GABRIEL BATISTUTA
THE FIFA LEGEND ON HIS ADVENTURES ABROAD
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
NEW GIRLS’ TOURNAMENTS IN CHINA AND LAOS
FIFA WORLD FOOTBALL MUSEUM
PANINI STICKERS PROVE THEIR CULTURAL WORTH
FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP
ENGLAND WIN FIRST WORLD CUP FOR 51 YEARS
RUSSIA
A FEAST FOR FANS JULY / AUGUST 2017
WWW.FIFA.COM/MAGAZINE
ENGLISH EDITION
GRASSROOTS
FIFA inspiring girls and boys to play football. FIFA’s Grassroots programme is the core foundation of our development mission, aimed at encouraging girls and boys around the world to play and enjoy football without restrictions. Grassroots focuses on the enjoyment of the game trough small-sided team games, and teaching basic football technique, exercise and fair play.
For more information visit FIFA.com
EDITORIAL
RUSSIA IN RAPTURES Russia loves football, Russia lives for football. If anyone doubted the passion of fans in the world’s biggest country, they needed only to look at the crowds that flocked to the FIFA Confederations Cup and put on such a colourful display with Mexican waves and chants for all eight teams. Their passion and enthusiasm was infectious right from the start, when FIFA President Gianni Infantino was applauded for opening the tournament in Russian: “Dorogie druz’ya [Dear friends], dobro pozhalovat [welcome]!“ The Confederations Cup was a start full of so much promise in the countdown towards the World Cup this time next year. FIFA 1904 also travelled to Russia to get a feel for the joyful atmosphere first hand, and also heard some equally compelling reasons for fans to attend the World Cup next year – from the CEO of
Illustration: Mario Wagner
the Local Organising Committee and from a street artist on Saint Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospect, from a voluntary youth coach and from a Russian player outside a stadium dressing room. Read our report starting on page 8. Perikles Monioudis
FIFA 1904 /
1
CONTENTS
CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2017
24
FIRST LOVE
Saint-Pierre, Italy.
FIFA/COCA-COLA MEN’S WORLD RANKING
16
28
INTERVIEW
SOCIAL MEDIA
32
COOL STADIUM
The first stadium to be completed for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has opened its doors and allayed all concerns that the heat could be a problem in five years’ time.
“Who should your club sign this transfer window?” Our readers give their opinions.
Gabriel Batistuta achieved legendary status in Argentina and Italy. He talks to FIFA 1904 about his foreign odyssey, the striker position and Argentina’s title drought.
19
Superstar Lionel Messi at the barber’s.
SNAPSHOT
Iran and coach Queiroz: a seemingly inseparable couple who are on the way up.
26
The two-week FIFA tournament is more than just a warm-up for the World Cup. We report from Moscow and Saint Petersburg about white nights, convivial beer gardens and well-travelled fans.
Panini (2), PRESSE SPORTS, FIFA 1904 (2), Mike Hewitt / FIFA via Getty Images
8
YOUNG BLOOD
The FIFA U-20 World Cup in Korea Republic resulted in a historic victory for England, their first world title win since 1966. Could this be the birth of a new golden generation?
FIFA/COCA-COLA WOMEN’S WORLD RANKING
6
Jordan have climbed two places – and are setting their sights firmly on the 2019 World Cup in France.
20
FIFA NEWS
FIFA’s most recent investments in world football.
4
42
54 COVER PICTURE
As this month’s cover illustrates, Russia is an enticing destination for fans all over the world. Illustration: Mario Wagner
2
/ FIFA 1904
46
36
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
46
THEN AND NOW
From Bayreuth (1977) to Asunción (2015).
34
THE OVERHEAD KICK
Successful exponents of the art score spectacular goals and thrill fans – but what is the overhead kick, actually?
STATISTICS BENFICA
58
The Portuguese giants are aiming to rejoin the global elite. How good were they? We take a look back at Benfica’s salad days.
FIFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS
Snippets from around the world.
62
PANINI COLLECTORS
Visitors to the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich can feast their eyes on over 4,000 stickers (going back as far as the 1970 World Cup). A report on collectors, faces and sideburns.
54
52
42
Three-step procedure against discrimination – President Gianni Infantino: “At times, the FIFA U-20 World Cup felt like an authentic glimpse of how football may look in the future. And, I must say, it looked rather fascinating to me.”
PHOTO ARCHIVE
College room-mates: a snap from 1993 shows four soon-to-be-famous football stars taking a stroll in North Carolina.
CELEBRATION
Australia’s Socceroos shortly before qualifying for Brazil 2014.
64
DEBATE – PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Facts and figures on the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
40
50
“I saw older girls, how they played football and enjoyed the game, and I desperately wanted to join in.” The experience of 15-year-old Phonethip from Laos is typical of girls in East and South East Asia. U-15 tournaments for girls have now been held.
PUBLICATION DETAILS
28
36
FIFA 1904 app
FIFA 1904 appears monthly in four languages and is also available as an app for smartphones and tablets http://www.fifa.com/mobile FIFA 1904 /
3
FIFA NEWS
In 2016, FIFA conducted a global youth football survey in which 178 of its member associations took part. One of the survey’s findings was that despite the prevalence of national youth teams, the number of national youth leagues is still low. FIFA is responding to the results by stepping up its efforts under the Forward Development Programme to ensure that boys and girls can fulfil their potential, an objective enshrined in the FIFA 2.0 strategy. The FIFA Quality Programme, which sets internationally recognised industry standards for products, technolo gies and pitches, will be represented at the 2017 International Trade Fair for Amenity Areas, Sports and Pool Facilities in Cologne from 7 to 10 November 2017 by a team armed with a whole wealth of informa
A number of
tion about football turf. The One Turf Concept will
workshops have already been
also be presented at the IAKS Congress taking place
held around the world under the
at the same time, where local authorities, cities and
umbrella of the FIFA Forward Programme to
architects in particular will have an opportunity
make sure that member associations are up to
to discover the minimum criteria in terms
speed with the new funding opportunities avail
of safety and playing conditions where
able. The first seminar was held in Paraguay in
football turf pitches are to be used
November 2016, and involved ten South American
for multiple sports.
associations. This was followed by further workshops in Jamaica, Ireland, Egypt, Thailand and Fiji. “This workshop was very useful for us to better under FIFA has published
stand the philosophy of Forward and how to
its new Human Rights
prepare our contract of agreed objectives,”
Policy, which was approved by
enthused Joseph Boso, acting CEO of
the FIFA Council in May. Among the
the Solomon Islands Football
policy’s key planks are monitoring and
Association.
enforcement mechanisms for workers’ rights on stadium construction sites and the creation of a Human Rights Advisory Board comprising experts from the UN, trade unions, society stake holder groups and FIFA sponsors. 4
/ FIFA 1904
Illustration: Julien Pacaud FIFA 1904 /
5
1 USA
+ / – Points
Rank Team
+ / – Points
Rank Team
+ / – Points
Rank Team
+ / – Points
Rank Team
FIFA/COCA-COLA WOMEN´S WORLD RANKING 13
2118
55 Iran
-7
1411
109 Kosovo
0
1015
Dominica **
0
900
2 Germany
3
2111
56 Israel
0
1410
110 Bangladesh
0
1003
Liberia **
0
877
3 France
4
2076
57 Peru
-3
1409
111 Sri Lanka
0
971
Mozambique **
0
873
4 Canada
10
2027
58 Slovenia
5
1408
112 Tanzania
0
960
Kuwait **
0
870
5 England
2
2024
59 Turkey
0
1407
113 Maldives
0
959
British Virgin Islands **
0
867
6 Japan
4
1981
60 Northern Ireland
-1
1404
114 Syria
-6
921
Qatar **
0
864
7 Australia
0
1976
60 India
0
1404
115 Rwanda
0
908
US Virgin Islands **
0
852
8 Brazil
10
1971
62 Venezuela
10
1388
116 Afghanistan
0
884
Cayman Islands **
0
849
9 Sweden
-21
1956
63 Bosnia and Herzegovina
-4
1387
117 Iraq
-9
873
Malawi **
0
838
10 Korea DPR
-4
1949
64 Côte d'Ivoire
11 Norway
-2
1924
65 Greece
12 Netherlands
-5
1918
13 Spain
0
14 China PR 15 Denmark
0
1386
118 Kenya
0
857
Swaziland **
0
836
-6
1370
119 Uganda
0
836
Lesotho **
0
836
66 Kazakhstan
7
1362
120 Bhutan
0
771
Curaçao **
0
831
1885
67 Azerbaijan
0
1353
121 Andorra
-1
748
Belize **
0
825
-7
1875
68 Bulgaria
1
1345
122 Botswana
0
732
Antigua and Barbuda **
0
767
2
1872
69 Hong Kong
-21
1323
Argentina **
0
1621
Aruba **
0
745
16 Korea Republic
21
1871
70 Faroe Islands
29
1318
Paraguay **
0
1459
Turks and Caicos Islands **
0
704
17 Switzerland
-8
1858
71 Philippines
3
1315
Ecuador **
0
1451
Timor-Leste *
0
991
5
1841
72 Tunisia
0
1313
Haiti **
0
1372
Macau *
0
889
-8
1829
73 Morocco
0
1299
Panama **
0
1363
Libya *
0
883
0
1827
74 Guatemala
0
1297
Uruguay **
0
1361
Comoros *
0
761
-5
1788
75 Albania
1
1296
Jamaica **
0
1352
Madagascar *
0
714
22 Belgium
3
1756
76 Algeria
0
1283
Indonesia **
0
1321
Burundi *
0
519
22 Colombia
0
1756
77 Guam
0
1282
Fiji **
0
1292
Mauritius *
0
335
18 Italy 19 Iceland 20 New Zealand 21 Scotland
24 Austria
-3
1746
78 Bahrain
-10
1278
Laos **
0
1273
25 Russia
2
1738
79 Guyana
0
1274
Tonga **
0
1258
26 Mexico
0
1733
80 Malaysia
-2
1262
New Caledonia **
0
1252
27 Ukraine
-8
1718
81 Egypt
0
1256
Tahiti **
0
1238
-8
1704
82 Senegal
29 Thailand
17
1669
83 United Arab Emirates
30 Poland
19
1657
84 Montenegro
0
1248
Cuba **
0
1217
-23
1242
Congo **
0
1206
4
1226
Dominican Republic **
0
1191
** Inactive for more than 18 months and therefore not ranked.
28 Finland
-1
1645
85 Estonia
-45
1221
Benin **
0
1187
14
1644
86 Zimbabwe
0
1217
Cook Islands **
0
1185 1152
33 Republic of Ireland
3
1635
86 Bolivia
0
1217
Suriname **
0
34 Nigeria
0
1613
88 Mali
0
1216
Honduras **
0
1152
35 Wales
1
1612
89 Moldova
41
1215
Solomon Islands **
0
1144
40
1211
Vanuatu **
0
1139
0
1198
Samoa **
0
1138
36 Czech Republic
0
1610
90 Latvia
37 Romania
-1
1609
91 El Salvador
38 Portugal
0
1590
92 Lithuania
-43
1181
Angola **
0
1134
39 Hungary
-3
1578
92 Palestine
-11
1181
Kyrgyzstan **
0
1134
40 Chile
3
1562
94 Malta
8
1179
Sierra Leone **
0
1132
41 Uzbekistan
9
1557
95 Puerto Rico
0
1156
Congo DR **
0
1132
42 Chinese Taipei
-6
1553
96 Georgia
5
1145
Armenia **
0
1104
43 Slovakia
-9
1549
97 Ethiopia
0
1143
American Samoa **
0
1075
44 Serbia
-10
1137
Eritrea **
0
1060
2
1136
Gabon **
0
1052
-33
1125
St Vincent and the Grenadines **
0
1000 989
-3
1535
98 Singapore
45 Myanmar
9
1533
99 Nepal
46 Ghana
0
1499
47 Trinidad and Tobago
6
100 Luxembourg
-10
1484
101 Cyprus
-3
1120
St Lucia **
0
47 Cameroon
0
1484
102 Guinea
0
1077
Barbados **
0
979
49 Papua New Guinea
0
1473
103 Nicaragua
0
1073
Lebanon **
0
949
50 Jordan
39
1462
104 FYR Macedonia
0
1069
Bermuda **
0
943
51 Belarus
-11
1452
105 Burkina Faso
0
1060
St Kitts and Nevis **
0
942
52 Equatorial Guinea
0
1446
106 Zambia
0
1038
Guinea-Bissau **
0
927
53 South Africa
0
1444
107 Namibia
0
1026
Pakistan **
0
926
54 Croatia
7
1422
108 Tajikistan
1018
Grenada **
0
914
/ FIFA 1904
* Provisionally listed due to not having played more than five matches against officially ranked teams.
