Yuppy Sports: Football

Valverde relishing Barça final clash

<img alt="Valverde relishing Barça final clash" src="http://img.fifa.com/mm/photo/world-match-centre/clubfootball/02/55/50/43/2555043_full-lnd.jpg" /><br />
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Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde is thrilled at his team's achievement in reaching the Copa del Rey final for the third time in the last seven years. The Basque outfit won 2-0 at Espanyol last night to progress 3-1 on aggregate and set up a meeting with Barcelona in the cup showdown on 30 May.</div>
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"We knew that Espanyol could complicate our lives as they did in the first leg," Valverde told the Spanish press. "My players played at a very high level and we played a perfect game. It wasn't easy to play away from home in a semi-final, but my players did a great job."</div>
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<em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Los Leones</em> have lifted the Copa 23 times but will take on a Barça side who have won this competition a record 26 times. Athletic lost 5-2 at home to Barça in the league last month. "It's obvious that Barça are favourites," Valverde said. "But we didn't care who we would face in the final as long as we were there.</div>
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"Barça have a very strong team and they are favourites. Our chances of winning are slim but it's our duty to give our all in the final. This will be my first final with Athletic and it's going to be extraordinary. I know what it means for this club, for the city, and we are going to fight for this title."</div>
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Valverde, whose side were eliminated in the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League by Torino last month, hopes Athletic's latest success will help them climb up the Spanish La Liga standings. Athletic are tenth in the Spanish top flight, with eight wins from 25 games.</div>
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"We are in a difficult situation in the league," Valverde said. "But to be in a final transmits hope and that will give us an extra motivation. "I hope it will allow us to clinch more points in the league and be more competitive."</div>
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Athletic have won their last two league games and take on La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Saturday at the San Mames stadium.</div>

Valverde relishing Barça final clash

Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde is thrilled at his team's achievement in reaching the Copa del Rey final for the third time in t...

Ibenge: We never lost hope

<img alt="Ibenge: We never lost hope" height="359" src="http://img.fifa.com/mm/photo/world-match-centre/nationalteams/02/51/33/57/2513357_full-lnd.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Congo DR coach Florent Ibenge said his side "never lost hope" as they recovered from two goals down to beat Congo 4-2 in an incredible <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations_2012" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="">CAF Africa Cup of Nations</a> quarter-final on Saturday.</div>
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"We never lost hope and confidence that we could still win the match," Ibenge said, whose side found themselves trailing 2-0 with 25 minutes left in Bata only for a Dieumerci Mbokani brace and goals from Loteteka Bokila and Joel Kimwaki Mpela to turn the tie on its head.</div>
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"We changed tactics and formation after we went 2-0 down because I noticed the Congo defence was getting tired.</div>
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"It was very emotional to play against a country like Congo but we wanted to go through because it is not every time you get such an opportunity," added Ibenge after the Leopards qualified for the last four for the first time since 1998.</div>
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His side had reached the knockout stage despite not winning a game in Group B, and he acknowledged that Congo DR were staring a disastrous defeat in the face until their comeback.</div>
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"If we had lost to Congo, it would amount to us not doing anything at this tournament. A defeat today would have been a lot tougher on us," he said.</div>

Ibenge: We never lost hope

Congo DR coach Florent Ibenge said his side "never lost hope" as they recovered from two goals down to beat Congo 4-2 in an...

Young Syrians responding to adversity

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   <img alt="Syria national team players pose" height="359" src="http://img.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/competition/02/45/23/68/2452368_full-lnd.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Times are tough for Syria’s footballers. The country’s bloody civil war, which has been raging for more than three years and has resulted in the suspension of the national league since the 2010/11 season, has forced them to move to neighbouring countries to continue their careers.</div>
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Despite the unrest and the catastrophic consequences it has had for the nation, the Syrians still managed to win the 2012 West Asian Football Federation Championship, held in Kuwait. That unlikely achievement provided a source of inspiration for the country’s U-17 side, who last year qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.</div>
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The Syrians will be making only their second appearance in the competition, and while their journey to the world finals was an improbable one, coach Mohammad Al Attar puts it all down to some solid team virtues: “There was a real sense of togetherness between the players and the coaching staff, and that was thanks to the work we did on a psychological level.”</div>
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Al Attar’s side owe their place in Chile to a strong showing at the 2014 AFC U-16 Championship, which was hosted by Thailand. Drawn into a daunting group against Iran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the Syrians kicked off with back-to-back draws before stunning the Iranians with a 2-1 win to check into the last eight. An emphatic 5-2 defeat of Uzbekistan then ensured them a place at the U-17 world finals for the first time since Korea Republic 2007.</div>
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Reflecting on the difficulties faced by his side in the run-up to the continental tournament, Al Attar said: “Our preparations weren’t very smooth at all and we weren’t able to play a single international friendly. We had to make do with a training camp in Kuwait, during which we played two local teams. The Syrian FA did all it could to organise matches abroad but it just didn’t happen.”</div>
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Shrugging off their problematic build-up, the young Syrians surpassed themselves in Thailand and brought a little joy into the lives of their fellow countrymen back home. “Our results had a positive impact on our people, who have been through a lot of suffering,” said the 46-year-old, who also coaches club side Al Taliya.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #474747; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A hazardous path</strong>Many Syrian players and fans have been killed or wounded as a result of the internal strife that has beset the nation. In spite of the bloodshed, Al Attar and his defiant charges are determined to fly the Syrian flag high on the world stage and make their mark.</div>
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“Life goes on, whatever the circumstances,” he said. “Sport and football in particular help take people’s minds off the problems our country is facing, and in qualifying for the World Cup we’ve allowed them to think about something else for a while.”</div>
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As the war rages on back home, Al Attar and his backroom staff have had to work hard on keeping the morale of their young players high.</div>
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“We’ve really focused on the psychological side of things during our preparations,” he said. “During the training camps we tried to take the players away from events at home, which allowed us to get results.</div>
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“Our sole aim when we were in Thailand was to achieve something big for Syria. We thought about nothing else. We put the situation in our country to one side. If we hadn’t, it would have had a negative impact on the whole squad.”</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #474747; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Future goals</strong>Buoyed by their fourth place at the AFC U-16 Championship, the Syrians are heading to Chile with the aim of bettering their performance at the 2007 world finals, where they went down 3-1 to England in the last 16.</div>
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Acknowledging that the situation has not improved back home, Al Attar said: “The circumstances are the same, but that won’t stop us from working hard and preparing the best we can. We’re dealing with things by training in areas that are safe.”</div>
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Rounding off on an optimistic note, he said: “Qualifying for the World Cup has been a great achievement as far as I’m concerned. That’s why we’re ready to face everything that’s thrown at us. We’re going to do our very best to make sure we get noticed in Chile and put all the problems that we’re going through to one side.”</div>
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As Al Attar has already proved, he has the experience needed to overcome hurdles and steel his players for the challenge that lies ahead, when they will once again seek to bring a little sunlight into the lives of their long-suffering compatriots.</div>
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Young Syrians responding to adversity

