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2009 - MAY NEWS
SALT LAKE STADIUM TO GET A NEW PITCH
26.06.2009 ::The pitch at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has often been criticized for its bumpy surface, but this will soon be a thing of the past as the playing area is being overhauled and a new surface will be laid within the next six months.
Work is already in progress at the Salt Lake Stadium or officially the Yuba Bharati Krirangan.Since its inception in 1984 the stadium has never seen a significant repair work which had left its pitch in a very bad condition with many teams complaining about it. Now after much delay the work to relay the surface has finally began.
A very modern method is being used to relay the pitch which will have a world class drainage system. The work is expected to be completed in six months time, before the start of the next I-League.
So from the next season Salt Lake stadium will have a brand new pitch which will help the teams to play even better brand of football. Over the years Salt Lake had lost its sheen due to its pitch now it seems the it will once again become the No 1 football stadium in India. Not only because of the fan’s passion but also due to the good quality of football which will be on display due to its improved pitch.
Brazil down brave Bafana to reach in the final of Confed
26.06.2009 :: RANA BOSE ::What a great performance! Bafana-Bafana (as the South African footballers are affectionately called) played out of their skins and at the end of the night can consider themselves unlucky to go down 1-0 to a Brazil side that were made to look ordinary at times.
It took an 87th minute free kick from Brazil substitute Daniel Alves to earn the Confederation Cup holders their win in a closely fought semifinal showdown over a brave South Africa at a packed Ellis Park on Thursday night.
It was that close. South Africa was that close to one of the biggest upsets in soccer history. But one thing they won was the hearts of the nation and the capacity crowd. It was South Africa's best display in years and certainly their best under their Brazilian head coach Joel Santana. Make no mistake, these boys possess the skills of the Latin Americans, the speed of the Europeans and the exuberance of the Africans.
The fact that South Africa star Steven Pienaar was named Man of the Match shows how well the team played against a glittering array of Brazilian superstars which included Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano.
Brazil had destroyed the United States 3-0 and world champions Italy 3-0 on their road to the semifinals but this was by far their toughest match in the Confederations Cup.
Brazil play the United States at Ellis Park in the final on Sunday-Monday night while South Africa meet Spain in the playoff for third place at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium a day earlier.
The 48, 000 strong crowd added to the excitement by cheering every South Africa tackle and they more than held their own in an exciting first half in which the home crowd were watching at times in disbelief as Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Pienaar bossed the midfield against the likes of Kaka, Robinho and Ramires.
Both South African full backs Siboniso Gaxa on the right and Tsepo Masilela on the left flank troubled Brazil with their over lapping runs. But what was outstanding was South Africa's tight marking and solid defending where central defenders Aaron Mokoena and Matthew Booth gave nothing away against a much more experienced attack.
In fact the best shot of the first half came from a Pienaar scorcher in the 43rd minute that shaved the paint of the Brazil post.
It was great stuff from South Africa rated a lowly 72nd against the Confederations Cup holders who are ranked fourth in the world and were odds on favourites to coast into the final and defend the title they won in Germany in 2005.
South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune again showed he is going to be the number one choice for years to come with an authoritative display and some fine stops in the first 45 minutes.
Khune did well to stop Ramires opening the scoring in the 12th minute. South Africa hit back a minute later when Gaxa rounded Brazil left back Andre Santos and unleashed a powerful drive that just missed the target.
Brazil had another escape when South Africa skipper Mokoena headed a Modise free kick fractionally wide of the crossbar on 21 minutes.
Brazil keeper Julio Cesar showed his class when he did well to fist away a well taken Tshabalala free kick from 25 metres in the 34th minute as the home side took the game to their more fancied opponents.
Three minutes later new Real Madrid signing and the Brazilian superstar Kaka rounded both Gaxa and Mokoena and inched a powerful shot past the upright.
Kaka again showed why he is one if not the best player in world soccer when he collected the ball inside his own half and raced for goal only to be denied by Khune who did well to save the Brazilian's shot at the near post three minutes from the break.
A minute later Pienaar's pile driver shaved the post as the home side refused to be intimidated or overawed in an evenly fought opening half.
Julio Cesar pulled off the save of the night from a 20-meter thunderbolt that had the crowd off the feet in the 57th minute as South Africa took the initiative.
Mokoena led by example when he time and again put his body on the line. He saved a certain goal when he threw himself at a Robinho's rocket from inside the South Africa penalty area in the 75th minute that the crowd loved and cheered.
But a mistake by Mokoena earned Brazil a free kick on the edge of the area in the 87th minute. Alves who had just come on scored the only goal with a wicked curling free kick that gave Khune no chance and broke the South African heart.
Teams :
Brazil : – Julio Cesar, Maicon, Luisao, Lucio, Andres Santos (Daniel Alves 82’), Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva, Ramires, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano (Kleberson 90’)
AIFF asked to leave 18 U- 16 Footballer from India Camp
25.06.2009 :: 18 footballers from the ongoing coaching -cum-selection
camp of India U-16 at Goa were asked to leave after medical examination found
them overaged.. After An MRI examination at a local hospital yesterday, the authority found the players overaged. For this
reason India's preparation for the 2010 AFC Under-16 Asian Football
Championship qualifiers dealt with a big jolt.
The boys , who were sent back from the camp are from Bengal , Uttarakhand,
Manipur, Kerala, Mizoram and Punjab.
Alamgir Ansari (IFA Academy),Md. Akeel (IFA Academy), Pronoy Karmakar
(Ashok Nagar) of Bengal was in the disqualified List.While two Manipur based
Mohun Bagan Academy Players Ramesh Singh and Satish Singh also disqualified
after MRI test.
Now out of rest 16 footballers of the camp , 4 of them are playing in goalkeeper
position. Two Bengal Boys Souvik Das and Joybrata Dhar were qualified after
necessary MRI test.
India has been placed in Group-D in the qualifying round of AFC Cup U- 16
alongside UAE, Turkmenistan, Oman, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan.The qualification
round will start on October 3, while the group venues are yet to be confirmed.
GFA Secretary decided to withdraw his name from Porugal Trip
25.06.2009 :: Rodrigues Kanzil, Goa : Secretary of Goa Football
Association Savio Messias on Thursday decided to withdraw his name from one of
the two officials who was about to represent Goa (India) as one of the two
officials with the Goa Football Team for the forthcoming Lusofonia Games to be
held in Portugal from July 11 to 19.
This decision of the GFA secretary comes after the GFA executive committee who
met on Tuesday proposed and backed Mr Anju Albuquerque and Mr Lavinio Rebello
to represent Goa (India) as the two officials for football for the forthcoming
Lusofonia Games to be held in Portugal from July 11 to 19 which was also
confirmed by the Urban Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao, GFA president,
after the meeting that the executive committee had fully supported Mr Lavinio
and Mr Anju to be the two officials for Lusofonia Games though there were talks
of the GFA Secretary Mr Savio Messias and Mr Savio Baretto to be travelling
with the team as manager and physio with the Goa (India) team for Portugal.
Sources also stated that the names of the two officials were already dispatched
for approval with the Goa Olympics association by e-mail, much before the
Executive Committee Meeting could take place but the GFA has not received
anything in writing back from the GOA till date.
Though it is believed that three manes of Maurice Alfonso, Savio Messia’s and
Savio Baretto were being suggested for the team to accompany the Goa team for
Lucifonia Games.
Speaking to Kanzil Rodrigues of Goa as what the whole controversy was all
about the GFA Secretary stated that it was difficult for him to explained why
the controversy had come up as the training camp for the Goa football team had
started 20 days ago and even had already shortlist from 30 probables to 23
probables and now the team was about to be reduced further on Saturday and
since the camp had been going on for a long time if any officials wanted to be
associated with the team should have shown their willingness being present for the training programmes
during the coaching period but somehow the controversy had come up now which
had shocked him and therefore he had decided to withdraw from accompany the
team to Portugal as he felt that what had happened was not right and did not
wanted to become a controversy so he decided to sep down and not travel with
the team …
When asked the reason for such controversy to generate Savio said that he was
not in a position to comment on such thing and therefore he had forwarded the
names of Lavino to Sports Authority of Goa and Goa Olympics Association who
would processed their formalities and had informed GFA that they could be
accommodated and even had written to SAG but had not received any reply from
them till date but hoped that it could be done ..
When asked as how their names were decided before the GFA Executive
Committee Meeting could be held Savio stated that some things on the issue
were not very clear right from the beginning as last time when the team went
to Macau five officials were accompanying the team and this time Sports Authority
of Goa had informed orally but nothing in writing that there would be three
officials though they did bring it to their notice that three officials were bit less
but SAG had said that it would be only three but as he said that nothing officials
had come to them they were not sure as of what was the size of the contingent
and were still waiting for reply from SAG ….
Savio also stated that he had not received anything in writing from SAG as what
were the post for the officials that would be with the team and therefore the
officials who were supposed to accompany the team had not been identified till
date …
When asked as when his and Savio Baretto name was suggested Savio said that
he had recommended Savio Baretto name as he had been involved with the under
21 team for the last three years and had traveled with the team for the west
Zone qualifying round, for the final qualifying round in Assam and again in
Pondicherry and he also had received an award form GFA as Best Manager years
ago and felt that he was the right person to accompany the team as he knew
all the players pretty well associated with the team for the last three years and
that’s why he felt he was the right choice ….
Savio said that he had never claimed for foreign trips and even being the Secretary
of the State Association he never asked even to the All India Football Federation
for an appointment even though he has been the Secretary for the last six years
though in the first four years he was never given an appointment in the Indian
team and also did not asked for it only until a year ago he was appointed as a
Manager of the Indian Football Team which went to Iran and therefore he had
never clamped for the post as he had been to Portugal four times on his own
so he though it was best for him to not to have a big issue on it and not to
accompany the team.
Savio also stated that he had informed the GFA President Joaquim Alemao that he
did not wanted to travel with the team and let someone else could be appointed
in his place as there were some capable and hardworking people in the association
who had traveled with the team in the past and had done lot of work and but his
only desire to go with the team besides Lucifonia Games was to do some few tie
ups with the University of Porto and Portuguese Clubs as whenever he has gone
to Portugal he was been able to sign some MOU’s or do some positive meeting for
exchange programmes and was hoping to take the same opportunity this time as
he had already taken some appointments with the University of Porto and
Portugese Club for exchange of Goan boys and coaches for which he had fixed up
meetings but now would travel on his own some time later ….
USA beat Spain to reach the final of Confed cup
25.06.2009 : The greatest shock in Confederations Cup history?.FIFA 14th rank USA has ended No 1 Spain's record winning
streak with a 2-0 victory to place in the Confederations Cup final 2009. As per past
record the United States had lost its three previous matches against Spain, 3-1 in
the first round of the 1950 World Cup, 2-0 in a 1992 exhibition at Valladolid and
1-0 in an exhibition on June 4 last year at Santander.
19 year old Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey scored for USA and their Keeper Tim
Howard make several quality saves to stop Spain's record run at 15 wins and put
the Americans into their first FIFA men's final at any level.
In 27th minutes Altidore took a deflected pass from Dempsey which turned Joan
Capdevila and beat Spanish keeper Iker Casillas . His powerful left footer bounced
off the Calissas's hand and into the net. In the first half USA was leading
1-0.
In the 74th minutes of 2nd half , USA increased their margin when Landon
Donovan crossed into the goalmouth where Sargio Ramos of Spain misplayed
the ball before Dempsey slotted it home ( 2 - 0).
USA's Michael Bradley the son of U.S. coach Bob Bradley
was sent off for a rough challenge in 85th minutes. Now USA will play
the final against the winner of Brazil and South Africa.
USA First XI : Howard, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Spector, Demerit, Clark,
Bradley, Dempsey, Donovan, Davies, Altidore.
SPAIN First XI : Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevilla, Xabi
Alonso, Riera, Fabregas, Xavi, Torres, Villa.
East Bengal and Bagan agreed to release their Footballers.
23.06.2009 :: B.Roy.: Kolkata Giant East Bengal and Mohun Bagan agreed
to release their selected footballers for coming
Indian National Teams Preparatory camp in Dubai
and Spain during June-July ahead of the Nehru
Gold Cup that will be hosted in Delhi from
August 19-31.
Earlier the two clubs had demanded to AIFF that
:-
1. AIFF pay the entire medical expenses of
players who sustain injuries during camps or
matches on national duty.
2.Players would be released in accordance with
FIFA rules.
3.AIFF should compensate the respective clubs,
the portion of fees playable to the injured
players for the period till they were fully fit
and joined practice for the clubs.
In this regards, IFA secretary Mr. Utpal Ganguly
told to the reporters that today after a meeting
with him, the two clubs Officials assured him of
releasing the selected players for the national
camp but on condition that the federation must
convene a meeting by July 10 to decide on their
demands.
Mr. Ganguly also told that ,AIFF Secretary
Alberto Colaco assured him the points raised by
the clubs will be discussed in an executive
committee meeting by 10th July where President
in-charge Praful patel may present.
AIFF has assured Mr. Ganguly that the entire
medical expenses of the players who sustain
injuries during camps or matches on national
duty will be taken care off as previously
demanded by two Clubs.Regarding fees AIFF will
arrange appropriate Insurance.
After Tuesday's meeting the nine players of
both the teams would now be available for the
preparatory camps.
Mohun Bagan will release P Mohanraj, N S Manju,
Rakesh Masih, and Deepak Mondal and East Bengal
will release Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Rennedy Singh
,Govin Moirangthem Singh and Syed Rahim Nabi.According to the AIFF
12th June meeting, there were no restrictions on
Baichung Bhutia, suspended for six months by
Mohun Bagan, to attend the national camp.
Coal India Win the IFA Trades Challenge Cup 2009.
23.06.2009 :: B.Roy.: Coal India won the historical IFA Trades Challenge
Cup Football Tournament 2009. Today in the final match which was played in the
newly builted Vivekananda Stadium, Khardaha under Khardaha Municipality, the
Coal India Boys beat Police A.C 3 - 0 to clinch the trophy.
Under the coaching of former famous footballer Achyanta Belel, the Coal India
team was leaded 1 - 0 through Altaf Hossain in the first half of the match. Police
team also got some easy chances to equalize but missed the target.
The three scorers of Coal India Team
In the 2nd half Coal India team increased their margin by 2 - 0 through Sambhu
Haldar's penalty kick. Few minutes before ending the match an another goal was
scored by Sumanta Kisku for coal India to lift the prestigious Trades Cup trophy.
Coal India was played in the Group 'E' of the Trades cup.
GFA Secretary criticized Bob Houghton's recent remarks..
23.06.2009 :: Rodrigues Kanzil, Goa ..:Secretary of Goa Football
Association Savio Messias on Tuesday criticised the remarks made by the Indian
Football Coach Bob Houghton stating that the Santosh Trophy and Durand Cup
were nonsensical championships as the Indian National Football Team Coach could
have made in front of the All India Football Federation Executive Committee
Meeting and not in public which had deeply hurted many football lovers of the
Country …
It may be recalled that the Team India coach in his recent statements had stated
that "Football was just not going forward in the country and could not understand
as what standards they were trying to pursue" and also had made
strong remarks saying that the football officials of federations and clubs had to
understand that playing amateur, nonsensical championships like the Santosh
Trophy and the Durand Cup would not take the National team .
anywhere ….
Speaking to a Sports Reporter in Goa the Goa Football Association Secretary Savio
Messias said that he was
surpirsed to hear the comments made by the Indian Coach Bob Houghton as bob
had the opportunity to put up his
grievances at the Executive Meeting or at the General Body Meeting of All India
Football Federation where he was
always invited a number of times and if he had found faults in the policies of the
tournaments held in the
country he should have expressed his views at such forums and not in the public …
Savio stated that Bob had been in India for many years now and even Santosh
Trophy had been going on for years
and was the oldest tournament and even he knew that the format of the Santosh
could be changed or some changes
could be made in the tournament rules and regulations but nevertheless bob
should have not used Media to
express his views particularly in such a situation when goa had won it and the
whole of the state of Goa was
rejoicing in to the victory of Santosh Trophy it was totally wrong on the part of
the Indian Coach to critize the
tournament.
Savio also stated that he did agreed that the Santosh Trophy was going on in the'
country for the past sixty
three years and was still considered as one of the most prestigious tournaments of
the country till date and
today he himself has been in support for a change in the Santosh Trophy format
but well such things had to be
discussed at the AIFF meeting like the Executive Committee or General Body
Meeting as Bob was a part of the
federation and could have also expressed his views to all the Presidents of the
States Association Members and
not in front of the Media in public.
Savio also said that the GFA Executive were about to meet on Tuesday evening where
they would discuss the issue
about Bob Houghton remarks and would express their views to their GFA President
Joaquim Aleamo who was also the
Member of the Executive Committee of AIFF.
Brazil Cruise Into The Semi-finals
Scorers :Luis Fabiano (37’, 43’), Andrea Dossena (OG 45’)
22.06.2009 :: RANA BOSE ..:Brazil maintained their 100% record at the 2009 Confederations Cup as they made short work of Italy, sweeping the World champions aside with ease in a commanding 3-0 win at the Loftus Stadium, Tshwane, Pretoria on Sunday night amidst the constant cacophony of the “vuvuzela”, a tribal trumpet like instrument blown to summon villagers to important meetings. The din is so horrific that even television coverage becomes almost insufferable. Also, it makes things very difficult for players to communicate with each other and concentrate.
The result, coupled with Egypt’s shock 3-0 defeat to The United States, means that it is the Americans who join Brazil in the last four.
Italy did go off to a relatively brisk start, possibly surprising their opponents with purposeful attacking play early on. However, it was Brazil who had the first couple of chances in the game, the best falling to Robinho, who skewed his shot wide of goal after having been released into the box by Luis Fabiano’s nicely measured sixth minute pass.
In the 15th minute Fabiano found himself through on goal, but Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon showed his class, experience, and excellent anticipation, as he raced off his line to intercept the ball. The next chance fell the way of Italy as lively midfielder Mauro Camoranesi sent a cracking half-volley from 25-yards out that just traveled over the bar in the 31st minute, much to the relief of the Brazilians.
The game continued to swing from end to end and Brazil nearly broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute through an unlikely source – central defender Lucio. The Bayern Munich center-back showed great skill to beat two Italian defenders inside the box, before sending an angled shot goal-wards, which struck Daniele De Rossi and deflected onto the upright. By now Brazil were very much in the ascendancy, and took a deserved 35th minute lead when Fabiano slotted home with a clinical shot from eight yards out after the Italian defence had failed to clear their box. Buffon had no chance of stopping his citadel from falling.
A further two goals in quick succession then left Italy pretty much dead and buried as Brazil gave two examples of devastating counter-attacking play. In the 43rd minute South American team broke with lightning speed up the field, the ball reaching Robinho, who played a one-two with Kaka, before Fabiano found himself with the ball and made no mistake to net his brace; 2-0 Brazil.
Barely a minute later Brazil added a third, Kaka again involved as he picked the ball up deep and set Robinho free down the left wing who looked up to try and pick out Fabiano. Italian defender Andrea Dossena managed to intercept the pass, but only succeeded in redirecting the ball past Buffon and into his own goal. 3-0 Brazil.
The Azzurris were onto the offensive early in the second half as they desperately tried to force their way back into the game, with goal difference being of crucial importance. Dossena put in a couple of dangerous crosses from the left, but it was from one such delivery that Brazil again countered with breath-taking precision, although Robinho’s poor finish meant there was no addition to the scoreboard.
Midway through the second half and Marcello Lippi’s side created a succession of chances, but Julio Cesar was up to the task, saving comfortably from Alberto Gilardino and Simone Pepe, before being more severely tested with a stinging drive from Giuseppe Rossi.
Again though Dunga’s boys showed their potential threat on the counter as Kaka came within inches of adding a fourth after yet another quick break-up field in the 68th minute.
There was a chance for Azzurri in the 75th minute when some unorthodox goal keeping from Cesar saw the ball worked to Simone Pepe, his shot was blocked by a defender.
De Rossi and Dossena had late strikes but it just wasn’t Italy’s night as yet another effort from the European side failed to find the back of the net.
TEAMS
Brazil : Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan (Luisao 23’), Andre Santos; Felipe Melo, Kaka, Gilberto Silva (Kleberson 85’), Ramires (Joshue 85’); Luis Fabiano, Robinho.
Italy : Gianluigi Buffon; Andrea Dossena, Giorgio Chiellini, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta; Mauro Camoranesi, Riccardo Montolivo (Simone Pepe 46’), Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo; Vincenzo Iaquinta (Giuseppe Rossi 38’), Luca Toni (Alberto Gilardino 57’).
Baichung signed a contract with East Bengal today
22.06.2009 : Team india Captain Baichung Bhutia returns to his former
club KF East Bengal,where he started his playing career in 1993 when he was
only a 17 years boy,came from Sikkim. Today he signed a contract with East
Bengal for coming season..
Mohun Bagan suspended Bhutia for six months on charges of 'indiscipline' on June
8 without giving him a hearing to defend and submitted relevant papers to Indian
Football Associaiton, Bengal`s supreme soccer body, which was yet to react on
the punishment that might jeopardise Bhutia's club career.
The punishment also divided the country's soccer fraternity and hit the very
foundation of club-players relations and exposed ineffectiveness of the national
bodies- both IFA and All India Football Federation (AIFF), to interfere on time.
Hundreds of East Bengal officials, members and supporters were present to
welcome Bhutia, who had started his journey in the Kolkata league donning the
club’s red and yellow jersey.The fans of Red and Gold brigade who were shouting
with joy "Baichung..Baichung" .There was an atmosphere of festivity at the East Bengal tent
as Bhutia was garlanded and offered bouquets by frenzied club supporters.
Bhutia will turn up for the city giants under the captaincy
of Syed Rahim Nabi.
In a press meet there the Team India Captain expressed his happiness over the
issue of his returning to the former club and said, "This is the second time this
kind of reception I'm getting for East Bengal to compare with reception as the
best ever after East Bengal's ASEAN Cup victory in 2003.
Though signed for the 2009-10 season, he wants to end his playing career in
East Bengal whether he will play or not play this year but he wants to play for
the team from the first day of the season.
Bhutia, who was awarded the "Player of the National Football League" in the
2005-06 season when East Bengal finished runners up in the league, said ,
he also expected that his performance would be well in this season.Bhutia is
scheduled to join the national camp to be held in Dubai from June 25.
Earlier IFA secretary Mr. Utpal Ganguly said the agreement between Baichung and
East Bengal might not be legal binding for the IFA in clubs transfer decision.
Meanwhile,Mohun Bagan said any new agreement with Bhutia will not be effective
as the two were already in contract for 2009-10 and East Bengal officials feel
Bhutia was now a free player.
Confederation Cup :: Italy vs Brazil Preview
20.06.2009 :15 years ago, Carlos Dunga led Brazil won the USA World Cup . The former national team captain played against Italy in the 1994 World Cup final in the USA. The game had to go down to penalties after goalless 120 minutes.
In tie breaker Carlos Dunga scored from the penalty spot to give Brazil their third goal.After that, Italy’s Roberto Baggio missed his penalty kick over the bar, to blow away the Azzuri’s hopes of clinching the World Cup trophy. Celebrations quickly began… Carlos Dunga had successfully led Brazil to World Cup glory.
Now in 2009, Carlos Dunga is the coach of the Brazilian national team and has the upper hand against Italy’s Marcelo Lippi. Earlier this year in a friendly match in London Dunga’s Brazil beat 2 - 0 Italy.
In this years Confederation cup defending Champion Brazil defeated the USA 3 - 0 in their last match to remain undefeated in the tournament so far and currently have six points, 3 points clear of second placed Italy and third placed Egypt in their Confederations Cup group and secured themselves a place in the semi finals.On the other hand the Selecao have scored 7 goals and conceded 3 so far in the tournament.
Future star of Real Madrid Kaka is the team's leading scorer with two goals, whilst Maicon, Juan, Robinho, Luis Fabiano, and Felipe Melo have all contributed one each for the team.
Meanwhile,2006 World Champion Italy were tipped as favorites to qualify alongside Brazil. Now the Azzuri find themselves in a very uncomfortable position when they failed to increase the 3 points that they secured in their opening game, the Azzuri dramatically lost 1-0 to the Egyptians in the second round of the Confederations Cup.
The 2006 World Champions have all to play for when they come up against Brazil. While there are very few probabilities that Brazil will exit from the group stages, there are huge possibilities that Italy will be ousted.Giuseppi Rossi is the team's current leading scorer with two goals, whilst Daniele de Rossi has also contributed with a goal.
Brazil will want to repeat their achievement, this time in a competitive tournament. Can the Samba Boys edge past the Azzuri? the time will say it...
Some head to Head scores between the two Super Powers of World Soccer
10-02-09 Friendly Brazil 2 - 0 Italy
17-07-94 World Cup Brazil 0 - 0 Italy
05-07-82 World Cup Italy 3 - 2 Brazil
24-06-78 World Cup Brazil 2 - 1 Italy
21-06-70 World Cup Brazil 4 - 1 Italy
16-06-38 World Cup Italy 2 - 1 Brazil
BRAZIL :: FEW LAST RESULTS
18-06-09 FIFA Confederation Cup USA 0 - 3 Brazil
15-06-09 FIFA Confederation Cup Brazil 4 - 3 Egypt
11-06-09 WC 2010 Qualify Brazil 2 - 1 Paraguay
07-06-09 WC 2010 Qualify Uruguay 0 - 4 Brazil
02-04-09 WC 2010 Qualify Brazil 3 - 0 Peru
30-03-09 WC 2010 Qualify Ecuador 1 - 1 Brazil
11-02-09 Friendly Brazil 2 - 0 Italy
20-11-08 Friendly Brazil 6 - 2 Portugal
16-10-08 WC 2010 Qualify Brazil 0 - 4 Colombia
13-10-08 WC 2010 Qualify Venezuela 0 - 4 Brazil
11-09-08 WC 2010 Qualify Brazil 0 - 0 Bolivia
08-09-08 WC 2010 Qualify Chile 0 - 3 Brazil
22-08-08 Olympics 2008 Brazil 3 - 0 Belgium
19-08-08 Olympics 2008 Argentina 3 - 0 Brazil
16-08-08 Olympics 2008 Brazil 0 - 0 Cameroon
13-08-08 Olympics 2008 China 0 - 3 Brazil
10-08-08 Olympics 2008 Brazil 5 - 0 New Zealand
07-08-08 Olympics 2008 Brazil 1 - 0 Belgium
ITALY :: FEW LAST RESULTS
19-06-09 FIFA Confederation Cup Egypt 1 - 0 Italy
16-06-09 FIFA Confederation Cup USA 1 - 3 Italy
11-06-09 Friendly Italy 4 - 3 New Zealand
07-06-09 Friendly Italy 3 - 0 North Ireland
02-04-09 WC 2010 Qualify Italy 1 - 1 Ireland
29-03-09 WC 2010 Qualify Montenegro 0 - 2 Italy
11-02-09 Friendly Brazil 2 - 0 Italy
20-11-08 Friendly Greece 1 - 1 Italy
16-10-08 WC 2010 Qualify Italy 2 - 1 Montenegro
12-10-08 WC 2010 Qualify Bulgaria 0 - 0 Italy
11-09-08 WC 2010 Qualify Italy 2 - 0 Georgia
07-09-08 WC 2010 Qualify Cyprus 1 - 2 Italy
21-08-08 Friendly Italy 2 - 2 Austria
16-08-08 Olympics 2008 Italy 2 - 3 Belgium
13-08-08 Olympics 2008 Italy 0 - 0 Cameroon
10-08-08 Olympics 2008 Italy 3 - 0 Korea
07-08-08 Olympics 2008 Italy 3 - 0 Honduras
Bagan president supports Secretaries Decision regarding
Baichung issue
19.06.2009 :Mohun Bagan President Swapan Sadhan Basu (Tutu) support the decision of
General Secretary Anjan Mitra regarding Baichung Bhutia Issue. At that time he
was out of station but he claims that Mohun Bagan Hony.General Secretary Anjan
Mitra talked with him before the said meeting which was held on 8th may.
PRESS RELEASE : Mohun Bagan A.C :Since I was out of
station and I could not attend the last Executive Committee Meeting held on 8th
June 2009, there has been a lot of speculation regarding my stand on the
decision of the committee regarding Bhaichung Bhutia.
I would clearly like to mention that Mr. Anjan Mitra, Hony. General Secretary had
a detailed discussion with me before the meeting and I fully support and stand by
the decision of the Executive Committee.
Swapan Sadhan Bose :President - Mohun Bagan Athletic Club
After 1966 North Korea qualified for FIFA World Cup 2010.
18.06.2009 :North Korea ( 106 FIFA Ranking) today qualified for the 2010 Fifa World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. It has been more
than 44 years since the North Korean soccer team has entered the Fifa World Cup. Their last World Cup appearance
was in the year 1966. The team qualified on the basis of goal difference in the Asian qualifying Group 2.
Their women's national team has been a power for years in Women's Football World, but men's soccer in North
Korea, didn't enter the World Cup in 1998 or 2002.But Wednesday, the 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia lifted the
North Koreans to second place in Asia's Group B and to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1966.
In 1966, the 1-0 victory against Italy at Ayresome Park and the 5-3 quarter-final
defeat against Eusebio's Portugal, having led 3-0 at half-time, at Goodison Park
are perhaps the last time that North Korea has been viewed in a positive light
across the globe.
In 2006 Germany World Cup qualifying Matches, North Korea finished bottom of a group that included Japan, Iran
and Bahrain. Now the North Koreans surely will attract plenty of curiosity next summer.Their Forward Jong Tae Se
and midfielder Ahn Young Hak certainly will be players worth following. Both were born in Japan. Jong plays
professionally for Kawasake Frontale of the J League and Ahn turns out for Suwon Samsung Bluewings in South
Korea. Yet both choose to play for North Korea.
The most interesting fact being that, arch rivals North and South Korea will face off each other for the first
time in the Fifa World Cup, that is to be hosted in South Africa in 2010.
THE WAY OF NORHT KOREA TO THE MAIN STREAM OF 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP
2008-09-06 : : : United Arab Emirates 1 - 2 Korea DPR
2008-09-10 : : : Korea DPR 1 - 1 Korea Republic
2008-10-15 : : : Iran 2 - 1 Korea DPR
2009-02-11 : : : Korea DPR 1 - 0 Saudi Arabia
2009-03-28 : : : Korea DPR 2 - 0 United Arab Emirates
2009-04-01 : : : Korea Republic 1 - 0 Korea DPR
2009-06-06 : : : Korea DPR 0 - 0 Iran
2009-06-17 : : : Saudi Arabia 0 - 0 Korea DPR
ASIAN TEAMS LATEST TABLE
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
*Australia
8
6
2
0
12
1
20
*South Korea
8
4
4
0
12
4
16
*Japan
8
4
3
1
11
6
15
*North Korea
8
3
3
2
7
5
12
Saudi Arabia
8
3
3
2
8
8
12
Iran
8
2
5
1
8
7
11
Bahrain
8
3
1
4
6
8
10
Qatar
8
1
3
4
5
14
6
Uzbekistan
8
1
1
6
5
10
4
UAE
8
0
1
7
6
17
1
"6 Teams will participate in Nehru Gold Cup " Houghton.....
18.06.2009 :In a press meet which held at AIFF headquarter, Football House today, Indian National Sr.Football team chief
coach Bob Houghton on Thursday said that forthcoming Nehru Gold Cup is likely going to be a six-team
affair.Asked about the possible teams in the tournament, he said that the final decision will be taken after
consulting with the sponsor ONGC.
In 2007 it was a five teams competition where India win the title.He said that team will left for Dubai on June
25th for a 10-day camp which will be followed by a month long exposure trip to Barcelona where the national team
will utilise FC Barcelona's facilities at the famous Nou Camp and will play five matches with local teams and
the camp will conclude August 7.
Regarding the Olympic team, Houghton said, “The age group has not yet been finalized by FIFA and if it is U-23
then our current U-21 team will participate and if its and U-21 team then in that case we will have our U-19
team.”
He also said that the national team has the potential because we have won two international tournaments in the
last two years and also qualified for the Asian Cup.
PIFA Campers draw 3-3 in England.....
18.06.2009 :Children on the PIFA Champions tour to Manchester /
Liverpool played a friendly match against Inter Union FC, a top local football club
after 3 days of intense training at the Inspire Academy near Liverpool.
The boys drew 3-3 after being 1-1 at half time. PIFA goal scorers were Siddharth
Vora (2) & Zarif Kwaja (1).
GIP will host Team India camp in Dubai.....
17.06.2009 :The senior Indian Football Team led by captain Bhaichung
Bhutia will embark soon on preparations for the Nehru Cup to be staged in New
Delhi from August 18-30. Besides India have also qualified for the Asian Cup to be
held in Qatar in 2011 after a long gap.
So AIFF has decided to hold nearly two weeks in a summer training camp in Dubai
before going on to Barcelona, Spain next month in order to prepare adequately
for these two prestigious tournaments.
The Indian team is expected to land in Dubai on June 25. and will train once a
day at Al Wasl Club ground in Dubai.
Gulf International Promotions (GIP) may be the host to the Indian Football Team
during their stay in Dubai. The team was initially scheduled to train in New Delhi,
but had to alter its plans after organizers decided to re-lay the turf at the
Ambedkar Stadium to ensure it was ready in time for the Nehru Cup.
The facilities in Dubai are excellent and so AIFF decided to hold the Training Camp
there from June 25 to July 7, while searching for an alternative venue for practice.
After Dubai, the team will travel to La Maisa Soccer Academy and Nou Camp in
Barcelona for a one-month stint there, during which time it will play five friendly
matches.
Indian sports fans, who are peeved after the respective National Team’s recent
dismal performance in the fields of Cricket and Hockey, would certainly be hoping
that India do well in these two Football Tournaments to salvage some lost pride.
On the above matter, Team India Coach Bob Houghton will meet the press on
18th June in AIFF house at Delhi where he will explain the tour schedule in Dubai
and Spain for of Team India.
AFC Vision Asia..Kolkata chapter has ended today
17.06.2009 :A 5-member delegation from AFC Vision Asia Project Department led by Mr. Imtiaz Rehman (Pakistan) came to Kolkata on 15th June to study the infrastructure, set-up and potentiality of Kolkata Football and also to meet some of the major Clubs of Kolkata besides Officials of IFA.
