This World Cup will have 34 players representing a country different from where they were born. The first case was reported in 1934, when the Argentine born Luis Monti represented Italy. During the FIFA congress in Stockholm on October 192, Italy was chosen to host the 1934 world cup. The current political leader of that time, Benito Mussolini, wanted to strengthen his campaign and he decided to use the world cup to his benefit. That squad had 5 international players: Monti, Guaita, Demaria and Orsi (Argentina) and Guarisi (Brazil). In 1930 Monti had represented Argentina, obtaining a 2nd place finish in the world cup.

In 2006, history repeated itself, when Mauro Camoranesi (Argentina) joined Italy and won the World Cup.

Squads with International Players:

Argentina: Gonzalo Higuain (Born in Lens, France).

Chile: Matias Fernandez (Argentina)

Paraguay: Lucas Barrios, Jonathan Santana and Nestor Ortigoza (Argentina).

Greece: Vyntra (Czech Republic), Ninis (Albania).

France: Mandada (Congo), Patrice Evra (Senegal), Malouda (French Guyana).

United States: Jose Torres (Mexico), Benny Feilhaber (Brasil).

North Korea: Ahn Young-Hak (Japan).

Portugal: Deco,Pepe and Liedson Da Silva(Brasil), Nani and Rolando (Cape Verde).

Germany: Miroslav Klose, Lucas Podolski (Poland), Cacau (Brasil).

Switzerland: Valon Behrami, Albert Bunjaku and Xherdan Shaqiri (Kosovo), Gelson Fernandes (Cape Verde),Blaise Nkufo (Zaire).

Italy: Mauro Camoranesi (Argentina).

Japan: Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Brasil).

Serbia: Vladimir Zdravko Kusmanovic (Switzerland).

Australia: Vidosic (Croacia) and Djite (United States).

Nigeria: Odemwingie (Uzbekistan).

Cote d’Ivoire: Sol Bamba and Guy Demel (France).

There are also 12 National teams with Foreign coaches:

Switzerland: Ottmar Hitzfeld (Germany).

Greece: Otto Rehhagel (Germany).

Australia: Pim Verbeek (Netherlands).

South Africa: Juan Carlos Parreira (Brasil).

Cameroon: Paul Le Guen (France).

Cote d’Ivore: Sven Goran Eriksson (Sweden).

Nigeria: Lars Lagerback (Sweden).

Ghana: Milovan Rajevac (Serbia).

Chile: Marcelo Bielsa (Argentina).

Paraguay: Gerardo Martino (Argentina).

England: Fabio Capello (Italy).

Honduras: Reinaldo Rueda (Colombia).

2010 World Cup Facts: International Players

The wait is over, Diego has confirmed the list of 23 players that will represent Argentina in South Africa. After calling over 108 players, he has finally made a decision, leaving out Coloccini, Insaurralde,Mercier,Jose Sosa, Datolo, Blanco and Lavezzi from the original 30-man roster.

The biggest surprise was the inclusion of Ariel Garce, who has only one cap with the Argentine National team under Diego Maradona, that cap being in a friendly against Haiti; Garce was chosen on top of Coloccini and Javier Zanetti.

