Capello retains hope over Cole

Fabio Capello is crossing his fingers that Ashley Cole recovers from his broken ankle in time to make the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The Chelsea left-back underwent surgery yesterday on an injury picked up at Everton on Wednesday that is set to keep him out for three months.

If that timescale is correct, the only Blues matches he would be available for would be the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League finals, should the club get that far. It would give Capello a headache as Cole would have had no match practice heading into the last two friendlies before departure for South Africa. In all likelihood, the Italian would trust the naturally fit 29-year-old, who most regard as one of England's true world-class talents.

Domenech sets Vieira proviso

Raymond Domenech has declared that Patrick Vieira will captain France at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, provided the Manchester City midfielder manages to get a run of matches under his belt.

The 33-year-old last week featured in his first two matches since returning to the Premier League in January with the aim of forcing his way back into the Les Bleus squad.

Vieira had been growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of playing time at Inter Milan. The former Arsenal player was left out of the France squad for their crunch qualifying play-off with Republic of Ireland, but Domenech has insisted the veteran will almost certainly be on the plane to South Africa if he remains fit.

If he gets a run of matches, Patrick Vieira will be the captain of the France team and that's it. There's not even a debate.France coach Raymond Domenech
"If he gets a run of matches, Patrick Vieira will be the captain of the France team," he told Orange Sport. "He has just started playing again. Don't do what you normally do: a player has a good match, so he has to be in the France team; then he has a bad match, so you have to drop him.

Hard work pays off for Vera

“He plays the same way he lives.” That description perfectly sums up Paraguay’s Enrique Vera, a hard-working midfielder who has quietly become a vital cog in the Albirroja side that clinched a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Though Vera is about to contest his first world finals at the age of 30, that is not what makes his such a fascinating story. On the point of giving up the game altogether, he then toyed with the idea of pulling on the yellow shirt of Ecuador. FIFA.com reveals the reasons why as Vera prepares to make his entrance on the biggest stage of all.

Life’s little ups and downs
When he took his first steps in professional football, Vera had to divide his time between training, working and studying. “I began playing for Resistencia in the Paraguayan second division in 1999 and I only got to play a couple of games in the top flight for Sol de America,” he explains. “I tried my luck in Argentina, Switzerland and the UAE even. Then, in 2004 I got an offer from Aucas of Ecuador. I said to myself, ‘If it doesn’t work out, I’ll go and get a job and play in the local leagues’. Luckily, though, I made the most of the chances that came my way after that.”

Legends fuel FIFA World Cup fever

It is a climax experienced quadrennially and enjoyed incomparably. It is one that only the FIFA World Cup™ can deliver.

With the competition’s 19th instalment only 122 days away from kick-off, anticipation is building intensely among football enthusiasts. "Although some critical voices continue to make themselves heard, I have long been convinced that this will be a successful World Cup", said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter at the latest FIFA Football Committee meeting yesterday. A series of footballing legends also expressed their excitement to FIFA.com.

The anticipation is huge. It will be an African World Cup and I'm really looking forward to it, because it’s going to be very colourful and very entertaining.Franz Beckenbauer
“The anticipation is huge,” enthused Franz Beckenbauer, “It’s been this way since the Final Draw in December, when we found out who would be playing who. It will be an African World Cup and I'm really looking forward to it, because it’s going to be very colourful and very entertaining.”

Cameroonian great Roger Milla revealed his ecstasy that Africa is being given the opportunity to play host to the tournament. “In Africa, we are so happy to have received this World Cup - we could not believe we would get it. Every time I come to Zurich, I thank President Blatter for that,” he said.

Mavric: We can reach last 16

When Slovenia compete at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, it will be only their second appearance at global football's top table. On their previous outing at Korea/Japan 2002, then-coach Srecko Katanec's side crashed out at the group stage after defeats by Spain, Paraguay and South Africa.

