World Cup Corner

Congratulations to Iraq for winning the 2007 Asian Cup. This great fairy tale was completed when the Iraqis sneaked a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

With all the war issues and social problems currently besetting Iraq, the new Asian champions have brought a rare glimpse of joy and hope to the country.

‘This is not just about football… this is more important than that,’ Iraq’s Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira said.

‘This has brought great happiness to a whole country. This is not about a team, this is about human beings.’
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One of the biggest rivalries in world football took to the field today. Regardless of who you support or where you live, few will disagree that Argentina vs. Brazil is always a special occasion. Especially with the small matter of being crowned the 2007 Copa America champions.
In the 14 years since Argentina has won a major trophy, their eternal rivals Brazil have clocked up a couple of World Cups, Intercontinental Cups and Copa Americas. Coco Basile (who won 2 copa Americas and serveral club titles with Boca Juniors) has been drafted to snap their losing streak.

On paper, the Argentinians have the superior squad, and their football thus far in the competition have been phenomenal. Brazil on the other hand, seems to have kept their insipid tactics from World Cup 2006. A few world class stars and the rest of the team supporting them.

While the Copa America has lost alot of it’s glamour in recent years, as evidenced by Brazil fielding a “weakened” squad, it is still a source of immense pride to be crowned champions. Especially if you can rub the noses of your bitterest rivals in the process.

Let’s move to Venezuela now for the 2007 Copa America final!
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Brazil have historically been considered the best footballing nation in the world, with a seemingly endless supply of world class players every generation, they have the mindset, almost divine right to the World Cup. Every tournament has the Brazillians pretty much the favorites. This speaks for itself.

But lately, there seems to be something about the way the current Brazillians play. It has been in effect since the 2006 World Cup. Just play the top stars (Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo) and load the team with the regular supporting cast and hope for the best. While individually still a joy to watch, there is another team that has overtaken the Brazillians by playing swashbuckling, passing and creative TEAM football.
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Didier Drogba of Chelsea and Ivory coast has been named the 2006 African Footballer of the Year on Thursday, beating out Samuel Eto’o of Barcelona, who would have won his 4th consecutive award.

Drogba, 28, is a first time winner and was captain of Ivory Coast when they reached the African Nations Cup final but lost out on penalties to Egypt. The Ivorians also participated in the 2006 World Cup tournament, where they made a good showing of themselves.

Full List of African Nations Awards:
African Footballer of the Year: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
Team of the Year: Ghana
Club of the Year: Al Ahli (Egypt)
Coach of the Year: Manuel Jose (Al Ahli, Egypt)
Young African Player of the Year: Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille and Nigeria)
African club competition Player of the Year: Mohamed Aboutrika (Al Ahli, Egypt)
Women’s Footballer of the Year: Cynthia Uwak (Nigeria).

Pavel Nedved, who has scored 18 goals in 90 games for the Czech Republic, has announced his retirement from international football after the Czech Republic’s friendly game with Serbia. This will be his second retirement from international football. After Euro 2004 he ended his international career but returned to help the Czech Republic team during the qualifying for this summer’s World Cup.

I would like to say that the match against Serbia will be my last match for the national team. I have decided to end my international career and free the place for youngsters. My decision is final. I am going to be 34 and I want to be with my family and play for Juventus.

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Steve McClaren has chosen not to name David Beckham to the England squad that will play Greece on August 16. Out of the squad are also Theo Walcott and World Cup goalkeeper David James.

Here are all players which will have a chance to play for England:

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While International teams get ready for Euro 2008 and qualifying for South Africa 2010 there are going to be a lot of friendlies played in the next weeks. Don’t forget to mark your calendars.

August 15 matches and results:
Algeria - Gabon 0:2
Ukraine - Azerbaijan 6:0
Slovakia - Malta 3:0
Slovenia - Israel 1:1
Ghana - Togo 2:0
Wales - Bulgaria 0:0
Iceland - Spain 0:0

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Japan has won their first game under new coach Ivica Osim. Brazilian born Alex’s first-half double gave Ivica Osim the perfect start with a 2-0 home victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

After the match Osim said:

Generally speaking, it was good as the first match. We played with a good tempo from the start and looked sharp even though we only had three days together before the match. There were some encouraging signs but we have to make sure we can maintain that sort of tempo for the full 90 minutes. By running more, Japan should be able to compete better with physically larger players from foreign countries.

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On Monday FIFA started the biggest disciplinary inquiry in its history. The investigation will be about the violence at the end of the Turkey-Switzerland World Cup play-off. The second game in Istanbul ended in chaos after the Swiss qualified for the finals.

FIFA spokesman said:

In terms of scope it is the most voluminous disciplinary investigation in our history. We have begun the enquiry in Zurich which will involve interviewing more than 20 people. These include the two national coaches, players, officials and technical staff from both countries. Because of the scale of the inquiry and the possible sanctions we have to ensure that legally everything is done exactly right.

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The Final Draw for the 2006 FIFA World Cup will be placed on evening of 9 December in German city Leipzig. The 32 qualified teams will be drawn into eight groups of four.

• Broadcast to a total of 145 countries with 850 national and international journalists covering the event,
• global audience of 320 million expected to witness the event,
• all 32 participating national team coaches should be there,
• the biggest names from politics and sport will take part in the draw,
• Heidi Klum will help present the event,
• Colombian pop star Juanes will provide entertainment.

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