Donovan: A lesson learned

At half-time of their first World Cup final, United States were in the unlikely position of leading five times World Cup World Cup ™ winners Brazil by two clear goals at the Ellis Park. There was a kind of arrogance that sweeps its first half performance, with Clint Dempsey and flashing a stylish opener Landon Donovan outstanding bend your head after a devastating attack on shortly thereafter.

In the end, however, normal service was resumed and the mighty roar portfolio to life, scoring three times to seal his third title of FIFA Confederations Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory. While sadness was the general sentiment of Americans in the camp of the final whistle, Donovan, speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, painted a picture of a team that is better for the hard lessons learned on Sunday night in Johannesburg....[source]

Dunga reveals unwavering belief

Brazil coach Dunga was no doubt his side can overcome a deficit of two goals against the U.S. to win the FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg last night.

South Americans were in all sorts of problems half an hour at the Ellis Park in the final thanks to goals from Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, and went into half time trailing 2-0. Luis Fabiano, but halved the deficit almost immediately after the break, and then drew his side with 16 minutes of play before the end of a head of Lucius broke the heart of America...[source]

Brazil Fight Back To Beat USA and Lift Confederations Cup

The Americans Made it Tough, but guality told for the selecao....

28 Jun 2009

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USA 2-3 Brazil

Brazil fought from 2-0 down to lift the 2009 Confederations Cup with a thrilling victory in Johannesburg.

It was a deserved victory for the Seleçao, but is also counterattacking U.S. show their dominance in the first half.

Clint Dempsey was the first real opportunity when it signals a shot from twenty meters wide, but Brazil took the ten minute mark, putting pressure on the last third of America.....[source]

Spain 3-2 South Africa

Spain secured the victory over hosts South Africa at the Confederations Cup third place play-off courtesy of a Xabi Alonso free-kick in extra time.

South Africa substitute Katlego Mphela opened the scoring in the second half in a tie Siphiwe Tshabalala cross. Two goals in two minutes from Daniel Guiza in Spain appears to have won until Mphela crashed home an injury time free kick to force overtime. learn more...

Argentina : Maradona hand against sky-high

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has signed a bumper contract to continue as coach of the national soccer team. Press reports said Maradona will earn 1.2 billion USD [€ 860,000] by the passage of one year as coach, which comes in $ 100,000 [€ 72,000] a month and covers the period from November 2008 to October 2009.

The agreement means Maradona, who has worked as coach of Argentina since November 2008 without signing a contract, remain in office at least until the end of the FIFA World Cup ™ South Africa 2010 qualifiers in October...[source]

What was the biggest shock?

U.S. notable victory over the European champions in Spain, will go down in history as one of the great upheavals, and FIFA.com wants to know how the outcome historically ranks. It is you, what do you think was the biggest shock of all time in a FIFA tournament high?...[source]

Gaxa aiming to outflank Brazil

South Africa, one of the performers of the star here, at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, Siboniso Gaxa, stated his belief that it should quell Bafana Bafana players for Brazil if they want to get stronger in an upset on Thursday 25 June semi-final at Ellis Park.

Gaxa defender who plays his club football in his homeland with Mamelodi Sundowns, are relishing the challenge of taking part in a Brazil that contain some of the biggest names in world football, but is fully aware of the challenge ahead.....[source]

Parreira treads a diplomatic line

"It's not as if my loyalties are divided, but let's say that I will be neutral." As the words suggest, the former Brazil and South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is not hard to show his loyalty to his selection ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final meeting with the tournament hosts. Having coached his native country at two FIFA World Cup ™ final and also helped build the current South Africa during his spell in charge of Bafana Bafana, Parreira is understandable, sitting on the fence in the buildup to Thursday, great game....[source]

Next Week on FIFA.com

Eager to know what happens next week on FIFA.com? Here is a brief look at some of the best articles, interviews and features planned for publication.


Interview with Fabio Capello
FIFA.com sat down with the England boss to discuss how the Three Lions their favorites for glory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa ™ and think that his players will make good managers.....[source]

Confederations Cup: Brazil Late Goal Breaks Hearts Bafana Bafana in the semifinals

Brazil advance to the final where he will meet U.S. giant murderers, such as Daniel Alves set piece defeated host South Africa.

