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 Thursday, June 29, 2006Eriksson v ScolariSven-Goran Eriksson's latest date with Luis Felipe Scolari gives new meaning to the adage that opposites attract. The two wildly different characters will go head-to-head for the third time in as many tournaments when England play Portugal on Saturday. And Eriksson will be hoping it is third time lucky for him and his England side. Scolari's Brazil knocked England out at the quarter-final stage of the 2002 World Cup and he repeated the feat with Portugal in the last eight at Euro 2004. To add extra spice to the rivalry, Scolari was the man the Football Association wanted to succeed the Swede as England boss. It is little wonder that Saturday's match is being billed "Duel in the Dug-Out III". BBC Sport pundit Leonardo, who played under Scolari for Brazil and was at AC Milan when Eriksson managed Lazio, says it is difficult to think of two more different coaches. "Eriksson tries to transmit what he wants from the players in a calm way, whereas Scolari is a motivator with big energy," Leonardo told BBC Sport. "Eriksson had a reputation in Italy for being very intelligent, a gentleman with a lot of class. He tries to create and transmit his strategies in training rather than during the match, when he is always very calm. "In contrast, Scolari is a big character and is not so diplomatic. Like Eriksson, he knows about tactics and systems, but motivation is his main strength. He's created a winning spirit with Portugal, one where they're willing to fight to the end." Alberto de Silva, a highly-respected football journalist for the Portuguese newspaper Bola, is also well aware of the differences between the two managers. De Silva has observed Scolari at close quarters since he took charge of Portugal and met Eriksson several times when the Swede was manager of Benfica in the 1980s. "Eriksson had never been a player of any repute and wanted to prove that an intellectual could succeed in football - he was a thinking manager," De Silva told BBC Sport. "And he had amazing success. He won three league titles and took Benfica to the finals of the Uefa and European Cups. That really was a phenomenal achievement. "Tactically and in terms of preparation and motivation, he was absolutely first class. I met him several times and he was very nice, very gentle. The players liked him because he allowed them to live with freedom. Scolari is a disciplinarian - in a friendly way - who always gets what he wants from the players. He forgets the reputation of players and is not afraid to put them in their place." Although De Silva had the highest regard for Eriksson when he was at Benfica, he argues the Swede is no longer the same manager. "You can't compare the Eriksson who managed Benfica with the Eriksson you see today," De Silva said. "Then he was younger, more ambitious and driven to succeed. He has been changed by age, experience, money and women. "He still has a big house in Cascais (a beach resort close to Lisbon) and a lot of people speculated he might come to Benfica after the World Cup. But - and this is very revealing - the club's directors were not keen on him returning. They decided he wasn't the same coach who was here before. In contrast, the ambition is still there with Scolari. He is desperate to become the first coach to win the World Cup with two different countries. Eriksson is a dead man, not alive any more. Scolari is a man full of life, who is inspiring the Portugal team as no-one has before. I wish Eriksson could do the same with England, but I don't think he can because he does not have the spirit to transform the players." Leonardo does not agree with this damning verdict of the Swede. He thinks English football is hampered by a negative mindset, but insists this is a national trait rather than the fault of Eriksson. "England need to play with more energy and less fear," said the 1994 World Cup winner. "They need to take risks and demonstrate to the opposition that they are confident, because they are very good - Lampard, Gerrard and Rooney are excellent players who are respected throughout the world. You can't blame this negative mentality on Eriksson, because I've seen England teams display it for a long time, long before Eriksson came on the scene. It could be because it's a long time since they won the World Cup. But they need to create that winning mentality. Brazil have it - they really believe in themselves and expect to win the World Cup every time." Read more! 
Wednesday, June 28, 2006The number gameFormer Champions 6 - Number of former champions. They are Italy, Germany, England, Argentina, Brazil and France. 15 - Number of combined World Cup championships won by the remaining teams. Number of goals scored 10 - Number of goals scored by Argentina, Germany and Brazil, the highest scoring remaining teams. 1 - Number of goals conceded by Brazil, Portugal and Italy, the fewest of the remaing teams. Number of matches won 2 - Number of teams that have won all four of their games. They are Germany and Brazil. Number of bookings 20 - Number of red and yellow cards accumulated by Portugal, the most of any remaining team. 5 - Number of red and yellow cards by Germany, the least of any remaining team. Some facts bout the quaterfinalists 3- Number of the remaining teams that were in the quarterfinals in 2002. They are England, Germany and Brazil. 1 - Number of teams appearing in the quarter-finals for the first time. Ukraine is the only one. Leading goal scorer 4 - Number of goals scored by Germany’s Miroslav Klose, the current leader for the Golden Boot. Youngest and oldest players 37 – Age of Germany’s Oliver Kahn, the oldest remaining player in the tournament. 17 – Age of England’s Theo Walcott, the younger remaining player in the tournament. Smallest and tallest player 165 – Height in centimeters of England’s Aaron Lennon, the smallest remaining player in the tournament. 198 – Height in centimeters of England’s Peter Crouch, the tallest remaining player in the tournament. Most capped player 141 – Number of caps earned by Brazil’s Cafu, the most of any remaining player in the tournament. Read more!
