90 Minutes Strong | June 2014 by 90 Minutes Strong

life after landon p.4

soccer is here to stay

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Jersey mania

Sticker fever

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l p.14 a i c e americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s x-factor p S p.10 p u C d l r Wo

Photo by Rosa Cavalcanti

90 Minutes Strong | No. 0 | June 2014

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contents Editorial Editor-in-Chief Pedro Heizer Staff writer Tainara Maciel Contributors kartik krishnalyer Cesar Diaz Jonathan Schneider Jake Vendramin Graham Nichol Jorge Mendoza

life after landon

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Soccer is Here to Stay p.8-9

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Welcome to 90 Minutes Strong’s quarterly magazine.

We’ve had a fantastic four years online and it just felt right to kick off a new chapter in our history during one of the biggest sporting events in the World. Our purpose with this magazine is not to inform you of everyday statistics, quotes, and other common dated stories that soccer magazines give. When the concept of the magazine came to life it was simple: Give the fans insight beyond the boxscore, give them another point of view and grow their fan IQ. The core values of 90 Minutes Strong remains the same. We cover the U.S. Soccer Pyramid. No English Premier League, no Brazilian Leagues, just Soccer in the United States. We know that U.S. fans want to hear more than just recaps and statistics; we know fans want a way to enhance their knowledge of The Beautiful Game. At 90 Minutes Strong, we compile statistical analysis and well-supported opinions in order to give you those extra points in your fan IQ. To us, it’s not about “hearing it here first”, but rather giving you another fresh perspective on the Soccer World. When it came to the magazine, I wanted to create something fresh and unique, just like our site. So, we’ve decided that we won’t print monthly magazines, but rather, quarterly magazines that will give you news that won’t “go bad” after a few days. Our magazines are great for coffee tables, doctors offices, and other places where the casual fan can just pick one up and read without feeling as if the news is “old”. I call this current edition, the “Edition Zero”. This is our prototype and I think we did a fantastic job with it. Big thanks to all the writers who contributed to the stories, and our research department for a well-rounded magazine. If you are interested in writing for us, we would love to see what you got! Please send us an email at writers@90minutesstrong.com with your name, information, and some sample writings and we will get back to you in regards to a writing position. In “Edition Zero” we focused more on the 2014 FIFA World Cup, we have over 40 pages filled with detailed history of all previous World Cups, previews of all teams in the tournament, and a special on the United States Men’s National Team. So without further ado, welcome to 90 Minutes Strong!

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STicker fever

By Pedro Heizer

The World Cup sticker album from Panini has been one of fascination for kids and adults alike. In 1998, on the heels of the World Cup, my dad bought me my first ever World Cup sticker album. Gluing stickers into an album seems elementary, but the excitement one gets when opening a pack and seeing that one card they’ve been missing is hard to duplicate. The addiction is fun especially when you’re a kid. Your parents go and buy you the packs. You look over what you get and trade the cards you already have. However, when you’re in your 20s or even 30s, mom and dad aren’t buying your packs anymore and you see these 20 and 30-somethings spending money like water on World Cup stickers. I’ve seen people walk out with over 50 packs at one point. You need 640 stickers to complete this summer’s World Cup album from Panini. However, since they are sold in packs of 5-7 (depending on where you live), the amount of duplicates increase everytime you buy more stickers. FIFA TV made a calculation that states in order to have a complete album, you must have buy 4,505 stickers to ensure a complete album. That’s roughly $643 spent on buying packs of stickers! When the 2014 World Cup Album was released, I rushed out to purchase one. And to my disbelief, I walked up to the counter to ask where they were and the cashier looked at me and said they were sold out. The United States has clearly caught World Cup sticker fever. There’s no doubt. This year, many stores and people alike are doing sticker trading days where they go to a place with their duplicates in hopes of trading for stickers they need to complete their album. I was still living in Brazil during my first encounter with a Panini Sticker Album in 1998. That year, my entire first grade class had an album. We would brag about getting players the others didn’t have, or we would brag about the “shinyees.” During that 1998 school year, we all became professional negotiators. “You want my shiny Brazil crest? Well that will cost you 5 regular stickers.” We would play games with the duplicates we had. One game, in particular, was where we picked the cards from the other person that we needed, and they would do the same. Then, we would place them faced down on the table and we would hit the table in hopes some of the stickers you picked would flip up. If the stickers flipped, you kept them. If they didn’t… well, you didn’t get them. It’s safe to say, I was hooked. The following year, I received the 1999 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A sticker album by Panini. I never completed that album, but it’s one of my favorites, as kids in school would do the same thing we did for the World Cup one for the Brazilian League one. When I moved to the United States, I was afraid I would never see another Panini sticker album again since soccer wasn’t as big when I moved here. In 2002, I asked my grandmother to send me a World Cup album from Brazil. She did and she also sent over hundreds of packets to go with the book. Again, I never completed that album. The 2006 edition of the World Cup Sticker album is missing from my collection, as I never got a chance to get one. But then in 2010, I was at a Walgreens pharmacy and noticed the 2010 version of the sticker album. I simply had to have it. Opening those packets in 2010 reminded me of 1998 when my dad and I would go to the newsstands and buy a few packets, and then rush home to open them up in hopes of getting the stickers I needed to complete the collection. Personally, I love the sticker album hobby. I think it’s an European and South American thing though as most of my American soccer friends here have no idea what they are and always question why a grown man would be so happy to buy stickers for a book. They’ll learn soon enough! June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

lIFE AFTER LANDON

Without L andon Donovan, The United States Flips O ver a New Page By Pedro Heizer

As Jürgen Klinsmann made his final seven cuts for Brazil, one name caused shockwaves around not only the United States but also the world. Landon Donovan, who is the all-time U.S. Men’s National Team leader in goals (57) and assists (58), was cut by Klinsmann on May 22nd alongside Terrence Boyd, Joe Corona, Maurice Edu, Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson and Michael Parkhurst. Although most are crucifying Klinsmann and his decision of not including Donovan, the 2010 World Cup hero, to his final 23-player roster, the omission of one of U.S. Soccer’s most decorated athletes was the right decision. There is no denying everything Donovan has done for soccer in the United States, however, it was time for a change. In a recent conference call with reporters, Klinsmann said that “there’s no doubt what he did for U.S. soccer” with the national team and with Los Angeles and San Jose in winning five titles in Major League Soccer. “It’s amazing,” Klinsmann added. “You give him every compliment he deserves. But soccer is about what you do today and what you hopefully do tomorrow. “We’re not building the group based on the past; we’re building the group based on what we go through together and what we believe, as of today, is the right decision.” Many belive that Donovan simply deserved a spot on the roster because of his history, however, to Klinsmann the idea that Donovan deserved a ticket to Brazil shows what’s wrong with the way Americans look at sports. “This always happens in America,” said Klinsmann to Sam Borden of The New York Times. “Koby Bryant, for example - why does he get a two-year contract extension for $50 million? Because of what he is going to do in the next two years for the Lakers? Of course not. Of course not. He get it because of what he has done before. It makes no sense. Why d you pay for what already happened?” Donovan was a main part of the national team before he took a sabbatical of about four months after the 2012 season. Klinsmann said Donovan would have to earn his spot back once he decided to come back and he did just that. Klinsmann then restored Donovan’s roster spot for the 2013 Gold Cup, where Donovan excelled. However, his four-month sabbatical must have not won him any friends, how can a player who is at the top of his game just decide to take time off? In many other countries, that would have surely been the end of his International career. “He came back, and he was playing in MLS, and people say ‘Oh, he’s playing well’ but what does that really mean,” continued Klinsmann in the New York Times story. “This is where MLS huts him. He was playing at 70 percent, 80 percent, and he was still dominant. That doesn’t help anyone. I watched the games. What was I supposed to say? That he was good? He was not good. Not then.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

No way.” Not only didn’t Donovan help his case with the sabbatical, but when he told ESPN in their INSIDE series that he “can’t train 12 straight days in a row and have 12 great days in a row,” that pretty much sealed his fate. Klinsmann wasn’t playing around, U.S. Soccer’s most recognizable star had to earn his seat on the plane to Brazil, and he failed. “It was a bit of a surprise when everyone learned he [Donovan] wasn’t part of the 23 players selected,” said USMNT forward Jozy Altidore. “But at the same time, this is something that happens every day globally. It’s just part of the process, maybe the most difficult one for a manager heading into a World Cup. Bottom line, we have our team set, we completely trust our coaching staff and have the utmost confidence in them in getting us prepared to do great things in Brazil.” The 1990 World Cup champion is like a mad scientist; He makes the unpopular, yet wise, decisions that are right for the team. In 2013, Klinsmann did not include long-time USMNT captain, Carlos Bocanegra to the final stage of World Cup qualification, and stripped Bocanegra’s captaincy, handing the reigns over to the younger Clint Dempsey. Bocanegra was subsequently not a part of the team at the 2013 Gold Cup, and since then has not been called. With a four-year contract extension given to Klinsmann earlier this year, it looks as if the German will be around for a while, and with that comes a culture change. The next generation of U.S. Soccer seems promising. Gone are players like Landon Donovan (32), and Carlos Bocanegra (34), and in their place are players like DeAndre Yedlin (20), and Julian Green (19). With only six players from the 2010 World Cup squad returning, Klinsmann has the core group of players such as Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, and Clint Dempsey to gel with the youngsters whose blistering speed and youthful skill will be looked at as the difference maker in the Group of Death. DeMarcus Beasley now becomes the played with most World Cup caps on the team with four. Look to the 32 year-old defender from Liga MX’s Puebla FC to be one of the veteran leaderships on the team. Donovan might be gone, but remember, youth prevails; Most forget that younger players are needed to prove what they can do for a National Team in the long run. If you recall, a 20-year-old San Jose Earthquakes midfielder looking to make a name for himself in the world’s biggest stage scored the clincher when the United States defeated Mexico by the iconic “Dos-A-Cero” score line on their way to a quarterfinal run in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Rosa Cavalcanti

Captain America From Michael Windishmann to Clint Dempsey, take a look back at all the iconic players that have worn the captain’s armband for the United States in the World Cup. Michael Windischmann (1990)

Claudio Reyna (2002, 2006)

Defender Mike Windischmann had the honor of leading USA to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the country’s first appearance in the tournament since 1950. He earned his first cap in 1984 and was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004.

Tony Meola (1994)

Reyna is the only USA player to have captained his squad in two World cups. He led the US in 2002 and 2006. He announced his retirement from the national team the day after the U.S. was eliminated from the 2006 World cup in Germany. He ended his international career with 111 caps and eight goals.

Carlos Bocanegra (2010) Bocanegra led the USA in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He earned his first senior cap in 2001 and was a regular by 2003. After an unstable club team situation, Bocanegra has been left off the national roster since 2013 in favor of younger defending options.

The former long-haired hero and United States Hall of Famer captained USA for the 1994 World Cup hosted on home turf. Meola made his national team debut in 1988 and retired after earning 100 caps.

Tom Dooley (1998) The German-American defender made his first international appearance in 1992 and became a regular soon after playing every minute of the 1994 World Cup. Dooley was named captain for the 1998 World Cup in France shortly after John Harkes was dismissed from the team. He ended his international career with 81 caps and seven goals. He is currently the head coach of the Phillipines.

