shaken injury

The fate of France was no better than the UK and Portugal. They must determine the direct ticket to the 2012 European Cup in the last two games in qualifying. One of them is crucial duel against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Stade de France (11/10)
    Until two games remaining, the Bosnian only one point behind the Frenchman. In a matter of on paper, this condition is still lacking to support the French won a ticket to Euro 2012 group winners to the situation. first coach Laurent Blanc faced with a number of injury conditions mainstay.
    Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema, Bacary Sagna, and Blaise Matuidi adding a long list of players who should be absent when France desperately need them. All three suffered injuries menyususl Philippe Mexes, Yoann Gourcuff, Abou Diaby, and Guillaume Hoarau. While Eric Abidal is still on the list of players who invoked the name is still questionable because the condition is not fully fit.
    "This (injured players) to be part of the job coach. Stamina already depleted because of players playing every three or four days with the club, suffered the injury can vary. Eric Abidal is very important to us. I hope he can get back to fitness "said Blanc.
    With a less than ideal conditions in the squad to face two crucial games, blanc inevitably have to optimize the existing players. Without Gourcuff in midfield, Blanc could give more weight to Marvin Martin. On the front lines, Bafetimbi Gomis could be expected to patch the predicted ability of Kevin Gameiro still can not fully perform having just recovered from injury.
    Inevitably kontraAlbania game must be won by Les Bleus Bosnia so that the load when the host is not so heavy. Enough with the addition of one point, France will go to Poland-Ukraine without having to go through play-offs.

save two advantages

the fate of runners-up Euro 2004, Portugal, arguably even more severe than in English. Has a number of points and matches that exactly match the rest of Denmark makes Cristian Ronaldo and his friends quite difficult to get tickets quickly ensure the final round. Fuss, determining precisely match them together on Tuesday (11/10).
    Luckily, Seleccao had two points advantage over Denmark. However, Portugal is not without problems. Some players can not be invoked mainstay because of injury. Danny, Pepe, Hugo Almeida, and Fabio Coentrao entry in the list of players who will miss two games to defend Portugal in Euro 2012 qualifying final.
    Though they were before the injury penaimpilan quite good. Fuss replace players who are worth less. Appearances Silvestre Varela who replaced Danny is still far from expectations so far this season.
    The situation could become dangerous if Denmark is able to prepare a more mature than in Portugal. What's the ultimate game would be held later in the Parken Stadium, Denmark. Important advantages that actually do not possess Portugal.

Toivonen: Change has been good for Sweden

Sweden’s hopes of appearing at UEFA EURO 2012 rest on two decisive upcoming matches against Finland and the Netherlands. Suspense is guaranteed tomorrow and on Tuesday as fans nervously follow the Blågult’s attempts to get the better of two difficult opponents and secure their ticket to Poland and Ukraine.

Such an achievement would be another important step in the development of this current Sweden team according to Ola Toivonen, the in-form forward who has just been appointed PSV captain.

“This team is talented but still lacks experience,” he told FIFA.com. “We’re difficult to beat because we have a really solid side. Physically and tactically speaking, we have the right players to compete at the highest level. But some of our veterans left, young guys came in, and we really need to take part in tournaments like EURO 2012 to take us to the next level.

“So far, apart from our loss to Hungary, when we just didn’t turn up, our qualifying campaign has been a success. We’ve shown great consistency and played pretty well overall,” added the forward of Finnish descent, who moved to the Dutch Eredivisie in 2009. With six wins, 26 goals scored and eight goals conceded, the Swedes boast statistics as impressive as that of the former Malmo attacker, who has registered 35 goals in 76 matches for PSV, as well as three in 17 for his country.
Physically and tactically speaking, we have the right players to compete at the highest level. But we really need to take part in tournaments like EURO 2012 to take us to the next level.
Ola Toivonen

Absent from the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and eliminated at the first-round stage of UEFA EURO 2008, the Scandinavians’ mission is to restore a reputation that has taken a few knocks in recent years. As far as Toivonen is concerned, the team has the weaponry to achieve that goal.

“We’re confident in our chances because we have just the right blend of youth and experience in the side,” he said. “The match against Finland will be tough and draining, as always. We’ve not had an awful lot of time to prepare for it, either. But that’s also part and parcel of the game," explained Toivonen, who performed well for Sweden’s U-21 side before being promoted to the seniors in 2007.

"We shouldn’t worry about that too much. Instead, we should just give it our best shot. Our team’s full of talent, and good young players keep on making their way through. Change has been good for us - we know exactly where we want to be next year."

