In FIFA We Trust?

Football has never been immune to scandal and corruption. Whether it’s bribery, match-fixing, betting, or blackmailing, the truth is that behind the scenes, the beautiful game is anything but. Somehow, though, it would be nice to believe that there was some trusted source that could act as a shining beacon in a sport filled with greed and corruption…. say, maybe the sport’s world governing body? You know, that watchdog of goodness, filled with former players and people who are honestly elected by model nations and have only altruistic intentions? Yeah, FIFA… the crown jewel of honesty, model behavior, and respect, right? Oh. Maybe not so much.

So it seems like that stoic portrait of honor and trust is only vaguely believable when there is nothing to be gained. Considering that within 7 months’ time, 2 World Cups were awarded and “elections” will be held for FIFA president, then we shouldn’t expect any kind of good behavior for quite some time, as that is a whole heck of a lot to be gained.

The bribery issues came to the forefront in advance of the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in early December. FIFA President Sepp Blatter, in an attempt to convince us of the impenetrable rock of integrity that FIFA is, moved swiftly to administer justice to the accused. With six FIFA Executive Committee members accused, two were suspended and unable to vote, including FIFA Vice President Amos Adamu. Blatter was careful to not suspend all of them so as to have enough voting members to be able to stay on his timeline for the voting process.

Shockingly, with the elections for FIFA President looming in a couple of weeks, it was revealed this week by Lord Triesman, Chair of the English Football Association, that there are at least four and as many as six more FIFA executive committee members reported to have asked for money or favors in exchange for their vote during the World Cup bidding process. (It was nice of them to stagger the accusations, news organizations really appreciate that kind of thing…maybe they are on the take, too?)

So with this newest round of scandal, it begs the question: can we ever put our trust in this organization? Does the fact that its offices are nestled in a sweet little neutral country known for delicious chocolate and great skiing make up for the ridiculous amounts of power afforded to such a select few? And who do we get to police the police? The European Union says they will step in to audit, etc., but do they have any actual power to do anything? How long can we keep the corruption off of the pitch? Is there something we can do to prevent at least some of the corruption?

One thing is for sure. The credibility of FIFA has never been more pristine. Because when it comes to FIFA, we are guaranteed that someone is going to get greedy and/or power hungry. The question is how far can we keep this corruption from the beautiful game?

Borromeo and Schrock IN, Many OTT and De Jong OUT!

4-2-3-1 is a relatively defensive formation. using 2 holding midfielder not only to screen for defense, but also initiate attacks from rear midfield...

this formation provide large wing spaces for teams to utilize. also the distance could be drawn between the CAM and the target person (#9). therefore a fast #9 could be used very efficiently in 4-2-3-1.
This formation has a clear offensive and defensive zonal for each player. This translates to a player s responsibilities.
This formation is effective for team that adopts a balance defensive-possessive-offensive football philosophy.
Having 2 Central Midfielders(Schrock and Lucena) means opponents would find some difficulties penetrating from the centre. And when the Forward drop down as Attacking Midfielder, this formation put balance in midfield which means opponents would have to fight for space and possession. Having a Centre Forward, this formation promotes counter-attack and through-pass which can be deadly and tiring to opponents.


Weiss needs to concentrate on the defence in 1st half and attack the kuwait squad in late 2nd half.. ganito palagi ginagawa ng mga Giant Team sa europa lalo na pag Underdog sila. Mourinho and winger tactics vs Barca. just like Real Madrid did in barcelona last copa del rey.


if the 1st leg end with a draw, hmmmm I can say "azkals in Round 3"




Both Germany and Holland used the 4-2-3-1 with a False 9 and False 10 combo at the World Cup. Thus their average shape resembled a slanted 4-2-4-0. 
As was mentioned it can used either for possession and attack with a deep playmaker or defense and counter-attack.


I don’t claim to be any great tactical authority.  I’m not Zonal Marking, Jose Mourinho, or Andy Townsend.  I do not own a tactics truck, or even an ipad.  But a bit of research and a bit of common sense tells us just where we’ll need to get it right

Luis Suárez double takes Uruguay past Peru and into Copa América final

After four upsets in the quarter-finals, normal service was resumed in the Copa América as Uruguay beat a limited Peru side 2-0 to reach Sunday's final. Two goals in the space of five minutes in the second half from Luis Suárez were enough for Oscar Washington Tabárez's side to make it through, and their task was made easier when Peru's captain, Juan Vargas, was sent off after 69 minutes.

Uruguay knocked out the hosts Argentina in the previous round, but were firm favourites against Peru, who were in their first semi-final since 1997. The match largely went true to form, Uruguay pressing hard in search of an opener and Peru sitting back, content to play on the break. The first half was tight, more notable for several yellow cards for both sides than any free-flowing football.

