Soccer and Homes

Vaya que vimos un buen juego, Barça vs Bilbao

2011-11-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

Sandra Bullock, casa nueva, vida nueva

2011-09-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Brad Pitt home for sale

2011-08-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Las repercuciones del dedo

2011-08-23T19:31:00.001-07:00

Mourinho es mala persona

2011-08-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Barça vs Real Madrid !!!!!

2011-08-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Guardiola compareció ante los medios de comunicación en la previa de un título que puede valer su peso en oro teniendo en cuenta el rival que tienen enfrente. Y, por supuesto, de los fichajes: "Ojalá el nivel del equipo sea el mismo que el del año pasado. Siempre se hace para mejorar, que se acoplen lo más rápidamente posible. Estamos satisfechos de esta plantilla".

Cesc ya ha entrenado con el equipo: "No tiene molestia ninguna. Hará un trabajo suplementario para que rinda a un buen nivel".

"Agradezco a la Junta directiva el esfuerzo que ha hecho para formar esta plantilla"
El Real Madrid, siempre un rival temible: "Son dos equipos muy grandes. Cualquier equipo es capaz de hacer un gran partido. Tenemos que hacer un gran partido para llevarnos este título. Tengo la sensación de que áun están mejor que nosotros. Debemos darle velocidad al juego, pero sabemos de la dificultad. Estamos por detrás de ellos pero contamos con un buen resultado de la ida".

En el Bernabéu se hizo un gran esfuerzo: "Para el comienzo de Liga sólo hay tres días de margen. Estamos gestionando los estados físicos de los jugadores porque llegamos muy justos. Creo en la mentalidad y el espíritu de los jugadores".

Los lesionados siguen preocupando: "Hemos ganado tres días con respecto al otro día, pero han entrenado bien".

El resultado de la ida les favorece: "Ellos estuvieron mejor que nosotros. Tengo la impresión de que debemos jugar mejor que en el Bernabéu".

"Alexis se ha ganado a sus compañeros por su humildad, el otro día corrió por seis"
El estado físico de Cesc preocupa al técnico: "Mañana decidiremos. Ha entrenado bien, pero sólo ha entrenado una parte con el grupo. Entra en la lista y veremos si está para jugar todo el partido".

Guardiola no confirma el equipo titular: "Lo decidiremos mañana".

Alexis es otra de las grandes atracciones del partido: "Cuando tenga el tono deseado hará cosas aun mejores. Estoy convencido de ello. Posibilidades de jugar tiene, acabó la ida cansado pero tiene facilidad para recuperarse".

La plantilla, muy competitiva: "No podría decir que es la mejor. Durante el año siempre hay cosas que se pueden mejorar. Es un proceso normal. Que sea mejor lo marcará el año, el juego".

"Tenemos que ser muy ambiciosos y que nuestra gente nos eche una mano"
Las sensaciones de tener a Cesc en el grupo, muy buenas: "Conoce a la mayoría de la gente y juega muy bien al fútbol. Es un chico que tiene profundidad en el pase, buena llegada al área".

A Guardiola le preocupa el partido: "Qué hemos de hacer para corregir los fallos para salir a ganar".

Con la llegada de Cesc, la posición de Mascherano puede cambiar: "La suerte es que puede jugar atrás y en el centro del campo".

Las alternativas con la llegada de Cesc son varias: "Puede jugar en varias posiciones. Hay jugadores polivalentes, la gente de medio campo puede jugar arriba. Esperemos la vuelta de Puyol y de Maxwell para redondear la plantilla".

"Cesc juega muy bien al fútbol, con profundidad en el pase y buena llegada al área"
Zubi alabó el juego de Cesc: "Que vaya cogiendo los automatismos del equipo. Es un jugador muy dinámico".

Guardiola confirma que el equipo debe mejorar con respecto al Bernabéu: "La satisfacción de la ida fue lo difícil que nos lo puso el Madrid. Si jugamos así será difícil el triunfo".

El Madrid hizo muchas faltas en el primer partido: "Intentaremos jugar lo más rápido posible y hacer nuestro juego. Era previsible nuestro nivel en el primer partido pero daremos un pasito adelante que nos puede alcanzar para ganar el título".

La salida del balón no fue fluida en el Barcelona: "El Madrid tuvo mucho mérito. Cuando estás mejor físicamente la cabeza funciona mejor. Lo hicieron muy bien".

El césped no preocupa: "Estamos muy contentos de cómo se encuentra. Agradecer al club su trabajo en este sentido".

Alexis ha entrado con buen pie en la plantilla: "Se ha ganado a sus compañeros. Corrió por seis, esa humildad de no esperar nada. Viene de una familia humilde y se demuestra en sus comportamientos. Nos va a dar muchísimo por su polivalencia".

El Madrid se empleó con dureza en la ida: "Cada uno juega como puede. Debemos ser más frescos para utilizar mejor los espacios y que haya menos contactos. Lo demás es del árbitro. No me paro a pensar como fueron los Clásicos del año pasado. El único objetivo es qué podemos hacer para jugar mejor. Ser muy ambiciosos y a partir de ahí nuestra gente que nos eche una mano. Es el primer partido en nuestro estadio después de ser campeones de Europa y que ojalá se llene".

La importancia del Camp Nou, fundamental: "Esperamos que entre todos demos un golpe de mano y sacar adelante el partido".

El duelo Cristiano-Messi, siempre presente: "Se que el Madrid lo pondrá todo para que Ronaldo exprese su talento y nosotros haremos lo mismo con Leo. El juego del equipo les hará mejor a los dos".

Guardiola afronta otra temporada con las temidas lesiones: "Xavi ha tenido que parar, Busquets ha caído. Nos adaptamos, pero hay que convivir con esto".

'cautiously optimistic' about real estate economy

2011-08-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

The national economy is being held back by the slumping housing market, but change is within sight, according to one economic analyst.
"It's challenging, but … we are eventually going to come out of this thing," said Kevin Scherer, director for research and strategy at Blackrock Inc. — a New York-based investment management firm. "Very few people are talking about a double dip in our economy. I'm quite optimistic."
"It's challenging, but … we are eventually going to come out of this thing. Very few people are talking about a double dip in our economy. I'm quite optimistic." -Kevin Scherer

Speaking Wednesday before an audience of about 200 real estate professionals at the Mid-Year Economic Real Estate Symposium at the Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, Scherer said the real estate market has some difficulties to work through, but those issues will be worked out in due time.
Particularly affected is the residential and commercial markets, he noted. The housing market may be the sector that lags behind and prevents a quicker comeback, he said.
"Housing market prices are still falling nationally, mostly working through all the foreclosures," Scherer said. That trend is expected to continue through the remainder of 2011, he added.
He said that the affordability of housing is "at an all-time high," which should eventually bode well for the market in the not-so-distant future.
Fortunately for Utah, the Beehive State boasts a stronger-than-average economy, Scherer said. That strength will help the state as it moves forward during the economic recovery.
Nationally, he said the commercial market will likely begin to improve toward the end of the year, with up to $200 billion in projects completed nationwide.

Overall, he said real estate across the country and in Utah is "fairly priced" in the current market.
"Over the next five or so years … earnings will grow a solid 20 percent (over that time)," Scherer said. Various other real estate sectors will also see growth, including office, industrial, retail and multifamily, he said.

"We are still cautiously optimistic that we are going to go into a modest recovery," Scherer said.

Note by By Jasen Lee

Nevada 2nd place where people pay the least in taxes

2011-08-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

2. Nevada
> Taxes paid by residents as pct. of income: 7.5%
> Total state and local taxes collected: $20 billion
> Pct. of total taxes paid by residents: 52.5%
> Pct. of total taxes paid by non-residents: 47.5%

Nevada has the second-lowest tax burden in the country, with residents paying just 7.5% of their income on state and local taxes. Nearly half of all state tax revenue comes from non-residents. According to the Tax Association’s State Business Tax Climate Index, Nevada has one of the most favorable environments for business, as it is one of the four states to levy no corporate tax at all. A significant amount of the state’s revenue comes from “sin taxes” on gambling, alcohol, and tobacco, most of which comes from tourists. Sales tax is above the national average, and the tax on gasoline is one of the highest in the country. Counties are also allowed to levy additional gas taxes on top of the state.

Chivas gana al Barcelona

2011-08-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

Barcelona vs Chivas

2011-08-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

John Lennon

2010-12-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Realty Executives International Partners with planetRE to Launch Its New Real Estate Financial and Compliance Management Platforms

2010-11-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Realty Executives International, Inc. announces their partnership with planetRE . The planetRE Money and planetRE Compliance platforms together offer the Realty Executives global network of real estate brokers and agents the first Web 2.0 based platform in the world to service the real estate industry with advanced financial analytics, an online broker compliance component, a transaction and risk management platform, and it is the only software that integrates with Intuit's QuickBooks and MLS.
"We have real estate franchises around the world and QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting software applications for small businesses globally," says Karen Dunham, chief financial officer for Realty Executives International. "Now, with our partnership with planetRE, they can seamlessly integrate QuickBooks into a customized financial and transaction solution specifically designed to best support their real estate business."

"We are excited to partner with Realty Executives International and offer them advanced financial, transaction, risk management and compliance solutions," says Subrao Shenoy, CEO of planetRE.
The system scales from a single agent office to large MBOs.
About Realty Executives International, Inc.
Realty Executives International, Inc. is one of the fastest growing real estate franchises in the United States, with nearly 11,000 sales associates and approximately 700 franchises. The Phoenix-based, privately held company has offices in 24 countries.
About PlanetRE
TrSoft (d.b.a. planetRE) is a privately held, leading edge SaaS vendor, providing online multi tenant Enterprise software to the real estate industry. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, CA, its primary mission is to provide cutting edge products and services to the global real estate industry in areas of consumer search, CRM, Transaction, Financial Management & Business Process Outsourcing services.

Interesting note about foreclosures

2010-10-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Del Bosque es un hombre sabio y campeon del Mundo

2010-10-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

BofA better clean your act

2010-10-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Good Real Estate information for you

2010-10-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Calendario del Mundial

2010-05-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Nueve naciones interesadas en organizar la Copa Mundial de futbol en el 2018 ó el 2022

2010-05-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Mayo 14, 2010

Nueve naciones interesadas en organizar la Copa Mundial de futbol en el 2018 ó el 2022 empezaron a presentar sus respectivas propuestas a la FIFA el viernes.
Australia hizo la primera presentación al presidente de la FIFA, Joseph Blattter, con un libro de 750 páginas que detalla cómo organizaría el gran acontecimiento deportivo.
“Este es el puntapié inicial'', dijo Blatter a la delegación australiana.
Cuatro aspirantes de Europa, cuatro de Asia y Estados Unidos presentarán sus documentos técnicos en orden alfabético.
El presidente de la Federación Australiana, Frank Lowy, admitió que era una empresa difícil.
“Esperamos y oramos por ser el país afortunado”, dijo Lowy, un empresario multimillonario que encabeza la presentación.

A Australia le siguió la delegación de Inglaterra encabezada por David Beckham.
Blatter dijo que Inglaterra era “la patria del futbol” y agregó que el nuevo primer ministro británico David Cameron lo llamó el jueves para manifestar su apoyo a la candidatura inglesa.
Beckham dijo que su país tiene el futbol en la sangre y una población diversa que daría la bienvenida a todos los aficionados del mundo.
“Todo equipo que se presente tendrá sus partidarios apoyándolo'', agregó Beckham, vicepresidente de la campaña inglesa.
Europa es favorita para organizar la copa del 2018, para la que compiten Inglaterra y Rusia con Holanda-Bélgica y España-Portugal. Los cuatro también compiten por la del 2022, pero quedarían afuera si uno de los cuatro candidatos consigue la del 2018.
Australia y Estados Unidos se presentan a las dos. Japón, Qatar y Corea del Sur sólo se concentran en la del 2022, por considerar que Europa recibirá la del 2018 debido a que el torneo del 2010 es en Sudáfrica y el del 2014 en Brasil.

Todas las presentaciones explican cómo se organizaría el torneo de 64 partidos, con detalles de por lo menos 12 estadios, además de campos de entrenamiento, hoteles, protocolo de seguridad, apoyo médico y entretenimientos.
Los candidatos también deben dar a la FIFA copias de las garantías de los gobiernos, contratos con cada ciudad y sede, y detalles de las finanzas y seguros.
La FIFA empleará esas presentaciones como la base de inspecciones técnicas de cada candidato entre julio y septiembre.
El ejecutivo de la FIFA escogerá ambos organizadores en su reunión del 2 de diciembre en Zurich.
Cinco de los aspirantes ya han organizado mundiales: Inglaterra (1966), España (1982), EU (1994) Japón y Corea del Sur (2002).
Otros cinco: Brasil (1950 & 2014), Francia (1938 & 1998), Alemania (1974 & 2006), Italia (1934 & 1990) y México (1970 & 1986) han organizado (u organizarán) dos mundiales.
aldNueve naciones están interesadas en organizar la Copa del Mundo de 2018 o 2022ZURICH.-

Nueve naciones interesadas en organizar la Copa Mundial de futbol en el 2018 ó el 2022 empezaron a presentar sus respectivas propuestas a la FIFA el viernes.
Australia hizo la primera presentación al presidente de la FIFA, Joseph Blattter, con un libro de 750 páginas que detalla cómo organizaría el gran acontecimiento deportivo.
“Este es el puntapié inicial'', dijo Blatter a la delegación australiana.
Cuatro aspirantes de Europa, cuatro de Asia y Estados Unidos presentarán sus documentos técnicos en orden alfabético.
El presidente de la Federación Australiana, Frank Lowy, admitió que era una empresa difícil.
“Esperamos y oramos por ser el país afortunado”, dijo Lowy, un empresario multimillonario que encabeza la presentación.
A Australia le siguió la delegación de Inglaterra encabezada por David Beckham.
Blatter dijo que Inglaterra era “la patria del futbol” y agregó que el nuevo primer ministro británico David Cameron lo llamó el jueves para manifestar su apoyo a la candidatura inglesa.
Beckham dijo que su país tiene el futbol en la sangre y una población diversa que daría la bienvenida a todos los aficionados del mundo.
“Todo equipo que se presente tendrá sus partidarios apoyándolo'', agregó Beckham, vicepresidente de la campaña inglesa.

Europa es favorita para organizar la copa del 2018, para la que compiten Inglaterra y Rusia con Holanda-Bélgica y España-Portugal. Los cuatro también compiten por la del 2022, pero quedarían afuera si uno de los cuatro candidatos consigue la del 2018.
Australia y Estados Unidos se presentan a las dos. Japón, Qatar y Corea del Sur sólo se concentran en la del 2022, por considerar que Europa recibirá la del 2018 debido a que el torneo del 2010 es en Sudáfrica y el del 2014 en Brasil.
Todas las presentaciones explican cómo se organizaría el torneo de 64 partidos, con detalles de por lo menos 12 estadios, además de campos de entrenamiento, hoteles, protocolo de seguridad, apoyo médico y entretenimientos.
Los candidatos también deben dar a la FIFA copias de las garantías de los gobiernos, contratos con cada ciudad y sede, y detalles de las finanzas y seguros.
La FIFA empleará esas presentaciones como la base de inspecciones técnicas de cada candidato entre julio y septiembre.
El ejecutivo de la FIFA escogerá ambos organizadores en su reunión del 2 de diciembre en Zurich.
Cinco de los aspirantes ya han organizado mundiales: Inglaterra (1966), España (1982), EU (1994) Japón y Corea del Sur (2002).
Otros cinco: Brasil (1950 & 2014), Francia (1938 & 1998), Alemania (1974 & 2006), Italia (1934 & 1990) y México (1970 & 1986) han organizado (u organizarán) dos mundiales.

First time ever

2010-03-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

First for Trojans boys
BY IVAN OROZCO, SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNESUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010

The last time Castle Park had a boys soccer team play in a section championship match Gerald Ford was in the White House. Bell-bottom jeans and disco music were popular.

So, the Trojans were not going to waste a shot at a title last night.
They didn’t.

Castle Park used a 79th-minute goal to upset defending champion Cathedral Catholic 2-1 in the Division III title match at Valhalla High.Jose Figueroa sent in the game-winning goal with a low rolling shot off the inside of the right post, shooting from left to right on a breakaway.

Angel Pinal fed Figueroa with the assist.

“I knew if I took the shot it would have to go in,” Figueroa said.
The strategy worked just in time to avoid overtime and it gave Castle Park (13-6-1), the No. 9 seed, its first section title.
The Trojans were in the finals in 1974 and ’76.

“This means everything to our school,” said Trojans goalkeeper Ramon Torres, who made a spectacular diving save to stop a blast by Cathedral’s Mike Semenza in the 62nd minute to keep a 1-0 lead. “We are loving it right now.”

Cathedral’s Jacob Holt tied the match 1-1 in the 67th minute. Castle Park took the lead with an Alfredo Rodriguez score in the 26th minute.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/07/first-for-trojans/

Home for sale

2009-12-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

Home for sale in Chula Vista, California
No REO No Foreclosure

5 Bedrooms 3 Baths 2,366 Sq. Ft.

$456,000.00

Call 619-857-2217
e-mail Hector@MyHomeOurHome.com
DRE # 01503968

Leo Messi, el mejor

2009-12-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

Diciembre 2, 2009

"Un viaje de mil millas comienza con el primer paso". Si se le da crédito a Lao-Tsé y su frase, la fantástica travesía de Lionel Messi por el universo del fútbol tuvo su origen no en la sofisticada Barcelona que lo idolatra sino en un modesto barrio del sur de Rosario, su ciudad natal.

El romance con la pelota del argentino que fue coronado como "rey de Europa" se inició en las calles asfaltadas del barrio Fonavi, a fines de la década del ochenta. Allí, la verdadera "Pulga", con tres años apenas, ya hacía de las suyas con el balón y tiraba paredes con el cordón de la vereda como aliado, para desairar a sus amigos.

Pero el primer escenario "formal" en el que Messi deslumbró con su habilidad, velocidad y pegada fue en la desprolija canchita del club municipal Grandoli, llena de desniveles, pequeñas piedras y trozos de vidrios, nada más alejado de la "mesa de billar" del Barcelona.
Tenía cinco años cuando un hecho "fortuito" lo depositó sobre el campo minado al que se asemejaba el club Grandoli por aquella época: uno de sus hermanos jugaba en el equipo de baby-fútbol y él lo fue a ver. Y como faltaba un jugador, 'Lío' recibió su primera convocatoria.
Con menos edad y físico que el resto de sus compañeritos y rivales, Messi maravilló a todos con su talento. Emanuel Biancucchi, primo de Lionel y su "colega" en aquel equipo del Grandoli que durante dos años se cansó de ganar todos los torneos de su categoría, describió a dpa las precoces virtudes del futuro astro.

"Era imposible sacarle la pelota. Yo era el arquero y la pelota nunca me llegaba al arco, la tenía siempre él y la gente se asombraba. Eramos Lionel y seis más. Hacía tres o cuatro goles por partido", afirmó Biancucchi, quien actualmente se desempeña como mediocampista en el equipo del 1860 Múnich de la segunda división alemana.

En el Grandoli jugó hasta 1995 y entonces pegó el salto a las inferiores de Newell's Old Boys, donde ya jugaba su hermano Rodrigo. "Hacía todo solo. Generaba un fútbol brillante. Tenía un físico pequeño, pero cuando encaraba no lo frenaban. Es más, era gol seguro", relató Adrián Coria, uno de sus técnicos en aquellas épocas en que un Messi niño vistió la misma camiseta rojinegra que había usado Diego Armando Maradona en las postrimerías de su carrera.
De aquellos orígenes hasta este presente, el tiempo voló para Messi. Se probó en River Plate e Independiente, pero ambos no hicieron nada por retenerlo y entonces, a los 13 años y de la mano de su padre Jorge, 'Leo' cruzó el 'Gran Charco' del Atlántico y se fue al Barcelona.

Los catalanes vislumbraron sus kilates enseguida, cual avezados buscadores de oro, se hicieron cargo del tratamiento a base de hormonas que le permitió a Messi superar el diagnosticado problema de "edad ósea retrasada". Así creció de estatura física, pero sobre todo futbolística, tanto, tanto, que hoy, pese a sus apenas 22 años y 1,69 metros, se convirtió en el nuevo "gigante" del fútbol europeo.

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/12/01/futbol/1259691930.html

Los jugadores del Real Madrid están más divididos que nunca

2009-11-13T15:56:00.001-08:00

Noviembre 13, 2009

Un día más la polémica salpica a los jugadores del Madrid. Al parecer, en el vestuario blanco se estaría viviendo un conflicto de intereses entre Raúl y Casillas. Aunque los dos capitanes se empeñan en asegurar que mantienen una buena relación, vuelven los rumores sobre una guerra entre ambos.
El diario Público, en una información publicada este viernes, habla de una "Guerra Fría soterrada" en el vestuario blanco que enfrentaría al propio Raúl y a Casillas por la capitanía del equipo.
Cuando todos piden unidad para sacar las situaciones complicadas adelante, como la eliminación copera frente al Alcorcón, los capitanes madridistas se empeñan en remar cada uno para un lado y forzar una división en un vestuario que tendría que estar más unido que nunca.
Raúl, primer capitán, se ha convertido en suplente habitual esta temporada y parece que este hecho ha provocado una lucha de poder dentro del vestuario.
Al parecer lo que más molesta al siete blanco no es calentar el banquillo, sino la sospecha de que su situación actual podría nacer en los despachos y no en el campo.

Según este diario, Florentino Pérez mantuvo una reunión hace unos días con Casillas para pedirle que empezara a adquirir el papel de capitán del equipo y realizase un acercamiento hacia los nuevos jugadores de la plantilla, como Cristiano Ronaldo o Kaká.
El guardameta parece que ha recogido el guante que le ha lanzado el presidente y llevaría varias semanas ejerciendo como líder. Aunque Casillas en estos momentos es el tercer capitán, ya estaría ejerciendo como primero en las arengas antes de los partidos, los descansos e incluso cuando sale a dar la cara por las derrotas.

A diferencia de lo que ocurría en la primera etapa de Florentino, la sintonía del portero con el presidente es total.
En el vestuario nadie es ajeno a esta 'guerra' y los jugadores ya empiezan a tomar partido.
Raúl cuenta con el apoyo incondicional de Guti, segundo capitán. Llevan 15 temporadas juntos en el primer equipo y presentan una visión del club desde el madridismo más tradicional como aval para liderar el grupo. Además. algunos jóvenes como Adán o De la Red y los extranjeros más veteranos son afines al 7.

Casillas por su parte lideraría junto a Sergio Ramos la nueva generación que pretende marcar una nueva época en el club. Marcelo, Garay, Higuaín y Pepe serían los futbolistas que secundan a Iker en sus decisiones.
Los otros internacionales españoles como Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa y Albiol estarían entre dos aguas porque conectan con Casillas pero respetarían la historia de Raúl.
Los recién llegados como Kaká, Cristiano o Benzema se mantendrían el margen de esta lucha que se vive en el vestuario y pueden considerarse neutrales.

Nota de un periodico Español

"Hay varios culpables": Carmona y la FMF

2009-11-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

Noviembre 6, 2009

David Cohen, abogado de Salvador Carmona, se presentó anoche (20:40 horas), obviamente acompañado de Carmona, en las oficinas del Tribunal de Oficialía de Partes Común, para presentar el legajo de apelación, de la demanda en contra de la FMF, que en su momento salió a favor de dicho organismo.
"Hoy presentamos el recurso de apelación en contra de la sentencia que es totalmente ilegal, y la apelación consta de más de 200 hojas, en las cuales se contienen todos los argumentos por los cuales la sentencia es ilegal y esperamos que la Sala del Tribunal resuelva conforme a derecho, esperando que revoque la sentencia, como también esperamos que no le pese el nombre de la Federación -FMF-, como le pesó al juez de primera instancia, pero el asunto no está lejos de estar perdido, y lo vamos a ganar".

-¿En qué basa el tema si es legal o ilegal la sentencia?
"El argumento central de la apelación no es uno sólo, sino varios, pero el argumento central es que la Federación había reconocido que la CAD era la que iba a resolver el asunto de Salvador; la CAD había absuelto a Salvador, y finalmente la Federación resolvió cumplir la resolución del Tribunal Arbitral del Deporte, en la cual se condena a Salvador; por eso es ilegal la sentencia, porque el juez consideró que valía más la resolución del Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo en Suiza, que la Comisión de Apelación de Arbitraje en México, y es totalmente absurdo que un Tribunal extranjero que no está reconocido por nuestra ley tenga mayor valor que un organismo reconocido por la ley".

-¿Qué tiempo se llevará este asunto?
"En este momento la apelación va al juzgado, el juzgado posteriormente lo remitirá a la Sala, que es el superior, y la Sala tiene un término de 15 días, más cinco por cada magistrado para estudiar el proyecto y resolver, y aproximadamente para febrero estará resuelta esta apelación".
CHAVA
Salvador Carmona declaró:
"Estoy tranquilo, y en su momento convocaré a una conferencia en la cual diré todo lo que se ignora".

-Si hablas ¿sí se privaría a México de ir al Mundial de Sudáfrica 2010?
"No estoy para perjudicar al futbol mexicano, inclusive, por ahí dijo el abogado de la Federación, que consiguieron un triunfo para los mexicanos, pero que quede muy claro: yo no demandé al país, demandé a una Federación, y espero que la gente no piense que estoy en contra de los mexicanos".

-¿Hay muchos culpables, pero toda te la dejaron a ti?
Rió y dijo: "Yo creo que sí".