Appointed captain of his club during the summer, the new on-pitch leader at the Philips Stadion does not yet enjoy the same status at international level. “I was actually on the bench for the last match, even though I’d played in all the other ones before that,” he recalled.

“International football is different from playing with PSV, where we see a lot of the ball. We’re almost always the better team on the field, even in Europe. With Sweden, we first have to fight to gain control of the match. As a team, everything’s a bit more challenging,” said Toivonen, who has hit the net just once in seven encounters during this qualifying campaign.

In the Dutch league, the rangy blond striker has found goals a lot easier to come by. Having already excelled last year with 15 goals in 28 games, he has maintained that form in this all-important second season: “I’m playing in the same position, so that kind of stability helps a lot. I don’t really feel like I’m playing particularly better this season.”

“The only difference is the captaincy. It’s given me more responsibility on and off the park, and for my development that’s essential. Being handed the armband is an incredible honour, especially when I look at the names that have worn it before me, such as Mark van Bommel, Luc Nilis or Phillip Cocu.”

The three aforementioned former PSV skippers have all starred in a FIFA World Cup or a EURO. Toivonen would love to continue the trend.

The Week in Quotes

“Pele, Romario and Maradona are the best players in the history of football. For me, Pele is the undisputed number one, and I'm next. I have done much more than Maradona. I have won more titles and have scored a lot more goals.”
Romario

“My philosophy is to be snotty at times and to occasionally look the opponents in the eyes and say, 'come on, my friend, now I am going to attack you 22 times and it is not going to be a pleasant afternoon for you'. I will be telling my lads to shoot, to pepper their goal. And if occasionally somebody in row 37 gets their beer knocked out of their hands, then who cares?"
Holger Stanislawski ahead of his Hoffenheim side’s hosting of a Bayern Munich team that has kept ten straight clean sheets

"Can I play for another five years? I want to play for ten."
Francesco Totti on his 35th birthday

"He is the heart of the team, a midfielder with outstanding tactical ability. He is on par with Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets.”
Jupp Heynckes on Bastian Schweinsteiger

“Wow! With that time, I can already begin training to beat [Usain] Bolt!”
Lucas after discovering he ran 85 metres with the ball in just 13 seconds en route to scoring for Brazil against Argentina

“I see similarities positional-wise with Messi. He comes deep, he likes to turn up front as well. Like Messi, he doesn't play like a real centre-forward, but when you look at his movement around the box he is very intelligent and goes on diagonal runs. I always thought his first touch was so good that he can make a difference even in a tight space.”
Arsene Wenger on Robin van Persie

“Moscow is a fantastic city, and you can have a wonderful life here. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find a hair stylist worthy of the name!”
Seydou Doumbia of CSKA Moscow to FIFA
"It's a compliment when you're playing well and people want to drag you down. There have been two sent off in the last two games, so they can keep kicking me if they want as long as they get sent off."
Gareth Bale after Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel and Steve Gohouri of Wigan Athletic were dismissed for fouling him in Tottenham Hotspur’s previous two games

"Juventus are overreliant on Andrea Pirlo. It is Pirlo who dictates the game. If you take him out, the other players become like ants."
Pietro Lo Monaco, Catania general manager

"I'd walk over burning coals to get the England job.”
Sam Allardyce

“These fans are absolutely unique in the Bundesliga. When I see what kind of an atmosphere they create when we win, it is sensational. It gives me goosebumps.”
Lukas Podolski on the Cologne supporters

“We’ve allowed the Peruvian people to dream about reaching the World Cup again. I appreciate fans would prefer us to make it to the big one rather than perform well in the Copa America, but we had to start somewhere.”
Paolo Guerrero

City back on track, United punish Norwich

Manchester City put a turbulent week behind them with a 4-0 victory at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday as Premier League leaders Manchester United rode their luck in a 2-0 win over Norwich City.

City, who suspended Carlos Tevez following his refusal to come off the bench in the UEFA Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich, bounced back in style with goals from Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli, Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic.

The win left City level with United on 19 points after seven games, with the two Manchester rivals four points clear of Newcastle United in third place.

However, the defeat piled the pressure on Rovers mangager Steve Kean as the club crashed to their fifth defeat of the season.

At Old Trafford, leaders United needed late goals from Anderson and Danny Welbeck to secure all three points against the Canaries. However, it was a far from convincing display by Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Norwich were left ruing a costly miss by Anthony Pilkington in the second half, the midfielder missing a one-on-one chance with Anders Lindegaard shortly before Anderson's 68th-minute strike lifted United. Welbeck added the second on 87 minutes to secure the win and maintain United's grip on top spot.

