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Back from the brink

BLOG_TH — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:57:49 GMT

They’ve done it. They made it tough for themselves in qualifying, but last night Portugal showed every ounce of their fighting spirit to book a place in next summer’s tournament.

The confidence, desire and determination of the 2006 semi-finalists proved decisive as they scored in the second half to make it 2-0 on aggregate.

No way back for Bosnia. No stopping Portugal. Next stop South Africa.

Front runner

BLOG_TH — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:04:52 GMT

All eyes were on Rooney and Fabiano. But Brazil's newest star in the making never turns down an opportunity to shine.

With a point to prove, Nilmar attacked England’s back line on Saturday and showed the game-changing pace that will cause destruction in South Africa.

Speeding through the defence, Nilmar arrived first and angled a precise header past the keeper to take victory for Brazil.

Brazil’s forwards will set alight the South African stage. Nilmar wants to be one of them.

A battle for first

BLOG_TH — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:16:15 GMT

Before you wade into combat, you must be prepared – mentally and physically.

Rooney is ready. Ready to take on the in-form blues and ready to take United to the top of the table.

Prepare for combat.

Test against the best

BLOG_TH — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:32:42 GMT

Brazil, five-time winners of football’s greatest prize. The most successful team in the competition’s history. The perfect test for a promising England team.

Brazil face England this weekend. It’s the perfect chance for each side to test their potential as they continue preparations for South Africa.

Who will come out on top?

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A dream 27 years in the making

BLOG_TH — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:09:51 GMT

Ryan Nelsen was just five years’ old last time New Zealand reached the world’s largest football tournament in 1982. Five.

This Saturday, the All Whites take on Bahrain at home for a spot in South Africa 2010. And only a win will do.

Can Ryan put 27 years of hurt behind him?

Have your say on the Nike Football Facebook page

Time for Iniesta

BLOG_TH — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:46:23 GMT

He couldn’t help his national team in the last competition. But now Barcelona's midfield general is ready to put on his boots again for Spain and show everyone that a great player, always makes a great comeback.

The next match against Argentina is no friendly for Iniesta. Playing against another favorite for South African success is the perfect opportunity to fire a warning. For Iniesta South Africa is already here.

Time to Make the Difference. Time for Iniesta.

New world champions needed

BLOG_TH — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:31:59 GMT

With Italy already qualified for South Africa, now’s the time to find new blood – fresh and hungry players, ready to defend the cup.

So it’s all on the line for Giampaolo Pazzini, Raffaele Palladino, Salvatore Bocchetti, Riccardo Montolivoi and Daniele Galloppa.

A spot in the squad is theirs to play for. And it starts today when Italy U21s face Hungary.

Step up.

The moment you train for

BLOG_TH — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:16:41 GMT

Lassana Diarra is used to defying the odds. Not the tallest, the largest or the strongest, he’s carved a role for himself in Les Blues midfield, from sheer determination and committed training.

Every second of his preparation will be tested, if he gets his chance to show what he can do against the Irish. There’s a spot in South Africa at stake.

Watch the video to see Lassana in training.

It’s all on the line

BLOG_TH — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:08:22 GMT

After a tough qualifying campaign, Portugal have the chance to book their spot in South Africa. Now is the time to step up and Make the Difference.

But Bosnia stand in their way. Win and the 2006 semi-finalists get a crack at world glory in 2010. Lose and they get a summer of pain.

Will Portugal make it through and give the reigning World Player of the Year the chance to perform on the game’s biggest stage?

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Bojan back with a bang

BLOG_TH — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:55:46 GMT

When you’ve been waiting for an injury to heal and watched the last few games from the bench, just getting on the pitch is enough.

But for Bojan, enough is never enough. Last night he scored twice to help Barça to a 5-0 win and on to the next round of the cup.

This is just the beginning.

SEE BOJAN'S PLAYER PAGE.

Call it a comeback

BLOG_TH — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:46:48 GMT

Did you ever doubt him? Ronaldinho continued his irresistible resurgence as he earned his side a draw to keep them at the top of their European group.

1-0 down, 10R blasted away any pressure as he almost burst the net with a confidently taken penalty lashed into the top corner.

The comeback rolls on.

Ignition point

BLOG_TH — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:32:28 GMT

Sometimes the most important goal is not the winner.

Six minutes left, 3-1 behind. All heads down. Except one. Scholes rose high to nod in the cross, instill belief in his team and ignite the comeback.

Minutes later, they were level and through to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.

SEE THE MAN UTD PAGE

Young gun proves deadly

BLOG_TH — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:31:03 GMT

When you’re young, you think you can take on the world – sometimes you’re right.

With his team 2-0 down to Juventus, Marek Hamsik decided enough was enough.

On 58 minutes, he slotted in at the far post to ignite the comeback. But that was just the beginning.

Less than 10 minutes to go, 2-2. Marek ran onto a perfectly cushioned ball and lashed a shot into the top corner for all three points.

Just wait until he’s unleashed in South Africa next year.

Bitter rivals, sweet victory

BLOG_TH — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:27:41 GMT

Cesc stands in the centre circle. His first North London derby as captain. His team 1-0 up. Time to kill the game.

The match re-starts. Cesc bursts out of the traps. Steals the ball, dances past one player, two, three. Then, with the goal at his mercy, calmly strokes the ball home.

SEE CESC'S PLAYER PAGE
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Super Mario smashes it

BLOG_TH — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:35:19 GMT

Sometimes you witness the precise moment a promising talent moves up several gears into the major league.

For the man they call Super Mario, it happened in just 48 minutes. Last night, Balotelli scored two, created one and won the penalty for another. He even had to be dragged away from taking the spot kick by the regular penalty taker. Balotelli is not lacking confidence.

Watch the video to see how Balotelli hones his touch and dribbling.

Will his skills and growing confidence be enough to book him a ticket to South Africa?

SEE MARIO BALOTELLI'S PAGE