Times are tough for Syria’s footballers. The country’s bloody civil war, which has been raging for more than three years and has res...

Happy Birthday to You!

<img alt="Happy Birthday to You!" height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/Tournament/Competition/01/67/89/21/1678921_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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In our regular Sunday feature, <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">FIFA.com </strong>presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">11. Mohammad Nosrati </strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(33)</strong> took part in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ and in three AFC Asian Cups with <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=irn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Iran</a>, finishing third at the 2004 edition of the continental contest. In addition, the versatile defender was part of the Iranian sides that emerged victorious from the 2002 Asian Games and the 2004 West Asian Football Federation Championship. Aside from a season with Dubai-based Al-Nasr, Nosrati has spent the majority of his career in his homeland, winning the national league with Pas Tehran and Persepolis, and the Hazfi Cup with Tractor Sazi.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">12. Oribe Peralta </strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(31)</strong> played a key role in <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=mex/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Mexico</a>’s Men’s Olympic Football Tournament triumph at London 2012, notching four goals in the competition, including two against Brazil in the final. The lively forward also helped his country to advance to the 2014 World Cup, scoring ten goals in 11 qualifying matches. At the tournament proper, he played in all four of <em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">El Tri</em>’s encounters, but could not prevent their Round-of-16 defeat by the Netherlands. The Torreon native also competed at the Copa America in 2011. Peralta has spent his entire club career in <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=mex/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Mexico</a>, starting out at Morelia and then Leon, where he won a Primera Division title. A two-season stint at Monterrey was followed by a move to Santos Laguna, where he added two league winners’ medals and the 2013 CONCACAF Player of the Year award to his footballing CV. In 2014, the Mexican striker signed for Club America, claiming another league crown later that year.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">13. Dan Eggen </strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(45)</strong> starred for <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=nor/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Norway</a> at the <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=fra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">France</a> 1998, the Scandinavian nation’s last appearance to date on football’s greatest stage. The towering centre-back headed the Norwegians’ equaliser in their group-stage draw with Morocco, a result which proved crucial to qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament. He had previously been selected for <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=nor/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Norway</a>’s squad at the 1994 World Cup, but did not play in any of their three matches in the USA. He also appeared at UEFA EURO 2000, his final major competition. Eggen began his professional career in <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=den/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Denmark</a> with BK Frem, before putting pen to paper with Brondby, where he bagged three Danish Championships and two Danish Cups. He then tried his luck in Spain, pulling on the jerseys of Celta Vigo and Alaves, with whom he reached the final of the 2001 UEFA Cup versus Liverpool. The imposing Norwegian subsequently saw out the remainder of his playing days with French outfit Le Mans.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">14. Lars Hogh </strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(56) </strong>participated in the 1986 World Cup and the 1995 King Fahd Cup (precursor to the FIFA Confederations Cup) with <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=den/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Denmark</a>, lifting the latter trophy. At club level, the consistent goalkeeper defended the colours of just one team – Odense – for 23 years, securing three Danish League titles, three Danish Cups and five Danish Goalkeeper of the Year awards during that lengthy period. After hanging up his gloves, Hogh became a goalkeeper coach at Brondby, Nordsjaelland and the Danish national side.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">15. Marius Tresor </strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(66)</strong> is regarded as a living legend of French football, having appeared for <em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Les Bleus </em>at Argentina 1978 and Spain 1982, where he scored against West Germany in a memorable semi-final defeat. After starting off at Ajaccio, where he was named French Player of the Year, the composed defender joined<a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/clubs/club=33192/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="">Marseille</a>, with whom he held aloft the Coupe de <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=fra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">France</a>. Tresor then committed himself to Bordeaux, where he landed the only French League title of his career.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">16. Stephan Lichtsteiner </strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(31)</strong> appeared for <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=sui/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Switzerland</a> at South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, as well as at EURO 2008. The energetic right-back turned professional at Grasshopper, where he gained a Swiss League winners’ medal. He was then transferred to Lille, where his performances piqued the interest of Lazio, with whom he won the Italian Cup and Super Cup. In 2011, he moved to current club <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/clubs/club=31085/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="">Juventus</a>, where he has since scooped three successive Serie A titles and two Italian Cups.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">17. Faouzi Mansouri </strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(59) </strong>was part of the Algerian XI that made their World Cup debut at Spain 1982 and later qualified for a second global adventure at <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=mex/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Mexico</a> 1986. The North African defender played for a handful of teams in <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=fra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">France</a>, including Montpellier, Nimes and Mulhouse.</div>

