01.06.2014: ADHIRAJ DUTTA :: STATS : LALTU CHAKRABARTY

FIFA World Cup 2014 Analysis : Group A – Brazil, Croatia, Mexico & Cameroon

Brazil vs. Croatia - June 13, 1.30 AM IST || Mexico vs. Cameroon- June 13, 9.30 P.M. IST
Brazil vs. Mexico- June 18, 12.30 AM IST || Cameroon vs. Croatia- June 19, 3.30 PM IST
Croatia vs Mexico - June 24, 1.30 SM IST || cameroon vs Brazil, June 24, 1.30 SM IST

BRAZIL : Hosts Brazil were automatically assigned to Group - A and will kick off the 2014 World Cup against the European side allocated to pot 2 - Croatia. They will be joined by Mexico, who secured the second to last World Cup spot through the combined effort of four managers and a play-off success against New Zealand.

The best advantage of Brazil,besides the abundant quality in the squad, is that they're playing at home . Brazil dominated Spain in the 2013 Confederations Cup. The average age of the Brazilian squad is 28 which means they have a great mixture of youth and experience. Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari have already won the World Cup in 2002 with Brazil and is looking for a record second triumph. The last time a host nation won a World Cup was in 1998 when France won the Cup beating Brazil.

Arguably the whole Brazil squad is great but World Cup poster-boy Neymar is certainly expected to light up the tournament on home soil after impressing in the Confederations Cup. Neymar Jr. has not quite had the kind of season that everyone expected him to have after his move to Barcelona. But, his performance for the Selecao has kept on improving with every game. Luis Scolari will once again be looking upto the youngster to carry the team forward and having already scored 30 goals internationally, he very well has it in him to do it. The team also has other star players other than Neymar like Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Oscar, Hulk,Fred and Marcelo. The team's only major weakness is perhaps in the goalkeepinh segment as the usual custodian between the sticks, Julio Cesar did not get enough play time in the 2013-14 season. But before participating in the final stage of the World Cup, Brazil has two warm-up matches coming up- they will first face Panama on 4th June and then Serbia on 7th june.

Brazil

Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Key Players : (Neymar, Thiago Silva & Fred)
Tournament Best: Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
Qualify : As Hosts

STANDINGS OF BRAZIL IN FIFA WORLD CUP ALL TIME

YEAR  Standing   Stage             	PTS     GP    W     D     L     GS    GA    GD    
1930  6th     	 1st Round Groups     	2     	2     1     0     1     5     2     +3    
1934  14th     	 Round of 16         	0     	1     0     0     1     1     3     -2    
1938  3rd        3rd Place Game         7     	5     3     1     1     14    11    +3    
1950  2nd        Final Game         	9     	6     4     1     1     22    6     +16    
1954  6th        Quarter Finals         3     	3     1     1     1     8     5     3    
1958  1st        Final Game         	11      6     5     1     0     16    4     +12    
1962  1st        Final Game         	11      6     5     1     0     14    5     +9    
1966  11th       1st Round Groups     	2       3     1     0     2     4     6     -2    
1970  1st        Final Game         	12      6     6     0     0     19    7     +12    
1974  4th        3rd Place Game         8       7     3     2     2     6     4     +2    
1978  3rd        3rd Place Game         11      7     4     3     0     10    3     +7    
1982  5th        2nd Round Groups     	8       5     4     0     1     15    6     +9    
1986  5th        Quarter Finals         9       5     4     1     0     10    1     +9    
1990  9th        Round of 16        	6       4     3     0     1     4     2     +2    
1994  1st        Final Game         	17      7     5     2     0     11    3     +8    
1998  2nd        Final Game         	13      7     4     1     2     14    10    +4    
2002  1st        Final Game         	21      7     7     0     0     18    4     +14    
2006  5th        Quarter Finals         12      5     4     0     1     10    2     +8    
2010  6th        Quarter Finals         10      5     3     1     1     9     4     +5

====================================================================

CROATIA : Coach Niko Kovac, who was a former Croatian star footballer and World Cupper, took charge of the team in October last year. The Croatian team managed to enterthe World Cup finals after beating Iceland in a playoff. But they will miss veteran defender, Josip Simunic, who was banned for 10 matches for unacceptable ill discipline in a match. In his absence, Panathanaikos defender Danijel Pranjic will lead the defence of Croatia. The Croatian dream team of 1998 world cup finished in third place in France, on their first attempt. Davor Suker, Zvonomir Boban and Slaven Bilic were star players at that tournament.