Slovenia are determined to set the record straight this time round, however, with their confidence boosted by a qualification campaign which included victories over Czech Republic and Poland, as well as UEFA EURO 2008 semi-finalists Russia in the European Zone play-offs.

"It's a great feeling to know you're going to the World Cup," centre-back Matej Mavric, 31, told FIFA.com. "For me, qualifying was my biggest achievement as a player. It was hard work. No one thought we'd do so well at the beginning of the campaign, but we saw our chance and grabbed it with both hands.

It's a great feeling to know you're going to the World Cup. We want to stay in the tournament as long as possible and not have to go home after three matches - that's our main aim.Slovenia defender Matej Mavric
"It was very difficult right from the start, especially with the problems we were having in defence. With time, though, we improved and managed to qualify for the play-offs. Russia are a very good team with some exceptional players, but we were confident, had that bit of luck you need and managed to get there in the end. We have a very close-knit squad and everyone fights for one another. That was the basis for our success in qualifying for South Africa.

Spain set for Poland friendly

Spain will complete their preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ with a friendly against Poland, the Spanish FA confirmed today.

The European champions will host Poland at an as yet unconfirmed venue in Spain on 8 June before heading to South Africa, where Vicente del Bosque's first group match is against Switzerland on 16 June in Durban.

Spain, who face France in Paris on 3 March, also have two other friendlies planned just prior to leaving for the world finals, both of which have already been confirmed by the RFEF last month.

The great American migration

American players, once dismissed as merely athletic and eager role players on the old continent, have been heading across the Atlantic in their numbers of late. It seems Europe - and her biggest leagues - are increasingly recognising the value of the USA’s ever-improving talent pool. Join FIFA.com for a closer look at an intensifying migration of Americans abroad.

Landon Donovan – arguably the best American player of his generation – is currently in his second big-league European loan stint in as many years, lining up alongside international team-mate and goalkeeper Tim Howard for Everton in the vaunted English Premier League. The playmaker, LA Galaxy star and all-time top scorer for the US national team has wasted no time finding his legs at Goodison, either, slotting right into the starting eleven and grabbing his first goal against Sunderland after strong performances in a draw with Arsenal and a 2-0 win over Manchester City, in which he received a standing ovation.

You do your best and hope that a big move to a big club in Europe will come your way. That’s all you can do.USA's Ricardo Clark, recently signed by Eintracht Frankfurt
“His [Donovan’s] work ethic fits in perfectly with the team's and that of David Moyes, and his never-say-die attitude has added some much needed grit to the side,” Simon Paul, editor of NSNO.co.uk – an independent Everton fans website - told FIFA.com. “He has natural ability on the ball and many Evertonians are hoping that his move could become permanent.”

Donovan’s move is proving a happier one than his short loan journey to German giants Bayern Munich in 2009, where he failed to get much first team action or impress the demanding Bavarian faithful. “It’s not always the best idea for American players to go abroad; it’s really up to the individual player to make sure the move is right for him. If you go abroad, you need to play. You don’t help yourself or the national team by going to Europe and sitting on the bench,” he said at the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in June, where the US turned more than a few heads by beating reigning African champions Egypt and world number-one Spain before stretching Brazil in the final.

Another alumnus of the famous Confederations Cup team currently trying his luck overseas is Ricardo Clark, whose last-gasp tackles and tireless work rate in the shock semi-final win over the Spaniards in Rustenburg caught the eye. The holding midfielder, 26, formerly of two-time MLS champions Houston Dynamo, was snapped up by Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt at the tail end of the January transfer window, joining up with international team-mate Steve Cherundolo – who plays at Hannover 96 – in Germany’s top league. “You’re always hoping to raise your game, every time you play,” Clark told FIFA.com in June at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, still glowing from the foraging performance against the European champions. “You do your best and hope that a big move to a big club in Europe will come your way. That’s all you can do.” Unfortunately for the Atlanta native, his first chance to strut his stuff had to be postponed as he picked up a calf injury and is expected to be out of action for four weeks.