"They set out to defend and made it difficult," Ferguson said. "Even though they hit long balls to the big lad up front they had chances. Once we cleaned up our game in the second half we were better."
They set out to defend and made it difficult.
Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United coach

Liverpool claim derby spoils
In Saturday's early kick-off, Liverpool defeated ten-man Everton 2-0 after another stormy edition of the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Second-half goals from £35 million striker Andy Carroll and Uruguayan international Luis Suarez sealed the points for Kenny Dalglish's men after Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell was controversially sent off.

Dalglish later admitted the sending off of Rodwell for a robust challenge on Suarez in the 23rd minute had swung the game in Liverpool's favour. "I think until they lost a man it was even," Dalglish told Sky Sports. "I didn't think there was much between the teams. Obviously sometimes the numerical advantage works in your favour, sometimes it doesn't.

In the day's other games, Aston Villa beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 at Villa Park with the strikeforce of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent getting the goals.

Agbonlahor broke the deadlock on 36 minutes, rifling in his fourth goal of the season after a superb pass from Scottish international Barry Bannan. Bent effectively sealed the points for Villa in the second half, volleying in from Agbonlahor's pass on 62 minutes.

Sunderland, Wigan battle to draw
Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion battled to a 2-2 draw in a topsy-turvy game at the Stadium of Light. A disastrous opening spell for Sunderland saw West Brom go 2-0 up after only five minutes, with Shane Long and James Morrison taking advantage of slack defending by the struggling home side.

Yet Sunderland had cancelled out West Brom's whirlwind start by the 26th minute after goals from striker Nicklas Bendtner and striker Ahmed Elmohamady hauled them back into the contest.

"It was incredible. An awful start, but there was spirit and togetherness there to drag us back into the game," said Sunderland boss Steve Bruce.

Newcastle maintained their strong start to the season with a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux which left Alan Pardew's Magpies in third place. In-form Newcastle striker Demba Ba struck his fourth goal in two matches to put the visitors ahead on 17 minutes, before Jonas Gutierrez added a second in the 38th minute.

Steven Fletcher pulled a goal back for Wolves on 88 minutes in a furious late onslaught and there was controversy as Mick McCarthy's men had a Kevin Doyle goal disallowed. "We blame ourselves first and foremost," said McCarthy.

Ranieri claims debut Inter win

Inter Milan secured their first win of the season by seeing off 10-man Bologna in Claudio Ranieri's debut game in charge of i Nerazzurri. Giampaolo Pazzini put the visitors in front in the 39th minute, before Alessandro Diamanti levelled with a penalty in the 66th minute. Archimede Morleo was sent off after giving away a penalty in the 81st minute, from which Diego Milito put Inter back in front, and Lucio rounded off the scoring three minutes from time as Inter picked up their first three points of the season at the fourth attempt.

There was a different air about Inter following this week's change in coach and they had the chance to go ahead after only eight minutes when Diego Forlan's free-kick was cleared badly by Mikael Antonsson to Walter Samuel, who failed to beat Jean-Francois Gillet from five yards. Three minutes later, Marco Di Vaio failed to convert a one-on-one chance against Julio Cesar as he looked to curl his shot into the top corner but sent it a yard high and a yard wide.

Forlan's 25-yard strike cannoned against the outside of the right post minutes later before Philippe Coutinho shot just wide in a lively opening. Inter took the lead in the 39th minute with an excellent team move involving Forlan and Esteban Cambiasso, who set up Pazzini for a low shot which Gillet got his hand to but could not prevent creeping in.

Cambiasso hit the crossbar in the 50th minute before Julio Cesar scrambled across his goal to deny Di Vaio at the other end of a very open encounter. Julio Cesar then made another excellent save to push Gaston Ramirez's direct free-kick behind for a corner, from which Samuel was adjudged to have fouled Daniele Portanova inside the area and a penalty was given. Diamanti stepped up to score his first goal for the club and bring Bologna level.

A penalty at the other end saw Milito restore Inter's lead after he had been fouled by Morleo, who was shown the red card. Lucio put the result beyond doubt with a near-post header from Sulley Muntari's free-kick in the 87th minute to give Ranieri a winning start to life in charge of the Nerazzurri.

Majestic Messi annihilates Atleti

Lionel Messi matched Cristiano Ronaldo`s hat-trick earlier in the day Barcelona turned on the style to dismiss in-form Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp. With Los Rojiblancos having scored eight goals in their last two outings and Barcelona labouring against Valencia in midweek, some thought a shock may have been on the cards tonight.

