Argentina has become the first South American nation to win their way through to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009. A 2-0 win over arch-rivals Uruguay ensured Argentina topped Group B to claim one of three qualification berths on offer.
Knowing only a win would guarantee their ticket to Nigeria, Argentina opened the scoring after just 11 minutes through Sergio ARAUJO. They had to wait until injury time for the clincher with striker Daniel VILLALVA sealing victory.
Well at least we can take some comfort from these boys on their success as the Under-17 World Cup is the only FIFA tournament that we can look forward too this year.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Champions League Semi Finals - Tuesday
The UEFA Champions League continues and this time it's the start of the Semi-Finals! Favourites to win the tournament Barcelona will host Chelsea at the Camp Nou tomorrow. Seeing as how it's the Semi Finals, it's the only match of the day. With Ashley COLE suspended(their left back) it seems like Guus HIDDINK will start Jose BOSINGWA. Lionel MESSI will be the only Argentine playing tomorrow as Franco DI SANTO will not play.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
NBA Playoffs News – SCOLA & Rockets Just One Game Away
Luis SCOLA is just one game away from winning his first playoff series. The Houston Rockets are just one game away from ending that jinx. Today they took another big step to achieve just that with a close fought 89-88 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The result meant the Rockets will now take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
At the start of the season, everyone in Houston was talking about their version of the big three (T-Mac, Ron & YAO). For all the hype surrounding those three, it was their No.4 that continues to stand tall for them. And again, the young Blazers are still trying figure out just how they could stop the Rockets.
Every time their big man goes to surround YAO, they seem to forget about SCOLA; leaving him open with nothing but just to make jump shots. Let’s face it; we all know Luis is incredible in doing just that. Tonight he had 17 points to go along with those 8 rebounds, 1 assist & 2 steals.
The series will now return for Game 5 in Portland. No one is expecting for an easy ride there and the Rockets will know not to take things for granted.
At the start of the season, everyone in Houston was talking about their version of the big three (T-Mac, Ron & YAO). For all the hype surrounding those three, it was their No.4 that continues to stand tall for them. And again, the young Blazers are still trying figure out just how they could stop the Rockets.
Every time their big man goes to surround YAO, they seem to forget about SCOLA; leaving him open with nothing but just to make jump shots. Let’s face it; we all know Luis is incredible in doing just that. Tonight he had 17 points to go along with those 8 rebounds, 1 assist & 2 steals.
The series will now return for Game 5 in Portland. No one is expecting for an easy ride there and the Rockets will know not to take things for granted.
It’s Not MESSI!!! It’s Not Kun!!!! It’s……
Here are the latest news and goal scorer from Sunday’s fixture throughout Europe.
In Spain, Kun AGUERO scored for Atletico Madrid in their 3-1 win over Sporting Gijon. Jose Leonardo TALAMONTI was the hero for Atalanta scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win over Lazio. In the French Ligue 1, Toulouse captain Mauro CETTO save his side a point in their 1-1 draw with Lorient, scoring in the 89th minute.
While in Portugal, Lisandro LOPEZ scored twice for FC Porto as they defeat Vitoria Setubal 2-0 to maintain their position at the top of the Portuguese Liga. In Russia, Hector BRACAMONTE was the scorer for FC Moscow in their 2-0 win over FK Tom’ Tomsk.
The Greek Super League has plenty of Albiceleste goals to offer. Javier CAMPORA was the toast for Aris Salonika against Panthrakikos. Aris were 2-0 down at half time among which the first goal was scored by Sergio PONCE but manage to pull one back in the 62nd minute. CAMPORA then went to equalize in the 89th minute and then completed the comeback in injury time.
Asteras Tripoli went down at home 3-4 against Panionios with Mauro MILANO scoring twice for them. Luciano GALETTI scored from the spot for Olympiakos in their 2-0 win over Thrasivoulos.
Finally the last goal scorer is the one that caught my attention this weekend. Of course he may not be the high profile scorer but for many of us (the Albiceleste supporters here in Malaysia), he holds a special place in our heart. After all he was the hero and scored the winning goal for our Under-20 in the final of the 1997 World Youth held here in Malaysia.
The name is Diego QUINTANA. My goodness, where have you’ve been? It’s been a long time since we’ve heard any news about him as these days in his is playing his club football for FC Xanthi of Greece.
On Sunday he was amongst the goal scorer in their 4-0 win over Iraklis. I was thrilled and happy to know that he is still kicking alive today. Judging from the video, it seems he hasn’t really changed that much (still keeping the mop hairstyle which he was famous for back them).
