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Daei threatens to quit Iran post

Iran coach Ali Daei has thrown his countries chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa into doubt by threatening to quit his role as manager of the national team.

Daei, who has scored more international goals than any other player, only took over the job in March but launched a bitter tirade against the FA on Tuesday, revealing he is still waiting to sign a contract.

After a difficult start to their 2010 Qualifying campaign, Iran - who reached the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals - face a make or break four game period in June to determine if they’ll reach South Africa.

However, relations between ex-Bayern Munich forward Daei and the national federation head Ali Kafashian have reached an all-time low.

“If Kafashian does not have time to talk with me about friendly matches and my contract, then I am not free either,” Daei told the Hamshahri newspaper.

“I have not won my honour so easily that I can lose it this way,” he added. “If things go on like this, we should think about something else and they could appoint someone else who they like.”

Among the criticims levelled at Daei is his continued involvement with Iranian club side Saipa which many believe will distract his attention away from the job of reaching South Africa 2010.

Media have said that the federation is waiting for the current Iranian football league season to end to sign a contract with Daei. However the football authorities played down the row with Daei and said the failure to sign a contract was unimportant.

“Daei has been busy with Saipa and Team Melli during this time and the fact a contract has not been signed is not a sensitive issue,” said the deputy head of the Iranian football federation, Mehdi Taj.

Hasek spurs Czech 2010 World Cup job

Former Czech Republic internationalist Ivan Hasek has turned down the opportunity to lead the national team to the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa. The Al Ahly coach launched a scathing attack on the Czech football federation after turning down the change to succeed Karel Bruckner when he stands down after Euro 2008.

“I have absolutely no interest in becoming part of the wheeling and dealing…so typical of Czech football,” the former Sparta Prague player and manager explained in a statement on Monday.

The 44-year-old added: “It’s with regret that under any circumstances am I going to seek the job as Czech coach.”

Hasek’s rejection and public criticism is a further blow to the Czech Republic football federation (CMFS) after Slavia Prague coach Karel Jarolim last week turned down the opportunity to lead the Czechs in the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Hasek earned 56 caps for his country and was part of the Czechoslovakia side who reached the 1990 World Cup Quarter-Finals in Italy.

With Hasek and Jarolim out of the picture the two favourites to take over from Bruckner are FK Teplice coach Petr Rada and Vitezslav Lavicka, manager of the Czech Republic’s U-21 side.

Making Donadoni’s Decision Tough

With Euro 2008 rapidly approaching and many of the domestic leagues (as well as international competitions) wrapping up shortly, Azzurri manager Roberto Donadoni will need to utilize his last chances to see possible national team players in action. While many expect the team to look similar to that of the 2006 World Cup winning squad, there are several players who are making a strong case for themselves this year that may have otherwise been excluded from Donadoni’s plans.

Alessandro Del Piero: Although he won with the team in 2006, ‘Alex’ had since fallen out of Donadoni’s squad. Already 33 years of age, many had felt Del Piero had passed his prime, but his recent form of late seems to indicate that he’s arguably as sharp as ever. With 13 goals and 30 appearances for Juventus this season, along with some highlight reel goals and performances (including a recent hat trick against Atalanta) Alex has clearly outlined his intentions to be a part of the Azzurri squad in June. And considering his popularity among fans and his tireless work ethic, along with his years of top flight experience, it is going to be a decision that may weigh heavily in manager Donadoni’s mind.

Antonio Cassano: Once touted as one of the brightest future stars of the Azzurri, Antonio has since fell out of favor with managers at both the club and international level, and for a while was deemed too risky for many coaches to bring him back on. However, Serie A outfit Sampdoria finally decided to give him another chance, and so far he’s stepped up his game with a string of solid outings along with 8 goals in 18 appearances to date. He’s made his desire to once again play for the Azzurri quite vocal, and with his speed and confidence, Antonio is another potentially valuable player that could perhaps be brought in for Euro 2008.

Marco Borriello: Naples born striker Marco Borriello has had a relatively quiet career until recent, being brought up in the AC Milan system but never quite finding a first team position. However, since arriving at Genoa CFC, he has been on fire in front of goal; one of the Serie A’s most prolific strikers this season, he’s hit 19 goals in 30 appearances while helping Genoa reach a respectable top-half table position. Although he only has two caps for the Azzurri—both friendlies—his deadly form of late may make him another individual who earns the right to play for Donadoni’s team in Austria and Switzerland.

