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32
2010 World Cup - South Africa / South Africa marks 100 days to World Cup
« on: March 13, 2010, 10:59:46 AM »
South Africa marks 100 days to World Cup
With 100 days to go before the World Cup, jackhammers shuddered and bulldozers rumbled Tuesday as workers wearing ''Proud to be building Soccer City for 2010'' buttons readied South Africa's main stadium.
Inside, the grass was smooth and inviting. But not far away stacks of pavement tiles waited to be laid, and parking lots and access roads were still to be tarred.
The site could well be a metaphor for the June 11-July 11 tournament: While most of the big pieces are in place, all the details haven't been worked out.
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With 100 days to go before the World Cup, jackhammers shuddered and bulldozers rumbled Tuesday as workers wearing ''Proud to be building Soccer City for 2010'' buttons readied South Africa's main stadium.
Inside, the grass was smooth and inviting. But not far away stacks of pavement tiles waited to be laid, and parking lots and access roads were still to be tarred.
The site could well be a metaphor for the June 11-July 11 tournament: While most of the big pieces are in place, all the details haven't been worked out.
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33
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Ronaldo hopes to play for Brazil in 2010 World Cup
« on: February 22, 2010, 02:45:38 PM »
Corinthians striker Ronaldo focused on unfinished business
Ronaldo has revealed that he intends to hang up his boots at the end of 2011. The striker has said that he hopes to win the Copa Libertadores with Corinthians and play in the 2010 World Cup for Brazil.
This morning, the three time World Player of the Year publicised the fact that he has signed a one year extension to his deal with Corinthians taking him through to the end of next year. When this deal runs out he will retire from playing and take a job upstairs with the Sao Paulo club.
“I only say this now because I did not want to speak before the deal was done. I have renewed my contract with Corinthians and these will be the final two years of my career,” he stated.
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Ronaldo has revealed that he intends to hang up his boots at the end of 2011. The striker has said that he hopes to win the Copa Libertadores with Corinthians and play in the 2010 World Cup for Brazil.
This morning, the three time World Player of the Year publicised the fact that he has signed a one year extension to his deal with Corinthians taking him through to the end of next year. When this deal runs out he will retire from playing and take a job upstairs with the Sao Paulo club.
“I only say this now because I did not want to speak before the deal was done. I have renewed my contract with Corinthians and these will be the final two years of my career,” he stated.
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34
2010 World Cup - South Africa / FIFA concerned about African stimulants at World Cup
« on: February 21, 2010, 09:29:28 AM »
FIFA eyes African stimulants
FIFA is concerned that players at the World Cup could use undetectable stimulants derived from traditional African medicines that aren’t currently banned substances.
FIFA medical committee chairman Michel D’Hooghe told The Associated Press on Sunday he wants the World Anti-Doping Agency to analyze some African plants that could give athletes an unfair advantage.
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FIFA is concerned that players at the World Cup could use undetectable stimulants derived from traditional African medicines that aren’t currently banned substances.
FIFA medical committee chairman Michel D’Hooghe told The Associated Press on Sunday he wants the World Anti-Doping Agency to analyze some African plants that could give athletes an unfair advantage.
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35
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Trapattoni interested in coaching Nigeria
« on: February 13, 2010, 06:37:51 AM »
Giovanni Trapattoni is interested in Nigeria job
Giovanni Trapattoni is interested in coaching Nigeria after turning down Ivory Coast.
Trapattoni's advisor Domenico Ricci says the veteran Italian was approached by the Elephants a week ago to lead the side at June's World Cup.
"He refused an offer from Ivory Coast a week ago because they offered him only the World Cup," Ricci told BBC Sport.
"But also because I think he is more interested in Nigeria than Ivory Coast.
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Giovanni Trapattoni is interested in coaching Nigeria after turning down Ivory Coast.
Trapattoni's advisor Domenico Ricci says the veteran Italian was approached by the Elephants a week ago to lead the side at June's World Cup.
"He refused an offer from Ivory Coast a week ago because they offered him only the World Cup," Ricci told BBC Sport.
"But also because I think he is more interested in Nigeria than Ivory Coast.