The English Premier League fans from North London may just remember Croatia's Luka Modric and Eduardo for their wonderful display in England’s top flight but the key man remains Mario Mandzukic, who will be looking forward to improve on a decent group stage performace in the 2012 European Championships and add to his two goals in tournament football. However Mario Mandzukic is suspended for the opener against Brazil after being sent off versus Iceland. The Croats will rely on individual talents such as Ivan Perisic, Mario Mandzukic and Luka Modric.

Before participating in the final stage of the World Cup, Croatia rode on an Ivan Perisic double to beat Mali 2-1 in a warm-up friendly. They have another matchto play against Australia on 7th June

Croatia
Coach: Niko Kovac
Star Players: (Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic)
Tournament Best: Third 1998
Qualified: Defeated Iceland in playoff

LATEST WARM-UP MATCH RESULTS

31.05.2014: Croatia ( 2-1 ) Mali
CRO I. Perisic 15', 63
MAL : C. Diarra 79'

CROATIA ALL TIME WORLD CUP STANDING

YEar   Standing  Stage                PTS   GP    W     D     L     GS    GA    GD
1998   3         3rd Place            15    7     5     0     2     11    5     +6    
2002   23        1st Round Groups     3     3     1     0     2     2     3     -1    
2006   22        1st Round Groups     2     3     0     2     1     2     3     -1

========================================================================

MEXICO : Mexico had to overcome the challenge thrashing New Zealand 9-3 over two legs under new coach Miguel Herrera.
Mexico's Under-23 side stunned a Brazil team featuring Neymar, Oscar and Thiago Silva in the 2012 Olympic final in London, but Brazil took revenge with a 2-0 win at the Confederations Cup. Mexico have a good track record at the World Cup. Since the World Cup 1986 they have always made it to the second round, though they have never made it further.

In the 2014 World Cup, the Mexicans will most definitely look to Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez to score the majority of their goals at the tournament. Diminutive Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez remains the most notable name in a Mexico side comprising mainly home-based players. Hernandez, affectionately known as Chicharito or the Little Pea,when on form, is one of the world's best goal poachers who seem to score crucial winning goals for the team.

The Mexicans are having a long preparation phase this time.They won both their matches against Ecuador and Israel convincingly and have another couple of matches to play against Bosnia on 4th June and Portugal on 7th june.

Mexico

Coach: Miguel Herrera
Star Player: ( Javier Hernandez,Giovanni dos Santos,Oribe Peralta)
Tournament Best: Quarter-finals 1970, 1986
Qualified: After defeating New Zealand in a playoff.

LATEST WARM-UP MATCH RESULTS

01.06.2014 :Mexico ( 3-1 ) Ecuador
MEX L. Montes 33', M. Fabian 69', M. Banguera (OG) 76'
ECU : J. Guagua 80'

29/05/14 : Mexico ( 3-0 ) Israel
MEX : M. Layun 43', 62', M. Fabian 85'

MEXICO WORLD CUP ALL TIME STANDING

Year  Standing     Stage             PTS     GP    W     D     L     GS     GA     GD    
1930  13     	  1st Round Groups     0     3     0     0     3     4     13     -9      
1950  12     	  1st Round Groups     0     3     0     0     3     2     10     -8    
1954  13    	  1st Round Groups     0     2     0     0     2     2     8      -6    
1958  16    	  1st Round Groups     1     3     0     1     2     1     8      -7    
1962  11    	  1st Round Groups     2     3     1     0     2     3     4      -1    
1966  12    	  1st Round Groups     2     3     0     2     1     1     3      -2    
1970  6     	  Quarter Finals       5     4     2     1     1     6     4      +2      
1978  16          1st Round Groups     0     3     0     0     3     2     12     -10      
1986  6           Quarter Finals       8     5     3     2     0     6     2      +4      
1994  13     	  Round of 16          5     4     1     2     1     4     4      0    
1998  13     	  Round of 16          5     4     1     2     1     8     7      +1    
2002  11     	  Round of 16          7     4     2     1     1     4     4      0    
2006  15     	  Round of 16          4     4     1     1     2     5     5      0    
2010  14    	  Round of 16          4     4     1     1     2     4     5      -1 

======================================================================

CAMEROON : Cameroon, the underdogs saw off Tunisia with a comprehensive 4-1 win at home to become one of five African sides which will be at the tournament next summer. 24 years ago at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, Roger Milla and his squad made it to the quarter finals but lost to England.

