!"#$%&'()*+,"--./0.10122+--.132+--456(-. 1.10 Including Europe’s 13 World Cup contenders 03 Women’s EURO conference in Nyon 06 Executive Master in European Sport Governance 08 EURO 2012 logo and host cities 11 No 58 93 – Février January 2007 2010 UEFAdirect93E 15.12.2009 12:09 Page 2 Message Photos: uefa-pjwoods.ch of the president From one year to the next In football, as in other sports, the end of the calendar year is not neces- sarily the best time to take stock, since we follow a different calendar, based on the football seasons, which generally start in summer and end the following spring. This does not, however, stop us from pausing for a moment to reflect on the first half of the season. For the continent’s best national teams, the last few months of 2009 – with all their surprises, successes and disappointments – repre- sented the home straight in the qualifying competition for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. For the clubs, the season began back in June but really took off in August, with the draws in Monaco for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. There is, of course, still a long way to go in both these competitions, but it is already apparent that the format changes have been beneficial. And I am really looking forward to the implementation of another new feature – that of the Champions League final being played on a Saturday – enabling IN THIS ISSUE us to enjoy a whole week of build-up to this spectacular event. Behind the scenes, the first half of the season was also marked by The 13 European teams intense activity and definite progress towards establishing greater financial fair play going to South Africa 03 in our club competitions. But events also proved that there was still a long way Women’s football conference in Nyon 06 to go in ridding football of all those for whom morals and ethics are merely abstract notions. Executive Master in European Sport Governance 08 We could wish for this to change – it is the season for wishes after all – European Futsal but it is better to take action. And this is what we will do, with the utmost determi- Championship finals nation and the help of the authorities where necessary. I do, however, have one in Hungary 10 wish, which goes out to everyone who holds the ball close to their hearts – that The EURO 2012 logo 2010 is not only the year of the World Cup, but one when football is enjoyed from and host cities 11 beginning to end, from the mini-pitches to the grandstands, from friendly A hundred years of Estonian football 14 matches to international finals. News from member associations 15 COVER Michel Platini UEFA President The play-offs completed the European line-up in South Africa. Simao Sabrosa (11) earned his ticket to South Africa by helping Portugal to beat Sanel Jahic’s Bosnia-Herzegovina twice. Photo: Getty Images 02 uefadirect 1.10 UEFAdirect93E 15.12.2009 12:09 Page 3 World Cup in South Africa TheThe 1313 wonderswonders ofof EuropeEurope Italy will defend their title, having won their group ahead of a strong Republic of Ireland side. PA Wire/ Press Association PA Images THIRTEEN EUROPEAN TEAMS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE WORLD CUP whom he led to World Cup glory in IN SOUTH AFRICA, INCLUDING SEVERAL FAMILIAR FACES, BUT ALSO ONE OR TWO 2006. Despite two difficult matches against Cyprus (both were won in stop- SURPRISES, AS WELL AS A NEWCOMER TO THE TOURNAMENT. FOR SOME THE page time), the Italians dominated their ROAD TO SOUTH AFRICA HAS BEEN SMOOTHER THAN OTHERS, BUT THEY ARE ALL group. While there is little doubt that PURSUING THE SAME GOAL: TO BE THE FIRST EUROPEAN TEAM TO WIN THE some of world champion team – such as Buffon, Cannavaro and Pirlo – will be WORLD CUP ON NON-EUROPEAN SOIL. on their way to South Africa, the coach The last World Cup, in Germany, land – competed in the 2006 World Cup, has also been re-assessing his squad. resembled a European Football Champi- or nine if you count Serbia, who were part For example, in the recent friendly onship towards the end, with all four of Serbia-Montenegro at the time. Three against Sweden, there was no one from semi-finalists coming from Europe. The – Denmark, Greece and Slovenia – are the 2006 World Cup in the starting chances of a repeat performance in South returning to the big stage, while Slovakia line-up. Not that this stopped Italy from Africa next summer seem slim, however, are making their debut – since the break- winning 1-0. given that never before in the history of up of Czechoslovakia at least. Mean- the competition has a European team while, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France: trying to rediscover lifted the World Cup on non-European Poland, Sweden and Ukraine have failed their spark soil. When the 19th World Cup finals kick to make it to two World Cups in a row. 2006 World Cup finalists France off in Johannesburg on 11 June, the 13 Here’s how Europe’s contenders are not firing on all cylinders. The retire- European teams who made it through are shaping up. ment of Zidane doubtless has something the qualifying stage will have their sights to do with this. After a disappointing set on breaking this curse. Italy: back to the future EURO 2008 (France were eliminated in Eight of Europe’s representatives After a two-year break when the group stage), Les Bleus did not have – England, France, Germany, Italy, the Roberto Donadoni was in charge, Marcello a smooth ride to South Africa. With Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzer- Lippi is again at the helm of the Azzurri, Serbia having finished top of the group, 03 UEFAdirect93E 15.12.2009 12:09 Page 4 Franck Ribéry Under the avoids Vasile leadership of Maftei during Fabio Capello, the goalless England had match between an excellent France and qualifying Romania campaign, at the Stade including a win de France. against Belarus in London. Getty Images posure, winning their group without losing a match and finishing ahead of the formidable Russians. In the process, Miroslav Klose has become the second Empics Sport highest goalscorer in the history of the German national team, second only to Raymond Domenech’s men owe their the untouchable Gerd Müller. The team place in the finals to the goal scored by has a good mix of youth and experience. Gallas in extra time in the return leg of The only remaining doubt possibly sur- the play-off against the Republic of Ireland. rounds the goalkeeper’s jersey, after the However, French football’s pool of talent, tragic death of Robert Enke. Spain lived up to their billing as champions which includes the likes of Benzema and of Europe, controlling their match in Bosnia- Herzegovina against the group runners-up. Gourcuff, to name but two, does not Portugal: an amazing comeback seem to have run dry. Fourth at the 2006 World Cup, they were able to rely on their strong and with Carlos Queiroz taking over from defence (only 5 goals conceded in 12 Germany: more to come? Luiz Felipe Scolari as head coach, Portugal matches) to eliminate a surprising Bosnia- Third in the 2006 World Cup and almost failed to qualify for Herzegovina. runners-up at EURO the tournament 2008, Germany in South Africa. England: Capello waves his magic must be hoping to Beaten at wand return to the top home by Den- ‘Once bitten, twice shy’ after of the podium in mark, then held failing to qualify for EURO 2008, England 2010. They have to draws by entrusted Italian Fabio Capello, one demonstrated Albania and of European football’s most successful strength Sweden, coaches, with leading the national team. and com- Portugal fin- As a result, their route through the quali- ished with a fying phase resembled a walk in the park, flourish, just with the most potent attack in Europe ahead of (34 goals, including 9 by Wayne Rooney). Sweden On the way, England took stinging re- and Hun- venge on Croatia (4-1 and 5-1), who had gary. In the deprived them of a place in EURO 2008. play-offs, despite the Spain: flawless absence of Ten matches, ten wins. Spain Cristiano took up from where they had left off Ronaldo (who after winning EURO 2008. The change of was injured and coach – Vicente del Bosque, former coach had not scored of Real Madrid, replacing Luis Aragones – Germany’s Heiko in the qualifying did not alter the team’s style of play, Westermann (5) shields the ball competition), where technical prowess and showman- under pressure from ship come together. With Villa and Torres Finland’s Jonatan Johansson. Germany up front, Iniesta and Xavi in the middle, will once again take and a solid defence, it is a winning their place on the World Cup stage. formula. Netherlands: will they stay first? Like Spain, the Netherlands won all their qualifying matches (only eight, as their group was the only one with five Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images teams), and were the first Europeans to qualify, back in June. Renowned for their attacking play, the team of Bert van Marwijk (who took over from Marco van Basten) can also pride themselves 04 uefadirect 1.10 UEFAdirect93E 15.12.2009 12:09 Page 5 The Greeks Serbs Nemanja twice lost to Vidic and Switzerland Branislav during the Ivanovic qualifying successfully campaign, yet challenge still managed to Romania’s book their place Ciprian Marica.