Monday, July 26, 2010

Maarten Stekelenburg

profile :
Date of Birth: 22 September 1982
Place of Birth : Haarlem, Netherlands
Height: 197 cm
Shirt number: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Ajax
International Caps: 34





Maarten Stekelenburg Images

Presidential letters stress legacy

Presidential letters stress legacy

A warm exchange of letters between FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and Jacob Zuma, the President of the Republic of South Africa, has seen both reaffirm their commitment to the FIFA World Cup™ leaving a lasting social legacy.

In the letters, both addressed to “a dear Friend and Brother”, the respective leaders stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum established by a hugely successful tournament and subsequently continued by the first-ever FIFA World Cup Education Summit in Pretoria on 11 July.

Blatter, for his part, expressed a belief that the FIFA World Cup would “provide a trigger for long-term and sustained social, cultural and educational development”, while Zuma focused on their shared passion for the 1 Goal Education for All Campaign.

“As we know,” he wrote, “the success of this campaign will assist approximately 72 million children, almost half of whom are in Africa, who are not attending school. That would be a powerful legacy of the World Cup

source:http://www.fifa.com

Friday, July 23, 2010

Ten to watch for 2014

Andre Ayew of Ghana in actionGiovani Dos Santos of Mexico is tackled by Nicolas Otamendi of ArgentinaGerman's defender Philipp Lahm (L) smiles with forward Lukas Podolski (C) and midfielder Thomas Muller during a training session

The internet and satellite television may have made Planet Football a smaller place, but the FIFA World Cup™ spotlight still burns with a particular intensity ensuring maximum exposure to those players who shine in its glare.

For some of the youngsters who caught the eye in South Africa, life may never be the same again. It is tempting to label them already as potential stars of Brazil 2014 though this would be tempting fate – if a week is a long time in football, then what about four years? Still it will be fascinating monitoring the progress that young guns like Thomas Muller, Andre Ayew and Giovani dos Santos make between now and 2014.

In some cases, there will be new doors opening post-South Africa and almost certainly there will be raised expectations – in the case of Muller, winner of the Hyundai Best Young Player award, those expectations will be sky-high as his thoughts start turning to the new season with his club side, Bayern Munich.

The Germany midfielder finished with not just the Best Young Player prize but also the adidas Golden Boot, having contributed five goals and three assists – not a bad way to end his breakthrough season as a top-flight footballer. Where many 20-year-olds are allowed to suffer ‘second season syndrome’ away from the spotlight, Muller will now have to continue his development back in the Bundesliga with all eyes on him.

Ozil attack
The same goes for his team-mate Mesut Ozil, who made a significant contribution to Germany’s attractive attacking football on display in South Africa. Twelve months after helping the Germany U-21s conquer Europe, his efforts in helping his country to third place have made him one of the continent’s hottest properties and he looks likely to be moving from Werder Bremen before the transfer window shuts.

A key figure in Ghana’s exciting run to the last eight was Andre Ayew, whose displays in an attacking midfield role earned him a place on the Best Young Player shortlist – he achieved an 85 per cent successful pass rate, one such ball releasing Asamoah Gyan for the last-16 winner against USA. The question now for the son of African icon Abedi Pele is whether he gets the chance to play for French title-holders Marseille this coming season or rather moves again, having spent the 2009/10 campaign on loan at Arles-Avignon.

Similar doubts surround Ghana forward Dominic Adiyiah who should be the attacking spearhead of the Black Stars’ team in Brazil four years from now. The eight-goal star of his country’s FIFA U-20 World Cup success last year, Adiyiah would have hit a winning goal against Uruguay in the quarter-finals but for Luis Suarez’s goal-line handball. It is not known yet whether he will begin his first full season in Italian football with AC Milan, or whether he will continue his education on loan elsewhere.

Mexican young guns
Where next is also a question on the mind of Giovani Dos Santos, who made such an impression for Mexico with his nimble footwork and ability to run at defenders in South Africa. The one-time Barcelona starlet ended up spending the second half of last term on loan at Galatasaray after struggling to impose himself at Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League club he joined in 2008. It will be fascinating to see what comes next for the talented 21-year-old, just as it will be to see how his compatriot Javier Hernandez fares at his new English club, Manchester United. Mexican football fans will hope both can build on the promise they showed in South Africa given their importance to the Tricolor's future prospects.

There is another player to watch who did not actually feature for his country in South Africa, but the fact Joe Hart got no further than the England bench does not deter those who view him as the long-term answer to his country’s goalkeeping problem. Hart gave an impressive appearance in the pre-finals friendly against Japan and with David James turning 40 on 1 August and Rob Green’s reputation not helped by his high-profile error against USA, the 23-year-old looks well placed to capitalise, so long as he can build on his superb 2009/10 campaign with Birmingham City, now that he is back at Manchester City.

Of course, these are just a selection of the young guns hoping to enhance their reputations between now and Brazil 2014. From Javier Pastore, the Palermo-based playmaker of whom Argentina fans saw only glimpses in South Africa, to Chile’s exciting winger Alexis Sanchez, also based in Italy with Udinese; and from Spain winger Pedro, who capped his breakthrough season with Barcelona with a FIFA World Cup winners’ medal, to Toni Kroos, another bright young German with Bayern Munich, the list goes on.

And that is just the players who featured in South Africa. Brazilian fans could argue a case for Pato and Neymar, their own young guns, who did not feature in Dunga's 2010 FIFA World Cup team. Making predictions about the next world showpiece is evidently foolhardy but these young guns should be worth watching regardless.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

South Africa 2010's unlikeliest star

South Africa 2010's unlikeliest star

Forget Forlan, forget Muller, forget Iniesta. If there was one undisputed star of the FIFA World Cup™ just past, it was not any of these on-song stars, but a certain cephalopod over 5,000 miles away.

After all, impressive though Forlan and Co were, none could claim that their performances throughout South Africa 2010 were flawless. Paul the octopus, on the other hand, never put a foot, or tentacle, wrong during a month that witnessed his meteoric rise to superstardom - and ended with a transfer tug-of-war.

For anyone somehow unaware of what all the fuss was about, Paul’s celebrity status was earned by an unblemished run of eight successful predictions from the first round of group matches all the way through to the Final. The method by which Oberhausen Sea Life Centre’s most famous resident picked his winners was to eat a mussel from one of two containers, each adorned with the flags of the competing nations. So unerring did he prove that several news channels across Europe began to broadcast Paul’s predictions live, while the phrases ‘Paul the Octopus’ and ‘Pulpo’ - the Spanish word for octopus - generated huge internet traffic, taking their place Twitter’s top ten global trends.

Not that his success gained him universal popularity. When, after correctly predicting the outcome of Germany’s first four matches, Paul tipped Joachim Low’s side to see off Argentina, Nicolas Bedorrou – a famous Argentinian chef – reacted by posting an octopus recipe on facebook. Worse was to follow when an erstwhile adoring German public turned on their ‘psychic’ mascot for foreseeing their semi-final defeat to Spain, with anti-octopus songs chanted at Berlin’s Fan Fest and newspapers filled with headlines such as ‘Throw him in the frying pan’ and suggestions that he be transferred to the shark enclosure.

