DIDIER DESCHAMPS

“YOU CAN
ALWAYS IMPROVE”
ENGLISH EDITION WWW.FIFA.COM/MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019
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 LETTER FROM A FIFA LEGEND

Dear readers of FIFA 1904,

I am sometimes in awe of the impact that the game has had on my believe they could achieve anything. It was a pivotal moment in
life and where it has taken me. If I were to pick my two favourite football and in women’s sport.
childhood football moments, I’d first choose what I imagine so
many of my peers, and so many of you, have experienced and After playing, I entered coaching following the completion of a
enjoyed, and that’s playing with my family. I spent hours in the university degree in education. I quickly realised that football has
yard with my three brothers and I remember loving being outside, the power to have a much greater impact on young people’s lives
competing with them and enjoying football. than anything I could teach them in a traditional academic setting.
I hope that, as a FIFA Legend, I can grow and expand the impact
My second standout memory came when I was 12 and I saw the US of the game to deliver this experience to more youth players and
women’s national team play for the very first time. Unfortunately, ensure everyone has access to football!
their games were not televised back then. I remember, as I sat in
the stands with my parents, that I loved watching how hard they I’d like to help FIFA in its work to leverage the FIFA Women’s World
„HEAD GAMES“ / Variance Films / Everett Collection / Keystone

played, how competitive they were and how physical the game was. Cup and other events to encourage more football associations to
I remember Michelle Akers got a red card and then shortly after- invest in programming for women and girls. This will make a positive
wards, the coach was sent off. It was the most intense sporting impact not only on football, but also on communities, as football
atmosphere I had ever been a part of and I loved every second of it! teaches young people so much more than just playing the game.
In the car on the way back to our hotel, I told my parents “I am
going to play for that team one day”. I am really looking forward to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019
in France! There is nothing more exhilarating than playing (or
And I did! While simply playing in a World Cup is incredible and a watching) our game on the world stage.
dream for any player, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 1999 on home
soil was bigger than a childhood dream come true! The event and Yours in football,
our team inspired a generation of young girls to dream big and Cindy Parlow Cone

FIFA 1904 / 1
 CONTENTS

FANS
8 Emotions, passion, commitment – the world of the fan in
pictures from the football hothouses of Buenos Aires and
London.

16 Whether at the stadium or at home: fans use various digital

channels to follow football and get closer to other fans. A
closer look at “second screens”.

8 22 From the humble fan on the terraces to the recipient of

16 corporate hospitality, supporters have changed down the
years.

24 FIFA interviews Didier Deschamps about France’s triumph at

the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ and the different players’
contributions to their victory.

31 The FIFA Fan Award pays special tribute to the fans.

32 You thought you knew every stadium? We take a look at six

unique arenas.

Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images, Peter Kovalev/TASS/Getty Images, Hulton Archive/Getty Images, Curto de la Torre/AFP
24

22

COVER PICTURE
Our cover picture shows
Didier Deschamps, who has
won the World Cup both as a
player and a manager.

2 / FIFA 1904
 36
FOOTBALL IN PICTURES
4 THE MONTHS IN PICTURES Captivating Draw for the
FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ – FIFA Club
World Cup UAE 2018 player escorts being greeted.

36 FIRST LOVE Bobrek Coal Mine in Bytom, Poland.

47 47 A CAREER IN PANINI STICKERS Ruud Gullit

54 THEN AND NOW From Mexico City to Moscow.

58 PHOTO ARCHIVE Brazil welcomes the Jules Rimet Trophy.

Tomasz Tomaszewski/VISUM, Bongarts/Getty Images, Popperfoto/Getty Images, Andreas Rentz/Bongarts/Getty Images Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

58

56

THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL

43 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE “I am convinced that we are 40 FIFA NEWS AND THE FIFA/COCA-COLA
starting a year that will forever change the way women’s MEN’S AND WOMEN’S WORLD RANKINGS
football is perceived,” says Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA
Women’s World Cup 2019™. 48 NEWS FROM FIFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

56 A FIFA LEGEND’S CAREER Dario Šimić

61 CARTOON Mordillo

62 INNOVATIONS The FIFA Technical Study Group’s report: a

completely new approach.
54
56
64 PUBLICATION DETAILS

FIFA 1904 / 3
 THE MONTH IN PICTURES

Done and dusted

The Draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™
attracted a global audience (Paris, 8 December 2018).

4 / FIFA 1904
Dean Mouhtaropoulos, Getty Images

FIFA 1904 / 5
 THE MONTH IN PICTURES

In the thick of it
FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 player escorts are greeted with a
high five from Sameh Derbali (centre). Derbali’s Espérance de Tunis
side went on to lose 3-0 to local outfit Al Ain at the Hazza bin
Zayed Stadium on 15 December 2018.

6 / FIFA 1904
Michael Regan, Getty Images

FIFA 1904 / 7
 FANS

THROUGH
THICK
AND THIN

Reinaldo Coddou H.

8 / FIFA 1904
Experiencing your team’s highs and lows is all part and parcel of being a
fan, but what is it actually like to support a club through thick and thin?
We get right to the heart of the matter, starting with portraits from two
capital cities, London and Buenos Aires – hotbeds of football both.
By Alan Schweingruber

FIFA 1904 / 9
It’s not always easy being a fan. Nick In England, the view in the provinces is
Hornby, author of Fever Pitch and one of that London clubs tend to look down their
Arsenal’s most famous supporters, writes noses on the rest. This naturally cuts no
in the foreword to the reissue of his classic ice with the capital-dwellers themselves,
book: “When Birmingham City scored who are far too busy to worry about such
their 89th-minute winner, I felt all the old matters. Besides, there is usually a derby
familiar feelings associated with Arsenal going on somewhere, such as Arsenal v.
losing – the disbelief, the nausea, the Tottenham – one of the oldest and most
determination never to put myself through famous rivalries – or Millwall v. West Ham.
such a wretched experience again.” The Anyway, football supporters are not exact-
occasion was the 2011 League Cup final, ly known for beating around the bush. As
and the sentence perfectly sums up the Millwall’s notorious fans are wont to
suffering endured by die-hard fans when chant: “No one likes us, we don’t care.”
things are not going well for their team. It
also illustrates how their mood can be Enjoy the photos!
shaped entirely by the proceedings on the
pitch.

Of course, Hornby still goes to Arsenal

games – not because he is a masochist,
but because he is still a fan at heart, every
week craving that all-important win, those
crucial three points, or maybe simply the
buzz that comes from watching your team
do well. Just like thousands of other fans
in London, which is home to many top
clubs and players. The UK capital has 11
professional football clubs, six of which
play in the cash-rich Premier League. The
only equivalent city with a greater number
of clubs that play at a professional level is
Buenos Aires, where a staggering 67
teams ply their trade.

With so many clubs, stadium-sharing

would seem to be a sensible option here
and there, but that would be reckoning
without the blinkered passion of fans in
the Argentinian capital. Waking up on
matchday and anticipating going to your
team’s stadium is all part of the support- It’s hardly the best vantage point in the ground, but something exciting must
er’s ritual, so it is hardly surprising that 60 have been happening on the pitch while this supporter was trying to beat the
of the 67 clubs in Buenos Aires have their half-time rush. After all, this was the final match of the 2017/18 season in the
own ground – none of which is alike. In Isthmian League Premier Division – the seventh tier of England’s football pyramid
the two most famous arenas, those of – and Dulwich Hamlet from South London were playing host to rivals Margate
River Plate (Estadio Monumental) and from the Kent coast. The match, which took place on 28 April, finished 1-1.
Sam Mellish

Boca Juniors (La Bombonera), there is also

world-class football to be enjoyed.

10 / FIFA 1904
 Posters, bottles, TVs, a set of scales, boxes crammed with
souvenirs and assorted paraphernalia: tourists and fans can
wander into this converted garage in Boca, the most famous
district of Buenos Aires, and maybe chance upon a rare find.
The makeshift shop is bedecked in the colours of yellow and
blue in honour of Boca Juniors, the club for whom a promising
player called Diego Maradona once strutted his stuff.
Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images, Reinaldo Coddou H.

Such cries seldom reach the players’ ears, but no matter: passion
for the game is what counts wherever a match is played in the
Argentinian capital. This snap was taken in 2009 before a derby
match between Atlético Vélez Sarsfield and Huracán.

FIFA 1904 / 11
 FA Cup ties are always a bit special given their one-off nature, and the names of the
two teams drawn against each other are often sewn into scarves for sale, as shown
here on 7 January 2018. The meeting between London clubs Tottenham Hotspur and
AFC Wimbledon in that year’s third round ended up 3-0 in the Lilywhites’ favour.

Robin Pope

12 / FIFA 1904
 The Clásico de Avellaneda is one of the most
famous derbies in Buenos Aires, as both clubs
involved (Club Atlético Independiente and
Racing Club de Avellaneda) have long been
among the top teams in Argentina. Their
rivalry is particularly fierce, as the two stadiums
are a mere 300 metres apart.

Even in the football-mad Argentinian capital,

the game has to take a rest at some point.
That time is generally in May, during the
autumn, when the identity of the Primera
División’s champions has already been
known for some weeks. An opportunity,
then, to take some pictures in the streets of
Reinaldo Coddou H., Not Released (NR)

the colourful Boca district: taking a break

from football clearly never enters the minds
of the youngsters there.

