Capello issues Three Lions warning

Fabio Capello feels England should make the World Cup final next year, but has warned the squad that form in the qualifying group will mean nothing when they arrive in South Africa.

England sealed their place in the 2010 World Cup with two games to spare in Group Six thanks to a crushing 5-1 win over Croatia at Wembley, making them one of the favourites to lift the ultimate prize next summer.

Capello’s men are one of three teams in European qualification with 100 percent records, the others being Holland and Spain, and again the 1966 champions are being talked about as potential winners of the 2010 World Cup.

England fans have seen a number of false dawns, with the Football Association building up the 2006 squad as the ‘Golden Generation’ who would win the top international trophy.

But many supporters feel that Capello has brought not just belief to the camp, but some much needed discipline to an undoubtedly very talented group of players.

The Italian believes his squad can make it to the showpiece in Johannesburg on July 11 although, as ever, the former AC Milan boss is not getting carried away.

Capello admitted: "I know the expectations will rise, but those eight games mean absolutely nothing now.

“I know all about England's history, but the most important thing when you go to the World Cup is the physical condition of the players. The best players have to be fit."

And the dream for 63-year-old Capello……to play his home nation Italy in the final!

Can an African Side Win the World Cup on African Soil?

FIFA's Under-20 World Cup starts on September 24th from Egypt, the third time the tournament's been held on African soil.

Can one of the African countries involved make their way into the final?

Today, friend and football expert Tom Legg dissects the African team's prospects.

You might remember Mr. Legg from his previous post about the Top 10 Youngsters at the 2010 World Cup, a blog favorite.

This post comes courtesy of Tom's new blog, 'The Dust Diaries,' about African football and issues concerning the continent. Please make sure to check it out!

And now, Mr. Legg, please take the stage ...

'On the 24th September the FIFA Under 20 World Cup kick off in Alexandria, Egypt. It’s only the third time the tournaments been hosted on African soil since its inauguration in 1977. For years the tournament has been, without question, the prime scouting event for European clubs wanting to run the rule over some of the most promising player in the world.

The tournaments record speaks for itself; in the past the Under 20 World Cup has seen the making of some of footballs most famous names. Two years after Tunisia 1977 a certain Diego Maradona dazzled crowds in Japan and lead a superb Argentine side – equipped with Golden Boot winner and modern day River Plate hero Ramon Diaz – to victory. The 1983 tournament saw the Dutch challenge lead by a young Marco Van Basten, but it was a surprisingly functional Brazilian side who took the spoils with the likes of Bebeto and Dunga. Legendary centre back Fernando Couto and midfielder Paulo Sousa helped Portugal to victory in 1989; Joao Pinto, Abel Xavier, Rui Costa and Luis Figo helped the Portuguese make it two in a row on home soil in 1991. A strong African contingent in Australia 1993 saw players like Rigobert Song, Marc-Vivien Foe and Sammy Kuffour catch the eye of European scouts, while Barcelona’s Seydou Keita was the man on everyone’s lips at Nigeria 1999. Finally, who can forget Lionel Messi’s stand out performances in Holland 2005 where he lead his country to victory, made a clean sweep of the individual honours and prompted an immediate promotion into the Barcelona first team by then coach Frank Rijkaard.

Brazil and Argentina have dominated every tournament since 2001, with the Argentines winning three of the last four. This year promises to be a different affair. The tournaments most successful side Argentina are absent after a horrible showing in CONMEBOL Under 20 tournament in Venezuela, this coupled the recent success achieved by both Nigeria and Ghana at Under 17 level has rightfully resulted in both African countries starting this years tournament with a quite belief that they both have the capabilities available to go all the way.

There are five African sides participating in Egypt this year, only the European region has more participants with six. Hosts Egypt qualify automatically with the remaining four; Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Cameroon all qualifying through the African Youth Championship that was held in Rwanda earlier this year.

It’s the side that took the trophy in Rwanda earlier this year – Ghana – who go into Egypt 09′ as strong contenders for the Under 20 title. The Black Satellites are a well balanced and settled side, lead by the experienced and popular coach Sellas Tetteh. Defensively the side rely on the organisational skills of Panathinaikos’ defender Jonathan Mensah; a towering centre back with excellent positional skills and aerial ability. Mensah will be called upon to reel in both attack-minded full backs Daniel Opare and David Addy in the transition and ensure defensive partner Samuel Inkoom hasn’t gone walkies.

