Matthaus: Target SA 2010

He was one of the most talented and successful players in the history of the game. Along with 150 caps, a German record, Lothar Matthaus won almost everything there was to win during his 21-year career. His haul included the 1990 FIFA World Cup™, the European Cup ten years earlier and a grand total of seven domestic league titles with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, as well as two national and two UEFA Cups. Matthaus also scooped a number of individual awards, most notably when he was named World Soccer Player of the Year in 1990 and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991.

Now 46, Matthaus hung up his boots seven years ago and turned his attentions to coaching. After steering Partizan Belgrade to the Serbian league title in 2003, he also took them into the UEFA Champions League. Matthaus also made his home country sit up and pay attention when the Hungarian national team which he was coaching recorded a 2-0 win over Germany. He is currently to be seen on German pay TV channel Premiere as one of its resident panel of experts.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, Matthaus spoke of his plans for 2008, the prospects of the Mannschaft at the UEFA EURO 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.Read More

Kanoute named Africa's best

Mali and Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute won the 2007 CAF African Footballer of the Year award on Friday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.
The Sevilla forward is the first European-born player to win the award after beating off competition from Ivorian captain Didier Drogba and Michael Essien of Ghana.
Kanoute was nominated for his role in helping Mali qualify for this year's CAF African Cup of Nations finals and triumphs last season with Spanish club Sevilla in the UEFA and King's Cups. The African Footballer of the Year award is voted for by the national coaches of the 53 CAF associations.

Kanoute played for his native France as a junior international before switching allegiance in 2004 to Mali, his father's country. He is the first Malian to win the award since Salif Keita took the inaugural title in 1970.

The honour came three days after Mali were eliminated from Ghana 2008 with Kanoute injured in their last game against the Ivorians on Tuesday.

Drogba had been nominated mainly on the strength of his form in the English league and European competition. His goals kept Chelsea in the Premier League title race last season and also helped them lift the FA Cup, with the Ivorian striker scoring the only goal of the final against Manchester United at Wembley.

On Sunday Ghana play Nigeria in a quarter-final in Accra and Drogba will lead the Ivorians against Guinea in Sekondi.

Other awards were given to Côte d'Ivoire as the African team of the year and CAF Champions League winners Etoile Sahel of Tunisia as the club of the year. Etoile Sahel striker Armine Chermiti was named the best African club competition player and Zambian Clifford Mulenga Young African Player of the Year.

FA must call Mourinho's bluff

Jose Mourinho may or may not be bluffing about his interest in taking over as England coach - but there is one simple way to find out.

The Football Association should call Mourinho's bluff. Today.

Mourinho is far and away the outstanding candidate to succeed Steve McClaren. He is also available.

And yet we have the farce of the FA canvassing luminaries such as John Toshack, Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer and Sir Alex Ferguson before making its move.

This is utter nonsense. Never mind "the process", just get on the phone.

Giggs stands firm despite Bolton blow

Ryan Giggs said Manchester United FC were "obviously disappointed" after dropping three points off the pace in the Premier League with Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers FC.

Sent upstairs
Nicolas Anelka scored the only goal of the game after eleven minutes and to add to United's problems, Sir Alex Ferguson spent the second half in the stands after being dismissed from the touchline by referee Mark Clattenburg. "I made my feelings known to the referee and he did not like it," said the manager. "Some referees don't like the truth and so I had to spend the second half upstairs."

'We have to move on'
Giggs was eager to put the game behind him as he looked ahead to midweek action in Europe, saying: "We're obviously disappointed, but we have to move on now. We have a game [against Sporting Clube de Portugal in the UEFA Champions League] on Tuesday and we have to go out and perform. We need to get back on track as soon as possible. We've done it before and we have to do it again."

Defensive lapse
Sir Alex defended his players despite conceding from a set piece against Bolton, saying: "It was difficult to break Bolton down because after they went 1-0 up at their home ground, they just defended." He added: "You don't like losing goals and Bolton are famed for their set-piece play. It was something we discussed before the game - we said: 'If you handle that we should be okay'. But we didn't and it was a good start for them."

Megson grateful
Meanwhile, Bolton manager Gary Megson was delighted after celebrating his first win since taking over from Sammy Lee. "Any win in the position we are in is a good win," he said. "To beat a team when nobody expects you to has been a big fillip for the club." Bolton can now take some confidence into their UEFA Cup Group F home game against FC Aris Thessaloniki on Thursday night.

Riquelme Set To Return Home

Five-year spell

Villarreal general director José Manuel Llaneza travelled to Buenos Aires to complete a deal which should end the 29-year-old’s five-year spell in Spanish football. Riquelme joined FC Barcelona in 2002 from Boca Juniors, the club where he started his career in 1996, and returned to Argentina on loan in February after he was dropped by Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini last Christmas. He has not played for the Yellow Submarine since returning to El Madrigal in July.

Football Skill Player

Football Skills

Football skills (in North America the sport is known as “soccer”) and football techniques are often thought of as the same thing. There are, however, some differences between the two. Skills refer to the how well a player performs various techniques during practice or during games. Technique is how a player performs certain fundamentals like passing, kicking, or defense. A skilled football player can execute a variety of techniques smoothly and efficiently.

Many football techniques can be learned through practice and repetition. Young players need to be allowed to practice as often as they can so they get a feel for the sport without the intimidation of a competitive game situation. However, games are just as important as practice, as this is where players learn to put it all together. Practice games are where players can really focus on applying the techniques of the game.

Another way young players can learn proper football skills and techniques is by observation and visualization. When players observe other skilled players, they are able to see how particular techniques are put into action on the playing field. Learning to play the game is a combination of practice, participating in games, and observation.

Young soccer players will find it easier to break down the components of the game into smaller units. Some of the skills and techniques that are needed to play a good game include kicking, keeping control of the ball, dribbling, heading, and goalkeeping. As each technique is mastered, young players will become more confident in their ability to be part of a team. It’s this team spirit that helps them enjoy the game and their part in the action.

Football practices and drills should be interesting for young players and vary in the football skills, strategies, and tactics they teach. Young players should also be educated on how to focus their thoughts during practice and games rather than just relying on the physical side of the sport. The key to playing soccer right is the fine execution of skills and techniques by players who understand the entire concept of the game.

Skillstorm has the videos and learning tools players need to develop strong football skills. Through observation and practice, young players can improve their skills and techniques. To find out more about the online video lessons we offer, visit our website at www.skillstorm.de.