Soccer Capsules: DaMarcus Beasley goes from ignored to a U.S. leader
IRENE, South Africa (AP) — Not long ago, DaMarcus Beasley figured he’d be home in Miami by right now.
He was dropped from the U.S. national team last June after a big mistake led to a goal by Brazil in the Confederations Cup. Then he was benched by Glasgow Rangers for much of the just-completed season.
At 28, an age when many soccer players are in their prime, he thought his international career might be over.
But Bob Bradley gave him another chance, and Beasley responded with a strong training camp last month. The result — he’s getting ready for his third World Cup.
"I had a tough year last year," he said Wednesday as roosters crowed and cows mooed outside the interview tent on the farm adjacent to the U.S. team’s hotel. "I never thought I would be able to be this position."
His youthful accomplishments were impeccable.
A high school All-America at South Side High School in Fort Wayne, Ind., he won the Silver Ball for the United States at the 1999 FIFA Under-17 World Championship, when Landon Donovan won the Golden Ball. Originally assigned to the Galaxy by Major League Soccer, he was dealt to Chicago and made his Fire debut in 2000.
Just 18 when he made his first national team appearance against China in January 2001, he combined with Donovan to give the Americans youth and energy during their surprising run to the World Cup quarterfinals in South Korea the following year.
He went on to join PSV Eindhoven under Guus Hiddink in 2004 and scored four Champions League goals, becoming the first American to play in a semifinal. But his output dropped off during 2005-06, and he had a terrible game in the opening 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic at the 2006 World Cup, getting shifted to the right flank from the left to make room for Bobby Convey.
"We got nothing out of Beasley on the night," bristled then U.S. coach Bruce Arena, who also criticized several other players.
Beasley was loaned to Manchester City for 2006-07, then joined Glasgow Rangers. He was hurt for significant stretches of his three seasons in Scotland, and had just two goals in 14 appearances this season.
Before December, he played in just three club matches in the first half of the season, slowed by a hamstring injury sustained in August. Even worse, when he failed to read Donovan’s short corner kick against Brazil last June, it led to a Kaka pass that helped feed Robinho’s goal. The next stop was national team exile.
"DaMarcus had a stretch where things had not been going well with his club, and at the same time then when we were making roster decisions for camps and games, we felt that he — we made the decision not to bring him into our group," said Bradley, who succeeded Arena as national team coach in December 2006. "That’s a tough thing for any player, especially a player who has experience and a history with the national team."
Beasley wasn’t used for the three remaining matches of the Confederations Cup, and was ignored for the final five World Cup qualifiers and two exhibitions in Europe.
"It’s got to be earned. It’s got to be earned on a regular basis," Bradley said. "And when you come into camps, you’ve got to have the right mentality. You’ve got play well. You know, it’s not just a given." —
Then Beasley scored two goals in a five-day span for Rangers in December, attracting some attention. Just as he was starting to regain form, he tore a quadriceps during training (an injury he still ices) and didn’t return until Valentine’s Day. While he was out, his BMW was set on fire outside his home in Glasgow on Feb. 1, an incident he won’t comment about.
Bradley put him on the roster for the March 3 exhibition at the Netherlands. Beasley entered in the 34th minute for Stuart Holden, who broke a leg on a hard tackle by Nigel de Jong. Beasley had an impressive game, spending the rest of the first half on the right and the second on the left. His 35-yard free kick set up Carlos Bocanegra’s goal in the Americans’ 2-1 loss.
"In Holland in March, we saw the DaMarcus that we know, and I think something has clicked in his head and I think he’s figuring out now what it takes to be an elite player and now we see that again," Donovan said. "We all figure out things out at different points and it seems like something has switched on and he realizes what this means and it’s good to see him passionate and really wanting this."
Beasley played in just three league and two cup matches for Rangers after that, possibly because his contract was coming to an end — he’s already decided to seek a new club for next season. But he kept up a good frame of mind.
Bradley thinks getting shunned for a lengthy period was key.
"Not being called in had hit him," the coach said. "Now, he had a different way about him."
When he reported to the national team in mid-May, selected for the 30-man preliminary roster, he realized his place in the final 23-man group wasn’t assured. His eagerness to make the team showed in his play.
"My head’s on right," he said early in the Princeton training camp. "I feel the confidence from my teammates and from the coaching staff. Sometimes players need confidence from the players or the coaches to push them. Once I had their backing again, it made me fit in more easily."
He played well in last week’s 4-2 loss to the Czech Republic and didn’t appear in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Turkey. Saturday’s exhibition against Australia is his last chance to impress before the World Cup opener against England.
"He’s got that ability to take people on," said Bocanegra, the U.S. captain. "He cuts and slashes. He can make people miss. He’s unpredictable in the attacking end, and he’s very difficult for defenders to stop."
With 91 international appearances, Beasley now stands a chance to reach 100.
"I like being the old guy now. I like being the veteran. I like having more of a leadership role," Beasley said. "Bob is always pushing me to be more of a leader, on and off the field. That’s a position I’m trying to step into."
Spector convinced U.S. defense will come together
IRENE, South Africa (AP) — Jonathan Spector is convinced the U.S. defense will solidify ahead of the Americans’ World Cup opener against England on June 12.
The U.S. struggled in the back last week in a 4-2 loss to the Czech Republic and a 2-1 victory over Turkey, and several players have said the team must improve its defense as a whole.
"We’ll be working in training as a unit. We’ll be watching video of the games to see where we went wrong, whether it be positionally or individually," Spector said Wednesday before the team’s second training session in South Africa.
