2010 World Cup
You are currently browsing the articles from TOP FootBall Player matching the category 2010 World Cup.
Put those thoughts of the 2010 World Cup in the USA, England or Germany out of your mind …
“Plan B is dead,” Danny Jordaan, head of the World Cup local organizing committee told reporters in Johannesburg in a year-end review of preparations for the tournament.
Jordaan was referring to speculation earlier this year that FIFA, soccer’s world governing body could yank the World Cup from South Africa if the country was deemed ill-prepared to become the first African host of the tournament.
FIFA president Joseph Blatter’s admission in June that FIFA had a ‘Plan B’ when it came to the host nation made for sensational headlines.
By now, the skeptics, mostly Europeans, have been proved wrong, according to Jordaan.
All 10 World Cup stadiums - five new, five upgraded - will be ready on time, he said.
Having said this, the cost will be higher than forecast due in part to a weaker rand.
“All of the stadiums will be complete and there is no doubt about that,” Jordaan told a news conference.
“Some of the (construction) materials will be procured outside the country. As the rand weakens, there will be some cost overruns,” he said, noting that the price of oil added another layer of unpredictability to the process.
Rising prices for imported cement, steel and other key building materials and higher labor costs have wreaked havoc on the stadium construction budget, leading to a 3.2 billion rand ($314 million) shortfall.
Local organizers are concerned about keeping the budget from spinning out of control and finding the funds to meet the shortfall, which the South African government has already pledged 1.4 billion rand towards.
In the past year the currency has lost about 30 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar and 24 percent versus the euro. The eurozone is South Africa’s main trading partner.
South Africa expects 480,000 visitors for the World Cup, which starts on June 11, 2010, and hopes the month-long finals will spur tourism and investment in Africa’s richest economy.
MY POV: Good for South Africa. About time they showered good news on the non-believers around the world.
Written by Darkvader on December 11th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 World Cup and Danny Jordaan and FIFA.
A few weeks ago, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said the world’s economic meltdown would not affect the 2010 World Cup at all.
Now, South African organizers of the 2010 World Cup expressed concern Friday about the effect the global financial crisis will have on the tournament, which is already running well over budget.
Back to reality, guys …
The South African government has had to allocate an extra $136 million for stadium construction because of rising prices, pushing total costs to more than 30 billion rand. That is 10 times the amount originally budgeted.
The South African rand has fallen about 30 percent against the dollar in recent weeks and as the U.S. and Europe slide into recession, there are concerns fans will not have money to travel or buy tickets.
Danny Jordaan, head of the local World Cup organizing committee, said organizers were taking a “wait and see approach” but that there were indications that the world financial outlook will be more positive by 2010.
“Even if you accept people have fewer dollars in their pockets, those dollars will buy more rands. So people may still travel because the destination becomes cheaper,” he said.
South Africa has been hoping that the World Cup will act as a catalyst for economic growth and a boom in tourism with an anticipated 350,000 visitors expected to flood into the country for the monthlong event.
Jerome Valcke, FIFA’s secretary general, said that while football fans may be facing tighter times, tickets for the most-watched tournament in the world will still be sought after.
Valcke also gave reassurances that FIFA’s finances were in good shape and would not be affected by the turmoil in world markets.
“We are not afraid even as we recognize there is a very strong crisis,” he said. “Sport is one safe business that gives something when all else is going wrong.
Written by Darkvader on November 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 World Cup and Danny Jordaan.
The football world settled down this week for international friendlies on the Road to 2010.
While much of the world focused on Diego Maradona’s coaching debut with Argentina, African squads went about their business.
Here, a recap from the BBC of the six friendlies that took place on Wednesday. South Africa played Cameroon, as well …
Colombia 1 Nigeria 0 A Nigerian side hit badly by withdrawals went down to a goal from striker Radamel Falcao Garcia nine minutes from time in Palmira. Sani Kaita was sent off for protesting as the Super Eagles thought the goal came from an offside position.
