What the 2014 Fifa World Cup tells the world - Tiki Taka, Samba are dead and buried.

The 2014 Brazil Fifa World Cup came and went. Germany vanquished all and sundry and made history by becoming the first European country to do in South America. Amongst many firsts and surprises you already know, there was a question of the death of Samba football. Many think it never existed. The claim is that Brazil ever thrived on one many talents (once in a while two or three). The truth of that could be the hosts’ failure to perform without Neymar. The famous 7-1 loss is the tip of that iceberg.  That was supported by Argentina’s lack of sting if Messi got eliminated tactically. In truth, that Argentinian team was below par given an array of talent within the squad. All Germany did, was to eradicate his influence and then pounced and snatched the 2014 World Cup title from under their nose. Enough of the South American disaster.

In this exceptional extravaganza, Tiki Taka football proved dead and buried. When Barcelona failed in the UEFA Champions League and flunked in the L Liga race, alarm bells rang and the flashing lights beaconed. It never made headlines for sentimental reasons, until Spain came and proved the fact. The converted, the believers in the philosophy still think there is life, that it can still be taken to the intensive care unit and be resuscitated. One can be hopeful and claim that Spain were just ‘victory fatigued’.

Barcelona won too much in the last few years, so did Spain. Basically, the two (Barca and Spain) are more or less the same thing. Vicente Del a Bosque lacked motivation. After the 2-10 South Africa Fifa World Cup victory, he should have resigned. The new coach would have inspired the old warhorses. For the glory and employment reasons, he must have stayed, a noble idea. In that case, he should have overhauled that team. Having the World Cup medal, European championship medal, the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup medal, I would never break a sweat, let alone a leg. Only the foolish would expect that anyway, that is why Spain left early for home.

Italy always present themselves as tough customers in any situation. After the horrible 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa were they were eliminated on the first round, few would bet against their resurgence. They have the quality of Andre Pirlo and Mario Balotelli to name just two. The former champions became the centre of attraction with their football and the discipline and defensive behaviour and pressing of their football godfather, Arrigo Sacchi. The 3-1 loss to Costa Rica embarrassed them, ushering the Azzuri through the shameful exit door for the second World Cup on the trot. It could have been they dwelt much on that, forgot to mould forward movements associated with modern football.

One could argue that Pirlo’s age had adverse effects, but he stood between the Italians and bad defeats many times. One thing best left alone, is the racist Italian football community. Balotelli never got the support of the ball supply needed to make an impact. This is not to say that his blackness had anything to do with it, but with a single quality pass, fortunes could have been changed. One must note that a record equalling 171 goals were scored in Brazil, proving the offensive modern game. Pressing remains the single most important tactic as proven by the champions, Germany.   

English football organisation and preparation proved insufficient. Talent and experience in imbalanced proportions became their downfall. The English Premier League quality came under the microscope. Given the touting as the best league, the team never measured up, neither did any team with a good measure of players plying their trade there. Belgium were one example of a team littered with talent gracing the Backlays English Premier League. They flattered to deceive. Few teams would relish the prospects of facing the team with Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Buckley, Lallana, Bailey and the like. Friendly matches do not demand the best of the teams.

Based on that fact alone, misjudging the capabilities of performance is the biggest setback. That team needed to go through the mill and face adversaries and adversities to mature. Until then, with all the razz mataz of the most watched league in the world, England will remain the laughing stock of the World Cups. Roy Hodgson started an excellent project which I think some else need to take to the next level, and now. One of the best qualities of the Englsih Football Association, is their poor choice of managers. From where I am sitting, they will let Hodgson stick it out, fatally blowing their chances away. As good as he is, he may not have the energy to transmit to the young Three Lions.

African talent counts for nought as maladministration reigns. The worst part of it is that the continent is proud of it. The way the football associations compete to display their folly is mind-boggling. As if that, the duels to portray the incompetence at top level had top prize money, the single mindedness and total focus on self-destruction, generation after generation, cannot be compared with anything in hell or earth. The continent boasts of top athletes in top leagues. These players trade with the best, they compete against the best. To leave their home leagues, they prove to be a cut over the rest. They get exposed to top training methods by the greatest managers of the game. Time and time again, they provide evidence that they can never be intimidated or under-estimated.

All the organisations do, is to prove to them that their overseas statuses mean nothing, that in Africa it is dog eat dog, and if one does not like the heat, they should leave the kitchen. No one is greater than a village donkey and the team listens to one army general, usually the receptionist at the national offices of the association. The lack of understanding that these players need huge insurances in case their careers are compromised, that they need a back-up system to enable them to afford medical treatment and surgery if need be, cause the unnecessary squabbles and in-fighting. The experienced players begin to bully the inexperienced and they pull their weight around. In retaliatory fashion, the young players begin to be selfish for the benefit of their future contracts. The tug-of-war, World Cup after World Cup, leads to one thing and one thing only – embarrassment.

How Fifa does not intervene, I do not know. I guess they do not care as long as Africans skin each other. What should happen, is the sanctions against teams behaving in that manner, for bringing the beautiful game into disrepute. In other words, ban the associations, the leadership and the countries from participating in the next two or three World Cups. By the same token, the ill-disciplined players holding the countries at ransom, should never have their big team contracts sanctioned. Such moves would be serious food for thought, if they affected big brothers in Europe and less so in South America. Probably you could be asking where they would get money and insurance to pay the mega stars. If one leads an organisation and they have no plan, they should leave their jobs. What does it profit an organisation to have a blind tour guide?

Many should have shared the revered blueprint of Germany success. The youth policy whose philosophy leads to national team football, is actually inverse. The national team philosophy is played throughout Bundesliga 6-9 (amateurs) as, of course from Bundesliga 1-5 (professionals). The schools follow the same. Actually, all football is played to produce the cup won on the 13^th of July 2014 in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium. Many countries try to do that, but the quantity of perfection is the difference. Few elements add up and the end product is there to see.

We wish to hear your thoughts and we next check on the football trends observed in Brazil.

Costa Rica beat Italy 1-0 in 2014 Fifa World Cup

England should be wondering how on earth they got beat by Italy. So shambolic was their performance that their entry into the final can be counted in one hand against the minnows. They looked set to control the match as they dictated play in the early first half. Pirlo dominated the midfield and set up Mario Balottelli a few times. Balottelli had hoped for a kiss on the cheek from the Queen of England, but he kicked that chance away twice in the first half.

