Atletico-PR remains 30-year unbeaten by Flamengo at home

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- In a game marred by rain and a soggy field, Flamengo and Atletico-PR battled on Sunday to as loppy 0-0 draw. The game keeps Atletico-PR's home field advantage against Flamengo alive.

Atletico-PR has remained its more than 30-year invincibility against Flamengo at home so far.

The 23,000-U.S. dollar incentive offered by Flamengo's administration in order to beat Atletico-PR did not work. With poor field condition, players from both sides continually slipped, committed multiple errors and could not produce a goal.

With the result, Flamengo now has 31 points and stands in 11th place. Atletico-PR is close behind with 29 points and 14th place.

In the next and 24th round of play in the Brazilian Championship, both teams will play on Sept. 12. Flamengo will host Sport while Atletico-PR will travel to play at Atletico-MG.

Mexico's 3-0 win over Costa Rica hailed

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's Sunday media cheered the national soccer team for their 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in the World Cup qualifier.

Excelsior called the game "the three G" for goal scorers Guillermo Franco, Giovani dos Santos and Andres Guardado, headlining the match "Una cosa rica" (a delicious thing).

"Mexico is close" headlined newspaper El Sol de Mexico, reporting that Mexico is now in third place in the qualifying tour. The top three will go through automatically.

Mexico City daily Milenio led with a photograph of dos Santos, praising him for a goal to two assists, in the Saprissa Stadium, in Costa Rica capital San Jose.

Reforma headlined the news "Se crece el tri" (the Tri keeps growing), a reference to the national teams nickname "El Tricolor"(the team with three colors). The newspaper's sports section Cancha, described the match as the Tri's best in the whole qualification competition.

S Africa hails Brazil's qualification for World Cup finals

JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee South Africa (OC) congratulated Brazil for being the first South American country to qualify for the World Cup finals next year.

"You cannot host a World Cup without Brazil. The kings of football already wowed South Africa earlier this year when they won their third Confederations Cup title, and we look forward to seeing if they can repeat that performance and add a record sixth World Cup trophy to their name next year," said OC CEO Danny Jordaan.

Brazil, who are topping FIFA world ranking, crushed Argentina 3-1 on Saturday night to guarantee a top four finish in the Conmebol standings.

The top four teams qualify for the World Cup finals directly and the fifth placed team enters a home-and-away playoff with the fourth placed team from North, Central America & Caribbean.

Brazil is the most successful football team of all time, having won five World Cups to date, and is the only country to have qualified for every FIFA World Cup.

"Brazil are the hosts of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and it will be great to have them here so that we can formally hand over the baton to them on 12 July 2010," said Jordaan.

Chile seeks win over Brazil for World Cup berth

SANTIAGO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chile would try to beat soccer giant Brazil on Wednesday to fix a berth for next year's World Cupfinals, winger and Captain Jorge Valdivia told media on Sunday.

"We respect Brazil, but without fear of seeking a chance to score," said Valdivia, who plays for Al Ain, a team in the United Arab Emirates. "We are going to Brazil to play our opportunities."

Chile is in the second place in South America's qualifying competition for the World Cup due in South Africa in 2010. Brazil is leading the standings after the 15th round, guaranteeing a top four finish by upsetting Argentina 3-1 on Saturday night.

Brazil will play at home with Chile on Wednesday. Brazil will miss some of its top players Luis Fabiano, Kaka and Lucia, who have accumulated three yellow cards.

"I don't know if Brazil feels their absence because it has many more top players," Valdivia told media. "No doubt they will have to change their system a bit."

Valdivia said it was difficult to sleep after the Venezuela match, which was in Chile's Monumental Stadium.

Chile tied Venezuela 2-2 at home.

Kenya tumbles out of 2010 World Cup/African Cup race

By Richard Juma

NAIROBI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 1-0 defeat by Mozambique in a 2010 World Cup/African Cup of Nations Group 2 qualifier on Sunday has virtually locked Kenya out of international football next year.

For Kenya, thirsting for a sixth African Cup of Nations appearance and first appearance at the World Cup, the door was firmly shut by the Mozambicans in Maputo.

Determined to emulate the world conquering athletes, who did the country proud at last month's 12 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany, the Kenyan football squad proved no match to the Mozambicans who dictated the pace.

After appearing in the Cup of Nations finals five times in the past, Kenya has virtually kissed both the World Cup and Nations Cup goodbye.

The remaining return matches against Tunisia and Nigeria, slated for Oct. 10 and Nov. 14 respectively will be mere formalities.

At the end of Sunday's return match in Maputo, Kenya hitherto occupying the third spot in the Group 2 standings with three points, slipped to the bottom, trading places with Mozambique who climbed to third with four points.

Kenya's dream of beating Mozambique and booking tickets to the 2010 Nations Cup finals in Angola went up in smoke.

On Oct. 10, the East Africans will be in Tunisia for their return match against the North Africans, a team they have never beaten before.

And it鈥檚 worth noting that Tunisia piped Kenya 2-1 in the first leg match here in March. A month later, the Kenyans, also known as Harambee Stars, face Nigeria's Super Eagles in a return match here.

Like Tunisia, Kenya has never beaten Nigeria; at best Kenya drew with Nigeria in an international tie here a few years back.

In the first leg match in Abuja in June, Super eagles walloped Kenya 3-1. Ahead of last night's Group 2 qualifier return match between Nigeria and Tunisia in Nigeria, the latter were leading the group standings with seven points, followed by Nigeria with five.

It goes without saying Nigeria and Tunisia are the top contenders in the group for the World Cup slot, while Mozambique's pipping of Kenya saw them put a foot in the Nations Cup finals.

Soccer analysts Sunday here blamed the poor show on lack of a comprehensive soccer development program, feeder program, inconsistency and frequent change of coaches.

"When coach Antoine Hey took charge of the team at the end of March he found a winning team moulded by his predecessor, Francis Kimanzi, instead of retaining the winning squad and formation, he made changes and the results are there for all of us to see," said soccer analyst James Onyango.

Dumped out of the race for the 2010 topflight international soccer, Kenya can only hope to feature in the next Cup of Nations finals qualifiers in 2011.

And that will be and extremely long wait for soccer loving Kenyans, thanks to bagging three points in four matches.

Ghana qualify for 2010 World Cup finals

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, pictured here in May 2009, scored as Ghana defeated Sudan 2-0 in Accra Sunday to become the first African qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.(Photo/AFP)

JOHANNESBURG 鈥?Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien scored as Ghana defeated Sudan 2-0 in Accra Sunday to become the first African qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari gave the 'Black Stars' an early lead and Essien added a second soon after half-time, unleashing a drive that flew into the net at the near post.

The result coupled with closest challengers Benin and Mali drawing 1-1 in Cotonou a few hours earlier left a Ghana side boasting a 100 percent record with an unassailable seven-point Group D advantage.

"It was so important to win, regardless of how we achieved the result. It is still special for us professionals to return home and bring joy to the people of Ghana," Essien told reporters.

"Teamwork brought us success as in previous qualifiers. The side did not feel under pressure because we are used to playing in front of packed crowds like the one in Accra tonight.

"The people of Ghana wanted us to win and we did not let them down. What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa."

Serbia-born coach Milovan Rajevac said: "It is a priceless honour for my players to represent their country and qualify for the World Cup.

"This team is very hungry to go to the finals again. My players are aware of what they can achieve and have the quality to go far. I always believed we would qualify and am very confident about the future."

It will be the second successive World Cup appearance for Ghana, who did best of the five African teams in Germany three years ago by reaching the knockout second round before losing 3-0 to defending champions Brazil.

A quarter of the 32 qualifiers for the first World Cup are known with Ghana joining Australia, Brazil, Japan, Netherlands, North Korea, South Korea and hosts South Africa.

Mali had threatened to put the Accra celebrations on hold by taking the lead through former France youth international Mamadou Samassa on 71 minutes only for Mohamed Aoudou to equalise three minutes from full-time.

Tunisia snatched a 2-2 draw in Nigeria thanks to an 90th-minute Oussama Darragi goal in a top-of-the-table Group B clash and maintained a two-point advantage with two rounds left in October and November.

A capacity 60,000 crowd saw Osaze Odemwingie fire the 'Super Eagles' into the lead via a close-range shot midway through the first half only for Nabil Taider to level soon after.

Tunisia-based Michael Eneramo poked a a cross into the net 10 minutes from full-time to put the home team ahead again only for club mate Darragi to fire a Haitham Mrabet pass into the net from an acute angle.

Mozambique edged Kenya 1-0 in the same mini-league courtesy of a goal midway through the second half from veteran South Africa-based striker Manuel 'Tico Tico' Bucuane.

Tunisia have eight points, Nigeria six, Mozambique four and Kenya three with the leaders chasing a fourth consecutive appearance at the quadrennial showcase of international football.

