Brazil admits to stadium worries for 2014

October 15, 2011
.AFP

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has admitted several host cities are in a "race against time" to deliver on the promise of finalised stadia and infrastructure for the 2014 World Cup.

Football's world ruling body FIFA has warned Brazil several times over delays in the progress of construction projects expected to be ready for the four-yearly football extravaganza.

A report by the Getulio Vargas Foundation and the consultancy Ernst & Young last month said Brazil needs more than $US11 billion ($A10.8 billion) in investment to fix up roads, boost hotel capacity, reinforce security and develop its telecommunications network.

At the time the government admitted that work had not yet started on five of 13 airports that need expanding to welcome millions of tourists.

In August, Rousseff pledged that all venues would be ready, and last month pledged that nine of the 12 World Cup stadia would be ready by December 2012.

The President admitted on Thursday that the pressure is on.

"We're in a race against time. In fact, we should have anticipated urban growth and invested during the 1980s and 90s," Rousseff said on Thursday night in Curitiba in the south of the country.

Earlier this month Rousseff had what was later described as a positive meeting with FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke to discuss the 2014 World Cup.

Valcke said that both sides were committed to ensuring that work progressed on schedule to ensure the best tournament possible.

"Either we work together and we arrive at a situation where everyone is a winner or we don't work together and we're all losers," said Valcke.

Rousseff gave the green light to all of the most costly projects currently being undertaken, mainly the improvement of underground, bus and train networks, in all the host cities.

During her visit on Thursday the President announced she had granted a loan of one million reais ($US571 million) to the state of Parana for the construction of an underground system.

Earlier this year renovation work on Rio's famed Maracana Stadium - the likely venue for the World Cup final - stalled due to a strike, however a judge ordered workers to get back on the job.

Brazil will also host the Confederations Cup in 2013 and the Olympic Games in 2016.

© 2011 AFP

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-sport/brazil-admits-to-stadium-worries-for-2014-20111015-1lppn.html

Brazil urged to speed up work

9 November 2011-AFP


FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke has warned Brazil again that it is running behind schedule in organising the 2014 World Cup and urged it to speed up construction work.

"We are late, we cannot lose one more day," he told a parliamentary committee examining legislation on the World Cup.

"Travelling in Brazil is not easy. To drive in Sao Paulo, to go from one end to the other is a nightmare. To leave the airport takes half a day, this cannot happen (during the tournament)," he added.

He urged authorities to redouble efforts to accelerate construction work so as to be able to welcome the hundreds of thousands of tourists that will flock to Brazil for the World Cup.

FIFA has constantly expressed concern over progress being made at the country's 12 World Cup venues.

In mid-September, the Brazilian government gave assurances that the arenas were on schedule in construction or renovation and will be ready by December 2012.

But the government also admitted that work had not started in five of 13 airports which will welcome millions of tourists.

Brazil, which will also host the 2016 summer Olympics, needs to spend more than US$11.4 billion ($11 billion) to improve roads, boost security and the country's telecommunications infrastructure, according to a study by the Getulio Vargas foundation and Ernst & Young consultants.

Valcke said the FIFA Confederations Cup, which will be held in Brazil in 2013, 'will be without any doubt a key test for us, but it will be rather late to make fundamental changes. So it is important to accelerate the work now'.

And he conceded that FIFA was not keen on Brazil's plans to charge cheaper World Cup ticket prices for Brazilians over the age of 60 and students.

"We do not want to interfere with (Brazilian) legislation. We want to see which articles from these laws can be applied to the World Cup and which can't," he added.

Valcke said FIFA, keen to prevent sales of tickets on the black market, accepts half price for seniors, but proposes a minimum entrance fee of US$25 ($24.11) for students.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1080491/Brazil-urged-to-speed-up-work

What a load of horseshit this tourney is going to turn out to be. Just as bad as all the others since, well, 1998.

Psh. Fuck this excuse to fill FIFA's coffers on the back of the hard work, day-in-day-out, by good club teams, all so Adidas can sell another bunch of FIFA branded sweatshop Climacool and Coke can produce yet another feel-good campaign ready to make me puke fucking blood.

Roll on the breakaway.

FIFA admit concern about World Cup preparations in Brazil

by: AFP From: Herald Sun December 17, 2011

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is concerned about preparations for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and will meet the country's government in the new year.

When asked about preparations for the showpiece tournament, which have been dogged by fears they are running behind schedule, Blatter said: "The executive committee is worried about that.''

The world footballing body said it had received positive news about stadium construction, but not about the necessary government guarantees on the organisation of the event.

"We are concerned," said Jerome Valcke, FIFA secretary-general.

"Clearly Brazil is not advanced in preparations for the World Cup," he said in Tokyo, citing a lack of infrastructure including a new airport and poor public transport and roads.

According to a report by the Getulio Vargas Foundation and the consultancy Ernst & Young, Brazil needs more than $11 billion in investment to fix roads, boost hotel capacity, reinforce security and develop its telecommunications network ahead of the Cup.

Last month FIFA warned Brazil anew about delays in construction projects expected to be ready for the quadrennial extravaganza.

Brazilian authorities are racing to build or renovate 12 stadiums in time for the event, and Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo pledged earlier this month that work on the venues will largely be completed ahead of schedule.

Blatter and Valcke were speaking after a meeting of FIFA's executive committee in the Japanese capital.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/fifa-admit-concern-about-world-cup-preparations-in-brazil/story-e6frfg8x-1226224769709

FIFA urges Brazil to pass bill

17 January 2012-AFP

Visiting FIFA general secretary, Jerome Valcke has called for quick legislative approval of a bill on Brazil's hosting of the 2014 World Cup.

"There is a time you have to give birth to this law," Valckle told reporters. "We are so close to give birth to this law. The nine months are over - we are ready to bring it out."

The bill gives FIFA exclusive rights to pictures, sound and other forms of expression linked to the World Cup and slaps penal and financial sanctions for any illegal reproduction.

Valcke was accompanied by the country's sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and by Brazilian football icon Ronaldo, who last year accepted an invitation to become head of the 2014 World Cup organising committee.

"We also have a strong commitment from the Congress to vote on the 2014 bill in the first part of March," said Rebelo, who acknowledged that a few points remained to be solved.

"But it will be done," he pledged. "I want to reassure everybody of the willingness and commitment of President (Dilma Rousseff) and the government of Brazil to make every effort to make the 2014 FIFA World Cup a success."

FIFA, keen to prevent sales of tickets on the black market, has agreed to lower prices of admission tickets for students and seniors in line with the World Cup Law.

Discount tickets represent 10 per cent of total sales for the World Cup in a country where the minimum monthly wage is $US314 ($A305).

This week, Valcke is to visit stadiums in the north-eastern cities of Fortaleza and Salvador de Bahia - two of the 12 Brazilian cities that will stage World Cup games.

Brazilian authorities are racing to build or renovate the 12 stadiums in time for one of the world's premier sporting events.

On Thursday, Valcke is to meet the local World Cup organising committee in Rio.

During his Brazilian tour, he was also to confer with members of the government and lawmakers, including former World Cup winner Romario who last week said Brazil will not be "100 per cent ready" for the World Cup.

"I think that (Brazil) won't be 100 per cent ready. Of the 12 stadiums (that are to stage World Cup events), maybe 10 will be ready," the retired football star said in his interview with the magazine Istoe.

"As to work on public transportation, none of the cities involved will be able to complete it fully," said Romario, who is now a lawmaker with Brazil's Socialist Party (PSB).

He also warned that the total cost for staging the World Cup could jump from an estimated $US44 billion ($A42.8 billion) to $US55.5 billion ($A54 billion).

Valcke said he planned to return to Brazil in March to assess progress in World Cup preparations.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1089639/FIFA-urges-Brazil-to-pass-bill

Brazil stadiums behind schedule

20 January 2012-AP


FIFA's secretary general has again blasted Brazil for being behind schedule in its stadium preparations for the 2014 World Cup.


Jerome Valcke said on Thursday that 'there is not a single stadium ready today'.

He also demanded that beer be allowed at matches, despite Brazilian law prohibiting beer sales at games.

Valcke was speaking alongside retired Brazil great Ronaldo and Brazilian sports minister Aldo Rebelo after visits to two of the host cities, Fortaleza and Salvador.

Ronaldo, the newest member of the World Cup Local Organising Committee, said he was confident the stadiums would be ready on time.

Brazil's World Cup will be played in 12 far-flung venues, including a 44,000-seat stadium being built in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus.

All 12 cities will host at least four matches, triggering concerns about travel in the massive nation where ailing airport infrastructure has repeatedly been highlighted by FIFA as needing an upgrade.

FIFA officials have often said preparations are behind schedule and Valcke has already urged Brazilian politicians to speed up the process.

On Thursday, Valcke also pressed the Brazilian Congress to approve a package of laws regulating the World Cup.

Brazil prohibited alcohol sales inside stadiums in 2003 in a bid to reduce violence but the Budweiser beer company is a major World Cup sponsor and FIFA is urging lawmakers to allow beer sales in the stadiums during the World Cup.

"We're not talking about alcohol, we're talking about beer," Valcke said.

Other disputes between FIFA and the Brazilian government include liability for security and safety problems, and the sale of discounted tickets to students and the elderly as guaranteed by Brazilian law.

Valcke said FIFA and Brazil need to resolve these long-standing differences and get on with essential infrastructure preparations.

Rebelo said the disagreements should be settled once Brazil's Congress votes on the pending World Cup bill. The vote is expected to take place by March.

Local Organising Committee president Ricardo Teixeira did not attend the press conference, although FIFA said in a press release that he had participated in the LOC's meeting.

Valcke said Teixeira could not attend the press conference due to previous commitments, and that Teixeira's absence was 'his decision'.

Teixeira is implicated in a corruption scandal involving millions of dollars in kickbacks from World Cup broadcast deals.

FIFA postponed publication of documents in December that would name the officials involved because, it said, of legal action taken by one of the parties involved in the scheme.

The BBC has reported that Teixeira and former FIFA president Joao Havelange are among those allegedly involved.

FIFA estimates the 2014 World Cup will cost about US$1.3 billion ($1.25 billion) to stage, including the LOC's budget.

The governing body gets most of its revenue from sponsorship deals and other income related to its marquee event, with its budget forecast for the four-year cycle of 2011-2014 expected to bring in about US$3.8 billion ($3.65 billion), with profits of about US$200 million ($192.1 million).

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/2014-world-cup/news/1090009/Brazil-stadiums-behind-schedule

Beer at 2014 World Cup 'a must'

20 January 2012-AFP


FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke insists that Brazil must allow beer to be sold at 2014 World Cup matches even though the sale of alcohol is currently banned in stadiums.


"Alcoholic drinks are part of the FIFA World Cup, so we're going to have them. Excuse me if I sound a bit arrogant but that's something we won't negotiate," Valcke said at the end of a visit to Brazil to meet with the local organising committee.

The FIFA official has insisted on several occasions that the body should authorise beer sales in the stadium and stressed that Brazil was warned of that when it was chosen to host the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA has an agreement with its sponsor, the US-based Anheuser Busch brand Budweiser, and forbidding beer sales would reduce the football organisation's revenues from the games.

Sale of alcoholic beverages in stadiums is prohibited in Brazil but a bill now making its way through the Congress would create an exception, allowing beer to be sold in plastic cups at World Cup matches.

Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo said he was confident the bill would be passed by the Congress in March.

"I think we should have a final position," said Valcke, adding, "We are not talking about all kinds of alcoholic beverages, only beer."

On another issue, Valcke expressed concern that work on a World Cup stadium in Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Nord, was way behind schedule, and said FIFA would be monitoring the project closely.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/2014-world-cup/news/1090037/Beer-at-2014-World-Cup-a-must

No need for a boozy row with FIFA, says Brazilian minister

January 22, 2012


RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil can host the World Cup without getting into a fight with football's governing body FIFA, Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo said on Friday.

He was responding to criticism from the FIFA secretary-general, Jerome Valcke, about delays in securing congressional approval of a bill on the World Cup.

FIFA also expressed concern about the ban on beer sales in Brazilian stadiums, and complained that construction and renovation work on some of the World Cup arenas, notably the stadium in Natal, capital of Rio Grande do Norte, is running behind schedule.

Brazil ''has the market, organisation and tradition required to make the World Cup a success, and there is no need for confrontation or conflict with the organiser,'' Rebelo told the Sport TV channel.

''FIFA has legitimate interests and we respect them,'' he added, agreeing with Valcke on the need for Congress to quickly approve the World Cup bill.

''Alcoholic drinks are part of the FIFA World Cup, so we're going to have them. Excuse me if I sound a bit arrogant, but that's something we won't negotiate,'' Valcke said on Thursday at the end of a visit to Brazil to meet the organising committee.