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Bahrainis, Faroes climb amid minimal change

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   <img alt="Bahrain's players pose for a family picture " height="359" src="http://img.fifa.com/mm/photo/world-match-centre/nationalteams/02/47/55/12/2475512_full-lnd.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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As expected, there are very few changes in the first edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 2015, with football having come to a halt in many places over the New Year period. Only 16 friendlies have been included since December’s instalment, 11 of which took place in 2014.</div>
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In total, 845 matches were played in 2014 – a record for a FIFA World Cup™ year. The top 45 countries in the ranking remain unchanged, with Germany continuing to lead the way ahead of Argentina and Colombia.</div>
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There are 146 non-movers in the 209 teams. Bahrain have made the biggest gain thanks to wins over Saudi Arabia and Jordan, moving up 12 places to 110th in the process. The only teams to climb more than three places are Lebanon (122nd, up 4) and Vietnam (133rd, up 4), while the Faroe Islands have achieved their highest-ever position of 103rd since the ranking was introduced in 1993.</div>
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The biggest fallers this month are Iraq (114th, down 11) and Jordan (93rd, down 12).</div>
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More movement is to be expected in the February edition of the world ranking, which will take into account all of the results from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and the AFC Asian Cup in Australia.</div>
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The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 12 February 2015.</div>
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Summary</div>
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Leader</div>
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Germany (unchanged)</div>
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Moves into top ten</div>
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none</div>
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Moves out of top ten</div>
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none</div>
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Matches played in total</div>
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16 (11 of which were in 2014)</div>
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Most matches played</div>
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Iraq (4 matches)</div>
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Biggest move by points</div>
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Bahrain (up 43 points)</div>
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Biggest move by ranks</div>
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Bahrain (up 12 ranks)</div>
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Biggest drop by points</div>
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Iraq (down 51 points)</div>
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Biggest drop by ranks</div>
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Jordan (down 12 ranks)</div>

Bahrainis, Faroes climb amid minimal change

As expected, there are very few changes in the first edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 2015, with football having co...

Arena confirms Gerrard's Galaxy arrival

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   <img alt="Arena confirms Gerrard's Galaxy arrival" height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/world-match-centre/ClubFootball/02/48/74/05/2487405_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has confirmed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join the club in July.</div>
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In an interview with the <em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">LA Times</em>, Arena revealed what is expected to be officially announced later on Wednesday. "Steven Gerrard arrives in July and by then we will certainly have a plan available," Arena, who has led the club to three Major League Soccer titles in four years, told the newspaper.</div>
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"He's a player of quality. I'm not concerned about how he's going to fit in with our team. We have a club now with a proven history of success. All those things go hand in hand in making <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=usa-la-galaxy-1884432/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">LA Galaxy</a> a very attractive team for players such as Steven Gerrard."</div>
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Galaxy president Chris Klein described the Reds captain as "the perfect fit". "We just started thinking in the universe of players that are out there, we want to make a decision on what signifies a Galaxy-designated player. When we look at that, Steven Gerrard is the perfect fit with what he brings to us on the field and the character that he has off it."</div>
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In announcing his decision to leave Liverpool, ending an association he has had since he was eight, Gerrard stressed he could not play for another European club if there was a chance they would come up against his boyhood side. That is partly the reason he made the life-changing decision to move to the United States, and he believes Galaxy is the ideal destination.</div>
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<span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">One of the reasons I chose LA Galaxy was because of the success they've had recently. </span></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">  Steven Gerrard</span></span></h4>
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"I think it's a match made in heaven really," Gerrard told the newspaper. "One of the reasons I chose <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=usa-la-galaxy-1884432/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">LA Galaxy</a> was because of the success they've had recently. I want to finish my career very strong. I want to add some medals and trophies to my collection."</div>
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Gerrard admits had the club offered him a new contract last summer he would not be leaving at the end of the season. However, the midfielder insists he does not want to blame anyone for his impending departure.</div>
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A contract offer was not made to Gerrard, who turns 35 in May, until November - by which time he had already been told by Brendan Rodgers his playing time would be managed. Such a tactic had already seen him left on the bench for Liverpool's Champions League match against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu and that, combined with the delay in offering him an extension, resulted in the player coming to a decision about his future.</div>
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"If a contract had been put in front of me in pre-season I would have signed it," he told the <em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Liverpool Echo</em>. "I'd just retired from England to concentrate all my efforts on Liverpool. I didn't want my club games to be tailored.</div>
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"My injury record had been fantastic for the past two and a half years and I had a great season from a personal point of view last season. It's all ifs, buts and hindsight now. That period between the summer and the end of November gave me thinking time.</div>
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"There's no blame and I'm not angry about it. There are other people in the squad and the club had other things to worry about. There is no finger pointing from me towards the manager or anyone else at the club."</div>
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<br /></div>

Arena confirms Gerrard's Galaxy arrival

Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has confirmed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join the club in July. In an interview wit...