In Spain, Kun AGUERO scored for Atletico Madrid in their 3-1 win over Sporting Gijon. Jose Leonardo TALAMONTI was the hero for Atalanta scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win over Lazio. In the French Ligue 1, Toulouse captain Mauro CETTO save his side a point in their 1-1 draw with Lorient, scoring in the 89th minute.
While in Portugal, Lisandro LOPEZ scored twice for FC Porto as they defeat Vitoria Setubal 2-0 to maintain their position at the top of the Portuguese Liga. In Russia, Hector BRACAMONTE was the scorer for FC Moscow in their 2-0 win over FK Tom’ Tomsk.
The Greek Super League has plenty of Albiceleste goals to offer. Javier CAMPORA was the toast for Aris Salonika against Panthrakikos. Aris were 2-0 down at half time among which the first goal was scored by Sergio PONCE but manage to pull one back in the 62nd minute. CAMPORA then went to equalize in the 89th minute and then completed the comeback in injury time.
Asteras Tripoli went down at home 3-4 against Panionios with Mauro MILANO scoring twice for them. Luciano GALETTI scored from the spot for Olympiakos in their 2-0 win over Thrasivoulos.
Finally the last goal scorer is the one that caught my attention this weekend. Of course he may not be the high profile scorer but for many of us (the Albiceleste supporters here in Malaysia), he holds a special place in our heart. After all he was the hero and scored the winning goal for our Under-20 in the final of the 1997 World Youth held here in Malaysia.
The name is Diego QUINTANA. My goodness, where have you’ve been? It’s been a long time since we’ve heard any news about him as these days in his is playing his club football for FC Xanthi of Greece.
On Sunday he was amongst the goal scorer in their 4-0 win over Iraklis. I was thrilled and happy to know that he is still kicking alive today. Judging from the video, it seems he hasn’t really changed that much (still keeping the mop hairstyle which he was famous for back them).
Lionel scores, Gonzalo and Fernando visit Sevilla
On Saturday, league leaders Barcelona took on Valencia in a match that could of shaken Spain altogether. A Barcelona win and a Real Madrid loss would of meant that Barcelona could of clinched La Liga next week at the Bernabeu at the El Classico. But, the key words in that sentence are "could of". At the 24 minute mark Lionel MESSI linked with Andres INIESTA to score the opening goal of the game. With 2 minutes to go in the first half, the Barcelona back-line(more-so Victor VALDES) fell asleep as Valencia scored twice in 2 minutes to give the home team a lead heading into half-time. With 5 minutes to play in the game, Barcelona was awarded a free-kick. MESSI of all people sent the ball into the Valencia box as the goalkeeper miss timed his run to the ball and Thierry Henry scored to tie the game. The match ended 2-2.
Later on today, Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Fernando GAGO visit Sevilla. Gabriel HEINZE did not make the team list. And Serie A champions Inter Milan visit Diego MARADONA's old club Napoli.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Little Argentina Held Against Ecuador
I don’t have any match report for this (neither could I find anything from the internet) but I’m sure you guys would like to share with us some insight about the game. Despite of this, Tata BROWN’s side still remain on top of Group B with seven points (one ahead of Uruguay). Our last match from this group will be against them on Monday, 27th April.
NBA Playoffs - SCOLA Helps Rocket Win Game 3
Luis SCOLA was alive, the Rockets defense packed it up on Brandon ROY and the Houston Rockets came away with a 86-83 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. But for one moment, despite of having a command of 17 points lead, it seems all they had was still not enough.
By the time the game moved to the fourth quarter, the Rockets’ 15-point lead was reduced to seven and the Blazers were surging through the sort of comeback that has marked their season. The Rockets, however, had one last push to take the win and the series lead.
And just how did SCOLA became the focal point of this win?
Well both YAO Ming and Ron ARTEST were having a bad night. The Blazers tactic on fronting YAO and going on the double-d on him prove to be suicidal.
When that happen, SCOLA stood out and hurt them with his jump shot. He was once again up for a tough battle against LeMarcus ALDRIDGE. While SCOLA was killed in Game 2 but in this game it was pay back time. He posted 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists & 1 steal.
“We play as a team,” SCOLA said. “So because of that, we can afford for Ron and YAO to have a bad night and we still win. And that’s a good thing to have.”
Now SCOLA and the Rockets have present themselves a great chance to win this series. They will host Game 4 before the going back to Oregon. A win here might just be the turning point. Now the dream is on again.
By the time the game moved to the fourth quarter, the Rockets’ 15-point lead was reduced to seven and the Blazers were surging through the sort of comeback that has marked their season. The Rockets, however, had one last push to take the win and the series lead.
And just how did SCOLA became the focal point of this win?
Well both YAO Ming and Ron ARTEST were having a bad night. The Blazers tactic on fronting YAO and going on the double-d on him prove to be suicidal.
When that happen, SCOLA stood out and hurt them with his jump shot. He was once again up for a tough battle against LeMarcus ALDRIDGE. While SCOLA was killed in Game 2 but in this game it was pay back time. He posted 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists & 1 steal.
“We play as a team,” SCOLA said. “So because of that, we can afford for Ron and YAO to have a bad night and we still win. And that’s a good thing to have.”
Now SCOLA and the Rockets have present themselves a great chance to win this series. They will host Game 4 before the going back to Oregon. A win here might just be the turning point. Now the dream is on again.
TEVEZ to Anfield? What's the story with HIGUAIN?
Two Argentine forwards are constantly making the headlines for different reasons.
While Carlos TEVEZ has to sit on the bench while witnessing how Dimitar BERBATOV even takes penalties ahead of him, Gonzalo HIGUAIN keeps winning games for Real Madrid and it's getting more and more inexplicable why he is not being considered to play for Argentina.
As always, when things like these happens, rumours start flowing faster than Lionel MESSI!
TEVEZ is being linked with a number or top European sides. To the rather old versions linking him with Inter Milan and Real Madrid, you have to add those suggesting that the Apache could be heading to Chelsea or even Man Utd's bitter rivals: Manchester City and Liverpool.
TEVEZ made some comments to an Argentine radio a few days ago about how he would have no problems leaving United and saying he needs to play regularly, especially with the World Cup being just around the corner.
Alex FERGUSON is still to make a decision on whether he'll aim to keep TEVEZ or not. Expect a thousand different reports from here until the start of next season. We could be in for a long transfer saga!
As for HIGUAIN...reports in the Argentine media lately, suggested his absence in recent Argentina matches has nothing to do with his level of performances. It seems Pipita doesn't see eye-to-eye with Real Madrid team-mates Fernando GAGO and Gabriel HEINZE and that could be the reason behind MARADONA's not calling him up.
I don't entirely buy this versions, but more often than not, when this kind of reports come to the surface, there's at least a shadow of truth behind them.
That said, it's nothing confirmed and if it was, then I doubt under the current state of things, MARADONA will be wanting to miss out on such an in-form player. Not only his performances are up there with that of the best strikers in the world, he is also showing a knack for scoring crucial 3-pointers. Vital match-winning strikes, that are keeping Real Madrid alive this season.
Here's where MARADONA should use his power to convince the Real Madrid players that the national team is bigger than their club, their qualities and their big fat egos.
I'll be desperate to knowing what's in store for our next WCQ squad list!
While Carlos TEVEZ has to sit on the bench while witnessing how Dimitar BERBATOV even takes penalties ahead of him, Gonzalo HIGUAIN keeps winning games for Real Madrid and it's getting more and more inexplicable why he is not being considered to play for Argentina.
As always, when things like these happens, rumours start flowing faster than Lionel MESSI!
TEVEZ is being linked with a number or top European sides. To the rather old versions linking him with Inter Milan and Real Madrid, you have to add those suggesting that the Apache could be heading to Chelsea or even Man Utd's bitter rivals: Manchester City and Liverpool.
TEVEZ made some comments to an Argentine radio a few days ago about how he would have no problems leaving United and saying he needs to play regularly, especially with the World Cup being just around the corner.
Alex FERGUSON is still to make a decision on whether he'll aim to keep TEVEZ or not. Expect a thousand different reports from here until the start of next season. We could be in for a long transfer saga!
As for HIGUAIN...reports in the Argentine media lately, suggested his absence in recent Argentina matches has nothing to do with his level of performances. It seems Pipita doesn't see eye-to-eye with Real Madrid team-mates Fernando GAGO and Gabriel HEINZE and that could be the reason behind MARADONA's not calling him up.
I don't entirely buy this versions, but more often than not, when this kind of reports come to the surface, there's at least a shadow of truth behind them.
That said, it's nothing confirmed and if it was, then I doubt under the current state of things, MARADONA will be wanting to miss out on such an in-form player. Not only his performances are up there with that of the best strikers in the world, he is also showing a knack for scoring crucial 3-pointers. Vital match-winning strikes, that are keeping Real Madrid alive this season.