Brazil striker Ronaldo said he hoped he had given his countrymen and women cause to start partying after his goal in a 3-0 canter over Ghana made him the top scorer in World Cup history. "I'm very happy with the result, and with breaking the record - but we win as a team. I get goals and on we go," grinned the 29-year-old Real Madrid star. His fifth-minute strike gave him 15 goals to take him past West German legend Gerd Muller's previous top haul of 14 goals to take the Brazilians into the quarter-finals. "Everything is about work. Nobody has given me a present," Ronaldo said. "All the things I have are by my work and the help of my partners." The striker, criticised for a lethargic start to the tournament and apparent weight problems, made it three goals in his last two games after latching onto a brilliant pass from Kaka that left him free to win a one-on-one with Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson."The record had stood for seven World Cups so I am naturally very pleased to beat it," smiled Ronaldo. "I want more and more and more!" Ronaldo was reluctant to put the record into historical perspective and ponder his place among the legends of the sport, instead saying that taking home the trophy as a team was more important. "I have no idea yet of the importance of the record. It could stay a record for years," Ronaldo said. "I'm very happy. But the principle aim in this tournament is victory." Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Ronaldo's name belongs atop the list of the game's greatest stars as well as top scorers. "That record belongs to him. He's on top of every other player in history. His name is right there," Parreira said. "He's a player for the big and great moments. I hope he's getting enough confidence for the quarter-finals. Ronaldo is going to be a big player in this World Cup." Muller, world champion in 1974, saluted the hotshot from Rio. "Even before the tournament started, it was obvious that he would get at least two goals and draw level, if not three and set a new record. It wasn't a surprise," the 60-year-old told the FIFA World Cup official website. "Although Ronaldo is now in his third World Cup, this is nevertheless still a great achievement on his part. "Playing at such a high level over such a long period of time, always managing to be fit at the right moment is unusual nowadays. In my opinion, he's the best, most complete attacker there is at the moment." Read more!
Saturday, June 24, 2006Riquelme's birthday wishSaturday 24 June is not just another day in the life of Juan Riquelme. The Argentine, appearing at his first ever World Cup finals, will be spending his 28th birthday in the place where he feels happiest – in the middle of a football pitch. The playmaker is gearing up for a date with Mexico, the next hurdle facing his side as they look to bring home the World Cup Trophy for the first time in 20 years. With his mind firmly set on celebrating his big day in style, Riquelme spoke exclusively to worldcup about the importance of having survived the dreaded Group C, his feelings on the tournament so far, and Argentina’s next opponents. "We have absolutely no margin for error," he warned. Señor Riquelme, having just missed out on selection for previous FIFA World Cup finals how do you feel about finally making it? It's just wonderful to be here. Naturally, I'm very happy about fulfilling one of the biggest ambitions of my footballing career and I'm trying to enjoy the experience as much as I can. A lot was said about the difficulty of the group you were drawn in, but the team passed the test with flying colours.The group was really tough and there were some very competitive teams in there. That makes qualifying all the greater an achievement. It was a shame we couldn't beat the Netherlands, despite our best efforts, but we’re delighted about achieving our goal and the way in which we did it. What was most impressive about Argentina in the first phase? We were faithful to our style, which is what we’re known for. We always try to take control of games and we always try to win, no matter who we’re playing. We are very pleased about how things are working out and I just hope we can keep it going. What has been the best thing about the team so far? I couldn’t tell you. I think the team’s doing exceptionally well. The game against the Netherlands was an opportunity for some of the guys who haven't played yet. The fact that they did so well is very important for us. That shows the team has a gameplan and is capable of sticking to it even when new players come in. You have always said you need to be happy in order to perform out on the pitch. Do you feel at ease in this team? Very much so. As long as I’m playing I’m happy, whether it be for Argentina or my club. In fact, every time I run out onto a football pitch I feel happy. It’s all I need. Your next game is against Mexico in the second round. What do you know about them? They’re a hard side to play against. They usually perform very well and they play attractive, open football. They made life hard for us last year in the Confederations Cup and we need to be very focused against them. We have to make sure we don’t make any errors because if we do, we’ll be on the plane home. We’re confident we can get it right though. One last question. What is your main objective at this moment in time? My biggest dream is to go all the way in the World Cup. I hope we can reach the Final in Berlin. That would be just wonderful.
