Group F Decided! The Repre And La Albirroja Advance

Marcelo Lippi's Italy struggled in this summer's World Cup finals. They even finished bottom in Group F with the surprise package, New Zealand in third place. The lack of creativity and quality became a real problem for the Azzurris. Paraguay looked set to progress but first they needed to fend off the Kiwis who, if they win, will advance to the knockout phase. Slovakia with one point after two matches, looked down and out, though still in with a distant chance.

Italy took on Slovakia in the final game with either side needing a win to try and make it to the last 16. Slovakia signalled their intent in the early stages of the game, with Marek Hamsik missing in front of goal. The Repre played the better football and it just goes to show how poor the Azzurris have been in this summer's football showcase. Italy was undone by their inability to beat New Zealand and had to face the dangerous Slovakia. Robert Vittek's two goals pushed him into the unlikely position of top goalscorer in the tournament together with David Villa and Gonzalo Higuain.

Only when the Italians were three goals down, did they manage to put to show any fight. The presence of midfield playmaker, Andrea Pirlo must have had something to do with that. The loss of Buffon quite clearly was a blow to the defence, as Marchetti is not as commanding as the Italian superstar. So a remarkable turnaround and a shocking defeat to Hamsik's side. Slovakia, unbelievably, took second spot in Group F.

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Kiwis Gains Point And Stuns Azzuris

Italian hearts were in their mouths as they saw 19-year old Kiwi giant, Chris Wood controlled the ball, turned Fabio Cannavaro stunningly and looked to have a clear shot on goal. Thankfully for the Azzuris, Wood dragged his shot inches wide of Marchetti's goal, preserving the 1-1 scoreline. The damage had already been done earlier. Shane Smeltz's first half controversial goal had given the Kiwis their second point in South Africa.

Mark Paston in goal had a barnstorming game, pulling off save after save denying and frustrating the Italians. New Zealand's "Thou Shalt Not Pass" ethos led by defiant captain, Ryan Nelsen held firm and were rewarded as Lippi's side ran out of fresh ideas.

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Danish-Kiwi Winston Reid Grabs New Zealand's First World Cup Points

Ricki Herbert said that the Kiwis aim to surprise Slovakia in their opening World Cup match at Rustenburg. New Zealand did exactly that, and in dramatic injury time fashion.

Winston Reid, who until three months ago still harboured dreams of representing Denmark, scored the equaliser giving New Zealand a fair share of the spoils against a tiring Slovakia. Reid's inclusion into the New Zealand's squad raised some controversy among fans of the All Whites but he most definitely played his part today to secure a historic point for his country of birth.

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2010 World Cup Group F Head To Head

The defending champion, Italy is drawn in Group F with New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia. Marcelo Lippi is said to be struggling with his lineup and the general consensus is that as a powerhouse, Italy have regressed. Yet, history has taught us to write off Italy at our peril as they have the experience , mentality and tactical acumen to do well in competitions.

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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 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 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

South Africa 2009: Confederations Cup Preview

The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament for national teams, currently held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF), along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country.

This year, the Confed Cup will be held in South Africa - sort of a sneak preview of what's to come in the soon approaching 2010 World Cup Finals. This tournament will start on June 14th and end with the final on June 28th 2009.

Group A
Spain (UEFA European champions)

Coach: Vicente Del Bosque
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Jose Reina, Diego Lopez
Defenders: Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Joan Capdevila, Carlos Marchena, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Sergi Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Pablo Hernandez, David Silva, Juan Manuel Mata, Albert Riera
Forwards: Daniel Guiza, Fernando Llorente, Fernando Torres, David Villa

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Casillas — (D) Ramos, Pique, Marchena, Capdevila — (M) Alonso, Silva, Xavi, Fabregas — (F) Torres, Villa

Current FIFA Ranking: 1

Strengths:
Spain has strength, quality and depth in their squad. Virtually any player in the 23-man squad can be thrust into the team and will do well. Del Bosque has enough quality in this squad to field two similar strength teams. The confidence of this squad is well high right now having won the European championships. It is a team that has played together for two years now and so the players know each other's game very well.

Weaknesses:
No glaring weaknesses. A hint of the Arsenal about Spain i.e. because they are so good, there is that tendency to want to walk the ball into the net. Midfield is lightweight so opposition may want to stop the Spanish midfield by deploying a spoiler's game in the middle of the park.

Player to Watch: Xavi, Cesc Fabregas

Tournament Prospects:
Vicente Del Bosque and Spain have not lost a match since the 2008 European championships. Del Bosque have already stated that "we are here to win" and the confidence is sky high. An easy group A means that Spain will top this group and will face either Brazil or Italy in the semifinal. Spain will be favourites to win this tournament.

