FOOT BALL FAIR PLAY

Tevez denies City blast

2012-02-04T22:42:00.002+07:00

Carlos Tevez has issued a statement "categorically denying" quotes attributed to him by Kicker magazine suggesting his situation at Manchester City is now "almost comical".
Tevez has not featured for City since September, and has been in exile in Argentina in the wake of his alleged refusal to come on as a substitute against Bayern Munich.

Several clubs expressed an interest in signing the forward in January - most notably AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain - but none was able to meet City's asking price.

Quotes then emerged on Thursday from Kicker whereby Tevez appeared to question City while expressing that he cannot understand why he has been portrayed so negatively.

The magazine quoted the Argentine as saying: "I think this situation has become almost comical. I wanted to leave City and I had offers from other clubs, both from Italy and Spain, but in the end it all collapsed because City rejected every offer they received.

"They say I cost a fortune and they do not sell me, not even give me a loan. I really have no idea what will happen in the coming months. There were offers from Milan, Inter and Paris St Germain, but in the end they have done nothing.

"I sent a letter to the club in which I said I wanted to leave. In recent days I also contacted the Premier League to appeal the fine imposed on me by City. Now I'm waiting for a response. Talking to the League is my only option at this time.

"I cannot understand that but I cannot do much against it. People may think what they want. Of course there were personal aspects to this story. I wanted to be closer to my children who live in Argentina, so I took the situation to hand.

"Now I must talk with the management at City. Let's see what happens. Of course I would return to play football but, at this time, I have to settle for playing golf, or taking part in testimonials, such as my friend Martin Palermo's."

However, on Thursday evening, a statement was issued on Tevez's behalf, which stated: "Regarding an interview published in Kicker Magazine, Carlos Tevez categorically denies both speaking any journalist about his situation at Manchester City and the quotes attributed to him in the interview."

By ESPNsoccernet staff

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1016741/carlos-tevez-denies-manchester-city-blast?cc=4716

Beckham signs new Galaxy contract

2012-01-19T10:37:00.001+07:00

FIFA

David Beckham has signed a two-year contract with Los Angeles Galaxy, the Major League Soccer side have announced.

The 36-year-old's five-year contract expired last month and he had been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, Beckham has now re-signed with the LA-based club with which he won the 2011 MLS Cup.
I've seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here.
David Beckham, LA Galaxy midfielder

"This was an important decision for me," Beckham said on the club's website. "I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, I'm still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy.

"I've seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here. My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here."

Badge of champions awarded to FC Barcelona

2012-01-11T21:39:00.000+07:00

FIFA

FC Barcelona today received the FIFA Club World Cup Champions Badge, a physical reminder of the club’s emphatic triumph in FIFA’s annual club event in Japan in December.

Following on from individual awards for Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi at the FIFA Ballon d’Or, the Champions badge is an award for the whole team, serving as a visual acknowledgement of the club’s status as the best club football team in the world.

The badge, featuring an image of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy and the text “FIFA World Champions 2011”, will be seen on the shirts for the first time in Thursday’s Copa del Rey match versus Osasuna. It will remain on the shirts until the final whistle of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter congratulated the FIFA Club World Cup Champions on their performance in Japan, saying “We are pleased to be able to honour FC Barcelona after a truly remarkable year for the club. To have won five top titles in one calendar year is a great achievement. I’m sure the badge will be a great reminder of this success every time the players wear the team’s jersey.”

"The players can be very proud to wear this badge for the next year,” said FC Barcelona coach and FIFA World Coach of the Year Pep Guardiola. “Our victory at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan concluded a fantastic year for our club. It is an honour to receive this mark of recognition from FIFA.”

This is the second time that FC Barcelona have had the honour of wearing the badge, following their victory at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009. First introduced for the FIFA Club World Cup in 2007, the badge has also featured on the playing kits of AC Milan, Manchester United and F.C. Internazionale Milano.

The FIFA Club World Cup Champions badge is just one in a series of FIFA World Champions Badges which are awarded to the winners of selected FIFA events. The first team to be presented with the FIFA World Cup™ Champions badge was the Italian men’s national team, champions of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, with the Spanish national team recently taking over this honour after their success in South Africa. Germany’s women’s national team also wore a Champions badge in recognition of its success in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007™, an honour which was then bestowed upon the Japanese women’s national team following their triumph in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™.

Asamoah: We want another go in 2014

2012-01-02T21:58:00.001+07:00

FIFA

One of the best players in a generation of top-drawer Ghanaian talent, Udinese’s Kwadwo Asamoah has been a consistent force for club and country since emerging on the world stage at the start of 2010. In that year, the Accra native played every match for the Black Stars as they marched to the final of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and then narrowly missed being the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup™.

In a team positively bursting with midfield players, the 23-year-old proved to have a lethal combination of strength, pace, technique and vision, and he was voted the Most Promising Talent on the continent by its international coaches. Asamoah built on that success in 2011, playing a major a role in Udinese unexpectedly finished third in Serie A, which has reportedly put him on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United.

With I Zebrette just two points off the pace in the Scudetto race and Ghana set to enter the CAF Africa Cup of Nations among the favourites for glory, FIFA.com caught up with the 23-year-old to discuss those competitions, his nation’s quarter-final elimination at South Africa 2010, the road to Brazil 2014 and life in Italy.

FIFA.com: Kwadwo, Udinese sold several key players in the summer but have made a strong start in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League. What will it take for the club to compete with the big teams in Europe consistently?
Kwadwo Asamoah: Last year we worked hard and deserved the chance to play important matches. These games against high-level opponents boost the prestige of our club, and it is an opportunity we should not miss. We always strive to do our best.

What has been the key to the club’s success?
Our young age and mentality. We are one of the teams with the lowest average age in the Serie A. We help each other a lot on the pitch, and the group is very united. Our mentality is the same as a year ago, even though several new players have arrived.

You have been playing further back in the midfield for Udinese. Has that made a big difference to your game?
I do notice a difference between the national team and the Italian league. With Ghana, I play behind the only striker, Asamoah Gyan, while in Udine I learnt to play as a left midfielder and help more in all parts of the pitch. I even happened to play in defence.
Football is like that. There are bad moments and defeats to be swallowed. The good thing is that you always have a chance to come back.
Kwadwo Asamoah on Ghana's South Africa 2010 quarter-final exit

How strong will Ghana be at the upcoming Cup Nations Cup?
We are a good team, without any phenomenons but with many quality players. If we are compact and gritty as [coach Goran] Stevanovic asks, we will be dangerous for anyone to play.

Do you think the absence of teams like Egypt, Cameroon and Nigeria will make it an easier competition to win than previously?
It is true that strong and successful teams will be missing, but it still won't be easy to win the continental tournament. Not even South Africa will be there, but there are always new teams who will make life hard for anyone. All the teams who qualified for the finals deserved it.

Who do you see as the favourites? Can one of the smaller teams make a big surprise?
I do not see any favourite. We all start on the same level, so of course there could be a big surprise. I see a very balanced tournament.

What do you think about the Brazil 2014 qualifying draw? Who is you main opposition from Sudan, Zambia and Lesotho?
It is not a difficult group. Zambia are certainly the opponents to fear most.

How long did the disappointment of losing on penalties in the South Africa 2010 quarter-finals last?
Football is like that. There are bad moments and defeats to be swallowed. The good thing is that you always have a chance to come back. We got within a step of the semis, and in the last minute we missed a penalty that would have allowed us to make history, but it can happen. We hope to have a chance to overcome it in the next World Cup. I would like to have such an opportunity. Obviously we were very sad, but in the end it is a football game.

How do you enjoy life in Italy?
I like living here. I have been in Udine for four years, and I am truly happy to live in such a pleasant place. I fit in completely.

After several years in that country, do you consider yourself as a Ghanaian-Italian?
I am a Ghanaian and my nationality does not change, but I am very happy to live in Italy.

Have you adopted the Italian foods already? Do you choose pasta over fufu now?
I always eat Italian food. When I can, I do not give up fufu, but I must say I prefer pasta or rice.

Safee Sali, Malaysia's goalscoring hero

2011-12-25T20:55:00.001+07:00

FIFA

It seems south-east Asia has a plethora of goalscoring royalty, each eulogised for their ability to hit the net. Thailand has Teerasil Dangda, Vietnam boasts Le Cong Vinh, while in Indonesia there is Bambang Pamungkas. In Malaysia, the pin-up goal king is Safee Sali. And the prolific 27-year-old has the track record to prove it.

Already popular in the massive football fan base that is Malaysia, Sali last year took his profile to another level. A five-goal haul lifted the previously underachieving Malaysia to the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Championship for the first time in their history. Celebrity status was immediate, along with a high-profile apparel deal.

And, but for red tape, Sali might now be plying his trade with Cardiff City in the English Championship. Such a deal would be new ground for a Malaysian footballer, but for now Sali must content himself with starring in the highly competitive and popular Indonesian national league.

European dreams
Sali spent September in Cardiff trialling with the Welsh club, impressing manager Malky Mackay, but the Bluebirds boss stated that while the Malaysian impressed, UK work permits are an inevitable issue to overcome. It may well be that Sali, to avoid that hurdle, seeks a move to continental Europe at some stage down the track. Indeed three of his national team colleagues are currently enjoying regular game time in Slovakia.

Sali says it would be a dream come true to secure a contract in Europe. “I really want to play in Europe so I hope, after my trial at Cardiff, to have more chances,” he told FIFA.com. “I would be proud and happy if I can play there [in Europe], and I hope that many Malaysian players can go there. It would help development in Malaysia a lot.”
I would be proud and happy if I can play there [in Europe], and I hope that many Malaysian players can go there. It would help development in Malaysia a lot.
Safee Sali, Malaysia striker

For now, though, Sali is happy to develop his poaching instincts with Pelita Jaya, having previously enjoyed prolific stints with Sarawak and, more recently, Selangor in his homeland. His achievements for both club and country have led to Sali being mentioned alongside iconic Malaysian striker of the 1970s and '80s, the late Mokhtar Dahari.

“Indonesia is a step forward for me,” said Sali. “It is different level and experience in Indonesia. The club environment is very good with big crowds. There is a lot of passion for football there.”

Tigers hungry for success
Despite the modest achievements of the national team, football in Malaysia has a massive fan base that is desperate for success. Some 90,000 spectators - the biggest global crowd in the current FIFA World Cup™ cycle - turned out at Kuala Lumpur’s cavernous Bukit Jalil stadium in July as the Malayan Tigers hosted arch-rivals Singapore. The match ended 1-1, with Sali, almost inevitably, bagging the home team’s goal. However, a 5-3 scoreline in the return ended Malaysia’s Brazil 2014 hopes before they had begun.

That disappointment came barely six months after what was arguably the biggest moment in Malaysia’s football history as they claimed the regional title for the first time. It was a genuine moment of national euphoria and the softly-spoken Sali was front and centre of the action on and off the field. Sali’s five goals effectively proved the difference for the Malayan Tigers in lifting the crown, with the athletic frontman collecting the tournament’s top goalscorer award.

“It [Suzuki Cup] was a big achievement for me,” said Sali. “It was something that I dreamed of before and I never thought I could get the goalscorer award.” It was, he says, the turning point in his career. “It was a very sweet year for me.”

Now the challenge is to maintain the impetus - “We have some momentum now,” as Sali puts it. Malaysia are building for success and if achieved, Sali, one feels, will be key. “For the next year we want to win the Suzuki Cup again, and then our goal is to qualify for the [2015] Asian Cup,” he says. “We can achieve it if we work hard for our target and have the right preparation.”

Joseph S. Blatter confirms ISL file will be published despite objection of involved party

2011-12-08T22:05:00.001+07:00

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 6 December 2011

On 21 October 2011, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter announced his commitment to publish the ISL-ISMM file after receiving the full backing to do so from the members of the FIFA Executive Committee. Today, the FIFA Presidenhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift confirms his determination to publish the file on the ISL-ISMM case despite the fact that legal measures have been taken by one of the parties involved.
These measures request another thorough legal analysis which will postpone the envisaged publication of the ISL file.
Joseph S. Blatter stated today: “FIFA has been working intensively over the past few weeks with its lawyers and legal team to be able to publish the ISL file at the next meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee in Japan on 17 December 2011. It was my strong will to make the ISL file fully transparent at this meeting. I have now been advised that as a result of the objection of a third party to such transparency it will take more time to overcome the respective legal hurdles. This does not change my stance at all. I remain fully committed to publishing the files as soon as possible as an important part of my many reform plans for FIFA, which include handling the past as well as preparing the future structure of the organisation.”
The reform process has in any case already started and will continue with a view to presenting concrete measures at the 2012 FIFA Congress.

Auckland's Barça connection dare to dream

2011-12-07T21:25:00.000+07:00

(AFP) Wednesday 7 December 2011

FIFA Club World Cup favourites Barcelona might be on a different footballing planet from minnows Auckland City, but the Kiwis can at least boast of some unlikely connections with the Spanish giants. Prolific Auckland striker Manel Exposito made his debut for Barcelona on the same day superstar Lionel Messi made his first appearance for Barça, while the Oceania champions have another former Barcelona man in Andreu Guerao.

And the association between part-timers Auckland and their more illustrious counterparts does not end there - Ramon Tribulietx, Auckland's coach, is from Barcelona and has adopted the Spaniards' attractive pass-and-move approach. "When I scored the goal in the (Oceania) final and I knew we would be champions, I actually started to think about it then during the game," Exposito said recently of a possible reunion with Barcelona.

The 30-year-old was with the reigning Spanish and European champions from 2002 to 2005, and like Messi made his first-team debut in November 2003 against Porto. But Exposito's progress was hampered by injury and he played for a number of other Spanish clubs before finding himself at Auckland, the rank outsiders at the seven-side intercontinental showpiece that starts tomorrow in Japan.

Auckland take on J.League winners Kashiwa Reysol to kick the tournament off and they would need to pull off the highly unlikely - make the final - if they are to stand any chance of facing the mighty Barça. However Expositio is happy to have much smaller goals in relation to his former side. "I hope I can see Barcelona in this tournament, that would mean everything in the world."

Barcelona native Guerao is another dreaming of a date with his former side. The midfielder, 28, made his first-team Barcelona debut in a friendly in 2004 against Marseille but was later released.

The eternal elegance of Florian Albert

2011-11-03T20:22:00.000+07:00

FIFA

In football as in life, nothing is eternal. And while the passing of former Hungary international Florian Albert on Sunday is clearly a great loss to the sport, the imprint that he left on the game is unlikely to ever be forgotten.

Regarded as one of the most graceful players in history, Albert was a one-club man for his entire career, representing a successful Ferencvaros side between 1958 and 1974, a period during which the forward also starred for a Hungary team that was bent on reliving past glories.

“Florian was an extremely elegant footballer with extraordinary skill and ball control,” recalled FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter in a letter of condolence to Sandor Csanyi, President of the Hungarian FA. “These qualities ensured that he was highly respected by his opponents," he added.

Albert was bitten by the football bug at the age of nine when, as the third of four children living in Hercegszanto, a small village in southern Hungary, he was enthralled by the exploits of Gusztav Sebes’ celebrated Mighty Magyars, a side that included players of the calibre of Zoltan Czibor, Nandor Hidegkuti, Sandor Kocsis and Ferenc Puskas, among others.

“I learned everything I know from that team. I was a great admirer of the marvellous show they were able to put on,” Albert once said.

After six years of constant progress at Ferencvaros’ youth academy, Albert made his first-team debut on 2 November 1958 in a 3-1 win over Diosgyor. His simple approach and fluid style, backed by a remarkable level of technique, marked him out as one of the most outstanding players of his era. That comparisons are often drawn between his poise and that of Franz Beckenbauer, whose career partly coincided with the Hungarian’s, is a sign of the esteem in which he is still held.

