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Coach Fabio Capello must rejig his defence as England head to Belarus for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier with John Terry and Ashley Cole both out of action while Germany have doubts over Michael Ballack in their fixture against Wales.
A second away win to follow last month’s mauling of Croatia in their own backyard would give England a maximum 12 points from four games and maintain clear blue water between them and their Group Six rivals.
But with Ukraine only two points adrift, England will not be counting any chickens, not least given the enforced changes and a Wembley 5-1 win over Kazakhstan last weekend, which showed up a raft of deficiencies.
Capello is set to keep faith with Matthew Upson in the absence of back victim Terry and the West Ham man insists he can overcome the nerves he occasionally betrayed Saturday against the Kazakhs.
“It’s disappointing to lose two very experienced players in John Terry and Ashley Cole for the game in Belarus,” Capello admitted.
Upson, who has ten caps to date, insists he can handle the pressure against a side good enough to beat Holland last year.
“You get injuries and loss of form. It doesn’t matter what someone else is doing, it is about how I am playing and I have to make sure I am ready.”
“I gave 100 percent on Saturday. I’ve been learning and focusing on how we want and hopefully I can step in.
“I think we are getting better. The more time we spend together the better it will get. We are on the right track.”
On the plus side for England is the likely absence of Belarus playmaker Alexander Hleb, who has been battling an ankle injury, which has hampered his adaptation to life in La Liga with Barcelona following his move from Arsenal.
Hleb is in coach Bernd Stange’s squad for the match at the Dinamo Stadium in Minsk.
Belarus have so far beaten tiny Andorra but lost unluckily to Ukraine after a last-gasp Andriy Shevchenko penalty in stoppage time.
Wednesday’s other action in Group Six sees Croatia, still shell-shocked after their 4-1 loss to England and five points off the pace, host Andorra.
Just as England expect to take command of their group with a midweek win so will Germany as they prepare to see off Wales in Group Four.
Germany coach Joachim Loew may have to make do without skipper Michael Ballack after he damaged a calf muscle in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Russia in which the Chelsea man scored the second goal to consolidate the three-times world champions’ grip on Group Four.
Ballack sat out training in Duesseldorf on Monday as a precautionary measure.
Loew, having seen the Russians – who on Wednesday host Finland – come close to bagging a point on Saturday, insists his men must step up to the mark with or without Ballack.
“We watched the game against Russia again on Monday to make sure we don’t sit back again in the second-half. We want three more points, it wouldn’t be good if we take three points from Russia, but then lose to Wales,” Loew stressed, adding he expected the Welsh to be cagey and defensive.
Germany lead Group Four on seven points with two wins and a draw, while Wales are second on six points after two wins and a defeat.
Elsewhere Wednesday, world champions Italy, buoyed after taking a point in Bulgaria at the weekend, should see off Montenegro to increase their domination of Group Eight.
In the same group, the Republic of Ireland must try to pare down a three-point gap with a home win over Cyprus, who shocked them in a Euro 2008 qualifier two years ago, albeit on home turf.
European champions Spain will look for a fourth straight win in Group Five away to fellow unbeaten side Belgium while in Group Two, the match between Greece and Switzerland sees wily German veteran coaches Otto Rehhagel and Ottmar Hitzfeld – 27 trophies in Germany between them – go toe to toe.
Whereas the Greeks top the table will three wins in as many games the Swiss are still recovering from a home loss to Luxembourg.
In Group One, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal require three points at home to Albania to lift spirits after a shock early loss to front-runners Denmark as second-placed Sweden have a night off.
A new look for 2016, this is the Julie Johnston White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Ashlyn Harris, Tobin Heath, Morgan Brian, Lori Chalupny and Megan Rapinoe. ali krieger jersey 2016
France, who appear set to keep faith for now with coach Raymond Domenech despite their uncertain start in Group Seven, where Serbia travel to Austria, are also without a qualifier this week and were Tuesday filling the gap with a friendly against Tunisia.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Cooper turned down U.S. call-up
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FC Dallas striker Kenny Cooper has revealed he turned down the chance to play for the U.S. National Team due to fitness woes.
“I feel so fortunate and honored to have been invited to join up with the U.S. Men’s National Team in Trinidad & Tobago,” Cooper told the official FC Dallas blog. “I made the difficult decision to pass on this opportunity because I had picked up a virus and have been playing with a sprained ankle.”
“Considering the importance of my club’s game versus Real Salt Lake this week, and that the National Team has already clinched a berth in the next round of qualifying, I felt it was the right thing to do to stay in Dallas and make sure I get well, and hopefully there will be other opportunities down the line.”
[Source: The official FC Dallas blog] Wed 15 Oct, 2008RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY HAKON HOYLAND
Reina refuses to rule out Man Utd move Hoffenheim star rejected Juventus move
Ajax expects summer moves for Van der Wiel Llorente turned down Liverpool move Spurs boss hints at Becks move
England call up late replacements
Share England have called up Middlesbrough defender David Wheater and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart as late additions to their squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with Belarus here.
The pair flew straight to Minsk late on Tuesday after helping the England Under-21 side reach next summer's European Championship finals in Sweden at the expense of Wales.
They were set to join up with Fabio Capello's squad for a training session on the morning of the match.
A new look for 2016, this is the Ashlyn Harris White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Tobin Heath, Lori Chalupny, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Morgan Brian. carli lloyd jersey 2016 Wheater comes in as cover at centreback — where England are without injured captain John Terry — while Hart's inclusion follows the withdrawal of West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green.
“I feel so fortunate and honored to have been invited to join up with the U.S. Men’s National Team in Trinidad & Tobago,” Cooper told the official FC Dallas blog. “I made the difficult decision to pass on this opportunity because I had picked up a virus and have been playing with a sprained ankle.”
“Considering the importance of my club’s game versus Real Salt Lake this week, and that the National Team has already clinched a berth in the next round of qualifying, I felt it was the right thing to do to stay in Dallas and make sure I get well, and hopefully there will be other opportunities down the line.”
