world cup Fairytale Fulham reach final

Fulham completed their fairytale run to the UEFA Europa League final as the unfashionable English club defeated Hamburg 2-1 in the semi-final second leg on Thursday.

Roy Hodgson's side looked on the verge of elimination when they trailed to Mladen Petric's first half free-kick with just 21 minutes left at Craven Cottage. But two goals in seven minutes from Simon Davies and Zoltan Gera sealed a dramatic 2-1 aggregate triumph and a place in the final against Atletico Madrid at Hamburg's own Nordbank Arena on 12 May.

"It's the most important goal I have ever scored so I'm very, very happy. It's amazing," Gera said after the final whistle went. "We did so well, every single player."

Hodgson's team began their European adventure against Lithuania's FK Vetra way back in July and had already exceeded all expectations in a magical run that included famous victories over holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Italian giants Juventus and German champions Wolfsburg.? The Cottagers had even survived the draining effects of their enforced 18-hour bus journey to Germany in the first leg in Hamburg last week.

It's the most important goal I have ever scored so I'm very, very happy. It's amazing.Fulham's Zoltan Gera

Fulham have never won a major honour at home or abroad, but they will play in a first European final after the most significant result in the club's 131-year history.? With so much at stake, 19-goal leading scorer Bobby Zamora agreed to have a painkilling injection so he could start after missing Sunday's defeat at Everton with an Achilles injury.

Zamora had a chance to impress watching England coach Fabio Capello, but the former Tottenham forward never looked fit and was unable to convert a golden opportunity in the second minute. Gera's flick sent Zamora through on goal yet, with just Frank Rost to beat, he shot straight at the Hamburg goalkeeper before his effort from the rebound was scrambled away for a corner.

It proved a costly miss as Ricardo Moniz's side gradually took control before going ahead in the 22nd minute.? After Ze Roberto was fouled by Danny Murphy 35 yards from goal, Croatia forward Petric stepped up and unleashed a ferocious free-kick that caught Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer slightly flat-footed at it sped past him.

Now Fulham needed to score twice as a draw would eliminate them on away goals. Hodgson's side had recovered from a worse position to go through against Juventus, but the Germans, who had sacked boss Bruno Labbadia earlier in the week, were pushing for a killer second goal and Jonathan Pitropia was narrowly off-target with a powerful drive just before half-time.

Trouble for Zamora
Zamora began limping heavily as the match wore on and it was no surprise when he was replaced by American forward Clint Dempsey in the 57th minute. Dempsey added more verve to the previously subdued Fulham forward line and Damien Duff went close with a first-time shot from Paul Konchesky's low free-kick.

Fulham were leaving more gaps at the back as they searched for an equaliser and David Jarolim forced Schwarzer to tip over after a quick Hamburg counter-attack. There was no sign of Fulham throwing in the towel though and Davies brought the hosts right back into the tie 69th minute.

Murphy chipped a defence-splitting pass to Davies and the Welsh midfielder showed great skill to turn Guy Demel before firing past Rost.? Suddenly, Fulham could sense another remarkable European victory and they piled forward.

Their pressure was rewarded in the 76th minute when Davies's corner ran through to Hungary forward Gera, who kept his composure to control and shoot past Rost as the Craven Cottage faithful went wild.

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world cup Stage set for draw ceremony

The fate of the 16 qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Chile 2008 will be decided at 17.00 (local time) this Saturday when the Chilean capital hosts the draw for the group phase.

Vina Cousino Macul, a magnificent late-nineteenth century residence in the outskirts of Santiago, provides the fitting location for an event the host nation has been carefully planning for the last few months. And with just a day to go before the ceremony, the preparations are complete.

The destiny of the 16 qualifying nations (click on the link in the left-hand column for a detailed profile of each team) is in the hands of the four women who will be making the draw: Laura Albornoz, the Chilean Women's National Service Minister; Francisca Puertas, a 2006 roller hockey world championship winner; Marisol Villarroel, the South American figure skating champion; and Brazilian footballer Sissi, one of the greatest players in the history of the game and a FIFA Ambassador. Compering the event will be FIFA's Head of Competitions Jim Brown, with the well-known former Chilean international Elias Figueroa lending assistance.

The teams will be drawn into four groups, with matches being played at the four tournament venues of Temuco, Coquimbo, Chillan and La Florida (Santiago) between 19 November and 7 December.

As well as the draw, the ceremony will also feature live entertainment and various high-ranking dignitaries will be in attendance, including the President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, who is also the Honorary President of the Chile 2008 Local Organising Committee, and Chuck Blazer, a member of the FIFA Executive Committee and the President of the Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 and U-17 Women's World Cups. Joining them will be leading officials from the Chilean FA, various secretaries of state and legislators, the mayors of the four host cities and over 400 guests, including delegations from the qualifying countries.

"The Official Draw is our window to the world," commented the Executive Director of the Local Organising Committee, Eduardo Rojas, who is eager to extend his guests the warmest of welcomes. "Although this is a sporting occasion, we want the event to have a typically Chilean feel. We want this World Cup to be a huge celebration for the country and we are looking forward greatly to welcoming the participating teams."

So make sure you log on to FIFA.com this Saturday and find out what the draw has in store for the 16 hopefuls. And while you wait to discover who plays who, why not head to the tournament home page and catch up on all the latest Chile 2008 news?

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world cup Unbeaten USA look to extend run

Trinidad and Tobago and USA, who each scored late goals on Saturday to remain undefeated in 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying, will meet in Colombus?on Wednesday in what is looming as a key match-up.

Frankie Hejduk's goal in the 88th minute lifted the United States into a 2-2 draw at El Salvador in a?CONCACAF qualifier for South Africa 2010. "In some ways we feel like we lost a couple points," US star Landon Donovan said. "If we win our home games and tie on the road that's plenty to get us through."

Ataullah Guerra's goal in the 89th minute gave Trinidad and Tobago a 1-1 home draw with Honduras, leaving the Caribbean side and the Salvadorans level in fourth on the table after two draws in as many matches. "It was with heart more than football that we were able to get one point," said Trinidad and Tobago coach Francisco Maturana.

It was with heart more than football that we were able to get one pointTrinidad and Tobago coach Francisco Maturana.

The US squad tops the six-team qualifying group with four points after the draw and an opening 2-0 home win over Mexico. The Mexicans beat Costa Rica 2-0 at home on Saturday to join their foes in?second.

Wednesday's other qualifiers will find Mexico at winless Honduras and the Salvadorans, who would have topped the table by beating the Americans, at Costa Rica. The top trio from the group will advance to South Africa 2010 while the fourth-place CONCACAF team will face the fifth-place team from South America to determine another FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Mexico or Costa Rica can seize the early table lead should the US stumble at home against the Soca Warriors in a matchup that will see both clubs boosted by the return of familiar faces. Chris Birchall and Clayton Ince will be back for Trinidad and Tobago after missing Saturday's match for accumulated yellow cards, but star Dwight Yorke remains suspended?for verbal abuse of a referee.

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones was bench for the Honduras match but could be fresh off the bench to face the Americans. Top US goalkeeper Tim Howard, also serving a yellow card suspension, will return and defender Oguchi Onyewu, who sprained a knee in practice, is likely to be back on the field after sitting out the El Salvador match.

The Americans added Chivas USA defender Jonathan Bornstein to the roster for Wednesday's match and sent goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann back to English side Reading with Howard's return. The Salvadorans had not scored against the US since 1997 and seized their first lead over the Americans in 16 years before headers by Jozy Altidore and Hejduk rescued a draw for the visitors.

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world cup New look USA shine Europe begins to warm up

Europe’s various leagues are slowly building momentum again for the year with the arrival of warmer weather. Germany and Switzerland are underway following the?mid-season hiatus, while in Italy the frontrunners seem in unstoppable form. With only minimal club activity over recent days, FIFA.com also looks at some international action ahead of a busy week on the national team front,?including an impressive start?to?a new era for an unfamiliar looking USA.

Internationals: New look USA start brightly
Tom Sermanni’s reign as coach of Olympic champions and world No1 USA started in winning fashion as the Stars and Stripes eased past Scotland 4-1 on Saturday. The Americans' side?featured three debutants, one of whom – Christen Press - scored a first-half brace in Jacksonville, Florida. Shannon Boxx and Sydney Leroux scored in the second period, book-ending a goal from Scotland’s star?attacker, Kim Little.?In an odd twist, Sermanni’s first match was against the country of his birth who, in turn, are coached by a Swede, the country of birth of the USA’s previous coach, Pia Sundhage.?Meanwhile, the Netherlands kick-started their build-up to July's UEFA Women’s EURO with a morale-boosting 3-2 win over neighbours Belgium in Waregem, with debutant Priscilla de Vos firing home a superb extra-time winner. A host of international matches will be played in midweek, with Germany's visit to France among the highlights.

Germany: Slow burn in the cold
The low-key resumption following the mid-winter break in Germany continued over the weekend, with again just one Bundesliga match played. Caroline Abbe’s opener for Freiburg was cancelled out by a goal from Bayer Leverkusen’s Germany?FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup skipper Ramona Petzelberger, as the contest between two mid-table sides ended in parity. Second-placed Turbine Potsdam’s home encounter with struggling Sindelfingen was postponed. League leaders Wolfsburg, however, took the field and eased into the last four of the cup with a 3-0 win over Jena. Conny Pohlers hit a quickfire second-half double to set up a meeting with Freiburg, while Potsdam will meet holders Bayern Munich in next month’s semi-finals.