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Monday, June 19, 2006Kewell charged for insulting refHarry Kewell could miss Australia's crucial Group F game against Croatia after being charged by Fifa with insulting referee Markus Merk. The Liverpool winger was reported for swearing at the German official after the Socceroos' 2-0 defeat by Brazil. Kewell has until Tuesday to respond and the verdict will be announced before the final group game on Thursday. Australia need to beat Croatia to be certain of qualifying for the knock-out stages for the first time. Fifa communications director Markus Siegler said: "Fifa have opened disciplinary procedures against Harry Kewell. It was reported in the referee's report that he insulted the referee several times." Merk awarded 25 free-kicks to Brazil while Australia won only nine, but Kewell later defended the referee and said his behaviour after the final whistle was in the "heat of the moment. You're frustrated, you're losing the game, every referee puts up with it," said Kewell. I mean, it's part and parcel of the game. He knows there's no harm meant by it. You go out there and play so well against the world champions and you come off losing, whereas you think you should have come off with something. He understands that, that's the way it is. It was a hard match to referee, and he did a good job." Read more!
Saturday, June 17, 2006Czech Republic 0-2 GhanaGhana threw Group E wide open with victory over the Czech Republic. Asamoah Gyan fired Ghana ahead after just 70 seconds, finishing superbly to punish Tomas Ujfalusi's mistake. Ujfalusi was sent off for bringing down Matthew Amoah, but the Czechs had a reprieve as Gyan struck the resulting penalty against the post. Petr Cech kept Ghana at bay with a string of great saves but the Black Stars sealed victory with a second when Sulley Muntari rounded off a fine move. Ghana gain a deserved victory to throw Group E wide open. Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari scored the goals that capped off one of the finest attacking displays in the tournament so far. And it was the first victory by an African side at this year's tournament. "Ghana should celebrate as one. They dominated from start to finish. Michael Essien was superb and, but for Petr Cech, this could have been a cricket score. On this performance they can give anyone a game. They had a fresh approach, were full of energy and it was a wonderful result for the World Cup." Wigan manager Paul Jewell Read more!
Monday, June 12, 2006Germany, Europe or Brazil?By one calculation this is Germany’s FIFA World Cup™ to win …..54 x 74 = 3996 – 1990 = 2006! By another calculation, the sequence of South America-Europe-South America etc triumphs since 1962 suggests the trophy is headed for European hands once more. But what about this alterntive analysis: on a line drawn from 1958, reaching the peak of 1982 with Italy’s triumph, then coming back down to the present day, a remarkably similar pattern is transcribed. It leads to only one winner in 2006 – Brazil! 1958 = BRA 1962 = BRA 1966 = ENG* 1970 = BRA 1974 = GER 1978 = ARG 1982 = ITA 1986 = ARG 1990 = GER 1994 = BRA 1998 = FRA* 2002 = BRA 2006 = ??????? *European team wins the FIFA World Cup for the first time on home soil Read more!
Sunday, June 11, 2006Who’s Gonna Win today?The World Cup has gotten off to a fantastic start with twelve goals in five games. Some really good football games being played all around, teams like giants Argentina, Sweden struggling againsta debutants Trinidad and Tobago and Ivory Coast, while England having a tough time with Paraguay on day two of the compitition. Today is the third day of the compitition and another 3 matches to be played. The Group of Death rears its ugly head with Netherlands playing Serbia. We also have two Group D matches, Iran versus Mexico and Angola taking on Portugal.
Now is the time to tell the world your predictions for these three matches. Read more!