The roster:
Sergio Romero – 23 years old – AZ Alkmaar – 5 caps - 1st world cup
Nicolas Otamendi – 22 years old – Velez Sarsfield – 6 caps – 1st world cup
Martin Demichelis – 29 years old – Bayern Munich – 25 caps – 1st world cup
Walter Samuel – 32 years old – Inter Milan – 54 caps – 2nd world cup
Gabriel Heinze – 29 years old – Olympique Marseille – 65 caps – 2nd world cup
Jonas Gutierrez – 27 years old – Newcastle – 15 caps – 1st world cup
Javier Mascherano – 25 years old – Liverpool – 56 caps – 1st world cup
Juan Sebastian Veron – 35 years old – Estudiantes LP – 69 caps – 3rd world cup
Angel Di María 22 years old –Benfica -7 caps – 1st world cup
Lionel Messi 22 years old -Barcelona- 45 caps - 2nd world cup
Gonzalo Higuaín 22 years old - Real Madrid - 4 caps – 1st world cup
Mariano Andújar 26 years old – Catania - 4 caps – 1st world cup
Diego Pozo 32 years old – Colón - 3 caps – 1st world cup
Nicolás Burdisso 29 years old – Inter- 28 caps - 2nd world cup
Clemente Rodríguez 28 Years old – Estudiantes - 11 caps – 1st world cup
Mario Bolatti 25 years old - Fiorentina - 4 caps – 1st world cup
Javier Pastore 20 years old – Palermo – no caps – 1st world cup
Maxi Rodríguez 29 years old – Liverpool - 35 caps – 2nd world cup
Sergio Agüero 21 years old - Atlético Madrid - 21 caps – 1st world cup
Diego Milito 30 years old – Inter Milan - 21 caps – 1st world cup
Carlos Tevez 26 years old – Manchester City - 53 caps – 2nd world cup
Martín Palermo 36 years old – Boca Juniors - 13 caps – 1st world cup
Ariel Garcé 30 years old – Colon - 3 caps -1st world cup

Maradona confirms Argentina World Cup roster

EA Sports is starting to give fans of FIFA 11 a sneak peak of what the newest edition of one of the most successful gaming franchises in the world will consist of. There is lots of talk and a great anticipation for this game especially after the roaring success of FIFA 10 both for Playstation and Wii consoles.

Also check out PES Soccer 11.

Gamers given sneak peak of FIFA 11

Here is the official Press Release from FIFA

FIFA Press Release

The FIFA Emergency Committee decided yesterday, 11 May 2010, to suspend the Salvadoran Football Association (FESFUT) on account of government interference. This decision by FIFA is based on the fact that the statutes ratified by the FESFUT general assembly in August 2009 have not been formally entered in the country’s official register, and that the government has failed to acknowledge the authority of the Normalisation Committee set up to represent FESFUT.

Consequently, FIFA considered that it was not possible for FESFUT to organise the elective general assembly in line with the action plan that had been drawn up and has suspended FESFUT until the Salvadoran authorities formally accept the legitimacy of the Normalisation Committee installed by FIFA and sign the new statutes that were adopted by the FESFUT general assembly in August 2009.

If the Salvadoran authorities do not revise their position by noon (GMT) on 8 June 2010, the FIFA Executive Committee will be obliged to propose to the FIFA Congress that FESFUT be suspended. If the Congress upholds this proposal, it will not be possible to lift the suspension until the next FIFA Congress in June 2011.

Furthermore, during the period of suspension, FESFUT will not be able to be represented in any regional or international competitions. For example, the refereeing trio selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ will not be able to participate in this competition if FESFUT remains suspended.

Despite the seriousness of this situation, the FIFA Executive Committee has expressed its full support for the FESFUT Normalisation Committee, the authority currently recognised by FIFA

FIFA supspends El Salvador football federation (FESFUT)

The frechman Paul Le Guen announced the 30-man for the world cup. The African squad will by led by striker Samuel Eto, added to the experience and talent of Espanyol goalkeeper Kameni, Emana y Webo.

The coach has called up on veterans like Geremi and Rigobert Song, and left out Marsella midfielder Stephane Mbia y Burnley defender Andre Bikey.

Goalkeepers:
Guy Roland N'Dy Assembe (Valenciennes)
Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol/Spain)
Hamidou Souleymanou (Kayserispor)
Patrick Tignyemb (Bloemfontein Celtic).

Defenders:
Patrick Abouna (Astres Douala)
Benoit Assou Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspur)
Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham Hotspur)
Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes)
Aurelien Chedjou (Lille)
Geremi (Ankaragucu)
Boukar Makadji (Al Nahdha)
Nicolas Nkoulou (Monaco)
Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor)

Midfielders:
Achille Emaná (REAL BETIS)
Enoh Eyong (Ajax Amsterdam)
Jean Makoun (Olympique Lyon)
Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern)
Joel Matip (Schalke 04)
Patrick Mevoungou (Canon Yaounde)
Marcel Ndjeng (Augsburg)
Landry Nguemo (Celtic)
Alexandre Song (Arsenal).

