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The Unofficial World Football Championships Posted: 22 Oct 2009 01:10 PM PDT Do you know who the unofficial world football champions are? It’s not Italy, they’re the official world champions by virtue of being World Cup holders. The unofficial world champions are in fact the Netherlands. Who says? The Unofficial Football World Championships people says, that’s who. Basically, the UWFC people treat international football as if it was boxing or wrestling, in which you have a title-holder and challengers. When the current Unofficial World Champion plays against any other nation, the title is up for grabs. If the other nation wins, they become the new Unofficial World Champions. And so on. All “A” internationals count, so that means any full senior international game, be it World Cup final or just plain old friendly. The idea started in 1967, when Scotland faced World Cup holders England at Wembley in a European Championship qualifier. Here’s a nice nine minutes plus YouTube video of that game (with a very Scottish introduction)… Scotland won 3-2, ending England’s 19 game unbeaten run, which led to Scottish fans declaring their team the “unofficial world champions”. At some point (I can’t find exactly when) someone decided to take this idea of an unofficial world champion and trace it all the way back to the beginning. The first ever international match was in 1872, between what were then the only international teams in the world: England and Scotland. Unhelpfully for the UWFC, that game finished 0-0. But they met again in 1873, England won 4-2, and the UWFC title is traced from there. You can see the full list of title matches here. Brilliantly, that famous game 1967 game between England and Scotland actually was an unofficial title match in hindsight, as England happened to be UWFC holders as well as actual World Cup holders at the time. Of course, it’s all done with a smile, and not taken too seriously. Most teams are probably unaware of the UWFC title’s existence. I can’t decide if that adds to the charm, or is a missed opportunity to add a competitive edge to international friendly week. Either way it keeps FIFA happy, because the UWFC’s fun loving approach doesn’t threaten their dominance or profit margins. Here’s what FIFA have to say, according the UWFC website: 'As long as people have fun with football and that it is played in the spirit of respect for all involved, the non-violation of the Laws of the Game and the ethics of sport, FIFA is more than happy!' exclaimed a statement from the FIFA Media Department. 'We wish UFWC fans a lot of fun!' Current holders the Netherlands have had the title since November 2008, when they beat Sweden 3-1 in a friendly. They last defended it by drawing 0-0 vs Australian on October 10th, but face a genuine challenge on November 14th when they play a friendly against Italy in Pescara (to show solidarity with the earthquake hit region).

German Security Firm Increases Your Confidence In South Africa 2010 Posted: 22 Oct 2009 11:12 AM PDT All of days ago we were treated to a trailer of Fahrenheit 2010, the documentary which takes a look at the devious desires behind FIFA’s insistence on a World Cup in South Africa. Not quite sure it’ll have the clout to do any damage (read: bribes), but it shines more light on an already illuminated subject. So how about the news that the German national team won’t be leaving their compound without bulletproof vests? It would seem that dirty tackles are the least of their worries in South Africa. * – Click on that link for an eminent display of Photoshopping skillz. Love it. BaySecur, the security consultancy in charge of Jogi’s boys next summer, gave us a little view into the process: "The possibility for the players of moving outside of the hotel boundaries should be kept to a minimum. Otherwise there must be a full escort: armed security guards and bullet-proof vests for the players." So in other words, treat them like a president under assassination threat. Or the pope. What’s going to happen is South Africa will turn into the real life interpretation of a pretty poor Steven Seagal or Nicolas Cage film. Presumably with better acting from Mario Gomez. And then Michael Ballack and Jogi Loew will meet in a dark room at an airport under black ops surveillance. Then Jason Bourne will come in and save the day (both in terms of the actual day and film quality). And voila, the fourth in the Bourne series will be…. There is one silver lining for all of this, however: standards are set so impossibly low they can’t possibly fall short, can they? (Don’t answer that.)

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NFL Week 7 Extra: 15 pages of previews, predictions, fantasy tips

MAMUDU, Your October 23, 2009 issue of Sporting News Today is now available, please click here. Here are some articles in Today's Issue Angels blow lead, but rally to stave off elimination SN's 2009 baseball awards: 391 players, managers, G.M.s go to the polls Hayes: Three ranked teams on upset alert Saturday Deveney: Five NBA players who are tearing it up in preseason DeCourcy: Coach K says get ready for new-look Duke If you experience any problems with your issue, please click here to contact our customer service department. Know a friend who might like Sporting News Today? Email him/her this link: www.sportingnewstoday.com.     Trouble Viewing? If any of the above links do not work for you,   copy and paste this URL into your browser:   http://today.sportingnews.com/t=c/?1&114572&153414&17073&0000&1236486846&EIInjEOx9cS45     Please do not reply to this message. Questions may be submitted to Digital Support.   To stop receiving email notifications for digital issues of Sporting News Today,   click here.   Sporting News Today 120 West Morehead Street Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28202

