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In just a summer's time, all our feverishly expectant eyes will be fixed on South Africa for a stereotype-breaking World Cup which will most emphatically be Sepp Blatter's baby. But is a new Blatter baby already turning in the cradle?


Far, far in the western-most corner of Asia, a tiny country is putting its nose up at the football establishment with a bid for the 2022 World Cup which no one is quite taking seriously. A World Cup in Qatar? Cows will fly before that happens, the numerous sceptics say.

But this hi-tech bid is not as outrageous as it might seem. The Qataris have their magic potion ready and brewed: in one of the most prosperous countries on the planet, oil and gas riches are allowing the Middle Eastern nation to concoct a World Cup bid that will spare no superlatives.

"We strongly believe that it is time for the world's favorite game to come to the Middle East," Qatar's 2022 Bid CEO Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi told ESPN Soccernet.

"It's time - and we are ready to make history. A World Cup in Qatar will be the first global sporting event to be hosted by the Middle East, bringing greater unity and understanding between peoples from every continent, and perfectly reflecting the FIFA slogan "For the Game; for the World".

In more simplistic football talk the Qatari message is simple: if South Africa can credibly host a World Cup, Qatar is the logical next step.

The huge sigh of relief to be heard from FIFA headquarters after this summer's Confederations Cup passed South Africa's World Cup credentials must have had a mighty echo from Qatar. That is not just because the ambitious West Asian country does not have a problem with striking stadium builders or noisy vuvuzelas.

Instead, insiders here believe the stereotype-breaking edition in Africa could open the doors to what seems an equally unlikely World Cup in the Middle East.

With many of the other bidding countries already having hosted the event, Qatar's bid team is keen to press home Blatter's original point that every region deserves a shot at football's biggest prize.

Despite its location at the heart of a fickle region, Qatar has no security concerns, and promises to build grandiose infrastructure with its almost limitless budget. On a recent tour of sports facilities in the capital city Doha, Blatter was clearly satisfied with what he saw and explicitly encouraged the Qataris to make a World Cup bid.

The only major concern, and a rather prickly one at that, is the weather. Summer in Qatar is sweltering hot. Making Messi and co play an outdoor football match in such conditions seems unthinkable. The country already fell short with a bid for the 2016 Olympic Games because it proposed to move the games to October in order to avoid the summer heat.

This time around, officials here say they have no intentions of moving away from the summer slot for the World Cup. The Qataris are quietly drawing up a revolutionary change for the 2022 World Cup: the idea is to make the event effectively the first all-indoor edition in the history of the competition.

If things go according to plan, you may be sitting in the desert in summer, but it will feel like a pleasant spring day in Europe inside the stadium.

"We already have air-conditioned stadia which have been used and have proven their success," Al Thawadi says, "currently, we are researching various cooling methods which are environmentally friendly and very effective in cooling. We'll be unveiling a number of visionary, state-of-the-art ideas for iconic stadia and infrastructure and we're very excited by the challenge of ensuring that your passion for football is the only thing that will make you hot."

But despite those flashy words, beating the heat is not the only thing that matters in this race, and Qatar knows it. There is also the small matter of outmanoeuvering opposition that counts some of the top calibre in world football: England, Spain and Portugal, Russia, Australia, the United States, Mexico, to mention but a few.

To do so, the Qataris have taken a strategic decision to bid only for the 2022 edition. Despite official assurances that 2022 was the only edition being considered, the move is clearly tactical. A World Cup in Europe seems very likely in 2018. Even with a fleet of sparkling super-cool, hi-tech stadiums, England appears unbeatable.

But with the continental rotation policy in place, that would make the 2022 World Cup race a matter between Asian and North American countries. This is where the Qataris are confident of making their mark, despite recent political power wrangles in the Asian confederation.

"Asian differences will impact on all Asian files," Qatar 2022 Bid President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani admitted at a recent press conference, "But we should not give this too much importance. There is still ferocious competition from all sides. And Bin Hammam will be a good asset to us with his expertise and contacts."

Sheikh Mohammed, the son of Qatar's ruling Emir, may well have been referring to the old friendship between AFC President Bin Hammam and Blatter. Rumours of its demise seem unlikely. As unlikely, almost, as a World Cup in South Africa would have seemed twelve years ago.{#}

Portugal enter the new 2009-2010 with it all to do if they are to book their place at the World Cup in South Africa next year.

Semi-finalists in Germany three years ago under Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Brazilian left the national team last summer reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 after five years in charge.

The 2002 World Cup winner was replaced in the hot seat by former Real Madrid manager and Manchester United number two Carlos Queiroz.

However, the transition between coaches has been far from seamless and under Queiroz Portugal have now dropped to 17th in the FIFA World Rankings, their lowest position since June 2004 when they were ranked 22nd on the back of playing no competitive football prior to hosting Euro 2004.

The Portuguese have so far struggled to third place in their qualifying group, winning only two of their six matches so far. Therefore, Queiroz’s side will approach the new season’s fixtures with some trepidation with little or no margin for error left if they are to survive the tightest qualifying group in Europe.

First up, however, for Portugal is a friendly fixture in August against Liechtenstein. Queiroz’s troops will seek a moral boosting win over the minnows ranked 156th in the world as they seek a winning start to the season.

Next up in September is a trip to Denmark in an absolute "make-or-break" qualification match. Portugal squandered a 2-1 lead with only minutes to go to lose 3-2 when they faced the Danes in Lisbon last year, and have been playing catch-up in the group ever since.

Whereas Portugal have continued to stumble, Denmark have yet to break stride in an impressive campaign including wrapping up a vital three points away to Sweden at the end of last season and have now leapfrogged Portugal in the FIFA World Rankings to 15th.

Portugal must win in Copenhagen to stand any realistic chance of topping the group and gaining automatic qualification for South Africa. However, even such a victory would still leave them chasing a four-point deficit with only three games remaining.

A draw would all but end their automatic hopes (keeping the gap at seven points with only nine left to play for) whereas a home win would leave Portugal only able to chase down Hungary for second-place and a probable play-off place.

Four days after Copenhagen and Cristiano Ronaldo and co will again be on the road as they face Hungary in Budapest at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in what is another must-win match.

Portugal currently trail the Hungarians by four points and will without doubt have to win in Budapest if they are to at least finish second in the group. Any other result and Queiroz will be hoping for an extremely unlikely sequence of results to fall his way in the last two games for qualification to be secured.

The group will be completed by the final two rounds of games in October. Perhaps, crucially Portugal will be at home for both of these games.

First they host Hungary on Saturday 10 October and will most likely need to beat their opponents for the second time within a month if they are to keep their South African dream on track.

On the same night Denmark will be hosting Sweden in what will most likely prove the decisive night in the group.

Four days later Portugal will finish the group with a home game against Malta in Guimarães. One way or another Portugal will require the three points either in a race for first or second place and will be expected to win emphatically against the whipping boys of the section.

