World Soccer Special Edition - Brazil World Cup 2014

Untitled-3 3 24/04/2014 14:26
WORLD SOCCER 3
England hope...Wayne Rooney
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20 Algeria
26 Argentina
32 Australia
36 Belgium
40 Bosnia-Herzegovina
44 Brazil
48 Cameroon
52 Chile
56 Colombia
60 Costa Rica
64 Croatia
68 Ecuador
72 England
76 France
80 Germany
84 Ghana
88 Greece
92 Holland
96 Honduras
100 Iran
104 Italy
108 Ivory Coast
112 Japan
116 Mexico
120 Nigeria
124 Portugal
128 Russia
132 South Korea
136 Spain
140 Switzerland
144 Uruguay
148 USA
6 From the Editor
10 The View from Brazil Tim Vickery looks forward
to Brazil 2014 and back to Brazil 1950
14 Ofcials A list of all the referees and assistant
referees ofciating in Brazil
16 Contributors The global contributors behind
this special issue of World Soccer
18 The stadiums A guide to the 12 stadiums that
will host this years tournament
154 The games The 2014 World Cup schedule,
group by group, match by match
THIS MONTH
THE TEAMS
World Soccers guide to the 32 nalists, with opinions and predictions from our
global network of correspondents, plus detailed squad lists and tactics.
Global football intelligence since 1960
Summer 2014
93WDS14SMY106.pgs 02.05.2014 18:59
BLACK YELLOWMAGENTA CYAN
6 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
FROM THE EDITOR
For all its problems, Brazil 2014 offers a stage
for the great players to leave a lasting legacy
History in
the making
We can only hope
that the players
can overcome their
fear of failure
and earn a place
in World Cup
history
Gavin Hamilton
T
HE BUILD-UP to the World Cup is always accompanied
by concerns over whether the hosts will be ready in time.
But preparations for Brazil 2014 have been particularly
fraught. After South Africa 2010, FIFA has convinced
itself and its sponsors that the World Cup can be held anywhere,
in any conditions, as long as the TV companies can provide an
exciting spectacle for their viewers.
In that respect Brazil 2014 will be like every other World Cup
of the modern era.
Concerns over
accommodation, travel and
infrastructure will be placed
on hold - and the football
will take centre stage.
I suspect that worries
over the climactic
conditions in Brazil,
expressed by coaches,
mostly European, will turn
out to be less than valid.
Most of the potential stars
of this tournament
Neymar, Lionel Messi, Luis
Suarez, Alexis Sanchez -
are non-European and will not be deterred by such
problems. It should be our overriding hope that the players can
provide a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.
The coaches need to play their part, though, and
unfortunately there will be many who will be motivated by
caution. Success on the greatest stage of all has, if past nals
are anything to go by, prompted cautious and often negative
tactics. We can only hope that the players can overcome that
fear of failure and earn a place in history.
We have endeavoured to provide you with all the essential
information you will need to follow the World Cup. We went to
press before the ofcial 23-man squads were announced. So
we will be providing an update in our next issue and, in an
exciting development, we will be providing a digital update on
the iPad for our digital subscribers. Enjoy the World Cup!
Brazilian sunsetbeach footballers in Rio de Janeiro
93WDS14SMY107.pgs 02.05.2014 19:35
WORLD SOCCER 7
93WDS14SMY108.pgs 02.05.2014 19:37
10 WORLD SOCCER
I
nspired by the idea of covering the 2014 World Cup,
Danish journalist Mikkel Jensen studied Portuguese and
based himself in Brazil to observe the build up to the
big kick off on June 12.
But in the middle of April he went back home,
proclaiming that the dream has become a nightmare. He
had come to the conclusion that the tournament was
doing nothing to help the ordinary Brazilian indeed, he
felt that in some cases it was even making things worse,
and he no longer wanted to be part of it.
My presence here, he said before he left, is only
contributing to an unpleasant show of Brazil one which
two-and-a-half years ago I was dreaming of being part of,
but which now I will do everything in my power to criticize
and focus attention on the real price of the World Cup in
Brazil.
It is an understandable, coherent reaction to a awed
tournament. Jensen has looked under the rock, and what
he found was not pretty. Many Brazilians share his
sentiments and feel that their country has other, far more
urgent priorities. The support of the local population was
cynically taken for granted. At the start of the process they
were told by Ricardo Teixeira, at the time president of both
the CBF and the Local Organising Committee, that this
was a private event, where the only public spending would
be on much needed infra-structure works.
This line of argument never corresponded to reality,
admits Luis Fernandes of Brazils Sports Ministry. At the
same time he was saying this, the Host City and Stadium
Agreements were being signed, committing the
government to guarantees and obligations with the World
Cup. From the beginning the process was being operated
with the necessary participation of the public power.
Beyond belief
It is, then, almost beyond belief that until 2012 there was
no government representation on the Local Organising
Committee. Fernandes acknowledges that this was an
error. Because the operational plan, security, public
transport, energy, health service all depends on the
public power. The tardy entry of the government in the
LOC is one of the explanations for the delays, which have
pushed up the cost of the World Cup and reduced the
scope of the works, leading large parts of Brazilian society
to the conclusion that they are paying too much to host
the tournament and not getting back enough in return.
Brazil can overcome the
problems if they invoke
the spirit of 1950
THE VIEW FROM BRAZIL
Tim
VICKERY
WORLD CUP 2014
WORLD CUP 2014
93WDS14SMY113.pgs 02.05.2014 19:36
GLOBAL FOOTBALL I NTELLIGENCE
WORLD SOCCER 11
Nowadays, only one man survives [from the 1950 World
Cup Final] ironically enough, Alcides Ghiggia, the
winger whose goal won the trophy for Uruguay
93WDS14SMY114.pgs 02.05.2014 19:36
In the light of this, the Mikkel
Jensen course of action is one possible
response and many of us with some
involvement in such mega-events must
surely have had pangs of conscience
along the way. Are we all really guilty by
association?
Come together
My personal position is that for all the
aws of the 2014 World Cup, there is
still value to be found in the mere fact
that the planet can come together in
this way and as evidence for my case,
I present the example of the 1950
Final, the previous time that the
tournament was held in Brazil.
There will be immense pressure on
the home side this June and July but
although the population of Brazil is now
four times greater and the intrusive,
modern 24/7 media was not yet in
existence, the stakes were higher for
their 1950 predecessors.
The 2014 team will be representing
Brazilian football. The debate about
what kind of society Brazil is and could
be will be raging outside the stadiums.
But back in 1950 everything was taking
place on the pitch. Going into the
decisive game against Uruguay, Brazil
were hailed by their own people as
mighty world champions.
Their triumph would indicate that
the land of the future was about to
arrive and there could be no more
appropriate setting than the newly-built
Maracana stadium, like some giant
spaceship parked just to the north of
Rio de Janeiros city centre.
So when Uruguay came from
behind to win 2-1 it was felt as a
crushing blow to the hopes of a nation.
It was a defeat which, at the time,
appeared to condemn Brazil to endless
underachievement.
Those on the eld paid a heavy
price. I played for 19 years, wrote
Zizinho, the outstanding member of the
side, on the rst page of his
autobiography, I won some titles and
along with the other players of that
campaign Im remembered as a loser.
His inside-forward colleague Jair spent
decades worried at the prospect of
someone coming at him with a knife
because he lost that game. Many years
later keeper Barbosa, beaten on his
near post for the decisive goal, held a
ceremonial burning of the Maracana
goalposts. It did not bring closure. He
died in 2000, still lamenting that the
maximum jail-time in Brazil was 30
years, while he had served a 50-year
penalty for a crime he did not commit.
Mutual respect
But going through such a profound
experience produced something other
than bitterness. The match helped forge
a bond between the players of Brazil
and Uruguay. Nowadays, only one man
survives ironically enough, Alcides
Ghiggia, the winger whose goal won
the trophy for Uruguay. But while most
of the players were still alive, members
of the two teams would get together
for reunions, or visit each other in a
warm atmosphere of affection and
mutual respect.
This is a striking and excellent
symbol of the often silent work that
football does in bringing people
together, giving them a common
language and cementing international
friendships. Sixty-four years after
Brazils rst World Cup, many more
bonds will surely be established
between people from different
backgrounds, as supporters of 32
teams (plus the neutrals) criss-cross
this giant country in search of a
spectacle. Despite all the many defects,
there should be much to celebrate
when 736 of the best players of the
global game plus hundreds of
thousands of fans assemble in Brazil
for the 2014 World Cup.
Big occasion...Brazil and Uruguay meet at the Maracana in 1950 in front of a crowd estimated to be over 200,000
Final disappointment...the Brazilian players line up before the 1950 World Cup Final clash with Uruguay
12 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
93WDS14SMY115.pgs 02.05.2014 19:38
14 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
AFRICA
Neant ALIOUM
Cameroon; international debut:
2008
Daniel BENNETT
South Africa; int deb: 2003
Noumandiez Desire DOUE
Ivory Coast; int deb: 2004
Bakary GASSAMA
Gambia; int deb: 2007
Djamel HAIMOUDI
Algeria; int deb: 2004
Assistants:
Redouane Achik (Mor)
Jean Claude Birumushahu (Bur)
Djibril Camara (Sen)
Abdel Etchiali (Alg)
Felicien Kabanda (Rwa)
Evarist Menkouande (Cam)
Marwa Range (Ken)
Songuifolo Yeo (IvC)
ASIA
Alireza FAGHANI
Iran; int deb: 2008
Ravshan IRMATOV
Uzbekistan; int deb: 2003
Yuichi NISHIMURA
Japan; int deb: 2004

Nawaf SHUKRALLA
Bahrain; int deb: 2007
Benjamin WILLIAMS
Australia; int deb: 2005
Assistants:
Yaser Tulefat (Bah)
Hakan Anaz (Aus)
Matthew Cream (Aus)
Hassan Kamranifar (Ira)
Bakhadyr Kochkarov (Kyr)
Toshiyuki Nagi (Jap)
Abduxamidullo Rasulov (Uzb)
Toru Sagara (Jap)
Ebrahim Saleh (Bah)
EUROPE
Felix BRYCH
Germany; int deb: 2007
Cuneyt CAKIR
Turkey; int deb: 2006
Jonas ERIKSSON
Sweden; int deb: 2002
Bjorn KUIPERS
Holland; int deb: 2006
Milorad MAZIC
Serbia; int deb: 2009

Svein ODDVAR MOEN
Norway; int deb: 2005
Pedro PROENCA
Portugal; int deb: 2003
Nicola RIZZOLI
Italy; int deb: 2007
Carlos VELASCO CARBALLO
Spain; int deb: 2008
Howard WEBB
England; int deb: 2005
Assistants:
Roberto Alonso Fernandez (Spa)
Mark Borsch (Ger)
Darren Cann (Eng)
Bertino Miranda (Por)
Dalibor Djurdjevic (Ser)
Bahattin Duran (Tur)
Renato Faverani (Ita)
Tiago Trigo (Por)
Kim Haglund (Nor)
Mathias Klasenius (Swe)
Stefan Lupp (Ger)
Michael Mullarkey (Eng)
Tarik Ongun (Tur)
Milovan Ristic (Ser)
Andrea Stefani (Ita)
Sander Van Roekel (Hol)
Daniel Warnmark (Swe)
Juan Carlos Yuste Jimenez (Spa)
Erwin Zeinstra (Hol)
CONCACAF
Joel AGUILAR
El Salvador; int deb: 2001
Mark GEIGER
USA; int deb: 2008
Walter LOPEZ
Guatemala; int deb: 2006
Roberto MORENO SALAZAR
Panama; int deb: 1996
Marco RODRIGUEZ
Mexico; int deb: 1999
Assistants:
Eric Boria (USA)
Joe Fletcher (Can)
Sean Hurd (USA)
Leonel Leal (CR)
Marcos Quintero (Mex)
Marvin Torrentera (Mex)
William Torre (ElS)
Juan Zumba (ElS)
OCEANIA
Norbert HAUATA
Tahiti; int deb: 2008
Peter OLEARY
New Zealand; int deb: 2003
Assistants:
Jan Hendrik Hintz (NZ)
Ravinesh Kumar (Fij)
Mark Rule (NZ)
SOUTH AMERICA
Victor CARRILLO
Peru; int deb: 2005
Enrique OSSES
Chile; int deb: 2005
Nestor PITTANA
Argentina; int deb: 2010
Sandro RICCI
Brazil; int deb: 2011
Wilmar ROLDAN
Colombia; int deb: 2008
Carlos ALFREDO VERA
Ecuador; int deb: 2006
Assistants:
Rodney Aquino (Par)
Carlos Astroza (Chl)
Juan Pablo Belatti (Arg)
Emerson De Carvalho (Bra)
Humberto Clavijo (Col)
Eduardo Diaz (Col)
Christian Lescano (Ecu)
Hernan Maidana (Arg)
Sergio Roman (Chl)
Byron Romero (Ecu)
Marcelo Van Gasse (Bra)
Referees and Assistant referees by continent
Djamel Haimoudi
Yuichi Nishimura
Nicola Rizzoli
Walter Lopez
Victor Carrillo
THE MATCH OFFICIALS
93WDS14SMY116.pgs 02.05.2014 19:00
WORLD CUP 2014 CONTRIBUTORS
16 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD SOCCER 16 WORLD SOCCER 16
GLOBALFOOTBALLSINCE1960
Summer 2014
SPECIAL EDITION BRAZIL 2014
736 player proles
2014
COLLECTORS
ISSUE
WORLD
CUP
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Expert analysis
and opinion
Inside story on
every team
PAGESOF
ESSENTIAL
INFO
EDITOR
Gavin Hamilton
ART EDITOR
Gary Payne
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Nich Hills
PICTURE EDITOR
Duncan Bond
NEWS EDITOR
Jamie Rainbow
EDITORIAL SECRETARY
June Hiscock
PICTURES
Pictures copyright: Press Association Images,
Getty Images, Action Images and Reuters
Thanks this issue to
Mike Hughes, Debbie Millett, Peter Neish,
David Preston
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Contributors
WORLD SOCCER 16
93WDS14SMY117.pgs 02.05.2014 19:01
WSO-WORLD CUP.indd 6 02/05/2014 09:03
18 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
The stadiums
Costing an estimated US$3.47 billion, 12 stadiums in 12 different cities will play host
to this years World Cup nals. Seven of the grounds are brand new, while the other
ve have been extensively renovated to meet FIFA requirements.
1
Estadio do Maracana
2
Estadio Minerao
3
Estadio Nacional do Brasilia
4
Arena Pantanal
93WDS14SMY119.pgs 02.05.2014 17:54
WORLD SOCCER 19
11
Arena Fonte Nova
12
Arena de Sao Paulo
1
RIO DE JANEIRO
Estadio do Maracana
Capacity: 76,804
World Cup 2014 Matches:
Jun 15: Argentina v
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Jun 18: Spain v Chile
Jun 22: Belgium v Russia
Jun 25: Ecuador v France
Jun 28: 2nd round C1 v D2
Jul 4: Quarter-Final 2
Jul 13: FINAL
2
BELO HORIZONTE
Estadio Minerao
Capacity: 62,547
Jun 14: Colombia v Greece
Jun 17: Belgium v Algeria
Jun 21: Argentina v Iran
Jun 24: Costa Rica v England
Jun 28: 2nd round A1 v B2
Jul 8: Semi-Final 1
3
BRASILIA
Estadio Nacional do Brasilia
Capacity: 68,009
Jun 15: Switzerland v Ecuador
Jun 19: Colombia v Ivory Coast
Jun 23: Cameroon v Brazil
Jun 26: Portugal v Ghana
Jun 30: 2nd round E1 v F2
Jul 12: 3rd/4th place play-off
4
CUIABA
Arena Pantanal
Capacity: 42,968
Jun 13: Chile v Australia
Jun 17: Russia v South Korea
Jun 21: Nigeria v Bosnia-
Herzegovina
Jun 24: Japan v Colombia
5
CURITIBA
Arena da Baixada
Capacity: 41,456
Jun 16: Iran v Nigeria
Jun 20: Honduras v Ecuador
Jun 23: Australia v Spain
Jun 26: Algeria v Russia
6
FORTALEZA
Estadio Castelao
Capacity: 64,846
Jun 14: Uruguay v Costa Rica
Jun 17: Brazil v Mexico
Jun 21: Germany v Ghana
Jun 24: Greece v Ivory Coast
Jun 29: 2nd round B1 v A2

7
MANAUS
Arena Amazonia
Capacity: 42,374
Jun 14: England v Italy
Jun 18: Cameroon v Croatia
Jun 22: USA v Portugal
Jun 25: Honduras v Switzerland
8
NATAL
Estadio das Dunas
Capacity: 42,086
Jun 13: Mexico v Cameroon
Jun 16: Ghana v USA
Jun 19: Japan v Greece
Jun 24: Italy v Uruguay
9
PORTO ALEGRE
Estadio Beira-Rio
Capacity: 48,849
Jun 15: France v Honduras
Jun 18: Australia v Holland
Jun 22: South Korea v Algeria
Jun 25: Nigeria v Argentina
Jun 30: 2nd round G1 v H2
10
RECIFE
Arena Pernambuco
Capacity: 44,248
Jun 14: Ivory Coast v Japan
Jun 20: Italy v Costa Rica
Jun 23: Croatia v Mexico
Jun 26: USA v Germany
Jun 29: 2nd round D1 v C2
11
SALVADOR
Arena Fonte Nova
Capacity: 48,747
Jun 13: Spain v Holland
Jun 16: Germany v Portugal
Jun 20: Switzerland v France
Jun 25: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Iran
Jul 1: 2nd round H1 v G2
12
SAO PAULO
Arena de Sao Paulo
Capacity: 65,807
Jun 12: Brazil v Croatia
Jun 19: Uruguay v England
Jun 23: Holland v Chile
Jun 26: South Korea v Belgium
Jul 1: 2nd round F1 v E2
Jul 9: Semi-Final 2
5
Arena da Baixada
6
Estadio Castelao
7
Arena Amazonia
8
Estadio das Dunas
9
Estadio Beira-Rio
10
Arena Pernambuco
93WDS14SMY121.pgs 02.05.2014 17:54
20 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
A
lgeria have made much progress in a
short span of time, emerging from the
impact of a long civil war that stymied
the countrys football progress and reduced
the national side from their powerful position
in the 80s and 90s to a mediocre muddle.
The Fennec Foxes were fortunate to
qualify for the last nals in South Africa, but
four years on they have moved rapidly up the
rankings and return to the World Cup nals
with a growing self-belief as a sense of
potential emerges.
Algeria are reaping the benets of
long-standing migration to Europe and are
able to dip into two separate markets for their
players: there is an obvious pool of players
at home in what has always been a well-
organised and competitive league, as well as
a sizeable migrant community, mostly in the
former colonial power France.
Having missed out in the past on talents
such as Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema and
Samir Nasri, Algeria now assiduously court
any likely player with a connection to the land
of their forefathers. Although this means a
national side with more French-born players
than those from Algeria, they are also a better-
drilled and more competitively tuned team
these days. It has taken an extraordinarily
long time to get this disparate group to gel
but Algeria look to be getting it right at last.
Their World Cup prospects are heightened
THE VIEW FROM ALGERIA
Algeria have been strong
competitors for a long time.
Claude Le Roy, vastly
experienced coach of Congo
It will be difcult for Algeria because there
are two big teams in their group in Russia and
Belgium, and to get past both of
them would be a miracle.
Joseph-Antoine Bell,
former Cameroon goalkeeper
and now French radio analyst

ALGERIA
Fennec Foxes look to nally realise their potential
Modest group raises
Algerian hopes
by the fact they are in a relatively modest
group alongside Belgium, Russia and South
Korea. And, while certainly not favourites to
advance, their prospects look far better than
they were in 2010.
Algeria are playing with more style and air
than seen for many years, but still struggle to
keep their defence tight under pressure, and
have struggled for some while to nd a
recognised striker. However, a strong season in
Portugal at Sporting Lisbon for Islam Slimani
might just solve that problem.
Preparations for the nals have been
somewhat overshadowed by speculation over a
premature departure for taciturn Franco-
Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who has
irritated the Algerian Federation by refusing to
talk about a contract renewal.
Mark Gleeson
PRE-TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
May 24 Training camp at Algerian
Football Federation centre
in Algiers
May 29 Leave for a training camp
in Geneva, Swi
May 31 Friendly v Armenia in Sion, Swi
Jun 4 Friendly v Romania in Geneva,
Swi
Jun 6 Travel to Sorocaba in Brazil
BASE CAMP
The Algerian squad will be staying at the
Pitangueiras Hotel, a one-time horse farm
situated in the countryside near Sorocaba, a
city 60 miles outside Sao Paulo. They will train
at the ground of local side Atletico Sorocaba,
which is a 13-minute drive away.
Porto Alegre
335 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP H FIXTURES
Jun 17 v Belgium (Belo Horizonte)
Jun 22 v South Korea (Porto Alegre)
Jun 26 v Russia (Curitiba)
507 miles
Belo Horizonte
Curitiba
Sorocaba

176 miles
Strike hope...Slimani (centre) will lead the Algeria line
93WDS14SMY123.pgs 02.05.2014 13:19
WORLD SOCCER 21
Vahid HALILHODZIC (Bos)
Age 61 (15.10.52)
Algeria coach since July 2011
How he got
the job
Appointed with the
task of reaching the
semi-nals of the
2013 African
Nations Cup and
qualifying for the
World Cup. Kept his
job despite his
failure to full the
rst part of that agreement.
Past successes as a coach
Won the African Champions League
with Raja Casablanca in 1997, the
French league with Lille in 2000 and
the French Cup with Paris Saint-
Germain in 2004.
Past failures as a coach
Fired by PSG after the side dropped to
seventh in Ligue 1. Was sacked by Ivory
Coast just a few months before the
start of the 2010 World Cup following
the teams shock defeat by Angola in
the quarter-nals of the African
Nations Cup.
Achievements as a player
Top goalscorer in Frances Ligue 1
in 1983 and 1985 while playing for
Nantes.
World Cup experience
Played 60 minutes in two substitute
appearances for Yugoslavia during
the 1982 tournament in Spain.
Relationship with the media
Notoriously testy as he frequently
ignores press conferences.
Relationship with the public
Supporters have a guarded admiration
for the Bosnian, a situation boosted by
their World Cup qualication.
Style of management/coaching
Hard-nosed and tempestuous with
frequent touch-line outbursts.
Notable backroom staff
His assistant is former Algeria striker
and captain Abdelhad Tasfaout, who
scored 35 goals for his country.
After the World Cup
Numerous run-ins with the Algerian FA
mean he is extremely unlikely to still be
in charge after the summer.
COACH PROFILE
l The team is very young and
inexperienced. It will therefore
have to compensate with a
passion in their play.
Yazid Mansouri, former captain

l Algeria can imagine they will qualify with the
group theyve been given but its
a group that will be decided on
very small details.
Philippe Troussier, former South
Africa and Japan World Cup coach
Creative force...Algeria winger Soane Feghouli
93WDS14SMY124.pgs 02.05.2014 13:21
WORLD CUP 2014 ALGERIA SQUAD
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Azzedine DOUKHA
USM El Harrach
Age 27 (05.08.86)
Third choice who lacks the
necessary height for international
level but is known as a strong
shot-stopper. Captain of his club
and a rarity as an African-based
player in a World Cup squad.
Rais MBOLHI
CSKA Soa (Bul)
Age 28 (25.04.86)
Has played club football in
Scotland, Greece, Japan, Russia
and France, as well as Bulgaria,
and had a trial with Manchester
United prior to the 2010 World
Cup in South Africa, where he
kept a clean sheet against England.
Essaid BELKALEM
Granada (Spa)
Age 25 (01.01.89)
Sluggish centre-back with an
imposing presence who has
not had much game time on
loan at Watford in the English
Championship this season.
Represented Algeria at the
2013 Military World Cup.
Madjid BOUGHERRA
Lekhwiya (Qat)
Age 31 (07.10.82)
Tough skipper who won the league
title in Qatar again this term.
French-born, he played at the
2010 nals and won the Scottish
Premier League three times with
Rangers. Always useful going
forward at set-pieces.
Liassine CADAMURO
Real Sociedad (Spa)
Age 26 (05.03.88)
Full-back who was born in France,
to an Italian father and an Algerian
mother. Spent the second half of
this season on loan to Spanish
second-tier side Mallorca. Made
his international debut in 2012.
Nabil BENTALEB
Tottenham Hotspur (Eng)
Age 19 (24.11.94)
Born in Lille and capped by France
at under-19 level, he won his rst
senior cap for Algeria against
Slovenia in March. Central
midelder who broke into Spurs
rst team when Tim Sherwood
replaced Andre Villas-Boas.
Yacine BRAHIMI
Granada (Spa)
Age 24 (08.02.90)
Played in the France side that
reached the Euro Under-19
semi-nals in 2009 before
switching his international
allegiance in February 2013
and making his Algeria debut
a month later.
Adlene GUEDIOURA
Crystal Palace (Eng)
Age 28 (12.11.85)
A sub in all three of Algerias
games at the 2010 World Cup.
His father was an international
striker, his mother a former
Spanish basketball player and
younger brother Nabil has played
for Nottingham Forests under-21s.
Ishak BELFODIL
Internazionale (Ita)
Age 22 (12.01.92)
Did not make the grade at Paris
Saint-Germain before moving to
Italy, where he tried to live up
to his early potential at Bologna,
Inter and Livorno (on loan). Made
his international debut last August
after opting for Algeria over France.
Ryad BOUDEBOUZ
Bastia (Fra)
Age 24 (19.02.90)
Looks to have patched up his
differences after a falling-out
with Halilhodzic which saw him
sidelined after last years Nations
Cup. Represented France at junior
level but switched to Algeria to
play at the 2010 World Cup.
Soane FEGHOULI
Valencia (Spa)
Age 24 (26.12.89)
Creative force with an array of
skills. Can be used either on the
right side of the attack or in a
more central role and has a
12m price tag on his head
as he is likely to be sold after
the tournament in Brazil.
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Nabil GHILAS
Porto (Por)
Age 24 (20.04.90)
A late surge of form at club level
this year has put him in contention.
Born in Marseille, he made a
belated start to his professional
career three years ago, at
Moreirense in Portugal, after which
he moved to champions Porto.
Islam SLIMANI
Sporting Lisbon (Por)
Age 25 (18.06.88)
Voted Algerian player of the year
for 2013 and moved to Europe
from Chabab Belouizdad last
summer. Made his international
debut in May 2012 and was
Algerias top scorer in the 2014
World Cup qualiers.
El Arabi SOUDANI
Dinamo Zagreb (Cro)
Age 26 (25.11.87)
Among the few players in the
squad who originally hail from
a club in Algeria, having spent
six seasons at ASO Chlef before
moving to Vitoria Guimaraes, and
then Croatia. Scorer of some vital
goals in the qualifying campaign.
Faouzi GHOULAM
Napoli (Ita)
Age 23 (01.02.91)
French-born left-back whose
elder brother, Nabil, ran for France
at the 2004 World Cross Country
Championships. Moved from
Saint-Etienne to Napoli on a
four-and-a-half year contract
in January.
Rak HALLICHE
Academica (Por)
Age 27 (02.09.86)
Centre-back who is nding his
feet again after a series of injuries
curtailed his time at Fulham. Was
sent off in the semi-nals of the
2010 Nations Cup, but played in
all three games at the World Cup
nals later that year.
Medhi LACEN
Getafe (Spa)
Age 30 (15.03.84)
Born in Paris to an Algerian father
and an Italian mother. He was rst
called up by Algeria in 2006 but
missed out on the 2010 Nations
Cup nals because his wife was
pregnant. Has since gone on to
captain his country several times.
USM Alger
Age 29 (19.03.85)
Was the last player cut when
coach Rabah Saadane nalised
his 23-man squad for the 2010
tournament, but could now be
rst choice in Brazil. His form
this season helped his club to
win the Algerian league title.
Mohamed ZEMMAMOUCHE
First kit Second kit
93WDS14SMY125.pgs 02.05.2014 17:55
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WORLD SOCCER 23
Fethi HAREK
Bastia (Fra)
Age 31(21.10.82)
Back in the frame six years after
his only cap and set to be the
back-up at left-back in Brazil. His
return to the international scene
comes after a strong season in
France after winning promotion
with Bastia two years ago.
Carl MEDJANI
Monaco (Fra)
Age 29 (15.05.85)
Can play in central defence or as
a defensive midelder. Has spent
this season on loan to Olympiakos
in Greece and then Valenciennes
of France. Born in Lyon, he
captained France under-21s
before switching allegiance.
Hassan YEBDA
Udinese (Ita)
Age 30 (14.05.84)
Has played for clubs in France,
Portugal, England, Italy and Spain,
including Benca, Portsmouth and
Napoli. Was a world champion at
under-17 level with France in 2001
and played all three games at the
last World Cup nals for Algeria.
Saphir TAIDER
Age 22 (29.02.92)
Has not missed a match for
Algeria since his debut against
Benin in the World Cup qualiers
last year, where he scored. His
elder brother, Nabil, plays for
Tunisia where their father hails
from; their mother is Algerian.
Djamel MESBAH
Parma (Ita)
Age 29 (09.10.84)
Left-back who can also play in
the mideld and even played as
a makeshift striker for Lecce in
Serie A. Selected for the rst time
by Algeria just before the 2010
World Cup nals, where he made
one appearance.
Safety-rst approach
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The rst thing to realise is that Coach
Vahid is not one to stick by 11 rst-
choice individuals. Within his favourite
4-3-2-1 system, players come and
go, constantly mixing and matching
according to the form of his
personnel and what he perceives
to be the strength and weaknesses
of the opposition.
While the crafty Franco-Bosnian
steadfastly maintains that his side is far more
attack-conscious than the Algeria team which
took part in South Africa 2010, the truth
is somewhat different. Throughout his
coaching career, prudence, pragmatism,
rigour and discipline have formed the core
of Halilhodzics philosophy. In tough Group
H ties against Belgium and Russia, he will
not take risks, looking to contain, counter-
attack and make hay from a set-piece.
In order to give his team that maximum
security feel, he is likely to deploy two
hermetically sealed defensive layers: a
traditional back four and a trio of mideld
holders, all of whom are comfortable on the
ball, but will be under strict instructions to
sit deep and plug gaps. The wide attacking
midelders (normally Soane Feghouli
on the right and the left-sided El Arabi
Soudani) exist as the supply line to star
striker Islam Slimani, but also are expected
to tuck in and do their share of pressing.
Algeria will be dangerous at set-pieces
where captain Madjid Bougherra can
contribute effectively. But defensively they
have proven weak on the anks and often
look rattled under pressure.
The likes of Yacine Brahimi and Ryad
Boudebouz are strong options off the bench,
but other choices are more limited. Nabil
Ghilas has emerged as a possible alternative
to Soudani.
Plan B?
Only in Algerias second match versus South
Korea will the handbrake be released. This
could mean a switch to a 4-2-3-1 - with
one of the mideld holders (possibly Yebda
or Taider) moving forward into a no10 slot
- or a 4-3-3, with Feghouli and Soudani
operating as out-and-out wingers.
When the Algerians have to chase a
game and up the tempo, Halilhodzic often
throws attacking midelder Yacine Brahimi
into the mix and should he require extra
repower, may turn to Ishak Belfodil, who
despite being too much of a maverick for the
coachs liking, does possess a hint of
goalgetting X factor.
Zemmamouche
Ghoulam
Yebda
Medjani
Taider
Bentaleb
Soudani
Slimani
Feghouli
Mesbah
Medjani
Mesbah
Bentaleb
Ghoulam
Feghouli
Taider
Soudani
Slimani
Yebda
Bougherra
4-3-2-1
Bougherra
4-2-3-1
Zemmamouche
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Aissa MANDI (D, Age 22, 22.10.91, 1/0, Reims, Fra)
Ali RIAL (D, Age 34, 26.03.80, 0/0, JS Kabylie)
Mehdi MOSTEFA (M, Age 30, 30.08.83, 22/0,
Ajaccio, France)
Rak DJEBBOUR (F, Age 30, 08.03.84, 33/5,
Nottingham Forest, Eng)
Foued KADIR (F, Age 30, 05.12.83, 23/2, Rennes,
Fra)
Riyad MAHREZ (F, Age 23, 21.02.91, 0/0, Leicester
City, Eng)
TACTICS
93WDS14SMY126.pgs 02.05.2014 17:55
26 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
A
rgentina will travel to Brazil expecting to
make the semi-nals at least and that
would be an improvement on the past
20 years. The repower at their disposal is
formidable and, for the superstitious, Messis
age (26) is the same as Maradonas when
Argentina last lifted the World Cup.
In terms of talent and ability, arguably any
one of the three strikers of Lionel Messi,
Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero have the
potential to be top scorer in the competition
meaning that if Alejandro Sabella opts to
play those three, goals should be guaranteed.
While the coach may have prepared a Plan
B, his A-game is all about Messi. Since the
disaster of the 2011 Copa America, the little
man has been transformed, scoring almost a
goal a game for his country. The image of a
dejected Messi in blue and white, or of
supporters who question his commitment to
his country, are long gone.
But analyse lines behind the attack and
question marks appear. In mideld, there are
concerns over the form and tness of
Fernando Gago, and after that there is not an
obvious like-for-like replacement in the role
alongside Javier Mascherano, especially as
Ever Banega has failed to nd consistency at
club level. And the defence continues to suffer
from organisational and individual mistakes.
Finding the balance of keeping a water-tight
THE VIEW FROM ARGENTINA
We are candidates for the title along
with Brazil, Spain and Germany but with one
clarication: we depend heavily on how Messi
makes it to the World Cup. We have to light not
just one candle but many so that he makes it in
good form. With Messi playing well we are a
totally different team. Without him, we drop
down a level and that puts us alongside national
teams like Holland, Portugal,
France, England, Uruguay
and Belgium.
Marcelo Gallardo, former
Argentina international
In Brazil well have to play against 40,000;
in Italy, we were lucky to play in Naples, but the
rest were terrible. In Brazil it is different. They
ARGENTINA
Goals shouldnt be a problem, but there are defensive worries
Its not all about attack
for Sabellas men
defence while unleashing the full armoury is the
biggest challenge facing Argentina.
The debate rages over Carlos Tevez, whose
impressive form in Italy has not been met, as
yet, with a call-up to national duty. He was only
included in the Copa America squad at the very
last minute after the pressure to include the
striker from fans and media alike forced
then-coach Sergio Batistas hand.
True, it was Tevez who missed the penalty
against Uruguay that sent Argentina out but the
teams ills went deeper than a missed spot-kick
and the prevailing optimism that has crept in
since is tempered by those defensive frailties.
Grumbles of Sabellas favouritism towards
former Estudiantes players continue, too.
The group phase is viewed favourably by
the coaching staff, not only in terms of the
opponents but also logistically. They face short
distances to matches from their base in Belo
Horizonte, allowing ample recovery time
which should see the side enter the knockout
phase in good health.
Joel Richards
Jun 4 Friendly v Trinidad & Tobago,
La Plata
Jun 7 Friendly v Slovenia, Buenos Aires
BASE CAMP
Argentina will be staying at the Atletico
Mineiro training centre, which is in
Vespasiano, an area to the north of Belo
Horizonte. Their longest ight will be the one
hour 30 minutes for their nal group game
with Nigeria while their second group game
is in Belo Horizonte itself, a mere 20-minute
journey from their base camp.
Porto Alegre
BRAZIL
GROUP F FIXTURES
Jun 15 v Bosnia-Herzegovina (Rio de Janeiro)
Jun 21 v Iran (Belo Horizonte)
Jun 25 v Nigeria (Porto Alegre)
833 miles
Vespasiano

272 miles
Belo Horizonte
Rio
de Janeiro
15 miles
Little master...Messi will be vital to Argentinas chances
93WDS14SMY129.pgs 02.05.2014 13:24
WORLD SOCCER 27
Alejandro SABELLA
Age 59 (05.11.54)
Argentina coach since August 2011
How he got the job
Was set to y to the
Middle East for a
lucrative job offer
when the AFA called
him in 2011. Sergio
Batistas side
stumbled at the
quarter-nals of a
Copa America that
Argentina were
hosting and Sabella became the
countrys fourth coach in as many years.
For nearly 20 years he was assistant
coach to Daniel Passarella. After going
it alone in 2009 he won the league and
Libertadores Cup with Estudiantes and
came within two minutes of beating
Barcelona in the Club World Cup.
Nothing more than the odd blip.
A bit-part performer at River Plate, he
was a classy playmaker in England with
Shefeld United. He later went home
and won two titles with Estudiantes.
Was Passarellas assistant at France 98.
He plays a straight bat with the local
media who recognise what he has done
with improving Messis form even if
comments such as Id be happy to win
half-nil bother some.
His predilection for Estudiantes players
continues to rile some, although
supporters mostly view him as a
pragmatic choice after the rollercoster
rides of Diego Maradona and Batista.
Born at River, adopted at Estudiantes
is how he describes himself, bridging
the two different schools of thought on
how the game should be played.
Like the coach, all very low prole.
After the World Cup
Barcelonas Gerardo Martino is being
tipped to replace him, but then so is
Atletico Madrids Diego Simeone...
COACH PROFILE
still think about the Maracanazo. For us it is
the worst country to play in. Brazil is football.
The team selection and tactical decisions are
Sabellas decision. I had the same with Ramon
Diaz in 1990. There is always a player who is
left out. I hear people mentioning
Tevez, but you only know if you are
right after the World Cup.
Carlos Bilardo, coach
of the 1986 team
l I think Messi is in good form, this has to be
his World Cup. Hes 26 years old, I hope it
happens. He has more than enough ability but you
cant compare him to Maradona for me there
never was nor will there ever be a player like him.
I am a big fan of Tevez, hes a player who would
have tted into the 1986 team. Wherever he has
gone he has been a champion. Id denitely take
him, instead of the fantastic four [Messi, Aguero,
Higuain, Lavezzi] it should be the fantastic ve.
Hector Enrique, 1986 World Cup-winner
l I dont think the national team has found its
form yet. We have the best player in the world,
and another three who would play in any team in
the world. But you have to make a team from 23
players. Brazil has become a utilitarian team, but
then it also has technique. Everyone thinks Brazil
will reach the Final but I think its
going to be tough and very
difcult.
Cesar Luis Menotti, 1978 World
Cup-winning coach
93WDS14SMY130.pgs 02.05.2014 13:24
WORLD CUP 2014 ARGENTINA SQUAD
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Mariano ANDUJAR
Catania (Ita)
Age 30 (30.07.83)
Veteran of Sabellas Libertadores
Cup-winning Estudiantes side, he
is Romeros understudy but has
impressed in Italy and there is
support from some of the local
media for him to start.
Agustin ORION
Boca Juniors
Age 32 (26.07.81)
A dip in form this season should
not prevent him from being third
choice in Brazil. Played in the
September 2011 friendlies
against Brazil that involved only
local players and was a regular
in the squad during qualifying.
Jose Maria BASANTA
Monterrey (Mex)
Age 30 (03.04.84)
Relatively unknown in Argentina
as he plays his club football in
Mexico, but drafted into the squad
to act as both back-up for central
defence and possibly left-back.
Dependable, but has not stood
out when called upon in qualiers.
Hugo CAMPAGNARO
Age 33 (27.06.80)
Admitted to being surprised when
Sabella called him up for his
debut. Offers defensive cover
for the right-back position should
Zabaleta switch. Having played in
a back three in Italy, he is another
option in the centre.
Federico FERNANDEZ
Napoli (Ita)
Age 25 (21.02.89)
Solid centre-back who was
brought through both at club
and international level by Sabella.
Moved to Napoli in summer 2011
but spent a period last year on
loan at Spains Getafe before
returning to Serie A.
Ever BANEGA
Newells Old Boys
Age 25 (29.06.88)
Seen as the heir to Gago, but
injury and inconsistency have
prevented him staking a stronger
claim for a regular place. Moved
back to Argentina ahead of the
World Cup to try to gain extra
playing time.
Lucas BIGLIA
Lazio (Ita)
Age 28 (30.01.86)
Neither a straight swap for
Mascherano nor Gago, he has
earned himself a squad place
for bringing work-rate and crisp
passing when called upon. Has
often been employed by Sabella
late in games to shore up mideld.
Javier MASCHERANO
Barcelona (Spa)
Age 30 (08.06.84)
Mainstay in the national team
who has recovered his form
after passing on the captaincy to
Messi in 2011. Combative and
industrious, he maintains his role
in mideld despite playing in the
centre of defence for Barcelona.
Sergio AGUERO
Manchester City (Eng)
Age 26 (02.06.88)
Brings pace, creativity and goals,
having been fast-tracked into
the national side as a teenager.
Perhaps Messis most important
attacking partner, he has an
excellent understanding with his
team-mates.
Gonzalo HIGUAIN
Napoli (Ita)
Age 26 (10.12.87)
Only scored one goal less than
Messi in the qualiers, but played
three fewer matches. Pipita
is the reference point in attack,
proving clinical and effective, as
well as offering a huge work-rate
to test opposition defences.
Angel DI MARIA
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 26 (14.02.88)
Pace and skill, coupled with his
work-rate have made him a vital
cog in the machine, operating
from deep in support of the front
three. Scored the winner in the
2008 Olympic win and is regularly
one of the sides top performers.
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goals
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Ezequiel LAVEZZI
Paris Saint-Germain (Fra)
Age 29 (03.05.85)
Well-liked member of the squad
who offers pace and versatility
from the bench, not to mention
work-rate. Has been used as a
winger as well as a striker and has
not matched his club goalscoring
record for his country.
Lionel MESSI
Barcelona (Spa)
Age 26 (24.06.87)
Captain and star player. When hes
not scoring Argentinas goals hes
most likely setting them up. The
Maradona debate will never be
buried, but leading the side in
Brazil to success could be a
trump card in the argument.
Rodrigo PALACIO
Age 32 (05.02.82)
His excellent form in Europe
has won him a place in Sabellas
thinking, even if memories of him
under performing at the 2006
World Cup linger. Strong alternative
in terms of characteristics that he
can bring to the side.
Ezequiel GARAY
Benca (Por)
Age 27 (10.10.86)
Strong, solid centre-back who
didnt play in the Copa America
but proved to be a key gure
in the World Cup qualiers.
Impressive penalty and free-kick
specialist, although hes behind
Messi in the pecking order.
Lisandro Ezequiel LOPEZ
Getafe (Spa)
Age 24 (01.09.89)
Talented and versatile centre-
back who hasnt broken into
starting line-up but is likely
to feature in the coming years.
Not to be confused with the
former Lyon and Porto player
of the same name.
Fernando GAGO
Boca Juniors
Age 28 (10.04.86)
The former Real Madrid man is
struggling to be t after suffering
a left-knee injury in April. With his
range of passing and vision, he is
important in linking defence with
attack and has no obvious like-
for-like replacement.
Sergio ROMERO
Monaco (Fra)
Age 27 (22.02.87)
Installed as Argentinas number
one by Diego Maradona, Chiquito
was in goal at the 2010 World Cup.
Lapses of concentration in the last
of the qualiers have raised doubts
about his position, as has a lack of
rst-team action with his club.
93WDS14SMY131.pgs 02.05.2014 17:56
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Gino PERUZZI (D, Age 22, 09.02.92,
4/0, Catania, Ita)
Esteban CAMBIASSO (M, Age 33,
18.08.80, 52/5, Internazionale, Ita)
Augusto FERNANDEZ (M, Age 28,
10.04.86, 7/1, Celta Vigo, Spa)
Ricky ALVAREZ (F, Age 26, 12.04.88,
5/0, Internazionale, Ita)
MISSING OUT
Carlos Tevez is resigned to not being
part of the squad in Brazil, despite an
excellent season for Juventus.
Sabella is reluctant to break up his
attacking triumvirate to nd space for
a player who has not been in the side
since he missed a penalty against
Uruguay in the quarter-nals of the
Copa America in 2011.
Ive already bought tickets to go
with my wife and my three children to
Disney World, Tevez has conceded.
Paris Saint-Germain midelder
Javier Pastore is another big name
player set to miss out he simply
hasnt been called up under Sabella.
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WORLD SOCCER 29
Nicolas OTAMENDI
Porto (Por)
Age 26 (12.02.88)
Central defender who was a
2011 Europa League winner with
Porto and will join Valencia in July.
Spent this season on loan to
Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro,
whose training complex will be
Argentinas World Cup base.
Marcos ROJO
Sporting Lisbon (Por)
Age 24 (20.03.90)
Not everyones favourite, but one
of the few options for left-back.
Plays in the middle for his club
and not as dynamic going forward,
but strong in the air at set-pieces.
Viewed as the weak spot of an
already questioned defensive line.
Jose SOSA
Metalist Kharkiv (Ukr)
Age 28 (19.06.85)
Versatile attacking option
in mideld who is one of the
Estudiantes alumni that Sabella
sticks with. Effective when called
upon, fullling the role asked of
him. Left Metalist for a six-month
loan at Atletico Madrid in January.
TACTICS
Pablo ZABALETA
Age 29 (16.01.85)
Dependable and ever-present
member of defence at right-back,
who has covered on the left.
Charged with adding width to
attacks while bringing defensive
organisation. First choice since
after the 2010 World Cup.
Potent front three have it all
x
x
19
1
Maxi RODRIGUEZ
Newells Old Boys
Age 33 (02.01.81)
Former Atletico Madrid and
Liverpool mideld who returned
home to Newells in 2012 to end
his career. He brings experience
and width to mideld despite losing
the dynamism that characterised
his style when in Europe.
Argentina might be built around Lionel
Messi, but it is not the Catalan version,
where Barcelona press from the front
and seek to dominate possession.
Sabellas side is designed to play
more on the counter-attack from
deep than Barca.
Plan A is simple: maximise the
quality, pace and sharp nishing
offered by the potent front three of Messi,
Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero. In the
preferred 4-3-3 formation, Messi is free
to move wide and deep while Agueros
interlinking with Messi is complimented by
Higuains positioning as the most advanced
reference point.
Angel Di Marias dynamism in taking
attacks forward, while also diligently tracking
back on the left ank, is crucial to the teams
overall balance.
The mideld requires a player with vision
and range in his passing, making Fernando
Gago central to the functionality of the side.
Alongside Javier Mascherano, Gago is vital
to help launch those attacks and statistically,
the Boca Juniors midelder is the player who
passes the most to Messi.
Gago, however, has had a knee injury
that will keep him out of action until the
tournament starts. Esteban Cambiassos
name has been mentioned, but Sabella may
opt for Ever Banega or Lucas Biglia for the
group games and wait for Gago to recover.
Ventures forward by the full-backs Pablo
Zabaleta (on the right) and Marcos Rojo (on
the left, who plays as a centre-back for his
club) are sometimes limited as Sabella aims
to provide a solid base from which to allow
his forward line to inict damage.
Other options include Maxi Rodriguez,
who provides movement and width in
mideld, while Rodrigo Palacio and
Ezequiel Lavezzi have similar characteristics
in attack. Midelders Jose Sosa and Biglia
have both been favoured when removing one
of the forwards in order to add presence in
the centre of the side.
Plan B?
Argentina employed a ve-man defence for
games at altitude during the qualiers, and
this could be used to shore up the defence
in a 5-3-2 formation.
Such a system would operate either with
an extra centre-back or the introduction of
another midelder, such as Biglia to allow
Mascherano to play a deeper role, closer to
the one he fulls for Barcelona.
Either Higuain or Aguero would give way
for the extra midelder.
Romero
Rojo
Mascherano
Garay
Gago
Di Maria
Aguero
Higuain
Messi
Zabaleta
Garay
Zabaleta
Mascherano
Rojo
Biglia
Gago
Di Maria
Aguero
Messi
Fernandez
4-3-3
Fernandez
Romero
5-3-2
93WDS14SMY132.pgs 02.05.2014 17:56
32 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
W
ith expectations not exactly sky high
which is understandable given the
almost impossible nature of Australias
group hopes for this summer therefore rest
more on performances rather than results. And
if the Socceroos can give a good account of
themselves against heavyweights Spain and
Holland, the football fraternity back home will
be in forgiving mood of Ange Postecoglou and
his recalibrated squad.
The regeneration undertaken by the coach
is designed to address some pretty
fundamental aws in a team that was too old,
too slow and, overall, rather too predictable.
The struggle to qualify for Brazil only amplied
the noise around the so-called golden
generation, who are revered but largely past
their sell-by date. In their place come a new
breed of hungry, quicker youngsters that
particularly in the case of Tom Rogic and
Mathew Leckie are hugely exciting.
However, the step up in quality is liable to
nd out some of the newcomers as witnessed
in the friendly with Ecuador in March, when
Australia raced into an exhilarating 3-0
half-time lead, only to lose 4-3 once the South
Americans sent on their big guns and Roos
goalkeeper Mitch Langerak had been sent off.
Preparations have been limited for
Postecoglou as he only came into the job after
qualication had been achieved. But the teams
big strength is the fact that no one expects
them to come away from Brazil with anything
but a big fat zero in the points column so they
will be able to play stress-free and build for the
2015 Asian Cup on home soil. Traditionally, the
Socceroos have fantastic resilience in the face
of adversity and they also have a habit of
surprising bigger nations although many of
their biggest upsets (3-1 v England in 2003,
2-1 v Holland 2008, 2-1 v Germany 2010, all
away from home) have come in friendlies.
Postecoglous big challenge is to revive the
Socceroos brand, which has taken a
hammering after years of rather reactive
football under Pim Verbeek and Holger Osieck.
And that is hugely important in a country where
football isnt the number one sporting passion.
As for the teams biggest weakness? Well,
thats quite simple: they dont have players
anywhere near as good as those of group
opponents Spain, Holland and Chile.
Simon Hill
May 26 Friendly v South Africa in Sydney
End of May Travel to training camp in Vitoria
Jun 2 Friendly against local club side in
Vitoria (tbc)
Jun 6 Friendly v Croatia in Salvador,
Brazil
THE VIEW FROM AUSTRALIA
The expectations for this tournament
are realistic. The World Cup is important for
performances more than results the Asian
Cup is more important six months later. We
want to see a future; a philosophy on which
way we are going to go. There was a need at
one stage for foreign coaches,
but Pim [Verbeek] and Holger
[Osieck] didnt do enough to
ensure the future of the Roos
because their mandate was to
get results.
Robbie Slater, ex-Socceroo and
Fox Sports TV analyst
BASE CAMP
No one expects them to come
away with anything but a big
zero in the points column
AUSTRALIA
Socceroos will use nals to prepare for next year
The bigger picture
The Socceroos will be based in Vitoria, the
state capital of Espirito Santo on Brazils
eastern coast. The city which is ideally
situated for travel to Australias three Group B
venues has a pleasantly relaxed feel, and
many of the thousands of Australian fans who
have snapped up tickets are likely to base
themselves there as well.
Focal point...Australias Tim Cahill (no4)
Porto Alegre
1,300 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP B FIXTURES
Jun 13 v Chile (Cuiaba)
Jun 18 v Holland (Porto Alegre)
Jun 23 v Spain (Curitiba)
1,246 miles
795 miles
Cuiaba
Curitiba
Victoria

93WDS14SMY135.pgs 02.05.2014 13:25
WORLD SOCCER 33
How he got the job
Replaced Holger
Osieck, who was
red after
successive 6-0
friendly losses to
Brazil and France,
and given a
ve-year contract.
The most successful domestic coach
ever in Australian football, he won four
national titles: two in the old NSL with
South Melbourne and two in the
A-League with Brisbane Roar.
Was red as coach of Australian junior
teams after failing to qualify for the
Under-20 World Cup in 2007.
Captained South Melbourne to two NSL
titles and was capped four times.
Coached Australias junior side at three
successive Under-20 World Cups in
2001, 2003 and 2005 and twice
reached the round of 16.
Excellent. Worked as a TV pundit for
Fox Sports and understands the need
to engage with supporters.
Very good. Still enjoying a honeymoon
period, after public opinion turned
hostile towards predecessor Osieck
amid calls for an Australian coach to
take charge.
Proactive. Likes to attack, sometimes at
the expense of defence. Changed the
A-League with his commitment to
possession football at Brisbane Roar.
His number two Ante Milicic is an
ex-Socceroo who previously assisted
Tony Popovic at Western Sydney
Wanderers. World Cup veteran Craig
Moore works as mentor to the squad.
After the World Cup
Build-up begins for Januarys Asian
Cup on home soil which he will be
expected to win.
Ange POSTECOGLOU
Age 48 (27.08.65)
Australia coach since October 2013
COACH PROFILE
l Qualication from the group would be a
dream, but a highly unlikely one. Beyond that, Id
like to see a competitive Australian team, one
that is not embarrassed the way
we were four years ago one that
looks to the future, where the
young players show there is hope.
Sebastian Hassett,
Sydney Morning Herald journalist
l They will struggle. The golden generation is
nished, and it seems the coach is heading in a
different philosophical path and taking a longer
term view. I actually think things could get really
ugly Chile are underrated here and I think they
could get out of the group.
Scott McIntyre, reporter for SBS Television
l Australia will probably lose all three games.
Theres no shame in that in such a tough group,
but the key is how they play. Postecoglou has lots
of goodwill, based on his willingness to play in an
Australian way, and giving the youngsters
responsibility. Hes also got to
focus on the Asian Cup so the
World Cup is not the end, but the
means to the end.
Tom Smithies, Daily Telegraph
93WDS14SMY136.pgs 02.05.2014 13:26
WORLD CUP 2014 AUSTRALIA SQUAD
8
0
3
0
5
0
5
0
7
0
1
0
8
0
17
0
2
0
73
13
43
4
45
1
67
31
35
17
6
1
4
3
x
x
34 WORLD SOCCER
G
O
A
L
K
E
E
P
E
R
S
Eugene GALEKOVIC
Adelaide United
Age 33 (12.06.81)
First choice for his club for seven
years and the most consistent
stopper in the A-League. His
overseas career consists of just
two games for Portuguese side
Beira Mar. Went to the 2010
World Cup as third choice.
Mitch LANGERAK
Borussia Dortmund (Ger)
Age 25 (22.08.88)
As number two to Roman
Weidenfeller at Dortmund he
has only played a dozen games in
four years and a red card against
Ecuador in March highlighted his
rustiness. Agile, condent and
imposing, his time will come.
Jason DAVIDSON
Heracles (Hol)
Age 22 (29.06.91)
Left-back who can also play
as a left-sided central defender.
Scored an own goal on his
international debut, against
Scotland. His grandmother is from
Hiroshima and his father, Alan,
played for Nottingham Forest.
Ivan FRANJIC
Brisbane Roar
Age 26 (10.09.87)
Combined playing with a job on a
building site as a carpenter before
turning pro at 21. Super t and
very mobile, he has developed
into a ne attacking full-back
whose next step is probably
a move to Europe.
Curtis GOOD
Newcastle United (Eng)
Age 21 (23.03.93)
Central defender or left-back
who has struggled to break into
Newcastles rst-team. Injury
hampered his loan at Dundee
United this season, but he played
at Wembley with Bradford City
in the 2013 League Cup Final.
Oliver BOZANIC
Lucerne (Swi)
Age 25 (08.01.89)
A central or left-sided midelder,
he moved to Switzerland last
year and has established himself
as a hard worker and a regular
goalscorer. Previously tried his
luck in England with Reading. Son
of ex-Socceroo Vic Bozanic.
Mark BRESCIANO
Al Gharafa (Qat)
Age 34 (11.02.80)
Deep-lying playmaker preparing
for his third World Cup. Both
a creator and a scorer of goals,
his many years of European
experience in Italys Serie A could
be crucial in Brazil. Famous for his
Spartacus goal celebration.
Mark MILLIGAN
Melbourne Victory
Age 28 (04.08.85)
Now a box-to-box central
midelder, having made his name
as a centre-half, he is set to go to
his third World Cup, but yet to take
to the eld. Victory turned down
bids from Crystal Palace and Bani
Yas (Israel) for him this season.
Tim CAHILL
New York Red Bulls (USA)
Age 34 (06.12.79)
The nations all-time top scorer,
he almost missed out after
representing Samoa the country
of his mothers birth in a junior
tournament in 1994. He had to
wait 10 years to get clearance,
with a FIFA rule change in 2004.
Josh KENNEDY
Nagoya Grampus (Jap)
Age 31 (20.08.82)
Appearing at his third World
Cup after an eclectic career that
has taken him from Germany to
Japan. Nicknamed Jesus by fans
for his long-owing locks and
beard which have since been
replaced by a shorter look.
Mile JEDINAK
Crystal Palace (Eng)
Age 29 (03.08.84)
A solid tackler, he is good in the
air with an excellent long-range
shot. His former coach at Central
Coast Mariners, Lawrie McKinna,
dubbed him the Silent Assassin
for his quiet, yet ruthlessly
competitive demeanour.
D
E
F
E
N
D
E
R
S
M
I
D
F
I
E
L
D
E
R
S
F
O
R
W
A
R
D
S
(Age as of 12.06. 14; caps up to and including 05.03. 14) 123
12
caps
goals
KEY
27
2
Matthew LECKIE
FSV Frankfurt (Ger)
Age 23 (04.02.91)
Second striker or right-winger,
his powerful running, pace and
eye for goal earned him a move
to Borussia Monchengladbach
in 2011, but he is now in the
German second tier. Once
modelled for lads mag FHM.
Adam TAGGART
Newcastle Jets
Age 21 (02.06.93)
Pacy and direct, he has put
himself in the frame by winning
the golden boot in the A-League.
He and Emile Heskey have
forged a protable partnership at
Newcastle. Has a knack of scoring
goals from outside the box.
Rodrigo PALACIO
(Internazionale, Ita)
Ryan McGOWAN
Shandong Luneng Taishan (Chn)
Age 24 (15.08.89)
Central defender or right-back
whose organisational skills and
no-nonsense defending earmark
him as a potential partner to
Spiranovic in Brazil. Younger
brother Dylan is on the books
at his former club Hearts.
Matthew SPIRANOVIC
Western Sydney Wanderers
Age 25 (27.06.88)
Tall, rangy centre-back who is
comfortable on the ball and
equally at home in defensive
mideld. His career stalled after
a bright start in Germany with
Nuremberg. Sister Laura plays for
Melbourne Victorys ladies team.
Matt McKAY
Brisbane Roar
Age 31 (11.01.83)
A late developer who made his
debut in 2006 but had to wait
three years for his next cap. Able
to play anywhere in mideld or
at left-back, he is a busy, hard
runner and a fans favourite
at Brisbane.
Mat RYAN
Club Brugge (Blg)
Age 22 (08.04.92)
Small for a keeper, but an
excellent shot stopper. Distributes
well, which suits Postecoglous
ideal of playing out from the back.
Had an outstanding debut season
in Belgium after leaving Central
Coast Mariners last year.
KITS
93WDS14SMY137.pgs 02.05.2014 17:59
13
1
79
8
10
0
1
0
WORLD SOCCER 35
Alex WILKINSON
Jeonbuk Motors (SKo)
Age 29 (13.08.84)
Centre-back who made his debut,
as a sub against Ecuador, in March
at the age of 29. Starred for many
years as the unappable captain
of Central Coast Mariners before
moving to Korea. Once co-owned
a greyhound called Schwarzer.
Luke WILKSHIRE
Dynamo Moscow (Rus)
Age 32 (01.10.81)
Feisty individual who, at right-back
or in mideld, is one of the golden
generation whose place is under
threat following Postecoglous
arrival. Allegedly the highest-paid
Australian footballer, earning a
reputed US$5m a year in Russia.
Dario VIDOSIC
Sion (Swi)
Age 27 (08.04.87)
Attacking midelder who will be
going to his second World Cup,
although he nearly opted for
Croatia after being left out of the
2008 Australian Olympic squad.
His father, Rado, is assistant coach
to Frank Farina at Sydney.
Tomas ROGIC
Celtic (Sco)
Age 21 (16.12.92)
Playmaker who, despite his talent,
is the latest to struggle with the
label of best since Harry Kewell.
On loan to Melbourne Victory
this season. Got his big break by
winning The Chance, run by the
Nike Football Academy.
TACTICS
Michael ZULLO
Utrecht (Hol)
Age 25 (11.09.88)
A tenacious and tricky left-winger
who has been converted into a
left-back or left-sided midelder.
Has spent the past year on loan
to Adelaide United after nding it
hard to secure a starting place in
the Eredivisie.
Big new hope Rogic may have to make do
with a role from the subs bench
21
2
9
0
Tommy OAR
Utrecht (Hol)
Age 22 (10.12.91)
Plays centrally for his club
but on the left ank for his
country. Scored the goal
of the tournament at the
2011 Under-20 World Cup
with a 30-yard free-kick
against Ecuador.
Postecoglou likes to play a 4-3-3, which
is very much in vogue in Australia due to
the national curriculum, developed by
Dutch technical director Han Berger.
Whereas predecessor Osieck
preferred a 4-4-1-1 shape, reliant
largely upon experience and
defensive structure, Postecoglous teams
are set up to attack. Evident from his rst
friendly was a commitment to quick forward
transition, playing out from the back, with
Mile Jedinak or Mark Milligan often
dropping in between the central defenders
to set up the play.
The defence will be inexperienced if
former captain Lucas Neill fails to play his
way back into contention. Full-backs Ivan
Franjic and perhaps Jason Davidson, in the
problem left-back position, will be expected
to push high and offer additional support to
wide men Tommy Oar and Matthew
Leckie, but the key could be Tomas Rogic.
Arguably the most talented player
produced by Australia in years, Rogic is
a classic number 10 but is raw and has
struggled with injury. It may be that he is used
off the bench, with Mark Bresciano taking
on more responsibility in the creative role.
Bresciano, who was hit with a FIFA ban for an
illegal transfer from Al Nasr to Al Gharafa,
has been training with Melbourne Heart to
stay t.
Tim Cahill is still the most reliable source
of goals, particularly from set-pieces, where
his strength in the air, despite his diminutive
frame, could be crucial. Josh Kennedy came
off the bench to replace Cahill in the nal
qualier against Iraq, a controversial move at
the time, but he went on to score the winner.
Matt McKay is a potential defensive
substitute, with Oliver Bozanic a back-up in
central mideld. Further forward, Oar doesnt
have searing pace but his trickery allows him
to create angles for crosses to the likes of
Cahill and Kennedy. Dario Vidosic has an
eye for goal and can pick a pass.
Plan B?
Cahill and Kennedy could possibly play
together in a 4-4-2 diamond if they are
searching for a goal late on, but Postecoglou
isnt keen on just lumping the ball in the air.
More likely is the 4-3-3 becoming a more
defensive 4-5-1 if Australia are trying to
close out a game, with wide men Oar and
Leckie tucking in.
Ryan
Davidson
Jedinak
Spiranovic
Milligan
Bresciano
Oar
Cahill
Leckie
Franjic
4-3-3
McGowan
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Brad JONES (G, Age 32, 19.03.82, 4/0,
Liverpool, Eng)
Chris HERD (D, Age 25, 04.04.89, 0/0,
Aston Villa, Eng)
Lucas NEILL (D, Age 36, 09.03.78,
96/1, Watford, Eng)
Trent SAINSBURY (D, Age 22,
05.01.92, 0/0, PEC Zwolle, Hol)
James HOLLAND (M, Age 25,
15.05.89, 12/0, Austria Vienna, Aut)
Brett HOLMAN (M, Age 30, 27.03.84,
63/9, Al Nasr, UAE)
Massimo LUONGO (M, Age 21,
25.09.92, 1/0, Swindon Town, Eng)
Adam SAROTA (M, Age 25, 28.12.88,
3/0, Utrecht, Hol)
Tomi JURIC (F, Age 22, 22.07.91, 3/1,
Western Sydney Wanderers)
MISSING OUT
Robbie Kruse was ruled out after he
tore cruciate ligaments in his left knee,
while defender Rhys Williams tore an
Achilles tendon.
Harry Kewell retired from football
at the end of this season.
Another key player from the 2010
campaign in South Africa, Brett
Holman, appears to have fallen out of
favour with coach Postecoglou.
Ryan
Davidson
Jedinak
Spiranovic
Milligan
Bresciano
Oar
Cahill
Leckie
Franjic
4-5-1
McGowan
93WDS14SMY138.pgs 02.05.2014 17:58
36 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
I
t had been 12 years since Belgium last
qualied for a major tournament so
on October 11, 2013 there was much
rejoicing on a wet night in Zagreb, Croatia, as
a Romelu Lukaku brace conrmed qualication.
Now that Marc Wilmots men are off to
Brazil, the considered opinion is that they will
qualify from Group H. After that, with Germany
or Portugal likely to provide the opposition in
the last 16, the hope is that Belgium could
match anyone over 90 minutes.
The team conceded just four goals in
10 qualifying games, although that gives a
somewhat incorrect picture as the defence
is perhaps their weakest area. Undoubtedly,
Thibaut Courtois is one of the nest keepers on
the world stage, but there are question marks
about all of the possible back four, with the
exception of Vincent Kompany.
Its in mideld with Eden Hazard, Axel
Witsel and Kevin Mirallas, to Dries Mertens,
Kevin De Bruyne and Moussa Dembele
that coach Wilmots is spoiled for choice with
a number of combinations available.
Up front, Belgium have nearly always played
with a lone striker, and Christian Benteke has
been the preferred option. However, his recent
injury has caused a headache for Wilmots as
the introduction of Lukaku is not a like-for-like
replacement.
In terms of support, the team is incredibly
popular and all their recent matches have been
sold out within hours. The media coverage will
be close to 24/7 with all the major stations,
from both sides of the language divide,
broadcasting from Brazil.
Towards the end of last year, after Zagreb,
there was a feeling that Belgium could reach
the Final and maybe even win the tournament.
Now, after three friendlies and no victories
against Colombia, Japan and Ivory Coast
hopes are more realistic.
The recent poor results in the post-qualier
friendlies have taken the heat off Wilmots and,
with several players notably, Marouane
Fellaini, Thomas Vermaelen and Jan
Vertonghen underperforming in the big
leagues, the coach is looking forward to
regrouping before settling on his nal 23.
But most importanly, after a long wait,
Belgium are back on the biggest stage of all.
John Chapman
May 19 Squad gather in Genk
May 25 Friendly v Luxembourg in Brussels
Jun 1 Friendly away to Sweden in Solna
Jun 7 Friendly v Tunisia in Brussels
Jun 10 Squad y out to Brazil
THE VIEW FROM BELGIUM
The results in recent friendlies have
meant that the team have their feet on the
ground and its better that way as Belgium
performs well when viewed as an outsider.
The group means that we could go through
to meet Germany or Portugal, and with luck
we could go even further. Remember, in 1986
the team only won one game in 90 minutes
but we still reached the semi-nals. Kevin
De Bruyne could prove that Chelsea were
wrong to let him go he could be a
revelation to some people.
Jan Ceulemans, Belgiums most-capped
player with 96 appearances
BASE CAMP
Towards the end of last year,
there was a feeling that
Belgium could maybe even
win the tournament
BELGIUM
The Diables Rouges end a dozen years in the wilderness
Back in business
Belgium will stay at the Paradise Golf & Lake
Resort (above) at Mogi das Cruzes, just to
the east of Sao Paulo. They are conveniently
located for all three of their group games
the longest journey being a 35-minute ight to
Belo Horizonte for their opening game.
GROUP H FIXTURES
Jun 17 v Algeria (Belo Horizonte)
Jun 22 v Russia (Rio de Janeiro)
Jun 26 v South Korea (Sao Paulo)
BRAZIL
Belo Horizonte
Rio de Janeiro
Mogi das Cruzes

