Capello hands Beckham huge lift

(PA) Monday 28 December 2009
England coach Fabio Capello has revealed David Beckham will definitely be in his 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ squad if he remains fit during his second loan spell at AC Milan. The 34-year-old has returned to I Rossoneri until the end of the season in a bid to retain his Three Lions place and add to his 115 caps - an England record for an outfield player.

And Capello has insisted that if the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder impresses as much as he did during his first loan spell last year, then he will be on the plane to South Africa.

"Of course, if he plays well and is fit I will include him in my squad," Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't look at age, I pay attention to quality and David has a lot. He's serious, he's a great professional and he's crazy about the World Cup."

DPR Korea open with win

(PA) Monday 28 December 2009
Hong Yong-Jo grabbed the winner as DPR Korea beat Mali 1-0 in the opening match of the International Friendship tournament in Qatar.

The FC Rostov striker netted ten minutes into the second half to hand the Asian side a winning start to the event which also features Qatar and Iran. Hong almost scored after four minutes but shot wide when faced with just the Mali goalkeeper.

Pak Song-Chol was next to come close with a free-kick which hit the left upright. 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifiers DPR Korea finally made the breakthrough after 55 minutes when Hong burst into the area from the left and fired past Soumbeyla Diakite.

Ballack expects England success

(PA) Thursday 24 December 2009
Germany captain Michael Ballack considers England "one of the favourites" to win next summer's FIFA World Cup in South Africa™.

The Chelsea midfielder believes Fabio Capello could lead England to a first major title since 1966, and admits his own nation is lagging a bit behind. "They have a great team and many players with exceptional individual class," he told the Rheinische Post newspaper. "With Fabio Capello, they now have a manager who has brought stability. That is important and the team feels that.

Del Bosque handed new Spain deal

(PA) Wednesday 23 December 2009
Vicente del Bosque has signed a two-year extension to his contract as Spain coach, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed. The organisation's president, Angel Maria Villar, announced that the former midfielder will remain at the helm until UEFA EURO 2012, regardless of what happens at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Del Bosque, who turned 59 today, took over the reins of La Roja after they won EURO 2008 and has a stunning record in charge, having won 21 of his 22 matches. "What is normal in this instance is that you always renew your coach's contract when you qualify for the World Cup," said Angel Villar.

Spain finalise South Africa preparations

(AFP) Wednesday 23 December 2009
Spain will play three international friendlies in the weeks before the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ next year and will be based near Johannesburg during the tournament, the nation's football federation said on Tuesday.

The European champions will play two friendlies at home, on 29 May and 8 June, and one away on 5 June. The squad's opponents for the matches have not yet been determined.

The Spanish national team will be based in Potchefstroom, a university town about 120 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg during the tournament. They will arrive in South Africa on 10 June.

Kiwis to face Mexico

(AFP) Tuesday 22 December 2009
New Zealand will play Mexico in March as part of the build-up to their first FIFA World Cup™ finals appearance since 1982, officials announced on Tuesday.

The Kiwis match against the North Americans will be played in Los Angeles on 3 March, in the first of up to six warm-up matches for the finals in South Africa, New Zealand Football said.

England confirm Egypt friendly

(PA) Monday 21 December 2009
Fabio Capello will launch his FIFA World Cup™ preparations on 3 March when England take on Egypt at Wembley.

As soon as the draw was completed in Cape Town earlier this month, Capello made it a priority to secure Egypt as the Three Lions' next opponents in the planning to face Algeria in their second Group C game in South Africa next year. England do not have much experience of north African opposition and have never faced Algeria, who beat Egypt in a stormy play-off in Sudan to reach next year's finals.

Klinsmann: Surprises ahead

(FIFA.com) Monday 21 December 2009
For fans in Germany and beyond, Jurgen Klinsmann’s name will always be closely linked with the summer of 2006. As Germany head coach, Klinsmann led the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ hosts to the semi-finals as the nation erupted in a hitherto unseen wave of euphoria.

Images of the colourful fan festivals and vast crowds at Public Viewing events were beamed around the globe as German football found a new hero in Klinsi, an instant hit in his very first coaching role. However, the former striker chose to follow the principle of quitting while you are ahead and stepped down immediately after the tournament.

Golden Shoe Award

The Golden Shoe award the top scorer in World Cup FIFA.

The award was presented at the World Cup's 1930th FIFA World Cup 1994 in the United States was the first time that the silver boots and bronze awards were added to the second and reward the best scorer in the third tournament.Since 1994, when more than one player with the same set of goals, the tie-breaker goes to the player) has helped the most assists (with the Technical Study Group of FIFA to decide whether aid should be regarded as such. If ever a player, the tie-breaker goes to the player who has played the least time.