On the first day of the Programme at Bengal Club, Kolkata they made a presentation on Vision Asia and the achievements of Vision India over the last three years. IFA also gave its presentation on Bengal Football. After Goa, Manipur, Delhi, Kerala and Tamilnadu, Kolkata has come in the list of adopting AFC's Development programme in India.
On the second day, George Telegraph SC, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan gave presentations on their respective Clubs to this Team in the morning. Later on in the afternoon they went to East Bengal, Mohun Bagan A.C., Bhowanipore, George Telegraph and The City AC Tents in the Maidan.
The guests appreciated the fact that Mohun Bagan Athletic Club was the only club, which ran a residential Football Academy successfully and the only club to give lot of emphasis and planning on Youth Development.
On the third today, today, there was a closing ceremony at the Bengal Club. The Vision Asia Team will report back their findings to AFC and accordingly a decision will be taken regarding inclusion of Kolkata in the Vision India Project of AFC.
Football crazy fans of Bengal will certainly be hoping that the Mecca of Indian Football will be part of Vision India Project soon.
"I would rather sit for 12 months without pay" Baichung
16.06.2009 :Today in a press meet at Calcutta Sports Journalists Club
,Team India Captain Baichung Bhutia stated that his fight was not against Mohun Bagan
but against one or two senior high officials who are very much publicity hungry
and egoistic and using Mohun Bagan as a platform for their own selfish gains.
On 14th May Mohun Bagan had slapped a 6 month suspension notice to the ace
footballer by accusing him of skipping practice and not turning out in an exhibition
match at Jalpaiguri. Bhutia, in turn, declared he would not play for Bagan and
took legal help.
He also told that he would prefer to remain unpaid for one year rather than play
for Mohun Bagan. He also addressed that the dictatorial attitude of some officials
is damaging club reputation and for the reason former famous Bagan Footbllers
don't want to take part in Club administration.
He said the club never objected to his participation in the reality show during
those two-and-half-month, but penalised him when he skipped an exhibition
match at Jalpaiguri . Baichung expressed faith in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the
Indian Football Association (IFA).Bhutia is set to join the Indian team's
conditioning camp for forth coming Nehru Gold Cup International Football Tournament
in Dubai from June 25.
Inter-School 5-side Soccer Tournament for Girls in Kolkata
14.06.2009 :The Bengal women Footballers welfare Association,Kolkata is going to organise
5-a-side inter School soccer tounament for Girls on 19 th August at CRA ground.
This would be the first of its kind of efforts.
This was announced today in a function organise for the ending of 15 days summer camp for school girls at
Rabindra Sarabor Stadium.
Former National Women Footballer Kuntala Ghosh Dostidar who is an one of the organisers said that now they are
looking for a suitable sponsor for the said Tournament.She added that without any financial help the proposed
tournament can't be successful.
2nd Issue of Soccer Journal 90 MINUTES is going to launch
14.06.2009 :The second issue of 90 MINUTES - a journal on different
aspects of soccer is all set to be publish on forthcoming week.Published by
Valerian Soccer Foundation,Kolkata, the second issue is consists of Seven
Exclusive articles by renowned Soccer scholars and also has a book review.
According to Mr. Subhransu Roy, the Editor in Chief of Soccer Journal 90 MINUTES, the
famous book 'Stories from Indian Football' of Jaydeep Basu is reviewed by Anthony
Marcus, the famous Soccer writer of Goa.
The issue has also one interesting article on Global match fixing written by noted
Soccer journalist Mario Rodrigues.
Another article of famous Soccer Journalist G.C. Das on Catenaccio system and
Helenio Herrera also evokes curiosity of serious followers of the game.
The other contributors of this issue are Dr S.N. Saha and Dr. S.Saha, Dr.L Santosh Singh,
Dr.Ramesh D Mishra, Amitabha Chatterjee and Santanu Chakraborty.
www.kolkatafootball.com remains as online partner of this popular Soccer journal.
So Near So Far :Another Upset For Bengal In The Final of Santosh Trophy
14.06.2009 :Debashis Majumder :The curse continues. Again Bengal ended their campaign of the Santosh Trophy 2009 one step away from the
championship title. Today in the Jawaharlal Stadium of Tamil Nadu, Goa beat Bengal first time in the history of
the Santosh Trophy final with the 4-2 scorecard in tie breaker after the game ended as a goal less draw in the
normal as well as in the extra time which makes Goa the champions of this edition of Santosh Trophy.
Though the record time champions (29 times) of this trophy (Bengal) has taken most of the time the control of
the game but finally Goa came up as a better side to take the championship.Last time in 1999 Bengal got the
Santosh Trophy under the captainship of Bhaichung Bhutia. But after that the disappointment continues. In 2007
Bengal ended their Santosh Trophy campaign in the similar fashion to that of this year with the tiebreaker
defeat against Punjab. So this year the hope was made for the team of Raghu Nandi.
Though Bengal did not started their campaign in style. They made a crucial draw with the host Tamil Nadu with
the help of the injury time goal by Lalwampuia in their very first outing for this edition of Santosh Trophy. In
their second encounter Bengal continues upset by a 1-1 draw against Manipur. But when the crucial stage of
existence came Bengal fought back and got the ticket of semi-final by getting a 2-1 victory against the powerful
Punjab.
In semi-final Bengal faced Services who crushed Bengal in the previous edition of Santosh Trophy by a 4-1
victory over them in the same stage of the championship. But this time different story was awaiting. In
semi-final Bengal played an enlighten football to get a comfortable 2-0 victory to reach the final.
On the other hand Goa reached final by defeating Tamil Nadu in the semi-final with the goal from closing minutes
penalty scored by experienced Climax Lawrence. Many of the Bengal supporters believed that this time Bengal
could break the curse by getting the trophy after 10 long years because in all previous encounters in the
Santosh Trophy final Goa had never defeated Bengal.
Even Bengal started the game today as the dominator. But gradually Goa came back in the match. Snehashis
Chakraborty and Subha Kumar repeatedly creates threats to the Goa defence. Goa also created some effective
counter attacks. But ultimate3ly the score remain goalless in the usual 90 minutes as well as in the extra time.
Ultimately the decision went for the penalty shoot out and the Goan players kept their nerve strong enough to
successfully convert 4 penalties into goals while Snehashis and Lalwampuia scored for Bengal but Safar Sardar
and substitute Lalkamal Bhowmick missed their chances which caused 4-2 tiebreaker victory of Goa over Bengal to
get the trophy and for Bengal the tusk again remained incomplete as the ended as the runner up team of Santosh
Trophy 2009.
Goa lift the 63rd AIFF Santosh Trophy
14.06.2009 : :Goa beat Bengal 4-2 in the penalty shootout to win the 63rd Santosh Trophy at Nehru Stadium, Chennai today and
celebrated their 150th anniversary of football as they captured their 5th Santosh Trophy title.In the total
Tournament Goa side went through without conceding a single goal.
Both the teams played an attacking game right from the start.In 6th minute Goa got a free kick but Fulgancio
Cardozo header was wide. Goa again in action in 10th minutes as Joaquim Abranches shot was blocked by
Bengal stopper Sk. Azim.In 12th minute Marcos Mascarenhas who score a hattrick in this Tournament crossed
a ball from the left flank but it was cleared by Bengal defence.
In 20th minute Snehasish Chakrabarty crossed a ball from left flank but Lalawmpuia's shot went away over the
bar.With match entering into lemon break it was Bengal that had better ball possession as they played with short
passes and managed to intrude into the Goa box at their will.
In the second half Goa started an attacking note.In 52nd minute Joaquim cross from the left had Beevan shot
being blocked by his own teammate inside the box.In 63rd minute Lalam Puia's cross had Surojit shot being
blocked by the Goa defenders. .
the best chance of the match came to Beevan D'Mello, but the Goan star planted his 94th minute header wide.
As the match progressed both the teams tried hard but failed to find the back of the net and as a result the
match entered into the penalty shootout where the Goa were better off Bengal.
The match itself was a tight affair with neither side creating any clear cut chances to score in regulation time
so it was goalless upto extra time and went into the penalty shootout where Goa emerged victorious.
Climax Lawrence took the first penalty for Goa, and slammed the ball home with aplomb. Snehashish Chakraborty
made it 1-1 squeezing his shot just past Felix D'Souza.
Beevan made it 2-1 for Goa, and that is how the scoreboard read as Safar Sardar, Lal Kamal Bhowmick both missed
for Bengal and Nicholas Rodrigues missed for Goa.
John Dias made it a crucial 3-1 lead for Goa, and Puia scored for Bengal to keep his side in the contest.
Fulganco Cardozo then stepped up cool as a cucumber to score the winning
penalty and hand Goa the 63rd Santosh Trophy.
Awards
Golden Boot : PC Riju of Tamil Nadu (12 goals in the championship)
Rajindra Valsalan ,Managing Director of a wind energy company Win Wind handed
over a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh to the top goal-scorer P. Riju as per their commitment.
Player of the Tournament : Muthu of Tamil Nadu.
Fair Play trophy : Goa and Rs.50,000 along with it.
Winner - Santosh Trophy : Rs 5 lakhs to Goa
Runners- Kamala Gupta Trophy : Rs. 3 lakhs to Bengal
Goa Football Association has announced Rs. 1 Lakh each to Goa Footballers
as a special gift for winning Santosh Trophy.
BENGAL:Subhasish Roy Chowdhury,Biswajit Saha (Anupam Sarkar 109'),
Safar Sardar , Sk.Azim, Rajib Ghosh ,Snehasish Chakrabarty,Gouranga Biswas
(Kartik Kisku 101'),Subho Kumar ,Denson Debdas ,Lalam Puia,Surojit Bose
(Lalkamal Bhowmick 63')
Historical IFA Shield Tournament will start from 25th Aug
13.06.2009 : :IFA Shield ,which is one of the oldest Football
Tournaments of India next to Durand Cup will start from August 25 and
the Fianl will be held on 10 September.
Secretaty of Indian Football Association ,Bengal Mr. Utpal Ganguly told
that two or three Foreign Football Teams probably from Senegal,Brazil, Nigeria
will take part in this historical Football Tournament's 114th edition.
Eight or Ten team will participate alongwith Kolkata Giants East Bengal, Mohun
Bagan,Mohammedan S.C,Chirag United. Last year's Champion was Mumbai based
Team Mahindra United who defeated Santos F.C of South Africa in the final.
Uncertain fate of Brazilian Eduardo Escober
12.06.2009 : :Eduardo Escobar, the Brazilian striker of JCT ,who
was supposed to move to Churchill Brothers this year, now is a free player.
After having two successful seasons with JCT, he was contacted by Churchill and
was ready to play for them this season.
He was the 2nd highest Scorer of ONGC I-League 2007-08 with 14 goals including
1 hattrick for JCT and 2008-2009 for JCT he scored 5 goals in the 2nd edition of
ONGC I-league.
Thus he decided to leave JCT and informed the officials about his decision. But
unfortunately officials of Churchill changed their mind and decided not to take
Edu.
So the situation at present is that he is a free player and can play for any I
league team, as he said to our correspondent S.Mitra.
Goa embraces AFC Vision Asia Project
12.06.2009 : :India got its fourth project under AFC’s Vision Asia programme with the launch of Vision India-Project Goa on Thursday.
Goa joined Manipur, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the growing list of Indian states adopting AFC’s development programme.