The midfield will be controlled by Sampdoria’s Rabiu Mohammed; strong, tall and smart, the central midfielders occasional – but well timed – gallops forward will offer a different dimension to the Ghanaians attack. The creative reigns will be held by the “Ghanaian Giggs” Ishmael Yartey. Heavy billing for the nineteen year old, but after his excellent start to the season on loan at Beira-Mar (Ishmael is contracted to Benfica), scoring three goals in five games (starting only one of them), he may well live up to the hype. A quick and skilful winger with a keen eye for goal, he has the potential to make a massive impact on the tournament. Last, but most defiantly not least is the Ghanaian goal machine Ransford Osei. Currently on loan with FC Twente the Ghanaians target man is stronger, smarter and sharper than a year ago and considering he scored seven goals in five games in Rwanda, the prospect of him being any better should striker fear into the eyes of opposing defenders. Fantastic in the air, beautifully balanced and lethal in front of goal, Steve McClaren should be encouraged to sign the striker permanently before bigger European sides come sniffing. Other notable members of the Ghanaian side are; Daniel Opare, Abeiku Quansah, Sadick Adams and Agyemang Opoku. Despite being drawn in a tough group with Uzbekistan, England and Uruguay, most still expect the Black Stars to qualify… and then take on the big boys from South America in the second round.

Africa’s next best hope is Nigeria. The Super Eagles have had a difficult few months after a faltering performance in Rwanda where HSV striker Macauley Chrisantus (the star of the Under 17 World Cup) was distinctly off pace and some rather unimpressive displays from the side as a whole that left the Super Eagles stuttering to a third placed finish. Never-the-less this side should not be underestimated, the squad are the current Under 17 World Cup holders and with one of Africa’s finest young coaches in Samson Siasia at the helm anything is possible.

The side will have to do without some key figures in injured striker Macauley Chrisantus, centre back Kingsley Udoh and 17 year old striker Ganiyu Oseni. Samson has called up Aberdeen winger and former England youth international Sone Aluko, Bayelsa United striker Stanley Ohawuchi and Kano Pillars midfielder Mo Shehu Shagari. Nigerian fans expect a good showing in Egypt and their hopes rest on the shoulders of youngster central midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim. Dubbed the new ‘Okocha’ by Nigerian journalists after his superb performances for Nigeria in the 2007 CAF Under 17 tournament in Togo and FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Korea; both of which Nigeria won. The sides number 10 is equipped with a low centre of gravity, combined with fantastic vision and a seemingly bottomless bag of tricks, he will be the creative heartbeat for the Nigerians. To compliment the adventurous Rabiu in midfield, Nigeria will deploy AS Monaco defensive midfielder Lukman Haruna to balance the side.

Lukman’s role in the side is crucial; with midfielders Rabiu, Alfa and Ikande committed in attack it will be up to the tall central midfielder to delay the play during the transition from attack to defence and allow his fellow midfielders time to recover their shape behind the ball. At just 18 the commanding midfielder has already broken into the Monaco first team and his employers will no doubt be fending off interest from potential suitors around Europe after the tournament. The concern for Nigeria lies in their defence; the loss of Kingsley Udoh has not been addressed and Samson’s refusal to include centre back Alex Nkume in the squad has baffles many journalists in Nigeria. They have also been drawn in a difficult group alongside Fran Merida’s Spain, Venezuela and minnows Tahiti.

Defensive problems certainly don’t blight neighbouring county Cameroon. The Young Lions participation in the FIFA Under 20 World Cup marks a end to their ten year no-show in FIFA’s premier youth tournament. The man behind the resurgence in Cameroonian youth football is Alain Webo. A self-taught coach who has already tasted success in Cameroonian domestic football but will undoubtedly face his biggest test in Egypt. Cameroon’s strength is there defence and understanding to stick to a rigid defensive system. Goalkeeper and captain Francois Beyokol is already number one for club side Canon Yaounde and the athletic goalkeeper will be expected to control the defensive shape of the side. The side’s main outlet from defence will be from left back Charley Roussel Fomen who was signed by OM Marseille, after his impressive performances in Rwanda, as the long term replacement for Taye Taiwo. Despite being athletic and powerful in attack – ala Taye – its Charley’s recovery runs and defensive positioning that will be a cause for concern as the Young Lions prepare to face far stiffer opponents than they did in Rwanda. Cameroon’s attacking threat will be carried by PSG’s attacking midfielder Victor Cedric Nkoum and FC Basel front man Jacques Zoua Daogari. The latter being the most impressive of the two, Jacques, who struck four goals in five games during the African Youth Championships. Blessed with an explosive turn of pace, he will cause headaches for group opponents Korea, USA and Germany.

