Ramallets, Spanish goal keeper, lies on the ground after failing to prevent a goal by Jairzinho, Brazilian left insider, during the championship soccer matches in Rio De Janeiro. Brazil won, 6-1. Date: July 16, 1950. Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Image: Bettmann
Showing posts with label Brazil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brazil. Show all posts
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Thursday, July 1, 2010
A Real Knock-Out Contest
By Ernst Bouwes (Archives) ESPN Soccer
The encounters between these countries have never been boring. There is always an edge, sometimes tense because of the scoreline (as at the tournaments in 1994 and 1998) or just for utter violence on the pitch.
At the 1974 World Cup, both sides met in Dortmund to play for a place in the final. It was in fact the third group game in the second round but, as both had gathered maximum points, it felt like a semi-final. With a superior goal difference, Netherlands only needed a draw, but in everyone's mind this match is remembered as a knock-out contest. It literally was. With 55 fouls in 90 minutes it was one of the most violent World Cup matches ever.
The Oranje had found many admirers during the tournament, while their South American opponents possessed a formidable reputation, having won the 1970 World Cup in such style. But the 1974 meeting will remembered for an incident that was not compatible with Brazil's reputation as football purists; Luis Pereira's violent kick on Johan Neeskens had little to do with 'the beautiful game'.
The viewers at home may have been lucky that 1974 did not have the extensive camera coverage we have today, because it was cruel. In the first-half, Neeskens was knocked unconscious, before Pereira's brutal second-half challenge resulted in a red card for the Brazil centre-back and an unseemly exchange with Dutch fans as he left the pitch.
The golden shirts associated with Brazil's World Cup success four years previous were absent as the team played completely in blue, while the Dutch wore white but certainly did not come in peace. Rinus Michels' side were not sure what their first real meeting with the world champions would bring them and so resorted to a less adventurous style than the games before.
But it seemed that someone lit a fuse on the Weststadion pitch, resulting in a fascinating evening of ruff'n'tumble. Aside from a minute of silence to honour Argentinian president Juan Peron who had died two days before, German referee Kurt Tschenscher failed to take control of the game. What should have been a festival of football between the guiding lights of the international game of that era turned into a sensational slugfest with players constantly battling behind the referee's back.
The 2010 version of this fixture could well go the same direction. Four years ago Holland showed their dark side in the second round match against Portugal, who were not unwilling to take up the fight themselves. With a similar background, the Brazilians will not be the ones to shy away when the going gets physical; they may even believe it could benefit them as it could derail the Dutch game.
Dutch legend Johan Cruyff highlighted the focus on defence this week, telling the Daily Mirror: "Brazil need to play with more intensity, more bite on the pitch, because they are not special. Always the fans want to enjoy Brazil, enjoy their fantasy at World Cups, but they do not have that this summer. They have talented players but they play in a way which is more defensive and is less exciting." He was not that impressed by the Dutch team either.
Meanwhile, the pitch in Port Elizabeth has suffered as a result of bad weather conditions, which could influence the flow of the game. It might not be a brilliant showpiece of formidable football on Friday, but the tension will certainly make up for that. Not only for the spectators and television viewers, but for the players as well.
After the game against Slovakia, coach Bert van Marwijk had to control a sudden bushfire between Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie. The Arsenal player had a frustrating afternoon up front - the latest victim of that isolated position - but did not appreciate his substitution at all. Dutch lipreaders said that he told his coach that he should have taken off Sneijder, whom he apparently blamed for his own poor showing. Van Marwijk nipped the trouble in the bud, though he must notice that his striker is rather ineffective at the moment.
In order to break down the Brazilians, maybe Van Persie should learn a lesson from Cruyff. In the early seventies, Cruyff drifted away from the striker position at Ajax to avoid being kicked by central defenders. The goals were then made by anyone who surged into the box, supplied by perfect Cruyff assists.
The AS Roma of Luciano Spalletti employed similar tactics very successfully a few years ago with Francesco Totti, masquerading as a striker, but mainly playing from midfield. Spalletti confessed to have copied it from Cruyff's Ajax.
"Fast, free-flowing attacks in which offensive side midfielders make darting runs past the lone striker in possession outside the box, amid quick interchanges of accurate passes. When it works well, players swap roles and position with beautiful fluidity. It makes them unpredictable and disorientates defenders," Spaletti told Champions Magazine in an interview in May 2008. You can imagine Van Persie doing the same.
Dirk Kuyt and Arjen Robben may be the perfect players to move into the space he leaves behind, but the fluidity will rely on Van Persie and Sneijder burying their differences. If they manage to make their partnership work, there might be a surprise in store. Although it may not be pretty.
The encounters between these countries have never been boring. There is always an edge, sometimes tense because of the scoreline (as at the tournaments in 1994 and 1998) or just for utter violence on the pitch.
At the 1974 World Cup, both sides met in Dortmund to play for a place in the final. It was in fact the third group game in the second round but, as both had gathered maximum points, it felt like a semi-final. With a superior goal difference, Netherlands only needed a draw, but in everyone's mind this match is remembered as a knock-out contest. It literally was. With 55 fouls in 90 minutes it was one of the most violent World Cup matches ever.
The Oranje had found many admirers during the tournament, while their South American opponents possessed a formidable reputation, having won the 1970 World Cup in such style. But the 1974 meeting will remembered for an incident that was not compatible with Brazil's reputation as football purists; Luis Pereira's violent kick on Johan Neeskens had little to do with 'the beautiful game'.
The viewers at home may have been lucky that 1974 did not have the extensive camera coverage we have today, because it was cruel. In the first-half, Neeskens was knocked unconscious, before Pereira's brutal second-half challenge resulted in a red card for the Brazil centre-back and an unseemly exchange with Dutch fans as he left the pitch.
The golden shirts associated with Brazil's World Cup success four years previous were absent as the team played completely in blue, while the Dutch wore white but certainly did not come in peace. Rinus Michels' side were not sure what their first real meeting with the world champions would bring them and so resorted to a less adventurous style than the games before.
But it seemed that someone lit a fuse on the Weststadion pitch, resulting in a fascinating evening of ruff'n'tumble. Aside from a minute of silence to honour Argentinian president Juan Peron who had died two days before, German referee Kurt Tschenscher failed to take control of the game. What should have been a festival of football between the guiding lights of the international game of that era turned into a sensational slugfest with players constantly battling behind the referee's back.
The 2010 version of this fixture could well go the same direction. Four years ago Holland showed their dark side in the second round match against Portugal, who were not unwilling to take up the fight themselves. With a similar background, the Brazilians will not be the ones to shy away when the going gets physical; they may even believe it could benefit them as it could derail the Dutch game.
Dutch legend Johan Cruyff highlighted the focus on defence this week, telling the Daily Mirror: "Brazil need to play with more intensity, more bite on the pitch, because they are not special. Always the fans want to enjoy Brazil, enjoy their fantasy at World Cups, but they do not have that this summer. They have talented players but they play in a way which is more defensive and is less exciting." He was not that impressed by the Dutch team either.
Meanwhile, the pitch in Port Elizabeth has suffered as a result of bad weather conditions, which could influence the flow of the game. It might not be a brilliant showpiece of formidable football on Friday, but the tension will certainly make up for that. Not only for the spectators and television viewers, but for the players as well.
After the game against Slovakia, coach Bert van Marwijk had to control a sudden bushfire between Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie. The Arsenal player had a frustrating afternoon up front - the latest victim of that isolated position - but did not appreciate his substitution at all. Dutch lipreaders said that he told his coach that he should have taken off Sneijder, whom he apparently blamed for his own poor showing. Van Marwijk nipped the trouble in the bud, though he must notice that his striker is rather ineffective at the moment.
In order to break down the Brazilians, maybe Van Persie should learn a lesson from Cruyff. In the early seventies, Cruyff drifted away from the striker position at Ajax to avoid being kicked by central defenders. The goals were then made by anyone who surged into the box, supplied by perfect Cruyff assists.
The AS Roma of Luciano Spalletti employed similar tactics very successfully a few years ago with Francesco Totti, masquerading as a striker, but mainly playing from midfield. Spalletti confessed to have copied it from Cruyff's Ajax.
"Fast, free-flowing attacks in which offensive side midfielders make darting runs past the lone striker in possession outside the box, amid quick interchanges of accurate passes. When it works well, players swap roles and position with beautiful fluidity. It makes them unpredictable and disorientates defenders," Spaletti told Champions Magazine in an interview in May 2008. You can imagine Van Persie doing the same.
Dirk Kuyt and Arjen Robben may be the perfect players to move into the space he leaves behind, but the fluidity will rely on Van Persie and Sneijder burying their differences. If they manage to make their partnership work, there might be a surprise in store. Although it may not be pretty.
Underdogs Uruguay Hunt Third Cup
By Vladimir Hernandez
BBC Mundo
If Uruguay emerge victorious in the World Cup final at Johannesburg's Soccer City on 11 July, it will not be the biggest surprise in the country's sporting history.
For that you have to go back 60 years, when the Uruguayans shocked the world by beating hosts Brazil to win the 1950 tournament.