He added that FIFA had repeatedly made it clear it wanted authorisation for beer sales in the stadiums, and stressed that Brazil was warned of that when it was chosen to host the 2014 World Cup. FIFA has an agreement with its sponsor, the US-based Anheuser-Busch brand Budweiser, and prohibiting beer sales would cut into the football organisation's revenues from the games.

The sale of alcoholic drinks in sports arenas has been banned in Brazil since 2003, but a bill now making its way through Congress would create an exception, allowing beer to be sold in plastic cups at World Cup matches.

Rebelo reiterated the bill must be passed in March, voicing confidence that Congress would find a necessary compromise on the issue of beer in stadiums.

And despite the delay regarding the Natal stadium, the minister insisted work would be completed before the end of December 2013, the deadline set by FIFA.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/no-need-for-a-boozy-row-with-fifa-says-brazilian-minister-20120121-1qb6l.html#ixzz1k6BrPYkS

Alcoholic drinks are part of the FIFA World Cup, so we're going to have them. Excuse me if I sound a bit arrogant but that's something we won't negotiate

Romario criticises 2014 World Cup preparations again

Associated Press Last updated on Saturday, 11 February 2012 11:33

Sao Paulo: Former Brazil star Romario has again criticised his country's preparations for the 2014 World Cup, saying he fears it faces embarrassment if work on its outdated airports is not speeded up.

Now a congressman, Romario also said he is certain there will be overspending in many of the 12 World Cup stadiums and that "they will rob" public funds and use the tournament as an excuse.

In an interview with the Bandeirantes network, Romario said it will be "chaos" in Brazil's airports during the World Cup if renovation and upgrades don't get started as soon as possible.

"We will be embarrassed with our airports here in Brazil if the necessary work doesn't start quickly," Romario said. "To tell you the truth, I'm trying to stay positive and I'm hoping that it won't happen. But we see what happens during long holidays now, and it's not going to be different in the World Cup."

Football legend Pele had also previously said that Brazil was risking embarrassment because of the situation of its airports.

The nation's airports are already struggling to meet the growing demands brought on by Brazil's solid economy, and the government and organisers - including FIFA - have constantly said that air transportation will be a major concern during the World Cup.

The government has privatised operations at three of the nation's main airports on Monday and it will do the same to others in the near future to try to speed up the needed upgrades in the nation's air system.

Improving airports plagued with bottlenecks, long lines and poor infrastructure was a key promise the government made in its winning bid to host football's premiere event.

Romario also said he is concerned with overspending and misuse of public funds in many of the stadiums which will host matches in 2014 and in the 2013 Confederations Cup next year.

"I've been in the 12 host cities and unfortunately a lot of the stadiums will be left to be finished just a year or so before the tournament because then it is categorised as emergency work and there is no more need for bidding processes. The sky will be the limit then, you can't imagine the costs that will appear in the majority of these stadiums. They will rob without shame."

Romario didn't specify whom he was referring to when he used the term "rob."

Last year, after one of his visits to the host cities, Romario said that he was disappointed with what he saw and that he expected "problems" to get the country ready for the World Cup and said that "things are not going to happen."

He said the tournament in Brazil is "not going to be the best of all time" as he once thought when the nation won the right to host it in 2007.

http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/item/185252-romario-criticises-2014-world-cup-preparations-again

Brazil World Cup way behind: FIFA

3 March 2012-AFP

Brazil's faltering organisation of the 2014 World Cup has come under fire from FIFA as the frustrated world governing body says things are just not working.

FIFA's secretary-general, Jerome Valcke, even suggested organisers needed a "kick up the arse", even though there was no question of Brazil being stripped of the event.

"I don't understand why things are not moving. The stadiums are not on schedule any more and why are a lot of things late?" Valcke said on Friday.

"In 2014 we will have a World Cup. The concern is nothing is made or prepared to receive so many people because the world wants to go to Brazil.

"I am sorry to say but things are not working in Brazil. You expect more support - there are these endless discussions about the World Cup bill.

"We should have received these documents signed by 2007 and we are in 2012.

"You have to push yourself, kick your arse and just deliver this World Cup and that is what we will do."

He added: "You don't have enough hotels everywhere. You have more than enough in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, but if you think about Manaus, you need more."

Valcke also suggested the priority in Brazil was to win the tournament rather than organise a good World Cup.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1095873/Brazil-World-Cup-way-behind-FIFA

Stadium faces drop from 2014 World Cup

3 March 2012-AP

FIFA inspectors may have an unpleasant surprise when they visit Beira-Rio Stadium in Brazil next week, finding an empty construction site and a venue in danger of being dropped from the 2014 World Cup.

Lack of financial guarantees to renovate Beira-Rio halted work at the site eight months ago, and if the deadlock continues for much longer, the southern city of Porto Alegre may struggle to find a new venue with only two years left before football's showcase event.

The construction company involved in the project said on Friday it believes it has found a solution to get the renovation work back on track, but it remains unclear when the plan will be put into practice.

If a contract is not signed soon between club Internacional and the Andrade Gutierrez company, FIFA and local organisers will have to quickly find an alternative to keep Porto Alegre as a tournament host.

Internacional rival Gremio is building a new arena in the city and it should be ready in time for the World Cup, but the venue would have to go through FIFA's entire approval process from the start before being allowed to host matches.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff reportedly intervened to try to help on a deal to keep the Beira-Rio as a host, and Rio Grande do Sul state Governor Tarso Genro also got involved in the negotiations.

The problem comes just as FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said that he has serious concerns about Brazil's World Cup preparations and that the country appears more concerned about winning the 2014 tournament than preparing for it.

He said "the big issue we have in Brazil is that not a lot is moving" and that he doesn't understand why "the stadiums are not any more on schedule."

A team of nearly 40 people from FIFA and the local organising committee will visit six of the 12 host cities next week, including Porto Alegre, which will be inspected on Wednesday. Last year, the inspection team visited the six cities which will likely host Confederations Cup matches in 2013.

Internacional started renovating the stadium by itself, and in 2010 it reached a partnership with Andrade Gutierrez to have the project completed. The work stopped during the negotiations, and it will only restart after the partners give the required financial guarantees.

Andrade Gutierrez said the financial guarantees have not been completely secured yet, but the company said in its statement on Friday that it had already "identified the adequate financial mechanisms" to get needed funds.

It said it will soon release the date when the contract with Internacional will be signed to "assure the work will be executed in time for the stadium to host the 2014 World Cup matches."

The Morumbi Stadium, one of Brazil's most traditional, was dropped from the tournament in 2010 because FIFA said there were not enough financial guarantees for its renovation project. A new stadium is being built in the city to host the competition's opening match in June 2014.

