<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>FOOTBALL IS COMING HOME &#187; Qualification</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/category/qualification/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:59:27 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Rebels 1 Mambas 0</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/rebels-1-mambas-0/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/rebels-1-mambas-0/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:03:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Catenaccio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Libya]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moçambique]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.info/?p=4012</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Catenaccio was deployed in Maputo the last time Libya played Moçambique. Green shirts, green shorts, green socks all stacked up against the Mambas. Smoke from the said SMS revolution had barely cleared when Libya sneaked away from Estádio da Machava with a 0-0 draw. Last night in neutral Cairo, Libya also remembered to score.

Rebels [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Catenaccio was deployed in Maputo the last time Libya played Moçambique. Green shirts, green shorts, green socks all stacked up against the Mambas. Smoke from the said SMS revolution had barely cleared when Libya sneaked away from Estádio da Machava with a 0-0 draw. Last night in neutral Cairo, Libya also remembered to score.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Rebels 1 Mambas 0. It must have been that sexy new kit.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<a href="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/20110903__SOCLibyaSoccer5_GALLERY1.jpeg"><img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/20110903__SOCLibyaSoccer5_GALLERY1.jpeg" alt="" title="Mideast Egypt Libya Soccer" width="400" height="266" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4014" /></a></p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Frebels-1-mambas-0%2F&amp;linkname=Rebels%201%20Mambas%200">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/rebels-1-mambas-0/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A revolta popular em Maputo não continuar. Quando é a revolta de futebol de Moçambique?</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/a-revolta-popular-em-maputo-nao-continuar-quando-e-a-revolta-de-futebol-de-mocambique/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/a-revolta-popular-em-maputo-nao-continuar-quando-e-a-revolta-de-futebol-de-mocambique/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:12:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Players]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mambas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mozambique]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.info/?p=2891</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

The Chappas from Central Maputo to Estadio Machava takes half an hour and costs the same as a loaf of bread.  There were no barricades in Maputo on Sunday.  All roads led to the Futebol.

It was difficult to detect the unease of recent days as expectant supporters cracked open bottles of &#8220;Doshem&#8221;, ripped [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Machava.jpg"><img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Machava.jpg" alt="" title="Machava" width="453" height="341" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2892" /></a><br />
<!-- b--><br />
The Chappas from Central Maputo to Estadio Machava takes half an hour and costs the same as a loaf of bread.  There were no barricades in Maputo on Sunday.  All roads led to the Futebol.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
It was difficult to detect the unease of recent days as expectant supporters cracked open bottles of &#8220;Doshem&#8221;, ripped into tetra pak cartons of cheap red wine and exchanged predictions.  This was not a day for the usual colonial replica shirt.  No Benfica. No Porto. No Sporting. You had to be wearing the Mambas red, and you especially meant business if your scarf or shirt was wrapped around your head.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
My mini bus was bursting as it passed the monumental Mac Mahon brewery, home of the 2M, the &#8220;Doshem&#8221;.  City blocks gave way to cabbage fields.  Palm trees waved in the distance.  It could have been a scene from &#8220;The Thin Red Line&#8221; were it not for the sight of four floodlight pylons.  We were now immersed in a red sea of supporters, not even Moses could part, but the Chappas found a way.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
What was it the man said, &#8220;Porque Goshem de futebol&#8221;.  He forgot to add they also like their chicken.  The barnyard creature was being crucified overroaring charcoal fires in fields all around the stadium.  Coolers crammed with cervejas provided perfect pre match company.  The women of Mozambique certainly understood the business of football.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<span id="more-2891"></span><br />
No far flung cordons or corporate hospitality tents. Police cadets made sure no missiles or AK47s were taken inside the stadium.  It was organic and organized.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
The crowd were calibrated for celebration, but after the initial exchanges it was also clear they possessed a collective connoisseurship of the game.  Yes, they loved magic football, and there were great roars for every twist and turn, flick and trick, but more interestingly, the &#8220;ohhs&#8221; and &#8220;ahhs&#8221; were in time with the ebb and flow of the game. There were no flashing of cameras or waving at the cameras. The crowd was actually watching the match!  This was not your Barclays Premier League or FIFA World Cup were real fans are marginalized or increasingly used as props.  The stadium was full with supporters, not corporate sponsors or day trippers.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Mambas supporters had their own props.  A wiry character with a cigarette in one hand and a dried, very dead Mamba in the other, waltzed around the stadium.  Occasionally he placed the cigarette in the eye socket of the snake and lifted it high to encourage the team.  The dead reptile would have been turned into a ten thousand dollar handbag in another country, but not here in Mozambique.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