Here's where MARADONA should use his power to convince the Real Madrid players that the national team is bigger than their club, their qualities and their big fat egos.
I'll be desperate to knowing what's in store for our next WCQ squad list!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Little Argentina Hit Three Past Chile
The Albiceleste took another step towards the next round as they defeated the home team, Chile 3-1 in the South American Under-17 championship. This was their second successive win of the tournament.
The host team spearhead by the large vocal support from the crowd took the lead as early in the 7th minute. Argentina’s Ezequiel CIRIGLIANO was found to have handle the ball from which the referee pointed to the spot. Chile’s Alex GONZALEZ converted the penalty to give his side a dream start.
Jose Luis BROWN’s side were quick to response and found themselves on level terms in just three minutes later. Daniel VILLALVA scored from 10 yards after the Chilean keeper could not hold on to the ball from a earlier shot.
Argentina kept up the pressure and were rewarded with the lead just after an hour when Sergio ARAUJO coolly headed the ball over the Chilean keeper. Just five minutes later Argentina were 3-1 up. Leandro GONZALEZ headed the ball in courtesy of free kick from the left from Sebastian GONZALEZ.
Another Wonder Goal From Zarate
If yesterday it was Gonzalo HIGUAIN who gave Diego a postcard telling him to call him up, this time it was Mauro ZARATE. Lazio booked their place in the Coppa Italia Final after defeating Juventus 2-1 (4-2 on aggregate) in the Estadio Del Alpi.
ZARATE gave his side the lead with another of his trademark wonder goal. Aleksandar KOLAROV slid a nice pass to the hit man who controlled, looked up, and fired a magnificent right-foot curler into the top corner. The sheer quality of the strike made Gianlugi BUFFON look average as he struggled to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net.
After seeing these two, I’m very convince that we must play an out-and-out striker in the middle. Period.
The host team spearhead by the large vocal support from the crowd took the lead as early in the 7th minute. Argentina’s Ezequiel CIRIGLIANO was found to have handle the ball from which the referee pointed to the spot. Chile’s Alex GONZALEZ converted the penalty to give his side a dream start.
Jose Luis BROWN’s side were quick to response and found themselves on level terms in just three minutes later. Daniel VILLALVA scored from 10 yards after the Chilean keeper could not hold on to the ball from a earlier shot.
Argentina kept up the pressure and were rewarded with the lead just after an hour when Sergio ARAUJO coolly headed the ball over the Chilean keeper. Just five minutes later Argentina were 3-1 up. Leandro GONZALEZ headed the ball in courtesy of free kick from the left from Sebastian GONZALEZ.
Another Wonder Goal From Zarate
If yesterday it was Gonzalo HIGUAIN who gave Diego a postcard telling him to call him up, this time it was Mauro ZARATE. Lazio booked their place in the Coppa Italia Final after defeating Juventus 2-1 (4-2 on aggregate) in the Estadio Del Alpi.
ZARATE gave his side the lead with another of his trademark wonder goal. Aleksandar KOLAROV slid a nice pass to the hit man who controlled, looked up, and fired a magnificent right-foot curler into the top corner. The sheer quality of the strike made Gianlugi BUFFON look average as he struggled to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net.
After seeing these two, I’m very convince that we must play an out-and-out striker in the middle. Period.
NBA Playoffs News – Poor Scola, Blazers Wins In Game 2
Despite of the tight score line from which the Portland Trail Blazers won 103-107, the Houston Rockets will still need to figure how to play when their star player is in trouble. YAO Ming’s performance in Game 2 was far cry from his splendid outing in Game 1, having suffered due to foul troubles.
This is where others such as Ron ARTEST or Luis SCOLA will need to step up to fill the void. SCOLA was having his own personal trouble indeed in his match up with Blazers forward, LeMarcus ALDRIDGE. After out getting the best out of him in Game 1, this time the table was turn dramatically. SCOLA just manage to post 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 block shot.
Luis and the Rockets will return home to play the next games in the series. We hope the home court status might just work in their favour.
This is where others such as Ron ARTEST or Luis SCOLA will need to step up to fill the void. SCOLA was having his own personal trouble indeed in his match up with Blazers forward, LeMarcus ALDRIDGE. After out getting the best out of him in Game 1, this time the table was turn dramatically. SCOLA just manage to post 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 block shot.
Luis and the Rockets will return home to play the next games in the series. We hope the home court status might just work in their favour.
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