The two other African participants are hosts Egypt and South Africa. The advantage for the latter country is that they have been drawn in the competitions most open group alongside UAE, Honduras and Hungary. South Africa surprised even their own supporters with their performances in Rwanda, but many observers feel this tournament will be a step too far for the unbalanced South African’s. Despite having an array of interesting attacking options in Phumelele Bhengu, Dylon Classen and exciting Feyenoord striker Kermit Erasmus the side rely too heavily on centre back captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele to organise the defence strategy. They can be slow in transition and even if they qualify from Group F I cannot see them progressing any further than the Round of 16. As host country, Egypt will be under an enormous amount of pressure to qualify from the group stage; but with Paraguay, Italy and Trinidad and Tobago their opponents this hurdle will most likely prove too difficult to overcome. The Egyptians shining light is 20 year old Al-Ahly striker Mohamed Talaat who grabbed two goals in three game in Rwanda, despite there being a distinct lack of creativity in the players behind him.

Return to the title question; Can an African side win the World Cup? One of the biggest factors that will determine the answer to such question is the climate. Unlike South Africa 2010, where the tournament will be played during the milder months of June and July, the Under 20 tournament is being played in Egypt amid a scorching heat wave. Matches have been scheduled for 1500, 1745 and 2030 with the temperature falling from a sweltering 35 degrees in the afternoon to a bracing 24 degrees by nine at night. The heat will clearly benefit the South American and African countries whilst in turn pose a real problem for the side from Europe. Germany in particular face two energy sapping fixtures at three in the afternoon and then their final group game against Cameroon which is scheduled for 1745.

Much like the FIFA World Cup, an African side has never won the Under 20 World Cup. But there is real hope that on October the 16th, in Cairo, history will be made.'

2010 World Cup Tidbits: Where We Stand in Africa

It's been some time since my last post so let's catch up on some news from the 2010 World Cup and African football, shall we?

First off, some self-promotion ... my post on Africans in the UEFA Champions League from earlier today ... don't you dare miss it!

- Are you interested in the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Angola? Well, you should be. Here are photos of their stadiums being finished in time for the tournament in January.

- Is Togo's Emmanuel Adebayor in trouble for taunting Arsenal's fans after scoring a goal against them with new club Manchester City? Looks that way. What was he thinking, anyways?

- Here's a nice little primer from about.com about African football. Nothing new, but what the hey?

- A Ning African football social networking site? Yes, please. Let's join ...

Finally, let's catch up on the state of affairs in African qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, courtesy of FIFA.

Two matchdays remain in the third and final round of African qualifiers. Who's in and who is out?

Which teams are already through?
With four wins out of four, seven goals for and none against, Ghana’s progress in this third qualifying round has been flawless. With qualification secured, the Black Stars can now aim to build on their debut performance at Germany 2006.

Which teams are out?
Still winless after four games, Rwanda (Group C) and Sudan (Group D) are no longer in the running for the big event in South Africa. Despite faring somewhat better, Mali and Benin are in the same situation in Group D, as are Guinea and Malawi in E.

The permutations

Group A: This is by far the most open of the five groups with all four teams still in with a shout, although Cameroon are in the driving seat after their recent back-to-back wins over second-placed Gabon. If they beat Togo, and Morocco win in Gabon on the next matchday, the Indomitable Lions will join Ghana in the finals. For the other three teams, their fate is out of their hands.

Group B: Two solid performances against main rivals Nigeria (0-0 in Rades and 2-2 in Abuja) mean that Tunisia will qualify if they record a home win against Kenya in October and Nigeria fail to beat Mozambique. The Super Eagles will need to win their two final matches and hope other results go their way if they are to finish top.

Group C: Twenty-three years after their last FIFA World Cup appearance, Algeria have never been closer to a return to the world stage. With an unblemished home record (three wins out of three), the Fennecs need only to better Egypt’s result on the next matchday to wrap up qualification. Failing that, all will be decided when they face off against the Pharoahs in November.

Group D: With Ghana safely through, all that remains is for Mali, Benin and Sudan to battle it out for second place in the two outstanding rounds of fixtures.