Rodgers: FA Cup win would be perfect send-off for Gerrard

<div style="text-align: justify;">
   <img alt="Rodgers: FA Cup win would be perfect send-off for Gerrard" height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/world-match-centre/ClubFootball/02/50/14/80/2501480_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal !important; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-liverpool-1896769/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Liverpool</a> manager Brendan Rodgers urged his players to help Steven Gerrard sign off with another FA Cup winner's medal after the captain inspired his team-mates to victory at AFC Wimbledon. Gerrard, a two-time FA Cup winner, scored twice to give <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-liverpool-1896769/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Liverpool</a> a 2-1 win over their valiant fourth-tier opponents on Monday and set up a home game with Championship side Bolton Wanderers in Round 4.</div>
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It was Gerrard's first appearance since he announced that he will leave <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-liverpool-1896769/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Liverpool</a> at the end of the season, and with his 35th birthday falling on the day of the final, Rodgers is hoping to give him a glittering farewell.</div>
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"Well, the FA Cup final is on his birthday, so there would be no better way for us to mark it," said Rodgers. "That would be a wonderful send-off for him. OK, he might be getting a bit older, but he'll always have that world-class ability and world-class talent.</div>
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"There are a lot of games to play in between, but we've targeted a cup victory this season, so we're still very much in line for that moving into the second part of the season. The team's still very focused and we played some really good football tonight on a really good pitch. So the idea is to get a cup run, and if we can do it, that would be really special of course."</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ardley admires Gerrard</strong><br />The match at the 4,850-capacity Kingsmeadow Stadium in south-west London recalled the 1988 final, when the original Wimbledon -- dubbed the 'Crazy Gang' - stunned league champions <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-liverpool-1896769/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Liverpool</a> with a 1-0 win.</div>
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Gerrard gave <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-liverpool-1896769/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Liverpool</a> a 12th-minute lead with a header and claimed the winner with a second-half free-kick, after Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, who is a <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-liverpool-1896769/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Liverpool</a> fan, had stabbed in an equaliser in the 36th minute. Wimbledon's committed performance belied the 72 places between the teams in the English league system, and beaten manager Neil Ardley felt that Gerrard's class had been all that had separated the teams.</div>
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"We got outdone by a world-class player in the end," said Ardley. "The headline was written for him after the week he's just had. I didn't want to be part of anything that positive for him.<br /><br />"Our players have still done us proud, but there's that element of disappointment in me at the moment. I'm sure there will be a very emotional last game for him at Anfield in the future, but he deserves it. It's very rare to have a player who spends that amount of time at one club."</div>

Rodgers: FA Cup win would be perfect send-off for Gerrard

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers urged his players to help Steven Gerrard sign off with another FA Cup winner's medal after t...