Italy became nervous and jittery as they failed to deal with Joe Campbell’s runs. Costa Rica remained composed and never gave much away. They penetrated systematically without giving the former Fifa World Cup champions any respect. They won the midfield bouts and played the ball through the middle to Campbell who beat three Italians and was felled in the penalty area, but the referee ignored the incident.

Justice was done minutes later as they did not need that call. They played the ball in midfield and pushed it left. There was no Italian pressure to press the ball in the middle of the park. The winger had ample time to control and cross without anyone closing down on the ball. Bryan Ruiz timed his perfect run being monitored by two defenders and met the cross at the far post to head past Buffon.

Italy came from the break showing further signs of decay in midfield. They lacked compactness and exposed their defence, which became stretched and played too far apart. That crack in defence became more exposed as Costa Rica played the long ball consistently at the same point, almost ripping it open with each launch.

Pirlo played too defensively without affecting much of the attack. This made the Europeans too slow in attack and fail to deliver any final pass for the isolated Balottelli. The midfield carried the ball too much and could not penetrate the South Americans defence. They were too careless, lost possession easily, and gave away easy free kicks in a very amateurish manner.

To the credit of Costa Rica, they did not make special arrangements for Pirlo who played very far away from the dance floor, and Balottelli. They had their game plan that boarded around their own strengths and stuck to it. They counter-attacked very well playing directly with the long ball through the centre. They remained compact at the back and stayed composed without diving into tackles or unnecessarily rushing their attacks.

It became one deserved win for Costa Rica as they put a perfect all-round show. For Italy, they did not come to the party and everything that could go wrong went wrong. England should have been watching with awe, how they lost to the Italians. The result sadly sends England home early while Italy and Uruguay will decide who stays between them.

England lose 2-1 to Uruguay in 2014 Fifa World Cup

Luis Suarez grabbed a magnificent double to blow away the English dream of a good 2014 Brazil Fifa World Cup. He delayed a run into the box, deceiving to go from centre to his left and then checked his run to the right to direct a Cavani delivery across the body of Joe Hart. England failed to win the ball in midfield, allowed Uruguay passage through the centre and refrained from challenging the ball before it reached Cavani on the left. With the attention of four English players, the striker had time to control, look up and pick up the run of Suarez who had three men guarding him; Cahill, Baines and Hart.  

The man who recently underwent knee surgery needed just two touches to finish off a Steven Gerrard flick on in the second half. Muslera cleared a long ball and Captain Fantastic’s jumped did not elevate him enough to make the relevant contact with the ball. Suarez lurked behind and outpaced Cahill, looked up to see the position of the goalkeeper, got his eyes on the ball, adjusted his stride and concentrated on the technique of striking the ball with his arms wide for balance.  He hit the ball hard in the middle, as if to dissect it into two hemi-spheres. Hart tried to spread his body across the goal by advancing and narrowing the angle, but he could not even see the ball whistle past him.

Looking at the body of the whole match, Uruguay had a game plan to deny England’s youthful team any space to settle on the ball and the time to think. They pressed hard high on the pitch and reduced the space by moving quickly to press when the ball moved from one player to the next. They packed the midfield, doubled up in marking, and got as many men behind the ball as possible. They were in ‘take-no-prisoners’ mood and were lighting fast in transition and were always first on both the first and second balls.

England started the match hoping for a calculative affair. They were taken unawares as they got intimidated and denied any space to play. They became ‘uncomposed’ and gave away the ball quite easily. The defence panicked and threw themselves at the ball and in flew into tackles. The wingbacks found pockets on the right and more so on the left with Baines. The frustration over failure to construct any methodical attacks caused anxiety and desperation in preparation zone as the midfielders tended not to track down their men as well as the third man running.

The marking was very bad and many crosses found their way to the penalty box as the wide men arrived late from attacking duties. However, the wide man run forward proved useful as Glen Johnson supplied Wayne Rooney with a tap-in in between Suarez’s double. Cahill robbed the Liverpool striker of the ball and quickly passed to Steven G who played with Daniel Sturridge who turned well and fed the overlapping Johnson on the right. The right back took his man on, darted in and out into the penalty box and passed to Rooney who timed his run perfectly and finished with aplomb. Rooney had a good match, forcing a fantastic save from the keeper and hitting a post with header from a foot out.

England could not string passes together and had no rhythm at all as they could not cope with the pace and intimidation of the South Americans. Their attacking moves out of the midfield and the entries into the final third lacked urgency and pace. Besides being too slow in mounting attacks, they were guilty of taking too long to deliver crosses too, allowing Uruguay to regroup and take good defensive positions and shape. As a result, Uruguay had sufficient personnel to deal with any threats posed, particularly forcing early shots that went off target, were weak or went straight to Muslera.

It must be said that Rooney finally got a Fifa World Cup goal.       

Italy beat England 2-1 in the 2014 Brazil Fifa 2014

England started like a house on fire, taking the game to the Italians as they sought to take control of the game in the opening minutes. Attempts by the Three Lions to take shooting opportunities early on was enough message about the intentions of the English. Italy did well to cool things down. Raheem Sterling, Henderson and Daniel Sturridge could have scored in the opening few minutes with chances that worked well for their confidence.

After that strong opening spell, the English became too slow in attack and very casual in their midfield play. They managed to keep many bodies behind the ball. Pirlo began to enjoy too much respect as he was afforded plenty of room to spray passes which increased the confidence of the Azzuri attacks.

A well-worked short corner-kick routine caught England without a man on the outside of the 18 area, giving an option to Italy to play two versus one. That short corner was rather played onwards to a rushing Pirlo who sold a dummy to Sturridge. Marchissio was not closed down as he thumped a first-time grass mower past Joe Hart who was obstructed by a forest of feet in front of him.

The response was rapid as the English midfield won the ball and quickly set up Sterling who spotted Wayne Rooney’s run on the left. Rooney complimented the perfect pass by a perfect cross which Sturridge half-volleyed home. The timing of the run of Liverpool’s striker was amazing, as was the composure to finish that excellent move with a first time shot while running at that pace.

