WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA TO KICK OFF WITH SUPERSTAR CONCERT
FIFA and Control Room, a producer of global music events, has announced the final line-up of African and South African artists for the inaugural FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert. Five-time South African Music Award (SAMA) winners Freshlyground, legendary South African musician Hugh Masekela, the Soweto-based Mzansi Youth Choir, two-time Grammy Award winners and three-time SAMA winners the Soweto Gospel Choir, as well as African hip hop artist K’NAAN, will take to the stage on 10 June at Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg on the eve of the opening match of the first FIFA World Cup™ on African soil.
"As South Africans we are proud to be hosting the first ever World Cup on African soil. I am very humbled and flattered to be part of this global event and am looking forward to the concert with great interest and excitement," said Hugh Masekela.
Billed as the greatest entertainment event to date in Africa, the concert features musical performances by ithe earlier announced international superstars such as Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela in collaboration with major African artists, as well as football legends from the past and the present and celebrities from other fields. The concert will be broadcast live worldwide. It is scheduled to begin at 20.00 local time (GMT+2) on 10 June.
Vusi Mahlasela, one of South Africa's most legendary musicians
"We wanted to have an eclectic, international mix of music genres to appeal to as many people as possible around the world whilst at the same time showcasing the immense home-grown talent of the host country," said Niclas Ericson, FIFA Director of TV.
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo said: "This concert will be broadcast into hundreds of millions of homes across the globe and as such represents a remarkable opportunity for our nation to show off our rich cultural heritage."
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"As South Africans we are proud to be hosting the first ever World Cup on African soil. I am very humbled and flattered to be part of this global event and am looking forward to the concert with great interest and excitement," said Hugh Masekela.
Billed as the greatest entertainment event to date in Africa, the concert features musical performances by ithe earlier announced international superstars such as Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela in collaboration with major African artists, as well as football legends from the past and the present and celebrities from other fields. The concert will be broadcast live worldwide. It is scheduled to begin at 20.00 local time (GMT+2) on 10 June.
Vusi Mahlasela, one of South Africa's most legendary musicians
"We wanted to have an eclectic, international mix of music genres to appeal to as many people as possible around the world whilst at the same time showcasing the immense home-grown talent of the host country," said Niclas Ericson, FIFA Director of TV.
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo said: "This concert will be broadcast into hundreds of millions of homes across the globe and as such represents a remarkable opportunity for our nation to show off our rich cultural heritage."
Last chance for a golden generation
The sense of anti-climax was crushing, the hangover a lingering one. The collapse in self-belief that followed Germany undoubtedly contributed to the failure to reach the finals of Euro 2008, but it also sowed the seeds of renewal by prompting the Football Association to send for Fabio Capello. Eighteen months into the Italian's reign, Owen has been cast aside and injury means Beckham will be restricted to ambassadorial duties on behalf of England's bid to host the 2018 tournament.
Gerrard, Lampard and Ferdinand are all still there and with Wayne Rooney having enjoyed his best club season yet, confidence is flowing once more, albeit not quite as freely as in the run-up to either 2002 or 2006. Nine wins in ten matches and 34 goals in qualifying have encouraged the coach to declare that anything less than a run to the 11 July final will be a disappointment.
Sceptics, though, have plenty of evidence with which to make a case for England coming up short once again. The qualifying success, while notable, was achieved primarily at the expense of a Croatia squad that was past its peak and, for Capello, there must be a worry that the same could be applied to some of his pivotal performers.
Only Italy will take an older squad to South Africa and friendly encounters have found Capello's England wanting against France -- possible quarter-final opponents -- Spain and Brazil.
Fatigue and form concerns
Lampard has had another outstanding club season, helping Chelsea to a Premier League and FA Cup double by banging in 27 goals from midfield. But he will celebrate his 32nd birthday on 20 June on the back of another 60-game campaign. Gerrard, who turns 32 three weeks before his team-mate, has had a poor year in a struggling Liverpool side, hobbled in part by the kind of niggling, recurring injuries that have also blighted Ferdinand's season.