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36
Football / Jozy Altidore: The heartwarming story of Hull's hero
« on: February 09, 2010, 09:41:55 AM »
Haiti hero: The heartwarming story of Hull star Jozy Altidore
Jozy Altidore is 20 years old. Through personal donations and fund-raising, the powerful centre forward has contributed £100,000 towards scholarships and water stations in Haiti, where it cost £40 a year to send a child to school.
His appearance on CNN's flagship programme was aimed at further raising awareness of the devastation caused by the quakes that claimed more than 200,000 lives and left 1.2million people homeless. Although there is a stampede of celebrities doing their bit, Altidore has long been helping the western world's poorest country.
He may be 4,665 miles away in the United Kingdom and preparing for a World Cup adventure with the United States that will include a first-round match against England, but he is a young man on a mission.
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Jozy Altidore is 20 years old. Through personal donations and fund-raising, the powerful centre forward has contributed £100,000 towards scholarships and water stations in Haiti, where it cost £40 a year to send a child to school.
His appearance on CNN's flagship programme was aimed at further raising awareness of the devastation caused by the quakes that claimed more than 200,000 lives and left 1.2million people homeless. Although there is a stampede of celebrities doing their bit, Altidore has long been helping the western world's poorest country.
He may be 4,665 miles away in the United Kingdom and preparing for a World Cup adventure with the United States that will include a first-round match against England, but he is a young man on a mission.
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37
Football / U.S. youth to Portuguese 1st division on loan
« on: January 11, 2010, 11:06:47 AM »
Agbossoumonde excited for Braga loan
Following last week's announcement that Portuguese leaders Sporting Braga have acquired USA U20 defender Gale Agbossoumonde on loan, the young American says he is excited about joining his new club for the second half of the season.
"The coaches here are great and the players are nice," Agbossoumonde told YA about his initial impressions so far. "With the good season we are having so far, everyone is happy."
Last summer Agbossoumonde, 18, made the decision to go professional and he signed with the Brazilian sports management group, Traffic Sports, who own his rights. The terms of the loan agreement have Agbossoumonde with Braga through the end of the season but the Portuguese club will have the option to buy him this summer.
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Following last week's announcement that Portuguese leaders Sporting Braga have acquired USA U20 defender Gale Agbossoumonde on loan, the young American says he is excited about joining his new club for the second half of the season.
"The coaches here are great and the players are nice," Agbossoumonde told YA about his initial impressions so far. "With the good season we are having so far, everyone is happy."
Last summer Agbossoumonde, 18, made the decision to go professional and he signed with the Brazilian sports management group, Traffic Sports, who own his rights. The terms of the loan agreement have Agbossoumonde with Braga through the end of the season but the Portuguese club will have the option to buy him this summer.
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38
Football / Abel Xavier quits football and converts to Islam
« on: December 25, 2009, 02:26:03 PM »
Abel Xavier quits football and converts to Islam
Former Portuguese international Abel Xavier will now go by the name of Faisal Xavier after quitting football at the age of 38.
In converting to Islam the ex-Liverpool and Everton man has stated his regret at leaving the sport behind, but has also claimed that he is happy with his new-found faith.
"While it's an emotional farewell, I hope to participate in something very special as I enter a new stage of my life.
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Former Portuguese international Abel Xavier will now go by the name of Faisal Xavier after quitting football at the age of 38.
In converting to Islam the ex-Liverpool and Everton man has stated his regret at leaving the sport behind, but has also claimed that he is happy with his new-found faith.
"While it's an emotional farewell, I hope to participate in something very special as I enter a new stage of my life.
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39
2010 World Cup - South Africa / South Africa will be the first host nation in WC history...
« on: December 05, 2009, 04:29:39 AM »
that fails to advance from its group.
Group A
South Africa
Mexico
France
Uruguay
That is my prediction.
Anyone agree/disagree? Thoughts?
Group A
South Africa
Mexico
France
Uruguay
That is my prediction.
Anyone agree/disagree? Thoughts?
40
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Can an African team win the 2010 World Cup?
« on: December 02, 2009, 07:54:51 AM »
Can an African team win the 2010 World Cup?