Goa Football Association (GFA) Vice-President Vinod Parkkot inaugurated the ceremony which was attended by GFA General Secretary Savio Messias, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs in Goa, Dr Susana de Souza, Executive Director – Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) V M Prabhdesai, heads of various GFA standing committees and representatives from different clubs.
Dr de Souza assured her government’s full support in implementing the Vision Asia project in Goa.
AFC’s Vision India delegation, led by its Project Director Imtiaz Rehman, made a brief presentation on Vision Asia and the achievements of Vision India over the last three years.
Goa is one of the most passionate and advanced football associations in India and was nominated by AIFF as a Vision India project last year.
GFA, established in 1959, has some of the most successful Indian clubs based in its territory. One of the former Portuguese colony’s club – Churchill Brothers recently won the Indian League.
The Vision Asia team will assess the structure and administration of football in GFA and clubs, analyse the grassroots development programme and the coaching and refereeing structures and will meet officials of the Education Ministry and various clubs in the next two days.
source: www.the-afc.com
Nostalgia..1999..Bengal beat Goa 5 - 0 in the Santosh Final
12.06.2009 : For the last 10 years the coveted Santosh Trophy eluded
29 times champions Bengal and coach Raghu Nandy said his boys are geared up to
end the title drought in the 63rd edition of the national football championship.
Bengal last won the 55th Santosh Trophy in 1999 beating Goa 5 - 0 at the same
venue and Nehru Stadium will once again see the two teams clashing in Sunday's final.
Let's see how Bengal lift the Santosh Trophy title for 29th Times
Captain : Baichung Bhutia
Coach : Late Sudip Chattterjee
Goa : Juje Siddi (Vikrant Sharma), Roberto Fernandes, Roque Perreira,
Francis Coelho, Covan
Lawrence,Jules Alberto (Francis Silveira), Anthony Perreira (Augustine Rodrigues), Bruno Coutinho,Mario Soares,
S Venkatesh, Somatai Shaiza.
Coach : Sabir Ali
Colaco will continue until AIFF finds a new successor
12.06.2009 : :Today in a meeting of the Executive committee of All India Football Federation (AIFF), which was held in
Footbll House ,Dwarka,Delhi,AIFF acting president Praful Patel released its General Secretary Alberto Colaco
form his post but asked to continue till his substitute is chosen.
Last December in the Annual General Meeting of AIFF, Colaco had
expressed his desire to relinquish the post but Praful Patel after taking over as the
acting president of AIFF in place of seriously ill Priyaranjan Dasmunsi then
asked Colaco to continue for some more time. Colaco’s contract as General
Secretary of AIFF had ended Dec 31.
61 year old Alberto Colaco said that he had already made the decision to quit long time back but due to Patel’s
insistence he was continuing.As per AIFF it has been learnt that acting President Praful Patel is interested in
getting a professional administrator for the post.
Sr India Team will play 5 practice matches in Spain
12.06.2009 : :The AIFF executive committee meeting was held at Football house, Dwarka
today where the following decision were taken during the meeting.
1) The National Senior team camp will be held from 25th June - 7th July in Dubai for the upcoming Nehru Cup
which is secheduled to be held from 18th August – 30th August at Delhi’s Ambedkar Stadium.India will also play
five practice matches in Spain and will train at Nou Camp in Barcelona.
2)AIFF will fund various states to develop three practice grounds for the practice of National team.
3)SAFF tournament will be held in India from 1st December -15th December .The venue will be finalized later.
4)The committee also said it will take strict actions against clubs, who fail to release players for the
national camp if it doesnt coincide with any AIFF tournaments. The committee also said that Indian National
Football Team captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who has been suspended by his club Mohun Bagan for six months just few
days ago will attend the national camp.
5)Regarding Mohun Bagan’s offer of money to Mohammedan Sporting to win a I-League match it was decided to issue
a strong warning and ask all the clubs not to follow such kind of practices.
6) AIFF will Appoint an I League CEO. Four Foreign Players can play in This year’s I-League which would include
1 Asian player as recommended by AFC.Eight Artificial turfs would be installed across the country.
7) Before the Final of AIFF 63rd Santosh Trophy National Football Championship in Channai this year
AIFF has announced the Preize money of the Competition :
Winner : 500,000 (5 lakhs)
Runners-up :Rs 300,000 (3 lakhs)
Fair Play : Rs 50,000
Player of the Tournament : Rs 20,000.
Golden Boot : Rs 100,000 (1 lakh) cash prize for the top goal scorer.
Goa meet Bengal in the Santosh Final
11.06.2009 : : Host Tamil Nadu failed to win against Goa by a solitary goal through penalty kick after spilling good chances in
the second semi final of the AIFF conducted 63rd Santosh trophy National football Championship today.
Now Goa will take on Bengal in the final on Sunday.The match will start at 5.30 PM.
Today the former runner up Tamilnadu failing to realise their dream of lifting the Cup on its soil in front of
own supporters. Tamil Nadu, boasting of having scored 31 goals in the preliminary league, had the best of
chances in the first-half.In 19th minute when Bengkok chipped the ball from left flank but there was no striker
to connect it. In 24th minutes Suresh cross had Muthu dribbling past two defenders but the strikers cross from
right had the ball deflecting off Felix’s gloves but Bengkok was late in reacting.
In 37th minute Goa's Joaquim Abranches had the best chance of the match as he had to put the ball over Tamil
Nadu custodian VP Sathish Kumar but he chipped the ball over the bar.The first half score was goalless.
In 74th minute the hat-trick scorer for Tamil Nadu in the previous game had another good opportunity to score
when his hit straight to the hands of Goa keeper Felix .In 82nd minutes Muthu's header off a good cross from
Suresh easily managed by Felix and Mahesh Gawli cleared the ball safely.
In the dying minutes,the penalty kick was awarded when Tamil Nadu defender Kali Alaudeen pulled down Francis
Fernandes and referee Pratap Singh immediately awarded Goa a penalty
Goa's India player, forward Climax Lawrence converted the penalty kick in the second of the two minute injury
time to put the 4 time winner and 7 times runner up in the title clash yet again with Bengal, who are
also hoping to regain the trophy after 10 years.
THE LIST OF GOA PERFORMANCES IN SANTOSH TROPHY
1978–79
Bengal
Goa
1 - 0
1982–43
Goa & Bengal
-
0 - 0, 0 - 0
1983–84
Goa
Punjab
1–0
1989–90
Goa
Kerala
2–0
1991–92
Keralal
Goa
3 - 0
1995–96
Bengal
Goa
2 - 0
1996–97
Bengal
Goa
1 - 0
1995–96
Bengal
Goa
1 - 0
1995–96
Bengal
Goa
5 - 0
2000–01
Kerala
Goa
3 - 2
2005-06
Goa
Maharashtra
0 - 0, 3 - 1(aet)
Who will fill up the gap of Ronaldo?
11.06.2009 : :Manchester United announced Thursday to accept the departure of striker Cristiano Ronaldo to
Real Madrid for a transfer of 80 million pounds (93 million). The Portuguese is now the most
expensive player in football history.
Ferguson knows he has a jewel from a friendly match against Sporting Lisbon in
2003 when he saw a youth of great fun with its defenders.As per his player's
demand Farguson bought him in United when Ronaldo was only 18.
the back .
According to the club, negotiations will be finalized by June 30. Last
year, Manchester had refused to let the Portuguese in the Real. The coach
explained that it would sell "not even a virus" to the club in Madrid called "mafia".
The transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, now age 24, will become the highest in history
of Player transfer, beating the record set in 2001 by Zinedine Zidane for 75 million
euros. The Spanish club had already struck a major blow earlier this week by confirming
the Brazilian star of AC Milan, Kaka for 92 million euros.
United will be looking to use that money to bring in someone who can fill the gap vacated by
the Portugal winger, but who will they sign?
Luis Antonio Valencia may be the most likely candidate. He will be comparatively cheap -
around £20million - and it is widely accepted he will leave Wigan this summer.He has Premier
League experience, having been at Wigan since 2006, and his natural pace is the kind Sir
Alex Ferguson looks for in his forwards.
Lyon's Karim Benzema is another possibility as he too is linked with an exit after the
club's president Jean-Michel Aulas claimed the player is not "untransferable".
But the one potentially available player that would undoubtedly suit United best is Cesc
Fabregas.
Ecuador upset Argentina while Brazil win
11.06.2009 : :Manchester United Star Carlos Tevez missed a first-half
penalty as Maradona's Argentina lost 2-0 to Ecuador in their World Cup qualifier
match yesterday.
UEFA Champions League winner Barcelona's Star Messi wasted an outstanding
chance in the 10th minutes of First Half when he side-footed Gabriel Heinze's low
cross wide of the goal from six metres.
Argentina had an better chance in 30th minutes when Manchester United Star Carlos
Tevez was fouled by Ecuador goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga just inside the penalty
area and referee Carlos Chandia pointed to the penalty kick.But Tevez's weak
ground shot saved easily by Ecuador Keeper by dyving his left side.
The goal scorers of Ecuador was Walter Ayovi in the 72nd minute and Pablo
Palacios in the 84th.
Now the two-time World Cup winner Argentina still stay in the top four in South
America’s standings. The top four advance automatically to next year’s finals in
South Africa. Ecuador now have 20 points, two less than Argentina.
In the last three games results of Argentina were, lost 1 - 6 to Bolivia, struggled
past Colombia 1-0 on Saturday and now lost to Ecuador 0 - 2.
But in Rio de Janeiro 5 times World cup winner Brazil beat Paraguay 2-1 to get
more comfortable in the top spot of the South American qualifiers toward the
2010 World Cup in South Africa.
In the match Paraguay scored first in the 26th minute when a free kick from striker Salvador Cabanas was
deflected by Elano and got past a disoriented Julio Cesar.
Four minutes before half-time, Robinho managed to find the net with a difficult shot off a precise cross from
Dani Alves.
In 50th minutes Brazil increased their lead through Nilmar. He was imprecise as he bounced the ball off his
chest, but he got a second chance from the resulting rebound off a defender and did not miss that.
10.06.2009 (2010 World Cup Qualifying Matches - some other results)
Brazil 2 - 1 Paraguay
Argentina 0 - 2 Ecuador
England 6 - 0 Andorra
Holland 2 - 0 Norway
Australia 2 - 0 Bahrain
Japan 1 - 1 Qatar
Korea Republic 0 - 0 Saudi Arabia
Iran 1 - 0 UAE
The 16 Boys has been Selected to visit Arsenal Academy
10.06.2009 : :Out of 32 boys from the various parts of India,16 boys
has been selected by Arsenal FC coaches Paul Shipwright and Kurt Maginley from
a 8 days training camp in CC & FC Ground, Kolkata.
The all 32 players, who were selected from different stages of the Nation-wide
inter-school tournament held previously under the programme " Tata Tea Jaago Re
Soccer Star". Now the selected 16 boys will be accorded further training and
get an entry to the much-awaited 19th Annual Arsenal International Soccer Festival in
London from 26th July to 3rd August 2009. The programme will be held at
THE ROYAL HOLLOWAY UNIVERSITY, SURREY, ENGLAND.
Daniel Lalhruaitluanga, Michael S Chongthu, P C Lalhrialhuia and Sajwan Kislay
Singh (all New Delhi)
Matheus Wahlang Pahsyntiew, Salvit Tongper and Suraj Rai Shillong (all Shillong)
Arindam Mitra and Biswajit Sardar (both Kolkata)
Chandra Sekhar Behera and Syed Viju Oasim (both Bhubaneswar)
Diwakar Thapa (Bangalore)
Harold Fernandes (Mumbai)
Manoj Tamang (Lucknow)
Sameel P (Kozhikode)
Umakanta Kiyam (Chandigarh).
