France: A well-rounded outfit

For eight years no other team has imploded as spectacularly as France. It started with the final of the 2006 World Cup, continued in the EURO 2008, where it crashed out in the group stage, and went down the abyss at the 2010 World Cup — all under manager Raymond Domenech. Troubles persisted even at EURO 2012 with Laurent Blanc in charge.

However, the current French side under Didier Deschamps is certainly not the one to repeat such acts. Blessed with a bunch of immensely talented youngsters, the revival has truly begun for French football and Brazil 2014 presents the first opportunity to show how far it has moved away from the recent inglorious past.

Manager Deschamps has changed his formations quite a bit; he has tried 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-1-4-1, but in the end has settled for 4-3-3, a system experts say maximises the potential of the players he has chosen. With players who can provide stability, technique and athleticism in the middle, pace upfront, flair on the wings — despite the absence of Franck Ribery due to a back injury — and adventurism from the fullback positions, the view is certainly not off the mark.

As many as nine starting places seem sewed up, with only the defensive ones up for grabs. Captain Hugo Lloris will be the number one goalkeeper and left-back Patrice Evra is a certainty. Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny is a sure bet to be one of the two centre-backs. But it is the other centre-back position and the one on the right side of the defence that will see competition.

For the centre, the choice is between the young Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane and the powerful Mamadou Sakho of Liverpool. While the former is gifted with the ball, the latter is physically strong with excellent ball-winning capability in the air. Deschamps is big admirer of the 21-year-old from Madrid but Sakho was the hero against Ukraine in the play-offs when he scored twice to send France to Brazil. The two offer different styles and the pragmatist in Deschamps can be relied upon to choose the better option on the day.

On the right, Bacary Sagna and Mathieu Debuchy will vie for a spot. Like Evra the two are perhaps not the most reliable of defenders, but their overlapping play coupled with the threat from the wings is one of France’s most potent weapons. Debuchy has been a regular starter in the qualifiers but it would be fair to say that Sagna had a better season at Arsenal than Debuchy did at Newcastle. But for Deschamps, club form, though it matters, is not the one that swings decisions, as Samir Nasri was to find out. 

There can however be no arguments on France’s strength in the middle. In Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi it has three of the world’s finest young midfielders. But Ribery’s absence will certainly be felt. Mathieu Valbuena, an impressive figure for France in the last two years, will most probably man the flanks in the company of Antoine Griezmann, the versatile 23-year-old from Real Sociedad, who in just a handful of appearances has shown what he is capable of. Also, Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin, a star in the making, who has been called up following Ribery’s injury, and Queen’s Park Rangers’ Loic Remy could see some action.

Upfront the swift and powerful Karim Benzema is tipped to be the lone striker with Olivier Giroud backing him up. Giroud would do well to curb his wastefulness if he is to be an effective understudy.

However, the space between the midfield and defence could yet prove a grey area. Both Pogba and Cabaye prefer being closer to the striker than the defence. With the full backs too more than eager to charge forward, Matuidi will be left alone doing the defensive duties.

Yet, overall, France appears a well-rounded outfit — an excellent starting eleven and a set of sharp reserves. But will it be good enough to win a second world title?

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3725/stories/20140621510503500.htm

Cameroon: A mere roar isn’t enough

In 1990, when Cameroon made its run to the quarterfinals, beating defending champion Argentina on the way in the opening group match, it helped put African football on the world map. But since then, the journey has been difficult, with nothing but meek performances against its name.

So much of the motivation and inspiration for Volker Finke’s team needs to come from within, for, barring 1990, a look back will provide the Lions nothing.

Finke took charge in 2013 and has ever since deployed a 4-3-3 formation, occasionally switching to either 4-4-2 or 4-1-3-2. Regardless of the formations, some players are constants. Charles Itandje will most certainly be the first-choice goalkeeper.

Nicolas N’Koulou and Aurelien Chedjou appear to be the centre-back pairing, though the tall Joel Matip, the man in form over the last 12 months, will look to break it at some point.

The wingback positions will see some jostling for places. Left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto will face competition from Henri Bedimo, who has had an excellent season for Lyon, while on the right the choice has to be made between Allan Nyom and Dany Nounkeu.

However, Cameroon’s strength lies in the midfield and beyond. In all probability, Samuel Eto’o, despite his blow-hot-blow-cold relationship with his country’s footballing authorities, will lead the attack. Fears of a goal drought were calmed to an extent when he scored in his country’s 2-2 draw against Germany in a friendly, but worries remain, as it was only his fourth goal in three years.

Sharing the scoring burden of Eto’o will be Lorient’s impressive Vincent Aboubakar, who was one of the few positives in Cameroon’s 5-1 friendly loss to Portugal earlier this year. Barcelona’s Alex Song will don the lead midfielder’s role and in all fairness might prove to be more important than Eto’o in shaping the attack from the heart of the midfield.

