Algeria
Back in August 2018, when newly appointed Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi gave his first press conference, the team he inherited were playing badly and on a run of poor results.
Yet despite the air of pessimism around the side, not helped by coming up well short in their bid to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the new man at the helm told the media: “I'll go to Egypt and come back with the Cup of Nations.”
This statement sounded like wishful thinking at the time, but Belmadi - dubbed ‘the African Special One’ - made good on his promise, lifting the continental crown just ten months later. That African title, only the second in the country’s history and first on foreign soil, featured wins over heavyweights like Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria.
In a frank interview with FIFA.com, the coach discussed that achievement, his nomination this year for The Best FIFA Men's Coach Award, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers for Qatar 2022.
Back in August 2018, when newly appointed Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi gave his first press conference, the team he inherited were playing badly and on a run of poor results.
Yet despite the air of pessimism around the side, not helped by coming up well short in their bid to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the new man at the helm told the media: “I'll go to Egypt and come back with the Cup of Nations.”
This statement sounded like wishful thinking at the time, but Belmadi - dubbed ‘the African Special One’ - made good on his promise, lifting the continental crown just ten months later. That African title, only the second in the country’s history and first on foreign soil, featured wins over heavyweights like Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria.
In a frank interview with FIFA.com, the coach discussed that achievement, his nomination this year for The Best FIFA Men's Coach Award, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers for Qatar 2022.
When I’m in Algeria, I see clearly the positive impact of the African title on the lives of its people. I can't find the words to describe how happy I am about what I've given the people of my country.
The Best FIFA Football Awards
Rose Lavelle was one of the breakout stars of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™. Her goal in the tournament decider showcased everything that is special about the Cincinnati-born midfielder: creativity, drive and quality.
Inspired by her predecessors 20 years ago, despite being just 24 herself, Lavelle arrived into the USA women's side as part of a new generation of stars, who assimilated fantastically with the 2015 winners to continue what she sees as a long-running legacy of "never-say-die, never-quit mentality".
FIFA.com caught up with the adidas Bronze Ball winner in the midst of the national team's victory tour and the business end of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) to hear her reflections on a whirlwind few months and the achievement of a dream in France.
Rose Lavelle was one of the breakout stars of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™. Her goal in the tournament decider showcased everything that is special about the Cincinnati-born midfielder: creativity, drive and quality.
Inspired by her predecessors 20 years ago, despite being just 24 herself, Lavelle arrived into the USA women's side as part of a new generation of stars, who assimilated fantastically with the 2015 winners to continue what she sees as a long-running legacy of "never-say-die, never-quit mentality".
FIFA.com caught up with the adidas Bronze Ball winner in the midst of the national team's victory tour and the business end of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) to hear her reflections on a whirlwind few months and the achievement of a dream in France.
It felt like we were everyone’s most-loved team and most-hated team at the same time. People like to perceive that as arrogant or cocky but I don’t think it was. I felt like it was a confidence.
The Best FIFA Football Awards
It has certainly been an intense year for Alex Morgan, both in terms of emotions and sporting drama. Preparing the defence of your world title can be physically and mentally demanding, and even more so when you have the responsibility that comes with being co-captain.
After the highs of being crowned world champions in Lyon in July, the USA players had to return directly to their clubs to resume their league duties. Morgan, however, had the frustration of not being able to help her side, Orlando Pride, after a stress injury to her right knee put her out of action for several months.
Having been voted second in the race for The Best FIFA Women's Player award, we caught up with the US superstar to discuss her rollercoaster year, the significance of their triumph in France and the impact it had off the field.
It has certainly been an intense year for Alex Morgan, both in terms of emotions and sporting drama. Preparing the defence of your world title can be physically and mentally demanding, and even more so when you have the responsibility that comes with being co-captain.
After the highs of being crowned world champions in Lyon in July, the USA players had to return directly to their clubs to resume their league duties. Morgan, however, had the frustration of not being able to help her side, Orlando Pride, after a stress injury to her right knee put her out of action for several months.
Having been voted second in the race for The Best FIFA Women's Player award, we caught up with the US superstar to discuss her rollercoaster year, the significance of their triumph in France and the impact it had off the field.
I was able to grow into my role [as a captain] over the last three years. I was ready to take that on in this World Cup.
#186 Djibouti on the march under Mette
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Toolkit for Member Associations: With this toolkit, FIFA has established guiding principles and minimum requirements that will help leaders and organisers in our sport to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for the youngest members of the football family.
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