Former champions Germany completed a perfect Euro 2012 qualifying campaign on Tuesday by beating Belgium 3-1 to claim their 10th win in as many matches.
Belgium failed to qualify after finishing third in Group A. Germany were top on 30 points while second-placed Turkey booked a playoff spot following their 1-0 win over Azerbaijan.
Mesut Ozil and Andre Schuerrle struck late in the first half and Mario Gomez added another goal just after the restart, dashing Belgium's hopes of recording their first victory against Germany since 1954.
Marouane Fellaini pulled a goal back for the visitors after 86 minutes.
Triple European champions Germany set a record by improving on the eight wins out of eight they notched in qualifying for the 1982 World Cup.
Coach Joachim Loew left out Bayern Munich duo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng after they picked up knocks in Friday's 3-1 win over Turkey and made four more changes to his starting lineup.
The hosts survived early pressure from Belgium but should have taken the lead on the half hour when Gomez was denied by keeper Simon Mignolet from close range.
Ozil, who did not play against Turkey, opened the scoring when he rifled the ball in from 19 metres on the half hour.
Three minutes later Schuerrle, starting instead of Lukas Podolski, chipped Mignolet to notch his fifth goal in 10 international appearances.
Bundesliga top scorer Gomez squandered another golden opportunity seconds before the break but the striker, who was also on target against Turkey, made amends three minutes into the second period after combining well with Ozil.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Fifa must be put in its place: Romario
Fifa must not be allowed to ride roughshod over Brazilian law when it stages the 2014 World Cup, former Brazil striker Romario, now a federal Congressman, said on Monday.
Romario told reporters that Brazilian laws which guarantee half-price entry to football matches for the elderly and ban on alcohol in stadiums should not be swept away for Fifa's benefit.
"If FIFA is not put in its rightful place, Fifa will soon have more power than our president and the World Cup will be the way FIFA wants it and not the way we should do it," Romario told reporters.
"They have to respect the laws for old age pensioners, supporters and students. Fifa has to understand that things have changed.
"According to FIFA's calculations, they would lose 180 million real ($101 million) with the half-price entry.
"We don't have to pay this. FIFA could earn a little bit less so that the Brazilians can take part."
World Cup host nations must agree a series of conditions imposed by FIFA before staging the event.
These cover, among others, ticket sales and pricing, protection of trademarks and a ban on vendors not licensed by FIFA in and around stadiums.
FIFA argues that profits are reinvested in football.
The Brazilian Congress is currently debating a so-called World Cup law which needs to be passed for FIFA's conditions to come into effect.
Romario added that the urban transport remained one of the biggest worries for the staging of the World Cup.
"Urban transport is the biggest problem," he said. "There are a lot of paralised projects.
"There are problems in all venue cities," he added. "Brazil is certainly not going to stage the best World Cup in history as some have said.
"It's not going to be the World Cup for the Brazilian people."
Romario, 45, led the attack when Brazil won the World Cup in 1994 and was one of the country's most prolific goalscorers during a career which took him to Netherlands, Spain, Qatar, United States and Australia.
He claimed to have scored more than 1,000 goals during his career although that total includes goals scored in youth, friendly and testimonial games.
Romario told reporters that Brazilian laws which guarantee half-price entry to football matches for the elderly and ban on alcohol in stadiums should not be swept away for Fifa's benefit.
"If FIFA is not put in its rightful place, Fifa will soon have more power than our president and the World Cup will be the way FIFA wants it and not the way we should do it," Romario told reporters.
"They have to respect the laws for old age pensioners, supporters and students. Fifa has to understand that things have changed.
"According to FIFA's calculations, they would lose 180 million real ($101 million) with the half-price entry.
"We don't have to pay this. FIFA could earn a little bit less so that the Brazilians can take part."
World Cup host nations must agree a series of conditions imposed by FIFA before staging the event.
These cover, among others, ticket sales and pricing, protection of trademarks and a ban on vendors not licensed by FIFA in and around stadiums.
FIFA argues that profits are reinvested in football.
The Brazilian Congress is currently debating a so-called World Cup law which needs to be passed for FIFA's conditions to come into effect.
Romario added that the urban transport remained one of the biggest worries for the staging of the World Cup.
"Urban transport is the biggest problem," he said. "There are a lot of paralised projects.
"There are problems in all venue cities," he added. "Brazil is certainly not going to stage the best World Cup in history as some have said.
"It's not going to be the World Cup for the Brazilian people."
Romario, 45, led the attack when Brazil won the World Cup in 1994 and was one of the country's most prolific goalscorers during a career which took him to Netherlands, Spain, Qatar, United States and Australia.
He claimed to have scored more than 1,000 goals during his career although that total includes goals scored in youth, friendly and testimonial games.
West Ham stadium deal falls through: report
A deal to award preferred bidder status for London's main 2012 Olympic stadium to English soccer club West Ham United has collapsed, according to a BBC report on Tuesday.
The report said the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) had brought negotiations to an end amid a protracted dispute with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham Hotspur had been given a three-week ultimatum to accept a 17 million pound package to stay in north London and drop the legal battle over the future of the main Olympic stadium.
The BBC report said the stadium would be held in public ownership with a new winning bidder renting the venue instead of buying it.
Second-tier West Ham were selected to inherit the stadium, the centrepiece of the July 27-August 12 Games, in February.
The report said the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) had brought negotiations to an end amid a protracted dispute with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham Hotspur had been given a three-week ultimatum to accept a 17 million pound package to stay in north London and drop the legal battle over the future of the main Olympic stadium.
The BBC report said the stadium would be held in public ownership with a new winning bidder renting the venue instead of buying it.
Second-tier West Ham were selected to inherit the stadium, the centrepiece of the July 27-August 12 Games, in February.
We are going to Denmark to win: Ronaldo
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo insists that his side will aim for a victory against Denmark in their final Euro 2012 group qualifier on Tuesday evening.
The Euro 2004 finalists need just a draw in Copenhagen to progress directly to next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine, as they currently lead Group H on goal difference, reports goal.com
Both Portugal and Denmark have collected 16 points from seven rounds of matches, and Tuesday's clash at the Parken Stadion will effectively decide who between them will qualify automatically as group winners.
And even though a draw will be enough to seal top spot for Portugal, Ronaldo wants his team-mates to give their all for a victory on Danish soil.
"Portugal are going to Denmark to win the game, that's our thinking," the Real Madrid forward told Spanish sports daily AS.
"We know there are conditions but we want to win the game for direct qualification. That is always the mentality of the team and I am sure we will make it a good match."
Ronaldo, though, concedes that they needed to tighten up at the back following their 5-3 defeat of Iceland on Friday.
"We very much need Pepe," stated the 26-year-old. "But those who are here now are the most important.
"We can talk about Pepe, but Ricardo Carvalho did not come to Portugal."
Third-placed Norway are three points behind both Portugal and Denmark, and need to register a big win against Cyprus at home to remain in contention for a play-off spot.
