“It is just another Wednesday. Another night when 70 nations representing every continent pursue points along the way to next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.” (NYT)
Drogba ‘Stunned’ By Footy Stampede Deaths (Sky News)
World Cup will not risk stadium tragedy (Times Online)
Lesson from Abidjan (Daily Monitor)
List: Soccer stadium disasters (The Canadian Press)

Torres treats Turkey with respect (uefa)
“Spain striker Fernando Torres has predicted a tough night ahead as the UEFA EURO 2008 winners travel to Istanbul take on Turkey in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier for the second part of their double-header.”

CAF World Cup 2010 Qualifying Roundup (World Cup Blog)
“Remember our CAF World Cup 2010 qualifying preview on Friday? The general consensus was that nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems. Yes, there were favourites to win each group (and therefore qualify for WC 2010) but there’s a big difference between favourites and certainties. Just ask Emmanuel Adebayor.”

Van Persie looks for Arsenal to match his ambition (World Soccer)
” The Dutch forward said he is happy with the terms on offer but is not yet sure if Arsenal is the right club for him in the long term. The 25-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2010 and should he fail to sign a new deal before the end of August the Gunners could be forced to cash in or risk losing him for nothing.”

Neighbours need to find form in Prague (uefa)
“Neither the Czech Republic nor rivals Slovakia have been blazing a trail of late, but in the most open of 2010 FIFA World Cup sections both are still in the thick of things and victory in Prague could send either top of Group 3.”

Brazil’s difficulties will continue, says Dunga (Yahoo!)
“Brazil are likely to struggle in the South American World Cup qualifying group until the end of the competition, coach Dunga warned on Monday. Brazil dropped to fourth in the 10-team group—the lowest position in which they can qualify directly for the 2010 finals in South Africa—after drawing 1-1 away to Ecuador on Sunday.”

Chile, Uruguay providing the drama (SI – Tim Vickery)
“Let’s assume that Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil are going to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. It seems a fair assumption — it could well be that from the seven remaining rounds, just two victories will be good enough to get Paraguay over the line, and three plus a draw may well prove sufficient for the continent’s traditional two powers.”

KOR v PRK Preview: Koreas go head-to-head for top spot (AFC)
“Korea Republic’s Huh Jung-moo wants his players to be more ruthless in front of goal when they host DPR Korea on Wednesday as they look to regain top spot in Group B from their northern neighbours.”

“Michael Owen may just have been watching the credits roll on his England career as coach Fabio Capello swatted away the merest notion of him being enlisted for World Cup combat to confront Ukraine. England strikers dropped like fallers at Aintree’s first in the friendly win against Slovakia – but Capello still refused to countenance the recall of a marksman proven over time at the highest level.” (BBC)
Michael Owen out in cold as Fabio Capello rules out England recall for injury-prone striker (Guardian)
Capello’s drive for power leaves Owen stranded (The Independent)
Fabio Capello dismisses chance of Michael Owen recall (TIMESONLINE)
Ostracised Michael Owen still has part to play (Telegraph)
United front is simply Fab: Stars know their place but Owen’s on outside (Mail Onliine)
Owen believes Beckham can play on (BBC)
Behind the scenes at Michael Owen’s Chester stables (Evening Leader)

“Roberto Carlos da Silva (born April 10, 1973, Garça, São Paulo), better known simply as Roberto Carlos, is a Brazilian football player who currently plays for Turkish club Fenerbahçe, normally as a wingback.” Wikipedia, YouTube, (1), (2)

Argentina impress, Brazil stall (FIFA)
“Diego Maradona’s official debut as Argentina coach went according to plan as his charges disposed of Venezuela to close the gap on leaders Paraguay, who slumped to defeat in Uruguay. Brazil fell to fourth in the table after they drew in Ecuador, while Chile and Colombia both won to stay firmly in the hunt.”

Argentina 4-0 Venezuela: Messi the star turn (FIFA)
“Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi, gave Diego Maradona what he described as a perfect home and competitive debut as coach by beating Venezuela 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.”
Maradona hails “perfect game” after thrashing (ESPN)
Argentina and Messi razed Venezuela in the official debut of Maradona (4 -0) (CONMEBOL)

Brazil held by plucky Ecuador (sambafoot)
“Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw with Ecuador following an lacklustre performance in Quito last night. Substitute Julio Bapista scored against the run of the play to give Brazil a fortuitous lead deep into the second half, after his effort rebounded off the post and then off Ecuadorian goalkeeper José Cevallos to cross the line on 74 minutes.”
Ecuador hit just at the right moment and Brazil took a point from Quito (1-1) (CONMEBOL)
Julio Cesar earns Brazil a point (FIFA)

Colombia breathes with victory over Bolivia that keeps it in the race (2-0) (CONMEBOL)
“The Colombian national football team put an end tonight to a goal drought of 560 minutes and conquered Bolivia by 2-0, in a match of the eleventh round of the Qualifiers, a result that allows it to continue dreaming of qualifying to the World Cup.”

