UEFA EURO 2012 Fifa world cup, World Cup babe , football & soccer game

SOCCER SAQ soccer bag with ball compartment

2011-11-15T02:51:00.000-08:00

YOU CAN GET HERE

SPORT SAQ is the leader in designing and manufacturing sport-specific athletic bags that offer more... Style, more Attitude, and more Quality (SAQ) than any other athletic duffel bags found in the marketplace today!

As a matter of fact, SPORT SAQ is responsible for pioneering a revolution in the athletic bag industry when it created the World's first (patented) "Basketball Bag" aka the HOOP SAQ in 1994. Since then, the company has also introduced the first-ever "Soccer Bag" aka the SOCCER SAQ and "Volleyball Bag" aka and SPIKE SAQ (Official Bag of USA Volleyball).

Today, SPORT SAQ offers a full line of quality sport-specific athletic bags for; baseball/softball, basketball, fitness/gym, football, soccer (futbol), and volleyball. Look for new models coming soon for Lacrosse, Hockey, Mixed Martial Arts and more.

If you play, you'll know... It's in the SAQ!

Product Features

Unique BALL COMPARTMENT - holds up to size 5
Separate (ventilated) CLEAT/SHIN GUARD COMPARTMENT
(2) Insulated DRINK POCKETS - keeps drinks accessible and cool
Ventilated WET COMPARTMENT - a great place for dirty/sweaty stuff
Large MAIN CHAMBER and CONVERTS TO BACK PACK style!

Product Description

It's the World's First (and Best) "Soccer Bag"... Need we say more?

YOU CAN GET HERE

Wags at the World Cup

2011-11-15T02:44:00.000-08:00

Tracie Martin is the true queen of the Wags—and this is going to be her year. The fight may be on for England to regain their rightful place in the history books. But Tracie knows that the true battle of the World Cup will be fought in Gucci and in the pages of her favorite tabloids. Only with Tracie’s knack of ending up in the papers for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself getting more column inches than the England captain as she becomes the only person who can save England’s dreams of World Cup triumph. But can she warn off the evil crime syndicate threatening to destroy everything? And, more importantly, what earrings should she wear?

This was a laugh a minute, fun-filled, colourful book of an imaginary loveable Wag (and Wags) at the World Cup. Loads of 'real' Wags are in it and there is a hysterical scene where Tracie Martin accidentally kidnaps Coleen's baby. As for the clothes and fake tan... it's a whole other world.

I read it in a day and laughed a lot, in a good way - just what I bought it for, the author clearly knows her sport.

A great read, exactly what it says on the tin.

You Can Read to by click here

About the Author

Alison Kervin is an award–winning freelance writer and journalist who works as the chief sports interviewer of Daily Telegraph newspaper, producing a regular weekly sports interview for the Saturday edition of the paper. Alison has written nine highly acclaimed books including three previous novels, The Wag’s Diary, A Wag Abroad and, most recently, Celebrity Bride.

Franklin Sports Disney Pixar Toy Story Size 3 Air Tech Soccer Ball

2011-11-15T02:38:00.000-08:00

PIXAR SOCCER BALL

We bought this (along with a kick-back goal) for my eldest son's fourth birthday because we wanted him to start getting an understanding of the mechanics of soccer so he wouldn't be lost when he started playing this year. We needed a size 3 ball because that is what he will use on the team. When we were looking for balls I thought this one was a little expensive, but he LOVES Toy Story so we bought it. When it came I was shocked at how COOL it was!!! It has Woody on the other side and there is some holographic kind of stuff and it is REALLY well made. My son was elated and it was TOTALLY worth the price!

GET SPECIAL PRICE HERE

Product Features

Great Disney/Pixar Toy Story graphics
This size 3 soccer ball will keep your children entertained for hours in the park, yard or soccer field
Soft Air Tech foam cover makes this ball easy to grip, throw and catch
Ages 3+
Your kids will have hours of fun with their favorite Disney character

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.2 x 7 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (

Premier League Soccer Goals of the Season & Season Review 2010/2011

2011-06-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Premier League Soccer Goals of the Season & Season Review 2010/2011

ORDER HERE

Premier League Goals of the Season and Review of the Season 2010/11 2 Disc DVD is the definitive story of how the race for the title and the battle for survival was won, and lost.
The 2010/11 Barclays Premier League Soccer Season was one of the most exciting and unpredictable in its history. The traditional dominance at the top of the table by Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea was challenged by the emergence of both Manchester City and Tottenham as forces in English football. From an early season surge by defending champions Chelsea to Manchester United's pursuit of a record 19th English title, turmoil at Liverpool and Arsenal's faltering challenge. It was a season littered with twists and turns as arguably the Premier League's most competitive season unfolded.

As well the defining moments of the year Premier League Goals of the Season and Review of the Season 2010/11 includes the unforgettable strikes and goals along the way. From the long-range thunderbolts from Paul Scholes and Andy Carroll, to the very best team-goals and sizzling solo efforts, as well as audacious volleys and free-kicks from the set piece specialists such as Charlie Adam and Carlos Tevez, this complete collection has it all.

The 2010/11 season had thrilling games, great goals, an ever changing battle for the title and an enthralling relegation scrap. Showcasing the biggest stories in Soccer with the best goals and games; Premier League Goals of the Season and Review of the Season 2010/11 2 Disc DVD is the definitive story of how the race for the title and the battle for survival was won, and lost.

Premier League Soccer Goals of the Season & Season Review 2010/2011

ORDER HERE

Don't Miss FIFA 12 the Atual Game Play from EA sport

2011-06-27T20:25:00.001-07:00

See more Game Videos at EA.com.

FIFA 12 From EA Sports

A few years back, EA completely reinvented football (soccer for Yanks) with full 360 degree movement. FIFA 12 has just as significant an improvement, offering great player control and some excellent new gameplay additions. Seriously, once you play FIFA 12, it’s impossible to go back to FIFA 11.
There are four major improvements to FIFA’s gameplay: Redefined control, new physics engine, better defending, and player-specific AI. EA gave me its spiel, which sounded good, but then I got a chance to play a match in FIFA 12. It’s not boastful on EA’s part — FIFA 12 is an incredible improvement over FIFA 11.

For the past few FIFA titles, it appeared you had good control of your player. But turning was an odd thing. Players circled as if they were in a car. Now, players can literally put their foot on the ball while standing and rotate around. Momentum impacts a player (as does his skill), but overall there is more finite control. This might seem like a minor change, but its impact is staggering when comparing how FIFA 12 handles compared to FIFA 11.
Footballers with great skill can dance with the ball, adjusting pacing, sucking in defenders and then exploding with a deft move to swing around them. And I mean roll right off their back. The sophistication of close contact is impressive, even with just two games of FIFA 12 under my belt.

ORDER FIFA12 GAME NOW

This is thanks to the new impact engine, which adds more realistic interactions between players. Players pull at one another, as they fight for position. Feet tangle. You’ll see hard crashes, painful flips, and the physical toll a match can have. Nothing looks or feels canned and the level of detail is to the point of being able to see a foot get caught and an ankle turn the wrong way for a sprain.
In fact, injuries occur based on how players collide. FIFA 12 knows every major muscle and bone in a player’s body and how force can impact them. EA promises players will hobble when they’ve pulled a hamstring and otherwise offer more believable reactions to their injuries. In my first game, I had two injuries and in the second there were three. Hopefully the injury bug isn’t too prevalent. While realism is great, no one wants to see their team decimated after just a few games.

I’ve always been a fan of FIFA’s simple defensive system. Hold a button and you bear down on the ball. It’s easy to use and even allows novices a chance on defense. But it can also leave you exposed, since you go right for the ball handler. FIFA 12 solves this. You still hold a single button, but you defend a zone around the other player. At any time you can move forward and initiate a tackle or whatever else you want to do, but if not, you keep some space from the ball to try and avoid allowing Lionel Messi to blow by you.

ORDER FIFA12 GAME NOW

This allows players to try and edge offensive players into a corner or better intercept passes. It gives more control over how you defend the ball, which means that you don’t have to defend every player the same way.
I found defending far easier and it was like my football IQ automatically jumped a few notches. Suddenly FIFA started feeling like a legit match. It’s actually tougher for the AI to exploit the common mistakes a gamer might make in FIFA 11. Once you see the benefits of using spacing to defend against the ball (instead of always rushing forward for a tackle), it’s hard to think about playing FIFA any other way.

EA calls it Pro Player Intelligence. What the hell does that mean? Players understand who is on the pitch with them and act accordingly. If you have Peter Crouch, chances are Rafael van der Vaart is going to lob a lot of high crosses near the goal to take advantage of his height.
This also means players will play to their strengths. For example, FIFA 12 takes into a player’s field of vision on the pitch. Kaka is going to be able to recognize an opening in the defense for a teammate running down the wing and get him the ball, whereas middies from the bottom of the table won’t see the option.
It’s tough to judge this from two games, but it sounds promising.

ORDER FIFA12 GAME NOW

If EA can deliver, FIFA 12 will leapfrog FIFA 11′s gameplay. At this point, the only real competition for EA is last year’s FIFA. And the team seems determined to outdo itself. That’s pretty awesome to see.
Article source: http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/117/1171164p1.html?RSSwhen2011-05-27_070900&RSSid=1171164

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM) - The Highlights

2011-06-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM brought together the greatest teams and players from around the globe for a full month of sheer sporting delight. The usual giants were there: Brazil, Germany, Spain, France, Argentina, England, Holland and defending champion Italy, as were a number of teams looking to enter the ranks of the great world sides: Portugal, Uruguay, Chile, USA, Japan and others. Perhaps the most intriguing question though, was how would host country South Africa and the other teams from the African continent fare in the first World Cup on African soil?

This 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - The Highlight DVD takes you match by match through the tournament, letting you relive all the highlights and drama that make this competition the most popular sporting event in the world. Feel all over again the joy of Adres Iniesta s winning goal against the Netherlands, and the pain of Ghana s cruel quarter-final exit at the hand of Uruguay s Luis Suarez. Witness the rise of new stars and the dominance of established greats. It s all here. Enjoy the ride!

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - The Highlight

ORDER HERE

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM) DVD is an excellent compilation of the highlights of the 2010 World Cup. I am dissapointed that there still does not appear to be a Blu-Ray version to watch on an HDTV. Typically, DVD's on an HDTV look awful (even when using an upscaling blu-ray player, trust me) --- so to be fair when judging the video quality, I watched the DVD on an older Sony XBR tube tv. I have to say --- it looks incredible.

If you still haven't upgraded to an HDTV, you're in luck, because this has to be one of the best looking DVDs i've seen on a regular old television. This is the strange irony of upgrading your TV to an HDTV --- DVD's will look worse! It has to do with native resolution. And the native resolution of a DVD was meant for the older tube tv's. I forgot what it was like to watch TV and not have to deal with motion blur. Even the best LCD's out there today still have to deal with motion blur. (Can't comment on plasma, since i don't own one) But I digress....

About 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa documentary itself:
They show highlights of every game and goal. Really well done. So there's really no point in buying that other DVD that has all the goals of the World Cup. This DVD has them all. They keep the English commentary in tact, which is fine. They do a good job of narrating.

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - The Highlight

ORDER HERE

FIFA World Cup DVD Collection: 1930 -2006

2011-06-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

A must for soccer fans. FIFA World Cup DVD Collection are So much content and all done right. I loved watching the games from the 50's and 60's and seeing the stars that made the game at their best.

The best collection of World Cup history ever on DVD

ORDER HERE

Got your face paint on? The FIFA World Cup DVD Collection 1930 - 2006 is the ultimate compilation for soccer fans!

See highlights from the first World Cup final in 1930 between Uruguay and Argentina. Even hear from players who were there! Get highlights and films covering the drama and history of every World Cup through 2006; superstar Pelé winning his first Cup in 1958, Germany's intense 1-0 victory over Argentina in 1990, USA's successful tournament in '94. Even go beyond the scenes for the total World Cup experience. Plus, watch 15 bonus documentaries on the world's best players, from Beckham to Pelé to Maradona, and see 150 of the most amazing goals, kicks, headers and much, much more!

15 DVDs featuring 24 hours of World Cup history
15 bonus documentaries highlighting the careers of the world's best players
Highlights from every World Cup final, from 1930-2006
Events leading up to the very first World Cup Historical footage from every tournament

FIFA World Cup DVD Collection Review
Since 1954, FIFA has hired a top-notch film crew to shoot the World Cup finals on 35mm film and create a documentary to tell the story of the Finals. Not only do the films offer the best-looking footage of the football matches themselves but they do a nice job of capturing the feeling that surrounded each Finals, from the Brits in Hyde Park in 1966 to the Mexicans partying in the streets after escaping the group stage in 1970.

Also very cool, each of the 15 DVDs has a "top 10 goals" countdown special feature. FIFA World Cup DVD Collection break the countdowns into categories, so you can watch "Top 10 Headed Goals" or "Top 10 Solo Goals" and so on. They are great fun.

The best collection of World Cup history ever on DVD

ORDER HERE

History of Soccer: The Beautiful Game (2001)

2011-06-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

History of Soccer: The Beautiful Game essential video

ORDER NOW LIMITED STOCK

The entire history of the world's favorite game? It's an extraordinary challenge that could go have gone horribly wrong, but History of Soccer: The Beautiful Game is a class act. It boasts top-drawer production values, including narration by Terence Stamp, access to everybody who has really mattered in the game, ever, plus loads of famous, rare, and never-seen-before footage, each volume offering a blend of narrative, action, and illuminating interviews. This is a polished product: part celebration, part commemoration, but always with a sharp investigative sense, digging around the misty-eyed, good ol' days tradition, to explore in the company of those interviewed the reality behind some of soccer's myths and legends.

The breadth of enquiry is naturally impressive, as is the narrative structure, but it's the deft handling of the subplots that really sets this apart, including: analysis of the dominant club sides such as Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Milan (volume 2); the evolution of Brazil (volume 3); the superstar casualties, like Maradona and Garrincha (volume 5); football as an agent of social control in Victorian England (volume 1); the revolution in French football that created the 1998 World Champions (volume 4); and the failure, so far, of Africa to fulfil Pele's famous World Cup prediction (volume 6). There's so little material here that isn't memorable that it's difficult to pick highlights, but action aside (and it's hard to think of an historically important game that isn't featured), an emotional Maradona exposing the "conspiracy" that fixed the 1990 World Cup final (volume 2) is an unforgettable slice of soccer culture.

History of Soccer: The Beautiful Game essential video

ORDER NOW LIMITED STOCK

History of Soccer on DVD comes complete with a heap of extras (between 33 and 54 minutes' worth per volume) including, across the set, every single goal from every World Cup Final game; extended interviews with the likes of Pele, Maradona, Zidane, and Bobby Charlton; loads of "first-ever-recorded-on-film" material including the 1907 England-Scotland game; text-only biographies of the major interviewees; extended tournament highlights of past European Championships, African Nations Cups, World Club Championships, Asian Cups, and, of course, World Cup Finals. The picture itself is presented in widescreen, and there's a Spanish-language track plus an Easter egg of additional hidden material in every volume. --Alex Hankin

History of Soccer: The Beautiful Game Description
This DVD collection takes you beyond great goals and classic match action, to focus on every aspect of the game - on and off the pitch, along the corridors of power, from its humble beginnings to the billion dollar industry it is today.

The series investigates the factors that have enabled soccer players to become culturlal icons and millionaires, recognized throughout the world. Through exclusive interviews filmed in over 50 countries, it explores the tremendous influence soccer holds over our lives.

Every aspect of the sport is covered with exclusive footage, ground-breaking interviews with icons of the game - past and present and revealing insights into why soccer generates more excitement, passion, and wealth across the world than any other sport.

With amazing DVD extras including rare and previously unseen footage, extended interviews and player profiles, this is must-see viewing for every true fan of the game!

Collect all six volumes plus a bonus seventh DVD in a special limited edition DVD box set of History of Soccer: The Beautiful Game:

Vol. 1: Origins / Football Cultures
Vol. 2: Evolution / European Superpowers
Vol. 3: Brazil / South American Superpowers
Vol. 4: For Club and Country / The Dark Side
Vol. 5: Superstars / The Media
Vol. 6: Africa / A Game For All / Futures (2 DVDs)

Approximate Running Times:
Six Volumes (Seven Discs): 11 hrs, 16 mins
DVD Extras: 3 hrs, 50 mins

**Spanish-language version also included.**

American Soccer-Golf

2011-06-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

This very fun practice activity is a combination of soccer passing and golf scoring using a golf-course-style layout on a soccer practice field. A soccer ball is used by each player to kick from “Tees” to “Greens.”

Golf Gears
TaylorMade Burner plus Irons 

Taylor Made Burner Driver   

TaylorMade Burner plus Irons Review

Objective
Players attempt to use the minimum number of kicks to navigate a nine-hole “golf course.”

Field Set-Up
See the attached diagram. The size of the course should be proportionate to the age group. In general, the overall field should be approximately 50-yards wide by 70-yards long. Numbered discs are set up as “tees” and cones with a corresponding number are set up as the “holes” or “pins” on the “greens.”

Number of Players
The field is sized to accommodate nine to eighteen players, generally ranging in age from U-8 to U-14. A “shotgun start” is used where players as singles or in pairs simultaneously begin at each of the “tees.”

Method of Scoring
Each player is given a 3”x5” scorecard and a pencil to right down the number of kicks (“strokes”) they take on each “hole.” The player with the lowest total at the end is the “winner.”

Start of Play
The coach may show a diagram of the course to the assembled team and/or walk the team through the course. Singles or paired sets of players are established and directed to move to the respective “tees.” Once players are in position, the coach may blow a whistle or simply announce to begin. Players should not interfere with the players or balls ahead of them or beside them.

Rules of Play
Players must faithfully record the number of kicks they take to pass the ball from each “tee” in order to hit the corresponding cone on the respective “green.”

Variations
- Corner flags or practice poles may be used as the “pins” instead of cones.
- Circles for the “greens” may be laid out with field-marking paint.
- Copies of the course layout may be handed out and used instead of 3”x5” scorecards.
- If sufficient parents are available, they can walk with players to act as scorekeepers.

Soccer Coaching Tips
- Instep Drive
- Inside of Foot Push Pass
- Accuracy
- Pace
Copyright 2010
John Harves
CoachingAmericanSoccer.com
All Rights Reserved

Portable Training Goal Boxed Set

2011-06-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

PUGG 6 Footer Portable Training Goal Boxed Set (Two Goals & Bag))

Portable Training Goal Boxed Set Description

Help your child or adolescent hone his or her soccer skills with this Pugg portable 6 Footer training goal boxed set, which includes two goals and a bag. Also available in 4- and 2.5-foot sizes, the Pugg 6 Footer is ideal for clinics, backyard contests, and even organized games at the park. Each 6 Footer goal is remarkably easy to set up: just hold on to the corners, and then twist the left corner counterclockwise while bringing the hands together.