Pele’s absence forgotten
Albert’s talent outshone his inexperience, and he enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence. He won his first cap for Hungary at the tender age of 18 in June 1959, in a 3-2 win over Sweden, although he had at that point started just two matches for Ferencvaros.

One year on, the striker would score six times during his country’s three group matches at the 1960 Olympic Football Tournament in Italy. This included an impressive 7-0 win over France, but he was powerless to prevent them from being knocked out 2-0 by a surprising Denmark side at the semi-final stage. The bronze medal, secured by way of a 2-1 triumph versus Italy, would offer some consolation.

During the 1962 FIFA World Cup Chile™, he led Hungary to the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated in a tight 1-0 loss to the former Czechoslovakia, with Albert finishing as second-top goalscorer at the tournament.

Following a laudable UEFA European Championship 1964 performance in which the Hungarians achieved third place, he then also tasted European success at club level, propelling Ferencvaros to some of the greatest results in their history during an exceptional Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (now UEFA Europa League) campaign.

The run culminated in a memorable 1-0 victory over Juventus in the final on 23 June 1965 at the Stadio Comunale in Turin, after Fradi had eliminated Roma, Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United along the way.

Florian was an extremely elegant footballer with extraordinary skill and ball control.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter

But it was during the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England that Florian Albert truly left his mark on the history of the game. The first-round encounter between Hungary and Brazil, from which the Europeans emerged victorious 3-1, is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches the tournament has ever witnessed.

Lajos Baroti’s side, boasting an Albert at the height of his powers, ran rings around the then world champions, who were deprived of the skills of Pele through injury. One of the match’s most memorable moments came in the 21st minute, when Brazil goalkeeper Gilmar had to pull off an exceptional save following some entertaining head tennis inside the box between Ferenc Bene and Albert.

The 57,000 spectators present at Goodison Park in Liverpool that day likely had trouble believing their eyes because, for the first time in nearly a decade, a team was beating the hitherto all-conquering Brazilians at their own game, namely all-out attack.

The goal which gave Hungary the lead in the 64th minute again stemmed from good interplay between star strikers Bene and Albert, who sent over the perfect cross for Janos Farkas, whose volley left the keeper with very little chance. There was then no way back for Brazil. Albert’s performance made many fans forget all about the absence of Pele, and he was given an incredible standing ovation.

“I remember his sensational performance in the game against Brazil at the FIFA World Cup in 1966 in England, which cemented his standing as one of the world's top players,” confirmed President Blatter.

Award and injury
The year 1967 was a memorable one for the Hungarian magician, as not only did he win the European Footballer of the Year Award, but he also saw his second son born in December. Florian Jr would later play for Ferencvaros, as well as for clubs in Israel and France.

These happier moments were followed by more difficult times, as 18 months later Albert sustained a broken leg in a clash with Danish keeper Erik Engedahl. He returned to football a year later, but was unable to rediscover the style or form with which he had made his name.

On 17 March 1974 he took part in his 351st and last-ever league match, bringing to an end a career during which he had scored 245 goals and pulled on the green shirt of Ferencvaros 537 times, all competitions combined. His international swansong came two months later in Szekesfehervar when, in front of 15,000 fans, he won his 75th and final cap in a 3-2 win over Yugoslavia. His international goal tally would forever stand at 32.

The former forward remained in the world of football, first as a coach in Libya and then in various roles at Ferencvaros, the club dearest to his heart. This legend of the Hungarian game passed away on Sunday 30 October after complications following heart surgery.

“On behalf of FIFA and the football family, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to the Hungarian FA and, most importantly, to all of Florian Albert’s loved ones and friends,” Blatter concluded in his letter.

City, United primed for titanic derby

2011-10-21T09:25:00.001+07:00

(AFP) Friday 21 October 2011 (FIFA)

Manchester may not yet be, as a local newspaper columnist recently declared, "the football capital of the world." But for 90 minutes at Old Trafford on Sunday, it will certainly feel like it.

A global audience of several hundred million will turn their gaze to the "Theatre of Dreams" as Manchester City attempt to underscore their emergence as the rising power of English football against Manchester United.

A potentially titanic showdown between the two richest clubs in English football will see City open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League if they score their first away victory over United since 2008.

It is the first time since 1968 that City and United have met while occupying first and second place in the table. That statistic lends weight to the view that the power struggle between the red and blue halves of Manchester is poised to become the defining rivalry of the Premier League in the coming years, if it has not already done so.

City served notice of their wherewithal to supplant United with victory over Sir Alex Ferguson's side en route to capturing last season's FA Cup. United duly responded by clinching their record 19th league title before claiming a 3-2 victory over City in this year's Community Shield curtain-raiser.

Since then the two clubs have been neck-and-neck at the top of the Premier League, before City edged two points clear last weekend with a 4-1 win over Aston Villa while United were held 1-1 at Liverpool. Yet if City are to extend their lead this weekend, they will have to overcome United's astounding home form, which has seen them drop just two points in their last 25 games at Old Trafford.

They [Manchester City] are playing a lot of good stuff and it will be difficult to play against them. But we should not forget; we are United.

Manchester United winger Nani

Ferguson's team have not lost at home since April 2010, and Portuguese winger Nani believes that gives the Red Devil an advantage on Sunday. "City have a fantastic team at the moment with fantastic players," Nani said. "They are playing a lot of good stuff and it will be difficult to play against them. But we should not forget; we are United.

"When we play at home it is very hard to beat us. That is why we are so confident. With a record like ours, we should be confident every time we play at home. We have to believe we are going to win most of the games."

City midfielder Nigel de Jong believes his team-mates will derive confidence from the fact that they are now looking down on United from the summit of the Premier League. "Everyone believes we can go there and win," de Jong said.

"We're going there as number one and the aim is to stay number one. We feel we can do that but United will be confident as well, and they're playing at home, so it's a massive game for both of us."

Nani meanwhile rejected suggestions that Sunday's game could be a title decider, pointing to the improved form of Chelsea, who face west London neighbours Queens Park Rangers in another Premier League derby this weekend. "City are one of the teams who have been doing fantastically well since the season started," said Nani.

"But there are a lot of teams who are doing well and we need to be aware of them. Chelsea have been excellent for a start. It is too early to say it is just going to be about Manchester United and Manchester City for the title."

Meanwhile third-placed Chelsea will attempt to build on their recent run of form against QPR at Loftus Road. QPR boss Neil Warnock insists his side will not be over-awed by the occasion.

"People will try and write us off, but the challenge of the Premier League is to try and do well against these teams," Warnock said. "Who's to say we can't do well against the big teams? There will be one or two shocks this season and hopefully we can provide it."

DIDI

2011-10-20T21:30:00.001+07:00

FIFA.COM

Didi, the unflappable genius

Just four minutes had been played in the Final of the 1958 FIFA World Cup™ between Brazil and hosts Sweden at the Rasunda stadium in Solna, when Nils Liedholm struck to put the home side in front. After the ball nestled in the back of the net, Brazilian midfielder Waldir Pereira – better known as Didi – unhurriedly fished it out and tucked it under his arm before walking slowly but deliberately back towards the centre circle.

In his relaxed body language and serene manner lay the message Didi wished to pass on to his shocked team-mates. Reflecting the coolness on the ball he showed throughout his stellar career, Didi made it clear there was no need to rush, no need to panic; provided they kept their heads, Brazil´s talent would see them through.

“I was already in position out on the left wing, ready for kick-off, and I saw Didi walking slowly with the ball in his arms. I ran over to him, shouting in desperation, 'Come on Didi, we're losing!' He just said 'Calm down lad. We're still a better team than they are. Don't worry, we´ll turn this game around soon enough,'” fellow Seleção legend Mario Zagallo told FIFA.com. “And once we heard that, everybody suddenly calmed down. We equalised five minutes later and the rest is history. That's what Didi was like: he made everything seem easy.”

Why sweat it?
Yet the very same steady, deliberate approach that paved the way for Brazil´s 5-2 win against the Swedes and a first world title had also earned him more than his fair share of detractors. In fact, though the 30-year-old was at that point an established Brazil international and firm favourite at then club side Botafogo, as well as previous employers Fluminense, his composure, intelligence and economy of movement was often mistaken for a lack of both pace and commitment.

This was the case during his brief spell for Spanish giants Real Madrid, who in 1959 swooped for a player widely acclaimed as one of the star performers at Sweden 1958. “The Spanish fans loved players who put in tackles and went to ground, and I never used to tackle anybody,” recalled Didi, in a 1987 interview with Brazilian magazine Placar, of his frustrating time alongside the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas.

“My shirt and socks would still be spotless by the end of a match and they couldn´t get their heads round it. I used to have to grab a handful of mud and smear it across my shirt. Why should I have to do that, when I could attack and put our strikers through on goal? The fans used to get so angry,” added Didi, who returned to Botafogo in 1960 and won a second world title with Brazil at Chile 1962.

My shirt and socks would still be spotless by the end of a match and they couldn´t get their heads round it.

Didi, Brazil legend.

What's more, with his laid-back yet determined personality seemingly reflected in every gesture, be it a simple sideways pass or that iconic stroll in Solna, Didi became the perfect muse for Nelson Rodrigues, the writer who, for many, best encapsulated Brazilian football in the 1950s and ´60s. Rodrigues compared Didi´s elegance on the pitch to that of an “Ethiopian prince”, which in time would become his unique nickname.

“Didi treats the ball lovingly. At his feet, it seems to become a rare and sensitive orchid, which must be looked after with affection and pleasure,” was one of Rodrigues´ particularly descriptive portrayals of the midfielder´s class in possession. And though such eloquence may seem a little over the top nowadays, there are few stars whose playing style lends itself as much to poetic license as Didi´s did.

Respect of his fellows
Underlining the steel that lay hidden beneath Didi's calm and what some perceived as haughty exterior was the authority he enjoyed amongst his colleagues. This ability to lead served him well once he turned his hand to coaching, having hung up his boots in 1966 on the back of a low-key spell with Sao Paulo.

His first success in the dugout came after returning to Peru's Sporting Cristal, where he had briefly played in 1963, with victory in the 1968 Peruvian championship earning Didi the opportunity to take charge of Peru ahead of the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Once on Mexican soil, the team he assembled stormed all the way to the quarter-finals, where they exited at the hand of eventual winners Brazil, thanks in good measure to an outrageously gifted 20-year-old by the name of Teofilo Cubillas.

“Didi was the man who taught me how to score from free-kicks and how to shoot,” Cubillas told FIFA.com, on the coach who handed him his senior Peru debut. “It´s also because of him that, despite being right-footed, I worked hard in training until I could use both feet equally well.”

As much of an idol as Cubillas was, however, it is the words of another even more legendary figure that best sum up Didi´s place in the history of the beautiful game. “I´m nothing compared to Didi. I'll never be anywhere near as good as he is,” said none other than Pele, in an interview given during Sweden 1958. “He´s my idol, he's the guy I look up to. The very first picture cards I bought were of him.” Need we say more?

Masuk Grup Neraka, Timnas Siapkan Strategi

2011-10-19T21:15:00.002+07:00

Di Grup A, Indonesia akan bergabung dengan Malaysia, Thailand, Kamboja, dan Singapura.

Rabu, 19 Oktober 2011, 19:56 WIB

Marco Tampubolon

VIVAnews - Pelatih tim nasional U-23 Indonesia, Rahmad Darmawan, menilai kekuatan tim-tim di Grup A SEA Games 2011 mendatang cukup seimbang. Meski demikian, ia juga menuntut skuad Garuda Muda untuk bermain jeli agar bisa lolos dari 'grup neraka' tersebut.

Dari hasil drawing yang dilakukan sore tadi, Indonesia tergabung di grup nereka. Titus Bonai dan kawan-kawan harus bersaing dengan Malaysia, Thailand, Singapura, dan Kamboja.

Malaysia merupakan juara bertahan, sementara Thailand dan Singapura adalah salah satu kekuatan ternama di sepak bola Asia Tenggara. Adapun Kamboja juga tak bisa dipandang sebelah mata.

"Hasil drawing tadi saya juga baru dengar bahwa kita satu grup dengan Malaysia, Thailand, Singapura, dan Kamboja. Saya pikir, seperti yang saya katakan kemarin, kita ingin mendapatkan hasil drawing yang terbaik dan mungkin inilah yang terbaik yang kita dapatkan," kata RD seusai memimpin latihan timnya di SUGBK, Rabu sore 19 Oktober 2011.

"Pertama, mulai sekarang kami menyiasati di Grup A ini bagaimana kita bisa lolos dari penyisihan dulu. Saya pikir ini sesuatu yang memang harus kita hadapi. Tinggal sekarang kita harus jeli memanfaatkan kondisi yang seperti ini," lanjut pria asal Lampung tersebut.

Menurut RD, persaingan akan sangat ketat karena kekuatan lima negara yang bersaing tak jauh berbeda. Apalagi, ini masih di level yunior.

"Saya pikir kekuatan dan peluang semua tim sama. Kekuatan tim pada saat timnya bermain di usia yang dibatasi seperti usia U-23 ini, kansnya sama besar."

Terkait strategi, RD tak mau membocorkannya. Sebab, semua calon lawan memilki gaya permainan berbeda dan ini sedang dipelajari oleh RD dan timnya.

"Soal strategi, setiap lawan nanti akan kita sesuaikan dengan kekuatan masing-masing dan kita sudah melakukan pemantauan. Kami juga mengutus salah satu pelatih berangkat ke Vietnam," kata Rahmad.

• VIVAnews

Behind the scenes of the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2010

2011-10-17T22:48:00.001+07:00

(FIFA.com)

On 10 January this year, the first ever FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala was held at Zurich's Kongresshaus, where the crème de la crème of world football gathered to watch Lionel Messi and Marta take the top prizes.

As you would expect, FIFA.com was present and shared the evening's celebrations through a series of articles, interviews and unique photos. Indeed, FIFA's backstage photographers took snaps of all the protagonists, including nominees for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, FIFA World Coach of the Year and FIFA/FIFPro World XI, as well as the winner of the FIFA Puskas Award and various former stars.

In case you missed this brilliant gallery first time around, FIFA.com is here to help you relive the action. From Jose Mourinho's beaming smile, Marta's and Fatmire Bajramaj's ball gowns and Cristiano Ronaldo's black-and-white portrait, to conversations between players in the lounge, Desmond Tutu's laughter and the laid-back cool of Hamit Altintop, it is all there for you to enjoy.

Click on the photo gallery on the right to relive the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2010.

Tight starts for the favourites

2009-09-17T12:35:00.000+07:00

From : FIFA.COM

The second half of the first UEFA Champions League matchday on Wednesday saw a host of tight matches with only 16 goals scored and the various ties in the balance until the dying minutes.

European champions Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw at Inter Milan while the two English teams in action tonight, Liverpool and Arsenal, both struggled but managed to bag the three points against Debrecen (1-0) and Standard Liege (3-2) respectively.

Match of the day
Inter Milan 0-0 Barcelona

This exciting encounter between two of the big names in European football had everything but goals. The first half could have gone either way with chances for both teams, but Josep Guardiola's men took the bull by the horns after the interval. Barcelona ended up with 63 per cent of possession but even though Messi and Ibrahimovic tried every trick in the book there was no breaking down the solid Italian back line.

The groups
In Group E, a lacklustre Liverpool side dominated proceedings against their Hungarian opponents without regularly threatening a well-organised Debrecen defence. It took a shot from Fernando Torres just before the break which the goalkeeper could only parry into the path of the opportunist Dirk Kuyt for the Reds to score what turned out to be the only goal of the match.