Close your eyes and try to imagine the scenes of jubilation across Africa if a team from the continent were to win the 2010 World Cup.
A celebration like no other, one billion people revelling in one of the greatest sporting and cultural achievements.
For the first time in its 80-year history, football's blue riband competition is coming to the world's poorest and most underdeveloped land.
How better to mark the occasion than with a first African champion?
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Close your eyes and try to imagine the scenes of jubilation across Africa if a team from the continent were to win the 2010 World Cup.
A celebration like no other, one billion people revelling in one of the greatest sporting and cultural achievements.
For the first time in its 80-year history, football's blue riband competition is coming to the world's poorest and most underdeveloped land.
How better to mark the occasion than with a first African champion?
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41
Football / Amr Zaki won't play with Israelis or Algerians
« on: November 27, 2009, 05:02:52 AM »
Egypt's Amr Zaki rules out Portsmouth move because 'I don't wish to play with an Algerian'
The recent high tension between Egypt and Algeria has taken another ugly dimension after Egypt international striker, Amr Zaki, declared he will not be interested in joining English Premier League club Portsmouth because that would mean he will play alongside Algerian defender Nadir Belhadj.
UAE businessman Sulaiman Al-Fahim, who has stake at Portsmouth, disclosed that the former Wigan Athletic striker has been in regular touch with him in respect of a transfer to Fratton Park in the winter.
However, Zaki said on his personal website that a switch from Zamalek to Pompey is no longer an option because they have an Algerian player as well as Isrealis, who many Arab Muslims are against, on their books.
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The recent high tension between Egypt and Algeria has taken another ugly dimension after Egypt international striker, Amr Zaki, declared he will not be interested in joining English Premier League club Portsmouth because that would mean he will play alongside Algerian defender Nadir Belhadj.
UAE businessman Sulaiman Al-Fahim, who has stake at Portsmouth, disclosed that the former Wigan Athletic striker has been in regular touch with him in respect of a transfer to Fratton Park in the winter.
However, Zaki said on his personal website that a switch from Zamalek to Pompey is no longer an option because they have an Algerian player as well as Isrealis, who many Arab Muslims are against, on their books.
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42
2010 World Cup - South Africa / A World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo?
« on: November 17, 2009, 06:44:28 AM »
A World Cup without Ronaldo?
Since the award began in 1991, it is perhaps surprising that a reigning Fifa World Player of the Year is yet to match his personal triumph with the crowning glory of a World Cup winner's medal.
Some, though, have come awfully close and in doing so recorded some of the defining moments of the tournament's recent history.
Who could forget Roberto Baggio's forlorn figure in the 1994 final when he handed victory to Brazil by sending his deciding penalty skywards?
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Since the award began in 1991, it is perhaps surprising that a reigning Fifa World Player of the Year is yet to match his personal triumph with the crowning glory of a World Cup winner's medal.
Some, though, have come awfully close and in doing so recorded some of the defining moments of the tournament's recent history.
Who could forget Roberto Baggio's forlorn figure in the 1994 final when he handed victory to Brazil by sending his deciding penalty skywards?
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43
Football / Ferguson receives fine and ban for ref comments
« on: November 12, 2009, 10:29:08 AM »
Ferguson hit with FA fine and ban
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has received a two-match touchline ban for his comments about referee Alan Wiley's fitness.
The Football Association handed the 67-year-old a four-game ban, with two of those suspended until the end of the 2010-11 season.
Ferguson has also been fined £20,000 and warned about his future conduct.
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has received a two-match touchline ban for his comments about referee Alan Wiley's fitness.
The Football Association handed the 67-year-old a four-game ban, with two of those suspended until the end of the 2010-11 season.
Ferguson has also been fined £20,000 and warned about his future conduct.
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44
Football / Brother's death inspires Essien
« on: November 09, 2009, 08:46:04 AM »
Brother's death inspires Essien
Chelsea star Michael Essien has told the BBC how his brother's death inspired him to set up a charity in his native Ghana.
The Michael Essien Foundation will be launched on 14 November, just before Ghana's final 2010 qualifying match.
"Hopefully I can do something to help the village where I grew up," he told the BBC World Service.