Clint Dempsey (2014) Clint Dempsey will lead the USA in Brazil as a first-time World Cup captain. He also captained the squad through the qualifying matches. Dempsey made his first World Cup appearance in 2006, scoring the team’s only goal in the tournament.

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

USA Jerseys Through The Years Explore all the uniforms the United States has ever donned during the World Cup. From the infamous denim jersey from the 1994 World Cup, to the plain jersey from 1930 in which the United States came in 3rd place, and everything in between here you will find every single jersey the USMNT greats have worn.

90 Minutes Strong â&#x20AC;˘ June 2014

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Soccer is Here to Stay: How Soccer Will Surpass Baseball In The Near Future

The sport of soccer in the United States is now one of the most popular, despite what you may hear or think. Soccer is still a long ways behind the “Big 4” in North American sports, but those days may be numbered. According to a recent poll by ESPN, soccer is the second most popular sport among Americans ages 12-24, outstripping the MLB, NBA, and even College Football. Now, Major League Soccer is still less popular than international soccer, but this trend is also changing. The study says 10 percent of all Americans ages 12+ are avid MLS fans, the highest level the league has ever reached, a long way since 2000 when the league

really bottomed out with just 2.8% of Americans who were considered avid MLS fans and had the worst attendance numbers in their history, averaging about 13,700 fans per match. “Soccer awareness in the United States grew drastically when the New York Cosmos brought over players like Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer to play in the United States. But when they left, soccer once again became irrelevant,” says Brazilian soccer star Zico. “Since that time, a new generation of players has made soccer relevant in the United States once again.” Rich Luker, the 59-year-old social scientist who took the poll, also discovered that three soccer players — Lionel Messi (16th), David Beckham (20th), and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (24th) — rank among the 50 most popular athletes in America. NBA fans will be shocked to know that Lionel Messi (16th) ranks ahead of Miami Heat superstar, Dwyane Wade.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

“I see the same amount of kids playing soccer in United States as I do in England,” says Fort Lauderdale Strikers forward, and England native, Mark Anderson. “The difference is that in the United States kids fade away [from soccer] as they get older.” As a kid, soccer is the most popular sport you can play. You interact with kids, exercise and have fun. But as you grow older, soccer becomes the sport girls play and so kids in middle and high school fall into peer pressure and decide to stop playing soccer and opt for football instead. For years, football has dominated the scene. Let’s be honest, nothing can compete with a Homecoming Football game. Nothing comes close to being more “manly” than men tackling each other. However, the sporting tectonic plates are shifting. Due to America’s cultural diversification, increasingly globalized outlook, and widespread access to the Internet, soccer is being benefitted more than the other more traditional American sports. You can easily go on YouTube and search for highlights of the latest European matches, or watch ESPN’s SportsCenter for highlights of European matches and even MLS. “In the last two years, Americans have been exposed to elite soccer on a very regular basis, which has allowed us to appreciate the sport and develop a savvy about it in a way we could not before,” says Luker. “Based on the way it is trending, I believe global soccer [in the United States] will soon be four or five times bigger than it is today, and MLS’s fanbase will triple or quadruple.” “Soccer is growing and has excelled to levels no one would have imagined in the States,” says Anderson. This renaissance of soccer in the United States began in 2010 when the United States Men’s National Team exceeded expectations in the tournament when they tied powerhouse England, a game they were supposed to lose. By its match versus Slovania, interest had risen as the USMNT was robbed of a victory and had to settle for a 2-2 draw. It seemed as if fan support was at an all-time high. In its third group stage match, all sorts of television records were broken. The match versus Algeria was the highest-rated and most-watched soccer game in the history of ESPN networks with 6,161,000 viewers. For the first time in the history of the United States, bars filled to standing room only as Americans watched Landon Donovan score the dramatic stoppage time goal to send the USMNT to the Round of 16 and their first group stage victory since 1930. Excluding holidays, ESPN’s coverage of the U.S.-Algeria game ranks as the most-watched weekday morning telecast ever for ESPN.

“The 2010 World Cup boosted the interest of the common soccer fan to an all-time high,” explained Zico. “The world watched as Landon Donovan single-handily put US Soccer back on the map.” Since 2010, soccer has taken a change for the better; Last year alone, MLS ranked third in attendance behind the NFL and MLB at 18,594 fans per game and in front of leagues like the NBA and the NHL. While the 2013 numbers are off a bit from 2012’s record-high -- that was boosted by a new stadium (Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium), a new team (the Montreal Impact) and David Beckham’s final season -- they weren’t off by as far as some had feared. With 2013 in the books, the final numbers reveal that more than 6 million people attended MLS games and the league averaged 18,594 fans per game. Those numbers represent a mere 1.1 percent decline from 2012, and are still by far the second best totals in league history. In 2012, MLS set new marks for attendance. Overall, the league average grew more than five percent, coming in at 18,807. This bettered the 2011 mark of 17,844 by nearly 1,000 fans per game. MLS regular-season attendance in 2012 topped the 6 million mark for the first time ever, with a total of 6,074,729 fans. For the fourth year in a row, the Seattle Sounders averaged 43,144 fans per game – a league and team record. Four other clubs averaged more than 20,000 fans per game, another league record. Eight clubs averaged more than 19,000 fans, up from five in 2011. MLS also finished seventh in global average attendance. Its second division counterpart, the North American Soccer League, has also reached attendance highs this past season. Regular season attendance for the North American Soccer League, the second division of soccer in the United States, increased from 3,779 in 2011 to 3,810 this past year, despite the Montreal Impact (who averaged over 11,500 fans) moving to MLS following the conclusion of the 2011 NASL season. The San Antonio Scorpions led the way this past season as the expansion franchise averaged 9,176 fans per game. Despite the growth of soccer in the United States, MLS still does not get the coverage it deserves. However, Major League Soccer has accomplished great things since its 1996 Inaugural season. In 2012 NBC Sports signed a three-year deal with MLS to nationally televise 40 matches per year. That isn’t a lot of coverage, but it’s better than nothing. The problem with this deal is, only three regular season MLS matches are televised on NBC. The other 37 regular season matches are televised on NBC Sports Network, a paid channel not many people have. Then just this year, in a partnership with U.S. Soccer, MLS sold their media rights to ESPN, Fox Sports, and Univision Deportes for an 8-year deal that is worth a combined $720 million, a huge increase from the current revenue of $27 million per year, which shows that major sports networks are beginning to see the value of soccer as a valuable sport in the United States. However, to make soccer more relevant within the United States, MLS needs to have more homegrown players, and

keep these players in the league for their entire careers. “Recognition for college soccer needs to grow,” says former Chivas USA and Fort Lauderdale Strikers defender Scott Gordon. “When you’re a kid, playing soccer in college isn’t as enticing as playing college football or college basketball.” Why is that? Because, the biggest problem with making soccer an attractive option for American college kids is that, unlike most American sports where college athletics provide the best training environment for aspiring professional athletes, competition for spots on professional soccer teams comes from all over the world, and in foreign countries, the best players don’t go to college, they train in professional environments. “There needs to be more incentives for soccer players to stay in the United States and play college soccer,” says Gordon, who played for Lynn University in Boca Raton before being drafted by FC Dallas. Currently, soccer in the United States is like a rocket ship waiting to be launched. Almost all the pieces are in place, only thing missing are the fans. This new generation of kids will be the ones to launch soccer into the National eye, and make the sport one of the most popular in years to come. “This new upcoming generation of young people is the key for soccer to succeed in America,” explained Zico. “What a player like Donovan has done for soccer in the United States is sensational,” added Zico, the Brazilian soccer legend that played most of his career for Flamengo. “He decided to come to MLS and help grow the sport and hasn’t left since he returned in 2001.” “Twenty-five percent of Americans are avid NFL fans first and foremost, 14.4 percent are basketball fans, and MLB comes third with 13.9 percent,” says Luker. Soccer’s avid fanbase is 10 percent, which does not sound like much until you realize that 10 percent is about 33 million people. “Soccer is definitely growing in popularity in the United States,” says Gordon. “These kids have grown up playing soccer and now wear jerseys of players like Messi, and Ronaldo. When I was growing up, we never had that.”

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

Youth Will Prevail

Tim Howard Thinks USMNT Youth Will Be A Huge Factor in World Cup Success Even before Jürgen Klinsmann made the shocking decision to leave Landon Donovan out of the final 23 players that will play in Brazil, this U.S. Men’s National Team was heading to Brazil as one of the least experienced US teams in a very long time. This is USMNT’s first World Cup since 1990 where a single center-back has zero World Cup experience. However, despite all that, goalkeeper Tim Howard believes this edition of the USMNT is better than the 2010 version that won their group en-route to a loss to Ghana. Howard believes this team will be hungry and has the ability to surprise in Brazil. “This team is younger, but I think we’re slightly better than 2010, only because of that youth, and that inexperience almost helps you.” Gone are USMNT veterans such as Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, and Oguchi Onyewu, who have been replaced by younger talent ready to prove themselves. Players like Stoke City’s Geoff Cameron, Los Angeles Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez, Seattle Sounders’ DeAndre Yedlin, and Sporting Kansas City’s Matt Besler. They will be the ones who will hold the backline in the group of death. Despite not having any World Cup experience in the centerback position, Howard believes his defense is strong.

“Defensively I think we are pretty rock solid. I don’t know; we’ll have to find out. It’s sink-or-swim time when you get to the World Cup. There’s no guesswork. There’s nothing to speculate on.” That is the biggest difference between the 2010 team to the 2014 squad that will try to navigate through one of the toughest groups in the World Cup. A group that many are saying the US has no business in escaping, especially now without Landon Donovan. The 2010 version of squad may have had more veterans, but this squad is hungry and ready to prove the world wrong, “Guys don’t actually know what to expect, they’re just hungry and ready to go for it,” added Howard. “Veteran leadership is beyond critical to the development of our younger players both on and off the field,” says forward Jozy Altidore. “Our experiences playing on the world stage and at a World Cup is something we hope can translate into a positive influence on the newer faces to the global stage. Hopefully our actions, attitude, and leadership on and off the field can translate into some positive thins in Brazil.” Don’t be too critical of the US backline just yet. After all, the U.S. only allowed eight goals in 10 Hexagonal games.

K e e p u p w i t h U S S o c ce r d u r i n g t h e Wo r l d Cu p at w w w. 9 0 m i n u te s s t ro n g. co m

Photos by Rosa Cavalcanti

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

World Cup Special

• Detailed history

of every World Cup since 1930 • Comprehensive

Group Preview • 5 Pages on all things

United States Men’s National Team June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

Teams: 13 First place: Uruguay Second place: Argentina Third place: United States Leading scorer: 8 goals Guillermo Stabile (ARG) Attendance: 59054 (average 32808)

The first FIFA World Cup was one of a kind. It took place in Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital, from July 13 to July 30. They were selected because the country was celebrating the centenary of its first constitution and also the Uruguay National Football Team had won at the 1928 Summer Olympics. The opening ceremony was full of details that might confuse the modern football fan: four teams arriving together on the same boat, an unfinished stadium, even a one-armed goalscorer in the final game. Thirteen teams were chosen by FIFA, seven from Latin America (Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Peru), four from Europe (Belgium, France, Yugoslavia and Romania) and two from North America (Mexico and United States).

