Confederations Cup Final Rounds: The Statistics Review

What a ride! The South Africa Confederations Cup 2009 has been extremely entertaining. As the tournament progresses, it has played its part in providing the twists, cliffhangers and high dramas crucial to any cup tournament success.

As for the final rounds itself, we have had some great games from the semifinals right up to the final match itself.

In total, 44 goals were scored. 32 total assists meant that 73% of goals scored were end products of superb team plays rather than individual brilliance. Four red cards were issued, three of which were to the same team! 50 yellow cards were used to caution overzealous tackles.

The awards roll call look like this:

Golden Ball award (Player of the Tournament): Kaka
Golden Glove award: Tim Howard (USA)
Golden Boot award: Luis Fabiano
Fair Play award: Brazil

Kaka voted Player of the Tournament - Image from Reuters

Now for "The FB4 Confederations Cup alternative awards",
Pass Masters: Spain (2619 passes , 81.1% completion)
Fitness Freaks: South Africa (113.13km per game)
Best Cup exit excuse: Egypt (we were robbed by hookers!)
Top scorers: Brazil (14 goals)
Top attacking team: Brazil (22 shots per game)
Defensive doggedness: USA (71 defensive clearances)
Most wayward finisher: Teko Modise (14 shots wide out of 15 shots taken)
Defender of the Tournament: Lucio (60% Clearance completion rate)
Top Tackler: Sibonisa Gaxa (11 tackles made, 7 successful)
Dribblling King: Robinho (27 dribbles, losing possession only twice)

I think South Africa is ready for the World Cup 2010! Facilities looked great, fans were amazing, the vuvuzelas were real loud AND Brazil won...dare I say it, "typical World Cup fare".

Goodbye for now from South Africa!

This is compiled from statistics listed in FIFA.com.

Confederations Cup Final Match Report: Brazil 3 - 2 USA

Brazil came back from two goals down at half time to beat The United States 3-2 in the 2009 Confederations Cup final, which was played at the Coca Cola Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday night.

The entertaining final provided a fitting end to what has been a goal-filled ‘Festival of Champions', full of thrilling action and top class play by the world’s best footballers.

As the score-line suggests, it was very much a game of two halves as the Samba Boys struggled to find their rhythm in the first stanza, during which time they were duly punished by some ruthless play on the counter attack by Bob Bradley’s side.

The second half however was one way traffic – following Luis Fabiano’s goal 40 seconds after the restart, Brazil just kept coming at the US defence, which bowed to the pressure on a further two occasions.

Brazil were off to a positive start, earning several corners in the early stages and getting a number of crosses into the box, some of which were dealt with rather unconvincingly by the United States defenders.

However, with one of the few attacks they had, it was the US who took a surprise early lead when Jonathan Spector’s hopeful looking 10th minute ball from a fair distance out on the right found its way to Clint Dempsey, who improvised superbly, getting the faintest of touches to divert the ball just beyond the reach of Brazil goal keeper Julio Cesar.

Dempsey continues his hot run - Image from Associated Press

Brazil looked to hit back through Robinho two minutes later, but Tim Howard got down well to turn his low shot out for a corner kick. A Selecao had further chances through Felipe Melo and Maicon, but again Howard came up trumps, pulling off another two good saves. The initiative appeared to be with the Samba Boys, but in the 27th minute they were caught out with a classic counter-attack - Charlie Davies played an inch-perfect pass into Landon Donovan, whose first touch intelligently saw him evading the cover defence before sweeping the ball beyond Cesar from 18-yards out with his left foot.

Donovan gets his just rewards with his goal - Image from Associated Press

Brazil finished the half the stronger side, but could never really get into good enough positions in front of goal to overly trouble Howard. When he was tested, by the likes of Andre Santos and Robinho, the Everton goalkeeper again proved to be on top of his game. Brazil did almost manage to pull a goal back just before the break when Maicon flashed the ball across goal. Fabiano was inches away from getting on the end of the cross, but it had taken a crucial touch off the foot of American defender Carlos Bocanegra.

The complexion of the game changed dramatically just 40 seconds after the restart when Fabiano received the ball with his back to goal, took one touch, swivelled, and then picked out the bottom corner of the net, giving Howard no chance. The pressure continued to mount from the team in yellow and in the 58th minute Howard had to pull off a superb save to stop Lucio heading home a corner kick. The rebound fell to Gilberto Silva, whose close range shot deflected off Spector and over the cross bar.

Two minutes later Brazil came even closer when Kaka’s back-post header was pushed off the line by Howard onto the underside of the crossbar and back into play – replays suggested that the ball may have crossed the line. There was a brief respite for the States when Dempsey’s well-struck shot forced Cesar into conceding a corner.

But Brazil were soon back on the offensive and in the 70th minute Fabiano was put through on goal and looked set to level the match, but Howard moved off his line with blistering speed to make a wonderful close range block. The pressure finally paid off for Dunga’s side in the 74th minute when Fabiano headed home from close range after Robinho had blasted Kaka’s cross into the crossbar from only six yards out.

Fabiano equalises! - Getty Images

The come-from-behind win was completed five minutes from time when Elano’s corner kick was powered home via the head of skipper Lucio, the ball hitting the inside of the upright before ending up in the back of the net.

Joy for Brazil, Heartbreak for USA - Image from Associated Press

TEAMS
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos (Daniel Alves 67'), Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva, Ramires (Elano 67'), Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano

USA: Tim Howard, Jonathan Spector, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Benny Feilhaber (Jonathan Bornstein 74'), Ricardo Clark (Connor Casey 88'), Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Charlie Davies, Jozy Altidore (Kleystan 74')

Brazil celebrates the thrilling comeback win - Image from Reuters

This report is featured at MTNFootball.

Confederations Cup 3rd/4th Placing Match Report: Spain 3 - 2 South Africa (aet)

The match as reported by a South African supporter...

Spain defeated Bafana Bafana 3-2 after extra time in the Confederations Cup 3rd/4th place Play-off at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

We may have been defeated by the Spanish but the team can certainly keep their heads held high after another spirited performance against the number 1 ranked team in the world. The most important aspect for me was that for the first time in years, the players are playing with pride and passion again, and for this Carlos Alberto Parriera and Joel Santana deserves a lot of credit. Coming into the tournament most South Africans expected the team to fail, after all we have plummeted to a lowly rank of 78th in World Football while also failing to qualify for next year's African Cup of Nations, which will be held in Angola.

