FIFA 1904 December 2017 / January 2018

E E 18 L D 0 U SI 2 ED IN SIA CH S S U R CH T A

M

FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

RUSSIA CALLING

ENGLISH EDITION

WWW.FIFA.COM/MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

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LETTER FROM A FIFA LEGEND

Roberto Di Matteo

DEAR READERS OF FIFA 1904, I still remember the day my dad signed me up

These days, I have to be a role model for

for a football club. I was only six years old at

others. As a FIFA Legend, it is important for

the time. I would later go on to score 16 goals

me to inspire and motivate young girls and

in one game for FC Schaffhausen, the local

boys to play the game. This is something that

club in the Swiss town where I was born.

we do day in, day out as FIFA Legends – using

We won that match 21-1, and for every goal

our passion for the game, whether it is in a

that I scored, my dad put a little pebble in his

match, in the media or in our personal lives.

trouser pocket. It was full to bursting by the end of the match!

As far as my other objectives go, my immediate priorities lie with my family. In time, however,

I also have very fond memories of Italy becom-

I want to enjoy more success as a coach.

ing world champions for the third time just a

Whether you are a coach or a player, there is

few years later, in 1982. How we celebrated!

no better feeling in the world than lifting a

One player who really stood out for me in

trophy at the end of the season.

that team was Gaetano Scirea because of his Yours sportingly,

persona on the pitch. He was my role model.

Roberto Di Matteo

imago

elegance, his incredible technique and his

FIFA 1904 /

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CONTENTS

8 Russian football has a long and glorious tradition.

With just a few months to go until the World Cup, we take a closer look at the hosts’ footballing pedigree.

FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

16

20 Lady Luck always has an important role to play in draws, but she has also decided between victory and defeat before when teams have had to draw lots...

8

16 The wait is over – now we all know the groups for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. Some of the best shots from the draw in Moscow.

22 Ever heard of bandy? This popular sport is played with sticks on ice, but it also has a lot of similarities with football. Read our report from Krasnoyarsk.

30 Ballet is Russia, and Russia is ballet. Football fits in perfectly.

38 Russian World Cup stamps: enough to get football fans’ hearts aflutter.

Presse Sports, Gian Paul Lozza, Sergey Bobylev / TASS, Lars Baron / Getty Images

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22

COVER PICTURE

Russian ballet soloist Viktorina Kapitonova poses at the Zurich Opera House.

Photo: Gian Paul Lozza 2

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4 THE MONTH IN PICTURES An inconsolable Gianluigi Buffon, The Best FIFA Goalkeeper 2017 – A floodlit idyll set against Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

FOOTBALL IN PICTURES

40 FIRST LOVE Derbent, Russia.

47 PANINI Frank Lampard.

47

54 THEN AND NOW From Bjärreds Saltsjöbad to São Paulo.

58 PHOTO ARCHIVE A World Cup draw in good hands (Paris, 5 May 1938).

58

THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL

44 FIFA NEWS

46 THE FIFA/COCA-COLA MEN’S WORLD RANKING

48 NEWS FROM FIFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS 56 A FIFA LEGEND’S CAREER Nwankwo Kanu.

43 President’s message: “The benefits of involving the member associations in decision-making are immediate and visible,” says Gianni Infantino about the FIFA Executive Football Summits. In order to facilitate the work of the member associations, “the agendas of the 12 meetings that we will organise between now and March 2018 will vary according to the participants’ priorities.”

50

62 INNOVATIONS What do you do with old artificial turf pitches?

62

61 CARTOON Mordillo.

64 PUBLICATION DETAILS/COMING UP

Getty imges (3), imago, AFP

63 FANS A Costa Rican fan reveals his expectations of the 2018 World Cup.

FIFA 1904 /

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THE MONTH IN PICTURES

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Marco Bertorello / AFP

Goodbye to a world champion Gianluigi Buffon kept goal 175 times for Italy, but the 39-year-old bowed out from the international game after the Azzurri failed to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in their World Cup play-off against Sweden at the San Siro on 13 November 2017.

FIFA 1904 /

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THE MONTH IN PICTURES

Floodlit paradise Lake Geneva provides a stunning backdrop for the pitch in this picture, taken from Mont de Gourze in Riex, Switzerland on 5 October 2017.

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FIFA 1904 /

Fabrice Coffrini / AFP

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FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

A BIG COUNTRY WITH BIG DREAMS The Soviet Union and Russia have never been ones to dream small.

In six months’ time, the football world will decamp to Russia, and people will once again be asking – can the hosts bring back the good old days?

By Alan Schweingruber

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PRESSE SPORTS

European Championship 1960 The USSR national team, built around the great Lev Yashin, before the final against Yugoslavia (2-1 AET).

FIFA 1904 /

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FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

I

n the mid-2000s Russia abandoned a

Easier said than done. The really good

This project – let’s call it plan B – began in

grand plan: to win a major trophy

ones were already working somewhere

2006 with the appointment of Dutchman

with a Russian coach at the helm of

for a top club, or weren’t minded to

Guus Hiddink, the somewhat cranky

the national team. Russia had not

go off on an adventure, and the Russians

but accomplished football connoisseur.

won any trophies since the break-up

weren’t interested in the average ones.

He was followed by Dick Advocaat, a

of the Soviet Union in 1991, and so

That left only the aces of the older

compatriot of Hiddink’s who was

began the search for internationally

generation, those who wanted one

renowned for having led a number of

successful, charismatic and expensive

last shot – or maybe two – at the big

teams to success in a short space of time

coaches from the heart of Europe.

time.

(and who is now working for the Dutch

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PRESSE SPORTS

Third-place play-off, Rome The USSR, pictured here before taking on England, finished fourth at the European Championship in 1968.

national team for the sixth time). Finally,

personality. Otherwise, you could just as

there was Fabio Capello, the grumpy

easily give Darth Vader the reins.

commissario tecnico, although friends from Italy’s easternmost reaches said he

The truth is, the Sbornaya, as the Russian

had a sunny disposition.

national team are known, still have something of the Soviet Union about them.

But what does “grumpy” actually mean?

And the Sbornaya from the old days also

Many people like to ruminate. Wrinkles

had a record worth shouting about: three

and pits appear on their faces, and their

World Cup quarter-finals (1958, 1962,

eyebrows touch. Capello is a good

1970), a World Cup semi-final (1966)

example. His pensive style had become

and four appearances in the final of the

the hallmark of success and with it he

European Championship, winning one

won 11 titles (not including the two

(1960). Even if there was, in the end, a

scudetti with Juventus that were struck

little bit of luck involved in that European

from the record books), not to mention

Championship triumph in France. West

a UEFA Champions League triumph.

Germany did not participate, while

Who could deny the genius of the signore

Spain’s dictator, General Franco, banned

from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region?

the national team from flying to Russia

When he then broke into a big ironic

for the first game of their two-legged

smile, there were no doubters left:

quarter-final, leaving the way clear for

he was going to do great things with

the USSR. Incidentally, Franco’s order

Russia, too.

came so late that the superstars of the

MANY RUSSIANS BELIEVE THAT A NATIONAL COACH HAS TO HAVE A RUSSIAN MENTALITY AND KNOW THE COUNTRY IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO MANAGE A RUSSIAN TEAM.

team, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ladislao Yet don’t foreign challenges always follow

Kubala, were already at the airport.

their own rules? Many Russians believe that a national coach has to have a

So rather unexpectedly, the European

Russian mentality and know the country

champions were the Soviet Union, a

in order to be able to manage a Russian

country bigger than any other on earth by

team. After Hiddink took up the role,

millions of square kilometres.

fellow football coach Valery Gazzaev said

So big, in fact, that even

that “The Russian national coach must

after its collapse into

be a true patriot infused with our national

15 separate nations in

identity, character and traditions, and

1991, a giant Russia

thus must have been born here.”

still emerged. This

Fabio Capello

Shaun Botterill / FIFA via Getty Images

country, with its endless steppes

VAST EXPANSES

and icy wastes, is big enough to hold

Gazzaev was proved right, as all three

both the USA and Australia. How small

trainers from the heart of Europe failed to

they suddenly seem, the superpowers of

make a success of an apparently difficult

Europe: France, England and Germany. Is

plan B, which nonetheless lasted nine

that maybe why the expectations of

years. Capello and Advocaat managed a

Russian football are so high? It would be

win ratio of around 50%. Hiddink, who

understandable.

was the most popular in Russia due to his character, managed 56%. On the other

REMOTE OUTPOSTS OF FOOTBALL

hand, a nation that has failed to get past

Professional football is not played

the first round of a World Cup since 1986

in every corner of Russia.

shouldn’t necessarily be dreaming of glory

The children and young-

just because it has a manager with a big

sters in the remotest FIFA 1904 /

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FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

regions would love that to be the case,

for your hotel one more time, admiring

of course – their bedroom walls are no

the idyllic images of the pool. Yet when

doubt also adorned with posters of

you are not flying off on holiday, when

Neymar and David Luiz – but the climatic

you clock up hundreds of hours in the air

conditions there make professional

every year for football, the potential for

football operations difficult. In Yakutsk,

sleeping, reading, watching Tom Hanks

for example, where 270,000 people live,

films and duty-free shopping will be

it’s cold and dark for many months a

exhausted at some point. When that

year. From November to February,

happens, the old footballing names

temperatures of -40°C are the norm.

from the Soviet era may well pop up in sleepy players’ conversations – Lev Yashin,

There is a club, however, whose first

Oleg Blokhin, Valeriy Lobanovskyi and

team have been playing in the top

the rest.

division for the first time for the past few months: FC SKA-Energia Khabarovsk, a

The USSR was never short of pioneers,

newly promoted team from an isolated

and if some modern-day pundits proclaim

city in the far east of the country, right

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to be

by the border with China. If you type

a revolutionary “sweeper keeper”, then

Khabarovsk into a search engine, the first

what exactly was Lev Yashin?

hits are maybe a little surprising: images of people walking around the city

YASHIN’S EXPERIMENTS

dressed in shorts. Professional football

It’s often said Yashin smoked three to

and the Russian Premier League face a

four packets of cigarettes a day. If true,

different challenge here – distance.

that would leave little time for football.