Italy: Top two march on
Leaders Torres continued their fine campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win at Grifo Perugia to maintain their four-point lead at the summit. Teenager?Eleonora Piacezzi scored a double for the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finalists, who have now dropped just four points from a possible 60. Second-placed Tavagnacco continued their dogged pursuit of the champions with a 2-0 triumph over Riviera di Romagna. Brescia, however, fell further behind the leading pair after being held 1-1 on their visit south to a?Napoli team who also took points off high-flying Torres last month.
Top three: Torres (56 points), Tavagnacco (52), Brescia (46)

Switzerland: Return to action
Another European league building momentum for the second half of the campaign is Switzerland, with the season?recommencing with two matches ahead of a full schedule next weekend. Mid-table sides St Gallen and Staad resumed after the mid-season interval with victories over Grasshoppers and Thun respectively. Ambitious frontrunners FC Zurich visit Yverdon next weekend seeking to protect a 100 per cent record after 14 rounds.
Top three: FC Zurich (42), Young Boys (29), Kriens (23)

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world cup Rooneys rehab continues in the US

Manchester United are sending Wayne Rooney for a week's conditioning work in the United States in a bid to ensure he is fully fit for a first-team comeback.

Rooney is presently sidelined by an ankle injury and manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect his star striker to be back in action for another three weeks. However, rather than use the state-of-the-art facilities at their Carrington training base, United have opted to use Nike's centre in Oregon, as much in a bid to get Rooney away from the constant headlines, which have dogged him since first news of his unhappiness at Old Trafford was raised nearly three weeks ago.

"What we are intending to do with Wayne is send him to the USA for a week's conditioning training," confirmed United assistant-manager Mike Phelan. "We have decided, with Wayne, the medical team and the coaching staff that it would be the best thing for him. He is going on Saturday and will return the following Saturday. It is a week's intensive conditioning, under the supervision of our medical team and our sports' science department."

Phelan did raise the possibility that Rooney could be back for the home encounter with Wigan Athletic on 21 November , although there is little doubt United believe the chance of working away from the glare of publicity will aid Rooney's recovery programme. "We have the facilities," he conceded. "We just thought it might be in the interests of him and the club to have a change of scenery for a little while.

He needs the conditioning. We all agree with that. He can go there without the attention he would get around here.Mike Phelan on Wayne Rooney

"He has had a lot of attention lately and we want to give him the best opportunity that he possibly can to be in good shape when he returns. He needs the conditioning. We all agree with that. He can go there without the attention he would get around here. If that goes according to plan, he will be available when he returns."

Aside from Rooney, for once the weekly medical bulletin was led by information on the manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. United officials confirmed the Scot would be absent from his weekly press briefing earlier this morning.

It was left to Phelan to confirm Ferguson had been struck down by the same virus which prevented four members of his squad travelling to Turkey for the Champions League win over Bursaspor and keeps Darron Gibson out of tomorrow's Premier League encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"The manager has been ill since coming back from Turkey," said Phelan. "He came down with a virus yesterday. He felt a little bit like that on the flight coming back. Yesterday he felt worse, so we have kept him away from the club for a little while. It is related to the virus that has been going around. It is one of those things that gets hold of you and is hard to shake off but he will be at the game tomorrow."

Phelan confirmed that Ryan Giggs is edging towards full fitness after his recent hamstring problems, although it seems more likely the veteran Welshman will make his comeback against City at Eastlands than being rushed back for this weekend's fixture, particularly as Darren Fletcher is set to shake off an ankle problem.

"Darren Fletcher is showing positive signs that he could recover," said Phelan. "We will have a look at him again this morning and hopefully he will be available. Ryan has been back in training and has started his preparation for the matches. Whether he will be available for tomorrow we are not quite sure yet."

There are other virus sufferers who will need to be assessed, although in-form winger Nani will not be considered. The Portugal international limped out of Tuesday's win with a groin injury amid fears he could be sidelined for some considerable time. However, he reported an easing of the discomfort yesterday and now he is undergoing treatment it is hoped will have him ready to face City.

"There is a possibility he could play against Manchester City," said Phelan. "Having reported in yesterday with the injury from Tuesday night, he felt a lot better than we expected, so we are going to progress him as quickly as we can with a view to next week."

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world cup Sochaux in shock at Davies accident

Sochaux president Alexandre Lacombe says the club are "in shock" at the news striker Charlie Davies is seriously injured in hospital after he was involved in a fatal car crash yesterday.

The USA international is in a serious but stable condition after undergoing surgery following the crash in the early hours of yesterday morning which left a female passenger dead. Davies' season is over and he will almost certainly miss the FIFA World Cup?, but Lacombe has urged the 23-year-old to put all thoughts of football to the back of his mind and concentrate on making a full recovery.

"What's essential is that Charlie gets better quickly," he told France Football. "We are in shock. In life you have to know how to put things in perspective. Charlie was close to death and a young woman aged 22 lost her life. His season is over but what's most important is for him to be out of danger. We're all thinking about him."

His season is over but what's most important is for him to be out of danger. We're all thinking about him. Sochaux president Alexandre Lacombe

Lacombe added: "Charlie is still in intensive care. He has to remain there at least until the end of the week, then he will be confined to his bed for around a month and a half. The sporting problem is important but we'll worry about that. What's most important isn't the sporting matter but that Charlie recovers quickly and returns to us."

Davies was one of three people in the car, which was split in two by the force of the impact on the George Washington Parkway in Northern Virginia. US Park Police identified the dead woman as 22-year-old Ashley Roberta, of Phoenix, Maryland. Davies suffered a lacerated bladder and fractures to the tibia and femur bones in his right leg. He also suffered facial fractures and a left elbow fracture and is set to be sidelined for between six months to a year.

The former Hammarby striker has had a good start to his Sochaux career since joining the Ligue 1 club in the summer, and scored twice against champions Bordeaux after coming on as a second-half substitute for his second appearance of the season. Davies, who has scored four goals in 17 international appearances, started the USA's 3-2 win over Honduras on Saturday, which secured Bob Bradley's side a place at next summer's finals in South Africa.

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world cup USA take title Ticas through in thriller

Over the past 11 days, the Cayman Islands have seen the best and brightest young talent from around the CONCACAF zone challenging for?three spots at the?FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014.

USA and Mexico claimed the first two berths on Friday and were joined last night by Costa Rica,?who triumphed?7-3 over Trinidad and Tobago in?a?thrilling third-place play-off. The US, meanwhile, retained the continental title by beating Mexico 4-0 in the final.

FIFA.com reviews the action.

USA, Mexico dominate group phase
Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica and USA?contested Group A, and the tone was set?on matchday?one?when the Stars and Stripes put six past Las Ticas?to?take an early lead in the section. Costa Rica were the next side to display their offensive prowess with a 5-1 win over Guatemala, though USA kept pace with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica, securing a spot in the semi-finals with one group stage match to spare.

Costa Rica, Guatemala and Jamaica were all in the hunt for the second semi-final berth on the last day of group play and suspense was high after Jamaica and Costa Rica battled to a 1-1 draw, meaning Guatemala had a chance to sneak through on goal difference?- albeit by causing an upset against?USA. The Americans were too strong, though, and?claimed top spot with a?10-0 win, with?Costa Rica scraping home in second with four points.

Group B was more straightforward as Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago dominated a section that also included Honduras and tournament hosts Cayman Islands.

El Tri scored 16 goals in their first two matches, winning 6-0 against Cayman Islands and 10-1 against Honduras, while Trinidad and Tobago saw off Honduras 2-0 and the hosts 4-0, leaving the two undefeated sides to play off for top spot.?T&T held firm for the first 30 minutes but Mexico pulled ahead in the 33rd minute and never looked back en route to a 3-0 win.

Qualifying spots decided
With a spot at Canada 2014 up for grabs for the winner of each semi-final, all four teams came out fighting but it was USA and Mexico, the two traditional?powerhouses, who again prevailed.

Costa Rica opened the scoring against?in the 17th minute against Mexico?through Jazmin Villalobos, but parity was restored?15 minutes later. Fabiola Ibarra’s second-half free kick then?put El Tri ahead?before Jessica Valadez sealed a 3-1 victory.?

USA, for their part,?scored early and often in their 6-0 rout of Trinidad and Tobago to reach the final. McKenzie Meehan and Stephanie Amack both scored twice as the Americans continued their impressive unbeaten run through the tournament.

With the first two berths at Canada 2014 now decided, a third-place match between Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago was needed to determine the third. And what a game it was.

Trinidad and Tobago went ahead 2-0 early on and looked to be in control, but Costa Rica managed to pull one back through Daphe Monge in the 34th minute. Indeed, while T&T re-established their two-goal lead just before the break through Khadisha Debesette,?Las Ticas continually fought back and found?another two goals to level the match at 3-3?and force extra time.

By this point, momentum had swung decisively in the favour of the Central Americans, who fired in four goals over the ensuing 30 minutes to win 7-3 and secure the final qualifying spot.

USA remain unbeaten
In the final, Andi Sullivan put USA ahead?as early as?the ninth minute,?giving every indication that the Americans would again be scoring at will. However, Mexico held strong and kept the game close for nearly an hour until the US doubled their lead through Savannah Jordan.

The?holders scored again in the 68th minute and Mexico conceded an unfortunate own-goal three minutes into second-half stoppage time to seal a 4-0 victory. The victory?secured?a third consecutive and fourth overall CONCACAF U-20 Women’s championship for USA. Having gone unbeaten throughout the entire competition –?not to mention?the previous two editions – the Stars and Stripes are now undefeated in 15 qualifying matches.

USA, Mexico, Costa Rica and hosts Canada will now begin stepping up their preparations?for the FIFA U-20?Women's World Cup, which takes place?between?5 and 24 August.

 

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world cup Beckham scores as Sydney beat Galaxy

David Beckham scored off one of his signature free-kicks andreceived a yellow card as LA Galaxy were beaten 5-3 by Sydney FC intheir exhibition match in Australia on Tuesday.

The world's most recognised footballer produced one of hisfabled set pieces just before half-time to give his US club somejoy after being over-run by the fitter Sydney players in theopening half.

The sell-out 80,295 crowd was hushed when Beckham was upended ina tackle mid-way through the opening half and gingerly limped aboutfor a few minutes before recovering to score. Sydney midfielderBrendon Santalab slipped as he tried to chase down Beckham,knocking over the former Manchester United and Real Madrid starjust after he had kicked the ball.