Form has equally been an issue for John Terry since Capello stripped him of the national team's captaincy in the wake of revelations about his personal life. The resulting loss of Wayne Bridge from the squad and, with Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock now the back-up options at left-back, Capello will be anxious that Ashley Cole remains fit for the duration of his squad's sojourn in South Africa.
Emile Heskey is regarded by the coach as the best foil for Rooney in an attack which will also feature the pace of either Theo Walcott or Aaron Lennon on the right flank. But Heskey rarely started for Aston Villa in the second half of the season and a return of seven goals in 57 England appearances means including him would essentially be a gamble on his physical presence generating openings for Rooney.
Capello will fret too about the availability of Gareth Barry, who suffered ankle ligament damage earlier this month and may have to be counted out, a possibility which could result in England switching to a three-man central defence given the lack of an obvious replacement for the Manchester City midfield anchor.
The Italian, though, did not win league titles with every club he has managed without knowing something about getting the best out of the resources at his disposal. Under his leadership England have rarely looked dishevelled. The levels of focus, organisation and confidence have all improved with only limited changes in playing personnel from the previous regime. Maybe it really will be different this
Holman hopes to prove his worth
Having left Australia for the Netherlands at just 17 years of age, Brett Holman knows all about proving himself. The Alkmaar winger had to wait six years before finally making his mark in the Eredivisie, but his hard work in relative anonymity during spells at Excelsior Rotterdam and Nijmegen ultimately paid off. His natural humility no doubt served him well too and it was much in evidence as the native of Bankstown in the suburbs of Sydney spoke with FIFA.com. Top of the agenda was the upcoming FIFA World Cup™, which for Holman and his fellow Socceroos is shaping up to be a genuine test.
“Our opponents in the first round all have great attacks so we really need to understand the importance of keeping our defensive solidity and retaining the same team spirit we had during the qualifiers,” explained the Dutch title winner with AZ in 2008/09. “That will be the essential part of our work during our preparations. The foundations are there, but we still have room to improve. Our leaders are our captain Lucas Neill and the goalkeeper Mark Schwazer. They’re the two main voices in the dressing room and they’re both defensive players – that’s not a coincidence.”
Drawn alongside Germany, Ghana and Serbia in Group D, Australia will need to be at their best to advance, but the players are optimistic rather than fearful. “Germany might need a match to get themselves going in the competition, so I think playing them right at the start is a good thing,” said Holman, conscious of the task awaiting his team, despite their superb route through qualifying.
Tactical prowess
After a marathon 14 matches in the Asian Zone, Pim Verbeek’s side became one of the first to book their ticket to South Africa. The Dutch coach’s tactical prowess paid off as Australia went unbeaten through their eight matches in the final phase, topping their section five points clear of Japan, with Bahrain and Qatar both far behind.
“Tactically, Pim is very strong,” said Holman. “He doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does it’s always very useful. His tactical mastery is the reason why our defence was so effective. He found a system that works. Having a European coach is a real bonus for the national team. The first battle on any pitch is tactical and we needed a European to make us more effective in that area.
For his part, Verbeek has stated that his players will be “out to do better than last time”, when they were eliminated by Italy in the Round of 16. “You have to fix targets in life and we’ll do everything we can to go further than four years ago,” added the Dutchman.
That said, Holman, who was not selected for Germany 2006, prefers not to burden the team with too many expectations. “Having a target is good, but it mustn’t have a negative impact on us. Our only ambition is to prove that we deserve to be there and that we’re one of the top 20 teams in the world. Obviously, the elimination in 2006 is an added motivation for those who experienced it. We want to prove that we can do even better.”
Pressure off
The 26-year-old feels the Socceroos will be helped in achieving that aim by having had to qualify from the Asian Zone. “Playing in Asia rather than Oceania meant more competitive games as well as more matches in total, which meant we got together more often. That can only be positive.” Australia grabbed their place at the 2006 FIFA World Cup via the Oceania Zone, but boosted by their impressive performances in Germany, they clearly had no trouble adapting to a whole new set of opponents this time around.
