The Layoff is Over

Hello Everyone and my apologies for being away so long. The International Soccer Blog is back up and running with everything you need to know about the world of soccer. Feel free to drop me a line if you have any soccer questions that need answering or if you want a specific player or team featured.

Drop me a line at feedback4gabriel@gmail.com.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Gabriel

Caracciolo has Prem Option

December 22, 2004


The agent of Andrea Caracciolo claims that his client could soon make a move to the Premiership.

"Moving abroad would be a fascinating experience," stated Tiziano Gonzaga. "Liverpool and Arsenal are concrete possibilities, even if I would rule out a Shakthar Donetsk deal."

The Brescia striker is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Italy right and he’s been linked with numerous clubs.

"Brescia intend to keep him with them until the summer but that could change if they find a valid replacement," added Gonzaga.

"Milan or Juventus? Both clubs would be good destinations and the threat of sitting on the bench is not a concern.

"After all, you can’t be guaranteed a starting shirt at certain clubs when you are still just the age of 22."

Gonzaga also commented on speculation that both Parma and Roma are keen on the former Perugia player too.

"Parma remain an important club but their future is very uncertain at this point in time," he explained.

"As for Roma, I’m disappointed that they don’t seem to be too interested in Caracciolo anymore.

"An eventual move to the Giallorossi would be a transfer welcomed by my client."

Meanwhile, former Brescia player Matias Almeyda has joined West Bromwich Albion. The ex-Inter midfielder terminated his contract with the Rigamonti outfit last month.

West Bromwich Albion Secure Almeyda's Services

West Bromwich Albion manager Bryan Robson has made Argentine midfielder Matias Almeyda his first signing, according to reports.
The 31-year-old joins the Baggies on a free from Serie A club Brescia, where his contract was cancelled by mutual consent after a falling out with the club.


Almeyda began his career with River Plate before moving to Spanish side Sevilla and then joining Italians Lazio, where he won the double in 2000.

Robson is keen to reshape the West Brom squad and Almeyda could be the first of many new signings during the January transfer window.

Other names being linked with a move to the Hawthorns are Boro's Joseph-Desire-Job, Liverpool striker Neil Mellor and Celtic's Juninho.

Report: Roberto Carlos Speaks Up

Real Madrid Brazilian star left-back Roberto Carlos has denied reports linking him to a move away from the Spanish capital.

“It’s not true that I want to leave. It’s false. I like it here in Madrid with Real,” he said,

"People are talking about full-backs and it seems that somebody is looking for problems but people shouldn’t think anything strange of me. I have not been forcing myself too much in the past five months because I don’t want to be operated on,” he added.

Roberto Carlos’ contract with the Madrid giants expires in 2007.

He has been strongly linked with a move to Premireship leaders Chelsea next summer.

Roberto Carlos Wants Out

World Cup winner Roberto Carlos is reported to have demanded a transfer after Real Madrid dropped him for last weekend's 3-2 league win over Racing Santander.


The 31-year-old has informed Real sporting director Emilio Butragueno he wants to move in the January transfer window, according to newspaper reports.

The Brazilianjoined Real in 1996 and his contract expires in 2007 but he has frequently complained about Real's reluctance to offer him pay parity with the likes of Raul, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham.

Manager Mariano Garcia Remon left both Roberto Carlos and David Beckham on the bench at El Sardinero, claiming the pair had not trained well in the build-up to Saturday's match.

Ronaldinho - A Man Among Boys

On December 20, 2004, history was made as Brazilian phenom, Ronaldinho, was named 2004 FIFA Player of the Year. Ronaldinho's victory represented the culmination of a fantastic year for the young Brazilian and a preview of years to come.

The field for the honor of Player of the Year is an impressive one that boasts legends such as: Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Luis Figo, and Paolo Maldini. Take into account the three finalists which included Andrii Shevchenko and Thierry Henry along with Ronaldinho and it is clear to see the scope of this award. While arguments were being made for Sheva and Henry, this year was one in which the best player did in fact win the award.

A comparison of the three finalists demonstrates three different styles of play. Henry is among the most talented strikers of his time. His creativity, flare and eye for goal are out of this world and his first touch is magnificent. The knock on Henry is his propensity to disappear at times. While playing for France and at times with Arsenal, Henry has blended into the background for long stretches throughout games. His performance at Euro 2004 left a lot to be desired and likely damaged his chances of winning this award.

