Review 2004
Men's & Youth
December: Gala caps Centennial in fine style
From: FIFA
As December brought 2004 to a close, the FIFA World Player Gala provided a
fitting climax to the centennial year of football's governing body. Earlier in
the month, Spain had overcome Italy to win the fifth FIFA Futsal World
Championship, but now all eyes were turned firmly towards Zurich.
On 18 December, FIFA held its Executive Committee meeting, during which
decisions were taken on numerous matters: the frequency of the Confederations
Cup (every 4 years) was confirmed, the new International Transfer Regulations
were adopted, the FIFA U-17 World Championship 2007 was awarded to Asia, etc.
This highly formal occasion was followed by the thrilling FIFA Interactive
World Cup finals, won by the Brazilian Thiago amidst a tremendous atmosphere at
FIFA's Sonnenberg auditorium.
Then, on 20 December, it was party time at the Zurich Opera. While Lionel
Richie provided the musical star turn, most eagerly awaited of all were the
nominees for the title of FIFA World Player and FIFA Women's World Player.
Among the men, Ronaldinho triumphed ahead of Thierry Henry and Andriy
Shevchenko, while Birgit Prinz edged out Mia Hamm and Marta in the female
category. In addition, Brazil and Haiti won the Fair Play and Presidential
Awards, Falcao was voted Futsal Player of the Year and fellow Brazilian Thiago
was also crowned FIFA Interactive Player. Phew! Finally, what has been a superb
2004 now makes way for a tantalizing 2005, during which no less than five FIFA
competitions will be held!
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
Brazil ended 2004 in number one spot for a record third consecutive year, while
fellow lusophones Portugal also finished in the top 10 for the first time since
2001. Lower down the list, countries making great strides included China (Best
Mover of the year, +32), Côte d'Ivoire (+30), Uzbekistan (+34) and Saint
-Vincent-et-les-Grenadines (+32).
FIFA Women's World Ranking
Despite their victory at the Olympic Games, the Americans failed to topple the
German world champions from the loftiest perch in the ranking. And although
there was little change amongst the top 10, it was encouraging to see the
development made by numerous so-called weaker teams this year. Algeria, for
example, leapt 19 places up to 78th position.
Qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™
After a hectic November, there were no qualifying games held in December.
Hostilities will be partially resumed with the 12 matches in February, followed
by an avalanche of ties scheduled for the end of March.
Key dates:
- December 5: Spain crowned FIFA Futsal World Champions
- December 12: FC Porto win the Toyota Intercontinental Cup
- December 18: FIFA holds its Executive Committee in Zurich
- December 19: Brazilian Thiago becomes the first FIFA Interactive World
Player
- December 20: Ronaldinho is crowned FIFA World Player and Birgit Prinz FIFA
Women's World Player
- December 27: FIFA sends its condolences to the Federations of Asia and Africa
affected by the earthquake
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