The 6 Footer goal sets up with a quick twist of the hands.

In mere seconds, you'll have a fully functional soccer goal, with anchoring pegs to help adhere it to the ground. The goal collapses just as quickly into a flat oval that measures 1-inch thick, with a handy carrying bag for easy transport. As a result, you can vacate the practice field as soon as the weather turns, and without having to break down a cumbersome multi-piece goal system. Each 6 Footer measures 6 by 3.5 by 3.5 feet (W x H x D) when installed and is safe for both kids and adults. The set comes with two goals, one carrying bag, and anchoring pegs.

Get 27% discount from Portable Training Goal Set Here before run out

Portable Training Goal Boxed Set Description

The PUGG portable soccer training goals offer an innovative, lightweight and collapsible design that you can easily carry to the field. These goals set-up quickly and can be secured down with the included achoring pegs so you're quickly ready for games or drills. They fold down to a 1-in flat oval and come with a handy carry bag. Soccer ball not included.

FHM Magazine (Wet & Wild Abbey Clancy's island adventure, March 2010)

2011-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

This Magazine is about Abbey Clancy's, Fiancee of English Striker Peter Crouch, Top Model. Born in Liverpool will get wet and Wild just for you.
You can have private time with the hot Abbey Clancy's

GET FHM Magazine (Wet & Wild Abbey Clancy's island adventure, March 2010)

Garmin City Navigator Europe NT for Detailed Maps of Eastern and Western Europe (DVD)

2011-06-14T01:57:00.000-07:00

The reason you are thinking of this product is a trip to Europe. You purchased a Garmin GPS with only the NA maps on it. And now you want to navigate Europe during your next vacation. Well, this is the exactly right software to buy. The detail Garmin gives for Europe is absolutely stunning. In major cities every single street in existence is here. The maps will get you where you need to go, even those hidden treasures. Remember, European cities don't change all that much over the years. It's the highways leading in and out that change - but that little bistro in Paris, the great pasta in Rome, the awesome reindeer in Stockholm, that pub you love in London - they haven't moved for years, their address is still the same. So yes, go ahead and buy this software. It's expensive, obscenely expensive - but you will never get lost.

Garmin City Navigator Europe

Only 13 left in stock--order soon

Garmin City Navigator Europe

Only 13 left in stock--order soon

August 2, 2009 Update: Lane Assistance DOES NOT work with this map set. I have this loaded on a Garmin Nuvi 765T which does lane assistance in NA. During this trip to France, nowhere did lane assistance appear (Paris would have been the most likely or the French highway system - never showed up once). There is also no 3D data for those lovely sort of 3D buildings you get in major NA cities. A tip for anyone using this in Paris - drive slowly, have a good idea of where you are going before you drive, and expect a lot of recalculating - new streets come up very very fast. Its easy to miss those streets. Nuvi does a graceful job of recalculating your trip. One last tip - use google maps to search for your destination, once found use the "Send" function in the map balloon to send that location to your GPS (it works like magic).

The install. Watch out. No it's not a nightmare, but it is not intuitive.

If you have a low priced Garmin that does have an SD slot - consider buying an inexpensive 1 or 2Gb SD card. Simple enough and will set you back no more than twenty dollars. That will mean you will never run out of storage space for the maps. Performance will be identical to the unit memory or the SD card. So spring for an SD card.
The current shipping version of this software is City Navigator NT 2010, and yes it is the correct version. The list price on Amazon is different from the list price at Garmin (so you might think this is the wrong software). Amazon offers a really good discount over the Garmin site. Take advantage.
Install:

The program on the DVD installs a program called Mapsource on your computer. Once the install has happened, no sofware was put on your Garmin yet.

The next step is to run MapInstall (you'll have to chase after that in your start menu under Garmin). The first thing it will tell you, Navigator Europe NT is locked. Plug in your GPS and wait until windos says the unit is conencted. Click on the "unlock on line." Your browser should find your GPS. You then enter the serial number from your GPS (it's on the GPS label right in front of you) and the Letter Number code from the back of the DVD package. Then click on Unlock. On the website, you will get a message that the maps are unlocked.

Next Step is where all h e double hockey sticks can break loose. If you are lucky and Garmin isn't monkeying with their website, the software will unlock and all will be good. Back at MapInstall, click OK, and the software will be unlocked. If you have the bad luck I did, the software will remain locked. One hour on hold and two support people later, the software support person walked me through the MyGarmin Website to find the Unlock Code number. If this happens to you - go to MyGarmin, log in, click on the MyMaps tab. Find your GPS, click on Details. Now a very detailed window will open, and the 25 digit unlock code will be listed for Europe NT. Copy that code into memory. Now run Mapsource, a pop up window will appear indicating that Europe is locked. Click on Skip. Then go to the Utilities menu, click on Manage Maps. Then click on the Unlock Regions tab. Now this is the fun part (not intuitive at all), click on Add, then in the pop up window paste your 25 digit unlock code here (that code is not the product key). Click OK, OK... and voila, your Europe NT map is now unlocked and you can proceed with the next step. Fun eh?

Now that your Europe map is unlocked - run MapInstall. More than likely you will see a very ugly map of Europe in a square. Just click on the upper left corner outside the square and drag down to the lower right corner to highlight all the region maps available. Make sure your GPS is plugged in your comptuer. Then click to send the maps to the GPS. Depending on your computer the map index build may take a long time or 5 minutes on a very fast quad core. Then the maps will transfer to your GPS, takes about 15 minutes.
Does all this sound intuitive? No. Not at all. Is it a pain in the rear, yes you betcha. Garmin really needs to improve the whole updating Nuvis. The software they are using is very very old - I used this many years ago to load maps onto an eMap where memory was outrageously expensive and extremely limited (before a trip I could only load the region I was travelling in). With cheap unlimited memory, this should be simpler now.

Garmin City Navigator Europe

Only 13 left in stock--order soon

These maps are beautiful, have great detail, and will get you where you need to go in Europe. If only the install could be more intuitive.

Soccer Babe - Women's International Sports Sexy Halloween Costumes Uniforms

2011-05-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

costumes below is great for your wear on Halloween party, what you women are sexy and very interested in sports soccer, sexy soccer kotum mebuat this will look good once you shine on halloween party.especially since soon UEFA EURO 2012 will take place must be very fit you wear.

Costume description :

Outstanding Quaility
Great Price
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
1000's More Items In Our Store
Discreet Shipping & Privacy Respect

Female Football Player Blk/Wht Os

ORDER COSTUME HERE

Sexy Soccer Player Costume (Size:Small/Medium 2-5)

ORDER COSTUME HERE

Soccer Babe - Women's International Sports Sexy Halloween Costumes Uniforms

ORDER COSTUME HERE

Womens Soccer Costume Zipped Front Party Costume

ORDER COSTUME HERE

Sexy Adult Women Plush Soccer Ball Purse By Leg Avenue, White/Black, One Size

ORDER COSTUME HERE

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011

2011-05-15T08:02:00.001-07:00

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 is the 2010-2011 version of Konami's long-running, video game soccer franchise. The tenth release in the series overall Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 refreshes the popular series by merging the best features that earlier iterations have presented to video game footballers worldwide over the years, along with new features that will carry the franchise into the future. Combined features include: 1,000+ new motions available in-game; unprecedented control over every pass, shot, throw-in; drag-and-drop functionality for team management; the ability to map favorite moves to the analog stick; an online Master League and much, much more.

Freedom of Play Lifts the Game to New Levels

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 is here and brings digital soccer to the next level. Central to the heart and soul of PES 2011 is the idea of freedom of play. This freedom invigorates the series with the most advanced set of gameplay improvements ever attempted by the Winning Eleven Production game development team, coupled with the greatest stride in new content. The result is a game that allows total control over every element of play – even online – to give the most lifelike soccer experience next to actually putting on a uniform and taking the field.

Best Deal of Pro Evolution Soccer 2011

Key Game Features

Take total control on the pitch on offense, defense, online or offline.

Total Control - PES Productions has enhanced the 360-degree passing ratio, offering unprecedented levels of control over every pass, shot, throw-in, through ball and lofted through balls. Users can pass the ball into space, and move their play with total freedom. Players must precisely weight their passes and second-guess the runs of their teammates and exploit their movement. Players even can apply pressure on opponents to force them off the ball.
Shot and Stamina Gauge - In addition to the generic power gauge, the Shot and Stamina meter details the player's exact level of fitness. Constantly sprinting will have an adverse affect on performance and statistics.
New Defender AI - Defenders now hold their positions naturally, instead of chasing balls that enter their area and work to close down the attacker to force mistakes.
Animation and Player Physics - PES Productions has totally reworked every element of in-game animation. These additions will become clear before even kickoff, with the players enjoying fluid, natural movements, with more realistic acceleration and inertia than ever before. The physicality between players is also improved, which was a priority requested in PES forums. Jostling and blocking now looks stunning, while there is a larger variety of convincing tackling styles. Ambient animation also adds immensely to the in-game atmosphere, as players behave realistically when off the ball, and walk and run with a variety of individual styles.
Speed of Play - The new level of control means that PES 2011 enjoys a more varied pace of play, which depends on the situation at hand. The game will burst into life as counterattacks come into play, but players can dictate the pace via slow build up or exploiting available space to surge forward. It is harder to make long runs from midfield, and successful play will depend on making quick passes to create space.
Aesthetics - PES 2010 showcased the best likeness' in a football game, and PES 2011 ups the ante further. Facial animation has been enhanced, but the key advances are over 1000 all-new animations which have been recreated from the ground up using over 100 hours of motion captured footage yielding more organic runs, turns, throw-ins, tackles, and interaction.
Tactical and Strategy - The PES Productions team has implemented an all new 'Drag and Drop' mechanism that can be used in every aspect of team management. These settings are also animated to promote better understanding of the plays that have been altered.
Feint settings - PES has always offered a wide range of subtle skills, feints and turns, but PES 2011 allows users to map their favorite move sequences to the right stick, making them more accessible than ever before.
Master League Online - PES 2011 marks the online debut for its much-loved Master League element, with players bidding against each other for the world's best players, and attempting to build a squad that can compete with the best against online peers all over the globe.

Additional Screenshots

Evasive dribbling techniques.	1,000+ new motions.
Choice of defensive tactics.	Master the mental game.

Best Deal of Pro Evolution Soccer 2011

Product Description

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2011 is here and will bring digital soccer to the next level. Central to the heart and soul of PES 2011 is the idea of freedom of play. This freedom invigorates the series with the most advanced set of gamplay improvements ever attempted by the Winning Eleven Production team, coupled with the greatest stride in new content. The result will be a game that allows total control over every element of play – even online – to give the most lifelike soccer experience next to actually putting on a uniform and taking the field.

Football Superstars 16 Month 2010/2011 Calendar

2011-04-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

Football Superstars 16 Month 2010/2011 Calendar

Title: Football Superstars 16 Month 2010/2011 Calendar

ORDER LOWEST PRICE OF

FOOTBALL SUPER STAR CALENDAR HERE

You like football,.football superstars.such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney ?. how wonderful if you can hang your favorite football superstars on your wall room, you will be dell always close with your football superstar. And Now ML Publising already Print for you 14 pages of FOOTBALL SUPERSTARS for you.

Details

Author:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney

Pages:

Publisher:

ML Publishing LLC

Size

Length:	42 cm
Width:	30 cm
Height:	0.1 cm
Weight:	0.4 kg

Book Details Summary: The title of this book is Football Superstars 16 Month 2010/2011 Calendar and it was written by Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney. This edition of Football Superstars 16 Month 2010/2011 Calendar is in a Calendar format. This books publish date is June 2010 and it has a recommended retail price of £7.99. There are 14 pages in the book and it was published by ML Publishing LLC. The 10 digit ISBN is 1617010243 and the 13 digit ISBN is 9781617010248. For the most current lowest price, Click Here.

Best Men soccer shoes › PUMA

2011-03-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi.

PUMA Men's Esito Finale IT Soccer Shoe $44.99 - $45.00 Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.	PUMA Men's Attencio I FG Soccer Cleat $45.00 Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.
PUMA Men's Esito Finale R HG Soccer Cleat $40.00.	PUMA Men's Powercat 3.10 IT Soccer Shoe $59.99 - $60.00

You can Look another collection of

PUMA Men's Soccers HERE

About PUMA

PUMA is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA's unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sport lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Read the story & more in Amazon's PUMA Store.

Puma also completed their product with SOCCER SNEAKER let's check it out

PUMA Men's Powercat Sala Soccer Shoe PUMA

$55.00 - $65.00

PUMA Unisex Paulista Soccer Sneaker PUMA

$64.00 - $65.00

PUMA Men's Tech MA Sneaker PUMA

$94.95 - $100.00

PUMA Unisex Benecio Canvas Drip Sneaker PUMA

$50.00

Official World Cup 2010 Mini soccer ball

2011-03-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

Product Features

Official World Cup 2010 Mini soccer ball
Nylon-wound carcass/TPU blend ensures durability
Butyl bladder offers superior air retention
Excels in all weather conditions; machine-stitched
Authorized ball of World Cup 2010 in South Africa

YOU CAN GET Official World Cup 2010 Mini soccer ball HERE

Product Description

Get World Cup fever with the adidas® World Cup 2010 South Africa Repliqué match ball. Jabulani, the name given to the official ball, means "to celebrate" in isiZulu.

The World Cup Repliqué Soccer Ball features 11 colors, representing the 11 official languages of South Africa, the 11 diverse South African communities that exist throughout the country, and the 11 players on the pitch.
YOU CAN GET Official World Cup 2010 Mini soccer ball HERE

The design features eight panels, bigger sweet spots, and an all-new grip 'n groove profile. The grip is enhanced with a raised micro structure to give strikers more precision, while aerodynamic grooves allow this ball cut straight through the air like an arrow. The 11 different colors on the ball represent the 11 official languages of South Africa, the 11 diverse South African communities that exist throughout the country, and the 11 players on the pitch.

About adidas
The vision of company founder Adolf Dassler has long become reality, and his corporate philosophy the guiding principle for successor generations. The idea was as simple as it was brilliant. Adi Dassler’s aim was to provide every athlete with the best possible equipment. It all began in 1920, when Adi Dassler made his first shoes using the few materials available after the First World War.

The adidas name dates back to 1948, deriving from the first two syllables of Adi Dassler’s first and last name. One year later, Adi Dassler registered the Three Stripes as a trademark. After a period spanning almost 70 years, the Dassler Family withdrew from the company in 1989, and the enterprise was transformed into a corporation ("Aktiengesellschaft"). French-born Robert Louis-Dreyfus was Chairman of the Executive Board from April 1993 to March 2001. It was he who initiated adidas’ flotation on the stock market in November 1995. adidas--a name that stands for competence in all sectors of sport around the globe. Today, the adidas product range extends from shoes, apparel and accessories for basketball, soccer, fitness and training to adventure, trail and golf.

YOU CAN GET Official World Cup 2010 Mini soccer ball HERE

adidas World Cup 2010 Mini Soccer Ball

Really both are Larissa Riquelme, the hottest fans of world cup ?

2010-07-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Let's see two pictures below, the first images taken during the World Cup in 2006, and the second picture was taken at the 2010 World Cup.with the expression of the same fans, who may be the same breast size, and almost protruding nipples
Whether the two pictures below are Paraguay fan Larissa Riquelme , whose name has suddenly soared after he promised to run naked if his country win the World Cup team 21 010
there may be pro and contra, but lets enjoy it .. :)

Larissa Riquelme at World Cup 2006

Larissa Riquelme at World Cup 2010

Larissa Riquelme - Cute and SEXY Paraguay Fan

2010-07-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

Since she was spotted in the crowd during Monday's World Cup match between Italy and Paraguay, the image of this big-breasted Guaraniés fan and her conveniently placed Nokia cell phone has made its way onto computer screens around the world.
Now we have a name to put with that chest face. Meet Larissa Riquelme, Paraguay's hottest fan.
As an Italian, it pained me to see Paraguay open the scoring during the first half of their match, but I guess it was a small price to pay in order to see Larissa and her fun-bags jump up and down in celebration. With the tie against Italy, the knockout stage appears to be a real possibility for Paraguay, which means we may get the opportunity to see a lot more of these sweater jersey-puppets.
Want to see more of the beatiful Larissa Riquelme (larissariquelme.com) visit her at her website. Thanks to her manager Nino for sending exclusive pics to Total Pro Sports.

Keep your phone safe: Larissa Riquelme cheers on her compatriots in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion

Great support: Paraguayan model Larissa Riquelme reacts during a public screening of the World Cup soccer match between Paraguay and Japan in downtown Asuncion

Bold promise: Football-mad Larissa has promised to strip of if her team goes all the way in South Africa

Larissa Riquelme Nude in the newspaper Diario Popular to keep herpromises

2010-07-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Larissa Riquelme, a famous model from Paraguay prove his promise to take off all her clothes. But instead of running along the streets of Asuncion, voluptuous women that appear naked for the Argentine newspaper, Diario Popular

In the picture looks Larissa's bare without a thread on his body. Diario Popular Larissa displays four images. Among the images it looks exciting in a state Larissa stood with closed chest and another in sleep keadan complete with Paraguayan flags behind him. This photo was taken at Asuncion on July 6, 2010.

Not this time Larissa showcase her beauty. The nickname "The Bride of the World Cup" is inherent even in 25-year-old woman. It got the nickname after promising to run naked in the streets of Asuncion, Paraguay won the World Cup when in 2010.

"I made a promise and it was not anything I can do. But the Paraguayan national team has become a hero during the World Cup in South Africa and even more in the last match, "said Larissa told the magazine Popular, which had a photo of her naked.

Paraguay eliminated from World Cup after a 1-0 defeat of Spain in the quarterfinal.