FIFA 1904 / 13
 This photo, taken on 9 February 2016, is one of
the last shots of West Ham’s legendary Upton
Park ground. Some home fans can be glimpsed
through the panes of the Bobby Moore Stand
during the FA Cup fourth round replay against
Liverpool, which the Hammers won 2-1 to
secure their passage to the next round. The
stadium was pulled down later that year.

This stand, which holds just 150 spectators,

is located in the grounds of Argentinian
club Victoriano Arenas, whose fans had
cause for celebration on many occasions
last season: the Greater Buenos Aires team
gained promotion to the Primera C
Metropolitana, the fourth tier of
Argentina’s football league.

Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images, Reinaldo Coddou H.

FIFA 1904 / 15
16
/ FIFA 1904
FANS

iStock (1) / Illustration Fehlbaum

 The modern fan uses every digital avenue to follow his or her team.
Kitted out with a smartphone, video projector, computer and games
console, the stay-at-home supporter hardly misses anything on
matchdays – in fact, quite the opposite.
By Perikles Monioudis

ALWAYS
CLOSE TO THE ACTION
Those who cannot afford a ticket to the stadium or live far away All the more so as TV consumption of football continues to decline,
from their favourite team don’t have to miss out on anything in while platforms such as Twitter and Facebook successfully compete
the digital age, apart from the actual “live” experience. In fact, for broadcasting rights in sports, as with American football’s NFL.
social platforms now offer a plethora of photos, videos, pictures
and information that fans in the stadium simply would not have Yet conversely, this is actually leading to change on the other side:
time for. with the direct encouragement of the fans, the pros, clubs and
associations are also going digital. They are addressing the fans
It is true to say that we can now speak of a new kind of fan, one directly: the gap between fans and teams has long been bridged
who doesn’t so much rely on television reporting on matchday, digitally and information no longer flows in one direction towards
but instead often engages with football in the same place they the fan, but is mutual, and shared between all interested parties.
also listen to music or play games: in cyberspace. This space not
only blurs reality and virtuality, it also extends across the globe, As a recent study has suggested, in the UK, fans aged between 16
blending the local, regional and international aspects of football. and 24 still mostly talk about football face to face (89% of re­
spondents), but they also actively exchange views on private social
DIGITAL FOOTBALL platforms such as WhatsApp (54%). They post something about
The upshot of this is a new role for fans, who are no longer just football on the latter media several times a day (8%), once a day
passive viewers of a game or a team. On the contrary, with their (10%), once a week (25%) or once a month (15%). In other words,
iStock (1) / Illustration Fehlbaum

contributions on social networks and platforms, they are now one in four fans in this age group posts about football once a
actively involved in what they perceive to constitute football. In this week on private social platforms.
world, the single TV or radio commentator for a game also dis­
appears – replaced by the voices of many thousands of fans who VIRTUAL FOOTBALL
interpret events on and off the pitch. They are multicultural, diverse Posts include memes, GIFs, videos and commentaries – including
and, in a manner of speaking, authentic – unfiltered, in any case. during the game. The “second screen” phenomenon, whereby

FIFA 1904 / 17
 fans watch the game at home on TV while using a second screen
(e.g. a tablet) for replays or constantly updated match statistics, is
highly popular. More than two thirds of UK fans aged 25 or under
follow their team this way.

The transition to the virtual game, to football gaming, is thus a

small step for many young people – if it’s a step at all. Thus in the
UK, three out of four 16-to-19-year-olds enjoy the game on their
consoles, while only two out of three actually play football. As a
result, a broad-based scene in which the contents of virtual games
are posted has long since developed on digital platforms. A virtual
Ronaldo scores a virtual dream goal in a virtual game, and in the
digital age, this virtual achievement can potentially reach as many
people as Ronaldo’s real-life dream goals.

It is not uncommon for professional footballers themselves to

devote their free time to the virtual game. They follow their virtual
market value, the value attached to them by game designers as a
track record and considered by gamers around the world as
authoritative. It sometimes happens that professional players are
dissatisfied with the playing strengths assigned to their virtual
namesakes and take to social media to express their displeasure.

The modern fan can be close to his or her team thanks to the
diverse digital and interactive options. What is more, these fans
are a vital part of what football means today, and it is safe to say
that they will become even more important in a whole range of
different ways going forward.
iStock (1) / Illustration Fehlbaum

FIFA 1904 / 19
 SNAPSHOT

20 / FIFA 1904
 Monument to victory
When World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps (centre) and his
squad walked onto the training pitch at Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines in
France, they were greeted by a giant replica of the World Cup trophy
and two huge gold stars in recognition of Les Bleus’ achievement in
Russia (12 November 2018).

Franck Fife/AFP FIFA 1904 / 21

 FANS

ALL CHANGE IN THE STADIUMS

From the humble fan on the terraces to the recipient of corporate
hospitality, supporters have changed in line with the game and its
stadium standards down the years.
By Perikles Monioudis

You’ve probably seen them on the old

newsreels – soberly clad spectators
enthusiastically watching the action from
the terraces, the men wearing stiff hats,
smoking cigarettes or pipes and holding
aloft umbrellas or shading their eyes from
the sun with folded newspapers, and the
boys shaking their rattles. Yes, attending a
football match in days of yore was a leisure
pursuit principally for males.

GOODBYE TO THE TERRACES

The first notable innovation introduced by
fans was bringing a transistor radio to
games in order to find out as much as
possible about the match they were watch-
ing, as well as keep tabs on the scores in
other games being played around the
country. Half-time refreshments might
have consisted of a sandwich or piece of
fruit brought from home: occasionally, a
hip flask would be passed around.

It certainly bears no comparison with the

matchday experience in stadiums today,
when you might miss the start of the
Joy among gentlemen The 1954 World Cup semi-final between West Germany and Austria thrilled
second half because you had to queue those fortunate enough to be in the crowd at the St. Jakob Stadium in Basel, Switzerland.

22 / FIFA 1904
 Up close and personal These Socceroos fans weren’t about to miss their chance for a picture with
their hero, Tim Cahill, at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

separately for a snack and a beer. Still, at

least modern fans have their own seat to
go back to: the older ones will probably
not lament the passing of the days when
they risked losing their standing position
by taking a break.

MORE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The transistor radio gave way to the
smartphone long ago, of course, but a
more significant development has been
the rise in awareness of diversity and
inclusion. For some time now, stadiums
have been accessible to all, including
disabled people and – at least in the vast
majority of countries – women and girls, a
trend that has gone hand in hand with the
growing popularity of the women’s game.
Parents can often be seen sitting with
their kids in the family section of the
ground, and some stadiums have a crèche
for tiny ones.

Thankfully, safety has also improved

considerably in the wake of tragedies such
as those in the Hillsborough and Heysel
stadiums, where fans were trampled or
crushed to death. A positive development,
for sure, and all part of the general drive
to make football an all-inclusive sport that
can be enjoyed to the fullest – by everyone
who loves the game.
iStock (2) / Montage Fehlbaum

FIFA 1904 / 23
 David Ramos / FIFA via Getty Images

Final preparations Didier Deschamps fine-tunes his plans

as he waits for the press conference before the World Cup
final (Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, 14 July 2018).

24 / FIFA 1904
“IT’S NOT ABOUT
JUST PICKING THE
BEST 23 PLAYERS”
Russia 2018 proved to be Didier Deschamps’ finest hour
in his coaching career so far as he returned home with
the World Cup trophy. In this interview with FIFA 1904,
the Frenchman explains how he plotted his young
team’s path to glory as well as the role of certain players
in their success.

How would you describe the football that we saw at the World Cup role of a coach is to forge a group because you are holed up together
in Russia? for a long time, 24 hours a day. Altogether, we spent 51 days together
Didier Deschamps: First of all, the vast majority, if not all of the teams, so, obviously, as well as the football side of it all, there is also the
were very well organised at the back, which obviously led to very human angle with players who need to be able to live together and
difficult and tight matches. At previous World Cups, the biggest teams work towards a common objective. The group always has to come first,
had the luxury of growing into the tournament. That was not really the and my first major decision came when I had to name my final squad
case in Russia – you had to be ready straight away, right from the start of 23. In all honesty, naming a squad of 23 players for a major compe

­
of the group stage. Every single team was extremely well prepared tition, whether it’s for a World Cup or a European Championship, is
physically as well. Of course, that will not win you football matches – not about just picking the 23 best players. It’s about forging the best
that will always come down to creativity and individual talent – but possible group to go as far as possible in the tournament.
these days, players are increasingly able to put the effort in time and
time again, which led to very intense matches played at a high tempo, Naming Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez as your first-choice
a lot of one-on-one duels, and therefore little space. Players had to be full-backs, even though they had little experience at this level,
faster and even more technically sound. was regarded by many to be a major risk. Why did you make that
decision?
You also won the World Cup as a player in 1998. Speaking honestly, For two reasons: first of all, because I picked them, and secondly
what are the differences between the top-level players in the modern because they were better than the other two. They both definitely have
game and the players from your generation? a different profile to the usual full-back in the modern game. Unfortu-
The players of today’s generation don’t have the exact same personal nately, when some people analyse a full-back’s game, they look far too
­
ities, the same characters or the same interests as we did during my much at his attacking play, but when you are building a team, a full-back
playing days, but they are at a very high level. I had a very young team is first and foremost a defender. And these two – Benjamin Pavard and
at the World Cup, but they had an enormous amount of quality. This Lucas Hernandez – are different as they are both centre-halves by trade.
generation is very carefree, very generous and very enthusiastic. But the They are both perfectly capable of playing as full-backs, as they did at

FIFA 1904 / 25
youth level, and they are both excellent defenders, both on the
ground and in the air. They are both extremely fit players, as you saw
during the tournament. Both of them were decisive. Thanks to them,
we had an even more solid and stronger defence.