Surprise college football teams of first half try to keep rolling

MAMUDU, Your October 22, 2009 issue of Sporting News Today is now available, please click here. Here are some articles in Today's Issue Phillies blow away Dodgers, eye World Series repeat Teixeira's Gold Glove makes up for ice-cold bat Mark McGwire says Pujols 'is on his own planet' Is it pine time for NFL QBs Sanchez, Collins, Campbell? Canucks have look of a contender in win over Blackhawks If you experience any problems with your issue, please click here to contact our customer service department. Know a friend who might like Sporting News Today? Email him/her this link: www.sportingnewstoday.com.     Trouble Viewing? If any of the above links do not work for you,   copy and paste this URL into your browser:   http://today.sportingnews.com/t=c/?1&114503&153375&17049&0000&1236486813&EIInjEOx9cS45     Please do not reply to this message. Questions may be submitted to Digital Support.   To stop receiving email notifications for digital issues of Sporting News Today,   click here.   Sporting News Today 120 West Morehead Street Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28202

Latest World Cup Blog Updates

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Raymond Domenech: Man Seeking Muzzle. Posted: 20 Oct 2009 08:58 AM PDT For those on the inside looking out, nary a worse manager reigns in the international realm; for those on the outside looking in… Viva la Domenech. What he lacks in coaching abilities, he makes up for in deliciously idiotic words. He’s kind of like Maradona without the playing career. Or coke habit. Or fatness. The latest and greatest comes fresh off the announcement of Ireland as their obstacle on the way to South Africa 2010. A team he’s affectionately dubbed ‘England’s B side‘. There may have been something lost in translation, or there may not - this is Raymond Domenech, after all. What is certain is that Irish eyes will be giving this the thrice over at the bulletin board every single day up until that first day in Dublin. “Whoever our opponents were, I would have said the same thing, the objective is to qualify: but now it's Ireland, we just have to get on with it. The advantage is that everyone knows them. They are a sort of England B side. They all play in the English league so all our players know them: some of our players play alongside them, while others against them. There will be no surprises. We know what to expect and we know what we have to do.” Of course this isn’t the first time the Irish have been referred to as England’s B’s. Back in the 90’s they used to hunt out Irish lineage in Englishmen for the national team, earning the name and reputation. Not quite what Domenech meant, however. What he meant to say is that the Irish aren’t quite a closed book, that like England, their playing style and players are no mystery. Which he did say. Only the good and logical was overshadowed by the large mess he’d made in the other room, falling in line with the rest of his managerial career, spurring on the Irish in the process. And if his managerial career remains on course, he’ll leave the playoff with a job regardless of outcome and will still be doing more for the opposition than his treasured Les Bleus. Viva la Domenech.

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Sabathia, A-Rod power Yanks to brink of Series, push Angels to brink of elimination

MAMUDU, Your October 21, 2009 issue of Sporting News Today is now available, please click here. Here are some articles in Today's Issue Phils go for kill tonight against Dodgers NFL teams pass on deals for big names Who is BCS bound, Boise State or TCU? Kragthorpe, Zook, Groh on hot seat NBA Countdown: Wizards' depth makes them dangerous If you experience any problems with your issue, please click here to contact our customer service department. Know a friend who might like Sporting News Today? Email him/her this link: www.sportingnewstoday.com.     Trouble Viewing? If any of the above links do not work for you,   copy and paste this URL into your browser:   http://today.sportingnews.com/t=c/?1&114454&153354&17033&0000&1236486789&EIInjEOx9cS45     Please do not reply to this message. Questions may be submitted to Digital Support.   To stop receiving email notifications for digital issues of Sporting News Today,   click here.   Sporting News Today 120 West Morehead Street Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28202

Latest World Cup Blog Updates

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• FIFA v UEFA: The Rankings Of Doom Are Doomed.
• UEFA’s World Cup Playoffs Announced.
• Indonesia’s “Green World Cup” 2022 Bid

FIFA v UEFA: The Rankings Of Doom Are Doomed. Posted: 19 Oct 2009 12:30 PM PDT While everyone was busy anxiously awaiting FIFA’s latest release and the seeding for the playoff spots, UEFA was busy concocting a ranking of their own and releasing it under unsuspecting eyes. At this point it means little and will only serve to put Euro 2012 qualifying seeding into perspective, still some way off yet, but it’s always interesting to see how others differ from the entirely rubbish FIFA ranking system. And, in some cases, are they rubbish themselves? UEFA prefer a simple method: 20% based on WC2006 qualifying and finals; 40% based on Euro2008 qualifying and finals; 40% based on WC2010 qualifying and finals. With one-sixth still yet unfinished, these rankings will change before they dance the dance for a shot at Polkraine 2012. But for now, the “intermediate standings” and how the reflect against big ol’ FIFA. UEFA: FIFA: There are a few answers which cloak as questions: Is Germany the second best team in Europe right now? Yes. Basel pretty much cleared that up and it stands strong 18mos later. Is Portugal better than Russia? No. Should Croatia respectfully bow out of the rankings until Polkraine qualifying starts anew such that there isn’t a beastly black sheep nonparticipant in sixth? Yes. Is Sweden the 12th best team in Europe? No. Are they 24th? No. Are they somewhere in between? Yes. Does UEFA account for “style”? Probably. (See: Turkey.) Can we just put Pavel Nedved in the Czech Republich’s 11th spot? Sure, why not. How the hell did Greece creep top ten in UEFA? No clue. But finally the most important question: Can we scrap the acronym rankings, both of which are inherently flawed, and move to an entirely subjective system which unashamedly flaunts its favortism? Yes we can.