[Source: The official FC Dallas blog] Wed 15 Oct, 2008RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY HAKON HOYLAND
Reina refuses to rule out Man Utd move Hoffenheim star rejected Juventus move
Ajax expects summer moves for Van der Wiel Llorente turned down Liverpool move Spurs boss hints at Becks move
England call up late replacements
Share England have called up Middlesbrough defender David Wheater and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart as late additions to their squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with Belarus here.
The pair flew straight to Minsk late on Tuesday after helping the England Under-21 side reach next summer's European Championship finals in Sweden at the expense of Wales.
They were set to join up with Fabio Capello's squad for a training session on the morning of the match.
A new look for 2016, this is the Ashlyn Harris White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Tobin Heath, Lori Chalupny, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Morgan Brian. carli lloyd jersey 2016 Wheater comes in as cover at centreback — where England are without injured captain John Terry — while Hart's inclusion follows the withdrawal of West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green.
Since making his England debut back in 2000
Fighting
Many reports have claimed that Gerrard is in serious danger of being dropped for today’s World Cup qualifier in Belarus and he himself has suggested that he is fighting for his place in the side.
“The manager wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me. That’s what I want. I don’t want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.
I’ll be honest, I haven’t always hit my Liverpool form for England, but it’s not through a lack of trying. I’m desperate to play well for England. I have delivered, but I need to make that more consistent. That’s the next challenge for me, to try to stay in the starting eleven and perform as consistently for England as I do for Liverpool. But I believe we are getting to where we want to be.
The manager has shown in the games he has been in charge he’s prepared to make changes. He’s not bothered about big names or big hitters, he’ll pick the team who he thinks will do the job.”
It is clear that Gerrard, an automatic selection for so long, is in real danger of losing his place in the side. This is despite the fact that his club form has been excellent, his team are doing really well and his club manager has recently hailed him as being the best midfield player in the world.
Respected Since making his England debut back in 2000, Gerrard has represented his country sixty-nine times, scoring thirteen goals. He has played in European Championships and World Cups and is respected the World over.
He has been selected in the Uefa team of the year three times and the PFA team of the year a remarkable six times.
Gerrard has been the PFA players player of the year and the fans player of the year and has also been named as Uefa's club player of the year. There is no doubt that he is one of the World's top players.
Having said that, most of the recognition and all of the honours have come about as a result of his performances in the Premier League and for Liverpool in the Champions League.
Mystery That fact is now being recognised and the manager and the player are trying to resolve the issue. At twenty-eight years of age Gerrard still has a few years at the top level left in him and if Capello can unravel the mystery of his international form and get him playing like he does for Liverpool, then England could actually become serious contenders for a title.
A new look for 2016, this is the Tobin Heath White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Lori Chalupny, Megan Rapinoe, Lauren Holiday, Morgan Brian and Alex Morgan. morgan brian jersey 2016 As an England fan, it would be wonderful if we could see the rampaging and dominant driving force that the Koppites see every other week, wearing the three lions.
“The manager wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me. That’s what I want. I don’t want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.
I’ll be honest, I haven’t always hit my Liverpool form for England, but it’s not through a lack of trying. I’m desperate to play well for England. I have delivered, but I need to make that more consistent. That’s the next challenge for me, to try to stay in the starting eleven and perform as consistently for England as I do for Liverpool. But I believe we are getting to where we want to be.
The manager has shown in the games he has been in charge he’s prepared to make changes. He’s not bothered about big names or big hitters, he’ll pick the team who he thinks will do the job.”
It is clear that Gerrard, an automatic selection for so long, is in real danger of losing his place in the side. This is despite the fact that his club form has been excellent, his team are doing really well and his club manager has recently hailed him as being the best midfield player in the world.
Respected Since making his England debut back in 2000, Gerrard has represented his country sixty-nine times, scoring thirteen goals. He has played in European Championships and World Cups and is respected the World over.
He has been selected in the Uefa team of the year three times and the PFA team of the year a remarkable six times.
Gerrard has been the PFA players player of the year and the fans player of the year and has also been named as Uefa's club player of the year. There is no doubt that he is one of the World's top players.
Having said that, most of the recognition and all of the honours have come about as a result of his performances in the Premier League and for Liverpool in the Champions League.
Mystery That fact is now being recognised and the manager and the player are trying to resolve the issue. At twenty-eight years of age Gerrard still has a few years at the top level left in him and if Capello can unravel the mystery of his international form and get him playing like he does for Liverpool, then England could actually become serious contenders for a title.
A new look for 2016, this is the Tobin Heath White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Lori Chalupny, Megan Rapinoe, Lauren Holiday, Morgan Brian and Alex Morgan. morgan brian jersey 2016 As an England fan, it would be wonderful if we could see the rampaging and dominant driving force that the Koppites see every other week, wearing the three lions.
Capello backs Gerrard but doesn’t guarantee him a starting place
The Steven Gerrard debate goes on and on. Will Fabio Capello select him for tonight’s game in Belarus? It certainly looks like he will although there is a strong argument to return to the midfield pairing of Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard that did so well in Croatia.
No guarantees
Capello has given his backing to both Gerrard and Lampard but was non-committal when it came to saying whether either or both were guaranteed a place in his starting line-up. He told Sky Sports,
“Yes, it’s always the same. If I pick Gerrard I will be asked ‘why not Lampard?’ If I pick Lampard I will be asked ‘why not Gerrard?’ I think they can play together. Gerrard has played some games well.
It’s easier when you play for your club because you are training every day and you know the players very well. I am always happy with Gerrard and Lampard’s performance. But also the other players, I don’t like to speak about one or two players. I have to decide the first eleven.
You will have to wait until after the last training session and then I will decide. I have to decide the position on the pitch of the first eleven, it is not about one player.”
There has always been much talk about the fact that Gerrard has rarely produced the wonderful and inspirational type of performances for England that he so often does for Liverpool.