Bengal reach in the Final of 63rd Santosh Trophy National
10.06.2009 : : Bengal reach in the Final of 63rd Santosh Trophy National
Football Tournament.Today in the First Semi Final they beat Services 2 - 0 at the,
Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday. Gouranga Biswas scored both the goals
for Bengal. With this win Bengal reach 41st times in the final and lift the trophy
for 29th times.
Last year Bengal lost to services 1 - 4 in the semi final clash at Jammu & Kashmir.After 1999 Bengal reach in
the final of Santosh Trophy 2006 but lost to Punjab in Tie-breaker.
Services failed to capitalise on the chances that came their way in 4th minutes
of first half when Shaji's shot was off target. in the 8th minutes Raleng's (who
scored hattrick in the last year's semifinal against Bengal) shot just over the bar
from outside the box.In 12th minute Bengal's striker Snehasish Chakraborthy's flag kick was well
headed by unmarked Lalanpuia but Services custodian Sujan Suku save the ball easily.
Bengal took lead in 34th minutes of first half when Snehasish gave
a cross from Lalanpuia whose shot from the left flank had Gourango Biswas
heading it over Services Keeper Sujan Suku (1-0 ). Before 2 minutes of Lemon
break Bengal's Denson Devdas shot was away from the near post.
In the second half had Services was trying hard to find the equalizer and put more
pressure to Bengal Box. In the 63rd minute Shaji was brought down inside the box
and Services were awarded an indirect free kick. Services Missed the Free Kick
and in a counter attack Gouranga Biswas got a cross from Surojit Roy and with his
solo run in the services Box Gouranga beat Services Keeper Sujan to push the ball
into the blank net after an outstanding dribble.( 2-0 ).
Today Bengal Keeper Subhasish played an outstanding game and saved more than
three sure chances of Services.In the 80th minute Services's Shaji was left
unmarked and his shot well saved by Subhashis and a minute later Manish Negi's
header had Subhashis Roy Chowdhury making a diving save to help his team to reach in the Final
of Santosh Trophy for 41st Times. Now in the Final, Bengal will meet the winner of Goa and
Tamilnadu on 14th June.
SERVICES: Sujan,Lalruatafela,Romesh, Laldingliana,Mahesh Rai
(Mohammed Ibrahim 82'), Dileep M, Poukiliung, C. T. Sajith,Gordon Z.,Shaji D'Silva
(C) (T. L. Kuki 86'),S. Raleng (Manish Negi 74' )
08.06.2009 : :Team India Captain Baichung Bhutia has been suspended from his Club Mohun
Bagan for a period of 6 Months with immediate effect.
This was announced by Mohun Bagan Vice President Subrata Mukherjee at Mohun
Bagan tent today to the press.The club has not directly reply Baichung's letter.
earlier, Mohun Bagan issued the show cause notice to Bhutia after he skipped
some practice sessions and an exhibition game to take part in the dance reality
show. The player was asked to reply within 48 hours,but Baichung did not.
A 22 members of Mohun Bagan executive committee after a meeting decided to
suspend Baichung Bhutia,who is now at his own home Sikkim and expected to
return to Kolkata on June 15.The suspension will not allow Baichung to sign
other club for coming season.
Mohun Bagan Vice President Subrata Mukherjee told that " This is a message only
to show that no body is above the Club .He broke our Club's discipline and that's
why we have decided to suspend him". Regarding Baichung's release from the club,
Mukherjee said that they don't want to talk about his releasing matter because he
must continue to play with Mohun Bagan till 2010 as his previous contract with
the Club. Mohun Bagan have no objection if he plays for Indian National side in
this period of Six months ban .
A source of Mohun Bagan said that,the club would inform the suspension decision
to the AIFF and Bhutia could also appeal there.
Last week Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Dorjee Khandu requested Baichung
to visit the state to provide some of his valuable guidance to search local talents.
In this regards Baichung urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to launch a
football academy there for searching talents of the youths of the tribal state where
he can help.
East Bengal Club came forward to help AILA victims
08.06.2009 : :Kolkata Giant Football Club King Fisher East Bengal came
forward to help Super Cyclone AILA victims as a part of their verious social
Welfare activities.
Today In a fund raising campaign near Metro Cinema, Kolkata,East Bengal Sr.
Player Methab Hossain,Coach Subhash Bhowmick, Club Vice President Santi Ranjan
Mazumder,General Secretary Kalyan Mazumder and other high officials of East
Bengal alongwith some youth and Sub junior Footballer were present.
East Bengal President Dr. Pranab Dasgupta announced to pay an amount of Rs.
one lakh to the benefit of Aila Victims from his own.
Goa and Services enter into the semifinal of Santosh Trophy
07.06.2009 : : With Marcus Marcarenhas Hattrick and Bivan D'Mello's brace, Goa trounced Maharashtra 5-0 in their Group B
quarter final league match to enterin to semi finals of the 63rd National Football Championship for Santosh
Trophy, at Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.
making the first move by Maharashtra, Nicolas Cardoz's shot was blocked by Mahesh Gawli. After that there
were no moves made by the Maharashtra forwards and mid fielders through the match.Goa scored their first
goal in 18th minute through a flag kick. Beevan D’Mello of Goa was unmarked and headed the ball in to the
net give his team a 1-0 lead.
In 29th minute Beevan was left unmarked and he got the ball past Maharashtra custodian Amit Nandi to give
his team a 2-0 lead.In 35th Minute Maharashtra conseded an another goal through Marcus Mascarenhas off a
brilliant cross of Wilton Gomes 3-0 .
In the 55th minutes again Mascarenhas received a long cross in the right flank and made a solo run to
find the back of the net as Goa took a 4-0 lead. Just before the final whistle, Marcus scored his hat
trick off a nice cross of Bivan who also scored two goals for his team and give Goa a comfortable 5-0
victory. In the Semi final Goa will face host Tamilnadu on 11th June at 5.30 PM.
In the other Quarter final match of the day Services defeated Karnataka by a
solitary goal in the Group B quarter final match to set up a semi final clash with
Bengal scheduled to be played on 10th June .Services got an oppertunity to
score in 6th minute when Shaji got a ball off a cross from Mahesh Rai on a
one-on situation in the Karnataka box but their custodian Gumpe Rime chipped the ball over the bar .
In the 28th minute Services striker Raleng was brought down by Naveen Babu inside the Karnataka box and
were awarded a penalty. Laldingliana give Services a 1-0 lead to score from the
spot kick.
Karnataka tried hard to score the equalizer but their strikers were failed to capitalize on the chances.In
the first half Services was leading 1 - 0. In the second half Karnataka put more pressure to the goal
area of services and played well.In 74th minutes Karnataka were awarded a free kick just outside the box
as M Dileep handled the ball but they wasted the opportunity.
In next six minutes Karnataka had four chances but missed the target every time.In the 88th minute
Karnataka's Xavier Vijaya Kumar missed the golden opportunity to score the equalizer but he failed to get
the ball past Services custodian Sujan Suku.
Group B League Table :
Team
M
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pnt
Goa
3
2
1
0
6
0
+6
7
Services
3
2
0
1
2
1
+1
6
Karnataka
3
1
1
1
2
1
+1
4
Maharashtra
3
0
0
3
0
8
-8
0
Maradona angry over rock concert on Stadium pitch
06.06.2009 : : Argentina coach Diego Maradona criticised the pitch for Saturday's World Cup qualifier at home to Colombia
on Thursday, describing it as disastrous and comparing it to a piece of waste ground.
Maradona was livid after the pitch at the Monumental stadium, the home ground of River Plate, was used for
a rock concert last Saturday. Around 40,000 people watched the show by veteran Argentine rock group Los
Piojos (The Lice).
"It's disastrous," Maradona told reporters. "I hoped we could look for another stadium but I was told that
River is the only one approved by FIFA."
"I'm not bothered about River wanting to earn money but I think they should be able to organise the dates
properly," he said.
"We've brought over (Lionel) Messi, (Sergio) Aguero, (Javier) Mascherano, (Fernando) Gago and we're asking
players who cost millions of euros to play on a piece of waste ground.
"I'm not interested in the finances of River but it's horrible. Regrettably we have to play there."
Argentina, beaten 6-1 at high altitude in Bolivia in their last game, need a win on Saturday to improve
their position in the 10-team South American qualifying group and restore morale.
Maradona's side are fourth with 19 points from 12 games, the lowest position in which they could finish and
qualify directly.
Fifth place would mean a two-leg play off against the fourth team from CONCACAF.
Lionel Messi agreed that the pitch would be a hindrance to his team, who will have to break down a stingy
Colombian defence which has conceded 10 goals in 12 qualifiers.
"It's a problem for us," he said. "We try to play on the ground and quickly. If the pitch isn't good, then
it won't be a help." (www.soccer-xtreme.blogspot.com)
Japan,Australia and South Korea qualify for
2010 FIFA World Cup
06.06.2009 : :Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2010 soccer
World Cup in South Africa when they beat Uzbekistan 1 - 0 in a Group One qualifier
on Saturday.The win gave Japan 14 points from 6 matches and left Uzbekistan
fourth.
Shinji Okazaki of Japan scored the only goal to secure Japan's place at
2010 South Africa World Cup Football as a representative of Asia. They were also
the first team through to the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Japan may be joined by Australia if they win against Qater on Saturday.Today in
the match against Uzbekistan, Japan went ahead in 9th minutes when Okazaki
picked up on Kengo Nakamura's penetrative through ball and shot from a close
range to beat Uzbek Kepeer.
Japan's Yasuhito Endo's superb free kick was saved by Uzbek Keeper and his
follow up of the ball was adjudged offside by referee. On the other hand
Uzbekistan, who are left to fight for third place and a play-off berth, fought hard
and could have to score just before half time through Timur Kapadze
when he found himself in front of goal but missed the target through his poor
shot.
Bad luck of Islom Tuhtahujaev of Uzbek who struck a beautiful free kick which
took a deflection before it was spectacularly hitted on to the bar. Asian player
of the year Server Djeparov of Uzbek could have ruined Japan's day when he
struck a dangerous free kick that sailed just wide of the bar post.
Danny Jordaan, the 2010 organising committee chief in South Africa said: "Japan
are a big team who have become a major force in world football. We are very
happy that they today became the first team to qualify for the 2010 Fifa World
Cup."
In the other match Australia made a goalless draw against Qater in Group A who
have two more matches to play in the final Asian qualifying phase, have 14 points
from 6 matches.The Socceroos struggled in hot conditions but maintained their
record of not conceding a goal in the final qualifying phase. Now Australia will join
Japan and South Korea from Asia for the World Cup next year in South Africa
for just the third time, following their appearances in 1974 and 2006 as a member
of Oceania.
South Korea also joined with Japan and Australia as they secured a 2-0 win over
the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. In Group B, South Korea made it through to the
finals again after scoring twice in the first half .Park Chu-young opened the
scoring after just five minutes of starting of the game and Ki Sung-yueng netted
on 37 minutes.
Only the top two in each Asian group qualify directly for the finals.
Qatar still have a chance of finishing third and qualifying for a play-off but they
will need to win their last game against Japan and rely on other results going
their way.