Sanchez-inspired Chile leap to third (FIFA)
“Alexis Sanchez scored the first goal and contributed to the other two as he inspired Chile to a 3-1 win away to arch-rivals Peru in a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifier on Sunday.”
Peru 1 – 3 Chile (FIFA)

Notes, curiosities and statistics of the Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)
“The double round of the Qualifiers for South Africa 2010 that will take place between this Saturday March 28 and Wednesday April 1st, offers an interesting outlook through notes that cover the 50 matches disputed until today and the history of the competition.”

Wikipedia – “Omar Bravo Tordecillas (born March 4, 1980 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa) is a Mexican international football striker. He Currently Plays for UANL Tigres on loan from spanish club Deportivo De La Coruña as a forward.” (Wikipedia). Omar Bravo Biography 

U.S. Grabs Late Goals and Tie in El Salvador (NYT)
“The rewarding side of the United States national team’s 2-2 tie in a World Cup qualifier at El Salvador on Saturday night was rallying from two goals down with 18 minutes to play. The disappointing aspect: falling behind by two goals against a team considered one of the weakest in the six-nation qualifying group.”
In Central America, U.S. Team Often Faces More Than 11 Men (NYT)
For Hejduk, Success Comes in Waves (NYT)
U.S. rallies for 2-2 draw at El Salvador in qualifier (FOX)

Italy, Germany, Spain, France win qualifiers (SI)
“World Cup champion Italy moved into strong position to qualify for the 2010 tournament with a victory Saturday night, and fellow European powers Germany, Spain, France and the Netherlands also picked up wins.”

Trapattoni prepares for Italian job (ESPN)
“As Giovanni Trapattoni needs a special occasion to get his pulse racing at the ripe old age of 70, the Republic of Ireland’s legendary manager is relishing a battle against his beloved Italy next Wednesday.”
Kilbane absolved of Republic blame (FOX)

Mexico, the lone winner (FIFA)
“Mexico were the only winners on the second matchday of CONCACAF’s final round of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.”
Mexico beats Costa Rica 2-0 in qualifying (FOX)

Spain, Netherlands edge closer (FIFA)
“After moving eight points clear of closest Group 9 rivals Iceland and Scotland, the Netherlands are making giant strides towards becoming the first European side to guarantee a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.”

My World (OleOle)
“The XI players that I think would dominate the world of footabll (formation 4-4-2); Goalkeeper: in my opinion there are four outstanding keepers in the world, being Gg Buffon, Iker Casillas, Edwin Van Der Sar and Petr Cech. Even thought Casillas is my favourite goalie without a doubt. I believe that there is no better goalie in the world than Buffon. Week in week he shows his talent to the world and is head and shoulders above his peers.”

World Cup: CONCACAF Team Of The Week (Yahoo)
“The second match-day of the Hexagonal was home to some very exciting matches despite Mexico being the only side to claim all three points. As such, the team of the week has a heavy Mexican presence, though is also includes a number of players from the surprising El Salvador side that earned a draw with the U.S. No substitutes are listed, due to the small number of options, since only six teams were involved in the competition.”

Bosnia dreaming of World Cup finals after beating Belgium (Reuters)
“National pride and raucous celebrations swept across Bosnia into the early hours of Sunday after a 4-2 World Cup qualifying win in Belgium left the Balkan country on course to reach the 2010 finals in South Africa.”

Beckham’s England career in photos (BBC)
“1 September 1996 – New England coach Glenn Hoddle hands the fresh-faced Beckham his first cap in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova…”

International Herald Tribune – “Born in a mining town in the north, near Newcastle, brother to England’s greatest international scorer, Bobby Charlton, and eventually an English international defender himself, Charlton was hired in 1986 to reinvent Irish soccer in his image. By 1988, he had taken Ireland to the European Championship, where it upset England, 1-0.” (International Herald Tribune). YouTube, (1), (2)

England see off Slovakia at Wembley (uefa)
“Emile Heskey lasted only 15 minutes of England’s friendly against Slovakia at Wembley but in that time claimed his first international goal for six years to set his side on their way to victory.”
England mark Beckham milestone with easy victory (The Observer)
Gerrard hints at total football as potent England triumph (Guardian)
David Beckham wins record 109th England cap as Slovakia soundly beaten at Wembley (Telegraph)
England 4-0 Slovakia (BBC)

Northern Ireland 3-2 Poland (BBC)
“Northern Ireland’s hopes of making the World Cup finals were boosted by an impressive win at a sunny Windsor Park. Warren Feeney finished from close range after 10 minutes but Poland levelled when Maik Taylor failed to keep out Ireneusz Jelen’s shot.”
Northern Ireland boost World Cup hopes by beating Poland (Yahoo)

