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.

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.

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

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

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.

SA celebrities relish 2010

In less than six months, South Africa is due to embark on what figures to be the most rewarding and spectacular journey in its short yet celebrated history as a democracy when the country will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

And South Africans can hardly wait. Neil Tovey, the man who led South Africa to their first ever continental triumph at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 described this year as "probably the second most important" period the country’s era. The first one, obviously, being when South Africa held its first democratic elections in 1994, thus ending the country’s apartheid regime.

"It’s an important year for all South Africans. When I was still playing, I never dreamt that we would one day host a FIFA World Cup in this country. At this moment, I guess everyone is proud to be South African because we have an opportunity to change people’s perception of not only South Africa but also about the African continent," Tovey said.

Dempsey eases USA fears

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey will not require surgery to repair his injured right knee, the English Premier League side announced on Tuesday, easing USA fears that he might be lost for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Dempsey, who plays forward as well as attacking midfielder, suffered moderate ligament damage but an MRI scan indicated there was not a torn ligament and that he might play for Fulham before the end of the season. That means he should be healthy when the Americans face England on 12 June in their FIFA World Cup opener.

Dempsey concern for USA

Clint Dempsey's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ hopes could depend on the results of scans tomorrow after the United States forward limped off in the second half of Fulham's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Blackburn Rovers. Dempsey is a key man for the Stars and Stripes, who begin their FIFA World Cup campaign in South Africa against England on 12 June.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, who is also without striker Bobby Zamora, said: "Clint will be scanned tomorrow, but we feel it might be a posterior cruciate knee ligament which would be very bad for us and he would be out for a while.

"It's a concern up front because Clint Dempsey is very useful for us, but now with both he and Bobby out, it makes us a bit weaker in that area than we'd like to be."

Ogasawara earns Japan recall

Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara has been called up to Japan's national team for the first time since the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ after coach Takeshi Okada announced his squad for next month's friendly against Venezuela.

Ogasawara helped guide Antlers to a third straight league title last season and his performances were impressive enough to earn him the 2009 J. League Player of the Year accolade. The decision to bring the 30-year-old back into the international frame could open the door for Ogasawara to earn a place in the squad for the World Cup this year and Okada is keen for the player to make the most of his chance.

"We know his abilities very well," said Okada. "It was just a matter of timing with regards to his call-up. I would like to play him as attacking midfielder rather than a defensive one like he plays for his club and I hope he can show his presence in the team."

Vidic: We believe in ourselves

In some 150 days, South Africa and Mexico will take to the field for the opening match at the 19th FIFA World Cup™. Five months before the greatest show in sport kicks off on 11 June, a wave of anticipation is already sweeping planet football. "I’ve never played at the World Cup, but it has to be the greatest achievement of a career in the game," Nemanja Vidic exclusively told FIFA.com.

For the Serbia centre-back, who plays his club football for English giants Manchester United, the 2010 finals in South Africa promise to bring his first-ever appearance at a major tournament: he was in the Serbia and Montenegro squad at Germany 2006 but failed to get off the bench.

"I was banned for the first match after a sending off in the last game before the tournament," the 28-year-old recalled. Rubbing salt into the wound, he picked up an injury at a pre-finals training camp and missed his side’s two remaining group fixtures.

We have a handful of players who were at the 2006 World Cup. I think we’ll be better prepared than we were four years ago.Serbia's Nemanja Vidic
"That’s why I’m so pleased we’ve managed to qualify again. I hope nothing stops me playing this time and that I can contribute to the team doing better than in 2006," Vidic continued.

In Germany four years ago, the amalgamated Serbia and Montenegro team – both were sovereign states by the time of the tournament but qualified and competed as a single entity – sank without trace in a fiercely tough group, losing 1-0 to the Netherlands, 6-0 to Argentina and 3-2 to Côte d’Ivoire.

Positive feelings
The Serbs are determined to perform with more credit this time round, although Vidic is fully aware of the severity of the task in a section also including UEFA EURO 2008 runners-up Germany, Ghana, and Australia.

"There are no easy opponents at a World Cup. Every team has good players, and they all deserve to be there. It won’t be easy, but we have a good feeling and believe we’ll give a decent account of ourselves,” Vidic stated.

And the player feels the team can only benefit from the expertise and nous offered by coach Radomir Antic. "He’s coached some great teams and has loads of experience," said Vidic on the 61-year-old supremo, whose CV includes spells in charge at Spanish giants Barcelona, Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico.

"He’s brought in a few new ideas and places a lot of stress on discipline and organisation. He’s definitely played a large part in our development as a team." Indeed, in qualifying for South Africa, Serbia comfortably won their group and consigned 2006 runners-up France to a play-off spot.

"We have a handful of players who were at the 2006 World Cup. I think we’ll be better prepared than we were four years ago," said Vidic.

"But everything depends on the first match, that’ll be our most important game at the World Cup. A win would give us an excellent chance of reaching the next round, and it would boost our confidence for what comes after that.”

