It Was Messi And Now Masche
Javier MASCHERANO has become the latest player having trouble to secure release from Liverpool to represent Argentina in the Olympics. For more information about this you can click here.
Volleyball – Olympic Qualification Tournament
Argentina fought back from one set down to tame South Korea 3-1 in their match of the first day of the men's World Olympic Qualification Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Saturday.
The team, ranked sixth in the world, downed the 16th-ranked Koreans 16-25, 25-23, 25-23, 29-27 on their sixth match point of a fiercely-fought contest.
Rugby – Guinness Premiership Final
An unfortunate day for coach Marcelo LOFFREDA and prop Marcos AYERZA of the Leicester Tigers as they were defeated by the London Wasp 26-16 at Twickenham Stadium.
This is season LOFFREDA's first season as the Tigers coach after leading the Pumas to third place at the last World Cup.
NBA – Carlos To Join Manu & Oberto?
Apparently there has been report saying that San Antonio Spurs might show interest in Toronto's guard Carlos DELFINO, as part of their plan to rebuild for next season.
Tennis – Roland Garros, Men's Double
Lucas Arnold KER/Juan Ignacio CHELA march into the third round with a comfortable 6-1 & 7-5 win against Nicolas DEVILDER/Olivier PATIENCE from France.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Lautaro Acosta Joins Sevilla
In perhaps the first transfer involving an Albiceleste, Lanus striker Lautaro ACOSTA has joined Sevilla on a five year contract that is reported to be worth 7 million Euros. He will be re-united with Federico FAZIO, who was together with him in last year Under-20 World Cup winning team. ACOSTA said on the Sevilla website: "I feel extremely happy to have at last closed the agreement. I am going to fulfil my dream, which was to be able to play in Europe, and as well as that I am going to do it at one of the most important clubs in the world."
He also revealed he had spoken to Sevilla B player Emiliano ARMENTEROS about the club and city. ACOSTA, who is friends with one of ARMENTEROS' brothers, said: "He told me that I am going to a spectacular city, a club who have all the details, with some great installations, and he has also spoken of the warmth of their fans. I know that I am going to need time to adapt, but I hope that this period will be as short as possible.
Roland Garros - End Of The Road For Schwank
Well he was making a name for himself during this Roland Garros. First he was a winner of three consecutive Challenger titles, then he manages to escape a near fatal incident when his hotel was caught on fire in Bordeaux.
And now at the French Open, he surprise many with his sizzling performance to reach the third round. Unfortunately, his campaign came to end after losing to local hero, Paul-Henri MATHIEU thus ending Argentina's hope of winning the men's single title.
Gordo (that is his nickname, I believe), was out of focus in the first two sets which allowed the Frenchmen to take 2-6, 3-6. Then suddenly he came back alive in the third winning 6-3. But in the fourth set, he did had his moment where he could have complete the set but mistakes and unforced error cost him badly.After forcing the game to a tie breaker, Gordo was unable to capitalize on his chances thus losing 6-7(9-11). I would still say it was a gallant effort from him, and definitely he is one for the future.
Playoffs News - No Back To Back For Manu & Oberto
From the time the ball was tipped off, they knew they had huge mountain to climb. At the beginning it looks like that the Spurs were firing from all cylinders but as time when by, the ammo just seemed to run out. By then it was all over. The LA Lakers won by 100-92 to clinch the Western Conference title by 4-1 against the Spurs.
So the main question here is that where did it all go wrong them? Old legs, maybe. Wasted opportunities, maybe. A below par performance from Manu GINOBILI, definitely. Spurs only win in this series came from a game, which Manu played one of his best performances in the post season. Tonight he only had 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists & 2 blocked shot.
But I will not take anything away from Manu, as far the whole season is concern. He did carry the team through tough times especially when both Tim DUNCAN and Tony PARKER were injured. He never complains about his status being a bench player. He gave 120% when every time he was brought in. He finished off as Spurs top scorer during the regular season. For his reward, he was named as the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.Fabricio OBERTO too in some ways perhaps will also have a season to remember. He finished off the game with 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists & 1 steal. As always, he was doing the little things that others wont do. Despite the arrival Kurt THOMAS, he still maintains his place in the team as the starting center.
Its time now our heroes to get some much deserve rest and prepare for their next challenge of the year, to defend our precious gold in Beijing.
So who I should be supporting from now onwards? It must be the Detroit Pistons, provided that they re-activate Walter HERRMANN back into the team for the Finals, if they make it.
So the main question here is that where did it all go wrong them? Old legs, maybe. Wasted opportunities, maybe. A below par performance from Manu GINOBILI, definitely. Spurs only win in this series came from a game, which Manu played one of his best performances in the post season. Tonight he only had 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists & 2 blocked shot.