Portugal have yet to schedule any games for November and will realistically be hoping that they will have a two-legged Play-Off for a World Cup place to occupy them during this month.

Even if Portugal were to win all four of their games a place at the top of the group looks beyond them at this point in time and only an almighty collapse from Denmark could present Portugal with such an opportunity.

Whilst anything is still possible this does indeed look a long shot given the form already displayed by all teams involved so far.

The key factor for Portugal will be the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, the current FIFA World Player of the Year. The forward hit seven goals in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup and then bagged eight during Euro 2008 qualifying but has yet to find the net in six qualifiers so far this time.

Queiroz will need his captain to produce goals and lead his team when they need it most in the forthcoming qualifiers.

Portugal were favourites to qualify at the very start of the group but their historical record in World Cup Qualification is surprisingly poor suggesting that their absence from South Africa next year should perhaps not be the greatest shock.

They have qualified for the past two World Cups but overall have a very poor record, having only ever participated in four World Cup finals—1966, 1986, 2002, and 2006. However, in their first and last appearance they did finish third and fourth respectively.

Portugal’s Fixtures for 2009-2010
(as announced so far)

Wed 12 Aug Liechtenstein vs. Portugal Friendly

Sat 5 Sept Denmark vs. Portugal World Cup Qualifier

Wed 9 Sept Hungary vs. Portugal World Cup Qualifier

Sat 10 Oct Portugal vs. Hungary World Cup Qualifier

Wed 14 Oct Portugal vs. Malta World Cup Qualifier{#}

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The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Molefi Sefularo will outline the Department of Health's plans for travel tourism for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the South African Health Tourism Congress 2009 on Wednesday this week.

"There is much scope for collaboration between the medical, tourism, hospital and travel industries. We will also be exploring possible support and collaboration that can be provided by other departments," said the Deputy Minister of Health Dr Molefi Sefularo.

An estimated 300 delegates representing health and medical facilitators, hospitals and healthcare providers, dentists and doctors, government representatives are expected to attend the Congress, to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The Congress' key outcome will be the formation of a Health Tourism Cluster. It seeks to stimulate the inbound health tourism market in South Africa and foster greater sector cooperation and alignment. It also offers an ideal platform to position South Africa, as a destination of choice for medical and cosmetic procedures. The Congress is being held in partnership with the Department of Health.

President Obama and a special guest conducted a little soccer diplomacy today.

Joseph "Sepp" Blatter, the president of world soccer's governing body, said he formally invited Obama to next year's World Cup tournament in South Africa, and that Obama directed his aides to look into the prospect.

"He said, 'look at the agenda,' " Blatter reported after the meeting.

The World Cup is the globe's biggest sporting event, and probably the biggest event of any kind to ever be held in Africa.

Obama, meanwhile, asked the  head of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to consider the United States as host for the quadrennial event, either in 2018 or 2022. (The 2014 World Cup will be in Brazil.)

Read here

Reports from South Africa say that despite the global recession, the country still expects between 430,000 and 460,000 international visitors to travel to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup™ next year.

South African Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Marthinus van Schalkwyk said, "It is our view, and also the view of the tour operators we have spoken to, that the economic recession will not have an impact on visitors to the 2010 FIFA World Cup," speaking at a briefing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa's head office, SAFA House.

He added, "We predict that South Africa will also experience a slowdown but as a country we expect to do better than the global average and outperform our competitors."

Five years ago South Africa predicted that visitors to the country would grow to 10 million by 2010 and despite a change in economic climate the country still expects to reach it next year thanks to a focused international marketing campaign and increased air traffic into the country.

Van Schalkwyk said, "In the last couple of years we have seen a substantial increase in tourist numbers coming to South Africa. A total of 9.5 million tourists visited South Africa last year and there is no question that by next year we will reach the 10 million mark”.

The country is also confident that it has the accommodation facilities for the nearly half a million expected visitors to the country, as well as domestic tourists, during the tournament.
He said, "FIFA requires 55,000 graded rooms a night for the FIFA family during the tournament and South Africa has over 100,000 graded rooms in the country and hundreds of thousands of ungraded rooms."

However, many of these rooms are outside of the nine host cities where the tournament will take place, therefore satellite accommodation areas will be created and fans transported in and out of these areas on match days, with added land and air transport facilities made available.

This is apparently not unusual as many fans at the FIFA World Cup in Germany came in from neighbouring European countries on match days.

Van Schalkwyk said, "As we have always said, this is an African World Cup and accommodation in neighbouring countries, such as Swaziland and Botswana, will also be used.” “We are also putting up luxury tented camps in game reserves around the country".

Sports and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, said "South Africa must embrace this wave of positive sentiment and use it to our advantage.” “There were many doubters before the FIFA Confederations Cup but even those who have since admitted they were sceptical have given us very positive feedback.” {#}

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has specific ideas on upgrading the popularity of soccer in the United States. He hopes he has an eager listener in President Barack Obama.

Blatter plans to extend a personal invitation to Obama to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the two meet at the White House on Monday.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Blatter said the invitation has been extended and that he will "confirm it" at the meeting.

"I know there are people around the president who are football fans, and that they will make everything possible in his agenda that the president be at the opening of the World Cup or the final," Blatter said.

Blatter also plans to discuss the state of U.S. Soccer with the president, including Major League Soccer's spring-through-fall schedule, and the United States' bids to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

"I spoke with (MLS commissioner) Don Garber and (U.S. Soccer president) Sunil Gulati yesterday again," Blatter said. "We want also to have in this country a very strong professional league. The problem is, when they play out of the international season, they never attract the great players from the European market.

"They have to look at it and whether they can change the schedule and enter into the international (fall-to-spring) calendar. We can only suggest."

Blatter, who attended the Gold Cup final between the U.S. team and Mexico at a sold-out Giants Stadium on Sunday, is concerned that MLS can never become entrenched in this country if the best American players aren't playing in it. He noted that 18 of the 23 players on the U.S. squad that finished a stunning second in the Confederations Cup earlier this summer are on European club rosters.

"If they want to be called a major league ... and have this impact of other major leagues like American football, baseball and the NBA, I think they are far away in quality," he said. "I think with the number of participants on the youth level, they should try to do it.

"For the national team, they are not the only one with players mostly not playing inside the country. It's the same as Brazil and Argentina, who have most of their players in Europe. It can't help football in the U.S. if the heroes and stars are not playing here. How can the youth identify with the game?"

The entire soccer movement in the United States could receive a tremendous boost if the 2018 or 2022 World Cup is awarded to the Americans. FIFA will decide in December 2010, with England considered the front-runner for '18 — Blatter has expressed a preference for bringing the tournament back to Europe after stints in Africa and then South America, where Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup.

Blatter, as always, was noncommittal on the bids. The United States is one of 11 countries that has formally declared its desire to host either event, while Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain have submitted joint bids.

But he is firm in his support of awarding both tournaments at the same time.