25 Jun 2009

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Brazil 1-0 South Africa
Confederations Cup fixtures, results

South Africa have been some surprise results in the past when there was much more basa is loaded against the opposition on the pretext of Argentina, and France, more than a decade ago. However, earlier this afternoon were Pippen once again as underdogs as they face the greatest nation in World Cup history, and indeed the whole of greater success in the Confederations Cup tradition, Brazil.

Could have found little tension emanating from the Bafana Bafana star before the game and during the game pre-construction, South Africans can be found chanting, singing and banging the walls, as did a stroll along its rhythmic way to the locker room. His voice was the pride and excitement just a reflection of the constant rumors that the local amateur strokes occurred in the vuvuzela when playing together when moving the tournament from the second semi-final began....[source]

Do you have a fever of World Cup?

If the global struggle to apply for the 2010 FIFA World Cup ™ tickets are any indication, next year's tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Applications for tickets to South Africa 2010 opened last Friday, resulting in huge interest from all corners of the world. The first World Cup to be held on the African continent promises a spectacle both on and off the field.....[source]

Who will win South Africa 2009?

Eight teams, one trophy. FIFA.com wants to know if you believe that Brazil, Egypt, Iraq, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain or the U.S. win this year's FIFA Confederations Cup?



Courtesy of UEFA EURO 2008 conquest of the 32-game unbeaten in his term that has curtain raised and the presence in his squad for Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres and David Villa, Spain will start as marginal favorites....[source]

Xavi: It Hurts not to see Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup

The midfield maestro was disappointed after the selection of the dreams of another title were dashed ...

25 Jun 2009

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Xavi

Spain, on top of the world after setting a new international record of 15 successive wins last weekend, came crashing back down to earth when they were stunned 2-0 by the United States in the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup......[goal.com]

Brave USA Eliminate Spain From Confederations Cup

The number one ranked team in world football were humbled by the Americans.

Jun 24, 2009 4:22:16 PM

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Clint Dempsey, USA (PA)

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Spain 0-2 United States of America
Confederations Cup fixtures, results

The USA have qualified for the Confederations Cup final after stunning favourites Spain with a deserved win in Bloemfontein....[goal.com]

Confederations Cup: Spain defeat South Africa both as Rate

La Furia Roja won a narrow energy Bafana Bafana, but both qualify for the next round ...

Spain 2-0 South Africa
Confederations Cup Tables, Calendar, Results

Two second half goals from strikers Spanish Vicente del Bosque's side made the semi-finals while South Africa to reach the next bold step by the narrowest of margins......[source]

Brazil and Italy made to work :

here was no lack of enthusiasm on Monday the Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 began with an explosion. The four teams of vision in the Free State Stadium in Mangaung / Bloemfontein and Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane / Pretoria served much entertainment and exciting goals in two highly contested games....[source]

Iraq-New Zealand preview

After holding South Africa to an opening draw and losing with a slight margin against Spain, Iraq will go into their third game against New Zealand with an aim of registering their first win in the tournament to maintain their chances of going through from Group A.[source]

Egypt : hail historic victory

Video Egypt vs Italy

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata and his players greeted Thursday win over Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup as an achievement and pride have set their sights on the tournament semi-finals. "This is a great result," Shehata told Reuters after an emotional night for the Egyptians, whose 1-0 victory over the champions of the world is your best result. "We had a good game against Brazil but technically the result was not the way. But this gives us great hope for the semi-final," he added.

"It was a great feeling, a fantastic victory and we are very proud," said striker Mohamed Zidan, who came out with a hamstring injury and said he was unsure of playing in the final Group B match against U.S. Sunday. "We have realized that we must defend together to show some good results," said Zidan, who scored twice against Brazil in the 4-3 loss in the opening group game on Monday.

Defender Wael Gomaa says it is a thrill to beat a quality team of Italy after a first half goal by Mohamed Hommos. "They were very strong against the best players in Serie A and we're really happy with the victory. We know we will have to work hard to defeat the United States and qualifies for the next phase."

Gomaa, a longstanding member of Egypt in the CAF African Nations Cup winning teams, has added a memorable night for her country. Egypt had lost all four previous encounters with Italy, which had never before been beaten by opponents of Africa in 14 previous matches.

Ahmed Fathi end, a brief period in English club Sheffield United, said of the Italians: "They're a great team, but all our players gave a great effort in the field. The Americans will be difficult but we have to win to happen."

The four sides in Group B can still reach the last four. Brazil is on top with six points, followed by Italy and Egypt in three each. The United States lost their two matches but could happen if Brazil beat Italy in Pretoria on Sunday and the Americans win magnificently against the champions of Africa. add fifa.com

Capello: Things are looking

Fabio Capello believes England are tantalisingly close to rid the fear, which they continuously withdrawn.