The other tie in the group saw a re-match from last season between Lyon and Fiorentina, and no quarter was given, with six yellow cards and a sending off in the referee's notebook by full time. Lyon managed to bag all three points thanks to a goal from Miralem Pjanic, who pounced on a poor clearance up the middle from goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.

In the second match in Group F, Dynamo Kiev had Gerson Magrao to thank for turning things around in the second half. The Brazilian set up his team's first goal for Aylia Yussuf before notching the second. Russian opponents Rubin Kazan had been in the lead for much of the match thanks to an excellent free-kick from Alejandro Dominguez. Vladimir Gusev put the result beyond doubt in the dying minutes to make it 3-1 to the Ukrainians.

Stuttgart dominated their match with Rangers but ended up squandering two valuable points. Pavel Pogrebnyak opened the scoring for the German side who were then content to sit back and defend their lead, which was the signal for Jerome Rothen and his Rangers team-mates to battle their way back into contention. Defender Madjid Bougherra popped up with a well deserved equaliser for the Glasgow side. Seville are currently top of Group G after Brazilian duo Luis Fabiano and Renato each found their way onto the scoresheet against Romanian opponents Unirea Urziceni, who were experiencing their first taste of the UEFA Champions League.

In Group H, Olympiacos squeezed home against AZ Alkmaar thanks to a superb header from Vassilis Torosidis in what was a rare attempt on goal in a very tight encounter. Standard Liege meanwhile looked like they were going to create the shock result of the opening matchday when they took a 2-0 lead over Arsenal after only five minutes. Eliaquin Mangala and a penalty from Milan Jovanovic gave the hosts the advantage, but Nicklas Bendtner halved the deficit just before half time before goals from Thomas Vermaelen and Eduardo da Silva in the final quarter of an hour gave the London side a flattering victory over their Belgian opponents.

The stat

300 - the number of matches for which Spain's Rafael Benitez has been at the helm of Liverpool since joining the club on 16 June 2004. 55 per cent of those games have ended in victory for the Reds.

Goal of the night
Seville 1-0 Unirea (Luis Fabiano 45)

Left back Javi Navarro overlapped on the left wing and pulled the ball back for Luis Fabiano at the edge of the area, who then proceeded to slot the ball past goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis and into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

What they said
"It feels like we've been playing together for years. I really enjoy playing with him." - Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic talking about Lionel Messi

Have your say
After the first round of matches, do you think that any of the eight clubs making their UEFA Champions League debut will manage to qualify for the Round of 16?

Capello cagey over Cup ambitions

2009-09-11T12:36:00.001+07:00

FIFA.COM

Fabio Capello knows from bitter personal experience nothing should be taken for granted as England begin their preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.
The euphoria that accompanied qualification and the manner of Wednesday's staggering 5-1 triumph over Croatia has brought a wave of optimism so familiar to previous FIFA World Cup campaigns. Since 1966, though, all England has been left with is a feeling of disappointment Capello knows only too well.
As a player, he was around the Italy scene in 1974 and 1978. On both occasions, his own contribution ended in misery. In 1974, Italy went to Germany as one of the favourites - having put together a lengthy, unbeaten run and qualified in comfort just as England have done this time. They went home after three games.
Four years later, Capello was part of the provisional squad for Argentina - only to be axed by coach Enzo Bearzot when the time came to announce his official party. "I played the qualification for the Argentina World Cup but I didn't go to Argentina," he recalled.
"I wasn't injured. I just wasn't good enough and I heard on TV that I was not in the squad. In 1974 we arrived as one of the favourites. Out of the previous 12 games, we won eight and drew four against some of the best teams in the world. But at the World Cup we played Poland, Argentina and Haiti - and then went home.

It is possible all the players I selected for the last squad will be with us in South Africa. But the door is open for everyone,
England manager Fabio Capello.
"It just shows we have to wait. It is possible all the players I selected for the last squad will be with us in South Africa. But the door is open for everyone, and I have to decide at the time which players are in the best form."
Capello's soothing words should at least offer the likes of Michael Owen, Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves some hope they will make the final cut - even if they would all miss out if the decision had to be made now. Hargreaves' long-standing knee problems mean he has never actually played a game under Capello.
Yet his presence as a holding midfield player could prove vital, although Gareth Barry has done a fine job as his understudy over the past 18 months. Hargreaves would certainly seem to have more chance of making the trip than Ledley King - whose name is repeatedly mentioned when England squads are named but whose last chance almost certainly disappeared when he was called up then, within 24 hours, was released by Capello for last season's match against Ukraine.
"I spoke with the Manchester United doctor about Hargreaves - and he will be back in two months, although then he has to play," said Capello. "The problem with King is the knee. He has to spend four days with physio after training. We have to choose the best players. But they also need to be fit, really fit."
Schedule planningThe memory of Wednesday night's thrashing of Croatia will sustain England over the next eight months, as Capello slowly puts plans in place. Changes can be anticipated for the remaining two matches in Group 6, away to the Ukraine and against Belarus at Wembley next month - with four further friendlies to follow, plus a training camp in Austria.
The first of that quartet of matches will be against Brazil in Qatar on 14 November. While the finer points of a meeting with the four-time world champions have not yet been agreed, Capello is certain enough of it taking place to highlight why it is so crucial.
"It is important to play Brazil because we need to understand what we have to do if we play against a team like them at the World Cup," he said. "We have already played against the best teams in the world, only missing Italy. I understood a lot from those matches. It lets me understand the level we have reached."
It also allows Capello to check on one of the sides he feels will be challenging for that little gold trophy at Ellis Park on 11 July next year. The usual suspects are all listed - including, somewhat grudgingly, Italy. But from a continent yet to win the most prized trophy in the game and which will host the tournament for the first time, there is one other.
"The dangerous teams are always the same - Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Germany are always among the first group," said Capello. "Sure, we are looking at Italy as well - but also there will be one African team. The Ivory Coast's team is very good - and the tournament is in Africa, where the spirit is different."

Brazil, Paraguay, Chili Argentina?

2009-09-10T05:25:00.002+07:00

www.fifa.com

Brazil qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ on Saturday. FIFA.com now wants to know which teams you think will join them at next year's global finals.

Chile and Paraguay need just one win from their remaining three matches to make sure of a place at South Africa 2010. The task is far more complicated for Argentina. They still have to visit Paraguay and Uruguay, and have four teams breathing downs their necks.

Here are the current standings:

Brazil - 30 points
Chile - 27
Paraguay - 27
Argentina - 22
Colombia - 20
Ecuador - 20
Uruguay - 18
Venezuela - 18
Bolivia - 12
Peru - 10

So, it's over to you: Which three South American teams will join Brazil at South Africa 2010, and who will finish fifth and, consequently, earn the right to play off for a place at the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Simply click 'Add your comment' to make your opinion known, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

Argentina, Brazil or draw?

2009-08-30T11:42:00.000+07:00

FIFA.COM

Argentina and Brazil will contest one of the biggest matches of 2009 on 5 September. Three points may seal A Seleção's place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, while defeat could drop La Albiceleste out of the automatic qualification berths. FIFA.com wants to know whether you foresee a home win, a draw or an away victory in Rosario.
The fierce enemies have experienced contrasting fortunes this year. Brazil lifted the FIFA Confederations Cup, returned to the summit of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, and have won ten and drawn one of their 11 matches. Argentina, meantime, have registered five victories in seven outings, but have worryingly lost two of their last three qualifiers: 6-1 away to Bolivia and 2-0 in Ecuador.
After their first meeting in the South Africa 2010 preliminaries ended goalless in Belo Horizonte, Argentina will have home advantage this time round. Diego Maradona, who will face Brazil for the first time as coach, will charge Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero with undoing the five-time world champions.
Dunga, who has masterminded two successes over Argentina in three attempts from the dugout - including a 3-0 triumph in the Copa America 2007 final - will entrust Julio Cesar, Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano with inspiring an away win.

Timnas U-16 Akan Bertarung Di Filipina

2009-08-27T14:13:00.000+07:00

Indonesia tergabung dalam Grup E Kualifikasi Piala Asia U-16 2010 yang akan berlangsung di Filipina. Rangkaian pertandingan grup E ini akan berlangsung pada tanggal 3-13 Oktober 2009 di Panaad Stadium dan Paglaum Stadium.

Dalam grup E ini, Indonesia akan bersaing dengan Jepang, Mongolia, Cina Taipei, Bangladesh dan Filipina. Hanya dua peringkat teratas klasemen yang berhak lolos otomatis ke Putaran final Piala Asia U-16 2010. Namun, satu tempat masih berpeluang dimiliki oleh peringkat ketiga. Syaratnya, harus berasing dengan peringkat ketiga dari grup yang laiinnya.

Ada delapan grup pada babak kualifikasi Piala Asia 2010 ini. Grup A hingga G terdiri dari enam tim. Sedangkan grup hanya berisi tiga tim. Menggunakan sistem setengah kompetisi, dua peringkat atas masing – masing grup, mendapatkan tiket lolos ke putaran final yang tempatnya belum ditetapkan AFC. Khusus Grup H, hanya peringkat satu klasemen akhir saja yang otomatis lolos.

Satu tempat lagi diputaran final akan diperebutkan oleh peringkat ketiga terbaik dari grup A hingga G. Sehingga, total peserta putaran final Piala Asia U-16 2010 berjumlah 16 negara.

Pada edisi sebelumnya, Indonesia berhasil lolos ke putaran final Piala Asia U-16 2008 di Uzbekistan. Sayang, tim asuhan pelatih Mundari Karya ini langkahnya terhenti di babak penyisihan. Vava Yagalo dkk kalah bersaing dengan Korea Selatan, Syria dan India. Sementara juara Piala Asia U-16 2008 adalah Iran yang mengalahkan Korea Selatan 2-1 di final.

Jadwal Kualifikasi Grup E Kualifikasi Piala Asia U-16 2010

3 Oktober 2009
Indonesia vs Bangladesh

5 Oktober 2009
Indonesia vs Mongolia

8 Oktober 2009
Filipina vs Indonesia

10 Oktober 2009
Cina Taipei vs Indonesia

13 Oktober 2009
Jepang vs Indonesia

www.pssi-football.com

Maradona: It's a dream come true

2009-08-14T20:09:00.000+07:00

FIFA.COM

In the eyes of many, Diego Maradona is the greatest player ever to have graced the game. Having acquired huge popularity the world over and cheated death a few short years ago, the 48-year-old legend is enjoying life again at the helm of his beloved Argentina.

Now a doting grandfather, Maradona sat down with FIFA.com for a typically frank chat about his battle against adversity, playing for and coaching La Albiceleste, Lionel Messi, Fidel Castro and much more. Part two of this interview, in which the legendary No10 gives his views on Pele, Brazil and his duels against A Seleçao, will be published shortly.

FIFA.com: Diego, you have been in the Argentina job for nine months now. Has it been a bit like becoming a father?
Diego Maradona: A bit, yes. I've only had the boys together for a month and a half in all that time, so I really don't get much chance to work and spend time with them. It was great when I came into the job but now I have to start getting some things through to those 25 little heads, such as what they need to do on and off the pitch. I've been through all that and that's why I'm giving the squad the benefit of my experience.

Are you enjoying it?
It's hard. I enjoyed things more when I was playing but I'm making sure I fulfil my responsibilities. Everybody knows I've been through some difficult times but I managed to pull myself together, and here I am in charge of the Argentina team. It's a dream come true.

Is it tougher than you expected?
It's tough for the reasons I've just mentioned. You're always on the phone, trying to find out how the players are. Every day I meet with the coaching staff to find out how (Lionel) Messi, (Sergio) Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez and everyone have been doing in training, to see if Jonas Gutierrez has been playing. It's more about logistics than actually watching them, but that's just the way things are. I know for sure that the Brazil game will be the key to qualification. Then we're off to Paraguay, where we've also got a great chance of winning. God willing, I'll have them all together for 20 days before the World Cup and that's when we'll lay the ground work to give ourselves the best possible chance of becoming world champions.

Let's look back at your time in charge. How many interviews have you given since taking over?
A lot. But I try not to go on too many programmes. A coach has to know when to be seen. Just because I'm Maradona and the national coach doesn't mean I have to be everywhere and please everyone. The players are the real stars. They're the ones who should come out and do the talking.

He's a living legend and there's no one in the world with his charisma. No one, not even the Pope!

Diego Maradona on Fidel Castro.

Are there any particular questions you get tired of hearing?
When are we going to see Maradona's influence on the team? It's totally unfair to expect to see the Maradona style when I only get the guys together two days before each game. You have to make the most of what you have, and do and undo things in three days flat. The players travel a long way and they need time to relax and stretch their legs. You can't do much work with them before a game and I can't give them double training sessions. They'd be destroyed if I did that. I just try to get things through to them bit by bit and I see myself as more of a coach than a technical director.

What about the things you have not been asked but which are important to you?
The togetherness of the team. We had a terrible result in Bolivia and they stuck together. Whenever you lose like that there are always a few players who blame each other, but the opposite happened here. We got even stronger as a team, we had a meeting on the plane and took heart from that. We played a great game in Ecuador and should have been two goals up in the first half. We let that chance slip and I hope we don't do the same against Brazil.

Is it true you wake up at night with ideas in your head and have to write them down?
Yes, it is. Free-kicks, corner kicks, etc. For example, I want the team to press a lot more up front, to compress the space between defence, midfield and attack. And when we lose the ball we need to be on top of the other team straightaway. There's one thing Argentina need to make the most of and that's the fact we're much better in possession than anyone. Maybe Brazil have got what we have, but Italy and Germany don't. Perhaps Spain have had it lately too, especially with Xavi, who can lose a couple of guys and put (David) Villa or (Fernando) Torres though. There aren't many more though. If we press hard, there's no escape for opposing sides.

Have you been watching a lot of football?
All the time.

I tell the players that 30 days of sacrifice just to kiss that cup is nothing in a man's life. It's like touching the sky.

Maradona on winning the FIFA World Cup.

Who have you seen recently? Has anyone surprised you?
No one's surprised me really. Teams are the way they are. Milan are struggling, Inter have kept it together, Madrid are going to change a lot with Kaka. He's going to give them an extra dimension, though I don't understand why (Fernando) Gago's not been playing. They should play him but he's still one of my first-choice players all the same. I've also seen my friend Ciro Ferrara's Juventus side. They're doing well, playing a typically Italian game: really tight catenaccio at the back, then they give it to (Alessandro) Del Piero and he spreads it about. As for our guys, (Diego) Milito looks to me to be in great form and El Kun (Sergio Aguero) too.

And Messi?
I haven't seen him lately. I tried to call him but it's easier talking to Obama than Lio (laughs). I've heard he's having a good pre-season and that's great to know.

Are there any players who have surprised you recently?
Felipe Melo has been a great find for Brazil and Hulk of Porto has also made a big impact. I'm intrigued by Ronaldinho too. He's looking fit again but he's lost that explosive power he had. I'd love to see him do his feints again and get away from people. I hope he gets that back, but only after he plays us of course.

Let's talk about Maradona the man now. What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you?
The worst has already happened (pauses). I was at the bottom of the sea and my daughters pulled me out. I can get up every day now and that's an achievement when you consider that I used to go three whole days either awake or asleep. Seeing my grandson is like touching the sky. Everything else pales in comparison. It's like a penalty, a free-kick. Nothing compares to that.

And the best?
The best was reacting to it, drawing on adversity to reinvent myself as a person. I'm not saying I want to defeat adversity but when I come up against a situation, I fight as hard as I can to overcome it. I'm still in one piece today and I'm ready for whatever life has to throw at me.