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Chelsea star Michael Essien has told the BBC how his brother's death inspired him to set up a charity in his native Ghana.
The Michael Essien Foundation will be launched on 14 November, just before Ghana's final 2010 qualifying match.
"Hopefully I can do something to help the village where I grew up," he told the BBC World Service.
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45
Football / Jamaica illegally fielded a player with no links to their country
« on: November 09, 2009, 03:52:17 AM »
Jamaica mistake Tyrone?
As a defender, Tyrone Mears knows you get punished for playing a man on-side - especially if it's the WRONG side.
And that's now happened to the Burnley star after playing football for a country he has NO link to.
The balls-up came when Tyrone - who thought he was of Jamaican blood - was asked to play by their old boss John Barnes.
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As a defender, Tyrone Mears knows you get punished for playing a man on-side - especially if it's the WRONG side.
And that's now happened to the Burnley star after playing football for a country he has NO link to.
The balls-up came when Tyrone - who thought he was of Jamaican blood - was asked to play by their old boss John Barnes.
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46
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Parreira to return as South Africa soccer coach
« on: October 23, 2009, 12:46:18 PM »
Parreira to return as South Africa soccer coach
Carlos Alberto Parreira has been appointed coach of South Africa’s national soccer team, returning to the job he left a year ago.
South African football association spokesman Morio Sanyane told The Associated Press on Friday that the former Brazil coach has agreed to a second stint with the team.
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Carlos Alberto Parreira has been appointed coach of South Africa’s national soccer team, returning to the job he left a year ago.
South African football association spokesman Morio Sanyane told The Associated Press on Friday that the former Brazil coach has agreed to a second stint with the team.
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47
Football / Rangers investigate alleged Edu racist abuse
« on: October 21, 2009, 03:36:20 PM »
Rangers investigate alleged Edu racist abuse
Scottish Premier League club Rangers have confirmed they are investigating alleged racist abuse towards United States international midfielder Maurice Edu after their Champions League defeat to Unirea Urziceni on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old played no part in the 4-1 Group G defeat to the Romania side but watched the match at Ibrox and said on social networking site Twitter that he was targeted by his own club's supporters as he left the stadium.
Edu had written a message on his Twitter feed which said: "Not sure what hurt more: result last nite or being racially abused by couple of our own fans as I'm getting in my car."
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Scottish Premier League club Rangers have confirmed they are investigating alleged racist abuse towards United States international midfielder Maurice Edu after their Champions League defeat to Unirea Urziceni on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old played no part in the 4-1 Group G defeat to the Romania side but watched the match at Ibrox and said on social networking site Twitter that he was targeted by his own club's supporters as he left the stadium.
Edu had written a message on his Twitter feed which said: "Not sure what hurt more: result last nite or being racially abused by couple of our own fans as I'm getting in my car."
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48
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Santana steps down from South Africa post
« on: October 19, 2009, 12:19:02 PM »
Santana steps down from SA post
South Africa coach Joel Santana has resigned eight months before the start of the World Cup after a run of eight defeats from their last nine games.
Santana's departure had been expected after defeats in friendly matches in Norway and Iceland last week.
"It's true he has resigned," said South Africa Football Association chief executive Raymond Hack. "It's by mutual consent, he was not fired."
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South Africa coach Joel Santana has resigned eight months before the start of the World Cup after a run of eight defeats from their last nine games.
Santana's departure had been expected after defeats in friendly matches in Norway and Iceland last week.
"It's true he has resigned," said South Africa Football Association chief executive Raymond Hack. "It's by mutual consent, he was not fired."
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49
Football / Press gang up on foul-mouthed Maradona
« on: October 15, 2009, 03:30:21 PM »
Press gang up on foul-mouthed Maradona
Diego Maradona's sexually-explicit, foul-mouthed rant at his growing army of media critics, which overshadowed Argentina's World Cup qualification, drew a scathing response on Thursday.
Maradona had just overseen a 1-0 win over Uruguay in Montevideo which allowed the two-time world champions to squeeze nervously into the 2010 finals in South Africa when months of simmering rage finally boiled over.
"There were those who did not believe in this team and who treated me as less than nothing," said Maradona, whose team had endured a chaotic, lacklustre qualifying campaign.