Forwards:
Vincent Aboubakar (Coton Sport)
Eric Choupo-Mating (Nuremburg)
Paul Alo'o Efoulou (Nancy)
Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan)
Mohamadou Idrissou (Friburgo)
Dorge Kouemaha (Club Bruges)
Achille Webo (Real Mallorca/Spain)
Jacques Zoua (Basilea)

Cameroon World Cup List

Otto Rehhagel, head coach of Greece has announced the 30-man world cup roster. The “Pirate ship” shares the group B with Argentina, Nigeria and South Korea.
The Greek will participate in their second world cup; their last and first participation was in 1994. The Greek will once again face Maradona, but this time as a coach. In 1994 Argentina defeated Greece 4-0 with a goal by Diego, his last in a world cup.

The most remarkable players in this list are striker Fanis Gekas, Giorgos Samaras and Angelos Charisteas. Three players were called for the first time including midfielder Sakis Prittas, and defenders Costas Manolas and Stergos.

Goalkeepers:
Kostas Halkias (PAOK)
Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos)
Michael Sifakis (Aris)

Defenders:
Lukas Vyntra (Panathinaikos)
Giorgos Seitaridis (Panathinaikos)
Stergos Marinos (Panathinaikos)
Nikos (Panathinaikos)
Spyropoulos (Panathinaikos)
Vangelis Moras (Bolonia/Italy)
Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiakos)
Giorgos Galitsios (Olympiakos)
Vasilis Torosidis (Olympiakos)
Sotiris Kyrgiakos (Liverpool/England)
Giorgos Tzavellas (Panionios)
Stelios Malezas (PAOK)
Socrates Papastathopoulos (Génova/Italy)
Costas Manolas (AEK)

Midfielders:
Costas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos)
Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos)
Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos)
Christos Patsatzoglou (Omonia/CYR)
Alexandros Tziolis (Siena/Italy)
Grigoris Makos (AEK Athens)
Sakis Prittas (Aris)

Forwards:
Dimitris Salpingidis (Panathinaikos)
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Panathinaikos)
Fanis Gekas (Hertha Berlín/GER)
Giorgos Samaras (Celtic/SCO)
Angelos Charisteas (FC Nuremberg/Germany)
Pantelis Kapetanos (Steaua Bucarest/Romania)
Kostas Mitroglou (Olympiakos)

Greece announce 30-man roster for the world cup

Diego Maradona has released the so anticipated 30-man World Cup list.

This week was full of problems for Diego and his players. Alfito Basile, the son of former Argentine National team head coach Alfio Basile made a very strong accusation against Diego. Basile said “He called players before his appointment and said he counted with them, that is conspiracy”.

Carlos Dibos, added fuel to the fire by stating “What he says (Basile) is true, everyone knows that, during our time in la seleccion we saw very strange things”.

El Ruso Ribolzi joined the crusade against Maradona and said “Maradona does not deserve to speak about his accomplishments, he is useless as a person, he has no dignity”.

Mancuso slammed Dibos and said that when Basile was still in Boca Juniors, he received a call from Dibos with a special request “If Diego starts coaching, let him know I want to work with him, Basile is getting old and I don’t want to be left without a job”.