The second half started well for England but quickly gave away the initiative to Italians who took that with both hands. The ‘offline’ mode in midfield saw Candrieva exploit the space on the right wing and then turn his man inside out and crossing a pinpoint ball for Mario Bolatelli who rose majestically to head down past the diving Hart.

England should have suffocated paly in midfield and have a man stop that run on the wing. The need to stop the cross cannot be over-emphasised. Super Mario also needed a tight leash all the time. He rose with little challenge and Joe Hart could have plucked that ball off the air or communicated with his defenders to watch for Mario as the cross was being manufactured.  

Roy Hodgson’s troops raised their game once more, Rooney fluffing the best of that renaissance after a neat move that ended with him hurriedly dragging his shot past the near post from 10 yards out. To raise their game, Italy employed a very strong passing game, imposing their authority in all departments. In response, England did not let the sleeping dogs lay as they probed more, sometimes too desperately.

England had five players in the box for each corner-kick, all attacking the near post and the balls fell behind everybody on each occasion. It was the same with crosses as they fell to the blind-side without any attention from the wide men. There was enough reason for them to be hopeful in the next fixture against Uruguay who seemed disintegrated and demotivated by the loss to Costa Rica. There was however, too much respect to Pirlo who was left to belt out his thing in midfield.  

FA International course in England

For a while now, there has not been many posts and even the last few months saw a few borrowed posts by a close friend. I trust we will roll up a few things about my latest trip overseas. Those familiar with my travels must be confused which side is overseas by now.

I attended a high level FA International License coaching course at the St George's Park Football Centre. This is located in a quiet location of Staffordshire, Burton-upon-Trent. It is the state-of-the-art centre of excellence with amazing latest technology in sports science and rehabilitation that money can buy. There is only eight such centres globally, five of which are in the USA.

The complex basically comprises the hotel meant to cater for the England megastar players in football, rugby, cricket and executives among others, which includes 24 England national teams. There are over a dozen football fields, a Wembley replica indoor arena with maximum FIFA measurements as well as an outdoor actual size Wembley pitch made from the same materials produced by the same machines.

There is so much high-tech equipment to d things one cannot imagine but I will spare you the details. The project took 11 years and cost over 100 million British pounds. One to say is that the whole area is infested with every bit of football in terms of history and records and is a sure sign of the English pride in their game.

More importantly, England are entering an era whereby they are on a path to formulate and strategise with their new philosophy. They want to play football in a certain way and they are planting this philosophy to their youth development programs through coach education and other means.

This led to the restructuring of their coach education to be in a certain way and be aligned with the UEFA coaching license programs. This made their badges the most demanding, highly rated and not so easy to get. Due to their schedules and assessment modes, foreign coaches fail to access them as they are designed for resident students.

With all this, I am sure I convinced you that despite my abilities being over-rated, I did not do as well as expected. Given my record and experience, it was one of the most devastating days of my life in football. All went well until assessment time. Both were bad, the first in my opinion and the second, according to the course expectations. We will look at a few details and the individuals in due course.

For now, forget about yours truly who dominated the South American beautiful game in Rio de Janeiro a dozen years ago. That was then and now is now, but there is always a but.

Euro 2012; Enter Mario, Exit Torres.

It's official. Enter Italy and exit Spain. Spain can beat Italy in the final if they want, but they are said to be boring by mainstream international media. This information is actually 18 months in arrears. They should have realised Barcelona were faded when we said it. Barcelona is Spain. What we did not see coming was Andreas Pirlo. By the same window, exit Xavi Hernandez.

The Euro 2012 finals get to fold on Sunday after England surpassed many people's expectations and drew criticism from within of Roy Hodgson's tactics, as if Harry Redknapp could have done better. The English were undone by the ever overrated pair of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. They could have done better without the duo.

It must be said that the Spain versus Portugal semi-final resembled a Barca against Real Madrid El Classico clash given the predictable tension and void tactics. The embarrasing amateur mistake by the Portuguese coach of leaving the best for last stole the show.

How noble it would have been for Cristiano Ronaldo to score the final and winning penalty. As he never lived to see the moment, all were reminded of always putting one's best foot forward. The least he could have done, was to let the showman take the 3^rd one.

Generally, the tourney put paid my fears I wrote about in one of my last articles; that international football is becoming extinct. Save for the few matches of smaller football nations and the Italy versus Germany semi-final, the Euro 2012 was a cold siesta.

For starters, how does any teams in the universe, boasting of Wesley Sneider, Robin van Pierse, Rafael van der Vaart, van Bommel and Nigel de Jong, to name but a few, fail to win or draw a single match?

National team football needs young and upcoming players of great ambitions. The overpaid experienced professional will keep wasting a lot of our time and money. One can only hope that Spain have seen their last victory in the tournament. As much I am not an Italian fan, it is a choice between a right-handed and left-handed devil.

Is this the death of national team football?

As death of test cricket owing to Twenty-20 version, the last two AFCON versions were dull lull. Some think the last two FIFA World Cups were boring too. 

I would agree much with the Euro 2008. I can only remember the exploits of the co-hosts, Turkey, who even surprised themselves about how much they progressed in the tourney. 
 
Could it be a justifiable end of the Drogba, Etos, Yakubus, Kanutes, Keitas, Toures have been hot elsewhere and average playing for their countries? They could have taken it from Europe, or took it to the World to be just so-so at that bid stage.

With the less anticipated Euro 2012, as spectators, there should be means to sue. Having been taken for a ride for a while now, one wonders how long it will go.

It may the dead end of the game, or just the death of national team football. This comes after it was reported how Italy have been scandalised by bribery and match-fixing scandals in the Serie A.

Their squad to travel, if ever, will be subject of much speculation. Just like in the example of Africa Cup of Nations, it may take away the sparkle of eventual winners, in my opinion at this point, Holland. 

The reigning AFCON champions, Zambia, truly deserved it, and should have won it at any other time in their history. There will never be any doubt about it. The same will be said by the Dutch, should they capture it.

Why the Dutch? They have a point to prove after South Africa 2010. Spain took it under their guard and most probably to them, unduly. Even Barcelona is said to thrive on the Dutch tiki-taka philosophy. They will want that total football to work for them now.

