Fifa1904 issue #6

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 /

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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.

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42

54 COVER PICTURE

As this month’s cover illustrates, Russia is an enticing destination for fans all over the world.

Illustration: Mario Wagner

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/ FIFA 1904

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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 /

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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.

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/ 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 /

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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 Martín 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 /

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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.”

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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

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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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Visit qatarairways.com

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

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“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

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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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/ FIFA 1904

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