Shevchenko is quite possibly the most prolific goal scorer of his era. Sheva has shown that he can score for Milan, Dynamo Kiev and lately he has even demonstrated that he can score for the Ukraine. His uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time, his precise shot, and his blazing speed make him a nightmare for any defender. Sheva can make a goal out of seemingly nothing, he is the definition of a pure goalscorer. Shevchenko is a wonderful hitman, however he is far from the complete player. Although he has steadily improved his passing abilities and his dribbling at pace is staggering, Sheva rarely creates his own chances. In the mold of a traditional striker, Shevchenko feeds off the chances created for him by his teammates and often looks to shoot first, pass second.

Ronaldinho is the complete footballer. At his young age, Dinho has shown that he can create, shoot, and score with the best of them. What's more, Ronaldinho has the ability to dribble any player with an assortment of moves that would make any defender look silly. Ronaldinho is a virtually unstoppable force on the pitch and his tenacity, creativity, grace, flare, talent and desire are unmatched. Ronaldinho has made believers of legends such as Maradona, Pele and Platini. Ronnie has manage to seamlessly adapt to one of the most competitive leagues in the world with very little effort and continues to astound the critics. Keep in mind that Ronaldinho is still very young as has a tremendous upside, the possibilities for this Brazilian dynamo are endless.

Fans of all three finalists should be proud of their representatives as they truly are the class of world soccer in 2004. Fans of the sport should be celebrating Ronaldinho's victory in the voting as he is what soccer should be: grace, talent, devotion, and most importantly... Fun.

Congratulations Ronaldinho!



Gabriel Mederos

Ronaldinho Wins FIFA Player of the Year

Ronaldinho is FIFA's Player of the Year


Associated Press

12/20/2004

ZURICH (AP) - Brazil striker Ronaldinho won FIFA's World Player of the Year award Monday, ahead of France's Thierry Henry and Ukrainian Andrei Shevchenko.



Henry came second for the second year in a row. Countryman Zinedine Zidane won in 2003.



Germany's Birgit Prinz won the women's award, ahead of American Mia Hamm and Brazilian youngster Marta.





Brazil was named team of the year.

Final FIFA Rankings for 2004

Brazil leads the pack for 2004 and Uruguay cracks the Top 20 with an unbelievable year!

1. Brazil 843 Points
2. France 792
3. Argentina 785
4. Czech Republic 777
5. Spain 765
6. Holand 758
7. México 753
8. England 752
9. Portugal 747
10. Italy 738
11. United States 726
12. Ireland 716
13. Sweden 715
14. Denmark 711
.-. Turkey 711
16. Uruguay 708
17. Japan 707
18. Greece 706
19. Germany 705
20. Irán 697
...

Other Latin American Teams

26. Colombia 669
27. Costa Rica 668
30. Paraguay 661
39. Ecuador 616
59. Honduras 575
62. Venezuela 565
66. Perú 558
71. Guatemala 551
74. Chile 533
76. Cuba 532
94. Bolivia 485
100 Panamá 472
106 El Salvador 446
158 Nicaragua 239
194 Puerto Rico 75.

Glazer Not Welcome in Manchester

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has backed the fight against Malcolm Glazer's attempted takeover of United, urging the American tycoon to 'buy Coca-Cola' instead. The 38-year-old threw his support behind the Shareholders United group which is determined to keep the club out of private hands.
Asked by MUTV about the possible takeover by Glazer, the Frenchman said: 'I don't think it would be a good thing. Not at all. For me, what I like and what I love about this club is the identity, the philosophy.


'If someone was to come here, we would lose everything. I am against this kind of thing because I am like a child -- I am a dreamer. I don't want these kinds of people to come here.

'If it is not Manchester United, if it is not a club where he can earn so much money, do you think he would love to come? I don't think so. If it is not like that, he can stay (in America) and buy Coca-Cola.'

Cantona's appearance on the hour-long show had been preceded by a week of tributes to the striker, who won four Premiership titles with the Red Devils before announcing his shock retirement in 1997.

Controversy has never been far from the 38-year-old, most famously when he was banned for eight months in 1995 for aiming a kung-fu kick at a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park.