There are seven time zones between

Maybe that was part of the reason why

Moscow and Khabarovsk. The flying time

he originally wanted to be world

between the cities is seven-and-a-half

champion at chess – although that was

hours. From Makhachkala, it’s another

only ever a hypothetical idea. The

three hours on top of that. And then,

Muscovite went on to be named the

of course, you’ve got to allow for

Soviet Union’s goalkeeper of the century,

changing planes, transfers and the time

and without wanting to stretch the term,

difference. For a top athlete from the

it must be said that there has not yet

centre of Europe it would be hard to

been any other Soviet or Russian

imagine how FC SKA’s players overcome

goalkeeper who has been able to play

this obstacle all season long – even if

so consistently well at the highest level

the team always play two away games in

and, while doing so, find the freedom

a row when they head west.

to experiment. Yashin was the first goalkeeper who punched the ball clear.

There’s always plenty to do at the airport

He would also launch attacks with long

and on the plane though, right? As a

throws from the back, and he was of

holidaymaker you might have a glass of

course also renowned for his spectacular

bubbly or a beer, or browse the brochure

saves. Yashin was a goalkeeper, a

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Stefano Marzoli / LUZ / fotogloria

Life in a northern town Football on snow-bound pitches is a common sight in Lovozero, some 1,200km north of Saint Petersburg.

FIFA 1904 /

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Always one step ahead of the game.

Predictions prove a bright future for you.

Our autonomous vehicle will be safer, smarter and instinctively more brilliant than anything on the road. worldwide.hyundai.com

HYUNDAI is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. Š2017 Hyundai Motor Company.

strategist and an organiser. In computer speak, he was the firewall.

By the end of his career, he had amassed 326 appearances for his only club, Dynamo Moscow, as well as 74 caps for the Soviet national team. And, alongside his European Championship title, he also won Olympic gold and the Ballon d’Or, which he is still the only goalkeeper to win. These trophies have now been spread far and wide, and even today a match-worn Lev Yashin shirt will change hands on the internet now and again.

The summer before last, the collector and former president of Montpellier HSC, the late Louis Nicollin, bought one for 5,000 euros.

When Russian footballers take to the world stage, they always do so with one eye on history. When will we be able to build on the successful days of the Soviet Cherchesov, a Russian, and proof of the fact that the coach you appoint is a matter

© FIFA TM

Union? The current coach is Stanislav

of the heart, not just the head. The media recently decided he was grumpy. But what does grumpy actually mean?

2018 FIFA WORLD CUP™ OFFICIAL POSTER The official poster for the 2018 World Cup in Russia depicts Lev Yashin pulling off a one-handed save. “The Black Panther”, who kept goal for the Soviet Union 74 times, was known for his incredible reflexes. The poster was designed by Latvian artist Igor

FIFA

Gurovich and is the first in the World Cup poster series to feature a famous face, and only the third – after Italy 1930 and Switzerland 1954 – with a goalkeeper on it.

FIFA 1904 /

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FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

The moment of truth On 1 December at around 19:00 local time, the Final Draw comes to an end in Moscow. Results: Portugal against Spain, Belgium against England, Russia against Uruguay ... it’s only the group stage, yet the round of 32 promises plenty of excitement at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ (14 June – 15 July 2018). You can find the full match schedule in the centrefold.

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/ FIFA 1904

Getty Images (3)

Presentation of the trophy World champion Miroslav Klose brings the famous World Cup Trophy on stage.

Who will be the top coach in 2018? After the draw, the 32 national team coaches pose for a group photo.

FIFA 1904 /

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FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

A bientôt!

France’s coach Didier Deschamps (centre) shakes hands with Belgium’s coach Roberto Martínez (right). Left, Belgian FA General Secretary Koen de Brabander. The earliest the two teams could meet is in the semi-finals.

Will they meet in the semi-finals?

Germany’s coach Jogi Löw (left) and general manager Oliver Bierhoff (centre) talk to the Spanish general manager Fernando Hierro (top picture).

In the centre photo, Klose presents the trophy, shortly before presenters Gary Lineker and Maria Komandnaya conduct the draw.

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Captured in time The ever-popular Pelé receives a kiss from Diego Maradona and shares a joke with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (3rd from left), Gordon Banks (far left) and Lothar Matthäus (2nd from left).

Getty Images (8)

Ready for the show FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and Vladimir Putin at the draw opening (top right), former Brazilian national players Ronaldo and Ronaldinho (right) holding their phones up and Russian World Cup ambassador Victoria Lopyreva in the audience (below).

FIFA 1904 /

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FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

A GAME OF CHANCE The balls have been drawn and we all know who will play whom at Russia 2018. There have been times, however, when the winners and losers have been decided by chance.

By Perikles Monioudis

“The coin-toss of Rotterdam� Belgian referee Robert Schaut (middle), surrounded by FC Cologne and Liverpool players, reporters and security officials (24 March 1965).

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O

n 6 June 2015, Mali and Uruguay

between FC Zurich and Galatasaray. Both teams

came face to face at Waitako

won their home games 2-0, and a play-off

Stadium in Hamilton, New

on neutral ground in Rome then ended in a

Zealand, in the group stage of

2-2 draw. In the end, a coin-toss decided the

the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

winners – and the Swiss came out on top.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that this was just another World Cup game, but if so you’d be

The next season, after two goalless draws in

wrong. To many observers, it was clear what

the quarter-final between FC Cologne and

would happen out on the pitch. Neither team

Liverpool, the two sides met in a play-off in

showed any great interest in taking the game to

Rotterdam, which also finished in a 2-2 draw.

their opponents, and as a result the match

Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions for their

petered out into a tame draw – which, as you’ve

fans! As penalty shoot-outs had not yet been

probably guessed by now – was exactly what

introduced – that wouldn’t happen until the

both sides needed to secure their place in the

1970/71 season – the referee again tossed a

next round. And yet the psychology of modern-

coin, which promptly landed on its edge in

day footballers does not really sit well with the

the mud. So again the coin was tossed high in

thought of simply playing for a draw – the risk of

the air, and this time it landed on tails – which

conceding a (late) goal is far too great.

meant Liverpool progressed.

Be that as it may, the Malians and Uruguayans

NOT ALL IS LEFT TO CHANCE

did draw that game 1-1, a 17 -minute goal from

But when it comes to the World Cup draw,

La Celeste’s Franco Acosta being cancelled out by

there is so much more at play than mere chance.

a strike from the eventual adidas Golden Ball

When the teams are assigned to the pots for

winner, Adama Traoré, just after half-time. Both

the draw, FIFA uses the FIFA/Coca-Cola World

sides had secured their passage to the round of

Ranking, which is drawn up and published every

16 on the same number of points, with the same

month by the governing body, to divide the

goal difference, and having scored the same

teams into pots that ensure that the strongest

number of goals. But who would finish in second

teams don’t knock each other out in the early

and who in third? Lots would have to be drawn.

stages and leave a “fluke” winner at the end of

Both teams watched on via live video link as the

the competition.

th

drawing of lots in Auckland left Uruguay as group runners-up, with the Malians in third.

Without this fail-safe, it would be entirely

Nationaal Archief / Collection Spaarnestad

possible in an open draw for the strongest

STEP UP, LADY LUCK

teams to meet in the group stage, which would

Mexico 1970 was another tournament in which

ultimately only benefit the rather “less-fancied”

lots had to be drawn, with the Soviet Union

teams. Such a scenario would distort the

finishing top of Group 1 ahead of the hosts,

competition and be unfair. It goes without

who had the same number of points, only thanks

saying that such mechanisms aren’t needed

to the luck of the draw even though the Soviets

in a league system, as the whole point of a

had a superior goal difference of 6-1, ahead of

league is for each team to play every other team,

Mexico on 5-0. Four years later, FIFA introduced

more often than not on a home-and-away

the rule that says that the number of goals

basis.

scored will be used to separate teams that finish with an identical record.

But a tournament is a whole different beast, one that is played – in the case of the World Cup –

It is not just the World Cup that has history with

over a period of a mere few weeks, at the end

such drama, however. Take the 1963/64 European

of which there can only be one winner – and a

Cup, for example, and the round-of-16 clash

deserving winner at that.

FIFA 1904 /

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FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

Sergei Bobylev / TASS

FOOTBALL ON ICE

Bandy in Siberia The popular sport is one of the fastest around.

22

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Ninety minutes, 11 v. 11, one ball, two goals and a big pitch. Oh, and offside and corner flags too. No, we aren’t talking about football but about bandy – or “football on ice”. We dropped in on perennial Russian champions Yenisey in Krasnoyarsk.

By Annette Braun (words) and Sergei Bobylev (pictures)

FIFA 1904 /

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FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

T

he wind is bitterly cold

parts of any bandy fan’s matchday ar-

on this November day, a

moury as again, just like football, bandy is

sure sign that winter has

a game played outdoors.

arrived on the streets of Krasnoyarsk where

Krasnoyarsk, one of the main junctions on

thermometers are show-

the Trans-Siberian Railway and a couple of

ing temperatures below

hundred kilometres closer to Moscow

zero. Having said that, “cold” is rather

than it is to Vladivostok, is a bandy hot-

relative in these parts as temperatures

bed. Yenisey won three consecutive

can easily fall as low as -20ºC here, the

Russian league titles in 2014, 2015 and

third-largest city in Siberia.

