A New Hope: Qatar May Lose 2022 World Cup

The recent revelations made by former FA chairman Lord Triesman’s claims to Parliament’s football governance inquiry that FIFA’s Jack Warner, Nicolas Leoz, Worawi Makudi and Ricardo Teixeira asked for a variety of bribes in return for their England 2018 World Cup vote were hardly surprising. We all know FIFA is corrupt, especially the bid process, but the truly shocking revelation about the Qatari bid from a whistle blower inside the Qatari bid team are now threatening to bring about some long awaited justice and strip the tiny Gulf nation of the tournament.

Now I’ve been a pretty big critic of the Qatari bid from the start, and frankly it was absurd to even allow a bit from a country of 1.6 million people, no football culture, and 50C temperatures in the summer. But that said, if they had won the bid fair and square they deserved to hold it, but we all know they didn’t. Politics in the Gulf is marked by bribery, corruption, and nepotism and the Qataris brought that perspective with them, along with a lack of any sense of irony or cynicism to FIFA. It won’t surprise many that a government based on bribery, corruption, and nepotism found fertile ground in which to plant itself in Zurich, but what was surprising was how they seemed to think no one would notice what was going on.

Well now there is evidence behind it, and a re-vote seems possible, but unlikely. I hope they strip Qatar of the World Cup, and give it the second place bid, the United States. A re-vote would inevitably be marred by further allegations of corruption, and another bid process would be too costly. Qatar has lost all credibility, and no matter how much money they spend, they can’t hide now.

Let’s hope justice will be served.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

View the original article here

World Cup Golden Ball

When the World Cup was first devised, by FIFA secretary Jules Rimet in the 1920’s, even he surely did not realise just how big an event his brainchild would become. The World Cup has changed incredibly since the first tournament in Uruguay, where thirteen teams took part, to today when 32 nations fight it out to change their destiny.

The World Cup also has the ability to drastically alter the fortunes of players and the winners of the Golden Ball award, for the tournament’s best player, will testify to this. The Golden Ball winner is one of the most popular things to bet online on at a World Cup and although one should try to pick a player who is at a team that should go far in the Cup, the award is notoriously hard to pick and this year’s winner, Diego Forlan was at rather long odds before South Africa. Here are a few players who should be gunning for the award in three years’ time, so keep your eye on them between now and Brazil 2014.

Lionel Messi
The current World Player of the year had a hard World Cup this year but it is easy to forget that little Leo is still only 22-year- old. The next tournament, in his home continent, looks all but set to be dominated by the diminutive player who continues to shock us with his incredible form for Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Another player who has already achieved so much but still will be under 30 when the next World Cup comes around. One would think that the World Cup would be the perfect stage for the Portuguese’s flamboyant style, but it has not worked out yet. Ronaldo still has at least one more chance to impress though and it would be hard to bet against him.

Neymar
Neymar is still only 18-years-old but the Santos striker is the latest of the established conveyor belt of incredible Brazilian forwards. He has already been capped for the Selecao and looks set to establish himself in the first team before the World Cup on home soil in four years. Watch out, because this boy is a real talent.

View the original article here

Top Ten Football Divers In the World Today

18 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on April 28th, 2011 Page 1 of 11 Next

A list of those who find it hard to stay on their feet!

100 Best Paid Footballers In the World

This list comes from Portuguese site futebolfinance.com and the releasing of this list appears to have crippled said website as it is seemingly down, perhaps due to mass interest. Of the 100 there are of course the usual suspects but more than a few surprises. Remember these figures are based solely on salaries paid by the player’s clubs and is presented as a monthly and annual total.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Auckland close in on Club World Cup spot

Auckland City boosted their hopes of qualifying for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in Japan by beating Vanuatu’s Amicale 2-1 in the first leg of the Oceania region’s club final.

Auckland thanked a lucky deflection for the decisive 82nd minute goal in Port Vila on Saturday, a clearing kick from Amicale defender Selwyn Sese Ala rebounding off Luis Corrales across the goal line after the grounded Costa Rican striker had slid in to meet a cross.

There was some doubt about whether Corrales would make it to Vanuatu – he arrived a day later than the rest of the squad – but City will be delighted they got him on a plane.

“There was a problem with his visa but he has been doing very well so we were keen to get him involved,” a relieved City co-coach Ramon Tribulietx said.