"I always try to stay on the field whether I'm injuredor get kicked in games, it's part of the game," saidBeckham, who lasted the whole game. "I'm quite a stubbornperson so when I want to play and when I want to stay on there arenot many people who can bring me off and convince me to comeoff.

"The first time I heard about the 55 minutes I wascontracted to play here was yesterday, but I wanted to stay on forthe whole game, there were so many fans and they expect you toperform and be out there for as much as possible."

Beckham was in the wars again early in the second half when heresented a body check from substitute Robert Middleby and cameafter him angrily pointing his finger. He got his revenge mid-waythrough the half when he scythed Middleby down in a tackle but bothplayers broke into smiles and embraced each other as the formerEngland skipper was shown the yellow card.

"It was all in good fun at points and when he hit me and Iknew that he done it on purpose so I just bided my time and gavehim a friendly one back... We laughed and joked about itafterwards," he said.

But Galaxy, well into their off-season, finished a man shortwhen defender Kevin Harmse received his second yellow card afterappearing to tread on the forearm of Adam Biddle while the Sydneyplayer was on the ground 13 minutes from the end.

Sydney FC surged to a 3-0 lead in a lively nine-minute spell toexpose sloppy marking from the tiring Galaxy defence. Striker AlexBrosque scored twice in the 20th and 26th minutes running on topasses from Brazilian Juninho and Ufuk Talay.

Juninho, who played against the former Manchester United star inthe English Premier League for Middlesbrough, produced anotherclassy pass for Ruben Zadkovich to blast home through the gloves ofGalaxy goalkeeper Joe Cannon in the 29th minute.

But the crowd got what they came for minutes before half-timewhen Talay brought down Carlos Pavon about 24 metres out directlyin front of the Sydney goal, Beckham's ideal shootingrange.

And the English superstar didn't disappoint with a curlingfree-kick into the top left-hand corner. Beckham stood with hisarms raised to milk the acclaim of his devotees.

"That sort of situation there is always a certain amount ofpressure on me to score because people expect you to do it everytime there is a free-kick given in that position," Beckhamsaid. "It's something that I've always practised, kidsask me how I take the free-kicks, it's what I've alwaysdone and will continue doing. I was happy to score because of theamount of fans there and the amount of attention that had been onme."

Galaxy pulled back another goal through Edson Buddle in the 49thminute as the Americans found more space to attack the Sydneydefence. But the Sydneysiders rounded things off with two moregoals for Middleby in the 54th minute and Iain Fyfe three minutesfrom time.

US international Landon Donovan ran around goalkeeper Bolton topull one back for Galaxy in the final minute. Beckham and Galaxyhead to New Zealand on Thursday for their second and final tourgame against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.

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world cup Brazil the favourites for FIFA.com fans

It is rare to find a Brazilian team that is not thepre-tournament favourite, and this FIFA U-17 World Cup is noexception. In our FIFA.com poll, 29.19% of all users said that therising stars from the land of the Sugar Loaf Mountain will breaktheir own record on September 9 in Seoul by lifting the U-17 trophyfor the fourth time in the country's history.

The future generation of Sele??o stars is looking a good bet then to banish thebitter memory of defeat in the last U-17 World Cup final againstMexico, two years ago in Peru. Certainly their gifted talisman,Lulinha, wasted little time in expressing great confidence in histeammates in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com (click on the link to read thefull-length interview).

However, a closer look at the poll results shows that fans donot believe Korea 2007 will be a walkover for Edgar Pereira'scharges. Brazil only narrowly edged out the "other team"option, which garnered 26.35% of the overall vote, and an analysisof the results by individual language shows that only English users(30.66%) see Brazil as top favourites.

While the French page shows up Argentina (27.15%) as thelikeliest winners, both German and Spanish users see neither Brazilnor Argentina, Nigeria nor Spain as favourites, opting instead forthe "other team" choice. With the German users, it isfair to presume many chose "other team" as a reflectionof their firm conviction that the playingmaking genius of ToniKroos can help lead Germany to their first U-17 World Cup triumphin six attempts.

What is rather more surprising is the fact that the majority ofSpanish users (31.45%) selected this option, leaving Argentina(25.93%) and Spain (12.60%) in places three and four.

Intriguingly, the "other team" option came a poorsecond behind Brazil on the English language page, with 25.19% ofthe vote, even though both England and the USA have qualified forthe global event. What emerges is that neither the Argentinians andthe Spanish, both traditionally strong nations at junior level, northe US, who have looked good in the build-up to the tournament, northe English who are appearing in an U-17 World Cup for the firsttime, are seen by their respective countrymen as clear favouritesto take the title.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is the fact that for allusers Spain rank no higher than fifth in the FIFA.com poll on 10.26%, behind both Argentina(third on 23.60%) and Nigeria (fourth on 10.60%). This despite thepresence of Bojan Krkic in the Iberian line-up, a young man tippedby many to be star of the tournament.

Take part in the next poll!
The latest vote at FIFA.com deals with this very question: Whichplayer do you think will impress the most at the FIFA U-17 WorldCup Korea 2007? Make your voice heard as FIFA.com seeks to give the fans a platform toexpress their views!

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world cup Shocks and style on century day

On the day that the FIFA Confederations Cup racked up a century of games, there were contrasting fortunes for two of the giants of world football. Brazil are all but assured of a?semi-final spot with victory over USA in Tshwane/Pretoria, while Italy suffered their first-ever defeat against African opposition when they lost to Egypt by a single goal in Johannesburg.

The 100th game of this tournament witnessed one of the most surprising results in its history, as Hassan Shehata's side defeated the world champions, thanks to Mohamed Homos' 40th-minute header. It was only the second time in the history of the competition that an African side had defeated a European one, the last being in 2003 when Cameroon defeated Turkey.

The FIFA Confederations Cup began life on 15 October 1992 and back then, just as today, USA were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline. Seventeen years ago, it was Saudi Arabia who inflicted the defeat, but today Brazil provided the punishment. Goals from Felipe Melo, Robinho and Maicon secured 2014 usa world cup jersey the straightforward victory for the Sele??o in a game they controlled from start to finish.

Results
USA 0-3 Brazil
Egypt 1-0 Italy Wholesale Michael Bradley Jersey

Goal of the day
Maicon, 62': Although there were four contenders to choose from today, the full-back's finish was the pick of the bunch. The Budweiser Man of the Match began the move on usa soccer jersey away the right flank and rounded it off in style. Beating two players, he found Ramires, who played the ball to Kaka. The former FIFA World Player of the Year found Maicon on the overlap, who fired the ball past Tim Howard into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles. It may have taken a deflection off Jonathan Bornstein, but the Inter Milan man deserves all the credit.

Memorable moments
Who's the daddy? (84'): As South Africa gears up to celebrate Father's Day on Sunday, Robinho decided to turn the tables around by sending a special greeting to his son. After his goal, the Manchester City forward ran to the cameras to send Robson Junior a special message in an impromptu pitch-side interview. Following the game, he told the media: "I dedicate all my goals to him. He was a present from God."

El Hadary vs. Iaquinta (54', 70' and 78'): Before the game Essam El Hadary was probably expecting a busy night against Italy, but he probably would not have expected to play such a key role in an Egyptian victory. Although he pulled off a stunning save to deny Giuseppe Rossi in the first half, it was the second-half duel between the FC Sion goalkeeper and the Juventus forward which proved to be the most enthralling. Twice Iaquinta was presented with a one-on-one opportunity with El Hadary; twice the keeper saved. Then, Egypt's No1 produced a stunning low stop when the striker turned and shot inside the box.

The stat
13?- It's considered to be ��unlucky for some' and it certainly was for USA. Thirteen indicates the number of seconds between Landon Donovan's corner, DaMarcus Beasley's mistake, Andre Santos's interception, Kaka's run and Robinho's finish.

For a more in-depth statistical look at the day's action, be sure to read FIFA.com's ��Day 4 in numbers' piece. Click on the link on the right hand side for the full story.

In the crowd
When the Egyptian fan who made the banner saying ��Sorry Italy - Try Next Time' he was probably feeling a little optimistic. When he brought it to Ellis Park Stadium, he might have been feeling a little foolish and when he was pictured waving it in front of the television cameras, he may have even been feeling a little embarrassed. Yet, it proved to be time and money well spent as the Egyptians secured a famous victory against Marcello Lippi's men.

Fan's view
"This is a big wake up call for Italy. They need to call up the younger players for the World Cup next year," LarsisStoked, writing in the FanChat section of the EMIRATES MatchCast during the Egypt-Italy game.

Have Your Say
What did you like about today's games? Click 'Add your comment' to make your opinion known, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

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world cup Landmark day for Confederations Cup volunteers

As South Africa steadily prepares to host the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, today was the day over 1 000 of its most committed residents put their hands up to offer their services to ensure the tournament's success in their country.

On a landmark day for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC), the first group of volunteers selected for the FIFA Confederations Cup descended on Johannesburg's Nasrec Expo Centre to begin the first day of their induction training in preparation for the tournament.

It was the culmination of a long process, with today's group part of 4 000 volunteers - from an initial 40,000 applications - who were selected for the four Confederations Cup host cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane/Pretoria, Mangaung/Bloemfontein and Rustenburg.

They came from far and wide, young and old and from all walks of life, determined to stand up and be counted when it really mattered, as their country prepares to put on its biggest undertaking yet in its fledgling democracy.

"This is a moment we have been waiting for since 2006 and today it is finally happening. Thank you for taking the initiative, thank you for being patient throughout the whole selection process. If you did not have the energy and the resilience you all have shown, then you would not be sitting here today. We want to thank you for being prepared to make your contribution to the success of this event. We really appreciate your time, effort and commitment," said the OC's Volunteer Programme Manager, Onke Mjo, as the volunteers cheered excitedly in appreciation.

The energy and excitement was palpable on the faces of the volunteers and it was clear today was a special day for them. It was a day where they stood up and offered their assistance to work at a tournament which is a vital stepping stone on the road to a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

For the majority of the volunteers, it was all about giving something back to their country.

