Showing posts with label fifa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fifa. Show all posts
Germany edged closer to securing a place at next year's FIFA World Cup finals with a comfortable victory over Azerbaijan in Hanover.
Turkey were left hoping for a miracle to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ after a 1-1 draw against their leading Group 5 rivals Bosnia last night.
Overview of Countries and National Teams that qualified for FIFA 2010 and will be playing in the Soccer World Cup in South Africa.
Find out who will be playing alongside hosts South Africa at the 2010 World Cup with thecup2010.blogspot.com definitive guide to who has qualified and when they wrapped up their place at the finals.
Brazil and Ghana qualified for 2010 World Cup
Brazil qualified for its 19th consecutive World Cup, leaving Argentina to join Portugal and France with difficult paths to reach next year's tournament.
Defending champion Italy and European champion Spain maintained their leads in Europe, while England and Germany won friendlies ahead of qualifiers on Wednesday. And in Africa, Cameroon boosted its chances with its first victory in the final round of qualifying.
The United States came from behind at home for the second straight qualifier, defeating El Salvador 2-1 to move up one spot into second place in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Luisao put Brazil ahead in the 24th minute at Rosario, Argentina, and Luis Fabiano scored in the 30th and 67th. Jesus Datolo scored in the 65th for Argentina, which will be under pressure to remove coach Diego Maradona.
Brazil leads South American qualifying with 30 points, three ahead of Chile and Paraguay and eight in front of Argentina with three matches remaining. The top four teams advance to the World Cup, while the No. 5 nation goes to a playoff against the No. 4 nation in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Brazil became the seventh nation to join host South Africa in next year's 32-nation field, following Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and the Netherlands. Argentina lost a home qualifier for the first time since a 5-0 defeat to Colombia in 1993.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the FIFA player of the year, is in danger of missing the World Cup after Portugal needed a last-minute goal by Liedson for a 1-1 draw against Denmark. Nicklas Bendtner gave the Danes the lead in the 41st minute.
Denmark leads Group 1 with 17 points, four ahead of Hungary, which lost 2-1 at home to Sweden when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in injury time. Sweden is third with 12 points, and Portugal has 10 heading into Wednesday's game against Hungary. The top team qualifies from each of the nine European groups, and the best eight second-place teams go to playoffs.
France likely will have to win a playoff for a World Cup berth after a disappointing 1-1 tie with Romania at Saint-Denis.
France looked in control after Thierry Henry's 48th-minute goal, but defender Julien Escude turned the ball past his goalkeeper Hugo Llorisslid while attempting to intercept a cross seven minutes later.
"The objective is to qualify, no matter how we get there. I'm not in the habit of giving up," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "There's still everything to play for, nothing is finished yet. It will go down to the last game."
Les Bleus are second in Group 7 with 14 points, four behind Serbia heading into their meeting at Belgrade on Wednesday.
The Czech Republic, which beat the United States at the 2006 World Cup, played to a 2-2 draw at Slovakia, which could qualify for its first major tournament. Substitute forward Milan Baros headed in his 34th international goal in the 84th minute for the Czechs.
Slovakia heads Group 3 with 16 points, two ahead of Northern Ireland. The Czechs are fifth with nine.
Czech forward Jan Koller, the country's leading scorer with 55 international goals, retired from the national team after last year's European Championship, returned for this match, then said he was retiring for good from the national team.
"It's now up to the younger ones," the 36-year-old said. "I'm not good enough for it."
At Tblisi, Georgia captain Kakha Kaladze -- who plays for AC Milan -- headed two own goals in the 57th and 67th, giving Italy a 2-0 victory over Georgia.
"If we had to rely on two own goals to win, then so be it," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. "But such was the way we were playing we would have scored anyway as we were creating many chances."
Italy leads Europe Group 8 with 17 points heading into Wednesday's game against Bulgaria in Turin. Second-place Ireland, which trails by one point, won 2-1 at Cyprus as Robbie Keane scored in the 83rd minute with a headed goal from seven yards.
Spain routed Belgium 5-0 as David Villa scored two goals and set up two others.