Internacional is one of Brazil's most successful clubs. It has three national titles and won the Copa Libertadores twice. It defeated Barcelona to win FIFA's Club World Cup in 2006.

Local organisers said the FIFA inspections next week will cover a variety of areas, including the infrastructure outside the venues.

"These inspections are aimed at analysing and adapting the operational planning of the stadiums, which are extremely complex," said local committee operational manager Tiago Paes.

He said the visit will cover areas dealing with traffic, security, fan management, commercial partners, marketing, hospitality, and setups for media.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1095931/Stadium-faces-drop-from-2014-World-Cup

FIFA apology over 'kick up the backside' for Brazil

Last updated 14:01 06/03/2012

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke apologised on Monday for remarking that Brazil needed a "kick up the backside" to be ready for the 2014 World Cup as the government formally declared him unwelcome to visit for talks on the tournament next week.

Valcke's comment on Friday angered the South American soccer power, and prompted Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo to write to FIFA president Sepp Blatter to say they no longer wanted to deal with the Frenchman, who was due to visit on March 12.

After publicising its decision to write to Blatter, the government revealed a note from Valcke apologising for his remarks.

In the note, a copy of which has been seen by Reuters, Valcke said his remark had became much harsher in translation from French to Portuguese and only meant "speed things up".

He did, however, add there was "certainly an air of worry at FIFA" about the slow progress of tournament preparations.

Rebelo said in his letter to Blatter:

"The form and content of (Valcke's) remarks go beyond acceptable standards of harmonious coexistence between a sovereign state like Brazil and a centenary international organisation like FIFA.

"Faced with this fact, the Brazilian government can no longer accept Mr Jerome Valcke as an interlocutor in its dealings with FIFA during preparations for this World Cup."

Rebelo had already described Valcke's remarks as "offensive" and "unacceptable" at a news conference on Saturday.

FIFA has criticised Brazil for slow progress preparing stadiums and infrastructure and a delay in passing laws on the sale of alcoholic drinks at venues and for cheap tickets for low-income sectors of society.

On his last visit to Brazil in January, Valcke had praised progress at venues he visited.

Although apologising to Rebelo, Valcke described himself as the person ultimately responsible for the World Cup and that he was under pressure to ensure Brazil delivered the finals in good time.

He went on to tell Rebelo that he was "confident there is no problem that cannot be overcome with the efforts of FIFA, the local organising committee and the Brazilian authorities."

Brazil was FIFA's only choice for the 2014 tournament and its success was "not only one of my duties but also my biggest wish," Valcke added.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/football/6531742/FIFA-apology-over-kick-up-the-backside-for-Brazil

Blatter attempts to smooth over row with Brazil caused by 2014 World Cup concerns

Martyn Ziegler Thursday 08 March 2012

The Fifa president, Sepp Blatter, has asked for talks with Brazil's president, Dilma Rousseff, as concerns grow about the collapse of the relationship between football's governing body and the 2014 World Cup hosts.

Last weekend the Fifa secretary general, Jérôme Valcke, criticised delays in preparations for the tournament and the Brazilian government said it no longer wanted to deal with him. A written apology from Valcke came on Tuesday and it was followed by a letter from Blatter to the sports minister Aldo Rebelo.

He wrote: "Please allow me to express my deepest regret for the present situation. I would like to apologise to all those – above all, the Brazilian Government and President Dilma Rousseff – who feel that their honour and pride has been injured. Brazil deserves to host the World Cup and the entire world is looking forward to it. However, the sands of time have been running since 2007.

"Therefore, let us not waste time on entrenching our positions. Let us instead build something great together, as promised by President Lula during his presidency. I will be travelling in Asia until 10 March and afterwards I would like to meet President Rousseff and yourself as soon as possible – ideally next week."

Last weekend, Valcke asked 2014 organisers "to push yourself, kick your arse and just deliver this World Cup". He described Brazil's angry reaction as "puerile", but apologised 48 hours later.

Meanwhile, a Council of Europe assembly committee has said that Blatter's unopposed re-election last year should be the subject of an internal investigation into whether he unfairly exploited his position. A meeting of the Culture, Science, Education and Media Committee in Paris on "good governance and ethics in sport" passed a draft resolution calling on Fifa to launch an inquiry and to speed up reforms.

Blatter was re-elected in June after Mohamed bin Hammam withdrew, after being charged with bribery. In July the Qatari was banned for life.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/blatter-attempts-to-smooth-over-row-with-brazil-caused-by-2014-world-cup-concerns-7544608.html

Soccer: Only 5 percent of Brazil World Cup projects completed
8:28 AM Friday May 25, 2012


The Brazilian government has insisted it's not worried with the pace of preparations for the 2014 World Cup even though it announced that only 5 percent of all the planned projects have been completed.

With about two years left before the World Cup, the government said 41 percent of the infrastructure work across the country has yet to start, and 15 percent of those projects are still in the planning stages.

But Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and other officials said the country's preparations are progressing according to schedule.

"It shouldn't be considered a problem that these projects haven't started yet," Rebelo said. "It doesn't mean we have delays just because work on these projects hasn't started yet. The planning process is just as important as the execution process. Everything is on schedule. We feel the work will be delivered on time, before 2014."

Rebelo also downplayed renewed criticism from Sepp Blatter about Brazil's pace of preparations, hinting the FIFA president has been influenced by pessimistic views about the work being done in the South American nation.

"I think Brazil has too great of a challenge for us to keep arguing publicly with officials in charge of the World Cup or any other event," Rebelo said. "Pessimism and optimism have always been part of the country's evolution and sometimes they can contaminate foreign officials like Joseph Blatter. And it's hard to change that, he is far (away)."

Rebelo added: "We are open to criticism. We don't own the truth. People will have different views. The government has its own opinion and it's optimistic that it will overcome all the challenges of the World Cup."

The report released by the government on Wednesday was the latest update on the country's preparations regarding stadium construction and infrastructure work for the World Cup.

The government said there are 101 projects in total, including airport upgrades, road construction and other undertakings needed to improve the 12 cities hosting matches in 2014. The report said 55 of the projects are under way, an increase from the numbers released in September 2011, when only about 30 had started.

"The report shows a significant improvement compared to the previous one," Rebelo said. "And the next one in October should show an even greater improvement."

The government said about 80 percent of the infrastructure work is expected to be completed by 2013.

Cities Minister Aguinaldo Ribeiro said some of Brazil's biggest challenges expediting the projects involve environmental issues, planning delays and construction difficulties.

"But we are confident we can make progress and overcome these challenges in a short period of time," he said.