"Volunteering is a big part of my outlook on life. This event will show the world what we are capable of for 2010 and beyond," said Farouk Badat, a volunteer who has been involved in South African football since South Africa was allowed back on the world stage, even being a masseuse for the Bafana squad at one time.

"It is a great opportunity to give back what I have learned in my career and life. I have been through apartheid, I have been through Nelson Mandela's freedom and presidency and to be part of this is an honour," said 39-year-old marketing company Chief Executive Officer, Devian Nadasen, who will be assisting with the marketing aspects of the tournament.

Some were so keen to be involved that they travelled great distances to be part of the volunteer team. Abdul-Kader Adam, a manager of a steel mill who once played professional football for club side Dynamos, came all the way from Durban to offer his assistance as a volunteer.

"It is all about my passion for the game of football. This is why I volunteered. When I was a professional player we missed out on such tournaments, because we were banned under the apartheid regime. Now, this Landon Donovan Usa Jersey is my opportunity to be involved in a football tournament that we as South Africans once could never have played in, but we are now hosting".

And for others, it was all about the hope of getting close to their football heroes.

Ghabnam Joosub (27), who works in a family-owned construction landon donovan galaxy jersey business, hopes to get up close to the Spanish team, which was the main reason she applied to be a volunteer.

"I truly am football mad and I will definitely be following Spain in the Confederations Cup. It is very rare that you get such world class teams playing in South Africa, so to be involved is an opportunity that I could not miss out on," said Joosub.

For student, Matshidiso Mokgapa, it was about being part of a very special moment in her country's history.

"I want to be an ambassador for South Africa and I want my children to know what I did for my country. It is about being part of history," said Mokgapa, who will be assisting with spectator relations.

As the ��champions of champions' Spain, Brazil, Italy, New Zealand, Egypt, USA, Iraq and South Africa's Bafana Bafana battle it out for the FIFA Confederations Cup trophy, off the pitch a dedicated army of volunteers will ensure things run smoothly and that the players get to do what they do best.

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world cup Leroux has a lot to live up to

If they ever planned a Hall of Fame for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, then you’d bet your last dollar that Sydney Leroux would have pride of place in it. Her list of achievements is already pretty substantial and there’s another tournament, starting for her and the USA team on Wednesday, to try to add to that collection.

In 2004 in Thailand, at 14 years and six months, she made waves as the youngest-ever player to take part in the competition. In Chile four years later she topped the scoring charts, scored the opening goal as the US beat Korea DPR in the final to claim the trophy for the second time, and, on top of all that, was voted the adidas Golden Ball winner as well.

At Germany 2010 she has added responsibilities – sharing the captaincy with midfielder Christine Nairn – but the same determination to do well. She scored in the US’ first game in Chile and it is a tough ask for tournament debutants Ghana to stop her repeating that feat in Dresden as Group D opens for business.

Opposing defences can’t even expect that the sweltering heat Germany is currently experiencing will put her off her game. After all this is a player who has spent many years living in Arizona and has sweated through temperatures of 107 degrees fahrenheit (nudging 42 degrees centigrade) in pursuit of the game she loves.

“We had a pre-camp in New York in June when it was very humid, close to 107," she Jozy Altidore Jersey Usa said. "When you breathe it is so hot and it burns your skin but we played in it and did well so that might work to our advantage. Arizona is one of the hottest places in the States but it is a dry heat and, for me, far more comfortable.”

Even when I was little if I got pushed down I would always get back up again. I was annoying like that.USA star Sydney Leroux

USA start as one of the favourites for Germany 2010, having posted a remarkable run since the competition began - 20 wins in 24 matches with only two defeats (two other ‘defeats’ came via penalty shootouts) but to listen to Leroux and her team is to be soccer jersey usa convinced the past is irrelevant.

“We don’t want to make a big thing of the past because this is a new team," added usa world cup jersey the 20-year-old. “If we had the exact same 21 girls here that would be different. We are out to win a World Cup – not defend one."

Hers is an amazing story in one way because she achieved one of her landmarks – youngest player – while playing for Canada. However her intention was always to represent the States - her father is American - and a change in the rules opened the door. But surely a 14-year-old playing at U-20 level is under a huge physical handicap? "I've always been tall but I was not as big or strong as those girls at that time," she added. "It didn't worry me though. Even when I was little if I got pushed down I would always get back up again. I was annoying like that."

Annoying? Chances are that defenders will find her more than a little annoying over the next three weeks.

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world cup Germany ready to meet US challenge

Thursday 30 August at the Cheonan Sports Complex will see theeagerly awaited Round of 16 clash between Germany and the USA. Theteams fared very differently during the group stage, but thecounters are now set to zero again as the knockout phasebegins.

The game
Germany - USA, Cheonan, Thursday 30 August, 20:00 (localtime)

The stakes
Heiko Herrlich's German U-17 team will be going intothe match full of confidence, having finished top of a very toughGroup F and played some excellent attacking football along the way.Toni Kroos and Co. will now be looking to reach the quarter-finalsof a FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time since 1997. The USA, onthe other hand, lost their opening two matches and new usa soccer jersey only scrapedthrough on the last day with a 2-0 win over Belgium. This victorywill nevertheless have lifted their morale ahead of the knockoutrounds.

The players
Although Germany centre-forward Richard Sukuta-Pasusuffered a cut along the shin against Trinidad and Tobago as wellas bruising and had to be taken off, he should be fit for the USAclash. Defender Konstantin Rausch has sat out his one-match ban andwill be available again. For the Americans, attacker Landon Donovan La Galaxy Jersey Billy Schulerwill be forced to watch from the stands after picking up his secondyellow card of the group stage against Belgium.

The past
This will be the first match involving these teams at aFIFA U-17 World Cup. The first time the two countries metcompetitively was at the 1972 Olympic Football Tournament whenGermany cantered to a 7-0 victory. At the 2002 FIFA World CupKorea/Japan?, Germany again won, 1-0 on this occasion in thequarter-final in Ulsan. The only American win to date was a 2-0success at the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup. At the FIFA U-20 WorldCup, the teams have met on three occasions, Germany winning twice(2-1 at Chile 1987 and 3-1 at UAE 2003) with the other matchfinishing 0-0 at Netherlands 2005.

The words
"About a month ago, on 20 July, we lost 3-1 to theUSA in a warm-up match. The Americans also qualified out of a toughgroup with Belgium, Tajikistan and Tunisia, so we know whatwe'll be up against. But we've had a good tournament so farand can have every confidence heading into usa soccer jersey sale the Round of 16. Our aimnow is obviously to keep the upper hand and make it into thequarter-final." Heiko Herrlich, Germany coach

"We have achieved our first goal, which was making itthrough the group stage, and we certainly did it the hard way. Itproved the character of my team and now we need to believe inourselves and play the kind of football we know we can." John Hackworth, USA coach

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world cup History made on opening day

THE DAY REPLAYED – Twenty-two goals were scored in the opening six matches of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012, which saw big wins for Brazil and Sweden, narrow but significant victories for hosts Great Britain and world champions Japan, and USA come from behind to defeat France 4-2. In the final game of the day, a goal in each half gave Korea DPR side a deserved three points against Colombia.

Results
Group E
Great Britain 1-0 New Zealand
Cameroon 0–5 Brazil

Group F
Japan 2-1 Canada
Sweden 4–1 South Africa

Group G
USA 4-2 France
Colombia 0-2 Korea DPR

Goal of the day
Sweden-South Africa, Portia Modise (’59)
With Sweden cruising 3-0 over South Africa in the City of Coventry Stadium, en route to their biggest Olympic win, a misplaced pass from Caroline Seger to captain Nilla Fischer saw Portia Modise pounce on the ball ten yards Wholesale Shawn Bradley Jersey inside her own half. Carrying it just beyond the centre-circle, she spotted Hedvig Lindahl off her line and unleashed a powerful right-footed lob which sailed beyond the keeper’s dive and into the net. "I saw early in the game that the goalkeeper's weakness was always coming off her line," explained Modise. "So I took a shot and it came off."

Memorable moments
Anthem emotion
As the British national anthem was played at the opening event of the 2012 Olympics stuart holden usa jersey in Cardiff, it all got too much for England’s record goalscorer Kelly Smith, whose eyes filled with tears. The forward, usa soccer women jersey who has had a glittering 18-year playing career, won a race against time to be fit to appear for Team GB at the Games after aggravating a stress fracture in March.

Bagpipe blasting
USA-France saw a colourful atmosphere at Hampden Park with the majority of the locals opting for the game’s eventual winners. Yet there was also a local flavour as the sound of the bagpipes could be heard during the second half. “The crowd was awesome and they were really into it,” enthused USA midfielder. Megan Rapinoe

Colour clash
When Miko Fukumoto took off her tracksuit prior to the game against Canada, the Coventry crowd spotted that her all-magenta outfit complimented LOCOG’s colour scheme for London 2012 perfectly. “It was a complete coincidence,” she told FIFA.com afterwards. “But it obviously brought the team and I good luck, so I might keep on wearing it!”

Domino effect
After their fantastic dance routine at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011?, Sweden’s stars have a new party trick for London 2012: a goal celebration which saw scorer Lisa Dahlkvist push her team-mates over to create a chain reaction in which all fell to the ground in perfect sequence!

The stat
11 – Cristiane’s 78th-minute goal against Cameroon saw her leapfrog German goal machine Birgit Prinz in the all-time Olympic standings. Meanwhile, Formiga became the only player to play at all five tournaments since Atlanta 1996.

The quote
"The girls have made history today. It has been mentioned so much we couldn't ignore it. We were the first women's GB team ever and we won. That will never change now,” Hope Powell, Great Britain coach.

Next up
Saturday 28 July (all kick-offs local time)

Group E
New Zealand-Brazil, Cardiff, 14.30
Great Britain-Cameroon, Cardiff, 17.15

Group F
Japan-Sweden, Coventry, 12.00
Canada-South Africa, Coventry, 14.45

Group G
USA-Colombia, 17.00, Glasgow
France-Korea DPR, 19.45, Glasgow

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world cup England spoil Chiles party

Chile 2008 got off to a slow start when China and Argentina played out a goalless draw in the opening game of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup held in Chillan. The 300th goal of the competition's history had to wait for one USA Donovan #10 soccer jersey of the later games but by the time it arrived, the party was already in full swing.