England just hired a mediocre manager and have a squad selected from probably the fewest options in their history. Their lukewarm friendlies are failing to increase the interest anywhere. 

Their league contributes the majority of the participants and that is all. Many of their gifted players withdrew on fears of racial attacks and abuse. There will be general security concerns.

The English Premier League performers in the Euro 2012, will no doubt be cause of interest as others from the rival leagues will be trekking there in the summer. 

The earning powers given that Manchester City, Chelsea contribute a significant number of the highest paid players. 

Barcelona and Real Madrid have a fair share of millionaires. Will they break a leg for their countries or they are fulfilling just another fixture?

Elsewhere, there is Bayern Munich and Borrusia Dortmund of Germany while Paris St German of France contributes as well. These teams pay big money.

There is enough insurance for whatever eventualities and their futures are easily protected by both country and clubs, but it is not the same.

Lionel Messi fails to compare well with players he outclasses with ball manipulation and understanding, but his country contribution has not qualified him to earn the respect of fans, pundits and fellow footballers alike.

The same goes for Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o. They needed to lift something for their nations. After that generation of the African golden greats, is there another to follow? I wonder. 

As for now, with less anticipation and interest, we await what may make or break the confederation football, the Euro 2012. Under normal circumstance, new TV sales and satellite decoders and subscription sales would sore at this point. The old versions will do until we see the need for something speciial.

Maybe there is something wrong with me

I take it as misinformation or just pure malice that one can wake in the morning and tell me that Jose Mourinho will coach a national team. It damages me if they go on to say that the national team will be England. To even think Pep Guardiola can replace the Italian, Fabio Capello, who resigned just before his biggest assignment besides the FIFA World Cup, is an insult to the English. Maybe it is just me.

The English have interests to guard at this moment in time. The few capable people have to be approached and signed. There is no way a hyper-active Mourinho can miss the weekly action of club football for the once in a blue moon national team football. Guardiola would take it but his experience and style is as English as the Indian sari.

That is not to say we can trust the FA, but then,assuming the Barcelona gaffer is an honest man I assume him to be, the speculation is a waste of cyber space and a global warming contributor given the origins of the wasted printed paper on which the story appeared.

The FA has since indicated waiting for the EPL season to end before making a decision. That sounds more sober given Harry Redknapp will have time to assist. The speculation of him being approached catastrophically derailed Spurs off the title rail and Manchester United and City have feasted on the mishap. Thanks to Arsenal.

Elsewhere, FIFA reports that in 2011, £1.9 billion was spent on international transfer fees of players. The cash does not include transfers between domestic clubs. What portion of this figure comes to you? You are in the wrong job.

1500 Brazilian players were involved in international transfers contribution 13 per cent of the total amount. You must remember that registered professional players from the Samba countries exceed total populations of Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho and many other countries combined.

The average basic annual salary for a footballer is £153,815, giving me some home work to do. I need to upgrade my CV and hopefully soon, I will hit that mark. Let's see who gets there first between and you.

The average transfer fee is just under £1m, not a bad figure if you have an academy and look forward to market your products. Given the cost of Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Arguero, you observe there were very low figures paid out for the majority of players. 

The system that tracks all this, was set up FIFA. They are pursuing 700 procedures against clubs and associations who have breached the rules. This is best in that smaller schools and teams that produced players who get transferred before their 23rd birthday will get due reward for the football education from the football shacks. 

I pray for the arrest and jailing of dubious and fraudulent agents. Forget about Pep and Jose coaching England. 

EXTRA-TIME with Vusumuzi Mourinho Ndlovu - A TALE OF TWO CAPTAINS

Messrs Fabio Capello and Pitso Mosimane made bold decisions ahead of their crucial continental ties this weekend. I would like to applaud them and wish their game-plan prevails to silence all critics. Appointed captains John Terry and Steven Pienaar are head and shoulders above the rest.

Although Jingles won’t say it plainly, the writing is on the wall for the Axe, it is bold and clear. Aaron Mokoena’s international career is as good as over. I saw it coming. In saying he doesn’t polish the players’ boots Mosimane made it clear what kind of a coach he is.

As I vividly recall that moment when vuvuzelas stopped a bit, when the ball was floated over the Bafana defence, the troops advanced but Mokoena, the commander remained, the rest as they say is history. Who can ever forget Rafael Marquez’s equalizer against Mexico at the then Soccer City? In as much as I don’t want to think about what could have happened had Bafana won that game, I am not putting the blame on Mokoena alone because we win as a team and lose as a team.

Somewhere somehow in London, an appointed captain received a complimentary call from the man he had just replaced. You would be tempted to think that it was Mokoena calling Pienaar; it was rather Rio Ferdinand encouraging John Terry to lead the team to victory. Whilst Terry kept on climbing podiums to collect trophies last season, Mokoena might have been busy with Google maps, acquitting himself with the routes of Championship Stadiums.

Fabio Capello has put aside an incident in which he called a big mistake by John Terry at the recent World Cup when the Chelsea skipper told the media that players had planned to hold a meeting with the gaffer because several seemed unhappy with his tactics. Prior to the World Cup, Capello had stripped Terry the England captaincy amid allegations that he had an extra marital affair with the ex girlfriend of England teammate, Wayne Bridge. The latter went on to forfeit his World Cup spot in the England squad most probably protesting Terry’s inclusion.

By reappointing him, Capello has shown professionalism and trust in John Terry.

Terry is fully aware that his second bite at the cherry won’t be an easy and pleasant one for everybody when he said that he is not going to be everybody’s cup of tea. Peter Crouch and James Milner were amongst the players that showed approval in Terry’s reappointment. Spurs attacker Jermaine Defoe, the man who holds the record of England’s most appearance as a substitute wasn’t pleased by Capello’s decision. Defoe stated that his heart went to Rio, he sounded ready to bury the hatchet in saying that they now have to move away from it since Terry is now the captain. Defoe and Ferdinand spent several years together at West Ham United.

With over a century of caps, Mbazo is the country’s most capped player. Goodbye Teboho Aaron Mokoena, we will miss you but not as much as opposition strikers.

Steven Pienaar, may you transform you’re your club form to national level. John Terry, you have led Chelsea to best defensive records, most clean sheets and record number of points. You have been their chief cornerstone. When are you going to lift a trophy for England? You are the commander of the Three Lions, lead by example.

