PhiloSoccers

Miracle of Berne (World Cup 1954)

2009-07-12T22:47:00.001-07:00

Surpassing the shock of Uruguay's triumph four years earlier, West Germany became world champions in Switzerland by ending the proud 31-match unbeaten record of Hungary's 'Magical Magyars' in a Final forever remembered as the Miracle of Berne.

In the shadow of the Alps this was a mountain-sized upset, the Germans retrieving a two-goal deficit to record a 3-2 victory over opponents who had beaten them 8-3 just a fortnight before. Jules Rimet, the outgoing FIFA President, handed the eponymous trophy to Fritz Walter and the football world absorbed an important new lesson: never, ever, write off the Germans.

'The Galloping Major'
Hungary went into the 1954 finals with the unofficial title of best team in the world. Olympic champions in 1952, they had recorded 23 wins and four draws during the preceding four years – their most celebrated victory a 6-3 humbling of England in November 1953 whereby they became the first foreign visitors to triumph at Wembley. The brightest star in the Hungarian firmament was Ferenc Puskas, the 'Galloping Major' with the fearsome left foot from the army team of Honved.

Gusztav Sebes's side featured a rich seam of talent – notably Puskas's fellow forwards Sandor Kocsis and Nandor Hidegkuti, and midfielder Josef Bozsik – and played a brand of fluid attacking football that was ahead of its time, Hidegkuti dropping deep behind Puskas and Kocsis in a prototype of the 4-2-4 formation. Hungary warmed up by routing England 7-1 in Budapest and they notched 17 goals in their two first-round victories, 9-0 against Korea DPR and 8-3 over West Germany. Yet this latter result proved less instructive than it may have initially appeared.

The tournament's format was such that the two seeded teams in each group played only the two non-seeds, and vice versa. Hence Sepp Herberger, the Mannschaft coach, went into the Hungary game knowing his side could lose and still progress in second place by winning a play-off against the section's other seeds, Turkey, whom they had already beaten 4-1. Herberger thus made seven changes, saw his charges lose heavily, yet then guided a much-strengthened lineup to a 7-2 play-off win against Turkey that took them into the quarter-finals.

Flood of goals
Given that this pool alone produced 41 goals, it is little surprise the Swiss showpiece became the highest-scoring FIFA World Cup™, with 140 goals in 26 matches at an average of over five per game. A tournament record of 12 hit the net in one match alone, the quarter-final between Switzerland and Austria where the hosts led 3-0 inside 19 minutes, conceded five during a ten-minute spell before the break and ended up losing 7-5.

Despite the goal rush, however, newcomers Korea Republic and Scotland both registered blanks as they finished bottom of their respective groups.
Scotland had lost 7-0 to Uruguay and the holders achieved a British double by eliminating England in the last eight. Both teams featured a 39-year-old – Obdulio Varela appearing for the South Americans, Stanley Matthews for England – but despite the latter's promptings, Uruguay prevailed 4-2 with both Varela and star forward Juan Schiaffino, a scorer in the 1950 Final, featuring among the goals.

Uruguay's next opponents would be the winners of the Hungary-Brazil quarter-final. The Brazilians were sporting their famous yellow shirts – the product of a newspaper competition to design a new kit – for the first time in Switzerland but their hopes ended in a stormy contest subsequently dubbed the 'Battle of Berne'. Golden Shoe winner Kocsis struck two of his 11 goals in Hungary's 4-2 win but the match was marred by red cards for Bozsik and the Brazil pair Nilton Santos and Humberto, not to mention a post-match brawl in the changing rooms.

Two extra-time headers from Kocsis then helped Hungary record an identical result against Uruguay in a classic semi-final. The Celeste, victorious at their two previous FIFA World Cups, recovered from 2-0 down through a double from Juan Holberg before finally succumbing to a first defeat on the world stage. While the Hungarians had faced two draining duels, West Germany progressed smoothly to the Final, defeating Yugoslavia 2-0 and then dismissing neighbours Austria 6-1, with Kaiserslautern-based brothers Fritz and Ottmar Walter both scoring twice.

'Fritz Walter weather'
So to the Final at a rain-soaked Wankdorf Stadium on 4 July 1954. The weather was a positive portent for a German side whose skipper, goalscoring midfielder Walter, was known to struggle in the heat following a war-time bout of malaria. Indeed these were the precise conditions German sports fans knew as 'Fritz Walter weather'.

By contrast Hungary had doubts over the fitness of Puskas, absent from their last two matches after a kick on the ankle by Werner Liebrich when the teams last met. Though not fully fit, Puskas opened the scoring after six minutes and within 120 seconds, the favourites led 2-0 after goalkeeper Toni Turek spilled the ball at Zoltan Czibor's feet. Yet by the 18th minute, West Germany were level, Morlock's far-post finish followed by Rahn turning the ball in from Fritz Walter's corner.

The rain came down, the tension rose and only the woodwork denied Hidegkuti. But with six minutes remaining, Rahn gathered the ball on the edge of the box and drove a left-foot shot into the far corner. There remained time for Puskas's reply to be ruled out by a linesman before the final whistle confirmed the unthinkable: Hungary were beaten and a new world power born.

from: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=9/overview.html

West Germany make their mark

2008-05-23T23:52:00.001-07:00

European champions Italy finished runners-up at the 1970 FIFA World Cup, but they were far from favourites to defend their European title in 1972. Further north, West Germany coach Helmut Schön was assembling a team many regard as the greatest to grace the competition and Germany's best ever side.

Awesome lineup
Drawing the best elements from Bundesliga titans FC Bayern München and VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, Schön crafted an awesome lineup. Franz Beckenbauer dropped back to become the first of the great attacking sweepers; attacking left-back Paul Breitner and forward Uli Hoeness were superb young additions and Günter Netzer was recalled to add flair, arrogance and flowing blond locks to the midfield.

Magical Müller
Leading the line, of course, was 'Der Bomber' himself, Gerd Müller. A supreme finisher, he was at the height of his powers and scored six in the qualifying group as West Germany romped into the quarter-finals. There they faced old rivals England and confirmed their class with a 3-1 victory at Wembley, their first at the famous stadium. Müller contributed one of the goals and a 0-0 stalemate in the return leg meant West Germany were through to the main event.

Supporting cast
The other semi-finalists appeared to be no more than a supporting cast, and even though the Soviet Union reached the latter stages for the fourth time in succession with another win over Yugoslavia in the quarter-finals, they were not the team they used to be. Similarly, hosts Belgium lost midfield general Wilfried Van Moer to a broken leg as they upset holders Italy and Hungary needed a play-off to defeat Romania, their side shorn of the dazzling individuals of old.

Belgium third
Home advantage failed to serve the Belgians in the same way it helped Spain and Italy in the two previous editions and their dreams were extinguished in Antwerp as Müller struck twice for the Germans in a 2-1 triumph. With that, the job of stopping the German juggernaut ultimately fell to the Soviets, who edged past Hungary in Brussels courtesy of an Anatoli Konkov effort. Before the two title hopefuls could meet, though, Belgium earned themselves a place on the podium by seeing off Hungary 2-1 in the third-place play-off.

Resounding success
The final itself was a one-sided affair, with Netzer and Beckenbauer imperious in midfield and Müller helping himself to yet another brace. Herbert Wimmer scored the other goal as the Germans celebrated a resounding 3-0 success, still the largest margin of victory in a UEFA European Championship final. "Everything worked," recalled Müller. "We had a good harmony and understood each other very well. That also goes for when we were on the pitch. You cannot ask for more." The foundations had been laid for West Germany's FIFA World Cup success two years later.

from: http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/history/season=1972/overview/index.html

Bayern Hattrick (3)

2008-01-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

Roth completes Bayern hat-trick

FC Bayern München 1-0 AS Saint-Etienne

The European Champion Clubs' Cup provided some striking results in 1975/76. Yet the end product was the same as in the two previous seasons, with FC Bayern München completing a hat-trick of wins in the competition.

Bayern on a rollÚjpesti TE had set the tone when beating FC Zürich on away goals in the first round: the Hungarian side controlled the first leg 4-0 but lost the return 5-1. Next Real Madrid CF took up the erratic baton, overcoming a 4-1 away defeat to knock out Derby County FC 6-5 in the second round. Madrid then edged past VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach - drawing 1-1 and 3-3 with the German champions - before running into a Bayern side fresh from arguably their best performance of the period, their 5-1 thumping of SL Benfica at the Olympiastadion which included two goals from Gerd Müller. The German international scored three more in the semi-finals as Bayern held Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu then picked them off 2-0 in Bavaria.

French flavour
The only question now was which of the other last-four pairing would make it to the final at Glasgow's Hampden Park. There were no doubts as to the character of either - AS Saint-Etienne and PSV Eindhoven had recovered 2-0 first-leg deficits against FC Dynamo Kyiv and HNK Hajduk Split respectively in the quarter-finals. But Les Verts had the quality of Dominiques Bathenay and Rocheteau, and won through 1-0 to become the first French finalists since Stade de Reims Champagne in 1959. The final was a similar story, though this time the only goal came from Bayern's free-kick specialist Franz Roth. And not even a late St Etienne cavalry charge could deny Beckenbauer and Co their famous treble.

©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved.

source:http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=390064,printer.htmx

Bayern Hattrick (2)

2008-01-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

Bayern triumph enrages Leeds

FC Bayern München 2-0 Leeds United AFC
FC Bayern München became the fifth team to successfully defend the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1974/75. However, their 2-0 victory in the final against Leeds United AFC was a contentious one, on and off the park. Bayern scored late goals through Franz Roth and Gerd Müller, but not before the referee had disallowed a Peter Lorimer effort and turned down two English claims for a penalty. So while Dettmar Cramer's men celebrated the win that rescued an otherwise disappointing season - they were 10th in the German first division - Leeds fans ripped out seats at the Parc des Princes.

Barcelona defeated
In fact, Bayern only really hit form in the semi-finals, having struggled past 1. FC Magdeburg and FC Ararat Yerevan. Here, against an AS Saint-Etienne side that had come from 4-1 down to beat HNK Hajduk, they followed up a 0-0 draw in France with a 2-0 success at the Olympiastadion. Leeds, on the other hand, had made short work of FC Zürich and Újpesti TE before overcoming FC Barcelona - Cruyff, Neeskens et al - in the last four.

Leeds anger
With a 3-2 aggregate triumph, Don Revie's players emulated the Catalan side's achievement in reaching the finals of all three UEFA club competitions. Yet they were also in the habit of losing on the big stage, and where Bayern's campaign ended in a blaze of glory, the footnote to Leeds's was a three-year European ban for crowd violence.

