As part of a promise FC Barcelona made Lionel MESSI, the Argentine star will have his contract improved after the arrival of Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC.
Txiki BEGIRISTAIN, one of the club's directors, summed it up when he said: "the price you have to pay to have the best player in the world in your team is that you have to improve his contract every year. It's a fee that is well worth to pay".
Pep GUARDIOLA said many times that all he wants is for MESSI to be happy and certainly with this improvement that brings his release-clause from 150 to 250 million Euros, FC Barcelona have certainly made sure of that.
MESSI's contract will still run until 2014 and according to reports, FC Barcelona will make another effort in search of Lio's happiness to bring Javier MASCHERANO from Liverpool.
Don't forget to listen to Mundo Albiceleste's latest podcast:
If you want, you can simply click the audio player above or right-click on the following link and save it as an MP3 file or listen to it in your computer: download.
Enjoy! And don't forget to send us your views to argentina.correspondent@gmail.com or right here in the comments' box.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Mundo Albiceleste's podcast - Going to Moscow
Another edition of Mundo Albiceleste's podcast is ready for you to enjoy!
This time, we are joined by our friend and colleague Joel RICHARDS, who discusses the players that Diego MARADONA will be taking with him to Moscow to face Guus HIDDINK's Russia and also those who the greatest player of all time has left out.
We reflect on the change of venue and the move to Rosario to face Brazil and we touch on a few aspects about that upcoming all-important derby between Argentina and they boys in yellow and green.
As I wrote in a previous post, the news about Juan Pablo SORIN's retirement broke out right after we recorded this pod and that's the reason why there's no mention on that matter.
If you want, you can simply click the audio player above or right-click on the following link and save it as an MP3 file or listen to it in your computer: download.
Enjoy! And don't forget to send us your views to argentina.correspondent@gmail.com or right here in the comments' box.
Breaking news: SORIN retires from football at 33
We've been waiting for him to reply to one e-mail full of questions we sent from Mundo Albiceleste's readers. Perhaps he had many other things in his mind and now we probably have the most definite and final answer from him. Even if it wasn't directed at Mundo Albiceleste or our readers.
Juan Pablo SORIN is calling it quits after 15 years of playing professional football.
At a very emotional press conference in Belo Horizonte, where he was playing for Cruzeiro, he announced his retirement.
The next edition of Mundo Albiceleste's podcast was recorded just minutes before this announcement, so you won't hear us talking about this there.
"The reason I'm having this press conference is simple: I'll stop playing football. It's been 15 years of a career that has been very beautiful, very nice and I have enjoyed very much. I have always tried to give the best I had. I lived amazing times with this shirt (Cruzeiro) and with Argentina, River Plate, Argentinos Juniors, Villarreal and Paris Saint Germain. My career went very by very fast, but I think the time to stop has come. This is a very happy moment of my life because I'm about to become a father" is what SORIN told Cruzeiro's official website.
Bothered by injuries, SORIN only got to take part in 6 of the 46 matches Cruzeiro played in 2009.
"I worked very hard. I fell. I got up. I have many injuries and I've overcame the most important, which was the one I had in my knee. The last few injuries were muscular problems. None of them very important. But I couldn't get the continuity that I wanted. I played six matches in seven months. That's very little and I'm not proud of those numbers. I left everything behind in order to come a finish my career here at Cruzeiro" said SORIN.
For Argentina, SORIN played in two World Cups (2002 and was our captain in 2006). He won the PanAm Games and the Youth World Cup in 1995. Got to the Copa America final in 2004 in Peru.
According to SORIN, the idea of retiring first got to his mind on 4 May, when he suffered a muscle strain in his right thigh during a training session. He missed out on the chance to face Univerdad de Chile for the Copa Libertadores' second round.
"This decision was well meditated. It has nothing to do with something I would think with a hot head. I'm thinking about this for a long time, ever since that injury before the game against Universidad de Chile. I came to Cruzeiro to win the Copa Libertadores, but playing. I was disappointed and I promise my self I would fight. I fought right until the end. I got back and I got injured against Palmeiras. I said I'd be fine to play in the Libertadores final. I did it and I don't regret anything" added a sad SORIN, who was left out of the squad in the Copa Libertadores final against Estudiantes de La Plata.
"I wanted to play against Atletico Mineiro, an incredible derby match. I played a lot of derby matches in the world. In France, Argentina, Italy. But a Cruzeiro vs. Atletico Mineiro has a special feeling. I came back for that. To play the derby, the Libertadores final, which I had the expectation of playing. I didn't have a place in the team and now I don't want to force any unpleasant situation. I'm a happy man. There were a lot of years in football and I'm ending this career knowing that everytime I pull on a shirt, I gave my sould and my blood for my team" concluded SORIN.
Mundo Albiceleste would like to salute Juan Pablo SORIN, a great servant for our national team over the years.
Thank you for the memories, Juampi! Good luck in whatever you decide to do from now on.
Juan Pablo SORIN is calling it quits after 15 years of playing professional football.