“The win has come via a little bit of luck in the end and I think we would definitely have settled for a draw,” said Auckland coach Aaron McFarland.

“Considering they played very well and dominated possession, we’re very happy with 2-1.”

Spanish striker Manuel Exposito scored from the penalty spot after being brought down by the keeper to put Auckland 1-0 up in the 22nd minute, before Amicale captain Fenedy Masauvakalo fired in a 67th minute equaliser.

The second leg for a place at the Club World Cup, and a guaranteed 250,000 pounds payday, is in Auckland on April 17.

Sun 3 April, 2011

Auckland close in on Club World Cup spot

Auckland City boosted their hopes of qualifying for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in Japan by beating Vanuatu’s Amicale 2-1 in the first leg of the Oceania region’s club final.

Auckland thanked a lucky deflection for the decisive 82nd minute goal in Port Vila on Saturday, a clearing kick from Amicale defender Selwyn Sese Ala rebounding off Luis Corrales across the goal line after the grounded Costa Rican striker had slid in to meet a cross.

There was some doubt about whether Corrales would make it to Vanuatu – he arrived a day later than the rest of the squad – but City will be delighted they got him on a plane.

“There was a problem with his visa but he has been doing very well so we were keen to get him involved,” a relieved City co-coach Ramon Tribulietx said.

“The win has come via a little bit of luck in the end and I think we would definitely have settled for a draw,” said Auckland coach Aaron McFarland.

“Considering they played very well and dominated possession, we’re very happy with 2-1.”

Spanish striker Manuel Exposito scored from the penalty spot after being brought down by the keeper to put Auckland 1-0 up in the 22nd minute, before Amicale captain Fenedy Masauvakalo fired in a 67th minute equaliser.

The second leg for a place at the Club World Cup, and a guaranteed 250,000 pounds payday, is in Auckland on April 17.

Sun 3 April, 2011

India V Sri Lanka: 2011 Cricket World Cup Final Live Stream

no comments by CaughtOffside Team on April 2nd, 2011

India take on Sri Lanka in Mumbai in this hotly anticipated World Cup Final.

Watch live cricket streaming with GetSport.TV

Chelsea keeping tabs on Dutch World Cup star; Buffon could leave Juve for Roma

Chelsea keeping tabs on Dutch World Cup star

Chelsea are readying bid for Ajax full-back Gregory van der Wiel, according to The Mirror.

With Jose Bosingwa set to leave the Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, the Blues are desperate to sign a world-class right-back and thus complete their back line.

Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly singled out Ajax full-back Gregory van der Wiel as the number one target and it is thought that the Holland international would be tempted to leave Amsterdam Arena at the end of the season.

Chelsea have already made enquires about the availability of the Dutch star and the Blues are expected to step up their interest in the coming days.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom ever since he was handed a first team debut in 2007 and he was an important part of Bert van Marwijk’s side that reached the World Cup final in South Africa.

Impressive technical qualities and a great composure with which he plays the game make Van der Wiel one of the best full-backs in Europe, with his attacking runs often wreaking havoc upon opposition defenders.

Despite his fragile age, the Dutch international already has a huge experience at the biggest stage and he is expected to fit right into the Chelsea squad.

Buffon could leave Juve for Roma

Gianluigi Buffon has yet to decide whether he will stay on at Juve after this season ends, while being the subject of interest from Roma.

The 33-year-old keeper has had his doubts over the course in which Juventus are going and has hinted on several occasions that he could leave the club in the near future.

The Bianconeri are hoping Buffon will accept a significant pay cut to his current contract, under which he is thought to be earning around

India V Pakistan 2011 Cricket World Cup: Live Stream and Match Preview

no comments by Jack Atchinson on March 29th, 2011

Get ready for an explosive battle as India and Pakistan compete for a place in the World Cup final.

Watch India v Pakistan: Live Streaming

Friendly previews: World Cup hosts square off, Uruguay face Ireland

Qatar and Russia will go head to head in an international friendly on Tuesday in a battle of the future World Cup hosts.

