After years of being named the “dark continent” the world cup is about to land in one of the greatest continents in the world. Call it what you may but AFRICA IS DAMN GREAT!! The people are great, especially with their unity in diversity. Their culture is splendid. Most people perceive the Africans as being backward due to their culture (especially their skin clothing) but in contrast, they the most intellectual people in this world. As a prelude to the big event, the Fifa Confederations Cup 2009 will also be held in South Africa. But for now, lets leave that and focus on the world cup.
Finally, the great names in world class football will be in this great continent. The likes of Kaka, Torres, Fabregas, Rooney, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovich, Raul, Henry, Ika Casillas to mention but a few, will be coming to Africa. Let us not forget the African bred footballers: the likes of Diouf, Drogba, Etoo, Kalou and the African footballer of 2008 Adebayor.
So there is much to be expected. The stadiums are in top gear preparation. Roads are being re-carpeted, hotels are being constructed and upgraded plus many other things in preparing the world for the most watched and televised international event.
The question then is are you ready for this? Start saving up early! With the economic melt down going on you had better begin doing something early enough if you have to enjoy this phenomenal experience. You do not want to miss this.
Over the next few months as a build up to the great occasion, we will analyze various players and their progress in the individual leagues, what to expect from them their expectations and their role in their national teams. We will also look at the world cup qualifiers games as they happen.
You are encouraged to live a comment about your most preferred team to win and why you think they’ll. Feel free and express yourself as you will. This is your chance for your voice to be heard by 10 million other people around the world. This is your site!
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3/22/09
Confederations Cup 2009 – Italian National Team
The Italian national football team is the current world cup champions and will be featuring in the Confederations Cup of 2009. It is currently ranked 4th in the world by Fifa. They beat France at the 2006 world cup which ended with the dramatic head butt by the veteran footballer, Zinedine Zidane, on Materrazi. Personally, I believe France would have lifted the trophy but penalties can make the game go either way. They were also quite impressive in the Euro cup. They are a force to reckon with in this confederations cup and would definitely be a team worth checking out as they defend their title in the Fifa world cup in South Africa. There style of mostly based on the experience. The average age of the national team players is about 30 so you can imagine all that experience. But skill and speed is, in my opinion, what they lack.
From the current form of its players, the ideal starting 11 for Italy would be: Buffon (in goal), Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Gamberini and Dossena in defence, De Rossi, Aquilani, Del Piero, Pirlo in midfield and Luca Toni and Gilardino in striking. Since the whole team carries with it experience, the strength of the team is well balanced throughout the positions. Other names that could make headlines are Perotta, Di Natale, Camoranesi and others (add a comment at the end of this post to who or what you think will work). As observed in the world cup of 2009, Italy can do wonders. They may not have the speed and creativity that comes with many current sides, but they definately have the heart to win and the experience is an added advantage. One player I really like is the man Gatuzzo. He is a mean looking beast and meeting him on the pitch, I would guess, would be worse. I remember during the 2006-2007 UEFA champions league where he was policeman-marking the wonderful Cristiano Ronaldo. What a wonderful job he did. If he would be included in this side, then Italy are bound to go far both in the confederations cup and the world cup.
Italy will be facing off with Brazil, one of their common rivals since the world cup where they lost to Brazil. They will also be facing off with Egypt, the current Africa Cup of Nations champions and also USA. The top scoring goal machine is a veteran Luigi Riva. I don’t have much information about him, if you do, please feel free to add any more information. The player with the most caps is definitely the great defender Paolo Maldini. He definitely has to be included in the all time greats of Italian soccer. Playing mainly at central defence, he was a force to reckon with. The current captain of the team is Fabio Cannavaro who was so splendid in the last world cup that he was given a club transfer to Real Madrid. I believe he is capable of fitting into the shoes of the great Maldini and even do more..
So watch out for Italy in the Fifa Confederations Cup 2009. They will be led by Marcello Lipi, a well experienced coach. You would not like to miss this action. They will be in their famous blue shirts and white shorts!!
They are also known as THE AZZURRIS….sorry not sure of spelling!!!
Spanish National Team
English National Team
South African National Team
Egyptian National Team
Brazilian National Team
Are you planning to go to South Africa for the world cup? Will you make a stop over in Kenya? Will you need to hire a car?
If you will, click here to book the vehicle. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers.
From the current form of its players, the ideal starting 11 for Italy would be: Buffon (in goal), Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Gamberini and Dossena in defence, De Rossi, Aquilani, Del Piero, Pirlo in midfield and Luca Toni and Gilardino in striking. Since the whole team carries with it experience, the strength of the team is well balanced throughout the positions. Other names that could make headlines are Perotta, Di Natale, Camoranesi and others (add a comment at the end of this post to who or what you think will work). As observed in the world cup of 2009, Italy can do wonders. They may not have the speed and creativity that comes with many current sides, but they definately have the heart to win and the experience is an added advantage. One player I really like is the man Gatuzzo. He is a mean looking beast and meeting him on the pitch, I would guess, would be worse. I remember during the 2006-2007 UEFA champions league where he was policeman-marking the wonderful Cristiano Ronaldo. What a wonderful job he did. If he would be included in this side, then Italy are bound to go far both in the confederations cup and the world cup.
Italy will be facing off with Brazil, one of their common rivals since the world cup where they lost to Brazil. They will also be facing off with Egypt, the current Africa Cup of Nations champions and also USA. The top scoring goal machine is a veteran Luigi Riva. I don’t have much information about him, if you do, please feel free to add any more information. The player with the most caps is definitely the great defender Paolo Maldini. He definitely has to be included in the all time greats of Italian soccer. Playing mainly at central defence, he was a force to reckon with. The current captain of the team is Fabio Cannavaro who was so splendid in the last world cup that he was given a club transfer to Real Madrid. I believe he is capable of fitting into the shoes of the great Maldini and even do more..
So watch out for Italy in the Fifa Confederations Cup 2009. They will be led by Marcello Lipi, a well experienced coach. You would not like to miss this action. They will be in their famous blue shirts and white shorts!!
They are also known as THE AZZURRIS….sorry not sure of spelling!!!
Spanish National Team
English National Team
South African National Team
Egyptian National Team
Brazilian National Team
Are you planning to go to South Africa for the world cup? Will you make a stop over in Kenya? Will you need to hire a car?
If you will, click here to book the vehicle. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers.
Confederations Cup 2009 – Egyptian National Team
The Egyptian national soccer team, also known as The Pharaohs, is the reigning African Cup of Nations champions. Because of this, they will be featuring in the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa. They have held this title since 2006. They have always been found to be underdogs in these champions as compared to other African nations that boast of having premier players playing in major leagues abroad. In fact, if you analyze the national team properly, it is made up of players who mostly play in the local leagues and mainly come from either El Zamalek or Al-Ahly. This is one of the first African national soccer teams that do not believe in big names that rule major leagues in Europe. They have a unique style of play where seems everyone can read each others mind and they all work together towards the same purpose which is to win. This is why they are 6 time African Cup of nations champions.
This was displayed very well at the MTN African Cup of Nations of 2008 held in Ghana where in the finals; they were up against a very promising Cameroonian side. A blunder by the very experienced Rigobert Song led Egypt to raise the cup with a 1-0 win over the indomitable lions of Cameroon. In fact, these 2 teams had been drawn in the same group and Egypt had handed them a 4-2 defeat during the group matches. Egypt then went on to beat Sudan 3-0 and then drew with Zambia. In the quarter finals, Egypt was able to defeat Angola 2-1 and then went on to defeat the great Ivorians by 4-1. In short, their style of play that Egypt has does not depend on how good the quality of a player is.
If you analyze most African teams properly, you will find that most of their attacks will be centered towards one powerful figure who has a name or have names in the major leagues in the world. This, most of the times, puts pressure on the stars to perform and when they don’t, all blame is given to them. But Egyptian soccer stands out from all the rest. Everyone in the team is important and their role in the team is greatly appreciated. There are no big names to watch out for (ok….may be just a few who are outstanding). The ball is not directed towards one person to perform. Everyone has to play this role. I think all African countries should borrow from Egypt’s way of soccer.
Nevertheless, some of the names to watch out for are like Amr Zaki, Mido, the ever so splendid goal keeper, El Hadary, Shawky and Ahmed Hassan (captain). Zaki and Mido are well known names in the English premier league but when they are playing for country, you can only notice them when they have the ball. Talk is not all about them but about how the team has worked. Personally, I can say that Africa’s goalkeeper of the year has to be El Hadary. He has splendid save and can make dives that are only seen in the swimming stadiums. The most capped Egyptian player who happens to be the leading scorer and one of the great veterans of Egyptian soccer is Hossam Hassan. He has played in most of the Egyptian soccer national tournaments and has won 5 titles with the national team. He is currently the manager of a local club, El-Masry.
We look forward to seeing the pharaohs do some tremendous work even against teams like Brazil, Italy and Spain. In the group stages of the Confederations Cup of 2009 , Egypt have been put together with Brazil, Italy and USA……..what a tough group!!!
Spanish National Team
English National Team
South African National Team
Brazilian National Team
Italian National Team
Are you planning to go to South Africa for the world cup? Will you make a stop over in Kenya? Will you need to hire a car?
If you will, click here to book the vehicle. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers.
This was displayed very well at the MTN African Cup of Nations of 2008 held in Ghana where in the finals; they were up against a very promising Cameroonian side. A blunder by the very experienced Rigobert Song led Egypt to raise the cup with a 1-0 win over the indomitable lions of Cameroon. In fact, these 2 teams had been drawn in the same group and Egypt had handed them a 4-2 defeat during the group matches. Egypt then went on to beat Sudan 3-0 and then drew with Zambia. In the quarter finals, Egypt was able to defeat Angola 2-1 and then went on to defeat the great Ivorians by 4-1. In short, their style of play that Egypt has does not depend on how good the quality of a player is.
If you analyze most African teams properly, you will find that most of their attacks will be centered towards one powerful figure who has a name or have names in the major leagues in the world. This, most of the times, puts pressure on the stars to perform and when they don’t, all blame is given to them. But Egyptian soccer stands out from all the rest. Everyone in the team is important and their role in the team is greatly appreciated. There are no big names to watch out for (ok….may be just a few who are outstanding). The ball is not directed towards one person to perform. Everyone has to play this role. I think all African countries should borrow from Egypt’s way of soccer.
Nevertheless, some of the names to watch out for are like Amr Zaki, Mido, the ever so splendid goal keeper, El Hadary, Shawky and Ahmed Hassan (captain). Zaki and Mido are well known names in the English premier league but when they are playing for country, you can only notice them when they have the ball. Talk is not all about them but about how the team has worked. Personally, I can say that Africa’s goalkeeper of the year has to be El Hadary. He has splendid save and can make dives that are only seen in the swimming stadiums. The most capped Egyptian player who happens to be the leading scorer and one of the great veterans of Egyptian soccer is Hossam Hassan. He has played in most of the Egyptian soccer national tournaments and has won 5 titles with the national team. He is currently the manager of a local club, El-Masry.
We look forward to seeing the pharaohs do some tremendous work even against teams like Brazil, Italy and Spain. In the group stages of the Confederations Cup of 2009 , Egypt have been put together with Brazil, Italy and USA……..what a tough group!!!
Spanish National Team
English National Team
South African National Team
Brazilian National Team
Italian National Team
Are you planning to go to South Africa for the world cup? Will you make a stop over in Kenya? Will you need to hire a car?
If you will, click here to book the vehicle. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers.
Confederations Cup 2009 – South African National Team
The South African national soccer team, also known as Bafana bafana, is the current host of both the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup and the big event, 2010 Fifa world cup. One thing you have to understand about South African football is that it has been through many challenges, ever since the time of racism in the country. You can read more on soccer history in South Africa. But despite all the ups and downs this team has been through because of the political nature of the country, bafana bafana have been able to prove their worth and this even led the country to hosting one of the most watched and televised tournaments in the world: 2010 Fifa world cup.
One of the most surprising things about ‘the boys’, as they are also called, is that when they first hosted the 1996 African Nations Cup, they also won it in the same year!! Isn’t that great or what! Imagine the first time you host a competition and you go ahead and win it! That was quite a splendid job by the South African National Team. Something else that you might have never known about bafana bafana is that their biggest win was against Australia, in Adelaide, Australia. The score was 8-0. But this was way back in 1955. Anyway, that’s still a large score but may be the game had just been introduced because soccer (or football) was invented by the English. Their worst defeat was against the same Australia, where they were beaten 5-1. Well it seemed the Australians were out to pay back for the embarrassment they had received.
Enough about history, let’s look at some prominent players. One of them happens to be the captain and the most capped South African player, Aaron Mokoena. He plays in the backline and is currently playing in the English premier league with Blackburn Rovers. He brings to the squad a lot of experience as he started representing his country in 1999. I guess he would be happy to celebrate 10 years of representing his country in international soccer competitions by winning the Fifa Confederations Cup. Alongside him will be his Blackburn teammate and striker, Bennie McCarthy. This is one of the lethal African strikers who are in the premier league. If you give him a little room, he can do wonders! Surprisingly, he is also the current top scorer of the bafana bafana with 31 goals for his country. He will be one of the players many South Africans will be looking to deliver when things get a little tough. Another young talent that is less heard of is the Everton midfield player, Steven Pienaar. I have seen this kid play and he is so fast and has great control skills. He is able to manoeuvre round large players (as he does in the English premier league quite often). His shots are on target may at times cause the goalkeeper to be warned! His passes are also accurate and he is able to setup strikers at the right position and time. I believe with the combination of Pienaar and McCarthy and all they experience they bring from one of the most competitive leagues in the world, they would be able to carry South Africa into lifting the Fifa Confederations Cup. Some of the other players are Bradley Carnell, Morgan Gould, Lance Davids, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Bernard Parker and many others in the squad.
So as we await for the Confederations Cup to start, we hope and pray that the host will not let their country down, now that they are hosting both the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup and also the 2010 Fifa World Cup. They will be led by Brazilian coach, Joel Santana.
Spanish National Team
English National Team
Egyptian National Team
Brazilian National Team
Italian National Team
Are you planning to go to South Africa for the world cup? Will you make a stop over in Kenya? Will you need to hire a car?
If you will, click here to book the vehicle. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers.
One of the most surprising things about ‘the boys’, as they are also called, is that when they first hosted the 1996 African Nations Cup, they also won it in the same year!! Isn’t that great or what! Imagine the first time you host a competition and you go ahead and win it! That was quite a splendid job by the South African National Team. Something else that you might have never known about bafana bafana is that their biggest win was against Australia, in Adelaide, Australia. The score was 8-0. But this was way back in 1955. Anyway, that’s still a large score but may be the game had just been introduced because soccer (or football) was invented by the English. Their worst defeat was against the same Australia, where they were beaten 5-1. Well it seemed the Australians were out to pay back for the embarrassment they had received.
Enough about history, let’s look at some prominent players. One of them happens to be the captain and the most capped South African player, Aaron Mokoena. He plays in the backline and is currently playing in the English premier league with Blackburn Rovers. He brings to the squad a lot of experience as he started representing his country in 1999. I guess he would be happy to celebrate 10 years of representing his country in international soccer competitions by winning the Fifa Confederations Cup. Alongside him will be his Blackburn teammate and striker, Bennie McCarthy. This is one of the lethal African strikers who are in the premier league. If you give him a little room, he can do wonders! Surprisingly, he is also the current top scorer of the bafana bafana with 31 goals for his country. He will be one of the players many South Africans will be looking to deliver when things get a little tough. Another young talent that is less heard of is the Everton midfield player, Steven Pienaar. I have seen this kid play and he is so fast and has great control skills. He is able to manoeuvre round large players (as he does in the English premier league quite often). His shots are on target may at times cause the goalkeeper to be warned! His passes are also accurate and he is able to setup strikers at the right position and time. I believe with the combination of Pienaar and McCarthy and all they experience they bring from one of the most competitive leagues in the world, they would be able to carry South Africa into lifting the Fifa Confederations Cup. Some of the other players are Bradley Carnell, Morgan Gould, Lance Davids, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Bernard Parker and many others in the squad.
So as we await for the Confederations Cup to start, we hope and pray that the host will not let their country down, now that they are hosting both the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup and also the 2010 Fifa World Cup. They will be led by Brazilian coach, Joel Santana.
Spanish National Team
English National Team
Egyptian National Team
Brazilian National Team
Italian National Team
Are you planning to go to South Africa for the world cup? Will you make a stop over in Kenya? Will you need to hire a car?
If you will, click here to book the vehicle. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers.
Confederations Cup 2009 – Brazilian National Team
The samba boys, as they are well known as, are the current Fifa Confederations Cup holders and are currently ranked 5th according to Fifa rankings. Brazilian football is said to be one of the most creative and most exquisite football you will ever watch. A famous quote on football goes as follows “The English created it, the Brazilians perfected it. How true! These samba boys are so creative and talented that words themselves seem to be an understatement to what the do on the pitch. In every single competition or even friendly match they participate in, there has to be someone who comes out with a spout of brilliance. They are a very impressive side when it comes to ball control, speed and finishing. It has been found out that whenever Brazil is playing, no matter how much you love your team, you just hope and pray that no much humiliation will be done. Some of the things these boys do on the field can make you feel pity for your own country. They may not win, but their foot display will definitely remain in your mind for a long time. They are a force to reckon with in this confederations cup and would definitely be a team worth checking out in the Fifa world cup in South Africa. Their style of play is mixture of a lot and I mean a lot of great footwork, aided by speed and perfect finishing. Experience may not be as much but the above mentioned qualities do a perfect cover up for this.
With some of the greatest names in the world of football coming from this country, it is quite hard to put a starting 11 but let me try: Julio Cesar or Dida (in goal), Juan, Lucio, Maicon and Marcelo in defense, Robinho, Ronaldinho, Elano and Kaka in midfield and up-front, we will have Julio Baptista and Adriano. One funny thing about the Brazilian footballers is that we know most of them by one name. If many of us were to be asked their other names, we would remain staring. But that’s just a by the way! There are many other playmakers not included in this squad. Feel free to add them and you may want to comment on what they would bring to the team.
We can’t talk about Brazil and forget one of the greatest players in the world and the leading top scorer of the national team, the man Edison (Edson) Arantes do Nascimento, commonly known to you as Pele. He is one of the most renowned football greats in this world and has scored 77 goals for his country. He is the only footballer to be a part of three World Cup-winning teams. He is now currently an ambassador for football after retiring from it in 1977. He is one of the driving forces behind the Brazilian national team, a great sportsman indeed. Cafu is another great Brazilian who has 142 caps under his belt as a Brazilian right back. His strong style of player with a few tricks here and there enabled him to represent his country the most times.
Just a quick analysis on the team. Just imagine Robinho, Ronaldinho and Kaka at the heart of the mid-field with all their capabilities. It’s not fair!! They will give you a lot of leg work until you get drunk, literally!! Speaking about each of these players individually is a whole article on its own. But one thing I really have to mention is how Kaka made to Man U defenders fall on each other during a UEFA champions league qualifying match. I will never forget that…..please fill free and add more exciting and memorable moments of these players.
Brazil will be facing off with Italy, Egypt, and the USA in the Confederations cup. The current captain of the team is Lucio
Brazil is definitely a team to watch out in any competition and even friendly, including the Fifa Confederations Cup 2009. They will be led by former player, Dunga, who was one of the world cup winners in 1994. You would not like to miss this action. They will be in their famous yellow shirts and blue shorts!!
Watch out for the dancing samba boys both on and off the pitch!!!!!!
Are you planning to go to South Africa for the world cup? Will you make a stop over in Kenya? Will you need to hire a car?
If you will, click here to book the vehicle. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers.
With some of the greatest names in the world of football coming from this country, it is quite hard to put a starting 11 but let me try: Julio Cesar or Dida (in goal), Juan, Lucio, Maicon and Marcelo in defense, Robinho, Ronaldinho, Elano and Kaka in midfield and up-front, we will have Julio Baptista and Adriano. One funny thing about the Brazilian footballers is that we know most of them by one name. If many of us were to be asked their other names, we would remain staring. But that’s just a by the way! There are many other playmakers not included in this squad. Feel free to add them and you may want to comment on what they would bring to the team.
We can’t talk about Brazil and forget one of the greatest players in the world and the leading top scorer of the national team, the man Edison (Edson) Arantes do Nascimento, commonly known to you as Pele. He is one of the most renowned football greats in this world and has scored 77 goals for his country. He is the only footballer to be a part of three World Cup-winning teams. He is now currently an ambassador for football after retiring from it in 1977. He is one of the driving forces behind the Brazilian national team, a great sportsman indeed. Cafu is another great Brazilian who has 142 caps under his belt as a Brazilian right back. His strong style of player with a few tricks here and there enabled him to represent his country the most times.
Just a quick analysis on the team. Just imagine Robinho, Ronaldinho and Kaka at the heart of the mid-field with all their capabilities. It’s not fair!! They will give you a lot of leg work until you get drunk, literally!! Speaking about each of these players individually is a whole article on its own. But one thing I really have to mention is how Kaka made to Man U defenders fall on each other during a UEFA champions league qualifying match. I will never forget that…..please fill free and add more exciting and memorable moments of these players.
Brazil will be facing off with Italy, Egypt, and the USA in the Confederations cup. The current captain of the team is Lucio
Brazil is definitely a team to watch out in any competition and even friendly, including the Fifa Confederations Cup 2009. They will be led by former player, Dunga, who was one of the world cup winners in 1994. You would not like to miss this action. They will be in their famous yellow shirts and blue shorts!!
Watch out for the dancing samba boys both on and off the pitch!!!!!!
Are you planning to go to South Africa for the world cup? Will you make a stop over in Kenya? Will you need to hire a car?
If you will, click here to book the vehicle. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers.
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