2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups; A piece of my mind.

Money talks, especially if it is a petro dollar, and I know. The Russians and Qatari nations will host good FIFA World Cups without much doubt, but the Russian political mysteriousness is a concern, as much as the Muslim extremists are to the Qatari bid. New frontier theory and other conspiracies might have given them an upper hand, but then, the justification of a less likely money maker winning over the best financial prospect boggles the mind, given that the 2010 South Africa World Cup has been shrouded by the revenue issues and 'empty' stadia that were full.

Qatar will do a different world cup and issues of terrorism need to be addressed in time. This Arabic and Muslim nation has never won any major tournament or are a powerhouse by any means. They have a passion for sport, proven by the Aspire Sports Academy. This well-funded project is true express of the necessary passion that the world needs to see. More so, the tradition and culture of the game has been taken away from the main stream of Africa and the Middle East and taken to Europe and the Americas.

Given that Africa hosted a record breaking FIFA World  Cup, Qatar should host it also and successfully. You need to look at the state of the art stadia they intend to build to comprehend what petro dollars can do. Frankly, the United Arab Emirates would have been a fancier candidate, given Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the World capital cities.

They must, however, shift a stance of women attending the football matches. It is standard to see a sea of white robes of Rabbis and Sheiks, without any blemish of black, a traditional women attire. This must change. Women like the sport and deserve to be allowed to watch the world's best players strutting their stuff on the turf. I would prefer to watch muscular figures in the presence of the fairer gender indeed.

England took everything for granted in their bid, given the Barclays Premier League is arguably the best globally attracting large live and TV audiences locally and abroad, and the passion of the game. Their major downfall was their 'holier than thou' attitude. Very soft and superfluous rewards for votes looked very modest and amateurish. They should have known someone would walk away with an oil well somewhere and they thought they had the bull with the horns. Guess who got gourded.

Their dislike of a vuvuzela did not help. You curse the vuvuzela you are doomed. Football is not a tennis match sport it is in England anymore. Not that the ear damaging noise is good, but there must be transformation to the singing and clapping of hands during the matches. Anyway, they had done some good homework in getting their 2022 bid off the way so they could fight against weaker European nations than the US and Australia. This freed the US to get their chance for the 2022 bid. All this strategy was ill-advised. Given that Europe won the 2018 bid, it made some sense as an after thought.

The other European bidding nations had still a hangover after the Germany 2006 World Cup as they are geographically close by. Russia is a little different from the normal trend or mainstream Europe, but then the weather is a big issue with me.They claim the summer temperatures were about 25 degrees centigrade, but we all know the truth. England was going to be the perfect set-up. If you look at the stadia, Wembely, the Emirates, the Goodson Park, the City of Manchester, just about any, in England, it would be folly to say they needed much renovation to meet the FIFA funny standards.

The United States of America, like England, were well poised for their second World Cup. They were confident of outdoing other favourites, Australia. There is no doubt the nation had the capacity to exceed their 1994 version, given the technology and the diversity of the people. The theory of the English game being too tired given they cannot win anything may have taken the crucial votes from FIFA members who voted by hearts. England may have won this bid, had they managed good results like a final berth in any of the tourney since 1966.

At the end of the day, my sympathy goes to the ill-advised England bid that was destroyed by journalists. The US, have trivial issues to solve and the Obama factor is on the negative, given the racist nature of his Presidency. Russia were never my bet, nor yours, but if we were voters, we may have offered double the support. As for Qatar, the World Cup in the desert was never my idea. The Doha International Airport is just a tiny pocket, but given the money and the 12 years to prepare, they will all the country urbanised.

All said and done, England will have the opportunity bto host the FIFA World Cup after North America (2026), Africa (2030), South America (2034) and Asia (2038) depending on whether they manage to change FIFA and force the rotation out of the way and arm-wrestle their way to glory. Malta, a nation of 300 000 citizens may even beat them by then. There is no guarantees as we have seen.

Madinda Ndlovu To Coach National Team.

Black Mambas Technical Director, Madinda Ndlovu, will coach the Zimbabwe Warriors as an assistant to one former Namibia national team coach, Tom Saintfiet. Ndlovu is a former Highlanders FC coach, having moulded one of the greatest Bosso sides that was well taken care of by Rahman Gumbo.

He built a young multi-championship winning team that was captained by Captain Fantastic, Thulani Biya Ncube, Siza Khoza, Gift Thebe Lunga (Junior), Alexander Phiri, Blessing Gumiso, Thabani Mqwayi Masawi, Dazy Kapenya, Zenzo Zemura Moyo, just to name a few.

Madinda went to have a good coaching stint in Botswana and came back to a cash-strapped Bosso that still owes him gazillions. His move to Mambas is slowly bearing fruits and his progress could not longer be ignored by the national association.

His decorated playing career is common knowledge, having played in England and Germany. His local contribution to the local game is one of the biggest by an individual, both for the club and the national team. He was part of the successful and entertaining team of the 1980s alongside Willard Nduna Khumalo, Mercedes 'John Rambo' Scania Sibanda, Douglas British Mloyi, Alexander Cool Ruler Maseko, and Peter Nkomo, among an array of gallant footballers of all time.

In the national team, he played in the CECAFA tournaments alongside Boy Maxmillion Ndlovu, Moses Razorman Chunga, Ephert Lungu, Japheth Short Cat Mparutsa, Stix Mtizwa, Stanley Sinyo Nduduma, Joel Headmaster Jubilee Shambo and Shakeman Chinyarire Bere Tauro.

With such a background, it is easy to understand the seduction his CV would give to a panel of national coach selectors.
Of the local coaches, Zifa were impressed with Ndlovu's resume and resolved he would be the right man for the job.

A report from The Chronicle said that Norman Mapeza will remain part of the coaching staff probably as second assistant. It said that Monomotapa mentor Taurayi Mangwiro who is with Monomotapa will coach the Under-23 deputized by former Chapungu goalkeeper Innocent Chogugudza.

The biggest suspected resolution of the Zimbabwean football fathers is their desire to let junior national team coaches deputize the next age groups, and that the junior teams will take part in all regional tournaments. Hopefully, there will be money to participate in these.