The 25 Hottest World Cup WAGS of Emerging-Market Countries 3

2010-06-12T10:04:00.001-07:00

Cameroon

Georgette Eto'o
Player: Samuel Eto'o

Mexico

Jaydy Michel
Player: Rafael Marquez

Rossana Najera
Player: Cuauhtemoc Blanco

South Africa

Sonia Bonneventia
Player: Matt Booth

RELATED :

The 25 Hottest World Cup WAGS of Emerging-Market Countries 2

2010-06-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Australia

Sheree Murphy
Player: Kewell

Janelle Garcia
Player: Richard Garcia

Brazil

Caroline Celico
Player: Kaka

Susana Werner
Player: Júlio César

Slovakia

Barbora Lovasova

Player: Martin Skretel

New Zealand

Samantha Powell

Player: Tony Lochead

Algeria

Karima Ziani
Player: Antar Yahia

Argentina

Romanella Amato
Player: Javier Saviola

Evangelina Anderson
Player: Martín Demichelis

Yesica Toscanini
Player: Juan Román Riquelme

RELATED :

The 25 Hottest World Cup WAGS of Emerging-Market Countries

2010-06-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

So far our quest to show you the beautiful women associated with the World Cup has included the lovely ladies of South Africa and the hottest WAGs associated with the U.S. National team. While WAGS are all the rage in England and Europe, It'd be asasine for us to exclude some of the beautiful, lower-profile wives and girlfriends connected to this year's World Cup. Therefore, we've tracked down the hottest WAGs associated with countries that might classify as emerging markets to economists and I-bankers. Essentially, if you're in the G8 or European Union, you need not apply for this list, although we did decided to include G-20 countries such as South Korea, Argentina, South Africa, and Brazil. Check out the emerging market hotties after the jump.

ruguay

Zaira Nara
Player: Diego Forlan

Paraguay

Giselle Tavarelli
Player: Santa Cruz

Ivory Coast

Imogen Thomas
Player: Didier Drogba

Najah Wakil
Player: Salomon Kalou

South Korea

Lee Hye-won
Player: Ahn Jung-Hwan

Nigeria

Adaeze Yobo
Player: Joseph Yobo.

Serbia

Ena Popov
Player: Gojko Kacar

Jelena Karleusa
Player: Dusko Tosic

Ghana
Menaye Donkor
Player: Sulley Muntari

Slovenia

Zoja Trobec
Player: Samir Handanovic

Tamara
Player: Miso Breko

RELATED :

Shakira Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010)

2010-06-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 by Shakira

Music video by Shakira featuring Freshlyground performing Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song). (C) 2010 Sony Music Entertainment

N Ow let see Shakira Performing at Kick off Celebration World cup 2010

Shakira -WAKA WAKA -FIFA World Cup 2010 Celebration(HQ)

Gorgeous Shakira at the kick-off celebration concert for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

2010-06-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Shakira Looked Gorgeous At The World Cup Concert

Shakira performed “Hips Don’t Lie” and her official World Cup song, “Waka Waka” during the kick-off celebration concert for the 2010 FIFA World Cup last night at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg / Soweto.
Thankfully I found 32 pictures of the Colombian beauty in action because the director was more interested in showing useless wide angled shots of the crowd meaning we missed out on most of Shakira’s hip shaking skills.

The 20 Hottest International World Cup Soccer Team Fans Page 4

2010-06-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

5. Les France Femmes Fatale

People say french girls are some of the prettiest in the world. French soccer fans are definitely no exception to the rule. The good thing is that they always surrender.

4. Argentine Girls

In Argentina girls are everywhere: the football field, the park, the university, the gym, but remember that Argentine girls will never approach you. In that case, all you can do is stare and wonder how they got so beautiful.

3. Swedish Supermodels

Sweden is the land of blonde supermodels. It's most certainly wrong to stereotype Swedish girls. Yes. It is ...

2. Italian Renaissance Works of Art

When it comes to Italian babes, it's amore. Each one is a work of art in this gallery.

1. Beautiful Brazilian Babes

Brazil is a country that has a true passion for the sport of soccer and they always bring in the hottest fans. After checking this gallery, you'll be tempted to move there once and for good. Once there, you can split your time between attempting to mate, and avoiding being kidnapped and held for ransom.

RELATED :

The 20 Hottest International World Cup Soccer Team Fans Page 3

2010-06-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

10. Ukrainian Unicorns

There's a game on? Really? The flawless visual design of Ukrainian girls often draws mass attention away from the game.

9. Spanish Senoritas

Spanish babes are like little sparkles in the crowd and they always dress to impress. Enthusiastic Spanish supporters love to cheer on their dominant international team.

8. Russian Babes

Every country has hot fans and Russian babes, 75 percent of the time are hotties... everytime. Visual proof is below, fellas.

7. Naughty Netherlands

After checking out the gallery below, I think you'll be going Dutch 4 life. I love Dutch girls because I'm cheap like that.

6. German Babes

I was surprised at the hotness of German fans. I'm impressed Germany. I truly am impressed. And that's why you deserve the #6 spot.

RELATED :

The 20 Hottest International World Cup Soccer Team Fans Page 2

2010-06-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

15. British Slags

There's nothing better than watching the English National Team grind their way through another world cup. However watching British female fans support the British National Team is a fringe benefit.

14. Croatian Honeys

The Croatian fans in the stands always keep the fans wondering whether they should be watching the game at all, or focusing on "accidentally" getting a Crote pregnant and then having to get married to do the right thing. Yeah, that's old fashioned romance style.

13. Korean Conquerors

I must admit, a large portion of this gallery consists of Hyori Lee... But there's nothing wrong with that.

12. Polish Princesses

I'm the kinda guy that always thinks more is better. When you wished there were more pictures of Polish fans ... we heard you.

11. Portugal Senoritas

If God was a chick, then the Portuguese women were crafted in her likeness... And she must've been a big fan of World Cup soccer.

RELATED :

The 20 Hottest International World Cup Soccer Team Fans

2010-06-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

World Cup 2010 in South Africa is just a short period away and it's never too early to get into the spirit with a gallery of the hottest international world cup soccer team girls. This post is dedicated to the biggest sports tournament in the world today and to the female fans who come out to watch it wearing revealing garments of their nation's colors. Let's count down the top 20 hottest international world cup soccer team chicks.

20. Trinidad and Tobagan Temptresses

Trinidad and Tobago fans are known to be world cup darlings and these girls are happy to oblige that reputation.

19. Australian Socceroos

There's really notable about Australian soccer fans, Except their beach girls. They are smoking hot and the stands should be filled with them. After checking out these pics, it really makes me wonder what's Down Under.

18. Mexican Chickas

If you like drinking Mexicola and having siestas every afternoon, then you're a fan of Mexican culture. If you like ogling Mexican soccer fans while eating nacho chips 3 inches away from their face, you are a perv and I salute you.

17. American Biznitches

A lot of people say that American fans should be punched in the head because of their ignorance of World Cup Soccer. It's not my personal opinion but I think they have a point.

16. Swiss Babes

Some say that Switzerland is also known as the "Barry Horowitz" of World Cup soccer. That is not a good thing. Well, he did get that win that one time. Just like the Swiss. I do say Barry Horowitz would be big pimpin' with these girls, wow!

RELATED :

Top10 Sexiest Soccer WAGs

2010-06-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

You may already have your own list of the hottest WAG for the various sports, and maybe you never dreamed of becoming a sports player caused Wag, because when and success in sports, will usually many prety chicks or and sexy babes that will encircle you.
Here whwn world cup 2010 begins, I made a list of TOP 10 Soccer WAGS who will make you stare and drooling, and pumping your passion for success to be sports stars, who knows?.

10. Alena Seredova

Alena Seredova won the Miss Czech Republic title back in 1998 and soon after she finished on the fourth place at the Miss World competition. This obviously got her a lot of fame and she quickly started to appear in a lot of mens magazines showing more or less of her delightful body. But her popularity went even higher after she married Italy’s best goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who surely has great taste in women. Alena is currently working as a TV host in Italy and besides a lot of modeling work she owns a clothing line with her husband called Baci e Abbracci.

9. Bianca Kajlich

Bianca Kajlich is an American born model and actress but she’s half Czech and half Italian and probably due to her European genes she went on to marry a soccer player, Landon Donovan. Bianca was featured in Maxim’s hot 100 list twice which is just enough to tell you how hot she is. She currently stars on CBS comedy Rules of Engagement but she also appeared in a lot of other tv shows. Now, the hard part: Landon married this smoking hot girl back in September 2006 but in December 2009 the couple had an amicable split.

8. Lorena Bernal

Lorena Bernal was born in Argentina but moved to Spain when she was just a child. Her impressive beauty took her to fame in 1999 when she was crowned Miss Spain and with that a lot of magazines wanted her on their cover. Probably every soccer player from Spain wanted to date her but the lucky one was Mikel Arteta. The couple married a couple of years ago and besides modeling, Lorena also does some TV work and she even appeared in CSI: Miami once.

7. Aida Yespica

Aida Yespica is so sexy it hurts and, just like other girls from this list, she competed in her country’s Miss competition. It happened back in 2002 in Venezuela but even though she didn’t win it, her career went up like a rocket and she graced on the covers of GQ and Maxim. She moved to Italy where she also started a career in TV besides modeling and she started dating Matteo Ferrari. The couple now has a baby and this babe followed Matteo at his new team in Turkey.

6. Oksana Andersson

Oksana Andersson is a Russian born Swedish model with a perfectly shaped body that would leave any man drooling. She was initially a dancer for a sort of electronic music group but amazing look was quickly appreciated and she started a career in modeling appearing in FHM, Maxim, Nuts and many more. She was even a reality Tv contestant on the Swedish version of Paradise Hotel and for a couple of years she’s the girlfriend of Swedish player Christian Wilhelmsson.

5. Ilary Blasi

Ilary Blasi is for years one of the hottest Italian women and also one of the sexiest WAGs in the world. She’s the better half of Francesco Totti which is also one of the most popular soccer players from Italy. Ilary started her career by appearing in her first role on TV at just five years old and as she grew up and became hotter year after year she also started a modeling career. Currently she’s a TV host for a hit show in Italy and she also appears in a lot of funny ads with her husband.

4. Federica Ridolfi

So guess what? We’re still in Italy with another amazing babe who got in our list: Federica Ridolfi. This girl gained most of her fame by being the daughter of a popular Italian actor but her stunning body was surely important to make her popularity go even higher. This babe was a dancer, showgirl, model and she also appeared in a lot of Italian TV shows. She’s currently engaged to Giuliano Giannichedda and I honestly don’t have a clue who he is even though I’m pretty updated with soccer news. He’s probably an average player but if he landed this gorgeous girl he surely gained my respect.

3. Sylvie van der Vaart

Back in 2003 Sylvie van der Vaart was elected the sexiest Dutch female and since she was the most popular babe from that Holland she made a smart choice by starting a relationship with one of the most promising football players, Rafael van der Vaart. Her modeling career was going great and she surely managed to bring the best out of Rafael who became better and better and soccer and started playing for some of the best clubs in the world. He’s now at Real Madrid and she currently turned her attention to television hosting.

2. Cheryl Tweedy

Probably everyone knows who Cheryl Tweedy is and how gorgeous she is. Amazing is simply not enough to describe her beauty and not only she has a perfect body and looks incredible in any occasion but this babe is also probably the most successful babes from UK. She sings pretty damn well and she’s also a Tv personality as a judge on the reality show the X factor. For years she was featured in all kinds of lists with sexiest/most desirable women in the world and in many, many mens magazines. She was married to Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and her name was once Cheryl Tweedy Cole but the couple decided to divorce last month after that idiot cheated on her. How could you be that stupid? You’re married with one of the hottest and most successful babes in the world and you cheat on her? What an idiot. His loss, fair game.

1. Abigail Clancy

And, we kept the best for number one and we’re talking about British sensation Abby or Abigail Clancy. This babe actually became famous for being a WAG back in 2006 when she appeared in British headlines for being Peter Crouch’s girlfriend. Since then, her career has taken off and she has officially become queen of the WAGs. A lot of mens magazines wanted her on their cover and Peter Crouch was envied probably by everyone for her. He’s weird looking and he even said once that if he wasn’t a footballer he would have been a virgin so probably the fact that he’s a successful football player got Abby’s attention.

RELATED :

South Korea beat Greece in the World Cup 2010

2010-06-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

Port Elizabeth - South Korea's struggle in World Cup began in 2010 with positive results. 2-0 victory over Greece was recorded by Park Ji-sung et al. With this result, the South Korea for a while memuncaki Group B.

South Korea scored in the match in Port Elizabeth Stadium on Saturday (12/06/2010) is printed by Lee Jung-soo and Park Ji-Sung.

This victory brought the team nicknamed "Taegu Knight" led the group B standings with three points from the results once the victory of one game.

The Games
Greece opens opportunities through spurn Vassillis Torosidis in the third minute corner that welcomes football. But his kick was deviated to the left of the South Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong guarded.

Korea opened the scoring in the seventh minute. This goal started from a free kick from the left side released the Greek defense. The ball that led to the far right pole struck by Lee Jung-soo is less stringent and successful getting ripped escort Greek goalkeeper Alexandros dijagai Tzorvas.

South Korea again has a chance at minute 22. Kim Jung-woo feed into the penalty box successfully received by Lee Chung-yong. But the execution falls off the names of both are still far from target.

Five minutes later, the representative of Asia have the opportunity to mature. Breakthrough bait Park Ji-sung successfully received by Park Chu-young. Furthermore, players were numbered won ten fights back ran against Avraam Papadopoulos and stay face to face with goalkeeper Tzorvas. AS Monaco player but the execution could still dikandaskan Tzorvas.

Near the end of the first round, diagonal feed Loukas Vyntra South Korea led to the penalty box where there stood Theofanis Gekas. But goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong catch the ball first.

South Korea's further away. In minute 51, Park Ji-sung double representatives of Asia's advantage.

Gol Park originated from the mistakes of Avraam Papadopoulus control the ball. The next round of skin can be taken by Manchester United midfielder.

Park then made it through the Guard and Papadopoulus Vyntra and ending with the execution of actions that tore the Greek goal.

One hour into the game, South Korea has a number of opportunities. The first is tandukan Park Chu-Young who welcomes feedback Cha Du-ri who still pass on the Greek goal.

Next is Kim Jung-woo puncture the kick can still be thwarted by Vyntra.

Greek opportunities present in minute 67. However salto kick disposed Theofanis Gekas still hovers over the South Korean goalkeeper.

Next Dimitros Salpingidis and Pantelis Kapetanos turn creates a threat. But the efforts of two replacement players Greece has not yet been fruitless.

Invasive Salpingidis still can be caught goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong, while the kick bounced Kapetanos still above the South Korean goalkeeper.

Gekas? Ten minutes to disperse the back of the player numbered 17 this has ripe opportunity. Starting from the time the bait Giorkas Seitaridis on South Korean players, the ball fell to the feet Gekas next.

Gekas then circular motion fooled Yonghyung and release execution. But Jung Sung-ryong managed to ward off the ball with one hand.

South Korean efforts to increase the benefits of two times dikandaskan by Tzorvas. Goalkeepers numbered 12 was dismissed kick backs Lee Chungyong at minute 86 and minute Jungwoo intermittent incursion.

The composition Players

South Korea: Jung Sung-ryong, Cha Du-ri, Cho Yong-hyung, Lee Jung-soo, Lee Young-Pyo, Kim Jung-woo, Ki Sung-yong (Kim Nam-il 74 '), Lee Chung-yong (Kim Jae-sung 90 '), Park Ji-sung, Yeom Ki-hun, Park Chu-young (Lee Seung-yeoul 86')

Greece: Alexandros Tzorvas, Avraam Papadopoulos, Giourkas Seitaridis, Vassillis Torosidis, Loukas Vyntra, Giorgos Karagounis (Christos Patsatzoglu 46 ') Konstantinos Katsouranis, Alexandros Tziolis, Angelos Charisteas (Pantelis Kapetanos 60'), Theofanis Gekas, Georgios Samaras (Dimitros Salpingidis 59 ') (nar / Roz)

France detained 10 Players Uruguay at World Cup 2010

2010-06-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Cape Town - France and Uruguay had to share a single digit after the match between them in Group A ended 0-0. Uruguay himself playing with 10 men in the last 10 minutes.
The battle between two former world champions who were held at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday (06/12/2010) pm dawn, it was, lasted a flat and tend to dull.

Not many golden opportunities that can be obtained by both teams. As a result, during the 90 minutes not a single goal created.

This result makes France and Uruguay remain in third position and fourth Group A with a value of one. Above them are the same for South Africa and Mexico both have a point but their goal record of 1-1.

The game
Minutes of the sixth, the French actually reap a valuable opportunity. From Franck Ribery cross from the left wing, the ball disontek Sydney Govou but her sideways on the left goalpost Uruguay.
The young goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a mistake in the 12th minute when he failed to catch the ball in his own penalty box. Lucky it was not a fatal error and before the ball was taken, players of Uruguay, Lloris securing the round leather.

Uruguay fight back when threatened to walk a quarter hours. Controlling the ball in the penalty box, Diego Forlan off hard kick right foot which can still be rejected Lloris.
After Lloris, turn Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera acting saves in 17 minutes. Muslera dismissed ball free kick from Yoann Gourcuff left ribs.

After two such opportunities, there is no more valuable opportunities that can be printed both teams. Consequently, when the referee blew the long whistle marks the break, the score remained 0-0.
Lack of opportunities in the first half continued in the second half. In fact, new opportunities are created in the 59th minute, that is for France. Gourcuff's free-kick but the kick off to Ribery second name was widened.

Uruguay tried to find a gap through the dead ball. 63 minutes, Forlan drove a free kick hard enough to hurdle the French, but goalkeeper Lloris menjinakannya swiftly.
Forlan again failed to maximize the chances that he can be when the ball is kicked, continue breast feed from Luis Suarez, does not meet the target due to the side.

Minute 80, the force of Uruguay have one less person when Nicolas Lodeiro new entrants in the mid-second round to get a second yellow card due to violation of Bacary Sagna.
In the rest of the time, France was not able to maximize the benefits of the number of players they have. In the 88th minute, Thierry Henry's shot hit the hand looks Uruguayan players but the referee ignored Henry's penalty claims.

When the referee blew the long whistle marks the end of the game, no goal is created and the glasses became final conclusions match the two teams.

The composition of players
Uruguay: 1-Fernando Muslera; 2-Diego Lugano, 3-Diego Godin, six-Mauricio Victorino, 16-Maximiliano Pereira, 15-Diego Perez (8-Sebastian Eguren 87), 17-Egidio Arevalo, 18, Ignacio Gonzalez (14 Nicolas Lodeiro-63); 11-Alvaro Pereira, 9-Luis Suarez (13-Sebastian Abreu 73), 10-Diego Forlan.

France: 1-Hugo Lloris; 2-Bacary Sagna, 3-Eric Abidal, 5-William Gallas, 13-Patrice Evra; 8-Yoann Gourcuff (15-Florent Malouda 75), 14-Jeremy Toulalan, 19-Abou Diaby; 10 -Sidney Govou (11-Pierre Andre Gignac 85), 21-Nicolas Anelka (12-Henry 71), 7-Franck Ribery

WorldCup 2010 First Match !

2010-06-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

WorldCup 2010 First Match !

Mexican player Rafael Marquez, interrupting the host South Africa's hopes for winning the 2010 World Cup opening match. Marquez scored the equalizer 79 minutes into 1-1 after 59 minutes before the players Siphiwe Tshabalala of South Africa World Cup opened the scoring with a beautiful kick into the top left corner of the goal of Mexico. Marquez controlled the ball from Andres Guardado's cross, in order to conquer the South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, in a game that took place in a high tempo.