"Diagrams, things like that, all are extremely helpful, but I think it takes a little bit of time just to get used to playing with one another again," he said. "We all come from different systems with our club teams and fortunately, you know, we’ve laid the groundwork in the past for working together, but it does take a little bit of time just to get adjusted and become kind of in synch with each other."
When Spector lost possession on a run from right back Saturday in Philadelphia, no one covered defensively and the U.S. was caught upfield for Arda Turan’s first-half goal. There were numerous breakdowns four days earlier against the Czechs in East Hartford, Conn.
"You’re talking about an exercise that takes a whole lot of time, and we don’t have a whole lot of time to do it," goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "A lot of it is body language. A lot of it is timing and familiarity, and it’s just something that you don’t do overnight,"
The U.S. outscored opponents 42-16 during World Cup qualifying, better offensively but poor defensively than the 35-11 during qualifying for the 2006 tournament. While CONCACAF and Europe aren’t an even comparison, England outscored opponents 34-6 in qualifying.
"The thing that sticks out to me just at the moment is to be a bit better defensively and solid, have a better team shape from the back towards the front," said captain Carlos Bocanegra, who started at left back against the Turks.
In five games this season, the Americans have allowed 11 goals in going 2-3. The U.S. likely will need a strong defensive performance to advance from its first-round group, which also includes Slovenia and Algeria.
"It’s not really a concern of ours," Spector said. "I know we’re going to get there. but as I said, it will take a little bit of time."
-- Ronald Blum
Pitt joins U.S. World Cup bid committee
NEW YORK (AP) — The United States has added more star power to its bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, putting actor Brad Pitt on the committee trying to bring back soccer’s premier event.
Pitt accepted an invitation to join the USA Bid Committee, the group said Wednesday.
"Soccer is a truly global sport and the opportunity to join the effort to have the U.S. host the world’s greatest sporting event again is a great honor," Pitt said in a statement.
The U.S. staged the tournament in 1994.
Former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and comedian Drew Carey also are on the committee.
The U.S. is competing with Australia, England, Russia, Spain-Portugal and Netherlands-Belgium for both tournaments. Japan, Qatar and South Korea are bidding for 2022 only, believing Europe is a lock for 2018 because eight of 24 voters are from that region.
FIFA’s executive committee will select the 2018 and 2022 hosts in a vote on Dec. 2.
MLS
Angel lifts Red Bulls past Dynamo in extra time
HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — Juan Pablo Angel scored with seconds remaining in extra time Wednesday night to give the New York Red Bulls a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo, snapping a four-game losing streak.
Angel's goal was his team-leading sixth of the season and came off a direct kick in the 94th minute. It sailed into the left side of the goal past lunging Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad.
Angel believed he was due after nearly scoring three times earlier. He was once denied point-blank by Onstad's fingertips, another on a great save, and a third time on a defensive breakup.
"I was feeling that after all those chances, I was going to get it," Angel said. "There was a lot of energy in the arena, and I thought this is the one."
The Red Bulls' first goal in extra time this year put them in a second-place tie with Toronto FC, with one game remaining before the three-week break for the World Cup.
The kick was more of a knuckleball that started high and then swerved past the left post as Onstad lunged at it.
"I was behind him," Red Bulls defender Tim Ream said. "I'll tell you, that ball wasn't going straight at all. But I saw Onstad hit the mat, and then I didn't know what was going to happen at all."
Sinisa Ubiparipovic gave New York (6-5-0) a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute off a pass from the outside from Chris Albright, who got the carom off Juan Pablo Angel's blocked direct kick.
The Dynamo (5-6-1) tied the score in the 65th minute when Houston captain Brian Ching knocked in his second of goal of the season.
"I think after we scored our goal, we took the foot off the gas and were unsure," Ching said. "They're the home team and they took it to us. Disappointing, extremely. But hats off to Juan Pablo for putting a great ball into the back of the net."
Eight yellow cards were handed out, one of which will cost Red Bulls defender Mike Petke a suspension Saturday against Chivas USA.
The Red Bulls also lost two midfielders during the match. Dane Richards went out in the first half with a strained right hamstring and is doubtful for Saturday's game against Chivas USA. Joel Lindpere went in the second half with a bruised left calf.
New York coach Hans Backe said this was their best game of the season as far as scoring opportunities go. The Red Bulls outshot Houston 16-13.
"It's been tough," Backe said. "We'd been playing rather well, much better than the beginning of the year when we were getting the results. But today, we earned the results."
World Cup
Brazil wins WCup warmup but has injury scare
LONDON (AP) — Brazil easily beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in a pre-World Cup exhibition Wednesday, despite an injury scare that forced first-choice goalkeeper Julio Cesar out of the game.
While Paraguay won 2-0 against fellow World Cup qualifier Greece, Brazil eased past its lowly opponent in Harare through goals by Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano.
Cesar walked out of the match in the 26th minute because of a back injury, though team doctors said the Inter Milan player was not seriously injured and was replaced as a precaution.
Honduras warmed up for its opener against Chile with a 0-0 draw against Azerbaijan in Austria. Serbia, the other World Cup qualifier in action Wednesday, also was preparing at altitude in Austria and drew 0-0 against Poland.
With 13 days until its World Cup opener against North Korea, Brazil’s near full-strength team started slowly under the gaze of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.
"It was a good match, but we still have to improve a little," Elano said.
Brazil had to wait until the 41st minute for Bastos to open the scoring with a powerful free kick.