However, at the same time he was being labelled a ‘traitor’ in Germany, Paul was becoming a hero in Spain, especially after he followed up his last four forecast by predicting La Roja’s first-ever FIFA World Cup Final win. Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero even light-heartedly promised to send a team of bodyguards to protect this unlikeliest of football icons, while environment minister Elena Espinosa promised protection under conservation laws

source:http://www.fifa.com

Friday, July 16, 2010

Non-stop action in South America

Brazilian Football Federation president Ricardo Terra Teixeira,  Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and FIFA President Joseph  Sepp Blatter pose during the launch of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil  Official emblem



Despite the disappointment of not having any representatives in the Final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, South America is already focusing on the future. Both Brazil and Colombia have already been in action at the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup Germany 2010 and the new FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking was published on Wednesday, with some encouraging progress being made by a clutch of CONMEBOL teams. Add to that the resumption of the 2010 Copa Libertadores de America and the fast-approaching return of the domestic league season, and there is more than enough to keep the continent’s football fans occupied.

A new cycle begins
With South Africa 2010 having just come to a close, all eyes are now on the intensive preparations for the forthcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. Taking up the baton from the Rainbow Nation, O País Pentacampeão has already begun the long journey towards what they hope will be their sixth world title and thereby erase memories of their failed challenge on home soil in 1950. If the recent presentation of the Official Emblem in Johannesburg is anything to go by, Brazil will be putting on quite a show.

A Seleção’s quarter-final exit in South Africa caused them to drop two places in the latest FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking, although the other four South American sides on duty at the world finals all fared much better. Argentina jumped up to fifth, Uruguay to sixth, Chile to tenth and Paraguay to 15th, progress that augurs well for next year’s Copa America.

Transfer time
On the club scene Argentinian giants River Plate and Boca Juniors have been busy strengthening their squads in a bid to improve on last season’s unsatisfactory showings. Los Xeneizes have brought in Claudio Borghi, the man who coached Argentinos Juniors to the 2010 Clausura title, while Los Millonarios have snapped up a host of new players including goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, who returns home from Lazio. Elsewhere Racing Club have bolstered their line-up with the acquisition of Colombian attacking midfielder Giovanni Moreno from Atletico Nacional.

Over in Brazil, Palmeiras went to great lengths to bring in coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and Kleber, while Internacional have welcomed back front man Rafael Sobis and goalkeeper Renan, two of the club’s biggest idols. Domestic rivals Atletico Mineiro have signed midfielder Diego Souza, with Santos recruiting Kierrison.

For their part, Flamengo will be without big name duo Adriano and Vagner Love, the pair beginning respective new challenges at Roma and CSKA Moscow, while Colombian attacking midfielder James Rodriguez has left Argentina's Banfield to join Porto.

Clubs back on duty
The 2010 Brasileirao resumed on Wednesday, with matchday eight featuring an intriguing top-two meeting between leaders Corinthians and season revelations Ceara, who collected 17 points in their first seven games. The 0-0 result left both teams three points clear of Fluminense. Over the last month no fewer than seven coaches have taken up new posts in the championship, which was won last time out by Flamengo.

Phase two of the Ecuadorian league season is already under way, while San Jose and Oriente Petrolero are going head-to-head in the Bolivian championship final. Wednesday’s first leg ended 2-0, with the return leg taking place next weekend. In Peru San Martin are on top after 23 games, while further north the Copa Colombia is currently at the group phase.

The odd men out are Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, where the league seasons will kick off in the next few weeks.

Flying the flag overseas
On the international front Brazil and Colombia are both in action at the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup Germany 2010, which began on Tuesday. As well as keeping tabs on their progress, fans are also expectant at the renewal of hostilities in the 51st Copa Libertadores de America, which broke off for over a month for South Africa 2010.

The continent’s premier club competition will shortly resume at the semi-final stage. Brazilian rivals Sao Paulo and Internacional face off in one half, while Universidad de Chile and Guadalajara will continue their bids for a maiden title in the other. The reward for the new champions, who will succeed Argentina’s Estudiantes, is a trip to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010, their brief being to restore South American prestige after three consecutive triumphs for European sides.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Ajen Robben Photo Gallery










Ajen Robben Stock Photo Gallery

Arjen Robben fron Netherland


Arjen Robben was born 23 January 1984. He is a Dutch footballer who plays for the German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. Before plays on Bayern he plays on Real Madrid, Chelsea, Psv. He was usually plays behind the forwards (inside position) as a winger, and he is also known for his dribbling skills. Robben is the best player football in Netherland. He is also a part of the Netherlands national team and has appeared at Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008 and at the 2010 World Cup.fantasy football rankings, football tickets.

Monday, July 12, 2010

South Africa 2010

The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ made history at the beginning as the first finals hosted in Africa and at the end with Spain becoming just the eighth team to win football's ultimate prize. In between, the world was exposed to South Africa like never before all the while being treated to one of the most balanced FIFA World Cups in recent memory.

Also a first, both teams from the previous Final failed to advance from the first round, as Italy and France crashed out in dramatic fashion. Fancied Brazil and Argentina were also eliminated earlier than many expected, as Uruguay and three European sides made up the last four. Join FIFA.com for a look at the 32 teams that came together to make South Africa 2010 a pageant of football.

Winners
Spain
The European champions were deserved winners of their first world crown despite losing their first match to Switzerland 1-0. Ironically La Roja won all of their knockout matches by that scoreline to become the first new winners of a FIFA World Cup without home advantage since Brazil lifted their first trophy in 1958.

Runners-up
Netherlands
The Dutch won all six of their matches on the way to the ultimate game, but could not prevent the third FIFA World Cup Final loss in their history. A come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Brazil in the last eight was arguably the highlight for the Oranje.

Third place
Germany
A young German team caught fire in the knock-out rounds, thumping four goals past England and Argentina, but Spain's juggernaut was too much in the last four. Top scorers for the second straight FIFA World Cup, their future is undoubtedly bright.

Fourth place
Uruguay
La Celeste
were the biggest surprise package of South Africa, reaching a first semi-final since 1970. But the form of strikers Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez would have been enough to send any side far in the tournament.

Quarter-finalists
Argentina
Victorious in their first four matches, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Co ran into a German buzz saw in the last eight, with all of their frailties exposed in a 4-0 defeat.
Brazil
Everything was going according to plan for the five-time champions, but a second-half collapse against the Netherlands cost Dunga his job and left the 2014 hosts questioning themselves after consecutive last-eight exits.
Ghana
The Black Stars were Asamoah Gyan's last-kick penalty miss away from becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals. But the youngest team at the tournament are well placed for further success.
Paraguay
Decidedly difficult to beat, Paraguay topped their group and gave up just two goals in the tournament – to Italy and Spain. The latter knocked out Gerardo Martino's side but not before they had advanced further than ever before.

Round of 16
Chile
One of the most open and attack-minded teams in the tournament, Marcelo Bielsa's men ended a 48-year wait for a FIFA World Cup win but a match-up with Brazil was too much as they fell 3-0 in the second round.
England
An early goal in the much-anticipated match with the US augured well, but England never built on that and suffered their worst finals loss in history, a 4-1 dismantling by old enemies Germany.
Japan
A penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Paraguay was a hard end for a team that had achieved their first two World Cup wins on foreign soil, finishing second in their group behind the rampaging Dutch.
Korea Republic
They recovered from a 4-1 loss to Argentina to reach the second round for the first time beyond their own shores, but once there, they could not overcome Uruguay and a rampant Luis Suarez.
Mexico
An exciting team going forward, El Tri advanced to the second round for the fifth consecutive time, but as in 2006, a powerful Argentina proved their undoing.
Portugal
The Portuguese scored seven goals, all of which came against Korea DPR, but a single goal by Iberian rivals Spain was enough to break Cristiano Ronaldo and Co's 19-match unbeaten streak.
Slovakia
Despite being knocked out by the Netherlands, Slovakia will always remember their first finals as an independent nation for the exciting 3-2 win over holders Italy that propelled them into the Round of 16.
USA
Comeback kings in South Africa, the US fought back to draw against England and Slovenia before topping Group C with a last-gasp winner against Algeria. Resilient Ghana were one step too far in the last 16 as the Americans fell after extra time.