The Euro 2004 finalists need just a draw in Copenhagen to progress directly to next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine, as they currently lead Group H on goal difference, reports goal.com
Both Portugal and Denmark have collected 16 points from seven rounds of matches, and Tuesday's clash at the Parken Stadion will effectively decide who between them will qualify automatically as group winners.
And even though a draw will be enough to seal top spot for Portugal, Ronaldo wants his team-mates to give their all for a victory on Danish soil.
"Portugal are going to Denmark to win the game, that's our thinking," the Real Madrid forward told Spanish sports daily AS.
"We know there are conditions but we want to win the game for direct qualification. That is always the mentality of the team and I am sure we will make it a good match."
Ronaldo, though, concedes that they needed to tighten up at the back following their 5-3 defeat of Iceland on Friday.
"We very much need Pepe," stated the 26-year-old. "But those who are here now are the most important.
"We can talk about Pepe, but Ricardo Carvalho did not come to Portugal."
Third-placed Norway are three points behind both Portugal and Denmark, and need to register a big win against Cyprus at home to remain in contention for a play-off spot.
Ibrahimovic will stay with AC Milan: Allegri
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is confident that Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to continue playing for his team and is still hungry to win more titles.
Allegri was speaking in the wake of the 30-year-old striker's revelation last week that he was "starting to get old" and that "playing football has become more and more of a routine job" for him, goal.com reports.
Ibrahimovic's statements have since sparked rumours that he could be the subject of a bid from Spanish giants Real Madrid during the January transfer window, but Allegri is confident that he will retain the services of the Sweden international.
"Sometimes words can be misinterpreted," the Italian is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't believe that Ibrahimovic is tired because the season has only just started.
"He and everyone else at Milan want to return to get results like last season. I am convinced that Zlatan wants to remain at Milan and return to win with this club."
Ibrahimovic was instrumental in Milan's first Serie A triumph since 2004 last season and has a contract with the club that lasts until June 2015.
Allegri was speaking in the wake of the 30-year-old striker's revelation last week that he was "starting to get old" and that "playing football has become more and more of a routine job" for him, goal.com reports.
Ibrahimovic's statements have since sparked rumours that he could be the subject of a bid from Spanish giants Real Madrid during the January transfer window, but Allegri is confident that he will retain the services of the Sweden international.
"Sometimes words can be misinterpreted," the Italian is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't believe that Ibrahimovic is tired because the season has only just started.
"He and everyone else at Milan want to return to get results like last season. I am convinced that Zlatan wants to remain at Milan and return to win with this club."
Ibrahimovic was instrumental in Milan's first Serie A triumph since 2004 last season and has a contract with the club that lasts until June 2015.
WC QUALIFIERS Japan, Socceroos show their class
Continental powerhouses Japan and Australia stamped their authority on Asian World Cup qualifying with comfortable victories in the third round of matches on Tuesday.
Japan, who scraped past North Korea 1-0 at home and drew 1-1 in Uzbekistan in their opening two Group C games, crushed Tajikistan 8-0 in Osaka with Mike Havenaar, Shinji Okazaki and midfielder Shinji Kagawa scoring two goals each.
"We knew we were expected to win but it felt good to win in such emphatic fashion," Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni told reporters.
In the other Group C match, Uzbekistan maintained their unbeaten run as Alexander Geynrikh's first-half goal secured a 1-0 win over North Korea in Pyongyang.
Australia beat Oman 3-0 in Sydney and took a big step towards the next stage with their third successive victory, cementing their place at the top of Group D.
Brett Holman's goal after seven minutes and second-half strikes from Josh Kennedy and Mile Jedinak sank Oman.
"I always keep saying the 11 players on the pitch are all key players, if they don't have the quality or the potential they don't have the right to play in the Socceroos," Australia coach Holger Osieck said.
"It was important for us to win but it's not a finished situation. We still have to win games, gain points... the boys are all aware of that."
Younis Mahmoud scored the winner in the 45th minute as China lost 1-0 to 10-man Iraq, coached by Brazilian Zico, in Shenzhen.
China, coached by Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho, failed to take advantage of Basem Abbas's sending-off for a second yellow card in the 64th minute and suffered their second Group A defeat in a row.
JAKARTA THRILLER
2022 World Cup hosts Qatar had to dig deep in Jakarta to win 3-2 against a resilient Indonesian side, who twice came from behind to level.
Qatar, who drew their first two matches in Group D, took the lead through Abdulaziz Al Sulaiti in the 14th minute before Uruguay-born striker Cristian Gonzales, who became an Indonesian citizen last November, equalised 12 minutes later.
Qatar took the lead again in the 32nd minute through Khalfan Ibrahim, only for Gonzales to score his second goal three minutes later.
Mohammed Razak's 59th-minute strike turned out to be the winning goal as the Gulf side maintained their unbeaten run.
Saudi Arabia, three-time Asian champions, continued to disappoint with a goalless draw against Thailand in the other Group D match.
The Frank Rijkaard-coached side needed a win to close the gap on Australia and Thailand but they struggled in front of goal and continued to languish in third spot with two points from three matches.
An own goal from Hamdan Al Kamali and skipper Park Chu-young's fifth goal in the qualifiers gave South Korea a narrow 2-1 home win over United Arab Emirates.
Park opened the scoring five minutes into the second half and the home side went 2-0 up in the 63rd minute courtesy of the own goal.
Ismaeil Matar scored a consolation during second-half stoppage-time for the Gulf side who suffered their third consecutive defeat.
Jordan continued their rich vein of form as they made it three wins in a row, defeating bottom-placed Singapore 3-0 away to sit pretty at the top of Group A.
Japan, who scraped past North Korea 1-0 at home and drew 1-1 in Uzbekistan in their opening two Group C games, crushed Tajikistan 8-0 in Osaka with Mike Havenaar, Shinji Okazaki and midfielder Shinji Kagawa scoring two goals each.
"We knew we were expected to win but it felt good to win in such emphatic fashion," Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni told reporters.
In the other Group C match, Uzbekistan maintained their unbeaten run as Alexander Geynrikh's first-half goal secured a 1-0 win over North Korea in Pyongyang.
Australia beat Oman 3-0 in Sydney and took a big step towards the next stage with their third successive victory, cementing their place at the top of Group D.
Brett Holman's goal after seven minutes and second-half strikes from Josh Kennedy and Mile Jedinak sank Oman.
"I always keep saying the 11 players on the pitch are all key players, if they don't have the quality or the potential they don't have the right to play in the Socceroos," Australia coach Holger Osieck said.
"It was important for us to win but it's not a finished situation. We still have to win games, gain points... the boys are all aware of that."
Younis Mahmoud scored the winner in the 45th minute as China lost 1-0 to 10-man Iraq, coached by Brazilian Zico, in Shenzhen.
China, coached by Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho, failed to take advantage of Basem Abbas's sending-off for a second yellow card in the 64th minute and suffered their second Group A defeat in a row.
JAKARTA THRILLER
2022 World Cup hosts Qatar had to dig deep in Jakarta to win 3-2 against a resilient Indonesian side, who twice came from behind to level.