Giuseppe Rossi: Although only 21 and uncapped at the senior level, Giuseppe Rossi might well represent the next generation of Italian footballers. Playing with La Liga’s Villareal this season he has 11 goals in 24 appearances, and has been well recognized for his pace, incisive runs into the defense, accurate crosses, and a powerful left foot. Although he hasn’t been called up for the Azzurri, he’s been a regular on the Azzurrini (Italy’s U-21 international team) and played for the U-18, U-17, and U-16 squads as well. If Donadoni decides to go for a younger, quicker team, this is one possible call up that might not be as unlikely as some may think – the pattern seems to indicate so, at least.

Needless to say, much thought will go into Roberto Donadoni’s Euro 2008 squad selection.

by Justin Barrie

Kewell boost to Australia 2010 hopes

Australia’s 2010 World Cup hopes have been given a boost with the news that Harry Kewell will play in next months friendly match against Ghana, as the Socceroos prepare for a vital batch of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.

The Liverpool star has been plagued by injuries over the past couple of years and was one of several Australia stars to miss last months 0-0 draw with China last month, after suffering a groin strain in a friendly with Singapore.

It was determined that Kewell would not require surgery, although his last match for Liverpool was in their shock 2-1 defeat by Barnsley on 16th February.

The former Leeds star, who was this week named as one of the top under-30 earners in Britain with a personal fortune of £13 million, is expected to be fit for Australia’s crucial run of qualifying matches in their bid to reach the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

“For me, in particular, this is an important part of getting back to full match fitness,” Kewell said in a Football Federation Australia statement. “I’m looking forward to getting back home as always because I don’t have a chance to do it more than a couple of times a year at best.”

The friendly against Ghana will be Australia’s final preparation for a run of four FIFA World Cup qualifiers which will determine if they reach the finals in South Africa in 2010.

“Ghana are a great team for us to play in preparation for the next round of the World Cup qualifiers,” Kewell said.

Beckham part of South Africa 2010 England plans

England coach Fabio Capello has admitted that David Beckham could play in the 2010 World Cup Finals if he keeps himself fit. Beckham’s England career had appeared to be over after he was omitted from Capello’s first England squad, but he earned his 100th cap against France in Paris last month.

“The door is open. He played the last game, and did well against France. I see him play for Los Angeles Galaxy every now and then,” the Italian told sports daily Marca on Friday.

“It depends. There are players who are 33 or 34, who look after themselves very well. They understand that physically they aren’t what they used to be and take more care. A lot depends on this.”

Capello, however, refused to guarantee Beckham’s inclusion in the England squad when they start their bid to reach South Africa in 2010 in September.

The former Real Madrid boss claimed he is happy with his reign as England manager so far, despite last month 1-0 defeat by France and that he has seen many signs of progress in his short spell in charge.

“I told the players after the France defeat that I was pleased and that I had seen a step forward. We have to take it step by step,” he said. “First we have to qualify (for 2010) and then we’ll see what happens. I think I have a good team, although we need to work a little so that they all understand what I want.”

England’s stars will have to watch EURO 2008 on TV this summer, despite having three representatives in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. However, Capello doesn’t believe the influx of foreign players is hurting the national team.

“This isn’t the problem. The problem is that we only have 38 per cent of the players,” Capello said. “There are Welsh, Scottish, Irish… In Spain and Italy for example, they have around 70 per cent of the players available.”

Standing in England’s way to reach the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa are Croatia, who ended England’s hopes of reaching EURO 2008 this summer.

Odejayi to fire Nigeria to 2010 South Africa

Nigeria have called up Kayode Odejayi to their 26 man squad for next months friendly with EURO 2008 Co-hosts Austria. The Barnsley striker shot to prominence with the winning goal and all round excellent performance against Chelsea in the FA Cup last month and has been rewarded for his good form with a place in the Super Eagles squad for the start of the 2010 World Cup Qualifying campaign.

Nigeria kick off their bid to reach South Africa against South Africa in June. New boss Shaibu Amodu’s first squad also includes defenders Elderson Echiejile of French club Stade Rennes and Sudan-based Yusuf Mohamed, who were also called up for the first time.

Hosts South Africa are already assured of a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup but the qualifying tournament also doubles as a qualifying event for the 2010 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda), Austin Ejide (Bastia), Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv)

Defenders: Onyekachi Apam (Nice), Elderson Echiejile (Stade Rennes), Yusuf Mohamed (Al Hilal), Obinna Nwaneri (FC Sion), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Danny Shittu (Watford), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille), Joseph Yobo (Everton)

Midfielders: Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev), Uche Kalu (Almeria), Haruna Lukman (Monaco), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Seyi Olofinjana (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ike Uche (Getafe)

Forwards: Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Anichebe (both Everton), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle United), Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona), Peter Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow), Kayode Odejayi (Barnsley), Emmanuel Okoduwa (Westerlo), John Utaka (Portsmouth).