However, Vidic intends to focus on club matters with United for the second half of the season. For all the keen sense of anticipation, he is not spending too much time contemplating South Africa just yet. "I’m taking each game as it comes at the moment, and just trying to stay focused on that."

And as the interview concluded, the rugged defender confessed to a subconscious fear of missing out again with injury, but is simply trying to blot out the unwelcome thoughts. "The more you think about the World Cup and trying not to get injured, the greater the risk you’ll get hurt, in my opinion."

Source: FIFA.com

Wandering Adu eyes Greek revival

Only a few years on from being touted as the long-awaited saviour of American soccer, Freddy Adu is heading for his third loan spell in three seasons, this time with mid-table Greek outfit Aris Thessaloniki. The move is seemingly a long way from the creative attacker’s meteoric rise to prominence as a precocious prodigy destined to someday make it in a big way.

Born in Tema, Ghana, young Fredua Koranteng Adu was noticed early in the USA after arriving with his mother through an immigration lottery. At the tender age of just 14 - after representing the USA with distinction at both the FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cups in 2003 - Adu became one of the youngest American professional athletes in history, turning down offers from some of Europe’s top sides to sign a Major League Soccer contract in 2004.

“I try to not think about what everyone is saying about me,” he told FIFA.com in late 2003, already engulfed by a soccer-inspired mainstream media whirlwind not seen in the USA since the country hosted the FIFA World Cup™ in 1994, or Pele's arrival at the New York Cosmos in 1975.

Durban Stadium raises the bar

The newly-built Durban Stadium, which sits on the shores of the Indian Ocean, has received rave reviews from both local and international media - and no wonder.

The stadium, which is now completed and ready for football, is one of ten that will stage the world’s greatest sporting event at the tip of the African continent in June. And the arena, otherwise known as the Moses Mabhida Stadium, is clearly well worthy of this honour.

Undoubtedly, one of its most iconic features stadium is its much-talked about cable car. By this means, visitors can ascend to a viewing platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above the pitch. From this vantage point, it is possible to experience spectacular panoramic views over the ocean and the city.

Verbeek to assess fringe players

Australia's second string get a chance to impress coach Pim Verbeek in tomorrow's AFC Asian Cup qualifier in Kuwait with a place at next year's finals within touching distance.

With the game falling outside of FIFA's international calendar, Verbeek is left with only Craig Moore and Luke Wilkshire who are considered regulars.N He does welcome eight overseas-based players but the likes of Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill who featured in November's back-to-back wins over Oman are absent.

Australia are currently level on points with Kuwait at the top of Group B with two games remaining and Oman three points adrift in third. Oman travel to Jakarta to face Indonesia, who are a further point off the pace, with both teams needing a win to keep their hopes alive.

Low: First team football essential

Germany coach Joachim Low has warned candidates for his FIFA World Cup™ squad they will have to be playing regular first team football if they are to be considered next summer.

Speaking to the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Low explained how he had learnt from the mistake he made at UEFA EURO 2008 in nominating Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder despite the fact he had spent much of the latter stages of the season injured. The central defender never managed to reach his best form during the competition and Low will not make the same mistake again.

"I won't call up anybody who has not been playing regularly for their side in the months building up to the tournament," he said. "That is something I have learned from EURO 2008. This is going to be a World Cup which will be played at a very high pace."

Watmore: Capello here for long term

England Football Association chief executive Ian Watmore expects Fabio Capello to remain as England coach until after UEFA Euro 2012. Capello's planning for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is now in full swing, with assistant Franco Baldini due to head to Angola later this month to see Group C opponents Algeria in action at the African Cup of Nations.

Yet there is already plenty of speculation that Capello will stand down once the Three Lions return from South Africa. Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is widely viewed as a leading contender to replace the Italian, a belief that has only been fuelled by the 62-year-old's decision to sign a new rolling contract with the Craven Cottage club, which includes a release clause.

However, Capello has hinted himself that he has no plans to stand down ahead of the next European Championships, the qualifying draw for which will be held in Warsaw on 7 February. And Watmore is certainly not planning for a succession.

Spector's long road home

(FIFA.com) Friday 1 January 2010
Injuries are unavoidable in football. As the modern game becomes even faster and tighter, with less and less time on the ball and space on the pitch, the demands on the body become greater and greater. Every player, at some point, will need to deal with an injury. And while some are luckier, only made to endure niggling muscle strains or painful knocks, others face multiple injuries, one after another, forcing long stretches out of the game, requiring massive doses of mental strength and discipline. USA and West Ham United man Jonathan Spector recently spoke with FIFA.com about his personal experience with big injuries and long, agonising stretches on the sidelines.

Spector, 23, was in fine fettle when the Americans shocked the world to reach the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa last June, but national team fans could have been forgiven for thinking the brawny, blond-haired back was a new member of Bob Bradley’s squad. Missing out on all of 2006 and most of 2008, Spector – once a shining young star for the future – was forced to deal with a seemingly endless succession of cruel injuries that kept him out of action for the majority of the last three seasons for both club and country.