How important is N’Golo Kanté in terms of providing balance in

defence or attack?
In South America, they call it “the number 5”, even though in Europe
it is usually a centre-half who wears the number 5 shirt. But this
position is more of a defensive midfielder role. At its origins, it’s
not purely a defensive position, but this player sits in front of the
centre-backs and also leads the transition from defence to attack. So
N’Golo Kanté obviously had a vital role to play, not just in terms of
protecting the defence, something he does very, very well by reading
the game to break up the opposition play, but also by using the ball
well to get us on the front foot. It’s a role that doesn’t get the credit
it most certainly deserves. It’s often like that in football. The more
creative players – the attackers, of course – steal the headlines, but
any coach will tell you that it is this player who is often the first name
on the team sheet. He is a key figure because he is at the heart of the
game and is the link between attack and defence.

Another unsung hero who had a key role – even though he didn’t
score a single goal in Russia – was Olivier Giroud. How would you
explain his contribution to Les Bleus?
When you play with one centre forward, you need to have players
with different profiles in your squad, and Olivier is more of a target
man. You can’t expect him to bring the ball down and beat two or
three players; that’s not why he is on the pitch. And often, very often,
you only realise just how important he is when he’s not there on the
pitch. He may not have scored any goals, but he had his fair share
of assists and he was heavily involved in the latter stages of our
build-up play. He is a player who works defences very hard, and he
was also important in terms of our defensive work. He is excellent in Double success Deschamps lifts the World Cup. Left, in 1998 as captain
of France (Saint-Denis, 12 July 1998), right, as manager of Les Bleus in
the air and as a target man up front, but he is also vital for us when Moscow on 15 July 2018.
we are defending. He is a real team player, he never stops working
and when we lose the ball, he acts as the first line of defence. He
really puts the effort in – everyone does, but some less than others
– and that is why he is so important. He was very important in our
team’s organisation and set-up.

And did you work on anything specific with Paul Pogba, who shone
in Russia?
Some people have an image of Paul that is far removed from reality.
Patrick Hertzog / AFP

From the very first moment he joined the squad back in 2013, Paul
has always put the team first, even though he can give you the
impression that he is focused on himself, which isn’t true at all. Paul
also played in the 2014 World Cup and at EURO 2016. He’s now 25

26 / FIFA 1904
 and in his prime, so he sets an example for the younger players and is
also one of the most experienced members of the squad. He has
taken on the role of a leader off the pitch, and he has often had
things to say, quite rightly so. If you do speak up and your attitude
doesn’t match your words, you won’t be taken seriously. But you
can’t say that about Paul. By sitting down and talking to him, I was
able to take a huge weight off his shoulders – his relationship with
the media. I believe that he has sometimes been unfairly criticised
and as soon as he felt that flak, those attacks, he wanted nothing
more to do with the media. He had to repair that relationship
because it’s part of his job. The media will always have the right to
criticise, to be tough on you. You have to accept that, even though it
may hurt. Repairing that relationship made him cooler and calmer,
which then helped him to obtain respect and recognition for how he
is on the pitch. But that’s because he made the first move. He led
the group towards its goal.

What kind of influence can players have when you are preparing
for a big match? For example, if you are gearing up to face a
particular player, such as Lionel Messi for example, do you speak
about him with all of your players or just with the players who
will have the most to do with him, or do you do nothing so as to
avoid worrying them?
We have a lot of little chats. Obviously I, as the coach, make the
decisions, but before I make those decisions, I have to speak to my
players first. I won’t be able to convince or force a player to do
something if he doesn’t agree with me. At the World Cup, I did
something that admittedly wasn’t very instructive for everyone – I
had a squad of 23 players, so of course all 23 players were involved
– but my coaching team and I held a smaller meeting with the
11 starting players on the eve of the match so that we could talk
about various situations. Again, it may go against the coaching
manuals – and of course, on the day of the match, everyone knew
what they had to do – but as only the 11 starting players were in
that meeting, there was a little less wasted time and a little more
concentration. Also, we often had some very interesting discussions
and they asked me questions about the opposition, their positioning
on the pitch, and that was something I greatly appreciated and
something that was important and enriching. We certainly didn’t win
any matches in those meetings but they helped to give the players
the answers before they even stepped out onto the pitch. It goes
without saying that the coach has an important role to play, but you
are nothing without your players. The pitch belongs to them and they
need to decide what they have to do. Of course, you have to do drills
and work on the training pitch, but it’s good to talk. As a player, I
Franck Fife / AFP

was also able to get involved in such discussions. If the coach has all
of the information to hand, he can make decisions and players have
to adapt, but it is also vital that a coach is able to adapt as well. You

FIFA 1904 / 27
have to adapt to the players, and I for one don’t believe that you can
force or convince a player to do something if he or his team-mates
don’t agree.

When you were getting ready for the final against Croatia, what
were the Croatian strengths that you wanted to counter?
There were many of them. Croatia are so strong in the centre of the
pitch with two excellent players: Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić. They
aren’t just creative but also intelligent. They will leave their position
in midfield to cut off an angle for a pass, or to prevent an opponent
being able to pick out a pass, especially in the middle of the pitch,
and they also link up very well with Mario Mandžukić, who flicks on
towards the wingers who will already be on the move. They had done
all of that in their other matches, so we were aware and keen to take
steps to nullify that threat. That’s the defensive side of the game, but
to win football matches you have to score goals. Croatia had more
possession than us but that wasn’t a case of us just saying: “OK, you
can have the ball”. It’s about how you match up. There is always a
discussion about teams who have more possession and teams that
don’t. In reality, we realised possession doesn’t always equate to
efficiency. If a team has more possession than its opponent, and
if they are efficient and if they score more goals, all is well. But
sometimes you have the ball less, and that was indeed the case for
us in certain matches, but that didn’t stop us from being more
dangerous and more clinical.

Italy, Spain and Germany have all recently been knocked out of
the World Cup at the end of the group stage just four years
after winning the title. Does that concern you at all ahead of the
2022 World Cup in Qatar?
As soon as we got back to the dressing room after the final, I said to
my players: “As of this evening, you are no longer the same because
you are now world champions”. They won’t change, but the way
people look at them certainly will. But amid that euphoria, the need
to sit down and analyse can get forgotten. People tend to think that
it’s easy once you have done it, that you’ll be able to do it again, but
the opposition will also analyse what they did well and not so well,
and it’s very difficult to maintain that level of performance. The
objective is to stay at that level and even to push on because you can
always improve something while continuing to do what you did well,
but that doesn’t just apply to us because others will also make
progress by building on their strengths. But taking stock and learning
from what you did is just as important – if not even more important
– after experiencing success.

Interview conducted by Fabrice Jouhaud

28 / FIFA 1904
 Gratitude Deschamps and Kylian Mbappé know what
Catherine Ivill / Getty Images they mean to each other (Kazan Arena, 30 June 2018).
 Peruvian passion 40,000 boisterous Peru
supporters followed their team in Russia –
and were rewarded with the FIFA Fan
Award for their efforts.

30 / FIFA 1904
 FANS

ULTIMATE
FANS
The FIFA Fan Award is about to enter its fourth year. What would football
be without its genuine supporters? By Perikles Monioudis

There is no shortage of awards these Hillsborough disaster. This moving ges- Some 40,000 fans made the 14,000-
days for teams, individual players and ture put sporting rivalry aside for a few kilometre journey from Peru to the land
coaches who gain plaudits thanks to their minutes. of the 2018 hosts and provided colourful
titles and trophies, but for the fans – who and boisterous support. With their pas-
are the lifeblood of the game – recogni- The 2017 award was won by fans of sion and commitment, they lit up the
tion is rather thin on the ground. Thank- Celtic, whose final home game of the tournament and were an inspiration to
fully, FIFA attempted to put this right in season fell on the 50 th anniversary of lovers of football all over the world.
2016 by creating its Fan Award, the recip- their triumph in 1967, when they became
ients of which are chosen every year by the first British club to win the European Who will win the 2019 FIFA Fan Award?
the fans themselves on FIFA.com. Cup. Celtic fans honoured their team, That’s up to the fans themselves.
who were known as the Lisbon Lions as
BUILDING BRIDGES the final took place in Portugal’s capital,
The first FIFA Fan Award in 2016 went with a 360-degree tifo display around
to the supporters of Borussia Dortmund Celtic Park.
and Liverpool, who together memorably
belted out the latter’s unofficial anthem PERUVIANS TRAVEL EN MASSE
You’ll Never Walk Alone, a song that TO RUSSIA
was first sung by supporters of The Reds When you’ve been waiting for a certain
at home games back in 1963 and has event to happen for the best part of four
since travelled around the world, tran- decades, you have to seize the opportu-
scending language barriers. Fans of the nity when it comes along – which is
German club have also adopted the precisely what Peru fans did when their
anthem, and when the two sides met team qualified for a FIFA World Cup™
Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

for a UEFA Europa League tie at Anfield after a 36-year absence. They did so in
in April 2016, they joined Liverpool style too, travelling to Russia in their
supporters to give a wholehearted rendi- droves and criss-crossing the vast country
tion of the tune in a show of solidarity to to support La Blanquirroja wherever they
commemorate the 27th anniversary of the played.