Group E: Although qualification is not yet a mathematical certainty, with 12 points out of 12, Ivory Coast have done all the hard work. A single point from their two remaining games, in Malawi and at home to Guinea, will be enough to see the Elephants through, four years after their maiden FIFA World Cup.

What about second and third place?
This last round of qualifiers in Africa doubles as the qualification tournament for the 2010 African Cup of Nations. The top three teams in each group will book their passage to the finals in Angola in January, just a few months before the FIFA World Cup itself kicks off. Algeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast are already assured of a place, while the others still have everything to play for in the last two matchdays.

Africans in the UEFA Champions League

Today is Matchday One of the world's biggest club football tournament, the UEFA Champions League.

Super clubs like England's Manchester United and holder FC Barcelona of Spain will battle it out with Europe's elite clubs for the right to call themselves the continent's best team.

Who will win the title? I haven't the faintest clue. It's a wide open field. Could be one of the two aforementioned or it could be Arsenal, Inter Milan, Real Madrid or Chelsea, who all will be fielding mega-squads for this year's competition.

One thing that is certain is the glut of African talent on display at this year's tournament, beginning with the juiciest tie of the first matchday: Inter Milan against holders Barcelona.

Never mind the fact that Inter coach Jose Mourinho once worked for Barca or that Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic just made the move from Internazionale to Barcelona, swapping places with mercurial Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o.

These are two giants of European football and favorites to take the big prize.

Barca are likely to play their African midfielders, Ivory Coast's Yaya Touré and Mali star Seydou Keita, while Inter counters with former Barca star Eto’o, who will be desperate to prove the Spanish club wrong when they said he was passed his best.

Ghanaian international midfielder Sulley Muntari will also be a key figure for Mourinho’s side, who despite their dominance of Italian football the past few seasons have yet to make an impact in the Champions League.

Another Mali midfielder, Momo Sissoko, has not recovered from injury in time to feature for Juventus against Bordeaux, who have a Malian of their own in midfielder Abdou Traoré.

South African left-back Tsepo Masilela will make his group stage debut with Israeli club Maccabi Haifa when they host German giants Bayern Munich.

Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins (above) has made a good start to his career with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and he will be looking to continue that as they host Russian club CSKA Moscow. Also in the Wolfsburg side is Algerian Karim Ziani. CSKA will feature Niger striker Ouwo Moussa Maazou, as well as Nigerian defender Chidi Odiah.

Swiss side FC Zurich have the unlucky fate of facing Spanish giants Real Madrid, who have started the season in red-hot form. Zurich have Nigerian forward Tico in their ranks, while Real will feature Mali midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

Marseille, who host struggling AC Milan, have a plethora of African talent from which to chose from, including Nigerian left-back Taye Taiwo, the Senegalese trio of defenders Souleymane Diawara and Pape M'Bow, as well as striker Mamadou Niang (Marseille's captain).

But that's not all. Marseille also have Burkina Faso's Charles Kaboré, Ivory Coast striker Bakari Koné, Cameroon midfielder Stéphane M'Bia, as well as his countryman, defender Charley Fomen. Lots of African talent at Marseille's disposal, eh?

Chelsea host FC Porto in a battle between two teams who have been managed by Mourinho, with the English Premiership club relying heavily on their African talent, namely Michael Essien (Ghana), John Obi Mikel (Nigeria), Didier Drogba (above) and Salomon Kalou (both Ivory Coast). Thanks to Mourinho's keen eye for African talent, Chelsea have been one of Europe's most progressive clubs in scouting Africa. They'll need their African contingent to come up big in order to progress.

Liverpool may give a run to Moroccan youngster Nabil El Zhar as they host Hungarian side Debrecen, while Cameroon star Jean Makoun will be a key man for Olympique Lyon when they entertain Italian side Fiorentina.

South African midfielder Macbeth Sibaya will be suspended when his Russian side Rubin Kazan travel to Dynamo Kiev in the Ukraine, who have Pape Diakhate (Senegal), Ayila Yussuf (Nigeria) and Badr El Kaddouri (Morocco) on their books.

Sevilla and their African contingent containing the Ivory Coast trio of Dider Zokora, Arouna Kone and Koffi Ndri Romaric, as well as leading striker Frederic Kanoute (above) from Mali, will host Romanian side Unirea Urziceni, who have Guinea-Bissau international Bruno Fernandes on their books.

Ivory Coast international Arthur Boka should feature for his German side Stuttgart when they host Scottish champions Glascow Rangers, for whom Algerian midfielder Madjid Bougherra plays.