Saturday, June 10, 2006Germany's win starts the partyNo sooner had the final whistle sounded on Germany’s Opening Match win over Costa Rica than the real signature tune of the FIFA World Cup could be heard in villages, towns and cities all across the host nation – car horns sounding in collective celebration. Relief may have been the prevailing feeling of the many millions of Germans who had gathered in front of television sets and giant screens to watch their 4-2 victory against the Ticos, but there was also a tangible sense of joy flooding the country. FAN FEST sites in the FIFA World Cup venue cities and beyond provided focal points for all those unable to make it to Munich for the opener and the incredibly popular giant screen sites provided a welcome outlet for mass euphoria. Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz setting was typical of the countless scenes of communal gatherings, with football lovers from all corners of the globe descending to share that unique sense of occasion that only a FIFA World Cup can engender. An estimated crowd of 40,000 gathered in Stuttgart’s main square to watch Germany’s win and around half of them appeared to still be there by the end of the opening day’s second match, with the majority of the crowd roaring their approval of Ecuador’s 2-0 defeat of Poland. South American exiles, from Colombia to Bolivia, danced in ecstasy and solidarity as their Ecuadorian neighbours pulled off an impressive result against the Poles. If the FAN FEST atmosphere in Stuttgart can be replicated throughout the tournament, these finals could well be considered the best-ever, certainly on a spectator level. Korea Republic arguably set the benchmark for such gatherings in 2002, where the fervent local support helped to carry the co-hosts all the way to the semi-finals, and Germany will be hoping to ride the same crest of emotion this time around. In the cold light of day, supporters may well be asking if the Germans have got have got what it takes to go all the way to the final again such was their defensive vulnerability against Costa Rica, but there was no denying that initial potent rush of adrenaline on Friday evening.
After years of planning and waiting, the 2006 FIFA World Cup has finally got underway… and the party has only just begun. Read more!
Friday, June 09, 2006The Curtain is ready to rise..... Few encounters leave such an indelible mark on a FIFA World Cup™ as the Opening Match. After four long years, fans can finally see their sides rejoin the quest for football's Holy Grail, and the joy that this brings is invariably worth the wait.
Down through the long history of the competition, there have been opening matches of every description: from the unusual scenario of extra time in the Switzerland-Germany opener of 1938, to shock defeats for defending champions Argentina and France by Cameroon and Senegal in 1990 and 2002 respectively. How could anyone forget that gravity-defying leap by Francois Omam-Biyik of the Indomitable Lions that left Diego Maradona and Co licking their wounds at Italia 90? Or the hair-rising sound of a packed Azteca Stadium roaring out the Mexican national anthem after the stadium’s sound system had failed in 1986? Even today when these images are replayed, they never fail to stir the senses. At Germany 2006, the host nation will have the privilege of playing in the Opening Match, an honour that had been bestowed on the defending champions for the previous 36 years. On 9 June, the Mannschaft will be hoping to make a good first impression on their expectant public and give them the first of many great evenings during the competition. Costa Rica, for their part, will be looking to take inspiration from the historic opening-day feats of previous underdogs and become the first team in the tournament's history to beat a host nation in the inaugural game of a FIFA World Cup. So, the stage is set and the interminable wait is almost over. It is now time to celebrate and enjoy what should be a feast of football. After all, how often do you witness an event that draws an audience of billions? The road to the Final in Berlin is sure to be historic and unforgettable, and one nobody will not want to miss. Read more!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006OverviewWorld so  ccer's supreme title - The FIFA WORLD CUP is disputed between nations every four years.Current holders BRAZIL will defend their title in 2006 in Germany. Twelve cities - Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Hannover, Kaiserslautern, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart - have been named to host the Finals. The opening match of World Cup 2006 will take place on 9th June in Munich - with the final taking place one month later in Berlin. Global Soccer Federations will be represented by the following qualifiers: Europe (UEFA) 14 (inc. hosts): Asia (AFC) 4.5 (play-offs against CONCACAF): South America (CONMEBOL) 4.5 (play-offs against OCEANIA): Oceania (OFC) 0.5 (play-offs against CONMEBOL): Africa (CAF) 5 : North, Central America Caribbean (CONCACAF) 3.5 (playoffs against AFC). Soccer as you all know is played all around the world on all the continents and the soccer World Cup is the most viewed event in the world.In 2002 (staged in Korea/Japan) a cumulative in-home audience of 28.8 billion viewers watched the tournament. In spite of non-prime time viewing hours in Europe, North and South America, many national audience records were broken - with an average world-wide figure of 314.1 million viewers recorded per match. It's certain these record figure will be broken in Germany 2006. Don't you miss it. Keep checking this blog for further news, updates, stats and info..... For further info just click on the links on the right.......
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