But Pep Guardiola`s men laid on a performance reminiscent of the one that saw them hit Osasuna for eight last Saturday, with Messi joined on the scoresheet by David Villa, while Joao Miranda also put through his own goal. Messi`s treble saw him go stride-for-stride with Ronaldo who scored three for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano, and was his 12th hat-trick for the club. His side also managed to keep man-of-the-moment Radamel Falcao quiet, with the Colombia striker having scored six goals in his previous three games.

Barca were keen to stamp their mark on the game from the off and they did, although they had to watch Tiago hit their bar before they could. With nine minutes gone, Xavi`s crossfield pass was brought down on the chest by Villa who then slipped in past Miranda and finished across the body of Thibaut Courtois. It was a horror night for the on-loan Chelsea stopper, who then rushed out to meet a Messi shot, only to see his save fly into the body of the back-tracking Mirando and then back into the net. Messi was offside in the build-up to the goal, but such was the speed of Barcelona`s play that the linesman could have been forgiven for missing it.

In teaming rain, two became three in the 26th minute when Messi took a throw by the right corner flag, got the ball back off Thiago and then skipped past three opponents before beating Courtois at his near post. Almost a spectator as Messi shone, Cesc Fabregas hit the bar with a chip, before his second-half pass sent Messi clear, only for Courtois to keep him out. The keeper then denied Villa but was fortunate to see Messi off-target when he spilled a Thiago cross.

It was only a temporary halt to the flow of goals, though, as with 12 minutes left Messi ghosted across the edge of the box and hit low across Courtois and into the bottom corner. He was not done there either, taking Villa`s pass to the left of the goal and drilling through Courtois` legs to put the seal on another memorable night.

Results 2011-2012 Premier League standings

Premier League
	Klub	P	W	S	L	SG	V
1	-Manchester United	5	5	0	0	21 - 4	15
2	-Manchester City	5	4	1	0	17 - 5	13
3	-Chelsea	5	3	1	1	8 - 6	10
4	-Newcastle United	5	2	3	0	4 - 2	9
5	-Stoke	5	2	2	1	3 - 5	8
6	-Aston Villa	5	1	4	0	6 - 4	7
7	-Everton	4	2	1	1	6 - 4	7
8	-Liverpool	5	2	1	2	6 - 7	7
9	-Queens Park Rangers	5	2	1	2	4 - 6	7
10	-Wolverhampton	5	2	1	2	4 - 6	7
11	-Tottenham Hotspur	4	2	0	2	7 - 8	6
12	-Sunderland	5	1	2	2	6 - 4	5
13	-Norwich City	5	1	2	2	5 - 7	5
14	-Swansea City	5	1	2	2	3 - 5	5
15	-Wigan Athletic	5	1	2	2	4 - 7	5
16	-Blackburn Rovers	5	1	1	3	7 - 10	4
17	-Arsenal	5	1	1	3	6 - 14	4
18	-Fulham	5	0	3	2	4 - 7	3
19	-Bolton Wanderers	5	1	0	4	8 - 13	3
20	-West Brom	5	1	0	4	3-8	3

Football fixtures 24 September 2011

13:45

Manchester City

2 - 0

Everton

16:00

Arsenal

-

Bolton

16:00

Chelsea

-

Swansea

16:00

Liverpool

-

Wolves

16:00

Newcastle Utd

-

Blackburn

16:00

West Brom

-

Fulham

16:00

Wigan

-

Tottenham

18:30

Stoke City

-

Manchester United

ENGLAND: Championship

16:00

Birmingham

-

Barnsley

16:00

Bristol City

-

Hull City

16:00

Burnley

-

Southampton

16:00

Coventry

-

Reading

16:00

Derby

-

Millwall

16:00

Doncaster

-

Crystal Palace

16:00

Middlesbrough

-

Ipswich

16:00

Portsmouth

-

Blackpool

16:00

West Ham

-

Peterborough

18:15

Watford

-

Nottingham

Olimpia, Aurora advance to last 16

Olimpia claimed their place in the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana with a 2-1 victory over Emelec on Tuesday, although the match was abandoned eight minutes from time after missiles were thrown onto the pitch.

Colombian referee Jose Buitrago made the decision to call off the match after 82 minutes when objects were thrown from the stands in the direction of Olimpia goalkeeper Martin Silva.

The result was allowed to stand, however, with the Paraguayan side advancing 4-2 on aggregate.

Holding a 2-1 advantage from the opening leg, Olimpia took the lead after just six minutes through Richard Ortiz. Pablo Zeballos then added another after 25 minutes, and although Jose-Maria Franco pulled a goal back for Emelec the damage had already been done.