FIFA 1904 / 31
 FANS

STUNNING
VIEWS
For many fans, the weekend is all about a trip to the
match. It’s not always about famous, high-tech arenas
though. We have picked out six unique venues that maybe
aren’t quite so well known.
By Alan Schweingruber
Envato (1)

32 / FIFA 1904
 ESTADIO HERNANDO SILES
(BOLIVIA)
The Bolivian national stadium, surrounded
by tower blocks in the centre of La Paz, is
one of the highest in the world, standing
at around 3,600m above sea level. It
currently has a capacity of more than
41,000. At this altitude, it is hard to
breathe without a period of acclimatisation,
which goes a long way towards explaining
why teams such as Brazil, Chile and
Argentina have all succumbed to defeat in
important matches here. In 1963, Bolivia
won the Campeonato Sudamericano
(now the Copa América) on home soil.
Thirty-four years later they hosted it
again... and finished as runners-up.

ESTÁDIO MUNICIPAL DE BRAGA (PORTUGAL)

Filippo Manaresi, Alex Livesey/Getty Images

There are very few people in Portugal who have never heard of Sporting Braga’s stadium,
which was carved out of the Monte Castro quarry high above the city. There are only
two steep stands, one on each side of the pitch, which are connected and supported by
80 steel cables. A scoreboard hangs on the face of the rocks behind one of the goals,
and there is a spectacular view over Braga behind the other. The stadium, which hosted
matches during EURO 2004, was the brainchild of architect Eduardo Souto de Moura and
has a capacity of more than 30,000.

FIFA 1904 / 33
 MMABATHO STADIUM
(SOUTH AFRICA)
This stadium in Mafikeng is undoubtedly
one of the world’s most unique stadiums,
not least due to the eye-catching layout of
its stands. The stadium holds almost
60,000 fans, some of whom no doubt
make their way home with rather sore
necks after watching a match from some
unusual angles. Built in 1981, the stadium
is now primarily used as a training ground
by local university teams.

KAOHSIUNG NATIONAL STADIUM

(CHINESE TAIPEI)
Whenever Japanese architect Toyo Ito’s
ideas become reality, the result is always
interesting to say the least. Building work
on this snake-shaped stadium, which
began in 2006, took three years to com-
plete. It’s not just the design that makes
this stadium that hosted the World Games
in 2009 special, however, but also the
ecological principles behind it: the roof
holds almost 9,000 solar panels, providing
enough energy to run the entire arena.
Any extra power is then sold on to the
Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

state-owned electricity company. Even the

raw materials used to build the stadium
are recyclable. The stadium has a capacity
of over 40,000 and is currently home to
Taiwan Power Company FC.

34 / FIFA 1904
 STADION KANTRIDA (CROATIA)
Even though this small stadium dates back
to 1912 and HNK Rijeka have had to look
for a new home ground, special mention
must go to this breathtakingly stunning
arena. Sitting proudly above the harbour
town of Rijeka, the stadium has slipped
out of the public eye recently as it has not
hosted a single game in the past three
years. There is no denying the beauty of
its clifftop location, however, as it affords
incredible views out over the Adriatic.
When it was in use, the stadium had a
capacity of slightly more than 10,000 –
but happily, there are plans to build a
brand-new stadium in exactly the same
spot.
Matthew Lewis/Getty Images, Fashion Industries/Alamy

THE FLOAT @ MARINA BAY (SINGAPORE)

With space for a new stadium in Singapore not exactly easy to come by, a floating pitch
was simply placed in the bay itself. This facility has been used not only for football matches
but also for other sporting events and national celebrations. A 30m-high fence around the
pitch also helps to ensure that wayward balls don’t make a splash landing in the surround-
ing water. The stand – on dry land – has space for some 30,000 people, and tickets for the
Singapore Grand Prix are always in great demand.

FIFA 1904 / 35
36 / FIFA 1904
 FIRST LOVE
PLACE Bobrek Coal Mine in Bytom, Poland
DATE 19 February 2015
TIME 14:32
PHOTOGRAPHER Tomasz Tomaszewski

VISUM

FIFA 1904 / 37
 Wanda. Creating unique experiences to
inspire future generations of football fans and
players in China and all over the world.

www.wanda-group.com
 PRESIDENT´S MESSAGE

THE LEVEL OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IS INCREDIBLY HIGH

I have been working in football for over two Future document is to double, to 60 million, For all the plans for the future, may this be
decades now, and ever since the beginning, the number of female football players by the time when everyone praises the FIFA
I have often heard variations of the same 2026. Or that we established a dedicated Women’s World Cup France 2019™ for what
statement: “The future of the game lies in Women’s Football Division, which drafted it already is: the year’s biggest and most
women’s football”. While I certainly do not FIFA’s first comprehensive strategy to fascinating football competition. Period.
question the sincerity of anyone who says develop the women’s game.
this, I reckon it is about time we viewed the
matter in a different light. My point here is that, although the future
clearly promises much in terms of growth
Because it seems to me that spending so and success, women’s football is the game
many years predicting the same future might of the present — and I cannot think of a
be an indication that we have a persistent better moment to showcase this than now,
problem now, in the present. It is a problem in 2019. I challenge anyone to watch any of
of perception: so many people have grown the 52 matches at this year’s FIFA Women’s
so used to treating women’s football as an World Cup™ and come to a different
ever-evolving supporting act that they may conclusion.
well be missing out on the main attraction.
I am convinced that we are starting a year
Mind you, I am not being naive when I say that will forever change the way women’s
that: it is obvious that there is massive room football is perceived. The eyes of football
Michael Regan / FIFA via Getty Images

for development and improvement in fans from around the world will be on
women’s football and that there is a huge France in a few months’ time and I am quite Yours in football,
gap to be covered in comparison with the sure that, for those who are not familiar
men’s game. As the FIFA President, I know with the women’s game, the reaction will
this very well. I must know. It was not for be of collective awe at how far it has
any other reason that one of the key goals already come, at how incredibly high its
presented in our FIFA 2.0: The Vision for the level already is. Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

FIFA 1904 / 39
 FIFA NEWS

INFANTINO AT G20 SUMMIT

During a speech at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, FIFA FIFA Football for Schools Programme and mentioned several
President Gianni Infantino presented football to the world’s examples from the countries present where the sport is already
most powerful leaders as a force for good that has the potential helping to achieve these objectives, such as the use of football
to help them address some of the challenges faced in modern to teach life skills in schools across the world, integration of
society. On this note, he highlighted that “there are at least five migrants through football projects and football clinics that
areas where football can convey a message of hope and be address violence against women. “Football can bring us
used as a powerful tool: economic growth, which includes together and make the world a more prosperous, educated,
infrastructural development, education, health, gender equality equal and perhaps even peaceful place. These are also the
and integration, particularly for immigrants and refugees.” priorities of world leaders, and FIFA is honoured to be a credible
During his address, the FIFA President also presented the and reliable partner for them,” he added.

Li Ming / imago

40 / FIFA 1904
 SPAIN JOIN U-17 WOMEN’S
WORLD CUP ROYALTY

Spain were crowned FIFA U-17 Women’s

World Cup champions for the first time in their
history with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over
Mexico in the final. New Zealand wrapped up
their historic performance at Uruguay 2018 by
finishing with the bronze medal after a 2-1 win
over Canada in the match for third place. “It’s
indescribable. I can’t begin to tell you what it
feels like because it hasn’t sunk in yet. This is a
special, absolutely one-of-a-kind moment and
we know what it means for girls all over the
world and for Spanish women’s football. It’s
massive,” said Spain coach Toña Is after the
victory.

GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

FIFA has launched its first-ever global strategy for women’s Speaking about the strategy’s launch, Secretary General Fatma
football, which charts the course for how FIFA will work with Samoura said: “As FIFA’s first female Secretary General, I am
confederations and member associations (MAs), clubs and proud to launch our first-ever global strategy for women’s
players, the media, fans and other stakeholders to realise the full football. The women’s game is a top priority for FIFA and via our
potential that exists within the women’s game. FIFA strongly new strategy, we will work hand-in-hand with our 211 member
believes that women’s football brings one very important associations around the world to increase grassroots participa-
benefit to the many young girls and women involved in the tion, enhance the commercial value of the women’s game and
game – empowerment. Encouraging empowerment through strengthen the structures surrounding women’s football to
football, growing the game, getting more girls involved at an ensure that everything we do is sustainable and has strong
earlier stage and keeping women in football longer are all key results. Most importantly, it will make football more accessible
elements of FIFA’s Women’s Football Strategy. to girls and women and encourage female empowerment,
a subject of great importance, now more than ever before.”

YOUTH OLYMPIC FUTSAL TOURNAMENTS

The Women’s Youth Olympic Futsal Tournament Buenos Aires Brazil picked up the gold medal in the Men’s Youth Olympic
Maddie Meyer / FIFA via Getty Images

2018 was a landmark competition for two reasons, as the Futsal Tournament. Beaten finalists Russia also enjoyed an
discipline made its Olympic debut and FIFA organised its first eye-catching campaign, boasting superb team organisation and
women’s futsal competition. That context made Portugal’s run a genuine physical presence. Meanwhile, Egypt surprised many
to gold a historic one, as were the silver and bronze medals by taking a well-deserved bronze medal.
collected by Japan and Spain respectively. Together with Bolivia
and Thailand, the three medallists were a cut above the other
five teams in the competition.