But I will not take anything away from Manu, as far the whole season is concern. He did carry the team through tough times especially when both Tim DUNCAN and Tony PARKER were injured. He never complains about his status being a bench player. He gave 120% when every time he was brought in. He finished off as Spurs top scorer during the regular season. For his reward, he was named as the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.Fabricio OBERTO too in some ways perhaps will also have a season to remember. He finished off the game with 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists & 1 steal. As always, he was doing the little things that others wont do. Despite the arrival Kurt THOMAS, he still maintains his place in the team as the starting center.
Its time now our heroes to get some much deserve rest and prepare for their next challenge of the year, to defend our precious gold in Beijing.
So who I should be supporting from now onwards? It must be the Detroit Pistons, provided that they re-activate Walter HERRMANN back into the team for the Finals, if they make it.
Roland Garros - Disastrous Day 5
What a day to forget for all our boys? Five Argentine player were in action and none of them actually WON!!! And this is happening on clay, I just can’t believe this.
Our best hope David NALBANDIAN was the biggest casualty among them all. He took on local boy, Jeremy CHARDY who stunned the 6th seeded in five sets. NALBANDIAN was on a roll taking the first two sets 6-3, 6-4. Then the unimaginable happen, when CHARDY stormed back to win the next three, 2-6, 1-6 & 2-6.
This was follow by Maximo GONZALEZ, Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO, Diego JUNQUEIRA & Juan Ignacio CHELA. Here are the results.
Maximo GONZALEZ lost to Mikhail YOUZHNY (RUS) 3-6, 2-6 & 2-6
Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO lost to Jarkko NIEMINEN (FIN) 5-7, 1-6, 6-3 & 7-6
Diego JUNQUEIRA lost to Ivan LJUBICIC (CRO) 3-6, 4-6 & 2-6
Juan Ignacio CHELA lost to Fernando VERDASCO (ESP) 5-7, 6-4, 3-6 & 5-7
The only survivor that is remaining in the Men’s Single is Eduardo SCHWANK who later take on 18th seeded Frenchmen Paul-Henri MATHIEU. It seems like this guys is a must watch, so we might just get an interesting match up with SCHWANK going against the local crowd as well.
Not to forget, some of our players are also still involved in the Men’s double. Hopefully we will get some better luck there.
Our best hope David NALBANDIAN was the biggest casualty among them all. He took on local boy, Jeremy CHARDY who stunned the 6th seeded in five sets. NALBANDIAN was on a roll taking the first two sets 6-3, 6-4. Then the unimaginable happen, when CHARDY stormed back to win the next three, 2-6, 1-6 & 2-6.
This was follow by Maximo GONZALEZ, Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO, Diego JUNQUEIRA & Juan Ignacio CHELA. Here are the results.Maximo GONZALEZ lost to Mikhail YOUZHNY (RUS) 3-6, 2-6 & 2-6
Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO lost to Jarkko NIEMINEN (FIN) 5-7, 1-6, 6-3 & 7-6
Diego JUNQUEIRA lost to Ivan LJUBICIC (CRO) 3-6, 4-6 & 2-6
Juan Ignacio CHELA lost to Fernando VERDASCO (ESP) 5-7, 6-4, 3-6 & 5-7
The only survivor that is remaining in the Men’s Single is Eduardo SCHWANK who later take on 18th seeded Frenchmen Paul-Henri MATHIEU. It seems like this guys is a must watch, so we might just get an interesting match up with SCHWANK going against the local crowd as well.
Not to forget, some of our players are also still involved in the Men’s double. Hopefully we will get some better luck there.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
A mention in The Guardian
One week ago I saw a feature on the English newspaper The Guardian, called The Knowledge, about managers with spells in three or more clubs from the same city (anywhere in the world).
It was a very interesting article and after I read it, I thought: "Wait...there must be at least one manager with such a career in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo". So I did a little research (not very exhaustive) and I thought I'd drop them a line.
Turns out they published the information I sent them and I got a mention in today's edition of The Knowledge.
I thought I'd share it with you:
www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/may/28/knowledge
Scroll down to the last subject, called: WHO HAS MANAGED THE MOST CLUBS IN ONE CITY (2)?
It was a very interesting article and after I read it, I thought: "Wait...there must be at least one manager with such a career in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo". So I did a little research (not very exhaustive) and I thought I'd drop them a line.
Turns out they published the information I sent them and I got a mention in today's edition of The Knowledge.
I thought I'd share it with you:
www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/may/28/knowledge
Scroll down to the last subject, called: WHO HAS MANAGED THE MOST CLUBS IN ONE CITY (2)?
Roland Garros - Schwank Through To The Next Round
Day 4 at the Roland Garros saw three more of our players completing their first round ties and progressing to the next stage. But as for the second round fixtures, it was massive disappointment.
Juan Ignacio CHELA has manage to complete his tie against American John ISNER. After losing the first two sets, he made a brilliant comeback to win the game, 2-6, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 7 6-4.
Diego JUNQUEIRA manage to overcome local boy Adrian MANNARINO in straight sets 6-1, 6-2 & 6-2. Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO also progresses to the next round with a victory against Spaniard Feliciano LOPEZ 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6 & 6-3.
It was unfortunate for Agustin CALLERI after he was defeated by Mardy FISH from America 7-6, 4-6, 2-6 & 4-6.
In the second round fixtures, Eduardo SCHWANK continues to impress the critics with a win against Marcel GRANOLLERS from Spain 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 & 6-4. But that was the only win we had from our boys in the second.
Jose ACASUSO saw his campaign came to an end after losing to Andy MURRAY 4-6, 0-6 & 4-6. While Juan Martin DEL POTRO was beaten by Italian Simone BOLELLI 6-3, 6-7, 5-7 & 2-6.
The other player to bow out in the second round was Sebastian DECOUD after he was defeated by Nicolas ALMAGRO in straight sets 6-7, 2-6, & 1-6.
Juan Ignacio CHELA has manage to complete his tie against American John ISNER. After losing the first two sets, he made a brilliant comeback to win the game, 2-6, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 7 6-4.
Diego JUNQUEIRA manage to overcome local boy Adrian MANNARINO in straight sets 6-1, 6-2 & 6-2. Martin Vassallo ARGUELLO also progresses to the next round with a victory against Spaniard Feliciano LOPEZ 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6 & 6-3.
It was unfortunate for Agustin CALLERI after he was defeated by Mardy FISH from America 7-6, 4-6, 2-6 & 4-6.
In the second round fixtures, Eduardo SCHWANK continues to impress the critics with a win against Marcel GRANOLLERS from Spain 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 & 6-4. But that was the only win we had from our boys in the second.
Jose ACASUSO saw his campaign came to an end after losing to Andy MURRAY 4-6, 0-6 & 4-6. While Juan Martin DEL POTRO was beaten by Italian Simone BOLELLI 6-3, 6-7, 5-7 & 2-6.
The other player to bow out in the second round was Sebastian DECOUD after he was defeated by Nicolas ALMAGRO in straight sets 6-7, 2-6, & 1-6.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Copa Libertadores - Boca To Take On Fluminense
Manchester United has already proven they are the best in Europe. Now it is obvious that they’re next conquest is for global domination, which will be at FIFA Club World Cup tournament later this year.
They could start doing their homework right now by paying attention to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The Copa Libertadores that is. After all, it is highly likely that the Final will be contested between Europe and South American’s finest.
One thing that I can guarantee is that, Argentina (whether it is in the form of a certain player or team) will have a winner.
One team that will grab most of the attention among Mundo’s reader will definitely be Boca Juniors. How can we all forget last year’s edition, which saw the Juan Roman RIQUELME inspired Boca capturing glory from the hands of Gremio from Brazil? We all know the love-hate relationship between Brazil, and us, which will continue again this year when Boca take on Fluminense in the semis.
Now I have to admit that my knowledge may be limited on the football scene in South America due to the lack of coverage here in Malaysia (the only staple diet that I have is either from Seba or Sam from HEGS). But it doesn’t take a genius to understand Boca’s deadly offensive trio of Roman, Martin PALERMO and Rodrigo PALACIO.
On his best and given half a chance, Roman can provide some delicious splitting passes against the tightest defense. PALERMO will benefit the most from this. Add to PALACIO mobility and trickery on the field, Boca does look good enough to go all the way.
From what I read, Roman has established a highly productive performance alongside Jesús DATOLO in midfield. Someone which I’m keen to look forward too. Not to forget, Gabriel PALETTA returning after a ill-fated stint at Liverpool. He could come in handy from set piece situations.
As for the rest, I’m sure plenty of you hardcore Boca supporters out there might want to share interesting stuffs about them. I would love to hear more about them.
My personal reason why I picked Boca to win (forgive me if I might sound controversial here) is the fact that Roman has never dissapointed anyone in a Boca’s shirt. Period.
Boca’s rival in the semis Fluminense will also bring their own Albiceleste flavour into the pitch, in the form Darío CONCA. The ex-River has been on loan for the past four years playing in Chile & Brazil. What amazes me the most, that how even Brazllian teams love to have an Argentine on roster (Carlitos, Javier etc.).
The other semi-final, which was played today, saw Club América of Mexico taking on Liga Deportiva Universitaria (LDU) from Ecuador at home. The match ended in 1-1 draw.