The report also showed that 42 percent of the projects needed to upgrade Brazil's outdated airports haven't started yet, and that eight of the 12 World Cup stadiums were less than 50 percent completed.

Construction in venues in Natal, Cuiaba and Porto Alegre were less than 25 percent done, but the government said construction in all stadiums was going according to plan and would be completed in time for the World Cup and next year's Confederations Cup.

- AP
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10808376

World Cup slogan - 'All in one rhythm'

30 May 2012-AFP

FIFA announced "All in one rhythm" as the official slogan of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, saying it would unite fans who head to the Samba nation for the football extravaganza.

The official slogan was a joint effort between Brazil and the footballing world, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said at a ceremony in Rio, noting it "represents the unique flavour" Brazil will bring to the tournament.

"Based around the central idea of 'rhythm', it will unite fans in Brazil and abroad, around what will be a colourful and vibrant celebration set to a uniquely Brazilian rhythm," Valcke said.

Brazil's Sports Minister, Aldo Rebelo, said the slogan was an invitation to citizens and visitors "to join together and celebrate the immense sense of pride" in the country's role as host.

It was Valcke's first trip to Brazil since he caused an uproar in March with his criticism of the country's 2014 preparations, saying organisers needed "a kick up the backside."

Valcke and FIFA President Sepp Blatter had to apologise for the remarks, which triggered fury from the host country. Rebelo then said Valcke would no longer be welcome as a FIFA spokesman.

FIFA expressed varying degrees of concern about whether preparations - renovation or construction of stadiums as well as infrastructure projects - are on track for the first World Cup in Brazil since 1950.

A little over two years before the championship kicks off in Sao Paulo, nearly 40 per cent of projects are yet to start, the Brazilian government said last week, insisting there was no cause for alarm.

Brazil plans to spend $A13.27 billion on 101 projects to build or modernise stadiums, airports, roads and public transport ahead of the World Cup, but work has begun on only 60 of them, the government said.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1107719/World-Cup-slogan-All-in-one-rhythm

Brazil to hold World Cup talks

1 May 2012-DPA

Brazilian Minister of Sports Aldo Rebelo has agreed to meet the FIFA leadership next week to discuss preparations for the 2014 World Cup and next year's Confederations Cup.

The meeting in Zurich on May 8 will bring Rebelo together with FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke who caused outrage in Brazil earlier this year with comments on the South American country's preparations for the World Cup.

Joseph Blatter, president of football's governing body, will open the meeting.

Valcke caused anger in Brazil in March when he said the authorities in the country might need "a kick up the backside" to speed up World Cup preparations.

As a result of the comments, Rebelo wrote to FIFA saying that Valcke would no longer be accepted as a partner in any dialogue.

Valcke and Blatter apologised for the incident. Brazil accepted the apologies but made it clear it would prefer a different interlocutor.

Next week's meeting is described by FIFA as a "working session" and "will encompass the latest status of preparations as well as the agenda for the next 24 months".

Rebelo will be accompanied by the sports ministry's executive secretary Luis Fernandes and its office chief Luiz Paulino, FIFA said.

The local organising committee will be represented by chairman Jose Maria Marin and two members of the management board, former internationals Ronaldo and Bebeto.

Valcke, deputy secretary general Markus Kattner and the respective directors of the departments of competition, communication and public affairs and legal will participate in the meeting for FIFA. Also present will be FIFA's Brazilian executive committee member Marco Polo Del Nero.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/2010-world-cup/news/1103763/Brazil-to-hold-World-Cup-talks

2014 FIFA World Cup Sustainability Strategy Presented At Rio+20


FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) teamed up with the Brazilian government at Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, today (19 June 2012) to present their strategy to stage the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in a sustainable way.


As one of the largest sports events in the world, the FIFA World Cup™ has a considerable impact on society and the environment. The sustainability strategy developed by FIFA and the LOC aims not only to mitigate the negative impact but also to maximise the positive effects of hosting the FIFA World Cup™. Green stadiums, waste management, community support, reducing and offsetting carbon emissions, renewable energy, climate change and capacity development are just some of the key issues that will be addressed over the next two years. A total of approximately USD 20 million will be invested by FIFA in the implementation of the strategy. Further support for the sustainability effort will be provided by FIFA’s Commercial Affiliates and other involved stakeholders.

The strategy builds on the experience gained from environmental and social development programmes at FIFA tournaments since 2005, on international standards such as ISO 26000 and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and on the development policies of the government of Brazil. The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ will be the first FIFA World Cup to have a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Please visit www.FIFA.com/csr2014 to read the complete document.

“The ultimate goal is to stage an event that uses resources wisely, striking a balance between economic aspects, social development and environmental protection. We have joined Rio+20 because we want to contribute and to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to meet their needs as this generation. We also want to ensure that the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be remembered not only as a fantastic football tournament but for its lasting social and environmental legacy. This requires participation from all parties involved, from the football fan to the stadium constructors. All are essential players in this sustainability line-up,” explained Federico Addiechi, FIFA’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility. “And as the host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and a global leader in sustainable development, Brazil and its government have been very important for FIFA and the LOC in shaping this sustainability strategy.”

“Football is arguably the Brazilians’ greatest passion, and football and the FIFA World Cup can certainly be strong catalysts for changing attitudes in favour of living more sustainable lives and adapting our daily routines. If we start with small acts in our own homes, this could plant the seeds of a new reality. From large-scale sustainable stadium projects to the dreams of poor children who want to see their football heroes perform on the pitch, this FIFA World Cup is already making a difference in Brazil. And it is up to all of us to make sure that we expand its legacy,” said Bebeto, a member of the LOC’s board of administration.

“Brazil is now playing a globally prominent role in environmental affairs, and this is because it has managed in the last few years to combine economic growth with social inclusion and a commitment to the environment,” said Luis Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Ministry of Sport. “There is great diversity to our country, which has an energy grid supported by renewable energies, solid legislation and significant advances such as the meaningful reduction in the deforestation in the Amazon. It was in this context that the Brazilian government decided to make sustainability a feature of the organisation of the FIFA World Cup. With regard to the stadiums, for example, access to the Brazilian Development Bank’s (BNDES) line of credit is conditional on a sustainable construction certification standard. The World Cup is an opportunity for Brazil to showcase such progress and reveal to the world its natural, social, cultural, racial, religious and culinary diversity.”

FIFA and the LOC will also jointly produce a comprehensive sustainability report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). In addition, social and environmental chapters were compulsory elements in the bidding process for the FIFA World Cups™ in Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022). As a result of the voluntary initiatives in the FIFA World Cup™ stadiums in Brazil, green building certification will be mandatory for all FIFA World Cup™ stadiums in Russia and Qatar.