Villa had a penalty kick saved, then fed Valencia teammate David Silva for the first goal in the 41st minute. Villa made it 2-0 with a long shot in the 49th and found Gerard Pique alone in front of goal one minute later.
Silva boosted the lead to 4-0 in the 68th, and Villa tapped in a shot in the 85th.
Spain, the European champion, is atop Group 5 with 21 points and holds a six-point lead over second-place Bosnia-Herzegovina, which won 2-0 at last-place Armenia.
At Wembley, Jermain Defoe boosted his chance to start in England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia, coming off the bench to score the second goal in a 2-1 exhibition victory over Slovenia.
Frank Lampard converted a penalty kick in the 31st minute after Wayne Rooney appeared to drag down Slovenia defender Bostjan Cesar. Zlatan Ljubijankic scored for Slovenia in the 85th with a near-post header after errors by both Glen Johnson and Joleon Lescott.
David Beckham was on the bench, but the midfielder didn't make an appearance and remained on 113 international caps, 12 shy of goalkeeper Peter Shilton's record.
Mario Gomez and Mesut Oezil scored to give Germany a 2-0 victory over World Cup host South Africa in a friendly match at Levekusen.
Germany leads Group 4 with 19 points and hosts Azerbaijan on Wednesday. Russia is one point back following Saturday's 3-0 win over Liechtenstein.
Cameroon won 2-0 at Gabon on goals by Achille Emama and Samuel Eto'o. Only the top team in each group qualifies, and the Indomitable Lions need another win when they host Gabon on Wednesday.
Ivory Coast improved its record to four victories from four games, routing Burkina Faso 5-0 as Didier Drogba scored twice
Rustenburg 2010
Facts 
Name: Rustenburg. The city's name originates from Dutch.
Province: North West
Population: 395 539
Altitude: 1500m
Geography: Located on the Highveld Plateau with low mountains and grasslands in the north western part of South Africa.
Climate: Rustenburg enjoys a sub-tropical climate with temperatures around 16°C during winter and 31°C during summer. The climate is generally ideal for year round outdoor activities.
Key Economic Sectors: Mining, Agriculture
Professional Football Clubs: Platinum Stars (Premier)
Rustenburg is in the heart of the savannah bushveld. The city is in the North West Province, nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Magaliesburg Mountains. The highest point in this mountain range is 1,852m above sea level and has been a tactical region for many battles for land during the early 1800s.
The region is rich in mineral wealth and boasts the most platinum mined in the world making it the platinum capital of the world. Mining, therefore, provides the most employment in the area. It is home to one of the country's richest tribes, the Bafokeng Nation.Rustenburg is also 30 kilometres from the sensational Sun City.
Internationally renowned as Africa 's premier holiday resort. Sun City offers a myriad of different entertainment and relaxation opportunities, as well as enough attractions and activities to keep everyone busy. It incorporates The Palace of the Lost City. Attractions at this resort include hot air balloon rides, The Valley of Waves and a 25-hectare jungle.
History The Bafokeng people originate from this area. Bafokeng means 'people of the dew'. They are originally from the Bakwena people, and settled near in the area more than 200 years ago.
Name: Rustenburg. The city's name originates from Dutch.
Province: North West
Population: 395 539
Altitude: 1500m
Geography: Located on the Highveld Plateau with low mountains and grasslands in the north western part of South Africa.
Climate: Rustenburg enjoys a sub-tropical climate with temperatures around 16°C during winter and 31°C during summer. The climate is generally ideal for year round outdoor activities.
Key Economic Sectors: Mining, Agriculture
Professional Football Clubs: Platinum Stars (Premier)
Rustenburg is in the heart of the savannah bushveld. The city is in the North West Province, nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Magaliesburg Mountains. The highest point in this mountain range is 1,852m above sea level and has been a tactical region for many battles for land during the early 1800s.The region is rich in mineral wealth and boasts the most platinum mined in the world making it the platinum capital of the world. Mining, therefore, provides the most employment in the area. It is home to one of the country's richest tribes, the Bafokeng Nation.Rustenburg is also 30 kilometres from the sensational Sun City.