Mi comentario es que la corrupción sigue vigente en la Federacion y es lo que evita el progreso del futbol mexicano. Se va a ir al Mundial, pero , para que?

Nota de Esto

Rafa Marquez con el Barcelona 2 años más

2009-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Octubre 29, 2009

Rafa Márquez, defensa mexicano del Barcelona, dio por prácticamente firmada la renovación de su contrato por dos temporadas más, hasta el mes de junio de 2012, después de haber acercado posturas con el club a lo largo de los últimos días.
"Por mi parte no habrá ningún problema", confirmó el mexicano, "falta alguna cuestión, pero por ambas partes ya está casi definido lo que queremos", refirió en relación a su continuidad en el equipo azulgrana, con el que renovará por dos temporadas, hasta junio de 2012.

La duración del nuevo contrato "es uno de los puntos claves del acuerdo", aunque Márquez concedió que la firma confirmará su continuidad "por esta temporada y dos más", es decir, hasta el mes de junio de 2012, cuando tendrá 33 años. Ilusionado con su renovación, Márquez aseguró que su último equipo a gran nivel será el Barcelona, pero no descartó terminar su carrera deportiva "en México o en algún otro sitio"

Nota de un periodico español

Juegos de preparacion para el TRI

2009-10-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ocubre 22, 2009

La selección mexicana de futbol se preparará para el Mundial de Sudáfrica 2010 con una gira por Europa, en la podría enfrentar a rivales de la talla del actual campeón Italia, Inglaterra o Alemania, informó la FMF.
El Tri viajará el 19 de mayo a Europa, y permanecerá 12 días en la ciudad alemana de Herzogenaurach, donde la selección de Argentina concentró en el Mundial del 2006.
"Se estará en Europa planificando tres encuentros en diferentes sedes contra selecciones referentes. Hay contactos con las principales selecciones como Italia, Alemania, Holanda, Inglaterra y Bélgica", dijo Néstor de la Torre, director general de selecciones nacionales.

Además de la gira por Europa, el seleccionado azteca, que iniciará su concentración el 12 de abril, sostendrá otros nueve encuentros de preparación, seis en Estados Unidos, dos en México y uno en Sudáfrica.
"Los rivales se darán a conocer después del sorteo, tenemos opciones de todo tipo, estamos buscando las mejores porque está claro que lo que te hace superarte es el tipo de competencia que lleves a cabo", dijo De la Torre.

El sorteo del Mundial se realizará el 4 de diciembre en Ciudad del Cabo.
Javier Aguirre, director técnico de la selección mexicana, dará a conocer la lista de convocados la primera semana de abril.
México se despedirá de su público el 16 de mayo, tres días antes de emprender el viaje a Europa. Tras su gira por ese continente, México se trasladará el 31 de mayo a Sudáfrica.
En los primeros días de junio, México cerraría su preparación para el Mundial con un amistoso ante un equipo de la liga local.

Nota publicada por Esto

7 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

2009-09-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

September 18, 2009

A year after the financial collapse of 2008, the housing market is very different than it was before the foreclosure crisis. Here are seven bits of wisdom from economists and financial planners for anyone contemplating a home purchase today:

Old-fashioned basics are more important than ever. The safest way to purchase a home is to put down 20 percent on a fixed-rate, 30-year (or less) mortgage.

Don’t become overconfident about income growth. Even though buyers in their 20s and 30s will likely see their incomes grow more quickly than previous generations, it is important to act sensibly when borrowing.

Anyone contemplating adding children to the family should calculate whether they could live on one income because having both halves of a couple work may turn out to be impractical.

Include a maintenance budget. Even new homes need upkeep and repairs.

Buyers who can't afford their dream home now should opt for a starter home where they can save money each month for what they really want.

Consider a property that can be expanded and improved down the road when money is available.

No two buyers are the same, but they should all feel confident with the loan they enter into, no matter the size of the mortgage.

This is what Senator Feinstein wrote to me.

2009-09-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2009

Dear Mr. Sanchez:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for expanding the first-time homebuyer tax credit. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.

In July 2008, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-289) provided first-time homebuyers with a tax credit, equivalent to an interest-free loan, worth up to $7,500. The tax credit applied to homes purchased between April 9, 2009 and July 1, 2009. As the housing situation worsened in the fall of 2008, additional action was taken to prevent further declines in home values. Congress included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), a more robust first-time homebuyer tax credit. Specifically, the tax credit was increased to $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009 and will not have to be repaid.

I understand your belief that the first-time homebuyer tax credit should be increased and expanded further. As you know, on June 10, 2009, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the "Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009" (S. 1230), which would increase the credit to up to $15,000, remove income eligibility limits, and expand it to include homebuyers purchasing homes other than their first. S. 1230 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will keep your support for this legislation in mind should it come before the full Senate.

Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

Tax credit for home buyers

2009-09-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

September 16, 2009

This is a copy of a letter asking for more time for a tax credit to purchase a home.

Congress of United States of America

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

As a Realtor and a constituent, I can assure you that the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit has definitely been a success. Homebuyer interest and housing sales increased almost as soon as the ink was dry on the tax credit legislation. Today's lower prices and interest rates appeal to consumers, but it's been the tax credit that has attracted people to open houses and to homeownership. That progress could grind to a halt sooner than you think.

Congress must act NOW to extend the credit through 2010. Otherwise, uncertainty will return and the market might again be frozen -- possibly as soon as October.A homebuyer is eligible for the tax credit only if the home is "purchased" before December 1, 2009.
That means that buyers have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by November 30. Accomplishing those tasks by November 30 will become more difficult with every passing day.
In today's market, it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing. The market has improved, but it has not yet fully corrected itself. The credit needs to be extended for an additional period of time and expanded in order to build upon the progress that's been made. Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand.

The best way to assure continued housing activity is to extend and expand the credit and to do that NOW. We can't wait until late in the year to see what happens. Consumers will drop out soon if they can't predict what's in their future. Please act NOW to extend and expand the credit through 2010.

Sincerely,

Hector Sanchez

Don't cry for me Argentina....

2009-09-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

September 16, 2009

One of Argentina's most senior and respected players - midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron - acknowledged the South Americans may miss their first World Cup since 1970.
"It could happen," Veron said on Tuesday in an interview on La Red radio. "Anything could happen. The situation is not the best. It all depends on us."
Argentina has lost three straight World Cup qualifying games, leaving the Gauchos in fifth place in South America. The top four teams advance automatically to the World Cup in South Africa. No. 5 faces a playoff with the No. 4 team in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Veron is the first player to openly acknowledge the shortcomings of coach Diego Maradona and top Europe-based players like Lionel Messi.
"There are great players, but the coach has not gotten us to play like a team," Veron said.
Veron explained why Messi, ranked by many as the top player in the world, excels with his club Barcelona but has done little with Argentina.
"Barcelona plays its style," he said. "It has players that pass quickly, that move quickly. On the national team, we wait for Lio (Messi) to beat five players by himself and score a goal."
Argentina wraps up regional qualifying next month - at home against Peru on Oct. 10 and at Uruguay on Oct. 13.
"The important thing today is to look critically at our ourselves, which includes players as much as the coaching staff. I hold hope we will still make it."

CONMEBOL WC Qualifying.,
Sep. 5
Argentina 1-3 Brazil Recap Colombia 2-0 Ecuador Recap Paraguay 1-0 Bolivia Recap Peru 1-0 Uruguay Recap Chile 2-2 Venezuela Recap

Wed., Sep. 9
Paraguay 1-0 Argentina Recap Brazil 4-2 Chile Recap Bolivia 1-3 Ecuador Recap Uruguay 3-1 Colombia Recap Venezuela 3-1 Peru Recap

Note from Yahoo

US soccer U-20 world cup games

2009-09-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

September 15, 2009

“It’s a culmination of two years of investing and looking at players through a good training environment and playing high level games and trying to figure out which 21 eventually would represent the United States well in Egypt.,” said Rongen, who will be at the helm of his third U-20 World Cup squad. “It’s a long process and the coaches take great pride in making sure we select the right players, and we have come to the conclusion that the 21 players we have selected are the guys that will do a great job for our team.” The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.

The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
Every game of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be shown live on the ESPN family of networks with Galavision also broadcasting all three U.S. group games. The first U.S. game will be shown live on ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com at 9:55 a.m. ET, while Galavision will also broadcast the game at 9:55 a.m. ET/PT. The remaining two group games for Rongen’s team will be shown live on ESPN2 and on tape delay on Galavision. For a complete television schedule (subject to change), click here. Fans can also follow every U.S. game live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
The defensive corps will be led by team captain Kyle Davies, who has become a regular in the FC Dallas starting lineup since a mid-season transfer from English club Southampton. He will be joined by club teammate Wallace and three others who return from the team’s successful qualifying campaign in March, in Gale Agbossoumonde, Aaron Maund and Sheanon Williams. That group, which posted four shutouts during the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, will be bolstered by Wake Forest’s Ike Opara.
The midfield represents an even mix of college and professional players, including two who will join the team from European clubs with Jared Jeffrey, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge, and Norwegian-based Mikkel Diskerud, who plays for Stabek. The Houston Dynamo’s Danny Cruz and Chivas USA’s Jorge Flores round out the pro players in midfield. Rutgers University’s Dilly Duka, who had a standout performance in Trinidad & Tobago during qualifying, leads a collegiate contingent that includes Virginia’s Brian Ownby, Michael Stephens from UCLA and Notre Dame freshman Dillon Powers, who will be looking to continue a breakout year that saw him earn both the U-17/18 Development Academy and Gatorade National Boy’s Soccer Player of the Year Awards.
A pair of forwards, Peri Marosevic and Brek Shea, complete the group of five players who will represent FC Dallas in Egypt. The duo also tops the roster in career goals, with Marosevic netting five in 14 caps and Shea tallying four goals in 10 U-20 internationals. Sam Garza, who in 2008 helped lead the University of Denver to its first NCAA Tournament since 1970, and Jacksonville University’s Tony Taylor are also expected to be key members of the U.S. attack.
The U.S. will be competing in its seventh consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “Group of Death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.
The U.S. qualified for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.

Roster By Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (Central Florida; Lilburn, Ga.), Josh Lambo (FC Dallas; Middleton, Wis.), Brian Perk (UCLA; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) DEFENDERS (6): Gale Agbossoumonde (Miami FC; Syracuse, N.Y.), Kyle Davies (FC Dallas; Danville, Calif.), Aaron Maund (Notre Dame; Dorchester, Mass.), Ike Opara (Wake Forest; Durham, N.C.), Anthony Wallace (FC Dallas; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Sheanon Williams (Unattached; Boston, Mass.)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Danny Cruz (Houston Dynamo; Glendale, Ariz.), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabak; Oslo, Norway), Dilly Duka (Rutgers; Montville, N.J.), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA; Anaheim, Calif.), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge; Richardson, Texas), Brian Ownby (Virginia; Glen Allen, Va.), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame; Plano, Texas), Michael Stephens (UCLA; Naperville, Ill.)

FORWARDS (4): Sam Garza (Denver; Highland Village, Texas), Peri Marosevic (FC Dallas; Rockford, Ill.), Brek Shea (FC Dallas; College Station, Texas), Tony Taylor (Jacksonville; Jacksonville, Fla.)

National Team Staff Head Coach: Thomas Rongen (Stuart, Fla.) Assistant Coach: Dave Dir (Dallas) Assistant Coach: Juan Carlos Michia (Miami) Goalkeeper Coach: Tim Mulqueen (Lakewood Ranch,Fla.) Strength Coach: Robbie Elliott (Newcastle, England) Team Doctor: Mel Hayashi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) Team Coordinator: Jon Fleishman (Long Beach, Calif.) Athletic Trainer: John Dunham (Lawrenceville, Ga.) Massage Therapist: Mark Higgins (Tinley Park, Ill.) Equipment Coordinator: Beto Cuevas (Redondo Beach, Calif.) Security Officer: Craig Conger (Raleigh, N.C.) Videographer: Scott Riddell (Pasadena, Calif.) Press Officer: Kate McMaster (Chicago)

Note published by ussoccer

Mexico..USA...Honduras...Costa Rica...we'll see

2009-09-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

September 9, 2009

With a stunning victory, the old order was restored. And, sorry American fans — we're talking about Mexico.
Sparked by a fantastic individual goal from Gio Dos Santos, Mexico took the Ticos by the throat and never loosened up. So comprehensive was Mexico's display that the home fans started to file out with a good twenty minutes left to play.
Credit coach Javier Aguirre with another Lazarus act. But equal measure must be given to circumstance. Mexican confidence is currently sky-high thanks to some poor decisions by their biggest rival.
The USA's decision to throw a C-team out in the Gold Cup final led to the Americans conceding a huge psychological advantage. The USA is no longer invincible on home soil, and Mexico got five examples to prove it. Following that up with a disappointing 2-1 loss at the Azteca, the USA demonstrated that their "A" team weren't all they were built up to be, either.
Teams have noticed. On Saturday night, El Salvador, a team that has never won on American soil and hadn't beat the USA since 1992 anywhere, ran the Yanks ragged, nearly nabbing the equalizer at the death.

The Americans escaped Sandy, Utah with a 2-1 win and three valuable points to be sure. But this was another in an unbroken line of ragged, schizophrenic performances. What we're seeing is an American team limping to South Africa.
Once again, the Americans conceded the first goal. Once again, the defense failed to communicate and the midfield looked shaky. The best player on the field — as usual — was Landon Donovan. But the goalscorers, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, did little else on the night. Michael Bradley had another vexing outing, and aside from Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber, there didn't seem to be a lot of drive.
And when Feilhaber was inexplicably subbed for Kyle Beckerman, the team nearly collapsed.
And have we mentioned this was at home against a team that is tied on points for last place in the Hexagonal?

Blaise Pascal once wrote: "It is natural for the mind to believe and the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false." His point? Humans are well seduced by fantasies, in spite of evidence to the contrary. He would have a field day with American soccer, whose fans fall over one another in a mad scramble to explain away mediocrity.
The facts are pretty plain — the USA is currently an average national team. They routinely lose to quality sides and have now begun to regress at home. They lack significant depth at too many positions, and seem unable to overcome adversity. This is a program which, according to U.S. Soccer's most recently available financial reports, has had some $27 million lavished upon it and has a coach who is receiving half a mil a year to lose five of six to quality teams.
These financials dwarf the USA's neighbors in CONCACAF, some of whom can't even get regular meals. Yet, the Americans have been unable to imprint any sort of stamp upon the region —and were forced to accept a 2-2 draw against a Haitian team that not too long ago was living en masse in its coach's house in Florida.
So why do fans excuse them? Yes, the Americans took three points. That they looked miserable seems to fly right by.

Sure, the USA didn't have some players available due to injury or suspension — but the Americans are not the only ones to suffer from such impediments. Sure, USA played with the same kind of heart and determination that has become its hallmark — but how does that distinguish them from an El Salvador side that was equally desperate and perhaps more vibrant?
And then there's the hoary old saw that CONCACAF is a tough region in which to win games. Really? Does anyone truly believe that El Salvador would be competitive against Serbia?
Instead of making excuses, let's examine how the players on the field performed. Across the board, the answer is 'not well.'
Jonathan Spector is a fine example. Here's a kid who can cross the ball, create plays and spark an offense. And yet, he is made to look miserable by a back line that seems unable to track back. Jonathan Bornstein? Horrible. Chad Marshall? Surplus goods.
Carlos Bocanegra? He's only in the middle because Oguchi Onyewu was suspended and Jay DeMerit wrenched his groin. And yet, you'd think the captain — Bocanegra! — would open his mouth once in a while. Perhaps he'd signal that he's been beaten and needs help. Instead, he seems oddly silent, allowing the play to collapse around him and creating one mess after another.

Another is Michael Bradley. We've defended him because he is in an untenable position. His father is the coach, and no matter what he does, he's going to take some heat. But that was predicated on his ability to perform. Since he has not performed lately, it's time to ask why he isn't sitting? He has a case of the Agoos — trying to overcompensate for bad decisions. Currently, he's giving the ball away and leaving his position too often, and he needs to be replaced.
Still another is Clint Dempsey. Yep, he scored. Bully for him. He did nothing else. If you want a Gio Saverese on the field for 90 minutes, he's currently your man. But right now, the load is on Donovan's shoulders, and against a good team, that's a big liability.
We're inclined to cut Jozy Altidore a little more slack, but we can't help but note that he was out of position and aimless much of the night as well. Is it unfair to pick on the scorers? Some will say it is. But we're looking to the future.

Finally, there's Jonathan Bornstein. If there was ever a kid who wraps up the phrase "lack of depth," he's it. We feel bad for him, because he is clearly being asked to do way too much. Again, this is a failure of coaching.
Players who are asked to do things they cannot do are doomed to fail. Instead, Bornstein is going to be ripped all next week. Instead of being able to grow and learn, he's just been torched. That's ridiculous in a program that needs every warm body it can get.
Make no mistake — the coaching staff is ultimately responsible. And if you believe this excuses the players from culpability — to be fair, it might — there are many "good" teams with bad coaches (think France and Argentina) who are not performing up to snuff. There is something to be said for a coach who gets the best out of his charges (Fabio Capello currently is doing just that with an ordinary England group), just as scorn is piled upon coaches who cannot deliver.
Wednesday night, the Americans will face a stiff challenge against the last-placed team in the Hexagonal. The Soca Warriors aren't a good side — and they know it. New player/coach Russell Latapy admitted as much in comments made to the Federation's web site, saying, "Realistically, it is very difficult now. We're in a situation (where) in order to qualify we have to win our three games and we have to depend on other results from the other teams."
Yet T&T don't have a horrible record against the USA at home (2-2-4 at Port of Spain compared to a 2-3-15 lifetime record) and the USA have yet to win a road game in this round. The pressure is also squarely on the Americans, who are in a tough battle with current group leaders Honduras, Costa Rica, and Mexico for one of three automatic slots. Costa Rica is expected to rebound against their drubbing by Mexico away at El Salvador, and odds are Mexico's home form will hold against Honduras.

That's why it is so critical that the Americans collect their first three road points. Doing so would likely spare them from having to beat Costa Rica at RFK in October and could also put them in the group lead. Failing to take points would mean a very tough game in Honduras followed by a nail-biter in Washington.
Right now, the USA is going to reach the World Cup — but looks like a side that won't do much of anything once it gets there. And should Costa Rica, Mexico and Honduras outplay the Americans over the final three Hexagonal matches, the USA might find itself having to face an Argentina in a playoff just to get to Johannesburg.
Sadly, that might be what it takes for a program locked in inertia to make the big changes.
At that point, of course, it would be too late.

Note from Fox Sport

Mexico vs Honduras

2009-09-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

September 8, 2009

Mexico faced the stark possibility just a month ago of missing next year's World Cup in South Africa. El Tri, under new coach Javier Aguirre, responded, beating the United States and Costa Rica in its last two qualifying matches.
And a victory over Honduras on Wednesday in Azteca Stadium would put Mexico in good shape to reach its fifth straight World Cup.

The United States can nearly clinch its sixth straight berth with a victory at Trinidad and Tobago, the last-place team in the CONCACAF qualifying group. In the third match, Costa Rica plays at El Salvador.
"We're at the stage of qualifying now where all the points are critical," Aguirre said.
The battle among the top four at the top of the standings is too close to call. Honduras and the United States have 13 points - Honduras leads on goal difference - with Mexico and Costa Rica with 12 each. El Salvador and Trinidad have five points.

The first three advance automatically to next year's 32-team tournament in South Africa, and the fourth-place team faces a playoff with the fifth-place team from South America for another berth. Awaiting could be countries like Argentina, Colombia or Ecuador.

Mexico will be without starters Guillermo Franco at forward and captain and midfielder Gerardo Torrado, both suspended after picking up yellow cards in Saturday's 3-0 win at Costa Rica.
The last time Honduras and Mexico played, Sven-Goran Eriksson was coaching Mexico. The Mexicans lost the April 1 match 3-1, and a day later Mexico fired Eriksson and brought in Aguirre. Eriksson, a former England coach, won four of nine qualifiers and dug Mexico into a hole from which Aguirre is still trying to escape.
"There are four teams trying to earn those three automatic spots and we can't afford to give up our home advantage on Wednesday," Aguirre said.
Mexico in almost unbeatable in Mexico City, where the thin air at 2,400 meters (7,400 feet) gives the home team a clear edge.

Of the top four teams, Mexico has the easiest schedule in the two final qualifying games next month, playing at El Salvador and finishing up on Oct. 14 at home against Trinidad.
The Americans are heavily favored to pick up three points at Trinidad and Tobago, which was poor in its 4-1 loss on Saturday at Honduras. The United States defeated El Salvador 2-1 Saturday in Sandy, Utah.
"I don't think anybody gives up, but obviously it's deflating for them," said United States goalkeeper Tim Howard, speaking about Trinidad. "It's still a home game and you wonder how their crowd will react to them. Will they get on their backs or will they give them a lift? It's tough to say."
Defender Oguchi Onyewu will return for the United States after sitting out a one-game suspension on Saturday. Defender Jay DeMerit also missed the game with a strained groin.
"It's hard to know what to expect," United States forward Landon Donovan said about facing Trinidad. "But we can't really worry about that."

Note published by FoxSport

La Volpe habla de trampas en la Seleccion de Mexico

2009-08-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Agosto 28, 2009

El ex director técnico de la selección Mexicana, Ricardo Antonio La Volpe se soltó y dejo muchas dudas sobre aquel partido que él dirigió en el 2005 ante Trinidad y Tobago, en el que México ya se encontraba calificado al Mundial de Alemania 2006, mientras que los trinitarios necesitaban de una victoria para aspirar al repechaje, que finalmente los llevaría a la justa mundialista.

El argentino aseguró que la idea era tener la menor cantidad de conflictos posibles. No olvidemos que el presidente de la Concacaf es Jack Warner de origen Trinitario.

"Yo ya sé como pasé una eliminatoria, en la primera fase también se le ganó por primera vez a Trinidad y Tobago, el primer partido, en la primera, no cuando ya estábamos clasificados, que fuimos al ultimo partido para no tener problemas. Diría yo que fuiste justo contra el que hoy maneja la Concacaf, entonces dijimos mira, los menos problemas posibles y andá califícate" señaló el sudamericano.

Ese partido México lo perdió por 2 goles a 1, con dos tantos de Stern John y uno de Jaime Lozano.
El técnico nacional realizó cambios en su alineación titular de cara a ese partido, lo cual es entendible tomando en cuenta que México ya estaba calificado y que quería cuidar a sus jugadores, sin embargo, estas palabras del hoy técnico del Atlas dejan muchas preguntas al aire. México en la era La Volpe terminó siendo cabeza de serie, y aunque no cumplieron con la meta de llegar al famoso quinto partido, sí dejaron muy contento al presidente de Concacaf Jack Warner, quien pudo ver a su selección en la copa del mundo.
Así entonces pareciera que una nueva "mecha" en el fútbol Mexicano se está prendiendo.

No me sorprende lo que dice el bigotón, en el futbol mexicano pasó ésto y siguen pasando muchas cosas más, y las que vienen también. Yo sigo insisitiendo, mientras exista corrupcion y mal manejo de los directivos del futbol mexicano , éste seguirá resagándose de los demás paises.

Jesus Padilla new player for Chivas USA

2009-08-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

August 25, 2009

Jesús Padilla and Maicon Santos have been on the Chivas USA roster for just eight days, but already the newcomers are making an impact for the club.
Both players got their first start in Chivas USA's 2-0 victory against Toronto FC on Saturday. Padilla spent 71 minutes on the right flank while Maicon played just more than an hour as a striker alongside Maykel Galindo. Both settled into the team's rhythm quickly, helping to earn the second victory for the Red-and-White in as many games.
"We have a couple of new guys and it's not always easy to gel right away with your teammates," said Chivas USA head coach Preki. "But I thought both of those guys, the longer the game went, they settled in and played better."

Padilla was acquired on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara on August 17.
The 22-year-old was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., but moved to Mexico at the age of 14 to start playing with Guadalajara. He made his professional debut Aug. 8, 2006 in a 1-0 loss to Deportivo Toluca.
"[It was my] first game out. I had to see how they play and get used to it and had to relax a little," said Padilla of his MLS debut.
Preki is pleased with Padilla's debut, and is excited for the young player's continued improvement in red-and-white stripes.
"He's been here for three or four days and he's been trying to settle down," said Preki. "He's a young player who hasn't played a lot of minutes, but he has good offensive instincts and we can only hope that he can get better."

Maicon Santos was born in Paracambi, Brazil and made his professional debut with Rio de Janeiro-based Madureira Esporte Clube in 2004. Since then he has played for clubs in Tunisia, Libya, and Israel, before joining Chivas USA on August 21.
"Maicon is very technically gifted," said Chivas USA striker Maykel Galindo. "I'm happy with the group of forwards that we have here now and I think offense has gotten a lot stronger."
Santos enjoyed a successful debut, notching his first MLS assist on Sacha Kljestan's second goal.
"He's a target guy," said Preki. "He can hold the ball and he's good with his feet. Now the thing for him is to settle in this league and learn about the physicality of this league. If he can do that, I think he'll be an important player here."

Both players will get a crash-course in MLS competition this week, as Chivas USA first take on Real Salt Lake on Wednesday and then the Galaxy on Saturday.
"This is a period of adjustment for us with a few new faces," said Preki. "Hopefully we can survive this period and towards the end of the year we'll be the team that we want to be."