Capello heads to South Africa for a scouting mission in the FIFA Confederations Cup content in the knowledge that his three lions roaring, if it is a tendency on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa ™. Only a victory from the remaining three games in the autumn of next year is enough to confirm in England among the last 32 after a six-goal hammering of Andorra at Wembley.

And now, the Italian do not see any reason why they should not be to fulfill its immense potential. "The fear is going on. It is not yet over, but it is," said Capello, who called the second half with Ashley Young last night as a good example of his work.
The fear is going on. It is not yet over, but it goes
England manager Fabio Capello on his team.

Overawed and behave on his last appearance in Germany seven months ago, last night boy produces moments of genuine class after his introduction as a half time substitute for Steven Gerrard. It is true that the opposition is hardly first class. But with his speed and raw ability Dribbling MAZY, Young Talent can unlock the tightest defense, which he brave enough to try.

"I was really glad Ashley," said Capello. "He has four games with me now and this time he played with confidence, as he for Aston Villa. The other times he played with fear. He was not the same. I told him he had to play, as he and his team .

The missing ingredient for the young and the other was the confidence. So hard to win, but so easy to lose, it can be a world of difference to every individual, especially at the highest level, where self-doubt can be a nagging hold. And, as Capello looks at his first full season in charge, boosting confidence is the biggest challenge.

"Trust is the largest, what has changed," he reflected. "I can not change the level of the players. The Club Manager can with these players every day. You can do everything. If you play with the team the confidence is very important. Now we have the confidence. That is the big difference because it is so important. "

Confidence grows
The professionalism with which Steely Capello views of all its work to ensure he does not want to spend time around the clock may soon wind to 12 months if all his plans and programs must. Neither is he willing to say that certain skills, even if England require just one victory from the last two games, or two if it moves into the next two games against Croatia and Ukraine.

What he is willing to cross his fingers, is a squad of players as fit and fresh as they are now, with the fitness of Wayne Rooney is particularly important. Ranks in a major role for the last part of the season with Manchester United, Rooney will benefit most from the imminent departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, as Sir Alex Ferguson the chance to free him from his defensive shackles, and the job he has so much with England .

Another brace last night means Rooney England has achieved eight of the 26 gates in the qualification of their seven outings, during his ten equal Gary Lineker who has been long-standing record. Capello and is confident there is still more to come. "Wayne is young and he can," said Capello.

"I accept it is rather a case for a little upwards of 90 percent instead of 70 percent, but it may be 3 percent or 4 percent, and that is very important. I was very happy with Wayne. This season he has done , very good. He is a fantastic moment, right now, and I hope he is the same in the next year. "

Between them Rooney and Steven Gerrard will be the hopes of the nation on their shoulders next summer, and it was in recognition of the efforts that Capello is the pair of half-time evening. As a substitute Jermain Defoe scored twice and fellow striker Peter Crouch has benefited from some abysmal Andorran defense, which almost certainly move costs Rooney his first international hat trick.

However, while he may know, are reluctant to take a break, Rooney was asked to see the big picture. "Wayne did not say anything as I do," countered Capello when it was suggested that the Merseyside do not have to be impressed.

"You have to the people who play, but you have to respect, on the bank. There are no big egos in this group. This is the spirit we have."

Messi: We beat Brazil

Lionel Messi has promised Argentina beat Brazil in the upcoming FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 ™ qualifying match to provide the much needed momentum for his bid to reach the final.

Barcelona forward Messi was disappointed to be on the losing side against Ecuador on June 10, when Argentina fell 2-0 in Quito.

They are fourth in qualifying group South America, secured the last qualifying position, two points higher than Ecuador, and with four rounds of matches remaining.

"Brazil have to win and we will do so."
Lionel Messi of Argentina

Argentina will have the advantage when they take on group leaders of the September 5 Brazil in their next qualifier and Messi has rallied his teammates.
"I have no doubt that Argentina will go to the World Cup," said Messi.

"We have to beat Brazil and we will do it."

Goles de Walter Ayovi, which offset long-range, and sank Pablo Palacios Diego Maradona's team in the week. Carlos Tevez had missed a penalty for Argentina, while the score was goals.

"We have to achieve some positive results and we will do it," Messi said.