Sao Paulo

254 miles
392 miles
38 miles
On their way...Belgium players get in the World Cup spirit
93WDS14SMY139.pgs 02.05.2014 13:28
WORLD SOCCER 37
Marc WILMOTS
Age 45 (22.02.69)
Belgium coach since May 2012
How he got
the job
Became assistant
to national coach
Dick Advocaat
in 2009 and
remained as
number two under
Georges Leekens.
None.
Past failures as coach
In 2004-05, he coached Sint-Truiden,
the club where he had started his
playing career in 1987. He was sacked
after just six months.
Won the title with Mechelen in 1989.
After ve seasons with Standard Liege,
he joined Schalke in 1996 and helped
them to win the UEFA Cup in 1997,
scoring the decisive penalty in a
shoot-out with Internazionale.
He went to four World Cups as a player
but did not play in 1990 and made just
one appearance in 1994. Was ever-
present in mideld in 1998 and had a
goal disallowed in the 2002 quarter-
nal against Brazil.
Generally keeps the press on a tight
rein, but this has not been a problem
during his successful period in charge.
Relationship with public
As Belgium have qualied, with a squad
that plays in Europes major leagues, he
can do no wrong.
He demands loyalty and discipline from
his players and in return hes loyal to
those who have brought him success.
Very much a hands-on coach and
happiest out on the training pitch.
Vital Borkelmans was in the 1994
World Cup squad with Wilmots, while
chief physio Lieven Maesschalck has
worked with players from many nations.
After the World Cup
Has signed for four more years, taking
him beyond the Euros and up to 2018.
COACH PROFILE
l Its after the group stage where the difculty
starts. If its Germany, then it could be over. Id
be more condent against Portugal as we could
beat them if we play to our best.
The loss of Benteke could lead to a
change in style but Michy Batshuayi
could come in and surprise people
Ex-international Franky Van der Elst
l Belgium had a good qualifying campaign and
its certain that they will progress from the group
stage. After that, anything could happen. In a
one-off match, it depends on the circumstances.
This team has many good individuals Witsel,
Lukaku, Defour, Mertens but it all depends on
the team playing well together on the day.
Enzo Scifo, played in four World Cups for Belgium
l It would be difcult if they play Germany or
Portugal, but if you want to achieve something
you have to beat at least one big team at a major
tournament. We have to prove that we are no
longer an underdog. Dries Mertens is performing
well for Napoli and could be a
surprise for many people. If
Belgium reach the quarter-nals
it will be a huge performance.
Geert De Vlieger, ex-international
93WDS14SMY140.pgs 02.05.2014 13:28
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38 WORLD SOCCER
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Thibaut COURTOIS
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 22 (11.05.92)
Undisputed rst choice and
arguably one of the top ve in
the world, he stands 6ft 6in and
has an arm span of 6ft 9in. His
sister, Valerie, is an international
volleyball player. On loan to
Atletico Madrid since July 2011.
Simon MIGNOLET
Liverpool (Eng)
Age 26 (06.03.88)
First choice for his club but
on the bench for his country.
Once criticised by Courtois for
suggesting that he should be
number one. Speaks ve
languages and has a degree
in political science.
Toby ALDERWEIRELD
Atletico Madrid (Spa)
Age 25 (02.03.89)
A centre-back by nature, but
right-back for Belgium. He has
tattoos of Antwerp Cathedral
and the Virgin Mary. From the
Germinal Beerschot/Ajax stable,
he had nine years in Amsterdam
before a 2013 move to Madrid.
Laurent CIMAN
Standard Liege
Age 28 (05.08.85)
A centre-back who gets his
place in the squad as reserve
right-back. Versatile defender
who has enjoyed an effective
season with his club side and
Wilmots appreciates his loyalty
to the cause.
Vincent KOMPANY
Age 28 (10.04.86)
The squads leader on and off the
pitch. Hes invested in a football
club BX Brussels to give youth
a chance, has his own limo service
and dabbles in the music business.
Supports charities in DR Congo,
which is his fathers birthplace.
Nacer CHADLI
Age 24 (01.08.89)
Seen as a winger at previous club
Twente, but more often used
centrally by Wilmots and at
Spurs. Of Moroccan parentage,
he played in a 2010 friendly
for Morocco before opting to
represent Belgium.
Kevin DE BRUYNE
Wolfsburg (Ger)
Age 22 (28.06.91)
Inuential in the qualiers and the
teams leading scorer with four
goals. Had a tough time at
Chelsea following his 2012 move
from Genk but is nding his form
again at Wolfsburg. A regular on
the wing or in mideld.
Marouane FELLAINI
Manchester United (Eng)
Age 26 (22.11.87)
Started out as a defensive
midelder in Belgium, found fame
as a false nine with Everton
and is now desperately seeking
a position with United. A regular
in the Premier Leagues most
fouls committed lists.
Eden HAZARD
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 23 (07.01.91)
Undoubtedly talented but has
rarely performed for Belgium.
Famously left the stadium and was
spotted at a burger stall during a
game against Turkey in 2011 after
he had appeared as a sub and was
then substituted himself.
Romelu LUKAKU
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 21 (13.05.93)
Leading scorer in the Belgian
league at 16 and now regularly
among the goals in England but
on loan rather than with Chelsea.
Wilmots always preferred Benteke
but his injury now makes Lukaku
the main striker.
Steven DEFOUR
Porto (Por)
Age 26 (15.04.88)
Standard Lieges youngest-ever
captain when he was 19. National
team-mate Witsel was once in
his shadow but Defour is now
something of a bit player at Porto.
His qualities are still appreciated
by Wilmots, though.
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Kevin MIRALLAS
Everton (Eng)
Age 26 (05.10.87)
After playing in a UEFA Cup match
for Lille at 16 his career nose-
dived, but hes now quietly
becoming a key gure for club
and country via spells at Saint-
Etienne and Olympiakos. Can play
centre-forward or on the wing.
Michy BATSHUAYI
Standard Liege
Age 20 (02.10.93)
Anderlecht couldnt handle him as
a teenager but he has resurrected
his career at Standard. Known for
his speed, attitude, goalscoring
and inconsistency. An under-21
international.
Nic LOMBAERTS
Zenit (Rus)
Age 29 (20.03.85)
Reserve centre-back, he was
voted best foreign player in
the Russian league in 2012 and
is a big fans favourite at Zenit.
Nicknamed The Mountain, he
speaks four languages and has
a law degree.
Seb POCOGNOLI
Hanover (Ger)
Age 26 (01.08.87)
Reserve left-back. His move to
Hanover last year got him a place
in the national squad but rarely
one in the Bundesliga side. A
member of Belgiums Olympic
squad in 2008.
Moussa DEMBELE
Age 26 (16.07.87)
Martin Jol, his manager at former
club Fulham, once forecast that
Dembele would become the top
playmaker in the Premier League,
but hes not yet reached that level.
Has rarely disappointed for
Belgium, though.
Silvio PROTO
Anderlecht
Age 31 (23.05.83)
A great shot-stopper but with a
reputation for being outspoken.
There have been stories in the
press, which have since been
denied, that he once refused to
be in the squad if it meant he
would only be third choice.
93WDS14SMY141.pgs 02.05.2014 18:00
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ALSO IN CONTENTION
Colin COOSEMANS (G, Age 21,
03.08.92, 0/0, Waasland-Beveren)
Thomas KAMINSKI (G, Age 21,
23.10.92, 0/0, Anderlecht)
Anthony VANDEN BORRE (D, Age
26, 24.10.87, 24/1, Anderlecht)
Thorgan HAZARD (M, Age 21,
29.03.93, 1/0, Chelsea, Eng)
Adnan JANUZAJ (M, Age 19,
05.02.95, 0/0, Manchester Utd, Eng)
Radja NAINGGOLAN (M, Age 26,
04.05.88, 5/1, Cagliari, Ita)
Divock ORIGI (F, Age 19, 18.04.95,
Lille, Fra)
Jelle VOSSEN (F, Age 25, 22.03.89,
12/2, Genk)
MISSING OUT
Main striker Christian Benteke tore an
Achilles while training with Aston Villa in
April and is expected to be out for up to
eight months. Third-choice goalkeeper
Koen Casteels misses out after
breaking a shinbone. Jean-Francois
Gillet of Torino had been the regular
third-choice keeper until he got caught
up in betting scandals. He was banned
for 43 months, reduced to 13 months.
4-4-2
WORLD SOCCER 39
Daniel VAN BUYTEN
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 36 (07.02.78)
Stands 6ft 6in and played at the
2002 World Cup. In his eighth
season at Bayern, he is only the
second Belgian to have won the
UEFA Champions League, after
Eric Gerets. His father was a
successful wrestler.
Thomas VERMAELEN
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 28 (14.11.85)
Vice-captain and centre-back.
One of several players in the
squad who started out with
Germinal Beerschot before
moving to Ajax. Has endured an
injury-hit season at the Emirates,
where he is no longer rst choice.
Axel WITSEL
Zenit (Rus)
Age 25 (12.01.89)
Wilmots trusted lieutenant,
dictating play from his position
in front of the back four. Rarely
makes an error, rarely injured.
Left Benca for Zenit in
September 2012 in a deal
worth a reported 40m.
Timmy SIMONS
Club Brugge
Age 37 (11.12.76)
Hugely inuential and respected
by all, he was a member of the
2002 World Cup squad. In 2012,
he covered more miles in the
Bundesliga than any other player.
Second only to Jan Ceulemans in
terms of all-time caps for Belgium.
TACTICS
Jan VERTONGHEN
Age 27 (24.04.87)
A centre-back who plays left-back
for his country. Hes a class act,
especially going forward, but his
stock has dropped along with
that of his club in recent months.
Another from the Germinal
Beerschot/Ajax stable.
Benteke absence poses problems for Wilmots
46
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Dries MERTENS
Napoli (Ita)
Age 27 (06.05.87)
Discarded by Anderlecht for being
too small, he carved out a career
in Holland, at Utrecht and PSV,
before becoming a favourite at
Napoli. Fast, clever winger who
scores and makes goals.
It has been well documented that the
Belgian FA developed a blueprint for
players development that included the
adoption of a 4-3-3 formation by the
youth teams of club and country.
Wilmots, however, favours a 4-3-3
that can look like a 4-1-4-1 with
the mideld four interchanging
and Axel Witsel fullling his
disciplined role in front of the back four. And
the defence behind him could certainly
struggle against the worlds best teams due
to the necessity to play centre-backs in the
two full-back positions. Toby Alderweireld
and Jan Vertonghan will start at right-back
and left-back respectively, with captain
Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen
in the centre.
In the qualiers, the key players were
the spine of the team goalkeeper Thibaut
Courtois, Kompany and Witsel and their
consistency allowed the creative players in
mideld to assert their authority. Kevin De
Bruyne became the fourth essential player
after he was introduced against Serbia in
Belgrade. He was a revelation from that
game on and his lack of match tness was a
contribution to the teams poor performances
in the post-qualifying friendlies.
Christian Bentekes injury is a headache
for Wilmots as it is questionable as to
whether Romelu Lukaku can play a similar
role in holding the ball up to allow team-
mates to break through from mideld.
De Bruyne is likely to play to the right of
Lukaku, with Eden Hazard on the left of a
front three. Moussa Dembele and Nacer
Chadli are the most likely partners alongside
Witsel in mideld, with Marouane Fellaini
set to start on the bench after a difcult rst
season at Manchester United.
Plan B?
The pre-tournament friendlies will be the
place to try out alternatives. There could even
be a switch to 4-4-2 but its a bit late in the
day for such a move.
Wilmots once tried Hazard as a false
nine but with limited success and questions
remain as to why Belgium rarely get the best
out of such a promising talent.
In competitive games, Wilmots has hardly
ever had to switch to a Plan B, but he has
so many attacking options in mideld that he
could simply change personnel and hope that
fresh legs could prove effective.
If he did go 4-4-2, Wilmots could bring
Kevin Mirallas into the centre, alongside
Lukaku, and leave out Chadli from the
mideld quartet.
Courtois
Vertonghen
Witsel
Vermaelen
Dembele
Chadli
Hazard
Lukaku
De Bruyne
Alderweireld
4-3-3
Kompany
Courtois
Vertonghen
Witsel
Vermaelen
Dembele
Hazard
Mirallas Lukaku
De Bruyne
Alderweireld
Kompany
93WDS14SMY142.pgs 02.05.2014 17:59
40 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
W
hatever happens in Brazil, Bosnia-
Herzegovina have already achieved
all their goals. Ravaged by a war that
brought it to its knees, the poorest country
in Europe can take great pride in just having
gained a place on the biggest stage of all.
Four years ago, under the guidance of
veteran Croat coach Miroslav Blazevic, Bosnia
made it to the play-offs, but their dream of
going to South Africa was ended by Cristiano
Ronaldo and Portugal. Safet Susic took over
just before the Euro 2012 qualication
campaign and once again the side narrowly
missed out.
They were 13 minutes away from Poland
and Ukraine when Samir Nasri scored a
controversial penalty that saved the hosts
France and sent Bosnia into another play-off.
Once again, they fell short against Portugal
and an even-better Ronaldo.
This time round, however, the Dragons
did not leave anything to chance and marched
through their group, scoring 30 goals in 10
games, and clinched qualication with a 1-0
win in Lithuania, courtesy of Vedad Ibisevics
close-range strike. They lost just once, a 1-0
reverse at home to Slovakia.
From the outset of the campaign, when
THE VIEW FROM BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
We have to know that we are outsiders,
the only debutants, and that there is no need
to put pressure on our backs. The group is
difcult, but I think a lot depends on our
approach. I hope for a good
result and a promotion of our
countrys football and the
country itself.
Meho Kodro, ex-Bosnia captain
It is difcult to discuss Bosnias chances
at this World Cup, primarily because we have
no experience of such a tournament. Matches
against Nigeria and Iran are crucial, while
Argentina is on the different level. It is
Bosnia will stay at the ve-star Casa Grande
Hotel in Guaruja on the Atlantic coast, south of
Sao Paulo and will train at the 8,000-capacity
Estadio Municipal Antonio Fernandes, which is
just ve minutes from their base.
BASE CAMP
When it all works, they can
look brilliant...but things can
just as easily fall apart
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
The Dragons are competing in their rst major nals
The history makers
hat-tricks from the twin strike-force of Ibisevic
and Manchester Citys Edin Dzeko helped
trounce Liechtenstein 8-1 away from home,
Susic opted for extremely attacking and very
risky tactics. When it all works, his side can
look brilliant. The trouble is, things can just as
easily fall apart.
A perfect example of this could be seen in
the teams rst friendly of the year, when they
lost 2-0 to Egypt in Innsbruck. Even allowing for
the friendly status, the performance was terrible
and confusing, and it was followed by heavy
criticism from both journalists and fans. The
team was booed from the pitch and, amid the
chaos, the players publicly criticised the coach
and his methods.
So it is vitally important that Bosnia go into
their rst major nals in the right frame of mind.
Everything will be new to them, so the
pre-tournament preparations where they are
staying, how the players will react to spending
months together, and the collective discipline
could all affect the sides chances.
If they can manage to neutralise all the
negatives and just enjoy the fact that they have
already overachieved, anything is possible.
Sasa Ibrulj
May 15 Training camp in Sarajevo
May 31 Friendly v Ivory Coast in St Louis,
USA
Jun 5 Friendly v Mexico in Chicago, USA
GROUP F FIXTURES
Jun 15 v Argentina (Rio de Janeiro)
Jun 21 v Nigeria (Cuiaba)
Jun 25 v Iran (Salvador)
Sao Paulo
973 miles
BRAZIL
906 miles
223 miles
Cuiaba
Salvador
Guaruja
Rio de
Janeiro
Dual threats...Bosnia strikers Dzeko (left) and Ibisevic
93WDS14SMY143.pgs 02.05.2014 13:29
WORLD SOCCER 41
Safet SUSIC
Age 59 (13.04.55)
Bosnia-Herzegovina coach since December
2009
How he got the job
Replaced Miroslav
Blazevic when he
left to join Chinese
side Shanghai
Shenhua.
Past successes
as a coach
None.
Has never stayed more than two
seasons as a coach of any club side.
Named Bosnias best-ever player
in 2004. Won the French league in
1986, the French Cup in 1983 and
was named the best foreign player
in France for the 1982-83 season.
World cup experience
Was a member of the Yugoslavia squad
in Spain 1982 and in Italy 1990, when
they reached the quarter-nals. He
scored one goal, against the UAE.
At rst he was very friendly with all
of the journalists and media, but after
the criticism following the Egypt game,
relations are now rather colder.
Relations with the public
Acclaimed as a hero after the team
secured their World Cup spot but his
support dwindled after some poor
performances. Opinion is divided, with
many disappointed over his team
selection and tactics.
Calm and rarely seen to react. Not
pragmatic when it comes to tactics and
stubbornly sticks to his plan A.
Elvir Baljic, who was a Real Madrid
record signing in 1998 when he moved
from Fenerbahce, is his assistant. Also
on the staff are Borce Sredojevic, who
has worked with the last two national
coaches, and Tomislav Piplica, who is
a former goalkeeper.
After the World Cup
Coaches of Balkan sides can go from
hero to zero in no time at all. If Susic
makes the most of Brazil he could be
offered a lucrative new contract.
COACH PROFILE
important for the players to see this as the
beginning of the job, not as a job done. It is a
really big responsibility for both Susic and the
players to create a winning atmosphere in totally
new surroundings.
Dario Mehmedovic, Federalna Televizija TV station
l Bosnia is in a specic situation where
anything is possible. With our mentality, it
would not be surprising to see some sort of
chaos, with things going downhill if they lose
to Argentina in the rst match. However, I am
an optimist. We have a solid team that can get
to the second round and then meet teams like
Switzerland, France, maybe even Ecuador,
and eventually create a miracle.
It is the rst major tournament,
well see the reaction to it,
you never know.
Aleksandar Hemon,
Bosnian-American writer
l The mentality can be a problem, but this
generation proved through the qualiers that
they have matured and that they know how to
focus. If they retain that approach, anything is
possible. The group is difcult, but Nigeria and
Iran are not unbeatable and, with some luck, we
could enjoy a good run in Brazil.
Slaven Niksic, Dnevni list
93WDS14SMY144.pgs 02.05.2014 13:31
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Asmir AVDUKIC
Borac Banja Luka
Age 33 (13.05.81)
Likely to be the only player in the
squad who plays in the Bosnian
league. Had briefs spells in Croatia
and Iran, before joining Borac and
winning the league title in 2011.
Asmir BEGOVIC
Stoke City (Eng)
Age 26 (20.06.87)
Undisputed number one and a
fans favourite. Great shot-stopper
who is known as the minister of
defence. Has ourished since
moving to Stoke in 2010 and
is now one of the most reliable
keepers in the Premier League.
Ermin BICAKCIC
Eintracht Braunschweig (Ger)
Age 24 (24.01.90)
Born in Bosnia, he moved to
Germany as a boy and has played
in the top three tiers of German
football. Made his international
debut in August last year.
Sead KOLASINAC
Schalke (Ger)
Age 20 (20.06.93)
Left-back, born in Germany, who
played for their under-20s before
being called up by his parents
homeland. He made his debut
against Argentina and impressed
with his ghting spirit, earning him
the nickname Destroyer.
Mensur MUJDZA
Freiburg (Ger)
Age 30 (28.03.84)
A regular for the national side
at right-back, he is a reliable
performer on the pitch when
t. He is injury prone and missed
most of this seasons Bundesliga
campaign.
Anel HADZIC
Sturm Graz (Aut)
Age 24 (16.08.89)
A possible option for the role
of holding midelder, having
switching to Bosnia after
representing Austria in youth
games. He made his senior
international debut this year.
Izet HAJROVIC
Galatasaray (Tur)
Age 22 (04.08.91)
The scorer of probably the most
important goal in qualifying, to
win 2-1 in Slovakia. Born in
Switzerland, he represented the
country at youth level and was
capped by Ottmar Hitzeld before
opting to represent Bosnia.
Zvjezdan MISIMOVIC
Guizhou Renhe (Chn)
Age 32 (05.06.82)
He struggles for pace and tness,
but the German-born midelder
is fantastic in possession. A key
gure in Wolfsburgs surprise
Bundesliga win in 2009, he takes
things slowly but can still be very
dangerous.
Edin DZEKO
Age 28 (17.03.86)
The centre-forward is his
countrys all-time top goalscorer
and their one big star at this
summers nals. Not always a
starter at Man City but vital for his
country. Scored 10 goals in 10
qualifying matches.
Vedad IBISEVIC
Stuttgart (Ger)
Age 29 (06.08.84)
Often in Dzekos shadow, he was
raised in St Louis and made his
name in Germany. In 2008 he
scored 18 goals in 17 matches for
Hoffenheim before injury ended
his season.
Senijad IBRICIC
Kayseri Erciyesspor (Tur)
Age 28 (26.09.85)
Attacking midelder with good
vision. He lost his squad place
after a period of poor form in
Turkey, where he moved after a
spell at Lokomotiv Moscow, but he
has since upped his game to offer
an alternative in the middle.
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Senad LULIC
Lazio (Ita)
Age 28 (18.01.86)
Raised in Switzerland, Susic
has used him as a left -winger,
although he can also play in
mideld or at full-back on
that side of the pitch.
Edin VISCA
Istanbul BB (Tur)
Age 24 (17.02.90)
Fast and mobile, he is often used
as substitute to inject pace. Moved
from Zeljeznicar to Istanbul BB
and stayed loyal to the team after
they were relegated, winning the
approval of the fans.
Boris PANDZA
Gornik Zabrze (Pol)
Age 27 (15.12.86)
Good in the air, he will be back-up
for central defence. After three
years in Belgium with Mechelen
he moved to Poland to boost his
chances of a trip to Brazil.
Emir SPAHIC
Bayer Leverkusen (Ger)
Age 33 (18.08.80)
National captain who has the total
respect of his team-mates and
holds the back four together.
Gives his all in every match but
struggles with discipline and is
often booked.
Haris MEDUNJANIN
Gaziantepspor (Tur)
Age 29 (08.03.85)
A member of the Holland
under-21 team that won Euro
2006, he decided to represent
his homeland three years later. A
creative midelder for his club, he
is more often used in a defensive
role for the national side.
Jasmin FEJZIC
Aalen (Ger)
Age 28 (15.05.86)
Plays in the German second
tier and is competing for a role
as back-up to Begovic.
93WDS14SMY145.pgs 02.05.2014 19:01
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WORLD SOCCER 43
Ognjen VRANJES
Elazigspor (Tur)
Age 24 (24.10.89)
Solid defender who Susic has
used most at right-back. After
Borac Banja Luka and Red Star
Belgrade, he tried his luck at
Sheriff Tiraspol, and Krasnodar
and Alania Vladikavkaz of Russia
before moving to Turkey.

Avdija VRSAJEVIV
Hajduk Split (Cro)
Age 28 (06.03.86)
Hard worker who compensates
for lack of quality with a ghting
spirit. Often criticised by the
public, he got his chance under
Susic after Mujdzas injury as the
only proper alternative on the
right side.
Adnan ZAHIROVIC
Bochum (Ger)
Age 24 (23.03.90)
Once a rst choice for the position
of defensive midelder, he lost
his place in the squad after
leaving Dinamo Minsk for
German second-tier side Bochum.
Can also play at right-back.
Sejad SALIHOVIC
Hoffenheim (Ger)
Age 29 (08.10.84)
Raised in Berlin, where he ed during
the war, he joined Hoffenheim
when they were in the third tier and
has now been with he club for eight
years. A cool penalty-taker who
can play on the left as a full-back,
winger or defensive midelder.
TACTICS
Ervin ZUKANOVIC
Gent (Blg)
Age 27 (11.02.87)
Versatile defender who can
play on either ank or as a
centre-back. Started his career
in Bosnia with Zeljeznicar but
moved abroad in 2008.
Unbalanced, but still dangerous
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Miralem PJANIC
Roma (Ita)
Age 24 (02.04.90)
Raised in Luxembourg and began
his career in France, he turned
down both countries to represent
his homeland. The Little Prince is
Bosnias most creative player and
will be key to the teams success
this summer.
During qualifying, Susic packed his side
with attacking, creative players, even
against solid defensive teams such as
Greece. However, his preferred set-up,
with a mideld diamond, has started
to be exposed.
He publicly admits that he has
only 12 or 13 good players and
that the alternatives are not on
the same level, so his problem is trying to
squeeze those players in to a starting XI.
As a result, there is a lot of improvisation
and unbalance in the team.
Bosnia are dangerous when in possession,
but their big problem comes when they have
to defend. The lack of a quality holding
midelder is most noticeable against
top-notch, mobile opposition. The central
defenders are slow and need support in the
middle, where Haris Medunjanin and Sejad
Salihovic compete for a place.
A number of options open up when
Bosnia are attacking. Zvjezdan Misimovic
and Miralem Pjanic are the creative duo in
mideld and they provide the service for Edin
Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic.
The emergence of full-back Sead
Kolasinac has given more balance to the
left side, allowing Senad Lulic to became
a regular on the left ank. On the right,
Mensur Mujdza is an attacking full-back.
Pjanic, Salihovic and Misimovic are all
considered to be free-kick specialists.
Susic makes no bones about his attacking
approach. Last year, he told World Soccer: I
do not have any choice! Look at my team. We
have two top strikers in Dzeko and Ibisevic,
a couple of very creative but also attack-
minded midelders like Misimovic and Pjanic,
then Lulic, Salihovic, Mujdza.
We have to play like we do now. It may
sound tactically immature, I am fully aware of
that, but I just think that it would be wrong to
play differently. We know that we expose
ourselves too much and that there is a huge
risk in the way we play using one defensive
midelder and opening up huge space for an
opponent but it would be unfair to the fans.
We know that it can cost us, but that is
the price we are willing to pay. In the end, we
play to score more goals than the opposition
and it has paid off so far.
Plan B?
Although Susic is considered stubborn, he
has experimented with different systems and
there is a chance that he could decide to go
4-2-3-1, with Ibisevic dropping to the bench
and Medunjanin joining Salihovic.
Begovic
Kolasinac
Salihovic
Bicakcic
Pjanic Lulic
Ibisevic
Misimovic
Dzeko
Mujdza
Bicaksic Mujdza
Medunjanin
Kolasinac
Pjanic
Salihovic
Lulic
Dzeko
Misimovic
Spahic
4-4-2
Spahic
Begovic
4-2-3-1
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Dino ARSLANAGIC (D, Age 21,
24.04.93, 0/0, Standard Liege, Blg)
Toni SUNJIC (D, Age 25, 15.12.88,
5/0, Zorya Luhansk, Ukr)
Muhamed BESIC (M, Age 21,
10.09.92, 7/0, Ferencvaros, Hun)
Tino-Sven SUSIC (M, Age 22,
13.02.92, 1/0, Hajduk Split, Cro)
MISSING OUT
Elvir Rahimic of CSKA Moscow
conrmed that Susic has explained to
him that he will be excluded from the
team because of his age (38) and the
fact that he is not playing enough in
the Russian league.
93WDS14SMY146.pgs 02.05.2014 19:00
44 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
T
here is no other objective that were
interested in, says coach Luiz Felipe
Scolari. So we need to state it: were at
home, the conditions are in our favour, were
going to win. Back in 2012, Brazils players
were handed their schedule of activities for the
World Cup period and that involved going all
the way to the Final.
A little more than a year ago, this might
have come across as empty hubris; after taking
an ageing squad to the previous World Cup,
Brazils results suffered as coach Mano
Menezes blooded a new generation. There was
no noticeable improvement in the rst few
months of 2013 after Scolari was brought
back, but last June was always going to be
crucial. With friendlies against England and
France followed by the Confederations Cup,
Scolari had an extended period of time to work
with his players. And the results could not have
been better. Where all had been in doubt at
the end of May, by June 30 Brazil had installed
themselves as World Cup favourites.
Even more important than the 3-0 triumph
over Spain in the Final of the tournament was
the fact that they had forged an identity as a
team, winning over their own fans up and down
the land. The turbulent political situation even
THE VIEW FROM BRAZIL
I believe Brazil have an 85 per cent chance
of being champions, based on the way the team
have been playing and the balance that Scolari
has achieved and the manner the public have
been brought close. The support that the fans
gave in the Confederations Cup will be even
bigger this time. We have a top team, full of
great players, which doesnt depend on just one
or two of them. All of the world powers have
won their home World Cups and
Brazil have everything it takes
to triumph this time.
Zico, who played in three World
Cups for Brazil
My expectations are high. In the
Confederations Cup the team looked solid,
BRAZIL
Pressure on the hosts to succeed will be huge this summer
Only victory will do
seemed to have worked in their favour. Before
the matches, when the music for the national
anthem stopped, the fans and players kept on
singing, providing a powerful symbol of the
bond linking the stands to the pitch.
With his starting line-up settled, Scolari has
been able to use subsequent friendlies to try
out little experiments. Almost everything has
worked: the recall of Ramires, the introduction
of Willian and Fernandinho, Robinho used as
a false nine. Brazils problem now is who to
leave out; Maicon or Ranha at right-back, for
example. Dani Alves played a few minutes at
left-back in a recent game is Scolari really
thinking of sacricing a reserve in order to nd
room for all his attacking options?
Doubts remain about the form of keeper
Julio Cesar after his lengthy period of inactivity.
But the main worry is the cruel nature of the
competition; the harsh lesson of 1950 is that
no matter how brilliant the football, a bad 15
minutes can be enough to end the dream.
Brazil reacted well to conceding goals in
friendlies, but they won the Confederations Cup
without ever going behind. How will they cope
should it happen when it really matters?
Tim Vickery
May 26 Training in Granja Comary, in
the hills outside Rio
Jun 3 Friendly v Panama in Goiania
Jun 6 Friendly v Serbia in Sao Paulo
BASE CAMP
The hosts will base themselves at the CBF
Training Centre at Granja Comary, near
Teresopolis. It is located in a mountainous
region in Rio de Janeiro state, on the edge
of the Serra dos Orgaos National Park. The
complex, which includes ve football pitches
and a 39-suite hotel, has recently been
extensively renovated prior to the World Cup.
BRAZIL
GROUP A FIXTURES
Jun 12 v Croatia (Sao Paulo)
Jun 17 v Mexico (Fortaleza)
Jun 23 v Cameroon (Brasilia)
1,556
miles
Teresopolis

Rio de Janeiro
Sao Paulo
Brasilia
Fortaleza
814 miles
314 miles
No matter how brilliant the
football, a bad 15 minutes can
be enough to end the dream
High hopes...will Brazil be celebrating on July 13?

93WDS14SMY147.pgs 02.05.2014 13:31
WORLD SOCCER 45
Luiz Felipe SCOLARI
Age 65 (09.11.48)
Brazil coach since November 2012

How he got the job
Appointed after
Mano Menezes was
sacked, he was the
popular choice,
seen by many as
being the only
candidate with the
necessary strength
of character to take
charge of a home
World Cup.

Won the 2002 World Cup and the 2013
Confederations Cup. Also took Portugal
to the Final of Euro 2004 and the
semi-nals of the 2006 World Cup.
Has described losing the Euro 2004
Final, at home to Greece, as the biggest
disappointment of his career. His spell
with Chelsea would have to go down
as a failure. Was sacked by Palmeiras
prior to being appointed by Brazil.

A defender in the lower leagues.

Won it with Brazil in 2002 and came
fourth with Portugal four years later.

Usually has them eating out of his hand.
His father-gure charisma and steely
man of destiny glare go down a treat.

A pragmatist, but can also be instinctive
and surprising. He had always favoured
4-4-2 with a big target man, so it was a
shock when his previous spell in charge
of Brazil was characterised by the use
of a back three. A skilled and sensitive
man-manager.

His faithful assistant is Flavio Murtosa
and his co-ordinator is Carlos Alberto
Parreira, a World Cup-winning coach in
his own right. The physical preparation
specialist Paulo Paixao is credited with
playing a vital role in the 2002 triumph.
After the World Cup
Unclear. In 2002 he quit just after
winning the tournament.
COACH PROFILE
it imposed itself on the games you could see its
strength. The players looked focused, aware of
the importance of what theyre doing, and theyve
built up credit with the supporters, meaning that
theyre unlikely to be booed by the
crowd in the early games even if
things are not going well.
Falcao, a former World Cup player
and ex-national team coach
l I think Brazil have real chances of winning
the World Cup, as was shown by their
performances in the Confederations Cup,
especially the game against Spain. Brazil got
their condence back and the people saw the
spirit in which they approached the competition,
with lots of unity, and no vanity. The undoubted
star of the team is Neymar, and we
saw that his team-mates were
demanding the best from him, just
as he was from them all pulling
together to achieve the victory.
Juninho Paulista, former Brazil player
l Were one of the strong candidates for the
title. Everyone, including myself, was pessimistic
about our chances until the Confederations Cup,
when the team totally transformed the
perception. The coach Scolari has built a team
that play modern, compact, attacking football,
very different from the stuff played by our club
sides, and with the support of the fans we have a
great chance of going all the way.
Andre Rizek, SporTV
93WDS14SMY148.pgs 02.05.2014 13:33
WORLD CUP 2014 BRAZIL SQUAD
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KITS
46 WORLD SOCCER
G
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P
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R
S
Julio CESAR
Queens Park Rangers (Eng)
Age 34 (03.09.79)
Third choice in 2006, rst choice
in the last World Cup and recalled
by Scolari last year. The worry,
however, is whether a long period
of inactivity at QPR, before he
joined Toronto on loan in January,
has taken the edge off his game.
JEFFERSON
Botafogo
Age 31 (02.01.83)
Lithe, athletic and an excellent
shot stopper, he is now established
as second choice with his form
in this years Libertadores Cup
leading to some calling for his
promotion. However, not always
entirely comfortable off his line.
Dani ALVES
Barcelona (Spa)
Age 31 (06.05.83)
Took over from Maicon as right-
back after the 2010 World Cup,
where he also featured in mideld.
Quick and skilful, he strikes the
ball well and is a threat when
joining the attack. Out of contract
this summer.
DANTE
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 30 (18.10.83)
Big, left-footed centre-back
introduced by Scolari at the start
of last year. Has played most of his
career abroad. Signed a one-year
contract extension in March,
keeping him at Bayern until at
least June 2017.
David LUIZ
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 27 (22.04.87)
Exuberant centre-back introduced
after the last World Cup. Prone to
recklessness, he often features for
his club in central mideld. Has
been tipped to move to Barcelona
this summer.
FERNANDINHO
Age 29 (04.05.85)
Successfully recalled in March
against South Africa, where he
looked uncomfortable in the
holding role but lively when moved
further forward. Has terric lung
power. Scored the goal that won
the 2003 World Youth Cup.
Luiz GUSTAVO
Wolfsburg (Ger)
Age 26 (23.07.87)
Was not well-known to the
Brazilian public before his
introduction on the eve of the
Confederations Cup proved
such a turning point for the team.
Tall holding midelder whose
distribution is simple and effective.
PAULINHO
Age 25 (25.07.88)
All-rounder who times his runs
into the opposing box so well. The
key man in the Corinthians side
that won domestic, Libertadores
and World Club titles, he has had
a mixed rst season in England.
FRED
Fluminense
Age 30 (03.10.83)
Tall, technically procient centre-
forward who scored at the 2006
World Cup but later went a little
off the rails. Can be injury-prone
and was laid off after the
Confederations Cup where he
had been one of Brazils heroes.
HULK
Zenit (Rus)
Age 27 (25.07.86)
Barrel-strong gure who can
feature all across the front line but
usually plays wide on the right for
Brazil, showcasing his capacity to
track back and mark, and also to
cut inside and unleash his
booming left-foot shots.
HERNANES
Age 29 (29.05.85)
Versatile midelder who can strike
the ball beautifully off either foot.
Made his debut in 2008 but took
a long time to consolidate his place.
Has been Paulinhos understudy,
but the rise of Fernandinho could
push him back further.
D
E
F
E
N
D
E
R
S
M
I
D
F
I
E
L
D
E
R
S
F
O
R
W
A
R
D
S
12
caps
goals
KEY
25
5
JO
Atletico Mineiro
Age 27 (20.03.87)
Lanky left-footed centre-forward
given a surprise recall on the eve
of the Confederations Cup. Was
frittering away his promise with
nightlife excesses, but has rebuilt
his career. Top scorer as his club
won last years Libertadores Cup.
NEYMAR
Barcelona (Spa)
Age 22 (05.02.92)
Brazils poster boy and great
attacking hope. Outrageously
skilled, capable of improvisation at
pace and a crisply efcient nisher
off either foot. Superb from free-
kicks, the hopes of the host nation
are piled on his slender shoulders.
ROBINHO
Milan (Ita)
Age 30 (25.01.84)
One-time wonderkid who never
quite fullled his promise but who
was recalled last year and tried
out in the false nine role. Can
also play wide, and his versatility
should win him the nal attacking
slot ahead of Bernard.
MARCELO
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 26 (12.05.88)
Talented attacking left-back who
scored on his debut, just after the
2006 World Cup, but then had to
wait four years for a regular call-
up. Part of the problem was his
temperament he can often lose
his head and see red.
MARQUINHOS
Age 20 (14.05.94)
Promising centre-back whose
debut was late last year as a sub
against Honduras and has enjoyed
a rapid rise in European club
football. Made his name with
Roma after a handful of games
for Corinthians.
OSCAR
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 22 (09.09.91)
The hero of the 2011 Under-
20 World Cup Final who was a
revelation when promoted to the
senior side. His slight frame belies
his versatility; he can skip across
all sectors of the pitch, marking,
organising, creating and scoring.
VICTOR
Atletico Mineiro
Age 31 (21.01.83)
The hero of his clubs Libertadores
Cup triumph last year, he was
briey Brazils rst choice in their
rst few games after the 2010
World Cup. Would seem to be
ahead of Diego Cavalieri in the
race to be the third keeper.
93WDS14SMY149.pgs 02.05.2014 18:01
41
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0
45
2
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0
x
x
WORLD SOCCER 47
MAXWELL
Age 32 (27.08.81)
Steady reserve left-back recently
given a run in the squad, but his
place could be under threat if
Scolari uses Alves as cover for
left-back in order to increase
his attacking options.
RAFINHA
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 28 (07.09.85)
Recently recalled for his second
cap in March, against South Africa,
after making his debut in 2008.
Has had more playing time for
his club this season under Pep
Guardiola, and could be in front
of Maicon as reserve right-back.
WILLIAN
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 25 (09.08.88)
Like Fernandinho, the move from
Ukraines Shakhtar Donetsk to
England has given him extra
visibility at home. Was once an
orthodox no10 for Corinthians and
has since learned to operate all
across the attacking mideld line.
TACTICS
Thiago SILVA
Age 29 (22.09.84)
A non-playing reserve in the
2010 squad who has matured
into the teams captain and the
defensive linchpin. Quick, classy
and comfortable in possession.
Not the most vocal of leaders,
but quietly commands respect.
Holding midelder Gustavo provides
security for Scolaris attacking outlook
5
1
RAMIRES
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 27 (24.03.87)
Recalled after the Confederations
Cup. Not a great passer of the
ball, but a lithe runner with great
stamina. Has a tendency to dive
into tackles and pick up cards
he missed the 2010 quarter-nal
against Holland through suspension.
The pieces in Brazils jigsaw started to
come together when Luiz Gustavo was
installed as the holding midelder. It
balanced out the side and stemmed
the ow of goals being conceded
from the space in front of the
centre-backs Thiago Silva and
David Luiz. Gustavos presence also frees
Paulinho to launch his well-timed forward
runs. The fact that he is left-footed makes
it easier for him to protect the weaker side
of the defence.
Another change down the spine of the
team introduced by Scolari was the return of
a target-man centre-forward. Fred provides
a reference point for a quick, dynamic
mideld and his prowess with his back
to goal helps bring Neymar into the game.
The line of three behind Fred shows
considerable mobility, with Neymar on
the left usually the furthest forward. The
all-round ability of Oscar enables him to
drop deep to orchestrate the play in addition
to ghosting into the box, though there are
doubts over whether he will be fresh enough
after three intense years. The physical
capacity of Hulk will see him bursting forward
down the right ank. Hulk normally starts, but
can be a useful impact sub.
Jo is an obvious direct alternative for
Fred, while Willian can play across the
attacking line. Hernanes could come in
for Paulinho, while Fernandinho would
be a slightly more defensive replacement.
There will be periods during matches
where Scolari will seek to press the
opposition high up the pitch, which is a
relatively new concept for Brazil and one
which could add to the problems for referees.
During the Confederations Cup the player
who was most fouled was Neymar a
reection both of his ability and of his
capacity to draw challenges in areas from
which his set-pieces can be so dangerous.
But he followed by Oscar was also the
player who committed most fouls as Brazil
sought to stop their opponents counter-
attacks at source. The ofcials will have lots
of decisions to take, and with the home crowd
howling for free-kicks, the pressure will be on.
Plan B?
Scolaris principal tactical variation is to
switch to 4-3-3, with Ramires coming in for
Hulk. He will sit in alongside the two mideld
holders, with Oscar and Neymar pushed up
alongside Fred.
Cesar
Marcelo
Oscar
Luiz
Paulinho
Gustavo
Neymar
Fred
Hulk
Alves
4-2-3-1
Silva
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Diego CAVALIERI (G, Age 31, 01.12.82,
3/0, Fluminense)
DEDE (D, Age 25, 01.07.88, 9/1,
Cruzeiro)
HENRIQUE (D, Age 27, 14.10.86, 4/0,
Napoli, Ita)
MAICON (D, Age 32, 26.07.81, 66/6,
Roma, Ita)
LUCAS Leiva (M, Age 24, 09.01.87,
25/0, Liverpool, Eng)
BERNARD (M, Age 21, 08.09.92, 10/1,
Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukr)
KAKA (M, Age 32, 22.04.82, 85/27,
Milan, Ita)
Lucas MOURA (M, Age 21, 13.08.92,
31/4, Paris Saint-Germain, Fra)
MISSING OUT
Just like his two predecessors as coach
of Brazil, Luiz Felipe Scolari had a quick
look at Ronaldinho and discarded him,
after coming to the conclusion that he no
longer has the physical capacity to tip the
balance at the highest level.
Cesar
Marcelo
Gustavo
Luiz
Ramires
Paulinho
Neymar Fred
Oscar
Alves
4-3-3
Silva
93WDS14SMY150.pgs 02.05.2014 18:01
48 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
L
ucky breaks characterised an unconvincing
qualifying campaign for Cameroon, who
this summer will arguably be elding their
weakest team at a World Cup nals.
It will be a seventh appearance at the
tournament for the corruption-ravaged central
African country whose football association
president sits in jail, where their star player has
accused team-mates of not wanting to pass to
him, and while the recently imported coach
spends much of his time trying to put out res.
It has long been this way for the
Indomitable Lions, who continually astound all
convention by qualifying for footballs biggest
show. No African country has been to as many
World Cup nals, but chances of Volker Finkes
side making any impact in 2014 are slim.
In an unconvincing qualifying campaign,
Cameroon benetted from the folly of others
and only came alive in the decisive game at
the end of 18 months of torment-lled form.
Key to their success was the fact that
opponents Togo were found to have elded a
suspended player in the group game last June
when they beat Cameroon 2-0 in Lome. The
result was later overturned and the visitors
were awarded the three points.
The 4-1 win over Tunisia in November
to win the qualication play-off was against
a weak side, but did suggest that coach Finke
might nally be bringing some organisation
to the side as well as stability and tranquillity
to a camp long divided by the tempestuous
personality of Samuel Etoo and clashes with
other players, notably Alex Song.
A 5-1 friendly defeat by Portugal in March
emphasised the mediocrity of the qualifying
campaign, and the concern is that the Brazilian
adventure could turn out to be as disastrous as
the trips to the World Cups in Japan in 2002
and South Africa four years ago, where
Cameroon lost all their matches.
Indeed, they have won only one game at
the nals since their heroics of 1990, when
they became the rst African side to reach
the last eight. The charisma of that Italia 90
team has not been matched since and there
is nothing to suggest a miraculous turnaround
in fortunes when Group A kicks off.
Mark Gleeson
May 20 Training in camp in Kufstein,
Aut
May 26 Friendly v Macedonia in Kufstein,
Aut
May 29 Friendly v Paraguay in Kufstein,
Aut
Jun 1 Friendly away to Germany in
Monchengladbach
Jun 2 Return to Yaounde
Jun 4 Travel to Brazil
THE VIEW FROM CAMEROON
Cameroon football really needs to step
up a notch otherwise its going to lose
ground against the other countries.
Jacques Songoo, former Cameroon
goalkeeper
There is a culture of
performance in this country.
Cameroonians are mentally
strong despite all the difculties
back at home and they always
seem to come to the fore at
World Cup tournaments.
Claude le Roy, ex-Cameroon coach
BASE CAMP
CAMEROON
Problems on and off the eld for the former pride of Africa
Indomitable Lions
fearing the worst
After a good deal of deliberation, Cameroon
opted to set up camp at the Sheraton Hotel
in Vitoria, an island city on the east coast that
is the state capital of Espirito Santo. Their
training base is eight miles to the north west,
in the town of Cariacica, at the Estadio Kleber
Andrade home to the states most successful
team, Rio Branco.
Joy or despair?...Cameroon face a tough test in Brazil
Manaus
GROUP A FIXTURES
Jun 13 v Mexico (Natal)
Jun 18 v Croatia (Manaus)
Jun 23 v Brazil (Brasilia)
874 miles
1,320
miles
Brasilia
Natal
Vitoria
BRAZIL
2,731 miles
93WDS14SMY151.pgs 02.05.2014 19:00
WORLD SOCCER 49
How did he get the job
Was appointed as the replacement
for Jean-Paul Akono in 2013.
Took Freiburg up to the Bundesliga for
the rst time and was in charge there
for 16 years, gaining a reputation for
innovative coaching methods.
Did not impress during a year at Urawa
Red Diamonds in Japan or as technical
director at Cologne.
None.
None.
Needs some prompting to engage, but
is co-operative and obliging.
There was criticism over the
appointment of a foreigner in the
wake of others failures, but after
qualication he was named Cameroon
sport personality of the year.
Professorial, cajoling and patient,
but with a good dollop of Teutonic
discipline and structure.
Ibrahim Tanko, a former Ghana
international who played in the
Bundesliga
After the World Cup
Likely to seek out more foreign
adventures but will want to stay
for the 2015 African Nations Cup.
Volker FINKE (Ger)
Age 66 (24.03.48)
Cameroon coach since May 2013
COACH PROFILE
l Cameroon has some history
with Brazil. On a purely sporting
level for Cameroon, it could also
have been worse at least they
have a prestigious opponent.
Joseph Antoine Bell, ex-goalkeeper and now
French radio analyst
l The group is not simple but it is far from
insurmountable for Cameroon. It
will be a dream for us to play
against Brazil.
Former Cameroon international
striker, Patrick Mboma
Star man...striker Etoo
93WDS14SMY152.pgs 02.05.2014 19:02
WORLD CUP 2014 CAMEROON SQUAD
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50 WORLD SOCCER
G
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Guy-Rolland ASSEMBE
Nancy (Fra)
Age 28 (28.02.86)
Back-up at the last World Cup
nals as well as this years. Limited
appearances in Ligue 1, having
spent most of his career in
the second tier with Nantes,
Valenciennes, Nancy and now
on loan at Guingamp.
Charles ITANDJE
Konyaspor (Tur)
Age 31 (02.11.82)
Made several key saves in the
play-off against Tunisia. Born in
Paris and a former France junior
international, he left Liverpool
after angering fans when caught
on camera laughing during a
Hillsborough memorial service.
Benoit ASSOU-EKOTTO
Age 30 (24.03.84)
Solid left-back who was born in
France but made his debut for
Cameroon in 2009 and played
at the last World Cup. Since then
he has had a lengthy spell of
self-imposed exile. Spent the
season on loan at QPR.
Henri BEDIMO
Lyon (Fra)
Age 30 (04.06.84)
Left-back who narrowly missed
out on selection for the last World
Cup nals. Went to France aged
15 and won the Ligue 1 title with
Montpellier two years ago.
Gaeten BONG
Olympiakos (Tur)
Age 26 (25.04.88)
Former France under-21 who
spent his formative years at Metz.
Right-sided defender who has
made only one international
appearance in the last year
because of a lack of game time
after moving to Greece this year.
Enoh EYONG
Antalyaspor (Tur)
Age 28 (23.03.86)
Marco Van Basten signed him for
Ajax but his successor, Frank De
Boer, rarely used the defensive
midelder. Was suspended, with
Etoo, by the Cameroon federation
for eight months for his part in a
player revolt over unpaid bonuses.
Jean MAKOUN
Rennes (Fra)
Age 31 (29.05.83)
Right-sided midelder who got
two goals in the vital qualifying
win over Tunisia to book a place
in Brazil. Made his name at Lille
before a 15m move to Lyon in
2008, then Aston Villa and now
Rennes.
Benjamin MOUKANDJO
Nancy (Fra)
Age 25 (12.11.88)
Tricky left-winger who made his
international debut two years ago.
Moved from the Kadji Sports
Academy to France aged 18,
playing for Rennes, Nimes and
Monaco before settling at Nancy.
Vincent ABOUBAKAR
Lorient (Fra)
Age 22 (22.01.92)
In ne form this season, nally
living up to the billing as the
future Etoo when he rst arrived
in Ligue 1 after the last World
Cup. Hails from the mainly Muslim
town of Garoua in northern
Cameroon but is a Protestant.
Eric-Maxim CHOUPO-MOTING
Mainz (Ger)
Age 25 (23.03.89)
German-born with a Cameroonian
father, he received FIFA clearance
to play at the 2010 World Cup after
playing for Germany at Under-21
level. Started at Hamburg, who
sent him to Nuremberg on loan
and then let him go free to Mainz.
Joel MATIP
Schalke (Ger)
Age 22 (08.08.91)
Born in Germany to a
Cameroonian father who was a
professional player. Plays either
centre-back or defensive mideld
and competed at the last World
Cup as an 18-year-old. Brother
Marvin also plays for Cameroon.
D
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caps
goals
KEY
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2
Samuel ETOO
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 33 (10.03.81)
Has won a record four African
Footballer of the Year awards,
three Champions League titles,
and titles in Spain and Italy. He
played at the 1998, 2002, and
2010 World Cups, scoring three
goals in seven games.
Mohamadou IDRISSOU
Kaiserslautern (Ger)
Age 34 (08.03.80)
Recalled after a two-year hiatus
following the 2010 World Cup
as Cameroon continue to look
for someone to partner Etoo in
attack. He has played for the last
14 years in German club football.
Achille WEBO
Fenerbahce (Tur)
Age 32 (20.01.82)
Left home to begin his search to
become professional at Nacional
in Uruguay in 2000 before
moving to Spain in 2003. A
traditional centre-forward, he is
now in Turkey where he helped
Fenerbahce to the league title.
Aurelien CHEDJOU
Galatasaray (Tur)
Age 28 (20.06.85)
Central defender, and occasional
defensive midelder, who joined
Galatasaray for a reported 6m
last summer from Lille, where he
won league and cup honours in
2011. Played one match at the
2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Jean-Armel KANA-BIYIK
Rennes (Fra)
Age 24 (03.07.89)
Born in Metz when his father,
Andre Kana-Biyik, who played
at two World Cups for Cameroon,
was competing in Ligue 1.
Represented France at junior level
before switching to Cameroon and
making his debut last year.
Stephane MBIA
Queens Park Rangers (Eng)
Age 28 (20.05.86)
His preferred position is as
a defensive midelder but
Cameroon have used him more at
right-back. Played as centre-back
in Marseilles Ligue 1-winning side
in 2010 and has been on loan to
Sevilla in La Liga this season.
Sammy NDJOCK
Fethiyespor (Tur)
Age 24 (25.02.90)
Made his debut in Finkes rst
away match: a 0-0 draw with
Ukraine. Born in Cameroon,
he grew up in France and was
a junior at Lille but, as a Turkish
second-division regular, he does
not inspire much condence.
93WDS14SMY153.pgs 02.05.2014 19:02
37
3
13
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6
0
44
0
WORLD SOCCER 51
Nicolas NKOULOU
Marseille (Fra)
Age 24 (27.03.90)
First-choice centre-back who is
among the best up-and-coming
defenders in European club
football with a value of some
10m. Made his debut for
Cameroon aged 18 and played
at the last World Cup nals.
Dany NOUNKEU
Galatasaray (Tur)
Age 28 (11.04.86)
Moved to Europe after playing for
Cameroon in the World Under-17s
in 2003, but was almost 24 when
he won his rst senior cap, against
Italy in 2010. Galatasaray signed
him on a four-year deal in 2012 but
loaned him to Besiktas in January.
Alexandre SONG
Barcelona (Spa)
Age 26 (09.09.87)
The only player to feature in all
eight qualiers, making up for
an 18-month exile from the side
following a bust-up with Etoo at
the 2010 nals. His uncle, former
captain Rigobert Song, is now the
teams administrative manager.
TACTICS
Allan NYOM
Udinese (Ita)
Age 25 (10.05.88)
Paris-born right-back who has
been on loan at Granada for ve
years from Udinese. In France
he only played in Ligue 2 at
Arles-Avignon before Udinese
bought him and then sent him
to Spain to gain experience.
Etoo, the main man, will call all the shots
43
0
Landry NGUEMO
Bordeaux (Fra)
Age 28 (28.11.85)
Started his career at Nancy in
France followed by a loan spell
in Scotland before moving to
Bordeaux in 2011. He is a keen
falconer and owns a white-tailed
eagle he calls Mr George in
honour of George Weah.
During his 16 years in charge of German
over-achievers Freiburg, Indomitable
Lions coach Volker Finke was nothing
less than a progressive, an advocate of
free-owing attacking football, who
could not cram enough technically-
gifted, intelligent and exible
players into his mideld and attack. But with
precious few Cameroon professionals tting
that bill, he has had to proceed differently,
forgetting the invention and interplay and
instead packing the engine room with
athleticism, ghting spirit and punch.
While Alexandre Song and Enoh Eyong
make for a rst-class pair of mideld holders
- with Eyong taking on the stay-at-home role
and Song pushing on far more frequently
the composition of the attacking mideld
three remains a source of concern. Although
Benjamin Moukandjo on the left is a bright,
lively and elusive customer, his right-sided
counterpart, Vincent Aboubakar is happier
working through the centre and Jean
Makoun clearly is more enforcer than
playmaker; a driving force rather than
tempo-setter or distribution hub.
Despite occasionally being shifted out
to the right, team standard bearer Samuel
Etoo is likely to spend his swansong
tournament in his natural line-leading habitat.
Plan B?
Should Cameroon go behind, Finke could
well switch to a 4-3-3 face-saver, a template
boasting Song, Makoun, Eyong or Joel Matip
as the mideld three and Etoo anked by
Aboubakar and Moukandjo. The experienced
Achille Webo, the physically-imposing
Mohamadou Idrissou and the elegant
Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting will offer
striking alternatives from the bench.
Up against hosts Brazil, CONCACAF
heavyweights Mexico and a very
capable Croat side, the Indomitable Lions
undoubtedly are in one of the toughest rst
round pools and if Finke does fall victim to
big-match nerves, a solution might be a
4-3-1-2, with a teak-tough trio of enforcers
protecting the back four, Moukandjo in the
hole and Etoo and another forward up
front.
Cameroon are more likely to be used to
the Amazonian heat and humidity of Manaus
than opponents Croatia, and this game could
hold the key to their entire campaign.
Itandje
Bedimo
Etoo
Chedjou
Song
Eyong
Moukandjo
Makoun
Aboubakar
Nyom
Chedjou
Nyom
Makoun
Bedimo
Song
Matip
Moukandjo
Etoo
Aboubakar
NKoulou
4-2-3-1
NKoulou
Itandje
4-3-3
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Frank BAGNACK (D, Age 19, 07.06.95, 0/0,
Barcelona, Spa)
Samuel UMTITI (D, Age 20, 14.11.93, 0/0, Lyon, Fra)
Christian BEKAMENGA (F, Age 28, 09.05.86, 3/1,
Laval, Fra)
Jean Marie DONGOU (F, Age 19, 20.04.95, 0/0,
Barcelona, Spa)
Edgar SALLI (F, Age 21, 17.08.92, 7/0, Monaco, Fra)
Jacques ZOUA (F, Age 22, 06.09.91, 5/0, Hamburg,
Ger)
93WDS14SMY154.pgs 02.05.2014 19:03
52 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
C
hile are a team who play incredibly well,
said Germany coach Joachim Low in
March after his sides fortunate 1-0 win
over Jorge Sampaolis men. They showed a lot
of dynamism and very good football.
Neutrals will merrily recall this high-tempo,
high-pressure attacking approach from Chiles
displays in the last World Cup, when Marcelo
Bielsas young team lit up the tournament. Four
years later, under Bielsa disciple Sampaoli,
there are even more reasons to be cheerful.
Chiles players have been convinced that
they can impose their game on anyone,
anywhere. The promises of 2010 have now
matured into intimidating realities; mideld
powerhouse Arturo Vidal would stroll into any
side, while Alexis Sanchez is a dazzlingly tricky
striker. Some observers are even picking Chile
as tournament dark horses.
A couple of problems have emerged,
however. In recent times, defence has not been
Chiles strong suit, especially in the air. This will
surely not be improved by the fact that Marcos
Gonzalez, the chief supplier of defensive height,
is without a club. He has been training at the
national teams facilities in Santiago, but his
match sharpness must surely be in question.
At the other end of the pitch there are
doubts over the centre-forward position;
Humberto Suazo is unlikely to be t and no
one else has really made the position his own.
Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas are very talented,
but there might be times when more of a
penalty-area presence will be required
evidence offered by the Germany game, when
Chile could easily have scored six, but lost 1-0.
And then there is the draw. To make it
through to the knockout stage, Chile will have
to eliminate one of the 2010 nalists: Spain or
Holland. Perhaps meeting Australia, in theory
the weakest team in the group, in the opening
xture will work in Chiles favour, since with
three points in the bag they will be able to put
pressure on the loser of the Spain-Holland
game. Alternatively, facing Australia rst could
work against them. Should the group be
decided on goal difference then the advantage
might lie with those who play the Socceroos
later, after they have been softened up.
If they can get out of the group then Chile
will frighten anyone, and Brazil appear more
concerned by the prospect of meeting them in
the round of 16 than either Holland or Spain.
Whatever happens to the Chilean challenge,
it is going to be fun watching it unfold.
Tim Vickery
May 19 Training camp in Santiago
May 30 Friendly v Egypt in Santiago
Jun 4 Friendly v Northern Ireland in
Valparaiso
Jun 7 Fly to Brazil
THE VIEW FROM CHILE
Were in a very difcult group, but I have
a lot of condence that Chile will qualify
from it. Whatever happens, I think well see
a very good Chile side, as in the time of
Bielsa. Sampaoli took over at a tough time,
but hes got Chile playing very well ; not only
qualifying in style, but also winning the
respect of Europe in the last
few friendlies.
Manuel Pellegrini, Manchester
Citys Chilean manager
Its a complicated group,
but theres no reason to be afraid. If we
BASE CAMP
If they can get out of the
group then Chile will
frighten anyone
CHILE
Sampaolis exciting side only know how to play one way
All-out attack could
spring surprise
Chile will be using the facilities of Brazilian club
Cruzeiro at the Toca da Raposa II sporting
complex in Belo Horizonte. These include four
full-size pitches, a medical centre, fully
computerised gymnasium, pool, sauna and a
hotel. Chiles rst game is a ight of one hour, 43
minutes from Belo Horizonte, but their remaining
group games are less than 40 minutes away by
air, in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
GROUP B FIXTURES
Jun 13 v Australia (Cuiaba)
Jun 18 v Spain (Rio de Janeiro)
Jun 23 v Holland (Sao Paulo)
Cuiaba
Belo Horizonte

Rio de
Janeiro
Sao Paulo
854 miles
363 miles
272 miles
BRAZIL
Brazil-bound... Chile players celebrate qualifying for the World Cup
93WDS14SMY155.pgs 02.05.2014 13:35
WORLD SOCCER 53
How he got the job
Replaced Claudio
Borghi after Chiles
qualication
campaign went off
the rails. Sampaoli
was a disciple of his
fellow Argentinian
Marcelo Bielsa, who
had done so well
with Chile at the 2010 World Cup, and
his run of triumphs with Universidad de
Chile made him the natural candidate.