Chivas USA at Los Angeles Galaxy August Wednesday 26 6:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes

MLS note

American Teenager to play with Arsenal

2009-08-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

August 22, 2009

Following the likes of Freddy Adu and Anton Peterlin, 15-year-old Luis Gil is ready to make the jump to Europe to play for Arsenal.
Related LinksIn what is becoming a bit of a trend lately, the big clubs in Europe are noticing the young talent that the United States has to offer and are eagerly signing them up.
The latest team to do so is Arsenal of the English Premier League, who appear ready to sign 15-year-old Luis Gil, a native of Garden Grove, California.
Arsene Wenger and the Gunners have apparently had their eye on Gil for quite some time, with their original interest stemming back to May when the youngster trained with the club.
Reports from tribalfootball.com suggest Gil will sign for Arsenal within weeks and will join up with fellow Academy members immediately.
He previously played club football at Patedores and has been capped for the USMNT at the U-17 level.

Published by Goal.com

Entrevista a Hugo Sanchez

2009-08-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

Agosto 21, 2009

El entrenador del Almería habló de fútbol con AS, del Real Madrid, de la Liga, de su selección mexicana y por supuesto de su equipo, que cada vez tiene más de su personalidad, de su carácter ganador. Por cierto. No da por cerrado el capítulo de fichajes. Habrá novedades.

Explíqueme su evolución como entrenador desde que llegó al Almería.
Ahora es diferente porque he tenido la oportunidad de hacer una pretemporada y he podido analizar con el presidente, con cierta calma, la salida de algunos jugadores y la llegada de otros. Estoy contento por haber conseguido el gran objetivo de mantener al equipo en Primera en la mejor Liga del mundo. Estoy feliz por estar una campaña más en el club donde yo quería.

¿Le siguen llamando tantos periodistas de todo el mundo pidiéndole entrevistas sin parar como el año pasado?
Me siguen llamando de todos los lados y las tengo que ir administrando. En México hay un gran seguimiento, muy completo y en todo el continente americano, igual.

¿El Almería ya es conocido en su país natal?
Había mucha gente que no sabía donde estaba instalada (la ciudad de Almería) pero ahora ya es un lugar que los mexicanos tenemos como punto de destino y eso es agradable para mí, saber que en el continente americano se está dando a Almería una promoción importante.

¿Le siguen mirando más como ex jugador del Real Madrid que como entrenador?
Hay un poco de todo. Le estoy agradecido a la gente que me recuerda como futbolista. Pero el jugador ya murió. Ahora se está valorando mi capacidad como entrenador y voy en la misma línea.

Hugo Sánchez está en el equipo ideal del Real Madrid del Siglo XX. Con Ricardo Zamora, Di Stéfano...Se lo agradezco a todos aquellos que lo votaron. Para mí es un privilegio y orgullo haber estado en el mejor equipo de la historia.

¿Y qué me dice del actual Real Madrid con los fichajes que ha realizado?
Es algo a lo que nos tiene acostumbrados el Real Madrid. Si no estuviesen los mejores jugadores no sería el Real Madrid. Por eso se ha caracterizado y ahora los madridistas tienen que estar ilusionados... excepto cuando jueguen contra nosotros, ¡je, je!

Usted como delantero, ¿entiende que el Barcelona haya prescindido de Etoo y encima pagando dinero?
Es difícil opinar cuando uno no está dentro. Pero es indudable que Etoo es de los jugadores que cualquier equipo del mundo quisiera tener. Sus razones tendrán.

¿Echará de menos a Álvaro Negredo?
A jugadores como él o como los que estuvieron la temporada pasada, se les echa de menos. El Sevilla ha sido el equipo afortunado y creo que Negredo va a hacerles disfrutar.

¿Es verdad que les pone a los delanteros vídeos con sus mejores goles?
Eso es mentira. Algunos medios de comunicación han inventado eso. Eso es un invento que ha soltado alguien con mala intención. Cada jugador que quiere ver mis goles no tiene más que meterse en internet. Si ellos me los piden, por supuesto que les regalaría alguna colección de los mejores goles que tengo.

¿Cómo motiva a sus delanteros para que sean mejores?
Intento hablar con ellos. Les asesoro y les sugiero situaciones que hay en el campo. Les cuento algunos secretos de mi metodología en el trabajo. Eso les ayuda. Me da gusto.

Sus entrenamientos son muy intensos.
Porque busco la similitud con un partido para que el rival no nos aguante el ritmo.

¿Da por cerrada la actual plantilla con estos 22 jugadores incluido Solari?
Con el presidente estoy en comunicación y esperaremos hasta el último día para saber si hay una modificación.

¿Pueden venir más jugadores, otro delantero?
Preferiría no comentarlo para no herir susceptibilidades. Si nos quedamos así, estaremos preparados para la competición porque contra el Málaga ya dimos una buena imagen.

¿Es cierto que ha convencido a Kalu Uche para que no se vaya?
Siempre deseo que los grandes jugadores permanezcan más tiempo. También entiendo que los futbolistas quieran mejorar. Él cuenta con mi colaboración y apoyo. Si Kalu se queda es porque es bueno para él y para el Almería.

Guilherme tiene pinta de ser todo un cañón...Hay jugadores jóvenes que llevan una línea ascendente. El club invierte en este tipo de futbolistas. Es una política acertada.

¿Le está sorprendiendo David Rodríguez?No. Estuve viendo vídeos sobre él y recabé información.
¿Ha recibido ofertas para entrenar a otros clubes?¡Alguna! Tanto de España como de fuera. Me da gusto saber que tengan interés en mí.
¿El presidente, Alfonso García ya le ha propuesto renovar?Tengo contrato hasta el 30 de junio de 2010. Y espero estar mucho tiempo en Almería.

Y después, al Real Madrid.
¡Vamos a ver, vamos a ver! Siempre, como entrenador aspiras a lo máximo. Y dirigir al Real Madrid es una de mis metas y objetivos. Tendré la paciencia y la tranquilidad para esperar ese momento.
Hablemos un poco de la Liga. ¿Le parece normal que el Real Madrid se haya gastado tanto dinero en un solo jugador como Cristiano Ronaldo o el Barcelona en Ibrahimovic?
Si se pagan esas cantidades es porque se tiene el dinero y el jugador lo vale. Las cotizaciones ahora son diferentes a las que se manejaban antes. Me parece muy bien que la evolución en el fútbol siga y me da mucho gusto ver que parte del fútbol es el desfile de fichajes. El Real Madrid nos tiene acostumbrados a eso y si no fuera eso, no sería el Real Madrid,

¿Piensa que el Real Madrid ha fichado bien?
Sí. Creo que ha acertado con los fichajes. Florentino Pérez es un presidente que tiene muy buena visión y eso es mérito también de la gente que trabaja en el Real Madrid como Valdano y Pardeza. Florentino Pérez está haciendo algo que me está gustando mucho: Se está hablando más del Real Madrid que del triplete del Barcelona.

¿Qué opina de su ex compañero en el Real Madrid Míchel? ¿Tenía pinta de entrenador?
Me da gusto que me haya hecho caso. Estando en el Celaya yo le animaba para que fuera entrenador y él no lo tenía muy claro. Y ahora me agrada ver que está más metido y que cada vez le gusta más. Conociéndole como es él, su carácter y su personalidad, su sabiduría y su interés por todo lo que compete al fútbol, tanto español como mundial le veo que está capacitado y le deseo muchísima suerte.

¿Hasta dónde y puede llegar este Almería?
Nuestro principal propósito es mantener la categoría. Y después me gustaría que igualásemos y superasemos los puntos y clasificación de la temporada pasada. Quedamos en el puesto número once. Y eso no está mal teniendo el presupuesto número 15. Estamos por encima de nuestro potencial.
Ha crecido como entrenador...Llevo un paso ascendente en mi trayectoria.

Entrevista de AS de España

4 Round Mexican League

2009-08-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

August 18, 2009

This is a note of the last weekend results of the mexican league

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2009/08/17/1445355/jornada-4-recap-mighty-have-fallen

Note by Goal.com

Beckham and his attitude

2009-08-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

August 17, 2009

David Beckham is many things to Major League Soccer – ambassador, future club owner, biggest star, figurehead and highest-paid player. He is also increasingly becoming an embarrassment.
Beckham appears to think his superstar status should give him preferential treatment, given his reaction to his first MLS red card on Saturday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder was banished from the field after a foolish studs-up challenge on the Seattle Sounders’ Peter Vagenas.
Instead of accepting responsibility for his actions, Beckham once again resorted to his tired old line of blaming the game officials, in this case referee Ricardo Salazar.

While no one can argue that MLS officiating is generally poor, Beckham’s reckless tackle would have earned him his marching orders in England, Italy or any other league. His demented lunge, with his foot raised nowhere near the ball, could have caused Vagenas severe damage and had no place on a professional soccer field.
Beckham’s anger is commonplace these days. Even though he has performed well for an improving Galaxy team since returning to the United States last month, he clearly doesn’t want to be in America and is hankering for a switch back to the Italian Serie A with AC Milan.
That ire has manifested itself in arguments with supporters, and that did little more than provide comedic value at the expense of the England star.

However, actions like those witnessed on Saturday must not be tolerated.
Even if Beckham has no respect for MLS, he needs to respect the sport that has brought him fame and fortune.

Note by Martin Rogers of Yahoo

Mexico 2 - USA 1

2009-08-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

August 12, 2009

Bob Bradley: "I Think It's A Tight Game And A Fair Score"
U.S. coach Bob Bradley called the 2-1 loss to Mexico a "fair score" but couldn't hide his disappointment with the loss.

A disappointed Bob Bradley addressed the media immediately after the United States Men's National Team's difficult 2-1 loss to Mexico in Estadio Azteca.
"I think it's a tight game and a fair score," the American coach told reporters. "It's a tough loss to have so many guys work so hard and then give up a late goal. The feeling inside is one of great disappointment."
When asked if he was expecting a loss in the venue where the U.S. has never won, he answered simply: "No."
After Charlie Davies gave the Americans their first ever lead in Mexico's national stadium, El Tri began to dominate, but Bradley believed his squad could find a goal.
"We still felt when the game was 1-1 that we could get opportunities down the stretch," he said.

The second half insertion of Stuart Holden and Benny Feilhaber in the 58th minute and Jozy Altidore in the 76th gave the U.S. some much needed fresh legs, which Bradley pointed out.
"Yes, we were pleased with the timing of the subs, with the energy that they brought on," the coach said. "When we made our last sub with Jozy, we felt like there was an opportunity to get a goal. I think both teams were still thinking about a win there."

The game-winning goal, scored by Miguel Sabah, was clearly fresh in Bradley's mind as he sat on the podium in the bowels of the stadium.
"When they started coming down that side, Dos Santos pulled out wide," he recalled. "There was a moment when Landon [Donovan] hesitated because I think he thought Carlos [Bocanegra] was going to hold inside more. Carlos got sucked out a little bit towards [Giovanni] Dos Santos and that left a gap. When Landon hesitated, that created a space for [Efrain] Juarez to dribble through. Jay DeMerit came over and got a good tackle, and obviously the ball went right to [Miguel] Sabah."

Bocanegra agreed with his coach's assessment.
"Me and Landon maybe got a little confused at the end," the U.S. captain told Goal.com after the game. "Maybe should've stayed inside and pushed [Juarez] wide, but those split-second decisions sometimes cost you."
The coach declined to comment on the officiating of the match.
Despite the loss, Bradley reserved some praise for Azteca, a stadium where he hadn't previously coached.
"Like everyone says, it's a magnificent soccer stadium," he admitted. "The size of the stadium, the crowd, the atmosphere, the players, coaches, fans. It's special."
Then he added: "But that doesn't change..."
Sometimes disappointment can't be put into words.

Published by Goal.com

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-08-12-usa-mexico_N.htm

"Cuau" Blanco in FIFA Soccer 10 video game

2009-08-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

August 11, 2009

Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Chicago Fire will be featured on the front packs of FIFA Soccer 10, the next chapter in the internationally acclaimed videogame franchise from EA SPORTSTM .

Blanco joined EA SPORTS officials in Mexico City Monday for the announcement just two days before he joins the Mexican National Team for a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the U.S. Men's National Team on August 12.
The popular Chicago midfielder and two-time MLS All-Star won five MVP awards in the Mexican Premier League prior to joining the Chicago Fire. Blanco has represented Mexico at two FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002), and is the second leading goal scorer of all time for the Mexican national team.

At Monday's press conference EA Sports cited Blanco's well-known and unique Cuauhtémiña (CWAU-te-MEEN-YA), or "Blanco Bounce" move where he jumps with the ball held between his feet to escape defenders, which will be a featured skill move in FIFA Soccer 10.
Blanco will be joined on the cover by midfielder Sacha Kljestan of Chivas USA, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2008. In his third year in MLS, Kljestan led Chivas USA in scoring, was named Team MVP, chosen as an MLS All-Star, and played for the United States Olympic Team.
The spotlight will also shine on Chelsea's world-class attacking midfielder Frank Lampard who will be featured on FIFA Soccer 10 packaging in North America and around the world. Lampard is just the second midfield player in the history of English Premier League to score more than 100 goals.

Responding to consumer feedback from more than 400 million online games played* last year, FIFA Soccer 10 will deliver gameplay refinements and innovations that will make it the most complete and intelligent simulation of soccer. The first-ever true 360° dribbling system gives players finer control of the ball, enabling them to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. A new Freedom in Physical Play concept enables players to perform wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender. Master the game before stepping on the pitch in a new practice arena that enables users to design free kicks for different dead ball situations. Record and test plays before taking them onto the pitch with Customizable Set Pieces.

ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER
Chicago Fire Soccer was founded on October 8, 1997 as a Major League Soccer expansion team. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural season in 1998 and was crowned the champion of U.S. Soccer's national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. In June 2006, the Fire moved into its world-class home of TOYOTA PARK, located in Bridgeview, IL.

Note published by MLS

Tim Howard interview

2009-08-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

August 10, 2009

Everton's No1 Tim Howard will line up between the posts for his first taste of qualifying at the fabled Azteca on 12 August, when the USA renew their tense rivalry with Mexico. The 30-year-old shot stopper will take his position at the base of a wall of anger and contempt, with approximately 110,000 animated Mexican fans sending shock waves of noise and bile his way for a full 90 minutes.

Like Tony Meola, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller before him, Howard is preparing to accept one of the toughest assignments in all of world football: Mexico at their Estadio Azteca. Chating with the New Jersey native, who was recently voted top keeper at the FIFA Confederations Cup, ahead of this, the latest CONCACAF Clasico.
Last time we spoke was over a month ago after the loss to Brazil in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Looking back, with a bit more perspective, what are your feelings about it?Tim Howard: To be honest, my feelings haven't changed much. We did some really good things against some really good teams [beating Egypt and Spain before surrendering a 2-0 lead against Brazil]. But on the other side we learned some harsh lessons. We played some of the best teams in the world and when you mistakes against those kinds of teams, you get opened up in a hurry.

Up next is a date with Mexico, currently struggling in fourth place in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. What makes the USA-Mexico rivalry so intense and so heated?It's all about the passion of the fans. For so long Mexico dominated our region, dominated us. Now, and for some time, we have been the dominant team. So there's a lot of anger and hurt feelings between the two of us. Let's face it, for they kicked our butts for a long time. And when the tide turned, they didn't like it. Why would they? It's just a pure and natural rivalry.

Where would you rate this rivalry, this Clasico, between the two nations in the scope of world football?Most people around the world, in Europe and elsewhere, can't really understand just how big this thing is here. It's quite simply massive. That's the case with most of these great rivalries. How can you really know how special River-Boca or Celtic-Rangers or Barcelona-Real Madrid is unless you've been there and felt it?

You were in goal the last time USA met Mexico, a comprehensive 2-0 win in Columbus in February. Does that game, and that result, matter now?In some ways, yes, it does. It was the last time we met with our full teams and we certainly got the better of them on the day. Maybe the Mexicans will feel that having won the CONCACAF Gold Cup [Mexico beat an experimental USA squad 5-0 in the final in New Jersey last month] will swing the balance back in their favour, but that's more useful for a story or an article than what's going to happen out on the field.
When you, as an experienced professional, walk out of the tunnel on a big derby day, whether it's Everton-Liverpool or USA-Mexico, does it feel differently, or can you bury those feelings?As a human being, you can't completely control your feelings. These are special days for players. If games like this didn't have special meaning then no one would get excited about them; they'd just be like any other game. You can't always put your finger on what it is you're feeling on, but it's a special thing.

Coach Bob Bradley brought a highly experimental squad to the Gold Cup, and they were hammered in the final by Mexico, a slightly less experimental side. Do you think the El Tri attackers will have grown in confidence as a result?There's no doubt that the Mexican players will be feeling good about themselves. Our rivalry is so tense, that every little thing is important. It doesn't matter if it's the first team or the second team; it's the shirt that's important. But the ball's in our court now and we'll try to set things right.

I don't need to tell you that no USA team has ever won at the Estadio Azteca. Is the possibility of making history something that weighs on you and your teammates before a game like this? Practically no one but Mexico wins at the Azteca [only Costa Rica, in 2001, have ever won a qualifier in Mexico City]. But I've always had this feeling that this group of players, this US team, can do something special there. You might hear me telling a different story on the 13th, after the game, I'm not making any predictions, but this group of players is bold and will put history to the side.

Note published by FIFA

Donovan wants victory

2009-08-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

August 9, 2009

Donovan: U.S. Not Going To Azteca For Just One Point
U.S. striker Landon Donovan breaks his self-imposed silence about next week’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico, and he is as defiant as ever.

Maybe it was his first-half golazo that staked the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. Maybe it was the fact that the win was LA’s fifth in six games. Whatever it was, Landon Donovan was feeling confident on the eve of reporting to the United States National Team camp in Miami ahead of next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico.
“We’re not going [to Mexico City] for a point,” Donovan said. “We’re going there to win the game and we’re going to keep playing the way we’re playing.”

One can assume Donovan meant the form of the U.S. squad that reached the final of the Confederations Cup in June, not the one that lost 5-0 to Mexico in the final of the Gold Cup last month.
“I was sitting on my bed, not too happy,” Donovan said about how he felt while watching the Gold Cup defeat. “I think the frustrating part was the naivete to let it get away like that. Because there are implications beyond just losing that game. There are historical implications, confidence implications for them and for us, and it made it a little more difficult on everybody in U.S. soccer.”
The trophy provided El Tri, currently in fourth place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal, with a massive boost ahead of the U.S. game. Not that they needed it. Mexico has never lost to the U.S. at Azteca Stadium; the two have shared the points only once, a scoreless draw in a World Cup qualifier in 1997.
“The difficulty [of playing at Azteca] is everything but the soccer,” Donovan said. “They use all of the outside influences to their advantage but that’s not an excuse anymore for us. We’re not going to use it as an excuse.”
The Los Angeles captain, who had refused to talk about the Mexico game all week while he was still with his club, went further in his explanation of el Tri’s home-field advantage. He explicitly declared that Azteca is the only place the Mexicans have an advantage.
“When we play Mexico anywhere else in the world, I have no doubt we beat them,” he said.
That could be true—until this year’s Gold Cup final, the U.S. had not lost to Mexico outside of Mexico City since 1999—but unfortunately for Donovan, the game is not anywhere else in the world. It’s at Azteca.

Published by Goal.com

World Cup U-20 in September

2009-07-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

July 28, 2009

“It’s going to be a challenge for sure, but we had the same mentality heading into the 2007 World Cup,” said U.S. goalkeeper Brian Perk, who also played in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. “We didn’t have too much pressure on us in that tournament because of the difficult draw and I think we’re in a similar situation this time. It’s definitely a tough group, but I’m excited and I think my teammates will be as well.”

The U.S. will be competing in its seventh-consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “group of death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.

The U.S. qualified by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.

FIFA U-20 World Cup Group C Schedule

Date........... Match-up..............Venue...........Kickoff (Local/ET)

Sept. 26 USA vs. Germany Mubarak Stadium; ............10 a.m.
Sept. 26 Korea vs. Cameroon Mubarak Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Sept. 29 Germany vs. Korea Mubarak Stadium;........... 10 a.m.
Sept. 29 USA vs. Cameroon Mubarak Stadium; ..............12:45 p.m.
Oct. 2 USA vs. Korea Republic Mubarak Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Oct. 2 Germany vs. Cameroon Ismailia Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.

USA 0 - 5 Mexico

2009-07-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

July 26, 2009

Mexico snapped a decade victory drought against the Americans in the United States on Sunday with a 5-0 rout for its fifth CONCACAF regional championship. Captain Gerardo Torrado scored on a penalty kick in the 56th minute, then the inexperienced U.S. squad came unglued.
As an overwhelmingly pro-Mexico sellout crowd of 79,156 rocked Giants Stadium, Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela scored 5 minutes apart despite several brilliant saves by Troy Perkins. Indeed, it seemed the goalkeeper was the only American on the field during the 11-minute blitz in which Mexico's attackers could have sprinted all the way back to Azteca Stadium without being touched.

Jose Antonio Castro and Guillermo Franco put the finishing touches on Mexico's first win at the United States since March 1989. Castro scored off a great through-pass from Vela, a substitute who energized Mexico when he entered the game after halftime.
The United States, fielding an inexperienced squad after the top team finished second in the Confederations Cup last month, could not maintain American dominance of its continental rival.

Mexico was 0-9-2 at the United States since its last win, and fell 2-0 in February in a World Cup qualifier. The nations meet again in Mexico City on Aug. 12, but then the full American roster will be on hand, along with several of the players who carried El Tri to this Gold Cup crown.
But that is another story. For now, after a 10-year wait, there was sweet victory in commanding style.
At the final whistle, the green-clad Mexican players stormed onto the field in jubilation, mobbing Dos Santos, who was voted the game's most valuable player. Then they saluted the crowd that made the Meadowlands sound more like Mexico City, making a tour of the pitch with the trophy in hand.
For the Americans, it was a return to reality. After Bob Bradley coached them to a runner-up finish in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, he gave most of the players a pass for the Gold Cup. Still, the untested fill-ins showed versatility and fortitude -- at least until Mexico ran over them in a spectacular 45-minute offensive onslaught.

U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley
On seeing a lot of younger players during this tournament: “I think we’ve had a good chance to see so many different players. I think we’ve got a good, solid nucleus, but we’re always looking for players that we believe are going to move forward and help our team.”
On allowing goals in the second half:
“The second half for us is not what we’re all about. It’s important we can look hard at ourselves and learn from a half like that and use it the right way.”
On if the inexperience of the U.S. players factored into the result:
“The area where we didn’t do well enough was our response to the first goal. I think the first half we played pretty well, and now when the second half starts you obviously want to build on that. We had one very good chance at the start of the second half when Robbie Rogers hit one over. But now, when we get down, your ability to make sure that the game doesn’t become a free-for-all where the other team has all sorts of space and opportunities, where your numbers aren’t good enough in the back when the ball turns over, where you lose bad balls, so there’s a lot of different things there that obviously came into play. I think it’s most important that we can look at those things.”
On how this loss may impact the qualifying match in Mexico City on Aug. 12:
“There’s no doubt that you want competitors and we are competitors. When you have a game that feels like this at the end you don’t forget it. It’s something that we will always on the inside talk about, be honest about, and hopefully we can use it in a way that we’re better from it today.”
On the play of Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos:
“Both are good players. When the game opens up in the second half, they’re the kind of players that can take advantage of the space and in that regard they did very well today.”
On finishing second in the Gold Cup:
“Today was their day. When you have to stand there, whether it’s in the Confederations Cup in South Africa and it’s Brazil, or whether it’s in Giants Stadium and it’s the Gold Cup and it’s Mexico, when you finish second you have to stand there – which is the right thing to do – see the other team get their medals, hold up the trophy, that’s a feeling that as athletes, as competitors it’s a feeling that you don’t like. You hope those are things that help you grow in the future on an individual basis and on a team basis. Like I said, today is their day, they can celebrate. It’s our job to make sure we’re ready for what we already knew was a challenge to play in Azetca. We’ll be ready. It’s 90 minutes and it starts over.”
On if this result is a set-back for the team:
“Everyone reads into it their own way. We know the work going on. We’re honest about every step of the way. People will read into it in different ways, but once again when we go to Azetca, we start over on that day and have a chance to do something the U.S. hasn’t done before.”
On what changed the game:
“The change was the goal. When a goal is scored, now all of a sudden things change in the game. We didn’t do well at that point in terms of our response, our ability to keep control while we pushed for the equalizer. We opened ourselves up. I said it earlier, these are talented players, you open yourself up, you start to give away balls in bad spots, you start to get caught where again you’re all over the field and not solid enough in the back when you lose bad balls, good players make you pay and that’s what happened in the second half.”