Congratulations to Madinda Ndlovu and hope he will one day lead the Warriors to where they need to be.

Madinda Ndlovu To Coach National Team.

Black Mambas Technical Director, Madinda Ndlovu, will coach the Zimbabwe Warriors as an assistant to one former Namibia national team coach, Tom Saintfiet. Ndlovu is a former Highlanders FC coach, having moulded one of the greatest Bosso sides that was well taken care of by Rahman Gumbo.

He built a young multi-championship winning team that was captained by Captain Fantastic, Thulani Biya Ncube, Siza Khoza, Gift Thebe Lunga (Junior), Alexander Phiri, Blessing Gumiso, Thabani Mqwayi Masawi, Dazy Kapenya, Zenzo Zemura Moyo, just to name a few.

Madinda went to have a good coaching stint in Botswana and came back to a cash-strapped Bosso that still owes him gazillions. His move to Mambas is slowly bearing fruits and his progress could not longer be ignored by the national association.

His decorated playing career is common knowledge, having played in England and Germany. His local contribution to the local game is one of the biggest by an individual, both for the club and the national team. He was part of the successful and entertaining team of the 1980s alongside Willard Nduna Khumalo, Mercedes 'John Rambo' Scania Sibanda, Douglas British Mloyi, Alexander Cool Ruler Maseko, and Peter Nkomo, among an array of gallant footballers of all time.

In the national team, he played in the CECAFA tournaments alongside Boy Maxmillion Ndlovu, Moses Razorman Chunga, Ephert Lungu, Japheth Short Cat Mparutsa, Stix Mtizwa, Stanley Sinyo Nduduma, Joel Headmaster Jubilee Shambo and Shakeman Chinyarire Bere Tauro.

With such a background, it is easy to understand the seduction his CV would give to a panel of national coach selectors.
Of the local coaches, Zifa were impressed with Ndlovu's resume and resolved he would be the right man for the job.

A report from The Chronicle said that Norman Mapeza will remain part of the coaching staff probably as second assistant. It said that Monomotapa mentor Taurayi Mangwiro who is with Monomotapa will coach the Under-23 deputized by former Chapungu goalkeeper Innocent Chogugudza.

The biggest suspected resolution of the Zimbabwean football fathers is their desire to let junior national team coaches deputize the next age groups, and that the junior teams will take part in all regional tournaments. Hopefully, there will be money to participate in these.

Congratulations to Madinda Ndlovu and hope he will one day lead the Warriors to where they need to be.

Madinda Ndlovu To Coach National Team.

Black Mambas Technical Director, Madinda Ndlovu, will coach the Zimbabwe Warriors as an assistant to one former Namibia national team coach, Tom Saintfiet. Ndlovu is a former Highlanders FC coach, having moulded one of the greatest Bosso sides that was well taken care of by Rahman Gumbo.

He built a young multi-championship winning team that was captained by Captain Fantastic, Thulani Biya Ncube, Siza Khoza, Gift Thebe Lunga (Junior), Alexander Phiri, Blessing Gumiso, Thabani Mqwayi Masawi, Dazy Kapenya, Zenzo Zemura Moyo, just to name a few.

Madinda went to have a good coaching stint in Botswana and came back to a cash-strapped Bosso that still owes him gazillions. His move to Mambas is slowly bearing fruits and his progress could not longer be ignored by the national association.

His decorated playing career is common knowledge, having played in England and Germany. His local contribution to the local game is one of the biggest by an individual, both for the club and the national team. He was part of the successful and entertaining team of the 1980s alongside Willard Nduna Khumalo, Mercedes 'John Rambo' Scania Sibanda, Douglas British Mloyi, Alexander Cool Ruler Maseko, and Peter Nkomo, among an array of gallant footballers of all time.

In the national team, he played in the CECAFA tournaments alongside Boy Maxmillion Ndlovu, Moses Razorman Chunga, Ephert Lungu, Japheth Short Cat Mparutsa, Stix Mtizwa, Stanley Sinyo Nduduma, Joel Headmaster Jubilee Shambo and Shakeman Chinyarire Bere Tauro.

With such a background, it is easy to understand the seduction his CV would give to a panel of national coach selectors.
Of the local coaches, Zifa were impressed with Ndlovu's resume and resolved he would be the right man for the job.

A report from The Chronicle said that Norman Mapeza will remain part of the coaching staff probably as second assistant. It said that Monomotapa mentor Taurayi Mangwiro who is with Monomotapa will coach the Under-23 deputized by former Chapungu goalkeeper Innocent Chogugudza.

The biggest suspected resolution of the Zimbabwean football fathers is their desire to let junior national team coaches deputize the next age groups, and that the junior teams will take part in all regional tournaments. Hopefully, there will be money to participate in these.

Congratulations to Madinda Ndlovu and hope he will one day lead the Warriors to where they need to be.

Jose Mourinho A Little Too Harsh For Capello.

Image via Wikipedia

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, a world-class coach, with skills, experience, talent and wisdom, has shot a brother.  

 

The charismatic Jose broke the 'code' of brotherhood (as in sisterhood) by openly and bluntly criticising England coach, Fabio Capello as England's football problems. He said the English game's biggest problem was Capello, that he does not understand players. 

It is no that I disagree with him. Actually how wrong I wish he was, but I rather he told Fabio in private or kept it to himself. 

Many believe Jose himself could turn­ things around for England, as much as I do, Mourinho believes in coaching his native nation. This guy doesn't attract much positive vibes from those who do not like him or even the neutrals, despite his exploits with FC­ Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan and he thrives on those controversies. 

English tabloids called the Italian coach, Fabio Capello, all sorts of names with the Sun branding him a "donkey" for leaving Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll out of the squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland. 

Mourinho clearly stated that Capello will not work for England criticising his managerial flaws which included a single track player-manager relationship and a military camp attitude.

 This dressing down of one of the most respected men of the beautiful game in the whole world will however do less damage to Capello than it will propel Mourinho to greater heights at Real Madrid, which was exactly Jose's point. Mourinho is getting into the minds of his players in a way that will see Real overtake Barcelona this season. 

The fact that Jose goes on to compare Capello's stay at the Santiago Bernebeu with the a few predecessors, and the criticise his lack of "clear tactics", it drives the home the point that he is the ultimate coach. This is all the players of Real Madrid calibre need. Without mincing his words, he said "It is the manager's fault. And it is a big shame."