PaddockTalk Perspective

http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-195298.html

Republic of Ireland won't qualify for 2014 World Cup, says Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender believes Giovanni Trapattoni's side do not have the quality to qualify for the tournament in Brazil but urged key players not to retire yet

Jun 26, 2012 11:21:00 PM
By Al Amin Mohamed Seddiq

Former Republic of Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson believes Giovanni Trapattoni’s side will not be able to qualify for the World Cup in 2014.

The Irish have been drawn in the same group as Germany and Sweden in qualifying for the tournament in Brazil, with the campaign kicking off in September.

The Boys in Green face Kazakhstan in their first match but Lawrenson feels the quality of Joachim Low’s side in particular, will be too much for them and thinks it will be a good while before Ireland feature in a major finals again.

He told Goal.com: “It’s a very tough group. It’s going to be extremely difficult. I think Germany have looked the best team in Euro 2012, that’s including Spain. So it’s going to be very difficult for Ireland even to finish second, I don’t see them qualifying for 2014.

“I think it may be a while before they ever qualify for anything again. They haven’t got that many players to pick from, a lot of players are from the Championship, and they actually need a group of players who are all good Premier League players to come through together.”

The former Liverpool defender was not surprised by Ireland’s failure to advance from Group C at Euro 2012 as he feels the quality of the other teams in the section was too much for Trapattoni’s side to handle.

“I don’t honestly think anybody who’s been involved with Irish football in the past 10, 20, 30 years expected Ireland to do too much better," he added. "I thought they might have been a bit more competitive but they just weren’t good enough.

“Trapattoni did a really good job in terms of qualification. The thing with Ireland is generally, he made them very difficult to beat and play against. But that was in the qualification group.

“As they’ve gone up a level, Spain, Italy and Croatia, they’ve got too many good players. In the qualifiers, they very rarely went a goal behind so they were always in the game so they could wear you down and make it difficult.”

Following their disappointing exit from the tournament there have been reports that senior members of the Ireland squad, including Robbie Keane, Shay Given and Richard Dunne were considering their international futures.

However, Lawrenson feels the lack of players coming through the ranks may prevent that from happening.

He said: “I would say to them if they still think they can be of use to the team, then stay. The other problem is Ireland just haven’t got the replacements. Is there a better goalkeeper than Shay Given at the moment? Probably not.

“He didn’t have a good tournament and he didn’t look fit but when he’s fit there’s not a better Irish goalkeeper. Keane can’t play up front on his own, he’s got to play off somebody. Even Richard Dunne I don’t think they’ve got a better centre-back.”

The 55-year-old agrees with comments made in the Irish media that Sunderland winger James McClean should have been given a chance to impress in Poland-Ukraine especially after Trapattoni’s side exit was confirmed after their second game.

“I think McClean has had a whirlwind start in the Premier League. I would agree with those journalists because once you lose those first two games and don’t qualify it didn’t really matter about the result in the last game, so I would have been inclined to play him,” he said.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/2898/euro-2012/2012/06/26/3202674/republic-of-ireland-wont-qualify-for-2014-world-cup-says

Kickoff Times For 2014 World Cup Will Be A Welcome Treat for US Viewers

By The Gaffer on June 26, 2012

Now that Euro 2012 is almost wrapped up, the next major international soccer tournament we have to look forward to is World Cup 2014, which will be held across Brazil.

Previous World Cup tournaments have been relatively favorable to US viewing audiences in terms of kick-off times. World Cup 2010 in South Africa and World Cup 2006 in Germany were a breeze. The 2002 World Cup in South Korea-Japan was an ordeal with matches being played in the middle of the night or the early hours of the morning. Luckily, the kickoff times at Brazil 2014 will be quite favorable to US viewers.

In the group stage matches of World Cup 2014, the games will kick off at Noon, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm ET. The quarter-final matches will kick off at Noon and 4pm ET. The semi-finals will begin at 4pm ET, while the final will kick off at 3pm ET.

All matches for 2014 World Cup will be televised in the United States by ESPN. FOX Soccer has the rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments.

http://www.epltalk.com/kickoff-times-for-2014-world-cup-will-be-a-welcome-treat-for-us-viewers-44251?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29

World Cup 2014 Betting: What the Euros have taught us about the main contenders


Spain and Germany have it all to play for over the next few days but the even bigger picture is that they'll have a fantastic side in two years' time when the World Cup comes around. The same cannot be said for the likes of the Netherlands and whereas France may have all the talent at their disposal, the players don't seem to have the right mindset, says Ben Lyttleton.

For many of the teams at Euro 2012, the tournament is merely a stepping-stone to the next big challenge: the 2014 World Cup, to be held in Brazil. Indeed, some teams approached Euro 2012 claiming the focus was in fact on Brazil, among them Italy, whose goalkeeper Gigi Buffon had said it would be a miracle if Italy even qualified for the Euros having just finished bottom of a World Cup group that contained Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli admitted as much before the tournament, too: "Originally, the project of reform I was undertaking was with the World Cup in mind, but since this is Italy, well, now the target is the Euros."

Italy are (4.83/1) to get past Germany in the semi-final <> and 7.26/1) to win the final http://sports.betfair.com/football/market?id=1.101043808, which would be a huge turn-up for a side that is still rebuilding. But whatever happens later this week, Italy can look forward to Brazil 2014 with some optimism: in a qualifying group alongside Denmark and Czech Republic, they are (27.026/1) to win in Brazil ­ even if they might be without Andrea Pirlo, who will be 35, and Gigi Buffon, 36, by then.

For England, who came into the tournament with a new coach, three injured players that made up the spine of the team (Gary Cahill, Jack Wilshere and Daren Bent) plus its best player Wayne Rooney suspended for two matches, losing the quarter-final on penalties to Italy has also been an educative process. If there's one thing Roy Hodgson has taught England, it's to recalibrate expectations and while there was disappointment at the exit, there was not the false sense of entitlement that has succeeded previous failures. England are (20.019/1) to win the World Cup, but the pressure soon to fall on Wilshere needs to be put into perspective: England has produced technically-excellent players but the examples of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick shows that they have not known what to do with them.