U.S. Men’s National Team captain and forward Brian Ching On giving up five goals:
“When it comes down to it we just lost our composure. They're a good team and they punished us. We're a young team and guys played a lot of minutes, but we have no real excuses. They moved the ball around a lot, we were chasing the ball a lot in the second half and it tired us out. I think it was a combination of things but we're not going to sit here and make excuses. We're going to hold our hands up and I'll be the first one to say I didn't do enough.”
On what they’ll take from the game:
You look at anybody in the United States and this loss will anger you. We have to channel that, use it and bring it with us on August 12.
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Stuart Holden On the loss and how the team moves forward: “I think we just put this behind us. Maybe this will give them a little bit of confidence but it will be a different group come August 12. Over the course of the tournament guys have shown well and stated a case to be considered going forward. Today was just not one of those days and we're very disappointed with our efforts. You never like getting beat 5-0.”

http://www.exonline.com.mx/diario/noticia/adrenalina/futbolsoccer/mexico,_campeon_de_la_copa_oro/672476

USA vs Mexico in the final game of Gold Cup

2009-07-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

July 24, 2009

The United States and Mexico will square off for the CONCACAF Gold Cup crown for a second time running this Sunday. The host Stars and Stripes made easy work of Honduras in the early semi-final at Soldier Field in Chicago, while Mexico needed extra time and penalties to overcome an inspired Costa Rica in the late game. When the two age-old rivals, both tangled on four regional titles apiece, meet at the Meadowlands on Sunday it will be a replay of the 2007 final, which the USA won.
The Americans took the edge early against a lethargic-looking Honduras, creating chances through Brian Ching and Robbie Rogers. But as the Central Americans forced their way back into the contest, the hosts needed to wait until the stroke of halftime to finally pry open the scoring.
We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final.USA midfielder Stuart Holden
Minutes after Martin Chavez rattled the USA crossbar, Stuart Holden - one of Bob Bradley's top players at these finals - swerved in a dangerous corner-kick with his right foot. Tall defender Clarence Goodson, who plays his club football in Norway, powered a thunderous header home in the 45th minute to take a hard-fought lead into the changing room.
The US came out in the second half looking to extend their lead. Putting good pressure on the Honduran rearguard, they forced Donis Escobar into three good saves in quick succession inside 10 minutes of the restart. However, as the hosts failed to capitalise on their early chances, the Hondurans nearly drew level in the last ten minutes, Carlos Costly forcing keeper Troy Perkins to scramble away the opportunity.
The Americans finished off the job in the 90th minute, when substitute Kenny Cooper poked home his second goal in two games after a great bit of build-up by Holden and Santino Quaranta.

"I'm thrilled we won the game. We played well overall, even though we had some sloppy moments. We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final."

Mexico edge clasico

The second semi-final in Chicago saw Mexico edge Costa Rica on penalties in a classic Latin American showdown. The Ticos began sharper, looking to take the air out of the wildly pro-Mexican crowd, and nearly opened the scoring after 12 minutes. A powerful strike from the edge of the box by Armando Alonso slammed against Memo Ochoa's post, forcing a collective sigh of relief from the stands.
Although the Mexicans were looking increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack, Costa Rica created the better chances over the course of the first half. Alvaro Saborio, Andy Herron and Alonso all went close to scoring. But Gio dos Santos, Mexico's fleet-footed Spurs man, missed a golden chance for a sucker-punch in the final minute of the opening period when we glanced his free header wide.
The 56th minute brought what looked like a turning point. Mexico were awarded a penalty kick when Costa Rican captain Jose Fernandez handled in the area. Up stepped tournament top scorer Miguel Sabah, but his tame effort was gobbled up by Tico keeper Keylor Navas.
Supersub Guille Franco looked to have saved the day for Mexico late on. Getting on the end of a lofted, hopeful ball from midfield, the Villarreal striker slammed a volley toward goal. The outstanding Navas got a hand to it, but it bobbled over the line all the same making it 1-0 with only seconds to go. Costa Rica were not done yet, though, and Froylan Ledezma chased down a long ball, flicked on by Alvaro Saborio, to guide home the equaliser deep into time-added-on, forcing extra time.
Although both sides went close to scoring in the additional half-hour, a penalty shootout was required to separate the two old rivals. Mexican keeper Ochoa proved the hero on the night, saving from Ledezma as all five of his El Tri teammates hit the net. The USA and Mexico will meet on Sunday in a replay of the 2007 final, where Benny Feilhaber broke the deadlock to force an American win. With both teams balanced on four CONCACAF Gold Cups apiece, the stakes will be high for bragging rights in New Jersey.

Oguchi Onyewu will play with AC Milan this season

2009-07-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

July 21, 2009

The first U.S.-born player to sign with the prestigious Italian team, Onyewu is eager to prove he belongs at soccer's highest professional level.
And he'll get a first chance, of sorts, when AC Milan played Mexico's Club America in an exhibition at the Georgia Dome.
"Obviously in sports, there's no guarantees," Onyewu said Tuesday night. "I'm certainly under the impression that I'll have to play for my spot. I'm still trying to figure out what I need to do because we have a number of great defenders on the squad, and this is the first day that I actually got involved with the team."
AC Milan organizing director Umberto Gandini, who has hired Brazilian Leonardo as a rookie head coach, hopes Onyewu will be the central piece in a slight rebuilding job for the long-respected team. Captain Paolo Maldini retired when last season ended, and many Milan fans were upset when playmaker Kaka's contract was sold to Real Madrid.
Gandini replaced coach Carlo Ancelotti, who signed with Chelsea, after Milan finished third last season in Serie A. The team also announced that Massimo Ambronsini will replace Maldini as captain.

"We are in a new period," Gandini said. "Therefore we are in a situation with our new coach, Leonardo, to help with ideas and new motivations to develop a new era. We are very proud of our history. We are very confident of our present and working toward the future. Since leaving Clemson after his sophomore season to play professionally in Europe seven years ago, Onyewu believed one day he would become a world-class defender.
Now 27, Onyewu showcased his talent in helping the U.S. national team advance to a FIFA championship game for the first time. Though the Americans lost 3-2 to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, Onyewu played well enough to warrant a contract offer from AC Milan.
He signed a three-year deal earlier this month, but AC Milan had been scouting Onyewu since he emerged with Belgium's Standard Liege in 2004. Despite an unsuccessful 11-game tenure with Newcastle, where he often failed to keep up with the fast pace in the English Premier League, Onyewu returned to Belgium last year and helped Standard Liege's win the Belgian league.
For the United States, Onyewu started all three games at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and showed his talent in the Americans' CONCACAF Gold Cup championships in 2005 and '07.
The Confederations Cup success, however, showed Onyewu that Americans care more about the U.S. national team than he might have realized.
"We received an enormous amount of positive feedback about how we performed in reaching the finals," Onyewu said. "When I arrived back in America, I was overwhelmed with the number of people that were aware of soccer and who I was. Maybe five years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. It's exciting to see that more people are taking interest in the game."
Alexi Lalas, the first U.S.-born player to sign with an Italian team when Padova brought him overseas in 1994, believes Onyewu's time with Milan could boost the Americans' World Cup hopes.
"The only concern that any of us have is that he doesn't play," said Lalas, a former general manager of the Galaxy and a member of the U.S. World Cup teams in '94 and '98. "It's one thing to go to a team like AC Milan, but it does you no good and it does the U.S. national team no good if he's not playing. He's got to get time to gain that experience and hopefully transfer some of that to the national team."

For Onyewu, the last two months have been a whirlwind of first-time experiences. Now he's ready to show what he can accomplish on the field.
"I'm thrilled right now," he said. "Obviously, with the national team to be a part of history and the first to take part in a FIFA final in any organized event and now to be a part of AC Milan is something I've been working toward ever since I first started playing soccer. It paid off."

Note of AP

El Almeria de Hugo Sanchez se prepara

2009-07-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

Julio 21, 2009

El plantel rojiblanco llegó ayer a La Manga Club, en Murcia, e inició los entrenamientos por la tarde. El cuerpo técnico ha preparado tres sesiones diarias que comenzarán a las 08:00 horas con una hora de carrera continua.

El Almería ya está en Murcia.
Los 26 jugadores que actualmente forman la plantilla rojiblanca llegaron a La Manga a las 12:00 horas de ayer, y tras hacer una parada para comer y reposar, volvieron al trabajo después de un día y medio de descanso. Allí usarán las instalaciones del complejo de cinco estrellas en el que se alojan, el Hotel Príncipe Felipe. A los de Hugo Sánchez les espera la concentración más dura de las programadas por el cuerpo técnico para esta pretemporada.

A las 8:00 horas de cada día tendrán que estar listos para acompañar a Hugo Sánchez y al preparador físico, Edu Pons, para realizar carrera continua dentro de las instalaciones del complejo. El primer ejercicio físico del día durará entre una hora y hora y media. Después será turno para fortalecer los músculos con una sesión de gimnasio que se alargará hasta la hora de comer. Y ya por la tarde, a partir de los 19:00 horas, el balón será el protagonista.
Además, durante estos nueve días de estancia en Murcia, el Almería deberá jugar dos encuentros amistosos. El primero de ellos será el lunes próximo frente al Cartagena y el segundo frente al Torrevieja dos días después. No habrá que viajar para ninguno de los dos choques.
La Manga Club está preparada para albergarlos. Para disputar estos dos encuentros ya estará a las órdenes del técnico Kalu Uche, que se incorpora el pasado mañana al trabajo de pretemporada .

Tres canteranos en la expediciónJunto a los 23 jugadores del primer equipo han viajado a La Manga tres futbolistas del conjunto filial del Almería. Se trata de Galán, Trujillo y el tercer guardameta Álvaro García, cuya presencia se podría hacer real en algún encuentro de Primera División. El primero, centrocampista, tiene condiciones de lateral diestro, ya entrenó con el primer equipo durante las últimas semanas de la pasada temporada y puede hacerle falta a Hugo Sánchez, si su experimento con Juanma Ortiz no cuajara. Lo mismo que Trujillo, que ya parte como el cuarto central del equipo y no hay que descartar su participación en la Liga. Ambos han viajado para que se vayan acoplando al ritmo de trabajo del primer equipo rojiblanco y al día a día.

Nota de As

USA vs Honduras this Thursday

2009-07-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

July 20, 2009

After beating Panama in overtime, the U.S. team said its conditioning paid off down the stretch, though Beckerman admitted some fatigue heading into Thursday's semifinal against Honduras.
"This definitely took a lot out of us, and I don't think many of us have played an overtime match in a while," Beckerman said. "We're going to have to really recover quick and get right back to preparing for what will be a really tough game against a team looking for revenge."
"They play hard and have a good group of players," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. " We expect a hard game. In the first game in D.C., we had a good finish to the match after a tough 65 or 70 minutes. That says a lot about their organization and their discipline, and we'd expect another difficult game."

Panama seemed content to play rough, with 20 fouls to just three shots. Honduras, third behind Costa Rica and the USA in World Cup qualifying, should pose more of an offensive threat.
"They've got a good attacking team," defender Jay Heaps said. "They've got some big guys up top, and they like to get the ball up top and move. They don't mess around. They play direct and really get after it."

Given the busy schedule for the USA, which reached the Confederations Cup final last month, the team was allowed to name several alternates. So far, the alternates have been little-used, even as several players have left the tournament squad to rejoin their European teams for the preseason (Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Steve Cherundolo, Michael Parkhurst and Benny Feilhaber).
Bradley said Conrad's injury could force him to call in another player. Jonathan Bornstein was the only defender named among the seven alternates.

Note from usa today

Blanco goal, assist and Chicago wins

2009-07-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

July 18, 2009

As a starter, Cuauhtemoc Blanco is an exciting player. As a reserve, he might be more dangerous.Blanco, the Chicago Fire's first Designated Player, set up a Patrick Nyarko goal in the 82nd minute then added one of his own with a sublime shot in stoppage time to lead the Fire to a 2-0 win against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at Toyota Park.
Blanco had entered the game in the 60th minute after getting some rest after playing the full SuperLiga game against New England on Wednesday.

Forward Chris Rolfe chased a ball into the right corner against an Earthquakes defender, who in his rush to release the ball sent it out to Blanco in the midfield. Blanco set himself up for the pass over the defense to Nyarko, who sent a one-touch shot past Earthquakes 'keeper Joe Cannon from close range.

Blanco scored himself in stoppage time, taking advantage of a poor clearance by the Earthquakes defense. Wilman Conde raced forward to intercept the ball, playing it to Blanco right on the edge of the area. Blanco stood on the ball before lifting a subtle chip that Cannon could barely get a finger on, the ball just looping over him and settling into the back of the net.

The victory lifted the Fire to a 7-3-7 record (28 points) and kept them in first place in the Eastern Conference. It was only the Fire's second home win in eight games this season. The Earthquakes (3-10-4, 13 points) saw their road record fall to 0-7-2 this season.
Coming off their exhausting SuperLiga game Wednesday in Foxborough, Mass., the Fire started Saturday's game with a much-altered lineup. While Jon Busch remained in goal, the defense in front of him included regular starters Tim Ward and Bakary Soumare along with Daniel Woolard and Dasan Robinson, who has played in only four games and has had two previous starts.
Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop promised a change in the lineup after an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Toronto last week. Joe Cannon remained in goal, and the back line was the same. Antonio Ribeiro returned to the starting lineup in the midfield, and Chris Wondolowski got only his second start at forward.

The game was unusually chippy from the start, and bodies were flying all over the Toyota Park field. Jason Hernandez and Wondolowski of the Earthquakes each received a yellow card in the game's first five minutes.
Blanco finally connected with Nyarko in the 82nd minute to put the Fire into the lead. In the 84th minute, Hamlett used his last substitution to send Conde into the game for Mapp. Yallop followed by sending Quincy Amarikwa into the game for Wondolowski.
The Fire hit the road next week, traveling to Seattle to take on Sounders FC at Qwest Field. The Earthquakes will return home where they will face D.C. United.

Published by Major League Soccer

Hugo Sánchez: "Nuestro objetivo es la permanencia y luego veremos"

2009-07-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Julio 17, 2009

El entrenador de la UD Almería, Hugo Sánchez, ha declarado que su objetivo primordial es la permanencia, que a su juicio ya es importante para el gran nivel que hay en la competición.

"Luego veremos dónde estamos", añadió, "y si podemos aspirar a algo más, lucharemos por ello".

El entrenador mexicano ha realizado una primera valoración del inicio de los entrenamientos, del equipo y ha precisado: "estamos puliendo la plantilla, y hasta el momento se está componiendo bien; espero que estemos tan fuertes o más que la temporada anterior".

"Los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea"
El técnico del conjunto andaluz ha precisado: "esta semana es un tanto atípica porque estamos teniendo la primera toma de contacto, y realizando las pruebas físicas para ver cómo están los jugadores. La pretemporada de verdad empezará en La Manga", en alusión a dónde se concentrará el cuadro almeriense.

Del plantel, Hugo Sánchez ha manifestado: "los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea en la realidad", y ha eludido dar detalles sobre cesiones o nuevas incorporaciones ya que "yo cuento con todos los jugadores que tienen contrato con el club y están disponibles; todos ellos viajarán el lunes a La Manga".

Preguntado por el calendario de la próxima campaña, el entrenador del Almería ha dicho: "es mejor que el de la campaña anterior porque no nos vamos a tener que enfrentar a todos los grandes de forma consecutiva. Lo del año pasado era muy duro y peligroso, ahora estos partidos van a estar más dispersos".

http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol_internacional/nota/81546

Beckham no es bien recibido

2009-07-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Julio 17, 2009

La vuelta del astro inglés David Beckham a la competición de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS) no ha tenido su mejor comienzo, en cuanto a imagen, después de ver como era "abucheado" durante el partido que su equipo, el Galaxy de Los Ángeles, disputó en el Estadio de los Gigantes. El Galaxy, con el delantero Landon Donovan, el gran crítico hasta el pasado lunes del astro inglés, de estrella, ganó por 3-1 al equipo local de los Red Bulls de Nueva York, el peor de la liga, pero Beckham, que hizo su debut esta temporada quedó en un segundo plano y además abucheado.
Su permanencia en Italia para jugar con el AC Milán y por segunda temporada, de las tres que lleva en el Galaxy, llega cuando la competición de liga en la MLS ya se encuentra en la segunda mitad le ha hecho perder imagen e interés entre los aficionados estadounidenses que siguen al deporte del fútbol. Los desplantes "justificados" de Beckham no han gustado para nada y más cuando se ha comprobado que su presencia tampoco ha sido necesaria para el desarrollo del fútbol nacional, como ha demostrado la selección con su brillante actuación en la última Copa Confederaciones.
Las estadísticas tampoco le favorecen al astro inglés que firmó un contrato en el 2007 con el Galaxy por 33,5 millones de dólares y cinco temporadas para llevar disputados sólo 31 partidos, marcado cinco goles y dar 12 asistencias. Demasiado poco para el jugador mejor pagado de la liga, que cobra cinco millones de dólares más que Donovan, que es el que tiene el salario más alto entre los profesionales nacionales.

"Me he dado cuenta que he recibido unos cuantos abucheos por parte de los espectadores", declaró Beckham al concluir el partido en el que salió como titular y jugó 70 minutos. "Era algo que me esperaba". Beckham, de 34 años, en su línea de jugador educado dentro y fuera del campo, admitió que no era lo más agradable, pero que como profesional tenía que estar preparado. "Lo importante es que conseguimos la victoria y el equipo se vio bien en el campo", comenta Beckham. "Creo que mi presencia ayuda para que seamos mejor como conjunto y de eso se trata, de jugar y ganar en grupo".
Beckham admitie que algunas veces los aspectos negativos ayudan a superarse y hacer mejor las cosas, algo que siempre ha tenido en cuenta durante toda la carrera profesional de 17 años. "Algunas veces es constructivo el sentir como te abuchean, porque te dan también la inspiración que necesitas para que puedas superarte como profesional y persona", señala Beckham. Pero para los directivos del Galaxy y especialmente para los de la MLS no es la mejor señal, que en el mercado comercial y de televisión más grande del país, el debut de Beckham, que ellos mismos habían planificado, se haya convertido en un revés tanto de imagen como de la asistencia de espectadores que fueron al campo.

Beckham ya no interesa
Por segunda temporada consecutiva, el fenómeno Beckham dejó de interesar a la audiencia neoyorquina, en referencia con la marca histórica que logró cuando en el 2007 hizo su primera aparición en el Estadio de los Gigantes, nada más llegar procedente de España y de haber ganado la liga con el Real Madrid. En su primera visita de Beckham a Nueva York, Beckham reunió a 66.237 espectadores para verlo en el partido contra los Red Bulls, la mayor entrada que ha registrado en la historia del fútbol de Estados Unidos para un encuentro de liga. Sin embargo, el año pasado ya la asistencia bajo hasta los 46.754 espectadores y la pasada noche se quedaron en 23.238 las personas que pagaron entrada para ver el debut de Beckham con el Galaxy después de haber cumplido con su etapa anual europea. Un descenso del 50 por ciento que con toda seguridad habrá encendido las luces rojas entre los encargados de las finanzas de la MLS y del Galaxy, mientras que para Beckham era algo "normal" dadas las circunstancias de la crisis económica y que no era la primera vez que llegaba al equipo. "Obviamente, el primer año todo fue más espectacular e impresionante", valora Beckham. "Tampoco debemos olvidar que estamos en una recesión y puede tener algo de influencia".
El entrenador del Galaxy, Bruce Arena, también quiso quitarle importancia a la gran disminución de asistencia de aficionados para ver a Beckham y dijo que lo único que contaba era comprobar que con su presencia el equipo iba a ser mejor y su trabajo más fácil. "Creo que seré un mejor entrenador con Beckham en el equipo y que se ha confirmado el buen entendimiento que puede tener en el campo con Landon (Donovan)", señala Arena. "Ambos nos van a ayudar a conseguir el gran objetivo de estar en la fase final cuando concluya la temporada regular", agrega el ex seleccionador nacional.

Nota de AS de España

Donovan vs Beckham

2009-07-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

July 15, 2009

On the eve of his return to the Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham reaffirmed his commitment to Major League Soccer during a press conference at the team hotel Wednesday afternoon. "I'm very dedicated to the Galaxy, I'm dedicated to the fans," Beckham said. "I've always been very positive and very honest with my play here and also when I went to Milan, I explained to everyone the reasoning behind it. I said to the players and I said to the manager that I would be coming back. Maybe one or two didn't believe me, but at the end of the day I'm here, I'm committed to the team."

It was the third stop of a media tour for Beckham, which included television appearances on NBC's "Today Show" and "Live with Regis and Kelly." He answered a bevy of questions, most involving his decision to go on loan with Milan and the strong likelihood that he will again go on loan ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which could be his last chance to play on the world's stage.
"The England manager has made it very clear to me I need to be playing at a European level," Beckham said. "I'll always regret it if I didn't do everything to give myself the chance to be involved in that."
Time and again, the midfielder, who is the most capped outfield player in England history, said Major League Soccer, and the Galaxy especially, remain a major priority.
"I'm a very honest person," Beckham said. "If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't. I've always been committed to every contract I've had as a soccer player -- Manchester United, Real Madrid, Galaxy and that doesn't change. I'm a very committed person. If people want to question my professionalism and also my commitment, what I will say about that is the fact that I'm willing to travel thousands of miles to play for my country says it all."

Beckham also addressed his relationship with Galaxy star Landon Donovan, who criticized Beckham in a newly published book. Beckham said the two ironed things out at The Home Depot Center following the Galaxy's 1-0 win against Chivas USA in the SuperClasico Saturday night.
"It was actually the manager that brought us together," Beckham said. "We knew that we had to speak once we were back in the same country. ... We sat down, went through everything. Landon apologized and I told him my view on things and it's forgot about."
For Beckham, it is just the latest bit of criticism he's received in his 17-year career.
"I've been criticized by Pelé before," Beckham said. "I've been criticized by George Best before. And these are people I've respected for my entire career, people I look up to. At the end of the day, it's about the criticism and how it affects you and it doesn't affect me."
As for Beckham's influence on the Galaxy, Los Angeles boss Bruce Arena expects it to be nothing but a positive for both his team and Major League Soccer.
"I think if we're going to grow this league we need to grow this league with a good plan in mind and have the ability to attract players of David's visibility," Arena said. "I think David Beckham has only been a plus for the league and I firmly believe when it's all said and done, he's going to be a real plus for the Galaxy."

Beckham, who trained with the Galaxy for the first time this season on Monday in Los Angeles, will make his return Thursday night against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium. It is unclear if Beckham will start or how much time he might see in the match.
Regardless, Beckham said he is enthused about what he's seen from the Galaxy this season.
"It's exciting to see some of the young kids who are coming through," he said. "The game over the weekend was a big game. It's always nice to win those games. I think the manager has agreed that in the first half we looked compact and strong and the second half was a bit messy, but it shows the character of the team that when there was tough times in the game, we came through."

According to Arena, Beckham will boost the Galaxy whenever the famous bender of free kicks steps onto the field.
"I think David will offer us a lot on the field as well as off," Arena said. "The team's been very excited to have David return and obviously over the next couple of weeks, as David starts to get back into form, I think he's going to make a fabulous contribution on the field. He comes in at the right time to help us get a little bit better in the midfield. I believe he will do that and he'll be nothing but a positive addition."

Note from Major League Soccer

Aguirre y la farsa del cuento

2009-07-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Julio 9, 2009

Que asco de Aguirre. Hacer lo que hizo y luego tratar de engañar diciendo más mentiras y diciendo todo lo contrario a lo que vió todo mundo por televisión. Que asco Aguirre. Por que no pides perdón y listo? Atenerte a las consecuencias y ya. Por que tienes que seguir la farsa? Y seguir cometiendo errores para tapar un error? Lo que pasó por tu cabeza, solamente tu lo sabes, pero que diste una patada, si la diste. Que te mereces un gran castigo, te lo mereces. Pero que sigas mintiendo, no se lo merece la inteligencia de los aficionados. Y si alguien te sigue la farsa es que tanto tu como ese alguien me dan asco.

Mi comentario anterior se debe a la mala actitud que tuvo el entrenador de la Seleccion Mexicana al darle una patada a un futbolista rival en el juego en el que Mexico empató a 1 gol con Panamá. Nunca en mi vida habia visto tan grotesca y estupida actitud de un entrenador de una seleccion de cualquier pais. He visto que gritan, que insultan, pero agredir fisicamente a un jugador rival, me parece de lo peor, por lo que significa, un evento en el que tanta gente lo ve y tantos niños lo observan. Lastima por Aguirre que su imagen profesional va a cambiar de aqui en adelante.

http://www.oem.com.mx/esto/notas/n1239328.htm

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/07/10/futbol/1247249861.html

Panama's soccer team huddled on the field after playing Mexico to a 1-1 tie on Thursday night, waiting for the incited fans to leave Reliant Stadium.The Gold Cup match ended in chaos after a confrontation between Mexican coach Javier Aguirre and a Panamanian player triggered fights between fans in the stands.
Tempers flared throughout the match and boiled over in the 80th minute.
Panama's Ricardo Phillips dribbled out of bounds in front of the Mexico bench and when the linesman stopped play, Phillips shoved Aguirre.

Panama coach Gary Stempel said Aguirre hit Phillips first, trying to trip him as he ran by. Aguirre said he was just trying to stop the ball and accidentally made contact with Phillips.
"It was an imprudent act on my part," Aguirre said. "I sincerely regret it. It was a product of passion. The Panamanian team deserves an apology as well."
Players converged in the area and several got into shoving matches. Referee Joel Aguilar ejected Aguirre and whipped out a red card to give to Phillips as fans littered the field with cups of beer and other objects.

Phillips was escorted off the field by a swarm of police — and pelted with beer cups as he ran into a tunnel — and after about 15 wild minutes, play resumed.
A fight then broke out between two fans in the front row across the field from the benches and Houston police officers moved in to separate them. Police handcuffed at least two fans in the area.
"It was a disgrace," Stempel said. "I don't have the words."
Miguel Sabah and Blas Perez scored the goals in the first half.