 During his Madrid days, Capello told David Beckam he would never play again for them, but he fought his­ way back into the Real Madrid title-winning side, regardless. Capello won League titles twice on two different occasions and this issue has now put Mourinho under the spotlight.

For me the other England team's problem ­ players' big egos and bad attitudes. They are not as good as the think they are. The youngsters coming up are ordinary. England need the Steve Macmanamans, Peter Shiltons, Terry Butchers and Gary Linekers. Remember that even those great players came unstuck. England needs more than that. 

 As Jose versus Capello, maybe that is what Capello needs, a high-profile direct open criticism from the very top, to spur him up from his slumber and produce results. From experience, the impact will be short-lived. 

Does England need an English coach?  

Jose Mourinho A Little Too Harsh For Capello.

Image via Wikipedia

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, a world-class coach, with skills, experience, talent and wisdom, has shot a brother.  

 

The charismatic Jose broke the 'code' of brotherhood (as in sisterhood) by openly and bluntly criticising England coach, Fabio Capello as England's football problems. He said the English game's biggest problem was Capello, that he does not understand players. 

It is no that I disagree with him. Actually how wrong I wish he was, but I rather he told Fabio in private or kept it to himself. 

Many believe Jose himself could turn­ things around for England, as much as I do, Mourinho believes in coaching his native nation. This guy doesn't attract much positive vibes from those who do not like him or even the neutrals, despite his exploits with FC­ Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan and he thrives on those controversies. 

English tabloids called the Italian coach, Fabio Capello, all sorts of names with the Sun branding him a "donkey" for leaving Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll out of the squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland. 

Mourinho clearly stated that Capello will not work for England criticising his managerial flaws which included a single track player-manager relationship and a military camp attitude.

 This dressing down of one of the most respected men of the beautiful game in the whole world will however do less damage to Capello than it will propel Mourinho to greater heights at Real Madrid, which was exactly Jose's point. Mourinho is getting into the minds of his players in a way that will see Real overtake Barcelona this season. 

The fact that Jose goes on to compare Capello's stay at the Santiago Bernebeu with the a few predecessors, and the criticise his lack of "clear tactics", it drives the home the point that he is the ultimate coach. This is all the players of Real Madrid calibre need. Without mincing his words, he said "It is the manager's fault. And it is a big shame."

 During his Madrid days, Capello told David Beckam he would never play again for them, but he fought his­ way back into the Real Madrid title-winning side, regardless. Capello won League titles twice on two different occasions and this issue has now put Mourinho under the spotlight.

For me the other England team's problem ­ players' big egos and bad attitudes. They are not as good as the think they are. The youngsters coming up are ordinary. England need the Steve Macmanamans, Peter Shiltons, Terry Butchers and Gary Linekers. Remember that even those great players came unstuck. England needs more than that. 

 As Jose versus Capello, maybe that is what Capello needs, a high-profile direct open criticism from the very top, to spur him up from his slumber and produce results. From experience, the impact will be short-lived. 

Does England need an English coach?  

Jose Mourinho A Little Too Harsh For Capello.

Image via Wikipedia

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, a world-class coach, with skills, experience, talent and wisdom, has shot a brother.  

 

The charismatic Jose broke the 'code' of brotherhood (as in sisterhood) by openly and bluntly criticising England coach, Fabio Capello as England's football problems. He said the English game's biggest problem was Capello, that he does not understand players. 

It is no that I disagree with him. Actually how wrong I wish he was, but I rather he told Fabio in private or kept it to himself. 

Many believe Jose himself could turn­ things around for England, as much as I do, Mourinho believes in coaching his native nation. This guy doesn't attract much positive vibes from those who do not like him or even the neutrals, despite his exploits with FC­ Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan and he thrives on those controversies. 

English tabloids called the Italian coach, Fabio Capello, all sorts of names with the Sun branding him a "donkey" for leaving Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll out of the squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland. 

Mourinho clearly stated that Capello will not work for England criticising his managerial flaws which included a single track player-manager relationship and a military camp attitude.

 This dressing down of one of the most respected men of the beautiful game in the whole world will however do less damage to Capello than it will propel Mourinho to greater heights at Real Madrid, which was exactly Jose's point. Mourinho is getting into the minds of his players in a way that will see Real overtake Barcelona this season. 

The fact that Jose goes on to compare Capello's stay at the Santiago Bernebeu with the a few predecessors, and the criticise his lack of "clear tactics", it drives the home the point that he is the ultimate coach. This is all the players of Real Madrid calibre need. Without mincing his words, he said "It is the manager's fault. And it is a big shame."

 During his Madrid days, Capello told David Beckam he would never play again for them, but he fought his­ way back into the Real Madrid title-winning side, regardless. Capello won League titles twice on two different occasions and this issue has now put Mourinho under the spotlight.

For me the other England team's problem ­ players' big egos and bad attitudes. They are not as good as the think they are. The youngsters coming up are ordinary. England need the Steve Macmanamans, Peter Shiltons, Terry Butchers and Gary Linekers. Remember that even those great players came unstuck. England needs more than that. 

 As Jose versus Capello, maybe that is what Capello needs, a high-profile direct open criticism from the very top, to spur him up from his slumber and produce results. From experience, the impact will be short-lived. 

Does England need an English coach?  

International Friendlies - Order Restored.

Now that the World Cup is over, England can beat anybody. The excitement of any of their victories will prove a wasted one, given they will begin to struggle with Euro qualification and then Capello will be fired and a new coach will take them to the next tourney.

Those with a tendency, that booing tendency, waste as much breath only they exhale bad breath booing the perennial under achievers. Wembley is a football revolution house. Boo'ers must behave or jump!

The big story of note is ever to believe a big man like David Beckam can retire from international football, or be told he is too old to play for England. Capello has guts. England may have won the World Cup if he ate or drank whatever made him to announce that decision before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

It is still fresh in us how South Africa drew 1-1 against Mexico on June 11, 2010. Mexico drew with World Champions, Spain in their international friendly yesterday. Simple logic, South Africa could have been World Champions because they are just as good.