Adel Taarabt scored two minutes into stoppage time as Morocco were rewarded for some enterprising second-half play with a 1-1 draw away to Togo in a Group A clash.

Togo led from the fourth minute through Moustapaha Salifou as they returned to Lome after a three-match ban following post-match violence at a 2008 African Nations Cup qualifier.

Gabon have six points, Togo five, Cameroon four and Morocco three although the 'Indomitable Lions' have a chance to go top Wednesday when they host the surprise pacesetters in Yaounde.

The five group winners qualify for the World Cup in South Africa between June 11 and July 11 and the top three finishers in each mini-league secure places at the Nations Cup five months earlier with hosts Angola.

(Agencies)

Injured Robinho to miss Brazil's qualifier against Chile

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian striker Robinho will miss his national team's World cup qualifier against Chile on Wednesday due to a thigh muscle injury.

According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Sunday, the Manchester City forward had a scan that confirmed the injury to his right thigh during the second half of Saturday's 3-1away win over Argentina.

With the weekend's victory, Dunga's team qualified for next year's World Cup finals with three games to spare.

The squad is already missing suspended Kaka, Luis Fabiano, captain Lucio and midfielder Ramires.

Chile are second in the South American group with three points behind leaders Brazil, and a victory against Brazil could sent them into the finals for the first time since 1998.

The top four qualify automatically for next year's finals in South Africa, and the fifth goes into a two-leg playoff against the fourth team in the final CONCACAF group.

Capello can solve England dilemma, says Lampard

LONDON, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- England midfielder Frank Lampard has backed manager Fabio Capello to make the right choice between starting Jermain Defoe or Emile Heskey in the World Cup qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.

Defoe came off the bench to score what proved to be the winner as England warmed up for the Croatia clash with a 2-1 home win in a friendly with Slovenia on Saturday.

Defoe's scoring record has led to calls for him to start the Croatia game but Lampard, who opened the scoring against Solvenia from the penalty spot, has backed Capello to make the right call.

"The question of starting is obviously the manager's decision, "Lampard told English news agency PA.

"He has shown in his career he makes the right decision more often that not."

Lampard praised both Defoe and Heskey for the different qualities they bring to the England set-up.

"Jermain is making headlines as he's scoring goals," said Lampard.

"Emile has made a great case because of the way he has played for England for a long time."

Lampard admitted the penalty he scored against Slovenia, awarded when Wayne Rooney clashed with defender Bostjan Cesar, probably should not have been given.

The England midfielder defended Rooney who had been accused by some of diving to earn the spot kick.

Lampard said: "I think maybe it wasn't a penalty. I think it was clearly not a dive but probably not a penalty."

Lampard feels the memories of England's 3-2 loss to Croatia at Wembley which saw them miss out on Euro 2008 will motivate the players.

"It was a very low point for all of us, individually and as a group. We won't forget that and will use it as a positive," he said.

"We need to keep cool heads, keep calm, but also show passion and desire to win the game. There certainly won't be tackles anyone is pulling out of."

England have won all seven of their qualifiers going into Wednesday's clash, but a place in South Africa next summer is not yet assured.

"It's been fantastic how we've gone about it so far, the results we've got home and away," Lampard added. "We need to finish the job, the sooner the better.

"The aim is to qualify - simple as that. If it doesn't happen on Wednesday night we have to make it happen the next time."

The Chelsea midfielder also believes there is no reason to worry too much about England's defense.

"I think in qualifying the defending has been pretty good. We've gone to Croatia and Belarus and done pretty well," he said.

Croatia will be missing midfielder Luka Modric through injury and defender Vedran Corluka through suspension against England, but Lampard believes Slaven Bilic's men will still be a force to be reckoned with.

"I think they're two very good players," he said. "Modric particularly is the playmaker if the team. I know what a good player he is from playing against him against Croatia and Tottenham. Croatia will miss them, but Slaven Bilic has said he has worked on the strength of the team."

FIFA confirms Ghana's berth for 2010 World Cup finals

ACCRA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- World soccer governing body FIFA has officially confirmed the qualification of the Black Stars of Ghana for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Black Stars beat the Desert Hawks of Sudan 2-0 last Sunday at the Ohene Djan Sorts stadium in Accra to move to 12 points, seven more than closest rivals the Eagles of Mali with two games to go.

FIFA General Secretary, Jerome Valcke confirmed the participation in a letter addressed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and copied to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Organizing Committee for the FIFA World Cupon Monday.

"After two years of disputed and exciting preliminary competition in Africa, the Black Stars reached yesterday the necessary points to be crowned with success in these hard-fought qualifiers.