WORLD CUP

Italy| coutesy of fifa.com

1930

Uruguay| coutesy of fifa.com

HISTORY After FIFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive committee met eight times, Italy was chosen as the host nation over Sweden. And as the second chapter of the fledgling competition unfolded, Italy made history by being the first European country to win the FIFA World Cup as hosts. The championship was played from May 27 to June 10. The 1934 World Cup was on a bigger scale than the tournament four years before, it was the first in which countries had to qualify to take part. It started with 32 nations and after qualification, only 16 participated in the finals tournament. There were eight host cities, in contrast with the first competition which had only one, along with live radio broadcast taking the action to listeners in 12 of the competing countries.

1934 12

Teams: 16 First place: Italy Second place: Czechoslovakia Third place: Germany Leading scorer: 4 goals Nejedly (CZE), Schiavio (ITA), Conen (GER) Attendance: 363000 (average 21352)

1938

Italy| coutesy of fifa.com

Teams: 15 First place: Italy Second place: Hungary Third place: Brazil Leading scorer: 7 goals Leonidas da Silva (BRA) Attendance: 375700 (average 20872)

With war clouds gathering over Europe, the third FIFA World Cup took place against a bleak backdrop. Held in France from June 4 to June 19, it was the first time the hosts (France) and the title holders (Italy) automatically qualified. The flamboyantly skilful way of play presented by the teams, especially by Brazil, brought joy to the football fans during a 15-days festival, but it was Italy, the strongest and consistent side, emerged as worthy winners. The 1938 finals provided the last major sporting event before war broke out the following year. Spain was facing a Civil War and was not able to participate, while Austria’s annexation by Germany reduced the number of finalists from 16 to 15. Instead a number of Austrian players appeared in the German team. Argentina (wanted to host the tournament) and Uruguay decided to stay away. Yet Brazil travelled to Europe for the first time and together with Poland they delivered one of the most exciting of all FIFA World Cup games in a first-round.

WORLD CUP

HISTORY

Uruguay| coutesy of fifa.com

The forth FIFA World Cup was held in Brazil from June 24 to July 16, being the first one since 1938. The planned cups in 1942 and 1946 had to be cancelled due to the World War II. Great surprises were awaiting the competition: Brazil built the planet’s biggest football stadium as a breathtaking stage for the World Cup which did not have a final tournament, it concluded with a four-team mini-league where the hope of 200,000 people of consecrating the gigantic Maracanã became silent before their neighbor Uruguay as they celebrated a second world crown. North America also had a little surprise. The game’s founders, England, had arrived unprepared and paid the price in Belo Horizonte where they suffered a 1-0 defeat by the United States.

Teams: 13 First place: Uruguay Second place: Brazil Third place: Sweden Leading Scorer: 9 goals Ademir de Menezes (BRA) Attendance: 1045246 (average 47511)

1950 13

Teams: 16 First Place: Germany FR Second Place: Hungary Third place: Austria Leading scorer: 11 goals Sandor Kocsis (HUN) Attendance: 768607 (average 29561)

Four years after Maracanã was silent over Uruguay’s triumph, another surprise marked the Finals of the 1954 World Cup which was held in Switzerland from June 16 to July 04. Olympic champion in 1952, Hungary came into the cup with an unofficial title of best team in the world, but Germany appeared to end the proud 31-match unbeaten record of Hungary in a Final forever remembered as the Miracle of Berne. By that time, the 1954 tournament became the highest-scoring FIFA World Cup™, with 140 goals in 26 matches at an average of over five per game.

WORLD CUP

Brazil| coutesy of fifa.com

1954

Germany FR| coutesy of fifa.com

HISTORY Hosted by Sweden from June 8 to June 29, the sixth World Cup marked the only occasion that a World Cup staged in Europe was not won by a European team. A star was born! The Swedish summer provided the perfect set to Brazil’s first FIFA World Cup trophy in 1958, the same year that a 17-year-old called Pelé announces his presence to football fans all around the globe. With two supreme attacking talents in Pelé and Garrincha, Brazil beat Sweden 5-2 in the Final at the Rasunda Stadium to become the first team to win on a different continent. The Brazilians were not the only heroes: France forward Just Fontaine set a record that stands to this day by scoring 13 times in six matches to help his country claim third place.

1958 14

Teams: 16 First place: Brazil Second place: Sweden Third place: France Leading scorer: 13 goals Just Fontaine (FRA) Attendance: 819810 (average 23423)

Teams: 16 First place: Brazil Second place: Czechoslovakia Third place: Chile Leading scorer: 5 goals Drazen Jerkovic (YUG) Attendance: 893172 (average 27911)

The seventh FIFA World Cup held in Chile from May 30 to June 17 was the stage for a flying high Brazil with Garrincha, the so-called “Little Bird”, and according to a French newspaper L’Equipe’s he was “the most extraordinary right winger football has known”. 57 teams entered the 1962 World Cup, qualification process started August 1960, and only 14 teams qualified from this process along with host nation Chile and defending champion Brazil, who successfully defended their second trophy as best team of the world.

WORLD CUP

England | coutesy of fifa.com

1966

HISTORY

1962

Brazil| coutesy of fifa.com

England, the country that invented football was also, the eighth host nation for the FIFA World Cup. Held from July 11 to July 30, it was right there on home soil that England reached the top of the world after defeating West Germany in one of the most exciting, and controversial, of all FIFA World Cup Finals. Geoff Hurst holds the record for most goals scored in a decision of a World Cup with a unique hat-trick on England’s triumph, although doubts of the legitimacy of his second strike – which cannoned down off the underside of the crossbar and was adjudged by assistant referee Tofik Bakhramov to have landed behind the goalline – remain to this day. The 1966 FIFA World Cup was the last to be broadcast in black and white.

Teams: 16 First place: England Second place: Germany FR Third place: Portugal Leading scorer: 9 goals Eusébio (POR) Attendance: 1563135 ( average 48847 )

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

1970

Teams: 16 First place: Brazil Second place: Italy Third place: Germany FR Leading scorer: 10 goals Gerd Mueller (GER) Attendance: 1603975 (average 50124)

Brazil| coutesy of fifa.com

For the first time ever the FIFA World Cup was broadcast in color all around the globe and millions of fans had the privilege to watch Brazil deservedly earn their third crown with a glorious spectacle of attacking football. The ninth World Cup held in Mexico from May 31 to June 21, was Pele’s final appearance on the soccer world stage. There had been fears before the finals about the conditions which the players would be facing - intense heat and high altitude - and these worries were aggravated by the decision to stage the games at midday to suit European television schedules. Moreover, now two substitutes allowed per team, red and yellow cards were introduced to the referees, and an adidas ball, the white-and-black checked Telstar.

WORLD CUP

HISTORY

From June 13 to July 7 the world had the pleasure of watching a tournament of total football, a showcase for the majestic talents of Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer, leading their respective Dutch and West German sides through to a Final showdown. The solid-gold statuette that West Germany captain Beckenbauer held aloft, a replacement for the Jules Rimet was not the only innovation of the FIFA World Cup in Germany, there was a new FIFA President the Brazilian João Havelange, who had taken the place of Englishman Sir Stanley Rous. Moreover, there was a change of format, a second stage comprising two groups of four replacing the traditional knockout route of quarter-finals and semi-finals.

Teams: 16 First Place: Germany FR Second Place: Netherlands Third place: Poland Leading scorer: 7 goals Grzegorz Lato (POL) Attendance: 1865753 (average 49098)

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Germany FR| coutesy of fifa.com

1974

1978

Argentina| coutesy of fifa.com

Teams: 16 First place: Argentina Second place: Netherlands Third place: Brazil Leading scorer: 6 goals Mario Kempes (ARG) Attendance: 1545791 (average 40678)

Argentina reached the apex on home soil, stimulated by the goals of Mario Kempes and the fervor of their impassioned fans, whose snowstorms of shredded blue and white paper, swirling inside the stadiums in Buenos Aires and Rosario, offered a defining image. First title, fifth team to be both hosts and champions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after Uruguay, Italy, England and West Germany. The organization of the 1978 World Cup had many flaws, including stadiums behind schedule and getting ready just in time for the tournament and for this reason the grass recent planted loosened in the playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feet. This edition of the FIFA World Cup was also the first one that federations used the manufacturer logo in the jerseys.

WORLD CUP

HISTORY Italy became world champions for the third time on Spanish soil after defeating West Germany 3-1 in 1982. The festival was held from June 13 to July 11. The 12th FIFA World Cup was the last to feature a fully leather ball but it broke new ground as the first involving 24 teams rather than 16. It also had a new format, incorporating three distinct phases: a first round comprising six groups of four teams, with the top two from each progressing; a second round with four groups of three from which the top team advanced; and then the semi-finals and Final.

Teams: 24 First Place: Italy Second Place: Germany FR Third place: Poland Leading scorer: 6 goals Poalo Rossi (ITA) Attendance: 2109723 (average 40571)

Italy| coutesy of fifa.com

1982 17

Teams: 24 First place: Argentina Second place: Germany FR Third place: France Leading scorer: 6 goals Gary Lineker (ENG) Attendance: 2394031 (average 46039)

Mexico from May 31 to June 29, became the first nation to host the FIFA World for the second time when football’s greatest show returned to the site of Brazil’s 1970 victory, but this time it was Argentina who brush off the heat and high altitude to arrive victorious, inspired by their captain Diego Maradona who dominated the tournament in a way that only Pele had done before. It was the last FIFA World Cup where teams from the same continent were not fully separated from each other in the draw for the first round. Under new rules after this tournament, each World Cup group had either two or three European teams.

WORLD CUP

Germany FR| coutesy of fifa.com

1990 18

1986

Argentina| coutesy of fifa.com

HISTORY West Germany lifted the FIFA World Cup Trophy for the third time in 1990 as they avenged their Final defeat by Argentina four years earlier, overcoming the holders 1-0 in Rome. Their victory was a real triumph for Franz Beckenbauer, who became only the second man to win the world crown as first a player and then a coach. Italy was the second country to host the event twice – the first being Mexico in 1986 – from June 8 to July 8. Fifty-six years later from their triumph in 1934 on home soil, they spared no expense in making sure the tournament was a complete success, however, the 1990 World Cup is regarded as one of the poorest World Cups ever. With a low record of goals-per-game average of just 2.21 – a record that still stands to date – and a then-record 16 red cards were handed out, including the first ever dismissal in a final.. Despite all this, at the time it was the most watched World Cup in history in nonunique viewers – an estimated 26.69 billion non-unique viewers – but was bettered by the 1994 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. Teams: 24 First Place: Germany FR Second Place: Argentina Third place: Italy Leading scorer: 6 goals Salvatore Schillaci (ITA) Attendance: 2516215 (average 48388)

Teams: 24 First place: Brazil Second place: Italy Third place: Sweden Leading scorer: 6 goals Oleg Salenko (RUS) Attendance: 1587538 (average 68991)

The United States was the setting for a hugely successful 15th FIFA World Cup from June 17 to July 17 which drew record crowds and ended with Brazil celebrating their first world title since 1970. There were plenty of goals – 141 was the highest total since 1982 – and no shortage of drama. It was a tournament that was also touched by tragedy, Colombia defender Andres Escobar was murdered on his return home having scored an own goal against the US in a group match that confirmed the South Americans’ early elimination. The 1994 FIFA World Cup was the first one to be decided on penalties. ‘Soccer’ in the US has never being as popular as basketball, baseball or American football and it came as a surprise to many when the country was granted the honor of hosting the FIFA World Cup. In choosing the USA, FIFA President Joao Havelange was bidding to conquer football’s final frontier and it proved the right decision with the event attracting a record total attendance of 3,587,538 spectators.

WORLD CUP

France| coutesy of fifa.com

HISTORY

1994

Brazil| coutesy of fifa.com

The home of Jules Rimet, the father of

the FIFA World Cup, France finally won the crown for itself in the summer of 1998, becoming the seventh nation to win a World Cup. The festival was from June 10 to July 12 and for the first time compromised 32 teams, the tournament was bigger than ever. The 1998 FIFA World Cup was also the edition with more goals than any other edition of the tournament with 171 goals.

1998

Teams: 32 First place: France Second place: Brazil Third place: Croatia Leading scorer: 6 goals Davor Suker (CRO) Attendance: 2785100 (average 43517)

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

2002

Brazil| coutesy of fifa.com

Teams: 32 First Place: Brazil Second Place: Germany Third place: Turkey Leading scorer: 8 goals Ronaldo (BRA) Attendance: 2705197 (average 42268)

On a new continent, for the first time the quarter-finals featured teams from five different federations. The 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan reflected a changing football world. Two nations together hosting the first World Cup in Asia from May 31 to June 30 becomes the stage for Brazil to win the tournament for a record fifth time after beating Germany. The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the last edition of the tournament in which the previous champion had the privilege to automatically be qualified for the World Cup, only the host nation from that moment on would not need to go through the qualification process.

WORLD CUP

HISTORY

If we could sum up the 2006 FIFA World Cup in one word would be: teamwork. That is how the title of champion ended up in Italian hands. The Italian’s quality was enhanced by an obvious camaraderie. Also, Italy defended as well as anyone in FIFA World Cup history, conceding just two goals – one an own goal, the other a penalty. Germany was the host nation for the second time and the only one prequalified. For the first time in the history of World Cup competition, the title holder of the previous cup had to participate in the qualification process. The 2006 World Cup stands as one of the most watched events in television history, garnering an estimated 26.29 billion non-unique viewers. The final attracted an estimated audience of 715.1 million people. The 2006 World Cup ranks fourth in non-unique viewers, behind the World Cup in 1994, 2002, and 1990.

Teams: 32 First place: Italy Second place: France Third place: Germany Leading scorer: 5 goals Miroslav Klose (GRE) Attendance: 3359439 (average 52491)

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Italy| coutesy of fifa.com

2006

2010

Teams: 32 First Place: Spain Second Place: Netherlands Third place: Germany Leading scorer: 5 goals Thomas Mueller (GER) Attendance: 3178856 (average 49669)

“This World Cup had a special momentum, linked with a history of freedom and the history of one man.” Joseph S. Blatter on Nelson Mandela. This was Africa’s first FIFA World Cup and it will live in the memory as much for the spirit and the smiles of the host nation as for the success of a Spain team who achieved a place into the record books as the eighth country to capture football’s most prized crown: FIFA World Cup Trophy. Spain’s concluding triumph in the magnificent Soccer City Stadium brought the curtain down on 31 days of football: 64 games, 599 players, 32 teams, 145 goals.

Spain| coutesy of fifa.com

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561-693-6776 June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

Brazil Sao Paulo

6/12/2014

Fortaleza

6/17/2014

Brasilia

6/12/2014

Brazil

Cameroun

Croatia

Mexico

Brazil

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 9 All-Time World Cup Record: 67W - 15D - 15L Best World Cup Finish: 1st (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

Roster: GOALKEEPERS (3): Júlio César, Jefferson, Victor DEFENDERS (8): Dani Alves, Maicon, Marcelo, Maxwell, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Dante, Henrique MIDFIELDERS (7) Luiz Gustavo, Hernanes, Paulinho, Ramires, Oscar, Fernandinho, Willian

Cafu (142)

Ronaldo (15) Key Player: Neymar Jr.

Neymar has been doing a great job as Brazil’s number 10, until now – time of writing – he already scored 31 goals. Skillful since very young, the 22 year old has the responsibility of carrying Brazil National Team in their home soil this World Cup. In 2013, he was hotly contested by Brazilian fans, but responded inside the field by being very important in the triumph of the Confederations Cup in 2013 scoring the second goal of the Brazilian victory against Spain and also receiving the Golden Ball Award for best player in the tournament, and the Bronze Boot as the third highest scorer. Even though Neymar is young, the achievements numbers in his career are unbelievable, while playing for Santos won almost all trophies inside and outside Brazil leaving only the Club World Cup off that list where he lost to Barcelona which is now his current club, and where he adapted very well alongside Leonel Messi with 14 goals in the 2013/2014 season and 58 assists. Neymar has shown that he can be the player everyone expects him to be and that pressure does not affect him. Photo by Rosa Cavalcanti

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

FORWARDS (5): Hulk, Neymar, Fred, Jô, Bernard

Croatia Sao Paulo

6/12/2014

6/18/2014

Manaus

Brazil

Cameroun

Croatia

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

6/12/2014

Recife

Croatia Mexico World Ranking: 16 All-Time World Cup Record: 6W - 2D - 4L Best World Cup Finish: 3rd (1998)

Roster: GOALKEEPERS (3): Stipe Pletikosa, Danijel Subasic, Oliver Zelenika DEFENDERS (9): Igor Bubnjic, Vedran Corluka, Dejan Lovren, Danijel Pranjic, Gordon Schildenfeld, Darijo Srna, Ivan Strinic, Domagoj Vida, Sime Vrsaljko MIDFIELDERS (12): Milan Badelj, Marcelo Brozovic, Ivo Ilicevic, Mateo Kovacic, Niko Kranjcar, Ivan Mocinic, Luka Modric, Mario Pasalic, Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic, Sammir, Ognjen Vukojevic

Darijo Srna (111)

Davor Suker (6)

FORWARDS (6): Duje Cop, Eduardo da Silva, Nikica Jelavic, Mario Mandzukic, Ivica Olic, Ante Rebic

Key Player: Luka Modric One of the best players Croatia has ever produced, talented and skilled, the 28 years old Luka Modric, who currently plays for Real Madrid is our bet for the Croatian National Team in this 2014 World Cup. A versatile player who can play in several positions due to one of his strongest characteristics which is his game vision, allows him to play middle attacker and also a bit further back. A No10 of speed, that has an amazing dead ball and a power to change the circumstances of the game. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a player that can lead the Croatian National Team really far not only by his individual skills, but also the ease he has to play and help their mates.

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

Mexico Natal

6/13/2014

Mexico Cameroon World Ranking: 20

Fortaleza

6/17/2014

Recife

6/23/2014

Brazil

Croatia

Mexico

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

Luiz Hernández (4)

Claudio Suárez (178)

All-Time World Cup Record: 12W - 13D - 14L Best World Cup Finish: 6th (1970-1986)

Roster: GOALKEEPERS (3): Guillermo Ochoa, Jesús Corona, Alfredo Talavera DEFENDERS (8): Paul Aguilar, Miguel Layún, Diego Reyes, Rafa Márquez, Francisco Rodríguez, Héctor Moreno, Carlos Salcido, Andrés Guardado MIDFIELDERS (7): Juan Carlos Medina, José Juan Vázquez, Isaac Brizuela, Luis Montes, Carlos Peña, Marco Fabián, Héctor Herrera FORWARDS (5): Raúl Jiménez, Alan Pulido, Javier Hernández, Giovani dos Santos, Oribe Peralta

Key Player: Javier Hernández In a family where his father and grandfather were soccer players, of course with Javier “Chicharito” Hernández could not be different. With the talent running through his veins, Chicharito has conquered his space in the Mexico squad after being the top scorer in the Primera Division de Mexico with 17 goals. The 25 years old Javier, may not even be the most skilled player of Mexico’s team, but without a doubt is a striker and knows very well the way to the back of the net. In the past years, he suffered some injuries that frustrated him but, he still have an impressive goal average. With great vision and anticipation, Chicharito is very accurate in his shots and even though he is not a very strong player physically, he exceeds with other qualities and can definitely surprise us in this World Cup.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Cameroon Natal

6/13/2014

Mexico Cameroon World Ranking: 50

Manaus

6/18/2014

Cameroon Croatia

Brasilia

6/23/2014

Cameroon Brazil

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

Roger Milla (5)

Rigobert Song (137)

All-Time World Cup Record: 4W - 7D - 9L Best World Cup Finish: 8th (1990)

Roster: GOALKEEPERS (4): Charles Itandje, Guy N’dy Assembe, Sammy N’Djock, Loic Feudjou DEFENDERS (9): Allan Nyom, Dany Nounkeu, Cedric Djeugoue, Aurelien Chedjou, Nicolas Nkoulou, JeanArmel Kana-Biyik, Henri Bedimo, Benoit AssouEkotto, Gaetang Bong MIDFIELDERS (8): Eyong Enoh, Jean Makoun, Joel Matip, Stephane Mbia, Landry Nguemo, Alex Song, Raoul Cedric Loe, Edgar Salli FORWARDS (7): Samuel Eto’o, Eric Choupo Moting, Benjamin Moukandjo, Vincent Aboubakar, Achille Webo, Mohamadou Idrissou, Fabrice Olinga

Key Player: Samuel Eto’o When it comes to World Cup there is no one with more experience in Cameroon National Team than Samuel Eto’o, that already found the back of the net 42 times in 87 games. With a great pace and an amazing precision to score, Eto’o despite not having 16 years anymore - it was when he made his first debuted in the World Cup and for Cameroon - still gives a hard time to the opposing defense. Team captain, Eto’o is the example and the reference to everyone so that the Cameroon National Team can make a remarkable campaign in this World Cup, which may be his last one as to the parameters of soccer, his age is advanced.