Uruguay were one of the planet's big football powers but the Brazilians were the clear favourites going into the game, especially with a home crowd of approaching 200,000 cheering them on.
It is said that there has never been more people inside a football ground to watch a match than there were in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium on 16 July 1950 and once Brazil went in front in the second half of that game, everyone thought the result was no longer in doubt.
At home, people always expect us to win the World Cup every time we come to this competition
Legend has it that the Fifa president of the time, Jules Rimet, even went into the changing rooms to prepare his congratulatory speech for the hosts.
But Uruguay, the ultimate underdog, turned the game around in dramatic fashion, winning with a goal 11 minutes from time.
The ground went absolutely silent at the final whistle. There were even reports of suicides and Brazil never wore its "unlucky" white top again, adopting a yellow and green one instead.
That success came 20 years after Uruguay won the inaugural World Cup at a time they were considered the best team around, having won Olympic goldin 1924 and 1928 - both competitions considered a World Cup for "amateurs".
The current team is not expected to make it a hat-trick of triumphs by those outside the South American country but it would not be a shock to their countrymen if they were to come out on top.
"At home, people always expect us to win the World Cup every time we come to this competition," said captain Diego Lugano.
Since their unexpected victory in 1950, they have not exactly been blowing teams away. Their last semi-final appearance came in 1970, when they lost 3-1 to Brazil.
"We don't think about that," Diego Forlan, one of Uruguay's star players, told the BBC. "We need to keep working and take things step by step."
Forlan and fellow striker Luis Suarez have given the team something it has lacked in decades: two forwards capable of scaring defences and scoring goals.
Both players were among the top scorers in European football last season, with Forlan's goals helping Atletico Madrid win the Europa League.
But Uruguay are not only an attacking side. The work rate of the whole team has been outstanding in South Africa.
Oscar Tabarez's team did not concede a goal until they played South Korea in the last 16 and won their group with a draw against France and wins over Mexico and hosts South Africa.
This helped them avoid a clash with Argentina and provided - at least on paper - an easier route to the semi-finals, with Brazil and Spain in the other half of the draw, though they refuse to be complacent.
"We cannot think less of anyone. Sometimes the teams that seem less tough are the ones that give you a bigger fight," midfielder Alvaro Pereira told the BBC.
Ghana will prove a tougher rival than South Korea in Friday's quarter-final. As the only African team left, Milovan Rajevac's side will probably have the majority of a packed Soccer City behind them.
The Ghanaians will also have noticed the way Uruguay's stamina seemed to suffer in the second half of their last-16 match against the South Koreans. It was only a moment of brilliance from striker Suarez that sent them through.
The Africans have proved to be a much more physical side than many in this tournament - and they will present a big challenge to the South Americans on Friday.
If Uruguay come through that test, a possible encounter with Brazil beckons and another opportunity for an upset.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Brazil's Six Appeal
UK EUROSPORT/YAHOO/REUTERS
Previous appearances in finals: 18
Best performance: Winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002. Also runners-up in 1950, 1998
Coach: Dunga, Brazil's World Cup-winning captain in 1994 - having rebounded from a miserable experience four years earlier when he was made the scapegoat for their second-round exit. Appointed shortly after the 2006 World Cup, despite having almost no top-level coaching experience, to install discipline and pride into the team. He has since won the 2007 Copa America and 2009 Confederations Cup, although many purists dislike the team's counter-attacking style under his leadership.
Key players:
Kaka (Real Madrid). Age: 27. Midfielder: FIFA's World Player of the Year in 2007, Kaka, full name Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, is still regarded as one of the world's top players. Excellent long-range shooting and incisive passing are both strengths but he is at his most exciting when picking up the ball near the halfway line and then surging towards goal. Ever-present in 2006, he also won a World Cup winners medal four years earlier as a teenager although he made only a brief appearance in the campaign.
Luis Fabiano (Sevilla). Age 29. Forward: The 'Fabulous One' scored nine goals in only 11 World Cup qualifiers including braces against Uruguay, Chile, Peru and Argentina, making him Brazil's top scorer in the campaign. His combination of power and accuracy makes him perfect for Dunga's counter-attacking style.
Julio Cesar (Internazionale). Age: 30. Goalkeeper: Has emerged as one of the top world's top goalkeepers. In several of Brazil's apparently easy World Cup wins - notably the 4-0 victories in Venezuela and Uruguay - he made the difference with outstanding saves early in the game.
FIFA world ranking May 2010: 1st
How they qualified: Brazil sailed through the potentially tricky South American World Cup group, booking their place with three matches to spare in the best way possible with a 3-1 win away to arch-rivals Argentina. Their best performances were away from home, including a 3-0 win in Chile and 4-0 wins in Uruguay and Venezuela. Their biggest problems were at home facing massed defences, and they were held to goalless draws by Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. Their only defeats in the 18 matches were against Paraguay and Bolivia, the latter at extreme altitude after they had already qualified.
Prospects: Dunga has turned Brazil into a ruthlessly efficient outfit, even if they are not particularly attractive to watch. They are capable of soaking up pressure for long periods and then hitting their opponents with counter-attacks of astonishing power and precision. The air of overconfidence which has preceded their 2006 campaign has been swept away, making them a good bet for a sixth world title.
Bookmakers' odds: 11-2
Expert view: "Brazil will have to be at their best to win the World Cup this summer. It will be hard but they can do it." Pele
Squad: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Internazionale), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur); Defenders: Maicon (Internazionale), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (Milan); Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo), Josue (Wolfsburg); Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (Wolfsburg)
Previous appearances in finals: 18
Best performance: Winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002. Also runners-up in 1950, 1998
Coach: Dunga, Brazil's World Cup-winning captain in 1994 - having rebounded from a miserable experience four years earlier when he was made the scapegoat for their second-round exit. Appointed shortly after the 2006 World Cup, despite having almost no top-level coaching experience, to install discipline and pride into the team. He has since won the 2007 Copa America and 2009 Confederations Cup, although many purists dislike the team's counter-attacking style under his leadership.
Key players:
Kaka (Real Madrid). Age: 27. Midfielder: FIFA's World Player of the Year in 2007, Kaka, full name Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, is still regarded as one of the world's top players. Excellent long-range shooting and incisive passing are both strengths but he is at his most exciting when picking up the ball near the halfway line and then surging towards goal. Ever-present in 2006, he also won a World Cup winners medal four years earlier as a teenager although he made only a brief appearance in the campaign.
Luis Fabiano (Sevilla). Age 29. Forward: The 'Fabulous One' scored nine goals in only 11 World Cup qualifiers including braces against Uruguay, Chile, Peru and Argentina, making him Brazil's top scorer in the campaign. His combination of power and accuracy makes him perfect for Dunga's counter-attacking style.
Julio Cesar (Internazionale). Age: 30. Goalkeeper: Has emerged as one of the top world's top goalkeepers. In several of Brazil's apparently easy World Cup wins - notably the 4-0 victories in Venezuela and Uruguay - he made the difference with outstanding saves early in the game.
FIFA world ranking May 2010: 1st
How they qualified: Brazil sailed through the potentially tricky South American World Cup group, booking their place with three matches to spare in the best way possible with a 3-1 win away to arch-rivals Argentina. Their best performances were away from home, including a 3-0 win in Chile and 4-0 wins in Uruguay and Venezuela. Their biggest problems were at home facing massed defences, and they were held to goalless draws by Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. Their only defeats in the 18 matches were against Paraguay and Bolivia, the latter at extreme altitude after they had already qualified.
Prospects: Dunga has turned Brazil into a ruthlessly efficient outfit, even if they are not particularly attractive to watch. They are capable of soaking up pressure for long periods and then hitting their opponents with counter-attacks of astonishing power and precision. The air of overconfidence which has preceded their 2006 campaign has been swept away, making them a good bet for a sixth world title.
Bookmakers' odds: 11-2
Expert view: "Brazil will have to be at their best to win the World Cup this summer. It will be hard but they can do it." Pele
Squad: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Internazionale), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur); Defenders: Maicon (Internazionale), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (Milan); Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo), Josue (Wolfsburg); Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (Wolfsburg)
Who are the champions? Winners revealed
A global poll of football experts has been conducted by the BBC Sport website to produce a predicted top four at the 2010 World Cup.
BBC SPORTS
We have been asking pundits, players, managers, journalists and other experts to give us their one-two-three-four forecast at the tournament, which kicks off in South Africa on Friday.
The identities of the top four have been revealed daily, one by one, and we can today announce that SPAIN were the favourite choice for outright tournament winner.
Our survey shows Brazil in second, Argentina third with England fourth.
We polled over 50 experts from more than 20 nations, and no-one plumped for other previous winners Germany, Italy and France to repeat the trick in South Africa.
Predictions in full: All the World Cup 1-2-3-4s
If the survey is proved right, Euro 2008 winners Spain will make history by becoming world champions for the first time and the first European team to win the World Cup in another continent.
They narrowly saw off Brazil as the most popular pick for our experts, who were asked to draw up their top four teams, with the caveat that not all predictions might work out precisely because of the variable nature of the World Cup draw.
