Corinthians stun Chelsea to win Club World Cup

Updated December 17, 2012 12:49:49

Paolo Guerrero poached a 69th-minute winner as South American champions Corinthians ambushed Chelsea to win the Club World Cup 1-0 on Sunday, triggering wild celebrations in Yokohama.

Chelsea, who had been under pressure to win the tournament after becoming the first holders to exit the Champions League at the group stage, missed a string of chances.

"It doesn't matter how skilful the opposition is, our players have the work-rate, energy and teamwork to overcome," Corinthians coach Tite said, having guided the Sao Paulo club to the Brazilian title in 2011 and the Libertadores Cup earlier this year.

The smash-and-grab over Chelsea completed a remarkable turnaround after Corinthians were relegated at the end of 2007.

"With this tournament and the Libertadores Cup we've now gone 16 games and conceded only four goals," said Tite.

"The way we managed the game was excellent."

Gary Cahill - sent off in the last minute - Fernando Torres and Victor Moses were denied by brilliant saves from goalkeeper Cassio in a game the English side largely dominated.

Corinthians, who won the first Club World Cup in 2000, caught Chelsea cold when Peru striker Guerrero headed home from close range after Danilo's shot looped up off Cahill's boot.

"I'm delighted to have scored two goals," said Guerrero, scorer of his side's winner in its 1-0 semi-final victory over Egypt's Al-Ahly.

"But it's more important for Corinthians to be world champions.

"We knew that it would be extremely tough to beat the champions of Europe but we gave 100 per cent and more. I think we deserved to win the cup."

Torres had a late effort superbly blocked by tournament MVP Cassio and a stoppage-time header ruled out for offside.

The Corinthians players celebrated by dancing and hugging each other as fireworks exploded and some 15,000 travelling fans among the crowd of 68,000 began a fiesta set to go on all night.

Chelsea's interim manager Rafael Benitez refused to make excuses after his second loss in three appearances with three different clubs at the FIFA tournament.

"They had one chance and scored," said the Spaniard.

"We didn't take our chances. We had four clear chances and we didn't take them. That was the difference."

Cahill's red card, for kicking striker Emerson in retaliation for an elbow in the face, had no bearing on the result, said Benitez.

"He lost his temper but it didn't make a difference to the result," said Benitez, who will be without Cahill for Chelsea's League Cup quarter-final at Leeds United on Wednesday.

Cahill expressed regret but blamed Emerson's theatrical tumble for convincing the referee to send him off.

"I've tackled the guy, we tangled legs and he lashed out with his arm and hit me in the face," said Cahill.

"I'm angry about it, but also at my reaction. I touched him in the shin - it probably wouldn't have knocked over my one-year-old daughter yet he's rolling around five or six times."

Frank Lampard, captain in the absence of John Terry who was receiving treatment for injury back in London, failed to mask his frustration.

"It's a big disappointment to come all this way and not to win," he said after making his first start since returning from a calf injury.

"We knew it would be a tough game. The game's about scoring goals and unfortunately we didn't take our chances. They were very organised and set up well to stop us playing.

"Now we have to go back and win a run of games to keep ourselves in the title race and push on in every competition."

European sides had won the last five Club World Cups, Benitez winning it with Inter Milan in 2010 and losing in the 2005 final as manager of Liverpool.

The Spaniard, an unpopular appointment among Chelsea fans after the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo last month, could face a hostile return after the team's failure in Japan.

"We can take away positives from this," said Benitez, whose decision to start Moses in place of Oscar surprised even his opposite number Tite.

"You can see we're improving. We have to play at Leeds and then we have Aston Villa. We have to be mentally strong."

Oscar denied Brazilian media reports that he had called Benitez "crazy" to leave him out.

"I respect the coach's decision," he said.

"I'm just disappointed that when I came on we were 1-0 down and I couldn't do anything to help the team."

Reuters

Tags: sport, soccer, japan

First posted December 17, 2012 00:09:36

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Chelsea through to Club World Cup final

Updated December 14, 2012 10:09:26

Fernando Torres continued his recent resurgence as Chelsea confidently brushed aside Mexico's Monterrey 3-1 to reach the final of the Club World Cup in Yokohama.

Chelsea and its interim manager Rafael Benitez will be under pressure to beat Brazil's Corinthians in Sunday's final after becoming the first holders to exit the Champions League at the group stage last week.