This tournament has been a real success for the National Team, with the Nation uniting behind Bafana as they took on the likes of Spain and Brazil. I found myself enthusiastically discussing Mokeona's miss and Alves' winning goal with a guy who hardly ever watches soccer!

Getting back to today's game, South Africa came up against Spain in what is commonly known as the 'Losers Final'. Vicente Del Bosque started the match with a strong line-up consisting of Torres, Villa, Alonso and Casillas amongst others, desperate to get back to winning ways after their shock semi final defeat against USA. Santana made only one change from the side which faced Brazil, bringing back Macbeth Sibaya for Benson Mhlongo.

The first half was an evenly contested affair as Bafana held their own against the Spanish; Matthew Booth missed a gilt-edged chance when he failed to hit the target with his header from Tshabalala's free-kick. Spain then had a good opportunity to open the scoring as Santi Carzola broke into the South African box, only to be denied by a brilliant sliding tackle from the impressive Masilela. Simphiwe Tshabalala tested Casillas with a stinging long range effort which the keeper blocked, but the ball fell to Booth inside the box who fired the rebound wide with the goal beckoning.

Spain should have opened the scoring in the second half when Khune blocked a powerful shot from David Villa, which fell into the path of Barcelona's young star Segio Busquets who blasted the ball past Khune only for the assistant referee to incorrectly rule his effort out for offside. The game was looking like it would end goalless but it was to be the day of the substitutes as Katlego Mphela silenced his critics (I’ll be having a large slice of humble pie myself!) with a brilliant opening goal in the 73rd minute. The Sundowns striker showed great composure as he controlled Tshabalala's cross with his knee before firing the ball into the roof of Casillas' net as the Stadium erupted in celebration, 1-0 to Bafana!

Bafana was heading for one of their biggest wins since their 1996 AFCON win over Tunisia, but with only two minutes left on the clock Spain pulled a goal back through substitute Daniel Guiza. A minute later it was 2-1 as Guiza scored in the most spectacular fashion with cross from the right, just outside the box which flew found the back of Khune's net via the upright!

This was a real sucker punch for Bafana as the Spanish came from behind to clinch the match. With fans already starting to leave the stadium, Katlego Mphela scored what will surely go down as the goal of the Tournament with the final kick of the game in the 93rd minute. Elrio van Heerden won a free-kick 35 yards out and with the commentator stating that it will take something "very very spectacular" to beat Casillas from that distance, Mphela fired in an unstoppable shot that flew into the net past a helpless Casillas. The goal sparked mass celebrations inside and outside of the stadium as Bafana took the game to extra time.

Super goal from Mphela - Getty Images

The first half ended goalless after Mphela missed a good chance to grab his hat-trick, while Spain were unlucky to be denied a penalty after Mhlongo handled the ball in the box. Spain were not to be denied though as Xabi Alonso scored the winning goal from a free-kick in the 107th minute, clinching 3rd place for the Spaniards while leaving South Africa to ponder on what could have been.

Alonso seals victory in dramatic fashion for La Roja - Image from Associated Press

Well done Bafana you've made us proud, even in defeat.

The report is featured at SA Football Fans.

Confederations Cup Semifinal Match Report: Brazil 1 - 0 South Africa

South Africa put up a world-class performance, but went down to a late goal in a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in Confederations Cup semifinal defeat at the Coca Cola Park Stadium on Thursday night.

There are 67 FIFA rankings between the two sides, but you wouldn’t have thought it as the home side put up a performance which tested the star-studded South American champions to the fullest and bodes really well for the future.

Joel Santana and team did South Africa proud - Image from Associated Press

South Africa put up a wonderful showing in the first half, throughout the game for that matter – dedication was shown in winning the ball back and spaces were quickly closed down on a consistent basis, ensuring that Brazil’s chances were limited.

Not only were the likes of Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano kept under wraps, but South Africa had several good moments in attack, keeping the ball well at times, in general giving as good as they got against a world class unit.

A Selecao had to wait until the 11th minute for their first chance of the game when Ramires tested Ithumeleng Khune with a dipping shot from 20-yards out, but the Chiefs keeper got down well to make a comfortable save.

Two minutes later the home side had their first chance, showing they were prepared to match the South Americans blow for blow as the impressive Siboniso Gaxa won a challenge before flashing a shot just wide.

Bafana continued to look solid at the back and had a great chance to open the scoring in the 21st minute when a Teko Modise picked out Aaron Mokoena at the back post from a free kick.

It should have been 1-0 South Africa, but the skipper headed over the bar from close range.

By this stage of the game the Bafana players’ confidence was up, sensing that they could indeed match the Brazilians and Simphiwe Tshabalala forced a great save out of Julio Cesar with a well struck free kick on the half hour mark.

There were a few half chances for the likes of Kaka and Andre Santos before the break, but when South Africa went into the recess at 0-0, it was very much job done.

The second half more or less duplicated the first as Joel Santana’s men made life difficult for Brazil. Excellent man marking by Benson Mhlongo on Kaka meant that Brazil’s main playmaker was nullified, with a result that in general, the Samba Boys were only able to manufacture half-chances on goal.

Excellent man marking by Benson Mhlongo on Kaka meant that Brazil’s main playmaker was nullified, with a result that in general, the Samba Boys were only able to manufacture half-chances on goal.

Mokoena’s first half miss had been the defining moment in the first stanza, and there was an incidence of similar importance in the 58th minute when Modise’s shot took a deflection off a Brazil defender - the ball seemed to be headed for the back of the net, until Cesar made a world-class save.

Prior to that moment, the South Africans has been in the ascendancy, showing through their play that there was a belief that they could win the game, the likes of Steven Pienaar, Tshabalala, Mhlongo and Modise doing outstanding work in the middle of the park.

There was little more goal-mouth action of note, until Bafana suffered the killer blow two minutes from time when Mokoena gave away a free kick just outside the box and substitute Dani Alves buried the ball with an effort that gave Khune very little chance.

Alves' substitute impact - Image from Associated Press

The relief on the Brazil players’ faces was in clear evidence – it had been a fantastic performance by South Africa and it has started to appear as if the Samba Boys were starting to run out of ideas as extra time approached.

Dani Alves celebrates his trademark goal - Image from Associated Press

Brazil players happy to be in final - Image from Associated Press

This report is featured at MTNFootball.