Russia – winner of the rights to host the 2018 Cup – will travel to Doha’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday, which is not one of Qatar’s 12 host stadiums at the 2022 Cup tournament.The scheduled match between the two countries was planned within days of their respective Cup hosting rights being granted by FIFA last year.Dick Advocaat’s Russia will be keen to bounce back after being held to a scoreless draw with Armenia on Saturday, while it is Qatar’s first outing since losing 3-2 in the Asian Cup quarter-finals to eventual champions Japan.The Republic of Ireland will host Uruguay in Dublin, in the two nations’ first clash since the Irish welcomed the South Americans to their capital in 1986.Costa Rica will christen their new stadium in San Jose when they welcome an Argentina side fresh from a 1-1 draw with the United States. Harnessing the talents of Lionel Messi will be in the forefront of the Central Americans’ minds, with the Barcelona attacker instrumental in Argentina’s goal against the US on Saturday.The Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica was donated by the Chinese government as part of the two nations’ diplomatic relationship, established in 2007.Portugal can return to winning ways after two matches without victory when they host Finland at the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro. Missing captain Cristiano Ronaldo to injury, Paulo Bento’s side had a first international goal from Porto winger Silvestre Varela to thank for their 1-1 friendly draw with Chile on Saturday.Also in action on Tuesday, China host Honduras, Jordan do battle with Korea DPR, Oman welcome Tunisia, Belarus take on Canada, Peru face off with Ecuador, Cyprus play Bulgaria, Slovakia and Denmark go head to head and Poland travel to Greece.Australia can atone for their drubbing at the hands of Germany in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the two nations face off in a friendly in Moenchengladbach, while Chile-Colombia, Ukraine-Italy, France-Croatia, England-Ghana, Cuba-Panama, USA-Paraguay and Mexico-Venezuela are also in friendly action on Tuesday.

Mon 28 March, 2011

Friendly previews: World Cup hosts square off, Uruguay face Ireland

Qatar and Russia will go head to head in an international friendly on Tuesday in a battle of the future World Cup hosts.

Russia – winner of the rights to host the 2018 Cup – will travel to Doha’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday, which is not one of Qatar’s 12 host stadiums at the 2022 Cup tournament.The scheduled match between the two countries was planned within days of their respective Cup hosting rights being granted by FIFA last year.Dick Advocaat’s Russia will be keen to bounce back after being held to a scoreless draw with Armenia on Saturday, while it is Qatar’s first outing since losing 3-2 in the Asian Cup quarter-finals to eventual champions Japan.The Republic of Ireland will host Uruguay in Dublin, in the two nations’ first clash since the Irish welcomed the South Americans to their capital in 1986.Costa Rica will christen their new stadium in San Jose when they welcome an Argentina side fresh from a 1-1 draw with the United States. Harnessing the talents of Lionel Messi will be in the forefront of the Central Americans’ minds, with the Barcelona attacker instrumental in Argentina’s goal against the US on Saturday.The Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica was donated by the Chinese government as part of the two nations’ diplomatic relationship, established in 2007.Portugal can return to winning ways after two matches without victory when they host Finland at the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro. Missing captain Cristiano Ronaldo to injury, Paulo Bento’s side had a first international goal from Porto winger Silvestre Varela to thank for their 1-1 friendly draw with Chile on Saturday.Also in action on Tuesday, China host Honduras, Jordan do battle with Korea DPR, Oman welcome Tunisia, Belarus take on Canada, Peru face off with Ecuador, Cyprus play Bulgaria, Slovakia and Denmark go head to head and Poland travel to Greece.Australia can atone for their drubbing at the hands of Germany in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the two nations face off in a friendly in Moenchengladbach, while Chile-Colombia, Ukraine-Italy, France-Croatia, England-Ghana, Cuba-Panama, USA-Paraguay and Mexico-Venezuela are also in friendly action on Tuesday.

Mon 28 March, 2011

Clouds over Qatar World Cup...

By Anish on March 25, 2011 5:02 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

If global warming keeps going the way it's going you are going to need more than sunscreen to protect yourself from the blazing sun at the 2022 world cup in Qatar.
Grim predictions that players would evaporate and that referees dressed in black would melt away to nothing have led to some brainstorming on how to beat the heat.
Plan A was to shift the entire World Cup to the winter months when it would be a bit cooler.
Because it was a sensible suggestion Blatter naturally rejected it outright
Plan B was very large umbrellas over everything.( C Ron rejected that suggestion.He said he would look very silly running around the field carrying a great big umbrella)
Plan C is a bit more ambitious.Scientists working around the clock are going to create artificial clouds which will hover over the stadium and give the players the necessary shade to do what they have to do without fear of sunstroke.
Here's the plan...