Internationally renowned as Africa 's premier holiday resort. Sun City offers a myriad of different entertainment and relaxation opportunities, as well as enough attractions and activities to keep everyone busy. It incorporates The Palace of the Lost City. Attractions at this resort include hot air balloon rides, The Valley of Waves and a 25-hectare jungle.
History The Bafokeng people originate from this area. Bafokeng means 'people of the dew'. They are originally from the Bakwena people, and settled near in the area more than 200 years ago. The 36th reigning monarch is King Leruo Molotlegi.It has a strong Voortrekker (Dutch farming settlers) influence and was one of the first cities of importance in their history. In 1851, they named the city Rustenburg, which means 'place of rest'.
Football Platinum Stars, owned by the Royal Bafokeng Sports Holding, are the only professional side from Rustenburg.
Football Platinum Stars, owned by the Royal Bafokeng Sports Holding, are the only professional side from Rustenburg. The team, which has positioned itself as one of the front-runners over recent times, has purchased some of the country's finest talent including Dillon Sheppard, Jabu Pule Mahlangu and former Tottenham Hotspur defender, Mbulelo 'Old John' Mabizela. Platinum Stars are coached by former Bafana Bafana player, Steve Kompela. Garankuwa United are another side hailing from the North West who currently ply their trade in the First Division.
Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, Orlando Pirates, Silver Stars and Jomo Cosmos have all used the Royal Bafokeng stadiums Stadium as their as alternative home venue.
Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, Orlando Pirates, Silver Stars and Jomo Cosmos have all used the Royal Bafokeng stadiums Stadium as their as alternative home venue.
Polokwane stadium
The Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WHBO)/Paul joint venture (JV) has won the R716,78-million tender to construct the Peter Mokaba sports complex in Polokwane for the 2010 soccer World Cup, city spokesperson Simon Mokoatedi said.
In a response to emailed questions, he said that the Polokwane municipality had handed over the site for the 45 000-seater stadium on Friday and that construction was now expected to start “soon”.Late last week, the municipality appointed the WBHO/Paul JV as principal contractor, sinking the hopes of the Concor-Hotchief-Motheo consortium, which also had preferred bidder status, to build the Peter Mokaba sports complex.
The final awarding of the tender had been held back by unspecified delays and a funding shortfall, all which were resolved this month.The Peter Mokaba complex is one of five new stadiums that will be built in preparation for the 2010 soccer World Cup, together with the King Senzangakhona stadium, in Durban, the Nelson Mandela stadium, in Port Elizabeth, the Mbombela stadium, in Nelspruit and the Green Point stadium, in Cape Town.
The final awarding of the tender had been held back by unspecified delays and a funding shortfall
The City of Cape Town signed the R2,85-billion contract to build the 68 000-seater stadium with construction firms M&R and WBHO last week and a sodturning event, which would pave the way for construction to start, had been held on Tuesday.
Local Organising Committee CEO Dr Danny Jordaan said that the sod-turning ceremony signalled a "huge vote of confidence" in the work that had been done in Cape Town. "We must give credit to mayor Helen Zille and the entire council of the city of Cape Town," said Jordaan.
"The 70 000-seater capacity of the stadium in the city will be a ignificant boost in terms of the additional number of tickets that will be available to South Africans for World Cup matches. The high number ofaccommodation available in the city, together with the good public transport network and the beauty of the city will certainly make Cape Town one of the strengths of South Africa's bid to deliver a world-classevent," he added.
Durban has selected a group, led by Group Five and WBHO, as preferred bidders to build its 70 000-seater stadium and the municipality has stated that a tender dispute would not delay construction. PG Mavundla Engineering and its partner, Muratori Cementiti Di Ravenna claimed that their tender was the lowest bid and that its consortium should have secured the contract. The dispute would reappear in the Durban High Court next month.In February, the Grinaker-LTA/Interbeton Ibhayi JV was appointed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality to build a new stadium in Port Elizabeth.
The contract for the R920-million Mbobela stadium, in Nelspruit, was awarded to a JV between Bouygues, a French construction company, and Basil Read, late last year.