Olimpia will now face 2007 Copa Sudamericana champions Arsenal in the next round.

Aurora joined them in the last 16 after hammering Paraguayan opponents Nacional 5-2 to complete a 6-3 aggregate success.

Nacional went ahead after seven minutes through Rodrigo Teixeira before Aurora hit back with goals from Jair Reynoso (21) and Diomedes Pena (26). Teixeira scored his second of the match after 32 minutes to pull Nacional level, but Fernando Sanjurjo (38), Augusto Andaveris (73) and Jaime Cardozo (90) put the match to bed for the Bolivians.

Vasco Da Gama await Aurora in the last 16.

Spain regain top amid significant movement

After just one month, the Netherlands (2nd, down 1) had to relinquish first place to Spain (1st, up 1) on the September edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

With England having taken a tumble (8th, down 4), Germany (3rd, unchanged) now sit directly above Uruguay (4th, up 1), who occupy their highest-ever position on the global ladder. Other movers towards the summit were Portugal (5th, up 3), Italy (6th, up 1) and Brazil (7th, down 1).

Elsewhere in the top 50, Switzerland (18th, up 12), Bosnia-Herzegovina (22nd, up 17), Hungary (27th, up 18) and Armenia (44th, up 27) all made good progress.

Outside the top 50, meanwhile, no fewer than six teams leaped more than 20 places: Estonia (58th, up 28), Sierra Leone (68th, up 24), Wales (90th, up 27), Togo (95th, up 26), Namibia (119th, up 24) and Nicaragua (155th, up 24). In addition, Papua New Guinea re-entered the Ranking in 187th place.

By and large, the highest climbers of the month won one or more of their FIFA World Cup™ or continental qualifying matches. As a result of the major shake-up, several teams are now in their best-ever positions since introduction of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, namely Uruguay (4th, up 1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (22nd, up 17), Hungary (27th, up 18), Armenia (44th, up 27), Estonia (58th, up 28) and Belize (133rd, up 15). 

The high level of movement in this latest edition is the result of 170 'A' international matches, of which 109 were FIFA World Cup or continental qualifiers and 61 were friendlies.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Ranking will be published on 19 October 2011.

Naismith leads the way

Naismith leads the way

Steven Naismith of Rangers is the early frontrunner in the race for the SPL Golden Boot after his double in Sunday's Old Firm game took his tally for the season to six goals.

Kilmarnock's Paul Heffernan has bagged five goals since his move from Sheffield Wednesday while Celtic striker Gary Hooper and Hibernian hitman Garry O'Connor have scored four times.

Leading scorers (league games only)
6 Steven Naismith (Rangers)
5 Paul Heffernan (Kilmarnock)
4 Gary Hooper (Celtic)
4 Garry O'Connor (Hibernian)
3 James Forrest (Celtic)
3 Anthony Stokes (Celtic)
3 Ki Sung-Yueng (Celtic)
3 Jon Daly (Dundee United)
3 Andy Kirk (Dunfermline)
3 Jamie Murphy (Motherwell)
3 Kyle Lafferty (Rangers)
3 Nikica Jelavic (Rangers)
3 Francisco Sandaza (St Johnstone)

UNDERSTAND ENGLISH CULTURE

When Chelsea appoint Andre Villas-Boas become managers, not least the pessimistic side. He indeed has proven its capacity to carry Fc Porto won the treble winners. Only, it was considered not enough. The lack of coaching experience could be a stumbling block for him.

Moreover, in Chelsea is required to win a trophy. It was feared could put pressure for men 33-year-old like himself. Even so, he actually did not come empty-handed. Villas-Boas had valuable capital to conquer the Premier League.

For him, English football is not a stranger. Before entering as a coach, he had studied several years in this country as an assistant manager. Being right hand Mourinho during 2004-2007 was not the only experience he related to English football.

When was 16 years old, Villas-Boas had helped George Burley Ipswich Town deal. Is a famous English coach Sir Bobby Robson who recommends a name to the Burley Villas-Boas. The goal for the Villas-Boas gain experience at managerial level.

"That was very long. But I remember Andre as a good partner. He is very intelligent and always eager to learn. Of course very valuable for them to feel different cultures. I myself was brought at the request of Sir Bobby Robson. If he asks, whoever would have helped, "said Burley.
In addition, one of the things that makes it easy to adapt to British culture is due to his grandmother who came from that country. A good understanding with the local culture will certainly make it easier to work at Chelsea.

DANGERS OF EFFECTIVENESS

In a competition that long, difficult to deny if the consistency becomes the key to a success. Therefore, the results are picked Manchester United and Chelsea at the start of this season does not guarantee the results at the end of the season.