FIFA 1904 / 41
 FIFA NEWS

UN SPORTS FOR CLIMATE ACTION FRAMEWORK

The UN Climate Change Secretariat launched the new Sports for for Climate Action Framework, and I am pleased to confirm that
Climate Action Framework, which was developed with the FIFA will support the vision outlined in the new framework,”
sports sector. The aim of the new framework is to gather sports said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura.
organisations, teams, athletes and fans in a concerted effort to
raise awareness and spark action to meet the goals of the Paris FIFA had previously joined the UN Climate Change Secretariat’s
Agreement on climate change. Climate Neutral Now initiative in 2016, becoming the first
international sports organisation to do so. By joining that
“Our commitment to protecting our climate remains unwavering. campaign, FIFA had pledged to continue to strive to become
We recognise the critical need for everyone to help implement greenhouse gas emission-neutral by the mid-21st century, and
the Paris Agreement and accelerate the change needed to reach committed to measuring, reducing and offsetting all of its own
greenhouse gas emission neutrality in the second half of the greenhouse gas emissions at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.
21st century. FIFA welcomes the UN’s development of the Sports

FIFA COUNCIL TAKES KEY DECISIONS MATCH OFFICIALS APPOINTED

FOR FRANCE 2019
The eighth meeting of the FIFA Council was held in Kigali, The FIFA Referees Committee has selected 27 referees and
Rwanda, where the members of FIFA’s strategic and decision- 48 assistant referees, representing 42 different countries, for
making body discussed a number of pivotal aspects regarding the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™. The journey to
the future of FIFA competitions. In order to continue and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ began for an initial group
strengthen the consultation process concerning the possibility of female referees and assistant referees from all over the world
of establishing an overhauled FIFA Club World Cup, as well as in September 2015, when FIFA officially started its Road to
a worldwide Nations League, the FIFA Council agreed to set France 2019 women’s refereeing project. As part of this project,
up a task force. This task force will operate under the direction preparatory seminars have taken place over the last three years
of the Bureau of the Council, which consists of the FIFA for referees and assistant referees, focusing on protecting
President and the confederation presidents, and will present players and the image of the game, as well as on consistency in
its proposals at the next FIFA Council meeting, scheduled to interpreting the Laws of the Game. Technical expertise, football
take place in Miami from 14 to 15 March 2019. understanding, fitness and the ability to read the game and
teams’ tactical approaches to each match have been the main
The packed agenda for the gathering in Kigali included decisions topics covered at these seminars.
related to FIFA tournaments scheduled for the upcoming years,
chief among them a 100% increase in prize money for the FIFA The FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 will be played from
Women’s World Cup France 2019™, as well as the approval of 7 June to 7 July in Grenoble, Le Havre, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice,
the regulations for an invigorated FIFA Forward Development Paris, Reims, Rennes and Valenciennes. The final will take place
Programme over the course of the 2019-2022 cycle. in Lyon on Sunday, 7 July 2019.

The complete list of match officials is available here:

https://bit.ly/2Ca4u1p

42 / FIFA 1904
 Vastly experienced German
referee Bibiana Steinhaus is one
of the officials appointed for the
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™.
Matthias Kern / Getty Images

FIFA 1904 / 43
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 FIFA/COCA-COLA WOMEN´S WORLD RANKING

Rank Team + / – Points Rank Team + / – Points Rank Team + / – Points Rank Team + / – Points

1 USA 0 2123 55 Slovenia -1 1424 109 Cook Islands 1159 Cyprus ** 1120

2 Germany 0 2057 56 Belarus -3 1423 110 Solomon Islands -5 1153 Armenia ** 1104

3 France 1 2046 57 Venezuela -3 1421 111 Georgia -5 1138 Guinea ** 1077

4 England -1 2021 58 Trinidad and Tobago -6 1414 112 Luxembourg -3 1136 Eritrea ** 1060

5 Canada 0 2006 59 Turkey 1 1410 113 Samoa 1130 Gabon ** 1052

6 Australia 0 1999 60 IR Iran -2 1408 114 Zambia 2 1119 Sri Lanka ** 971

7 Netherlands 3 1987 61 Northern Ireland 0 1398 115 Mongolia 1118 Pakistan ** 926

8 Japan -1 1984 62 India -3 1395 116 Ethiopia -5 1117 Syria ** 921

9 Sweden 0 1976 63 Ecuador -1 1393 117 Suriname -5 1113 Liberia ** 877

10 Brazil -2 1964 64 Israel -1 1392 118 Singapore -11 1093 Iraq ** 873

11 Korea DPR 0 1938 65 Peru 0 1380 119 Nicaragua -6 1092 Kuwait ** 870

12 Spain 0 1920 66 Greece 1 1376 120 Burkina Faso -6 1062 British Virgin Islands ** 867

13 Norway 0 1902 67 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 1370 121 FYR Macedonia -6 1056 Qatar ** 864

14 Korea Republic 0 1880 68 Côte d’Ivoire 1 1363 122 American Samoa -5 1047 Cayman Islands ** 849

15 China PR 0 1871 69 Azerbaijan 1 1360 123 Kosovo -5 1035 Belize ** 825

16 Italy 1 1859 70 Equatorial Guinea -16 1356 124 Tajikistan -5 1031 Bhutan ** 771

17 Denmark -1 1842 71 Kazakhstan 0 1351 125 Bangladesh 1009 Burundi ** 519

18 Switzerland 0 1832 72 Fiji 9 1350 126 Namibia -6 1006 Gambia * 1183

19 New Zealand 1 1819 73 Haiti -1 1349 127 St Lucia -6 992 Cambodia * 1069

20 Scotland -1 1810 74 Philippines 0 1347 128 St Kitts and Nevis -6 989 Central African Republic * 1056

21 Belgium 2 1803 Uruguay -1 1347 129 Bermuda -6 987 Timor-Leste * 981

22 Iceland 0 1798 76 Bulgaria -1 1340 130 Barbados -6 984 Togo * 962

23 Austria -2 1797 77 Hong Kong 0 1330 131 Tanzania -6 976 Niger * 891

24 Ukraine 1 1728 78 Albania -2 1325 132 Maldives -6 960 Comoros * 837

25 Russia 1 1713 79 Morocco -1 1300 133 St Vincent and the Grenadines -6 956 Macau * 813

26 Colombia 1 1700 80 Guatemala 1288 134 Lebanon 943 Libya * 761

27 Mexico -3 1698 81 Guam 1 1282 135 Kenya -6 921 Turks and Caicos Islands * 704

28 Finland 3 1672 82 Faroe Islands 2 1272 136 Dominica -6 913 Anguilla * 697

29 Thailand -1 1670 83 Algeria -3 1271 137 Rwanda -6 896

Wales 0 1670 84 Indonesia -5 1270 138 Grenada -6 892

** Inactive for more than 18 months and therefore not
31 Czech Republic 1 1668 85 Mali 4 1267 139 Afghanistan -6 884 ranked.
32 Portugal 1 1665 86 Tonga 1249 140 US Virgin Islands -6 874 * Provisionally listed due to not having played more
than five matches against officially ranked teams.
33 Republic of Ireland -3 1663 87 Senegal -2 1245 141 Uganda -6 873

34 Poland 1 1656 88 Guyana -2 1244 142 Mozambique -5 867

35 Vietnam 1 1638 89 Malaysia -2 1243 143 Lesotho -5 850

36 Argentina 1 1631 90 New Caledonia 1239 144 Malawi -5 837

37 Costa Rica -3 1630 91 Bolivia -2 1232 145 Eswatini -5 804

38 Chile 1 1601 92 United Arab Emirates -1 1230 146 Antigua and Barbuda -5 784

39 Nigeria -1 1586 93 Latvia -1 1224 147 Botswana -5 755

40 Chinese Taipei 0 1577 Cuba -5 1224 148 Curaçao -5 752

41 Romania 2 1549 95 Moldova -2 1222 149 Andorra -5 747

42 Serbia 0 1543 96 Montenegro -2 1220 150 Aruba -5 742

43 Hungary 2 1524 97 Tahiti 1218 151 Madagascar -5 693

44 Myanmar 0 1519 98 Estonia -3 1213 152 Mauritius -5 358

45 Slovakia 1 1509 99 Congo -3 1196 Uzbekistan ** 1557

46 Cameroon 3 1499 100 Zimbabwe -3 1192 Tunisia ** 1313

47 Paraguay 1 1494 101 Malta -3 1187 Bahrain ** 1278

Last updated: 7 December 2018
48 South Africa 2 1480 102 El Salvador -2 1179 Laos ** 1273

49 Papua New Guinea 1479 103 Lithuania -2 1176 Egypt ** 1256

50 Ghana -3 1452 104 Puerto Rico -1 1175 Honduras ** 1152

51 Croatia -1 1446 105 Dominican Republic -3 1169 Angola ** 1134

52 Jordan 5 1442 106 Palestine -7 1167 Kyrgyz Republic ** 1134

53 Jamaica 11 1436 107 Vanuatu -3 1161 Sierra Leone ** 1132

54 Panama 12 1433 108 Nepal 0 1160 Congo DR ** 1132

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking

FIFA 1904 / 45
 FIFA/COCA-COLA MEN’S WORLD RANKING

Rank Team + / – Points Rank Team + / – Points Rank Team + / – Points Rank Team + / – Points