Qatar, who drew their first two matches in Group D, took the lead through Abdulaziz Al Sulaiti in the 14th minute before Uruguay-born striker Cristian Gonzales, who became an Indonesian citizen last November, equalised 12 minutes later.
Qatar took the lead again in the 32nd minute through Khalfan Ibrahim, only for Gonzales to score his second goal three minutes later.
Mohammed Razak's 59th-minute strike turned out to be the winning goal as the Gulf side maintained their unbeaten run.
Saudi Arabia, three-time Asian champions, continued to disappoint with a goalless draw against Thailand in the other Group D match.
The Frank Rijkaard-coached side needed a win to close the gap on Australia and Thailand but they struggled in front of goal and continued to languish in third spot with two points from three matches.
An own goal from Hamdan Al Kamali and skipper Park Chu-young's fifth goal in the qualifiers gave South Korea a narrow 2-1 home win over United Arab Emirates.
Park opened the scoring five minutes into the second half and the home side went 2-0 up in the 63rd minute courtesy of the own goal.
Ismaeil Matar scored a consolation during second-half stoppage-time for the Gulf side who suffered their third consecutive defeat.
Jordan continued their rich vein of form as they made it three wins in a row, defeating bottom-placed Singapore 3-0 away to sit pretty at the top of Group A.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Final Euro qualifiers promise rare drama
The largely predictable Euro 2012 qualifying tournament could throw up real late drama Tuesday with France and Portugal involved in make-or-break matches.
France host Bosnia in a game which will send one of the teams to Poland and Ukraine and condemn the other to trying their luck in a two-legged playoff next month.
Denmark and Portugal will be playing for a direct spot at next year's tournament when they meet in Copenhagen, with the visitors at risk of missing out altogether if they lose.
There have been precious few such matches in the marathon nine-group qualifying competition, which has consisted largely of embarrassingly easy wins for the top teams.
Germany, Italy, England, Spain and Netherlands have all qualified, joining co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, without losing a match between them.
UEFA president Michel Platini has expressed concern for the future of international football although he does not see the Euro qualifying tournament as the problem, saying the small nations have a right to meet the top sides.
However, he will take little comfort for Tuesday's program where 27 of the 44 teams in action have nothing to play for apart from pride and nine of the 22 matches are effectively dead rubbers.
The Moldova v San Marino, Switzerland v Montenegro, Hungary v Finland, Kazakhstan v Austria and Macedonia v Slovakia games, all featuring teams whose fate is sealed one way or the other, are hardly likely to set pulses racing.
Five more teams -- the final four group winners and the best runners-up -- will ensure their places Tuesday while the other eight second-placed sides will go into the playoffs to decide the last four qualifiers.
The most attractive fixture pits Denmark and Portugal, level on 16 points at the top of Group H.
One point would be enough for Portugal, who have won their last five games in the group, thanks to their better head-to-head record.
PORTUGAL RISK
However, while Denmark are assured of a top-two finish, defeat for Portugal could lead to them being overtaken by Norway, who face Cyprus and are three points behind, and missing out on the playoffs as well.
"I don't plan draws or wins," said coach Paulo Bento after Friday's 5-3 win over Iceland. "One or three points will give us top spot and we're going to Denmark to win."
France, one point ahead of Bosnia at the top of Group D, need a draw in Paris to qualify but can take nothing for granted against a team who earlier this year were on the point of being kicked out of the competition due to a political dispute in the federation.
Since losing 3-0 in Romania in June, Bosnia have bounced back with four wins in a row and no goals conceded.
The team who miss out will have the consolation of finishing second and a playoff spot.
Russia face what should be a formality to qualify, needing a point at home to Andorra to top Group B, and are leaving Ireland and Armenia to fight for second spot in Dublin.
The Irish, one point ahead of their opponents, need a draw.
Group F leaders Greece also require a draw in Georgia to qualify, otherwise Croatia could pip them by beating Latvia at home.
Greece and Croatia are already sure of at least a playoff place.
Scotland and Belgium need to end the 100 percent records of Spain and Germany respectively to take second spot in their groups.
Scotland's 1-0 win over Liechtenstein Saturday took them second in Group I but they have only a one-point advantage over Czech Republic, who visit eliminated Lithuania.
Even one point against the rampant world and European champions appears a tall order for Scotland, who have not qualified since 1996.
Belgium are one point clear of Turkey in Group A but need to win in Germany to have any realistic chance of finishing above Guus Hiddink's team.
The Turks have the bonus of hosting an Azerbaijan side who have conceded 15 goals in losing their four away games.
Estonia, who have completed their matches attempting to qualify for their first major tournament, will have a nervous wait to see if they can hold on to second place in Group C as Serbia can still pip them with a win in Slovenia.
France host Bosnia in a game which will send one of the teams to Poland and Ukraine and condemn the other to trying their luck in a two-legged playoff next month.
Denmark and Portugal will be playing for a direct spot at next year's tournament when they meet in Copenhagen, with the visitors at risk of missing out altogether if they lose.
There have been precious few such matches in the marathon nine-group qualifying competition, which has consisted largely of embarrassingly easy wins for the top teams.
Germany, Italy, England, Spain and Netherlands have all qualified, joining co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, without losing a match between them.
UEFA president Michel Platini has expressed concern for the future of international football although he does not see the Euro qualifying tournament as the problem, saying the small nations have a right to meet the top sides.
However, he will take little comfort for Tuesday's program where 27 of the 44 teams in action have nothing to play for apart from pride and nine of the 22 matches are effectively dead rubbers.
The Moldova v San Marino, Switzerland v Montenegro, Hungary v Finland, Kazakhstan v Austria and Macedonia v Slovakia games, all featuring teams whose fate is sealed one way or the other, are hardly likely to set pulses racing.
Five more teams -- the final four group winners and the best runners-up -- will ensure their places Tuesday while the other eight second-placed sides will go into the playoffs to decide the last four qualifiers.
The most attractive fixture pits Denmark and Portugal, level on 16 points at the top of Group H.
One point would be enough for Portugal, who have won their last five games in the group, thanks to their better head-to-head record.
PORTUGAL RISK
However, while Denmark are assured of a top-two finish, defeat for Portugal could lead to them being overtaken by Norway, who face Cyprus and are three points behind, and missing out on the playoffs as well.
"I don't plan draws or wins," said coach Paulo Bento after Friday's 5-3 win over Iceland. "One or three points will give us top spot and we're going to Denmark to win."
France, one point ahead of Bosnia at the top of Group D, need a draw in Paris to qualify but can take nothing for granted against a team who earlier this year were on the point of being kicked out of the competition due to a political dispute in the federation.
Since losing 3-0 in Romania in June, Bosnia have bounced back with four wins in a row and no goals conceded.
The team who miss out will have the consolation of finishing second and a playoff spot.
Russia face what should be a formality to qualify, needing a point at home to Andorra to top Group B, and are leaving Ireland and Armenia to fight for second spot in Dublin.
The Irish, one point ahead of their opponents, need a draw.
Group F leaders Greece also require a draw in Georgia to qualify, otherwise Croatia could pip them by beating Latvia at home.
Greece and Croatia are already sure of at least a playoff place.