Group stage
Algeria
Les Fennecs
lost to Slovenia and the US on late goals, and in between they drew with England, but their failure to find a single goal was disappointing.
Australia
A draw with Ghana and a defeat of Serbia put Australia remarkably close to advancing from Group D considering they had to deal with suspensions to Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell and an opening 4-0 loss to Germany.
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions failed to roar at the FIFA World Cup once again as they became the first team eliminated from the finals and went home with no points.
Côte d'Ivoire
Largely considered Africa's most talented team, they could not get through a difficult group, eliminated on goal difference by Portugal despite the inspiring presence of Didier Drogba, playing with his arm in a cast.
Denmark
The Danes were always working uphill after an unlucky own goal against the Netherlands, but with a straightforward task in their last group match – beat Japan to advance – they lost disappointingly 3-1.
France
Finalists four years before, France's fall was dramatic as Les Bleus scored just a single goal while winning one point and suffering through a player revolt that left the team's future fractured.
Greece
Greece scored a goal and won a match at the finals for the first time, but a 2-1 defeat of Nigeria was not enough for them to end the Otto Rehhagel era on a high by escaping the group stage.
Honduras
Only a scoreless draw with Switzerland to close the group kept Honduras from going home pointless, and the Central Americans did not find the goal once in a lacklustre campaign.
Italy
The deposed champions fell at the first hurdle for the first time since 1974 after failing to win a single match. Marcello Lippi's men were a shadow of their 2006 selves, losing to Slovakia 3-2 in their decisive Group F encounter.
Korea DPR
A mystery team going in, the Koreans showed solidity in a narrow defeat by Brazil, but then collapsed against Portugal, conceding six in the second half of a tournament-high 7-0 loss.
New Zealand
Definite outsiders to start, the All Whites went home unbeaten from their first finals since 1982, proud to have claimed three draws to finish above holders Italy in Group F.
Nigeria
One point from Group B was a cruel fate for the Super Eagles, who lost a lead against Greece after a red card and were unlucky to draw with Korea Republic in their final contest when a win would have seen them through.
Serbia
One of the favoured dark horses coming into the event, Serbia did the hard work of beating Germany but losses to Ghana and Australia ensured Radomir Antic's men headed for home as one of the bigger disappointments.
Slovenia
The nearly men can only lament the loss of a two-goal lead against USA when victory would have qualified them for the last 16 with a game to spare – and USA's last-minute winner against Algeria that sent them home.
South Africa
Despite becoming the first host nation to fail to advance out of the group stage, Bafana Bafana will take some pride from a marvellous goal to open the tournament and a victory over former world champions France.
Switzerland
Ottmar Hitzfeld had Switzerland ready to go in South Africa, but a famous 1-0 win over Spain to open the event came to naught after they failed to score again.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Iniesta puts Spain on top of the world

Spain celebrate winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa  Final

Champions of Europe and now champions of the world, Spain captured football's Holy Grail for the first time with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands thanks to Andres Iniesta's 116th-minute strike at Soccer City.

The solitary goal came with penalties looming as substitute Cesc Fabregas played in Iniesta and the little midfielder drove emphatically across Maarten Stekelenburg and into the far corner. With this victory – their fourth successive single-goal win in South Africa – Spain became the eighth name on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy and also the first European team to have triumphed on a different continent. For the Netherlands, who lost defender John Heitinga to a red card in extra time, there is only the heartache of another tale of what might have been after they completed a hat-trick of Final losses.

This was a match preceded by much talk of two like-minded footballing cultures, of the influence of Dutchmen like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, of 'tiki taka' and Total Football. In many ways, as the first 116 minutes showed, it was also a case of the irresistible force versus the immovable object. The Dutch had won 14 straight games to get to the Final, in qualifying and the tournament proper, and Spain 15 out of 16, their only slip the defeat by Switzerland in their first game here in South Africa.

It was the Spanish found their stride first, living up to their pre-game billing as favourites. Vicente del Bosque's side dominated possession and created the early chances. With the Dutch penned inside their half, goalkeeper Stekelenburg had to make a save after five minutes, diving low to stop a Sergio Ramos header from Xavi's free-kick from the right. Gerard Pique looked poised to follow up only to be denied by a combination of Joris Mathijsen and Dirk Kuyt.

Ramos came again in the tenth minute, beating Kuyt on the right and driving in a low centre that Heitinga deflected behind. From the corner came another scare for the Netherlands. Xavi played the ball back to Xabi Alonso whose cross went beyond the far post to David Villa but the in-form No7 sliced his volley into the side-netting. After those near things, however, both defences got on top with none of the flair players on either side able to take a grip on proceedings. Instead the yellow-card count began to rise with Nigel de Jong becoming the fifth player in Howard Webb's notebook by the time the half-hour mark arrived.

With the orange sections of the 84,490 Soccer City crowd finding their voice, Bert van Marwijk's men almost gave them something to sing about from a corner in the 37th minute. Robben rolled the ball to Mark van Bommel on the edge of the box and although he failed to make a clean connection he unwittingly diverted the ball on to the unmarked Mathijsen but the defender missed his kick. As half-time approached, Iker Casillas had barely had a save to make but entering stoppage time, he had to be alert to deny Robben at his near post as a spell of Dutch pressure ended with the winger spearing in a low shot from the corner of the box.

Puyol, Spain's semi-final matchwinner, showed his aerial threat once more minutes after the restart when he rose above Heitinga and headed to the far post but Joan Capdevila failed to make contact. The game was gradually opening up and the Dutch spurned a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute when Wesley Sneijder sent Robben running clear. Casillas came to Spain's rescue, deflecting the shot behind with his right foot when falling the wrong way.

Spain coach Del Bosque had already sent on Jesus Navas for Pedro on the hour and the winger helped pick a hole in the Dutch defence in the 70th minute. Xavi sent him flying down the right into the box and when Heitinga failed to deal with Navas's low cross, the ball fell to Villa who looked odds-on to score only to see his effort deflected behind. Ramos was equally profligate after 78 minutes when he headed over a Xavi centre when unmarked, after Villa had forced another corner.

Spain were looking the more likely winners and it took Sneijder of all people to foil Iniesta with a smart tackle after his jinking run into the box. Yet Robben's pace was a persistent threat and the Oranje No11 almost embarrassed Puyol in the 82nd minute, speeding clear of the Spain defender when second-favourite to reach a through-ball. Resisting Pique's attempt to tackle too, he was foiled only by Casillas, the captain saving at Robben's feet as the Dutchman tried to round him.

Extra time began with opportunities for Spain. Xavi failed to connect when well positioned and when the ball ran to Villa, his shot went wide off an orange shirt. Substitute Fabregas then broke clear on to Iniesta's through-ball but was foiled by Stekelenburg. Mathijsen headed wide from a corner but like waves, Spanish attacks kept rolling on to the Netherlands back line and Navas was close with a shot deflected into the side-netting.