One of injury-hit USA coach Bob Bradley’s young guns who is looking to sidle into the first team is Stuart Holden. A versatile midfielder who can play out wide or in the middle of the park, the Scottish-born Holden, 24, headed for English Premier League strugglers Bolton last week. “He did well in America, had a break, then came here and did some training,” manager Owen Coyle said of the Houston Dynamo man, who will stay with Bolton through to the end of the 2010 Premier League season. “There is no doubt when he is fully fit he is a talented kid. He will get his opportunity like the rest of players."

A steady movement
This latest trio of American players setting sail out for foreign shores is by no means the start of a new trend, but one established and steadily picking up steam over the last two decades as US Soccer grows in stature. After John Harkes broke into the English top flight with Sheffield Wednesday in 1990, more and more American players have been taking their chances abroad. Oguchi Onyewu and Charlie Davies – two of Bradley’s big injury worries for South Africa – recently signed deals with Italian giants AC Milan and French side Sochaux respectively following glowing performances in South Africa last year.

National team stars Clint Dempsey (Fulham), goalkeepers Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves), Jay Demerit (Watford), Jonathan Spector (West Ham) and Jozy Altidore (Hull City) are all excelling alongside Donovan in England. Stars and Stripes captain Carlos Bocanegra is in France with Rennes after a time at Craven Cottage with Fulham, while winger DaMarcus Beasley and up-and-coming centre-half Maurice Edu feature for Glasgow giants Rangers. Eddie Johnson and Freddy Adu – who have had tricky times of late in England and Portugal respectively – have both headed out on loan to Greek club Aris Thessaloniki in the hope of putting their names to the fore before the USA boss finalises his squad for the trip to the biggest show on earth this June.

Source: FIFA.com

Simao: We have the toughest group

Nigeria boss Amodu sacked

Nigeria football bosses on Friday announced the sacking of coach Shaibu Amodu, publishing a short-list of coaches they hope will lead the 'Super Eagles' through the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Amodu had been under pressure even before Nigeria's disappointing third-place finish at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which ended with Egypt's third consecutive victory last week.

The Nigeria Football Federation's short-list is topped by Dutchman Guus Hiddink, Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal, Frenchman Bruno Metsu, former Ghana coach Ratomir Djukovic and former England caretaker coach Peter Taylor.

Sol still dreaming of South Africa

Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has not given up hope of playing for England in this summer's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

However, the 35-year-old acknowledges he needs to make the most of his limited opportunities to shine if he is to fulfil the dream. The former Gunners captain rejoined the English Premier League title-chasers last month on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

He told Arsenal TV: "You can look back at scenarios but ultimately you have to keep on looking forward if you want to get anywhere in your life. I haven't thought about it (an England call) but who'd want to turn it down?

I've got to work hard, keep focused and if the opportunity comes along I'll take it.Sol Cambell of Arsenal
"I would love to play for my country again. I wouldn't turn it down and say 'I'm going on holiday' or 'I'm getting married - see you later," he added. "If the opportunity comes along I'd definitely seriously consider it - but the main thing is to get some games under my belt with Arsenal...I have to play some games for Arsenal and go from there really."

Terry stripped of captaincy

John Terry has been sacked as England captain. The 29-year-old was informed of the decision by Fabio Capello during a brief meeting at Wembley this afternoon. The decision comes after allegations surrounding the Chelsea skipper's private life came to light.

"After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry," said the Italian in a statement.

Capello made it clear that while Terry's conduct on the field had been exactly what he wanted when he made his decision to appoint the central defender as skipper in August 2008, recent headlines about his personal life left him with little choice other than to remove the honour from the Barking-born player. It is alleged that Terry had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge, also a former club-mate of Terry's at Chelsea.