1 Belgium 0 1727 57 Ecuador 0 1382 113 Bahrain 0 1178 169 Fiji 0 981

2 France 0 1726 58 Finland 0 1378 114 Zimbabwe 1 1175 170 Moldova 0 979

3 Brazil 0 1676 59 Bolivia 0 1374 115 Sierra Leone 1 1172 171 St Lucia 0 976

4 Croatia 0 1634 60 Albania 0 1372 116 Philippines -2 1171 172 Cambodia 0 970

5 England 0 1631 61 Burkina Faso 0 1371 117 Mozambique 0 1167 173 Grenada 0 968

6 Portugal 0 1614 62 Slovenia 0 1369 118 Thailand 0 1160 174 Cuba 0 963

7 Uruguay 0 1609 62 Honduras 0 1369 119 Kazakhstan 1 1159 175 Chad 0 956

8 Switzerland 0 1599 64 Mali 0 1363 120 Tajikistan -2 1158 176 Bermuda 0 952

9 Spain 0 1591 65 Côte d’Ivoire 0 1356 120 Guinea-Bissau 1 1158 177 Guyana 3 951

10 Denmark 0 1589 66 Guinea 0 1354 122 New Zealand 0 1157 178 Dominica -1 950

11 Argentina 0 1582 67 Algeria 0 1347 123 Togo 0 1136 179 Puerto Rico -1 948

12 Colombia 0 1575 68 FYR Macedonia 0 1343 124 Chinese Taipei 0 1134 180 St Vincent and the Grenadines -1 946

13 Chile 0 1565 69 Saudi Arabia 0 1335 125 Angola 0 1131 181 Liechtenstein 0 937

14 Sweden 0 1560 70 El Salvador 0 1327 126 Antigua and Barbuda 0 1126 182 Malta 0 926

14 Netherlands 0 1560 71 Panama 0 1326 127 Sudan 0 1120 183 Macau 0 925

16 Germany 0 1558 72 South Africa 0 1325 127 Turkmenistan 0 1120 184 Laos 0 923

17 Mexico 0 1540 72 Cape Verde Islands 0 1325 129 Nicaragua 0 1119 185 São Tomé and Príncipe 0 920

18 Italy 0 1539 74 Syria 0 1322 130 Malawi 0 1115 186 Bhutan 0 917

19 Wales 0 1525 75 Uganda 0 1320 131 Kosovo 0 1113 187 Aruba 0 916

20 Poland 0 1518 76 China PR 0 1317 132 Latvia 0 1112 188 Mongolia 0 915

20 Peru 0 1518 76 Belarus 0 1317 133 Andorra 0 1111 189 Seychelles 0 911

22 Austria 0 1509 78 Canada 0 1314 133 Lithuania 0 1111 190 Cook Islands 0 908

23 Senegal 0 1505 79 United Arab Emirates 0 1309 135 Yemen 0 1106 190 American Samoa 0 908

24 Romania 0 1501 80 Curaçao 0 1306 136 St Kitts and Nevis 0 1105 192 Guam 0 907

25 USA 0 1497 81 Lebanon 0 1296 137 Rwanda 0 1094 192 Bangladesh 0 907

26 Tunisia 0 1493 82 Oman 1 1295 138 Tanzania 0 1087 194 Gibraltar 0 905

27 Slovakia 0 1483 83 Zambia -1 1292 139 Myanmar 0 1085 195 Brunei Darussalam 0 903

28 Ukraine 0 1482 84 Congo 0 1280 139 Burundi 0 1085 196 Timor-Leste 0 900

29 IR Iran 0 1481 85 Gabon 0 1277 141 Hong Kong 0 1078 197 Samoa 0 896

29 Serbia 0 1481 86 Luxembourg 0 1276 141 Eswatini 0 1078 197 Djibouti 0 896

31 Venezuela 0 1478 86 Cyprus 0 1276 143 Comoros 0 1076 199 Pakistan 0 888

32 Paraguay 0 1476 88 Iraq 0 1271 144 Solomon Islands 0 1073 200 Montserrat 0 887

33 Republic of Ireland 0 1474 89 Georgia 0 1269 145 Botswana 0 1071 201 Sri Lanka 0 886

34 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 1472 90 Israel 0 1265 146 Lesotho 0 1069 202 US Virgin Islands 0 881

35 Northern Ireland 0 1465 91 Kyrgyz Republic 0 1264 147 Afghanistan 0 1068 203 Cayman Islands 0 874

36 Costa Rica 0 1464 92 Trinidad and Tobago 0 1260 148 Equatorial Guinea 0 1063 204 Tonga 0 868

37 Iceland 0 1452 93 Qatar 0 1258 149 Guatemala 0 1061 204 Eritrea 0 868

38 Scotland 0 1446 94 Benin 0 1257 150 Liberia 0 1051 204 Somalia 0 868

39 Turkey 0 1443 95 Uzbekistan 0 1251 151 Ethiopia 0 1049 207 British Virgin Islands 0 867

40 Morocco 0 1440 96 Estonia 0 1242 152 Maldives 0 1046 208 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 864

41 Australia 0 1436 97 India 0 1240 153 Suriname 0 1037 208 Anguilla 0 864

42 Czech Republic 0 1435 98 Faroe Islands 0 1238 154 Dominican Republic 0 1036 210 Bahamas 0 858

43 Greece 0 1428 99 Palestine 0 1236 154 New Caledonia 0 1036 211 San Marino 0 854

44 Nigeria 0 1427 100 Vietnam 0 1229 156 Mauritius 0 1022

44 Montenegro 0 1427 101 Mauritania 0 1222 157 Tahiti 0 1020

46 Bulgaria 0 1425 101 Armenia 0 1222 158 Kuwait 0 1018

46 Norway 0 1425 103 Haiti 0 1219 159 Indonesia 1 1003

48 Russia 0 1424 104 Libya 0 1217 160 Belize 1 1002

49 Congo DR 0 1420 105 Kenya 0 1210 161 Nepal 1 1001

50 Japan 0 1414 106 Madagascar 0 1209 162 Barbados -3 998

Last updated:
51 Hungary 0 1412 107 Azerbaijan 0 1206 163 Vanuatu 0 996 20 December 2018
51 Ghana 0 1412 108 Niger 0 1205 164 South Sudan 0 994

53 Korea Republic 0 1405 109 Korea DPR 0 1196 165 Singapore 0 991

54 Jamaica 0 1404 109 Jordan 0 1196 166 Gambia 0 986

55 Cameroon 0 1394 111 Namibia 0 1191 167 Malaysia 0 985

56 Egypt 0 1393 112 Central African Republic 0 1180 168 Papua New Guinea -1 984 http://www.fifa.com/worldranking

46 / FIFA 1904
 A CAREER IN PANINI STICKERS

RUUD GULLIT
66 caps for the Netherlands, European champion in 1988, European Cup winner in 1989 and 1990.
© PANINI

FIFA 1904 / 47
 FIFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

FOUR MORE YEARS FOR SOUTHGATE all”, and would do his GRAVINA AT
utmost to take Armenian THE HELM
football to a new level of Gabriele
development. The new FFA Gravina has
President explained that the been elected
association would work to as the new
create a new nationwide President of the Italian
system to discover and Football Association (FIGC).
develop talented young He was the only candidate,
footballers for the future. and succeeds Carlo
“We should expand the Tavecchio, who stepped
geography of Armenian down in November 2017.
football and carry out large- Gravina called for unity
scale work on a regional and teamwork under his
basis,” Vanetsyan stressed. presidency: “Because this is
England the hard work and commit- what the Azzurri shirt, the
manager ment of my staff and the world of football and the
Gareth players over the last two whole of Italy want from
Southgate years. I have learned a great us.” He urged dialogue and
recently signed a new deal from them, and their NEW TERM respect in football, stating
four-year contract, with passion and professionalism FOR PHILIPP that it should place an
The FA announcing the deal in representing England Paul Philipp emphasis on families and
that will see the Three Lions have been an inspiration to will serve a young people, and be
coach through to the 2022 my own work.” One of the fifth term of played in modern stadiums.
FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar. most memorable moments office as
Southgate led the 1966 of England’s run to the President of the Luxem-
World Cup winners to a semi-finals was undoubtedly bourg FA (FLF). Philipp was
fourth-placed finish at their round-of-16 penalty elected by acclamation at
Russia 2018, the country’s shoot-out victory against the FLF’s 100 th general
joint-best placing at a World Colombia. assembly in Dommeldange,
Cup on foreign soil. “I am and will be at the helm of
delighted to have the the association for a further
opportunity to lead the four years. He was first
national team through the elected as President in 2004.
next two major tourna- VANETSYAN The FLF places primary
ments,” Southgate said to ELECTED importance on football
TheFA.com after signing Artur development, and is
his new deal. “The job Vanetsyan committed to nurturing
Catherine Ivill / Getty Images, Paolo Bruno / Getty Images

remains an incredible has been talented players for the

privilege and a true honour. elected as future. The results of this
Experiencing at first-hand the new President of the long-term work are coming BUILDING PITCHES
how the nation united Football Federation of to fruition, with F91 The small
behind the team this Armenia (FFA). Vanetsyan, Dudelange qualifying for town of
summer was something 38, has been elected for a this season’s UEFA Europa Földeák, with
special, and it will be great four-year term. Speaking League group stage – the a population
to see how far this young after his election, he said first club from Luxembourg of little more than 3,000
squad can go in the years to that he would be guided by to reach this stage in a people, is 200 kilometres
come. I must acknowledge the principle of “football for European club competition. from Budapest close to the

48 / FIFA 1904
 borders with Romania and training and playing pitch. The Glasgow-born Sermanni ZUARES ELECTED
Serbia. The opening of the The Hungarian Football first featured at the Moshe
new football pitch in the Federation, supported by Women’s World Cup in Zuares has
town’s school yard in FIFA Forward, is delivering 1995 with Australia, and been unani-
September 2018 was a 40 artificial turf pitches returned to lead the mously
rather important event, across the country in Matildas to a breakthrough elected as the new President
attracting the attention of small- and medium-sized quarter-final appearance of the Israel Football
every citizen and every towns that, until now, had in 2007 before reprising Association. Born in Petah
football-thirsty youngster in been lacking the necessary the feat four years later in Tikva in 1972, Zuares played
the town. “In this town, infrastructure to fully and Germany. “Tom has the in Maccabi Petah Tikva’s
every family – grandfathers properly develop youth experience to bring the youth teams. He later served
and fathers, and now also football. group together in a short as the chairman of the club,
grandsons and grand time frame in order to help and went on to found his
­
daughters – participates in them perform to their own computer import
football,” said Imre Toth, potential,” said New company. “It is a big
Deputy Mayor of Földeák Zealand interim Technical challenge and a privilege
and headmaster of the local Director Andy Boyens. “Tom to try and develop Israeli
Lajos Navay Elementary has a good understanding football,” said Zuares.
School, while welcoming SERMANNI IN of the current playing group
everybody on that bright
THE LEAD that will enable him to hit
day. “For me, the most Highly the ground running. He also
important message from experienced has a passion for football in
the handing over of this coach Tom this part of the world and
pitch, financed by FIFA and Sermanni is will be a great cultural fit for
the Hungarian Football set to feature in a fourth New Zealand Football and REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Federation, is that football FIFA Women’s World Cup™ the Football Ferns.” OFFICE IN
has the power to bring after being named to lead JOHANNESBURG
together everyone living New Zealand. Most recently In a major
in this community,” he coach of NWSL club Orlando step forward
concluded in his short but Pride, Sermanni previously for the
passionate speech. Soon led the USA for two years. development
after, young girls and boys of football in Africa, FIFA
from nine to 14 years old has officially opened its
took possession of their second Regional Develop-
own new pitch and immedi- ment Office on the African
ately started to make full continent, in Johannesburg,
use of it. The installation of South Africa. In line with
the new artificial turf and FIFA 2.0 and its ongoing
the necessary foundation commitment to promoting
works took just over a and growing football
month, but was completed around the world, the new
in time for the beginning office in Johannesburg will
Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

of the new school year, provide dedicated assistance

the formation of the new and support to member
school football teams and associations in the success-
with the aspiring young ful delivery of FIFA Forward
talents anxious to enjoy in Africa. Speaking at the
their new high-quality inauguration, Joyce Cook,

FIFA 1904 / 49
 FIFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

FIFA Chief Member and FIFA representatives objectives and strategies for tion and development
Associations Officer, said: present at the gathering. our local football to benefit benefits of using the FIFA
“As the second fully The new artificial turf will from the FIFA Forward Connect Platform – which
operational FIFA Regional not only allow the Botswana Programme, and the is offered as a free service
Development Office in national team – also known organisation will support us to the member associations.
Africa, Johannesburg is a as the Zebras – to train in during the whole process. Topics covered during the
key addition to FIFA’s proper conditions, but will As a member association, four-day forum included
international network of serve as a venue for league we decide what we want to how amateur and profes-
regional development matches and youth competi- achieve. However, we still sional clubs, players,
offices. This new office tions. The new facility is have to comply with some coaches and officials in the
will provide day-to-day and expected to contribute important requirements to region can use FIFA Connect
local support in the COSAFA significantly towards qualify for the FIFA Forward to enhance registration
region as FIFA aims to work improving the quality of Programme, in our case, our numbers and registration
ever more closely alongside performance and permitting commitment is to football efficiency. Speaking at the
our member associations in the Zebras to realise their youth development, which workshop, Marlon Glean,
our shared commitment to potential on the pitch. The includes our youth league.” FIFA Regional Development
develop football globally.” new pitch is part of the Manager for the Caribbean,
The Johannesburg office training centre of the said: “With 22 member
is one of ten regional Botswana Football Associ associations from across
­
development offices to have ation (BFA). The centre will the Caribbean attending
been opened by FIFA since also be further developed in this week, this workshop
FIFA CONNECT
the launch of the Forward order to become a modern, WORKSHOP provided an important
Programme in 2016. Other fully equipped hub of IN BARBADOS opportunity to engage with
FIFA regional development preparation for the brightest Football administrators from across
offices are already up and talents in the country. Just a administra- the region, to educate them
running in India, Malaysia, short distance away from tors from 22 on the operational aspects
New Zealand, Panama, the Botswana National Caribbean of the FIFA Connect
Paraguay, Senegal, Stadium, the new facility is member associations Platform and how it can
Barbados and the United ideally situated to serve the recently gathered in contribute to achieving their
Arab Emirates. strategy set up by the BFA Barbados to take part in a development goals.”
for developing football in four-day educational work-
the country. The Minister shop on the FIFA Connect
of Youth Empowerment, Programme – the global
Sports and Culture player and stakeholder
NEW PITCH Development of Botswana, online registration system.
FOR THE ZEBRAS Thapelo Olopeng, was Hosted at the FIFA Regional 2022 YOUTH
In Gaborone, present at the official Development Office in OLYMPICS
the capital opening and praised the Bridgetown, Barbados, the The IOC has
and largest new facility and the work workshop brought together selected
city of of the BFA. Maclean administrators from across Senegalese
Botswana with 231,626 Letshwiti, the President of the northern and southern capital Dakar
inhabitants, a new football the BFA, said: “The project Caribbean to familiarise as the Host City for the 2022
pitch is big news. With the crystallises the importance them with the FIFA Connect Summer Youth Olympic
support of FIFA Forward, a of being a member of the Platform. Members from the Games. The event, which is
new football pitch was international football body. FIFA Member Associations scheduled to take place in
recently inaugurated at the These are the benefits of Division led the interactive four years’ time, will be the
Lekidi Football Centre with being a FIFA member. Our workshop and shared their first IOC event to be held in
members of the government obligation is to set up insights on the administra- Africa.

50 / FIFA 1904
 PROACTIVE DEVELOPMENT Girls Academy project. The education, have an impact
PLAN IN CANADA aim of this initiative is to on wider society and
discover and develop the encourage gender equality,
most talented players in thus improving and dignify-
Peru, with the goal of them ing the role of women in all
eventually representing the walks of life.
national team. “We’re very
happy to announce the
launch of this first academy
in Peru, which also coincides
with new coaching staff
joining the national teams,”
Canada has identifying the most said Patricia González, SECOND SPORTS
taken a talented players across the Women’s Football Technical LAW SEMINAR
proactive nation,” said Kenneth Programmes Manager at The Radisson
approach to Heiner-Møller, Canada’s FIFA. “This will allow for ar Hotel in
women’s football in recent senior women’s team coach consistency in approach Bogotá
years, pursuing a vigorous and director of the Women’s across age groups, meaning recently
development plan since the EXCEL Program, which that the players will receive played host to the second
launch of the Women’s targets every age category the best preparation with edition of the CONMEBOL
EXCEL Program in 2014. between 14 and 20. Nor is future competitive inter Sports Law Seminar.

­
That initiative has already the task simply limited to nationals in mind,” she Organised under the
produced excellent results, uncovering potential. “Our added. “What’s more, these umbrella of CONMEBOL’s
with Canada’s fourth place programme allows us to academies will provide Evolution Programme, the
at the FIFA U-17 Women’s keep an eye on all the players with the requisite event was attended by
World Cup Uruguay 2018 female players in the resources for their complete representatives of the
offering the latest proof country, with special atten- development, both as Colombian Football
of its success. While the tion paid to the biggest people and athletes.” The Association’s 70 member
country’s senior team talents,” added Rhian FIFA Girls Academy is a organisations. CONMEBOL’s
continues to grow as a Wilkinson, the coach of fundamental part of a larger Ethics and Compliance
global force, Canada now Canada’s U-17 side. “They and more ambitious Officer, Graciela Garay,
boasts stronger and deeper then get the chance to strategic plan for the kicked off the proceedings
pools of talent in younger develop in our three largest development of Peruvian with her opening address.
age groups. Few players training centres.” women’s football that is The subsequent sessions
sum up that dynamic better currently being implement- were variously led by Julio
than Jordyn Huitema, Jayde ed. Aside from increasing Lansac of the CONMEBOL
Riviere, Maya Antoine and quality in the competitions Legal Department, the
Ariel Young. Having repre- and teams, which in turn Uruguayan FA’s Chief
sented their country with will make for a more Administrative Officer,
pride in Uruguay, all four competitive and successful Horacio Pintos, and officials
have already taken their first FIRST FIFA GIRLS game, the plan also aims to from the Colombian FA
Maddie Meyer / FIFA via Getty Images

steps at senior level. As the ACADEMY give exposure to women’s Legal Department. Subjects
world’s second largest The Peruvian football by creating a model explored ranged from
country after Russia, Canada FA (FPF) has for comprehensive, profes- compliance to club licensing,
faces a stern challenge given women’s sional and self-sustaining the domestic and inter
­
when it comes to discover- football in management. It also aspires national transfer of players,
ing new prospects. “It’s a Peru a considerable boost to contribute to players’ governance and the work of
question, above all, of with the launch of the FIFA personal development and judicial bodies.