Holman himself expects to adapt quickly to life at the global showcase, despite the knowledge that hundreds of millions of people will be watching on televisions around the world. “I’ve never felt pressure, to be honest,” he said. “I put more pressure on myself than anyone around me does, be it my family or my club. Because of that, I’m not afraid, even though this’ll be my first time. Of course, it’ll take me a few minutes to realise that I’m at a World Cup and get my bearings. After that, I’ll just have to prove that I deserve to be there.” Having always proved himself in the past, expect Holman to rise to the challenge.
Spanish is more stronger with Fabregas, Torres
Most of the players who won Euro 2008 are in the 23-man squad for South Africa, including star striker David Villa, who is set to leave cash-strapped Valencia for Barcelona in a 40-million-euro deal.
Spain, among the favourites for the World Cup, which runs from June 11-July 11, face Switzerland, Honduras and Chile in Group H of the opening round.
The Spanish national team holds the distinction of being the only side to ever be ranked number one in the FIFA standings without winning a World Cup. Their best result remains fourth place in 1950.
In addition to Valdes, other uncapped players are Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez and Athletic Bilbao's 21-year-old midfielder Javier Martinez.
"They have had a good season, they are coming to strengthen a squad as substitutes for other players," del Bosque said of the newcomers.
The coach had hinted recently that he would call up Valdes, after the 28-year-old's strong form for the European and Spanish champions over the past two seasons.
Arsenal midfielder Fabregas and Liverpool striker Torres have both missed the latter part of the season through injury.
Liverpool's medical chief said earlier this month that Torres, who scored the winning goal when Spain won Euro 2008 against Germany, may not be fit in time for start of the World Cup.
Fabregas, who has 48 caps for Spain, has been out of action since cracking a bone in his fibula during a Champions League quarter-final first-leg game against Barcelona on March 31.
Del Bosque admitted that he had a "slight concern" over the fitness of the two players, but said doctors "are fully confident they will be there at the start of the finals."
Also named is midfielder Andres Iniesta, who tore a muscle in his right calf muscle during training last month but returned for the last few minutes in Barcelona's defeat of Valladolid at the weekend, which brought the club a second consecutive league title.
The final squad was drawn from a list of 30 players announced last week.
Among those cut were Villareal's Marcos Senna and striker Dani Guiza of Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool/ENG), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
Defenders: Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa (all Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol (both Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Valencia).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal/ENG), Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta (all Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao).
Forwards: Juan Manuel Mata, David Silva (both Valencia), David Villa (Valencia/Barcelona), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Fernando Torres (Liverpool/ENG), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic de Bilbao).
Diego Maradona offers apology for injury cameraman
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina coach Diego Maradona has apologized for running over the foot of a cameraman as he was driving into the team's training ground on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.
Maradona explained Thursday that he was driving into the gated-complex and, as he neared the entrance, his Mini was surrounded by photographers trying to get footage. Maradona said he gave a statement later to the local prosecutor.
Maradona arrived at the training complex Wednesday to hand over his final list of 23 players who will representArgentina in the World Cup. Two-time champion Argentina plays in a group in South Africa with Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.
Thierry Henry closing in on move to Major League Soccer
Barcelona have confirmed they are in talks with New York Red Bulls over a deal that would see Thierry Henry move to Major League Soccer after next month’s World Cup.
The France captain has previously expressed an interest in playing in the United States and could find himself surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp this summer with David Villa expected to join Barcelona in the coming weeks.
Henry, who joined the Spanish champions from Arsenal in 2007, has played down reports that he has already signed a pre-contract agreement with the Red Bulls - however, Barcelona have revealed that talks are underway.
Rafael Yuste, the Barcelona vice-president, told a Spanish radio station that the club only needed to “put the finishing touches (to a deal) so that both clubs are happy”. While Joan Oliver, Barca’s director general, said that reports Henry would sign for an MLS club “were not completely wrong”.