The Fans:

Iraq (AFC Asian champions)

Coach: Bora Milutinovic
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Kasid, Nour Sabri, Uday Talib
Defenders: Basim Abbas, Muayad Khalid, Isam Yaseen, Samir Saeed, Farid Majeed, Salam Shaker, Ali Hussein Rahema, Mohammed Ali Karim, Dara Mohammed Habeeb
Midfielders: Halgurd Mulla Mohammed, Mahdi Karim, Nashat Akram, Hawar Mulla Mohammed, Abdul-Wahab Abu Al-Hail, Salih Sadir
Forwards: Karrar Jassim, Emad Mohammed, Alaa Abdul-Zahra, Younis Mahmoud, Luai Salah

Current FIFA Ranking: 77

Strengths:
Although relatively inexperienced in the international arena, this Iraq team makes up for it through the experience of their Serbian coach. The core of this team have remained the same since they won the Asian Youth championship. As with Spain, these players are very familiar with the way each other like to play. Iraq plays well when the trio of Nashat Akram, Younis Mahmoud and Emad Mohammad combine well.

Weaknesses:
They may have won the 2007 Asian Nations Cup but they will not be representing Asia in the 2010 World Cup. The confidence is not high, they have not performed well since that unexpected Asian Nation Cup win in Malaysia.

Player to Watch: Nashat Akram

Tournament Prospects:
Cannon fodder for the Spanish Machine, may beat South Africa and will get 3 points against New Zealand.

The Fans:

New Zealand (OFC Oceania champions)

Coach: Ricki Herbert
Goalkeepers: James Bannatyne, Glen Moss, Mark Pasto
Defenders: Andrew Boyens, Tony Lochhead, David Mulligan, Steven Old, Aaron Scott, Ben Sigmund, Ivan Vicelich
Midfielders: Andy Barron, Leo Bertos, Tim Brown, Jeremy Christie, Simon Elliott, Chris James, Duncan Oughton
Forwards: Kris Bright, Jeremy Brockie, Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Jarrod Smith, Chris Wood

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Paston — (D) Mulligan, Lochhead, Old, Sigmund — (M) Elliott, Oughton, Brown, James — (F) Smeltz, Killen

Current FIFA Ranking: 82

Strengths:
The strike partnership of Chris Killen and Shane Smeltz have produced 25 goals for the national team. The duo are arguably the two best players in this Kiwi side. They will be looked upon to drive the team forward in this competition.

Weaknesses:
New Zealand lack world class players and so will look to build on team experience here. They will use this tournament to prepare for the World Cup play-off with the fifth best Asian nation. The loss of the excellent Ryan Nelsen will not help the Kiwi's cause or hopes.

Player to Watch: Shane Smeltz, Leo Bertos

Tournament Prospects:
No chance and no points in this tournament.

The Fans:

South Africa (Host country)

Coach: Joel Santana
Goalkeepers: Brian Baloyi, Itumeleng Khune, Rowen Fernandez
Defenders: Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa, Morgan Gould, Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Bryce Moon, Bongani Khumalo
Midfielders: Lance Davids, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Teko Modise, Steven Pienaar, Macbeth Sibaya, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Benson Mhlongo, Elrio van Heerden, Innocent Mdledle
Strikers: Bernard Parker, Katlego Mphela, Thembinkosi Fanteni, Katlego Mashego

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Baloyi - (D) Masilela , Moon, Booth, Gaxa - (M) Modise, Mokoena, Pienaar, Sibaya - (F) Mashego, Mphela

Current FIFA Ranking: 72

Strengths:
South Africa will have home ground advantage for this tournament. The fans will definitely get behind the team and spur them on. The team can rely on Steven Pienaar's industry and hard running in midfield, giving them a creative outlet. Aaron Mokoena provides protection for the back four by breaking up opposition plays in midfield with his tough tackling and physical style.

Weaknesses:
Not recalling Benni McCarthy leaves the South Africans short of attacking options. There is no recognised striker within the team squad. Goals may be hard to come by.

Player to Watch: Steven Pienaar

Tournament Prospects:
Being in the easier group A will surely help the Bafana Bafana. Joel Santana will want to use this tournament to prepare and assess his squad's capability for the 2010 World Cup. The team has the quality to beat New Zealand and Iraq to finish second and qualify for the semifinals. That's when the journey ends for South Africa. Unless witchcraft is used....

The Fans:



Group B
Brazil (CONMEBOL South American champions)

Coach: Carlos Dunga
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar, Victor, Heurelho Gomes
Defenders: Maicon, Daniel Alves, Alex, Juan, Lucio, Luisao, Kleber, Andre Santos
Midfielders: Anderson, Gilberto Silva, Josue, Ramires, Elano, Felipe Melo, Julio Baptista, Kaka
Forwards: Alexandre Pato, Luis Fabiano, Nilmar, Robinho

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Cesar — (D) Maicon, Juan, Lucio, Alves — (M) Kaka, Silva, Baptisa, Elano — (F) Pato, Robinho

Current FIFA Ranking: 5

Strengths:
A squad which has quality, strength, skill and depth. Like Del Bosque, Dunga has a squad in which he could field two teams capable of winning the Confederations Cup. That's the level of strength that Brazil possesses. For once, goalkeeping is no longer a weakness with the formidable Julio Cesar in goal. Defence is solid and physical. The team is packed with creativity and flair both in midfield and in attack. A magical team.

