Internazionale are going trough a rough patch since their defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. They have not won any match and have since seen their supremacy at the top of Serie A now just cut to 6 points.
On Saturday, they have managed to find their confidence after securing 2-0 win over Reggina.
Hernan CRESPO was brought in to partner Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC while Javier ZANETTI, Nicolas BURDISSO & Esteban CAMBIASSO were all starters.
It was CAMBIASSO that gave Inter their much-needed breakthrough in the 14th minute when he was foul by Carlos VALDES in the penalty box. Zlatan stepped up to drill the ball down the middle and the festivities began.
Twenty minutes later, BURDISSO headed in for Inter’s second courtesy of a cross from Luis JIMENEZ.
Despite of Reggina’s spirited effort to make a comeback in the game, Inter stood well this time to ensure that victory was in their hands and increase the gap at the top back to 9 points.
However it was back to six again when the following day Roma defeated Napoli away 2-0.
Aldo DUSCHER alongside Ezequiel GARAY continues to inspire Racing Santander towards a place in Europe with 3-0 win over Real Betis. This is their third consecutive victory and the win allows them to jump into 5th place in the standings, level on points with Atletico Madrid.
DUSCHER, who scored last week’s winner against Valladolid, broke the deadlock in the 50th minute. He took the opportunity courtesy of Betis goalkeeper Ricardo PAREIRA, who parried a free kick from Racing’s Jorge LOPEZ.
LOPEZ was deadly from set pieces and was again instrumental in the 59th when he picked out GARAY at the near post, which he side footed for the second goal. Mohamed TCHITE completed Racing’s victorious night in the 88th minute.
Betis who had Mariano PAVONE leading their attack, wasn’t able to capitalized on the numerous chances they had. On their bench, they had Leandro SAMOZA who did not see any action.
In France it was the top at the table clash between defending champion Lyon and their challenger Bordeaux at the Stade de Gerland. Fernando CAVENAGHI converted a penalty in the 60th minute to bring score line to 3-2 in favour Lyon. However it was all over in the dying minutes when Abdul KEITA scored to seal the win for the defending champion.
Finally perhaps the saddest note of the week, Mariano GONZALEZ being sent off in FC Porto 1-0 win over Académica de Coimbra.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
NBA News - Manu Drops 28 & Bulls Move Closer
Chicago Bulls 107 Cleveland Cavaliers 96
Despite another strong effort from Le Bron JAMES, the Bulls manage to get it right this time, securing their first back-to-back win since December.
With this result, they will now move a step closer, just behind New Jersey Nets and will remain as a strong contender for the lucrative eighth play off spot in the Eastern Conference.
Andres NOCIONI had a slow start but eventually found his rhythm in the latter stage of the game posting 11 points & 4 rebounds.
San Antonio Spurs 108 Indiana Pacers 97
Despite having a game high performance, Manu GINOBILI will likely be most remembered for his effort in blocking out his angry coach, Gregg POPOVICH who was heading straight to an official.
"I tried to box him out," Manu said of his unsuccessful attempt to block coach POPOVICH, who was ejected. "I could have done better."
Manu posted 28 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to their 11th straight win thus preserving their status as the No.1 team in the Western Conference. He also had 5 rebounds & 3 assists. Fabricio OBERTO despite the less time play he receive tonight also had productive effort in posting 6 points, 3 rebounds & 2 assists.
Houston Rockets 113 Dallas Mavericks 98
The Rockets took advantage against a Dallas team playing without their maverick, Dirk NOWITZKI to stretch their winning streak to 17 games.
Luis SCOLA was instrumental in both ends of the court as he posted 12 points, a game high of 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals & 2 block shot.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Dark Night In Europe
It was a real disappointing night in Europe for our entire Albiceleste representative in the second night of the last 16 Champions League Round.
Both Gabriel HEINZE and Fernando GAGO were starters for Real Madrid but they could capitalize on playing in their home ground against Roma. The Italian side won 2-1 (4-2 on aggregate) to progress further. Gonzalo HIGUAIN was on the bench but did not see any action.