The same cannot be said of perhaps the tournament's biggest disappointment, Holland. Talk of England's golden generation now sounds satirical, wrote Paddy Barclay, but Holland had its best group of players, at least in an attacking sense, since winning Euro 88. But once again they all failed to gel and the reports of behind-the-scenes clashes since Holland's elimination have been eye-opening: Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie led separate clans demanding a certain style of play (Sneijder wanted all-out attack, Van Persie more cautious), while Ibrahim Afellay offended team-mates with his arrogant approach, Rafael van der Vaart was accused of undermining the coach by moaning about not being in the side, while there was also a report that full-back Wilfred Bouma had punched the team doctor for reminding him to take a doping test.

The likes of Mark van Bommel, Nigel de Jong, van der Vaart, Joris Mathijsen and Dirk Kuyt have probably played their last game for the team and if, as expected, Sneijder is appointed team captain, it places Van Persie's role in the squad under a microscope. There is a talented generation of new players coming through ­ the likes of Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, Adam Maher, Jordi Clasie, Luciano Narsingh, Kevin Strootman and the De Jong brothers ­ and Van Marwijk is expected to keep his job to see them through to 2014. The period of Holland challenging for titles was a brief one, and it will be a while before this generation are ready to come close again. Holland are (19.018/1)to win the 2014 World Cup.

Brazil 2014 was the tournament in which France was set to shine: all the talk there was of its 1987 Generation, referring to players like Karim Benzema and Jeremy Menez who were born in that year. "We will be 27 in 2014, and be ready to be leaders of the team then," said Samir Nasri, another graduate. Except there are now huge question-marks over this group of players, not least because all the trouble caused behind the scenes at the Euros emanated from them.

Hatem Ben Arfa, another from 1987, argued with coach Laurent Blanc after the loss to Sweden and even challenged him to send him home: Nasri clashed with
Alou Diarra after the same game, but that was nothing compared to his outburst at journalists both at the start and end of his tournament. Given that France is in the same qualifying group as Spain, the best it can hope for is a play-off spot, which makes its participation in two years something of a lottery. It's unlikely Nasri will be around: he could be banned for two years for his poor behaviour at the tournament.

Hosts Brazil are (4.63/1) favourites for the World Cup with Argentina looking a little too short at (6.25/1).Behind them, Spain are (6.65/1) and Germany
(8.07/1) . I fancy the European sides to continue their recent dominance of the world game, though their biggest threat could come from Uruguay, the Copa America champions who are a huge (28.027/1) for the World Cup.

Spain and Germany both have impressive players coming through: German youngsters Marco Reus, Andreas Schurrle, Toni Kroos and Mario Goetze form an exciting new generation, while Spain's Euro squad may be backed with experience, but the Olympic side, with the likes of Iker Muniain, Javi Martinez and Juan Mata, will ensure that the team's transition to the next generation is smooth. The two favourites for Euro 2012, finalists in 2008, are in the middle of a period of dominance that doesn't look like ending
soon.

http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/world-cup-2014-betting-what-the-euros-have-taught-us-about-the-main-contenders-260612-270.html

FIFA’s Valcke says Brazil improving pace of preparations for 2014 World Cup

The FIFA is inspecting stadiums in Brasilia, Recife and Natal ahead of the 2014 soccer tournament.

By Associated Press, Friday, June 29, 5:52 AMAP

SAO PAULO — Brazil is making progress in its preparations for the 2014 World Cup, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said Thursday at the end of a three-day visit.

Valcke visited the host cities of Recife, Natal and Brasilia and met with local organizers to get updates on progress for the World Cup and next year’s Confederations Cup.

Most of the projects are going well,” Valcke said. “Everybody is working harder and we are becoming better prepared to host the Confederations Cup and the World Cup.”

FIFA also announced that the World Cup draw will take place in the northeastern resort city of Costa do Sauipe in December 2013. The Confederations Cup draw will be in Sao Paulo this December.

Valcke noted improvements in the northeastern cities of Natal and Recife and praised the work being done in the capital Brasilia, which will host the Confederations Cup opener in 2013.

Valcke said Natal was an example of Brazil’s progress. The city that will host four World Cup matches had been one of the slowest in its preparations so far.

“There’s no time to lose and the work really needs to be done fast. That said, I was very impressed with what’s being done,” he said. “The good thing about the project is that it’s moving on. We had the red light before, but now we’ve got the right color again and the projects are on schedule. So there are no concerns on our part, though we will continue to monitor the situation.”

Valcke said it was still too early to tell if the northeastern city of Recife will be able to host the Confederations Cup next year but was confident that it will be ready. He said he got guarantees from the local government that all the work will be completed in time for the World Cup warm up tournament.

Recife and Salvador will have until November to show FIFA that they will be in position to host the Confederations Cup.

The four cities already guaranteed to host the tournament are Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza and Belo Horizonte. The final will be at Maracana in Rio.

Valcke praised the stadium being built in Brasilia for the competition’s opener.

“It will be a worthy arena to represent the nation’s capital,” he said.

Valcke acknowledged that the World Cup law approved by the Brazilian congress and sanctioned by President Dilma Rousseff was not exactly what FIFA wanted because it left the governing body having to negotiate some of its needed guarantees with the local governments, but said that it “was not the end of the world.”

Soccer’s governing body also said it reached a deal with official broadcaster TV Globo to allow the World Cup matches to be shown on big screens across the country without the need for a licensing agreement as long as the exhibitions are for less than 5,000 people and in a non-commercial environment.

“It is nice to think that thousands of kids will experience the same feeling that I had when I was a kid during the celebrations that will take place at public viewing events across Brazil,” said former Brazil striker Ronaldo, a member of the local organizing committee.

Brazil will be hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1950.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/fifas-valcke-says-brazil-improving-pace-of-preparations-for-2014-world-cup/2012/06/28/gJQAovXe9V_story.html

Ronaldo tips wonderkid as a potential star of 2014 World Cup

By Christopher Atkins 2012-06-30 22:32:00

Fresh off the back of two game changing performances for Corinthians, the name of Romarinho has been splashed across the headlines in Brazil.

Romarinho, 21, arrived from Serie B side Bragantino just two weeks ago and now, on the back of his start at the club, Brazil legend Ronaldo is tipping the youngster as one to watch for the World Cup in 2014.

"This kid is very talented," Ronaldo said. "He is something special. He came on in the final of the Libertadores and scored with his first touch. People should watch out for him ahead of the 2014 World Cup."

http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/32884_ronaldo_tips_wonderkid_as_a_potential_star_of_2014_world_cup.html

Picking an English Football Team to Win FIFA World Cup 2014

By Shubbankar Singh(Correspondent) on June 30, 2012

England disappointed at a major competition yet again as they meekly bowed out to the Italians in the Euro 2012 quarter final stage. While the tactics were the major reason why England were poor against Italy, the squad picked for the Euros was also inappropriate to a degree.