A military brass band blew out a few tunes.  Some cadets sang like Welsh miners. Nearby, a few dozen Libyan fanatics waved green flags.  It was almost half time.  They knew the game plan.  Libya had come the for the classic away draw.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Halftime was more memorable as the ball-girls took it upon themselves to have a kick around.  A girl in blue shorts was chipping shots in the top corner for fun.  I have been to pitches up and down this country. Mozambique women can play!  The toilets were not classic &#8216;Art Deco&#8217; as you find in much in Maputo, but functional for half time relief.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Would the Mambas make a substitution?  The crowd wanted one.  Mozambique turned in a flat first half performance, and though defensively inclined, it was Libya who created the best chance of the half.  Kampango, Mozambique&#8217;s &#8221;Flying Warthog&#8221;, earning his keep, despite much mocking from the crowd.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Was it a bird?  Was it a plane? Or was it a lumpy Mambas supporter in his kit limbering up as close to the pitch as the police would allow?  He had holes in his socks, but no hole in his heart, and was going through all the proper substitute stretches androutines.  His sidekick waved a flag like a proper linesman to attract the attention of the ref.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
The second half saw some minor commotion in the stands.  A supporter was forced flatto the concrete.  His offence was not clear, perhaps he was caught trying a cheeky transition from the cheap seats. A section of crowd took great umbrage to this and the officer sensing he was outnumbered straightened up his collar.  The lad was now being dragged up the steps for a early bath.  Section12 began agitating again.  And then in a moment of pure common sense (possibly with the recent riots fresh in the mind) the officer found the offender a new vantage point and issued a stern verbal warning.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
The Libyan No. 23 was not so lucky.  At about the same time he was getting a yellow card for time wasting.  Another offender was Mbinho, Mambas&#8217; No. 9.  His crimewas a pair of shocking pink boots.  He could not score in the Beira Moulin Rouge.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
A bearded, pregnant, transvestite in a yellow leotard and wearing a Diego Lugano style, blond wig appeared in injury time to rally the crowd.  Domingues went wide.Domingues went inside.  But wherever the Mambas No. 7 went he had two Libyan bodyguards.When the final whistle blew the Libyans collapsed in exhaustion, all praises were issued, and auspicious celebrations began.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
This would be the last time the Mambas would play at Estadio Machava.  An impressivenew Chinese built national stadium will be ready on the other side of town for the next home fixture.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
I watched the final hour of daylight disappear from a busy intersection as buses and coachesdeparted for various districts of Maputo and to the provinces.  The Xai Xai charabangwas packed beyond Guinness Book proportions.  Meantime, hard core supporters were engaged in some stout exercises of their own, consuming Pretas in the friendly ale shacks dotted all along the side of the road.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
I could not squeeze in a Chappas for love, nor money. I even tried to hitch a ride with Libyan team bus, but it wasn&#8217;t going my way.  The Libyans had their digital devices rolling inJapanese tourist mode.  There was no police escort or if there was it was stuck behind half a dozen Chappas.  A Toyota pick up truck loaded with about 50 Mambas supporters snaked alongside the Libyans.  All sorts of funny, gruesome gesticulations were made.  I thinkthe idea was to send the Libyans back to Tripoli as eunuchs.  It was classic gest, and theLibyan players were clearly enjoying the banter.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
I finally dived headfirst into a Chappas and made back it to town for some prawnsand a nice ice cold Preta at Milanos, the Lebanese spot with the cheapest pizza in town.  I was nursing my night with a Johnny Walker Black when four Mambas materialized with their FINE lady friends.  Soon enough a bucket of the finest champagne arrived at their table.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Ferroviaros&#8217; Jeremias &#8220;Jerry&#8221; Sitoe was wearing his bright yellow official away from the 2010 CAN in Angola.  He was No. 23, in case you needed any reminding. Edson Sitoe or &#8220;Mexer&#8221; of Sporting Olhanese was rocking his red NY Yankees cap.  He had business and was in and out. The brother was cool and collected. The type who didn&#8217;t need to prepare to pass his &#8216;Blood&#8217; initiation in East New York.  Costa do Sol&#8217;s Josemar Machiasse was representing and I think it was Carlos &#8220;Carlitos&#8221; Chimimole of current Mocambola league leaders, the most merciful of Maputo clubs, Liga Muculmana de Maputo, who rounded up the posse.  I choose not to interview the players.  They were off duty.  They were relaxed.  They were quiet and enjoying some decompression time.  And they were just sipping.  But YO&#8230;C&#8217;MON NOW&#8230;Save the champagne for when you have issued a serious beat down.  Maybe they didn&#8217;t check Facebook for updates on how to act out on the street.