FIFA World Cup Awards : Golden Ball

The Golden Ball award is presented to the best player in every FIFA World Cup, with one of the FIFA technical committee and created the winner voted for by representatives of the media. Those who as runners-up in the media of the vote received the adidas Silver Ball and Bronze Ball awards as the 2nd and 3 most outstanding player in the tournament or to quit.

French keep faith with Domenech

(PA) Friday 18 December 2009
France coach Raymond Domenech will remain at the helm for the FIFA World Cup™ following a lengthy debate by the French Football Federation board today.

Domenech has come under fire from several quarters in France despite leading Les Bleus to next summer's FIFA World Cup. A controversial victory over the Republic of Ireland in last month's play-off hardly helped his cause and Guy Chambily, an FFF board member, had called for his continued employment to be put to the vote.

However, after a lengthy discussion on the matter today, FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes insists Domenech's position is not in any danger. "The question was posed to all the members of the board by Mr Guy Chambily," said Escalettes.

Korea Republic arrange friendly clashes

(PA) Thursday 17 December 2009
Korea Republic have lined up a number of friendly games for January as part of their preparations for next year's FIFA World Cup™.

Earlier this month, coach Huh Jung-Moo named a 35-man preliminary squad, which will be cut to 25 by the end of 2009 for the training camps in South Africa and Spain.

The 2002 semi-finalists, who have been drawn in Group B alongside Argentina, Nigeria and Greece, will begin their preparations against Zambia in Johannesburg on 9 January although Huh's side will be without any of their European-based players.

South Korea will then face Premier Soccer League outfit Platinum Stars in Rustenburg and second-tier side Bay United in Port Elizabeth over the next five days.

The East Asians, preparing for a seventh successive FIFA World Cup, then head to Malaga in Spain to face Finland on 18 January before taking on Latvia three days later, with a further friendly expected to be added.

Source: FIFA.com

Ferdinand sure of 2010 fitness

(PA) Thursday 17 December 2009
Rio Ferdinand insists there is "no question" that he will be fit for next year's FIFA World Cup™ despite fears over his long-term fitness.

The Manchester United centre half has not played since the Red Devils' 2-0 loss at Liverpool in October thanks to a calf injury, which is linked to a previous back problem. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has denied that the defender's injury is long-term and believes he will soon be back in action for the defending Premier League champions.

England manager Fabio Capello has insisted that his 23-man FIFA World Cup squad will not include anyone who is not fully fit, raising doubts about the 31-year-old's prospects of going to South Africa. Ferdinand has played only 12 internationals since Capello took over two years ago, but the former West Ham defender insists he will be ready to answer the Italian's call when he names his squad next summer.

Six months to stake a claim

(FIFA.com) Thursday 17 December 2009
All five of the players who were nominated for the title of 2009 FIFA World Footballer of the Year – Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Kaka – will most likely be battling it out in South Africa next year. Indeed, unless injuries play a part, most of the 23 names on the original list of candidates will be in action at the FIFA World Cup 2010™. The world's greatest footballing event looks certain to be graced by the world's greatest footballers – as well it should be.

Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Luis Fabiano, Wayne Rooney, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien are just some of the poster boys who will be representing their nations and crossing their fingers that the Cape of Good Hope indeed brings them the luck they need to go all the way at the tournament. Some of football's biggest names from the recent past might not be making the trip to South Africa, however.

Ticketing process explained

(FIFA.com) Thursday 17 December 2009
The conclusion of the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ was followed by another important event in the countdown to the kick-off of the tournament – the opening of the latest phase of ticketing sales. This stage of sales is potentially the most important to date, with the majority of tickets expected to be snapped up by the time this phase closes in just over a months time, on 22 January 2010. For this reason FIFA would like to take this opportunity to point out a few key factors in the ticket purchasing process.

Application Procedure
Tickets can be applied for in two ways with the main source being www.fifa.com/2010, whilst South African residents have the opportunity to apply for tickets by visiting a branch of FNB. The ticket purchase follows a very simple procedure:

Culina: Australia can do even better

(FIFA.com) Thursday 17 December 2009
Jason Culina is undaunted by the recent 2010 FIFA Word Cup™ draw, which placed Australia in Group D alongside Germany, Ghana and Serbia. The high-energy midfielder also believes that the Socceroos can build on the experience of Germany 2006 and better the achievement of reaching the last 16.