31 Costa Rica 32 Vietnam
Last updated: 23 June 2017
Learning curve Jordan (pictured: captain Stephanie al-Naber, left, and striker Abeer al-Nahar, centre) lost their first meeting with Algeria 1-0 but fought back to win the second match 3-2.
MOVING ON UP
LEADER USA
It is not even a year since the eyes of the
Two friendlies against Algeria in mid-June
football world turned towards Jordan as it
provided the perfect example of Jordan’s
hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup,
ability to learn. After narrowly losing the
the first major international women’s football
first match 1-0, the Jordanians bounced
tournament in the Middle East. Even though
back from two goals down in the second
the home team lost all three of their group
game to seal a 3-2 win on the back of some
games, they gained a great deal from playing
aggressive pressing and assured possession
in front of their fans and collected vital
football with goals from Shahnaz Jibreen,
experience for the future. The next highlight
Maysa Jabarah and Luna al-Momani.
for this football-mad kingdom is less than
The win also saw Jordan gain ground in
12 months away because in April 2018,
the women’s world ranking, breaking into
Jordan will be the setting for the Women’s
the top 50 for the first-ever time.
Asian Cup, a tournament that will determine the five AFC teams that will head to France
Their climb has naturally stirred up even
for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in 2019.
more interest in the team’s fortunes but it has also given rise to fresh hopes, particularly that they will be able to take the next
2018 qualifiers, which will be their second
step next year and qualify for their first
appearance in this important competition
Women’s World Cup. It’s fair to say that
after previously featuring in 2014. Expect
Jordan do not merely want to be good
ations are now high – not only for new coach
hosts – they also have their sights set on
Michael Dickey, but also for the players
making history on the pitch.
Jordan Football Association
As hosts, Jordan will take their place in those
themselves, who have come on in leaps and
MOVES INTO TOP TEN NONE MOVES OUT OF TOP TEN NONE MATCHES PLAYED IN TOTAL 116 MOST MATCHES PLAYED BAHRAIN, GREECE, IRAQ, JORDAN, KOREA DPR, PHILIPPINES, TAJIKISTAN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (5) BIGGEST MOVE BY RANKS NO COUNTRY IMPROVED BY MORE THAN 2 RANKS BIGGEST DROP BY RANKS LITHUANIA AND LUXEMBOURG (down 10 ranks)
Annette Braun
bounds in recent years, rising to the occasion and eagerly tackling the challenges that come their way.
http://www.fifa.com/worldranking FIFA 1904 /
7
RUSSIA
White night in Saint Petersburg The scene by the Palace Bridge on the Neva at one in the morning.
RARING TO GO
Russians can’t wait for the World Cup – and FIFA 1904 also saw enough on its trip to recommend that fans around the world think about planning their trip for next summer as soon as possible. By Perikles Monioudis (text) and Sergey Maximishin (photos) in Saint Petersburg and Moscow 8
/ FIFA 1904
It’s summertime in Saint Petersburg, and the impressive World Cup stadium on Krestovsky Island, a stone’s throw from the heart of the city, is bathed in afternoon sunshine. The spanking-new arena is accessed by foot through parkland with large ponds and shady groves of birch peopled by bathers, picnickers and barbecuers. In the distance, the glittering Baltic Sea stretches as far as the eye can see. FIFA 1904 /
9
RUSSIA
-
Calm before the storm The Saint Petersburg metro seems eerily quiet on match free days.
Not far from the stadium is a restaurant with the highly descriptive name of “Russian Fishery”, where customers can
ALEXEY SOROKIN: “EXPERIENCE OUR RICH CULTURE!”
take the weight off their feet and scan the menu in comfort.
Deep inside the impressive Saint Peters
Here, you can catch your own fish – trout, which teem in
burg Stadium, Russia 2018 CEO Alexey
the large, specially created ponds, or carp, which slowly do
Sorokin has just announced to the world’s
their rounds further below. The catch can then be prepared
media that supporters will be able to enter
according to taste.
Russia without a traditional visa by using the Fan ID and travel by train free of
MAKING IT THROUGH THE WHITE NIGHTS
charge between match venues in the country. Outside, the pitch is bathed in morning sunlight.
Strelitz plans to put up a number of long, Oktoberfest style
Sorokin, a qualified linguist, says: “If I had to give one
tables for fans together with the neighbouring “Karl &
reason why the fans should come to Russia, I’d say: because
Friedrich” beer garden, the logo of which features cartoon
of our rich culture.” As with any country, you have to go
depictions of two major figures in Russian history, Karl Marx
there to really discover what it has to offer.
-
For the big event next year, restaurant manager Vladlena
and Friedrich Engels. One is wearing chef’s headgear, the other a Tyrolean hat with feathers, but the scene nonetheless exudes an air of relaxed professionalism. Vladlena proudly informs us that all fans are guaranteed to be served within five minutes. 10
/ FIFA 1904
Brotherhood of fans Chileans and Russians travelling to the stadium together.
SALEKS: “THE FANS WILL GIVE US SOMETHING NEW!”
Such a short period doesn’t come into the equation when it comes to exploring the city on days when there are no
The artist known as Saleks (real name
matches, of course. Visitors may care to while away the hours
Svetlana) displays her small oil paintings
at the State Hermitage Museum – one of the largest and
on the Nevsky Prospect, the busy
oldest in the world – during the day, and in the evening wind
thoroughfare that runs 4.5km through
their way down Rubenstein Street off the busy thoroughfare
Saint Petersburg’s historic centre, to
of the Nevsky Prospect, which has been a magnet for Russian
potential customers in the form of
artists for a century now and offers an array of eateries to
passers-by. “Why should football fans
choose from. There are also clubs and small rock venues for
come to Russia?” ponders Svetlana, in response to the
the musically inclined.
question. “To give us something new, of course!” She laughs heartily. “I’ve been meaning to try Irish coffee for
To find out how other matches are proceeding, supporters
years now. I love its colours, but what does it actually taste
can visit the capacious Fan Zone, with its attractions and
like? Hopefully I’ll find out soon!”
public viewings, or one of the numerous sports bars in the vicinity, and go dancing in the clubs once the action has finished. Here, partying until dawn takes on a different meaning, as during the white nights of June, the concept of “dawn” doesn’t really exist, the sun only disappearing briefly. The light has a magical quality to it, lending the city a FIFA 1904 /
11
RUSSIA
Ubiquitous Zabivika Seen here in Moscow’s Red Square, the Official Mascot certainly gets around.
romantic ambience. Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1848 White Nights novella, about a 17-year-old girl and outsider called Nastenka,
VLADIMIR GABULOV: “RUSSIA IS BEAUTIFUL – IN EVERY WAY!”
describes this summer spell in vivid detail.
When Vladimir Gabulov won the UEFA Cup – the precursor to the Europa League
SBORNAYA FEVER
– in 2005 with CSKA Moscow, the then
A four-hour journey away by express train, Chilean fans are
21-year-old was behind the even-younger
already congregating on Moscow’s famous Red Square in
Igor Akinfeev in the goalkeeping pecking
the early morning. “Chi-chi-chi, le-le-le, viva Chile!” chant
order. Akinfeev and Zenit St Petersburg
some 12,000 red-clad La Roja fans, who have travelled from
legend Vyacheslav Malafeev were both
the far corners of Europe as well as their homeland to follow
also preferred to him at national level too, restricting
their team. They pose outside the Kremlin for selfies with
Gabulov’s appearances for the Sbornaya. Now, however,
passers-by and some of the many volunteers – not forgetting
the veteran shot-stopper is back in the international fold,
World Cup mascot Zabivaka, a friendly wolf in football kit
and delighted at the prospect of turning out for his country
who embodies the Russians’ hopes that the Sbornaya will
again. “Russia offers a great deal of beauty – in every way,”
create an upset on home soil. The team last gave its fans
laughs Gabulov outside the Russian team’s dressing room
something to shout about at EURO 2008, where it overcame
in Saint Petersburg Stadium. “The fans won’t be able to
the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, but disappointment
miss it!”
has reigned ever since, especially at EURO 2016. Striker Fedor Smolov – who netted in the opening Confederations Cup 12
/ FIFA 1904
Hands across the water Cameroon and Chile fans shake hands in a spirit of camaraderie.
VARIK: “THE FANS WILL EXPERIENCE THE HEART AND SOUL OF RUSSIAN FOOTBALL!”
match against New Zealand (2-0) – summarised the situation thus at the post-match press conference: “We
Tucked away just off Lenin Street in the heart
have a very difficult target at the Confederations Cup – to
of Saint Petersburg is a small football pitch,
make the Russian people fall in love with the national
where Changyan Varazdat is coaching local
team again.” Clearly, everyone is striving towards that
boys on the artificial turf. When the lads are
goal.
not addressing the 26-year-old, who graduated and works in economics, as “Sir”, they call him
TOGETHER IN DIVERSITY
“Varik”, and he in turn treats the youngsters
Russia, the world’s biggest country, is a multi-ethnic nation
with respect. “There’s no booze or cigarettes here – the only
with people of many different faiths living side by side.
drug is football,” he remarks in the tiny office of the modest
What better opportunity for FIFA to launch a three-step
clubhouse. “However big a footballer becomes, he always starts
plan to combat discrimination for the first time in an official
off small. Playing on rough-and-ready pitches is key.” He is
tournament? Referees now have the power to stop the
looking forward to the World Cup. “The fans should come to
match in the event of derogatory chants in the stands or
Russia – they’ll meet like-minded people who love the game.
remarks to players, coaches or officials and request a public
We play football with our heart and soul, even though the
announcement to insist that the discriminatory behaviour
Russian team still has a long way to go.”
cease. If this does not work, they can suspend the match, and in a third step even abandon it. There are now also three observers among the fans. FIFA 1904 /
13
RUSSIA
Grassroots Youngsters in the makeshift “dressing room” of a tiny downtown football facility.