Mexico performed better than the host throughout the match, but the Bafana Bafana team is winning first through a goal from Tshabalala. South Africa is actually still have a chance to win the game but at the end of the game Katlego attacker has successfully passed the goalkeeper Oscar Perez, but his kick on the goalposts. But seeing the overall appearance, upbringing team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's Brazilian was lucky to be called a draw in the match in front of an estimated 84 490 spectators at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg.

Let's see how the goals and goal opportunities occur, in the first game of the 2010 World Cup, from the video below

WorlCup 2010 South Africa 1-0 Mexico GOAL S.Tshabalala (11/06/10)

WORLD CUP 2010 South Africa vs Mexico [1-1] GOAL Rafael Marquez

Fanatic World Cup Fans

2010-06-09T02:51:00.000-07:00

Look the coolest Fanatic World Cup Fans
to support their national team at worldCup

NETHERLAND WorldCup Fans

TUNISHIAN WorldCup Fans

ITALY WorldCup Fans

United States WorldCup Fans

Best WorldCup Football Fans

2010-06-09T01:21:00.000-07:00

WorldCup Fifa World football party in 2010 will begin again, let's look behind the class of fan excitement and craziness of the 2006 World CupWe have seen videos from Youtube madness and joy Fans WorldCup

FIFA World Cup 2010 - Compatible with Nintendo™ Wii

2010-05-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

FIFA World Cup 2010
Electronic Arts

Compatible with Nintendo™ Wii
For US/Canada systems.

ORDER HERE (limited available)

EA SPORTS™ celebrates the single largest sporting event on the planet with the only official and exclusively licensed videogame for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Experience all the emotion and passion of the world¡¦s fiercest national rivalries as you live the dream of competing against fans from around the world for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Take on the challenge of leading your home nation from qualification right through to a virtual re-creation of the FIFA World Cup Final™ and feel what it is like to score the goal that lifts a nation.

For the first time ever, play out the 2010 FIFA World CupTM in a full and authentic online tournament mode. Carry the hopes and dreams of your favourite nation into battle against fans from rival countries. Compete under the same conditions your real-world heroes will face in South Africa, from the group stage through the knockout rounds to the chance to be crowned 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa TM champion. For fans of nations that failed to qualify for South Africa this is the chance to replay and re-write history. Plus, earn individual and team points to prove your nation is the best in Battle of the Nations.

ORDER HERE

Spectacularly presented in true-to-life detail, EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ features all 199 national teams that took part in qualification, all 10 officially licensed stadiums to be used in South Africa and stadiums from each qualifying region. Everything fans love about the World Cup comes to life in stunning detail, including confetti cannons, streamers, & fireworks¡Xjust like the official tournament. Plus, supporters who follow their heroes to South Africa will be in the stands waving their country¡¦s flag, holding giant banners and cheering in their native language.

EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup features a more sophisticated, faster-paced and responsive version of the market-leading EA SPORTS football engine that drives the award-winning FIFA 11¡Xthe highest rated sports game on this console generation. Gameplay innovations capture the journey from qualification to the final tournament with home and away strategies for every nation, situational tactics in-game, and altitude affects that fatigue players faster and even impact the flight of the ball.

ORDER HERE

Win the 2010 FIFA World Cup ¡X Compete as one of 199 teams from qualification right through to a virtual reproduction of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. Play in any of the 10 official stadiums that come to life with the pageantry and festivity of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
2010 FIFA World Cup Online ¡X The first-ever full and authentic 2010 FIFA World Cup online tournament. Compete as your favourite country against rivals in the group stage through the knockout rounds to be crowned 2010 FIFA World Cup champion. Navigate the Globe to locate top countries and opponents among all 199 participating nations.
Spectacular Presentation: 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ comes to life in spectacular fashion with all the emotion and pageantry of the official tournament, including all 10 official licensed stadiums. Experience confetti cannons, streamers, giant banners, seat cards, flags and fireworks as if you were in South Africa.
Battle of the Nations ¡X Represent your country in the 2010 FIFA World Cup online tournament against your rivals to win global supremacy. Earn individual and team points and prove your nation is the best. Every performance is rated, recorded and uploaded and your ratings all count towards player and nation leaderboards.
Home & Away Tactics ¡X CPU mimics international football by creating strategic, defensive formations for weaker teams playing away from home. Plus, weaker teams raise their level of play on their home pitch.
Altitude Effects ¡X Less air resistance at altitude means the ball travels faster and further. Plus, player will noticeably fatigue faster and their stamina challenged while playing in cities at higher elevations versus sea level.
Authentic Stadiums ¡X Compete in all 10 official stadiums of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Bethany Dempsey - Bodypainting Soccer WAG

2010-05-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

Bethany Dempsey, 26, is an educational psychologist and the wife of US soccer player Clint Dempsey. Bethany and Clint have a daughter, Elyse. This is Bethany's first modeling experience and her first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Now let see these Bodypainting of Bethany Dempsey Work

Abbey Clancy - Bodypainting Soccer WAG

2010-05-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Now Fiancee of English Striker Peter Crouch join with club,

Abbey Clancy , 23, was discovered on the UK television show Next Top Model. Born in Liverpool, Abbey has appeared in campaigns for Matalan, Pepsi Max and Lynx, and has also appeared in InStyle, GQ and GQ Style. This is Abbey's first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Wanna know how these fiancee English Striker will attack you with her bodypainting check immediately following

Now See How did Abbey Clancy Bodypainting do, just check this video below

Melissa Satta - Body Painting Soccer WAG

2010-05-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Melissa Satta was known as girlfriend of ex italian striker Christian Vieri.

Melissa Satta was born in Boston but spent part of her youth in Sardinia, Italy. Satta began working as a model as a teenager, and after graduating from college, moved to Milan to pursue her career. Melissa has played for a professional soccer team in Sardinia and has appeared in advertising campaigns for PEUGEOT 107. This is Satta’s first appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

and now let see Melissa Satta - Body Painting Process

Sarah Brandner - Body Painting Soccer WAG

2010-05-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

After her appearance in the arena of Euro 2008 Bastian Schweinsteiger girlfriend of German national team players returned to the show, this time appearing with Sarah Brandner not use anything on her except the paint.
Sarah Brander bend are canting beautiful bodies perpetuated by Yu Tsai photographer in New York, Bodypaint by Joanne Gair. Swimsuit 2010 team

So I think, do Bastian Schweinsteiger like Sarah Brandner wrapped in the paint or whether when, without at all:), and whether the Sarah Brander will be present at the World Cup 2010 later, .. We just wait
now we just check out the beauty of Sarah Brandner bodypainting

and now lets check what Sarah Brandner say about Body Painting Soccer WAG

Toni dreaming of South Africa spot Print Email my friend Share RSS Add your comment 7 Toni dreaming of South Africa spot

2010-04-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

On-loan AS Roma forward Luca Toni said he is still dreaming of a place in Italy coach Marcello Lippi's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ squad after bouncing back to form since the turn of the year.

Toni has featured little since Lippi came back to the helm following Italy's quarter-final exit at the UEFA EURO 2008 two years ago.

And after being frozen out at Bayern Munich over the first half of the season his chances of a FIFA World Cup call up seemed to have disappeared. But a loan move to the Italian capital as helped rejuvenate not just the 32-year-old but also his chance of heading to South Africa, although he recognises that there is a lot of competition for the striker positions.

I've had some good games and I've got my form back. If I do go it will be a dream, otherwise I'll still be supporting Italy.

Luca Toni

"There's many of us in contention for the Italy shirt, Lippi already has his ideas on his squad. I hope to go, he knows me well," said Toni. "I've had some good games and I've got my form back. If I do go it will be a dream, otherwise I'll still be supporting Italy."

As for his club future, Toni admitted he doesn't know where he will be playing next season. He has made it clear he would like to stay in Rome and reiterated that as long as Luis van Gaal is the Bayern coach, he cannot see a future in Bavaria.

"I have to think about finishing the last three games on a high. I've still got a contract with Bayern, my relationship with the club is very good but if van Gaal stays it will be difficult for me to do so," he said. "We'll get together around a table and decide what's best for everyone. They helped me a lot in coming to Rome and I have to thank them for that."

Rooney: Knocks could be a blessing

2010-04-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney believes England will benefit from his recent injury problems as he will be revitalised for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Rooney gave the nation a fright when he missed Manchester United's victory over Tottenham on Saturday because of groin damage sustained in training. The 24-year-old had just returned from an ankle problem that forced him to miss two matches and England coach Fabio Capello can ill-afford any further setbacks to his most influential player.

The 9 May English Premier League clash with Stoke has been set as the return date for the newly-crowned Professional Footballers' Association player of the year. "I'm pleased to have done well in a World Cup year but it's been a difficult last couple of months injury-wise," said Rooney. "I'm disappointed to have missed a couple of games over the last few weeks.

No one likes watching football if you're a player, it's difficult knowing you can't influence the game. It's frustrating.

Wayne Rooney

"No one likes watching football if you're a player, it's difficult knowing you can't influence the game. It's frustrating," he went on. "But if there's any consolation I'll probably be fresher for the World Cup, which will be good for me."

Rooney's outstanding form this season ensures he carries the nation's hopes in South Africa, but he insists England are not a one-man team and that they are capable of winning the tournament. "We have a lot of world-class players in the team and a great manager," he said. "If I get injured then so be it, there are other players there to do the job.

"There's a lot of hype but that's something you must live with," Rooney added. "Success in South Africa would be to win the trophy. We've definitely got a good enough squad to do that. In the qualifying games we played extremely well and were disappointed to not win all the games. We'll prepare well for the finals and hopefully we can bring the trophy back home."

United pressing
On the domestic front, Rooney hopes to help United claim a fourth successive Premier League crown before jetting off for South Africa. Chelsea sit one-point clear at the top of the table with two matches remaining and on paper they have the trickier run in with fixtures against Liverpool and Wigan to come.

The fate of the title race remains in their hands but Rooney insists United must be ready to pounce should they falter. "I'm enjoying the title race. We need Chelsea to slip up now so hopefully Liverpool or Wigan can do us a favour," he said. "Liverpool are a proud club with a lot of history and I'm sure they'll want to win that game as they're fighting for the Europa League. We just have to try and win our last two games. If Liverpool or Wigan can help us out we'll be happy."

Ryan Giggs took over the penalty-taking duties for Saturday's 3-1 victory over Spurs, converting twice from the spot, but Rooney will resume the responsibility upon his comeback. "No I don't think I've lost the penalty-taker's job - Giggsy scored two great pens but I'll be back on it when I get back!" he said.

Deco: We can go a long way

2010-04-27T04:47:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of December's Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, though perhaps less so for the teams involved, was the emergence of a mouthwatering section containing Brazil, Portugal, Côte d’Ivoire and Korea DPR.

The prospect of 25 June’s clash between A Seleção and A Selecção das Quinas in Durban in particular sparked a huge amount of column inches, thanks to the countries’ historical connection, recent encounters between the two teams and the clutch of Brazilian-born stars turning out in Portuguese colours. Anderson Luis de Souza, better known as Deco, is one such player, a man inextricably caught up in the Brazil versus Portugal debate throughout his career. Born in Sao Bernardo do Campo in Sao Paulo state, the midfielder arrived on Portuguese shores at the age of 20 in 1997 and stayed until 2004.

It was in March 2003 that he was controversially called up by compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari to play his first game for Portugal: a friendly against none other than Brazil. Underlining the strength of character that has marked his hugely successful career, Deco joined the fray as a substitute and scored the winner in a 2-1 success.

In addition to that baptism of fire, Deco started another Portuguese victory over the country of his birth, a 2-0 friendly win in London in February 2007 that inflicted Dunga’s first defeat as Brazil coach. Yet there has been despair as well as joy in these encounters, and the Chelsea midfielder will remember well a humbling 6-2 mauling in Brasilia in November 2008.

All in all, FIFA.com could barely have picked a better person to comment on the teams’ South Africa 2010 showdown, and assess Portugal’s chances of emulating their run to the last four at Germany 2006.

FIFA.com: Deco, you were part of the Portugal team that reached the last four at the FIFA World Cup four years ago. What do you remember about that tournament?

Deco: The World Cup is something else. It’s the biggest thing a national team player can aspire to: there’s nothing to compare to it. I put in some good performances but that competition was also a bit of a struggle, as I took a knock early on in the tournament that prevented me from finding my best form. But I do remember it being an excellent World Cup for us. We played well in the semi-final and only just lost to France. In the end the only goal went to them and we missed out on reaching the final. In general terms it was an excellent World Cup.

What are the main differences between the squad that travelled to Germany 2006 and the one that will go to South Africa 2010, both in terms of the players and the respective coaches: Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlos Queiroz?A lot of the players in the Portugal squad in 2006 are no longer part of the set-up, so we’ve got a lot of players who’ll be playing in their first major competition. I think that the quality is just as high, though we don’t have the same level of experience we had in 2006. The same could be said about our dugout: Felipão (Scolari) had already won the World Cup with Brazil and led Portugal at [UEFA] EURO 2004, while this will be Queiroz’s first big competition at the helm. But he’s an excellent coach who’ll have a very good squad of players at his disposal. That’s why I think we’ve got all the necessary ingredients to be successful.

I’m Brazilian but I took the nationality of a country where I spent many years and which gave me everything. That’s all there is to it.

Deco on his allegiances

Do think Portugal are among the favourites?
No, because the favourites are those national teams with a World Cup pedigree, something that Portugal, who have never won the Trophy, don’t have. So, we can’t be considered among the favourites. That said, we do have a team boasting plenty of quality, with great players and which can go a long way at the finals.

Given the talented players that Portugal have had over the years, what has prevented them winning major titles at senior international level?

Listen, it’s not easy to win the World Cup. After all, there’s a good reason why so few countries have done it so far. There are great teams that have never won a World Cup, because often the difference can be made by tiny details, like having a bit of luck at a decisive moment. It’s hard to put your finger on.

There has been a lot of talk this season about Real Madrid’s alleged dependence on Cristiano Ronaldo, but the same be said of Portugal?

We won several games without Cristiano and equally we’ve won games with him on the field. Nowadays you just don’t get big teams depending on just one player. Manchester United have done very well since Ronaldo left, Madrid have won games without him, as have Portugal. Of course you notice the absence of any great player, there’s no doubt about that, but the Portuguese national side isn’t dependent on him. It’s only natural that teams want their best players available and miss them when they’re not. That being the case, given he’s one of the world’s best players, he is important to us.

The Brazil-Portugal game is packed with sub-plots regarding Brazilian-born players now turning out for Portugal. As a veteran of this debate, will the experience of having played against A Seleção on three occasions prove useful?

It’s an interesting experience, no doubt about it, but a friendly is totally different to a game at the World Cup. It’s good that I’ve already gone through that experience and already know what it means to play against Brazil, the difference that it makes. But the World Cup is still a different story. Anyway, we mustn’t think that there’s any negative feeling, on the contrary. I’m Brazilian but I took the nationality of a country where I spent many years and which gave me everything. That’s all there is to it. At the end of the day, it’s just another big game. To be honest, at the moment I think our opening game is our biggest challenge. If we can win our opener against Côte d’Ivoire, we’ve got a great chance of progressing. Whichever team loses that match will find it very difficult to reach the next round.

As you say, Portugal kick off against Côte d’Ivoire and round off their group-stage campaign against Brazil, currently second in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. Then in the Round of 16, a Group G side could find themselves up against the team at the top of that Ranking: Spain. What is the feeling in the camp at the prospect of facing so many big names in a short space of time?

We’re not worried about anybody. If that’s who we have to play, we’ll just get on with it. If you go to the World Cup thinking about who you’re going to play and trying to pick your opponents then you’d be better off staying at home.

At club level, do you see yourself eventually returning to Brazilian or Portuguese football?

I’m going to go back and live in Brazil for personal reasons, because my family’s there and I’ve been in Europe for 13 years now. I’ve got a huge amount of affection for Portugal and the city of Porto in particular, where I’ve got a house, but I was born in Brazil and my family is there, as is my social project the Deco Institute, in Indaiatuba. I want to go back and that’s what I’ll do when my Chelsea contract runs out in 2011. And if I’m fit enough to do a job for a Brazilian team then I’ll come back and play too.

Altidore: England don't scare us

2010-04-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

USA's Jozy Altidore certainly cuts an imposing figure out on the pitch, thanks to a muscular 1.90m frame ideally suited to the target-man position. Indeed, it is in this role that he has proved vital to the success of the Stars and Stripes, with coach Bob Bradley expecting a great deal from the 20-year-old at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Off the field, however, Altidore has recently had much to endure, including personal problems, a serious car accident involving close friend and fellow USA forward Charlie Davies, as well as the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, where his parents hail from. Touching on all those issues and more, Altidore sat down for an exclusive interview with FIFA.com.

FIFA.com: Jozy, tell us how you felt when you saw USA had been drawn against England, Algeria and Slovenia at South Africa 2010?Jozy Altidore: I’m delighted about the group we’ve been drawn in. I think that all of us in the United States agree that we’re in a group which will allow us to play our football. We’ll be up against a world force in England and two quick teams in Slovenia and Algeria, and I think these opponents really suit our style of play.

Is there any anxiety about taking on a big name like England in your first group game?England don't scare us, on the contrary, we’re really looking forward to that match. I think that we’re capable of beating anybody on our day and there’s no team in the world that can beat us easily. We’re up to the challenge and the English will realise that when we meet them.

What lessons did USA learn from reaching the final of last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup?That anything can happen. Nobody expected us to go so far and play such a high standard of football. But it also taught us that we mustn’t rest on our laurels. We were beating Brazil 2-0 (in the final), putting in an excellent performance and we felt that we had the win in the bag. Of course, you can’t do that against a team of Brazil’s calibre and we all know what the final score was [A Seleção emerged 3-2 winners]. But it was a good lesson to learn.

Your career seems to be progressing well, but how are things on a personal level?I’ve been through a lot over the last two or three years that people don’t know about. Then came the car accident involving my friend Charlie. And just when I was trying to put that behind me, suddenly the earthquake struck in Haiti. You have to be strong and not let the sadness weigh you down. I’m still trying to get over that bad period, but I’ve got help from my family, who’ve been fantastic.

Could you expand a little on the problems you have been through in previous years?I had family issues which stopped me from focusing completely on football and affected my performances. Things are better now and I’ve vowed to myself that this will be the year I return to the very top, taking full advantage of the World Cup. I’m certain that 2010 will be my year.

Can you tell us more about Charlie Davies’s situation?Charlie is like a brother to me, so his accident was a terrible blow. But I’m happy to see how well he’s recovered. I think he’s surprised a lot of people, not just me, and I really confident that he’ll be joining us on our South Africa adventure because he’s got talent to spare.

It's not impossible. We already proved what we’re capable of at the Confederations Cup, so why not at the World Cup?

Jozy Altidore on USA's chances of reaching the South Africa 2010 Final

Given that your family hails from Haiti, how affected were you by the earthquake that struck in January?That was a tragedy which was hard to swallow. I’ve got family there and it’s impossible to imagine how it feels to go three or four days without being able to speak to or locate them. So many lives were lost, I lost so many friends. That’s why I got involved in the aid effort, to try and make people aware of the terrible state the Haitian people were in and just how much their support was needed.

Turning back to your professional career, why do you think you have enjoyed success on the international scene while struggling to establish yourself at club level?I think it has to do with the sheer quality of my national team colleagues. If you look at their CVs you can see just how much each one has achieved during their careers. Things are different at Hull (City), a team which is battling against relegation. That makes every goalscoring opportunity, every point and every win valuable. As far as I’m concerned, I aim to give as much as possible to the team whatever the circumstances, though that’s not reflected in my (goalscoring) stats.

Do you regret not staying at Villarreal?I knew that it (moving to England) was not going to be easy. Hull is a very different place to Villarreal and New York, where I’d played previously. In terms of the style of play, when I went I was perfectly aware that I was joining a team where I wasn’t going to score lots of goals. It was a challenge and a decision that I’d really thought through. I don’t regret it at all.

As a striker, do you follow your instinct or do you try and visualise how a game might pan out beforehand?I always try to visualise what might happen. I think that’s very important to make sure you’re ready when things happen for real. I try to see moves in my head so I’m ready when I need to be.

You were the youngest player to score for the senior USA side and the first American to score in La Liga. What next, becoming the first USA player to score in the FIFA World Cup Final?That would be fantastic and it’s not impossible. We already proved what we’re capable of at the Confederations Cup, so why not at the World Cup?

Alcaraz and Albirroja aim for semis

2010-04-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

Keen for the praise to fall on those who earned it most, Antolin Alcaraz positively glowed with gratitude as he savoured Paraguay’s recent form. “The success of this team is down to the coach,” the defender told , with just two months to go before he and his colleagues touch down in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Called up for the first time in November 2008, the Club Brugge centre-back owes his stint with La Albirroja to Gerardo Martino, but his respect for Paraguay’s national coach owes little to self-interest. Instead, Alcaraz is as eager as anyone to analyse the reasons why Paraguay enjoyed their best ever FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, having hit the 30-point mark for the first time under the current format. “If the squad is united, with a sense of togetherness and characters who complement each other, as well as a friendship that reaches beyond the pitch, then that’s down to him,” he explained. “Psychologically, he’s very good with the players.”

An ever-present figure in the Argentinian coach’s squad on the road to South Africa, the 28-year-old has become one of Martino’s most fervent supporters. “He made good decisions by making form the most important factor,” said Alcaraz. “He chooses the best players, without hesitating to leave the stars on the bench when they’re not playing so well. He’s also had the intelligence to bring new players into the national team, which gives us more options in case of injury or lack of form among the senior players. He does a huge amount of watching games and finds players no matter what league they’re in, as with Enrique Vera in Ecuador. That’s increased competition for places.”

"Making the last four is a possibility, but once again we have to be aware of our strengths without overestimating them."

Antolin Alcaraz on Paraguay's aim.

It is an approach that has clearly worked wonders, with Paraguay clinching ten victories during the qualifiers and ultimately securing themselves a place at the global showcase without too much fuss. However, as they gear up for their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup finals, Los Guaraníes must now deal with the consequences of their success and meet raised expectations back home.

“Everyone in the country thinks we’ll get past the Round of 16,” said Alcaraz. “Hopes are high because the Paraguayan media sees our group as not very difficult, and we're expected to go through behind Italy.” Despite never having appeared in a previous edition of world football’s leading tournament, the stopper knows better than to assume any opponents will prove straightforward. “There are always surprises at a World Cup,” he added. “Every team that’s qualified is very solid, whether they’re a big name or not. We absolutely have to treat every opponent the same way.”

He chooses the best players, without hesitating to leave the stars on the bench when they’re not playing so well.

Antolin Alcaraz on Gerardo Martino.

To help him keep his feet on the ground, the former Beira Mar stopper need only listen to Martino, who will not be taking fellow Group F hopefuls New Zealand and Slovakia lightly. “There are no more easy teams,” said the 47-year-old. “Favourite status has to be earned on the pitch.” Also contributing to the sense of perspective are the worrying question marks over the fitness of Salvador Cabanas, the team’s leading scorer in qualifying with six strikes. “His absence would be a huge loss,” said Alcaraz.

Should Cabanas fail to make the trip, Paraguay can nonetheless call upon some high-quality forwards, with the likes of Roque Santa Cruz, Oscar Cardozo and Nelson Haedo Valdez really marking the current crop out from previous Albirroja generations. “Making the last four is a possibility, but once again we have to be aware of our strengths without overestimating them,” said Alcaraz, who began his career with Racing Club in Argentina. “There’s a lot of confidence in this squad and I know we will go far. How far, I don’t know, but we have what’s required to reach the semi-finals; I’m sure of it.”

Martino’s men will not have to wait long to take an early measure of their potential, as they face world champions Italy in their very first group outing. “I prefer playing them right at the start as opposed to facing them in the last game if they still need points to go through,” concluded Alcaraz. “Taking on Italy in a decisive match for them would be a big ask.” Perhaps, but lining up a Paraguay team soaring with confidence would no doubt prove a big ask for Gli Azzurri too. (fifa.com)

Ibra questionable for Arsenal

2010-04-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a major doubt for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with Arsenal after suffering a right leg injury. The Swede, who scored both goals in the 2-2 draw in the first leg in London last week, pulled up in the pre-match warm-up to Saturday's 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao which put Barcelona top of La Liga. Ibrahimovic is also a doubt for Saturday's 'El Clasico' against Real Madrid. "He is not ruled out of Tuesday's match by any means, but it will be difficult for him to play," said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola. "He already had some problems after the first game in London."

Barcelona are already without Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol through suspension for Tuesday's clash.

That has already forced Guardiola to reshuffle his back-line and now he needs to change his first-choice striker with Thierry Henry and Bojan Krkic, who scored twice on Saturday, candidates to deputise.

Qatar SC seal fourth spot

2010-04-03T23:09:00.001-07:00

Three-time Qatar League champions Qatar SC secured fourth spot in the standings by defeating lowly Al Khraitiat 2-0 in the final round of matches today.Qatar SC, who will compete at the Qatar Crown Prince Cup later this month, claimed their 11th win this season to advance to 38 points - one ahead of Al Rayyan, who defeated Al Shamal 3-0 tonight. Qatar striker Sebastian Soria put Qatar SC ahead after 12 minutes and sealed their win with 10 minutes remaining.

Al Arabi, who also qualified for the Qatar Crown Prince Cup, made sure of third spot with a 3-2 win over Al Wakra.

Brazilian striker Cabore gave Al Arabi the lead five minutes before the break and Mohamad Salem Al Mal made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half.

Hassan Al Qadi pulled a goal back for Al Wakra two minutes later and Moroccan midfielder Adil Ramzi levelled the scores 14 minutes from time, but Cabore's penalty in the last minute secured the points for Al Arabi.

Meanwhile, 2010 AFC Cup qualifiers Al Rayyan took the lead against Al Shamal after 37 minutes through Abdulkarim Al-Ali. Omani striker Imad Al Hosni doubled their advantage after 66 minutes and Brazilian frontman Afonso Alves converted a late penalty to seal the triumph.

The league season will be concluded tomorrow, when champions Al Gharafa take on Al Ahli, Al Sadd meet Al Khor and Umm Salal face Al Siliya.

Bent a hero despite misses

2010-04-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce saluted match-winner Darren Bent despite seeing him miss two penalties in a 3-1 win over his former club Tottenham.The England international took his tally for the season to 23 with a quick-fire first-half double, but was then twice denied from the spot by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who also saved a Bent penalty at White Hart Lane earlier in the season.

Bruce was in no mood to blame his £10million summer signing for the misses having himself experienced the misery of failing from 12 yards during his playing days at Manchester United. "We mustn't forget he has won us the game. Okay, he is disappointed that he has missed two penalties, but all good players miss penalties," he said.

We mustn't forget he has been fantastic and again, he has got two goals for us. It could have been a wonder-day for him, couldn't it? It wasn't quite, but he has been fantastic for Sunderland and these things happen.

Steve Bruce after Darren Bent scored two goals but missed two penalties against Spurs

"I have done so myself," he continued. "I lost to Sheffield United and then I lost in Russia. I remember [then-United chairman] Mr [Martin] Edwards saying, 'Thanks Steve, you have just cost us £12million'. Great players can miss penalties. No, in seriousness, we mustn't forget he has been fantastic and again, he has got two goals for us. It could have been a wonder-day for him, couldn't it? It wasn't quite, but he has been fantastic for Sunderland and these things happen. It made my life a little bit uncomfortable for a while, but it was a wonderful spectacle."

In a remarkable game, Sunderland raced into 2-0 lead within 29 minutes, and inevitably, it was Bent who did the damage. He struck for the first time with 36 seconds on the clock after Gomes could only parry Fraizer Campbell's header, and then converted from the spot after Kyle Walker had handed to take his tally for the season to 23.

But he saw two second-half penalties saved by Gomes as the Black Cats failed to kill the game off, and that might have proved costly when Peter Crouch reduced the deficit 18 minutes from time just seconds after coming on as a substitute. Home nerves were calmed four minutes from time when Sunderland substitute Bolo Zenden steered home a sumptuous volley to all but mathematically guarantee his side's place in next season's top flight.

Bruce, however, insists there is still work to be done. "I think 38 [points] is not quite going to be enough," he said. "I have never, ever thought we would be involved in a relegation battle - I don't know what all the fuss is about. We have got to try to catch Stoke and Blackburn. At the moment, where I see us is arguably third off top in our league. That's got to be the aim, to finish as high as we can in our league. We could all pick our top eight, but we have got to get Sunderland in and around that 10th position, and that's what we will aim to do."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, who sold Bent to Sunderland, was philosophical about the striker's contribution to the game. "It doesn't bother me, good luck to him. He's in good form, he scored a couple of goals, so what?" he said.

The defeat ended a run of five successive league victories for Spurs, but Redknapp is still convinced they can win the battle for fourth place."It's still wide-open, we just need to get one or two players back, that's our problem," said Redknapp. "From the neutral's point of view, it was probably a great game. [Sunderland] were up for it today - they don't play like that every week, do they? But today, they were full of it. They chased every ball, they pressed, they worked - they played very well today. Full credit to Sunderland."

City go fourth with six

2010-04-03T23:06:00.000-07:00

Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice as Manchester City climbed into fourth place in the Premier League with a crushing 6-1 win over struggling Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

With Tottenham's 3-1 loss to Sunderland earlier in the day, City knew a win would put them in pole position in the race for fourth place and the final Champions League spot. Roberto Mancini's side rose to the challenge with a stylish display and they now have 59 points - one more than fifth-placed Tottenham.

City were 3-0 up after seven minutes and 5-0 ahead by half-time in the teeming Lancashire rain. Adebayor's double and one each from Craig Bellamy, Carlos Tevez and Patrick Vieira put the result beyond doubt by the interval. Vincent Kompany made it 6-0 before Burnley finally showed some attacking nous when Steven Fletcher curled a shot over Shay Given into the far corner in the 72nd minute.

This was a matchup between one of the wealthiest clubs in the world against the club with the smallest budget in the Premier League - City substitute Roque Santa Cruz's 17 million pound price tag last year was more than Burnley's playing budget for the whole of this season.

Adebayor emphasised the difference between the clubs as he started the goal rush in the fourth minute, controlling a corner from Adam Johnson and volleying past Brian Jensen. Bellamy was completely unmarked when he doubled the score in the fifth minute, collecting a cross from Tevez to score.

Tevez then tapped in a rebound from Adebayor to score City's third, taking advantage of hesitant goalkeeping from Jensen. That resulted in Burnley manager Brian Laws losing his cool on the touchline, the crowd jeering their team and several fans heading for the exits. The Clarets have yet to win a Premier League game this season after conceding the first goal and City were far from finished.

Vieira scored his first goal for City since moving from Inter Milan in January and his first in the Premier League in five years, rising to head home a Johnson cross in the 20th minute. Adebayor made it 5-0 in 44th, taking a pass from Tevez to comfortably sprint clear and slot past Jensen.

It was a far cry from November, when Burnley earned their only away point of the season in a 3-3 draw at Manchester City. But since then Burnley have struggled with their last win coming against West Ham in February, a run of nine matches. Their best chance came from David Nugent, who forced Given to save but the ball then went straight to the other end and Vieira had a shot of his own stopped by Jensen.

Tevez then failed to connect with a Bellamy cross after fine work from Johnson and the Argentine also hit a post. Puddles appeared on the pitch in the second half as a result of the relentless rain. It affected the playing conditions but did not stop City from scoring again. Kompany was next on the scoresheet in the 58th minute, heading in unopposed from a Johnson corner.

Burnley managed to pull a goal back in the 72nd minute when Fletcher scored after being played on by Jack Cork. But Burnley seemed to have given up before the game had even started. Still in the bottom three, this performance does not bode well for their survival hopes. (fifa.com)

Tunnel visions raise a smile

2010-04-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

One of football’s principal rules is that a game lasts 90 minutes, with all the action of interest sandwiched between kick-off and the referee’s final whistle. In theory, anyway. In reality, every match gets under way long before the clock starts, as the players mingle in the corridor that leads to the pitch, before likewise ending on their route back to the dressing rooms. FIFA.com now recalls some of the legendary stories and myths surrounding incidents that took place even before the teams crossed the white line.

Call it intimidation, pressure or downright scare tactics, but provoking opponents in the tunnel has long been a strategy employed to eke out a psychological advantage in the run-up to a game. When the players in question also happen to be the captains of two Premier League heavyweights and neither are known as shrinking violets, then the reverberations are enough to shake the stadiums walls.

That was the case at Arsenal’s former stronghold, Highbury, when the famous marbled halls were rattled by the aftershocks of an altercation between Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane as fellow title contenders Manchester United came to town. Rushing to the aid of his team-mate Gary Neville, who was exchanging a few choice words with Vieira, Keane pointed to his opposite number and then to the end of the narrow corridor as he warned: “I’ll see you out there. Shut your mouth, you. Every week you pretend you’re a nice guy.” That animated discussion has gone down in Premier League history, and although Vieira went on to open the scoring, it was the Red Devils who came out on top with a 4-2 success at the home of their rivals.

That tale no doubt rings true for another French player, defender Basile Boli, who was also renowned for his committed approach to the game. Before an encounter with Nantes during the 1980s, the Auxerre centre-back was entrusted with the task of keeping prolific Yugoslavian striker Vahid Halilhodzic quiet. “I won my match in the tunnel,” explained the future UEFA Champions League winner a few years later. “We were side by side in the tunnel and I said to him: ‘You’re a dead man.’ I scared the hell out of him and he did nothing all match.”

Intimidation is an integral part of football in South America too, and nowhere more so than Uruguay. La Celeste’s reputation as a team that never shies away from a challenge was cemented in the away dressing room at the Maracana ahead of the deciding match of the 1950 FIFA World Cup™. Fully aware that they were massive underdogs and overwhelmed by the 203,850 Brazil supporters who had come to watch them lose, Uruguay’s players were readying themselves to be undone by the Seleçao.

I won my match in the tunnel. We were side by side in the tunnel and I said to him: ‘You’re a dead man.’

Basile Boli on the secret to keeping Vahid Halilhodzic quiet

Obdulio Varela saw things differently, however. “Don’t think about all those people and don’t look up,” the team captain ordered his compatriots before they took to the field. “The match will happen down here, on the ground, and if we win nothing will happen. Matches are won with guts and feet.” When the final whistle blew, it was Uruguay who were crowned world champions, while the whole of Brazil wept.

A few days previously, however, it was Brazil who benefitted from a pre-match incident, when Yugoslavia’s best player Rajko Mitic had the misfortune to walk into a girder and cut his head open. That left the European side starting with ten men against the hosts, and by the time their star striker could enter the fray with his head in bandages, they had already conceded a goal to Ademir and were heading for a 2-0 reverse.

Stadium corridors can clearly be dangerous places, and half a century after Mitic’s malaise, Scottish midfielder Michael Stewart failed to heed the lesson. Sent off against Hamilton Academical, the Hearts captain made the rash decision to vent his anger by kicking the tunnel wall, only to slip and end up writhing in pain on the ground. Hearts were also involved when a referee sparked amusement in the stands by electrocuting himself on his earpiece during a match against Celtic. Thankfully, no lasting damage was done.

As for Celtic themselves, the history of the Glasgow giants was indelibly marked by a tunnel episode on their way to becoming the first British club to win a European trophy. Up against 1964 and 1965 European and world champions Inter Milan in Lisbon, Celtic looked to be major outsiders ahead of the 1967 showpiece. "There they were, all six-footers with Ambre Solaire suntans, Colgate smiles and sleek-backed hair," recalled the team's star winger, Jimmy 'Jinky' Johnstone. "Each and every one of them looked like the film star Cesar Romero. They even smelled beautiful! And there's us lot - midgets! I've got no teeth, Bobby Lennox hasn't any, and old Ronnie Simpson's got none, top or bottom. The Italians are staring down at us and we're grinning back up at them with our great gumsy grins. We must have looked like something out of the circus!"

Unperturbed, Bertie Auld opted to respond with a stirring burst of melody. The midfielder launched into the club anthem, the Celtic Song, and his team-mates followed suit, to the general surprise of the Nerazzurri. "You should have seen the expressions on the Italians' faces," chuckled captain Billy McNeill. "I think they thought they were playing a pub team!" The Serie A titans were left stunned after the final whistle too as the scoreboard told of a 2-1 victory for their Scottish opponents, and the legend of the Lisbon Lions was born.

English side Liverpool have now won Europe’s most prestigious prize five times and have long been recognised as giants of the continental game. One of the most enduring facets of their aura is the ‘This is Anfield’ sign that greets players in the tunnel just before they head out on to the pitch. Designed to faze visiting teams, it also serves to motivate the Reds themselves, with tradition dictating that each player touch the inscription for good luck. Beaten 3-1 by Liverpool at Anfield after having triumphed 1-0 at home in 1977, Saint-Etienne were perhaps persuaded by that experience to install a sign of their own, and the tunnel of their Stade Geoffroy-Guichard home now boasts the message 'Ici c’est le chaudron' (This is the Cauldron).

The Italians are staring down at us and we're grinning back up at them with our great gumsy grins. We must have looked like something out of the circus!

Jimmy Johnstone on the culture clash in the Lisbon tunnel before the 1967 European Cup final

Former St-Etienne youth prospect Gregory Coupet is another player with a tunnel story, as he owed his lengthy and successful stint with local rivals Lyon to an incident behind the scenes. The current Paris Saint-Germain custodian was in fact recruited by OL in 1997 as a replacement for Pascal Olmeta, his predecessor having been sacked by the club following a clash in the tunnel with team-mate Jean-Luc Sassus.

Nowadays, Lyon are more likely to stand united than divided in the corridors of a stadium. After their excellent recent draw at Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round, the French club’s Argentinian duo Lisandro Lopez and Cesar Delgado made a point of reminding Real defender Sergio Ramos of his pre-match prediction. “Hey, you, didn’t you say you’d win 3-0?” they asked. In the wake of Lyon’s 1-0 home leg win, the Spanish international had indeed foreseen a straightforward success for his side at the Santiago Bernabeu, but while he was forced to eat his words, he nonetheless treated his giddy opponents to a different take on the moral of the story. “You have to know how to lose but you also have to know how to win,” he told them.

Better known for his exploits with the ball at his feet, Los Merengues legend Alfredo Di Stefano could also impress away from the action. Heading into a European Cup meeting with Nice at Madrid’s old Chamartin stadium in 1960, his colleague Rial was determined to wipe out their 3-2 away-leg setback and told Di Stefano of his hunger to “win big”. The Blond Arrow replied: “First, we’re going to eat. Only after that will we think about chocolate.” Real won the match 4-0, having consumed both main course and dessert.

A few years later, Di Stefano was seeing out the twilight of his career at Espanyol. Less influential on the pitch, he could nonetheless still make waves in the tunnel and did just that during a fixture against Levante in 1964/65. Sent off, he treated Levante’s technical secretary Ramon Balaguer to a loud slap that echoed through the Estadio Vallejo as he trudged back to the dressing room.

Another Argentinian to have served the Espanyol cause, Pablo Cavallero had a friend who was a fan of the Dutch striker and then Barcelona marksman Patrick Kluivert. Ahead of a Barcelona city derby he asked Kluivert if they could swap shirts after the game, and made a point of repeating his request during added time. As the final whistle blew, Cavallero chased the former Ajax star down the tunnel to remind him of his promise. “Honestly, I was a bit embarrassed but once again I asked him: ‘Patrick, Patrick, your shirt!’” recalled the former Periquitos goalkeeper afterwards. “He gave it to me and just as I was about to take mine off to exchange it, he said: ‘No, no. that’s OK; keep it.’ I doubt he even knew my name.”

Kluivert’s predecessor at the Camp Nou, Romario, could be just as dismissive – even of his own team-mates. Ahead of his Liga debut, the Brazilian international was offered some friendly words of advice by goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta but took none too kindly to the lessons on offer. “Wait, you’re going to teach me how to score goals?” asked O Baixinho. Some 90 minutes later, Barça were toasting a 3-0 victory earned courtesy of a Romario hat-trick.

That irreverent approach has spectacularly backfired on occasion, though, as Brazil’s women’s team discovered during the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Shanghai. The Auriverde's bout of dancing and singing in the tunnel ahead of the showpiece encounter clearly irritated final opponents Germany, giving the Europeans another source of motivation as they geared up for a 2-0 success.

Lastly, while there is always plenty happening in the tunnel, it is always wise to choose the right moment before making it your destination. Former UEFA President Lennart Johansson found that out to his enormous chagrin after leaving his seat in the 90th minute of the 1999 Champions League final. Heading down to hand Bayern Munich the trophy, with the Bundesliga side leading 1-0 at the death, he passed Bobby Charlton in the bowels of the Camp Nou and told the Manchester United icon: “I’m sorry.” By the time he had left the tunnel again, United were winning 2-1 and about to clinch victory thanks to a pair of strikes in added time. (fifa.com)

Albiol: We're staying grounded

2010-04-03T02:09:00.000-07:00

Though he may not be one of Los Blancos’ biggest-name stars, there can be little doubt that centre-back Raul Albiol has been a key figure in Real Madrid’s bid for this season’s La Liga crown. Having adapted swiftly to life at the Bernabeu following his June 2009 switch from Valencia, only four of his fellow Merengue squad members have played more league minutes under coach Manuel Pellegrini than the 24-year-old, a regular in the Spanish national set-up and a member of La Roja squad which triumphed at the UEFA EURO 2008.

All of which is quite a turnaround from events just six years ago, when a car accident nearly cost the rugged defender his life. “At that time all I was thinking about was getting better, football took a back seat. It took me a while to start believing again that I could get back to playing football at the highest level. I just took things one small step at a time, working hard and improving, and now that I’m here I just want to enjoy it,” Albiol told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview.

“I’m aware of just how far I’ve come and what I need to do to stay here, which is the hardest part. Being a Real Madrid central defender is very demanding, it’s a huge responsibility,” continued the player, whose footballing rehabilitation after the accident came during a loan spell at Getafe, before maturing and making his name back at Valencia.

Yet despite joining Madrid from Los Chés, undoubtedly a big club in their own right, Albiol soon realised that the capital outfit was a different proposition entirely. “It really hits you at first and I had the typical nerves you experience as a new boy. As a 14 or 15-year-old I’d look up to Guti, Raul or [Iker] Casillas as I watched them on TV and now they’re my team-mates! I’m very happy though, everybody’s welcomed me really warmly and I’ve settled in quickly.”

The squad is humble and hard-working and even winning the EURO didn’t go to their heads.

Raul Albiol, Spain defender.

“I’ve been really impressed by the enthusiasm and desire of Raul, and by how committed he is in training,” said Albiol, when quizzed about which players have caught his eye the most since his move. “Cristiano Ronaldo too, who’s a great pro, a great team-mate and is always joking around. He’s very different to the impression people outside the club have of him.”

Although the Madrid big-spenders have only the league title still to aim for this season, there will be no shortage of players turning out for their respective nations at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. “We’re dreaming of lifting the Trophy. It must be an incredible feeling,” said Albiol, well placed to make the cut for Spain boss Vicente del Bosque’s finals squad.

“We [Spain] have the enthusiasm, belief and desire, and we’ve also got a winning mentality. And aside from the quality the players have, our team spirit, togetherness and the good atmosphere in the dressing room are all a real plus.”

The powerful defender also had words of praise for boss Del Bosque, the man who guided Spain to a flawless South Africa 2010 qualifying campaign. “He’s a very calm person, with a lot of experience. He knows the players really well, he knows a lot about football and about being in competitions, and he enjoys communicating with his players.”

Despite the squad’s undoubted talent and the former Real Madrid coach’s impressive winning pedigree, La Roja still came undone in the last four of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, an exit which also spelled the end of their record unbeaten run of 35 games. “We didn’t lose against the USA that day because of a lack of humility or because we got too big for our boots. The squad is humble and hard-working and even winning the EURO didn’t go to their heads,” said Albiol, who appeared three times at South Africa 2009.

We’re dreaming of lifting the Trophy. It must be an incredible feeling.

Albiol on Spain's aims in South Africa.

“We kept our feet on the ground ahead of every game in World Cup qualifying, and we’ll be treating the World Cup in the same way. If we do get knocked out it will because our opponents were better on the day, not because we were big-headed,” said this father of two young girls, before underlining the difficulty of Group H rivals Chile, Honduras and Switzerland. “On paper we’re the favourites but you have to prove that out on the pitch. We need to make sure we win our first game. Nobody is going to make it easy for us, we’re going to have to work really hard.”

“We’ve learned (from the USA defeat) that at a major tournament you can lose to anybody. Any team can have an off day but if that happens you’re going home,” said Albiol, whose Spain team will face opponents from a fearsome-looking Group G containing Brazil, Portugal, Côte d’Ivoire and Korea DPR should they reach the Round of 16.

“Any of those teams would be difficult - it’d be a tough game but if you want to go far you have to be ready to beat anybody. Even a good team, one that’s strong and with a winning mentality, has to prove itself against any opponents.”

And even in the face of the FIFA Confederations Cup disappointment, Albiol has certainly not been put off the many charms of hosts South Africa. “We had a lovely experience in South Africa. It’s just a shame we only saw a couple of animals on our safari!” he said with a chuckle as the interview drew to a close. “We’ve noticed just how excited the South Africans are about the start of their World Cup. And it’s our duty to put on a good show for them.” (FIFA.com)

Fergie: No need to pray for Rooney

2010-04-03T02:05:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has told England's panicking fans to "stop praying" for Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United boss confirmed he will be without the England forward for between two and three weeks with the minor ankle ligament injury he suffered in Munich on Tuesday. In a best-case scenario it would have Rooney back in action for the Manchester derby at Eastlands on April 17, in the worst, the 24-year-old would be facing a race against time to be fit for a Champions League semi-final with either Lyon or Bordeaux four days later, should United make it that far.

The (nation's) reaction was panic. Well there is no bone damage and no serious ligament damage, so the nation can stop praying.

Sir Alex Ferguson on Rooney's ankle injury

Either way, Rooney's participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ will not be threatened, which will come as an immense relief, not just to Fabio Capello, but the nation's football fans who have come to believe that without their talisman, England might as well not bother going to South Africa this summer. "The (nation's) reaction was panic," smiled Ferguson. "Well there is no bone damage and no serious ligament damage, so the nation can stop praying."

What Ferguson has no intention of doing is dwelling on the setback. It is patently obvious the loss of Rooney causes him a problem ahead of Saturday's top of the table clash with Chelsea. Yet, in making a single striker his preferred formation, in which Berbatov has no role, Ferguson has given himself an instant replacement.

The Bulgarian cannot be expected to match Rooney's work-rate, few in the United squad could, but the Red Devils spent a club record £30.75million on him for a reason - and Ferguson does not expect the former Tottenham striker to let him down in his hour of need.

"I haven't liked leaving Dimitar out - and now he is in," said the United boss, who is aware public perception of Berbatov is not totally favourable. "The split must be 80-20 in his favour. If we sign a big player and he is not scoring 50 goals a season, including 16 overhead kicks, you are always going to get a discerning voice.

"Everyone has their own favourites and supporters have diverse views," the boss added. "I used to get a letter from a supporter saying I was off my head because I wasn't playing Steve Bruce at centre forward, although in fairness it was probably Brucie writing it himself or his granny."

Berbatov has produced a couple of battling performances in Rooney's absence lately, which have guided United to crucial victories at Wolves and Bolton. He is more likely to attack with a sword than a sledgehammer, but Ferguson is confident Chelsea will still feel the same thrust. "The one thing you cannot dismiss is Dimitar's ability and talent," he said. "He is a fantastic player. He can play on his own up front. What you need is to give him good support."

Faith in the squad
Ferguson is adamant there will be no sense of loss at Rooney's absence, or deflected concentration ahead of such a big game. United would prefer to have their main man available, but having lost so many key players so often this season, it is just another inconvenience to overcome. "Rooney is a loss, you want to have all your best players available," said Ferguson. "It hasn't been the case for us this season but we have struggled through.

"We have stumbled but we are a point ahead in the Premier League, in the quarter-final of the Champions League with an away goal advantage and we have won the League Cup," he went on. "I am sure our players are not going to let this upset them. Do you think they are worrying whether Wayne Rooney is going to cost them it by not being there? Not at all."

Ferguson will draft some experience on to his bench in the form of either John O'Shea or Owen Hargreaves, who made his last appearance against Chelsea in September 2008 since when he has undergone major surgery on both knees. A fit Hargreaves would represent a major addition for a United side, who, thanks to the joint failings of Chelsea and Arsenal over the last few weeks, would be quite happy with a draw.

Not that Ferguson intends to play for one. "You cannot go into a game thinking you must not lose," he said. "That is a silly attitude."

(fifa.com)

South Africa hold Paraguay : World Cup 2010

2010-04-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

South Africa hold Paraguay

But after the break Carlos Alberto Parreira's team came more into the game and they deservedly equalised when Tshabalala struck home a tremendous left footer from 30 yards.

South Africa continued their build-up to this summer's tournament with an encouraging 1-1 draw against Paraguay on Wednesday evening.

The South Americans, who were missing several top European-based players, took the lead after 37 minutes through Marcelo Estigarribia, but Bafana Bafana hit back to equalize through Siphiwe Tshabalala 19 minutes from time.

The result was a distinct improvement for South Africa coming as it did against a team also qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and compared to the drab 1-1 draw played out against lowly ranked Namibia on 3 March.

The likes of Brazil and Argentina have all come here and struggled, so we did well.

Carlos Alberto Parreira, South Africa coach.

Paraguay dominated for most of the first half and deservedly took the lead after eight minutes before the break when Estigarribia found himself clear to head home from close in.

The South Africans went into this game at the back end of an intensive three-week training camp in Brazil where they played a total of seven matches against local clubs.

"We were in the lion's cage here, and the team showed a lot of character by coming from behind, I am proud of them just for that," Parreira said. "In the first half Paraguay were the better team and in the second half we took control of the proceedings - so the draw is a fair result. The likes of Brazil and Argentina have all come here and struggled, so we did well in this match."

The South Africans went into this game at the back end of an intensive three-week training camp in Brazil where they played a total of seven matches against local clubs.

They will next have another training camp in Germany in April before returing to South Africa in May to complete preparations for the FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico in Johannesburg on 11 June. France and Uruguay are the two other teams in South Africa's group.

Schwarzer: We are quietly confident at World Cup 2010

2010-04-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

(FIFA.com)

Though in the twilight of his career Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is enjoying rare form for both club and country. The Socceroos No1 for several years now, Schwarzer played a major role in his country reaching successive FIFA World Cups™ for the first time. His well-documented penalty shoot-out heroics against Uruguay were key to Australia reaching Germany 2006 and the custodian conceded just four goals in their 14 matches in qualification for South Africa 2010.After 11 years at Middlesbrough, Schwarzer has enjoyed a new lease of life since arriving at Fulham two years ago helping the club to seventh, while this term the Cottagers have enjoyed an impressive run in the UEFA Europa League. The 37-year-old’s fine form saw him collect the Premier League's Player of the Month for February.

Schwarzer’s personal achievements are numerous and include 400 Premier League appearances and nearly 700 career matches. With 73 appearances to his name, Schwarzer is Australia’s most-capped goalkeeper and with no plans for retirement is now eyeing the national record of 87.

In an exclusive chat with FIFA.com, Schwarzer talks about his recent club experiences, his form and his plans for the future. The shotstopper also reveals his aspirations and hopes for South Africa 2010 as Australia aim to continue a fine defensive record on the world’s greatest stage in Group D against Germany, Serbia and Ghana.

FIFA.com: It’s been a another wonderful season for you at Fulham, with good league form, a UEFA Europa League run that included defeating Juventus and being named English Premier League player of the month. How does the season compare for you?Mark Schwarzer: From day one I have enjoyed my time at Fulham. So far, this season has been even more enjoyable than last season. I have been fortunate enough over 13-14 years to have some pretty fantastic seasons, and definitely the last two seasons at Fulham have been very special for a number of reasons. The longer my career has gone on the more I have relaxed and enjoyed things and savoured the moment. This season is turning out to be pretty special and I hope it continues into the World Cup. That would really cap off a memorable season.

Given your showings for both club and country, do you consider this the best form you have been in?That is what everyone was telling me last season that it was the best I had ever played! All I have tried to do is get my head down and work as hard as I possibly can. If anything I have physically worked even harder than I did last season, and so far it is paying dividends.

You were also in great form for the Socceroos who proved hard to beat in qualifying. How confident is the team given the group you have drawn.I’m quietly confident. If you look at our group it is very, very tough. The group has similarities to that we had in Germany. We are going in again as underdogs, but the difference now is that we are not the unknown quantity we were last time. I’m quietly confident we will go to the World Cup in the best possible shape and condition and hopefully give it a real shake like we did last time.

I’m quietly confident we will go to the World Cup in the best possible shape and condition and hopefully give it a real shake like we did last time.

Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer

You obviously know Germany very well given your background and also having played there for a number of seasons. Will that mean something extra to you personally in South Africa?Definitely. I was fortunate to play against Germany in the 2005 Confederations Cup which was a special moment given it is the country of my heritage and my mum and dad’s birthplace. I think this will be even more special. Nothing beats playing in a World Cup as you are representing your country, you’re playing on the biggest stage on the planet and there are hundreds of millions of people watching around the world. To have the opportunity to play against Germany, and hopefully get a good result, would be a dream come true.

Any special connections with players in the German squad, or the other teams in the group?I am friendly with (German defender) Robert Huth. It would be nice to come up against Robert and try and get one over him! I also obviously know (Ghana and Fulham defender) John Paintsil but we have been pretty quite about it. We have though commented about finishing one/two in the group and having a laugh about it. To know two of my group opponents is pretty special.

The Australian team had an amazing defensive record in qualifying. What do you put that down to?I think we were very organised as a team and very determined. We defended from the front and I think everyone was so determined from day one to qualify. Obviously if you are solid at the back and don’t concede then you give yourself every chance of winning matches.

The squad is very similar to the Germany 2006 squad, which obviously means the team has experience but a number of players are now over 30. Is it better to have that level of experience or younger legs?We definitely have more experience than four years ago and statistically experience helps you more so than anything else. This time around we also have a larger pool of players to call on. Hopefully that will keep us in very good stead throughout the World Cup.

We definitely have more experience than four years ago and statistically experience helps you more so than anything else.

Mark Schwarzer

Any thoughts for your career plans in the medium term?I have another year on my contract at Fulham. I would like to stay beyond that. Obviously at this time of your career it's a case of staying on top of your game and performing week-in, week-out. I want to keep playing at the highest level as long as possible and if I can stay at Fulham for that period of time then that would be great.

Similarly for the national team, is it a case of playing for as long as possible?I have no aspirations to stop. My determination and enthusiasm is very much still there, and if anything has grown over the years. At my age, you know that it is all over too quickly, and that you can never go back. I want to make the most of it, stay at the top, represent my country and play at the highest level as long as possible.

71 days to go World Cup 2010

2010-04-01T05:42:00.001-07:00

During the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ finals, the highest recorded TV audience for a single game in one nation was 71.5 million viewers in China PR for the group game between Japan and Croatia.

China - despite failing to qualify - also accounted for the most overall viewers (3.98 billion), followed by Brazil, Vietnam and Germany, with Asia contributing 34.2 per cent. Europe's cumulative audience was 5.33 billion, with Germany and Italy accounting for 31.5 per cent of that total.

The Final attracted the biggest global audience with 607.9 million in-home viewers across 214 countries. There were over 73,000 hours of dedicated programming, a 76.4 per cent increase on 2002. It if had been shown non-stop on just one channel, so much coverage would have taken over eight years to broadcast.

1962 FIFA World Cup

2010-03-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

The 1962 FIFA World Cup, the seventh staging of the World Cup, was held in Chile from 30 May to 17 June. Chile was chosen as host by FIFA in June 1956, as the World Cup returned to the continent of South America after 12 years. It was won by Brazil, who retained the championship by beating Czechoslovakia 3–1 in the final.

he format of the competition stayed the same as 1958: 16 teams qualified, divided into four groups of four. Four teams were seeded in the draw taking place in Santiago de Chile, on 18 January 1962: Brazil, England, Italy and Uruguay.[1] The top two teams in each group advanced to the quarter-finals.

