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Follow Brazil-Argentina LIVE |
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Tuesday, 17 June 2008 |
 The qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ have taken centre stage across the globe this June, and not surprisingly, the upcoming Brazil-Argentina clash is the month's main attraction. Just to make sure you do not miss any of the action when the South American titans face off in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday, FIFA.com will be laying on live coverage in both Spanish and English through its exclusive MatchCast service. Naturally, this latest instalment in the biggest rivalry on the continent is the game of the week in the South American qualifying competition, with Paraguay currently heading the table after defeating the Brazilians on Sunday. The Seleçao will be anxious to get back on track straight away, and what better way to do that than by beating the old enemy, who had a deflating weekend of their own when they scraped a point against Ecuador in Buenos Aires? "The Paraguay result was very bad for us and it's increased the pressure ahead of the Argentina match," said Brazil coach Dunga after the final whistle in Asuncion. But despite his side's slip-up against the Ecuadorians, opposite number Alfio Basile has a more positive take on the crunch midweek match-up. "Sometimes things just work out that way, sometimes they don't. I'm optimistic about Wednesday's game and we'll be going there to win." |
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Tuesday, 17 June 2008 |
 The scramble at the top of South American qualifiers to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is set to intensify over the next three days, with five more vital ties taking place up and down the continent. FIFA.com sets the scene for the latest episode in what is turning out to be a gripping race for places at the 19th edition of the world finals. The week's action begins on Tuesday, with Brazil and Argentina squaring off the following day. The big gameBrazil-Argentina, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Wednesday 18 June, 21.50 (local time) These are uncertain times for the two giants of South American football. The weekend yielded disappointing results for both of them and, with so few points separating the top six, Wednesday's meeting has taken on even greater importance. If anything, it is the Seleção whose needs are greater. Lying in an unusually low fourth place, defeat to the Argentinians could see them drop out of the qualification berths altogether. That said, the Albiceleste are not without problems of their own after a draw and a defeat in their last two qualifiers - all of which begs the question: who will stop the rot in Belo Horizonte? |
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Vote of confidence for Okada |
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Tuesday, 17 June 2008 |
Japan coach Takeshi Okada has won the backing of the powerful head of the Japanese FA to steer the side into the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ where they are targeting at least the quarter-finals.
 After saving his neck by ensuring Japan made the final Asian qualifying round, Okada can now look forward to booking a place in South Africa.
"I am convinced we can have full trust in coach Okada and go through the final round," Japan Football Association president Saburo Kawabuchi said, according to sports dailies on Tuesday.
"We are still only 50-60 percent complete, but we are on course to fight the rest of the world. Our first goal is to make the World Cup finals. Then we will aim to clear the group stage and reach the last-eight."
Japan, under Brazilian coach Zico, failed to make it out of the group stages at the last FIFA World Cup in Germany.
First up, Japan have a score to settle with Bahrain on Sunday. Japan hosts the Gulf side, who upset them 1-0 at home last March to put Okada's job on the line, in their last Group 2 qualifier in Saitama. |
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Kenya lose keeper for Zimbabwe clash |
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Tuesday, 17 June 2008 |
 Kenyan goalkeeper Arnold Origi has been ruled out of next weekend's re-match with Zimbabwe in Harare because of a fractured knee-cap, the team said. Origi sustained the injury during the Harambee Stars' 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in Saturday's 2010 World Cup South Africa™ Cup Group 2 qualifying match in Nairobi. Origi underwent a successful operation on Sunday and will be out for six to eight weeks, doctors said. |
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