Another innovation has had a positive response: the use of video assistant
ROB ASPERHEIM: “A DECENT PUB ON EVERY CORNER!”
referees (VARs). “What fans have been
Becoming a volunteer at the 2018 World Cup isn’t completely
waiting for over so many years is finally
straightforward – you have to have something to offer. Rob
happening,” said Gianni Infantino after
Asperheim from Washington DC and Laurent Cabanes from
the first major VAR decision in Russia.
Paris certainly tick the boxes, as both of them – like many other
“Video assistant refereeing is the future
volunteers – have taken three weeks off and booked flights for
of modern football.”
Russia to do their bit in the hope that the Confederations Cup, and especially the World Cup, will be a resounding success.
Football history is being written in Russia.
Rob (wearing the jacket in the photo) is an event manager who wants to learn
Portuguese fan Martim, who has travelled
as much as he can for his job back in the States, while management controller
to Moscow from Porto with his wife and
Laurent’s main focus is on the unique experience of the trip, along with the
child, says: “We’ve just met a group of
educational benefits that it will bring. Rob nods in agreement: “I’ve been to Russia
Russian fans, who were really friendly.
before. Saint Petersburg is my favourite European city, and I enjoy meeting people
I’m definitely coming back next year.” To
here. Plus there’s a decent pub on every corner – and good beer, too.” Laurent,
the delight of Vladlena and many others,
who is visiting Russia for the fourth time, laughs. “A France v. USA World Cup final?
no doubt.
Now that I wouldn’t mind seeing.”
14
/ FIFA 1904
Flying the flag Unbridled passion in Russia, the largest country in the world.
ALEXEY SMERTIN: “COME TO RUSSIA TO FULLY UNDERSTAND OUR COUNTRY!” Alexey Smertin is one of the leading voices in Russian football when it comes to analysing the beautiful game. The former midfielder and captain of the Russian national team (55 caps from 1998 to 2006) played at the 2002 World Cup and
in 2018 in order to see for themselves a country full of amazing surprises. The World Cup will be an opportunity to combine watching your national team play live with the discovery of a country with a wealth of touristic highlights. The 11 Host Cities are gateways to natural wonders, a vast cultural offering and an array of historical riches.
EURO 2004 as well as for Chelsea, Bordeaux and Fulham.
Alexey, why should people come to Russia for the 2018 World Cup? Alexey Smertin: To answer this question on a very basic level, people should of course come to Russia in the summer of 2018 to witness an incredible festival of football, involving the finest football players in the world, competing for glory on the pitch.
The fans will also experience Russia, the biggest country on earth, first-hand. In a way, this is more important: people should come to Russia for the World Cup in order to fully understand the country. Many people’s perceptions of Russia are based on a false view, often encouraged by the international media. Russia will delight visitors of all nationalities. They will find out for themselves that actually, Russia is full of opportunities for the tourist. And what’s more, Russia loves football!
The fans want to celebrate in the cities, as well. To answer the question in a different way, people should come to Russia
FIFA 1904 /
15
SNAPSHOT
Grooming the groom Lionel Messi and former Argentina team-mate MartĂn Demichelis (right) get a short back and sides before the Barcelona man’s wedding (Rosario, Argentina, 30 June 2017). 16
/ FIFA 1904
AFP / www.messi.com / Andres Preumayr
FIFA 1904 /
17
Driven by e-motion.
plug-in
hybrid
electric
SOCIAL MEDIA FIFA 1904 ASKED ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER “Who should your club sign this transfer window?”
“ARSENAL NEED A LOT OF PLAYERS, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY A TRUE STRIKER. IN MY OPINION, THEY NEED CAVANI.” Ismaeil Abdul Razzaq (Iraq) on Twitter
“REAL MADRID SHOULD SIGN NOBODY BECAUSE OUR CURRENT TEAM IS PERFECT AND THEY HAVE WON TWO UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUES BACK TO BACK.” Rajarshi Mallick (India) on Facebook
“SANTIAGO ARIAS TO SWANSEA. HAVING HIM AND MARTIN OLSSON RUNNING THE FLANKS CROSSING TO LLORENTE IS DEADLY.” Mark Orlowski (USA) on Twitter
“AUBAMEYANG TO LIVERPOOL. ALL LIVERPOOL NEED TO BE AN ATTACKING FORCE IS A TOP-QUALITY STRIKER WHO CAN SCORE GOALS.”
Getty Images
Trent Lethorn (Australia) on Twitter
“RIYAD MAHREZ, HÉCTOR BELLERÍN, VERRATTI OR KANTÉ. BECAUSE THE RIGHT FLANK OF BARCELONA IS EMPTY, AS WE SAW LAST SEASON.” Nitin Bhongade (India) on Facebook
FIFA 1904 /
19
FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP
Echoes of 1966 Top: the young world champions celebrate after beating Venezuela in the final. Right: the class of 1966 with the Jules Rimet Trophy.
YOUNG BLOOD
20
/ FIFA 1904
Fifty-one years is enough by anyone’s standards, but England have finally won another World Cup, even though it may not be “the big one”. Could this be the birth of a new golden generation? By Alan Schweingruber
“We are world champions, and England has waited 51 years to be able to say that again.” Paul Simpson, England U-20 head coach Heroes Bobby Moore is carried around the old Wembley Stadium in 1966 (left); some of England’s substitutes can’t hide their joy as Freddie Woodman saves a penalty.
Some people in England may have been a little envious in early June when many countries in southern Europe basked
Alex Morton / FIFA via Getty Images Chung Sung-Jun / The FA via Getty Images, Popperfoto / Getty Images (2)
in the first heatwave of the summer, with picture after picture of ice creams and dips in cool water flooding social media while England was still making do with a cool breeze and temperatures around 15 degrees. But then, as the sun started to set on Saturday, 10 June, it wasn’t so bad after all because those temperatures are the ideal conditions in which to play – and enjoy – football. And because Scotland failed to upset the apple cart by beating England at home for the first time in 32 years, it was the English who were left celebrating in Glasgow after Harry Kane salvaged a point in the 94th minute, hauling the Three Lions level at 2-2 just four minutes after Leigh Griffiths had fired the home side into a 2-1 lead. Most Scottish fans in Hampden Park had followed the World Cup qualifying action standing up, so their players could certainly not complain about a lack of support. England fans would certainly have savoured their post-match pints that evening, safe in the knowledge that their team is still on course for Russia. And those fans only had to wait a little longer to watch history be made thanks to BBC2’s coverage the next morning of the U-20 World Cup final in Korea Republic, where the Young Lions defeated Venezuela FIFA 1904 /
21
FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP thanks to a solitary Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike. It was a historic
then came the Portuguese, the Italians... Just as damaging as
goal as, to update a rather famous song lyric, it ended 51 years of
those defeats was the mentality that seemed to take root in
hurt. For the first time since 1966, England had won a World Cup.
English players, with opponents often believing that if they could keep the Three Lions at bay for 120 minutes, they almost
SPOT OF JOY
had victory in the bag as the English players – and their fans in
All of that nostalgia aside, the question must be asked – was
the stadium or watching back home – seemed to know what
this the birth of a new golden generation of English players?
was coming next...
Will these U-20 world champions, who are all bidding farewell But, once again, Paul Simpson’s Young Lions did the unexpect
who are able to cut it at the highest level? Perhaps at the 2022
ed. When the referee gave a Venezuela a penalty in the 73rd
or 2026 World Cup?
minute, England fans probably thought “Here we go again”.
to their teenage years, now turn into strong, responsible players
Young goalie Freddie Woodman had obviously not read the Nobody with even a passing interest in football will need any
script though, plunging to his right and showing incredible
reminding about England’s record from the penalty spot in
reflexes to keep out Adalberto Peñaranda’s effort with his left
shootouts, the pain of losing to the Germans at Italia ’90 and
hand. His team-mates immediately mobbed him in celebration,
EURO ’96 on home soil all too fresh in English memories. And
and together they held on for a 1-0 win. Even Prince William
“Will these U-20 world champions, who are all bidding farewell to their teenage years, now turn into strong, responsible players who are able to cut it at the highest level? Perhaps at the 2022 or 2026 World Cup?”
Alright in red or white Celebrations – 51 years apart – in England’s two traditional colours.
22
/ FIFA 1904
Picture perfect Left: Bobby Moore kisses the trophy in 1966; young Ademola Lookman strikes a similar pose in 2017.
was in the mood to celebrate, tweeting: “Huge congratulations to England on winning the U-20 World Cup – high hopes for the future of English football!”
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE The coach, Paul Simpson, was obviously even more effusive in his praise, knowing that – unlike the future king – he had more than 140 characters at his disposal. “I honestly don’t know what it means for English football,” said Simpson, who only took over in March 2017. “But we are trying to
WOODMAN BEST GOALKEEPER
create football players who are capable of being successful
U-20 World Cup – final standings
at senior tournaments. But for the Under-20s it means
1. England
everything. We are world champions and we have waited
2. Venezuela
51 years to be able to say that again as an England team.”
3. Italy
England’s path to glory saw them win six of their seven
4. Uruguay
Alex Morton / FIFA via Getty Images (2), Getty Images (2)
matches, seeing off some tricky opposition, including Italy, Argentina and Mexico, en route to winning the tournament
Host cities
– which, incidentally, was the first FIFA youth tournament
Cheonan, Daejeon, Incheon, Seogwipo, Jeonju, Suwon
with video assistant referees at all matches. No. of goals As the triumphant young Englishmen danced around the
140
pitch in a hot and humid Korea, back home the fans raised another glass to their young heroes. Chief among them
Awards
was national team coach Gareth Southgate, who had a
adidas Golden Ball: Dominic Solanke (England)
keen interest in the match – not only because these players
adidas Golden Boot: Riccardo Orsolini (Italy, 5 goals)
are the future of English football, but also because the
adidas Golden Glove: Freddie Woodman (England)
goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman, is his godson.
FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Mexico FIFA 1904 /
23
Magnum 24
/ FIFA 1904
FIRST LOVE
PLACE Saint-Pierre, Aosta Valley, Italy DATE 26 September 2016 TIME 16:24 PHOTOGRAPHER Steve McCurry
FIFA 1904 /
25
+ / – Points
Rank Team
+ / – Points
Rank Team
+ / – Points
Rank Team
1 Germany
2
1609
54 Montenegro
-2
643
109 Togo
3
296
163 Grenada
1
2 Brazil
-1
1603
56 Côte d'Ivoire
-9
631
110 Finland
-2
293
164 Cuba
1
123
3 Argentina
-1
1413
57 Hungary
-24
616
111 Malawi
6
291
164 Bhutan
2
123
128
10
290
164 Sudan
-6
123
1
288
167 Malaysia
-12
119
4 Portugal
4
1332
58 Scotland
3
612
112 Georgia
5 Switzerland
4
1329
59 Mali
7
607
113 Korea DPR
6 Poland
4
1319
60 Morocco
-4
604
114 Tanzania
25
287
167 Belize
-26
119
7 Chile
-3
1250
61 Saudi Arabia
-8
601
115 Cape Verde Islands
-31
284
169 Singapore
-12
118
8 Colombia
-3
1208
62 Russia
1
590
116 Niger
9 France
-3
1199
63 Albania
3
583
117 Antigua and Barbuda
10 Belgium
-3
1194
64 South Africa
1
581
11 Spain
-1
1114
65 Uzbekistan
-3
579
12 Italy
0
1059
66 Guinea
6
13 England
0
1051
67 Bolivia
14
283
170 Nepal
-1
117
-24
276
171 Laos
1
116
118 Equatorial Guinea
-9
272
172 Aruba
-1
113
119 Central African Republic
10
271
173 Kuwait
-5
111
541
119 Oman
-1
271
173 Cambodia
1
111
6
532
121 Burundi
27
262
175 Indonesia
0
110
-27
258
176 São Tomé e Príncipe
2
98
10
257
177 Dominica
16
90
-35
255
177 Kosovo
-4
90
11
255
179 St Vincent and the Grenadines
-3
88
14 Peru
1
1014
68 Curaçao
2
531
122 New Zealand
15 Croatia
3
1007
69 Venezuela
-11
521
123 Bahrain
16 Mexico
1
1003
70 Israel
-15
512
124 St Kitts and Nevis
17 Uruguay
-1
995
71 Belarus
12
503
124 Lebanon
18 Sweden
16
933
72 Honduras
-3
499
126 Philippines
0
249
180 Fiji
19 Iceland
3
927
73 Armenia
-5
480
127 Kyrgyzstan
5
248
181 Barbados
20 Wales
-7
922
74 Uganda
-3
476
127 Rwanda
1
248
21 Slovakia
0
917
75 United Arab Emirates
0
459
129 Andorra
57
246
22 Northern Ireland
6
897
76 Jamaica
3
442
130 Latvia
-8
242
184 Bermuda
1
72
23 Iran
7
893
77 China PR
5
441
131 Thailand
-4
235
185 American Samoa
4
64
-42
232
185 Cook Islands
4
64
-2
231
185 Djibouti
10
64
-5
62
1
87
-12
84
182 Macau
2
82
183 St Lucia
-6
78
24 Egypt
-4
866
78 Trinidad and Tobago
-1
436
132 Swaziland
25 Ukraine
12
843
79 Qatar
9
435
133 Vietnam
26 Costa Rica
-7
839
80 Azerbaijan
-4
427
134 FYR Macedonia
2
228
188 Guam
27 Senegal
0
831
81 Mauritania
23
425
135 Luxembourg
10
223
188 Brunei Darussalam
0
62
28 Congo DR
11
823
82 Syria
-5
423
136 Ethiopia
-11
215
190 Bangladesh
2
60
29 Republic of Ireland
-3
816
83 Sierra Leone
30
415
137 Turkmenistan
6
214
191 Malta
-9
56
30 Bosnia and Herzegovina
-1
815
84 Kenya
-10
408
138 Lesotho
2
204
191 Liechtenstein
-5
56
31 Ecuador
-7
791
85 Guinea-Bissau
18
407
138 Botswana
-17
204
193 Samoa
-4
53
32 Netherlands
-1
782
86 Congo
-1
399
140 Comoros
4
203
194 Vanuatu
-15
51
33 Turkey
-8
779
87 Libya
5
396
141 Angola
0
201
194 Seychelles
0
51
34 Tunisia
7
764
88 Norway
-1
391
142 Maldives
14
199
196 Timor-Leste
0
42
35 USA
-12
752
89 Madagascar
36 Cameroon
-4
738
90 Faroe Islands
37 Austria
-2
723
38 Greece
2
39 Nigeria 40 Czech Republic
8
380
143 New Caledonia
19
196
197 Sri Lanka
0
34
-10
376
143 South Sudan
4
196
198 Mongolia
-1
30
91 Gabon
-5
373
145 Hong Kong
3
192
199 US Virgin Islands
0
26
716
92 Zambia
7
369
145 Yemen
-21
192
200 Pakistan
0
24
-1
715
93 Benin
-12
366
147 Chinese Taipei
13
185
201 Montserrat
0
20
3
181
202 Turks and Caicos Islands
-1
13
-12
179
202 Cayman Islands
1
13
4
714
94 Palestine
22
364
148 Tahiti
-4
714
95 Cyprus
-4
358
149 Tajikistan
42 Serbia
8
713
96 India
4
341
150 Liberia
1
172
204 San Marino
0
12
42 Romania
4
713
97 Mozambique
9
336
151 Chad
3
168
205 British Virgin Islands
0
6
-3
698
98 Estonia
0
334
152 Puerto Rico
-19
167
206 Anguilla
0
0
45 Australia
3
689
99 Lithuania
5
333
153 Mauritius
-3
166
206 Bahamas
0
0
46 Japan
-1
684
100 Canada
9
331
154 Solomon Islands
26
162
206 Eritrea
0
0
47 Denmark
4
683
101 Zimbabwe
14
324
155 Afghanistan
3
160
206 Gibraltar
0
0
48 Algeria
5
677
102 Guatemala
-7
320
156 Namibia
-62
159
206 Somalia
0
0
49 Haiti
15
667
103 Iraq
17
319
157 Myanmar
6
157
206 Tonga
0
0
50 Ghana
-1
665
103 El Salvador
3
319
158 Moldova
3
154
51 Korea Republic
40 Paraguay
44 Burkina Faso
26
+ / – Points
Rank Team
FIFA/COCA-COLA MEN’S WORLD RANKING
-8
662
105 Nicaragua
-5
312
159 Dominican Republic
-14
144
52 Panama
7
653
106 Kazakhstan
-6
308
160 Guyana
-22
135
53 Slovenia
3
652
107 Suriname
12
305
161 Gambia
6
132
54 Bulgaria
6
643
108 Jordan
1
300
162 Papua New Guinea
-9
130
/ FIFA 1904
Last updated: 6 July 2017
World Cup qualifiers Iran coach Carlos Queiroz after his side’s 2-0 win against Uzbekistan (Tehran, 12 June).
LEADER GERMANY MOVES INTO TOP TEN NONE
THE TIES THAT BIND As relationships go, it’s almost a miracle that
have already qualified for Russia 2018. The
Carlos Queiroz and Iran are still together
seemingly inseparable couple of Queiroz and
after six years. They’ve often come close to
Iran have comfortably negotiated two World
parting ways after long discussions played out
Cup qualifying campaigns, which has also
in public, only to eventually come together
seen them climb the world ranking.
and make up, most recently in January when Iran’s club coaches protested against the
In 12 months’ time, however, their relationship
Portuguese coach’s plans for a training camp
will be put to the test again. With just one
in Dubai. And then there was the confusion
World Cup win under their belts (against the
that surrounded his position during the 2014
USA at France ’98), the Iranians will be
World Cup when he appeared to resign, only
targeting their second – and if possible, third
to then sign a new deal after all. Somehow,
– in Russia.
MOVES OUT OF TOP TEN SPAIN (11, down 1) MATCHES PLAYED IN TOTAL 177 MOST MATCHES PLAYED MEXICO (10 matches) BIGGEST MOVE BY POINTS ANDORRA (up 177 points) BIGGEST MOVE BY RANKS ANDORRA (up 57 ranks)
neither can live without the other.
Amin M. Jamali / Getty Images
Queiroz’s contract will be up again after the But now to the cold hard facts: under Queiroz,
World Cup. That is the current state of play.
Iran have become a powerhouse of Asian
But neither he nor Iran are looking for a
football and are currently on an unbeaten
divorce just yet.
run in competitive football that stretches back three years with no sign of it ending
Alan Schweingruber
BIGGEST DROP BY POINTS ARGENTINA (down 213 points) BIGGEST DROP BY RANKS NAMIBIA (down 62 ranks)
any time soon. They still have to play Korea Republic and Syria this year, but they will do so in the knowledge that they are – with Russia and Brazil – only the third team to
http://www.fifa.com/worldranking FIFA 1904 /
27
THE INTERVIEW
Gabriel Batistuta, 48 Fiorentina’s all-time record goalscorer 28
/ FIFA 1904
“ITALY LACK CHAMPIONS” A superstar in Italy, a legend in Argentina: Gabriel Batistuta talks to us about the role of the striker, the Copa América, and his adventures abroad. By Alejandro Varsky
Mike Hewitt / FIFA via Getty Images
Gabriel Batistuta’s career was not all plain sailing. When still at River Plate in Argentina, he was once dropped from the squad and nearly missed his chance to get into the international elite. But shortly after that he found his form again at Boca Juniors, from where he took the most decisive step in his career: a move to Italy to play for Fiorentina. From that moment on and over the course of nine seasons, no conversation about Fiorentina was complete without mentioning “Batigol”, who scored 168 goals for la Viola. Even when Fiorentina were relegated to Serie B in 1993, Batistuta stayed loyal to the club, helping them win promotion back to the top flight the very next season. This consistency of character was also evident in his playing style – uncomplicated goalscoring, precise passing, and an ability to instinctively be in the right place in the penalty area before a cross had even been played. Today, the 48-year-old former footballer has switched to polo (he has a handicap of 0), and owns the Argentinian polo club La Gloria Polo. FIFA 1904 /
29
THE INTERVIEW Gabriel, did you imagine that the goal you scored against Mexico in the 1993 Copa América would bring Argentina their last title to date? No! I thought we would win in 1995 too (laughs). But seriously, no I never imagined it. No way! It’s incredible that Argentina haven’t won anything since then. They’ve always been close. But when we won the Copa América in 1991 it had also been a long time since we’d last won it. Historically I would say it hasn’t been very easy for us. What do you think is the reason for that? It’s not easy. If you’re looking for reasons, one of them could be that Argentinian players are playing abroad all year. They are playing a lot of matches, much more than players from other national teams. They arrive at the Copa América tired or injured and can’t give 100%. Apart from Brazil, I can’t think of any other team where all 25 of their players are based abroad.
“Apart from Brazil, there is no other team where all 25 of their players are based abroad.”
30
/ FIFA 1904
NAME Gabriel Batistuta BORN 1 February 1969, Avellaneda CLUBS Newell’s Old Boys, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Fiorentina, Roma, Inter Milan, Al-Arabi INTERNATIONAL CAREER 78 matches, 56 goals MAJOR HONOURS One Italian league title, one Italian cup, two Copas América
Strikers such as Sergio Agüero or Gonzalo Higuaín have come in for a lot of criticism in Argentina. Do you have a particular opinion? They have had a lot of bad luck. Higuaín, especially, very bad luck. He missed key chances in the three finals (two Copas América and one FIFA World Cup™). I say it’s bad luck because in those three cases he made the opportunities,
Mike Hewitt / FIFA via Getty Images
What are you like as a fan? Did you watch the finals in which Argentina played recently? I watch but I’m pretty calm. Of course I’m an Argentina fan and I want them to win. I used to experience all those situations that the Argentinian players were experiencing as if it was me out there, I put myself in their shoes... But now I don’t get so nervous.