"I am sure that the fans will enjoy this historic tournament, the first FIFA women's competition to be held in South America," commented FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. "It is an example of the growing importance of women's football in the world and I am sure we will see new football stars emerge here in Chile."

Coquimbo was the place to be on this first day as the 18,000 fans packed into the Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso enjoyed a colourful opening ceremony and cheered on the host team, who were unable to reward their vociferous supporters with a win.

The big match
New Zealand 2-3 Nigeria

The first game on the card in Coquimbo could not have been more exciting, with a goal in the dying seconds finally tilting the game in the African side's favour. The powerful Nigerians looked to be in for an easy afternoon when they surged into a 2-0 lead after only 35 minutes, with Sarah Michael scoring the 300th goal in the history of the competition in the process. The Young Ferns refused to buckle, however, and pulled level with two goals either side of the break. The chances flowed as both sides went for the win, before Chukwelu, the game's outstanding performer, eventually won the day for Nigeria.

The other matches
Runners-up in 2006, China looked impressive on their debut against Argentina and dominated proceedings. The only problem for the Asians was that they could not score, hitting the post on two occasions to allow the Albiceleste to escape with a valuable point.

Next up in Chillan were France and USA, and it was not until the second half of that game that the fans there actually saw a goal. The French battled hard but had to bow to the inspiration of Sydney Leroux, who responded to her coach's half-time pleas to inspire the Americans to victory.

The Rojitas delayed their tournament entrance to allow the home fans to watch the men take on Landon Donovan Everton Jersey Spain in a friendly, which Chile lost 3-0. There were tears in the eyes of the Chilean girls as they sang the national anthem before matching England in an evenly balanced first half. Nerves, inexperience and the first signs of tiredness began to take their toll after the break, though, allowing Brooke Chaplen to put the English ahead. Thwarted in their search for an equaliser, Marta Tejedor's side conceded a second ten minutes from time.

A disappointing day for the hosts perhaps, but with plenty of exciting football, tenacious play and wonderful goals on show, the opening day of Chile 2008 still proved to be a memorable one.

The player
Sydney Leroux (USA)

The striker looked on nervously from the sidelines as the French pushed forward in the first half, forcing USA keeper Alyssa Naeher to pull off some fine saves. But when she was thrown into the fray after the restart, Leroux turned the game on its head. After setting up Alex Morgan to open the scoring, she then grabbed two goals of her own to stake a usa soccer jersey history compelling claim for a place in the starting XI.

What they said
"I'm sure we will gradually improve. I'd like to reach the final of this tournament with Nigeria," Nigeria coach Daniel Evumena.

All the results
China 0-0 Argentina
France 0-3 USA
New Zealand 2-3 Nigeria
Chile 0-2 England

 

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world cup Donovan takes the lead

When he took up his post last year, USA coach Bob Bradley hadconcerns about who would lead the side after the retirement ofinfluential captain Claudio Reyna, Brian McBride and EddiePope.

"Just playing for the national team should not beenough," Bradley told FIFA.com in his first interview as USA coach,singling out the brilliant but inconsistent Landon Donovan."The top players need to see things differently and understandjust what it means to represent their country."

Scoring from the spot in Saturday's 2-0 friendly win overSweden, Donovan, who was rangy and involved throughout the game,became the top scorer in the US national team's history andlooked up to the job of wearing the captain's armband. His 35thgoal came early in the second half after teenage sensation andsubstitute Jozy Altidore, earning only his second cap, was takendown in the area.

The landmark tally broke the previous record of 34 held byfellow Californian Eric Wynalda, now a respected televisioncommentator.

For Los Angeles Galaxy man Donovan, whose commitment andambition have been called into question since his failure toachieve in two ill-fated stints with Bayer Leverkusen, the recordmeans considerably less than does his new role as on-field leader.

"I don't think the record is very important initself, "said the 25-year-old after reaching the milestone injust 97 caps. "I am just proud to have just played so manygames for the national team."

USA lined up with an almost entirely domestic-based line-up whenthey faced UEFA EURO 2008 qualifiers Sweden at Donovan's homeground in Carson, California. Without the likes of Michael Bradley,Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, expectations were limited.Fortunately for the hosts, the Swedes also took the pitch afair-bit off their full-strength with regulars like ZlatanIbrahimovic and Olof Mellberg on club duty on the other side of theAtlantic.

Led by Donovan's wily orchestration of play from midfield,rather than in his usual advanced position, the young US Sideshowed a great deal of intricacy and understanding with theirpassing and possession play. Although they had to rely ongoalkeeper Brad Guzan for a few important saves near the end of thefirst period, the Americans picked up right where they left offafter wins over South Africa and Switzerland at the tail end of2007.

Youngsters like Ricardo Clark and Drew Moor looked like oldveterans as they get set to contribute in USA's campaign toqualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, which will beginwith a two-legged tie against either Dominican Republic or Barbadosin June.

Debutant centre-back Eddie Robinson of Major USA Bocanegra Home White Centennial Soccer Jersey 2013/2014 League Soccerchampions Houston Dynamo (one of three lads earning their first capagainst the Swedes) opened the scoring with a deft finish on thequarter-hour mark, when Pat Noonan slammed off the post from aDonovan corner.

The game was effectively ended as a contest when Donovanstepped up to slot home his penalty and make history early in thesecond half. After his usual pre-spot USA Beasley Home White Centennial Soccer Jersey 2013/2014 kick ritual, he stroked homecoolly, then grabbed the ball and brought it over to the sidelinein order to mark the moment for posterity.

Growing influence
The strike may have had only marginal meaning for Donovan,the second highest-paid player in the MLS behind LA Galaxyteam-mate David Beckham, but his boss and US fans alike will bethrilled with the player's newfound comfort in the role of teamleader. "I think before this year I felt like I needed to bemore of leader, but there were still a lot of players with moreexperience around," the thrice CONCACAF Gold Cup champion toldFIFA.com.

"Now I am older than most of the guys, so it'smandatory. Last year, the more I looked inside, the more I realisedthat being captain wasn't something I was earning. Just becauseI've been here a long time and have a lot of caps, thatdoesn't make me a captain. I wanted to make sure this week thatI showed I can be a captain," Donovan added.

Still considered by critics as a player who wilts in the face ofreal meaningful challenges, Donovan's captain's instinctswill be put to a far sterner test in USA's next game: a grudgematch with old rivals Mexico on 6 February in Houston.

Of his 35 goals in a US jersey, the new skipper holds the secondin a 2-0 usa 2014 jersey reverse of Mexico in the Round of 16 at Korea/Japan 2002as his favourite, and will be keen to repeat the dose in a heatedfriendly in Texas and again when South Africa 2010 qualifyingbegins.

With a raft of young players coming through from ThomasRongen's outstanding production line at U-20 level - and awilling leader in top man Landon - Bob Bradley may have struck thebalance he was hoping for.

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world cup Japan USA ready for battle royal

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011? comes to a conclusion on Sunday, with two-time world champions USA bidding to complete a hat-trick of titles against the technically accomplished Japanese, who are making their first appearance in the Final and have yet to record a win against the Americans.

It promises to be a tight encounter between two evenly matched sides who reached the final in identical style: the Stars and Stripes recording a 3-1 semi-final win over France, and the Japanese beating Michael Bradley Usa Jersey Sweden by the same scoreline.

The game
Japan-USA, Sunday 17 July, Frankfurt, usa centennial soccer jersey 20.45 (local time)

The stakes
Inspired by their 32-year-old midfield linchpin Homare Sawa, the Nadeshiko have produced some exquisite football at Germany 2011 and scored some excellent goals. Their only defeat to date came in their final group game against England, by which time they had already secured a place in the last eight, where they stunned the hosts before going on to end Sweden’s run.

USA have a similar record, losing top spot in their section after losing to the Swedes and then hitting the heights with a dramatic quarter-final win over Brazil, the prelude to their clinical defeat of the French.

Coaches Norio Sasaki and Pia Sundhage are well acquainted. Three times their sides have faced each other in the last usa red soccer jersey year, and three times the Americans have emerged victorious. Nor did the Japanese fare too well in the 25 previous meetings between the teams, drawing three and losing the rest.

Japan are the second Asian team to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final after China at USA 1999, a tournament won by the hosts. The Japanese have another daunting statistic weighing against them: USA’s record in the final, which reads played two, won two.

The stat
12 - The number of FIFA Women’s World Cup goals USA striker Abby Wambach has amassed in her career, the same number her compatriot Michelle Akers achieved in the 1990s. Wambach has scored three goals at Germany 2011, all of them with her head, and at the age of 31 the Boca Raton magicJack goal-getter is just two short of all the time tournament record, held jointly by Germany’s Birgit Prinz and Marta of Brazil.

The words
“Japan came out very strongly when they played Germany and Sweden, but we’ll be looking to control possession. That’s the message Pia will be giving us. We want the ball and we want to win by playing good football. I’m absolutely confident we can do that,” Carli Lloyd, USA midfielder.

"We are going to do our best to enjoy the game as we always do. We need to go into the match with a feeling of momentum and without fear of making mistakes," Norio Sasaki, Japan coach.

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world cup USA in safe hands

After the dust had settled on the second matchday at the FIFAU-17 World Cup Korea 2007, the USA had already been written off bymany so-called experts, as coach John Hackworth's teamlanguished at the foot of Group E following defeats to unfanciedTajikistan and Tunisia. But there are few genuine certainties inthis life, and especially not in football.

The Americans defeated Belgium 2-0 in their final match, avictory which unexpectedly proved enough for second place in thesection and a spot in the last sixteen. A major contributor to thevital win was Josh Lambo. The goalkeeper and his defenders kept aclean sheet, thereby ending an unwanted streak which had seen theUSA concede at least one goal in their previous 16 FIFA U-17 WorldCup fixtures.