FIFA 1904 / 51
 MATOSAS NAMED because it’s a wonderful to thank the UAE for their districts of Bangladesh on a
NEW COACH opportunity, and I’m going full cooperation and hospi- yearly basis. Under the
to take it as if it were my tality.” Abbas Torabian, an terms of the partnership,
own country.” AFC futsal consultant, also the BFF has appointed
explained the good practices UNICEF as the exclusive
required for the professional Development Partner of the
management of futsal clubs. Bangladesh national U-16
The workshop focused on girls’ football team. BFF

CLUB FUTSAL discussions on the current President Kazi Salahuddin

DEVELOPMENT state of futsal clubs in the and UNICEF Bangladesh
IN THE UAE UAE, while clubs gave representative Edouard
The AFC Futsal presentations on the general Beigbeder signed the agree-
Development outlook, administration, ment on behalf of their
Former Department marketing, coach education respective organisations.
Uruguay recently and league operations. “This initiative will offer a
international concluded its AFC Futsal unique opportunity to
Gustavo Club Development Workshop enhance UNICEF’s partner-
Matosas has been named as in Sharjah, the United Arab ships in the world of sport
the man to lead Costa Rica Emirates. The two-day by bringing into the lime-
into their 2022 FIFA World workshop was intended to light the hidden talent
Cup Qatar qualifying introduce a futsal club licens- GIRLS’ scattered across the country
campaign. It is Matosas’ first ing system in the UAE. The EMPOWERMENT with a strong potential to
international appointment Head of AFC Futsal & Beach UNICEF change lives,” said Beigbeder.
but the 53-year-old boasts Soccer Development, Ali Bangladesh Reaching children through
extensive experience at Targholizadeh, led the AFC has signed a sport was an obvious move
club level. After starting out delegation. The chairman of two-year for UNICEF, he said, as
in Uruguay, Matosas won the UAE Futsal Committee, partnership agreement with children are naturally drawn
the local league title with Abdul Malek Jani, welcomed the Bangladesh Football to outside activities, and
Danubio in 2007. The the AFC delegates and the Federation (BFF) to bolster popular sports like football
Argentine-born Matosas futsal club representatives. girls’ empowerment through can play a vital role in
enjoyed notable success in “It’s our pleasure to welcome football. The agreement is empowering children in
Mexico, winning two the AFC experts and learn part of UNICEF’s long-term general and girls in particular.
championships with León about futsal club licensing. commitment to make sports Beigbeder said that Bangla-
(Apertura 2013 and This is an excellent opportun available to all, especially desh’s female national U-16
­
Clausura 2014), and a year ity and a challenge for the women and girls. The players were now “models
later the 2015 Concacaf futsal clubs in the UAE to UNICEF logo will be placed of girl empowerment and
Champions League with take their professionalism to on the shirts of the national emancipation” and had set
Club América. He has also the next level.” For his part, U-16 girls’ football team for an example for other girls in
coached in Peru, Saudi Targholizadeh said: “The all national and internation- the country to follow. He
Arabia, Paraguay and Argen- AFC is ready to assist the al matches and practice said that sport promotes
tina. “This is a great honour UAE in the second phase of sessions under the partner- equity and inclusion and
for me, to represent through the futsal development ship. In addition, UNICEF plays a crucial role in break-
the national team, a country programme, which is to will work closely with the ing down entrenched
Saul Gonzalez / Getty Images

like Costa Rica,” Matosas develop futsal clubs in the BFF to encourage more girls attitudes and practices that
said. “It’s a wonderful UAE. Futsal is popular in the to participate in football discriminate against girls,
challenge that I’m very UAE. Therefore, it can also by organising national talent including child marriage,
excited about. I’ve talked to be used as a strong tool at hunts and football tourna- child trafficking and violence
my whole family about it grassroots level. I would like ments covering all 64 against children.

FIFA 1904 / 53
 THEN

1970
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Sombrero man
Pelé is held aloft in the Estadio Azteca after Brazil’s 4-1 defeat of Italy,
his country’s third World Cup triumph.

Popperfoto / Getty Images

54 / FIFA 1904
 NOW

2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
Homage
France defender Benjamin Mendy takes a leaf out
of the legendary Brazilian’s book following his team’s 4-2 World Cup final win over Croatia.
Sergei Bobylev, TASS / Getty Images

FIFA 1904 / 55
 A FIFA LEGEND’S CAREER

FIFA Legend Dario Šimić made exactly 100 appearances for Croatia, starring in the legendary Miroslav
Blažević team that claimed third place at France ‘98. Šimić played in three World Cups and three European
Championships, and is rightfully regarded as one of his nation’s finest ever defenders.

1992-1998 Dinamo Zagreb 1992

Šimić makes his debut for Dinamo at the age of 16, The Freddie Mercury Tribute
setting a new record as the club’s youngest player. Concert takes place at
He quickly establishes himself as first choice under Wembley Stadium on 20 April.
Blažević, and goes on to win five league titles and
four cups in just six years.

1999-2002 Inter Milan 1999

Šimić sets another Dinamo record when he Total solar eclipse over Europe
moves to Inter Milan for around EUR 11 million and western Asia on 11 August.
on the back of his impressive World Cup
performances. In Milan, he slots into a strong
side featuring the likes of Roberto Baggio,
Ronaldo, Iván Zamorano and Christian Vieri.

2002-2008 AC Milan 2002

Šimić moves across the city and, despite Switzerland becomes
recurrent injuries and not always being a regular the 190th member of
starter, he enjoys the most successful period of the United Nations on
his career, winning two UEFA Champions League 10 September.
titles, one Serie A and one Coppa Italia.
Illustration: Jorge Lawerta

2008-2010 AS Monaco 2008

Šimić impresses in his first season in France before The QE2 embarks on her farewell
falling out of favour after seeing red in a match voyage on 11 November.
against Le Havre in April 2009. Twelve months
later, he transfers back to Dinamo Zagreb for the
final three matches of his career.

FIFA 1904 / 57
 PHOTO ARCHIVE

A trophy for keeps

Coach Mário Zagallo (left of
the trophy) heads the
procession as the Seleção
parade the Jules Rimet
Trophy through the streets of
Brasília, the Brazilian capital,
following their 4-1 triumph
over Italy in the 1970 World
Cup final. It was the third
time that Brazil had won the
cup, and they were now
entitled to keep it for good.

58 / FIFA 1904
Popperfoto / Getty Images

FIFA 1904 / 59
YOU WANT TO BE INSPIRED
WE BELIEVE ONE FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD
CUP FRANCE 2019TM IS ALL IT TAKES
One click is all it takes to start your journey to the FIFA Women’s
World Cup™. See ticketing terms.

Buy tickets at www.fifa.com/fifawwc/tickets

 © Mordillo Foundation. All rights reserved. Licensed by Rubinstein Royalty Management B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands; www.mordillo.com; Illustration provided by Rubinstein Royalty Management B.V., Mordillo Worldwide Licensing, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

MORDILLO

FIFA 1904 /
61
 INNOVATIONS

SERBIA EXCEL
IN THE STAMINA
STAKES
Pinpoint shots from distance and more goals from corners: the Technical
Study Group’s report on Russia 2018 makes for fascinating reading.
By Annette Braun

The report by the Technical Study Group (TSG) on the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™
contains a wealth of tournament and match statistics along with team profiles.
Exclusive TV highlights are also available in this year’s edition at the click of a mouse.

Zvonimir Boban, FIFA Deputy Secretary General (Football), says: “This is a new approach
to the TSG report, which is a modern working tool providing relevant insight into where
the game is going. It’s also another example of how FIFA is using technology to enhance
football analysis.”

KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT:

• Spain had the highest ball possession (69%) but fell in the round of 16, while France
– who finished a lowly 19th in terms of possession – ended up as champions.

• Serbia covered the greatest distance per match (113km), whereas France, in 28th place,
covered just 101km.

• Shooting efficiency from outside the penalty area improved dramatically: the average
strike rate was a goal per 29 long-range attempts, compared to one in 42 at Brazil
2014.

• One in every 29 corners led to a goal – the figure at South Africa 2010 was 61. This
trend of superior effectiveness carried on into the knockout stage in Russia, where
teams scored from one in every 31 corners, compared to every 41 in Brazil.

• We saw less of the so-called playmakers at this World Cup, perhaps as a result of the
way teams played. However, there were still some outstanding individuals in this area.
Paul Pogba of France excelled, but Croatia’s Luka Modrić stole the show.

You can find the full report, including links to the video analysis, on FIFA.com.

62 / FIFA 1904
Kevin Cox / Getty Images

FIFA 1904 / 63
PUBLICATION DETAILS:
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64 / FIFA 1904
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