Scotland and Belgium need to end the 100 percent records of Spain and Germany respectively to take second spot in their groups.
Scotland's 1-0 win over Liechtenstein Saturday took them second in Group I but they have only a one-point advantage over Czech Republic, who visit eliminated Lithuania.
Even one point against the rampant world and European champions appears a tall order for Scotland, who have not qualified since 1996.
Belgium are one point clear of Turkey in Group A but need to win in Germany to have any realistic chance of finishing above Guus Hiddink's team.
The Turks have the bonus of hosting an Azerbaijan side who have conceded 15 goals in losing their four away games.
Estonia, who have completed their matches attempting to qualify for their first major tournament, will have a nervous wait to see if they can hold on to second place in Group C as Serbia can still pip them with a win in Slovenia.
Higuain thrilled by excellent form
Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain is delighted with his current form for club and country after scoring two hat-tricks in six days.
The 23-year-old put three past Espanyol in Real Madrid's last game before the international break, sending Los Blancos to third place with a 4-0 win, reports ESPNstar.
He then scored another hat-trick, this time for Argentina against Chile, and set up one more for Lionel Messi as they beat their neighbours 4-1 in the 2014 World Cup qualifier.
Higuain expressed delight with his performance, but insists that getting the result for his nation was more important than his personal performance.
He told AS: "You can say this was a perfect week. I am very happy with how things have turned out, but more than happy with my goals, I am happy with Argentina's victory against a very tough opponent such as Chile."
"It was very good to get off on the right foot. It was very important to begin the road to the World Cup with a victory, and doing it with this result was even better.
"We could have scored more goals, but we are very happy with our display. We have to continue like this to get what we want."
Higuain ended off with high praise for his team-mate Lionel Messi, saying: "It is impossible to play badly alongside him. We are very lucky that he plays for us, we got along very well. It is a pleasure to play with him, because everything makes much more sense."
The 23-year-old put three past Espanyol in Real Madrid's last game before the international break, sending Los Blancos to third place with a 4-0 win, reports ESPNstar.
He then scored another hat-trick, this time for Argentina against Chile, and set up one more for Lionel Messi as they beat their neighbours 4-1 in the 2014 World Cup qualifier.
Higuain expressed delight with his performance, but insists that getting the result for his nation was more important than his personal performance.
He told AS: "You can say this was a perfect week. I am very happy with how things have turned out, but more than happy with my goals, I am happy with Argentina's victory against a very tough opponent such as Chile."
"It was very good to get off on the right foot. It was very important to begin the road to the World Cup with a victory, and doing it with this result was even better.
"We could have scored more goals, but we are very happy with our display. We have to continue like this to get what we want."
Higuain ended off with high praise for his team-mate Lionel Messi, saying: "It is impossible to play badly alongside him. We are very lucky that he plays for us, we got along very well. It is a pleasure to play with him, because everything makes much more sense."
Puyol unsure if he will retire after Euro 2012
Barcelona defender Carles Puyol has refused to confirm whether he will retire from international football with Spain after next summer's European Championships.
Vicente del Bosque's men have already secured their place at Euro 2012, where they will look to defend the title they won in Austria and Switzerland back in 2008.
Puyol, meanwhile, has endured an injury-plagued six months, and the experienced centre-back is unsure whether this will force him to retire from the international stage in the near future.
"I do not know if I will retire from [international] selection. First of all we have to go there [Euro 2012] and see what happens," the 33-year-old told reporters at a press conference, reports goal.com.
The Barcelona captain then spoke of his injury woes and how he had struggled with the uncertainty as he waited to discover what the problem was.
"The first three months were the toughest as there was no clear diagnosis. We did everything, then I began to train and I broke down," he added.
Puyol is expected to start for the national side in their final Euro 2012 qualifier against Scotland on Tuesday, particularly after it was revealed that Raul Albiol will miss the encounter due to a fractured cheekbone.
Vicente del Bosque's men have already secured their place at Euro 2012, where they will look to defend the title they won in Austria and Switzerland back in 2008.
Puyol, meanwhile, has endured an injury-plagued six months, and the experienced centre-back is unsure whether this will force him to retire from the international stage in the near future.
"I do not know if I will retire from [international] selection. First of all we have to go there [Euro 2012] and see what happens," the 33-year-old told reporters at a press conference, reports goal.com.
The Barcelona captain then spoke of his injury woes and how he had struggled with the uncertainty as he waited to discover what the problem was.
"The first three months were the toughest as there was no clear diagnosis. We did everything, then I began to train and I broke down," he added.
Puyol is expected to start for the national side in their final Euro 2012 qualifier against Scotland on Tuesday, particularly after it was revealed that Raul Albiol will miss the encounter due to a fractured cheekbone.
Those who like football like watching me: Ronaldo
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said he believes football fans around the globe love watching him in action, as he responds to recent criticism.
Ronaldo was jeered and hissed in September's 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Cyprus in which a number of fans shouted the name 'Messi,' referring to Lionel Messi, the Barcelona striker.
It is an issue which had gone quiet in recent weeks, but following Portugal's 5-3 Group H win over Iceland on Friday, Ronaldo has returned to talk about what happened against Cyprus.
The former Manchester United man shrugged shoulders at the whole affair and insisted he was not affected by it.
In fact, he feels everyone loves his game - his message coming just days after former Madrid coach Bernd Schuster said Ronaldo is less selfish now.
"These things [the Cyprus jeers] are abnormal things. And, I don't care about them," Ronaldo is quoted as saying by AS, reports goal.com.
"I think that all those who like football are happy when Cristiano Ronaldo is playing."
Ronaldo could be in action when Portugal play Denmark on Tuesday.
His side need just a point from their final group game to secure a place at Euro 2012.
Ronaldo was jeered and hissed in September's 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Cyprus in which a number of fans shouted the name 'Messi,' referring to Lionel Messi, the Barcelona striker.
It is an issue which had gone quiet in recent weeks, but following Portugal's 5-3 Group H win over Iceland on Friday, Ronaldo has returned to talk about what happened against Cyprus.
The former Manchester United man shrugged shoulders at the whole affair and insisted he was not affected by it.
In fact, he feels everyone loves his game - his message coming just days after former Madrid coach Bernd Schuster said Ronaldo is less selfish now.
"These things [the Cyprus jeers] are abnormal things. And, I don't care about them," Ronaldo is quoted as saying by AS, reports goal.com.
"I think that all those who like football are happy when Cristiano Ronaldo is playing."
Ronaldo could be in action when Portugal play Denmark on Tuesday.
His side need just a point from their final group game to secure a place at Euro 2012.
Vettel can surpass Schumacher :Lauda
Double Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel could ultimately be even more successful than Michael Schumacher, according to triple title winner Niki Lauda.
Red Bull's 24-year-old German quipped after winning his second title in Japan on Sunday that, even if he was now the sport's youngest double champion, his great compatriot Schumacher was the youngest to win seven crowns.
Schumacher, now 42, briefly led Sunday's race for Mercedes and has a record 91 wins under his belt in a career that started in 1991.