Wales 0-2 Finland (BBC
“Wales hopes of qualification for next year’s World Cup suffered a massive blow after being stunned by Finland. Jonatan Johansson put Finland ahead two minutes before the break capitalising on Jari Litmanen’s neat through-ball.”
End of road for Wales – Bellamy (BBC)
Welsh World Cup hopes end with a whimper against Finland (Telegeaph)
Wales – Finland (0-1) (Mighty Football)
Wales of Discontent In Cardiff (Football365)

Comfortable win lifts Russian hopes (FIFA)
“Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Zenit midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov scored a goal apiece in the hosts’ first game against their former compatriots.”
Russia – Azerbaijan (2-0) World Cup 2010 Qualifiers (Mighty Football)

“Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor scored to give them a brilliant win over Cameroon on Saturday. He scored the only goal of the game in the 11th minute of the match in Accra.” (BBC), Kenya 1 vs Tunisia 2 (MTN)

South Africa earn last gasp win (BBC)
“2010 World Cup hosts South Africa netted a late winner to beat Norway 2-1 in a friendly on Saturday. It was their first win in seven years over European opposition.”

Rwanda 0 vs Algeria 0 (MTN)

Have your say (BBC)
“It’s the start of the final round of qualifiers for the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations in 2010. Twenty countries still hope to make it to the finals in South Africa and Angola next year.”

“Osama Al Harbi’s header three minutes from time saw Saudi Arabia come back from a goal down to hand Iran a 2-1 defeat at the Azadi Stadium and revitalise the nation’s hopes of appearing at a fifth straight World Cup finals.” (AFC), Saudis battle back to stun Iran in World Cup qualifying (Yahoo)

Iran 1-2 Saudi Arabia: Al Harbi revives Saudi hopes (AFC)
“Osama Al Harbi’s header three minutes from time saw Saudi Arabia come back from a goal down to hand Iran a 2-1 defeat at the Azadi Stadium and revitalise the nation’s hopes of appearing at a fifth straight World Cup finals.”

JPN 1-0 BHN: Nakamura strike enough for Japan (AFC)
“Shunsuke Nakamura’s second-half strike proved enough to hand Japan a crucial 1-0 victory over Bahrain in a Group A encounter in Asian Qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”

UZB 4-0 QAT: Tadjiev stars as Uzbeks crush Qatar (AFC)
“Farhod Tadjiyev scored a hat-trick of headers as Uzbekistan thrashed 10-man Qatar 4-0 at Pakhtakor Stadium on Saturday to reignite their challenge for a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.”

PRK 2-0 UAE: DPR Korea go top (AFC)
“DPR Korea secured a 2-0 victory over the UAE in Pyongyang to move top of Group B in Asian Qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”

Fernando Torres “This week’s two World Cup qualifiers between Spain and Turkey have prompted the Spanish media to look back at a dramatic moment in the history of the two nations’ soccer teams. It came at the end of the last of three matches the pair played in early 1954 to decide which would qualify for the World Cup in Switzerland later that year.” (Reuters)

John Terry keeping his focus on England (Times Online)
“John Terry, the England captain, insists he is focusing on nothing but football before tomorrow’s friendly clash with Slovakia at Wembley.”

Mathijsen: Scots will play for draw (FIFA)
“Holland defender Joris Mathijsen expects Scotland to be defensive-minded in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier at the Amsterdam ArenA.”

Berra in line to replace McManus (BBC)
“Christophe Berra is likely to replace injured defender Stephen McManus for Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands.”

Wales clash vital, says Forssell (BBC)
“Finland striker Mikael Forssell says his side’s World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday will make or break his side’s campaign.”

Capello, England’s Philosopher-Manager (NYT)
“When England face Slovakia on Saturday and Ukraine three days later in World Cup qualifying games, confidence should be pretty high.”

“Mexico coach Sven-Goran Eriksson faces another day of reckoning on Saturday against a Costa Rica team who will be attempting to pull off a repeat of their famous Azteca stadium win eight years ago.” (Reuters)

Del Bosque: Spain squad fully fit for Turkey (FIFA)
“The five Spanish players who joined up with the squad with minor problems have recovered and will be available for the two World Cup qualifiers against Turkey, coach Vicente del Bosque said on Friday.”

Enke keen to prove he is Germany’s #1 (ESPN)
“Robert Enke will start tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein in Leipzig determined to prove he deserves to be Germany’s number one.”

The head-to-heads tell a story (AFC)
“With four steaming 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in queue for Saturday, the-afc.com glances in the rearview mirror for trends and patterns involving the rival teams.”

Absences of Yorke, Suazo create voids for Trinidad & Tobago, Honduras (CONCACAF)
“This is not the time in World Cup qualifying to be without your scoring inspirations. Trinidad and Tobago will be without Dwight Yorke while David Suazo will be missing from the Honduras starting 11 in as for both teams face off in the second match of the final round of qualifying Saturday in Port-of-Spain.”

Off-field issues settled, El Salvador now gathers for World Cup tilt against USA (CONCACAF)
“El Salvador recorded an important victory last week and it wasn’t on the soccer field. Earlier in the week 23 players left training camp for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier, protesting the non-payment of bonuses for reaching the CONCACAF final round.”