"We are pleased to warmly congratulate the GFA and its national team for brilliantly qualifying as the first African team for the final tournament of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, next to South Africa, the hosts.

The General Secretary reminded the GFA to get in contact with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, South Africa in order to further advance in the logistical preparations of the tournament for the Black Stars.

Valcke added that his outfit is looking forward to a continued smooth cooperation with the Ghana Association.

The Stars next play Benin in Cotonou on Oct. 10 before wrapping up against Mali in Accra on Nov. 14.

Ghana was the only African team to reach the last 16 in their maiden attempt three years ago at the Germany 2006 World Cup.

Toni may move if still benched in Bayern

Italy's Luca Toni reacts during their Confederations Cup soccer match against Egypt at Ellis Park in Johannesburg June 18, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

BERLIN, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Italian international Luca Toni will ponder a move if he is still on bench at Bayern Munich, the striker has said, noting that he aims to keep form for next year's World Cup.

Toni claimed that he needs to play to keep his chances intact of representing his country at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Monday's edition of German sports magazine Kicker reported.

Toni is set to return to training from Achilles tendon problems. But the Bundesliga top scorer in 2007-2008 season could find it hard to make the starting lineup under new Bayern coach Louis van Gaal, given the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Miroslav Klose, Ivica Olic and Mario Gomez on Munich's squad.

"Up to now the team was happy that I am here. If that is no longer the case I will consider a move," Toni told Kicker.

"If I have to take a place on the substitutes' bench I will take this place. But I know my value and a lot of (other) clubs know my strength. So I will have to reconsider if I don't get a chance to play. After all, the World Cup is coming up," he added.

The 32-year-old joined Munich in 2007 from Fiorentina of Italy and has scored 38 goals in 56 Bundesliga appearances for the German top club.

Tickets for Mexico-Honduras duel sold out

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The tickets for the do-or-die World Cup qualifier between Mexico and Honduras on Wednesday were sold out, ticket office management told Xinhua on Monday.

The officials from the Azteca Stadium, the venue of the duel, said that all the tickets of the 115,000 seats were sold out a couple of days ago.

Furthermore, the tickets for the match of Mexico vs. United States were also sold out.

The tickets were released on Aug. 19, costing from 11 U.S. dollars to 37 dollars. However in the resale nearby the stadium the cheapest tickets were sold by 30 dollars.

Mexico-Honduras match has generated great expectations after Mexico whitewashed Costa Rica 3-0 on Saturday. Honduras upset Mexico 3-1 at home in their first leg.

Currently, the leader of the North and Central America and Caribbean region general board is Honduras with 13 points, followed by the United States also with 13 points, and Mexico with12 points.

The North and Central America and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) provides three tickets for the World Cup South Africa 2010.

Beckham may seek Premiership return

LA Galaxy's David Beckham warms up before a friendly soccer match against Barcelona at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California August 1, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

LONDON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Former England captain David Beckham said through a BBC radio interview on Monday that he may seek a Premiership return to keep his World Cup hope alive.

The 34-year-old soccer icon, who is under a five-year deal with LA Galaxy of the United States' Major Soccer League, managed to spend five months on loan with Serie A's AC Milan last year.

The American season shuts down between November and March, and Beckham told BBC that he has several options for a return to the English Premier League.

"Everyone knows I will be planning to come back to Europe," he said. "I don't know (if it will be in England), there are a few options, put it that way."

"I have had an incredible career so far...But if we reach another World Cup and I play some part, it will be up there with all the other achievements I've had in my career," added the former Manchester United striker.

Keeper Enke unfit for Germany's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan

BERLIN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- German Football Federation (DFB) announced Monday that national team goalkeeper Robert Enke was unfit for Wednesday's World Cup Group Four qualifier against Azerbaijan.

The 32-year-old Hannover goalie had an infection and was ordered to undergo medical tests, according to the DFB.

"I am bitterly disappointed," said Enke. "But I feel I am not fully fit and I cannot take such a risk in a World Cup qualifier."

His place in Germany's starting lineup is likely to be taken by Rene Adler.

Germany are now leading the Group Four with a point ahead of runners-up Russia.

Malouda out of squad, Henry denies criticising coach

French national soccer team's midfielder Florent Malouda (L) vies with defender Sebastien Squilacci during a training session, on September 06, 2009 in Clairefontaine, southern Paris, one day after France's World Cup 2010 qualifying football match against Roumania.(Photo/AFP)

PARIS 鈥?1998 World Cup winners France's increasingly fraught qualifying campaign for next year's finals deepened on Monday when captain Thierry Henry denied he had criticised coach Raymond Domenech in front of the rest of the squad.