As expected, playing against Chelsea in Stamford Bridge must have tall order for Greek side Olympiacos. Cristian Raúl LEDESMA was in the starting line up but was replace in favour of Fernando BELLUSCHI in the 54th minute.
Perhaps the most disappointing result for me came happened in Portugal as I did some expectation on seeing Porto progressing further. Despite putting plenty of pressure against Schalke from the start of the match, it took the home side almost 86th minute to score the all important equalizer in this match.
A neat pass from Lucho GONZALEZ saw Porto’s talisman Lisandro LOPEZ who turned around and fired an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to level the score line 1-1 on aggregate.
Both Mariano GONZALEZ (54th minute) and Ernesto FARIAS (58th minute) came as a second half substitutions.
After playing for an extra 30 minutes the match was finally decided on penalty from which Lisandro LOPEZ missed his shot while earlier Lucho scored first and the German side won 4-1 in the shootout.
Both Gabriel HEINZE and Fernando GAGO were starters for Real Madrid but they could capitalize on playing in their home ground against Roma. The Italian side won 2-1 (4-2 on aggregate) to progress further. Gonzalo HIGUAIN was on the bench but did not see any action.
As expected, playing against Chelsea in Stamford Bridge must have tall order for Greek side Olympiacos. Cristian Raúl LEDESMA was in the starting line up but was replace in favour of Fernando BELLUSCHI in the 54th minute.
Perhaps the most disappointing result for me came happened in Portugal as I did some expectation on seeing Porto progressing further. Despite putting plenty of pressure against Schalke from the start of the match, it took the home side almost 86th minute to score the all important equalizer in this match.
A neat pass from Lucho GONZALEZ saw Porto’s talisman Lisandro LOPEZ who turned around and fired an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to level the score line 1-1 on aggregate.
Both Mariano GONZALEZ (54th minute) and Ernesto FARIAS (58th minute) came as a second half substitutions.After playing for an extra 30 minutes the match was finally decided on penalty from which Lisandro LOPEZ missed his shot while earlier Lucho scored first and the German side won 4-1 in the shootout.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
NBA News - 20 Points From Chapu In Bulls Win
Orlando Magic 102 Toronto Raptors 87
Despite being given a 27:24 time play from the bench, Carlos DELFINO wasn’t able to contribute and execute on his offensive play. He only manages 4 points plus 9 rebounds & 3 assists.
Chicago Bulls 112 Memphis Grizzlies 97
Finally a win for the Bulls to re-ignite their fight for a place in the play-offs, after New Jersey Nets (currently occupying the 8th position in the Eastern Conference) also lost today.
Andres NOCIONI has been relegated to the bench in favour of British superstar Luol DENG but certainly came up with the most sparks to help the Bulls win this game.
He posted 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 block shot.
San Antonio Spurs 81 New Jersey Nets 70
A low-key performance from both sides but none of that is going to stop the defending champions from preserving its longest winning streak of the season.
With the most of the offense duty was handled by Tim DUNCAN, Manu GINOBILI only manages 12 points but contributed plenty at the back end to ensure this win. He had 7 rebounds, 3 assists, a game high of 4 steals & 1 block shot.
The battle for the center position is also heating up. Despite being placed on the bench Fabricio OBERTO will relish every moment that was given to him when called upon.
It was tight affair between him and Kurt THOMAS but OBERTO falling just a bit short of contribution compare to THOMAS. He only posted 4 rebounds and 1 assist.
Despite being given a 27:24 time play from the bench, Carlos DELFINO wasn’t able to contribute and execute on his offensive play. He only manages 4 points plus 9 rebounds & 3 assists.
Chicago Bulls 112 Memphis Grizzlies 97
Finally a win for the Bulls to re-ignite their fight for a place in the play-offs, after New Jersey Nets (currently occupying the 8th position in the Eastern Conference) also lost today.
Andres NOCIONI has been relegated to the bench in favour of British superstar Luol DENG but certainly came up with the most sparks to help the Bulls win this game.
He posted 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 block shot.