Perrin: This China team are hopeful

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   <img alt="Perrin: This China team are hopeful" height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/world-match-centre/NationalTeams/02/28/55/16/2285516_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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If their past AFC Asian Cup records under foreign coaches account for anything, it seems that<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a>, under Frenchman Alain Perrin, could be set to redeem themselves on the continental stage at the upcoming finals.</div>
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The world’s most populous nation stormed into the last four under Bora Milutinovic at Lebanon 2000 and Dutchman Arie Haan went one better by taking Team Dragon to the final on home soil four years later. The recent two editions saw the Chinese fail to progress past the group stage-coached by a home-grown manager on either occasion.</div>
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Now the baton has been passed to Perrin, whose appointment came in the wake of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a>’s lacklustre qualifying campaign for the AFC Asian Cup and a disastrous 5-1 friendly defeat to Thailand at home. With the continental showpiece in Australia just around the corner, the pressures are on the former Marseille and Lyon manager to rebuild the team’s lost credibility in arguably his first competitive campaign in charge.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">FIFA.com</strong> sat down with the 58-year-old to share his views on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a>’s recent progress, their goals for the Asian finals and above all, the team’s prospects for this year’s Asian preliminaries for the 2018 FIFA world Cup Russia™. </div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">FIFA.com: Coach, how do you rate the progress<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>has made under you over the recent months?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alain Perrin:</strong> <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>team were in a difficult time when I took over. So I decided the top priorities were to boost the players' morale through training sessions and playing games. I am instilling my philosophy into the players' minds and the first step is to have the team play as a solid unit. This takes time. To be honest, Chinese players are not individually outstanding so we stress the importance of teamwork. We can make up for the lack of star players through our organisation.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">As the first French coach<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>has had, are you hoping to transform the team with a Gallic style?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>Not necessarily. But as a strong footballing country, France's success comes from the fine youth development schemes. I started my coaching career as a youth coach. I am glad to pass my experiences in youth development on to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a>. While we focus on the team play, we should pay importance to individual development as we want to cultivate stars.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">What types of players do you prefer?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>I want the players who know their responsibilities and their mission representing the country. While I choose the players who can meet the requirements by the modern game, I hope they have the guts, spirit, responsibility and merit which help them become good players.</div>
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     We can make up for the lack of star players through our organisation. </h4>
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         Alain Perrin</h4>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Many young players have broken into the team but recently you have called back some experienced players, like Zheng Zhi.</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>Our top tasks at the moment are Asian Cup. It is all about the country's pride. We should field the best players who are qualified to represent the country. So we choose the players who are in good form. Young players are given few playing chances in the Chinese Super League so we call up some veteran players who can provide the team with experience.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">What goals have you set for this Asian Cup ?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>Our initial target is progressing beyond the group phase. Then we will try to go further, based on the knockout stage rivals. Every match is important.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">How will<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>progress from a group also featuring<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=uzb/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Uzbekistan</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=ksa/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Saudi Arabia</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=prk/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Korea DPR</a>?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>The Asian Cup features the continent's best teams so all these teams are close rivals without clear-cut favourites. There won't be easy games and the details will make the difference. We must feel strong playing against any team, with faith in ourselves and desire for victories. Meanwhile, we should minimise chances of making mistakes and showcase our potential.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">What are the biggest difficulties in coaching the team?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>It is pleasant to be working together with the Chinese players. They are disciplined and they listen. But when I wanted them to make changes in personalities it was not easy. I want them to be aggressive. They are polite lads but you can't be polite on the pitch. I want them to take responsibility and sharpen their appetite for wins. There is still much work to do in this regard.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">But are personalities hard to change?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>No, you can change your personalities. This needs our effort. We can pass our messages to the players, heighten their spirit to compete against the strong opponents.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Former<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>coach Bora Milutinovic transformed the team with his motto: the attitudes are everything. So what is your motto?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>I think we should have such faith that we can achieve our goals only if we have ambitions and work hard.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">You started your coaching career as Arsene Wenger's assistant in Nancy. What did you learn from the apprenticeship?</strong><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></strong>It was such luck for me to work alongside a world class manager like him. A coach like Wenger can provide you with inspiration. </div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Are you confident of guiding this<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">China PR</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>squad through Asia's qualifying campaign to the next FIFA World Cup in Russia?</strong>We are aware that the time is tight. Our recent preparation and this Asian Cup provide us with a good chance to take stock of the team. I think our team are progressing and we are close to our goal of nurturing a good team. The team are full of possibilities as long as we work hard.</div>
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Perrin: This China team are hopeful

If their past AFC Asian Cup records under foreign coaches account for anything, it seems that China PR , under Frenchman Alain Per...

Jones: We will not be embarrassed

<img alt="Jones: We will not be embarrassed" height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/world-match-centre/ClubFootball/02/33/62/67/2336267_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Phil Jones insists Manchester United will do everything they can to make sure they do not suffer another embarrassing cup exit on Sunday at Yeovil Town. A few weeks after recording impressive pre-season wins over Real Madrid, Liverpool, Roma, Inter Milan and Valencia, Louis van Gaal was brought down to earth with a bump in August when his United team were thrashed by MK Dons in the League Cup.</div>
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Despite coming up against seven internationals, the League One side trounced the 20-time English champions 4-0 in one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history. Although the defeat left a stain on United's season, it did prove helpful in two ways.</div>
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The loss accelerated Van Gaal's rebuilding process. Those who under-performed on the night like Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa were moved on, allowing Van Gaal to bring in Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind.</div>
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And that dark night in Milton Keynes has also sharpened the focus of the United players ahead of this weekend's FA Cup third round clash at Huish Park. "The MK Dons game is a reminder to us that we can't under-estimate what is coming up (on Sunday)," Jones said.</div>
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"We can't let a repeat of that happen again. We've got to be professional about it and go and do the job.</div>
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"I watched the MK Dons game on the TV that night and it was unfortunate and disappointing. We've got to make sure there's no repeat of that again."</div>
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On paper there is a big difference between MK Dons and Yeovil, however. MK Dons are riding high in League One. They play in a new 22,000-capacity stadium and have wealthy backers.</div>
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Yeovil, on the other hand, are rooted to the foot of League One and their only home victory in the league this season came in September, when Joel Grant's 88th minute winner defeated Peterborough. Jones is refusing to take anything for granted though.</div>
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"It won't be an easy game down there. Some people might think we'll go down there and walk all over Yeovil but it won't be like that at all," the <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=eng/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">England</a> centre-back said.</div>
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"Form doesn't matter for us at all. It will be a difficult game for us but we'll prepare right and recover well."</div>
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United have won a host of domestic and European trophies over the last couple of decades, but they have not won the FA Cup since 2004. Indeed the only member of the current squad to have won the FA Cup with United is Darren Fletcher, who played in the team which beat Millwall 3-0 in Cardiff 11 years ago.</div>
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Jones feels United are in a good position to go all the way this season due to their lack of European competition. "We're not in the Champions League so it's definitely a competition we want to progress in and win," the 22-year-old said. "This year there is even more of an expectation for us to do well in it."</div>
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With many managers prioritising the league over the cup competitions, the FA Cup appears to have lost some of its sparkle in recent years. For Jones, however, the FA Cup is still important.</div>

Jones: We will not be embarrassed

Phil Jones insists Manchester United will do everything they can to make sure they do not suffer another embarrassing cup exit on Sund...