You must have some amazing stories to tell. What is the most incredible situation you have found yourself in?
The craziest thing was showing Fidel Castro how I took penalties. I said to him, ‘I look at the goalkeeper. If I commit before the keeper, he saves it. If the keeper commits before me, I'll just put it on the other side.' Fidel was moving all the chairs around and he said, ‘Come on, take a penalty against me. Show me.' They brought a ball and I said, ‘This is the goal, right? You stand there, in the middle.' Just imagine. Me taking a penalty against Fidel Castro? It's crazy!

He just stood there and I scored. He kept on asking me questions after that; where I put my foot and things like that. ‘It just happens, maestro,' I told him. He came back and said it was easy, that it was just a matter of watching the keeper and that one day we'd practise penalties on a proper pitch. There he was, the guy, a real baseball fan and he picked it up straightaway. Just like that. After that we just sat there for hours talking about politics. Six or seven hours easily. I killed myself laughing with him. He's a living legend and there's no one in the world with his charisma. No one, not even the Pope!

Seeing my grandson is like touching the sky. Everything else pales in comparison. It's like a penalty, a free-kick. Nothing compares to that.

Diego Maradona on being a grandpa.

The World Cup must be a dream for you.
Yes, and meeting Mandela too. I saw the other day that he's turned 91. I always wanted to meet him but never could because something always came up here. I hope I can some time.

Maybe at the draw in December?
Possibly, but maybe we'll go earlier to see where we'll be staying. I'd love to.

Is the FIFA World Cup™ an obsession?
The World Cup wouldn't be the same without Argentina. It would be colourless.

You sound very sure about qualifying.
I'm absolutely sure. If I weren't, I wouldn't be talking to you now.

Do you remember the first time you saw the Trophy?
Of course. I saw it in some photos. When we beat Germany I was able to touch it and kiss it (pauses). We'd waited all those days at the training camp, thought about it so much, and there I was with my hands on it. It makes you so proud. It's the most beautiful thing. I tell the players that 30 days of sacrifice just to kiss that cup is nothing in a man's life. It's like touching the sky.

You have already said you know what it takes to win it.
I won it once and finished runner-up too. I was a runner-up in Rome against all expectations. Everyone said Brazil would beat us and we knocked them out. Everyone said Italy would beat us and we knocked them out too and got to the final. I always say you need luck in the World Cup, but you need to give luck a helping hand too. We had a lot of injuries in 1990 but my players know very well how to look after themselves.

It's 30 intense days. You're fully focused, thinking about nothing but the World Cup. And that's what I'm aiming for. I've been at World Cups, I've played in two finals and I know how to get there, how to handle the group, how to coach them. I know what to say to them. I know what I'm talking about. I didn't come eighth or ninth and it didn't happen to me just like that. I know something about all this.

According to your team-mates in 1986 you would not let go of the trophy after the Final.
That's right. I didn't let go of it much. We couldn't do a lap of honour at the Azteca. We tried but we couldn't. When we got back to America's training centre, where we were staying, I took the cup down to the ground and we did the lap of honour there, just on our own with our families by the side of the pitch.

You will be holding on to it if you win in 2010 as well I suppose?
No. Masche (Javier Mascherano) will have that honour. And he won't want to let go either. Mark my words. He'll be doing the same thing.

Johan Cruyff - The Netherlands' Grand Master

2009-07-20T19:50:00.002+07:00

FIFA.COM

Very few players have earned the right to be mentioned in the same breath as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Diego Maradona. Although he never won an international title with his country and played in only one FIFA World Cup™, Johan Cruyff is one of them. Such was his natural talent, the Dutch master enjoys an undisputed reputation as one of the game's all-time greats.
Cruyff was brought up in the shadow of Ajax Amsterdam's stadium and training ground, where his mother worked. His father died from a heart attack when he was 12. From a very early age, the young Cruyff set his sights on one thing alone: becoming a professional footballer. He began formal training when he was seven years old and, to his mother's horror, left school at 13 to concentrate exclusively on sport.
Coaching legend Rinus Michels spotted the slightly-built youth's talent, and designed an exercise programme aimed at developing his frail physique to withstand the rigours of a professional career. Cruyff broke into Ajax's first team aged 17 and two years later, in 1966, picked up the first of nine Dutch league titles destined to come his way.
He soon rose to international prominence as a fleet-footed, elegant and technically gifted footballer, who never evaded a tackle. Cruyff was a playmaker, ammunitions provider and marksman rolled into one, with an ability to time a pass that has hardly been equalled before or since. He was a leading figure off the field as well, confident and opinionated, and never one to mince his words for fear of making enemies. The epitome of total football For one of the sport's greatest names, Cruyff's international career was relatively short. He made his debut for the Dutch national side against Hungary in September 1966 and went on to make 48 appearances for the Oranje before quitting in October 1977 aged 30. His last act on the international stage was to help the Netherlands qualify for the 1978 FIFA World Cup™ in Argentina, though by that stage he was only called up for the key fixtures.
Cruyff's finest hour with the Netherlands came at the 1974 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany. The Dutch went into the tournament with few expectations; they had only just qualified and the players had given little indication that they were comfortable with the tactics of coach Rinus Michels, brought in late in the day to replace Frantisek Fadrhonc. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place just in time, however, and by the end of the first round, the Oranje were considered the tournament favourites.
The Dutch dazzled with their total football, a style of play epitomised by Cruyff himself. Although he was fielded as centre-forward, he wandered all over the pitch, popping up wherever he could do most damage to opponents. His team-mates adapted themselves flexibly around his movements, regularly switching positions so that the tactical roles in the team were always filled but not always by the same person. This was a revolutionary concept, and it took the world by storm.
In the second round Cruyff got among the goals, netting twice in a 4-0 thrashing of Argentina, arguably the Netherlands' best performance of the tournament. The match against East Germany was a more subdued affair, won 2-0, before the Dutch faced Brazil in what was effectively a semi-final in the last of the second-round group games. After a rough-and-tumble contest, Michels' side walked off 2-0 winners. Cruyff struck his team's second goal, a spectacular volley in the 65th minute. Meeting a centre from Ruud Krol, he wrongfooted goalkeeper Emerson Leao with his flying effort inside the near post.
Disappointments and disputes Cruyff's brilliance was on view just seconds into the Final. From the kick-off, the Dutch passed the ball around, not allowing West Germany a touch. Orange shirt to orange shirt to orange shirt, and then the ball came to Cruyff who started a run, slipped past Berti Vogts, and was mowed down by Uli Hoeness inside the box. Johan Neeskens buried the resulting penalty before a single German had touched the ball. The Dutch failed to press home their advantage, however, and allowed the hosts back into the game, Paul Breitner equalising from the penalty spot and Gerd Muller making it 2-1 two minutes before the break. In the second half the Oranje failed to overcome the barrier that was keeper Sepp Maier and the title was lost. Cruyff's player of the tournament award was scant consolation.
The afternoon of 7 July 1974 would be Cruyff's final appearance on the world stage. He had already announced that he would not play in the next FIFA World Cup in Argentina, mainly because he did not want to be away from his family for so long. Add a series of disagreements with the national federation and his international career soon reached a premature end.
At club level Cruyff enjoyed greater longevity. Between 1971 and 1973, he won the European Cup three times in a row with Ajax. In 1973 he moved to Spain with Barcelona, collecting the league title in his first season. After announcing his retirement in 1978, he resurfaced in May 1979 in the United States where he spent a couple of seasons before a short-lived spell with Spanish second division side Levante. Then it was back home to Ajax in the summer of 1981 for the start of an Indian summer. After winning the league-and-cup double, in 1983 he moved to Ajax's arch-rivals Feyenoord where he inspired the Rotterdam club to do the same. In his mid-30s, Cruyff was playing some of the best football of his life. After two successive Footballer of the Year awards, the best Dutch player of all time hung up his boots once and for all in 1984.
Moving into the dugout Although Cruyff had no formal coaching qualifications, a new career beckoned and he took over as technical director at Ajax at the beginning of the 1985/86 season. He brought silverware to the club - leading them to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1987 - and by the time he quit the following year had also helped develop talented youngsters such as Dennis Bergkamp, Aaron Winter, Brian Roy and the Witschge brothers, Rob and Richard.
In 1988, in a repeat of the journey he had made as a player, Cruyff left Ajax for Barcelona where he set about reconstructing a struggling team, releasing a dozen players including German Bernd Schuster and bringing in new stars. Soon he had fashioned one of the most spectacular club sides of recent times, the so-called 'Dream Team' which won the 1992 European Cup and four domestic championships in a row.
After an eight-year relationship, Johan Cruyff and Barcelona parted company for a second time in 1996. Cruyff, who was forced to give up smoking after a bypass operation in 1991 and had recurring heart trouble in 1997, swore he would never coach again and he has kept his word. Yet his legacy is assured. As he said himself of the Dutch team of his day: "We showed the world you could enjoy being a footballer, you could laugh and have a fantastic time. I represent the era which proved that attractive football was enjoyable and successful."

THE STATISTICAL STORIES OF BRAZIL

2009-06-27T21:24:00.005+07:00

(FIFA.com) Saturday 27 June 2009

A FIFA Confederations Cup packed full of drama, passion and excitement will reach its climax tomorrow when South Africa 2009's surprise packages face up to the most successful team in tournament's history. As USA and Brazil limber up for a final that, if history is anything to go by, should be a thriller, FIFA.com looks at the statistical stories adding intrigue to this South African showpiece.

305 minutes without conceding have taken Julio Cesar to within another clean sheet of the second-longest unbeaten sequence in FIFA Confederations Cup history. The Brazil keeper's record since that dramatic 4-3 opening win over Egypt already leaves him in joint-fourth position, and if USA fail to break through tomorrow, he will move beyond both Idriss Kameni of Cameroon (367 minutes) and Mexico's Oswaldo Sanchez (368) in the competition's goalkeeping hall of fame. It is Julio Cesar's predecessor and fellow countryman, Dida, who holds the Festival of Champions' all-time record, having survived 503 minutes without being beaten between the 1997 and 1999 editions.

200 wins in FIFA men's competitions was the milestone secured for Brazil by Daniel Alves' free-kick against South Africa, and afterwards it was noted in FIFA.com's statistical review that A Seleção have traditionally scored 27.2 per cent of their goals at FIFA World Cups from outside the box. Yet while this is almost double the average of 15.7 per cent, the Barcelona wingback's goal actually proved to be the exception at South Africa 2009 - a tournament that has witnessed the South Americans subvert all manner of traditions. With set pieces and headed goals already identified as unusual sources of strength, it has also now been discovered by Castrol Performance Analysts that Brazil have a created a higher percentage of chance inside the box than any of their fellow participants. Whatever their reasons for this approach, it is paying off, with Dunga's side boasting the tournament's best shooting accuracy and chance conversion rates - 20.4 and 48.1 per cent respectively - and, most importantly, its biggest goal tally (11).

80 headed clearances, more than any team at South Africa 2009, would seem to qualify USA as the best-equipped team to handle Brazil's well-established aerial threat. The South Americans have scored three headed goals already at this tournament and gone close with eight further headed attempts, but they may have met their match in the tall, aggressive Americans. Bob Bradley's side proved against Spain that defending their area against crosses is a major strength, and Castrol Performance Analysts found that their overall record of 56 headed duels won cannot be bettered at this tournament. Tim Howard also aids this particular cause. In his three appearances so far, the Everton keeper has come from his goal to successfully deal with five crosses, more than any keeper at South Africa 2009. Howard also continues to lead the way on saves made, with his tally of 25 dwarfing those of Julio Cesar (12) and Iker Casillas (6).

5.33 goals per game is the astonishing average served up by Brazil's three FIFA Confederations Cup finals to date. The Festival of Champions' showpiece match has a highly respectable overall average of 3.7 goals per game, but thrills have been in even greater supply when A Seleção have been involved. Over three finals in 1997, 1999 and 2005, the South Americans racked up an aggregate score of 11-5, taking home the trophy twice and losing out on one occasion. Encouragingly for USA - and indeed for the spectators at Ellis Park - that solitary disappointment came against a team from CONCACAF, with Mexico triumphing 4-3 in what is widely considered to be the greatest-ever FIFA Confederations Cup final. Yet the Americans should also be aware that Africa is a continent in which Brazil feel particularly comfortable, with A Seleção's record in the mother continent comprising 14 wins, no defeats and not even a single draw.

FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 South Africa 2009

2009-06-22T22:04:00.003+07:00

(FIFA.com) Monday 22 June 2009

David Villa has been the outstanding player of South Africa 2009's group phase. That is the headline conclusion of the latest FIFA Confederations Cup Castrol Index, which shows the emergence of a heavyweight trio of contenders at the top.

Villa, the only player still with an overall rating of nine-plus, remains perched on the summit, but Fernando Torres and Kaka are within touching distance and have built up a small but discernible lead over the rest of the chasing pack. So little separates the top three at this stage that either Torres or Kaka could snatch top spot with an impressive semi-final showing, which means Villa is under pressure to maintain the consistency that preserved his hold on pole position this time around.

Not that pressure seems to affect this particular striker. After all, his outstanding displays during the group stage have been produced against a backdrop of massive uncertainty as some of Europe's top clubs engage in a very public tug-of-war for his signature. "The past week hasn't been easy," he admitted after scoring in Saturday's 2-0 win over the hosts. "Nobody can imagine what I've been through. It has been a really bad time."

Villa might be finding the rumours and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring difficult to handle, but you would never know it from his focused, determined performances. Neither the constant speculation nor a missed penalty prevented him grabbing another brilliantly-executed goal in his most recent outing, and providing another demonstration of why Valencia's president this week described him as "the best striker in Europe".

Torres, who topped the Castrol Index after the first round of matches, continues to offer the greatest threat, but Kaka's consistency, creative skills and unheralded defensive efforts have taken him from fifth to third. Both these principal challengers benefited from the negative impact South Africa's defensive display against Spain had on Sibonsio Gaxa and Tsepo Masilela's ratings, with these erstwhile high-fliers dropping back to fifth and sixth respectively.

Mohammed Kassid's position just outside the top three is sure to raise eyebrows, yet Castrol calculated that the Iraq No1 - already ranked top in his position - underlined his worth by keeping a clean sheet against New Zealand when an average keeper would have conceded at least twice. He might have excelled, but Kassid's was not the outstanding performance of the third round of matches. That honour, according to Castrol Performance Analysts, fell to USA's Clint Dempsey, Budweiser Man of the Match against Egypt and scorer of the all-important goal that sealed an unlikely semi-final berth for Bob Bradley's side.

Luis Fabiano also fired his way back into contention, ascending 24 places to 15th on the back of a clinically-dispatched double against Italy that took him level with Villa and Torres at the top of the tournament's scoring charts. The Brazil No9 would, in fact, be challenging the Spain duo just as closely the Castrol Index but for the legacy of his profligate performance against USA, when the squandering of some excellent chances to both score and create goals seriously damaged his standing.

The result is that Luis Fabiano, like many, has work to do if he is to catch the leaders. Yet with the Seleção star among 15 players in the top 20 with a semi-final to look forward to, Villa's position may well come under threat sooner rather than later.

World Cup qual - Maradona blasts 'disastrous' pitch

2009-06-06T21:21:00.002+07:00

Eurosport - Fri, 05 Jun 10:18:00 2009 http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05062009/58/world-cup-qual-maradona-blasts-disastrous-pitch.html

Argentina coach Diego Maradona criticised the pitch for his team's World Cup qualifier at home to Colombia, describing it as disastrous and comparing it to a piece of waste ground.

Maradona was livid after the pitch at the Monumental stadium, the home ground of River Plate, was used for a rock concert last Saturday.

Around 40,000 people watched the show by veteran Argentine rock group Los Piojos (The Lice).

"It's disastrous," Maradona said. "I hoped we could look for another stadium but I was told that River is the only one approved by FIFA."