Previous managers have always denied that is the case and Gerrard has never spoken about it either. Now, it seems that the matter is out in the open and is being acknowledged by both the manager and the player. At least those of us that have commented on this before can now rest assured that we are not going mad!
“Don’t drop me” Gerrard has publicly urged Fabio Capello not to drop him and admits that he needs to be more consistent to keep his place in the England team.
He has now accepted that he has rarely clicked with regular midfield partner Frank Lampard. It is an issue that has baffled everyone before and will continue to baffle everyone.
A new look for 2016, this is the Lori Chalupny White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Megan Rapinoe, Morgan Brian, Ali Krieger, Alex Morgan and Lauren Holiday. heather o'reilly jersey 2016 Two great midfield players who just cannot produce the goods when they play together. Fighting
Capello has given his backing to both Gerrard and Lampard but was non-committal when it came to saying whether either or both were guaranteed a place in his starting line-up. He told Sky Sports,
“Yes, it’s always the same. If I pick Gerrard I will be asked ‘why not Lampard?’ If I pick Lampard I will be asked ‘why not Gerrard?’ I think they can play together. Gerrard has played some games well.
It’s easier when you play for your club because you are training every day and you know the players very well. I am always happy with Gerrard and Lampard’s performance. But also the other players, I don’t like to speak about one or two players. I have to decide the first eleven.
You will have to wait until after the last training session and then I will decide. I have to decide the position on the pitch of the first eleven, it is not about one player.”
There has always been much talk about the fact that Gerrard has rarely produced the wonderful and inspirational type of performances for England that he so often does for Liverpool.
Previous managers have always denied that is the case and Gerrard has never spoken about it either. Now, it seems that the matter is out in the open and is being acknowledged by both the manager and the player. At least those of us that have commented on this before can now rest assured that we are not going mad!
“Don’t drop me” Gerrard has publicly urged Fabio Capello not to drop him and admits that he needs to be more consistent to keep his place in the England team.
He has now accepted that he has rarely clicked with regular midfield partner Frank Lampard. It is an issue that has baffled everyone before and will continue to baffle everyone.
A new look for 2016, this is the Lori Chalupny White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Megan Rapinoe, Morgan Brian, Ali Krieger, Alex Morgan and Lauren Holiday. heather o'reilly jersey 2016 Two great midfield players who just cannot produce the goods when they play together. Fighting
Friday, October 7, 2016
FIFA fine Croatia for racist abuse of England´s Heskey
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World football's ruling body FIFA on Thursday fined the Croatian Football Federation 30,000 Swiss francs after Croat fans racially abused England striker Emile Heskey during a World Cup qualifier.
FIFA warned that further infringements “would lead to more severe sanctions”.
En route to an eventual 4-1 victory for England earlier this month, Heskey was taunted with monkey chants from a section of the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb when he was booked for fouling Niko Kovac.
England's Football Association then took the case to FIFA. It is not the first time Croatia's fans have been sanctioned for racist abuse.
Croatia had to pay a small fine during Euro 2008 for racist abuse from their fans during their game against Turkey. Thu 25 Sep, 2008RSS Feed
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Montolivo facing surgery on cruciate injury A new look for 2016, this is the Megan Rapinoe men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Morgan Brian, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Lauren Holiday and Ali Krieger. kelley o'hara jersey number Matteo Darmian, Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Phil Jones, Paul Pogba, Marcos Rojo, Michael Carrick, Eric Bailly, Wayne Rooney, David de Gea, Bastian Schweinsteiger. Foul-mouthed Mascherano takes blame after late error
FIFA warned that further infringements “would lead to more severe sanctions”.
En route to an eventual 4-1 victory for England earlier this month, Heskey was taunted with monkey chants from a section of the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb when he was booked for fouling Niko Kovac.
England's Football Association then took the case to FIFA. It is not the first time Croatia's fans have been sanctioned for racist abuse.
Croatia had to pay a small fine during Euro 2008 for racist abuse from their fans during their game against Turkey. Thu 25 Sep, 2008RSS Feed
LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Low contemplating return to club football abroad Augsburg defender Gouweleeuw suffers collapsed lung
Montolivo facing surgery on cruciate injury A new look for 2016, this is the Megan Rapinoe men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Morgan Brian, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Lauren Holiday and Ali Krieger. kelley o'hara jersey number Matteo Darmian, Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Phil Jones, Paul Pogba, Marcos Rojo, Michael Carrick, Eric Bailly, Wayne Rooney, David de Gea, Bastian Schweinsteiger. Foul-mouthed Mascherano takes blame after late error
Iraqi team train at home for first time since fall of Saddam
The Iraqi national football team was seen training in Baghdad on Tuesday for the first time since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein five years ago.
Around 20 players resumed training this week at al-Shaab stadium, the main football venue in Baghdad, under Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira, who returned earlier this month after guiding Iraq to Asian Cup victory in 2007.
Football crazy Iraqis revelled in the rare display of national unity celebrating the moment with tambourines and trumpets despite a mortar attack near the stadium at half-time.
A roadside bombing in central Baghdad that killed one person and wounded three did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd or the players, who braved temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for the practice session.
“I’m back here where I am at home, to form a new team that represents Iraq in the coming international competitions,” Vieira told AFP. Vieira had created a sensation in Iraq after the war-ravaged country’s Asian Cup success in beating Saudi Arabia, a three-time winner of the competition. He had left after that victory.
The decision to hire Vieira again came after Iraq failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa following a 1-0 defeat to Qatar. Vieira, reportedly paid 600,000 dollars (410,000 euros), was succeeded by Egil Olsen but the Norwegian was sacked after only three matches for refusing to coach in Iraq, reportedly because of his busy schedule.
The team’s next coach was Iraqi Adnan Hamad who was let go in June after the Qatar game.
Amid the violence that followed the US-led invasion of 2003, the Iraqi team abandoned training at home for security reasons, basing themselves instead in neighbouring Jordan or Dubai.
However, the improved security of the past year has allowed them to return to Baghdad, where dozens of fans watched the national team go through its paces under its foreign coach.