Fernando Torres replaced Villa midway through the extra period and Spain gained a man advantage four minutes later with Heitinga's dismissal for pulling back Iniesta on the edge of the box, the offence earning him a second yellow. Iniesta would not be denied, however, and his fine late strike put Spain into the history books and left a Dutch dream shattered.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Fabregas and Del Bosque in dreamland


Fabregas and Del Bosque in dreamland

Cesc Fabregas has hailed an "historic moment" for Spain after helping them win their first FIFA World Cup™. The Arsenal midfielder created the only goal for Andres Iniesta in extra time against the Netherlands at Soccer City.

Fabregas has had to play a substitutes' role all tournament - including in the Final - but revealed the conquest made up for all the frustration. "This is an historic moment for Spain and it may never be repeated - I dedicate this to my whole family.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Casillas: It hasn't sunk in


Casillas: It hasn't sunk in

Spain captain Iker Casillas concedes it will take time for him and his team-mates to realise the magnitude of their FIFA World Cup™ victory after lifting the title at Soccer City last night. Vicente del Bosque's team, who have been one of the biggest underachievers in the game's history, capped a remarkable two years by adding the world title to their UEFA EURO 2008 triumph.

Andres Iniesta grabbed the only goal deep into in extra-time to break Dutch hearts and earn his team a place in history. "It's a historic moment for Spanish football," the Real Madrid goalkeeper said. "This achievement is something that we, the players, are still not aware of... what the significance really is. I think it's something we will only realise over time."

Casillas also walked away with the Golden Glove award, handed to the best goalkeeper in the competition, for his overall efforts in South Africa. The 29-year-old, a veteran of more than 100 caps, was mainly a spectator against the Dutch, but had to make two crucial saves from Arjen Robben either side of half-time.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Xavi hails Spanish dream come true


Xavi hails Spanish dream come true

Spain midfielder Xavi described his country's FIFA World Cup™ victory as a dream come true following their 1-0 defeat of the Netherlands at Soccer City.

Xavi's club and country team-mate Andres Iniesta scored the only goal of the game four minutes before the end of extra time after a drab encounter as Spain added the world title to the European crown they won in Vienna two years ago. And having also won everything on offer in club football, Xavi now has a full set of international medals.

But being part of the first ever Spanish team to win the FIFA World Cup has topped the lot for the diminutive Barcelona man. "Now we have the trophy it's difficult to put into words, it's such an amazing feeling to have the trophy in my arms," he said. "It's a dream come true, especially to win both tournaments, it's the reward for all the hard work we have put in so far. source:http://www.fifa.com

Ramos crowned as La Roja conquer


Ramos crowned as La Roja conquer

This has been a FIFA World Cup™ of firsts: the first on African soil, the first won by Spain and also the first to be assessed second-by-second using the Castrol Index. This innovative system has utilised advanced technology to objectively analyse and evaluate every single player movement, and tonight it crowned its very own FIFA World Cup king.

Its verdict? That Sergio Ramos, Spain’s daring and energetic right-back, has been the most influential and effective player on show over the past month. The Real Madrid star, an ever-present in the top 20 since the second round of group matches, went into the Final in pole position and retained his place in style. Indeed, Ramos emerged as the Castrol Performance Analysts’ man of the match, pipping team-mates Joan Capdevila, Iker Casillas and Andres Iniesta with a score of 9.64 that reflected his efforts at both ends of the field.

A couple of efforts on Maarten Stekelenburg’s goal reminded everyone of his attacking capabilities, but it is at the back – where the world and European champions restricted the Netherlands to precious few opportunities – that the Spain No15 and his team-mates once again excelled. Indeed, with Vicente Del Bosque’s side having conquered the world on the back of four straight clean sheets during the knockout stage, and just two goals conceded overall, it is no wonder that Ramos’s main challenge for the Index title came from his own defensive colleagues.

Sneijder the midfield master
La Roja, who scored just eight goals en route to the title – the fewest of any world champions in history – were heavily indebted to a back four in which Joan Capdevila, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique also excelled. In fact, only Philipp Lahm prevented this Spanish quartet taking places one, two, three and four in the Index, with Pique the man to drop into fifth due to his comparative lack of attacking involvement.

With David Villa – who leaves South Africa ranked by Castrol as the tournament’s leading striker - also recognised for his early heroics, Spain had kicked off at Soccer City with five players in the Castrol Index top ten to the Netherlands’ one. However, that sole Dutch representative, Wesley Sneijder, cemented his position with another stylish showing in the Final. Once again, the Inter Milan star was adjudged to be the Oranje’s top performer, and heads for home with the consolation of knowing that Castrol’s analysis has deemed him to be the tournament’s top midfielder.

Of course, the Final wasn’t the only match to influence the concluding Castrol Index of South Africa 2010. There was, after all, the small matter of that thrilling play-off for third place between Germany and Uruguay, a match that involved a clutch of potential contenders. Conspicuous by their absence, however, were two of the Index’s erstwhile leading lights: Philipp Lahm, the list’s one time leader, and Manuel Neuer, its top goalkeeper.

Nevertheless, while Lahm’s illness-enforced absence denied him the opportunity to return to the summit, he remained Germany’s highest-ranked player at fourth, while Neuer retained his pre-eminent position at the top of the goalkeeping list despite a late challenge from Casillas. The German duo were even able to gain ground in the Index as they ended the tournament with a superior average score to some of those involved in the last two fixtures.

Suarez outshines Forlan
Although an impressive showing in the third-place play-off was naturally not weighted as highly as a starring role in the Final, others also climbed, with adidas Golden Boot and Golden Ball winners Thomas Muller and Diego Forlan making major gains to enter the top ten and top 50 respectively.

Forlan would have considerably higher but for a poor pass completion rate, with the Uruguay star ranking 61st out of 71 forwards who attempted more than 50 passes. Attacking colleague Luis Suarez ultimately outranked him with an eighth-place finish, while credit should also go to Ghana’s John Pantsil and Paulo da Silva of Paraguay, both of whom finished in the top 20 despite exiting at the quarter-final stage.

There could only be one winner, however, and it was Ramos who took the inaugural honours, completing a fairy tale couple of years for both him and his trophy-laden team.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Africa’s first FIFA World Cup™ set to close in a blaze of lights and music


Africa’s first FIFA World Cup™ set to close in a blaze of lights  and music

The Closing Ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is set to be a colourful, celebratory tribute to the tournament, the fans and their experiences in the host country during what’s been a memorable month.

The 30-minute night-time ceremony will take place at 18h30 on Sunday, 11 July 2010, at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium - ahead of the showpiece 2010 FIFA World Cup final - and will feature some spectacular performances and unique special effects.

It will be broadcast live in 215 countries to an audience in excess of 500-million viewers and will feature 780 cast members and some of South Africa and Africa’s top musicians and dancers.

Colombian pop star Shakira will feature at her second successive FIFA World Cup closing ceremony, performing the hit song “Waka Waka” with South Africa’s Freshlyground. The catchy song has topped the global music charts in 15 countries and was the most watched video on the internet in the month of June, with over 70 million hits on You Tube to date.