©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved.

Source:http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=390060,printer.htmx

Bayern's Hattrick (1)

2008-01-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

Müller ends Bayern wait

FC Bayern München 1-1 Club Atlético de Madrid (aet; Bayern win 4-0 in a replay)

The year 1974 was one to remember for German football: West Germany hosted and won the FIFA World Cup; FC Bayern München lifted the European Champion Clubs' Cup; while 1. FC Magdeburg brought home the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. However, it was an even better 12 months for Sepp Maier, Paul Breitner, Georg Schwarzenbeck, Franz Beckenbauer, Uli Hoeness and Gerd Müller - the six Bayern players who starred for the national team as well as Udo Lattek's side.

Bayern stealth
Not that their Munich putsch was one long procession. Far from it where Bayern were concerned: the Bavarian side had needed penalties to overcome Åtvidabergs FF; they had edged past 1. FC Dynamo Dresden by the odd goal in seven; in fact, they had only really shown their class when beating AFC Ajax's conquerors, FC CSKA Sofia, and then Újpesti TE in the semi-finals. Still, they were through to the final along with Club Atlético de Madrid.

Müller goals
The Spanish team had won at Galatasaray SK, FC Dinamo Bucuresti and FK Crvena Zvezda to set up a semi-final clash with Celtic FC that proved to be a meeting of inexorable forces. Atlético had three players sent off in the Celtic Park stalemate which prefaced their 2-0 success back at the Vicente Calderón, and all their efforts caught up with them at Brussel's Heysel stadium. Leading through a Luis Aragonés free-kick seven minutes from the end of extra-time, they were denied the prize they craved by Schwarzenbeck's last-gasp strike. Bayern twisted the knife in the replay two days later, Hoeness and Müller sharing the goals in a 4-0 rout.

©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved.

source:http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=389779,printer.htmx

Team of the Year 2007 announced

2008-01-20T05:53:00.000-08:00

Team of the Year 2007 announced
Saturday 19 January 2008
by Adrian Harte from Nyon

The uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2007 has been announced, with UEFA Champions League winners AC Milan having the most players involved.

Milan trio
More than 3.75 million votes were cast by 277,985 individual uefa.com users in the poll. The dream dozen contains just two survivors of last year's team along with five newcomers. Milan's trio includes central defender Alessandro Nesta, who was also chosen in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and left midfield player Clarence Seedorf, who featured in the 2002 lineup. Colleague Kaká, with 220,333 votes, received the highest number of votes overall and is picked for a second successive year, this time as an attacking midfielder.

English representation
Also remaining from 12 months ago is Steven Gerrard, who figures for a third time, and is the only player from beaten UEFA Champions League finalists Liverpool FC to register. English clubs are to the fore, though, with John Terry – selected in 2005 – and newcomer Didier Drogba from Chelsea FC joined by Cristiano Ronaldo, whose previous nomination came in 2004. His Manchester United FC manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, is perhaps belatedly named as coach for the first time, recognition of his achievement in guiding his side to the ninth Premier League title of his stewardship. An overdue debutant is Real Madrid CF goalkeeper Iker Casillas, while Sevilla FC right-back Daniel Alves, FC Barcelona left-back Eric Abidal and FC Internazionale Milano striker Zlatan Ibrahimović are also starring for the first time.

User involvement
Adrian Harte, uefa.com site manager, said: "User participation is a popular buzz word today but our users have contributed to the success of uefa.com from the start and we are delighted that they have again voted in huge numbers to choose their team of the year. It is a mix of established figures getting overdue recognition and young players on the way up. Indeed, all 12 will be back in UEFA Champions League action next month, further proof that the competition showcases the best players in the world."
Click here to see the results in full.

uefa.com users' Team of 2007
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF)
Daniel Alves (Sevilla FC)
Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)
John Terry (Chelsea FC)
Eric Abidal (FC Barcelona)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC)
Kaká (AC Milan)
Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan)
Zlatan Ibrahimović (FC Internazionale Milano)
Didier Drogba (Chelsea FC)
Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United FC)

uefa.com users' Team of 2006
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Gianluca Zambrotta (FC Barcelona)
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid CF)
Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona)
Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern München)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal FC)
Kaká (AC Milan)
Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC)
Samuel Eto'o (FC Barcelona)
Coach: Frank Rijkaard (FC Barcelona)

uefa.com users' Team of 2005
Petr Čech (Chelsea FC)
Cafu (AC Milan)
John Terry (Chelsea FC)
Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona)
Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)
Luis García (Liverpool FC)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC)
Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona)
Pavel Nedvěd (Juventus)
Samuel Eto'o (FC Barcelona)
Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
Coach: José Mourinho (Chelsea FC)

uefa.com users' Team of 2004
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Cafu (AC Milan)
Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea FC)
Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)
Ashley Cole (Arsenal FC)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC)
Maniche (FC Porto)
Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona)
Pavel Nedvěd (Juventus)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC)
Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
Coach: José Mourinho (Chelsea FC)

uefa.com users' Team of 2003
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Paulo Ferreira (FC Porto)
Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)
Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)
Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid CF)
Luís Figo (Real Madrid CF)
David Beckham (Real Madrid CF)
Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid CF)
Pavel Nedvěd (Juventus)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC)
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United FC)
Coach: José Mourinho (FC Porto)

uefa.com users' Team of 2002
Rüstü Reçber (Fenerbahçe SK)
Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona)
Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)
Cristian Chivu (AFC Ajax)
Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid CF)
Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan)
Michael Ballack (FC Bayern München)
Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid CF)
Damien Duff (Blackburn Rovers FC)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC)
Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF)
Coach: Senol Günes (Turkey)

uefa.com users' Team of 2001
Santiago Cañizares (Valencia CF)
Cosmin Contra (Deportivo Alavés)
Sami Hyypiä (Liverpool FC)
Patrik Andersson (FC Barcelona)
Bixente Lizarazu (FC Bayern München)
David Beckham (Manchester United FC)
Patrick Vieira (Arsenal FC)
Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid CF)
Kily González (Valencia CF)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC)
David Trezeguet (Juventus)
Coach: Gérard Houllier (Liverpool FC)

©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved.

source:http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=647292,printer.htmx

Total Football Made it Three

2008-01-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

AFC Ajax 1-0 Juventus FC
What the rest of the soccer world would learn at the following summer's FIFA World Cup finals in West Germany, Europe knew for sure in May 1973. Namely, that there was something very special about the generation of AFC Ajax players led by Johan Cruyff. The Amsterdam club had written another chapter in gold in the history of the European Champion Clubs' Cup when a 1-0 triumph over Juventus FC in the final in Belgrade made them the first side since Real Madrid CF in the 1950s to lift the famous trophy three years running.

Rep winner
An achievement made all the more remarkable because nine players had figured in all three matches. Yet the narrow margin of this victory - Johnny Rep scored the only goal on four minutes - was no reflection of their overall superiority. More indicative were the 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium which gave them a 3-1 aggregate success over Madrid in the semi-finals; the 4-0 dismantling of FC Bayern München which preceded it; and the easy progress past FC CSKA Sofia in the Second Round.

Derby undone
But while Ajax deserved their star status, there were complaints against Juventus's second billing. Having beaten Újpesti TE on away goals in the quarter-finals, the Turin club were then involved in a controversial semi-final with Derby County FC. The tie was decided in the first leg in Italy, which ended 3-1 to the home side, but the result was marred by English protests about the performance of the German referee.
©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved.

source:http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=389773,printer.htmx

Total Football Champion 0f 1970-71

2008-01-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

AFC Ajax 2-0 Panathinaikos FC
Totaal voetbal: a fluid form of catenaccio or total football? Whatever it was, it worked and in 1970/71 its chief exponent, AFC Ajax, were European champions. The Amsterdam side took over the mantle from Dutch rivals Feyenoord, the holders having been waylaid in the First Round by Romania's FC UTA Arad. That result was in keeping with the rest of the competition, for with no Real Madrid CF in the field, the underdogs were well and truly let out; indeed, only two of the 33 teams involved were previous winners.

Rule changes
Ajax accounted for the other, Celtic FC, in the quarter-finals, along with 17 Nëntori Tirana, FC Basel and Club Atlético de Madrid. In the other half of the draw, Panathinaikos FC benefited from a couple of rule changes to become the first Greek finalist. UEFA had introduced the penalty shoot-out as a way of deciding drawn ties - doing away with the unsatisfactory tossing of a coin. They had also decided that the away-goals' rule should apply to all rounds, and not just the first two as had been the case.

Haan strikes
The latter change helped Ferenc Puskás's side past Everton FC - conquerors of VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach in the cup's first penalty drama - in the quarter-finals, then FK Crvena Zvezda in the semis. Here Panathinaikos overturned a 4-1 defeat in Belgrade to win the return 3-0 with two goals from Anton Antoniadis. The final was all Ajax, though. Dick van Dijk was first to show, putting Rinus Michel's team into an early lead; and with Johan Cruyff pulling the strings, Arie Haan sealed the victory on 87 minutes.
©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved

source:http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=389765,printer.htmx

Total Football vs Catenaccio

2008-01-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

AFC Ajax 2-0 Internazionale FC
AFC Ajax were again the team to beat in 1971/72, and that no one managed to stop them shows how firm a grip they had on the European game. Not even a change of coach, the Romanian Stefan Kovacs replacing Rinus Michels, could halt the perpetual motion of Johan Cruyff and friends.
Ajax advance1. FC Dynamo Dresden, Olympique de Marseille, Arsenal FC and SL Benfica, all were swept aside as the holders marched to a third European Champion Clubs' Cup final in four years. Benfica ran them close before losing to a single Cruyff goal over the two legs of their semi-final; but Ajax were through to meet Internazionale FC at the Feyenoord stadium.
Boninsegna injuredWhile the venue was Dutch, events along the road to Rotterdam suggested the football fates could yet throw up an Italian victory. Indeed, conspiracy theorists might have pointed to Inter's second-round defeat of VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, when thrashed 7-1 in Germany in the first leg, the Italian side had been lucky to earn a reprieve from UEFA amid complaints that centre forward Roberto Boninsegna had been hit by a drinks can thrown from the crowd.
Catenaccio defeatedThe Nerazzurri eventually prevailed 4-2 on aggregate, then overcame Celtic FC on penalties after a goalless semi-final. But hopes of an Inter hat-trick in the competition were extinguished at De Kuip. Aided and abetted by Neeskens, Blankenburg, Muhren, Haan and Krol, Cruyff was twice on target in a comprehensive Ajax victory. The final score: Total Football 2 Catenaccio 0.
©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved.
source: http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=389768,printer.htmx