Even Sabah conceded that his coach made a bad mistake.
"Obviously, he's human like the rest of us," Sabah said. "As a coach, with his experience, it doesn't make much sense. But he's human, and he has our support and we are trying hard to win."
Perez was injured on the field in the 90th minute and medical staff brought out a stretcher. As Perez was carried off the field, Mexican fans unleashed another barrage of cups and beer bottles and Perez fell off the stretcher.
Perez didn't seem as upset as his coach was about how the game ended.
"That's soccer, it's normal," Perez said. "Those things happen."
The game ended about five minutes later and the Panamanian team lingered on the field to let stadium officials drive off the fans.
"The game had to end," Stempel said. "The security and physical integrity of the players was not guaranteed. No coach wants to be a part of this debacle. Mexico has to respond for their actions, not me."
The tie was a disappointing outcome for Mexico, which has won four Gold Cups, the last in 2003. El Tri is facing mounting pressure at home to return to international prominence after some embarrassing recent results. Mexico lost to the United States in the 2007 Gold Cup final and its under-23 team failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics last summer.
Mexico has a key World Cup qualifier Aug. 12 against the United States in Mexico City.

El Almeria comienza el martes la preparación

2009-07-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Julio 9, 2009

El Almería, con la novedad de su último fichaje, el centrocampista colombiano Fabián Vargas, comenzará el próximo martes la pretemporada con una doble sesión de entrenamientos, que realizarán todos los jugadores del plantel en las instalaciones del estadio local de los Juegos Mediterráneos.

El único que no estará será Kalu Uche, que, según precisó el club en su web, se incorporará a la disciplina del equipo el día 23 de julio, por haber estado compitiendo con la selección nacional de Nigeria durante el periodo vacacional. Asimismo, además del ya mencionado centrocampista sudamericano, ex-jugador de Boca Juniors, las novedades serán también el retorno de los futbolistas que la pasada campaña jugaron cedidos en otros clubes.
Como se recordará, estos jugadores son Domingo Cisma, Natalio y David Rodríguez. Los integrantes de la plantilla andaluza trabajarán en tierras almerienses hasta el sábado 18 de julio, después dispondrán de una jornada de descanso el domingo.
Con posterioridad, el lunes 20, marcharán hacia el primer 'stagè de pretemporada, que se prolongará hasta el día 29, en un complejo deportivo situado junto a localidad murciana de La Manga del Mar Menor. Posteriormente, el 31 del mismo mes, la expedición rojiblanca viajará a Gales para afrontar una nueva concentración, esta vez hasta el 8 de agosto.

Durante ese tiempo, el equipo que entrena el mexicano Hugo Sánchez aprovechará para disputar un total de cuatro partidos amistosos ante equipos ingleses de la Premier y de la Segunda División de aquel país.

Nota de As de España

The Americans beat Honduras 2-0.

2009-07-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

July 9, 2009

Quaranta was making his first appearance for the United States in more than three years, and the member of MLS' D.C. United broke a scoreless tie in the 75th minute before his home fans at RFK Stadium
Brian Ching followed Quaranta's goal with a header four minutes later to seal the win.
"To listen to the anthem was very emotional for me," Quaranta said. "It's been a fun, long road back."

The United States, two-time defending champion in the competition contested among the countries of North and Central America and the Caribbean, is 23-0-1 in Gold Cup group play.
The Americans are 2-0 and lead Group B going into their final first-round match against Haiti on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass., where a draw will be enough to clinch the group and move into the quarterfinals.
Honduras (1-1) will face winless Grenada, also in Foxborough.
Haiti (1-1) beat Grenada in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader 2-0.

"I looked to my left and saw Santino making a good run, so I was able to lay off a good ball for him," Davies said. "He was just like, 'Thanks.' I think it was gratifying for him to score in front of the home crowd."
The crowd of 26,079 had a pro-Honduras bent, but there were still enough American fans to loudly cheer Quaranta's goal.
Quaranta was one of several new players on the U.S. roster for the Gold Cup. The Americans have a nearly entirely different roster from the U.S. team that made a surprise run to the Confederations Cup championship game last month; most regulars were given a rest for the Gold Cup.
The Americans last played Honduras on June 6 in a World Cup qualifying match, but the only American who was dressed for that game and Wednesday's match was Benny Feilhaber, who came on in the 64th minute.
"There were times in the game we couldn't find the right rhythm," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "But I think there was still a good understanding of pushing the tempo. When we push the game for 90 minutes, we think that's an advantage for us."
Both squads had several opportunities before the United States broke through.

Lineups:

USA: 1-Troy Perkins; 6-Steve Cherundolo (capt.), 4-Chad Marshall, 14-Michael Parkhurst, 2-Heath Pearce; 20-Santino Quaranta, 8-Logan Pause (25- Benny Feilhaber, 64), 5-Kyle Beckerman, 7-Robbie Rogers; 11-Brian Ching (17-Kenny Cooper, 82), 19-Freddy Adu (9-Charlie Davies, 64) Subs not used: 10-Stuart Holden, 16-Jay Heaps, 18-Luis Robles, 21-Brad Evans Head Coach: Bob Bradley

HONDURAS:
22-Donis Escober; 5-Erick Norales, 11-Mariano Acevedo, 2-Osman Chavez, 16-Nery Medina; 14-Carlos Palacios, 23-Roger Espinoza (7-Rigoberto Padilla, 70), 18-Melvin Valladares, 13-Carlos Costly (24-Georgie Welcome, 79); 10-Marvin Chavez (8-Allan Lalin, 65), 15-Walter Martínez (capt.) Subs not used: 3-David Molina, 4-Johnny Palacios, 12-Ricardo Canales, 21-Luis Ramos Head Coach: Reynaldo Rueda

80 thousand Real Madrid fans welcome CR7 or 9

2009-07-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2009

With a dash of rock concert thrown in. Eighty thousand Real Madrid fans on Monday night attended the church of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu before 50 or so delirious stage invaders chased him from it. It only served to add to the atmosphere. This was the ascension of Cristiano. Doing a little turn on the catwalk: Cristiano Ronaldo struts his stuff as he is introduced to the Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu Crowd control: around 80,000 fans packed into the Bernabeu to celebrate the unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo as a Manchester United player

After three long years of waiting, Madrid have their man, and their man has Madrid. “This is my new home,” he said. As if the six-year 330,000 US dls-a-week contract was not greeting enough, he has the sight of a stadium genuflecting in his image to greet him. Welcome home.
He has left home before, of course, but he insists it was with the blessing of his scorned father. “It was a happy goodbye,” he said. “Sir Alex Ferguson knew I always wanted to play for Madrid. I went to Manchester and spoke with him and he was happy. The fans, my team-mates and friends, and Sir Alex understand my decision. This is my dream.
“We were joking about me playing against Manchester United in the final at the Bernabeu. He said he would set Patrice Evra against me to kick me out of the game.
“When I said I would stay at United in June, it was because there was no reason to believe I wouldn’t. But things change, presidents, people’s opinions, everything. The clubs reached an agreement and now I’m here, and I’m very happy.”

He will have had few longer days, spending much of his time before his unveiling dotting i’s and crossing t’s. He landed just after midday at Barajas airport, by private jet, before being whisked to the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital in the north of the city to pass his medical before a rather stilted, staged lunch with Florentino Perez.
For a man desperate for adulation, for worship, it was the debut he had dreamed about. Fans queued for hours to get inside, with a further 10,000 locked out when the gates to the stadium shut at 8.40pm. They chanted his name, they cheered the video montages – never again will Stoke City feature so prominently at the Bernabeu – and they waited.
And waited, just as they have since his Madrid dream was first made public in 2006, in the aftermath of Portugal’s fractious win over England in the World Cup. First, Alfredo di Stefano and Eusebio appeared. Then Perez himself, never a man to shun a moment in the limelight, strode out. Then, to the strains of Strauss and Puccini – with a dash of Spanish heavy metal thrown in – Ronaldo, bedecked in white, the No 9 on his back, appeared. The fervour reached religious proportions.
He strode onto the pitch, blinded by thousands of flashbulbs, hugged Perez and stood on stage, to the left of Eusebio and Di Stefano, consciously in the pose of Superman, hands on hips, eyes heavenwards, as Perez introduced “one of the greatest players of all time”.

To the Real Madrid president, his 130 million capture can “make millions of dreams come true,” representing “the unstoppable force of hope.” It was the sort of rhetoric of which such an occasion deserved.
No wonder, when he finally spoke, Ronaldo was forced to wait as the cheers, the chants of “Cristiano” died down. He beamed, soaking up the adulation which, almost as much as the multi-million pound salary, tempted him to leave Old Trafford.
He craves undiluted worship. Now, heightened by the will-he, won’t-he soap opera of the last three years, he has it.
“Good evening,” he said, in accented Spanish. “I am going to speak to you like a friend who is very happy to be here. This is the completion of my boyhood dream, to be a Real Madrid player.”

Not a natural raconteur, perhaps, but he had the crowd in the palm of his hands, leading them in a chorus of Hala Madrid before soaking up the rapturous applause of every corner of the stadium. This was his apotheosis to the galactico pantheon. Not even a boy asked on stage to name his favourite player – the answer, of course, was Kaka – could spoil it.
Nor could chaos. A trickle of fans broke through the security cordon. Ronaldo, initially forgiving, was rushed down the tunnel, although
Di Stefano – and nine European Cups – were forgotten in the rush. Still, they are the past. Ronaldo is the future.

Posted by Thelegraph

80.000 personas aclamaron a Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-07-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Julio 6, 2009

Llegó con esa sonrisa de niño travieso (inquieto) y le aclamaron como a un emperador. Y eso que no hizo más que balbucear dos frases temblorosas, un seco ¡Hala Madrid! y unos breves y nerviosos toques al balón.
El Bernabéu, colmado con 80.000 enloquecidos hinchas, se rindió a los encantos de Cristiano Ronaldo, que no eludió el tópico: "He cumplido mi sueño de niño", dijo. Entonces, como se había anunciado desde mucho tiempo atrás, la simple presentación de un futbolista se convirtió en una pasarela donde desfiló el nuevo mesías blanco.
Apareció con fuerza Cristiano, con el '9' a la espalda, pisando fuerte y regalando aplausos y pulgares al aire. Besó el escudo a petición popular, algo tarde quizá por dificultades en la comprensión del idioma. Se bañó en las multitudes y volvió a enamorar a las cámaras, que para eso es el rey de la fotogenia además de un excelente delantero.
Florentino Pérez, que ha pagado por su flequillo 94 millones, no cabía de gozo en el traje, inusualmente negro para la ocasión. Todo le salió rodado salvo la extraña presencia de Eusebio, mito 'benfiquista' del fútbol portugués, abrumado por el momento y que sólo pudo pronunciar el "muito obrigado" de rigor.

Se repitió el " show" de la presentación de Kaká, con las exhibiciones audiovisuales y los compases de la 'Marcha Radetzky' y el 'Nessun Dorma'. Sólo se omitió el detalle de ocultar el secreto del número y el '9' se vio bien claro desde que Cristiano asomó por el túnel.
Florentino le había presentado como un jugador capaz de "generar ilusiones y sueños en todos los aficionados del mundo". Sin embargo, la mayoría de los presentes no habían esperado horas para ver a un futbolista, sino a un chico de 24 años al que adoran misteriosas razones estéticas.
"Sí, sí, sí, Cristiano ya está aquí", se coreó con entusiasmo en Chamartín, casi haciendo imposible los esfuerzos del ídolo para enhebrar un discurso con sentido. Llegaron las recurrentes gestos para la galería: fotos con niños, las firmas de camisetas y balones a la grada, disputados por algunos en furaz rapiña.

No cabía más felicidad en el Bernabéu, quizá porque muchos lo pisaban por primera vez y además tenían ante las narices a su ídolo, ahí, a pocos metros. Y Florentino ya tenía de blanco a Cristiano, la piedra angular de su nuevo Madrid, indiscutible redentor de un proyecto que él mismo presentó con escasa modestia como una "imparable fuerza de ilusión y sueños".
Un poderío equiparable al exhibido por los guardias de seguridad que se emplearon a la carrera para evitar los abrazos fuera de guión de algún espontáneo. Se zafó como pudo Cristiano, que cambió el blanco de la camiseta por un terno tabaco con el que enfrentarse a los periodistas.
En la sala de prensa se le vio relajado, dominador de la situación, sólo fatigado en los últimos compases de una comparecencia que se extendió durante más de 50 minutos. Desparramó miradas cómplices y respuestas en tres idiomas, algunas tan interesantes como su verdadera preferencia por el simbólico dorsal.

"Yo quería el '7', pero el '9' está bien, es un número mítico aquí", aludió en referencia a Ronaldo Nazario de Lima o Alfredo di Stéfano, con el que había compartido confidencias minutos antes. Aunque lo políticamente correcto no escondía la larga sombra de Raúl, capitán y líder de un vestuario donde no piensa tener ningún problema. "Sé que es un grupo de gente muy abierto y sé que no voy a tener problemas con ellos. Nunca los he tenido y no los voy a tener ahora", espetó.
Su mejor confidente en esas intimidades se llama Pepe, compañero en la selección portuguesa, que también le ha explicado que la Cibeles es una céntrica fuente de la capital donde el equipo celebra sus títulos. Al principio dudó cuando le preguntaron por la diosa, pero reaccionó con reflejos y salió airoso ante los que dudaban de su madridismo sincero.
También hubo quien no se creyó mucho sus palabras sobre el presunto acuerdo firmado con Ramón Calderón hace un año. Recurrió a la sonrisa, eludió el tema con la misma rapidez con que esquivó una pregunta sobre el pago de impuestos, y se limitó al acuerdo rubricado con Florentino. "Firmé y estoy aquí, feliz", subrayó.

Menos claro quedó su vínculo con el nuevo entrenador, Manuel Pellegrini. "No he tenido la oportunidad de hablar con él. No lo conozco bien, pero sus métodos son muy buenos", concluyó en apabullante contradicción. Y cuando le pusieron en la tesitura de la belleza o los resultados, se quedó sin dudar con las victorias. Porque además de presentaciones, el Madrid jugará (y tratará de ganar) competiciones oficiales.

Real Madrid to sign two and release 10

2009-07-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

July 4, 2004

Real Madrid need to sign two more players and off-load about 10 to round off their summer transfer dealings, according to club president Florentino Perez.
The nine-times European champions have already splashed around £200 million on bringing striker Karim Benzema, winger Cristiano Ronaldo, playmaker Kaka and defender Raul Albiol to the Bernabeu.
"Now we need to calm down a little because squads usually have around 25 players and ours now has some 35," Perez told Spanish television station Cuatro.
Karim Benzema joins Real Madrid after snubbing Manchester United"We need to concentrate our efforts on convincing some players that they will have to leave. It should not be forgotten there is a World Cup next summer and all our players want to play in it.
"If players aren't going to have the chance to participate here they'll want to do it somewhere else, to be able to make it to the World Cup.
"As to new signings, I think with two more we would have sufficient."

Perez was asked about Real's interest in Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
"They are both great players but their clubs don't want to sell them, though in the world of football situations can change," he added.
Real have already sold Javier Saviola, while the Dutch contingent of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Royston Drenthe and Klaas Jan Huntelaar are all reportedly on the market.

Note from the Telegraph

Cristiano Ronaldo "I can live with it"

2009-07-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

July 4, 2009

CRISTIANO RONALDO insists that the 130 million Real Madrid paid for him is a "fair price" and he is delighted to be the most expensive player in the world. Ronaldo will put the finishing touches on his move from Manchester United on Monday night when he is officially unveiled as the Spanish giants' latest signing.

It took an astronomical fee to persuade M. United to part with the FIFA World Player of the Year and Madrid have come in for criticism for spending so much money during a recession.
But Ronaldo believes Madrid are justified in paying the fee - and he feels he can live up to the price tag.
He said: "It's a fair figure. If Manchester United and Real Madrid agree this amount, then there is nothing more to say.
"The great players cost a lot of money and if you want them you have to pay it. I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the world.
"I respect everyone's opinions but If Real Madrid have paid so much money, it's because they wanted me and have considered it a fair price.
"I'm going to try to do everything to play very well and I will show that the money they are paying for me has been a good decision."

Madrid have already presented Kaka and Raul Albiol following their moves from AC Milan and Valencia, while Lyon striker Karim Benzema is close to completing his switch to Madrid as Real's spending spree rapidly approaches the 270 m mark.
But Ronaldo's signing has captured the world's attention and imagination as Madrid finally got their man this summer to end a transfer saga lasting more than two years.
Ronaldo is the centrepiece of Florentino Perez's Madrid revolution, as the returning president looks to take the fallen giants back to the top of world football.
Last season, Madrid had to look on in envy as arch-rivals Barcelona won an unprecedented treble of Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League - and it has been a long time since the Whites made any waves in Europe.

Not once in the last five years have nine-time European champions Madrid managed to get past the last 16 in the Champions League - and with next season's final being held at the Bernabeu, they will be desperate to go all the way.
Much will be demanded of Ronaldo but the Portugal international is confident he can deal with the expectations.
He said: "I've been used to having pressure for a long time - in this sense, I'm calm.
"This price tag isn't something I'm going to think about when I go out on to the pitch, so it's not going to affect me.
"I know that they are going to demand a lot of me to be successful at the club and I know that I'm going to have much more pressure than at Manchester United, because I was there for many years. But it means a new challenge and is going to help me be the best footballer.
"As well as that, Spain is a different league - with different players, a different club - and this is going to motivate me to continue working hard and winning things."

Ronaldo revealed that United boss Alex Ferguson will always hold a special place in his heart.
Ron added: "He's been my father in sport, one of the most important factors and most influential in my career.
"I have to thank him for all that he taught me. He's been fundamental.
"I'll always have great affection for him and he will occupy a special place in my heart."
Ronaldo explained why his move to Real did not go ahead last summer despite fevered speculation.
He said: "All the big players have to live with speculation. Last summer a lot of things were written, but life is like that. Simply, I decided to wait a season more and I think that I took the correct decision."
He admitted it came as a relief when the move was finally confirmed. "It was an indescribable feeling. Honestly, I felt very relieved. Things had finally been resolved and I was very happy, because everybody knew that I wanted to play at Real Madrid.
"When I signed for Manchester United, I was eager to play there for their history and for all the titles that they'd won.
"But I also hoped to some day play at Real Madrid, because they've always had great players. Now, I can say that I have fulfilled a dream to be part of the two best clubs in the world."
Tuesday's unveiling of Kaka drew around 55,000 fans to the Bernabeu to welcome the Brazilian.
That is all set to be dwarfed on Monday night, though, when Ronaldo is introduced, with suggestions that there will not be an empty seat.
Ronaldo said: "It will be a very special day for my family, my friends and for me. I only hope that things go well. I hope I can experience a day as nice as Kaka did.
"To have 40,000, 50,000 or 60,000 people at your presentation is something incredible and special. I know that it's going to be a great moment in my life."

Published by the Telegraph

USA wants more victories

2009-07-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

July 3, 2009

USA is hosting the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup from 3 to 26 July. The Americans shocked the world to pick up silver at the FIFA Confederations Cup, the hosts now line up hoping to win their third regional title on the bounce. In their way will be the usual challenge of arch-rivals Mexico, in-form Costa Rica and Honduras and a raft of lesser lights looking to spring surprises.
USA coach Bob Bradley touted the accomplishments of his first team in South Africa, telling they had "opened eyes and done a lot for soccer in the United States." Now the tainer has another test before him: keeping the Stars and Stripes firmly entrenched as the major power in the CONCACAF Zone.

Originally Bradley had intended to use only four players from his Confederations Cup squad - Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Heath Pearce and Luis Robles - in the regional finals, but he announced on Thursday that he would be taking advantage of a special CONCACAF provision to expand his squad list from 23 to 30, helping to ease the stress of playing back-to-back tournaments.
The last-minute additions to the US team are: strikers Conor Casey and Jozy Altidore, midfielders Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber and Sacha Kljestan, defender Jonathan Bornstein and goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Bradley's men will open their account against Grenada on 4 July, Independence Day. The Grenadians are coached by Tommy Taylor and are the smallest-ever side to take part in the region's showpiece. Largely amateur, the Spice Boyz do have a few professionals in US-based Shalrie Joseph and Byron Bubb.

Despite expectations back home in Honduras, Catracho Coach Reynaldo Rueda will be without speed merchant David Suazo, creator Amado Guevara, top scorer Carlos Pavon and English Premier League duo Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa.
Central American toppers Costa Rica, over in Group A, will be fancying their chances this time around. Rodrigo Kenton's youthful outfit currently rule the roost in the final round of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup , in first place by two clear points. They recently defeated a full-strength USA 3-1 in San Jose, forcing pundits to sit up and take notice of the side. "We are going to this Gold Cup with the aim of taking the title, and I think it's a realistic one," the coach recently said, though not bringing his full side, Kenton is using a good number of first teamers, most notably veteran Walter Centeno and young creator Celso Borges.

In the section alongside the Ticos are El Salvador, Canada and Caribbean champs Jamaica. Although the Canucks famously won the competition back in 2000, the Salvadorans and the Reggae Boyz will be the ones in with a shout of making the larger waves. Carlos de los Cobos' Cuscatlecos are still alive in South Africa 2010 qualifying and the tricky Jamaicans are looking to rebuild with a youthful, largely local squad.

Mexico, like the hosts Americans, are sending an inexperienced side to these finals. Without Rafa Marquez, Pavel Pardo and Andres Guardado, coach Javier Aguirre will rely on young guns like Gio Dos Santos and Carlos Vela. Also in the team are Jonny Magallon, Omar Bravo and Memo Ochoa. Mexico have not won the title since 2003 and will be desperate to reclaim a piece of their fading reputation as regional kings. El Tri, who have never failed to reach the quarter-finals, are up against Guadeloupe, a tiny French holding in the Caribbean that shocked the last finals in 2007 by reaching the last four, Central American minnows Nicaragua and 2005 runners-up Panama.

This Gold Cup, the tenth instalment since renaming the old CONCACAF Championship, will run through most of July in 13 US cities. The top two finishers from each group, plus the two best third-place teams, move into the last eight. The final will be played on 26 July in New York.

Group A Canada Costa Rica El Salvador Jamaica

Group B Grenada Haiti Honduras United States

Group C Guadeloupe Mexico Nicaragua Panama

El delantero frances Benzema ya es jugador del Real Madrid

2009-07-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Julio 1, 2009

El Real Madrid pagará 35 millones de euros al Olympique de Lyon
Es el cuarto refuerzo de Florentino Pérez tras los fichajes de Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo y Albiol

Karim Benzema ya es jugador del Real Madrid. Tal y como adelantaba hoy el diario MARCA, el acuerdo con el Olympique de Lyon iba a ser cuestión de horas y éste ya se ha cerrado después de que la entidad que preside Florentino Pérez decidiera aumentar en tres millones de euros su oferta por el delantero, hasta los 35 millones de euros, y el club francés ceder en sus pretensiones -en un principio solicitaba 40 millones por el joven futbolista. Entre hoy y mañana, el Real Madrid hará oficial su incorporación, pese a que el Olympique lo ha negado en diversos medios de comunicación franceses. En cambio, el representante de Benzema ha confirmado que el acuerdo entre los clubes es total. De hecho, el nuevo futbolista del Real Madrid podría viajar en breve a la capital de España.

El jugador lionés, que en diciembre cumplirá 22 años, se convierte así en el cuarto refuerzo de la segunda etapa en la presidencia del Real Madrid de Florentino Pérez tras los fichajes de Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo y Raúl Albiol. Benzema es un viejo sueño del Real Madrid, que en anteriores ocasiones ya había mostrado su interés por fichar a la joya del Olympique de Lyon.

Considerado junto a Sergio Agüero como uno de los futbolistas con mayor proyección del mundo, también había despertado el interés de otros grandes clubes de Europa como el Barcelona.
La llegada de Benzema, por otro lado, parece cerrar definitivamente las puertas del Real Madrid a David Villa, que hace dos semanas estuvo muy cerca de vestir de blanco.

Nota publicada por Marca de España

Winners and Losers in Confederations Cup

2009-06-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

June 30, 2009

Even if the tournament means very little in the grand scheme of things, the Confederations Cup has provided an entertaining two weeks of soccer in the middle of June — which was certainly a pleasant distraction from transfer rumors and the soccer-free boredom of early summer. And, if nothing else, it did certain players and teams a world of good. But a few others may look back and feel they were better off staying home. Here are some of the Cup's winners and losers.

Winners
US Soccer earned a huge amount of respect by making it to the final and hanging with Brazil for at least the first half. The second was not as strong, to say the least. But their performance against Spain in the semifinal certainly ranks among the team's greatest ever victories, right up there with beating England at the 1950 World Cup and their 3-2 win against Portugal during the group stage of the 2002 World Cup. There should also be a special mention for US goalkeeper Tim Howard who outdid himself, particularly in the last two games. Though he has not always looked so sturdy for Everton, his stock will skyrocket now after he was the main reason the US was ever in with a chance to beat Spain and Brazil. Kaka was already a big winner before the tournament, but over the course of those two weeks, he showed that Real Madrid may not have been so foolish to pay 65 million Euros for him after all. (Well, it's still a little foolish.) But Kaka, named player of the tournament, proved that he is the consummate playmaker and can do everything to make a team click. Even in the final, he was at the center of Brazil's titanic second half onslaught. A year ahead of their World Cup, South Africa came through its dress rehearsal with flying colors. It showed it was able to host an international tournament in several cities without any major incidents or snafus. Of course, nothing can match the scale of an actual World Cup and stadiums are still under construction, but it bodes well. And let's not forget lowly Egypt. The champions of Africa went down swinging, scoring three goals against Brazil and upsetting Italy, all while trying to play some attractive soccer. They truly threw the group into havoc, making sure that Brazil and Italy were not a foregone conclusion to advance.