Becks' Days as a Galactico Numbered?

David Beckham's shelf life as a Real Madrid `galactico' faces further scrutiny this week as manager Mariano Garcia Remon ponders whether the England captain's 'best before' label reads `December 2004'.
Remon made the frank admission that Beckham was dropped, along with Roberto Carlos, for reasons of form after the 3-2 victory at Racing Santander last night.


Quite how Beckham reacts to such a put-down remains to be seen, but the ubiquitous national team skipper has found himself coming in for increased flak for his on-field displays in the past 12 months.

'I put out the players who I have seen training best during the week,' said Remon.

'Beckham and Roberto Carlos have not trained well and I considered that they should not play.

'I choose the side based on the work they do during the week and this was my ideal side.'

Whether on duty for club or country, Beckham has seemed to be in a lull in 2004, and both concerns have consequently suffered.

At the European Championships in June and since, Beckham's role in the England team, never mind his status as skipper, has been called into question.

Beckham has had his moments for Madrid this season, twice netting match-winning goals, but his productivity has waned of late. In the latter half of last season, when Madrid dive-bombed from top of the table to also-rans status, Beckham was one of a number who longed for consistency.

Beckham's position reached a head when 17-year-old Javi Garcia took his place in midfield in Santander.

Remon is worried about Beckham's commitment in training, and should he be left on the bench when Madrid sign off for a fortnight with a league fixture against Sevilla this Wednesday, then that would be an ominous sign.

For all the money lavished on the likes of #24million man Beckham, Madrid are 10 points adrift of leaders Barcelona with the short winter break approaching.

Beckham is not being made the lone scapegoat, but the message from Remon indicates his feelings.

Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo responded to the admonishment of their erstwhile midfield comrade with mesmeric displays against Santander, perhaps fearing they could be next in line for the chop. Zidane netted the winning goal two minutes into injury-time.

Appointed early in the season, when Jose Antonio Camacho quit the club, Remon has stamped his authority on the matter by demonstrating Beckham will not be molly-coddled.

But the two-week Christmas break comes at an opportune time for Beckham, who is known to be carrying a niggling injury. If he can shake that off, then a fully fit Beckham would be hard for the manager to ignore.

Remon used his entitlement of three substitutes last night, but both Beckham and Roberto Carlos stayed on the bench throughout.

Both remain marketable assets: neither is too old to revive their career and make their omission last night quickly forgotten.

But Madrid, who have previously been accused of bowing to the celebrity of their players by selecting their `galacticos' game-in and game-out, look to have enforced a change of policy.

If results are not going Madrid's way with superstars in the side, two of the most identifiable players of modern times could yet find themselves sacrificed on a permanent basis.

Red's Looking to Import Another Spaniard

Liverpool are reported to have made on offer of £3.5m bid for Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes, according to the BBC.
However, the Anfield club are likely to have to increase their offer to around £5m in order prise the 28-year-old Spanish international away from the Bernabeu.


Morientes has found himself behind former Liverpool marksman Michael Owen since his transfer to Madrid in the summer.

With Djibril Cisse out for the season with a broken leg Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is keen to bolster his striking options.

Morientes was the top scorer in last season's Champions League while he was on loan at Monaco, but has been behind Raul, Ronaldo and Owen in the selection stakes.

However, despite a difference of opinion on Morientes' value, the striker is understood to favour a move to Anfield and his desire could help the deal come to fruition.

'To play for Liverpool would please any player and in Rafa Benitez they have a technical coach who I have always appreciated', said Morientes.

'But there are a lot of things to sort out. I haven't spoken directly with Benitez but I know Liverpool want me.'

'I had a good time in Monaco last season but I have not heard anything from them lately,' he said.

'My situation is difficult but Madrid know they must do something about me.'

Serie A Showdown Recap

The hotly anticipated showdown between Serie A leaders, Juventus, and the second placed, defending Champions, AC Milan, did little to live up to the hype. While newscasts from Italy and around the continent were analyzing and predicting the outcome and effect of a Juventus or a Milan win, the match seemed to lack a definitive flow.