The other artists at the ceremony include multiple Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jozi, Stoan Seate, Slikour, Zuluboy, Abigail Kubeka, Theo Kgosinkwe, Afrikaans artists Nianell and flutist Wouter, Nigeria’s 2Face, Ghana’s Samini and popular local traditional group Ihashi Elimhlophe.

Derek Carstens, the OC’s Chief Marketing Officer said the Ceremony will have a distinctive African feel, with world-class technology and a contemporary, youthful theme.

“Africa’s first FIFA World Cup has showcased the unique and colourful spirit and warmth of the African continent and its people. The closing ceremony will pay tribute to that spirit with a world-class production. It will also be a tribute to the football that’s been played in the tournament, to the fans and their experiences. It will also be a reminder of what South Africa has offered the world over the last month and encourage fans to come back to our country in great numbers after the tournament,” said Carstens.

“While the opening ceremony was more traditional in its approach in order to do justice to Africa’s heritage, the closing ceremony will have more contemporary and youthful themes. It takes place at night, which will allow for more dramatic lighting and special effects. We urge those at the stadiums and those tuning in to take their seats early and not to miss what’s sure to be a spectacular show,” Carstens added.

The Soccer City stadium gates open on Sunday at 14h30, six hours before kickoff of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final at 20h30. The closing ceremony starts at 18h30 and spectators are urged to please be seated by 18h00 in order to be part of the historic closing ceremony of Africa’s first FIFA World Cup.

The commercial display areas at Soccer City will be fully operational from 2pm on final day and will offer a variety of fun-filled activities for early fans, with a number of transport options available from the City of Johannesburg.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Iniesta puts Spain on top of world

Spain's midfielder Andrés Iniesta celebrates after scoring



Champions of Europe and now champions of the world, Spain captured football's Holy Grail for the first time with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands thanks to Andres Iniesta’s 116th-minute strike at Soccer City.

The solitary goal came with penalties looming as substitutes Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas combined to play in Iniesta and the little Barcelona midfielder drove emphatically across Maarten Stekelenburg and into the far corner. With this victory – their fourth successive single-goal win in South Africa – Spain became the eighth name on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy and also the first European team to have triumphed on a different continent. For the Netherlands, who lost defender John Heitinga to a red card in extra time, there is only the heartache of another tale of what might have been after completing a hat-trick of Final losses.

This was a match preceded by much talk of two like-minded footballing cultures, of the influence of Dutchmen like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels on Barcelona, of 'tiki taka' and Total Football. In many ways, as the first 116 minutes showed, it was also a case of the irresistible force versus the immovable object. The Dutch had won 14 straight games to get to the Final, in qualifying and the tournament proper, and Spain 15 out of 16, their only slip the defeat by Switzerland in their first game here in South Africa.

It was the Spanish found their stride first, living up to their pre-game billing as favourites. Vicente del Bosque's side, playing in navy blue, dominated possession and fashioned the early chances. With the Dutch penned inside their half, Maarten Stekelenburg had to make a save after five minutes, diving low to stop a Sergio Ramos header from Xavi's free-kick in from the right. Gerard Pique looked poised to follow up only to be denied by a combination of Joris Mathijsen and Dirk Kuyt.

Ramos came again in the tenth minute, beating Kuyt on the right and driving in a low centre that Heitinga deflected behind. From the corner came another scare for the Netherlands. Xavi played the ball back to Xabi Alonso whose ball went beyond the far post to David Villa but the in-form No7 sliced his volley into the side-netting.

After those near things, however, both defences got on top with none of the flair players on either side able to take a grip on proceedings. Instead the yellow-card count began to rise with Nigel de Jong becoming the fifth player in Howard Webb’s notebook by the time we reached the half-hour mark, the Netherlands midfielder, newly returned from suspension along with Gregory van der Wiel, having clattered into the chest of Xabi Alonso.

With the orange sections of the 84,490 Soccer City crowd finding their voice, their favourites almost gave them something to sing about from a corner in the 37th minute. Robben rolled the ball to Mark van Bommel on the edge of the box and although he failed to make a clean connection he unwittingly diverted the ball on to the unmarked Mathijsen but the defender missed his kick. As half-time approached, Iker Casillas had barely had a save to make but entering stoppage time, Spain’s custodian had to be alert to deny Robben at his near post as a spell of Dutch pressure ended with the winger spearing in a low shot from the corner of the box.

Puyol, Spain's semi-final matchwinner, showed his aerial threat once more minutes after the restart when he rose above Heitinga and headed to the far post but Joan Capdevila failed to make contact. The game was gradually opening up and Dutch spurned a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute when Wesley Sneijder sent Robben running clear. Casillas came to Spain’s rescue, deflecting the shot behind with his right foot when falling the wrong way.

Spain coach Del Bosque had already sent on Jesus Navas for Pedro on the hour and the winger helped pick a hole in the Dutch defence in the 70th minute. Xavi sent him flying down the right and into the box and when Heitinga failed to deal with Navas’s low cross, the ball fell to Villa who looked odds-on to score only to see his effort deflected behind. Ramos was equally profligate after 78 minutes when he headed over a Xavi centre when unmarked, after Villa had forced another corner.

Spain were looking the more likely winners and it took Sneijder of all people to foil Iniesta with a smart tackle after his jinking run into the box. Yet Robben’s pace is a persistent threat and the Oranje No11 almost embarrassed Puyol in the 82nd minute, speeding clear of the Spain defender when second-favourite to reach a through-ball. Resisting Pique’s attempt to tackle too, he was foiled only by Casillas, the captain saving at Robben’s feet as the Dutchman sought to round him.

Extra time began with opportunities for Spain. Xavi failed to connect when well positioned and when the ball ran to Villa, his shot went wide off an orange shirt. Substitute Cesc Fabregas then broke clear on to Iniesta’s through-ball but was foiled by Stekelenburg. Mathijsen headed wide from a corner but like waves, Spanish attacks kept rolling on to the Netherlands back line and Navas was close with a shot deflected into the side-netting.

Fernando Torres replaced Villa midway through the extra period and Spain gained a man advantage four minutes late with Heitinga’s dismissal for pulling back Iniesta on the edge of the box, the offence earning him a second yellow. Iniesta would not be denied, however, as his late strike put Spain in the history books and shattered the men in Oranje.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Madrid merry, Amsterdam agony


Madrid merry, Amsterdam agony

A thunderous roar erupted across the Spanish capital and fans danced in the streets and chanted "Viva Espana!" as the country's first ever FIFA World Cup™ trophy sparked a nationwide fiesta. The centre of the capital was a sea of the red and gold national colours as Spain celebrated its agonising 1-0 extra-time win over the Netherlands on Sunday.

The deafening sounds of cheering, klazons, firecrackers and car horns rang out across the city as the FIFA World Cup's perennial underachievers won the trophy in their first appearance in the Final. In temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius (Fahrenheit), more than 150,000 supporters watched the match on massive screens in a giant fan park in a one-kilometre stretch of the city's main thoroughfare.

Others crammed into bars or stayed home for the match, which left the country paralysed Sunday evening. Many were wrapped in the Spanish flag, wore the red team shirts or red wigs, or had their faces painted red and gold.

Dutch despair
Meanwhile, silence fell on an Amsterdam square where about 180,000 football fans watched in disbelief on big screens. As the final whistle blew, some supporters rested their heads in their hands in defeat as the earlier festive atmosphere turned somber and a cacophony of vuvuzelas suddenly died down. Some cried, others sank down to the ground; many started leaving the square in grim silence directly after the 1-0 extra time defeat.