"We can't afford to lose the final," Benitez, who won the tournament with Inter Milan in 2010 but lost in the 2005 final with Liverpool.

"We will see if Corinthians can play at our level. They have Brazilian quality so we know it will be a difficult match."

Juan Mata finished off a classy move in the 17th minute to give Chelsea the lead, smashing in a left-foot shot after a low ball from Ashley Cole, sent clear by a back-heel from Oscar.

Spain team-mate Torres added Chelsea's second with a deflected drive 20 seconds after the break, his fifth goal in three matches.

Mata's cross was turned into his own net by Darvin Chavez moments later to effectively kill off the match, although Aldo de Nigris grabbed a consolation for Monterrey in stoppage time.

European teams have won the last five Club World Cup tournaments. Barcelona lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2011 and Manchester United was the only English winner in 2008.

"European teams are the best in the world," said Monterrey coach Victor Vucetich, understandably frustrated by his side's calamitous start to the second half.

"They pay the most money. Clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona can go out and buy the best players from all over the world. We made mistakes and it cost us dear."

Corinthians, far from convincing in their 1-0 semi-final victory over Egypt's Al-Ahly, won the first Club World Cup in 2000.

Reuters

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, japan

First posted December 14, 2012 10:05:09

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Joeys miss out on under-17 World Cup

Updated October 01, 2012 14:14:15

Australia has failed to qualify for the under-17 football World Cup after a heavy 5-1 defeat to Iran at the under-16 Asian championships in Tehran.

The Joeys needed to win the quarter-final to be one of the four teams from Asia to make the World Cup which is being held late next year in United Arab Emirates.

"Congratulations to Iran for qualifying to the World Cup and on their much deserved victory," said coach Alistair Edwards.

"Of course we had hoped we would qualify and we didn't expect such a result but Iran played a high-pressure game and didn't allow us to get into our rhythm. We made too many mistakes at times but again this was mainly down to Iran's pressure.

Australia finished second in its group after losing its final match to Iraq on penalties and surrendering top spot.

Edwards said he did not regret fielding a weak side for the Iraq match.

"All games in the tournament have been difficult and on another day we could have won the penalty shootout against Iraq," he said.

"But it would have been tough playing Kuwait as well. At the end of the day Iran played much better than us and deserved their victory.

"I am happy for Iran but also proud of my players. Apart from the match today I think we had a good tournament," concluded Edwards.

To final four teams to qualify were Iran, Iraq, Uzbekistan and Japan.

Tags: socceroos, soccer, sport, australia, iran-islamic-republic-of

First posted October 01, 2012 14:14:15

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Socceroos up to 20th in world

Updated March 07, 2012 23:01:07

The Socceroos have climbed two places to 20th in FIFA's latest monthly world rankings which continue to be headed by world and European champion Spain.

Australia is the top-ranked Asian country and is top seed in a 10-nation draw for the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying.

The Netherlands has regained second spot from Germany while Uruguay is fourth followed by Brazil, England, Portugal, Argentina, Italy and Croatia.

1. Spain (1).

2. Netherlands (3).

3. Germany (2).

4. Uruguay (4).

5. Brazil (7).

6. England (5).

7. Portugal (6).

8. Argentina (11).

9. Italy (8).

10. Croatia (9).

11. Denmark (10).

12. Russia (13).

13. Greece (14).

14. Chile (12).

15. Ivory Coast (15).

16. France (17).

17. Sweden (18).

18. Switzerland (16).

19. Ireland (20).

20. Australia (22).

AAP

Tags: socceroos, soccer, sport, australia

First posted March 07, 2012 23:01:07

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Socceroos, Japan to clash in World Cup qualifiers

Updated March 09, 2012 22:13:10

Australia will continue a fierce football rivalry with Japan after the regional powers were drawn together in the final round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Australia and Japan were drawn in Group B along with fellow World Cup veterans Iraq, Jordan and Oman.

Group A comprises 2002 World Cup semifinalists South Korea, Iran, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and 2022 hosts Qatar.

The top-two teams from each group will advance to the World Cup finals, while the two third-placed teams play-off for a further spot.

The home-and-away matches are scheduled from June 3, 2012 to June 18 2013.

The Socceroos' first match is away to Oman on June 8 and their first home clash is against Japan four days later.

"It's going to be a tough group, particularly the road games," said coach Holger Osieck after Friday night's draw in Kuala Lumpur.

But Osieck said he was confident the Socceroos would emerge from their eight-match, year-long final phase with one of the two top spots, guaranteeing a berth in their third consecutive World Cup finals.

"Logistically they are easy places to access, and you don't have to worry too much about visa issues and so on," Osieck said.

"We know what is at stake now and we know what we have to deliver.

"We have to be right there from the start, from minute one."

Minute one for the Socceroos will take place on June 8 in Oman, the only nation to beat them in the previous qualifying group, which they topped with five wins from six matches, the last against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne earlier this month.

Osieck acknowledged that the first game was the toughest in any qualifying tournament, as expectations were always so high.

But their second match, at home against Japan, shapes as one of the key encounters of the group, especially because of the quick turn-around.

There is only a four-day gap after the game in Oman before the Socceroos step out in Brisbane to face what should be their toughest opposition.

Japan recently deprived Australia of its first Asian championship in the final in Qatar last year.

FIFA's rankings have Australia at number 20 in the world, 13 spots above Japan, but that will count for little when the teams play.

The return encounter in Japan is almost a full year later, so the Socceroos will have to rigidly maintain their standards.

Osieck knows little about 83rd-ranked Jordan, but expects Iraq (76th) will be a handful, having finished top of their previous qualifying group with 15 points.

One plus for Australia is that Iraq will almost certainly play home games in neutral territory, probably in Dubai or Qatar, because of security concerns.

"Iraq have good players, like Iran, and they are tactically shrewd," Osieck said.

"It's a good challenge but I think we will be on top of it."

AAP

Tags: socceroos, soccer, sport, soccer-world-cup, australia, japan

First posted March 09, 2012 20:03:48

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Barcelona waltzes to club world title

Updated December 19, 2011 07:05:48

Lionel Messi grabbed a classy brace as the "artists" of Barcelona out-classed Brazilian side Santos 4-0 to lift the Club World Cup and confirm its status as the best team on the planet.

The clash between the European and South American champions in Japan had been billed as a showdown between Messi, widely acknowledged as the best player in the world, and 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Neymar.

In the event, it was no contest - either between the two supreme talents or their teams - as Barcelona picked up its second world crown after winning the competition in 2009, when Messi was again the difference.

Barca boss Pep Guardiola called his men "artists" and dedicated the 13th title in his three-and-a-half years in charge to striker David Villa, who flew home after fracturing his shin in the semi-final and faces five months out.

"We missed him very much. I talked to him a lot (since the bad injury) and I want to talk to him tonight," said Guardiola, full of praise for his charges who wore T-shirts in honour of their missing team-mate.

"They were like artists," he said, turning to their spectacular performance that secured the official title as the world's best side and saw the Catalan club net a cool $5 million.

"What was envisioned in their minds happened on the pitch."

Messi, set up by Xavi, got the first after 17 minutes, before Xavi put Barcelona 2-0 up just seven minutes later to put his side firmly in control, as prodigious forward Neymar struggled to get a sniff of the ball.

Cesc Fabregas, who pulled the strings in midfield, got the third on the stroke of half-time as the Spanish champions, who were at full-strength, threatened to run riot for the packed house of 68,166.

Messi got his second eight minutes from time as he rounded the keeper to roll the ball in after the influential Dani Alves threaded the ball through to him.

"We are extremely happy and our performance, especially in the first-half, was very satisfactory," said Guardiola, who declined to single out one player for more praise than the rest.

"I've tried to get the players to work together as a team and use the strengths they have.

"Our players have been playing very well, but it's important to keep that level going."

His opposite number Muricy Ramalho said there was no disgrace in defeat.

"Barcelona have played various teams around the world and nobody can beat them. Eventually some team may, but I don't think it's possible now," he said, adding Messi was without doubt the best but that Neymar would one day take that title.

"This was not embarrassing and it was not a blow to us. We need to be humble - we were beaten by the best team in the world."

Barca had the better of an open first 15 minutes, Messi forcing a save out of Rafael Cabral after skipping a couple of half-hearted Santos challenges.

Shortly after that the Argentine was at it again, taking a dinked pass from Xavi and lifting the ball delicately over Cabral from just a few yards out to put the Catalans into an early lead at the International Stadium in Yokohama.

It was all Barca, so it was no surprise when it went further ahead on 24 minutes, full-back Alves driving down the right wing and cutting inside to set up Xavi, who rifled the ball past an exposed Cabral.

Television cameras quickly focused on a glum-looking Neymar.

Still Barca and Messi kept coming.

On 26 minutes he was denied by a terrific last-gasp tackle when through on goal, and three minutes later Fabregas struck Cabral's post after he was set up by Xavi.

Fabregas and Barca would not be denied, as the former Arsenal man grabbed the third just before half-time after more good link-up play - including an audacious back-heel - from the irrepressible Messi.

Belatedly, the Brazilian side was up for it after Ramalho had sent it out onto the frigid pitch well ahead of its opponents.

Neymar should have found the net when clean through on goal just before the hour, but Victor Valdes saved well with his legs. It summed up the teenager's night.

Messi put the gloss on a polished performance from him and his side as he showed trademark deft footwork to dance around Cabral and walk the ball in for the fourth.

Earlier, Al Sadd, who lost 4-0 to Barcelona in the semi-finals, beat Japanese champions Kashiwa Reysol 5-3 on penalties to take third place at the annual intercontinental tournament.

AFP

Tags: spain, soccer, sport, spain, brazil, japan

First posted December 19, 2011 00:00:10

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Tainted meat behind World Cup dope tests

Updated October 18, 2011 11:21:01

Contaminated meat was the cause for over half the players at this year's under-17 World Cup in Mexico testing positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol, FIFA has announced.

"It was a problem of public health, not doping", world football governing body's medical officer Jiri Dvorak said.

The Mexican authorities concluded that the outbreak had been triggered by "food contamination" when they decided not to punish five senior Mexico players who had tested positive for the substance at the Gold Cup in June and July.

As a result, the Mexican under-17 side, which went on to win the tournament in their home country, were switched to a fish and vegetable diet during the World Cup and as a result returned no positive tests.

FIFA and WADA declined to prosecute any of the 109 cases.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has advised athletes competing at the ongoing PanAmerican Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, to be especially careful as to what they ate during the event.

The case could influence the ongoing prosecution of other athletes who have tested positive for clenbuterol - notably three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador.

The Spanish rider, who go before the Court of Arbitration for Sport next month, claims traces of the substance were found in his blood after he ate contaminated beef during the 2010 edition of the Tour.

ABC/AFP

Tags: doping-in-sports, soccer, sport, mexico

First posted October 18, 2011 09:12:48

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Matildas bow out of World Cup

Updated July 11, 2011 06:32:00

Slack defending proved Australia's downfall as it crashed 3-1 to Sweden in the women's World Cup football quarter-final in Augsburg, Germany on Sunday.

The four goals Australia conceded in its three group games had all been the result of defensive lapses but, sadly, the exuberant young Australians did not learn their lessons.

They conceded two goals in the first 16 minutes against the Swedes, with the scorer of each unmarked inside the Australian penalty area.

A spectacular curling 40th minute shot from dual international Ellyse Perry halved the deficit.

The Matildas started the second half well, but gave themselves a mountain to climb by committing a defensive howler in the 52nd minute.

Sweden striker Lotta Schelin pounced on a loose back pass from centre half Kim Carroll, pushed the ball around Australian goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri and tapped it into an unguarded net.

Sweden will now take on Japan in the semi-finals with the Unites States also booking a spot in the last four against France following a dramatic win over Brazil on penalties after the two sides finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-2 after extra time.

In Ausburg, the gallant Matildas refused to crumble after going down 3-1 and mounted several attacks and created a number of chances.

Kyah Simon headed just wide, fellow striker Lisa De Vanna also went close and substitute Tameka Butt had a header and shot on target.

Sweden also went in search of more goals in the final half hour, but the Australian defence held.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said he was proud of the way his team played during spells of the game, particularly during the second half and the last part of the first.

He thought Sweden looked shaky at 2-1, but said Australia would find it hard to win games until it eliminated mistakes.

"At halfime at 2-1 we felt really comfortable and well in the game," Sermanni told SBS.

"I think we were until we made another mistake and you can't make mistakes at this level.

"When you consider the goals we've given up in this tournament and the way that they've done that, I think we've done extremely well to get where we've got to.

"But you can't be a winning team and defend well for 90 per cent of the time and give opposition easy goals."

Sermanni made two changes to his team, bringing in Perry and Emily Van Egmond for Clare Polkinghorne and Samantha Kerr.

It was a chequered night for Australian World Cup cricket representative and Matildas' right back Perry, who was beaten down her side in the lead-up to both of Sweden's first two goals.

In the first instance, Therese Sjogran had time to control the cross and fire in a shot which Barbieri got a hand to but could not stop at her near post.

Eight minutes later, Lisa Dahlkvist rose unchallenged to head home from close range.

Australia struggled to get a foothold for around 20 minutes after Sweden went 2-0 up, but the Europeans did not create any other meaningful chances.

The Matildas gradually clawed their way back into the match in the last 10 minutes of the half.

Midfielder Collette McCallum threatened from set pieces.

Her 40 metre free kick in the 38th minute almost caught out the Swedish goalkeeper, who watched the audacious attempt just miss the target.

McCallum's short corner to Perry produced the goal that gave Australia hope.

The multi-talented youngster controlled the ball with her right boot and curled the ball in from the extreme right-hand edge of the area with her non-preferred left foot.

"I think I was just in the right place at the right time," Perry said about her goal.

"It was nice to get a goal there because they obviously scored those first two goals from plays down my side of the field, so I kind of felt like I owed the team a little bit.

"It was lovely to put one in the back of the net, especially being a defender it doesn't happen too often," added Perry, who scored her third goal in 16 internationals.

Perry and Van Egmond, were replaced by Butt and Polkinghorne just before the hour, while McCallum gave way Sally Shipard with just over 10 minutes left.

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, world-cup, australia, germany, sweden

First posted July 10, 2011 23:30:00

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US reaches women's World Cup final

Updated July 14, 2011 12:29:35

Favourites the United States crushed France 3-1 to advance to the women's World Cup final in Germany overnight.

Lauren Cheney (9), Abby Wambach (79), and Alex Morgan (82) kept the Americans' bid for an unprecedented third World Cup title after 1991 and 1999 on track with Sonia Bompastor getting a goal back for France after 55 minutes.

The reigning Olympic champions will next play Japan for the title in Frankfurt, after the Asian dynamo saw off Sweden by an identical 3-1 scoreline.

"I think France played very well. We lost our legs in the second half but then we picked it up," said US coach Pia Sundhage.

"Abby, she's just the best. I'm very happy to have her in our team."

Wambach added: "I'm just so proud of this team. Everyone believes in this team and we're all working for each other. We had to play nearly perfect, they got a goal back on us but in the end we're in the finals and that's all that matters."

France coach Bruno Bini lamented their missed chances.

"We had a lot of chances and played a very good game except the first 10 minutes," said Bini.

"We were as good as we could have been. It was very physical and we stood up to this. But they have a lot of experience. They know how to play at this level and that told today. I thought we could get back to 2-2 but at 3-1 it's over."

Despite the French having most chances at goal in the first half it was the United States who went into the locker room with the half-time advantage after Cheney picked up a Heather O'Reilly cross to tap effortlessly into goal after nine minutes.

France's Louisa Necib had a minute earlier seen her strike go over the bar.

A header from Carli Lloyd went over after 24 minutes, but thereafter France dominated but had little to show for its efforts.

Camille Abily missed a chance to level on 28 minutes from a Bompastor cross but the Lyon midfielder's half volley lacked power and was held by US goalie Hope Solo.

Solo, playing her 100th international, proved solid again a minute later as she caught a Necib effort, and it was then the turn of Bompastor to miss after 33 minutes when she picked up a Necib cross but her left-footed shot rattled the crossbar.

The US could have pulled further ahead five minutes before the break when Christie Rampone pushed forward to cross to Wambach at the far post with Wambach's header across the goal just grazing the crossbar.

But Bompastor grabbed the equaliser after 55 minutes as her pass flew past a waiting Gaetane Thiney in the box to curl in off the far post and into the net.

But Wambach claimed the second after 79 minutes as she headed in a Cheney corner past Berangere Sapowicz, with the French goalkeeper left helpless again three minutes later as Rapinoe plays a little ball behind the defence for Morgan to send over the goalie.

As two-time defending champions Germany and Brazil, the 2007 finalists, have already been eliminated the United States were the only remaining pre-tournament favourites in the running.

As well as being ranked number one in the world by FIFA the United States are also the reigning and three-time Olympic champions.

France, by contrast, failed to get past the group stages in its only previous appearance in 2003.

AFP

Tags: soccer, sport, united-states, germany, france

First posted July 14, 2011 07:35:35

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Women's Football World Cup: Matildas close to second round

6 July 2011

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The Matildas are on the verge of progressing to the second round of the Women's Football World Cup. The team needs a draw against Norway in tomorrow morning's game.

Tom Sermanni
Coach, Matildas

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Australia's Matildas continue World Cup run

Last Updated: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 12:40:00 +1000

Australia is through to the quarter-finals of the women's soccer World Cup in Germany after beating Norway 2-1 in their final pool match.

The Matildas looked to be in trouble when Norway opened the scoring in the 56th minute.

Sydney FC forward Kyah Simon then scored a double to seal the win for Australia.

"We've worked so hard to get to where we are today," she said.

"All the preparation is paying off, but the job isn't finished yet. We've still got a few games to get to that end result, but we're just happy to be into the quarter finals."

Australia's opponent in the round of eight will be Sweden, which beat the United States two-one this morning to finish on top of Group C.

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Shippard racing to be ready for crucial World Cup match

Riverina footballer Sally Shippard is racing to recover from a knock she recieved in the first half of the fiery match against Equatorial Guinea.

Wagga Wagga's Sally Shippard, in her second World Cup campaign, started the match against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday night and was dominating in the midfield before she received a knock just before the half time whistle.

The midfielder was replaced by Lisa De Vanna in the second half and De Vanna's impact up-front was immediate when she put Australia further ahead after she chested down a wonderful through ball from McCallum and slipped the ball past the goalkeeper.

The Matildas won the match 3-2 and require just a draw from its final group game against Norway on Thursday (AEST) to make the quarter-finals of the women's World Cup in Germany.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was happy with the girls performance and spoke of his experienced midfielders injury.

"Sally [Shipard] copped a boot just below her calf and at the break we decided to take her off as a precaution," said the head coach.

"There's a bit of swelling as you can imagine but we expect that she will be right for the next match.

"There were quite a few bumps and bruises from that match but nothing serious and I think we came out of it generally intact" says Sermanni.

The Matildas moved into second spot in their four-team group on goal difference after they beat Equatorial Guinea 3-2 in Bochum and Brazil defeated Norway 3-0 in the late group D fixture in Wolfsburg.

Norway and Australia are both on three points but the Matildas have a zero goal difference, while the Norwegians are on -2.

Brazil, who play Equatorial Guinea in its final group game, moved onto six points and through to the last eight.

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Matildas ready for World Cup

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 26/06/2011

The Matildas are set to put in a good show in a tough World Cup group that includes heavyweights Brazil.

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Sweden edges Colombia in Women's World Cup

Published:Wednesday, June 29, 2011 8:50 AEST

Jessica Landstrom of Sweden celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Colombia in the FIFA Women's World Cup at BayArena on June 28, 2011 in Leverkusen, Germany.

Tags: sport, football, colombia, germany, sweden

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Germany opens up Women's World Cup with win

Published:Monday, June 27, 2011 11:25 AEST

Kerstin Garefrekes of Germany celebrates with her team-mates after she scores her team's opening goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup match against Canada at Olympic stadium on June 26, 2011 in Berlin, Germany.

Tags: sport, football, canada, germany

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World Cup pain still lingers for Williams

Posted June 1, 2011 18:52:00

Socceroos defender Rhys Williams says he is still haunted by the injury that crushed his World Cup dream.

Williams has returned to the Australian squad after an injury-cursed 11 months.

The Middlesbrough defender said he had not recovered from the mental scar of missing last year's World Cup with a groin injury.

"I am still not over it, to be honest," Williams told reporters on Wednesday in Adelaide.

"To miss such a big competition, when I feel like I could have been included, is something that is really hard to take.

"And it's going to be a while before I get over it, maybe.

"If I am good enough and if I'm playing regular to get to the next one, maybe that will erase the memories.

"It is hard for a young lad to get over it and now I'm just happy to be back playing and looking forward to putting on the green and gold again."

Williams returns to the Socceroos squad for Sunday's friendly against New Zealand in Adelaide and Tuesday's match against Serbia in Melbourne.

The former Welsh under-21 representative said while his groin had healed, the injury remained on his mind.

"I have always got the thought in the back of my head that the injury will come back," he said.

"So it's something I have got to work on and I do get nervous sometimes when I feel a pinch here and there.

"But at the end of the day, I just want to play football and be happy.

"I feel like this is the best I have ever felt. I had an 11-month break and I have come back and I feel ready mentally and physically."

Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar striker Kosta Barbarouses' chances of playing for New Zealand against Australia have risen with his inclusion in the All Whites' side to take on Mexico on Thursday.

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbet is grappling with an injury-hit squad ahead of the All Whites' friendlies.

"The group is quite depleted, it's probably the most difficult position we've been in terms of players missing," Herbert said.

"The priority is to give these players exposure at this level and they are going to get it."

The All Whites do not arrive in Adelaide until Saturday.

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, australia

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Australia may get second shot at World Cup

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 22/05/2011

Reporter: Barrie Cassidy

There is a slim chance Australia could get a second shot at the 2022 World Cup if FIFA decides the ballot was corrupt.

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Sepp Blatter playing politics with World Cup ballot

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 22/05/2011

Reporter: Barrie Cassidy

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has not ruled out a new ballot for the World Cup after allegations of vote-buying by Qatar.

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Arbib plays down Aussie World Cup hopes

Posted May 21, 2011 22:05:00

Federal Sports Minister Mark Arbib has urged caution about Australia getting a second chance to bid for World Cup 2022 after FIFA investigates corruption allegations.

FIFA's ethics committee is probing claims that executive members were paid bribes of $US1.5 million ($1.39 million) during the bidding process for the 2022 tournament.

Qatar went on to win the December ballot, with Australia's $45 million bid achieving just one vote.

The FIFA investigation has sparked belief that the bidding process could be rerun.

However, Senator Arbib urged caution.

"Certainly I think everybody is very cautious about what lies ahead," he told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.

"We're not getting our hopes up that there will be a decision to have a new ballot.

"I don't think we should get our hopes up yet.

"We need to have a chance for these allegations to be heard."

Senator Arbib described FIFA's investigation as a "positive step" and said its ethics committee would convene on June 1.

"Australia would have put on the best ever World Cup, there's no doubt about it," he said.

"We have the infrastructure, we have the people and certainly there was great disappointment across the country when we weren't successful."

A resubmission of Australia's bid should not cost any additional money, Senator Arbib added.

"It shouldn't cost us any extra money ... all the work has been done in terms of scoping the stadium, all the specifications, the technical work is complete."

A British House of Commons committee first heard allegations that two African FIFA executive committee members were bribed to vote for Qatar.

The Gulf nation later issued a statement denying "serious and baseless" allegations and saying they will "remain unproven because they are false".

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, world-cup, australia, qatar

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FIFA not ruling out 2022 World Cup revote

Last Updated: Fri, 20 May 2011 20:19:00 +1000

The head of soccer's world governing body FIFA, Sepp Blatter, has refused to rule out stripping Qatar of hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup, in the wake of vote-rigging allegations.

Earlier this month, The Sunday Times alleged Qatar paid bribes to win votes for the hosting rights, which Australia contested unsuccessfully in 2010.

The UK newspaper claims FIFA executive committee members Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma were paid $US1.5 million each to vote for Qatar.

The claims have been denied by both men.

Mr Blatter says FIFA's ethics committee must first decide whether the bribery claims are true before deciding if another vote for the 2022 finals will be considered.

Qatar was controversially awarded the right to host the 2022 tournament ahead of a host of candidates, despite a FIFA report which cast doubts over the tiny Gulf nation's ability to stage the event.

Australia's Football Federation says it is yet to consider its position in the wake of FIFA's admission that the 2022 vote could be re-staged.

In a statement, the FFA says if and when FIFA makes a decision on Qatar, it will decide what to do in the best interests of Australian soccer.

Meanwhile, Qatari sheikh Mohamed Bin Hammam is challenging Mr Blatter for the FIFA presidency with the final vote to be held on June 1.

The sport's governing body in the South Pacific, the Oceania Football Confederation, has announced it will endorse Mr Blatter.

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