Egypt 5 Benin 1 African champions Egypt overwhelmed Benin in a dominant display. Two of Egypts goals came from striker Emad Motaeb and two from star midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika. Benin’s consolation came just five minutes from the end as the hosts eased off.
Ghana 0 Tunisia 0 A lacklustre Black Stars performance from a less than full-strength side. The Carthage Eagles had the better of the early exchanges but their finishing was also wayward. On the plus side for Ghana captain Stephen Appiah played as did Dede Ayew.
Israel 2 Ivory Coast 2 Israel were denied victory over the Elephjants by an 85th minute equaliser from Boubacar Sanogo in this draw. Didier Drogba made his return to the international side after injury.
Morocco 3 Zambia 0 The Atlas Lions pounced to take an early lead in just the third minute of the game, through Houssine Kharja. A penalty awarded some 20 minutes later allowed the home team to double their lead in Casablanca before Nabil Baha completed the win just after the hour mark.
Venezuela 0 Angola 0 Venezuela and Angola played to a sloppy scoreless draw in a friendly of bungled passes and shots on goal under pounding rain on Wednesday. Angola’s Marco Airosa was sent off in injury time at La Carolina Stadium in the city of Barinas after receiving a second yellow card.
Written by Darkvader on November 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 World Cup.
South Africa national team coach Joel Santana says his side is almost to the point where they’ll do reasonably well in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Santana’s been the focal point of criticism the past few months as Bafana Bafana have struggled, failing to qualify for the 2010 African Cup of Nations.
But the team’s been playing better of late and the Brazilian coach is encouraged by what he’s seen.
“At this stage we are staying calm. We have the definition of what we want for 2010; we are actually halfway to what we want,” said Santana.
The Brazilian coach aired his sentiments after the announcement of the team to play against Cameroon in the Mandela Challenge next week in Rustenburg, South Africa.
“I now know the players that are playing for me and I know how to make them approach the game. This is why we have tried to preserve the team from the past three games and have gone for the in-form players.
“Other players have been left out of the team because they are injured, like Bryce Moon, while others have to stay on with their teams,” says Santana.
“This job is just like life; is all about learning. We heard and we have seen things during this period since I arrived here and what I say is that I feel very secure.
“This job always has its ups and downs, but you have to live by the results that you get. Though we understand that people have this anxiety of wanting to have a great national team that wins all the games, you have to be patient. But we just need to be united going into the New Year.
“You should know that this is not just a coach’s job, but involves all of us from the media which I now know how it operates and sees things at times, the fans and the players.
“I don’t have regrets about what has happened in the past since I arrived here and took over from Carlos Parreira. I am satisfied and happy to be here. The Confederations Cup is a big challenge for us, but the World Cup is the main goal that we are prioritising and working towards.
“We hope to close the year with one more win ahead of the Confederations Cup next year. Each game is important for us and this match in particular is crucial in that we are honoring a great man and it will be a nice birthday gift for me if we win as I want to celebrate my birthday on December 25 with a smile,” he says.
The Brazilian says he is aware of the players that the West Africans will bring for next week’s match.
“We know the players just like you do, and they are quality players who play in European leagues. But we need this kind of test and we have watched their recent games.”
Santana says his wish is to make it four wins in a row when he faces Cameroon
“This is an important tournament in the history of this country, honoring one of the biggest legends of our time,” says Santana.
“The best way to honor Nelson Mandela would be to win this game. We will be playing at home and we will be expecting a lift from our supporters. Our ambition is to make it four wins in a row.”
MY POV: Santana’s challenges have only just begun. The team’s playing better, though. Let’s wish him luck in the Mandela Challenge and take it from there …
Written by Darkvader on November 14th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 African Cup of Nations and 2010 World Cup and South Africa.
Talk about instilling confidence in your team …
Ivory Coast coach Vahid Halihodzic told reporters today that his Ivory Coast team is at best ‘average’. The Bosnian trainer took charge of the Elephants in May and has won three and drawn three in his six games in charge.
Many people feel that after their showing at the 2006 World Cup and their semi-final run at the 2008 African Cup of Nations, the Ivory Coast is poised for big things.
Hold on a minute, says Halihodzic.