Since debuting for Australia in early 2005, Culina has been a fixture in the Socceroos line-up, starting all four matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and all four at the AFC Asian Cup a year later. Despite being blessed with a smooth touch and a good football brain, Culina’s invaluable contribution to the cause in the heart of the midfield is seemingly overlooked by some who fail to recognise his influence on the teams of Guus Hiddink and Pim Verbeek.

Capello: Owen needs regular games

(PA) Wednesday 16 December 2009
England coach Fabio Capello has insisted Manchester United striker Michael Owen needs to follow up last week's UEFA Champions League hat-trick with regular football to secure a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

The 30-year-old's treble against Wolfsburg led to suggestions he could force his way in the Italian's squad for next year's world finals, but he has only made substitute appearances against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers since.

Capello: Hargreaves in my thoughts

(PA) Tuesday 15 December 2009
England boss Fabio Capello insists there is still time for Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves to earn a place in his FIFA World Cup™ squad heading to South Africa next year.

Hargreaves, 28, has been out of action for almost 15 months after major surgery on both knees to cure a tendinitis problem - but he is almost ready to return to full training.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson recently revealed his 2007 signing from Bayern Munich is working well with physios and needs to regain the confidence needed before being ready for competitive football.

Capello, who is refusing to rule Hargreaves out of his plans, said: "Why not? He can because he has time to recover everything. He has to play. Players who do not play will not be with me."

South Africa's fine 2009

(FIFA.com) Monday 14 December 2009
Probably the best place to gauge South Africa’s readiness for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ are the towering world-class stadiums that stand at the sites of what has been fondly referred to as 'the Rainbow Nation’s second miracle' next year.

Colourful scenes of more than 50,000 football fans at Cape Town's Long Street during the inaugural launch of the Fan Fest also sent a clear signal to the rest of the world about the football fever that is currently infecting many people in the host nation. The message was simple: South Africans are now waiting with bated breath for their biggest moment in history.

Vidic not distracted by 2010

(PA) Monday 14 December 2009
Nemanja Vidic will not allow his club form to be affected by thoughts of next year's FIFA World Cup™.

The Manchester United defender was expected to be one of the stars at Germany 2006 but ended up missing the entire competition after suffering a knee ligament injury before the tournament began. Now Vidic has the chance to make amends after Serbia qualified and ended up in a tough group with Germany, Ghana and Australia.

Given his experience last time around, the 28-year-old could be forgiven for taking things slightly tentatively in order to ensure his presence in South Africa. But that is just not Vidic's style.

500,000 Tickets requested so far

(FIFA.com) Monday 14 December 2009
The third ticketing sales phase for the 2010 FIFA World Cup has seen the number of tickets applied for hit the 500,000 mark within the first ten days. 386,300 of those tickets were requested by South African residents (77 per cent of the total applications), while 114,237 tickets applied for came from the rest of the world.

At the moment, USA leads the list of foreign countries for this sales phase with 22,942 tickets, followed by the UK (20,232), Mexico (7,981), Germany (7,697) , Australia (6,277) and Brazil (4,760). In total, applications from 166 countries have been received (the figures do not include the participating member associations allocated ticket sales).

“In comparison with the previous editions of the FIFA World Cups, the latest ticket applications figures are impressive,” commented Horst R. Schmidt, Chairman of the FIFA Ticketing Sub-Committee. “The number of domestic applications have increased significantly. By buying a ticket, South Africans buy not only a seat to watch a match, but also their spot in South African history”, added Danny Jordaan, Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa.

In comparison with the previous editions of the FIFA World Cups, the latest ticket applications figures are impressive.Horst R. Schmidt, Chairman of the FIFA Ticketing Sub-Committee
Applications for individual match tickets or Team-Specific Series can be made via the link on the right. South African residents have an option to apply for tickets at FNB branches across the country. The current third Ticket Sales Phase will run until 22 January 2010. In total, around one million tickets for all 64 matches and categories are made available in the third sales phase – including a limited number for the opening match and the final. Please note, all applications within the sales phase will be treated equally. In an event of over-subscribed matches or (price) categories, there will be an electronic random selection draw on 1 February 2010.

The prices for group matches range from USD 20 to USD 160 (opening match: USD 70 - USD 450; final: USD 150 – USD 900) or ZAR 140 to ZAR 1,120 (opening match: ZAR 490 – ZAR 3,150; final: ZAR 1,050 – ZAR 6,300). The category 4 tickets, the most affordable, have been exclusively set aside for South African residents.