Fifa ball 2010
The testing procedures and designations offer many benefits to those who buy soccer balls (footballs) including guaranteed quality, value for money and better playing performance. Since January 1, 1996 only those outdoor footballs which have been tested and meet the demanding quality criteria, bearing either of the official markings 'FIFA Approved', 'FIFA Inspected' or 'International Matchball Standard (IMS),' are allowed to be used in FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association www.fifa.com ) competition matches and competition matches under the auspices of the six continental Confederations.
As of January 1, 2000 the quality testing and certification has also become compulsory for indoor footballs used for international matches under the auspices of FIFA and the Confederations.FIFA has set out to ensure that the balls used in top matches meet the most exacting standards. It has meant a general upgrading of standards of footballs (soccer balls) throughout the world.
Testing procedures for the balls submitted for these designations are designed to simulate match conditions.
Manufacturers have to submit seven balls if they are applying for "FIFA Inspected" status, and ten samples if they seek the "FIFA Approved" label. All these are put through their paces at EMPA, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research in St.Gallen.
There is another qualification level, too, less demanding than the others. This is the designation "International Matchball Standard", and for this the applicant footballs (soccer balls) can be sent to any of seven European test institutes which have been selected by FIFA to test and certify the balls for this category, which is free of any royalty fees.
There are a total of seven tests. All footballs are submitted for the first six and only potential "FIFA Approved" candidates for the seventh test, which is a shooting test for shape and size retention, including change of pressure.
However, the criteria for "FIFA Approved" footballs are higher throughout. For example, 25% loss of pressure is acceptable for a "FIFA Inspected" applicant, but only 20% for a "FIFA Approved" ball.
Referees of FIFA and Confederation matches are among the beneficiaries. They simply have to check that the ball carries one of the three marks and that the pressure is correct, rather than having to check weight, circumference and other details before matches.The testing criteria are indeed tough, but they have been set by the industry itself. Only the best products pass the test, which means that the new standards are worthwhile. Licensees include most of the major leading brands and also manufacturers from India, China, Thailand and Japan, showing that the value put on the FIFA mark is as universal as football itself.
Fifa World Cup 2010 the cup 2010
Durban 2010
Facts
Name: Durban Province: KwaZulu-Natal
Name: Durban Province: KwaZulu-NatalPopulation: 3064624
Altitude: 0m
Geography: The city is located on a huge natural lagoon that forms its harbour with a range of hills inland that are the remains of fossilized sand-dunes.
Climate: Sub-tropical, mild and sunny winters, hot and humid summers. Average temperatures are around 16 to 25° C year round.
Key Economic Sectors: Tourism, transport, agriculture, manufacturing
Football Clubs: Amazulu, Golden Arrows, Thanda Royal Zulu, Maritzburg United (Premier) Durban Stars, Nathi Lions (1st Division)
The City of Durban or Ethekwini, is a place of fusion. It is the largest city in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The city has an intense gusto for life.and has a diverse range of cultures Durban is the venue for one of the two semifinals of the FIFA World Cup and with its humid weather, it is bound to be a tourist hot spot during the tournament.
Durban, which is also a port city, is the busiest port in Africa. You can take a ride on a rickshaw, a distinctive Durban experience, with the drivers decorated in ornate headdresses. At the very heart of Durban is the 'golden mile', a four kilometer stretch of beaches, promenades, swimming pools and restaurants. The water is warmed by the Aghulas current and even during winter, the water temperature averages at 15°C making it ideal for year-round swimming.
UShaka Marine World is Africa's largest Marine-themed park. Within the park is one of the five largest aquariums in the world.
Durban hosted the Preliminary Draw on 25 November 2007. Durban is also a gateway to the Zulu Kingdom, where tourists can experience the intensity of Zulu culture. The city is also a good base from which to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park has various landforms such as coral reefs, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, and reed and papyrus wetlands. The Ukahlamba/Drakensberg National Park has dramatic blue mountains and the largest concentration of rock paintings south of the Sahara.
History The history of the area extends to hundred years dating on rock art found in caves in the uKhahlamba/ Drakensberg National Park. The San lived in these mountains for four millenniums and they documented their history in rock art. This discovery has since led to the inclusion of the uKhahlamba/ Drakensberg National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage site
The Zulu nation originally migrated south from the Great Lakes region as part of the Nguni migration. They settled in the area now known as KwaZulu-Natal and many great leaders, including Shaka, have led the Zulu nation into historically revered battles.