“It gives us courage to come and train here in Baghdad with a foreign coach,” said goalkeeper Noor Sabri. “It is very nice and interesting to train in this stadium in front of our fans.”
Nearly 50,000 people crowded the national football stadium in late August to watch the league championship decider between hometown favourites Iraq Zawra and Arbil, from the northern Kurdish region.
A new look for 2016, this is the Morgan Brian men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Alex Morgan, Lauren Holiday, Heather O'Reilly, Ali Krieger and Carli Lloyd. ashlyn harris jersey number Ander Herrera, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Sam Johnstone, Daley Blind, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Memphis Depay, Marouane Fellaini, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Morgan Schneiderlin. That fixture was the first big attendance game in the capital in five years and saw Arbil win 1-0.
Around 20 players resumed training this week at al-Shaab stadium, the main football venue in Baghdad, under Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira, who returned earlier this month after guiding Iraq to Asian Cup victory in 2007.
Football crazy Iraqis revelled in the rare display of national unity celebrating the moment with tambourines and trumpets despite a mortar attack near the stadium at half-time.
A roadside bombing in central Baghdad that killed one person and wounded three did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd or the players, who braved temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for the practice session.
“I’m back here where I am at home, to form a new team that represents Iraq in the coming international competitions,” Vieira told AFP. Vieira had created a sensation in Iraq after the war-ravaged country’s Asian Cup success in beating Saudi Arabia, a three-time winner of the competition. He had left after that victory.
The decision to hire Vieira again came after Iraq failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa following a 1-0 defeat to Qatar. Vieira, reportedly paid 600,000 dollars (410,000 euros), was succeeded by Egil Olsen but the Norwegian was sacked after only three matches for refusing to coach in Iraq, reportedly because of his busy schedule.
The team’s next coach was Iraqi Adnan Hamad who was let go in June after the Qatar game.
Amid the violence that followed the US-led invasion of 2003, the Iraqi team abandoned training at home for security reasons, basing themselves instead in neighbouring Jordan or Dubai.
However, the improved security of the past year has allowed them to return to Baghdad, where dozens of fans watched the national team go through its paces under its foreign coach.
“It gives us courage to come and train here in Baghdad with a foreign coach,” said goalkeeper Noor Sabri. “It is very nice and interesting to train in this stadium in front of our fans.”
Nearly 50,000 people crowded the national football stadium in late August to watch the league championship decider between hometown favourites Iraq Zawra and Arbil, from the northern Kurdish region.
A new look for 2016, this is the Morgan Brian men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Alex Morgan, Lauren Holiday, Heather O'Reilly, Ali Krieger and Carli Lloyd. ashlyn harris jersey number Ander Herrera, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Sam Johnstone, Daley Blind, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Memphis Depay, Marouane Fellaini, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Morgan Schneiderlin. That fixture was the first big attendance game in the capital in five years and saw Arbil win 1-0.
Aussies keen to rush fit-again Cahill back into team
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National coach Pim Verbeek said Friday he will select fit-again midfielder Tim Cahill for Australia’s home World Cup qualifier against Qatar next month if the Everton star remains injury-free.
Cahill scored the match-winning goal for Everton in his first game back from a six-month lay-off with a broken foot in the English Premier League against Stoke City last weekend.
The Socceroos, who downed Uzbekistan 1-0 in their opening Asian group game in Tashkent on September 10, play Qatar in Brisbane on October 15 and Verbeek said he will pick the influential midfielder if he remains injury-free.
“I’m very pleased with Tim,” Verbeek told reporters here Friday. “He played for 80 minutes last Saturday so let’s hope that he will stay fit in the coming weeks.
“After five months not playing and scoring such an important goal we know how important he can be for us, so hopefully he will remain fit.
“And if he’s fit, for sure I will select him for the Qatar game.”
Verbeek also expects Blackburn Rovers’ holding midfielder Vince Grella to recover from a calf injury to bolster his selection options.
The Dutchman said he also liked what he saw of Harry Kewell since his relocation to Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray from Liverpool.
“I was there a few weeks ago, spoke with him, saw him play, saw the environment that he is living in at the moment – he looks very happy,” he said.
But while Verbeek’s selection options appear to be expanding, 2006 World Cup skipper and striker Mark Viduka is struggling to recover from an Achilles tendon injury.
“It doesn’t look good at all,” Verbeek said. “But when I spoke to him last April he was very confident of being a member of the Socceroos. “He said his contract will finish in 2010, and there’s nothing better than finishing at a World Cup.
“I am very pleased with my strikers, but we don’t have a player with the same special qualities like Viduka.”
Defender Craig Moore has also unexpectedly declared his willingness to end his eight-month international retirement and make himself available.
But Verbeek said he has offered no guarantees for the former Australian skipper. “It’s great that he has found out that he is physically and mentally fit enough to join the group – now it is up to me to find out if I will select him, because I didn’t give him any guarantees,” he said.
A new look for 2016, this is the Alex Morgan men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Lauren Holiday, Ali Krieger, Amy Rodriguez, Carli Lloyd and Heather O'Reilly. meghan klingenberg jersey number Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford, Daley Blind, Chris Smalling, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini, Sergio Romero, Juan Mata, Sam Johnstone. Moore hasn’t played at the international level since Australia’s 3-0 win over Qatar in Melbourne last February and the 32-year-old former Glasgow Rangers defender wants to be part of the Socceroos’ bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Cahill scored the match-winning goal for Everton in his first game back from a six-month lay-off with a broken foot in the English Premier League against Stoke City last weekend.
The Socceroos, who downed Uzbekistan 1-0 in their opening Asian group game in Tashkent on September 10, play Qatar in Brisbane on October 15 and Verbeek said he will pick the influential midfielder if he remains injury-free.
“I’m very pleased with Tim,” Verbeek told reporters here Friday. “He played for 80 minutes last Saturday so let’s hope that he will stay fit in the coming weeks.