Preview – Ecuador v Brazil (sambafoot)
“Brazil meet Ecuador in Quito for a World Cup qualifier on Sunday. Dunga’s men are in need of a victory – 2nd in the table six points behind Paraguay – however Ecuador has proved problematic to Brazil in the past.”

Weekend Predictions: Victory for El Diego, Frustration for France, Survival for Sven (WorldCupBlog)
“Very little club football this weekend, it’s all about World Cup qualifying. Below are my picks for three games, one from COMNEBOL, one from UEFA and one from CONCACAF. And I dare you – make that double dare you – to leave your own predictions in the comments.”

Oranje aid helps Huntelaar to sparkle (uefa)
“International football helped Klaas Jan Huntelaar come through a tough spell at Real Madrid CF and he is hoping to ‘keep up the goalscoring tempo’ as the Netherlands face two key FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”

Portugal results queer Queiroz’s pitch (uefa)
“Coach Carlos Queiroz is confident 2009 will be a good year for Portugal, but as they attempt to make up for lost points in FIFA World Cup qualifying – starting against Sweden on Saturday – he warns: ‘We can’t afford to drop any more points at home.'”

“Who will forget those scenes from Italia 90, when David O’Leary’s penalty against Romania sent the Republic of Ireland into the quarter-finals of the World Cup?” (BBC)

The showman and the reluctant revolutionary (NEWSTATESMAN)
“The rivalry between Brian Clough and Don Revie, two of the most successful English football managers of the 1970s, tells us all we need to know about Britain’s postwar decline.”

Solano: I’m an optimist (FIFA)
“Few would dispute that Peru’s Nolberto Solano is a true ambassador for his country. Deferential, diligent and supremely talented, El Ñol has joined the pantheon of Peruvian greats thanks to his sterling displays and superb goals in Argentina, England and Greece.”

Portugal vs Sweden: It’s Do or Die (or Dive?) (WorldCupBlog)
“Big game in UEFA World Cup Qualifying this Saturday. Portugal and Sweden are the type of teams that can reasonably expect to qualify for the World Cup, or at least come very very close. But it’s not looking good for either of them in Group 1, where they’re fourth and fifth respectively. All respect to Albania, but you can’t finish below them in a qualifying group and expect a trip to the World Cup.”

Kenya’s kits stolen before Tunisia qualifier (FIFA)
“Sales of Kenyan soccer uniforms are set for a boost after the national team’s kit went missing days ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Tunisia.”

Nigeria: Jay Jay Okocha Sheds Tears (allAfrica)
“NOT even defeats while playing could make Austin Jay Jay Okocha shed tears. Not even during his ceremonial send off match signalling the end of his glittering career in the passionate world of football could make him emotional to show his other side.”

World Cup Qualifiers – Saturday Preview (OleOle)
“It’s a big week of international football for three of the home nations and the Republic of Ireland, all of whose groups are finely poised. Students of the Game previews Saturday’s matches.”

Dunga announces squad for Ecuador and Peru (sambafoot)
“Dunga has confirmed his 22 man squad ahead of the Seleção’s forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Peru. The squad will begin their preparations for the double header in Rio de Janeiro in less than two weeks. The squad travel to Ecuador on March 29th before facing Peru in Porto Alegre on April 1st.”

Djite stunned by Socceroo recall (AFC)
“Bruce Djite admitted his surprise, and delight, after being called-up to the Australia squad that will take on Uzbekistan their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.”

Iran giants look to break US ground (AFC)
“Talk of Iran giants Piroozi and Esteghlal taking their fierce rivalry to foreign shores – the United States no less – has Iranian football fans home and abroad in frenzy.”

Without Riquelme, Maradona and Argentina look to South Africa 2010 (SI – Gregory Sica)
“With the South American World Cup qualifiers set to resume on the weekend after more than a five-month break, all eyes will be glued on Diego Maradona and the exploits of the Argentine national team.”

World Cup Qualifiers Are Coming Up! (Road to 2010 World Cup Final)
“The Road to South Africa and the 2010 World Cup resumes this weekend and next week with a full slate of qualifiers. The football aficionado has a veritable smorgasbord of matches to choose from.”

Africa’s elite aiming to impress (FIFA)
“While next year’s World Cup hosts, South Africa, must satisfy themselves with a friendly at home to Norway this weekend, the best 20 sides in Africa get on with the real business of seeing who will qualify for next year’s Nations Cup and World Cup events.”

“Steven Gerrard has revealed that he is ready to sign a contract extension with Liverpool. The Reds skipper is looking to cap an amazing fortnight by helping England overcome Slovakia in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday before the crucial World Cup qualifier against the Ukraine on April 1 as Fabio Capello’s team look to maintain their 100% start to Group Six.” (ESPN, (1))

Dicey away duels for former Africa champions (CAF)
“Four former Africa champions; Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria and Tunisia will be involved in dicey duels away from home as the opening matches of the final round of the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations take centre stage this weekend.”