However the few chances created went Uruguay's way. Early on Suárez demonstrated his threat when he volleyed wide following a free-kick from Diego Forlán. He might have done better. Not long after, Raúl Fernández was called into action, denying the lively Alvaro Pereira from close range after Suárez had flicked on a throw-in.

Gradually Peru grew into the match and their best chance came when Vargas's wonderful cross from the left was just missed by Paolo Guerrero and Luis Advíncula. That was a rare moment of menace from them though, and they had a scare just before half time when Alvaro Pereira poked the ball past Fernández after Diego Lugano had flicked on another Forlán free-kick. Fortunately for Peru, the flag was up for offside, Pereira straying a few yards past the last defender.

The breakthrough was coming though, and Uruguay did not need long to make their dominance count at the start of the second half. After 53 minutes, Forlán had a go from long range. The shot was heading wide of the right post, but Fernandez, having lost his bearings, pushed the ball back out into the six-yard box and from a tight angle, the alert Suárez smashed the rebound past the goalkeeper.

Five minutes later, Suárez did it again. Released by Alvaro Pereira's lovely ball over the top, he rounded Fernández, who had foolishly come racing out of his area, and then slid the ball into the empty net. Uruguay were well worth their lead. Without the injured Jefferson Farfán and Claudio Pizarro, this was a step too far for Peru, who were unable to support the isolated Guerrero. This has been a wonderful tournament for them, but their frustration boiled over when Vargas reacted to provocation from Sebastián Coates and elbowed the defender in the face, earning himself a red card.

Uruguay have won the Copa América 14 times. They will fancy their chances of making it 15 on Sunda

Real Madrid want Arsenal star Robin van Persie

It's the news no Arsenal fan wanted to hear - the bombshell dropped by the Metro to the effect that Robin van Persie is being eyed up by Real Madrid. The Dutch master has been openly critical in recent weeks of Arsenal's transfer policy and it seems that the Spanish giants have got wind of his discontent and are allegedly exploiting it to the full.

The Metro claims that Jose Mourinho is ready to offer the Gunners £30m for van Persie in the hope of enticing him to the Bernabeu. Apparently the Real boss has been an admirer of the striker's since his days in charge at Chelsea and he sees him as a far more efficient goal-scoring machine than either Gonzalo Higuain or Karim Benzema.
Van Persie scored 22 goals in 26 starts last season and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may find it hard to resist an offer of £30m for the striker.
At least Arsenal fans can console themselves with the news that Nicklas Bendtner looks set to leave the club, with the Daily Mail speculating that the 23-year-old - omitted from the Gunners' pre-season tour to Asia - will be on his way to Everton on loan.
Borussia Dortmund have apparently turned down the Dane, presumably having watched tapes of him in action (if that's the right word) last season but the Toffees have expressed an interest.
The Mail also says that Arsenal have agreed terms for Joel Campbell, a 19-year-old striker from Costa Rica striker currently with Deportivo Saprissa. The Gunners will pay the central American club £930,000 with the teenager arriving at the Emirates while he applies for a work permit. Once that is done and dusted he'll be a regular fixture at the Arsenal.

AGENT: BARCA IN FOR NEYMAR

Neymar's agent claims Barcelona are vying with Real Madrid for the player's services.
The 19-year-old Santos forward is one of the hottest properties in the summer transfer market. His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, insists a move to Madrid, long-standing admirers of the player, is Neymar's preference but that Barcelona are the more attractive option for his current club.
Ribeiro claims Barca are prepared to wait until after they and Copa Libertadores winners Santos have competed in the Club World Cup in December, which would enable Santos president Luis Alvaro De Oliveira to honour a pledge he made that Neymar would lead the team at the tournament in Japan before moving to Europe.
Ribeiro told www.as.com: "The exact situation is as follows: Barcelona want him next year and will pay next year, Madrid want him now and are prepared to pay now.
"The main problem is that the kid (Neymar) wants to play in the Club World Cup against Barcelona, and Santos are using their force to make him choose Barca.
"The numbers being talked about by both clubs (Madrid and Barcelona) are good, but Neymar would prefer a move to Madrid."
Ribeiro insists Neymar will make a final decision once Brazil's involvement in the Copa America is at an end.

BRAZIL FOLLOWS ARGENTINA OUT OF COPA AMERICA

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - First it was Argentina, now Brazil has been eliminated from a surprising Copa America tournament.

Brazil lost to Paraguay on penalties in the quarterfinals on Sunday, meaning the tournament will finish without South America's two most important national teams. Host Argentina was knocked out Saturday after losing to Uruguay, also in a penalty shootout.

The semifinals will pit Uruguay against Peru and Paraguay against Venezuela, which advanced to the semifinals for the first time in its history by beating Chile 2-1.

There will be a new South American champion for the first time in at least 16 years. Uruguay won the 1995 tournament at home, and since then Brazil won four titles and Colombia one -- at home in 2001.