WHY THEY PICKED SPAIN
Here are some reasons why pundits plumped for the team managed by Vicente del Bosque.
Ronald de Boer Ex-Netherlands midfielder, 67 caps
Spain have the same group of players as they did in winning Euro 2008, only more experienced. They have played together for a long time so the players know each other's qualities inside out. Also, they have a great bench and in many games it's the substitutes who make the difference.
Papa Bouba Diop Senegal and Portsmouth midfielder, 58 caps
"They are the best team, Spain, and they have the best players. They proved it at Euro 2008 and it's hard to say they won't win this time. An African team, maybe Ivory Coast or Ghana, can do well."
Juan Casto Nogales International writer, Spanish newspaper Marca
"Spain are the best team for the quantity and the quality of exceptional players our national team has. No other team in the world has played like them worldwide. Good keeper, good defenders, exceptional midfielders and some exceptional forwards."
Alan Hansen Former Scotland and Liverpool defender, BBC pundit
"We know how good the Spanish players are and by winning Euro 2008 they showed they could handle the pressure too. They will be full of confidence in South Africa."
Brede Hangeland Norway captain
"If you look through their squad, they have the best players of any nation. To put it into perspective, they'll have some of the best players in the world sitting on the bench and that says it all. They are unbeaten in a very long time and when you see them play the look very solid."
Hardy Hasselbruch Editor, Kicker football magazine, Germany
"Spain are European champions and have the most skilful players. Del Bosque is a very good man to guide the stars from Barca and Real. Stout in defence, creative in offence and strikers like Fernando Torres and David Villa - what a generation of talent."
Paul Kennedy Soccer America magazine/website
Spain has more world-class players than any other team in the tournament. Its midfield (when healthy) is the best in the world. And Del Bosque has an assortment of quality strikers to choose from.
Hans Krankl Former Austria striker, 1978 European Golden Boot winner
"Spain are the best team in the world right now but the rest of the favourites are always the same. Just outside these four, I'd tip Germany and Holland to have success too."
Henrik Larsson Ex-Sweden, Barcelona and Celtic striker
"Spain did so well in Euro 2008 and they have more or less the same team. It is vital for them, though, that Torres stays fit. If he is 100%, they have the best chance but England under Fabio Capello are dangerous. He has got them playing in a different way and also brought the discipline they needed."
Patrick Mboma Ex-Cameroon striker, 33 goals in 56 games
"They are the best in terms of quality and they have the best players in each role. I cannot see why they can't win the World Cup."
Vicente Miera Former Spain manager and defender
"They are, at the moment, the national team that is playing the best football."
Bojan Sec Contributor, Sport Den za Dnem, Russia
"Anyone who has watched them over the last several years has seen a coherent, stable, well-organised group of players who are superbly gifted technically. They lacked a big title but they got that in 2008 and that has given them a winning mentality."
Alan Shearer BBC TV pundit and former England striker
"I was so impressed with Spain in the way they won the Euros two years ago. Their chances might not be diminished by Torres' injury because he could still play a part. He is crucial to their chances, he will be a big player for them, but they have David Villa as well."
Martin Skrtel Slovakia and Liverpool defender
"It would be a mistake to underestimate France and Germany are always a threat. England are tactically strong while Spain play the most beautiful football."
Edwin Struis Nu Sport, Dutch soccer magazine
"In every World Cup since 1930 one of the 'Big Four' (Italy, Argentina, Germany, Brazil) has been in the final. This World Cup won't be an exception on that rule, but we will have a 'debutant' as a winner - Spain. The best players, the best team, some good strikers and a European Championship in the suitcase. Spain will win the double."
Chris Waddle Former winger, 62 caps, BBC 5 live pundit
"I think Spain will win because they have the best squad, won a tournament two years ago and now have the belief."
Vladimir Weiss Manchester City's Slovakia winger, son of national coah Vladimir
"Spain have got some great players and they play the right way too. Their midfield is the best in the world, which is the most important thing in modern football."
BBC SPORTS
We have been asking pundits, players, managers, journalists and other experts to give us their one-two-three-four forecast at the tournament, which kicks off in South Africa on Friday.
The identities of the top four have been revealed daily, one by one, and we can today announce that SPAIN were the favourite choice for outright tournament winner.
Our survey shows Brazil in second, Argentina third with England fourth.
We polled over 50 experts from more than 20 nations, and no-one plumped for other previous winners Germany, Italy and France to repeat the trick in South Africa.
Predictions in full: All the World Cup 1-2-3-4s
If the survey is proved right, Euro 2008 winners Spain will make history by becoming world champions for the first time and the first European team to win the World Cup in another continent.
They narrowly saw off Brazil as the most popular pick for our experts, who were asked to draw up their top four teams, with the caveat that not all predictions might work out precisely because of the variable nature of the World Cup draw.
WHY THEY PICKED SPAIN
Here are some reasons why pundits plumped for the team managed by Vicente del Bosque.
Ronald de Boer Ex-Netherlands midfielder, 67 caps
Spain have the same group of players as they did in winning Euro 2008, only more experienced. They have played together for a long time so the players know each other's qualities inside out. Also, they have a great bench and in many games it's the substitutes who make the difference.
Papa Bouba Diop Senegal and Portsmouth midfielder, 58 caps
"They are the best team, Spain, and they have the best players. They proved it at Euro 2008 and it's hard to say they won't win this time. An African team, maybe Ivory Coast or Ghana, can do well."
Juan Casto Nogales International writer, Spanish newspaper Marca
"Spain are the best team for the quantity and the quality of exceptional players our national team has. No other team in the world has played like them worldwide. Good keeper, good defenders, exceptional midfielders and some exceptional forwards."
Alan Hansen Former Scotland and Liverpool defender, BBC pundit
"We know how good the Spanish players are and by winning Euro 2008 they showed they could handle the pressure too. They will be full of confidence in South Africa."
Brede Hangeland Norway captain
"If you look through their squad, they have the best players of any nation. To put it into perspective, they'll have some of the best players in the world sitting on the bench and that says it all. They are unbeaten in a very long time and when you see them play the look very solid."
Hardy Hasselbruch Editor, Kicker football magazine, Germany
"Spain are European champions and have the most skilful players. Del Bosque is a very good man to guide the stars from Barca and Real. Stout in defence, creative in offence and strikers like Fernando Torres and David Villa - what a generation of talent."
Paul Kennedy Soccer America magazine/website
Spain has more world-class players than any other team in the tournament. Its midfield (when healthy) is the best in the world. And Del Bosque has an assortment of quality strikers to choose from.
Hans Krankl Former Austria striker, 1978 European Golden Boot winner
"Spain are the best team in the world right now but the rest of the favourites are always the same. Just outside these four, I'd tip Germany and Holland to have success too."
Henrik Larsson Ex-Sweden, Barcelona and Celtic striker
"Spain did so well in Euro 2008 and they have more or less the same team. It is vital for them, though, that Torres stays fit. If he is 100%, they have the best chance but England under Fabio Capello are dangerous. He has got them playing in a different way and also brought the discipline they needed."
Patrick Mboma Ex-Cameroon striker, 33 goals in 56 games
"They are the best in terms of quality and they have the best players in each role. I cannot see why they can't win the World Cup."
Vicente Miera Former Spain manager and defender
"They are, at the moment, the national team that is playing the best football."
Bojan Sec Contributor, Sport Den za Dnem, Russia
"Anyone who has watched them over the last several years has seen a coherent, stable, well-organised group of players who are superbly gifted technically. They lacked a big title but they got that in 2008 and that has given them a winning mentality."
Alan Shearer BBC TV pundit and former England striker
"I was so impressed with Spain in the way they won the Euros two years ago. Their chances might not be diminished by Torres' injury because he could still play a part. He is crucial to their chances, he will be a big player for them, but they have David Villa as well."
Martin Skrtel Slovakia and Liverpool defender
"It would be a mistake to underestimate France and Germany are always a threat. England are tactically strong while Spain play the most beautiful football."
Edwin Struis Nu Sport, Dutch soccer magazine
"In every World Cup since 1930 one of the 'Big Four' (Italy, Argentina, Germany, Brazil) has been in the final. This World Cup won't be an exception on that rule, but we will have a 'debutant' as a winner - Spain. The best players, the best team, some good strikers and a European Championship in the suitcase. Spain will win the double."
Chris Waddle Former winger, 62 caps, BBC 5 live pundit
"I think Spain will win because they have the best squad, won a tournament two years ago and now have the belief."
Vladimir Weiss Manchester City's Slovakia winger, son of national coah Vladimir
"Spain have got some great players and they play the right way too. Their midfield is the best in the world, which is the most important thing in modern football."