The match was dominated by a cohesive Milan group who attacked and defending as a group but failed to deliver the knockout blow. Juventus sleep-walked through the first half and were lucky to not be trailing after a very sloppy and disinterested performance. Juventus' inspirational leader, Pavel Nedved, seemed to be off form and barely managed to touch a ball in the early stages. Juventus striker, Alessandro Del Piero, was mercifully taken off at half time although many would argue that he was already off the pitch in mind and spirit. On the other hand, Milan dominated the midfield with masterful performances from Andrea Pirlo, Kaka and Clarence Seedorf. The backline of Kahkaber Kaladze, Alessandro Nesta, "Billy" Costacurta, and Cafu were rarely troubled and Dida was merely a spectator in the Milan goal.

The second half was a bit more eventful for the Bianconeri as the substitution of Del Piero for Uruguayan, Marcelo Zalayeta, led to a slightly greater offensive presence for Juventus. The Milan striking partnership of Golden Ball winner, Andrii Shevchenko, and Argentine, Hernan Crespo, failed to live up to their recent performances as they wasted opportunities in front of goal and were adjudged to be offside (not always fairly) frequently. The Juventus defence did show why they are considered the best in Serie A as Fabio Cannavaro, Jonathan Zebina, Gianluca Zambrotta, and especially Lilian Thuram kept Milan's dangerous attack at bay.

The closing stages of the game provided the best opportunity for Milan as Shevchenko drew the Juventus defence and dropped off a precise pass for Pirlo who had only Juventus keeper, Gianluigi Buffon, to beat. Unfortunately for the Rossoneri, Pirlo missed a sitter leaving Milan four points shy of Juventus at the half way point of the season.

Juventus will need to regain the form that saw them burst in front of the Serie A table if they wish to fight the charge of Milan and surprisingly enough, Udinese, to recapture the Scudetto that eluded them last year. Milan were clearly the better team in this match up and will no doubt be looking to continue their torrid pace to overtake Juventus at the top of the Serie A table in the second half of the year.

Gabriel Mederos

Montero Give Uruguay World Cup Win

Uruguay 1-0 Paraguay
MONTEVIDEO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Uruguay captain Paolo Montero headed a late goal to earn his side a 1-0 win over Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old Juventus defender, lucky to escape with only a booking for a late challenge in the first half, rose at the far post to convert a corner in the 78th minute.

Montero, who quit international football after the 2002 World Cup but reconsidered this year, was playing only his second match in the South American zone qualifying campaign.

Uruguay, beaten by Peru and Venezuela in Montevideo earlier in the campaign, badly needed the win to stay in contention for a place at the 2006 finals.

They now have 14 points from 11 games in the 10-nation South American group, two behind Paraguay, who are third but have taken only two points from their last three games.

Uruguay had slightly the better of a bruising encounter despite another low-key performance from playmaker Alvaro Recoba, who was substituted in the second half.

Spanish-based striker Richard Morales was close for the hosts early in the second half when goalkeeper Justo Villar struggled to keep out his header.

Paraguay came with the clear intention of playing for a draw and Uruguay goalkeeper Sebastian Viera was a virtual spectator.

Ronaldo Blames Altitude After Defeat

QUITO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Ronaldo blamed the high altitude after Ecuador ended Brazil's 10-match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday.
'I had a big headache, I was short of air and I needed oxygen to breathe,' the Brazil striker told reporters following Ecuador's 1-0 win.


Ronaldo, despite his suffering, played the full 90 minutes and wasted an excellent late chance to equalise for the world champions.

'I'm here, giving everything for the national team,' added the Real Madrid player, who was due to fly straight back to Spain for his club's title clash with Barcelona on Saturday.

Brazil's defeat, which took place 2,800 metres above sea level, means they could also lose first place in the 10-nation South American qualifying group if Argentina win at home to Venezuela later on Wednesday.

But they remain comfortably on course for a top-four finish and a berth in the 2006 finals in Germany.

'The important thing is to qualify,' said coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. 'Losing first place and losing the leadership doesn't mean anything.

'We knew this was one of our high-risk games. They improved in the second half. We lost the game, we didn't want to, but it happened.'

Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez was delighted with the result.

'It's good, from any point of view, to beat the world champions,' he said. 'This team has got a lot of good things, a lot of organisation.

'It was very tense but, when we made mistakes, Brazil didn't take advantage.'