Although the Red Devils squad by far capable of leading the standings with an impressive record, they just have to be alert. Because, this will make opponents more wary of them. Every meet Manchester United, other teams will strive to perform a variety of ways to avoid embarrassing results.

As did Bolton Wanderers last week. They played hard enough to cause injury to midfielder Tom Cleverley. If this continues to happen, it is not impossible if many Manchester United players who fell so as to make the team's performance declined in the mid-season.

So far, the tendency of such a thing is often the case. Last season for example. Until the 4th week, the Blues could reap the full points with a goal difference of 17 to one. However, in mid-season, Frank Lampard cs decreased. Manchester United are playing more efficient use of up to win the title.

It is also common in the leadership of Jose Mourinho's first season. In the first four weeks, Arsenal is the "Monster" to achieve full points and gain 16 goals. Meanwhile, Chelsea could only pack six goals. But, because it is more consistent, the Blues who eventually became champions.

This experience should make Ferguson wary. What else is under the direction of Villas-Boas, Chelsea slowly but surely transformed into a team that had a good consistency in winning. Not impossible to trace Mourinho able to follow.

Valcke: An important milestone

After the drama of July’s Preliminary Draw in Rio de Janeiro, today brings another important landmark on the road to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, with the beginning of the 1000-day countdown to the big kick-off. Sharing in the gathering excitement is FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, who spoke to FIFA.com about the significance of this milestone, the progress being made in Brazil’s preparations, and the work that still lies ahead.

FIFA.com: The milestone of '1000 days to go' to the kick-off of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ on 12 June 2014: what does this signify for you?
Jerome Valcke: One thousand days marks an important milestone for the organisation of the event. The LOC is organising together with the city of Belo Horizonte a commemorative event but it is great to see the enthusiasm in all host cities with many events taking place across the country. We are very pleased by the commitments expressed by the governors and mayors over the last few days in the build-up to this milestone event to assure FIFA that all will be done to make the FIFA World Cup a success.

With such an important milestone reached, how are the preparations coming along?
To be honest there is still a lot of work to be done, which is normal with 1000 days ahead of the kick-off on 12 June 2014. But it is important that we keep in mind that it is even less to the opening match of the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013. It is essential that we must move quickly now and work closely with the authorities and host cities to make it all happen. And we are not talking about stadiums only, but also about all the infrastructure around such as airport capacities, public transport, level of accommodation to make this FIFA World Cup a memorable experience for teams and fans.

In 2014, the FIFA World Cup returns after 64 years to the country of the five-time champions. What does a FIFA World Cup in Brazil mean to you?
You can simply feel that football is the beating heart of Brazil, a country of joy and celebration, blessed with natural beauty and a booming economy. Brazil is a fantastic country, so diverse and unique, very special. For all of us, this FIFA World Cup will be a very special experience in the country of the five-time world champions. For Brazilians, we know that the ultimate goal is to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time on home soil. That’s a huge expectation the team has to fulfil.

Fletcher wary of Chelsea threat

Darren Fletcher has warned his Manchester United team-mates to beware a Chelsea side nursing a bruised ego at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Andre Villas-Boas makes his first visit to United as Blues boss having presided over a decent start to the campaign, which has yielded 10 points from a possible 12.

Yet that return has been completely eclipsed by the stellar form of both United and Manchester City, who both head into the weekend with 100 per cent records and a massive advantage in goal difference. Indeed, Wayne Rooney's eight Premier League goals are one more than the entire Chelsea squad have managed so far.

However, Fletcher feels United write Chelsea off at their peril. Having been ignored so much, the Scotland skipper believes the Londoners will head north aiming to make a significant statement themselves.

"I think so," said Fletcher, when asked if a team so used to challenging for top honours could be piqued because they are being ignored. "They started last season on fire and ultimately did not win the league, so you have to be careful.
Chelsea are a top side, with a lot of experience. They have a new manager and have brought in some younger, fresher, exciting players.
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher

"Chelsea are a top side, with a lot of experience. They have a new manager and have brought in some younger, fresher, exciting players. It is a tough Premier League. Although the two Manchester clubs have started particularly well, the other teams are going to be dangerous."

After making eight changes for the midweek trip to Benfica, the inclusion of Fletcher for only the second time since March amongst them, Ferguson is expected to revert back to the side which demolished Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. David de Gea has already been promised a recall, whilst Anderson, Ashley Young, Nani and Javier Hernandez are amongst those likely to return.