Ramirez to kickoff Mexico 2010 World Cup campaign

Interim coach Jesus Ramirez will lead the Mexican National Team during the start of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced on Thursday.

Ramirez, who led the Mexico under-17 team to glory at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup, has been in charge on a caretaker basis since the departure of Hugo Sanchez last month.

“Jesus Ramirez will coach the team for the warm-up games against Argentina and Peru (in June), as well as the matches in the second preliminary round of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers for South Africa 2010,” said the FMF in a statement.

Mexico face Belize over two legs in the next leg of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, as they bid to earn a place at the FIFA Finals in South Africa in 2010. It should be a formality for a team who reached the second round in 2006, only to be eliminated by Germany.

The two favourites to take over - Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre and Portugal boss Luiz Felipe Scolari - are both unavailable for the start of the campaign - which has led to Ramirez taking tempoary charge.

Ramirez’s first game in charge was a friendly against China last week. Mexico won 1-0.

Koeman named new Hungary boss

Erwin Koeman has been appointed the new manager of the Hungary National Football team announced the Hungarian Football Association (HFA) on Thursday.

The 46-year-old former Netherlands coach will lead the Hungarian team during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers as they bid to earn a place at the FIFA finals in South Africa.

Koeman  replaces Peter Varhidi, who took over in December 2006 and failed to earn his side qualification for UEFA EURO 2008.

It’s been a busy week for the Koeman family as on Monday, Erwin’s younger brother Ronald was sacked as manager of Valencia CF after a disastrous spell in charge which has seen the former La Liga champions slide dangerous close to the relegation zone.

Hungary will face a tough qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, having been drawn in a group with Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Malta and Albania.

FIFA announce IBC venue for 2010 South Africa

FIFA have announced that the Nasrec Precinct in Johannesburg will be the location of the International Broadcast Centre at the 2010 World Cup Finals. The announcement was made via video link by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who stated his belief that “this particular IBC will be one of the most advanced centres of information in the world.”

The area will receive major financial investment ahead of the showpiece finals in South Africa, which are now just two years away. South Africa have announced plans to build 500 residential units and a four star hotel on the site. The area already has Soccer City, the main venue for the 2010 Finals and the stadium which will play host to both the Opening Game and the 2010 World Cup final. Also located in the area is the SAFA House, the operational centre for the event.

The completed centre will be able to handle transmission capacity of forty gigabytes per second via it’s satelitte teleport and telecommunications infrastructure. 2010 will also be the first World Cup finals to be broadcast in HDTV with a dedicated network being setup to link the ten stadium venues and the viewing world with the 2010 World Cup.

In his address, thee Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, said: “Johannesburg is determined to make its contribution towards the successful hosting of the this event in South Africa’s history and this International Broadcasting Centre will help us reach our vision of a world class African city.”
Johannesburg is already the main centre in South Africa for international and national broadcasting, with the South Africa Broadcasting Company’s headquarters in the city. It is also home to most of the radio stations and 60 per cent of information and technology enterprises in South Africa.

Television data from around the globe during the 2006 World Cup Finals confirmed that it is the most popular event in the world, with over 715 million people watching the final between France and Italy, while a cumulative total of 26.29 billion watched the tournament.

Santana to lead South Africa 2010

Brazilian coach Joel Santana is set to fill the boots of compatriot Carlos Alberto Parriera by taking over as manager of the South African National Football Team for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Parriera, who took over as coach in February 2007, stood down last week to spend time with his ill wife. Despite Manchester City coach Sven-Goran Eriksson being linked with the post, it now seems that 59-year-old Flamengo coach Santana will be the man to lead South Africa as they host the 2010 FIFA Finals.

“Joel is transferring to the South African national team after the final of the Carioca championship,” said Flamengo’s vice-president Kleber Leite.

Santana admitted his sadness at leaving Flamengo but is relishing the opportunity to coach in the World Cup Finals.

“These things happen once in a lifetime,” he said. “Quitting here is difficult. I’m heartbroken, but I am a professional.”

Leite added: “He (Santana) told that me that he will earn in 30 months more than he has earned in the last 30 years.

“His dream is to coach a national team at a World Cup.”

The appointment by the South Africa FA will surprise many as although Santana has a good track record in Brazil, he has little international experience although he has worked for club sides in Saudi Arabia and Japan.

It had been expected that South Africa would opt for a bigger name manager such as Eriksson to lead them to the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Parreira, whose resignation takes effect from 2 May, will continue as technical advisor, while his two assistant coaches - Jairo Leal and Pitso Mosimane - will remain part of the set-up.

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