"I'm not bothered about River wanting to earn money but I think they should be able to organise the dates properly," he said.

"We've brought over (Lionel) Messi, (Sergio) Aguero, (Javier) Mascherano, (Fernando) Gago and we're asking players who cost millions of euros to play on a piece of waste ground.

"I'm not interested in the finances of River but it's horrible. Regrettably we have to play there."

Argentina, beaten 6-1 at high altitude in Bolivia in their last game, need a win on Saturday to improve their position in the 10-team South American qualifying group and restore morale.

Maradona's side are fourth with 19 points from 12 games, the lowest position in which they could finish and qualify directly.

Fifth place would mean a two-leg play off against the fourth team from CONCACAF.

Lionel Messi agreed that the pitch would be a hindrance to his team, who will have to break down a stingy Colombian defence which has conceded 10 goals in 12 qualifiers.

"It's a problem for us," he said. "We try to play on the ground and quickly. If the pitch isn't good, then it won't be a help."

Reuters

2009-05-29T17:53:00.002+07:00

Lionie Messi, pemain satu ini beberapa tahun terakhir ini menjadi perhatian pengamat dan penggemar sepak bola sejagad. Usia masih muda dan karir masih panjang. Pada final Liga Champion eropa 27 Mei 2009 yang lalu, anak muda Argentina ini sangat berperan besar untuk kemenangan Barca dengan mencetak gol kedua melalui sundulan kepala. Coba bayangkan Messi hanya 170 cm dibandingkan Rio ferdinan, Messi hanya setinggi bahunya. Tapi dengan timing yang tepat bola umpan akurat dari Xavi disundulnya.
Foto AFP (Lionie Messi)

Hasil sundulannya membuat Barca unggul 2 - 0. MU benar-benar kerepotan menghadapi pemain satu ini. Lihat lapangan tengah MU yang diisi Carrick dan Schol benar-benar kocar kacir membendung pergerakkan Messi. Apa yang menjadi pelajaran bagi kita Indonesia dari final Liga Champion Eropa 2009?. Pemain bertubuh kecil bisa berprestasi jika didukung talenta dan kerja keras serta disiplin profesional. Iniesta, Xavy dan Messi adalah pemain-pemain Barca bertubuh mungil layaknya pemain-pemain kita. Lihat mereka merupakan pemain kunci di klub maupun Timnas.......Tunggu apa lagi pssi? Saatnya berbenah untuk menyongaong masa depan sepak bola nasional.

Puyol: Pressure is on United

2009-05-27T22:16:00.000+07:00

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol claims the pressure is on Manchester United in today's UEFA Champions League final as the Spanish giants have already surpassed expectations this season.
With a new coach in inexperienced Josep Guardiola at the start of the season, Barcelona have made headlines by claiming the Primera Liga title and the Copa del Rey trophy en route to the top game in Rome.
"We've enjoyed a very good season," Puyol said. "The team has worked very hard and the results we have obtained are proof of that. We hope to win and make this season a spectacular one."
Puyol, who returns from suspension tonight to lead Barca on the pitch in his second European final, fully expects United to give them their biggest challenge of the year. "It's going to be a very complicated game," Puyol said. "We are facing the best team in the world.
"Manchester United are very strong defensively and have players that can make the difference at any moment. We know their players very well. But I wouldn't focus on just the attack but on the whole team."
We have good vibes and we know we have an historic opportunity against a great team. We are optimistic,
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol.
Barcelona go into the match marred by injuries and suspension but the Spanish international believes that is no excuse for his team not to deliver. Central defenders Rafa Marquez and Gabriel Milito are out injured while backs Eric Abidal and Dani Alves are both suspended.
"We do have important players missing," Puyol said. "But the team arrives to this game in good form. We have great players and everything will be perfect. We have good vibes and we know we have an historic opportunity against a great team. We are optimistic."
Sir Alex Ferguson's team go into the clash riding a record-breaking 25-match unbeaten run in the competition. Moreover, United have a superb defensive record in this season's competition with just six goals conceded.
For Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be the only threat for him, with Dimitar Berbatov having - like Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney - scored four goals in the competition this season. "Berbatov is a striker with a lot of quality," Valdes said. "He is very dangerous, especially when he moves inside the area.
"We will have to analyse his virtues and try to stop him in the best possible way, just like any of United´s players. But I am prepared for anything. It´s going to be a battle like any other final."

Source : www.fifa.com

Hiddink thought about staying

2009-05-17T09:20:00.000+07:00

Interim coach Guus Hiddink acknowledges there have been occasions when he wished he was staying on at Chelsea. But the Dutchman continues to insist that he will quit the Blues after the FA Cup final against Everton on 30 May. Hiddink will leave the Stamford Bridge hotseat and return to his full-time role as coach of the Russia national side as soon as the season is over.

The 62-year-old has transformed Chelsea's fortunes since he replaced sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari in February. He kept Chelsea in the title race until a few weeks before the end of the campaign and led them to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

He also piloted the Blues into the final of the FA Cup but, despite calls from players and fans to stay at the club, Hiddink is convinced he will leave in the summer. But when asked if he had ever thought about staying during his successful spell at Chelsea, he replied: "I love working here, but at the same time I know that my job in Russia is not done yet. I had that feeling that you're saying, but I don't have any regrets whatsoever to go where I am going to go in June.

"I came here to restore what was more or less, at the time, difficult - the fight for qualification for Champions League. That was my main aim, my target. I was not coming here to make friends," said Hiddink.

"I am proud to have worked here. This is a big club and I am happy that I could give my contribution," he said. "I always admire the clubs that have the standard of quality, not just in performances, but also how they cope with the fans and how they show themselves to the world of football and outside."

Hiddink is expected to make way for AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti. The former Holland coach believes communication could become a major issue if they appoint Ancelotti. Many of Chelsea's players failed to communicate properly with Brazilian coach Scolari, who struggled to get his points and tactics across clearly in English.

"It is important if someone is coming in and is not dominating totally the English way of communicating," added Hiddink.

"If a foreign manager is coming in and not completely controlling the English language, he can do that in limited time. Communication is important and he will be helped. But I think the manager who comes in will communicate rather easily," he said.

Rome final
Chelsea's exit to Barcelona in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League still hurts the Dutchman and as a result, he has turned down television invitations to be a pundit in Rome on 27 May when the Spanish giants take on Manchester United.

"I will not go to the final for practical reasons, because we are preparing for the cup final," said Hiddink. "I have been asked by television to do it - to give some comments - but I won't do it because I don't have the feeling to be there to be honest.

"I think Manchester Untied are well equipped to win it because they have shown in this strong league that they can cope with the pressure," he added.

(Source : FIFA)

Johan Cruyff - The Netherlands' Grand Master

2009-05-02T08:26:00.000+07:00

Very few players have earned the right to be mentioned in the same breath as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Diego Maradona. Although he never won an international title with his country and played in only one FIFA World Cup™, Johan Cruyff is one of them. Such was his natural talent, the Dutch master enjoys an undisputed reputation as one of the game's all-time greats.
Cruyff was brought up in the shadow of Ajax Amsterdam's stadium and training ground, where his mother worked. His father died from a heart attack when he was 12. From a very early age, the young Cruyff set his sights on one thing alone: becoming a professional footballer. He began formal training when he was seven years old and, to his mother's horror, left school at 13 to concentrate exclusively on sport.
Coaching legend Rinus Michels spotted the slightly-built youth's talent, and designed an exercise programme aimed at developing his frail physique to withstand the rigours of a professional career. Cruyff broke into Ajax's first team aged 17 and two years later, in 1966, picked up the first of nine Dutch league titles destined to come his way.
He soon rose to international prominence as a fleet-footed, elegant and technically gifted footballer, who never evaded a tackle. Cruyff was a playmaker, ammunitions provider and marksman rolled into one, with an ability to time a pass that has hardly been equalled before or since. He was a leading figure off the field as well, confident and opinionated, and never one to mince his words for fear of making enemies.

The epitome of total football
For one of the sport's greatest names, Cruyff's international career was relatively short. He made his debut for the Dutch national side against Hungary in September 1966 and went on to make 48 appearances for the Oranje before quitting in October 1977 aged 30. His last act on the international stage was to help the Netherlands qualify for the 1978 FIFA World Cup™ in Argentina, though by that stage he was only called up for the key fixtures.
Cruyff's finest hour with the Netherlands came at the 1974 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany. The Dutch went into the tournament with few expectations; they had only just qualified and the players had given little indication that they were comfortable with the tactics of coach Rinus Michels, brought in late in the day to replace Frantisek Fadrhonc. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place just in time, however, and by the end of the first round, the Oranje were considered the tournament favourites.
The Dutch dazzled with their total football, a style of play epitomised by Cruyff himself. Although he was fielded as centre-forward, he wandered all over the pitch, popping up wherever he could do most damage to opponents. His team-mates adapted themselves flexibly around his movements, regularly switching positions so that the tactical roles in the team were always filled but not always by the same person. This was a revolutionary concept, and it took the world by storm.
In the second round Cruyff got among the goals, netting twice in a 4-0 thrashing of Argentina, arguably the Netherlands' best performance of the tournament. The match against East Germany was a more subdued affair, won 2-0, before the Dutch faced Brazil in what was effectively a semi-final in the last of the second-round group games.

After a rough-and-tumble contest, Michels' side walked off 2-0 winners. Cruyff struck his team's second goal, a spectacular volley in the 65th minute. Meeting a centre from Ruud Krol, he wrongfooted goalkeeper Emerson Leao with his flying effort inside the near post.
Disappointments and disputes
Cruyff's brilliance was on view just seconds into the Final. From the kick-off, the Dutch passed the ball around, not allowing West Germany a touch. Orange shirt to orange shirt to orange shirt, and then the ball came to Cruyff who started a run, slipped past Berti Vogts, and was mowed down by Uli Hoeness inside the box. Johan Neeskens buried the resulting penalty before a single German had touched the ball.

The Dutch failed to press home their advantage, however, and allowed the hosts back into the game, Paul Breitner equalising from the penalty spot and Gerd Muller making it 2-1 two minutes before the break. In the second half the Oranje failed to overcome the barrier that was keeper Sepp Maier and the title was lost. Cruyff's player of the tournament award was scant consolation.
The afternoon of 7 July 1974 would be Cruyff's final appearance on the world stage. He had already announced that he would not play in the next FIFA World Cup in Argentina, mainly because he did not want to be away from his family for so long. Add a series of disagreements with the national federation and his international career soon reached a premature end.
At club level Cruyff enjoyed greater longevity. Between 1971 and 1973, he won the European Cup three times in a row with Ajax. In 1973 he moved to Spain with Barcelona, collecting the league title in his first season. After announcing his retirement in 1978, he resurfaced in May 1979 in the United States where he spent a couple of seasons before a short-lived spell with Spanish second division side Levante.

Then it was back home to Ajax in the summer of 1981 for the start of an Indian summer. After winning the league-and-cup double, in 1983 he moved to Ajax's arch-rivals Feyenoord where he inspired the Rotterdam club to do the same. In his mid-30s, Cruyff was playing some of the best football of his life. After two successive Footballer of the Year awards, the best Dutch player of all time hung up his boots once and for all in 1984.
Moving into the dugout
Although Cruyff had no formal coaching qualifications, a new career beckoned and he took over as technical director at Ajax at the beginning of the 1985/86 season. He brought silverware to the club - leading them to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1987 - and by the time he quit the following year had also helped develop talented youngsters such as Dennis Bergkamp, Aaron Winter, Brian Roy and the Witschge brothers, Rob and Richard.
In 1988, in a repeat of the journey he had made as a player, Cruyff left Ajax for Barcelona where he set about reconstructing a struggling team, releasing a dozen players including German Bernd Schuster and bringing in new stars. Soon he had fashioned one of the most spectacular club sides of recent times, the so-called 'Dream Team' which won the 1992 European Cup and four domestic championships in a row.
After an eight-year relationship, Johan Cruyff and Barcelona parted company for a second time in 1996. Cruyff, who was forced to give up smoking after a bypass operation in 1991 and had recurring heart trouble in 1997, swore he would never coach again and he has kept his word.

Yet his legacy is assured. As he said himself of the Dutch team of his day: "We showed the world you could enjoy being a footballer, you could laugh and have a fantastic time. I represent the era which proved that attractive football was enjoyable and successful."

Source : www.fifa.com

FIFA Statutes

2009-04-30T19:06:00.000+07:00

The FIFA Statutes and the accompanying regulations governing their implementation form the Constitution of football's international governing body. They provide the basic laws for world football, on which countless rules are set for competitions, transfers, doping issues and a host of other concerns.

Changes to the FIFA Statutes can only be made by the FIFA Congress and require a three-quarter majority of the associations present and eligible to vote.

The Statutes have undergone several thorough revisions during FIFA's history, giving FIFA a modern and comprehensive legal framework for its increasingly important work.

These Statutes were adopted at the 58th FIFA Congress in Sydney on 30 May 2008 and came into force on 1 August 2008.

www.fifa.com

Information About INDONESIA on FIFA

2009-04-18T21:10:00.001+07:00

Indonesia (IDN)
General Information
• FIFA Trigramme: IDN
• Country: Indonesia
• Country (official name): Republik Indonesia
• Continent: Asia
• Capital: Jakarta
• Major cities: Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Semarang, Palembang, Ujung
Pandang, Malang, Padang, Surakarta, Kupang, Djokjakarta, Banjarmasin
• Currency: Rupiah
• Official languages: Bahasa Indonesia
• Motto: Unity in diversity (Bhinneka tunggal ika).
Geographic Information
• Surface area: 1,919,440 km²
• Highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m.
• Neighbouring countries: Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, East Timor
• Neighbouring seas and oceans: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean
Population
• Population (in millions): 234.89
• GDP per inhabitant (in US dollars): 3,100
• Density (inhabitants per km2): 122.38
• Average age (in years): 25.8
• Life expectancy at birth (in years): 68.94
Internet
• Internet code: .id
• Number of internet users: 4.4 million (2002)
Big Count
All Players 7,094,260
Registered players 66,960
Unregistered Players 7,027,300
Clubs 83
Officials 1,069
HONOURS
FIFA World Cup™ appearances
1 (1938)

www.fifa.com

Rival passions rage in Rome

2009-04-10T20:28:00.000+07:00

(FIFA.com) Thursday 9 April 2009

Few events grip the Eternal City quite like derby nights, when Rome's finest congregate in the majestic and historic surroundings of the Foro Italico. Wherever Lazio and Roma lie in the table, these modern-day gladiators can be guaranteed to set about each other with fierce intent on the Stadio Olimpico turf.

The derby del Campidoglio is much more than simply a sporting contest. For almost 80 years now, the Italian capital has reverberated twice a year with the passions roused by Romans who traditionally hail either from the heart of the city or from the newer neighbourhoods on the outskirts. FIFA.com takes a closer look at this special rivalry, set in a city whose very history has been marked by meetings between its two greatest teams.

The origins
At the start of the 1920s, Rome boasted no fewer than eight clubs in the region's highest division. For Italo Foschi, that was too many, and the Fortitudo Pro Roma President proposed a merger of the kind already tried in Florence, Naples and Bari to help the capital compete with the more powerful teams in the north.

Thus, on 22 July 1927, Alba-Audace, Roman and Fortitudo merged to form Associazione Sportiva Roma, with the capital's iconic Capitoline Wolf used as club emblem and the team sporting the erstwhile colours of Fortitudo, yellow and red. From 1929 to 1940, Roma played at the Campo Testaccio in the southern neighbourhood from which the stadium drew its name, no doubt the most overwhelmingly working-class quarter in the capital. The venue was built by Silvio Sensi, grandfather of the current club President, Rosella Sensi.