San Antonio Spurs 81 New Jersey Nets 70
A low-key performance from both sides but none of that is going to stop the defending champions from preserving its longest winning streak of the season.
With the most of the offense duty was handled by Tim DUNCAN, Manu GINOBILI only manages 12 points but contributed plenty at the back end to ensure this win. He had 7 rebounds, 3 assists, a game high of 4 steals & 1 block shot.
The battle for the center position is also heating up. Despite being placed on the bench Fabricio OBERTO will relish every moment that was given to him when called upon.
It was tight affair between him and Kurt THOMAS but OBERTO falling just a bit short of contribution compare to THOMAS. He only posted 4 rebounds and 1 assist.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Another injury makes MESSI break down in tears
I hate to see when things like these happen.
It's just so unfair that a number of mediocre players (I could make a very long list, believe me!) never get injured and yet, Lionel MESSI, one of the finest in this planet suffers a good share of knocks that keep him out of the field for more than we'd like.
My theory is that Lionel's game is based on explosion. That bursting first step that leaves opponents on the wrong foot and then gives him the space to do what he wants.
Being a really small guy, Lionel can fool you with his incredible toughness when it comes to resist the foul play used by his rivals in a desperate intent to stop him. In fact, I don't remember an injury he suffered after receiving a kick by a defender or after being hit by somebody.
His injury on Tuesday had nothing to do with foul play by the Celtic players. He was a victim, his muscle was a victim, of his flashy speed and his desire to go for the dribble like if it was his last.
Seeing him stopping inmediately and sending his hands to his head was a really painful thing to watch. He couldn't help the tears and I'm sure more than one Barcelona and Argentina fan did the same.
The first news are suggesting MESSI will be out of action for around a month. He'll surely miss Argentina's friendly against Egypt and he'll also miss the Copa del Rey semifinal match against Valencia (2nd leg).
Here's hoping one of our true Mundo Albiceleste's heroes recovers completely and as fast as he can.
VAMOS LIONEL!
It's just so unfair that a number of mediocre players (I could make a very long list, believe me!) never get injured and yet, Lionel MESSI, one of the finest in this planet suffers a good share of knocks that keep him out of the field for more than we'd like.
My theory is that Lionel's game is based on explosion. That bursting first step that leaves opponents on the wrong foot and then gives him the space to do what he wants.
Being a really small guy, Lionel can fool you with his incredible toughness when it comes to resist the foul play used by his rivals in a desperate intent to stop him. In fact, I don't remember an injury he suffered after receiving a kick by a defender or after being hit by somebody.
His injury on Tuesday had nothing to do with foul play by the Celtic players. He was a victim, his muscle was a victim, of his flashy speed and his desire to go for the dribble like if it was his last.
Seeing him stopping inmediately and sending his hands to his head was a really painful thing to watch. He couldn't help the tears and I'm sure more than one Barcelona and Argentina fan did the same.
The first news are suggesting MESSI will be out of action for around a month. He'll surely miss Argentina's friendly against Egypt and he'll also miss the Copa del Rey semifinal match against Valencia (2nd leg).
Here's hoping one of our true Mundo Albiceleste's heroes recovers completely and as fast as he can.
VAMOS LIONEL!
Argentina to tour the USA in June?
It's not exactly a long tour and it's not confirmed yet, but RENOVA, the Russian company that manages Argentina's agenda of friendly matches is reportedly working on booking a couple of matches in the USA in June.
The rivals?
Mexico in San Diego, USA. (June 4)
USA in New York, USA. (June 8)
My first impression is a good one. With a number of low-profile rivals coming up (and after playing Guatemala, for example), I'd welcome a clash with the always dangerous Mexicans and the interesting team that is the USA.
In other news, Alfio BASILE will name next Tuesday the squad of players that will face African champions, Egypt on March 26.
There could be a chance for in-form strikers such as Lisandro LOPEZ (Porto), Julio CRUZ (Inter) and Fernando CAVENAGHI (Bordeaux).
The rivals?
Mexico in San Diego, USA. (June 4)
USA in New York, USA. (June 8)
My first impression is a good one. With a number of low-profile rivals coming up (and after playing Guatemala, for example), I'd welcome a clash with the always dangerous Mexicans and the interesting team that is the USA.
