Russia publically announce candidates for Head Coach job

The Russian Football Union (RFU) yesterday released a list of 13 coaches that it wants to speak to about the role of head coach of the Russian national football team after Dick Advocaat did not extend his contract which ended with the 2012 European Championships.

"The RFU officially would like to inform that it plans to hold talks with these specialists about one of them becoming the head coach of the Russian national team," the RFU said in a short statement on its own website.

Another coach that was on Russia's list Roberto Mancini renewed his contract with Manchester City on Monday until 2017 leaving him out of the race to become Russia's new coach with the RFU said to favour a foreign rather then a local Russian coach.


The list released by the Russia Football Union

- Rafael Benitez (Spanish, ex-Liverpool & Valencia)

- Byshovets

- Marcelo Bielsa (Argentinian, current Athletic Bilbao & ex-Argentina)

- Valery Gazzaev

- Josep 'Pep' Guardiola (Spanish, ex-Barcelona)

- Fabio Capello (Italian, ex-England & AC Milan)

- Andrei Kobelev

- Yuri Krasnozhan

- Marcello Lippi (Italian, ex-Italy & Juventus)

- Valery Nepomniaschy

- Nikolai Pisarev

- Harry Redknapp (English, ex-Tottenham & Portsmouth)

- Yuri Semin

Euro2012: Czechs & Greeks surprise, move into QFs!

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group A teams tonight with their third and final round group matches in the Polish cities of Wroclaw and Warsaw. Both matches were played simultaneously and they were both high voltage action and brought some surprise as the Czech Republic and Greece qualified from Group A for the quarterfinals. While Greece scored a major upset by winning 1-0 against Russia, the Czechs won by the same scoreline against the co-hosts Poland.


GROUP A

Greece 1-0 (1-0) Russia
Goals: 1-0 Giorgos Karagounis (45+2')

2004 champions Greece scored a decisive lone goal victory against the highly rated Russians to make it into the quarterfinals, while this defeat left the Russian out of the competition. Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis scored the winner in the first half injury time.

Greece made a focused start against Russia after they were caught napping in their first encounters against Poland and the Czech Republic, but after an initial burst the Russians took over but they couldn't score of their chances. When the match seemed to be heading for a draw at the end of the first half it was Giorgos Karagounis who struck for Greece past Vyacheslav Malafeev.

Russia were shocked, but regrouped in the second session and once more had more of the ball but Greece continued to have the better chances as it ended 1-0 for Greece who won their first match since the final of Euro2004, while Russia who showed so much promise could not get the goals against Poland and Greece to take them into the quarterfinals.


Czech Republic 1-0 (0-0) Poland
Goals: 1-0 Petr Jiráček (72')

The Czech Republic defeated co-hosts Poland 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals by topping Group A, while Poland are out of the competition as the bottom team of their group. The only goal of the night came from midfielder Petr Jiráček in the second session.

The Czech Republic had the better start into the game, but heavy rains and thunder in Wroclaw like yesterday in Donetsk made play difficult, but it suited a fighting Poland more then the technically better Czech team, who got better once the rains cooled down, but Poland keeper Przemysław Tytoń denied them a few times.

After the break Poland looked tired and it seemed only a question of time when the Czech Republic would score. After wasting a few more chances it came in the 72nd minute through a strike from Petr Jiráček following a pass from Milan Baroš. The Polish had a late attempt cleared from the goalline by Michal Kadlec but it wasn't enough as they lost the match and are out of the tournament.

Euro2012: Czech Republic win, Poland hold Russia

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group A teams tonight with their second round group matches in the Polish cities of Wroclaw and Warsaw. The Czech Republic returned into contention for a place in the last eight with a win against Greece, while co-hosts Poland held Russia to a draw. All teams in the group still have a chance to move into the knockout stages.


GROUP A

Greece 1-2 (0-2) Czech Republic
Goals: 0-1 Petr Jiráček (3'), 0-2 Václav Pilař (6'), 1-2 Theofanis Gekas (53')

The Czech Republic returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win against Greece to stay in contention for a quarterfinal spot as they made a perfect start with two goals within six minutes, but the Greeks came back into contention though it wasn't enough to earn a point.

The Czechs went ahead through a Petr Jiráček strike as early as the third minute and Václav Pilař doubled the lead in the sixth minute as it seemed they had won the match early on. The Czech's could have scored more in the first session, but it remained 2-0 at the break.