His standout work was with Universidad
de Chile. In the 2011-12 period, the
side won three consecutive domestic
titles and the Sudamericana Cup, and
reached the semi-nals of the
Libertadores Cup.

His rst crack at the big time came with
Juan Aurich of Peru in 2002, but he
was sacked after winning only one of
his eight matches in charge.

A midelder or wingback, he had to
give up his playing career at the age
of 19 because of injuries.

None.
After more than three years of
unbroken success, his stock is high.
His obvious commitment to the cause
is infectious.
His enthusiasm for dynamic, high-
tempo pressing in the opponents half
of the eld has convinced the players
that they can take on anyone. He is also
a live-wire on the touchline and
moaning at referees got him sent
off several times with La U.

His long-term assistant is compatriot
Sebastian Becaccece. Nicolas Diez,
another Argentinian, is also on the
coaching staff.
After the World Cup
His contract takes him up to the 2015
Copa America, which Chile will host.
Jorge SAMPAOLI (Arg)
Age 54 (13.03.60)
Chile coach since December 2012
COACH PROFILE
start lamenting our luck before the thing has
started then it would be better not to go to the
World Cup! Theres plenty of faith in this team
and we have to keep dreaming because we have
players operating at a top level in Europe and its
clear that we are capable of
beating anyone.
Nelson Acosta, Chile coach at the
1998 World Cup
l If we dont beat Australia then
we dont have much chance of getting out of the
group, so that rst game puts us in a must-win
situation. But this group of players have shown
that they can take on the worlds best on equal
terms, and for that reason I believe that we have
a team who can go on to do something important
in the World Cup.
Leonardo Veliz, played for Chile in
the 1974 World Cup
l Its obvious that the draw could have been
kinder, but also that we have to have faith
because its clear that were in the presence of a
tremendous generation, who are playing at a high
level and who are well capable of giving us
something to celebrate.
Jorge Garces, former caretaker coach of Chile
93WDS14SMY156.pgs 02.05.2014 13:37
WORLD CUP 2014 CHILE SQUAD
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KITS
54 WORLD SOCCER
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Claudio BRAVO
Real Sociedad (Spa)
Age 31 (13.04.83)
Captain and rst choice for nearly
nine years. Not the tallest, but
strong, agile and excellent at
playing out from the back. His
judgement on leaving his line
could be tested. Chasing Leonel
Sanchezs record of 84 caps.
Johnny HERRERA
Universidad de Chile
Age 33 (09.05.81)
A Sampaoli stalwart at La U
and recalled when the coach took
over the national team. Has had
legal problems with drink-driving
charges he was found guilty of
killing a woman in 2009 while
speeding, but was spared jail.
Marcos GONZALEZ
(unattached)
Age 34 (09.06.80)
Supplier of central defensive
height for Sampaoli both at La U
and now the national team. Was
released this year by Flamengo of
Brazil, who judged him to be too
slow. Spent the rst two years of
his life in Brazil.
Osvaldo GONZALEZ
Age 29 (10.08.84)
Rugged defender, nicknamed
Rocky, who is best suited to the
right-sided role in a back three.
Offers little going forward and was
part of Sampaolis La U team.
Mauricio ISLA
Juventus (Ita)
Age 26 (12.06.88)
Flying right-back with terric lung
power who is given full licence
to storm forward as much as
possible. Quickly promoted to
the senior ranks after starring in
the 2007 under-20 side. Ever-
present at the 2010 World Cup.
Charles ARANGUIZ
Internacional (Bra)
Age 25 (17.04.89)
Yet another to have made the
jump from Sampaolis La U to
the national team, he is an all-
rounder, combining technique,
intelligence and lung power. The
midelder most likely to pop up
in the opposing penalty area.
Jean BEAUSEJOUR
Wigan Athletic (Eng)
Age 30 (01.06.84)
The son of a Haitian father, he
can ll any position down the left
ank. Scored the winner against
Honduras that settled the side in
Chiles opening game of the last
World Cup.
Matias FERNANDEZ
Fiorentina (Ita)
Age 28 (15.05.86)
Argentinian-born attacking
midelder, at his best launching
powerful surges. Powerful shot
and dangerous from long-range
free-kicks. Has not fullled his
youthful promise, and was more
important under previous coaches.
Fabian ORELLANA
Celta Vigo (Spa)
Age 28 (27.01.86)
Little right-winger who could
sneak into the squad as an option
off the bench. Scored a famous
goal that beat Argentina in 2008
the only time Chile have got the
better of their neighbours in the
World Cup qualiers.
Mauricio PINILLA
Cagliari (Ita)
Age 30 (04.02.84)
A teenage prodigy who seemed
set on frittering away his talent in
a series of nightclub escapades.
Has been far more disciplined in
recent seasons, and would seem
the best option for the role of
penalty-area target man.
Carlos CARMONA
Atalanta (Ita)
Age 27 (21.02.87)
Aggressive, defensive midelder
who featured more under Marcelo
Bielsa but whose presence might
be important against Spain and
Holland. Captained Chile to third
place at the 2007 Under-20
World Cup.
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goals
KEY
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Alexis SANCHEZ
Barcelona (Spa)
Age 25 (19.12.88)
The star of the 2007 under-20s,
he has matured into the star of
the senior side. A dribbler of
dazzling ability who is also an
effective goalscorer. Happy in a
central role as well as his more
customary position on the right.
Eduardo VARGAS
Napoli (Ita)
Age 24 (20.11.89)
Skilful, fast and dangerous, he can
be highly strung and his career has
been marked by ups and downs.
Joint top-scorer in qualication,
most of his best moments have
come under Sampaoli. Joined
Valencia on loan in January.
Gonzalo JARA
Nottingham Forest (Eng)
Age 28 (29.08.85)
Defender with the pace and
versatility to be comfortable as
a centre-back in a back three or
four, where he can offer cover to
the full-backs. Played in all four
games in the 2010 World Cup.
Has been in England since 2009.
Gary MEDEL
Cardiff City (Eng)
Age 26 (03.08.87)
Another 2007 Under-20
graduate who was fast-tracked
into the senior side. Pitbull
made his name as a combative
but talented central midelder,
snappy in the tackle and crisp
in his distribution.
Marcelo DIAZ
Basle (Swi)
Age 27 (30.12.86)
Sampaolis representative on
the eld, rst with La U and
now with the national team. Has
taken time to nd his feet, but
is now established as the sides
deep-lying organiser, combining
intelligence and passing ability.
Christopher TOSELLI
Universidad Catolica
Age 25 (22.06.88)
One of the graduates of the
Under-20 side that came third
in the World Youth Cup in 2007,
in which he went 492 minutes
without conceding a goal. Now
maturing into a potentially
top-class keeper.
93WDS14SMY157.pgs 02.05.2014 18:01
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Pablo GARCES (G, Age 29, 02.08.84,
1/0, OHiggins)
Miiko ALBORNOZ (D, Age 23,
30.11.90, 1/1, Malmo, Swe)
Enzo ANDIA (D, Age 21, 16.08.92,
4/1, Universidad Catolica)
Jose Pedro FUENZALIDA (M, Age
29, 22.02.85, 22/1, Colo Colo)
Pablo HERNANDEZ (M, Age 27,
24.10.86, 1/2, OHiggins)
Gustavo CANALES (F, Age 32,
30.03.82, 1/0, Union Espanola)
Carlos MUNOZ (F, Age 25, 21.04.89,
11/3, Baniyas, UAE)
Humberto SUAZO (F, Age 33,
10.05.81, 60/21, Monterrey, Mex)
MISSING IN ACTION
Forward Junior Fernandes broke
a leg in April while playing for Dinamo
Zagreb, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
16
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11
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23
3
WORLD SOCCER 55
Eugenio MENA
Santos (Bra)
Age 25 (18.07.88)
Classy left-back who was
promoted to the Universidad de
Chile rst team when Sampaoli
took over, and became an
important part of a successful
side. Established himself in the
national team during the qualiers.
Jorge ROJAS
Age 30 (23.06.83)
Left-footed centre-back. Not the
quickest or the strongest, but a
good reader of the game who is
his clubs captain and defensive
organiser, commanding the high
defensive line. Happy in a back
three or a four.
Arturo VIDAL
Juventus (Ita)
Age 27 (22.05.87)
Rapidly promoted from the 2007
Under-20 side, he was seen as
a edgling centre-back before
becoming a feared mideld
powerhouse. Joint-top scorer in
qualication and now at the peak
of his powers.
Jorge VALDIVIA
Palmeiras (Bra)
Age 30 (19.10.83)
Skilled playmaker whose career
has been dogged by problems
with tness and discipline.
Sampaoli seems to trust him
and Chile hope that this will
be his nest hour.
TACTICS
Francisco SILVA
Osasuna (Spa)
Age 28 (11.02.86)
Tall defensive midelder who,
because of Chiles lack of
defensive height, was tried out in
the back line in the March friendly
against Germany and did so well
that he would appear to have
made sure of a squad place.
Opening game against Australia will be
all-important to Sampaolis attacking plans
53
8
56
4
Felipe GUTIERREZ
Twente (Hol)
Age 23 (08.10.90)
Slightly built, left-footed attacking
midelder who can operate either
centrally or in a wider role. May
well have a role to play when
Chile opt to pack the mideld.
Sampaoli says Chiles style is non-negotiable
they will always seek to impose
themselves, pressing their opponents
in their half of the eld and creating
two-against-one situations down the
anks. But that does not mean that
the formation is set in stone.
Sampaoli was in charge for the last seven
World Cup qualiers: in three of them Chile
defended with a back three, while the others
featured a line of four.
In both cases the full-backs are expected
to push up at the same time. Against weaker
opponents the tendency is to eld two
centre-backs one to mark and one to
cover and this is the likely template for the
opener against Australia.
The inactivity of Marcos Gonzalez at club
level is making his place vulnerable, but there
are few alternatives in central defence. Gary
Medel, despite his lack of height, will play
alongside him.
In front of the defensive line, Marcelo
Diaz has a vital role in reading the game,
closing down the spaces and organising the
play from deep. The Australia match could be
an important occasion for Jorge Valdivia, a
talented but wayward playmaker who is set to
be used as a false nine. He will be tasked
with threading the passes through for Alexis
Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas, and make
the most of runs from mideld by Arturo
Vidal and Charles Aranguiz.
But Valdivia may not gure from the start
in the other games. In a friendly against Spain
last year, a back three, with more mideld
protection, drew with the world champions,
and a back three was also used against
Germany. It would seem a logical step to
use it in the meetings with Spain, to combat
their mideld possession, and also against
Holland, as protection against their speed
on the transition.
Plan B?
A switch to a back three for the games
against Spain and Holland would see
Gonzalo Jara coming into the side as the
extra centre-back, with Vidal being pushed
further forward as an attacking replacement
for Valdivia.
An alternative up front is the use of
Sanchez as a central striker, with Vargas
operating on the right and Jean Beausejour
coming in on the left.
Bravo
Mena
Diaz
M Gonzalez
Vidal Aranguiz
Vargas
Valdivia
Sanchez
Isla
Jara
Isla
M Gonzalez
Mena
Diaz
Aranguiz
Vidal
Vargas
Sanchez
Medel
4-3-1-2
Medel
Bravo
3-4-1-2
93WDS14SMY158.pgs 02.05.2014 18:01
56 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
T
he look on Colombia boss Jose
Pekermans face said it all. Having trailed
by three goals in his sides penultimate
qualier at home to Chile, Colombia now had
the chance to draw level from the penalty spot.
With seven minutes left, the normally stoic
coach leapt from his seat and went bounding
down the touchline; sts punching the air. As
TV cameras chased this rare expression of
emotion from the Argentinian, the 64-year-
old turned and unleashed a barrage of post-
watershed expletives.
Pekerman had cracked but, across the
country, 47 million Colombians understood. It
had been 16 years since the nations last World
Cup nals appearance, and as Radamel Falcao
slotted home the decisive spot-kick to seal a
remarkable comeback and take a point, the
lengthy hiatus was nally over for Los Cafeteros.
Last year may have been a memorable
one, but ever since the page turned on 2014,
Colombias World Cup plans have started to
unravel. Falcaos cruciate knee injury at the
end of January was an obvious hammer blow.
After years of struggling with the defensive
tactical constraints of previous managers,
the 27-year-old had become a vital cog in
Pekermans new attacking system. Falcaos nine
goals in qualifying was a Colombian record, but
even if he wins his improbable race against
time, hes unlikely to be at his best. Jackson
Martinez and Carlos Bacca are strong
candidates to step in, but neither is tailored
to the tactical plan in quite the same way.
But Falcao is not the coachs only headache.
Juan Zunigas long-running injury problems,
Pablo Armeros lack of playing time and
concerns over Macnelly Torres form since a
move to the Saudi Arabian league have all left
the Argentinian scrambling for alternatives.
When we qualied we could never have
imagined the amount of problems we were
going to have, grumbles Pekerman. The form
of waning centre-backs Luis Perea and Mario
Yepes has been the coachs most long-standing
worry. Both were again ruthlessly exposed in
Marchs friendly against Tunisia. Time is running
out to nd a solution.
Still, theres room for optimism. Colombias
group draw has been kind and with Pekerman
in control they are in good hands. Furthermore,
they have relatively short distances to travel
from their Sao Paulo base to games and a
World Cup in South America should provide
a sharp advantage over most rivals.
After the asco of 1994, when the team
opped out in the rst round under weighty
expectations, two decades of hopes are being
kept sensibly under wraps. But even if Falcao
fails to beat the clock, Colombia have enough
quality to at least reach the second round.
Carl Worswick
May 31 Friendly v Jordan in Buenos Aires,
Argentina (tbc)
THE VIEW FROM COLOMBIA
In the last three World Cups Colombia
have participated in, weve been our biggest
rivals. From being knocked out by Cameroon
at Italia 90, where the team was left
chewing on the rage of unfullled promises,
to Asprilla bizarrely abandoning the camp in
1998, our biggest problems have always
come from the head rather than the feet.
The main virtue of Pekermans team,
however, has been its maturity and the
aplomb shown by his players.
There is therefore reason to be
optimistic about our chances.
Federico Arango, editor of
website Bestiario del Balon
Colombias return to the World Cup
comes on the back of what has been a
BASE CAMP
COLOMBIA
Sixteen years after their last nals appearance,
Colombia are back in the big time
Long wait over for
Los Cafeteros
Colombia will be based at the President Laudo
Natel Training Centre in Cotia, on the western
outskirts of Sao Paulo city. It is one of two
impressive training complexes owned by Sao
Paulo FC and is mainly used by their youth
teams. The 220,000 square metre-site boasts 11
training pitches and state-of-the-art training
facilities including an outside water walkway
for players to cool aching leg muscles.
GROUP C FIXTURES
Jun 14 v Greece (Belo Horizonte)
Jun 19 v Ivory Coast (Brasilia)
Jun 24 v Japan (Cuiaba)
BRAZIL
973 miles
Cuiaba
Brasilia
Cotia, Sao Paulo

Belo Horizonte
544 miles
305 miles
Qualied success...James Rodriguez celebrates his winner over Ecuador
93WDS14SMY159.pgs 02.05.2014 19:04
WORLD SOCCER 57
How he got the job
Succeeded ex-
player Leonel
Alvarez who was
axed after less than
100 days in the job.
Past successes
as a coach
Three times under-20 world champion
in 1995, 1997 and 2001 with
Argentina, as well as twice youth
champion of South America.
Patchy record as boss of Tigres where,
despite saving the Mexican side from
the drop, he achieved just one win in
10 before being dismissed.
Forced into retirement at 28 due
to a serious knee injury following
an unspectacular playing career as
a midelder for Argentinos Juniors
and Independiente Medellin.
Led Argentina to the 2006 World Cup
quarter-nals before losing to Germany
on penalties.
Holds tight control over all team affairs
and refuses to give interviews. Often
locks the press out of training sessions.
Much admired for his achievements
on the pitch, but prefers to keep a very
low prole. Was reportedly offered
Colombian citizenship upon achieving
World Cup qualication.
Meticulously prepared and incredibly
knowledgeable about the game.
Favours a high-pressing and
possession-based approach.
Assistant Nestor Lorenzo played for
Argentina in the 1990 World Cup Final
and was part of Pekermans staff at
the 2006 nals. Also includes Gabriel
Wainer, who is the teams tactical guru.
After the World Cup
Unknown. Pekerman has refused to be
drawn on talks to extend his contract,
which runs out after the World Cup.
Jose PEKERMAN (Arg)
Age 64 (03.09.49)
Colombia coach since January 2012
COACH PROFILE
tortuous 16-year wait. Following qualication for
three consecutive nals in the 1990s, Colombians
got used to playing against the worlds top teams.
However, we were unable to build on that and also
failed to properly support our coaches. Using the
generation of players who were South America
youth champions in 2005, Jose Pekerman
achieved qualication as group seeds for the rst
time in our history. Now the most pressing target
is to get out of the group and equal our best
performance from Italia 90. Theres a lot of
belief, but our group isnt easy. Nobody in
Colombia wants a repeat of the asco of
20 years ago, but at the same time
nobody wants to be on that rst
plane back after just three games.
Alejandro Pino, online editor of
GolCaracol.com
l Colombia got it right in qualifying by showing
the teams collective and individual talents. They
proved that by using a credible coach they are
capable of achieving big things. We needed to
appoint a foreign coach as a way of making a
clean start. Previously there were a lot of
uncertainties surrounding the team, with
journalists knowing who was going to be
called up before the manager. It was a difcult
environment but a new cycle began following
the arrival of Pekerman. Colombias rst game
[against Greece] is going to be important, but we
will have to wait and see how the team responds
to the enormous responsibility of
playing a World Cup.
Jorge Bermudez, ex-Colombia
international who is now a
journalist living in Argentina
93WDS14SMY160.pgs 02.05.2014 19:03
WORLD CUP 2014 COLOMBIA SQUAD
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58 WORLD SOCCER
G
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Faryd MONDRAGON
Deportivo Cali
Age 42 (21.06.71) 49/0
Brought back into the national fold
by Pekerman, he will break Roger
Millas record as the oldest player
to play in the nals if he appears
this summer. Was rst choice at
Colombias last nals, in 1998,
and sat on the bench at USA 94.
David OSPINA
Nice (Fra)
Age 25 (31.08.88)
One of the stars of the qualifying
campaign. Fearless, reads the
game well and has superb
reexes. His sister, Daniela,
is a volleyball player.
Santiago ARIAS
PSV (Hol)
Age 22 (13.01.92)
Impressive as cover for the
injured Zuniga in friendlies against
Holland and Belgium late last year,
but very much the back-up option.
Pablo ARMERO
NapolI (Ita)
Age 27 (02.11.86)
Rampaging wingback who is
the preferred choice down the
left. Questions remain over his
defensive input and he has lacked
playing time at Napoli and on loan
at West Ham United. Lost half a
thumb in a childhood accident.
Luis PEREA
Cruz Azul (Mex)
Age 35 (30.01.79)
Vastly experienced and was
Yepes partner in central defence
throughout qualifying, although
he can also play at full-back. Only
made his professional debut at 22
and was a match-day ice-cream
seller in Medellin before then.
Abel AGUILAR
Toulouse (Fra)
Age 29 (06.01.85)
A steady choice as a link between
defence and attack, but often
comes unstuck against the
stronger sides. Played in the
same under-11s side as Falcao.
Juan CUADRADO
Fiorentina (Ita)
Age 26 (26.05.88)
Blessed with an endless repertoire
of tricks and skills, and enjoying
a rich run of form in Serie A.
Is sometimes guilty of over-
elaborating, but has a chance
of starting on the right wing.
James RODRIGUEZ
Monaco (Fra)
Age 22 (12.07.91)
Colombias creative motor and
vital to the teams chances of
progressing in the tournament.
Married to goalkeeper Ospinas
sister.
Carlos BACCA
Sevilla (Spa)
Age 27 (08.09.86)
Ditched a life selling fresh sh
on the streets of Puerto Colombia
to make his Colombian top-ight
debut at 23. Moved to Europe, to
Belgium, two years ago and has
been in imperious form in his rst
season in La Liga.
Radamel FALCAO
Monaco (Fra)
Age 28 (10.02.86)
The teams big star is a real
concern following a cruciate
ligament injury in January.
Revitalised under Pekerman, El
Tigre is a national hero and the
countrys joint-second all-time
leading goalscorer.
Fredy GUARIN
Age 27 (30.06.86)
Used sparingly by Pekerman who
isnt convinced by his tactical
discipline, but remains a useful
attacking option from the bench.
Will have to sit out Colombias rst
group game, against Greece,
through suspension.
D
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M
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I
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A
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KITS
12
caps
goals
KEY
21
4
Teolo GUTIERREZ
River Plate (Arg)
Age 29 (28.05.85)
Forged an impressive partnership
with Falcao in qualifying, dropping
deep and creating space and
chipping in with six goals. Comes
with huge behavioural baggage,
despite playing piano, guitar and
guacharaca in a Christian band.
Victor IBARBO
Cagliari (Ita)
Age 24 (19.05.90)
Compared to Faustino Asprilla due
to his strength and explosive turn
of pace. Is usually employed as a
left-winger, he likes to run at
defenders and cut inside.
Jackson MARTINEZ
Porto (Por)
Age 27 (03.10.86)
Could emerge from Falcaos
shadow if the Monaco striker
is ruled out of Brazil. Has an
incredible goalscoring record at
club level but has so far failed to
impress for his country.
Carlos VALDES
San Lorenzo (Arg)
Age 28 (22.05.85)
Has lost ground since forcing
his way into the squad and could
be a late exclusion. Is a quick
centre-back who also poses a
threat from set-pieces but needs
to make an impression at new club
San Lorenzo.
Mario YEPES
Atalanta (Ita)
Age 38 (13.01.76) 95/6
Highly respected former Milan
and Paris Saint-Germain central
defender who is the national
teams captain. First called into
the side 15 years ago and set to
make his World Cup debut after
three failed qualifying attempts.
Aldo Leao RAMIREZ
Morelia (Mex)
Age 33 (18.04.81)
Was a surprise inclusion in
Pekermans rst squad after four
years without an international
call-up. Has since been a regular
member, appearing from the
bench in a role that combines
defensive and attacking duties.
Camilo VARGAS
Santa Fe
Age 24 (01.09.89) 0/0
A key player in Santa Fes run to
the Libertadores Cup semi-nals
last year. Began his career as a
striker but switched roles because
he was considered too fat.
93WDS14SMY161.pgs 02.05.2014 19:03
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WORLD SOCCER 59
Cristian ZAPATA
Milan (Ita)
Age 27 (30.09.86)
Regular squad member who was
the back-up option to Perea in
central defence during qualifying,
but is expected to play a bigger
part in Brazil alongside Yepes due
to concerns over the sides lack of
pace at the back.
Camilo ZUNIGA
Napoli (Ita)
Age 28 (14.12.85)
A constant conundrum for
opposition defences with his
explosive speed and power down
the right, he is also an option as a
left wingback and played there for
Napoli before being sidelined with
a knee injury last year.
Edwin VALENCIA
Fluminense (Bra)
Age 29 (29.03.85)
One of Pekermans most trusted
players and a sure starter if hes
t. Extremely reliable and effective
in helping to paper over the cracks
that plague Colombias creaking
defence.
Macnelly TORRES
Al Shabab (Sau)
Age 29 (01.11.84)
Brought back by Pekerman to
inject new ideas and loosen the
creative dependency on Rodriguez.
Wonderful passer but lacks pace.
His move to Saudi Arabia has cast
doubt over his suitability. Named
after a local baseball star.
Stability will be rocked if Falcao misses out
15
0
39
3
Carlos SANCHEZ
Elche (Spa)
Age 28 (06.02.86)
Adds bite and energy to a mideld
that is sometimes overrun by
stronger opposition.
Squad stability has been a hallmark of
Pekermans tenure, with few changes
expected from the side that strolled
through qualifying.
Blessed with air, balance and
an exciting mix of attacking options,
the coach favours a loose 4-2-2-2
system that seeks to dominate
possession and push teams on
the back foot. Whether overawing opposition
defences via the raw pace of wingbacks
Pablo Armero and Camilo Zuniga, or by
exploiting the tricks and decisive passes of
David Rodriguez, Macnelly Torres or
Juan Cuadrado, Colombia are most
comfortable when dictating the ow of the
game. Pekerman didnt make wholesale
changes to the sterile and ponderous side
he inherited in January 2012, but instead
gradually tweaked the squad in terms of
ne-tuning both personnel and tactics.
It is, however, surely time for the curtain
to fall on the central defensive partnership of
Mario Yepes (38) and Luis Perea (35), with
both players looking as old as their years
suggest. But, as yet, neither Cristian Zapata
nor Carlos Valdes have convinced as
alternatives and defensive midelder Edwin
Valencia will continue to drop back and
shore up the yawning gaps. Alongside
Valencia, Pekerman needs to decide whether
he prefers a similarly minded midelder like
Carlos Sanchez, or instead play somebody
like Abel Aguilar, Aldo Leao Ramirez or
Fredy Guarin in a more mixed role.
Pekermans two-year building exercise
could face its most rigorous examination
without leading light Falcao if he fails to
make the trip. How to seamlessly integrate
potential replacements Jackson Martinez
or Carlos Bacca who both failed to score a
single goal in qualifying into the side in such
a short time will be one of the coachs biggest
challenges. Falcao and Teolo Gutierrez are
the indisputable rst-choice strike pair. But
if Falcao doesnt make it, it will be two from
Gutierrez, Bacca and Martinez.
Behind the strikers Rodriguez is a
certainty to start on the left while Cuadrado
is strong on the right. Torres was an
important player in qualifying but could
be on the bench because of a lack of speed.
Plan B
The alternative to two strikers is to go for
just one main forward supported by three
creative players. Victor Ibarbo could move
onto the left wing, with Rodriguez moving into
a more central position.
Ospina
Armero
Valencia
Perea
Gutierrez
Sanchez
Rodriguez
Falcao
Cuadrado
Zuniga
4-2-2-2
Yepes
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Eder BALANTA (D, Age 21, 28.02.93,
1/0, River Plate, Arg)
Aquivaldo MOSQUERA (D, Age 32,
22.06.81, 30/1, America, Mex)
Alex MEJIA (M, Age 25, 07.09.88,
8/0, Atletico Nacional)
Juan Fernando QUINTERO (M, Age
21, 18.01.93, 3/0, Porto, Por)
Luis MURIEL (F, Age 23, 18.04.91)
5/1, Udinese, Ita)
Adrian RAMOS (F, Age 28, 22.01.86,
23/2, Hertha Berlin, Ger)
MISSING OUT
Atletico Nacional defender Stefan
Medina, an outside contender for
a squad place, is likely to miss the
tournament after an ankle injury
sustained in April ruled him out for
two months.
Ospina
Armero
Aguilar
Perea
Bacca
Valencia
Ibarbo Rodriguez
Cuadrado
Zuniga
4-2-3-1
Yepes
TACTICS
93WDS14SMY162.pgs 02.05.2014 19:05
60 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
H
ad the World Cup draw been more
merciful, Costa Rica may well have had
their sights set on the round of 16. The
Ticos boast what is probably their best group
of players since the legendary Italia 90 side and
they could quite reasonably have aspired to
nish among the top two teams in most of the
groups at Brazil 2014.
However, fate was not kind for Jorge Luis
Pinto and his side as they landed alongside
heavyweights Italy, Uruguay and England. The
draw has now reduced the Costa Ricans status
from round-of-16 candidates to hopeful
party-poopers.
However, the quality of the opposition
doesnt mean that Costa Ricas quality will go
unnoticed. The team boasts some real talent
and their vaunted rivals will have to be very
attentive if they wish to avoid an unpleasant
surprise against their Central American rivals. In
fact, it wouldnt be too far-fetched to say that
the games against Costa Rica could well decide
who advances in what is the most difcult group
of the competition.
The teams mainstays are Keylor Navas, Joel
Campbell and Bryan Ruiz, and all three are
poised to make an impression in this summer.
Navas has had a fantastic season with
Levante and he is now widely considered one
of the best goalkeepers in La Liga, which is no
mean feat considering that he has only been
rst choice for his side since the second half
of the 2012-13 season.
Campbell has nally realised his potential at
Olympiakos, where he was one of the stars of
their Champions League campaign, and his
form may have earned him a move back to
his parent club, Arsenal, next season. After a
disappointing stint in England with Fulham, Ruiz
has come back into his own at PSV in Holland
after joining them on loan last January.
The rest of the squad is not at the same
level, but are competent enough to make the
team competitive in Brazil, and Costa Rican
fans even if they dont have any delusions of
making it to the knockout stage expect the
Ticos to be hard to beat in all three games.
Martin Del Palacio Langer
May 16 Training camp in San Jose
Jun 2 Friendly v Japan in USA (tbc)
Jun 6 Friendly v Republic of Ireland in
USA (tbc)
THE VIEW FROM COSTA RICA
It could hardly be more
difcult or complicated for
us: two great European sides
and the 2010 semi-nalists.
But we want to go to Brazil to
compete, not just to participate. We want to
make history and leave a footprint for the
future generations.
Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica captain
BASE CAMP
Games against Costa Rica
could well decide who
advances in the group
COSTA RICA
Pintos side are up against three previous world champions
Tough draw dents
Ticos dreams
Costa Rica will be using Santos, 45 miles
outside of Sao Paulo, as their World Cup base.
They will stay at the Mendes Plaza Hotel and
will train at the Urbano Caldeira stadium, the
one-time club ground of Brazils greatest-ever
player, Pele. Despite being based in the south
of the country, Costa Ricas rst two group
games are in the north-east, both nearly three
hours away by air.
Mainstay...goalkeeper Navas
Belo
Horizonte
1,474 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP D FIXTURES
Jun 14 v Uruguay (Fortaleza)
Jun 20 v Italy (Recife)
Jun 24 v England (Belo Horizonte)
1,325 miles
305 miles
Fortaleza
Recife
Santos
93WDS14SMY163.pgs 02.05.2014 19:04

WORLD SOCCER 61
How he got the job
Returned as coach
for a second spell
after the FA decided
to sack Ricardo La
Volpe following a
disappointing Copa
America in 2011.
Has won league titles in Peru (three),
Costa Rica (two), Venezuela (two) and
Colombia (one).
He failed to qualify Costa Rica for
the 2006 nals in Germany and also
missed out with Colombia, who sacked
him after they nished seventh in the
South American qualiers for South
Africa 2010.
Didnt play professionally.
None so far.
He now has a respectful relationship
with the media after some turbulent
times, rst in 2004-05 and then at the
beginning of the qualifying cycle, when
the team nished the rst group phase
in a distant second place behind
Mexico, losing both their matches
against their regional rivals.
People are very happy with what he has
achieved and expectantly wait to see
what the team can offer in Brazil. He
has a webpage in which hes constantly
in contact with the public.
Likes balanced football. As he was
never a professional, hes known as
a football academic with an extensive
tactical knowledge who likes to adjust
according to the opposition and the
circumstances of the game.
None of note.
After the World Cup
His future will be decided when Costa
Rica end their participation, although
its difcult to see him staying for four
more years.
Jorge Luis PINTO (Col)
Age 61 (16.12.52)
Costa Rica coach since September 2011
COACH PROFILE
l Costa Ricas players are relishing their
surprise package status. They will play a
defensive formation against Uruguay and Italy
but will switch to a more aggressive stance for
the game with England, whom they dont see as
being as strong as the other two. They will try to
counter-attack and take advantage of the speed
of their forwards.
Juan Carlos Aguero, Teletica
l Costa Rica know that they will need more
than their best football to make history. The team
is mentally prepared to play their souls out, even
if that might come short in the end. The idea is to
make life hard for their rivals and
try to get as much as they can. All
eyes will be set on Keylor
Navas and Joel Campbell.
Andrea Zamora, Canal 13
93WDS14SMY164.pgs 02.05.2014 19:05
WORLD CUP 2014 COSTA RICA SQUAD
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Celso BORGES
AIK (Swe)
Age 26 (27.05.88)
One of the most prominent
members of the team and
essential to Pintos system. Its
surprising that he hasnt been able
to move to a bigger club than
Swedens AIK but a good World
Cup could change that.
10
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62 WORLD SOCCER
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Keylor NAVAS
Levante (Spa)
Age 27 (15.12.86)
One of the teams main stars. Fan-
tastic since taking over the starting
spot at Levante in La Liga, to the
extent that he could move on
elsewhere after the World Cup. He
makes few mistakes and also
provides leadership off the pitch.
Patrick PEMBERTON
Alajuelense
Age 32 (24.05.82)
Long-time second choice who has
been the best keeper in the
domestic league for the past
decade. A lack of height has
limited his chances and hes more
spectacular than safety rst.
Johnny ACOSTA
Alajuelense
Age 30 (21.07.83)
Central defender who has a good
aerial presence although he is less
comfortable with the ball at his
feet. Played seven matches in the
qualiers and, while world-class,
might end up starting because of
the absence of alternatives.
Junior DIAZ
Mainz (Ger)
Age 30 (12.09.83)
A physically imposing central
defender or left-back, he has
been plying his trade abroad for
almost a decade. Currently
playing in the Bundesliga, his
experience will be essential for the
national side.
Cristian GAMBOA
Rosenborg (Nor)
Age 24 (24.10.89)
Usually plays at right-back, but
can also operate in mideld. Moved
to Europe from a very early age
and is now a starter at Rosenborg.
Fast and intelligent, although he
still has defensive aws, he seems
back to full tness after a leg injury.
Oscar DUARTE
Club Brugge (Blg)
Age 25 (03.06.89)
Young and very solid right-footed
central defender who seems to
have earned a spot after a fairly
successful campaign in Belgium
with Brugge. He was born in
Nicaragua but moved to Costa
Rica aged seven.
Michael BARRANTES
Aalesund (Nor)
Age 30 (04.10.83)
Veteran defensive midelder who
is locked in a battle with the
younger Tejeda for a starting spot
in Brazil. Offers more experience
and solidity but less speed and
vision. Named the best midelder
in the Norwegian league in 2011.
Carlos HERNANDEZ
Wellington Phoenix (Aus)
Age 32 (09.04.82)
Attacking midelder who has been
a part of the national set-up since
2005 and one of the few
survivors from the 2006 World
Cup. His move to the A-League
put him out of the coachs view but
he is expected to make the trip.
Randall BRENES
Cartagines
Age 30 (13.08.83)
Seems to still be in pole position
for the fourth attacking spot
despite a disappointing club
season. Scored the goal against
Jamaica that ensured qualication
for the nals and was one of the
teams top strikers in the qualiers.
Joel CAMPBELL
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 21 (26.06.92)
The next big thing in CONCACAF
football and has the tools to
become a top striker. On loan to
Olympiacos, he hasnt managed to
secure a work permit in the
Premier League yet but a good
World Cup can change that.
Christian BOLANOS
Copenhagen (Den)
Age 30 (17.05.84)
Quick and technically procient
right-winger who hasnt managed
to full his immense potential. On
the fringes of the starting line-up
after a good Champions League
campaign but his inconsistency will
probably see him on the bench.
D
E
F
E
N
D
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R
S
M
I
D
F
I
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D
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12
caps
goals
KEY
39
7
Bryan RUIZ
Fulham
Age 28 (18.08.85)
The team captain and its most
talented player, he plays the
second-striker role. On the
rebound from a disappointing stint
in England with Fulham, he has
been one of the best players for
PSV this year.
Alvaro SABORIO
Real Salt Lake (USA)
Age 32 (22.03.82)
One of the best players in MLS
over the past ve years, his role
for the national team diminished
with the emergence of Campbell
but hes still a very valid attacking
option for Pinto. Extremely potent
and very intelligent in the box.
Roy MILLER
New York Red Bulls (USA)
Age 29 (24.11.84)
Veteran centre-back who plays as
a left-back for his club. Fast and
solid, he is one of the leaders of
the dressing room. His versatility is
very important for Pintos tactical
exibility, allowing him to change
to ve at the back if needed.
Diego CALVO
Valerenga (Nor)
Age 23 (25.04.91)
A very fast winger who has
improved tremendously since
moving to Norway. Scored some
important goals for the national
team in the qualiers although he
is still on the fringes of the side.
Luis TORRES
Cartagines
Age 29 (16.03.85)
Due to the form of Navas and
Pemberon he has been
consistently called-up into the
national squad but is yet to win a
cap. Solid and reliable but will only
see action in Brazil in case of an
extreme emergency.
93WDS14SMY165.pgs 02.05.2014 19:07
26
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WORLD SOCCER 63
Jose SALVATIERRA
Alajuelense
Age 24 (10.10.89)
First-choice right-back who
overcame what seemed to be a
recurrent season-ending knee
injury to regain his spot in the
national side. If his injury doesnt
recur, he will offer pace and
solidity to the back line.
Michael UMANA
Saprissa
Age 31 (16.07.82)
Solid central defender who has
been in the international fold since
2006. Hes one of Pintos more
trusted men and a dressing-room
leader, so the coach expects him
to exert his inuence on and off
the pitch.
Rodney WALLACE
Portland Timbers (USA)
Age 25 (17.06.88)
He seemed certain to be going to
Brazil until an untimely injury put
his place in doubt. If he manages
to recover, his physical strength
and drive could be very useful for
destabilising opposition defences.
Yeltsin TEJEDA
Saprissa
Age 22 (17.03.92)
Has broken into the starting XI
thanks to his solidity and
ball-recovery skills but also
because of a lack of choices in his
position. Has a lot of potential but
the World Cup might have arrived
a little early for him to be at his best.
TACTICS
Ticos look for strength in numbers as they
plot rapid counter-attacks
16
3
21
0
Bryan OVIEDO
Everton (Eng)
Age 24 (18.02.90)
If he makes it to the World Cup it
will be one of the feelgood stories
of the nals. Suffered a leg
fracture just as he was breaking
into the Everton side and seemed
to be out for a long period. His
speed and positioning will be key.
Osvaldo RODRIGUEZ
Herediano
Age 23 (17.12.90)
Solid midelder who has had a
good season with Herediano
despite not being a starting
regular, which has put his
national-team status in doubt.
If he makes it to Brazil it will be
as a sub.
Costa Rica seem to have a very dened
plan for Brazil 2014. Coach Jorge Luis
Pinto looks set to play with a European-
style 4-4-2, with Joel Campbell
operating as a pure number nine and
Bryan Ruiz as the support striker.
The Ticos have an interesting
blend of vision and speed and will look to play
to their strengths.
Pinto is a great admirer of Jose
Mourinhos tactical astuteness, so its little
surprise that the Costa Rican game is based
around defensive solidity, combined with swift
counter-attacking. The approach has its
critics but paid dividends in the nal stage of
CONCACAF qualifying and will be essential
in Brazil given the quality of their opposition.
There will be a lot of responsibity on the
central midelders Yeltsin Tejeda and Celso
Borges to protect the back-four and to also
stie the creative skills of the likes of Pirlo,
Rooney and Suarez.
A few doubts remain in the composition of
the starting XI, the most important of which
regards the recovery of Evertons Bryan
Oviedo, who was initially ruled out of the
World Cup but now seems to be on schedule
to make the pre-tournament training camp in
San Jose, although his tness still remains in
some doubt.
Other than, that the starting XI seems to
be set, and few surprises are expected in the
23-man squad. The core will be the same as
the one that booked its ticket to Brazil eight
months ago.
Plan B?
If Oviedo recovers his full tness in time, a
switch to a 5-4-1 is possible. This was used
in the qualiers on a number of occasions
and would see an extra centre-back coming
in, allowing the full-backs, particularly
Oviedo, to push.
It would also involve Christian Bolanos
switching to the left, where he would be
dangerous cutting inside, and Bryan Ruiz or
Joel Campbell dropping to the left side of
mideld.
Alvaro Saborio could come in as the
lone central striker, although Campbells form
this season for Olympiakos should see him
kept on in this role.
Navas
Diaz
Borges
Umana
Bolanos
Wallace
Tejeda
Campbell
Ruiz
Salvatierra
Diaz
Salvatierra
Duarte
Oviedo
Ruiz
Borges Tejeda
Bolanos
Saborio
Umana
4-4-2
Duarte
Navas
5-4-1
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Waylon FRANCIS (D, Age 23,
20.09.90, 1/0, Columbus Crew, USA)
Giancarlo GONZALEZ (D, Age 26,
08.02.88, 33/2, Columbus Crew, USA)
Kendal WATSON (D, Age 26,
21.01.88, 2/0, Saprissa)
Kenny CUNNINGHAM (M, Age 29,
07.06.85, 13/1, Wellington Phoenix,
Aus)
Jairo ARRIETA (F, Age 30, 25.08.83,
17/4, Columbus Crew, USA)
93WDS14SMY166.pgs 02.05.2014 19:09
64 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
D
espite minimal experience as a head
coach just eight months in charge of
Croatias under 21s newly installed
Hrvatski boss Niko Kovac could not be more
qualied for this most demanding of jobs.
During his 12 years as a defensive
midelder for the national team, no other
player in red-and-white worked harder,
covered more ground or showed as much
spirit and leadership. And if the ex-Bayer
Leverkusen, Hamburg and Bayern Munich
water carrier can persuade his current
charges to follow his turbo-charged example,
he might be more than halfway there.
Surprisingly, for a squad with an abundance
of individual class and technical virtuosity, the
Croats do have a tendency to quickly run out
of self-condence. But with his emphasis on
collective virtues and going that extra mile,
Kovac believes he has found the antidote.
In response to those who claim he is overly
defensive in his methods and organisation,
the coach states that he simply wants to
achieve the best of both worlds the amalgam
of Croat air with German-like application and
drive.
We want to play beautiful, attractive
football, says Kovac. If youre having fun,
youve got a good chance of success. When
I enjoyed a certain subject at school, I got
better marks.
Croatia might be one of the smallest
countries competing at World Cup 2014
but that doesnt mean that expectations at
home are of the low-key variety. Proud of
their third-place nish at France 98 and
the industrial quantities of top-class players
they have nurtured over the years, fans of the
national team feel justied in setting the bar as
high as possible. There is condence that their
side can at least achieve second place in Group
A behind hosts and favourites Brazil.
I am condent that we have the players to
enjoy all the games, states Kovac. If we had
to be drawn in the same pool as Brazil, the
best outcome for us was to meet them in the
opening game. The pressure is all on them.
They are the title favourites and Im hopeful
we can spring a surprise.
And if Kovacs men do manage to avenge
their 2006 opening game defeat against Brazil,
then expect expectations back in the Balkans
to rocket skywards.
Zdravko Reic
May 23 Squad gathers in Zagreb
May 31 Friendly v Mali in Osijek
Jun 3 Fly to Brazil
Jun 6 Friendly v Australia in Salvador,
Bra
THE VIEW FROM CROATIA
Objectively, Croatia have
a better team than Cameroon
and Mexico. I believe we can
make it through to the
knockout stage.
Igor Stimac, former national coach
We have a beautiful task at
Brazil 2014: to open the World
Cup and make all Croatians
around the world proud. Id like
BASE CAMP
Kovac wants an amalgam of
Croat air with German-like
application and drive.
CROATIA
Hopes high for better nale after repeat of 2006 opener
Brazil rst up...again
Croatia fought off erce competition to secure
their place at the Tivoli Eco Resort, a ve-
star luxury complex located near the shing
village of Praia do Forte, which in turn is a few
miles away from the town of Mata de Sao Joao.
They will use a newly built training centre, just
a three-minute drive away from the resort.
Suspended...Croatia will be without Mario Mandzukic against Brazil
2,866 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP A FIXTURES
Jun 12 v Brazil (Sao Paulo)
Jun 18 v Cameroon (Manaus)
Jun 23 v Mexico (Recife)
1,202 miles
500 miles
Manaus
Sao Paulo
Mata de
Sao Joao

Recife
93WDS14SMY167.pgs 02.05.2014 13:39
WORLD SOCCER 65
How he got the job
Replaced the
sacked Igor Stimac
for the play-
offs after Croatia
nished second,
behind Belgium,
in their World Cup
qualifying group.
After coaching Salzburgs juniors and
assisting rst-team coach Ricardo
Moniz, he took charge of Croatias
under-21 side and won four out of four
qualifying games for Euro 2015 with a
goals for/against record of 13/0.
None.
Won 83 caps for Croatia and was
long-standing captain of the national
side. Spent most of his club career in
German football where he won the
league-and-cup double with Bayern
Munich in 2003. Also played for
Hertha Zehlendorf, Hertha Berlin, Bayer
Leverkusen, Hamburg and Salzburg.
Played in the 2002 and 2006
tournaments, although Croatia
failed to get past the group stage.
Only speaks to the media at organised
press conferences and rarely gives
interviews except to the German
media. Very restrained, he says that
he likes to be boring.
Relations with the public
A favourite as a player for his erce,
combative approach and patriotism.
Insists on maximum preparation and
requires all his players to do their
defensive work. Not overly prone to
experimentation.
His brother, Robert, is his assistant.
After the World Cup
Has a contract until the end of the
qualifying campaign for the 2016
European Championship.
Niko KOVAC
Age 42 (15.10.71)
Croatia coach since October 2013
COACH PROFILE
that we progress to the next round and that we
get Spain there.
Davor Suker, former player and president of the
Croatian football federation
l We have perhaps the strongest mideld
line at our disposal Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic
and Mateo Kovacic are able to outplay most
opponents. We have Mario Mandzukic as well
a player who is able to take advantage of
semi-chances to score. We should get through
the group stage of the competition. I would like
to play Spain next because in that game we would
not be without chances.
Tomislav Zidak, reporter for daily paper Jutarnji List
l Croatia may be a surprise, as in France 1998
when we ended up in third. We
have excellent players. Im
sure were going through.
Miroslav Blazevic, national coach
at the 1998 World Cup
93WDS14SMY168.pgs 02.05.2014 13:41
WORLD CUP 2014 CROATIA SQUAD
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KITS
66 WORLD SOCCER
G
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Lovre KALINIC
Hajduk Split
Age 24 (03.04.90)
Giant Split-born youngster who
sits at three in the national-team
goalkeeping pecking order but is
the probable long-term successor
to Pletikosa. Injured earlier this
year but expected to be t in time
for the nals.
Stipe PLETIKOSA
Rostov (Rus)
Age 35 (08.01.79)
Extremely religious, he sometimes
spends 10 days of the summer
praying in a monastery and wears
a shirt with a picture of Our
Lady of Medjugorje under his kit.
Known as The Octopus because
of his long reach and reex stops.
Vedran CORLUKA
Lokomotiv Moscow (Rus)
Age 28 (05.02.86)
Stopper who can also play as
right-back if needed, he reads the
game well, is good in the air and
can start an attack from deep.
Nicknamed Charly, he is a
Bosnian Croat who was only ve
when his family ed to Zagreb.
Dejan LOVREN
Southampton (Eng)
Age 25 (05.07.89)
Central defender with an explosive
temperament as witnessed by a
ght he had with Ivan Strinic after
defeat in Scotland. Has enjoyed an
excellent rst year in England. Can
also play at left-back. Forced to
miss Euro 2012 with a foot injury.
Danijel PRANJIC
Panathinaikos (Gre)
Age 32 (02.12.81)
Retired in 2010 after a row over
the naturalisation process which
brought Brazil-born Sammir into
the squad, but now back in favour
under Kovac. Unhappy when rst
selected in the left-back role but
now comfortable with his position.
Marcelo BROZOVIC
Dinamo Zagreb
Age 21 (16.11.92)
Boy wonder attacking midelder
or second striker, who has been
shining brightly this season for
Dinamo and the Under 21s.
Technically brilliant and very sharp
in front of goal, he has signed a
seven-year contract with Dinamo.
Mateo KOVACIC
Age 20 (06.05.94)
Talented mideld all-rounder
capable of turning on the style in
box-to-box mode or as a deep-lying
playmaker. In a perfect world, he
would push hard for a starting slot,
but is suffering from a distinct lack
of rst-team football at Inter.
Luka MODRIC
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 28 (09.09.85)
The Croatian Cruyff is the teams
most important player. Elegant,
precise and remarkably resilient
for one so small and slim. His
grandfather was murdered by
Serbian paramilitary forces during
the Balkans conict.
EDUARDO
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukr)
Age 31 (25.02.83)
Born in Brazil but moved to
Zagreb when he was 15 and later
took Croatian citizenship. Suffered
a serious leg break when playing
for Arsenal in 2008 that kept him
out for a year. Says he would have
liked to have been an economist.
Nikica JELAVIC
Hull City (Eng)
Age 28 (27.08.85)
Centre-forward who has
overcome serious injuries to
both knees during a career which
faltered at Everton. Missed out on
Mays FA Cup Final with Hull as he
was cup-tied. Bankrolls his old
Bosnian club, GOSK Gabela.
Niko KRANJCAR
Dynamo Kiev (Ukr)
Age 29 (13.08.84)
Creative player who has always
promised a lot but struggles with
tness. Spent this season on loan
to English second-tier side Queens
Park Rangers. Son of former
national coach Zlatko Kranjcar.
This will be his fourth major nals.
D
E
F
E
N
D
E
R
S
M
I
D
F
I
E
L
D
E
R
S
F
O
R
W
A
R
D
S
12
caps
goals
KEY
73
8
Mario MANDZUKIC
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 27 (21.05.86)
Hard-working centre-forward
who looks set to leave Bayern
when Robert Lewandowski arrives
this summer. Will miss the opening
game against Brazil through
suspension following his red card
in the play-off against Iceland.
Ivica OLIC
Wolfsburg (Ger)
Age 34 (14.09.79)
Gutsy, energetic and versatile
frontrunner who has a happy
knack of scoring on the big
occasion. Signed a new contract
in April, keeping him at Wolfsburg
for another two years. Previously
with Bayern Munich.
Gordon SCHILDENFELD
Panathinaikos (Gre)
Age 29 (18.03.85)
No-nonsense back-up central
defender who does the simple
thing and avoids risks. Not that
fast but reads situations well. Has
had eye problems during his
career. Has Austrian antecedents
and played for Sturm Graz.
Dario SRNA
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukr)
Age 32 (01.05.82)
Captain of club and country, he
can play full-back or the right side
of mideld. Always reliable in his
defensive duties, but also a threat
going forward. Has the name of
his brother Igor, who has Downs
syndrome, tattooed on his chest.
Mate MALES
Rijeka
Age 25 (11.03.89)
Industrious and tactically-
disciplined central mideld holder
who recently forced his way into
Niko Kovacs plans. Strong enough
as a character to quit Hajduk Split
for arch-rivals Dinamo Zagreb as
a youngster.
Danijel SUBASIC
Monaco (Fra)
Age 29 (27.10.84)
Pletikosas loyal understudy since
2009, he has had to make do with
international scraps, despite playing
with distinction with Monaco for
the past two-and-a-half seasons.
Lives a modest lifestyle in a small
apartment outside Monte Carlo.
93WDS14SMY169.pgs 02.05.2014 19:09
27
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1
5
0
32
0
WORLD SOCCER 67
Ivan STRINIC
Dnipro (Ukr)
Age 26 (17.07.87)
Fills the problem left-back slot
but has not always convinced.
Adventurous and constructive
going forward, but lacking
somewhat in his positional work.
Early in his career failed to make
the grade at French side, Le Mans.
Domagoj VIDA
Dynamo Kiev (Ukr)
Age 25 (29.04.89)
Powerful central defender whose
father, Rudika, was a lower-league
centre-forward. Was once thrown
off his clubs team bus for opening
a beer. Bounced back from a poor
spell at Leverkusen to impress for
Dinamo Zagreb and Dynamo Kiev.
Ognjen VUKOJEVIC
Dynamo Kiev (Ukr)
Age 30 (20.12.83)
Classic mideld pitbull, who could
play if coach Kovac wants a more
ball-winning bite in front of the
back-line. Often compared in style
to Gennaro Gattuso. Has fought
back well from a disastrous spell
at Belgian club Lierse in 2005.
Ivan RAKITIC
Sevilla (Spa)
Age 26 (10.03.88)
Arguably in the form of his career,
the Sevilla ace can play anywhere
in the engine room, but normally
lines up with Modric in a deep role.
Born in Switzerland after his
parents emigrated there and
represented them at youth level.
TACTICS
Sime VRSALJKO
Genoa (Ita)
Age 25 (10.01.92)
Considered Srnas long-term
successor at right-back, the
youngster has had his share of
injury problems over the past year,
but when operational is a class act,
a good mixture of positive intentions
and defensive watchfulness.
Defensive discipline and cunning counter-
attacks are the Kovac way
54
4
60
9
Ivan PERISIC
Wolfsburg (Ger)
Age 25 (02.02.89)
Nimble and quick-witted craftsman
usually employed by Kovac on
the left-ank, but also capable
of putting in a shift in a central
string-pulling role or as a second
striker. Fell out with Jurgen Klopp
at Borussia Dortmund.
Nico Kovac is a coach who seeks discipline
above all else in a game and expects
everyone to get behind the ball when
possession is lost. He likes to play
with two midelders in front of a
back four. Although one of those,
Luka Modric, is a naturally
attacking player he too is forced to sacrice
much of his creativity for defensive
responsibilities. Kovac will probably pair him
with Ivan Rakitic. Mateo Kovacic would
only play in tandem with Modric if an all-
out attacking system is called for.
Left-back is a major problem for Kovac.
Danijel Pranjic will probably be picked
ahead of Ivan Strinic, who is better going
forward than defending.
Croatia will hope to expose opponents on
the counter-attack and feed Ivica Olic and
Mario Mandzukic, but this has to be done
at speed. The more they push forward and
commit players to joining the attack, the
more vulnerable they become at the back.
With his air for taking chances, mobility,
cunning movement and vast international
know-how, Eduardo is the ideal impact sub.
Plan B?
When a situation occurs that they need to
chase the game the system turns into a
4-4-2, with Srna probably moving from
right-back to right mideld, with Domagoj
Vida taking his place. A second attacker,
usually Olic, is then pushed up alongside
Mandzukic. Nikica Jelavic, strong in the air
and physically robust, offers an alternative.
Another option that Kovac may explore to
protect his backline is elding three central
defenders and going 3-5-2.
Another way Croatia could force the issue,
to take more of the initiative, would be for
long-time Bundesliga professional Kovac
to adopt a Bayern Munich-like 4-1-4-1,
a system, of course, star striker Mandzukic
knows all about. This would entail Mate
Males or Ognjen Vukojevic guarding the
back-door; Perisic working the right-ank;
Modric and Rakitic pulling the strings in a
much more advanced position and Olic
buzzing down the right.
Given the crossing ability in the side and
the aerial threat posed by Mandzukic and
Jelavic, the Croats would be more direct as
they chased the game.
Pletikosa
Pranjic
Modric
Lovren
Perisic
Rakitic
Olic
Kovacic
Mandzukic
Srna
4-2-3-1
Corluka
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Dario KRESIC (G, Age 30, 11.01.84,
1/0, Mainz, Ger)
Ivan VARGIC (G, Age 27, 15.03.87,
0/0, Rijeka)
Igor BUBNJIC (D, Age 21, 17.07.92,
2/0, Udinese, Ita)
Hrvoje MILIC (D, Age 25, 10.05.89,
4/0, Rostov, Rus)
Ante REBIC (F, Age 20, 21.09.93, 3/1,
Fiorentina, Ita)
Duje COP (F, Age 24, 01.02.90, 0/0,
Dinamo Zagreb)
MISSING OUT
Defender Josip Simunic will not travel
to Brazil after losing his appeal against a
10-match international ban imposed by
FIFA as punishment for his celebration
following Croatias play-off victory over
Iceland. The veteran Dinamo Zagreb
defender shouted for the homeland
over a stadium microphone, to which
fans responded ready. The chant has
associations with the Ustasha pro-Nazi
regime that ruled Croatia during World
War Two and which was banned in 1945.
Pletikosa
Pranjic
Modric
Lovren
Srna
Rakitic
Olic
Mandzukic
Kovacic
Vida
4-4-2
Corluka
93WDS14SMY170.pgs 02.05.2014 19:10
68 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
T
here are seven games in the World Cup,
says Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda, and
I want to reach the seventh bold words
which express the condence of a country that
has taken huge strides in recent times.
Less than 30 years ago Ecuador were little
more than a Latin American footballing version
of Luxembourg; now they have reached three
of the last four World Cups. Last time out, in
2006, they belied their reputation as altitude
specialists by beating Poland and qualifying for
the second round, where they went down to
England. If they can do that in Europe, what
might happen on their own continent?
More players have international club
experience since then, and the current team is
physically strong with plenty of pace and skill
down the anks. But games are won and lost in
the penalty areas, and here Ecuadors
condence takes something of a battering.
They managed just 20 goals in 16 qualiers
scoring only ve times away from home.
Opportunities were being created, but as
Rueda lamented last November: Were failing
in the last metres. At this decisive moment we
are lacking precision, and we have to improve.
With seven goals, centre-forward Felipe
Caicedo was comfortably the teams top scorer
in qualication, though three of those came
from the penalty spot, so his patchy form this
year is a cause for concern.
There are also grounds for alarm at the
THE VIEW FROM ECUADOR
I think that we have to make it through
to the second round in Brazil not because
its some kind of obligation but because I
believe we have the best Ecuador side we
have ever had. The quantity of players who
are doing well abroad is far greater than we
have ever had in my lifetime. The order of
the group games should also help us to
make it through. Then, in the knockout round,
well just have to see what
happens, but Im betting our
team can do well.
Alex Aguinaga, former Ecuador
World Cup player
ECUADOR
Defensive problems and a lack of goals must be addressed
Work to be done to make
it past the group stage
back where Rueda is struggling to replace Ivan
Hurtado, the classy centre-back who held
Ecuadors defence together for 15 years, and
his giant partner Giovanny Espinoza. Jayro
Campos, the best of the current crop, is an
injury casualty, while centre-back Fricson Erazo
has had such a disastrous time at Flamengo of
Brazil that he scarcely gets on the bench.
Without him, Ecuador went three down to
Australia during a catastrophic rst-half display
in a March friendly, before striking back to win
4-3 after Rueda made some much-needed
changes at the interval.
Weve had problems in this sector,
admitted the coach. Its no use trying to cover
up the sun with our hands. He will hope that,
with time on the training eld, he can patch up
a defence that will give sufcient cover to carry
Ecuador out of their group.
Tim Vickery
May 17 Friendly away to Holland in
Amsterdam
May 26 Assemble for training in Quito
May 31 Friendly v Mexico in Arlington, USA
Jun 4 Friendly v England in Miami, USA
Jun 5 Travel back to Quito
Jun 9 Fly to Brazil
BASE CAMP
Ecuador will stay in Viamao, on the outskirts
of the southern city of Porto Alegre. They will
stay and train at the Vila Ventura Resort
(above), which features an underground,
purpose-built cave with two thermal pools and
a jacuzzi. One downside of their southerly
base is that they will face a 1,000 mile-plus
trip to Brasilia for their opening match.
Viamao, Porto Alegre
BRAZIL
GROUP E FIXTURES
Jun 15 v Switzerland (Brasilia)
Jun 20 v Honduras (Curitiba)
Jun 25 v France (Rio de Janeiro)
1,007 miles
Brasilia
Curitiba
Rio de
Janeiro

696 miles
339 miles
High hopes...Ecuador players during a qualifying win over Paraguay

93WDS14SMY171.pgs 02.05.2014 13:40
WORLD SOCCER 69
Reinaldo RUEDA (Col)
Age 57 (16.04.57)
Ecuador coach since July 2010
How he got the job
Approached after
his achievement of
qualifying Honduras
for the World Cup in
South Africa, and
due to Ecuadors
previous track
record under
Colombian coaches.

Took Colombias under-20s to the
World Youth Cup in 1993 and again
in 2003, when they reached the
semi-nals. He also won the Toulon
youth tournament in 2000. As a result
of taking Honduras to the World Cup he
was granted citizenship of the country.

His rst tournament with Ecuador, the
2011 Copa America, was a clear failure
which could have cost him his job.

None. Realised early on that he was
better suited to coaching than playing.

Went to South Africa with Honduras
four years ago where they only
picked up one point.

Personally is very affable and hard to
dislike. Cultivates good relations.
Can come across as a little cold.
Experience has shown, however, that it
is far easier for a foreign coach to stand
outside the sniping between the two
major cities, Quito and Guayaquil.

Rational, methodical gure who trained
and studied in the former Yugoslavia
and in Germany. His academic nature
is not always an easy t with the more
gifted individual talents in his squad.

His assistant is former Colombia
international Alexis Mendoza. Another
ex-Colombia player, Pedro Zape, is in
charge of preparing the goalkeepers.