Friday, June 4, 2010
Brazil: World Cup 2010 team guide
Favourites to win their sixth World Cup, Dunga's side are more physically intimidating than attacking virtuosos
Kevin McCarra/The Guardian
Kaka can inspire Brazil to victory at World Cup 2010. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
History lesson
The only team to have appeared at every World Cup; five-times winners; runners-up in 1950 and 1998; semi-finalists in 1938, 1974 and 1978. The 1970 team are seen as one of the best teams ever and their fourth goal in the final – a sweeping move involving 83% of the population of Brazil – as one of the greatest ever scored. Have produced players of breathtaking skill such as Pelé, Garrincha and Rivaldo as well as dead-eyed finishers such as Romário.
Tactics board
Brazil play a 4-2-3-1 with Luís Fabiano as a lone centre-forward ahead of Robinho, Kaká and Ramires. Purists will tell you that Dunga's decision to leave out Ronaldinho is a sign of Brazil's drift away from jogo bonito but it's still not exactly Stoke City we're talking about here. True, they employ not one but two defensive midfielders but they still have room for the creativity of Kaká and Robinho's pointlessly overelaborate jinking.
Grudge match
Brazil have three main rivals: Argentina, Argentina and Argentina. When the teams met in the last 16 of the 1990 World Cup Argentina's medical team were accused of putting tranquillisers in Branco's water as Brazil crashed out.
Also known as
The poetic – canarinhos (little canaries); the imposing – a selecção (the selection); and the factual – verde amarela (yellow and green).
The players
Vuvuzela superstar
Kaká. Clean-living, fresh-faced poster boy who plays for Real Madrid and Jesus. Boasts an off-field persona so spotless that scientists have proven he can cure acne-ridden teenagers just by looking at them.
There's always Bolton
Luís Fabiano is linked to the Premier League every other second and his speed and strength is suited to the English game. Sevilla want around £18m for him and Harry Redknapp, down to 53 fit strikers, could see him as the man to bolster Spurs' Champions League campaign.
Laager lout
It's bad enough that the Roberto Mancini-baiting, stepovering Robinho has a tendency to go missing on the pitch he also regularly dropped off Manchester City's radar before being packed off to Santos.
The coach
Body double
Dunga means "Dopey" in Portuguese and work as an extra at Disney World is a possibility should the football not work out.
Big game hunter
Although his pragmatic approach is seen as un-Brazilian by some – he left Ronaldinho out of the squad – he has won the Copa América and the Confederations Cup.
Loved or loathed
When Dunga captained his country to victory at the 1994 World Cup, Brazilian reporters described him as a dour symbol of everything that was wrong with the game when they really meant to say he was a towering pillar of strength.
The country
Commentators' kit
Brazil is home to the acai berry which contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and anthocyanins which will improve your concentration, memory and sex life. Or at least that's what the 94 emails we received in our inbox this morning told us.
They gave the world
Attractive female fans in skimpy clothing, Brazil's answer to drunk students dressed up as pirates at Trent Bridge on a rainy Ashes Thursday in June.
National monument
Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, a tropical climate and a rapidly growing economy have bolstered Brazilian optimism. Like Britain then, except for the beaches, beautiful people, climate, economy. Oh, and the optimism.
Qualifying
Comfortable. Finished top of their group with three matches to spare but the process was not as imperious as some would have liked, taking only one point off Bolivia and drawing 0-0 four times.
The Triesman tapes ... what he didn't say
"Coffee-fuelled adrenaline junkies offering sanctuary to train robbers and party-animal pubic topiarists who think they invented passing to feet."
Statistics
World Cup: record 18 finals
P92 W64 D14 L14 F201 A84
Winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
199,854: Maracanã crowd who watched Brazil's 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the 'fateful final' of 1950 tournament. The hosts had led 1-0
Fixtures
North Korea, 15 June, Ellis Park, 7.30pm
Ivory Coast, 20 June, Soccer City, 7.30pm
Portugal, 25 June, Moses Mabhida Stadium, 3pm
The verdict
Dunga's men have talent but it is the power and depth of the squad that are truly intimidating. The attackers are not quite so distinguished as in the past but overall resources are rich, with, for instance, Maicon and Dani Alves as candidates for right-back. Rightful favourites to win their sixth World Cup on a fifth continent.
Kevin McCarra/The Guardian
Kaka can inspire Brazil to victory at World Cup 2010. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesHistory lesson
The only team to have appeared at every World Cup; five-times winners; runners-up in 1950 and 1998; semi-finalists in 1938, 1974 and 1978. The 1970 team are seen as one of the best teams ever and their fourth goal in the final – a sweeping move involving 83% of the population of Brazil – as one of the greatest ever scored. Have produced players of breathtaking skill such as Pelé, Garrincha and Rivaldo as well as dead-eyed finishers such as Romário.
Tactics board
Brazil play a 4-2-3-1 with Luís Fabiano as a lone centre-forward ahead of Robinho, Kaká and Ramires. Purists will tell you that Dunga's decision to leave out Ronaldinho is a sign of Brazil's drift away from jogo bonito but it's still not exactly Stoke City we're talking about here. True, they employ not one but two defensive midfielders but they still have room for the creativity of Kaká and Robinho's pointlessly overelaborate jinking.
Grudge match
Brazil have three main rivals: Argentina, Argentina and Argentina. When the teams met in the last 16 of the 1990 World Cup Argentina's medical team were accused of putting tranquillisers in Branco's water as Brazil crashed out.
Also known as
The poetic – canarinhos (little canaries); the imposing – a selecção (the selection); and the factual – verde amarela (yellow and green).
The players
Vuvuzela superstar
Kaká. Clean-living, fresh-faced poster boy who plays for Real Madrid and Jesus. Boasts an off-field persona so spotless that scientists have proven he can cure acne-ridden teenagers just by looking at them.
There's always Bolton
Luís Fabiano is linked to the Premier League every other second and his speed and strength is suited to the English game. Sevilla want around £18m for him and Harry Redknapp, down to 53 fit strikers, could see him as the man to bolster Spurs' Champions League campaign.
Laager lout
It's bad enough that the Roberto Mancini-baiting, stepovering Robinho has a tendency to go missing on the pitch he also regularly dropped off Manchester City's radar before being packed off to Santos.
The coach
Body double
Dunga means "Dopey" in Portuguese and work as an extra at Disney World is a possibility should the football not work out.
Big game hunter
Although his pragmatic approach is seen as un-Brazilian by some – he left Ronaldinho out of the squad – he has won the Copa América and the Confederations Cup.
Loved or loathed
When Dunga captained his country to victory at the 1994 World Cup, Brazilian reporters described him as a dour symbol of everything that was wrong with the game when they really meant to say he was a towering pillar of strength.
The country
Commentators' kit
Brazil is home to the acai berry which contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and anthocyanins which will improve your concentration, memory and sex life. Or at least that's what the 94 emails we received in our inbox this morning told us.
They gave the world
Attractive female fans in skimpy clothing, Brazil's answer to drunk students dressed up as pirates at Trent Bridge on a rainy Ashes Thursday in June.
National monument
Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, a tropical climate and a rapidly growing economy have bolstered Brazilian optimism. Like Britain then, except for the beaches, beautiful people, climate, economy. Oh, and the optimism.
Qualifying
Comfortable. Finished top of their group with three matches to spare but the process was not as imperious as some would have liked, taking only one point off Bolivia and drawing 0-0 four times.
The Triesman tapes ... what he didn't say
"Coffee-fuelled adrenaline junkies offering sanctuary to train robbers and party-animal pubic topiarists who think they invented passing to feet."
Statistics
World Cup: record 18 finals
P92 W64 D14 L14 F201 A84
Winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
199,854: Maracanã crowd who watched Brazil's 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the 'fateful final' of 1950 tournament. The hosts had led 1-0
Fixtures
North Korea, 15 June, Ellis Park, 7.30pm
Ivory Coast, 20 June, Soccer City, 7.30pm
Portugal, 25 June, Moses Mabhida Stadium, 3pm
The verdict
Dunga's men have talent but it is the power and depth of the squad that are truly intimidating. The attackers are not quite so distinguished as in the past but overall resources are rich, with, for instance, Maicon and Dani Alves as candidates for right-back. Rightful favourites to win their sixth World Cup on a fifth continent.
Pele's Predictions
The former Brazil striker may be the greatest player ever, but his World Cup predictions are never up to much.
THE GUARDIAN
Pele has offered some odd predictions ahead of World Cups in the past. Photograph: Elizabeth Dalziel/AP
Pelé may be the greatest player in history but despite being paid to travel the world talking about football, what he actually says about it is hugely unreliable. 'When Pelé's quiet, he's a poet,' says Romario. 'But he just talks shit.' Here are the highlights of his past 20 years
1990
"Italy is the favourite"
Italy lose to Argentina in the semi-finals and West Germany win it
1994
"For me Colombia is the best team. It doesn't mean they are going to win it but they will be one of the four semi-finalists. Brazil has very good players but as a team they are not so compact. Germany work well together"
Colombia are eliminated and defender/own-goal scorer Andrés Escobar is shot dead, Germany go out in the quarter-finals. Brazil win it
1998
"Spain is the big favourite, and I always believe Brazil will be in the final. France have good players who play well as a team and, of course, they are at home. They have a great chance to be in the final. England have a good manager, a good style and a very strong team"
Spain crash out in the group stages and France beat Brazil in the final
2002
"Brazil have not been playing well. They haven't been playing as a team. There are a whole series of teams who are fighting to be at the top level – Argentina, France, Italy and Portugal – but none of these stands out. Below the top four there is a second level of teams that could easily win it such as Germany, England and Spain"
Argentina, France and Portugal are all eliminated in the group stages, while Italy lose in the second round to South Korea and Brazil win it
2006
"The last four? Brazil, Argentina, England, France"
England, Argentina and Brazil all lose in the quarter-finals as Italy beat France in the final
…and famously
"An African nation will win the World Cup before the year 2000"
An African country has still yet to get past the quarter-finals.