Spaniard Almunia sets sights on World Cup spot with England after plotting passport plan (MailOnline)
“Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is ready to apply for a British passport – and hopes to be contention for an England spot in time for the World Cup finals.”

10 Crazy Fans Who Shook The Footballing World (SoccerLens)
“Being a football fan isn’t all champagne and skittles you know. Whilst some may see the glory, the celebrations, the bunking in, and the excitement as the perfect life, there are some drawbacks.”

Zakazaka relishing Drogba date (FIFA)
“The unknown Jimmy Zakazaka will be on the pitch against world superstar Didier Drogba on Sunday, and he believes lining up against the Chelsea player will be the biggest day in his footballing career. However, he insists Malawi will not be intimidated against Côte d’Ivoire as the final phase of African Zone qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa begins.”

Riera wary of ‘aggressive’ Turkey (FIFA)
“Albert Riera has warned his Spain team-mates that 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying opponents Turkey are a ‘very aggressive’ team that ‘plays as one.'”

‘The matches before Paraguay and Chile are fundamental’ (CONMEBOL)
“Diego Forl疣, forward of the National Team of Uruguay, assured that the next matches against Paraguay and Chile are ‘fundamental’ and ‘key’ in the South American Qualifiers for South Africa 2010, in which he says that his team has ‘good possibilities’ to be qualified for the World Cup.”

Nike Football – Brazil Vs. Portugal (metacafe)
“Nike Football advert to date with Brazil Vs Portugal going head to head in unusual circumstances.”

Brian Glanville on the ugly side of Italian football (WorldSoccer)
“Not just Rome, alas; Turin all too horribly as well. We know all too dismally well what happened recently to Arsenal supporters in Rome before the Roma-Arsenal game at the Olimpico, what previously happened to Manchester United fans before Roma played them, what brutally happened to supporters of Middlesbrough, viciously and gratuitously attacked by Roma thugs in the beautiful, central Camp dei Fiori.”

“Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor has been called up to the Togo squad for this weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Cameroon, despite being injured.” (BBC)

Uruguayan football in turmoil (WorldSoccer)
“Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) president Jose Luis Corbo has resigned in the latest twist to the country’s football crisis. Corbo was said to be unhappy at a group of clubs – reportedly Liverpool, Danubio and Defensor Sporting – who he saw as trying to torpedo his administration.”

Iran scrape past Kuwait (AFC)
“Iran warmed up for their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia when they scraped past Kuwait 1-0 on Monday.”

El Salvador’s ’10 World Cup march marked by unsavory accusations (SI)
“Once considered the strongest team in Central America — before it was overtaken by Costa Rica and Honduras — El Salvador has reached the final stage of the CONCACAF regional World Cup qualifiers for the first time in 12 years. (El Salvador hosts the U.S. on Saturday in the second game of the Hexagonal.)”

Who should the USMNT start vs. El Salvador? (Soccer By Ives)
“The U.S. men’s national team is preparing for its road game of the Hexagonal Round of World Cup qualifying, with a trip to El Salvador slated for Saturday. With two qualifiers in five days, U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley could be looking to shake up his lineup a bit in one of those matches.”

Have Peru shot themselves in the foot over Guerrero and co? (Reuters UK)
“After watching a Bundesliga game in which all the goals are scored by Peruvians, it is hard to imagine that the South American country’s national team is in such a predicament.”

Weary Brückner steps out of the firing line (UEFA)
“Former Czech Republic and Austria coach Karel Brückner has decided to retire at the age of 69 due to his age and persistent health problems, saying: ‘My career as a coach is over. I’m definitively moving out of the front line.'”

Injured Valdivia to miss Chile qualifiers (ESPN)
“Chile playmaker Jorge Valdivia has been left out of the squad for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers away to Peru and at home to Uruguay because of injury.”

The Short List: Fresh Faces For Qualifiers (Yahoo!)
“Most of the names on the U.S. National Team’s roster for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers are givens. Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, and all the usual suspects are in slated to be in camp.”

“Rafael Marquez is the best-known player in the Mexico team. The captain of El Tricolor for the last six years, the central defender is also a mainstay of Spanish league leaders Barcelona and is regarded as one of the finest players in his position in the game today.” (FIFA)

World Cup chase back on across Europe (UEFA)
“The first full set of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2009 are played out next Saturday and Wednesday, including several double-headers between teams at the top of their groups. The nine group winners, together with the victors of four two-legged play-offs involving the eight best runners-up, will travel to the 32-team finals in South Africa from June to July 2010.”

Saudi fail to get past Iraq (AFC)
“New Saudi Arabia coach Jorge Peseiro got a good look at his team after a goalless draw against Asian champions Iraq in a friendly international here on Sunday.”