"It was a sensational feeling," Bastos said. "I was able to take advantage of the chance I had. The World Cup starts today for me."
Robinho added a second goal from inside the penalty area three minutes later and midfielder Elano made it 3-0 from close range in the 56th.
It was Brazil’s first warmup since arriving in Africa last week, and first full international since a friendly win over Ireland in March.
Heurelho Gomes replaced Cesar in goal and could fill in for the Champions League winner in Brazil’s final warmup against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
Brazil, the only team to appear at all 19 editions of the tournament, opens its World Cup campaign on June 15 at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park stadium — the venue where it won last year’s Confederations Cup warmup event with a 3-2 victory over the United States.
It also plays Portugal and Ivory Coast in the first round.
Enrique Vera and Lucas Barrios scored first-half goals in Winterthur, Switzerland, to give Paraguay its victory over Greece in the last tuneup for both teams.
Vera easily slotted home a rebound in the ninth minute after a shot from Roque Santa Cruz hit the bar.
Santa Cruz again threatened in the 25th but his shot was stopped by Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas. Barrios drove in the loose ball to make it 2-0.
Greece faces South Korea in its opening match. Nigeria and Argentina are also in Group B.
Paraguay takes on Italy, New Zealand and Slovakia in Group F.
Honduras, which is also set to play Spain and Switzerland in Group H, dominated non-qualifier Azerbaijan but created few chances on a wet field.
Play in the Serbia-Poland match also was hampered by water on the field, frequently holding up the ball and preventing fluent passing.
Striker Marko Pantelic missed Serbia’s best chance after 74 minutes when he shot the ball over a deserted goal off a right-wing cross by Dragan Mrdja.
Serbia plays Germany, Australia and Ghana in Group D at the World Cup.
Poland failed to qualify for the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa.
In other friendly matches, Ukraine beat Norway, Macedonia beat Romania, Sweden beat Belarus and Albania beat Andorra. The score in each of those matches was 1-0.
-- Stuart Condie
Counterfeit merchandise business booming in Africa
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — The bright orange Ivory Coast jerseys hanging outside a little sewing shop in downtown Abidjan look just like the real thing, complete with the national team crest, the embroidered Puma logo, and even the shadow elephant head over the right shoulder.
But the $5 price tag betrays the shirt for what it is — a very convincing fake.
Gaoussou Traore makes the jerseys by hand on his beat-up sewing machine, copying the patterns from photos downloaded from the Internet. He’s not the only tailor in Abidjan making counterfeit jerseys for the World Cup, but he’s earned a strong following for the quality of his work and his prices. He will sell a jersey for as little as $5, if it’s ordered in bulk.
"They are almost indistinguishable from the real jerseys," the 28-year-old Traore said, "though a trained eye will be able to tell the difference."
In the lead up to the World Cup, the counterfeit merchandise business is booming. South African police say they have seized more than $13 million worth of fake merchandise since the beginning of the year. FIFA says more than 100 cases involving counterfeit World Cup goods have been brought to court.
Puma spent millions of dollars and three years developing Ivory Coast’s World Cup jerseys, which feature special fabrics to keep sweat away from players’ bodies, as well as a construction based on sprinters’ outfits that reduces wind resistance.
The Germany-based company will be outfitting four of the six African teams participating in the competition and sees the first World Cup in Africa as a major opportunity to cement their brand’s association with football on the continent, Puma soccer marketing manager Filip Trulsson said.
While official team shirts can retail for $88 in Europe, Trulsson said the company has adopted a regional system that will tailor the price of merchandise to income levels and purchasing power in different parts of Africa.
At a sports apparel store in Abidjan recently, official Ivory Coast jerseys were being sold for 39,900 francs ($75), which is more than the average Ivorian makes in a month. With a wildly popular national team, the demand for cheaper jerseys in Ivory Coast has spurred the counterfeit industry.
The fake jersey business isn’t limited to World Cup teams. An array of European club jerseys cover the walls of Traore’s little shop, where five sewing machines are run by five apprentices and four tailors for 10 hours per day. Marseille and Chelsea are the most popular jerseys. Any team Ivory Coast superstar Didier Drogba played for outsells the others, Traore explained, pointing to a photo of the player which hangs over the entrance. But Arsenal, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich shirts also sell well.
After buying his fabrics at a nearby wholesaler, Traore cuts the patterns and has all the embroidery done by a friend before the shirt is sewn together. Then comes the final step of ironing on falsified Puma labels on the inside of the shirt.
Traore says it’s little touches like this that give him a leg up over the competition.
"There’s one other guy who makes Elephants jerseys in the neighborhood, but he can’t do the complicated embroidery or the iron-on decals that we design on the computer," Traore said.
Born into a family of tailors, Traore started sewing in his father’s shop as soon as he could be trusted with the machines. They mostly made Boubous, a traditional west African Muslim outfit consisting of a long shirt and matching pants, often made from flashy materials with detailed embroidery around the neck.
Traore then spent three years as an apprentice sewing counterfeit Levi’s jeans in Mali before returning to his father’s shop as a full partner.
On a whim in 2003, Traore bought sport jersey fabric and made a shirt for himself.
"It was a little tricky to get the seams right," he said. "But once I figured it out, people started asking me to make one for them."
His father was skeptical at first, telling Traore to stick with the secure income from boubous and suit jackets.
"But once he saw that it would be profitable, he loaned me 25,000 francs ($47) to buy fabrics and get the business going," said Traore, who now gets orders from amateur soccer teams from across the city.
When asked if he has ever run into trouble for his counterfeiting, Traore at first looked confused. He didn’t know this practice was illegal, and laughed as he pulled out a custom jersey he recently made.
"Everyone knows what I do," he said and pointed to the national police logo on the front of the shirt before turning it over to show the word "Commissaire" — or police chief — on the back.
A group of teenagers flooded into the shop, talking loudly and disturbing the tailors hard at work. They were there to pick up a batch of shirts they ordered last week. But instead of orange jerseys, Traore pulls out a stack of baby blue Marseille shirts.
The oldest boy, Amara Bamba, paid Traore and explained that he and his friends could never afford real jerseys, but at these prices, they’ll be back to get their Ivory Coast shirts before the World Cup starts.
-- Marco Chown Oved
If SAfrica team falls, home fans will back Brazil
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — If the Bafana Bafana are eliminated at the World Cup, look for South Africans to turn their support to five-time champion Brazil.
A local survey shows that 26 percent of South Africans will pick Brazil as their second-choice team if South Africa is out. England was next, with 11 percent.
The independent sport and sponsorship research company BMI Sport Info told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the hosts are the first-choice team of 71 percent of those interviewed, while Brazil had 11 percent of the votes and England 3 percent.
The South African company said it interviewed 2,400 adults in February and March in metropolitan areas across South Africa. The survey's margin of error was plus or minus 5 percentage points. It was first published in late March.
"We like how Brazil plays," said Edward Eland, a 44-year-old nurse in Johannesburg. "Brazil has style, we don't see that in many of the other teams."
The Brazilians received huge support from the local crowd when they won the Confederations Cup in South Africa last year, when it won all five matches, including 1-0 over Bafana Bafana in the semifinals.
"Hopefully we will get the same support we got during the Confederations Cup," Brazil coach Dunga said. "Without a doubt that's going to help us. We are happy that our work is recognized here."
Spain was picked as the second-choice team of 8 percent of those interviewed, while Italy got 7 percent and Argentina 6 percent.
Ghana is the African side with the most support from South Africans, being voted as the second-choice team of 6 percent of those surveyed.
Support for the South Africans reached 81 percent among the black population, and only 52 percent among the white, the research company said.
The Brazilians wear a yellow jersey like the South Africans, but that's not the only thing the countries have in common.
A significant portion of the two countries' populations is comprised of blacks, and racism is an aspect they have had to deal with throughout their history. There are a lot of African roots in Brazil, going back centuries. The Brazilian colony was one of the main destinations of African slaves during the Atlantic slave trade from the 16th century until the 19th century.
Among the blacks only, Brazil is the second-choice team of 30 percent of those interviewed.
Brazil has been in Johannesburg since last Thursday preparing for the monthlong tournament. Seeking a record sixth world title, Brazil will debut on June 15 against North Korea and then will face the Ivory Coast and Portugal.
"There are so many great players in the Brazilian team," 20-year-old Luthando Khosa said. "That's what makes a difference. We like to see them play."
Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup.
-- Tales Azzoni
Brazil visit gives Zimbabwe chance to celebrate
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Brazil's World Cup players gave Zimbabweans a rare chance to celebrate Wednesday, as fans filled the National Sports Stadium to watch stars like Kaka and Robinho play the African nation in a friendly.
Almost 60,000 supporters, some wearing bright yellow Brazil shirts, saw the five-time world champion beat Zimbabwe 3-0 with goals by Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai watched on from brown armchairs after shaking hands with Brazil's players before the kickoff.
"It's a nice country," midfielder Gilberto Silva said after Brazil's first match in Zimbabwe. "The atmosphere was great and we enjoyed the hospitality."
Inspired by World Cup fever in neighboring South Africa, hundreds of cheering supporters surrounded Brazil's team bus as it left. One held up a sign that read: "Mr. Dunga, where is Ronaldinho?" in reference to coach Dunga's omission of the AC Milan midfielder from his World Cup squad.
The presence of football's most famous national team was a rare treat for the fans. Sport in Zimbabwe has been overshadowed in recent years by political troubles and a major economic collapse.
"It was a great spectacle. It was nice to see the stadium packed to the brim," sports minister David Coltart said. "Zimbabwe played well. I'm sorry we didn't get a goal, I thought we deserved at least one."
Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari captained the Zimbabwe team and said his players performed well despite their lack of preparation.
"We played a good game considering we only came together on Monday as a team," he said.
The Zimbabwe government has not said how much the Brazilians were paid to visit, only that it met around 40 percent of the cost — which is thought to be significant. Sponsors put up the remainder of the money.
"Look, it's very important that we demonstrate to the world that Zimbabwe is a peaceful country and that we can organize big matches," Coltart said.
Members of the India and Sri Lanka cricket teams, in Zimbabwe for a tri-nation limited-overs series, were also at the match.
The Brazilian squad was given a rousing welcome by local fans when it arrived in Harare on Tuesday night on a charter flight from Johannesburg — where it is preparing for the World Cup.
Zimbabwe is just the fifth African team, along with Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, to play against Brazil in the last 30 years.
-- Enoch Muchinjo
Lippi puts priority on versatility for World Cup
SESTRIERE, Italy (AP) — Versatility was the key factor for Italy coach Marcello Lippi in deciding on his final 23-man World Cup squad, and that's why he selected Napoli forward Fabio Quagliarella over Giuseppe Rossi and Marco Borriello.
"That was the key criteria," Lippi said on Wednesday at Italy's training camp in the Italian Alps. "The choices were all made based on adaptability to different positions on the field. All the exclusions were tough to make and Giuseppe Rossi was especially difficult because he's been with us the longest."
Lippi also cut fourth goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, defender Mattia Cassani and midfielder Andrea Cossu two hours before FIFA's midnight deadline on Tuesday.
Rossi was born in the United States to Italian parents and has dual citizenship but has always had his mind set on playing for Italy. He has appeared 14 times for the Azzurri, scoring three goals, but struggled during the second half of this season with his Spanish club Villarreal. Quagliarella can play virtually any position in attack and is also a scoring threat from beyond the area, as evidenced by several spectacular goals this season.
Lippi said the five players cut would remain with the team for friendlies against Mexico on Thursday and Switzerland on Saturday, adding that Cossu could go to South Africa as a 24th man in case Mauro Camoranesi's injured left knee doesn't heal.
The coach also suggested the Mexico game was the more important of the two friendlies because Mexico plays similarly to Paraguay, Italy's first opponent at the World Cup.
Lippi retained nine players from the team that won the World Cup four years ago in Germany: Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Daniele De Rossi, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta.
All 23 players selected are based in Italy. The three youngest are each 23 — defenders Salvatore Bocchetti, Leonardo Bonucci and Domenico Criscito — and Cannavaro is the oldest at 36.
"Everyone was saying, and I still hear it today, that I'm too attached to the champions. But I've changed 50 percent of the squad," Lippi said. "We've got a lot of young players and they're really all experts. They're the future of the national team, but they've also got to be the present."
Dutch choice: Sneijder or Van der Vaart, or both?
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk is pondering whether Wesley Sneijder or Rafael van der Vaart should be the creative midfield motor for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Or whether he can squeeze both of them into his starting lineup.
"It's not easy or difficult," Van Marwijk said after his team beat Ghana 4-1 Tuesday night in a warmup match at Feyenoord's De Kuip stadium. "I like to have this kind of choice, rather that than not knowing who to pick because we have less quality."
Sneijder, fresh from winning the Champions League with Inter Milan, and Real Madrid's Van der Vaart both scored second-half goals against Ghana.But coming on after an hour for Ibrahim Afellay, Van der Vaart showed what he can contribute to the team.
His goal came as he ran onto a chipped pass by Mark van Bommel and calmly slid the ball under the advancing keeper Richard Kingson. Then — knowing he has to fight for a starting position at the World Cup — he just got better.
"You are never happy if you are not in the starting lineup," Van der Vaart said. "It always nice to come in to score a goal. I am happy."
He also set up the next two goals. First Van der Vaart nearly scored with an audacious lob from just inside Ghana's half. Then, when Kingson managed to just tip that effort over the bar, Van der Vaart fired a corner with pinpoint precision to Sneijder who volleyed home. Van der Vaart capped his performance by earning a penalty that Robin van Persie converted for his third goal in two warmup matches. The Arsenal striker has openly expressed his preference to play in South Africa alongside Arjen Robben, Sneijder and Van der Vaart.
Van Marwijk, however, does not yet appear convinced — possibly fearing that the so-called "big four" attack, while undoubtedly a nightmare for opposing defenses, could leave his midfield exposed. That is why Dirk Kuyt — who scored the Netherlands' first goal against Ghana — is still a possible starter. The tireless Liverpool winger is seen as contributing more to defensive duties than Van der Vaart.
Van Marwijk has already presented Sneijder with the No. 10 shirt, and observers expect him to be the main creator, playing just behind Van Persie. Sneijder earned his starting spot with a standout season for Inter Milan that reached its crescendo with a perfectly weighted pass to set up Diego Milito's first goal in the 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
Robben is also a certain starter after his devastating form powered Bayern to the final.
Van der Vaart has other experiences this season to draw on — his fight to win a place in the Madrid lineup sprinkled with stars like Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Of course I want to be in the World Cup starting lineup," Van der Vaart told Dutch daily De Telegraaf. "If the coach decides otherwise I'll just have to work harder. I don't give up easily."
Kewell, Cahill headline Socceroos squad
SYDNEY (AP) — Injured Galatasaray forward Harry Kewell has been included in Australia’s 23-man World Cup squad that contains 14 veterans from Germany 2006.
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, Kewell’s teammate Lucas Neill and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer headline an experienced squad.
Football Federation Australia said coach Pim Verbeek submitted his final squad to FIFA ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, but delayed announcing it publicly until after Wednesday’s practice because he wanted to explain it to the players first.
The Australians beat Denmark 1-0 in a warmup match in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Netherlands-based midfielders Tommy Oar and James Holland were cut from the group that traveled to South Africa last week, along with defenders Shane Lowry (Aston Villa) and Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough).
Australia will play another warmup against the United States this weekend before it opens its World Cup Group D campaign against Germany on June 13.
Kewell could come into calculations to play against the United States to test the fitness of his injured groin, but is likely to be kept on the sidelines until the Germany match.
England coach agrees to stay through Euro 2012
LONDON (AP) — Fabio Capello signed a contract deal Wednesday to ensure he stays as England coach until the 2012 European Championship.
The agreement removes an escape clause that could have let the Italian leave after the World Cup in South Africa.
"I always wanted to stay until the end of my contract," Capello said. "In South Africa, we are totally focused on the World Cup."
The announcement by the Football Association came just before England flew to Johannesburg and seemingly ends the possibility of Capello replacing Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
"We’re very pleased to have Fabio’s commitment for another two years and it’s good that we have been able to resolve this before the team flies to South Africa," Club England chairman Dave Richards said. "Now we can all concentrate on the World Cup and give Fabio and the players our full support."
Capello, who has transformed England’s fortunes since becoming coach in 2008, will take charge of the team at a major tournament for the first time on June 12 when it takes on the United States in its World Cup opener.
Blatter: WCup showcase stadium as good as Wembley
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — FIFA president Sepp Blatter says the venue for the World Cup opening game is "five-star," and hopes Nelson Mandela can attend the match.
The Soccer City venue in Johannesburg will host next week’s opening game and the final.
Blatter took a stroll on the lush, green field Wednesday, noting the 94,700-seat venue was a "five-star stadium, and can be compared, if comparison is possible, perhaps, with Wembley in London."
Blatter also hoped Mandela would be at the opening game on June 11. Blatter said the presence of South Africa’s former president would be the stadium’s "highlight."
Suns’ Nash to report online from World Cup
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Phoenix Suns star Steve Nash will travel to South Africa to report on the World Cup for CBSSports.com.
Nash’s team was eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday in the Western Conference finals. He’ll file eight videos and have additional reports and photos posted to CBSSports.com’s social media platforms under a deal with Meathawk, his production company.
A Canadian citizen who was born in Johannesburg, the two-time NBA MVP is a Tottenham fan and is involved in the ownership group of the MLS team in Vancouver that starts play next year.
Suazo almost sure to miss World Cup opener
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Striker Humberto Suazo seems certain to miss Chile’s first match at the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury.
The team’s leading striker, Suazo picked up the injury in a friendly match against Israel on Sunday, in which he scored a goal. Medical reports released Wednesday said Suazo may need up to three weeks to recover.
Chile is appearing in its first World Cup since 1998, and faces Honduras in its Group H opener on June 16. It plays Switzerland on June 21 and Spain on June 25.
Esteban Paredes will be the leading candidate to replace Suazo, who plays in Spain for Zaragoza.
Overhauling Maracana expected to cost $393 million
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Officials say overhauling Rio de Janeiro’s huge Maracana Stadium for the 2014 World Cup will cost more than $390 million.
Marcia Lins, Rio de Janeiro state Sports and Tourism secretary, tells O Globo newspaper that the stadium’s renovation will begin in August and end in December 2012.
She says total costs should come in at an expected 720 million reals ($393 million).
Lins told the newspaper on Wednesday that Maracana will be ready to host the Confederations Cup in 2013.
Seating capacity at the stadium, built for the 1950 World Cup, is expected to increase from 82,238 to 90,000.
Elsewhere
Brazil football star Adriano tied to Rio drug lord
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian prosecutors said Wednesday there were "strong indications" football star Adriano transferred a large sum of money to a notorious drug lord held responsible for the downing of a police helicopter last year.
State prosecutors said in an e-mailed statement that after taking a deposition from Adriano, they would now request that a judge give them permission to examine data from the player's bank accounts and telephones.
Prosecutors said they were focusing on the alleged transfer last December of $33,000 from Adriano to a drug lord wanted by police.
"The Public Ministry considers extremely serious the facts that have made the player a suspect and there are strong indications that he has transferred money to the drug trafficker Fabiano Atanasio da Silva," the prosecutor's note read.
Officials are also looking into conspiracy to sell illegal drugs and the possession of unlawful weapons by organized crime groups as part of the investigation — though there was no indication Adriano was involved in those aspects of the case.
Adriano has denied any wrongdoing. He did not speak to the press after talking with prosecutors. After-hours calls to the office of the attorney who accompanied him to the prosecutor's office were not returned.
Adriano has not been charged with any crimes, and it was not clear what charges he could possibly face.
Late Wednesday, a spokesman for Rio's civil police said they, too, were seeking a deposition from Adriano in connection to the same investigation.
Police say Silva — a leader of the Red Command drug gang — last October ordered his foot soldiers to overtake a rival gang's territory in a nearby slum. As the gangs fought a wild shootout, a police helicopter hovering nearby was shot down and crashed in flames, killing three officers.
That ignited a gang war and saw some 2,000 police invading more than a dozen slums, often triggering shootouts that left at least 40 people dead in less than a week. Bodies of rival drug gang members were strewn across streets of Rio, in shopping carts, trunks of cars or just dumped on the outskirts of slums.
That violence erupted two weeks after Rio won the right to host the Olympics and raised concerns about security for the Games.
The city on Oct. 2 was picked over Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo to host the games. Rio alone among the bid cities was highlighted for security concerns ahead of the International Olympic Committee vote.
Rio officials have defended their record in safely hosting major events — including the yearly Carnival and the 2007 Pan American Games. In addition, Rio police in the last year have begun an intense crackdown on the slums where drug gangs have ruled with impunity.
Police say Silva, who is not in custody, controls the Vila Cruzeiro slum where Adriano grew up and where he continues to spend time.
Last year, Adriano left Inter Milan, saying he was no longer happy playing football in Italy. He returned to Rio and signed with Flamengo, a team he led to Brazil's national championship last year.
Last week, Adriano announced that he was leaving Flamengo and returning to Italy, where he said he would sign with Roma.
It was not clear what impact the investigation would have on those plans.
The note from the prosecutor's office indicated that police had 60 more days to complete the investigation into Adriano's alleged involvement with the trafficker Silva.
-- Bradley Brooks
Ukraine passes UEFA test on Euro 2012 preparations
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Ukraine has passed UEFA's latest test to show it is capable of co-hosting the 2012 European Championship with Poland.
UEFA said Ukraine's political and football leaders answered concerns — especially over delayed stadium and airport upgrades — with a "strong agenda" of project deadlines at a meeting Wednesday.
The European football authority said Kiev showed "no signs" it would fail to meet UEFA's demand to host the Euro 2012 final.
Deputy prime minister Boris Kolesnykov said Ukraine's progress will next be evaluated in September.
"Everything is in the hands of Poland and Ukraine, and we should work, work and work," Kolesnykov told The Associated Press through a translator.
Wednesday's meeting of the Euro 2012 steering group had been given added importance by UEFA president Michel Platini.
Platini said in April that Ukraine had two months to improve its preparations or risk being stripped of hosting rights. He later hinted that Germany or Hungary could team with Poland.
Ukraine's updated plan includes targets for specific projects "spread between now and summer 2011," UEFA said.
"There is no reason for UEFA to look into alternatives — so-called 'Plan B' — if this plan is respected and delivered," it said in a statement.
Ukraine is expected to provide four host cities alongside Poland's Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan and Wroclaw.
But construction of stadiums, hotels, transport and other infrastructure in Kiev, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Lviv has been delayed by the world financial crisis, political problems before January's presidential election and severe winter weather.
UEFA has considered using just two Ukrainian cities, though even then on strict condition that Kiev's remodeled, 63,000-capacity Olympic Stadium can stage the final.
"There are, however, no signs at all today that Kiev will not be in a position to host Euro 2012," UEFA said.
Kolesnykov, who was given Euro 2012 responsibility by Ukraine's new president Viktor Yanukovych, said he was not unhappy with progress.
"I will be happy when the final match is played in Kiev," he said. "And even happier when all our citizens in the four cities will be seeing the matches."
Euro 2012 is scheduled to involve 16 national teams playing a total of 31 matches from June 8-July 1.
-- Graham Dunbar
Fabio Cannavaro signs with Dubai club Al Ahli
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is leaving Juventus to play in the United Arab Emirates for Dubai-based club Al Ahli.
The 36-year-old defender, who helped Italy to the 2006 World Cup title and will captain the team at this month's tournament in South Africa, signed a two-year deal with the Dubai club.
The director of Al Ahli, Abdul Majid Hussein, told The Associated Press the contract was signed in Italy on Tuesday.
"He is a good player and a big name that will help us achieve our objective," Hussein said in a phone interview on Wednesday. He declined to reveal the terms of the deal, but said Cannavaro is expected in Dubai shortly after the World Cup ends.
"Our goal is to be No. 1 locally and regionally and Cannavaro is the type of a player who will help UAE football become better," Hussein said.
Al Ahli won the domestic league title last season but struggled in the Asian Champions League, winning only two games and failing to qualify for the knockout stage.
"The contract with Fabio Cannavaro is one of the major deals for us because of the player's experience and talent, and also because he has the character of leader, and he led his team to win the World Cup in Germany in 2006," Al Ahli board chairman Abdullah al-Naboodah said in a statement posted on the team's website on Wednesday.
The website also quoted Cannavaro as saying he was happy with the signing for the coming seasons since "he was already thinking about moving to live in Dubai which he loves."
Cannavaro, who is playing in his fourth World Cup and has a record 132 caps for Italy, has also played for Real Madrid and Inter Milan during his storied career.
He had already announced plans to retire from international football after the World Cup and was looking for a new club after Juventus said it would not exercise an extension on his contract.
-- Michael Casey
Man United takeover founders over 'inflated' price
LONDON (AP) — The Red Knights' chances of buying Manchester United have receded even further after the consortium of investors said Wednesday it will not offer an inflated price to tempt the Glazer family into selling.
The investors, supported by the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, had publicly expressed their desire to take over the 18-time English league champion after five years under the Glazer family's control.
The group hoped to liberate the club from the huge debt loaded on it by the Glazers' takeover but the Americans said last week they are not interested in selling.
British media has widely speculated that the family rejected a 1.5 billion-pound ($2.2 billion) offer from a Qatari group last year and the Red Knights said Wednesday that they would not overpay for a team that cost 790 million pounds ($1.4 billion) in 2005.
"We will only attempt to purchase the club at a sensible price, consistent with the long-term interests of the club," the group said in a statement. "Persistent speculation in the media of inflated valuation aspirations has made our goals less attainable.
"Potential investors have strongly reinforced our views that we should not move forward at a price uneconomic for the future of the club."
The group said it had a firm opinion on how much the team was worth and did not rule out making an offer in the future.
"The Red Knights remain committed to pursuing their efforts to try and help bring ownership of Manchester United to its supporters and under a structure with materially less debt," the group said.
Thousands of United fans have attended matches at Old Trafford this season adorned in green and gold colors instead of the club's usual red. The homage to United's original 19th century colors is a protest against the Glazers, who also own the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But the Red Knights said they would not encourage fans planning to boycott season tickets in an effort to hurt the Glazers financially.
"We have never taken a stance on season ticket renewals," the group said. "It is a personal choice for all supporters."
-- Stuart Condie
Arsenal turns down Barcelona's offer for Fabregas
LONDON (AP) — Arsenal turned down Barcelona's formal offer for Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas on Wednesday, saying it has "no intention" of selling its captain.
Barcelona club director general Joan Oliver acknowledged that it made a written offer to Arsenal on Tuesday at the start of the European football's summer transfer window.
Arsenal said it rebuffed two informal approaches from the Spanish league champion before rejecting the bid for a player who has publicly stated his desire to return to the club he left when he was 16.
Fabregas has said he wants to have his future decided before the start of the World Cup on June 11 but Arsenal pointed out that its 23-year-old lynchpin is under contract to the north London club until the end of the 2014-15 season.