After the World Cup
Will talk about a new contract after
the World Cup has nished.
COACH PROFILE
l In our group we have the advantage of
knowing Honduras, who weve beaten before in
friendlies. Switzerland have a strong team, but
Im sure that we can beat them, and against
France we have to take advantage
of the fact that they are not as
good as they have been.
Polo Carrera, former national team
player and coach
l The rst match, against Switzerland, is
going to be vital to our chances. We have the
strength in depth to beat Honduras, and hopefully
Switzerland as well because things will be a bit
more complicated against France, an opponent
with much more tradition.
Alfredo Encalada, former national coach

l In my view Ecuador are certainly in the ght
to make it out of their group. If we do, then we
will take on someone from Group F a group that
has Argentina in it. With a bit of destiny, luck and
football we will qualify from our group, which will
already be a success, and with a
bit more luck well make it to the
quarter-nals.
Oton Chavez, daily newspaper
El Universo
93WDS14SMY172.pgs 02.05.2014 13:42
WORLD CUP 2014 ECUADOR SQUAD
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Maximo BANGUERA
Barcelona SC
Age 28 (16.12.85)
Played as one of the permitted
over-age players in Ecuadors
gold-medal campaign in the
2007 Pan-American Games
before graduating to the senior
squad. Plays in a cap and has
suffered with weight problems.
Adrian BONE
El Nacional
Age 25 (08.09.88)
Athletic third-choice keeper
whose elder brother, Elvis, is
a centre-back with Deportivo
Cuenca. Made his international
debut in September 2011 in
a friendly against Jamaica.
Gabriel ACHILIER
Emelec
Age 29 (24.03.85)
Physical centre-back who is a
clear candidate to pick up yellow
cards. His father and uncle were
both defenders for Emelec in the
1980s. First called up for national
team duty in 2008 and has been
used sporadically since then.
Walter AYOVI
Pachuca (Mex)
Age 34 (11.08.79)
Attacking left-back who plays in
mideld for his club side. The only
outeld player to start in all 16 of
the South American World Cup
qualiers, he has a booming left-
foot shot and is dangerous from
set-pieces. Was in the 2002 squad.
Oscar BAGUI
Emelec
Age 31 (10.12.82)
First-choice left-back in the 2007
Copa America, but has otherwise
spent most of his time with the
national team on the bench. The
bulk of his caps have come in
friendlies. Made his debut in
January 2005 against Panama.
Segundo CASTILLO
Al Hilal (Sau)
Age 32 (15.05.82)
Strong, imposing defensive
midelder of vast experience, his
career includes the 2006 World
Cup as well as spells with Red Star
Belgrade, Everton and Wolves. A
goal threat from his long-range
shot and in the air at set-pieces.
Fernando GAIBOR
Emelec
Age 22 (08.10.91)
Talented all-round midelder, he
was a product of the under-20
side who has recently broken into
the senior squad. Dynamic, passes
well and times his forward runs
intelligently.
Edison MENDEZ
Santa Fe
Age 35 (15.03.79)
Stocky, classy midelder who has
played in all of Ecuadors World
Cup games and scored the winner
against Croatia in 2002. A
thunderous striker of the ball, he is
now rmly back after a few years
when he was blighted by injury.
Felipe CAICEDO
Al Jazira (UAE)
Age 25 (05.09.88)
Lanky, left-footed centre-forward
who is yet to fully realise the
potential of his youth, although his
recall midway through qualifying
was important and he nished as
top scorer. Fell out with Rueda
after the 2011 Copa America.
Fidel MARTINEZ
Tijuana (Mex)
Age 24 (15.02.90)
Skilful left-footer who was one of
the most impressive performers at
the 2007 Pan-American Games
before his career stalled with a
move to Brazil. Re-emerged with
Deportivo Quito before moving to
Mexico in 2012.
Renato IBARRA
Vitesse (Hol)
Age 23 (20.01.91)
Slightly-built ying right-winger
who is mostly used as a second-
half substitute to run at tiring
defences and free Antonio
Valencia to move inside. Made
10 appearances in qualication,
but only started one game.
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Jefferson MONTERO
Morelia (Mex)
Age 24 (01.09.89)
Made his name as the star turn in
the 2007 Pan-American Games
gold medal campaign and soon
thrown into the senior side. A
tricky dribbler who can glide past
his marker on either side, but can
be frustrating to watch.
Joao ROJAS
Cruz Azul (Mex)
Age 24 (14.06.89)
Quick and capable of operating
anywhere across the attacking
line. Such versatility makes him a
favourite of Rueda, but he has yet
to demonstrate that he can tip the
balance at international level. A
likely option from the bench.
Enner VALENCIA
Pachuca (Mex)
Age 25 (11.04.89)
Quick, strong and versatile, he was
often used wide on the right but
is now seen as a central support
striker. In rich form, making a good
start in Mexico. Previously with
Emelec, where he was given his
debut by Chiles Jorge Sampaoli.
Fricson ERAZO
Flamengo (Bra)
Age 26 (05.05.88)
Lanky, left-footed centre-back,
who is elegant on the ball, but
whose defensive vulnerabilities
have been horribly apparent after
his move to Brazil this year. His
lack of games for Flamengo is
a huge worry for Rueda.
Jorge GUAGUA
Emelec
Age 32 (28.09.81)
Centre-back who has been in the
squad as far back as the 2001
Copa America and made three
appearances in the 2006 World
Cup. Has never looked entirely
convincing at international level
and is not the quickest.
Henry LEON
Independiente del Valle
Age 31 (20.04.83)
Rangy central-mideld captain of
a small club who has made huge
recent progress. Has plenty of
lung power and can also ll in at
centre-back. Has played once for
the national side, against Chile in
August 2012.
Alexander DOMINGUEZ
LDU Quito
Age 27 (05.06.87)
Tall, gangly and awkward looking,
he took over as rst choice after
the 2011 Copa America. His
pre-football jobs include house
painter, bus conductor, waiter,
hotel porter and agricultural
labourer. His father is Colombian.
93WDS14SMY173.pgs 02.05.2014 19:11
41
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WORLD SOCCER 71
John NARVAEZ
Emelec
Age 23 (12.06.91)
Rangy, condent gure who did
well at centre-back at under-20
level, and has since established
himself at right-back with his club
and forced himself into the senior
side, although he has yet to make
his debut.
Juan Carlos PAREDES
Barcelona SC
Age 26 (08.07.87)
Pacy right-back who is
sometimes used as a wide
midelder at club level. Became
rst choice for his country after
the 2011 Copa America. Has
suffered appendicitis, a virus
and knee problems this year.
Antonio VALENCIA
Age 28 (04.08.85)
The rst Ecuadorian to make an
impact in the decisive stages of
the Champions League. Was made
team captain to help the squad
react positively to the death of his
great friend Christian Benitez. His
country need him to hit top form.
Luis SARITAMA
Barcelona SC
Age 30 (20.10.83)
Originally an attacking midelder,
a lack of pace means he is now
more successful using his passing
skills from deeper. In the 2006
squad, having made his senior
international debut in 2003
against Peru.
TACTICS
Death of Benitez leaves a huge hole in the
starting line-up
68
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Christian NOBOA
Dynamo Moscow (Rus)
Age 29 (09.04.85)
The boss of Ecuadors mideld,
with the vision and range of
passing to move the ball quickly
to the teams dangerous wingers.
Has spent the last six years playing
in Russia and is married to a local.
Made his debut in 2006.
Christian Benitez, who tragically died last
year, was a player Rueda could ill-afford
to lose in both an emotional sense
(he was hugely popular in the squad)
and a tactical one, as his talent and
versatility helped balance out the
coachs system. Benitez was the
countrys most-respected goalscorer and was
quick enough to play on the shoulder of the
last defender or to tuck back and form part
of the mideld block. He would take it in
turns with Felipe Caicedo to drop deep,
presenting opposing defences with different
challenges while ensuring the team stayed
relatively solid within the framework of their
4-4-2 formation.
There is no exact replacement for such a
complete player. If a quick attacker such as
Enner Valencia is used, then the team can
look very open and the vulnerability of the
defence exposed. Another option might be to
move Antonio Valencia inside, thus creating
an opening on the wing for the jet-heeled
Renato Ibarra or maybe Joao Rojas. This,
however, would be taking the teams best
player away from the role in which he is
most effective.
Otherwise, the structure of the side looks
relatively settled. Juan Carlos Paredes
and Walter Ayovi are an adventurous
pair of full-backs in a team which will seek
to counter at pace. Segundo Castillo
will hold the fort in central mideld while
Christian Noboa, with his range of passing,
will look to get the ball moving quickly to
the wingers.
It is here, on rapid transitions, if
Jefferson Montero or Valencia can get
one-on-one with the opposing full-backs,
that Ecuador can do some serious damage.
Plan B?
Ecuador rarely vary from the 4-4-2
template. However, the death of Benitez has
left them with a huge gap to ll, and the twin
strike force of Caicedo and Enner Valencia
may struggle.
One possible option would be a switch
to a 4-5-1 formation, bringing in an extra
midelder, such as the veteran Edison
Mendez. However, there is a danger
that such a move would highlight Ecuadors
lack of pace in and around the penalty box.

Dominguez
W Ayovi
Castillo
Erazo
A Valencia
Montero
Caicedo
Noboa
E Valencia
Paredes
Erazo
Paredes
Castillo
W Ayovi
A Valencia
Noboa
Montero
Caicedo
Mendez
Guagua
4-4-2
Guagua
Dominguez
4-5-1
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Luis CHECA (D, Age 30, 21.12.83,
7/0, Barcelona SC)
Isaac MINA (D, Age 33, 17.10.80,
19/2, El Nacional)
Christian RAMIREZ (D, Age 19,
15.08.94, 2/0, Fortuna Dusseldorf,
Ger)
Michael ARROYO (M, Age 27,
23.04.87, 20/2, Atlante, Mex)
Alex BOLANOS (M, Age 28, 22.01.86,
7/0, Barcelona SC)
Pedro QUINONEZ (M, Age 28,
04.03.86, 10/0, Emelec)
Massimo LUONGO (M, Age 21,
25.09.92, 1/0, Swindon Town, Eng),
Adam SAROTA (M, Age 25, 28.12.88,
3/0, Utrecht, Hol)
Jaime AYOVI (F, Age 26, 21.02.88,
27/9, Tijuana, Mex)
Carlos TENORIO (F, Age 35, 14.05.79,
51/12, El Nacional)
93WDS14SMY174.pgs 02.05.2014 19:11
72 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
W
hen England were drawn with Italy,
Uruguay and Costa Rica in a tough
rst-round group, Football Association
chairman Greg Dyke was caught by the TV
cameras making a throat-slitting gesture as he
sat alongside manager Roy Hodgson in the VIP
audience in Salvador, Brazil.
As a reection of the pessimistic mood that
took hold of the country following the draw,
Dykes gesture took some beating. Hodgson had
said before the draw that the one place he
wanted to avoid was Manaus. So, inevitably,
England were drawn to face Italy in their opening
game in the north-western city, where climactic
conditions may overwhelm European sides.
But as the months have passed since the
draw, so the expectations have begun to grow.
While nobody is declaring England to be
world-beaters, there are signs that their
campaign is ickering into life.
Hodgson is one of Englands biggest assets.
For the rst time since Bobby Robson in 1990,
England have a manager who has coached a
team at a World Cup before. His stewardship
of Switzerland at USA 94 may be a distant
memory but it has given him valuable insight into
how to manage a squad at a tournament in the
Americas.
England will have pace and youthful verve on
their side typied by the role played by young
forwards Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling
in Liverpools surprise title challenge, and by
Adam Lallana and Ross Barkley. Both have
played important roles in the impressive league
form of their respective clubs.
Barring a total disaster, Hodgson will be in
charge for the Euro 2016 qualiers and this
tournament may be seen as valuable preparation
for the nals in France in two years time.
To that end, the selection of Lallana and
others will give a pointer to Englands intentions.
The left-back position is a case in point. Ashley
Cole has been displaced by Leighton Baines
as rst choice and now faces a challenge
from Southampton teenager Luke Shaw. Will
Hodgson gamble on taking Shaw for the learning
experience, or fall back on the security of Coles
century of international caps?
In early May, Hodgson faced a nervous wait
for news that his players had avoided injury in the
remaining domestic club xtures. He has already
lost Theo Walcott to a serious knee injury and
was sweating on the tness of midelder Jack
Wilshere.
The draw may have dampened expectations
but England are not quite ready to roll out the
white ag no matter what Dyke says.
Gavin Hamilton
May 30 Friendly v Peru in London
Jun 1 Fly to Miami for training
camp in South Florida, USA
Jun 4 Friendy v Ecuador in
Miami, USA
Jun 7 Friendy v Honduras in
Miami, USA
THE VIEW FROM ENGLAND
Weve got some really good
players that are young, and
theyre almost unexposed to
failure at any level. And when I
mention those players Im
looking at the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Ross
Barkley, Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling.
Players like that, nobody knows if you throw
them in at the deep end in a World Cup, one
of them might absolutely shine and take the
world be storm and you try stopping them
after they play well once or twice. Theres
something about being really young [at a
World Cup] and having no fear at all, and
having pace and a mindset that says youre
going to dominate someone and not have any
fear of anyone. Weve got a bit of that. Yes,
there are probably better teams in the
BASE CAMP
ENGLAND
Tough task ahead for Hodgsons men
In the cut-throat group
England will be staying at the ve-star Royal
Tulip Hotel in Rio de Janerio, close to the citys
famous Copacabana beach. The FA switched
hotels after plans were revealed for a giant
World Cup fanzone outside their original
choice, the Windsor Atlantica. There are few
prettier settings than Englands ocean-side
training camp at the Urca military base, which
lies in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Heading for Rio...Englands talisman, Wayne Rooney
1,774 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP D FIXTURES
Jun 14 v Italy (Manaus)
Jun 19 v Uruguay (Sao Paulo)
Jun 24 v Costa Rica (Belo Horizonte)
215 miles 223 miles
Manaus
Sao Paulo Rio de
Janerio

Belo
Horizonte
93WDS14SMY175.pgs 02.05.2014 13:41
WORLD SOCCER 73
How he got the job
A safe pair of hands
(and was not Harry
Redknapp) following
the abrupt
resignation of
Fabio Capello.
Past successes
as a coach
Won league titles in Sweden and
Denmark. Guided Switzerland to the
1994 World Cup and Euro 96 nals.
Took Internazionale to the 1997 UEFA
Cup Final and Fulham to the 2009
Europa League Final.
Undone by player power at Blackburn
and fan expectations at Liverpool.
Limited to non-league, he worked as a
PE teacher while earning his coaching
badges in his 20s.
Took Switzerland to the last 16 at USA
94, where they lost to Spain. Worked
as part of FIFAs technical inspection
teams at subsequent World Cups.
Cordial and respectful while never
giving too much away.
Respected by most for his decency and
hard work with the exception of
Liverpool fans.
Style of management
The antithesis of a showbiz manager, a
coachs coach who likes to drill his sides
on the training pitch. Long-time student
of the world game, multi-lingual and a
keen reader of modern literary ction.
Gary Neville has attracted some
criticism for combining his coaching
alongside Hodgson with commentating
for Sky and a newspaper column.
Assistant coach Ray Lewington is a
colleague from his time at Fulham.
After the World Cup
Is contracted until 2016, so barring a
complete disaster in Brazil will stay on
to oversee the Euro 2016 qualifying
campaign.
Roy HODGSON
Age 66 (09.08.47)
England coach since May 2012
COACH PROFILE
competition than us but if we get on a nice little
run then I dont see us without a chance.
Michael Owen, ex-striker who is now a TV pundit
l There are always ifs with
England. If Wayne Rooney stays t.
If the balance is right in mideld.
If the players can keep the ball. If
the players dont melt when the
heat rises. If they dont sit deep on taking the
lead. If they nd some psychological strength. If
the game doesnt go to penalties. England have
some strengths. The keeper Joe Hart is in form.
The captain Steven Gerrard is on a mission.
Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge and Adam
Lallana all bring energy and ideas. If England get
out of a tricky group that will be success.
Henry Winter, Telegraph football correspondent
l All depends on the period from
May 19 to June 14, when Roy
Hodgson will have almost
uninterrupted access to his
players. If they can develop a
club-style pattern of play, England could be one
of the big surprises. Especially if the club they
come to resemble is Liverpool. The outeld player
they can least afford to lose is Steven Gerrard,
who has become a true leader during Hodgsons
brief era and is key to the creation of an
Aneld-ish core. Raheem Sterling could be a
sensation. But its equally important that there
are good team men around: Leighton Baines, Phil
Jagielka (if t), Wayne Rooney (if in the mood),
Gary Cahill, Jordan Henderson, James Milner.
Teamwork is usually Englands weak suit.
Patrick Barclay, Evening Standard columnist
93WDS14SMY176.pgs 02.05.2014 13:43
WORLD CUP 2014 ENGLAND SQUAD
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Fraser FORSTER
Celtic (Sco)
Age 26 (17.03.88)
Former reserve keeper at
Newcastle whose strong
performances for Celtic in the
2011-12 Champions League
earned him an England call-up.
Made his debut against Chile
in November 2013.
Ben FOSTER
West Bromwich Albion
Age 31 (03.04.83)
After a promising early career at
Man United was hit by injuries, he
has been rehabilitated twice by
Hodgson: at West Brom and now
with England. Quit international
football in May 2011 but made
himself available in February 2013.
Leighton BAINES
Everton
Age 29 (11.12.84)
Has displaced Ashley Cole as
left-back under Hodgson. Has
stuck with Everton despite the
keen interest of Manchester
United. A big Indie music fan, he
has written a regular column
about music for Evertons website.
Gary CAHILL
Chelsea
Age 28 (19.12.85)
First choice centre-back who has
thrived since moving to Chelsea in
January 2012. Has good
positional sense and doesnt rush
into tackles, preferring to block.
Missed Euro 2012 with a
broken jaw.
Ashley COLE
Chelsea
Age 33 (20.12.80)
One of the best left-backs of the
past decade, he has fallen out of
favour at Chelsea this season and
lost his England place to Baines.
May lose out to Luke Shaw in the
nal cut. Missed the crucial penalty
in the Euro 2012 semi against Italy.
Ross BARKLEY
Everton
Age 20 (05.12.93)
Talented all-rounder with good mix
of technique, vision and tenacity.
Has enjoyed a rapid rise over the
past year, blossoming at Everton
after spending last summer in
Englands under-performing team
at the Under-20 World Cup.
Michael CARRICK
Manchester United
Age 32 (28.07.81)
Mideld metronome who provides
a useful role as a link man but who
has been criticised for lacking
adventure and shirking the
physical side of the game. His wife
Lisa has taken to Twitter to
admonish his critics.
Adam LALLANA
Southampton
Age 26 (10.05.88)
Has played for Southampton in
three divisions, emerging this
season as a real talent, a clever
ball-player with passing and
dribbling ability. The Saints skipper
mainly plays on the left ank but
can also play through the middle.
Andy CARROLL
West Ham
Age 25 (06.01.89)
Combative but injury-prone target
man whose height makes him a
threat at set-pieces and gives any
team a direct route to goal.
Discarded by Liverpool when they
cut their losses on a player signed
for 35m in January 2011.
Alex OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
Arsenal
Age 20 (15.08.93)
A surprise call-up to the Euro 2012
squad but injuries have slowed his
progress. Arsene Wenger sees his
long-term role in central mideld,
not a winger, the position of his
father, Mark Chamberlain, who won
eight England caps in the 1980s.
Steven GERRARD
Liverpool
Age 34 (30.05.80)
Captain of club and country who
has enjoyed an exceptional season
with Liverpool in a more disciplined
role at the base of mideld. His
cousin, 10-year-old Jon-Paul
Gilhooley, was the youngest victim
of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
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Wayne ROONEY
Manchester United
Age 28 (24.10.85)
Englands talisman who is capable
of great things but has rarely
performed on the big stage for his
country. Englands all-time top
scorer in World Cup qualifying
but has yet to nd the net in a
nals tournament.
Daniel STURRIDGE
Liverpool
Age 24 (01.09.89)
Livewire striker who has found his
feet at Liverpool after difcult
spells at Manchester City and
Chelsea. Often is asked to play out
wide for England. Committed
Christian who regularly thanks
God in interviews.
Danny WELBECK
Manchester United
Age 23 (26.11.90)
An injury-affected season has
seen him slip down the pecking
order at Manchester United, but
he remains an important option
for Hodgson. Scored with a
cheeky backheel against Sweden
at Euro 2012.
Phil JAGIELKA
Everton
Age 31 (17.08.82)
Tough, no-nonsense centre-back
who began his career as a
midelder. Has struggled with
injuries this season but condent
of returning in time for the World
Cup. A Polish grandfather means
he could have played for Poland.
Glen JOHNSON
Liverpool
Age 29 (23.08.84)
Attacking right-back who was
criticised by Hodgson for lapses
when Liverpool manager but he
will head to Brazil on the back of
a strong season with Liverpool.
Studying for a maths degree at
the Open University.
Jordan HENDERSON
Liverpool
Age 23 (17.06.90)
Sunderland-born all-rounder who
has thrived alongside Gerrard in
Liverpools mideld this season.
Struggled to adapt following his
20m move to Aneld in 2011
but offers more dynamism than
Carrick or Frank Lampard.
Joe HART
Manchester City
Age 27 (19.04.87)
Form has dipped over the past
two seasons, being dropped by
Man City, but has remained
rst choice under Hodgson.
Occasional mistakes are offset by
his command of the penalty area.
A promising schoolboy cricketer.
93WDS14SMY177.pgs 02.05.2014 19:11
45
1
10
0
x
x
9
0
WORLD SOCCER 75
Phil JONES
Manchester United
Age 22 (21.02.92)
Brave, tough tackler who has been
touted as a ball-playing
centre-back. Exceptionally
versatile, he can also play at
right-back and in defensive
mideld. Has been likened to the
legendary Duncan Edwards.
Chris SMALLING
Manchester United
Age 24 (22.11.89)
Signed from non-league
Maidstone by Hodgson when he
was in charge of Fulham. Likely to
be included for his versatility, at
right-back and central defence,
but unlikely to start. Height makes
him a useful asset at set pieces.
Jack WILSHERE
Arsenal
Age 22 (01.01.92)
One of the great hopes of English
football, comfortable in possession
with good passing vision, but yet to
make a real breakthrough at the
very top level. Troubled by injuries,
the latest being a foot injuy that
has sidelined him since March.
Raheem STERLING
Liverpool
Age 19 (08.12.94)
Jamaican-born winger promoted
from the Under-21s by Hodgson.
Another Liverpool player who has
excelled this season with his
exciting pace on the anks but can
often be more effective playing
through the centre.
TACTICS
Hodgson has several options but will need
to balance defence and attack
15
0
2
0
James MILNER
Manchester City
Age 28 (04.01.86)
Not a regular starter for City but
admired by Hodgson for his
discipline, industry and versatility.
One of the youngest players to
score in the Premier League, he
was a useful schoolboy cricketer
who represented Yorkshire.
Since Roy Hodgson took over as England
coach, he hasnt been scared to try out a
variety of different formations, often
reacting to which players he has at his
disposal. His most favoured option
has been 4-3-3, a uid system that
also helped disprove the theory
that Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard
cant play together in the same team.
However, in Brazil, and particularly for the
crunch games against Italy and Uruguay,
there will be a need to keep things tight,
which could see Hodgson playing two holding
midelders as part of a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Gerrard would be one, possibly partnered by
Jack Wilshire if he is back to full tness.
Ahead of them would be a deeper-lying
Wayne Rooney and a tucked-in wide-man.
Adam Lallana is well-suited to the role,
although Hodgson is a big fan of James
Milner and started him in every game at
Euro 2012. Past selections point to an
out-and-out winger on the other ank, and
with Theo Walcott out injured, this seemingly
clears the way for Raheem Sterling. This
would leave Daniel Sturridge operating as
the lone front man.
An even more cautious approach for the
team would be a 4-4-2 set-up Hodgsons
favoured option at club level but one that
drew plenty of criticism when he introduced
it for a friendly against the Republic of
Ireland last year.
Plan B?
The more expansive 4-3-3 formation is likely
to be introduced when England are chasing
goals, potentially in their nal group outing
against Costa Rica. This would enable the
full-backs, Glen Johnson and Leighton
Baines, to push down the anks, safe in the
knowledge that there is always someone to
cover in behind them. This would see Rooney
adopting a more central role, with Sturridge
running the channels down the right.
And then, of course, there is Englands
more traditional Plan B hitting it long to a
big target man. Hodgson isnt afraid to use it,
and it worked for him against Sweden in Euro
2012, but the chances of seeing it in Brazil
will very much depend if Rickie Lambert or
Andy Carroll are in the coachs nal 23.
Hart
Baines
Wilshere
Jagielka
Gerrard
Lallana
Sturridge
Rooney
Sterling
Johnson
Baines
Cahill Jagielka
Wilshere Sterling
Rooney
Gerrard
Lallana
Sturridge
Johnson
4-2-3-1
Cahill
Hart
4-3-3
ALSO IN CONTENTION
John RUDDY (G, Age 27, 24.10.86,
1/0, Norwich)
Luke SHAW (D, Age 18, 12.07.95, 1/0,
Southampton)
Joleon LESCOTT (D, Age 31,
16.08.82, 26/1, Manchester City)
John STONES (D, Age 19, 28.05.94,
0/0, Everton)
John FLANAGAN (D, Age 21,
01.01.93, 0/0, Liverpool)
Gareth BARRY (M, Age 33, 23.02.81,
53/3, Manchester City)
Frank LAMPARD (M, Age 35,
20.06.78, 103/29, Chelsea)
Rickie LAMBERT (F, Age 32,
16.02.82, 4/2, Southampton)
Jermain DEFOE (F, Age 31, 07.10.82,
55/19, Toronto, Can)
MISSING OUT
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and
Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez
have both been ruled out with cruciate
knee ligament injuries. Another winger,
Andros Townsend has had an
operation on ankle ligaments, while his
Tottenham team-mate Kyle Walker is
likely to be absent with a pelvic problem.
93WDS14SMY178.pgs 02.05.2014 19:13
76 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
M
emories are short in football. But
nowhere are they shorter than in
France. After almost missing out on
qualication for Brazil, now that Les Bleus are
there after overturning a 2-0 rst-leg decit
to beat Ukraine in a play-off the French
public is happy to talk up their teams chances
of reaching the Final. Daft as it sounds, though,
with France anything is possible.
Its in Frances footballing DNA to always
expect the unexpected. They have always been
technically strong, yet their World Cup
performances have yo-yoed from the sublime
to the ridiculous. You only have to look at the
previous two competitions to spot the madness.
In 2006 they made it to the Final only to
lose on penalties to Italy in Berlin. And the
teams ne performance on the day was all
but forgotten in the aftermath of the Zinedine
Zidane head-butt incident.
Four years later they went home early with
their tails between their legs after nishing
bottom of Group A without a win and scoring
only one goal. And the infamous player revolt in
Knysna, where the squad refused to train after
Nicolas Anelka had been sent home after
criticising coach Raymond Domenech, further
tarnished Frances reputation.
So which France will turn up in 2014? Who
knows? But what can be said is that the squad
is packed with outstanding young talent.
Hugo Lloris is a quality goalkeeper, central
defender Raphael Varane is mature beyond
his years and a born leader, Paul Pogba is
an outstanding mideld prospect and, at 26,
Karim Benzema is at the peak of his attacking
powers. With a spine like that youve always got
a chance. And thats without mentioning one of
the best players in the world, Franck Ribery.
No team will fancy taking on the French, but
do they have enough strength in depth? If a key
man gets injured they may get knocked off
course. Drawn in what looks like a ridiculously
easy group alongside Switzerland, Ecuador and
Honduras, it will be another national scandal if
France fail to progress to the knockout stage.
Howard Johnson
May 19 Squad to meet up at the national
football training centre in
Clairefontaine
May 27 Friendly v Norway in Paris
Jun 1 Friendly v Paraguay in Nice
Jun 8 Friendly v Jamaica in Lille
THE VIEW FROM FRANCE
The key is to go to Brazil with a
competitive side. You know its going to be
difcult and you want to go a long way in the
competition. Youre not there to dance the
samba or go sightseeing for a fortnight.
Youre there to win the World Cup. Thats the
objective and the team have to
get that into their heads from
the start.
Raymond Domenech, former
France coach
BASE CAMP
It will be another national
scandal if France fail to get
to the knockout stage
FRANCE
Play-off scare will not dampen spirit of Deschamps side
Anything is possible
for Les Bleus
The French team have chosen to base
themselves in Ribeirao Preto, 190 miles north
of Sao Paulo. They will stay at the Hotel JP,
where local workers are being given intensive
French lessons to make their guests feel at
home. Their training base is 11 minutes away,
at the Santa Cruz stadium, a 50,000-capacity
ground that is home to Botafogo.
French fancy...Pogba is one Europes best young talents
Porto Alegre
1,137 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP B FIXTURES
Jun 15 v Honduras (Porto Alegre)
Jun 20 v Switzerland (Salvador)
Jun 25 v Ecuador (Rio de Janeiro)
867 miles
320 miles

Ribeirao

Rio de
Janerio

Salvador
93WDS14SMY179.pgs 02.05.2014 13:43
WORLD SOCCER 77
How he got
the job
Was unhappy
as coach of
Marseille following
differences with
sporting director
Jose Anigo when
the call came to
replace Laurent Blanc after a
disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.
Took Monaco to the Champions League
Final in 2004, led Juventus to the Serie
B title in 2007 after a nancial scandal
saw them demoted, and won the
French league with Marseille in 2010.
None on a sporting level, but fractious
personal relationships at Juventus and
Marseille led to a parting of the ways.
Captained the national side to World
Cup glory on home soil in 1998 before
going on to win Euro 2000.
For a player with 103 caps, he only
appeared in the 1998 nals after
France failed to qualify in both 1990
and 1994. This is his rst World Cup
as a coach.
Spikey. Hes not slow in putting a
journalist down with a withering
comment if he feels the need and often
refuses to discuss subjects relating to
player selection.
Lifted the World Cup in front of an
adoring French public, so hes got
plenty of credit in the bank.
A big fan of the collective, not afraid to
rufe individual feathers and make big
decisions if he has to.
His assistant, Guy Stephan, was number
two to former France boss Domenech
and also coached Senegal before
joining Deschamps at Marseille.
After the World Cup
Signed a contract extension until 2016
following qualication for Brazil.
Didier DESCHAMPS
Age 45 (15.10.68)
France coach since July 2012
COACH PROFILE
l I think France are in good shape. The players
are aware of the qualities they have. Im not
talking about individuals, but the team as a
whole. Theyre a strong group, and in a big
tournament thats the most important thing.
Claude Makelele, World Cup nalist in 2006
l For me the mark of sporting excellence is
to be able to get good results even on an off day.
Thats what great teams do and were not a
great team yet. If we could get to the quarter-
nals and some young players
really came through, then that
would be a good World Cup for us.
Bixente Lizarazu, 1998 World Cup
winner
l The draws been kind to us, but you still have
to go out there and win. And if France qualify for
the knockout phase they will be up against some
big teams, so they have to be ready for that.
Jean-Pierre Papin, scored 30 goals for Les Bleus
93WDS14SMY180.pgs 02.05.2014 13:42
WORLD CUP 2014 FRANCE SQUAD
11
0
55
0
16
0
19
2
1
0
55
0
15
0
2
2
27
2
3
0
20
1
9
0
65
19
27
5
1
0
31
5
KITS
78 WORLD SOCCER
G
O
A
L
K
E
E
P
E
R
S
Mickael LANDREAU
Bastia
Age 35 (14.05.79)
A dependable back-up who holds
the record for the most matches
played in Ligue 1, having this
season beaten Jean-Luc Ettoris
602 appearances.
Hugo LLORIS
Age 27 (26.12.86)
A great shot-stopper with superb
reexes who doesnt have a
serious rival as rst choice. Holds
the dubious record of being the
only French international keeper
to have been sent off against
Serbia in 2009.
Mathieu DEBUCHY
Age 28 (28.07.85)
A full-back with the ability to make
lung-busting touchline runs all
day long, he spent 10 years with
his only other club, Lille, before
heading to England last year. His
brother, Gregoire, is a professional
in the French lower leagues.
Lucas DIGNE
Paris Saint-Germain
Age 20 (20.07.93)
Left-back whose rise has been
remarkably swift, given that he
only signed his rst pro contract
with Lille in July 2010. Moved to
PSG in July 2013 on a ve-year
deal and has impressed enough
to challenge Evra and Clichy.
Patrice EVRA
Age 33 (15.05.81)
Tough, spiky left-back whose
international career is threatened
by the emergence of Digne. In the
twilight of his career but this son
of a Guinean diplomat will not be
short of takers if, as seems likely,
he leaves United this summer.
Yohan CABAYE
Paris Saint-Germain
Age 28 (14.01.86)
A hard-working yet skilful
midelder who also scores
spectacular goals. Joined
Newcastle United for 5m in
2011 and left for PSG for 23m
in 2014. His star is clearly
in the ascendant.
Clement GRENIER
Lyon
Age 23 (07.01.91)
An attacking midelder who was
called up for the rst time by
Deschamps last year and made
his debut against Uruguay in June.
A lynchpin at Lyon, hes already
made over 100 appearances for
the club.
Dimitri PAYET
Marseille
Age 27 (29.03.87)
A talented and creative player
born on the island of Reunion,
who has played for four big French
clubs: Nantes, Saint-Etienne, Lille
and now Marseille. Deschamps
says he has it in him to be a match
winner, but he hasnt proved it yet.
Karim BENZEMA
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 26 (19.12.87)
Frances main striker, he is strong,
clever in the danger area, with
a cold-blooded nishing instinct.
Left out of the World Cup squad
four years ago, he suffered a dry
spell of 16 months before scoring
against Australia in October 2013.
Olivier GIROUD
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 27 (30.09.86)
A willing workhorse who does
the dirty stuff in uncomplaining
fashion, often operating as a
solitary striker for his club. Has
reportedly been ordered to get
a move back to France by his wife
after rumours about his love life.
Blaise MATUIDI
Paris Saint-Germain
Age 27 (09.04.87)
Arrived at PSG from Saint-Etienne
in 2011 despite the misgivings of
several board members. Has since
gone on to prove his worth as a
combative, box-to-box competitor
with an insatiable appetite for work.
Pops up with vital goals as well.
D
E
F
E
N
D
E
R
S
M
I
D
F
I
E
L
D
E
R
S
F
O
R
W
A
R
D
S
12
caps
goals
KEY
7
0
Antoine GRIEZMANN
Real Sociedad (Spa)
Age 23 (21.03.91)
An exciting new talent who can
play in a number of different
attacking positions, he made his
senior debut against Holland in
March. Signed by Sociedad in
2006 after being turned down
by a number of French sides.
Mathieu VALBUENA
Marseille
Age 29 (28.09.84)
A right-sided attacker who makes
up in heart what he lacks in
stature. Has impressive ball skills
and can deliver a killer cross, but
probably lacks the star quality that
instils real fear in the worlds best
defenders.
Laurent KOSCIELNY
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 28 (10.09.85)
Has his share of critics, but many
admire his never-say-die attitude,
good positional play and uncanny
ability to put strikers off their game.
Of Polish descent, he recently saved
an accordion factory from going
bankrupt in his home town of Tulle.
Eliaquim MANGALA
Porto (Por)
Age 23 (13.02.91)
A much sought-after central
defender who represents France
despite having grown up in
Belgium. Joined Porto from
Standard Liege in 2011, but looks
set to step up and achieve even
bigger and better things.
Rio MAVUBA
Lille
Age 30 (08.03.84)
Recognised as one of French
footballs nice guys, he was born
on a boat to a mother eeing civil
war in Angola. Combative and
consistent, his tough start in life
makes him a competitor on the
pitch and a gentleman off it.
Steve MANDANDA
Marseille
Age 29 (28.03.85)
Congo-born, he tried out
for Aston Villa before joining
Marseille from Le Havre in 2007.
Sometimes seems too nice and
laid-back to be a real winner. His
brother, Parfait, is Congos
national keeper.
93WDS14SMY181.pgs 02.05.2014 19:16
8
1
16
2
5
0
39
0
Lloris
Digne
Pogba
Mangala
Griezmann
Ribery
Matuidi
Giroud
Benzema
Debuchy
4-4-2
Varane
WORLD SOCCER 79
Bacary SAGNA
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 31 (14.02.83)
Will battle it out with Debuchy for
a starting berth at right-back.
Earned his move to the Gunners
after playing every league game of
the 2006-07 season for Auxerre.
After seven years with Arsenal his
contract expires this summer.
Mamadou SAKHO
Liverpool (Eng)
Age 24 (13.02.90)
A strong, powerful and athletic
centre-back who has had a
number of career ups and downs.
Came back into the France team
for the second leg World Cup
play-off game against Ukraine and
scored two goals.
Moussa SISSOKO
Age 24 (16.08.89)
An athletic powerhouse who has
the ability to do great things but
sometimes lacks nesse. Isnt
consistent enough to be sure of a
place in Deschamps starting line-up,
but is a useful sub to have around
for a sudden injection of energy.
Franck RIBERY
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 31 (07.04.83)
Quick feet are matched by a ne
footballing brain and a desire for
work that is more German than
French. A prostitution scandal in
2009 didnt affect his form or
popularity and he remains the
heartbeat of any side he plays in.
TACTICS
Raphael VARANE
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 21 (25.04.93)
Outstanding prospect who joined
Real Madrid from Lens in 2011
and is now established as a
centre-half who is mature beyond
his years. Signed his six-year
contract with Real Madrid while
still waiting for his A-level results.
Winnable group may see Deschamps
go for the jugular
14
0
81
16
Paul POGBA
Juventus (Ita)
Age 21 (15.03.93)
At 6ft 3in he offers real physical
presence together with admirable
close-ball skills. Turned his back
on Manchester United after two
years in England to join Juve.
Captain of the Under-20 World
Cup-winning side last year.
Prior to the qualifying play-offs Deschamps
favoured a 4-2-3-1 system with Paul
Pogba and Blaise Matuidi providing
blanket cover in front of the back four
and Olivier Giroud or Karim
Benzema leading the line alone.
Needing an emphatic home
victory to qualify in the second leg against
Ukraine, the coach went for a more
adventurous 4-3-3, adding Yohan Cabaye
for extra mideld muscle and pushing Franck
Ribery into a more forward role alongside
Mathieu Valbuena and Benzema. The
tactic worked like a charm and the French
showed themselves capable of dealing with
a pressure situation, while embracing some
tactical tinkering.
In a qualifying group that looks eminently
winnable, Deschamps may go for the jugular
from the off, potentially bringing in the
adaptable Antoine Griezmann to offer
a number of interesting attacking
permutations.
Frances starting XI looks solid and
capable of going well. Hugo Lloris will let
no one down between the posts, a back four
of Mathieu Debuchy, Raphael Varane,
Eliaquim Mangala and Lucas Digne is
certainly exciting, but perhaps lacks a leader,
so Patrice Evra may be the answer there.
With Pogba and Matuidi sure to start, it looks
like Deschamps will opt for Cabaye to add
mideld balance, while a hard-working front
three of Ribery, Griezmann and Benzema
gives France the capability to snuff out
opposition attacks and yet still break quickly
and in numbers.
Deschamps big problem may be the lack
of real game-changing quality on the bench
if his Plan A is going at. Are Moussa
Sissoko, Dmitri Payet or Valbuena going to
unduly worry opponents? With the possible
exception of Loic Remy, France look a little
undercooked where fringe players are
concerned. And what if Benzema gets injured?
Plan B?
The option if France nd themselves chasing
the game in Brazil would be to move to a
traditional 4-4-2 system with two out-and-out
strikers. Deschamps has been reluctant to take
this step to date, but the idea of Benzema being
partnered by Giroud or possibly Remy at the
expense of a central mideld player is one that
could appeal if Les Bleus need a goal quickly.
Lloris
Evra
Benzema
Koscielny
Pogba Matuidi
Ribery Cabaye
Griezmann
Debuchy
4-2-3-1
Varane
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Eric ABIDAL (D, Age 34, 11.09.79,
67/0, Monaco)
Gael CLICHY (D, Age 28, 26.07.85,
20/0, Manchester City, Eng)
Rod FANNI (D, Age 32, 06.12.81, 5/0,
Marseille)
Charles KONDOGBIA (M, Age 21,
15.02.93, 1/0, Monaco)
Jeremy MENEZ (M, Age 27, 07.05.87,
24/2, Paris Saint-Germain)
Samir NASRI (M, Age 26, 26.06.87,
41/5, Manchester City, Eng)
Andre-Pierre GIGNAC (F, Age 28,
05.12.85, 17/4, Marseille)
Bafe GOMIS (F, Age 28, 06.08.85,
12/3, Lyon)
Loic REMY (F, Age 27, 02.01.87, 22/4,
Queens Park Rangers, Eng)
MISSING OUT
Midelder Yann MVila was banned until
June 2014 by his own federation after
visiting a Paris nightclub while on duty
with the French Under-21 team back
in October of 2012. Technically, he is
available again after the ban was
reduced on appeal, but its hard to
see the 23-year-old making the squad.
93WDS14SMY182.pgs 02.05.2014 19:18
80 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
R
eady Like Never Before. The slogan
dreamt up by the ad men for the
German World Cup 2014 marketing
campaign should resonate across the nation.
In a survey conducted by the countrys
leading sports magazine, Kicker, 86 per cent of
respondents were condent of Joachim Lows
team making at least the semi-nals, and there
are all manner of pegs on which to hang such
optimism not least the DFBs attention to
tournament detail, even to the point of building
their own training camp in Brazil. Then there is
the national sides excellent recent record in
international competitions: semi-nalists in
the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, plus silver
medallists at Euro 2008.
A progressive thinker, motivator and
tactician, Low is one of the most accomplished
coaches in Europe and, in terms of individual
class, Germany are seriously overmanned. Not
only can they boast the brilliance of full-back
or midelder Philipp Lahm, engine-room
regulator supreme Bastian Schweinsteiger
and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but they also
have a clutch of young-gun creators and
sharpshooters notably Thomas Muller, Mario
Gotze, Toni Kroos, Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle
and Mesut Ozil.
Its no act of blind faith to depict the
Class of 2014 as the most talented group
to represent the country since Beckenbauer,
Muller, Maier, Breitner and Overath ruled the
roost at the 1974 World Cup nals. But as Low
knows only too well, there are still some areas
that need his attention.
THE VIEW FROM GERMANY
We have the quality to win our rst world
title in 24 years. We certainly have the strength
in depth. Jogi Low has 30 to 35 top-class
players and has two or three good alternatives
for every position. Theres a good atmosphere
in the camp, everyone involved communicates
well and theres no rivalries between the
Bayern and Dortmund players. Weve nearly all
the ingredients one needs to go all the way. The
only thing we lack is the nasty
characters.
Lothar Matthaus, captained
Germany to 1990 World Cup
success
Germany will be world champions. Theres
no better team than us. Spain are not as strong
as they were in 2008 and 2010. The only side
GERMANY
This squad is the nations most talented for many years
Lows side are a class act
From time to time and perfectly illustrated
in the qualifying campaign by the 4-4 draw at
home to Sweden and the 5-3 away win against
the same opposition Germanys back line can
be a concentration free-zone. Added to that,
their set-piece work is hit or miss, number one
striker Miroslav Klose is creaking somewhat at
the grand old age of 36, and far too many key
players are either out of form, short of match
practice or injured.
Playmaker Ozil has been on the sidelines
recently with a hamstring complaint, centre-
back Mats Hummels has struggled with a foot
injury, Schweinsteiger was out for three months
after ankle surgery and midelder Sami Khedira
faces a race to be t after damaging knee
ligaments.
In Brazils taxing climatic conditions, Low
will need everyone to be t, ring and focused.
Certain German pundits never tire of describing
Low and company as big-game chokers. A
touch more defensive steel and the naysayers
could be running for the hills.
Nick Bidwell
May 13 Friendly v Poland in Hamburg
May 21-31 Training camp in South Tyrol,
Austria
Jun 1 Friendly v Cameroon in
Monchengladbach
Jun 6 Friendly v Armenia in Mainz
Jun 7 Fly to Brazil
BASE CAMP
The Germans are leaving very little to chance
for their World Cup campaign. They will be
staying at a multi-million pound, custom-built
complex, 19 miles north of Porto Seguro,
christened Campo Bahia. Commissioned by
the German DFB, it will become a sports and
nature resort, including a youth academy,
once the World Cup is nished.
BRAZIL
GROUP G FIXTURES
Jun 16 v Portugal (Salvador)
Jun 21 v Ghana (Fortaleza)
Jun 26 v USA (Recife)
1,050 miles
Fortaleza
Porto
Seguro

862 miles
Recife
368 miles
Salvador
Captain brilliance...Lahm (right) in action against Chile
93WDS14SMY183.pgs 02.05.2014 13:43

WORLD SOCCER 81
Joachim LOW
Age 54 (03.02.60)
Germany coach since July 2006

How he got
the job
After two years as
Jurgen Klinsmanns
assistant he was
promoted to the hot
seat when his boss
walked away
at the end of the
2006 World Cup.
Countless near-misses with Germany:
silver at Euro 2008 and third place at
the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Led
Stuttgart to the German Cup in 1997
and the Final of the Cup-winners Cup.
Germanys 2-1 loss to Italy in the Euro
2012 semi-nal was supposed to be
the game his side could not lose.
Won four caps as a striker for West
Germany under-21s.
Lauded for his strategic sense of
adventure at the last two tournaments.
Increasingly strained. Critics point to
tactical and selection failures in the
Euro 2012 semi-nal and the defensive
shambles in a 4-4 draw with Sweden in
the World Cup 2014 qualiers.
Some 52 per cent of respondents in a
recent poll rated his work as either
good or very good only a fth felt he
would have to go if Germany did not
make the quarter-nals.
Relaxed, cerebral and inclusive, with
emphasis on the collective and the
psychological. Highly principled, he
would not dream of playing ugly,
though he can be ruthless if required.
Goalkeeping coach, Andy Kopke, team
manager Oliver Bierhoff and assistant
coach Hansi Flick, who will become
DFB technical director in September.
After the World Cup
Has a contract until 2016 but may go if
Germany fail to triumph.
COACH PROFILE
who could pose problems to us are Brazil, who are
used to the climate and conditions and performing
under pressure. Weve some injury concerns at the
moment, but its always been like that in the run-up
to a big tournament. But we have the pool of
players to cope. In fact, weve never had a wider
choice than now.
Jurgen Kohler, a member of Germanys 1990 World
Cup-winning team
l You dont have to be an expert to place
Germany alongside Brazil and Spain as the
favourites. The champions will come from this trio,
with Argentina as more of an outside bet.
Personally, Id say Germany and Spain were
stronger than Brazil, but home advantage will
count for a lot. I think we have every right to
consider ourselves in with a great chance. At the
end of the day, the smallest of details will decide
the eventual winner.
Rudi Voller, a winner in 1990 and coached the
national team to second place in 2002
l Weve our best squad ever, weve an
outstanding coach and some super individual
players. Our team is in a great position to take
the title. Weve played some extraordinary
football under Low, but now is the time for the
next step. Without doubt, Mesut Ozil has all the
potential to play a vital role in Brazil. Hes not a
dominant personality, and the role of leader is
not part of his character, but with
his huge talent he still has much
to offer the team creatively.
Gunter Netzer, German footballer
of the Year in 1972 and 1973
93WDS14SMY184.pgs 02.05.2014 13:45
WORLD CUP 2014 GERMANY SQUAD
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82 WORLD SOCCER
G
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Manuel NEUER
Bayern Munich
Age 28 (27.03.86)
First choice for the past four
years, he has built his world-class
reputation with his sharp reexes,
superior concentration, distribution
and restrained reliability. Unusual
in preferring not to have a man on
the far post at corners.
Roman WEIDENFELLER
Borussia Dortmund
Age 33 (06.08.80)
Classic late developer who,
in winning his rst cap against
England in November, became
Germanys oldest goalkeeping
debutant. His big-match
experience with Dortmund makes
him the ideal number two to Neuer.
Jerome BOATENG
Bayern Munich
Age 37 (03.09.88)
Berlin-born son of Ghanaian
father and German mother who
played in both full-back positions
but now is an automatic choice in
central defence. The half-brother
of Schalke and Ghana attacking
midelder Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Kevin GROSSKREUTZ
Borussia Dortmund
Age 25 (19.07.88)
Recalled this spring after a two-
year absence, he made a name for
himself as a rampaging left-sided
midelder, but this season has
impressed at right-back for
Dortmund, the team he
supported as a boy.
Benedikt HOWEDES
Schalke
Age 26 (29.02.88)
Despite some muscular problems
this season, the Schalke captain
remains a valuable squad man.
Solid in the air, he provides back-
up at right-back and in central
defence. The public face of a
cancer awareness campaign.
Lars BENDER
Bayer Leverkusen
Age 25 (27.04.89)
The twin-brother of Dortmund
water carrier Sven, the hard-
working and tactically astute
Leverkusener is likely to be on
understudy watch in Brazil, waiting
in the wings for the chance to shine
in defensive mideld or right-back.
Mario GOTZE
Bayern Munich
Age 22 (03.06.92)
The twinkle-toed starlet is a danger
anywhere in the attacking third,
but because of the competition
for places he is yet to cement a
permanent spot in the starting
line-up. Elder brother Fabian plays
for third division Unterhaching.
Mesut OZIL
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 25 (15.10.88)
His rst season at Arsenal has had
its highs and lows, and there is
much debate in Germany about
the playmakers effectiveness on
the big occasion. But no one in
Lows side has more imagination
and plays a better nal ball.
Mario GOMEZ
Fiorentina (Ita)
Age 28 (10.07.85)
Powerful front man criticised by
some for clumsiness and a lack of
mobility, but he is a proven scorer
for club and country, and has lots
of big tournament experience
at the 2008 and 2012 Euros, and
the 2010 World Cup.
Miroslav KLOSE
Lazio (Ita)
Age 36 (09.06.78)
With 14 goals in three nals
tournaments he is just one short
of Ronaldos World Cup record.
The Polish-born striker shuns the
limelight. He has struggled with
injuries this season and is out of
contract with Lazio in June.
Sami KHEDIRA
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 27 (04.04.87)
The ex-Stuttgart mideld dynamo
has been making a remarkable
recovery after tearing cruciate
ligaments in November and
such is his inuence in the side
that Low is determined to give him
every chance of proving his tness.
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goals
KEY
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Thomas MULLER
Bayern Munich
Age 24 (13.09.89)
While usually lining up on the right
wing, he can take on any type of
attacking role, including that of the
false nine. An all-action player
who makes and takes chances, will
run all day, puts in a defensive shift
and has a air for nding space.
Marco REUS
Borussia Dortmund
Age 25 (31.05.89)
By his own high standards, the
left-winger has not had the best
of seasons, but in hot, sapping
conditions Rolls Reus could
make the difference with his
powers of acceleration, dribbling
and changes of direction.
Mats HUMMELS
Borussia Dortmund
Age 25 (16.12.88)
Smart and stylish centre-back who
has not quite hit the same heights
with the national team as with
Dortmund. May have to make do
with a second-string role in Brazil.
Tends to speak his mind, which
has not endeared him to Low.
Marcell JANSEN
Hamburg
Age 28 (04.11.85)
In Germanys squad for the 2006
and 2010 nals, he can play
anywhere on the left ank but
will probably be used in Brazil as
Schmelzers deputy. Rumoured to
be on his way out of Hamburg, his
club for the past six years.
Toni KROOS
Bayern Munich
Age 24 (04.01.90)
Has vision, technique, industry
and intelligence which means he
can operate in a deep-lying role,
further forward or in wide positions.
His father Roland is a youth-team
coach at Hansa Rostock and brother
Felix plays for Werder Bremen.
Ron-Robert ZIELER
Hanover
Age 25 (12.02.89)
Ex-Manchester United youth-
teamer who reads the game
well and comes off his line with
purpose. Dismissed against
Argentina two years ago, he is
the only German international
keeper to be sent off.
KITS
93WDS14SMY185.pgs 02.05.2014 18:04
112
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ALSO IN CONTENTION
Rene ADLER (G, Age, 29, 01.01.85,
12/0, Hamburg)
Marc-Andre TER STEGEN (G, Age 21,
30.04.92, 3/0, Borussia Mgladbach)
Matthias GINTER (D, Age 20,
19.01.94, 1/0, Freiburg)
Shrokdan MUSTAFI (D, Age 22,
17.04.92, 0/0, Sampdoria, Ita)
Heiko WESTERMANN (D, Age 30,
14.08.83, 27/4, Hamburg)
Sven BENDER (M, Age 25, 27.04.89,
7/0, Borussia Dortmund)
Julian DRAXLER (M, Age 20,
20.09.93, 10/1, Schalke)
Andre HAHN (F, Age 23, 13.08.90,
0/0, Augsburg)
Max KRUSE (F, Age 26, 19.03.88,
6/1, Borussia Monchengladbach)
Pierre-Michel LASOGGA (F, Age 22,
15.12.91, 0/0, Hamburg)
Sidney SAM (F, Age 26, 31.01.88,
5/0, Bayer Leverkusen)
MISSING OUT
Dortmund midelder Ilkay Gundogan
is battling injury and unlikely to be t in
time. Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling
tore a hamstring at the end of April.
WORLD SOCCER 83
Philipp LAHM
Bayern Munich
Age 30 (11.11.83)
Germanys skipper might have the
look of a choirboy, but he has the
inner steel of a natural spielfuhrer.
After many seasons as a top-notch
full-back he was switched to a
central mideld role this season
by Bayern coach Pep Guardiola.
Per MERTESACKER
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 29 (29.09.84)
Although lacking in pace and
mobility, the beanpole stopper
more than compensates with his
nose for danger, crisp challenges,
strength in the air and consistency.
Runs a foundation for disadvantaged
children in his hometown of Hanover.
Bastian SCHWEINSTEIGER
Bayern Munich
Age 29 (01.08.84)
Provided he can steer clear of
injury, the canny central midelder
and national team vice-captain is
the man who effectively holds the
side together, setting the creative
tempo with his laser-like passing.
His other passion is basketball.
Andre SCHURRLE
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 23 (06.11.90)
Comfortable on either ank
or as a second striker, this most
unassuming of internationals could
well be Lows favourite impact
substitute this summer and might
even push Reus for a starting spot
on the left-wing.
TACTICS
Marcel SCHMELZER
Borussia Dortmund
Age 26 (22.01.88)
Busy, gritty and turbo-charged
Dortmunder undoubtedly who
is the best of the options at left-
back, though sometimes guilty
of allowing his attacking gusto to
cloud his defensive judgement. A
left-winger at rst club Magdeburg.
Lows 2014 vintage are more attack-minded
than their predecessors
101
23
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Lukas PODOLSKI
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 29 (04.06.85)
The goal-hungry left-sided
midelder has started only
occasionally for Germany since
Euro 2012, but retains his place in
the squad thanks to his powerful
shooting, positive attitude and vast
international experience.
Low rst went with a 4-2-3-1 system
in the Euro 2008 quarter-nal win over
Portugal and ever since it has been his
gold standard a model based on
a collective pressing game, care
in possession, quick-re passing
and blink-of-an-eye changes of
tempo, particularly when breaking forward
from entrenchments deep in their own half.
Compared to West Germany sides of
the 1980s, the current team is much more
inclined to the spectacular and adventurous,
always ready to chance its arm, even at the
risk of leaving the back door ajar.
There are, however, weaknesses. The lone
striker can be easily crowded out, and if the
wide attacking midelders, normally Marco
Reus and Thomas Muller, fail to track back,
disaster awaits. Against weaker sides, six
defensively minded players four defenders
plus midelders Bastian Schweinsteiger
and Toni Kroos is a clear case of over
manning and unnecessarily relinquishing the
initiative. So in an attempt to give the system
more verve and exibility, Low has regularly
eight times in the last two seasons opted
to forego the traditional centre-forward in
favour of a fashionable false nine.
He has any number of individuals to play
the hybrid role: Mario Gotze, Reus, Muller
or Andre Schurrle. The line leader in
this instance might not be a dead-eye
goalpoacher or aerially powerful target man,
such as Miroslav Klose, but the rationale is
for the constantly interchanging front four to
sweep the confused and disorientated
opposition defence off their feet.
The form of Mesut Ozil has dipped during
his rst season at Arsenal, prompting much
debate in Germany about his usefulness, but
Low is still likely to start him as playmaker.
Philipp Lahm has proved a revelation in
the defensive mideld role for Guardiolas
Bayern Munich this season but is likely to
start in the more familiar role at right-back.
Plan B?
Lows Plan B is a 4-1-4-1 formation, which
will probably be unleashed when Germany
are chasing the game or playing the at-track
bully. Its a template with twin playmakers
perm any two from Ozil, Kroos and Gotze
while the anchor man will either be
Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira (if t) or
Lahm, with Kevin Grosskreutz coming
in at right-back.
Neuer
Schmelzer
Schweinsteiger
Mertesacker
Gotze
Kroos
Reus
Ozil
Muller
Lahm
4-2-3-1
Boateng
Neuer
Schmelzer
Lahm
Mertesacker
Muller
Schurrle
Ozil Gotze
Klose
Grosskreutz
4-1-4-1
Boateng
93WDS14SMY186.pgs 02.05.2014 18:04
84 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
G
hanas Black Stars do not lack in
self-condence but maybe need a
little realism as they set their sights
on becoming the rst African side to make
the semi-nals at the World Cup.
The bold assertion of coach Kwesi Appiah
seems to disregard the small matter of getting
through arguably the toughest of the opening
round groups in Brazil, in which they take on
Germany, Portugal and the USA. But if
self-belief proves a key factor then Ghana
might well nd themselves getting through to
the knockout phase and off on their mission
to better the quarter-nal nish they achieved
in South Africa four years ago.
The bitter manner of their defeat at the
hands of Uruguay and Luis Suarezs handball
in particular in the last eight in Johannesburg
still rankles but is also a massive motivation.
Most of the key players from that encounter
are back again in a bid to rewrite what they feel
was a massive wrong.
Striker Asamoah Gyan whose missed
penalty cost Ghana a place in the last four
leads that list, and there is an added bonus with
Michael Essien back in the squad after missing
out on South Africa 2010 through injury and
then going on a prolonged exile from the team.
However, the difcult nature of Group G,
featuring the worlds second and third-ranked
teams and Ghanas recent form, suggest that
justice is unlikely to be extracted.
The Black Stars have competed at two
African Nations Cup tournaments since the
last World Cup and have come short in both,
proving they are among Africas better teams
but still not capable of dominating in a way
their talent suggests they should.
In both the 2012 and 2013 National Cup
nals they nished fourth, losing semi-nals in
which they were clear favourites as the rigours
of tournament play and the burden of the
occasion became too much.
Mark Gleeson
THE VIEW FROM GHANA
I believe the tournament is really going
to show us high-class football and one
thing also I have noticed in
tournaments is that there is
always a revelation.
Tony Baffoe, former Ghana
full-back
Against the A-class nations Ghana
have struggled. The team,
while solid, is one grossly
lacking in an ability to win
with trophies at stake.
Colin Udoh, TV analyst
BASE CAMP
The bitter manner of their
defeat at the hands of
Uruguay still rankles
GHANA
Tough group holds no fear for Appiahs side
Bold Black Stars
fancy their chances
Ghana are staying in the north east, at Maceio,
the state capital of Alagoas. They will train at
the citys main stadium, the Estadio Rei Pele,
home to the clubs CRB and CSA, and named in
honour of Pele. Maceio has a warm, tropical
climate and is prone to high rainfall and
humidity in July, which is similar conditions to
Natal, Fortaleza and Brasilia where Ghana
will be playing their group games.
May 25 Training camp in Rotterdam,
Hol
May 31 Friendly away to Holland in
Rotterdam
Jun 2 Training camp in Los Angeles,
USA
Jun 9 Friendly v South Korea in Miami,
USA
Black Star...Ghanas mideld general, Sulley Muntari
BRAZIL
GROUP G FIXTURES
Jun 16 v USA (Natal)
jun 21 v Germany (Fortaleza)
Jun 26 v Portugal (Brasilia)
337
miles
Maceio
Brasilia
924 miles
454 miles
Fortaleza

Natal
93WDS14SMY187.pgs 02.05.2014 13:45
WORLD SOCCER 85
How he got the job
Promoted from his position as assistant
after Serbian coach Goran Stepanovic
was red. He had already served as
caretaker for several games after the
2010 World Cup.
Fourth place in the 2013 African
Nations Cup and a thumping of Egypt
in the World Cup qualiers.
Beaten by outsiders Burkina Faso in the
2013 Nations Cup semi-nals.
Played at the 1992 African Nations
Cup, where Ghana were runners-up.
He also won several domestic titles
with Asante Kotoko.
Assistant to coach Milovan Rajevac
when Ghana reached the quarter-nals
in 2010.
Patient but is frequently exasperated
by a poor, and often personal, line of
questioning at press conferences.
As a local coach in charge of a national
side he has been largely hailed across
Ghana, although there are many who
believe an outsider is best suited.
Cajoling and encouraging, perhaps
missing a little fervour as he navigates
through several prickly egos.
Notable back room staff
Maxwell Konadu, a former Ghana
international striker.
After the World Cup
Depends entirely on a satisfactory
return from Brazil.
Kwesi APPIAH
Age 53 (30.06.60)
Ghana coach since March 2012
COACH PROFILE
l We have been there twice and on both
occasions we made progress. In 2010,
most people thought we couldnt
make it out of the group stages
but we made it through to the
quarter-nals.
John Mensah, former centre-back
l Portugal against Germany is a potential
World Cup Final on its own and to nd Ghana
alongside them in the group clearly tells you
that we have an uphill task ahead of us.
Isaac Vorsah, centre-back who played for Ghana
at the 2010 World Cup
Goal threat...striker Abdul Majeed Waris
93WDS14SMY188.pgs 02.05.2014 13:46
WORLD CUP 2014 GHANA SQUAD
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86 WORLD SOCCER
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Stephen ADAMS
Aduana Stars
Age 24 (28.09.89)
A recent call-up as Appiah seeks
options in the weakest department
in his squad. Played at Januarys
African Nations Championship for
home-based players and won two
man-of-the-match awards as
Ghana reached the Final.
Fatau DAUDA
Orlando Pirates (SAf)
Age 29 (06.04.85)
First choice for the qualiers but
has since been warned he needs
more rst-team action for his
South African club side. Just a
handful of league games this
season means he is in danger of
sitting on the bench in Brazil.
David ADDY
Vitoria Guimaraes (Por)
Age 24 (21.02.90)
Left-back who made his
international debut at the age of
18. Moved to Porto in 2010 but
soon went out on loan, before
moving to Guimaraes in 2012.
An Under-20 World Cup winner
with Ghana in 2009.
Harrison AFFUL
Esperance (Tun)
Age 27 (24.06.86)
Adept at full-back on either ank,
he missed out on the last World
Cup nals despite having played
regularly in the qualiers. Scored
the goal that ensured an African
Champions League triumph for
his Tunisian club in 2011.
Jerry AKAMINKO
Eskisehirspor (Tur)
Age 25 (02.05.88)
Part of the squad at last years
African Nations Cup but not yet
able to establish himself as a
rst-choice at centre-back.
Played for Heart of Lions in
Ghana, where he was named
Defender of the Year.
Albert ADOMAH
Middlesbrough (Eng)
Age 26 (13.12.87)
London-born midelder who was
playing part-time while studying
industrial painting some six years
ago, coming through the league
ranks with Barnet and Bristol City.
Made his international debut
against Brazil in 2011.
Emmanuel AGYEMANG-BADU
Udinese (Ita)
Age 23 (02.12.90)
He has been in Italy since the age
of 19 at Udinese but has only
been a regular for the last two
seasons. Scored the deciding kick
in the penalty shoot-out that saw
Ghana beat Brazil in the 2009
Under-20 World Cup Final.
Andre AYEW
Marseille (Fra)
Age 24 (17.12.89)
Eldest son of Abedi Pele, who won
three African Footballer of the
Year titles, he has emerged as a
real talent in his own right. Back in
the Black Stars ranks after a
years self-imposed exile caused
by a spat with the coach.
Dominic ADIYIAH
unattached
Age 24 (29.11.89)
His career has not taken off as
predicted after a move to Milan in
2009. His most recent club side,
Arsenal Kiev, went bankrupt this
season and he has been anxiously
trying to nd a new club deal in
the run-up to Brazil.
Jordan AYEW
Marseille (Fra)
Age 22 (11.09.91)
Born in France, where his father
Abedi Pele played for Marseille, he
has been on loan at Sochaux since
January. Disciplinary problems
have restricted his appearances,
leading to his exclusion from the
2013 Nations Cup squad.
Kwadwo ASAMOAH
Juventus (Ita)
Age 25 (09.12.88)
Began his career as a playmaker
but is now a key gure down the
lef ank. Named Ghanas Player of
the Year for the last two years, he
has just won a second scudetto
with Juventus, who co-own his
contract with Udinese.
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Kevin-Prince BOATENG
Schalke (Ger)
Age 27 (06.03.87)
German-born to a Ghanaian
father, he played against his
German half-brother in the last
World Cup. Retired from
international football shortly
afterwards but made himself
available again last year.
Asamoah GYAN
Al Ain (UAE)
Age 28 (22.11.85)
Ghanas record goalscorer who
missed a crucial penalty against
Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup
denying Ghana an historic place in
the semi-nals. Quit the national
side for a while but is now back
leading the line as captain.
Abdul Majeed WARIS
Spartak Moscow (Rus)
Age 22 (19.09.91)
English-educated after starting his
career as a 12-year-old at an
academy in Ghana with strong
links to Manchester United. Moved
to Sweden, then Spartak Moscow
and has been on loan at Ligue 1
club Valenciennes since January.
John BOYE
Rennes (Fra)
Age 27 (23.04.87)
Injury and a loss of form have
restricted his appearances in
Ligue 1 this season but he is
Ghanas key defender. Can also be
used at right-back and broke into
the team after an injury crisis at
the 2012 African Nations Cup.
Samuel INKOOM
Platanias (Gre)
Age 25 (01.06.89)
An Under-20 World Cup winner,
he starred for the senior team at
the 2010 African Nations Cup
with his attacking wide play.
Moved to Swiss side Basle but his
career has waned since at clubs in
Ukraine, France and now Greece.
Christian ATSU
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 22 (10.01.92)
Tricky left-winger who Chelsea
bought from Porto on a ve-year
contract at the start of the season
and then parked in the Dutch
league with Vitesse for the season.
Had his football education at the
Feyenoord academy in Ghana.
Adam KWARASEY
Stromsgodset (Nor)
Age 26 (12.12.87)
Born in Norway with a Ghanaian
father, he is a Norway under-21
international who switched
allegiance to Ghana three years
ago. Won the Norwegian league
last year and was named the
competitions top goalkeeper.
93WDS14SMY189.pgs 02.05.2014 18:06
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WORLD SOCCER 87
Jonathan MENSAH
Evian (Fra)
Age 23 (13.07.90)
Tough-tackling centre-back who
played three matches at the last
World Cup nals while still a
teenager. He signed for Udinese in
2009, who then loaned him to
Granada in Spain, before he
moved on to Ligue 1.
Daniel OPARE
Standard Liege (Blg)
Age 23 (18.10.90)
Signed by Real Madrid after the
2007 Under-17 World Cup but
he did not make the grade and
moved to Belgium. Made his
international debut against
England in 2011, having been
fast-tracked from junior level.
Mubarak WAKASO
Rubin Kazan (Rus)
Age 23 (25.07.90)
A graduate of the Ghana
under-17 side, he came into his
own for the senior side at last
years African Nations Cup nals.
Moved to Spanish side Espanyol
in 2008 before moving on to
Russia last summer.
Sulley MUNTARI
Milan (Ita)
Age 29 (27.08.84)
Made his international debut at
the age of 17 and has played at
the last two World Cups. His club
honours include two Serie A
championship wins, although his
time in Italy has also been blighted
by disciplinary lapses.
TACTICS
Appiah will be relying on the drive and
experience of Essien to set the tone
16
7
80
21
Michael ESSIEN
Milan (Ita)
Age 31 (03.12.82)
Highly inuential midelder who
returned last September after a
two-year international exile.
Despite a lack of game time at
club level, he played a signicant
role in the thrashing of Egypt in
the qualifying play-off.
The highlight of Ghanas qualifying
campaign had Michael Essien at the
heart of it somewhat ironic given both
a lack of game time at club level over
the last years and his long absence
from the national side. His storming
box-to-box runs through the
mideld proved the pivot around which the
Black Stars constructed one of the most
famous qualifying wins of all time on the
African continent: a 6-1 mauling of multiple
African champions Egypt in Kumasi that set
them on their way to Brazil.
Essiens incisiveness through the middle,
with Sulley Muntari alongside and Kwadwo
Asamoah out wide on the left, saw Ghana
rampant in a performance that offered them
plenty of condence going to the World Cup
even with a difcult draw.
Just like his predecessor Milovan Rajevac,
coach Akwasi Appiah favours a 4-2-3-1
formation, utilising the pace and strength of
Asamoah Gyan up front. His support will
come from the recently returned Kevin-
Prince Boateng or the promising Abdul
Majeed Waris.
Out wide, the likes of Mubarak Wakaso
and Andre Ayew also offer good options,
while the full-backs, Daniel Opare and
David Addy, sit relatively high, even if their
cover can be a little sloppy at times.
Like all their African contemporaries
heading to Brazil, Ghanas weakest area is
defence and there is a potential crisis in the
goalkeeping department, with Fatau Dauda
struggling for form and game-time. Too many
heavy rst-touches and poor decision-
making in recent friendlies is another area
which Appiah will look to work on in the
build-up to Brazil.
But on the front foot, Ghana will prove
capable of pushing the ball around, holding
possession and testing the most solid of
defences with their pace and incisive passing.
.
Plan B?
If they are forced to chase a game, Ghana
tend to push their wide-men further forward,
albeit at the expense of their defensive
duties. The emergence of Waris also gives
Appiah the chance to switch to 4-4-2, with
the Spartak Moscow man operating as a
genuine supoort striker alongside Gyan.
Kwarasey
Addy
Gyan
Mensah
Essien
Muntari
Asamoah
Boateng
A Ayew
Opare
Addy
Essien
Boye
Muntari
A Ayew
Mensah
Asamoah
Waris
Gyan
Opare
4-2-3-1
Boye
Kwarasey
4-4-2
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Daniel AGYEI (G, Age 24, 10.11.89,
5/0, Free State Stars, SAf)
Rashid SUMAILA (D, Age 21,
18.12.92, 4/0, Mamelodi Sundowns,
SAf)
Yussif CHIBSAH (M, Age 30 30.12.83,
13/1, Djurgarden, Swe)
Isaac COFIE (M, Age 23, 05.04.91,
1/0, Genoa, Ita)
Richmond BOAKYE (F, Age 21,
28.01.93, 7/2, Juventus, Ita)
Mahatma OTOO (F, Age 22, 06.02.92,
3/0, Sogndal, Nor)
Prince TAGOE (F, Age 27, 09.11.86,
36/7, Kelantan, Mly)
93WDS14SMY190.pgs 02.05.2014 18:06
88 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
W
inless and goalless in 1994, and with
only one victory in 2010, playing in
the World Cup nals has given Greece
fans little to get excited about. But Fernando
Santos side head for Brazil boasting more
maturity and with signs of optimism that they
will be able to get beyond the group stage.
The key to success this summer will be
carrying on the momentum they achieved
in the qualifying phase.
A lethargic performance and a 2-0 loss at
home to South Korea, in a friendly in March,
certainly had coach Santos worried, even
though he was trying out some new players in
an experimental line-up. And an injury to his
key player in the qualication, Fulham striker
Kostas Mitroglou, doesnt exactly help matters.
But despite these problems, the belief is
that Greece have a chance of advancing
from a group containing Colombia, Ivory
Coast and Japan.
The opening match, against Colombia in
Belo Horizonte, should be the key to what to
expect the rest of the way.
It is a very open group, says Santos. It is
a perfectly balanced group where anything can
happen. You might say that Colombia has a 55
per cent slight edge over the rest, with the
other teams at 45 per cent but what is
important now is to analyse and study as best
we can our opponents, to be ready in Brazil
and give 100 per cent of our strength.
Team captain Giorgos Karagounis is equally
upbeat, adding: The players will be ready,
THE VIEW FROM GREECE
We are proud of a national team
which demonstrates that Greek football
maintains consistent growth in international
competition. Im sure our players will do
their utmost to distinguish themselves in in
Brazil and that the FA will be there to form
the most ideal preparation. Our team has
done its duty in qualifying for the nals and
now the aim, is to qualify for the next round.
Giorgos Sarris, president of the Greek FA
We will play in the group stage against
three different styles of football from three
GREECE
Greeks look to improve on their poor nals record
Maturity and optimism
focused and determined when the time comes
to play in the World Cup.
For this, there will be no doubt. We will
have all the elements needed to represent
Greece as bets the modern history of the
Greek team. We want to advance to the next
stage of the tournament for the rst time in our
history and we will try to achieve our goal with
all our might.
Greece continue to be a team that does
not concede goals easily a habit left over
from German coach Otto Rehhagels reign
while Santos has installed a more attacking
edge which has taken some of the pressure
off his often hard-pressed defenders.
Its 10 years since Greece pulled off a major
upset by winning Euro 2004, but they have now
achieved a regular top-15 FIFA world ranking.
Our obligation is to dedicate ourselves 100
per cent and stick to the fundamentals of our
team, states the upbeat Santos. To have
passion, organisation, a clear mind and always
play to win.
Lou Economopoulos
May 1-30 Training camp in Athens
May 31 Friendly away to Portugal
Jun 3 Friendly v Nigeria in Pennsylvania,
USA
Jun 6 Friendly v Bolivia in Harrison, USA
Jun 7 Travel to base in Aracaju
BASE CAMP
Greece will be staying at the Radisson Hotel in
Aracaju capital of Brazils smallest state,
Sergipe. Their training ground is at the Estadio
Estadual Lourival Baptista commonly known
as the Batistao which is home to the citys
four main football clubs: Associacao
Desportiva Conanca, Cotinguiba, Club
Sportivo Sergipe and Vasco Esporte Clube.
BRAZIL
GROUP C FIXTURES
Jun 14 v Colombia (Belo Horizonte)
Jun 19 v Japan (Natal)
Jun 24 v Ivory Coast (Fortaleza)
488 miles
Aracaju

Natal
749 miles
Fortaleza
965 miles
Belo Horizonte
On their way...Karagounis (no10) leads Greek celebrations
93WDS14SMY191.pgs 02.05.2014 13:45
WORLD SOCCER 89
Fernando SANTOS (Por)
Age 59 (10.10.54)
Greece coach since July 2010
How he got the job
Well known in
Greece having
coached AEK,
Panathinaikos and
PAOK he was
considered the best
replacement for
German coach Otto
Rehhagel, the
legendary gure
who guided Greece to their
shock success at Euro 2004.
Led Porto to the Portuguese league
title in 1999, and the Portuguese Cup
in 2000 and 2001, and won the 2002
Greek Cup with AEK. Also took Greece
to the quarter-nals of Euro 2012.
Lasted just four games in charge of
Panathinaikos in 2002 and was sacked
after losing three times.
His career ended at the age of 21, in
1975, after having played for Maritimo
and Estoril.
None.
Exceptionally good. Hardly ever is he
criticised for his actions either on or
off the pitch.
Excellent. Has always said that he feels
like a Greek.
Players have said he is easy-going and
a master of tactics. Can show signs of
anger at times if a player makes a
costly mistake, but he is very
understanding of the Greek players
volatile mentality.
Leonidas Vokolos (assistant coach) and
Takis Fyssas (technical director).
After the World Cup
Will be leaving this summer when his
contract expires, regardless of how the
team performs in Brazil. Has said he
wants to coach a club team, without
mentioning which team.
COACH PROFILE
different schools. We have much
work ahead of us to the nal phase
of the World Cup, but again our
goal is to get the ticket for the
last 16.
Takis Fyssas, team technical director
l We always have better performances when
our opponents consider us the outsiders. See
what happened to the Romanians in the World Cup
play-off. At the 2010 World Cup we failed to
advance from a group we thought would be easy.
The group for this World Cup will be wide open.
Qualifying for the last 16 is our goal, but it will
not be easy.
Giorgos Mazias, writer for SportDay newspaper
l The draws of major tournaments are divided
into two categories: easy and difcult. But over
the last 10 years, a third scenario has emerged:
that of Greece, with coaches Rehhagel and
Santos creating ways towards the happy end. The
players can make things difcult for opponents.
The draw has not opened the road to the last 16,
but it has not stopped us from dreaming.
Antonis Katsaros, sports website pamesports.gr
93WDS14SMY192.pgs 02.05.2014 13:45
WORLD CUP 2014 GREECE SQUAD
17
0
15
0
16
0
20
1
28
0
6
0
36
0
46
0
16
1
16
3
132
10
109
9
69
24
29
8
73
13
71
8
x
x
90 WORLD SOCCER
G
O
A
L
K
E
E
P
E
R
S
Orestis KARNEZIS
Udinese (Ita)
Age 29 (11.07.85)
Tall, good all-rounder who has
good positional sense. During
qualication for Brazil he did not
concede a goal in 596 minutes.
Spent the season on loan to
Granada in Spain but has mostly
been on the bench.
Michalis SIFAKIS
Atromitos
Age 29 (09.09.84)
Used frequently during the Euro
2012 qualiers before an injury
kept him out for ve months. Now
back to full tness and expected
to challenge again. Won a 2009
fair-play award for his calm reaction
to a pitch-invading Iraklis fan.
Jose HOLEBAS
Olympiakos
Age 29 (27.06.84)
With his speed down the anks
and accurate crossing he is as
important in attack as defence.
Born in Bavaria to a Greek father
and Uruguayan mother, he also
takes good set-pieces but can be
careless with some of his tackles.
Giannis MANIATIS
Olympiakos
Age 28 (12.10.86)
Solid performer who is strong in
the tackle, has great stamina and
a surprisingly good passing range.
Covers team-mates well and
capable of shooting from distance.
Mideld enforcer for his club, he
has played right-back for Greece.
Kostas MANOLAS
Olympiakos
Age 22 (14.06.91)
Quick, excellent in the air and
comfortable when left one-on-
one with an opponent. He is the
nephew of Greece legend Stelios
Manolas. One of seven players
dropped from the squad on the
eve of the 2010 nals.
Bologna (Ita)
Age 27 (19.12.86)
Nippy and resourceful supersub
who has played well in Serie A
since January. Nicknamed The
Builder as a result of him telling
the media he would be better off
working on a building site than
playing for PAOK.
Lazaros CHRISTODOULOPOULOS Giannis FETFATZIDIS
Genoa (Ita)
Age 23 (21.12.90)
Skilful and speedy individual who
can rip it up on either ank or play
in the hole. Can be frustratingly
selsh, but on his day, is a genuine
matchwinner. Left Olympiakos for
Genoa last summer in a 4m deal.
Panagiotis KONE
Bologna (Ita)
Age 26 (26.07.87)
The aggressive right-winger or
attacking midelder has scored
spectacular goals in the Italian
league, notably a scissor-kick
volley against Napoli last season.
Born in Albania but moved to
Greece at the age of two.
Fanis GEKAS
Konyaspor (Tur)
Age 34 (23.05.80)
Once the top scorer in Germany
and Greece, he was also Europes
leading marksman in the 2010
World Cup qualiers with 10
goals. Santos persuaded him
to come out of international
retirement.
Kostas MITROGLOU
Fulham (Eng)
Age 26 (12.03.88)
Bustling, German-born front man
who was the hero of the play-offs.
Became the most expensive Greek
player of all time when he joined
Fulham from Olympiakos for 12m
in January but has been hampered
by a persistent knee injury.
Sokratis PAPASTATHOPOULOS
Giorgos KARAGOUNIS
Fulham (Eng)
Age 37 (06.03.77)
Greeces most-capped player of
all time, despite his age he is still
relied upon to spark the team in
mideld, although mostly as a
substitute these days. Deadly
from free-kicks and a master
at keeping possession.
D
E
F
E
N
D
E
R
S
M
I
D
F
I
E
L
D
E
R
S
F
O
R
W
A
R
D
S
12
caps
goals
KEY
14
0
Dimitris SALPINGIDIS
PAOK
Age 32 (18.08.81)
Stocky, pacy, mobile and gritty
attacker who wrings every last
drop of effectiveness from the
ability he has. Great on the
counter-attack, he epitomises
the steely, opportunistic Greece
of the last decade.
Giorgos SAMARAS
Celtic (Sco)
Age 29 (21.02.85)
Multi-purpose forward who dribbles
well and has a strong shot. Had
an indifferent time at Manchester
City but has blossomed at Celtic.
The son of former international
Ioannis Samaras.
Olympiakos
Age 29 (03.05.84)
Strong, steady Australian-born
performer who often concedes
free-kicks with his aggressive play.
Serious knee injury during Euro
2012 put him out of action for
eight months. Began his career
with Aris Salonika as a forward.
Borussia Dortmund (Ger)
Age 26 (09.06.88)
Strong, aggressive defender who
is good in the air, marks diligently
and tackles well. At 19 he was the
youngest-ever captain in AEK
Athens history before moving
onto Italy and then Germany.
Drives a tiny FIAT car.
Avraam PAPADOPOULOS
Kostas KATSOURANIS
PAOK
Age 34 (21.06.79)
A veteran from Euro 2004, he still
warrants his place even though he
is slowing down. A quarter-back
in mideld and dangerous with
free-kicks, he remains an excellent
passer. Has 21, his preferred squad
number, tattooed on his hand.
Alexandros TZORVAS
Apollon
Age 31 (12.08.82)
Started all three games in South
Africa after keeping two clean
sheets against Ukraine in the
2010 play-offs. Has good reexes
and has restored his reputation in
Greece after a disappointing spell
in Italy with Palermo and Genoa.
KITS
93WDS14SMY193.pgs 02.05.2014 18:07
31
3
64
7
12
0
8
0
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Panagiotis GLYKOS (G, Age 27,
03.06.86, 1/0, PAOK)
Loukas VYNTRA (D, Age 33,
05.02.81, 47/0, Levante, Spa)
Kostas FORTOUNIS (M, Age 21,
16.10.92, 12/0, Kaiserslautern, Ger)
Stefanos ATHANASIADIS (F, Age 25,
24.12.88, 6/0, PAOK)
Dimitris PAPADOPOULOS (F, Age 32,
20.10.81, 23/2, Atromitos)
MISSING OUT
After being out for a year with a leg
injury, Schalke defender Kyriakos
Papadopoulos dislocated his shoulder
in training and it looks certain that
coach Santos will not look his way for
Brazil. He was already doubtful due to
little playing time in the last year.
WORLD SOCCER 91
Dimitris SIOVAS
Olympiakos
Age 25 (16.09.88)
Hard-as-nails central defender
who is quick in the air, can pass
accurately and also poses a goal
threat. Broke his right ankle
in January but is expected to
recover. Established himself in
the rst team during the qualiers.
Vasilis TOROSIDIS
Roma (Ita)
Age 29 (10.06.85)
Capable of playing almost
anywhere on the pitch, but used
exclusively at right-back by
Santos. Energetic and provides
dangerous crosses from the right
ank. A good header of the ball
and also shoots well from distance.
Alexandros TZIOLIS
PAOK
Age 29 (13.02.85)
Tall defensive midelder whose
main assets are his combativity
and reliability. Played every minute
of Greeces 2010 World Cup. Has
played for clubs in Greece, Germany,
Italy, Spain, Cyprus, France and is
currently on loan in Turkey.
Andreas SAMARIS
Olympiakos
Age 24 (13.06.89)
Excellent young mideld
all-rounder who earned a starting
position for his club this season
and has also impressed Santos,
who has kept a close watch on
him. His father, Zois, played for
lower-league Varda.
TACTICS
Giorgos TZAVELLAS
PAOK
Age 26 (26.11.87)
Capable but temperamental
reserve left-back or central
defender. Prior to joining PAOK in
2013, he spent three seasons with
Eintracht Frankfurt and Monaco.
Famously scored from 70 metres
out in a Bundesliga game.
Not pretty but effective: defence is still the
key to success for Greece under Santos
47
1
3
0
Sotiris NINIS
Parma (Ita)
Age 24 (03.04.90)
Youngest-ever scorer for Greece
at the age of 18, he has been on
loan to PAOK this season but has
seen limited action. Santos still
respects his capabilities, which
include speed, agility and
remarkable ball control.
For almost a decade and a half the Greek
national team has been set in its ways:
functional, defensively orientated, hard
to beat, adept at making the most of
its limited attacking opportunities
and sticking to tried-and-tested
personnel. Although not
particularly pretty, the system has proved to
be very effective.
Santos will almost certainly keep the
same successful shape that enabled Greece
to qualify for the nals. His exible 4-3-3
system can easily be adapted to that of his
opponent, whether they are 4-4-1-1,
4-2-3-1 or even 4-4-2.
The rst objective is to create a compact
defensive unit, which is traditionally Greeces
greatest strength as seen in their
successful Euro 2004 campaign. Dimitris
Siovas and Sokratis Papastathopoulos
will keep things tight in central defence, with
Kostas Manolas pushing for a start. Santos
likes his team to attack more than Greek
national sides in the past, so Vasilis
Torosidis and Jose Holebas will be
expected to surge forward down the anks.
Mideld could be a problem for Santos,
with veterans Giorgos Karagounis and
Kostas Katsouranis who were part of the
Euro 2004-winning squad nding it hard to
play the full 90 minutes these days, so
Alexandros Tziolis is likely to start, along
with Giannis Maniatis.
Up front, Kostas Mitroglou if he is
passed t will make all the difference, with
support from Dimitris Salpingidis and
Giorgos Samaras.
Plan B?
Santos sometimes nds it hard to come up
with an alternative strategy, and his team can
lack uidity and control and regularly overdo
the long ball.
When a game begins to ebb away
from Greece, Santos will turn to the skilful
attacking types he does not completely trust,
such as Sotiris Ninis, Giannis Fetfatzidis,
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos and
Panagiotis Kone.
To give the side more dynamism, a
4-2-3-1 may be used, with Olympiakos
mideld holding duo of Maniatis and
Andreas Samaris offering more legs
than Tziolis, Karagounis or Katsouranis.
Fetfatzidis as a false nine is another option.
Karnezis
Holebas
Karagounis
Siovas
Maniatis
Tziolis
Samaras
Salpingidis
Torosidis
Papastathopoulos
Samaris
Siovas
Maniatis
Salpingidis
Fetfatzidis
Samaras
Mitroglou
Holebas
Torosidis
4-3-3
Papastathopoulos
Karnezis
4-2-3-1
Mitroglou
93WDS14SMY194.pgs 02.05.2014 18:07
92 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
H
olland will start this World Cup where
they nished the last one but it could
be the beginning of the end. The repeat
of the 2010 Final against Spain will reveal a lot
about their chances this time round.
Louis Van Gaals side will face stiff
competition and if they do get out of their
group most likely as runners-up they will
probably face favourites and hosts Brazil in the
next round. And no one is expecting a repeat
of their triumph in the quarter-nals of the
2010 tournament.
Although the Dutch FA has set the target of
at least reaching the semi-nals, Van Gaal is
more realistic. There are eight to 10 teams
better than we are, he says. The chances of
reaching the quarter-nals are 20 per cent.
The former Ajax, Barcelona, AZ and Bayern
Munich coach has every reason to be doubtful.
Many players especially those in defence
still perform in the inferior Dutch league. In
addition, the absence of key midelder Kevin
Strootman could be fatal and there is a big
question mark over whether injury-prone stars
Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie will be
able to deliver after a long and exhausting
season. Not surprisingly even the ever-
optimistic Dutch fans have their doubts.
Basically, the current Holland squad
wouldnt stand a chance without Van Gaal at
the helm. One of the worlds most successful
coaches, he is known for his professional
THE VIEW FROM HOLLAND
I think Holland have a good chance
against Spain because they are a bit over
the hill. Holland have got a solid line-up,
but much will depend on what Van Gaal can
manage during the preparation time. Holland
have to rely on the vulnerable Van Persie,
Robben and Sneijder. If these players arent
in form its impossible to be successful.
Brazil are the favourites and one
of the other South American
countries will also go far.
Jack Van Gelder, radio and TV
reporter for NOS
The general feeling is that European
teams wont stand a chance on South
American soil, but I dont agree. The pressure
HOLLAND
Van Gaals youthful squad faces a tough task
Too soon for young
Oranje stars?
preparation. But is there enough time to gel
them into a winning team, since some will have
played club football until the end of May?
He isnt afraid to use inexperienced players
on the biggest stage. After all, back in 2001,
he led Holland to the quarter-nals of the
Under-20 World Cup in Argentina. Many of
those players, including Robben and Rafael Van
der Vaart, were two years younger than their
opponents as Van Gaal preferred talent to age.
So will he do it again and wash away his own
failure of having been blocked to the 2002
World Cup by the Republic of Ireland? Or will it
be a harsh learning experience for a generation
consisting of players who won the 2011
European Under-17 Championship, with this
World Cup being a tournament too soon?
Klaas-Jan Droppert
May 7 Training camp in Hoenderloo for
players whose club seasons have
nished
May 17 Friendly v Ecuador in Amsterdam
May 20 Training camp at Faro in Portugal
May 29 Training camp in Rotterdam
May 31 Friendly v Ghana in Rotterdam
Jun 1 Training camp in Alkmaar
Jun 4 Friendly v Wales in Amsterdam
Jun 5 Fly to Rio de Janeiro
BASE CAMP
Like England, Holland have opted for the bright
lights and beaches of Rio de Janeiro as their
World Cup home. They will be staying at the
Caesar Park Ipanema Hotel, on the famous
Ipanema beach. The team will be put through
their paces at Estadio Jose Bastos Padilha
Gavea, Flamengos training base.
BRAZIL
GROUP B FIXTURES
Jun 13 v Spain (Salvador)
Jun 18 v Australia (Porto Alegre)
Jun 23 v Chile (Sao Paulo)
961 miles
Rio de
Janeiro

Porto Alegre
757 miles
Salvador
223 miles
Sao Paulo
Up for it...Robbens tness will be key for Holland
93WDS14SMY195.pgs 02.05.2014 13:46
WORLD SOCCER 93
Louis VAN GAAL
Age 61 (08.08.52)
Holland coach since July 2012
How he got the job
Replaced Bert Van
Marwijk after Euro
2012. On being
appointed national
coach for the
second time he
said: This is the
challenge I have
been waiting for.
Won the Champions League, UEFA Cup
and World Club Cup at Ajax and the
UEFA Super Cup at Barcelona. Also
won national titles and cups at Ajax,
Barcelona, AZ and Bayern Munich.
Did not suceed in qualifying Holland
for the World Cup in 2002. Had to
resign as technical director at Ajax after
losing an internal power struggle with
coach Ronald Koeman in 2004.

Achievements as player
Failed to make the Ajax rst team but
played 333 league games for Royal
Antwerp, Telstar, Sparta Rotterdam
and AZ. Was a strategic midelder
with good vision but lacked pace.
None.
Disastrous. Always clashing with
journalists who he regards as natural
enemies especially De Telegraaf as
they openly supported Johan Cruyff
during the power struggle at Ajax.
Better than with journalists. They
respect his class, his tactics and his
prizes, although they sometimes feel
ashamed of his over-the-top outbursts.
A tactical genius. He likes to work with
youngsters and give them the best
football education he can.
Danny Blind and Patrick Kluivert were
players at Ajax when he won the
Champions League in 1995.
After the World Cup
Looks all set to join one of the
European giants.
COACH PROFILE
on Brazil, and Argentina, will be immense. I have
real doubts that they can handle it. Brazil usually
dont deliver when they are the big favourites:
see the 1982 World Cup. For me, Germany are the
favourites. Low will use the Bayern Munich
players as the nucleus of his team and will
introduce Guardiolas tactics. I think that putting
opponents under pressure in their own half is the
right tactic in Brazils climatic conditions.
Aad De Mos, former coach of Ajax and PSV
l The football will be excellent
with players like Cristiano Ronaldo,
Messi and Suarez available. Brazil
are the favourites but dont
underestimate Italy. Holland, on the
other hand, wont gain enough points to reach the
next round. They have only two world-class
players and the rest of the squad is mediocre.
Thats nothing to be optimistic about.
Jan-Hermen de Bruijn, editor of Elf Voetbal
l By starting against Spain you can
immediately show what youve got. For that game
there are no excuses, youve got to be at your
best. There is a lot of criticism that weve got
many players from the domestic league. Its so
typically Dutch to disregard our own clubs and
league. Why be so negative? Ajax have beaten
Barcelona this season thats a
huge effort and not many teams
are capable of doing that.
Kevin Strootman, injured Roma and
Holland midelder
93WDS14SMY196.pgs 02.05.2014 13:48
WORLD CUP 2014 HOLLAND SQUAD
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Jasper CILLESSEN
Ajax
Age 25 (22.04.89)
Displaced Vermeer for both club
and country last year. Calm and
reliable, he is the safest pair of
hands in the squad. Joined Ajax
from NEC in 2011 and made his
senior Holland debut in June 2013
in a friendly against Indonesia.
Kenneth VERMEER
Ajax
Age 28 (10.01.86)
Athletic and strong in one-on-one
situations, but has a tendency to
make silly mistakes under pressure.
Has been unable to maintain his
place for a sustained period. Of
Surinam descent and a winner
at the 2006 Euro Under-21s.
Daley BLIND
Ajax
Age 24 (09.03.90)
Son of assistant coach and former
international Danny Blind. Booed
during the Ajax power struggle in
which Johan Cruyff blocked his
fathers appointment, he is now
a fans favourite. Lacks pace but is
an excellent reader of the game.
Daryl JANMAAT
Feyenoord
Age 24 (22.07.89)
Fast and strong right-back who
likes to get forward. Initially
rejected by Feyenoords youth
academy, he returned to the club
after spells with Den Haag and
Heerenveen. His brother, Robin, is
an amateur footballer and model.
Terence KONGOLO
Feyenoord
Age 20 (14.02.94)
Physically strong central defender
who can also play at left-back.
Won the European Under-17 title
in 2011. His parents hail from DR
Congo. Younger brother Rodney,
is expected to join Manchester
City this summer.
Jordy CLASIE
Feyenoord
Age 22 (27.06.91)
At 5ft 7in he was once regarded
too small by Feyenoord and sent
out to satellite club Excelsior. His
tattoo You mean everyting to
me, in honour of his father who
raised him after his mother left
the family, is misspelt.
Nigel DE JONG
Milan (Ita)
Age 29 (30.11.84)
Tough tackler but, according to
Van Gaal, he loses too many balls.
Runs an exclusive car company
with some former Hamburg
team-mates. Is ambassador of
a kidney foundation since his
mother suffers from the disease.
Arjen ROBBEN
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 30 (23.01.84)
Preparing for his sixth major nals.
Essential in Van Gaals plans and
the only player the coach makes
an exception for when it comes to
tness and match practice. Would
have had twice as many caps if he
hadnt been so injury prone.
Memphis DEPAY
PSV
Age 20 (13.02.94)
Son of a Ghanaian father and
Dutch mother, his left-wing runs
are often more streetwise than
well thought out. Has a blistering
shot. Member of the Holland
Under-17 team that won the
European title in 2011.
Klaas-Jan HUNTELAAR
Schalke (Ger)
Age 30 (12.08.83)
A goal poacher who was originally
Van Gaals rst choice but has now
been surpassed by Van Persie. Has
rediscovered his form after unhappy
spells at Madrid and Milan. Returned
to training in January after tearing
knee ligaments in August 2013.
Leroy FER
Norwich City (Eng)
Age 24 (05.01.90)
Box-to-box powerhouse who links
defence and attack but who can
lack pace. Once bought a horse
for his girlfriend only to be told
that her at wasnt a suitable place
to keep it. Parents hail from the
Caribbean island of Curacao.
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Dirk KUYT
Fenerbahce (Tur)
Age 33 (22.07.80)
Willing runner and hard worker
who is past his prime but remains
important for team-building
qualities. The son of a sherman,
he has his own charity foundation
for disabled children.
Jeremain LENS
Dynamo Kiev (Ukr)
Age 26 (24.11.87)
Can play in various positions up
front, but needs to control his
temper. Once played unofcial
matches for his native Surinam.
His uncle Sigi is an agent who
survived a 1989 plane crash in which
many Dutch-Surinam players died.
Robin VAN PERSIE
Age 30 (06.08.83)
Once regarded as persona non
grata at Feyenoord but now the
absolute leader of the pack. Has
so far failed to deliver at big nals
but is Hollands all-time top scorer.
His 11-year-old son, Shaqueel,
trains with Manchester City.
Bruno MARTINS INDI
Feyenoord
Age 21 (08.02.93)
Left-footed central defender who
is the Portuguese-born son of
parents from Guinea Bissau.
Came to Holland as a baby. Can ll
in at left-back if needed. Already
rmly established as a key gure
for club and country.
Gregory VAN DER WIEL
Age 26 (03.02.88)
A scapegoat of the Euro 2012
disaster, he only returned to the
squad in November and is now
back-up to Janmaat. His father is
of Antillian descent. A product of
the Ajax academy.
Davy KLAASSEN
Ajax
Age 21 (21.02.93)
Cool in front of the goal, a
persistent groin injury kept him
out of the whole of the 2012-13
season. Was hailed as a wonderkid
following his club debut as a sub in
November 2011 when he scored
after just 42 seconds.
Michel VORM
Swansea City (Eng)
Age 30 (20.10.83)
A reserve at the 2010 World Cup,
where he returned home for a
quick visit to his new born son, and
at Euro 2012. Has established
himself as a rm favourite at
Swansea since his move from
Utrecht in 2011.
93WDS14SMY197.pgs 02.05.2014 18:09
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WORLD SOCCER 95
Joel VELTMAN
Ajax
Age 22 (15.01.92)
Has good positional sense and
likes to play from the back which
has proved costly at times in the
past. Has enjoyed a rapid rise: was
playing for Ajaxs reserve team in
the Dutch second tier at the start
of this season.
Ron VLAAR
Aston Villa (Eng)
Age 28 (08.10.85)
Nicknamed Concrete Ron in
Holland for his physique. Good
in the air and has a powerful
shot, but not the most mobile
of defenders. Joined Villa from
Feyenoord and has been captain
at both clubs.
Rafael VAN DER VAART
Hamburg (Ger)
Age 31 (11.02.83)
Played a key role during the
qualiers as playmaker and
regular goalscorer, but has been
a peripheral gure at four of the
ve tournaments he has been to
with Holland. Given his debut by
Van Gaal in November 2001.
Wesley SNEIJDER
Galatasaray (Tur)
Age 29 (09.06.84)
The undisputed captain under Van
Gaal two years ago but the coach
now has doubts about his tness.
If he can repeat his 2010 World
Cup form he will be of immense
value; if not, he could be a
troubling inuence in the camp.
TACTICS
Van Gaal looks to youthful Oranje set-up
109
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26
Stijn SCHAARS
PSV
Age 30 (11.01.84)
Captain at his club and a good
reader of the game. Was an
uncapped stand-in for the 2006
World Cup and a squad member
in South Africa but didnt play.
Winner at the 2006 European
Under-21 Championship.
Holland will play a traditional 4-3-3 system
but it is uncertain which players will be
included in Van Gaals starting line-up,
particularly in goal and mideld where
he has several options and problems.
Ideally the coach would like to pick
Kenneth Vermeer as his keeper,
but as only a reserve at Ajax these days his
lack of match practice would suggest that
team-mate Jasper Cillessen will probably
be rst choice.
Ever since his days in charge at Ajax, Van
Gaal prefers multifunctional players who can
build attacks and are masters of the passing
game. And it is also no surprise that he is
keeping an eye on players coming through
the youth ranks of the Dutch clubs and the
defence options include promising youngsters
such as Daryl Janmaat, Joel Veltman,
Daley Blind and Bruno Martins Indi.
The absence of the injured Kevin
Strootman is a major blow since Van Gaal
has no decent replacement. It could also
have consequences for the slowing Wesley
Sneijder as the Roma midelder was
covering a lot of ground for him. Normally
Van Gaal would opt for one defensive
midelder but he could now switch to
two in big games.
Although Van Gaal is known for his
wilfulness he must have noticed that he
needs powerhouses in mideld to prevent
his team being blown away. Characters
like Nigel De Jong and Leroy Fer would
be suitable. However, his favourite is Blind,
although placing his assistants son in mideld
would leave a gap at left-back with the coach
not convinced about his back-up options.
Up front, Robin Van Persie and Arjen
Robben are denite starters and much will
depend on their form and tness if Holland
are to play a decisive part in this World Cup.
Jeremain Lens will probably also get a place,
with Memphis Depay as a replacement on
either ank.
Plan B?
Van Gaal never varies from the 4-3-3
template, but he could opt for two defensive
midelders against stronger opponents. Fer
would come in for Sneijder in this scenario.
The hard-running Dirk Kuyt would also
offer an alternative to Robben up front,
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar a replacement for
Van Persie.

Cillessen
Blind
De Jong
Martins Indi
Sneijder
Van der Vaart
Lens
Van Persie Robben
Janmaat
Martins Indi
Janmaat
De Jong
Blind
Fer
Huntelaar
Van der Vaart
Depay
Kuyt
Vlaar
4-3-3
Vlaar
Cillessen
4-3-3
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Tim KRUL (G, Age 26, 03.04.88, 5/0,
Newcastle United, Eng)
Stefan DE VRIJ (D, Age 22, 05.02.92,
9/0, Feyenoord)
Patrick VAN AANHOLT (D, Age 23,
24.08.90, 1/0, Vitesse)
Jonathan DE GUZMAN (M, Age 26,
13.09.87, 8/0, Swansea City, Eng)
Tonny VILHENA (M, Age 19,
03.05.95, 0/0, Feyenoord)
Jean-Paul BOETIUS (F, Age 20,
22.03.94, 1/0, Feyenoord)
Luciano NARSINGH (F, Age 19,
13.09.94, 7/2, PSV)
MISSING OUT
Inuential midelder Kevin Strootman
is out after tearing a cruciate ligament
in his left knee while playing for club
side Roma.
PSV full-back Jetro Willems, who
became Hollands youngest player to
play at the European Championship
when he appeared at Euro 2012, was
also ruled out with a knee injury.
93WDS14SMY198.pgs 02.05.2014 18:14
96 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
A
t the beginning of the qualiers nobody
expected Honduras to book one of
CONCACAFs three direct tickets to
Brazil 2014. The golden generation of Suazo,
Pavon and Guevara had retired and the new
blood didnt seem to be talented enough to
ght against the regions heavyweights. If
anything, the Honduran fans expected to
compete with Panama for the play-off spot and
then sneak their way in to the World Cup nals.
In the end, great teamwork, spirit and an
historic win at the Estadio Azteca against
Mexico to shock the region saw Luis Fernando
Suarezs side take third place behind the USA
and Costa Rica. Against all odds, qualication
for a second consecutive World Cup for the rst
time in their history prompted big celebrations
all over the country.
This, however, tells only part of the story.
The team was very inconsistent in the qualiers
and the main issues still prevail. Suarez doesnt
appear to have enough individual talent at his
disposal for his team to compete at the
maximum level. Despite being in one of the
easier groups in Brazil, Honduras will probably
need another historic performance to gain a
point, let alone a victory.
The core of the squad is made up of players
plying their trade in Britain, but they have all
taken a step backwards since 2010. Maynor
Figueroa and Wilson Palacios are still head and
shoulders above their team-mates, but their
careers in England seem to have stalled, while
Roger Espinoza and Juan Carlos Garcia are still
waiting for theirs to take off. Only Celtics Emilio
Izaguirre seems to be on an ascendant path.
And no one is getting any younger. Of the
team that booked their tickets to Brazil, only
Andy Najar and Luis Garrido will be younger
than 28 when the tournament starts, so they
might struggle against quicker teams.
However, this doesnt necessarily mean that
La Bicolor will be pushovers in June. Honduras
are renowned for always providing tough
opposition and the players regurlarly punch
above their weight when they don the national
shirt. The team also seems to be united and
coach Suarez is a master motivator. Dont
forget that in South Africa 2010, despite the
squad having serious internal troubles, they
only lost 1-0 and 2-0 to Chile and Spain
respectively, and were considered unlucky to
get only one point from a heavily fancied
Switzerland side.
May 29 Friendly v Turkey in Washington
DC, USA
Jun 1 Friendly v Israel in Houston, USA
Jun 7 Friendly v England in Miami, USA
THE VIEW FROM HONDURAS
Honduras need to improve their
performance of the last World Cup, where
they couldnt win a game or even score a
goal. I think we can beat Ecuador and
Switzerland and advance to the round of 16.
We beat Spain at the London Olympics and
could do something similar again. I expect
much of Najar, Espinoza and Palacios.
Diego Daniel Paz, Diario Diez
BASE CAMP
HONDURAS
La Bicolor make history with a second successive nals
The underdogs with
great expectations
Honduras are one of a number of teams based
in the state of Sao Paulo. They are staying at
the brand new Hotel Transamerica in the small
city of Porto Feliz, and will train at local club
Desportivo Brasil (above) a team that has an
ofcial link-up with Manchester United.
Joy...Honduran players celebrate a crucial qualifying win over USA
Porto Alegre
2,339 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP E FIXTURES
Jun 15 v France (Porto Alegre)
Jun 20 v Ecuador (Curitiba)
Jun 25 v Switzerland (Manaus)
708 miles
253 miles
Manaus
Curitiba
Porto Feliz
93WDS14SMY199.pgs 02.05.2014 19:18
WORLD SOCCER 97
How he got the job
Appointed after the
team had been
without a coach for
several months. He
had never worked in
the country before
but had a good
reputation after
leading Ecuador to
the round of 16 in 2006.
Took Ecuador to the knockout stage
of the 2006 World Cup. Won the
Colombian league with Atletico
Nacional in 1999.
Sacked by Ecuador after losing the rst
three qualiers for South Africa 2010,
scoring just one goal and conceding 11.
A Colombian international, he won the
Libertadores Cup with Atletico Nacional
in 1989.
Coached Ecuador at the 2006 nals.
After a very rocky start that extended
well into the nal qualifying round, he
won the media over by beating Mexico
and securing a nals place one month
later after drawing in Jamaica. Now the
relationship is very good.
Cuts an affable gure and is well liked
by the fans, although when the results
were not that good the perception of
him was that he let the players get their
way too much.
Better known for his motivational
abilities than his tactical acumen, hes
usually very well liked by his players.
Inspires his team with speeches that go
from psychology to metaphysics.
No one of note.
After the World Cup
The Honduran FA want him to stay and
he has stated that he would like to, but
everything will be decided after the
World Cup is over.
Luis Fernando SUAREZ (Col)
Age 54 (23.12.59)
Honduras coach since March 2011
COACH PROFILE
l I had about four or ve of
Ecuadors current squad when I
was there so I know something
about them. What might help us
more is playing in Manaus against
Switzerland as it will be hotter and more humid
than playing France in Porto Alegre which will be
cold. Our challenge is to get into the next round.
National coach Luis Fernando Suarez
High jump...Carlo Costly after scoring against Ecuador
93WDS14SMY200.pgs 02.05.2014 19:18
WORLD CUP 2014 HONDURAS SQUAD
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98 WORLD SOCCER
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John Alston BODDEN
Victoria
Age 32 (03.10.81)
A decent local league keeper who
has never managed to challenge
for rst choice. Fighting with Donis
Escober for a spot on the bench,
but is highly unlikely to see any ac-
tion.
Kevin HERNANDEZ
Real Espana
Age 28 (21.12.85)
A talented keeper who will have to
content himself with a place as
back-up to Valladares. Despite
being a little on the short side, hes
more reliable than spectacular
and will probably take over as
number one after the World Cup.
Brayan BECKELES
Olimpia
Age 28 (28.11.85)
Solid right-back whos in
competition with Peralta for a
starting spot. Hes more solid than
his rival but less attack-minded.
Despite not being a regular with the
national team until very recently, he
has always performed when needed.
Victor BERNARDEZ
San Jose Earthquakes (USA)
Age 22 (24.05.82)
A physically imposing
centre-back, he has formed a
formidable partnership with
Figueroa during the last four
years. Hes a bit on the slow side,
however, and can be exposed by
speedy attackers.
Osman CHAVEZ
Wisla Krakow (Pol)
Age 29 (29.07.84)
A knee injury looked to have
sidelined him for the nals but the
centre-back has managed to
recover in time to make himself
available. His lack of playing time
at club level might affect his
tness. Dangerous at set-pieces.
Marvin CHAVEZ
Colorado Rapids (USA)
Age 30 (03.11.83)
Despite not having had a good
year in MLS, the left-winger is still
instrumental for the national team.
Nicknamed the son of the wind
because of his speed, he has lost a
little pace since turning 30 but
remains rst choice.
Oscar GARCIA
Houston Dynamo (USA)
Age 29 (04.09.84)
His father always wanted him to
play football to the extent that
his middle name is Boniek in
honour of the Polish playmaker
of the 80s. A lively right-winger,
he is one of the teams main
sources of attack.
Luis GARRIDO
Olimpia
Age 23 (05.11.90)
Solid defensive midelder who has
been extremely successful with
Olimpia at local level thanks to his
speed and never-say-die attitude
but struggled with the physicality
on loan to Red Star Belgrade. He
started most of the qualiers.
Jerry BENGTSON
New England Revolution (USA)
Age 27 (08.04.87)
Once touted as the future of
Honduran football, he has never
realised his potential but has still
been instrumental for the national
side for many years now. An
elegant and clinical nisher, he
scored eight goals in the qualiers.
Carlo COSTLY
Real Espana
Age 31 (18.07.82)
Comes into his own when wearing
the national team shirt. Has
globetrotted the world failing for
club after club only to regain his
form with Honduras at the best
possible moments. Missed the
2010 World Cup due to injury.
Roger ESPINOZA
Age 27 (25.10.86)
Born in the USA but decided to
play for Honduras before the
2010 World Cup and has become
a stalwart since. Has failed to earn
a starting spot at Wigan but his
never-say-die attitude makes him
essential to the national team.
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Jerry PALACIOS
Alajuelense
Age 32 (01.11.81)
Brother of Wilson and Johnny, this
will be the second World Cup of
his career after South Africa
2010. Hes been a regular in the
national team squad while never
holding a regular starting spot. Will
be on the bench again in Brazil.
Roger ROJAS
Olimpia
Age 24 (09.06.90)
A second striker who prefers
roaming in the last quarter rather
than staying as an out-and-out
centre-forward. Hes scored
constantly for his club side, but
hasnt managed to replicate his
form with the national team.
Maynor FIGUEROA
Hull City (Eng)
Age 31 (02.05.83)
Defensive stalwart arguably the
teams most important player. His
leadership on and off the pitch are
essential to the ambitions of La
Bicolor. He hasnt had his best
season in England but is
untouchable for the national team.
Juan Carlos GARCIA
Age 26 (08.03.88)
Has had an extremely
disappointing stint at Wigan, but
his place in the national team
seems to be safe for now. He
can play either as a left-back or a
defensive midelder thanks to his
speed and workrate.
Wilmer FUENTES
Marathon
Age 22 (21.04.92)
Defensive midelder who seems
set to break up the Palacios-
Espinoza partnership in the near
future. This World Cup seems to
have come too early for him
though, and he will probably have
to wait for his turn from the bench.
Noel VALLADARES
Olimpia
Age 37 (03.05.77)
Set to play in his second World
Cup, so hes arguably the best
keeper in Honduran history. He
was never very acrobatic to start
with so his skills havent dimmed
over time. An important inuence
as captain since 2010.
93WDS14SMY201.pgs 02.05.2014 18:24
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WORLD SOCCER 99
Emilio IZAGUIRRE
Celtic (Sco)
Age 27 (10.05.86)
Probably the sides most in-form
player at the current time, having
been in excellent form in Scotland
and will play a major role in Brazil.
His attacking forays down the left
wing are one of the teams most
threatening attacking options.
Johnny PALACIOS
Olimpia
Age 26 (08.03.88)
Brother of Wilson and Jerry, he
was part of the national squad in
South Africa 2010, although he
didnt make an appearance. Hes
been in and out of the team since,
and his fate may be repeated
again at this years nals.
Wilson PALACIOS
Stoke City (Eng)
Age 29 (29.07.84)
The best Honduran player of the
last decade, he is still instrumental
for the national side despite having
seen his career in England stall at
Tottenham. Solid off the ball and
comfortable on it, the Honduran
play always passes through him.
Andy NAJAR
Anderlecht (Blg)
Age 21 (16.03.93)
The new big hope of Honduran
football, the talented right
midelder he was born in the US
and was named rookie of the year
at 17. After a long courtship, he
decided to play for Honduras and
has since become a fan favourite.
TACTICS
Arnold PERALTA
Rangers (Sco)
Age 25 (29.03.89)
Plays as a right-winger for his
club side but usually deployed at
right-back by the national team.
Hasnt been a great success in
Scotland but the experience
could help him win a starting
spot in Brazil.
Ball-winners, not ball-players, hold the key
to Suarezs defensive gameplan
92
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Mario MARTINEZ
Real Espana
Age 24 (30.07.89)
At 19 he was the youngest
member of the Honduras squad at
the 2008 Olympics and also starred
four years later in London. One of
the stalwarts during World Cup
qualifying, he has tried his luck twice
in Europe but failed both times.
Luis Fernando Suarez usually deploys a
basic 4-4-2 in which the most important
thing is defensive organisation. The two
central midelder spots are usually
taken by defensive-minded players,
Wilson Palacios, who stays deep
and Roger Espinoza who plays
box-to-box but prioritises ball recovery
rather than generation of offensive play.
The team relies on fast wingers to feed
crosses to the tall, powerful strikers, usually
Jerry Bengtson and Carlo Costly, who
scored 8 of the 13 Honduran goals during
the qualiers.
The big decision for Suarez is whether to
play one or two wingers. He has Mario
Martinez on the left and Oscar Garcia on
the right, while Andy Najar has featured on
either ank. In the qualiers, two wingers
featured against lesser opponents, but at the
World Cup, against more accomplished
opponents, it is more likely that Garcia will
feature on the right, but that Espinoza will
switch to the left, with Luis Garrido coming
in to defensive mideld.
There seemed to be no other options up
front but the emergence of youngster
Jonathan Mejia, currently on the fringes of
the squad, could provide the team with a
powerful option up front if he nally makes
the cut.
At the back, the team relies on the
physicality of Maynor Figueroa, who plays
centre back for Honduras, and Victor
Bernardez, while Noel Valladares provides
experience and sobriety in goal.
Down the sides, Emilio Izaguirre is
usually the more entrepreneurial one down
the left while Brayan Beckeles or Arnold
Peralta stay further back on the right.
Plan B?
In qualifying, Suarez played with a single
striker, usually Costly, on a number of
occasions. This strategy could take a number
of forms. In a 4-1-4-1, Garrido plays the
mideld holding role, allowing Garcia and
Najar to attack on the anks. In a 4-4-1-1,
Garcia switches to a second striker role
behind Costly, with Najar moving to the right
and Espinoza on the left.
Roger Rojas has also performed the lone
striker role, though he can also play behind
the main man.

Valladares
Izaguirre
W Palacios
Figueroa
Garcia Espinoza
Costly
Garrido
Bengtson
Peralta
Figueroa
Peralta
Garrido
Izaguirre
Garcia
W Palacios
Najar
Espinoza
Costly
Bernardez
4-4-2
Bernardez
Valladares
4-1-4-1
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Donis ESCOBER (G, Age 34,
03.02.80, 25/0, Olimpia)
Miguel CASTILLO (M, Age 30,
30.09.83, 7/0, Real Espana)
Jorge CLAROS (M, Age 28, 08.01.86,
46/3, Motagua)
Jonathan MEJIA (F, Age 25, 07.01.89,
1/0, Real Jaen, Spa)
93WDS14SMY202.pgs 02.05.2014 18:26
100 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
B
y the time Iran line up against Nigeria in
their opening match of the World Cup, in
Curitiba on June 16, it will be almost a
year since a sensational triumph against South
Korea in Ulsan ensured their qualication.
There were nationwide street parties as an
eight-year absence from the nals coincided
with the outpouring of joy that hailed the
unexpected presidential election of moderate
candidate Hasan Ruhani.
However, the celebrations did not last for
long as economic sanctions and negotiations in
Geneva and Vienna, over Irans controversial
nuclear programme, overshadowed football
matters. All planned overseas training camps
were cancelled and no major national side
was willing to play Iran, possibly due to fear
of political sanctions.
For 119 days following their nal qualier,
the national team failed to play a single game.
But to make up for lost opportunities, coach
Carlos Queiroz convinced the countrys football
federation to end the domestic season in early
April so that preparations for Brazil could get
under way much earlier than previously
planned.
While the prospect of facing Lionel Messi,
Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko is a nightmare
for any defence, Irans solid rearguard in
qualication offers some hope in their group
games. Queirozs major concern is a lack of
creativity in mideld and the dependency on
Charltons Reza Ghoochannejhad for goals.
Ashkan Dejagah has been in good goalscoring
form for Fulham in the Premier League, but his
season has been hampered by a series of
niggling injuries.
Expectations for 2014 are far more realistic
than in 2006, when the countrys belief that
they could qualify from the group stage ended
disastrously and led to the departures of their
long-standing captain, their coach and even
the head of the football federation.
However, Queiroz has vowed that his team
wont be a punchbag for the other teams in the
group and with an experienced and popular
coach at the helm, fans are hoping for a
happier World Cup ending this time around.
Adel Ferdowispour
May 12 Travel to Austria for training camp
May 18 Friendly v Belarus in Kapfenberg,
Aut
May 26 Friendly v Montenegro in Hartberg,
Aut
May 30 Friendly v Angola in Hartberg,
Aut
Jun 4 Fly to Brazil
Jun 8 Behind-closed-doors friendly v
Trinidad & Tobago in Sao Paulo
THE VIEW FROM IRAN
Irans preparation has been hugely
affected by the sanctions and economic
hardship. Having said that, I think Queiroz
has done a positive job considering the
resources made available to him, which
were nowhere near what he would have been
used to at this level before. I expect that
Iran will play the Italian catenaccio way:
allow their opponents to have the ball, sit in
their own half, try to defend solidly and look
for opportunities on the counter. People
want to see brave performances with a
never-say-die attitude.
Amir Hajrezaei, a TV Channel 3 pundit
BASE CAMP
For 119 days following the
nal qualier, the national
team failed to play a game
IRAN
Quieroz hopes his Team Melli will be hard to beat
A touch of realism
Amid much secrecy and denials, Iran have
decided to avoid unnecessary travel to the
airport by staying at the Hotel Caesar Sao
Paulo International Airport in the Sao Paulo
suburb of Guarulhos. They will be preparing for
their games at the Joaquim Grava Training
Centre (above) the training ground of one
of Brazils most famous clubs, Corinthians.
Korea clincher...Iran celebrate World Cup qualication
906
miles
BRAZIL
GROUP F FIXTURES
Jun 16 v Nigeria (Curitiba)
Jun 21 v Argentina (Belo Horizonte)
Jun 25 v Bosnia-Herzegovina (Salvador)
362 miles
210 miles
Salvador
Curitiba
Sao Paulo

Belo
Horizonte
93WDS14SMY203.pgs 02.05.2014 13:48
WORLD SOCCER 101
How he got the job
Iran had failed to
qualify for the 2010
World Cup and his
Portugal side had
had an unhappy
time in South Africa.
Iran wanted a well-
known coach, so he
signed a two-and-a-half-year deal
to replace Afshin Ghotbi.
Led Portugals under-20 side to the
world title twice and guided South
Africa to 2002 World Cup. Won the
Portuguese Cup at Sporting Lisbon and,
as assistant manager at Manchester
United, won three Premier League
titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup
and the Champions League in 2008.
His rst spell in charge of Portugal
ended in failure to qualify for Euro 92
and the 1994 World Cup. His biggest
regret was at Real Madrid, where he
failed to bring the best out of his stars.
Limited. Played only a few years in his
birthplace of Mozambique.
In charge of Portugal in 2010 when
they were knocked out by eventual
winners Spain in the last 16.
Not a charismatic gure.
It started as just professional respect
but the clenched-st reaction to his
South Korean counterpart following
Irans tense qualifying win booked his
place in most Iranian hearts.
An intelligent chess player who chooses
his game plans. He will go with a
conservative 4-2-3-1 formation in
Brazil. His blueprint is stamped on
Irans disciplined play.
Assisted by former Portugal
international Oceano da Cruz.
After the World Cup
Not ofcially announced, but he is
likely to leave after the nals.
Carlos QUEIROZ (Por)
Age 61(01.03.53)
Iran coach since April 2011
COACH PROFILE
l The opener against Nigeria is important and
the performance against Argentina will be vital in
terms of the teams character building. The team
we had in 1998 was better in terms of technical,
physical and character levels. But this time
around, without signicant friendlies in the past
year, Iran have a huge mountain to climb. Queiroz
will go for a cautious 4-5-1 and that is the main
reason for Irans lack of goals. Teymourian and
Dejagah will be the character and
technical leaders of the team on
the eld.
Bijan Zolfagharnasab, Iran
assistant coach at 1998 World Cup
l We all expected to be in Brazil, but to be
honest Carlos Queiroz did a wonderful job in the
last three crucial qualiers. He is the man for the
difcult days. Trying to stop Argentinas uid
front three is one hell of a task for Iran but they
need to stay together and play like a unit. On
paper, at least, we are miles behind our
opponents, but you never know with the World
Cup; as we all remember the likes of Senegal
in 2002. Everybody hopes Iran can
defend Asian footballs credibility
in Brazil.
Mehdi Mahdavikia, played in the
1998 and 2006 World Cups for Iran
93WDS14SMY204.pgs 02.05.2014 13:48
WORLD CUP 2014 IRAN SQUAD
10
0
3
0
2
0
12
0
4
0
58
1
47
0
81
6
11
4
16
0
39
9
0
0
11
9
52
5
x
x
KITS
102 WORLD SOCCER
G
O
A
L
K
E
E
P
E
R
S
Rahman AHMADI
Sepahan
Age 33 (30.07.80)
Much under-appreciated keeper
who made a brilliant double save
against South Korea to ensure
Irans qualication for Brazil. May
lack the European experience of
Davari but makes up for it with his
agility and bravery.
Daniel DAVARI
Eintracht Braunschweig (Ger)
Age 26 (06.01.88)
Born and raised in Germany by his
Iranian father and Polish mother,
he made his international debut in
November. Communicating with
his team-mates is a problem as he
rarely speaks Farsi. Inconsistency
may cost him his place.
Hashem BEIKZADEH
Esteghlal
Age 30 (22.01.84)
A surprise inclusion in the last
three qualiers who performed
superbly. The centre of media
jokes about how he will cope with
Lionel Messi in the World Cup.
Two-footed, he has the ability
to perform on either ank.
Mehrdad BEITASHOUR
Vancouver Whitecaps (USA)
Age 27 (01.02.87)
Right-back who was born in San
Jose, California, where he is
known as Steven. He was twice
called up by the USA but switched
allegiance to the country of his
parents after failing to get a game.
Made his debut in October.
Ehsan HAJSAFY
Sepahan
Age 24 (25.02.90)
Experienced left-footer who has a
good balance, a deceptive turn of
pace and the ability to get past
defenders. A previous captain of
the side, he is dangerous from
free-kicks and also possesses
a long throw.
Ashkan DEJAGAH
Fulham (Eng)
Age 27 (05.07.86)
By far Irans best player in recent
years, the former Germany junior
internationals air and stamina
will have to be at their best for his
side to have any chance. Born in
Tehran but moved to Europe when
he was a child.
Ghasem HADDADIFAR
Zob Ahan
Age 30 (12.07.83)
Skilful left-footer who provides
good back-up for central mideld.
Plays his club football alongside
his brother, Alireza. Made his
international debut in 2010,
in a friendly against Armenia

Persepolis
Age 30 (14.09.83)
Diminutive, skilful attacking player
who has proved himself to be a
useful late substitute. Was once
signed by Diego Maradona during
his brief spell as coach at United
Arab Emirates club Al Wasl.
Karim ANSARIFARD
Tractor Sazi
Age 24 (03.04.90)
Talented striker with an impressive
goalscoring record at club level
although he is yet to repeat that
form on the international stage.
Made his international debut aged
19 and scored the winner in a
friendly against Iceland.
Sardar AZMOUN
Rubin Kazan (Rus)
Age 19 (01.01.95)
Never made an appearance in the
Iranian league, but has had an
impressive debut season in Russia,
catching the eye of scouts from,
among others, Arsenal.
4
1
Alireza JAHANBAKHSH
NEC (Hol)
Age 20 (08.10.93)
Promising midelder who has
gained valuable European
experience in the Eredivisie.
Technically good with an
impressive goalscoring instinct.
Mojtaba Jabbaris withdrawal
enhances his chances of starting.
D
E
F
E
N
D
E
R
S
M
I
D
F
I
E
L
D
E
R
S
F
O
R
W
A
R
D
S
12
caps
goals
KEY
57
6

Charlton Athletic (Eng)
Age 26 (20.09.87)
Emigrated to Holland as a child
and played for their junior sides
before switching to the country
of his birth. A clinical poacher
at national level, despite recent
unhappy club spells and a lack of
regular club action in England.
Masoud SHOJAEI
Las Palmas (Spa)
Age 30 (09.06.84)
His inconsistent form in the
national team has armed his
local critics, but he has found
footballing happiness in the
Canary Islands following a foot
injury that sidelined him for more
than a year.
Khosro HEYDARI
Esteghlal
Age 30 (14.09.83)
Overlapping right-back who can
also play in mideld if required.
Plagued by hamstring injuries this
season, which could jeopardise his
starting place. Has plenty of
experience and has played for six
different clubs in Iran.
Jalal HOSSEINI
Persepolis
Age 32 (03.02.82)
Tough central defender who
relishes the physical side of the
game and is particularly dominant
in the air, which also makes him a
threat at set-pieces. Strong in the
tackle, he has been extremely
consistent in recent years.
6
0
Reza HAGHIGHI
Persepolis
Age 25 (31.01.89)
Central midelder who was
involved in a controversial bust-up
with Persepolis team-mate
Sadeghian. He claims to have
rejected an offer from Dynamo
Kiev to remain in Iran.
Hamed LAK
Tractor Sazi
Age 23 (24.12.90)
Athletic and brave but needs
more experience at this level. It
has been said that if he were to
concentrate more on the training
and keep his off-the-eld
activities to a minimum that
a bright future awaits.
Mohammad Reza KHALATBARI
Reza GHOOCHANNEJHAD
93WDS14SMY205.pgs 02.05.2014 18:15
136
36
16
0
14
1
19
0
WORLD SOCCER 103
Pejman MONTAZERI
Umm Salal (Qat)
Age 30 (06.09.83)
Central defender who is a very
good reader of the game and
whose recent form is likely to see
him take the place of Hadi Aghili
who has fallen out with Queiroz.
Can also play at right-back.
Mehrdad POOLADI
Persepolis
Age 27 (26.02.87)
Left-back who was sidelined for
almost a year with a toe injury.
Defensively solid but not creative
enough going forward. In 2012
he had to undergo surgery on a
nger after punching a glass door
after substituted in a league game.
Andranik TEYMOURIAN
Esteghlal
Age 31 (06.03.83)
Aggressive, strong runner who
is tireless and determined. He
had a stint in England with Bolton
Wanderers and is from Irans
Armenian community, which has
a strong footballing tradition.
Payam SADEGHIAN
Persepolis
Age 22 (29.02.92)
A gifted player who courts
controversy with problems on
and off the pitch. Reached the
Asian Champions League Final
with his previous club, Zob Ahan,
in 2010.
TACTICS
Amir Hossein SADEGHI
Esteghlal
Age 32 (06.09.81)
Left-footed defender whose
performances in the last three
qualiers were an important part
of Irans defensive dominance.
Likely to be rst choice if the
injury-prone Heydari struggles
for tness.
Queiroz hoping to build from a solid
defensive base
77
8
5
0
Javad NEKOUNAM
Al Kuwait (Kuw)
Age 33 (07.09.80)
Inspirational skipper who, despite
his indifferent recent club form,
has a knack of scoring crucial
goals. The former Osasuna
players experience of European
football is vital to a team not used
to the big stage.
Having conceded just two goals in their nal
eight qualifying games, Iran will be hoping
that their back line can hold rm once
again in Brazil.
Central defenders Jalal Hosseini
and Pejman Montazeri make a
formidable pair, with the option of
using the latter at right-back and
playing Amir Hossein Sadeghi in the middle
if needed.
The injury prone Khosro Heydari is
normally rst choice on the right ank at the
back, but his attacking tendencies could be a
double-edged sword against the likes of
Argentina and Nigeria. At left-back, the
impossible dilemma is who will suffer less
against Lionel Messi when Iran face
Argentina. Queiroz may stick with Hashem
Beikzadeh ahead of the more attack-
minded Ehsan Hajsafy and the defensive
Mehrdad Pooladi.
The big question is who will take over in
goal following the unexpected withdrawal of
Mehdi Rahmati. Will the Portuguese coach
opt for the domestically impressive but
internationally inexperienced Rahman
Ahmadi or the European-based Daniel
Davari who has had some scintillating
performances in the Bundesliga but is
prone to occasional lapses?
Javad Nekounam and relentless runner
Andranik Teymourian will take the holding
mideld roles, with the elegant Masoud
Shojaei and determined Ashkan Dejagah in
front of them.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh looks to be the
favourite to replace Mojtaba Jabari, while
Reza Ghoochannejad will lead the attack
as a lone striker.
Plan B?
Queirozs tactical alternatives will probably
only be variations on his safety rst 4-4-1-1
set-up, with players coming in to cover
injured players. The most likely of these
would involve the back four moving around
to cover the potential loss of Heydari.
It is possible that Mohammad Reza
Khalatbari could be added to the line-up
if Iran need to chase a game.
Karim Ansarifard is a useful
replacement for rst-choice striker
Ghoochannejad when it comes to
leading the line.
Davari
Beikzadeh
Teymourian
Hosseini
Shojaei Dejagah
Ghoochannejad
Nekounam
Jahanbakhsh
Heydari
Hosseini
Montazeri
Nekounam
Beikzadeh
Shojaei
Teymourian
Dejagah
Ansarifard Khalatbari
Sadeghi
4-4-1-1
Montazeri
Davari
4-4-2
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Mehrdad JAMAATI (D, Age 24,
07.10.89, 1/0, Foolad)
Hossein MAHINI (D, Age 27,
16.09.86, 21/0, Persepolis)
Yaghub KARIMI (M, Age 22,
31.08.91, 7/4, Sepahan)
Ali KARIMI (F, Age 35, 08.11.78,
128/37, Tractor Sazi)
Reza NORUZI (F Age 31, 21.09.82,
6/0, Naft Tehran)
Mehdi SHARIFI (F, Age 21, 16.08.92,
0/0, Sepahan)
MISSING OUT
Deteriorating relations between the
coach Queiroz and several of the squad
will mean there is no place on the plane
to Brazil for goalkeeper Mehdi
Rahmati or defender Hadi Aghili.
Attacking midelder Mojtaba
Jabari announced earlier this year that
he no longer wanted to be considered
for the national side.
93WDS14SMY206.pgs 02.05.2014 18:17
104 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
W
ith a squad containing the quality of
Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and
Mario Balotelli, the intelligence of
coach Cesare Prandelli, an excellent record in
nals tournaments and the teams ne showing
in last summers Confederations Cup, things
are looking good for the Azzurri in Brazil.
Pay no attention to the fact that Italy went
ve games without a win between last
September and May. The reality is that their last
win a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic
saw them reach the nals with two qualiers
still to play. In other words, Italy have been
playing friendlies since September and as
we all know, Italy simply do not do friendlies.
In contrast, they certainly do do nals
tournaments. Since 1982, the four-times
World Cup winners have reached ve Finals
and two semi-nals in 12 World Cup or
European Championship tournaments. History
also tells us that, when the pressure is on, Italy
often overachieve.
In reality, Italy will probably have to
overachieve again if they are to reach the
semi-nals. Prandelli often says that his side
holds its own with the strongest teams in the
world thanks to its mental and physical
preparation and its tactical discipline. On paper,
opponents such as Argentina, Brazil, Germany
and Spain all seem to have stronger and more
talented squads than Italy but they will
underestimate the Azzurri at their peril.
If it is true that Italy perform best in
moments of difculty Spain in 1982 and
Germany 2006 being prime examples then
they should perform well in Brazil, after a year
in which not a single Italian club made it to the
Champions League quarter-nals.
It may also help that expectations back
home are very mixed. A recent opinion poll in
daily newspaper Corriere Della Sera recorded
that the largest group of fans, 29.4 per cent,
believe Italy will not get out of the group phase.
However, the next highest group, 19.9 per
cent, believe that their team will actually win
the World Cup.
As always, much will depend on the form of
a handful of key players. Will the strain of a
tiring tournament nally catch up on 36-year-
old captain Buffon or 35-year-old playmaker
Pirlo? And will the mercurial Balotelli manage
to keep his cool?
However, if the three of them perform to
their best, then so too do Italy.
Paddy Agnew
May 31 Friendly v Republic of Ireland in
London, England
Jun 4 Friendly v Luxembourg in Verona
Jun 5 Fly to Brazil
Jun 8 Friendly v Fluminense (tbc)
THE VIEW FROM ITALY
I think it will go very well for Italy. We
have a good team with a good coach who has
been able to create his own space and
impose his own ideas, both tactically and
ethically. Our record is good and history
also shows that when little is expected of
Italy, then Italy does well. Some people say
that, given the climatic conditions, Prandelli
will pick as many young players as possible
but I doubt that. A national coach has to pick
the best players available, regardless of
age. Sometimes it matters more to have
experienced players. Look at Buffon
and Pirlo, theyve had great
seasons in Serie A so you have
got to pick them.
Gianni Rivera, former Italy
international
BASE CAMP
ITALY
When it comes to nals, few perform better than Italy
Positive signs
for the Azzurri
Picked before the rst-round draw, Italy chose
to stay at the seaside resort of Mangaratiba,
75 miles south of Rio de Janeiro, even though
their opening group games are far away up
north. They resisted any temptation to change
their base because Mangaratiba offers a hotel
complete with its own training ground, which
avoids time and energy-wasting coach trips.
Mercurial talent...Italy striker Balotelli
1,774 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP D FIXTURES
Jun 14 v England (Manaus)
Jun 20 v Costa Rica (Recife)
Jun 24 v Uruguay (Natal)
1,301 miles
1,170
miles
Manaus
Mangaratiba
Recife
Natal
93WDS14SMY207.pgs 02.05.2014 13:50
WORLD SOCCER 105
How he got the job
Took over from
Marcello Lippi
immediately
after Italys
miserable rst-
round elimination
at the 2010 World
Cup in South Africa.
A successful youth-team coach at
Atalanta, he established himself with
Parma and then Fiorentina, where he
built a competitive team which nished
fourth in Serie A three times.
Resigned from relegation-bound Serie
A side Lecce in February 1998 after
only 18 games in charge.
Was a useful performer at Juventus,
even if his main role was as a second-
half substitute.
None.
Good. He is simply too smart, too
courteous and too worldly wise to
make needless enemies.
Hugely popular. Gestures such as taking
the national team to Calabria to train
on a pitch built on land sequestered
from the maa, and his repudiation
of homophobia, have enhanced his
public standing. He also gained much
sympathy when he resigned as Roma
coach in 2004 to look after his
terminally ill wife, Manuela.
Much more a man manager than a
howling sergeant. It is no coincidence
that Balotelli has played easily his best
football the Euro 2012 semi-nal win
against Germany, for example under
Prandelli.
Former Parma midelder Gabriele Pin
has served as his assistant with Parma,
Fiorentina and now Italy.
After the World Cup
Has agreed to stay on until the 2016
European Championship in France.
Cesare PRANDELLI
Age 56 (19.08.57)
Italy coach since May 2010
COACH PROFILE
l I think much will depend on the opening game
against England in the heat of Manaus since
historically the English can be difcult opponents
for us. But, at the end of the day, I wouldnt make
too much out of the climatic conditions, given
that they are the same for everyone. Rather, I
would say that the side which arrives in Brazil
in optimal physical and mental
condition is the team that has the
best chance of winning, but that is
always the case. Todays players
will arrive at the nals after
exhausting domestic league and
Champions League campaigns and often some
of them just dont have the time to recover their
best form.
Simone Perrotta, a member of Italys 2006 World
Cup-winning squad
l We come into this World Cup on the back of
a total failure in South Africa four years ago, so
this Italy has to do better but, unfortunately, we
nd ourselves in a very tough group. That would
suggest that, this time, Italy cannot allow itself
its usual slow start. This is a good Italy but not a
great one, we have no outstanding match winner
in the side. Balotelli might have been that player
but he seems to have lost his way a little. The fact
that Prandelli is thinking about using Cassano or
maybe Immobile or Destro says it all. As for Pirlo,
he is a fantastic player but he is not in the rst
ush of youth is he? All in all, I would think this
Italy is good enough to make the
quarter-nals but no further. Sides
like Argentina, Brazil, Germany
and Spain look stronger than us.
Fabrizio Bocca, La Repubblica
93WDS14SMY208.pgs 02.05.2014 13:51
WORLD CUP 2014 ITALY SQUAD
139
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0
7
0
18
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35
2
67
4
22
0
19
0
93
15
42
2
57
2
29
12
10
0
17
1
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1
KITS
106 WORLD SOCCER
G
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P
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R
S
Gianluigi BUFFON
Juventus
Age 36 (28.01.78)
The most-capped Italian of all
time remains an inspirational
captain, on and off the pitch. This
will be his fth nals, although he
did not get off the bench in 1998.
Made a huge contribution to yet
another successful Juve season.
Simone SCUFFET
Udinese
Age 18 (31.05.96)
A big revelation this season,
making his Serie A debut for
Udinese in February and keeping
his place in the team ever since.
Prandelli might just take him to
Brazil with an eye on the future.
Ignazio ABATE
Milan
Age 27 (12.11.86)
Versatile, attacking right-back
who has remained rmly in the
national set-up despite his club
enduring their worst season for
years. His father, Beniamino
Abate, was a goalkeeper and
played 67 times in Serie A.
Andrea BARZAGLI
Juventus
Age 33 (08.05.81)
Central defender who made a
huge contribution to the success
of Juve this season. A member
of the 2006 World Cup-winning
squad, he played against Australia
and Ukraine.
Leonardo BONUCCI
Juventus
Age 27 (01.05.87)
Tough central defender who, when
confronted by an armed robber
outside a Turin car showroom
two years ago, hit him.
Antonio CANDREVA
Lazio
Age 27 (28.02.87)
One of the best, right-sided
attacking midelders in Serie A
over the last three seasons. Helps
to switch the play quickly from
defence to attack.
Daniele DE ROSSI
Roma
Age 30 (24.07.83)
Provides fundamental mideld
cover but, if necessary, can also
play central defence. Good in the
air, he can also deliver a telling
pass. Serie As highest-paid player,
earning 10m a year gross. His
father is Romas youth coach.
Thiago MOTTA
Age 31 (28.08.82)
Born in Brazil, in the state of
Sao Paulo, and won two senior
caps before switching allegiance
to the homeland of his paternal
grandfather. His tactical
awareness and professionalism is
greatly appreciated by Prandelli.
Mario BALOTELLI
Milan
Age 23 (12.08.90)
Quite capable of making things
difcult for himself even without
Milans dreadful season in which
he failed to deliver on his huge
potential. However, Prandellis
Italy seem to bring out the best
in him.
Alessio CERCI
Torino
Age 26 (23.07.87)
The closest thing to a genuine
winger in Italian football today, he
has been outstanding over the last
two seasons for mid-table Torino.
Has pace as well as dribbling and
shooting skills.
Claudio MARCHISIO
Juventus
Age 28 (19.01.86)
His mideld dynamism, in
providing both cover and attacking
bite, could prove invaluable
despite struggling to get a regular
starting place in his club sides
mideld this season.
D
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goals
KEY
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Sebastian GIOVINCO
Juventus
Age 27 (26.01.87)
At 5ft 5in he has been in the
shadows of Tevez, Llorente and
Osvaldo at Juve this season, but
often shows his class when coming
on as a substitute.
Ciro IMMOBILE
Torino
Age 24 (20.02.90)
His terric late-season form will
probably see him get the nod
ahead of Dani Osvaldo, who
has failed to convince on loan
at Juventus from Southampton.
Lorenzo INSIGNE
Napoli
Age 23 (04.06.91)
Stands just 5ft 4in, but a big
danger from free-kicks. Scored
on his debut against Argentina
last August.
Giorgio CHIELLINI
Juventus
Age 29 (14.08.84)
A cornerstone of the side who has
enjoyed a successful season with
Juventus. Tough, versatile and
experienced, he is an automatic
rst choice for Prandelli, either at
left-back or in central defence.
Domenico CRISCITO
Zenit (Rus)
Age 27 (30.12.86)
Useful left-back who was ruled
out of Euro 2012 when his
name came up in a match-xing
investigation. Ofcially still one of
149 people under investigation
for that incident, but likely to be
included this time.
Riccardo MONTOLIVO
Milan
Age 29 (18.01.85)
Mideld schemer who played
under Prandelli for ve seasons at
Fiorentina. One of the few linguists
in the squad, he speaks German
as his mother comes from Kiel.
Salvatore SIRIGU
Age 27 (12.01.87)
Made his debut in Prandellis rst
game as coach a 1-0 defeat
by Ivory Coast in August 2010.
In good form for PSG this term
and an able deputy for Buffon if
called on.
93WDS14SMY209.pgs 02.05.2014 19:21
108
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WORLD SOCCER 107
Mattia DE SCIGLIO
Milan
Age 21 (20.10.92)
A full-back with the ability to play
on either ank, he may get the
nod due to doubts about Christian
Maggios tness.
Gabriel PALETTA
Parma
Age 28 (15.02.86)
Argentinian-born centre-half
who was an Under-20 World Cup
winner in 2005 before switching
allegiance to the country of his
great-grandfather and making his
senior international debut for Italy
against Spain in March.
Marco VERRATTI
Age 21 (05.11.92)
Hugely promising young
midelder who has been in good
form for his club and is seen as the
eventual replacement for Pirlo.
ROMULO
Verona
Age 27 (22.05.87)
Full name is Romulo Souza
Orestes Caldeira. He was born in
Brazil and called up for a two-day
training camp by Prandelli in April.
Can play in different mideld and
defensive roles.
TACTICS
Everything goes through Pirlo
4
1
0
0
Andrea PIRLO
Juventus
Age 35 (19.05.79)
One of the great playmakers of
the modern game. Voted Serie
As best player for the past two
seasons, he is pivotal to everything
good that Italy do. But will he have
the physical resilience for a long,
tough Latin American World Cup?
By now, foreign observers will have
understood that Prandellis Italy is not
quite the usual defence-oriented,
speculative Italy. In agreement with his
players, the coach has always wanted
to impose a more positive style, with
Spain as the ideal role model.
However, on the eve of the
nals, a realist might suggest that
he would be better off resorting to old-style,
tried and tested Italian methods. In other
words, while he has a more than useful
backbone to his team, in the shape of
Gianluigi Buffon in goal, Giorgio Chiellini
and Leonardo Bonucci in defence, Daniele
De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio
and Riccardo Montolivo in mideld.
However, his attacking line-up right now
represents a major question mark.
Mario Balotelli is obviously the main
man up front but will he reproduce his Euro
2012 level of performance? Even if he does,
it is unclear who will play alongside him.
Prandelli likes to play with a positive
4-3-2-1 line-up where the game plan is to
knock it around in mideld and wait for Pirlo
to either hit a through ball for Balotelli and
others, or to score from a free-kick.
As always, much will depend on Pirlo,
meaning that De Rossi, Marchisio and
Montolivo will cover for him, affording him
time and space to spray the ball around and
keep the team ticking over nicely. If Pirlo is
man-to-man marked, then the supply line
can break down.
Much also depends on the ability of
full-backs to provide the attacking options.
Plan B?
It is not impossible that Italy may also resort
to a classic ve-man defence. If Romulo is
picked, many will see his last-minute inclusion
as a clear indication that Prandelli feels the
need to cover himself.
A return to defensive methods and a 5-4-1
could see Gabriel Paletta play central
defence alongside Bonucci and Andrea
Barzagli, freeing up Chiellini for left back.
The use of a player like Romulo in mideld
could be useful if things do not work out for
the unpredictable Balotelli up front, prompting
Prandelli to eld an inexperienced or
lightweight attack (Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo
Insigne or Sebastian Giovinco) or even recall
the mercurial Antonio Cassano. In such a case,
Romulo could offer a deal of protection to
the overworked mideld trio of Pirlo, Marchisio
and Montolivo.
Buffon
Criscito
Balotelli
Chiellini
Marchisio
Insigne
De Rossi
Pirlo
Montolivo
Abate
Barzagli
Abate
Bonucci
Chiellini
Romelu Pirlo
Montolivo
Immobile
Marchisio
Paletta
4-3-2-1
Bonucci
Buffon
5-4-1
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Morgan DE SANCTIS (G, Age 37,
26.03.77, 6/0 Roma)
Antonio MIRANTE (G, Age 30,
08.07.83, 0/0, Parma)
Christian MAGGIO (D, Age 32,
11.02.82, 34/0, Napoli)
Angelo OGBONNA (D, Age 25, 23.05.
88, 9/0, Juventus)
Alberto AQUILANI (M, Age 29,
07.07.84, 33/5, Fiorentina)
Emanuele GIACCHERINI (M, Age 29,
05.05.85, 19/3, Sunderland, Eng)
Marco PAROLO (M, Age 29, 25.01.85,
2/0, Parma)
Antonio CASSANO (F, Age 31,
12.07.82, 35/10, Parma)
Mattia DESTRO (F, Age 23, 20.03.91),
5/1, Roma)
Alberto GILARDINO (F, Age 31,
05.07.82, 55/17, Genoa)
Dani OSVALDO (F, 12.01.86, 21/4,
Southampton, Eng)
Giuseppe ROSSI (F, Age 27, 01.02.87,
29/7, Fiorentina)
93WDS14SMY210.pgs 02.05.2014 19:20
108 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
A
fter twice being drawn in tough groups,
it could nally prove to be third-time
lucky for the Ivory Coast, who feel they
have had a change in tournament fortunes.
They have a modest World Cup group this
summer and will be fancied to get past the rst
round after missing out in 2006 and 2010.
The Ivorians will, however, be under the
microscope following successive failures at ve
past African Nations Cup tournaments, where
they started each as favourites yet failed to
climb the winners podium. It has earned the
West African team the tag of chokers and
one that is not entirely unjustied.
Add in their two previous World Cup nals
appearances in Germany and South Africa
where they were handed admittedly stiff
competition and there is a lot of experience
about the squad, but also a lingering sense of
under-achievement.
This summer, much of the focus will be
on Didier Drogba and the three-time African
Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure, as the
country seeks to advance to the second round.
And that is the extent of their ambition,
according to coach Sabri Lamouchi, as they
take on Colombia, Greece and Japan.
But there will be high hopes that should
they get through the group phase they will have
every chance of emulating other recent African
sides in making the last eight.
A World Cup quarter-nal would prove
a tting swansong for Drogba and many
others in the squad who are set to nish their
international careers after the nals. Indeed,
the recent dilemma for the Ivorians has been
freshening up an ageing team, with Lamouchi
bravely sidelining several established stars in
an attempt to blood new talent as the golden
generation starts to look increasingly jaded.
Its a tough task for the Frenchman in his
rst coaching role, but its one that he relishes
and he takes great pride in taking them to
Brazil. He sees Drogba as his most potent
strike threat and can also call on the likes of
Swansea Citys Wilfried Bony up front.
Indeed, there is plenty of individual strength
in the side but also frailty in defence, where the
Ivorians have struggled over the years to nd a
solution. With few alternatives available, it will
be left to an ageing Kolo Toure and Didier
Zokora to marshall the back four and protect
the diminutive and error-prone goalkeeper
Boubacar Barry.
Mark Gleeson
May 31 Friendly v Bosnia-Herzegovina in
St Louis, USA
Jun 4 Friendly v El Salvador in Dallas,
USA
THE VIEW FROM THE IVORY COAST
In the last two World Cups, the draw was
unkind. This time, God has answered our
prayers. The draw gives us a good chance.
Yeo Martial, former Ivory Coast coach
Its an exceptional
generation of players that the
Ivorians are taking to Brazil.
Claude le Roy, well-travelled
Franco-African coach
Ivory Coast will be the eye of the storm.
They will be familiar with the hot weather.
Alberto Zaccheroni, Japan coach
BASE CAMP
A World Cup quarter-nal
would prove a tting
swansong for Drogba
IVORY COAST
Drogba looks for knockout-stage swansong
Third time lucky?
Created by former Brazil international Oscar
Bernardi, the Oscar Inn Eco Resort in Aguas
de Lindoia will provide accommodation and
training facilities for the Ivory Coast. The
small town is a two-hour drive away from
the nearest airport at ViracoposCampinas.
Inspiration...Ivory Coast captain Drogba
Brasilia
1,443 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP B FIXTURES
Jun 14 v Japan (Recife)
Jun 19 v Colombia (Brasilia)
Jun 24 v Greece (Fortaleza)
1,307
miles
496 miles
Fortaleza
Recife
Aguas de
Lindoia

93WDS14SMY211.pgs 02.05.2014 19:20
WORLD SOCCER 109
How he got the job
Appointed just ve days before the
start of the World Cup qualifying
campaign against Tanzania, following
the sacking of Francois Zahoui.
Qualied the Ivorians for this World
Cup with a play-off win over Senegal,
after topping Morocco in their group.
Being knocked out by Nigeria in the
quarter-nals of the African Nations
Cup in South Africa last year.
Won Ligue 1 and the French Cup with
Auxerre, and was also a French
champion with Monaco.
Heartbreakingly cut from the World
Cup squad just before France 98.
Cautious at rst but now obliging.
Somewhat serious, but attempts to
answer questions as best as possible.
Still trying to win them over after his
surprise appointment and the fact he
had no previous coaching experience
before The Elephants.
Self condent but reliant on the
experience of his senior players.
Notable back room staff
None.
After the World Cup
Contract is up but could stay on
depending on the teams performance.
Sabri LAMOUCHI (Fra)
Age 61 (09.11.71)
Ivory Coast coach since May 2012
COACH PROFILE
l Its important that we start
well. The team can realise its
dream of getting past the rst
round after God smiled on us with
the draw.
Lassina Kone, newspaper correspondent
l Im worried about the Ivory Coast, it will be
difcult for them. The Elephants will pass the
rst round. I see Colombia and
Japan in the second round.
Philippe Troussier, Frenchman
whose rst national-team job was
with Ivory Coast
World class..Mideld general Yaya Toure
93WDS14SMY212.pgs 02.05.2014 19:22
WORLD CUP 2014 IVORY COAST SQUAD
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KITS
110 WORLD SOCCER
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Boubacar BARRY
Lokeren (Blg)
Age 34 (30.12.79)
Among the old guard who will
depart after Brazil after playing at
the last two World Cups. Better
known by his nickname Copa,
he was a Belgian Cup winner
this season.
Sylvain GBOHOUO
Sewe Sport
Age 25 (29.10.88)
Likely to be the only home-based
player in the squad after winning
back-to-back Ivorian titles with
his club and also competing in
the African Champions League.
Named best goalkeeper in the
Ivorian league in 2012.
Serge AURIER
Toulouse (Fra)
Age 21 (24.12.92)
Right-back or central defender
who looks set for a major move
after the World Cup. Brought up
in France, where he began his
career at Lens before moving to
Toulouse. His Ivorian debut came
last June in a World Cup qualier.
Arthur BOKA
Stuttgart (Ger)
Age 31 (02.04.83)
Diminutive left-back who has
played in Belgium, France and
Germany. A veteran of all of the
last seven tournaments in which
the Ivorians have played, but likely
to provide cover at this one. Can
also play as a defensive midelder.
Souleymane BAMBA
Fenerbahce (Tur)
Age 29 (13.01.85)
Centre-back who played in both
qualifying play-off legs. Underwent
surgery for an ankle injury in
January but is expected to be t
for the World Cup. Born in France
but failed to make the grade at
PSG before a move to Scotland.
Mathis BOLLY
Fortuna Dusseldorf (Ger)
Age 23 (14.11.90)
Played for Norway at junior level
but has switched allegiance to the
Ivory Coast, where his father hails
from. Career started at Lillestrom
before he moved to Fortuna
Dusseldorf. Renowned for his
speed off the mark.
Serey DIE
Basle (Swi)
Age 29 (07.11.84)
Was banned for eight games in
Switzerland in 2012 for slapping a
ball boy and given a four-month
ban, later lifted, by FIFA for failing
to honour a contract with Egypts
Zamalek. A latecomer to the
international ranks at the age of 28.
ROMARIC
Bastia (Fra)
Age 31 (04.06.83)
Christian Kof Ndri (his full name)
is a graduate of the ASEC
Academy and has played club
football in Belgium, France and
Spain. A squad member at the last
two World Cup nals, scoring in
2010 against North Korea.
Wilfried BONY
Swansea City (Eng)
Age 25 (10.12.88)
Scored 36 goals in 36 games at
Vitesse and was named Dutch
Player of the Year for 2013.
Swansea paid a club record
12million for the out-and-out
striker who might get a starting
berth ahead of Drogba.
99
61
Didier DROGBA
Galatasaray (Tur)
Age 36 (11.03.78)
Twice African Footballer of the
Year but yet to win international
honours despite playing in seven
tournaments with the Ivorians.
Scored the penalty shoot-out
winner in the 2012 Champions
League Final.
Jean-Jacques GOSSO
Genclerbirligi (Tur)
Age 31 (15.03.83)
Selected for the last World Cup
nals but did not play. Was used
as makeshift right-back at the
2012 Nations Cup but more
effective in mideld. Left
Monaco for Turkey in 2011.
D
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goals
KEY
46
4
Seydou DOUMBIA
CSKA Moscow (Rus)
Age 26 (31.12.87)
Top scorer in Russia after moving
from Young Boys, who he helped
to the Swiss league title in 2010
and earned himself a place in the
World Cup squad for South Africa.
Did not play in a single qualier for
these nals.
GERVINHO
Roma (Ita)
Age 27 (27.05.87)
Gervais Yao Kouassi has shown
a vast improvement in form since
moving to Serie A from Arsenal.
His trademark is pace and tricky
skills on the left ank.
Salomon KALOU
Lille (Fra)
Age 28 (05.08.85)
Moved to France last summer
after six seasons at Chelsea. In
2006, when he was on the books
of Feyenoord, he made a failed
bid for Dutch citizenship. His elder
brother, Bonaventure, is a former
Ivorian captain.
Constant DJAKPA
Eintracht Frankfurt (Ger)
Age 27 (17.10.86)
Made a return to the side in March,
six years after his last appearance
at the 2008 African Nations
Cup nals. Elevation to the
Bundesliga ranks this season has
precipitated his return. Has also
played in Norway and Romania.
Siaka TIENE
Montpellier (Fra)
Age 32 (22.02.82)
Left-sided wingback who has been
a consistent squad member since
his debut in 2000 and played
twice at the 2010 nals in South
Africa. Brazil will probably mark
the end of his international career.
Max GRADEL
Saint-Etienne (Fra)
Age 26 (30.11.87)
Raised in France but started his
career in England with Leicester
City and then played for Leeds
United. His best position is on
the left, but equally adept in the
centre, behind the strikers or on
the right side of mideld.
Sayouba MANDE
Stabaek (Nor)
Age 20 (15.06.93)
Made his debut in March in the
friendly in Belgium. Moved to the
Norwegian league in 2012 and
has been a regular for his club.
93WDS14SMY213.pgs 02.05.2014 19:21
38
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1
109
4
WORLD SOCCER 111
Kolo TOURE
Liverpool (Eng)
Age 33 (19.03.81)
Won the Premier League with
Arsenal in 2004 but moved
to Manchester City after a
dressing-room bust-up with
French defender William Gallas.
Two of his brothers are also
professional footballers.
Didier ZOKORA
Trabzonspor (Tur)
Age 33 (14.12.80)
Moved to central defence from
mideld at the last World Cup. Has
played in all six of Ivory Coasts past
World Cup matches and in the
Belgian, French, English, Spanish
and Turkish leagues. Most capped
Ivorian international of all time.
Didier YA KONAN
Hanover (Ger)
Age 30 (25.02.84)
Has come back from injury this
season to put himself back in
contention to make the squad.
Won league honours with
Rosenborg in Norway in 2009
before moving to Germany.
Yaya TOURE
Age 31 (13.05.83)
One of only three players to have
won the African Footballer of the
Year award three times. Driving
midelder who has been a league
winner in Greece, Spain and
England, with cup-winners medals
from four different countries.
TACTICS
Defensive frailities need addressing if
attacking strengths are to be realised
19
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15
Cheick TIOTE
Age 27 (21.06.86)
Hard-tackling midelder who has
a reputation for the reckless and
picked up 25 cautions in his rst
50 games in the Premier League.
Won the Dutch title with Twente in
2010 and played at the World
Cup the same year.
As a star midelder at Auxerre in the 1990s,
current Elephants boss Lamouchi never
played in anything but a 4-3-3 and like
his old mentor Guy Roux swears by the
aforementioned system. Much of the
Ivorians chances will depend on
striking the right mideld balance
and in the box-to-box monster that is Yaya
Toure and the more defensively-inclined
Didier Zokora and Romaric (or Cheick
Tiote), the blend is strong and forceful
but arguably lacks guile and true playmaking
ability. The Ivorian Class of 2014 will not
outsmart or outmanoeuvre the opposition,
but can outrun and overpower.
In order to keep Didier Drogba supplied
with chances, Gervinho and Salomon Kalou
will be expected to hug the touchlines, though
the latter does tend to wander inside a little
too much. Full-backs Serge Aurier and
Arthur Boka are instructed to take turns on
the overlap, but with contrasting fortunes;
Aurier proving considerably more explosive
and effective than the veteran Boka.
One of the reasons why Lamouchi is so
criticised by the Ivorian media is his alleged
lack of tactical nous. Detractors claim he
only makes position-for-position substitutions,
never changes his opening-whistle game plan
and is far too star-struck, preferring big names
to the search for real team chemistry.
Team standard bearer Drogba also poses
a problem. At the grand old age of 36, he
cannot be expected to last 90 minutes every
four days and so will have to be rested
whenever possible. Lamouchi faces an
interesting choice between the iconic presence
of Drogba and the goalscoring form of
Wilfried Bony.
Set-piece options are numerous and
talismanic players like Yaya Toure and Drogba
can easily turn games their way.
They have several strong options off the
bench too in Romaric, Didier Ya Konan,
Seydou Doumbia and Max Gradel, all with
good attacking qualities.
Plan B?
The ability to switch to a three-man defence of
Kolo Toure, Zokora and Souleymane Bamba,
or a strike-force duo, Bony joining Drogba,
undoubtedly would make the Elephants a
more rounded, complete outt. But up to now,
Lamouchi has shown neither the will or the
imagination to play 3-5-2.
Barry
Boka
Drogba
Bamba
Romaric
Zokora
Gervinho
Y Toure
Kalou
Aurier
Bamba
Aurier
Zokora
Boka
Romaric
Y Toure
Tiote
Bony
Drogba
K Toure
4-3-3
K Toure
Barry
3-5-2
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Ismael DIOMANDE (D, Age 21,
28.08.92, 0/0, Saint-Etienne, Fra)
Jean-Michel SERI (M, Age 22,
19.07.91, 0/0, Pacos de Ferreira, Por)
Giovanni SIO (F, Age 26, 31.03.89,
6/0, Basle, Swi)
MISSING OUT
Giant striker Lacina Traore, who
joined Everton on loan from Monaco
in January, has been sidelined after
undergoing surgery for a hamstring
injury. He is not expected to be t in
time for the World Cup.
Emmanuel Eboue, displaced at
right-back by Serge Aurier, is the
rst of the golden generation to
be dropped by Lamouchi.
93WDS14SMY214.pgs 02.05.2014 19:22
112 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
J
apan, like their fellow Asian qualiers,
know that while it is one thing to reach
the World Cup nals, it is another matter
entirely to do well once there. And while
Alberto Zaccheronis side will be looking to at
least equal their round-of-16 nish last time
out, the coach knows that the teams defensive
frailties need to be addressed.
During his rst unbeaten year in charge,
Zaccheroni could do no wrong, and a 2-2 draw
away to Holland and 3-2 win in Belgium last
November conrmed that there is plenty to get
excited about with his team. On the attack, the
side has produced both goals and spectacles,
most impressively the narrow 4-3 loss to Italy
in the Confederations Cup. However, the
defensive problems have been there for all to
May 27 Friendly v Cyprus in Saitama
May 30 Travel to training camp in Florida
Jun 2 Friendly v Costa Rica in Tampa, USA
Jun 6 Friendly v Zambia in Tampa, USA
THE VIEW FROM JAPAN
Japan are capable of matching almost any
team for style, but recent performances have
been very inconsistent and there is no telling
which Japan will turn up on the day. The team
has been undone by careless defensive errors
several times over the past year, but there is
real talent in the side and players like Shinji
Kagawa and Keisuke Honda could make a real
impact in Brazil. They look well placed to qualify
and after that a place in the
quarter-nals seems a
reasonable goal to aim for.
Andrew McKirdy, Japan Times
football writer
Japans fate is completely in their own
hands as not much separates them from the
others in the group. The current team has more
international experience than previous World
Cup sides and technically they will be among the
best in Brazil. When t and they should be this
summer Japan can cause a lot of problems for
even the biggest of opponents as they showed
versus Italy at the Confederations Cup. With
such an emphasis on attack in Alberto
Zaccheronis concept, however, Japan can be
prone to leaking goals, especially with a
less-than-stellar central defence. Injuries to
captain Makoto Hasebe and defenders Atsuto
Sao Paulo state was an obvious choice for
Japans base camp with almost 700,000
people of Japanese descent living there. They
will be staying just outside the city of Itu
at the luxurious Spa Sport Resort, which
includes a fully equipped training complex.
BASE CAMP
JAPAN
Back problems remain major headache for Zaccheroni
Blue Samurai need to
strengthen in defence
see and were exposed during a shaky 4-2 win
over New Zealand in a friendly in March.
The previous national coach, Takeshi Okada,
faced similar issues in 2010 and he resolved
them at the last minute by bringing in an extra
holding midelder. And while Zaccheroni may
also have a surprise up his sleeve, the mood in
the country remains cautiously optimistic, with
fans not quite sure what to expect this time.
Colombia are the standout team in the
group and Japan generally struggle against the
big teams from the Americas. They lost 3-0 to
Brazil and 2-1 to Mexico at the Confederations
Cup, and 4-2 to Uruguay in a friendly in August.
However, their record against African countries
is better, not least a victory over Cameroon in
the opening game of the 2010 nals and a 3-1
win over Ghana last September. And as proved
against Italy, Holland and Belgium, European
opposition holds no special fear for Japan, so
they will be hoping for good results against
Ivory Coast and Greece.
With much of his squad playing their club
football in Europe, Zaccheroni selected Florida
for the pre-World Cup training camp to
acclimatise his squad to the heat and humidity.
Then its off to Itu for the real action to begin.
Mike Plastow
Dutch double...Japan earned a ne 2-2 draw with Holland last year
GROUP C FIXTURES
Jun 14 v Ivory Coast (Recife)
Jun 19 v Greece (Natal)
Jun 24 v Colombia (Cuiaba)
BRAZIL
Cuiaba
Natal
Itu
Recife
929 miles
1,819 miles
1,646 miles
93WDS14SMY215.pgs 02.05.2014 13:50
WORLD SOCCER 113
Alberto ZACCHERONI (Ita)
Age 61 (01.04.53)
Japan coach since August 2010
How he got the job
After the 2010
World Cup, Japan
wanted a top
European tactician
to take the team up
a notch. They rst
looked to Spain
before hitting on
Zaccheroni.
Coach of 13 Italian clubs from 1983 to
2010, most recently with Juventus, and
won Serie A with Milan in 1999. Won
the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and 2013
East Asian Cup with Japan.
Was sacked at Milan after disappointing
Champions League showings in
successive seasons. Lost 5-1 to Arsenal
while at Internazionale and oversaw
Juventus 4-1 defeat away to Fulham in
the Europa League in 2010.
Career cut short very early by injury.
None.
Always polite, patient and friendly,
taking the time to answer every
question. His good results also help.
Japans most popular national coach at
a World Cup nals.
Highly tactical with careful attention to
detail and a strong preference for
attacking football. Although softly
spoken in public, he reportedly
exploded after last years World Cup
qualifying loss in Jordan.
Technical director and former Japan
striker Hiromi Hara is his right-hand
man. The core staff are mostly Italian:
coach Stefano Agresti, goalkeeping
coach Maurizio Guido, physical coach
Eugenio Albarella and technical
assistant Giampaolo Colautti.
After the World Cup
Zaccheroni says that he is only thinking
as far ahead as the World Cup.
COACH PROFILE
Uchida and Maya Yoshida have made them
doubtful, and it remains to be seen how their
potential absences will impact a team which has
largely been unchanged since Zaccheroni took
over Japan after South Africa.
Shintaro Kano, Kyodo News sportswriter
l This is Japans fth consecutive World Cup
and simply qualifying is no longer enough. Japan
reached the round of 16 last time, their best-ever
aside from when hosting, and winning through the
group must now be seen as the norm. None of the
teams in Group C has won the World Cup. Of
course, it is very hard to call but this isnt a
hopeless draw. They beat Cameroon in the opener
in 2010 and many of the same players will be back
and they can surely ride the wave if they repeat
the trick against Ivory Coast this time. If all goes
well theyll meet a team from Group D in the
round of 16 and that will be their chance for a
rst-ever quarter-nal place. Yes, there are
worries. Key defensive players have been injured
this year and attackers Honda and Kagawa have
been struggling at their clubs. And if the manager
cannot react more exibly than he did at the
Confederations Cup, including in player selection,
an early exit really could be on the cards.
Naoya Tanizawa, Weekly Soccer Digest
93WDS14SMY216.pgs 02.05.2014 13:52
WORLD CUP 2014 JAPAN SQUAD
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114 WORLD SOCCER
KITS
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Shuichi GONDA
FC Tokyo
Age 25 (03.03.89)
Handed his rst cap by Okada
against Yemen in January 2010,
he has been a regular member of
Zaccheronis squad but with only
one further cap at the 2013
East Asian Cup to show for it.
Played at the London Olympics.
Eiji KAWASHIMA
Age 31 (20.03.83)
First choice since May, 2010, just
in time for South Africa, where
he played every match. Saved a
Frank Lampard penalty against
England in a friendly prior to the
last World Cup.
Masahiko INOHA
Jubilo Iwata
Age 28 (28.08.85)
A central defender who has been
ever present in the squad since
late 2010 but hasnt played since
coming on against Iraq last
summer and his cause has not
been helped by playing second-
division football this season.
Yasuyuki KONNO
Gamba Osaka
Age 31 (25.01.83)
Centre-back who has been
almost ever present since 2006.
Zaccheroni also stood by him all
last year while Gamba played in
the second division. Started out as
a holding midelder and can play
on either ank as well.
Masato MORISHIGE
FC Tokyo
Age 27 (21.05.87)
A striker turned midelder turned
defender, he is now a centre-back.
First made the national team
bench in 2008, but then had to
wait until last summer for his next
chance. Ever present since then
and especially strong in the air.
Toshihiro AOYAMA
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Age 28 (22.02.86)
Rugged, defensive midelder with
a thundering shot who has won
the J.League title two years in a
row with Sanfrecce Hiroshima. A
more robust alternative to Hasebe
or Endo.
Yasuhito ENDO
Gamba Osaka
Age 34 (28.01.80)
Japans most capped player of all
time, he has spent his entire club
career in his homeland and was
voted Asian Player of the Year in
2009. A dead-ball specialist, he
dictates the play, changing the
rhythm and delivering a killer pass.
Hajime HOSOGAI
Hertha Berlin (Ger)
Age 28 (10.06.86)
Hard tackler who became Japans
main back-up defensive midelder
after his debut against Paraguay in
2010. Most of his caps have been
from the bench and he hasnt
seen much international action
since the Confederations Cup.
Masato KUDO
Kashiwa Reysol
Age 23 (06.05.90)
Hard-running, skilful nisher
who now mostly plays wide on the
right for his club side but can also
operate at centre-forward. Scored
on his debut against China last
summer. Played at the 2011
Club World Cup.
Shinji OKAZAKI
Mainz (Ger)
Age 28 (16.04.86)
Became Japans joint-third top
scorer of all time with his two
goals in Marchs 4-2 victory over
New Zealand. Quick and very hard
working from wide on the right,
he often arrives unnoticed in the
penalty area to score.
Makoto HASEBE
Nuremberg (Ger)
Age 30 (18.01.84)
National captain who plays a
pivotal role in holding mideld
covering, distributing and also
dribbling forward to create space.
Made his debut in 2006, he
is battling to recover from a
right-knee injury in time for Brazil.
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KEY
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Yuya OSAKO
Munich 1860 (Ger)
Age 24 (18.05.90)
Slim but agile centre-forward who
is skilful on the ground and moved
to the German second tier from
Kashima Antlers in January.
Scored against Holland in
November.
Yohei TOYODA
Sagan Tosu
Age 29 (11.04.85)
The classic late developer, a
journeyman centre-forward who
has done the rounds of low-prole
clubs but has averaged 20 goals
a season for the past three years.
Strong in the air, he scored at the
Beijing Olympic Games.
Yuto NAGATOMO
Age 27 (12.09.86)
Tireless at left-back, he is the
source of many of Japans best
attacks. Started playing for FC
Tokyo while still at university and
made his international debut in
2008. Wrote his graduation thesis
at Meiji University on British culture.
Gotoku SAKAI
Stuttgart (Ger)
Age 23 (14.03.91)
No relation to Hiroki, Gotoku was
born in New York to a German
mother. A physically tough,
attacking full-back who can
play on either ank. One of four
brothers, two of whom have
signed with his old club, Albirex.
Keisuke HONDA
Milan (Ita)
Age 27 (13.06.86)
Scored against Cameroon and
Denmark in 2010 and his game
has continued to grow, rst with
CSKA Moscow and now Milan.
Brave, strong and a master of the
one-touch passing game, he plays
in the hole behind the striker.
Shusaku NISHIKAWA
Urawa Red Diamonds
Age 27 (18.06.86)
First made the bench under Ivica
Osim in 2006 and has picked up
occasional caps since 2009. Won
consecutive J.League titles with
Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2012 and
2013 before moving to Urawa
Reds this season.
93WDS14SMY217.pgs 02.05.2014 18:18
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WORLD SOCCER 115
Hiroki SAKAI
Hanover (Ger)
Age 24 (12.04.90)
The quick, tall, powerfully built
full-back has been a regular
squad member since January
2011, after winning the second
tier with Kashiwa Reysol. Named
the leagues best young player
before moving to Germany in 2012.
Atsuto UCHIDA
Schalke (Ger)
Age 26 (27.03.88)
Despite his slight build, he has
established himself as a dynamic
and resolute chance maker at
right-back. Was dropped for the
2010 World Cup and a thigh
injury now threatens his
prospects for 2014.
Hotaru YAMAGUCHI
Cerezo Osaka
Age 23 (06.10.90)
Ever present in the squad since
making his debut and being
voted most valuable player at last
summers East Asian Cup. A highly
mobile defensive midelder, he is
a natural leader and played every
match at the London Olympics.
Hiroshi KIYOTAKE
Nuremberg (Ger)
Age 24 (12.11.89)
Can create goalscoring
opportunities from either wing. He
made his debut in 2011 and has
rarely been out of the team since;
sometimes starting, sometimes
nishing, but seldom playing the
whole game.
TACTICS
Maya YOSHIDA
Southampton (Eng)
Age 25 (24.08.88)
Centre-back who suffered a knee
ligament injury in March but is
expected to recover in time for
the summer. Scored the Dutch
leagues goal of the year in
2011-12, with a bicycle kick
for VVV Venlo against PSV.
Quick-passing, high-tempo game plan will
put pressure on opponents
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Shinji KAGAWA
Age 25 (17.03.89)
An attacking midelder with great
vision and skill, he also has an eye
for goal. He followed up Bundesliga
titles at Borussia Dortmund with
the Premier League at United last
season but has not had so much
playing time this term.
Japans starting 4-2-3-1 formation packs
mideld and makes maximum use of the
anks with both full-backs overlapping.
The left wing is particularly strong,
with Shinji Kagawa and Yuto
Nagatomo on that side. Kagawas
combination play with the
overlapping Nagatomo as he cuts inside is a
key link in Japans quick-passing game.
The aggressive wing play places special
onus on the central defenders and two
holding midelders, but everyone is expected
to defend ercely from the front in a
high-intensity game.
In players like Makoto Hasebe, Yasuhito
Endo, Toshihiro Aoyama,
Hajime Hosogai and Hotaru Yamaguchi,
Zaccheroni has holding midelders who
can also initiate attacks and score. Hasebe
and Endo are the preferred rst-choice
partnership in central mideld. Defender
Masahiko Inoha can also play the holding
mideld role.
The three attacking midelders and
centre-forward could as well be described as
four forwards. The rapid, one-touch passing
and bold side changes are aimed at breaking
the opponents down from every angle.
While Hasebe regulates the play, Honda is
the physical dynamo who can receive, keep
and release the ball in front of the box, while
Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki, or Hiroshi
Kiyotake, cut in from the wings. Masato
Kudo is another attacking mideld option
on the bench.
The dead-ball skills of Endo and Honda
are also powerful weapons.
At centre-forward, Zaccheroni tends to
prefer taller players who are good in the air.
Yuya Osako is the likely starter, with Yohei
Toyoda the most likely replacement.
Plan B?
Against both Ghana and Guatemala in
friendly matches last September, and then
again in October when playing Belarus,
Zaccheroni tried out a 3-4-3 set-up.
An extra centre-back came in for the
centre-forward, the full-backs moved up
into wide mideld positions and the three
attacking midelders become forwards in
name as well as substance.

Kawashima
Nagatomo
Hasebe
Konno
Endo
Kagawa
Osako
Honda
Okazaki
Uchida
Morishige
Uchida
Konno
Nagatomo
Endo Hasebe
Kagawa
Honda
Okazaki
Yoshisa
4-2-3-1
Yoshida
Kawashima
3-4-3
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Yuichi KOMANO (D, Age 32,
25.07.81, 78/1, Jubilo Iwata)
Yuzo KURIHARA (D, Age 30,
18.09.83, 20/3, Yokohama F Marinos)
Tomoaki MAKINO (D, Age 27,
11.05.87, 14/1, Urawa Red Diamonds)
Takashi INUI (M, Age 26, 02.06.88,
11/0, Eintracht Frankfurt, Ger)
Manabu SAITO (M, Age 24, 04.4.90,
4/1, Yokohama F Marinos)
Hideto TAKAHASHI (M, Age 26,
17.10.87, 7/0, FC Tokyo)
Mike HAVENAAR (F Age 27,
20.05.87, 17/4, Vitesse, Hol)
Yoichiro KAKITANI (F, Age 24,
03.01.90, 9/4, Cerezo Osaka)
Ryoichi MAEDA (F, Age 32, 09.10.81,
33/10, Jubilo Iwata)
93WDS14SMY218.pgs 02.05.2014 18:16
116 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
F
or the last 20 years, every World Cup
for Mexico has appeared to be a repeat
of the previous one: high hopes, a good
performance in the group stage and then home
after the round of 16. For Mexican fans, the
so-called fth game has become something
of a national obsession.
This time around, things seem to be a bit
different...but not for the best of reasons.
Mexico will arrive in Brazil with some serious
doubts, having gone through a tortuous
qualifying campaign, which nally ended
with a play-off victory over New Zealand.
Worryingly for some fans, Miguel Herrera
seems to have more condence in players from
Mexicos domestic league rather than the stars
playing in Europe. Indeed, it is quite possible
that his starting XI this summer will not contain
the names of Javier Hernandez, Guillermo
Ochoa or Giovani Dos Santos not to mention
Carlos Vela, the countrys best player, who has
already announced that he will not be playing at
the World Cup due to his poor relationship with
the Mexican FA.
Since taking over as coach, Herrera has not
lost in six games, although his side is yet to face
anyone who could be considered a top-class
team. In three warm-up matches so far this
year, two of them exclusively with Liga MX
players, El Tri beat South Korea 4-0 and drew
0-0 with Nigeria and 2-2 with USA.
Against this backdrop, the main focus will
be on avoiding elimination in the group phase
which hasnt happened to Mexico since
1978. In a group in which hosts Brazil are
almost certain to occupy one of the top two
places, the duel for second place seems to be
between Mexico and Croatia a team that is
considered within reach, although El Tri has
no individual talent to rivals the likes of Modric,
Mandzukic and Rakitic.
Cameroon may also have something to say
about this, so even getting through to a fourth
game may be a tough task for Herreras men.
May 28 Friendly v Israel in Mexico City
May 31 Friendly v Ecuador in Arlington,
USA
Jun 3 Friendly v Bosnia-Herzegovina in
Chicago, USA
Jun 6 Friendly v Portugal in Foxborough,
USA
THE VIEW FROM MEXICO
Mexicos main problem is
having enough time to arrive at
their best. Miguel Herrera will
say they have done so, but the
reality says otherwise.
Rafael Ocampo, chief editor of national
sports newspaper La Acion
Not even the coach Miguel Herrera
knows what the real level of the team will be
when they face Cameroon in their World Cup
opener. Mexico has been a
huge question mark so far and
will remain so until the ball
starts rolling.
David Faitelson, ESPN Mexico
BASE CAMP
Carlos Vela, the countrys
best player, will not be
playing at the World Cup
MEXICO
Getting beyond round of 16 has become a national obsession
El Tri long for a fth
game at the World Cup
Like their fellow CONCACAF qualiers Costa
Rica, Mexico are basing themselves in Santos
the coffee capital of Brazil. They will be
staying at the Hotel Parque Balneario in the
heart of the citys historic district and will
train at the CT Rei Pele the lavishly equipped
training ground of Santos, which was named in
honour of their most illustrious player, Pele.
Kiwi clincher...a win over New Zealand got Mexico to Brazil
1,474 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP A FIXTURES
Jun 13 v Cameroon (Natal)
Jun 17 v Brazil (Fortaleza)
Jun 23 v Croatia (Recife)
1,622 miles
1,798
miles
Fortaleza
Santos
Natal
Recife
93WDS14SMY219.pgs 02.05.2014 13:51
WORLD SOCCER 117
How he got the job
The Club America
coach took over
for the play-off
games against New
Zealand following
the sacking of Victor
Manuel Vucetich.
After disposing of
the All Whites, he
was named national coach until after
the World Cup.
After years of his teams being known
for playing good football but failing to
win any titles, he broke that streak as
his America team won the Liga MX
clausura last year. They nished the
next tournament in rst place, but lost
in the Final.
Failed to save Veracruz from relegation
in 2008.
Won 19 caps in the 1990s.
Missed out on USA 94 after he
punched a photographer during a
league game in the run-up to the nals,
and was dropped from the squad.
Excellent so far, maybe even too close.
Never refuses interview requests and
sometimes says more than he should.
Active on social networks, especially
Facebook and Twitter, where he posts
almost daily. Much respected gure so
far, but that might change if Mexico
dont advance to the second round.
He likes attacking football and comes
from the Lavolpista school after
Ricardo La Volpe, who coached Mexico
at Germany 2006.
Nobody of note, but they all are former
team-mates from when he was a
player, or were players he has coached.
After the World Cup
If he makes it to the round of 16, he
will be offered a longer contract.
Miguel HERRERA
Age 46 (18.03.68)
Mexico coach since October 2013
COACH PROFILE
Local affair...Juan Carlos Valenzuela (centre) in action during a 2-2 friendly draw with the USA
93WDS14SMY220.pgs 02.05.2014 13:53
WORLD CUP 2014 MEXICO SQUAD
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118 WORLD SOCCER
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Jesus CORONA
Cruz Azul
Age 33 (26.01.81)
Had been locked in a tug of war
with Ochoa for the starting spot
but now appears to be the
clear-cut rst choice. Good in the
air and comfortable with the ball
at his feet. Captain of the team
that won Olympic gold in 2010.
Guillermo OCHOA
Ajaccio (Fra)
Age 28 (13.07.85)
Third choice in 2006 and reserve
in 2010, it seems he will again
have to content himself with a
place on the bench despite
scintillating performances in
France that have seen him linked
to Milan and Marseille.
Paul AGUILAR
America
Age 28 (06.03.86)
Played 55 minutes of Mexicos
rst game in South Africa 2010
before being replaced. He looks to
be the starting right-back this time
but there are still many doubts
about the level of performance
he will offer in Brazil.
Miguel LAYUN
America
Age 25 (25.06.88)
The rags-to-riches story of the
national team. Ridiculed two years
ago for a perceived lack of talent
but now revered by fans and media.
A fast and attacking left-back with
a powerful shot and great crossing
ability. A sure starter in Brazil.
Rafael MARQUEZ
Leon
Age 35 (13.02.79)
The teams captain and leader, will
be the rst player in the history of
the World Cup to have skippered
his team in four consecutive nals.
He has lost some of his speed but
still has superb positioning and
technique.
Javier AQUINO
Villarreal (Spa)
Age 24 (11.02.90)
Despite having had a good season
in Spain, he is under pressure to
make the cut for the nal squad
list. A diminutive right-sided
midelder with great speed and
sound technical qualities, but he
hasnt played much under Herrera.
Isaac BRIZUELA
Toluca
Age 23 (28.08.90)
Known as Little Rabbit for his
speed and versatility, the
diminutive playmaker has been
one of the best players of the Liga
MX for the past year. He offers the
team vision and skill, and has a
decent long-range shot.
Hector HERRERA
Porto
Age 24 (19.04.90)
Poised to be one of Mexicos top
performers at the World Cup after
enjoying a good rst season at
Porto. An extremely versatile
midelder who feels more
confortable in a box-to-box role
but can also play as the anchorman.
Giovani DOS SANTOS
Villarreal (Spa)
Age 25 (11.05.89)
Despite having had a scintillating
season with Villarreal in Spain, he
doesnt seem to have much love
from Herrera. He has the talent
but the coach might decide not to
take him because he doesnt t in
his system.
Javier HERNANDEZ
Age 25 (01.06.88)
Despite a disappointing club
season and losing his starting
place in the national side to
Peralta, Chicharito (little pea) is
still expected to make an impact in
Brazil either as the second
striker or as a sub.
Marco FABIAN
Cruz Azul
Age 24 (21.07.89)
One of the eternal hopes of
Mexican football, this talented but
inconsistent playmaker nally
seems to have come into his own
after a high-prole move from
Guadalajara to Cruz Azul and has
regained the trust of Herrera.
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Raul JIMENEZ
America
Age 23 (05.05.91)
Propelled his status after scoring
an impressive bicycle-kick against
Panama that allowed Mexico to
stay alive in the qualiers. Hes
physically the strongest Mexican
forward and a Herrera favourite
after playing club football for him.
Oribe PERALTA
Santos Laguna
Age 30 (12.01.84)
Scored the two goals that gave El
Tri the gold medal at the London
Olympics in 2012 and ve times
in the play-off games against New
Zealand. Considered to be the
best striker at the World Cup not
currently playing in Europe.
Hector MORENO
Espanyol (Spa)
Age 26 (17.01.88)
The teams defensive stalwart, he
has been on the up since moving
to Europe at age 19, to AZ. Now in
Spain, his good season has
generated interest from all over
Europe. A very complete
left-footed central defender.
Diego REYES
Porto (Por)
Age 21 (19.09.92)
The new rising star of Mexican
football, this technically sound
central defender was transferred
to Porto after starring for Mexican
side America. Has struggled in
Portugal but his position in the
national team is not in doubt.
Andres GUARDADO
Valencia (Spa)
Age 27 (28.09.86)
One of the most polarising gures
in Mexican football, he is
considered indispensable by some
and surplus by others. He hasnt
had the best of seasons on loan to
Leverkusen in Germany, but can be
either a left-winger or wingback.
Alfredo TALAVERA
Toluca
Age 31 (18.09.82)
Has been extremely solid since
moving to Toluca a few years ago
and has been a feature of the
national side since 2011, although
almost exclusively as third choice.
Good in the air, physically sound
and a good trainer.
93WDS14SMY221.pgs 02.05.2014 18:18
6
0
38
1
19
0
91
1
WORLD SOCCER 119
Francisco RODRIGUEZ
America
Age 32 (20.10.81)
A controversial gure as most fans
blame him for the Confederations
Cup and qualifying debacles. Lost
his spot in the squad but returned
for the New Zealand play-offs. Solid
in the air but a lack of speed will
probably see him on the bench.
Jorge TORRES
Tigres
Age 26 (16.01.88)
Solid left-back who was the
preferred choice for most of the
qualiers until Herrera arrived and
preferred Layun. Hes a more
defensive kind of player, who
could be used if Mexico need to
protect an advantage.
Carlos PENA
Leon
Age 24 (29.03.90)
Known as Gullit for his dark skin
and long hair, this physically
powerful midelder has taken the
Liga MX by storm. His speed and
stamina are very important for
Herreras side and he also has a
knack for scoring important goals.
Luis MONTES
Leon
Age 28 (16.05.86)
Alongside Pena and Marquez, one
of the stalwarts of a Leon side that
won the Liga MX in December. A
highly technical and intelligent
midelder who struggles against
more physical opposition. Most
likely to be used as a sub in Brazil.
TACTICS
Juan Carlos VALENZUELA
America
Age 30 (15.03.84)
Central defender who is a prime
example of the sort of domestic
player who might not appear to
have the quality required to
represent El Tri but is likely to
get a place because he knows how
to play in Herreras system.
Herrera puts his faith in wingbacks and
Liga MX players
14
2
11
2
Juan Carlos MEDINA
America
Age 30 (22.08.83)
Despite rescent doubts about his
talent at the top level, he seems to
be the main candidate to start in
the lone anchor position for Mexico
in Brazil. Hes technically sound
and covers a lot of ground, but
lacks speed and physical prowess.
Herrera has adopted the attacking line-up
used by former national coach Ricardo La
Volpe in Germany 2006 to such an
extent that he often seems to overlook
the teams stars in favour of those
players that have already played
under him at club level and who
know his 5-3-2 system.
In Herreras system the wingbacks play a
big role and they are in charge of generating
the sides attacking thrust with well-timed
forward runs. Theres only room for one
anchorman and the other two midelders are
used more in box-to-box roles, recovering
possession and offering support for the wide
players. Of the two strikers, one usually
operates as a pure centre-forward while
the other takes up a more withdrawn
position. The pair can, however, swap roles
during the game.
Its a very attack-minded system in which
all the players have to be condent with the
ball, but it is also one that can be very risky as
up to seven players can be in the opposing
side at the same time, leaving the anchorman
and the three central defenders very exposed
at the back.
Herrera has stated that hes prepared to
change his set-up if the need arises, but from
what has been seen in this years friendlies
that doesnt seem to be the case. Its safe to
assume that Mexicos games in Brazil will
feature plenty of goals, although it remains to
be seen how many of them will be scored by
El Tri.
It seems that Herrera may well stick to his
guns and use mostly local Liga MX players in
his starting XI, with the only exceptions being
Espanyols Hector Moreno and Porto pair
Diego Reyes and Hector Herrera.
While there doesnt seem to be a place in
the starting line-up for talented players such
as Giovani Dos Santos, the nals will give
left-back Miguel Layun, box-to-box
midelder Carlos Pena and striker Oribe
Peralta the chance to shine on the world
stage.
Plan B?
While Herrera is unlikely to be swayed from
his 5-3-2 set-up, he could change the
personnel. The most likely scenario will be to
accommodate both Dos Santos and Peralta
up front.
Corona
Layun
Marquez
Moreno
Herrera
Medina
Peralta
Hernandez
Pena
Aguilar
Reyes
Marquez
Moreno
Layun
Herrera
Medina
Pena
Peralta
Dos Santos
Aguilar
5-3-2
Reyes
Corona
3-5-2
ALSO IN CONTENTION
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Moises MUNOZ (G, Age 34, 01.02.80,
13/0, America)
Enrique PEREZ (D, Age 25, 13.10.88,
3/0, Atlas)
Jose Juan VAZQUEZ (M, Age 26,
14.03.88, 2/0, Leon)
Alan PULIDO (F, Age 23, 08.03.91,
3/4, Tigres)
MISSING OUT
The big absence is Carlos Vela, who
has fallen out with the Mexican FA. The
Real Sociedad striker has not played for
the national side since 2011 after he
was publicly humiliated when details
were revealed of a party in the team
hotel after a friendly against Colombia.
93WDS14SMY222.pgs 02.05.2014 18:19
120 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
T
he Super Eagles arrive in Brazil as
reigning African champions but arguably
at their most unconvincing in decades with
an enigmatic aura about them.
Nigerias triumph in South Africa last year
was as unexpected as it was unconvincing. They
stuttered through the opening round but then
upset favourites Ivory Coast in the quarter-
nals and went on to beat Mali and Burkina
Faso to take the title. But their subsequent
performance at the Confederations Cup in
Brazil in mid-year proved disappointing and
their World Cup qualication path was the
easiest of the ve African sides.
It leaves a scepticism about their potential,
tempered by a favourable draw in a group with
Argentina, the favourites to take top place.
However, Nigeria believe they can easily take
second spot ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina and
Iran. They could even have progress sewn up
after their two opening games and before they
complete their schedule, against Argentina.
Nigeria have twice come through the group
stage, famously letting slip a lead late in their
second-round game against Italy in Boston in
1994, and then in 1998 beating Spain in the
group phase only to be hammered by Denmark
in the knockout stage.
Coach Stephen Keshi does not have any
international-class stars at his disposal but the
squad does have a dynamism and pace about it.
John Obi Mikel, who missed the last World Cup
through injury, is their most recognisable player.
Peter Odemwingie could return after a row with
Keshi and Shola Ameobi of Newcastle United
adds experience, but it is largely a youthful squad.
The trip to Brazil last June would have been
invaluable to Keshi in emphasising where his
squad needed strengthening. He had set a
course without many of the more established
internationals when he rst took over, with the
side needing a shake-up in the wake of surprise
failure to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup.
Keshi gambled on promoting home-based
talent despite the fact the bulk of Nigerias stars
are based abroad. Rather than backre, the
bonhomie in the group saw them through to
2013 Nations Cup success, but they will need
much more at the World Cup, even if progress
to the second round is well within their grasp.
Mark Gleeson
May 28 Friendly v Scotland in London,
Eng
May 29 Travel to training camp in
Houston, USA
Jun 3 Friendly v Greece in Philadelphia,
USA
Jun 7 Friendly away to USA in
Jacksonville, USA
THE VIEW FROM NIGERIA
Its a good group for us.
Argentina are the world
powers, but you cannot afford
to underrate Iran or Bosnia. We
will respect all the teams and
take it game after game.
TV analyst and assistant coach
Daniel Amokachi
The players know what they are up
against. They need to play their hearts out.
Ex-Nigeria goalkeeper
Joseph Dosu
BASE CAMP
NIGERIA
Draw gives Super Eagles good chance of progressing
Keshis side capable
of second place
Nigeria will be based at the Vitoria Hotel
Concept in Campinas, a city to the north west
of Sao Paulo that initially grew rich on coffee
production. Based in the upmarket district
of Cambu, the hotel even boasts a heliport.
The Super Eagles will train at the 40,988
capacity Estadio Brinco de Ouro de Princesa,
which is home to Guarani.
Eagles clippedNigeria lost to Spain at the Confederations Cup
Porto Alegre
555 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP F FIXTURES
Jun v Iran (Curitiba)
Jun 21 v Bosnia-Herzegovina (Cuiaba)
Jun 25 v Argentina (Porto Alegre)
224 miles
916 miles
Cuiaba
Curitiba
Campinas
93WDS14SMY223.pgs 02.05.2014 13:53