"I'm mad because they did not deserve to lose the game against Ecuador. We have made a good first half and took the lead with a goal that came from heaven." fifa.com

Asian trio become first qualifiers

Australia, Japan and South Korea became the first team to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa ™ today, and did so with two rounds to spare in the area of Asia.

Takeshi Okada's team sealed their ticket first, Uzbekistan, edges, before the Socceroos joined them courtesy of a tie on goals from Doha. Taeguk Warriors then confirmed its presence in seventh consecutive World Cup with a comfortable away win.

All that remains to be determined in the region is that both teams finishing third in the two sections and, therefore, the battle for the right to face New Zealand in a play-off for a place in the 19th World soccer event of the event.

Day 8 results
June 6, 2009

Group A: Australia 0-0 Qatar, Japan 0-1 Uzbekistan
Group B: DPR Korea 0-0 Iran, United Arab Emirates 0-2 Korea Republic

Game of the Day
Japan 0-1 Uzbekistan
Shinji Okazaki (9)

Uzbekistan pressed hard throughout, played some football and intriciate created most of the possibilities. However, the best fell to Japan, and especially Shinji Okazaki achieved one of them, latching on to Kengo Nakamura pass over head home in the ninth minute. The States of Central Asia threw everything forward in the second half, but without the talismanic Maksim Shatskikh, lacked a cutting edge. Japan has booked three players sent off and Makat Hasebe in the closing moments, but defended resolutely to book a place in South Africa 2010.

Surprise of the day
DPR Korea 0-0 Iran

While there were no major surprises on Day 8, DPR Korea had achieved something that eluded her in previous meeting with Iran in three World Cup World Cup qualifying: avoid defeat. Ali Karimi, to head back to midfield with Mehdi Mahdavikia, the visitors looked the more dangerous side in the opening half, with Vahid Hashemian almost breaking the deadlock with a volley just before the break. The hosts, however, the interval from one side and quickly took the game to their opponents. Jong Tae-Se was twice about breaking the deadlock, while Hong Yong-Jo and Pak Nam Chol also be opportunities. Team Melli point was finally indebted to goalkeeper Seyed Rahmati, which produces an excellent save.

Other games
Australia 0-0 Qatar

One point is needed across Australia, but there is no doubt that they made efforts to secure a second World Cup title with the victory. However, the Socceroos found a rival in impregnable Qasem Burhan. In fact, after the 27th minutes Tim Cahill shot had grazed the post, the goalkeeper made a series of Qatar keeper that Everton player, Harry Kewell and Joshua Kennedy.

United Arab Emirates 0-2 Korea Republic
Park Chu-Young (5), Ki Sung-Yueng (37)

Republic of Korea made light work of a side that had nothing but pride at stake. Park Chu-Young put the visitors ahead after only five minutes, an advantage when Lee Chung-Youg move closely, and they doubled their advantage 32 minutes later when United Arab Emirates keeper Majed Naser Parrie a draft the path of Yueng Ki-Sung, who found the unguarded net.

What they said
"This was out of play really hard, but I'm really happy because I had only scored in friendly matches before. This time, I feel like I did very well for the Japanese team," forward Shinji Okazaki Japan

Player of the Day
Coach Takeshi Okada surprised many by starting Shinji Okazaki instead Keiji Tamada. However, their faith in the young forward as dividends paid to 23 years old rose to the occasion to head home the winning goal.

The numbers game
1 - With only two rounds remaining in Asian qualifying, only one team has been eliminated: United Arab Emirates, whose hopes were ended by a 3-2 loss to Saudi Arabia the previous day.

World Debate: Why not Argentina qualify for World Cup

Argentina has struggled a lot during the World Cup classification, and now with the left not too long in the competition Albiceleste risk losing the competition in total. Gregory Sica explains why we could lose ...

Believe it or not, but it is very likely that Argentina will not qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Each statement must be backed up with proof and evidence, and not too much time on the left of South America World Cup qualifiers there is reason to believe that Argentina lost.

Argentina are currently in fourth place of the ten teams in the group, a situation that they automatically qualify for the tournament, but the moral is not only low, but at the time in Argentina are the team who have the time of closure of the ten teams.

Argentina in the final four qualifiers they face Brazil (1st place), Paraguay (2nd place), Peru (10th) and Uruguay (6th place). In addition to the game with Peru, Argentina faced with three very tough teams that have struggled against in recent times.