Jedinak: Australia have the right blend to win

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   <img alt="Jedinak: Australia have the right blend to win" height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/Tournament/Competition/02/38/25/09/2382509_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Australian captain Mile Jedinak has said that, despite a poor run of results, the Socceroos have what it takes to lift the 2015 AFC Asian World Cup held on home soil next month.<br /><br />"I think 100 per cent we've got the right blend (to win the Cup)," the Crystal Palace skipper said. Australia failed to pick up a point at the World Cup in Brazil, but that did not dampen the 30-year-old's enthusiasm after the squad's first training session in Melbourne, where they play Kuwait in the opening game on 9 January.<br /><br />"We know what's happened in the last year, in terms of the games and things like that, it's all been built up towards this point," Jedinak told reporters. "The boys are looking to get out there and do the job.<br /><br />"It was great having the World Cup so soon before this tournament. It got a lot of the squad to see what a tournament environment feels like.</div>
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We understand that's going to come with added expectation. Are we capable of handling that? I believe so.</h4>
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                       Mile Jedinak</h4>
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Australia, ranked 100th in the world, go into the Asian Cup having won just one of their 11 games in 2014 and following losses to Qatar and Japan in their last two outings. But Jedinak said he was not worried about whether the Socceroos squad - more than half have fewer than 15 caps each - could handle the pressure of playing at home where they are expected to win.</div>
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<br />"I don't see any reason why not," he said. "A lot of the boys are going to be excited that it's going to be on home soil. We understand that's going to come with added expectation. Are we capable of handling that? I believe so."</div>
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<br />Jedinak was Friday named as Football Federation Australia's player of the year for the second year running after last month picking up Asian football's top international player award. The midfield powerhouse and stalwarts Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano spearhead Australia's bid for Asian Cup glory.</div>
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Coach Ange Postecoglou has stuck with 16 of the players who went to the World Cup in Brazil and lost all three games despite some strong displays. There are also seven survivors from the last Asian Cup in Qatar in 2011 - Nathan Burns, Cahill, Jedinak, Robbie Kruse, Matt McKay, Tommy Oar and Matthew Spiranovic - where Australia lost 1-0 to Japan in a pulsating final.</div>

Jedinak: Australia have the right blend to win

Australian captain Mile Jedinak has said that, despite a poor run of results, the Socceroos have what it takes to lift the 2015 AFC ...

Pochettino: This is a great victory

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   <img alt="Pochettino: This is a great victory" height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/world-match-centre/ClubFootball/02/49/72/01/2497201_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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<a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-tottenham-hotspur-23437/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Tottenham Hotspur</a>'s New Year's Day annihilation of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-chelsea-33332/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Chelsea</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>will live long in the memory, but manager Mauricio Pochettino is not getting carried by his side's astonishing start to the year. The former Argentina international arrived in the summer on a long-term deal, although the first few months of the former Southampton manager's reign have been bumpier than many predicted.</div>
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Things have at last began to improve, though, and Spurs extended their unbeaten English Premier League run to a sixth match in some style against<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-chelsea-33332/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Chelsea</a>. Harry Kane's brace was complemented by efforts from Danny Rose, Andros Townsend and Nacer Chadli as the north Londoners ran out 5-3 victors against rivals at White Hart Lane.</div>
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"The most important thing today is to congratulate my players," Pochettino said. "It was a great day for us. There was a great atmosphere out on the pitch, and for our supporters to.</div>
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"It was a great victory. We deserved the victory and we were better than<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-chelsea-33332/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Chelsea</a>."</div>
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Asked where the win ranked in his career, the Spurs boss said: "For me, it's only three points. I think it is a good victory against<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/clubs/club=england-chelsea-33332/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Chelsea</a>, who I think are one of the best teams in the world.</div>
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"But this is nothing - in the end it's only three points."</div>
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This was, though, just the second time a Jose Mourinho-led side had shipped five goals and the first time Pochettino had got the better of the Portuguese.</div>
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"It was the first time after a lot of games in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=eng/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">England</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and Spain," the former Espanyol and Southampton boss said.</div>
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"For me, Mourinho is one of the best - or the best - manager in the world. I am not especially happy for myself, but for the team.</div>
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"It was an important three points for us to believe in our way. Mourinho is my friend but, in the end, it's three points."</div>
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Much of the credit for this astonishing win will deservedly fall at the feet of Kane, who made it six goals in as many matches.</div>
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An<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=eng/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">England</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>senior call-up appears par for the course, but Pochettino does not want too much pressure falling on the striker too soon.</div>
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"We need to be careful with him," he said. "He's still young, but it's impossible to hide him because of his performances.</div>
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"It's not my decision [whether he gets called up]. We try to help him improve every day and if the national team manager believes in him and wants to give him the opportunity... it's not my decision."</div>
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<br /></div>

Pochettino: This is a great victory

Tottenham Hotspur 's New Year's Day annihilation of Chelsea will live long in the memory, but manager Mauricio Pochettin...