2016 as well as the 2015 Bandy World Cup, a competition featuring the best club

So from that point of view at least, today

sides in the world.

is almost balmy – particularly if you are dressed for whatever the weather can

ENGLISH ROOTS

throw at you, just as these people getting

Bandy, in its current form, has been

off the bus at the Cultural Place 1 May bus

around since the middle of the 18th centu-

stop are. They are all, without exception,

ry and its origins – just like football – can

wrapped up in warm, colourful coats with

be traced back to England. The first

scarves wound tightly around their necks

regular bandy game was played in London

and their hats pulled down over their

in 1875, and the National Bandy Associa-

faces.

tion, the governing body in England, was founded 16 years later. The game failed to

WATCH OUT FOR OFFSIDE!

take off in countries with moderate

You’ll often hear “Perfect weather for a

winters, however, and it had to take even

spot of bandy!” here as the crowds

more of a backseat after the emergence

shuffle off. Sorry? “Bandy”? In Russia,

of ice hockey in purpose-built indoor

bandy is also known as “hockey with a

arenas. In Russia though, and particularly

ball”, a description that is rather apt as

in Siberia, bandy – or “hockey with a ball”

players use and wear much the same gear

– has always been a very popular sport for

as their ice-hockey counterparts – sticks,

men and women alike.

helmets and skates – and also compete on ice. But that is as far as the similarities go,

Some 10,000 fans can cram into the

because bandy is also rather reminiscent

Yenisey Stadium. And although the action

of football with goal lines, corner flags, an

takes place on ice, that is as far as the

offside rule and penalties. You would be

comparisons with ice hockey truly go. The

hard pressed to find a puck on a bandy

pitch is similar in size to a football pitch,

pitch too as the game is played with a

and bodychecks – so prevalent in ice

brightly coloured ball that is smaller than a

hockey – are banned in bandy.

standard football but, statistically speaking, hits the back of the net more often.

QUICK, SHARP PASSING In bandy, it’s not all about stamina and

A closer look at these people getting off

power, but primarily about pace as a

the bus reveals that they are actually

bandy ball does not react in the same way

diehard fans of the local bandy club, and

as a puck. The key to success is often

they are all heading for the Yenisey stadi-

precise passing – tiki taka on ice, if you

um armed with cushions to sit on and

will. Goalkeepers have to have a little bit

polystyrene blocks to stand on – vital

of Manuel Neuer and co. about them too,

24

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Krasnoyarsk This city in Siberia, home to Yenisey, has a great bandy pedigree. Top: action from a Yenisey youth team training session. Bottom: the Yenisey first team in league action against Sibselmash later the same day.

FIFA 1904 /

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Sergei Bobylev / TASS (2)

FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

guarding their goals with gloves and

team. Slowly they make their way home,

reflexes but without a stick. With so many

their Russian flags safely packed away for

similarities to football, it is little wonder

another day, perhaps until the summer

that the stars and fans of bandy also tend

when they will be brought out again in

to know rather a lot about the beautiful

support of the Russian football team in

game (see our interview with Russian

the World Cup.

Weatherproofed Watching a game of bandy is always fun, even in sub-zero temperatures – if you’re dressed appropriately, of course.

bandy star Sergei Lomanov on page 29).

The final at the Bandy World ChampionBandy fans are also experts when it

ship is often between Russia and Sweden.

comes to tactics and the finer points of

If football were to take its lead from

the game as they are accustomed to

bandy with a World Cup final between

staying focused on such a fast game. The

the same two teams, there would be a lot

break-neck speed of the game means that

of bandy fans with absolutely no objec-

it is not ideal for live TV coverage, but the

tions whatsoever...

exact opposite holds true if you are fortunate enough to catch a game in person. The below-zero temperatures are

Today, Yenisey’s fans will go home happy after watching another victory for their 26

/ FIFA 1904

the other-worldly atmosphere.

breath drifting across the pitch to add to

Sergei Bobylev / TASS

part of the experience, the fans’ cold

BANDY

BANDY IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR WINTER SPORTS IN THE WORLD. OVER A MILLION PEOPLE PLAY THE SPORT IN RUSSIA ALONE, WHERE THERE IS A PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE WITH 14 TEAMS AND STADIUMS WITH CAPACITIES OF UP TO 15,000. THE REIGNING RUSSIAN CHAMPIONS ARE SKA-NEFTANYIK FROM THE CITY OF KHABAROVSK. BANDY IS MAINLY PLAYED IN NORTHERN AND EASTERN EUROPE AS WELL AS IN NORTH AMERICA. AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, THE TWO MOST SUCCESSFUL TEAMS ARE RUSSIA AND SWEDEN. THE FEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL BANDY (FIB) WAS FOUNDED IN SWEDEN IN 1955 AND CURRENTLY HAS 27 MEMBERS. THE FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WAS HELD IN 1957, FOLLOWED BY THE INAUGURAL WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2004. THE FIB IS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE IOC.

FIFA PARTNER

“EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE IN A MINUTE” Nine-time bandy world champion Sergey Lomanov talks about the similarities between bandy and football, and about the special pressure of playing in a World Cup at home.

Annette Braun asked the questions.

H

ow would you describe the

indoor stadiums. Few people will sit in an

was 14, a coach asked me: “What kind of

fascination of bandy? Bandy,

outdoor stadium at minus 20 degrees.

sport do you prefer?” I chose bandy and do

or hockey with a ball, is

not regret it at all, although I played foot-

famous for its speed and the

What do you need to become a great

ball quite well and was involved in various

individual actions of the

bandy player? Talent, but also a great

team tournaments at my age level.”

players, as well as for the very fast transi-

work ethic and the desire to achieve your

tions from defence to attack. Everything

goals. It’s important to always work on

What do you expect from the Russian

can change literally in a minute. There have

yourself and never be satisfied with what

football team at the World Cup next

been games in which a team was two or

you’ve achieved. Keep looking forward

summer? Everybody is longing for victories

three goals down but turned it around in

and do not pay too much attention to

but in my opinion the result is not the

the space of five minutes. There is some

things such as victories. Forget them and

most important thing. We will be playing

kind of unpredictability in the result.

move on quickly. There are defeats, of

at home and we need to show that we

course, but you learn from them, analyse

can handle this special situation. Fans love

them and come back stronger.

beautiful football with lots of goalscoring

Do you have an example in mind? The World Championship final in Khabarovsk

opportunities, so I’m looking forward to

in 2015 is memorable for me. We were

Can football help you succeed in bandy?

some good games from our team, which

3-1 down but came back to win 5-3. In

The two sports are intertwined and quite

would have a great impact on the develop-

two or three minutes, we changed the

comparable. Our sport is closer to football

ment of sport and the youth in our coun-

dynamics and result of the match. The

than it is to ice hockey. We play with the

try. They need to come out and play like

stadium was full. The Prime Minister of

same number of players and on a similar-

we know they can – for the team, for their

Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, was there too.

sized pitch. The only thing that we do not

team-mates, and for the fans who will

He congratulated us and awarded us our

have is grass, but ice is much faster. We

come and support them.

gold medals.

also have the same vision, we like to play with two touches, we use the entire width

Sergey Sergeyevich Lomanov was born in

Bandy has a long tradition in Russia. Ten

of the pitch, and even the tactics are

Krasnoyarsk on 2 June 1980 and made his

years ago, stadiums held up to 25,000

similar.

senior debut for Yenisey Krasnoyarsk

Sergei Bobylev / TASS

people and fans were coming the day

Bandy Club in 1997. He has been part of

before the match to take their seats. They

Have you ever played football yourself?

the Russian national bandy team since

brought hot coffee or tea with a nip of

I lived in Sweden between the ages of nine

2000 and has nine World Championship

something warming in it ... that’s not

and 15. In the summer, I played football for

titles to his name. His father, Sergey

allowed anymore. Nowadays, families love

a club called Sirius, and in the winter I

Ivanovich Lomanov, is also a successful

their comfort and would rather go to

played hockey for the same team. When I

bandy manager and a former player.

FIFA 1904 /

29

FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

FOOT BALL ET

Ballet is Russia and Russia is ballet. Football fits in perfectly. We played football with Russians Viktorina Kapitonova and Elena Vostrotina, soloists of the Ballett ZĂźrich.

By Perikles Monioudis (text) and Gian Paul Lozza (photos).

30

/ FIFA 1904

FIFA 1904 /

31

32

/ FIFA 1904

AFP (4), Getty Images (2)

FIFA 1904 /

33

FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

“PERFORMING TOGETHER AS ONE” Viktorina Kapitonova is a Russian worldclass ballet dancer. She explains what ballet and football have in common: team spirit, training schedules, and focusing on the same aspects of the body but using different techniques.

Perikles Monioudis met the Zurich ballet soloist.

I am also excited for fans to experience the

has their role. Although there are no

great ballet cities of Moscow and Saint

“winners” in ballet, the audience can be

Petersburg in the west. I am sure the Russian

mesmerised by a wonderful, strong

people will deliver a really wonderful event,

performance of the corps – the body of

and I hope it brings people from all coun-

the ballet – just as they can by the defence

tries closer together. For me personally, I

of a football team. If the corps or the

am excited that it will be the first World

defenders do not perform, the ballet

Cup for my son, Henry, who will be old

soloists or strikers won’t be able to do

enough to cheer with us for Russia.

their job very well.

the World Cup?

How do you think the Russian team

So would you say there are other

Viktorina Kapitonova: I’m really excited for

will perform?

similarities?

football supporters from all over the world

To perform at home feels so much easier

Football players in these modern times,

to see for themselves just how wonderful,

and better for every performer. It is true

with stars like Messi and Ronaldo, focus

friendly and diverse the Russian cities and

of ballet that a supportive audience can

on their bodies, their training, and what

people are. The choice of cities is really far

often bring on a great performance from

they eat as much as ballet dancers do.

and wide, and includes cities close to my

dancers – you share a bond from the

As a ballerina, I train eight hours, six days

heart, such as Kazan, where I studied to

opening of the curtains. I think that

a week on my balance, coordination,

become a ballet dancer, which is also a

Russia, with the support of an audience of

power, and the finer details of my

city of Tatars close to my cultural back-

144 million, could be able to do something

technique, with performances in the

ground of Chuvashian people in the east

really special. Russian people will be proud

evenings. I think that football players have

with more similarities to Asia than Europe.

to know that their team tried their best

similar training schedules, focusing on the

whatever happens.

same aspects of the body but using

Are you looking forward to

different techniques. I think it would be What does football have in common

fun to show a footballer our ballet

with ballet?

training in exchange for a day of football

In football as in ballet, natural ability can

training. I think a lot could be learnt in

really show on the pitch and the stage,

both directions.

and in most cases great artists are born to be great stars, like Pelé or Rudolf Nureyev.