Losers
Defending World Cup champions Italy were absolutely woeful. Slumping to Egypt was one thing — upsets happen — but their thumping at the hands of Brazil, who should be their chief rivals heading into their title defense, was pitiful. With a place in the semis at stake, Italy simply surrendered with a whimper and lost 3-0, allowing the lucky Americans to make it through and cheating fans of a Spain-Italy matchup. Granted, the tournament meant little to them, but one would expect a stronger display from a team that should always be there or thereabouts when it comes to international competition. FIFA was once again shown up in the final when Brazil was robbed of a goal when the ball crossed the line, but was missed by the linesman. Once again, there is a case for instant replay on goal-line decisions, but FIFA will likely continue to ignore it. Luckily for them, the goal did not change the result in the end. If it had, there would have been far more outcry and FIFA might have had to do something that actually reflected their motto, "For the good of the game."

As well as the US Soccer team played, this tournament was not completely positive for them. It virtually guarantees that Bob Bradley will be their coach through the World Cup, meaning another year and another tournament of unimaginative, defense-first soccer.

Posted by about.com

Brasil, siempre Brasil

2009-06-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Junio 30, 2009

El fútbol es un juego de 11 contra 11 en el que siempre gana Brasil.
Lo de Alemania hace tiempo que no cuela. Juegue bien, como ante Estados Unidos, o lo haga mal, como en el resto del torneo, la 'seleçao' lleva adherido a su legendaria camiseta 'amarelha' el sello de los vencedores, un gen competitivo que convoca a sus jugadores para un combate en el que la palabra derrota está prohibida.
A falta del anterior Mundial, Brasil ya colecciona las dos últimas Copas Confederaciones y la más reciente Copa América. Lo gana casi todo y el domingo incluso superó el muro de dos goles de Estados Unidos que no hundieron su moral. Al contrario, espolearon la rabia y convocaron al talento de Kaká, inmenso y capitán general en una operación remontada que tuvo final feliz.

El nuevo crack del Real Madrid será presentado el martes como un trinfador, como el símbolo de la selección más competitiva. En la gran Brasil del 70, Kaká sería uno más entre los grandes. En este equipo metalúrgico y poco lustroso que se vio obligado a vivir en el filo y lejos de la especulación y la racanería, es tan necesario como el aire para respirar. Él impone la pausa, se asocia, cambia el ritmo en el momento oportuno y decide.

Antes de aparecer con su poderosa zancada y cambio de ritmo en la gran jugada que antecedió al segundo gol marcado por Luis Fabiano, el nuevo madridista se entretuvo con paredes de espuela, pases milimétricos, una movilidad constante y un incontestable dominio de la situación. Hasta marcó un gol de cabeza que no subió al marcador porque el árbitro no se apercibió de que el portero Howard había sacado el balón más alla de la línea de puerta. Dio igual. Kaká siguió a lo suyo y encontró la recompensa.
Brasil tuvo que sufrir y sudar para recuperar su espíritu. La selección pentacampeona del mundo se lanzó al abordaje y tomó la iniciativa después de cerrar una primera parte sospechosa con dos goles en contra y con la humillación de verse superada por un rival del que casi no han oído hablar en su país.

La rabia de la derrota conectó a Brasil con su historia y con el talento que parece perderse a marchas forzadas. Su abrumador dominio en una segunda parte convertida en monólogo ofensivo, le dio un título más que añadir a su atestada sala de trofeos. Kaká tomó el mando de las operaciones y Luis Fabiano ejecutó las consignas de su líder con dos goles que le dieron el 'Pichichi' del campeonato. Las entradas por la banda de Maicon y de Alves, que volvió a ser suplente e irrumpió como lateral izquierdo en la última media hora, acabaron por descomponer a un equipo americano que tembló ante la gloria y naufragó por el miedo a la tormenta amarilla que se le vino encima. El tanto final de Lucio le devolvió a la realidad.

Estados Unidos sorprendió con contras de manual en una primera parte que recordó mucho a su sorprendente victoria frente a España. Los yankis se ordenaron con dos líneas de cuatro, coberturas solidarias, sacrificio espartano y siempre un ojo puesto en salir al contragolpe con tanta rapidez como si les persiguiera el mismísimo diablo.
Donovan, que era capaz de sacrificarse en la izquierda para tapar las subidas de Maicon, fue siempre origen de las operaciones y armó el espectacular contragolpe del 2-0. Arrancó en su campo, se apoyó en Davies y cerró con un quiebro a André Santos y un remate ganador.
Era el segundo y el aparente último clavo para el ataud de los brasileños. Pero el mismo equipo muermo de los anteriores partidos, decidió dejar de hacer el ridículo y homenajear a su historia. Es campeón y el gran favorito para el Mundial. Ojalá recupere su esencia. Pero por ahora le sirve con tres fogonazos para seguir al mando.

Brasil fué el campeon

2009-06-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Junio 29, 2009

Brasil despierta de una pesadilla de 45 minutos y le arrebata a Estados Unidos la Copa Confederaciones
La espectacular remontada de la selección brasileña en la segunda parte de la final (2-3) le dio el título de la Copa Confederaciones, en un partido en el que llevó la iniciativa, pero tuvo que sufrir mucho para truncar el sueño de los estadunidenses.
Los dos goles logrados por Estados Unidos en la primera parte, con un futbol muy similar al que desarrollaron ante España, hicieron pensar en la sorpresa y en que Estados Unidos iba a coronarse. Pero Brasil recuperó el nivel de juego de sus mejores momentos.
Estados Unidos, muy organizada en la defensa, con un centro del campo que realizaba la transición con rapidez y con mucha velocidad en ataque, supo aprovechar las pocas ocasiones de que dispuso para marcharse al descanso con dos sorprendentes goles de ventaja.
En la primera aproximación del equipo estadunidense a la portería de Julio César, un pase de Spector fue rematado por Dempsey con el gemelo, pero el balón entró y puso el 1-0 en el marcador.
Mediado este primer periodo, un excepcional contragolpe entre Davies y Donovan fue resuelto con mucha calidad por el cerebro del equipo de Estados Unidos, que puso el 2-0 en el tanteador.
El cuarto de hora final del primer periodo fue de un dominio todavía más insistente de Brasil, que tuvo su mejor opción en un lanzamiento de Andre Santos que neutralizó a un muy inspirado Howard. Llegaron algunas otras ocasiones para Brasil antes del descanso, pero sin que se moviera el marcador y con las expectativas de victoria intactas para el conjunto de Estados Unidos.

La primera mitad había acabado de la mejor manera posible para el conjunto estadunidense. La segunda lo hizo como querían los brasileños, ya que a los 40 segundos de juego, Luis Fabiano marcó para su equipo.
El partido cobró una gran intensidad tras ese gol, pues los brasileños empezaron a creer en la remontada ante un rival que se mantenía muy sólido en la defensa, pero que no tenía la misma salida que en el primer periodo.
Kaká remató de cabeza (m 61) un balón que pudo entrar en la portería de Howard, pero éste sacó la pelota que dio en el larguero, antes de que la atrapara definitivamente. Los jugadores de Brasil reclamaron el gol que no fue marcado.
Cuando cada vez era mayor el dominio de Brasil y más esporádicas las acciones ofensivas de Estados Unidos, el seleccionador brasileño, Dunga, optó por dar entrada a Dani Alves y Elano, lo que dio más poder ofensivo a su equipo.

El partido era cada vez más de ida y vuelta, aunque los ataques de Brasil eran más elaborados y los de Estados Unidos se basaban en salidas aisladas a la contra casi siempre muy pocos efectivos.
En uno de esos ataques de los brasileños, una excelente penetración por la izquierda de Kaká acabó con el tanto del empate, logrado de cabeza por Luis Fabiano y que puso a los estadunidenses contra las cuerdas.

Usa 2- 3 Brazil

2009-06-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2009

Brazil captain Lucio feels winning the FIFA Confederations Cup has helped him put a turbulent season and summer with Bayern Munich behind him.
The Bayern defender endured a difficult Bundesliga campaign as the Bavarian giants failed to meet expectations and reports have since emerged suggesting he does not feature in the plans of new Bayern coach Louis van Gaal. He said last week he would have no hesitation in leaving the club should he be surplus to requirements.

But the 31-year-old did not let those issues affect his form for his country as he scored the winning goal as Brazil came from two goals down to beat the USA 3-2 in Sunday's final. It capped a fine campaign for Dunga's team, who scored an impressive 14 goals in their five games in the tournament, including five from top-scorer Luis Fabiano.

They had to do things the hard way in the final, though, as they went 2-0 down after 27 minutes thanks to goals from Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano scored twice to draw them level before Lucio headed in an Elano corner six minutes from the end to seal a remarkable win.
"The way we played in the first half was really disappointing," Lucio said. "We returned to the pitch after half-time believing. I only have to thank the squad for fighting back the way they did until the end.
Turning the score round makes it taste even better and for me, the goal meant everything. This was a tough season. Only God knows what I went through,Brazil captain Lucio.
"Turning the score round makes it taste even better and for me, the goal meant everything. This was a tough season. Only God knows what I went through."

Lucio added: "I received surprises from my club, which I was not expecting. Not being utilised by Bayern anymore was a shock to me. But I am always happy when I am with Brazil and even more when they win. I am also happy individually. I want to thank the team, my wife, who has given me strength."
Coach Dunga was also pleased with the way his skipper performed, adding: "He is one of the best players in the world and has shown that in Germany." The Brazil boss, though, is already looking ahead to the rest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
"What's important is that we carry on working in a calm way and learn from our past mistakes and also from what went well," he said. "Any squad approaching the 2010 World Cup has a lot of interest in it but the national squad must be focused and not be distracted.
"My players are a very committed team. They are high quality players, very committed professionals and they are true men. Every day they play, they give of their best and I am very happy for them." Brazil currently top the South American qualifying zone with four games to play.

USA for anoter big game

2009-06-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

June 26, 2009

Mexican-American Defender Carlos Bocanegra comments about his next adversary at confederations cup.

Bocanegra: We Can’t Sit Back Against Brazil

The U.S. captain talked about coming out strong against Brazil in the Confederations Cup Final
The outcome of a rematch is usually decided by which team learned the most from the first encounter. The United States is hoping the lessons they learned in their 3-0 loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup group stages will pay huge dividends when the two sides meet again in Sunday’s final.
“We gave them too much respect,” Bocanegra said. “We needed to change something. Against Egypt, we had a lot of energy. We were going at them. We want to impose ourselves on them rather than sit back. We can’t sit back.”
Bocanegra, who sat out the first Brazil game with a hamstring injury, came in at left back in the US’s stunning 2-0 win over top-ranked Spain in the semifinals on Wednesday. Normally a centerback in the US side, he plays on the left for his club, Rennes, and with Jay Demerit’s top-notch form filling in in the middle, Bocanegra’s shift to the flank was an expected at some point.
But now he will have to deal with arguably the best and most attack-minded right back in the world, Maicon. In the first match, the Inter defender threatened the US backline all night with his fuel-injected runs down the wing. He served in the freekick for Luis Fabiano’s 6th-minute opener and later scored one of his own after blazing down the right and sneaking a shot in at the near post.

Bocanegra admitted that he is looking forward to facing Maicon and isn’t intimidated by the big back’s skills or power.
“He’s a great player,” Bocanegra said. “But it’s not too unsimilar to dealing with [Spanish right back] Sergio Ramos.”
Good point. Despite not being fully fit, Bocanegra shut down his opposite number in the semifinal. Considering Maicon’s vital role in Brazil’s attack, now he’ll have to do it again in the final.

Posted by goal.com

After the amazing victory

2009-06-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2009

The US media spared no adjectives as it reacted with glee to the Stars and Stripes' stunning semi-final victory over the European champions. But while they heaped praise on Bob Bradley's heroes, their Spanish counterparts were holding a hurried inquest into La Roja's unexpected demise.
Putting the result into context, Spain's press pack described the unlikely reverse as a timely warning. Amid the elation, there was also a guarded response from some US soccer observers, who praised the national side's achievement in reaching the final while pointing out that they still had some way to go before they could be considered among the top teams in the world.

'The greatest victory ever'Regarded as one of the leading newspapers on the planet, The New York Times ran with the story in its digital edition almost as soon as the final whistle had blown. Under the headline "US Victory Was a Miracle on Grass", the prestigious daily compared the win to the Miracle on Ice, the famous victory recorded by its amateur ice-hockey players over the mighty Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Reporter George Vecsey ranked the 2-0 triumph as "Probably the greatest victory by the men's national soccer team", before going on to compare the result to some of the greatest performances in US soccer history: "But for these 90 minutes on Wednesday, the Americans were better than the Spaniards - brave and smart and lucky, too. And they will always have this result, like the Americans who shocked England in the 1950 World Cup, a simpler time, and the Americans who demoralized Mexico and then nearly beat Germany in the giddy quarter-final in the World Cup in 2002."

Putting the shock scoreline into perspective, Vecsey wrote, "Nobody in the American soccer federation will dare to claim that this was the day the country came of age in the world's most important sport... But this was a step."
Ollie Irish pointed to the importance of the win. "Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, the US looks like a proper team with real players who believe in themselves," he wrote.
Splashed on the website of US TV channel ESPN, meanwhile, was the banner headline "Mission: Possible", with the article below encapsulating the euphoric reaction to events in South Africa: "They said it couldn't be done. What do they know? The US stunned world No. 1 Spain on Wednesday in the Confed Cup semifinals".

Spanish sorrow
Unprepared for such an outcome, the Spanish media tried to paint the setback in a positive light. Sports daily Marca emblazoned its front page with the headline "Cura de humildad" (Dose of humility) and saw the defeat as a blessing in disguise: "We are the best team in the world but it's better to lose now than in a year's time at the World Cup."
Rival publication AS adopted a similar tone, headlining with "How strange it is to lose!", and reaching the following verdict on Spain's no-show: "A disciplined US side were too much for an unrecognisable selección. A Ramos mistake helped kill Spain off. There was no passing and too much haste."

Barcelona-based Sport's lead story was "US deny Spain a place in the final". "Despite dominating the game, things did not work out for Del Bosque's side," continued the paper's reporter. "They lacked freshness and despite enjoying more possession of the ball they committed a series of stupid fouls in (Tim) Howard's penalty area. The final pass was never the right one and it's always hard to score goals when that's the case."

What is your comment?

Comentarios despues de la hazaña

2009-06-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

Junio 25, 2009

Por una horas, el 'soccer' fue el deporte rey en Estados Unidos
Fue tal la sorpresa del inesperado triunfo ante España que incluso en los programas deportivos de la televisión y en otros de humor durante ironizaron durante toda la noche con el posible enfado de los españoles con los estadounidenses.
No hubo celebración multitudinaria en las calles como sucede con otros deportes como el fútbol americano, el béisbol o el baloncesto, pero por unas horas el 'soccer', termino que se utiliza en Estados Unidos para definir al balompié tradicional, fue el 'rey'.
Los responsables de este acontecimiento histórico en la vida deportiva del país más poderoso del mundo fueron los jugadores de la selección de fútbol que, contra todos los pronósticos, ganaron a España por 2-0 en las semifinales de la Copa Conferaciones.
Fue tal la sorpresa del inesperado triunfo que inclusive en los programas deportivos de televisión y de otros de humor durante toda la noche ironizaban del posible enfado de los españoles con los estadounidenses.
"La mayoría de los estadounidenses no entienden porque hay tanto enfado en España contra nuestro país", se burlaban los comentaristas deportivos, en referencia de lo "intranscendente" que es para la mayoría de los ciudadanos del país norteamericano el triunfo logrado por la selección de fútbol.

Aunque no todos piensan igual, especialmente los que forman parte del mundo del 'soccer' y que trabajan con el objetivo de incorporarlo a la lista de los cuatro grandes como son el fútbol americano de la NFL, el béisbol profesional de las 'Mayors', el baloncesto de la NBA y el hockey sobre hielo de la NHL.
"Se trata no sólo de una gran victoria sino que también es histórica dentro del deporte de Estados Unidos", declaró Oliver Luck, presidente y gerente general del Dynamo de Houston, el equipo que milita en la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS). "Creo que después del triunfo en hockey sobre Rusia esto ha sido lo más grande".

Un triunfo para ganar popularidad
El presidente del Dynamo, que ganó los títulos de liga las temporadas del 2006 y 2007, dijo que sólo con triunfos como el conseguido frente a España iban a permitir al deporte del fútbol gane credibilidad y respeto en el extranjero y adquiera mayor popularidad dentro del país.
"El triunfo lo han conseguido jóvenes de las nuevas generaciones que quieren demostrar que el deporte del fútbol en Estados Unidos ya ha comenzado a estar en segundo plano", valoró Luck. "Sabemos que todavía falta un largo camino que recorrer, pero cada día son mayores los pasos que damos".

"El triunfo lo lograron jóvenes que quieren que el fútbol en EE.UU. tenga protagonismo" Por su parte, el entrenador del Dynamo, Dominic Kinnear, un ex internacional con la selección de Estados Unidos, dijo que el triunfo frente a España marcaba un nuevo punto de partido en lo que está siendo el desarrollo y la evolución del fútbol dentro del país.
"Ya no somos un equipo nacional de segunda fila, ahora estamos demostrando que podemos competir con cualquier rival, que nuestro estilo de juego es muy válido y que cada día vamos a más en su desarrollo", comentó Kinnear. "Ahora todos estarán preocupados cuando nos tengan de rival".

USA 2 - 0 Spain, WOW!

2009-06-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

June 24, 2009

It was an electric game, Spain attacking with all their might and United States waiting for an error and attacking when possible then there were two errors and two counter attacks and two right actions of United States and that was done.

The effort, the attitude, the heart and the team work of USA took ahead a team that looked before the game like inferior, but in the game field it was superior in all the senses. Good for the players, good for the fans and the children of USA that they will follow the example of these players to continue playing and imitating this magnificent sport and their heroes.

The Americans made the soccer that they are known to play, with order, effort, tactically disciplined, strong, fast and with character. What more one can ask for a soccer team? The Spaniards were too confident and their trainer could not solve the problem that had among his hands; to go in disadvantage in the score and not to make great thing to solve the situation.

Spain trainer Del Bosque should make changes in his tactical formation to attack more and score the goal that would give them hope to do something else.
Congratulations for United States and a hard lesson for the Spaniards.

Fué un juego muy electrizante, España atacando con todo su poderío y Estados Unidos esperando por un error para contra atacar y hubo dos errores y dos contra ataques y dos acciones acertadas de Estados Unidos y ganó.

El esfuerzo, la actitud, el corazón y el juego en conjunto sacaron adelante a un equipo que lucía antes del juego como inferior, pero en el campo de juego fue superior en todos los sentidos. Que bueno por los jugadores, que bueno por los aficionados y los niños de USA que van a seguir el ejemplo de éstos jugadores para continuar jugando éste magnífico deporte.

Los americanos hicieron el futbol que se les conoce, ordenados, esforzados, tácticamente disciplinados, fuertes, rápidos y con carácter. Que más se puede pedir de un equipo de futbol. Los españoles se vieron muy confiados y su entrenador no pudo resolver el problema que tenía entre las manos; ir en desventaja en el marcador y no hacer gran cosa para resolver la situación.

Del Bosque debió hacer cambios en su formación táctica para atacar más y para anotar el gol que les diera esperanzas.

Felicidades para Estados Unidos y una dura lección para los españoles.

United States:
Tim Howard, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey (Jonathan Bornstein, 88), Landon Donovan, Charlie Davies (Benny Feilhaber, 69), Jozy Altidore (Conor Casey, 83).

Spain:
Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera (Juanma Mata, 78), Cesc Fabregas (Santi Cazorla, 68), Xavi Hernandez, David Villa, Fernando Torres

Situacion complicada para Omar Bravo

2009-06-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Junio 24, 2009

Omar Bravo no interesó al Cruz Azul y tampoco llegará al Atlante por su alto precio
Ni Atlante ni Cruz Azul son el futuro de Omar Bravo porque el dueño del Guadalajara, Jorge Vergara, se fue hasta las nubes al pedir dos millones de dólares por la formación del jugador ( es un abuso) que salió de Chivas para el Deportivo La Coruña.
Augusto César Lendoiro, presidente del Deportivo La Coruña, tuvo acercamiento con la directiva del Cruz Azul y hasta estuvo en las instalaciones celestes de La Noria, pero sin llegar a colocar a Bravo, quien jugó sus últimos partidos con Tigres de la UANL.

Durante la tarde y noche del pasado lunes, Lendoiro se reunió con la directiva de Potros de Hierro y se daba un hecho la contratación de Bravo, pero el martes José Antonio García, presidente del club azulgrana, informó que se cayó la negociación porque Jorge Vergara pide dos millones de dólares por derechos de formación del jugador. (por el pacto de marrulleros de los directivos y dueños de los equipos)
Por eso, García consideró excesiva la cifra de tan sólo la formación del jugador y por eso no lo firmó a pesar de que Atlante necesita de un delantero más tras la ida del colombiano Luis Gabriel Rey.

Es increible lo que pasa todos los dias en el futbol mexicano. Tu que opinas?

Spain's trainer talks about the game

2009-06-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Jue 24, 2009

Winning runs like the one Spain have achieved over the past two years do not come about by chance. They are a product of talented players, hard work and a winning mentality, but also solid and carefully thought-out tactics which aim to get the most out of each player.
On the eve of their semi-final against USA, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque commented about the tactics upon which Spains success are based.

It all begins with the virtual disappearance of the traditional No10, the playmaker who dictated the pace of the game and linked midfield with attack. “It is a role that only a handful of players in the world can perform. The truly great midfielders operate from ‘box to box’. La Selección relies heavily on its attackers, and our solution was to select midfielders who could both defend and create openings. Luckily for us, players like Xabi Alonso, Xavi, David Silva and Andres Iniesta are among the best in the world in this role.”

Although beaten in their first two group games, the Americans did not escape Del Bosque's eagle eye and even on the day before the final Group B games the Spaniard was refusing to write them off. “If there was any surprise, it was that the Italians rolled over so easily against Brazil. As for the Americans, they deserved to qualify,” he commented.

“The Americans have a very talented midfield and attack,” he went on. “They’ve got four match-winners, especially Donovan, who is also one of the few players who can operate as a link man. In addition, Dempsey is extremely dangerous in the air and Charlie Davies, the other forward who we didn’t know about, played very well alongside Altidore when he came on against Egypt. They’re a team with attacking options and can cause us a lot of problems.”

Del Bosque assures us that this cautious approach is neither false modesty nor an attempt to play down the favourite's tag placed upon Spain whenever they take to the pitch. “We’ve got to be very careful with this notion that we’re unbeatable, as all of our opponents now view us differently. One of the most important things is to remain level-headed and be aware that every game is a potential banana skin.”

Since he took the reins as La Roja coach in August 2008, Del Bosque has had 13 consecutive wins. “There was a lot of talk about us having an easy group in the Confederations Cup, but we only beat Iraq by a single goal, and then beat South Africa 2-0 in what was an extremely hard match. In any game of football you have to fight to win and you can always lose, and our semi-final against USA will be no exception. That’s why I don’t want to hear any talk of a Spain-Brazil final.”
But if this is indeed how the final shapes up, rest assured that Del Bosque will have done all his homework on Dunga’s Seleção.

USA vs Spain

2009-06-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

June 23, 2009

Few would have bet against Spain reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 but the identity of their last-four opponents has surprised everyone. Not even the most optimistic of USA fans would have tipped Bob Bradley's team for a place in the knockout phase after they lost both their opening games in disappointing fashion. Yet the Americans whipped up a perfect storm in the final round of games in Group B on Sunday 21 June to snatch second place in the section from Italy and Egypt.

The Spanish can be excused for welcoming USA's unexpected presence at this late stage. After all, before the tournament started the European champions were bracing themselves for a stern semi-final test from reigning world champions Italy. But now that the CONCACAF Gold Cup holders have negotiated their way out of a fiercely competitive group, Spain would be well advised to treat them with maximum respect.
After making several changes for the final group game against South Africa, with every member of the squad bar third goalkeeper Diego Lopez having enjoyed some playing time, Vicente del Bosque will field his strongest line-up once more. Iker Casillas returns in goal, determined to chalk up Spain's fourth clean sheet of the competition, while Xabi Alonso and Xavi will reclaim the central-midfield reins. Up front the deadly twosome of David Villa and Fernando Torres will continue their private duel for the adidas Golden Shoe.
In contrast Bradley has plenty of selection issues to ponder. His decision to hand starts to goalkeeper Brad Guzan and forward Charlie Davies paid off handsomely and the US coach will surely be tempted to keep faith with them, while also considering the role of Clint Dempsey, who made a decisive contribution against the Egyptians as an attacking spearhead.

Wednesday's meeting between Spain and USA will be a special occasion for Jozy Altidore, who signed for Villarreal last year but spent the second half of the season on loan at Xerez. The big American striker will be returning to the Yellow Submarine for the upcoming league campaign, where he will team up once more with Spain squad members Joan Capdevila, Santi Cazorla and Diego Lopez. Which of them will be smiling when the final whistle blows at the Free State?

"It's always tough to win when you're the favourites. We'll need to work hard to reach the final," Spain defender Gerard Pique.
"We came up against Spain before EURO 2008 and we played a great game. We've been watching them during this tournament and we've been taking note of their style. We know how to stop them and we are very confident," USA coach Bob Bradley.

Semi June 24 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF

Note published by SI

Y de repente una sorpresa!