Confederations Cup Semifinal Match Report: Spain 0 - 2 USA

A match report as seen through the eyes of a football fan in South Africa.

Feilhaber rejoices - Image from Reuters

Spain had not lost a match since November 2006. They were on a record breaking 15 match winning streak. They had not conceded a single goal during this Fifa Confederations Cup.

These were some of the facts that were rolling off the commentators tongue prior to kick-off, but after another amazing 90 minutes of soccer, the US Men's National team turned world football on it's head yet again when they defeated the mighty Spain 2-0 at Bloemfontein Stadium to advance to Sunday's final.

Tonight we witnessed a truly brilliant team performance from USA, the team who after two matches in Group B had 0 points and a goal difference of -5 somehow defied the odds to beat the unbeatable.

Coach Bob Bradley's men made their intentions clear early in the match as they tried to show Spain that they wouldn't be content with just defending. Clint Davies had the first chance when he attempted an overhead kick from inside the box but his effort went narrowly wide.

Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan both tested Casilla's with efforts from distance as the Eagles got off to a bright start despite trailing Spain in terms of possession.

Torres had Spain's first attempt on goal when Fabregas squared the ball to him, but with too much pace on the cross and an awkward angle Torres could only blast the ball into the crowd for a goal-kick.

Big Jozy Altidore scoring US 1st goal - Image from Associated Press

It was however in the 26th minute that the game turned on its head. Villarreal's 19 year old striker Jozy Altidore received a pass from Landon Donovan and the powerful striker expertly shrugged off the challenge from Joan Capdevilla before firing an unstoppable shot at Casilla's, who got a strong hand to it but still failed to keep it out.

1-0 to America and you could sense an upset was on the cards. For large parts of the rest of the match it was all about USA hanging on for dear life as the Spanish hit them with everything in their locker, but USA defended brilliantly, Jay DeMerit starring at the back with a serious of last ditch tackles and vital blocks which kept their 1 goal lead safe going into the break.

Spain emerged from the break determined to pull a goal back and probably would have were it not for a series of fine saves from Tim Howard and more goal saving tackles from DeMerit. You could sense that Spain were starting to get frustrated as they pressed forward with attack after attack, and 20 minutes from full-time the USA punished them with a goal from nowhere on the counter.

Clint Dempsey scores to kill Spain's hopes of equalising - Image from Reuters

Landon Donovan was the creator again , this time playing an inviting cross into the path of Clint Dempsey who was lurking at the far post. Sergio Ramos managed to get to the ball first but he failed to clear the danger and Dempsey capitalized on his slip up to make it 2-0 to the USA.

Spain were now visibly shocked and you you could see that the USA would win this one, even though they lost Michael Bradley in the dying moments of the match after the midfielder was shown a straight red for a two footed challenge.The Eagles held on for a memorable win that will see them taking on either Brazil or South Africa in Sunday's final.

This report is featured at SA Football Fans.

Confederations Cup Round 3: The Statistics Review

If we thought Round 1 and 2 were great then Round 3 sure threw up a whole lot of surprises and amazing results!

Honestly, if the Confederations Cup were a preview of the World Cup, I can honestly say that I will start counting down the months, days, hours, minutes and seconds to the World Cup 2010! Coupled with the vuvuzela, the atmosphere and fan have been top-class.

In Round 3, a total of eight goals have been scored. To date, 31 goals have been scored, Spain have yet to concede, Brazil players have had 60 shots of which 26 are on target, Tim Howard has made 17 saves and Mohamed Kassid is on course to winning the tournament's Golden Glove award.

It was the first time in 52 years that Italy had conceded three goals in a half and also the second time that a World Cup champion have been dumped out of the Confederations Cup in the group stage.

Spain's triumph over South Africa took them to their 15th consecutive win, breaking the previous world record of 14 set by Brazil, France and Australia. This Spanish team sure is something special. Perhaps as special as Barcelona...

Xavi underlines his credentials as the best midfielder in the world by putting on a masterclass display against South Africa. His 107 passes and 11.3km of tireless running kept Spain ticking over all through that match. However, Michael Bradley continued to lead the workhorse category (12.1km per game). He was in inspirational form for USA, scoring a vital goal and covering a phenomenal 12.7 km in the 3-0 win over Egypt.

After out-passing both Brazil and Italy with success rates of 88% and 82.7% respectively, the accuracy of Egypt's distribution dropped dramatically to 73% as they crashed out unbelievably to the USA. Spain's passing is still awesome, 82.6% - miles better than any other team.

Three players are now tied for the tournament's Golden Shoe award - Torres, Villa and Fabiano. My bet is on the pocket poacher, David Villa. He looks super sharp in this tournament. It's as though he believes that this is THE shopping window for him to secure a move away from financially troubled Valencia.

The competition heats up for the title of Confederations Cup Most Valuable Player. Three players have built up a clear lead over the rest of the pack. David Villa is currently in the lead, followed by Nando Torres, Kaka, Mohammad Kassid and Siboniso Gaxa. However the most outstanding performer of Round 3 has to be the much-maligned Clint Dempsey by virtue of scoring the all-important goal no. 3 to push USA into the semifinals. Surely an interesting matchup between Spain and the hardworking USA.

Lastly, the green shirt sported by Julio Cesar against Italy is the third different-coloured kit he has worn in as many matches at the Confederations Cup 2009. The Brazil goalkeeper turned out in all grey against Egypt and switched to all black for the 3-0 win over USA.

Bring on the vuvuzela!


This review is done based on FIFA.com.

Confederations Cup Match Report: USA 3 - 0 Egypt

USA Completes Magical Comeback to Move into Semifinals!

Dempsey scores and Donovan celebrates! - Image from Associated Press

This is a fan's perspective on the match:

The USA pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in recent history when they booked their place in the Semi-Finals after beating African Champions Egypt by three goals to nil on Sunday evening in Rustenburg.

It was clear that Group B was wide open but nobody expected the USA to go through to the semi-finals after losing their first their first two matches 3-1 and 3-0. They started the day bottom of Group B, with a goal difference of -5 compared to second placed Italy who had a goal difference of +1. Which effectively meant that USA had to overcome a 6 goal deficit to advance to the semi finals, impossible?

Brazil started the match against Italy in a determined mood and were 3-0 up at the break thanks to great finishes from Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano and an own goal from Liverpool's Andrea Dossena on the stroke of half-time. This basically meant that Egypt would be advancing if they could avoid defeat by more than 1 goal against USA.