UEFA’s World Cup Playoffs Announced. Posted: 19 Oct 2009 10:02 AM PDT The slightly controversial UEFA bridesmaid’s draw has taken place and fortunately it’s gone off without controversy. Somehow, someway, despite UEFA being involved, Liverpool and Chelsea will not meet. Who knew? It’s rather pedestrian, really, as perhaps the two best teams - France and Russia - were handed the easiest draw. But then that’s really the point of seeding, isn’t it? (This is not to suggest FIFA has actually set out to do something and it worked. Never.) Ireland, maybe the most vocal club in qualifiers regarding this little seeded system, were rewarded with a jaunt to France land. This’ll teach them not to dare test the wrath of Sepp. The right to eulogize Jonathan Wilson’s halftime funeral will go to Guus’ Russia or underdogs Slovenia. All due respect to Slovenia, this is Guus’ domain and the Russian boys are going to the big dance, which should set up a controversial knockouts date with the Italians nicely. Greece and Ukraine is already making a nap sound good. Ukraine might have the slight advantage due to simply being a better team, but Euro 2004 proved for at least a 20 year buffer period that “paper results” aren’t a great concern for Greece. Neither is joga bonito. As for Portugal and Bosnia & Herzegovina, this is the darling of the playoffs. The hugely disappointing wannabe big boys in qualifying with one of the world’s best players up against the young upstarts with a mean attack. Cristiano Ronaldo is nice and all, but the two-pronged assault of Ibisevic and Dzeko just might make them the favorites. Predictions France Russia Ukraine B&H

Indonesia’s “Green World Cup” 2022 Bid Posted: 19 Oct 2009 06:59 AM PDT When you look at the list of nations bidding to host World Cups 2018 and 2022, it’s very very easy to dismiss Indonesia. The nine other bids all have either superior football traditions or superior infrastructure or superior financial muscle. Or in most cases all three. There’s also the question of letting a team ranked 129th in the world qualify automatically. But the Indonesia bid has something other bids don’t: The potential to save the whole world. At least a little bit. While the nine other bids are based on the idea that “we really really want it”, Indonesia has spotted the current corporate trend for environmentalism and gone for it. They’re proposing the “Green World Cup 2022″ in Indonesia. Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Nurdin Halid told the Jakarta Post earlier this month that “Our deforestation rate has contributed much to world pollution. By hosting the World Cup, we wish to build infrastructure and facilities that are environmentally friendly so we can give more to the planet.” Sounds like an absolutely brilliant idea if you ask me. Not only does the “Green World Cup 2022″ idea make the Indonesia bid stand out, it also gives it the moral high ground and puts pressure on FIFA. If they ignore the Green World Cup and award 2022 (which is when Indonesia have said they’d prefer to host) to one of those other carbon-producing bids, then FIFA looks like it hates planet earth. The downside is that it seems there are almost zero details available explaining exactly what would make Indonesia 2022 such an environmentally friendly tournament. Maybe they’d follow Norwegian club Rosenborg’s lead and do it all on the basis of smart stadiums that don’t use excessive amounts of energy? Maybe the still to be built World Cup stadiums will be made entirely of recycled materials? Maybe they’ll demand that all players and fans walk to Indonesia for the tournament, to save all that jet fuel exhaust being pumped into the atmosphere? It’s possible that all the details are in the official bid Indonesia sent to FIFA and just not yet available to the public. I genuinely hope so. But given the fact that the Indonesian 2022 bid website has a lot of “coming soon”s on it, and that both the above bid logos are from a Facebook group and not yet official (like these ones are), I suspect that there’s still a lot of work to be done. It would be deeply depressing if the “Green World Cup 2022″ idea is just an empty marketing trick. There’s enough greenwashing (companies falsely promoting products as being environmentally friendly, because they know it sells well) around already. But even if it’s just a gimmick, Indonesia 2022 is still the first bid to float the idea of a green World Cup. Green things have a tendency to grow if given enough care and attention, so maybe we’ll see a whole host of green bids for World Cup 2026.

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