At a very emotional press conference in Belo Horizonte, where he was playing for Cruzeiro, he announced his retirement.
The next edition of Mundo Albiceleste's podcast was recorded just minutes before this announcement, so you won't hear us talking about this there.
"The reason I'm having this press conference is simple: I'll stop playing football. It's been 15 years of a career that has been very beautiful, very nice and I have enjoyed very much. I have always tried to give the best I had. I lived amazing times with this shirt (Cruzeiro) and with Argentina, River Plate, Argentinos Juniors, Villarreal and Paris Saint Germain. My career went very by very fast, but I think the time to stop has come. This is a very happy moment of my life because I'm about to become a father" is what SORIN told Cruzeiro's official website.
Bothered by injuries, SORIN only got to take part in 6 of the 46 matches Cruzeiro played in 2009.
"I worked very hard. I fell. I got up. I have many injuries and I've overcame the most important, which was the one I had in my knee. The last few injuries were muscular problems. None of them very important. But I couldn't get the continuity that I wanted. I played six matches in seven months. That's very little and I'm not proud of those numbers. I left everything behind in order to come a finish my career here at Cruzeiro" said SORIN.
For Argentina, SORIN played in two World Cups (2002 and was our captain in 2006). He won the PanAm Games and the Youth World Cup in 1995. Got to the Copa America final in 2004 in Peru.
According to SORIN, the idea of retiring first got to his mind on 4 May, when he suffered a muscle strain in his right thigh during a training session. He missed out on the chance to face Univerdad de Chile for the Copa Libertadores' second round.
"This decision was well meditated. It has nothing to do with something I would think with a hot head. I'm thinking about this for a long time, ever since that injury before the game against Universidad de Chile. I came to Cruzeiro to win the Copa Libertadores, but playing. I was disappointed and I promise my self I would fight. I fought right until the end. I got back and I got injured against Palmeiras. I said I'd be fine to play in the Libertadores final. I did it and I don't regret anything" added a sad SORIN, who was left out of the squad in the Copa Libertadores final against Estudiantes de La Plata.
"I wanted to play against Atletico Mineiro, an incredible derby match. I played a lot of derby matches in the world. In France, Argentina, Italy. But a Cruzeiro vs. Atletico Mineiro has a special feeling. I came back for that. To play the derby, the Libertadores final, which I had the expectation of playing. I didn't have a place in the team and now I don't want to force any unpleasant situation. I'm a happy man. There were a lot of years in football and I'm ending this career knowing that everytime I pull on a shirt, I gave my sould and my blood for my team" concluded SORIN.
Mundo Albiceleste would like to salute Juan Pablo SORIN, a great servant for our national team over the years.
Thank you for the memories, Juampi! Good luck in whatever you decide to do from now on.
No HIGUAIN and no ZARATE in the list for Russia
It's not official yet, but I'm posting the names that are widely regarded as those who will travel to Moscow to face Russia in a friendly match to be played on 12 August.
I'm doing this (publishing the squad list before it's official) for two reasons:
1. Because the sources are rather strong and trusted.
2. Because I don't know if I'll have the time to post it later on Tuesday (when the list is announced officially).
So...here are the names and you can start discussing right away.
Goalkeepers:
Juan Pablo CARRIZO (Real Zaragoza, Spain)
Mariano ANDÚJAR (Catania, Italy)
Defenders:
Daniel DIAZ (Getafe, Spain)
Emiliano PAPA (Velez, Argentina)
Nicolás OTAMENDI (Velez, Argentina)
Gabriel HEINZE (Real Madrid, Spain)
Martín DEMICHELIS (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Nicolás BURDISSO (Inter, Italy)
Javier ZANETTI (Inter, Italy)
Midfielders:
Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid, Spain)
Mario BOLATTI (Huracán, Argentina)
Javier MASCHERANO (Liverpool, England)
Maximiliano RODRIGUEZ (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Sebastián BATTAGLIA (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Jonás GUTIERREZ (Newcastle United, England)
Jesús DÁTOLO (Napoli, Italy)
Juan Sebastián VERÓN (Estudiantes de La Plata, Argentina)
Forwards:
Lionel MESSI (Barcelona, Spain)
Sergio AGÜERO (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Carlos TEVEZ (Manchester City, England)
Lisandro LOPEZ (Olympique Lyon, France)
Diego MILITO (Inter, Italy)
Ezequiel LAVEZZI (Napoli, Italy)
OK, here are my initial thoughts.
Good to see OTAMENDI confirmed and starting to get a regular spot whenever MARADONA has to call up a squad.
A couple of new boys. The excellent Mario BOLATTI gets in the picture after a great season at Huracán. He was regarded, together with OTAMENDI and PASTORE, as the best players in the last Clausura tournament. A central midfielder with great ball control and distribution but who can also stop and break the opposition's attacking plays in the centre of the park. Great header of the ball too and he also has a powerful and accurate shot from outside the box.
The other new boy...I'm not so happy about. It's Jesús DÁTOLO. Not a bad player, by any means, but not one that intrigues me or excites me. He used to play for Boca Juniors and now he is at Napoli, which will prompt many of you to think Diego is calling him because of the shirts he wore and he wears. The reason MARADONA gave in an interview with Olé to justify DÁTOLO's call-up was the absence of Angel DI MARIA. Diego said he needs to have an option with a midfielder that can play wide open on the left. I doubt he'll start the friendly match in Moscow, though.
No HIGUAIN and no CAMBIASSO. This disappoints me, I can't deny it. Especially the absence of HIGUAIN and the presence of Ezequiel LAVEZZI. Yes, they probably play different roles in the attack, but based on form and on recent developments for both players, I'd pick HIGUAIN every day. Another name is Mauro ZARATE. But I tend to think MARADONA believes LAVEZZI can offer him a threat on the wing, rather than a forward who would play more in the middle (like HIGUAIN or ZARATE). For that, he already has AGÜERO, TEVEZ, MILITO and Lisandro LOPEZ.
LAVEZZI, by the way, is in the middle of a crisis at Napoli. The President of the Italian club criticized LAVEZZI publicly and I don't know if this is the best moment to call him up.
Same goes for Carlos TEVEZ. He is injured to this day. I doubt he had the chance to run and train since last season ended. This was a perfect opportunity to leave him out and let him concentrate on adapting himself to a new club. By calling TEVEZ, MARADONA is complicating his pre-season (especially when the player is injured) and he is wasting the chance of having a look at HIGUAIN.
But at the same time, it really goes to show that Diego doesn't want HIGUAIN in his set-up. If he doesn't call him now, I don't see him calling him at a later stage (if nobody gets seriously injured, but even if that was the case, I wouldn't think MARADONA will call HIGUAIN). This is obviously a sign that those rumours about HIGUAIN not seeing eye-to-eye with some of his team-mates at Real Madrid and the national team surely make sense.
A real shame.
Regarding CAMBIASSO. I don't know if Diego has an personal agenda there too. It could be a case of him thinking that player is not one that can adapt to what he wants. I don't know.
As I always say, there are many examples of players enjoying a great run of form and yet being ignored by their national team managers. MARADONA himself suffered from that when MENOTTI left him out of the 1978 World Cup or RIQUELME and SAVIOLA in 2002.
Maxi and Jonas are getting another vote of confidence from MARADONA and in their cases, I hope it helps them gain in confidence. Especially Maxi as he really needs to recover his best form.
I have to say I'm not happy with this list. I do think some players deserve to be back with the team, but overall, Diego is missing a great chance to rotate a little bit and most importantly, test and observe new players that will give him more options.
Again...this list is still unofficial, but I doubt we'll see many changes (if any) when it comes out.
In the meantime...let's hear from you and see what do you think of these names.
I'm doing this (publishing the squad list before it's official) for two reasons:
1. Because the sources are rather strong and trusted.
2. Because I don't know if I'll have the time to post it later on Tuesday (when the list is announced officially).
So...here are the names and you can start discussing right away.
Goalkeepers:
Juan Pablo CARRIZO (Real Zaragoza, Spain)
Mariano ANDÚJAR (Catania, Italy)
Defenders:
Daniel DIAZ (Getafe, Spain)
Emiliano PAPA (Velez, Argentina)
Nicolás OTAMENDI (Velez, Argentina)
Gabriel HEINZE (Real Madrid, Spain)
Martín DEMICHELIS (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Nicolás BURDISSO (Inter, Italy)
Javier ZANETTI (Inter, Italy)
Midfielders:
Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid, Spain)
Mario BOLATTI (Huracán, Argentina)
Javier MASCHERANO (Liverpool, England)
Maximiliano RODRIGUEZ (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Sebastián BATTAGLIA (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Jonás GUTIERREZ (Newcastle United, England)
Jesús DÁTOLO (Napoli, Italy)
Juan Sebastián VERÓN (Estudiantes de La Plata, Argentina)
Forwards:
Lionel MESSI (Barcelona, Spain)
Sergio AGÜERO (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Carlos TEVEZ (Manchester City, England)
Lisandro LOPEZ (Olympique Lyon, France)
Diego MILITO (Inter, Italy)
Ezequiel LAVEZZI (Napoli, Italy)
OK, here are my initial thoughts.
Good to see OTAMENDI confirmed and starting to get a regular spot whenever MARADONA has to call up a squad.
A couple of new boys. The excellent Mario BOLATTI gets in the picture after a great season at Huracán. He was regarded, together with OTAMENDI and PASTORE, as the best players in the last Clausura tournament. A central midfielder with great ball control and distribution but who can also stop and break the opposition's attacking plays in the centre of the park. Great header of the ball too and he also has a powerful and accurate shot from outside the box.
The other new boy...I'm not so happy about. It's Jesús DÁTOLO. Not a bad player, by any means, but not one that intrigues me or excites me. He used to play for Boca Juniors and now he is at Napoli, which will prompt many of you to think Diego is calling him because of the shirts he wore and he wears. The reason MARADONA gave in an interview with Olé to justify DÁTOLO's call-up was the absence of Angel DI MARIA. Diego said he needs to have an option with a midfielder that can play wide open on the left. I doubt he'll start the friendly match in Moscow, though.
No HIGUAIN and no CAMBIASSO. This disappoints me, I can't deny it. Especially the absence of HIGUAIN and the presence of Ezequiel LAVEZZI. Yes, they probably play different roles in the attack, but based on form and on recent developments for both players, I'd pick HIGUAIN every day. Another name is Mauro ZARATE. But I tend to think MARADONA believes LAVEZZI can offer him a threat on the wing, rather than a forward who would play more in the middle (like HIGUAIN or ZARATE). For that, he already has AGÜERO, TEVEZ, MILITO and Lisandro LOPEZ.
LAVEZZI, by the way, is in the middle of a crisis at Napoli. The President of the Italian club criticized LAVEZZI publicly and I don't know if this is the best moment to call him up.
Same goes for Carlos TEVEZ. He is injured to this day. I doubt he had the chance to run and train since last season ended. This was a perfect opportunity to leave him out and let him concentrate on adapting himself to a new club. By calling TEVEZ, MARADONA is complicating his pre-season (especially when the player is injured) and he is wasting the chance of having a look at HIGUAIN.
But at the same time, it really goes to show that Diego doesn't want HIGUAIN in his set-up. If he doesn't call him now, I don't see him calling him at a later stage (if nobody gets seriously injured, but even if that was the case, I wouldn't think MARADONA will call HIGUAIN). This is obviously a sign that those rumours about HIGUAIN not seeing eye-to-eye with some of his team-mates at Real Madrid and the national team surely make sense.
A real shame.
Regarding CAMBIASSO. I don't know if Diego has an personal agenda there too. It could be a case of him thinking that player is not one that can adapt to what he wants. I don't know.
As I always say, there are many examples of players enjoying a great run of form and yet being ignored by their national team managers. MARADONA himself suffered from that when MENOTTI left him out of the 1978 World Cup or RIQUELME and SAVIOLA in 2002.
Maxi and Jonas are getting another vote of confidence from MARADONA and in their cases, I hope it helps them gain in confidence. Especially Maxi as he really needs to recover his best form.
I have to say I'm not happy with this list. I do think some players deserve to be back with the team, but overall, Diego is missing a great chance to rotate a little bit and most importantly, test and observe new players that will give him more options.
Again...this list is still unofficial, but I doubt we'll see many changes (if any) when it comes out.
In the meantime...let's hear from you and see what do you think of these names.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Diego to announce squad for Russia on Tuesday
According to the AFA's website, Diego Armando MARADONA will announce on Tuesday the squad for the friendly against Russia in Moscow on 12 August.
The national team manager has already said he will bring a few players from the domestic league, but the rest will all be footballers based in European leagues.
The chosen players from the Argentine league are: Nicolás OTAMENDI (Velez), Emiliano PAPA (Velez), Juan Sebastián VERÓN (Estudiantes de La Plata), Mario BOLATTI (Huracán) and the chance for Sebastián BATTAGLIA (Boca Juniors) to join them.
MARADONA, his staff and the local players will leave Buenos Aires on 8 August and will spend the night in Madrid, Spain, to leave for Russia the day after.
Mundo Albiceleste will publish the list as soon as we get the chance.
The national team manager has already said he will bring a few players from the domestic league, but the rest will all be footballers based in European leagues.
The chosen players from the Argentine league are: Nicolás OTAMENDI (Velez), Emiliano PAPA (Velez), Juan Sebastián VERÓN (Estudiantes de La Plata), Mario BOLATTI (Huracán) and the chance for Sebastián BATTAGLIA (Boca Juniors) to join them.
MARADONA, his staff and the local players will leave Buenos Aires on 8 August and will spend the night in Madrid, Spain, to leave for Russia the day after.
Mundo Albiceleste will publish the list as soon as we get the chance.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Diego speaks
Just heard an interview he gave TyC Sports in Argentina.
First of all, he didn't mention anything about the rumours linking him to Portsmouth. If you ask me, it's all rubbish. That's why I didn't post anything about it yesterday.
Diego MARADONA did say a few interesting things, though.
Here are some quotes I managed to take from that interview:
"If we play in Rosario, which looks very likely, it's better for our players. Playing there gives us no guarantees when it comes to results, but if we can get the support we don't get at River Plate, it'll be better for us".
"GRONDONA never mentioned the name of RIQUELME to me. I know he said something in the media, but I swear on my two daughters and on my grandson Benjamin that he never said anything to me"
"For the friendly in Russia, I'll take a few players from the local league with me. Those are: Mario BOLATTI (Huracán), Juan Sebastián VERON, Nicolás OTAMENDI and Emiliano PAPA, with the chance of adding Sebastian BATTAGLIA too".
"I don't want to risk MESSI, MASCHERANO or TEVEZ that much in Russia, because the Brazil game will be just around the corner and we are putting our lives on the line on 5 September. That's when I want my players to give 100%".
"Martin PALERMO will definitely be on the team for the friendlies against New Zealand and Mexico -to be played in Argentina after the next double rounds of qualifiers-".
"HIGUAIN? I haven't decided it. No way I can call him to play those friendlies against New Zealand or Mexico because Real Madrid would kill me if I do. I'm going to have to call him, if I decide so, for an international match" (by international match he means WC Qualifier or a friendly played abroad).
First of all, he didn't mention anything about the rumours linking him to Portsmouth. If you ask me, it's all rubbish. That's why I didn't post anything about it yesterday.
Diego MARADONA did say a few interesting things, though.
Here are some quotes I managed to take from that interview:
"If we play in Rosario, which looks very likely, it's better for our players. Playing there gives us no guarantees when it comes to results, but if we can get the support we don't get at River Plate, it'll be better for us".
"GRONDONA never mentioned the name of RIQUELME to me. I know he said something in the media, but I swear on my two daughters and on my grandson Benjamin that he never said anything to me"
"For the friendly in Russia, I'll take a few players from the local league with me. Those are: Mario BOLATTI (Huracán), Juan Sebastián VERON, Nicolás OTAMENDI and Emiliano PAPA, with the chance of adding Sebastian BATTAGLIA too".
"I don't want to risk MESSI, MASCHERANO or TEVEZ that much in Russia, because the Brazil game will be just around the corner and we are putting our lives on the line on 5 September. That's when I want my players to give 100%".
"Martin PALERMO will definitely be on the team for the friendlies against New Zealand and Mexico -to be played in Argentina after the next double rounds of qualifiers-".
"HIGUAIN? I haven't decided it. No way I can call him to play those friendlies against New Zealand or Mexico because Real Madrid would kill me if I do. I'm going to have to call him, if I decide so, for an international match" (by international match he means WC Qualifier or a friendly played abroad).
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Rosario gets the green light
The FIFA inspectors gave thumbs up for the Gigante de Arroyito stadium to be able to host World Cup Qualifying matches.
Julio GRONDONA, the AFA President, said he doesn't mind playing at River Plate or at Rosario. He said it's up to the players and the coaching staff to decide. Which is the same as saying: "Yeah, Diego...go ahead and play against Brazil in Rosario".
This won't be the first time Argentina and Brazil will play in Rosario. During the 1978 Argentina World Cup, both teams played in the second round to a 0-0 draw. Argentina also defeated Poland and Peru in that stadium and qualified for the final to face Holland at River Plate.
Julio GRONDONA, the AFA President, said he doesn't mind playing at River Plate or at Rosario. He said it's up to the players and the coaching staff to decide. Which is the same as saying: "Yeah, Diego...go ahead and play against Brazil in Rosario".
This won't be the first time Argentina and Brazil will play in Rosario. During the 1978 Argentina World Cup, both teams played in the second round to a 0-0 draw. Argentina also defeated Poland and Peru in that stadium and qualified for the final to face Holland at River Plate.
OTAMENDI to be a new Galáctico?
There are reports suggesting Real Madrid are now negotiating with Velez Sarsfield in order to bring the up and coming Nicolás OTAMENDI to the Bernabeu.
But Velez Sarsfield's President, Fernando RAFFAINI, has denied these rumours and said he never met Real Madrid director and fellow Argentine, Jorge VALDANO.
I wouldn't rule out an offer from Real Madrid on Nicolas OTAMENDI before the transfer market is over. It's pretty obvious that with all the offensive players they bought, they need more balance at the back. Yes, they have Ezequiel GARAY back from Racing Santander and they also signed Raul ALBIOL from Valencia, but I'd think they need more names in defence and OTAMENDI certainly looks ready to play there (the way I see it, he is ready to play ANYWHERE. That's how high my confidence is in this outstanding central defender).
We'll see how it goes.
But Velez Sarsfield's President, Fernando RAFFAINI, has denied these rumours and said he never met Real Madrid director and fellow Argentine, Jorge VALDANO.
I wouldn't rule out an offer from Real Madrid on Nicolas OTAMENDI before the transfer market is over. It's pretty obvious that with all the offensive players they bought, they need more balance at the back. Yes, they have Ezequiel GARAY back from Racing Santander and they also signed Raul ALBIOL from Valencia, but I'd think they need more names in defence and OTAMENDI certainly looks ready to play there (the way I see it, he is ready to play ANYWHERE. That's how high my confidence is in this outstanding central defender).
We'll see how it goes.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
CRESPO scores a hat-trick for the Albicelestes!
No. This is not a blast from the past or an article I'm writing in the 90s or in the early 2000s.
Hernán CRESPO scored a hat-trick for the Albicelestes. That's a fact.
You want details?
OK. The match ended in a comprehensive 17-0 win for the Albicelestes against Val Stubai of Neustift and Hernan CRESPO scored three of those 17 goals.
The Albicelestes? Nope. Not Argentina, but Genoa wearing a special shirt I'm sure you all will love.
Yes, it was a friendly match in a pre-season period for a Genoa side that won't have Diego MILITO this term, but will count with a very special Argentine flavor, with Rodrigo PALACIO and Luciano FIGUEROA (who scored one in this friendly) both playing alongside CRESPO.
In other news, former Genoa striker, Diego MILITO, made his unofficial Inter debut and played 90 minutes against America (Mexico) in a friendly tournament that's being played in the USA.
It was 1-1 and Inter lost on penalties (although MILITO and BURDISSO both scored their spot shots). Esteban CAMBIASSO played most of the match and Il Capitano Javier ZANETTI was also in action.
Daniel 'Rolfi' MONTENEGRO, recently transferred from Independiente to America, didn't make it on time to debut for the 'Aguilas'
Hernán CRESPO scored a hat-trick for the Albicelestes. That's a fact.
You want details?
OK. The match ended in a comprehensive 17-0 win for the Albicelestes against Val Stubai of Neustift and Hernan CRESPO scored three of those 17 goals.
The Albicelestes? Nope. Not Argentina, but Genoa wearing a special shirt I'm sure you all will love.
Yes, it was a friendly match in a pre-season period for a Genoa side that won't have Diego MILITO this term, but will count with a very special Argentine flavor, with Rodrigo PALACIO and Luciano FIGUEROA (who scored one in this friendly) both playing alongside CRESPO.
In other news, former Genoa striker, Diego MILITO, made his unofficial Inter debut and played 90 minutes against America (Mexico) in a friendly tournament that's being played in the USA.It was 1-1 and Inter lost on penalties (although MILITO and BURDISSO both scored their spot shots). Esteban CAMBIASSO played most of the match and Il Capitano Javier ZANETTI was also in action.
Daniel 'Rolfi' MONTENEGRO, recently transferred from Independiente to America, didn't make it on time to debut for the 'Aguilas'
Friday, July 17, 2009
HEGS/MA Award for Best Argentine Abroad 2009
The votes have been counted, and after the Copa Libertadores was decided on Wednesday night, it’s time to reveal the real question all of Latin America wants answering: who, in the opinions of the readers of Hasta El Gol Siempre and Mundo Albiceleste, has been the best Argentine footballer playing in a non-Argentine league over the last season? I think you’ll find the answer very surprising. Ladies and gentlemen, drumroll please… 
Lio looks delighted with our award, doesn't he?
Lionel Andrés MESSI is the HEGS / MA Best Argentine Abroad for 2008-2009. I told you you’d be surprised. After winning the inaugural HEGS award two years ago, and being pushed into third by Carlos TEVEZ and Sergio AGÜERO last year, Lio is back on top in 2009, thanks to an astonishing season with FC Barcelona.
After his early seasons at Barcelona were wracked by injury, there were two questions being asked about MESSI this time last year: first, how good might he be if he were ever able to have a full season without a significant time out injured; secondly, after the hormone injections that some felt had damaged his legs by forcing him to grow beyond his body’s limits, would that ever happen?
2008-2009 gave us an emphatic ‘yes’ to the second question, and a spectacular demonstration in reply to the first. RONALDINHO having been sold to AC Milan, there was much discussion about who to give the coveted number 10 shirt to. Any other club would have gone for a big-name signing. Barcelona, knowing stability was required, handed it to 21-year-old MESSI. He never looked back.
The story of Barcelona’s season, the most successful in the history of Spanish club football, is already known by everyone reading this, but still, let’s revisit a few of the numbers: champions of the league, Copa del Rey and European Cup (the first Spanish side to win the Treble); one-hundred-and-five goals in the league alone, with the first-choice front three of MESSI, Samuel ETO'O and Thierry HENRY scoring 72 between them – more than any other club bar second-placed Real Madrid – and one hundred exactly in all competitions.
All season long, MESSI has been one of the key men. Admirers of the midfielders’ art point towards Andrés INIESTA’s craft, whilst ETO'O continues to be one of the finest out-and-out goalscorers on the planet and the defence… well, they haven’t got a defence, but they conceded fewer than anyone else in La Liga anyway. Even so, MESSI has been the man who summed up Barcelona this season, because without much of a change in personnel, and coming off the back of an implosion the previous term, Barcelona came of age.
MESSI scored twenty-three goals in La Liga (fourth top scorer), nine in the European Cup (top scorer) and six in the Copa del Rey (third top scorer). Thirty-eight goals in fifty matches in all competitions, including Barcelona’s 5,000th ever in La Liga on the 1st of February away to Racing de Santander in a 2-1 win. Those goals started with a penalty against Racing de Santander in Camp Nou, and ended with a header – of all things! – against Manchester United in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
Now 22, Lionel MESSI is only a few months older than Diego MARADONA was when he signed for Barcelona. There are many who would suggest he’s a better player than MARADONA was at that age – the question now is only how good he might become. Five years into his Barcelona career, we’ve finally had that uninterrupted season from Lionel MESSI. It’s been a lot of fun.
Every goal Lionel MESSI scored for FC Barcelona during the 2008-2009 season:
In joint second place in the award were the other three nominees, who garnered a vote each in the final round: Pablo ZABALETA of Manchester City, Christian GIMÉNEZ of Pachuca, and Diego MILITO of Genoa (now with Internazionale).
Due to its impending relaunch, we’ve been unable to contact Lionel MESSI’s website to see if they’ve got any comment on the award as yet. When I’m able to, I’ll make any reply I get known.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Rosario stadium inspected by FIFA on Thursday
FIFA inspectors visited the Gigante de Arroyito Stadium of Rosario on Thursday to check the facilities and start the process to see if they can clear that venue for international competitions such as the World Cup Qualifiers.
They will now elevate their report to the head-quarters in Zurich and we will see then if Argentina will host Brazil in Lionel MESSI's hometown or if the venue will continue to be the Monumental Stadium of River Plate in Buenos Aires.
They will now elevate their report to the head-quarters in Zurich and we will see then if Argentina will host Brazil in Lionel MESSI's hometown or if the venue will continue to be the Monumental Stadium of River Plate in Buenos Aires.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Estudiantes win the Copa Libertadores
Thirty-nine years after the club's third Copa Libertadores title in 1970, Estudiantes de La Plata win the continent's most important trophy in club football.
With goals from Gaston FERNANDEZ and Mauro BOSELLI, Estudiantes defeated Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte coming back from one goal down after HENRIQUE scored for the Brazilians.
Juan Sebastian VERON decided to cut short his European adventure to return to the club he loves. He won the Apertura in a nail-biting final with Boca Juniors and now he fulfills his childhood dream of captaining Estudiantes to victory in the Copa Libertadores with a man-of-the-match performance.
Argentina goalkeeper, Mariano ANDUJAR, was another key player for Estudiantes and he bids farewell in the best possible fashion. He will play for Catania in Italy next season and he will get there with a coveted Libertadores medal hanging from his neck.
It was 0-0 last week at La Plata and many Cruzeiro fans were already displaying flags and t-shirts with the inscription of "Tricampeão" (Three-times champions) of the Libertadores, but Estudiantes displayed the most important assets the history of the club boasts.
Back when Carlos BILARDO was a player and had a team-mate in Juan Ramón VERON (yes, Juan Sebastian's father), Estudiantes defied the logic in Argentine football and was the first team to consistently challenge the Big5 (Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Racing Club and San Lorenzo). Not only that, but they brought what their fans call "Mística" (Mystique) to the continent and the world.
With three consecutive Libertadores titles (1968, 1969 and 1970) and a famous win over Manchester United at Old Trafford (with VERON father scoring the winning header), Estudiantes became a well-respected and sometimes feared team in our country.
They faced relegation in the past, they came back. And now they reach the top of the continent and will represent South America in the next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup to be played in Dubai.
Barcelona...watch out...because Estudiantes will be packing their bags with a whole lot of "mística".
Congratulations and a big "Vamos Estudiantes de La Plata", a team that now makes it 22 Copa Libertadores titles for Argentine clubs (out of 50 editions) and 13 for Brazilians.
With goals from Gaston FERNANDEZ and Mauro BOSELLI, Estudiantes defeated Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte coming back from one goal down after HENRIQUE scored for the Brazilians.
Juan Sebastian VERON decided to cut short his European adventure to return to the club he loves. He won the Apertura in a nail-biting final with Boca Juniors and now he fulfills his childhood dream of captaining Estudiantes to victory in the Copa Libertadores with a man-of-the-match performance.
Argentina goalkeeper, Mariano ANDUJAR, was another key player for Estudiantes and he bids farewell in the best possible fashion. He will play for Catania in Italy next season and he will get there with a coveted Libertadores medal hanging from his neck.
It was 0-0 last week at La Plata and many Cruzeiro fans were already displaying flags and t-shirts with the inscription of "Tricampeão" (Three-times champions) of the Libertadores, but Estudiantes displayed the most important assets the history of the club boasts.
Back when Carlos BILARDO was a player and had a team-mate in Juan Ramón VERON (yes, Juan Sebastian's father), Estudiantes defied the logic in Argentine football and was the first team to consistently challenge the Big5 (Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Racing Club and San Lorenzo). Not only that, but they brought what their fans call "Mística" (Mystique) to the continent and the world.
With three consecutive Libertadores titles (1968, 1969 and 1970) and a famous win over Manchester United at Old Trafford (with VERON father scoring the winning header), Estudiantes became a well-respected and sometimes feared team in our country.
They faced relegation in the past, they came back. And now they reach the top of the continent and will represent South America in the next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup to be played in Dubai.
Barcelona...watch out...because Estudiantes will be packing their bags with a whole lot of "mística".
Congratulations and a big "Vamos Estudiantes de La Plata", a team that now makes it 22 Copa Libertadores titles for Argentine clubs (out of 50 editions) and 13 for Brazilians.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Mundo Albiceleste Podcast - Citizen Carlitos
The whole world is talking about Carlos TEVEZ joining Manchester City and so are we at Mundo Albiceleste.