Fletcher has no qualms about youth being given its head in such an important game. "The young lads have been fantastic," said Fletcher. "They have gained experience at different clubs so it is not as if they are new to Premier League football, but they have been like a breath of fresh air.

"The results speak for themselves. Long may it continue. It is going to be difficult for me to get back in the team. That is the challenge in front of me. I am looking forward to it."

Chiefs pin-up Khune faces Pirates bogey

Football pin-up Itumeleng Khune is desperate for a change of luck when his Kaizer Chiefs team face arch-rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday in the South African Premiership.

The Soweto giants, whose rivalry ranks among the biggest on the continent, have already clashed three times since the mid-July start of the season with Pirates winning them all.

National team first choice Khune allowed a shot to slip between his legs and into the net as the Buccaneers won 1-0 in a Vodacom Challenge play-off for the right to face English visitors Tottenham Hotspur. A week later they clashed again in an exhibition match bankrolled by a world brewing giant and after 120 goalless minutes, the Chiefs goalkeeper blazed his penalty over in the shoot-out and handed Pirates the trophy.

Last weekend, Pirates successfully defended the Top 8 Cup - a competition for the leading eight finishers in the previous championship - and Khune was the fall guy once again. His 'crime' was to allow a long-range Oupa Manyisa shot to bounce just before reaching him and then fly over his outstretched arms for the lone goal of a game that went to extra time.

Within hours social network sites were abuzz with criticism of Khune, the son of a mineworker from north-west town Ventersdorp who first sporting love was cricket before joining Chiefs when 17 years old. "Hate me - it is okay. You are making me stronger and I am used to people like you (critics). I can do only so much and need protection as well," Khune tweeted.

It was a rare experience for the clean-cut 24-year-old goalkeeper, who appears on television almost nightly endorsing fried chicken and shoe polish, and Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic rushed to his defence. "My philosophy is that a goalkeeper is never guilty for conceding a goal. If the 10 players in front of him cannot stop a guy from scoring, then he cannot do anything," said the Serb.

Khune was also out of luck in midweek with big-screen replays proving he did not foul an Ajax Cape Town player, but the referee thought otherwise and awarded a penalty which the home team converted en route to a 2-1 victory. It was Chiefs' first league loss after three consecutive victories and left them level with Pirates, one point behind early pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.

Chiefs will lack suspended Zimbabwe midfield 'enforcer' Tinashe Nengomasha at Soccer City while Pirates can call on former Blackburn and West Ham striker Benni McCarthy, who missed the Top 8 triumph because of a two-match ban.

Landmark moments on the Brazil 2014 trail

Starting from the day Brazil were chosen as host nation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, running all the way through to the Final of the showpiece event, will be a journey of no fewer than 2,448 days. Let us take a look together at the most important landmark dates and events along the way:

30 October 2007: Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA President, announces that Brazil will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The South American nation will therefore enjoy a second opportunity to welcome the world’s finest football teams, 64 years on from hosting the 1950 edition.

2 January 2009: The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for this FIFA World Cup is founded. The LOC is a private entity, which receives FIFA funding, whose role is to help organise the competition. Businessman Ricardo Teixeira, who is also the President of the Brazilian Football Association (CBF), heads the LOC.

31 May 2009: In Nassau in the Bahamas, FIFA announces which 12 cities will host matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. They are as follows: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo.

8 July 2010: The logo of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is unveiled in Johannesburg, South Africa.

30 July 2011: The Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup takes place in Marina da Gloria, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The event establishes the route the 166 participating nations will have to take to secure one of the 31 available places at the competition alongside Brazil, who qualify automatically as hosts.

16 September 2011: There are now just 1,000 days until the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

20 and 21 October 2011: The match calendar for the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be confirmed in Zurich, Switzerland, during a meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee.

December 2012: The draw for the group phase of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013. This enticing dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup will bring together the champions of FIFA’s six affiliated confederations (AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA), plus host nation Brazil and 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain.

28 January 2013: Just 500 days until the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

15 June 2013: Opening ceremony of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

30 June 2013: The final of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

December 2013: The draw for the group phase of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. This will be the 20th edition of the elite competition, which has been won by Brazil five times, Italy four, Germany three, Argentina and Uruguay twice and once apiece by England, France and Spain.