FIFA World Player GALA 2007

2007-12-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

FIFA World Player 2007 candidates (Men)

KAKA (BRA)
Profile »

Lionel MESSI (ARG)
Profile »

Cristiano RONALDO (POR)
Profile »
FIFA World Player 2007 candidates (Women)

CRISTIANE (BRA)
Profile »

MARTA (BRA)
Profile »

Birgit PRINZ (GER)
Profile »
Photos

PREVIOUS AWARDS:

FIFA World Player GALA 2006
Player of the year:
Fabio CANNAVARO (ITA)
Player of the year:
MARTA (BRA)
FIFA Presidential award:
Giacinto FACCHETTI (ITA)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Brazil, Spain
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Italy
FIFA Interactive World Player:
Andries Smit
FIFA World Player GALA 2005
Player of the year:
RONALDINHO (BRA)
Player of the year:
Birgit PRINZ (GER)
FIFA Presidential award:
FRISK Anders (SWE)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
football community of Iquitos (Peru)
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Ghana
FIFA Interactive World Player:
Chris Bullard
FIFA World Player GALA 2004
Player of the year:
RONALDINHO (BRA)
Player of the year:
Birgit PRINZ (GER)
FIFA Presidential award:
Haiti
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Confederaçao Brasileira de Futebol
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
China PR
FIFA Interactive World Player:
Thiago Carrico de Azevedo
FIFA World Player GALA 2003
Player of the year:
Zinedine ZIDANE (FRA)
Player of the year:
Birgit PRINZ (GER)
FIFA Presidential award:
The Iraqi Football Community
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Fans of Glasgow Celtic FC (SCO)
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Bahrain
FIFA World Player GALA 2002
Player of the year:
RONALDO (BRA)
Player of the year:
Mia HAMM (USA)
FIFA Presidential award:
Parminder Nagra (ENG)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Football communities of Japan and Korea Republic
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Senegal
FIFA World Player GALA 2001
Player of the year:
LUIS FIGO (POR)
Player of the year:
Mia HAMM (USA)
FIFA Presidential award:
Marvin Lee (TRI)
Top Team of the Year Award:
Honduras
Best Mover of the Year:
Costa Rica
FIFA World Player GALA 2000
Player of the year:
Zinedine ZIDANE (FRA)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Lucas RADEBE (RSA)
Top Team of the Year Award:
Netherlands
Best Mover of the Year:
Nigeria
FIFA World Player GALA 1999
Player of the year:
RIVALDO (BRA)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
New Zealand’s football community
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Slovenia
FIFA World Player GALA 1998
Player of the year:
Zinedine ZIDANE (FRA)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
The national associations of Iran, the USA and Northern Ireland
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Croatia
FIFA World Player GALA 1997
Player of the year:
RONALDO (BRA)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Irish spectators of the World Cup preliminary match versus Belgium, Jozef Zovinec (Slovak amateur player), Julie FOUDY (USA)
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Yugoslavia
FIFA World Player GALA 1996
Player of the year:
RONALDO (BRA)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
George WEAH (LBR)
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
South Africa
FIFA World Player GALA 1995
Player of the year:
George WEAH (LBR)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Jacques Glassmann (FRA)
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Jamaica
FIFA World Player GALA 1994
Player of the year:
ROMARIO (BRA)
Top Team of the Year Award:
Brazil
Best Mover of the Year:
Croatia
FIFA World Player GALA 1993
Player of the year:
Roberto BAGGIO (ITA)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Nandor Hidgekuti, (individual award) (HUM), Football Association of Zambia
Top Team of the Year Award:
Germany
Best Mover of the Year:
Colombia
FIFA World Player GALA 1992
Player of the year:
Marco VAN BASTEN (NED)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football Association
FIFA World Player GALA 1991
Player of the year:
Lothar MATTHAEUS (GER)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Real Federación Española de Fútbol (Spanish FA), JORGINHO (BRA)

source: http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/awards/gala/index.html

Rau ruled out for BayernWednesday 6 April 2005

2007-12-16T07:35:00.000-08:00

Tobias Rau has suffered a setback for Bayern (©Getty Images)
German international left-back Tobias Rau has suffered another setback at FC Bayern München with a serious thigh injury.
Miserable timeThe 23-year-old ruptured a muscle in his left leg while playing for Bayern's second string against FC Augsburg yesterday, and the club do not expect him back before the end of the season. It caps a miserable period for Rau, who could be leaving the Olympiastadion in the summer because of limited opportunities.
Chances limitedRau has failed to establish himself in the Bayern side since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in summer 2003 - even after the departure of French veteran Bixente Lizarazu prior to the 2004/05 campaign. Coach Felix Magath initially preferred the right-sided Hasan Salihamidzic at left-back before Lizarazu returned six months later and was restored to the team.
Lahm returnTo make matters worse for Rau, who has been capped seven times, his fellow German international Philipp Lahm is due to return to Bayern next season after a successful loan at VfB Stuttgart. It is also believed that the 35-year-old Lizarazu will stay another year.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

source: http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=293260,printer.htmx

Gerd Muller

2007-12-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

Not only is the name Gerhard "Gerd" Muller still synonymous with the model striker par excellence, but the remarkable records set by Der Bomber still remain unchallenged today. The Bayern Munich and West Germany predator scored 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga games and 68 times in 62 internationals, milestones no other player is ever likely to equal. And all that despite singing "A football game is far from easy, goals never come cheaply," in his brief, and regrettable, foray into the world of popular music with the track Dann macht es bum. Nevertheless, at the dusk of his illustrious striking career, Muller could look back on a plethora of special goals. "My most important was certainly the goal that put us up 2-1 in the 1974 World Cup Final in Munich," Muller said recently in his native Nordlingen dialect. The golden era for the West German national team and its domestic league during the early to mid-1970s would have been unthinkable without Muller, as his former team-mate Franz Beckenbauer is quick to underline: "Everything that FC Bayern has become is due to Gerd Muller and his goals."
The powerlifter who built BayernWhen Muller was signed by the then second division outfit Bayern Munich in 1964, club coach Zlatko "Tschik" Cajkovski initially mocked the striker's odd build, quipping: "What am I supposed to do with a weightlifter?" Indeed, Muller's short legs in relation to his barrel-like upper body, and massive 64-centimetre-around thighs did rather lend him the appearance of an Eastern European powerlifter.
However, the small, stocky striker, whose journey to professional football began at the age of nine in his hometown of Nordlingen, around one and a half hours by car from Munich, would enjoy a meteoric rise to the top. By the time he was 16, Muller had progressed through a variety of school and junior teams and the youth ranks of TSV Nordlingen. In the 1962/63 campaign, he scored an unbelievable 180 goals for his club, attributing his strength to his mother's potato salad.
Under Cajkovski, Muller was forced to languish on the bench for ten games before the coach relented to the pressure of the then Bayern President Wilhelm Neudecker and introduced the youngster into the team. On his league debut in October 1964, Muller scored twice against FC Freiburg, laying the foundation for an outstanding career. Cajkovski even began referring to him more affectionately as "short, fat Muller."
In 1965, Muller, Sepp Maier and Franz Beckenbauer, the trio who would later earn Bayern global recognition, inspired the club to promotion to the Bundesliga. The club finished third in their first season in the top flight and lifted the DFB Cup, a feat they would repeat in 1967, 1969 and 1971. Bayern Munich became national champions for the first time in 1969, before claiming a hat-trick of titles in 1972, 1973 and 1974. The Munich club also won their first international honour in 1967 with the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. The dream team then went on to win the UEFA European Cup three times in succession from 1974 to 1976, crowning their incredible run of conquests with the Intercontinental Cup title.
Without Gerd Muller, this glorious era would have been inconceivable. Muller was the club's top scorer every season from 1964/65 to 1977/78, and the Bundesliga's leading marksman on no less than seven occasions. In 1971/72, he netted 40 goals, a threshold no other player has reached since.
German marksmanIt was only a matter of time before the prolific goal-getter came to the attention of national team coach Helmut Schon, and he duly made his senior international debut in 1966 in a 2-0 away win over Turkey. At the 1970 FIFA World Cup TM in Mexico, he finished as the ten-goal top scorer and forged a formidable strike partnership with Uwe Seeler. Muller still emphasizes the significance of the competition today: "That tournament was even more important for me than 1974. We had an outstanding team then, even if many consider our 1972 European Championship team to be the best."
Muller celebrated UEFA European Championship glory in 1972 after West Germany overcame the USSR in the final, before going on to score the incredible winning goal in the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final victory over the Netherlands. Der Bomber recalls: "The ball came into the area from Rainer Bonhof. I ran forward with two Dutch players then checked back because the pass was behind me. The ball jumped off my left foot, I turned a little and suddenly it was in," he beams, recreating the scene that unfolded in the 43rd minute in Munich's Olympiastadion. Muller announced his retirement from international football after becoming a world champion at the age of 28. The story has always circulated that this was in response to the players' wives being banned from the celebratory banquet after the Final. However, Muller is happy to clarify the matter: "I told coach Schon three days before the Final that I was retiring. He asked me to hold back on making the announcement until after the match. That was it. There was nothing else." Highs and lowsMuller accepted a lucrative contract to play in the USA in 1979, where he aimed to carve out a second career after Bayern coach Pal Csernai informed him he was no longer in his plans and began substituting him for the first time in his career. It was the first time Muller had ever been sold. On 6 March 1979, Muller signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Fort Lauderdale Strikers, a professional club in the North American Soccer League (NASL).
With his playing career over, Muller descended into deep crisis. The transition from the pinnacle of popularity to everyday life did not come easy to him. Beside the occasional autograph signing or celebrity match, he did not know how to occupy himself if he was not sat in front of the television for hours on end. His drinking worsened. "I ruined my life," Muller now admits.
But fortunately, his friends from Bayern, notably coach Uli Hoeness, helped him to get back on his feet. He was then offered a contract by his former club in 1992; initially to look after sponsors, scout for talent and coach strikers and goalkeepers. Later he became a youth coach and first team assistant coach. Muller also acquired his 'A' coaching badge in 1992 and became head coach of the Bayern amateur team in the regional league in 1995/96. Today, he is in full control of his life and has found contentment: "It does not get any better than being at Bayern," he says proudly.
At the 40th anniversary celebration of the Bundesliga in August 2003, Muller was honoured as an outstanding sporting personality in the competition's history. More than a thousand invited guests in Koln's Coloneum rose to their feet, and applauded to pay homage to the man who made such a defining contribution to German football history.
The honour sits alongside numerous other instances of recognition the striker accumulated in his career. Aged 21, he was first voted German Player of the Year in 1967, before recapturing the title two years later. In 1970, he became the first German to be crowned European Footballer of the Year after winning the top scorer award at Mexico 1970. Three appearances in FIFA Select XIs (1971, 1972, 1973) and one nomination in a UEFA Select XI (1973) were further proof of his exceptional status. Alongside his sporting awards, Muller also received the Silver Bay Leaf in 1967 and the Federal Cross of Merit in 1977. In May 1998, he was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit. More recently, Muller represented the city of Munich as one of the twelve ambassadors for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in his homeland.