When the qualifiers resume in September Albiceleste assume the group leaders South America Brazil in Buenos Aires. Will not only be forced to win by the home fans, but if they lose the game Brazil could guarantee qualification for the World Cup. Brazil will be motivated by this, and the strength of his squad Dunga also suggests collecting the three points.

Argentina were losing in the final against Brazil in recent times, and Seleçao who beat up 3-0 in the final of the Copa America 2007, will enter the clash as the overwhelming favorite.

Next up are Paraguay, Argentina referred to a team with 1-1 in Buenos Aires, and one that has made life very difficult for the Argentines in the past too. Paraguay could also closing in on World Cup berth with a victory and will surely be very happy to do this at home against Argentina in Asuncion.

While Argentina is expected to beat Peru, which also noted with 1-1 in the first round, the latest accessory is fierce against the neighboring Uruguay, a team that traditionally have trouble with. The last time the teams met in a classification in the World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay won 1-0, and Uruguayans certainly try to inflict another defeat on their rivals River Plate.

Of the four games it would be fair to say that Argentina could take between 3-6 points. If you seek this amount of points that could be excluded from an automatic berth in the World Cup. Basically, Argentina could face a two-legged playoff with a team from the CONCACAF region, if they end up in fifth place.

In the 1994 World Cup of this classification is the case, and Argentina only managed to qualify for the World Cup after defeating Australia 2-1 added to the playoff.

With only 6 wins in 14 qualifiers, it is clear that Argentina has struggled. Diego Maradona's appointment has not done any favors, not only are dropping in points, but they are playing horribly. With the abundance of talent in his squad argentina should be in the first two positions of the World Cup classification, but are struggling just to qualify for the tournament.

Argentina international superstars like Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Aguero have played well below their potential, and this has affected the team as a whole. Maradona has yet to get the best of his players.

Times are certainly challenging for the Argentina camp, and unless you reverse the situation immediately is a must to qualify for the World Cup. That would not only be a disaster for Argentina, but for football in general. source goal.com

Diego Maradona Argentina Head: I'm proud of my players
Despite a disappointing defeat, "El Diego" believes his players in a good performance ...

Diego Maradona, the Argentine national team coach, he reiterated that he was "proud" of his players but was disappointed that they could not seize the opportunities created against Ecuador.

Argentina suffered another frustrating defeat at high altitude, this time 2-0 in Quito in the Atahualpa Olympic stadium.

"How do you explain it? Tactical and mental health had controlled the game. But football is, when you do not seize opportunities to receive on its own network," said Maradona.

"Ecuador studied for a long time and knew what he had to offer. Do not work for those costs. We have made life difficult for them to Carlitos [Tevez] with Jonas [Gutierrez] and Leon [Messi] with Maxi [ Rodriguez], but missed the penalty and the other opportunities we created. "

Maradona said he was happy with the display of his players, but nevertheless it was a defeat, and now have to concentrate on their next clash with arch-rivals Brazil in September.

He said, "We are facing Brazil, this is our goal. If we had marked the game against Ecuador would have been finished. They had to leave their shells. But as no punctuation, and missed the penalty and other opportunities, scored and the match ended this way. "

The winner of the 1986 World Cup knows that the fans demand a victory against Brazil when the teams meet in Buenos Aires, and he hoped that the performance of his players at night.

Maradona said: "It will be a nice match to play, the game is that everybody wants to play, Brazil are our biggest rivals, who are the team that always get the best of us." source goal.com

Want Four Finish Last In Japan 2010 World Cup



The giants of Asia are already looking ahead and aiming high ...

Now that Japan has achieved the qualification for the 2010 World Cup, coach Takeshi Okada has reiterated his desire to have a place in the last four in South Africa.

The Blue Samurai defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 in Tashkent on Saturday and are already looking ahead to next summer.

"I want my players to fight hard to reach the semifinals," the 52-year-old told reporters on his return from Central Asia.

"The final whistle sounded last night the launch of a new challenge for Japan. Once the [World Cup] calls, let us create a maximum of four games against the top sides."

Japan seeks to recover from a nightmare in the 2006 campaign that Shunsuke Nakamura remember.

"We've qualified for the World Cup, but it is only a stepping stone," said the Celtic midfielder.

"We have to get back up ourselves for the challenge ahead."

The chairman of the Japan Football Association was also a happy man.

"With the help of the passionate support of fans from Japan, we have cleared the first big step," said Motoaki Inukai.

"It's a relief to qualify. We now have a year to prepare thoroughly for the purpose of World Cup semi-finals."