In other news, Alfio BASILE will name next Tuesday the squad of players that will face African champions, Egypt on March 26.
There could be a chance for in-form strikers such as Lisandro LOPEZ (Porto), Julio CRUZ (Inter) and Fernando CAVENAGHI (Bordeaux).
Monday, March 03, 2008
EVER drinking in Valencia
Bad news for Ever BANEGA. After Valencia lost 2-0 against Espanyol -with BANEGA making a crucial mistake in one of the Catalans' goals-, the Argentine midfielder was stopped by the local police in Turia (near Valencia) and he failed to pass a breath test and had a high blood alcohol level.
It's still unknown if Ever will be suspended or fined by the club, which released a statement aknowleging the fact that Ever got stopped by the police.
This is worrying because Ever is now building up a reputation of being fond to the nightlife.
Before moving to Valencia, Ever was separated from the Boca Juniors squad by former manager Miguel Angel RUSSO after the Youth World Champion in Canada 2007 was seeing going out the night Boca lost 2-0 against River in a match when BANEGA saw the red card.
Let's hope this is only a one-off and he keeps his promising career moving forward.
It's still unknown if Ever will be suspended or fined by the club, which released a statement aknowleging the fact that Ever got stopped by the police.
This is worrying because Ever is now building up a reputation of being fond to the nightlife.
Before moving to Valencia, Ever was separated from the Boca Juniors squad by former manager Miguel Angel RUSSO after the Youth World Champion in Canada 2007 was seeing going out the night Boca lost 2-0 against River in a match when BANEGA saw the red card.
Let's hope this is only a one-off and he keeps his promising career moving forward.
Duscher Helps Santander & Others
In Football....
Spanish La Liga
A goal by Aldo DUSCHER with four minutes remaining was enough to give visiting Racing Santander a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid. The win was vital as Racing moved into the UEFA Cup places after leapfrogging Sevilla, who lost to Deportive La Coruna on Saturday.
Meanwhile Real Betis climbed away from the relagation zone after trashing fellow struggler Real Murcia 4-0. Among the scorer for them is Mariano PAVONE. The goal came in the 57th minute when PAVONE's right-footed shot found the top-right corner following Mark GONZALEZ's headed pass from Garcia ARZU's cross.
Others...
NBA News...
Houston Rockets 103 Denver Nuggets 89
What is life without YAO form the Rockets? Difficult? Nope I dont think so. Another vintage performance from T-Mac & Co. as they have stretch their winning streak to 15 matches.
Luis SCOLA was sensantional in both offense and defense as he posted 18 points, 14 rebounds & 2 assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers 95 Chicago Bulls 86
Another defeat for the Bulls with Andres NOCIONI himself also having a poor night. He only manage to post 2 points & 1 assist.
Charlotte Bobcats 110 Toronto Raptors 98
The Raptors bench which consists of Carlos DELFINO, TJ Ford & Jason KAPONO among others were not able to provide the much needed support to win this game.
DELFINO only manages 9 rebounds, 5 rebounds & 1 steal.
New Jersey Nets 83 San Antonio Spurs 93
After posting 30 against the Bucks in the previous game, Manu GINOBILI was started bench this time. Perhaps after all the game high performance he had over the last few weeks, he needed some rest for this game. But still again he was not about to slow down his engine as he posted 17 points, 4 rebounds & 3 assists.
Fabricio OBERTO was also relegated to the bench this time in favour of new signing Kurt THOMAS but he wasn't going to go out without a fight. He had more minutes than THOMAS and posted 4 points & 7 reboounds.
Spanish La Liga
A goal by Aldo DUSCHER with four minutes remaining was enough to give visiting Racing Santander a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid. The win was vital as Racing moved into the UEFA Cup places after leapfrogging Sevilla, who lost to Deportive La Coruna on Saturday.