The Copa America winner will automatically earn a spot in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Brazil outplayed Paraguay from the start but was not able to capitalize on its scoring opportunities, thanks mostly to a great performance by goalkeeper Justo Villar.

Villar stopped defender Thiago Silva's shot in the shootout and Elano, Andre Santos and Fred also missed for Brazil, giving the Paraguayans a 2-0 victory. Marcelo Estigarribia and Christian Riveros scored to help Paraguay reach the final four for the first time since 1989.

"Brazil should've won after 90 minutes," Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said. "Sometimes we get these results. We played entirely differently from how we wanted to play."

Paraguay will play in the semifinals, despite not having any victories in its four matches so far. It's only shot on goal Sunday didn't come until the 88th minute. Brazil, meanwhile, had several clear scoring chances throughout the match in La Plata.

Brazil was trying to win its third straight Copa America title after having won four of the past five tournaments, and coach Mano Menezes brought a mixed squad of veterans and promising young stars to also prepare for the 2014 World Cup at home.

"It's important to keep our calm after a loss and avoid thinking that it was all negative," Menezes said. "We improved after the (tough) start in the competition and we will continue working hard so we can reach the positive results in the future."

Brazil won only one of its four matches. The team drew with Venezuela and Paraguay before beating Ecuador 4-2 in the group stage.

"It's always disappointing when things don't go our way," Menezes said.

Argentina's exit also was disappointing. Playing at home, and with Lionel Messi, it was trying to end a drought of 18 years without major titles.

In San Juan, Venezuela continued its surprising run by eliminating Chile, which had been playing well and was considered a title favourite.

Oswaldo Vizcarrondo opened the scoring in the 35th minute and Gabriel Cichero scored the winner in the 81st. Chile scored with Humberto Suazo in the 70th.

Both teams finished with 10 players after Chile's Gary Medel was sent off for his second yellow card in the 83rd and Venezuela's Tomas Rincon was shown a red card in second-half injury time

"I am leaving sad," said Chile coach Claudio Borghi. "But I don't feel cheated. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet all the expectations people had."

Better known for its baseball, Venezuela is unbeaten in four games. It was coming off draws against Brazil and Paraguay and a victory against Ecuador.

"We beat a rival who was in the World Cup," Venezuela coach Cesar Farias said of Chile, which reached the second round last year in South Africa.

Uruguay, now the slight title favourite, will play Peru on Tuesday in La Plata. Paraguay and Venezuela will play Wednesday at Mendoza. Uruguay drew the Peruvians 1-1 when they met in the group stage, while Paraguay and Venezuela drew 3-3.

Argentina Failed to Advance in Semi Finals

Uruguay advanced to the semifinals of the Copa America with a penalty shootout victory over hosts Argentina on Saturday, with Carlos Tevez having his spotkick saved by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in the decider.

The game ended 1-1 after regulation time and there was no addition to that scoreline in extra time. The final tally in the shootout was 5-4 to Uruguay.

Diego Perez gave Uruguay a surprise 1-0 lead in the 6th minute, but Gonzalo Higuain equalized in the 18th. Argentina had a man advantage from the 39th when Perez received his second yellow. But Muslera and Uruguay's rugged defense stopped Argentina, which had a dozen chances in regulation and extra time.

The teams returned to even strength when Argentina captain Javier Mascherano was sent off in the 87th.

Uruguay will face Peru in the semifinals on Tuesday.

On Sunday, Brazil faces Paraguay and Chile plays Venezuela in the remaining quarterfinals.

It's a bitter loss Argentina, which was hoping to win its first major trophy in 18 years; and hoping to do it at home with Lionel Messi, the world's best player. Messi showed flashes, but was unable to deliver for his home nation where he has been often criticized for not performing as well as he does at Barcelona.

Argentina never gelled as a team, winning only one match in four at the tournament. That against an under-23 team that Costa Rica fielded as a guest nation from the CONCACAF region.

The website of the Argentine sports daily ''Ole'' immediatley called the loss ''a national failure. Good-bye to the dream of winning the Copa at home. Not even Messi can save us''

Again, Argentina's smaller neighbor Uruguay was the better side. Last year in the World Cup in South Africa, Uruguay also reached the semifinals with Argentina going out at the quarterfinal stage.

Argentina and Uruguay have each won this event 14 times, and Brazil has won eight. But Brazil has won four of the past five.

''We've managed to reach our first objective, which was to match our results in the last Copa America,'' Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said.

BEST XI OF COPA AMERICA

Best ... through group stage, that is. Check out Joel Richards' and Rupert Fryer's picks: Who made the cut?

Argentina coach Sergio Batista is now likely to come under enormous pressure. Batista replaced Diego Maradona following the World Cup, and immediately after the match was asked if he planned to resign.

''I'm not thinging about that,'' he said. ''It has never crossed by mind. I have to continue on the job. My job started five or six months ago, and I have to continue with my plans. The important thing is the (2014) World Cup.