World Cup Soccer South Africa 2010

Ronaldo denies blaming Queiroz

2010-06-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels like a "broken man" following Portugal's World Cup exit and has denied attributing the blame for the country's failure to coach Carlos Queiroz.

Portugal were eliminated in the second round by Spain on Tuesday night as a David Villa goal secured a 1-0 victory for their Iberian neighbours. It meant Portugal departed the competition having failed to score in three of their four games in South Africa.

Former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo was a marginal figure for much of the match and his conduct was also brought in question following the final whistle as he appeared to spit in the direction of a TV cameraman on the pitch.

The national team captain then told reporters to "talk to Carlos Queiroz" when asked to explain Portugal's defeat to Spain, but has since issued a statement through his agent to establish he was not seeking to apportion blame to the coach.

"I feel a broken man, completely disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness," Ronaldo said. "When I said 'put the question to the coach', it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference.

"I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone. I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities."

In response to Ronaldo's remarks, Queiroz hinted he expected better performances from the country's captain who scored only one goal in South Africa.

"We are not unaware of those remarks, but we are not here to be friends with the players," Queiroz said. "One must never allow anyone placing himself above the best interests of the national side.

"Portugal needs Ronaldo, and Ronaldo needs the national side. But if this shirt unnerves some players, they have no grounds to be there."

Ask Norman: Squad lists and stoppers

2010-06-30T11:11:00.001-07:00

Norman Hubbard is Soccernet's resident anorak. If you have any questions on football facts, statistics or trivia, please send them to asknorman@hotmail.com and he'll try to answer as many as possible. This is the last column devoted solely to the World Cup, so feel free to send in any footballing questions for the next one.

I have a question about England keepers. David James was part of Portsmouth's relegated squad last season. Has that happened before when the national's team's first-choice keeper is from a relegated team from their country's top league? asked Ryan from Singapore.

It has never happened for England before, but it may interest you that they have once gone into a World Cup with a second-division goalkeeper as their first choice: Birmingham's Gil Merrick, who died earlier this year, in 1954, and only one England keeper - David Seaman - has gone into a World Cup as a title winner.

The full list is: 1950 - Bert Williams (Wolves, 2nd that season) 1954 - Gil Merrick (Birmingham, 7th, Division 2) 1958 - Colin McDonald (Burnley, 6th) 1962 - Ron Springett (Sheffield Wednesday, 6th) 1966 - Gordon Banks (Leicester, 7th) 1970 - Gordon Banks (Stoke, 9th) 1982 - Peter Shilton (Southampton, 7th) 1986 - Peter Shilton (Southampton, 14th) 1990 - Peter Shilton (Derby, 16th) 1998 - David Seaman (Arsenal, 1st) 2002 - David Seaman (Arsenal, 1st) 2006 - Paul Robinson (Tottenham, 5th)

But in terms of relegated first-choice goalkeepers, there is a World Cup winner, albeit on a technicality. Gianluigi Buffon was part of a Juventus team that celebrated winning 91 points and Serie A before being demoted in the calciopoli scandal. The Italy captain, Fabio Cannavaro, was another Juve player, along with Gianluca Zambrotta, Mauro Camoranesi and Alessandro del Piero, who all appeared in the final.

I'm struggling to find any other first-choice goalkeepers relegated from their national league in World Cup year, so if any readers know of any, please let me know and I'll include it in the next column.

However, Lee Woon-Jae, who was expected to be South Korea's No.1 but spent the tournament on the bench, plays for Suwon Bluewings who, at the time of writing, are bottom of the K-League. In addition, the Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar was relegated in a different league this season, in Spain with Valladolid.

I understand that prior to naming the final 23-man World Cup squad, each team is supposed to have a provisional 30-man squad list. Why is FIFA so adamant about that? I read that Brazil's coach already had his final 23 in mind, so essentially the time of seven men were unnecessarily wasted. What is FIFA's official stance on this? asked Kelvin from Singapore.

This is more interesting than I expected it to be. According to the ever-exciting Article 26 of the regulations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup: "Each association that qualifies for the final competition shall send FIFA a list of 35 players (showing the full last name(s), all first names, popular name, place and date of birth, passport number, club and country of the club, height, weight, number of caps won, number of goals scored) whom it has called up in accordance with the relevant provisions of Annex 1 of the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players. The provisional list of 35 players must be sent to FIFA at least 30 days prior to the kick-off of the opening match." As you may have noticed, FIFA initially ordered a 35-man provisional squad before changing its mind and asking for 30 by May 11 (30 days before the competition began).

However, FIFA added: "This final list is not limited to the players on the provisional list." In other words, someone outside the initial 30/35 could be called up. One explanation could be that for reasons of form and fitness, not all managers would be happy to name their squads as early as Dunga chose his. But because of injuries, other men outside the chosen 23, such as England's Michael Dawson, have been called in, so they may argue their time was not wasted.

I notice that for this World Cup, and the last as well, the South Koreans have their given names rather than their surnames on the back of their shirts, as is apparently the norm for everyone else. For example Park-Ji Sung had J. S. Park on the back of his shirt in 2002, but for the last two finals the back of his shirt has read Jisung. Same for the rest of the South Korean players: Youngpyo, Junghwan, Sungryong etc. Does FIFA have any ruling about the name to be displayed on the back of a jersey? If I'm not wrong, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink once tried to wear Jimmy on his shirt when he was at Leeds United, but the league would not allow it, Simon from Singapore

An answer of sorts is contained in Article 26, quoted just above, where it refers to "full last name(s), all first names and popular name". The last is perhaps the most significant. For instance, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite's popular name is Kaka and Robson de Souza's is Robinho. In the case of the South Koreans, then, it appears to be the case that they have decided Jisung counts as the popular name instead of J.S.Park. It is also worth noting that Kevin-Prince Boateng, who has always had the latter on his shirt in English domestic football, has appeared for Ghana with Prince on his back.

In terms of the Premier League, their rules state: "When playing in league matches each player shall wear a shirt on the back of which shall be prominently displayed his shirt number and above that his surname or such other name as may be approved in writing by the board." Hence Hasselbaink could not be Jimmy without board approval. South Americans tend to cause confusion, however: Robinho did not run out with da Souza on his back; Newcastle's Argentinian winger managed to have Jonas rather than Gutierrez on his shirt and Birmingham's Christian Benitez seemed permitted to use his nickname, Chucho, instead of his surname. To further complicate matters, the rules seem rather more lax in Spain. Steve McManaman noted when he moved to La Liga that his Real Madrid team-mate Jose María Gutierrez Hernandez could deem himself Guti, whereas the Premier League would not allow McManaman to be simply Macca.

Which countries are the most consistently unsuccessful in the World Cup? asked Peter from Los Angeles

, who have taken part in eight World Cups without getting beyond the group stage, an unwanted record.

But the Scots have won games at the World Cup finals - most memorably against Holland in 1978 - unlike the nine countries who have a 100% record, losing each of their matches. They are: Iraq, Togo, Canada, Dutch East Indies, United Arab Emirates, China, Haiti, Zaire and El Salvador. El Salvador, with six defeats, have lost more games than any other side who are yet to get a point. The Dutch East Indies - as Indonesia was known then - merit a particular mention. They travelled all the way to France for the 1938 World Cup, played one match - a 6-0 defeat to Hungary - and returned home. It remains their only match at a World Cup finals. Three others, New Zealand, Slovenia and Greece, began the current tournament having lost all their previous World Cup matches, but all picked up their first points in South Africa.

The solid and the spectacular

2010-06-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Japan became the last Asian side to be knocked out of the World Cup in the second round, losing a heart-breaking penalty shootout in a dour, somewhat lacklustre but certainly tense match against Paraguay on Tuesday. As the tears dried in South Africa and the team packed their suitcases to travel back to Tokyo, the over-riding emotion was that of disappointment that the football god had not been on Japan's side in the lottery of the penalty shootout.

Indeed, the welcome back in Japan will be the opposite of that received by the likes of Italy, France or England, with a certain pride reigning in the country. Honda is certainly a new national hero, following in the footsteps of Nakamura. And the national media have been far from scathing in their analysis of the Paraguay match, choosing instead to focus on the bad luck of the missed penalty kick.

As The Daily Yumiuri wrote in their commentary on the match: "Komano, Japan's fourth shooter, hit the bar before Oscar Cardozo converted the winning penalty as the South African journey for Takeshi Okada's side came to an unfortunate end at Loftus Versfeld Stadium."

All quite neutral stuff, and certainly when one considers what was at stake for the Japanese: a historic first ever quarter-final berth in a World Cup and a match-up with European champions Spain. But there are surely grounds to be critical of the tactical approach chosen by coach Takeshi Okada in the game against Paraguay.

Keeping with the same formation that had beaten Denmark so convincingly 3-1, Japan nevertheless chose to give the entire playing field over to the South Americans, and never threatened Villar's goal with enough persistence. A few chances did materialise - including Matsui's cracking effort from 25 metres which hit the crossbar, and Honda's effort just before the break - but they were not enough to truly create the momentum needed to avoid the lottery of the penalty shootout.