Enough issues, let’s get back to what we are all here for. The World Cup list:


Goalkeepers:
Sergio Romero (Az Alkmaar)
Mariano Andújar (Catania)
Diego Pozo (Colón)

Defenders:
Nicolás Burdisso (Roma)
Ariel Garcé (Colón)
Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle)
Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich)
Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marsella)
Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell's)
Nicolás Otamendi (Vélez)
Clemente Rodríguez (Estudiantes)
Walter Samuel (Inter)

Midfielders:
Sebastián Blanco (Lanús)
Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina)
Jesús Dátolo (Nápoli)
Angel Di María (Benfica)
Jonás Gutiérrez (Newcastle)
Javier Macherano (Liverpool)
Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors)
Javier Pastore (Huracán)
Maxi Rodríguez (Liverpool)
José Sosa (Estudiantes)
Juan Sebastián Verón (Estudiantes)

Forwards:
Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid)
Ezequiel Lavezzi (Nápoli)
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Diego Milito (Inter)
Martín Palermo (Boca)
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid)

The three goalkeepers are confirmed, no changes will be made along that line.This is probably one of the most controversial areas. When Maradona tookever he said "Juan Pablo Carrizo will be my goalkeeper", After the famous 6-1 loss against Bolivia he removed Carrizo from the goal despite him having a very good match, If it would have not been for him the game would have ended with 4-5 more goals against Argentina.

Two defenders will be excluded, and most likely they will be Ariel Garce and Juan Insaurralde, one midfielder, along this line it will be hard to make a decision, will Diego opt to take a experienced player like Maxi Rodriguez, or the young talent of Javier Pastore? In the offensive line one player will also remain home,we believe that will be Ezequiel Lavezzi.

What we are sure is what the starting XI will be:
Sergio Romero; Nicolas Otamendi, Walter Samuel, Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze; Jonas Gutierrez, Javier Mascherano, Juan Sebastian Veron, Angel DiMaria; Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi.

Key Players that will miss the world cup:
Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Pablo Aymar, Juan Pablo Carrizo, Gabriel Milito, Fernando Gago, Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Saviola, Hernan Crespo, Rodrigo Palacio, Lisandro Lopez and Marcos Angeleri.

Some words on the street:
"What is he thinking about not calling Zanetti, we have no wide backs" - Sports Admin Student U Kennedy

"Carrizo is my goalkeeper haha" - Engineering Student U Kennedy

Maradona releases 30-man World Cup List

German coach Joachim Low presented the 27-man world cup list. Germany integrates the group D alongside Ghana, Australia and Serbia.

Rene Adler was left out of the squad due to an injury, forcing Lowe to call Jorg Butt(Beyern Munich).

Two of the surprises in this list are Holger Badstube (Beyern Munich) and Dennis Aogo (Hamburgo), both have no caps in the National team.

One of the facts about this team is that they have 4 foreign players: Cacau (Brasil), Klose, Podolski and Trochowski (Poland).

Goalkeepers:
Manuel Neuer (Schalke)
Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)
Jörg Butt (Bayern)

Defenders:

Badstuber (Bayern Munich)
Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)
Andreas Beck (Hoffenheim)
Arne Friedrich (Hertha)
Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen)
Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart)
Heiko Westermann (Schalke)
Denis Aogo (Hamburgo)
Jerome Boateng (Hamburgo)
Marcel Jansen (Hamburgo).

Midifielders:

Michael Ballack (Chelsea)
Sami Khedira (Stuttgart)
Christian Träsch (Stuttgart)
Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen)
Marko Marin (Werder Bremen)
Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
Piotr Trochowski (Hamburgo)

Forwards:
Mario Gómez (Bayern Munich)
Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich)
Thomas Müller (Bayern)
Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen)
Lukas Podolski (Colonia)
Jerónimo Cacau (Stuttgart).

Germany presents 27-man squad

Head coach of Portugal Carlos Queiroz announced the 24-man list previous to the world Cup in South Africa, yes 24, meaning only one unfortunate player will be left behind.

The biggest surprise is the absence of Sporting midfielder João Moutinho, a regular in the squad. Also players like Hilario and Quim, both veteran goalkeepers didn't make the cut.

Another surprise is the inclusion of Ze Castro, who admitted this citation called him by surprise, as he was not as regular during the qualifiers.

Despite no playing a game since Decemeber, Pepe was included in the list, and will most likely be part of the starting XI in the world cup.