THE GUARDIAN
Pele has offered some odd predictions ahead of World Cups in the past. Photograph: Elizabeth Dalziel/APPelé may be the greatest player in history but despite being paid to travel the world talking about football, what he actually says about it is hugely unreliable. 'When Pelé's quiet, he's a poet,' says Romario. 'But he just talks shit.' Here are the highlights of his past 20 years
1990
"Italy is the favourite"
Italy lose to Argentina in the semi-finals and West Germany win it
1994
"For me Colombia is the best team. It doesn't mean they are going to win it but they will be one of the four semi-finalists. Brazil has very good players but as a team they are not so compact. Germany work well together"
Colombia are eliminated and defender/own-goal scorer Andrés Escobar is shot dead, Germany go out in the quarter-finals. Brazil win it
1998
"Spain is the big favourite, and I always believe Brazil will be in the final. France have good players who play well as a team and, of course, they are at home. They have a great chance to be in the final. England have a good manager, a good style and a very strong team"
Spain crash out in the group stages and France beat Brazil in the final
2002
"Brazil have not been playing well. They haven't been playing as a team. There are a whole series of teams who are fighting to be at the top level – Argentina, France, Italy and Portugal – but none of these stands out. Below the top four there is a second level of teams that could easily win it such as Germany, England and Spain"
Argentina, France and Portugal are all eliminated in the group stages, while Italy lose in the second round to South Korea and Brazil win it
2006
"The last four? Brazil, Argentina, England, France"
England, Argentina and Brazil all lose in the quarter-finals as Italy beat France in the final
…and famously
"An African nation will win the World Cup before the year 2000"
An African country has still yet to get past the quarter-finals.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
2010 World Cup Preview: Paraguay
By Charles Gooch/Kansas City Star
To get you ready for the drama that will start unfolding on June 11 in South Africa, The Star and The Full 90 will introduce you to the teams, the key performers, what to look for and what to expect in this year's Cup.
Now for the last team in the Group of Leisure.
Paraguay
Group F
THE BASICS
• Nickname: La Albirroja (The White-Red)
• Colors: White, Red (Surprise)
• FIFA Ranking: 30
• How They Got Here: Finished third in South American qualifying, just behind Brazil and Chile
• World Cup Pedigree: 8 World Cups ('30, '34, '50, '58, '86, '98, '02, '06), reached the second round three times
THE PLOT
Can one of the most surprising South American teams overcome the loss of their best player to qualify for the knockout stage? Well, the easiest group in the Cup (BY FAR) should be a huge help.
THE DIRECTOR
Gerardo Martino
An Argentinean, known as "El Tata, " he was a star for Argentina's Newell's Old Boys and has had great success in Paraguay as a coach. Like the three teams not named Italy, he is a relatively green on the international level.
LEADING MAN
Roque Santa Cruz
The Manchester City striker will be asked to do the majority of the goal scoring for Paraguay. He's scored 20 goals for the national side (he didn't have the same success with City, where he only scored three times) and that's twice as many goals as the next best on this team.
SUPPORTING CAST
Lucas Barrios (forward, Colo Colo - Chile) is the likely successor for Salvador Cabanas (who was shot in the head last year and won't make the World Cup) and recently renounced his Argentina citizenship for his mother's country; Oscar Cardozo (forward, Benfica) is tall, lanky (he's known as "Tacuara" -- a type of cane -- in Paraguay) and good in the air; Paulo da Silva (defender, Sunderland) is La Albirroja's captain and warrior in the back; Justo Villar (goalkeeper, Real Valladolid - Spain) won't be confused for legendary shot-stopper Jose Luis Chilavert, but he's a reliable 'keeper with good hands.
LIKELY BREAKOUT STAR
Edgar Barreto The 23-year-old Atalanta winger will be the primary supply for the forwards (and it would be a huge help if he could put a goal or two in as well).
THE LIKELY VILLAIN
Santa Cruz. If he's not scoring, Paraguay doesn't go far.
DO WHAT YOU WILL WITH THIS...
According to The Guardian, dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are blood donors.
CRITICAL BLURBS
I'm really sort of sick of saying this, as I've said it a lot: This team will struggle to score. ... The team went through various stages during qualifying. At times they were awesome (beating Brazil 2-0 and thumping Ecuador 5-1) and at times they were dismal (losing 4-2 to Bolivia). ... With Italy in this group, it's almost a guarantee that the group winner might not crack 4 goals scored. Paraguay-Italy is almost assuredly a nil-nil tie. ... If they can get past Slovakia and into the second round, they could make some noise as they are very difficult to break down. ... Best-case scenario? Reaching the second round and putting a scare into The Netherlands. ... Realistic prediction? Reaching the second round and getting run out of South Africa by The Netherlands.
POSSIBLE HOLLYWOOD MOMENT
The first goal the team scores will likely resemble a sports movie cliche: The players celebrating their fallen teammate, Cabanas.
To get you ready for the drama that will start unfolding on June 11 in South Africa, The Star and The Full 90 will introduce you to the teams, the key performers, what to look for and what to expect in this year's Cup.
Now for the last team in the Group of Leisure.
Paraguay
Group F
THE BASICS
• Nickname: La Albirroja (The White-Red)
• Colors: White, Red (Surprise)
• FIFA Ranking: 30
• How They Got Here: Finished third in South American qualifying, just behind Brazil and Chile
• World Cup Pedigree: 8 World Cups ('30, '34, '50, '58, '86, '98, '02, '06), reached the second round three times
THE PLOT
Can one of the most surprising South American teams overcome the loss of their best player to qualify for the knockout stage? Well, the easiest group in the Cup (BY FAR) should be a huge help.
THE DIRECTOR
Gerardo Martino
An Argentinean, known as "El Tata, " he was a star for Argentina's Newell's Old Boys and has had great success in Paraguay as a coach. Like the three teams not named Italy, he is a relatively green on the international level.
LEADING MAN
Roque Santa Cruz
The Manchester City striker will be asked to do the majority of the goal scoring for Paraguay. He's scored 20 goals for the national side (he didn't have the same success with City, where he only scored three times) and that's twice as many goals as the next best on this team.
SUPPORTING CAST
Lucas Barrios (forward, Colo Colo - Chile) is the likely successor for Salvador Cabanas (who was shot in the head last year and won't make the World Cup) and recently renounced his Argentina citizenship for his mother's country; Oscar Cardozo (forward, Benfica) is tall, lanky (he's known as "Tacuara" -- a type of cane -- in Paraguay) and good in the air; Paulo da Silva (defender, Sunderland) is La Albirroja's captain and warrior in the back; Justo Villar (goalkeeper, Real Valladolid - Spain) won't be confused for legendary shot-stopper Jose Luis Chilavert, but he's a reliable 'keeper with good hands.
LIKELY BREAKOUT STAR
Edgar Barreto The 23-year-old Atalanta winger will be the primary supply for the forwards (and it would be a huge help if he could put a goal or two in as well).
THE LIKELY VILLAIN
Santa Cruz. If he's not scoring, Paraguay doesn't go far.
DO WHAT YOU WILL WITH THIS...
According to The Guardian, dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are blood donors.
CRITICAL BLURBS
I'm really sort of sick of saying this, as I've said it a lot: This team will struggle to score. ... The team went through various stages during qualifying. At times they were awesome (beating Brazil 2-0 and thumping Ecuador 5-1) and at times they were dismal (losing 4-2 to Bolivia). ... With Italy in this group, it's almost a guarantee that the group winner might not crack 4 goals scored. Paraguay-Italy is almost assuredly a nil-nil tie. ... If they can get past Slovakia and into the second round, they could make some noise as they are very difficult to break down. ... Best-case scenario? Reaching the second round and putting a scare into The Netherlands. ... Realistic prediction? Reaching the second round and getting run out of South Africa by The Netherlands.
POSSIBLE HOLLYWOOD MOMENT
The first goal the team scores will likely resemble a sports movie cliche: The players celebrating their fallen teammate, Cabanas.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Luis Fabiano: Brazil Will Play Dirty To Win If Necessary
By Stefan Coerts/NBC Sports/Goal dot com
Brazil start the upcoming World Cup finals as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but even surviving the group stage could be tricky for the Selecao as they compete with Portugal, Ivory Coast and Korea DPR for only two spots in the first knock-out round.
Highly rated striker Luis Fabiano is confident that Brazil will be successful in South Africa and the Sevilla hitman has made it clear that the South Americans will do anything to go far in the competition.