Can the Hand of God make a good fist of management? (BBC – Tim Vickery)
“The countdown is on to Diego Maradona’s first competitive game in charge of Argentina. His team’s form in warm-up friendies has been impressive – a 1-0 win away to Scotland and especially a 2-0 win away to France. But that will quickly be forgotten if Maradona is unable to steer his side confidently through World Cup qualification.”

Happy coaches thrilled to reach Hungary (UEFA)
“UEFA European Futsal Championship qualifying finished on Sunday with holders Spain, former winners Italy and Russia, Ukraine, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Belgium, Slovenia and first-time finalists Belarus and Azerbaijan earning berths alongside hosts Hungary in Budapest and Debrecen from 19-30 January, in a showpiece expanded from eight to 12 nations.”

Dunga Announces Ecuador and Peru Squads (WorldCupBlog)
“There are only a few real surprises here. Kaka has not played for Milan in about a month but still got the call. São Paulo’s central defender Miranda was a bit of a surprise as well, especially with Chelsea’s Alex being in great form at the moment.”

World Cup/CAN 2010: The race for qualification is already on (CAF)
“Sixty matches and 90 hours of play are remaining for matches of the qualifiers of the upcoming World Cup. And fans will have to wait till the evening of November 14 to know the African five representatives joining hosts South Africa in the World Cup.”

Ecuador already has its 26 players called for the encounters before Brazil and Paraguay (CONMEBOL)
“Diego Forlán, forward of the National Team of Uruguay, assured that the next matches against Paraguay and Chile are ‘fundamental’ and ‘key’ in the South American Qualifiers for South Africa 2010, in which he says that his team has ‘good possibilities’ to be qualified for the World Cup.”

Soccer Is an Oasis From Mexico’s Drug War (NYT)
“More than half a dozen soccer players refused to join the professional team in this border city, where so many tortured and beheaded bodies put fear in visitors and locals alike. Those who do play for the team live in gated areas, with high walls and fences topped with razor wire, to protect them from the turf war between the drug cartels that has left nearly 2,000 people dead over the past 14 months.”

“Timothy Joel ‘Tim’ Cahill (born 6 December 1979) is an Australian football (soccer) player who plays as an attacking central midfielder for the Australian national team and Everton, where he occasionally also plays as a striker.” Wikipedia, YouTube

Rwandan Wasps pack a sting (FIFA)
“The odds might be stacked against Rwanda in the 2010 FIFA World Cup African Zone qualifiers, but head coach Branko Tucak is hoping for a miracle to help the tiny nation in their unlikely journey to reach South Africa in 2010.”

FIFA issues suspensions, fines for incidents from last round of World Cup qualifying matches (CONCACAF)
“Mexico will be without Rafael Marquez for the next two World Cup qualifying matches, Trinidad & Tobago will have to do without Dwight Yorke for four and El Salvador will be paying a fine for its fans’ behavior.”

Soria shines in Qatar friendly win (AFC)
“Bruno Metsu’s Qatar defeated Syria 2-1 in a friendly international on Saturday in a timely boost for their upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan.”

Podolski earns recall into Germany squad (ESPN)
“Germany coach Joachim Low has recalled Lukas Podolski, Arne Friedrich, Marcell Jansen and Robert Enke for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Wales.”

Pienaar Returns To South African Squad (MTN Football)
“Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar returns to the South African squad for friendly internationals against Norway and Portugal after missing the last nine games for the 2010 World Cup hosts.”

U.S. near full strength for World Cup qualifiers (FOX)
“Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley led a 22-man United States roster announced on Friday for World Cup qualifiers at El Salvador on March 28 and against Trinidad and Tobago on April 1 in Nashville, Tennessee.”

“Franck Ribéry (born 7 April 1983 in Boulogne-sur-Mer) is a French football midfielder who plays for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich.” Wikipedia, ESPN, YouTube, (1), (2)

Top 20 Young Footballers to Watch in 2009 (SoccerLens)
“All that most football managers really want for Christmas is a promising young player to emerge as an established star in the coming year.”

Ballack to captain country at World Cup (FourFourTwo)
“Michael Ballack will captain Germany at the 2010 World Cup, assuming the three-times winners qualify, but midfield colleague Torsten Frings still has work to do to secure his place, coach Joachim Loew said.”

Totti reportedly set to sign extension with Roma (SI)
“According to Sky Sport 24, Roma captain Francesco Totti is close to reaching an agreement with the club over a contract renewal, which will see him end his career at his hometown club.”

World Cup 1994 (World Cup Years)
“Jack Charlton’s Republic of Ireland team made the world cup finals for the second time running. Ireland proved that the 1990 was no fluke and made it through to the second round of the world cup in America and got through the toughest group of all.”

“David Villa Sánchez (born 3 December 1981 in Tuilla), nicknamed El Guaje (The Kid in Asturian) is a Spanish footballer, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain.” Wikipedia, Yahoo!, ESPN, YouTube, (1)

Copa becoming Brazilian show (BBC – Tim Vickery)
“As English clubs take a stranglehold on the Champions League, a similar dynamic seems to be taking place in the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent. There are signs that it is becoming a Brazilian show.”

