Lucho For Atletico?
Wow!!! Atlético Madrid is being serious about the challenges they face next season, both in La Liga and the Champions League. And they are seriously looking at another Albiceleste to spearhead their campaign.
Imagine this. With Maxi RODRIGUEZ, Leo FRANCO and Kun AGUERO (provided that he stays next season at the Vicente Calderon) already there, now comes another star in the form Lucho GONZALEZ joining them next season.
El Commandante has spoken of his wish for a fresh challenge in a new league on several occasions and that has alerted the attention of the Spanish capital club. Lucho has been a long-term target for Atlético, according to reports, with the club monitoring his situation since 2004.
Atlético are now ready to launch a final offer for him after seeing their previous bids rejected, having heard that Porto have agreed with the player on his sale if an offer worth €15 million is made. Lucho, 27, joined Porto from River Plate in 2005 and has helped the club win the league for three times, having been named its best player last season.
I for once would like to see Lucho play in a stronger league and prove his worth to Coco BASILE and get a re-call to the national team.
Barca At Odds With Leo
I used to have plenty admiration for Barcelona and have always regarded them as my favourite club in Spain. But lately, sad to say that is, they have been getting on my nerve just a little too much.
Of course the main subject here has to be Lionel MESSI decision to go the Olympics, from which Barca officials have repeately fail to respect.
This is the same club which comes from a city that has hosted the Olympics in the past and perhaps should have a much better understanding that how important it is for any athlete just to be there.
FIFA has come out clearly by saying that clubs must released their players for the Games, just as long he is Under-23. That's fair enough for me. While Barca keeps arguing that the football tournament at the Games is not part of FIFA calender, and they have a case here.
The latest news that has just come out that MESSI was vaccinated against hepatitis B and other diseases earlier this week in order to be able to fly to Beijing. The AFA has already sent Lionel his plane ticket for him to join the rest of the squad in Japan. So looks like we are on the right track.
My advice to the respective officials at the Camp Nou, don't spoil the player's special relationship with the club. Just let him go.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
This Writer Pays Tribute To The Maestro
While watching Lewis HAMILTON winning the British Grand Prix last week, I kept wondering when will be the time before an Argentine grace the world of motor sport. By the way, does anyone here might know the last driver to ever race in Formula 1 from Argentina?
But for now, I would like to pay my tribute to the man that took Argentina to sporting glorious way before Mario KEMPES and his band of brothers delivered Argentina’s first Cup of Life.
As it was also mentioned in the sports official website, "Many consider him to be the greatest driver of all time. Several highly successful later drivers, such as Jim CLARK, Alain PROST, Ayrton SENNA and Michael SCHUMACHER, have been compared with him. It is generally acknowledged that such comparisons are not realistic, as the qualities required for success, the levels of competition, and the rules have changed over time”.
He is non other than Juan Manuel “El Maestro” FANGIO, a winner of five Formula One World Driver’s Championship (with four different teams, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Maserati), a record which stood for 46 years.
His superlative track record was achieved by some of the greatest displays of skill and daring ever seen. After all, he came from an era where in Formula One, taking big risks might just be putting your own life on the line and safety issues wasn’t much of a concern (over 30 of his peers died during his career). But FANGIO survived them all and did it all with style, grace, nobility and a sense of honour never seen before or since.
However he did have his own close call. In 1952, after driving all night long through the Alps to race in a pre-season non championship event in Monza, he lost control of his Maserati on the second lap and crashed heavily, suffering a broken neck that left him with a permanently stiff upper torso. As a result, he was out of the 1952 Championship season altogether in order to recover fully.
Balding, short, stocky and he was also nicknamed 'El Chueco' (bow-legged), his unprepossessing physique belied a personal magnetism that together with his driving exploits made him a figure of worldwide adulation. In 1958 he became even more of an international celebrity when he was kidnapped in Cuba by members of Fidel CASTRO's revolutionary movement to draw attention to their cause. As was the case with everyone who met him, his captors were charmed by FANGIO and they released him unharmed.