"It means a lot to me, but equal credit to myteam-mates. Our defence was phenomenal and blockedeverything," the athletic shot-stopper commented inconversation with FIFA.com. Lambo not only shut out the Belgians, hecame within an ace of scoring himself: a combination of agargantuan punt and a nasty bounce had opposite number Jo Coppensscrambling to tip the ball over the bar. La Galaxy Donovan Jersey

"I just booted the ball downfield. It went over adefender and then over the goalkeeper, and nearly landed in thenet. I only realised what had happened when he turned it over thebar and it was a corner for us," Lambo recalled, laughing atthe memory of the unusual incident. Clint Dempsey Usa Soccer Jersey His name was not destined toappear on the scoresheet, but his team-mates bagged the goals whichsent the USA through to the next stage.

The Americans now meet form team Germany, the second-highestscorers in the group stage after Brazil. "They're verystrong up front, but I have faith in my defence. We kept a cleansheet against Belgium, and that's a confidence booster,"the US keeper declared. "Obviously it'll be a specialoccasion, a match in the last sixteen at a World Cup. I'mreally looking forward to the game."

The teams met in a friendly around a month ago, the USArunning up a 3-1 victory. Was that a psychological advantage?"It could be a disadvantage, as they'll definitely be benton revenge," Lambo muses. "But we know we're capableof beating them, and that will do wonders for our USA Bocanegra Home White Centennial Soccer Jersey 2013/2014 belief. We playedway below our potential in the first two matches, and our attitudewasn't right on the day. It was all or nothing against Belgium,and we played our best football so far. In fact, I've not seenthis team play much better."

If the USA can maintain their new-found impetus, victory overGermany is unquestionably within the realms of the possible. Lambohas set his sights even higher than that: "If we can carry onwhere we left off against Belgium, and if we have a bit of luck, wecould go a very long way, further than any US team has ever gone atthis World Cup. Nothing's impossible for us."

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world cup Chivas and Chicago in charge

Nearly four months into Major League Soccer's 14th season, the American top flight is humming with competitive football and some significant surprises. Join FIFA.com for a closer look at all the action.

Who's on top?
The league is split up into two geographical zones, and the Chicago Fire are currently shading it in the east while Chivas USA have set themselves up a commanding cushion at the top?in the Western Conference. The two regional leaders will face off on 28 May, with national bragging rights on the line.

Chicago, only two points ahead of closest chasers DC United and Toronto FC, and three in front of fourth-placed Kansas City, are undefeated in their first ten games, winning four and drawing six. This form has been indebted to the playmaking?of Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who recently returned from international retirement with a spot in Javier Aguirre's first squad as Mexico coach. The El Tri legend has found a perfect target for his slide-rule passes in former USA striker Brian McBride, who has scored six times for the Chicago side in his first season back home following a successful stint Clint Dempsey Jersey in England.

With only three points separating the top four teams in the Eastern Conference, Los Angeles-based Chivas USA, who only became a club in 2004, are running away with it in the west. With 24 points from 11 games (seven of them wins), former USA international Preki has proven his coaching credentials with a squad devoid of many Landon Donovan Jersey Usa out-and-out stars. New American midfield gem Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstein, Pablo Nagamura and Mexican goal-getter Eduardo Lillingston have stepped up to push the Southern California side eight points in front of Kasey Keller's debuting Seattle Sounders, who are jousting with Houston Dynamo and Colorado Rapids for second.

The hit men
There's a four-man race at the top of the scoring charts after ten matchdays. Though his struggling Los Angeles Galaxy are mired in usa striped soccer jersey sixth place in the west, the celebrated Landon Donovan is the league's leading marksman?with six goals and three assists. Also on six goals are bulky target man Conor Casey of Colorado Rapids (who got his six strikes in just nine games), the evergreen McBride and?Josh Wolff of Kansas City Wizards.

The surprises
Few expected Columbus Crew and?New York Red Bulls, champions and runners-up of Major League Soccer respectively last season, to struggle in 2009. But that is exactly how it has turned out. Guillermo Barros Schelotto has fired home five goals for the yellow-clad holders, and a few games in hand (they take on the San Jose Earthquakes tonight) are cause for confidence among the club's fans. Less inspired will be supporters in the Big Apple, where Juan Pablo Angel has been unable to inspire his Red Bulls. They are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference with just nine points from 11 games.

The numbers game
29,536 - The average number of fans that?Seattle Sounders, in their first season as an MLS club, have pulled through the turnstiles at Qwest Field. A league best for the year, Toronto FC and LA Galaxy are also pulling in impressive numbers.

What they said
"Everybody's excited for the big challenge. We're confident in how we're playing, but they have a couple of guys that are playing well. It's going to be a good game for sure and we'll be up for it," Chivas USA's Jim Curtin before the top-of-the-table duel with his former club Chicago Fire.

Have your say
What's your impression of the 2009 Major League Soccer campaign so far??Just click on 'Add your comment' below and let us know.

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world cup Strikers put in the shade

In many ways, football is a simple game: the team that scores the most goals, wins. Yet in every 2014 world cup Donovan home white soccer jersey single match, there are intriguing statistical sub-plots that help make the beautiful game the fascinating spectacle that it is. That's why, each week, FIFA.com takes a look at the numbers behind the results.

Thanks to the efforts of Spain, Australia and Irish champions Bohemians, this latest review finds itself somewhat short on goals, although US striker Kenny Cooper does his best to redress the balance.

708

minutes without conceding is the remarkable run that Spain have strung together since Angelos Charisteas of Greece scored against them on 18 June. In fact, should La Furia Roja keep Belgium at bay this evening, they will set a new record of eight successive clean sheets - no mean feat considering they have faced the likes of Italy, Russia and Germany during this run. The previous high-water mark of seven was set between 11 March 1992 and 27 January 1993 and was equalled for the second time in Saturday's 3-0 win over Estonia. Italy still hold the European record for successive clean sheets, having racked up 12 between 1972 and '74, but one achievement in which Spain are utterly unrivalled is their running sequence of 38 unbeaten FIFA World Cup? qualifying matches.

130

caps is the milestone that Edwin van der Sar will reach when he keeps goal for the Netherlands in Norway this evening. In doing so, the Manchester United No1 will become the joint-third most-capped goalkeeper in history, joining colourful Mexican legend Jorge Campos on the 130-mark and overtaking Peter Schmeichel, whose record he emulated against Iceland on Saturday. The 37-year-old, who has come out of international retirement to cover for injuries to Bert van Marwijk's first and second-choice keepers, had already surpassed the likes of Andoni Zubizarreta (126 caps), Peter Shilton (125) and Pat Jennings (119). However, matching the tallies of Saudi Arabia's Mohamed Al-Daeyea or Sweden's Thomas Ravelli - who retired with 181 and 143 caps respectively - would appear highly unlikely, given Van der Sar's insistence that he will step back into the shadows once his successor, Maarten Stekelenburg, returns to fitness.

27

matches unbeaten and 12 victories on the bounce are the sequences that have combined to crown Bohemians as Irish champions with four games to spare. The Dublin club have lost just once all season, conceded a miserly 11 goals in the process, and also chalked up a new points record en route to securing their first trophy in six years. Striker Glen Crowe provided further cause for celebration by smashing the club's all-time scoring record, capping an unforgettable season that has yielded the club's 10th league championship, achieved under an inspirational manager in Pat Fenlon, who won a trio of titles with Shelbourne between 2003 and 2006.

4

goals in his last three games have taken Kenny Cooper to within a solitary strike of long-time leader Landon Donovan at the top of the Major League Soccer scoring charts. The Dallas star has made a habit of striking late, with three of those four recent strikes coming in the 89th minute or later, the most recent of which completed a brace in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Toronto and took the 23-year-old's league tally to 18. The towering striker's main rival was also in goalscoring usa youth soccer jersey action over the weekend, of course, although Donovan's strike in USA's 6-1 win over Cuba does not help him in the increasingly tight race to finish as MLS's top marksman.

1.1

goals-per-match is the surprisingly low scoring average that Australia have mustered thus far in their first Asian Zone FIFA usa jersey World Cup qualifying campaign. Of all the teams still competing in the continent's fourth round of qualifiers, only Iran have scored as few goals, with this evening's visitors to Brisbane, Qatar, boasting an average of 1.5. Unfortunately for Bruno Metsu's side, they are also the only Asian side against whom Australia have scored more than once in this qualifying campaign; even worse, the Socceroos have managed it twice already this year. On both occasions, they put three past the Qataris, winning 3-0 in Melbourne back in February before cruising to a 3-1 victory in Doha four months later.

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world cup Rajevac warns of Ghanas ambition

Ghana manager Milovan Rajevac warned the United States to expect "a 90-minute war" when they meet in their last 16 FIFA World Cup™ encounter at the Royal Bafokeng stadium. The USA Onyewu Away Blue Soccer Jersey 2013/2014 Ghana team are the last Africa side standing in the tournament and are determined to fly the flag into the quarter-finals.

The match is given an extra edge because it is a re-run of the final group game in Germany 2006 when Ghana won 2-1 to send USA home. Rajevac, whose side finished runners-up in Group D to Germany, said: "We are going to fight and do our utmost to get Ghana into the quarter-finals. It will be difficult but we have a big opportunity.

"I am very proud of these boys. Their main strength is the unity of the team. We always play as a team and not as individuals and that's why we have managed to have success recently. The world likes good football and Ghana has a lot of supporters worldwide. I hope after the match Ghana has even more supporters worldwide. That would be a great satisfaction for us."

Defenders John Mensah and Jonathan Mensah have recovered from injuries but Isaac Vorsah is ruled out. Rajevac, however, will not be taking the United States for granted. The Serbian played in the US indoor soccer league as a contemporary of Pele, Johann Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer and he has a respect for the way in which the American game has progressed over the past three decades.

I hope after the match Ghana has even more supporters worldwide. That would be a great satisfaction for us.Milovan Rajevac, Ghana coach

He said: "America has grown into a football superpower but it also has sports which are given more priority. But the football team play with strength and speed. You never know how to deal with them.