“After five months not playing and scoring such an important goal we know how important he can be for us, so hopefully he will remain fit.
“And if he’s fit, for sure I will select him for the Qatar game.”
Verbeek also expects Blackburn Rovers’ holding midfielder Vince Grella to recover from a calf injury to bolster his selection options.
The Dutchman said he also liked what he saw of Harry Kewell since his relocation to Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray from Liverpool.
“I was there a few weeks ago, spoke with him, saw him play, saw the environment that he is living in at the moment – he looks very happy,” he said.
But while Verbeek’s selection options appear to be expanding, 2006 World Cup skipper and striker Mark Viduka is struggling to recover from an Achilles tendon injury.
“It doesn’t look good at all,” Verbeek said. “But when I spoke to him last April he was very confident of being a member of the Socceroos. “He said his contract will finish in 2010, and there’s nothing better than finishing at a World Cup.
“I am very pleased with my strikers, but we don’t have a player with the same special qualities like Viduka.”
Defender Craig Moore has also unexpectedly declared his willingness to end his eight-month international retirement and make himself available.
But Verbeek said he has offered no guarantees for the former Australian skipper. “It’s great that he has found out that he is physically and mentally fit enough to join the group – now it is up to me to find out if I will select him, because I didn’t give him any guarantees,” he said.
A new look for 2016, this is the Alex Morgan men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Lauren Holiday, Ali Krieger, Amy Rodriguez, Carli Lloyd and Heather O'Reilly. meghan klingenberg jersey number Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford, Daley Blind, Chris Smalling, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini, Sergio Romero, Juan Mata, Sam Johnstone. Moore hasn’t played at the international level since Australia’s 3-0 win over Qatar in Melbourne last February and the 32-year-old former Glasgow Rangers defender wants to be part of the Socceroos’ bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
SAfrica WC2010 will have enough beds: tourism bodies
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South African tourism bodies on Thursday said the 2010 World Cup host will have enough beds for visitors after FIFA boss Sepp Blatter said demand could out-strip availability.
“There are graded rooms to spare in South Africa and everybody who comes for the World Cup will find a place to stay easily,” said Moeketsi Mosola, CEO of South African Tourism.
The country has nearly 100,000 graded rooms, mostly around host cities, while FIFA needed 55,000, he said in a joint statement with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
The football body had contracted some 28,000 rooms so far as some establishments chose to market themselves independently of the company services contracted by FIFA, the statement said.
In a four-day visit to South Africa in which he expressed confidence in the hosts, Blatter said there could be a shortage of hotel beds. Thu 18 Sep, 2008RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Low contemplating return to club football abroad Augsburg defender Gouweleeuw suffers collapsed lung Montolivo facing surgery on cruciate injury
A new look for 2016, this is the Lauren Holiday men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Ali Krieger, Carli Lloyd, Shannon Boxx, Heather O'Reilly and Amy Rodriguez. julie johnston jersey number Marcos Rojo, Anthony Martial, Ander Herrera, David de Gea, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Axel Tuanzebe, Ashley Young. Foul-mouthed Mascherano takes blame after late error Werder Bremen to battle Hannover for Mertesacker
“There are graded rooms to spare in South Africa and everybody who comes for the World Cup will find a place to stay easily,” said Moeketsi Mosola, CEO of South African Tourism.
The country has nearly 100,000 graded rooms, mostly around host cities, while FIFA needed 55,000, he said in a joint statement with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
The football body had contracted some 28,000 rooms so far as some establishments chose to market themselves independently of the company services contracted by FIFA, the statement said.
In a four-day visit to South Africa in which he expressed confidence in the hosts, Blatter said there could be a shortage of hotel beds. Thu 18 Sep, 2008RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Low contemplating return to club football abroad Augsburg defender Gouweleeuw suffers collapsed lung Montolivo facing surgery on cruciate injury
A new look for 2016, this is the Lauren Holiday men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Ali Krieger, Carli Lloyd, Shannon Boxx, Heather O'Reilly and Amy Rodriguez. julie johnston jersey number Marcos Rojo, Anthony Martial, Ander Herrera, David de Gea, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Axel Tuanzebe, Ashley Young. Foul-mouthed Mascherano takes blame after late error Werder Bremen to battle Hannover for Mertesacker
Ex-England star Barnes to manage Jamaica
Former Liverpool and England star John Barnes was named Wednesday as the new manager of Jamaica.
The move comes after the dismissal of Brazilian Rene Simoes as the Jamaica Football Federation's technical director as a result of the team losing two World Cup qualifiers in four days — against Mexico and Honduras.
Barnes, born in the Jamaican capital of Kingston, is due to take up his new role in November after signing a one-year contract. It will be the 44-year-old's first management post since a brief and ill-fated spell as boss of Scottish giants Celtic in 1999/2000.
Barnes lived in Jamaica until he was a teenager when his father, who was in the armed forces, got posted to England.
He made his name in English football at Watford, under future England manager Graham Taylor, before signing for Liverpool, where he won two league titles. His playing career ended with spells at Newcastle and Charlton.
Jamaica's two recent defeats have left the 'ReggaeBoyz', who qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France, bottom of the four-team CONCACAF Group Two and struggling to get to the World Cup in South Africa in two years' time.
But Barnes' enthusiasm was undiminished by the task in front of him. “This was an opportunity for me to get back into football at a coaching level, which I love doing,” he told Setanta Sports News.
“Managing Jamaica is not the same as managing England. But football is football, you've got to motivate your players, you've got to get them organised and to try and win football matches.”
Barnes added the revival in form of Central American nations was hurting teams such as Jamaica. “If you look at the emergence of the Caribbean players who are coming to England and Europe, they have improved.
“What's going against the Caribbean teams is the re-emergence of the Central American teams, Honduras, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. They went through a lull in the 1990s, which meant Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica came to the fore.”
Now Barnes hopes he can call on the significant number of Premier League players with Jamaican connections. “We know about the Jamaican players – Ricardo Fuller, Ricardo Gardner, Luton Shelton, Marlon King.