Saifi Not Taking Rwanda For Granted (MTN Football)
“Algerian striker Rafik Saifi has warned his side against complacency when they tackle Rwanda in their opening 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kigali on March 28.”

Kuyt El Capricho (The Run of Play)
“I did not feel contempt. I did not feel empathy. I felt fascination. I find myself searching for similar stimuli in the beautiful game. A few nights ago, I pondered over many a quaint and curious YouTube video. I sought the soccer world’s shadowy specter.”

Trapattoni calls up Celtic hero O’Dea (FIFA)
“Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has demonstrated his confidence in the squad that have got his side’s FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign off to a solid start for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against his native Italy.”

Klose out for eight weeks after ankle operation (ESPN)
“Injured striker Miroslav Klose will miss both legs of Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final and could be out for as long as eight weeks, manager Uli Hoeness said on Monday.”

Brazil v Italy: story of pomp and glory (TIMESONLINE – Brian Glanville)
“Brazil and Italy, who meet on Tuesday in an attractive friendly at the Emirates stadium, have played each other 12 times, including twice in the World Cup final, once in the World Cup semi-final, once in a decisive World Cup group game and once in a World Cup third-place match.”

Beckham ensures legendary status (Footballing World)
“David Beckham has inspired contrasting emotions during his career. Some have been captivated by his global status, his rise to becoming the first real football superstar and his fantastic success on the field too.”

Oswaldo Ibarra. “This is the final instalment in our look at the peculiarities of Latin American championships, after an introduction, a tour through Peru, and on to Uruguay and Mexico. And so to Ecuador.” (Reuters)

Peseiro confident of salvaging Saudi campaign (ESPN)
“Saudi Arabia’s new coach Jose Peseiro is adamant he can revive the Gulf side’s flagging qualifying campaign to avoid the almost unthinkable prospect of missing out on a 2010 World Cup finals berth.”

Credit crunch hits Ireland (WorldSoccer)
“Failure to attract more fans to the domestic game is still a major problem.”

Iran edge Kenya (AFC)
“Iran’s preparations for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia got a shot in the arm when they edged past Kenya by a solitary goal in a friendly on Saturday.”

“Prince Tagoe (born November 9, 1982) is a Ghanaian football (soccer) player currently playing at the position of striker for the Saudi club Al-Ittifaq.” Wikipedia, FIFA, Prince Tagoe pays his dues, Modern Ghana, YouTube, (1), (2)

South Korea submits bid to host World Cup (FOX)
“South Korea submitted its formal bid Saturday to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, an official said.”

Uzbekistan Takes Its Training Seriously (WorldCupBlog)
“Uzbekistan has been struggling in World Cup qualifying, languishing at the bottom of Group 1 in Asian qualifying.”

Bolivia concentrates for the second time to prepare for a friendly match with Mexico (CONMEBOL)
“The Bolivian national football team concentrated yesterday in La Paz for the second time this year to prepare the friendly match it will play with Mexico next March 11 in the American city of Denver.”

Maradona throws barbs at Riquelme, Gorosito (FOX)
“Diego Maradona told Juan Roman Riquelme and River Plate coach Nestor Gorosito to keep their mouths shut on Friday in a growing spat between the Argentina coach and former captain.”

London lifeline (WorldSoccer)
“The friendly victory over Italy was a welcome boost for the national side ahead of challenging World Cup qualifiers”

David Suazo. “When Honduras made their first and only FIFA World Cup finals appearance at Spain 1982 the squad was made up entirely of players from the domestic league. And despite the Catrachos’ excellent performances in Spain, surprisingly few members of the team managed to earn moves to Europe’s top leagues.” (FIFA)

Security on high alert for 2010 (The World Game)
“World Cup 2010 organisers are working with Interpol to protect South Africa from a repeat of the recent terrorist attacks on cricketers in Pakistan.”

State tourneys preventing Brazilian soccer from reaching full potential (SI)
“For the big clubs in São Paulo, Brazil, Christmas shopping and the January sales mean cherry-picking time in Rio de Janeiro. In the biggest coup of the festive period, Corinthians took Ronaldo from under the nose of Flamengo while also snapping up midfielder Túlio and striker Jorge Henrique from Botafogo, which also lost playmaker Lúcio Flávio and left back Triguinho to Santos.”

AFC hands backing to Al Khalifa for FIFA role (ESPN)
“Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed Bin Hammam’s position on the FIFA executive committee could be in jeopardy after 19 AFC countries backed rival Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.”

World Football (BBC)
“We’ll hear from goalkeeper Brad Friedel on his amazing story from a small village in North America to the English Premier league. Plus, the organisers of the 2010 World Cup are concerned that South africans are reluctant to attend games.”

Torres retreads path to glory (uefa)
“In an exclusive interview with the UEFA Training Ground, Liverpool FC striker Fernando Torres discusses his first steps in football, the keys to his early success and the role of the coach.”