The normally tranquil Museumplein was earlier transformed into a sea of orange with people in T-shirts, wigs, hats, flags and banners in the colour of the national team. Some had painted their faces, others wore lion suits or tails after the national symbol.There were orange rabbit's ears, orange clogs, orange hair, inflatable orange crowns and orange viking helmets.

Amsterdam officials had earlier urged people to stop coming to the Dutch capital as the city centre and Museumplein, with a maximum capacity of 100,000 visitors, filled up three hours before the match even started.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Closing Ceremony sets the scene


Closing Ceremony sets the scene

Football fans around the world are glued to their televisions tonight as Spain and the Netherlands do battle in Johannesburg for a first-ever world title.

However, while the FIFA World Cup Final is unquestionably the main course on South Africa's menu this evening, supporters have also been treated to a spectacular starter. Less than two hours before the grand finale, a sell-out crowd inside Soccer City Stadium as well as an audience of hundreds of million across the globe were wowed by a colourful ceremony to celebrate the successful conclusion of a memorable first FIFA World Cup on African soil.

As darkness descended on Johannesburg, the floodlights in the iconic arena were all dimmed before a squadron of Gripens from the South African Airforce flew over the Calabash. And with the giant screens at both ends of the stands running videos of comets and fireworks, South African musician Stoan Seate got the show started with a performance of ‘Sizodalala-la’ while performers took to the centre of the field, dancing and forming the shape of a vuvuzela.

Having performed at the Closing Ceremony of Germany 2006 at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, Colombian pop star Shakira once again took centre stage along with local fusion band Freshlyground with the worldwide hit ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’. It was the second time that the tournament's Official Song has been performed by these artists, who had got the South Africa 2010 party under way with a memorable gig at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on the eve of the Opening Match a month ago.

Highlights of the group stage matches followed, before Seate returned to the stage with ‘Everywhere You Go’ joined by Africa United - six other musicians from across the continent. And with some key moments from the quarter-finals on display, the three-time Grammy Award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo made sure the crowd remained on their feet as the ‘Weather Song’ filled the stadium, as a safari scene was created.

By the time Abigail Kubeka and Mafikzolo finished their performance, Soccer City's celebrations were already well underway, as the countdown continued to Africa's first-ever FIFA World Cup Final.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Madiba wows crowd at Soccer City


Madiba wows crowd at Soccer City

Soccer City was brought to a frenzy on Sunday night as world icon Nelson Mandela made a grand entrance prior to kick-off at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Final between European giants Netherlands and Spain.

As he entered the pitch on a buggy, accompanied by his wife Graca Michel, Madiba was greeted by a standing ovation, the roaring of vuvuzelas and cheering from the gathered supporters. It was an epic moment for the filled-to-capacity Soccer City. For a man who has not only worked tirelessly for the emancipation of his people but has also campaigned for world peace and for better lives for African people, it was only apt that he be afforded his rightful place at the finale of the world's greatest sporting showpiece in his home country.

Madiba was one of the individuals who campaigned hard for South Africa to be awarded the right to host the 2010 finals. Photographs of him in 2004 holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy in Zurich minutes after South Africa won the bid have become almost legendary. At that time Madiba told delegates and the Executive Committee Members of FIFA that hosting the tournament would be a "dream come true" for him and fellow African children. It was a bold statement from a man who had sacrificed so much to that point in his life.

Having spent 27 years in prison, most of those in the infamous Robben Island in the cold south Atlantic, Mandela become a beacon of hope and inspiration in his homeland. Madiba's role in South Africa's endeavours to bring the FIFA World Cup to his country, as well as his love of the event, are well documented. "While we were on Robben Island, the only access to a FIFA World Cup would have been through a radio. Football offered the only joyful relief to prisoners. Through football, we can celebrate the humanity of the African continent and share it with the rest of the world," Madiba once said.

Mandela, one of the most loved figures in the world today, joined an A-list of international stars, presidents, sports people, actors and other renowned personalities who were at Soccer City for the Final. The guest list included, among others, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, former World Player of the Year George Weah, Roger Milla, Lucas Radebe, Rafael Nadal, Marcel Desailly and Naomi Campbell. Earlier this week, Netherlands captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: "I really hope to see him [Mandela], it would be fantastic. I have already met him twice and it was very powerful, very special. And it would be so nice to accept the trophy in front of him.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Netherlands-Spain

The big finish: Netherlands-Spain

The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Final promises to be quite an occasion, with the Netherlands pitting their wits against reigning European champions Spain. Both sides have produced some good football during their campaigns and have been rewarded with the chance to add their nation's names to the select list of former winners: Uruguay, Italy, Germany, Brazil, England, Argentina and France.

The match
Netherlands-Spain, Final, Soccer City, Sunday 11 July, 20.30 (local time)

As a glance at the head-to-head record between the two nations shows, tipping a winner is no easy task. Both sides have won four of their nine meetings, with the other game ending in a draw. The Oranje have been here before, reaching the Finals at Germany 1974, with Johan Cruyff, and Argentina 1978, without him, and losing to the hosts on both occasions. For Spain, however, this is new territory, although their confidence at rising to the occasion will be high after ending a 44-year trophy drought at UEFA EURO 2008.

The Netherlands' record at South Africa 2010 could hardly be more impressive: six wins in six games with 12 goals scored and five conceded. For their part Vicente del Bosque's men have strung together five wins in a row after kicking off with a surprise defeat. But while the Spaniards have found goals hard to come by, scoring just seven in total, they have been far more miserly in defence, letting in just two so far. The winners will also end an old hoodoo, with no European side having ever won the biggest prize in world football outside the old continent.

Players to watch
Wesley Sneijder v David Villa

The leading goalscorers at South Africa 2010, alongside Diego Forlan, Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller, this in-form pair are in the frame for both the adidas Golden Boot and the adidas Golden Ball. Their goals have been vital to their sides' respective runs to the Final. Can one of them end the tournament with a winner's medal and two coveted individual awards? All will soon be revealed.

The stat
8 -
Sunday's game will be the eighth all-European Final. In 19 FIFA World Cup tournaments, Europe has been represented in 16 Finals, a record that includes an unbroken run of 14 going back to Switzerland 1954. Only two showpiece games have been all-South American, with the remaining nine pitching together sides from the competition's two dominant continents.

What they said
“I don’t see David Villa as Spain’s most dangerous player. The ones you really have to watch are Xavi [Hernandez] and [Andres] Iniesta. They’re the players who set the tempo and make sure the ball gets to Villa. We have to stop them from playing and getting free. We need to mark them very tightly because if we give them the slightest space we’ll have problems,” Arjen Robben, Netherlands forward.

“I don’t think they’ll sit back and defend. They’ve got some quick players who are in terrific form right now. They’ll do what we do and stick to their style. I know Robben. He’s quick powerful and strong, and his shooting from outside the area is a concern for me. What we need to do is cut him off, although there’s more to the Netherlands than just Robben. They are powerful in defence and midfield, and [Wesley] Sneijder and [Dirk] Kuyt are just as dangerous,” Iker Casillas, Spain goalkeeper and captain.

Voice of the fans
“The key battle will be between the Dutch defence and the Spanish midfield. La Furia Roja’s strength lies in their impeccable passing game, one that frustrates opponents. If [Mark] van Bommel and [Nigel] de Jong can interrupt Spain’s flow, the Netherlands will have a good chance of lifting the Trophy for the first time in their history,” FIFA.com user litowadowice (Singapore).

