Dutch go fifth, quartet reach personal bests

(FIFA.com) Thursday 6 June 2013

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The top four on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking remain unchanged, with Spain retaining a comfortable lead over Germany, Argentina and Croatia.

Behind the leading pack, however, there has been significant movement in the top ten. TheNetherlands, who didn't play last month, have benefited from the devaluation of older matches and moved up to fifth at the expense of Portugal (6th, down 1), Colombia (7th, down 1) and England (9th, down 2).

Meanwhile, in the top 20, Belgium (12th, up 3) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (15th, up 6) have reached their highest-ever position since the introduction of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. Belgium’s leap is thanks to a 4-2 win away to USA (28th, up 1) at the end of May, while Bosnia-Herzegovina’s unbeaten run now stretches back over a year and comprises eight matches.

Two other teams have also achieved their highest-ever position: Mali (23rd, up 3) and Albania (38th, up 5).

The upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup and the latest round of qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ will ensure plenty of movement in the next edition of the FIFA Ranking. After almost two years of playing only friendlies, Brazil are finally playing competitive football again and will therefore have a chance of making progress.

The results of 30 friendlies up to 2 June have been taken into account for the current edition of the FIFA Ranking, with the results of the FIFA World Cup qualification matches on 4 June to be included in the next edition.

Summary

Leader	Spain (unchanged)
Moves into top ten	none
Moves out of top ten	none
Matches played in total	30
Most matches played	Algeria, England, Germany, Latvia, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Republic of Ireland, Sudan, Turkey, USA (2 matches each)
Biggest move by points	New Zealand (up 118 points)
Biggest move by ranks	New Zealand (up 30 ranks)
Biggest drop by points	Senegal (down 97 points)
Biggest drop by ranks	Senegal (down 23 ranks)

Dutch go fifth, quartet reach personal bests

Chile boost their cause, Peru still in the hunt

(FIFA.com) Saturday 8 June 2013

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THE DAY REPLAYED – Chile produced one of the most eye-catching results of Matchday 13 of then South American Zone qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ thanks to an away win over ailingParaguay. This performance, allied to Venezuela’s draw in Bolivia, tightened La Roja’s grip on fourth spot in the standings, the final direct qualifying berth for Planet Football’s biggest showpiece.

Also impressive were Peru, who beat high-flying Ecuador to move into sixth place ahead of Uruguay.Argentina and Colombia, for their part, produced the first goalless draw of CONMEBOL qualifying for Brazil 2014. FIFA.com rounds up all the action.

Match of the day
Paraguay 1-2 Chile
Goals: Roque Santa Cruz 88’ (Paraguay); Eduardo Vargas 41’, Arturo Vidal 57’ (Chile).

Well aware of what was at stake, Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli sent out a side boasting no fewer than three out-and-out forwards – an ambitious approach that led to La Roja dominating proceedings from start to finish. The Chileans, still without a draw in this qualifying competition, have now won their last three games against Paraguay, two of which took place in Asuncion.

The victory moved La Roja two points clear ahead of fifth-placed Venezuela, while also putting them within two of Ecuador and Colombia, both of whom must face Chile in October. Defeat for Paraguay, meanwhile, has practically written off their already slim chances of qualifying for Brazil 2014. This fact overshadowed a record-breaking strike from Roque Santa Cruz – who is now La Albirroja’s 26-goal all-time leading scorer, one ahead of Jose Cardozo.

Elsewhere Despite starting with Lionel Messi on the bench – the Barcelona superstar instead coming on for a 33-minute cameo – competition leaders Argentina arguably deserved more against Colombia. However,La Albiceleste were unable to overcome the brave resistance of Cafetero keeper David Ospina and had to settle for a 0-0 draw, a result that moved the Colombians up into second place.

“Ospina was in excellent form for us,” said Colombia boss, and former Argentina supremo, Jose Pekerman on the key to the goalless stalemate, the first in 14 qualifiers between Los Cafeteros and La Albiceleste. Another factor was the sheer intensity of the encounter, underlined by a total of eight yellow cards as well as straight reds for both Gonzalo Higuain and Cristian Zapata.

Unable to take advantage of that result were Ecuador, who are still yet to win on the road in Brazil 2014 qualifying. On the back of two consecutive draws away from their Quito stronghold, Reinaldo Rueda’s charges were beaten 1-0 by Peru in Lima, where they had not tasted defeat since 1977, and thus slipped from second to third in the standings. The only goal of the game was struck by Los Incaicos’ veteran Claudio Pizarro, a winner that helped Peru bump Uruguay out of sixth spot and moved them within two points of Venezuela, who they visit in September.