Lazio would have joined in the merger too, were it not for the firm opposition of club member General Giorgio Vaccaro, who later became President of the Italian Football Association between 1933 and 1942.

Societa Sportiva Lazio had been in existence since 9 January 1900, in fact, after being originally established by nine young locals at the Piazza della Liberta, where Lazio fans meet each year to celebrate the club's birthday. The founding members drew their inspiration from the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 and had the Greek flag in mind when they settled upon light blue in the team's colours.

Lazio started out as general sports club engaged in over 30 disciplines, with the football section opening in 1902 before earning official status in 1910, making Lazio the sixth oldest outfit in Italy.

The very first Rome derby was won by Roma on 8 December 1929 at the Campo Rondinella, Rodolfo Volk firing in the only goal of the game. Lazio had to wait until 23 October 1932 to celebrate their own first success, a 2-1 victory earned courtesy of strikes by Alejandro Demaria and Jose Castelli.

Facts and figures
Although these encounters tend to be very tight affairs, Roma boast by far the better head-to-head record in league meetings, having recorded 44 wins to Lazio's 33, with 54 draws. The Giallorossi also have the upper hand when other competitions are taken into account, with their 58 triumphs comparing favourably to Lazio's 44 and the other 60 outings ended in stalemate. In those games, Roma have outscored their traditional rivals by 196 goals to 157.

Roma possess the record for the longest run of derby victories as well, thanks to a run of five wins between 30 October 1958 and 13 October 1960 in which they conceded just one goal. That sequence of results read: 3-1, 3-0, 3-0, 1-0 and 4-0. The first derby held at the Stadio Olimpico took place on 29 November 1953, when honours were left even following a 1-1 draw.

Among their other records, Roma can likewise lay claim to the biggest wins both home and away, with the former a 5-0 success in the 1933/34 campaign and latter a 5-1 victory on 11 March 2002.

Tales of derbies past
On 11 March 1956, a fierce snowstorm forced a derby encounter to be postponed, the first time anything of the sort had occurred in the history of football in the capital. Lazio eventually won the rescheduled fixture 1-0 on 4 April that same year, once the sun had returned.

Swedish striker Arne Bengt Selmosson is the only player to have registered in the derby for both teams, having been on Lazio's books from 1955 to 1958 before turning out for their eternal foes from 1958 to 1961. Roma's Vincenzo Montella is the only player to have managed four goals in one game, achieving that unique feat in the 5-1 victory on 11 March 2002.

Talismanic Roma captain Francesco Totti has contested 30 Rome derbies, an individual record, but he has also been on the losing side more times than anyone else, with 11 defeats to his name. It is unlikely, but he may take consolation from the fact that he leads that list ahead of the equally legendary Silvio Piola, who suffered ten losses.

"I played lots of derbies in Milan, Madrid and London, but it's in Rome that the passion for the derby is strongest," says Christian Panucci.

The rivalry today
Despite finishing second behind Inter Milan in the last two seasons, Roma experienced a difficult start to the current campaign, but they have been gradually climbing the standings of late. They now lie sixth on 49 points, five points out of the last UEFA Champions League berth. Returning to Europe's premier club competition is vital for the club's finances and failure to do so could result in the sale of many big names.

Lazio have traced the opposite path, meanwhile. Having spent a long time amid the European places, they now find themselves eight points behind Roma ahead of Saturday's derby, in which they will be the nominal home side at the Stadio Olimpico.

Champions League - Ferguson rues late lapse

2009-04-08T17:11:00.000+07:00

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08042009/58/champions-league-ferguson-rues-late-lapse.html

Eurosport - Wed, 08 Apr 10:42:00 2009

Alex Ferguson slammed Manchester United's lack of concentration after Porto claimed a 2-2 Champions League quarter-final first-leg draw.

Mariano grabbed a crucial equaliser for the visitors to Old Trafford with 90 seconds left on the clock, after Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez had responded to Cristian Rodriguez's fine early opener.

"(The result) was about right - first half they were the better side but second half we improved and got more possession," the Scot told ITV1.

"But getting the (second) goal the way they did - we should really have defended that. It was a bad goal to lose.

"It's been a hard two days for them (after playing Aston Villa on Sunday), but they were lacking in concentration."

Ferguson - who revealed centre-half Jonny Evans had limped out with a groin injury - added: "You get a 2-1 lead with four or five minutes left, you really should see it out.

"We've got a game on Saturday (at Sunderland), there's still a lot going for us, but it's a difficult game now in Porto, no question of that."

United now travel to Portugal on April 15 probably needing to win, something no English team has managed in 11 previous attempts, though a high-scoring draw would also be enough to send them through.

"You have to think the last goal was one we could not afford to lose," said Ferguson. It was a terrible goal to give away when you are 2-1 up and seeing the game out."

United, who have looked rocky at the back in recent weeks as they lost successive league games to Liverpool and Fulham and needed a stoppage-time goal to beat Aston Villa 3-2, were again all at sea in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand.

Jonny Evans, who has generally been an impressive stand-in at centre back for much of the season, had a night to forget and will be relieved that his catalogue of errors did not lead to more Porto goals.

United's midfield were ineffective for long spells, producing little in attack and looking ragged in preventing

Porto's counter-attacks from ripping through the home side's deep-lying defence.

It was all the more surprising coming only a few weeks after they were breaking records for consecutive clean sheets with Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic being compared favourably with the great Old Trafford centre-back partnerships.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar certainly earned his money on Tuesday, especially in the fiery opening half-hour when Porto scored through Cristian Rodriguez and could easily have had three more.

For all the problems, however, Ferguson will take heart from the steel shown by the likes of substitute Tevez and Wayne Rooney, whose 15th-minute equaliser came after he showed a striker's instinct to gamble on Bruno Alves's back-pass, then great technique to turn the gift into a goal.

Ferguson said he was delighted to reach halftime level and, despite the late equaliser to make it 2-2, he recognised it was the least Porto deserved.

The result, and the performance, persuaded bookmakers to lengthen the odds on United retaining their European crown, with Barcelona installed as new favourites.

Porto's home record is formidable but will they will risk a repeat of such a high-energy assault on the holders in the home leg when a 0-0 or 1-1 draw would send them through?

That dilemma is a chink in the armour that United will work on and Ferguson, never more effective than when his back is against the wall, will relish the chance to claim another European landmark.

TeamTalk / Reuters

James - Capello's Got It Right

2009-04-05T18:26:00.000+07:00

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05042009/4/james-capello-s-right.html
Sun 05 Apr, 12:09 PM

David James acknowledges Fabio Capello's strict regime has been justified by the success England are now enjoying.

Capello has laid down a number of guidelines since taking over from Steve McClaren as England boss with an emphasis on discipline and team bonding.

Far from being an assortment of individuals, England have become unified and the national team now head their World Cup qualifying group with a 100% record after five games.

England goalkeeper James, who has managerial ambitions himself, admits the stricter approach has reaped rewards.

He told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "There are rules and regulations which are testing and I don't mean that in a bad way.

"He obviously knows what the winning formula is with regards to preparation and that includes a lot of downtime in the hotel.

"But ultimately it is the end performance that counts.

"We've just had two victories and a justification for everything that went on beforehand."

The former Liverpool and Aston Villa keeper added: "As far as planning goes I would not fault either of the previous two managers.

"We always knew what we were going to do. But it's a very Italian style which I believe Mr Capello enforces.

"People mention the fact the whole team sit down for a meal and won't leave until the last person has finished which is good, it is respect for everyone else at the table in the team.

"It is a little rule which at first you question but in practice it proves to bond the team."

The 38-year-old denies he has been put off management by the fate of his former boss Tony Adams who was sacked after little more than three months at the helm at Fratton Park.

"The situation at Portsmouth was that we needed the change," James continued.

"As with the England manager's situation, it is down to the individual to create that team, that ethos within a club and I would like to think after I have done my badges and get myself into that position that structurally the foundation I would set would be one that would be beneficial to the team I took over.

"I can't be put off by it because until I've done it I won't know what it feels like."

More news from SportingLife.com

Dunga confirms Kaka will face Peru

2009-03-31T11:00:00.000+07:00

Mon 30 Mar, 10:45 PM
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30032009/1/dunga-confirms-kaka-face-peru.html

Brazil coach Dunga has confirmed Kaka will be available for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Peru after recovering from a foot injury.The AC Milan man missed Sunday's 1-1 draw with Ecuador and stayed in Brazil to have intensive treatment.

"He can play," said Dunga. "I don't know how much time he will manage to play."

Dunga will assess the condition of his players after the weekend's exertions at high altitude in Quito, the Ecuadorian capital which lies 2,800 metres above sea level.

"We have just arrived from Quito and I have to see the physical condition and the recovery of the players," he said.

"Playing there is not easy at all. Ecuador know how to profit from their home advantage. Statistics prove that."

The coach also criticised the lack of time he had to work with the team before the World Cup qualifying double-header, adding: "You play one month and then you have more than 30 days until you meet the players again."

"All the players have different conditions. It is difficult for the coaching staff. It is much easier when we have 15 days to coach them."

The Selecao are fourth in the South American Qualifying Zone with 18 points, five behind leaders Paraguay.

More Football News from TEAMtalk

BRAZIL MALANG ARGENTINA MENANG DENGAN FANTASTIC FOOTBALL

2009-03-31T10:31:00.003+07:00

Pada akhir pekan bulan Maret ini kita disuguhi pertandingan sepak bola bermutu dalam rangka Pr-Piala Dunia 2010 zone Amerika Latin. Ada dua pertandingan yang menarik untuk disimak. Pertama antara Argentina vs Venezual yang berakhir dengan kemenangan Tim Tango 4 - 0. Messy, Aguero dan Tevez adalah aktor-aktor penting dalam pertandingan tersebut selain Maxi Rodriguez. Argentina benar-benar luar biasa. Ibarat musik dengan dirigen Messy mereka memainkan sepak bola penuh fantasi. Maradona menurunkan 4 orang penyerang yaitu Tevez, Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez dan Messy sekaligus dalam formasi 3-4-3 yang sangat offensif. Luar biasa debut kandang Maradona yang berakhir dengan indah. Melihat permainan Messy kita bisa melihat seakan-akan Maradona ada disana. Teknik disertai stamina yang prima serta komitmen para pemain profesional telah menjadikan Tim Tango menjelma menjadi Tim yang Fantastic. Berbeda dengan Argentina yang telah memainkan Fantastic Football, Tim Samba Brazil hanya memperoleh hasil imbang dengan Equador. Hasil ini menempatkan Brazil di posisi 4 Grup Amerika Latin. Hasil ini pula telah mengundang kritik berbagai kalangan di Brazil. Bagaimana tidak. Roladinho yang loyo, Robinho yang tumpul serta pemain-pemain Brazil yang kehabisan stamina telah membuat permainan mereka tidak karuan. Untung mereka tidak sampai kalah dari Equador berkat penampilan gemilang penjaga gawang mereka, Julius Cesar yang bermain di Inter Milan. Dari dua pertandingan tersebut dapat dilihat betapa kemampuan teknik tanpa stamina akan menjadi sia-sia contohnya Brazil keteteran melawan Ekuador sedangkan kemampuan teknis dan stamina prima menghasilkan sepak bola yang fantastik seperti Argentina mengalahkan Venezuela 4 - 0. Okey what is your comment?

Fair-Play Code

2009-03-25T18:21:00.000+07:00

www.FIFA.com

The FIFA Fair Play Code for football encapsulates all of the sporting, moral and ethical principles for which FIFA has always stood and for which it will continue to fight in the future, regardless of the influences and pressures that may be brought to bear.
The ten golden rules not only serve as a credo for FIFA as world football's governing body, but they also reinforce the sense of fraternity and cooperation among the members of the worldwide football family.
1. Play fair
Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly. Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure. Playing fair requires courage and character. It is also more satisfying. Fair play always has its reward, even when the game is lost. Playing fair earns respect, while cheating only brings shame. Remember: it is only a game. And games are pointless unless played fairly.
2. Play to win but accept defeat with dignity
Winning is the object of playing any game. Never set out to lose. If you do not play to win, you are cheating your opponents, deceiving those who are watching, and also fooling yourself. Never give up against stronger opponents but never relent against weaker ones. It is an insult to any opponent to play at less than full strength. Play to win, until the final whistle. But remember nobody wins all the time. You win some, you lose some. Learn to lose graciously. Do not seek excuses for defeat. Genuine reasons will always be self-evident. Congratulate the winners with good grace. Do not blame the referee or anyone else. Be determined to do better next time. Good losers earn more respect than bad winners.
3. Observe the Laws of the Game
All games need rules to guide them. Without rules, there would be chaos. The rules of football are simple and easy to learn. Make sure you learn them; it will help you to understand the game better. Understanding the game better will make you a better player. It is equally important to understand the spirit of the rules. They are designed to make the game fun to play and fun to watch. By sticking to the rules, the game will be more enjoyable.
4. Respect opponents, team-mates, referees, officials and spectators
Fair Play means respect. Respect is part of our game. Without opponents there can be no game. Everyone has the same rights, including the right to be respected. Team-mates are colleagues. Form a team in which all members are equal. Referees are there to maintain discipline and Fair Play. Always accept their decisions without arguing, and help them to enable all participants to have a more enjoyable game. Officials are also part of the game and must be respected accordingly. Spectators give the game atmosphere. They want to see the game played fairly, but must also behave fairly and with respect themselves.
5. Promote the interests of football
Football is the world's greatest game. But it always needs everybody's help to maintain its greatness. Think of football's interests before your own. Think how your actions may affect the image of the game. Talk about the positive things in the game. Encourage other people to watch and play fairly. Help others to have as much fun from football as you do. Be an ambassador for the game.
6. Honour those who defend football's good reputation
The good name of football has survived because the vast majority of people who love the game are honest and fair. Sometimes somebody does something exceptional that deserves our special recognition. They should be honoured and their fine example publicised. This encourages others to act in the same way. Help to promote football's image by publicising its good deeds.
7. Reject corruption, drugs, racism, violence, gambling and other dangers to our sport
Football's huge popularity sometimes makes it vulnerable to negative outside interests. Watch out for attempts to tempt you into cheating or using drugs. Drugs have no place in football, in any other sport or in society as a whole. Say no to drugs. Help to kick racism and bigotry out of football. Treat all players and everyone else equally, regardless of their religion, race, sex or national origin. Show zero tolerance for gambling on games in which you participate. It negatively affects your ability to perform and creates the appearance of a conflict of interests. Show that football does not want violence, even from your own fans. Football is sport, and sport is peace.
8. Help others to resist corrupting pressures
You may hear that team-mates or other people you know are being tempted to cheat in some way or otherwise engage in behaviour deemed unacceptable. They need your help. Do not hesitate to stand by them. Give them the strength to resist. Remind them of their commitment to their team-mates and to the game itself. Form a block of solidarity, like a solid defence on the field of play.
9. Denounce those who attempt to discredit our sport
Do not be ashamed to stand up to anybody who you are sure is trying to make others cheat or engage in other unacceptable behaviour. It is better to expose them and have them removed before they can do any damage. It is equally dishonest to go along with a dishonest act. Do not just say no. Denounce those misguided persons who are trying to spoil our sport before they can persuade somebody else to say yes.
10. Use football to make a better world
Football has an incredible power, which can be used to make this world a better place in which everyone can live. Use this powerful platform to promote peace, equality, health and education for everyone. Make the game better, take it to the world, and you will be fostering a better world.