4 March 2014: Only 100 days until the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

12 June 2014: The Opening Ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

13 July 2014: The Final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Minimum of 25 goals

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, it should begin to give this opportunity to the striker. Nicks tally throughout 2011 is still more than the subscription La Furia Roja striker like Fenando Torres and David Villa.
   He is Roberto Soldado. Are now increasingly sharp striker with Valencia. Throughout 2011 has 19 goals collected. Notch 19 goals were scored exactly the same as that achieved by other Spanish striker, Alvaro Negredo. Unfortunately, when Negredo could prove the sharpness with the national team, Soldado had still not received the same opportunity.
   With the performance shown today, Soldado sure will be back in costume La Furia Roja. "Chosen to defend the national team would dream of all the Spanish players. I want to feel it through my current sharpness," said Soldado was quoted as saying the United States.
   Soldado sharpness is very charming. Since scoring four goals against Getafe 4-2 Valencia, he just failed to score in two games alone. This season, he scored a hat-rick against Racing Santander. Last one to the wicket tally nested join Atletico.
   "I can score goals will increase your confidence. I'm happy, happy because the goals that I can print to help the team score points," he said.
   For this season, Soldado is determined not only scoring many goals in Liga BBVA only. Champions League was one of the main targets in the hunt for goals. Minimum target Soldado scored 25 goals this season. "I'm determined to score at least 25 goals. For, if I could do it and with the support of all players, Valencia can win achievements," said Soldado.

Captain Cannavaro paving his own way

After 13 years in the game, and less than a season after his brother Fabio called time on his golden career, Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro is preparing to take centre stage himself. Eight years the junior of his esteemed sibling, Paolo will be making his UEFA Champions League debut on Wednesday evening, when he leads his beloved hometown club out for their Group A opener against Manchester City.

The two brothers started their careers with the southern Italian outfit, albeit six years apart. Unlike Fabio, however, Paolo later returned to where it all started, intent on becoming for Napoli what Francesco Totti is to Roma; a standard bearer.

The younger of the Cannavaro boys learned his trade in Napoli’s youth teams before turning professional at the age of 17 in 1998. The following season he joined his brother at Parma, making his Serie A debut when he came on for him in a 4-1 defeat of Lecce in May 2000.

It was then that the siblings’ paths diverged. Fabio’s would take him all the way to FIFA World Cup™ glory in 2006, the pinnacle of his 136-match international career, while Paolo found himself on the bench more often than not, spending a season on loan at Verona, where he scored his first top-flight goal, before returning to Parma.

Homeward bound
His second spell with the club proved to be a frustrating one, with Cesare Prandelli, the current Italy coach, not deeming him good enough for a starting place. Paolo nevertheless chalked up 18 international appearances for the Under-21 national team in that time, and when Pietro Carmignani came in to replace Prandelli after two seasons, the sturdy central defender was finally able to show what he could do.

The biggest challenge of his career would begin when he made his return to Napoli in 2006, with the club marooned in Serie B, having been declared bankrupt in 2004 and demoted to Serie C1. It was a challenge he would rise to, forming a formidable backline with Maurizio Domizi and Paraguayan centre-half Ruben Maldonado, the best defensive unit in the league.
I’m happy with the group.
Paolo Cannavaro, Napoli captain

“The standard was very high because we were down in Serie B with Juventus and Genoa, who had just been relegated,” explained Paolo. “The atmosphere was fantastic all the same, and our supporters really got behind us.

“We made it back to the top flight, and when Walter Mazzarri came in we gradually became a more competitive team,” continued the Napoli stalwart. “Mazzarri made us believe in our ability and he never stopped motivating us."

Mazzarri it was who gave Cannavaro the captain’s armband in 2009. Unquestionably committed to the Napoli cause, the fiercely competitive skipper led from the front, earning the devotion of the San Paolo faithful in the process.

Big-team mentality
Having been reformed in their darkest hour by the flamboyant film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli last season completed their rise from the ashes by qualifying for Europe’s premier club competition. Blessed with a youthful and richly talented side, they nevertheless face a stiff task in one of the toughest groups in the competition, where they take on Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City.

Captain Cannavaro remains undaunted, however: “I’m happy with the group. Personally I prefer playing against the top teams. We finished third last season and we’re going to show that was no flash in the pan.”

Paolo’s desire to lock horns with the continent’s best is undimmed by the 5-0 mauling Napoli suffered in an early-season friendly against reigning European champions Barcelona.

“I think Barcelona could score four or five goals against any team,” he said. “I was struck by the determination all the Barça players showed in what was only a friendly tournament. That’s what we need to have, that desire to always want to beat the big teams.”

A good performance on Wednesday at the City of Manchester Stadium will take Napoli that bit closer to fulfilling their captain’s wish. Still only 30 and with many years of top-level football ahead of him, as brother Fabio showed in playing until the age of 37, Paolo Cannavaro could well be part of a bright future for I Azzurri.