Roger de Sa jokingly said before kick-off that the Americans had already packed their bags but he couldn't have been more wrong! Charlie Davies handed the Eagles a 1 goal lead at the break when he found the back of the net in the 22nd minute. Michael Bradley doubled their lead on the hour mark after playing a neat one-two with Landon Donovan to send the group wide open! As it stood Italy was now going through instead of Egypt!

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey then completed one of the greatest comebacks in a Fifa Tournament when he made it 3-0 to the USA, heading home Jonathan Spector's excellent cross. This meant that if things stayed the same the USA would go through by virtue of having scored 1 goal more than Italy who they were level with on goal difference of -2.

After 90 minutes both games ended 3 - 0, which secured the USA the most unlikely of escapes as they advance to the semi-finals alongside Brazil. Brilliant night of action in what has proved to be a great Confederations Cup thus far. Well done to USA for showing great fighting spirit.

Semi Finals now look like this:
Brazil v South Africa
Spain v USA

After tonights results I wouldn't bet against a South Africa vs USA final!



This report is featured at SA Football Fans.

Confederations Cup Match Report: Brazil 3 - 0 Italy

Brazil Cruises into the Semi finals, Sets up date with South Africa

Kaka shoots at Italian goal - Image from Reuters

Brazil maintained their 100% record at the 2009 Confederations Cup as they made light work of Italy, sweeping the World champions aside with ease in a commanding 3-0 win at the Loftus Stadium on Sunday night.

Italy did off to a relatively brisk start, possibly surprising their opponents with purposeful attacking play early on.

However, it was Brazil who had the first couple of chances in the game, the best falling to Robinho, who skewed his shot wide of goal after having been released into the box by Luis Fabiano’s nicely weighted sixth minute ball.

In the 15th minute Fabiano found himself through on goal, but Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon showed his experience, and excellent anticipation, as he raced off his line to intercept the ball.

The next chance fell the way of Italy as lively midfielder Mauro Camoranesi sent a cracking half-volley from 25-yards out just over the bar in the 31st minute.

The game continued to swing from end to end and Brazil nearly broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute through an unlikely source – central defender Lucio. The Bayern Munich hard-man showed great skill to beat two Italian defenders inside the box, before sending an angled shot goal-wards, which struck Daniele De Rossi and deflected onto the upright.

By now Brazil were very much in the ascendancy, and took a deserved 35th minute lead when Fabiano slotted home with a clinical shot from eight yards out after the Italian defence had failed to clear their box.

A further two goals in quick succession then left Italy pretty much dead and buried as Brazil gave two examples of devastating counter-attacking play.

In the 43rd minute South American team broke with lightning speed up the field, the ball reaching Robinho, who played a one-two with Kaka, before the ball broke kindly for Fabiano to net his brace; 2-0 Brazil.

Barely a minute later Brazil added a third, Kaka again involved as he picked the ball up deep and set Robinho free down the left wing, who looked to try and pick out Fabiano. Italian defender Andrea Dossena managed to intercept the pass, but only succeeded in redirecting the ball past Buffon and into his own goal.

Azzurri were onto the offensive early in the second half as they desperately tried to force their way back into the game, with goal difference of crucial importance. Dossena put in a couple of dangerous crosses from the left, but it was from one such delivery that Brazil again countered with breath-taking precision, although Robinho’s poor finish meant there was no addition to the scoreboard.

Midway through the second half and Marcello Lippi’s side created a succession of chances, but Julio Cesar was up to the task, saving comfortably from Alberto Gilardino and Simone Pepe, before being more severely tested with a stinging drive from Giuseppe Rossi.

Again though Dunga’s charges showed their potential threat on the counter as Kaka came within inches of adding a fourth after yet another quick break up field in the 68th minute.

There was a chance for Azzurri in the 75th minute when some unorthodox goal keeping from Cesar saw the ball worked to Pepe, but his shot was blocked by a defender.

De Rossi and Dossena had late strikes but it just wasn’t Italy’s night as yet another effort from the European side failed to find the back of the net.

TEAMS

Brazil: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan (Luisao 23’), Andre Santos; Felipe Melo, Kaka, Gilberto Silva (Kleberson 85), Ramires (Josue 85’); Luis Fabiano, Robinho

Italy: Gianluigi Buffon; Andrea Dossena, Giorgio Chiellini, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta; Mauro Camoranesi, Riccardo Montolivo (Simone Pepe 46’), Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo; Vincenzo Iaquinta (Giuseppe Rossi 38’), Luca Toni (Alberto Gilardino 57’)

This report is featured at MTN Football.

Confederations Cup Match Report: South Africa 0 – 2 Spain

An overjoyed South African fan has this to report after the match against Spain.

Image from SA Sports Soccer

South Africa has advanced to the Semi Finals of the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup despite suffering a 2-0 defeat against European Champions Spain at the Bloemfontein Stadium on Saturday evening!

Bafana needed at least a draw against the number 1 ranked team in the World to secure their passage to the semi-finals but on the night the Spanish were just a class above their host. The defeat meant that Bafana had to hope that the tournament's whipping boys, New Zealand could somehow managed to avoid defeat against Iraq in the other match in Group A.

New Zealand did indeed manage to avoid defeat, as they held the Asian champions to a goall less draw at Ellis Park which booked Bafana's place in the semi finals.

I can't tell you how overjoyed I am at the moment because South African football has been craving for a result of this magnitude since our African Cup of Nations win over Tunisia in 1996.

Well done Boys, you've made me very proud tonight, but I know I can't speak for everybody else as I'm sure there’s bound to be lots of complaining and moaning after this result. But I think we need to celebrate this achievement because we have deserved it after our performances in the Tournament. There is still a lot that needs to be improved on ahead of our next match, which is likely to be against Group B leaders Brazil.

As for the actual game, Santana opted for his uber-defensive line-up again, recalling Benson Mhlongo in place of striker Terror Fanteni but truth be told , but in fairness to Santana, Bafana never really sat back and we definitely gave as good as we got in an evenly contested first half which ended 0-0.