Meanwhile Real Betis climbed away from the relagation zone after trashing fellow struggler Real Murcia 4-0. Among the scorer for them is Mariano PAVONE. The goal came in the 57th minute when PAVONE's right-footed shot found the top-right corner following Mark GONZALEZ's headed pass from Garcia ARZU's cross.
Others...
NBA News...
Houston Rockets 103 Denver Nuggets 89
What is life without YAO form the Rockets? Difficult? Nope I dont think so. Another vintage performance from T-Mac & Co. as they have stretch their winning streak to 15 matches.
Luis SCOLA was sensantional in both offense and defense as he posted 18 points, 14 rebounds & 2 assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers 95 Chicago Bulls 86
Another defeat for the Bulls with Andres NOCIONI himself also having a poor night. He only manage to post 2 points & 1 assist.
Charlotte Bobcats 110 Toronto Raptors 98
The Raptors bench which consists of Carlos DELFINO, TJ Ford & Jason KAPONO among others were not able to provide the much needed support to win this game.
DELFINO only manages 9 rebounds, 5 rebounds & 1 steal.
New Jersey Nets 83 San Antonio Spurs 93
After posting 30 against the Bucks in the previous game, Manu GINOBILI was started bench this time. Perhaps after all the game high performance he had over the last few weeks, he needed some rest for this game. But still again he was not about to slow down his engine as he posted 17 points, 4 rebounds & 3 assists.
Fabricio OBERTO was also relegated to the bench this time in favour of new signing Kurt THOMAS but he wasn't going to go out without a fight. He had more minutes than THOMAS and posted 4 points & 7 reboounds.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
KUN sinks Barcelona and gives Real a big hand
Just a couple of days after stating that "I'll never join Real Madrid", Sergio Kun AGÜERO helped the White Empire to restore their lead at the top of La Liga standings with a terrific display in Atletico Madrid win over FC Barcelona.
Kun was unstoppable for Barça. A couple of minutes after Ronaldinho scored a magic goal for the Catalans, the former Independiente striker completely fooled another ex-Independiente, Gabriel MILITO and sent the ball off Carles PUYOL's back heel and into the net.
But he had more in store. A clever run on the right was finished with a lovely assist for fellow Argentine Maxi RODRIGUEZ and La Fiera sent a low drive to the far post to give Aleti the lead with which they closed the firt half.
It looked like a costly mistake when AGÜERO shot wide when he had only the keeper to beat and a wide-open team-mate in front of an empty net, but he more than made up for that mistake. He forced PUYOL to foul him inside the penalty area and another former Independiente, Diego FORLAN made no mistake from the spot. 3-1.
Was Kun satisfied after that? Not nearly! He saved the best for 75th minute when he started a frantic run on the left and curled the ball to the far post before seeing the yellow card for taking his shirt off. It didn't matter for Kun. He took part in all 4 of Atletico Madrid's goals and placed his team on Champions League zone.
Samuel Eto'o scored Barça's second goal soon after AGÜERO's goal and with just a few seconds to the final whistle, Kun was replaced and received a standing ovation that said volumes of what he did.
Even if with his wonderful display he helped city rivals Real Madrid, which won 3-2 at Recreativo de Huelva, opened up a 5-point gap over Barcelona again. Fernando GAGO had a sensational assist for ROBINHO to score his second goal coming on from the bench. Gabriel HEINZE and Gonzalo HIGUAIN also played for Real Madrid.
But today it was all about Kun in a match in which Lionel MESSI played only a few minutes in the second half and saw how his friend took center stage this time.
Watch Atletico 4-2 Barcelona highlights here:
Kun was unstoppable for Barça. A couple of minutes after Ronaldinho scored a magic goal for the Catalans, the former Independiente striker completely fooled another ex-Independiente, Gabriel MILITO and sent the ball off Carles PUYOL's back heel and into the net.
But he had more in store. A clever run on the right was finished with a lovely assist for fellow Argentine Maxi RODRIGUEZ and La Fiera sent a low drive to the far post to give Aleti the lead with which they closed the firt half.
It looked like a costly mistake when AGÜERO shot wide when he had only the keeper to beat and a wide-open team-mate in front of an empty net, but he more than made up for that mistake. He forced PUYOL to foul him inside the penalty area and another former Independiente, Diego FORLAN made no mistake from the spot. 3-1.