"One big reason is it gives the local organizing committee more time for the preparation of the tournament," he said. "Also, looking at who would be interested in 2018, there were 10 (bidders) indicating they would like to have it. We can not go 10 for one, so we said, `Let's go for two World Cups.'

"It's also very important for our partners — economic and television — and for FIFA to know where we will go. The interest is so huge in having the World Cup."

Read at The Associated Press

The international tournament for football (or what Americans call soccer) will be held June 11 through July 11, 2010. The host county automatically qualifies for the tournament, but South Africa will participate in the qualifying rounds to qualify for the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

Three countries bid to host World Cup 2010: Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. South Africa was announced as the host country in Switzerland, May 2004. 32 teams from around the world will compete during the World Cup.


Read here

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The 2010 FIFA World Cup takes place June 11 through July 11 in nine cities across South Africa including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg and Pretoria. The World Cup is watched by football fans world-wide, and seeing it live is an experience like no other.

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South Africa still expects between 430 000 and 460 000 international visitors to come to the country for the FIFA World Cup™ next year.

This despite an economic recession which has seen a decline in tourism numbers of 6 per cent worldwide this year, according to South African Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

"It is our view, and also the view of the tour operators we have spoken to, that the economic recession will not have an impact on visitors to the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said Van Schalkwyk at a briefing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa's head office, SAFA House, earlier today.

"We predict that South Africa will also experience a slowdown but as a country we expect to do better than the global average and outperform our competitors."

Five years ago South Africa predicted that visitors to the country would grow to 10 million by 2010. Despite a change in economic climate since that target was made, the country still expects to reach it next year thanks to a focused international marketing campaign and increased air traffic into the country.

"In the last couple of years we have seen a substantial increase in tourist numbers coming to South Africa. A total of 9.5 million tourists visited South Africa last year and there is no question that by next year we will reach the 10 million mark," said Van Schalkwyk.

The country is also confident that it has the accommodation facilities for the nearly half a million expected visitors to the country, as well as domestic tourists, during the tournament.


In the last couple of years we have seen a substantial increase in tourist numbers coming to South Africa. A total of 9.5 million tourists visited South Africa last year and there is no question that by next year we will reach the 10 million mark
South African Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Marthinus van Schalkwyk


"FIFA requires 55,000 graded rooms a night for the FIFA family during the tournament. South Africa has over 100,000 graded rooms in the country and hundreds of thousands of ungraded rooms," explained Van Schalkwyk.

However, many of these rooms are outside of the nine host cities where the tournament will take place. Therefore satellite accommodation areas will be created and fans transported in and out of these areas on match days, with added land and air transport facilities made available. This is not unusual - many fans at the FIFA World Cup in Germany came in from neighbouring European countries on match days.

"As we have always said, this is an African World Cup and accommodation in neighbouring countries, such as Swaziland and Botswana, will also be used. We are also putting up luxury tented camps in game reserves around the country," said Van Schalkwyk.

Also in attendance at the briefing, Sports and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, reflected on a successful FIFA Confederations Cup saying that South Africa should capitalise on the good spirit it had created.

"South Africa must embrace this wave of positive sentiment and use it to our advantage. There were many doubters before the FIFA Confederations Cup but even those who have since admitted they were skeptical have given us very positive feedback," said Stofile. {#}

Last night was one that John Maloyi will remember for the rest of his life, as he and 14 other South African youngsters boarded a plane for the first time on their way to Oslo, Norway to represent South Africa at a youth football tournament.

The group, many of them orphans under the care of the project SA Cares for Life, are off to play as the Lesedi Strikers with 30,000 other children from around the world.

"I am feeling so excited that we are going overseas. It is my first time and I don't know what to expect in Europe. I definitely think we are going to win in the tournament though," said 14-year-year-old Maloyi.

After Maloyi got to experience a live match during the FIFA Confederations Cup, along with the rest of the Lesedi Strikers, the youngster can think about nothing but football.

"We got to go and see USA and Brazil at the Confederations Cup and it was so great. We all enjoyed it so much and I will definitely be watching in 2010. It is great to have this kind of football in South Africa and I hope to one day play in a World Cup myself."

This is a totally life changing experience for them. You can see that soccer can change lives and the whole community is behind them and the World Cup is definitely a big part of this, everyone is going soccer mad now.

Riekie van den Berg

With the Official Mascot of 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Zakumi, making an appearance to see the team off at the airport, the excitement grew among the children as they clamoured for a high-five with the funky leopard.

"I am so happy right now to see him (Zakumi) and to be going overseas. This is my first time flying. I know that 2010 is going to be so good for us, everyone is going to come to South Africa and people will enjoy our country," said Michael Matalauta, before joining his team for a group photo with Zakumi.

For the managing director of SA Cares for Life, Riekie van den Berg, the trip is something that will certainly change the lives of the 15-strong team, many of whom were using drugs and living on the street before they were taken in and taught to play football.

"This is a totally life changing experience for them. You can see that soccer can change lives and the whole community is behind them and the World Cup is definitely a big part of this, everyone is going soccer mad now."

As the first South African team to be part of the youth tournament, the Lesedi Strikers were invited by the tournament organisers after they saw what the project was doing to take children off the streets in the Mabopane area, outside South Africa's capital of Pretoria.

For van den Berg the trip is a great opportunity to showcase not only South African football talent, but the country's culture as well.

"What is also exciting is that they have been asked to put on a cultural display for the other teams during the tournament and they have been practising hard for this. It will be great to show the world what South Africa is all about and it is teaching the kids to be proud of their culture and heritage," said van den Berg, as the children showcased their routine for Zakumi and the gathering crowd to send them off at the airpor.

Seacom’s fibre-optic cable network, which links Africa with Asia and Europe, became operational today after the initial launch was delayed due to pirate activity on the African coast.

The 1.28 Terabyte submarine cable network, which spans 17,000 kilometres, is set to dramatically improve broadband on the continent ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The cable company partnered with Cisco for today’s live demonstration of the network, in order to develop a one-gigabit-per-second live international connection and a live high definition video feed over an internet protocol network to interconnect representatives and dignitaries.

"Today is a historic day for Africa and marks the dawn of a new era for communications between the continent and the rest of the world,” said Brian Herlihy, CEO, Seacom.

“Our tireless efforts of the past 24 months have come to fruition, and we are proud to be the first to provide affordable, high quality broadband capacity and experience to east African economies,” he added.

In the future, the cable network is expected to link the continent to many more locations in the Asian subcontinent, Middle East and Europe.{#}

The soccer news hits just keep on coming: mega-deal transfer rumors, European giants playing preseason exhibition games from Seattle to Seoul and, in a turn-back-the-clock twist worthy of Tom Watson at the British Open, Ronaldo banging in the goals for Corinthians. But for the next 12 months there really is only one soccer story -- South Africa.

During the past week in South Africa, World Cup stadium workers settled their strike action, the millionaires of Manchester City were humbled by Soweto's Orlando Pirates and the Mamelodi Sundowns new head coach, former Chicago Fire forward Hristo Stoichkov, put his charges through training camp ahead of the upcoming Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.