The second half also got off to a good start , until Aaron Mokoena brought down Cesc Fabregas inside the area in the 50th minute and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. David Villa stepped up but birthday boy Itumeleng Khune pulled off a sublime double save to deny Villa.
The Valencia striker would not be denied though as he opened the scoring two minutes later with a brilliant finish after as he beat Khune with a low shot after controlling a cross with his chest. Spain then withdrew Villa and Torres with the game pretty much wrapped up as Bafana looked deflated after conceding. We tried to get back into the match but the result was put beyond doubt when substitute Llorente scored from close range in the 72nd minute after the defence was caught napping from a Spanish free-kick.

That was pretty much game, set and match as all eyes crossed over to Johannesburg where Iraq was taking on New Zealand. Luckily for Bafana the match ended 0-0 which means that Bafana move into the semi-finals alongside Spain.

South Africa's success in this tournament comes as somewhat of a shock considering the bad press that the coach and the team had received prior to it kicking off on the 14th, but this just goes to show that with 50 000 supporters cheering you on anything is possible!

Well done Boys, you've made us proud!



This report is featured at SA Football Fans.

Confederations Cup Match Report: Iraq 0 - 0 New Zealand

Younis Mahmoud in anguish after a save by Glen Moss: Image from AFP

Iraq and New Zealand played out a lively 0-0 draw as both teams said farewell to the Confederations Cup on Saturday having failed to score a goal between them in any of their three Group A games.

Iraq, needing a win to have any chance of overhauling South Africa for the runners-up spot to reach the semi-finals behind group winners Spain, were more adventurous than in their opening games but rarely looked like scoring until a late flourish. They were denied what would have been an outstanding goal from Karrar Jasim when his shot bounced off goalkeeper Glen Moss's head and away to safety in stoppage time.

New Zealand, already eliminated after losing their first two games, had several first-half chances but faded after the break, though they did earn their first point in a Confederations Cup after losing all their previous six matches, in 1999 and 2003. Striker Chris Killen missed their best chances and could have won the game just before the end but showed woeful control in front of goal with only Iraq keeper Mohamed Kassid to beat.

The match ended the short stint of Serbian-born Bora Milutinovic as Iraq's coach with the Asian champions already eliminated from the World Cup qualifying competition. New Zealand still have the chance of returning to South Africa for the 2010 finals if they win a playoff against Bahrain or Saudi Arabia later this year.

The match was the first between the countries since Iraq beat New Zealand 2-0 and 4-0 in two World Cup qualifiers played in neutral Sydney 36 years ago. The Kiwis had plenty of chances to take the lead and avenge those defeats in an entertaining first half. Their first fell to Killen after 15 minutes but he failed to compose himself properly and blasted high and wide of Kassid's goal when it looked easier to score.

Shane Smeltz then had two good attempts within a minute but shot wide when off balance for the first one and glanced a header narrowly wide seconds later. Killen then forced Kassid into a good save with a diving header after 34 minutes but for a team that had to win to have any chance of reaching the last four, Iraq were impotent up front by comparison in the opening half.

They did go close to scoring twice in the opening 11 minutes, first when Emad Mohammed headed down into the ground and saw the ball bounce over Moss's bar after eight minutes. Three minutes later Emad and Younis Mahmoud combined with Younis's shot excellently saved but they showed little in front of goal again until near the end when Moss again denied them.

This report is featured at ESPN Soccernet.

Confederations Cup Round 2: The Statistics Review

Round 2 matches have brought just as much excitement as Round 1 had. Though the focus after Round 1 had been on the use of Vuvuzela horn at the stadiums, the Round 2 matches were no less exhilirating. So, let's look at the numbers after Round 2.

We saw the Italians upset by some excellent Egyptian defence and goalkeeping. Similarly, Iraq was unlucky to lose to Spain. South Africa brought this tournament to its feet with a Vuvuzela-influenced win over the Kiwis. The Americans again finished a game with 10 men against a nonchalant Brazil.

With the win over USA, Brazil has now won seven out of their 15 Confederations Cup matches with a three goal margin or more.

Brazil also has overtaken Spain in the goals scored leaderboard, after bagging a round-high of three against the helpless Americans. This puts the Selecao first with 7 goals ahead of Spain who has scored a team total of six. Iraq lies last in this category and will really need to improve as an attacking force against New Zealand to stand any chance of progressing to the latter stages of this tournament.

The US most consistent player so far, Tim Howard has made more saves after Round 2 than any other goalkeeper in the tournament. His 17 saves ranks him at no. 1 - six ahead of his nearest rival, Glen Moss. Unfortunately both USA and New Zealand are the two teams to have conceded the most goals - so Howard and Moss are crucial

Italy continue to stay top as the hardest working team (219.3km) in the competition, mainly due to the fact that they had to chase the game in both rounds. More interestingly, is that Spain and Italy cover more ground than any other team when in possession. This shows the superior fitness levels compared to the other teams - a factor which could determine the semifinal and even the final result. Also noteworthy is that Spain due to their superior pass completion rate, need not work as hard to win back possession - as the old saying goes, "if the opposition does not have the ball, they can't score goals".

Spain has attempted 42 shots, the most by any team in this tournament. In both matches, Spain has completely dominated their opponents. Brazil and Italy, however have the most highest shots on target (19) showing a much better accuracy percentage than Spain. Would this stat be the downfall of the La Roja? We shall see...

The most impressive team in the second round of group matches is obviously Egypt. The African Nations champions and South Africa are proudly flying the African flag in this tournament.

These statistics were compiled from FIFA.com.

Round 3 should prove a cracker as well since 1st and 2nd position in the group table have yet to be decided. At least we know that Spain and Brazil are semifinalist certainties. Egypt, South Africa, Italy and Iraq all have opportunities still to make it past the group stages.

Italy and Brazil will do battle in a match that Italy must win to quality for the semifinals. Egypt will also need to win their final match against the Americans to go through. South Africa need at least a draw against an in-form Spain while Iraq will look for goals (and a lot of it) to progress to the semifinal stage at the expense of a sorely out-of-depth New Zealand side.

And so everything is still at stake here - more drama awaits in Round 3 of the Group stages.

Confederations Cup Match Report: Italy 0 - 1 Egypt

Egyptian Italian Job - Image from Associated Press

Egypt experienced one of their greatest moments on the international football stage when they upset World Champions Italy 1-0 in a Confederations Cup group B game played in Johannesburg on Thursday night.

It could well be argued that the African champions were full value for their half-time lead, but the second stanza was however a different story as the European side had numerous excellent scoring chances, only to be denied time and time again by sensational goal keeping by an inspired Essam Al-Hadari, who made several heroic saves to preserve the slender lead.