"He is a highly valued member of the team and part of our future plans," Arsenal said in a statement. "We immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain."
Neither Arsenal nor Barcelona gave details of the offer.
Fabregas has scored 48 goals in 267 appearances for Arsenal since becoming the Gunners' youngest ever first-team player in 2003. He was the Gunners' leading scorer with 15 Premier League goals last season.
British media have reported that Arsenal could be tempted to sell Fabregas for between €30 million ($36.7 million) and €40 million ($48.9 million).
Fabregas, who is currently with the national team in Austria, fractured his leg in April but has been declared fit to play in the World Cup.
Barcelona vice president Rafael Yuste said he was optimistic that Fabregas would sign for the club as soon as possible.
"We'll do nothing that might make it more difficult for him to come here and we won't rush things but we won't stop either," he said.
The signing would be something of a farewell trophy for president Joan Laporta, with the club scheduled to hold elections later this month.
"Everybody knows that Cesc wants to sign for Barcelona and that we also want him to come here," Oliver said on the club's website. "But there is also a third party involved, Arsenal. Any agreement has to be with them."
-- Staurt Condie
West Ham to announce new manager 'within 24 hours'
LONDON (AP) — West Ham will announce the identity of its new manager "within 24 hours," with Avram Grant strongly favored to take the role.
The Premier League club said Wednesday it will release the statement on its website.
The east London side has been without a coach since firing Gianfranco Zola last month when the team only narrowly avoided relegation.
West Ham is widely reported to be hiring Grant.
The former Israel coach guided Portsmouth to the FA Cup final but quit days after the team's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Heavily indebted Portsmouth was relegated but Grant was lauded for coaxing spirited performances from a squad weakened by the sale of almost all its best players.
"The club have been conducting a thorough recruitment program in recent weeks and made excellent progress after considering a number of candidates," the Hammers said in a statement.
The new manager will have more than a month to plan before the squad returns on July 5 for preseason training.
Luis Boa Morte may be among those players after West Ham offered the Portugal winger a new contract to follow a deal that is set to expire on June 30.
Boa Morte returned from nine months out injured on the last day of the Premier League season and scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Guillermo Franco, Ilan and Mido will all leave after the Hammers decided against renewing their contracts, while youth-team players Anthony Edgar, Jordan Spence, Matthew Fry and Oliver Lee have been offered new deals.
West Brom signs Spain international Pablo Ibanez
WEST BROMWICH, England (AP) — Premier League newcomer West Bromwich Albion has signed Spain defender Pablo Ibanez on a free transfer.
Ibanez will join on a three-year contract on July 1 when his deal with Spanish side Atletico Madrid expires.
The 28-year-old central defender has played 24 times for Spain and partnered Carles Puyol in central defense at the 2006 World Cup.
He missed out on selection for the 2008 European Championship and was omitted from the squad for this year's World Cup after making just seven league appearances this season.
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo says "he's also played in the Champions League for Atletico and the World Cup for Spain, so the Premier League should hold no fears for him."
Hannover signs defender Pogatetz, keeper Miller
HANNOVER, Germany (AP) — Bundesliga club Hannover is signing Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz from Middlesbrough and goalkeeper Markus Miller from German second-division side Karlsruhe.
Hannover said Wednesday that Pogatetz, the 27-year old captain of Austria's national team, is joining on a free transfer for three seasons. Coach Mirko Slomka said he is an experienced player who will expand Hannover's options in defense.
The 28-year-old Miller has played for Karlsruhe for seven years, some of that time in the top division. He is getting a two-year contract.
Hannover had the Bundesliga's worst defense last season, conceding 67 goals in 34 games. It finished just above the relegation zone.
Martinez fined by FA for criticizing referee
WIGAN, England (AP) — Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has been fined and warned by the English Football Association for criticizing a Premier League referee.
Martinez criticized Stuart Attwell on March 29 for sending off defender Gary Caldwell in the 56th minute for a tackle on Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.
Wigan held out for another 16 minutes but Tevez scored three times in 12 minutes to clinch a 3-0 win for the home side.
An FA disciplinary committee fined Martinez 2,250 pounds ($3,280).
The FA said on Wednesday it took account of Martinez's "previous exemplary record."
Parma hires Pasquale Marino as new coach
PARMA, Italy (AP) — Parma has hired former Udinese manager Pasquale Marino as its new coach.
Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi told Sky Italia on Wednesday that Marino had signed a one-year deal.
Marino replaces Francesco Guidolin, who guided Parma to an eighth-place finish in the recently concluded Serie A season, an impressive result after a year in Serie B.
Marino left Udinese despite having two more years on his contract and Udinese hired Guidolin last week.
Bayern extends Altintop's contract
MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich has extended the contract of midfielder Hamit Altintop for another season. The Bundesliga champion says Altintop will stay at the club through the next season.
The 27-year-old Turkey international has been in Bayern for the past three seasons.
Sky Blue signs Italian star Patrizia Panico
SOMERSET, N.J. (AP) — Italian national team captain Patrizia Panico has agreed to play for Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer. The New Jersey-based team announced the agreement Wednesday.
Panico is Italy’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 145 international matches. The nine-time Serie A goal scoring champion has scored more than 400 goals while playing in her native country.
The native of Rome has been a member of six Italian League championship sides, and her team has won four Italian Cups and four Italian Super Cups.
Panico is the first Italian player in Women’s Professional Soccer history, raising the total number to 20 nations that are represented in the league.