FULHAM vs MU

2009-03-22T14:20:00.002+07:00

From : Eurosport - Sat, 21 Mar 21:36:00 2009
http://www.eurosport.yahoo.com/21032009/58/premier-league-nine-man-united-fall-apart-fulham.html

The previously runaway leaders were seen as certainties to retain their crown until they lost 4-1 at home to Liverpool last weekend, and suffered another humiliating setback at Craven Cottage.

The damage was limited by Chelsea's surprising defeat at Tottenham, but Liverpool can cut the gap to a single point if they beat Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday.

Scholes saw red for a brainless first-half handball on the goal-line and Danny Murphy converted the resultant penalty.

Zoltan Gera added a superb second late on, before Rooney was given his marching orders for dissent to complete a miserable afternoon for Sir Alex Ferguson and his players.

It was widely expected that Ferguson would field his strongest side following last weekend's drubbing against Liverpool, but he sprung a selection surprise, playing Dimitar Berbatov as a lone striker and finding no place in the starting line-up for Rooney, Carlos Tevez or Michael Carrick.

In the 17th minute, Bobby Zamora met a corner from the Fulham right with a header that Edwin van der Sar palmed away.

But the striker seized on the rebound and headed goalwards from close range - only for Scholes to repel the ball with a blatant double-handed bat.

The consequences of his moment of instinctive madness were felt immediately - referee Phil Dowd had no choice but to send Scholes off and award a penalty.

Murphy, who scored three winning goals at Old Trafford in four seasons when a Liverpool player, sent Van der Sar the wrong way with a cool finish.

It is sometimes said that it is harder to play against 10 men than 11, but United had no such luck as Fulham tore into them.

Zamora gave Jonny Evans - standing in for the suspended Nemanja Vidic - a torrid time, and peppered Van der Sar's goal with shots without adding to his two Premier League goals this season.

Simon Davies also forced a sharp save from the Dutch goalkeeper and Andy Johnson was a timely Rio Ferdinand clearance away from converting a simple rebound.

Rooney replaced the dreadful Berbatov at half-time and immediately showed all of the effort, vitality and grit that the Bulgarian lacked.

He hared around the pitch in search of the ball, and supplied Ji-Sung Park with a chance that the Korean fired over from the edge of the box.

At times, Rooney looked like he was taking Fulham on single-handedly, embarking on mazy dribbles around the edge of the area while his team-mates stood around.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, let frustration get the better of him after he took umbrage at some sturdy Fulham challenges - notably from John Paintsil.

He flew in with a wild challenge on Murphy to which a stricter referee might have responded with a straight red card, but Dowd settled for a booking.

As the second half progressed, United turned the screw tighter, only to find goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in prime form.

The Australian veteran produced several superb saves, including a full-length diving parry from Ronaldo and a stunning double save to repel close-range efforts from Park and Rooney.

Gera made the points safe in acrobatic fashion with three minutes to go, as Fulham came away on the counter. The Hungarian flicked up a low Johnson cross and sent an overhead kick past Van der Sar and into the far corner of the net.

The final insult came 60 seconds later as the bad side of Rooney's game reared its head yet again - he saw a second yellow card after bowling the ball away in anger.

Alex Chick / Eurosport

The history of Premier league

2009-03-18T06:12:00.000+07:00

by: Marcia Henin

The Premier League – professional league competition for football clubs. It is the most watched league around the world, which attracts millions of viewers and provides a challenge for the top football players. Millions of viewers search the Net as they look for Premier League streaming video, and read the Premier League news articles. It was formed in 1992 from the Football League first division, which has been the highest division of the Football League, and the highest division of English football. Breaking away from the first division has been a milestone for the professional competition, which symbolized a new era in English professional football.

The English Premier League was given the right to negotiate broadcast and sponsorship agreement, which was an essential step towards commercial independence. In several years The Premier League became the most lucrative football league in the world; the league annual revenue was approximately 1.8 billion £. The League charged fans to watch sport on television, assigning television rights to SKY TV, which was a major commercially successful step. Sponsorship helped the Premier League to grow and develop. The sponsor determined the league’s sponsorship name: Carling, Barclaycard and Barclays gave their family names to the competitions sponsored by them. The investments paid off, allowing Premier League to invite the top players from all over the world.

Today, the Premier League is presented worldwide on networks in more than 200 countries. It gained freedom of signing the best players from the highest possible categories, owing this to the promotion of the League and large investment; nowadays Premier league soccer is England’s primary football competition.

About The Author
Marcia Henin, content writer for Inter-dev - internet marketing company - http://www.inter-dev.co.il/en/

On Behalf of sportingo.com - A sports news site:
http://www.sportingo.com, providing of The premier league news:
http://www.sportingo.com/Football/Premier-League

Premier League - United gag 'hater' Rooney

2009-03-14T11:06:00.000+07:00

Eurosport - Fri, 13 Mar 13:36:00 2009

The striker, who started his career with Liverpool's arch-rivals Everton, said he wanted to end the Premier League title dreams of Rafa Benitez's side when they face United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

United said they feared Rooney's comments would be seen as inflammatory and removed the video.

A spokesman said: "In advance of the game we felt this was the best option as these kind of things can be misinterpreted and cause unnecessary problems."

Rooney told MUTV: "I'm very excited about the match.

"I grew up an Everton fan, my whole family are Everton fans and I grew up hating Liverpool - that hasn't changed.

"Liverpool have been brilliant and put up a good challenge, but it will be great if on Saturday we can finally finish that challenge off.

"For me, it is our biggest game of the season. If we can beat Liverpool it will almost certainly put them out of the title race.

"For everyone at United, especially myself, that would be a great feeling.

"They are always anxious games against them and I am sure it will be frantic with a lot of challenges.

"It's a massive fixture for both clubs with what's at stake."

Rooney also fired a warning to both Liverpool and Chelsea by insisting that United have more to offer, despite the fact they are already well on course for an unprecedented haul of five trophies in one season.

The Carling Cup and FIFA Club World Cup are already in the Old Trafford trophy cabinet, whilst they are in the FA Cup semi-finals and last eight of the Champions League.

They are also seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, but despite this Rooney still thinks United have yet to reach their best this term.

"We can still get better this season, we can score more goals. Chelsea used to win games 1-0 and if they got a goal they didn't look like conceding," Rooney said.

"It's the same with ourselves now. With our defence we are confident we can hold on to the lead.

"But we have been working hard in training on taking more chances and we have done better at that."

Source : TeamTalk / Eurosport /www.uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

All You Need To Know About Chelsea

2009-03-01T08:15:00.000+07:00

by: Marcia Henin

Chelsea football club is a famous English club named after the West London neighborhood, where it is located. The club is also known as “The Pensioners”, or “The Blues”. An English professional football club, it was founded in 1905, and has proved to be a success for British sports.

Chelsea was accepted in a second division of Football League. Their home stadium is Stamford Bridge on Fulham Road, their capacity is 42,055. Their kit is blue with white and amber trim shirts and shorts. Their traditional crest is a ceremonial blue lion holding a staff; the kit is manufactured by Adidas. Chelsea has won several major trophies: 1955 League Championship, 1955 Charity Shield, 1970 FA Cup and many others. Having an estimated number of million fans,

Chelsea is one of the best-supported clubs in England. In 2007 Chelsea won the League Cup for the second time in three years, and finished second in Premier League. Chelsea also holds numerous records in European football, having the highest number of Premier League victories in a season. Since its foundation, the club has won three league titles, four FA Cups, two UEFA Cups and four League Cups.

Updated Chelsea news - The current owner of Chelsea football club is Roman Abramovich. After buying Chelsea in June 2003, he poured massive investment into the club, which allowed the club to develop commercially. The group has become a more elitist group, although this move was criticized in several circles. Chelsea continues to draw public attention; streaming video sites present the games of Chelsea live online and each victory of Chelsea brings more articles and TV reviews.

About The Author
Marcia Henin, content writer for Inter-dev - internet marketing company - http://www.inter-dev.co.il/en/

On Behalf of sportingo.com - A sports news site:
http://www.sportingo.com, providing Chelsea news and Chelsea live online videos:
http://www.sportingo.com/Football/England/Premier-League/Chelsea

Champions League - United in defensive crisis

2009-02-23T20:14:00.000+07:00

Eurosport - Mon, 23 Feb 12:18:00 2009

Manchester United are facing a crisis at the heart of their defence ahead of the Champions League trip to Jose Mourinho's Internazionale.
The defending champions are without the suspended Nemanja Vidic, who is serving a belated ban for his red card in December's World Club Cup final.

However, United boss Alex Ferguson is also missing Wes Brown, Gary Neville, Jonny Evans and possibly John O'Shea for the first leg of their last-16 tie, meaning he may have to start a midfielder at centre-back.

Club captain Neville and Brown are both yet to return to action following bouts on the sidelines through injury, while Evans was substituted during the second half of United's 2-1 win over Blackburn with an ankle problem.

Ferguson's best hope of fielding a recognised defender to partner Rio Ferdinand at centre-back is O'Shea, who was left out of the squad against Rovers to recover from a heel injury.

Evans and O'Shea have both travelled to Milan with the squad, but should they both fail to recover in time, Alex Ferguson may have to charge either Michael Carrick or Darren Fletcher with the task of keeping Zlatan Ibrahimovic at bay at the San Siro, as defensive midfielders Anderson and Owen Hargreaves are also injured.

Ferguson said: "I just hope we can get two centre-backs out because at this moment it's very doubtful. We don't have Vidic, we don't have Gary Neville and we don't have Wes Brown. I just hope we can get John O'Shea available.

"But we're having a nightmare with defenders this season. Gary, Wes and John all missed the Blackburn game and now Evans has done his ankle. Hopefully we can patch up a defence but it does leave us very, very short."

Inter boss Mourinho used his British newspaper column to assert his belief that Vidic should not play any part in the tie.

The big Serb will be eligible for the second leg at Old Trafford, but Mourinho said: "I think Nemanja Vidic should be suspended for both legs, not just this week's game.

"We will certainly try to make things uncomfortable for the United defence without him at the San Siro.

"We have almost the whole squad fit and with the support of our fans and the experience of our players we can make this very, very tough for United."

Mourinho said of Ibrahimovic - the Swedish striker who has scored 14 goals in 24 Serie A appearances this season: "It will not be an open game - we want it to be tight and tactical.

"So the strikers will not have time and room to work in. That makes it important for us that Zlatan Ibrahimovic produces his very top performance."

Tony Mabert / Eurosport

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23022009/58/champions-league-united-defensive-crisis.html

Serie A - Inter made to work for win

2009-02-22T13:40:00.002+07:00

Eurosport - Sat, 21 Feb 23:33:00 2009

Substitute Mario Balotelli scored a fluke goal moments after coming on to give Serie A leaders Internazionale a 2-1 win at Bologna.
Jose Mourinho's side went ahead through Esteban Cambiasso before Miguel Britos equalised.

Forward Balotelli, out of favour with Mourinho for much of the season after the coach criticised the 18-year-old's attitude, whipped in a free kick on 82 minutes which evaded everyone in the box and nestled in the corner.

Bologna had several chances late on but Inter keeper Julio Cesar was in inspired form and the Italian side can now look forward to Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg at home to holders Manchester United.

"At the end we suffered a lot with five or six corners in a row but we defended well," the Brazilian told Sky. "It is another three points before the big match. We have to stay calm."

As so often this season, champions Inter used their aerial power to score the opener from a set piece amid controversy.

Adriano, who netted with his arm in last weekend's 2-1 win over Milan, met Maicon's corner and again appeared to head the ball against his shoulder before Cambiasso blasted in on 57 minutes.

Britos then scored his first league goal for Bologna, coached by fiery former Inter assistant coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, when he headed in a corner. Cambiasso tried to block the ball on the line but got in a tangle as he avoided committing handball.

Bologna, who held a minute's silence before kick off for recently deceased former player Giacomo Bulgarelli, also had two decent chances at the end of a first half which Inter bossed.

Roma moved up to fourth with a narrow 1-0 home victory over Siena courtesy of Brazilian Rodrigo Taddei's second-half goal, a fine curling effort into the top corner.

The result leaves them only two points behind Milan in third and seven behind second-placed Juventus, after they won 2-0 at Palermo.
(Reuters)

www.uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/

Wenger hopes Eduardo can spark Arsenal revival

2009-02-17T17:29:00.003+07:00

Tue 17 Feb, 10:15 AM

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/17022009/3/wenger-hopes-eduardo-spark-arsenal-revival.html

LONDON (AFP) - Arsene Wenger believes Eduardo's fairytale return to action with Arsenal can help his side get their spluttering season back on track.

After almost a year on the sidelines, Eduardo was back with a bang on Monday as his double strike inspired Arsenal's 4-0 FA Cup fourth round replay win over Cardiff at the Emirates Stadium.

The Croatian forward showed no signs of any rust following his long rehabilitation from the horrific broken leg and ankle suffered in a challenge with Birmingham's Martin Taylor last February.

Eduardo gave the kind of virtuoso display sorely lacking from any of his team-mates in recent weeks and, although he had to come off after 66 minutes with a slight hamstring strain, Wenger is confident the 25-year-old will play a key role in Arsenal's bid to finish in the Premier League's top four and win the Champions League and FA Cup.

"I am very happy to have him back because he gives us options," Wenger said. "He can play on the flank, he can play central, he can play behind the striker or up front on his own. It is fantastic for us.

"Of course everybody is happy for him. It was good to see us play with the handbrake off. Eduardo played a big part in that.

"He is intelligent, talented, he understands quickly what is happening and reacts well to every situation. That is why he is a striker."

Eduardo was overcome with emotion after his comeback and paid tribute to his family for helping him emerge unscathed from the gruelling recovery period.

"It was the best day of my life because it proved I can play again," he said.

"It was a special moment to score and very emotional. I had tears in my eyes.

"I celebrated by kissing my wedding ring because my wife Andreja, daughter Lorena and family supported me right through this."

Wenger claimed it was Eduardo's mental strength that was the key to his return to full fitness.

"I'm not surprised he did well. He made a big step forward in training a couple of weeks ago. You could see he had found sharpness and got rid of a bit of apprehension in the tackling," Wenger said.

"It has been a long time out but he has been extremely strong mentally. I could never see one minute of doubt when he said 'no I don't want to do it'.

"He was always wanting more. This guy is small but he has the mental strength of a mountain."

Eduardo's double and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie were just reward for a scintillating display that left Cardiff, last season's FA Cup runners-up and serious contenders for promotion from the Championship, looking like a team of part-timers.

The Gunners host Burnley in the fifth round next month and will face Hull or Sheffield United in the last eight if they can get past the Clarets, who have already beaten them in the League Cup this season.

Despite the FA Cup looking like Arsenal's best chance to end their four-year trophy-drought, Wenger is more concerned with securing a Champions League place by finishing in the Premier League's top four.

"At the moment Manchester United looks untouchable because they are 12 points ahead of us. Our basic target is to get in the Champions League so the league remains the priority," he said.

"We are very consistent now. We missed some goals recently that we are capable of scoring but we are on a very strong run."

Cardiff boss Dave Jones was furious with his side's lacklustre performance and warned his players they will have to rebound against Wolverhampton on Sunday or face the axe.

"I'm glad it's over because we didn't do ourselves any justice," he said.

"One or two started thinking about the league campaign. If I could have changed all 10 of them I would have.

"If I don't get a reaction from my players I'll move them on and that's just the harsh world of football."

Transfers - Gossip Shop: Benitez 'denies' Madrid link

2009-02-16T21:21:00.001+07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/16022009/58/transfers-gossip-shop-benitez-denies-madrid-link.html

Eurosport - Mon, 16 Feb 12:41:00 2009 Reda Maher

This column would like to thank Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for making its life a lot easier with his continued, perplexing statements.

Benitez's outbursts are becoming painfully frequent, and while his latest comments lack the paranoiac attempts from previous mind games they are no less loaded, provocative and downright counter-productive.