Sebastian DOMINGUEZ was sent off for a sliding tackle in the 73rd minute. Federico HIGUAIN (the brother of Gonzalo of Real Madrid) also came into action as a second half substitute. The Mexican side of course were playing without Federico INSUA who was still out injured (It seems his out for about 6-8 months).
While LDU was not short of Albiceleste talent in their line up with all three players, Damián MANSO, Norberto ARAUJO and Claudio BIELER, was in starting eleven.
LDU success on becoming the first side from the country reaching the semis in a decade is just another milestone for Ecuadorean football in this decade.
They could start doing their homework right now by paying attention to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The Copa Libertadores that is. After all, it is highly likely that the Final will be contested between Europe and South American’s finest.
One thing that I can guarantee is that, Argentina (whether it is in the form of a certain player or team) will have a winner.
One team that will grab most of the attention among Mundo’s reader will definitely be Boca Juniors. How can we all forget last year’s edition, which saw the Juan Roman RIQUELME inspired Boca capturing glory from the hands of Gremio from Brazil? We all know the love-hate relationship between Brazil, and us, which will continue again this year when Boca take on Fluminense in the semis.
Now I have to admit that my knowledge may be limited on the football scene in South America due to the lack of coverage here in Malaysia (the only staple diet that I have is either from Seba or Sam from HEGS). But it doesn’t take a genius to understand Boca’s deadly offensive trio of Roman, Martin PALERMO and Rodrigo PALACIO.On his best and given half a chance, Roman can provide some delicious splitting passes against the tightest defense. PALERMO will benefit the most from this. Add to PALACIO mobility and trickery on the field, Boca does look good enough to go all the way.
From what I read, Roman has established a highly productive performance alongside Jesús DATOLO in midfield. Someone which I’m keen to look forward too. Not to forget, Gabriel PALETTA returning after a ill-fated stint at Liverpool. He could come in handy from set piece situations.
As for the rest, I’m sure plenty of you hardcore Boca supporters out there might want to share interesting stuffs about them. I would love to hear more about them.
My personal reason why I picked Boca to win (forgive me if I might sound controversial here) is the fact that Roman has never dissapointed anyone in a Boca’s shirt. Period.
Boca’s rival in the semis Fluminense will also bring their own Albiceleste flavour into the pitch, in the form Darío CONCA. The ex-River has been on loan for the past four years playing in Chile & Brazil. What amazes me the most, that how even Brazllian teams love to have an Argentine on roster (Carlitos, Javier etc.).
The other semi-final, which was played today, saw Club América of Mexico taking on Liga Deportiva Universitaria (LDU) from Ecuador at home. The match ended in 1-1 draw.
Sebastian DOMINGUEZ was sent off for a sliding tackle in the 73rd minute. Federico HIGUAIN (the brother of Gonzalo of Real Madrid) also came into action as a second half substitute. The Mexican side of course were playing without Federico INSUA who was still out injured (It seems his out for about 6-8 months).
While LDU was not short of Albiceleste talent in their line up with all three players, Damián MANSO, Norberto ARAUJO and Claudio BIELER, was in starting eleven.
LDU success on becoming the first side from the country reaching the semis in a decade is just another milestone for Ecuadorean football in this decade.
Playoffs News - Oh No!!!
As you all would have known by now, the Lakers won Game 4 93-91, after controversial decision by the referee in the dying seconds. It was clearly that Brent BARRY (he was spectacular tonight with 23 points from the bench) was foul and should have been sent to the free throw lines.
But I don’t know what to say about Manu GINOBILI, which I have to say, was horrendous for entire the game. He didn’t manage to post any points until 1:32 left in the third quarter. If he was at his best, maybe just maybe Spurs would have got this game. In total, he only manages to post 7 points, 1 rebound & 6 assists. This is really sad.
Fabricio OBERTO also struggle heavily wasn’t even able to have a shot and only had 3 rebounds & 1 assist.
The signs don’t look good for the Spurs to pull something out of Game 5 which will be played in LA. I’d hate to see Spurs going out at this time having realizing how close they came to clinch back to back championship. Much more for so Manu’s sake, after having a great season.
But I don’t know what to say about Manu GINOBILI, which I have to say, was horrendous for entire the game. He didn’t manage to post any points until 1:32 left in the third quarter. If he was at his best, maybe just maybe Spurs would have got this game. In total, he only manages to post 7 points, 1 rebound & 6 assists. This is really sad.
Fabricio OBERTO also struggle heavily wasn’t even able to have a shot and only had 3 rebounds & 1 assist.
The signs don’t look good for the Spurs to pull something out of Game 5 which will be played in LA. I’d hate to see Spurs going out at this time having realizing how close they came to clinch back to back championship. Much more for so Manu’s sake, after having a great season.
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