"If it is necessary to play dirty to win, we will do it. All that counts at the World Cup is to win and we are ready to do whatever it takes to go far," Luis Fabiano was quoted as saying by reporters.
"I am at a stage where I want to achieve several goals. I have already achieved one which is to be here with the squad. Above all the most important target is to be crowned champions. To be leading scorer is a consequence of those efforts during the whole of the tournament."
Brazil start this summer's tournament with a match against Korea DPR on 15 June.
Brazilians soccer player Luis Fabiano, left, and Thiago Silva practice during a training session in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, May 30, 2010. Brazilian team is preparing for the upcoming World Cup, which gets underway on June 11. (AP Photo/Andre PennerBy Tales Azzoni/Canadian Press/Hosted News/Google
JOHANNESBURG — Brazil striker Luis Fabiano is playing in the World Cup for his late grandfather.
The Sevilla forward known for his razor-sharp finishing ability and sometimes hot temper turned emotional when asked about his motivation going into the tournament in South Africa. Luis Fabiano was raised by his grandfather Benedito, and said that if Brazil wins the trophy he will dedicate it to the man who helped him become a professional soccer player.
"I would like to win this to honour him," the 29-year-old player said. "Unfortunately he has passed away, but the title would be for him."
Luis Fabiano said that since he was young his grandfather would walk around with newspaper clippings about him in his pocket, bragging about him to everybody.
"He was my biggest fan and an idol to me," the striker said. "I think about him in all my victories."
Luis Fabiano is expected to play a large role in Brazil's bid for a sixth World Cup title, having scored five goals in helping the team win the Confederations Cup last year. Before that tournament, the striker pledged to score a goal per game — and lived up to his promise.
He's not making any brash predictions this time, but made it no secret that he hopes to contend for the scoring title.
"The striker is there to score goals and in a World Cup every goal usually is decisive," he said. "I want to help Brazil win the World Cup and I will try to score as many goals as possible."
For a while, however, he worried he may not be able to play at all. He hurt a muscle while playing for Sevilla in May and feared the injury could jeopardize his presence in South Africa.
"I didn't know how serious it was," Luis Fabiano said. "It wasn't until I had the exams and showed them to the Brazilian doctors that I felt relieved. They said there would be enough time for me to recover before the World Cup."
The left thigh injury kept Fabiano from playing with Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final, but he went into intensive treatment after reporting to the Brazilian national team on May 21. He still is undergoing treatment but has been practising normally and will likely play in Brazil's friendly at Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
"I'll be a bit cautious in the friendly, but I'll be ready," he said.
Besides injuries keeping him off the field, the striker has also been known to earn too many red cards because of his hot temper. He said that's a thing of the past, however, as he has matured with age.
"I didn't accept losing and didn't like getting hit too much on the field," the striker said. "Now I can control myself. I'm not a kid anymore. Time does that to you. I'm a different Luis Fabiano now."
Friday, May 28, 2010
Meet the soccer studs of 2010 South Africa World
By Debra Black/The Star
With the city soon to explode in World Cup fervor — after all, the kick off is on June 11 — the Star has put together a list of the sport’s hottest players.
With apologies to those who think it is sexist to judge a man by the shape of his abs, we scanned through hundreds of pictures of players to come up with our Top 15. (Sigh, what a difficult task it was!)
After hours of gazing and deliberating we have picked our favourites, some of whom just happened to be in Nike’s “Write the Future” commercial. And let’s be clear: these guys are not only hot off the field, but also on the field.
And so here is our list of the Top 15 World Cup Hotties, with photos and biographical information (with information and quotes from ESPN’s Soccernet.com).
It’s a totally arbitrary list, so feel free to weigh in with your thoughts by sending us pics of your favourites at webmaster@thestar.ca with the subject line “Soccer.”
1) Didier Drogba: Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Drogba is considered to have “aerial prowess and power” and few can surpass his strength. The 32-year-old’s physical assets were enough to rile Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who is said to be annoyed that he had to share June’s Vanity Fair cover with this Ivory Coast wonder boy. At 1.88 metres and 83.8 kilograms, Drogba, who plays for Chelsea when he’s not supporting his country in the World Cup, is considered one of the best centre forwards in the world. His play is often theatrical and temperamental.
2) Kaka: His real name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite but he’s known around the world as Kaka, a common nickname for those named Ricardo and something his younger brother Rodrigo, also a soccer player, calls him. The 28-year-old midfielder, who is 1.85 metres and weighs 73 kilograms, is playing for Brazil in the World Cup. The Real Madrid player is not only handsome but has been described as a “highly skillful player, a great shot, superb vision for a pass.” He is considered “one of the best footballers of the past few years” and, according to soccer legend Pele, Kaka ‘is the best player in the world because he is the most complete player.”
3) Cristiano Ronaldo: The 25-year-old Portugal midfielder — next to David Beckham, who sadly is not playing in the World Cup — is said to be the best known player on the planet. Known for his pace and mesmerizing footwork, Ronaldo, named for his father’s favourite actor, Ronald Reagan, was the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008. Many believe it’s time for him to live up to his billing on the world stage. At 1.85 metres and 75 kilograms, his physical attributes can be seen both on and off the field.
4) Yoann Gourcuff: The 23-year-old forward on the French team will be setting hearts aflutter both on and off the soccer field. Gourcuff, who plays for Bordeaux, is considered a “very creative and technical playmaker” with an “outrageous array of tricks and dribble moves and artistic vision.” Some have dubbed him the man who will succeed France’s Zinedine Zidane. Gourcuff, 1.85 metres and 79 kilograms, is considered by soccer aficionados and casual observers alike as perhaps “the next big thing.” And for the purposes of our list, that’s both on and off the soccer fields of the world.
5) Marco Borriello: Italy’s 27-year-old handsome heartthrob and striker for AC Milan has captured as much media attention for his affairs of the heart as for his work on the soccer field. He has been described as a “a strong, physical target striker known for his rocket left leg, commanding aerial presence, ability to track back on defence and his penchant for scoring spectacular volleys.”
6) Carlos Bocanegra: The United States captain has been described as having great strength and deceptive speed with a powerful aerial presence. He is adept at both heading away attacks and finishing off set pieces on the opposite end of the field. Bocanegra, 33, is also very pleasing to the eye and will be sure to win over many female fans. He plays with Rennes in France’s top flight as either a left back or in the centre.
7) Iker Casillas: Spain’s 29-year-old goalkeeper is said to have a “strong claim to the title of the finest goalkeeper of his generation.” A player for Real Madrid, he was nicknamed San Iker or Saint Iker. Casillas says he believes that the Spanish team has “the perfect group going into this World Cup and the truth is we will fear no one.” His talents as a goalkeeper are strong and he is said to have “impressive reflexes, superb agility and innate ability to pull off a spectacular save.” He is also extremely superstitious — every time Real Madrid scores a goal he has to touch his own crossbar, reports ESPN soccernet. He could also however be a very hot star of his own telenovel.
8) Guillermo Ochoa: This hunky 24-year-old goalkeeper for Mexico is considered a “promising young player.” At 1.83 metres and 72 kilograms, Ochoa has a “long reach and is good on crosses.” However, his popularity has distracted him from giving it his all, critics say. He is said to “command his box calmly, but has sharp reflexes that enable him to reach balls seemingly destined for the back of the net.” What else would you need?
9) Samuel Eto’o: Cameroon’s 29-year-old forward is seen as one of the top strikers in the world. His physicality on the field has brought him many honours, including African Player of the Year three consecutive times and an Olympic gold medal with Cameroon. His last name is pronounced “eh-toe.” Eto’o plays for Inter Milan in Italy’s Serie A. At 1.79 metres and 75 kilograms, Eto’o’s face was part of a promotional poster for the 2010 World Cup. His face and neck were superimposed on the map of Africa, instantly making him a hottie.
10) Steven Pienaar: South Africa’s 29-year-old midfielder may be slight but he’s all muscle and speed. Known as the “Little Peanut,” Pienaar, who plays for Everton, is the host country’s “main man,” according to sports critics. The 1.75 metre, 57.8 kilogram player is described as “hard-running” with “limitless energy and indomitable spirit.” Born in Johannesburg, Pienaar is not only handsome and agile but a bit of a philosopher — a surefire hit with many who like their athletes brainy. “Everything my country has worked for in soccer comes down to this moment, the World Cup in our own country,” he says. “For a few weeks, at least, I think people will forget their problems, forget their troubles of the past and have a smile on their face.”
11) Fabio Cannavaro: The 36-year-old captain of Italy’s team may be a little older than others on the list, but he’s just as hot. He’s described as a “great reader of the game with exquisite positional sense.” He may, however, be a little short for a centre back or central defender. His career high was winning the World Cup for Italy in 2006. Cannavaro, who is 1.75 metres, 75 kilograms, is said to have a strong presence as a leader and is tough and cool-headed. Don’t count him or his team out. He has vast appeal, especially among more mature women. Sigh.