“This team is still fragile,” he said at a news conference in Abidjan.
“Since I took up this job as manager and trainer, everywhere I go, I hear the same analysis, the same words: ‘Ah, Vahid, you’ve got a super team’.
“And each time I say the same thing: ‘I don’t have a super team - perhaps there are some special players, but the team itself is still rather average.’
“You in the media, and above all the supporters, need to know that there are better teams than us - even in Africa.”
Many still regard Ivory Coast as a side with the potential to make a real impact at the next World Cup in 2010.
To reach the finals, the Elephants must finish top of a qualifying group with Guinea, Burkina Faso and Malawi, which begins next March.
“Everyone is waiting with a lot of anticipation for this qualification,” said Halihodzic.
“It’d be such a shame if this generation which has so much talent doesn’t get to South Africa.
“Perhaps our greatest challenger could be ourselves. It’s something exceptional for this generation, which has so much talent. For some players it’ll be their last competition.”
MY POV: This could be a cunning ploy, setting everyone’s expectations low so the Elephants can surprise people on the Road to 2010.
Then again, telling your team they aren’t better than the also-rans of the continent doesn’t exactly inspire greatness, does it?
I don’t know. This is a tricky balancing wire Halihodzic is trying to navigate …
What do you think??
Written by Darkvader on November 13th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2006 World Cup and 2010 World Cup and Ivory Coast.
Today, word that current AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to coach an African country at the 2010 World Cup.
The 48-year-old, who has participated in three World Cups, is keen on playing a role at the 2010 event to be held in South Africa.
Ancelotti is contracted to Milan until 2010 but insists he wants to be involved in the World Cup in two years’ time.
“I would like to coach an African national side at the 2010 World Cup,” Ancelotti said.
“I took part in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups as a player and in 1994 as assistant to (Arrigo) Sacchi and there is a fascinating atmosphere which I would like to experience again.
“Africa is producing talented players - players from that continent have great technical and physical resources.
“Maybe they are just lacking a bit of organization, but maybe I can arrive and put things right, no?”
Ancelotti led Milan to the Champions League in 2003 and 2007 and the Serie A title in 2004 after joining them in 2001 from Juventus.
As a player, he helped AC Milan win two Serie A titles and two European Cups, and he is one of only five men to have won the Champions League as both a player and a coach.
In 2007, he signed two-year contract extension to keep him at Milan until 2010.
MY POV: Very nice to read Ancelotti’s desire to coach an African side. I’m sure his experience and technical prowess would be welcomed by an African nation.
Any suggestions as to where he could go?
Written by Darkvader on October 26th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 World Cup and italy.
We talked a few days ago about how South Africa’s preparations for the 2010 World Cup were unaffected by the current world economic meltdown.
Today, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said FIFA’s finances are in a ‘privileged to comfortable’ situation and world soccer’s governing body had not yet suffered any impact from the global finance crisis.
Good to know the recession can’t touch football, eh?
“We received a detailed analysis of the potential impact and can say that we are now in a situation that could be described as between privileged and comfortable,” Blatter told a news conference following a two-day executive committee meeting.
“For the time being we have not lost money and are well equipped to face up to the current crisis thanks to our financial policy which involves a diversification of assets and very low exposure to currency or foreign exchange volatilities.
“We also have 95 percent of our budget already under contract and have managed our costs. The diversification of our portfolios and our television contract partners gives us cautious optimism for the future.”
Blatter announced that FIFA had bought insurance cover providing protection for up to $650 million in the event that either of its next two World Cups in 2010 and 2014 had to be canceled, postponed or relocated.
“We also had insurance for the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups so this is not any kind of judgment on the organization of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa,” FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke told the news conference.
“We are on time to deliver both the (2009) Confederations Cup and the World Cup in South Africa and this insurance is only to deal with the threat of attacks or natural catastrophes.”
MY POV: Two things …
1.) Great to hear that football’s financially secure. But do you think people that are struggling to make ends meet really care at this moment?
2.) Once people’s priorities come together, do you think going to expensive football matches, etc. will be at the top of their list?