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Rumours persists through the now usual sources of SMS and Facebook for more Manifesticoes or riots in Maputo.  The rumours proved largely unfounded during the weekend.  The tension seems to have eased, though Tuesday is a national holiday commemorating the Lusaka Accords.  Who knows what today will bring.  It is cool and cloudy and the Chappas are moving, so trouble is unlikely, but one never knows what time &#8220;they&#8221; may schedule a Kick Off.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Last night a post mortem took place on TV M, Mozambique state television.  Four football commentators and the host were gathered to grill, Mambas head coach, Dutchman, Mart Moolj.  I have seen Moolj give press conferences.  He speaks some pigeon Portuguese, but here he fielded questions in English.  Two of the correspondents spoke English, the other two had their questions translated by the host.  It was ridiculous.  Moolj was slippery, and Sven like.  One can only wonder what gets lost in translation during training.  Why so many African nations persist with dour, defensively minded, grey haired European characters to run their national teams is a continental disgrace.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Maybe the Mozambique Football Federation should set up their own Facebook page to hear from supporters.  I would join that Facebook Group.  I would set up a page promoting the firing of that Dutch fella and replace him Maria Taju, the Mozambique woman&#8217;s football coach.  I would also draft in that girl in the blue shorts to help Mbinho with his shooting.﻿</p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Fa-revolta-popular-em-maputo-nao-continuar-quando-e-a-revolta-de-futebol-de-mocambique%2F&amp;linkname=A%20revolta%20popular%20em%20Maputo%20n%C3%A3o%20continuar.%20Quando%20%C3%A9%20a%20revolta%20de%20futebol%20de%20Mo%C3%A7ambique%3F">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/a-revolta-popular-em-maputo-nao-continuar-quando-e-a-revolta-de-futebol-de-mocambique/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Price of Loaves and Goals in Mozambique</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/the-price-of-loaves-and-goals-in-mozambique/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/the-price-of-loaves-and-goals-in-mozambique/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:42:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Players]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mambas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mozambique]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.info/?p=2878</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Angela is mopping the again floor at Milanos.  The Revolta Popular appears to have ran its course.  A closer inspection reveals although most folk want to believe it is over&#8230;&#8221;more or less&#8221;, they say.  The reality maybe somewhat different.

Angela made it to work, but many others have not.  Some shops are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Mozambique2.jpg"><img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Mozambique2.jpg" alt="" title="Mozambique~2" width="325" height="243" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2882" /></a><br />
<!-- b--><br />
Angela is mopping the again floor at Milanos.  The Revolta Popular appears to have ran its course.  A closer inspection reveals although most folk want to believe it is over&#8230;&#8221;more or less&#8221;, they say.  The reality maybe somewhat different.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Angela made it to work, but many others have not.  Some shops are open, but many are not.  The schools are closed. The roads are not congested.  A few Chappas (mini buses) work their regular routes.  Spacious rides with extra leg room today.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
I traversed as much of the city as I could in the past five hours.  What I mean by &#8220;the city&#8221; is that which makes the cut on most of the tourist maps of Maputo, not including the predictably safe Embassy area of Sommerchield and the more exclusive Polana district, save for a visit to Maputo Central Hospital and the Josina Machel Secondary School.  Here is what I heard and saw and felt from folks along the way.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<span id="more-2878"></span><br />
The hospital is busy, but it is not a scene.  In the space of fifteen minutes, I saw three different women on crutches with fresh plaster casts on their lower legs.  My enquiries suggested they had each been caught up in the trouble.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
The hospital also allowed me the time to be a tourist again.  The Department de Cinecologia e Obstretretrica proving the busiest and most beautiful scene of all.  Located in a grand &#8220;Art Deco&#8221; building that in any other city, save for Mogadishu, would have been turned into high priced Condos or a Boutique Hotel, the department provides a grand first glimpse of the world for many of Maputo&#8217;s children.  Outside expectant fathers paced up and down.  Other family members of the family sat on flattened cardboard.  Mothers, sisters and aunts, all there to provide support.  Uncles and nephews leaned up against their cars ready to take the newest member of the family home.  The man selling fried eggs in the Coca Cola shack across the street was doing good business (as was the farm from where the eggs came in Swaziland).<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Some shoe sales were back on.  Maputo&#8217;s sidewalks offer the finest range of ladies shoes I have seen anywhere.  Mozambique women here class, but that is all other story. My visit to the Josina Machel Secondary School was two fold.  Yes, the school was closed, but how many buses and chappas would be congregating at Rua dos Lusidas, a bus terminus and makeshift Chappas space?  I had only a seen two Chappas all morning, when normally the streets would be swimming in them.  Museo to Benfica and Museo to Malhazine, both half empty. Rua dos Lusidas would usually be a good place to find a Papaya or maybe a back issue of The Economist, but no sales today.  The 23 Maferdene via Jardim pulled out with a handful of passengers.  Only 3 Chappas were parked up.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