12) Theo Walcott: England’s 21-year-old midfielder is short and compact and 100 per cent muscle. He has been heralded as the “great hope” for British soccer. A back injury in the 2009-2010 season sidelined him for the start of the season with Arsenal. He is said to have lightening speed, “superb finishing” and a brain for soccer. Still relatively young, much is expected of Walcott at the World Cup and beyond. This hottie will undoubtedly make everyone’s list of hunks.
13) Landon Donovan: The 28-year-old forward for the United States is known for his “pace, ability to put the ball in the back of the net and tenacity on the pitch.” Born in Ontario, Calif., this hunky player is considered the key to the American team’s success at the World Cup in South Africa. What’s not to love?
14) Sulley Muntari: Ghana’s 25-year-old midfielder is prone to picking up yellow and red cards. He has had clashes with Ghanian authorities and was sent home from the Athens Olympics for disciplinary reasons. However, he’s a “top-class central midfielder or left-winger who has skill and cunning” with a “gritty side.” Gritty or not, his well-toned body has many dreaming of him. And his portrait in Vanity Fair, hiding his face with one hand as if to cover a giggle, has made many aware of the cultural sights to be found in Ghana.
15) Fernando Torres: Spain’s 26-year-old forward plays for Liverpool. At 1.85 metres and 78.7 kilograms, Torres is as hot as a sultry night in Madrid. In the last World Cup he scored three goals. His nickname is El Nino or The Kid. He is known as a goal scorer who is quick, strong and impressive. He is cool and calm in front of the goal. His style is described as “clinical, classy, deadly.” He is even considered a possibility as a contender for winning the Golden Boot, awarded to the top scorer, in the World Cup.
Special mentions: To the hot guys who didn’t make it to the World Cup: Carlton Cole, a striker for West Ham, is described as a “strong, athletic, hard-working, a real team player.” Anyone who saw his picture in Vanity Fair has seen some of his assets. The 26-year-old, who was born in Surrey, is 1.91 metres tall and weighs in at 77.0 kilgrams of muscle. Observers say he is “capable of the spectacular.” As well, the Star would like to acknowledge Andriy Shevchenko, who hails from the Ukraine and is considered one of the best forwards in the game. He sadly is not in the World Cup either. But his abs and tattoo alone made an editor or two swoon.
With the city soon to explode in World Cup fervor — after all, the kick off is on June 11 — the Star has put together a list of the sport’s hottest players.
With apologies to those who think it is sexist to judge a man by the shape of his abs, we scanned through hundreds of pictures of players to come up with our Top 15. (Sigh, what a difficult task it was!)
After hours of gazing and deliberating we have picked our favourites, some of whom just happened to be in Nike’s “Write the Future” commercial. And let’s be clear: these guys are not only hot off the field, but also on the field.
And so here is our list of the Top 15 World Cup Hotties, with photos and biographical information (with information and quotes from ESPN’s Soccernet.com).
It’s a totally arbitrary list, so feel free to weigh in with your thoughts by sending us pics of your favourites at webmaster@thestar.ca with the subject line “Soccer.”
1) Didier Drogba: Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Drogba is considered to have “aerial prowess and power” and few can surpass his strength. The 32-year-old’s physical assets were enough to rile Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who is said to be annoyed that he had to share June’s Vanity Fair cover with this Ivory Coast wonder boy. At 1.88 metres and 83.8 kilograms, Drogba, who plays for Chelsea when he’s not supporting his country in the World Cup, is considered one of the best centre forwards in the world. His play is often theatrical and temperamental.
2) Kaka: His real name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite but he’s known around the world as Kaka, a common nickname for those named Ricardo and something his younger brother Rodrigo, also a soccer player, calls him. The 28-year-old midfielder, who is 1.85 metres and weighs 73 kilograms, is playing for Brazil in the World Cup. The Real Madrid player is not only handsome but has been described as a “highly skillful player, a great shot, superb vision for a pass.” He is considered “one of the best footballers of the past few years” and, according to soccer legend Pele, Kaka ‘is the best player in the world because he is the most complete player.”
3) Cristiano Ronaldo: The 25-year-old Portugal midfielder — next to David Beckham, who sadly is not playing in the World Cup — is said to be the best known player on the planet. Known for his pace and mesmerizing footwork, Ronaldo, named for his father’s favourite actor, Ronald Reagan, was the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008. Many believe it’s time for him to live up to his billing on the world stage. At 1.85 metres and 75 kilograms, his physical attributes can be seen both on and off the field.
4) Yoann Gourcuff: The 23-year-old forward on the French team will be setting hearts aflutter both on and off the soccer field. Gourcuff, who plays for Bordeaux, is considered a “very creative and technical playmaker” with an “outrageous array of tricks and dribble moves and artistic vision.” Some have dubbed him the man who will succeed France’s Zinedine Zidane. Gourcuff, 1.85 metres and 79 kilograms, is considered by soccer aficionados and casual observers alike as perhaps “the next big thing.” And for the purposes of our list, that’s both on and off the soccer fields of the world.
5) Marco Borriello: Italy’s 27-year-old handsome heartthrob and striker for AC Milan has captured as much media attention for his affairs of the heart as for his work on the soccer field. He has been described as a “a strong, physical target striker known for his rocket left leg, commanding aerial presence, ability to track back on defence and his penchant for scoring spectacular volleys.”
6) Carlos Bocanegra: The United States captain has been described as having great strength and deceptive speed with a powerful aerial presence. He is adept at both heading away attacks and finishing off set pieces on the opposite end of the field. Bocanegra, 33, is also very pleasing to the eye and will be sure to win over many female fans. He plays with Rennes in France’s top flight as either a left back or in the centre.
7) Iker Casillas: Spain’s 29-year-old goalkeeper is said to have a “strong claim to the title of the finest goalkeeper of his generation.” A player for Real Madrid, he was nicknamed San Iker or Saint Iker. Casillas says he believes that the Spanish team has “the perfect group going into this World Cup and the truth is we will fear no one.” His talents as a goalkeeper are strong and he is said to have “impressive reflexes, superb agility and innate ability to pull off a spectacular save.” He is also extremely superstitious — every time Real Madrid scores a goal he has to touch his own crossbar, reports ESPN soccernet. He could also however be a very hot star of his own telenovel.
8) Guillermo Ochoa: This hunky 24-year-old goalkeeper for Mexico is considered a “promising young player.” At 1.83 metres and 72 kilograms, Ochoa has a “long reach and is good on crosses.” However, his popularity has distracted him from giving it his all, critics say. He is said to “command his box calmly, but has sharp reflexes that enable him to reach balls seemingly destined for the back of the net.” What else would you need?
9) Samuel Eto’o: Cameroon’s 29-year-old forward is seen as one of the top strikers in the world. His physicality on the field has brought him many honours, including African Player of the Year three consecutive times and an Olympic gold medal with Cameroon. His last name is pronounced “eh-toe.” Eto’o plays for Inter Milan in Italy’s Serie A. At 1.79 metres and 75 kilograms, Eto’o’s face was part of a promotional poster for the 2010 World Cup. His face and neck were superimposed on the map of Africa, instantly making him a hottie.
10) Steven Pienaar: South Africa’s 29-year-old midfielder may be slight but he’s all muscle and speed. Known as the “Little Peanut,” Pienaar, who plays for Everton, is the host country’s “main man,” according to sports critics. The 1.75 metre, 57.8 kilogram player is described as “hard-running” with “limitless energy and indomitable spirit.” Born in Johannesburg, Pienaar is not only handsome and agile but a bit of a philosopher — a surefire hit with many who like their athletes brainy. “Everything my country has worked for in soccer comes down to this moment, the World Cup in our own country,” he says. “For a few weeks, at least, I think people will forget their problems, forget their troubles of the past and have a smile on their face.”
11) Fabio Cannavaro: The 36-year-old captain of Italy’s team may be a little older than others on the list, but he’s just as hot. He’s described as a “great reader of the game with exquisite positional sense.” He may, however, be a little short for a centre back or central defender. His career high was winning the World Cup for Italy in 2006. Cannavaro, who is 1.75 metres, 75 kilograms, is said to have a strong presence as a leader and is tough and cool-headed. Don’t count him or his team out. He has vast appeal, especially among more mature women. Sigh.
12) Theo Walcott: England’s 21-year-old midfielder is short and compact and 100 per cent muscle. He has been heralded as the “great hope” for British soccer. A back injury in the 2009-2010 season sidelined him for the start of the season with Arsenal. He is said to have lightening speed, “superb finishing” and a brain for soccer. Still relatively young, much is expected of Walcott at the World Cup and beyond. This hottie will undoubtedly make everyone’s list of hunks.
13) Landon Donovan: The 28-year-old forward for the United States is known for his “pace, ability to put the ball in the back of the net and tenacity on the pitch.” Born in Ontario, Calif., this hunky player is considered the key to the American team’s success at the World Cup in South Africa. What’s not to love?