Indeed, Honda's position in the team is a vital talking point. For most of the tournament, the Japanese winger was left as a lone striker up front, mirroring the cautious approach of his coach. Honda is certainly no centre-forward. Against Paraguay he covered an astonishing 13 kilometres during the game, an indication of just how much he was expected to do for Japan's attacking intentions. He did monumentally well in South Africa, picking up three man-of-the-match awards, but there is no doubt that he would have been much more effective playing alongside another striker from the start. Okada had promised a Japanese version of 'Total Football', but the numerous Japanese fans at the game were left contemplating total boredom instead.

This is not to say that Japan did not play a good tournament. Quite the contrary - they played such a good tournament that it is a shame their coach did not opt for a courageous display and allow his charges to really attack Paraguay in numbers instead of defending in depth. As the coach admitted after the game: "It's my responsibility - we did not insist enough. I cannot elaborate any further. When I look back at what I could have done for the players and what I did as a head coach I should have been more insistent on winning."

That has been precisely the predicament of many coaches at this World Cup. Too much caution has caused too many sides to pack their suitcases - just think of Ivory Coast, England, Portugal, Italy ... the list goes on and on. In stark contrast have been the more courageous coaches, including the highly attack-minded German coach Joachim Low, who has surprised with refreshingly offensive football. The intricate, fast-moving style of Japan's attacks when they did move forward suggests that Japan would have been much better served with a similar style of play. In the end, though, a fine run in South Africa was ended by a single penalty miss. It could have been so much more.

So Asia's participation in the tournament has well and truly ended, but what has been the over-riding emotion for the most populous continent in the world?

If Asia's 2010 World Cup performance had to be summarised in one particular word, it would probably be this: solid. The Asian sides certainly did not disappoint. All of the continent's teams seemed to take well to the South African climate, with Australia being the first team to arrive for the tournament.

Out of four starters, two made it to the last sixteen, while Australia garnered four points and only missed out on goal difference. South Korea were unlucky not to make the quarter-finals against a shaky Uruguay, who needed some Suarez magic when they looked as though they were going to be over-run by the industrious Asians. What South Korea missed was a killer instinct in attack, but they certainly looked a promising team. North Korea were the only team from the continent to go without a win, but that much was probably to be expected in the toughest group in the draw.

From the previous effort in Germany 2006, where no Asian team made the second round, a clear improvement was evident. The continent's football teams are certainly growing in stature and players are becoming more than just marketable commodities in Europe's top sides. Just listen to Sir Alex Ferguson talking about South Korea captain Park Ji-Sung. Or watch Honda become a transfer target after his convincing displays. And expect some more Asian players to make their way to Europe's top addresses in the transfer window this summer after their performances in the 2010 World Cup.

Right now, Asian football is clearly in a transition phase. Far from being helpless outsiders, the Asian teams are now knocking at the doors to the very top levels of world football, backed by huge populations that idolise the beautiful game. Populous giants like China and India are in the process of rebuilding their teams. The latter are counting on their qualification for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar to work wonders for their football team.

And while the World Cup may be over for Asian sides, the next opportunity to shine is indeed just around the corner. Matches in Doha begin in January 2011, so it is just under six months before the continent meets to decide its best national team. Judging by the quality on display in South Africa, it promises to be a spectacle at last.

Not so Fab after all

2010-06-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Add to the list of nations packed off home battered, bruised and humiliated the name of England, who were dismantled by a ruthlessly efficient (who'd have thought it?) German side, marshalled by the purveyor of all things matching cardigan, Joachim Low.

It was brutal to watch, and that includes Frank Lampard's phantom goal (more on that later). The 'goal' did mean England's humiliation was partially tempered, as their players desperately pointed to the fact the game would have reversed on its axis had his obvious strike been allowed. It may well have done, but that is overlooking the fact that Matthew Upson and John Terry were still on the pitch and defending like five-year-olds.

You've got to hand it to the Football Association. It seems they've somehow managed to unearth the one Italian who doesn't know how to defend (I'm leaving Marcello Lippi out for the purposes of the gag you understand). Not only that but Fab reckoned England played "well", and that his knackered players need a mid-season break. But when you work it out, Germany's leading lights actually played more games in a shorter period of time than England's tired stars. If they were that tired, why were they banging on about being bored in their luxury five-star hotel and not snoozing those lazy afternoons away?

And now the FA delivers the final indignity, the one that shows they are as Mickey Mouse as our football side. Apparently, they need two weeks to decide whether to sack Capello or not. Shown up he may have been by an old fashioned system and his inflexible nature, but hung out to dry while some cheap suits discuss his pay-off is no way to treat the man. The whole thing stinks more than week-old scrambled egg on a two-week old dead bison.

Blatter's chatter honks

Just before kick-off in Bloemfontein, Sepp Blatter was seen lording it up in the VIP section, no doubt with a string of minions bringing him whatever his under-strain heart desired. I'm sure his luxury leather massage chair was fitted with a video screen, too, so he could enjoy the lewd and luxurious slow-mo replays the telly boffins seem intent on ramming down our gobs.

If so, I hope he nearly choked on his foie gras when he realised just how far over the line Frank Lampard's goal was. He will have had a similar view to the rest of us, 8,000 miles away, who could instantly see the ball was in. Factor in the blatant offside in Argentina's defeat of Mexico and it rounded off a horrible day for FIFA, and one that was thoroughly deserved.

Their ridiculous arguments against technology are utterly, well, ridiculous. 1) It is too expensive. Aren't FIFA making close to £2 billion off this tournament? And haven't FIFA given £37 million to shareholders as a "gift" this year? 2) The delay to the game would be too long. It took seconds to prove Carlos Tevez's goal was offside and play it on the big screen. 3) It would undermine the referee. Right, so instead we have a ridiculous spectacle whereby ref and linesman have a chat, knowing the goal was wrongly awarded, but are powerless to do anything about it? Pathetic.

And if I hear that other argument once more, about how human errors are great for football so we, the plebs who fund the game, can chat about them in the pub, I may well explode. As I've said before, the only chatter in pubs up and down England are about the set of clowns in charge of our beloved game. He may have apologised, but it's a little late to save Fabio's skin now, isn't it?

Before the Brazil game, Carlos Queiroz guaranteed us the sexiest of all sexy football games but failed to explain that he would instruct his team to try to stay in their own half the entire time. As the rest of the world registered for a lobotomy just to end the suffering involved in watching the World Cup's most over-hyped game, Queiroz somehow claimed afterwards that it was a "feast of football". Proof, if any were needed, the man is from a different planet.

Despite being burned alive by his bold statement, Carlos was at it again before the Iberian clash with Spain, saying he expected a "great show of football". He got it horribly wrong. His game plan went out of the window on the hour when his Portugeezers went behind for the first time in the tournament, and he demonstrated with startling clarity that his plan B was to flail around like a jellyfish with a broken face.

Much as I enjoyed his dismal performance, surely Queiroz has had long enough to figure out that Cristiano Ronaldo should be the heartbeat of his team, and as such, should be properly supported. Even after Portugal went behind, Carlos baffled his own team with a raft of confusing instructions, when all he needed to do was repeat "Pile forward!" at the top of his voice for ten minutes. They are going home, and they won't be missed.

Hoodoo Chile? Brazil, that's who

Poor old Chile. I'm having a hard time coming to terms with this equation: they are one of the best teams to watch in the competition but also one of the dirtiest. They repeated against Brazil what they did against Spain, namely to control the game for 20 minutes before conceding soft goals, getting angry and kicking people. I've come to the conclusion they are basically a poor man's Manchester United.

They attracted the most yellow cards in the group stages, losing three defenders for the second round clash after they resorted to kicking lumps of out of Xabi Alonso and co. They were also on a ten-year losing run to Brazil. Add to that the fact that this Brazil have looked meaner than Sauron after dropping the Ring down the back of his sofa, and it was surely going to be their eighth defeat in a row. Sure enough, they were beaten well. Even their own goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo, described those in front of him as "fragile".

Despite comfortably guiding his team into the last eight, apparently Dunga is getting ripped back at home for his conservative style of football, which has so far produced eight goals in four games and some of the best silk seen at the competition. Unbelievably harsh from what I can see - they look like a potent version of Arsenal. They face the Dutch next, who looked so sloppy against Slovakia you had to wonder if they'd all been staying up late to watch dodgy videos piped into the team hotel direct from Amsterdam. My money's on the Selecao.

USA draws 2-1 with Ghana

"This sport is stupid anyway" was the New York Post's headline after USA fell to the last African team in the competition. They should know after all, seeing as they've got the monopoly on them (sorry, American friends, but surely one good dig deserves another?).