I’m happy FIFA’s diversified and kept their house in order. But should this economic situation continue into 2010, I think we could hear a different tune coming from Mr. Blatter’s mouth.
Football will suffer. Of that there’s no doubt.
Written by Darkvader on October 24th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 World Cup and FIFA.
Enigmatic Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba thinks the 2010 World Cup will be Africa’s best chance to win the tournament when South Africa host the tournament.
“I think this World Cup in Africa is very important, for the continent, not only for the Ivory Coast and not only for me,” the Chelsea star said.
“This will be the best chance for an African team to win the World Cup but it’s not going to be easy. We still have to qualify and it’ll be a big battle as the teams are tough.”
The Elephants, who played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, have reached the final phase of African qualifiers from which five teams will qualify for the World Cup.
Drogba also said he was glad he stayed at Chelsea after being linked with both Milan clubs in the last transfer window amid speculation he would leave the English Premier League club.
He developed a close relationship with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and media reports speculated that he would follow the Portuguese coach when he took over at Inter Milan.
But Drogba said, “This (Chelsea) is the club which suits me best. I think, because this is the only club where I won all the titles I have now and, yes, I’m happy to be here and stay with my friends.”
Drogba has seen little action under Chelsea’s new manager Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, recovering from knee surgery after the season began.
He then suffered another knee injury against CFR Cluj in the Champions League in Romania two weeks ago.
MY POV: I think the only reason Drogba’s happy he stayed at Chelsea is because no one bothered to pony up the money to sign him …
I’m also not so sure this is Africa’s best chance at World Cup glory.
I think the pressure to perform in front of the home fans may derail some African teams.
They may be looking to impress so much that it’ll cost them in the end.
All this talk is premature until the five African nations in the 2010 Cup are known. Until then, everything is up in the air …
Written by Darkvader on October 23rd, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 World Cup and Didier Drogba.
With news that the economic vitality of South Africa 2010 in the face of a worldwide economic meltdown is good, word that fans better start saving their cash should they wish to attend the World Cup in approximately 600 days time.
An article in England’s The Sun lays it all out for fans wishing to see the Three Lions in South Africa - should they make it …
For no-frills fans:
Those on a shoestring who fly economy, stay in budget accommodation and take cheap seats at the matches would need to amass £3,372.76 – which means they need to put away £169.76 per month.
At today’s rates, that’s about $5,626.91 total or $283.21/month.
Yikes!!! That’s economy class … going on the cheap!
Now, if you have some disposable cash or tucked some money away before every bank in the world collapsed …
Those looking to fly business class, staying in luxury accommodation and taking premium stadium tickets will need to amass a whopping £11,174.79 - and squirrel away £562.46 per month.
That’s $18,645.44 total or $938.42/month …
Better call that rich uncle of mine … oh wait, I don’t have one …
GULP!!!!
Written by Darkvader on October 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 World Cup and England.
Apparently football’s greatest tournament isn’t affected by world economics …
According to Danny Jordaan, president of the South African organizing committee, the world economic crisis will only have a “limited impact” on preparations for the 2010 World Cup.
Jordaan said stadium construction costs had gone up by 10 percent compared with the initial budget, due to the rising cost of steel, concrete and exchange rate variations.
“These increases were calculated some while ago and all costs are now frozen. There will therefore not be an impact on our stadium budget,” he added.
“No one in the world can say they are not affected by the world economic crisis but its impact should be less on our country. What worries us the most is the long term consequences and the quicker we get through this, the better. We are keeping an eye on what is happening but as I speak there is not a serious or direct impact on World Cup preparations.”
MY POV: Well, at least something is immune from the pressures of the world economic crisis. Why not let it be football? Of course we all know that the Cup’s attendance figures may suffer and the South African economy may be impacted a bit during the games.
But it’s nice to know there’s a stable constant in this world: football.
Something tells me that people will pay out of their nose no matter their economic situation should their country make the Cup …
Written by Darkvader on October 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on 2010 World Cup and Danny Jordaan.
« Older articles
No newer articles