Current Position of - Group A
TEAM
MATCH
POINT
Australia
6
14
Japan
6
14
Bahrain
6
7
Qatar
7
5
Uzbekistan
7
4
Current Position of - Group B
TEAM
MATCH
POINT
Korea Republic
6
14
Korea DPR
7
11
Saudi Arabia
6
10
Iran
6
7
United Arab Emirates
7
1
Bengal beat Punjat to reach in the Semi of Santosh Trophy
06.06.2009 : :Bengal beat defending champion Punjab 2 - 1 in their Group A quarter final league match to enter into the
semi-finals of the AIFF 63rd Santosh Trophy, at Nehru Stadium,Chennai today.
Dominating from the starting of the game Bengal got a chance in the 1st minute when Snehasish Chakraborthy
got a long ball in the Punjab Box but his shot over the bar. In 4th minute of the game Gouranga Biswas of
Bengal got a ball in Punjab half but Anwar Ali of Punjab stopped him and clear the ball.In the 15th minutes
Punjab got a chance to score through Mahilma but his header hitted the cross bar and Bengal defence cleared
the ball.
In the 32nd minute Bengal took lead through their left winger Snehasish Chakrabarty when Midfielder Subho
Kumar passed the ball to Snehasish in the left flank and Snehasish cut inside the box and chipped the
ball over Punjab custodian Karanjit Singh (1 - 0).
Snehasish's another action from left side was blocked by Punjab defender Anwar Ali in 35th minutes.
Two minutes later Bengal could have increased their lead but were unlucky when an unmarked Surajit Bose's
shot rebounded off the cross bar off a Lalampuia - Snehasish movement.Bengal was leading by 1 - 0 in the
first half.
Bengal dominated the first half but Defending champions Punjab dominated the 2nd half.In the 54th minute
Ravinder Singh send a good cross from the left flank which was headed by Rakesh Masih to find an unmarked P
Mahlima who slamed the ball into the Bengal net from his right footer from a close renge(1 - 1).
After equalising, Bengal started playing with short passes. In 79th minutes Bengal coach Raghu Nandi
withdrawn the scorer Snehasish and placed Surojit Roy.In 84th minute Lalampuia scored for Bengal ( 2 - 1 )
through a cross from substitute Surojit Roy and secure a place in the semi-finals
with hosts Tamil Nadu who beat Manipur 3 - 1 in an another Qr.final match where
Tamilnadu's P.Muthu scored a hattrick..
Punjab :1-Karanjit Singh, 2-Anwar Ali ,3-Ravinder Singh, 17-Sarbjeet Singh,5-Chandandeep Singh,
7-Jagpreet Singh,8-P.H. Boy Singh (15-Sandeep Sangha), 18-Rakesh Masih, 16-Baldeep Singh Jr, 10-Rohit
Kumar,12- L. Mahlima,
05.06.2009 : : Angola ,Lebanon and Yemen were absent in the 59th FIFA
Congress at Bahamas.But in presence of the representatives of other 205
Countries,the Congress has approved the following agendas which included some
necessary amendments.
Olympic Football : FIFA Executive Committee withdrew its proposal to discuss the eligibility criteria for the Men's Olympic Football tournaments. Instead, a task force comprising members of the international football family will be created to discuss this issue. No decision on Olympic football.It was expected that the U-23 age limit for Olympic football would be reduced to U-21 at this congress. But rather than any firm decision, a task force has been setup to figure out exactly what needs to be done. But the message was that football will remain an Olympic sport. Blatter suggested several different approaches, such as getting rid of the age limit altogether and allowing any player who hasn’t already played at a World Cup to compete.
Status :The Congress also approved amendments to the FIFA Statutes regarding the independence of member associations.
Profit Last year :: FIFA The World football’s governing body made a net
profit of $184 million in 2008. FIFA's congress in the Bahamas heard a financial
report which showed overall revenue of $957 million (World Cup with $556
million in television rights and $253 million from marketing deals) and expenses of
$733 million. Next year's budget projects an income of $866 million and expenditure
of 1.1 billion as the costs of the World Cup 2010.The budget for
2010 was passed by 99 % of delegates.
Age Limit :: Age limits removed on players switching nationality.A player with dual nationality had to choose his national team by the age of 21. The Algerian Football Association put forward a motion to remove that age limit, which was passed with a 58% majority.
Brazil 2014 :: In this congress the host cities chosen for Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup .The 12 Brazilian host cities for the 2014 World Cup will be Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio De Janeiro, Salvador, Sao Paulo .
6+5 rule :: Sepp Blatter said 6+5 is “only a matter of time”, and he believes the Treaty of Lisbon will make it possible.He told "When and if the Lisbon Treaty is adopted,then we will come back to you and ask you if you're still behind us, supporting this rule, which is to protect the national teams, the training in clubs and the identity of these clubs. This is not only for Europe, but for the world.
Players Health :: Prof. Jiri Dvorak, FIFA's Chief Medical Officer, stressed that prevention has a significant impact on the reduction of injuries. This is particularly illustrated by "The 11+" a series of physical exercises created by FIFA's Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC) show that the practice of football is beneficial for health. FIFA has launched a campaign featuring international football stars to promote health through football. On 17-18 October 2009, the FIFA member associations will gather in Zurich for a FIFA Medical Network conference.
Doping Control ::FIFA is currently working, together with WADA, on a programme aimed at developing a biological passport, which, among other things, consists of a periodical examination of blood and urine. Almost 30,000 doping controls per year are conducted in football with an incidence of 0,3% (for anabolics, the annual incidence is 0,03 %). As WADA confirmed on 29 May, the 2009 FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations comply with the World Anti-Doping Code.
Stadium Security :: FIFA Supremo Joseph S. Blatter stated: "It is your duty in your association and with your clubs to ensure security of the Stadium . I know you do not have the power to do this alone. But you have to work together with the political authorities, the police or the army in your country to ensure that football is organised with security and order. We have instructed our referees and match commissioners to not kick off the game until order and security are ensured in and around the stadium.
He also addressed "spectators should be seated, not standing. People are more quiet when they are seated. And there should be no fences. Fences in stadiums are not adequate."
Safeguarding the Value of Football : 98% of the FIFA Congress members voted in favour of a declaration about safeguarding the values of football and protecting the game and its players mainly the protection of players aged under 18 with regard to the principles of the integrity of competitions, the unpredictability of results, sporting ethics and fair play in all areas and at all levels of the global football pyramid.FIFA President said"The theme of this Congress is protecting the game, protecting the players,strengthening governance.We should search the consequences of the issue and find it's solutions to tackle the roots because welove the wonder ful game Football.
Chidi got Jersey from Mohun Bagan
04.06.2009 : :Former Mahindra United's Nigerian Striker Chiddi Edeh will be third foreigner for
Mohun Bagan Team this season.The other two foreigners are Jose Ramires Barreto and
Marcos Pereira of Brazil.
Today in the evening, Mohun Bagan Athletic Club presented the Club Jersey to
Chidi for the 2009-2010 season.Mr. Anjan Kumar Mitra, Hony. General Secretary
of the Club was present at this Event which was held at Club tent today
evening.
Chidi Edeh scored 11 goals in last I-league and was selected Man of the Match
for four times as a player of Mahindra United who joined Mahindra United from
JCT S.C last year. He starts his career in India with Kolkata IFA Football League
Club City A.C, then he moved to Kolkata's Famous Club Mohammedan S.C.From
their he moved to Sporting Club de Goa (2005-2006) .Then he joined
Punjab club JCT (2006-2007) Goan Club Dempo (2007-2008),After Dempo he
played Mumbai based club Mahindra United (2008-2009).
First name ::Chidi
Last name :: Edeh
Nationality :: Nigeria
Date of birth :: 18 August 1987
Age :: 21+
Country of birth ::Nigeria
Position :: Attacker
Will Kaka leave Milan or not?
04.06.2009 : :Yesterday, about 300 fans protested in front of the Stadium of AC Milan over the possible sale of the
Brazilian half Kaka.
"I spoke with Kaka next Monday and on Monday I could reveal the decision," said the Milan owner, Silvio
Berlusconi, in an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai, yesterday, a day after the Spanish newspapers
reported that Kaka hit contract with Real Madrid for 65 million euros (about $ 180 million).
Despite the protests of fans know and the desire to Kaka to stay on the team, the manager explained that
the team will not be crazy to keep the Brazilian.it was learnt that Kaka will not be presented as a Real
player until the end of the month even if his move from AC Milan goes through in the next few days
But Kaka is currently with the Brazil squad preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the
Confederations Cup, and the national team insist he won't be released soon.
Will Kaka be presented before the upcoming Confederation Cup? No, Kaka remains with us.Brazil play Uruguay
on June 6 and Paraguay (June 10) in World Cup qualifiers, before heading to South Africa for the
Confederations Cup starting on June 14. He will be free after Confed Cup in South Africa started from 14th
June," Brazil spokesman Rodrigo Paiva told Sky Italia.
RIO AND PARIS WIN 2010 and 2011 HOMELESS WORLD CUP BIDS
03.06.2009 : ::Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is confirmed as the host city for the 2010 Homeless World Cup, the world-class,
international football tournament energizing people who are homeless to change their own lives. Copacabana
beach will be the official venue uniting nations from all 5 continents as players stand proud and
demonstrate to the world the power of football to change lives in September next year.
Rio will hand over to Paris, France in 2011 with a venue adjacent to the Eiffel Tower while Poznan is a
surprise announcement as the winner of the 2013 Homeless World Cup. The international organizers are
currently exploring the opportunity to host the 2012 Homeless World Cup in Asia.
Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup, said: “Rio is the perfect location to host the 2010 Homeless
World Cup. Brazil is the home of football with many of its star players rising from the streets of Brazil
to the global football stage. With the infrastructure created to host the world's greatest sporting events
and government and businesses committed to using football for real, lasting social change, we are impressed
by the impact the Homeless World Cup will generate for Rio, Brazil and the rest of the world.
"We are excited to see the Homeless World Cup, and its impact, travel from Milan in 2009 to Rio in 2010 and
then Paris, with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop in 2011. This is an incredible journey for the Homeless
World Cup that will clearly demonstrate football is changing the world."
Rio has exceptional experience in great and large sports events and benefits from the infrastructure
present from recently hosting the Pan American Games and Parapan American Rio 2007 and the FIFA Futsal
World Cup in 2008. The city is one of the venues of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and is a candidate to host the
Olympic Games in 2016.
Julio Filgueira, National Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Brazil said: “It will be an honor receiving
countries from all over the world for this great event in Brazil. Certainly the Homeless World Cup will be
a great opportunity to touch the society about important aspects related to people living under
vulnerability and social exclusion, besides demonstrating how sports can be a powerful tool in the process
of formation and social inclusion.”
Paris, in a bidding collaboration with Collectif “Remise en Jeu” Credit Agricole, Sodexho, Paris
Saint-Germain, Federation Francaise de Football, Mayor of Paris and the Secretariat of State for Youth and
Sport, demonstrated an impressive legacy to ensure football is made available to all people who are
homeless across France via the 2011 Homeless World Cup.
Emmanuel Petit, supporter of the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup bid, played for Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona
and Chelsea and France is delighted to learn of the win adding: "Football is a passport to life. If you are
rich or poor football, does not differentiate. Through the difficulties of life, because of football, you
can know who you are and be equal."
Poznan 2013 is a surprise announcement. The successful bid was awarded after Poznan City Council, Homeless
World Cup Team Poland and Agencja Pracy OTTO placed a bid to host the 2011 international tournament.
Impressed by the commitment, spirit and investment made by the Local Organising Committee the Homeless
World Cup proposed the city is the host for 2013 tournament.
Founded by world-leading social entrepreneur Mel Young, the Homeless World Cup is supported by Nike,
Vodafone Foundation, UEFA, Global Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and
Rio Ferdinand. It has triggered and supports grass roots football programmes in over 70 nations engaging
over 100,000 players since the beginning. Over 70% change their lives coming off drugs and alcohol, moving
into jobs, homes, education, becoming football coaches, players and social entrepreneurs.