Have your say
Will it be the Dutch or the Spanish who add their name to the prestigious list of FIFA World Cup winners?

source:http://www.fifa.com

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Artists poised for Final showdown

Artists poised for Final showdown

The shadow of Johan Cruyff will loom large over the 19th FIFA World Cup™ Final on Sunday. The 11 men chosen to represent the Netherlands will take to the pitch as heirs of the team synonymous with 'Total Football', aiming to achieve what Cruyff and Co never quite managed. On the opposing side, seven of Spain's probable line-up play their domestic football with Catalan giants Barcelona, the club where the legendary Dutchman cemented his reputation as player and coach.

Not since 1978, when Argentina faced the Netherlands, have two nations competed for a maiden world title. The Oranje are yet to put a foot wrong in their quest, winning all eight of their qualifying matches and boasting an impressive record of six victories out of six in South Africa. A successful outcome in the third Final of their history would see them join the mighty 1970 Brazil side as the only other team to have won all of their games on the way to claiming the world title.

As reigning European champions, La Roja will look to their golden generation of superstars to ensure that the country's name is finally engraved on the coveted Trophy. Germany remain the only team to have lifted the FIFA World Cup two years after winning the UEFA European Championship, but a Spanish victory would expand this elite club's membership to two.

The matches
Uruguay 2-3 Germany

Netherlands-Spain, Sunday 11 July, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 20.30 (local time)

The big game
Netherlands-Spain

Although each has added a pragmatic edge to their approach at South Africa 2010, both these sides come from a tradition of attacking, free-flowing football that could well produce a classic Final. Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben would certainly not look out of place in the Dutch 'Clockwork Orange' side of the 1970s. Yet it could be argued that they have something even more valuable to offer, namely that innate ability to create something out of nothing.

The opposing camp is not without its talents either, of course. The fulcrum of the Spanish team is Xavi, who regularly completes an incredible 100 passes per match, offering a masterclass in consistency and accuracy. When pondering at whose feet he should place the ball, he is usually spoiled for choice, with Andres Iniesta, Pedro and David Villa making darting and penetrating runs left, right and centre.

Will La Roja’s impenetrable defence prove one hurdle too far for the Dutch? Or will the Netherlands midfield make the difference, and Mark van Bommel's determination and ball-winning skills allow the team's mark on the Final? Both teams should be at full strength and, if their respective stars are able to put the high stakes to the back of their minds and truly express themselves, spectators the world over could be in for a veritable exhibition of football.

In focus
Wesley Sneijder v David Villa

Along with Diego Forlan and Miroslav Klose, the Netherlands midfielder and Spain striker have largely eclipsed all the other stars of world football, among them Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both men have the ability to decide the tournament's showpiece match with a moment's inspiration. Their predatory finishing has helped their sides out of tight situations time and again over the last four weeks, in the process becoming the tournament's joint-top scorers with five goals apiece alongside Diego Forlan and Thomas Muller. That personal duel adds a little extra spice to Sunday's showdown, with both Sneijder and Villa eyeing the adidas Golden Boot as well as a winner's medal. Just for good measure, the duo also feature on the list of ten nominees for the adidas Golden Ball.

What they said
“I love attractive football, but I also love to win. I’ve been coaching this team for two years, and I’ve said many times to my players that our mission was clear, and that the best way to accomplish it was to believe in ourselves,” Bert van Marwijk, Netherlands coach.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Germany pip Uruguay to third place


 Sami Khedira of Germany celebrates scoring his team's third goal

Germany took bronze for the fourth time at the FIFA World Cup™ after beating Uruguay 3-2 in an entertaining play-off for third place. Sami Khedira got the winning goal with eight minutes remaining as Joachim Low's side repeated their success in this same match four years ago.


There was no shortage of goals as the rain came teeming down in Port Elizabeth with both sides eager to conclude impressive campaigns on a winning note. Thomas Muller and Edinson Cavani traded first half efforts before Diego Forlan and Marcell Jansen did likewise within ten minutes of the restart. Yet it was Germany who came out on top and, in the process, South Africa 2010's leading scorers reached the 16-goal mark, surpassing their total at Italy 1990, albeit falling one short of their tally in 1970, when they also pipped Uruguay to the bronze medal.

For two of the scorers, Muller and Forlan, their strikes took them to five for the tournament, level with David Villa and Wesley Sneijder at the top of the adidas Golden Boot standings. Forlan will rue the injury-time free-kick against the crossbar that denied him a sixth goal, while Miroslav Klose's absence with a back injury left him rooted on five too.

Both teams featured changed lineups after their semi-final losses. Germany coach Joachim Low went for a wholly new forward line from that which began against Spain with starting roles for the trio of Muller, Cacau and Jansen. Further back Dennis Aogo came in for Philipp Lahm and goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt for Manuel Neuer. As for Uruguay, they welcomed back captain Diego Lugano from injury together with Jorge Fucile and Luis Suarez, both suspended for last Tuesday's defeat by the Netherlands.

Muller made his mark early with his fifth goal in South Africa. The 20-year-old had already had one effort ruled out for offside when he fired Low’s side ahead in the 19th minute. Bastian Schweinsteiger sent in a shot from 30 yards that goalkeeper Diego Muslera, seemingly deceived by the swerve and dip, parried straight to Muller who had an easy task to score. A German breakthrough was hardly a surprise given by that stage they had also seen Arne Friedrich head a Mesut Ozil corner against the crossbar yet Oscar Tabarez's side soon responded.

Uruguay threatened in the 25th minute when Per Mertesacker got a block on Forlan's far-post header. Four minutes later, though, they had their equaliser from a swift counter. Diego Perez dispossessed Schweinsteiger just inside the Celeste half with a powerful challenge and fed Suarez who played in Cavani down the inside left-channel. The Palermo striker took one touch before prodding a low finish into the bottom corner. Suarez should then have put Uruguay ahead three minutes before the break when Forlan picked out his diagonal run but bearing down on Butt's goal from the right, he arrowed his shot wide of the far post.

Futher changes went begging moments after the restart when Butt saved at Cavani's feet and then got a hand to Suarez’s shot on the follow-up. Butt was left helpless when Forlan made it 2-1 after 51 minutes, however. The Atletico Madrid striker connected acrobatically with Egidio Arevalo's cross on the edge of the box, sending the ball into the rain-sodden turf and back up past Butt. Yet the lead lasted only five minutes before Muslera missed Jerome Boateng's deep cross and Jansen headed home.

The game was now wide open as both teams chased a third goal. Butt kept out a flying strike from Suarez and came out to save at the feet of Forlan. At the other end Muslera beat away a shot from Germany substitute Stefan Kiessling, who missed two other inviting chances. The winning goal, when it came, followed an Ozil corner. The ball bounced off Friedrich and then Lugano before rising fortuitously to Khedira who headed home.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Low lauds German strength after fightback

Goals galore as Muller follows Pele

Low lauds German strength after fightback

Joachim Low hailed Germany's spirit after they came from behind to defeat Uruguay 3-2 in a thrilling game on Saturday and secure third place at the World Cup™.

"In the second half, when we were forced to dig deep, we saw the mental strength the team had to resist and then snatch victory," said the Germany coach. "I'm pleased with that, the team deserves it. Altogether, what we've achieved, we never would have expected it eight or nine months ago."