I ran into Belmira, a lady who had been working at a fancy hotel since Wednesday morning.  She had been trapped and was enjoying the chance to promenade down the Avenida en route to being picked up by her &#8220;&#8216;unreliable brother&#8221;&#8216;.  We chatted about the birds and bees, annoying and overweight South Africans, the existence of God and the Revolta Popular.  Belmira provided the first clue that all may not be as &#8220;esta calmo&#8221; as folks earlier had wanted me to believe.  She knew of an SMS that was promising a return to hostilities at Noon.  Soon enough, I met her unreliable brother.  Good cat.  I told him I wanted to marry his sister and he promised to blow my brains out!  A few of his boys were in toe and I hooked up with them for a spin around  town.  They were disappointed that Friday night may not be Friday night.  They were angry that real grievances were being hijacked by dudes who just want rob folk.   Numbers were exchanged.  I was promised we would all go out and do a different kind of damage, if the Maputo pitch passed a late inspection.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Once back on foot on Avenida Alberto Luthuli I managed to make the sacred pilgrimage on to the Ferrovarios pitch.  Founded in 1924.  The team of the railroad workers. The Penarol of Mozambique.  It was a magical football moment and reminded me that I did not have the equipment (stolen long ago in South Africa) to provide colour to these reports.  If only I could share the sights and sounds of this mind blowing city.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Again, I was a tourist.  But not for long.  I met a man who was for Desportivo de Maputo.  He told me trouble was being promised for 5 pm.  I met another woman walking on the street.  Was it true there will be trouble again today?  Yes, 5 pm, they are saying.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Now I was far from the so called safe areas. And to weight to the rumours I saw two truck loads of heavy set, heavily armed riot police, tear gas canisters up to the gills, heading toward what I can best assume was the Chammanculo area of town.  I was then in what they Alta Mae district.  Various characters suggested I not keep in the direction I was going.  &#8220;Problemo&#8221;, they say.  I was then on Avendia da Zambia heading up to Avenida de Angola.  Avendia de Angola, nao, they said.  I retreated.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
And yet again, I was tourist.  The Jummid Mosque calling for prayers.  I listened and wondered what I would be like if I had diplomatic relations with God.  Close by, graffiti called for an end to prostitution. Next, the main Maputo Mercado was the attraction.  It was open, but not its bustling self.  Maybe two thirds of the shutters were closed.  This can probably be best explained by the call to prayers, but I was not sure all of the said vendors were of the muslim faith.  I could still find a fantastic piece of Peixe for dinner.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
I quickly shuttled down and across to the main Maputo shopping mall.  It proved even less accommodating.  Most shops were closed.  It was now about 1pm, but  the Western style Supermercado was half full.  They had just closed their shutters.  No more customers.  They were closing early.  If there was going to be trouble, they were not going to have the &#8220;Shoprite&#8221; experience.  The rumours in the mall were that Shoprite (somewhere in Alta Mae) was having troubles.  It would explain the convoy of riot police that whizzed past me an hour or so before.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
I have omitted to speak of Matola.  I suppose you could say the Brooklyn of Maputo. A stand alone city in its own right, but part of the greater metropolis of the capital.  Much of the rioting has occurred there in the past two days.  Locals I spoke to in the mall said it was as bad in Matola right now as it had been at any time since violence.  I cannot verify this.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Who knows?  I am back where I started the day.  There is the Lebanese place.  The Moroccan place.  The Portuguese place.  The South African place.  You get the picture.  There is a less than an hour of daylight and who knows what the night will bring.  You want to believe &#8220;esta calmo&#8221;&#8216;, but the tension suggests maybe &#8220;mais problemo&#8221;.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Finally, I managed to secure a ticket for Sunday&#8217;s African Nations Qualifier in Maputo.  Mozambique are hosting Libya.  The tickets were selling at the kiosk outside the old movie theatre on Avenida 25 September.  The most expensive tickets were 200 Metacais (little over US$5) and 100 Metacais.  There was takers, and I waited my turn.  I asked the grey haired vendor if the Revolta Popular Continua&#8230;Domingo? &#8221;Futebol nao tem problemo!&#8221;  Porque, I asked.  &#8220;Porque gostam de Futebol!&#8221;<br />
<!-- b--><br />
I will be comparing the price of loaves and goals next.</p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Fthe-price-of-loaves-and-goals-in-mozambique%2F&amp;linkname=The%20Price%20of%20Loaves%20and%20Goals%20in%20Mozambique">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/the-price-of-loaves-and-goals-in-mozambique/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beyond the Pharoahs&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/beyond-the-pharoahs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/beyond-the-pharoahs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:25:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cameroon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cote d'Ivoire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nigeria]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.net/?p=1761</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Can Africa&#8217;s World Cup qualifiers respond and take their game to a higher level.  There were precious few clues in Angola to suggest they could.  One would tend not to identify Pussy Cats, Super Turkeys and Tuskless Elephants as World Cup winning species, but if Cameroon, Nigeria and Cote d&#8217;Ivoire apply themselves like [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/black-stars-1.jpg" alt="black-stars-1" title="black-stars-1" width="544" height="344" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1763" /><br />