After picking up a 1-1 draw away to Bolivia, fifth-placed Venezuela may feel they missed a fine opportunity to put some distance between themselves and their pursuers. Cesar Farias’ side currently occupy the region's Intercontinental Play-off berth and took the lead in La Paz thanks to Juan Arango, whose 22^nd senior international strike moved him level with Giancarlo Maldonado as La Vinotinto’s all-time leading marksman.

Four minutes from the end, however, Arango and Co’s hopes of a vital victory were dashed by an equaliser from Jhasmani Campos. Nor did the draw do Bolivia’s own cause much good, as Xavier Azcargorta’s charges remain six points behind Venezuela with only 12 to play for.

Player of the day
Claudio Pizarro (PER)

Now 34 years of age, the experienced Peru forward conjured up an exquisite half-volley to sinkEcuador and seal three points that keep Los Incas’ dreams of a Brazil 2014 place alive. Pizarro, a member of the Bayern Munich squad that recently clinched a Bundesliga-German Cup-UEFA Champions League treble, took his qualifying tally to two goals, having not scored in the competition since Matchday 2’s defeat against Chile in Santiago.

The stat
50 – The number of CONMEBOL qualifiers for Brazil 2014 played prior to the first 0-0 draw. The fact it featured Argentina and Colombia makes it stand out even more, given the pair are the region’s leading scorers in qualifying with tallies of 24 and 19 goals respectively. In an additional piece of trivia,Los Cafeteros’ stout defending prevented La Albiceleste adding to their run of scoring in nine consecutive FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

What they said
“It would have been much nicer to take all three points, but taking one in La Paz is still very good, we’re aware of that. What’s more, I’d even say it’s worth its weight in gold, as it could turn out to be the point that takes us to the World Cup,” Venezuela coach Cesar Farias, following La Vinotinto’s 1-1 draw in Bolivia.

Del Bosque: Casillas ready to play

(AFP) Saturday 8 June 2013

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Spain manager Vicente del Bosque said that Iker Casillas is fit and desperate to play again for his country despite not having played a competitive match for nearly five months. The 32-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper suffered a hand injury in January that kept him out for two months and then failed to recover his place in the side for the rest of the season as Jose Mourinho kept faith with Diego Lopez.

However, he is expected to return on Saturday as Spain begin their preparations for the FIFA Confederations Cup later this month with a friendly against Haiti in Miami.

"Casillas is desperate to play, we have seen him as he always is," Del Bosque said. "We haven't seen any deterioration in his physical condition. Apparently he feels fine."

The bigger question for Del Bosque will be whether to stick with Casillas as his first-choice once the Confederations Cup gets underway or retain Victor Valdes in goal after his fine performance in the win over France in FIFA World Cup™ qualifying back in March.

Meanwhile, the Spanish coach also has to decide on who he will play up front with Cesc Fabregas,Fernando Torres, David Villa and Roberto Soldado all fighting for the one place in the side.

And Torres believes the flexibility between having Fabregas play as a false nine or a more traditional centre-forward like himself, Villa or Soldado is good for the side.

"We can play in many different ways, but what we have to try and do is understand what option the manager wants from us because we all want to play, but if it is not like this then we have to accept it and wait for the opportunity."

Torres has also just been recalled to the squad after being dropped due to his indifferent form at club level earlier in the campaign and he believes he is now in good shape having guided Chelsea to the UEFA Europa League towards the end of the season.

"I have finished very well, both on a personal level and for my club, I'm left with a good taste in my mouth and I am here to win another trophy. We want to win the Confederations Cup because it is the one thing that this generation lacks."

African trio eye final round spots

(African Football Media) Friday 7 June 2013

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With just three games remaining in the third round of African qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, several favourites are in danger of missing out on a ticket - even before the final round of qualifying commences. North African giants Tunisia and Egypt, as well as surprise package Congocould become the first countries to book their place in the final round of qualifying should results go their way this weekend. The ten group winners will advance to the third round, where they will be drawn into five ties, with the winners of the two-legged matches qualifying for Brazil.

Crucial matchGabon – Congo 8 June, Stade de Franceville, Franceville, 15:30 (local time)
When the draw for the second round of African qualifiers was made, Congo were placed in pot four as one of the weakest teams in the draw. This weekend the Red Devils could become the first African country to book their place in the final round of qualifying, leaving them just two games away from a first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Ahead of a tricky away match in Gabon they lead Group E by six points and would qualify with a win if the match between Niger and Burkina Faso ended in a draw.

Coach Kamel Djabour will, however, have to take on the Panthers without a star player as Christopher Samba withdrew from the squad. Also missing are Ulrich Nzamba and Dyzaiss-Lys Mouithys, who have been replaced by Nkolo Lorry and Dimitri Magniokele Bissiki. For Gabon the match is a last throw of the dice as anything but a victory will see them eliminated.