Lampard agrees extended City stay

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   <img alt="Lampard agrees extended City stay" height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/world-match-centre/ClubFootball/02/49/22/03/2492203_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Manchester City ended 2014 by announcing that Frank Lampard will stay with them until the end of the season.</div>
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City
 had been waiting on news of the 36-year-old's future, with the 
midfielder having been on a short-term deal which was due to expire on 
New Year's Day when he would officially become a player of New York City
 - the Premier League champions' sister club.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But owing to the 
former Chelsea player's excellent performances and City's presence in 
the race for the Premier and Champions League, the club have been keen 
to keep him beyond the agreed date. And, with three hours of the year 
left, City announced the news in a short statement on their official 
website.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It read: "Manchester City can confirm that it has 
extended Frank Lampard's contract up to the end of Manchester City's 
season, enabling his continued participation in both domestic and 
European campaigns."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Consequently, Lampard will be available to 
face Sunderland at the Etihad on Thursday. Manager Manuel Pellegrini has
 been consistent in his praise of Lampard and was quizzed about his 
future at his press conference on Wednesday, where he again stressed the
 player's importance to his side.</div>
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<div class="h">
 </div>
<div class="newsQuoteIC">
<div class="c">
Frank is a star and it is no surprise that Manchester City is rewarded by his contributions on the field every single day.</div>
<div class="a">
New York City's Claudio Reyna </div>
<div style="clear: both;">
 </div>
</div>
<div class="f">
 </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
He
 said: "He is in the squad list for tomorrow. He can play tomorrow. I 
said during December we will know what happens with the future of Frank 
Lampard. It is important for him to stay with us. Today we finish 
December. I hope today we will have news."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lampard's stay has 
added value with Yaya Toure set to go to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, 
while City are also light on proven scorers with Sergio Aguero and Edin 
Dzeko both out injured. Lampard has made a big impact at City since 
joining the club in August, ostensibly to maintain fitness ahead of the 
2015 Major League Soccer season, which begins in March. The former 
Chelsea star has scored six goals in 17 appearances for the club, 
although he has only started three Premier League games. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
New York
 have given the move their blessing. Director of Football for New York 
City FC Claudio Reyna said on their official website: "Frank is a star 
and it is no surprise that Manchester City is rewarded by his 
contributions on the field every single day. He is eager to get to New 
York once his commitment ends in <a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=eng/index.html">England</a>
 and will be available to play on arrival as a permanent member of the 
squad given he will come to us having played at the highest level.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"We
 are all committed to making sure we build a winning team and that our 
fans get to enjoy great soccer at every single game. The opportunities 
open in the immediate transfer window combined with our recent 
successful draft ensure that we can continue to assemble a world class 
team that will make New York City soccer fans proud."</div>

Lampard agrees extended City stay

Manchester City ended 2014 by announcing that Frank Lampard will stay with them until the end of the season. City had been wait...