source: http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174790/bio.html

Fritz Walter

2007-12-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

"The city of Kaiserslautern was founded by Fritz Walter," a schoolboy's essay once claimed. The assertion was, of course, incorrect as the Rhineland-Palatinate town traces its origins back to early medieval times, but the young lad's mistake was an understandable one. The player has become something of a mythic figure not only in footballing terms, but also as a symbol of rebirth and vindication for post-war Germany.
A sporting ambassador for Germany's re-emergence into the world community, Walter was team captain and on-field lieutenant for legendary coach Sepp Herberger in building the 1954 'Miracle of Berne' side that brought home the FIFA World Cup™ to Germany for the first time.
Born in the shadow of the first 'Great War' in Kaiserslautern, he was christened Friedrich Walter, though even as a small boy he was 'Fritz' to all and the name stuck for good. Walter began by kicking a ball in the narrow streets of the city and joined up with 1. FC Kaiserslautern at the tender age of eight. The club recognised the rare talent it had on its hands and young Fritz made his senior debut for their first team at just 17 years of age.
Debut hat-trick and rebuildingGermanyThe player soon began attracting the attention of Germany coach Herberger and won his first cap as a 19-year-old prodigy on 14 July 1940. He announced his arrival on the world scene with a ferocious bang, claiming a remarkable hat-trick in a 9-3 reverse of Romania.
However, as was the case with many fine young footballers of the era, Walter's hugely promising start at both club and international level was halted in its tracks by the outbreak of World War II. Between 1943 and 1950, during what should have been his best years, the playmaker made no international appearances. Conscripted in 1942, he was sent to the Eastern front where he was taken prisoner by the Russians, but unlike many others, Walter was fortunate enough to return home and to his football in 1945.
Out of the ashes of war, Herberger set to the work of crafting a new Germany side, one which was re-admitted to international competition in 1950. After a seven-year absence, Walter ran out as captain of his country again on 15 April 1951 for a clash with Switzerland in Zurich. That same year he went on to win the German championship with Kaiserslautern, a feat the Palatinate outfit were to repeat with Walter as skipper two years later. The side became known as 'Walter's 11' in recognition of its most outstanding player.
Swiss testHerberger had built a formidable squad around the Kaiserslautern skipper, which included four of his club-mates, including brother Ottmar. Walter was more than a mere captain and key player though, he was the undisputed stand-in for the determined Herberger, who the player always called 'Chief'.
The international scene was dominated at the time by the apparently invincible Hungarians, who arrived at Switzerland 54 as runaway favourites after a four-year undefeated spell. A wager on the 'Magical Magyars' and their mystical captain Ferenc Puskas looked like a safe one for the first FIFA World Cup in Europe since the end of the war.
Germany opened with a win over Turkey, but Herberger sent out a second-string line-up for the next first round match against Hungary. The side collapsed to a predictably heavy 8-3 defeat against Puskas and co., provoking a barrage of calls for the coach's head. Many now believe that the boss had deeper motives concerning the way the tournament would play out that made defeat at that stage not only acceptable, but perhaps even necessary.
The same was not true against Turkey in the final group match to earn a place in the next round. Walter shone in the 7-2 rout, and again as the Germans beat a strong Yugoslavian side 2-0. The captain buried two penalties in the 6-1 semi-final victory over Austria to set the stage for a re-match with the mighty Hungarians in Berne's Wankdorf Stadium.
'Your weather, Fritz'After a sunny start to the day, it bucketed down on this 4 July in Berne, creating conditions in which battling Fritz Walter could excel. "Your weather, Fritz," Herberger said to his captain on the journey to the stadium. To which the player confidently replied, "I have nothing against it, Chief."
Despite 'Walter's weather,' Hungary raced to a 2-0 lead in the final, with the 'Galloping Major' Puskas opening the scoring after only six minutes and Zoltan Czibor doubling the advantage two minutes later. But Germany, who had been swept aside so convincingly in the group phase, kept their composure and pulled one back through Max Morlock, before Walter swung over a corner for Helmut Rahn to level at 2-2. Hungary continued to enjoy the bulk of possession, but the 'Miracle' only arrived with six minutes remaining as Helmut 'The Boss' Rahn fired Germany into a winning 3-2 lead, and Walter became the first German captain to lift the Jules Rimet Cup.
It was an unlikely and inspiring upset, one that had ramifications far beyond the world of sport. It marked the beginning of a new Germany, restoring national self-belief after the horrors of conflict and inspiring a new determination the length and breadth of the land. Walter came to embody the triumph, and the approachable midfielder was showered with honours afterwards. He became the first footballer ever to earn the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest honour in a long list of decorations. He was named Honorary Germany captain and in 1995 was awarded the coveted FIFA Order of Merit.
A footballing grandmasterWalter was a gifted technician, an artist with the ball and a footballing grandmaster of the highest order. He rates as one of the best footballers the world has ever seen, a goal hungry playmaker whose talents were honed by a stupendous work rate and burning ambition. He appeared 379 times for Kaiserslautern, scoring an astonishing 306 goals from midfield, the finest of which came against Wismut Aue as he famously performed a reverse overhead back-heel from a corner.
He consistently found the target at international level too, scoring 33 times in 61 games for Germany. His international career came to an end at the age of 37 in the 1958 FIFA World Cup semi-final against hosts Sweden when he was forced off injured, never to appear again.
Walter remained a beloved figure in Germany, largely thanks to his modesty and down-to-earth personality. He was also notoriously loyal to his hometown club and was never tempted by the many lucrative offers from FC Nancy of France and then Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, for example. He stayed in the Palatinate, turning out for Kaiserslautern in a career that spanned from 1928 to 1959.
In 1985, still in the player's lifetime, the Betzenberg Stadium was renamed after him. The totally renovated Fritz Walter stadium was a 2006 FIFA World Cup venue, and it was the old captain himself who was symbolic leader of the city's bid.
Unfortunately, this true football icon did not witness Germany 2006 at the stadium which bears his name - Fritz Walter died at the age of 81 in the summer of 2002.

source: http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=44747/bio.html

Fate deals bad hand to Deisler

2007-12-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

The end of Sebastian Deisler's playing days typified his career. At his best a truly special talent, the 27-year-old has decided that neither his body nor his psyche are up to the demands of professional football.
Surprising timingWhile the decision itself may not have been a surprise, the timing was. Having just come back from another major injury to his right knee, the FC Bayern München midfielder had appeared optimistic but this week he put out a statement reading: "I can't trust my knee any more. I don't enjoy playing football any more." In a hastily-arranged press conference, a visibly-pale Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness had a hard time keeping his poise. "He is one of the best players Germany has ever had," Hoeness said. "I hoped until the end that this was just a bad dream."
Rising starIt is such a contrast from the teenager who first enthralled Germany in helping his national team to the 1998 UEFA European Under-18 Championship final, lost on penalties to the Republic of Ireland. Since the seniors had endured a miserable FIFA World Cup in France, hopes were high for the VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach youngster, who the next season played 17 Bundesliga games and despite relegation earned a move to ambitious Hertha BSC Berlin, where he made his UEFA Champions League debut in 1999. Handed his international bow in February 2000, he was soon hailed as the saviour of German football following the humiliation of UEFA EURO 2000™. Perhaps it was too much pressure, too soon.
Injury strikesMidway through the 2001/02 campaign, Deisler - nicknamed 'Basti Fantasti' - agreed a €9.5m transfer to FC Bayern München, yet disaster struck. He had suffered from injury in the past, but on 18 May 2002 Deisler sustained cartilage damage to his right knee playing a friendly for Germany against Austria. This ruled him out of the World Cup and delayed his Bayern debut until the following February as they completed the German double.
DepressionEven then he was not right, and in November 2003 he began treatment for depression, which Deisler said had started the previous summer. Though he returned within a couple of months, it recurred the following October. Physical injuries were again the partial cause. Torn cruciate ligaments and cartilage, hamstring problems, groin surgery, knee rupture, tendon damage - not entries from a medical dictionary, but some of the complaints experienced by the luckless Deisler.
The endSidelined during UEFA EURO 2004™ due to his troublesome knee - which to date has been operated on five times - history repeated itself to deny him a place at the 2006 World Cup on home soil after cartilage damage sustained in a friendly against Italy. Though he played again in November, with a notably excellent performance against Hamburger SV, he picked up a thigh injury in training in mid-December, and any optimism expressed about his future prospects was not shared by Deisler. "It has been an ordeal for me," he said on announcing his retirement after 36 caps and just 135 Bundesliga appearances spanning nine years - never more than 25 in a single season.
Beckenbauer hopeSome are still envisioning a comeback - his contract remains valid until 2009 and Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer said: "Who says that in six months' time he won't feel physically and mentally fit to return? The door is always open for Sebastian Deisler." Fans have also launched a website urging him to carry on, but it seems the heartbreaking tale of Deisler's playing career really is over.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

source: http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=498429,printer.htmx

UEFA CUP RESULTS, Matchday 3, 29 November 2007

2007-12-01T04:13:00.000-08:00

Zenit 2 - 2 Nürnberg
AZ 1 - 0 Larissa
Lokomotiv Moskva 0 - 1 København
Atlético 2 - 0 Aberdeen
Elfsborg 1 - 3 Mladá Boleslav
AEK 1 - 1 Fiorentina
Hamburg 3 - 0 Rennes
Brann 2 - 1 Dinamo Zagreb
Sparta 0 - 0 Spartak Moskva
Zürich 2 - 0 Toulouse
Braga 1 - 1 Bayern
Bolton 1 - 1 Aris
Tottenham 3 - 2 AaB
Getafe 1 - 2 H. Tel-Aviv
Helsingborg 3 - 0 Austria Wien
Panionios 0 - 3 Galatasaray