He was a true gentleman, generosity of spirit, sense of fair play, invariable courtesy, surprising humility and sheer humanity were universally praised and appreciated, especially by his peers. He always befriended his mechanics and even provides practical contributions (he often wielded wrenches himself).
His most epic race would arguably be the 1957 German Grand Prix in Nurburgring. After losing nearly a minute to the Ferraris of Mike HAWTHORN and Peter COLLINS while during a pit stop, he went to smash the lap record to smithereens around the mother and father of all tracks, and beating the British youngsters into second and third. That race turned out to secure his fifth driving title and was his last victory.
Right from the moment in his first grand prix, 1950 British Grand Prix until his last race at the 1958 French Grand Prix, FANGIO’s has won 24 Grand Prix from 51 starts.
FANGIO received numerous of accolades and awards during and after his time as a racing driver. The most notable one was the “Fangio XXI” brand launched by Repsol YPF, as homage to him.
Even Michael SCHUMACHER who won his sixth title in 2003 said “FANGIO is on a level much higher than I see myself. What he did stands alone and what we have achieved is also unique. I have such respect for what he achieved. You can't take a personality like FANGIO and compare him with what has happened today. There is not even the slightest comparison."
On July 17th will be the 13th anniversary on the passing of one of Argentina’s truly greatest ever sportsmen. He may not be around in terms of flesh and body, but his genuine spirit and strengths will remain in the minds of millions of his supporters.
Descanse En Paz FANGIO, VAMOS EL MEASTRO!!!
But for now, I would like to pay my tribute to the man that took Argentina to sporting glorious way before Mario KEMPES and his band of brothers delivered Argentina’s first Cup of Life.
As it was also mentioned in the sports official website, "Many consider him to be the greatest driver of all time. Several highly successful later drivers, such as Jim CLARK, Alain PROST, Ayrton SENNA and Michael SCHUMACHER, have been compared with him. It is generally acknowledged that such comparisons are not realistic, as the qualities required for success, the levels of competition, and the rules have changed over time”.
He is non other than Juan Manuel “El Maestro” FANGIO, a winner of five Formula One World Driver’s Championship (with four different teams, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Maserati), a record which stood for 46 years.
His superlative track record was achieved by some of the greatest displays of skill and daring ever seen. After all, he came from an era where in Formula One, taking big risks might just be putting your own life on the line and safety issues wasn’t much of a concern (over 30 of his peers died during his career). But FANGIO survived them all and did it all with style, grace, nobility and a sense of honour never seen before or since.However he did have his own close call. In 1952, after driving all night long through the Alps to race in a pre-season non championship event in Monza, he lost control of his Maserati on the second lap and crashed heavily, suffering a broken neck that left him with a permanently stiff upper torso. As a result, he was out of the 1952 Championship season altogether in order to recover fully.
Balding, short, stocky and he was also nicknamed 'El Chueco' (bow-legged), his unprepossessing physique belied a personal magnetism that together with his driving exploits made him a figure of worldwide adulation. In 1958 he became even more of an international celebrity when he was kidnapped in Cuba by members of Fidel CASTRO's revolutionary movement to draw attention to their cause. As was the case with everyone who met him, his captors were charmed by FANGIO and they released him unharmed.
He was a true gentleman, generosity of spirit, sense of fair play, invariable courtesy, surprising humility and sheer humanity were universally praised and appreciated, especially by his peers. He always befriended his mechanics and even provides practical contributions (he often wielded wrenches himself). His most epic race would arguably be the 1957 German Grand Prix in Nurburgring. After losing nearly a minute to the Ferraris of Mike HAWTHORN and Peter COLLINS while during a pit stop, he went to smash the lap record to smithereens around the mother and father of all tracks, and beating the British youngsters into second and third. That race turned out to secure his fifth driving title and was his last victory.
Right from the moment in his first grand prix, 1950 British Grand Prix until his last race at the 1958 French Grand Prix, FANGIO’s has won 24 Grand Prix from 51 starts.
FANGIO received numerous of accolades and awards during and after his time as a racing driver. The most notable one was the “Fangio XXI” brand launched by Repsol YPF, as homage to him.
Even Michael SCHUMACHER who won his sixth title in 2003 said “FANGIO is on a level much higher than I see myself. What he did stands alone and what we have achieved is also unique. I have such respect for what he achieved. You can't take a personality like FANGIO and compare him with what has happened today. There is not even the slightest comparison."On July 17th will be the 13th anniversary on the passing of one of Argentina’s truly greatest ever sportsmen. He may not be around in terms of flesh and body, but his genuine spirit and strengths will remain in the minds of millions of his supporters.
Descanse En Paz FANGIO, VAMOS EL MEASTRO!!!
More Transfer News & Some Homecoming
With less then a month away before Argentina kick starts its Olympic defense campaign, here is some interesting transfer that has been taking place.
According to my friend Sean from Argentina-Soccer.com, there is a possibility that Hernan CRESPO might return back to Argentina to play for Independiente, as a replacement for German DENIS. The main reason is obviously Jose MOURINHO. For more news on that, you may check it out on his blog.
CRESPO did play under the so-called Special One for one season at Chelsea, but struggle to fit into MOURINHO’s system, whom I remember has always had a soft spot for Didier DROGBA. With MOURINHO now in charge of Inter, I do have some reservation about the future of our other stars currently there.
Also making a return across the Atlantic Ocean is non-other than our 2006 World Cup captain, Juan Pablo SORIN who will be making a return to join Cruzeiro of Brazil (the club which he spent for a couple of years during the earlier part of this decade). After the World Cup he was signed by German outfit Hamburg SV. However his time there was mostly plagued with injury, eventually the club has decided to terminate his contract. He is expected to be out for another three months and will continue his recovery at Cruzeiro’s facility.
One of our stars of the 2004 Athens Games, Andres D’ALESSANDRO could be on the verge to sign a lucrative deal with Inter. Hold your breath my friend, it’s Internacional of Brazil. Despite of the offers that were coming from Europe, his agent Gustavo MASCARDI had stated that Andres is more than happy to move to Brazilian football. It’s just sad to sight for me to the way things are going for him as I always felt that he was going to be a big star for our national team. Sincerely, my only hope is all the best for him.
With Damián ESCUDERO leaving Velez Sarsfield to join Villareal, going the other way is Leandro SAMOZA. It’s a real pity that SAMOZA never really manage to fulfill his expectation when he first went there. Perhaps a return home might just help him to resurrect his career.
Still in Spain; after losing Pablo AIMAR, Diego MILITO could the next Albiceleste that is also bound to leave Real Zaragoza. Report suggests that the striker has personally told the club that he wants to leave the club and join Valencia. The club has earlier rejected ₤12 million bid for him from Napoli.
According to my friend Sean from Argentina-Soccer.com, there is a possibility that Hernan CRESPO might return back to Argentina to play for Independiente, as a replacement for German DENIS. The main reason is obviously Jose MOURINHO. For more news on that, you may check it out on his blog.
CRESPO did play under the so-called Special One for one season at Chelsea, but struggle to fit into MOURINHO’s system, whom I remember has always had a soft spot for Didier DROGBA. With MOURINHO now in charge of Inter, I do have some reservation about the future of our other stars currently there.
Also making a return across the Atlantic Ocean is non-other than our 2006 World Cup captain, Juan Pablo SORIN who will be making a return to join Cruzeiro of Brazil (the club which he spent for a couple of years during the earlier part of this decade). After the World Cup he was signed by German outfit Hamburg SV. However his time there was mostly plagued with injury, eventually the club has decided to terminate his contract. He is expected to be out for another three months and will continue his recovery at Cruzeiro’s facility.
One of our stars of the 2004 Athens Games, Andres D’ALESSANDRO could be on the verge to sign a lucrative deal with Inter. Hold your breath my friend, it’s Internacional of Brazil. Despite of the offers that were coming from Europe, his agent Gustavo MASCARDI had stated that Andres is more than happy to move to Brazilian football. It’s just sad to sight for me to the way things are going for him as I always felt that he was going to be a big star for our national team. Sincerely, my only hope is all the best for him.
With Damián ESCUDERO leaving Velez Sarsfield to join Villareal, going the other way is Leandro SAMOZA. It’s a real pity that SAMOZA never really manage to fulfill his expectation when he first went there. Perhaps a return home might just help him to resurrect his career.
Still in Spain; after losing Pablo AIMAR, Diego MILITO could the next Albiceleste that is also bound to leave Real Zaragoza. Report suggests that the striker has personally told the club that he wants to leave the club and join Valencia. The club has earlier rejected ₤12 million bid for him from Napoli.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The time has come: I'M GOING TO BEIJING!
Dear Mundo Albiceleste friends, I'm writing this to let you know that I'll be traveling to Beijing on Wednesday to start working with the Olympic News Service as a football reporter.
It's an amazing time for me and I can't wait to arrive in China and live this incredible experience of working at an Olympic Games and following the action on site!
The bad news is that I've been informed that Blogger is blocked in China (censorship is still going strong there) and I'm afraid I won't be able to post, comment or even read this site.
I've got a plan, though, and you'll hear from me from the shadows! I'll be e-mailing John all the text and/or pictures I'd be willing to share with you and he'll post them in my behalf. Hey...you've got to find your way around, don't you?
I'll be staying in Beijing until 18 September as I'll also be covering the Paralympic Games.
I'm sure I'll miss you all and I'm gutted I won't be able to read all your comments, but I'll also ask John to send me your comments regularly so I'm in touch with you all.
There'll be plenty to discuss with the football and basketball teams fighting to defend their respective gold medals from Athens. The female field hockey team (Las Leonas) and a few tennis players with NALBANDIAN heading the lot, will be looking to get medals too. And I'm sure it'll be a very exciting event to witness.
There's also the start of the new season in every European league and I'm sure John will keep an eye on the established Argentine stars and all the newcomers!
Anyway...this is just a "see you soon" message and I would also like to thank you for all your continued support of Mundo Albiceleste and your valuable opinions and your friendship!
It's an amazing time for me and I can't wait to arrive in China and live this incredible experience of working at an Olympic Games and following the action on site!
The bad news is that I've been informed that Blogger is blocked in China (censorship is still going strong there) and I'm afraid I won't be able to post, comment or even read this site.
I've got a plan, though, and you'll hear from me from the shadows! I'll be e-mailing John all the text and/or pictures I'd be willing to share with you and he'll post them in my behalf. Hey...you've got to find your way around, don't you?
I'll be staying in Beijing until 18 September as I'll also be covering the Paralympic Games.
I'm sure I'll miss you all and I'm gutted I won't be able to read all your comments, but I'll also ask John to send me your comments regularly so I'm in touch with you all.
There'll be plenty to discuss with the football and basketball teams fighting to defend their respective gold medals from Athens. The female field hockey team (Las Leonas) and a few tennis players with NALBANDIAN heading the lot, will be looking to get medals too. And I'm sure it'll be a very exciting event to witness.
There's also the start of the new season in every European league and I'm sure John will keep an eye on the established Argentine stars and all the newcomers!
Anyway...this is just a "see you soon" message and I would also like to thank you for all your continued support of Mundo Albiceleste and your valuable opinions and your friendship!
Checho & His Misfits Prepares for Beijing
Coach Sergio BATISTA and 13 of the Under-23 players started their first training session today. The team will be training in Buenos Aires until Saturday. On Monday they will depart to Japan where they will be schedule to play a friendly against the Japanese Under-23 on the 29th of July.
Among those who were absence were Jose SOSA, Federico FAZIO, Javier MASCHERANO, Lautaro ACOSTA and Lionel MESSI. SOSA is expected to join to rest of the squad this week while the rest of them will be schedule to join the team in Japan.
Among those who were absence were Jose SOSA, Federico FAZIO, Javier MASCHERANO, Lautaro ACOSTA and Lionel MESSI. SOSA is expected to join to rest of the squad this week while the rest of them will be schedule to join the team in Japan. Sunday, July 13, 2008
Transfer News & Much More
After surviving in what turns out to be another boring weekend, here I am back posting on some of the latest news which I’ve manage to come across.
Aimar Set for Benfica Move
First it was Everton and Newcastle that was bidding for his signature. Then it was Portsmouth that came into the picture.
But for now, it looks like that El Payaso could be on his way to Portugal to play for Benfica. At least that’s what his agent believes.
“I’m awaiting at the moment a phone call from (Zaragoza owner) Agapito IGLESIAS telling me that Benfica’s money has arrived,” his representative Gustavo MASCARDI told Portugese newspaper Record.
“As things stand, AIMAR will be a player at the Portugese club.”
Man United In For Agüero?
His agent, Jose SEGUI, has claimed that a leading English side is interested in signing the striker but here is the catch, it’s not Chelsea.
“I have had interest from a leading English team and they have asked me to approach Atletico with a bid. I cannot say more until I have spoken to the club about the offer. All I can tell you is that it is one of the best teams in Europe and it's not Chelsea.”
Kun is reportedly valued at around £35 million, however should United sell Cristiano RONALDO to Real Madrid; it is a price tag they could easily afford.
Last season he scored 19 goals in La Liga and helped Atletico finished fourth which earned them a spot in the Champions League.
Personally I would welcome him to Old Traford anytime (not that I support them or what) to see him teaming up with non other than Carlos TEVEZ.
Another part of me suggests that it might be Liverpool, due to the Spanish connection there. There is a high possibility that Rafa BENITEZ might want to reunite him with Fernando TORRES at Anfield.
Manu confident of fitness for Argentina title defense
Manu GINOBILI says he is recovering well from his left ankle injury and will be fit to help his country defend their Olympic men's basketball crown in Beijing.
"I feel much better. I'm taking it with humor and optimism. For the moment my ankle is very good," the San Antonio Spurs guard told local media, who has be chosen as the flag bearer for Argentina during the opening ceremony.
Manu had said in June that he was a doubt for the Beijing Games. But, following a successful recuperation period, the 30-year-old has bounced back to fitness quicker than initially expected.
Del Potro topples Gasquet for Stuttgart crown
Juan Martin DEL POTRO took full advantage of his first chance for a crown. The unseeded player collected his first career title by toppling second seed Richard GASQUET, 6-4 & 7-5, in the title match of the Mercedes Cup on Sunday.
Aimar Set for Benfica Move
First it was Everton and Newcastle that was bidding for his signature. Then it was Portsmouth that came into the picture.
But for now, it looks like that El Payaso could be on his way to Portugal to play for Benfica. At least that’s what his agent believes.
“I’m awaiting at the moment a phone call from (Zaragoza owner) Agapito IGLESIAS telling me that Benfica’s money has arrived,” his representative Gustavo MASCARDI told Portugese newspaper Record.
“As things stand, AIMAR will be a player at the Portugese club.”
Man United In For Agüero?
His agent, Jose SEGUI, has claimed that a leading English side is interested in signing the striker but here is the catch, it’s not Chelsea.
“I have had interest from a leading English team and they have asked me to approach Atletico with a bid. I cannot say more until I have spoken to the club about the offer. All I can tell you is that it is one of the best teams in Europe and it's not Chelsea.”
Kun is reportedly valued at around £35 million, however should United sell Cristiano RONALDO to Real Madrid; it is a price tag they could easily afford.
Last season he scored 19 goals in La Liga and helped Atletico finished fourth which earned them a spot in the Champions League.
Personally I would welcome him to Old Traford anytime (not that I support them or what) to see him teaming up with non other than Carlos TEVEZ.
Another part of me suggests that it might be Liverpool, due to the Spanish connection there. There is a high possibility that Rafa BENITEZ might want to reunite him with Fernando TORRES at Anfield.
Manu confident of fitness for Argentina title defense
Manu GINOBILI says he is recovering well from his left ankle injury and will be fit to help his country defend their Olympic men's basketball crown in Beijing.
"I feel much better. I'm taking it with humor and optimism. For the moment my ankle is very good," the San Antonio Spurs guard told local media, who has be chosen as the flag bearer for Argentina during the opening ceremony.
Manu had said in June that he was a doubt for the Beijing Games. But, following a successful recuperation period, the 30-year-old has bounced back to fitness quicker than initially expected.
Del Potro topples Gasquet for Stuttgart crown
Juan Martin DEL POTRO took full advantage of his first chance for a crown. The unseeded player collected his first career title by toppling second seed Richard GASQUET, 6-4 & 7-5, in the title match of the Mercedes Cup on Sunday.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
REMINDER - The Inaugural 2008 Mundo Albiceleste Awards
This is just remind all our wonderful readers about The Inaugural 2008 Mundo Albiceleste Award which we’ve started since last month.
Once again, thanks for all those who has e-mailed us your vote. In case for those you who haven’t, don’t worry as there is still plenty of time for you to do so.
Just go to the following link to find out more on how you can participate in this interesting contest.
http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/2008/06/inaugural-2008-mundo-albiceleste-awards.html
KEEP THE VOTES COMING IN. VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!
Once again, thanks for all those who has e-mailed us your vote. In case for those you who haven’t, don’t worry as there is still plenty of time for you to do so.
Just go to the following link to find out more on how you can participate in this interesting contest.
http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/2008/06/inaugural-2008-mundo-albiceleste-awards.html
KEEP THE VOTES COMING IN. VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!
Monday, July 07, 2008
I'm a correspondent for ESPN Soccernet Podcast
Yes, my friends!
Today I made my debut for the ESPN Soccernet Podcast as a South American football correspondent!
Some of you may remember that during the last World Cup in Germany 2006 I was a written correspondent in charge of telling you all about Argentina and their quest for that elusive third World Cup title. That's how I got to meet a lot of the current Mundo Albiceleste's readers and, in fact this blog was born because of that great response I got from you when I wrote during the World Cup.
Now I joined the ESPN Soccernet Podcast team as a correspondent from South America and I don't know if it'll last for long but I'm sharing this with all of you and I hope you like my participation in that show.
Here's a link for those of you who would like to listen to the show.
You can listen right from their website (they've got a player that's very easy to open) and you can also download it to listen from your computer or your MP3 player.
My conversation with the host, Adriano Russo, begins roughly in the 31st minute of the show and we talked about the Copa Libertadores, the transfers involving South American players in the Premier League and a quick preview on the Olympic tournament.
I'd love to hear from you and read your critics and comments.
Hope you like it and I'll welcome any critics and comments from you.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=376252&cc=3888
Today I made my debut for the ESPN Soccernet Podcast as a South American football correspondent!
Some of you may remember that during the last World Cup in Germany 2006 I was a written correspondent in charge of telling you all about Argentina and their quest for that elusive third World Cup title. That's how I got to meet a lot of the current Mundo Albiceleste's readers and, in fact this blog was born because of that great response I got from you when I wrote during the World Cup.
Now I joined the ESPN Soccernet Podcast team as a correspondent from South America and I don't know if it'll last for long but I'm sharing this with all of you and I hope you like my participation in that show.
Here's a link for those of you who would like to listen to the show.
You can listen right from their website (they've got a player that's very easy to open) and you can also download it to listen from your computer or your MP3 player.
My conversation with the host, Adriano Russo, begins roughly in the 31st minute of the show and we talked about the Copa Libertadores, the transfers involving South American players in the Premier League and a quick preview on the Olympic tournament.
I'd love to hear from you and read your critics and comments.
Hope you like it and I'll welcome any critics and comments from you.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=376252&cc=3888
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Copa Libertadores Final Second Leg – Well Done Bauza, Bieler, Manso & Araujo!!!
Once again my wish was granted, as I've mentioned in my previous post about the final that I wanted to see Fluminense to make a great comeback. Before that, I have some an interesting info that I would like to share. In total, there were 8 Argentinean being involved in this final. Four players, three match officials and plus one from the sideline.
In my opinion, I believe the latter from the sideline has perhaps played the most important role in steering Ecuador major honour in South America. Well done to coach Edgardo BAUZA on this historical moment.
The visitors gave the home a real scare when Luis BOLANOS strike in the 6th minute but Fluminense recovered with a hat trick from Thiago NEVES, to level the match 5-5 on aggregate.
Liga Deportiva Universitaria (LDU) forward, Claudio BIELER had couple of chance that would have out his name in Ecuadorean folklore. First he hit the post during regular time and then had a goal disallowed during extra time (a wrong decision from the linesmen indeed).
So like the Champions League, both teams had to place their lottery card in the penalty shoot-out. José CEVALLOS became the hero for LDU, saving three penalties including one from Dario CONCA.
A BIG congratulations from Mundo to BAUZA, BIELER, Damian MANSO and Norberto ARAUJO on this wonderful achievement. LDU will represent South America in the FIFA Club World Cup where they might take on Carlos TEVEZ's Manchester United.
In my opinion, I believe the latter from the sideline has perhaps played the most important role in steering Ecuador major honour in South America. Well done to coach Edgardo BAUZA on this historical moment.
The visitors gave the home a real scare when Luis BOLANOS strike in the 6th minute but Fluminense recovered with a hat trick from Thiago NEVES, to level the match 5-5 on aggregate.
Liga Deportiva Universitaria (LDU) forward, Claudio BIELER had couple of chance that would have out his name in Ecuadorean folklore. First he hit the post during regular time and then had a goal disallowed during extra time (a wrong decision from the linesmen indeed).
So like the Champions League, both teams had to place their lottery card in the penalty shoot-out. José CEVALLOS became the hero for LDU, saving three penalties including one from Dario CONCA.A BIG congratulations from Mundo to BAUZA, BIELER, Damian MANSO and Norberto ARAUJO on this wonderful achievement. LDU will represent South America in the FIFA Club World Cup where they might take on Carlos TEVEZ's Manchester United.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
BATISTA names Olympic squad
They've got a mission. They have to defend the gold medal Argentina won four years ago. They are 18 men and now, finally, we've got their names!
Sergio BATISTA announced the entire and definite Olympic squad that will represent Argentina in the football tournament in Beijing in August.
The AFA lost the battle with Bayern Munich and with Real Madrid and Argentina won't be able to count with Martín DEMICHELIS and Gabriel HEINZE.
I can't imagine what DEMICHELIS must be feeling after PEKERMAN left him out of a World Cup that was going to be played in his backyard in Germany and now after being denied by his employers when he looked poised to participate in this big tournament. Hopefully, Martín will get his revenge in 2010 (will it be in South Africa?).
HEINZE was not allowed to join the team by Real Madrid so the 3rd over-23 player that will be joining Javier MASCHERANO and Juan Román RIQUELME will be Inter defender Nicolás BURDISSO.
Here's the rest of the squad:
Goalkeepers:
Oscar USTARI (Getafe, Spain) and Sergio ROMERO (AZ Alkmaar, Holland).
Defenders:
Pablo ZABALETA (Espanyol, Spain), Ezequiel GARAY (Real Madrid, Spain), Federico FAZIO (Sevilla, Spain), Nicolás BURDISSO (Internazionale, Italy) and Luciano MONZÓN (Boca Juniors, Argentina).
Midfielders:
Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid, Spain), Ever BANEGA (Valencia, Spain), Javier MASCHERANO (Liverpool, England), Juan Román RIQUELME (Boca Juniors, Argentina), Angel DI MARÍA (Benfica, Portugal), José SOSA (Bayern Munich, Germany) and Diego BUONANOTTE (River Plate, Argentina).
Forwards:
Lionel MESSI (Barcelona, Spain), Ezequiel LAVEZZI (Napoli, Italy), Lautaro ACOSTA (Sevilla, Spain) and Sergio AGÜERO (Atlético Madrid, Spain).
There are also 4 stand-by players that will be able to replace any of the 18 in case of injury: Nicolás NAVARRO (goalkeeper, Napoli, Italy); Lucas BIGLIA and Nicolás Pareja (midfielder and defender, Anderletch, Belgium) and Emiliano INSUA (defender, Liverpool, England) .
On 29 July, Argentina will face Japan in Tokyo in a friendly match and from there, the team will move to China where they will play 2 of their first round matches (Ivory Coast and Australia) in Shanghai and the third one (against Serbia) in Beijing.
As well as being gutted for Martín DEMICHELIS missing out because a decision by his club, I'm absolutely thrilled to see BATISTA made justice and called up Lautaro ACOSTA. After all, he was the one who scored a dramatic winner against Uruguay in the last minute of injury time to give Argentina the chance to reach the Olympics and defend the gold medal.
What are your thoughts on this list and Argentina's chances to win it all?
Sergio BATISTA announced the entire and definite Olympic squad that will represent Argentina in the football tournament in Beijing in August.
The AFA lost the battle with Bayern Munich and with Real Madrid and Argentina won't be able to count with Martín DEMICHELIS and Gabriel HEINZE.
I can't imagine what DEMICHELIS must be feeling after PEKERMAN left him out of a World Cup that was going to be played in his backyard in Germany and now after being denied by his employers when he looked poised to participate in this big tournament. Hopefully, Martín will get his revenge in 2010 (will it be in South Africa?).
HEINZE was not allowed to join the team by Real Madrid so the 3rd over-23 player that will be joining Javier MASCHERANO and Juan Román RIQUELME will be Inter defender Nicolás BURDISSO.
Here's the rest of the squad:
Goalkeepers:
Oscar USTARI (Getafe, Spain) and Sergio ROMERO (AZ Alkmaar, Holland).
Defenders:
Pablo ZABALETA (Espanyol, Spain), Ezequiel GARAY (Real Madrid, Spain), Federico FAZIO (Sevilla, Spain), Nicolás BURDISSO (Internazionale, Italy) and Luciano MONZÓN (Boca Juniors, Argentina).
Midfielders:
Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid, Spain), Ever BANEGA (Valencia, Spain), Javier MASCHERANO (Liverpool, England), Juan Román RIQUELME (Boca Juniors, Argentina), Angel DI MARÍA (Benfica, Portugal), José SOSA (Bayern Munich, Germany) and Diego BUONANOTTE (River Plate, Argentina).
Forwards:
Lionel MESSI (Barcelona, Spain), Ezequiel LAVEZZI (Napoli, Italy), Lautaro ACOSTA (Sevilla, Spain) and Sergio AGÜERO (Atlético Madrid, Spain).
There are also 4 stand-by players that will be able to replace any of the 18 in case of injury: Nicolás NAVARRO (goalkeeper, Napoli, Italy); Lucas BIGLIA and Nicolás Pareja (midfielder and defender, Anderletch, Belgium) and Emiliano INSUA (defender, Liverpool, England) .
On 29 July, Argentina will face Japan in Tokyo in a friendly match and from there, the team will move to China where they will play 2 of their first round matches (Ivory Coast and Australia) in Shanghai and the third one (against Serbia) in Beijing.
As well as being gutted for Martín DEMICHELIS missing out because a decision by his club, I'm absolutely thrilled to see BATISTA made justice and called up Lautaro ACOSTA. After all, he was the one who scored a dramatic winner against Uruguay in the last minute of injury time to give Argentina the chance to reach the Olympics and defend the gold medal.
What are your thoughts on this list and Argentina's chances to win it all?
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