WORLD SOCCER 121
How he got the job
Nine years after his
unceremonious exit
as an assistant coach
he returned as a
replacement for
Samson Siasia,
whose contract was
terminated after
Nigeria failed to
qualify for the 2012
African Nations Cup.
Won the African Nations Cup with
Nigeria last year and qualied Togo
for the 2006 World Cup.
Fired by Togo before the 2006 World
Cup in Germany after a clash with
Emmanuel Adebayor and did not get
past the rst round of the 2010 Nations
Cup in Angola with a highly-fancied
Mali team.
Captained Nigeria to 1994 African
Nations Cup success and won the
Belgian League with Anderlecht in 1991.
Runner-up in 1990 European Cup-
winners Cup.
Captain of Nigeria in 1994 but dropped
for rst two games and played just 90
minutes.
Jocular and jovial, as well as incredibly
patient given the verbosity of the
Nigerian media. However, he never
offers anything revealing.
Long loved by the Nigerian supporters
who admiringly refer to him as Big
Boss but knows defeat comes with
heavy criticism.
Encouraging and enthusiastic with
a heavy emphasis on a father-gure
type role.
Assisted by former international
colleague Daniel Amokachi, who
was once a striker with Everton and
Club Brugge.
After the World Cup
Building for the future and attempting to
try to make Nigeria into potential World
Cup winners in 2018.
Stephen KESHI
Age 52 (23.01.62)
Nigeria coach since November 2011
COACH PROFILE
l Once weve roughened out the edges the
Super Eagles will be ready to y very, very, very
high in Brazil, like the true Eagles they are
supposed to be and which we know them to be.
Enthusiastic commentator Cyril Nwokeji
l With an African Nations Cup victory in the
bag, and condence high among fans, media and
players, Nigerias timing for chaos
has arrived earlier than usual in
the form of an open Cold War
between federation and coach.
Journalist Colin Udoh
Mideld starJohn Obi Mikel
93WDS14SMY224.pgs 02.05.2014 13:52
WORLD CUP 2014 NIGERIA SQUAD
5
0
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0
89
0
35
1
22
1
40
2
31
1
16
0
24
5
11
2
58
4
19
6
5
2
19
8
1
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44
12
57
9
KITS
122 WORLD SOCCER
G
O
A
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K
E
E
P
E
R
S
Chigozie AGBIM
Gombe United
Age 29 (28.11.84)
Third choice who has won all his
caps in non-competitive matches.
Came in for some criticism last
year because of his small size and
weakness in the air. Captained
Nigeria at this years African
Nations Championship.
Austin EJIDE
Hapoel Beer Sheva (Isr)
Age 30 (08.04.84)
Long-standing deputy who has
been to eight major tournaments
but played only three matches.
Won his rst cap in 2001 and has
played club football in Tunisia,
France and now Israel.
Efe AMBROSE
Celtic (Sco)
Age 25 (18.10.88)
First-choice right-back who
won his rst cap in 2008. Has
admitted that even on holiday at
home in Nigeria he cannot stop
playing, sometimes getting up at
6am for a game with friends.
Azubuike EGWUEKWE
Warri Wolves
Age 24 (16.07.89)
An imposing defender, he lacks
pace so will be back-up for the
centre-backs. Unused squad
member at the 2013 Nations
Cup but made three substitute
appearances at last years
Confederations Cup in Brazil.
ELDERSON Echiejile
Monaco (Fra)
Age 26 (20.0188)
Left-back who had a starring role
at the 2007 Under-20 World
Cup, after which he signed for
French cub Rennes. After a spell
in Portugal, he is now back in
Ligue 1 and signed a new four-
and-a-half year deal in January.
Brown IDEYE
Dynamo Kiev (Ukr)
Age 25 (10.10.88)
A glut of missed chances at last
years Confederations Cup came
as a blow to his condence. Plays
with much pace and power but
could do with little more nesse.
Nosa IGIEBOR
Real Betis (Spa)
Age 23 (09.11.90)
Had a starting berth at the
beginning of last years African
Nations Cup but lost his place
during the tournament and
missed the Confederations Cup
because of injury. Plays on the
right side of mideld.
Ahmed MUSA
CSKA Moscow (Rus)
Age 21 (14.10.92)
Speedy winger who was one of
the few Nigerians to play in all of
the eight World Cup qualiers.
Spotted at junior World Cup and
signed by Dutch club VVV Venlo,
where he added technique to his
raw power and energy.
Shola AMEOBI
Age 32 (12.10.81)
Moved to England aged ve and
won 20 caps at under-21 level
before switching his allegiance and
making his debut for Nigeria in
2012. A self-confessed computer
games addict, his two brothers are
also professional footballers.
Emmanuel EMENIKE
Fenerbahce (Tur)
Age 26 (10.05.87)
Suffered serious injury at last
years Nations Cup but still ended
up top scorer despite missing the
Final. Returned to score vital goals
in the World Cup play-offs.
Arrested but later released in
Turkey for alleged match-xing.
John Obi MIKEL
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 27 (22.04.87)
Has made his reputation as a
crunching tackler in mideld
but often nds himself in a
more forward role for Nigeria. His
club highlights include a stellar
performance when Chelsea won
the 2012 Champions League.
D
E
F
E
N
D
E
R
S
M
I
D
F
I
E
L
D
E
R
S
F
O
R
W
A
R
D
S
12
caps
goals
KEY
37
5
Ezekiel IMOH
Age 20 (24.10.93)
A bid by Belgium to fast track a
passport application and have him
in contention for the Red Devils
was stymied, opening the door for
Nigeria to hand him a rst cap in
March. Has been in ne scoring
form for his club side this season.
Victor OBINNA
Chievo (Ita)
Age 27 (25.03.87)
Strong striker and set-piece
specialist who has made the most
of his appearances as an impact
sub. Played at three successive
African Nations Cup nals from
2006 to 2010 but has had a
limited time with the team since.
Godfrey OBOABONA
Caykur Rizespor (Tur)
Age 23 (16.08.90)
Has missed only two of Nigerias
last 33 games both low-key
friendlies playing all eight of the
qualifying games. Plays at the heart
of the defence but was not picked
up by a European club until after
last years Confederations Cup.
Kenneth OMERUO
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 20 (17.10.93)
Has had a successful loan spell
in the Championship this season
with Middlesbrough. Loaned to
Den Haag in the Dutch league last
term. Mostly used as a full-back at
club level but Keshi has played
him in central defence.
Victor MOSES
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 23 (12.12.90)
Former England under-21 winger
who changed his allegiance after
growing up as an asylum seeker in
Britain. Has failed to feature while
on loan to Liverpool, and his future
at Chelsea probably depends on
how he performs in Brazil.
Vincent ENYEAMA
Lille (Fra)
Age 31 (29.08.82)
Captain of the team who will be at
his third World Cup after one game
in 2002 and all three in South
Africa. This season he almost broke
the French league record for the
longest spell without conceding a
goal but fell short on 1,062 minutes.
Peter ODEMWINGIE
Stoke City (Eng)
Age 32 (15.07.81)
Born in Uzbekistan, grew up in
and played for clubs in Romania,
Belgium, France and Russia
before moving to England after
appearing at the 2010 World Cup.
Fell out with Keshi and has not
played for the last two years.
93WDS14SMY225.pgs 02.05.2014 18:20
12
4
89
5
x
x
7
0
WORLD SOCCER 123
Juwon OSHANIWA
Ashdod (Isr)
Age 23 (14.09.90)
Will provide cover at left-back,
having been a regular squad
member without commanding a
starting line-up berth. Moved in
2012 on a four-year deal from
Nigerian club Sharks to Israel.
Joseph YOBO
Fenerbahce (Tur)
Age 33 (06.09.80)
Played at the 2002 and 2010
World Cups and won a recall in
March after more than a year
out of the squad. Has been on
loan to Premier League strugglers
Norwich City this season.
Ogenyi ONAZI
Lazio (Ita)
Age 21 (25.12.92)
Right-sided midelder who has
also played as a right-back. Moved
to Italy after the 2009 Under-17
World Cup where Nigeria were
runners-up. Began his career at a
team set up by renowned Nigerian
prophet TB Joshua.
John OGU
Academica (Por)
Age 26 (20.04.88)
Journeyman central midelder
who played in Slovenia and in
the lower leagues in Portugal
and Spain before winning a rst
international cap at the age of 25.
Featured in all three games at last
years Confederations Cup.
TACTICS
Quick transition from defence to attack
19
1
10
1
Nnamdi ODUAMADI
Milan (Ita)
Age 23 (17.10.90)
Dribbling wizard on the left side
who has been loaned out to Serie
B side Brescia this season. Scored
a hat-trick in the Confederations
Cup against Tahiti, returning after
injury kept him out of last years
Nations Cup-winning squad.
Nigerias coach Stephen Keshi insists he
wants his side to play attractive football
and leave a good impression, but too
often his side are too frenetic.
Nigeria are very quick to turn
defence into attack and like to get the
ball over the top of the opposing
back line for one of their quick
strikers to run onto. They also
push the ball around well, but they are not as
effective when trying a slower build-up.
The team play with a at back four, one
holding midelder and two wide wingers with
John Obi Mikel pushing far more forward
than he usually does at club level. They have
either two strikers or one target man and
another wider. Vincent Enyeama is the
obvious choice in goal with Efe Ambrose and
Elderson Echiejile as full-back and Godfrey
Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo as
centre-backs.
It is a lot more uid in mideld with
Ogenyi Onazi a regular feature on the right
behind Mikel. John Ogu might be used as a
holding midelder when Mikel plays behind
the strikers. Emmanuel Emenike and Shola
Ameobi could lead the attack, or Ameobi
could be used as an impact substitute if Keshi
elects to go with Emenike as a lone striker.
Wingers Victor Moses, on the left, and
Ahmed Musa, on the right, will offer support
to Emenike.
Peter Odemwingie has been out of the
squad following a dispute with Keshi, but the
pair recently held discussions about a
possible return to the fold.
Plan B?
An alternative plan would be to have Mikel as
a gatekeeper in front of the back four, in a
loose 4-1-4-1, allowing Musa or Nosa
Igiebor and Moses to drop back into the
mideld. The defence was impressive at the
last African Nations Cup but outgunned at
the Confederations Cup last June. This more
cautious approach would allow Nigeria to
offer more protection to the defence and
then play a more counter-attacking game.
Enyeama
Elderson
Mikel
Oboabona
Musa
Onazi Ogu
Emenike
Moses
Ambrose
Oboabona
Ambrose
Mikel
Elderson
Igiebor Onazi Ogu
Moses
Emenike
Omeruo
4-3-3
Omeruo
Enyeama
4-1-4-1
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Leon BALOGUN (D, Age 25, 28.06.88, 1/0, Fortuna
Dusseldorf, Ger)
Sunday MBA (M, Age 25, 28.11.88, 21/5, Bastia, Fra)
Fedor OGUDE (M, Age 26, 29.07.87, 16/0, Amkar
Perm, Rus)
Michael UCHEBO (F, Age 24, 02.02.90, 1/0, Cercle
Brugge, Blg)
93WDS14SMY226.pgs 02.05.2014 18:22
124 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
P
ortugal may be making their eighth
successive appearance at a major
tournament but, with Brazil hosting the
event, it promises to be an extra special World
Cup for the Selecao. Paulo Bentos men are
expected to receive plenty of backing from the
Brazilian public not to mention the millions of
emigrants and Portuguese descendants living
in the brother country.
Portugal have landed a tough group, but
that is precisely the situation in which they
usually shine. At Euro 2000 and Euro 2012
most pundits wrote off their chances of
reaching the knockout stage, yet on both
occasions Portugal reached the semi-nals.
A close-knit squad with a strong identity, a
tried and trusted tactical formula, and bags of
experience in high-pressure situations, augurs
well for a successful tournament. The focus will
inevitably fall on captain Cristiano Ronaldo, and
should the Real Madrid man maintain his
sensational form of recent months he will take
some stopping this summer.
Pepe, Fabio Coentrao and Joao Moutinho
are also world-class players, and the team is
likely to be boosted by the emergence of the
exciting young holding midelder William
Carvalho. The Sporting Lisbon starlet has been
easily the best player in Portugal in an
outstanding debut season.
Nevertheless, there is one major weakness.
As has so often been the case, Portugals
major shortfall is the lack of a top-quality
centre-forward. Either Helder Postiga or Hugo
Almeida will get the nod and neither exactly
THE VIEW FROM PORTUGAL
Portugal have to approach the rst
phase with optimism, but also with realism.
Portugal now have a responsibility to put
in a good performance, with consecutive
qualications and good showings at major
tournaments and World Cups. The year 2014
started very badly for Portuguese football
with the passing of two great footballers in
Eusebio and Mario Coluna. Their passing can
act as a source of courage, inspiration and
self-esteem for everybody involved with the
Portuguese delegation. I think it can act as
inspiration to try and emulate
the glory that Eusebio and
Coluna brought to Portugal.
Antonio Simoes, nished third at
the 1966 World Cup with Portugal
PORTUGAL
Close ties with host nation will help the Selecao
Brothers in arms
strikes fear into the heart of opposition
defenders. More worrying still, two key players
have had poor seasons. Moutinho, their most
important player after Ronaldo, has struggled
since his move from Porto to Monaco, while
Coentrao has rarely played for Real Madrid.
The mood of the nation is one of cautious
optimism. There is none of the euphoria
witnessed ahead of the 2002 World Cup or
Euro 2004 but there is also little sign of a
typically Portuguese trait: a tendency to default
to pessimism. People are genuinely excited
about the whole event and how Portugal will
be received in a country that means so much.
The Portuguese football federation
appears to have left no stone unturned in
its effort to provide a meticulous preparation
schedule. Before choosing the Campinas base
in Sao Paulo state, a total of 27 cities were
visited and analysed, with the aid of national
and international experts.
All systems go. What price an all
Portuguese-speaking Final on July 13?
Tom Kundert
May 21 Training in Cascais
May 31 Friendly v Greece in Lisbon
Jun 6 Friendly v Mexico in Foxborough,
USA
Jun 10 Friendly v Republic of Ireland in
New Jersey, USA
Jun 11 Arrive at Campinas in Brazil
BASE CAMP
Portugal, like Nigeria, will be based in the
pretty city of Campinas, staying at The Palms,
a boutique hotel within the Royal Palm Resort.
They will train at the Moises Lucarelli Stadium
home to one of Brazils oldest clubs, Ponte
Preta and also at the clubs recently
upgraded training ground.
GROUP G FIXTURES
Jun 16 v Germany (Salvador)
Jun 22 v USA (Manaus)
Jun 26 v Ghana (Brasilia)
2,343 miles
Campinas

Manaus
BRAZIL
Salvador
Brasilia
887 miles
496
miles
The main man...Portugals Ronaldo
93WDS14SMY227.pgs 02.05.2014 19:24
WORLD SOCCER 125
Paulo BENTO
Age 44 (20.06.69)
Portugal coach since October 2010
How he got the job
After a disastrous
end to Carlos
Queirozs reign,
the Portuguese
federation tried
and failed to hire
Jose Mourinho, on
a temporary basis.
Its an honour for
me to be chosen
behind the best coach in the world
said Bento after his appointment.
Led Sporting Lisbon to four consecutive
runners-up spots, coming desperately
close to winning the Portuguese
championship in 2007 when they
nished just one point behind Porto.
Won the Portuguese Cup twice and
the Portuguese Super Cup twice.
Bentos Sporting progressed from the
Champions League group stage only
once in three attempts and were
subsequently embarrassed with a 12-1
aggregate thrashing by Bayern Munich.
Capped 35 times, he won one
Portuguese championship, three
Portuguese Cups and one Portuguese
Super Cup.
Played in the 2002 World Cup.
Known for his straight talking when
responding to journalists, he enjoys a
relatively good press, aided by largely
successful results.
Respected by the majority.
Authoritarian, conservative, very set in
his ways. Stubborn say some; a man
with strong convictions, say others.
Has worked with assistant Leonel
Pontes for nigh on a decade, going
back to their Sporting Lisbon days.
After the World Cup
Agreed a two-year contract extension
until the end of Euro 2016.
COACH PROFILE
l I expect Portugal to cause a surprise. I
expect Portugal to give performances in the
group phase that will make people see them
as one of the potential favourites for the World
Cup. I hope to see them go from outsiders to one
of the favourites to win the tournament. Its
crucially important for Portugal that Cristiano
Ronaldo is playing at full tness. The favourites
for this World Cup, because they are the
hosts, are Brazil. Then you have to include
Spain, Germany and Argentina as the major
favourites. But like I said, I expect Portugal,
after the opening phase, to join this
group as one of the favourites to
win the trophy.
Vitor Baia, capped 80 times by
Portugal
l I think the opening group game against
Germany is very important. Portugal are seen
to be highly reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo, both
in Portugal and abroad, but the important thing
is that Portugal play as a team. I dont think
Portugal have such a balanced group of players
as they had in 2000 or 2004, for example. There
are 10 or 11 good players, but the alternatives
for each position are not as strong as they were
back then. But the fact that the tournament is
in Brazil can be a positive factor. For sure, the
Brazilians will want Portugal to win every game
as long as we are not playing
against Brazil!
Domingos Paciencia, former
Porto and Portugal striker and
ex-Braga coach
93WDS14SMY228.pgs 02.05.2014 19:23
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BETO
Sevilla (Spa)
Age 32 (01.05.82)
A penalty-saving specialist with
remarkable agility, bravery and
unwavering concentration. A late
bloomer, he is now in the best
form of his career as rst-choice
goalkeeper at Sevilla after several
years as understudy at Porto.
EDUARDO
Braga
Age 32 (19.09.82)
Enjoyed a magnicent 2010
World Cup, conceding just one
goal in four matches and earning a
lucrative move to Serie A club
Genoa. Things did not work out for
him in Italy but is now back to his
best after returning to Portugal.
Bruno ALVES
Fenerbahce (Tur)
Age 32 (27.11.81)
Tall, solid centre-back who is also
a potent attacking threat in the
opposition box. His Brazilian father
Washington Alves was one of ve
brothers who played professional
football, as do Brunos brothers,
Geraldo and Julio.
Vitorino ANTUNES
Malaga (Spa)
Age 27 (01.04.87)
A solid, unspectacular but
hard-running left-back who rst
came to prominence with Pacos
Ferreira. After a miserable ve
years in Italy with Roma he has
rediscovered his best form and is
now a regular in La Liga.
Fabio COENTRAO
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 26 (11.03.88)
Bustling with energy, he is a vital
component of the Portuguese
set-up, both in defence and
attack. His ability to smother
opposing wingers and work in
conjunction with Ronaldo on the
left ank is a huge asset.
Ruben AMORIM
Benca
Age 29 (27.01.85)
An unspectacular but consistent
performer who is enjoying the
form of his life. Back in Lisbon
after a long loan spell at Braga, he
can play in a variety of positions
and has recently revealed his
creative side as a playmaker.
William CARVALHO
Sporting Lisbon
Age 22 (07.04.92)
The holding midelder has been
the best player in Portugal in his
debut season and is set for a
big-money move. Born in Angola,
he turned down the opportunity to
sign for Benca as a 13-year-old
because he was a Sporting fan.
Ruben MICAEL
Braga
Age 27 (19.08.86)
A razor-sharp passer with good
close control and an eye for goal,
the Madeira-born midelder is
now returning to his best after
suffering with injuries and a loss of
form at Porto. Is currently on loan
from Atletico Madrid.
Hugo ALMEIDA
Besiktas (Tur)
Age 30 (23.05.84)
Tall, burly player who is powerful in
the air but not over-endowed with
technique. Since moving to Turkey
he has earned as many column
inches for his old-school
Portuguese moustache as he
has for his goalscoring exploits.
NANI
Age 27 (17.11.86)
Tricky winger whose excellent
initial impact in the Premier
League has been followed by
a disappointing few seasons,
disrupted by numerous injuries.
Has played precious little football
this term but can still be a threat.
FERNANDO
Porto
Age 26 (25.07.87)
Born in Brazil where he was
capped at under-20 level, he
became a Portuguese citizen in
December 2013. A holding
midelder who is nicknamed the
Octopus due to the way his long
legs strangle opposition attacks.
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Helder POSTIGA
Lazio (Ita)
Age 31 (02.08.82)
First-choice striker since the
retirement of Pauleta and Nuno
Gomes. Often cited as the teams
weakest link but has a happy
knack of nding the net at crucial
moments. Only ve players have
scored more goals for Portugal.
Cristiano RONALDO
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 29 (05.02.85)
Portugals superstar skipper has
thrived since the appointment of
former team-mate Bento as
national coach, scoring 24 goals in
32 games since his arrival. This
will be the third World Cup for the
World Player of the Year.
Silvestre VARELA
Porto
Age 29 (02.02.85)
An industrious winger who has
made a number of important
contributions as a late substitute.
Born in the resort of Costa da
Caparica, he was nicknamed the
Drogba of Caparica due to his
likeness to the Ivory Coast striker.
Ricardo COSTA
Valencia (Spa)
Age 33 (16.05.81)
Experienced central defender who
can also play at full-back. He has
represented Portugal at every age
group level and made his debut
for the senior team in 2005. He
has played in the Bundesliga and
Ligue 1 as well as La Liga.
Luis NETO
Zenit (Rus)
Age 26 (26.05.88)
Replaced the suspended Pepe for
the crucial World Cup qualier
against Russia in Lisbon; the fast
centre-back responded with a
man-of-the-match performance.
Suspensions could well see him
stepping in again in Brazil.
Raul MEIRELES
Fenerbahce (Tur)
Age 31 (17.03.83)
His tattoos and unusual
appearance contrast sharply with
a non-extravagant, efcient
playing style. Totally professional,
with an impeccable attitude, he
has Premier League experience
with Liverpool and Chelsea.
Rui PATRICIO
Sporting Lisbon
Age 26 (05.02.88)
The undisputed number one
keeper, he made his debut in
Portugals 4-0 win over world
champions Spain in 2010. Strong
arms and wrists, combined with
lightning reexes, enable him to
pull off some spectacular saves.
93WDS14SMY229.pgs 02.05.2014 19:25
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PEPE
Real Madrid (Spa)
Age 31 (26.02.83)
His hard-man reputation and
gamesmanship detract from what
a ne centre-back he is. Born in
Brazil, he owes his powerful
physique to his father, who would
regularly make him run and swim
with weights strapped to his legs.
Joao PEREIRA
Valencia (Spa)
Age 30 (25.02.84)
A committed but occasionally
hot-tempered right-back. He
came through the ranks at Benca
but was sold after falling out with
coach Ronald Koeman. Had spells
at a number of clubs before
moving to Spain in 2012.
Miguel VELOSO
Dynamo Kiev (Ukr)
Age 28 (11.05.86)
A classy midelder with a ne
passing range. The son of the
Benca and Portugal defender
Antonio Veloso, he initially failed
to live up to his early promise but
has become a mainstay in the side
since Bento took charge.
Ricardo QUARESMA
Porto
Age 30 (26.09.83)
Famed for his swerving crosses
using the outside of his foot, he
has been one of Portugals most
talented yet frustrating footballers
of the last decade. Has scored a
series of spectacular goals since a
surprise move to Porto in January.
TACTICS
Ronaldo will roam but Bento is likely to
stick with his tried and tested formation
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Joao MOUTINHO
Monaco (Fra)
Age 27 (08.09.86)
Broke into the Sporting rst team
at the age of 18 and was captain
within two years. His box-to-box
dynamism, pinpoint passing and
intelligence on the pitch are proof
that innate talent can thrive in
spite of a diminutive stature.
After taking up the reins of the national
team in 2010, Paulo Bento said he
would be imprinting what he sees as
the nations football DNA, a 4-3-3
formation and has been as good
as his word. Second guessing the
coachs rst-choice starting XI
became the easiest job in football journalism
before, during and after Euro 2012, with the
exact same line-up selected in eight out of
nine competitive games.
The system has proved fruitful on the
whole, especially against stronger opposition
with a lethal counter-attacking game plan
working to perfection in two successive
play-offs to reach the last two tournaments,
and against Holland and to an extent against
Spain at Euro 2012, for instance. The
problem comes against theoretically weaker
teams who set up defensively, as shown
by the draws during World Cup qualiers
against Israel (twice) and Northern Ireland.
Criticised for his tactical inexibility,
Bento has been loathe to experiment other
systems, although a 4-4-2 alternative has
made the odd appearance, usually for small
segments of games. Given Portugals dearth
of strikers, this has involved moving Cristiano
Ronaldo into a central striking role. But, just
like at Real, he is likely to be given a licence
to roam, depending on the state of the game.
One intriguing question is how Bento
will use Ricardo Quaresma, if he picks him
in the squad. Ever since Quaresma emerged
alongside Ronaldo at Sporting in 2002
(where they were team-mates of Bentos)
Portugal fans have dreamed of the two
supremely gifted wide men tearing into the
opposition on either wing. The likelihood,
though, is that the Porto star will be used
as a weapon off the bench.

Plan B?
With the emergence of William Carvalho
and the eligibility of Brazilian-born
Fernando, some pundits have called for
a 4-2-3-1 to accommodate the two high-
class holding midelders although Raul
Meireles might have something to say about
that. The most plausible chance of seeing
that system in operation would be in the
opening game against highly-rated Germany.
Nevertheless, the smart money is on
Bento rolling out his tried and trusted 4-3-3
throughout World Cup 2014.
Patricio
Coentrao
Moutinho
Alves
Meireles Veloso
Ronaldo
Postiga
Nani
Pereira
Coentrao
Moutinho
Alves
Pepe
Meireles Carvalho
Nani Ronaldo
Postiga
Pereira
4-3-3
Pepe
Patricio
4-2-3-1
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Anthony LOPES (G, Age 23, 01.10.90,
0/0, Lyon, Fra)
JOSUE (M, Age 23, 17.09.90, 4/0,
Porto)
Adrien SILVA (M, Age 25, 15.03.89,
0/0, Sporting Lisbon)
Ivan CAVALEIRO (F, Age 23,
18.10.93, 1/0, Benca)
EDER (F, Age 26, 22.12.87, 6/0,
Braga)
Carlos MANE (F, Age 20, 11.03.94,
0/0, Sporting Lisbon)
Rafa SILVA (F, Age 21, 17.05.93,
1/0, Braga)
MISSING OUT
Defender Silvio was ruled out after
breaking his leg in Bencas Europa
League quarter-nal against AZ
Alkmaar. The full-back suffered the
injury when he missed the ball and
collided with team-mate Luisao.
Lyon defender Miguel Lopes also
broke a leg and misses out.
Bento has failed to tempt midelder
Tiago Mendes of Atletico Madrid out of
international retirement, while Monaco
defender Ricardo Carvalho remains
out of favour with the coach.
93WDS14SMY230.pgs 02.05.2014 19:23
128 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
A
lthough Russia will go into the 2014
tournament with one eye on their own
hosting of the nals in four years time,
many of those players who are set to be key in
Brazil are unlikely to still be around in 2018.
Sergei Ignashevich, Vasili Berezutski, Yuri
Zhirkov and Roman Shirokov are all over 30,
while Alexander Kokorin, at 23, is probably the
only relatively young player whose place in
Fabio Capellos squad is guaranteed. It is worth
noting that the 23 that travel to South America
under the Russian ag this summer will almost
certainly be drawn exclusively from the
domestic league, with the older generation
who played in England, Italy and Spain now
mostly retired, and the younger ones not
getting serious offers from abroad.
Experience is one of Russias big strengths
at the moment, but a lack of pace and possible
tness problems may lower the teams chances
of reaching the knockout stage. A mobile South
Korea even though Russia beat them 2-1 in a
friendly in November will pose a very serious
threat, as will the young and rapidly progressing
Belgium side.
Capello also has to deal with the Russian
Premier Leagues calendar change. Playing the
season from autumn until spring is still a new
experience for the Russian players and it is
difcult to say what sort of condition they will
be in physically come June.
Russia are contesting their rst World Cup
nals since 2002 and, recalling when Guus
Hiddink led the team to Euro semi-nals in
2008, local fans are once again pinning their
hopes on a charismatic, overseas boss. Six
years ago, the Dutch coach Hiddink used the
two-week training session prior to the
tournament to miraculously improve the
players physical conditioning.
Capello is also a man who knows what
needs to be done and remains optimistic about
the forthcoming tournament, despite the
pessimists saying that the low standard of the
Russian league does not give national captain
Shirokov and his team-mates the feeling of a
real international-level game.
Russian clubs poor performances in
European competitions is a vivid testament to
this in an environment where even the style of
refereeing outside their homeland often leaves
Russian players confused and bewildered.
Victor Gusev
May 21 Squad trains at the Eduard
Streltsov stadium in Moscow
May 26 Friendly v Slovakia in St Petersburg
May 31 Friendly v Norway in Oslo
Jun 6 Friendly v Morocco in Moscow
Jun 7 Fly to Brazil
THE VIEW FROM RUSSIA
The group is seemingly easy, but
Belgium are the top contestants here, taking
into account that their players occupy key
positions at some of Europes best clubs.
Russia can cope with the other two rivals if
we play our best game. My biggest concern
is defence with two experienced but
ageing players in the centre. Much will
depend on Ignashevich and Berezutskis
physical condition. In attack the only sure
candidate is Kokorin, so nding four strikers
for the World Cup is a problem.
Mikhail Gershkovich, former national coach
Much will depend on Russias rst game
against South Korea, who are physically t,
aggressive, disciplined and motivated the
qualities our players often lack. Belgium are
BASE CAMP
Lack of pace and tness
problems may lower chances
of reaching the next round
RUSSIA
Coach Capello may have one eye on the 2018 nals
Looking to the future
With Germany opting to switch base camps,
Russia were able to take up coach Fabio
Capellos preferred choice of staying at the
San Raphael Country Hotel, a tranquil setting
not far from the city of Itu. The Russians will
venture into Itu for their training sessions at
the city-owned Estadio Dr Novelli Junior.
Old hand...experienced centre-back Vasili Berezutski
332 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP H FIXTURES
Jun 17 v South Korea (Cuiaba)
Jun 22 v Belgium (Rio de Janeiro)
Jun 26 v Algeria (Curitiba)
195 miles
929 miles
Cuiaba
Curitiba
Itu
Rio de
Janeiro
93WDS14SMY231.pgs 02.05.2014 13:53
WORLD SOCCER 129
How he got
the job
Took over from the
departing Dick
Advocaat after
Russias exit from
Euro 2012.
Past successes as
a coach
Won the league title
in nine of his 16 seasons in charge of
Milan, Real Madrid and Juventus. Led
Milan to Champions League victory
in 1994 and qualied England for the
2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 nals.
Resigned as England manager in 2012
following a dispute with the FA.
Earned 32 caps for Italy as a midelder,
scoring eight goals. Won three Serie A
titles with Juventus and one with Milan.
Played in 1974, scoring against Poland
as Italy lost 2-1 and failed to qualify for
the second round. As a coach, he took
England to the last 16 in 2010.
Watches domestic games more
often than his predecessors, so he
has a well-balanced, business-like
relationship with the press. However,
the team remains closed to the media
most of the time.
Respected by the public, who
acknowledge his experience and talent.
He is welcomed even by those who
think that only a Russian should be
coach of the national team.
Seemingly more on the conservative
side, he has complained that his choices
are very limited due to the insufcient
number of Russian players in a
league dominated by foreigners. Has
introduced stricter disciplinary rules.
He is assisted by former Italy defender
Christian Panucci and ex-Russia
goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov.
After the World Cup
Recently signed a new contract until
the end of the 2018 World Cup nals.
Fabio CAPELLO (Ita)
Age 68 (18.06.46)
Russia coach since July 2012
COACH PROFILE
very good, but their time may come later.
Individual work and self-preparation will be the
key issue for Russia. For many of the payers it
will be their last chance. I can
foresee only half of the present
squad surviving till 2018.
Yegor Titov, former Spartak
Moscow and Russia midelder
l The Russian team is in the middle of major
changes. Arshavin and his Euro 2008 team-mates
have been replaced by Kokorin and others who
will form the bulk of the World Cup squad in 2018.
Unfortunately, Capello does not have a wide
choice of players. What he has to work with is an
experienced but ageing squad. The progress of
Dzagoev, Shatov and Kokorin does not change the
overall picture. Russia are capable of making it
to the last 16, but are unlikely to get past
Germany or Portugal.
Konstantin Kleschev, former editor-in-chief of
Sport-Express
l The only real Russian advantage is the
outstanding manager. Im sure that Fabio Capello
learned from his experience with England in
2010. Russia do not have world-level stars, but
captain Shirokov is a very smart playmaker and
striker Kokorin can make a goal by himself.
Russia may reach the second round, but will have
no chance later if they meet Germany. All other
options, including Portugal, give Russia a chance
of reaching the quarter-nals
which is by far the maximum for
this team.
Igor Rabiner, Russian football
journalist
93WDS14SMY232.pgs 02.05.2014 13:55
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Igor AKINFEEV

CSKA Moscow
Age 28 (08.04.86)
Made his top-tier debut at the age
of 16, when he saved a penalty
for CSKA, and at 18 became the
youngest Russian to play for his
country. Guilty of some bad
mistakes recently, but that does
not alter his status as rst choice.
Yuri LODYGIN
Zenit
Age 24 (26.05.90)
Born in Russia, he moved to
Greece at the age of 10 and
played for their under-21 team.
Made his debut for Russia in
November 2013 in a friendly
against World Cup opponents
South Korea.
Alexander ANYUKOV
Zenit
Age 31 (28.09.82)
Fast and inventive in attack, but
his once-guaranteed place at
right-back has recently been
questioned, not only in the
national team but also for his
club side. Describes his hobbies
as shing and cooking.
Vasili BEREZUTSKI
CSKA Moscow
Age 31 (20.06.82)
Defensive mainstay for more than
a decade. Twenty minutes older
than twin brother Alexei, he is a
regular for both club and country
alongside Ignashevich. Lacks pace
but good in the air. Has a few
important goals to his credit.
Sergei IGNASHEVICH
CSKA Moscow
Age 34 (14.07.79)
A good long-range passer who
can shoot from distance and is
strong in the air. Had a conict
with Akinfeev a few years ago over
the CSKA captaincy. Nicknamed
Sergei the Silent over his refusal
to speak with the media.
Igor DENISOV
Dynamo Moscow
Age 30 (17.05.84)
Former captain who is not as
effective playing for Dynamo
as he used to be with Zenit. A
good tackler but has a suspect
temperament and refused to play
for Russia under Guus Hiddink
prior to Euro 2008.
Alan DZAGOEV
CSKA Moscow
Age 23 (17.06.90)
Russias best player at Euro 2012.
Inventive but ill-tempered, he
picks up too many yellow and red
cards so is not one of Capellos
favourites. One of the most
important gures for his club side,
where he plays in the holding role.
Alexander SAMEDOV
Lokomotiv Moscow
Age 29 (19.07.84)
Sharp and speedy right-
winger with a good shot who
is dangerous from set-pieces.
Having Azerbaijani roots, he was
booed by the local crowd and had
things thrown at him when Russia
played a qualier in Baku.
Artyom DZYUBA
Spartak Moscow
Age 25 (22.08.88)
One of the few tall strikers at
Capellos disposal, but has had
few chances so far. He is one of
this seasons top scorers in the
Russian Premier League. Coming
to the end of a two-year loan to
Rostov from Spartak.
Alexei IONOV
Dynamo Moscow
Age 25 (18.02.89)
Capable winger who may get a
last-minute call-up for Brazil due
to the lack of good Russian-born
strikers and his good spring
performances since moving
to Dynamo Moscow from
nancially troubled Anzhi.
Dmitri KOMBAROV
Spartak Moscow
Age 27 (22.01.87)
One of twins who joined Spartak
after six seasons with Dynamo
Moscow. Unlike his brother,
Kirill, he is a Spartak and Russia
national team regular. Fast, with
a good shot, he is often used
as a left-back by Capello.
Viktor FAYZULIN
Zenit
Age 29 (22.04.86)
Attacking midelder who has
become an important part of the
squad under Capello. A workhorse
who is often played alongside
Shirokov. Made his national team
debut in August 2012 and has a
useful goalscoring record.
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Alexander KERZHAKOV
Zenit
Age 31 (27.11.82)
Disappointed at Euro 2012, where
he failed to score despite having
several good opportunities.
Remains the Russian Premier
Leagues all-time top marksman.
Fell victim to a business fraud in
2012 and lost about US$10m.
Alexander KOKORIN
Dynamo Moscow
Age 23 (19.03.91)
Centre-forward and Capellos
big attacking hope. A good
nisher and improviser, he can
also play the role of second striker.
Began as a boxer before switching
to Lokomotiv Moscows football
academy.
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Vladimir GRANAT
Dynamo Moscow
Age 27 (22.05.87)
Replacement central defender
who can also ll in as a wing-back.
Effective when going forward
for set-pieces. A non-playing
member of the Euro 2012 squad,
he made his debut during the
2014 World Cup qualiers.
Denis GLUSHAKOV
Spartak Moscow
Age 27 (27.01.87)
Former Lokomotiv attacking
midelder who has a good shot
and has been used in the holding
position since he joined Spartak.
Last year was the best of his
career so far. Has displaced
Denisov as rst choice.
Sergei RYZHIKOV
Rubin Kazan
Age 33 (19.09.80)
Experienced and reliable, but
is very much the third-choice
keeper. The hero of Rubins
Champions League games against
Barcelona, he is important for
team morale and creates a good
atmosphere in the dressing room.
KITS
93WDS14SMY233.pgs 02.05.2014 18:26
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Georgi SCHENNIKOV
CSKA Moscow
Age 23 (27.04.91)
Fast and unyielding, he stated
his claim for a left-back spot next
to his distinguished defensive
partners at an early age. He is
the son of Olympic walking star
Mikhail Schennikov, a 1996
Olympic silver medallist.
Yuri ZHIRKOV
Dynamo Moscow
Age 30 (20.08.83)
Ex-CSKA and Chelsea, this prolic
and technically skilled midelder
was turned into a left-back by
previous coach Guus Hiddink.
Good anywhere in mideld, he
is now mostly used as an attacking
left-winger.
Roman SHIROKOV
Krasnodar
Age 32 (06.07.81)
Russian player of the year in
2013, he left Zenit for Krasnodar
last winter after a conict with the
then Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti.
Noted for his sharp interviews and
Twitter comments. Recently
named captain by Capello.
TACTICS
Andrei YESCHENKO
Anzhi
Age 30 (09.02.84)
One of the right-back candidates
with a reasonable chance of
making the starting line-up. Lost
his parents in a re at the age of
nine in Siberia. Was with Dynamo
Kiev from 2006 to 2011; joined
Anzhi from Lokomotiv in 2012.
Capello draws defensive strength
from a packed mideld
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Alexei KOZLOV
Dynamo Moscow
Age 27 (25.12.86)
Tall right-back who was capped as
a Kuban Krasnodar player before
moving to Dynamo this year.
Reliable and good in attack,
he played in the German lower
leagues at 16 before returning
to Russia in 2007.
Oleg SHATOV
Zenit
Age 23 (29.07.90)
Ex-futsal player who joined Zenit
from Anzhi last summer. Good
technical skills and game vision
make him a rst-choice substitute
for Andrei Arshavin at Zenit.
Scored on his Russia debut.
Capello will most likely use either
a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation,
with Denis Glushakov sat in front
of the back four, Roman Shirokov
controlling the game from the centre
of a packed mideld, with
Alexander Kokorin working as
a lone striker. The system proved watertight
in qualifying, with only ve goals conceded
by Capellos men.
Depending on the opposition, an
additional midelder may either join
Glushakov in front of the back four or share
the playmaking role with Shirokov. Yuri
Zhirkov, who is no longer a wing-back as
he was in previous national line-ups, will
attack from the left, supported by Dmitri
Kombarov who also feels more comfortable
going forward.
Set-piece expert Alexander Samedov
will control the right ank with a fast
wingback behind him. Capello has several
options here, including Andrei Yeschenko,
Alexander Anyukov and Alexei Kozlov.
There is almost no real alternative to
Sergei Ignashevich and Vasili Berezutski
in central defence. Their CSKA team-mate
and long-time rst choice Igor Akinfeev will
probably keep goal, although for the rst time
in recent years he may have a challenger in
Russian league newcomer Yuri Lodygin.
Unless Capello decides to use the tall
Artyom Dzyuba as the lone man up front,
Russia will try to keep the ball on the ground
and play quick, medium-range passes.
Shirokov is the key gure here, with his good
vision, quick mind and great technical skills.
Alan Dzagoev, who is probably the
countrys most talented playmaker, may be
paired with Shirokov in the centre as an
alternative to Fayzulin so long as Capello
does not exclude the ill-tempered player
from his squad for disciplinary reasons.
Plan B?
Russia played a more attacking 4-3-3 under
Dick Advocaat at Euro 2012. Although
Capellos natural inclination is to pursue a
defensive outlook, he adopted this system
against lesser sides in qualifying. Here,
Alexander Kerzhakov comes in as the main
striker, with Kokorin moving to the left ank in
place of Zhirkov. Shirokov and Fayzulin form
a three-man mideld alongside Glushakov.
Akinfeev
Kombarov
Samedov
V Berezutski
Glushakov
Fayzulin
Kokorin
Zhirkov
Shirokov
Anyukov
4-1-4-1
Ignashevich
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Alexander BELENOV (G, Age 27,
13.09.86, 0/0, Kuban Krasnodar)
Vladimir GABULOV (G, Age 30,
19.10.83, 10/0, Dynamo Moscow)
Alexei BEREZUTSKI (D, Age 31,
20.06.82, 53/0, CSKA Moscow)
Vitali DYAKOV (D, Age 25, 31.01.89,
0/0, Rostov)
Igor SMOLNIKOV (D, Age 25,
04.09.88, 1/0, Zenit)
Vladimir BYSTROV (M, Age 30,
31.01.84, 47/4, Anzhi)
Alexander RYAZANTSEV (M,
Age 27, 05.09.86, 3/0, Zenit)
Andrei ARSHAVIN (F, Age 33,
29.05.81, 75/17, Zenit)
Fyodor SMOLOV (F, Age 24,
09.02.90, 5/2, Anzhi)
MISSING OUT
Central midelder Pavel Mamaev of
Krasnodar, who had an outside chance
of making the squad, was ruled out after
tearing an Achilles tendon in his sides
Russian Cup semi-nal victory over
CSKA Moscow in April.
Akinfeev
Kombarov
Glushakov
V Berezutski
Fayzulin
Shirokov
Kokorin
Kerzhakov
Samedov
Anyukov
4-3-3
Ignashevich
93WDS14SMY234.pgs 02.05.2014 18:27
132 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
A
s it has been for every World Cup this
century, South Korea will be looking to
get to the knockout stages. To do so for
the third time in four tournaments would be
seen as a big success, with anything more as a
huge bonus.
The draw has been kind although Group H
opponents must be thinking the same with
the only downside perhaps being the fact that
expectations have risen at home along with the
pressure. Not too much though, as the Taeguk
Warriors limped through their qualiying
campaign and rarely impressed.
All of the teams weaknesses were on
display in the nal round of qualication: an
inability to create chances, never mind take
them (though that was an issue too), a tendency
to fall back on the long-ball at the earliest of
opportunities and, most seriously of all,
problems at the back.
Defending set-pieces has been an issue
ever since current coach Hong Myung-bo
retired from the centre of defence in 2003, but
this weakness very nearly blew Korea off the
road to Brazil.
Hong, who took over last July, hasnt had
much time to solve the problems, but is familiar
with most of the squad as he took the under-20s
to the last eight of the 2009 World Youth Cup
and the Olympic side to bronze in 2012.
He has also been to watch plenty of games
involving domestic players. There have also
been trips to Europe, the Middle East and
North America for international friendlies, and
a January training camp in Brazil. Results have
been mixed but that has not been a major
issue; it has all been about giving Hong time to
look at his team, and especially to try to do
what his predecessor Choi Kang-hee struggled
with: blending the European-based stars with
those who play their club football at home.
Encouragingly, it has all started to come
together against decent opposition. A 2-1 win
over Switzerland in November saw some of the
best and fastest attacking play from the
Koreans for many a year. The team attacked in
waves and overran a team that had arrived in
Seoul on the back of an 18-month unbeaten
run. Full of young and energetic players with
some experience, there is condence that June
could be a good month for Korean football.
John Duerden
May 28 Friendly v Tunisia in Seoul
May 30 Arrive in Miami, USA for a training
camp
Jun 9 Friendly v Ghana in Miami, USA
THE VIEW FROM SOUTH KOREA
South Koreans would love their team to
reach the knockout stage at least but it
wont be easy. It is still a young squad and
one of the lowest-ranked teams to qualify
for the World Cup. However, not having a
South American team in the group could
work in Koreas favour as all four teams will
be playing in an unfamiliar environment.
Rachel Hur, Sports Donga newspaper
This is a team with a lot of lingering
questions. I think people look at the defence
and say it could give the team some
headaches, but Id say goalkeeping should
be an even bigger concern. Jung Sung-
ryong, who started every game at the 2010
World Cup, already seems to be on the
downhill at the age of 29. Can anyone step
BASE CAMP
SOUTH KOREA
Recent friendly results have helped to gloss over a
less-than-impressive qualifying campaign
Hong raises hopes for
the Taeguk Warriors
Having originally planned to stay in Curitiba,
South Korea will now be basing themselves at
the Bourbon Cataratas Convention & Spa
Resort in the southern city of Foz do Iguacu.
One of Brazils top tourist destinations, it is on
the borders of Paraguay and Argentina, and is
close to the spectacular Iguacu Falls. They will
train at the local Flamengo Esporte Club.
Key man...mideld playmaker Koo Ja-cheol
Porto Alegre
875 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP H FIXTURES
Jun 17 v Russia (Cuiaba)
Jun 22 v Algeria (Porto Alegre)
Jun 26 v Belgium (Sao Paulo)
555 miles
642 miles
Cuiaba
Foz do Iguaco
Sao Paulo
93WDS14SMY235.pgs 02.05.2014 19:26
WORLD SOCCER 133
How he got the job
As the nations favourite footballing
son, it was inevitable he would be coach
one day and his chance came following
the resignation of Choi Kang-hee.
Led the under-20s to the last eight of
the 2009 World Cup and the Olympic
team to bronze in 2012.
None yet.
Played at four World Cups, was captain
of the 2002 semi-nal team and was
named by Pele as one of the 125
greatest living players in 2004.
Played at every World Cup nals from
1990 to 2002.
Distant but still pretty good.
Very popular at the moment.
Koreas rst internationally renowned
coach, he is friendly and charismatic
but can also be tough.
His defensive partner from the 2002
World Cup, Kim Tae-young.
After the World Cup
Will stay on and lead South Korea at
the 2015 Asian Cup.
HONG Myung-bo
Age 45 (12.02.69)
South Korea coach since July 2013
COACH PROFILE
up to take his place? On a brighter note, South
Korea has some depth on the wings and in
mideld. Son Heung-min, Lee Chung-yong, Koo
Ja-cheol, Kim Bo-kyung and Ki Sung-yueng are
still in their early to mid-20s and should form the
core for years to come. South Korea may be able
to pull out a victory, but I dont think it will be
enough to put them in the round of 16.
Yoo Ji-ho, Yonhap News Agency
l Hong has all the coaching experience except
managing a senior team at national or club level.
He is a specialist in motivating younger players
and has had success in tournaments. He knows
how to manage tournaments like the World Cup
and Olympics. His short experience of managing
the senior team is a risk because the average age
of the starting XI is relatively young. Thats why
the rst game is very important; not so much the
result but the performance. If Korea play well
against Russia in the rst game I think they will
qualify for the second round. This is a young but
well-organised team with players who have
played together since teenagers.
Seo Hyung-wook, MBC-TV commentator

l Its a good draw but still Korea will have to be
at their best to get through, especially the
goalkeeper and defenders. If Korea can be solid
then the attacking talent is there to get out of the
group, although that will probably be as far as
they go and everyone will be happy with that. A lot
depends on coach Hong Myung-bo; he doesnt
really know failure and seems to have a talent to
do well in tournaments.
Oh Ban-seok, freelance sports writer
93WDS14SMY236.pgs 02.05.2014 19:25
WORLD CUP 2014 SOUTH KOREA SQUAD
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134 WORLD SOCCER
G
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JUNG Sung-ryung
Suwon Bluewings
Age 29 (04.01.85)
Preparing for a second World Cup
but there are major doubts over
his form for club and country over
the past 12 months. Big and
strong, but his place as rst choice
is weakening.
KIM Jin-hyun
Cerezo Osaka (Jap)
Age 26 (06.07.87)
Trying to hold off Lee Bom-young
for the third spot, he can be prone
to errors.
HONG Jeong-ho
Augsburg (Ger)
Age 24 (12.08.89)
Korea have high hopes for this
cultured centre-back who now
plies his trade in the Bundesliga.
Expected to be a mainstay of
the Korean back four for years
to come.
JANG Hyun-soo
Guangzhou R&F (Chn)
Age 22 (28.09.91)
Cultured centre-back who
recently moved from Japan to
China for over US$2million but
his value in Brazil will only rise if
one of the rst-choice central
defenders is out.
KIM Jin-soo
Albirex Niigata (Jap)
Age 21 (13.06.92)
A new addition to the set-up
who looks good going forward
from left-back, but not quite so
comfortable defensively. Expected
to move to Germany soon, his
inexperience sometimes shows
in his positioning.
HA Dae-sung
Beijing Guoan (Chn)
Age 29 (02.03.85)
Cool operator who captained
Seoul before leaving for
big-money in China. Maybe
a little too similar to Ki in style
to start but is a handy back-up.
HAN Kook-young
Kashiwa Reysol (Jap)
Age 24 (19.04.90)
Vying for a defensive mideld
spot, although he is still to
convince at international level.
Lacks a little aggression but could
challenge Park Jung-woo for a
starting spot.
KOO Ja-cheol
Mainz (Ger)
Age 25 (27.02.89)
Lively and aggressive midelder
who was captain of the 2012
Olympic side. Has an eye for goal
and likes to arrive in the area late.
Has had a few injury issues but,
when t, one of Asias most
complete midelders.
JI Dong-won
Augsburg (Ger)
Age 23 (28.05.91)
Former Sunderland striker who
will join Borussia Dortmund in the
summer. Can play anywhere along
the front line, or even in mideld,
he is intelligent and tactically
aware.
KIM Shin-wook
Ulsan Hyundai
Age 26 (14.04.88)
Stands 6ft 5in and known as The
Wookie, he will battle it out with
Park for the role of central striker.
The best Korean striker in the
K-League for the past 18 months,
he is good on the ground for a big
man and is improving all the time.
KI Sung-yeung
Swansea City (Eng)
Age 25 (24.01.89)
Married to a famous TV presenter,
Han Hye-jin, he sets the tempo
from mideld. Has been on loan to
Sunderland this season, where he
has been involved in a relegation
battle. Plays in a deeper role for
his country.
D
E
F
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N
D
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R
S
M
I
D
F
I
E
L
D
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R
S
F
O
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W
A
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D
S
12
caps
goals
KEY
35
12
LEE Keun-ho
Sangju Sangmu
Age 29 (11.04.85)
Currently a serving soldier, was
Asian Player of Year in 2012.
Creative and clever, and at his best
just behind the striker, his nishing
frustrates likely to miss the easy
ones and score some great ones.
PARK Chu-young
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 28 (10.07.85)
Has spent the season on
loan to Watford in Englands
Championship and is struggling
with a toe injury. In what will be a
third World Cup he has much to
prove, but is still probably Koreas
top striker.
SON Heung-min
Bayer Leverkusen (Ger)
Age 23 (08.07.92)
The Sonsation could be the key
to Koreas chances from the left
side of attack. Likes to break from
deep and shoot from the edge
of the area.
KIM Young-gwon
Guangzhou Evergrande (Chn)
Age 24 (27.02.90)
A left-footed centre-half, he has
improved his game in the Chinese
league under Marcello Lippi, who
has tipped him to go to the very
top. Has all the tools to do so but
needs to cut out silly mistakes and
lapses of concentration.
KWAK Tae-hwi
Al Hilal (Sau)
Age 32 (08.07.81)
Adds some experience to the
squad but the big centre-back is
unlikely to start. Never quick, he
has slowed further since playing in
Saudi Arabia, but is a threat from
set-pieces.
KIM Bo-kyoung
Cardiff City (Eng)
Age 24 (06.10.89)
Has had an indifferent season
in the Premier League and it
remains to be seen if he can
make the position behind the
striker his. Has talent but
sometimes lacks condence.
KIM Seung-gyu
Ulsan Hyundai
Age 23 (30.09.90)
Was given a chance to show what
he could do in January with three
starts but his performances were
inconclusive. Has the talent to
shine but it remains to be seen
if he has the mentality.
KITS
93WDS14SMY237.pgs 02.05.2014 18:28
53
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WORLD SOCCER 135
LEE Yong
Ulsan Hyundai
Age 27 (24.12.86)
A recent recruit to the set-up, a
right-back who is pushing for a
starting place. Impresses when
going forward and with his quality
crossing, but there are question
marks about him defensively.
PARK Joo-ho
Mainz (Ger)
Age 27 (16.01.87)
Making a late push for the
left-back position after a good
season in Germany, although a
recent injury will have disrupted
his pre-tournament preparation.
PARK Jung-woo
Guangzhou R&F (Chn)
Age 23 (10.03.89)
Tough tackler who needs to add
more to his game if he wants to
start in Brazil. Banned from the
2012 Olympics medal ceremony
for a political celebration after
winning a bronze against bitter
rivals Japan.
NAM Tae-hee
Lekhwiya (Qat)
Age 22 (03.07.91)
A versatile attacking midelder
who started his professional
career in France. Faded out of
the national set-up after a move
to Qatar but his excellent form in
the Middle East has put him back
in contention.
TACTICS
Counter-attack is key strength
of Hongs side
10
0
11
0
LEE Chung-yong
Bolton Wanderers (Eng)
Age 25 (02.07.88)
High-school drop-out who plays
in the English second tier. Koreas
most skilful player, he is an
excellent dribbler and creator, but
can be let down by poor nishing.
The wide players are crucial to the way
South Korea play. Lee Chung-yong on
the right side of the three in a 4-2-3-1
with Son Heung-min on the left offer
pace, dribbling and an ability to get
behind defences. As Korea play
more of a fast counter-attacking
game under Hong, it could suit Sons game
perfectly as he is at his best when running
from deep into space and attacking the ball.
Look for the wide men to get behind
defences and then seek late arriving
midelders such as Koo Ja-cheol. The
full-backs have traditionally been strong
points for the team and while going forward,
they will offer good support to the attack,
defensively they are suspect and nding that
balance could be key.
Ki Sung-yeungs mideld partner is
another question to be settled. Ki plays
deeper for his country than he has been
doing in English football this season and is not
defensively strong. Always available for the
defence to pass to, his partner, whoever takes
that role, has a major job in protecting the
defence as Ki moves into attack.
Plan B?
Striker Kim Shin-wook is a walking Plan B.
He is not far off 2m tall and he has improved
immensely on the ground in the last season
or so to become the best forward in the
K-League. As soon as he enters the pitch, the
long balls start and it is a game that is not
best-suited to the teams technically-minded
players. But for the last 15 minutes or so with
Korea needing a goal, expect The Wookie
to make an entrance.
There has been the occasional, and not
very successful, experiment with a 4-4-2
formation though it is unlikely that Hong will
feel secure enough in mideld to play with
two strikers unless it is absolutely necessary.
This set-up could have the same defence,
with a mideld four of Lee Keun-ho on the
left, Ki Sung-yeung in the middle with Han
Kook-young or Park Jung-woo and Lee
Chung-yong on the right. The two strikers
would be Son Heung-min, playing a little
deeper, behind Park Chu-young. However,
to make it a real Plan B, you could replace
Park Chu-young with Kim Shin-wook.
Jung Sung-ryung
Kim Jin-soo
Ki Sung-yeung
Kim Young-gwon
Park Jung-woo
Lee Chung-yong
Park Chu-young
Son Heung-min Koo ja-cheol
Lee Yong
4-2-3-1
Hong Jeong-ho
ALSO IN CONTENTION
LEE Bum-young (G, Age 25, 02.04.89,
0/0, Busan IPark)
CHA Du-ri (D, Age 33, 25.07.80, 65/4,
Seoul)
HWANG Seok-ho (D, Age 24,
27.06.89, 3/0, Sanfrecce Hiroshima,
Jap)
LEE Myung-joo (M, Age 24, 24.04.90,
9/0, Pohang Steelers)
KIM Seung-dae (F, Age 23, 01.04.91,
0/0, Pohang Steelers)
LEE Dong-gook (F, Age 35, 29.04.79,
99/30, Jeonbuk Motors)
MISSING OUT
There was some debate in South Korea
about a possible return for Park Ji-sung,
who retired from international football in
2011, but the talk came to nothing.
Jung Sung-ryung
Kim Jin-soo
Ki Sung-yeung
Kim Young-gwon
Lee Chung-yong
Lee Keun-ho
Kim Shin-wook
Son Heung-min
Han Kook-young
Lee Yong
4-4-2
Hong Jeong-ho
93WDS14SMY238.pgs 02.05.2014 18:29
136 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
S
omething strange happened to Spain
during qualication for the 2014 World
Cup they did not win every game. The
World and double-European champions had
reached Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup
with a record that read: played 18, won 18.
This time, things were not so easy. For a
while, too, there were fears that they may not
get through, at least not as group winners. Two
draws in a row, albeit ve months apart, meant
Spain had to travel to the Stade de France and
win in order to avoid a play-off.
So thats what they did. Pedros goal gave
them a 1-0 win. It was another reminder of
how reliable Vicente Del Bosques men have
been over the last six years. There are few
teams that can exercise the control that Spain
impose upon games; in mideld, Xabi Alonso in
particular was outstanding. Naturally, they
travel to Brazil as one of the favourites, even if
it is hard to escape the feeling that another
trophy may be just one step too far if only
because a run this good has to end sometime.
There are more tangible doubts of course. It
was galling for Spain to see France, who they
pushed into second place, get a signicantly
easier group at the tournament itself. The
opening game is a repeat of the Final from
four years ago, and after Holland come Chile
and Australia. It will be far from easy. Nor is it
just the group: should Spain nish second, it is
likely that their next opponents will be Brazil.
And then there are the doubts over form
and tness. Xavi, the ideologue at the heart of
so much of Barcelonas play, is 34 now and has
had a difcult season.
Iker Casillas, the captain, has not played
a single game in the league, although he has
performed superbly in the Spanish Cup and the
Champions League. His deputy, Victor Valdes,
performed ably in Paris, but the Barcelona
goalkeeper has suffered a cruciate ligament
tear and will not be going to Brazil.
With Alvaro Arbeloa also suffering injury,
it is not clear who the right-back will be, while
inspirational centre-back Gerard Pique missed
much of the season run-in with injury.
At the other end, increasingly, Spain have
encountered teams that have closed up and
denied the space. They will be hoping that
Atletico Madrids in-form striker Diego Costa
will be the man to nd the gaps.
Sid Lowe
May 30 Friendly v Bolivia in Seville
Jun 2 Travel to training camp in
Washington, USA
Jun 7 Friendly v El Salvador in
Washington, USA
THE VIEW FROM SPAIN
If Iniesta and Xavi arrive
fresh at the World Cup, thats
a big problem for all their
opponents. Theyre the ones
that make the machine work.
Those players who are playing their last
World Cup will do so with hunger. The
veterans are not a problem.
Louis Van Gaal, Holland coach