Yet, even a round-of-16 place will be an achievement as Cameroon finds itself alongside Brazil, Croatia and Mexico. A dream opening against Mexico is a must.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3725/stories/20140621508101800.htm

Geared up for the grand stage

Not all World Cup fairytales need a Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie to embellish them. For, the tournament has its own knack of providing the platform for many a budding talent to emerge and established names to further their reputation, outside the coterie of world famous names.

Here is a look at 10 players, some of whom could make their careers, some who could show their talent to a wider audience and others who still run the show, holding off a glut of talent emerging around them.

Thibaut Courtois (Belgium, Goalkeeper)

Jose Mourinho called him “the best young keeper in the world” and if one goes by his remarkable shot-stopping ability, it is tough to look beyond him. He saved 87 percent of shots, the best percentage among UEFA goalkeepers in the qualifying (minimum five games). Rock solid in Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title triumph and its run to the Champions League final, the 22-year-old has built up a stellar reputation that has now resulted in Chelsea, his parent club, wanting to recall him, in spite of Courtois saying he has no ‘emotional attachment' towards the club.

Leighton Baines (England, Defender)

The 29-year-old Everton left-back has had to bide his time as an understudy for long. He has now been pitch-forked into a starting role after Ashley Cole was not chosen by manager Roy Hodgson. He played an important role in Everton’s fifth-place finish in the Premier League with five goals and four assists, the most by any defender in the league. A threat from set-pieces from outside the penalty area, Baines’ overlapping play on the flank ensures that the attacking flair provided for so long by Cole continues.

Philipp Lahm (Germany, Defender)

Germany’s captain for the second straight World Cup, Philipp Lahm, even in a side replete with stars, is still as important as ever. The versatile 30-year-old can play both at the left-back and defensive midfield positions, though it’s still unclear where manager Joachim Loew will use him. For now, that is the least of Lahm’s worries. After having faced defeat in the semi-finals, both in 2006 and 2010, Lahm, for whom this could be the last World Cup, looks determined to go all out for glory. “I don’t want to get eliminated in the semi-finals again or to just travel to Brazil to enjoy the sun. I have a clear goal, and that is certainly the greatest possible success — the World Cup trophy,” he said.

Juanfran (Spain, Defender)

For someone, who won the Golden Player award at the UEFA European under-19 championship in 2004, Juanfran made his international debut only in May 2012 and has since made six appearances. But he goes into 2014 World Cup on the back of an outstanding campaign for Atletico Madrid, which has attracted a lot of suitors for the 29-year-old right-back. For now, he remains fiercely committed to his club and with a starting role in the national side looking likely; this could well be the year when his international career finally blooms.

Oscar (Brazil, Midfielder)

2013 was the year in which Oscar, the 22-year-old Brazilian playmaker, emerged as Chelsea’s key player. So much so that he was tipped to become Europe’s “most selfless, responsible playmaker.” That he oozes creativity is a given. He adds value with his excellent work rate, which endeared him to Jose Mourinho, who expects his players to press and track back. With an intrinsic ability to score goals, he, as a No. 10, is expected to excel.

Fernando Gago (Argentina, Midfielder)

In a side containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero, it is easy for many to not see Fernando Gago as a star. But when the man is injured, a natural replacement is hard to find, as Argentina is experiencing now, while fretting over his fitness. Offence or defence, his is a crucial role. Often on the counter, the killer pass which releases Di Maria, Messi, Higuan et al would be his. Argentina’s shaky back four means, Gago along with Javier Mascherano, has the job of shielding the defence. So important is he, that even when half-fit he can be expected to go to Brazil.

Blaise Matuidi (France, Midfielder)

France scored just 18 goals throughout the qualifying campaign. Yet it qualified owing to a stupendous defensive effort with Blaise Matuidi leading the way. With 2.5 tackles and 4.0 interceptions for every 90 minutes (minimum five appearances), it was he, who gave the powerful French midfield (Paul Pogba and Yohan Cabaye being the others) the edge. An equally important figure for Paris Saint-Germain, Matuidi, is set to showcase his talent, which was limited to the French audience so far, on a wider canvas.

Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Midfielder)

Coach Cesare Prandelli is expected to focus on three formations — the 3-5-2, 4-3-1-2 and 4-5-1. But in all, Andrea Pirlo is the key man and integral to showcase the positive brand of football, Prandelli has introduced. England manager Roy Hodgson summed it up the best when he said, “In the last 10 years, he has made Italy play.” In Italy’s run to the final in EURO 2012, Pirlo was magnificent, picking up three man-of-the-matches in the six games he played. He comes into what will be his last World Cup on the back of an impressive season for Juventus. The only worry will be whether his legs can hold up for 90 minutes, because of his advancing age (35).

Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast, Midfielder)

In Manchester City’s title winning season, Yaya Toure was the most important player. Even for Ivory Coast he will be expected to make the difference in big games, like he did at City. The team will most probably lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Toure taking the No. 10 role. Toure was once an occasional scorer. But in 2013-14 he scored 20 goals for City — a phenomenal feat for a midfielder. With Toure at his peak he can well propel Ivory Coast to the round-of-16 and beyond.

Son Heung-Min (South Korea, Forward)

South Korea’s Son Heung-Min best embodies the youthful nature of his team at the World Cup. The 21-year-old striker, blessed with plenty of speed, has already played 23 games for his country, just like how Ki Sung-Yueng and Lee Chung-Yong, both only 25, have been capped more than 50 times.

After having been bought by Bayer Leverkusen last season for Euro 10million, a club record, he hasn’t disappointed, recording 12 goals and seven assists. Adept at shooting off both feet, he can either play as a first striker, a second striker or on the right side of a three-man offence.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/stories/20140614506304000.htm

Chennai Football Association refereeing standards alarm players, coaches

After the chaos that marred the previous Chennai Football Association (CFA) league, 2014 saw a fresh start. Following four years under an ad hoc committee, elections were finally held as directed by the Tamil Nadu Football Association (TFA), and a new set of office-bearers took charge in early March.

There was substantial increase in prize money and in a first, cash prizes were announced for the lower divisions as well. A partnership was also formed with a city-based hospital for healthcare facilities.

But, for all the things that were done off the field, a key on-field aspect, refereeing, seems to have stained the league. There have been widespread complaints from players and coaches, both from the senior and lower divisions, about the standards.

Said Hindustan Eagles’ technical director Abraham Varghese: “The overall standard has been bad, but the authorities don’t seem to be bothered. Teams are being punished and players are getting demoralised.”

No response

Thangaraj, coach of SC Steds, a team which was relegated from the senior division last year, feels it’s a problem in every match. “It’s not up to the mark. We have appealed many times but there is no response.”

Part of the problem, it is said, is because the CFA referees’ committee, which was nominated by the TFA before the elections, and CFA do not see eye-to-eye.

“Any elected body should have the right to form its own committee,” said CFA president Varun Tripuraneni. “We should have had the right. I don’t know what is holding them back.

“We requested, but were asked not to tamper with it for the good of the league. So all we could do was request them to have a word and keep motivating them (referees).

“But, more than that, the referees are experienced and mistakes could have been avoided.”

On his part, CFA referees’ committee convener Jeyapaul Fernando said, the TFA was willing to reconstitute the committee but the referees objected to some names suggested by the CFA. It may be recalled that on April 14, the referees, who were officiating in various divisions, including the senior division, had threatened to pull out, protesting against the appointment of a match commissioner in a third division match.

Too much pressure

As for the errors, Fernando felt the reason could be that since so many matches were being held at the same time on different grounds (senior, first, second and third), it becomes difficult to juggle referees and young referees might feel the pressure of the senior division too much to handle.

He also added that given the tight schedule, they couldn’t get the time to conduct a refresher course. “We know that is very important. We will do it at the end of the league,” he said.

But all this has affected the teams the most. Both Varghese and Thangaraj feel that it’s a huge problem — more so for private clubs — for most teams are cash-strapped and sponsorship money is hard to come by, if results are not good.

Word of caution

However, noted former India international and current Indian Bank coach Sabir Pasha sounded a word of caution. “Refereeing is a thankless job. No one makes mistakes on purpose. It is the fault of those who appointed them without sufficient experience,” he said.

Focus is now on the TFA executive committee meeting which is set to be held in Udhagamandalam on June 7 where the issue is expected to be discussed among other things.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/chennai-football-association-refereeing-standards-alarm-players-coaches/article6063648.ece

Team preview, GHANA: Whipping boys?

In 2010, Ghana was a penalty kick away from the World Cup semifinals; something if it had happened would have been a first for Africa. It was a fairytale the neutrals would have loved, for in Ghanaians they saw the new darlings of world football. But it ended abruptly when a certain goal was denied after Luis Suarez handled the ball and the resulting penalty was missed by Asamoah Gyan.

Four years on, they are back on the World stage, to try their luck at a third successive World Cup. It is still a good team, a nice blend of youth and experience driven by a strong work ethic inculcated by manager Kwesi Appiah. It had a convincing qualifying campaign as well, losing only once.