<!-- b--><br />
Can Africa&#8217;s World Cup qualifiers respond and take their game to a higher level.  There were precious few clues in Angola to suggest they could.  One would tend not to identify Pussy Cats, Super Turkeys and Tuskless Elephants as World Cup winning species, but if Cameroon, Nigeria and Cote d&#8217;Ivoire apply themselves like Black Stars they could move beyond the shadow of the Pharoahs and rediscover their fierceness.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
The Black Stars were not predicted to shine in Angola.  A significant number of their established names were injured or sulking.  But with Milovan Rajevec, an old Yugoslav in command of the x&#8217;s and o&#8217;s, and a squad of U20 World Cup winners to choose from, folks should not have been so surprised.  There has been plenty of talk of those who filled the boots of Appiah, Essien, Mensah and Muntari.  Agyemang-Badu, Asamoah, Ayew and Inkoom are now household names, the equal of any Pharoah or sulking star. Ghana&#8217;s graduates will give pause to Australia, Germany and Serbia, who should note the Pharoahs may not have been so pleased with themselves if Rajevec had also introduced goalkeeper Daniel Adjei and centre forward Dominic Adiyah.  Ghana were just an Adjei fingertip and an Adiyah toe poke away from closing down the party at Club Pharoah.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
So how will Les Éléphants, Les Lions Indomptables and Super Eagles respond to their inglorious exits from Angola?  Will they promote from their junior ranks?  Will they advertise for an old partizan with a chalkboard?  They could do all of the above, but nothing will change for them if the likes of Drogba, Eto&#8217;s and Yakubu don&#8217;t believe.</p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Fbeyond-the-pharoahs%2F&amp;linkname=Beyond%20the%20Pharoahs%26%238230%3B">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/beyond-the-pharoahs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Props to the Pharoahs!</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/props-to-the-pharoahs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/props-to-the-pharoahs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:20:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Egypt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hasan Shehata]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pharoahs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.net/?p=1752</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

The 2010 African Cup of Nations provided a political appetizer to Africa&#8217;s first World Cup.  A stubborn stain remains, but it should not distract from Egypt&#8217;s remarkable three consecutive African Nations Cups.

Props to the Pharoahs!  Hassan Shehata had them playing some seriously penetrating football.  They were passing and moving like a Bob Paisley machine &#8212; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/hadary-and-zidan.jpg" alt="FBL-AFR2008-CAN-CMR-EGY" title="FBL-AFR2008-CAN-CMR-EGY" width="540" height="344" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1754" /><br />
<!-- b--><br />
The 2010 African Cup of Nations provided a political appetizer to Africa&#8217;s first World Cup.  A stubborn stain remains, but it should not distract from Egypt&#8217;s remarkable three consecutive African Nations Cups.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Props to the Pharoahs!  Hassan Shehata had them playing some seriously penetrating football.  They were passing and moving like a Bob Paisley machine &#8212; and that&#8217;s the highest of all high compliments one can make about a football manager.  Aboutrika, Mido and Zaki, all seemed like yesterday&#8217;s men, as precocious and timely talents like Shikabla and Geddo combined with creative mainstays like Hassan, Motaeb and Zidan to persuade the ball into their opponents net.  Gomaa and El Hadary ensured there would be few arguments at the other end.  The Pharoahs will be missed in South Africa, especially when some European adventurers hack their way South in search of the treasure that is avoiding defeat.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
And how will Africa&#8217;s World Cup qualifiers respond?  The Pharoahs provided a clinic, but there were also important lessons to be learned from the performances of Malawi and Zambia.  In a word: BELIEVE.</p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Fprops-to-the-pharoahs%2F&amp;linkname=Props%20to%20the%20Pharoahs%21">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/props-to-the-pharoahs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Your Uruguay Starter for Ten</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/your-uruguay-starter-for-ten/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/your-uruguay-starter-for-ten/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:10:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Charrúas. La Celeste]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uruguay]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.net/?p=1607</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

URUGUAY has 4 Stars on their shirts because&#8230;(&#8220;BUZZ&#8230;Jesus, Jones College, Cambridge&#8221;) because&#8230;Uruguay have been World Champions on 4 occasions: 1924, 1928, 1930 and 1950.  The Gold Medalists of Paris and Amsterdam were recognized as World Champions by FIFA.