Samuel Eto’o is their star player and leading goal scorer with 55 goals in 112 appearances. The 33 year Chelsea forward has not had the best of seasons for his club but would like to make a mark in his international swansong. Cameroon are unlikely to finish any better than last in the group, but Eto’o will be determined to show his magic in the big stage for one last time. Cameroon can also count on other star players, such as Stephane Mbia and Alex Song, who are classy midfielders in their own right and have the firepower to shock Mexico or Croatia to snatch the second spot in Group A after Brazil.

Cameroon's preparation has been of mixed consequences so far. They won 2-0 against Macedonia but lost 1-2 to Paraguay. But the most satisfying result would be the 2-2 draw against heavyweights Germany where they really gave it a fight. They have one more match to play in the warm-up that is against Moldova on 7th June.

Cameroon

Coach: Volker Finke
Star Player: Samuel Eto’o.Stephane Mbia, Alex Song
Tournament Best: Quarter-finals 1990
qualified: CAF third round winners

LATEST WARM-UP MATCH RESULTS

LATEST WARM-UP MATCH RESULTS

01.06.2014: Germany (2-2) Cameroon
GER : Muller 66', Schürrle 71' CAM : Eto'o 62', Choupo-Moting 78'

29/05/14 : Cameroon ( 1-2 ) Paraguay
CAM : M. Choupo-Moting 75'
PAR : Oscar Romero 4', Roque Santa Cruz 68'

26.05.2014 : Cameroon (2-0) Macedonia
CAM : WebO 52', M. Choupo-Moting 84'

CAMEROON ALL TIME WORLD CUP STANDING

YEAR  	Standing Stage                PTS   GP    W     D     L     GS    GA    GD
1982 	17     	 1st Round Groups     3     3     0     3     0     1     1     0      
1990  	7    	 Quarter Finals       6     5     3     0     2     7     9     -2    
1994  	22       1st Round Groups     1     3     0     1     2     3     11    -8    
1998   	25       1st Round Groups     2     3     0     2     1     2     5     -3    
2002  	20       1st Round Groups     4     3     1     1     1     2     3     -1      
2010 	31       1st Round Groups     0     3     0     0     3     2     5     -3    

=========================================================================

Key Clashes

Croatia’s Eduardo was born in Brazil and returns for the opening clash of the World Cup with a view of ruining the host's party. Eto’o will also be up against former club mates David Luiz, Ramires and Oscar when Cameroon go head-to-head with the hosts and the African nation will be hoping their talismanic striker's best days are not behind him just yet. Modric will clash with Alex Song in a typical El Clasico battle and it’s these kind of clashes that will matter as Brazil look to reach the second round with a perfect points total.

Who’s going through?

It is pretty difficult to rule out Brazil and it would hardly be surprising if they dispatched of all their group stage opponents on their way to a nine-point haul. Cameroon faced a similarly difficult group in 2010 and the same fate probably awaits them this time around as the wait for an African winner of a World Cup extends beyond 2014. Choosing between Mexico and Croatia is difficult, as both have quality but neither are outstanding. An emerging Mexico may lack the experience of Croatia’s stars of European pedigree but still it is tough to say who will go through along with Brazil.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

C & D coming Up =========================

E & F coming Up =========================

Germany, Portugal, Ghana & USA are in the Group whcih is called " THE GROUP OF DEATH" by the world football experts. 08.06.2014: Bastab Roy ( Ex-Footballer and B-License Coach-Kolkata) & LALTU CHAKRABARTY GERMANY : Coach Joachim Loew's Germany reached in the Final Stage of Brazil World Cup remaining undefeated and scoring 36 goals in 10 matches. The 3 times World Cup winners Germany reached in the semi-finals in the last four major world football tournaments, the FIFA world cups in 2006 & 2010 as well as the UEFA European Championships in 2008 & 2012. The one of the strongst teams of the world Germany are failed to halt the dominance of Spain in recent past. They lost 0-1 to Euro 2008 final to Spain and 2010 World Cup Semifinal also to Spain. In the 2014 Brazil World Cup Germany squad is a mix of extremely talented youngsters and some big-names who have what it takes to shine in the penultimate stage of the tournament. the Football fans must watch the activity of Veteran Striker and Germany's record scorer, Miroslav Klose, has also been included to support striker Lukas Podolski. Klose scored 14 Goals so far in the World Cup which is 1 goal short to all time top scorer Ronaldo of Brazil. Klose is close to break the record of Ronalo as he gets his old form, scored a goal in the warm-up match on 8th june against weak Armenia alongwith Pololoski, and Gotze. The star man would be ex- Real madrid star Mesut Ozil. Brilliant eye for a killer pass, the man who became Arsenal’s record buy this summer made more assists. The new Lother Mathewz of Germany, captain Philip who have a Long-serving Bayern Munich experience with 104 caps was named in the Team of the Tournament by FIFA after both the last two World Cups. After 1990 the right back is the asset on and off the field of German side with his calm and collected leadership. Best World Cup finish : Winners 1954, 1974, 1990 PLAYER TO WATCH : Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich) The MATCH to Watch : Germany vs Portugal on 16th june. OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN WORLD CUP YEAR Team Place Stage PTS GP W D L GS GA GD 1934 Germany 3 3rd Place 6 4 3 0 1 11 8 3 1938 Germany 10 Round of 16 1 2 0 1 1 3 5 -2 1954 W.Germany 1 Final 10 6 5 0 1 25 14 11 1958 W.Germany 4 3rd Place 6 6 2 2 2 12 14 -2 1962 W.Germany 7 Q.Finals 5 4 2 1 1 4 2 2 1966 W.Germany 2 Final 9 6 4 1 1 15 6 9 1970 W.Germany 3 3rd Place 10 6 5 0 1 17 10 7 1974 W.Germany 1 Final 12 7 6 0 1 13 4 9 1978 W.Germany 6 2nd Rounds 6 6 1 4 1 10 5 5 1982 W.Germany 2 Final 8 7 3 2 2 12 10 2 1986 W.Germany 2 Final 8 7 3 2 2 8 7 1 1990 W.Germany 1 Final 12 7 5 2 0 15 5 10 1994 Germany 5 Q.Finals 10 5 3 1 1 9 7 2 1998 Germany 7 Q.Finals 10 5 3 1 1 8 6 2 2002 Germany 2 Final 16 7 5 1 1 14 3 11 2006 Germany 3 3rd Place 16 7 5 1 1 14 6 8 2010 Germany 3 3rd Place 15 7 5 0 2 16 5 11 2014 WARM-UP MATCH RESULTS 07.06.2014: Germany ( 6-1 ) Armenia GER : Schurrle 52', Podolski 72', Howedes 73', Klose 76', Gotze 82', 89' ARM : Mkhitaryan (PEN 69') 02.04.2014: Germany (2-2) Cameroon GER : Muller 66', Schürrle 71' CAM : Eto'o 62', Choupo-Moting 78' 14.05.2014 : Germany ( 0-0) Poland +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PORTUGAL By riding on CR-7's performance who scored four goals in the two legged play-off against Sweden, Portugal got the ticket to play in the final stage of FIFA world cup in Brazil. With Ronaldo's hat-trick against Sweden equalling Pauleta's national record 47-goal tally, which he has since broken. Paulo Bento's squad has the potential to lift the trophy, but there is a feeling of inevitability that they will crash out before reaching even the last-four of the tournament. Captain and record scorer Ronaldo will be the obvious player under the spotlight, as the Ballon d'Or winning Real Madrid superstar is expected to carry the weight of his country on his back. Ronaldo will be assist in defence by Bruno Alves - 70 cap veteran former F.C Porto defender now playing in Fenerbahce is the rock around which the defence is built. It's very tough to win the cup by Portugal but their 4-3-3 formation adopted by coach Bento can demonstrate their attacking potential in Brazil which would looking for going to Round of 16. But all eyes of the fans will be on CR-7. The Great RONALDO. Can he guide the team like 1986's Argentine Captain legendary Diego Maradona to lift the Dream Cup? Best World Cup finish: Third place, 1966. OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN WORLD CUP YEAR Team Place Stage PTS GP W D L GS GA GD 1966 Portugal 3 3rd Place 10 6 5 0 1 17 8 9 1986 Portugal 17 1st Round 2 3 1 0 2 2 4 -2 2002 Portugal 21 1st Round 3 3 1 0 2 6 4 2 2006 Portugal 4 3rd Place 13 7 4 1 2 7 5 2 2010 Portugal 11 Round of 16 5 4 1 2 1 7 1 6 2014 WARM-UP MATCH RESULTS 07.06.2014: Mexico ( 0-1 ) Portugal POR : Bruno Alves 90+3' 01.06.2014 : Portugal ( 0-0 ) Greece +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GHANA Michael Essien (Chelsea), Derek Boateng (Fulham), Emmanuel Frimpong (Arsenal), the Ghanian trio can make any miracle in Brazil any time. The four-times African Cup of Nations winners Ghana is the powerhouse of African Football. The team surprised everyone in the 2006 World Cup by reaching the last-16, and again they made it in 2010 when they reached the quarters but lost to Uruguay in a tie-breaker. Ghana won five of their six matches in qualifiers and being the top scorers from Africa with 25 goals. The experienced team will welcome back ex- Chelsea and current AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien, who will be crucial for the team's success. The former Tottenham Hostpurs man Kevin-Prince Boateng will play the vital role of carrying his team in an extremely difficult group alongwith captain Al-Win striker 28 year old Ashamoah Gyan. With the guidence of the former Captain and World Cupper Coach James Kwesi Appiah, Ghana's expectations will be high in Brazil with their strong midfield and ability of playing the speedy team game. Best World Cup finish: Quarter finals, 2010 PLAYER TO WATCH : Frank Acheampong- Belgiam's Anderlecht bought the 20-yeaar-old for a record fee from Thai Premier League side Buriram United. OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN WORLD CUP YEAR Team Place Stage PTS GP W D L GS GA GD 2006 Ghana 13 Round of 16 6 4 2 0 2 4 6 -2 2010 Ghana 7 Quarter Finals 8 5 2 2 1 5 4 1 2014 WARM-UP MATCH RESULTS 07.06.2014: Mexico ( 0-1 ) Portugal POR : Bruno Alves 90+3' 01.06.2014 : Holland ( 1-0 ) Ghana HOL : R. van Persie 5' +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ USA Former German World Cupper and 2006 Captain Jurgen Klinsmann who scored 38 goals in 80 internationals games is the coach of United States since 2011. USA have a good record It will be their 10th World Cup, and seventh in succession. They were third in 1930 and quarter-finalists in 2002, losing 1-0 to Germany. They recovered from an opening 2-1 defeat by Honduras to finish four points clear at the top of the six-team final group phase, winning all five home matches to qualify in 2014 Brazil. Michael Bradley, Son of former USA coach Bob, the 26-year-old midfielder now playing in Italian side AS Roma while captain Clint Dempsey who scored 50 goals in a five year career with his former EPL side Fulham is the key player of Klnismann in the Midfield while the veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard of Everton will do his best to block Portugal's Ronaldo and Germany’s Thomas Muller in penalty box. Some other USA players who are playing in EPL sides like Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Maurice Edu (Stoke), Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Cody Cropper (Southampton). Best World Cup finish: 3rd place, 1930 OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN WORLD CUP YEAR Team Place Stage PTS GP W D L GS GA GD 1930 USA 3 3rd Place 4 3 2 0 1 7 6 1 1934 USA 16 Round of 16 0 1 0 0 1 1 7 -6 1950 USA 10 1st Round 2 3 1 0 2 4 8 -4 1990 USA 23 1st Round 0 3 0 0 3 2 8 -6 1994 USA 14 Round of 16 4 4 1 1 2 3 4 -1 1998 USA 32 1st Round 0 3 0 0 3 1 5 -4 2002 USA 8 Quarter Finals 7 5 2 1 2 7 7 0 2006 USA 25 1st Round 1 3 0 1 2 2 6 -4 2010 USA 12 Round of 16 5 4 1 2 1 5 5 0 2014 WARM-UP MATCH RESULTS 08.06.2014: USA ( 2-1 ) Nigeria USA : J. Altidore 32, J. Altidore 68' NIG : V. Moses (PEN) 28/05/14 : USA (2-0) Azerbaijan USA Idskarud, Johaansson

FIFA has decided to impose Biological passport to all footballers of World Cup 2014 05.06.2014 : FIFA has decided to undergo drug test to all the footballers who will participate in the forth coming World Cup 2014, which is scheduled from the 12 of June. The Governing Body Of Football has decided to issue a Biological Passport to all the footballers for the first time in the history of football, who will be tested medically and Pathologically by the recognized panel of FIFA Doctors. This Biological Passport will be valid till the end of a footballer's carrier, where the details of the tests especially Urine and Blood will be mentioned. FIFA is building up a biological passport on all players. It has taken at least two test samples from most players while some have given up to four. A member of the FIFA medical team stated that so far teams have welcome the doping investigators. Now, the officials and footballers will realize what we are doing and consider that kind of examination as part of their professional life, A group of FIFA Medical team are conducting these medical investigations from March onwards in various training camps and in international matches. The Medical team checks hormone levels and for anabolic steroids in the urine. The drug testing logistics in Brazil are face difficulties as there are no such international standard laboratory in Brazil. The World Anti-Doping Agency withdrew its accreditation for the only facility in Rio de Janeiro last year. FIFA has to arrange to send the samples laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland. The registered laboratory at Switzerland are working round the clock to prepare the reports. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency, the Biological Passport is administered to establish whether a footballer is manipulating his physiological variables without detecting a particular substance or method. The Biological Passport uses the standardized approach of urine and blood sampling to determine steroid abuse. The objective of this testing is to identify a footballer in a hematological module and a steroidal module.

WATCH THE YOUNG STARS - HOW THEY WILL PERFORM IN BRAZIL BY - Kushal Chakrabarty, Jaydip Dasgupta and Laltu Chakrabarty History of World cup is actually history of turning of one promising player into Star. Starting from Pele in 1958 ending till Thomas Muller in 2010, it was a saga of promising young player became the cynosure of the tournaments. In the forth coming 20th World Cup in Brazil, We placed our hope on some of the youths who can be the stars in the coming years. The best record belongs to Brazilian legend Pele who scored against Wales at the finals in Sweden, aged 17 years and 239 days in the year 1958 to win Brazil's first World cup. Fabrice Olinga (D.O.B - 12.05.1996) - : It's rare in World Football. Barcelona, chelsea and Cameroon legendary Footballer Samuel Eto'o established his won Football foundation The Samuel Eto'o Private Foundation in March 2006 which was created a non-profit organization operating mainly in West Africa. A 13 year old boy made trial and got chance to learn football from his hero Eto'o in the year 2009. Now in 2014, the boy is 18 year age and going to play in the highest stage of world football - FIFA world cup 2014 alongwith his teacher Samuel Eto'o in Cameroon Squad. Though he played earlier with his Teacher Eto'o in October 2012 in CAF 2013 qualification. That 18 years old wonder kid - Fabrice Olinga Essono, known as Olinga, is a Cameroonian footballer who plays for S.V. Zulte Waregem on loan from Malaga CF. Olinga started his footballing career with the Samuel Eto'o's Football foundation in the year 2009 and now he will play with his teacher Eto'o in 2014 Brazil World cup. From the Academy he moved to Mallorca's academy in Spain. He became the youngest-ever goalscorer in the Spanish La Liga when he scored the only goal for Malaga in the opening game of the 2012/13 season against Cel De vogo. Olinga, who was 16 years and 98 days at the time. On 2 October 2012, Olinga was called by the Cameroonian national team for a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Cape Verde, and he scored on his debut on the 12th (2–1 win) and became the youngest ever scorer for Cameroon at international level and he scored the goal off a pass of his teacher Eto'o in 2nd half injury time. The jersey no 9 will play alongwith his teacher Jersey no 9 Cameroon legendary player Samuel Eto'o. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Luke Shaw,(England : D.O.B - 12/07/1995) : Luke Shaw is one of the youngest footballers in this year's FIFA World Cup. The 18 years old left back, can be a surprise element in World cup for his delectable touch, defensive and overlapping abilities. Luke, Born in Surrey, the left-back is a product of the famous Southampton youth academy and was in the Saints' first-team by the age of 18 where he joined in the 2012-13. The Strong Dribblar and a highly-rated and impressive defender, Luke has been a regular with England since he was 15 in the year 2011 when he was selected for the U-16 team and scored his first international goal against Uruguay. Luke Shaw‘s first Sr. international match for the senior team was against Denmark on 15th March 2014 before he was selected in the final squad of World Cup. Luke also played against Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2014 warm-up match on 4th June. 2003: Started with Southampton FC Academy. 2011: 15 February - Makes first appearances for England U16. 2011: 24 August - U-17 debut. 2012: 28 January - first-team debut for Southampton. 2012: 28 August 28 - first senior start in a League Cup. 2012: 5 November - Makes Premier League debut against West Brom. 2013: 14 May 14 - Named in the England Under-21 squad for the European Championship in Israel. 2013: 12 July - Signs new five-year deal with Southampton on his 18th birthday. 2014: 27 February - England senior squad for the friendly with Denmark. 2014: 12 May - World Cup squad ahead of Ashley Cole. Mario Gotze (D.O.B - 03.06.1992) - (Germany) : The 22 years old attacking midfielder from Bayran Munich, can operate using the right or left channel. He has the ability to attack with sheer speed and dribbling. Mario is now a regular member of Bayran Munick, but started his carrier in Bundesliga in the year 2009 for Borrusia Dortmund, opt to transfer in Bayran in the year 2013. He has participated in 147 matches in Bundesliga, sored 47 goals so far. Mario having an international exposure as he participated in the U-15, U-16, U-21 national squad. Mario Gotze played his first international match for the senior National team in 2010 against Sweden at the young age of 19 and became the youngest German International footballer. Mario Gotze has played 28 international matches for Germany and can be reckoned as one of bright prospect in World Football. FOR NATIONAL TEAM TEAM MATCH GOAL A 27 7 U21 2 0 U17 13 5 U18 8 3 U15 2 0 ACHIVEMENTS 2013/2014 German Champion 2013/2014 German Cup Champion 2011/2012 German Champion 2011/2012 German Cup Champion 2010/2011 German Champion ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Bernard (Brazil- D.O.B: 08.09.1992) : Bernard Anicio Caldeira Duarte is one of the youngest participants in 2014 World Cup. Bernard made his debut for Brazil in 21 November 2012 against arch rival Argentina and played 10 international matches so far. The 21 years old Brazilian played as winger in Shakhtar Donetsk, (Ukraine) from 2013-14 season came from Brazilian Premier league team Atletico Mineiro in 2011. The Belo Horizonte based Midfielder Bernard known for his energetic performances. He scored 20 goals so far for Club teams and the member of 2013 Confedreation cup winner Brazil team as well as winner of Copa Libertadores 2013 for Atletico Mineiro. He scored a goal against Honduras in a friendly on 17 November 2013, where he played upto 1st half and Brazil won 5-0 under Luiz Felipe Scolari. The Jersey no 20 if gets a chance in the star studded Brazil team, then this winger are confident enough to show his class. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SOME OTHER YOUNG PLAYERS IN THE WORLD CUP 2014 Adnan Januzaj (Belgium - Manchester United --- ( midfielder / AGE - 19+) Julian Green (USA - Bayern Munich --- ( midfielder / AGE - 19+) Nabil Bentaleb (Algeria - Tottenham Hotspur --- (midfielder / AGE - 19+) Carlos Gruezo (Ecuador - VfB Stuttgart --- ( defensive midfielder / AGE - 19+) Jose Maria Gimenez (Uruguay - Atletico Madrid --- ( center back / AGE - 19+). Divock Origi (Belgium - Lille --- ( forward / AGE - 19+) Sead Kolasinac (Bosnia - Schalke 04 --- ( defender / AGE - 20+) Stefanos Kapino (Greece - Panathinaikos --- ( goalkeeper / AGE - 20+) Luis Lopez (Honduras - Real Espana --- ( goalkeeper / AGE - 20+) Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Iran - NEC --- ( winger / AGE - 20+) Andy Najar (Honduras - Anderlecht --- ( midfielder / AGE - 21+) Joel Campbell (Costa Rica - Arsenal --- ( forward / AGE - 21+) Rafa Silva (Portugal - Braga --- ( midfielder / AGE - 21+) William Carvalho (Portugal - Sporting CP --- ( midfielder / AGE - 22+) Yeltsin Tejeda (Costa Rica - Doportivo Saprissa --- ( midfielder / AGE - 22+) Ante Rebic (Croatia : D.O.B - 21.09.1993) : Ante Rebic started his international carrier from a very young age as he was included in the U-18, U-19, and U-20 squad before his debut in the senior international team. Rebic scored his first international goal for Croatia in his debut WHEN HIS AGE WAS 19 Years 10 Months 24 Days. Rebic had a memorable performance in the World Cup qualifiers against Iceland in November 2013 which made his way in the final squad of the World Cup 2014. Rebic is basically a striker but can operate as an winger. The 20 years old footballer, who is currently playing for Florentina (Italy) is a promising striker with ability to pass the ball in perfect direction. In the year 2014 he scored 2 goals for club Fiorentina and played in FIFA friendly for Croatia against Mali on 31st May where Croatias won 2-1. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Diago Reyes (Mexico : D.O.B : 19.09.1992) : He is called Sergio Basquets of Mexico. Diego Antonio Reyes Rosales. The 21 years old Diago Antonio Reyes is an important member of the Mexico team in this year's world cup in Brazil. The central defender, Diago was selected to play for the national team since 2013 in Copa America tournament. Reyes had played in the U-17, U-20 Mexican team before selected in the senior team. Reyes is capable of playing both in central defendce and mid field, but after the Olympics and Apertura 2012, he has mastered the central defender role. Reyes was an important member of the Mexican team which won gold in the Pan American Games in 2011. Reyes was a part of the Mexican team that won the gold medal at the 2012 Toulon Tournament, defeating Turkey in the final. Diago's first international match for the country was 4 July 2011 against Chile who played 14 matches so far in the National side. Reyes also participated in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, playing his only match in a 2–1 victory against Japan. The F.C Porto (Portugal) defender have a very good in anticipation and really hard to beat in the areal balls. He was the first Mexican player who joined FC Porto from Mexican team Club America in the year 2012 dec. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Koke (Spain - D.O.B : 08.01.1992) : Jorge Resurreccion Merodio commonly known as Koke is an important member in the 23 member squad of Spain. The 22 year old Athletico Madrid attacking midfielder is a product of the youth development of Spanish La Liga winner of 2013-14 club Atletico Madrid is known for his delectable passing qualities and creating opportunities for scoring goals. He joined Atletico Madrid Sr. team from Jr. Level in the year 2011. Koke was a regular member in the U-16, U-18 and U-21 Spanish football team before joining the senior national team in 2013. Koke represented the under-21 Spanish football team in 2013 UEFA European Championship, and won the competition by beating Italy 4–2 in Jerusalem in the final. Koke made his debut for the full side on 14 August 2013, replacing Santi Cazorla for the final 12 minutes of a 2–0 friendly win in Ecuado and has played 7 international matches so far for Spain. Scored 10 Goals for National Team in various age groups like U-15 to U-23. Atletico Madrid's 'new Xavi' taking Spanish football by storm. As a versatile midfielder, Koke has been deployed on the right of Atletico's midfield this season, balancing out the flamboyant Arda Turan on the left and tucking inside to form a midfield trio when necessary. On 9 April 2014, Koke scored his first goal in the UEFA Champions League, netting the only goal of a quarter-final against Barcelona to send Atletico to the semi-finals for the first time since 1974. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Marco Verratti,(Italy : D.O.B 05.11.1992) : Marco Verratti played as a central midfielder in French Club, Paris-Saint-German. Italians belief that Marco is a gifted footballer for his accurate passing ability, in addition to technically solid defensive qualities. His performances generated national media coverage as a potential star of the future. Jersey no 23 of Italy World Cup Squad Marco was included in the senior national team in the year 2012, but was a regular member of the junior national team. Verratti scored his first international goal in a friendly against the Netherlands, as the match ended in 1-1. Marco scored in 90+1' the equalizer before he was replaced in the 60th minute. Veratti was included into Cesare Prandelli's preliminary 32-man list for the UEFA Euro 2012 but not included in the Final squad. From 2010 to 2013 he played for Italy U-19, U-20, U-21 being a player of Serie B team Pescara before Joining in France side PSG in 2013 for a five years contract. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Gaston Ramirez, (Uruguay D.O.B : 02.12.1990) : The 23 years old attacking midfielder played for the English Club, Southampton. His team mate Luke Shaw got the chance in England World cup 2014 team. Though Ramirez started his career for the Uruguan Club Penarol and shifted to Bologna later. Ramerez is a highly promising footballer with equal deftness in scoring goals and creating opportunities for co-players. Jersey No 18 in Uruguay 2014 World Cup Squad, Ramirez made his international debut for senior national team in a international friendly against Indonesia. In July 2012, he was named as a member of the Uruguay squad for the football tournament at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Ramirez was a regular member in the U-20 FIFA World Cup and finally he is being included in the final squad of the 2014 World Ciup. Saints' number-ten helped his country to a one-goal lead in the opening 45 minutes as Uruguay ended their World Cup preparations with a comfortable 2-0 friendly win over Slovenia on 5th June.Edison Cavani scored from a brilliant final pass from Ramirez.

Delhi Veterans Football Club and the Delhi FC release "Soccer Diary, 2014," 09.06.2014: "Soccer Diary, 2014," a hugely informative handbook on the World Cup football beginning in Brazil on June 12, 2014, was officially released in the Capital on Monday during a function organized by the Delhi Veterans Football Club and the Delhi FC. The book has been edited and compiled by Hem Chand, the secretary of the two clubs. Hem Chand, who is a former footballer and currently the treasurer of the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA), has been bringing out informative journals on soccer since the 90s and the current one is the 11th edition. A large number of dignitaries, including former international sportspersons, former minister, members of Parliament and senior officers of the Government of India were present during the release of Diary. Among those present were former minister in the Government of Rajasthan, Hukum Singh, former Indian football captain and MP Prasun Banerjee, India’s World Cup winning cricketer and MP, Kirti Azad, Dr. Yashwant Singh, MP, Sanjay Singh, MP, Rajan Ambot, MP, former international footballers, Aziz Quereshi, Ranjit Thapa, SS Hakim and former international referee Melvyn D’Souza. The present Diary, which is shaped like a football, provides a comprehensive history of the World Cup, details about all the 32 participating teams and other cup related trivia. The Diary also contains all the relevant records of the past World Cups starting from 1930. Attractive photographs of former and present day famous footballers have also enhanced the quality of the well edited Diary.

========================

===========================

================================