Opening stages of the match presented an evenly balanced contest and there was certainly evidence that Egypt were going to make the world champions work hard for their desired three points. The first chance of the game did however go the way of the team in blue as Giuseppe Rossi, handed a place in the starting line-up after his brace against the USA, was given space to shoot from inside the box, but his 12th minute effort flew well over the bar.

Ten minutes later Rossi tested Al Hadari from range, but the Pharaohs keeper did well to tip a powerful strike over the bar. With Andrea Pirlo struggling to find his range from free kicks, that was pretty much it as far as Italy’s first half attacking threat went as Egypt began to grow in confidence, steadily gaining momentum as the game went on.

With five minutes to go before the interval, Azzurri shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon had his first real test of the night when he was forced to touch Hosni Abd Rabou’s swerving 25-yarder over the bar. Egypt made maximum use of the resultant corner, shocking Italy with the opening goal as Mohamed Homos timed his jump to perfection, nodding the ball into the back of the net, via the inside of the post.

Determined to bring the game back to level terms, Italy started the second half with purpose and five minutes after the break Daniele de Rossi looked to get his name on the score-sheet, but fired over the bar from 25-yards out.

Vincenzo Iaquinta had a great opportunity soon after for Azzurri when he went clean through on goal, but his control was less than perfect and Al Hadari was able to move quickly off his line and make a brave save.

The world champions continued to create the better chances and after Simone Pepe’s cross had narrowly elude...{Read more about how Egypt upset the World Champions}



This report is featured at MTN Football.

Confederations Cup Match Report: Brazil 3 - 0 USA

Felipe Melo heading past the hapless Tim Howard - image from Associated Press

The United States became the first casualties of the 2009 Confederations Cup – a 3-0 defeat to an improved Brazilian side at the Loftus Stadium on Thursday afternoon confirming their first round exit. With six points from two games, the result guarantees Brazil their place in the semi-finals.

Brazil were in control of the game pretty much from the word go, settling into their rhythm and never allowing the Americans to get out of their blocks. An early goal was important for the South American side in helping to put memories of their shaky opening game against Egypt to rest.

And this was duly achieved, the opening goal coming after only six minutes as Maicon delivered a world-class free kick from the right, giving Felipe Melo the opportunity to rise high above the defence and power a header past Tim Howard, who had remained motionless on his line.

There was no sitting back after the restart for Dunga’s men and a second soon arrived.

The goal had its origins in a rare USA attack – after DaMarcus Beasley had lost the ball in the Brazilian box, a counter attack of clinical simplicity saw the ball being transported up field through Kaka and Ramires in seconds, resulting in Robinho finishing with a comfortably with a low shot from 12-yards out.

At 2-0 down after 20 minutes, the US side desperately needed to muster a reply, but they found it tough going against a Brazil side who dominated possession and played the game at their own pace. It was thus no surprise that it was Brazil who had the next chance as Kaka went on a typical surging 40-yard run, leaving several players in his wake...{Read more about if Kaka scored}

This report is featured at MTN Football.

Confederations Cup Match Report: South Africa 2 – 0 New Zealand

Image from Associated Press

The match report as seen from a South African football fan perspective...

Tonight Bafana Bafana made me proud to be a South African Soccer supporter. After all the grief we (South African soccer fans) have to put up with, it was great to see such a positive performance from the National Team.

Tonight the team played like South Africa. The flair, the skill, the passion and pace sorely lacking in the previous game against Iraq were there in abundance tonight. The final score may have been 2-0 in favour of Bafana but it could easily have been 4-0 or 5-0 if Masegho had his scoring boots on tonight and were it not for a string of great saves from the New Zealand keeper Moss.

Santana came into this match under a lot of pressure but he will have silenced his critics after this performance. Bafana were buzzing in attack tonight, 20 shots at goal verifies this. But it wasn't just the shots on target which impressed me. It was the way the team played with total belief in their abilities, little flicks and tricks were the order of the night as the likes of Pienaar and Modise ran riot. Tshepo Masilele was an absolute joy to watch down the left flank and he will surely have attracted attention from scouts at the tournament with a man of the match display.

Bernard Parker was the star...{Read on to find out how the match progressed}



This report is featured on SA Football Fans.
Also available from here are the video highlights of the match.

Confederations Cup Match Report: Spain 1 - 0 Iraq

image from Associated Press

Another impressive display from the Spanish Armada as David Villa sealed a semi-final appearance for the La Roja.

Spain are through to the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 but they were made to work for their place, and a 1-0 victory, by a resolute Iraq side.

The Asian champions made life difficult for their European counterparts from the offset and nearly snatched a shock ninth-minute opener when Alaa Abdul Zahra snatched on a Gerard Pique mistake to test Iker Casillas from 20 yards. Spain quickly established a stranglehold on possession, however, and Mohammed Kassid had to rush from his line to deny Fernando Torres after the Liverpool striker worked a delightful one-two with Xavi.

David Villa, meanwhile, was chasing the goal that would take him past Fernando Hierro as Spain's second-top all-time scorer, and he came close on 24 minutes with a left-foot volley that flashed into the side-netting.

Chances remained at a premium though, with Iraq generally successful in subduing their illustrious opponents, and Villa must have wondered if this was not to be his day when he spurned a glorious chance seven minutes into the second half. Santi Cazorla curled in a tantalising cross but, though unmarked ten yards from goal, the Valencia striker headed straight at the grateful Kassid.

Yet, like any great striker, Villa picked himself up and made amends with a superbly-taken winner, directing a precise header just inside the far post following another terrific cross from marauding left-back Joan Capdevila.

Spain continued to dominate and Xabi Alonso forced a fine save out of Kassid, but as the clock ticked down Nashat Akram almost snatched a dramatic equaliser, firing just wide from 25 yards with Casillas rooted to the spot. La Roja held on for a deserved victory, however, and in doing so equalled the longest winning streak in international football: 14 matches.

This report can also be found at FIFA.com.

See Villa's goal at Soccer Mania.

Confederations Cup Round 1: The Statistics Review

The Confederations Cup 2009 got underway this week and what a week it has been! Round 1 has concluded with all teams having played their first matches.