“There are a lot of players here in England who we are aware of. The Jamaica players who play in England probably make up three quarters of the team.”
A new look for 2016, this is the Ali Krieger men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Carli Lloyd, Heather O'Reilly, Whitney Engen, Amy Rodriguez and Shannon Boxx. carli lloyd jersey number Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia, Juan Mata, Sam Johnstone, Marcos Rojo, Anthony Martial, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw. Barnes, together with Kenny Dalglish, took over the reigns at Celtic but was dismissed after a poor run of performances and a shock Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The move comes after the dismissal of Brazilian Rene Simoes as the Jamaica Football Federation's technical director as a result of the team losing two World Cup qualifiers in four days — against Mexico and Honduras.
Barnes, born in the Jamaican capital of Kingston, is due to take up his new role in November after signing a one-year contract. It will be the 44-year-old's first management post since a brief and ill-fated spell as boss of Scottish giants Celtic in 1999/2000.
Barnes lived in Jamaica until he was a teenager when his father, who was in the armed forces, got posted to England.
He made his name in English football at Watford, under future England manager Graham Taylor, before signing for Liverpool, where he won two league titles. His playing career ended with spells at Newcastle and Charlton.
Jamaica's two recent defeats have left the 'ReggaeBoyz', who qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France, bottom of the four-team CONCACAF Group Two and struggling to get to the World Cup in South Africa in two years' time.
But Barnes' enthusiasm was undiminished by the task in front of him. “This was an opportunity for me to get back into football at a coaching level, which I love doing,” he told Setanta Sports News.
“Managing Jamaica is not the same as managing England. But football is football, you've got to motivate your players, you've got to get them organised and to try and win football matches.”
Barnes added the revival in form of Central American nations was hurting teams such as Jamaica. “If you look at the emergence of the Caribbean players who are coming to England and Europe, they have improved.
“What's going against the Caribbean teams is the re-emergence of the Central American teams, Honduras, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. They went through a lull in the 1990s, which meant Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica came to the fore.”
Now Barnes hopes he can call on the significant number of Premier League players with Jamaican connections. “We know about the Jamaican players – Ricardo Fuller, Ricardo Gardner, Luton Shelton, Marlon King.
“There are a lot of players here in England who we are aware of. The Jamaica players who play in England probably make up three quarters of the team.”
A new look for 2016, this is the Ali Krieger men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Carli Lloyd, Heather O'Reilly, Whitney Engen, Amy Rodriguez and Shannon Boxx. carli lloyd jersey number Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia, Juan Mata, Sam Johnstone, Marcos Rojo, Anthony Martial, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw. Barnes, together with Kenny Dalglish, took over the reigns at Celtic but was dismissed after a poor run of performances and a shock Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
FIFA probes race taunts against Heskey
World football's ruling body FIFA is investigating claims that England striker Emile Heskey was racially abused by Croatia fans during the sides' World Cup qualifier last week.
According to a report on the BBC, FIFA said it began disciplinary proceedings after receiving an official complaint from England's Football Association on Tuesday.
En route to an eventual 4-1 victory for England, Heskey was taunted with monkey chants from a section of the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb when he was booked for fouling Niko Kovac.
Heskey later branded the fans “ignorant people” and said he ignored them.
“You have to let the people above deal with that and I will carry on playing my game,” added the Wigan striker. The FA spoke to Heskey after the match and decided to act.
“We can confirm that we will be making a report to FIFA about the racist chanting aimed at Emile Heskey by some Croatia fans during the World Cup qualifying game in Zagreb,” an FA spokesman told the BBC.
“The FA and the England team are determined to do all they can to eradicate any form of racism from football and society.”
It is not the first time Croatia's fans have been sanctioned for racist abuse, nor the first time Heskey has been a target.
Croatia were given a small fine during Euro 2008 for racist abuse from their fans during their game against Turkey.
Heskey has been racially abused while playing for England in Slovakia in 2002, while Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole were subjected to monkey chants in a friendly against Spain in Madrid in 2004.
Wigan manager Steve Bruce said Heskey would not be perturbed by the incident, and backed the FA's decision to report it to FIFA. “He'll just shrug his shoulders and let other people deal with it,” said Bruce.
A new look for 2016, this is the Carli Lloyd men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Heather O'Reilly, Amy Rodriguez, Kelley O'Hara, Shannon Boxx and Whitney Engen. tobin heath jersey number Matteo Darmian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Michael Carrick, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Ashley Young, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford, Daley Blind, Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin. “The FA are right to issue their concerns about it because we thought we'd seen the back of that years ago.”
According to a report on the BBC, FIFA said it began disciplinary proceedings after receiving an official complaint from England's Football Association on Tuesday.
En route to an eventual 4-1 victory for England, Heskey was taunted with monkey chants from a section of the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb when he was booked for fouling Niko Kovac.
Heskey later branded the fans “ignorant people” and said he ignored them.
“You have to let the people above deal with that and I will carry on playing my game,” added the Wigan striker. The FA spoke to Heskey after the match and decided to act.
“We can confirm that we will be making a report to FIFA about the racist chanting aimed at Emile Heskey by some Croatia fans during the World Cup qualifying game in Zagreb,” an FA spokesman told the BBC.
“The FA and the England team are determined to do all they can to eradicate any form of racism from football and society.”
It is not the first time Croatia's fans have been sanctioned for racist abuse, nor the first time Heskey has been a target.
Croatia were given a small fine during Euro 2008 for racist abuse from their fans during their game against Turkey.
Heskey has been racially abused while playing for England in Slovakia in 2002, while Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole were subjected to monkey chants in a friendly against Spain in Madrid in 2004.
Wigan manager Steve Bruce said Heskey would not be perturbed by the incident, and backed the FA's decision to report it to FIFA. “He'll just shrug his shoulders and let other people deal with it,” said Bruce.