It is not necessary to mention the fact that all eyes will be set on CR9; the Real Madrid striker needs to have a good world cup if he wants to beat Barcelona striker Lionel Messi in the race for the FIFA world player of the year. Also winning a World Cup if one of the few titles that Ronaldo has not yet achieved, just like Lio.

Goalkeepers:
Eduardo (Sporting de Braga)
Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis)
Beto (Oporto)

Defenders:
Bruno Alves (Oporto)
Rolando (Oporto)
Miguel (Valencia)
Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)
Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea)
Duda (Málaga)
Ricardo Costa (Lille)
Zé Castro (Deportivo de La Coruña)

Mifielders:
Deco (Chelsea)
Pedro Mendes (Sporting)
Miguel Veloso (Sporting)
Pepe (Real Madrid)
Raúl Meireles (Oporto)
Fábio Coentrão (Benfica)
Simão Sabrosa (Atlético de Madrid)
Tiago (Atlético de Madrid)

Forwards:
Danny (Zenit)
Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)
Nani (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Liedson (Sporting)

Portugal releases 24-man list

Morten Olsen,head coach of Denmark has announced the 30-man list previous to the final world cup list.

The Danish will share the group E with Holland,Japan and Cameroon.

Goalkeepers:
Thomas Soerensen (Stoke City/ENG)
Stefan Andersen (Broendby)
Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhague)
Kim Christensen (IFK Goteburgo/SUE)

Defenders:
Daniel Agger (Liverpool/ENG)
Simon Kjaer (Palermo/ITA)
Per Kroeldrup (Fiorentina/ITA)
Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn/ENG)
Simon Busk Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar/NED)
William Kvist Joergensen (FC Copenhague)
Patrick Mtiliga (Málaga/ESP).

Midfielders:
Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen/GER)
Christian Poulsen (Juventus/ITA)
Christian Eriksen (Ajax/NED)
Jakob Poulsen (AGF)
Martin Joergensen (AGF)
Michael Silberbauer (Utrecht/NED)
Mikkel Beckmann (Randers)
Thomas Enevoldsen (FC Groningen/NED)
Thomas Kahlenberg (Wolfsburgo/GER)
Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax/NED)
Jesper Groenkjaer (FC Copenhague)
Michael Krohn-Dehli (Broendby)

Forwards:
Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord/NED)
Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal/ENG)
Soeren Larsen (Duisburgo/GER)

Reserves:
Anders Moeller Christensen (OB)
Leon Jensen (FC Midtjylland)
Mikkel Thygesen (FC Midtjylland)
Morten Rasmussen (Celtic/SCO)

Denmark will participate in their fourth World Cup their goal will be to make it past the quarterfinals, their best mark achieved in France 98.

Denmark announces 30-man world cup list

Lars Lagerback, the experienced Swedish coach has announced the 30-man world cup list today; the surprise is the inclusion of veteran striker Nwanko Kanu; who has not had good performances in the already relegated Portsmouth.

Within the 30-man list, 11 are forwards and only 2 are players that participate in the local league.

Nigeria will share the group B of the World Cup with Argentina, Greece and South Korea. In 1996 the “Black eagles” upset Argentina in the Olympic games of Atlanta, a coincidence, Kanu was part of that squad.

Goalkeepers:
Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv-Israel)
Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda/Israel)
Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva/Israel)
Bassey Akpan (Bayelsa United).

Defenders:
Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marsiglia/France)
Elderson Echiejile (Rennes/France)
Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscú/Russia)
Onyekachi Apam (Nizza/France)
Joseph Yobo (Everton/England)
Daniel Shittu (Bolton Wanderers/England)
Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam/Holland)
Rabiu Afolabi (Salisburgo/Austria)
Terna Suswan (Lobi Stars)

Midfielders:
Kalu Uche (Almeria/Spain)
Dickson Etuhu (Fulham/England)
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea/England)
Sani Kaita (Alaniya/Russia)
Haruna Lukman (Monaco/France)
Yusuf Ayila (Dinamo Kiev/Ukraine)