“This goalscoring record for Argentina was something close to my heart, but now Messi has surpassed it. Once upon a time, I also broke the record. These things happen.”
it’s not like a team-mate did everything and he did nothing. He was in the right place at the right time. But then he was unlucky that he finished poorly. Against Germany, for example, he made a mistake in front of goal after having recovered the ball by being attentive and involved in the match; he did nine out of ten things right, everything... apart from scoring the goal. These things happen. If it had happened in another match, or at an earlier stage, it wouldn’t have mattered. On the contrary, we would all have applauded him for creating the situation in the first place. What would you say to him if he was here in front of you? The same thing I’m saying to you now. I did say that to him, I talked to him. I see it as nine out of ten, right? But the fans don’t see it like that, they don’t know what goes through your head at such a moment. Especially in that last match with Chile when he ran several metres with the ball. Imagine what it’s like: from the moment he gets the ball until he shoots, what’s running through his mind is the chance he missed against Germany and the one in the previous final against Chile... all these thoughts complicate matters. Maybe it would have been easier if he’d got a rebound, without time to think. But that’s football.
There’s something we’d like to clear up. It was once reported that you said “I never liked football”. Is that true or is it a myth? I did say it, but it was in self-defence against the press and the public. I tried to put forward this idea so that they wouldn’t ask me anything. I was finding all the training too much. Don’t forget, I was playing in Italy in the good times. There was a lot of pressure, everyone talked about football all the time and I found it quite boring. Of course I love the game, the tactics, the training, everything that happens on the pitch. Football did become my passion, even if it hadn’t been so much in my youth. I mean, I lived and breathed football. Now I have difficulty walking because of that: because I gave much more than I actually had to give.
players wanted to come to Italy. That hasn’t been the case for quite a while, and the level has come down a bit. They still play very tactical, very disciplined football and all that, but they lack champions, as they say themselves. Looking from the outside at English football, at Spanish football, it’s more interesting, and they have the champions and the celebrities that they want to see. But with the passion that Italians have for football, the pride that they have, I don’t think the game will stay that way. I think they’ll get back to being what they were before.
The truth is somewhere in the middle: I love the game and everything involved with the process of actually playing. What I don’t like so much are the interviews (laughs), the controversy, and the people who until recently were in charge of the world of football. I didn’t like that at all. You can put this answer wherever you think best. I liked the game, but not all the stuff around it.
-
Let’s talk about Lionel Messi, who has over taken you as the all time record goalscorer for Argentina. Were you surprised? Not at all. I’ve seen it coming for five or six years. I thought he would have done it earlier! This record was something close to my heart, but he surpassed it and that’s that. Once upon a time I also broke someone else’s record (laughs). These things happen.
How far do you think he’s going to go? He could score another 50 goals! He’s young, there’ll be loads more matches. I think he can do a lot more.
Why do you say you played in Italy “in the good times”? Don’t you like Italian football nowadays? No, no… football now is nothing like what we played. I hope that it’s in a period of renewal, and not just a debacle. But the football of the ‘80s and ‘90s was different. All the best FIFA 1904 /
31
QATAR 2022
COOL TECHNOLOGY The first proposed 2022 FIFA World Cup™ stadium recently opened its doors and immediately allayed all concerns that the Qatari heat could be a problem.
International Stadium in Doha in mid May
a way which lowers energy consumption
offered a glimpse of what lies in store at
and keeps fans and players alike comfort
the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The stadium
able, regardless of the temperature outside.”
-
-
ing district cooling, the stadium is cooled in
-
stadium in the world to be cooled. By utilis
-
Al Sadd’s 2 1 victory over Al Rayyan in the final of the Emir of Qatar Cup at the Khalifa
is the first proposed World Cup venue to be ready for action, more than five years
The new cooling method, which has been
ahead of the World Cup, after undergoing
developed in Qatar, is 40 per cent more
major renovation work.
efficient than conventional techniques. Chilled water is piped into the stadium from
Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of
an energy centre one kilometre away. Once
the Supreme Committee for Delivery &
the water arrives, cold air is pumped onto
Legacy, said: “The completion of our first
the field of play and spectator seating areas
stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is an
through nozzles with moveable plastic parts
important milestone for Qatar and reflects
at the side of the pitch. During the final, the
our commitment to delivering all of the
temperature was measured at 20°C on the
proposed venues well in advance of the
pitch and at 23°C in the stands.
tournament.”
numerous tournaments, including the FIFA
sector and a new sports museum inside the
World Youth Championship in 1995, the
venue, the Qataris are particularly proud of
Asian Games in 2006, and the final of the
the innovative cooling technology.
AFC Asian Cup in 2011, as well as various
NEW COOLING TECHNOLOGY
FA, Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani,
Dr Saud Abdul Aziz Abdul Ghani, Professor
said: “This historic venue is close to Qatari
at the College of Engineering at Qatar
hearts, and has seen some of Qatar’s
University, said: “The cooling technology in
biggest sporting occasions over the years
“The completion of our first stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is an important milestone for Qatar and reflects our commitment to delivering all of the proposed venues well in advance of the tournament.”
place makes the venue the largest open air
since 1976.”
Hassan Al Thawadi
-
-
-
friendly matches. The President of the Qatari
32
/ FIFA 1904
originally opened in 1976, and has hosted
In addition to the new stand in the eastern
The stadium meets all of FIFA’s requirements.
Neville Hopwood / Getty Images for Qatar 2022
The Khalifa International Stadium was
Architectural and technical masterpiece The Khalifa International Stadium recently opened its doors.
“EXPECT AMAZING” The issue of the heat in Qatar, which has been the subject of much debate, has therefore been resolved – and the Qataris are promising even more innovations. “People thought the cooling technology was only a dream. The reality is it was in Al Sadd Club, and today it is at the Khalifa International Stadium,” said Al Thawadi. “It is continuing, and becoming something
AFP
normal and deliverable. There’s more to Nothing left to chance Workers carefully cleaning the nozzles of the new cooling system.
come. Expect amazing, we’re delivering amazing.” F04 FIFA 1904 /
33
THEN
1977 BAYREUTH, GERMANY
imago
Rot-Weiss Essen midfielder Siegfried Bรถnighausen corrects a wardrobe malfunction during the German Cup quarter-final against SpVgg Bayreuth.
34
/ FIFA 1904
NOW
2015 ASUNCIÓN, PARAGUAY
Juan Mabromata / AFP
Fresh shorts are also the order of the day for Argentina striker Carlos Tévez in the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay at the Defensores del Chaco stadium.
FIFA 1904 /
35
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
KICK-OFF TIME They want to play. And they want to play as often and for as long as possible. New U-15 tournaments have given football-mad girls in East and South East Asia the chance to do just that.
At some point there’s an itch that needs
team-mates. When that happens, you
scratching. At first just a little, then more
need to be able to measure yourself
and more. Training is great, in fact it’s
against others in order to grow and make
extremely important for the development
progress.
By Annette Braun
of girls dreaming of one day forging a career in football, but there comes a point
It’s like a school play, where the rehearsals
where you want to put what you’ve learnt
go on for weeks. The tension rises and
into practice. At an official level and
everyone feverishly anticipates the big day,
against opponents who are not your own
until things finally gets serious and it’s time
NAME: Phonethip Phommachanh AGE: 15 FROM: Phonsavang Tai Village, Laos
FIFA 1904
“I saw older girls, how they played football and enjoyed the game, and I desperately wanted to join in. I’ve now been actively involved for five years. My favourite team is Manchester United, because they play very attractive football and the club is one of the most successful in football history. One of my favourite players is Neymar. He’s good technically and he’s creative.”
36
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for curtain up. Now it’s time to prove
competition. Of course, every team had its
Guam team even had a training camp to
yourself – in front of an audience and
own level and its own agenda. There were,
prepare for the tournament, while the
under competitive conditions.
for example, the Northern Mariana Islands,
Laos girls mostly just kept themselves fit
whose club coaches are often the parents
throughout the year.
GROWTH THROUGH COMPETITION
of the girls and have little coaching experi-
International comparisons are rare in girls’
ence. And then there were Korea DPR and
INSPIRATION FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
football. This meant even greater enthusi-
Japan, where there has been greater
So, the participating teams had different
asm among Asia’s U-15 talent for the
development in girls’ or women’s football,
starting points, but despite the differences
youth tournaments of the ASEAN Football
accompanied by international success.
they all shared a joy in the game and an
Federation (AFF) and the East Asian Foot-
There was a team from Hong Kong, whose
unbridled will to make progress. This
ball Federation (EAFF) that took place in
players head to football training after
meant that determining a winner was not
Laos and China in April and May this year,
school, and Mongolia, whose U-15 nation-
a priority, and the tournament in Shanghai
supported by FIFA’s Forward Programme.
al team got to celebrate its first goal and
didn’t even have a final. It was much more
its first victory on the international stage.
about the opportunity for exchange and
The tournaments allowed teenage girls to
A milestone. The Korea Republic team
rewarding the commitment of the girls and
come together and test themselves in
trained every day except weekends, the
their coaches. Identifying where there is
NAME: Lanoy Vongsingkham AGE: 15 FROM: Phonsavang Village, Laos
“I really like the Portugal team. They play attractive football and they’re tactically adept. Cristiano Ronaldo’s skills in particular are out of this world. I’ve been involved for eight years, and it’s my aim to play for the senior national team. After I’ve finished playing, I’d love to be a coach.”
FIFA 1904 /
37
potential to improve and where action within an association has already reaped
A CHANCE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
the rewards of success. A never-ending
In order to promote girls’ and women’s football on a sustainable basis,
learning process with the goal of creating
there were two youth tournaments in Asia for U-15 national teams.
the best possible conditions for the development of women’s football.
EAFF U-15 GIRLS’ TOURNAMENT 2017 14-22 April 2017 (Shanghai, China PR)
The smiles on the players’ faces during the
Participating teams: China PR, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic,
tournaments spoke volumes and clearly
Chinese Taipei, Guam, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Northern Mariana Islands,
showed their desire for more such compe-
Shanghai Jinshan
titions. It showed that that itch is only getting stronger. Training is still great and
AFF U-15 GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP 2017
still important – and more than ever when,
8-20 May 2017 (Vientiane, Laos)
from time to time, there’s a reminder of
Participating teams: Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand,
exactly what all that training is for.
Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia
NAME: Phetlavanh Xaiyaphetdala AGE: 15 FROM: Khoknin Village, Laos
FIFA 1904
“I’ve been training for two years and I want to keep on getting better so that I’ll still be an important part of the national team in the future. I’m a Manchester United fan because they’ve shaped football over many years. My role model – including because we play the same position – is David de Gea, because he’s very intelligent in the way he keeps goal.”