A new look for 2016, this is the Carli Lloyd men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Heather O'Reilly, Amy Rodriguez, Kelley O'Hara, Shannon Boxx and Whitney Engen. tobin heath jersey number Matteo Darmian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Michael Carrick, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Ashley Young, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford, Daley Blind, Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin. “The FA are right to issue their concerns about it because we thought we'd seen the back of that years ago.”
Blatter presents Mandela with World Cup trophy replica
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Former South African president Nelson Mandela was hailed as the 'architect' behind his country's hosting of the 2010 World Cup finals here on Tuesday as FIFA president Sepp Blatter presented him with a replica of the World Cup trophy.
The Swiss football supremo said that without Mandela's stature it would have been unlikely South Africa would have become the first African country to win the right to host the finals.
“You (Mandela) are the true architect of this FIFA World Cup; your presence and commitment made it happen,” said Blatter.
“Now the first African FIFA World Cup is a reality and the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 – the dress rehearsal – will already take place in less than ten months' time,” added Blatter, who had hoped to see South Africa host the 2006 edition only to see Germany edge the vote.
Blatter will finish his four day visit on Wednesday in which he has been inspecting the stadia that will host the matches.
A new look for 2016, this is the Heather O'Reilly men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Amy Rodriguez, Shannon Boxx, Becky Sauerbrunn, Whitney Engen and Kelley O'Hara. heather o'reilly jersey number Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young, Axel Tuanzebe, Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw, Sergio Romero, Daley Blind, Sam Johnstone, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phil Jones, Juan Mata. Despite prior misgivings about the progress of the work at the five new grounds – which are costing 9.8 billion rand (800 million euros – he expressed his conviction that the 2010 FIFA World Cup would be a 'magnificent event'.
The Swiss football supremo said that without Mandela's stature it would have been unlikely South Africa would have become the first African country to win the right to host the finals.
“You (Mandela) are the true architect of this FIFA World Cup; your presence and commitment made it happen,” said Blatter.
“Now the first African FIFA World Cup is a reality and the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 – the dress rehearsal – will already take place in less than ten months' time,” added Blatter, who had hoped to see South Africa host the 2006 edition only to see Germany edge the vote.
Blatter will finish his four day visit on Wednesday in which he has been inspecting the stadia that will host the matches.
A new look for 2016, this is the Heather O'Reilly men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Amy Rodriguez, Shannon Boxx, Becky Sauerbrunn, Whitney Engen and Kelley O'Hara. heather o'reilly jersey number Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young, Axel Tuanzebe, Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw, Sergio Romero, Daley Blind, Sam Johnstone, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phil Jones, Juan Mata. Despite prior misgivings about the progress of the work at the five new grounds – which are costing 9.8 billion rand (800 million euros – he expressed his conviction that the 2010 FIFA World Cup would be a 'magnificent event'.
Colombia sack Pinto over poor results
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Colombia's football federation announced the sacking of national football coach, Jorge Luis Pinto, Tuesday following the team's poor results in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Pinto came in for fierce criticism after two defeats, a 1-0 loss at home to Uruguay and then a 4-0 reverse against Chile in Santiago. According to a spokesman for the national federation the decision was unanimous.
“The target for us is to qualify for the World Cup finals,” said federation president Luis Bedoya.
“Jorge Luis Pinto will not continue to be coach of the national side. “He will be replaced by Eduardo Lara.”
Lara has been in charge of both the Under-17 and Under-20 national sides.
“I was surprised by this news,” said Lara.
“As sad as I am by Pinto's exit, as an employee of the federation, I will do my utmost to achieve their expectations.”
Colombia are presently sixth in the table after eight matches, three points adrift of the fourth and last automatic qualifying spot for the finals – though the fifth placed side goes into a two-leg playoff against the fourth-placed team in the CONCACAF zone.
Tue 16 Sep, 2008RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Low contemplating return to club football abroad Augsburg defender Gouweleeuw suffers collapsed lung Montolivo facing surgery on cruciate injury
Foul-mouthed Mascherano takes blame after late error A new look for 2016, this is the Amy Rodriguez men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Shannon Boxx, Whitney Engen, Christie Rampone, Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn. hope solo jersey number Morgan Schneiderlin, Jesse Lingard, Matteo Darmian, Michael Carrick, Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera. Werder Bremen to battle Hannover for Mertesacker
Pinto came in for fierce criticism after two defeats, a 1-0 loss at home to Uruguay and then a 4-0 reverse against Chile in Santiago. According to a spokesman for the national federation the decision was unanimous.
“The target for us is to qualify for the World Cup finals,” said federation president Luis Bedoya.
“Jorge Luis Pinto will not continue to be coach of the national side. “He will be replaced by Eduardo Lara.”
Lara has been in charge of both the Under-17 and Under-20 national sides.
“I was surprised by this news,” said Lara.
“As sad as I am by Pinto's exit, as an employee of the federation, I will do my utmost to achieve their expectations.”
Colombia are presently sixth in the table after eight matches, three points adrift of the fourth and last automatic qualifying spot for the finals – though the fifth placed side goes into a two-leg playoff against the fourth-placed team in the CONCACAF zone.
Tue 16 Sep, 2008RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Low contemplating return to club football abroad Augsburg defender Gouweleeuw suffers collapsed lung Montolivo facing surgery on cruciate injury
Foul-mouthed Mascherano takes blame after late error A new look for 2016, this is the Amy Rodriguez men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Shannon Boxx, Whitney Engen, Christie Rampone, Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn. hope solo jersey number Morgan Schneiderlin, Jesse Lingard, Matteo Darmian, Michael Carrick, Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera. Werder Bremen to battle Hannover for Mertesacker
FIFA boss slams poor performance of host team
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Monday he was disappointed with the recent performance of the national team of the 2010 World Cup host country South Africa.
“I am disappointed that during the years since 2004 when this World Cup has been given to South Africa … the national team is not better,” Blatter told journalists after a visit to the building site of Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium.
He said it was “incredible” that Bafana Bafana had gone from being the African Cup of Nation champions in 1996 to failing to even qualify for the crunch tournament in 2008.
