Slide 1 Title Here
Your Description Here..................................
Slide 2 Title Here
Your Description Here..................................
Slide 3 Title Here
Your Description Here..................................
Slide 4 Title Here
Your Description Here..................................
Slide 5 Title Here
Your Description Here..................................
.jpg)
.jpg)
AC Milan head to Atlético
AC Milan in Italian league difficulty , receives Bologna advanced Friday the 24th day already thinking about the 8th finals of the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid .
Pitiful 11th in Serie A, Milan has an opportunity to reach its past grandeur of the eighties ten - five titles of champions Italy and twice winner of the Champions League - against the people of Madrid .
Clarence Seedorf, who has not healed his team in a month (two wins, two losses and a draw ) is facing several equations. It must both take points against a misfiled club ( Bologna 16th ) , prepare for the match C1 and consider the injured and suspended.
Riccardo Montolivo and Sulley Muntari can not play the first leg against Atletico Wednesday at San Siro , and the Dutchman must midfield one hand household Nigel De Jong, and secondly to give playing time rookie mercato Michael Essien , the engine needs to run.
In defense, Seedorf is Daniele Bonera and private Matias Silvestre , amid Valter Birsa and attack Robinho, who should not be given for Atletico .
Seedorf will instead rely on its leading - Giampaolo Pazzini Mario Balotelli duo , who have played together just because of the long second injury . Bologna but regained some confidence with a win at Torino ( 2-1) on a double from Argentine Jonathan Cristaldo and has only Serie A to play for there to save his place ...
program
Friday
AC Milan - Bologna
Saturday
Fiorentina - Inter Milan
Sunday
Catania - Lazio
Atalanta - Parma
Cagliari - Livorno
Genoa - Udinese
Juventus - Chievo Verona
Sassuolo - Naples
AS Roma - Sampdoria
Monday
Hellas Verona - Torino
Pitiful 11th in Serie A, Milan has an opportunity to reach its past grandeur of the eighties ten - five titles of champions Italy and twice winner of the Champions League - against the people of Madrid .
Clarence Seedorf, who has not healed his team in a month (two wins, two losses and a draw ) is facing several equations. It must both take points against a misfiled club ( Bologna 16th ) , prepare for the match C1 and consider the injured and suspended.
Riccardo Montolivo and Sulley Muntari can not play the first leg against Atletico Wednesday at San Siro , and the Dutchman must midfield one hand household Nigel De Jong, and secondly to give playing time rookie mercato Michael Essien , the engine needs to run.
In defense, Seedorf is Daniele Bonera and private Matias Silvestre , amid Valter Birsa and attack Robinho, who should not be given for Atletico .
Seedorf will instead rely on its leading - Giampaolo Pazzini Mario Balotelli duo , who have played together just because of the long second injury . Bologna but regained some confidence with a win at Torino ( 2-1) on a double from Argentine Jonathan Cristaldo and has only Serie A to play for there to save his place ...
program
Friday
AC Milan - Bologna
Saturday
Fiorentina - Inter Milan
Sunday
Catania - Lazio
Atalanta - Parma
Cagliari - Livorno
Genoa - Udinese
Juventus - Chievo Verona
Sassuolo - Naples
AS Roma - Sampdoria
Monday
Hellas Verona - Torino
Bayern - Ribery missing until March
Franck Ribery, who is recovering from surgery for a hematoma to the buttocks should be sidelined until at least March, said Thursday the German daily Bild.
The French international Bayern Munich made it a week ago, and should miss the next three games of his team: two Bundesliga games and the knockout round of the Champions League against Arsenal on February 19.
It must begin his rehabilitation at the end of the week and start running next week.
Unless complications, Ribery could find land on March 1 against Schalke 04 before facing Arsenal on March 19 eighth-final second leg of the Champions League.
The French international Bayern Munich made it a week ago, and should miss the next three games of his team: two Bundesliga games and the knockout round of the Champions League against Arsenal on February 19.
It must begin his rehabilitation at the end of the week and start running next week.
Unless complications, Ribery could find land on March 1 against Schalke 04 before facing Arsenal on March 19 eighth-final second leg of the Champions League.
Marquez life
Rafael Marquez is one of the great figures of Mexican football. The big defender has already participated in three FIFA World Cup in 2002, 2006 and 2010, reaching each time the knockout stages. After last year celebrated his comeback to face New Zealand in qualifying for the World Cup Brazil 2014 could be an opportunity for him to play his fourth FIFA World Cup.
Marquez party this February 13, 2014 its 35th anniversary, the opportunity to dedicate the video of the week. The former AS Monaco defender and Barcelona in particular, which currently operates under the shirt of Club Leon, returns to his greatest moments of World Cup and gives us the chance to discover the man behind the footballer.
Marquez party this February 13, 2014 its 35th anniversary, the opportunity to dedicate the video of the week. The former AS Monaco defender and Barcelona in particular, which currently operates under the shirt of Club Leon, returns to his greatest moments of World Cup and gives us the chance to discover the man behind the footballer.
France and Switzerland on the rise
The February edition of the FIFA / Coca- Cola reflects changes made by 42 international 'A' matches , 40 of which were friendly. The leading trio remains compound - in order - Spain , Germany and Argentina . However, the podium , Portugal (4th , up 1) and Colombia ( 5th , down 1) on the one hand , and Brazil (9th , up 1) and the Netherlands (10th , down 1) of on the other hand , exchange their seats, while Switzerland (6th , up 2) exceeds both Uruguay (7th , down 1) and Italy (8th , down 1) .
Of the 40 friendly matches , 28 matches were of African Nations Championship (CHAN ) . The tournament is open to players vying for the national championship of the country , saw its third edition compete in South Africa.
Last month , the following teams were able to grow more than five places: Cape Verde (27th , up 8) , Armenia (30th , up 8) , Slovakia ( 54th , up 6) , Israel (56th , up 7) , Uzbekistan ( 57th , up 8) , Poland ( 70th , up 7) , Liechtenstein (150th , up 6) and Pakistan ( 165th , up 7) . Some of them have benefited from the devaluation of past games . In contrast, the largest declines recorded this month relate to Mali ( 59th , less than 19 ) and Togo ( 90th , less 19) , which had last year at the same time in the African Cup Nations .
Only three teams have progressed ten or more seats compared to the previous ranking : St Vincent and the Grenadines ( 141st , plus 19 ) , El Salvador ( 78th, up 10) and Belize ( 142th , up 10) .
The top 50 remains a relatively closed circle only Paraguay ( 49th , up 2) makes his entrance in favor of Mali , bringing to nine the number of South American teams , while Africa account more than eight . Other confederations maintain about them the same number of representatives in the Top 50 : Championship ( 26) CONCACAF (5) AFC (2) and OFC ( 0) . A total of 55 international matches "A" have so far been recorded in 2014
Of the 40 friendly matches , 28 matches were of African Nations Championship (CHAN ) . The tournament is open to players vying for the national championship of the country , saw its third edition compete in South Africa.
Last month , the following teams were able to grow more than five places: Cape Verde (27th , up 8) , Armenia (30th , up 8) , Slovakia ( 54th , up 6) , Israel (56th , up 7) , Uzbekistan ( 57th , up 8) , Poland ( 70th , up 7) , Liechtenstein (150th , up 6) and Pakistan ( 165th , up 7) . Some of them have benefited from the devaluation of past games . In contrast, the largest declines recorded this month relate to Mali ( 59th , less than 19 ) and Togo ( 90th , less 19) , which had last year at the same time in the African Cup Nations .
Only three teams have progressed ten or more seats compared to the previous ranking : St Vincent and the Grenadines ( 141st , plus 19 ) , El Salvador ( 78th, up 10) and Belize ( 142th , up 10) .
The top 50 remains a relatively closed circle only Paraguay ( 49th , up 2) makes his entrance in favor of Mali , bringing to nine the number of South American teams , while Africa account more than eight . Other confederations maintain about them the same number of representatives in the Top 50 : Championship ( 26) CONCACAF (5) AFC (2) and OFC ( 0) . A total of 55 international matches "A" have so far been recorded in 2014
Barca joined Real for a final-clasico
Barcelona Wednesday joined Real Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey with a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad after a 2-0 success go, which promises a tantalizing clasico mid-April for the award trophy .
At Anoeta stadium , Barca took the lead through a lonely feat against Lionel Messi in attack (27) , before the French Antoine Griezmann equalized for the honor of a powerful rally late in the game ( 88 ) .
This qualification , the result of a serious game from the Catalan club, allow it to run for a 27th triumph in this competition, Real Madrid , for his part already won 18 times. For Real Sociedad , prevent the reunion between the two major Spanish quickly became an impossible mission despite the support of its public hot.
Club San Sebastian has tried for twenty minutes to outpace the defense of Barça guilty of uncharacteristic errors in recent weeks. But coach Gerardo Martino Barca , who repeated several times that the cup was " an important goal," anticipated by aligning all its best ball handlers ( Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas ) to control and calm the .
And as soon as Real looked down the foot , Messi accelerated against : surrounded by five defenders in the entrance area , the four Ballon d'Or managed to ship a shot that the keeper Enaut Zubikarai has sufficiently slowed and that went dead at the bottom of the goal (27).
Griezmann for honor
The eighth goal of the Argentine in 10 games since returning from injury in early January was quenched Anoeta . Basque public , who hoped a "historic event " , dropped a tone . He breathed with relief when Pedro missed his face- to-face with Zubikarai (34) and held its breath when the Mexican Carlos Vela controlled six yards but too short , missed the shot (35).
Despite several opportunities to either side , the score has not budged either early in the second period . Iniesta sent a cross shot close to the pole (57 ), the very stirring Vela rolled a strike on the square of the Catalan cage (55) and Zubikarai before Messi and Fabregas , avoided the purpose of the break ( 56) .
It is finally Griezmann , top scorer in La Liga Real this season (14 goals), who saved the honor of a powerful shot from the edge of the surface on a ball from the left (87). With this qualification , here Barcelona in contention to win a second trophy this season after his coronation in the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico in August (1-1, 0-0) .
April 19 , Barça will play his fourth final of the King's Cup in six years: he had two successes ( 2009, 2012 ) and a defeat in 2011 against Real Madrid (1-0 aet) . For the Seventh Real- Barca final in the history of the Spanish national cup , no doubt that the club blaugrana already dreaming of revenge.
At Anoeta stadium , Barca took the lead through a lonely feat against Lionel Messi in attack (27) , before the French Antoine Griezmann equalized for the honor of a powerful rally late in the game ( 88 ) .
This qualification , the result of a serious game from the Catalan club, allow it to run for a 27th triumph in this competition, Real Madrid , for his part already won 18 times. For Real Sociedad , prevent the reunion between the two major Spanish quickly became an impossible mission despite the support of its public hot.
Club San Sebastian has tried for twenty minutes to outpace the defense of Barça guilty of uncharacteristic errors in recent weeks. But coach Gerardo Martino Barca , who repeated several times that the cup was " an important goal," anticipated by aligning all its best ball handlers ( Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas ) to control and calm the .
And as soon as Real looked down the foot , Messi accelerated against : surrounded by five defenders in the entrance area , the four Ballon d'Or managed to ship a shot that the keeper Enaut Zubikarai has sufficiently slowed and that went dead at the bottom of the goal (27).
Griezmann for honor
The eighth goal of the Argentine in 10 games since returning from injury in early January was quenched Anoeta . Basque public , who hoped a "historic event " , dropped a tone . He breathed with relief when Pedro missed his face- to-face with Zubikarai (34) and held its breath when the Mexican Carlos Vela controlled six yards but too short , missed the shot (35).
Despite several opportunities to either side , the score has not budged either early in the second period . Iniesta sent a cross shot close to the pole (57 ), the very stirring Vela rolled a strike on the square of the Catalan cage (55) and Zubikarai before Messi and Fabregas , avoided the purpose of the break ( 56) .
It is finally Griezmann , top scorer in La Liga Real this season (14 goals), who saved the honor of a powerful shot from the edge of the surface on a ball from the left (87). With this qualification , here Barcelona in contention to win a second trophy this season after his coronation in the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico in August (1-1, 0-0) .
April 19 , Barça will play his fourth final of the King's Cup in six years: he had two successes ( 2009, 2012 ) and a defeat in 2011 against Real Madrid (1-0 aet) . For the Seventh Real- Barca final in the history of the Spanish national cup , no doubt that the club blaugrana already dreaming of revenge.
The weekly witticisms
Like every Friday , FIFA.com honors those who have made the news football by their statements. This week , self- proclamations of Samuel Eto'o and Adel Taarabt , the revelations of José Mourinho and the exasperation of Dani Alves .
To FIFA.com
"But the Ivory Coast can not win the World Cup ! While Côte d' Ivoire has a generation of players that ends . For some it will actually last World Cup . But Ivory Coast has elements can not create surprise, but to play at the level that it is recognized in the world " - Sabri Lamouchi , coach of Ivory Coast
" You always want to rub shoulders with the biggest play together and enjoy football ... But for me, the greatest of all time is Messi This is the best of all. . " - Xavi, midfielder FC Barcelona
"We always said that the coach chooses players and tactics, but then they move and systems change . However, I think Messi has something more and that all field players must support the . a single player can not win the World Cup may play an important role, but it will not win every game alone That's impossible . "- . Mario Kempes , former Argentina striker
in France
" He did what he did. What I find unfortunate is to have said what he said to the press, in public. Mistakes can commit , it may be ill-advised but be careful what you say . anyway, what he did , I never could. Exit cloakroom, stop training , it is unimaginable. Discuss yes , disagreeing ok , but just leave ... "- Florent Balmont , Lille midfielder , about Florian Thauvin
" If Ludovic Obraniak left is that we did not really thought weaken. Moreover, we proposed a potential recruit to a coach who has examined our perspective . And he told us not " - Jean- Louis Triaud , president of Bordeaux
"It is true that I am a little older it a few years ago , I no longer have the same hair ... That's all the same world it seems. But football is for smart people . And my brain is still in the same condition. Now we will see in some games if it is always the same Berbatov before! " - Dimitar Berbatov , striker AS Monaco
England
"I have not spoken before the game. This is Billy , the masseur , who spoke to the players. He cried so Scottish ' Grrr , grr , grr ! ' I did not even understand what he said. I'm serious! players applauded . chat It was Billy and he was fantastic. I did not understand , but I could see that the players understand. the last time I spoke to the players, it was noon " - José Mourinho, Chelsea coach after the victory against Manchester City
"I have nothing to show I'm Samuel Eto'o I do not belong to the group of players considered good, but the group of great players. . " - Samuel Eto'o, Chelsea striker
" Eden Zola remember I had never seen that before He was only 23 years and his talent at the foot ball is a nightmare for his opponents . . " - Didier Drogba Galatasaray striker , about Eden Hazard
Spain
" Here, people are pessimistic. Soon as their team wins a little less, they cool . If they do not believe in us , or if they do not think we are the best, they stay at home ! " - Dani Alves, FC Barcelona defender
Italy
"They Italian Balotelli, now they will have the Balotelli of Morocco" - Adel Taarabt , AC Milan striker
" The group that made the Belgian national team is a group of very high level . For me, with a group of this quality, the last four of the World must be achieved because there is quality in all areas game " - Rudi Garcia , coach of AS Roma
Germany
" Guardiola makes no favor to the player making the play before two walls do not let get balloons. Bayern are wasting talent Götze . It is clear that he can play here, but this n . ' is not the best option for the player would be better behind a striker, he is much more dangerous in this position " - Franz Beckenbauer , honorary president of Bayern Munich, about Mario Götze
somewhere else
"I do not think it will be the Cup Neymar . He is still young , Brazil players must assume their responsibilities before him. I know he will play well, but it will be a lot of pressure during the competition, . the one who has just arrived in Europe other players must withstand this pressure for him " - Roberto Carlos , Brazil's former defender
. . "Maradona loves me Argentines like comparisons They had great players like Di Stefano , Sivori , Maradona , Messi ... I repeat at every opportunity in my Argentine friends ' First try to tell me who was your best player before designating the best player in the world " - Pelé , former Brazil striker
To FIFA.com
"But the Ivory Coast can not win the World Cup ! While Côte d' Ivoire has a generation of players that ends . For some it will actually last World Cup . But Ivory Coast has elements can not create surprise, but to play at the level that it is recognized in the world " - Sabri Lamouchi , coach of Ivory Coast
" You always want to rub shoulders with the biggest play together and enjoy football ... But for me, the greatest of all time is Messi This is the best of all. . " - Xavi, midfielder FC Barcelona
"We always said that the coach chooses players and tactics, but then they move and systems change . However, I think Messi has something more and that all field players must support the . a single player can not win the World Cup may play an important role, but it will not win every game alone That's impossible . "- . Mario Kempes , former Argentina striker
in France
" He did what he did. What I find unfortunate is to have said what he said to the press, in public. Mistakes can commit , it may be ill-advised but be careful what you say . anyway, what he did , I never could. Exit cloakroom, stop training , it is unimaginable. Discuss yes , disagreeing ok , but just leave ... "- Florent Balmont , Lille midfielder , about Florian Thauvin
" If Ludovic Obraniak left is that we did not really thought weaken. Moreover, we proposed a potential recruit to a coach who has examined our perspective . And he told us not " - Jean- Louis Triaud , president of Bordeaux
"It is true that I am a little older it a few years ago , I no longer have the same hair ... That's all the same world it seems. But football is for smart people . And my brain is still in the same condition. Now we will see in some games if it is always the same Berbatov before! " - Dimitar Berbatov , striker AS Monaco
England
"I have not spoken before the game. This is Billy , the masseur , who spoke to the players. He cried so Scottish ' Grrr , grr , grr ! ' I did not even understand what he said. I'm serious! players applauded . chat It was Billy and he was fantastic. I did not understand , but I could see that the players understand. the last time I spoke to the players, it was noon " - José Mourinho, Chelsea coach after the victory against Manchester City
"I have nothing to show I'm Samuel Eto'o I do not belong to the group of players considered good, but the group of great players. . " - Samuel Eto'o, Chelsea striker
" Eden Zola remember I had never seen that before He was only 23 years and his talent at the foot ball is a nightmare for his opponents . . " - Didier Drogba Galatasaray striker , about Eden Hazard
Spain
" Here, people are pessimistic. Soon as their team wins a little less, they cool . If they do not believe in us , or if they do not think we are the best, they stay at home ! " - Dani Alves, FC Barcelona defender
Italy
"They Italian Balotelli, now they will have the Balotelli of Morocco" - Adel Taarabt , AC Milan striker
" The group that made the Belgian national team is a group of very high level . For me, with a group of this quality, the last four of the World must be achieved because there is quality in all areas game " - Rudi Garcia , coach of AS Roma
Germany
" Guardiola makes no favor to the player making the play before two walls do not let get balloons. Bayern are wasting talent Götze . It is clear that he can play here, but this n . ' is not the best option for the player would be better behind a striker, he is much more dangerous in this position " - Franz Beckenbauer , honorary president of Bayern Munich, about Mario Götze
somewhere else
"I do not think it will be the Cup Neymar . He is still young , Brazil players must assume their responsibilities before him. I know he will play well, but it will be a lot of pressure during the competition, . the one who has just arrived in Europe other players must withstand this pressure for him " - Roberto Carlos , Brazil's former defender
. . "Maradona loves me Argentines like comparisons They had great players like Di Stefano , Sivori , Maradona , Messi ... I repeat at every opportunity in my Argentine friends ' First try to tell me who was your best player before designating the best player in the world " - Pelé , former Brazil striker
AS Roma-Udinese-Fiorentina after Naples
Before the poster AS Rome-Naples on Wednesday, the other semi-final in Italy, Udinese-Fiorentina Cup play Tuesday (20.00 GMT).
Udinese, fell to 14th place in the Italian Championship after three seasons in the top five, plays his last chance to hang even a European qualification this season.
Club Antonio "Toto" Di Natale also has the possibility of expanding a record containing only minor trophies, the Mitropa Cup (1980), Central European tournament fell into disuse after the creation of the European Cups and the Intertoto Cup (2000).
Fiorentina after a short title for his "Coppa Italia" in 2001.
In the other semi-final, Roma received Wednesday Napoli, who rested his star Gonzalo Higuain championship Sunday, a choice that has resulted in a heavy defeat at Atalanta in Bergamo (3-0).
program
Tuesday
Udinese - Fiorentina
Wednesday
AS Roma - Napoli
Udinese, fell to 14th place in the Italian Championship after three seasons in the top five, plays his last chance to hang even a European qualification this season.
Club Antonio "Toto" Di Natale also has the possibility of expanding a record containing only minor trophies, the Mitropa Cup (1980), Central European tournament fell into disuse after the creation of the European Cups and the Intertoto Cup (2000).
Fiorentina after a short title for his "Coppa Italia" in 2001.
In the other semi-final, Roma received Wednesday Napoli, who rested his star Gonzalo Higuain championship Sunday, a choice that has resulted in a heavy defeat at Atalanta in Bergamo (3-0).
program
Tuesday
Udinese - Fiorentina
Wednesday
AS Roma - Napoli
Xavi: "I want to make a great World"
The 2013 season was special to Xavi Hernández, not only because of his athletic success. The master of the midfield of Spain , part of the last FIFA / FIFPro World XI won another championship with FC Barcelona and is ready to play his fourth FIFA World Cup ™ . In addition, he married last July.
The only downside of this radiant 2013 season lasted 90 minutes: the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup at the Maracana , where Brazil has given a lesson to the world champions title , with the key to a final victory with a score of 3:0 .
With FIFA.com , Xavi back on this match on this particular year 2013 for him and his thirst for revenge against the Seleção .
Xavi, the year 2013 has been very special and , for various reasons . What event was the most memorable for you?
There have been many . When we make a summary of this year, it was very good. We were not able to compete in Cup and Champions League with Madrid and Bayern , but we won the championship in an extraordinary way given the circumstances , with Tito Vilanova and his illness. I think the group was more united than ever in order to win the title with 100 points. This is a historic for us Liga. In terms of selection , we qualified for the World Cup in fine style in a very strong group since there was also France . He seemed very complicated to go to Paris to win but in the end we succeeded . The only bad experience was the final of the Confederations Cup, where Brazil was better than us. But in summary , it was a great year, I remember above all the Liga title given the adverse circumstances. It is an extraordinary merit.
You did not mention your wedding ...
We talk about football, is not it ? (laughs) That, too, yes ! On a personal level , I am very satisfied. It was the happiest day of my life, a very emotional moment also . I am very happy.
Even if your wife accuses you too watch football ?
Yes ( laughs). Well, this is my passion and my wife knows it. This is what I like and interests me most , which makes me happy and content . I watch football all my life , for sure . This is what I love most .
Knowing your passion for tactical analysis of matches, did you find an explanation for the difference between Brazil and Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup ?
I think we have not addressed the final best physically. The semi-final against Italy, with the extension, it hurts us. Scoring in the first minute , Brazil is immediately freed from the pressure of playing at home. It's a game where everything went wrong for us, while Brazil has achieved everything he undertook. But we must be fair and recognize that that day , Brazil was better than Spain. That's why it's still a positive experience with the World . We already know the weather conditions and we now know what to expect if we face Brazil. I'd say they were able to overcome the pressure of being the host country.
Much has been made of the Brazilian anthem before the match, and the intimidating atmosphere of the Maracanã . At the professional level , what is the real impact of the environment on the performance of a team?
A favorable environment always helps , even if often it can be against -productive. It is a pressure that adds and need to know to overcome . Brazil scored the first and last minute of the first period. It gives a huge advantage. I remember that before this action Pedro was saved on the line by David Luiz . If we had equalized the game has changed. But Brazil has played a big discipline. They pressed us, they moved the ball well and they did not let him play .
The fate that you may go cross Brazil from the second round. Expect a rematch ?
I hope, I hope ... Or in the final, why not? Knowing that this is the World and the difficulty of our group ... But they also do not have an easy group . Football always gives you the opportunity to take revenge . I hope that this will happen in the World Cup , and as late as possible in the competition.
Are you talking about this potential contrast with the rest of the team?
No no, just because we are in a tough group , very complicated , one of the hardest of the World Cup . We will fight and we want to make things right, to defend our title. But we must be careful. We know the difficulty of the World and in Brazil, it will be hard from the beginning, saw the group in which we are . This is not the most difficult, but one of the most difficult .
What did you think when you saw that the Netherlands were placed in your group?
Football is full of amazing stories . We'll start in the next World against the team we have beaten in the final of the last ... Fate has willed it so . He gave us the Netherlands and Chile , which is also very strong and we met several times. And then there is Australia. We'll see what it's worth but on paper , it's a really tough group .
You said this would be your last World . Is it still relevant?
Sure and certain , yes ...
This makes it different from other time issue ?
No, I do not think so. I will discuss this tournament with the greatest possible hope and I hope to be in good physical condition . At the moment , I feel good and I really want to participate and make a great World Cup. Spain go as far as possible and if we can defend our title , knowing how difficult it is to do , it will be even better. This is obvious. I would leave the World Cup in fine style .
Do not forget to visit FIFA.com Tuesday, February 4 to read the second part of this interview, in which Xavi speaks of FC Barcelona, Gerardo Martino, Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and his professional future .
The only downside of this radiant 2013 season lasted 90 minutes: the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup at the Maracana , where Brazil has given a lesson to the world champions title , with the key to a final victory with a score of 3:0 .
With FIFA.com , Xavi back on this match on this particular year 2013 for him and his thirst for revenge against the Seleção .
Xavi, the year 2013 has been very special and , for various reasons . What event was the most memorable for you?
There have been many . When we make a summary of this year, it was very good. We were not able to compete in Cup and Champions League with Madrid and Bayern , but we won the championship in an extraordinary way given the circumstances , with Tito Vilanova and his illness. I think the group was more united than ever in order to win the title with 100 points. This is a historic for us Liga. In terms of selection , we qualified for the World Cup in fine style in a very strong group since there was also France . He seemed very complicated to go to Paris to win but in the end we succeeded . The only bad experience was the final of the Confederations Cup, where Brazil was better than us. But in summary , it was a great year, I remember above all the Liga title given the adverse circumstances. It is an extraordinary merit.
You did not mention your wedding ...
We talk about football, is not it ? (laughs) That, too, yes ! On a personal level , I am very satisfied. It was the happiest day of my life, a very emotional moment also . I am very happy.
Even if your wife accuses you too watch football ?
Yes ( laughs). Well, this is my passion and my wife knows it. This is what I like and interests me most , which makes me happy and content . I watch football all my life , for sure . This is what I love most .
Knowing your passion for tactical analysis of matches, did you find an explanation for the difference between Brazil and Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup ?
I think we have not addressed the final best physically. The semi-final against Italy, with the extension, it hurts us. Scoring in the first minute , Brazil is immediately freed from the pressure of playing at home. It's a game where everything went wrong for us, while Brazil has achieved everything he undertook. But we must be fair and recognize that that day , Brazil was better than Spain. That's why it's still a positive experience with the World . We already know the weather conditions and we now know what to expect if we face Brazil. I'd say they were able to overcome the pressure of being the host country.
Much has been made of the Brazilian anthem before the match, and the intimidating atmosphere of the Maracanã . At the professional level , what is the real impact of the environment on the performance of a team?
A favorable environment always helps , even if often it can be against -productive. It is a pressure that adds and need to know to overcome . Brazil scored the first and last minute of the first period. It gives a huge advantage. I remember that before this action Pedro was saved on the line by David Luiz . If we had equalized the game has changed. But Brazil has played a big discipline. They pressed us, they moved the ball well and they did not let him play .
The fate that you may go cross Brazil from the second round. Expect a rematch ?
I hope, I hope ... Or in the final, why not? Knowing that this is the World and the difficulty of our group ... But they also do not have an easy group . Football always gives you the opportunity to take revenge . I hope that this will happen in the World Cup , and as late as possible in the competition.
Are you talking about this potential contrast with the rest of the team?
No no, just because we are in a tough group , very complicated , one of the hardest of the World Cup . We will fight and we want to make things right, to defend our title. But we must be careful. We know the difficulty of the World and in Brazil, it will be hard from the beginning, saw the group in which we are . This is not the most difficult, but one of the most difficult .
What did you think when you saw that the Netherlands were placed in your group?
Football is full of amazing stories . We'll start in the next World against the team we have beaten in the final of the last ... Fate has willed it so . He gave us the Netherlands and Chile , which is also very strong and we met several times. And then there is Australia. We'll see what it's worth but on paper , it's a really tough group .
You said this would be your last World . Is it still relevant?
Sure and certain , yes ...
This makes it different from other time issue ?
No, I do not think so. I will discuss this tournament with the greatest possible hope and I hope to be in good physical condition . At the moment , I feel good and I really want to participate and make a great World Cup. Spain go as far as possible and if we can defend our title , knowing how difficult it is to do , it will be even better. This is obvious. I would leave the World Cup in fine style .
Do not forget to visit FIFA.com Tuesday, February 4 to read the second part of this interview, in which Xavi speaks of FC Barcelona, Gerardo Martino, Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and his professional future .