No other driver has won more than five championships and only eight have taken more than two since 1950 but Vettel appears certain to join their number before long.
"It is the best performance so far in Formula One, at his age to win two (titles)," Austrian Lauda told Reuters at Suzuka.
"To win the first one is always the most difficult because all your career, starting from go-karts all the way up, is years and years of work for this particular day. The second one is easier in a way because there is less pressure."
Asked whether he could win many more, the man who won championships with Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 and McLaren in 1984 nodded in agreement.
"He has all the circumstances to do it. If the car and his career and where he drives and which car continues in the right direction, then yes.
"If you choose the wrong car or the car you are driving doesn't work, then you can't win because its always the combination of the two," the 62-year-old added.
"But he certainly theoretically can win more than Schumacher if he sits at the right time in the right car because he himself is certainly capable of it."
Schumacher, who retired in 2006 and then started his comeback last year, won five titles in a row with Ferrari during the Italian team's most dominant era from 2000 to 2004.
FEAR FACTOR
In Lauda's day, death was an ever present danger in Formula One and a driver could expect to attend numerous funerals of colleagues.
Lauda himself almost died in a fiery crash at the Nuerburgring in 1976 and went on to miss the title by a single point to Britain's James Hunt after refusing to race on in atrocious conditions at a rain-lashed Japanese Grand Prix.
Citing boredom at going around in circles, he then quit the sport for two years at the end of 1979 in search of new challenges in aviation.
The last driver fatality in Formula One was Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna in 1994 and Lauda doubted Vettel would be halted by either the 'fear factor' or any loss of enthusiasm.
Instead, he expected him to have a long and brilliant career ahead.
"I spoke with Schumacher a couple of months ago," he said. "Like in our days, this danger discussion with yourself 'Do I want to take the chances even being 35 or 40?' -- this doesn't apply today.
"Luckily enough the cars and the circuits are so improved that the drivers today do not have to question themselves about the risk like we had to do in the old days," he continued.
"This doesn't really come into it because they are used to these cars being safe and fit. They hit everything they can hit and nothing happens."
Vettel, Lauda said, had enough challenges ahead to keep him motivated for years to come.
"He is this kind of person, every lap he is doing and every race he is doing he wants to get quicker and quicker," the Austrian said.
"I came to a point where I really decided I wanted to find something else for my life. But in his particular case, with his age and what is all in front of him, there is no way he will be demotivated. He drives himself."
Red Bull's 24-year-old German quipped after winning his second title in Japan on Sunday that, even if he was now the sport's youngest double champion, his great compatriot Schumacher was the youngest to win seven crowns.
Schumacher, now 42, briefly led Sunday's race for Mercedes and has a record 91 wins under his belt in a career that started in 1991.
No other driver has won more than five championships and only eight have taken more than two since 1950 but Vettel appears certain to join their number before long.
"It is the best performance so far in Formula One, at his age to win two (titles)," Austrian Lauda told Reuters at Suzuka.
"To win the first one is always the most difficult because all your career, starting from go-karts all the way up, is years and years of work for this particular day. The second one is easier in a way because there is less pressure."
Asked whether he could win many more, the man who won championships with Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 and McLaren in 1984 nodded in agreement.
"He has all the circumstances to do it. If the car and his career and where he drives and which car continues in the right direction, then yes.
"If you choose the wrong car or the car you are driving doesn't work, then you can't win because its always the combination of the two," the 62-year-old added.
"But he certainly theoretically can win more than Schumacher if he sits at the right time in the right car because he himself is certainly capable of it."
Schumacher, who retired in 2006 and then started his comeback last year, won five titles in a row with Ferrari during the Italian team's most dominant era from 2000 to 2004.
FEAR FACTOR
In Lauda's day, death was an ever present danger in Formula One and a driver could expect to attend numerous funerals of colleagues.
Lauda himself almost died in a fiery crash at the Nuerburgring in 1976 and went on to miss the title by a single point to Britain's James Hunt after refusing to race on in atrocious conditions at a rain-lashed Japanese Grand Prix.
Citing boredom at going around in circles, he then quit the sport for two years at the end of 1979 in search of new challenges in aviation.
The last driver fatality in Formula One was Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna in 1994 and Lauda doubted Vettel would be halted by either the 'fear factor' or any loss of enthusiasm.
Instead, he expected him to have a long and brilliant career ahead.
"I spoke with Schumacher a couple of months ago," he said. "Like in our days, this danger discussion with yourself 'Do I want to take the chances even being 35 or 40?' -- this doesn't apply today.
"Luckily enough the cars and the circuits are so improved that the drivers today do not have to question themselves about the risk like we had to do in the old days," he continued.
"This doesn't really come into it because they are used to these cars being safe and fit. They hit everything they can hit and nothing happens."
Vettel, Lauda said, had enough challenges ahead to keep him motivated for years to come.
"He is this kind of person, every lap he is doing and every race he is doing he wants to get quicker and quicker," the Austrian said.
"I came to a point where I really decided I wanted to find something else for my life. But in his particular case, with his age and what is all in front of him, there is no way he will be demotivated. He drives himself."
Tevez too expensive for Al-Wasl: Maradona
Diego Maradona has indicated Al-Wasl will not be making a move for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.
The Argentina international, who was coached and highly praised by Maradona at national team level, angered Roberto Mancini after apparently refusing to come on as a substitute in the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Mancini suggested Tevez was 'finished' at the Etihad Stadium after the episode, but the striker's future remains uncertain as the club investigates the incident, with his advisor Kia Joorabchian suggesting he had been mistranslated.
It had been reported Al-Wasl would offer the striker an escape route, but Maradona, speaking after watching his side succumb to a 5-0 loss to Dubai, has suggested a transfer is not possible for financial reasons.
"Tevez is very expensive," Maradona said, according to Sport 360, reports goal.com.
"He will cost a lot of money and right now we have a budget for around five per cent of the fee he commands."
Inter, Paris Saint-Germain and Corinthians are all reportedly interested in signing Tevez.
The Brazilian club had attempted to sign the 27-year-old for a second spell before the summer transfer window closed but have since suggested they may not make another move in January.
The Argentina international, who was coached and highly praised by Maradona at national team level, angered Roberto Mancini after apparently refusing to come on as a substitute in the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Mancini suggested Tevez was 'finished' at the Etihad Stadium after the episode, but the striker's future remains uncertain as the club investigates the incident, with his advisor Kia Joorabchian suggesting he had been mistranslated.
It had been reported Al-Wasl would offer the striker an escape route, but Maradona, speaking after watching his side succumb to a 5-0 loss to Dubai, has suggested a transfer is not possible for financial reasons.
"Tevez is very expensive," Maradona said, according to Sport 360, reports goal.com.
"He will cost a lot of money and right now we have a budget for around five per cent of the fee he commands."
Inter, Paris Saint-Germain and Corinthians are all reportedly interested in signing Tevez.
The Brazilian club had attempted to sign the 27-year-old for a second spell before the summer transfer window closed but have since suggested they may not make another move in January.
Julio Cesar quits Brazil tour nursing thigh injury
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar travelled back to his club Inter Milan on Sunday nursing a bruised thigh that has put him out of the upcoming friendly against Mexico, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) said.