Forwards:
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton/England)
Victor Anichebe (Everton/England)
Chinedu Obasi (TSG Hoffenheim/Germany)
Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth/England)
John Utaka (Portsmouth/England)
Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg/Germany)
Brown Ideye (FC Sochaux/France)
Peter Utaka (Odense Boldklub/Denmark)
Ikechukwu Uche (Zaragoza/Spain)
Obinna Nsofor (Malaga/Spain)
Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscú/Russia)

Nigeria announce 30-man world cup list

The excitement is building as we get closer to opening match of the 2010 World Cup. Continuing on with the nations in Group C, The United States is the final Group C team we will breakdown.

Official Name: United States Soccer Federation


Nickname: Stars & Stripes

FIFA Confederation: CONCACAF (North & Central America, Caribbean)

FIFA Code: USA

How They Qualified: 1st place in CONCACAF hexagonal final stage

World Cup Appearances (Including 2010): 9

Best WC Finish: 3rd place, Uruguay 1930

World Cup Record (MP: Wins - Draws - Losses): 25: 6W - 3D - 16L

Head Coach: Bob Bradley

Most Capped Player (# of caps): Cobi Jones (164)

All-Time Goal Scoring Leader (# of goals): Landon Donovan (42)

Brief Footballing History:
Despite soccer's standing as the 4th or 5th sport in the US, its history is surprisingly rich. Beginning with the 3rd place finish in the first World Cup in Uruguay 1930. At the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, the US pulled off one of the great upsets in tournament history by beating England 1-0 in a Group 2 match. The goal by Haitian born Joe Gaetjens sealed his place in US soccer lore.

Since 1950, the US missed 9 straight World Cups before breaking through for Italy 1990. Qualifying for Italy 1990 began a streak of 6 straight WC qualifications as the Stars & Stripes finally found themselves on equal footing with México for the title of CONCACAF's Most Dominant Team.

Player To Watch:
The United States is a land rich with immigrants, often times prospective national team players have to choose between the nation of their birth and the home nation of their parents. This is the case for the player to watch, José Francisco Torres

Photo by ISIphotos.com
Known as "El Gringo", Torres was born in Texas to a Mexican father & American mother and plays professionally for legendary club Pachuca in Mexico's highest division. His talent as a midfielder was monitored by the US and Mexican national teams and Pachuca while he was in high school. He decided to play for the US and his presence gives the team a young, skillful midfielder to link play between the backline and Landon Donovan and the forwards up top.

Outlook:
If current trends hold, the US will advance past the group stage. The US has advanced out of the group stage in 1994 & 2002, so 2010 can hold the same fate. Their loss to Brazil in the 2009 Confederations Cup final and defeat to Mexico in the 2009 Gold Cup final has raised legitimate questions about coach Bob Bradley's tactics and his abilities to inspire his team in big game situations. It all comes down to Bob Bradley and his coaching abilities if the US are to advance out of this group.

WC Group Schedule:
June 12 vs. USA
June 18 vs. Algeria
June 23 vs. Slovenia

Group C is done and now it is on to Group D.

USA - WC Team Breakdown

The excitement is building as we get closer to opening match of the 2010 World Cup. Continuing on with the nations in Group C, as the surprise Eastern European side of Slovenia will be ballin in South Africa.

Official Name: Football Association of Slovenia



Nickname: None

FIFA Confederation: UEFA (Europe)

FIFA Code: SVN

How They Qualified: Defeated Russia 2-2 on away goals in playoff.

World Cup Appearances (Including 2010): 2

Best WC Finish: Korea/Japan 2002, group stage elimination

World Cup Record (MP: Wins - Draws - Losses): 3: 0W - 0D - 3L

Head Coach: Matjaž Kek

Most Capped Player (# of caps): Zlatko Zahovič (80)

All-Time Goal Scoring Leader (# of goals): Zlatko Zahovič (35)

Brief Footballing History:
Slovenia footballing history was wrapped up in Yugoslavia's football history until 1992 when the nation of Yugoslavia was disbanded. Since 1992, after the formal formation of Slovenia's national team, they qualified for its 1st European championship in 2000 and their 1st World Cup two years later in Korea/Japan.