In this latest edition of our podcast, John and I are joined by Johnny, one of our most loyal readers.
He joins us to discuss Carlitos' move to the Eastlands as well as other moves in the summer transfer market involving Argentine players.
As always...you can simply click the audio player above or right-click on the following link and save it as an MP3 file or listen to it in your computer: download.
Enjoy! And don't forget to send us your views to argentina.correspondent@gmail.com or right here in the comments' box.
TEVEZ arrives at the City of Manchester Stadium
He is not a pop-star. He used to play for Manchester United and he even scored against Manchester City, but upon arriving to the City of Manchester Stadium, Carlos TEVEZ already had an idol-like reception from the fans of his new club.
You can see him here as he gets off the car with Kia JOORABCHIAN and is greeted by lots of supporters.
You can see him here as he gets off the car with Kia JOORABCHIAN and is greeted by lots of supporters.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Carlos TEVEZ joins Manchester City
The soap opera is over. A new era for Carlos TEVEZ will begin not very far from where he's been playing over the last two seasons.
Carlitos will sign a 5-year contract and he will continue wearing the number he used at Old Trafford: 32.
I remember when news of him departing from Manchester United first broke, we at Mundo Albiceleste ran a poll on which will be our readers' preferred destination for the Apache.
Many voted for Liverpool or Inter, but there were plenty voting for Manchester City as well. I was one of those who voted City, I must admit.
Not that I'm 100% sure about that move right now, but that's something I'll comment more about in the next few hours, when I have more time. Or maybe even in a new edition of our podcast (coming up sometime in the near future!).
Carlitos is a Citizen. Good luck to him! Here's hoping he'll be happy at his new club and that his happiness translates into great performance from him with the Albiceleste.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Little Rabbit and Little Clown get busy
Yes, it's pre-season, but I know some River Plate fans and admirers of Pablo AIMAR and Javier SAVIOLA will be happy to see this video.
Benfica faced Sion (Switzerland) in their first pre-season friendly match.
The match ended 2-2 and Angel DI MARIA had an assist for one of Benfica's goals, but I guess the most important thing was that Javier SAVIOLA got off to a great start with his new club and scored from the penalty spot.
Better still, it was Pablo AIMAR who won the penalty-kick for the Portuguese giants with one of his trade-mark runs into the box.
You can check this URL to watch extended highlights on the match:
http://infordesporto.sapo.pt/Informacao/Modalidades/Futebol/noticiafutebol_slb_video_resumosionslb_120709_655619.asp
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Mundo's podcast - Stealing a Hurricane
Mundo Albiceleste's podcast is back by popular demand (OK, it was only Paulina who asked for it, but we're sure there are many of you out there waiting to listen to our show!)
As promised in last week's edition, we got together with Sam Kelly from Hasta El Gol Siempre to discuss the incredible conclusion of the Torneo Clausura in which we witnessed one of modern football most shocking refereeing performances.
Also...what's going on at Boca Juniors and River Plate? Are their glory days over? What's in store for their future.
If you want, you can simply click the audio player above or right-click on the following link and save it as an MP3 file or listen to it in your computer: download.
Enjoy! And don't forget to send us your views to argentina.correspondent@gmail.com or right here in the comments' box.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Mundo Albiceleste is now on Twitter
I've been hearing a lot about Twitter without knowing exactly how it works. I'm sure there must be something good about it and that's why we decided to go for it and open an account for Mundo Albiceleste.
I read a comment from our regular visitor and friend 'p2bn' and he said it would be great for Mundo Albiceleste to have a presence in what seems to be a great and easy-to-use network.
There is a widget in our sidebar and we encourage all of you to follow us on Twitter for regular and short updates, whilst the in-depth analysis and articles will keep coming strong here on our website.
Personally, I would love for those Mundo Albiceleste's readers with experience using Twitter to give us some advice in using this new tool and in helping us get more exposure for Mundo Albiceleste to reach many more Argentina fans from around the world.
www.twitter.com/MundoAlbicelest (isn't it unlucky? Only one character short of our full name! But we couldn't find a solution for that problem. Is not that bad, is it?).
We've got three followers already (and we have only been on Twitter for a few minutes). Join us and bring your friends along.
I read a comment from our regular visitor and friend 'p2bn' and he said it would be great for Mundo Albiceleste to have a presence in what seems to be a great and easy-to-use network.
There is a widget in our sidebar and we encourage all of you to follow us on Twitter for regular and short updates, whilst the in-depth analysis and articles will keep coming strong here on our website.
Personally, I would love for those Mundo Albiceleste's readers with experience using Twitter to give us some advice in using this new tool and in helping us get more exposure for Mundo Albiceleste to reach many more Argentina fans from around the world.
www.twitter.com/MundoAlbicelest (isn't it unlucky? Only one character short of our full name! But we couldn't find a solution for that problem. Is not that bad, is it?).
We've got three followers already (and we have only been on Twitter for a few minutes). Join us and bring your friends along.
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