After the breather Greece came back into the match with Theofanis Gekas scoring in the 53rd minute following a rare Petr Čech mistake, but it remained 2-1 for the Czech Republic until the end.


Poland 1-1 (0-1) Russia
Goals: 0-1 Alan Dzagoev (37'), 1-1 Jakub Błaszczykowski (57')

Co-hosts Poland came back from a goal down to hold the mighty Russia to a one-all draw. Young Alan Dzagoev gave the Russians a first half lead, which was egalised by Polish captain Jakub Błaszczykowski.

Poland like in their opening match against Greece made a good start into the match, but this time around failed to score. But once the Russians got their act together they were a threat to the vulnerable Polish defence which cracked in the 37th minute when Alan Dzagoev scored his third goal of the tournament.

But Poland wasn't shocked as they tried to get back into the game with Robert Lewandowski having two good chances after restart. Then came Jakub Błaszczykowski's moment of brilliance in the 57th minute as he scored with a beautiful left-footer which beat Malafeev in the Russian goal. Both teams had their chances towards the end, but it stayed one-all until the end.

Euro2012: Poland & Greece draw, Russia win

The 2012 European Championships kicked-off tonight with the Group A matches taking place in the Polish cities of Warsaw and Wroclaw. Hosts Poland took on Greece in the opener but had to settle for a draw, while a potent Russia showed against the Czech Republic what firepower they possess and a threat they could be to the tournament favourites. Euro2012 got of to a good start!


GROUP A

Poland 1-1 (1-0) Greece
Goals: 1-0 Robert Lewandowski (17'), 1-1 Dimitris Salpingidis (51')

Hosts Poland made a perfect start into the tournament as they initially controlled proceedings and went ahead in the 17th minute through a Robert Lewandowski header of a pass from captain Jakub Błaszczykowski, both team mates at German double winners Borussia Dortmund. In the first half hour Poland looked on course for a convincing victory with especially Łukasz Piszczek and Błaszczykowski combining well on the right wing as they do in Dortmund. But thereafter Greece slowly got into the match, but where weakened when defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos received his second yellow of the day for an alleged infringement on Murawski, but replay showed the Polish player slipped and fell. At half-time things looked really good for Poland only the 1-0 lead was to slender.

But after the break things changed as Greece replaced Sotiris Ninis with Dimitris Salpingidis and it was an agile Salpingidis who equalised for the Greek in the 51st minute after the Polish defence could not clear the ball. Suddenly it looked as if Poland could lose this match and things went from bad to worse as their keeper Wojciech Szczęsny brought down Salpingidis to earn himself a red card and give Greece a 71st minute penalty. But captain Giorgos Karagounis' penalty was saved by Polish substitute keeper Przemysław Tytoń. It stayed one-all until the end.

Russia 4-1 (2-0) Czech Republic
Goals: 1-0,3-1 Alan Dzagoev (15',79'), 2-0 Roman Shirokov (24'), 2-1 Václav Pilar (52'), 4-1 Roman Pavlyuchenko (81')

Russia went into their first match against the Czech Republic knowing that they were the favourites to top Group A and they made a flying start into the competition. After allowing the Czechs to try themselves out in the first 15 minutes the Russians upped the tempo and went ahead when first a Aleksandr Kerzhakov attempt hit the post, but Alan Dzagoev was there to give Russia the lead. They they were in control and toyed with the Czechs, who conceded a second in the 24th minute when Roman Shirokov scored of a beautiful cross pass from Andrey Arshavin. Russia could have added one or two more goals but it stayed 2-0 at the break.

After the restart Russia looked arrogant as if they had won the game and this allowed the Czechs to get back into the game as Václav Pilar rounded goalkeeper Malafeev after a perfect through ball. The Czechs looked to be in with a chance to upset the Russians, but Tomas Rosický shot which Malafeev somehow kept hold off ahead of an onrushing Milan Baros kept the lead for Russia. Then came on striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, first he set-up Alan Dzagoev's second of the night in the 79th minute and then only two minutes later Pavlyuchenko sealed the match and the three points with the goal of the opening day as he beat the Czech defence. Towards the end it looked as if Russia could score more, but it stayed 4-1 on the night.

Euro2012 Groups are out

The draw for the groups for the 2012 European Championships jointly to be co-hosted by Poland and the Ukraine in June 2012 was carried out on Friday night in the Polish capital Warsaw. The 16 participating teams have been split into four groups of four teams each with the top two sides making it to the quarterfinals.

The toughest of the groups, this tournaments 'Group of Death', is certainly Group B which contains 1988 winners Netherlands, three-times former champions Germany, 1992 surprise champions Denmark and formidable Portugal led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Another group to look forward to is Group D in which co-hosts Ukraine will meet a strong Sweden, a rebuilding France and England, who are under pressure from their own fans to deliver a title at this tournament.

Defending champions Spain have a relatively weaker group, but will need to watch out when they face Italy, Ireland and Croatia. One of the most interesting encounters could be when Italy take on Ireland, who are coached by seasoned Italian Giovanni Trappatoni.

The most balanced, but also the weakest of all groups looks to be Group A in which co-hosts Poland take on 2004 champions Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic. Anyone of those four teams could advance to the knockout stage and cause an upset.


EURO2012 - GROUPS

Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal

Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia

Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

VIDEO: Fastest goal ever???

The following might the fastest goal ever scored though it has not been official confirmed anywhere. Directly from the kick-off Michail Osinov scores for his side Mitos (Novocherkassk) vs Olympia (Gelendzhik), in the Russian Second Division (Region South), with a nice chip in the goal, over the keeper.

Roberto Carlos quits Corinthians, likely for Russia

Former legendary Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos had decided to end his career at home in South America, but danger to his own life and that of his family plus a great financial offer has tempted him to leave Corinthians after only a season. He is set to make a potential switch to Russian minnows Anzhi Makhachkala.

The club from Dagestan had finished 11th last season and want to build a stronger side with Roberto Carlos being offered a 12 month contract worth 5 million Euros. The Roberto Carlos signing would come after Dutch coach Ruud Gullit had signed for Terek Grozny from Chechnya, both clubs happen to be in troubled regions of Russia which are facing insurgencies.

But the offer from Dagestan isn't the only one that Roberto Carlos has on the table. He also has an offer from the L.A. Galaxy from the MLS, but it is said not to be as financially lucrative as the one from Russia, so he is set to go to Russia.

Roberto Carlos is ending his one year stint with Sao Paolo side Corinthians after the club made a shock exit from the Copa Libertadores, which resulted in massive fan protests which also hit out at the players especially at seasoned players like Roberto Carlos and former Brazil team mate Ronaldo.

Roberto Carlos had a great season with Corinthians last year in which he played an astonishing 64 matches, scoring five goals and being named as the best left back for the 2010 season.

Blatter: Now we conquer China & India!

After handing the 2018 FIFA World Cup to Russia and the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar to conquer new markets in Russia and the Middle East, FIFA is now looking at the next markets it wants to establish football in and those are set to be China and India.

If talk out of Zurich is taken seriously then the 2026 FIFA World Cup could go to the United States, while in 2030 the FIFA World Cup could return to Asia with China and India the top candidates. So we come to some earlier blog entries from me where I had mentioned this as a real opportunity. Surely today India has no chance against China due to its football, infrastructure, administration, etc; but in 20 years? Who knows...

In what will be courting with harsh reactions out of Europe Sepp Blatter told the Swiss weekly magazine 'Weltwoche', "I really sense in some reactions a bit of the arrogance of the western world of Christian background. Some simply can't bear it if others get a chance for a change. What can be wrong if we start football in regions where this sport demonstrates a potential which goes far beyond sport?"

And what should make us in India listen-up is Blatter's following statement, "It's my philosophy to drive forward the expansion of football. The next regions that we need to conquer would be China and India."

Blatter ended by saying, "Football has become a political matter. Heads of state court me. Football has become a monster, but it's a positive monster."

FIFA is already supporting India through the GOAL projects I & II, the 'Win in India with India' program, a grant of US-Dollar 2 Million for infrastructure and other administrative help. So lets see where it takes our football...

Stop Moaning England...

I have loads of friends who are English and love to travel to that country myself, but the reactions follow their loss against Russia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup bidding campaign is just disgraceful. It reminds me of the English reactions in 2000 when they lost out to Germany to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Beckenbauer and co had then simply done better lobby work, this time around it were the Russians. But I am not going to rate how they did it...

So wake-up, you surely have in the English Premier League the most popular league in the world, you are the motherland of the beautiful game and in the technical assessment of the study group got the best marks, but that doesn't guarantee you the hosting rights for a football World Cup. In today's world of FIFA these factors actually count little as it a matter of power, influence and money. You know what the rules are, so play the game accordingly or leave it.

Then there is a very interesting point. If one looks at the hosts of the FIFA World Cup's since 1990 then only two established football markets hosted the tournament - Italy in 1990 and Germany in 2006. The others were developing and even new football markets, be it 1994 USA (before the start of the MLS), 1998 France (only became a proper football nation after the 1998WC win), 2002 in Japan & South Korea (the first Asian WC) plus 2010 in South Africa (the first African WC). Now FIFA will send the World Cup to Russia and Qatar, and I believe that India now stands a real chance to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The only thing is we have to bid for it...

Then there is the English FA's strained relationship with the football authorities. FIFA president Sepp Blatter openly supported Russia, while UEFA president Michel Platini supported the Netherlands/Belgium in Round 1 and Russia in Round 2. So who is doing the lobby work with the key players in world football?

Then there is the problem that many countries around the world these days say the English Premier League is harming the growth of local football. Especially in Asia a lot of federations are unhappy about the EPL's popularity and want local channels to air less EPL. Some still haven't forgotten the idea of matchday 39 being played around the world.

England went into the vote thinking they are in the race, but in the end weren't even close in having a chance to win...

FIFA World Cup: 2018 in Russia, 2022 in Qatar

Switzerland's Zurich was the place that the whole football world looked towards on this December 2, 2010 as world football governing body FIFA announced the hosts for the 2018 & 2022 FIFA World Cup's. And for many the decisions came as a big surprise. Russia were named hosts for 2018 and an even bigger upset came in the form of the tiny emirate of Qatar being chosen as the hosts of the 2022 edition.

Football insiders have been saying for the last couple of days that Russia and Qatar are the likeliest candidates to win the bidding process, but global public opinion thought that England or Spain/Portugal in 2018 and USA in 2022 where the countries set to win. But the decision wasn't about football only, it was about power, money and the global expansion of football to new markets.

In lauding the victorious nations, the FIFA president Sepp Blatter also made a point of praising those who missed out. He said: “I have to say thanks to to the Executive Committee of FIFA because for 2018 and 2022 we go to new lands, because the FIFA World Cup has never been in eastern Europe or the Middle East. So, I'm a happy president when we speak of the development of football.

"But I have to give big compliments to all the bidders for the big job they have done and the messages they have delivered. All have delivered the message that football is more than just a game. Football is not only about winning; it is also a school of life where you must learn to lose, and that is not easy.”

So the decisions for 2018 and 2022 World Cup's have been made and this will have influences on the World Cup's thereafter. 2026 most likely will now go to the United States and if FIFA's global expansion plans continue then Europe could be bypassed in 2030 and the World Cup could return to Asia. And who could be the hosts? The fight would be on between China and India, the final frontiers of world football.


Here an older blog entry from me (June 8, 2010) just before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup about India's chances to host a football World Cup in the future. Here is the article link: India hosting a football World Cup?


The voting process involved only 22 of the 24 FIFA Executive Committee members as two had been suspended after a sting operation exposed them as willing to accept bribes for their vote. And the following happened in the voting:

2018 FIFA World Cup
Round 1: England 2 votes, Netherlands/Belgium 4 votes, Spain/Portugal 7 votes, Russia 9 votes (as no absolute majority was reached, the candidate with least amount of votes, England, was eliminated).
Round 2: Netherlands/Belgium 2 votes, Spain/Portugal 7 votes, Russia 13 votes (Russia obtained an absolute majority).

2022 FIFA World Cup
Round 1: Australia 1 vote, USA 3 votes, Japan 3 votes, Korea Republic 4 votes, Qatar 11 votes (Australia eliminated).
Round 2: Japan 2 votes, USA 5 votes, Korea Republic 5 votes, Qatar 10 votes (Japan eliminated).
Round 3: Korea Republic 5 votes, USA 6 votes, Qatar 11 votes (Korea Republic eliminated).
Round 4: USA 8 votes, Qatar 14 votes (Qatar obtained an absolute majority).