Squad-mate and fellow 2006 World Cup finalist Florent Malouda also revealed that he had only learnt he was not even among the substitutes for last Saturday's qualifier with Romania at the Stade de France when he entered the dressing-room and he saw there was no shirt for him.

Henry's denial - Le Parisien claimed on Monday that in Friday's team meeting the Barcelona star had publicly slammed Domenech - and Malouda's clear displeasure at the manner in which he learnt of his non-selection will do nothing for morale as they head for a crucial qualifier with Group Seven leaders Serbia on Wednesday.

Henry was forced to clarify what had gone on on Friday on the eve of the 1-1 draw which left the French four points adrift of the Serbs with just three matches remaining and in danger of having to go through a play-off to progress to South Africa.

"Nothing happened on Friday evening," protested Henry to French TV station TF1.

"There was a discussion between the squad and the coach as is usual.

"It was a constructive discussion... which must stay between the players and the coach.

"I did not question the coach's qualities. There was never a clash between us," added Henry, who was quoted by Le Parisien as telling Domenech that the players had no idea where they were to play and lacked any direction.

Henry, who scored France's goal in the Romania match, insisted the camp was a happy one, something clearly not in Malouda's vocabulary.

"I saw when I entered the dressingroom that there no shirt had been prepared for me," the Chelsea star - who has enjoyed distant relations with Domenech having criticised him - told RTL radio station in an interview recorded on Sunday but only broadcast on Monday.

"I deduced from that that I was in either the starting line-up or the substitutes bench, that is how I came to learn of it.

"I was surprised, I thought at the very least I would feature at some stage.

"However, it is important to support ones friends, even from the stands, one has to get over one's disappointment.

"One is powerless to do anything sitting in the stands, one has fleas in ones pants, but that is how it is, it is the choice of the coach.

"It is a delicate matter to discuss, and is not an agreeable experience to live through, but it is important not to think about it too much, even if it is disappointing."

(Agencies)

Capello thanks Bilic for team-talk

LONDON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- England boss Fabio Capello has thanked Slaven Bilic for providing the team-talk ahead of their World Cup qualifier and will simply tell his players to remember what the Croatia manager has branded them.

Capello's men can qualify for South Africa with victory against the side that denied them a place at Euro 2008 - but there is the added incentive of proving Bilic wrong after he stirred up the mind games this week, English website Sportinglife.com said.

Bilic has suggested that England have lost their "Englishness" under Capello, which the Italian feels has motivated his squad.

"Thank you Mr Bilic," Capello said. "It is the best. I have no need to motivate my players after this. It's fantastic assistance."

Instead of a moving speech to rally his players towards eight wins from eight Group Six qualifiers, Capello's message will be simple.

"You have to remember what Bilic said," he said.

Capello has also warned Bilic that his side has improved since their 4-1 win in Zagreb last season, when Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick and gave England their momentum for the rest of the campaign.

"In Croatia we played very well and won 4-1," he said. "We played a lot of good games for qualification and won seven games, improving in every game."

Dunga to start Adriano, Nilmar against Chile

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Brazil coach Dunga announced Tuesday to start Adriano and Nilmar on attacking line for Wednesday's World Cup South American qualifier hosting Chile.

Adriano recently earned his spot back on the team after a five month absence due to a poor attitude and reckless behavior, while Nilmar, having made four caps only, will start his second game while representing Brazil.

The Brazilian national squad has missed four regular starters due to injuries and suspensions, including striker Robinho and Luis Fabiano.

Robinho was forced out with an injury and Fabiano is under a one-game suspension after accumulating his third yellow card in as many games.

Brazil, which will host Chile on September 9 in the northern city of Salvador in the 16th round of the South American qualifications, has already guaranteed a spot in the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Dunga, however, claimed that he would not take the match against Chile for granted, and he promised not to underestimate Chile.

The coach is recently rumored to plan on carrying at least four strikers to next year's World Cup Finals in South Africa.

With the team's leading scorer Luis Fabiano and Robinho nearly guaranteed, two positions are left open while Nilmar and Adriano hope to make the cut.

However, an eager Ronaldo looms in the background, recovering from a recent hand surgery and liposuction.

May time tell who Dunga will call to defend Brazil in their campaign to bring home a record sixth World Cup title.

