CONCACAF and CONMEBOL review 2014 FIFA World Cup technical report Coaches and technical directors of the Americas gather in Panama to gain insight on performance in Brazil. Photo courtesy CONCACAF. CONCACAF: Panama City, September 12, 2014 – Representatives from CONCACAF and CONMEBOL met in Panama City to gather the most valuable insights from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ in order to nourish coaches and technical directors of the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL regions. The conference will provide newfound facts within CONCACAF for the betterment of our beloved game.

Among the officials were FIFA General Secretary, Jerome Valcke, and Director of Development, Thierry Regenass and the Presidents of CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, Jeffrey Webb and Juan Angel Napout, respectively and President of the Panamanian Football Association, Pedro Chaluja.

“The World Cup in Brazil was considered the best tournament in history and this was thanks to the quality of football. We were also able to test goal line technology and vanishing spray. Congratulations to both Confederations on all the great work and great performances on this tournament,” said Valcke.

“We are in a great place with regards to the relationships between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF. The world is smaller now because we share the same vision,” said Napout.

“Firstly, I would like to extend our utmost congratulations to all the national teams from the Americas for their outstanding performance throughout the World Cup. Representing our Confederation with impressive stature, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and the United States displayed boundless passion and commitment to excellence. Undoubtedly, this World Cup set new records for the world of football,” said Webb during his opening speech.

For the first time in history, CONCACAF advanced three national teams beyond the World Cup group stage, capturing the second-highest success rate of all Confederations behind that of from CONMEBOL. It is also significant to note that the Confederation has three teams in the top 20 FIFA rankings.

“As we gain respect and admiration in the global football arena, these accomplishments are a testament of the development and promising future that lies ahead. At CONCACAF, our top priority is development,” added Webb.

Emerging from this World Cup, confidence in CONCACAF teams is high, as is technical and tactical awareness. Nevertheless, improvements to technical aspects of the game will, no doubt, aid in CONCACAF’s continued triumph at international competitions for the future. Technical analyses and post-event discussions of the forum, will provide a valuable opportunity to make enhancements for the future.

It is important to note that we celebrate the achievements of these four Member Associations as a direct result of their vision and focused investment in youth and player development. It is the hope that other federations will find inspiration to reach into their own untapped potential. With a continued commitment from CONCACACF’s National Associations in the areas of player development, coaching and technical support, the region will successfully refine the game and take it to new heights.

“I have confidence that the results at hand will undoubtedly strengthen CONCACAF’s case for a fourth automatic place in the 32-team field at the FIFA World Cup. Likewise, CONCACAF’s display in Brazil should heighten interest in our upcoming tournaments: 2015 Gold Cup and 2016 Centennial Cup, alongside our friends from CONMEBOL,” concluded Webb.