It is a point the Gabon players are well aware of. "We know what awaits us, we will have to be strong mentally, and attack at 100 mph. We have to win if we hope to qualify," said goalkeeper Didier Ovono.

ElsewhereEgypt can give their long-suffering fans something to smile about as they are one of three teams capable of qualifying for the final round this matchday. The Pharaohs are away to Zimbabwe, whose coach Klaus-Dieter Pagels said that their close 2-1 defeat against Egypt in March gave them confidence. “If we can improve, especially in defence, then we will win this game. We had the chance to win there and here we can win as well."

Egypt's task in Group G has not been made easier by the injury-related withdrawals of Zamalek duo Mohamed Abdel-Shafy and Nour El-Sayed. A win for Egypt and a result for Mozambique in Guineawould guarantee the north Africans a place in the next round. The Pharaohs could be joined byTunisia, who would go through if they win their Group B clash in Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guineafail to beat Cape Verde Islands. Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul will be without captain and goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi, who pulled out of the squad after picking up an injury last weekend.

In Group C, Côte d'Ivoire are neck-and-neck with Tanzania, and the Elephants, who have a point more than the Taifa Stars, are away to Gambia, while Tanzania travel to Morocco. Sabri Lamouchi has called up newcomers Serge Aurier and Norwegian-born Mathis Bolly, but left out Didier Drogba.

The former French international in his first management position said that he will not underestimateGambia. “We would make a big mistake by thinking it is going to be a walk in the park. We need to be much focused because in Gambia, on a tricky pitch, it is going to be tough.” 

A similarly close battle is developing in Group D, where Zambia lead Ghana by a point. The Chipolopoloare at home to Lesotho on the weekend, while the Black Stars travel to Sudan. Midfielder Rainford Kalaba will miss the game against Lesotho after aggravating a calf injury. Cameroon's new coach Volker Finke is away in Togo for his first competitive match in charge of the Indomitable Lions, who lead Group I by a point from Libya.

Cameroon star striker Samuel Eto'o will not be available for the game in Lome after injuring himself in the Russian cup final with his club Anzhi Makhachkala. Libya's game at home to Congo DR, will be their first competitive match at home in two years after CAF gave the go-ahead in March to resume international football in the country.

Did you know?Of the 40 teams involved in the second round of qualifying, only three - Tunisia, Egypt and Congo - have a 100 per cent record after winning their three matches in the group stage so far. All three teams could advance to the final qualifying phase if results in the fourth round of matches go their way.

Player to watchAlgeria are involved in a neck-and-neck race with Mali in Group H and will be looking to Islam Slimanifor the goals in Benin that will keep the Fennec Foxes ahead of their rivals, who take on Rwanda. The CR Belouizdad striker, who is being linked with a move to Italy, is one of five players top-scoring in qualifying with three goals.

What they said"Before we left, I told the players to be mentally strong and expect such disruptions. But we should not take it too hard; we must just continue to be strong and know what task lies ahead,” South Africa coach Gordon Igesund after Bafana Bafana missed a training session after their flight to Yaounde was cancelled, forcing them to spend an extra night in Douala.

Fixtures
7 June
Sudan - Ghana
Libya - Congo DR

8 June
Botswana - Ethiopia
Central African Republic - South Africa
Sierra Leone - Tunisia
Cape Verde Islands - Equatorial Guinea
Gambia - Côte d'Ivoire
Morocco - Tanzania
Zambia - Lesotho
Gabon - Congo
Uganda - Liberia
Angola - Senegal

9 June
Niger - Burkina Faso
Zimbabwe - Egypt
Guinea - Mozambique
Benin - Algeria
Mali - Rwanda
Togo - Cameroon

Already played (5 June):Kenya 0-1 Nigeria
Malawi 0-0 Namibia

Messi given all-clear for Argentina

(AFP) Friday 7 June 2013

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Lionel Messi is expected to captain Argentina in their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifier against Colombia after receiving the all-clear from Barcelona's medical staff.

"The player has been given the medical all-clear," said a statement released by Barcelona on Friday.

The 25-year-old hasn't played since aggravating a hamstring injury in Barça's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on 12 May. However, he now looks set to return for his country as they try to move to a step closer to qualification when they face the Colombians in Buenos Aires.

"His leg is okay. He looks quick and capable of taking on defenders, but we need to see how fit he is after so long without playing," Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella said on Thursday.

La Albiceleste currently lead South American qualification with 24 points from 11 games, five ahead of Colombia, who sit third, having played a game fewer.