That latter story has the South African media abuzz. For many pundits, the appointment of the fiery Stoichkov is more surreal than Austrian soccer authorities imposing a stadium ban on vuvuzuelas (which also happened last week). While the land of Strauss won't let you waltz into its arena with a plastic horn, for the time being you can see Stoichkov patrol the Sundowns sidelines.

If the "for the time being" disclaimer sounds a tad negative, then consider that the Sundowns had three head coaches last season, and Stoichkov is the 11th head coach since demanding tycoon Patrice Motsepe took control of the team in 2003. Lately, the five-time PSL champions (most recently winners of back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007) have not lived up to their nickname, "The Brazilians." The moniker comes from their uniform colors, but last season the Sundowns playing style was more slumber than samba as they finished ninth in the 16-team PSL.

Last Friday, July 17, was the 15th anniversary of Brazil's 1994 FIFA World Cup triumph. Stoichkov was joint top scorer (six goals with Russia's Oleg Salenko) at USA '94 as Bulgaria finished in a best-ever fourth place. That feat is known as "the unforgettable American summer" in Stoichkov's homeland. Unforgettable is an apt description for the fearsome striker as well. His lethal left foot, explosive temperament and ever-present piercing glare drew the attention of everyone in the stadium. A key member of Barcelona's 1992 "Dream Team," Stoichkov won the 1994 Ballon D'or (European Footballer of the Year) having finished second in the voting in 1992.

Stoichkov's glory days at the Nou Camp ended in 1998. After stints back home in Bulgaria and with teams in Saudi Arabia and Japan, Stoichkov joined the Chicago Fire for the 2000 MLS season. At Soldier Field in 1994, Stoichkov scored two goals in Bulgaria's first-ever World Cup Finals victory (4-0 against Greece) and Chicago would continue to be a special place for him during his time in MLS. He scored two goals on his debut for the Fire, and led the team to a U.S. Open Cup triumph in his first season, scoring the go ahead goal in a 2-1 win against the Miami Fusion. The Fire just missed the double that season, losing 1-0 to the Kansas City Wizards in the MLS Cup Final.

Controversy, of course, followed the volatile striker as closely as Italy's defense marked him in the 1994 World Cup semifinal. His MLS career was no exception, culminating in Stoichkov's rash tackle that broke a college player's leg in a D.C. United-American University scrimmage game. A player-coach with the Black-and-Red in 2003, Stoichkov's first dugout command came with his appointment as Bulgaria national team head coach in 2004.

The combustible Stoichkov clashed with referees, national team officials and some of his best players, most notably team captain Stilian Petrov, who quit the team for a spell. The return of the prodigal legend ended with Stoichkov's resignation in 2007. A short stay at Spain's Celta Vigo did little to enhance Stoichkov's reputation as a head coach. Hence the surprise and hoopla when the former World Cup star landed in the 2010 World Cup host nation last month.

The always candid (and quotable) Stoichkov famously once said, "If you understand football, you make substitutions during the game. If you don't, you make comments after it." The much-traveled goal scorer gets another shot at proving his point in South Africa. And while many pundits still ponder if South Africa is ready for the World Cup, a more pressing question might be, is South Africa ready for Hristo Stoichkov?

2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Former D.C. United goalkeeper Troy Perkins was back manning the nets for the U.S. national team in the 2-1 quarterfinal overtime win over Panama on Saturday, July 18, in Philadelphia. The other MLS alumnus still on the Gold Cup roster for the game, former FC Dallas defender Clarence Goodson, was a halftime substitute for Jimmy Conrad, who suffered a concussion at the end of the first half. A pair of MLS alumni saw playing time for Panama. Ex-Revs striker Ricardo Phillips was a second-half substitute and former Real Salt Lake forward Luis Tejada joined the fray in overtime. Bob Bradley's men will play Honduras in Saturday's semifinal at Soldier Field in Chicago. Another ex-Rev, Michael Parkhurst, will return from Denmark to rejoin the U.S. national team for the Honduras game. He played in the three first-round games but was allowed to return to his club side FC Nordsjaelland for this past weekend's opening round of the new Danish season.

In the first game of the Philadelphia quarterfinal doubleheader, Honduras beat Canada 1-0 on a Walter Martinez penalty kick in the 35th minute. Ex-Toronto FC 'keeper Greg Sutton was in goal for Canada.

In the first game of Sunday's other quarterfinal double-dip at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Costa Rica beat Guadeloupe, 5-1. Former Fire and Crew forward Andy Herron scored the Ticos' third goal, his second strike in as many games. Ex-MetroStars midfielder Pablo Brenes also started for Costa Rica. In its first Gold Cup semifinal appearance since 2003, Costa Rica will face Mexico (who beat Haiti, 4-0) in Chicago on Saturday.

UEFA Europa League

It might still be summertime, but the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) is already under way. Former Colorado Rapids midfielder Tam McManus scored his first goal for Ireland's Derry City in a preliminary round game on Thursday, July 16. McManus, who has been dogged by injury problems since moving to Ireland, picked a good time to get on the scoring charts, scoring an always-important away goal as Derry tied 1-1 at Skonto Riga in Latvia.

Other MLS alumni to see Europa League action last week were ex-FC Dallas striker Juan Toja and two-team-MLS veteran Douglas Sequeira. Toja's Steaua Bucharest (Romania) beat Ujpest FC (Hungary) 2-0 at home. Sequeira's Tromso IL (Norway) tied 0-0 at Dinamo Minsk in Belarus. The second leg of all Europa League ties will be played on Thursday, July 23.

The draw for the third preliminary round was made at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland on Friday, July 17. If Derry City gets by Skonto they will face Hristo Stoichkov's old team, CSKA Sofia (Bulgaria). A win for Steaua Bucharest will earn them a tie with either KS Flamurtari (Albania) or Motherwell (Scotland.) A victory for Tromso IL will see them play FK Milano (Macedonia) or NK Slaven Koprivnica (Croatia).

In addition, Clint Dempsey's Fulham join the competition in the third preliminary round. The Cottagers will play either FK Vetra (Lithuania) or HJK Helsinki (Finland). Troy Perkins Valerenga (Norway) will face PAOK (Greece). All games are played over two legs, with the first legs to be played on July 30 and the return legs on August 6.

Elsewhere around the world

In Brazil, in Week 11 of the Campeonato Brasileirao, on July 15, former MetroStars defender Danilo da Silva played the full 90 as Internacional beat Fluminense 4-2. Two late second-half strikes from Taison clinched the win. On Sunday, in Week 12, Danilo dropped to the bench for Internacional's visit to Gremio. The defender was a second-half substitute in the 2-1 loss.

In Colombia, in Week 2 of the Copa Mustang II, former MetroStars striker Sergio Galvan Rey stayed on the bench as Atletico National gained a 2-2 tie at America de Cali on Sunday.