Germany claimed victory thanks to Sami Khedira's 82nd-minute header, after strikes from Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan had seen Uruguay hit back from a goal down following Thomas Mueller's opener.

The three-time champions were hit by a series of injuries to key players, including captain Michael Ballack, on the eve of the World Cup but responded with some thrilling performances despite the inexperience in their ranks. Low's young players defeated England 4-1 in the last 16 and thrashed Argentina 4-0 in the quarter-finals before finally meeting their match in a 1-0 semi-final defeat by Spain.

Central midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was one of the stars of the tournament and he believes the country has a rich footballing future to look forward to. "I'm very proud to play in this team," said the Bayern Munich player. "We have to look to the future, we can still achieve lots of things."

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez lauded his side's performance at the World Cup but said they had been undone by individual errors against Germany. The meeting in Port Elizabeth was a re-match of the 1970 third-place match, which Germany won 1-0, after Tabarez had guided his team to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 40 years.

"The match was contested by two teams who really wanted to finish in third place, by two teams who gave everything," said Tabarez. "We made one mistake too many, but we showed that we were capable. We showed that we could compete with any team in the world."

Uruguay have been the surprise package of the World Cup, qualifying from a difficult group that also included France, Mexico and hosts South Africa before defeating South Korea and Ghana to reach the last four. They were beaten 3-2 by the Netherlands in the semi-finals but Tabarez said his squad would take great heart from their African endeavours.

"Uruguay have been one of the surprises of the tournament and we still don't realise what's happened back home," he said. "I received an email on Friday from a lady I didn't know who said, 'Thank you, thank you, thank you for having changed the image of our country'. I'm surprised, it's the beauty of sport and the serious work we've accomplished.
source:http://www.fifa.com

Uruguay-Germany

This combo of recent photos shows Uruguay's striker Diego Forlan  (L) and Germany's striker Miroslav Klose (R)

For evidence of just how much the play-off for third place at the FIFA World Cup™ means, you only have to go back to the summer of 2006 and recall the determination with which host nation Germany rounded off their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Portugal in Stuttgart. It was the same for 1990 hosts Italy, who bounced back from the huge disappointment of semi-final defeat to Argentina with a spirit-lifting 2-1 success over England.

And the showdown for the final place on the podium often proves most rewarding for dark horses that have lit up a tournament, such as Sweden at USA 1994, Croatia at France 1998 and Turkey at Korea/Japan 2002. What's more, with the pressure off and coaches’ tactical leashes loosened, these games can result in end-to-end football, chances aplenty and goals galore.

The match
Uruguay-Germany, play-off for third place, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Saturday 10 July, 20:30 (local time)

This is the second time Germany and Uruguay have met to contest third place at a FIFA World Cup, with the pair doing battle at the same stage of Mexico 1970. At the finals 40 years ago, Die Nationalmannschaft had lost a semi-final thriller 4-3 to Italy, while La Celeste had been downed 3-1 by eventual winners Brazil, with the Germans snatching third spot thanks to a solitary 26th-minute strike from Wolfgang Overath.

The two teams also met in the quarter-finals at England 1966 in a match Germany won 4-0, and again at Mexico 1986, when the pair’s group meeting ended 1-1. In conclusive proof of their historical upper hand, of a total of nine international matches between the duo to date, Germany have won six and suffered only one defeat, which came at the 1928 edition of the Olympic Football Tournament.

Not that Oscar Tabarez’s charges will let the record books concern them, having exceeded all expectations with the country’s best FIFA World Cup performance since lifting the Trophy for the second time at Brazil 1950. As they seek a victory which would crown their impressive showing on South African soil, striker Luis Suarez returns after missing the semi-final defeat against Netherlands through suspension while captain Diego Lugano should be fit to play after missing said game with a knee injury. Leading scorer Diego Forlan, meanwhile, has been declared fit to play despite a knock against the Dutch and, with four goals so far, is only one strike behind adidas Golden Boot pace-setters Wesley Sneijder and David Villa.

Speaking of in-form forwards, the spotlight will also no doubt fall on Miroslav Klose, now just one goal behind the all-time FIFA World Cup record of 15, set by Brazil’s Ronaldo. However, his appearance in what will be Germany’s 99th match at the competition is in doubt after suffering he suffered a back injury against Spain on Wednesday, while midfielders Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira's participation is also in doubt. German coach Joachim Low is therefore expected to give a run-out to squad players such as Serdar Tasci, Dennis Aogo and Stefan Kiessling.

Players to watch
Miroslav Klose vs Diego Forlan

This duo of vastly experienced strikers have four goals apiece so far and will be determined to further their respective Golden Boot hopes by finding the net again at the Port Elizabeth Stadium. The lethal pair both picked up knocks in their sides’ semi-final defeats, however, and may struggle to fire on all cylinders come Saturday evening.

The stat
10 – The signs suggest that the match for third place is unlikely to go to extra time, given that Germany’s last ten games - including friendlies - have all had a winner after 90 minutes.

What they said
“Obviously we now have to get over our disappointment, lift the players’ spirits and prepare for this game just as seriously as we would any other. We want to finish the World Cup on an upbeat note because, despite losing the semi-final, we’ve had a very good tournament. I’m really proud of my team,” Joachim Low, Germany coach.

“This will be a difficult game, but we’ll go into it with the same attitude and commitment that we showed against the Netherlands. There’s no guarantee of winning, we’re preparing to do everything we can to clinch third place at the World Cup for Uruguay. However, I know Germany will make it very difficult for us, so we’ll have to fight to our last breath if we want to win,” Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach.

Voice of the fans
“Germany have been the more consistent team, but that doesn’t mean they are better than us. The Germans may be physically stronger, but Uruguay are in better spirits. I reckon we’ll see a really tight and hard-fought game,” bernbene, FIFA.com user (Uruguay).

The question
What kind of match do you think we are in for? Will it be a tight encounter or an open game, with both sides fully exploiting their attacking potential?

source:http://www.fifa.com

Jansen hopes to emulate the Spanish


Jansen hopes to emulate the Spanish
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With his side set to face Uruguay in Saturday's third place play-off, midfielder Marcell Jansen echoed captain Philipp Lahm's hopes that Germany's young side can emulate the rise of FIFA World Cup™ finalists Spain.

Despite suffering key injuries in the run up to the finals, Germany have played some of the tournament's best football, hammering both England and Argentina before losing Wednesday's semi-final 1-0 to Spain.

Joachim Low's side may have failed to reach the final but there have been many positives to take from their tournament, including the unearthing of rising stars Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller. European champions Spain face the Netherlands in Sunday's final in Johannesburg and Jansen says Germany are hoping to emulate the progress made by La Roja's in recent years.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Marchena: Our time has come


Marchena: Our time has come

Carlos Marchena believes Spain are destined for the FIFA World Cup™ title, insisting the time for one of football's biggest underachievers has now come. The European champions come up against the Netherlands in the final at Soccer City tomorrow.

"I believe the history of football owes us this one," said Marchena, who has appeared mainly as a substitute so far. "There have been great moments in our history where fortune did not end up on our side. We have been through several great disappointments over the years. We tried hard then, but without any luck. Perhaps this time we are to change those bitter moments. I hope Sunday is one of those beautiful moments, which are to be remembered in a good way for the rest of our lives.
source:http://www.fifa.com