Given that they also gave us the delightful "USA wins 1-1" after the draw with England, I think we can all agree it's a shame their sub editors won't get to murder another few soccerball headlines before July 11 comes round, but at least their last-gasp win over Algeria ignited love for the beautiful game in a few more hearts and minds. This time in four years, half the country will be AFC Wimbledon fans, you mark my words.

One good thing did come out of their defeat of course - that the World Cup retains an African presence. If that wasn't enough to love Ghana for, there is also fact that their players aren't demanding, nor being offered, any ridiculous bonuses as incentives to reach the last four. The wonderfully titled Fred Pappoe, chairman of their management committee, has reported that the prospect of a World Cup semi-final is motivation enough. Amen to that.

Goals and gaffes in the knockouts

2010-06-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Best Team Performance: Brazil. The criticisms surrounding Dunga and his team were rife before the tournament. Accused of ignoring the traditional Joga Bonito style for a more functional and defensive approach that grinds out results, the doubters have been laid to rest after their progress to the quarter-finals. With the perfect balance across the team that sees flying full backs, tough central midfielders and creative flair and pace up front, along with an excellent goalkeeper, Brazil are getting more and more attention as the tournament continues. A 3-0 win over an impressive Chile side was the highlight of their campaign thus far.

Best Player: Luis Suarez, Uruguay. A striker that has netted 55 goals in his last 61 starts, Suarez's performance against South Korea was nothing less than sensational. While he drifted a little out of the game when Uruguay set up to defend after their opener, his curling winner ensured the South Americans would progress and he gained all the plaudits. Five out of his six shots were on target and he looks like he'll be attracting a lot of attention in the summer.

Best Game: Germany 4-1 England. For the sheer excitement of the first half, the game in Bloemfontein cannot be beaten. After all the hype of the build-up, two quick goals from Germany exploited some dodgy England defending and, then, just when you thought they were down and out, Matthew Upson gets one back. A couple of minutes later Lampard scores, but despite the ball being over the line, the officials don't give it. Lampard hits the bar again soon after, then Germany take control to kill off the game and seal their progress.

Gaffe: Ricardo Osorio v Argentina. Resisting the temptation to give the award to the assistant referee in the England v Germany game for the most talked about mistake at the World Cup, the gaffe of the round has to be from Mexican defender Ricardo Osorio. Having gone 1-0 down a little composure is required at the back, but the 30-year-old dwelled on the ball, attempting to pass across the defence (we think?!) and found the advancing Gonzalo Higuain happy to take it off him and stick it in the net for Argentina's second goal.

Best Goal: Carlos Tevez, Argentina v Mexico. His first (although yards offside) may have more of an impact in changing the course of the game, but there has surely not been a better goal at this World Cup than Tevez's second and Argentina's third. Cushioning a bouncing ball in the middle of the park, he turned past the two defenders blocking his way to goal and gave himself room to unleash a shot. And what a shot. Arrowing the ball into the top corner from 25 yards, Tevez stuck the knife into Mexico and proved to his manager that he was worthy of a starting place after all.

Highlight: The rise of South America. Diego Maradona may have said this week that South America has a long way to go before they can claim to be near Europe, but the performance of their sides in the second round has been nothing less than sensational. Traditional powers of Brazil and Argentina have fired at the right time, while Uruguay and Paraguay have surprised many with their progress. A South American side in every quarter-final and who would bet against a Brazil v Argentina final?

Lowlight: Long shots The constant long-range shooting was taken to extremes by Slovakia's Juraj Kucka, who had a pop from just inside his opponents' half against Netherlands. The issues surrounding the ball have been well documented, but every player now seems to think that this gives them licence to shoot from 50 yards. A well crafted shot like Tevez's is most welcome, but continually having to refer to the old 'It's hit Row Z' cliché every time a left back thinks they are Roberto Carlos, is not.

Talking Point: Goal-line technology. When FIFA announced that it would be giving up tests on goal-line technology, the world took a deep breath and rolled its eyes. 'How can football's lawmakers be so behind the times? Why won't they try it out when it works in so many other sports? Is Sepp Blatter mad?' came the cries, and many hoped that, on the world's biggest stage, FIFA would be shown up. The dissenters got their wish, although the England fans amongst them may have wished that it hadn't happened in quite such an important game, and Blatter has now backtracked to say that FIFA will look at the issue again. Of course, the debate rages on.

Ref Watch: The second round has not been kind to the officials, or rather they have not been kind to it. Missing the England goal was an aberration, but the finger of blame can be pointed to the assistant rather than the man in the middle. Carlos Tevez's offside opener for Argentina against Mexico is another that goes down as a black mark on the officials' report cards, although they nearly broke FIFA rules by reversing their decision having seen it on the stadium's big screen. As if they hadn't enough to worry about with the meaningless flurry of cards, now there are a few more issues to add to the list.

Stat Attack: Brazil are undefeated in 33 games under Dunga when Kaka and Robinho have played together, winning 29 and drawing four.

Nigerian president bans Super Eagles

2010-06-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the country's national team from international competition for two years in response to a disappointing World Cup campaign

Nigeria failed to make it out of the group stage and failed to win a game, though a late goal in a 2-2 draw with South Korea would have been enough to see them progress from Group B with three points.

President Jonathan has now withdrawn the Super Eagles from international competitions until 2012 in an effort to "enable Nigeria to reorganise its football" according to advisor Ima Niboro.

"This directive became necessary following Nigeria's poor performance in the ongoing World Cup," Niboro added.

FIFA said in a statement: "We have no official information on this matter. However, in general, FIFA's position regarding political interference in football is well known."

FIFA is vehemently opposed to governmental interference in football matters and Sepp Blatter has already warned French president Nicolas Sarkozy after he said he would investigate the team's disappointing campaign in South Africa.

FIFA banned Greece and the country's clubs from international competition in July 2006 in protest at government interference, though the suspension was lifted eight days later after the laws in question were amended.

Capello admits England must change

2010-06-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Fabio Capello has given an insight into how he sees the future England as he picks over the ashes of his team's FIFA World Cup™ exit. The England manager, who says he wants to stay in the post, has been told he must wait two weeks before his employers, the Football Association (FA), decide whether he will complete the two remaining years of his current contract, which takes him up to the end of the UEFA EURO 2012 finals.

But the Italian is already discussing ways of refreshing his team for the EURO 2012 qualifiers after seeing the way his experienced side, many of whom have played in two or even three previous major tournaments, failed to deliver.

With typical self confidence the former AC Milan, Juventus, Roma and Real Madrid manager feels he did everything right to prepare his team but was let down by his players, particularly in a 4-1 last-16 exit against Germany which was England's biggest FIFA World Cup finals defeat.

Now, his own future aside, the biggest debate in England is which players should be dropped and who should be brought in to rescue English football from yet another low point. Capello was, as expected, tight-lipped on the former of those two questions but happy to discuss the players who could potentially be drafted in for a new era next season.

"We talked about this with my staff," he said. "I think we will find two or three new players, probably, for the EURO. Adam Johnson, the Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs. Also Michael Dawson, although he is not young. Also Gabriel Agbonlahor and Bobby Zamora, who was injured this time. And another player we will hope will be fit is Owen Hargreaves.

Every game we played in this period, seven games in all including friendlies and at the World Cup, I never saw the players that I can see in the autumn or two months after Christmas.

Fabio Capello, England coach

"The best young players are in the under 21s and are not ready to play here at the World Cup. But I hope in the next year or six months people will come through. I hope Theo Walcott will be back and his shoulder is ok. And Jack Wilshere is another interesting player. I hope some good players will be ready in six months, it's possible."

Capello, who also hinted at a big future for goalkeeper Joe Hart, knows his brave new world with England will be subject to the same restrictions and problems that affected the current squad, however. With only 38 per cent of players in the Premier League eligible to play for England the talent pool remains shallow and the intense, physical nature of the league means injuries and tiredness are par for the course.

"I know a lot of things about the players and what happened," insisted Capello as he made a case for two more years in charge. "I know more now than before because I realised what happened when we arrived at the World Cup. I understand more things. And I understand one thing really important, I understand why England didn't win before. The England players arrive at the end of the season tired.

"Every game we played in this period, seven games in all including friendlies and at the World Cup, I never saw the players that I can see in the autumn or two months after Christmas. They were training well, were focused, but they are not the same players, not as fast or quick, as I know. I want to change something but it's impossible, there are too many games in the season. They play, Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday."

That, if Capello does remain in charge, could prove to be his biggest challenge, but he is adamant he wants a chance to prove he can change England's fortunes. "I prefer to stay," he insisted. "We need time to recover and be fresh."

Bloemfontein's big day

2010-06-30T10:45:00.001-07:00

Mangaung/Bloemfontein may be among the lesser known of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ host cities but in its last World Cup match on Sunday, it was the centre of attention as England took on Germany.

Cries of ‘Deutschland’ and ‘England’ reverberated through the packed Free State stadium and the streets of the city as English and German fans waved their national flags surrounded by the familiar sound of vuvuzelas.

The match – which saw Germany win 4-1 – was something city residents have rarely witnessed.

“Germany and England are two of the major teams in the world. There are a lot of talented players on both sides, and to have two teams like this playing here is really amazing. As you can see from the vibe around the stadium, this is more than just major for Bloemfontein,” said Claudio Kistoo, a frequent visitor to the city who lives in nearby Kimberley.

Alice Pula, a Bloemfontein resident said she would never forget the occasion. “This game is one of the biggest that has ever been held in Bloemfontein. We feel so grateful to be part of such a big event. Moving forward, this is going to be part of our African history and we will never forget it.”

Pula said she enjoyed the atmosphere created by thousands of German and England football fans who constituted a large part of the audience. “I really don’t know what to say - they are fantastic people. They’re very interesting and the way that they were singing in the stadium was great to be part of.”

She hoped Mangaung/Bloemfontein’s success as a World Cup host would attract more tourists to the city. “Because Bloemfontein is such a small city, people were not aware of it. Now we are going to have more tourists because they have seen what we are capable of and what we can offer to everyone.”

Meanwhile jubilant German fans who saw their side proceed to the Quarter Finals spoke highly of their experience in the city and the country as a whole.

“It has been wonderful,” said Alex Lemard who came all the way from Bavaria to follow the German team in their World Cup journey. “All the people here are very friendly. Everybody is smiling and everybody is helpful. You don’t have that at home in Europe.”

Conny Kroeher from Germany, who arrived in South Africa two weeks ago and has visited Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein so far, agreed. “The atmosphere has been great. The English outnumbered us for sure and they make a great party, but I think the Germans also make a great party. And then there’s the locals - I see them cheer for a German goal and I see them cheering for an England goal and I think that is really cool.”

Schmeichel: Denmark lacked fight

2010-06-30T10:43:00.001-07:00

The science of the humble penalty-kick has been debated for decades. For some, it is simple: practice makes perfect. Others, however, are just as adamant that no amount of training-ground rehearsals can prepare someone for shouldering a nation's hopes in front of an expectant crowd.

For goalkeepers, there is an additional dilemma: to research or not to research? Those famous notes concealed in Jens Lehmann’s shinpad now have their own place in FIFA World Cup™ folklore, yet many more of the German's counterparts have faced such situations with only their instinct guiding them.

Among those content to go with their gut instinct was Peter Schmeichel. One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and a European champion with both club and country, the Denmark and Manchester United legend was openly sceptical about the benefits of pre-match research. However, the 46-year-old admits that he has been converted by the Castrol EDGE Penalty Analysis tool, which has involved documenting every spot-kick in Europe's major domestic leagues and the UEFA Champions League over the past four seasons.

The result, according to Schmeichel, is a revealing guide to penalty-taking habits that makes the task of keeping them out arguably easier than ever. "I've got to be honest – I took a very old-fashioned approach to penalties," he told FIFA.com. "I relied completely on my instinct, made my mind up early and never changed it. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, but I never bothered with any research. So I suppose I came into this thing with Castrol as a bit of a sceptic, but I must admit I've really been won over. When you look at their analysis, the patterns become really clear and, if I'd had that during my career, I'm sure it would have been really useful.

It's a pity because I felt we could have been a dark horse at this tournament, but in the end we went out in the worst possible way.

Peter Schmeichel on Denmark

"I was looking at the research on Frank Lampard, for example. He's a successful penalty taker in England, but if you look at the analysis, you can pretty much guarantee he's going to do one of two things: hit it really low to the right, or go to the far left, but always at a certain height. As a keeper, that means you go from having six or seven choices to deciding between two. It's still no guarantee of success obviously, but there's no question that it gives you a better chance."

Happy to preach the benefits of this system to the current generation of keepers, Schmeichel's only regret is that Denmark's current No1 will have no need for such analysis. No-one in the history of the Danish national team has earned as many caps at the EURO 92-winning keeper, and Schmeichel remains a passionate supporter of the side he represented on 129 occasions. He was saddened, therefore, by the manner in which they exited South Africa 2010, and pulled no punches in his assessment of their campaign.

"Everybody involved needs to take a good look at themselves," he said. "The players just didn't perform and, for me, neither did the coach. I felt beforehand that he was sticking with the same old players, some of whom just haven't been doing it for the past couple of years. And that cost us. If I'd been in his position, I'd have introduced some of the younger lads, just to change the dynamic if nothing else. We have a young midfielder, Christian Eriksen, who's really talented – he'd be in my team every week. He has something different about him and we really needed that at times.

"It's a pity because I felt we could have been a dark horse at this tournament, but in the end we went out in the worst possible way. Against Japan, we just crumbled. And that's something I never expected to see. Most of the Danish sides I played in didn't have lots of super-talented players, but we did have plenty of determination. I didn't see that same fight in this team."

As well as following Denmark’s progress with interest, and increasing despondency, Schmeichel has been keeping a keen eye on the goalkeepers on show at South Africa 2010. His view is that, after an opening round of matches punctuated by a clutch of costly clangers, those competing for the competition's Lev Yashin award have steadily begun to show their class. "It's been tough for keepers," he reflected. "They've been getting used to the conditions and the new ball, and it's possible those factors contributed to a few mistakes early on. But the standard seems to be getting better on the whole, and there are definitely some good keepers out there. One who caught my eye was the Slovenian lad, [Samir] Handanovic. But there's still time for someone to really come into their own."

Indeed there is, and as the stakes rise ever higher, starring in a shoot-out triumph is sure to go a long way towards establishing another goalkeeping great.

Honda gunning for Paraguay

2010-06-30T10:42:00.001-07:00

Japan's talismanic forward, Keisuke Honda, is confident he can continue his fine run of form against Paraguay in the teams' Round of 16 showdown in Tshwane/Pretoria on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old converted striker has already scored twice in Japan's groundbreaking run in South Africa, establishing himself as a pivotal figure as Takeshi Okada's side have reached the last 16 for the first time beyond home shores. With Japan now bidding to go one step further and reach the quarter-finals for the first time, the CSKA Moscow man sounded an optimistic note as he told FIFA.com: "Paraguay are a strong team but I am confident I can score and my team can win the game to progress."

Honda struck a spectacular free-kick in the 3-1 victory over Denmark that secured Japan's last-16 berth. In thundering the ball past Thomas Sorensen from 30 yards, he enhanced a reputation as a dead-ball specialist, having earlier this year fired CSKA into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a long-range effort against Sevilla. On his set-piece prowess, he said: "I particularly hope I can score for Japan with my free-kicks because I put a lot of effort into practising them. I have a powerful shot and so usually take the long-distance free-kicks and leave [Yasuhito] Endo to handle the rest."

While Endo also converted a free-kick against the Danes as Japan scored three in a FIFA World Cup game for the first time, it is Honda who is taking the majority of the plaudits for Japan's progress, given he also struck the solitary goal in the opening Group E win over Cameroon. Normally deployed as a midfielder, he was pushed up front as Japan's lone striker as Okada gambled on a solution to the team's lack of firepower in the run-up to the finals, when they hit only one goal in four friendly games.

And the new-found lethal weapon showed he can also provide a killer pass when he set up Shinji Okazaki for the late third against Denmark that made sure of second place in the group. "I want to score more goals but the most important thing is that the team get the win. I will do my best to help us achieve our goals and I really don’t care if I score or not so long as we win," said Honda, speaking after training on the eve of the Paraguay game.

They are swift in pressing forward and are dangerous in switching between defence and attack so we need to play a little back.

Keisuke Honda on Paraguay

The South Americans will pose a difficult test given they topped Group F, shrugging off their old image as an ultra-defensive side in the process. Honda believes Japan are right to be wary of opponents also seeking a first quarter-final place. "They are swift in pressing forward and are dangerous in switching between defence and attack so we need to play a little back. We'll have to work harder than them to limit their chances."

Honda's view was echoed by coach Okada, who urged his players to "go out there and give their all". He added: "Paraguay are strong opponents but they are not impossible to defeat. We do have a chance if we can give 100 per cent of our abilities. I hope our players play are at their best both physically and mentally tomorrow to produce the best possible performance."

Dunga keen to cut Kaka cautions

2010-06-30T10:41:00.001-07:00

Brazil coach Dunga plans to speak to Kaka over the coming days in a bid to help the playmaker stop picking up needless yellow cards.

The Real Madrid midfielder collected his third caution of the FIFA World Cup™ - after two in the 3-1 group win over Cote d'Ivoire - for a trip on Arturo Vidal during his country's 3-0 second-round win over Chile last night. It took some of the gloss off his return from suspension in a match that saw the five-time champions march into the quarter-finals thanks to goals from Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho.

Dunga said: "It is a problem - I don't want Kaka to be out suspended. It looks as though the technical players are punished and those who commit fouls aren't always. This started happening in the group phase and we are going to talk about this with Kaka. It is a concern for him but we don't want to get bogged down with the issue."

Ominously, though, Dunga warned that confidence among his squad was increasing with every match. He continued: "We know there is always this expectation that Brazil will be the winners but being the favourite does not allow you to win the World Cup.

"Some people doubted that we would perform but as we go along that confidence is growing and growing and we hope to make it to the final. When we had the ball, we were able to use it quickly. The quality Brazilian players have makes that easier. This team now has an ingrained playing style, even if there are personnel changes."

But the coach was slightly wary of their next challenge against the Netherlands. He added: "Holland have a great World Cup tradition and they are very similar to the South American teams so we have to be extremely careful. We have to be prepared to deal with extremely technical, excellent players. They are a solid team."

Opposite number Marcelo Bielsa felt his team deserved what they got, but was satisfied by what they had achieved in South Africa. We deserved to reach this stage but we also deserved to go out," he said.

"Perhaps the margin of victory was a bit excessive but, overall, it was clear just how superior our opponents were. Brazil had the patience to take advantage of any spaces we gave them, and it's always dangerous when you concede the first goal against them. We did a good job despite being one of the youngest sides in the competition, which makes me think that, with the benefit of more experience, we can continue to progress in the future."

end

Okada: Japan building for future

2010-06-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

Japan coach Takeshi Okada admits it would be "wonderful" news for the sport back home if his side can reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals, but insists that must be just another step towards a more long-term goal.

The Blue Samurai have the chance to reach the last eight of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history later today when they take on Paraguay in Pretoria. Okada knows victory over the South Americans would be a boost but hopes it is not the limit of what can be achieved. "I would say for the football community it will be wonderful and encouraging news," said the 53-year-old.

"What the Japanese football community is aiming at, which is to become one of the top teams, will be one step closer if we qualify for the final eight. But I have to say if you only pile bricks vertically they will eventually fall down, so we have to support from both sides.

"I personally don't want to base everything on just one result or just one competition. We need to have a longer-term vision, to estimate and evaluate the level of Japanese football. We need to be aware of the journey and the path which is still ongoing."

He added: "This competition is a very good way to measure the level of a national team. This World Cup, for the fact we've been able to get this far, it is not only a credit for myself and my players, but also for the footballing community of Japan as a whole. I think objectively we can say with certainty that the overall level of the Japan players now is much higher than in the past. As for how far we can go, we keep challenging and keep going forward - that's all."

Japan have only once before reached the knockout stages when, on home soil in 2002, they were eliminated at the second-round stage by Turkey. Four years ago in Germany they failed to get beyond the group stages after finishing bottom of a pool that included Brazil, Croatia and Australia.

Paraguay have done better than that, and this is the third time in the last four FIFA World Cups they have reached the last 16. However, like Japan, they have not managed to go any further and they too will be hoping to claim their place in national folklore by getting to the quarter-finals for the first time.

Midfielder Cristian Riveros said of the prospect of making history: "I guess we're cool, we're at ease. The important thing is to get to the quarters. But we must go bit by bit and if we want to go any further we have to go through the various steps. If we make it we will certainly go down in Paraguay's history, so we would like to take another step forward, and then another after that."

Del Bosque reflects on slow start

2010-06-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque believes his side's shock opening defeat by Switzerland has been "highly motivating" as they seek to add the FIFA World Cup™ to their UEFA Euro 2008 triumph.

Del Bosque's side were among the pre-tournament favourites but were stunned when Switzerland snatched victory in their first group match in South Africa. Spain rallied to beat Honduras and Chile, securing a last-16 showdown with Iberian rivals Portugal, and while Del Bosque refused to retrospectively regard the Switzerland defeat as a positive, he admitted it has served a purpose.

Ahead of tonight's showdown with Portugal in Cape Town, he said: "That first stumble versus Switzerland has been highly motivating psychologically.

"The group knows our targets and we're feeling fine. I don't think a defeat is ever good. It was damaging to us and we were very anxious because we thought we were going to be facing many difficulties. I don't think we had to learn any lessons, though, because this group is very humble and modest. We were not floating along on cloud nine at all, we fully realise that every match is difficult in itself."

Meanwhile, David Villa has launched a staunch defence of his strike partner Fernando Torres. While Villa has scored three goals from as many matches, Torres has yet to find the net in South Africa having only recovered from a knee injury just before the tournament. Villa insists the squad are oblivious to negative reviews of Torres' performances so far.

"First of all I haven't really heard any criticism of Fernando and I certainly don't share a view of his performances being lacklustre," said the Barcelona-bound striker. Perhaps he hasn't scored a goal but he's done spectacular work. He really is very happy in the squad, he's made an enormous effort to help this team. Let's remember what state he was in with his knee a month ago.

"He is supporting the team with his play, so I'm very thankful to him and I think his performances have been very good. He is doing some excellent work, but forwards are always measured by the goals they score and I'm totally convinced that if he continues working as well as he is, he will score goals."

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz expects a potential classic when his men clash with their Iberian rivals. "It is a regional rivalry between the teams and it is also a social, cultural and historical rivalry between two nations," he said. "Therefore the game between Portugal and Spain is always a mouthwatering game, I'm sure of that. Just like 'derbies' between, say, England and Germany."

Fan mile a hit in Cape Town

2010-06-28T04:29:00.000-07:00

Cape Town’s three-kilometre fan mile from the city centre to the majestic and awe-inspiring Green Point Stadium has become an instant hit with international fans. The fan mile offers a fusion of cultures, a melting pot of different nationalities and a place for supporters to congregate en route to the stadium.

Last Thursday, a record 72,910 people were on the fan walk. On Tuesday, Cape Town will look to set a new benchmark when European champions Spain take on Portugal in a highly anticipated Round of 16 contest that will attract thousands more football lovers to the Mother City. Cape Town can be cold and wet in winter yet the city has found innovative ways to entice fans. Supporters travel in droves from the city centre, meandering along the breath-taking V&A Waterfront as they make their way to Green Point. This 20-minute route is popular not only for the landmarks along the route, but because of the wonderful atmosphere fans are experiencing.

At the final group match in Cape Town, the Netherlands' Oranje Army mixed with equally Cameroon's brightly-clothed fans to create a colourful montage on the fan walk. And FIFA.com took the opportunity speak to a number of fans about their experience here. Dutchman Cornie Jansen, who had only landed in South Africa a few hours beforehand, hailed the "unbelievable" atmosphere. He said: "To be honest, I didn't expect something like this here in Cape Town. A friend of mine suggested we take the Fan Walk and it turned out to be a brilliant experience. I met so many other fans from back home. The most important thing is, we all share the same goals, we all want Netherlands to win the World Cup. In my first few hours in Cape Town, I have fallen in love with this city."

A lot of people, including myself, have been surprised by what they have seen in South Africa, it's been an awesome experience on and off the field.

Roel de Jonge, Netherlands fan

Another Netherlands fan, Roel de Jonge, had been following Bert van Marwijk's team around the country along with his friend Antoine Pruijssers. He said: "I have been to Durban and Johannesburg, but I have to say that Cape Town stands out. Of course I'm told that in the last few days the weather has been bad, but today, it's perfect. Today, I walked more than three kilometres to the stadium and the experience was among my best football memory – the people here are extremely friendly, the city is beautiful. I'm sure a lot of people, including myself, have been surprised by what they have seen in South Africa so far, it's been an awesome experience on and off the field."

City of Cape Town spokesperson Pieter Cronje said: "The fears have been allayed and positive media coverage has spread a confident and optimistic message to audiences across the globe. The city is also seeing that an increasing number of people are coming to the public areas to experience the World Cup and to be part of the festivities on match days, even though they do not have tickets for the games. The fan walk in particular has proven extremely popular even with non-ticket holders and has become an integral part of the World Cup in Cape Town."

The FIFA Fan Fest™ on the Grand Parade has hosted more than 234,000 people while after Spain-Portugal on Tuesday, the Green Point Stadium will also stage the quarter-final match between Argentina and Germany on Saturday and a semi-final on 6 July. The V&A Waterfront is enjoying trading similar to summer peak-season levels and is reporting daily visits of between 150,000 and 160,000 people according to the city's statistics.

Japan ready to carry Asia's hopes

2010-06-28T04:28:00.000-07:00

Japan coach Takeshi Okada has said that his side will find extra motivation for their FIFA World Cup™ last 16 match with Paraguay now that they carry Asia's hopes at the tournament.

The 53-year-old added that he was sorry to see rivals Korea Republic go out - they lost 2-1 to Uruguay on Saturday - but said this would only serve to bolster his side's resolve to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. "Of course, I think we have to play with extra pride as we are now the only Asian representatives. My desire to beat Paraguay is even more resolute," said Okada, who is in his second finals as coach having overseen their 1998 campaign where they lost all three matches.

Japan has also received encouragement from South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak, who told Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on the sidelines of a G8 summit in Canada that he hoped Japan reached the quarter-finals "on behalf of Asia". Korea Republic, reached the semi-finals in 2002 for Asia's best-ever FIFA World Cup result, upstaging their co-hosts Japan, who bowed out in the Round of 16.

Of course, I think we have to play with extra pride as we are now the only Asian representatives. My desire to beat Paraguay is even more resolute.

Takeshi Okada

Korea Republic's achievement prompted Okada to set his target of a semi-final spot in South Africa, a goal widely ridiculed as unrealistic for Japan, three-time Asian champions (1992, 2000 and 2004). However, the fact that they are the sole remaining Asian representative has enthused not only Okada but also his players, who can entertain realistic hopes of reaching the last eight after an impressive group phase where they beat Cameroon (1-0) and Denmark (3-1) and only lost 1-0 to the Netherlands.

"We want to play honourably as proud representatives of Asia and of Japan," said 23-year-old left-back Yuto Nagatomo, who is been reportedly being chased by European clubs including English Premier League side Birmingham City. "We will play courageously as we have nothing to lose."

Japan captain and VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto Hasebe concurred. "South Korea also worked very hard but now we are the only Asian side left in the tournament and we really want to win for Asia," said the 26-year-old.

Okada praised Korea Republic for the manner in which they had played against the solid Uruguayans and had at one point looked as if they might qualify for the last eight after levelling at 1-1 in the second-half. "They played a great game. In terms of the balance of the overall match, I thought South Korea would prevail," he said. "It was really unfortunate that they (Koreans) could not win. But I think South Korea were far from embarrassed," he added.

Paraguay-Japan preview

2010-06-28T04:27:00.001-07:00

History will be made whatever the outcome when Paraguay meet Japan in the Round of 16 – for whoever prevails in Pretoria will advance to the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time. Having gone beyond the group stage on three of their past seven finals appearances, Gerardo Martino's Paraguay will be determined to build on their success in finishing top of Group F against a Japan side through to the knockout phase for the first time on foreign soil.

The match
Paraguay-Japan, Tshwane/Pretoria (Loftus Versfeld Stadium), 29 June, 16.00

Previously famed for their tenacious rearguard, Paraguay are not just about defence, their 4-3-3 formation including the vastly-experienced Roque Santa Cruz in attack alongside Borussia Dortmund duo Lucas Barrios and Nelson Valdez. Yet they also carry a scoring threat from midfield as Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros showed when each scored in their 2-0 win over Slovakia. Opponents Japan have shaken off the lacklustre form they showed in the build-up to this tournament to defeat Cameroon and Denmark en route to the last 16.

Coach Takeshi Okada's tactical gamble has paid off in style, with Keisuke Honda thriving in a new attacking role. Behind him, Yasuhito Endo and Kakoto Hasebe have bossed the midfield and Japan showed against Denmark that their armoury includes a distinct set-piece threat – two of their three goals coming direct from free-kicks. Of course their tireless approach also gives them a seeming edge in fitness over some of their rivals. While there is likely to be no change in the Japan lineup, Paraguay have to make do without defensive midfielder Victor Caceres through suspension although centre-back Antolin Alcaraz could return after sitting out the last game through an ankle injury. It is the two sides' first match-up at the FIFA World Cup but they are by no means strangers having met six times previously. The South Americans have recorded two wins to Japan’s one, though the Asians prevailed in the most recent friendly in 2003.

Players to watch
Justo Villar v Keisuke Honda

Injured in the opening minutes of Paraguay's Germany 2006 campaign, Villar has been seeking to make amends this time and conceded just one goal during the group campaign. The 32-year-old Paraguay captain, however, will have to be wary of Japan's danger man Honda, the midfielder-turned striker who has scored twice so far. The 25-year-old CSKA Moscow man has quickly become Japan's new talisman over the past months, scoring six goals which led to six wins.

The stat
4 –South Africa 2010 marks the fourth FIFA World Cup for the 35-year-old Denis Caniza, who made his tenth finals appearance for Paraguay in the 0-0 draw with New Zealand. Hot on his heels are Roque Santa Cruz and Julio Cesar Caceres, who each made seven appearances during the past two FIFA World Cups.

What they said
"With their pace and agility, Japan are a team hard to play against. They have players who can change the direction of a game so we have to come out very focused and keep running throughout the game," Roque Santa Cruz, Paraguay forward.

'Paraguay's defence is compactly organised. They have physical strength but are also good on the ball. I think they will be difficult opponents," Yuki Abe, Japan midfielder.

Voice of the fans
"Paraguay has the players to advance and has experience especially playing with the likes of the Brazil and Argentina. But Japan also has a lot of talent – it will be a good match," FIFA.com user Vinnie-ECU.

The question
Having managed their first FIFA World Cup wins on foreign soil, can Japan continue their history-making run?

Heskey: It is back to the drawing board

2010-06-28T04:26:00.001-07:00

Emile Heskey believes England have to "go back to the drawing board" after crashing out of the FIFA World Cup™ at the last 16 stage. Fabio Capello's side were one of the pre-tournament favourites after winning nine of their 10 qualifying matches.

But they seldom reproduced that form and had to settle for being group runners-up before being thrashed 4-1 by old rivals Germany in Bloemfontein yesterday. And Heskey refused to blame the lengthy domestic season for England's under-achieving in South Africa.

We have come up against a very strong German side but we have got to go back and revaluate things.

Emile Heskey, England forward

The Aston Villa striker said: "We are disappointed to go out before the quarter-finals but it is back to the drawing board. We have come up against a very strong German side but we have got to go back and revaluate things. We have to look at certain stuff. But you can't blame the season in England for what happened. Germany played a long, hard season as well so you can't really use that as an excuse. The German league is just as tough as ours, even tougher some might say."

Heskey admits England were caught a little by surprise by the Germans who caused all kinds of problems for the back four. He said: "The lads are gutted, everyone is gutted, what can I say? But you've just got to get on with it and they were a strong side. It is a good side we played against. We knew they were going to be strong but they did surprise us a bit."

Ferreira: Portugal are all as one

2010-06-28T04:25:00.002-07:00

A player could be forgiven for sulking a bit after sitting on the bench for two games on the world's biggest stage, but Portugal defender Paulo Ferreira is not that kind of man. After playing the full 90 minutes of the opener with Côte d'Ivoire at right-back, he was sacrificed for tactical reasons for the team's next two outings. "We have top players in many different positions, and you have to be ready to play from the start or come in off the bench," the Chelsea defender told FIFA.com after sitting out the entire 0-0 draw with Brazil. Coach and master tactician Carlos Queiroz instead opted for Ricardo Costa – considered a better aerial threat than Ferreira.

In the second Group C contest, the former Real Madrid boss and one-time assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, opted for Miguel on the right side of defence, knowing his side needed goals after the stalemate with the Ivorians. Ferreira, a more traditional defensive wide man, found himself on the outside looking in again. "It's the best problem a manager can have, to have multiple options in many different positions," said 31-year-old Ferreira. "We have been getting a lot of production out of the guys who are starting and also from the guys who are coming on off the bench." Ferreira is eager to point out the importance of team spirit and the competition for places – especially at a FIFA World Cup™.

You need options if you want to go far in a World Cup. Football is not about 11 guys anymore.

Paulo Ferreira, Portugal defender

"We are all as one in the team," said the former Porto man, who is not a guaranteed starter at club level with English champions Chelsea either, where he plays alongside his national team-mate Ricardo Carvalho. "If I don’t start a game then I get myself ready mentally to come off the bench if needed and do what I can to help the team." Queiroz has made the maximum three substitutions in all three of Portugal's games so far, and has used three different starting line-ups in their unbeaten run through the group stage. It is a point that is not lost on the Chelsea man. "You need options if you want to go far in a World Cup. Football is not about 11 guys anymore."

Now up against Iberian neighbours and European champions Spain in the Round of 16, Portugal will need every bit of their depth if they are to progress to the quarter-final stage for the second consecutive time at a FIFA World Cup. While Cristiano Ronaldo hogs the headlines, having won Budweiser Man of the Match honours in all three games to date, it is the team unity that Ferreira sees as the vital component. "We're playing some good, sound games here in South Africa," he said after the highly tactical 0-0 draw with Brazil that saw them finish the so-called Group of Death as runners-up. "Up until this point our spirit as a team has been carrying us, and we are all focused on the same objective.

"As any other team playing here, our first goal was to get out of the group stage, and we’ve managed that," added Ferreira, a member of the Portugal side that reached the semi-finals four years ago in Germany. "Now it doesn't matter who you meet, because one mistake, one lapse can put you out, and every team that remains is there for a reason." Surely hoping to get back into the coach's starting 11, Ferreira is ready for the call should his boss need to shuffle his tactical pack yet again. "I am ready to play for my country," he said, "whatever the situation."

Endo: We are mentally strong

2010-06-28T04:25:00.001-07:00

One of the most consistent performers in Takeshi Okada’s Japan team, midfielder Yasuhito Endo played a key role in their 1-0 victory over Cameroon. After featuring prominently again in a narrow defeat against the Netherlands, Endo went on to justify his status as the reigning AFC Player of the Year in the 3-1 dismantling of Denmark, driving the midfield and scoring their second goal with a sublime free-kick.

Ahead of the Samaurai Blues' historic last-16 clash with Paraguay, the quietly spoken 30-year-old took time out to talk to FIFA about his scoring secrets, Japan’s strengths and their prospects for the remaining competition.

FIFA: You left your opponents in awe with your free-kick against Denmark. Do you have a special method or technique when taking set-pieces?
Yasuhito Endo: I took the free-kick as I always do, there was nothing special. But each time I have to take a different angle, if needed, when kicking.

Your next opponents are Paraguay, a team also known for their sublime passing techniques. What are your thoughts ahead of that match?
We have watched their games. They are really hard-working players and the team is quite creative. That said, we have a great deal in common so we must strive hard to defeat them.

We are mentally strong and we are now playing with a really positive attitude.

Yasuhito Endo, Japan midfielder

"Running football" and free-kicks are the things people mention when they talk of Japan's strengths, qualities which have helped you overcome Cameroon and Denmark to qualify for the second round. What is your view?
I think this is correct. We have put in a great deal of effort in training so we are able to move forward very strongly when the ball is passed. Set-pieces are also an important weapon for us. We are also strong when playing as a group. When you perform on the international stage you have to show your best otherwise you have no way of winning, and we must keep on doing that if we are to continue our good run.

When Japan qualified for South Africa 2010 a year ago, coach Takeshi Okada stated the team’s goal was to reach the semi-finals. Having made the Round of 16, are you confident that you will achieve that goal?
Yes, I am confident. I hope the forthcoming matches will turn out in our favour.

Japan used to be vulnerable when they played against physically stronger European teams, but having played so well against the Netherlands and Denmark, do you think you have learned how to cope with them?
First of all, we are mentally strong and we are now playing with a really positive attitude. In terms of tactics, we have changed a bit too, so the team are going in the right direction. Needless to say, our goal is to keep going like this and win games.

Zola backs Prandelli

2010-06-28T04:24:00.001-07:00

Gianfranco Zola believes Cesare Prandelli is the right man to take Italy forward after their shock exit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Prandelli has been appointed as successor to Marcello Lippi, whose Azzurri side were eliminated in the group stages in South Africa following a 3-2 defeat against Slovakia.

The former Fiorentina manager will be officially unveiled as national coach on 1 July and Zola feels the 52-year-old will help reinvigorate Italian football.

"I definitely like him," said Zola, who won 35 caps for Italy. "He is a young manager with ideas and energy and I think it is the perfect assignment. I think he will bring the fresh air of youth to the team and that is a good thing, something we have to work on.

"There will be moments where we will struggle but it is a path we have to go through. I am expecting him to select some young players and to work downwards in the national teams, restructuring our youth system which right now is the one which is struggling the most."

He is a young manager with ideas and energy and I think it is the perfect assignment.

Gianfranco Zola on new Italy coach Cesare Prandelli

Italy's failure at South Africa 2010 comes four years after they won the tournament in Germany, although Zola believes there were problems even at that point. "We knew we didn't have a big team this year but I think nobody was expecting that," Zola said.

"But I think it summarises our moment right now. It is a difficult time for Italian football and it goes back in time. I think the win in the World Cup in Germany somehow covered all the problems we were going through and I think this shows everybody now that it is a difficult moment. But in difficult times, Italian people get together and produce something good, so I think this is an opportunity for us to get better, to see what is going wrong and to try and improve."

Zola was sacked as manager of West Ham United in May after a disappointing 2009-10 campaign in which the Hammers only just avoided relegation from the Premier League. The 43-year-old is about to start a new coaching badge in England and has vowed to come back to football management stronger.

"The last year has been a difficult time in which we have had a few problems, but personally as a manager, I think I have learned a lot," he said. "Now is the moment in which I want to work on a few things that came out and then come back stronger, so I am looking forward to this new course."

Van der Vaart: The pressure's really on

2010-06-28T04:21:00.001-07:00

The Netherlands were one of two teams to reach the knockout phase having taken a maximum nine points. The Oranje’s reward was a Round of 16 meeting with a heavily unfancied Slovakia. FIFA caught up with attacking midfielder Rafael van der Vaart to discuss his and the Netherlands’ form so far, some of his country’s key players, their upcoming game and the Dutch chances of winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

FIFA.com: The Netherlands won three straight matches without playing their best football. Having had to work hard for those victories, can we say that the Dutch are mentally strong?
Rafael van der Vaart: Yes, for sure. I think we haven't been playing our best matches ever, but fortunately we didn't have to. But we won relatively easily and we are quite happy, because we played in a group with tough opponents. If you win three games and end up with nine points, you did a good job. Also, when you consider that we’re making progress, especially in the last match, then yes, it's starting to look good.

Were you happy with your personal performances in those matches?
The first two matches, not really. It was difficult for me because the spaces on the pitch were tight and I was playing in a position where I normally don't play. But in the last match it went very well. I played well and was on the ball a lot. I didn't misplace many passes, and that’s the way I like to play.

You have a lot of experience in other competitions. How different is it playing at a FIFA World Cup?
A World Cup is always something different. You play for your country and have the feeling that the whole world is watching. And as a country, you want to establish something that the whole world will talk about. At this moment the Netherlands have a strong team. The other teams are taking us into account, so I think that's a good thing for us. And of course there is a certain amount of pride because you’re playing at the highest level.

You are relatively young, but in the team you are the second-most experienced international. Do you feel that puts a special kind of pressure on your shoulders?
No, I think we’re all under the same amount of pressure. I already have 81 caps, that's a relevant amount and of course I'm very proud of it. You always want to be an important figure in the team, and I think with my experience I can be important. But we have a lot of really experienced players, because they all play with big clubs who play a lot of big matches, so that makes it easier to perform at a World Cup.

Slovakia are next up. Having eliminated Italy, you won’t be underestimating them?
No, definitely not. We were able to see the first half of the match between Slovakia and Italy, and I have to say I was impressed. They are physically very strong and they have a good team. So we have to take that into account for sure. But we have to be honest as well, and if we can play our own game and play a good match in which we all give one hundred per cent, we will win.

A team can lose a match in the group stage but still go through. Now, you lose and you’re out. Does that leave you under more pressure?
Well, you have to win every match now. In the group phase you also feel the pressure, but now the pressure is really on. One mistake can mean that you have to go home.

I think we have the quality to become champions – we are all convinced by this.

Netherlands playmaker Rafael van der Vaart

The Netherlands have quality, experienced players in every line: Stekelenburg in goal, Van Bronckhorst at the back, Sneijder in midfield, and Van Persie up front. How important is this?
Of course that is the most important thing. It all starts with the goalkeeper. He took over from [Edwin] Van der Sar, who was the best of the world. It's not easy to substitute a guy like that and if you succeed in doing that like he has, with only one conceded goal, which actually was my fault, that's great. He’s very good in one-on-one situations. Van Bronckhorst has already won 100 caps, is the captain, and is really important in the squad. Wesley [Sneijder] has had the best season of all our players. He's a fantastic player and has an incredible shot. Then there is Robin [van Persie], who came back from injury and has already been really important for us, especially in the last match when he scored a goal. He also gave an assist in the first match. He’s coming into form and is a fantastic player.

Finally, how far can the Netherlands go in this tournament?
It will be difficult. Of course, everybody thinks that we are one of the favourites. Everybody in the Netherlands wants us to finally become the world champions – we do too of course. It's something that we all really want and I think we have the quality to become champions – we are all convinced by this. But there are many strong countries in the competition. Now we have to play against Slovakia but if we win we will play Brazil or Chile. So, the further you get, the more fifty-fifty it will become.

Paraguay poachers preach work ethic

2010-06-28T04:20:00.000-07:00

That said, Barrios, Cardozo and Santa Cruz are contributing in different ways to a potentially historic campaign for La Albirroja. The Paraguayans have scored three goals in their three games so far, two of them coming from midfielders Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros, and the other from central defender Antolin Alcaraz. Small as it was, that goal tally was enough to take the South Americans into the Round of 16 as the winners of Group F, a section in which reigning world champions Italy finished bottom.

With a last-16 tie against Japan tomorrow, the Guaraní forwards know that the time has come for them to start doing what they do best, although that does not mean to say they will not be dispatching their other duties for the side. As Santa Cruz acknowledged in an exclusive FIFA interview with the Paraguay squad: “There’s more to what we do than just scoring goals.”

Among the beneficiaries of their unstinting efforts up front is Riveros, who scored his side’s second in the 2-0 defeat of Slovakia. “What matters most is how the team plays,” said the Cruz Azul midfielder. “When we score it’s even nicer if it’s someone who’s not a striker and doesn’t usually find the target. And it’s even nicer still if it’s in a World Cup match.”

Our job is to make sure the defence doesn’t have a lot of space to play in, and to try and stop the opposition from controlling possession.