As a marquee signing, Henry delivers on a number counts. He is a former World Cup and European Championship winner and is the leading scorer for the French national side, with 51 goals. Henry won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his time with Arsenal and with Juan Pablo Angel filling the only one of three places in each MLS squad afforded for oversees players, Henry would be free to join immediately.
However, with France keen to make an impact at the World Cup, Henry would rather concentrate on the tournament in South Africa before considering his next move. “For the moment, nothing is certain,” Henry said. “I am a Barcelona player and have another year left on my contract. Currently, my only worry is preparing for the World Cup with France. I will have time to reflect on my future later.”
EPL Worst Team Of The Season 2009-10
GK: Manuel Almunia (Arsenal)The Spaniard's sustained ineptitude just edges team-mate Lukasz Fabianski's preference for short, sharp, unfathomable moments of idiocy. At one point this season Almunia was saving under half the shots hit at him on target. A replacement must be found in the summer. Just not Fabianski, eh, Arsene?
DR: Mario Melchiot (Wigan Athletic)The former Chelsea man looks about ten years removed from his best, and he is still only 33. The Latics' whole back line was poor this year — as Spurs proved back in November — but Melchiot gets in by virtue of the fact that Wigan conceded over two goals a game when he was on the pitch.
DC: Andre Bikey (Burnley)The Clarets have worse defenders on their books — a couple, actually — but none quite as infuriating as Bikey. The Cameroonian international is a supremely talented and physical footballer, but one blessed with the mentality of a spoiled 12-year-old. When will he learn?
DC: Mikael Silvestre (Arsenal)Note it down to experience, Arsene. When Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to see one of his arch-rivals sign one of his squad members for a cut-price fee, it isn't because he has gone temporarily senile. It's because the player in question is flat-out past it.
DL: Jonathon Spector (West Ham United)While the likes of Dempsey and Donovan were doing good work for the profile of American football, Spector — admittedly often being played out of position on the left — was doing his best to undermine it. West Ham players were all rubbish — but Spector still stood out.
MR: John Utaka (Portsmouth)Being on a reported £80,000-a-week went against Utaka all season, despite his insistence he was on less than half that figure. The forward scored just one goal in 18 league appearances all year, struggling just to get into Avram Grant's regular XI. Even for £80pw that would still be a poor return.
MC: Jimmy Bullard (Hull City)Perhaps it was just asking too much for Bullard to be the saviour of a relegation team again. But football's funny man wasn't even close this year — with that penalty miss against Sunderland a lowlight — and his deadly cocktail of high wages and injuries looks likely to leave Tigers fans cursing for years.
MC: Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers)Muamba played nearly 3000 minutes for the Trotters this season, under two different managers, so he obviously has fans within the game. But what did he really achieve? One goal, no assists, 11 yellow cards and seeing his side concede 55 goals. Bully for him.
ML: Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur)Keane slots in on the left as it seems that is where both Messrs Benitez and Redknapp feel he is best suited these days — if the substitutes' bench is unavailable, that is. The Irishman went from starter, to early sub, to benchwarmer, to loanee in about six months at Spurs. A spectacular slump.
ST: Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City)His seven games missed through suspensions (not to mention his ill-fated African Cup of Nations trip) almost certainly helped scupper City's Champions League bid. Drogba's talent, Adriano's attitude. In the end, 14 goals in 26 games is just a reminder of what could have been — but what also still can be for Ade.
ST: Christian Benitez (Birmingham City)It speaks volumes for Alex McLeish's work this season that the Blues finished in the top ten despite their big summer forward gamble failing to pay off at all. Benitez has the enviable ability to look dangerous often, without ever actually finding the net. The 'new Afonso Alves' is a tag no-one should want to carry.LOS ANGELES HEART LOVES WAR VIOLENCE NO ESCAPE IN THE CITY LAKERS T SHIRT (toddler 4T)
KID BEATING DENNY HAMLIN AT THE GO-KART RACE TRACK RACING T SHIRT jacket (4x)
Barca hopeful of signing Fabregas and Villa
MladenAntonov/GettyImages
David Villa and Cesc Fabregas have both been regularly linked with moves to Barcelona
Both players have been heavily linked with a move this summer, though Arsenal have strenuously denied on several occasions that they are ready to let Fabregas leave the club.
Gunners captain Fabregas stoked the flames of speculation last week by claiming: "I think I would like to go to Barcelona, whether or not they want me is another thing."
And Laporta copuld not hide his delight at the revelation, though he insisted it is the transfer of Spain striker Villa that is the currently the club's main focus.
"It is remarkable that the player has said that," Laporta said. "If the technical secretary [Txiki Begiristain] believes we must make an effort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal."
"We are in the negotiating process [with Villa] and everything is going in the right direction," Laporta added. "We hope it is resolved soon. Everything is on track and hopefully we can reach an agreement." Laporta added that Barca "have set a specific date and will do what is best for the club."
The arrival of Villa would seemingly indicate that Zlatan Ibrahimovic's days at Camp Nou are numbered, and when asked about the Swedish striker's future Laporta was far from enthusiastic, saying: "He has a contract with us. We are satisfied."
On Thierry Henry, who has been heavily linked with a move to MLS with New York Red Bulls, Laporta added: "It's something we are talking with him about. We are working on this and what we are doing is reconciling the interests of the club and the player."
Barca vice president Rafael Yuste also admitted that the club are hopeful of securing the services of both Fabregas and Villa.
"Negotiations are progressing well especially in the case of Villa," Yuste told Ona FM. "The situation with Cesc is different because even if you have the will of the player it is very important to talk to his club and, if you can, find an agreement. But what makes it easier is that both players want to come to Barca."
The claims were also backed up by Barca club director Joan Oliver, who also mentioned Fabregas and Villa by name, though he was a little more coy about the progress of the potential transfers.
"Our team is like a puzzle," Oliver was quoted as saying in AS. "One feature is that it has no specific objectives, but it is true that we are focusing on three specific positions. For us it is a compliment that players like Villa and Fabregas have expressed their desire to play with us.
"These players are clear that they are top professionals, but there is a long process between when they produce such a statement and when they can be here."
Shakira and Freshlyground sing Official FIFA World Cup™ song
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Once again, the announcement of the official FIFA World Cup™ song was keenly awaited.Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) is the name of the new football anthem, and with its rhythmical African sounds, the song represents the vitality and energy of the host continent. South African guitars back up the Afro-Colombian rhythm and Soca beat. The chorus is similar to that of a popular Cameroon song made famous by Golden Voices in particular.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter is delighted with the new FIFA World Cup Song: “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) represents what we football fans can expect in South Africa: liveliness, power and dynamism. It represents the four-week festival of football we are about to witness in South Africa. Nothing represents the joy of football better than music, especially when it is a song so full of energy and dynamism like Waka Waka.”
Shakira will perform the song with the famous South African band Freshlyground. “I am honoured that Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) has been chosen to be part of the excitement and the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” said Shakira. “The FIFA World Cup is a miracle of global excitement, connecting every country, race, religion and condition around a single passion. It represents an event that has the power to unite and integrate, and that’s what this song is about.”
“We are thrilled to have collaborated with Shakira on Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), especially as we feel that the song captures the spirit and energy of the African FIFA World Cup,” said Zolani Mahola of Freshlyground. “We are certain that the song will inspire people around the world to celebrate the gathering of nations at the place where it all started. Here in Africa!”
All proceeds from the single as well as from the “Listen Up: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Album” will be donated to the 20 Centres for 2010 campaign. The aim of the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is to achieve positive social change through football by building 20 Football for Hope Centres in Africa to offer education and healthcare services as well as football training.
FIFA and Sony Music have enjoyed a successful partnership in the official music programme ever since 1994. The tradition of an official song dates back to the 1966 FIFA World Cup™ in England with a song for the first Official Mascot, “World Cup Willie”, who was a lion. Ever since, the official music programme and the Official Mascot have become a more and more significant component of the event, providing an excellent opportunity for more than just football fans to identify with the world’s biggest single-sport event.