In Denmark, former Revs defender Michael Parkhurst helped FC Nordsjaelland get the new season off to a strong start. Fresh off his Gold Cup experiences with the U.S. national team, Parkhurst played the full 90 as Nordsjaelland beat cross-town rivals and defending champions FC Copenhagen, 2-0, on July 18. In other Danish SAS Ligaen opening weekend action on Saturday, another MLS alumnus and U.S. national team defender, Danny Califf, went the distance as his FC Midtjylland were held at home 0-0 by Esbjerg.

In Ecuador, in Week 1 of the Segunda Fase, El Nacional beat Macara, 1-0 on an Edmundo Zura 61st-minute goal. Former MetroStars and LA Galaxy midfielder Wellington Sanchez played the full 90 for El Nacional.

In Ireland, former Revs forward Richie Baker hit the winning goal for Shelbourne in a 1-0 win over Sporting Fingal on Friday, July 17. The win kept Shelbourne four points clear at the top of the First Division (Ireland's second tier).

In Peru, on Saturday in Week 22 of the Primera Professional de Peru, former D.C. United goalkeeper Jose Carvallo's Sporting Cristal held league leaders Universitario de Deportes to a 1-1 tie at home.

In Scotland, former Toronto FC midfielder Maurice Edu told the Scottish Daily Record on July 15 that his rehab from knee surgery is going well and that he has marked down Rangers game at Motherwell on September 12 for his return to SPL action.

On Saturday, July 18, former Revs midfielder Andy Dorman scored St. Mirren's goal in the 1-0 exhibition game win at Ayr United.

Tradewinds

England League One side Southampton has reportedly offered former Columbus Crew striker Stern John a new contract. The Trinidad and Tobago forward was expected to leave the South Coast outfit after they loaned him out to Bristol City last season. Championship side Crystal Palace were said to be interested in signing John, who is a free agent, but new Southampton manager Alan Pardew has stated that he sees John as a key figure in helping the Saints gain promotion in the upcoming season. That will be a difficult challenge, as Southampton start the new season carrying a 10-point deduction due to going into administration (bankruptcy protection) in April.

Napoli head coach and former MetroStars midfielder Roberto Donadoni is reported to have settled on Liverpool's Italian international defender Andrea Dossena as his next transfer target.

Unnecessary Performance of the Week

If former Red Bulls teen sensation Jozy Altidore does stay at Villarreal for the upcoming La Liga season he will clearly face stiff competition for a starting spot. Without the services of Altidore or Giuseppe Rossi on Sunday, El Submarino Amarillo demolished Spanish third tier team Navata, 27-0, in a preseason exhibition game. New signee Jonathan Pereiro led the way with seven goals. But, frankly, what was the point of humiliating such an inferior opponent? It serves no purpose except to undermine sportsmanship and completely flaunt the FIFA mandated ideal of "Fair Play." That is the last thing the beautiful game needs right now and it earns the inaugural "Unnecessary Performance of the Week."

Mark C. Young is an Emmy Award-winning freelance writer/TV producer who has covered several FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games. He is a contributor to Goal.com and also writes for the blog "No Mas."

As recently as two years ago, a Spanish Team of the Decade would have been filled with players of exceptional talent, but ultimately ones who never truly lived up to their potential on the international stage. Throughout their memorable history, the Spanish national squad had infamously been known as the best national squad that never won a major trophy — habitually winning their group stage matches before falling in the quarter-finals of World Cup after World Cup.

But today, when we speak of La Furia Roja, we think of a side that not only wins, but also wins with style — a side that reigns atop the world (at least according to FIFA rankings) as the best national team. After a 40-year trophy drought, the Spanish national side broke their reputation for underachieving and forged through the knockout stages of the 2008 European Championships to claim the title. Led by then-coach Luis Aragones, the win served as a catharsis for a national squad teeming with some of the elite players of the world — many of whom are also some of the youngest players on the international stage.

Now, under new coach Vicente Del Bosque, the Spanish squad only looks as if it is getting stronger, beating some of the best sides in European football in international friendlies and World Cup qualifying matches.

This summer, in a tune-up for next summer’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Spain looked unstoppable, dominating possession throughout matches and knocking the ball around the pitch with crisp passing and movement. But despite their superb style of play, La Roja faltered against a surprisingly resilient and underrated United States squad in the Confederations Cup semi-finals. The loss, however, was mostly dismissed as an aberration, as injuries and chances that are normally slotted home caught up with the team — a touch of humility after a year of seemingly invincible play.

So as we approach World Cup 2010 with the Spanish Team of the Decade in mind, we do so knowing full well that we may soon be calling today’s Spain squad the Spanish Team of the Ages.

Iker Casillas (2000 - )

Highly touted as the best goalkeeper in the world, 'Saint Iker' now wears the captain’s armband for La Roja. Leading his team to European Championship success in 2008, Casillas was instrumental in helping Spain progress through the quarter-final stage, saving two critical penalties in a shootout with Italy. In October 2008, Casillas and deputy stopper Pepe Reina broke the national record for the most minutes without conceding a goal. The pair went unbeaten for 710 minutes, longer than the legendary Andoni Zubizarreta and Paco Buyo.

Michel Salgado (1998 - 2006)

Now considered a shadow of his former self, Michel Salgado was, for many years, one of the best right-backs in the world. Born in Galicia and frequently representing the autonomous Galician team, Salgado won the first of his 53 caps for Spain in 1998, in an infamous 3-2 Euro 2000 qualifying loss in Cyprus. He continued to serve his country as part of his nation's squads at Euro 2000 and the 2006 World Cup, starting in the former and serving as a backup to Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos in the latter.

Unfortunately, Michel missed out on the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, unable to compete due to last minute injuries.

Sergio Ramos (2005 - )

Sergio Ramos broke into Spain’s senior national side at only 18-years-old, making him the youngest player to play for the national team in the last 55 years until the record was again broken by Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas. After an impressive debut, the dynamic young Ramos was awarded a place in the team mainly due to the absence of club team-mate Michel Salgado. He was later announced as part of the Spain World Cup squad in 2006, and eventually replaced Salgado as Spain's first-choice right-back. His marauding runs down the right flank and penchant for attack make him one of the best right-backs in the world, but he is also a versatile defender, able to slot into central defence as well.

Carles Puyol (2000 - )

A rock in the Spanish back line, Puyol won his first international cap in 2000 against the Netherlands, and has remained a regular fixture in defence ever since. He has since represented his country at the 2000 Olympics, 2002 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2008. In winning the 2008 European Championships, Puyol started throughout the vast majority of the competition, snuffing out opposing chances; the Spanish defence only conceded two goals in five games as La Roja progressed to an eventual final win against Germany. Serving as vice captain of the Spanish national team, Puyol is an integral figure in defence.