Paraguayan president forecasts soccer triumph over Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo visited on Tuesday the players from the Paraguayan soccer national team and expected his team a 2-0 win over Argentina on Wednesday.

According to information reaching here from Asuncion, Paraguay's capital, Lugo talked with the national team players and coach at the Sports and Education High Performance Center of Ypane (CARDE) in the suburbs of Asuncion.

Lugo forecasted a triumph of 2-0 over Argentina in the match to be played on Wednesday in "Defensores del Chaco" Stadium in Asuncion for the South American eliminatory to the World Cup South Africa 2010.

"We came to encourage them, to tell them that all the country supports them. We hope, tomorrow, they can give Paraguay the joy it needs," Lugo told reporters.

"I do not want to risk (the score), but we will win. That is the people's wish.. I think 2-0," Lugo said.

The South American general board is leaded by Brazil with 30 points, Paraguay has 27 points and Argentina has 22 points.

Survey: Thumbs up for 2010 S Africa World Cup

JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Africans' confidence in successfully hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup is at a record high, said a survey released on Tuesday.

Eighty-seven percent of those polled showed confidence that the country would be ready to host the competition, research company SPORT+MARKT said.

This was the highest level of confidence shown since the first study, conducted in December 2008, when 73 percent of respondents declared their confidence, followed by 83 percent in March.

Ninety-one percent of those questioned said the spectacle would improve public infrastructure, while another 97 percent said it would strengthen the country's tourism industry.

The study indicated that 66 percent believed crime would be an issue for visitors to the tournament, compared to the 58 percent who thought so in March.

The number of interviewees who believed local businesses would inflate prices during the tournament rose from 59 percent in March to 77 percent.

Half the respondents said transport infrastructure was below par, up from 42 percent who thought so in March.

The survey was conducted amongst 1004 people in all major cities and World Cup host cities, with quotas for ethnic origin, age and gender. Interviews were conducted on a face-to-face basis.

According to the research the higher scores could be attributed to an increased awareness of the World Cup due to media coverage, and the performance of the national team in the Confederations Cup.

"The scores reflect a higher sensitivity to all aspects of hosting the World Cup and an anxious enthusiasm to put on a good show for the watching world," read the report.

FIFA to monitor SAFA elections

JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- World soccer governing body FIFA has vowed to closely monitor the upcoming South Africa Football Association (SAFA) elections to ensure no impact on preparations for the 2010 World Cup.

"We said we'd like to see it (the elections) postponed until after 2010, but SAFA refused, so we'll be monitoring them very carefully to make sure that they do not impact on the World Cup," FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke told a press briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Both 2010 local organizing committee CEO Danny Jordaan and Chairman Irvin Khoza are contesting the SAFA presidency. This raised concerns earlier this year that should one man be elected over the other, the organizing of the World Cup would be hindered due to alleged divisions within SAFA. SAFA has since dismissed these claims as malicious and misleading.

"When we see competition is very tough between two people we work with... we have to protect the organization of the World Cup," Falcke said.

Falcke and Jordaan were briefing the media on progress made on preparations for the World Cup.

Jordaan said things were running smoothly and that most stadiums were nearing completion.

"Progress on construction of the six new FIFA World Cup stadiums is good. With all stadiums now between 80 and 92 percent complete, all that remains before the stadiums are handed over to the organizing committee are the final touches to the stadium bowls and work on the precinct areas surrounding the stadiums."

Jordaan said the LOC would also address spiraling costs for construction projects, following reports that cities like Johannesburg had to slash their budgets for the current financial year to keep up with the soaring costs of the 2010 stadiums.

"It is unfortunate with the global economic crisis... but the impact is going to be very small. It is a matter we'll have to address," he said.

Jordaan said there had been an overwhelming response to the 15,000 volunteer spots available, with 67,999 people from 170 countries applying.

Netherlands, Brazil, Russia, Portugal teams train for World Cup qualifiers

The Netherlands' soccer players take part in a training session at Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland ahead of their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match against Scotland September 8, 2009. (Reuters Photo)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal attends a national soccer team training session at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest September 8, 2009. Portugal will play a World Championship qualifying match against Hungary on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009.(Reuters Photo)

Russia's national soccer team coach Guus Hiddink (R) gestures during a training session at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, September 8 , 2009.(Reuters Photo)

Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar (R), Adriano and Daniel Alves (L) attend a training session at Pituacu Stadium in Salvador September 8, 2009. (Reuters Photo)

The Netherlands' soccer players take part in a training session at Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland ahead of their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match against Scotland September 8, 2009.