Julio Cesar hurt his left thigh during the second half of Brazil's 1-0 win over Costa Rica in San Jose on Friday. The CBF said on its website (www.cbf.com.br) it was not a serious injury though he would need to rest.
Jefferson, who came on for Julio Cesar against Costa Rica, is expected to start Tuesday's match at the Azteca in Mexico City.
Teenager Neymar scored the only goal for the 2014 World Cup hosts, who were captained by Ronaldinho, on Friday.
Julio Cesar hurt his left thigh during the second half of Brazil's 1-0 win over Costa Rica in San Jose on Friday. The CBF said on its website (www.cbf.com.br) it was not a serious injury though he would need to rest.
Jefferson, who came on for Julio Cesar against Costa Rica, is expected to start Tuesday's match at the Azteca in Mexico City.
Teenager Neymar scored the only goal for the 2014 World Cup hosts, who were captained by Ronaldinho, on Friday.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Razzaq to lead Pakistan in HK Super 6s
Pakistan national selectors named experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq as captain of the Pakistan squad for the Super Sixes tournament, to be held in Hong Kong later this month.
Razzaq, who has been ignored for national selection since the World Cup and was not considered for the Test series against Sri Lanka, will lead a strong seven-member team for the Hong Kong event, reports PTI.
Besides Razzaq, the selectors also accommodated other national team players, Umar Akmal, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Shah, Hammad Azam and newcomer Sharjeel Khan in the Super sixes squad chosen on Sunday.
Pakistan have featured regularly in the Hong Kong sixes event, which is held annually with teams from all Test playing nations taking part in it.
Umar, Sohail, Tanvir and Yasir had all toured Zimbabwe with the senior team in August, but were dropped for the Test series against Sri Lanka in the UAE.
Razzaq, who has been ignored for national selection since the World Cup and was not considered for the Test series against Sri Lanka, will lead a strong seven-member team for the Hong Kong event, reports PTI.
Besides Razzaq, the selectors also accommodated other national team players, Umar Akmal, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Shah, Hammad Azam and newcomer Sharjeel Khan in the Super sixes squad chosen on Sunday.
Pakistan have featured regularly in the Hong Kong sixes event, which is held annually with teams from all Test playing nations taking part in it.
Umar, Sohail, Tanvir and Yasir had all toured Zimbabwe with the senior team in August, but were dropped for the Test series against Sri Lanka in the UAE.
Windies arrive on Tuesday
The West Indies cricket team will reach Dhaka on Tuesday to play against Bangladesh.
The 19-member squad, led by Darren Sammy is scheduled to land at 8:00 pm, BCB media and communication manager Rabeed Imam told bdnews24.com
The players who are participating in the Champions League in India will join the team later.
The West Indies will play a T20, two Tests and three one-dayers against the Tigers. But prior to that the team will play two practice matches on October 7 and 9 at the Fatullah Stadium.
The only T20 between West Indies and Bangladesh will be played on Oct 11 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. On October 13 and 15 they will go head-to-head in the first two one-dayers at the same venue. These are to be day-night matches.
The last ODI is to be played at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on October 18. The first Test will commence there on October 21.
The second and last Test match will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, initiating from Oct 29.
After the month long tour, the Caribbeans are scheduled to leave Dhaka on November 3.
ODI AND T20 SQUAD:
Darren Sammy (capt), Adrian Barath, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwait, Darren Bravo, Danza Hyatt, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Dinesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels and Lendl Simmons.
TEST SQUAD:
Darren Sammy (capt), Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Craig Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnaraine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Kirk Edwards, Kieran Powell, Dinesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels and Shane Shillingford.
The 19-member squad, led by Darren Sammy is scheduled to land at 8:00 pm, BCB media and communication manager Rabeed Imam told bdnews24.com
The players who are participating in the Champions League in India will join the team later.
The West Indies will play a T20, two Tests and three one-dayers against the Tigers. But prior to that the team will play two practice matches on October 7 and 9 at the Fatullah Stadium.
The only T20 between West Indies and Bangladesh will be played on Oct 11 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. On October 13 and 15 they will go head-to-head in the first two one-dayers at the same venue. These are to be day-night matches.
The last ODI is to be played at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on October 18. The first Test will commence there on October 21.
The second and last Test match will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, initiating from Oct 29.
After the month long tour, the Caribbeans are scheduled to leave Dhaka on November 3.
ODI AND T20 SQUAD:
Darren Sammy (capt), Adrian Barath, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwait, Darren Bravo, Danza Hyatt, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Dinesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels and Lendl Simmons.
TEST SQUAD:
Darren Sammy (capt), Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Craig Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnaraine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Kirk Edwards, Kieran Powell, Dinesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels and Shane Shillingford.
Mohsin Khan named interim Pakistan coach
Pakistan chief selector Mohsin Khan will serve as the team's interim coach for the series against Sri Lanka beginning later this month.
Mohsin steps in to fill the vacancy created by Waqar Younis' departure after the tour of Zimbabwe as the PCB is in the process of appointing a full-time coach. Ijaz Ahmed will be the team's assistant coach, reports ESPNcricinfo.
The PCB committee tasked with finding the new head coach had shortlisted five names for the position out of a list of thirty-seven applicants.
Twelve foreign and 25 local coaches had applied for the job. Those in contention for the top job reportedly include Dean Jones, Dermot Reeve and Aaqib Javed.
The committee hadn't finalised on a candidate, though, in time to take over before the Test, ODI and Twenty20 matches against Sri Lanka in the UAE.
Mohsin was appointed chief selector in March 2010 and was also involved in the PCB's fast-track coaching programme at National Cricket Academy, where he coached batsmen.
Colonel Naushad Ali will take charge as associate manager for the Sri Lanka series and the tour of Bangladesh.
He will function as manager for the Tests against Sri Lanka, though, in the absence of Naveed Akram Cheema, who will take over as manager for the limited-overs leg.
Cheema, a PCB governing board member and also the managing director of WAPDA, was appointed manger for the Zimbabwe series, replacing Intikhab Alam.
The Pakistan squad will assemble in Lahore for a pre-series camp between November 10 and 13.
Mohsin steps in to fill the vacancy created by Waqar Younis' departure after the tour of Zimbabwe as the PCB is in the process of appointing a full-time coach. Ijaz Ahmed will be the team's assistant coach, reports ESPNcricinfo.
The PCB committee tasked with finding the new head coach had shortlisted five names for the position out of a list of thirty-seven applicants.
Twelve foreign and 25 local coaches had applied for the job. Those in contention for the top job reportedly include Dean Jones, Dermot Reeve and Aaqib Javed.
The committee hadn't finalised on a candidate, though, in time to take over before the Test, ODI and Twenty20 matches against Sri Lanka in the UAE.
Mohsin was appointed chief selector in March 2010 and was also involved in the PCB's fast-track coaching programme at National Cricket Academy, where he coached batsmen.
Colonel Naushad Ali will take charge as associate manager for the Sri Lanka series and the tour of Bangladesh.