2009-06-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Junio 23, 2009

Que Estados Unidos, con todo la selección número 14 del ránking FIFA, se haya clasificado para las semifinales de la Copa Confederaciones es como si un utilitario se metiese en la parrilla de salida de un GP de Fórmula 1, máxime cuando los hombres de Bob Bradley proceden del grupo de Brasil, Italia y Egipto.
España, invicta en sus tres precedentes con los 'yankees', se medirá mañana al equipo de Jozy Altidore (Xerez) en Mangaung-Bloemfontein con los pronósticos a favor y sabedora de que USA ha llegado hasta aquí de carambola.
Tras derrotar a Egipto por 0-3 y pasar ronda pese al signo negativo de su gol-average (-2), EE.UU. ha hecho suyo el slogan de Barack Obama de 'Yes we can' ('Sí, podemos'). Dempsey, 'MVP' del encuentro ante los 'faraones', ha confesado que "no sólo me enteré antes del encuentro que aún teníamos una oportunidad de entrar en 'semis' sino que también supe que nos mediríamos a España a la conclusión mismo del choque, cuando vi que todo el banquillo brincaba de alegría".
Que los americanos, vigentes campeones del CONCACAF consiguieran el objetivo ha llegado a pagarse 1:1.000.000 en las apuestas y ha dejado en evidencia a la 'azzurra' y a los egipcios. Altidore, ex del Villarreal, aseguraba que "estamos como en una nube", que "tenemos unas ganas locas de dar otra sorpresa ante España" y que "el domingo simplemente fuimos a por todas tras el 0-1".
Bob Bradley, por su parte, habló en clave de semifinales, comparando a la 'roja' con el Barça por su juego y sus récords. "Cuando no enfrentamos en el amistoso de Santander (1-0/junio de 2008), nos masacraron en la segunda parte. Tenemos que impedir que vuelvan a hacerlo ahora. España es como la selección y el Barça juntos, es un reto gigantesco. Estaremos especialmente atentos a Torres y Xavi".

Landon Donovan agregó que "durante el partido contra Egipto nos fueron informando del marcador del Brasil-Italia. Iban 3-0 y pensamos que aquella era la nuestra aunque hubo compañeros que no se enteraron de qué iba la cosa, pero se sumaron por inercia y por el honor patrio".
EE.UU. ha firmado 4 goles –la mitad de los computados a la 'roja'– y encajado 6, contra 0 de España. Los 'yankees' deshicieron el empate en el 'goal-average' con Italia gracias a que lograron uno más que ésta; ambos conjuntos terminaron con 3 puntos.
No estaba previsto que USA siguiera en competición, por lo que se han tenido que cancelar los billetes de vuelta a casa y reprogramar toda la semana

Nota de AS español

España vs Estados Unidos

2009-06-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

Junio 22, 2009

España se medirá el miércoles 24 a ¡Estados Unidos! en las semifinales de la Copa Confederaciones, mientras Brasil y Suráfrica lucharán el jueves por el otro billete para la final del día 28. Invicta e imbatida en el torneo, la 'roja' gozará de un día más de regeneración al respecto de los 'yankees'. Vicente del Bosque, que había alertado que "no hay que olvidar a los americanos", dio fiesta a sus efectivos a partir de la cena del sábado y hasta las 20.30 horas de ayer y aprovechó la jornada para preparar el asalto decisivo al torneo y para hacer balance.

Según recalcó Del Bosque (entrenador de España) desde el hotel de concentración, "a Xavi –todo un coleccionista de 'MVP'– no lo cambiaría por nadie, se lo pasa bien con el balón y hace jugar a los demás". Siguiendo en clave blaugrana, agregó que "Piqué y Busquets son muy limpios y muy majos y encarnan esta generación ganadora" sobre la que se cimentan los éxitos de un equipo que no encaja una derrota desde hace más de dos años.

El buen ambiente y la solidaridad al margen, también está la motivación como clave. "Aunque los jugadores están saturados, han venido", adujo y no quiso soñar con un cetro al 'Mejor Seleccionador' de 2009 o con ser manteado en caso de ganar la Copa Confederaciones por aquello de los 'achaques'. "Hombre, estas rachas nos benefician a todos", dijo discreto y admitió que "sí, sí, con títulos todo se valora más".

Nota publicada en AS de España

USA 3 - 0 Egypt

2009-06-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

June 21, 2009

USA, managed to pull off mission improbable and book a place in the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Egypt. Goals from Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey combined with a 3-0 win for Brazil over Italy in the section's other game booked an unlikely last-four place for the Americans, where they will meet Group A toppers Spain.

Unfazed, the Americans; hopeful and optimistic before the game despite staring likely elimination in the face, marched right up the other end and opened the scoring. The goal came well against the run of play in the 21st minute, with their first chance of the ganme. Davies, brought on by coach Bob Bradley, snuck in to take advantage of an uncommon fumble by goalkeeper Essam El Hadary - Egypt's hero of their win over Italy - to poke home from close range.

The talented Egyptians continued to control possession right up until the half-time interval, but the USA were looking dangerous. Stand-in skipper Landon Donovan was only denied by a sprawling El Hadary after going on a searing 20-yard run past three Egyptian defenders and Davies would have had his second of the night were it not for the intervention of the Swiss-based keeper once again.

The goal the USA needed to take them through to the semi-finals came in the 71st minute, sending Egypt out of the competition in the process. An inch-perfect cross from Jonathan Spector picked out Fulham man Dempsey, who made no mistake with a flying header. The other Group B match saw Brazil beat Italy by a three-goal margin to amazingly send the USA - without much of a hope at the start of the day - through to the last four. "Soccer is a funny game," Donovan said before the match, "Anything can happen." How right he was.

Egypt vs USA

2009-06-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

June 20, 2009

Egypt head into their clash with USA in Rustenburg in high spirits, fresh on from a shock win over world champions Italy last time out. The Stars and Stripes, for their part, are suffering through a dreadful run of form and poor results here in South Africa, having lost both of their games thus far.
American confidence is likely to be significantly lower than that of the African champions ahead of the first-ever meeting between the two nations. Bob Bradley's youthful side have lost both of their games, first 3-1 to Italy and then 3-0 to Brazil. Although they put up firm resistance in their curtain raiser, the CONCACAF champions were well and truly outplayed by Brazil last time out.

"It's disappointing to lose our first two games, but we're still in it until we're out of it. Whatever the case, we'll have to show up and give our best performance in the final group game. I think we've learned a lot from our first two matches and hopefully we can get something out of the third with Egypt," USA defender Jonathan Spector.

"The game against the United States is even more important than the ones against Italy and Brazil, if I were being honest. If we don't win against the Americans, our victory over Italy will be rendered largely meaningless. This is a decisive game and we must be ready for a fight," Egypt playmaker Mohamed Aboutrika.

June 21 Egypt vs. USA 11:25 a.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura

Who is going to win?

Es un obstáculo

2009-06-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Junio 20, 2009

Seguidores del Deportivo La Coruña señalan al presidente de Chivas, Jorge Vergara, como el culpable de que Omar Bravo no encuentre equipo en México
El Deportivo la Coruña criticó duramente al presidente de Chivas de Guadalajara, Jorge Vergara, por sus declaraciones hacia el club español y por ser el culpable de impedir la venta de Omar Bravo.
Luego de los dimes y diretes entre Vergara y el presidente de los Gallegos, Augusto César Lendoiro, por la venta de Omar Bravo al fútbol mexicano, los medios españoles han atacado al directivo del Rebaño Sagrado, al que señalan como el mayor impedimento para que el delantero juegue en su país.
El portal de Eldepor dejó manifiestó que el coraje que tiene Vergara contra el cuadro blanquiazul se debe a que Omar Bravo, en su salida de Chivas, no le generó ninguna ganacia, en cambio para el Deportivo si le dejará algún dinero en caso de realizarse la venta o préstamo de Bravo al fútbol mexicano, que es donde interesa.

"A Vergara aún le escuece que su última gran estrella le diese la espalda para jugar en Europa sin dejar un solo euro en caja, pero le duele todavía más que pueda ser el Deportivo el que saque tajada económica de la operación. Su reacción es de puro nervio: habla y habla sin control y probablemente sin conocimiento de causa", se apreció en Eldepor.
Jorge Vergara, que calificó al Deportivo como un "circo" por los sueldos que le debe a sus jugadores, señaló que el Deportivo de la Coruña no tiene en qué "caerse muerto", por falta de dinero.

Eldepor señaló a Vergara como el principal factor para que el mochiteco no se arregle con un club mexicano, esto con el fin de perjudicar aún más al conjunto hispano en el aspecto económico.
Guadalajara recibirá un cantidad por Bravo, en caso de que éste llegue a un acuerdo con un club mexicano, pero siempre y cuando sea en calidad de venta, porque a préstamo no beneficia a Chivas, ya que no gana nada, mientras que el Dépor sí obtiene ganacias.

En México existe un "pacto de caballeros" ( de marrulleros diria yo) que dice que el equipo que contrate a Bravo (como compra), deberá pagar una compensación al Rebaño, ya que fue el primer equipo del futbolista, antes de jugar en Europa.
Por la anterior situación, Omar Bravo aún no se ha podido arreglar con algunos de los clubes mexicanos que lo pretendían, como fue el caso del propio Guadalajara, Cruz Azul, Pachuca o Atlante, se aseguró en el portal.
Aunque la gran verdad es que el presidente español César Lendoiro, en su afán de obtener ganacias económicas, tasó al jugador mexicano en una cifra bastante elevada para cualquier club mexicano, pues de esa manera quiere resarcir sus pérdidas por sus malas inversiones y de paso ver si puede pagarle a sus jugadores, finaliza el portal.

http://eldepor.com/polls/567-crees-que-lendoiro-lograra-vender-a-omar-bravo

Nota publicada por espn

Wish for the best

2009-06-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

June 20, 2009

The United States and Egypt go head-to-head in their final Confederations Cup group match tomorrow in a game that could have a semifinal spot riding on it.
But while victory is a must for the Americans, a draw would be enough to put Egypt through to the semifinals if Brazil beats Italy in the other group game.

"This is like what we did together at the Nations Cup the last two times in Egypt and in Ghana, and now we're seeing the same thing in South Africa here," Egypt forward Mohamed Zidan said. "We are having enough time to prepare well for the games and the coaching staff are also having time to prepare the players."
While Egypt seemed to draw inspiration from its narrow 4-3 loss to Brazil in order to shock Italy 1-0, the United States played well in a 10-man loss to Italy but then buckled against Brazil.

"In these kind of tournaments, it's no different to the World Cup," USA coach Bob Bradley said. "Many of the players have just finished their own seasons and they can be in all different frames of mind. You come together and something can happen in that first game or two and rally everybody and push the team on and be the spark.
"Or it can easily be: now it doesn't go right, there's a little extra pressure, guys start to get nervous."
The United States needs victory and goal difference to swing its way by a barely conceivable amount if it is to edge its way into the next round. But that doesn't mean Bradley is about to employ a gung-ho attack to secure those goals.

US team needs to play the best game that has made in this tournament, sincerely only a miracle would make that United States go to the next round. But to win and to play well would give to the Americans enough confidence to continue facing the following classificatory games toward the World cup in Africa. What do you believe will be the result?

USA 0 - 3 Brazil

2009-06-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

June 18, 2009

The game was not good for USA team, too many errors, little imagination and little effort.
They should be very tired from their previous game against Italy because today they didn't fight and they didn't play with the same effort like in other games. The Coach didn't also know how to make the necessary changes to impulse his team to attack with conviction. Brazil defeats easily to USA 3-0 and although the last 15 minutes the Americans pushed more, it was not really that they improved but that the Brazilians no longer gave their maximum effort when they were winning for a wide margin. Again an unnecessary foul and the team finished with one player out for a red card.

The U.S. was shut out for the first time in 16 matches, dating back to the epic 0-0 draw against Argentina on July 8, 2008. The Americans also dropped their all-time record against the Brazil to 1-13, with the lone win coming back in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and 7-18-1 all time against teams ranked in the top five in the world.

Landon Donovan said after the game:
It was not ideal to start that way. We talked about a lot of different things. One was not giving away fouls. Another was being good on set pieces. Those two things cost us early.”
We just didn’t perform. At the end of the day, it’s still 11 v. 11. We didn’t help ourselves by fouls and giving them chances to score. After they score, it doesn’t matter what tactics you are using. It makes the game difficult.”
“The Brazilians pass the ball very well. Athletically, even if you do get a chance to get around them and win a ball, they have players that can make plays to get out of situations, and the next thing you know you are chasing them again. As you saw tonight, there’s a reason why they are some of the most expensive players in the world.”

Robinho said:
"We were a little tired in our first game against Egypt and it showed in the nature of our performance," Robinho told FIFA.com. "Against the United States in our second game, we played very well. We came together as a team and showed the kind of football that we are famous for. We deserved to win and it's a great feeling to have two wins from two games.
When asked about the joyous sprit that is evident in the side's training camp, as well as in the raucous celebrations that followed each of the three goals against USA, Robinho tried to sum up the nature of football in Brazil. "We Brazilians play with joy in their hearts," said the deep-lying forward, chief joker in the camp as evidenced by his constant banter, cheeky play and broad smiles at every training session.
"It's the only way we know how to play and it's the only way we can play well. Against the United States we showed our joy and expressed ourselves through our football. We hope to keep going and do it again and again here in South Africa."
"There are great teams here that play really quality football. Italy, Spain to name just two. Either one of these teams could be champions, but so can we and this is our goal."

Lineups:
USA:
1-Tim Howard; 21-Jonathan Spector, 15-Jay DeMerit, 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 2-Jonathan Bornstein; 12-Michael Bradley, 16-Sacha Kljestan, 10-Landon Donovan, 8-Clint Dempsey, 7-DaMarcus Beasley (4-Conor Casey, 46); 17-Jozy Altidore (22-Benny Feilhaber, 60)
Subs not used:3-Carlos Bocanegra, 6-Heath Pearce, 9-Charlie Davies, 11-Marvell Wynne, 14-Danny Califf, 18-Brad Guzan, 19-Freddy Adu, 20-Jose Francisco Torres, 23-Luis Robles Not eligible: 13-Ricardo Clark (suspension)
Head Coach: Bob Bradley

BRA:
1-Julio Cesar; 2-Maicon, 3-Lucio (14-Luisao, 70), 15-Miranda, 16-Andre Santos; 18-Ramires, 8-Gilberto Silva, 10-Kaka (19-Julio Baptista, 69), 5-Felipe Melo; 11-Robinho, 9-Luis Fabiano (22-Nilmar, 69)
Subs not used: 12-Victor, 23-Gomes, 6-Kleber, 7-Elano, 13-Daniel Alves, 17-Josue, 20-Kleberson, 21-Alexandre Pato Not eligible: 4-Juan (injury)
Head Coach: Dunga

USA must win this one against Brazil

2009-06-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

June 17, 2009

Donovan knows USA face a tough task when they meet Brazil in their second FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 game tomorrow. However, the stand-in captain is confident his side, reigning champions of CONCACAF, can grind out a result against the star-studded Seleção.
Donovan's endearing optimism is contagious in the US camp.
"We had the opportunity to see some of their (Brazil's) game against Egypt and I have to be honest, it looks like they're human after all," Donovan said, noting the South Americans' nervy 4-3 win over the Pharaohs in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, a game which highlighted some serious frailties in the Brazilian rearguard.
"We hung with Italy and gave them a hard game, made things very complicated for them for a large part of our first game. I don't see any reason why we can't do exactly that against the Brazilians too. We will have an even better chance if we can keep 11 men on the field," he added, referring to Ricardo Clark's dismissal in their 3-1 defeat by Gli Azzurri.
Donovan, often criticised for going missing in big games, was the major creative force in USA's opener. Wearing the captain's armband after an injury to Carlos Bocanegra, the Los Angeles Galaxy star scored the opening goal from the spot and managed to feed team-mates in a fizzy, mature performance under heavy, and at times rough, pressure in midfield.
"Brazil is a good team, a country with a great tradition that everyone knows about," added the 27-year-old, who had a brief loan spell at Bayern Munich during the Major League Soccer winter break. "But this is now a must-win game for us. There's no option for us but to get at them and try to get a result."

Centre-back Carlos Bocanegra is expected to be back in the starting line up for the battle with Kaka, Robinho, Fabiano and Co. His steely presence in the heart of the backline was missed in the second half against the Italians. He, too, fresh from his first full training session in South Africa, is fancying his side's chances with the Brazil test just hours away.
"If we had 11 players out there against Italy for the whole game, we would have won or tied at least," remarked the former Fulham man, currently with Rennes in France, sweat dripping after a tough session at the Americans' Pilditch training facility.
"Were hungry to go and get at Brazil," concluded Bocanegra, who will take the armband back from Donovan if he plays on Thursday. "It was no fluke that we were up against Italy and pressing them even after going a man down. We want to prove that against the Brazilians. We can fight with anyone. We've played Brazil a few times recently and we've managed to get goals against them, so there's no reason we can't do it again."

Note from SI

Italian-American Rossi Has Conflicting Emotions

2009-06-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2009

They walked by each other in the postgame mixed zone: Giuseppe Rossi and Jozy Altidore, two New Jersey boys, two good friends, two dynamic young scorers who share the same home state, the same club in Spain (Villarreal) and the same kind of blue U.S. passport.
They just don't share the same national team.
"Hey, Jo," Rossi said with a smile after Altidore had given him a friendly slap on the shoulder.
Altidore nodded and kept walking. It was a night of conflicting emotions, after all.
In his first game against his home country, Rossi had scored two goals for Italy (the country where his parents where born) in a 3-1 win over the U.S. in the first round of the Confederations Cup. And if you wondered whether it made the night a little bittersweet for 22-year-old Italian-American, you would be right.
"Of course," Rossi said in his thick Jersey accent. "When you play against a team like the country where you were born, it's always a great emotion before coming in. But when you're on the field you have no friends. You just think about playing the game and trying to win for your team."
No player had a bigger impact on Italy's victory than Rossi, who came on as a second-half sub with Italy down 1-0 and on one of his first touches prized the ball from U.S. midfielder Benny Feilhaber, raced into space and fired a 25-yard laser past U.S. goalie Tim Howard. Rossi added an insurance goal in garbage time, putting an emphatic point on his coming-out party for the Azzurri.
Altidore couldn't help but feel good for Rossi, the player who welcomed him with open arms to Villarreal last year, but it was tinged with the disappointment that they'll never play up front together for the U.S. team.
"I'm gonna kill him, man," Altidore joked afterward. "I played with the kid at Villarreal and we're very good friends. So I'm a bit happy and a bit sad. I would love to see those goals come against somebody else."

Altidore played his own role in the U.S.'s goal, earning the penalty that was converted by Landon Donovan for a 1-0 advantage. But this was Italy's night in the end, not least because U.S. midfielder Ricardo Clark's disputed red card changed the game. Most players thought Clark's challenge on Gennaro Gattuso didn't deserve a straight red,but the result was that it left plenty of open spaces in the center of the field for the Italian attackers, including Rossi.

It's not likely that the U.S. could have done much more to persuade Rossi to choose the Stars & Stripes. If you have the chance to play for Italy, you go for it. But that didn't ease the pain for U.S. Soccer of seeing an American native light up the South African night for another team.
"It would have been our hope that Giuseppe would have played for the U.S., but he made his decision," said U.S. coach Bob Bradley, who knows Rossi's family well. "He is a very talented young player.

Today is an exciting day for him and obviously a very disappointing day for us."
A day that U.S. fans always thought might be coming, eventually. A day when Giuseppe Rossi, late of Clifton, N.J., sunk the Americans.

Note posted in SI

USA 1 - 3 Italy

2009-06-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2009

Unfortunately the american player Ricardo Clark made a very imprudent action that punished the whole team. I found that Clark didn't think that there are game rules and violent behaviors. Ricardo Clark made a violent foul that caused his red card. If having remained the USA team with their 11 players into the field, the final history of the game had been different. Any way the image after going winning to the Italians has been good and I hope that against Brazil the US players maintain the calm and play an intelligent soccer game to have some options of winning to Brazil.

In the 40th minute, Giorgio Chiellini hauled down young USA striker Jozy Altidore and a penalty was awarded. Donovan, kept his cool to slot past Gianluigi Buffon and give his team a shock 1-0 lead. The inspiration came from substitute Rossi. The USA-born Villarreal striker took the ball off Clint Dempsey in midfield with his first touch of the ball in the 58th minute, inside 50 seconds of coming on to the pitch, raced towards the US goal and unleashed a vicious left-foot strike past Howard from 30 yards and into the top corner.

After the equaliser, the Italians were in firm control. And in the 71st minute, Daniele de Rossi, who was sent off the last time the two teams met at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, turned an unleashed a low drive from the edge of the box that snuck by two American defenders and just past Howard, nestling in the side netting.
Rossi rubbed salt into the wounds of his birth country four minutes into stoppage time, slamming a half-volley home from close range to make it 3-1. It signalled the end of a brave fight by the Americans and Italy now move to the top of Group B, even with Brazil on three points.

Lineups:USA:
1-Tim Howard; 21-Jonathan Spector, 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 15-Jay DeMerit, 2-Jonathan Bornstein (16-Sacha Kljestan, 86); 22-Benny Feilhaber (7-DaMarcus Beasley, 72), 13 -Ricardo Clark, 12-Michael Bradley, 8-Clint Dempsey; 10-Landon Donovan, 17-Jozy Altidore (9-Charlie Davies, 66)Subs not used: 3-Carlos Bocanegra, 4-Conor Casey, 6-Heath Pearce, 11-Marvell Wynne, 14-Danny Califf, 18-Brad Guzan, 19-Freddy Adu, 20-Jose Francisco Torres, 23-Luis RoblesHead Coach: Bob Bradley

ITA:
1-Gianluigi Buffon; 19-Gianluca Zambrotta, 4-Girogio Chiellini, 6-Nicola Legrottaglie, 3-Fabio Grosso; 8-Gennaro Gattuso (17-Giuseppe Rossi, 57), 10-Daniele De Rossi, 21-Andrea Pirlo; 15-Vincenzo Iaquinta, 11-Alberto Gilardino (9-Luca Toni, 69), 16-Mauro Camoranesi (20-Riccardo Montolivo, 57)Subs not used: 2-Davide Santon, 5-Fabio Cannavaro, 7-Simone Pepe, 12-Morgan De Sanctis, 13-Alessandro Gamberini, 14-Marco Amelia, 18-Angelo Palombo, 22-Andrea Dossena, 23-Fabio Quagliarella Head Coach: Marcello Lippi

Desafortunadamente el jugador Ricardo Clark cometió una falta muy imprudente, que castigó a todo el equipo. Me pareció que Clark no piensa que hay reglas de juego y conductas violentas. Lo que hizo Ricardo fue una conducta violenta que ameritó su expulsión. De haber permanecido el equipo USA con sus 11 jugadores, la historia final del juego hubiera sido muy diferente.

De cualquier manera la imagen después de ir ganando a los italianos ha sido buena y espero que en contra de Brasil los jugadores mantengan la calma y jueguen un futbol inteligente para tener alguna opción de ganarle a Brasil.

What is your comment about Ricardo's foul?

USA's dream to beat Italy

2009-06-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

June 14, 2009

Bob Bradley's side are every inch the underdogs. However, spirits in the American camp are high, bullish even, ahead of their first test tomorrow.
"It's not in our nature, it's certainly not in mine, to come to a tournament just to participate," giant American centre-back Oguchi Onyewu said from the USA's Pilditch training camp. "We're here in South Africa to achieve something. If it's a medal or a trophy, that's great." On the other end of the pitch, Clint Dempsey, says "We're not considered among the favourites here, we know that. But if we keep our focus, keep calm and keep the ball, then we're in with a chance."

The clash with star-studded Italy will have special meaning for many of the American players. Six members of the current US squad were in the team that drew 1-1 with I Azzurri in Kaiserslautern three years and two days ago in the group stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It was the only point the Americans managed in a demoralising campaign in Germany, and it was earned the hard way. The over-tough clash saw two US players and one Italian sent off, but the result inspires confidence that, on their day, the USA can match even the world's best.
"I remember that game," Standard Liege man Onyewu, 'Gooch' to his team-mates, said with a smile as the sun faded away behind the training stadium in Central Pretoria. "If this game turns out to be a physical battle like that one, that's not a worry for us. We can handle it. But these are two different teams and no two games are ever alike."

The Italians, who have ten players returning from the ferocious contest in Kaiserslautern, have at their disposal a bevy of lethal strikers in the form of Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Giuseppe Rossi and Fabio Quagliarella. Some tall and powerful, some smaller and trickier, all deadly in front of goal, the Azzurri frontline has scored no fewer than 10 times in their last two friendlies.
It's cause for some concern to Onyewu, but nothing that will get the big man of Nigerian ancestry too flustered. "I know they have some good forwards, you can't help but think about them and try to prepare for the guys you're going to face.

Known to team-mates and friends as 'Deuce,' Dempsey, a rap recording artist when not terrorising opposition defences with his flicks, tricks and combative, physical style, is in wholehearted agreement. "Yeah, we're not favourites to win here," said this survivor of the Kaiserslautern battle in 2006. "But we know what we can do as a team when things are going right and we're playing together. We're united as a team and we're starting to feel good here."

It's a tall order for USA here in South Africa. Up against not only Italy but also Brazil also in the first round, they have their work cut out. However, to a man, the Americans are optimistic, excited, enthusiastic and keen to shake up the established world order.

USA and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard
We're nobody's favourite for the title. We know that. But we're going to scratch, claw and fight to get some results here.

Send us your comment, who is going to win?