Moroccan international Jaouad Zairi should play for Greek side Olympiakos as they entertain Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, who have Zairi’s compatriot Mounir El Hamdaoui in their ranks.

Finally, Belgian side Standard Liege have Dieudonne Mbokani (DR Congo), Mohamed Sarr (Senegal) and the Ivory Coast duo of Moussa Traore and Gohi Bi Cyriac. They are at home to Arsenal, who will feature another Ivorian in Emmanuel Eboue and Alexandre Song of Cameroon.

As you can see, there is a plethora of African talent on display in Europe's Champions League. One could almost say the Cup passes through Africa on it's way to the holder! Should be an exciting, interesting competition. May the best team (Barcelona) win ...

(Many thanks to MTN African Football News for their help in this article.)

FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 Facts

South Africa's national football squad

The country's football team is known as Bafana Bafana - "the boys, the boys" in isiZulu - a name that comes from the fans' cry that went up during the squad's triumph at the 1996 African Cup of Nations, hosted in South AFrica. Other than winning that tournament, Bafana Bafana has twice qualified - in 1998 and 2002 - for the FIFA World Cup since the end of South Africa's sporting isolation.

Why South Africa was awarded the 2010 World Cup

FIFA decided that the 2010 tournament would be hosted by an African country, with five countries - South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya - in the running. In 2004 the organization’s inspection committee announced that South Africa had the potential to organize an "excellent" World Cup - compared to Egypt and Morocco's potential to organize "very good" World Cups, Tunisia's potential to organize a "good" World Cup, and the probability that Libya would "face great difficulties in organizing a World Cup to the standards required".

Economic benefits

It has been estimated that the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 will create some 129 000 jobs, contribute around R21-billion to the country's gross domestic product and another R7.2-billion in government taxes, with the 350 000 visitors spending a some R9.8-billion in the country.

Use of the FIFA logo

Only accredited FIFA partners and sponsors are allowed to use the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 logo in their publicity and advertising.

Tickets

Some 3-million tickets will be available for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010's 64 matches. One third, or a million, will be allocated to South African football fans, another million to international visitors, and the third million to sponsors, teams and the "FIFA family". Tickets are likely to go on sale in 2008.

What is a vuvuzela?

Some would say its South Africa's national musical instrument. It's a big plastic trumpet, brightly colored, and is blown with gusto by all fans at every football match in the country. The sound it makes is something between the bellow of a constipated elephant and the buzzing of a giant swarm of baritone bees, but South Africans like it.

Travelling to South Africa

Time zone

South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). During June and July, when the 2010 tournament will be held, South African time is the same as that in continental Europe, and an hour ahead of the UK. So matches that kick off at 9pm here should be comfortable viewing for Europeans, but will be in the middle of the day in the US and early in the morning in Australia.

Transport

The host cities are all linked by air and train routes, and South Africa has a number of first-rate tour bus companies. The country’s road infrastructure is excellent, so it's a viable option to rent a car.

South African public transport is not up to the standard of New York or London, but there are options. The most popular form of public transport is the minibus taxi. By 2010 a massive recapitalization plan, currently underway, is likely to have replaced the old vehicles with larger and safer small buses.

Most of the host cities have Metrorail train and Metro bus systems, and there are numerous meter cab companies.

Accommodation

"The hotel sector in South Africa is first-rate," the FIFA inspection team said in its country report. "There are enough hotel rooms to accommodate everyone taking part in the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010, including media representatives and fans from around the world, both in the main towns ... and in the other towns suggested as 2010 FIFA World Cup venues."

Other options are the many bed & breakfast establishments in and around all the host cities, and over 150 backpacker lodges.

Communication

With a network that is 99% digital and includes the latest in fixed-line, wireless and satellite communication, South Africa has the most developed telecommunications network in Africa. The country's three cellular operators provide telephony to over 30-million subscribers - more than half the population.

Safety

Yes, there is crime in South Africa. But you really don't need to do much more than take all the usual sensible precautions. Know where you're going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, and lock your doors at night.

"As long as people attending the 2010 FIFA World Cup ... keep within certain boundaries, they should not encounter any trouble," the FIFA inspection team said in their country report.

"The Inspection Group received an excellent, comprehensive work schedule from one of the high commanders of the national police, covering stadiums, media centers and main hotels, which will doubtless satisfy every requirement for the event."