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

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Spain 6/13/2014

Salvador

Rio de Janeiro

6/18/2014

Curitiba

6/23/2014

Spain

Australia

Netherlands

Chile

Spain

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 1 All-Time World Cup Record: 28W - 16D - 12L Best World Cup Finish: 1st (2010)

Roster: GOALKEEPERS (3): Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea DEFENDERS (9): Juanfran, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Javi Martinez, Alberto Moreno, Dani Carvajal MIDFIELDERS (12): Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Jesus Navas, David Silva, Andres Iniesta, Santi Cazorla, Ander Iturraspe, Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas

Iker Casillas (153)

David Villa (8)

Key Player: Andrés Iniesta A player who often lives in the shadow of his club mates but when it comes to Spain, Iniesta is without a doubt undeniable. He was the guy responsible for the goal that gave the title of the 2010 World Cup to Spain and also won the “Best Man of the Match” award. His dribbling, passing and vision are his differentials; he plays for the team and is not individualistic player. If he brings to Brazil the good soccer he has been showing in Barcelona, Spain is not only going to come to defend its title but it will also be one of the favorite nations to win the 2014 World Cup Trophy.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

FORWARDS (6): Pedro Rodriguez, Alvaro Negredo, Diego Costa, David Villa, Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente

Netherlands Salvador

6/13/2014

Spain Netherlands Most International Caps

Porto Alegre

6/18/2014

Sao Paulo

6/23/2014

Australia

Netherlands

Chile

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 15 All-Time World Cup Record: 22W - 10D - 11L Best World Cup Finish: 2nd (1974, 1978, 2010)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (4): Jasper Cillessen, Michel Vorm, Tim Krul, Jeroen Zoet DEFENDERS (10): Paul Verhaegh, Patrick van Aanholt, Daryl Janmaat, Joel Veltman, Stefan de Vrij, Ron Vlaar, Bruno Martins Indi, Karim Rekik, Terence Kongolo, Daley Blind

Edwin Van Der Sar (130)

Johnny Rep (7)

Key Player: Arjen Robben

MIDFIELDERS (8): Leroy Fer, Nigel de Jong, Jordy Clasie, Jonathan de Guzman, Georginio Wijnaldum, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Tonny Vilhena FORWARDS (8): Quincy Promes, Arjen Robben, Jean-Paul Boetius, Robin van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt, Jeremain Lens, Memphis Depay

Capable of destroying any opposing defense, Arjen Robben is pure talent. The 2014 World Cup will serve as redemption for Robben that missed the kick in the final of the 2010 World Cup giving the title to the Spanish National Team. Robben and all his mates are betting on his ability to bring down the defense and get to the goal line with a lot of skill to perform a perfect cross. In the past couple of years his soccer grew and improved, and Robben as a player learned to be less selfish and to play with his mates. Creative and fast, Arjen Robben is always a threat and a player to keep an eye.

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

Chile Cuiaba

6/13/2014

Rio de Janeiro

6/18/2014

Sao Paulo

Chile

Spain

Netherlands

Australia

Chile

World Ranking: 14

6/23/2014

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

Leonel Sánchez (84)

Leonel Sánchez (4)

All-Time World Cup Record: 9W - 6D - 14L Best World Cup Finish: 3rd (1962)

Roster: GOALKEEPERS (4): Claudio Bravo, Johnny Herrera, Cristopher Toselli, Paulo Garcés DEFENDERS (8): Gary Medel, Gonzalo Jara, Marcos González, Enzo Andía, José Rojas, Eugenio Mena, Mauricio Isla, Miiko Albornoz MIDFIELDERS (12): Jorge Valdivia, Felipe Gutiérrez, Rodrigo Millar, José Pedro Fuenzalida, Pablo Hernández, Matías Fernández, Francisco Silva, Arturo Vidal, Charles Aránguiz, Marcelo Díaz, Carlos Carmona, Jean Beausejour FORWARDS (6): Alexis Sánchez, Esteban Paredes, Eduardo Vargas, Gustavo Canales, Mauricio Pinilla, Fabián Orellana

Key Player: Alexis Sánchez With 4 goals in the qualifier process for the 2014 World Cup, Alexis Sanchez is one of the star players of the Chile National Team. With plenty of technical quality, he is a player who performs much better in the penalty area than in the box, but when needed he is always at the right time in the right moment to leave his mark. Already found the back of the net 21 times in the 2013/2014 season with Barcelona. We can say that his style is tricky, fast and strong and that in this World Cup he will deserve our attention.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Australia Cuiaba

6/13/2014

Porto Alegre

6/18/2014

Curitiba

Chile

Australia

Netherlands

Spain

Most International Caps Mark Schwarzer (109)

6/23/2014

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 59 All-Time World Cup Record: 68W - 30D - 21L Best World Cup Finish: 16th (2006)

Roster: GOALKEEPERS (4): Mark Birighitti, Eugene Galekovic, Mitch Langerak, Mat Ryan DEFENDERS (9): Josh Brillante, Jason Davison, Ivan Franjic, Curtis Good, Ryan McGowan, Matthew Spiranovic, Alex Wilkinson, Luke Wilkshire, Bailey Wright MIDFIELDERS (12): Oliver Bozanic, Mark Bresciano, Ben Halloran, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic, Adam Sarota, Dario Vidosic FORWARDS (5): Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy, Mathew Leckie, Adam Taggart, James Troisi

for US Soccer news

Erich Probst (6) Key Player: Tim Cahill Tim Cahill is the reference man in Australia attack. With 34 years, Cahill is not as fast as he used to be but his aerial abilities still flawless, and with enough space he can break into any opposing defense. Due to his age, the 2014 World Cup may be the last one that the Australian player participates, which makes us believe that his motivation to increase even more the number of goals for the Australian National Team will be huge. Crucial on important games, gunner and example, this is the brilliant Tim Cahill leading Australia in another World Cup.

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

Colombia Belo Horizonte

6/14/2014

Colombia Greece Most International Caps

Brasilia

6/19/2014

Colombia Ivory Coast Most World Cup Goals

Curitiba

6/24/2014

Japan Colombia World Ranking: 4 All-Time World Cup Record: 50W - 40D - 44L Best World Cup Finish: 14th (1962-1990)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): David Ospina, Faryd Mondragón, Camilo Vargas DEFENDERS (9): Mario Yepes, Cristian Zapata, Pablo Armero, Camilo Zúñiga, Aquivaldo Mosquera, Santiago Arias, Luis Amaranto Perea, Eder Álvarez, Balanta Carlos Valdés

Carlos Valderrama (111 )

Bernardo Redín (2)

Key Player: James Rodríguez He is a versatile player; he’s able to switch from either a left to a right side position as well as a center, young talent, he is an extremely balanced player. He is fast and strong, his dribbling is trick and he is always very precise with accurate passes. Rodriguez was considered to be worth around 45 million euros due to his potential at age 20 – now he is 22 – but sometimes he is overshadowed in soccer media because of other talented figures, within his age and generation such as Eden Hazard, Mario Gotze, and Neymar. The 2014 World Cup will be the perfect set for James Rodríguez show his talents to the world.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

MIDFIELDERS (11): Fredy Guarín, Juan Cuadrado, James Rodríguez, Abel Aguilar, Juan Fernando Quintero, Carlos Sánchez, Macnelly Torres, Aldo Leao Ramírez, Edwin Valencia, Alexander Mejía, Elkin Soto FORWARDS (7): Radamel Falcao, Victor Ibarbo, Luis Fernando Muriel, Jackson Martínez, Carlos Bacca, Adrián Ramos, Teofilo Gutiérrez

Greece Belo Horizonte

6/14/2014

Colombia Greece Most International Caps

Natal

6/19/2014

Japan Greece Most World Cup Goals

Sao Paulo

6/23/2014

Greece Ivory Coast World Ranking: 10 All-Time World Cup Record: 49W - 24D - 43L Best World Cup Finish: 24th (1994)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (5): Alexandros Tzorvas, Michalis Sifakis, Orestis Karnezis, Panaglotis Glykos, Stefanos Kapino DEFENDERS (9): Avraam Papadopoulos, Dimitris Siovas, Kostas Manolas, Giannis Maniatis, Jose Holebas, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Giorgios Tzavellas, Loukas Vyntra, Vasilis Torosidis

Giorgos Karagounis (132)

Dimitris Salpingidis (1)

Key Players: Konstantinos Mitroglou Greeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main striker, Mitroglou played a major role in their qualification for the 2014 World Cup Finals, with his three goals over two legs helping to see off Romania 4-2 in the Play-Offs. He is a strong and skilful forward, efficient and also a bit creative and when he gets the ball in dangerous areas he knows exactly what to do. He is just what Greece needed alongside with the captain Giorgos Karagounis, two brilliant players that are ready to do a stunning tournament in Brazil.

MIDFIELDERS (10): Alexandros Tziolis, Andreas Samaris, Kostas Katsouranis, Giorgos Karagounis, Panagiotis Tachtsidis, Sotiris Ninis, Ioannis Fetfatzidis, Kostas Fortounis, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, Panagiotis Kone FORWARDS (5): Dimitris Papadopoulos, Dimitris Salpingidis Giorgios Samaras, Konstantinos Mitroglou, Theofanis Gekas

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

Ivory Coast Recife

6/14/2014

Ivory Coast Japan World Ranking: 21

Brasilia

6/19/2014

Fortaleza

Colombia

Greece

Ivory Coast

6/24/2014

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

Aruna Dindane (2)

Didier Drogba (118)

All-Time World Cup Record: 2W - 1D - 3L Best World Cup Finish: 17th (2010)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (4): Copa Barry, Gbohouo Sylvain, Badra Ali, Sayouba Mandé DEFENDERS (9): Kolo Touré, Bamba Souleyman, Jean Daniel Akpa Akpro, Arthur Boka, Serge Aurier, Brice Dja Djédjé, Didier Zokora, Benjamin Angoua Brou, Ousman Vieira MIDFIELDERS (8): Cheick Tioté, Yaya Touré, Romaric, Max-Alain Gradel, Ismaël Diomande, Didier Ya Konan, Constant Djakpa, Geoffroy Serey Die FORWARDS (7): Wilfried Bony, Didier Drogba, Gervinho, Giovanni Sio, Seydou Doumbia, Lacina Traoré, Salomon Kalou

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Key Player: Yaya Touré The Ivory Coast National Team has the best players in Africa, and Yaya Touré can be considered the most complete player of all. Filled with skills like good position, versatility and a great kick transformed Touré in a spectacular player and a real danger to opposing teams. Even as a defensive midfielder, Touré is not slouch when it is necessary to assume a more offensive position, his aerial game is not the best but with the ball at his feet is capable of reaching long shots that gives a lot of work to opponent’s goalkeepers. Yaya Touré along with captain Drogba, are two very important parts to a good campaign in Brazil.

Japan Recife

6/14/2014

Natal

6/19/2014

Curitiba

Ivory Coast

Japan

Greece

Colombia

World Ranking: 47

6/24/2014

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

Keisuke Honda (2)

Yasuhito Endo (141)

All-Time World Cup Record: 54W - 24D - 24L Best World Cup Finish: 9th (2002-2010)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Eiji Kawashima, Shusaku Nishikawa, Shuichi Gonda DEFENDERS (8): Masato Morishige, Yasuyuki Konno, Yuto Nagatomo, Maya Yoshida, Masahiko Inoha, Atsuto Uchida, Hiroki Sakai, Gotoku Sakai MIDFIELDERS (9): Yasuhito Endo, Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa, Makoto Hasebe, Hiroshi Kiyotake, Hotaru Yamaguchi, Toshihiro Aoyama, Manabu Saito, Yoichiro Kakitani FORWARDS (3): Shinji Okazaki, Yuya Osako, Yoshito Okubo

Key Player: Keisoke Honda Very fast player, Keisuke Honda is one of the columns in which Japan National Team is built upon. He is a great attacking option; he can link and start attacks, play the final ball and score himself. His vision and creativity, ball control and discipline are some of the qualities he shows inside the field. Even though he missed most of the qualification games and also some friendly games due to injury, he made just in time to score the goal that gave Japan their place at the tournament. He will always be the guy that all his teammates can look up to when a strategy is needed. His opponents need to keep an eye on him.

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

Uruguay Fortaleza

6/14/2014

Sao Paulo

6/19/2014

Natal

6/24/2014

Uruguay

Italy

Costa Rica

England

Uruguay

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 5 All-Time World Cup Record: 19W - 12D - 19L Best World Cup Finish: 1st (1930-1950)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Fernando Muslera, Martín Silva, Rodrigo Muñoz DEFENDERS (8): Diego Lugano, Diego Godín, José María Giménez, Martín Cáceres, Maximiliano Pereira, Jorge Fucile, Sebastián Coates, Alejandro Silva

Diego Forlán (108)

Óscar Miguéz (8)

Key Player: Luis Suárez Luis Suárez is a versatile player that can change the course of the game at a glance. He likes to attack from different positions; he is full of running, a threat from long distance, with an exuberant aerial ability or in the box, technically excellent. He can definitely play anywhere. If motivated, Suárez’s willingness to chase every ball and give his best should make up for Uruguay’s distinct lack of attacking talent in midfield and help them go really far into the World Cup.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

MIDFIELDERS (9): Arévalo Ríos, Walter Gargano, Diego Pérez, Sebastián Eguren, Álvaro González, Álvaro Pereira, Cristian Rodríguez, Gastón Ramírez, Nicolás Lodeiro FORWARDS (5): Edinson Cavani, Luis Suárez, Diego Forlán, Abel Hernández, Christian Stuani

Costa Rica Fortaleza

6/14/2014

Recife

6/20/2014

Uruguay

Italy

Costa Rica

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

Belo Horizonte

6/24/2014

Costa Rica England World Ranking: 34 All-Time World Cup Record: 3W - 1D - 6L Best World Cup Finish: 13th (1990)

Roster: Goalkeepers (4): Keilor Navas, Patrick Pemberton, Daniel Cambronero, Esteban Alvarado Defenders (10): Johnny Acosta, Giancarlo González, Michael Umaña, Oscar Duarte, Waylon Francis, Heiner Mora, Junior Díaz, Chrisitan Gamboa, Roy Miller, Kendall Watson

Walter Centeno (137)

Rónald Gómez (3)

Key Player: Bryan Ruiz The 2014 FIFA World Cup will serve to Bryan Ruiz skirt from anonymity. Everyone will be able to watch a creative left-foot player, classic dribbler who can influence the game with his abilities. He is captain of Costa Rica National Team and surely deserves all eyes on him through the tournament, which properly motivated can lead Costa Rica to great success.

Midfielders (10): Celso Borges, Christián Bolaños, Esteban Granados, Michael Barrantes, Yeltsin Tejeda, Diego Calvo, José Miguel Cubero, Carlos Hernández, Ariel Rodríguez, Hansell Arauz Forwards (6): Álvaro Saborío, Bryan Ruiz, Joel Campbell, Randall Brenes, Marco Ureña, Jairo Arrieta

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

England Manaus

6/14/2014

England Italy World Ranking: 11

Sao Paulo

6/19/2014

Uruguay

Belo Horizonte

6/24/2014

Costa Rica England

England Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

Gary Lineker (10)

Peter Shilton (125)

All-Time World Cup Record: 68W - 23D - 11L Best World Cup Finish: 1st (1966)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Fraser Forster DEFENDERS (7): Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling MIDFIELDERS (9): Ross Barkley, Steven Gerrard, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling, Jack Wilshere FORWARDS (4): Rickie Lambert, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Daniel Welbeck STANDBY LIST (7): GK John Ruddy, DEF Jon Flanagan, DEF John Stones, MID Michael Carrick, MID Tom Cleverly, FWD Andy Carroll, FWD Jermain Defoe

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Key Player: Wayne Rooney Without fear of getting it wrong, we can surely say that Wayne Rooney is the best English player of his generation. The England’s talisman has been on the spotlight for a long time and he has no intention of leaving it. Rooney is the mixture of passion and abilities in one; he is also an inspiration and example to all England, country and national team. On the ball, he is a very strong and powerful player, perfect shoot from distance and it is always giving himself and his best for the team. We believe he will lead England in Brazil to great successes.

Italy Manaus

6/14/2014

Recife

6/20/2014

Natal

6/24/2014

England

Italy

Costa Rica

Uruguay

World Ranking: 9

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

All-Time World Cup Record: 67W - 23D - 7L Best World Cup Finish: 1st (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)

Roster: GOALKEEPERS (3): Gianluigi Buffon, Mattia Perin, Salvatore Sirigu DEFENDERS (10): Ignazio Abate, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Matteo Darmian, Mattia De Sciglio, Christian Maggio, Gabriel Paletta, Manuel Pasqual, Andrea Ranocchia MIDFIELDERS (10): Alberto Aquilani, Antonio Candreva, Daniele De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio, Riccardo Montolivo, Thiago Motta, Marco Parolo, Andrea Pirlo, Romulo, Marco Verratti FORWARDS (7): Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano, Alessio Cerci, Mattia Destro, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Giuseppe Rossi

Roberto Baggio (9)

Gianluigi Buffon (139 )

Key Player: Andrea Pirlo For many years, Andrea Pirlo has been one of the best midfielders that the soccer world has ever seen, even now that he is not in his glorious days he is still capable to change a game with a single pass. Italy National Team still dependent on him to create the plays and lead the team, no wonder that he is Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key player since his debut in 2002. With many abilities, Pirlo is one of the most accurate passers in the game; he is also a free-kick specialist, he is clever and calm and has an incredible vision. Brazil will probably be his last major event destination; Andrea Pirlo is already 35 years old.

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

France Porto Alegre

6/15/2014

Salvador

6/20/2014

Rio de Janeiro

France

Switerland

Ecuador

Honduras

France

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

6/25/2014

World Ranking: 16 All-Time World Cup Record: 15W - 11D - 18L Best World Cup Finish: 1st (1998)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Mickael Landreau, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda DEFENDERS (8): Mathieu Debuchy, Lucas Digne, Patrice Evra, Laurent Koscielny, Eliaquim Mangala, Bacary Sagna, Mamadou Sakho, Raphael Varane

Lilian Thuram(142 )

Just Fonteine (13)

Key Player: Paul Pogba

A young central midfielder from Juventus, Pogba’s skill set reminds many of Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira rolled into one. He was awarded the player of the tournament at last summer’s U-20 World Cup which France won.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

MIDFIELDERS (7): Yohan Cabaye, Clement Grenier, Blaise Matuidi, Rio Mavuba, Paul Pogba, Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Valbuena FORWARDS (5): Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Loic Remy, Franck Ribery

Honduras Porto Alegre

6/14/2014

France

Curitiba

6/20/2014

Honduras Ecuador

Honduras Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

Manaus

6/24/2014

Honduras Switerland World Ranking: 32 All-Time World Cup Record: 0W - 3D - 3L Best World Cup Finish: 18th (2010)

Roster:

Goalkeepers (3): Noel Valladares, Donis Escober, Luis López Defenders (8): Arnold Peralta, Bryan Beckeles, Maynor Figueroa, Víctor Bernárdez, Juan Pablo Montes, Emilio Izaguirre, Osman Chávez, Juan Carlos García

Amado Guevara (138 )

Antonio Laing (picture), Héctor Zelaya (1)

Key Player: Emilio Izaguirre

Midfielders (8): Jorge Claros, Luis Garrido, Boniek García, Andy Najar, Roger Espinoza, Marvin Chávez, Wilson Palacios, Mario Martínez Forwards (4): Rony Martínez, Jerry Bengtson, Jerry Palacios, Carlo Costly

Stout in defense and known for his leadership, he will need to stand tall for Honduras. A highly decorated veteran of the Scottish League he has been honored as the Player of the Year in Scotland.

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

Switerland Brasilia

6/15/2014

Switerland Ecuador Most World Cup Goals Josef Hugi (6)

Salvador

6/20/2014

Switerland France Key Player: Xhardan Shaqiri

World Ranking: 8 All-Time World Cup Record: 9W - 6D - 14L Best World Cup Finish: 7th (1934)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Diego Benaglio, Yann Sommer, Roman Buerki DEFENDERS (8): Johan Djourou, Michael Lang, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer, Philippe Senderos, Steve von Bergen, Reto Ziegler MIDFIELDERS (8): Tranquillo Barnetta, Valon Behrami, Blerim Dzemaili, Gelson Fernandes, Gokhan Inler, Xherdan Shaqiri, Valentin Stocker, Granit Xhaka FORWARDS (4): Josip Drmic, Mario Gavranovic, Haris Seferovic, Admir Mehmedi

90 Minutes Strong â&#x20AC;˘ June 2014

The 22 year-old FC Bayern midfielder has featured regularly in Pep Guardiolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s double winning side in Bavaria. A box to box midfielder much of the Swiss play will run right through Shaqiri whose ability to control the tempo of a match in midfield is his greatest trait.

Manaus

6/25/2014

Honduras Switerland Most International Caps Heinz Hermann (117)

Ecuador Brasilia

6/15/2014

Switerland

Curitiba

6/20/2014

Honduras Ecuador

Ecuador World Ranking: 28

Rio de Janeiro

6/25/2014

Ecuador France

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

Agustin Delgado (3)

Iván Hurtado (167)

All-Time World Cup Record: 3W - 0D - 4L Best World Cup Finish: 12th (2006)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Máximo Banguera, Adrián Bone, Alexander Domínguez DEFENDERS (8): Gabriel Achilier, Walter Ayoví, Oscar Bagüí, Frickson Erazo, Jorge Guagua, John Narváez, Juan Carlos Paredes, Cristian Ramírez MIDFIELDERS (11): Michael Arroyo, Segundo Castillo, Carlos Gruezo, Renato Ibarra, Fidel Martínez, Édison Méndez, Oswaldo Minda, Christian Noboa, Pedro Quiñónez, Luis Saritama, Antonio Valencia

Key Player: Antonio Valencia

FORWARDS (8): Jaime Ayoví, Felipe Caicedo, Ángel Mena, Jefferson Montero, Cristian Penilla, Joao Rojas Enner Valencia, Armando Wila

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The Manchester United man is adept at crossing and a menace down the flanks. He also is a threat to shoot and score from distance.

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

Argentina Rio de Janeiro

6/15/2014

Belo Horizonte

6/20/2014

6/25/2014

Porto Alegre

Argentina

Nigeria

Bosna i Hercegovina

Iran

Argentina

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 6 All-Time World Cup Record: 37W - 13D - 20L Best World Cup Finish: 1st (1978-1986)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Sergio Romero, Mariano Andújar, Agustín Orión DEFENDERS (10): Ezequiel Garay, Federico Fernández, Pablo Zabaleta, Marcos Rojo, José María Basanta, Hugo Campagnaro, Nicolás Otamendi, Martín Demichelis, Gabriel Mercado, Lisandro López MIDFIELDERS (11): Fernando Gago, Lucas Biglia, Javier Mascherano, Éver Banega, Ángel di María, Maximiliano Rodríguez, Ricardo Álvarez, Augusto Fernández, Enzo Pérez, José Sosa, Fabián Rinaudo

Javier Zonetti (145)

Gabriel Batistuta (10) Key Player: Lionel Messi

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

The world’s best player, he missed much of Barca’s season with injuries. Messi is capable of magical moments but also a versatile and dependable team player. For the first time in recent memory Barcelona did not win a trophy so the dynamic Messi will be hungry for success this summer in Brazil.

FORWARDS (7): Sergio Agüero, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Rodrigo Palacio, Franco di Santo

Bosnia-Herzegovina Rio de Janeiro

6/15/2014

Cuiaba

6/21/2014

Salvador

6/25/2014

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Nigeria

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Argentia

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Iran

Most International Caps

Key Player: Edin Dzeko

World Ranking: 25 All-Time World Cup Record: 1W - 2D - 6L Best World Cup Finish: N/A

Roster:

Goalkeepers (3): Asmir Begovic, Jasmin Fejzic, Asmir Avdukic Defenders (7): Emir Spahic, Toni Sunjic, Sead Kolasinac, Ognjen Vranjes, Ervin Zukanovic, Ermin Bicakcic, Muhamed Besic

Zvjezdan Misimovic (79)

The Manchester City marksman scores approximately a goal every other game for club and country. Bosniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attack is full of quality with Dzeko leading the line.

Midfielders (11): Miralem Pjanic, Izet Hajrovic, Mensur Mujdza, Haris Medunjanin, Senad Lulic, Anel Hadzic, Tino Susic, Sejad Salihovic, Zvjezdan Misimovic, Senijad Ibricic, Avdija Vrsajevic Forwards (3): Vedad Ibisevic, Edin Dzeko, Edin Visca

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

Iran Curitiba

6/16/2014

Belo Horizonte

6/21/2014

Salvandor

6/25/2014

Iran

Argentina

Iran

Nigeria

Iran

Bosnia-Herzegovina

World Ranking: 37

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

All-Time World Cup Record: 1W - 2D - 6L Best World Cup Finish: 14th (1978)

Roster:

Goalkeepers (4): Daniel Davari, Alireza Haghighi, Rahman Ahmadi, Sousha Makani Defenders (11): Khosro Heydari, Hossein Mahini, Steven Beitashour, Pejman Montazeri, Jalal Hosseini, Amir-Hossein Sadeghi, Mohammad-Reza Khanzadeh, Ahmad Alenemeh, Hashem Beikzadeh, Ehsan Hajsafi, Mehrdad Pouladi Midfielders (5): Javad Nekounam, Andranik Teymourian, Reza Haghighi, Ghasem Hadadifar, Bakhtiar Rahmani

Mehdi Mahdavikia (picture),Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh, Iraj Danaeifard, Hamid Reza Estili, Yahya Golmohammadi & Hassan Rowshan (1)

Ali Daei (149) Key Player: Ashkan Dejagah

Forwards (8): Ashkan Dejagah, Masoud Shojaei, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari, Mehdi Sharifi, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Karim Ansarifard, Sardar Azmoun

90 Minutes Strong â&#x20AC;˘ June 2014

After suffering a relegation with Fulham, Dejagah a classy winger will be a fulcrum of the Iranian attack. A strong left foot gives Dejagah the ability to cut inside and impact play and also shoot from distance.

Nigeria Curitiba

6/16/2014

Iran Nigeria World Ranking: 45

Cuiaba

6/21/2014

Nigeria Bosnia-Herzegovina

Most World Cup Goals

Porto Alegre

6/25/2014

Nigeria Argentina Most International Caps

All-Time World Cup Record: 4W - 2D - 8L Best World Cup Finish: 9th (1994)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (4): Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Daniel Akpeyi, Chigozie Agbim DEFENDERS (8): Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami Midfielders(10): John Mikel Obi, Ramon Azeez, Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Ejike Uzoenyi, Nosa Igiebor, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel, Michael Babatunde

Daniel Amokachi (picture), Emmanuel Amuneke (2)

Joseph Yobo (94) Key Player: Victor Moses

FORWARDS (8): Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna Nsofor, Peter Odemwingie, Michael Uchebo, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor

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A key member of Nigeria’s Cup of African Nations’ title winner, the Chelsea winger is influential in buildup play and can score goals. Moses can play on either flank or in the center of the pitch.

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

Germany Salvandor

6/16/2014

Fortaleza

6/21/2014

6/26/2014

Recife

Germany

USA

Portgual

Ghana

Germany

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 2 All-Time World Cup Record: 60W - 19D - 20L Best World Cup Finish: 1st (1954,1974,1990)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Manuel Neuer, Roman Weidenfeller, RonRobert Zieler DEFENDERS (7): Jerome Boateng, Erik Durm, Kevin Grosskreutz, Benedikt Howedes, Mats Hummels, Philip Lahm, Per Mertesacker

Lothar Matthaus (150)

Miroslav Klose & Gerd Muller (14)

Key Player: Thomas Müller The Bayern Munich man can play anywhere across the frontline and has an incredible knack of scoring hugely important goals at vital times. He was drafted in as a late starter in the last Word Cup, replacing the injured Michael Ballack. And boy did he impress. Having netted in the first group game, Muller scored twice against England in the last 16 and bagged the opener against Argentina in the quarterfinal. The Bayern man missed out on the semifinal after suspension, but went on to score again in the third place playoff against Uruguay. Muller won the Golden Boot and the award for best young player at the tournament. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength for club and country. He plays from the right-hand-side for the national team, but still offers a major goal threat. His ability to link up with the midfield and the front man is excellent, but what sets him apart is his anticipatory instincts and intelligent movement. In amongst all of Germany’s delicate manipulators of the ball, his unique, direct playing style is a crucial attacking variant.

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

MIDFIELDERS (12): Julian Draxler, Matthias Ginter, Mario Gotze, Sami Khedira, Christoph Kramer, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski, Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle, Bastian Schweinsteiger FORWARD (1): Miroslav Klose

Portugal Salvador

6/16/2014

Manaus

6/22/2014

Brasilia

6/26/2014

Portgual

USA

Portgual

Germany

Portgual

Ghana

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 3 All-Time World Cup Record: 12W - 3D - 8L Best World Cup Finish: 3rd (1966)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (4): Anthony Lopes, Beto, Eduardo, Rui Patrício DEFENDERS (9): André Almeida, Vitorino Antunes, Bruno Alves, Fábio Coentrão, João Pereira, Luis Neto, Pepe, Ricardo Costa, Rolando

Luiz Figo (127)

Eusébio (9)

Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

MIDFIELDERS (7): André Gomes, João Mário, João Moutinho, Miguel Veloso, Raul Meireles, Rúben Amorim, William Carvalho FORWARDS (10): Cristiano Ronaldo, Éder, Hélder Postiga, Hugo Almeida, Ivan Cavaleiro, Nani, Rafa, Ricardo Quaresma, Silvestre Varela, Vieirinha

Arguably the best player in the world today, CR7 has been nothing short of extraordinary over the last few years. At the time of writing, he has amassed an incredible 32 goals in just 22 games for both club and country this season. Proof of the mans genius and importance to Portugal was seen in the second leg of their play off against Sweden. A Ronaldo hattrick pulled his team through when it looked as if they were being threatened with elimination and propelled him to the top of the betting to pick up the 2013 Ballon D’Or. With Ronaldo at his best, Portugal have much to be excited about ahead of their trip to Brazil.

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

Ghana Natal

6/16/2014

Fortaleza

6/21/2014

6/26/2014

Brasilia

Ghana

Germany

Portgual

USA

Ghana

World Ranking: 38

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

All-Time World Cup Record: 4W - 2D - 3L Best World Cup Finish: 7th (2010)

Roster:

Goalkeepers (3): Adam Kwarasey, Fatua Dauda, Stephen Adams Defenders (8): Samuel Inkoom, Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah, Harrison Afful, Jeff Schlupp, John Boye, Jerry Akaminko, Rashid Sumaila Midfielders (11): Sulley Muntari, Wakaso Mubarak, Rabiu Mohammed, Michael Essien, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Afriyie Acquah, Andre Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah, Christian Atsu, Albert Adomah, David Titi Accam Forwards (4): Jordan Ayew, Abdul Majeed Waris, Asamoah Gyan, Kevin Prince Boateng

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Asamoch Gyan (4)

Richard Kingson (90)

Key Player: Kwadwo Asamoah A real stalwart in the left-sided berth for Juventus, Asamoah offers the same energetic presence in this Ghana side. His tireless running whether on the flank or in central midfield has been absolutely crucial to the Biaconeri’s unprecedented recent success. His good work typically goes unnoticed and over time he has quietly evolved into the key cog in the Black Stars impressive midfield. The former Udinese man is capable of forming a dynamic middle three with Muntari and Essien, but with Ghana’s plethora of exceptional central midfielders, expect him to line-up on the left-hand side. From this position Ghana’s orthodox 4-51 system should allow Asamoah license to burst forward and effect the game in more advanced areas. Such is his energy and endeavor, he’ll have no qualms about working back for the team either.

USA Natal

6/16/2014

Ghana USA Most International Caps

Cobi Jones (164) World Ranking: 13

Manaus

6/22/2014

USA Portugal Most World Cup Goals

Landon Donovan (5) All-Time World Cup Record: 7W - 5D - 17L

Recife

6/26/2014

USA Germany Most All-Time Goals

Landon Donovan (57) Best World Cup Finish: 3rd (1930)

90 Minutes Strongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Projected Starting XI

2014 United States Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Team

23-Men Roster: GOALKEEPERS (3):

Brad Guzan

Tim Howard

Nick Rimando

Matt Besler

John Brooks

Timmy Chandler

DEFENDERS (8):

DaMarcus Beasley

MIDFIELDERS (8):

Kyle Beckerman

Omar Gonzalez

Fabian Johnson

Geoff Cameron

DeAndre Yedlin

Alejandro Bedoya

Michael Bradley

Brad Davis

Julian Green

Jermaine Jones

Graham Zusi

Mix Diskerud

FORWARDS (4):

Jozy Altidore

Clint Dempsey (c)

Aron Johannsson

Chris Wondolowski

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

USMNT Key Players Tim Howard At times called the captain of the backline, Tim Howard has the difficult task of being one of the few veterans in the backline that has been to a World Cup. In a Backline which is mostly made up of Major League Soccer talent, Howard himself has already mentioned he feels “pressure” when he thinks about being the one that guides the US backline this summer. Entering his second World Cup as the undisputed number 1 goalkeeper, Howard will have both hands on the wheel when it comes to the defense. Gone are the USMNT greats such as Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, and Oguchi Onyewu, who have been replaced by younger talent ready to pove themselves. Players like Stoke City’s Geoff Cameron, Los Angeles Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez, and Sporting Kansas City’s Matt Besler will be the ones who will hold the backline in the group of death. Don’t be too critical of the US backline just yet, after all the US only allowed eight goals in 10 Hexagonal games. “Defensively I think we are pretty rock solid,” Howard explains. “I don’t know; we’ll have to find out. It’s sink-or-swim time when you get to the World Cup. There’s no guesswork. There’s nothing to speculate on.” H o w e v e r, despite knowing that the team is young and not as experienced as the 2010 squad that lost in the Round of 16 to Ghana, Howard believes this team will be hungry and has the ability to surprise in Brazil. “This team is younger, but I think we’re slightly better than 2010, only because of that youth, and that inexperience almost helps you. Guys don’t actually know what to expect, they’re just hungry and ready to go for it.”

Personal Information Date of Birth: March 6, 1979 - Hometown: North Brunswick, New Jersey - Height: 6’ 3” Soccer Stats Current Club: Everton - Career Caps: 100 Career Goals: 0 - Career Minutes Played: 8200

Jozy Altidore “I think the next two months will be a big part of that next learning curve for Jozy Altidore.“

At 24 years old, Jozy Altidore is one of the youngest veterans on the team. At the tender age of 20, Altidore was a starter on Bob Bradley’s squad that lost to Ghana in the Round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup. Coming fresh off a 2013 US Soccer Male Athlete of the Year award, Altidore is one of the biggest weapons the Yanks have in Brazil this summer because of his power. “Jozy is still a very young player and he is going into his learning curve,” explained head coach Jürgen Klinsmann. “We have worked with him now over the last three years, and he’s gone from a younger player into a more mature player, playing very good games for us and scoring important goals for us.” Klinsmann understands that Altidore, who was only able to score one goal this entire English Premier Season for Sunderland AFC, needs to be at the top of his game if he expects the United States to move past the group stages. “Jozy is not built yet,” added Klinsmann. “Jozy has not reached his potential yet. Our job, as coaches, is to help him reach his highest potential. I think the next two months will be a big part of that next learning curve for Jozy Altidore. I’ve always said that he has upside; he hasn’t shown it yet in different places maybe. I think we saw last summer a big part of that upside in the World Cup Qualifiers and in some friendlies as well.” Will Americans witness the growth of Jozy Altidore this summer into one of the finest US Strikers to ever play the game? Only time will tell.

Personal Information Date of Birth: November 6, 1989 - Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida - Height: 6’ 1” Soccer Stats Current Club: Sunderland - Career Caps: 70 Career Goals: 21 - Career Minutes Played: 4425

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Michael Bradley “To be a player that is counted on by his coaches and his teammates to make a difference, to make plays, to be a leaderthe challenge of all that excites me.”

Many were not sure about Bradley four years ago when his father called him to the World Cup roster. At only 22, Bradley was untested and many were not sure he was the midfielder

the United States needed. What a difference four years make. At 26, Bradley has played for EPL-side Aston Villa, two clubs in Serie A in Italy and is back home where it all started in MLS. Bradley, who was one of five USMNT players to play every minute in the 2010 World Cup, commonly known as General Bradley, is the man in whom Jurgen Klinsmann has built his midfield around, and is counting on his veteran leadership to lead the midfield past the group stage and deep into the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “I embrace it, absolutely,” said Bradley. “To be a player that is counted on by his coaches and his teammates to make a difference, to make plays, to be a leader- the challenge of all that excites me.” He may not be the captain, but when the ball starts rolling on June 16, Bradley will be one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. As to what’s the biggest difference between 2014 and 2010, Bradley was not shy. “I’m four years older now, I’m more mature,” explained Bradley. “I’m a better player.” Personal Information Date of Birth: July 31, 1987 - Hometown: Princeton, New Jersey - Height: 6’ 1” Soccer Stats Current Club: Toronto FC - Career Caps: 86 Career Goals: 12 - Career Minutes Played: 5789

Clint Dempsey Oh captain, my captain! Dempsey has simply been sensational on the pitch for Seattle this entire season and is has everyone who follows US Soccer wondering if the 2004 MLS Rookie of the Year is back to top form. After signing with Seattle in 2013 Dempsey had a very slow, and rather disappointing 2013 campaign in which we saw the USMNT captain find the back of the net only once in nine MLS games, no assists, and a Western Conference Semifinals exit thanks to Portland Timbers FC. Many started questioning Dempsey’s abilities; not only had he been underachieving in Seattle, he also stopped performing while playing for the national team. After a disappointing loss to Ukraine in March, many began to debate Dempsey’s interest and passion for the game, as well as his captainship for the upcoming World Cup. However, despite the negativity, Dempsey continues to prove everyone wrong. Looks like Dempsey’s 2014 MLS Season is shaping up to be one of his best to date. Before leaving for International Team duty, the USMNT Captain already had eight goals (which is good enough for 3rd in the league), three assists, and two Player of the Week honors. Can Deuce make his success in MLS translate to International success? Personal Information Date of Birth: March 9, 1983 - Hometown: Nacogdoches, Texas - Height: 6’ 1” Soccer Stats Current Club: Seattle Sounders FC - Career Caps: 105 Career Goals: 37 - Career Minutes Played: 8012

June 2014 • 90 Minutes Strong

Belgium Belo Horizonte

6/17/2014

Rio de Janeiro

6/22/2014

Sao Paulo

Belgium

Korea Republic

Algeria

Russia

Belgium

World Ranking: 12

Most World Cup Goals

6/26/2014

Most International Caps

All-Time World Cup Record: 10W - 9D - 17L Best World Cup Finish: 4th (1986)

Roster:

Goalkeepers (4): Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels, Silvio Proto Defenders (8): Toby Alderweireld, Laurent Ciman, Nicolas Lombaerts, Vincent Kompany, Daniel Van Buyten, Anthony Vanden Borre, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen Midfielders (10): Nacer Chadli, Moussa Dembele, Steven Defour, Kevin De Bryune, Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj, Eden Hazard, Kevin Mirallas, Divock Origi, Axel Witsel Forwards (2): Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Marc Wilmots (5)

Jan Ceulemans (96)

Key Player: Vincent Kompany We were all witness to the impact Kompany’s absence had on his club side in the early days of the Premier League campaign and his influence is just as key for the national team. This was only compounded by the manner in which Manchester City finished the campaign, with some strong performances from Kompany hauling them to the title. Not only is the Anderlecht academy graduate a fine defender, he’s a leader of men. His motivational skills, organization and the manner in which he leads by example will all be crucial qualities in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a major tournament. Kompany has won trophies and performed superbly in many big games and that experience will be vital if his team are to go long into the tournament. Belgium’s chances will be a whole lot more realistic if he’s at the peak of his powers; a simply irreplaceable presence.

Russia Cuiaba

6/17/2014

Russia Korea Republic World Ranking: 18

Rio de Janeiro

6/22/2014

Belgium Russia

Curitiba

6/26/2014

Algeria

Russia

Most World Cup Goals

Most International Caps

All-Time World Cup Record: 2W - 0D - 4L Best World Cup Finish: 18th (1994)

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Igor Akinfeev, Yuri Lodygin, Sergey Ryzhikov DEFENDERS (10): Alexandr Anyukov, Aleksei Berezutski, Vasili Berezutski, Vladimir Granat, Andrey Yeshchenko, Sergei Ignashevich, Aleksei Kozlov, Dmitri Kombarov, Andrei Semenov, Georgi Schennikov MIDFIELDERS (12): Vladimir Bystrov, Yuri Zhirkov, Roman Shirokov, Igor Denisov, Alan Dzagoev, Viktor Fayzulin, Alexander Samedov, Oleg Shatov, Aleksei Ionov, Yuri Gazinsky, Pavel Mogilevets, Denis Glushakov FORWARDS (5): Artem Dzyuba, Maxim Kanunnikov, Aleksandr Kerzhakov, Aleksandr Kokorin, Pavel Pogrebnyak

Oleg Salenko (6)

Viktor Onopko (109)

Key Player: Alan Dzagoev Having regularly played wide on the right-hand-side for the national team, Dzagoev has been deployed in a central attacking midfield position under Capello. It is certainly a much more natural position for the CSKA Moscow man, but it means the creative burden will fall almost solely on his shoulders in what is an otherwise workmanlike outfit. Dzagoev was nursing an injury ahead of the Christmas period but Russia will be hoping he can get back up to speed with the World Cup on the horizon. He is no longer the raw teenager that so many had high hopes for; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 23 years old now. Whilst still young, Dzagoev is one of the most experienced players in this Russian squad now and he has a major role to play in the team. Capello will be expecting big things from him.

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

Algeria Belo Horizonte

6/17/2014

Belgium Algeria Most International Caps Lakhdar Belloumi (101)

Porto Alegre

6/22/2014

Korea Republic Algeria

Curitiba

6/26/2014

Algeria Russia

Key Player: Sofiane Feghouli

World Ranking: 25 All-Time World Cup Record: 2W - 2D - 5L

Most World Cup Goals

Best World Cup Finish: 13th (1982)

Salah Assad (2)

Roster:

Feghouli was eligible to play for France – the county of his birth – and Algeria. But despite representing France twice at U21 level, he opted for the Fennec Foxes after discussions with the Algerian FA in 2011. His influence was immediate, scoring the winner on debut in a 2-1 victory over Gambia. And since his bow, he has given the Algerian an added attacking dimension. The Valencia man is capable of playing from the right-hand side or just off the striker and is without doubt the most potent attacking force for this team. His excellent work-rate will be a key attribute too, especially when the Algerians come up against stronger, technically superior opponents.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Rais M’bolhi, Mohamed Zemmamouche, Ezzdine Doukha, Mohamed Cdric DEFENDERS (10): Essaid Belkalem, Madjid Bougherra, Lyassine Cadamuro, Faouzi Ghoulam, Rafik Halliche, Nacereddine Khoualed, Aissa Mandi, Mehdi Mostefa, Carl Medjani, Djamel Mesbah MIDFIELDERS (8): Nabil Bentaleb, Ryad Boudebouz, Yacine Brahimi, Adlene Guedioura, Amir Karaoui, Medhi Lacen, Saphir Taider, Hassen Yebda FORWARDS (8): Rafik Djebour Abdelmoumen Djabou, Sofiane Feghouli, Ryad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, Hilal Soudani, Foued Kadir, Nabil Ghilas

@crankuptheheat /crankuptheheat @crankuptheheat 58

90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

Korea Republic Cuiaba

6/17/2014

Porto Alegre

6/25/2014

Sao Paolo

6/26/2014

Russia

Korea Republic

Algeria

Belgium

Most International Caps

Most World Cup Goals

World Ranking: 56 All-Time World Cup Record: 5W - 8D - 15L Best World Cup Finish: 4th (2002)

Roster:

Goalkeepers (3): Jung Sung-Ryong, Kim Seung-Gyu, Lee Bom-Young Defenders (8): Kim Jin-Su, Yun Suk-Young, Kim YoungGwon, Hwang Seok-Ho, Hong Jeong-Ho, Kwak Tae-Hwi, Lee Yong, Kim Chang-Soo

Hong Myung-Bo (136)

Ahn Jung-Hwan & Park Ji-Sung [picture] (3)

Key Player: Son Heung Min

Midfielders (8): Ki Sung-Yeung, Ha Dae-Sung, Han KookYoung, Park Jong-Woo, Son Heung-Min, Kim Bo-Kyung, Lee Chung-Yong, Ji DongWon Forwards (4): Koo Ja-Cheol, Lee Keun-Ho, Park ChuYoung, Kim Shin-Wook

The Bayer Leverkusen man is the only member of the team playing Champions League football and the clear star of the team. He adds guile and excellent creativity just behind the front line. A huge chunk of the sides creative responsibility lies with Son and he looks to be getting better and better at Leverkusen following his summer move from Hamburg.

June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 90 Minutes Strong

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90 Minutes Strong • June 2014

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