"In the last half an hour they increase usa soccer 2014 jersey the tempo and USA Dempsey Away Blue Soccer Jersey 2013/2014 speed and it is difficult to match them. Until the final whistle you don't know how to deal with them. Slovenia scored two goals against them and in the end the USA still nearly won."

Ghana's Samuel Inkoom revealed that Fulham's John Pantsil had been giving the team information about his club-mate, one of America's key men, Clint Dempsey. He also reiterated the manager's rallying call that they were playing for the entire continent.

"All of the African countries will be supporting us and we are not going to disgrace them," said Inkoom. "We are going to make them happy. We are the Africa hope now and we are not going to disappoint them. We are going to win."

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world cup Who will reign in Egypt

Every week FIFA.com invites users to debate a topic of interest in its Have Your Say section. With the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 about to kick off, the question we are asking fans to discuss over the next few days is an obvious one: Who do you think be usa soccer jersey numbers crowned the new young kings of world football?

One surprise name missing from the list of candidates is perennial world champions Argentina. The current holders and six-time winners of the competition will not be in Egypt to defend their title having amazingly failed to qualify. In the absence of La Albiceleste many people are now tipping eternal rivals Brazil, winners of the tournament on five occasions, to reclaim a trophy that has eluded them since UAE 2003.

The Brazilians are not the only pretenders to the vacant throne, however. Germany, victors at Australia 1981, are expected to challenge strongly in the land of the Pharaohs despite the absence of several of the youngsters who shone so brightly at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007. Nevertheless, the Germans served notice of their strength in depth when they lifted the UEFA U-19 European Championship last year. Another European contender with large reserves of talent is Spain, who failed to impress in qualifying for the tournament but have the pedigree to go all the way, as they showed in winning the title at Nigeria 1999 and finishing U-17 runners-up in Korea two years ago.

Africa's aspirants should also be in contention. Hosts Egypt have prepared hard for the weeks ahead and will be intent on putting up a good fight in front USA 2014 E.JOHNSON Home Soccer Shirt of their fervent supporters. Continental rivals Cameroon and Ghana, both of whom boast fine track records at this level, also have designs on glory, as do Nigeria, who, unlike the Germans and Spanish, can count on several of the players that formed part of their triumphant Korea 2007 squad at U-17 level.

The likes of Czech Republic, England, Italy, Uruguay, Paraguay, USA, United Arab Emirates and Australia should also be in the mix, making the task of choosing a winner all the trickier. But if you think you know who will become the new U-20 champions of the world, then mexico usa soccer jersey click on ��Add your comment' and share your prediction with other users from across the world.

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world cup Struggling USA face in-form Belgium

Belgium registered their first win in the FIFA U-17 World Cupthanks to the performances of their substitutes against Tajikstan,while the Americans find themselves in trouble after losing boththeir matches so far. The Diablotins will hope to carry on their good form withanother win while the young Americans must prevail to keep theirhopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

The game
Belgium - USA, Cheonan, Sunday 26 August, 16:00 (local time)

The stakes
For Bob Browaeys' young charges, a draw could still seethem into the next round, but they will be eager to take all 3points here. If they do win, and should Tunisia lose to Tajikistanin the match played at the same time in Suwon, all three sides willqualify with 6 points.

However that is exactly the scenario the Americans will want toavoid. Whilst they face elimination due to their 2 defeats, shouldthey beat Belgium by 3 goals or more they could still qualifydepending on the results in other groups. Even in the event Donovan #10 away soccer jersey theyare eliminated, John Hackworth's young charges will want to endtheir campaign on a high.

The players
Fortunately neither side have any players injured, butskipper Mykell Bates, Danny Wenzel, and Billy Schuller for theUSA, and Belgium's Koen Hustinx and Laurens Spruyt all facesuspensions in the Round of 16 should they pick up another yellowcard.

The past
This is the first contest between the two countries at youthlevel. The two nations met in the 1930 FIFA World Cup, with the USAseeing off the Europeans 3-0 on that occasion. They also met infriendlies in 1995 and 1998, which Belgium won 1-0 and 2-0respectively.

The words
"Against the USA, we will play in the same style asin the previous matches. I believe 4 points will be enough toqualify for the second round, but we will not be playing for thedraw." Bob Browaeys, Belgium coach

"We are heading USA 2014 Home Soccer Jersey into this final game after looking at ourstrengths and weaknesses. The group has USA Donovan Home White Centennial Soccer Jersey 2013/2014 proved to be harder than wethought, but we cannot give up yet." John Hackworth, USA coach

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world cup Nigerias Obinna back on track

"I was so relieved to see the ball hit the back of the net," sighed powerhouse striker Victor Obinna, telling FIFA.com about scoring Nigeria's first goal of these Beijing finals 58 minutes kids usa soccer jersey into their 2-1 win over Japan in Tianjin.

The hulking forward, who plays his club football with Italian Serie A side Brescia after two seasons with Chievo Verona, missed a raft of clear chances in Nigeria's first game, a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands. He, his namesake Victor Anichebe and Peter Odemwingie were all guilty of profligate finishing on that day.

Against the Japanese, though, Obinna, 21, took the job of conjuring goals to heart, scoring a stunner and setting up another for Anichebe.

"We had to win that game against Japan," the former Enyimba player continued. "We left ourselves no choice but to attack them. We missed so many chances in our first game that we knew we just needed to relax and take our time and our chances against Japan. Ours is a very good team and the chances will always come."

Coping with pressure
With a handful of senior caps to his name, big Obinna knows the pressure is on for the so-called Dream Team to perform at these Olympic Games."I felt so good when that first goal fell, I can hardly even describe it," said Obinna, whose acrobatic celebration was almost as impressive as the goal itself. "I usually don't get so carried away with my goal celebrations but I was just overcome with emotion passion and joy all at the same time.

"Back home in Nigeria the expectations are very high for this team," added the player who begins his third year in Italy after the Beijing Games. "They want to see us vibing out there and playing the kind of football that Nigeria is known for. I think we are getting better with each game and that is the most important thing."

One of the major factors in the team's ever-improving form is the presence in the technical area of Samson Siasia. A FIFA World Cup™ veteran, the coach is regarded as a hero by his young charges and demands total respect.

"He's the best," was Obinna's concise assessment of the coach who took some of the current U-23 players to the FIFA U-20 World Cup final in 2005. "Everyone understands him. All he has Stewart Bradley Jersey to do is make a gesture or a face and we know what he wants. He has total faith in us and we have total faith in him as he has helped us get where he are today, playing for our country and for our names."

USA await
Up next for the Nigerians, on four points, is a Group B grudge match with the USA, who have also won one and drawn one. Obinna, unsurprisingly, is convinced the Nigerians Clint Dempsey Soccer Jersey will get the result they need.

"We are beginning to hit our rhythm here in China," he said. "After the first game we made some changes and now we are moving forward. The Americans will be tough as they will be fighting for their lives."

For the player - who is beginning to link up with the likes of Odemwingie and Solomon Okoronkwo to great effect in attack, only one result will do. "We want to win the game, win the group and hopefully go on to win the tournament."

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world cup Sounders Dallas show their strength

Lamar Neagle scored a hat-trick as the Seattle Sounders thrashed Columbus Crew 6-2 in a showdown between two of the best sides in Major USA 2014 JONES Home Soccer Shirt League Soccer.

As well as Neagle's effort, Crew's Jeff Cunningham became the league's record scorer, his second-half penalty taking him onto 134 goals and eclipsing Jaime Moreno's mark in the process. The Sounders were 4-0 up at half-time thanks to two goals by Neagle in the fourth and 21st minutes as well as a penalty by Mauro Rosales and a Mike Fucito strike.

Cunningham pulled one back with his record-breaking spot-kick but Seattle restored their four-goal advantage through Neagle's third and best goal of the day, a shot from the edge of the area which hit the bar and bounced over the goalline. Josh Gardner hit one for the Crew before scoring an own goal as the Sounders completed a trouncing.

Two goals in the final two minutes saw FC Dallas claim a 3-2 win at Sporting Kansas City. Sporting had taken a two-goal lead through Kei Kamara and Omar Bravo and they seemed to be on course for victory.

However, Daniel Hernandez pulled one back two minutes later and with 12 minutes left, the hosts were reduced vintage usa soccer jersey to ten men when Teal Bunbury was sent off for a second bookable offence. Maicon Santos equalised with a minute left and the comeback was complete when Bobby Warshaw scored the winner.

Colorado Rapids went down to a 2-0 defeat at Chicago Fire, Dominic Oduro and Cory Gibbs on target. Real Salt Lake brushed off usa blue soccer jersey having to play with ten men for 66 minutes as they won 1-0 at Chivas USA, Alvaro Saborio getting the only goal before team-mate Nat Borchers was given a straight red card.

Toronto FC and San Jose Earthquakes drew 1-1, Eric Avila opening the scoring and Chris Wondolowski getting an 87th-minute equaliser for the Earthquakes. Shea Salinas scored the only goal in the 86th minute as Vancouver Whitecaps beat Houston Dynamo 1-0.

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world cup Virtual world title in their sights

Most of them are young lads and all of them have the power to control the runs, passes and shots of world superstars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Ballack. This can only mean one thing - this year's FIFA Interactive World Cup is finally upon us!

After 19 live qualifier events across every continent, as well as an online qualification campaign in which over 500,000 people took part, the best 32 gamers from around the globe will be congregating on 2 May for the Grand Final in Barcelona, where they will battle to become champions of the virtual football world.

Last year's winner, Alfonso Ramos, is involved again this year and the Spaniard is confident of retaining his title on home soil. "I'm the current world champion and I want to be the first player ever to win the FIWC twice," explained the 20-year-old, who has been training 20 hours a week in the hope that his dream will become usa home soccer jersey a reality.