Water

South Africa’s water is of a far higher quality than that of many developed countries. High-quality tap (faucet) water is available almost everywhere, treated to be free of harmful microorganisms and both palatable and safe to drink straight from the tap. Johannesburg's water, for one, is as good as anything you'll get in a bottle.

Health

"On the whole, the health system has excellent facilities and perhaps one of the best private health systems in the world, drawing on modern technology and highly qualified specialists and medical staff," the FIFA inspection team said in its report.

"We have to add that there are fully equipped infirmaries with adequate first-aid facilities to meet every need in the stadiums proposed for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010."

Currency

South Africa's unit of currency is the rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. With a favorable exchange rate for many international currencies, South Africa is an inexpensive destination.

Banking

South Africa has a world-class, sophisticated financial sector, abreast of all the latest technological trends. Banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers (ATMs) are widely available. All major credit cards can be used, foreign banks are well represented, and banking can be done by ATM, internet or phone.

Host cities

Nine South African cities have been selected to host the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010.

Johannesburg

The economic hub of Africa, Johannesburg is a bustling, sprawling city of contrasts, spread across the small but densely populated province of Gauteng.

• Population (City of Johannesburg Metro): 3 225 810
• Province: Gauteng
• Map coordinates: 26° 08’ S, 28° 14’ E
• Altitude: 1 694 meters
• Nearest airport: OR Tambo International Airport
• World Cup stadiums: Soccer City and Ellis Park
• Websites: www.joburg.org.za, www.joburgtourism.com, www.gauteng.net

Cape Town

South Africa's oldest and loveliest city lies in Table Bay on the Atlantic Ocean, in the south of the Western Cape Province. Beautiful buildings, the nearby wine lands, long white beaches and a rich cultural life make Cape Town South Africa's most favored tourist destination.

• Population (City of Cape Town Metro): 2 893 251
• Province: Western Cape
• Map coordinates: 33° 59’ S, 18° 36’ E
• Altitude: 42 meters
• Nearest airport: Cape Town International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Green Point Stadium
• Websites: www.capetown.gov.za, www.tourismcapetown.co.za

Durban

A warm subtropical place and the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is a major tourist destination and the busiest port in South Africa.

• Population (EThekwini Metro): 3 090 117
• Province: KwaZulu-Natal
• Map coordinates: 29° 58’ S, 30° 57’ E
• Altitude: 8 meters
• Nearest airport: Durban International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Durban Stadium
• Websites: www.durban.gov.za, www.kzn.org.za

Tshwane/Pretoria

Pretoria, in the Tshwane metropolitan municipality, is the administrative capital of South Africa, lying north of Johannesburg in the province of Gauteng. Over 150 years old, it is a place of grand monuments, delightful architecture and lovely open spaces.

• Population (City of Tshwane Metro): 1 985 984
• Province: Gauteng
• Map coordinates: 25° 44’ S, 28° 11’ E
• Altitude: 1 330 meters
• Nearest airport: OR Tambo International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
• Websites: www.tshwane.gov.za, www.tshwanetourism.com

Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth

Known as the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth lies in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan municipality on the windswept Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape Province.

• Population (Nelson Mandela Bay Metro): 1 005 776
• Province: Eastern Cape
• Map coordinates: 33° 59’ S, 25° 36’ E
• Altitude: 60 meters
• Nearest airport: Port Elizabeth Airport
• World Cup stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
• Websites: www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za, www.ectourism.co.za

Mangaung/Bloemfontein

The former capital of a Boer republic and now capital of the Free State, Bloemfontein - the name means "flower fountain" - is a pretty city with thousands of rose bushes and some poignant memorials. It forms part of the Mangaung local municipality.

• Population (Mangaung Municipality): 645 438
• Province: Free State
• Map coordinates: 29° 06’ S, 26° 18’ E
• Altitude: 1 351 meters
• Nearest airport: Bloemfontein Airport
• World Cup stadium: Free State Stadium
• Websites: www.mangaung.co.za, www.dteea.fs.gov.za

Rustenburg

Its tranquil Jacaranda-lined streets belie the fact that the Rustenburg area in North West province is one of the world's most heavily mined regions, with a wealth of platinum underground.

• Population (Rustenburg Municipality): 395 539
• Province: North West
• Map coordinates: 25° 34’ S, 27° 9’ E
• Altitude: 1 153 meters
• Nearest airport: OR Tambo International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
• Websites: www.rtbcc.co.za, www.tourismnorthwest.co.za

Mbombela/Nelspruit

Nelspruit is the capital of Mpumalanga province, lying in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River, about 330km east of Johannesburg. It is part of Mbombela local municipality.

