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

Senderos contemplates Celtic switch

Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos believes a loan move to Celtic could help resurrect his dream of playing for Switzerland at this year's FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

"I am very honoured that a big club like Celtic are interested in me and a loan deal right now would suit me perfectly," said Senderos, who has fallen down the Gunners central defensive pecking order behind William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen.

The World Cup this summer is a really big thing for me. I know that if I'm not playing regularly my chances of playing in South Africa will be badly affected.Senderos of Arsenal and Switzerland
"My main priority is to get back playing regular football," said Senderos. "I really miss that. The World Cup this summer is a really big thing for me. I know that if I'm not playing regularly my chances of playing in South Africa will be badly affected.

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.

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

Maradona takes SA by storm

From legendary football players in their own right to young and aspiring sportsmen and women, the arrival this morning of one of the world's greatest football players of all time, Diego Maradona, has caused a wave of excitement among South Africans.

Former South African football great Mark Fish, who helped his country to its African Cup of Nations victory in 1996 and who took part in the 1998 FIFA World Cup has certainly met some well known sportsmen in his time, but his meeting with Maradona this afternoon at the High Performance Centre (HPC) at the University of Pretoria is one he will never forget.

“When I met him now I was lost for words, I literally had goose bumps all over. This really is a dream come true – his football ability was second to none,” said the former South African national player. “My friends and I often talk about who is the greatest player of all time but I know who it is, I now know I have met the greatest football player,” to which Maradona jokingly responded, “Yes my mother also thinks so,” as the two compared their Che Guevara tattoos.

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.

Toni: Roma first, Italy second

Roma striker Luca Toni is hoping that his two-goal display against Genoa yesterday caught the eye of Italy coach Marcello Lippi.

The 32-year-old, on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season, notched his first goals since his return to Serie A football in the 3-0 win. Toni made the move to Roma at the start of this month following a difficult spell in the Bundesliga, where a lack of playing time has damaged his chances of making Italy's FIFA World Cup™ squad.

But the striker is hopeful yesterday's performance will have gone some way to remedying that. "Lippi knows what I'm capable of in the national side and I've already had many happy moments wearing that shirt," he told reporters. "I know the better I do at Roma the more chances I will have to join the national side. Right now, what's important for me is to score many goals to put Roma ahead."

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.

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