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Australia v Canada 2011 Cricket World Cup: Live Streaming and Match Preview

1 comment by Jack Atchinson on March 16th, 2011

The World Champions Australia put their unbeaten record on the line against the minnows of Canada.

Watch live cricket streaming with GetSport.TV

India v South Africa 2011 Cricket World Cup: Live Streaming and Match Preview

no comments by Jack Atchinson on March 12th, 2011

A battle of two cricket titans as hosts, and favourites, India will want to secure a quarter-final place with a win over South Africa.

Watch live cricket online with GetSport.TV

Spain still top of the world

There was no change at the top of the FIFA world rankings in March, with Spain, the Netherlands and Germany still occupying the top three spots.

A total of 55 friendly matches were taken into consideration for the latest edition of the rankings, with Argentina moving into fourth place courtesy of their 2-1 win over Portugal to be the top-ranked South American side.

Brazil slid one spot to fifth after a 1-0 loss to France in Paris, while England remain sixth and Uruguay seventh.

Croatia improved to eighth place at the expense of Portugal, while Serbia’s 2-0 win over Israel secured them 20th place.

Italy climbed to 11th place, level with Norway, and Japan climbed two places to 15th on the back of their triumph in the Asian Cup.

Ghana are the highest-ranked African nation, down one spot to 16th place, and Jamaica were the biggest climbers – jumping 11 spots to sit in 48th position.

Wed 9 March, 2011

Spain still top of the world

There was no change at the top of the FIFA world rankings in March, with Spain, the Netherlands and Germany still occupying the top three spots.

A total of 55 friendly matches were taken into consideration for the latest edition of the rankings, with Argentina moving into fourth place courtesy of their 2-1 win over Portugal to be the top-ranked South American side.

Brazil slid one spot to fifth after a 1-0 loss to France in Paris, while England remain sixth and Uruguay seventh.

Croatia improved to eighth place at the expense of Portugal, while Serbia’s 2-0 win over Israel secured them 20th place.

Italy climbed to 11th place, level with Norway, and Japan climbed two places to 15th on the back of their triumph in the Asian Cup.

Ghana are the highest-ranked African nation, down one spot to 16th place, and Jamaica were the biggest climbers – jumping 11 spots to sit in 48th position.

Wed 9 March, 2011

Sri Lanka v Australia 2011 Cricket World Cup: Live Streaming and Match Preview

no comments by Jack Atchinson on March 5th, 2011

A real clash of the titans as Austaralia put their World Cup winning streak on the line against a tournament favourite Sri Lanka.

Watch Sri Lanka v Australia 2011 Cricket World Cup live streaming with GetSport.TV

Liverpool Want Italian, Brazilian Wants Tottenham Move, Newcastle United Winger Set to Leave, Manchester City Chase World Cup Star, Five Arsenal Players Linked With Exit and Chelsea Boss In Talks to Make Roma Move

FIFA debates World Cup places

Football’s governing body FIFA will announce on Thursday how many spots each continent will be allocated for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) was handed six of the 32 qualification places for the 2010 event in South Africa, with that figure likely to drop given just one African nation – Ghana – made it past the group stage.

North American football body CONCACAF is pushing for another spot to be awarded their way when FIFA decide their allocations in Zurich on Thursday, with talks starting on Wednesday.

CONCACAF had three direct qualifying places for the 2010 tournament, while another country was allowed a play-off with a South American nation for a fourth spot.

South America, represented by CONMEBOL, had four direct entries from qualifying to the 2010 finals, while UEFA (Europe) was the most represented with 13. Asia (AFC) had four, with a fifth nation taking on Oceania’s top country in a play-off for a place.

Wed 2 March, 2011

FIFA debates World Cup places

Football’s governing body FIFA will announce on Thursday how many spots each continent will be allocated for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) was handed six of the 32 qualification places for the 2010 event in South Africa, with that figure likely to drop given just one African nation – Ghana – made it past the group stage.

North American football body CONCACAF is pushing for another spot to be awarded their way when FIFA decide their allocations in Zurich on Thursday, with talks starting on Wednesday.

CONCACAF had three direct qualifying places for the 2010 tournament, while another country was allowed a play-off with a South American nation for a fourth spot.

South America, represented by CONMEBOL, had four direct entries from qualifying to the 2010 finals, while UEFA (Europe) was the most represented with 13. Asia (AFC) had four, with a fifth nation taking on Oceania’s top country in a play-off for a place.

Wed 2 March, 2011