"Today we are in the World Cup finals with help from nobody but with honour. To all of you who did not believe in us, and I apologise to all the women here, you can suck it and keep sucking it," he added, repeating the phrase.
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Diego Maradona's sexually-explicit, foul-mouthed rant at his growing army of media critics, which overshadowed Argentina's World Cup qualification, drew a scathing response on Thursday.
Maradona had just overseen a 1-0 win over Uruguay in Montevideo which allowed the two-time world champions to squeeze nervously into the 2010 finals in South Africa when months of simmering rage finally boiled over.
"There were those who did not believe in this team and who treated me as less than nothing," said Maradona, whose team had endured a chaotic, lacklustre qualifying campaign.
"Today we are in the World Cup finals with help from nobody but with honour. To all of you who did not believe in us, and I apologise to all the women here, you can suck it and keep sucking it," he added, repeating the phrase.
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50
Football / USA draws 2-2 with Costa Rica and tops Hexagonal
« on: October 15, 2009, 07:38:31 AM »
Bornstein's stoppage-time header gives U.S. draw against Costa Rica
American players wanted to win for Charlie. They didn't, but it sure felt like a victory when the United States scored with just seconds remaining in its final World Cup qualifier.
After Jonathan Bornstein's goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time gave the United States a 2-2 tie against Costa Rica on Wednesday night, players took a victory lap. They carried a banner with the No. 9, the jersey number of Charlie Davies, their teammate who is hospitalized with serious injuries from an automobile accident.
"We used Charlie's situation to motivate us," goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "We're happy he was alive, and that in itself gave us a lift. Charlie would give anything at this moment to put on a jersey and have it all back. You almost kind of feel lucky and privileged, and that was kind of motivation to us."
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51
Football / USA beats Honduras and heads to South Africa 2010
« on: October 11, 2009, 03:02:47 AM »
United States tips Honduras for sixth consecutive World Cup berth
American players danced in the locker room and swigged some bubbly, With a thrilling victory on a hot and humid night in Central America, the U.S. soccer team earned a trip to South Africa and another chance to impress at the World Cup.
Conor Casey scored his first two international goals in the second half, Landon Donovan added another and the United States clinched its sixth straight World Cup berth with a game to spare by rallying to beat Honduras 3-2 on Saturday night.
"It never gets old, that's for sure," Donovan said. "After what most of us would say was a very disappointing 2006 World Cup, we now have a chance at redemption."
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52
Football / Cissé fury at racist insults by Greek fans
« on: September 07, 2009, 02:35:48 PM »
Cisse fury at racist insults by Greek fans
Panathinaikos striker Djibril Cisse on Monday threatened to report Greek fans to European football governing body UEFA following racist insults he received in a friendly in northern Greece at the weekend.
The 28-year-old French player was on the receiving end of remarks by a few spectators during the friendly between his team and Olympiakos Volos on Sunday.
"I didn't come to Greece to receive racist attacks and for fans to make monkey sounds every time I touched the ball," said Cisse.
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Panathinaikos striker Djibril Cisse on Monday threatened to report Greek fans to European football governing body UEFA following racist insults he received in a friendly in northern Greece at the weekend.
The 28-year-old French player was on the receiving end of remarks by a few spectators during the friendly between his team and Olympiakos Volos on Sunday.
"I didn't come to Greece to receive racist attacks and for fans to make monkey sounds every time I touched the ball," said Cisse.
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53
2010 World Cup - South Africa / Pele 'The Jinx' strikes again as Nigeria risk failing to qualify for World Cup
« on: September 07, 2009, 10:08:25 AM »
Pele 'The Jinx' strikes again as Nigeria risk failing to qualify for World Cup
Brazil legend Pele has further enhanced his reputation as something of a jinx, as the country he tipped to progress to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup – Nigeria – look set to fail to qualify for South Africa.
Pele is notorious for his numerous wrong predictions over the years. Romario once declared that "Pele is a poet when he keeps his mouth shut", while coach Luiz Felipe Scolari delivered the legendary line, "I believe Pele knows nothing about football. His analysis always turns out to be wrong. If you want to win a title, you have to listen to Pele and then do the opposite."