Official songs at recent FIFA World Cup™ competitions have included Un’estate italiana by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini in 1990, Gloryland by Daryl Hall with Sounds of Blackness in 1994, and La Copa de la Vida by Ricky Martin in 1998. In 2002, the official song was Boom by Anastacia, while Vangelis’ vocal official anthem featured typical Korean and Japanese sonic elements. In 2006, The Time of Our Lives by the Il Divo quartet was a resounding success.
Brazil oust Spain from top spot
The latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking has a surprise in store as it reveals that Spain’s five-month reign has come to end, with Brazil reclaiming pole position and pushing the reigning European champions back into second place. This is the seventh time that A Seleçãohave claimed top spot on the global ladder, a position that they have held for a total of 142 months since 1993.
Other moves of note in the top ten include the progress made by Argentina (7th, up 2) and Portugal (3rd, up 1). Third place represents the highest-ever position for the Portuguese since the launch of the Ranking in 1993.
Only five matches have been taken into account in April’s edition, which was to be expected, given that there are only 43 days to go until the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, and many national leagues and continental championships are now entering the home straight. As a result, the international match calendar did not have a reserved date for international matches.
This means that most of the changes in this edition of the ranking are due to the devaluation of past results. Some teams have actually gained points due to the fact that the devaluation of poor results has led to a greater weighting of successful matches.
150 international matches have been played so far in 2010. There is likely to be significant movement in next month’s edition of the ranking, the last before the big event in South Africa, as the 32 teams start their preparations in earnest by playing friendly matches to decide on their best line-up. The World Cup is looming large and making things exciting – and not just in terms of the world ranking.
Low: Kuranyi will not be in squad
Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed that Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi will not be in his World Cup squad this summer.
Kevin Kuranyi has been missing since 2008.
Kuranyi has been ostracised by Low since storming away from the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund before the final whistle after being omitted from the matchday squad for the qualifier against Russia in October 2008.
His form for Schalke this season has led to calls for a recall, with even Franz Beckenbauer urging Low to swallow his pride and take the Brazil-born forward to South Africa.
Low, though, has admitted Kuranyi would not be included in the preliminary squad he names next Thursday.
''The disciplinary incident in October 2008 was not a consideration recently,'' Low said in a press release from the German Football Association (DFB). It would have been no problem for us to give him a new chance in the national team.
''However, after consideration among our coaching staff we came to the conclusion that we had other ideas, tactically and personnel-wise, for the composition of the World Cup squad. This I discussed today frankly with Kevin, who has had a strong season and whom I think is a player of sound character.''
Kuranyi was desperately disappointed not to be going to the World Cup.
''Like every footballer, I dreamed from when I was a little boy of being able to play in a World Cup,'' the striker, who also missed out on a place in Jurgen Klinsmann's squad for the 2006 tournament, wrote on his official website. ''This dream has now burst for a second time. Therefore it is clear that this decision makes me very sad.
''I gave my best. I know that I blundered when I left the stadium at half-time against Russia. Therefore I apologised for that personally and publicly. And I have also given everything sporting-wise this season. Unfortunately that has not sufficed. But it is the decision of national coach, and I accept and respect it. Of course I wish the coach and the team the best for South Africa.''
Meanwhile, Kuranyi's agented has suggested that his client will leave Schalke at the end of the season.
"He will move on for sure," Wittmann told ZDF television. "He is going to sign his contracts on his own and has the final say, but I definetely cannot imagine him staying on at Schalke 04."
Kuranyi has a host of clubs chasing him as his contract expires in the summer, with the likes of Manchester City and Sunderland showing an interest. Dinamo Moscow and Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Besiktas, however, appear to be in pole position to sign him.
Free tickets for the construction workers
The dreams of 27,000 construction workers in South Africa have come true as FIFA and the World Cup Organising Committee (OC) have kept their promise to give each employee two complimentary, category-four tickets to a first round match at the stadium they helped build.
Construction workers celebrate being given free World Cup tickets at a ceremony at Soccer City stadium.
The handover took place at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, where a symbolic ticket was presented to the workers en masse. They will be able to collect their individual tickets from one of the eleven centres in the country from May 17.