Moreover, all 32 participating member associations have started to sell their allocated Team-Specific Tickets (12 per cent of all purchasable tickets in the stadiums for the three group games of the respective team). These tickets are made available through specified websites operated by the respective federations. For this specific ticket sales process, applications close on 13 January 2010. For more detailed information, go to https://pmatickets.fifa.com.

Source: FIFA.com

Green Point stadium ready for 2010

(LOC) Monday 14 December 2009
Keys to the brand new Cape Town Stadium will be handed over to the city’s Executive Mayor Alderman Dan Plato ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ today.

“Just over a week after the successful hosting of the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town will witness another momentous event – the handing over of the brand new Cape Town Stadium (Green Point stadium) to the City of Cape Town.

“At a special ceremony to mark the completion of one of the world’s most spectacular stadiums, the ‘keys’ will be handed by the main contractors, Murray and Roberts and WBHO, to Cape Town’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato,” the city said in a statement on Monday.

Construction of the 68 000-seater stadium started on 26 March 2007, and the project has been completed on deadline two years and nine months later.

In just 33 months, joint contractors Murray and Roberts and WBHO completed the massive project at a cost of 4.4 billion rand (about 600 million dollars).

The project architects were an association between GMP Architects of Germany and two local firms, Louis Karol and Associates and Point Architects.

Green Point stadium

The design: The sweeping silhouette of the Green Point stadium has forever changed the face of the surrounding Green Point Common.

Enwrapped by a façade of woven fibreglass, coated with Teflon, it will resemble a rose-coloured bowl floating on a base, when lit up at night. The architects have dubbed the stadium “the Diva of Cape Town”, reflecting the constantly changing moods of the city in varying weather conditions.

The roof: The design and construction of the roof is unique. Its basic structure resembled a bicycle wheel, open in the middle with 72 cables linking the outer and inner rings of the circle were slowly tightened to raise the roof from ground level to its present height.

Another first for the roof is the use of 16mm thick panels of glass to cover and protect the spectators from strong winds and rain. This will let in the light while the ceiling panels underneath – made of woven PVC fabric - will soften the noise from within.

The stadium bowl: For the eight World Cup matches to be played at the venue, the stadium will have a seating capacity of 68,000, including 13,000 temporary seats which will be removed afterwards. Features of the stadium are that it can be evacuated in 15 minutes and that all the spectators are close to the game.

Safety: Spectators will be protected by a state-of-the-art camera surveillance system which is monitored by police in the Venue Operations Centre inside the stadium, while pitch invasions are discouraged by a wide moat around the circumference. There is also a police station inside the building to deal with hooligans and other criminals.

Quick facts:


96,000 cubic metres of concrete were used
The roof has a total weight of 4,700 tons
Some 9,000 glass panels were used to cover 37,000 square metres of roof
500 toilets and 360 urinals
115 entry turnstiles
16 lifts
More than 2,500 workers were employed on site during construction, and almost 1,200 artisans received training from the contractors

Source: FIFA.com

South Africa 2010 Match Schedule

Volunteers gear up for busy year

(LOC) Friday 11 December 2009
While many South Africans will be relaxing over the holiday season, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa(OC) will still be hard at work preparing for the task at hand next year. For the OC volunteer department, the new year brings with it the conclusion of the selection process and the beginning of training for the 15,000 strong group of volunteers that will help make 2010 happen.

In January, the selection of the final 15 0000 volunteers who will provide support at the 2010 FIFA World Cup will begin in earnest. These volunteers will be selected from a shortlist of 37 080 who were pre-selected from a total of 64 500 initial applications received from South Africa and abroad.

Blanc not interested in French job

(PA) Friday 11 December 2009
Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc admits he is flattered to be linked to the France post but insists he is not giving the idea any thought.

Reports in France suggest the French Football Federation have earmarked Blanc to replace the unpopular Raymond Domenech when his contract runs out after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

The France legend, who won the FIFA World Cup as a player, claims he is not thinking about that possibility. "It's always pleasing, always gratifying to know that you are being thought of to be the coach of a team," he said. "After, I am the only one to know what reflection I could have.

Fergie: Owen can make South Africa

(PA) Friday 11 December 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Michael Owen not to give up on his 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ dream. The striker hoping to retain his starting spot for Manchester United's Premier League encounter with Aston Villa tomorrow, following his memorable hat-trick for the Red Devils in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League win over Wolfsburg.

Although it has shot the 29-year-old back to prominence, the general view is that his efforts have come too late to get him on the plane to the world finals next summer. Fabio Capello has overlooked Owen completely since the friendly defeat in France, which will be two years ago by the time England are next in action - probably against Egypt - on 3 March.