Player To Watch:
The future of Slovenia's midfield could be unleashed right now in South Africa 2010 in the form of Inter Milan's midfielder Rene Krhin.

(Eurosport Italia)
The 19-year old native of Maribor was called up for the 2-leg playoff against Russia and has a bright future for both club and country. His versatility in central midfield will be critical in setting up Slovenia's leading goal scorer right now, Milivoje Novakovič and defensively in winning possession and neutralizing the opposition's playmakers.

Outlook:
Slovenia has yet to win a match in a major international tournament but this could be the year. Slovenia displayed a lot of grit and toughness in defeating a more talented Russian team. Slovenia's have an excellent chance of advancing out of the group because of the doubts surrounding Algeria and the United States. The key will be Slovenia's approach to each match, they will have to be aggressive and take advantage of the Algeria's and US's weak offenses.

WC Group Schedule:
June 12 vs. USA
June 18 vs. Algeria
June 23 vs. Slovenia

The USA is the final team in Group C to breakdown.

Slovenia - WC Team Breakdown

Racism in football is nothing new; it’s something real and something that needs to be addressed. The latest victim of a racial attack in football is the Colombian defender Breyner Bonilla, who plays for Boca Juniors (Argentina).

Racism is the belief that people who have a different skin colour, nationality or culture are inferior. Racism has been used to justify the means of oppressing groups all around the world. Racism can be displayed in many different ways; the most common are verbal abuse and physical attacks. It is wrong to judge a person and their capabilities based on their background.

Last weekend, when Boca Juniors visited Colon in Santa Fe, Bonilla was sent off after he brought down midfielder Facundo Bertoglio with a studs-up tackle. Soon after the foul, the defender found himself surrounded by veteran striker Esteban Fuertes, German Rivarola and Eduardo Coudet as well as other players from Colon’s squad.
During a television interview with local television station TyC Sports, Bonilla made a serious announcement that compromised veteran striker Estaban Fuertes. The allegation was based upon a racist remark that Fuertes made after Bonilla was sent off. Fuertes allegedly said “ I’m going to break your bones you black shit, go back to Africa”.Fuertes said the following on his defense “I’m surprised by all this, with Bonilla we clashed and exchanged words during the match, but at no time I did call him ‘black’ ”.

During the interview the 23 year old defender broke down in tears and said “One feels impotence when people say you want to hurt an adversary. We’re all South American and I came here to work, not to rob someone”. He continued to mention how he felt, he expressed that it was hard to understand because according to his knowledge Colombians are much respected in Argentina.
Bonilla was sanctioned with 2 games after his red card. The Argentine Football Association has yet to make a statement on the matter, and whether or not they will sanction Fuertes.

I had the chance to meet Breyner before he made his debut on the first team. That morning we had visited Abel Alves, at that time the reserves coach. Alves said to us “Breyner is a loyal defender, but what stands out about him is his charisma, his character. He is a very good team player, and has earned the respect of his peers”.

Racism in football is wrong, Racism in any sort is wrong and we need to advocate against it. We are in 2010, a modern era; we need to stop with this. We are all people, we have the same capabilities, the only difference is how we look.

FIFA claims, ‘Racism has no place in football. FIFA is deploying all the means at its disposal to eliminate this form of discrimination.’ And there’s more: Racism is banned under Article 6 of FIFA’s Ethics code. A message to Mr. Blatter, do something about this, because our fellow Colombian is going through a tough time, and this issue needs to be addressed.

To all of our International readers, I assure you this takes me by surprise. Argentina is not known for racism, actually the league holds players from all backgrounds, including Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil, and racist acts are very uncommon.

I want to finish this article using a quote from Samuel Eto’o: “Racism is something created and anything that is created can be undone”.

Breyner Bonilla victim of a racist remark