It captures the imagination when people see someone who grew up poor in Brazil make it in football, or in Russia for ballet, and to then have the world at their feet – and not in their hands, of course. The importance of performing together as one, for each other and with each other, is key in ballet as it is in football. A ballet company is like a football team, and even though there may be stars, every person

Viktorina Kapitonova, who hails from Russia, studied at the Kazan Ballet School and Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre Academy. A winner of “The Young Ballet of Russia” competition and of the “Arabesque” contest, she started dancing at the Jalil Opera House in Kazan in 2005. She was a member of Moscow’s Stanislavsky Ballet for the 2008/2009 season, and she joined Ballett Zürich in 2010.

World-class soloists Ballet dancers Viktorina Kapitonova (left) and Elena Vostrotina.

FIFA 1904 /

35

M A S T E R

C O N T R O L

adidas.com/football Š 2017 adidas AG

“YOU ARE MORE YOURSELF THAN EVER” St Petersburg-born, world-class ballet dancer Elena Vostrotina is very much looking forward to the World Cup in Russia. Dancing, she says, like football, is about the flow, about feeling the energy of your colleagues and the power from the audience. Perikles Monioudis talked to her in a rehearsal room at the Zurich Opera.

Camp Nou. This is something special that

dancers perform. As a soloist, I love to feel

you won’t forget. The people, united, in a

them on stage, they give me the strength

way, their energy – the players. That was

I need to perform at my very best. Even a

art! Yes, that was art.

smile works. I believe that between players there’s also this kind of connection.

In which way is football art?

The similarities start with the training at a

Will you attend a World Cup game

very young age. You are drawn by the

in Russia?

passion to do something, be it dancing,

Yes, I really hope so. I miss home. I will

football or something else. You put all

be in St Petersburg next summer.

Elena Vostrotina, what is your

your energy into what you’re doing. You

connection to football?

devote yourself to it – to the arts or sport.

How will your team do?

I have a rather direct link to football,

And, again, dancing and football happen

I really don’t know. My father always says:

because my father is a professional foot-

in the moment – unlike cinema, where

“The field is flat and the ball is round.”

ball and ice-hockey coach. I grew up in a

you see the result at the end. Both foot-

family in which football played a big role

ball and dancing are performing acts. It’s

– sport in general. We often watched

now or never: you win or lose.

games with my father when I was little.

Later, I also went to games with my

In football you play to win.

friends. Football is very popular in Russia,

Do you really dance to win?

it brings people together.

I feel a strong exchange of energy with the audience. It is hard to put in words

Have you ever fancied becoming a

the feeling you have when on stage. You

football player?

feel the presence of the audience, but not

Well, of course I tried it out a little. As a

all the time. So you treasure it when it

kid I had a lot of energy, I loved running,

happens. You feel the audience following

and I found it fun to kick the ball around.

you and maybe even stop breathing when

So I tried, but didn’t quite succeed [laughs].

they’re really into what you are doing.

Elena Vostrotina from St Petersburg completed her ballet training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, and in 2003, she became a member of the Mariinsky Ballet. In 2006, Vostrotina was with the Semperoper Ballett, Dresden. There she was appointed a soloist and danced a wide repertoire of classical, neoclassical and modern ballet. This season she joined the Ballett Zürich.

Winning on stage therefore means losing Do you have fond memories

yourself. Losing yourself in time and space

of football?

and becoming that stage character.

When my father took me to the stadium for the first time – the Petrovsky Stadium

In football that’s called “flow”.

in St Petersburg – we watched an FC Zenit

Yes, that’s it, the flow, something that

game, and I was amazed at the energy at

happens so naturally. You go with it!

the stadium. There was so much energy

With the flow. You lose yourself, but at

there, I felt it run through my body and

the same time you are more yourself than

my bones. And then of course there was

ever. You really get in touch with your

the game itself. When you watch a game,

inner self.

you are caught in the moment, it captivates you. I had more or less the same

Also, as a dancer you are part of a team.

feeling when I had the chance, some years

It’s all about teamwork, always. My

ago, to attend an FC Barcelona game in

performance depends on how my fellow FIFA 1904 /

37

FINAL DRAW FOR RUSSIA 2018

Official Mascot for 2018 Zabivaka, a wolf who radiates charm and confidence, is inspiring millions of fans all over the world.

STAMP OF APPROVAL FOR THE WORLD CUP

By Annette Braun

38

/ FIFA 1904

Marka

Collecting stamps is rather a big deal in Russia, and with the clock ticking down to the 2018 FIFA World Cupâ„¢, football-related stamps are all the rage.

W

hether it is

For collectors, stamps are first and fore-

Olympic gold medal in 1956 and three

cosmonaut Alexey

most a hobby but they can also be a solid

World Cup appearances (1958, 1962, 1970).

Arkhipovich Leonov

investment. For those fortunate enough to

floating through

be depicted on a stamp, meanwhile, it is a

It of course remains to be seen which

space, or the

Russian players will emerge as heroes next

after all, if you make it onto a stamp, you

summer, potentially putting themselves in

resplendent in the sunlight, stamps are

must have done something right and have

the frame for stamps in their honour in

incredibly popular in Russia, where they

left a lasting impression somewhere.

the future, but the focus has already fallen

­

question of prestige and recognition –

United Nations headquarters standing

on next summer’s big event with stamps

­

commemorate some of the biggest events in history such as the first spacewalk in

With the 2018 World Cup now just

for Zabivaka, the wolf chosen as the

1965 or the foundation of the UN in

around the corner, the newest stamps to

tournament’s official mascot by Russian

1945. These days, however, the world

hit the Russian market have started to

fans, the FIFA World Cup Trophy that all

of digital communication has almost

focus on the country’s football history as

32 teams will be hoping to hold aloft on

consigned old-fashioned letter-writing to

well as on the upcoming tournament

15 July 2018, and Moscow’s Luzhniki

the past, particularly in our private lives,

itself, the subtle mix of nostalgia and

Stadium, the arena that will see the new

because who wants to wait a couple

anticipation underlining Russia’s rich

world champions crowned.

of days for the post to arrive when you

football pedigree while also whetting

can send a message with the click of a

people’s appetite for all that lies in store

And who knows, maybe the sight of

button? The humble stamp has survived it

in just a few months’ time.

these stamps in the run-up to and during the World Cup will encourage people to

all though, whether as a collector’s item or as a solid investment.

FOURTH PLACE IN 1966

start writing letters again. Whatever happens, these stamps are yet another

the glory days of the USSR national team

sign that Russia is ready and waiting to

The stamp has done even more than

that made its World Cup debut in Sweden

host the World Cup, giving stamp

merely survive, as new technology has

in 1958 before going on to claim the

collectors and football fans alike so much

opened even more doors for it to develop

country’s best-ever placing so far with a

to look forward to. It’s almost time to

and move with the times, from the UK’s

fourth-place finish in England eight years

stamp those passports and to let the

first stamp – the famous Penny Black

later. Some of the heroes of that time are

journey begin!

– way back in 1840 with Queen Victoria

obviously taking centre stage and being

to the first Russian Empire stamp with

cast in a new light. There is a stamp

the country’s coat of arms, which was

commemorating the great Lev Yashin, the

printed in typography in brown and blue.

Russian goalkeeping legend and a Euro

These days, these perforated pieces of

pean champion in 1960, who is shown

paper can be printed in 3D, and even in

gazing into the distance, and another for

special sets that can smell and taste of

Gavriil Kachalin, the coach who led the

chocolate.

Soviets to the European title in 1960, the

­

Some of these new stamps look back at

SPECIAL STAMPS

Lev Yashin (1929-1990) The Soviet legend won the European Championship in 1960 and was one of the best goalkeepers of the 20th century.

Gavriil Kachalin (1911-1995) The long-serving coach guided the USSR team through their most successful period (Olympic gold in 1956, European Championship title in 1960).

FIFA 1904 /

39

FIRST LOVE PLACE Derbent (Dagestan), Russia DATE 15 July 2017 TIME 18:30 PHOTOGRAPHER Caio Vilela

40

/ FIFA 1904

fotogloria FIFA 1904 /

41

PRESIDENT´S MESSAGE

FACILITATING THE WORK OF THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

I

have a very vivid memory of the inaugural FIFA Executive Football

Member associations have also had a say on the topics to be

Summit in Paris, just over a year ago. I remember a specific moment

discussed: the agendas of the 12 meetings that we will organise

at the beginning of that meeting, when the president of a member

between now and March 2018 will vary according to the

association started to explain a situation his country faced. I looked

participants’ priorities, but will also share a few common topics:

around and noticed how his fellow presidents were staring at each

the next cycle of the FIFA Forward Programme for development;

another: you could tell that they were marvelling at the differences

the future of FIFA’s youth and women’s competitions; and possible

and similarities – especially the similarities – between their challenges

improvements to the transfer system and the international match

and those that they were hearing about. At that moment, I knew

calendar. Even decisions like these, which affect the whole world

that the idea to organise regular summits had been the right one.

of football, must be discussed with those who know what the game is like in their specific territories.

It is a good idea for a very simple reason: it is logical. The 211 member associations are not only important for FIFA: they are FIFA. Serving

Football is so fantastic because it is played and loved in every

its members is FIFA’s very raison d’être. For that, we must listen to

corner of the globe. It seems very clear to me that you cannot

them. Listen carefully and constantly – a process that naturally

hope to act as the governing body of such a widespread and

leads to the FIFA Executive Football Summits.

magical phenomenon by making centralised decisions. The power to promote the game lies in the daily groundwork carried out by the 211 member associations. FIFA exists to facilitate it.

are immediate and visible, to the point that the summits themselves have been improved, for example. It was based on associations’

Yours in football,

feedback that we decided to enhance a few elements for this second cycle, which started in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 21 November.

Michael Regan / FIFA via Getty Images

The benefits of involving the member associations in decision-making

While we still take geography and language compatibility into account, the groups are now even more diverse, with representatives

Gianni Infantino

of at least three confederations present at each of the summits.

FIFA President FIFA 1904 /

43

FIFA NEWS

ENGLAND’S U-17 TEAM TRIUMPHS IN INDIA England convincingly overcame Spain 5-2 in the FIFA U-17 World Cup final in Kolkata to join their U-20 counterparts at the summit of world youth football, the elder Three Lions having prevailed in Korea Republic four months previously.

Spain were left licking their wounds after letting a two-goal lead slip and suffering their fourth U-17 World Cup final defeat. A total of 1.35 million spectators – almost 30,000 per match – attended the tournament, beating the previous record of 1.23 million set at the inaugural competition in China PR in 1985.

FIRST REPORT OF FIFA’S HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY BOARD

been done to date by continuing to strengthen efforts to address

The Human Rights Advisory Board, which was created in early

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR THE WORLD CUP At its meeting in Kolkata, India, the FIFA Council approved a 12%

trade unions and FIFA sponsors discusses FIFA’s work on human

increase in prize money for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ from

rights and outlines a set of specific recommendations to FIFA.

USD 358 million in 2014 to USD 400 million. It also ratified the

“This report shows that FIFA is making important progress in

Bureau of the Council’s decision of 6 September 2017 to approve

integrating respect for human rights throughout its wide range

stringent bidding regulations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and

of activities,” said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura. The

appointed the members of the Bid Evaluation Task Force. Other

advisory board stated: “We recognise that FIFA has taken impor-

matters discussed by the Council were the establishment of a FIFA

tant steps, particularly by adopting a new Human Rights Policy,

Foundation to provide a legal and institutional basis for FIFA’s

fighting discrimination connected to matches and integrating

social commitment, a consultation phase during which to review

human rights requirements into the 2026 FIFA World Cup bidding

FIFA’s women’s, youth and club competitions and the introduction

documents. We also make 33 detailed recommendations on issues

of an international transfer matching system for women’s football

FIFA should focus on, including, as a priority, building on what has

on 1 January 2018.

44

/ FIFA 1904

group of eight representatives from the UN System, civil society,

responsibilities, has published its first report. In it, the expert

sites in Russia and Qatar.”

Jan Kruger / FIFA via Getty Images

2017 to provide independent advice on FIFA’s human rights

risks to workers’ rights on FIFA World Cup stadium construction

FIFA EWORLD CUP Since its launch in 2004, the FIFA Interactive World Cup has

REFEREES PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES IN ABU DHABI

enjoyed rapid growth and set new standards for the virtual game

FIFA referees from all over the world came together in Abu Dhabi

on the EA SPORTS™ FIFA platform, as well as giving gamers a

from 25 to 30 November for a seminar so that those who would

global stage on which to develop their talent at elite level. To

be deployed in the FIFA Club World Cup UAE could use the

reflect the e-sport’s continued rise in popularity, FIFA and its

following six days to put the finishing touches to their

partner EA SPORTS™ are taking the biggest global tournament

preparations for the tournament. As well as taking part in

for the EA SPORTS™ FIFA series to a new level by launching

theoretical and practical sessions, the referees worked with

the FIFA eWorld Cup. Qualification for the Grand Final in 2018

video assistant referees (VARs) and simulated situations that

will take place via the new FIFA 18 Global Series.

call VARs into play. The FIFA Club World Cup 2017 is being held

Alexander Hassenstein / FIFA via Getty Images

from 6 to 16 December in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

FIFA DIVERSITY AWARD

help with their integration. The decision was made by a jury of

Football’s ability to inspire people was again in clear evidence at

diversity in sport. “It is FIFA’s duty to promote diversity on the

the FIFA Diversity Award ceremony in London. FIFA Secretary

pitch, in the stands and in each area of society that is touched by

General Fatma Samoura presented the prize to Soccer Without

the most popular sport in the world. The Diversity Award is part

Borders, an organisation that uses football to build the confidence

of this,” said the Secretary General.

11 prominent figures from the fields of global football and

of young refugees in places, such as the USA and Uganda and FIFA 1904 /

45

+ / – Points

Rank Team

+ / – Points

Rank Team

+ / – Points

Rank Team

1 Germany

0

1602

57 Haiti

-1

607

113 St Kitts and Nevis

-5

291

169 St Vincent and the Grenadines

3

99

2 Brazil

0

1483

58 Norway

0

573

114 Korea DPR

18

283

170 Nepal

6

98

3 Portugal

0

1358

59 Korea Republic

3

563

115 Bahrain

10

282

170 Cuba

9

98

4 Argentina

0

1348

60 China PR

-3

561

115 Kyrgyzstan

5

282

170 Singapore

3

98

5 Belgium

0

1325

61 Côte d'Ivoire

0

557

117 Azerbaijan

-2

281

170 Cambodia

0

98

6 Spain

2

1231

62 Albania

9

553

118 Philippines

-2

280

174 Kosovo

9

97

7 Poland

-1

1209

63 Saudi Arabia

0

539

119 Namibia

10

274

174 Malaysia

-4

97

8 Switzerland

3

1190

64 Algeria

3

537

120 Rwanda

-2

269

174 St Lucia

0

97

9 France

-2

1183

65 Russia

0

534

121 Yemen

-9

268

177 São Tomé e Príncipe

-1

94

10 Chile

-1

1162

66 Guinea

0

532

122 New Zealand

0

267

178 Fiji

-3

93

11 Peru

-1

1128

67 Finland

7

531

123 Togo

1

266

179 Aruba

-1

92

12 Denmark

7

1099

68 Cape Verde Islands

-4

530

123 Central African Republic

-4

266

180 Bermuda

1

72 66

13 Colombia

0

1078

69 Slovenia

-1

522

125 Vietnam

-4

265

181 Malta

1

14 Italy

1

1052

70 Honduras

-1

521

126 Malawi

-9

260

182 Macau

-2

65

-3

1047

71 Ecuador

-11

508

127 Tajikistan

-4

255

183 Djibouti

2

64

16 Mexico

0

1032

72 Mali

0

493

128 Suriname

-3

245

184 Laos

-22

62

17 Croatia

1

1018

73 United Arab Emirates

-1

474

129 Guatemala

-1

242

185 Vanuatu

3

55

18 Sweden

7

998

74 Uganda

-4

471

130 Comoros

-3

235

185 Bhutan

5

55

-5

985

75 Zambia

2

449

131 Latvia

-2

233

187 Liechtenstein

0

54 52

15 England

19 Wales 20 Netherlands

0

952

76 FYR Macedonia

9

446

132 Thailand

6

230

188 Kuwait

-2

21 Uruguay

-4

924

77 Libya

10

442

133 Swaziland

7

225

189 Seychelles

-1

51

22 Iceland

-1

910

77 Syria

0

442

134 Liberia

1

224

190 Brunei Darussalam

-6

45

23 Senegal

9

884

79 Iraq

8

221

191 Guam

0

43

24 USA

3

867

80 Uzbekistan

-3

220

192 Bangladesh

4

38

1

438

135 Chinese Taipei

-4

437

136 Kazakhstan

24 Northern Ireland

-1

867

81 South Africa

-7

434

137 Sudan

4

219

192 American Samoa

1

38

26 Costa Rica

-4

850

82 Benin

-3

427

138 Burundi

-9

216

192 Cook Islands

1

38

27 Tunisia

1

838

82 Palestine

2

427

139 Andorra

5

215

192 Samoa

1

38

28 Slovakia

-4

817

84 Luxembourg

9

407

140 Antigua and Barbuda

-4

209

196 Timor-Leste

29 Austria

10

815

84 Estonia

-4

407

141 Angola

-2

201

197 US Virgin Islands

-4

32

2

26 20

30 Paraguay

6

812

84 Curaçao

5

407

142 Tanzania

-6

193

198 Montserrat

2

31 Egypt

-1

805

87 Lebanon

13

404

143 Hong Kong

-1

189

199 Mongolia

-2

17

32 Republic of Ireland

-6

798

88 Guinea-Bissau

0

403

144 Lesotho

2

188

200 Sri Lanka

-2

16

-6

402

145 Equatorial Guinea

-12

187

201 Pakistan

0

15

0

383

145 Ethiopia

6

187

202 Turks and Caicos Islands

0

13

7

181

202 Cayman Islands

0

13

-3

179

204 San Marino

0

11

32 Iran

2

798

89 Trinidad and Tobago

32 Scotland

-3

798

90 Armenia

35 Ukraine

-5

781

91 Cyprus

-5

373

147 Afghanistan

36 Congo DR

-1

764

92 Belarus

-1

372

148 Lithuania

37 Serbia

1

756

93 Gabon

-1

370

148 Solomon Islands

4

179

205 British Virgin Islands

0

6

38 Bosnia and Herzegovina

2

753

94 Canada

2

369

150 Myanmar

5

176

206 Anguilla

0

0

39 Australia

4

747

95 Faroe Islands

0

364

150 Botswana

-3

176

206 Bahamas

0

0

40 Morocco

8

738

96 Congo

-2

362

152 South Sudan

1

172

206 Eritrea

0

0

41 Romania

4

737

97 Sierra Leone

2

360

153 Tahiti

-5

149

206 Gibraltar

0

0

42 Turkey

-9

735

98 Israel

-16

355

154 Indonesia

11

144

206 Somalia

0

0

43 Bulgaria

-7

719

99 Mauritania

2

354

154 Barbados

6

144

206 Tonga

0

0

44 Burkina Faso

11

705

100 El Salvador

-3

352

156 New Caledonia

-6

139

45 Cameroon

-3

696

101 Oman

9

350

157 Maldives

-1

135

-5

336

157 Belize

4

135

1

323

159 Mauritius

-1

134

46 Montenegro

8

681

102 Qatar

47 Greece

0

680

103 Zimbabwe

48 Czech Republic

-2

677

104 Georgia

3

322

160 Grenada

-3

132

49 Bolivia

1

674

105 India

0

320

161 Papua New Guinea

-2

126

50 Nigeria

-9

671

106 Nicaragua

2

315

162 Dominican Republic

1

121

51 Ghana

1

657

107 Jordan

6

311

163 Gambia

1

120

52 Venezuela

-1

639

108 Madagascar

-5

309

164 Guyana

1

117

53 Hungary

0

630

108 Niger

-2

309

165 Puerto Rico

2

112 111

54 Jamaica 55 Japan 56 Panama

46

+ / – Points

Rank Team

FIFA/COCA-COLA MEN’S WORLD RANKING

/ FIFA 1904

5

625

110 Mozambique

-11

623

111 Kenya

-7

621

112 Turkmenistan

1

304

166 Dominica

3

-9

300

166 Moldova

1

111

2

292

168 Chad

-19

110

Last updated: 23 November 2017

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking

A CAREER IN PANINI STICKERS

FRANK LAMPARD

© PANINI

FIFA Legend, 106 caps for England.

UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League winner.

FIFA 1904 /

47

FIFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

INAUGURATION OF THE GIRLS’ INTER-SCHOOL TOURNAMENT IN PARAGUAY An excellent day was had with the inauguration of the Women’s U-11 and U-13 Inter-School Football Tournament, organised by the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) under the auspices of FIFA. The event is part of FIFA’s initiative under the Evolution Programme to promote women’s football in Paraguay and throughout South America. The APF’s development division, presided

by Douglas Martínez, celebrated in style by holding the event, with the participants’ parade, folk dancing and the first matches, which showed just how good the players

programme instructor, Manoel

equipment), a video referee

help clubs and football avoid

Serapião. During these activities,

(analysing all footage angles)

being affected by errors that

The training programme

he also advised on how referee

and a VAR (in charge of the

can be amended. As a conse-

for the use of video

signals should be made while

camera placed at the offside

quence, the referee will also

VAR IN BRAZIL

assistant referee (VAR)

employing this technology.

position). Finally, an assistant

not suffer from pressure. “The

technology by the Refereeing

The afternoon, in turn, was

and a referee with electronic

main purpose, however, is to

Committee of the Brazilian

scheduled for a practice

earpiece communication were

validate results, help football be

Football Association focused on

session. While one team stayed

positioned on the pitch.

more ethical and prevent a

a key issue. In the city of Águas

in a room with TV monitors

The athletes partaking in the

club’s title going to the wrong

de Lindóia, São Paulo, partici-

showing footage recorded by

activity, members of the Brasilis

club due to a refereeing error

pants attended theoretical and

seven cameras, in addition to

FC U-17 squad, were told by

that can be amended,” stated

practical activities that were

enabling the replay feature, a

CBF instructors to carry out

Manoel Serapião. On the night

split into three shifts. The day

pair of referees proceeded to

actions that would leave

shift, the instructors showed

kicked off with referees and

the pitch to receive instructions

referees and assistants in doubt.

footage of activities carried out

assistants watching specific

from the VAR and to practise

In penalty kicks, for instance,

throughout the day and made

refereeing-themed videos that

hand signals. There were three

the goalkeeper would wait until

general comments on commu-

showcased controversial plays

people in the booth: a replay

the ball was right above the line

nication, gestural and postural

and calls, thereafter undergoing

operator (responsible for

before proceeding to defend it.

assessments.

assessments carried out by the

technical operation of the

The purpose of the VAR is to

48

/ FIFA 1904

APF

from the various teams are.

SPORTS MEDICAL COURSE IN URUGUAY

Dwayne Woolliams, is looking

OFC technical team for provid-

assistant, Mladen Krstajić –

forward to building on FIFA’s

ing that pathway for me to be

who had 59 appearances for

relationship with the NZPFA

an accredited coach,” said

the senior team – has taken

The Sports Medical

and working together to

Aka. “The road to the OFC B

the reins until a successor is

Course on Preventing

produce an agreement that

licence wasn’t an easy one.

appointed. Muslin was given

Injury from a Young

satisfies all parties. “The

I’ve sacrificed a lot of family

the role in May 2016 and

Age was initiated at the

prospect of a single collective

time, but the hard work and

tasted competitive defeat only

Uruguayan Football Associa-

agreement, providing equal

persistence has paid off in the

once, courtesy of a late goal

tion and was organised by the

terms and conditions for our

end. And I certainly wouldn’t

in a 3-2 loss in Austria, on the

CONMEBOL Medical Commit-

men and women, is exciting

have done it without the

way to guiding the South

tee and the AUF’s develop-

and indeed a natural step from

support and assistance from a

Africa 2010 qualifiers back to

ment department. Raúl Möller,

the current agreements which

lot of great people around

the World Cup as Group D

director of this department,

already provide for pay equality.

me.” When her playing career

winners in Europe. Six wins

welcomed those present and

New Zealand Football is

came to a close after almost

from their ten games saw

thanked them for supporting

committed to a robust

20 years, Aka knew she had

them clinch progression with

the permanent training for

bargaining process which

more to offer. As a volunteer,

victory over Georgia ahead of

medical staff required for the

builds on the common ground

she was soon given an oppor-

the Republic of Ireland and

well-being of athletes. Mr

we currently have with the

tunity to attend a grassroots

Wales. Of his 15 games at the

Möller encouraged them to

NZPFA and respects the

coaching course and hasn’t

helm he won eight, losing just

make use of the training

confidentiality of both parties.

looked back since. She’s led

two in total. Russia 2018 will

provided for the overall devel-

As such, we will not be making

the OFC Just Play Programme

be the second appearance for

opment of sport in general

further public comment until

in Papua New Guinea and in

Serbia at the finals as an

and particularly football. The

negotiations are concluded.”

2014 found herself in charge

independent nation, having

course is aimed at 31 partici-

of the national U-15 girls’ team

exited at the group stage

pants, including doctors,

which competed at the Youth

seven years ago.

physiotherapists and kinesiologists, who will attend lectures held by Doctors Francisco Forriol, Jorge Cheyre, Daniel Rienzi and José Veloso.

AKA BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA Becoming the first

Getty Images

NZF TO NEGOTIATE NEW PLAYERS’ AGREEMENT

Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. It was this opportunity which really set Aka on her coaching journey as she then went on to lead the Papua New Guinea U-17 women’s team to

woman in Papua New

silver at the OFC U-17 Women’s

Guinea to receive an

Championship in 2016.

FODA TO BECOME AUSTRIA’S MANAGER

OFC B licence has left Margaret Aka feeling both humbled and grateful. The

New Zealand Foot-

former international said the

ball confirms it will

path to this achievement has

enter into formal

been long and arduous, and

SERBIA PART COMPANY WITH SLAVOLJUB MUSLIN

talks before the end of the

without the backing of the

year with the New Zealand

Papua New Guinea Football

Serbia have terminated

Professional Footballers’

Association (PNGFA) and her

the contract of head

Association (NZPFA) regarding

coaching colleagues, she’s

coach Slavoljub Muslin

a new collective agreement for

unsure she would have made

the employment of all senior international football players.

Franco Foda is the first

three weeks after the former

German to become Austria’s

it to the end. “I have to take

Lokomotiv Moscow and

manager. The 51-year old will

the time to thank PNGFA for

Red Star Belgrade boss led

replace the Swiss, Marcel

New Zealand Football High

giving me the opportunity to

them to 2018 FIFA World Cup

Koller, whose contract expired

Performance Manager,

be involved in football and the

Russia qualification. His

and was not renewed, after FIFA 1904 /

49

FIFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

SHADDAD RETURNS TO THE HELM OF THE SUDAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Austria’s failure to qualify for

to nominate an “off-pitch”

as the development of clubs

the 2018 FIFA World Cup

club leader, such as a chairman

and coaches in Scotland

Russia™. Under Koller, Austria’s

or club secretary and an

continues.”

manager since November

“on-pitch” club coach devel-

2011, the team qualified for

oper, such as a head coach,

the UEFA EURO 2016, but

manager or development

despite a strong performance

officer to attend the day. As

in their qualifying group, were

such, players, coaches, staff,

immediately knocked out in

volunteers, board members,

the group stage, without

and managers from all over

Football Association (SFA) for a

winning a single match. In the

the country attended the

four-year term. Shaddad, 82,

qualifiers for Russia 2018 they

conference to hear from some

beat incumbent Mutasim

finished fourth in the European

top-class speakers. Key-note

Gaafar by 33 to 28 votes at

Group D behind Serbia, the

speakers who addressed both

the Elective General Assembly

Republic of Ireland and Wales.

groups were Gavin Levey and

of the SFA held in Khartoum

“The fact that Franco Foda

Steven Sweeney of Aberdeen

on Sunday, 29 October 2017.

was unanimously elected is a

FC and the Aberdeen FC

Previously head of the SFA

reflection of his professional

Community Trust, as well as

between 2001 and 2010,

reputation. He knows Austrian

former Manchester United

Shaddad returns to the helm

football as a player and as a

coaches Paul McGuiness and

bringing an end to months of

coach. He is a meticulous

Jim Ryan. Speaking specifically

Algeria legend

internal wrangling within the

worker. He could become a

to coach developers were

Rabah Madjer has

SFA. The General Assembly

figurehead”, said Austrian FA

Liverpool FC’s Michael Beale

been appointed as

was supervised by CAF

President Leo Windtner. “It is

and Stuart Ferrier from the

head coach of the Algerian

Executive Committee member

a great honour for a coach to

sportscotland institute of

national team following their

Suleiman Hassan Waberi and

manage the Austrian national

sport. Whilst the club leaders

unsuccessful bid to qualify for

FIFA Regional Development

team. I am looking forward to

heard from Peter Davidson

the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Manager David Fani.

the task and to working with

of the Links Park Community

Russia. Algeria were knocked

the players and I am convinced

Trust and Greig Mailer,

out of World Cup contention

that together we will be a

the Scottish FA’s recently

after failing to win any of their

success,” said Foda.

appointed Head of Marketing

first five matches in a difficult

and Communications. Scottish

Group B, which paired them

FA Coach Education Manager

with Nigeria, Zambia and

Greig Paterson said: “This

Cameroon. Les Fennecs have

Football is helping

type of conference was the

turned to experienced coach

bring a level of

first of its kind delivered by

and former forward Madjer to

the Scottish FA as we seek to

succeed the outgoing Lucas

citizens of Somalia, a country

The Scottish FA

bring best practice from both

Alcaraz to get them back on

that has long been ravaged by

welcomed more than

the domestic game and the

track ahead of the 2019 CAF

upheaval. The end of October

140 club leaders and

Veteran football administrator Kamal Shaddad has been elected president of the Sudan

HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR SOMALI FOOTBALL

happiness to the

wider world of sport to help

Africa Cup of Nations

marked a historic moment

coach developers from all

support the development

qualifiers next year. Madjer,

with the laying of a founda-

parts of the pathway to the

of football in Scotland. We

who had a distinguished

tion stone for the Somali

recent Club and Coach

were treated to a host of

playing career with Porto and

Football Federation’s (SFF)

Development Conference at

interesting presentations with

the Algerian national team as

new premises, the national

the University of Stirling. The

a lot of interesting ideas,

a forward, has coached Les

association having operated in

conference was available to

which I hope can be utilised

Fennecs on two previous

rented offices for over half a

clubs at all levels of the game

by clubs across Scotland.

occasions (1994-1995 and

century. Located in the Horn

and each club was encouraged

This will be the first of many

2001-2002).

of Africa, Somalia has a long

50

/ FIFA 1904

imago

DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE IN SCOTLAND

MADJER TAKES CHARGE OF ALGERIA

association with football

the 2018 FIFA World Cup

players through an advanced

EXCEL System in 2014, player

dating all the way back to

Russia. A 2-1 defeat away to

curriculum. Talented U-14 to

development progress has

1951, but never before has the

Trinidad and Tobago on 10

U-18 players will be offered a

improved across all age

governing body had premises

October, combined with

comprehensive training

groups, and a significant

to call its own. The new

Honduras and Panama’s

programme aligned to Canada

number of youth players have

headquarters are being built

recording victories over Mexico

Soccer’s national curriculum

excelled for Canada Soccer’s

on a portion of land that was

and Costa Rica respectively,

that will provide them with the

women’s national team,

recently donated to the SFF

meant the Stars and Stripes

opportunity to accumulate

including bronze medalists

by the Ministry for Youth

finished fifth in CONCACAF’s

high-quality training hours

Deanne Rose, Kadeisha

and Sport, as announced

Hexagonal standings. It is the

while developing world-class

Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence,

by Minister Hon Khadija

first time the USA have failed

skills across Canada Soccer’s

Rebecca Quinn, and Jessie

Mohamed Diriye. The associa-

to qualify for the World Cup

entire development

Fleming.

tion has indicated their plan

since Mexico 1986. “It is the

programme. The 28 players

to apply for funding from

greatest privilege for any

attending the first intake of

FIFA’s Forward Development

coach to manage their

the Ontario Regional EXCEL

Programme for the new base

country’s national team, and

Super Centre in January will

which is expected to be

as I leave that role today, I am

engage in a full-time pro-

completed next year. “The

honoured and grateful to have

gramme and train or play five

construction of these new

had that opportunity twice in

days per week from January to

headquarters will end more

my career,” said Arena, who

June in a “best with best”

National coach and

than half a century of the

coached the USA at Korea/

environment with national

former national

Somali Football Federation

Japan 2002 and Germany

and internationally licensed

team captain,

serving in rented offices,” said

2006 during his first stint as

coaches, while attending Bill

Jamal Abu Abed (photo) has

SFF President Abdiqani Said

national team manager.

Crothers Secondary School.

been officially appointed as

Arab. “This will be the first

“Canada Soccer’s EXCEL

head coach of the men’s

building owned by the associ-

Program was designed to

senior national team for the

ation in its whole history. It is

ensure Canada is consistently

upcoming phase. Abu Abed

producing female soccer

was introduced to the media

players with the necessary

in a press conference that took

skillset by design, rather than

place at the Jordan Football

by chance,” said John Herdman,

Association headquarters.

being built thanks to the new development initiatives created by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The headquarters

CANADA SOCCER LAUNCHES DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

will be home to the entire

Canada Soccer has

Canada Soccer’s Women’s

Jordan FA General Secretary

football family of Somalia.

partnered with

National Program Director and

Sizar Soubar stressed that the

Ontario Soccer,

Women’s National Team Head

appointment of Abu Abed was

Having more space to work will help the development of

Own the Podium, Sport

Coach. “By cementing the

football in the country.”

Canada, the Canadian Sport

connection between Regional

Institute Ontario, and Bill

EXCEL Centres across the

Crothers Secondary School in

nation, Canada Soccer’s

Markham, Ontario, to launch

National EXCEL Program and

its third Regional EXCEL (REX)

the Women’s National Team

Super Centre in Canada. The

Program, Canada Soccer is

Bruce Arena has

Ontario Regional EXCEL Super

aligning Canada’s talent pool

stepped down from

Centre will be launched in

to ensure talent is identified

his role as USA head

January 2018 and provide

and nurtured so players have

coach. Arena’s decision to

Canada’s top youth talent with

a clear pathway towards

resign as national team

a centralised daily training

representing our nation on

manager comes after the

environment that supports

the international stage.” Since

country failed to qualify for

Canada’s elite female youth

the inception of the Women’s

ARENA RESIGNS AS USA COACH

JFA

ABU ABED APPOINTED AS JORDAN HEAD COACH

FIFA 1904 /

51

FIFA CHIEF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL OFFICER VISITS AIFF

not temporary, stating that the

head coach’s seat for the

Jordan FA, represented by its

Green Falcons. Bauza’s first

Executive Committee, as well

task will be to prepare the

as President HRH Prince Ali Bin

team for the World Cup next

Al Hussein, had put their faith

summer, where they are

Representatives of

Grassroots Programmes and

in the national coach to lead

returning to the world finals

the All India Football

it is refreshing to see how

the Nashama in the upcoming

for the first time since 2006.

Federation (AIFF) met

young girls are being encour-

period of time. For his part,

The 59-year-old coach will be

FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football

aged to take up football.

Jordan FA Technical Director

the fourth South American to

Officer Sarai Bareman at the

Organising school-level

Belhassan Maloush welcomed

take charge of Saudi Arabia

AIFF headquarters in New

tournaments is the next big

the appointment of Abu Abed

at a World Cup, following in

Delhi to discuss the progress

step in ensuring that the

and stressed that Abu Abed

the footsteps of Jorge Solari

of women’s football in India.

development in women’s

would be leading the national

(at USA 1994), Carlos Alberto

The AIFF briefed the FIFA

football penetrates deep

team in the upcoming AFC

Parreira (at France 1998) and

Chief Women’s Football

within the grassroots,” she

Asian Cup finals in the UAE in

Marcos Paqueta (at Germany

Officer on the roadmap for

added. The AIFF launched the

2019. The newly appointed

2006).

women’s football in India and

Indian Women’s League early

head coach expressed his

discussed at length possible

this year, wherein six teams

delight to take charge of the

methods to ensure rapid

vied for a place in history.

national team, and made it

progression in women’s

Eastern Sporting Union

football. “Women’s football in

defeated Rising Students 3-0

India is clearly on the rise with

in the final to become the

the AIFF launching a domestic

first team to win the Indian

league (Indian Women’s

Women’s League.

clear that he would be making changes in the planning and squad in the upcoming phase, in order to meet the expectations of Jordanian fans.

COACHING STUDY PROGRAMME IN JAPAN The Japan Football

League),” said Bareman.

“The AIFF has linked the FIFA Live Your Goals project very efficiently with the AIFF

Association invited five coaches each from Cambodia and Myanmar as part of a joint project with the

AIFF

BAUZA TO LEAD SAUDI ARABIA AT WORLD CUP

Japan Foundation Asia Center to a coaching study programme specialised for

Argentinian head

youth development. The youth

coach Edgardo

coaches visited Japan from

Bauza has replaced

22 September to 1 October.

Bert van Marwijk as head

Since both football associations

coach of Saudi Arabia and will

have been focusing on youth

lead the team to next summer’s

development in recent years,

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

they were keen to join the

Bauza was named head coach

programme which was

of the UAE back in May 2017,

arranged in cooperation with

and oversaw a 1-1 draw in

the JFA Academy and Omiya

Thailand, 2-1 victory over

Ardija (a J1 League club). Two

Saudi Arabia and 1-0 defeat

of the overseas coaches from

by Iraq in World Cup qualifiers

Japan, Ohara Kazunori

during his time with the UAE.

(Technical Director of Football

Bauza and the UAE FA were

Federation of Cambodia),

able to reach a mutual

and Koga Takuma (Coach of

agreement with the Saudis for

Myanmar Academy) also

the Argentinian to take the

joined the programme.

FIFA 1904 /

53

THEN

1958 BJÄRREDS SALTSJÖBAD, SWEDEN

imago

Table tennis at a World Cup training base: Germany’s manager Helmut Schön and Horst Eckel against Aki Schmidt and Herbert Erhardt (left to right). Horst Szymaniak (in light trousers) and Hans Cieslarczyk look on.

54

/ FIFA 1904

NOW

2017 SĂƒO PAULO, BRAZIL

Miguel Schincariol/AFP

Teqball perfection: Brazilian players Gabriel Jesus, Dani Alves, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho (left to right) after training for a World Cup qualifier.

FIFA 1904 /

55

A FIFA LEGEND’S CAREER

It was often said that Nwankwo Kanu was an unpredictable player, with opponents never sure what he would do next. The two-time African Footballer of the Year, who was the captain of the Nigeria side that won Olympic gold in 1996 and scored two crucial goals in the semi-final against Brazil, was also known for his excellent technique. His success with clubs such as Ajax, Internazionale and Arsenal paved the way for the next generation of African players to follow in his footsteps in Europe.