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS, Matchday 5 (27-28 November 2007)

2007-12-01T03:55:00.000-08:00

Matchday 5 - Tuesday 27 November

Stuttgart 3-2 Rangers
Lyon 2-2 Barcelona
Dynamo Kyiv 1-4 Roma
Man. United 2-1 Sporting
CSKA Moskva 0-1 PSV
Internazionale 3-0 Fenerbahçe
Sevilla 3-1 Arsenal
Steaua 1-1 Slavia

Matchday 5 - Wednesday 28 November

Beşiktaş 2-1 Marseille
Liverpool 4-1 Porto
Rosenborg 0-4 Chelsea
Valencia 0-0 Schalke
Bremen 3-2 Real Madrid
Lazio 1-2 Olympiacos
Benfica 1-1 Milan
Celtic 2-1 Shakhtar

Euro Qualification Latest Result

2007-11-22T00:50:00.000-08:00

Armenia 0-1 Kazakhstan
Georgia 0-2 Lithuania
Romania 6-1 Albania
Cyprus 0-2 Czech Republic
Azerbaijan 0-1 Belgium
Slovenia 0-2 Bulgaria
Israel 1-0 F.Y.R. Macedonia
Belarus 2-1 Netherlands
Turkey 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Malta 1-4 Norway
Spain 1-0 Northern Ireland
Denmark 3-0 Iceland
Sweden 2-1 Latvia
Hungary 1-2 Greece
Italy 3-1 Faroe Islands
Germany 0-0 Wales
San Marino 0-5 Slovakia
Ukraine 2-2 France
Serbia 2-2 Poland
Portugal 0-0 Finland
Andorra 0-1 Russia
England 2-3 Croatia

source: http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/euro/index.html

World Cup 2010 Qualification, Matches on November 20 & 21, 2007, PREDICTION:

2007-11-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

Brazil vs Uruguay
Bet Brain: 1 (1,30) x (4,41) 2 (8,50)
Soccerstats: 1 (68%) x (20%) 2 (12%)
BOLA: 55 – 45

Colombia vs Argentine
Bet Brain: 1 (4,50) x (3,30) 2 (1,73)
Soccerstats: 1 (22%) x (28%) 2 (50%)
BOLA: 45 – 55

Source: Bola (Indonesian Sport Tabloid), November 20, 2007.

Euro Qualification Predictions: Matches on November 21, 2007.

2007-11-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

England vs Croatia
Bet Brain: 1 (1,54) x (3,10) 2 (7,28)
Soccerstats: 1 (59%) x (29%) 2 (12%)
BOLA: 55 – 45

Spain vs North Ireland
William Hill: 1 (1,33) x (4,50) 2 (6,50)
Paddy Power: 1 (1,30) x (4,50) 2 (8,00)
BOLA: 55 – 45

Portugal vs Finland
Bet Brain: 1 (1,33) x (4,30) 2 (7,39)
Soccerstats: 1 (67%) x (21%) 2 (12%)
BOLA: 55 – 45

Serbia vs Poland
Bet Brain: 1 (1,84) x (3,27) 2 (3,82)
Soccerstats: 1 (49%) x (28%) 2 (23%)
BOLA: 55 – 45

Turkey vs Bosnia
Bet Brain: 1 (1,14) x (6,50) 2 (11,50)
Soccerstats: 1 (77%) x (15%) 2 (8%)
BOLA: 60 – 40

Malta vs Norway
Bet Brain: 1 (10,72) x (5,90) 2 (1,18)
Soccerstats: 1 (8%) x (16%) 2 (76%)
BOLA: 40 – 60

Andorra vs Russia
Bet Brain: 1 (33,50) x (9,13) 2 (1,02)
Soccerstats: 1 (3%) x (9%) 2 (88%)
BOLA: 35 – 65

Sweden vs Latvia
Bet Brain: 1 (1,20) x (4,91) 2 (13,17)
Soccerstats: 1 (75%) x (18%) 2 (7%)
BOLA: 60 – 40

Source: Bola (Indonesian Sport Tabloid), November 20, 2007.

Some Latest News of Euro 2008 Qualifying Rounds, November 17

2007-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

Six more secure passage to EURO UEFA EURO 2008™ beckons for a new name after Poland joined Croatia, France, Italy, Netherlands and Spain in qualifying for the tournament on Saturday.

Italy break Scottish hearts to qualify Scotland 1-2 ItalyChristian Panucci's goal ensured UEFA EURO 2008™ places for Italy and France as a Scottish dream died.

Golan goal dashes Russia hopes Israel 2-1 RussiaOmer Golan scored a stoppage-time winner which took Russia's destiny out of their hands and into England's.

Swedish stroll takes Spain through Spain 3-0 SwedenSergio Ramos, Joan Capdevila and Andrés Iniesta helped to seal a finals ticket for Luis Aragonés's team.

Read More on: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/euro/index.html

Euro 2008 Qualifying Round Results of November 17

2007-11-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

Qualifying round - Match kick-offs are listed in CET
Date Group Home Away

17/11 Grp A Finland 2-1 Azerbaijan

17/11 Grp D Wales 2-2 Republic of Ireland

17/11 Grp G Bulgaria 1-0 Romania

17/11 Grp F Latvia 4-1 Liechtenstein

17/11 Grp C Moldova 3-0 Hungary

17/11 Grp E Andorra 0-2 Estonia

17/11 Grp B Scotland 1-2 Italy

17/11 Grp E Israel 2-1 Russia

17/11 Grp B Lithuania 2-0 Ukraine

17/11 Grp C Norway 1-2 Turkey

17/11 Grp E F.Y.R. Macedonia 2-0 Croatia

17/11 Grp D Germany 4-0 Cyprus

17/11 Grp G Albania 2-4 Belarus

17/11 Grp G Netherlands 1-0 Luxembourg

17/11 Grp D Czech Republic 3-1 Slovakia

17/11 Grp C Greece 5-0 Malta

17/11 Grp A Poland 2-0 Belgium

17/11 Grp F Northern Ireland 2-1 Denmark

17/11 Grp A Portugal 1-0 Armenia

17/11 Grp F Spain 3-0 Sweden

Source: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/euro/index.html

Euro Qualification Predictions: Matches on November 17, 2007.

2007-11-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

Scotland (4-4-2) vs Italia (4-3-2-1)
Betbarain: 1 (4,00) x (3,30) 2 (2,15)
Soccerstats: 1 (25%) x (29%) 2 (46%)
Bola: 50 – 50

Spain vs Sweden
Betbarain: 1 (1,61) x (3,30) 2 (5,64)
Soccerstats: 1 (56%) x (28%) 2 (16%)
Bola: 55 – 45

Holland vs Luxemburg
Betbarain: 1 (1,01) x (12,28) 2 (50,76)
Soccerstats: 1 (90%) x (8%) 2 (2%)
Bola: 60 – 40

Israel vs Russia
Eurobet: 1 (7,00) x (3,85) 2 (1,45)
Betway: 1 (6,50) x (3,70) 2 (1,50)
Bola: 50 – 50

Portugal vs Armenia
Betbarain: 1 (1,05) x (8,62) 2 (27,10)
Soccerstats: 1 (86%) x (11%) 2 (4%)
Bola: 55 – 45

Finland vs Azerbaijan
Betbarain: 1 (1,18) x (8,00) 2 (21,00)
Soccerstats: 1 (81%) x (13%) 2 (6%)
Bola: 65 – 35

Poland vs Belgium
Betbarain: 1 (1,53) x (4,00) 2 (8,30)
Soccerstats: 1 (62%) x (24%) 2 (14%)
Bola: 60 – 40

Serbia vs Kazakstan
Betbarain: 1 (1,12) x (9,00) 2 (34,00)
Soccerstats: 1 (83%) x (12%) 2 (5%)
Bola: 65 – 35

Lithuania vs Ukraine
Betbarain: 1 (3,58) x (3,23) 2 (1,93)
Soccerstats: 1 (25%) x (28%) 2 (47%)
Bola: 50 – 50

Norway vs Turkey
Betbarain: 1 (2,09) x (3,18) 2 (3,24)
Soccerstats: 1 (83%) x (12%) 2 (5%)
Bola: 65 – 35

Moldova vs Hungary
Betbarain: 1 (2,78) x (3,19) 2 (2,32)
Soccerstats: 1 (33%) x (28%) 2 (39%)
Bola: 50 – 50

Yunani vs Malta
Betbarain: 1 (1,07) x (7,92) 2 (22,23)
Soccerstats: 1 (84%) x (12%) 2 (4%)
Bola: 60 – 40

Wales vs Ireland
Betbarain: 1 (2,56) x (3,13) 2 (2,54)
Soccerstats: 1 (35%) x (29%) 2 (36%)
Bola: 50 – 50

Germany vs Cyprus
Betbarain: 1 (1,11) x (7,08) 2 (16,79)
Soccerstats: 1 (82%) x (13%) 2 (5%)
Bola: 65 – 35

Chezka vs Slovakia
Betbarain: 1 (1,44) x (3,71) 2 (7,00)
Soccerstats: 1 (63%) x (24%) 2 (13%)
Bola: 55 – 45

Andorra vs Estonia
Betbarain: 1 (6,82) x (3,79) 2 (1,44)
Soccerstats: 1 (13%) x (24%) 2 (63%)
Bola: 40 – 60

North Ireland vs Denmark
Betbarain: 1 (3,51) x (3,25) 2 (1,95)
Soccerstats: 1 (26%) x (28%) 2 (46%)
Bola: 45 – 55

Latvia vs Liechtenstein
Betbarain: 1 (1,27) x (4,76) 2 (9,53)
Soccerstats: 1 (72%) x (19%) 2 (9%)
Bola: 60 – 40

Albania vs Belarusia
Betbarain: 1 (1,94) x (3,22) 2 (3,59)
Soccerstats: 1 (47%) x (28%) 2 (25%)
Bola: 55 – 45

Bulgary vs Romania
Betbarain: 1 (2,38) x (3,17) 2 (2,74)
Soccerstats: 1 (38%) x (29%) 2 (33%)
Bola: 50 – 50

Source: Bola (Indonesian Sport Tabloid), November 16, 2007.

UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 - 07 Nov 2007

2007-11-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

Group E: Lyon 4 - 2 Stuttgart

Group E: Barcelona 2 - 0 Rangers

Group F: Man. United 4 - 0 Dynamo Kyiv

Group F: Sporting 2 - 2 AS Roma

Group G: Inter Milan 4 - 2 CSKA Moskva

Group G: Fenerbache 2 - 0 PSV Eindhoven

Group H: Steaua 0 - 2 Sevilla

Group H: Slavia 0 - 0 Arsenal

Standings:

Group E Pld Pts
Barcelona 4 10
Rangers 4 7
Lyon 4 6
Stuttgart 4 0

Group F Pld Pts
Man Utd 4 12
Roma 4 7
Sporting 4 4
Dynamo Kyiv 4 0

Group G Pld Pts
Inter Milan 4 9
Fenerbache 4 8
PSV 4 4
CSKA 4 1

Group H Pld Pts
Arsenal 4 10
Sevilla 4 9
Slavia 4 4
Steau 4 0

Source:http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/UCL/index.html

Latest Results of UEFA Champions League, Nov 6 2007

2007-11-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

Matchday 4 - 06 November 2007

Group Home Away
A Liverpool 8-0 BeÅŸiktaÅŸ
A Porto 2-1 Marseille
B Valencia 0-2 Rosenborg
B Schalke 0-0 Chelsea
C Lazio 2-1 Bremen
C Olympiacos 0-0 Real Madrid
D Celtic 1-0 Benfica
D Shakhtar 0-3 Milan

Matchday 4 - 07 November 2007

Group Home Away
E Lyon 20:45 Stuttgart
E Barcelona 20:45 Rangers
F Man. United 20:45 Dynamo Kyiv
F Sporting 20:45 Roma
G Internazionale 20:45 CSKA Moskva
G Fenerbahçe 20:45 PSV
H Steaua 20:45 Sevilla
H Slavia 20:45 Arsenal

Clubs in group stage

Group A Pld Pts
Porto 4 8
Marseille 4 7
Liverpool 4 4
Besiktas 4 3

Group B Pld Pts
Chelsea 4 8
Rosenborg 4 7
Schalke 4 4
Valencia 4 3

Group C Pld Pts
Real Madrid 4 8
Lazio 4 5
Olympiacos 4 5
Bremen 4 3

Group D Pld Pts
Milan 4 9
Shakhtar 4 6
Celtic 4 6
Benfica 4 3

Source: http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/UCL/index.html

Top Bursa for this weekday UEFA Champions League Matches

2007-11-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Source:TopSkor, Selasa 6 November 2007

Bayern Muenchen vs Bolton

2007-11-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

Bayern Muenchen will play Bolton in the group stage of UEFA Cup as a host.

I think Bayern will win at least in two goals margin.

It’s a good news for me that Bayern has already had a promising young star player: Toni Kroos. Hopefully, he will be another Michael Ballack, or Lothar Mathaeaus, or Franz Beckenbauer.

By the way, anyone knows about Sebastian Deisler? Where is he? And what happens with him? Is he still playing soccer?

European Champions League Match Schedule for Nov 6-7 2007 & Match Prediction:

2007-11-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

Group A:
Liverpool vs Besiktas
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (1,33) x (4,80) 2 (12,00)
Soccerstats : 1 (71%) x (20%) 2 (9%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 55-45

FC Porto vs Marseille
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (1,75) x (3,23) 2 (4,81)
Soccerstats : 1 (52%) x (28%) 2 (19%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 55-45

Group B:
Valencia vs Rosenborg
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (1,21) x (5,39) 2 (12,97)
Soccerstats : 1 (76%) x (17%) 2 (7%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 55-45

Schalke vs Chelsea
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (2,92) x (3,11) 2 (2,35)
Soccerstats : 1 (32%) x (30%) 2 (39%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 45-55

Group C:
Olympiacos vs Real Madrid
Prediction:
Betway : 1 (3,60) x (3,20) 2 (2,00)
Mansion : 1 (3,40) x (3,10) 2 (2,00)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 50-50

Lazio vs Bremen
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (2,35) x (3,20) 2 (2,84)
Soccerstats : 1 (39%) x (29%) 2 (32%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 55-45

Group D:
Shakhtar Donetsk vs AC Milan
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (3,55) x (3,28) 2 (2,25)
Soccerstats : 1 (28%) x (29%) 2 (42%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 50-50

Glasgow Celtic vs Benfica
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (2,00) x (3,30) 2 (4,10)
Soccerstats : 1 (46%) x (29%) 2 (25%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 50-50

Group E:
Barcelona vs Rangers
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (1,27) x (4,72) 2 (10,40)
Soccerstats : 1 (72%) x (19%) 2 (9%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 55-45

Lyon vs Stuttgart
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (1,47) x (3,66) 2 (7,34)
Soccerstats : 1 (62%) x (25%) 2 (13%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 55-45

Group F:
Manchester United vs Dynamo Kyiv
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (1,25) x (6,00) 2 (15,50)
Soccerstats : 1 (75%) x (28%) 2 (7%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 60-40

Sporting Lisbon vs AS Roma
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (2,77) x (3,11) 2 (2,45)
Soccerstats : 1 (33%) x (30%) 2 (37%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 45-55

Group G:
Inter vs CSKA Moskva
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (1,30) x (4,45) 2 (10,27)
Soccerstats : 1 (70%) x (20%) 2 (9%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 60-40

Fenerbache vs PSV Eindhoven
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (2,13) x (3,16) 2 (3,26)
Soccerstats : 1 (43%) x (29%) 2 (28%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 55-45

Group H:
Steaua vs Sevilla
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (5,15) x (3,38) 2 (1,66)
Soccerstats : 1 (19%) x (27%) 2 (55%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 45-55

Slavia vs PSV Arsenal
Prediction:
Bet Brain : 1 (6,59) x (3,62) 2 (1,51)
Soccerstats : 1 (14%) x (26%) 2 (60%)
BOLA (Indonesian Sport Tabloid): 45-55

Source: BOLA, Selasa 6 November 2007

Some match results for this weekend (3-4 Nov 2007):

2007-11-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

Some match results for this weekend:

Arsenal vs MU : 2 – 2
Good on U Arsenal… Move on….

Sevilla vs Real Madrid : 2 – 0
Wow.. first defeat for El Real… be careful Her Schuster….

Milan vs Torino : 0 – 0
They forget again how to score a goal….

Empoli vs Roma : 2 -2
Another draw of Italian giants this weekend…

Bayern Muenchen vs E. Frankfurt : 0 – 0
Come on FC Hollywood…. I always go for you…

Wigan vs Chelsea : 0 – 2
Chelsea is really a special one now….

2007-11-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Source:http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/countries/association=39/fixtureresult.html

2007-11-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

Source:http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/countries/association=122/fixtureresult.html

Italian Lega Calcio Match Schedule on November 2007

2007-11-04T05:25:00.000-08:00

source:http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/countries/association=66/fixtureresult.html

German Bundesliga Match Schedule on November 2007

2007-11-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

Source:http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/countries/association=47/fixtureresult.html

Spain Primera Division Results on October 2007

2007-10-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

source:http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/countries/association=122/fixtureresult.html

Italian Lega Calcio (Serie A) Results on October 2007

2007-10-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

source:http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/countries/association=66/fixtureresult.html

English Premier League Results on October 2007

2007-10-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

source:http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/countries/association=39/fixtureresult.htmx?selectvaluemonth=10

The Results of Bundesliga Matches in October 2007

2007-10-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

source:http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/countries/association=47/fixtureresult.htmx?selectvaluemonth=10

The Netherlands' Grand Master

2007-10-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Netherlands' Grand Master

Very few players have earned the right to be mentioned in the same breath as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Diego Maradona. Although he never won an international title with his country and played in only one FIFA World Cup™, Johan Cruyff is one of them. Such was his natural talent, the Dutch master enjoys an undisputed reputation as one of the game's all-time greats.
Cruyff was brought up in the shadow of Ajax Amsterdam's stadium and training ground, where his mother worked. His father died from a heart attack when he was 12. From a very early age, the young Cruyff set his sights on one thing alone: becoming a professional footballer. He began formal training when he was seven years old and, to his mother's horror, left school at 13 to concentrate exclusively on sport.
Coaching legend Rinus Michels spotted the slightly-built youth's talent, and designed an exercise programme aimed at developing his frail physique to withstand the rigours of a professional career. Cruyff broke into Ajax's first team aged 17 and two years later, in 1966, picked up the first of nine Dutch league titles destined to come his way.
He soon rose to international prominence as a fleet-footed, elegant and technically gifted footballer, who never evaded a tackle. Cruyff was a playmaker, ammunitions provider and marksman rolled into one, with an ability to time a pass that has hardly been equalled before or since. He was a leading figure off the field as well, confident and opinionated, and never one to mince his words for fear of making enemies. The epitome of total football For one of the sport's greatest names, Cruyff's international career was relatively short. He made his debut for the Dutch national side against Hungary in September 1966 and went on to make 48 appearances for the Oranje before quitting in October 1977 aged 30. His last act on the international stage was to help the Netherlands qualify for the 1978 FIFA World Cup™ in Argentina, though by that stage he was only called up for the key fixtures.
Cruyff's finest hour with the Netherlands came at the 1974 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany. The Dutch went into the tournament with few expectations; they had only just qualified and the players had given little indication that they were comfortable with the tactics of coach Rinus Michels, brought in late in the day to replace Frantisek Fadrhonc. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place just in time, however, and by the end of the first round, the Oranje were considered the tournament favourites.
The Dutch dazzled with their total football, a style of play epitomised by Cruyff himself. Although he was fielded as centre-forward, he wandered all over the pitch, popping up wherever he could do most damage to opponents. His team-mates adapted themselves flexibly around his movements, regularly switching positions so that the tactical roles in the team were always filled but not always by the same person. This was a revolutionary concept, and it took the world by storm.
In the second round Cruyff got among the goals, netting twice in a 4-0 thrashing of Argentina, arguably the Netherlands' best performance of the tournament. The match against East Germany was a more subdued affair, won 2-0, before the Dutch faced Brazil in what was effectively a semi-final in the last of the second-round group games. After a rough-and-tumble contest, Michels' side walked off 2-0 winners. Cruyff struck his team's second goal, a spectacular volley in the 65th minute. Meeting a centre from Ruud Krol, he wrongfooted goalkeeper Emerson Leao with his flying effort inside the near post.
Disappointments and disputes Cruyff's brilliance was on view just seconds into the Final. From the kick-off, the Dutch passed the ball around, not allowing West Germany a touch. Orange shirt to orange shirt to orange shirt, and then the ball came to Cruyff who started a run, slipped past Berti Vogts, and was mowed down by Uli Hoeness inside the box. Johan Neeskens buried the resulting penalty before a single German had touched the ball. The Dutch failed to press home their advantage, however, and allowed the hosts back into the game, Paul Breitner equalising from the penalty spot and Gerd Muller making it 2-1 two minutes before the break. In the second half the Oranje failed to overcome the barrier that was keeper Sepp Maier and the title was lost. Cruyff's player of the tournament award was scant consolation.
The afternoon of 7 July 1974 would be Cruyff's final appearance on the world stage. He had already announced that he would not play in the next FIFA World Cup in Argentina, mainly because he did not want to be away from his family for so long. Add a series of disagreements with the national federation and his international career soon reached a premature end.
At club level Cruyff enjoyed greater longevity. Between 1971 and 1973, he won the European Cup three times in a row with Ajax. In 1973 he moved to Spain with Barcelona, collecting the league title in his first season. After announcing his retirement in 1978, he resurfaced in May 1979 in the United States where he spent a couple of seasons before a short-lived spell with Spanish second division side Levante. Then it was back home to Ajax in the summer of 1981 for the start of an Indian summer. After winning the league-and-cup double, in 1983 he moved to Ajax's arch-rivals Feyenoord where he inspired the Rotterdam club to do the same. In his mid-30s, Cruyff was playing some of the best football of his life. After two successive Footballer of the Year awards, the best Dutch player of all time hung up his boots once and for all in 1984.
Moving into the dugout Although Cruyff had no formal coaching qualifications, a new career beckoned and he took over as technical director at Ajax at the beginning of the 1985/86 season. He brought silverware to the club - leading them to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1987 - and by the time he quit the following year had also helped develop talented youngsters such as Dennis Bergkamp, Aaron Winter, Brian Roy and the Witschge brothers, Rob and Richard.
In 1988, in a repeat of the journey he had made as a player, Cruyff left Ajax for Barcelona where he set about reconstructing a struggling team, releasing a dozen players including German Bernd Schuster and bringing in new stars. Soon he had fashioned one of the most spectacular club sides of recent times, the so-called 'Dream Team' which won the 1992 European Cup and four domestic championships in a row.
After an eight-year relationship, Johan Cruyff and Barcelona parted company for a second time in 1996. Cruyff, who was forced to give up smoking after a bypass operation in 1991 and had recurring heart trouble in 1997, swore he would never coach again and he has kept his word. Yet his legacy is assured. As he said himself of the Dutch team of his day: "We showed the world you could enjoy being a footballer, you could laugh and have a fantastic time. I represent the era which proved that attractive football was enjoyable and successful."