Striker Ivan Kaviedes, who scored the only goal when Ecuador beat Brazil for the first time three years ago, said the victory was a reflection of his side's recent improvement.

'It's no coincidence that we beat Brazil,' he said. 'We're still alive and we want the people to enjoy it.'

Miccoli Freezes Fins

International Friendly - 17/11/04 (20.30)
Italy 1 - 0 Finland
Miccoli 33 (I)
Stadio San Filippo, Messina

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fabrizio Miccoli's audacious free kick gave an experimental Azzurri side victory over Finland, while Vincenzo Montella rattled the crossbar on his comeback.

There were six new faces in the squad Marcello Lippi named for this friendly match, although only three made their debut from the start. They were Udinese midfielder Stefano Mauri, Messina fullback Alessandro Parisi and ex-Under-21 international Andrea Barzagli - who partnered his Palermo teammate Cristian Zaccardo in defence. Marco Materazzi wore the captain's armband as the most experienced player in the side.

It was a particularly special occasion for Parisi, who became the first Messina player to wear the Azzurri jersey and made his debut in front of his home fans. Nonetheless, there weren't too many to cheer him on, as the Stadio San Filippo was half-empty.

The first shot on goal came from Luca Toni, who gathered Mauro Esposito's pass and spun round his marker, but saw his shot smothered by Bolton star Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Palermo hitman Toni was again on show soon after when he just failed to latch on to Fabrizio Miccoli's floated pass and the goalkeeper was able to clear.

Ivan Pelizzoli had to make the toughest early save, as after 17 minutes he fingertipped Nurmela's deflected low drive round the near post.

The deadlock was finally broken with a moment of magic from Fabrizio Miccoli. Mauri was brought down out wide just a couple of yards from the corner flag, but the Fiorentina forward curled in a free kick from this almost impossible angle at the near post with Jaaskelainen left looking rather foolish.

Italy nearly doubled their lead moments later when Miccoli's cross found Toni's glancing header, but the goalkeeper got a hand to it and there was nobody to take full advantage of the loose ball.

Finland fought back and Lecce midfielder Aleksei Eremenko curled a free kick just over the crossbar, but Italy had the better of the first half and Miccoli's shot from inside the box was deflected off Toni's heel and almost caught Jaaskelainen off-guard.

Lippi made a number of half-time changes, as Giorgio Chiellini, Aimo Diana and Vincenzo Montella came on in place of Parisi, Esposito and Miccoli. It was the Roma striker's return to the international scene for the first time since Oct 16 2002, while Fiorentina defender Chiellini was making his senior debut after a successful spell with the Under-21 side.

Within 60 seconds of stepping on to the field, Sampdoria midfielder Diana fired wide of the target, then Toni just failed to redirect Daniele De Rossi's cross past Jaaskelainen.

Eremenko combined with Jari Litmanen and Pelizzoli timed his run well to pluck the ball off the ex-Ajax man's foot.

Montella nearly marked his return with a spectacular bicycle-kick, but it drifted inches wide of the woodwork. Chiellini found space down the left and his cross towards Toni was intercepted.

Palermo midfielder Simone Barone replaced De Rossi on the hour mark, leaving four Rosanero players on the pitch.

Italy really should have doubled their lead on 65 minutes when Toni dribbled past a couple of defenders only to lose sight of the target and roll across for Montella, but the Roma man's first time strike was touched on to the crossbar by Jaaskelainen.

Another Under-21 alumni, Brescia's Andrea Caracciolo, took over from Toni for Italy's fifth debut of the game. He had a good chance with 11 minutes to go, but his diving header on Chiellini's cross was just wide.

The Azzurri thought they had earned a deserved second goal in the final stages, but Diana's strike was correctly disallowed for offside after he had turned in the loose ball from a save on Baronio.

Pelizzoli made a late but none too complicated save on Okkonen's header, but Montella was repeatedly caught offside.

Uruguay Move Up to Fifth Spot With Historic Win Over Paraguay

The Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay has been the site of many historic moments, most notably the site of the first ever World Cup final in 1930. On Wednesday evening, the stadium witnessed some more history as Uruguay held off Paraguay 1-0, marking the first time in 47 years that Uruguay has defeated Paraguay in World Cup Qualifying.