Weaknesses:
Overconfidence is a worry for Brazil. No doubt, they can beat anyone on paper but it's about getting it done on the pitch as well.

Player to Watch: Alexandre Pato

Tournament Prospects:
Need to fight it out with Italy for the group B leadership. Semifinalist for sure but may not be able to beat the Spaniards. Losing finalists this time around. At least the fans will enjoy a dream final - Brazil vs. Spain.

The Fans:




Italy (World champions)

Coach: Marcello Lippi
Goalkeepers: Amelia, Buffon, De Sanctis
Defenders: Cannavaro, Chiellini, Zambrotta, Dossena, Legrottaglie, Gamberini, Grosso, Santon
Midfielders: Camoranesi, De Rossi, Pirlo, Gattuso, Montolivo, Palombo
Forwards: Gilardino, Iaquinta, Pepe, Quagliarella, Toni, Rossi

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Buffon — (D) Cannavaro, Chiellini, Zambrotta, Grosso — (M) Camoranesi, De Rossi, Pirlo — (F) Quagliarella, Toni, Gilardino

Current FIFA Ranking: 4

Strengths:
An Italian squad filled with experience and world class talent. This team know how to shut out a team, stifle an opposition's creativity and win a game the Catenacchio style. Strong at the back, creative and tough to get past in midfield and sharpness in attack. All these are hallmarks of a tactically well organised Italian side.

Weaknesses:
Lippi takes with him an aging squad for this competition. A better option for him was to inject some youthfulness into the team. Athleticism and mobility are areas lacking in this Italian squad.

Player to Watch: Giorgio Chiellini

Tournament Prospects:
A first-time semifinal appearance for the Italians in South Africa. Will have to negotiate past the unpredictability of Egypt and the athleticism of USA.

The Fans:

USA (CONCACAF North American champions)
Coach: Bob Bradley
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Luis Robles
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Jonathan Bornstein, Marvell Wynne, Jay DeMerit, Danny Califf, Heath Pearce
Midfielders: Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Sacha Kljestan, Jose Francisco Torres, Benny Feilhaber, Ricardo Clark, DaMarcus Beasley, Freddy Adu
Forwards: Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, Conor Casey, Charlie Davies

Probable starting formation:

(GK) Howard — (D) Hejduk, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Pearce — (M) Bradley, Beasley, Kljestan, Dempsey — (F) Ching, Donovan

Current FIFA Ranking: 14

Strengths:
Bob Bradley have forged a team with defensive solidity marshalled by the excellent Tim Howard in goal. Midfield will be infused with discipline and positional responsibilities. Freddie Adu's brilliance on the ball can make a difference in tight matches. Athleticism, stamina and endurance are the key qualities of this USA team.

Weaknesses:
This is a USA team that will work hard and chase every ball. Unfortunately at the highest level of international football, a creative spark is required. The Americans do not have this creative or unpredictability element in their ranks.

Player to Watch: Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley

Tournament Prospects:
USA should not be expected to shake up the competition. They have traditionally performed well in the Confed Cup but this will not be the same. Third placing in the group could be a possibility.

The Fans:

Eqypt (CAF African champions)
Coach: Hassan Shehata
Goalkeepers: Essam Al Hadari, Abdul Wahed Al Sayed Mohamed Sobhi, Al Hani Soliman
Defenders: Hani Said, Mahmoud Fathallah, Wael Gomaa, Sherif Abdul Fadhil, Ahmed Said, Ahmed Al Muhammadi, Sayed Moawad, Hazem Emam, Ahmed Samir Farag
Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Shawki, Hosni Abd Rabu, Ahmed Khairy, Mohamed Soliman, Abdul Aziz Tawfiq, Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Aboutrika
Forwards: Ahmed Eid, Mohamed Zidan, Mohamed Abougreisha, Ahmed Abdul Ghani, Ahmed Raouf, Ihab Al Masri, Amr Zaki

Probable starting formation:
(GK) Al Hadari - (D) Al Muhammadi, Moawad, Said, Gomaa - (M) Fathi, Hassan, Shawki, Aboutrika - (F) Zaki, Zidan

Current FIFA Ranking: 40

Strengths:
A very talented Egyptian side combining youth and experience. The Egyptians are familiar with this tournament and will have the desire to prove that they are more than just confederations winners. There are a number of European-based Egyptians in this squad, they will be expected to use their big-game experience to inspire the team.

Weaknesses:
Due to behavioural problems, Mido was omitted from this squad. Egypt's attack is greatly diminished without Mido. Amr Zaki will be asked to shoulder a lot more responsibility which may reduce his goal scoring abilities.

Player to Watch: Mohamed Zidan

Tournament Prospects:
Unpredictable. A giant in African football but hardly produce the goods on the world stage. Will be challenging for the group third placing with USA.

The Fans:

TheFlatBackFour prediction:
Winner: Spain
Runners-up: Brazil
Third Place: Italy
Semifinalist: South Africa