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Biography OF France International Football Team 2014

FIFA World Cup history 

France have always commanded respect on the global stage thanks to various legendary players and impressive performances dating back to 1930, but they made the leap to a whole new level in 1998. Whereas Platini, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana and Co experienced agony at the semi-final stage in 1982 and 1986, the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps finally took Les Bleus all the way, lifting the Trophy on home soil. That was followed by a surprise group-stage exit four years later, but they came close to adding a second star to their shirts in 2006, only losing out on penalties to Italy in the Final. Without 'Zizou' in their ranks, France then made a forgettable tilt at South Africa 2010, disappointing their supporters both on and off the pitch.

How did they qualify? 
Drawn into a group that contained not only world and European champions Spain but just five teams overall, France had precious little margin for error when their campaign kicked off. In the end, they made just one slip, losing at home to La Roja¬, but it was a defeat that cost them first place in the section. Didier Deschamps' side rarely sparkled during the group phase except for a fine performance on Spanish soil, where their efforts were finally rewarded with a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw. Ultimately they were destined for the play-offs, as they had been ahead of South Africa 2010, and their chances of reaching Brazil took a battering in Kiev, where Ukraine's superior desire and team spirit earned them a 2-0 advantage at the halfway stage in the tie. That left Les Bleus requiring a display of perfection in the second leg, but, with the Stade de France crowd in feverish mood, the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ winners turned things around with a 3-0 win that could prove a turning point for a side containing a number of exciting fresh talents. Mamadou Sakho, Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba are the standard-bearers of the new generation, while the gifted youngsters who led France to FIFA U-20 World Cup glory in 2013 stand waiting in the wings.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup France 1998 (Winners), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Los Angeles 1984 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Korea/Japan 2001, France 2003 (Winners), FIFA U-17 World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2001 (Winners), and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Rio de Janeiro 2005 (Winners)

The current crop
The French production line continues to turn out some of the most sought-after talents in the world game, but following in the footsteps of the 1998 world champions and 2006 runners-up has proved no easy task. Typically cited as among the favourites ahead of any major tournament, Les Bleus failed to win a single game at either UEFA EURO 2008 or the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and took a laborious route through to the quarter-finals at EURO 2012. The present generation will undoubtedly be anxious to draw a line under that recent tournament form when they touch down in Brazil.

Coach: Didier Deschamps


The key players
France boast solidity and strength in depth at the back, with a pair of top-drawer goalkeepers in Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda and a rearguard bolstered by the European experience of Eric Abidal, Laurent Koscielny and Raphael Varane. Further forward, Franck Ribery can produce moments of magic, while Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud both possess a keen eye for goal.

Former stars: Just Fontaine, Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane
Filed Under: , , , , , , on Thursday, April 10, 2014

England World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history 
England have appeared at 13 editions of the FIFA World Cup, including seven of the last eight. They were below-par at South Africa in 2010, narrowly qualifying from their group with a victory in the final match against Slovenia, before being outclassed 4-1 by Joachim Low’s Germany at the Round of 16 stage. The Three Lions have been FIFA World Cup winners once, in 1966 when they were hosts, but have since suffered a succession of early exits. Sir Bobby Robson came closest to matching the achievements of Sir Alf Ramsey’s ‘Wingless Wonders’, guiding England to the semi-finals at Italy 1990 only to be knocked out on penalties by Germany.

How they qualified 
England finished top of European Group H to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ after securing victory on the final matchday against Poland, banishing the demons of four decades earlier when a draw against the same opponents saw the Three Lions miss out on the 1974 tournament.

The road to Brazil 2014 was not as smooth as their campaign to reach South Africa, where they won nine of their ten matches on the way to the 2010 finals. Even though Roy Hodgson guided his side to an undefeated campaign, automatic qualification evaded England until the final match at Wembley. Two draws against closest rivals Ukraine, as well as stalemates in Warsaw and Podogorica, left England fans nervous until captain Steven Gerrard put the home match against Poland beyond doubt with a late goal to double his side's advantage and seal qualification.

Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup England 1966 (Winners)

Coach: Roy Hodgson

The key players 
Wayne Rooney remains England’s greatest talent and his seven goals in six World Cup qualifying starts underlined his importance to Roy Hodgson's side. In midfield, Gerrard and Frank Lampard provide experience and creativity while young guns Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andros Townsend highlight the Three Lions' attacking flair for the future. Danny Welbeck came into his own during qualification, scoring four goals on the way to the finals, while Daniel Sturridge's emergence as one of the English Premier League's top forwards can only bolster Roy Hodgson's attacking options for Brazil.

Former stars: Sir Bobby Charlton, Peter Shilton, Gary Lineker
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Ecuador World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history
While Ecuador failed to extricate themselves from a tough group at Korea/Japan 2002, their first-ever appearance at the final stages of a FIFA World Cup, the story was quite different at Germany 2006, where the South Americans got as far as the last 16, having surprisingly finished second in their pool behind the host nation. Unfortunately for the CONMEBOL representatives, England would prove a hurdle too far; the Three Lions triumphed 1-0 to move on to the quarter-finals.

How they qualified
Ecuador were plagued by inconsistency during their qualifying campaign. While La Tricolor went undefeated at home, beating every opponent in Quito except Argentina, with whom they drew, the side was unable to reproduce that form on the road, failing to win at all and drawing just three times. Nevertheless, one such stalemate – against Uruguay in Montevideo – proved decisive as Ecuador finished level on points with La Celeste but grabbed the last automatic qualifying spot thanks to their superior goal difference (four compared to Uruguay’s zero).

With a team that was among the top four in the standings on 14 of the 16 matchdays and that had to overcome the tragic death of Cristian Benitez, coach Reinaldo Rueda became the third Colombian to guide Ecuador to FIFA World Cup™ qualification.

Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 (Round of 16)

Coach: Reinaldo Rueda

The key players
Wingers Antonio Valencia and Christian Noboa, as well as forwards Felipe Caicedo and Jefferson Montero, represent an exciting new wave for Ecuadorian football, but they are also ably assisted by a handful of evergreen stalwarts with European experience, such as Edison Mendez, Walter Ayovi and Segundo Castillo.

Former stars: Ulises de la Cruz, Agustin Delgado, Jose Francisco Cevall
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Croatia World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup history
The Croats arrived for their maiden shot at the FIFA World Cup™ in 1998 as virtual unknowns, but were to prove one of the surprises of the tournament. They finished second in their group behind Argentina after losing 1-0 to the South Americans, but beating Jamaica 3-1 and Japan 1-0. A 1-0 win over Romania saw them through to the last eight and a meeting with Germany, where they stunningly won 3-0 to send the three-time world champions packing. Hosts and eventual winners France proved too strong in a 2-1 semi-final defeat, but the new boys crowned a dream debut by beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the third place play-off. The next two tournaments proved thoroughly disappointing by comparison, as Croatia failed to survive the group stage at both Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006.

How they qualified
Croatia put their fans through the emotional mill in their qualification campaign. The Balkan team looked to be cruising after winning five and drawing one of their first six games, but they then took just one point from the next 12 available, losing at home to Scotland (1-0) and Belgium (2-1). Their good start eventually laid the foundation for a second-place finish, two points ahead of Serbia but nine adrift of runaway leaders Belgium.

A day after the final group game, Igor Stimac resigned from his post as head coach, with former Bundesliga player and Croatian international Niko Kovac – up until then in charge of the U-21 team – replacing him. Assisted by his brother Robert, Niko successfully led Croatia through their play-off against Iceland, but they were pushed all the way. Despite having a man advantage for long spells, the first leg ended goalless, before Croatia prevailed 2-0 in the return fixture. Mario Mandzukic grabbed the opener with Darijo Srna’s decisive effort giving supporters the cue to celebrate, although a red card shown to Mandzukic – one that means he will likely miss Croatia’s tournament opener – may dampen the mood somewhat by the time the tournament rolls around.

The current crop
Despite their absence from the 2010 finals, Croatia are a match for anyone on their day. Their goal is to recapture the glory days of the late 90's golden generation, of which he himself was a member. With many of the squad playing regularly in the English Premier League and the German Bundesliga, there is no reason why they cannot make an impact at Brazil 2014.

Best performance in a FIFA competition: 1998 FIFA World Cup France (Third place)

 Coach: Niko Kovac

The key players
Experienced captain Darijo Srna is a born leader, and playmakers Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar can always be relied upon for moments of inspiration. Kovac presides over a wealth of international-class attacking talent including Eduardo, Ivica Olic, Nikita Jelavic and Mario Mandzukic.

Former stars: Davor Suker, Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinecki
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Côte d’Ivoire World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history
Côte d’Ivoire have never made it past the group stage of a FIFA World Cup finals, but it is perhaps worth pointing out that the draw has never been particularly kind to them. For their debut appearance in 2006, the Elephants shared Group C with Argentina, Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro. They finished third in the pool, just as they did in South Africa four years later, when they were drawn alongside Brazil, Portugal and Korea DPR.

How they qualified
Côte d’Ivoire breezed through their opening qualifying group with four wins from their six matches. They scored 15 goals to five conceded, and their only dropped points came from two draws against their biggest rivals Morocco. Their home-and-away play-off was much trickier however as a resurgent Senegal stood in their way. For the final quarter of an hour of the second leg, the Senegalese were one goal away from knocking out the Elephants on away goals at 3-2 aggregate, but Salomon Kalou's late goal settled the tie and sent the Ivorians into their third consecutive World Cup finals.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 (Group stages), FIFA U-17 World Cup Canada 1987 (Third place), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1992 (Fourth place)

Coach: Sabri Lamouchi

The key players
Côte d’Ivoire boast some of the greatest individual talents in Africa. Forwards Drogba and Salomon Kalou are a formidable front pair, while midfield duo Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure perform key ball-winning duties in the middle of the park. Explosive winger Gervinho supplies service from both flanks, with Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure providing a wealth of experience at the back.  

Former stars: Laurent Pokou, Youssouf Fofana, Joel Tiehi
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Costa Rica World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history
Costa Rica played their first game as a national team in 1921, a 7-0 win over Central American neighbours El Salvador. As they developed as a side, things weren’t always quite so easy, but after many years of manful efforts they finally managed to reach the world’s biggest football tournament in 1990, taking full advantage of Mexico’s suspension to reach the finals in Italy. Once there, they beat Sweden and Scotland to reach the knockout rounds in an impressive debut under the care of wily boss Bora Milutinovic, where they lost to Czechoslovakia.

They returned to the world stage in 2002 after narrowly failing to reach USA 1994 and France 1998. Drawn into a tricky group alongside eventual champions Brazil and semi-finalists Turkey, the valiant Ticos went out at the first hurdle, the same stage where they would make their exit in a significantly poorer showing four years later in Germany.

How they qualified
The arrival of the Colombian Jorge Luis Pinto as national team coach has ushered in a new era for Costa Rica. Joining the CONCACAF preliminaries in Round 3, Los Ticos finished second behind Mexico in their group to advance to the final six-team phase, where they sealed their ticket to Brazil 2014 with two games to spare, eventually finishing second behind USA. Their successful campaign was based on two key factors. The first was their solidity at the back, with Pinto’s side conceding only seven goals in the final round, fewer than any other team. The second was their formidable home record of five wins in five games in the final phase.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Italy 1990 (Round of 16), FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 (Fourth place)


Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto



Key players


Costa Rica’s fortunes lie at the skillful feet of one Bryan Ruiz. Called “a truly special player” by former coach Rodrigo Kenton, Ruiz established himself at club side Twente in the Netherlands before moving on to Fulham in England. He ranks among the best playmakers in the North, Central American and Caribbean zone. Alongside Ruiz are a number of tried-and-trusted performers like Alvaro Saborio, Cristian Bolanos and outstanding goalkeeper Keilor Navas.The dribbling skills and all-around attacking play of the young Joel Campbell have made him another of Los Ticos’ most valuable assets.


Former stars: Hernan Medford, Paulo Wanchope, Walter Centeno

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Colombia World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history
With the exception of Italy 1990, when the golden generation that included Rene Higuita and Carlos Valderrama slipped up against unfancied Cameroon in the Round of 16, Colombia have never made it past the group stage at the FIFA World Cup. In fact, an analysis of the other three campaigns reveals a disappointing combined record of six defeats, one draw and just two wins at the tournament.

How they qualified
Colombia began the South American qualifiers well enough, collecting four points from their first two games before defeat at home to Argentina in their third outing spelled the end of Leonel Alvarez’s reign as coach. The arrival of Jose Nestor Pekerman as his replacement represented a turning point for Los Cafeteros in their journey to Brazil 2014, with the Argentinian coach overseeing a run of five wins in their next six games, a sequence that put them firmly on course for the finals.

Colombia’s convincing home form at their Barranquilla citadel was central to their successful campaign, as was the balance between attack and defence and their cutting edge up front. No side in the group let in fewer goals than their 13 and only two of their continental rivals scored more than their 27. After clinching a trip to their first world finals since France 1998 on the penultimate matchday, the Colombians eventually took second place, their highest ever finish since the introduction of the current qualifying system.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA U-20 World Cup UAE 2003 (Third place), FIFA World Cup Italy 1990 (Round of 16)

Coach: Jose Pekerman

The key players
With his sparkling form at Monaco, the prolific Falcao is now generally regarded as Colombia’s main attacking threat. The 25-year-old predator came to prominence at River Plate, first in the youth team and then with the senior side, before moving to Europe in 2009 where he won two Leagues, two Cups, three Super Cups and the UEFA Europa League with Porto, and then added another UEFA Europa League and European Super Cup with Atletico Madrid. As well as Falcao, the Colombians can also count on the experience of defensive duo Mario Yepes and Luis Perea at the back, as well as the creativity of attacking midfielder James Rodriguez and the goalscoring instinct of Teo Gutierrez, a lethal partner for Falcao up front.

Former stars: Rene Higuita, Carlos Valderrama, Faustino Asprilla
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Chile World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history

With eight FIFA World Cups™ under their belts, Chile are level with Paraguay in fourth place on the list of South American nations that have appeared at most editions of the showpiece event. Their best performance to date came when finishing third as host nation in 1962. On five other occasions they have failed to progress from the group phase, while at France 1998 and South Africa 2010 they reached the Round of 16, only to exit at the hands of Brazil on both occasions.

How they qualified

After Chile started their qualifying campaign by winning 12 of the first 18 points on offer, including away victories in Bolivia and Venezuela, three consecutive defeats (among them two home fixtures against Colombia and Argentina) spelled the end of Argentinian coach Claudio Borghi’s tenure. His compatriot Jorge Sampaoli was brought in as a replacement, although his reign got off to a poor start with a reverse in Peru. Yet the loss marked a turning point in Chile’s campaign, as they subsequently embarked on their best ever run of results in FIFA World Cup™ qualifying, chalking up five victories and a draw in their next six encounters to qualify for a second successive World Cup for the first time.

Under Sampaoli La Roja developed into an extremely attack-minded team, so much so that their 29-goal haul during qualification was bettered by only one nation. However, they also conceded more often (25 times) than any of the continent’s other automatic qualifiers and drew only once in their 16 qualifying fixtures.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Chile 1962 (Third place), FIFA U-17 World Cup Japan 1993 (Third place), FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 (Third place), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Sydney 2000 (Third place)

Coach: Jorge Sampaoli

The key players
Forwards Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas, as well as attacking midfielders Matias Fernandez and Arturo Vidal, are the leading men in a squad packed with talent and boasting viable alternatives in each position. Nor must we forget experienced performers such as Claudio Bravo, Gary Medel and Jorge Valdivia, or exciting rising stars like Jean Beausejour and Marcelo Diaz.

Former stars: Elias Figueroa, Ivan Zamorano, Marcelo Salas
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Cameroon World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history 
Perhaps no team has done more to shake up perceptions of African football. The Indomitable Lions exited Spain 1982 at the group stage, but they ended their maiden excursion undefeated, having drawn 0-0 with both Peru and Poland and 1-1 with eventual winners Italy. Eight years later, they wrote themselves into the annals of the game by beating holders Argentina in the Opening Match and becoming the first African side to reach the quarter-finals, powered by the goals of evergreen striker Roger Milla. That breakthrough performance remains their finest showing, group-stage exits having followed in 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010.

How they qualified
Drawn in perhaps the most open group in Africa, alongside Libya, Congo DR and Togo, Cameroon survived the challenge with the help of an overturned loss because of Togo's fielding of an ineligible player. Ultimately the Lions did enough anyway with a 1-0 defeat of the pace-setting Libyans in their final match that saw them finish with 13 points from six matches. Once in the final play-off round, they handled a tough task against Tunisia with aplomb. A scoreless draw on the road gave way to a 4-1 home win that has Volker Finke's side feeling confident about their trip to Brazil.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Italy 1990 (Quarter-finals), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Sydney 2000 (Winners)

Coach: Volker Finke

 The key players 
Samuel Eto'o remains the world-class threat up front, although the charismatic figure, who still serves as captain, has gone in and out of the team. But even without the Chelsea veteran, the side if loaded with experience and high-level talent. Nicolas N'Koulou, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Aurelien Chedjou remain vital at the back, while the midfield is even more loaded with Alex Song, Jean Makoun and Stephane Mbia at the heart of the team.

Former stars: Roger Milla, Marc-Vivien Foe, Rigobert Song
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Brazil World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history
So demanding are the Brazilian faithful, even a Seleção squad that finishes runners-up at a FIFA World Cup finals cannot be sure what kind of reception they will get on their return home. The only nation to have taken part in every edition of the elite competition, Brazil have lifted the coveted Trophy on a record five occasions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002), finished in second place twice (1950 and 1998) and taken the last spot on the podium at another two editions (1938 and 1978).

The current crop
Given they are set to host the next FIFA World Cup, Brazil have been spared the rigours of South American Zone qualifying. With that in mind, and fully aware of the enormous burden of expectation sure to surround A Verde e Amarelo in 2014, the national set-up have put in place an intense preparatory process featuring friendly clashes against fellow members of the global elite. This approach has been underlined by meetings with opponents of the calibre of Argentina, France, USA and the Netherlands since South Africa 2010. However, in their first major test on the road to 2014, the Brazil crashed out of the 2011 Copa America at the quarter-final stage, eliminated by Paraguay.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Sweden 1958, Chile 1962, Mexico 1970, USA 1994, Korea/Japan 2002 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Mexico 1983, USSR 1985, Australia 1993, UAE 2003 (Winners), FIFA U-17 World Cup Egypt 1997, New Zealand 1999, Finland 2003 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1997, Germany 2005, South Africa 2009 (Winners)

Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari

The key players
Striker Neymar is already being hailed as a man capable of playing a key role for the five-time world champions come Brazil 2014. Currently among the supporting cast in attack is the youngster’s former Santos team-mate Robinho, while Barcelona’s Dani Alves is a lung-bursting presence on the flank. Between the sticks, veteran goalkeeper Julio Cesar exudes confidence and security to the rest of the backline.

Former stars: Garrincha, Pele, Ronaldo
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Bosnia-Herzegovina World Cup 2014


How they qualified
Bosnia-Herzegovina had an outstanding campaign, winning eight of their ten matches, drawing and losing just once. A ruthless attack and resilient rearguard were the cornerstones of the side’s success, with the 30 goals scored representing the fourth-highest tally in European zone qualifying. Equally impressive was a defence that was breached just six times. Bosnia-Herzegovina’s notable goal difference proved crucial too, edging them past a Greece side that finished level on points, to secure direct passage to Brazil 2014 and a first appearance at a FIFA World Cup™.

After starting with a string of victories combined with a goalless draw in Greece, coach Safet Susic’s team’s campaign initially went according to plan. However, a 1-0 defeat at home to Slovakia in September 2013 set up a nail-biting finale for Bosnia-Herzegovina, before they pipped Greece to the post on the final matchday.
Best performance in a FIFA competition: None

Coach: Safet Susic

The key players
Bosnia-Herzegovina have a core of talented players capable of changing games in an instant, ranging from the likes of Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic up front, through midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Zvjezdan Misimovic, all the way back to defensive rock Emir Spahic and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The majority of the squad regularly showcase their talents in Europe’s biggest leagues, giving them the experience necessary to shine on the biggest stage of them all.

Former stars: Vahid Halilhodic, Hasan Salihamidzic, Safet Susic
Filed Under: , on Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Belgium World Cup 2014


FIFA World Cup finals history 
Founding members of FIFA, Belgium have taken part in 11 FIFA World Cup™ final tournaments and were an ever-present force between 1982 and 2002. In 1998, the side coached by Georges Leekens in his first spell at the helm came third in their group and made an early exit, while in 2002 Robert Waseige’s men fell in the last 16 to eventual winners Brazil. Neither of those teams came anywhere close to matching the generation that sparkled during Mexico 1986, when they reached the semi-finals before succumbing to Argentina.

How they qualified
Having looked to be building towards something special for a number of years, Belgium finally made the breakthrough many expected, with a golden generation seemingly capable of challenging the best. Les Diables Rouges (Red Devils) proved that on the road to Brazil 2014, topping Group A ahead of the likes of Croatia, Serbia and Scotland after an almost faultless campaign. The Belgians only dropped points in an early draw against Croatia and a second stalemate in their final outing, when their finals place was already assured. They sealed their progress in their penultimate encounter, an excellent 2-1 victory in Zagreb that owed much to a double from Romelu Lukaku, one of several talents who have added a new dimension to their game since moving to the English Premier League.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Mexico 1986 (Fourth place), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Antwerp 1920 (Winners)

Coach: Marc Wilmots

The key players 
On paper, Belgium can call upon an armada of stars, all plying their trade in Europe’s most prestigious championships. The depth of their talent pool is striking, with Nacer Chadli threatening to eclipse crowd favourite Eden Hazard before the latter has approached anything near his peak. Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Toby Alderweireld are the latest stars to emerge, while the likes of Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Axel Witsel, Marouane Fellaini and Steven Defour have already established themselves as senior figures.

Former stars: Enzo Scifo, Jean-Marie Pfaff, Marc Wilmots
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Australia World Cup 2014

FIFA World Cup finals history 
Though a team made up entirely of amateurs secured a scoreless draw against Chile, Australia departed from the 1974 FIFA World Cup without a goal to show from their inaugural appearance. The Socceroos made up for lost time at Germany 2006 and qualified for the Round of 16 before narrowly falling to eventual champions Italy. The German theme continued at South Africa 2010 although this time Australia suffered a 4-0 loss against the European giants in a scoreline which ultimately scuppered their progress. A ten-man 1-1 draw against Ghana and a 2-1 win against Serbia saw the Aussies eliminated on goal difference, three goals off the Africans. 


How they qualified
Having cruised to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ with two games to spare, Australia entered their second qualifying campaign for the global showpiece since joining AFC targeting a second consecutive and smooth qualification. Instead, the road to Brazil 2014 proved to be a bumpy one for the Socceroos, who had to overcome some erratic form to secure their progression.

A narrow comeback win over Thailand and a loss to Oman in the opening stage served as a warning shot, although they ultimately progressed to the next phase as group winners. Then the Australians opened the next round in miserable fashion, drawing against Oman and Japan before losing to Jordan 2-1.

Though stunned, they rallied to claw back into contention with a victory over Iraq before two draws and a 4-0 defeat of Jordan put them on the cusp of qualification. They kept their cool in the final match of the round against Iraq as substitute Josh Kennedy scored late to seal their passage through. Coach Holger Osieck was dismissed in October 2013 after successive 6-0 defeats against Brazil and France, with former Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and National Youth Teams coach Ange Postecoglou appointed.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 (Round of 16), FIFA U-17 World Cup New Zealand 1999 (Runners-up) 

Coach: Ange Postecoglou


The key players 
Tim Cahill remains the team’s undoubted star and talisman with a stunning goal ratio from midfield and equally remarkable heading ability despite his modest stature. Long-serving skipper and central defender Lucas Neill remains a bedrock of the team and has never let his country down regardless of domestic form. A two-goal showing at South Africa 2010 has seen Brett Holman’s profile and importance to the team take a sharp upward trajectory with the midfielder displaying versatility and an impressive short passing game. 

Former stars: Johnny Warren, Mark Viduka, Scott Chipperfield

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Algeria World Cup 2014


FIFA World Cup finals history
Algeria have played in a total of three FIFA World Cup finals. They got off to the best possible start at the 1982 edition in Spain, beating West Germany 2-1 in their opening game. Despite a 3-2 victory over Chile in their final group game, an earlier 2-0 loss to Austria meant that while level on points with the latter, they were eliminated on goal difference. Mexico 1986 was less memorable for the north African side. Drawn in Group D with Brazil, Spain and Northern Ireland, two defeats and a draw left them bottom of the table and on the first flight home. Nor were things much better at South Africa 2010. Pitted against England, USA and Slovenia, they lost twice and drew their other fixture, departing the competition without a goal to their name.

How they qualified
After a so-so South Africa 2010 and a poor 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria missed very few beats on their way to Brazil 2014. They won five of their six group matches to easily top what might have been a tricky section over Mali, Benin and Rwanda. Once in the final play-off round, they were unlucky to draw one of the continents form teams in Burkina Faso, who shocked Africa by finishing second at the 2013 AFCON. In that tie, they lost the first leg 3-2 to a late penalty, but just claimed the place in Brazil with a professional 1-0 win at home that gave them the advantage on away goals.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Spain 1982, Mexico 1986, South Africa 2010 (Group stages)


 Coach: Vahid Halilhodzic


 The key players
Madjid Bougherra is a key figure at the back, and he scored the all-important winner in the second leg against Burkina Faso. Sofiane Feghouli is an exciting attacking midfielder, while Medhi Lacen holds things down in front of the defence. Islam Slimani emerged as the most prolific option in attack during qualifying.

Former stars: Lakhdar Belloumi, Rachid Mekhloufi, Mustapha Zitouni
Filed Under: , on Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Argentina World Cup 2014


FIFA World Cup finals history
Argentina have contested four FIFA World Cup Finals in all, the first of them at the inaugural tournament, Uruguay 1930, when they went down 4-2 to the host nation. Respective contributions from Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona inspired them to the biggest prize in football on home soil in 1978 and again at Mexico 1986, while their last showpiece appearance came at Italy 1990, when they were denied by an Andreas Brehme penalty. Since then they have been unable to progress beyond the quarter-finals.

How they qualified  
After a 4-1 win against Chile to begin their FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, Argentina then stumbled against Venezuela and drew 1-1 at home to Bolivia, which raised doubts as to whether coach Alejandro Sabella, who took over after Copa America 2011, was up to the task. La Albiceleste, however, got back on track with 2-1 win over Colombia in Barranquilla, which began Argentina's 14-match unbeaten run through the remainder of qualifying, where they finished atop the South American table. Argentina tallied 35 goals while only surrendering 15 on the way to winning the preliminary competition for the third time. The rest of South America could only chase Argentina throughout the final qualifying fixtures.

Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, Mexico 1986 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Japan 1979, Qatar 1995, Malaysia 1997, Argentina 2001, Netherlands 2005, Canada 2007 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1992 (Winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 (Winners)

Coach: Alejandro Sabella

The key players
With the landmark achievement of claiming four consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Ors (2009-2012), Lionel Messi in the undisputed leader of the Argentina national team and a multiple-trophy winner with Barcelona. Breaking all kind of goal-records, La Pulga is now looking to achieve greatness with his country after failing, somewhat surprisingly, to find the back of the net at South Africa 2010. Supporting him will be an all-star cast featuring Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria, all of them on top of their game with some of Europe’s leading clubs.

Former stars: Daniel Passarella, Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta, Mario Kempes

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Australia national association football team


This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Australia women's national association football team.
"Australia national football team" redirects here. For other uses, see Australia national football team (disambiguation).

The Australia national association football team represents Australia in international men's association football. The team is controlled by the governing body for association football in Australia, Football Federation Australia (FFA), which is currently a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the regional ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) since leaving the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in 2006. The team's official nickname is the Socceroos.

Australia is a four-time OFC champion and AFC National Team of the Year for 2006. The team has represented Australia at the FIFA World Cup tournaments on three occasions, in 1974, 2006 and 2010, and will do so again at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The team has also represented Australia at the FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments on three occasions.
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World Cup 2014: Player profile - Hector Herrera, the Mexico midfielder

The World Cup in Brazil is coming into view and everyone is hoping this summer's carnival can take its place among some of the great tournaments of the past, but who will be the star of the show?

With 67 days to go until things kick-off, check out our latest instalment of 100 players to look out for at the competition below.

67. Hector Herrera (Mexico)

Herrera hit the headlines last year when his transfer to Porto became the first big-money deal negotiated by Tony Blair’s football agent son Nicky. But there’s far more to this rangy midfielder than friends in high places. A combative, box-to-box midfielder, Herrera is equally adept at breaking up opposition moves as he is at launching attacks with his incisive range of passing. He had a breakout year in 2012, helping Mexico win the under-21 Toulon Tournament, where he was named ‘Best Player’, and then cementing his reputation with a series of excellent performances in the Olympic tournament. Herrera has struggled a little in his first season at Porto, but he is a reliable performer in the national shirt, and has the range of skills to make a real impact at this World Cup.

Did you know? Herrera is nicknamed ‘El Zorrillo’, or ‘The Skunk’.
Filed Under: , on Monday, April 7, 2014

Victor Valdés has knee surgery and is out of Spain's World Cup

The Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdés has undergone successful surgery on his knee injury and is expected to be sidelined for seven months, meaning he will miss the World Cup finals with Spain.

Valdés tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Barça's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on 26 March after landing awkwardly while saving a free-kick.

The 32-year-old Spain international had an operation in Augsburg, Germany, on Monday and Barça confirmed on their website the surgery had gone successfully.

A statement on www.fcbarcelona.com read: "Victor Valdés has been operated on this Monday morning by doctors Ulrich Boenisch and Ricard Pruna in Augsburg on his torn anterior cruciate ligament. The knee's internal cartilage has been sewn up and the operation was concluded successfully. Valdés will be out of action for approximately seven months."

Valdés will not only miss the World Cup finals in Brazil but is likely to have played his last game for Barça. The long-serving goalkeeper plans to leave the Camp Nou at the end of his contract in June.

Valdés has played 535 games for Barça since making his debut over a decade ago, and won six Primera Division titles, three Champions League crowns and two Copa del Reys among a host of other trophies. He was also part of the Spain squad who won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship.
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Italy Have Always Been Complicated

Vicente del Bosque has conceded that Italy have ‘always been able to push the right buttons in order to complicate our lives.’

Spain face the Azzurri at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon on Wednesday in a friendly with less than 100 days until the World Cup.

La Roja played their European rivals twice at Euro 2012 and at the Confederations Cup, and the Coach has admitted that things have never been straightforward with Cesare Prandelli’s team.

“They are an opponent who has always been able to push the right buttons in order to complicate our lives, especially with regards to our defence,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I think of the opening of the field with Maggio and Giaccherini, the runs from central from De Rossi, Marchisio or Montolivo, the one-on-ones from Cassano and Balotelli, Pirlo’s intelligence.

“They have always been able to find ideas that have created problems, which fortunately we have always managed to overcome.

“At the start of the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine, it was not that Di Natale’s goal was the only one we conceded, Italy gave us a very tough time.

“I consider the final against Italy as the best game of my administration, I do not forget that Italy had several problems - fatigue, injury, Chiellini and Motta…

“Then there was the complicated challenge in Brazil, with additional major problems that Italy caused us, they dominated much of the game.

“How do I explain it? Italy have been world champions recently, they have good players and the Juventus block is important and tried.”

Play the world's most challenging Fantasy Football Game by building your Team from Europe's best 5 leagues. Pick your favourite stars including Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to compete against friends.
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World Football Cup 2014 Schedule or Fixtures

Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F
Group G
Group H
Brazil
Spain
Colombia
Uruguay
Switzerland
Argentina
Germany
Belgium
Croatia
Netherlands
Greece
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Portugal
Algeria
Mexico
Chile
Côte d'Ivoire
England
France
Iran
Ghana
Russia
Cameroon
Australia
Japan
Italy
Honduras
Nigeria
USA
South Korea

Group A Fixture Schedule
Match
Day
Date
Time (BRST)
GMT-3
Team
Team
Venue
1
Thu
Jun 12, 2014
17:00
Brazil
Croatia
Sao Paulo
2
Fri
Jun 13, 2014
13:00
Mexico
Cameroon
Natal
17
Tue
Jun 17, 2014
16:00
Brazil
Mexico
Fortaleza
18
Wed
Jun 18, 2014
18:00
Cameroon
Croatia
Manaus
33
Mon
Jun 23, 2014
17:00
Cameroon
Brazil
Brasilia
34
Mon
Jun 23, 2014
17:00
Croatia
Mexico
Recife
Group B Fixture Schedule
Match
Day
Date
Time (BRST)
GMT-3
Team
Team
Venue
3
Fri
Jun 13, 2014
16:00
Spain
Netherlands
Salvador
4
Fri
Jun 13, 2014
18:00
Chile
Australia
Cuiaba
19
Wed
Jun 18, 2014
16:00
Spain
Chile
Rio De Janeiro
20
Wed
Jun 18, 2014
13:00
Australia
Netherlands
Porto Alleger
35
Mon
Jun 23, 2014
13:00
Australia
Spain
Curitiba
36
Mon
Jun 23, 2014
13:00
Netherlands
Chile
Sao Paulo
Group C Fixture Schedule
Match
Day
Date
Time (BRST)
GMT-3
Team
Team
Venue
5
Sat
Jun 14, 2014
13:00
Colombia
Greece
Belo Horizonte
6
Sat
Jun 14, 2014
22:00
Côte d'Ivoire
Japan
Recife
21
Thu
Jun 19, 2014
13:00
Colombia
Côte d'Ivoire
Brasilia
22
Thu
Jun 19, 2014
19:00
Japan
Greece
Natal
37
Tue
Jun 24, 2014
16:00
Japan
Colombia
Cuiaba
38
Tue
Jun 24, 2014
17:00
Greece
Côte d'Ivoire
Fortaleza
Group D Fixture Schedule
Match
Day
Date
Time (BRST)
GMT-3
Team
Team
Venue
7
Sat
Jun 14, 2014
16:00
Uruguay
Costa Rica
Fortaleza
8
Sat
Jun 14, 2014
18:00
England
Italy
Manaus
23
Thu
Jun 19, 2014
16:00
Uruguay
England
Sao Paulo
24
Fri
Jun 20, 2014
13:00
Italy
Costa Rica
Recife
39
Tue
Jun 24, 2014
13:00
Italy
Uruguay
Natal
40
Tue
Jun 24, 2014
13:00
Costa Rica
England
Belo Horizonte
Group E Fixture Schedule
Match
Day
Date
Time (BRST)
GMT-3
Team
Team
Venue
9
Sun
Jun 15, 2014
13:00
Switzerland
Ecuador
Brasilia
10
Sun
Jun 15, 2014
16:00
France
Honduras
Porto Alegre
25
Fri
Jun 20, 2014
16:00
Switzerland
France
Salvador
26
Fri
Jun 20, 2014
19:00
Honduras
Ecuador
Curitiba
41
Wed
Jun 25, 2014
16:00
Honduras
Switzerland
Manaus
42
Wed
Jun 25, 2014
17:00
Ecuador
France
Rio De Janeiro
Group F Fixture Schedule
Match
Day
Date
Time (BRST)
GMT-3
Team
Team
Venue
11
Sun
Jun 15, 2014
19:00
Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Rio De Janeiro
12
Mon
Jun 16, 2014
16:00
Iran
Nigeria
Curitiba
27
Sat
Jun 21, 2014
13:00
Argentina
Iran
Belo Horizonte
28
Sat
Jun 21, 2014
18:00
Nigeria
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Cuiaba
43
Wed
Jun 25, 2014
13:00
Nigeria
Argentina
Porto Alegre
44
Wed
Jun 25, 2014
13:00
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Iran
Salvador
Group G Fixture Schedule
Match
Day
Date
Time (BRST)
GMT-3
Team
Team
Venue
13
Mon
Jun 16, 2014
13:00
Germany
Portugal
Salvador
14
Mon
Jun 16, 2014
19:00
Ghana
USA
Natal
29
Sat
Jun 21, 2014
16:00
Germany
Ghana
Fortaleza
30
Sun
Jun 22, 2014
18:00
USA
Portugal
Manaus
45
Thu
Jun 26, 2014
13:00
USA
Germany
Recife
46
Thu
Jun 26, 2014
13:00
Portugal
Ghana
Brasilia
Group H Fixture Schedule
Match
Day
Date
Time (BRST)
GMT-3
Team
Team
Venue
15
Tue
Jun 17, 2014
13:00
Belgium
Algeria
Belo Horizonte
16
Tue
Jun 17, 2014
18:00
Russia
Korea Republic
Cuiaba
31
Sun
Jun 22, 2014
13:00
Belgium
Russia
Rio De Janeiro
32
Sun
Jun 22, 2014
16:00
Korea Republic
Algeria
Porto Alegre
47
Thu
Jun 26, 2014
17:00
Korea Republic
Belgium
Sao Paulo
48
Thu
Jun 26, 2014
17:00
Algeria
Russia
Curitiba
Round of 16
Match
Date - Time
Venue
Results
49
28/06 13:00
Belo Horizonte
1A
-
2B
50
28/06 17:00
Rio De Janeiro
1C
-
2D
51
29/06 13:00
Fortaleza
1B
-
2A
52
29/06 17:00
Recife
1D
-
2C
53
30/06 13:00
Brasilia
1E
-
2F
54
30/06 17:00
Porto Alegre
1G
-
2H
55
01/07 13:00
Sao Paulo
1F
-
2E
56
01/07 17:00
Salvador
1H
-
2G
Quarter-finals
Match
Date - Time
Venue
Results
57
04/07 17:00
Fortaleza
W49
-
W50
58
04/07 13:00
Rio De Janeiro
W53
-
W54
59
05/07 17:00
Salvador
W51
-
W52
60
05/07 13:00
Brasilia
W55
-
W56
Semi-finals
Match
Date - Time
Venue
Results
61
08/07 17:00
Belo Horizonte
W57
-
W58
62
09/07 17:00
Sao Paulo
W59
-
W60
Play-off for third place
Match
Date - Time
Venue
Results
63
12/07 17:00
Brasilia
L61
-
L62
Final
Match
Date - Time
Venue
Results
64
13/07 16:00
Rio De Janeiro
W61
-
W62


Filed Under: , , , on Sunday, April 6, 2014
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