This time he is making the dangerous play of toying with the caveat as he flirts with bloodthirsty Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"If I say that Real Madrid would be the icing on the cake for my career, people will say I want to leave Liverpool," Benitez said. "If I say it would not be, then it looks like I am showing a lack of respect to Madrid.

"The right thing to say, and the truth, is that I am not thinking about leaving and I hope to be here for a long time.

"But, of course, Real Madrid would be the perfect ending to anyone's career although my career is not coming to an end yet."

Wow. Like a little game of 'just the tip', he's in, he's out, he's in again, then he's somewhere else altogether.

That place is unlikely to be Madrid, though. Since Juande Ramos took over in December, Real have taken 24 out of 27 possible Liga points and only conceded three goals, two of which came in their sole defeat - Ramos's first match against runaway leaders Barcelona.

Even by Los Merengues' warped standards, that has to be worth a second season?

Reds fans should not worry, assuming that they have forgiven Rafa for outburst-gate and actually want him to stay at the club.

Taken in the context of the wider interview - where he scolded Liverpool's owners for neither offering him a long-term deal nor allowing him to secure the futures of his dozen or so assistants - it is a clear attempt to force a reaction from Tom Hicks and George Gillet.

Given recent reactions from Premier League club owners, however, a panic-sacking is more likely than a contract offer.

Stewart Downing submitted a transfer request to try and force a move to Tottenham in January but boss Gareth Southgate is convinced he will stay on Teesside.

"He's never been a problem for us," Southgate said. "His attitude to things is great and he's a Middlesbrough lad who wants Middlesbrough to do well. He's as frustrated as everyone is that we haven't been able to match other clubs in the transfer market but that is the reality of the situation we have.

"His determination is to make sure we come out of the spell we've had."

Everton's 17-year-old goal-scoring hero Jack Rodwell has been the subject of an ongoing internet prank, where jokers repeatedly change his Wikipedia profile to say that he was born in Brazil in tribute to an 'error' on Football Manager a few years back.

Rodwell has caught the eye of Arsenal, but boss David Moyes has offered the Merseyside-born academy product a five-year contract to fend-off Arsene Wenger's advances.

In one of the more unusual transfer rumours in recent years, Russian champions Rubin Kazan - home of Spurs flop Sergei Rebrov - are reported to be preparing a £2 million bid for speedy Rangers striker Kenny Miller.

Former Celtic, Wolves and Derby man Miller is affectionately known as 'Barn Door' in the GS office and was particularly rubbish in the Old Firm bore-draw at the weekend.

One miss in particular - when he almost hit the corner flag from eight yards out - provided further evidence to the theory that Scottish league football is just monkey tennis with a proud enough history to keep the turnstiles swinging.

The last over-rated Scot to ply his trade in Russia was Garry O'Connor, who lasted a season at Locomotiv Moscow, and scored around one in five. Miller has a similar goal-scoring ratio from his previous clubs so expect a similar return if he does go East.

Ferguson eyes unprecedented Manchester United trophy haul

2009-02-16T20:03:00.003+07:00

Mon 16 Feb, 01:57 AM

News from uk.eurosport.yahoo.com:
Sir Alex Ferguson insisted that his quest for five trophies is not an impossible dream after Manchester United remained on course for an unprecedented haul of silverware by beating Derby 4-1 in the FA Cup fifth round.
Having already claimed the Club World Cup and a place in the League Cup final against Tottenham next month, United can extend their advantage at the head of the Premier League to five points with victory over Fulham on Wednesday.

Ferguson, whose team are also in the Champions League last 16, certainly believes he has the squad to attempt a clean-sweep.

After making seven changes against Derby including relegating Nemanja Vidic to the bench and leaving out Dimitar Berbatov entirely, the Scot is determined to give himself every chance of keeping his team fresh for the run-in.

"The squad has been fantastic. They have carried us through and got us through some difficult games," said Ferguson whose team have been drawn against either Swansea or Fulham in the FA Cup last eight.

"With the game on Wednesday in mind I made some changes and the squad did very well again
"That is encouraging and we are delighted to be in the next round of the FA Cup. It would have been nice to have a home draw, but we are one game away from the semi-final and that should give everyone a great incentive.

"I hope the squad can maintain the levels they have hit in the last few weeks, but I saw Swansea play very, very well against Fulham in the first game and that tie is far from finished."

Derby manager Nigel Clough has been up close and personal with United more than any other manager recently.

Since taking charge six weeks ago this was his third encounter with the European champions and after the way United breezed over their latest hurdle, Clough thinks people should begin to take their quintet quest far more seriously. "It is possible that they can do all five. That was the most impressive performance they have put in against us. They are almost impossible to prepare for and when you look at the players they have to add to that squad and come back," Clough said.

"It is a very difficult thing to do and would be unprecedented, but they looked very good indeed and if anyone can do it they can. If they had played Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool today they could have put four goals past them as well. That is how good they were."

Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of United's goals from a relatively rare outing in a central striking role, to add to others from Darren Gibson, Portuguese winger Nani and substitute Danny Welbeck, while Miles Addison got one back for Derby.

Despite Ronaldo's impressive partnership with Ryan Giggs, Ferguson has no plans to use him in that position on a more regular basis.

"He did well in a central role and we have great options with Ronaldo, but he is such a fantastic player out wide. He is streets ahead of everyone else in the game," added Ferguson.

"The goals he can get from out there are very valuable to us and you cannot deprive yourself of that by moving him and we also have plenty of strikers. Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney will be back next week.

"Ronaldo is a centre forward playing wide and a winger playing centre forward when he is in the game. I like him as a winger and that is where I want him to play."

The history of Premier league

2009-02-16T19:50:00.000+07:00

What do we know about MANCHESTER UNITED?

2009-02-16T19:46:00.000+07:00

by: Marcia Henin

Manchester United Football club is one of the most successful and rich clubs in English football. The club was established in 1878 by the workers of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, and was called Newton Heath LYR. In 1885, the club has reached the final of Manchester Cup competition, and won it the following year. In 1902, the club was renamed and became Manchester United Football Club. John Henry Davies, a wealthy brewery owner, bought the team, saving it in time from large debt, and replacing its colors to the famous kit we today tend to associate with the club: red shirt and white trousers.

Man utd has won its first league in 1908; then followed many other trophies, starting from FA Cup in 1909. During its long history Manchester United Football Club has won the Premier League 16 times, and became the first English club to win the European club. The attacking style of their game brought them success; in the 90’s, Manchester United won the Premiership, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup. The number of their FA Cup titles amounts to 11. The club is known as one of the most lucrative football clubs in the world.

The club is based at the Old Trafford stadium in Trafford, Manchester; the capacity of the stadium is 76, 312 people. The manager of the club since 1986 is Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester United is considered by many people as the most popular football club, having 50 million supporters around the world.

A big part of Watching Manchester united news is the interest in the Manchester united transfer rumous. The transferring of players and couches is one of Man utd most popular news updates.

About The Author
Marcia Henin, content writer for Inter-dev - internet marketing company - http://www.inter-dev.co.il/en/

On Behalf of sportingo.com - A sports news site:
http://www.sportingo.com, providing updated Manchester United news:
http://www.sportingo.com/Football/England/Premier-League/Manchester-United

REVIEW TIMNAS PRA-PIALA ASIA 2011 INDONESIA vs Australia

2009-01-31T10:09:00.000+07:00

Di Jakarta 28 Januari 2009 Timnas berhasil menahan Australia tanpa gol. Malam itu di Gelora Bung Karno Australia menurunkan pemain-pemain liga lokalnya seperti Craig Moore, Rodry Vargaz, Danny Allsopp dan Archie Thompson tanpa diperkuat mereka yang bermain di Liga Eropa seperti Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill, Harry Kewell dan Mark Bresciano. Timnas menurunkan formasi 4 3 3 dengan kuartet back Isnan,Ricardo masing-masing back disayap dan di centre back ada Kharis dan Maman. Sama ketika melawan Oman Ponaryo, Hariono dan Firman menempati pemain tengah sedangkan Boaz dan Budi sebagai sayap kiri dan kanan saling bergantian. Musafri kali ini diturunkan sebagai striker. Formasi 4 3 3 berubah menjadi 4 5 1 ketika diserang lawan. Timnas seperti biasa memulai pertandingan dengan melakukan banyak kesalahan terutama menghadapi bola crossing dan bola-bola atas Australia. Akurasi umpan pendek maupun jauh sangat buruk. Sebaliknya di babak I ini ball posisition Australia sangat menonjol dengan passing-passing akurat. Penjagaan bola secara individu juga sempurna sehingga bola begitu sulit direbut pemain Indonesia. Namun pertengahan babak I Timnas mulai berani menyerang dengan bola-bola pendek rapat disertai kecepatan akselerasi pemain seperti Boaz dan Budi membuat pemain belakang Australia kedodoran. Paling tidak ada tiga peluang gol di Babak I. Tendangan keras Firman dari luar kotan pinalti dapat ditangkap penjaga gawang Australia. Peluang kedua tendangan kaki kanan Musafri memanfaatkan umpan cerdik Firman di dalam kotak penalti namun tendangannya tipis melenceng ditiang gawang kanan Australia padahal penjaga gawang sudah out position. Peluang ketiga ketika Boaz mendribling bola melewati tiga pemain belakang, tendangan kaki kirinya dapat di block back Australia asal Chili yaitu Rodiguez Vargaz.
Secara keseluruhan Timnas sudah mulai menemukan pola bermain yang memiliki karakter. Hanya ada beberapa kebiasaan jelek yang selalu diulang ulang misalnya terlambat melepas bola sehingga mudah diantisipasi lawan. Stamina di babak II mulai habis. Acungan jempol khusus diberikan kepada Hariono. Pemain ini sangat menonjol dalam pertandingan malam itu juga ketika melawan Oman 19 Januari 2009 yang lalu. Hariono parner yang cocok buat Ponaryo dan Firman. Acungan jempol juga patut diberika kepada barisan belakang yang tetap fokus menahan manuver-manuver Archie Thompson, striker Australia sehingga tidak terjadi kebobolan walaupun ada blunder Markus Horizon tapi secara keseluruhan pertahanan Timnas cukup taktis dan tenang. Trio pemain tengah juga cukup baik. Firman, Ponaryo dan Hariono bahu membahu meredam pemain-pemain Australia yang posturnya lebih tinggi dari mereka. Untuk barisan depan masih belum maksimal terutama finishing touch. Baik Budi, Boaz, Musafri, BP yang masuk di babak II.
Peluang-peluang di Babak II paling tidak ada tiga peluang. Umpan Budi di depan gawang pada menit ke 52 tidak ada yang mengantisipasi karena posisi Musafri terlalu dalam. Sundulan Budi di mulut gawang terlalu lemah sehingga dapat ditangkap penjaga gawang dan terakhir umpan BP tidak dapat diselesaikan Elly Eboy yang tendangannya terlambat sehingga dapat diblock Rody Vargas. Demikian pula dua tendangan kaki kiri BP di menit-menit akhir dapat diblock pemain belakang lawan.
Melihat penampilan Australia sendiri sebenarnya permainan mereka tidak istimewa. Mereka bermain sepak bola standar saja. Namun standarnya mereka masih diatas rata-rata pemain-pemain kita. Mereka juga unggul dalam postur tubuh dan stamina sehingga setiap duel satu lawan satu tentu saja pemain kita kalah.
Banyak harapan pada Timnas setelah dua pertandingan Pra-Piala Asia melawan Oman dan Australia. Perlu dilakukan peningkatan fisik, stamina. Mental bertanding dan rasa percaya diri sudah mulai tumbuh. Masih banyak waktu untuk berbenah karena pertandingan selanjutnya melawan Kuwait dilakukan bulan Nopember 2009. Biarlah para pemain kembali ke klub untuk mengikuti Liga Super dan mereka harus tetap menjaga kondisi secara profesional. Melalui Liga Super seharusnya kita mampu meningkatkan standar sepak bola kita.

REVIEW TIMNAS PRA-PIALA ASIA 2011

2009-01-26T10:21:00.000+07:00

Senin 19 Januari 2009 pk 22.00 WIB di Muskat Timnas dijamu tuan rumah Oman dalam laga Kualifikasi Piala Asia 2011. Melalui siaran langsung salah satu stasiun televisi swasta nasional dapat kita saksikan bagaimana kiprah para punggawa Timnas. Bung Bendol menurunkan formasi 4 : 2 : 3 : 1 dengan dua gelandang bertahan di depan 4 pemain back dan 3 pemain midfield masing-masing dua disayap dan satu orang play maker. Formasi ini digunakan saat menyerang sedangkan pada saat bertahan formasi berubah menjadi 4 : 5 : 1. BP tetap dibiarkan sendirian sebagai striker tunggal. Pada babak I dua formasi tersebut cukup berhasil tercatat beberapa peluang goal diciptakan oleh Boaz Salosa dan BP. Namun tendangan mereka dapat dimentahkan oleh penjaga gawang Oman yang bermain sangat baik. Pada babak kedua kembali Boaz menciptakan peluang goal tapi lagi-lagi tendangannya dapat di blok penjaga gawang Oman. Satu peluang lagi diciptakan BP ketika dia mengeksikusi bola muntah dari tendangan spekulasi Musafi namun kembali penjaga gawang Oman berhasil menghalau tendangan kaki kiri BP. Mungkin hanya itu peluang Timnas selama 90 menit laga tersebut. Selebihnya Timnas dikurung para pemain Oman dari sayap kiri, kanan, tengah bola cross dan sundulan serta tendangan striker Oman yang masih tidak memenuhi sasaran. Beberapa kali pula Markus Horizon melakukan penyelamatan gemilang. Boleh dikatakan dalam pertandingan ini Markus adalah Man of The Match Timnas. Kuartet pertahanan Timnas Kharis Yulianto dan Maman sebagai back tengah, Ricardo Salampesi sebagai back kiri dan Isnan Ali sebagai back kanan harus bekerja keras menerima gempuran para pemain Oman yang memiliki teknik, postur, kecepatan serta tendangan diatas rata-rata pemain Timnas. Demikian pula Ponaryo, Firman Utina dan Haryono harus berjibaku jatuh bangun. Bahkan kadang-kadang BP dan Boas serta Budi harus ikut membantu pertahanan. Pada 15 menit terakhir Bung Bendol menerapkan bertahan Total dengan mengganti Firman Utina oleh Nova Ariyanto sebelumnya di awal babak II Budi Sudarsono diganti oleh Musarfi dan pada menit akhir Boas diganti Erol Iba. Dengan komposisi pemain seperti itu Timnas menerapkan bertahan total dan sangat terkesan dengan sepak bola negatif. Model catenacio Azzuri tahun 80 an namun bedanya Azzuri memiliki serangan balik yang mematikan sehingga Brazil dan Jerman Barat pada Piala Dunia 1982 harus takluk oleh Italy. Okey lepas dari stratregi Timnas scara keseluruhan hasil imbang dengan Oman merupakan prestasi. Apalagi yang membanggakan seluruh pemain sudah bermain sungguh-sungguh sangat maksimal membela Merah Putih. Para pemain terlihat memiliki mental pejuang, ngotot, pantang menyerah, fokus dan memiliki kebersamaan satu dengan yang lain. Jika ini dapat dipertahankan bukan tidak mungkin Timnas bisa menaklukan Australia di Stadion Utama BK 28 Januari 2009. Tentu saja formasi harus berubah ke formasi 4 : 3 : 3 dengan trio penyerang B3 (BP , Boas dan Budi). Selamat untuk Timnas meraih satu poin penting di kandang Oman dan mari kita tunggu perjuangan mereka 28 Januari 2009 melawan Australia.