FIFA 1904 /
39
DEBATE
THREE-STEP PROCEDURE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION discrimination in football. Based on Fare’s
procedure, these are ground-breaking
FIFA used a three-step procedure in case of
“Global guide to discriminatory practices in
changes in the global fight against discri
discriminatory incidents and also deployed
football”, the match observers monitor the
mination that marked the 2017 edition of
anti-discrimination observers at all matches
behaviour of fans from both teams, as well
the FIFA Confederations Cup,” said FIFA
of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017. With
as any spectators who are not affiliated to a
President Gianni Infantino. “Both initiatives
this new three-step procedure, referees
particular team playing in the match.
are extra tools for the referees and match
For the first time in an official tournament,
officials to prevent discriminatory attitudes
have the authority to first stop the match and request a public announcement to
If any discriminatory incidents occur during
and ensure that the atmosphere in the
insist that the discriminatory behaviour
a game, the evidence collected by the
stadium is one of fair play and respect.”
cease, to then suspend the match until the
match observers is forwarded to the FIFA
behaviour stops following another warning
Disciplinary Committee for review and
“We are pleased that Russia has been
announcement, and finally, if the behaviour
potential action. Furthermore, the match
entrusted with the mission to become the
still persists, to decide to abandon the match.
observers help operational staff to resolve
first host country of the Confederations Cup
incidents of discrimination before and
and the World Cup to implement such
The anti-discrimination observers, mean-
during matches by being in direct touch
initiatives with the aim of making world
while, are a natural continuation of the
with security personnel.
football better,” added Russia’s Deputy
monitoring system that FIFA has put in
Prime Minister and Local Organising
place to monitor 2018 FIFA World Cup™
“The work that has been carried out in FIFA
Committee (LOC) chairman, Vitaly Mutko.
qualifiers and selected friendlies. The match
World Cup qualifier matches in all confeder-
“This is a very honourable role and a big
observers are coordinated and trained by
ations has now been implemented for the
responsibility.”
the Fare network, an organisation with a
first time in a FIFA tournament. Together
long track record of monitoring and fighting
with the possibility to apply the three-step
In 2015, FIFA published the Good Practice Guide on Diversity and Anti-Discrimination to support all of its member associations and also introduced the annual FIFA Diversity Award to highlight the efforts of organisations, groups or individuals that are standing up for diversity in football and inspiring unity, solidarity and equality among all people. At the semi-finals in Kazan on 28 June and Sochi on 29 June, FIFA and the LOC also celebrated the FIFA Anti-Discrimination Days with a special pre-match protocol, an annual event that has been part of the FIFA
We say no to racism FIFA’s new three-step procedure will be used to tackle all forms of discrimination in the stadium (pictured: FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final between Portugal and Chile in Kazan on 28 June 2017).
40
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Getty Images
calendar since 2001.
PRESIDENT´S MESSAGE
THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL LOOKS FASCINATING I am certainly not the only one watching
Yet, in the meantime, hard groundwork
seven game-changing decisions were
the FIFA U-20 World Cup with an eye
was being done. And then you realise
corrected as a result of VAR intervention.
to the future. This is what our youth
you are watching this rock-solid team,
The significance of such decisions for
tournaments are all about, after all:
filled with talents like Dominic Solanke
those directly involved in an international
precious opportunities for young players
and Freddie Woodman, lifting the trophy
tournament like this is immeasurable.
to experience what it is like to take
as world champions. It does not get any
There are definitely still improvements
centre stage. The tension, the pressure,
more auspicious than that.
to be made – which is why we are conducting a thorough testing period – but it
the unknown opponents from around the world: we watch these youngsters
Just as impressively, on the other side,
going through everything that they will
it was an unprecedented place in the
eventually have to face to make it as
final for Venezuela, the only country
At times, the FIFA U-20 World Cup felt
international footballers. And so the
in CONMEBOL never to have qualified
like an authentic glimpse of how football
exercise of watching becomes one of
for a FIFA World Cup™. The idea of
may look in the future. And, I must say,
projecting the future.
expanding football’s greatest tournament
it looked rather fascinating to me.
was another very solid step forward.
Lukas Mäder / 13 Photo
to 48 teams touches precisely upon a But I get the feeling that this year’s
generation like this Venezuelan one. Can
edition of the U-20 World Cup in Korea
you imagine how much these 23 talented
Republic was particularly foretelling. As
kids dream of playing in the FIFA World
I watched England play Venezuela in
Cup? The new format is a catalyst for
the final in Suwon, I could not help but
dreams like this – and I am quite sure
think of the layers of meaning in that
that there are many more very talented
match.
dreamers the football world over.
For years, English football fans have
Added to all this is the fact that the
been debating about what many of
tournament in Korea Republic was the first
them consider to be a talent drought,
youth event to use the video assistant
Gianni Infantino
or a struggle to develop young players.
referee (VAR) system. Over the 52 matches,
FIFA President
Yours in football,
FIFA 1904 /
41
FIFA WORLD FOOTBALL MUSEUM
WITH SIDEBURNS PLEASE The newest Panini stickers will soon hit the shops. Those who simply can’t wait any longer can pay a visit to the FIFA World Football Museum and feast their eyes on sticker albums from the last 47 years. By Alan Schweingruber
Lavishly produced material in any form is always manna
your heart quicken at the thought of the memories
for museums, acting as a magnet for the public as it does.
and the nostalgia that are waiting for you through this
With good reason – after all, some light relief is welcome
innocent-looking portal. You pause, take a breath, just
from the more subtle and possibly dowdy historical
a couple of swipes on the touchscreen and you are in,
artefacts commonly on display in museums. That’s why
transported through the years with a veritable flood of
young visitors to the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich
images. Here are all 12 albums spanning from 1970 to
usually run first to the games consoles or the blinking and
2014, plus the two women’s editions from 2011 and
beeping machines – those interactive exhibits where they
2015 bringing the total up to 14. Not quite so many
can flex their physical and intellectual muscles and get the
stickers were produced in the 1970s as are today, but
fully immersive digital experience. For teenagers, the
nevertheless there are more than 4,000 players here.
so-called digital natives, the competitive games are the
Over 4,000 portraits, and what portraits they are!
most fun.
Grimacing faces, wacky hairstyles, bushy beards, snazzy sideburns, magnificent moustaches, toothy grins – the
The adult visitors (especially those adults who don’t really
idiosyncratic style of footballers across the eras is here in
feel like exerting themselves physically or embarrassing
all its glory, getting worse (or, arguably, better) the further
themselves when they visit a museum), however, are drawn
back one goes. Some look more like they want to be rock
to something different.
stars than athletes; it wouldn’t be a surprise to turn the
42
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MORE THAN 4,000 PORTRAITS
you. Looking at old Panini albums is almost like looking
At first it might go overlooked, a small console somewhat
back at one’s own old photo albums, maybe recognising
off to the side, hidden away next to the window looking
a hairstyle that you once experimented with, or a trend
out to the trams and trains that run past the museum.
that one of your “cool” friends once rocked. You can
The unpromising start makes the short explanatory note
imagine the protagonists preening themselves in front of
on the display screen all the more enticing: Panini sticker
the mirror before the photo was snapped, capturing that
albums, all editions since 1970. A simple note that makes
questionable fashion choice forever.
Getty Images
page and find Jimi Hendrix or Joe Cocker looking back at
Milan, 1960 The start of something big: children in Italy swap Panini stickers. A packet then cost 10 lire (roughly 0.01 euro). FIFA 1904 /
43
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It is said that collectors are happy people because there is no limit to their hobby. They bring together the things that fascinate them. SWAPPING AT SCHOOL BANNED Collecting pictures of famous young people sounds like something only kids would do. But is it any more mature to collect sticky squares of paper with pictures of steamers? Stamp collectors exist the world over – some of them don’t start collecting until their old age, others make millions from their obsession. It is said that collectors are happy people because there is no limit to their hobby. They bring together the things that fascinate them. There are good reasons why doctors or lawyers pursue such hobbies – after a stressful working day, sorting one’s collection is like pressing the pause button, only more fulfilling. Leafing through stamps or stickers, arranging them, pressing them into albums – there’s a place for everything and everything has its place. The hobbyists will have a surge of energy in the coming year, when the Italian company finally publishes the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ album ahead of the tournament in Russia. It doesn’t just pose a challenge for collectors and for Panini, but also for the world’s schoolteachers. In fact, many schools have banned Panini swapping in the playground, claiming it disrupts learning. There’s no doubt that hard bargains are driven and some children are even persuaded to part with cash in order to get their hands on a Higuaín or a Neymar, though no one has yet become a Panini millionaire.
NEW CULTURAL PROGRAMME AT THE FIFA WORLD FOOTBALL MUSEUM Podium discussions, readings, film evenings and a special exhibition: the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich is set to launch its first cultural programme in July 2017. Between July and September, the museum will host more than 50 cultural events, taking as their common theme
Panini (8)
“The six continents of football”. Visit www.fifamuseum.com for more information about the new cultural programme and to download the brochure with the full calendar of events. FIFA 1904 /
45
OVERHEAD KICKS
A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD When successfully executed, the overhead kick is a work of art, thrilling fans and ensuring that its exponent joins a rare elite in the footballing annals.
FIFA 1904
By Annette Braun
46
/ FIFA 1904
“FOOTBALL IS AN ART, LIKE DANCING IS AN ART – BUT ONLY WHEN IT’S WELL DONE DOES IT BECOME AN ART.” ARSENAL MANAGER ARSÈNE WENGER
crosses the ball for his team-mate, who needs no invitation to dispatch it into the net. Then there are goals that stand out because they seemingly come from nowhere and bear no relation to how the team is playing. Goalscorers need to have full control of their bodies and excellent shooting technique, which elevates the game of football to an art form.
A lot of goals are scrappy, like tap-ins or the result of a goalmouth scramble, when the ball somehow miraculously ends up in the net
Overhead kicks certainly belong to this category, their acrobatic
after boot is finally correctly applied to ball at the right moment,
finesse epitomising goalscoring at its finest. Standing with his back
conveying the latter at the appropriate speed into the corner.
to goal, the player hits the ball behind him with his foot high in the air – a consummate skill that calls for great awareness in terms
A beautiful goal can arise after a move involving outstanding
of the flight of the ball and the situation of the match. If it comes
link-up play, for example when a winger leaves an opponent or
off, it will forever be spoken of in hushed tones of reverence
two for dead, perhaps after playing a slick one-two, and then
as well as being a shoo-in for the goal of the month or season.
FIFA 1904 /
47
“IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST GOALS I’VE EVER SEEN LIVE.” STEVEN GERRARD, FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN
If the acrobatics have the desired effect, even the opposition reach for the superlatives. Take England’s Steven Gerrard after Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s spectacular effort at his side’s expense in November 2012, for instance. From over 25 metres out, Sweden’s star striker lashed the ball over his head into an empty net after England keeper Joe Hart’s calamitous headed clearance. “That was a world-class performance from a world-class player,”
Such opinions obviously get short shrift from the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and his wonder goal even led to a new verb, “to Zlatan”, meaning to dominate, being added to the Swedish dictionary at the end of 2012.
“BODY IN THE AIR, BACK TO THE GROUND, HE SHOT THE BALL BACKWARDS WITH A SUDDEN SNAP OF HIS LEGS, LIKE THE BLADES OF A PAIR OF SCISSORS.” EDUARDO GALEANO, URUGUAYAN AUTHOR
was Gerrard’s verdict after the match. Pelé, Hugo Sánchez, Paolo Pulici, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne
Who invented the overhead kick? The first mention of this tour de
Rooney – all have executed the spectacular swivel par excellence
force in print occurred in Chile in 1914, where 19-year-old Ramón
in their time. Klaus Fischer was even renowned for his overhead
Unzaga is said to have demonstrated the stunt. The Basque Country
exploits, almost turning the feat into an everyday occurrence in
expat was considered an outstanding athlete and he also performed
Germany. His most important effort in international colours came
the feat for the Chilean national team. When he repeated the
in the 108 minute in the 1982 World Cup semi-final against
exploit at the 1920 South American Championship, the watching
France during the “Night of Seville”, the goal taking the game to
Argentinians, Brazilians and Uruguayans were stunned and dubbed
penalties.
the overhead kick la chilena (meaning “in the Chilean style”).
th
Whether or not he scored from his efforts is unrecorded: as a defender, Unzaga was more concerned with preventing goals than
“IF A PLAYER IS CORRECTLY POSITIONED, HE WILL HAVE THE GOAL IN FRONT OF HIM, SO THAT HE CAN PUT THE DEFENCE IN AS MUCH DIFFICULTY AS POSSIBLE. AT BEST, ACROBATIC PLAY CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A WAY OF CORRECTING A PLAYER’S ERROR IF HE FINDS HIMSELF IN THE WRONG POSITION ON THE PITCH.” ARRIGO SACCHI, FORMER ITALIAN COACH
scoring them. The story of the immigrant kid who took football fans in his new homeland by storm with his spectacular skills was strongly disputed in Peru, however. Nobel Prize in Literature winner Mario Vargas Llosa has pointed out that oral accounts exist of the overhead kick being performed at least two decades earlier in a match between British sailors and Peruvian athletes at the end of the 19th century.
“WHEN I TRIED IT, I HAD TO WEAR A NECK BRACE FOR THREE WEEKS AFTERWARDS .” SASCHA RUEFER, SWISS SPORTS REPORTER
For many, the overhead kick is a display of matchless technique,
Everyone agrees that the overhead kick has been delighting the
while for others it is merely a means of correcting a positional
public for many years – it is eye-catching yet fiendishly difficult to
mistake. Former Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi is firmly in the latter
execute, which is what makes it so special. For mere mortals, trying
camp, looking beyond the thrills undoubtedly created by such
to reproduce what they have seen at a match or on the TV can
kicks and instead regarding them as a desperate attempt to
be a painful experience, so they need to think twice before they
remedy a chain of errors that began when the player in question
try to emulate Ibrahimović et al – or at the very least, wear plenty
found himself in the “wrong” part of the pitch.
of padding. FIFA 1904 /
49
PHOTO ARCHIVE
Student life Tisha Venturini (on crutches), Keri Sanchez, FIFA Legend Mia Hamm and Angela Kelly (from left to right) were room-mates as well 50
/ FIFA 1904
Will Mcintyre / The LIFE Images Collection / Getty Images
as team-mates at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (7 October 1993). FIFA 1904 /
51
STATISTICS
ENTERING THE FINISHING STRAIGHT 2018 FIFA WORLD CUPâ„¢ QUALIFICATION
THE QUALIFIERS FOR RUSSIA 2018 KICKED OFF
2015
IN AND INVOLVED 209 TEAMS FROM 6 CONFEDERATIONS.
5-TIME WORLD CHAMPIONS BRAZIL WERE THE FIRST TEAM TO QUALIFY FOR THE TOURNAMENT (EXCLUDING HOSTS RUSSIA). IRAN HAVE ALSO BOOKED THEIR TICKET FOR 2018.
52
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A TOTAL OF 2 , 2 0 2 YELLOW AND 1 0 9 RED CARDS HAVE BEEN SHOWN.
2017 THE FINAL QUALIFIERS WILL BE PLAYED ON 14 NOVEMBER 2017 WITH THE SECOND LEGS OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL PLAY-OFFS, WHICH WILL PIT THE FOURTH-PLACED TEAM FROM THE CONCACAF QUALIFIERS AGAINST THE FIFTH FROM THE AFC QUALIFIERS, AND THE TOP TEAM FROM THE OFC QUALIFIERS AGAINST THE FIFTH-PLACED CONMEBOL TEAM TO SEE WHO WILL FILL THE TWO REMAINING WORLD CUP SLOTS.
THE 32 SLOTS FOR THE WORLD CUP, WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM 14 JUNE TO 15 JULY 2018, ARE DIVIDED UP AS FOLLOWS: HOSTS RUSSIA; AFC 4.5; CAF 5; CONCACAF 3.5; CONMEBOL 4.5; UEFA 13; OFC 0.5.
AFP
FAR OF THE 871 SO D E Y LA P S E H IN THE 663 MATC E BEEN SCORED, V A H S L A O G , 1,903 TO DATE IS R E R O C TO BE CONTESTED LS A O G P , ATCH. THE TO LAWI WITH 16 H A OR 2.9 PER M -S L A D O HAM M A T MATCH TIME, S O M E H T S SAUDI ARABIA’S M A H YA YOSHIDA A M ’S N PITCH AFTER PA E H JA T E N IL O WH S E T ,440 MINU GAMES SO FAR. 6 1 HAVING SPENT 1 ’S M A E T IS H F E WHOLE O APPEARING IN TH FIFA 1904 /
53
Portrait of a footballing genius as a young man EusĂŠbio poses for a photographer. 54
/ FIFA 1904
imago
HISTORY
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD BACK TO GLORY Once one of the biggest clubs in world football, Portuguese giants Benfica entertain hopes of rejoining the global elite. By Perikles Monioudis
In the early 1960s, the name “Benfica”
of the European Cup, and they fared no
would strike fear into the hearts of the
better in the finals of the UEFA Cup (1983)
opposition, as Portugal’s most successful
and Europa League (2013 and 2014) either,
club swept all before them at home and
despite the 2014 match against Sevilla
on the international stage, starting with
going to penalties.
their European Cup triumph in 1961. This spectacular feat ended Real Madrid’s
That Guttmann’s jinx had preoccupied
five-year winning streak since the launch
Benfica for some time is evidenced by
of the tournament – the precursor of the
Eusébio’s visit to his former mentor’s grave
Champions League – began.
in Vienna before the 1990 European Cup final, where he beseeched the late coach in
A GOALSCORING MACHINE CALLED EUSÉBIO
prayer to lift the curse. Alas, his plea was in
The breathtaking artistry of the unforget-
vain, as a superior AC Milan side prevailed
table Eusébio, combined with the nous
1-0 (for more about Béla Guttmann, see
of the equally legendary coach Béla
the interview with David Bolchover at the
Guttmann, put Benfica on the road to success, a journey that saw the club secure another European Cup in 1962. This second
end of this article). Champions of Europe Benfica’s first European Cup triumph in 1961.
ances prove that Benfica can consider
competition was arguably more impressive
themselves part of Europe’s elite once
than the first. The Lisbon-based team went
more. The club has a long and successful
on to dominate the domestic scene in the
date. Legend has it that when Guttmann
history. Founded in 1904 as Sport Lisboa,
60s, winning eight league titles (Primeira
left Benfica shortly afterwards when his
it merged with Grupo Sport Benfica four
Liga) and three Portuguese cups (Taça
request for a pay rise was rejected, he put a
years later and changed its name to Sport
de Portugal). Winner of the Ballon d’Or in
curse on the club, saying: “Not in a hun-
Lisboa e Benfica. The Águias dominated
1965, Eusébio’s record of 473 goals in
dred years from now will Benfica ever be
the Primeira Liga almost from the start of
Benfica’s colours is unlikely to be beaten
European champions.”
its inception in 1934, winning it three times
anytime soon. He died of heart failure in
in a row from 1936 to 1938, but their
CRISIS AND RENEWAL
ascendancy was soon threatened by two
Despite the team’s best efforts to break the
clubs of the group that eventually became
Benfica’s second European Cup win in 1962
“curse”, they were beaten finalists in the
the other members of Portugal’s “Big
remains the club’s last European triumph to
1963, 1965, 1968, 1988 and 1990 editions
Three”, FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon.
2014 at the age of 72. Presse Sports
At least their Europa League final appear-
triumph in the continent’s biggest cup
FIFA 1904 /
55
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS ONCE MORE? Benfica still managed to win 13 league titles and ten Portuguese cups between 1970 and 1996, but financial difficulties caused by over-investment consigned the club to mid-table mediocrity as the century drew to a close. The turning
“HE RISKED HIS LIFE FOR FOOTBALL“ In “The Greatest Comeback: From Genocide to Football Glory“, David Bolchover sheds light on Béla Guttmann’s mysterious life. The ingenious coach and football philosopher Guttmann won the European Cup twice with Benfica (1961, 1962). He influenced the way we look at football today, but his life was in danger more than once.
point in its fortunes came with the demolition of the venerable Estádio da Luz and the construction in its place of a new stadium at a cost of EUR 119 million, which opened in 2003. Just two years later, with coach Giovanni Trapattoni at the helm, Benfica secured their 24th league title after a drought of 11 years, and they are the main force in Portuguese football once more after
“When will Benfica taste success on the European stage again?”
seasons. The question remains, how
winning the league for the last three ever: when will they taste success on the European stage again?
FIFA 1904: Mr Bolchover, you wrote a book on Béla Guttmann. Why? David Bolchover: I think that any writer interested in football and history who scratches the surface of Guttmann’s life would be unable to stop writing about him. It’s the most incredible individual story in the history of football.
Calling the tune Coach Béla Guttmann at work.
There has been much written about Guttmann. You claim to have produced a more thorough account. There has always been a big gap in the portrayal of Guttmann’s life. The mystery has always been: what happened to Guttmann, a Hungarian Jew, during the Holocaust? The received wisdom has to date been inaccurate.
You say both those stories are false. What I’ve found out is that Guttmann didn’t go from Vienna to Budapest in 1938. With the whole of Jewish Europe desperate to leave, Guttmann managed to secure a highly prized visa for permanent residency in the United States.
How did he survive? When the Nazis entered Hungary in 1944, Guttmann hid in an attic near the Újpest ghetto. He was then in a slave labour camp but escaped together with another great coach, Ernő Egri Erbstein, who was killed in the Superga air disaster with his Torino champions in 1949. Why did Guttmann return to war-ridden Europe in the first place? Because he loved football. He couldn’t envisage a life without it. He risked his life for football. Mr Bolchover, what do you draw from Guttmann‘s story personally? Guttmann won 12 titles as a player and as a manager, but he experienced terrible adversity in between. His elderly father, his sister and his wider family were murdered by the Nazis. He said: “In my life, I was more down than I was up.” The lesson of Guttmann’s life is clear: Never ever give up! London-based author David Bolchover was interviewed by Perikles Monioudis.
Popperfoto / Getty Images
What did you find out? Guttmann himself hardly spoke about these years. It has been said that he stayed in Austria until the Nazi invasion in March 1938, before moving to Hungary, where he won the Mitropa Cup with Újpest FC in 1939. Most writers have also said that Guttmann then went from Hungary to neutral Switzerland, a safe haven for Jews.
months and then returned to Europe. He must have been one of only a handful of Jews who returned from the security of the United States to Europe at that time. But he came back to take up the job at Újpest, where despite his success, he lost his job because he was a Jew, consigning him to poverty. He was never in Switzerland.