In July, the 1970 World Cup star visited Nigeria and while there tipped the Super Eagles to become the first African nation to ever make it to the semi-finals of a World Cup.
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Brazil legend Pele has further enhanced his reputation as something of a jinx, as the country he tipped to progress to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup – Nigeria – look set to fail to qualify for South Africa.
Pele is notorious for his numerous wrong predictions over the years. Romario once declared that "Pele is a poet when he keeps his mouth shut", while coach Luiz Felipe Scolari delivered the legendary line, "I believe Pele knows nothing about football. His analysis always turns out to be wrong. If you want to win a title, you have to listen to Pele and then do the opposite."
In July, the 1970 World Cup star visited Nigeria and while there tipped the Super Eagles to become the first African nation to ever make it to the semi-finals of a World Cup.
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54
Football / Lula deplores Europe stealing Brazil's best players
« on: September 03, 2009, 12:10:43 PM »
Lula deplores Europe stealing Brazil's best players
Rules should be put in place to stop European clubs buying Brazil's best footballers during national championships, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told AFP in an interview.
"The stadiums are emptying in Brazil, the games are less interesting, and I prefer to watch English, Spanish, Italian championships. I'm even watching the Russian and Turkish ones. Soon I'll be watching Kazakhstan's," he said in his official Brasilia residence on Wednesday.
"Brazil 20 years ago was where the best football in the world was played. Today, the best football in the world is played in Spain, Britain, Italy, France, by players from Brazil, Argentina—Latin-American players," said the president, who declared himself a fan of Barcelona.
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Rules should be put in place to stop European clubs buying Brazil's best footballers during national championships, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told AFP in an interview.
"The stadiums are emptying in Brazil, the games are less interesting, and I prefer to watch English, Spanish, Italian championships. I'm even watching the Russian and Turkish ones. Soon I'll be watching Kazakhstan's," he said in his official Brasilia residence on Wednesday.
"Brazil 20 years ago was where the best football in the world was played. Today, the best football in the world is played in Spain, Britain, Italy, France, by players from Brazil, Argentina—Latin-American players," said the president, who declared himself a fan of Barcelona.
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55
Football / Saprissa's artificial surface no excuse for Mexico
« on: September 03, 2009, 11:10:40 AM »
Saprissa's artificial surface no excuse for Mexico
Entering Saturday's game in Costa Rica, Mexico will face a factor unseen in other Hexagonal venues.
Costa Rica's home stadium, Estadio Saprissa, utilizes an artificial surface and Mexico must deal with it.
However, the field situation has already been dealt with, players said.
"The field won't be a factor," Mexico defender Carlos Salcido told reporters. "I had the chance to play in the last qualifier there under (Ricardo) Lavolpe and we never trained on an artificial surface. We went there with personality, played well and won the game. The field wasn't a factor then and we can't use it as an excuse now."
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Entering Saturday's game in Costa Rica, Mexico will face a factor unseen in other Hexagonal venues.
Costa Rica's home stadium, Estadio Saprissa, utilizes an artificial surface and Mexico must deal with it.
However, the field situation has already been dealt with, players said.
"The field won't be a factor," Mexico defender Carlos Salcido told reporters. "I had the chance to play in the last qualifier there under (Ricardo) Lavolpe and we never trained on an artificial surface. We went there with personality, played well and won the game. The field wasn't a factor then and we can't use it as an excuse now."
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56
Football / Maradona puts 'second-best' Pele in his place
« on: August 26, 2009, 06:22:11 PM »
Maradona puts 'second-best' Pele in his place
Argentina coach Diego Maradona on Wednesday put Brazilian legend Pele in his place, insisting the latter was the second best player ever after himself.
A FIFA internet poll in 2000 saw Maradona, who will lead the albiceleste against the five-times world champion Brazilians in a September 5 World Cup qualifier, come out on top and he said on Wednesday that ought to settle the issue.
"What matters is that when the people voted, he came second behind me. Nobody can take that away from me," insisted Maradona, who said the fact he had played with success in European club football, unlike Pele, ought to be the clincher - even if Pele won three World Cup titles to his one.