Uruguay has never played a fixture against 5 of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.  They are: [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/young_uruguayans_playing_football_in_ciudad_vieja_montevideo_uruguay.jpg" alt="young_uruguayans_playing_football_in_ciudad_vieja_montevideo_uruguay" title="young_uruguayans_playing_football_in_ciudad_vieja_montevideo_uruguay" width="540" height="344" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1608" /><br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>URUGUAY</strong> has 4 Stars on their shirts because&#8230;(&#8220;BUZZ&#8230;Jesus, Jones College, Cambridge&#8221;) because&#8230;Uruguay have been World Champions on 4 occasions: 1924, 1928, 1930 and 1950.  The Gold Medalists of Paris and Amsterdam were recognized as World Champions by FIFA.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Uruguay has never played a fixture against 5 of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.  They are: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Greece, and Nigeria.  It is possible for Uruguay to play against Greece and or North Korea in the 1st Round in South Africa for the first time.  Los Charrúas will have to wait until the later rounds to get its claws into the Lions Indomptables, Les Éléphants and or the Super Eagles&#8230;<strong>Garra Charrúa</strong>!!!<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> has beaten Argentina on 54 occasions, including the <a href="http://davidpatricklane.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/the-greatest-game-saving-tackle-of-all-time.html">1930 World Cup Final</a>.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> has scored more goals against Argentina than any other qualifier.  213.  Count them.  Más goles!  Menos culata tranplantes!<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay </strong>has beaten Brazil on 20 occasions, including the final fixture of the <a href="http://davidpatricklane.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/el-maracanaso.html">1950 World Cup Final</a>.  Uruguay&#8217;s victory ensured they lifted the World Cup in Brazil.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay </strong>is ranked 19th by FIFA, but is ranked 10th by Nate Silver, he of Soccer Power Index fame.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> has never beaten Algeria, Denmark, Germany, Honduras, Portugal, or Spain. Uruguay could face three of those nations in the first round.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Germany, Honduras, <strong>Uruguay</strong> and Portugal could be El Otro Grupo de la Muerte!<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Slovenia is the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup.  <strong>Uruguay</strong> is the smallest to win a World Cup!<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<span id="more-1607"></span><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> has a one in three chance of facing hosts South Africa in the 1st Round.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Does <strong>Uruguay</strong> want to play the hosts?  Probably.  Of the other seeded nations, Uruguay only has a winning record against England.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> has played England on 10 occasions, winning 4, drawing 3.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay </strong>has played Germany on 8 occasions, losing 6, drawing 2.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> has played Italy on 6 occasions, winning 1, losing 2, drawing 3.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> has played the Netherlands on 2 occasions, winning 1, losing 1.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> has played Spain on 8 occasions, losing 2, drawing 5.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> fear no one.  <strong>Uruguay</strong> has a reputation for thuggish tackling and extracurricular trickery.  The post-dictatorial generation were the most accomplished violators, yet the &#8220;Dossier on Uruguay&#8221; remains stuck on 1970s and 1980s stereotypes.  <strong>Uruguay </strong>deserves to have that recycled and tired tag torn from the narrative.  South African will provide Uruguay with that opportunity.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Uruguay</strong> can win the World Cup.  All Uruguayans believe <strong>Uruguay</strong> can win the World Cup.  Winning the World Cup is a Uruguayan state of mind.  It is this belief that gives <strong>Uruguay</strong> the edge over other qualifiers.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
SOY CELESTE&#8230;SOY CELESTE&#8230;SOY CELESTE</p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Fyour-uruguay-starter-for-ten%2F&amp;linkname=Your%20Uruguay%20Starter%20for%20Ten">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/your-uruguay-starter-for-ten/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Silver Underestimates Slovakia</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/silver-underestimates-slovakia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/silver-underestimates-slovakia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:56:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Honduras]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nate Silver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Slovakia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uruguay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World Cup 2010]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.net/?p=1586</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nate Silver is a box score genius.  Nate Silver can call states, counties and wards like no other.  But can Nate predict the winner of the World Cup?