source: http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174481/bio.html

The King of Football

2007-10-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

The King of football
Edson Arantes do Nascimento. Pele. O Rei. Whatever the name, the memory is the same: of a world-beating superstar, a record-breaking football icon. Above and beyond his unequalled achievement in winning three FIFA World Cups TM, Pele was a genius who was constantly reinventing the game of football.
With every touch of the ball, every pass, every dribble, Pele was capable of coming up with something new - something the fans had never seen before. With a killer instinct in front of goal, an eye for the perfect pass and supreme athleticism, the Brazilian was just about the perfect footballer. And if the Seleção came to incarnate the 'beautiful game' in the eyes of so many observers around the world, this can largely be credited to the breathtaking skills of their most celebrated No10.
First spotted at the age of 11 by former Brazilian international Waldemar de Brito, he joined Santos at the age of 15 and had not yet turned 16 when he scored on his first team debut in a friendly against Corinthians of Santo Andre in September 1956, rising from the bench to net his side's sixth goal in a 7-1 win. A legend was born.
Emphatic introduction to the worldThe world first set eyes on Pele in Sweden in 1958. He was just 17 when he played in his first FIFA World Cup, a slight teenager who emerged from nowhere to light up the tournament with his dazzling skills. It is often said that it was player power that earned Pele a place in the starting line-up for Brazil's third match of the finals against the Soviet Union. He had been sidelined by a knee injury but on his return from the treatment room, his colleagues closed ranks and insisted upon his selection in attack alongside Vava.
The prodigy repaid his team-mates with the only goal against Wales in the quarter-finals - and in doing so established a record as the youngest scorer in FIFA World Cup history, aged 17 years and 239 days. Having found his range, he then struck a second-half hat-trick inside 23 minutes in Brazil's 5-2 defeat of France in the semi-finals.
By now, Pele was unstoppable, allying perfect technique with lightning speed, intelligence and opportunism, and he rounded off his first FIFA World Cup with two splendid goals against Sweden in the Final. For the first, he had the audacity to pull off a sombrero, lifting the ball over the last defender before smashing the ball home on the volley. His second, in the final minute, was a looping header over the keeper. Sweden player Sigge Parling later confessed that "after the fifth goal, I felt like applauding."
At the final whistle, Seleção keeper Gilmar had to console the boy wonder, who was carried off the field in tears on his team-mates' shoulders. "I felt like I was living in a dream," remembered Pele, and in many ways he was, a player set apart by his extraordinary talent. In the years that followed he only got better. He scored 127 goals in 1959, 110 in 1961, and inspired Santos to consecutive Copa Libertadores triumphs in 1962 and 1963; conquests which preceded back-to-back Intercontinental Cup successes.
Pele arrived at the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile ready to set the world alight again. It was the perfect stage to showcase his talents but, sadly, he aggravated a groin injury in Brazil's second outing against Czechoslovakia and did not reappear. Instead, he watched from the sidelines as his team-mates regained their world title. Pele was, by now, a marked man and the same unhappy fate awaited him in 1966 in England, where he again exited the finals on a stretcher, the victim of some fierce tackling in games against Bulgaria and Portugal. This time, though, Brazil joined him in departing the scene early, falling at the first hurdle.
The King is crownedPele would have to wait until Mexico 1970 before reminding the world of his exceptional talents. In the first FIFA World Cup to be broadcast around the world in colour, 'The King' shone in all his glory, ably assisted by team-mates Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivelino, Gerson and Carlos Alberto. Highlights included his attempted lob from the halfway line against Czechoslovakia, a stunning header that brought an even more stunning save from England goalkeeper Gordon Banks, and the unforgettably cheeky moment when he stepped over the ball, letting it run past Uruguay keeper Ladislao Mazurkiewicz, before shooting narrowly wide.
Fittingly, it was Pele who scored Brazil's 100th FIFA World Cup goal in the 4-1 Final win over Italy - a header after a typically athletic leap. "It was a special feeling to score with my head. My father once scored five headers in one match - that's one record I've never been able to beat." It was his 12th goal in 14 FIFA World Cup appearances and he remains one of only two footballers to have netted in four separate tournaments.
Besides scoring, he provided the sublime lay-off for Carlos Alberto to conclude a nine-pass move with the spectacular final goal against Italy. Tarcisio Burgnich, the Azzurri defender given the unenviable task of marking Pele, was later quoted as saying: "I told myself before the game, 'he's made of skin and bones just like everyone else'. But I was wrong".
Brazil earned the right to keep the Jules Rimet trophy after winning it for a third time with arguably the greatest team ever. Pele had become a living legend. The day after the final Britain's Sunday Times newspaper summed it up: "How do you spell Pele? G-O-D."
Eternal greatnessThroughout his career, Pele was a record breaker. His 1,000th goal, a penalty, came in 1969 in front of a delirious crowd at the Maracana. He scored five goals in a game on no fewer than six occasions, managed 30 four-goal hauls and netted 92 hat-tricks. In one match against Botafogo in 1964, he hit the back of the net eight times. In total, the great man struck 1,281 goals in 1,363 games.
Pele quit what he called o jogo bonito (the beautiful game) in 1974, before returning the following year to play for the New York Cosmos in order "to bring the world's game to the American public". He would hang up his boots for the last time in 1977.
J.B. Pinheiro, the Brazilian ambassador to the United Nations, was quoted as saying: "Pele played football for 22 years, and in that time he did more to promote world friendship and fraternity than any other ambassador anywhere". And who could contradict him? In warring Nigeria a ceasefire was declared when Pele played in Lagos in 1969. The President of Brazil declared him a "national treasure" to thwart any potential transfer to a European club. And in the port city of Santos, 19 November is forever 'Pele Day', to celebrate the anniversary of his 1,000th goal.
Since his playing career ended, Pele has used his ambassador's status to promote his country, the UN and UNICEF. "Every kid in the world who plays football wants to be Pele," he said, "which means I have the responsibility of showing them how to be a footballer but also how to be a man." But that is what Gods are for, isn't it?

source: http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=63869/bio.html

The god of football

2007-10-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

Diego Maradona

The Albiceleste underdog who conquered the world
Maradona made the ball an early friend and it was his constant companion in the games of street football that taught him how to compete with older and bigger opponents. Despite this toughening process, however, Maradona's physique, or lack of it, almost cost him his career. The Argentinos Juniors youth coach, Francis Cornejo, had no doubts about his ability - yet could not believe that the little left-footer was old enough to play for his team. His date of birth duly established, Maradona became the star of the 'Cebollitas' helping them go 136 matches unbeaten. The senior squad beckoned, and on 20 October 1976 the 15-year-old debuted for Argentinos Juniors in the first division against Talleres de Córdoba. Another 21 seasons, another bow: the final curtain fell on Diego's career after Boca Juniors' 2-1 defeat of River Plate on 29 October 1997. In the intervening years, Barcelona, Napoli, Seville and Newell's Old Boys had all witnessed the Maradona phenomenon at first hand - a pocket battleship of a player blessed with supreme technique and a magical left foot. Controversial from the startIt was the national team that saw the best of him, however. Thirty-four goals in 91 appearances make him the Albiceleste's second top scorer after Gabriel Batistuta. And his contribution was such that the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) recently 'retired' his old No.10 shirt. This love affair began on 3 April 1977 when Maradona first played for his country in a friendly against a local selection. Soon there were calls for coach Cesar Luis Menotti to include him in the squad for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup™ finals. Argentina would win the tournament on home soil - but without Diego whom Menotti thought too young to participate. Amends were made the following summer when Maradona inspired his peers (not that he had many equals) to victory at the FIFA World Youth Championship in Japan. "That was the most fun I had on a football pitch," he said later. "Apart from my daughters, nothing has given me as much pleasure." No stranger to success then, he also courted controversy. Apologists spoke of the star's "honesty" and "refusal to sell out". Critics did not want for ammunition either - after all, this was a man who once shot at journalists with an air rifle and insulted the Pope on national TV. He always roused the extremes of emotions, yet on the pitch he did as he pleased - and as no other could. "The things I could do with a football, he could do with an orange," eulogised French star Michel Platini. Balance was the key - which was ironic given his struggle to find equilibrium elsewhere in life. It was impossible to stop 'El Grande' as he slalomed towards goal; and just as unerring was his accuracy from set pieces. Toughness and grandeurThe 1982 FIFA World Cup™ finals did not see enough of those qualities. Argentina lost their opening game to Belgium then beat Hungary and El Salvador. Diego scored twice against the Hungarians, but was unable to repeat the dose against Italy and Brazil in the second round. In fact, he grew so frustrated with his markers that he was sent off against the latter as the holders crashed out. Mexico 86 was another matter entirely. Maradona's five goals - one against Italy and two apiece against England and Belgium in the quarter and semi-finals - took Carlos Bilardo's side to the final, and sealed his reputation. It was as the greatest player on the planet that he lifted the FIFA World Cup after a 3-2 win over West Germany. Four years on, he assumed a quite different role for the title defence. The tournament took place in Italy, where Maradona was nearing the end of a seven-year spell with Napoli which would yield two Serie A championships and a UEFA Cup. Though his physical powers diminished by a serious ankle injury, the skipper's will remained as strong as ever and this carried the team through against Brazil, Yugoslavia and Italy in the knockout stages. However, there was nothing he could do about Andreas Brehme's Cup-winning penalty for West Germany.

source: http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174732/bio.html

Der Kaiser Beckenbauer

2007-10-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Der Kaiser, the brains behind Germany
Beckenbauer is without doubt one of the greatest players and coaches of all time. He redefined the role of libero, lifted the FIFA World CupTM as captain in 1974, before repeating the feat as a manager in 1990.The son of a general manager of a postal depot, he began his career at the age of nine in the youth team of SC Munchen 06, before joining Bayern Munich in 1958. He made his debut for Bayern on the left wing, against FC St. Pauli on 6 June 1964. In only his first season in the regional league, he helped the club achieve promotion to the Bundesliga.Franz celebrated his first international cap on 26 September 1965, aged 20, and went on to play in three FIFA World Cups. The young Beckenbauer made his first finals appearance in 1966, scoring two goals in a 5-0 victory over Switzerland in his first game. Although West Germany lost in that legendary Final to hosts England at Wembley, more than 30 years later, Beckenbauer can reflect positively on events: "Being a runner-up in the FIFA World Cup isn't too bad for a young player", Beckenbauer told FIFA.com.
His second tournament in Mexico in 1970 was also memorable as he played in the semi-final against Italy with a dislocated shoulder, carrying his injured arm in a sling. However, his dedication went unrewarded with the Azzurri running out 4-3 winners, leaving the Germans to settle for third place.
Nevertheless, Beckenbauer still has fond memories of Mexico. "1970 was a magnificent tournament. The fans were fanatical and stadium security wasn't quite so intense in those days. You could still do pretty much what you wanted to. There was just one armed policeman who sat outside the entrance and watched the whole ground. Obviously, that would be unthinkable today. Back then, it was simply more relaxed. The games in Mexico were colourful. The country laughed and football danced," he recalled.
Glory on home soilThen in 1974 came Beckenbauer's finest hour. By now, he was playing in the position he revolutionised - as a libero behind the defence. He organised the team from the back, but also advanced when his side were on the attack. It was in his nature to go forward; he simply could not stop himself.
The 1974 FIFA World Cup in Germany was something extra-special for Beckenbauer and his team. From the first whistle, the home fans demanded nothing less than victory. The high expectations were something the captain was all too aware of: "When you are hosts, there is obviously twice the pressure, because everybody expects you to win".
Collectively, Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier, Paul Breitner, Wolfgang Overath, Gerd Muller and the rest of the team withstood the pressure to make West Germany champions for the second time. After their 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, Beckenbauer became the first captain to lift the brand new FIFA World Cup trophy after Brazil had retained the Jules Rimet trophy in 1970.
In 1977, Beckenbauer left Bayern Munich to join the New York Cosmos. By the time he left Munich he had won every major honour with "his" Bayern: the Intercontinental Cup, a hat-trick of UEFA European Cups, four German Championships and four German Cups. He hoped to find a new challenge in the USA's professional league, as well as earn a good living. From a sporting point of view, however, the switch stateside did not further his development: "Football-wise it was a non-starter" he said.No end to the successThe move across the Atlantic also brought an end to his international career. Since he was plying his trade abroad, he was no longer considered for selection by West Germany. In total, he made 103 appearances for his country, becoming the first ever German player to break through the 100-cap barrier.
In 1982, he made his comeback in the Bundesliga at 35, playing for one season with Hamburg. He retired from playing in 1983 after another spell with the New York Cosmos.In July 1984, after the failure of Jupp Derwall at that year's UEFA European Championship, Beckenbauer was installed as West Germany's national team head coach. His first major success from the dugout was at Mexico 1986, where he led his team to the Final. Although Argentina won the trophy, Beckenbauer had come of age as a coach.
At Italy 1990, West Germany became undefeated world champions, and when Andreas Brehme converted the only goal from the penalty spot in the Final against Argentina, Beckenbauer secured his place in the record books as the first man to win the FIFA World Cup as captain and as coach. Winning the trophy as coach remains the pinnacle of Franz Beckenbauer's football career: "I would say 1990 in Italy was the most important to me, it doesn't come any better than managing a side to victory," he has been quoted as saying.Beckenbauer was the president of Bayern Munich until 1998, when he was made the vice-president of the German Football Association. And after helping to return the sport's showpiece event to his homeland, he successfully oversaw the 2006 FIFA World Cup as the chairman of its Organising Committee.
Did You Know?
Beckenbauer was nicknamed Der Kaiser in the late 60s. Its origins have been disputed but nobody doubts he earned the title of 'The Emperor'.

Beckenbauer supported 1860 Munich as a boy and had dreams of playing for them, but he decided to join their city rivals Bayern Munich.
Just as Pele had in 1950, Beckenbauer watched the 1954 FIFA World CupTM Final and told his parents that one day he would win the tournament.
Beckenbauer became national team skipper in 1971. Within three years he lifted the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World CupTM trophies.
Beckenbauer was nicknamed Der Kaiser in the late 60s. Its origins have been disputed but nobody doubts he earned the title of 'The Emperor'.
Franz Beckenbauer rated Johan Cruyff as the best player Europe ever produced, adding: "He was the better player... but I won the World Cup."

source: http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=25113/bio.html

My First Watching World Cup Final

2007-10-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

Argentina 1978

Winner: Argentina
Runners-Up: Netherlands
Third: Brazil
Fourth: Italy
Golden Shoe: Mario KEMPES (ARG)
FIFA Fair play award: ArgentinaHosts Argentina were crowned world champions for the first time as the Netherlands suffered Final heartache for the second tournament running. Mario Kempes sealed Cesar Luis Menotti's side's triumph, scoring twice against the Dutch in the confetti-strewn cauldron of the Estadio Monumental to earn himself additional acclaim as top scorer. Brazil, denied a Final place by Argentina's 6-0 win over Peru, took third place from an enterprising Italy side.

source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/index.html

After failing in two succesive world cup finals

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Germany won their third world cup final to put them on the top with Brazil & Italy at that time

Italy 1990

Winner: Germany FR
Runners-Up: Argentina
Third: Italy
Fourth: England
adidas Golden Ball: Salvatore SCHILLACI (ITA)
adidas Golden Shoe: Salvatore SCHILLACI (ITA)

FIFA Fair play award: EnglandWhen Lothar Matthaus lifted the FIFA World Cup for Germany, it was an undoubted triumph for Franz Beckenbauer, who became only the second winner of the trophy as both player and coach. If low on goals, Italy 1990 was certainly high on drama - from the feats of Italy's top scorer Toto Schillaci via the tears of England's Paul Gascoigne to the historic run of Roger Milla's Cameroon to the quarter-finals.

source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/index.html

Germany won their second title in their homeland

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Germany 1974

Winner: Germany FR
Runners-Up: Netherlands
Third: Poland
Fourth: Brazil
Golden Shoe: Grzegorz LATO (POL)
West Germany were champions on home soil - and as in 1954 their victory came at the expense of a team widely considered the world's finest. Johan Cruyff's Netherlands were favourites before the Final but the hosts, beaten earlier in their competition by their East German neighbours, recovered from a first-minute Dutch goal to win. It was also a memorable tournament for Poland whom Gregorz Lato fired to third place.

source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/index.html

Germany won their first World Cup in 1954

2007-10-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Winner: Germany FR

Runners-Up: Hungary

Third: Austria

Fourth: Uruguay

Golden Shoe: Sandor KOCSIS (HUN)

West Germany were surprise winners of the 1954 FIFA World Cup, coming from two goals down to defeat Hungary in a Final forever remembered as the 'Miracle of Berne'. Hungary were unbeaten in 31 matches and scored 25 goals en route to the Final - eight of them against the Germans in the first round. Yet it was Fritz Walter and not Ferenc Puskas who picked up the Jules Rimet Cup.

from http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/index.html

About Me

2007-10-31T00:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

My name is Antonius Puspo Kuntjoro,
I live in Jakarta, I am married with a child.
I like soccer very much. Since my childhood until now I still play it often. At least I still play futsal regularly. And like other soccer lovers, I watch international and national soccer games a lot.

In 1978, when I was six years old, I watched my first FIFA World Cup final when Mario Kempes cs. won the first world title for Argentine by defeated Holland 3-1 in extra time.
There are two people who influence me to love soccer very much. Firstly, My father. He was the first one who introduce me to this game. Sometimes he brought me to our national soccer stadium (Stadion Utama Senayan) to watch some national big match like Persija vs PSMS in 1979.

The second person is a priest in my church. He is from Germany, Muenchen exactly... When taught us, altar boys, about our religion etc., he often made an intermezzo by told us story about the magnificent German (it was West Germany) soccer team. He introduced us about the staying power of the "German Pansers" who would not let any other team won until the final whistle blowed. Everytime he went back to Germany for a vacation, he always brought German soccer team merchandises as a souvenir and a gift for us when returned to Indonesia.

That is why, although Brazilian probably have the best soccer teams ever, and although Pele and Maradona are the all time best soccer players in the world, and although I am still hoping that sometime in the future Indonesia will win the FIFA World Cup, I still love Germany and its players as my favourite always. And you may guess what my favourite soccer club is.... Yes!!!..... Bayern Muenchen...

Creating this blog (thanks to Google and Blogger.com) is a way to express and to share my love for soccer....

see ya.....