I think Spain will win again. Its difcult
because it is in Brazil but they still have the
best squad in the world.
Marcos Senna, former Spain international
BASE CAMP
Should Spain nish second,
it is likely that their next
opponents will be Brazil
SPAIN
Form and tness could scupper Del Bosques title-defence
One tournament too far?
The defending champions will be based at the
Alfredo Gottardi training centre, a luxurious
sports complex in the city of Curitiba, which is
home to Atletico Paranaense. The facilities
include eight full-size football pitches, a
thermal swimming pool and gym. The Spanish
opted for the milder climate in Curitiba after
contending with high temperatures further
north during the Confederations Cup.
Leading the line...New Spain striker Diego Costa
BRAZIL
GROUP B FIXTURES
Jun 13 v Holland (Salvador)
Jun 18 v Chile (Rio de Janeiro)
Jun 23 v Australia (Curitiba)
1,111 miles
419 miles
Curitiba
Rio De Janeiro
Salvador
93WDS14SMY239.pgs 02.05.2014 13:54
WORLD SOCCER 137
How he got the job
Seen as a safe pair of hands for a
talented generation of players.
Euro 2012 and 2010 World Cup winner
with Spain and won two European Cups
with Real Madrid.
A run of poor results in Turkey with
Besiktas culminated in the sack.
Played over 300 games for Real
Madrid, winning ve league titles and
four Spanish Cups. Played in the 1981
European Cup nal versus Liverpool.
Won 18 caps for Spain.
Won it in 2010.
Warm. Admired and respected by all.
Cautious, polite and usually open,
without exposing himself.
Relationship with the public/
Perfect. A Marquis who rarely puts a
foot wrong and exudes generosity and
decency. His son Alvaro, who suffers
Downs Syndrome and has become
one of the teams most famous fans, is
pulled into team celebrations by the
players and is popular too.
Left hand as the Spanish put it:
gentle, respectful and always listens
to his players.
Toni Grande is his number two. Won
two league titles and a Spanish Cup
with Real Madrid.
After the World Cup
Recently renewed his contract.
Vicente DEL BOSQUE
Age 63 (23.12.50)
Spain coach since July 2008
COACH PROFILE
l When I look at Spain I see a huge
amount of fatigue. They will be
tired, emotionally and physically,
when they get to the World Cup. If
they can reach 80 per cent of their
capabilities they will be
candidates.
Cesar Luis Menotti, 1978 World Cup-winning coach

l Spain are favourites but I think
it will be very, very hard. Argentina,
Brazil and Germany all have a
chance of winning it too.
Ronald Koeman, Feyenoord coach
David Villa...back to his best with Atletico Madrid
93WDS14SMY240.pgs 02.05.2014 13:56
WORLD CUP 2014 SPAIN SQUAD
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KITS
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138 WORLD SOCCER
G
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Iker CASILLAS
Real Madrid
Age 32 (20.05.81)
Sub for his club, captain for his
country even if his games for
Real this season have included the
Champions League semi-nal.
Celebrated the 2010 World Cup
victory by kissing his touchline-
reporter girlfriend live on TV.
David DE GEA

Age 23 (07.11.90)
If there was one person who was
convinced David De Gea could
cope with the pressure of being
Manchester United keeper, it was
David De Gea. Valdes injury opens
a place in the squad for a man
who is the future of la seleccion.
Jordi ALBA
Barcelona
Age 25 (21.03.89)
Began his career in the youth
system at Barcelona as an
attacker, but was converted to a
full-back by Unai Emery at
Valencia before returning to Camp
Nou. Scored in the 2012 Euro
Final.
Raul ALBIOL
Napoli (Ita)
Age 28 (04.09.85)
Central defender who will miss
Arbeloa, his inseparable friend
and partner in squad PlayStation
competitions; they chose England
and wore England shirts. Enjoying
regular games at Napoli after a
frustrating time at Real Madrid.
Cesar AZPILICUETA
Chelsea (Eng)
Age 24 (28.08.89)
Club-mates call him Dave even
though he insists that its not that
hard to say his surname and he
even produced a video to explain
how. Reliable, versatile full-back
who is able to play on either ank.
Santi CAZORLA
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 29 (13.12.84)
Smiley, happy character who is
one of the most popular men in
the squad and one of the nicest
guys in football. Missed out on the
2010 World Cup through injury.
Doesnt even know if hes right
or left-footed.
Andres INIESTA
Barcelona
Age 30 (11.05.84)
In the words of Sergio Ramos, he
is touched by a magic wand.
Has stood out for his brilliant
performances in an otherwise
difcult season for his club.
Scored the winning goal in the
2010 Final.
David SILVA
Age 28 (08.01.86)
Born in the Canary Islands in the
same town as Juan Carlos
Valeron. A recent injury has
turned out to not be as serious
as rst feared, but it does mean
that he is not guaranteed a place
in the squad.
Diego COSTA
Atletico Madrid
Age 25 (07.10.88)
Claims that he doesnt take his work
home with him which is probably
a good job as on the pitch he is a
ghter capable of landing a few
low blows. A brilliant player and
the revelation of the season in
Spain. Played twice for Brazil.
Alvaro NEGREDO
Age 28 (20.08.85)
Contrary to reports, he was never
known as the Beast of Vallecas
while in Spain, but admits that he
likes the nickname now. Powerful,
skilful and quick, he has the best
goals-per-minute record of all the
strikers tried out by Spain.
Cesc FABREGAS
Barcelona
Age 27 (04.05.87)
False number nine in the Final at
Euro 2012, crossing for the rst
goal, and scorer of the decisive
penalty against Italy in 2008. Has
rarely been an undisputed starter
but his contribution has been
enormous.
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PEDRO
Barcelona
Age 26 (28.07.87)
Rarely talked about as one of the
teams stars but always
contributes. Fast, generous and
with a real eye for goals. Has an
adopted sea lion at an aquarium in
the Canaries, named Pedrito.
David VILLA
Atletico Madrid
Age 32 (03.12.81)
El Guaje (The Kid) is unique among
Spains strikers; none have his
style and none t Spains approach
quite so well. So says Del Bosque
himself, but Villa is still not certain
of a place. Father was a miner.
Dani CARVAJAL
Real Madrid
Age 22 (11.01.92)
Returned to Real after a year in
Germany and alternated the
right-back slot with Arbeloa
whose injury has given him his
opportunity to shine. Has played
superbly, making him a likely
debutant this summer.
Sergio BUSQUETS
Barcelona
Age 25 (16.07.88)
Brilliant defensive midelder who
can drop back into defence.
Tactically astute and strong tackler
who appears to take risks until
you realise he always gets away
with it. Son of former Barca
keeper Carlos Busquets.
Jesus NAVAS
Age 28 (21.11.85)
Once considered the man that
would never leave Seville, having
suffered anxiety attacks when
away from home. But he
performed superbly in 2010:
began the move that led to the
winner in the Final. Extremely fast.
Pepe REINA
Napoli (Ita)
Age 31 (31.08.82)
Spains MC when it comes to
celebrations even if that famous
role has served unfairly to
overshadow his goalkeeping. Has
spent almost a decade in the squad.
His father, Miguel, also a keeper,
played for Atletico and Barcelona.
93WDS14SMY241.pgs 02.05.2014 19:25
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WORLD SOCCER 139
JAVI MARTINEZ
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 25 (02.09.88)
Left Athletic Bilbao for Bayern,
where he has continued to play a
dual role: at centre-back or
central mideld. Neat on the ball
and a good athlete, his versatility
makes him even more valuable to
Del Bosque.
Gerard PIQUE
Barcelona
Age 27 (02.02.87)
Embarked upon an odyssey at the
end of the 2010 World Cup in
search of a very special memento
of the Final: the goal nets.
Piquenbauer is a classy defender
who says he would like to be
Barcelonas president one day.
XAVI
Barcelona
Age 34 (25.01.80)
Probably the last chance for
arguably the most important player
Spain have ever had; the man Luis
Aragones asked to take control in
2008 and who has won everything
since. Football-mad, he will watch
any game, anywhere, any time.
XABI ALONSO
Real Madrid
Age 32 (25.11.81)
Smooth, deep-lying midelder
with a touch of steel. Few players
have his range of passing or tactical
intelligence. Staff at Real Madrid
admit he is the man who gives
balance to the side. Banned for this
years Champions League Final.
TACTICS
SERGIO RAMOS
Real Madrid
Age 28 (30.03.86)
A defender with a strikers soul
and ice cool as he showed with a
Panenka penalty at Euro 2012,
he always comes good when it
matters. Expecting a child with TV
presenter Pilar Rubio.
Plenty of options for Del Bosque as he seeks
control as well as creativity
130
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THIAGO ALCANTARA
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 23 (11.04.91)
Born in Italy, his dad won a World
Cup for Brazil, and his brother
played for Brazil Under-20s, but
he chose Spain, with whom he had
starred at under-21 level. Looked
certain to go to the World Cup, but
an injury put his presence in doubt.
Few national teams have a tactical or
footballing identity as clear as Spain.
Tiki-taka will once again be the
approach, with Vicente del Bosque
admitting in the midst of debates
about Spain being boring at
Euro2012 that he prefers not to
allow the other team the ball to attack them.
Spains style has an aesthetic quality as well
as a practical one. It is about control as much
as it is about creation.
Spains style is of course similar to that
employed by Barcelona but la seleccions
version is reinforced with two deep
midelders not just one: Sergio Busquets
and Xabi Alonso will play together. In front
of them, the wealth of technical midelders is
astonishing: Xavi, Santi Cazorla, David
Silva, Juan Mata, Pedro, Thiago
Alcantara...
Increasingly, Spain have found that teams
close up against them, defending very deep
and looking to launch the very occasional
counter-attack. The challenge then has been
to nd a way to change the game and open
up spaces. Del Bosques preferred option
from the bench is usually Jesus Navas.
Meanwhile, from set plays both Sergio
Ramos and Gerard Pique are dangerous.
At the World Cup, Fernando Llorente was
also used to great effect against Portugal,
pushing them back and offering Spain a
target, but it is not clear whether he will go to
Brazil and the striking position has caused
the greatest doubts not least because
Spains style makes it so hard for the no.9,
denying him space in which to play. Llorente,
Fernando Torres, Roberto Soldado, Alvaro
Negredo, David Villa, and Michu have all
been tried there and Spain have now signed
Diego Costa.
Some hope Costa will provide the bite and
nastiness that Spain need and he has been
arguably La Ligas outstanding player this
season, but he too will nd the space in which
he is so lethal denied to him, as he saw in his
debut against Italy.
Plan B?
An obvious switch would be to adopt a false
no.9 again, just as they did at Euro 2012,
when Cesc Fabregas played in the Final and
created the rst in a 4-0 win. Winger Navas
is also a key second-half change if Spain
need to stretch the game.
Casillas
Alba
Xabi Alonso
Pique
Iniesta
Busquets
Silva
Xavi
Costa
Carvajal
Alba
Carvajal Pique
Xabi Alonso
Busquets
Xavi
Iniesta
Fabregas
Navas
Sergio Ramos
4-3-3
Sergio Ramos
Casillas
4-3-3
ALSO IN CONTENTION
INIGO MARTINEZ (D, Age 23,
17.05.91, 2/0, Real Sociedad)
JUANFRAN (D, Age 29, 09.01.85, 6/1,
Atletico Madrid)
Alberto MORENO (D, Age 22,
05.07.92, 2/0, Sevilla)
ISCO (M, Age 22, 21.04.92, 2/0, Real
Madrid)
KOKE (M, Age 22, 08.01.92, 7/0,
Atletico Madrid)
Juan MATA (M, Age 26, 28.04.88,
32/9, Manchester United, Eng)
Fernando TORRES (F, Age 30,
20.03.84, 106/36, Chelsea, Eng)
Fernando LLORENTE (F, Age 29,
26.02.85, 24/7, Juventus, Ita)
93WDS14SMY102.pgs 02.05.2014 19:27
140 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
S
witzerlands last two World Cup
appearances, in 2006 and 2010, have
hardly set the competition on re. In
2006 they became the rst team to be
knocked out without conceding a goal after
losing on penalties to Ukraine after a sterile
0-0 draw, and they only scored four
themselves in as many games. Four years later,
they managed one goal for and one against in
three outings as they fell at the rst hurdle.
This time, hopefully, it should be different.
The Swiss will travel to Brazil with a young,
attacking side which includes a number of
players from the sides that won the Under-17
World Cup in 2009 and reached the Final of
the 2011 European Under-21 Championship.
The Swiss federation runs a well-developed
youth programme and has tapped successfully
into the countrys large immigrant community.
Several members of the squad are from
families that moved to Switzerland from the
Balkans during the 1990s. Players such as
Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Haris Seferovic
and Josip Drmic, the feisty Stefan Lichtsteiner
and Gokhan Inler, give the team plenty of
attacking options, not to mention bite.
In fact, the weakness is probably now the
defence where Philippe Sendoros, Johan
Djourou and Steve Von Bergen have all had
unhappy experiences at club level. Contrary to
the national stereotype, the side has become
quite unpredictable. They can beat anyone on
their day, as they showed with a friendly win
over Brazil in Basle last year. But they are also
prone to lapses such as the 4-4 draw at home
to Iceland in the qualiers, where they
squandered a 4-1 lead.
Veteran coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who will
retire after the tournament, has set the last 16
as his rst target a realistic if not easy option
given that the Swiss struggle against Latin
American opposition and must face Honduras
and Ecuador. And he has already admitted that
the heat and humidity will be a challenge for his
side, who will have to adjust their pressing style.
Despite the respectable results over the past
few years, Switzerland is not a country which is
passionate for football and it is often hard to
believe that the World Cup is just around the
corner. In fact, the sport has an image problem
in the country, thanks to the lingering problem
of crowd violence and partly due to the goings-
on at FIFA, whose presence is seen by many
Swiss as something of an embarrassment.
Brian Homewood
May 25 Training camp at Weggis, on the
banks of Lake Lucerne
May 30 Friendly v Jamaica in Lucerne
Jun 3 Friendly v Peru in Lucerne
Jun 6 Fly to Brazil
THE VIEW FROM SWITZERLAND
Any team which is among the top seeds
does not need to hide from opponents who
are seeded two, three and four. We can and
should go into this group phase with great
self-belief. Ottmar Hitzfelds Switzerland
team shouldnt even be
overawed by the French.
I am optimistic that
we will get to the
quarter-nals.
Basle coach Murat Yakin
The chances of surviving the group
stage arent that bad. The last few times
BASE CAMP
SWITZERLAND
Players from immigrant families form backbone of the side
Hitzfeld relies on
non-Swiss talent
Situated on the beach front near Porto Seguro,
La Torre Resort will be home for the Swiss
team. The city is in the southern state of Bahia
and its hot and humid climate will help the
team acclimatise for their nal Group E game
against Honduras at the Arena Amazonia in
Manaus. Training will take place at the Estadio
Municipal Antonio Carlos Magalhaes.
Dominant gurekey midelder Valon Behrami
BRAZIL
2,904 miles
GROUP E FIXTURES
Jun 15 v Ecuador (Brasilia)
Jun 20 v France (Salvador)
Jun 25 v Honduras (Manaus)
368
miles
870 miles
Manaus
Brasilia
Porto Seguro

Salvador
93WDS14SMY103.pgs 02.05.2014 13:56
WORLD SOCCER 141
How he got the job
His appointment
was the perfect
marriage: giving
Switzerland a
successful,
high-prole coach
and him a break
from the club game
which had clearly
worn him down.
Won the Bundesliga ve times with
Bayern Munich, twice with Borussia
Dortmund and the Champions League
once with each.
Lost the 1999 Champions League Final
when Bayern conceded twice at the
death to Manchester United. One of his
rst matches in charge of Switzerland
was a 2-1 home defeat by Luxembourg.
Relatively modest, winning two Swiss
league titles with Basle.
In charge of Switzerland in 2010 when
they beat eventual winners Spain in their
opening match but failed to score another
goal and went out in the group stage.
Revered in Germany and highly
respected in Switzerland, despite the
failure to qualify for Euro 2012.
As with the media, although it faltered
slightly after failing to qualify for Euro
2012, when many questioned if his
contract should be renewed and there
was a public discussion over his salary.
A qualied maths teacher, he prepares
for matches with geometric precision
and doesnt accept indiscipline lightly.
Made a point of appointing Gokhan
Inler, a player with Turkish roots, as
captain of the national team.
Michel Pont has been assistant coach
since 2001.
After the World Cup...
Offered a two-year extension but
turned it down and says he will retire.
Ottmar HITZFELD (Ger)
Age 65 (12.01.49)
Switzerland coach since July 2008
COACH PROFILE
Switzerland played France we were really close,
but after that its probably over for Switzerland.
Xherdan Shaqiri doesnt play that regularly, so
its really tough for a team if they depend on one
or two players and Switzerland dont have
that many good players. If the one or two good
players dont bring their A-game to Brazil, its
over for them.
Rene Rodiger, St Galler Tagblatt
l Its certainly do-able, but it certainly
wont be easy for Switzerland. Ecuador will
be unpleasant opponents, they are a very
robust and physically strong team with
Antonio Valencia as the key player.
Alain Sutter, former Switzerland forward
l Switzerland has never had such a high-
standing collection of players who have imposed
themselves at big foreign clubs. They have
everything needed to get a good
result at the World Cup. I trust
them to get at least to the
eighth-nals [the last 16] . The
second-generation immigrants are
cheekier than the typical Swiss
and carry this through to the rest of the squad.
Ex-Grasshoppers and Aarau coach Rolf Fringer
93WDS14SMY242.pgs 02.05.2014 13:55
WORLD CUP 2014 SWITZERLAND SQUAD
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142 WORLD SOCCER
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Diego BENAGLIO
Wolfsburg (Ger)
Age 30 (08.09.83)
A safe pair of hands, excellent
reexes and a commanding
presence in his penalty area. First
choice since just before Euro
2008 and will be playing at his
third major nals. Has spent most
of his career in the Bundesliga.
Yann SOMMER
Basle
Age 25 (17.12.88)
Basles regular keeper since
2011, wining three successive
titles. Has excellent reexes, is
calm and self-assured and averse
to risk taking. He will move to
Borussia Monchengladbach
after the World Cup.

Johan DJOUROU
Arsenal (Eng)
Age 27 (18.01.87)
Central defender who was born in
Ivory Coast and is set to make his
season-long loan to Hamburg
permanent in July. Played at the
2006 World Cup but suffered a
knee injury in 2009 that cost him
a place at the 2010 World Cup.
Michael LANG
Grasshoppers
Age 23 (08.02.91)
Played for Switzerland at
various youth levels and is
now understudy to Lichtsteiner
at right-back. Began his career
with St Gallen before joining
Grasshoppers in 2011.
Stephan LICHTSTEINER
Juventus (Ita)
Age 30 (16.01.84)
Feisty right-back whose storming
runs down the ank have earned
him the nickname Forrest Gump.
He completed an apprenticeship
in banking as a young player at
Grasshoppers. Plays on the ank
of a ve-man mideld for his club.
Valon BEHRAMI
Napoli (Ita)
Age 29 (19.04.85)
Happy at right-back or in mideld,
he has revived his career at Napoli
since 2012. His tattoos and
haircuts are not always to the
liking of the reserved Swiss. Sent
off against Chile at the 2010
World Cup. Born in Kosovo.
Blerim DZEMAILI
Napoli (Ita)
Age 28 (12.04.86)
A central midelder who has
been a substitute for most of his
international career. Has settled in
Serie A after an unhappy spell at
Bolton. Born in Macedonia, his
parents moved to Switzerland
when he was four.
Pajtim KASAMI
Fulham (Eng)
Age 21 (02.06.92)
Versatile midelder with poise,
skill and a powerful physique, he
was world under-17 champion in
2009. A move from Fulham to
Pescara in 2011 broke down due
to faulty wi- in a Milan hotel.
Born in Macedonia.
Josip DRMIC
Nuremberg (Ger)
Age 21 (08.08.92)
Two-footed, clever in and around
the box, although somewhat weak
in the air, he has had an excellent
rst season in the Bundesliga.
Born in Switzerland but has
Croatian roots and scored his rst
two goals against Croatia in March.
Mario GAVRANOVIC
Zurich
Age 24 (24.11.89)
Centre-forward with a good
scoring ratio who could provide a
useful option off the bench. Born
in Switzerland to Croatian parents.
Suspended by Zurich for insulting
their assistant coach after being
left out of the team last year.
Gelson FERNANDES
Freiburg (Ger)
Age 27 (02.09.86)
Defensive midelder who scored
Switzerlands only goal at the
2010 World Cup when he was
a key player, although he now
nds himself on the fringes. Born
in Cape Verde, he moved to
Switzerland at the age of ve.
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Admir MEHMEDI
Freiberg (Ger)
Age 23 (16.03.91)
A good season at Freiburg
has propelled the Macedonia-
born player into contention.
Previously at Dynamo Kiev, where
he was used as a substitute and
struggled to get going. Played at
the 2012 Olympic Games.
Haris SEFEROVIC
Real Sociedad (Spa)
Age 22 (22.02.92)
Won the 2009 under-17 world
title in Nigeria, where he was the
tournaments top scorer. Lots
of ups and downs at club level
and has fallen out of favour at
Socieded. Born in Switzerland to
Bosnian parents.
Xherdan SHAQIRI
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 22 (10.10.91)
An outstanding prospect who can
play on either ank and is always a
threat with his powerful shooting
and free-kicks. Despite being
below Robben and Ribery in the
Bayern pecking order, he has
been given plenty of outings.
Ricardo RODRIGUEZ
Wolfsburg (Ger)
Age 21 (25.08.92)
The rst-choice left-back provides
an endless supply of crosses for
his forwards, is strong in the air
and dangerous at free-kicks. Has
settled quickly at Wolfsburg. Born
in Zurich to a Spanish father and
Chilean mother.
Fabian SCHAR
Basle
Age 22 (20.12.91)
One of Swiss footballs most
important recent discoveries,
a central defender with good
long-range passing and set-
piece specialist. Scored both
goals in the crucial 2-0 win in
Norway in qualifying.
Gokhan INLER
Napoli (Ita)
Age 29 (27.06.84)
Swiss captain and a hard-tackling
midelder who turned up at
his ofcial Napoli presentation
wearing a lion mask. An excellent
long-range shooter, he also
played at Euro 2008 and the
2010 World Cup.
Marco WOLFLI
Young Boys
Age 31 (22.08.82)
Captain and the longest-serving
player at his club, he made his
Swiss debut in 2008. Always in
Benaglios shadow and now below
Sommer in the pecking order. Tore
his Achilles tendon in December
but is expected to be t in time.
93WDS14SMY243.pgs 02.05.2014 19:27
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WORLD SOCCER 143
Philippe SENDEROS
Valencia (Spa)
Age 29 (14.02.85)
His club career has been hit by
injuries and spells in the reserves,
but he remains a regular for his
country and is set to play in his
third World Cup. Born in Switzerland
to a Spanish father and Serb
mother, he speaks six languages.
Steve VON BERGEN
Young Boys
Age 30 (10.06.83)
Central defender who made his
debut against Costa Rica in 2006
and has been in and out of the
team since. Missed Euro 2008
through injury but played at the
last World Cup. Well-travelled,
he recently returned to Switzerland.
Granit XHAKA
Borussia Monchengladbach (Ger)
Age 21 (27.09.92)
Elegant and composed, he played
in all but one of the qualiers.
Known as Little Einstein because
of an interest in science, he has
publicly supported Kosovos
campaign to be allowed to play
international matches.
Valentin STOCKER
Basle
Age 25 (12.04.89)
Features regularly on the left side
of a three-man mideld, the pacy
and tricky Stocker scored the rst
goal of Ottmar Hitzfelds reign in a
friendly against Cyprus which was
also his international debut. Has
won a hatful of titles with Basle.
TACTICS
Youngsters offer exciting attacking options
but central defence could be the weak spot
24
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Pirmin SCHWEGLER
Eintracht Frankfurt (Ger)
Age 27 (09.03.87)
Fiercely competitive defensive
midelder with excellent passing.
A reserve at international level
and could be even further down
the pecking order after various
injuries this season. His brother
Christian plays for Salzburg.
Switzerland almost invariably play with a
4-2-3-1 system. In goal, Diego
Benaglio has been the rst choice for
the last six years with Yann Sommer a
distant second. Stefan Lichtsteiner
of Juventus on the right and
Ricardo Rodriguez on the left
are the two full-backs and both like to
get forward.
The central defensive pairing is less clear
cut. Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou
both have experience in Europes top leagues
but both have suffered form and injury
problems over the last couple of years; in
the key matches against Norway and Albania
last autumn, Hitzfeld preferred youngster
Fabian Schar alongside Steve Von Bergen.
Team captain Gokhan Inler and Valon
Behrami play holding roles in front of the
back four. Both play for Napoli although
media reports suggest their relationship
has become strained recently. Blerim
Dzemaili, also of Napoli, is another option
in that area.
Ahead of them, Xherdan Shaqiri is the
creative inspiration on the right of the attack.
He can run with the ball and likes to cut
inside and shoot Arjen Robben-style. Granit
Xhaka distributes the ball from the centre
and Valentin Stocker is another pacy, tricky
player on the left.
That leaves the centre-forward spot,
where Switzerland have plenty of promising
youngsters such as Haris Seferovic, Admir
Mehmedi, Josip Drmic and Mario
Gavranovic but no automatic rst choice.
On current form, Drmic might just get the
nod thanks to a free-scoring season in
the Bundesliga with Nuremberg, although
Mehmedi is another option.
There are plenty of options at free-kicks
where Schar, Shaqiri and Inler all pack a
powerful shot.
Plan B?
Hitzfeld has not deviated from his preferred
4-2-3-1 format. One alternative scenario
would be the option of playing Shaqiri as a
false nine.
Gelson Fernandes is often brought on
when Switzerland are leading to beef up the
centre of the mideld.
Benaglio
Rodriguez
Behrami
Von Bergen
Inler
Shaqiri
Drmic
Stocker
Xhaka
Lichtsteiner
4-2-3-1
Schar
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Roman BURKI (G, Age 23, 14.11.90, 0/0,
Grasshoppers)
Reto ZIEGLER (D, Age 28, 16.01.86, 34/1,
Sassuolo, Ita)
Tranquillo BARNETTA (M, Age 29, 22.05.85,
73/10, Eintracht Frankfurt, Ger)
Benaglio
Rodriguez
Fernandes
Von Bergen
Inler
Behrami
Stocker
Shaqiri Xhaka
Lichtsteiner
4-3-3
Schar
93WDS14SMY244.pgs 02.05.2014 19:27
144 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
W
e know were not among the
favourites, says Uruguay coach Oscar
Tabarez. But we also know that if we
prepare well we can be a very difcult team to
play against, and thats going to be at the
centre of our thoughts.
This, then, will be the same Uruguay that
Tabarez has brought back to footballs top
table, reaching the semi-nals of the last World
Cup and winning the 2011 Copa America, while
all the time accepting and playing within their
limitations. And this is basically the same squad
indeed many of the group have been
together since the 2007 Copa America.
Strikers aside, some of the key members
of the rst team are arguably past their best.
Tabarez, though, stresses that I have the
intention of using the experience that most
of the players have acquired.
Time will tell if this is a tournament too far
for the group. The order of the games would
seem to help; a win against Costa Rica in the
opening xture will allow the team to take on
England and Italy in the way they feel most
comfortable: sitting deep, protecting the lack
of defensive pace, and slipping in Luis Suarez
and Edinson Cavani on the break.
Could such a method conceivably take
La Celeste all the way? Obviously, many in
Uruguay and elsewhere are excited by the
possibility of a repetition of the 1950 triumph.
Theres no comparison, says Tabarez. The
world was different then. It was a different
Brazil, and Uruguay had a position of power
that we no longer occupy. But lets hope we
face Brazil because it will mean well have
made progress in the competition.
Such humility makes it easy to forget that
Uruguay pushed Brazil all the way in the
semi-nal of last years Confederations Cup,
falling 2-1 to a late goal. Had Diego Forlan
converted an early penalty perhaps things
could have been even harder for the hosts.
Uruguays experience, tradition and self-
esteem mean that few will relish facing them
and even fewer will relish dealing with Suarez
and Cavani in full ight. Such virtues may not
be enough to go all the way, but they might be
enough to conrm the coachs view that in
football we are party-poopers.
They poured water in Brazils champagne in
1950, and spoiled things for the hosts in 2010,
as well as in the last two Copa Americas.
Whose party will they ruin this time?
Tim Vickery
Late May Training in Montevideo
May 30 Friendly v Northern Ireland in
Montevideo
Jun 4 Friendly v Slovenia in Montevideo
Jun 9 Fly to Brazil
THE VIEW FROM URUGUAY
We have two of the worlds best strikers
in top form and a team which has been
together for a long time. But theres a big
difference between now and back in 2010.
Four years ago there were no expectations
and the team grew during the competition.
This time we arrive with a certain obligation.
It will be seen by many as a failure if we
dont go all the way to the Final, or at least
equal what we did last time and get to the
semis. Being the protagonists in this way is
often difcult for Uruguay, and our group is
not an easy one.
Luis Eduardo Insaurralde, El Pais
BASE CAMP
URUGUAY
Tabarez side seek a repeat of 1950 upset in Brazil
Will lightning strike
twice for La Celeste?
Uruguay will be based in the inland city of Sete
Lagoas, 50 miles from the state capital of
Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte the city
where England were humbled 1-0 by the USA in
the 1950 World Cup. The players will stay at
the JN Resort a few miles outside the city and
train at the Arena de Jacare, home of local
side Democrata.
Christian Stuani...one of the stars of the qualifying campaign

Natal
1,437
miles
BRAZIL
GROUP D FIXTURES
Jun 14 v Costa Rica (Fortaleza)
Jun 19 v England (Sao Paulo)
Jun 24 v Italy (Natal)
1,434 miles
362 miles
Fortaleza
Sao Paulo
Sete Lagoas
93WDS14SMY245.pgs 02.05.2014 13:57

WORLD SOCCER 145
How he got the job
Appointed for the
second time after
Uruguays failure
to qualify for the
2006 World Cup.
Charged with
overhauling all the
national teams
from youth to the
senior level.

Reached the semi-nals of the last
World Cup, won the 2011 Copa
America. Also won the Argentinian title
with Boca Juniors and the Libertadores
Cup with Penarol.

A tame second-round elimination at
Italia 90. Also had an unhappy time
with Milan in 1996.

Spent over a decade as a defender in
Uruguay and, briey, Mexico.

Coached Uruguay in 1990 and 2010.
Calm, approachable and intelligent, he
has cultivated good relations with the
press. A recent scandal in his private
life he was revealed to have been
having an affair with a woman accused
of stealing from him received
remarkably little coverage.

Slightly cooler, though there is clear
respect for his recent achievements
and Penarol fans are unlikely to
forget that the last of the clubs ve
Libertadores titles came on his watch.

A qualied teacher, he resonates quiet
authority. Increasingly pragmatic, he
took over with the xed idea that all
Uruguays sides should play 4-3-3. It
was scrapped after just one competitive
game. Ever since, he has been aware of
playing within the teams limitations.

Celso Otero, Uruguays third-choice
keeper in the 1986 World Cup.

After the World Cup
Likely to stay on.
Oscar TABAREZ
Age 67 (03.03.47)
Uruguay coach since May 2006
COACH PROFILE
l It might be better for Uruguay to start off
against a big team and play Costa Rica in the
third game. Theyre usually poor starters and
Tabarez often needs a game or two to sort the
side out. This is an ageing team, but one well
aware of its strengths and its limitations. If
Cavani and Suarez are in good shape, they can
carry La Celeste into the quarter-nals. And
Martin Silva should be the rst-choice keeper.
Martin Fernandez, O Globo

l Uruguay have one of the most promising
strike partnerships in world football, backed up
by a sold team behind them. I think that at world
level Uruguay are not given the respect we
deserve and this could be a favourable point
for the chances of Tabarez and his team.
Diego Perez Ilundain, El Pais
l Uruguay are not a one-man team. They have a
system of play and they are very difcult to play
against, with commitment, an identity and two
very good strikers. If I have to choose between
England and Uruguay then I would
put my money on Uruguay and
Im not being biased.
Gustavo Poyet, former Uruguay
international
93WDS14SMY246.pgs 02.05.2014 13:57
WORLD CUP 2014 URUGUAY SQUAD
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Rodrigo MUNOZ
Libertad (Par)
Age 32 (22.01.82)
Unspectacular performer who
appears to be winning the race
with the veteran Juan Castillo for
the third keepers position, though
Martin Campana of Defensor
might seem to be a better
long-term candidate.
Fernando MUSLERA
Galatasaray (Tur)
Age 27 (16.06.86)
Grabbed the rst-choice keepers
slot towards the end of the 2010
qualiers, and has held it ever
since. Elastic-limbed performer
who can occasionally be prone
to apping at high balls. Born in
Argentina to Uruguayan parents.
Martin CACERES
Juventus (Ita)
Age 27 (07.04.87)
Aggressive, versatile defender
who can feature anywhere across
the back line, but is used mostly
at left-back. One of the rst
successes of the Tabarez years,
he was swiftly promoted from
the 2007 under-20 side.
Jorge FUCILE
Porto (Por)
Age 29 (19.11.84)
Full-back who can play on either
ank but has struggled with injury.
He did not feature in the play-off
against Jordan, but had played
in the previous four qualiers.
A 2010 regular who faces an
anxious wait for a place this time.
Jose Maria GIMENEZ
Age 19 (20.01.95)
Centre-back whose superb
displays in last years World Youth
Cup earned him a call-up. Was
thrown in against Colombia last
September, when both Lugano
and Godin were suspended, and
looked instantly at home.
Egidio AREVALO RIOS
Morelia (Mex)
Age 32 (01.01.82)
First choice mideld destroyer.
Aggressive little hit man who plays
within his limitations, covering
space, snapping in with his tackles
and seldom attempting to create.
Has played in Brazil, Italy, the USA
and Mexico.
Walter GARGANO
Parma (Ita)
Age 29 (23.07.84)
Little defensive midelder who
has been a solid squad player ever
since the 2007 Copa America.
Has been based in Italy for seven
years, and is married to the sister
of former Napoli team-mate
Marek Hamsik.
Diego PEREZ
Bologna (Ita)
Age 34 (18.05.80)
Feisty little central midelder who
encapsulates the sides warrior
spirit. Unlucky to miss out on the
2002 World Cup, but has made
up for it with a long international
career, which presumably will
come to an end in Brazil.
Edinson CAVANI
Age 27 (14.02.87)
Described by Tabarez as the
perfect son in law, his capacity
for work is such that he can be
best described as a box-to-box
centre-forward. Scored one and
helped set up all the others in the
5-0 play-off win over Jordan.
Diego FORLAN
Cerezo Osaka (Jap)
Age 34 (19.05.79)
Technically gifted striker who can
also operate deeper. He lost his
place during the qualiers but is
still an important option from the
Bench. Voted the tournaments
best player at the last World Cup
in South Africa.
Alvaro GONZALEZ
Lazio (Ita)
Age 29 (29.10.84)
Right-sided midelder who can
also cover right-back or central
mideld. Missed out on the last
World Cup but played in 12
qualiers this time (half of them
off the bench). The emergence
of Stuani threatens his position.
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KEY
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Abel HERNANDEZ
Palermo (Ita)
Age 23 (08.08.90)
Lanky, left-footed striker with a
ne burst of pace. A product of
the 2009 under-20 team, his
opportunities have been limited,
but he celebrated a rare start,
in the Confederations Cup, by
scoring four goals against Tahiti.
Luis SUAREZ
Liverpool (Eng)
Age 27 (24.01.87)
Uruguays all-time top scorer, who
struck 11 goals in qualifying. Fast,
strong, skilful, unpredictable on
his day all but unplayable. In the
shadow of Forlan four years ago,
how will he cope with carrying his
countrys hopes this time around?
Diego GODIN
Age 28 (16.02.86)
Centre-back who is calm,
combative and with excellent
positional sense. Enjoying a
magnicent club season. Tabarez
trusts that he can carry his form
into the World Cup, where he will
be expected to protect Lugano.
Diego LUGANO
West Bromwich Albion (Eng)
Age 33 (02.11.80)
Centre-back and captain, and a
commanding aerial presence in
both penalty areas. But slowing
up, and likely to pick up cards.
Intelligent and articulate, though
ruthless on the eld. First made
his name in Brazil with Sao Paulo.
Nicolas LODEIRO
Botafogo (Bra)
Age 25 (21.03.89)
Stocky, left-footed attacking
midelder who was sent off in the
rst game of the 2010 World Cup
and later suffered serious injury.
Has yet to full the hopes around
him, but started and scored
in the play-off against Jordan.
Martin SILVA
Vasco da Gama (Bra)
Age 31 (25.03.83)
Impressively calm keeper whose
prole was raised by a splendid
2013 Libertadores campaign with
Olimpia of Paraguay. Was given a
rare opportunity in the play-off
against Jordan, deputising for the
injured Muslera.
93WDS14SMY247.pgs 02.05.2014 19:28
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WORLD SOCCER 147
Alvaro PEREIRA
Sao Paulo (Bra)
Age 28 (28.11.85)
Dynamic left-sided player who
was a vital part of the side at
the 2010 nals and the 2011
Copa America, but who has since
struggled for form. At his best, his
pace helps link the strikers with
the deep defensive line.
Maxi PEREIRA
Benca (Por)
Age 30 (08.06.84)
Stocky, tough and quick
right-back, who has been a xture
in the side during the Tabarez
years. Joined Benca in 2007,
after rst making his name with
Defensor. Opened the scoring
in the play-off against Jordan.
Christian STUANI
Espanyol (Spa)
Age 27 (12.10.86)
Successfully incorporated into
the team in the tense home run
of qualication one of the very
few outsiders to break into the
squad since the last World Cup. A
right-sided midelder capable of
pushing forward into the box.
Cristian RODRIGUEZ
Age 28 (30.09.85)
Stocky little left winger, known
as onion, full of cunning and
reduced-space skills. Has been
around the national team since
the Copa America of 2004, but
missed out on the last World Cup
due to suspension.
TACTICS
Andres SCOTTI
Nacional
Age 38 (14.12.75)
Veteran reserve centre-back,
who is favoured by Tabarez as
much for his calming experience
in the dressing room as he is for
his performances. Managed to get
sent off last year against Tahiti in
the Confederations Cup.
Tabarez to stick to what he knows best
8
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Gaston RAMIREZ
Southampton (Eng)
Age 23 (02.12.90)
Lanky, attacking midelder with
an excellent left foot. A product
of the 2009 Under-20 side, he
was promoted to the senior squad
soon after the last World Cup.
Has the potential to be a very
useful supply line for the strikers.
In the last World Cup, in every game that
Uruguay played, they had less possession
than the opposition but more shots. As
a team we want to be as we were in
South Africa difcult to play against,
says coach Tabarez. I dont aspire to
anything else.
This reveals much about
Uruguays approach. There
are few pretensions of mideld elaboration in
the team. Instead, they will be happy to grind
out results with 4-4-2, waiting patiently for
space to open up into which they can then
spring their dangerous strikers.
The Tabarez team has been noted for its
tactical exibility, for the capacity to adopt
to different formations, sometimes with no
changes in personnel. There has, however,
been less of that over the last two years,
although they did play a third centre-back
away to Ecuador in October when the coach
clearly felt that the altitude of Quito called for
extra defensive cover. And, intriguingly, they
used a back three in two friendlies against
France away in August 2012 and then at
home the following June keeping a clean
sheet both times.
But while that variation is still in their
locker, ever since a disastrous 4-0 defeat to
Colombia in September 2012, Uruguay have
stuck to a back four. With Christian Stuani
and Cristian Rodriguez as specialist wide
midelders, it enables them to keep the
defensive line close together and limit the
space that the veteran defender Diego
Lugano has to cover. Keeping things so
compact has allowed Tabarez to drop one
of his pair of central mideld markers, with
Diego Perez giving way of late so that the
more creative Nicolas Lodeiro can come in
alongside Egidio Arevalo Rios, who is the
leading mideld hit-man.
Luis Suarez will spend most of his time
on the shoulder of the last defender, while
Edinson Cavani, with his extraordinary
capacity for hard work, will play the role of
box-to-box striker, dropping deep when
necessary to link the side together.
Diego Forlan, the hero of the last
campaign, remains a dangerous and
respected option on the bench.

Plan B?
Experiments with a back three are likely
to remain on the backburner. One possible
variation on the regular 4-4-2 framework
is to bring on Forlan as a third striker in a
4-3-1-2, playing him in place of Lodeiro
behind the main strike pair.

Muslera
Caceres
Arevalo Rios
Godin
Lodeiro
Rodriguez
Suarez
Cavani
Stuani
M Pereira
Caceres
Stuani
Lugano
Godin
Forlan
Arevalo Rios
Rodriguez
Suarez
Cavani
M Pereira
4-4-2
Lugano
Muslera
4-3-1-2
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Martin CAMPANA (G, Age 25, 29.05.89, 13/1,
Defensor)
Sebastian COATES (D, Age 23, 07.10.90, 13/1,
Liverpool, Eng)
Alejandro SILVA (D, Age 24, 04.09.89, 2/0,
Lanus, Arg)
Giorgian DE ARRASCAETA (M, Age 20, 01.06.94,
0/0, Defensor)
Sebastian EGUREN (M, Age 33, 08.01.81, 51/7,
Palmeiras, Bra)
Alvaro FERNANDEZ (M, Age 28, 11.10.85, 11/0,
Chicago Fire, USA)
Gonzalo CASTRO (F, Age 29, 14.09.84, 3/0, Real
Sociedad, Spa)
93WDS14SMY248.pgs 02.05.2014 19:30
148 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
W
hen Winston Churchill talked about a
riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an
enigma he was referring to the politics
of the Soviet Union, but his words ring just as
true about the USAs football team.
This is a side that at times can look inept to
the point of being laughable, yet one that can
also beat Italy in Italy. It is also one that has
no clearly dened style; not least because
Jurgen Klinsmann has been chopping and
changing his starting line-up for almost every
game. He says he wants to play a high-speed,
high-pressure style, but his charges are quite
clearly often playing a counter-attacking game.
Qualication may have been achieved by
winning the group, although the fans were
always left wondering what might happen from
game to game. Klinsmann talked about
watching his team develop and commented on
how gratifying it was to be able to say its
working. And in Marchs friendly against
Mexico, one could at last see what he meant.
Led by a dominating performance from
midelder Michael Bradley, his team produced
a rst-half performance that was as good as
any produced by a senior US national team:
stylish, skilful, intelligent soccer that was worthy
of the two-goal lead. What a pity that it
crumbled back to shapeless incoherence in the
second half as Mexico tied it up at 2-2.
In Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Landon
Donovan, the States have a trio of virtually
world-class players. But there are problems
with the supporting cast. The goalkeeping is
ne as always, thats an American strength, and
Tim Howard continues the tradition. But the
back four is unsettled, inexperienced and slow.
In mideld, Jermaine Jones may be a rock
but he is also a huge liability and prone to
violent play. Alongside Bradley, Fabian Johnson
and Graham Zusi are both solid if unremarkable
players. Up front, Dempsey is running into
goalscoring form with perfect timing which is
handy because his likely partner, Jozy Altidore,
has suddenly lost his scoring touch.
Klinsmanns aim is to get out of a very
difcult group that he calls the worst of the
worst. He will be hoping to spring a surprise or
two, but the US will need help. For progress to
be made, a few miscues from Ghana, Portugal
and Germany will have to replace the riddles,
the enigmas and the mysteries.
Paul Gardner
May 14 Training camp in San Francisco
May 27 Friendly v Azerbaijan in San
Francisco
Jun 1 Friendly v Turkey in Harrison
Jun 7 Friendly v Nigeria in Jacksonville
Jun 8 Travel to base in Brazil
THE VIEW FROM THE USA
On paper, the United States
has little or no chance of
getting out of their group in the
World Cup. But the US is a
group of believers and their
coach Jurgen Klinsmann is a masterful
motivator. Michael Bradley is in great form
and will need to stay healthy for Klinsmann
to play the possession-oriented football he
so desperately desires. Probably the biggest
factor going against the US is the fact that
they have gained enough respect that teams
will now take them very seriously.
Steve Sampson, former national coach
The USAs record over the last two years
under Jurgen Klinsmann is on paper
impressive, but the USA has rarely played
BASE CAMP
The fans were always left
wondering what might
happen from game to game
USA
Who knows which US team will show up in Brazil?
The enigmatic States
Despite facing group games in the northern
venues of Manaus, Natal and Recife, Jurgen
Klinsmann has stuck to his original plans to
base his squad in the city of Sao Paulo, where
the team held a training camp in January. They
will be staying in the heart of the city, at the
Hotel Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej, and will use
the Frederico Germano Menzen training centre.
Main man...the USAs inuential midelder Bradley
Manaus
1,671 miles
BRAZIL
GROUP G FIXTURES
Jun 16 v Ghana (Natal)
Jun 22 v Portugal (Manaus)
Jun 26 v Germany (Recife)
1,798 miles
1,625 miles
Recife
Sao Paulo

Natal

93WDS14SMY249.pgs 02.05.2014 13:56
WORLD SOCCER 149
How he got the job
Having
unsuccessfully
courted Klinsmann
in 2006 and 2010,
US Soccer hired the
German after Bob
Bradleys team were
outplayed 4-2 by
Mexico in the 2011
Gold Cup Final.
Guided Germany to third place on
home soil at the 2006 World Cup.
In his second coaching stint he was
red by Bayern Munich after just eight
months in charge.
A World Cup winner in 1990 and
a Euro champion in 1996 with
Germany. Won UEFA Cup titles with
Internazionale (1991) and Bayern
Munich (1996), and also lifted the
Bundesliga title (1997).
Played in 1990, 1994 and 1998 World
Cups, and coached Germany at the
2006 tournament.

He successfully sued German
newspaper Bild-Zeitung for libel in
2006, but in the USA he has a cosy
relationship with the mainstream media
that largely treats him with reverence.

Popular among fans. Communicates
on Facebook and Twitter, hosts open
training sessions and frequently thanks
fans for their support.

A big believer in motivational
techniques. He once hired a frying-pan
folding, phonebook-ripping minister to
inspire his players.

Former Germany coach Berti Vogts
joined as an assistant two months
before the World Cup.

After the World Cup
US Soccer renewed his contract
through until 2018 in December.
Jurgen KLINSMANN (Ger)
Age 49 (30.07.64)
USA coach since July 2011
COACH PROFILE
like a team capable of matching its formidable
rivals in Group G. Of its three best players,
Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey were lured
back to MLS because of huge paydays but also
because of their concerns about playing time
with their European clubs, while Landon Donovan
has slowed down considerably since returning
from his hiatus at the start of the 2013 season.
Paul Kennedy, editor-in-chief Soccer America
l For coach Jurgen Klinsmann,
secure in the knowledge that he
has four years remaining on his
contract, the knockout stage and
beyond is the goal. Its no secret
that the US have to play at the top of their level
or over their heads to accomplish this. The
spirit of the US players is high; if they are
competitive but miss out on advancing, the
players will see this as a failure. The bar in
America has been raised and cries of atta-boy
and good try will no longer do.
Roberto Abramowitz, Futbol Mundial magazine

l Obviously, its a very tough group, but I think
that if, on the day, we bring our A game, our
chances of advancing are fair to pretty good. We
played well and beat Portugal in the 2002
World Cup, and were certainly due
for a win against Ghana. Thats the
troublesome game, the rst game.
But I like the way Klinsmann has
them playing, the way he wants to
pressure and attack opponents.
Nick Sakiewicz, CEO of MLS club
Philadelphia Union
93WDS14SMY250.pgs 02.05.2014 13:57
WORLD CUP 2014 USA SQUAD
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Brad GUZAN
Aston Villa (Eng)
Age 29 (09.09.84)
Has plenty of English experience,
as Aston Villas rst choice. Called
upon when Howard is injured, has
always played well. Has a good
record for saving penalties.
Tim HOWARD
Everton (Eng)
Age 35 (06.03.79)
First choice since 2007. He was
the back-up to Kasey Keller in the
2006 World Cup and rst choice
in 2010. Solid in every aspect of
goalkeeping, and now has over
10 years of Premier League
experience, mostly with Everton.
DaMarcus BEASLEY
Puebla (Mex)
Age 32 (24.05.82)
Started as a forward, where his
tricky dribbling earned him the
nickname Jitterbug. After spells
in Europe he moved to Mexico. By
this time he was a left-back, and
Klinsmann has made use of his
skills and speed in that position.
Matt BESLER
Sporting Kansas City
Age 27 (11.02.87)
A late bloomer who, at age 26 has
become Klinsmanns choice as a
central defender. Tall, sturdy, with
above average technical skills.
Keeps his game simple, not given
to offensive forays.
Geoff CAMERON
Stoke City (Eng)
Age 28 (11.07.85)
A versatile player who is useful for
Klinsmann who has had troubles
nding reliable defenders. Has
also played in mideld. Hard
tackling and good aerial ability are
his strengths, but not considered
an attacking threat.
Kyle BECKERMAN
Real Salt Lake
Age 32 (23.04.82)
Feisty midelder who has spent
his entire career in MLS. Instantly
recognisable because of his
dreadlocks. Hard tackler, good
passer. Plays a mostly defensive
role, but scores four or ve goals
per season for his club.
Alejandro BEDOYA
Nantes (Fra)
Age 27 (29.04.87)
Has enjoyed a good season with
Nantes, in an attacking wide role.
Of Colombian descent, his
quickness and guile not often
a characteristic of American
midelders are a big part of his
game. His rst World Cup.
Landon DONOVAN
Los Angeles Galaxy
Age 32 (04.03.82)
The most complete player the
USA has ever produced, he still
possesses the rare artistry and
creativity that have made him
so important to the USA. But a
noticeable loss of pace threatens
to curtail his inuence.
Jozy ALTIDORE
Sunderland (Eng)
Age 24 (06.11.89)
A year ago the powerfully built
and speedy striker seemed to be
the USAs prime goalscorer after
some prodigious scoring with
Dutch club AZ . Things have
turned sour at Sunderland but he
remains Klinsmanns rst-choice.

Clint DEMPSEY
Seattle Sounders
Age 31 (09.03.83)
The most potent attacking player
the USA possesses and hugely
important as a playmaker and a
goalscorer. A sharp-shooter with
either foot, a crafty passer of the
ball and tall enough to pose an
aerial threat.
Michael BRADLEY
Toronto
Age 26 (31.07.87)
Son of former US coach Bob
Bradley. Non-stop midelder
whose clever and accurate
passing have moved him ahead
of Donovan as the USAs most
essential player. Back in MLS
after spells in Holland and Italy.
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R
W
A
R
D
S
12
caps
goals
KEY
156
57
Julian GREEN
Bayern Munich (Ger)
Age 19 (06.06.95)
Another of Klinsmanns
German-trained players. Short,
slight, elusive forward, a tricky
dribbler, but has played just three
minutes for the Bayern senior
team. Pep Guardiola says he
can play up front or wide.
Aron JOHANNSSON
AZ (Hol)
Age 23 (10.11.90)
Born in Alabama to Icelandic
parents, he moved to Iceland aged
three. Has developed into a mobile,
skilful forward, scoring prolically
in the Dutch league. The Icelandic
federation was not best pleased
when he opted to play for the USA.
Chris WONDOLOWSKI
San Jose Earthquakes
Age 31 (28.01.83)
A classic late bloomer who scored
just seven goals in his rst six MLS
seasons. In 2012 he equalled the
MLS single-season record with 27
goals in 32 games. Quick and
brave in the box, purely and
simply a natural goalscorer.
Brad EVANS
Seattle Sounders
Age 29 (20.04.85)
A midelder for his club but called
up by Klinsmann as an emergency
full-back for the key qualier in
Jamaica where he responded by
scoring a late winning goal.
Omar GONZALEZ
Los Angeles Galaxy
Age 25 (11.10.88)
Dominant in the air, his $1.25m
contract with Galaxy makes him
the highest paid American defender
in MLS. A spell in Europe ended
prematurely in 2012 when he
tore knee ligaments while training
on loan with Nuremberg.
Mix DISKERUD
Rosenborg (Nor)
Age 23 (02.10.90)
Born and raised in Norway.
Mother is American. An admirer
of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Highly
rated by Klinsmann: With Mix we
have a player I think is a special
talent, has a special vision, he can
pass between people.
Nick RIMANDO
Real Salt Lake
Age 34 (17.06.79)
Third-choice who has played in
MLS for 15 years. Compensates
for his relative lack of height with
formidable athleticism.
93WDS14SMY251.pgs 02.05.2014 19:28
19
0
25
0
x
x
46
5
WORLD SOCCER 151
Clarence GOODSON
Age 32 (17.05.82)
Reliable, straightforward centre-
back who returned to MLS in
2013 after a ve-year spell in
Norway and Denmark. Tall, good
in the air, less so on the ground,
with good positional sense.
Michael PARKHURST
Age 30 (24.01.84)
Without a dominating physique,
he has built a reputation as a,
smart, skilful and clean-tackling
centre-back in MLS. After
a ve-year spell in Denmark,
he is back in MLS, playing as
an attacking full-back.
Graham ZUSI
Sporting Kansas City
Age 27 (18.08.86)
The quintessential American
midelder, physically strong,
super-high work rate, combined
with good tackling and passing
skills - but all utterly straightfor-
ward. Artistry and subtlety are
lacking, however.
Jermaine JONES
Besiktas (Tur)
Age 32 (03.11.81)
One-man wrecking crew who was
controversially appointed captain
by Klinsmann for two games in
2012 while serving an eight-week
Bundesliga ban. Made three
friendly appearances for Germany
before switching to play for USA.
TACTICS
Dempsey and Bradley are the main men
with Donovan on the bench
20
3
39
2
Fabian JOHNSON
Hoffenheim (Ger)
Age 26 (11.12.87)
Fast, technically sound player who
can play on the back line or in
mideld. Played alongside Khedira
and Ozil in Germanys under-21
side but responded positively to
Klinsmanns invitation that he
switch allegiance to the USA.
Klinsmanns basic formation is a 4-4-2,
shading in its defensive version to a
4-1-4-1. The back line is Klinsmanns
biggest headache, where he has to
nd the answers to an overall lack
of speed, and an out-of-form
Gonzalez. The likely set-up is
a central pairing of Omar Gonzalez and the
comparatively inexperienced Matt Besler,
with Michael Parkhurst at right-back and
DaMarcus Beasley on the left. Expect
Gonzalez and Besler to stay home, while
Parkhurst and Beasley both have plenty
of attacking skills.
The favoured defensive midelder is
Jermaine Jones, but Kyle Beckerman
is a strong challenger. Michael Bradley is a
xture in centre mideld, with Fabian Johnson
on his left, Graham Zusi to the right.
Clint Dempsey plays up front with Jozy
Altidore - but Altidores lack of goal-scoring
form could open up a place for either Aron
Johannsson or Julian Green.
Dempsey goes into the World Cup in
ne scoring form. He will get good support
from Bradley, adept at providing dangerous
through balls, while Zusi is a good crosser. If
Altidore proves ineffective up front, the likely
replacements to play alongside Dempsey
look good Johansson, coming off a
26-goal season at AZ, and the highly
promising youngster Green.
With this formation, Landon Donovan
would be used as a substitute. It is a set-up
geared to Klinsmanns wish to play a high
pace, high pressure style. But it brings its
own problems when opponents counter
attack rapidly. The ability of the USAs
unreliable defence to deal with those
situations is a source of concern. At the
least, it means a tough time for the defensive
midelder, where Jones aggressive style
would be likely to attract yellow cards.
Plan B?
As for an alternative, Klinsmann will withdraw
a forward into the mideld to make it a
4-5-1. Klinsmann has often played with a
single forward, usually Altidore, and having
Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan in a
ve-man mideld even though theyre the
best US scorers.
One of the central defenders Jones or
Beckerman will mainly serve as a sweeper in
front of the back four.
Howard
Beasley
Jones
Besler
Zusi
Johnson
Altidore
Dempsey
Bradley
Parkhurst
Besler
Parkhurst
Jones
Beasley
Donovan
Dempsey
Bradley
Altidore
Zusi
Gonzalez
4-4-2
Gonzalez
Howard
4-5-1
ALSO IN CONTENTION
Tony BELTRAN (D, Age 26, 11.10.87, 3/0, Real Salt
Lake)
DeAndre YEDLIN (D, Age 20, 09.07.93, 2/0, Seattle
Sounders)
Maurice EDU (M, Age 28, 18.04.86, 46/1, Bursaspor,
Tur)
Eddie JOHNSON (F, Age 30, 31.03.84, 63/19, DC
United)
93WDS14SMY252.pgs 02.05.2014 19:30
154 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD CUP 2014
(all kick-off times BST)
GROUP A
O BRAZIL O CROATIA O MEXICO O CAMEROON
12.06.14 Brazil v Croatia Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, (9pm)
13.06.14 Mexico v Cameroon Arena das Dunas, Natal (5pm)
17.06.14 Brazil v Mexico Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza (8pm)
18.06.14 Cameroon v Croatia Arena Amazonia, Manaus (11pm)
23.06.14 Cameroon v Brazil Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (9pm)
23.06.14 Croatia v Mexico Arena Pernambuco, Recife (9pm)
GROUP B
O SPAIN O HOLLAND O CHILE O AUSTRALIA
13.06.14 Spain v Holland Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (8pm)
13.06.14 Chile v Australia Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba (11pm)
18.06.14 Spain v Chile Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (8pm)
18.06.14 Australia v Holland Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (5pm)
23.06.14 Australia v Spain Arena da Baixada, Curitiba (5pm)
23.06.14 Holland v Chile Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo ( 5pm)
GROUP C
O COLOMBIA O GREECE O IVORY COAST O JAPAN
14.06.14 Colombia v Greece Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (5pm)
15.06.14 Ivory Coast v Japan Arena Pernambuco, Recife (2am)
19.06.14 Colombia v Ivory Coast Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (5pm)
19.06.14 Japan v Greece Arena das Dunas, Natal (11pm)
24.06.14 Japan v Colombia Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba (9pm)
24.06.14 Greece v Ivory Coast Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza (9pm)
GROUP D
O URUGUAY O COSTA RICA O ENGLAND O ITALY
14.06.14 Uruguay v Costa Rica Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza (8pm)
14.06.14 England v Italy Arena Amazonia, Manaus (11pm)
19.06.14 Uruguay v England Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo (8pm)
20.06.14 Italy v Costa Rica Arena Pernambuco, Recife (5pm)
24 .06.14 Italy v Uruguay Arena das Dunas, Natal (5pm)
24.06.14 Costa Rica v England Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (5pm)
GROUP E
O SWITZERLAND O ECUADOR O FRANCE O HONDURAS
15.06.14 Switzerland v Ecuador Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (5pm)
15.06.14 France v Honduras Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (8pm)
20.06.14 Switzerland v France Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (8pm)
20.06.14 Honduras v Ecuador Arena da Baixada, Curitiba (11pm)
25.06.14 Honduras v Switzerland Arena Amazonia, Manaus (9pm)
25.06.14 Ecuador v France Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (9pm)
GROUP F
O ARGENTINA O BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA O IRAN O NIGERIA
15.06.14 Arg v Bosnia-H Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (11pm)
16.06.14 Iran v Nigeria Arena da Baixada, Curitiba (8pm)
21.06.14 Argentina v Iran Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (5pm)
21.06.14 Nigeria v Bosnia-H Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba (11pm)
25.06.14 Nigeria v Argentina Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (5pm)
25.06.14 Bosnia-H v Iran Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (5pm)
GROUP G
O GERMANY O PORTUGAL O GHANA O UNITED STATES
16.06.14 Germany v Portugal Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (5pm)
16.06.14 Ghana v USA Arena das Dunas, Natal (11pm)
21.06.14 Germany v Ghana Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza (8pm)
22.06.14 USA v Portugal Arena Amazonia, Manaus (11pm)
26.06.14 USA v Germany Arena Pernambuco, Recife (5pm)
26.06.14 Portugal v Ghana Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (5pm)
GROUP H
O BELGIUM O ALGERIA O RUSSIA O SOUTH KOREA
17.06.14 Belgium v Algeria Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (5pm)
17.06.14 Russia v South Korea Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba (11pm)
22.06.14 Belgium v Russia Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (5pm)
22.06.14 South Korea v Algeria Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (8pm)
26.06.14 South Korea v Belgium Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo (9pm)
26.06.14 Algeria v Russia Arena da Baixada, Curitiba (9pm)
2014 World Cup schedule
SEMI-FINALS
08.07.14 Win QF1 v Win QF2 Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (9pm)
09.07.14 Win QF3 v Win QF4 Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo (9pm)
THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF
12.07.14 Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (9pm)
FINAL
13.07.14 Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (8pm)
SECOND ROUND
28.06.14 (2R1) Win Gp A v Run-up Gp B Est Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (5pm)
28.06.14 (2R2) Win Gp C v Run-up Gp D Estadio do Maracana, Rio (9pm)
29.06.14 (2R3) Win Gp B v Run-up Gp A Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza (5pm)
29.06.14 (2R4) Win Gp D v Run-up Gp C Arena Pernambuco, Recife (9pm)
30.06.14 (2R5) Win Gp E v Run-up Gp F Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (5pm)
30.06.14 (2R6) Win Gp G v Run-up Gp H Est Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (9pm)
01.07.14 (2R7) Win Gp F v Run-up Gp E A. de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo (5pm)
01.07.14 (2R8) Win Gp H v Run-up Gp G Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (9pm)
QUARTER-FINALS
05.07.14 (QF4) Win 2R7 v Win 2R8 Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (5pm)
05.07.14 (QF3) Win 2R3 v Win 2R4 Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (9pm)
QUARTER-FINALS
04.07.14 (QF2) Win 2R5 v Win 2R6 Est do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (5pm)
04.07.14 (QF1) Win 2R1 v Win 2R2 Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza (9pm)
93WDS14SMY255.pgs 02.05.2014 19:30
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World Soccer Special Edition - Brazil World Cup 2014

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World Soccer Special Edition - Brazil World Cup 2014

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Untitled-3 3 24/04/2014 14:26

High hopes...will Brazil be celebrating on July 13?

93WDS14SMY163.pgs 02.05.2014 19:04

High hopes...Ecuador players during a qualifying win over Paraguay

93WDS14SMY183.pgs 02.05.2014 13:43

93WDS14SMY223.pgs 02.05.2014 13:53

Christian Stuani...one of the stars of the qualifying campaign

93WDS14SMY245.pgs 02.05.2014 13:57

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