In May 1960, as the preparations were well under way, Chile suffered the largest earthquake ever recorded (9.5 magnitude), which caused enormous damage to the national infrastructure. In face of this, Carlos Dittborn, the president of the Organization Committee, coined the phrase "Because we don't have anything, we will do everything in our power to rebuild," which became the unofficial slogan of the tournament. Stadia and other infrastructure were rebuilt at record speed and the tournament occurred on schedule with no major organizational flaw. Sadly, Dittborn would not live to see the success of his tireless efforts, as he died one month before the start of the tournament. The World Cup venue at Arica was named Estadio Carlos Dittborn in his honor and bears his name to this day.

As the competition began, a shift in strategy was imminent. Modern day defensive strategies began to take hold as the average goals/match dropped to 2.78, under 3 for the first time in competition history (the average has never been above 3 since).
The official 1962 FIFA World Cup poster.

Many famous players did not live up to their reputations in this tournament. Brazil's Pelé, the hero of 1958, was injured in the second group match against Czechoslovakia. The USSR's goalkeeper Lev Yashin, arguably the world's best at the time, was in poor form and cost his team the elimination by Chile (1–2) in the quarter-finals. Bright spots included the emergence of the young Brazilians Amarildo (standing in for Pelé) and Garrincha, the heroics of Czechoslovakia goalkeeper Viliam Schrojf against Hungary and Yugoslavia, and the inspired performance of the host nation Chile, who unexpectedly took third place with a squad of relatively unknown players, thanks to an outstanding team spirit.

The competition was marred by violence. This poisonous atmosphere culminated in the infamous first-round match between host Chile and Italy (2–0), known as the Battle of Santiago. Two Italian journalists had written unflattering articles about the host country. Although only two players (both of them Italian) were sent off by the English referee Ken Aston, the match saw repeated, deliberate attempts from players on both sides to harm opponents, and the Italian team needed police protection to leave the field in safety.

In the first round, Brazil topped their group with Czechoslovakia finishing second, above Mexico and Spain. USSR and Yugoslavia finished above Uruguay and Colombia. Hungary, along with England progressed through to the quarter-finals, while Argentina and Bulgaria were eliminated. England had the same number of points as Argentina but progressed due to a superior goal average; the first time such a requirement had been necessary in a World Cup finals tournament. Switzerland lost all three games while West Germany and Chile both went through over Italy.

Surprisingly, Chile defeated European champions USSR to land themselves a semi-final game against the winner of the England – Brazil game. A brilliant performance from Garrincha, which included two goals in a 3–1 win, saw the South Americans triumph against England. Meanwhile 1–0 wins for Yugoslavia against West Germany—and Czechoslovakia against Hungary—saw the two Slavic states meet in the semi-finals.

Viña del Mar was the original venue for the "South American" semi-final and Santiago for the "Slavic" one. But due to Chile's surprise qualification, the organizers prompted FIFA to switch the venues. This irritated crowds in Viña del Mar and only a little under 6,000 spectators came at Estadio Sausalito to watch Czechoslovakia beat Yugoslavia 3–1, whereas a capacity crowd of 76,600 in Santiago watched Brazil beat the hosts 4–2.[2] This game saw Garrincha sent off for Brazil and Honorino Landa sent off for Chile. Chile eventually went on to take third place in a 1–0 victory over Yugoslavia with the very last play of the match. The same player, Eladio Rojas, had also scored the winning goal in Chile's game against USSR.

Santiago's Estadio Nacional served as the venue for the final itself, and after 15 minutes, Brazil again found themselves a goal behind in the World Cup final, as a long ball from Adolf Scherer was latched onto by Josef Masopust: 1–0 Czechoslovakia. However, just like the previous final four years earlier, Brazil soon hit back, equalising two minutes later through Amarildo after an error by the hitherto flawless Czechoslovak goalkeeper Schroijf. The Brazilians did not stop there and with goals from Zito and Vavá (another Schrojf error) mid-way through the second half, the Czechoslovaks just couldn't get back into the game. The match ended 3–1 to Brazil, a successful defence of the title for only the second time in the history of the competition in spite of the absence of their star player of 1958, Pelé.

1950 FIFA World Cup

2010-03-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from 24 June to 16 July, was the fourth FIFA World Cup, and the first staged in 12 years due to World War II. Brazil was chosen as the host country by FIFA in July 1946. It was also the first tournament that the trophy itself would be referred to as the Jules Rimet Cup, to mark the 25th anniversary of Rimet's presidency of FIFA. It was won by Uruguay, who had won the inaugural competition in 1930, clinching the cup by beating the hosts Brazil 2–1 in the deciding match of the four-team final group (this was the only tournament not decided by a one-match final).

Because of World War II, the World Cup had not been staged since 1938; the planned World Cups of 1942 and 1946 were both cancelled. After the war, FIFA were keen to resurrect the competition as soon as possible, and they began making plans for a World Cup tournament to take place. In the aftermath of the war, much of Europe lay in ruins. As a result, FIFA had some difficulties finding a country interested in hosting the event, since many governments believed that the world scenario did not favour a sportive celebration, and also (more importantly) that the resources that would have to be put into organizing the World Cup could not be diverted from other more urgent fronts. For some time, the World Cup was at risk of not being held for sheer lack of interest from the international community, until Brazil presented a bid at the 1946 FIFA Congress, offering to host the event on condition that the tournament take place in 1950 (it was originally planned to take place in 1949).[1] Brazil and Germany had been the leading bidders to host the cancelled 1942 World Cup; since both the 1934 and 1938 tournaments had been held in Europe, football historians generally agree that the 1942 event would most likely have been awarded to a South American host country. Brazil's new bid was very similar to the mooted 1942 bid and was quickly accepted.

Originally, the tournament format would be that the 16 teams be divided into four first round groups (or "pools" as they were then called) of four teams, with the group winners advancing to a final group stage, playing in round-robin format to determine the winner. However, because only 13 teams competed, this left two first round groups with four teams, another with three teams, and the last group with only two teams. The draw took place in Rio de Janeiro, on 22 May 1950.[2] In fact, the entire tournament was arranged in such a way that the four first round groups had no geographical basis. Hence, several teams were obliged to cover large distances to complete their program, although Brazil was allowed to play two of its three group matches in Rio de Janeiro while its other game was in (comparatively) nearby São Paulo.

A combined Great Britain team had recently beaten the rest of Europe 6-1 in an exhibition match and England went into the competition as one of the favourites. However, it was not to be, as they went crashing out in a shock 1-0 defeat by the United States (when the score appeared in English newspapers, many thought it was a misprint) which, combined with their 1-0 defeat by Spain, led to England being eliminated.

The final group stage involved the teams who won their groups: Brazil, Spain, Sweden, and 1930 FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay, who were making their first World Cup appearance since winning the inaugural tournament. The World Cup winner would be the team that managed to finish on top of this group. The final group's six matches were shared between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Brazil played all its final group matches at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio while the games that didn't involve the host nation were played in São Paulo. Brazil won their first two matches with a 7-1 thrashing of Sweden and 6-1 rout of Spain. Before the decisive match, Brazil was sitting on top of the final group and had one game left to play against Uruguay, in second and only a point behind. On July 16, before a huge home crowd of 199,954 (some estimated as 205,000) in the Estádio do Maracanã, the host nation only had to draw against Uruguay and the trophy would be theirs. After such crushing victories over Spain and Sweden, it looked certain they would take the title, especially as the home nation went ahead in the second minute of the second half, thanks to a goal from Friaça. However, Uruguay equalised and then with just over 11 minutes left to play, went ahead 2-1 when Alcides Ghiggia squeaked a goal past Moacyr Barbosa, and Uruguay was crowned World Cup champions for a second time. This stunning defeat surprised Brazil and is referred to as the Maracanazo.

The average attendance of nearly 61,000 per game, aided greatly by eight matches (including five featuring hosts Brazil) held in the newly-built Maracanã, set a record that would not be broken until 1994. Not counting the Maracanã matches, the average attendance was a still-impressive 37,500. However, the only venues that saw crowds comparable to or greater than those in recent World Cups were the Maracanã and São Paulo. Other venues saw considerably smaller crowds.

1958 FIFA World Cup

2010-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

The 1958 FIFA World Cup, the sixth staging of the World Cup, was hosted by Sweden from 8 June to 29 June. Sweden was chosen as hosts by FIFA in June 1950. It was won by Brazil, who beat Sweden 5–2 in the final for their first title. The World Cup marked the debut on the world stage of a precocious unknown 17-year-old named Pelé.

his World Cup saw the entry and qualification of the Soviet Union for the first time, and the qualification of all the United Kingdom's Home Nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with Northern Ireland eliminating Italy for the first (and only) time in the competition's history.

Aside from the main European zone matches, Wales, which finished second in its group behind Czechoslovakia, were drawn into a play-off with Israel after Israel won their group without playing a match due to the withdrawals of the three opponents, Turkey, Indonesia and Sudan. FIFA had imposed a rule that no team would qualify without playing at least one match because many teams qualified for previous World Cups without playing due to withdrawals of their opponents. Wales won the play-off and qualified.

On 8 February, in Solna, Lennart Hyland and Sven Jerring presented the results of the draw where the qualified teams were divided into four groups. There was no seeding, apart from each group containing one western European team, one eastern European team, one of the four British teams that had qualified, and one from American continent.

The format of the competition changed from 1954: 16 teams still competed in four groups of four, but this time each team played each of the other teams in its group at least once, without extra time in the event of a draw. Instead, if second and third place finished on the same points, then there would be a play-off with the winner going through. If a play-off resulted in a draw, then goal average from the group games would have been used to determine who went through to the next round. If the goal averages were equal then lots would have been drawn. If the first two teams finished on equal points then goal average would decide who was placed first and second. These arrangements had not been finalised by the time the tournament started and were still being debated as it progressed. The organizing committee even released press statements stating that goal average would be counted before resorting to playoffs. However this idea was eventually rejected.
The official 1958 FIFA World Cup poster.

In Group 4, Pelé did not play until the last of Brazil's group games, against the Soviet Union. He failed to score, but Brazil won the game 2–0 (much thanks to an impressive exhibition of dribbling prowess by his partner Garrincha) and the group by two points. Previously, they had drawn 0–0 with England in what was the first ever goalless game in World Cup history. Eventually, the Soviet Union and England went to a playoff game, in which Anatoli Ilyin scored in the 67th minute to knock England out, while Austria had already been eliminated. The English side had been weakened by the Munich Air Disaster which killed 3 internationals on the books of Manchester United, including England's young star Duncan Edwards.

Playoffs were also needed in Group 1 (Northern Ireland beat Czechoslovakia to join the defending champions West Germany in the quarter-finals) and Group 3 (Wales topped Hungary to advance with hosts Sweden). Hungary had become a spent force after their appearance in the final of the previous tournament. They had lost their best players two years before, when they fled in the wake of the failed uprising against the communist regime. In a rather restrictive sense, from the 1954 team, only goalkeeper Gyula Grosics, defender Jozsef Bozsik and forward Nándor Hidegkuti remained.

Of the British nations, it was arguably Scotland who had the toughest group, having to face Yugoslavia, Paraguay, and France. France topped Group 2, with Just Fontaine netting six goals. Yugoslavia finished second, while Scotland came in last.

The quarter-finals saw France's Just Fontaine continue in similar form to the group stage, managing another two goals as France triumphed over Northern Ireland. West Germany's Helmut Rahn put them into the semi-finals with a single goal against Yugoslavia, while Sweden went though at the expense of USSR. The other game in the quarter-finals saw Pelé score the only goal against Wales.

In the semi-finals, Sweden continued their strong run as they defeated West Germany 3–1 in a vicious game that saw the German player Erich Juskowiak sent off (the first ever German player to be sent off in an international game) and German team captain Fritz Walter injured, which further weakened the German team (substitutes were first allowed in the 1970 FIFA World Cup).

While another goal from Fontaine of France added to his impressive tally, it was not enough to prevent Brazil thundering into the Final as a Pelé hat-trick gave them a 5–2 victory. The French were effectively down to ten men from the 30th minute onwards when their most experienced defender and captain Robert Jonquet got incapacitated after a clash with Vavá. The third place match saw Fontaine score four more goals as they beat the Germans 6-3. This brought his total to 13 goals in one competition, a record that still has not been broken.

The final was played in Solna, in the Råsunda Stadium, as 50,000 people watched in amazement as the Brazilians went a goal down after four minutes. The Brazilians were not dismayed, and Vavá equalised shortly afterwards and then put them a goal ahead before half time. In the second half Pelé outshone everyone, notching up two goals, including the first one where he lobbed the ball over Bengt Gustavsson then followed it with a precise volley shot. Zagallo added a goal in between, and Sweden managed a consolation goal. But the game really belonged to Pelé, and the Jules Rimet trophy belonged to Brazil - the World Cup winners.

1954 FIFA World Cup

2010-03-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

The 1954 FIFA World Cup, the fifth staging of the World Cup, was held in Switzerland from 16 June to 4 July. As the year saw the 50th anniversary of FIFA, it was appropriate for football's premier competition to be played in the home of its governing body, and Switzerland was chosen as hosts in July 1946. The tournament was won by West Germany, who defeated Hungary 3–2 in the final, giving them their first title.

or the first time there was television coverage, and special coins were issued to mark the event. 16 teams qualified for the tournament and an unusual system was used in the first stage. The 16 teams were divided into four groups: each group comprised two of the eight seeded teams based on world rankings (Austria, Brazil, England, France, Hungary, Italy, Turkey and Uruguay), plus two unseeded teams.
The official 1954 FIFA World Cup poster.

With seeding determined before the teams had even qualified for the final tournament, the organizers had to replace Spain with Turkey, the team that unexpectedly knocked the Spaniards out. [1] The draw took place in Zürich, on 30 November 1953.

Instead of a conventional round-robin where each team would play three matches, the seeded teams as well as the unseeded teams were spared from playing each other as the unseeded teams were squared up only against the seeded ones in a chance to qualify, so each team played only 2 group matches, unless tied for the second qualifying position by points, which required a play-off. Extra time was played for any games that was tied after 90 minutes, with the result being a draw if the scores were still level after 120 minutes. The two teams finishing at the top of their group went through to the quarter-finals. Uruguay and Austria both won their games, thus finished the group level on points in the qualifying positions, and drew lots to determine who they would play in the next round, as did Brazil and Yugoslavia.

Consequently Switzerland and Italy played each other twice with Switzerland winning the play-off 4–1. The Germans, who had been reinstated as full FIFA members only in 1950 and were unseeded, won the first of two encounters with the seeded Turkish convincingly in Berne at Wankdorf stadium. The Koreans, as the other unseeded team, lost 0–7 and 0–9, with Germany being denied the chance to play such an easy opponent. Sepp Herberger the German coach gambled against the seeded team of Hungary by sending in a reserve side to take an expected 3–8 loss, with the only consequence being the additional playoff game against Turkey that was won with ease. Hungary's team captain Ferenc Puskás, considered by many as the best player in the world in that time, was injured by German defender Werner Liebrich, and had to miss the next two matches of his team, only to show up in the final again, still being in a questionable condition. [2]

The quarter-finals saw the favourites Hungary beat Brazil 4–2 in one of the most violent matches in football history, which became infamous as the Battle of Berne. Meanwhile, the World Cup holders Uruguay sent England out of the tournament, also by 4–2. Germany dispatched Yugoslavia 2–0, and Austria beat the host nation Switzerland in the game that saw the most goals in any World Cup match, 7–5.

One of the semi-finals saw Austria, against the DFB team which represented the Federal Republic of Germany, one of three German states of the time. The DFB had qualified against fellow Germans from the Saarland (which then was a French protectorate), while East Germany had not entered, cancelling international football games after the East German uprising of 1953. With the final at stake, West Germany won 6–1.

The other semi-final, one of the most exciting games of the tournament, saw Hungary go into the second half leading Uruguay 1–0, only for the game to be taken to extra time with a score after 90 minutes of 2–2. The deadlock was broken by Sándor Kocsis with two late goals to take Hungary through to the final, beating a team that had not previously lost a World Cup game. Uruguay then went on to be beaten for a second time as Austria secured third place.
[edit] Final: "The Miracle of Bern"

The Wankdorf Stadion in Berne saw 60,000 people cram inside to watch the final between West Germany and Hungary, a rematch of a first round game, which Hungary had won 8–3 against the reserves of the German team. The Golden Team of the Hungarians were favourites, as they were unbeaten for a record of 32 consecutive matches but they had two tough play-off matches. It had started raining on game day - in Germany this was dubbed "Fritz-Walter-Wetter" (Fritz Walter's weather) because the German team captain Fritz Walter was said to play his best in rainy weather. Adi Dassler had provided shoes with exchangeable studs.
Card autographed by coach Sepp Herberger and the 11 German players that appeared in the final

The final saw Hungary's Ferenc Puskás playing again even though he was not fully fit. Despite this he put his team ahead after only 6 minutes and with Zoltán Czibor adding another two minutes later it seemed that the pre-tournament favourites would take the title. However, with a quick goal from Max Morlock in the 10th and the equalizer of Helmut Rahn in the 19th, the tide began to turn.

The second half saw telling misses from the Hungarian team. Barely 6 minutes before the end of the match, the popular German radio reporter Herbert Zimmermann gave the most famous German piece of commentary, recommending Rahn should kick from the backfield, which he did. The second goal from Rahn gave Germany a 3–2 lead while the Hungarian reporter György Szepesi burst into tears. Later, Zimmermann called Puskás offside before he kicked the ball into Toni Turek's net with 2 minutes left. While referee Ling pointed to the centre spot, linesman Griffiths signalled offside. After a one-minute consultation, referee Ling disallowed the claimed equalizer.

The Germans were handed the Jules Rimet trophy and the title of World Cup winners while the crowd sang along to the tunes of the national anthems of Germany. In Germany the success is known as The Miracle of Bern, upon which a 2003 film of the same name was based. For the Hungarians, the defeat was a disaster, and remains controversial due to referee errors and claims of doping.

One controversy concerns the 2–2. Hungarian goalie Gyula Grosics jumped to catch Fritz Walter's corner shot, but in plain sight of the camera, Hans Schäfer obstructed him, thus the ball could reach Rahn unhindered. The second controversy concerns allegations of doping to explain the better condition of the German team in the second half. Though teammates steadfastly denied this rumour, German historian Guido Knopp claimed in a 2004 documentary for German public channel ZDF[3] that the players were injected with shots of vitamin C at half-time, using a needle earlier taken from a Soviet sports doctor, which would also explain the wave of jaundice among team members following the tournament.