He will function as manager for the Tests against Sri Lanka, though, in the absence of Naveed Akram Cheema, who will take over as manager for the limited-overs leg.
Cheema, a PCB governing board member and also the managing director of WAPDA, was appointed manger for the Zimbabwe series, replacing Intikhab Alam.
The Pakistan squad will assemble in Lahore for a pre-series camp between November 10 and 13.
Amla to skipper in ODIs and T20
Hashim Amla will make his international captaincy debut for South Africa in their upcoming T20 and ODI series against Australia.
He replaces the injured AB de Villiers, who was named captain in both limited-overs formats in June. The series were due to be de Villiers' first as skipper but he was ruled out for between four and six weeks after breaking a finger while practicing with the Royal Challengers Bangalore during the Champions League, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Amla was chosen as de Villiers' vice-captain but there was speculation that he would not captain the side straight away, having never done the job before, and described himself as 'more of a backroom guy'.
But the selectors have shown faith in their decisions and handed Amla the leadership role in both formats. Amla has only played three T20s for South Africa, but has plenty of experience in ODIs, having played 49 matches and is currently ranked the top batsman in the 50-over format.
AB de Villiers' absence also meant that South Africa had to search for a new wicketkeeper and have turned to an old favourite. Mark Boucher has been recalled to the ODI side having last played an ODI on South Africa's tour of West Indies in May last year.
He was left out of the squad that took part in the World Cup earlier and had made public his desire to return to the limited-overs format of the game, insisting he has plenty of offer in that department.
Heino Kuhn has been named wicketkeeper for the T20s while Morne van Wyk, who took part in the World Cup and can bat in the top five, has been excluded from both squads.
Andrew Hudson, the convenor of selectors, doesn't believe the one-day squad needs to be tampered with much, despite the disappointing World Cup campaign where South Africa crashed out in the quarter-finals. Boucher's inclusion will beef up the middle order along with David Miller, who replaces Colin Ingram.
There are plenty of options in the bowling department, with all three spinners who did duty in the World Cup being retained, but no space for Albie Morkel who is only in the T20 squad.
"We will probably go in with seven batsmen, including Boucher at No 7, and we have kept all our bowling options that worked well at the World Cup," Hudson said.
"We will be able to go in with four specialist bowlers plus the back-up of Kallis, JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis."
The only new cap is in the T20 squad which includes Cobras opening batsman Richard Levi. He has had an impressive run of form domestically and scored 43 off 27 balls in the team's Champions League opener against New South Wales. With the mix of youth and experience in the T20 squad Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn are being rested.
Both are taking part in the ongoing Champions League, and have enjoyed five months away from cricket since the end of the IPL, but Hudson said leaving them out was part of CSA's rotation policy.
Imran Tahir, who burst onto the international scene at the World Cup, and took 17 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 16.88 for Hampshire in the English Friends Life t20 domestic tournament, has not been included in the T20 squad.
"With the ICC World Twenty20 less than a year away we need to keep a solid core of experience around the side," Hudson said.
"At the same time we want to give younger players a run as well and this certainly applies in the case of Richard Levi and David Miller. We don't have a lot of T20 International matches before the ICC event so it is important that we give the likes of Levi, Miller and Colin Ingram an extended run."
Graeme Smith, who stepped down as T20 captain in August last year and ODI captain after the World Cup, and batted for the first time in a competitive match after having knee surgery for the first time on Saturday, has been named in both squads.
South Africa's series against Australia starts with a T20 on October 13 in Cape Town and that will be followed by another T20 in Johannesburg then three ODIs. The two-Test series starts on November 7 and the Test squad will be announced after three more rounds of SuperSport Series matches.
ODI SQUAD:
Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Jacques Kallis, David Miller, Morne Morkel , Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
T20 SQUAD:
Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Heino Kuhn, Richard Levi, David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell , Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
He replaces the injured AB de Villiers, who was named captain in both limited-overs formats in June. The series were due to be de Villiers' first as skipper but he was ruled out for between four and six weeks after breaking a finger while practicing with the Royal Challengers Bangalore during the Champions League, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Amla was chosen as de Villiers' vice-captain but there was speculation that he would not captain the side straight away, having never done the job before, and described himself as 'more of a backroom guy'.
But the selectors have shown faith in their decisions and handed Amla the leadership role in both formats. Amla has only played three T20s for South Africa, but has plenty of experience in ODIs, having played 49 matches and is currently ranked the top batsman in the 50-over format.
AB de Villiers' absence also meant that South Africa had to search for a new wicketkeeper and have turned to an old favourite. Mark Boucher has been recalled to the ODI side having last played an ODI on South Africa's tour of West Indies in May last year.
He was left out of the squad that took part in the World Cup earlier and had made public his desire to return to the limited-overs format of the game, insisting he has plenty of offer in that department.
Heino Kuhn has been named wicketkeeper for the T20s while Morne van Wyk, who took part in the World Cup and can bat in the top five, has been excluded from both squads.
Andrew Hudson, the convenor of selectors, doesn't believe the one-day squad needs to be tampered with much, despite the disappointing World Cup campaign where South Africa crashed out in the quarter-finals. Boucher's inclusion will beef up the middle order along with David Miller, who replaces Colin Ingram.
There are plenty of options in the bowling department, with all three spinners who did duty in the World Cup being retained, but no space for Albie Morkel who is only in the T20 squad.
"We will probably go in with seven batsmen, including Boucher at No 7, and we have kept all our bowling options that worked well at the World Cup," Hudson said.
"We will be able to go in with four specialist bowlers plus the back-up of Kallis, JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis."
The only new cap is in the T20 squad which includes Cobras opening batsman Richard Levi. He has had an impressive run of form domestically and scored 43 off 27 balls in the team's Champions League opener against New South Wales. With the mix of youth and experience in the T20 squad Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn are being rested.
Both are taking part in the ongoing Champions League, and have enjoyed five months away from cricket since the end of the IPL, but Hudson said leaving them out was part of CSA's rotation policy.
Imran Tahir, who burst onto the international scene at the World Cup, and took 17 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 16.88 for Hampshire in the English Friends Life t20 domestic tournament, has not been included in the T20 squad.
"With the ICC World Twenty20 less than a year away we need to keep a solid core of experience around the side," Hudson said.
"At the same time we want to give younger players a run as well and this certainly applies in the case of Richard Levi and David Miller. We don't have a lot of T20 International matches before the ICC event so it is important that we give the likes of Levi, Miller and Colin Ingram an extended run."
Graeme Smith, who stepped down as T20 captain in August last year and ODI captain after the World Cup, and batted for the first time in a competitive match after having knee surgery for the first time on Saturday, has been named in both squads.
South Africa's series against Australia starts with a T20 on October 13 in Cape Town and that will be followed by another T20 in Johannesburg then three ODIs. The two-Test series starts on November 7 and the Test squad will be announced after three more rounds of SuperSport Series matches.
ODI SQUAD:
Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Jacques Kallis, David Miller, Morne Morkel , Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
T20 SQUAD:
Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Heino Kuhn, Richard Levi, David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell , Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
France's Benzema, Ribery and Matuidi ruled out
France trio Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery and Blaise Matuidi have been ruled out of Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier at home to Albania and next week's final group game with Bosnia because of injuries, the French Football Federation said on Monday.