Xavi Hernandez (2000 - )

Xavi made his senior debut in the same match as Barcelona team-mate Carles Puyol and has since been a regular fixture in the Spanish squad. As the architect of the Spanish attack, he is responsible for much of the creation in midfield and is constantly looking to slot passes through for the strikers. During Euro 2008, Xavi played a vital role in Spain's successful campaign. Partnering fellow Barca team-mate Andres Iniesta in the midfield, he was the fulcrum between the defence and the forward line, regularly supplying crucial assists. In the final against Germany, he slid a well-timed pass to Fernando Torres, who converted the winning goal. He is now a crucial member of the Spanish national squad and his importance to the team was summed up as he was selected as the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008.

Xabi Alonso (2003 - )

While he is well known for his performances at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso was actually called up to the Spanish national squad for his exceptional play with Real Sociedad in 2003. Alonso was praised for his role in the Basque outfit’s success, receiving the Best Spanish Player award by Spanish sports magazine Don Balon. His performances earned him national repute as Inaki Saez, coach of the Spanish national team at the time, called him up to La Seleccion. After Alonso’s international debut, Saez praised the Basque midfielder, saying, “He has a fantastic range of accurate passing and sees football with an extraordinary clarity.” Alonso is now a mainstay in central midfield, specialising in long switches of play through his pinpoint accurate passing and long rifling shots that frequently test opposing keepers.

Marcos Senna (2006 - )

Born in Brazil, Marcos Senna was granted Spanish citizenship in early 2006, thus becoming part of the Spanish squad for the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008. His performances in Spain’s title winning European Championship campaign earned him the plaudits of some pundits and journalists, who considered Senna as their player of the tournament. A solid presence on the pitch, Senna is the defensive bulldog in the Spanish midfield, pressed with the task of recovering possession and providing link-up play between the back line and the attacking midfield. The Brazilian-born Spaniard also holds a thundering shot in his boots and does not hesitate in trying his hand at a long-range effort from time to time.

Andres Iniesta (2006 - )

Iniesta won his first cap for Spain when he was brought on at half-time in a friendly against Russia and was subsequently called up to the Spanish national squad for the 2006 World Cup. Known for his mazy runs through midfield, Iniesta became a pivotal player in the Spanish midfield and along the left flank, becoming instrumental in helping Spain qualify for Euro 2008. Still very new to La Roja, Iniesta is fast becoming a match-altering player for Spain, having developed a seamless partnership with Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernandez that will benefit both club and country for years to come (provided he can successfully ward off injury).

Fernando Torres (2003 - )

Torres made his debut for the senior Spanish national team in 2003, playing in a friendly against Portugal, and scored his first goal against Italy in 2004. Serving his country from a very young age, El Nino was selected for Euro 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup (in which he scored three goals, tying David Villa for the top scorer in the Spanish squad for the tournament). Torres’ biggest goal to date with La Roja has certainly been his strike in the Euro 2008 final against Germany — a match Spain won 1-0 to take the championship.

Torres made his 60th appearance for Spain in a World Cup qualifying match against Turkey earlier this year, becoming the youngest player to reach this milestone. His contributions to the Spanish squad continue to be remarkable - in this summer’s Confederations Cup, Torres scored the fastest hat-trick ever by a Spanish player taking just 17 minutes to do so.

Raul (1996 - )

Known simply as Raul, he is likely Spain’s most prolific player in history and with 44 international goals is La Roja’s leading scorer. Earning his first senior cap in 1996, Raul has participated in three World Cups from 1998 to 2006, along with Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, scoring at least one goal in each of the three World Cup competitions and leading as captain of the team throughout. But following a shock 3-2 defeat against Northern Ireland, Luis Aragones controversially dropped Raul from the national squad, preferring David Villa and Fernando Torres instead. Raul is still available for a call up, since he has yet to formally announce his international retirement, and Vicente Del Bosque has said there is still a chance the player could again be called into the national side. But time is not on the aging legend’s side.

David Villa (2005 - )

Making his international debut in 2005, David Villa scored his first goal for La Seleccion in a World Cup qualifying match later in the year. The striker has not looked back since, scoring goals at will for La Roja, becoming so lethal in front of the net that ‘El Guaje’ managed to oust legend Raul from the Spanish national squad. Assuming the former captain’s No. 7 shirt, Villa has delivered goals by the handful for La Roja — some of them crucial in helping Spain advance through the 2006 World Cup group stages and the 2008 European Championships. Villa’s eye for goal has only gotten more keen. This past year, a consistent goal scoring rate saw Villa break the Spanish record of ten goals in one year, previously held by Raul since 1999, by scoring 12 goals. The next target in El Guaje’s sights is Raul’s record 44 international goals. Villa has 25 at the moment, but with only 49 appearances with La Roja, the mark is certainly attainable.

Casillas

Salgado – Sergio Ramos - Puyol

Xavi – Xabi Alonso — Marcos Senna – Iniesta

Torres - Raul - Villa

Do you agree with those who made it into the Spanish Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your ideal XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

World soccer's governing body FIFA has reinstated Ethiopia after new leaders were elected for the country's soccer federation.

"After organising an extraordinary general meeting under the guidance of FIFA, and electing new leaders, we have been readmitted," the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ethiopia was suspended from international competition in 2008 after failing to reinstate FIFA-recognised federation leaders who were fired during an internal row.

As a result of the suspension, Ethiopia was kicked out of the qualifying competition for the 2010 World Cup after they had already played four games in African zone Group Eight.

The results of the matches against were annulled.

FIFA's executive committee voted at a meeting in May to lift the suspension, provided that EFF organised and chaired an elective general assembly.

FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that it was satisfied with the election.

"The election took place last weekend and was observed by both FIFA and CAF (the African Football Confederation), to both parties' satisfaction," said FIFA.

"FIFA support on a range of programmes will now be available once again to the EFF, and the topic of the elections will be discussed at September's FIFA Executive Committee. {Reuters}

Three years ago the South African Football Association announced the names of the four players it had chosen as ambassadors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Joining George Weah, Abedi Pele and Roger Milla in the esteemed quartet was Mustapha Hadji, the former Morocco playmaker and the scorer of one of the most memorable goals of the tournament at France 1998.

"It was a very happy moment for me," Hadji tells FIFA.com in reference to his selection. "I found it very heart warming, though there are so many good players in Africa I just wondered why they picked me."

Regarded as one of the greatest ballplayers in the rich history of Moroccan football, the modest Hadji, older brother to Nancy striker Youssouf, scored 13 goals in all for his country. Having retired from the professional game two years ago, he continues to fulfil his passion for football by running out as an amateur for Luxembourg league outfit Fola Esch. "It's a return to my roots," explains the 1998 African Footballer of the Year as he prepares to call time on a 15-year career in which he scaled the peaks of world football.

After starting out in Ligue 1 with Nancy, Hadji did his fair share of travelling across the continent, checking in for spells with the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Deportivo La Coruna, Coventry City and Aston Villa before ending up in Germany with Saarbrucken. And though he failed to collect the trophies and accolades that his skills perhaps deserved, the gifted Moroccan, one of the finest technicians to emerge from the African game, harbours no regrets whatsoever about his colourful career.

Glory days

He first came to prominence at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA. "It was the turning point for me," he explains. Then aged 22, Hadji had just completed a season in the second division with Nancy, having decided 12 months earlier to pledge his allegiance to his native Morocco rather than his adopted homeland of France.

"The competition was too strong with Les Bleus," he explains. "Morocco had always been close to my heart anyway, even though I'd made my career in France." Though 15 years have now passed since his American adventure, Hadji has never forgotten its significance in terms of his footballing education.

"I was used to playing in front of crowds of 5,000 but there I was with 100,000 fans watching me. It was a different world, a different game. That World Cup gave me a new status altogether and not everyone gets the chance to play in a tournament as big as the World Cup at the age of 22."

Hadji faced problems on his return to eastern France, however, and after failing to establish a rapport with new Nancy coach Laszlo Boloni, he was lured to Portugal by Sporting Lisbon. "When I went there I found out what real football was all about. We played in front of 60,000 people and you used to get 3 or 4,000 at training sessions too. It was a great adventure. I had to prove myself in a country I didn't know and where I didn't speak the language. I was absolutely determined to succeed."

After doing just that, he gained further exposure at the highest level with a move to Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna, a major force in La Liga at the time. Surrounded by some of the world's finest players, Hadji was given the job of midfield orchestrator. "I have some wonderful memories of my time there and it was a step up for me. I learned so much in that time as virtually half of Brazil's World Cup winning team were in the side; players like Bebeto, Donato, Rivaldo and Mauro Silva."

The next phase in Hadji's inexorable rise came at France 1998, a tournament he lit up with a simply stunning goal against Norway in Morocco's opening group game France. "Norway hadn't lost in 16 matches, they had qualified for the finals in style and were big favourites to win. I ran with the ball at my feet for about 60 metres before scoring. It was one of my most exciting goals for the national team along with one I scored against Egypt in the African Cup of Nations that year, a last-minute overhead kick that put us into the quarter-finals."

Though Hadji's wonder strike ultimately failed to help Morocco progress beyond the first round, he was now being courted by a clutch of English sides. His first port of call was Coventry City followed by Aston Villa, two clubs where he made quite an impression. "The Premier League is like a different planet," says Hadji. "Every player should experience it at least once in their career. Football is a religion there and on Sundays whole families go and watch games together. I remember how crazy people went trying to get tickets for matches on Boxing Day. They used their Christmas money just for that. There's no doubt English fans have a special love for their teams."

Here and now

With two sons in French football academies, one at Nancy and the other at Metz, Hadji's ties with the game remain as strong as ever. And though the 37-year-old is now winding down his playing days in Luxembourg, he is happy to be fulfilling his passion for the game in a homely setting that reminds him of his early days. "There's a real family feel here," he explains. "The president is a friend of mine and the people are genuine and very down to earth. There's a real sense of friendship and I get a lot of pleasure out of playing on Sundays. This is how I grew up in the game and I feel like I've gone back to where I started, because when you play at the top level it's a different mentality entirely."

Hadji has plenty to keep him occupied off the pitch as well. Aside from preparing for his ambassadorial role, he also plays beach soccer for the FIFA world team and gives his expert views on Moroccan television on the African Cup of Nations, the UEFA Champions League and, from next season, the English Premier League.

"I've already started on my post-football career and I'm in no rush to make any decisions. I'm still not ready to take on any responsibilities at international or club level. I've been asked a few times already but I've turned things down up to now. I've still got the mindset of a player and it's not easy to be in charge of a group of people. You need to take a psychological approach and bang your fist on the table when need be. I'm not ready for that yet."

Mustapha Hadji

Position: Attacking midfield

Clubs: AS Nancy-Lorraine (1991-1996), Sporting Clube de Portugal (1996-1997), Deportivo la Coruna (1997-1999), Coventry City FC (1999-2001), Aston Villa FC (2001-2004), RCD Espanyol (2004), Al Emirates Ras Al-Khaima (2004-2005), FC Sarrebruck (2005-2007), Fola Esch (2007-)

National team: 54 caps (13 goals)

Honours: African player of the year (1998), Portuguese Cup (1996), Two-time participant at the FIFA World Cup (1994, 1998)

Recruited in June by FC Metz from Saudi club Al-Nasr, Benin international forward Razak Omotoyossi is finally allowed to play for the French Ligue 2 club.

After a long period where his club refused to give him the permission to leave Saudi Arabia, Metz spoke to FIFA and the ruling board of football gave the FFF (Federation Francaise de Football) the international certificate to allow Omotoyossi out of his original contract, according to the club's official website.

'The Squirrel' will finally get his wish to settle in a French-speaking country and allow him to be closer to his family.

The 23-year-old Nigerian-born striker is still hoping to get to the next 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola with his team-mates.

His compatriot Damie Chrysostome has cancelled his contract with FC Metz and won't be playing for the Grenats next season.

Massaër Ndiaye, Goal.com

There's no question that Brazil are both the most popular and most successful national side in the entire world. Having won a record five World Cups, still today they continue to win major titles (the last of these being the Confederations Cup last month). Brazil are currently ranked no.1 in the FIFA World Rankings, and are the favourites going into next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Over the last decade Brazil have possessed an abundance of talented players, like no other nation in the world. The country continues to produce world-class players and this is reflected by the achievements of the Selecao. After the disappointment of the 2006 World Cup, in which Brazil were surprisingly eliminated in the quarter-finals by France, Dunga was hired as their new boss and the 1994 World Cup winning captain made drastic changes to the side, by bringing in fresh meat and overlooking accomplished superstars like Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo and Cafu.

Although all of the above players will remain in the Brazilian history books for eternity, Dunga's new way of thinking has been of great benefit to the national team, and after a relatively slow start they have returned to being the strongest team in the world.

Gregory Sica selects his best Brazil XI from the past decade.

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Goalkeeper

Marcos – (1999-2005)

Marcos will always be remembered for being Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper as they lifted their fifth World Cup in 2002. The goalkeeper kept four clean sheets in seven matches, but lost his place in the team after the tournament. Although he was recalled to the Selecao for the 2005 Confederations Cup, he only made one appearance, and in October 2006 he announced his international retirement. One of few players to do such a thing, Marcos has remained loyal to Palmeiras throughout his entire career, even if he had attracted the attention of several top European clubs, including Arsenal.

Defence

Maicon – (2003- )

Only since the appointment of Dunga has Maicon cemented his position as the first-choice right-back of the Brazilian national team. Maicon is arguably the best player in his position in the world right now, and he has demonstrated this both with Brazil and Inter Milan. Ever since Cafu's national team retirement in 2006 Brazil have been looking for his replacement and they have now foudn not just one, but two who are worthy. Maicon is solid with his marking and is particularly dangerous when moving forward to attack, and has been impressive enough to edge Dani Alves as the starting right-back.

Lucio – (2000- )

The captain is an irreplaceable figure in the Brazil defence, and his strength and determination have been of great benefit to the Selecao. During the 2002 World Cup he played all 630 minutes of the tournament as Brazil won the title. Four years later he featured for Brazil as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Lucio set a FIFA record by not committing a single foul in 386 minutes of the tournament. More recently the defender helped Brazil win the Confederations Cup last month, by scoring a header in the 3-2 victory over the United States in the final.

Edmilson – (2000-2007)

Brazil have not been blessed with too many top class defenders this decade, and it is for this reason that Edmilson makes it into the line-up. A cultured defender/midfielder for Barcelona, Edmilson played his part in the 2002 World Cup triumph, playing in the centre of a back-three and scoring an excellent goal along the way against Costa Rica. Edmilson preferred attacking to defending, despite his position, but when fit and on-form he was nevertheless a very under-rated player.

Roberto Carlos – (1992-2006)

Recognised around the entire globe for his trademark free-kicks, with perhaps the greatest being a spectacular 35-metre swerving effort that fooled French goalkeeper Fabian Barthez when playing for his Brazil in the Tournoi de France in 1997, Roberto Carlos is a legend in his own right. Since making his national team debut in 1992, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan left-back found wide success with the Selecao. After finishing as a runner-up to France in the 1998 World Cup he played a key role as Brazil lifted the 2002 World Cup. As well as this, with Brazil he claimed two Copa America titles and the Confederations Cup. But after the elimination to France in the 2006 World Cup, Roberto Carlos announced his international retirement.

Midfield

Cafu – (1990-2006 )

Cafu will go down in history as one of the greatest full backs of all time, and certainly the best right wing back of his generation. The former Sao Paulo, Roma and Milan star appeared in four World Cups, lifting the trophy twice in 1994 and 2002, the latter as captain in South Korea & Japan. The stereotypical Brazilian fullback who would attack at will down the flank, Cafu was blessed with everlasting stamina, great technical ability, and a superb cross. He also had great leadership qualities, and will forever be remembered as one of the fairest players in the game, someone who always played with a smile on his face, win or lose. With 142 caps, Cafu is Brazil's highest appearance maker.

Gilberto Silva – (2001- )

Despite his low-profile, Gilberto Silva has become an irreplaceable figure in the Brazilian national team. Despite being relatively unknown before the 2002 World Cup, the defensive midfielder earned himself a place in the team and performed at a very high level as Brazil won the tournament for a fifth time. Often Gilberto's work goes unnoticed, but it has been of great importance for the success of the side. Gilberto is often overshadowed by Brazil's more famous players, but he is a very reliable player, and rarely loses his position in the team. With the arrival of Dunga, Gilberto has continued to be an important member, even if he plays his club football in Greece with Panathinaikos.

Kaka – (2002- )

One of the most gifted players to have ever worn the prized yellow and green shirt of the Selecao, Kaka has been very consistent since becoming an integral part of the Brazilian national team. Although he was part of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup, Kaka was a bench player and only played 25 minutes. In his official debut as a starter in a World Cup, four years later, Kaka scored a brilliant goal to give his side a 1-0 victory over Croatia. But even if he was one of Brazil's best players, his team bowed out at the quarter-final stage of the tournament. The FIFA World Player of the Year for 2007 was voted the best player of Brazil's triumphant Confederations Cup campaign of 2009, having scored twice in Brazil's opener against Egypt. His recent transfer to Real Madrid is a reward for all the hard work he has put in over the years.

Rivaldo – (1993-2003)

Out of the media spotlight for several years now, but when in his prime Rivaldo was one of the most exciting players on the planet. The former Barcelona, AC Milan and Deportivo La Coruna superstar made 74 appearances for Brazil between 1993–2003 in which he scored 34 goals. During this time he became one of the most important players of the side and he won a number of titles including the 2002 World Cup, the Copa America and the Confederations Cup. Rivaldo is well-known for his bicycle kicks, having scored a number of incredible goals in this manner. But after helping Brazil to their fifth World Cup title, Rivaldo decided to move to Olympiacos of Greece, and although he won three league championships and two Greek Cups with the side, his national team days were now well and truly over.


Ronaldinho – (1999- )

Ronaldinho's national team career has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. He earned his first cap for Brazil in 1999 and went on to become an essential player of the squad. He made a telling contribution for the national team, helping them win several titles including the World Cup, the Copa America and the Confederations Cup. With his club side Barcelona he was equally impressive, helping them to two successive Spanish titles, the UEFA Champions League, and two Spanish Super Cups. But after a highly disappointing 2006 World Cup Ronaldinho has seemed to lose his touch. Nowadays he has little influence on matches, and his trickery is nowhere to be seen any more. Due to this he has lost his place with Brazil and AC Milan. Even so, everyone is awaiting the revival of the superstar.

Attack

Ronaldo – (1994- )

One of the greatest strikers to have ever graced a football field, Ronaldo will remain in the history books for eternity. The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year is a living legend, and although he won several titles during a distinguished career in Europe, his greatest achievements came with his national team. With Brazil he won several titles, including the World Cup twice, the Copa America twice, and the Confederations Cup. After recovering from a serious knee injury, Ronaldo starred as Brazil won their fifth World Cup in 2002. He won the Golden Shoe for finishing as the highest scorer of the tournament with eight goals, including two goals in the final against Germany.

Although Brazil were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the following World Cup in Germany, Ronaldo found the back of the net three times to become the highest scorer in the history of the World Cup with fifteen goals. But since then, and with the appointment of Dunga, Ronaldo hasn't appeared for the national team again. However, since agreeing to return to Brazilian football with Corinthians last December, Ronaldo has been in sensational form (he recently scored a hat-trick against Fluminense), and it won't be any surprise if he makes the squad for the World Cup in South Africa next year.

Marcos

Maicon - Lucio - Edmilson - Roberto Carlos

Cafu - Gilberto Silva - Kaka - Rivaldo


Ronaldinho


Ronaldo

Do you agree with those who made it into the Brazil Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Gregory Sica, Goal.com

The organisers of the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa officially launched a hunt for 15,000 volunteers to assist at the mammoth month-long event.

People from across the world can apply online, starting on Monday, to volunteer at the first World Cup on the African continent, the 2010 local organising committee (LOC) announced in Johannesburg.

In South Africa, prospective volunteers without internet access would also be able to apply through venues in the nine host cities, the LOC said, without giving further details.

"From ushering people to their seats, to assisting the media and foreign language speakers, welcoming people at the airport and driving guests around, it is the volunteers that actually make the tournament happen," the chief executive of the LOC, Danny Jordaan, added.

Volunteering offered people a chance to be involved in "South Africa and Africa’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event," he said.

Volunteers must be 18-years or older on 1 March 2010 and have a good command of the English language, the LOC stipulated.

Applications close on 31 August 2009, after which candidates will be interviewed, either by telephone or in person.

For more information, go to www.FIFA.com {The Times}