Was Kun satisfied after that? Not nearly! He saved the best for 75th minute when he started a frantic run on the left and curled the ball to the far post before seeing the yellow card for taking his shirt off. It didn't matter for Kun. He took part in all 4 of Atletico Madrid's goals and placed his team on Champions League zone.
Samuel Eto'o scored Barça's second goal soon after AGÜERO's goal and with just a few seconds to the final whistle, Kun was replaced and received a standing ovation that said volumes of what he did.
Even if with his wonderful display he helped city rivals Real Madrid, which won 3-2 at Recreativo de Huelva, opened up a 5-point gap over Barcelona again. Fernando GAGO had a sensational assist for ROBINHO to score his second goal coming on from the bench. Gabriel HEINZE and Gonzalo HIGUAIN also played for Real Madrid.
But today it was all about Kun in a match in which Lionel MESSI played only a few minutes in the second half and saw how his friend took center stage this time.
Watch Atletico 4-2 Barcelona highlights here:
Albiceleste News
Football News...
Cavegol For Argentina?
Lately we have notice his goal scoring exploits in the French League for Bordeaux and now it looks like the news is fast spreading across the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks Jack for sharing with us this news. Just click here for more.
Masche Is A Red For 4 Years
After all the trouble that he had to go through looks like finally Javier MASCHERANO has permanently made his move to Liverpool a confirmed deal. Lets hope that this could also help to turn things around the club fortune for the rest of the season.
Argentina To Play Catalunya
I've just found this news from Goal.Com that Argentina will face Catalunya in an exhibition match in late May at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. Argentina have been looking for friendly match opponents with a Spanish-style of football in their game, and feel that the clash with Catalunya will serve them in preparation for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Tennis News...
David NALBANDIAN will play in the Acapulco Final after defeating Luis HORNA from Peru, 7-5 & 6-1. The chance to see an All-Argentinean final was dashed after Jose ACASUSO lost to Spaniard Nicolas ALMAGRO 6-4, 3-6 & 7-5.
NBA News...
Houston Rockets 116 Memphis Grizzlies 95
Luis SCOLA posted 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and a game high of 5 steals as the Rockets win their 14th straight games.
Chicago Bulls 91 Washington Wizards 97
Another for the loss for the Bulls despite having Andres NOCIONI posting 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal & 2 block shot.
Toronto Raptors 111 Indiana Pacers 122
Carlos DELFINO only had 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist & 1 steal.
Have a nice weekend everyone!!!
Cavegol For Argentina?
Lately we have notice his goal scoring exploits in the French League for Bordeaux and now it looks like the news is fast spreading across the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks Jack for sharing with us this news. Just click here for more.
Masche Is A Red For 4 Years
After all the trouble that he had to go through looks like finally Javier MASCHERANO has permanently made his move to Liverpool a confirmed deal. Lets hope that this could also help to turn things around the club fortune for the rest of the season.
Argentina To Play Catalunya
I've just found this news from Goal.Com that Argentina will face Catalunya in an exhibition match in late May at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. Argentina have been looking for friendly match opponents with a Spanish-style of football in their game, and feel that the clash with Catalunya will serve them in preparation for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Tennis News...
David NALBANDIAN will play in the Acapulco Final after defeating Luis HORNA from Peru, 7-5 & 6-1. The chance to see an All-Argentinean final was dashed after Jose ACASUSO lost to Spaniard Nicolas ALMAGRO 6-4, 3-6 & 7-5.
NBA News...
Houston Rockets 116 Memphis Grizzlies 95
Luis SCOLA posted 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and a game high of 5 steals as the Rockets win their 14th straight games.
Chicago Bulls 91 Washington Wizards 97
Another for the loss for the Bulls despite having Andres NOCIONI posting 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal & 2 block shot.
Toronto Raptors 111 Indiana Pacers 122
Carlos DELFINO only had 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist & 1 steal.
Have a nice weekend everyone!!!
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