The lone goal was marked by Uruguayan captain, Paolo Montero, as the home crowd were whipped into a frenzy. The win moves Uruguay into fifth place in the qualifying race for Germany 2006 and breathed new life into a Uruguayan side that has played below par for the most part of this qualifying campaign. Uruguay will look to build on this result and secure a place in the top four guaranteeing them a spot in the 2006 World Cup.

URUGUAY 1-0 PARAGUAY (HT: 0-0)

Scorer: Montero 78

URUGUAY: 1-Sebastian Viera; 6-Diego Lopez, 2-Diego Lugano, 4-Paolo Montero, 3-Guillermo Rodriguez; 7-Gustavo Varela (13-Fabian Estoyanoff 58), 5-Pablo Garcia, 16-Javier Delgado, 10-Alvaro Recoba (22-Vicente Sanchez 61); 9-Dario Silva (18-Richard Morales 46), 19-Ernesto Chevanton

PARAGUAY: 1-Justo Villar; 21-Denis Caniza, 3-Julio Cesar Caceres, 4-Carlos Gamarra, 14-Paulo da Silva; 8-Edgar Barreto, 17-Angel Ortiz, 13-Carlos Paredes, 6-Mauro Monges (10-Diego Gavilan 82); 20-Jose Cardozo, 23-Nelson Cuevas (7-Cesar Ramirez 61)

Referee: Carlos Eugenio Simon (Brazil)

Booked: Carlos Humberto Paredes (P), Javier Delgado (U), Paolo Montero (U), Diego Lugano (U), Fredy Bareiro (P)

For all those who stated that Carlos Tevez of Boca Juniors was having a bad year... have you met his current girlfriend, Natalia Fassi? 

Unhappy Robert hits out at Souness

Graeme Souness' problems at Newcastle have intensified with Laurent Robert expressing his unhappiness at being left on the bench.


The winger, who has already suggested on French TV that he may be sold during the January transfer window, claims Souness has gone back on his word to play him in home matches.


Souness has left Robert on the bench for eight out of nine matches since he took over and now the Frenchman has spoken of his disquiet.

Robert told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: 'The first time the manager talked to me he said I am on the bench away, but at home I will play every game.

'He changed the decision. For me, that's not very good. Now I don't know the reason why. I am not happy that I did not play.'

Newcastle have lost four out of their last five games, including three at home, and after patching up relations with Craig Bellamy the last thing Souness needs is another problem with a player.

Robert, 29, added: 'I don't really know if the chairman or manager like me.

'I have been at Newcastle for four seasons now and I would prefer to stay here and play football.

'I have helped the team get into the Champions League and UEFA Cup. We are a big team, with a big stadium and great fans. For me, my head is 100% Newcastle.'

World Cup on Sportsnet!

Soccer World Cup coming to Sportsnet

The greatest sporting event in the world is coming to Rogers Sportsnet.

Sportsnet.ca -- Infront Sports & Media has signed an exclusive agreement with Rogers Sportsnet, the Canadian broadcaster, for the Canadian broadcast rights to all matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which takes place in Germany.

This agreement includes rights to broadcast in the following six languages - English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Sportsnet, a dedicated sports broadcaster, has built a strong reputation as a soccer broadcaster in Canada, televising live English Premier League football, Spanish Primera Liga soccer and matches of both the Canadian men's and women's national teams. Sportsnet also produces Soccercentral, a football magazine show that airs twice a week.

"We are delighted to acquire the rights to such a premier world event as the FIFA World Cup," says Doug Beeforth, President of Rogers Sportsnet. "This agreement takes our network to another level and that's exciting."

A second agreement between Infront and Sportsnet covers a package of additional FIFA events including:

• Futsal World Championship 2004
• FIFA World Youth Championship 2005
• FIFA U-17 World Championship 2005
• FIFA Confederations Cup 2005
• FIFA U-19 Women's World Championships 2004 and 2006
• Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cups 2005 and 2006
• 2004, 2005 and 2006 FIFA World Player Galas

"Sportsnet has shown its commitment to soccer, in particular its popular broadcasts of the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship, so Infront is delighted that it will be showing all 64 matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup live and delayed and providing Canadians with the opportunity to also experience many other international FIFA Events" said Oliver Seibert, an Executive Director of Infront.

A Clear Case of the Pot Calling the Kettle Black!