The 7th Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup will be held from 6-13 September at the Arena Civica, Sempione Park
uniting 48 nations, 500 players for true grit spirit and glory. A ball can change the world.
Deadlock regarding Baichung Bhutia continues
03.06.2009 : ::
Sr. Officials of Kolkata Giant Football Team Mohun Bagan are yet to take a firm decision regarding Baichung Bhutia controversy.This has made a football fans of both Kolkata Giants Football Team East Bengal and Mohun Bagan impatient and anxious more than ever before.
According to FIFA rules India National Team as well as Mohun Bagan Captain Baichung Bhutia is free to break the 2 years contract he has with Mohun Bagan since he crossed 28 years of age at the time of signing the contract in the year 2007.
In this regards Baichung has already expressed his lack of motivation and desire to play for Mohun Bagan and has sought release from Mohun Bagan after being show caused by the Club.
Releable sources reports that,Baichung Bhutia might move on to any another I-League teams from Kolkata for next season.
Football fans are devided in their openions in this regards which some felt that,Baichung shouls not have been show caused other feels that Mohun Bagan has taken the right disciplinary measured. Whatever the outcome, this issue has been a bad advertisemant for Indian Soccer.
FIFA World Cup Trophy will display in India
03.06.2009 : ::It has been learnt from Mr.Subrata Dutta,Vice-President AIFF, who is now representing India in 59th FIFA
Congress at Bahamas that,the original FIFA World Cup trophy will be displayed at Delhi on 20th April 2009
and also be on display at the Football Capital of India Kolkata on 21st April then it will move to Japan on
22nd April.The trophy will start touring all the 54 African countries before travelling
to 32 other nations including India(Total more than 84 Countries).The Trophy will be the real FIFA World Cup which will be on display in India and not the
replica like 2004.
FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valeke and Director of Marketing Thiery Weil along with Amber Steele,
Director Marketing of Coca Cola, held a meeting today with officials of All India Football Federation
senior vice-president Subrata Dutta and treasurer Hardev Jadeja,the two representatives of All India
Football Federation.
It has also been learnt that during the FIFA world cup Trophy tour to India AIFF also be conducted
a massive celebration for the Football Fans of India at Delhi and Kolkata.All cost for those event in India
is likely to be borne by Coca Cola,which is the official partner of FIFA.
The Trophy Tour, which kicks off in Cairo, Egypt on September 24, 2009 will travel
around the world before returning to South Africa on May 4, 2010 which will cover
84 countries during the 215-day tour and allow thousands of fans around the
globe to see the real solid-gold trophy in person.At events in each city, fans will
have the opportunity to have a souvenir photo taken of themselves with the
trophy, view a special 3-D movie showcasing memorable moments of the FIFA
World Cup
Basically Trophy tour starts off in Cairo, Egypt on September 24th, 2009 before
working its way around the African continent and down to Cape Town, South
Africa by December 3rd, 2009.After a rest, the trophy arrives in Seoul, South
Korea on January 17th, 2010 and works its way south and then east to South
America, working north until Mexico and then east again to begin it’s European tour in
Ireland. It keeps going east, though Russia, Kazakhstan, India and Japan and then
Canada before ending a long journey in the USA on May 2nd .Finally, the trophy
gets back to South Africa on May 4th, where it will sit and wait for a team
captain to lift it on July 11th, 2010 in Johannesburg.
AIFF Vice President Mr. Subrata Dutta will return his home town Kolkata on 7th June from Bahamas and
kolkatafootball.com team will meet him to learn details about the next programmes
regading the Trophy celebration in Kolkata. Till then stay with us.
FIFA would set up a World Class Academy in Kerala
03.06.2009 : :: World Football Governing Body FIFA is very much pleased with Kerala football Acssociation
for their successful implementation of Vision Asia Preject. For the reason FIFA would set
up an World Class Football Academy here.
In this regards Kerala state Sports Council President T P Dasan said that Sports Council and
KFA are now jointly searching a ten acres land for the project as soon as possible.
In Vision Asia project in Kerala more than 2,000 school children benefited. The training
programmes are in accordance with AFC Vision India guidelines, which calls for the
development of football skills among schoolchildren which covered all 14 districts in the
province.
Once the academy is set up,players in Kerala will get a chance to interact with the quality
players of the game in world football and occasionally they will also get a chance to play
the game out side the country.Kerala is one of four active Vision India projects along with
Delhi, Manipur and Tamil Nadu.
Goa and West Bengal are also expected to join Vision India in the near future.
59th FIFA Congress at Bahamas opened
03.06.2009 : :: With a spectacular opening ceremony at the equally
resplendent Atlantis resort on Paradise Island here yesterday, FIFA offically
kicked of its 59th Congress.
It was an evening punctuated by colour and majesty as cultures from around the
world collided on one stage in the forms of dance and music.
At the function attended by football's biggest names led by president Joseph
'Sepp' Blatter, there was even an art display themed for the upcoming South
Africa World Cup 2010 - images created by artists from around the globe. And it
was fitting when Blatter, in his address, said "the sport brings the world together".
Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham also took in the spectacle. FIFA, through
its general secretary Jerome Valcke, announced that the donating of over US$600,000 to a charity in Africa called '20 Centres for 2010'.
The money was raised through an initiative where US$500 was awarded for each
goal scored in the 2010 World Cup qualifying tournament for South Africa. A total
of 1,704 goals were scored, according to Valcke.
The Congess will have much on its plate when the membership of 208 nations
convene this morning at 9:30 (8:30 local time).
Among the critical issues to be discussed and ratified are the 6+5 rule; the
protection of minors; anti-doing matters; the 2008 financial reports and the South
Africa 2010 World Cup Finals.
Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
Barcelona sacks their coach
03.06.2009 : ::Ecuadorian Soccer Club Barcelona sacked their Spanish
Coach Benito Floro due to bad results, club president Eduardo Maruri said.
Floro joined Barcelona last Decemeber under a two-year contract.
Barcelona played 17 matches under his charge, with 5 wins, 5 draws and
7 losses the team has placed in the 10th rank in 12-team domestic league in
Ecuador.
President Maruri told "Unfortunately soccer is about results. We understood that,
there are no chance for him to continue as the coach of Barcelona. But Floro
should not bear all the blame".
Due to Floro's exit, the Footballers will train under the interim coach Ecuadorian
Flavio Perlaza, who has coached minor league teams untill the club will have a
new coach.
Brazilian Kaka has agreed to move Real Madrid
03.06.2009 : ::Brazilian playmaker Kaka has agreed to move from AC Milan
to Real Madrid, in a €65-million ($113.5 million) deal,according to Spanish radio
station Cadena Ser on Tuesday.
Kaka,the 2007 world and European player of the year, currently in Brazil with the
national team ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, will sign up for five
years and a salary of about €9 million (15.7 million) a year, the radio station said.
Newly-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sealed the deal with AC Milan vice-president Adriano
Galliani and Bosco Leite, Kaka's father and agent, Cadena Ser said.With Kaka AC Milan also lost their coach
Carlo Ancelotti, who agreed to take over as manager of English FA Cup winners Chelsea.
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi said to Italian press agency Ansa "I do not know if we can keep Kaka at
Milan because they (Real) have offered him so much money".
After signing to Real, Kaka told to La Gazzetto dello Sport that he had no intention of leaving AC
Milan.He also told "I've made my choice".
Mourinho - the highest paid man in world soccer
01.06.2009 : ::Former Chelsea F.C Manager Jose Mourinho has agreed a
new contract with his current Team Italian Gian Inter Milan worth 9.5 million Euros
(£8.3m) per year. This new deal will make him the highest-paid man in world
football.Mourinho currently earns around 7 million euros a year and his new deal will run
until 2012.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Tuesday that the 46-year-old Mourinho's
football income will exceed that of the highest paid players Zlatan
Ibrahimovic and Kaka, who make half-million euros less than Jose.David Beckham
would have taken the title of the highest paid man in football if he will stay with
LA Galaxy.If Beckham left Galaxy then his salary will far less than Mourinho.
As part of the deal, Mourinho will also be allowed to sign to sign 31 year old Portuguese International
Ricardo Carvalho who has lost his place to Alex and 31 year Spanish International Deco who has has failed
to impress at Chelsea. Both have been told they can leave.
Mourinho made his mark at Porto in 2004 when he led the Portuguese team to the
Champions League title, beating Monaco 3-0 in the final, before moving to
Chelsea.After leaving Chelsea in September 2007,he took charge at Italian giants Inter a year ago following the departure
of Roberto Mancini. Earlier this month, he secured the Serie A title with Inter three
games ahead of the end of the season.
Uefa trials new refereeing system
01.06.2009 : ::Next season's Europa League - formerly the
Uefa Cup - will be the testing ground for games using five officials.
The trial will see two extra assistant referees officiate by standing behind the
goals and communicating by headset.Everton, Aston Villa and Fulham are among
more than 150 clubs set to play their European games under the system.FIFA
president Sepp Blatter said: "We were looking where we can have such
experiments. Now we have found a solution together with Uefa."
The idea is credited to Uefa president Michel Platini, who opposes goal-line
technology and wants to retain a human element in decision-making.The system
involves an extra official standing on the side of each goal assisting the referee
and two touchline assistants by communicating through headsets.
European football's governing body Fifa and its rule-making arm, the International
Football Association Board, ordered a trial of the system last year as an
alternative to using video replays.Uefa used the five-official system at last year's
under-19 European Championship qualifying matches in Slovenia, Hungary and
Cyprus, where it was hailed a success.
Having an extra pair of eyes monitoring play in each area had a preventive effect
and promoted better decision making on suspected fouls.Players were less prone
to shirt-pulling at corners and free kicks, diving in the area and dissent, it
reported.
The announcement that matches in the Europa League will be played with the
experimental system came after a two-day meeting of Fifa's executive committee
in Nassau.Qualifying-round matches for the Europa League begin in July.
01.06.2009 :: PIFA girls are playing for the PIFA-CYFC Women's team in the MDFA Womens league. They are
playing their matches St Xavier's, Parel ground. Most of the girls are from the U-14
Maharashtra Team. The team is coached By Mr Chandra Kundan and assisted by Firmin D'souza.
The team beat Bandra Packers 1-0. The goal scorer was India;s U-14 striker,
Natasha Merchant. The next match is on 4 June at 5pm St Xaviers, Parel.
Zee Sports and Ten Sports to telecast 63rd Santosh Trophy LIVE
01.06.2009 :: Zee Sports and Ten Sports will telecast the 63rd Santosh Trophy LIVE
and Exclusive from Nehru Stadium , Chennai from June 2, 2009. Winner Punjab, runner up
Services and two losing semi finalists West Bengal and Karnataka will directly play in the
quarter final league round. Twenty Seven other teams were divided into eight clusters with
each cluster winner playing in the pre-quarterfinal knockout round. The four winners from
the pre quarterfinal knockout round will qualify for the quarter final league round. The
final will take place on 14th June.
Zee Sports and Ten Sports will telecast the fifteen matches from the quarterfinals onwards
beginning June 2nd. World-class production team will produce the telecast of the 63rd
edition of Santosh Trophy. Zee Sports would be using a 7 camera set up to produce the
telecast package which will include preview and review shows, half time match analysis and
various studio programming. The coverage will involve more cameras, more replays, new
commentators and a new graphic look. Zee Sports ace anchor Mayanti Langer will present the
pre-match and a post match analysis.