Let us try to pick a squad that may realistically stand a chance of reaching the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. England have the dubious distinction of not having beaten a major footballing nation in a knockout game since 1966.

One of the reasons for this may be that the players simply do not know too much about each other and find it hard blending as a team. However, there are examples at the ongoing tournament itself that make that theory vulnerable as a foregone conclusion.

Roy Hodgson did not pick a team to execute a strategy. He simply tossed a coin. How else would you justify his baffling decision to pick Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson? Moreover, these players weren't even used much. That just says it all.

Henderson and Downing perhaps requested Hodgson or "Uncle Woy" to show them around Europe. Hodgson saw Ukraine and Poland as tourist spots and befitted the performance of these two. I guess this was his way to do it without spending a penny.

Admittedly, this was a little harsh, but Hodgson had little clue with his tactics and strategy.

Let us now pick the squad of 23 that will be able to execute a strategy that may make England contenders in Brazil in two years time.

Goalies

1. Joe Hart - Arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment, Joe Hart will be certain to make the trip to Brazil. Lest he gets injured, he will be the person who will start all the games in between the sticks.

2. Ben Amos - Amos does not find much playing time at Manchester United at the moment. I hope that will change in the near future because he does look like a good prospect. He should look to play on loan on another Premier League side to gain experience at the very top level.

3. Scott Carson - Playing in Turkey at the moment, Carson is still in top shape to represent England at the international level. I will keep Carson as the third choice goalkeeper behind the aforementioned names for England's squad.

Defenders

1. Leighton Baines - Who knows, England may well have found themselves playing Spain instead of Italy on Sunday in the final had it been Baines instead of Ashley Cole playing against Italy in the quarterfinal. Playing every player on merit should be one of a manager's top priorities. Cole simply gets into the national team on account of playing for Chelsea. England should have started with Baines against France in order to try someone new in that position.

2. Phil Jones - Jones is a versatile defender who is also comfortable with the ball at his feet. England will need ball-playing central defenders to increase their chances of dominating matches rather than being dominated like they were at the hands of Italy. Jones plays full-back for Manchester United, but has played at the center of defense for Blackburn previously. He likes to go forward and can help serve as an extra attacker at times in matches.

3. Joleon Lescott - The left-footed Lescott will provide balance at the heart of defense. He is also a good strong presence in the box when defending set-pieces and when scoring them at the other end too.

4. Micah Richards - Richards has developed into a powerful full-back who can contribute to the attack very well. He has abundant pace and can function at center-back too.

5. Kyle Walker - The Tottenham youngster is another player that, on present form, deserves to be selected for England. Besides being very quick, Walker can be a very good option to take set-pieces. With Gerrard in his thirties and his international career in uncertainty, England need to find new set-piece takers. Walker can certainly be one of them.

6. Phil Jagielka - This Everton man has been consistent for a long time and shall be picked for his versatility. He can also play in midfield as a defensive-minded player who will help win back possession.

7. Michael Dawson - To add some experience and have a good solid backup to the starting central defenders, Dawson will be vital.

8. Kieran Gibbs - Even though playing for an Arsenal side that does little to afford protection to its back four, Gibbs has done admirably well. He will be good cover for Leighton Baines for the left-back position. Although, Phil Jones will be a better option at left-back in case he is not already playing.

Midfielders

1. Theo Walcott - The Arsenal man is inconsistent but has the ability to produce magic at vital times. Walcott shouldn't start till he proves himself further, but he justifies the term "super-sub" to a good degree.

2. Ashley Young - In the absence of the likes of Beckham and Gerrard, Young will be another one who will have to step up in order to take set-pieces. Further, Young's delivery, while working from the wing, is one of the best in the English Premier League, if not the world. His in-swinging crosses are hard to deal with and will be utilized to keep up the pressure on the opposition's defense.

3. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - In his short time with Arsenal in the Premier League, Oxlade-Chamberlain showed what he is capable of. He will be another flair player that the England manager can look to use in times of desperation.

4. Tom Cleverley - England created next to nothing from the center of midfield at Euro 2012. Other than Liverpool and England talisman Steven Gerrard, there were little offensive options on offer from the others. Cleverley will be one of the players who can create something through his vision and darting runs.

5. Jack Wilshere - A tasty option for England would be to pair up Cleverley and Wilshere in central midfield in games that the English would be expected to win. It would take some guts from the manager to use the same pairing in games against top teams, but it may just work given that these players do not lose possession easily.

6. Raheem Sterling - Still only 17, Sterling has already earned rave reviews through his performances for the Liverpool reserves and the English team at the under-17 level in the World Cup. If Young is having an off-day, Sterling is a great option to bring off the bench. Sterling is unpredictable and can harm defense with serious pace.

7. Lee Cattermole - This selection might surprise many, but England need an enforcer in midfield who will break up opposition attacks and help to gain ball control. Cattermole is one of a very few who can do that for England. Gerrard, even with all his brilliance, is tactically naive and cannot execute this role well.

8. Jack Rodwell - Having someone like Rodwell on the bench to replace the starting midfielders will only help sure up the game during the latter stages. Protecting leads once you get one is imperative in international games as Greece have shown on many occasions. Rodwell will be a great option to do just that after the flair players have done their job.


Strikers

1. Andy Carroll - With only four spots left for strikers, every manager wants different options. Having four types of strikers gives you ability to utilize different strategies according to the opposition. Carroll is a powerful forward who is a great header of the ball and has a hammer of a left foot. Carroll will find Young's crosses very beneficial in hurting opponents.

2. Wayne Rooney - England cannot go to the World Cup without their talisman Wayne Rooney. Rooney, like Gerrard and Beckham, has the ability to conjure magic at any moment of the match. He will have to be coached to keep his temper in check by the manager so that he will not miss any matches because of silly bookings.

3. Daniel Sturridge - Though Sturridge may be seen similar to Rooney, he is not and provides more than just balance by being left footed. Sturridge likes to play up-front in a position he is not afforded at Chelsea. England may give him that position with Rooney playing just behind. England may also go with a front-three with different permutations from among these four strikers.

4. Darren Bent - Bent is the fox-in-the-box type of player that a team creating many chances should always have. He has pace and will thrive while playing in front of Rooney or Sturridge or both. An option of partnering him with Carroll will also be one worth trying if somehow the others become unavailable.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1242371-picking-an-england-team-to-win-world-cup-2014

Can see a squad like that but he loses all credibility by picking Lee Cattermole :lol: