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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world cup Stojkovic I will be able to defend my title

Last year Nenad Stojkovic took the crown and became FIFA Interactive World Champion. With the FIWC11 underway, the race is on again. Altidore Sunderland Jersey Who will end Nenad’s reign? And with the current champion having automatically qualified for the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2011 Grand Final, Nenad has a chance to accomplish what no other FIWC champion has before: To become the first champion to successfully defend their FIWC title. We met Nenad for an insightful interview.

FIFA.com: When did you start playing the EA SPORTS™ FIFA game? Which edition of the game did you first play?
Nenad Stojkovic: I started playing in May 2008, so towards the end of the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2008 season. I first played FIFA 08.

When did you notice that you may have a chance to win the FIWC?
Well, as I played EA SPORTS™ FIFA 08, I picked it up pretty quickly and was starting to compete with players who had competed since day one. Then I found out about the FIWC and started the online season of the FIWC when FIFA 09 came out. I was top for a while in 2009 so I attempted to qualify through the live qualifier in the United States. I competed in the National Final in New York but ended up finishing third. I knew once the FIWC started in EA SPORTS™FIFA 10 that I would have a chance to qualify and win the competition.

I think EA has done an amazing job with FIFA11. It’s by far the best and most realistic football game on the market. Nenad Stojkovic, FIWC10 champion

How did you prepare for the FIWC10 Grand Final?
I qualified for the final of the FIWC 2010 in the first online season, so for a month after that I relaxed and only played occasionally. As soon as March came around, I played more and more every week until I felt comfortable with my formation and tactics.

Do you also play football in real life?
I used to play soccer at college, where I hurt my knee. After graduating I hurt my knee again, about a year ago, and have not played since then. At the moment I just lift weights to keep in shape.

Do you think you will be able to defend your title this year?
I do believe I will be able to defend my title because some of my top competitors have told me that I am better at FIFA11 than I was at last year’s game, which gives me hope that I could win again. With a little bit of luck, anything can happen in FIFA11!

What are your thoughts about FIFA11? Do you like it more than FIFA10?
To be honest, I like both games a lot, but there were a couple things that bugged me about FIFA10 that were fixed for the FIFA11 version. I think EA has done an amazing job with FIFA11. It’s by far the best and most realistic football game on the market.

What is your favorite formation? What tactics do you use?
In my opinion, 4-2-2-2 is the only formation. I won with it last year and plan on winning with it this year. I like to sit back and hit my opponents on the counter-attack, but if they are playing the same way, I do not mind possessing the ball to irritate them like Barcelona do in real football.

Are FC Barcelona your favourite team?
No, I am a Manchester United fan. But in FIFA11 I am embarrassed to say that the team I use is Chelsea. You have to use the team that gives you the best chance to win.

And the best player? In real life and in the game?
I would have to say Cristiano Ronaldo. The skills he possesses in the game and in real life are too much for opponents to handle at times.

As the winner of the FIWC2010, you’re invited to the Ballon d’Or gala. Maybe you’ll meet Ronaldo there…
Yes! There are a couple players I am really looking forward to meeting, with him being one of them: Rooney, Sir Alex Ferguson, Messi to name but a few. I am going to the gala with my girlfriend, so it should be an exciting night for us to experience something as wonderful as the Altidore Usa Jersey gala: to meet players and coaches you watch on television and never thought you would have the chance Jozy Altidore Sunderland Jersey to meet.

What’s your advice for aspiring FIFA Interactive World Champions?
Practice and play against the best players in the world! You will not get better by beating someone easily, it is those tough games that you lose or win that make you better and teach you what you need to improve your game.

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