  We show that in the Landau gauge of the SU(2) Yang-Mills theory the residual
global symmetry supports existence of the topological vortices which resemble
disclination defects in the nematic liquid crystals and the Alice
(half-quantum) vortices in the superfluid heluim 3 in the A-phase. The theory
also possesses half-integer and integer charged monopoles which are analogous
to the point-like defects in the nematic crystal and in the liquid helium. We
argue that the deconfinement phase transition in the Yang-Mills theory in the
Landau gauge is associated with the proliferation of these vortices and/or
monopoles. The disorder caused by these defects is suggested to be responsible
for the confinement of quarks in the low-temperature phase.