“Jairzinho, birth name Jair Ventura Filho, (born December 25, 1944) is a former Brazilian footballer. A quick, powerful winger, he was a member of the legendary Brazilian national team that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup, during which he scored in every game Brazil played.” Wikipedia, picsearch, YouTube, (1), (2)

Argentine club Independiente in race row (Reuters)
“Argentine first division club Independiente have landed in the middle of a race row after their supporters used flags of Bolivia and Paraguay as an insult to fans of rivals Boca Juniors during a match.”

Little change in African rankings (BBC)
“Cameroon remain the highest-placed African team in the latest set of Fifa world rankings.”

S.Africa needs more funds for 2010 – official (ESPN)
“South Africa needs to allocate more funds and boost marketing to promote the 2010 World Cup among South Africans, a senior government official said on Wednesday.”

Coach puts faith in Matar and Co (AFC)
“The cream always rises to the top. That’s why United Arab Emirates national coach Dominique Bathenay is putting his trust in Ismail Matar and five other Al Wahda players despite their indifferent club form.”

Futbols Best Magic 3gp (metacafe)

“Zambia are one of just two countries in the southern African region still left with a chance of qualifying for the first-ever FIFA World Cup finals in their own backyard.” (Zambianfootball), Zambia call on forgotten men(FIFA)

Spain stay top of world rankings for ninth month (Reuters)
“European champions Spain remained top of FIFA’s world rankings published on Wednesday while their Iberian neighbours Portugal climbed back into the top 10.”

Milan join race to sign Brazil hot-shot Keirrison (FourFourTwo)
“AC Milan have joined the the race to sign Brazilian striking sensation Keirrison, with both Liverpool and Barcelona reportedly keen on landing the talented youngster.”

African football’s integrity is undermined (WorldSoccer)
“With a population of just over 500,000 and a landmass of less than 30,000 sq km, Equatorial Guinea is among Africa’s smallest countries. Decades of tyrannical rule have also made it among the most isolated – until the recent discovery of oil and a sudden cash injection.”

Bagheri warns of Saudi backlash (AFC)
“Iran must be wary of a Saudi team who will be fighting for their World Cup lives, Team Melli skipper Karim Bagheri said. Iran face Saudi Arabia at home in a Group B clash on March 28 that is crucial for both teams, more so for the visitors who are battling to salvage their qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2010 finals.”

“Javier Adelmar Zanetti (born August 10, 1973 in Buenos Aires) is an Argentine football defender who plays for Serie A club Internazionale, of which he has been part since 1995 and the captain since 1999. He is the most capped player in the history of the Argentine national team and has played in the 1996 Olympic tournament and in two World Cups, in 1998 and 2002.” Wikipedia, YouTube, (1)

Iron fist coaches consigned to history (Tim Vickery blog)
“I came across a wonderful story this week in an interview in the magazine Brasileiros with Sao Paulo coach and former player Muricy Ramalho. He recalled the start of his career in the early 70s when the club’s coach was Jose Poy, an Argentine who had spent over a decade as Sao Paulo’s goalkeeper.”

Capello gets the message across (FIFA)
“Fabio Capello seems to have made a smooth transition into the role of England coach since his appointment in December 2007. Eleven games into his reign, the Italian has won eight of them, with defeat only coming away to France and Spain.”

Johan Cruyff: facts support my vision! (WorldCupBlog)
“The first one will be at home, because his coach preferred a destroyer over a goal machine. The other two warm the bench or the stands and will doubt the choices they made. And they’re not the only ones. Johan Cruyff is worried…”

Dunga believes Ronaldo still has international future (WorldSoccer)
“Asked if he would consider recalling the 32-year-old, Dunga told TV Cultura: ‘If he can be the same Ronaldo he was before.’ Ronaldo has scored a record 15 goals at three World Cups, including eight in 2002 when he helped Brazil win a record fifth title.”

“Paraguay can stage their remaining home World Cup qualifiers in the country after governing body FIFA approved an alternative stadium to the Defensores del Chaco which is closed for safety reasons.” (FourFourTwo)

AFC calms South Korean anger over remark (FOX)
“The Asian Football Confederation has moved to calm South Korean anger over perceived threatening comments by president Mohammed Bin Hammam toward a top Korean football official.”

Villa: Spain can still improve (FIFA)
“Fiercely competitive, hard-working and lethal in front of goal, Valencia’s David Villa has developed into one of the hottest properties in world football. Yet despite finishing top scorer when Spain won UEFA EURO 2008, the Asturias-born hitman has not let his achievements go to his head.”

Sweden – 1958 (World Cup Years)
“In the previous two World Cups of 1950, and 1954, the preceding British Championships had doubled as qualifiers. This practise was brought to an end as a result of widespread protests. Amusingly, all four British Home Nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) qualified, thereby providing exactly one quarter of the finalists in the 1958 World Cup.”