Roque Santa Cruz on the Paraguay forwards

One of the jobs Gerardo Martino’s forwards are expected to perform is to pressurise opposing defences as they bring the ball out, a tactic the Japanese rearguard will be subjected to if the Argentinian coach opts for a 4-3-3 formation again.

That victory over the Slovakians, which came in the second match, provided a very clear example of just how effective the Paraguayan gameplan can be. Pressing high up the pitch, the South Americans unsettled their dangerous adversaries and managed to take control of the game as a result.

“Our job is to make sure the defence doesn’t have a lot of space to play in, and to try and stop the opposition from getting their game together and controlling possession,” explained Santa Cruz.

As the well-travelled Manchester City striker added, the movement of the front men also brings fluidity to Paraguay’s game: “At the same time we can create chances for our partners up front and for the people behind us. That way everyone gets a chance to score. Our team-mates really appreciate what we do and we’re working hard.”

Few members of the Albirroja side have been putting in bigger shifts than Nelson Valdez, whose selfless running down the left and through the centre, with and without the ball, has been causing all sorts of problems for their rivals.

“Nelson has been doing a lot of defensive work for us,” said an admiring Santa Cruz, although the Dortmund man is keen to share the praise with his colleagues: “We all work hard. We come from a poor country and we feel a very strong need to do it proud. All of us are aware we have a chance to do something really special at this World Cup and we’re trying to do our very best in every game.”

We all work hard. We come from a poor country and we feel a very strong need to do it proud.

Paraguay's Nelson Valdez

In Valdez’s eyes the only person who should take the credit for their strength in unity and more aggressive style is Martino: “He’s changed our mindset and the way we play. In the past we were just known for having a strong defence, for being a side that didn’t have any strikers and didn’t score goals. Now the coach can’t sleep at night for thinking about who he’s going to leave out in the next game.”

Martino’s major tactical change has been to shelve the 4-4-2 formation in favour of a system deploying three hard-running forwards. “To be honest, I don’t mind working harder than the others and letting them score the goals,” concluded Valdez, the ultimate team player. “I don’t have a problem doing all the dirty work because everything we do is for the team.”

Brazil-Chile preview

2010-06-28T04:19:00.001-07:00

Brazil will be vying to beat Chile for the third time in three FIFA World Cup™ meetings, with the prize on offer a place in the quarter-finals. Whoever they are facing, the five-time champions come under pressure to win every match with unrivalled swagger.

That is the price they pay for starting each tournament as favourites, the burden of their success down the years, yet they can expect stiff opposition from South American rivals who have been in fine form since Marcelo Bielsa took over at the helm. Add in the carrot of a coveted berth in the last eight and all the ingredients are present for an open yet fiery encounter, not least since Chile lost 4-2 and 3-0 to Dunga’s charges in qualifying and will be desperate to turn the tables.

The match
Brazil-Chile, Round of 16, Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 28 June, 20.30 (local time)

A Seleção found life difficult against group-stage opponents Korea DPR and Portugal, struggling to find a way through a sturdy defensive barrier on both occasions. Despite dominating possession, Brazil had trouble picking out their forwards in dangerous positions and endured plenty of frustration. That is not a problem they are likely to find repeated against Chile, however, as Bielsa’s flamboyant side are unlikely to settle for cautious counter-attacking football.

Still, La Roja will need to keep things tight at the back. With the likes of Robinho, Kaka and Luis Fabiano sniffing out openings, Chile will require levels of commitment and organisation similar to those they displayed against Spain, when even down to ten men they managed to keep the European champions at bay – save for the two mistakes that cost them goals. They will nonetheless have to cope without Marco Estrada, sent off against Spain, and suspended duo Waldo Ponce and Gary Medel, while Brazil could be deprived the services of injured pair Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista.

Players to watch
Kaka (BRA) v Jorge Valdivia (CHI)

The Brazil playmaker remains an idol at Sao Paulo, where he first rose to prominence before setting sail for AC Milan, while his Chilean counterpart was an iconic figure for O Tricolor Paulista's regional rivals Palmeiras, firing 24 goals in 93 appearances between 2006 and 2008. Despite those contrasting club allegiances, the two players perform a similar function on the pitch and how they fare could well prove key to this game. Their vision, the quality of their passing and their set-piece pedigree could all potentially make the difference at either end, with neither defence noted for being porous or naive.

The stat
2 – Brazil and Chile have crossed paths on two previous occasions at this level, in the semi-finals at Chile 1962 and in the Round of 16 at France 1998. A Canarinho prevailed in both games, scoring four goals each time to triumph 4-2 and 4-1 – an omen, perhaps, for a feast of attacking football at Ellis Park Stadium.

What they said
"We’re going to need to learn to play against defensive sides as I think very few teams will want to play Brazil at our own game. A Seleção must start finding solutions to get around this problem, because from now on every match will be decisive,” Luis Fabiano, Brazil forward.

"Brazil have proved down the years that they’re a team to be feared, but in this World Cup they’ve also shown that in addition to their usual creative style they now boast combativeness and strength,” Marcelo Bielsa, Chile coach.

Voice of the fans
"It will be very difficult and we won’t have our two defenders Medel and Ponce (listed as the two best players at the World Cup by the Castrol Index). There ought to be a change with Suazo back in the side and he scored two goals against Brazil in qualifying. But Brazil will always be Brazil. May the best team win,” FIFA.com user Darilx (France).

The question
Chile have not overcome Brazil since a friendly in 1993, failing to carve out victory in their last 13 meetings. Will La Roja finally be able to end that run on the grandest stage of all?

Narrow margins in neighbourly duel

2010-06-28T04:10:00.000-07:00

Though the final match of the Round of 16 at South Africa 2010 pits neighbours Spain and Portugal against each other for the first time at a FIFA World Cup™ final tournament, the two sides’ footballing history has been inextricably linked for many years.

As any follower of the beautiful game is aware, rivalries between clubs and national sides generally grow fiercer the closer they are. As a result expectations are already soaring ahead of 29 June’s meeting between neighbours Portugal and Spain in Cape Town, with the winner securing a place in the quarter-finals of the world’s most prestigious football competition.

Eighty-nine years on from the two countries’ first meeting in international football, a 3-1 friendly win for Spain in Madrid in 1921, comes arguably the most important clash in the fixture’s history. And it is a history during which Spain have generally had the upper hand, with a notable example coming in qualifying for Italy 1934. La Roja consigned Portugal to their second-heaviest defeat of all time in a 9-0 thumping in Madrid, which they followed up a week later with a 2-1 success in Lisbon. It was a similar story on the road to Brazil 1950, with Spain winning 5-1 at home before a 2-2 draw in the Portuguese capital.

Narrowing the gap
For many years, those four matches were the only ones between the two nations in competitive action. That is, until 1984, when the pair shared a 1-1 draw in the group phase of that year’s UEFA European Championship, a result that sent both teams through to the semi-finals. Twenty years later it was a different story, with a solitary goal from Nuno Gomes handing Portugal a vital 1-0 win in the teams’ last group game at EURO 2004, a tournament which ended with defeat for A Selecção das Quinas in the final against Greece.

That was the last competitive meeting in a shared history containing 32 matches overall, with neither team having played any other opponent as many times at senior international level. La Roja have the edge with 15 wins to five for Portugal, though the gap between the two has narrowed markedly over the recent past. Indeed, Spain have beaten the Portuguese just once and suffered three reverses in 12 games over the last 30 years, that sole victory coming in a pre-EURO 2004 warm-up game.

The fact eight of those dozen matches ended in draws is a clear illustration of just how well-matched the Iberian pair have become. What's more, on one side you have the 2008 European champions and on the other the team which finished continental runners-up in 2004 and fourth at Germany 2006. With so little to choose between the neighbours and rivals, what price the result coming down to one mistake or one moment of genius?

News for Points Table Football 2010 World Cup

2010-06-27T02:24:00.000-07:00

Group A
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Uruguay	3	2	1	0	4	0	7
Mexico	3	1	1	1	3	2	4
South Africa	3	1	1	1	3	5	4
France	3	0	1	2	1	4	1

Group B
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Argentina	3	3	0	0	7	1	9
Korea Republic	3	1	1	1	5	6	4
Greece	3	1	0	2	2	5	3
Nigeria	3	0	1	2	3	5	1

Group C
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
USA	3	1	2	0	4	3	5
England	3	1	2	0	2	1	5
Slovenia	3	1	1	1	3	3	4
Algeria	3	0	1	2	0	2	1

Group D
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Germany	3	2	0	1	5	1	6
Ghana	3	1	1	1	2	2	4
Australia	3	1	1	1	3	6	4
Serbia	3	1	0	2	2	3	3

Group E
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Netherlands	3	3	0	0	5	1	9
Japan	3	2	0	1	4	2	6
Denmark	3	1	0	2	3	6	3
Cameroon	3	0	0	3	2	5	0

Group F
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Paraguay	3	1	2	0	3	1	5
Slovakia	3	1	1	1	4	5	4
New Zealand	3	0	3	0	2	2	3
Italy	3	0	2	1	4	5	2