1993-1996 Ajax 3 league titles, 1 Champions League, 1 Intercontinental Cup. 54 games, 25 goals.

“I was enjoying myself, playing African football, dribbling, entertaining and displaying all my skills. But Louis van Gaal came to me and said, ‘Hey, listen, this is business. Every team needs to have their pattern and you have to follow the pattern.’

1992-1993 Iwuanyanwu Nationale

Ajax was like a school and I am glad that I went to that school.” Nwankwo Kanu

1996-1999 Internazionale 1 UEFA Cup. 12 games, 1 goal.

1 league title. 25 games, 15 goals.

After a medical examination reveals a

Kanu’s goals fire the team to the league

heart problem, football has to take a

title and secure his place in Nigeria’s squad

back seat for a while. Faced with the

for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Golden

possibility of never playing football

Eaglets go all the way in Japan, defeating

again, Kanu goes under the knife and

Ghana in the final, and Kanu catches the

makes his comeback in 1997.

eye of many top European clubs.

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD...

1992

1993

1996

The Toronto Blue Jays

Queen Elizabeth II decides to

US rapper Tupac

become the first-ever

open up Buckingham Palace’s

Shakur is shot and

team from outside the

state rooms to visitors for eight

dies from his injuries

USA to win baseball’s

weeks a year. All tickets for the

six days later.

World Series.

next three years are promptly snapped up shortly after going on sale.

56

/ FIFA 1904

“My best moment was at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta because we were the first African country to reach the final of the Olympics and win it.”

1999-2004 Arsenal 2 league titles, 2 FA Cups.

119 games, 37 goals.

If one game cemented Kanu’s reputation as a super-sub, then it was Chelsea v. Arsenal in 1999. The Gunners are 2-0 down when

Nwankwo Kanu

Kanu comes off the bench to turn the match on its head with a 15-minute hat-trick. His strike to make it 3-2 is Kanu in a nutshell: technique, ingenuity and artistic perfection.

2004-2006 West Bromwich Albion 58 games, 9 goals.

If you want to know what kind of impression Kanu made on West Brom, just look at where their fans hail from. On the club’s social media platforms, the vast majority of Baggies supporters come from the UK. In second place? Fans from Nigeria.

2006-2012 Portsmouth 1 FA Cup. 141 games, 20 goals.

During his time at Pompey, the Nigerian striker writes himself into club folklore with the goal that clinches the FA Cup in 2008, a feat that earns him a new nickname: “King Kanu”.

“SpongeBob SquarePants“ airs on

2006

Nickelodeon for the first time,

Google purchases YouTube

going on to spawn numerous

for USD 1.65 billion.

Illustration: Tobias Göbel

1999

movies, video games, comic books and a wide range of merchandise.

2004 George W. Bush is elected US President for a second and final four-year term.

FIFA 1904 /

57

PHOTO ARCHIVE

World Cup draw in good hands FIFA President Jules Rimet (left) holds the urn so that his grandson can draw the teams for the 1938 World 58

/ FIFA 1904

AFP

Cup in France (Paris, 5 May 1938).

FIFA 1904 /

59

Š Mordillo Foundation. All rights reserved. Licensed by Rubinstein Royalty Management B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands; www.mordillo.com; Illustration provided by Rubinstein Royalty Management B.V., Mordillo Worldwide Licensing, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

MORDILLO

FIFA 1904 /

61

INNOVATIONS

RECYCLING FOOTBALL PITCHES What do you do with old artificial turf pitches that are past their sell-by date?

FIFA is setting an example by recycling them.

By Perikles Monioudis Remember the old days when football pitches were so heavy that

surface, which means that it has become vital to worldwide

even wearing boots with extra-long studs couldn’t guarantee

football development.

that your feet wouldn’t get stuck in the mud at a vital moment in the game? Or playing as a kid on clay-type surfaces that were

Work has recently been completed on relaying the surface of

rutted with holes, and screw-in studs provided precious little grip?

FIFA’s artificial turf pitch at its headquarters in Zurich. It is just one

The 1954 World Cup final in Switzerland is a famous example of

of 3,437 such FIFA-certified pitches in 149 countries that have

the former, while the latter evokes memories of the type of

been installed since 2006.

rough-and-ready neighbourhood pitch beloved of kids looking for a kick-about.

As the normal life of artificial turf is around eight years, operators around the world are starting to wonder how to dispose of their

Such pitches are fast becoming a thing of the past thanks to

old turf. In FIFA’s case, rather than throw it away after years of

artificial turf, which was used for some World Cup qualifying

sterling service, the decision was made to recycle it.

many leagues and cups are also won and lost on such surfaces.

In its environmental impact study, FIFA also explains how to

But the reason they are so popular is that they can be used

dispose of artificial turf elsewhere in the world in a more

anywhere in the world, thus adding to the game’s global appeal.

environmentally friendly way that enables 99% of the materials

Thanks to artificial turf, more children and adults alike can

to be recycled, thus consigning even the happiest memories of

experience the enjoyment that comes from playing on a decent

boggy pitches to oblivion.

Good for the environment 99% of the artificial turf at the Home of FIFA is being recycled.

62

/ FIFA 1904

FIFA

matches and has even featured in a Women’s World Cup, and

FANS

“I CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH ICELAND” Fans have the last word: after the Final Draw in Moscow, Luis Arredondo Jiménez from Costa Rica is licking his lips ahead of next year’s World Cup. Recorded by Annette Braun

I get goosebumps whenever I think

I’ve followed the national league, the

about Brazil 2014. It was a tournament

national team and clubs like Juventus,

that changed the history of my country,

Barcelona and Real Madrid right from the

Costa Rica. We took the world by

start. Players like Alessandro Del Piero,

surprise by reaching the quarter-finals

Robert Pires and David Beckham were

and only lost in a penalty shoot-out to

my heroes.

the Netherlands. Expectations of us will be high next year, and nobody will

Some of my most treasured memories

underestimate us any more, which is

involve football – like the 2002 World

why it’s going to be tough to reach the

Cup, where Costa Rica were the only

quarters again, but I hope we can do it.

team to score twice against Brazil, who went on to become champions, or the

The Final Draw gave us a taste of things

opening match in 2006 against hosts

to come at the World Cup – all of the

Germany. There will be new memories

emotions, the people, the dreams –

to come in Russia, that’s for sure. Brazil

that’s what makes this tournament great.

I can’t wait to watch Iceland, who were pretty impressive in qualification. I’m

At the hallowed Bernabéu Luis Arredondo Jiménez at the home of his beloved Real Madrid.

and France have a very good chance of winning, but Germany must be the favourites. Joachim Löw could field four

looking forward to seeing Panama’s

teams of equal quality, with the depth

so-called golden generation at its first

of talent available to him.

World Cup, as well as Egypt, who last qualified 28 years ago. An African team

But regardless of who takes the trophy

could cause an upset with their speed

Ousmane Dembélé take the world by

home, the World Cup will be a football

and ability to play deep.

storm? I have a hunch that the big star

fiesta that will bring people together

could be the Spanish boy wonder Marco

around the world, all of them speaking

Asensio.

one language: that of the beautiful

The World Cup gives young and experi-

HO

enced players alike a platform. How will

game.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

I’ll watch the games on TV and follow

perform in what will probably be their

them on social media, as will most other

last tournament on the global stage, and

people in my country. Football is like a

will rising talents such as Gabriel Jesus,

religion in Costa Rica. As a kid, you live

Kylian Mbappé, Adrien Rabiot and

and breathe it, and I was no different.

FIFA 1904 /

63

COMING UP

PUBLICATION DETAILS: FIFA 1904 – PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FIFA).

FEBRUARY 2018 FILMS AND FOOTBALL

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PUBLISHER FIFA, FIFA-Strasse 20, P.O. Box, 8044 Zurich, Switzerland Phone +41 (0)43 222 7777, fax +41 (0)43 222 7878 PRESIDENT Gianni Infantino SECRETARY GENERAL Fatma Samoura CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Pure emotion!

Football and films have rather a lot in common: they draw huge crowds, provide fantastic entertainment and turn their stars into household names.

Fabrice Jouhaud HEAD OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS Rüdiger Müller CHIEF EDITOR Perikles Monioudis

Our next issue, which will be published on 26 January 2018, will take a closer look at some of the best football films and reveal which actors and directors are big football fans.

STAFF WRITERS Alan Schweingruber (Deputy Editor), Annette Braun ART DIRECTION Marc Salvador PICTURE EDITOR Peggy Knotz LAYOUT Susanne Egli, Linda Schwartz TRANSLATION AND PROOFREADING English: Timo Eugster, Andrew Hurley, Stuart Makin, Milica Sajin; French: Alexandre Adriano, Alexandre Hubert, Alexandre Károlyi, Nicolas Samier, Estelle Valensuela; Spanish: Irene Antolín Pérez, José Ibarra, Juan F. López Vera, Natalia Pita Álvarez;

Stars from different worlds Sylvester Stallone and Pelé on the Escape to Victory set (1981).

»

German: Sandra Locher, Yves-Manuel Méan, Gabriela Straube-Zweifel

PRODUCTION Philipp Mahrer / Hans-Peter Frei PRINTING ZT Medien AG CONTACT feedback-magazine@fifa.org INTERNET www.FIFA.com/Magazine

Reproduction of photographs and articles of FIFA 1904 in whole or in part is only permitted with prior editorial approval and with reference to the source (FIFA 1904, © FIFA 2017).

The editor and staff are not obliged to publish unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

The views expressed in FIFA 1904 are not necessarily those of FIFA. FIFA and the FIFA logo are registered trademarks.

imago

Made and printed in Switzerland.

64

/ FIFA 1904

MY GAME IS FAIR PLAY

Football is a powerful unifying force. Participating in the beautiful game is a joy, but it also means we all have a responsibility: to treat each other with respect and sportsmanship, whether we are players, ofďŹ cials or fans.

What happens on the pitch is not restricted to the touchlines: it can inspire the world.