Spain finalise South Africa preparations

Spain will play three international friendlies in the weeks before the 2010 FIFA World Cup ™ South Africa next year and based around Johannesburg during the tournament, said the football association in the nation on Tuesday.


The European champions will play two friendlies at home, on 29 May and 8 June, 5, and died Opponents of the squadron in June, the parties have not yet been established.


The Spanish national team is in Potchefstroom, a university town about 120 miles southwest of Johannesburg, based in the tournament.


He is 10th in Africa in JuneSpain wins, one of the favorites in the tournament, are in Group H with Chile, Honduras and Switzerland. December was the first time in the Coca-Cola, completed the second year running, so the only team to hold still win first place in the ranking, but without a FIFA World Cup.


Often criticized for poor performance at international level, his best position is the fourth in 1950. Spain only appeared in two World Cups, FIFA until 1978 but have qualified for every tournament since.

World Cup 2010: Spain Coach Vicente Del Bosque Wary Of Highly Rated Chile and Switzerland

Spain has a reputation for poor performance on the international scene, but after winning Euro 2008 and winning the number one world ranking, the Spanish team are hoping to delve into next summer's World Cup.

However, things do not wine and roses for the Red under Coach Vicente del Bosque, who has warned of the quality you expect in Spain in the group stage. "I am neither complaint nor happiness for the draw," said Spanish coach. "Switzerland and Chile are the numbers 17 and 18 in the standings and are not far from the best. Honduras, according to my sources, is also very strong. It will not be easy."

Former Real Madrid coach also praised The White qualifying in first place in their Champions League group and expressed his hope that Barcelona and Seville, to achieve the same on Wednesday. Spanish clubs "For years we have seen very well in the competition and this is a good sign for the Spanish players."

The coach also expressed his satisfaction that the five players selected for the FIFA World Player of the Year were playing their football in the league, "said Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta nominations from among the five finalists were particularly well deserved.

Blatter Apologis In FAI

CAPE TOWN - Sepp Blatter apologized to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). It refers to comments by Fifa president about the possibility of Ireland competed in the 2010 World Cup. Really?

As we all know, Ireland has to mourn for the tragic not to South Africa. Handball Henry cooked before feeding it to the William Gallas of the culprits.

Blatter made a startling statement. Switzerland request FAI men agreed to participate in the 33 World Cup 2010 in South Africa next.

However, recently some of FIFA denied the rumors. FAI issued a statement criticizing these Blatter. He admitted he regretted the news.

"Sorry about this news. It is unfortunate that this happened. Again I apologize to the FAI," Blatter was quoted as saying yahoosports site on Wednesday (3/12/2009).

Ireland: Come to South Africa?

JOHANNESBURG - Republic of Ireland national team clearly has not forgotten the controversy of handball Thierry Henry, who goes against the play-offs France for some time. Delegation of the Irish Football Association is now launching the latest proposal from FIFA on the resolution of the incident.

Soccerway launch on Tuesday (1/12/2009), the Irish asked FIFA to include them as a team to the final round of 33 in the 2010 World Cup. The idea came after the rejection of FIFA and the French Football Federation held a rematch.

"Delegation of Ireland Football Association and FIFA's faces, obviously are not happy with what happened," said FIFA president Joseph Blatter.

"It was agreed that the game can not be repeated. They did not ask any penalty (for France). But, with a very humble, they were asked if they could be the 33 teams in the World Cup," he continued.

Although his words invited the laughter of the participants Soccerex football business conference attended by Blatter, but 73-years man seriously enough to respond to the proposal.

"Finally, the Irish proposal. I will ensure that drew the attention of the executive committee," Blatter said minutes.

Messi won Ballon d'Or

PARIS - Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball trophy after 2009, as reported Goal, Tuesday (1/12/2009).

As expected many games, the Messiah had grabbed the title of European Footballer of the Year 2009 is awarded by France Football magazine. Messi joined the Blaugrana deliver an impressive performance to reconcile three prestigious title last season: Champions League, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Winger 22 on the list of Ballon d'Or nominations for three consecutive years. However, new this year Messi won the title.

After 2007, Messi was ranked third with AC Milan Ricardo Kaka took home the most important trophies. Meanwhile, last season had to settle for being runner-up after the Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo bought European Footballer of the Year and Player of the Year title.

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Real Madrid is second. Meanwhile, the player of Euro 2008, Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona) took third place.

Golden Ball award is based on the votes selected by a panel of journalists from around the world.

Besides being the first Argentine player won this award, Messi is also the youngest player to receive the Golden Ball after Michael Owen won the trophy at the age of 21 years in 2001.