• Population (Mbombela municipality): 474 803
• Province: Mpumalanga
• Map coordinates: 25° 26’ S, 30° 59’ E
• Altitude: 671 meters
• Nearest airport: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Mbombela Stadium
• Websites: www.mbombela.gov.za, www.mpumalanga.com

Polokwane

The capital of Limpopo province is ideally situated near the border of the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park.

• Population (Polokwane Municipality): 508 271
• Province: Limpopo
• Map coordinates: 23° 52’ S, 29° 27’ E
• Altitude: 1 230 meters
• Nearest airport: OR Tambo International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
• Websites: www.polokwane.org.za, www.golimpopo.com

Stadiums

World Cup matches will be held in 10 stadiums, two in Johannesburg and one in each of the remaining host cities. The 10 stadiums will together host 64 matches and seat more than 570 000 people during the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010.

Soccer City

• Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Capacity: 95 000 seats
• Status: major upgrade
• Construction began: February 2007
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-round, one second-round, one quarter-final, and the final match

Ellis Park

• Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Capacity: 61 000 seats
• Status: minor upgrade (complete)
• Construction began: July 2007
• World Cup matches: five first-round, one second-round and one quarter-final

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

• Location: Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape
• Capacity: 46 000 seats (42 000 permanent)
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: March 2007
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-round, one second-round, one quarter-final, and the third-place play-off

Green Point Stadium

• Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
• Capacity: 68 000 seats (55 000 permanent)
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: March 2007
• Due for completion: December 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds, one second-round, one quarter-final and one semi-final

Durban Stadium

• Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
• Capacity: 70 000 seats (54 000 permanent)
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: October 2008
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds, one second-round and one semi-final

Loftus Versfeld Stadium

• Location: Pretoria, Tshwane metropolitan municipality, Gauteng
• Capacity: 50 000 seats
• Status: minor upgrade (complete)
• Construction began: September 2007
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds and one second-round

Free State Stadium

• Location: Bloemfontein, Mangaung local municipality, Free State
• Capacity: 48 000 seats
• Status: upgrade (complete)
• Construction began: September 2007
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds and one second-round

Royal Bafokeng Stadium

• Location: Rustenburg, North West
• Capacity: 42 000 seats
• Status: upgrade (complete)
• Construction began: September 2007
• World Cup matches: four first-rounds and one second-round

Mbombela Stadium

• Location: Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
• Capacity: 46 000 seats
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: February 2007
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds

Peter Mokaba Stadium

• Location: Polokwane, Limpopo
• Capacity: 45 000 seats
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: March 2007
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: four first-rounds

Source: mediaclubsouthafrica.com

Inside Soccer: Hungary, Gabon chase FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 spots

Qualifying matches for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 resume in full force this weekend following a summer's slowdown of activity to allow most players to focus on preseason club training and competitions.

A number of intriguing matchups will take place through Sept. 9 as qualifying for the tournament enters its final critical months.

Here's a review of key games through Wednesday:

UEFA - Of the 46 matches scheduled for European teams, the most intriguing take place in Group 1. Hungary, a once dominant soccer nation that finished runner-up in 1938 and 1954, has not competed in a World Cup since 1986. The team holds the record for most goals scored in a FIFA World Cup final (27) in 1954 during its peak years.

Hungary sits in second place in Group 1, three points behind leader Denmark and four points ahead of Portugal and Sweden, the two teams they will play before next Wednesday.

Third place Portugal sits in a precarious position with only nine points and with three of its four remaining games against Denmark and Hungary (twice). Portugal's fate could clearly be defined by this time next week. Two losses would eliminate them from any chance of qualifying for the finals and would mean one of the world's top players, Christiano Ronaldo, would miss the tournament.

In Group 2, Greece and Switzerland are tied atop the table with 13 points, but Greece is ahead on goal differential. The two will play Saturday in Switzerland. Greece, the 2004 European Championship winners, has not played in the World Cup finals since 1994.

Group 6 leader England could clinch a spot in the World Cup finals with a win Wednesday over Croatia, which trail in second place by eight points with both teams still to play three games. England has not lost in 2010 qualifying.

In Group 7, leader Serbia will host France Wednesday and will try to expand its five point lead over the 2006 finals runner-up. A loss would force France, the 1998 champion and 2006 runner-up, to win its remaining three games to have a chance to win the group.