Some of our global readers may find Nate Silver&#8217;s statistical offerings on &#8220;soccer&#8221; other worldly.  Who is this four eyed American running the numbers on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/">Nate Silver</a> is a box score genius.  Nate Silver can call states, counties and wards like no other.  But can Nate predict the winner of the World Cup?<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nate-silver.jpg" alt="nate-silver" title="nate-silver" width="540" height="344" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1592" /><br />
<!-- b--><br />
Some of our global readers may find Nate Silver&#8217;s statistical offerings on &#8220;soccer&#8221; other worldly.  Who is this four eyed American running the numbers on our game, I hear some of you dismissively spit.  But can it be true one can only understand football if one starts drinking about eleven in the morning in a backstreet pub or bar in the vicinity of some corrugated contraption called a football ground.  There has to be a middle ground.  Nate Silver deserves the utmost respect.  But you know among the remnants of ale, chips, pies and gravy that your guts can tell you something Nate&#8217;s numbers cannot.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Nate has promised to delve into football realm for some time.  His arrival is most welcome.  FIFA has improved its ranking system.  FIFA&#8217;s seeds were the deserving form teams (though Silver has a minor objection preferring Portugal over Italy.)  Still, Silver&#8217;s <a href="http://espn.go.com/soccer/spi/rankings">Soccer Power Index</a> is the Snow Leopard of upgrades.  It is on paper at least, the best ranking of international football.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
But can the running of fun football statistics really predict winners with such scientific certitude.  How can it, for example, adjust for the emergence of a Uruguayan midfield prodigy, the determination African Disapora players from random places like Honduras to perform at that higher level, or the late call up of that left back capable of both the beautiful football and the most horrendous crimes ever witnessed on a football field, where one No.3&#8217;s mis-kick can find the back of the net or break Beckham&#8217;s leg in three places, not to mention all the other shenanigans?<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<span id="more-1586"></span><br />
As noted here yesterday, random lady luck has smiled on Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.  Each has a one in three chance of being grouped with South Africa, arguably the weakest host in the tournament&#8217;s history, though Switzerland, Spain and the USA have good cases for not being up to scratch when it was their turn.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Silver&#8217;s Theirry Henry is luck.  Such luck will continue through today&#8217;s draw.  Three nations will draw New Zealand. Then from that starting point Nate will run his regressions and look for his normal distributions and soon enough he will predict game and group winners and the ultimate winners of the World Cup.  You would be wise to follow his word at the wide wonderful world of online turf accountants and soccer spreaders.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
But a word of caution.  If Nate nurtures the idea solely based on the numbers that England&#8217;s dream draw would include Algeria and Slovakia, then my guts filled with lashings of lham lhalou and lager humbly suggest he expand his data set.</p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Fsilver-underestimates-slovakia%2F&amp;linkname=Silver%20Underestimates%20Slovakia">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/silver-underestimates-slovakia/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pot Observations</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/pot-observations/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/pot-observations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:38:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Argentina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brazil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Côte d’Ivoire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[France]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Germany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Honduras]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Zealand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Korea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paraguay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portugal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Slovakia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Slovenia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[South Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uruguay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World Cup Draw 2010]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.net/?p=1574</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[TEN POT OBSERVATIONS.



1. FIFA got the seedings right.  Pot 1 seeds earned their ranking.  France did not.  France&#8217;s final appearance was four years ago.

2. Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay have come out of the pot alignment better than most.  Each of the smaller South American nations will avoid the big five African [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>TEN POT OBSERVATIONS.</strong><br />
<!-- b--><br />
<img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/potjie.jpg" alt="potjie" title="potjie" width="480" height="344" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1576" /><br />
<!-- b--><br />
1. FIFA got the seedings right.  Pot 1 seeds earned their ranking.  <strong>France</strong> did not.  France&#8217;s final appearance was four years ago.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
2. <strong>Chile</strong>, <strong>Paraguay</strong> and <strong>Uruguay</strong> have come out of the pot alignment better than most.  Each of the smaller South American nations will avoid the big five African qualifiers in the 1st Round.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
3. <strong>Argentina</strong> and <strong>Brazil</strong> cannot avoid the African qualifiers from Pot 3. The seeds for two potential Groups of Death have now been sown.  Has FIFA put <strong>Brazil</strong> at risk for an early bath?<br />
<!-- b--><br />
4. The most frightening Group of Death would be: <strong>Brazil</strong>, <strong>Mexico</strong>, <strong>Côte d’Ivoire</strong> and <strong>Portugal</strong>.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
5. The dark horse of Pot 2 is <strong>Honduras</strong>.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<span id="more-1574"></span><br />
6. The tournament&#8217;s top scorer will probably find his country drawn against <strong>New Zealand</strong> in the 1st Round.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
7. <strong>Slovenia</strong> will not be the dark horse of Pot 4.  <strong>Slovakia</strong> might be.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
8. <strong>South Africa</strong> need the luck of the draw more than most.  The hosts will hope to be grouped with both <strong>New Zealand</strong> and <strong>Slovenia</strong>.  So will every other team from Pots 1 and 3, for that matter.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
9. <strong>Algeria</strong> could draw both <strong>France</strong> and <strong>Germany</strong>. The Desert Foxes will appreciate the luck of being thrown into that particular garlic and beer feed chicken coop.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
10. <strong>Italy</strong> could renew some old acquaintances.  <strong>North Korea</strong> can beat <strong>Italy</strong>, again.  And <strong>Chile</strong> can beat <strong>Italy</strong> up, again.</p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Fpot-observations%2F&amp;linkname=Pot%20Observations">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/pot-observations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Organising Committee Comes Correct</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/organising-committee-comes-correct/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/organising-committee-comes-correct/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:13:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cape Town]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World Cup Draw 2010]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.net/?p=1563</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Move over, Heidi.  Johnny Clegg coming.