Aside from Ramos there are two other former world champions taking part in the finals. 2006 winner Andries Smit from the Netherlands and Great Britain's Chris Bullard, who won the coveted prize in 2005, are both desperate to Clint Dempsey Usa Home Jersey dethrone the reigning champion. Indeed, Bullard is leaving nothing to chance, telling FIFA.com how he has been?practicing up to 30 hours a week in a bid to regain the crown. However, if there were an award for the participant who trained the most, it would most definitely go to Stephen Coorey of New Zealand. The 27-year-old software developer spends up 2006 usa soccer jersey to 70 hours per week on his PLAYSTATION?3, honing his skills on the virtual grass of EA SPORTS? FIFA 09 to make sure he blows his competitors away in Barcelona.

The honour of the oldest and youngest competitors go to Gordon Butler of South Africa and Francisco Cruz of Portugal, who are 31 and 14 respectively. Portuguese teenager Cruz appeared anything but fazed by his more senior counterparts, though, belying his tender years by confidently proclaiming: "I am here to win".?

And the skilful schoolboy was not the only participant keen to talk up his own chances either: "I've played against all the best players and beaten them, so it shouldn't be a problem," said Mexico's Jesus Rodriguez, while Hungarian whizz Peter Kocacs declared himself among the favourites "because I'm the best".

I'm the current world champion and I want to be the first player ever to win the FIWC twice.Alfonso Ramos is aiming high.

Another British finalist, Adam Winster, reckons he is the man to bring the crown back to England, thus emulating Chris Bullard's 2005 success: "I think I'll win the Grand Final because I'm the best player and if I play well and have a little bit of luck along the way, then nobody will be able to beat me." One of the most intriguing battles from the qualifying rounds, meanwhile, was won by Frederik Nordmark Laursen of Denmark: "I was playing against my cousin, and he's an extremely good player."

��Attack wins games, defence wins championships' - a pearl of footballing wisdom that several of the gamers are hoping to employ at the main event in Barcelona. "Defence is my main strength. I'm more of a Trappatoni-style player in the respect. If you keep a clean sheet at the back, there's no way you can lose," explains Patrick Straschek of Germany. "You need to be ice-cool in front of goal as well. Every shot needs to hit the back of the net."

Giuseppe Guastella of the USA is another who subscribes to this school of tactical thought: "I have a strong attack and a solid defence, so I'm optimistic and feel I have a good chance of winning the Grand Final." India's Omar Jaleel, meanwhile, is hoping to put his opponents on the back foot by setting his stall out defensively before breaking quickly: "I'm really good at counter-attacking, so hopefully I'll be able to take the other players by surprise."

"Let's wait and see...," said Egypt's Hesham Medhat Khater diplomatically when asked by FIFA.com about his chances of winning the tournament. Marcus Lee of Singapore was equally coy when revealing his own expectations: "Outsiders always have a chance of causing an upset." "Anything is possible," agreed Dan Sykes of New Zealand.

The countdown to the Grand Final on the beaches of Barcelona has started, and while almost all of the 32 finalists?will believe they can?emerge victorious,?as ever there can only be one winner.

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world cup Pivotal encounters in Round 14

With just four rounds remaining, it's crunch time in the McDonald's FIFA World Cup Predictor. FIFA.com takes a look at some of the big fixtures in Round 14.

Russia-Germany
Group 4 leaders Germany will travel to kids usa soccer jersey Moscow knowing that three points would guarantee their presence in South Africa. "We are devoting all our focus, energy and commitment to the match," said captain Michael Ballack in a recent interview with FIFA.com. However, a home victory would leave Russia top of the section heading into the final round of preliminaries.

Last FIFA World Cup qualifying meeting: Germany 2-1 Russia (Dortmund, 11 October 2008)
Competitive head-to-head record: Played (17): Germany (11), Russia (4), Draws Clint Dempsey Jersey Usa (2)

Denmark-Sweden
Copenhagen is set to explode when Group 1's top two meet for their 100th competitive fixture. Denmark head Group 1, three points above second-placed Sweden, with both Portugal and Hungary a further two points back. A win would, therefore, guarantee the Danes a place at next year's FIFA World Cup, but Sweden will be doing everything to beat their arch-rivals and improve their own qualification hopes.

Last FIFA World Cup qualifying meeting: Sweden 0-1 Denmark (Solna, 6 June 2009)
Competitive head-to-head record: Played (99): Sweden (44), Denmark (37), Draws (18)

Ecuador-Uruguay
With just two rounds remaining in the South American preliminaries, much rests on the outcome of this game. Ecuador are in fourth, the last automatic qualifying position, two points above sixth-placed Uruguay. El Tri have excelled at home this campaign, holding Brazil and Paraguay and beating Argentina, but they will have to overcome a discouraging statistic: they have only beaten the Celeste once in 15 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Last FIFA World Cup qualifying meeting: Uruguay 0-0 Ecuador (Montevideo, 10 September 2008)
FIFA World Cup qualifiers head-to-head record: Played (15): Clint Dempsey Centennial Jersey Uruguay (10), Ecuador (1), Draws (4)

Cameroon-Togo
Cameroon have a score to settle when they host Togo in Yaounde., having lost to the Sparrow Hawks in March. The Indomitable Lions are expected to take revenge, but an away upset is worth 99 points.

Last FIFA World Cup qualifying meeting: Togo 1-0 Cameroon (Accra, 28 March 2009)
FIFA World Cup qualifiers head-to-head record: Played (5): Cameroon (4), Togo (1)

Honduras-USA
While USA may have enjoyed victory in Chicago when these sides last met, Honduras are a tough team to beat in front of their own supporters. Los Catrachos are undefeated in their four home qualifiers, and should they manage to preserve that record against the North, Central America and Caribbean leaders, they will climb into the top two.

Last FIFA World Cup qualifying meeting: USA 2-1 Honduras (Chicago, 6 June 2009)
FIFA World Cup qualifiers head-to-head record: Played (5): USA (3), Honduras (1), Draws (1)

Round 14 fixtures (10 & 11 October)
Zambia-Egypt
Cameroon-Togo
Gabon-Morocco
Ukraine-England
Russia-Germany
Denmark-Sweden
Slovakia-Slovenia
Venezuela-Paraguay
Ecuador-Uruguay
Honduras-USA

world cup Mexico reclaim another crown

Mexico again remembered the taste of title glory, with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Guatemala on Sunday. El Tri, who had not won the tournament since 1992, seized their 11th U-20 Championship crown.? Despite taking the lead, defending champions Costa Rica were disappointed and let in more than one goal for the first time in five tournament matches. Mexico, though, were in fine form and won all of their matches by at least a three-goal margin.

While Mexico and Costa Rica booked their passage to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 three games prior to the final, so too did third-place finishers Guatemala and Panama who had overcome odds in the knockout rounds with quarter-final wins over USA and Honduras respectively.

The Davila factor
Ulises Davila played protagonist in Mexico’s compelling campaign to take the title. Having scored in Mexico’s 4-1 routing over Panama in the semi-finals on Friday, the on-form striker netted a double to guide Mexico to the trophy. Costa Rica, who went ahead against the run of play in the first half through Joseph Mora, were stifled by dominant El Tri possession and Davila quickly levelled with a curling left-footed strike into the far-side of the goal.

Mexico entered the break in confident mood as their pressure was rewarded when Carlos Orrantia put them ahead in the 39th minute with a long-range effort narrowly evading an outstretched Mauricio Vargas in goal. But, it was 19-year-old Davila who put the game out of reach.

Alan Pulido received a pass in the area usa soccer jersey 2010 from Saul Villalobos and did well to control the ball in tight space. Pulido then made a slight touch to the left, which Davila rolled with his right foot, and without a challenge shot for an easy finish. Davila ended the tournament with a team-leading four goals.

Costa Rica were left frustrated by the result and struggled to create chances of their own throughout the final. Even six-goal tournament leader, Joel Campbell, was unable to crack Mexico’s defences.

Guatemala edge on penalties
Prior to the final match, Guatemala and Panama played to a 0-0 draw in regulation, before Guatemala ended the better side winning 7-6 on penalties. Each team was reduced to ten men, with Manuel Moreno and Josimer Gomez receiving their marching orders. Moreno was charged with a second caution in the 66th minute for a foul on Marvin Ceballos, while Gomez was given a Altidore Sunderland Jersey straight red for downing Marco Tulio Rivas in extra time.

First-half Guatemalan shots from distance forced goalkeeper Kevin Melgar to make some diving saves, while Panama’s long-range efforts rarely tested Guatemala’s Jose Carlos Garcia in the same manner. Chances dwindled in the second half and extra time proved much the same with neither team able to break the deadlock. The match came down to penalties, and Jose Lemus converted the winning spot-kick with a strike to the left dodging Melgar who went the opposite way.
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Thrilling road to the final
Sunday’s final and third-place match were preceded by thrilling quarter-finals and semi-finals displays. Both finalists, Mexico and Costa Rica secured their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 with quarter-final wins over Canada and Cuba. Cuba had an early glimmer of hope, but Costa Rica proved too powerful winning 6-1, while Mexico defeated Canada 3-0.

But perhaps the more exciting of the quarter-final matches were usa soccer jersey 2013 Guatemala’s upset over the USA and Panama’s win over Honduras. Guatemala had sent the Americans packing with a shocking 2-1 victory in front of an explosive crowd at the Estadio Mateo Flores and although, still booming from the upset, were on the reverse end of that same score line in their semi-final with Costa Rica. Los Ticos went up two goals on Guatemala through Mynor Escoe Miller and Bryan Vega and a consolation goal from Elias Enoc in the 62nd minute was not enough to reconcile Guatemala’s prior defensive lapses.

Panama, who had finished runners-up to USA in their group, ended Honduras's run with a 2-0 victory to claim what will be their fourth FIFA U-20 World Cup appearance. The Panamanian’s joy soon subsided, though, as Mexico thumped into the final with a 4-1 semi-final victory over the Central American side. Despite some early possession for Panama, El Tri went ahead on 14 minutes off a Davila strike. Javier Caicedo levelled for Panama in the first half, but an unfortunate own goal and David Izazola and Edson Rivera, both on target for Mexico, prevented a comeback.

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