The event was attended by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and OC chief executive Danny Jordaan, who both paid tribute to the workers. Jordaan expressed the OC's gratitude to the men and women who have worked for almost five years to build and upgrade stadiums.
"We want to say a big thank you to the men and women whose hard work, skill and creativity brought us to the point we're at today," Jordaan said. "It is amazing what you have achieved and we hope that you will enjoy your World Cup experience." The symbolic ticket was presented to Patrick Geqeza, who is part of the team that built Soccer City. Geqeza has been an employee at the site since the first day and was elected as the workers' representative. "I am really proud when I look at the work my fellow workers and I have done over the years," he said. "The chance to sit in the stadiums we have built for a World Cup match is a perfect reward, something we would have never imagined." The ten stadia, which Valcke described as "beautiful", are all complete ahead of the mid-May handover to FIFA, despite some delays because of construction worker strikes. Jordaan congratulated the staff on "delivering", particularly because South Africa's readiness for the tournament has been under scrutiny since they were announced as hosts. There have been 54,000 tickets set aside for the construction workers, including just over 400 for the opening match between hosts South African and Mexico on June 11. They form part of the FIFA Ticket Fund that will be distributing 120,000 tickets in all.
The remaining 66,000 tickets are being awarded to South Africans who have been involved in community and social programs across three spheres: education, health and environment. These projects are set to continue even after the tournament is complete.
Blanc offered France job-report
Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has been offered the chance to replace Raymond Domenech as France coach and will make a decision at the end of the season, according to a report inL'Equipe newspaper.
Michel Platini wants Laurent Blanc to be the next France coach
Domenech will step down as coach of les Bleus when his contract finishes after this summer's World Cup and Blanc has been regularly linked with the post since guiding Bordaux to the ligue 1 title last season.
On Monday, L'Equipe quoted France Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes as saying the ball is now in Blanc's court and he will decide at the end of the Ligue 1 season.
Speaking prior to Bordeaux's 1-0 win over Toulouse on Sunday, Escalettes said:"Laurent Blanc is under contract until 2011. There are four Ligue 1 games remaining, we must let him work in peace. Then he will decide. No one will decide for him.''
Blanc exceeded all expectations by winning the league with les Girondins last season, ending Lyon's monopoly on the title after seven years.
And he appeared to be heading for a successful defence after crusising through the first six months of the season, as well as guiding Bordeaux to the Champions League quarter-finals.
But defeat to Lyon in the last-eight, and a horrendous run of seven losses in nine games, has seen Bordeaux's season collapse, and Blanc's side are in danger of missing out on Europa League qualification.
However, former Manchester United defender Blanc would still likely be a hugely popular appointment in the eyes of the French poublic, who have become greatly disillusioned with the reign of Domenech, which has been blighted by scandal and rumours of dressing room unrest.
Former France captain Blanc was an integral member of les Bleus' 1998 World Cup-winning team - though he was suspended for the final -scoring the first ever golden goal at the finals in the 1-0 second round victory over Paraguay.
Team of the week
England face USA in this summer's World Cup group stages and Tim Howard will be the man they have to beat if they are to get the better of their cross-Atlantic rivals. Everton goalkeeper Howard was in fine form against Stoke, making some excellent saves to deny the Potters, and his command of his area will be vital when the time to head to South Africa rolls around.
Everton's Phil Jagielka thinks he's scored - but it was ruled out
Harry Redknapp must have learnt something from his experiment of playingBenoit Assou-Ekotto at right-back against Manchester United because Younes Kaboul was back against Bolton and, low and behold, Spurs kept a clean sheet. Kaboul, actually playing out of position himself, has been a sturdy addition to the Tottenham backline and once again showed his credentials with an excellent display that saw him mop up at the back when all seemed lost - clearing off the line from Matt Taylor's goalbound shot - and providing attacking impetus as well when he foundRoman Pavlyuchenko with a wonderful cross only for the striker to head wide.
Of course he would have to go some way to level the threat posed by fit-again Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole, who also had a good game down the left against Liverpool. Cole's stamina and pace came to the fore in the second half and he was able to push the Reds back, limiting them to just one shot on target in the entire game. It may have helped that regular right-back Glen Johnson was ruled out through injury and Cole was always going to get the best ofJavier Mascherano playing out of position.
For the last defensive place, Everton's Phil Jagielka can count himself unlucky not have got himself on the scoresheet when his late header was bizarrely ruled out by referee Howard Webb. However, his best work came in keeping a clean sheet for the Toffees in the light of some good attacking play from Stoke - and Ricardo Fuller in particular.
Are you watching Mr Capello? With England's wingers going through something of a dip in form of late, Adam Johnson has raised his game to the extent that he must be a very tempting proposition to throw onto the plane to South Africa before he has even claimed a full cap. He enticed Stephen Warnock into the type of tackle that will see the left-back watching the World Cup on HD in his local pub to win a penalty for his side against Villa. A cool pass toEmmanuel Adebayor then set up the second. Theo and company are already exchanging worried text messages with each other about their back-up holiday plans.
Another to force his frame into contention for South Africa could be Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone. A giant performance from a giant man gave Spurs the win they needed to keep up their claims for inclusion into next season's Champions League and his powerful shot managed to find the only corner of the net that Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen couldn't reach. With a trademark drive, Huddlestone could yet impress upon Mr Capello - after all, he has been ''great all season'' according to his manager.
Of course, they would both do well to learn from Frank Lampard. The England midfield regular profited when another national team-mate - Steven Gerrard - erred, and his Man of the Match performance against Liverpool gave Chelsea a real chance of the title this season. Showing his usual classy range of passing, Lampard had a few good chances to add to his goal tally before he charged up the pitch to bundle the ball over the line and make the game safe.
Why is a Michael Brown goal like a London bus? Well, you wait six years for one and suddenly two turn up at once. Of course, if you really had to wait six years for transport into the city centre then Michael's namesake Gordon might have more problems than an angry granny in Rochdale to deal with, but the Portsmouth midfielder now has two in his last three games and is becoming a veritable Steven Gerrard. All in a pointless cause, mind you, as Pompey's place in the Championship was confirmed a while ago, but Brown could earn himself a move elsewhere if he can persuade someone that he can shoot as well as he can mistime a tackle.
Manchester city to spend £75m on Di Maria, Luiz?
Manchester City are rumoured to have agreed to smash the British transfer record with a £40 million bid for Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.
AFP
Brazilian defender David Luiz is wanted by a raft of Europe's giants
Such spending further increases the suspicion that City have a transfer budget that could even blow Roman Abramovich out of the water. City are being consistently linked with moves for Liverpool pair Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
A summer outlay that could come close, or even surpass £200 million is not out of the question, particularly if they can beat Spurs on Wednesday to reach the Champions League and thus be more attractive to the pick of the world's best.
A Premier League transfer specialist told Soccernet on Monday evening: "The word is that Manchester City have already agreed £40m for the Argentine winger and £35m for the centre-half both from Benfica. Di Maria played well against Everton and also Liverpool, and while plenty of the biggest clubs want him, you will find City are willing to pay just that little bit more to get the players they want.
"They've got the money, and they are spending it, and of course you wouldn't be surprised if they went for Torres and Gerrard, but a lot will depend if they can reach the Champions League and we shall all know a lot more by the time they play Spurs on Wednesday at Eastlands."
The 22-year-old Argentina international winger put Everton to the sword in the Portuguese giants' 5-0 and 2-0 wins over the Toffees earlier this season. As a result he became one of Europe's hottest properties, wanted by Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea without Manchester City.
Luiz's impressive defensive displays have placed him on the summer shopping lists of Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona so City have moved quickly to get in first, with a bid that none of the other clubs would be prepared to match for the 23 year-old. Luiz, who joined Benfica from Brazilian club Vitoria three years ago, has formed a strong pairing with compatriot Luisao at the heart of the defence though his considerable pace allows him to be equally comfortable at left back.
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