France rookies got a baptism of fire loosing 2-1 by a team that did not go nowhere near the World Cup. Norway won 2-1. Germany were reduced to ordinary pedestrians by the Denmark side.

The World Cup finalist Holland managed only a 1-1 draw at the Ukraine.  Just to prove how over the World Cup is, Cameroon can tell you where the goals are. In one match, they accessed that route successfully thrice against poor Poland.

The Nigeria Super Eagles failed to fly totally from South Africa. A solid Korean Republic performance clipped their wings. A 2-1 result leaves a sour taste in the Africans' way forward, but against the Koreans, it was never an easy game.

The big one worth the space here was the Bafantastic Bafantasic crew who gave a new Coach a warm welcome with a win over the Black Stars of Ghana. Pitso Mosimane acknowledged the scrappy affair but was happy South Africa got the 1-0 victory. 

Which match or result tickled you?

International Friendlies - Order Restored.

Now that the World Cup is over, England can beat anybody. The excitement of any of their victories will prove a wasted one, given they will begin to struggle with Euro qualification and then Capello will be fired and a new coach will take them to the next tourney.

Those with a tendency, that booing tendency, waste as much breath only they exhale bad breath booing the perennial under achievers. Wembley is a football revolution house. Boo'ers must behave or jump!

The big story of note is ever to believe a big man like David Beckam can retire from international football, or be told he is too old to play for England. Capello has guts. England may have won the World Cup if he ate or drank whatever made him to announce that decision before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

It is still fresh in us how South Africa drew 1-1 against Mexico on June 11, 2010. Mexico drew with World Champions, Spain in their international friendly yesterday. Simple logic, South Africa could have been World Champions because they are just as good.

France rookies got a baptism of fire loosing 2-1 by a team that did not go nowhere near the World Cup. Norway won 2-1. Germany were reduced to ordinary pedestrians by the Denmark side.

The World Cup finalist Holland managed only a 1-1 draw at the Ukraine.  Just to prove how over the World Cup is, Cameroon can tell you where the goals are. In one match, they accessed that route successfully thrice against poor Poland.

The Nigeria Super Eagles failed to fly totally from South Africa. A solid Korean Republic performance clipped their wings. A 2-1 result leaves a sour taste in the Africans' way forward, but against the Koreans, it was never an easy game.

The big one worth the space here was the Bafantastic Bafantasic crew who gave a new Coach a warm welcome with a win over the Black Stars of Ghana. Pitso Mosimane acknowledged the scrappy affair but was happy South Africa got the 1-0 victory. 

Which match or result tickled you?

International Friendlies - Order Restored.

Now that the World Cup is over, England can beat anybody. The excitement of any of their victories will prove a wasted one, given they will begin to struggle with Euro qualification and then Capello will be fired and a new coach will take them to the next tourney.

Those with a tendency, that booing tendency, waste as much breath only they exhale bad breath booing the perennial under achievers. Wembley is a football revolution house. Boo'ers must behave or jump!

The big story of note is ever to believe a big man like David Beckam can retire from international football, or be told he is too old to play for England. Capello has guts. England may have won the World Cup if he ate or drank whatever made him to announce that decision before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

It is still fresh in us how South Africa drew 1-1 against Mexico on June 11, 2010. Mexico drew with World Champions, Spain in their international friendly yesterday. Simple logic, South Africa could have been World Champions because they are just as good.

France rookies got a baptism of fire loosing 2-1 by a team that did not go nowhere near the World Cup. Norway won 2-1. Germany were reduced to ordinary pedestrians by the Denmark side.

The World Cup finalist Holland managed only a 1-1 draw at the Ukraine.  Just to prove how over the World Cup is, Cameroon can tell you where the goals are. In one match, they accessed that route successfully thrice against poor Poland.

The Nigeria Super Eagles failed to fly totally from South Africa. A solid Korean Republic performance clipped their wings. A 2-1 result leaves a sour taste in the Africans' way forward, but against the Koreans, it was never an easy game.

The big one worth the space here was the Bafantastic Bafantasic crew who gave a new Coach a warm welcome with a win over the Black Stars of Ghana. Pitso Mosimane acknowledged the scrappy affair but was happy South Africa got the 1-0 victory. 

Which match or result tickled you?

FIFA is Predictably Boring

The search for 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts is hot. The diski 'crazy gang' have this as their schedule. Japan: July 19 to 22, South Korea: July 22 to 25, Australia: July 26 to 29, The Netherlands and Belgium: August 9 to 12, Russia: August 16 to 19, England: August 23 to 26, Spain and Portugal: August 30 to September 2, United States: September 6 to 9  and then Qatar: September 13 to 17, 2010. The last known 'crazy gang' were a team in the Premiership called Wimbledon FC. This is because they played a 1-10 formation, without form, without style. They were driven by nothing but team spirit. FIFA are driven by money.



FIFA don't understand how to manage African relationships. You do not marry another woman before you bury your dead wife, at least officially. Those who deviate have to be cunning, a point which I awarded them for picking up Brazil to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Hardly has the dust settled, are they gallivanting inspecting the infrastructure of 2018 and 2022 host bidders. Tourists have not finished cleaning South Africa of vuvuzelas, and believe me, they are committed to the cause as planes are heavily laden with this cheap plastic trumpet like horn, that is currently priced at R150-00 at the airport. (Usually retail price is R15-00.) 

The bid meetings of FIFA became part of process that included the qualifying draws, the actual draw of the qualified teams and the tournament. We are now duly sentenced to boredom of knowing commercials and rhetoric of winners over the next 12 years. Sepp Blatter may not be the FIFA President then. May be that is the point.FIFA is currently in Osaka Japan where inspections began, and presentations will be made in Tokyo. Japan have already started hitting us with that "ultimate 3D" technology to reach over 360 million viewers over 400 venues worldwide. This means that if the final match is played between Zimbabwe and USA in 2018 in Osaka, fans will go to Soccer City Stadium and watch the game "live".

Other bidders are the owners of the money, who have stadia that are better equiped with medical facilities that American hospitals. Arab nations have enough money to build anything. The problem is that their activities are men events, hence they are not always fully utilised. That is where Qatar come. These are some of the pictures of what they will build for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And we are just starting.



Incredible designs by Qatar. Are sponsors driving FIFA to do business this way as their long-term investment plan? What do you reckon?