“I cannot understand it. It is the last moment now to move … do something, move it,” he said.
The FIFA president, who is making a courtesy call to a few of the country’s stadiums on a visit to meet with South African leaders, has denied persistent media reports that the football body was considering a Plan B to host the event if the country failed to deliver.
Blatter was impressed with progress at Green Point where the stadium, which he termed “a real jewel” is rapidly taking shape, saying he had been touched by the opportunity to meet with construction workers who sang to him.
He echoed the sentiments of former South African President FW de Klerk who said he hoped the event would renew the spirit of togetherness that South Africa experienced after the end of white-minority rule in 1994.
“Whichever party we support, whatever faction within a party we support, all of us want 2010 to recapture the spirit of 1994 when we launched the new South Africa,” De Klerk told media.
Blatter would on Tuesday make a private call to South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela, whose release from prison organised by De Klerk set the country onto a path of reconciliation.
He said the visit would be the highlight of his four-day trip to South Africa, the first African country to host the tournament.
Blatter would also meet with ruling party president Jacob Zuma, who is set to become the country’s next leader after corruption charges against him were thrown out of court on Friday.
The graft case has in the past month created concerns about the political situation in South Africa.
A new look for 2016, this is the Shannon Boxx men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Whitney Engen, Kelley O'Hara, Sydney Leroux, Becky Sauerbrunn and Christie Rampone. mallory pugh jersey number Sergio Romero, Daley Blind, Sam Johnstone, David de Gea, Phil Jones, Juan Mata, Morgan Schneiderlin, Jesse Lingard, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia, Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling. “The FIFA World Cup cannot suffer over any political issue that may arise in the country,” Blatter said, later adding he was “absolutely not concerned” about internal problems in the country.
“I am disappointed that during the years since 2004 when this World Cup has been given to South Africa … the national team is not better,” Blatter told journalists after a visit to the building site of Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium.
He said it was “incredible” that Bafana Bafana had gone from being the African Cup of Nation champions in 1996 to failing to even qualify for the crunch tournament in 2008.
“I cannot understand it. It is the last moment now to move … do something, move it,” he said.
The FIFA president, who is making a courtesy call to a few of the country’s stadiums on a visit to meet with South African leaders, has denied persistent media reports that the football body was considering a Plan B to host the event if the country failed to deliver.
Blatter was impressed with progress at Green Point where the stadium, which he termed “a real jewel” is rapidly taking shape, saying he had been touched by the opportunity to meet with construction workers who sang to him.
He echoed the sentiments of former South African President FW de Klerk who said he hoped the event would renew the spirit of togetherness that South Africa experienced after the end of white-minority rule in 1994.
“Whichever party we support, whatever faction within a party we support, all of us want 2010 to recapture the spirit of 1994 when we launched the new South Africa,” De Klerk told media.
Blatter would on Tuesday make a private call to South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela, whose release from prison organised by De Klerk set the country onto a path of reconciliation.
He said the visit would be the highlight of his four-day trip to South Africa, the first African country to host the tournament.
Blatter would also meet with ruling party president Jacob Zuma, who is set to become the country’s next leader after corruption charges against him were thrown out of court on Friday.
The graft case has in the past month created concerns about the political situation in South Africa.
A new look for 2016, this is the Shannon Boxx men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Whitney Engen, Kelley O'Hara, Sydney Leroux, Becky Sauerbrunn and Christie Rampone. mallory pugh jersey number Sergio Romero, Daley Blind, Sam Johnstone, David de Gea, Phil Jones, Juan Mata, Morgan Schneiderlin, Jesse Lingard, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia, Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling. “The FIFA World Cup cannot suffer over any political issue that may arise in the country,” Blatter said, later adding he was “absolutely not concerned” about internal problems in the country.
England announce friendly fixtures
England will play Slovakia and Slovenia in friendly internationals at Wembley next year, the Football Association (FA) announced here on Monday.
The fixtures are designed to help Fabio Capello’s team in their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. England will play Slovakia on March 28 and several months later they will face Slovenia on September 5.
The Slovakia fixture takes place shortly before England’s 2010 qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on April 1, while the Slovenia match comes ahead of the qualifying clash with Croatia on September 9.
“It’s very important to play similar style opposition as practice for the competitive matches,” said Capello. “The Slovakia and Slovenia games will be very good preparation for the vital World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Croatia.”
England currently top Group Six in the European qualifying zone following a 2-0 win over Andorra and last week’s 4-1 victory away to Croatia, which featured a hat-trick from teenage winger Theo Walcott.
Slovakia and Slovenia are in Group Three. After two games, Slovenia are joint leaders (with Poland) on four points whilst Slovakia are just one point behind.
A new look for 2016, this is the Whitney Engen men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Kelley O'Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Hope Solo, Christie Rampone and Sydney Leroux. christen press jersey number Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young, Axel Tuanzebe, Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw. The two countries met last Wednesday in Maribor where Slovenia won 2-1.
The fixtures are designed to help Fabio Capello’s team in their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. England will play Slovakia on March 28 and several months later they will face Slovenia on September 5.
The Slovakia fixture takes place shortly before England’s 2010 qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on April 1, while the Slovenia match comes ahead of the qualifying clash with Croatia on September 9.
“It’s very important to play similar style opposition as practice for the competitive matches,” said Capello. “The Slovakia and Slovenia games will be very good preparation for the vital World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Croatia.”
England currently top Group Six in the European qualifying zone following a 2-0 win over Andorra and last week’s 4-1 victory away to Croatia, which featured a hat-trick from teenage winger Theo Walcott.
Slovakia and Slovenia are in Group Three. After two games, Slovenia are joint leaders (with Poland) on four points whilst Slovakia are just one point behind.
A new look for 2016, this is the Whitney Engen men's jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Kelley O'Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Hope Solo, Christie Rampone and Sydney Leroux. christen press jersey number Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young, Axel Tuanzebe, Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw. The two countries met last Wednesday in Maribor where Slovenia won 2-1.
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