What happened next? He travelled to the United States, stayed for a few
David Bolchover, “The Greatest Comeback: From Genocide to Football Glory“, Biteback Publishing, London 2017, hardback, 304 pages. FIFA 1904 /
57
FIFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS FEMALE COACHING COURSE IN NZ
Koaneti’s main objective for the two-day course was to ensure that Tonga’s futsal
IRAN NATIONAL GRASSROOTS CONFERENCE
referees were all on the same
The Football Federa-
page ahead of the national
tion Islamic Republic
competition, which took place
of Iran (FFIRI) held
in May.
its second Islamic Republic of Iran National Grassroots Conference recently in conjunction with the AFC’s
Stakeholders in
Grassroots Football Day. Over
Indian football have
600 grassroots coaches and
agreed a clearly
managers from across Iran
defined road map to create
participated in the conference,
the right structure for Indian
the main objective of which
club football in the coming
was to discuss the develop-
years, to culminate in a new
ment of grassroots activities
and sustainable future for
throughout Iran. The confer-
the game across the country.
ence also covered the topic of
Chaired by AFC General
fair play in grassroots football
Secretary Dato’ Windsor John,
courtesy of a presentation by
More female voices
Annalie Longo (above),
the meeting included repre-
Dr Kabiri, while UEFA/FIFA
are likely to be
National Women’s League
sentatives of the All India
instructor Richard Bate dis-
heard on sidelines
player Katie Barrott, ex-youth
Football Federation (AIFF),
cussed the future of football
across New Zealand as
international Eileish Hayes,
the Sports Ministry of India,
and role of grassroots in
New Zealand Football (NZF)
Central Football Women’s
the I-League and ISL clubs
building a future for football.
continues to encourage
Development Officer Aleesha
as well as from the world
AFC Grassroots Panel member
women to try their hand at
Heywood and former
governing body, FIFA, players’
Anders Krystad spoke about
coaching and break down
Football Fern Wendy Sharpe
representatives and the AFC.
the upcoming AFC Grassroots
some of the barriers tradition-
all participating.
Agreement was reached that
Charter. The charter is a
a strong league would help
development tool with which
develop better players and
member associations can raise
coaches, which would enhance
the quality of their grassroots
ally hindering them from doing so. New Zealand Football Women’s Development
FUTSAL WORKSHOP IN TONGA
the national team and which
activities through an endorse-
there are a number of barriers
Futsal instructor
would then, in turn, assist
ment programme, and Krystad
that can put females off
Kalisitiane Koaneti
the continued growth of club
explained the criteria, key
pursuing a coaching career
hosted a workshop
football. Independent research
concepts and financial support
Manager Holly Nixon says
and NZF is taking steps to
at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre to
would be commissioned
required to develop grassroots
ensure that will no longer be
upskill and refresh new and
and analysed before being
football in Asia.
the case, including the running
experienced futsal referees on
evaluated by the AIFF and
of a women-only NZF Senior
the Laws of the Game, before
the stakeholders, with the
Level 2 Coaching Award in
kick-off of the 2017 Tonga
decisions on the medium and
Wellington. The 32 coaches
Football Association (TFA)
long-term pathway being
involved were able to take part
Futsal Competition. Guiding
taken as soon as possible after
Eduardo “Nelo”
in the course entirely free of
22 match officials through
the FIFA U-17 World Cup, to
Vingada (above,
charge. There were plenty of
the Laws of the Game with
be held in India later this year.
opposite page) has
notable names among them
assistance from the TFA’s
been named as the new head
with Football Ferns midfielder
Head of Refereeing Tevita Vea,
coach of Malaysia. Nicknamed
58
/ FIFA 1904
EDUARDO VINGADA NAMED HEAD COACH OF MALAYSIA
PHOTOSPORT, Twitter, Getty Images
INDIAN ROAD MAP FOR THE FUTURE
He succeeds Edgardo Bauza,
statutes at its extraordinary
who was relieved of his duties
congress in the city of
with the Albiceleste back in
Cochabamba on 29 May in
early April. Sampaoli returns
what was unanimously
home after spending one
dubbed a “historic” act by
season in charge of Sevilla,
the various stakeholders of
where he led the Spanish club
national football in Bolivia.
to the round of 16 of this
The congress had been
season’s UEFA Champions
called by the FBF Executive
League. Before his brief stint
Committee, presided over by
in Europe, he had a successful
Marco Peredo Mercado,
spell as coach of Chile. He
accompanied by Freddy Cortez
guided them to the last 16 at
García, Vice-President,
“the Professor”, Vingada
with the aim of establishing
the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Marcos Rodríguez Ibáñez,
began his coaching career as
the national champion by
Brazil™ before leading La Roja
General Secretary, and Cliver
assistant to Carlos Queiroz
November. The start of the
to their first major honour
Rocha Rojo, treasurer. One of
with Portugal’s U-20 side,
competitive phase in South
when they claimed the Copa
the basic principles of the new
before going on to win the
America is planned for January
América title on home soil in
statutes is that specific interest
1996 AFC Asian Cup with
and February 2018, while the
2015. He will be tasked with
groups (representatives from
Saudi Arabia and guiding
U-14 girls will participate in
turning Argentina’s World Cup
women’s football, futsal and
Jordan to second place at the
the Disney Cup in July 2018.
qualifying campaign around,
beach soccer, and football
2008 West Asian Football
In addition, Fernando Bocca
with the Albiceleste sitting
players, coaches and referees)
Federation Championship. The
Ruiz has been appointed as
in fifth place in the South
will become members of the
64-year-old also oversaw
the FEF’s new Development
American zone standings,
organisation, although they
Zamalek’s 2003 title success in
Director, taking on responsibil-
one point outside the
will only be able to enjoy all
Egypt and Korea Republic
ity for future football projects
automatic qualifying spots for
their rights and duties as
powerhouse FC Seoul’s memo-
of the Ecuadorian football
Russia 2018.
delegates once they have been
rable domestic double in 2010.
governing body.
Most recently Vingada has worked as a coach in India.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT IN ECUADOR
SAMPAOLI TAKES CHARGE OF ARGENTINA
established as legal entities
NEW STATUTES FOR BOLIVIAN FOOTBALL
and met all the associated requirements. Another is that the future president will be elected together with four of
Jorge Sampaoli
The Bolivian Football
the members of the Executive
(below) is the new
Association (FBF)
Committee, two from the
coach of Argentina.
approved its new
professional football arena
The Ecuadorian
and the others representing
Football Association
amateur football. In the case
(FEF) has launched
of the vice-presidents, there
its new Liga de Desarrollo
will be one for each sector.
de Fútbol Femenino (women’s
The participation of women
football development league).
on the committee will be
The development league
greatly increased, and
includes the U-14 and U-16 age
functions such as the current
groups, and in an initial phase
position of treasurer (possibly
players will be registered via
with another name) will
an online platform. A regional
become paid positions.
and national competition phase will begin in June 2017, FIFA 1904 /
59
WOMEN ENTER DANISH FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
VILLAR LLONA STARTS EIGHTH TERM IN SPAIN
For the first time in
Ángel María Villar
history, two big
Llona (below) is
names from the
beginning his eighth
women’s game have been
term as president of the
inducted into Danish football’s
Spanish Football Association
hall of fame. At this year’s
(RFEF) after his re-election
Danish football awards
at the association’s general
ceremony, Lone Smidt Nielsen
assembly. Villar Llona has
and Susanne Augustesen
been at the helm of Spanish
were named as the latest new
football since 1988, and will
editions to Danish football’s
now serve a new term until
hall of fame, making them
2020. The 67-year-old former
the first women to join the prestigious company of players
NEW MANDATE FOR GILLIÉRON IN SWITZERLAND
such as Michael Laudrup, Allan Simonsen and Peter
BELGIAN HOMELESS CUP
Schmeichel. During her career,
Peter Gilliéron
Belgium’s national
Smidt Nielsen was often
(above) has been
training centre in
described as the best female
re-elected president
Tubize played host
player in the world and,
of the Swiss Football Associa-
to the Belgian Homeless
among numerous achieve-
tion (SFV/ASF) for a further
Cup, in which more than
ments, won the Italian
two-year term. Gilliéron,
250 players in 21 teams
championship twice with her
who was confirmed in office
competed alongside each
club Sanitas Trani. In 2015,
by acclamation, became the
other in a spirit of fun and
she was named female
Swiss national association’s
friendship. This event is a
football player of the century
president in 2009, and will
football tournament for
now take up his fifth term.
homeless people and other
Nielsen, Augustesen played
professional footballer for
Raised in Italy, Peter Gilliéron
acutely vulnerable members
for Sanitas Trani and was
Athletic Club, who also made
moved to Switzerland with
of society. With teams coming
part of the championship
22 appearances for Spain
his family at the age of 13.
together from all over Belgium,
winning team in the 1980s.
between 1973 and 1979,
An attorney at the Federal
it gives people an opportunity
In total, she won six Italian
said he was looking forward
Department of Social Security,
to regain confidence in
championships and was
to the prospect of beginning
he later headed the law
themselves through football
Serie A’s top scorer eight
his new mandate and he has
department at the Swiss
and enjoy the experience of
times, scoring more than
pledged total commitment to
Cheese Union, and served
playing with others.
600 goals during her career
the further development of
as general secretary of the
overall. Her list of achieve-
Spanish football.
SFV/ASF from 1994 before
by the Danish FA. Like Smidt
ments also includes victory in
taking the association’s helm.
the then unofficial Women’s Getty Images, Keystone
World Cup in Mexico in 1971, when she scored all three goals in Denmark’s 3-0 win against the hosts in the final, in front of 110,000 spectators at the Estadio Azteca. FIFA 1904 /
61
CELEBRATION
THE SOCCEROOS This shot may date back a couple of years now, but the tight-fitting shirts, the hairstyles and Tim Cahill’s sleeve tattoo make it clear that these Australian celebrations were recent and will still be fresh in the memories of many. The picture shows a group of joyful Aussies in their opponent’s goal, Cahill hanging on the net and Mark Bresciano biting it. What exactly was going on? The year was 2013 and the Socceroos had just opened the scoring en route to beating Jordan in Melbourne, three points that would leave them well-placed to seal direct qualification for the World Cup. An easy, comfortable home win then? Sort of. The Aussies had gone into the game on 11 June under considerable pressure having dropped vital points against Japan and Oman, and having suffered a 2-1 reverse at the hands of the Jordanians in Amman. In other words: their dream of playing at Brazil 2014 was in the balance. But then, as the clock struck 19:15 Down Under, Robbie Kruse broke clear down the right, drove into the penalty area and pulled the ball back from near the goal line for Bresciano to slot home from close range and give his side the all-important lead. The Australians didn’t look back, going on to win 4-0 before heading off for the airport the next day to catch a flight to Sydney, where they would defeat Iraq 1-0 in front of 81,000 fans to secure their ticket for their fourth World Cup as group runners-up. Alan Schweingruber 62
/ FIFA 1904
FIFA 1904 /
63
Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images
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scripts and photographs. The views expressed in FIFA 1904 are not
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