The three were part of the 24-man squad named by coach Laurent Blanc last week but fresh injuries while on club duty mean France will be stretched as they try to wrap up qualification for June's finals in Ukraine and Poland.
"MRI scans...have shown that all three are unable to play in the matches," a federation statement said.
France lead Group D by a point from Bosnia with just the two qualifiers at the Stade de France left.
Regulars Philippe Mexes, Yoann Gourcuff, Abou Diaby and Guillaume Hoarau were already out with long-standing injuries and on Sunday Bacary Sagna pulled out after breaking his leg playing for Arsenal, leading to a call-up for Mathieu Debuchy.
Real Madrid striker Benzema is suffering from an abductor muscle problem, Bayern Munich winger Ribery has calf injuries and Paris St Germain midfielder Matuidi is struggling with thigh trouble.
Defenders Eric Abidal and Laurent Koscielny remain in the squad but are doubtful with knocks.
"It is part of the job of national coach," Blanc earlier told reporters about his squad's fitness.
"Players are subjected to quite a tough regime with (club) matches every three or four days and muscle injuries can multiply. Eric is very important to us. I really hope he will be fit to play."
A decision on possible replacements for the injured trio has not yet been made and depends on whether Blanc sticks to his usual plan of having one man up front or switches to 4-4-2 given that Albania are likely to play defensively on Friday.
France may try to attack more than normal as they need to beat Albania to guarantee they stay in front of Bosnia ahead of the final showdown with the Balkan side on Oct. 11.
The three were part of the 24-man squad named by coach Laurent Blanc last week but fresh injuries while on club duty mean France will be stretched as they try to wrap up qualification for June's finals in Ukraine and Poland.
"MRI scans...have shown that all three are unable to play in the matches," a federation statement said.
France lead Group D by a point from Bosnia with just the two qualifiers at the Stade de France left.
Regulars Philippe Mexes, Yoann Gourcuff, Abou Diaby and Guillaume Hoarau were already out with long-standing injuries and on Sunday Bacary Sagna pulled out after breaking his leg playing for Arsenal, leading to a call-up for Mathieu Debuchy.
Real Madrid striker Benzema is suffering from an abductor muscle problem, Bayern Munich winger Ribery has calf injuries and Paris St Germain midfielder Matuidi is struggling with thigh trouble.
Defenders Eric Abidal and Laurent Koscielny remain in the squad but are doubtful with knocks.
"It is part of the job of national coach," Blanc earlier told reporters about his squad's fitness.
"Players are subjected to quite a tough regime with (club) matches every three or four days and muscle injuries can multiply. Eric is very important to us. I really hope he will be fit to play."
A decision on possible replacements for the injured trio has not yet been made and depends on whether Blanc sticks to his usual plan of having one man up front or switches to 4-4-2 given that Albania are likely to play defensively on Friday.
France may try to attack more than normal as they need to beat Albania to guarantee they stay in front of Bosnia ahead of the final showdown with the Balkan side on Oct. 11.
Cook rubbishes ball-tampering talk
Alastair Cook has vehemently denied Umar Gul's accusation that England bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson have engaged in ball-tampering.
Gul was quoted by the PakPassion website claiming Anderson tampered with the ball during Pakistan's controversial 2010 tour of England and that Broad did the same in the most recent Ashes series in Australia, reports ESPNstar.
The Pakistan right-armer has since clarified his comments in a statement to the same website, claiming he intended them to mean that any bowler could be accused of ball-tampering.
But England one-day skipper Cook hit back at the 27-year-old's claims, saying:
"We certainly haven't tampered with the ball and if he did have any complaints he should have gone to the ICC over that.
"I think he has almost said himself that it has been a bit of a mountain out of a molehill."
Gul came out with accusation that Broad and Anderson illegally tampered with the ball after reading retired Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar's autobiography, which contains a confession that he took part in ball tampering during his career.
Cook was speaking at London Heathrow airport ahead of his team's departure to India, where they will play five 50-over games and one Twenty20 over the next four weeks.
Cook led the ODI team to a 3-0 win over the Indians in England this summer after Andrew Strauss had skippered the team to a 5-0 Test whitewash.
Cook admits playing the 50-over world champions on their own soil will be a much harder task, but has still backed his men to win.
"I certainly think we can beat India," Cook said.
"It will be incredibly tough. We need everyone to be playing very well.
"We all know what the one-day crowds are like over there. They love their cricket.
"Delivering our skills when 50,000 or 60,000 people are screaming and when balls are flying all over the place will also be a key factor, but certainly with this squad I think we can do something really special."
Gul was quoted by the PakPassion website claiming Anderson tampered with the ball during Pakistan's controversial 2010 tour of England and that Broad did the same in the most recent Ashes series in Australia, reports ESPNstar.
The Pakistan right-armer has since clarified his comments in a statement to the same website, claiming he intended them to mean that any bowler could be accused of ball-tampering.
But England one-day skipper Cook hit back at the 27-year-old's claims, saying:
"We certainly haven't tampered with the ball and if he did have any complaints he should have gone to the ICC over that.
"I think he has almost said himself that it has been a bit of a mountain out of a molehill."
Gul came out with accusation that Broad and Anderson illegally tampered with the ball after reading retired Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar's autobiography, which contains a confession that he took part in ball tampering during his career.
Cook was speaking at London Heathrow airport ahead of his team's departure to India, where they will play five 50-over games and one Twenty20 over the next four weeks.
Cook led the ODI team to a 3-0 win over the Indians in England this summer after Andrew Strauss had skippered the team to a 5-0 Test whitewash.
Cook admits playing the 50-over world champions on their own soil will be a much harder task, but has still backed his men to win.
"I certainly think we can beat India," Cook said.
"It will be incredibly tough. We need everyone to be playing very well.
"We all know what the one-day crowds are like over there. They love their cricket.
"Delivering our skills when 50,000 or 60,000 people are screaming and when balls are flying all over the place will also be a key factor, but certainly with this squad I think we can do something really special."
Iniesta to return to action soon
Barcelona finally had some positive news on the injury front on Monday when medical staff said midfielder Andres Iniesta was about to be declared fit after three weeks out with a muscle tear.
The Spain playmaker's return would be a welcome development for coach Pep Guardiola, who has lost midfielders Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Ibrahim Afellay (knee surgery), forward Alexis Sanchez (thigh) and defender Eric Abidal (hamstring) to injury in recent weeks.
Iniesta was "already on the verge of receiving the all-clear," club doctor Ricard Pruna said at a news conference following Afellay's knee operation on Monday.
The Spain playmaker's return would be a welcome development for coach Pep Guardiola, who has lost midfielders Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Ibrahim Afellay (knee surgery), forward Alexis Sanchez (thigh) and defender Eric Abidal (hamstring) to injury in recent weeks.
Iniesta was "already on the verge of receiving the all-clear," club doctor Ricard Pruna said at a news conference following Afellay's knee operation on Monday.
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