In total, 16 goals have been scored in the opening round, an average of four per game, have ensured a spectacular start to the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009. This free-scoring opening to the tournament mirrors exactly the start to the 2005 edition, which bodes well given that Germany witnessed the highest-scoring 'Festival of Champions' in history, with an overall average of 3.5 goals per game.

Fortunately, the quality has more than matched the quantity, with the likes of Fernando Torres, Mohamed Shawky and Giuseppe Rossi providing early contenders for goal of the tournament.

Spain's super striker, Fernando Torres created tournament history by scoring the quickest hattrick against New Zealand. It took Torres 11 minutes to complete his hattrick owing to world-class finishing and excellent work from arguably the best Spanish team in history.

American players are known for their athleticism and fitness. So it is no surprise that US defensive midfielder, Michael Bradley has worked the hardest for his team. Bradley covered the most ground (12.1km) out of all players. In fact, three US players, Bradley, Donovan and Dempsey are in the top four of the "Distance Covered" category. In the opening round, Italy was the hardest working team, covering 109.21 km which helped them overturn a one goal deficit and outrun a very determined American team.

Brazil's Dani Alves made it to the top of the pass masters chart, with 90% pass completion rate and 71 attempted passes. Spaniard Cesc Fabregas carried over his late season EPL form into this tournament. He attempted 79 passes, finding a team mate a staggering 89.9% of the time. As if to emphasize just what super ball players they are, Spain has three players, Fabregas, Alonso and Capdevila in the top four of the "Passes" category. As a team, Spain topped this category with 522 passes completed and 83.4% completion rate further giving proof that they are the best passing team in the planet. Egypt came second in this category (79.8%) underlining what a superb team effort it was against Brazil.

Italy were expected to take advantage of their set piece prowess at this tournament. After all, they won the World Cup scoring 58% of their goals from set pieces. Instead against the Americans, they scored two long distance goals and have attempted seven shots on goal from outside the penalty area.

Tim Howard leads the saves category with nine saves, followed by Spain's Casillas and Iraq's Kassid. The most tackles (5) made in the opening round belonged to Bafana Bafana's Siboniso Gaxa, gaining possession in three of these tackles. Gaxa also recovered the ball four times and made four clearances, making him the top defender of the opening round so far.

Finally, with his goal against the Kiwis, David Villa has moved level with Fernando Hierro as Spain's joint-second highest all time scorer. Goalscorer supreme, Raul Gonzalez tops that list with 44 goals.

These statistics are compiled from FIFA.com. Get Ready for Round 2!!

Confederations Cup Match Report: Italy 3 - 1 USA

image from Associated Press

World Champions Italy came back from a goal down to beat a spirited 10 man USA side by three goals to one in another great game of football at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria Stadium on Monday night. The crowd were once again amazing with a very cosmopolitan turn out of black, white, Indian, American and even Asian fans all joining together in celebration of the beautiful game.

The game itself turned out to be a great spectacle with both teams making their intentions clear from the kick-off. Italian centre back Nicola Legrottaglie had the first real chance of match when he found himself with a free header inside the box from a set-piece but the defender failed to hit the target as his effort went wide of the goal. The USA then had a great chance.

The USA then had a great chance to open the scoring through Michael Bradley who created some space for himself but with only Gianluigi Buffon to beat the midfielder fired in a tame shot which Buffon comfortably saved. Moments later Jozy Altidore failed to score from a similar position to the one Bradley found him in, but the big striker scuffed his shot which allowed Buffon to make another easy save. This was clearly not going to be a goalless game.

The match was then turned on its head when the referee gave Ricardo Clark a red card for a foolish lunge on Genarro Gattuso. It was a very harsh decision from the referee...{Read about this fantastic game}

This report is featured at SA Football Fans

Confederations Cup Match Report: Brazil 4 - 3 Egypt

image from Reuters

Brazil emerged victorious from a seven goal thriller against African Champions Egypt, in what turned out to be a VERY entertaining match in Bloemfontein. The South Americans opened the scoring inside the first five minutes through a sublime finish from Real Madrid's new signing Kaka. The Brazilian attacker showed the South African crowd why Real were prepared to pay 56 Million pounds for his services as he danced through the Egyptian defence with a two brilliant flicks before calmly slotting the ball past Essam El-Hadry in the Egyptian goal.

Egypt were soon back on level terms though as Mohammed Zidan finished off a good attacking move by heading past Julio Cesar from a pinpoint cross 4 minutes later. However Brazil fought back and unbelievably re-took the lead in the 12th minute after Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano headed in from Elano's free-kick, in looked like being another high scoring match in the Confederations Cup. Brazil then extended their lead in the 38th minute when Juan scored with a powerful header from Elano's corner-kick, which left the Egyptians with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Egypt wasted little time in mounting their fight back...{Read more about this amazing match}

This report is featured at SA Football Fans

Confederations Cup Match Report: Spain 5 - 0 New Zealand

image from Associated Press

In the space of 3 hours the Fifa Confederations Cup was transformed from a bore fest into a goal fest thanks to a ruthless display of attacking football from Spain at the Rustenberg Stadium on Sunday evening. The game was practically over after only 17 minutes on the clock as Liverpool striker Fernando Torres completed his hat-trick with a powerful header.

Torres opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a brilliant curling shot from just outside the penalty area which left the keeper with no chance, a world class finish. Torres doubled Spain’s lead 10 minutes later when he completed a flowing move as Riera played in David Villa with a through ball and the Valencia striker squared the ball to Torres who kept his composure to calmly side foot the ball into the New Zealand net.

Three minutes later Torres showed why he is rated as the best striker in the world when he grabbed his third goal with a powerful header from Capdevilla's cross. This wasn’t going to be pretty for New Zealand...{Read about this amazing match report}

This report is featured at SA Football Fans

Confederations Cup Match Report: South Africa 0 – 0 Iraq

image from Associated Press

Bafana Bafana can consider themselves unlucky not to have picked up three points against Iraq in the opening game of the Fifa Confederations Cup at Ellis Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Joel Santana opted to go with a similar starting 11 that defeated Poland 1-0 last weekend, with left back Tsepho Masilele coming in for Innocent Mdledle and Teko Modise for Pienaar being the only changes.

The game got off to a lively start as striker Tembinkhosi Fanteni picked up a yellow card in the first minute after a crunching tackle on Karrar Jasim. It soon settled down though, with Bafana struggling to string together passes as the Iraqi players quickly closed down the space. Jasim had the first chance of the game with a speculative shot from distance which Khune comfortably saved.

Bernard Parker had South Africa’s first effort on goal with a weak shot from outside the box. Holding midfielder Macbeth Sibaya had our best chance of the opening 45 minutes when he unleashed a powerful shot from 30 yards out which the Iraqi keeper did well to tip over for a corner in the 13th minute. That was the only real highlights of a dull and uneventful first half which ended 0-0 at the break.

Bafana started the second half much better...{Read more about the frustration of South Africa}

This report is featured at SA Football Fans

Ronaldo Leaving: His Possible Replacement

So...Ronaldo is finally going. And to his favoured destination - Real Madrid. At 9.33am Thursday morning, the media and football blogging world started to report the breaking news of an accepted ₤80m bid for the World Player of The Year. The deal looks to be a formality with most papers saying that it is just a question of when. A deadline date of June 30th has been set.

This puts an end to a season-long saga surrounding Ronaldo and Real Madrid. Fortunately for Man Utd fans worldwide, Sir Alex would not have let his most important player go without having a or two backup plan. But how do you replace a player who is lightning fast, have flair, a freekick specialist and scores vital goals?

All of us would like to think that Sir Alex has a plan in place already and is currently executing that plan. We know about the supposed potentials of Nani and Zoran Tosic within the United reserve squad. Ongoing discussions with Wigan Athletic will indicate a logical one-to-one ₤15m replacement in Ecuador winger Luis Antonio Valencia.

Across the English channel, rumours about interest in Franck Ribery refuses to go away but Bayern will not let him go without an inflated transfer price. Manchester United had in May 2009 made an initial inquiry to Bayern offering ₤63m for Ribery on condition that Ronaldo leaves. So now could be the time to exercise this Ribery option. The fans will be appeased if Ribery comes. The Premiership will welcome his direct running and quick footballing brain.

In my opinion, one particularly world-class right-sided midfielder has slipped off the radar. Alessandro Mancini has been warming the bench at Inter this season and he has publicly claimed that he is unhappy about this. Mancini could be tempted by a Manchester United link. The stepover king has the ability to be the Red Devils most exciting flair player. He could be available for cheaper ₤15m. The fans may prefer Ribery but Mancini should be the better option simply because there will be additional funds left for a badly needed defensive midfielder.

If Ronaldo does agree personal terms with Madrid, then he will be hard to replace. Alessandro Mancini, however is well-capable to be his possible replacement. His pace, dribbling skills and flair will thrill and bring the Man United fans to their feet.

Good bye Ronaldo, the EPL will be much poorer viewing without you.

Ronaldo - away from the pitch

Bentley For Sale

Fancy a Bentley, anyone? David Bentley, that is. After a season at his boyhood club, Spurs boss, Harry Redknapp is ready to cut the midfielder loose. It looks like yet another player's boyhood dream will be crushed. We all have seen how Robbie Keane was shown the exit door at his boyhood club, Liverpool.

David Bentley at Spurs was a completely different player than the one who had performed so sterlingly at Blackburn Rovers. Ewood Park faithful were entertained by a football artist who had finally shown maturity and consistency to match his early Arsenal promise. He even added industry to his game.

In the three years at Blackburn, David Bentley has shown that he is a footballer who can change a game with an accurately flighted cross or a defence-splitting pass. More importantly he evolved into that type of player that a team could rely on to win hard-fought games. He was, at Blackburn, what David Dunn had threatened to be had he stayed on at the Lancashire club.

After learning how to be a footballer in Blackburn, Bentley this season, has seemingly forgotten all that and reverted to being just a show-pony. Nevertheless, the man is an obvious talent and therefore his availability on the transfer window should not be overlooked by Premiership managers. Transfer rumours are already abound, with 'Arry reportedly trying to offload Bentley and ₤8m to Aston Villa in exchange for Ashley Young. Atletico Madrid also has been rumoured to offer ₤10m for Bentley's services.

Looking at Bentley's Spurs season, he scored arguably the goal of the season against Arsenal this term. A beautifully executed volley. But that was the only contribution of note. He ended the season with that one goal and two further assists in the Premiership. Crosses-wise, he had whipped in 37 crosses with an accuracy of 20.9%

Compare that with his previous 2007-08 season with Blackburn, where he scored six goals and assisted in seven others. His crossing percentage was 25.7%, swinging in 11.24 crosses per game. Crosses and corners attempted were 416, the highest for that season. Bentley's chances created per game was 2.45. All this suggest that David Bentley has tremendous ability and this season is not a true representation of him.

So what went wrong?

Perhaps he started to believe in his own hype. Perhaps Bentley thought that he had become a marquee player, a superstar. The ego had inflated so much that he had forgotten about effort and commitment on the pitch. In Spurs, that was the complaint...that he did not work hard enough for the team. Two stunning seasons and a big-money transfer can do that to a person.

Furthermore, playing for a club which Bentley had supported as a boy introduced unnecessary pressure on the player resulting in him trying too hard to please. In the end, the flicks did not come off and the crosses failed to find their targets.

Now where should he go?

Liverpool could be that club who can put Bentley's career back on track. Rafa Benitez had a ₤12m bid rejected last season for Bentley so he clearly rates the player. With Liverpool in serious financial debt, a cut-price Bentley ₤10m may be attractive to Rafa. The right side of Liverpool's midfield is a weak area and Liverpool should be looking to strengthen that side of the pitch.

With Bentley in the team, the crossing into the penalty area will add another offensive dimension into the Liverpool attack. A 4-3-1-2 formation will accommodate Mascherano, Bentley, Riera/Alonso and Gerrard with Kuyt and Torres upfront. Both Kuyt and Torres are fantastic headers of the ball and Bentley, with his crossing ability, can surely enhance the aerial potency of the two Liverpool strikers.

With a change of surroundings and going back to the basics of playing football, I am convinced that the old swagger will be back. The beneficiary could be Liverpool and England. In Liverpool, Bentley will not be the superstar that he might have been at Spurs. Instead with the spotlight once again away from him, he could regain the form he showed in the 2007-08 season.

If Bentley can return to some semblance of his Blackburn form, then the heir apparent to David Beckham can once again make Don Fabio sit up and take notice. Doing the business at Liverpool would further reinforce the notion that David Bentley is worthy of a place in Capello's England World Cup squad.

The question is, would Liverpool be willing to gamble on this Spurs misfit? I hope they do.