Capello eyes England-Italy final

(PA) Friday 11 December 2009
Fabio Capello has revealed that he is dreaming of an England-Italy final in next year's FIFA World Cup™.

The Italian is confident his England team have the quality to go all the way in South Africa and admits his home nation would be his dream opponents in the final in Johannesburg on 11 July. Speaking to French television station Canal Plus, he said: "I would love a final between England and Italy. For Italy, for me and for all of us.

Users name Group G as 2010's toughest

(FIFA.com) Friday 11 December 2009
The final phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ took shape last Friday in Cape Town with the draw to decide the eight first-round groups. As expected, several fancied nations were dealt tricky ties - not least Côte d'Ivoire. Just as at Germany 2006, the side many feel represents Africa's best chance of glory find themselves in a very difficult section.

Drawn along with five-time world champions Brazil, Germany 2006 semi-finalists Portugal and surprise package in qualifying Korea DPR, Didier Drogba and Co look to have their work cut out. FIFA.com users agreed, with 53.1 per cent voting for Group G as the strongest of all the FIFA World Cup groups. "I think I must have been followed by a black cat to Cape Town," joked Côte d'Ivoire coach Vahid Halihodzic.

Users name Group G as 2010's toughest

(FIFA.com) Friday 11 December 2009
The final phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ took shape last Friday in Cape Town with the draw to decide the eight first-round groups. As expected, several fancied nations were dealt tricky ties - not least Côte d'Ivoire. Just as at Germany 2006, the side many feel represents Africa's best chance of glory find themselves in a very difficult section.

Drawn along with five-time world champions Brazil, Germany 2006 semi-finalists Portugal and surprise package in qualifying Korea DPR, Didier Drogba and Co look to have their work cut out. FIFA.com users agreed, with 53.1 per cent voting for Group G as the strongest of all the FIFA World Cup groups. "I think I must have been followed by a black cat to Cape Town," joked Côte d'Ivoire coach Vahid Halihodzic.

South Africans scoop up 2010 tickets

(LOC) Friday 11 December 2009
Just hours after the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ was broadcast to a global television audience of 200 million people, and the 32 teams were placed into their groups, tickets for the third phase of sales were released. Armed with the knowledge of exactly which teams will be playing where, fans from around the world are already snapping up tickets, with close to 400,000 ticket applications processed through FIFA.com since midnight on 4 December 2009.

And it is the South Africans who are responding in great numbers, with over 300,000 applications coming from the host country – representing around 75 per cent of the total applications in phase three.

FIFA Groups

FIFA Matches

***Match times are currently set to local time***

World's press react to Final Draw

(FIFA.com) Wednesday 9 December 2009
In the immediate aftermath of Friday’s Final Draw, diplomacy reigned in Cape Town. The coaches were the first to speak, after all, and dutifully avoided handing their opponents motivational nuggets by relying on well-worn phrases about “respect” and “not underestimating anyone”.

The journalists from these same countries had no need for such careful, tactful language, however, and would go on to reflect the national moods in the days that followed.

Saha targets South Africa

(PA) Tuesday 8 December 2009
Everton striker Louis Saha would love to be part of France's FIFA World Cup™ squad in South Africa.
However Saha, who scored his eleventh goal of the season in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, insists performing well for the club is his top priority.

He told evertonTV: "I am trying to put thoughts of a World Cup call-up to one side. I need to concentrate on my form for Everton. Obviously though if I got a call-up I would love to be there."

Videos from Cape Town

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 8 December 2009
The Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ in Cape Town captivated football fans around the world. A TV audience of millions followed every moment of the glamorous event, enthralled and delighted as the teams were sorted into the eight first-stage groups.
FIFA.com video crews took up station in Cape Town several days beforehand, capturing all the news and goings-on for posterity.

Among the many highlights filmed by our team, we have interviews with Australia boss Pim Verbeek, coaching legend Bora Milutinovic, South Africa national rugby team captain Jon Smit, and fans' favourite Matthew Booth.

Ticket applications hit 220,000 mark within 48 hours

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 8 December 2009
The aftermath of the Final draw has seen a sudden global surge in ticket applications for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the third ticketing phase. The third phase kicked off on Saturday 1pm, and since then 219,162 ticketing requests have been received via FIFA.com.

“We still have 47 days to go in this third phase of ticket sales. We are pleased with the interest shown so far. It shows the impact the final draw has had on football fans and the FIFA World Cup next year,” said Horst R. Schmidt, chairman of the Ticketing Sub-Committee.