Most controversial was the offside ruling for Puskás's intended 87th minute equalizer. The camera filming the official footage was in a bad position to judge the situation, only eyewitnesses claimed that the referee was wrong, including German replacement player Alfred Pfaff[4]. However, since then, footage evidencing no offside surfaced (shown on North German regional public channel NDR in 2004[5]).

The 11 goals scored by Kocsis of Hungary not only led the World Cup but bettered the previous record (set by Brazilian Ademir in the previous tournament) by two goals. Kocsis' mark was then broken by Just Fontaine's 13 goals in 1958. Despite not winning the 1954 tournament, the fourth place finish and their two previous World Cup titles made Uruguay the most successful World Cup nation for eight years, until Brazil won their second title in 1962. Hungary's 9–0 result against Korea during the group stages remains to this day the biggest margin of victory in FIFA World Cup history, later equalled by Yugoslavia winning 9–0 against Zaire in 1974 and again Hungary winning 10–1 against El Salvador in 1982.

Germany's victory in the match is considered one of the greatest upsets of all time and one of the finest achievements in German sporting history. The German team was made up of amateur players as Germany did not have a professional league at this time, while the Hungarians were de jure amateurs, like in any communist country that time, and playing football as professionals, mainly for Budapesti Honvéd FC and later for major clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, and were ranked best in the world. This is the only time a team has won the World Cup with amateur footballers and will likely be the only time ever.

1938 FIFA World Cup

2010-03-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup, and was held in France from 4 June to 19 June. France was chosen as hosts by FIFA in August 1936. Italy retained the championship, beating Hungary 4–2 in the final.

FIFA's decision during the celebration of the 1936 Summer Olympics to hold the tournament in France caused outrage in South America where it was believed that the venue would alternate between the two continents. Instead, it was the second tournament in a row to be played in Europe. As a result neither Uruguay nor Argentina entered the competition. Spain became the first country to be out of the World Cup because of a war (the Spanish Civil War).

It was the first time that the hosts (France) and the title holders (Italy) qualified automatically. Title holders were given an automatic entry into the World Cup until 2006 when this was abolished.

Originally 16 nations were going to take part. Austria had qualified but after the Anschluss to Germany in March, they withdrew, leaving 15 teams to take part. FIFA did not offer a place in the finals to the runner-up of the qualification group that Austria played in, Latvia.
[edit] Summary

The tournament was again held in a knockout format, similar to 1934. This was the last tournament where there was not a group stage.

Germany, France, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Cuba and Brazil were seeded for draw taking place in Paris, on 5 March 1938.[1]

Five of the first round matches required extra time to break the deadlock; two games still went to a replay. The replays saw Switzerland oust the team of Germany, to which some Austrian players had been added for political reasons, with a score of 4-2, while Cuba managed to advance to the next round at the expense of Romania.

Sweden advanced directly to the quarter-finals due to Austria's withdrawal, and they proceeded to beat Cuba 8-0. The hosts, France, were beaten by the holders, Italy (wearing a provocative all-black 'fascist' strip), and Switzerland were seen off by Hungary. Czechoslovakia took Brazil to extra time in a notoriously feisty match in Bordeaux before succumbing in a replay; the South Americans proved too strong for the depleted Czechoslovak side (both Oldřich Nejedlý and František Plánička had suffered broken bones in the first game) and won 2-1.

Hungary destroyed Sweden in one of the semi-finals 5-1, while Italy and Brazil had the first of their many important World Cup clashes in the other. The Brazilians rested their star player Leônidas confident that they would qualify for the final, but the Italians won 2-1. Brazil topped Sweden 4-2 for third place.

The final itself took place at the Stade Olympique de Colombes in Paris. Vittorio Pozzo's Italian side took the lead early, but Hungary equalised within two minutes. The Italians took the lead again shortly after, and by the end of the first half were leading the Hungarians 3-1. Hungary never really got back into the game. With the final score favouring the Italians 4-2, Italy became the first team to successfully defend the title and were once more crowned World Cup winners.

Some argued that Hungary - or at least its goalkeeper - allowed Italy to win, as a measure to save the lives of the Italian Team, which had received telegrams by Benito Mussolini with "Vincere o morire!" (mistranslated as "Win or die") written on them. Hungarian goalkeeper Antal Szabó expressed his relief following his side's defeat against Italy despite letting in four goals in the loss. Referring to Mussolini's pre-match threats, Szabó quipped "I may have let in four goals, but at least I saved their lives". Actually, this is not the case. "Win or die" was a typical slogan of encouragement from fascist era, meaning "Victory or bust!" or "do your best to get victory". The fascist regime held sporting heroes and champions in high regard, greatly using them in their propaganda machine, so an act like the one suggested by Szabó was not realistic. Szabó's words may have been perhaps an honest misunderstanding.[2]

Due to World War II, the World Cup would not be held for another 12 years, until 1950. As a result, Italy were the reigning World Cup holders for a record 16 years, from 1934 to 1950. The Italian Vice-President of FIFA, Dr. Ottorino Barassi, hid the trophy in a shoe-box under his bed throughout the Second World War and thus saved it from falling into the hands of occupying troops

1934 FIFA World Cup

2010-03-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the inaugural edition of the world championship for international association football teams – the FIFA World Cup. It was played in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) selected Uruguay as host nation as the country would be celebrating the centenary of its independence, and the Uruguay national football team had successfully retained their football title at the 1928 Summer Olympics. All matches were played in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, the majority at the Estadio Centenario, which was built for the tournament.

Thirteen teams, nine from the Americas and four from Europe, entered the tournament. Few European teams chose to participate due to the duration and cost of travel. The teams were divided into four groups, with the winner of each group progressing to the semi-finals. The first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously, and were won by France and the USA, who defeated Mexico 4–1 and Belgium 3–0, respectively. Lucien Laurent of France scored the first goal in World Cup history.

Argentina, Uruguay, the USA and Yugoslavia each won their respective groups to qualify for the semi-finals. In the final, hosts and pre-tournament favourites Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in front of a crowd of 93,000 people, and became the first nation to win a World Cup.

The 1930 FIFA World Cup

2010-03-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

World Cup History

2010-03-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

First World Cup
Estadio Centenario, the location of the first World Cup final in 1930 in Montevideo, Uruguay

Due to the success of the Olympic football tournaments, FIFA, with President Jules Rimet the driving force, again started looking at staging its own international tournament outside of the Olympics. On 28 May 1928, the FIFA Congress in Amsterdam decided to stage a world championship organised by FIFA.[8] With Uruguay now two-time official football world champions (as 1924 was the start of FIFA's professional era) and to celebrate their centenary of independence in 1930, FIFA named Uruguay as the host country of the inaugural World Cup tournament.

The national associations of selected nations were invited to send a team, but the choice of Uruguay as a venue for the competition meant a long and costly trip across the Atlantic Ocean for European sides. Indeed, no European country pledged to send a team until two months before the start of the competition. Rimet eventually persuaded teams from Belgium, France, Romania, and Yugoslavia to make the trip. In total thirteen nations took part: seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America.

The first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously on 13 July 1930, and were won by France and USA, who defeated Mexico 4–1 and Belgium 3–0 respectively. The first goal in World Cup history was scored by Lucien Laurent of France.[9] In the final, Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in front of a crowd of 93,000 people in Montevideo, and in doing so became the first nation to win the World Cup

World Cup Summaries of previous tournaments

• Uruguay 1930 - Winners: Uruguay

• Italy 1934 - Winners: Italy

• France 1938 - Winners: Italy
• Brazil 1950 - Winners: Uruguay
• Switzerland 1954 - Winners: West Germany
• Sweden 1958 - Winners: Brazil
• Chile 1962 - Winners: Brazil
• England 1966 - Winners: England
• Mexico 1970 - Winners: Brazil
• West Germany 1974 - Winners: West Germany
• Argentina 1978 - Winners: Argentina
• Spain 1982 - Winners: Italy
• Mexico 1986 - Winners: Argentina
• Italy 1990 - Winners: West Germany
• USA 1994 - Winners: Brazil
• France 1998 - Winners: France
• Japan/South Korea 2002 - Winners: Brazil
• Germany 2006 - Winners: Italy

Rooney: I've changed since fatherhood

2010-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

By Mark Lomas

It's difficult to envisage how things could get much better for Wayne Rooney. Winning goals in Madrid in May and Johannesburg in July would probably do it, but nevertheless, the Manchester United striker is enjoying the richest vein of form of his career and has got the world talking about just how much of an impact he can make at this year's finals in South Africa.

GettyImagesWayne Rooney will be spearheading England's World Cup assault in South Africa

• Forum: Can Rooney reach 42 goals?
The Champions League has history of bringing out both the best and worst in Rooney, from a scintillating hat-trick on his Old Trafford debut against Fenerbahce in 2004, to a petulant red card against Villarreal in the group stages in 2005 - the only season in which United have been eliminated before the knockout rounds in the past 14 years.
On Tuesday, in a 4-0 demolition of a Milan side that just three years ago sent United packing at the semi-final stage, Rooney again demonstrated why he is fast becoming the favourite to usurp Lionel Messi as the world's best player. It was the latest in a series of headed goals, something that he credits to both practice and favourable follicles.
"It was a great performance by us," Rooney said on the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. "I think AC Milan are one of the great teams and to beat them 4-0 is a great achievement for us, so obviously I'm happy with the result. Of course [I practice a lot], I think probably it's coming off my bald patch and that's helping me score! But of course I've been working on my heading a lot and thankfully that's paying off."
Rooney's impressive goal haul this season has vindicated those who have called for him to play in the position in which he has been most comfortable since playing on the parks of Merseyside as a youngster - an out-and-out striker. And it seems Sir Alex Ferguson may have been watching the way England boss Fabio Capello deployed Rooney in that very position, after seeing him plunder nine goals in World Cup qualifying.
"I think I've been in the box a lot more" Rooney explained. "I've been working on my timing and on my finishing and I've also played up front in every game this season when I've played - I think that's definitely the main reason for me scoring a lot of goals.
"I've played a lot of games up front on my own and when you're the lone striker you know you have to stay up the pitch because you need to be the focal point in your team. I'm not running back quite as much but I'm doing all my work more in the opponents' half."
It is Capello who is rubbing his hands the most as he knows that he has one of the most dangerous weapons at his disposal in South Africa. Rooney admits that while he is fully focused on the task at hand with United, it is difficult not to keep one eye on the biggest spectacle in world football.
"You try not to think too much about the World Cup because you need to do the job with your club first. But it's always there in your mind and when it comes it's a dream to play for your country in any competition and at the World Cup it's an unbelievable feeling.
"I thought we played really well in our qualifying games and I was a bit gutted that we lost the last game because it would have been nice to go through the whole campaign and win every game so that left a bit of a bad taste. But we played really well in the qualifying campaign and we fully deserved to go through.

GettyImagesWayne Rooney remembers watching Michael Owen's goal against Argentina in 1998 from the comfort of his sofa

"I remember watching Michael Owen in 1998, his goal against Argentina, I was still a young boy and I think when he scored that goal, not just for myself, but for everyone in England, it was a great feeling and a great moment. I watched it at my Nan's house - whenever there was a World Cup on I'd sit around with all my family and watch it, so to play in it knowing that my family will be there or be watching it is a great feeling."
This year, Rooney hopes it will be he who steals the headlines that were reserved for his current United team-mate 12 years ago, and he is undoubtedly one of the players who has garnered the most attention from opposition managers.
He has been described as "extra-special" by Australia coach Pim Verbeek, "unstoppable" by Germany coach Joachim Low and "the complete player" by Leonardo, after he saw the England striker net four goals in two matches against his AC Milan side. But despite all the praise, Rooney insists it is only the opinion of a select few that matters to him, and was quick to point to the contribution of his team-mates to his form.
"Obviously it's nice for top coaches to say good things about you but if I'm being honest I don't really read into it too much. I listen to my manager at England and my manager at Manchester United, and my family and friends - if they tell me I'm doing well I'll listen to them.
"My team-mates know for sure that I'm getting the goals but I wouldn't be getting the goals without them so they've been a big part of my success this year and hopefully we will be successful as a team at the end of the year.
Over the past two years, it has been clear to see a change in Rooney - but it is not simply because he has now been charged with spearheading the United attack in the absence of the departed Cristiano Ronaldo. Yes, the Portuguese forward's transfer to Real Madrid has allowed him to be the focal point of the team, but more than that, Rooney's temperament has mellowed, though crucially, he has not lost his irrepressible energy and passionate approach to playing the game.
He is clearly benefitting from better anger management, and Rooney reveals that the birth of his first son, Kai, last November, has given him even greater motivation to develop a calmer persona.
"I think I've changed a lot over the last couple of years, obviously becoming a father you have to change and you have to be a role model to your son and someone he can look up to so that's what I've done. He's been to a few games although he probably doesn't know what's happening. The important thing for me was when he came to watch at Everton - the two teams I've played for and the teams who he'll support as well.
"It's something I'm looking forward to. I've got little cousins who come to the games and you see what it means to them to watch you play and for me to know that there watching me. When my son comes to watch me every week it will be an amazing feeling and something that I will be proud of.

GettyImagesWayne Rooney: Targeting World Cup glory

Clearly enjoying both fatherhood and football, 2010 could potentially be the most memorable of Rooney's 24 years, and though he never likes to be too confident about his club and country's chances of silverware, there's certainly nothing wrong with having a little bit of optimism.
"We're in a great position with Man United, top of the league at the minute and through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and obviously with England it's going well and we're preparing right and hopefully by the time we meet up with England, we'll have a great tournament and you never know, we might have this [trophy] back at the end of the end of July."

souce : soccernet.espn.go.com

US Soccer--World Cup 2010 Trailer

2010-02-24T18:00:00.001-08:00

Videw below show how US Soccer at World Cup 2010 South Africa
enjoy it

32 HOTTEST GIRLS FOR WORLD CUP 2010

2010-02-18T16:06:00.000-08:00

32 HOTTEST GIRLS FOR WORLD CUP 2010 !! LEE HYORI IN THIS !!!

It was made by one website and it said our nuna/unnie is the best in south korea.

32. North Korea - Kim Jong Il

no pic

31. Ivory Coast — Teeyah

30. Algeria — Leila Bekhti

29. Cameroon — Mingana Fochive Danielle Frankie

28. Japan — Aki Hoshino

27. Chile — Cote De Pablo

26. New Zealand — Kylie Bax

25. Ghana — Jennifer Victoria Koranteng

24. Slovenia — Melanie Knauss-Trump

23. Slovakia — Adriana Sklenarikova

22. Italy — Federica Ridolfi

21. Korea Republic — Lee Hyori

20. Uruguay — Natalia Oreiro

19. Netherlands — Sylvie Van Der Vaart

18. Serbia — Ana Ivanovic

17. Denmark — Helena Christensen

16. Paraguay — Leryn Franco

15. Nigeria — Oluchi Onweagba

14. Argentina — Carolina Pampita Ardohain

13. Portugal — Helena Coelho

12. France — Melissa Theuriau

11. Greece — Olga Farmaki

10. Switzerland — Michelle Hunziker

9. Honduras — Karla Molina

8. South Africa — Tracey McGregor

7. Spain — Penelope Cruz

6. Mexico — Salma Hayek

5. Germany — Diane Kruger

4. Miranda Kerr — Australia

3. United States — Marissa Miller

2. England — Keeley Hazell

1. Brazil — Adriana Lima

Credit:hyoleesubs.com

WorldCup 2010 Soundtrack Lyric Wavin Flag by K'naan

2010-02-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Wavin Flag Lyrics:
When i get older, they’ll call me freedom
Just like a Waving Flag.

When I get older, I will be stronger,
They’ll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag,
And then it goes back, and then it goes back,
And then it goes back

Born to a throne, stronger than Rome
but Violent prone, poor people zone,
But it’s my home, all I have known,
Where I got grown, streets we would roam.
But out of the darkness, I came the farthest,
Among the hardest survival.
Learn from these streets, it can be bleak,
Except no defeat, surrender retreat,

So we struggling, fighting to eat and
We wondering when we’ll be free,
So we patiently wait, for that fateful day,
It’s not far away, so for now we say

So many wars, settling scores,
Bringing us promises, leaving us poor,
I heard them say, love is the way,
Love is the answer, that’s what they say,
But look how they treat us, Make us believers,
We fight their battles, then they deceive us,
Try to control us, they couldn’t hold us,
Cause we just move forward like Buffalo Soldiers.

But we struggling, fighting to eat,
And we wondering, when we’ll be free
So we patiently wait, for that faithful day,
It’s not far away, but for now we say,

(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And everybody will be singing it
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And you and I will be singing it
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And we all will be singing it
(Ohhh Ohh Ohh Ohh)

When I get older, when I get older
I will be stronger, just like a Waving Flag,
Just like a Waving Flag, just like a Waving flag
Flag, flag, Just like a Waving Flag

K'NAAN-OFFICIAL FIFA 2010 WORLD CUP ANTHEM (waving flag)

2010-02-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

World Cup 2010 is a prestigious event FIFA international football to the 19 that was held once every 5 years took place on June 11 to July 11, 2010 in South Africa.

Who are still curious to watch the video Rin Sakuragi (Film Controversy), or curious about the contents of Defamation And Only Book Search Cikeas sensation Octopus would think it would be because the movie quickly shifts with my 2010 World Cup / World Cup 2010 will be more exciting than watching video on a semi bokep it:)

You are interested in the soundtrack of the 2010 World Cup in singing by a singer named K'naan RAP? please Donwload Soundtrack 2010 World Cup and the next World Cup soundtrack lyrics 2010 the following:

Below's is two kind of WordCup 2010 Soundtrack Download Link :

Soundtrack World Cup 2010 Original
Soundtrack World Cup 2010 Remix

Pepsi has a new soundtrack for the 2010 World Cup Promo

2010-02-18T15:36:00.000-08:00

As the World Cup approaches, Pepsi has teamed up with Keri Hilson, Akon and the two-time GRAMMY award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir alongside 16 aspiring young singers from around the world to create the track, ‘Oh Africa’ to benefit underprivileged African youth. Up and coming Nigerian singer, Folakemi “Myst” Kalejaiye is also featured on the track and in the video….from www.bellanaija.com/2010/02/08/pepsi-teams-up-with-akon-keri-hilson-and-drogba-on-oh-africa

Live Football Scores service for betting

2010-02-11T20:05:00.001-08:00

Football betting market will be very high up with will be ongoing 2010 World Cup. For all of bookmarkers will be listed close the score board so that you are able to discover the proper one.

Whether you are after Football Scores from the Premiership, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Champions League, UEFA Cup or pretty much any league you can think of then look no further.

You should have all the latest Football scores and Football at One among that kind of site like wsn.com which updates livescore of all in progress matches. You are able to feel like watching live match in a stadium, the live scores and status are updated in real time.

All You bookmarker want for livescore is there.