Argentina yesterday Hammered World Champions Spain 4-1 in Buenoa Aires. This result has of course raised questions on whether the country’s football legend Diego Maradona was the right man to coach the national team.

Winning their first game under caretaker coach Sergio Batista resoundingly does question the tactics used by former coach Diego Maradona. In my opinion, Maradona was never the right person for the job. Passion alone is not enough to ensure success.

Maradona might have had his heart in the right place but his off pitch antics and coaching technique were not right. In their qualifying matches for the World Cup, Maradona used over 100 players and as a result almost failed to make the cut in the South American group.

Teams that should have otherwise been easy opponents ended up humiliating the giants. In the quarter final stage of the tournament. Germany beat Argentina by 4 goals to 0. Not because they were more talented, but because of their tactical discipline. Each player knew what he was supposed to do and they did it effectively.

With the Copa America coming up, this victory undoubtedly backs up Batista as the preferred choice for the job. Maradona like Pele should be content with his contribution to the game. His goal against England in Mexico 86 will be remembered for as long as the game lives.

Meanwhile, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has admitted that Argentina were the better side on the day. Speaking to AS De; Bosque was however quick to state that his team did not deserve to lose by such a huge margin.

“The result has been a tad exaggerated. I was not surprised, Argentina has been better than us, especially the first half.”

“In the second half there was a desire from us. 4-1, in my view, is a tad exaggerated. But it does not detract from the triumph of Argentina. We had dignity to go out and find the outcome

“We don’t look for the excuse that the result was down to the changes we have made. Those who have come in are team players. We are at the beginning of the season. There’s no damage to the image. We have dignity even in losing.”

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Tuesday  provides a mouth watering friendly clash between two of the games biggest football nations- Argentina v Spain.  Spain has dominated world football these past two years. La Furia Roja are not only European champions but also just recently added the biggest title of them all-the FIFA World Champions tag. One man has however been quick to instruct his side not to let their achievements get to their head.

Current coach Vicente Del Bosque has issued a warning to his side as they prepare to face Argentina in a friendly in Buenos Aires today. Del Bosque is undoubtedly one of the best coaches around and is mainly remembered for stint as Real Madrid boss.

The Spaniard was largely responsible for fashioning a dream team during the club’s galacticos era. Los Blancos went on to win a number of titles including two Champions League trophies and the La Liga title.

Now coach of Spain, Del Bosque is taking nothing lightly as he prepares his team to face the South American giants.

“The worst that can happen to this group is to believe that we are the kings of the world. After winning the World Cup, our goal is to prepare for the next tournament,”

“We’re just players and a coach except that we are the world champions. We have a great responsibility to move forward.

“I think our success is due to a solid base rather than a good generation. We have not changed at all since the World Cup. We won the World Cup from technical and human effort.”

Argentina on any day is not a team to be underestimated and even though they may be struggling to find that winning formula that won them two world cups, La Albicelestes go into the match as favourites.

Photo credit: from PanARMENIAN_Photo

Finally, after ranting and raving for the inclusion of Ronaldinho in the Brazilian national team, coach Mano Menezes had heard the cries of  his millions of fans across the globe.

Menezes has given the Milan star a chance for inclusion in his squad if he continues with his remarkable form which helped the Serie A giants finish third in the league last season. Breaking his silence on the Dinho saga, Menezes has ‘left the door open’ for the 30 year old star who still creates a buzz whenever he takes to the pitch.

As we all know, Ronnie failed to make it to the World Cup because of lack of form and fitness. Of course, these were the reasons given by the then coach Carlos Dunga but we all know the real reason Dunga did not select him was because of grudge that he is yet to live down.

Ronaldinho humiliated Dunga ( you need to watch to see how bad it really was) while they both still used to play in Brazil and this little incident has been the bone of contention ever since.

At only 30, Ronaldinho is still very young. In fact, i would not be surprised if he made it to Menezes squad for the next World Cup. Should that happen, it would be the icing on the cake for a such a glittering career. Winning the World Cup on home soil is the dream of every player.

Dunga might have denied Ronaldinho the chance to play in this year’s edition but to coin a very wise saying, lightning does not struck the same place twice. If Ronaldinho makes it to the World Cup and Brazil win it, it will give the fans even more reason to hate Dunga.

“Ronaldinho in the national team? I am working towards World Cup 2014. ‘Dinho is not old and won’t be for Brazil,” the coach told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“If he returns to being what he used to then I will call him.”

With Brazil’s current crop of players, many myself included believe this is the squad that could win that record 6th title. Ronaldinho’s inclusion will only strengthen them. With the Copa America coming up, this bit of news could inspire the Milan ace to reproduce a form that many though had long departed from him.

Photo credit: from sarahh

Arguably one of the greatest players of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele is the latest to chip in on Brazilian starlet Neymar’s transfer saga. The 69 year old legend is apparently trying to persuade the teenager to remain in Brazil at least until his game has matured enough.

After watching one of the country’s best talent (Robinho) under perform in Europe, Pele is not prepared to see another talent ruined and neither am i. The Santos forward is regarded as the Selecao’s main hope when they host the World Cup in 4 years time.

Pele is obviously concerned about the future of Brazilian football and he should because the country twice went into the World Cup 2006 and 2010 as favourites and failed to make it past the quarter final stages.

Looking for that 6th World title which will cement their status as the most successful football nation of all time is becoming a very daunting task as the years go by.

Brazil are also looking to win the World Cup on home soil for the very first time. The Samba nation were hosts of this tournament back in 1950 losing out to Uruguay in the final.

A lot of hope has been heaped on the young shoulders of Neymar, Pato and Ganso with many already believing that this current crop of players could match the greats of 1970, 1982 and 2002.

I completely agree with Pele. Leaving Santos will not be the best decision, however, with the game being largely influenced by money, its only a matter of time before Santos give in to Chelsea‘s financial might. I do hope though, that it takes longer than expected.

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Germany beat Nigeria 2-0 yesterday to win the FIFA’S Women’s U-20 World Cup on home soil. Korea also beat Colombia 1-0 to clinch the Bronze in the third attempt at this stage of the competition.

Germany’s victory however is the main talking point as the hosts finished the tournament with a perfect record winning all their matches. It was alos a momentous occasion for Nigeria’s despite their loss.

The Falconets became the first African nation to win a medal in a FIFA women’s tournament. This is Germany’s second title-their first one coming 6 years back in Thailand.

For tournament held immediately after the more appealing men’s World Cup, it posted some very impressive statistics. A new record attendance for the tournament was set with a total of 395 265 fans having watched all 32 matches an average of 12,353 fans per game.

The tournament’s Fair play award went to Korea Republic. The Golden Glove went to USA‘s Bianca Henninger with Germany’s Alexandra Popp winning both the Adidas Golden Ball and Adidas Golden Shoe awards.

This marks the end of  FIFA’s summer football fest and brightly turns the focus to the European league that is set to begin in the next few weeks. As like i said in my last post, this tournament was a curtain raiser for the Women’s World Cup that will be staged in the same country next year.

It only remains to be seen whether the German senior side can equal the performace displayed by their juniors.

Photo credit: from americanistadechiapas

Today another FIFA final will be staged in the city of Bielefeld where Germany will take on surprise finalists Nigeria in the Women’s U-20 World Cup. After nearly three weeks of football and 90 goals, the curtains come down on tournament that has largely been billed as a dress rehearsal for next year’s senior event.

As hosts, Germany are favourites to win the match although the Falconets of Nigeria cannot be ruled out. Both Germany and Nigeria have  perfect records going into the final and that should provide for an entertaining match.

Speaking about today’s final, Hamburg SV’s midfielder Kim Kulig stated that Germany’s opponents cannot be ruled out.

“Nigeria are an African team, and it’s never easy playing against teams like them. We faced Congo DR back in Chile. The matches tend to be tough battles, since the Africans are very quick and athletic. Nigeria are a really good team and they deserve their place in the final.”

Nigeria is also exuding confidence ahead of this match as was demonstrated by their coach Ndem Egan.

“We will also have to play against the home crowd but that does not distract us because we know very well what we are going to face. It won’t dampen our morale.”

However, this will not be the only match of the day as South Korea will face Colombia in the third place play-off. Losing by an enormous 4 goal margin to Germany in the Semi final, South Korea will not be taking any chances against Colombia.

Since inception of this tournament, Korea has only managed to reach the semi finals twice; in 1983 and 2002 and finishing fourth on both occasions so despite them crashing out at the same point this year, Choi In-Chuel habours hope that he might be able to bag a medal for his country in their third attempt.

“I’m very proud of my team for reaching the semi-finals. We’ll be taking our mental, physical and technical preparations for the match very seriously indeed.”

“In the history of South Korean football, we’ve only managed to reach the semi-finals twice before, in 1983 (at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mexico) and in 2002 (FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™). We missed out on the bronze on both those occasions, so I want my team to become the first to go home with a medal.”

Today’s final will be entertaining to say the least and picking out a clear winner will not be an easy task, however, what i am sure of is the fact that this will be a high scoring match.

Photo Credit: from pixilla.de

In his first major action as Brazil coach, Mano Menezes has released the names of his 24 man squad that will face the USA in a friendly next month. I have to warn you though, it is not short of surprises. Of course what everyone wants to know is whether Dinho made the cut.

Unfortunately the Milan star along with Ronaldo and Adriano were not so lucky. However, what is even more surprising is the fact that Kaka, and Inter‘s treble winning goalie Julio Cesar are not in the squad. Now, i know that this is a new era in Brazilian football however, that does not mean you cut off your key players.

Although hard to believe, i can understand why Kaka did not make the cut, however, Cesar’s exclusion is just baffling! The Inter Milan custodian has been the rock of the Selecao’s defense since 2006 and i believe he still has a lot left in him.

Kaka’s position has been taken up by Liverpool midfielder Lucas. I do not see any logical reasons behind such a decision but that’s just my opinion. Meanwhile, Benfica midfielder Ramires has also been retained.

The good news is that Pato, Neymar and Ganso have all been included in the squad so we can at least expect some entertainment. Menezes made this announcement when speaking to the press on Monday. During the conference, Menezes also reiterated the gravity of his job and thanked all who were behind his selection.

“I know that from this moment I occupy one of the most important positions in this country,” he said. “We hope to build a Selecao capable of representing on the pitch all our ambitions and dreams.

“The task is difficult but we have to make sure that we will have a lot of drive to do it. Thank you for the confidence”.

Menezes full list is below

Goalkeepers: Victor (Gremio), Renan (Avai), Jefferson (Botafogo)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Rafael (Manchester United), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Marcelo (Real Madrid), David Luiz (Benfica), Henrique (Racing), Rever (Atletico-MG), Thiago Silva (Milan)

Midfielders: Sandro (Internacional), Ramires (Benfica), Lucas (Liverpool), Jucilei (Corinthians), Ganso (Santos), Ederson (Lyon), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Diego Tardelli (Atletico-MG), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Andre (Santos), Neymar (Santos)

With the 2014 World Cup being Mano’s main focus, he is not taking any chances with his selection. Next month’s friendly will be the yardstick he uses to gauge which players he considers best to be his regular starting 11.

I at least habour a glimmer of hope that Dinho will feature for the Selecao at some point, however, this is a pretty good start for Brazil.

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Mention Women’s Soccer in the USA and the first thing that comes to many people’s mind is Mia Hamm. For as long as i can remember Mia Hamm was the face of American Women’s soccer and rightfully so because the 38 year old former striker’s career is one of the most decorated not only in the women’s category, but in the entire history of the sport.

Yeah i know that thats a pretty bold statement but once you consider Hamm’s achievements, you will realise just how talented she was.  Hamm’s international career spanned 17 years where she scored 158 goals in 275 appearances for the United States.

Her club career is equally impressive as she scored a total of 128 goals in 144 appearances for North Carolina Tar Heels and the Washington Freedom (a club she founded). Hamm also won the first two editions of the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002.

Moreover, she holds the record as being the only player to have scored the most international goals ever in the history of football. She is also the second most capped female player in history.

If you thought that the accolades end there, you are wrong. Pele, named Hamm as one of the games 125 best living players. Hamm retired from soccer in 2004 and industed into the Texas Hall of Fame 4 years later on March 11 2008.

Now, the reason why i gave you that information is because i think another star is emerging in Women’s soccer. Well sure there is Marta, Kelly Smith, Cristiane and Brigit Prinz however if you have been following the ongoing Women’s U-20 World Cup you will be in agreement with me when i say that Sydney Leroux is a player to keep an eye.

Despite missing a penalty that knocked them out of the tournament, Sydney Leroux has the ability to become a dominant force in Women’s football. Sadly though, yesterday’s game against Nigeria was to be their last as the defending champions were knocked out 4-3 on penalties in the quarter finals after their  game ended 1-1 in normal time.

In Sunday’s other match,Sweden lost 2-0 to Colombia to set up a semi final fixture with Nigeria.  On Saturday, hosts Germany beat Norht Korea 2-0 to move into the penultimate stage of the competition where they will face South Korea who beat Mexico 3-1.

The semi finals of the tournament  are scheduled for Thursday this week .

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The CBF has named Mano Menezes as Brazil‘s new coach. The 48 year-old replaced Carlos Dunga as the Selecao’s new coach after he accepted the Brazilian football confederations offer yesterday morning.

Now, i will be frank and say that i do not know anything about Mano. In fact the first time i heard of him was only a few days ago. My only question and i know i echo many people’s concern when i say this, is whether Mano can do what Dunga could not.

With the next World Cup being hosted in Brazil,the pressure for Mano to deliver a World Cup on home soil is already evident. With 4 years to prepare, Mano has sufficient time to ensure that his squad for the finals delivers results and also plays attractive football.

There was national outcry when Dunga excluded national stars, Neymar, Ganso and Ronaldinho from his World Cup squad and true to many people’s expectations, the Selecao did not fair any better than 2006.

Knocked out in the quarter finals by a not to impressive Netherlands, Brazil failed at their second attempt of making history by winning a 6th title.

Before taking up this post, Mano was Corinthian’s coach for the past two years.

“For the whole of Brazil, I say that I officially accept the invitation,” he declared during a Corinthians press conference.

“I am thankful to Corinthians for my three years of work and friendship.”

Whether Mano will experience the same kind of success with the Selecao like he did with Corinthian’s only time will tell. That said, Brazilian football once again finds itself  placed on the tipping point where it could either rise above expectations, or fall to its knees.

Photo credit: from yanusbr

The FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup quarter finalists are now known. The 8 teams that will battle it out for for a place in the semi finals are: hosts Germany, Colombia, Sweden, Korea DPR, Mexico, Nigeria, USA and People’s Republic Korea.

Going into the last match day for the group fixtures, a lot of focus was on Group C and Group D where all teams stood a good chance of qualifying. In Group C, however, it was a all about who would top the group as both Mexico and Nigeria were virtually guaranteed a quarters slot after both teams won and drew their opening two games.

So it was a match that did not fail to excite as both these teams faced each other in their final Group C  fixture. The match ended in a draw but Mexico finished top because of their better head to head record.

Nigeria remain the only African representatives in the tournament as Ghana crashed out despite beating Switzerland 2-0. Nigeria have a difficult challenge ahead of them as they prepare to face the USA on Sunday for a place in the Semis.

It was a momentous win for Mexico who made it to the quarters for the first time after falling short in their last three attempts. The Mexicans will now face Korea DPR in the first quarter final of  Sunday.

Mexico are not the only side who are making their maiden quarter final appearance in this tournament, Colombia and Sweden are the other two sides to have never made it passed the group stages.

In Saturday’s fixtures, Germany face People’s Republic of Korea in the day’s first match while Sweden and Colombia battle it out in the day’s final match. If you are like me, then you are having a hard time trying to figure out which Korean side is North or South. For clarity purposes, Korea DPR is South and People’s Republic of Korea is North. That should make it easier for you.

Not much is written on Women’s football and i think its only fair that the Women’s event should be given as much publicity if not more so as to to expose these gifted young players.

Photo credit:from americanistadechiapas