14) Sulley Muntari: Ghana’s 25-year-old midfielder is prone to picking up yellow and red cards. He has had clashes with Ghanian authorities and was sent home from the Athens Olympics for disciplinary reasons. However, he’s a “top-class central midfielder or left-winger who has skill and cunning” with a “gritty side.” Gritty or not, his well-toned body has many dreaming of him. And his portrait in Vanity Fair, hiding his face with one hand as if to cover a giggle, has made many aware of the cultural sights to be found in Ghana.
15) Fernando Torres: Spain’s 26-year-old forward plays for Liverpool. At 1.85 metres and 78.7 kilograms, Torres is as hot as a sultry night in Madrid. In the last World Cup he scored three goals. His nickname is El Nino or The Kid. He is known as a goal scorer who is quick, strong and impressive. He is cool and calm in front of the goal. His style is described as “clinical, classy, deadly.” He is even considered a possibility as a contender for winning the Golden Boot, awarded to the top scorer, in the World Cup.
Special mentions: To the hot guys who didn’t make it to the World Cup: Carlton Cole, a striker for West Ham, is described as a “strong, athletic, hard-working, a real team player.” Anyone who saw his picture in Vanity Fair has seen some of his assets. The 26-year-old, who was born in Surrey, is 1.91 metres tall and weighs in at 77.0 kilgrams of muscle. Observers say he is “capable of the spectacular.” As well, the Star would like to acknowledge Andriy Shevchenko, who hails from the Ukraine and is considered one of the best forwards in the game. He sadly is not in the World Cup either. But his abs and tattoo alone made an editor or two swoon.
Friday, May 14, 2010
World Cup 2010: Grafite Delighted With Brazil Call-Up
The Wolfsburg striker was over the moon with his inclusion in the Brazil squad.
By Stefan Coerts/Goal.Com
Brazil coach Dunga surprised many by leaving players such as Ronaldinho, Adriano and Alexandre Pato out of his 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup, but Wolfsburg striker Grafite did make the cut, much to the attacker's delight.
"This is simply unbelievable and I'm absolutely delighted with my inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad. I'd like to thank my family, my fans and all my friends for their support," said Grafite to Kicker.
"However, I particularly want to thank my father. He passed away about 18 months ago and he has always supported me. He's looking down on me from heaven and will be very proud of me."
Grafite has only made two international appearances so far for the Selecao. The Wolfsburg striker impressed Dunga during Brazil's 2-0 friendly win against Ireland in March.
By Stefan Coerts/Goal.Com
Brazil coach Dunga surprised many by leaving players such as Ronaldinho, Adriano and Alexandre Pato out of his 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup, but Wolfsburg striker Grafite did make the cut, much to the attacker's delight.
"This is simply unbelievable and I'm absolutely delighted with my inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad. I'd like to thank my family, my fans and all my friends for their support," said Grafite to Kicker.
"However, I particularly want to thank my father. He passed away about 18 months ago and he has always supported me. He's looking down on me from heaven and will be very proud of me."
Grafite has only made two international appearances so far for the Selecao. The Wolfsburg striker impressed Dunga during Brazil's 2-0 friendly win against Ireland in March.
Friday, May 7, 2010
FIFA World Rankings, May 2010: Brazil Replace Spain as Number One
By Matt S, Bleacher Report
Brazil have ended Spain’s five-month reign at the top of the FIFA World Rankings to become the top ranked side in the May 2010 rankings released by FIFA last week.
A Seleção now top the rankings for the seventh time in the history of the rankings, Dunga’s side replacing the European Champions at the summit of world football.
Portugal’s rise continues with Carlos Queiroz’s side now up to third, their highest ever position since the launch of the rankings in 1993. They switch places with the Netherlands, who had held third spot for nine consecutive months.
Other movement in the Top 10 sees Argentina move up to seventh, with England down to eighth.
Croatia are up to ninth, and remain the highest-ranked team not to have qualified for next month’s World Cup.
Other non-qualifiers Egypt remain Africa’s top-ranked side at 13, and the continent now has three representatives in the Top 20 with Nigeria joining Cameroon alongside the African champions.
Switzerland (down six to 26) are the only nation to drop out of the Top 20.
World Cup host nation South Africa fall two positions to 90, their worst ranking for over 16 years.
Meanwhile North Korea remain the lowest ranked team to have qualified for next month’s World Cup, down one place this month to 106.
Republic of Ireland move up one place to 43, one spot ahead of Scotland, who slide three places to 44. Northern Ireland are down seven to 57, whilst Wales are up two places to 75.
Very few matches were played last month so all positional changes are the result of the devaluation of points for past results.
The next rankings will be released on May 26 after many nations will have played their warm-up games for the upcoming World Cup, so more movement can be expected then.
FIFA World Rankings, Top 20, May 2010
(movements from April rankings in parenthesis)
1. Brazil (+1)
2. Spain (-1)
3. Portugal (+1)
4. Netherlands (-1)
5. Italy (-)
6. Germany (-)
7. Argentina (+2)
8. England (-1)
9. Croatia (+1)
10. France (-2)
11. Russia (+1)
12. Greece (-1)
13. Egypt (+1)
14. USA (+2)
15. Chile (-2)
16. Serbia (-1)
17. Mexico (-)
18. Uruguay (-)
19. Cameroon (+1)
20= Nigeria (+2)
20= Australia (-1)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
2010 World Cup Top Goal Scorer Prediction
Bet On World Cup 2010
Aside from the outright winner, one of the most fun things to debate, speculate, and gamble on in a World Cup is who will win the coveted Golden Boot, awarded to the top goal scorer in the competition.
Here we discuss some of the players in the running and take a look at what might work for and against them.
1 – David Villa – Spain (8-1)
With Spain the current favourites to win the tournament outright and David Villa’s excellent goal scoring record for both clubs and his national side, it is no surprise that he leads the pack in terms of the prices on offer to bet on the Golden Boot.
Despite it being logical that the longer a player’s team stays in the cup the better chance they have of scoring the most goals, the theory behind predicting this is actually a lot more complex.
The highest scoring games in the majority of major tournaments come during the group stages, before the weaker teams are sent home. In later stages, as teams become more evenly matched, low scoring games and matches settled on penalties (which don’t count towards the Golden Boot) become more common. For this reason, strong players like Villa in strong teams like Spain have a much better chance if their group stage opponents are “easy” teams they can beat with a high scoreline.
With Spain facing Honduras, Chile and Switzerland, their group does, with no disrespect to their opponents, look much easier than that which other strong sides were drawn in (Brazil’s group looks very tough by comparison with the Ivory Coast and Portugal).
What may work against Villa is the fact that one of the other favourites, his strike partner Fernando Torres, is on the same team. With only so many goals likely to happen in the tournament, whether either of them will lay claim to enough of them to win the Golden Boot remains to be seen.
2 – Lionel Messi – Argentina (9-1)
With some bookmakers offering him as joint favourite with Villa, again, there is nothing surprising about the short odds on the Argentina and Barcelona star. Many consider Messi to be the greatest current footballer in the world.
The Argentina squad are generally thought to be less strong going into the competition than Spain, with odds of 8-1 compared with Spain’s 4-1 at the time of writing, however they are still a fairly safe bet to progress far enough to give Messi a chance to notch up some goals. Like Spain, their first round opponents are not, on paper at least, likely to be too troublesome for the Argentine team – they face Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.
3 – Wayne Rooney – England (10-1)
These odds are from the UK betting market, where there is likely to be a slight bias towards England and England players in the odds, given that a lot of people in the UK will want to take these bets.
Even so, Wayne Rooney has a brilliant goal scoring record and when fit can give Villa and Messi a run for their money. As England’s top striker, Wayne may never quite have lived up to the “new Pele” talk around him when he shot to notoriety during the Euro 2004 tournament, but his skills are a force to be reckoned with and he should have no problem putting goals past fellow Group C competitors the USA, Slovenia and Algeria.
4 – Luis Fabiano – Brazil (12-1)
With ultimate football heavyweights Brazil second favourites to win the Jules Rimet trophy outright with bookies almost unanimously offering 5-1 odds, Luis Fabiano is another man in with a very serious chance of securing the Golden Boot.
The Sevilla striker has scored 25 goals in 36 appearances for Brazil since 2003, and has had some amazing club seasons too, the peak being the 07-08 La Liga season when he scored an incredible 34 for Sevilla in 44 games across all competitions.
The one thing counting against Fabiano here is the comparative strength of the opponents in Brazil’s group. Whilst they can still be expected to progress to the next stage, defeating the Ivory Coast and Portugal by a number of goals will be no mean feat.
5 – Fernando Torres – Spain (12-1)
Liverpool’s golden boy is the second appearance by a Spanish player in the top five. Torres plays very well alongside Villa for the national side, and is a consistent, reliable scorer. Often scoring enviably inspired goals, Torres can almost certainly be relied on to supply some of the most entertaining goals of the competition, but can he also deliver the most?
With an injury keeping him out for the rest of the season, though he is expected to be fit to play in the 2010 World Cup, Torres will be missing out on a lot of the preparation he was probably hoping for. Also, with Liverpool’s disappointing season, where it seems that they have lost their place as part of the renowned Premiership “Big Four”, it is possible that odds on Torres will drift as those favouring Spain opt to back Villa instead.
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