Africa’s time in the sun

The growing stature and success of African football took centre stage this past week as the Africa Cup of Nations reached its crescendo in Luanda on Sunday. And according to many of the football administrators present for the tournament, this was just a taste of things to come in 2010.

Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC), Dr Danny Jordaan, summed up the mood in Angola when he told officials gathered at the 32nd CAF Congress that Africa is not a charity but has the right to host the FIFA World Cup and any other major football competitions.

“Last year the FIFA Under 17 World Cup, the FIFA Under 20 World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup were all hosted successfully on the African continent. As we go towards this World Cup we must defend our right to host this event on the basis that as members of FIFA we are all equal, and not as a charity, but as a right.”

The media and football administrators discussed football development on the continent, preparation for the FIFA World Cup, just over 130 days away, and other football events on the African continent in 2009.

As the world continues to focus on Africa and its role in world football, Jordaan took the opportunity to congratulate Egypt and Nigeria for hosting successful tournaments last year.

“It does not matter whether you have the economy the size of the USA or of Uganda or whether you have a population the size of China or Chad, as members of FIFA we are all equal. “

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter said it was time for the world to stop doubting Africa’s capabilities.

“Why do people still doubt Africa? We have been working with Africa for years and now we have brought the World Cup to Africa which has given so much to football. I think it is only fair that the World Cup comes to South Africa. So let us trust the organisers.”

Issa Hayatou, president of CAF and head of FIFA’S World Cup Organising Committee said he was confident that Africa’s first World Cup would be a success.

“Journalists, fans and the teams must have trust and confidence in the organisation of this tournament. All the necessary steps have been taken to ensure that this World Cup is a success.

2010 FIFA World Cup ambassador, Roger Milla, who spoke to the congress via a pre-recorded video message, once again reiterated his joy at the World Cup being hosted in Africa for the first time.

“The World Cup is an historic event and we are particularly proud not only of South Africa but of the African continent as a whole. As the days go by we that Africa is going forward and that Africa is an important part of FIFA and is part of the power of football to generate hope. I hope this will continue,” he said.

Source: FIFA.com

Serbia select Johannesburg for base

Serbia will use Johannesburg as their base for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ finals, the country's football federation has said.

Serbia are in Group D with Germany, Australia and Ghana.

Their base for the 11 June - 11 July finals, close to the University of Johannesburg, is around 40 kilometres from Loftus stadium in Pretoria, where Serbia open their campaign against Ghana on 13 June.

Source: FIFA.com

Capello planning for Euro mission

Fabio Capello has vowed to remain as England coach until 2012. The Italian's £6m-a-year contract with the FA has an escape clause that would allow either party to call time on the agreement after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Given the astounding reversal in fortunes - from not even making UEFA Euro 2008 to being installed as third favourites for the biggest prize in the game - it is difficult to conceive the FA would rip the deal up.

There has been a sneaking suspicion that Capello might though. The theory goes that the 63-year-old is not entirely keen on life in London, misses the day-to-day involvement of being a club boss and, considering his lack of affinity to the England cause, would prefer to head home. In fact, Capello loves his life and his job.

He has repeatedly stressed the England manager's post was the only international role he wanted, that the challenge of re-invigorating the Three Lions was much more appealing even than coaching Italy, whose four FIFA World Cup triumphs give them a status sadly lacking in England. And, as he looks ahead to next week's UEFA Euro 2012 draw in Warsaw, Capello confirmed he has no plans to quit.

Zuma: World Cup good for business

South African President Jacob Zuma has used the gathering of the 2010 World Economic Forum in Switzerland to highlight South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup readiness.

President Zuma told delegates that the tournament offered an opportunity for the world to see and experience Africa in a different way.

“We are also here at Davos during an exciting year for South Africa. We will in a few months host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the biggest event of its kind to have ever taken place in South Africa and in Africa.

“It is an opportunity to tackle stereotypes and preconceptions about the continent, and explore new frontiers of interaction and cooperation. It is an important milestone in the regeneration of the continent,” he said.