The FIFA Organising Committee came correct today.  The decision to base the procedure for the Final Draw of the 2010 World Cup on the October 2009 World Ranking is a good one.  The ranking system was raw at first, but now it is more refined and provides [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Move over, Heidi.  Johnny Clegg coming.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<img src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/world-cup-draw-2006.jpg" alt="world-cup-draw-2006" title="world-cup-draw-2006" width="540" height="344" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1565" /><br />
<!-- b--><br />
The FIFA Organising Committee came correct today.  The decision to base the procedure for the Final Draw of the 2010 World Cup on the October 2009 World Ranking is a good one.  The ranking system was raw at first, but now it is more refined and provides a rather useful way to measure the relative successes and failures of the world&#8217;s footballing nations.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>South Africa</strong> will be joined by <strong>Brazil</strong>, <strong>Spain</strong>, <strong>the Netherlands</strong>, <strong>Italy</strong>, <strong>Germany</strong>, <strong>Argentina</strong> and <strong>England</strong> as the seeded teams in <strong>Pot 1</strong>.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
The other 24 teams will be divided into the 3 pots, each with 8 teams.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Pot 2</strong> will consist of teams from Asia (<strong>Australia</strong>, <strong>Japan</strong>, <strong>Korea DPR</strong>, <strong>Korea Republic</strong>), North, Central America and the Caribbean (<strong>Honduras</strong>, <strong>Mexico</strong>, <strong>USA</strong>) and Oceania (<strong>New Zealand</strong>)<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Pot 3</strong> will include teams from Africa (<strong>Algeria</strong>, <strong>Cameroon</strong>, <strong>Côte d’Ivoire</strong>, <strong>Ghana</strong>, <strong>Nigeria</strong>) and South America (<strong>Chile</strong>, <strong>Paraguay</strong>, <strong>Uruguay</strong>)<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<strong>Pot 4</strong> will contain the remaining European teams (<strong>Denmark</strong>, <strong>France</strong>, <strong>Greece</strong>, <strong>Portugal</strong>, <strong>Serbia</strong>, <strong>Slovakia</strong>, <strong>Slovenia</strong> and <strong>Switzerland</strong>)<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<span id="more-1563"></span><br />
South Africa will be automatically positioned in Group A; the other seeded teams will be drawn into the other groups B-H.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Geographical criteria will also accounted for, ensuring no two teams from the same confederation will be drawn in the same group (except European teams, where a maximum of two will be in a group).<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Bring it on.  We&#8217;ll be exploring all the possible permutations in our next post.</p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Forganising-committee-comes-correct%2F&amp;linkname=Organising%20Committee%20Comes%20Correct">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/organising-committee-comes-correct/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Los Charrúas on Twitter</title>
		<link>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/los-charruas-on-twitter/</link>
		<comments>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/los-charruas-on-twitter/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Patrick Lane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Charrúas. La Celeste]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uruguay]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.footballiscominghome.net/?p=1557</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I will be Twittering on Uruguay for The Guardian during the World Cup draw in Cape Town.

Expect a heavy Uruguayan flavour in the coming hours.  A virtual Dulce de Leche of Uruguayan football.


Share/Save]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="text-decoration: none;">I will be Twittering on Uruguay for <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football">The Guardian</a></span> during the World Cup draw in Cape Town.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
Expect a heavy Uruguayan flavour in the coming hours.  A virtual Dulce de Leche of Uruguayan football.<br />
<!-- b--><br />
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1558" title="uruguay-1924" src="http://www.footballiscominghome.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/uruguay-1924.jpg" alt="uruguay-1924" width="540" height="344" /></p>
<a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?&amp;linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballiscominghome.info%2Fqualification%2Flos-charruas-on-twitter%2F&amp;linkname=Los%20Charr%C3%BAas%20on%20Twitter">Share/Save</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.footballiscominghome.info/qualification/los-charruas-on-twitter/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