2014 in numbers

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   <img alt="2014 in numbers " height="359" src="http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/world-match-centre/NationalTeams/02/47/63/82/2476382_FULL-LND.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">3.43</span>  <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">As 2014 draws to a close,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">FIFA.com<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></strong><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">looks over some of the year’s most eye-catching football stats.</span> </div>
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million was the total attendance for the 64 matches at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Brazil</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2014, the highest recorded at any FIFA World Cup™ since<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=usa/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">USA</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>1994. The average crowd of 53,592 was also the highest in two decades. A further 5,154,386 turned out at FIFA Fan Fests in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Brazil</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>during the World Cup, while FIFA's Global Stadium - FIFA.com's social, online and mobile hub - attracted an overall attendance of over 1 billion.</div>
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963</div>
</div>
</div>
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appearances, 13 English championships and two UEFA Champions League titles were the incredible tallies on which Ryan Giggs ended his playing career in May. The Manchester United legend's final haul of league titles is superior to that of every English club save for Liverpool and United themselves.</div>
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<div class="newsNumber" style="background: url("http://img.fifa.com/imgml/icons/numbers_bg.jpg") repeat scroll 0px 0px transparent; border: medium none; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 65px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; width: 65px;">
<div class="txtNewsNumber" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 20px 0px 0px;">
369</div>
</div>
</div>
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Barcelona goals was the 87-year-old club record broken in March by Lionel Messi. The Argentinian surpassed Paulino Alcantara’s long-standing benchmark with a hat-trick - his 25th for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barça<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></em>- in a 7-0 thrashing of Osasuna.</div>
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<div class="newsNumber" style="background: url("http://img.fifa.com/imgml/icons/numbers_bg.jpg") repeat scroll 0px 0px transparent; border: medium none; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 65px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; width: 65px;">
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300</div>
</div>
</div>
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caps was the amazing milestone reached by Christie Rampone in October as she led<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=usa/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">USA</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to victory at the CONCACAF Women's Championship. The evergreen 39-year-old, who already held the world record among active players, became just the second person - after former team-mate Kristine Lilly - to reach the triple-century.</div>
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<div class="newsNumber" style="background: url("http://img.fifa.com/imgml/icons/numbers_bg.jpg") repeat scroll 0px 0px transparent; border: medium none; float: left; font-size: 12px; height: 65px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; width: 65px;">
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171</div>
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goals, an average of 2.67 per game, established<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Brazil</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2014 the joint-highest-scoring World Cup of all time, level with France 1998.</div>
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metres was the incredible distance from which Moritz Stoppelkamp scored a record-breaking Bundesliga goal in September. The Paderborn midfielder found the net from just outside his own penalty area, smashing by ten metres Giorgos Tzavellas's previous record.</div>
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goals, 58 assists and 90 victories, all<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=usa/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">USA</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>records, were the figures with which Landon Donovan ended his 157-game international career in October. Only ten men – and one American, 164-times-capped Cobi Jones – have played more internationals. Donovan then went on to round off his professional career in style two months later by winning a record sixth Major League Soccer title. The US icon bowed out having helped LA Galaxy lift the MLS Cup for an unprecedented fifth time.</div>
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international goals was the milestone reached by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in September, and with it came the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=swe/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Sweden</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>national team's scoring record. The Paris Saint-Germain striker claimed both goals in the Swedes' 2-0 friendly win over Estonia and the second of those took him past Sven Rydell's benchmark of 49, which had stood since 1932.</div>
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years without a competitive home defeat was the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Brazil</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>run that<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=ger/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Germany</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>brought to a spectacular end in July. The eventual world champions won 7-1, becoming just the second team to score seven times against<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Brazil</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- and the first since 1934. It was the biggest-ever margin of victory in a World Cup semi-final, and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=ger/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Germany</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>became just the second team to score seven in a knockout match at the global finals.</div>
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matches and eight years without a home defeat - the longest such streak in world football - was the run that came to an end for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=esp/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Spain</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in November with a 1-0 loss to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=ger/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Germany</a>. Toni Kroos's 89th-minute winner also inflicted Vicente del Bosque's first-ever defeat on home soil as national coach. More worrying for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=esp/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Spain</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>was that this was their fifth loss in 12 matches during 2014, establishing this as their worst year since 1991.</div>
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years without a competitive home defeat was the remarkable run that came to an end for Nigeria in September with a 3-2 loss to Congo. The Super Eagles had not been beaten in a meaningful match on their own patch since Algeria emerged from Lagos with a 2-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win in 1981.</div>
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hat-tricks was the La Liga record set by Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this month. The 29-year-old's third goal in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo, which took him past Alfredo Di Stefano and Telmo Zarra - both of whom had scored 22 trebles - was Ronaldo's 200th in the Spanish top flight. Only Di Stefano and Raul had previously reached the double century-mark for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Los Merengues</em>.</div>
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<em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">El Clásico</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>goals was the new record set by Lionel Messi in March. Alfredo Di Stefano’s benchmark of 18 was eclipsed in style, with Messi notching a hat-trick in a thrilling 4-3 win for Barcelona at the Bernabeu - becoming the first<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barça</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>player to score a treble at the home of their great rivals.</div>
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World Cup goals was the new all-time record set by Miroslav Klose during<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Brazil</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2014. The veteran striker not only eclipsed a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Seleção<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></em>legend, Ronaldo, but did so in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=ger/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Germany</a>'s thumping 7-1 win over the hosts. Klose's goal in that unforgettable semi-final was his 19th at a major championship and this too set a new record for a European player, with countryman Gerd Muller the man surpassed.</div>
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goals were conceded by<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Brazil</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>at this year's World Cup, ensuring that they became the first hosts to end with the tournament's worst defensive record.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">A Seleção</em>, who also lost successive home matches for the first time since 1940 - and by an aggregate score of 10-1 - had never previously conceded more than 11 at the world finals.</div>
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Spanish titles was the landmark reached in dramatic style by Atletico Madrid in May. Atletico’s triumph, which left them third on the all-time list behind Real Madrid (32 titles) and Barcelona (22), ended a run of nine successive championships for the country's traditional big two.</div>
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European Cups was the coveted milestone reached by Real Madrid in in Lisbon just weeks later. The competition's record champions had looked destined for defeat until Sergio Ramos scored the latest goal ever seen in its final in the 93rd minute, edging out Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s famous winner for Manchester United in 1999. The triumph was particularly sweet for Carlo Ancelotti, who became just the second coach – after Liverpool legend Bob Paisley – to win the trophy on three different occasions.</div>
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consecutive World Cups have ended up in European hands, setting a new record, after<a class="articleBodyLink" href="http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=ger/index.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #1f5b9c; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Germany</a>'s triumph in July. For the second edition in succession, it took an extra time goal to decide the Final, with Mario Gotze's 113th-minute winner securing a fourth world title for the Germans, who became the first team from the Old Continent to triumph in the Americas.</div>
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years after the club's foundation, Western Sydney Wanderers were crowned champions of Asia in November - becoming the first Australian team to win the AFC Champions League. It was a backs-to-the-wall triumph, with the Wanderers registering just nine efforts on goal over the two legs to the 39 of opponents Al Hilal.</div>
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major records were secured by two Lionel Messi hat-tricks within the space of five days in November. The first came in a 5-1 win over Sevilla, when the Barcelona star surpassed Telmo Zarra's 59-year-old La Liga scoring record with his 251st, 252nd and 253rd goals in the Spanish top flight. That was quickly followed by Messi becoming the UEFA Champions League's all-time top scorer, surpassing Real Madrid icon Raul. Having claimed the Liga record with his 30th career hat-trick, it was treble number 31 that earned Messi Champions League top spot on 74 goals overall - a tally he has since increased to 75.</div>
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year after being promoted, Gamba Osaka were crowned J.League champions earlier this month, becoming just the second newly-promoted team - after Kashiwa Reysol in 2011 - to claim the Japanese title. They then went on to complete a clean sweep of domestic honours by beating Montedio Yamagata Emperor's Cup final, establishing themselves as their country's first treble-winners since Kashima Antlers 14 years ago.</div>

2014 in numbers

3.43 As 2014 draws to a close, FIFA.com looks over some of the year’s most eye-catching football stats. million was the tot...