 teams: Fifa ranking
Spain have retained their place as the No 1 team, ahead of Brazil, in the latest Fifa rankings for December.
England remain in ninth, but have gained points and close the gap on eighth-placed Argentina.
Chile have climbed above Ivory Coast into 15th, while Mexico go in the opposite direction, dropping two places down to 17th.
Fifa ranking of the 32 World Cup teams:
1 Spain (1,627 points); 2 Brazil (1,568); 3 Holland (1,288); 4 Italy (1,209); 5 Portugal (1,176); 6 Germany (1,173); 7 France (1,117); 8 Argentina (1,085); 9 England (1,076);
11 Cameroon (1,035); 13 Greece (1,016); 14 USA (980); 15 Chile (936); 16 Ivory Coast (934); 17 Mexico (931); 18 Switzerland (924); 19 Serbia (916); 20 Uruguay (909);
21 Australia (863); 22 Nigeria (848); 26 Algeria (823); 28 Denmark (820); 29 Paraguay (806);
31 Slovenia (767); 33 Slovakia (752); 34 Ghana (747); 37 Honduras (738);
43 Japan (709); 52 South Korea (625); 82 New Zealand (400); 85 South Africa (377); 86 North Korea (376).
England remain in ninth, but have gained points and close the gap on eighth-placed Argentina.
Chile have climbed above Ivory Coast into 15th, while Mexico go in the opposite direction, dropping two places down to 17th.
Fifa ranking of the 32 World Cup teams:
1 Spain (1,627 points); 2 Brazil (1,568); 3 Holland (1,288); 4 Italy (1,209); 5 Portugal (1,176); 6 Germany (1,173); 7 France (1,117); 8 Argentina (1,085); 9 England (1,076);
11 Cameroon (1,035); 13 Greece (1,016); 14 USA (980); 15 Chile (936); 16 Ivory Coast (934); 17 Mexico (931); 18 Switzerland (924); 19 Serbia (916); 20 Uruguay (909);
21 Australia (863); 22 Nigeria (848); 26 Algeria (823); 28 Denmark (820); 29 Paraguay (806);
31 Slovenia (767); 33 Slovakia (752); 34 Ghana (747); 37 Honduras (738);
43 Japan (709); 52 South Korea (625); 82 New Zealand (400); 85 South Africa (377); 86 North Korea (376).
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