CONMEBOL - South American teams will play 10 games by Wednesday, with the most attention focused on Argentina vs. Brazil on Saturday.

Argentina sits in fourth place with four games remaining. Two wins, including over qualifying leader Brazil, should guarantee them no lower than their current position and the last automatic qualifying spot for the finals. But Argentina must also face second place Paraguay away on Wednesday.

Since Argentine legend Diego Maradona took over as head coach in November, Argentina has two wins and two losses in 2010 qualifying, including 6-1 to second to last place Bolivia.

To inspire passion in his players, Maradona has moved the match against Brazil from Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, the normal site for home World Cup matches, to Central Stadium in Rosario, the home town of the team's most dynamic player, Lionel Messi.

Unlike in Monumental Stadium, Rosario's fans sit up against to the pitch, increasing the environment's intensity.

Second-place Chile is the surprise of South American qualifying and with two of its four remaining games against lower half teams Colombia and Venezuela, the team should reach its first finals since 1998. They will travel to play Brazil on Wednesday.

CONCACAF - The United States stands the best chance of the top three teams in the region of helping themselves in the two games all teams will play through Sept. 9. The Americans host fifth place El Salvador Saturday and travel to last place Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday.

The Americans have never lost to El Salvador in World Cup qualifying and that should not change on Saturday. The U.S. beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in a final round qualifier in January at home. At least one win is critical; two wins would provide a comfort zone for its last two qualifiers against first place Costa Rica and second place Honduras.

Mexico, a point behind the United States in fourth place, will play away at Costa Rica on Saturday and then will host Honduras Wednesday. The Mexicans need to win one of those games to have a chance for an automatic qualifying spot (top three).

CAF - Halfway through the final qualifying round for African nations, two situations offer some surprise. Gabon, which has never advanced to a World Cup final, leads Group A by two points and Algeria, which last appeared in the World Cup finals in 1986, leads Group C by three points.

Gabon's lead is a bit misleading. They've played only twice and have yet to face traditional powerhouse Cameroon. The two will face each other Saturday and Wednesday (one game was rescheduled from June following the death of Gabon president Omar Bongo). Cameroon has played in five of the last six World Cup finals and faces likely elimination with a loss in one of the two games.

Ghana sports a five point lead in first place in Group D and a win over last place Sudan on Sunday would create a likely advancement to the finals.

AFC - Four teams from Asia - Australia, Japan, North Korea and South Korea - have already qualified for the World Cup finals, but another Asian team can still advance to the finals in South Africa. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia both finished in third place in their groups and the two teams will play each other starting Saturday in Bahrain. The second game will be played Sept. 9 in Saudi Arabia. The winner will play Oceania winner New Zealand later this year to fill one slot in the finals.

Johnson's U.S. role diminished - The U.S.'s preliminary roster for its World Cup qualifier Saturday against El Salvador will again exclude 25-year-old forward Eddie Johnson, once considered a young National Team star with much promise. Are Johnson’s chances of making the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 team fading?

Johnson last dressed for the Americans in a World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago in April but did not play. He was on the roster for two semifinal round World Cup qualifiers last September, but played only 23 minutes in a 3-0 win over Trinidad. Johnson started in matches against Poland, England, Spain and Argentina from March through June 2008 and last scored for the U.S. in a 4-1 loss to Argentina in June 2007.

The U.S. matches Saturday and Wednesday will likely determine the team's FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 fate, so it behooves head coach Bob Bradley to roster his most reliable forwards. Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies earned Bradley’s confidence with strong performances at the Confederations Cup in June; Conor Casey of the Rapids leads MLS in scoring this season with 11 goals; Brian Ching has scored seven goals for Houston this year and scored a goal for the Americans in July against Honduras in the Gold Cup. Robbie Findley of Real Salt Lake has 10 goals this season, but boasts just one cap and will not likely dress for the game.

Johnson is back with Fulham in the English Premier League after playing on loan last season with Cardiff City. He’s played in one of three Fulham games this season and along with Donovan is the only other pure striker candidate who has played in a World Cup (two games in 2006) for the U.S.

Bradley is likely waiting to see what kind of season Johnson puts together in Fulham before bringing him back to the Natoinal Team, which probably would not happen until next year. If the Americans qualify for 2010 after its next two games by Wednesday, Johnson would be wise to focus on his time with Fulham rather than suit up for two remaining U.S. qualifying games that have little relative significance.

Source: universalsports.com

Ghana qualifies for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010