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Argentina coach Diego Maradona on Wednesday put Brazilian legend Pele in his place, insisting the latter was the second best player ever after himself.
A FIFA internet poll in 2000 saw Maradona, who will lead the albiceleste against the five-times world champion Brazilians in a September 5 World Cup qualifier, come out on top and he said on Wednesday that ought to settle the issue.
"What matters is that when the people voted, he came second behind me. Nobody can take that away from me," insisted Maradona, who said the fact he had played with success in European club football, unlike Pele, ought to be the clincher - even if Pele won three World Cup titles to his one.
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57
Football / Landon Donovan has H1N1 flu virus
« on: August 14, 2009, 11:03:39 AM »
Donovan has H1N1 flu virus
U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan has tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus, Donovan told SI.com on Thursday night.
"I felt something when I got into Miami on Sunday," Donovan said. "I just felt real bad and finally went to see the doctor. They took a swab from my nose and confirmed it, so that was that."
Donovan learned of the H1N1 diagnosis on Thursday afternoon, the day after he played 90 minutes in the U.S.'s 2-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Mexico in Mexico City. Even though Mexico has been the epicenter of the global H1N1 outbreak, Donovan said that he contracted the virus in the United States.
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U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan has tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus, Donovan told SI.com on Thursday night.
"I felt something when I got into Miami on Sunday," Donovan said. "I just felt real bad and finally went to see the doctor. They took a swab from my nose and confirmed it, so that was that."
Donovan learned of the H1N1 diagnosis on Thursday afternoon, the day after he played 90 minutes in the U.S.'s 2-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Mexico in Mexico City. Even though Mexico has been the epicenter of the global H1N1 outbreak, Donovan said that he contracted the virus in the United States.
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58
Football / Fulham sell Zamora to Hull
« on: July 15, 2009, 01:45:21 PM »
Fulham accept Hull bid for Zamora
Fulham have accepted a £5m bid from Hull City for striker Bobby Zamora.
Tigers manager Phil Brown turned his attention towards the 28-year-old after Manchester United's Frazier Campbell opted to join Sunderland.
Brown also missed out on Marc-Antoine Fortune, who signed for Celtic, but has said the club are close to a deal for Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy.
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Fulham have accepted a £5m bid from Hull City for striker Bobby Zamora.
Tigers manager Phil Brown turned his attention towards the 28-year-old after Manchester United's Frazier Campbell opted to join Sunderland.
Brown also missed out on Marc-Antoine Fortune, who signed for Celtic, but has said the club are close to a deal for Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy.
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59
Football / Jermaine Jones turns back on Germany to play for USA
« on: June 12, 2009, 09:02:37 AM »
Jones turns back on Germany to play for USA
Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones will not play for the German national team and will in future represent the United States.
The 27-year-old has made three appearances for Germany but since all three of his caps came in friendly matches, he is still permitted to represent another nation.
As well as holding German citizenship, Jones also has a US passport and has therefore decided to switch allegiances.
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Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones will not play for the German national team and will in future represent the United States.
The 27-year-old has made three appearances for Germany but since all three of his caps came in friendly matches, he is still permitted to represent another nation.
As well as holding German citizenship, Jones also has a US passport and has therefore decided to switch allegiances.
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2010 World Cup - South Africa / Who is on course for World Cup finals?
« on: June 10, 2009, 06:33:01 AM »
Who is on course for World Cup finals?
The final line-up for next year’s World Cup in South Africa will not be known until November, but here is the picture so far:
ALREADY QUALIFIED
Japan became the first country, apart from hosts South Africa, to book their place in the finals when they defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 on Saturday and were quickly followed by fellow Asian qualifiers South Korea and Australia. South Korea qualified for their seventh successive finals while Australia made it through the Asian group for the first time since transferring from Oceania.
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The final line-up for next year’s World Cup in South Africa will not be known until November, but here is the picture so far:
ALREADY QUALIFIED
Japan became the first country, apart from hosts South Africa, to book their place in the finals when they defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 on Saturday and were quickly followed by fellow Asian qualifiers South Korea and Australia. South Korea qualified for their seventh successive finals while Australia made it through the Asian group for the first time since transferring from Oceania.
(continue)