On 25 December 1497, a Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama anchored in a natural lagoon which would become the site of present-day Durban. He thought the lagoon was a river and named it Rio de Natal (Christmas River), but it was later corrected and changed to Port Natal. Port Natal became Durban on 23 June 1835, in honour of the Cape Governor, Sir Benjamin D'Urban.
Football Durban is home to two Premier Soccer League clubs, Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United.
The city is said to have hosted South Africa's first football league in 1882, which comprised four clubs: Pietermaritzburg County, Natal Wasps, Durban Alpha and Umgeni Stars.
Durban has produced numerous South African championship-winning sides but in recent years its teams have struggled to preserve their top flight statuses. Zulu Royals were the first winners of the National Professional Soccer League in 1971.
After the major leagues unified, Durban Bush Bucks and Manning Rangers both won the championship. Durban City and Durban United, which are now both defunct, were frequent league and cup winners in the National Football League.
Durban is the birthplace of the former Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who, while at Liverpool, added his name to a rare list of Africans who have played for teams which won the European Cup. The city has also produced talented football players such as Sibusiso Zuma, Siyabonga Nomvete and Delron Buckley.
Durban hosted group, quarter-final and semi-final games in the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The city also hosted South Africa's game against England in 2003, which helped launch the country's bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. England won the encounter 2-1.
Going To…
Durban, which is also a port city, is the busiest port in Africa. You can take a ride on a rickshaw, a distinctive Durban experience, with the drivers decorated in ornate headdresses. At the very heart of Durban is the 'golden mile', a four kilometer stretch of beaches, promenades, swimming pools and restaurants. The water is warmed by the Aghulas current and even during winter, the water temperature averages at 15°C making it ideal for year-round swimming.
UShaka Marine World is Africa's largest Marine-themed park. Within the park is one of the five largest aquariums in the world.
Durban hosted the Preliminary Draw on 25 November 2007. Durban is also a gateway to the Zulu Kingdom, where tourists can experience the intensity of Zulu culture. The city is also a good base from which to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park has various landforms such as coral reefs, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, and reed and papyrus wetlands. The Ukahlamba/Drakensberg National Park has dramatic blue mountains and the largest concentration of rock paintings south of the Sahara.
History The history of the area extends to hundred years dating on rock art found in caves in the uKhahlamba/ Drakensberg National Park. The San lived in these mountains for four millenniums and they documented their history in rock art. This discovery has since led to the inclusion of the uKhahlamba/ Drakensberg National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage site
The Zulu nation originally migrated south from the Great Lakes region as part of the Nguni migration. They settled in the area now known as KwaZulu-Natal and many great leaders, including Shaka, have led the Zulu nation into historically revered battles.
On 25 December 1497, a Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama anchored in a natural lagoon which would become the site of present-day Durban. He thought the lagoon was a river and named it Rio de Natal (Christmas River), but it was later corrected and changed to Port Natal. Port Natal became Durban on 23 June 1835, in honour of the Cape Governor, Sir Benjamin D'Urban.
Football Durban is home to two Premier Soccer League clubs, Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United.
The city is said to have hosted South Africa's first football league in 1882, which comprised four clubs: Pietermaritzburg County, Natal Wasps, Durban Alpha and Umgeni Stars.
Durban has produced numerous South African championship-winning sides but in recent years its teams have struggled to preserve their top flight statuses. Zulu Royals were the first winners of the National Professional Soccer League in 1971.
After the major leagues unified, Durban Bush Bucks and Manning Rangers both won the championship. Durban City and Durban United, which are now both defunct, were frequent league and cup winners in the National Football League.
Durban is the birthplace of the former Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who, while at Liverpool, added his name to a rare list of Africans who have played for teams which won the European Cup. The city has also produced talented football players such as Sibusiso Zuma, Siyabonga Nomvete and Delron Buckley.
Durban hosted group, quarter-final and semi-final games in the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The city also hosted South Africa's game against England in 2003, which helped launch the country's bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. England won the encounter 2-1.
Going To…
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