Yet, its group leaves it with anything but a sense of comfort. It’s arguably the toughest of groups an African side can find itself in. If Germany and Portugal are world class sides, a third team in the United States hardly offers encouragement, though it’s a country which has faced elimination at the hands of Ghana in the last two editions.

Appiah has chosen to exclude the Black Stars' former captain John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah over fitness issues. Known as the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’, Mensah was a source of strength and stability at the back for long. Now, the job of mitigating the effect the duo’s absence will have falls on Samuel Inkoom and Harrison Afful.

With defense being a weak point, Ghana’s hopes of progressing will rest on the trio of Michael Essien, Gyan and Sulley Muntari with Kevin-Prince Boateng expected to assist them ably. Ghana legend Abedi Pele’s son Andre Ayew and Juventus’ Kwadwo Asamoah will be the other front men in the spotlight.

“You don't go there limiting yourself because some people think it's impossible,” said Mensah recently. “I think we can put Africa on the map in Brazil.” Whatever be the odds, it is this bullishness that sets the team apart.

A small but important step towards restoring gender balance

Football is the world’s most popular sport. For long bracketed in the ‘exclusively for male’ category, the women’s version of it is growing too. Yet, some parts still remain male bastions. Refereeing is one. While female referees are scarce at the highest levels, they are virtually non-existent at the national and local levels.

But the Chennai Football Association (CFA) senior division league this year has seen a welcome change.

The first

S. Vasanthi, who secured the grade of a national referee recently, has become the first female to be appointed.

“I didn’t expect it at first,” she says. “It’s a men’s league after all and this is the highest level. But I was very happy.”

Vasanthi is a Sub-Inspector with the Tamil Nadu Special Police. So far she has officiated in the capacity of an assistant referee in the senior division, though she is eligible to play the part of the main referee, which she has in the league’s lower divisions. While her regular job brings its own set of challenges, the ones on a football field don’t seem any less.

“Communication is a problem. The rules and the decision making don’t change but when a woman makes it, it is viewed differently. Players might not readily accept it. Explanation’s are sought.”

“If a side is losing, it is natural for (players) to put pressure on the referees. With us it is more. Questions like ‘Why are women referees appointed when men are there’ are asked.

The 30-year-old is however unperturbed. “Getting the decision right is my job. I do it to the best of my ability.”

Supportive family

Vasanthi is among only six national-level women’s referees in India and second from the state along with Roopadevi. Aside from the above-mentioned challenges, social realities like marriage prevents them from making the grade. For Vasanthi however, as she acknowledges, her husband and family have been of great support and feels that her appointment is a step in the right direction.

“It’s just a start. In Kolkata, many women referees officiate in big matches. In fact they have a separate association. In the days ahead we hope something like this happens here too.”

Suresh Srinivasan, India’s only AFC Referee Instructor and also the CFA Secretary terms this “a small step towards achieving bigger things in the future.”

“Already four for five referees have enrolled at the entry level,” he says.

“This is also like grooming players. It should be done from a young age, because refereeing is also equally important.”

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/getting-the-decision-right-is-my-job-vasanthi/article6050772.ece

Team preview, GREECE: Time to deliver

For a country that has just one match victory in the World Cup, the tag of European Champions seems a bit rich. But Greece comes with such baggage – of historic highs and contrasting lows. 

It has in fact entered the finals on only two occasions – 1994, when it sank without a trace and 2010, when it recorded its solitary win. In between, Otto Rehhagel’s defensive, but impeccably organised, side won the Euro 2004 and as European Champions failed to qualify for Germany 2006.

Under Fernando Santos the side is still tough to breach but can be termed a tad more expansive. The likes of Sokratis Papastathopoulos offer solidity at the back but it might not be the only weapon for Kostas Mitroglou can fetch goals, his wretched season at Fulham and the resulting last minute selection notwithstanding.

Yet, Greece required a playoff to reach the World Cup. Eight wins in 10 games would have been enough in most groups, but Greece could only finish level on points with group winners Bosnia-Herzegovina, and fell behind on goal difference.

Its opponents in Brazil are Japan, Columbia and Ivory Coast, sides largely accustomed to playing speedy football. On the other hand, Greece, in its last friendly at home in March against South Korea, looked lethargic and was for most parts outpaced and hustled.

In this context, Santos’ selection seems interesting. Veterans including Euro winners Kostas Katsouranis and the captain Giorgos Karagounis have made it. Youngsters in defender Dimitris Siovas and midfielder Sotiris Ninis do not feature.

“I was sorry not to include players that helped us in qualification, like Sotiris and Siovas,” Santos said after the selection. “But the national team is above players and above the coach. We must use the safest choices.”

How much this return to ‘safety first’ approach after briefly flirting with marginally more open football affects Greece remains to be seen. But nonetheless, it is an awkward team for anybody to face and performs best when least expected to.