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.”

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

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.

Lampard: England can win it

Frank Lampard is adamant England will not get swept up in the hype surrounding their prospects at this year's FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

England may have won the FIFA World Cup just once, on home soil in 1966, but every subsequent appearance they have made at a major football tournament has sparked hopes of a similar outcome among their fans. Chelsea midfielder Lampard was a member of the England squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany where the team lost in the quarter-finals to Portugal after some players had suggested they could win the event.

During Fabio Capello's two years in charge of England the team has undergone a major upsurge in fortunes, from failing to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008 under former boss Steve McClaren to FIFA World Cup contenders. But the Italian is not one for getting carried away and friendly defeats by Brazil, France and Spain have served to reinforce awareness of the scale of the task facing England in South Africa.

Meanwhile Lampard is confident England have learnt their lessons from four years ago. "There's an inner confidence within the squad but I don't think we're thinking about winning the trophy. We've been here before," he said. "The experienced players who have been here before know that it doesn't really matter what you say before the tournament or what your form's like a few months before the tournament, what really matters is how you play when you get there.

With the squad we have got and the way we have played, we are doing everything right but when we go there we have to do everything right thereEngland midfielder Frank Lampard.
"You get asked the question a million times - 'Can you win it?' and the obvious answer is 'Yes we can if we are playing well,' but you have to go there and win it. With the squad we have got and the way we have played, we are doing everything right but when we go there we have to do everything right there."

Lampard - the guest of honour at a Football Writers' Association dinner in London on Sunday - knows that at the age of 31 this is likely to be his last FIFA World Cup. "This year is a big year for me," he said. "It's obviously a World Cup year so it's career defining. If we were to go there and win it then who knows what would happen after that?"

Before the World Cup gets underway in June, Lampard has the chance to win yet more club honours with Chelsea, the Premier League leaders. "I don't think I'll become distracted by the World Cup," said Lampard, who has been capped 76 times by England.

"When I play for my club you get into the zone about playing club football. I don't look too far ahead. It's nice when the draw comes around, you get excited and when it gets nearer you get more excited but there's too much going on at Chelsea, it's too important.

"We are in everything at the moment so we are focused completely on that. Hopefully when it comes to the end of the season I'll be confident after winning things with Chelsea and go to the World Cup."

Source: FIFA.com

Low: We've made real progress

In football-obsessed Germany, rarely has a national coach been as popular as Joachim Low, a native of the Black Forest who celebrates his 50th birthday on 3 February. His expertise from the dugout and personal elegance are the ideal attributes for the top job in a country which has won the FIFA World Cup™ three times, where knowledge and proficiency are valued above all other qualities, but which has always demanded idols with personal charisma and a strong personality.

The former forward, fondly nicknamed Jogi, remains the all-time leading scorer for Freiburg, although his playing record for his country amounts to just four U-21 appearances. His skill as a coach is more highly regarded. As Jurgen Klinsmann’s assistant, Low was widely acknowledged as the brains of the operation. His meticulousness and tactical wisdom have earned him a reputation as a guru of the game, while his highly fashionable dress sense and natural charm make him a perfect figurehead in a media-intensive world.

Above all else, Low is hungry for success. He succeeded Klinsmann after Germany 2006, with a brief to develop the national team’s newly-acquired attacking instincts. He frequently refers to 'possession quotas', by which he means the interval between a player receiving a pass and releasing the ball. During his time in charge, this measure has decreased significantly for Germany, leading to a much higher tempo.

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."

Torres: Our best is yet to come

Fresh from setting a new record at club side Liverpool, having racked up 50 Premier League strikes quicker than any other player in the Anfield outfit’s history, Fernando Torres remains as fiercely ambitious as ever. Still known as El Niño (The Kid), though he is now a father himself, the 25-year-old spoke to FIFA.com about his fine current form and his goals for the future at club and international level.

FIFA.com: Fernando, last month you were included in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2009. How did it feel to know that over 50,000 professional players voted?
Fernando Torres: It’s a real source of joy and satisfaction as well a huge privilege. Receiving this kind of recognition from your fellow professionals is something very special, which fills you with pride. The fact they admire what you do spurs you on to keep improving, to try and continue forming part of this XI.

What’s your verdict on 2009?
Being included in the World XI without having won any silverware makes me even more motivated. What I mean is, though collectively we’ve not had the best of luck, on a personal note the balance is right and I’m doing my job well. I have to keep that going. We just need a little more luck as a team to be able to win a trophy.

Fans favour dynamic Drogba

"At the World Cup, we won't only be representing the people of Côte d'Ivoire, but also millions of African people!" Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com just a few months ago, Didier Drogba underlined the immense pride and keen responsibility with which he is approaching the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ this summer.

The world class Ivorian striker, who stars at club level for London giants Chelsea, can hardly wait to hit the goal trail in his home continent this June. You, the fans from all over the world, are equally excited at the prospect of watching Drogba in full flow. In our latest FIFA.com poll, when we asked which striker you were most looking forward to seeing at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup finals, the 31-year-old carried off the honours with 29.06 per cent of the votes cast.

Beckham dreaming of world return

After starring and scoring for England at France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006, David Beckham has told FIFA.com that he is relishing the prospect of appearing in his fourth FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa in June and July.

The 34-year-old midfielder’s chances of being in the Three Lions’ 23-man squad were recently discussed by Fabio Capello, who said: "Of course he will be included, if he plays [for AC Milan] and is well physically,” he said. “I don't look at ages. I look at skill and Beckham has a lot. He's serious, a real professional and he's really dedicated to making the World Cup squad."

In FIFA.com’s first Interview of the Week of what promises to be a special year, one of world football’s highest-profile players speaks about the highs and lows he has experienced at FIFA World Cups, his thoughts on current FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and his hopes for Africa’s legacy post-2010.

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.

Switzerland hit the big time

Little country – big progress. In footballing terms, this is a fair reflection of what Switzerland managed to achieve in 2009. Their various national teams have obtained some excellent results over the past 12 months, confirming many years of hard work and perhaps even ushering in a new golden era for the Central Europeans.

Qualification for the sport's greatest tournament, a youth team crowned as world champions and appearance in a beach soccer final – what a year Switzerland has had. It is difficult to rank these achievements in terms of importance since all of them were well received by their fans back home, but booking their ticket for their ninth FIFA World Cup™ and their third in a row was positive proof that Swiss football is a force to be reckoned with.

A poor showing for Switzerland in their home tournament – the UEFA EURO 2008 – marked the end of Kobi Kuhn's tenure as coach, but rather than let the team slide into decline, the powers-that-be at the national association took a bold step in handing over the reins to one of the most respected coaches in Europe, Germany's Ottmar Hitzfeld. "The General" proceeded to get off to a catastrophic start, losing to minnows Luxemburg in a South Africa 2010™ qualifier, but the former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich coach soon righted the ship and steered his troops to the top of Group 2 in the European zone, taking the direct route to the forthcoming FIFA World Cup.

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."

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.

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.

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: