the greatest victory for the United States since the 1950 World Cup

From The Times

June 25, 2009

US reach Confederations Cup final with shock win

Gabriele Marcotti, Bloemfontein

It was arguably the greatest victory for the United States since the 1950 World Cup, when they recorded a famous 1-0 victory over an England side that included Billy Wright, Wilf Mannion, Tom Finney and Stan Mortensen.

Goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey gave the US a 2-0 victory over Spain in the first semi-final of the Confederations Cup.

The European champions, who had won 15 straight matches and had not been defeated since November 2006 - both world records - were at close to full strength, with Fernando Torres partnering David Villa up front and Xavi Hernández, of Barcelona, the only interloper in what was otherwise an all-Premier League midfield four.

The US, having reached the semi-finals thanks to a dramatic six-goal swing in the last round of the group stage, opted for two banks of four with a combination of pace (Charlie Davies) and power (Altidore) up front.

The idea was to defend deep - to negate Torres's pace - and narrow - clogging the middle to hinder Spain's intricate passing. This meant conceding the flanks, but, against a side who lack a genuine aerial threat in the front six, it was a risk worth taking.

The early going rewarded the Americans' game plan. Spain's insistence on forcing their way through the middle left them frustrated and, in the 26th minute, Davies and Dempsey linked up well on the left before the Fulham midfield player picked out Altidore, who turned Joan Capdevila brilliantly on the edge of the box and smacked the ball past Iker Casillas.

With Vicente del Bosque's men pushing forward, a Spanish equaliser appeared inevitable, but in the 74th minute Sergio Ramos failed to clear a cross by Landon Donovan and Dempsey was on hand to tuck it into the net.

Spain predictably laid siege to Tim Howard's goal in the dying minutes, but the US weathered the storm, even after Michael Bradley was sent off with five minutes to go.

For the first time, the US beat the best in the world – and deserved it.

USA's Clint Dempsey (r.) scores the team's second goal past Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas during their Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Wednesday. The US beat No. 1-ranked Spain, 2-0.

(Paul Thomas/AP)

US soccer beats Spain! Now let’s relax.

Every major US win is hailed as the best ever. But really, it's just part of 59 years of progress.

By Mark Sappenfield | Staff writer 06.24.09

Here’s an idea. Let’s take a deep breath.

In the afterglow of the US’ 2-0 Confederations Cup win over Spain, unquestionably the best soccer team in the world, let’s refrain from deciding whether the win was No. 25 or 26 on the list of the 236 most galactically mind-boggling things ever to happen in American sports.

For once, let’s not trot out the most tiresome question in the history of sports journalism: Does this mean the US has finally arrived as a Legitimate World Soccer Power?

If a big tree (named Spain) falls in a moderately important World Cup warm-up tournament in South Africa, will anyone in America care? Will soccer suddenly become something other than a Saturday afternoon release-valve for the pent-up energy of shin-guarded six year olds?

Probably not.

But on the upward arc of American soccer, it is a fingerpost of progress. That the United States can beat a country that had won 32 of its last 35 matches – and tied the other three, tying a record for the longest international soccer unbeaten streak in the history of the known universe – means something.

In short, it means that on a good day, the US can beat a team that is historically good – one whose style is so lovely to behold that soccer journalists channel their inner Shakespeare simply to chronicle it.

The US has done this twice before.

In the 1950 World Cup, it defeated England, 1-0, and journalists abed in England, not yet having the benefit of ESPN360, reported the score as 10-1 to England, thinking a mistake had been made.

This has been called the greatest upset in the history of sport. A team that included a gym teacher, a bricklayer, a dishwasher and two mailmen beat a team guided by a man who would later become the first man ever knighted for his soccer prowess.

Impressive, but hardly was something to build upon. The US did not qualify for the World Cup for another 40 years.

In 1998, the US beat Brazil, again 1-0, in a C-list regional tournament. But Brazil is Brazil, and the world oohed. The thing is, goalkeeper Kasey Keller essentially had to perform an entire Cirque du Soleil act simply to keep the Brazilians off the scoreboard, and the winning goal was scored by Predrag Radosavljevich, a red-blooded American from the Main Street, USA, town of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. (Is that Iowa or Nebraska?)

A step forward, yes. But the victory still has the unmistakable scent of an anomaly – a butterfly had beat its wings off Cape Verde and this was the incomprehensible result.

The thing about Wednesday is that the US looked – dare I say it? – comfortable. That’s not to say they were the better team. But that’s not necessarily the most important thing in soccer. As usual, Spain put the soccer ball on its passing carousel, but rarely was there a moment when the Americans’ fingernails were all that separated them from defeat.

There were many close calls, as there are bound to be with a team of Spain’s quality, yet the American defense coped, and admirably. It was, it must be said, negative soccer – the very thing that infuriates American sports fans about the sport.

But taken more as tactics than as spectacle, it was effective. Many if not most of the 35 teams Spain played before Wednesday would have tried to employ the same game plan. Yet it was the US that succeeded.

These are the measures by which progress is gauged.

For the first time, the US beat the best in the world – and deserved it.

Against Costa Rica on Wednesday, the U.S. froze before a hostile crowd on a dreadful artificial surface against a speedy, skillful opponent accustomed

Weekly soccer column: U.S. reverts to baby steps

By Nick Green, Staff Writer

Posted: 06/08/2009 11:00:51 PM PDT

» Nick Green's 100 Percent Soccer blog

Nineteen years on from securing its first World Cup spot in four decades, the United States is at an awkward age when it comes to the global soccer stage.

More gangling teenager late to exit adolescence than youngster on the cusp of adulthood, the U.S. showed its immaturity on and off the field in the last two World Cup qualifiers.

Against Costa Rica on Wednesday, the U.S. froze before a hostile crowd on a dreadful artificial surface against a speedy, skillful opponent accustomed to the conditions.

Ill-conceived tactics and lineup combined with defensive instability, vapid midfield creativity and a limited attack contributed to a total breakdown in virtually every facet of the game and a deserved 3-1 defeat.

Against Honduras on Saturday, the U.S. again initially underestimated a supposedly weaker opponent urged on by a crowd in Chicago, where fans of the Central American country easily outnumbered fans of America. The U.S. clawed its way back into the game and the win column, though - after again conceding an early goal - more through its trademark determination and grit than anything else.

The result was a road loss, a home win and three points. Exactly halfway through the final round of qualifying, the U.S. is halfway to South Africa, sitting in a solid second place in a six-team competition in which three nations

automatically qualify for the World Cup and a fourth has the opportunity to join them via a playoff. It's a position any country except group leader Costa Rica would accept happily.

Yet there have been hysterical calls for Coach Bob Bradley's head and sweeping positional and personnel changes, an overreaction neither likely nor, for the most part, possible.

Improvement is required on the field and off, but wiping the chalkboard clean with the World Cup a year away is ill-advised and self-defeating. Self-imposed constraints two decades or more in the making will not be erased in 12 months.

The most fundamental weakness the U.S. faces is the ordinary quality of available players. Of those employed in the last two games, the Galaxy's Landon Donovan is the lone outfield player of undisputed international class.

In that respect, if anything, the U.S. has regressed. The 2002 World Cup team that so gloriously almost made it to the semifinals included Donovan, John O'Brien, Claudio Reyna and Brian McBride, backed up by the world-class Brad Friedel between the posts.

Aside from holdover Donovan and goalkeeper Tim Howard, this version possesses no comparable players with their vision, finesse, reading of the game and finishing touch in front of the goal.

Donovan lacks a supporting cast so that, as with the Galaxy, if he drifts out of a game, there is no one capable of stepping up to fill that role.

And the traditionally strong goalkeeping position aside, that is true of the defense, midfield and attack also, without exception.

So while fans might complain about Bradley, for instance, sticking with unconvincing fullbacks such as Heath Pearce, who was named to the Confederations Cup squad over the weekend, it is the only viable plan at this point.

That's what led Bradley to try the aging DaMarcus Beasley at the back, an unconventional and ultimately unsuccessful, though daring, experiment.

Still, Bradley is oft-criticized for the same conservative streak and perhaps overly loyal use of the same players as that of one-time mentor and predecessor Bruce Arena, but the quality and depth of the player pool is not exactly overflowing.

Let's hope the Italians on Monday and Brazil three days later take it easy on the U.S. at the Confederations Cup, where the Americans will field a very similar squad to that selected for the World Cup qualifiers.

Which brings us to the underlying problem the U.S. faces in its development: the lack of an ingrained soccer culture to support and nurture the national team that's seen elsewhere.

Most American fans don't live and die with their national team, as Brazilians, for instance, do. And unlike Brazilians, most American players don't spend endless recesses on school playgrounds kicking around a tennis ball or rock in unorganized pickup games until it becomes such second nature that doing the same with a regulation-size ball on a proper field is, well, child's play.

Even the soccer establishment blithely signals its disinterest. MLS continued its regular season without missing a beat last weekend. Is it any wonder so many Euro snob soccer fans have little respect for an inferior domestic product that undermines the national team and ignores the international game?

The U.S. is not going to win the World Cup in 2010, as once was suggested infamously . But then, neither are 30 other nations in the 32-team field.

The bottom line: The U.S. is doing about as well as could be expected given its resources. It could be worse; the U.S. could be in the position of Mexico, which has all the things going for it the U.S. does not and is still flailing in qualifying.

Now that's more than awkward.

nick.green@dailybreeze.com

For more soccer news, read the 100 Percent Soccer blog at www.insidesocal.com/soccer.

Hacia Francia 1998, clasificaron al Mundial México con 18 puntos, Estados Unidos con 17 y Jamaica con 14.

Costa Rica está a 5 puntos de Sudáfrica

Alexander Gaitán
Redacción Teletica Deportes
Actualizado 9:30 a.m.
10 de junio del 2009

Este miércoles hay dos partidos en la eliminatoria de CONCACAF y Costa Rica mantendrá el liderato con cualquier marcador que se presente.

La Tricolor suma 12 puntos en el primer lugar. El número clave, según hexagonales anteriores es 17. A la Tricolor le faltan 5 unidades para alcanzar esa cifra, cuando restan 15 puntos por disputar.

Hacia Francia 1998, clasificaron al Mundial México con 18 puntos, Estados Unidos con 17 y Jamaica con 14.

Rumbo a Japón y Corea del Sur 2002, Costa Rica fue primero con 23 unidades, seguido por México y Estados Unidos con 17.

Para Alemania 2006, Estados Unidos y México concluyeron la hexagonal con 22 puntos, Costa Rica clasificó como tercera con 16 y Trinidad y Tobago sumó 13 puntos para amarrar el repechaje.

En otras palabras, cuando un equipo del área llegó a 17 o más puntos amarró su clasificación de forma directa a la Copa del Mundo.

En el calendario Costa Rica tiene dos partidos en casa, ante México el 5 de septiembre y contra Trinidad y Tobago el 10 de octubre.

Este miércoles jugarán Honduras ante El Salvador en San Pedro Sula y México contra Trinidad y Tobago en el Estadio Azteca. Ambos partidos a las 7 y 30 de la noche, hora nacional.

Honduras saltó al tercer lugar del hexagonal de la Concacaf para el Mundial 2010,

1-0. Carlos Pavón le da el triunfo a Honduras que asciende al tercer lugar

Tegucigalpa, 11 de junio de 2009 (EFE).

3Comentarios

Honduras venció hoy por 1-0 a El Salvador con gol de Carlos Pavón y saltó al tercer lugar del hexagonal de la Concacaf para el Mundial 2010, con siete unidades, mientras que los salvadoreños cayeron al quinto, con cinco puntos.

Los jugadores de la selección de Honduras, Carlos Costly (d) y Carlos Pavón (i), celebran un gol contra El Salvador durante el partido entre ambos equipos por las eliminatorias al Mundial de fútbol Sudáfrica 2010, en el estadio Olímpico de San Pedro Sula, Honduras. EFE

Fue un triunfo con escaso brillo de los hondureños, que a ratos lucieron lentos y confiados con la ventaja mínima que lograron desde el minuto 14 ante un rival que en el segundo tiempo mostró mejor fútbol pero no pudo aprovechar sus opciones.

Pavón marcó el gol hondureño aprovechando un balón suelto después de que el portero Miguel Montes rechazara un disparo del centrocampista Amado Guevara.

Hasta entonces, las únicas ocasiones de ambos equipos habían sido dos remates desviados del salvadoreño Rudis Corrales y otro del hondureño Julio César León.

Los dirigidos por el colombiano Reinaldo Rueda mantuvieron la iniciativa y el control del balón durante casi todo el primer tiempo, lo que deparó en nuevas oportunidades de gol, una de ellas tras un remate de Pavón sacado de la línea de sentencia por la defensa rival.

A pesar del gol en contra, el equipo salvadoreño, manejado por el mexicano Carlos de los Cobos, se mantuvo bien plantado atrás y en el medio campo, aunque no supo aprovechar las ocasiones de anotar que se le presentaron, pues sus delanteros no estuvieron finos a la hora de definir.

El Salvador creció mucho en la segunda parte y bordó mejor su fútbol, pero sus intentos se quedaron en el borde del área y no llegó a amenazar seriamente la portería de Noel Valladares, a excepción de un tiro libre que desvió el guardameta local.

Aunque a ratos displicente, Honduras gozó de las mejores ocasiones de gol, en piernas de Ramón Núñez, Julio César León, Carlo Costly y Amado Guevara, quien, inexplicablemente, envió el balón afuera cuando estaba solo ante el portero y el árbitro estadounidense Baldomero Toledo se aprestaba a terminar el partido.

Sin embargo, este magro triunfo dio un nuevo aire a los hondureños, que venían de perder el sábado por 2-1 ante Estados Unidos y estaban en situación complicada.

El Salvador, que hoy llegó a San Pedro Sula ilusionado tras el triunfo del sábado frente a México, también por 2-1, cayó al penúltimo puesto, pero se mantiene con vida en la eliminatoria.

Costa Rica lidera el hexagonal con 12 puntos, seguido de Estados Unidos (10), Honduras (7), México (6), El Salvador (5) y Trinidad y Tobago (2).

Honduras recibirá el 12 de agosto próximo a Costa Rica.

El encuentro, correspondiente a la quinta jornada de la eliminatoria de la Confederación Norte, Centroamérica y el Caribe de Fútbol (Concacaf) para el Mundial 2010, se jugó en el Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano de San Pedro Sula, norte de Honduras.

-Ficha técnica:

1. Honduras: Noel Valladares, Mauricio Sabillón, Osman Chávez, Maynor Figueroa, Emilio Izaguirre; Julio César León (m.85, Hendry Thomas), Amado Guevara, Ramón Núñez (m.73, Walter Martínez), Wilson Palacios; Carlo Costly (m.93, Víctor Bernárdez) y Carlos Pavón. Seleccionador: Reinaldo Rueda.

0. El Salvador: Miguel Montes; Manuel Salazar, Alexander Escobar, Marvin González, Alfredo Pacheco (m.90, William Torres); Julio Martínez, Salvador Coreas, Ramón Sánchez, Eliseo Quintanilla; Cristian Castillo y Rudis Corrales (m.78, Williams Reyes). Seleccionador: Carlos de los Cobos.

Gol: 1-0, m.14: Carlos Pavón.

Árbitro: El estadounidense Baldomero Toledo. Amonestó a los hondureños Julio César León, Wilson Palacios, Ramón Núñez y Carlos Pavón, y a los salvadoreños Manuel Salazar, Salvador Coreas y Ramón Sánchez.

-Incidencias: Partido de la quinta jornada del hexagonal final de la eliminatoria de la Confederación Norte, Centroamérica y el Caribe de Fútbol (Concacaf) para el Mundial Sudáfrica 2010, disputado en el Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano de San Pedro Sula, norte de Honduras. En los palcos estuvo el presidente hondureño, Manuel Zelaya; su esposa, Xiomara de Zelaya, y la primera dama de El Salvador, Vanda Pignato.

Coca-Cola puede presumir de ser la única compañía de bebidas que simultáneamente patrocina a la FIFA y a la Selección Nacional

10-Junio-2009

Con el Tri hasta morir

Textos JC Vargas

La crisis por la que atraviesa la Selección Mexicana se concentra en lo deportivo, el negocio que genera el Tricolor no se ha perdido, sigue siendo un producto codiciado sin que lo rija un control de calidad

La Selección Mexicana tiene cuatro ‘jugadores’ que nunca se salen de la cancha, cuatro titulares millonarios de pantalón largo que están más allá de la vida que pudiera tener el Tri del Vasco Javier Aguirre. Les llaman patrocinadores masters y son Banamex, Telefónica, Coca-Cola y Adidas.

Son los monstruos del Tri y saben a qué juegan. Comprenden que los muchachos de Aguirre tienen la soga en el cuello y que Sudáfrica queda más lejos de lo que parece. Aun así, ellos apuestan por el equipo de todos, pues las ganancias para sus empresas están aseguradas, sin importar los derroteros de la verde.

Los cuatro masters aparecieron de la mano del Tricolor, después de que éste terminara su ciclo mundialista en Alemania 2006. Cifras fuertes para cubrir el próximo destino. Entre Coca-Cola, Banamex y Telefónica (Movistar) suman casi 50 millones de dólares en contratos hasta Sudáfrica. Adidas, la que además viste a selecciones como Francia, España y Argentina, apostó por México hasta el Mundial de Brasil 2014 y lo hizo por 70 millones de dólares.

Otros ‘jugadores’ llamados socios son Grupo Modelo, Aeroméxico, Rexona, Toyota, Lala, Warner BROS, Motorota y Sony Ericsson, cuyos patrocinios son menores, pero también importantes.

La Selección es la tercera mejor pagada en América, pues cobra por juego 750 mil dólares, mientras que Argentina lo hace por 1.5 millones y Brasil las supera al cobrar dos millones de dólares. El Tri es y seguirá siendo negocio.

Le ponen la chispa

Coca-Cola puede presumir de ser la única compañía de bebidas que simultáneamente patrocina a la FIFA y a la Selección Nacional. Como patrocinador oficial de la Copa del Mundo, también organiza el Trophy Tour de la Copa Mundial FIFA, que de nueva cuenta estará en México en marzo de 2010.

Sergio Spínola, director de Conecction Planning de Coca Cola México, argumentó que “el apoyo a la Selección no está vinculado a ninguna estrategia comercial, ni a los resultados deportivos. Nuestro apoyo al deporte es parte de nuestra filosofía como compañía por promover los estilos activos y saludables en México.”

Coca-Cola y el futbol son dos tradicionales símbolos que han estado presentes desde hace muchos años para compartir momentos especiales con la gente de todo el mundo. “Nuestra historia con la Selección Nacional es bastante larga. Podríamos decir que oficialmente fue en 1970 cuando nos integramos a la escena deportiva de México con el Campeonato Mundial de Futbol y fue hasta 1986 cuando nos convertimos en patrocinadores oficiales del Tricolor.”

El contrato actual de la compañía con el Tri es por 18 millones de dólares, hasta Sudáfrica 2010. El apoyo de Coca Cola involucra a todas las selecciones nacionales, al futbol profesional y amateur como es el caso del torneo intersecundarias que cumple 12 años y cuenta con el aval de la FMF y visoría de Primera División.

Inversión segura

Banamex lleva tres años apostando por el Tri. Comenzó cuando Hugo Sánchez tomó las riendas del equipo, siguió con el interinato de Chucho Ramírez y aguantó la época difícil de Sven-Göran Ericsson. Ahora están con el equipo de Javier Aguirre y, como los otros patrocinadores master, el banco mexicano espera que se llegue al Mundial.

Isabel Suárez Mier, subdirectora de comunicación de esta empresa, argumentó que “independientemente de lo que hoy pase en el partido frente a Trinidad y Tobago, nosotros seguiremos con la Selección Mexicana hasta el final. Por lo menos, de aquí a fin de año.”

El contrato es por el ciclo mundialista y es por la suma de 16 millones de dólares. “Nosotros promovemos la tarjeta verde a nuestros clientes y para el banco ha sido una buena inversión la Selección Mexicana. Ningún deporte o equipo de futbol tiene tanto rating como el selectivo, ya que llega a todos los niveles y lo miran aficionados y otros que no lo son.”

Es por ello que a Banamex no le preocupa –por el momento- la posición en la que se encuentra México en el Hexagonal de Concacaf, pues “igual que con los Pumas, en las buenas y en las malas estamos con el Tricolor. Es algo que valoran los equipos que patrocinamos. Con Pumas nos mantuvimos y ahora ambos celebramos el título. Con la selección pensamos igual, los apoyamos y esperamos ir al Mundial.”

Conexión exitosa

Isabel Suárez, directora de comunicación de Telefónica, comentó que las ganancias con la Selección Mexicana van más allá de lo que les suceda en la cancha a los jugadores del Vasco Aguirre. “Las cifras son confidenciales, pero con lo que ha hecho el equipo Tricolor es suficiente para obtener ganancias económicas. Y así seguirá, gane o pierda el equipo mexicano.”

Es por ello que Telefónica, específicamente con Movistar, realizó un contrato con la Federación Mexicana de Futbol para patrocinar al tricolor por cuatro años. La empresa de comunicación telefónica invirtió 15 millones de dólares y estará con el equipo de todos hasta que termine el ciclo mundialista de Sudáfrica el próximo año.

Explicó la entrevistada que la promoción de productos que tienen que ver con la Selección han incrementado el número de clientes, “por lo que estamos con la Selección Mexicana a morir. Con ella, gane o pierda.”

El Tricolor del pasado ciclo mundialista, con Ricardo La Volpe y Alberto de la Torre como cabezas principales, tenía contrato con Telmex. Ser parte del equipo de la Selección Mexicana viste a cualquier empresa y deja buenos dividendos si el equipo llega al Mundial. Es por ello que Telefónica ofreció un contrato millonario para llegar con el conjunto mexicano hasta la cita mundialista. Aun, si el selectivo se queda en el camino, Movistar ya recuperó la inversión y obtuvo ganancias.

Tres razones

Adidas no sólo se atrevió a arrebatarle a Nike la camiseta mexicana, después del Mundial de 2006 en tierras germanas.

La marca deportiva alemana invirtió una suma escandalosa de 70 millones de dólares para vestir a la Selección Mexicana durante ocho largos años. Es decir, hasta el Mundial de Brasil 2014.

A pesar de que dicho contrato tiene a nuestro selectivo entre los 10 mejores pagados del mundo –en patrocinio de uniforme- el Tricolor se encuentra en los últimos lugares del Hexagonal de Concacaf.

Mal negocio para Adidas, si tomamos en cuenta que el último lugar (Trinidad y Tobago) también firmó con esta marca teutona. Su rival –Nike- está con el USA Team y llevan buen camino rumbo a Sudáfrica. Joma, la firma española, se frota las manos con Costa Rica, que lidera la eliminatoria de Concacaf, así como la oportunidad de asistir al Mundial también con Honduras.

Adidas y Nike son los grandes monstruos en los certámenes internacionales. La de las tres franjas tiene en sus manos a España, Argentina, Francia y Alemania como las potencias. Ya calificó el equipo de Japón y Nigeria lidera en territorio africano.

En la zona de Centro América, América del Norte y el Caribe posiblemente salga con las manos vacías. Esta noche en el estadio Azteca se medirán los dos equipos que patrocinan dentro del Hexagonal de la Concacaf.

Adidas se rezaga

La marca deportiva Adidas tiene entre sus filas equipos internacionales como Real Madrid y el AC Milan. A nivel selecciones destacan Alemania, Argentina, España, Francia, Nigeria y Sudáfrica. La Selección Mexicana de futbol está entre sus selectivos desde octubre de 2006, después del Mundial de Alemania en la que el Tri participó con el logo de Nike, la archienemiga de la marca de las tres franjas.

El contrato se hizo hasta el 2014, con una cifra millonaria de 70 millones de dólares, poniendo a México entre las 10 selecciones mejor pagadas del mundo. Curiosamente, en el Hexagonal de Concacaf, rumbo a Sudáfrica, los equipos de Adidas van en los últimos lugares.

La crisis por la que atraviesa la Selección Mexicana se concentra en lo deportivo, el negocio que genera el Tricolor no se ha perdido, sigue siendo un producto codiciado sin que lo rija un control de calidad

La Selección Mexicana tiene cuatro ‘jugadores’ que nunca se salen de la cancha, cuatro titulares millonarios de pantalón largo que están más allá de la vida que pudiera tener el Tri del Vasco Javier Aguirre. Les llaman patrocinadores masters y son Banamex, Telefónica, Coca-Cola y Adidas.

Son los monstruos del Tri y saben a qué juegan. Comprenden que los muchachos de Aguirre tienen la soga en el cuello y que Sudáfrica queda más lejos de lo que parece. Aun así, ellos apuestan por el equipo de todos, pues las ganancias para sus empresas están aseguradas, sin importar los derroteros de la verde.

Los cuatro masters aparecieron de la mano del Tricolor, después de que éste terminara su ciclo mundialista en Alemania 2006. Cifras fuertes para cubrir el próximo destino. Entre Coca-Cola, Banamex y Telefónica (Movistar) suman casi 50 millones de dólares en contratos hasta Sudáfrica. Adidas, la que además viste a selecciones como Francia, España y Argentina, apostó por México hasta el Mundial de Brasil 2014 y lo hizo por 70 millones de dólares.

Otros ‘jugadores’ llamados socios son Grupo Modelo, Aeroméxico, Rexona, Toyota, Lala, Warner BROS, Motorota y Sony Ericsson, cuyos patrocinios son menores, pero también importantes.

La Selección es la tercera mejor pagada en América, pues cobra por juego 750 mil dólares, mientras que Argentina lo hace por 1.5 millones y Brasil las supera al cobrar dos millones de dólares. El Tri es y seguirá siendo negocio.

Le ponen la chispa

Coca-Cola puede presumir de ser la única compañía de bebidas que simultáneamente patrocina a la FIFA y a la Selección Nacional. Como patrocinador oficial de la Copa del Mundo, también organiza el Trophy Tour de la Copa Mundial FIFA, que de nueva cuenta estará en México en marzo de 2010.

Sergio Spínola, director de Conecction Planning de Coca Cola México, argumentó que “el apoyo a la Selección no está vinculado a ninguna estrategia comercial, ni a los resultados deportivos. Nuestro apoyo al deporte es parte de nuestra filosofía como compañía por promover los estilos activos y saludables en México.”

Coca-Cola y el futbol son dos tradicionales símbolos que han estado presentes desde hace muchos años para compartir momentos especiales con la gente de todo el mundo. “Nuestra historia con la Selección Nacional es bastante larga. Podríamos decir que oficialmente fue en 1970 cuando nos integramos a la escena deportiva de México con el Campeonato Mundial de Futbol y fue hasta 1986 cuando nos convertimos en patrocinadores oficiales del Tricolor.”

El contrato actual de la compañía con el Tri es por 18 millones de dólares, hasta Sudáfrica 2010. El apoyo de Coca Cola involucra a todas las selecciones nacionales, al futbol profesional y amateur como es el caso del torneo intersecundarias que cumple 12 años y cuenta con el aval de la FMF y visoría de Primera División.

Inversión segura

Banamex lleva tres años apostando por el Tri. Comenzó cuando Hugo Sánchez tomó las riendas del equipo, siguió con el interinato de Chucho Ramírez y aguantó la época difícil de Sven-Göran Ericsson. Ahora están con el equipo de Javier Aguirre y, como los otros patrocinadores master, el banco mexicano espera que se llegue al Mundial.

Isabel Suárez Mier, subdirectora de comunicación de esta empresa, argumentó que “independientemente de lo que hoy pase en el partido frente a Trinidad y Tobago, nosotros seguiremos con la Selección Mexicana hasta el final. Por lo menos, de aquí a fin de año.”

El contrato es por el ciclo mundialista y es por la suma de 16 millones de dólares. “Nosotros promovemos la tarjeta verde a nuestros clientes y para el banco ha sido una buena inversión la Selección Mexicana. Ningún deporte o equipo de futbol tiene tanto rating como el selectivo, ya que llega a todos los niveles y lo miran aficionados y otros que no lo son.”

Es por ello que a Banamex no le preocupa –por el momento- la posición en la que se encuentra México en el Hexagonal de Concacaf, pues “igual que con los Pumas, en las buenas y en las malas estamos con el Tricolor. Es algo que valoran los equipos que patrocinamos. Con Pumas nos mantuvimos y ahora ambos celebramos el título. Con la selección pensamos igual, los apoyamos y esperamos ir al Mundial.”

Isabel Suárez, directora de comunicación de Telefónica, comentó que las ganancias con la Selección Mexicana van más allá de lo que les suceda en la cancha a los jugadores del Vasco Aguirre. “Las cifras son confidenciales, pero con lo que ha hecho el equipo Tricolor es suficiente para obtener ganancias económicas. Y así seguirá, gane o pierda el equipo mexicano.”

Es por ello que Telefónica, específicamente con Movistar, realizó un contrato con la Federación Mexicana de Futbol para patrocinar al tricolor por cuatro años. La empresa de comunicación telefónica invirtió 15 millones de dólares y estará con el equipo de todos hasta que termine el ciclo mundialista de Sudáfrica el próximo año.

Explicó la entrevistada que la promoción de productos que tienen que ver con la Selección han incrementado el número de clientes, “por lo que estamos con la Selección Mexicana a morir. Con ella, gane o pierda.”

El Tricolor del pasado ciclo mundialista, con Ricardo La Volpe y Alberto de la Torre como cabezas principales, tenía contrato con Telmex. Ser parte del equipo de la Selección Mexicana viste a cualquier empresa y deja buenos dividendos si el equipo llega al Mundial. Es por ello que Telefónica ofreció un contrato millonario para llegar con el conjunto mexicano hasta la cita mundialista. Aun, si el selectivo se queda en el camino, Movistar ya recuperó la inversión y obtuvo ganancias.

Tres razones

Adidas no sólo se atrevió a arrebatarle a Nike la camiseta mexicana, después del Mundial de 2006 en tierras germanas.

La marca deportiva alemana invirtió una suma escandalosa de 70 millones de dólares para vestir a la Selección Mexicana durante ocho largos años. Es decir, hasta el Mundial de Brasil 2014.

A pesar de que dicho contrato tiene a nuestro selectivo entre los 10 mejores pagados del mundo –en patrocinio de uniforme- el Tricolor se encuentra en los últimos lugares del Hexagonal de Concacaf.

Mal negocio para Adidas, si tomamos en cuenta que el último lugar (Trinidad y Tobago) también firmó con esta marca teutona. Su rival –Nike- está con el USA Team y llevan buen camino rumbo a Sudáfrica. Joma, la firma española, se frota las manos con Costa Rica, que lidera la eliminatoria de Concacaf, así como la oportunidad de asistir al Mundial también con

Adidas y Nike son los grandes monstruos en los certámenes internacionales. La de las tres franjas tiene en sus manos a España, Argentina, Francia y Alemania como las potencias. Ya calificó el equipo de Japón y Nigeria lidera en territorio africano.

En la zona de Centro América, América del Norte y el Caribe posiblemente salga con las manos vacías. Esta noche en el estadio Azteca se medirán los dos equipos que patrocinan dentro del Hexagonal de la Concacaf.

Adidas se rezaga

La marca deportiva Adidas tiene entre sus filas equipos internacionales como Real Madrid y el AC Milan. A nivel selecciones destacan Alemania, Argentina, España, Francia, Nigeria y Sudáfrica. La Selección Mexicana de futbol está entre sus selectivos desde octubre de 2006, después del Mundial de Alemania en la que el Tri participó con el logo de Nike, la archienemiga de la marca de las tres franjas.

El contrato se hizo hasta el 2014, con una cifra millonaria de 70 millones de dólares, poniendo a México entre las 10 selecciones mejor pagadas del mundo. Curiosamente, en el Hexagonal de Concacaf, rumbo a Sudáfrica, los equipos de Adidas van en los últimos lugares.

Honduras.

FUTBOL-DT Javier Aguirre, insatisfecho con resultado de México

MEXICO DF, jun 11 (Reuters) - El triunfo conseguido el miércoles por la selección mexicana de fútbol ante su similar de Trinidad y Tobago en las eliminatorias de la Concacaf rumbo al Mundial de Sudáfrica 2010 dejó insatisfecho a su entrenador, Javier Aguirre.

El "Tri" ganó en casa por 2-1 en la quinta jornada del hexagonal final, en un partido que dominó completamente y en el que pudo registrar un marcador más amplio.

"Me gustó la forma como atacaron, como se defendieron, pero no me gustó el resultado. La victoria fue justa, el resultado fue deslucido, no refleja por nada lo que se vio en el terreno de juego", dijo Aguirre en rueda de prensa.

Con el triunfo, México llegó a 7 puntos y se ubica en el cuarto lugar de la eliminatoria, que otorga tres boletos directos a Sudáfrica más un cuarto que deberá disputar un repechaje con el quinto clasificado de la eliminatoria sudamericana.

Costa Rica lidera el hexagonal con 12 puntos, seguido de Estados Unidos con 10, Honduras con 7, México con 6, El Salvador con 5 y Trinidad y Tobago con 2.

"Creo que el equipo trabajó mucho el partido, tuvo llegada, una gran actitud, buena posesión del balón y un pobre marcador", apuntó Aguirre.

(Reporte de Carlos Calvo; editado por Hernán García)

Bora el milagroso

MLS Alums: The Miracle Worker

Milutinovic tackles biggest challenge with Iraq in Confederations Cup

06/10/2009 4:59 PM

By Mark C. Young / Special to MLSnet.com

Bora Milutinovic is the only coach to take five different nations to the World Cup. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Two years ago, Iraq's national soccer team pulled off one the most remarkable triumphs in the history of sports, winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. That stunning success brought a rare moment of jubilation to a war-torn nation and earned the team a berth in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

On Sunday, Iraq plays South Africa in the opening game of the tournament. At their helm will be a coach very familiar to American soccer fans -- former MetroStars and U.S. national team head coach Bora Milutinovic.

While Kazakhstan has Borat, soccer has Bora, and when the much-traveled coach drops in on a team he can stir up just as much controversy as any Sacha Baron Cohen creation. Milutinovic also has a huge reputation as a turnaround artist extraordinaire, being dubbed "the Miracle Worker" by former U.S. Soccer Federation president Alan Rothenberg. But last month, Milutinovic told Al-Jazeera.net that the Iraq job is "the biggest challenge in my career."

The legendary troubleshooter knows all about big soccer challenges. The Serbia-born Mexico City resident is the only coach to lead five different nations at the World Cup -- Mexico in 1986, Costa Rica in 1990, the U.S. in 1994, Nigeria in 1998 and China in 2002. Of that group, only China failed to advance to the second round.

At Italia '90, few expected Costa Rica to move on from a group that included Brazil, Scotland and Sweden, but the Milutinovic magic prevailed again as the Ticos beat both the Scots and the Swedes.

Four years later, most pundits predicted that the U.S. would be the first host nation to fall in the first round at the World Cup finals. But Milutinovic molded a young team stacked with big personalities that could embrace the moment, deny all the naysayers, and help launch a new era for soccer on these shores. That team not only reached the knockout phase, but put up a valiant fight against eventual champion Brazil in a memorable 1-0 second-round loss on the Fourth of July.

In his four years with the U.S. national team, Milutinovic posted a 30-35-31 record and, most importantly, helped raise the game's profile in one of soccer's last great wildernesses. That success stands in sharp contrast to his time with the MetroStars. Appointed to replace Alfonso Mondelo with one game left in the 1998 MLS regular season, "Bora Ball" was a giant-sized disappointment in the Meadowlands. The MetroStars posted a league-worst 4-25-3 record in 1999 and the coach was axed.

Following his MetroStars stint, Milutinovic got his passport stamped in many far-flung ports of call, including China, Jamaica, Honduras and Nigeria. He succeeded the architect of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup triumph, Brazilian Jordan Vieria, as Iraq head coach on April 8, 2009. Despite having performed his own spectacular miracle, Vieria was let go after Iraq's poor showing at the 2009 Gulf Cup in January (Iraq having already been eliminated from 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying in the third round). So far, Milutinovic's time with Iraq has matched the turbulence of his MetroStars tenure.

Last month at Iraq's training camp in Qatar, assistant coach Radhi Shnenaishil quit the team, claiming that he couldn't work for the new head coach, whom he branded "too theatrical" and "not qualified" for the job. As members of the U.S. World Cup class of '94 would no doubt confirm, Milutinovic works in mysterious ways to perform his soccer wonders. Now those mystical powers are being tested to the full. Star player Nashat Akram is struggling to be fit for the FIFA Confederations Cup, and Milutinovic has not yet snapped Iraq's 2009 winless streak. A 1-0 loss at Qatar and 1-1 tie to Poland in South Africa on Tuesday have him off to a 0-1-1 start.

FIFA may have blessed Bafana Bafana with a seemingly easy opening game with Iraq this Sunday, but Milutinovic has always embraced the underdog role. This time his greatest challenge will be to make the "Lions of Mesopotamia" roar. I doubt he can pull it off, but I wouldn't be the first person to underestimate a coach who has truly seen it all.

Other 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup notes

Bora Milutinovic isn't the only former MetroStars coach at the Confederations Cup in South Africa. Bob Bradley leads the U.S. national team in the World Cup dress rehearsal after an eventful week of World Cup qualifiers that saw a bewildered U.S. team lose 3-1 at Costa Rica on June 3, and secure a critical come-from-behind 2-1 win against Honduras at Soldier Field on Saturday night. Along with six current MLS players, Bradley's 23-man squad includes nine former MLS players -- Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra, Michael Bradley, Danny Califf, Clint Dempsey, Brad Guzan and Tim Howard. The U.S. plays in Group B, kicking off against Italy on June 15, followed by Brazil on June 18, and Egypt on June 21.

Former New England Revolution defender Tony Lochhead started for New Zealand in the Kiwis' 2-1 loss at Tanzania on June 3. That game was the first of three Confederations Cup warmup games for the All Whites. Struggling with a stomach bug that affected several members of the team, Lochhead played only as a sub in New Zealand's 0-0 tie at Botswana on June 7. Current MLS players Simon Elliott (Columbus Crew), Duncan Oughton (San Jose Earthquakes), Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls) and Jarrod Smith (Seattle Sounders) all saw playing time as well. New Zealand wraps up its preparations with a game against world champions Italy in Pretoria, South Africa on Wednesday, June 10. In Confederations Cup Group A, New Zealand will play Spain in Rustenburg on June 14, South Africa in Rustenburg on June 17 and Iraq in Johannesburg on June 20.

2010 FIFA World Cup news

Soccer's version of the Hail Mary play saved Portugal's blushes and most likely ex-MetroStars coach Carlos Queiroz's job (at least for the time being) in Albania on Saturday. Portugal and Albania were tied 1-1 late in stoppage time when, with nearly the last kick of the game, Portugal's Jose Bosingwa launched a long high ball into the box. The Albania backline stood transfixed and watched in horror as Bruno Alves ghosted in at the back post to beat goalkeeper Islli Hidi to the ball and head it into the open net for a 2-1 Portugal win. That result, combined with Denmark's 1-0 victory at Sweden, put the Danes firmly at the top of Group 1. With Portugal and Sweden laying third and fourth, respectively, in the standings behind Denmark and Hungary, it would take a remarkable change in fortunes for two of the world's top players, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to both be in South Africa next year. Next up for Portugal is a visit to Denmark on Sept. 5.

Former LA Galaxy assistant coach Ashin Ghotbi was at the Iran helm for the first time in a World Cup qualifying game on Saturday, gaining a precious point in a 0-0 tie at North Korea. Fourth in Asian Group 2, Iran would have to win its last two games, at home to the United Arab Emirates on June 10 and at South Korea on June 17, to have a shot at an automatic bid. South Korea has already punched its ticket to South Africa, leaving Iran to battle North Korea and Saudi Arabia for the second spot. The team that finishes third in the group will still have a shot at South Africa, facing a playoff with the Group 1 third place team for the right to play New Zealand for a spot in the Finals.

Former Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes striker Junior Agogo rode the bench as Ghana won 2-0 at Mali on Sunday to remain atop of Africa's Group D. Agogo, who has not played in three months due to a dispute with his Egyptian side El-Zamalek, is expected to remain in the squad for Ghana's next game at Sudan on June 20.

Former LA Galaxy defender Michael Umana exchanged hugs with ex-teammate Landon Donovan during the traditional pregame player handshakes before Costa Rica's 3-1 win against the U.S. on June 3. Umana played the full 90 in the Ticos' dominant performance. Another MLS alumnus, Andy Herron, started for Costa Rica as well. Both players were also starters in Costa Rica's 3-2 win at Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday. Former MetroStars defender Pablo Brenes was also in the Ticos' starting lineup for the Trinidad game. That six-point double dip propelled Costa Rica to the top of the standings.

In the loss to Costa Rica, Trinidad's ex-Toronto FC striker Collin Samuel came into the game for the second half and scored T&T's second goal. Former Colorado Rapids defender Keyeno Thomas was an unused substitute. Trinidad & Tobago play at Mexico on Wednesday, June 10.

On Saturday at Soldier Field, Honduras fielded two former MLS players in its starting XI against the U.S., ex-Galaxy striker Carlos Pavon and FC Dallas and Chivas USA alumnus Ramon Nunez. In a shaky opening first 20 minutes for the U.S. both players made significant contributions as Honduras held the early 1-0 initiative. Pavon tired quickly in the second half and was subbed out in the 66th minute. Surprisingly, 12 minutes later with Honduras trailing 2-1, Nunez also came out of the game. Both players are expected to start as Honduras hosts El Salvador on Wednesday, June 10.

Former D.C. United player Eliseo Quintanilla scored what might prove to be, for the U.S., one of the most important goals of the qualifying tournament when he converted an 85th-minute penalty kick to upset Mexico, 2-1, in El Salvador on Saturday night. That victory elevated El Salvador to third place in the standings and dropped Mexico to fifth.

In Bolivia on Sunday, former Dallas Burns and MetroStars midfielder Joselito Varca started as the home side lost 1-0 to Venezuela. On Wednesday night, Bolivia plays at in-form Chile, who beat Paraguay on the road 2-0 on Saturday and currently are third in the South American standings.

Elsewhere around the world

In Australia, former FC Dallas midfielder Victor Sikora underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on June 5. The Dutchman, currently with Perth Glory, scored one goal in six games for Dallas in 2008. Perth officials say Sikora should be ready for the start of the A-League season at the beginning of August.

In Brazil, despite World Cup qualifying games being on the docket for the national team, Week 5 of the Campeonato Brasileirao was in full swing. Fluminense's 1-0 win, on an 88th-minute goal from World Cup veteran Fred, over Botafogo on Sunday eased the pressure on ex-MetroStars head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. Former MetroStars defender Danilo Silva dropped to the bench as Internacional's four-game winning streak to start the season came to end with a 1-1 tie at Cruzeiro. Silva came into the game as a second-half substitute in the 59th minute, replacing Marcelo. Internacional remain atop the standings.

In Italy, former New England Revolution goalkeeper Walter Zenga was named head coach of Serie A side Palermo. Zenga, who also coached the Revs, signed a three-year deal. He had resigned as head coach of Catania last month.

In Jamaica, the short John Barnes reign as the Reggae Boyz national team head coach came to end with a 3-2 victory against Panama on Sunday. Khari Stephenson, who played nine games for the Kansas City Wizards over the course of 2004 and 2005, saw playing time for Jamaica as a second-half substitute. Luis Tejada, who played in one game for Real Salt Lake in 2007, scored Panama's second goal.

In Scotland, Glasgow Rangers 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year Maurice Edu underwent surgery in London on June 4 to repair ligament damage in his left knee. The Rangers midfielder is expected to be out of action until September, missing the start of the SPL season and the U.S. World Cup qualifier at Mexico in August.

In Vietnam, fans burned seats and hurled objects (and plenty of verbal abuse) at the field as former Brazil 2002 FIFA World Cup winner Denilson was a no show for his new team Hai Phong Cement in Saturday's 2-0 home loss to Danang. According to reports Hai Phong had raised ticket prices 30 percent for the advertised debut of the ex-FC Dallas midfielder. Agence France Presse reported on Tuesday that Denilson asked fans to be patient, claiming, "With my ability, I can bring you wonderful matches." That would certainly put him on better footing with the Cement fans.

Tradewinds

Napoli head coach and former MetroStars midfield general Roberto Donadoni made his first big signing of the summer, landing the signature of Fabio Quagliarella on a five-year contract. Donadoni had given the former Udinese striker his international debut for Italy and took him to Euro 2008 last summer.

Performance of the week

Former D.C. United player Eliseo Quintanilla held his nerve as the rain hammered down on a sodden field Saturday night in San Salvador to score the winning penalty kick goal in the 85th minute to give El Salvador a 2-1 win over Mexico. That victory sparked jubilation in the stands and could prove critical to U.S. qualification hopes. With all the CONCACAF big guns -- Costa Rica, Mexico and the U.S., holding serve at home in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying hexagonal so far, Mexico's loss in El Salvador offset the U.S. reverse in Costa Rica and means even if Mexico wins its midweek home game with Trinidad & Tobago and its upcoming Azteca showdown with the U.S. in August, Bob Bradley's team will still hold a one-point edge over Mexico heading down the home stretch. That margin could prove crucial on the road to South Africa.

Mark C. Young is an Emmy Award-winning freelance writer/TV producer who has covered several FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games. He is a contributor to Goal.com and also writes for the blog "No Mas."

Argentina slumped to a 2-0 defeat

Ecuador close gap on leaders

(Reuters) Thursday 11 June 2009

Carlos Tevez missed a first-half penalty as Argentina slumped to a 2-0 defeat away to Ecuador in their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier on Wednesday. Left-back Walter Ayovi, with a superb 25-metre strike, and Pablo Palacios scored in to hand Argentina their second defeat in four FIFA World Cup qualifiers under Diego Maradona.

The hosts also had to make do without Carlos Tenorio from the 13th minute, when he was replaced with Jefferson Montero due to a back injury, a change Argentina tried to take advantage of.

Lionel Messi squandered a superb early chance for Argentina, who at least improved on their 6-1 defeat to Bolivia in another high altitude match in April. Despite the result at 2,800 metres above sea level, Argentina remained in the top four of the ten-team South American group with 22 points from 14 games, while Ecuador jumped to fifth place on 20 points. The top four in the ten-team group qualify directly for South Africa and the fifth plays off over two legs against the fourth team from CONCACAF.

"They didn't do anything in the first half," Maradona said. "In the second half, they got a couple of rebounds and they scored two goals.

"If we had scored a goal, it would have finished the game off."

Ecuador coach Sixto Vizuete said: "These three points are worth their weight in gold and we're satisfied because we beat great opponents."

Missed opportunities
Messi wasted an outstanding chance after ten minutes when he side-footed Gabriel Heinze's low cross wide of the goal from six metres. Argentina had an even better chance when Tevez was upended by Ecuador goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga just inside the penalty area and referee Carlos Chandia pointed to the spot.

Argentina-born Elizaga saved Tevez's weak penalty by diving low to his left in the 28th minute. Messi, who fired over from the rebound, then created another chance with a solo run, but shot into the side-netting.

These three points are worth their weight in gold and we're satisfied because we beat great opponents.

Ecuador coach Sixto Vizuete

Ecuador's best first-half efforts were long-range shots from Jefferson Montero and Antonio Valencia. Ecuador took control after halftime and continued to try their luck from long-range as Ayovi tested Mariano Andujar with a dipping free kick and Segundo Castillo forced him to turn a powerful drive around the post.

The hosts broke through when Argentina lost possession and Palacios laid the ball into the path of Ayovi who scored in the 72nd minute with a rising shot from 25 metres. Substitute Palacios fired home the second from inside the penalty area with seven minutes left before Valencia hit the post with another long-range effort in injury-time.

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Brazil see off Paraguay to retain lead

Striker Nilmar capitalised on a piece of good fortune to earn Brazil a 2-1 home win over Paraguay on Wednesday that keeps them top of the South American 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying table.

Nilmar, who had a quiet first half, chested a Felipe Melo pass towards Kaka only for the ball to come back to him off the unfortunate Julio Cesar Caceres and the striker managed to scramble it home.

Paraguay, also among the top four in the group, went ahead midway through the first half when Salvador Cabanas's free-kick from outside the box took a deflection off Elano and looped over Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Robinho then volleyed an exquisite equaliser four minutes before half-time from Daniel Alves's cross from the right.

Brazil now have 27 points with four matches to go in the ten-team single South American group. Paraguay are third with 24 points, two behind second placed Chile, with Argentina fourth. The top four qualify automatically for next year's finals in South Africa.

Busy goalkeepers
Brazil squandered several chances towards the end of an exciting second half, played in a torrential downpour in front of a crowd of 66,000 in the tropical city of Recife. Paraguay had less possession but posed more threat in the first half with midfielder Carlos Bonet shooting just over and busy striker Osvaldo Martinez going close from a tight angle on the right before Cabanas opened the scoring.

His goal was only the second conceded by Brazil at home in the qualifiers and Julio Cesar had to be alert to prevent Cabanas from scoring again in the 70th minute. Paraguay keeper Justo Villar made a diving save from Robinho close to the hour and the striker also shot over near the end after a good cross from Kaka.

Real Madrid-bound Kaka was guilty of a miss himself when he put the ball wide from a metre out following a low cross by marauding central defender Lucio. Brazil visit arch-rivals Argentina in their next match, with the home side clinging desperately to an automatic qualifying berth after a 2-0 loss away to Ecuador.

Mexico and Honduras both bounced back from defeats

Sweet relief for wobbly duo

(FIFA.com) Thursday 11 June 2009

Mexico and Honduras both bounced back from defeats at the weekend to nominally right their ships in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. It was never pretty, but El Tri boss Javier Aguirre notched his first victory in his second stint in charge with a nervy 2-1 result over current 'hexagonal' bottom side Trinidad and Tobago at the Azteca. Elsewhere, Honduras made relatively easy meat of El Salvador at home in San Pedro Sula with a 1-0 result that flattered the visitors.

The Mexicans started like a house on fire at their famous fortress in the capital. But after Guillermo Franco poked home from close range inside the first minute, the home side - currently in woeful form - lost the plot completely. Aguirre was forced to take off Nery Castillo midway through the first half when the player pulled up with a muscle strain, and just before the break, Trinidad - the bottom side in the final round of qualifying in North, Central America and the Caribbean - struck an equaliser. It was largely a self-inflicted wound as Andres Guardado gave possession away cheaply, but new man Hayden Tinto did brilliantly to hammer into the top corner from 20 yards out.

Aguirre most likely gave his side a thunderous team talk at the half. And whatever he said worked wonders as Oscar Rojas put the home side into the lead with a stunning 35-yard scorcher two minutes into the second period. Even that advantage failed to settle Mexican nerves as their inability to control the ball will have fans, coach and players concerned ahead of their next game with archrivals USA in September. The win sees the Mexicans up to fourth in the region's qualifying, but the nature of the performance will need to be addressed.

"I think we improved our performance from the last time out," said Castillo after the final whistle. "It's too bad we couldn't score more goals, but overall I am a happy man. We're not playing that badly and we won the game. That's all that matters, no matter what the journalists say."

Pavon power guides Catrachos
Honduras, who lost 2-1 to the United States only days ago despite carving out a 1-0 lead early, bounced back to earn a justified victory at home in San Pedro Sula over an El Salvador outfit fresh off a shock win over Mexico in their last fixture. The game failed to match the drama and suspense of the night's other tilt, but Honduras will be thankful for the three points that see them move up to third in the standings.

Carlos Pavon, the Catrachos' all-time top scorer and attacking hero, slammed home a screaming half-volley from close range in the 13th minute. It was the only goal the home side needed as they ran out 1-0 winners in a ferocious contest that produced four yellow cards and countless fouls.

Costa Rica and the United States had the night off, with the Americans participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa forcing a change in the schedule. The next matchday in the region's final round will be on 12 August when second-place USA face Mexico at the Azteca, El Salvador travel to Trinidad and Tobago and Honduras square off with surprise table toppers Costa Rica in an all-Central American classic.

Rating: 5.0

• User comments »

11/06/2009 at 05:35

MarkusMerk (Mexico)

Mexico needs to get much better no doubt. But Mexico didn't get the chance to play friendly matches before these qualifiers so the circumstances were not the best. As a fan of Mexico, I don't claim Mexico to be the greatest team in the world so I am humble enough to not have too much pride. I'm glad Mexico won, but of course LOTS of work needs to be done. If there is really one team that doesn't deserve to go to South Africa, it's the USA since it's fan base numbers so few and the nation thinks the World Cup is boring.

11/06/2009 at 05:33

machetero88 (USA)

It was a well played game for Honduras that had good plays and should have taken advantage of them to increase their lead. Mexico I think should have tied the game T&T did a great job creating chances. Mexico is going to lose against the USA and Honduras will win a very hard game at home which will keep the Tri out of yet another World Cup.

11/06/2009 at 05:31

joseq4101 (USA)

Mexico played very good had many chances they have a better form now but they need to Finish better having so many good chances and not scoring is bad i know the goal keeper did stop 3 very good goals so cheers to you during the two friendlies coming up and 3 games in gold cup i think that mexico will play better and stop all the silly mistakes and finish better

11/06/2009 at 05:25

kriegsmarine (USA)

mexico did ok in this game against tnt, however tnt is the weakest team in the group and mexico kinda struggled to beat them. mexico played really sloppy while trying to control the ball causing "almost" shots against mexico.Aguirre still needs to work with the players and make a couple changes in the team. thank god friendlies are coming up soon for some experimenting and practice. Go mexico!

11/06/2009 at 05:23

urirazo (USA)

and winning in Azteca by the altitude is just an excuse cuase most of our players specially the ones tha played today play in europe not in mexico city

11/06/2009 at 05:22

Emanyio712 (USA)

Mexico's performance improved slightly, but it's performance was still poor considering we had the home and elevation advantage. It is obvious from looking at Mexico play that they retain that potential play great, but their low self-confidence is what is killing them. I believe I know what the exact problem is with Mexico, and it is this...no clear dominant striker. This has been the overarching problem with Mexico ever since the end of the Gold Cup 2007. If you guys can remember back, there was no clear player to replace Jared Borgetti. It was only for a short while that during Copa America we had Nery Castillo as our thirsty sriker. But ever since his stunt with the Shaktar he has had very little or irregular playing time. The lack of a good forward has been our achilles heel, and what has driven our football down. It's like having a really nice car, but without anyone behind the wheel. The whole issue about needing a better coach has actually been the least of our problems.

11/06/2009 at 05:22

urirazo (USA)

men thanks God we won, i hope we finally star showing that we are not what we been doing the las 2 years

11/06/2009 at 05:20

mej1can0kid (Spain)

i new we were going to win. we dominate the game, but the result does not show it. tnt only score because of a defensive mistake. the game could have ended 4-1 if mexico took advantage of their chaces. i give credit to were credit is due. and the only reason why mexico did not score more goals was because tnt's goalie did a great job. mexico's team showed great chemistry. with the gold cup coming up, we have time to improve as a team and be ready for the game agaisnt the USA. what is perez still doing on the field, he should be bench. ochoa should be our goalie.

11/06/2009 at 05:19

MyTrini2010 (Trinidad and Tobago)

I feel this loss, but not as badly as the one we gave up on Saturday and worse the draw against El Salvador. The numbers don't look good, but there's always a chance. The team looked good in the first half, but fizzled about 10 minutes into the second. Come on TnT, we need to close the defensive gaps more, because if Ince (who has stepped up fantastically tonight) didn't work hard, we might have conceded about 5. Yorke is obviously not up to it and needs to sit, and the 4-5-1 combo with Jones simply didn't work. 4-4-2 is far more effective against central-American sides. ... and again a midfielder has scored. Collin Samuel has to be used more. Anyway, I'm on for the long haul, guys. Let's do this on August 12th.

11/06/2009 at 05:19

rudiduke (USA)

Mx will lose to Us. There's no doubt about it. Mx has been playing poorly. The game today at Azteca was woeful. For mx to convice, tehy should have won 2 or 3 zero. tt is the weaker team of the concacaf. Mx should have played much better, bunch of primadonnas. Mexicans reading this, don't take it personnaly, I call it like I see it. Mexico coul have done better. I hope they don't make it to sa10

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Junio 10

Results

10/06/09 18:50	Recife		Brazil	2:1 (1:1)	Paraguay
10/06/09 19:00	Santiago De Chile		Chile	4:0 (1:0)	Bolivia
10/06/09 12:45	Rotterdam		Netherlands	2:0 (1:0)	Norway
10/06/09 19:00	Puerto Ordaz		Venezuela	2:2 (1:0)	Uruguay
10/06/09 11:30	Helsinki		Finland	0:3 (0:1)	Russia
10/06/09 19:30	Mexico City		Mexico	2:1 (1:1)	Trinidad and Tobago
10/06/09 13:15	London		England	6:0 (3:0)	Andorra
10/06/09 11:00	Kyiv		Ukraine	2:1 (1:1)	Kazakhstan
10/06/09 04:00	Sydney		Australia	2:0 (0:0)	Bahrain
10/06/09 05:00	Seoul		Korea Republic	0:0	Saudi Arabia
10/06/09 04:39	Yokohama		Japan	1:1 (1:0)	Qatar
10/06/09 19:30	San Pedro Sula		Honduras	1:0 (1:0)	El Salvador
10/06/09 12:15	Torshavn		Faroe Islands	0:2 (0:1)	Serbia
10/06/09 11:00	Gothenburg		Sweden	4:0 (1:0)	Malta
10/06/09 08:30	Tehran		Iran	1:0 (0:0)	United Arab Emirates
10/06/09 17:00	Medellin		Colombia	1:0 (1:0)	Peru
10/06/09 09:45	Skopje		FYR Macedonia	2:0 (1:0)	Iceland
10/06/09 15:00	Quito		Ecuador	2:0 (0:0)	Argentina
07/06/09 14:30	Lima		Peru	1:2 (0:1)	Ecuador
07/06/09 08:30	Yaounde		Cameroon	0:0	Morocco