Cristiano y Kaká dejarán 90 millones por año

2009-06-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Junio 13, 2009

El Madrid podría amortizar ambos fichajes en sólo dos temporadas
Tras la sacudida mediática, el Madrid ya traduce el impacto económico de Cristiano Ronaldo y Kaká. El club calcula que su llegada incrementará sus percepciones anuales en 90 millones de euros, toda vez que situará en cabeza su marca tanto en el mercado anglosajón (con Cristiano) como en el latino (con Kaká). Incluso se considera conservador el cálculo teniendo en cuenta que Simon Chadwick, director del Centro de Negocios Internacionales del Deporte de la Universidad de Coventry, eleva a 70 millones la repercusión anual de cada uno de ellos. "Beckham vendió un millón de camisetas en sus primeros seis meses. Estos pagarán con creces sus fichajes", dice.

Según la primera estimación del club, los traspasos se amortizarían en sólo dos años, porque una vez que Florentino complete la plantilla, comenzará a renegociar los contratos con los patrocinadores, algo que ya hizo en su anterior etapa.
"Yo pagué más que nadie por un futbolista, Zidane: 73 millones. Y fue el fichaje más barato que hice", defiende el presidente ante quienes le acusan de pagar precios por encima de mercado. En su etapa inicial, los ingresos pasaron de 100 a 300 millones sólo con la llegada de Figo y Zidane. Ahora no maneja un incremento tan brutal, porque los dos tercios del presupuesto que corresponden a derechos de televisión y aforo son difícilmente mejorables. El tercio de merchandising sí se disparará. Quizá en mayor medida que ese 62% en que creció durante su anterior mandato.

En 2004, Florentino renegoció el contrato con Adidas, que concluía en 2008. Lo amplió hasta 2012 y el Madrid pasó de cobrar 12 millones a 18 en los primeros cuatro años y a 24 en los siguientes. Ahora podría emprender una iniciativa similar, toda vez que vestirá de blanco a uno de los iconos de la firma, Kaká, y al más importante de su principal competidora, Cristiano. Bwin, el patrocinador de la camiseta, renovó su contrato por cuatro años a razón de 25 millones cada uno durante la transición de Vicente Boluda. Habrá que ver si ese trato también es revisable. "Los patrocinadores no van a pagar lo mismo ahora que cuando no estaba Cristiano", afirma Rudolf Schouten, director de desarrollo corporativo de la empresa publicitaria BPMO.
Los palcos vips, la publicidad estática del estadio y las giras del equipo son manifiestamente mejorables. Plácido Arango, director del Observatorio Económico del Deporte, considera que Kaká y Cristiano "pueden duplicar tranquilamente" el millón que cobra el club por amistoso. "Beckham le salió gratis al Madrid y Kaká y Cristiano también son una inversión. Permitirán ingresos publicitarios que no serían posibles sin ellos. Los patrocinadores renegociarán y la mejora en el rendimiento deportivo dará más dinero. El Madrid pagará los sueldos de ambos sólo con el 50% de los derechos de imagen que les ceden, que pueden rozar los 25 millones al año, y amortizará en seis temporadas el precio de los traspasos".

Según Arango, "en su anterior mandato, Florentino golpeó al Barça, al Manchester y al Calcio. Ahora se convierte en referente y derrota con dinero del fútbol a los jeques, a aquellos que pretenden imponer un poder exógeno con fortunas que no vienen del propio fútbol".
Un informe de la Universidad de Navarra tasa en 82 millones el precio de Cristiano, 12 menos de los pagados, pero deja en 63 el de Kaká, cifra cercana a la que desembolsa el Madrid. "No se puede acusar al club de romper el mercado. El precio correcto es aquel en el que el comprador recupera la inversión y el vendedor obtiene fondos para adquirir activos similares al que vende", defiende uno de sus responsables.

Nota publicada por AS de España

USA-Italy preview

2009-06-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2009

Italy have not lost to the US in over 75 years of competitive soccer. Anyway, Bob Bradley's Americans are hoping to spring a surprise in the two sides' opening match of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.

The match
USA-Italy, 15 June, Tshwane/Pretoria
World champions Italy face a potential banana skin in their 2009 Confederations Cup opener against reigning CONCACAF kings the USA. The Americans are currently in a rich vein of form, losing only twice in their last 13 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and fresh off a come-from-behind win over Honduras just seven days ago. The Italians, though blessed with world-class talent throughout the team and on top of European Zone qualifying Group 9 for South Africa 2010, have not played a competitive match since 1 April.

The Americans, arrive in Africa with a strong, youthful squad. Coach Bob Bradley, who took over from former mentor Bruce Arena after the failures of the last FIFA World Cup finals in Germany in 2006, has assembled a team bristling with spirit and optimism, if a little short on experienced campaigners.
In nine meetings historically, Italy have never lost to the USA. The two first met in the opening game of the 1934 FIFA World Cup, where Italy ran out 7-1 winners. The last clash between the two ended in a 1-1 draw, in Kaiserslautern at Germany 2006.

Key battle
With a raft of sturdy players throughout his team, USA coach Bradley will need the creative influence of Landon Donovan to be on display. And in the same withdrawn striker role, will be Andrea Pirlo. One of the most elegant and improvisational playmakers in the modern game, the AC Milan man could well make the difference for the Italians. If the last meeting between the two teams, the 1-1 draw in Kaiserslautern, is any indication, the game in Pretoria may well be a fierce physical battle. If so, the slightest creative spark may swing the balance.

Did you know?
Striker Giuseppe Rossi could well have been lining up for the United States in the Confed opener, rather than Italy. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey to Italian immigrant, Rossi - who has played for Manchester United, Newcastle and now Villarreal in Spain - could not resist the pull of the old continent. Having lined up at every level of Italy's youth system, he officially pledged his future to the Azzurri on October of 2008, appearing in a senior game against Bulgaria and finally putting an end to a protracted tug-of-war.

The quote
"This first game with the United States is obviously the most important for us. They are a quality opponent, eager, and a strong team that are difficult to break down. We need to keep totally focused on this first game because it will set the rhythm for us. It could make or break us," Italy coach Marcello Lippi

U.S. Soccer Men's National Team Games At The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup

2009-06-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

June 12, 2009

The U.S. Men’s National Team’s matches at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup will be broadcast live on Univision Networks, which will televise all 16 matches of the tournament, which takes place June 14-28 in South Africa.
The United States is in Group B along with reigning world champions Italy, five-time World Cup winners Brazil, and reigning African Cup of Nations winners Egypt.

The U.S. against Italy on June 15. Three days later, the U.S. faces Brazil. The United States finishes group play on June 21 against Egypt. All three U.S. group matches will be broadcast live on TeleFutura. The U.S. is playing in its fourth FIFA Confederations Cup tournament. The team reached the semifinals of the 1999 tournament, beating Germany and New Zealand in group play before losing to hosts Mexico in the semifinals. 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Television

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Television Schedule.

No..Round...Date.......Match.......Time (ET)......TV Venue

1..Group A..June 14 South Africa vs. Iraq 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Gala
2.Group A..June 14 New Zealand vs. Spain 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Univ
3...Group B... June 15 Brazil vs. Egypt 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Gala
4...Group B... June 15 USA vs. Italy 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TeleFutura
5...Group A... June 17 Spain vs. Iraq 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Galavisión
6.Group A June 17 SAfrica vs. New Zealand 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Galav.
7...Group B.. June 18 USA vs. Brazil 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
8...Group B.. June 18 Egypt vs. Italy 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Galavisión
9..Group A.June 20 Spain vs. South Africa 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Univisión
10...Group B.. June 21 Egypt vs. USA 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
11...Group B.. June 21 Egypt vs. USA 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
12..Group B.. June 21 Italy vs. Brazil 2:25 p.m. ESPN, Univisión
13.Semi June 24 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF
14.Semi June 25 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF
15..Third Place 6/28 Runner-up 13 vs. Ru-up 14 8:55 a.m. ESPN2, Uni
16..Final June 28 Winner 13 vs. Winner 14 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Uni

No malgastes tu dinero

2009-06-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

Junio 9, 2009

Enfrentarse a Trinidad en Mexico no es nada interesante, lo bueno va a ser cuando la seleccion vaya a Trinidad a pagar la visita y necesite los 3 puntos, ahi si será interesante.

En Mexico se le gana a casi todos. Por lo tanto espero un marcador de 4-0, aclaro que a favor de México por si tenian dudas y que son logicas tener en éstos momentos. Asi que no se vayan con la finta de que será un partido complicado, lo que buscan los periodistas y las televisoras es crear morbo y de que vayas a gastar tu dinero al Azteca.

Mejor velo por la TV, no malgastes tu dinero, comprate tu six y unas botanitas y ya la hiciste, mejor que estar dándole tu dinero a los directivos corruptos.

More games for USA team

2009-06-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

June 4, 2009

After a difficult 3-1 loss against Costa Rica Wednesday at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, the U.S. Men have returned to the U.S. in preparation for Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field in Chicago. Over 50,000 have been sold for the match, which comes against the very opponent who handed the U.S. their last defeat on home soil.
Coverage for Saturday's contenst begins at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN and Galavision

After the game against Honduras the US team travels to its commitment of the Confederations Cup in South Africa
The eight-team competition showcases confederation champions from across the world, and also provides a glimpse of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts South Africa.

The United States has been drawn into a powerful Group B along with reigning world champions Italy, five-time World Cup winners Brazil, and reigning African Cup of Nations winners Egypt for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 that will be played from June 14-28, 2009, in South Africa.

The U.S. kicks off action against Italy on June 15 at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane/Pretoria, and then faces Brazil on June 18 in the same venue. The United States finishes group play on June 21 against Egypt at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
Played in four venues during two weeks, the tournament will serve as excellent preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Schedule

Group A Teams
ESP IRQ NZL RSA

Group B Teams
USA BRA EGY ITA

Group A

Jun. 14 South Africa vs. Iraq Johannesburg 10 a.m.
Jun. 14 New Zealand vs. Spain Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 17 Spain vs. Iraq Manguang/Bloemfontein 10 a.m.
Jun. 17 South Africa vs. New Zealand Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 20 Iraq vs. New Zealand Johannesburg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 20 Spain vs. South Africa Manguang/Bloemfonein 2:30 p.m.

Group B

Jun. 15 Brazil vs. Egypt Manguang/Bloemfontein 10 a.m.
Jun. 15 United States vs. Italy Tshwane/Pretoria 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 18 United States vs. Brazil Tshwane/Pretoria 10 a.m.
Jun. 18 Egypt vs. Italy Johannesburg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 21 Italy vs. Brazil Tshwane/Pretoria 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 21 Egypt vs. United States Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.

Costa Rica defeated USA 3-1

2009-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

June 3, 2009

The Ticos beat the region's top-ranked team on the artificial turf of Saprissa Stadium as the United States stumbled for the second straight time in Central America.
It was a rough start to a difficult three-match stretch of qualifying for the No. 14-ranked Americans, who dropped to seven losses and a draw in qualifying at Costa Rica. Donovan's goal was the first for the Americans in Costa Rica since 2000.

The Americans have to return home to Chicago, where on Saturday they'll host Honduras, the last team to beat them in a qualifier on U.S. soil. The United States has won 15 and drawn once at home since the 3-2 defeat at Washington's RFK Stadium in September 2001.

Then, on Aug. 12, the Americans play at Mexico.

Saborio got the first goal when he cut around Jose Francisco Torres, and then easily beat an onrushing Bradley and DaMarcus Beasley to shot over goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Esteban Sirias created the second goal when he moved down the left flank, avoided a tackle by Mastroeni and crossed to Borges, who had an open shot from 11 yards.

Herrera entered in the 56th and scored 13 minutes later when he got around Bradley and beat Howard to the near post from about 15 yards.

Tax Credit Is Good News for Prospective Home Buyers

2009-06-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

June 3, 2009

The popularity of reality-based TV shows focusing on the experiences of first-time home buyers paints a rosy picture, but the recent national news of mortgage foreclosures has darkened that picture a bit.
Not to worry, said Carole Buckholts, a broker/associate with Kay’s Real Estate in Duncan.
There is good news for people who are in the market for their first home.
“Under the new administration’s stimulus plan, ‘first-time home buyers’ are eligible to receive an $8,000 tax credit. The tax credit is equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000,” she said. “For example, if the purchase price of a home is $60,000, then the buyer would be eligible for a $6,000 tax credit.”

For purposes of the tax credit, a first-time home buyer is defined as “someone who has not owned a principal residence during the last three years prior to purchase,” Buckholts explained.
That opens the program not just to young people who are looking for a first home, but also to those who have owned homes in the past but have sold them, perhaps because of death or divorce in the family, she said. Many of those people do not realize that they can qualify as first-time buyers, even though it’s not the first home they’ve purchased in their lives.
The tax credit is available for homes closed on or after Jan. 1 of this year, and on or before Nov. 30, 2009.

The purchaser would file IRS form 5405 with his or her form 1040 tax return, attesting to the purchase.
“I would recommend that they consult their tax professional for those details,” Buckholts said. “There is even a way that people who are planning to purchase a home can change their deductions on their W-4 withholding form with their employer, and have less tax held out during the year, which can then be saved and used for a down payment or closing costs when they buy their home. Again, it’s a bit complicated, so before people make any drastic changes in their tax withholding, they should definitely check with their tax person.”
If the property is held for a minimum of three years, the tax credit does not have to be repaid. This provision differs from the $7,500 tax credit available in 2008 in that the 2008 tax credit had to be repaid in 15 years, she noted. The purchaser can elect to take the new tax credit in 2008 or 2009, though taking it in 2009 would probably be a better option because it would not have to be paid back.
“Also, it should be noted that there are income limitations where the tax credit begins to phase out for people who have an adjusted gross income over $75,000 individually, or $150,000 if filing jointly,” Buckholts said. “Say you are an individual with an adjusted gross income of $85,000. You would get half of the tax credit. If you hit $95,000, then you would no longer be eligible. You can go to IRS.gov for more information.
“This is a unique opportunity for certain individuals to realize the American Dream of homeownership and help our housing market recover in the process,” she said. “There are a lot of homes available now in a good variety of price ranges. There’s not as much activity in home sales as there was in 2007, but a lot of folks are buying and selling these days.
“It’s definitely a buyers’ market.”

Note published by Rismedia

Important game USA vs Costa Rica today

2009-06-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

June 3, 2009

The U.S. Men’s National Team arrived in San Jose, and has completed its two training sessions on the turf at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Kickoff for Wednesday night's contest begins at 8 p.m. MT on ESPN2, ESPN360.com and Galavision

Team......................... GP... Pts
United States.................3.....7
Costa Rica................... 3......6
Honduras.....................3......4
Mexico........................3..... 3
El Salvador...................3..... 2
Trinidad & Tobago..........3..... 2

Upcoming CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Final Round Fixtures

Date.......Match............Venue
June 3 Costa Rica vs. USA Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Ayma; San Jose
June 6 El Salvador vs. Mexico Estadio Cuscatlan; San Salvador
June 6 Trinidad & Tobago vs. Costa Rica Dwight Yorke Stadium
June 6 USA vs. Honduras Soldier Field; Chicago
June 10 Mexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago Estadio Azteca; Mexico City
June 10 Honduras vs. El Salvador Estadio Olimpico; San Pedro Sula

Hugo confirma que sigue un año en la cumbre de Águilas

2009-06-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

Junio 3, 2009

Estaba expectante Almería y, de momento, se ha quedado tranquila.
Alfonso García y Hugo Sánchez se han confirmado que siguen juntos un año más con un proyecto austero en el que las pretensiones están claras: dos buenos mediocentros y un sustituto para Álvaro Negredo.

Duda resuelta, Hugo Sánchez será entrenador del Almería hasta el 30 junio de 2010. En la cumbre de Águilas, celebrada ayer en Urcisol, la empresa propiedad de Alfonso García, el mexicano y el presidente acercaron posturas y construyeron las bases de lo que será el Almería de la temporada 2009-2010, que se asentará en el equipo que le queda al Almería.

No estarán Bruno, Mané, Negredo y sí la duda de Iriney. Se cierra así el capítulo en el que El Macho condicionó su continuidad al nivel del equipo que el máximo dirigente rojiblanco estructurara. Una noticia que garantiza el futuro inmediato de los rojiblancos y eso siempre es una buena nueva. "La idea es que siga, ahora hay que ponerse manos a la obra para trabajar", dijo ayer el presidente.

En la reunión, Alfonso García aclaró el número de incorporaciones que realizará, dos o tres. Un delantero y, máxime, dos centrocampistas. Los nombres de estos futbolistas ya están en manos del presidente. El peruano Segundo Castillo, el mexicano Gerardo Torrado y Jesús Vázquez, están entre ellos. Para la delantera, la incógnita sigue presente. Aranda, el venezolano Giancarlo Maldonado, Henok Goitom, y el brasileño Ailton José Almeida, son tres de los candidatos de una lista de la que se cae el gaditano David Barral. La permanencia del Sporting de Gijón hace que su contrato se encarezca.

El presupuesto del club almeriense será similar al elaborado la temporada pasada, que rondó los 24 millones de euros. García no quiere hipotecar el futuro de su equipo basándose en las exigencias del mexicano y, aunque fichará poco, tratará de fichar bien. "Si tiramos la casa por la ventana en dos años podemos estar en Segunda B", manifestó antes de la reunión el murciano.
A la reunión, que se prolongó desde las 11:00 hasta las 15:00 horas, asistieron el propio presidente, Hugo Sánchez y su agente FIFA, Sergio Egea, Antonio Fernández (mano derecha en la sombra del presidente) y José Juan Bonillo, vicepresidente ejecutivo de la entidad.

Nota publicada en el periodico As de España

Working to bring Soccer World Cup in 2018 or 2022 to US

2009-06-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

June 2, 2009

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose years of public service have been rooted in great part by his dedication to sports and fitness, today accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee in its endeavor to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.
As governor of California, the most populous state in the U.S. with a significant history of playing host to FIFA World Cup men’s and women’s matches, Schwarzenegger will play an influential role as a member of the Board of Directors as the USA Bid Committee prepares its application and campaign to bring the world’s largest sporting event to the United States.
"Soccer is the world's most popular sport and California has been home to some of its most exciting games, and I am proud to be a part of bringing the World Cup back to the United States," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "The millions of fans from around the globe that will travel to the United States to cheer their teams will prove a great benefit for our state, our nation and the world of soccer."

“Governor Schwarzenegger is a passionate and committed leader in all the projects he takes on,” said Sunil Gulati, the Chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of U.S. Soccer. “California is a soccer state in every sense of the word, with participation and avid support at all levels, from its vast youth system to the professional ranks. We look forward to working with Governor Schwarzenegger in our effort to bring the World Cup back to the United States in 2018 or 2022.”

Globally as well as nationally, California has been central to the United States’ profile in soccer. For example:
The FIFA World Cup championship match in 1994 between Italy and champion Brazil was held in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., as was the title match for the women’s FIFA World Cup in 1999 won by the U.S. over China. The women’s World Cup returned to the United States in 2003, where again the title was decided in California, this time with a victory by Germany over Sweden at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Numerous Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup matches have been played in Carson (The Home Depot Center), Pasadena (Rose Bowl), Palo Alto (Stanford Stadium) and San Jose (Spartan Stadium), including three World Cup finals: The 1994 FIFA World Cup final between Italy and champion Brazil was played at the Rose Bowl, the 1999 Women’s FIFA World Cup final won by the U.S. against China was played at the Rose Bowl, and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup final between Germany and Sweden was played at The Home Depot Center. In 2003, U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center at The Home Depot Center opened in Carson, Calif., and is the home for U.S. national teams at all levels from Under-14 to the full Men’s and Women’s National Teams. The NTC stands as one of the great achievements in U.S. Soccer history and has established itself as the center of the soccer world in the United States. Los Angeles is the only city that is home to two clubs in Major League Soccer - the L.A. Galaxy and Chivas USA. Both clubs share The Home Depot Center as their home stadium. California has also been host to international friendlies and marquee events such as Major League Soccer’s All-Star Game and MLS Cup matches, and the recent inaugural match for the new Women’s Professional Soccer league. The first-ever U.S. Soccer Development Academy Showcase was held at the U.S. NTC in 2007, along with the 2008 Development Academy Finals Week. The 2009 Development Academy Finals Week will also be held at the U.S. NTC, from July 10-19. Also, six stadiums in California are among 58 venues in the United States that are under consideration to play host to FIFA World Cup matches in 2018 or 2022 – the Rose Bowl, Stanford Stadium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Memorial Stadium in Berkeley and Oakland-Alameda County Stadium in Oakland. No other state has as many as six stadiums in the running.

In 1994, the U.S. used nine stadiums – including the Rose Bowl and Stanford Stadium – to host the FIFA World Cup, which then featured a 24-team and 52-match format compared to today’s field of 32 nations competing in 64 matches. Despite the smaller field and schedule of matches in 1994, the United States set an overall attendance mark of 3,587,538, a record that broke the previous tournament mark by more than one million fans and still stands today.

The United States is one of nine candidate nations that have formally declared their desire to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. The others are Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia, with joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain. Qatar and South Korea have applied only as candidates to play host to the tournament in 2022.
All candidates must have their bid applications to FIFA by May 14, 2010. FIFA’s 24 member Executive Committee will study the bids, conduct site visits and name the two hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December 2010, completing a 21-month bid and review process.
Gov. Schwarzenegger joins the Board of Directors of the USA Bid Committee that recently welcomed U.S. National Team icons Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm, as well as former U.S. Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger. In the months ahead the USA Bid Committee will add additional national leaders from the sectors of sports, entertainment, government and business.
The USA Bid Committee’s efforts also recently earned the support of President Barack Obama, who has reached out to FIFA – the world's governing body of soccer – to endorse the efforts to bring the world’s largest sporting event back to the United States. In a letter to FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter and U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati, President Obama noted the role soccer played in his life as a youth, and its ability to unite people, communities and nations from every continent.

“Hosting another successful World Cup is important for the continued growth of the sport in the United States. And it is important to me personally,” President Obama wrote in his letter. “As a child, I played soccer on a dirt road in Jakarta, and the game brought the children of my neighborhood together. As a father, I saw that same spirit of unity alive on the fields and sidelines of my own daughters’ soccer games in Chicago.”
“Soccer is truly the world’s sport, and the World Cup promotes camaraderie and friendly competition across the globe,” President Obama added. “That is why this bid is about much more than a game. It is about the United States of America inviting the world to gather all across our great country in celebration of our common hopes and dreams.”
President Obama echoed those sentiments last month in an exclusive Univision interview conducted at the White House by renowned journalist Jorge Ramos. President Obama’s comments can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeCZOTFfOcA&feature=channel_page.

ABOUT U.S. SOCCER: Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has helped chart the course for soccer in the USA for more than 95 years as the governing body of the sport. In this time, the Federation’s mission statement has been simple and clear: to make soccer, in all its forms, a pre-eminent sport in the United States and to continue the development of soccer at all recreational and competitive levels. To that end, the sport’s growth in the past two decades has been nothing short of remarkable as U.S. Soccer’s National Teams have continually succeeded on the world stage while also growing the game here in the United States with the support of its members. For more information, visit ussoccer.com.

ABOUT THE USA BID COMMITTEE INC.: The USA Bid Committee is a non-profit organization created to prepare a successful application to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022 on behalf of the United States Soccer Federation. The Bid Committee will submit its comprehensive bid to FIFA by May 2010, with FIFA’s 24 member Executive Committee making a decision in December 2010. Members of the USA Bid Committee include Executive Director David Downs, U.S. Soccer President and USA Bid Committee Chairman Sunil Gulati, U.S. Soccer CEO and General Secretary Dan Flynn, U.S. Men’s National Team player Landon Donovan, U.S. Women’s National Team former player Mia Hamm, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, former Democratic National Committee National Finance Chair Philip Murphy, and former Goldman Sachs Vice Chairman (Asia) Carlos Cordeiro.

Note from ussoccer

Hugo Sánchez sigue en el Almería

2009-06-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Junio 2, 2009

Hugo Sánchez ha aceptado seguir en el Almería y cumplir el año de contrato que tenía firmado. El entrenador mexicano se ha reunido esta mañana con el dueño de la entidad, Alfonso García, en las instalaciones profesionales del presidente rojiblanco en Águilas (Murcia).

Ha asumido que sólo llegarán dos o tres jugadores (un delantero y uno o dos mediocentros) y deberá tirar con lo que queda en una plantilla que se han ido o se van a ir Negredo, Bruno, Mané, Iriney y Juanito, además de que se está valorando diversas ofertas por Esteban Solari.

http://www.marca.com/2009/06/02/futbol/equipos/almeria/1243952332.html

http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol_internacional/nota/76934

Asi quedaron los equipos españoles

2009-05-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

Junio 1, 2009

Barcelona es el Campeon y los tres ultimos lugares de la tabla bajan a segunda division.

1....Barcelona..... 87
2....R. Madrid.....78
3....Sevilla..........70
4....Atlético........67
5....Villarreal.....65
6.....Valencia.....62
7....Deportivo....58
8...Málaga..........55
9...Mallorca.......51
10..Espanyol.....47
11..Almería......46
12...Racing.......46
13...Athletic......44
14...Sporting.....43
15...Osasuna.....43
16...Valladolid....43
17..Getafe.........42
18...Betis...........42
19..Numancia....35
20..Recreativo....33

Atletico de Madrid 3 - 0 Almeria

2009-05-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

Junio 1, 2009

Planea Hugo la siguiente temporada. El estratega mexicano minimizó la derrota de su equipo por 3-0 ante el Atlético de Madrid al afirmar que se encuentran relajados después de lograr la permanencia en Primera División.

El entrenador del Almería, el mexicano Hugo Sánchez, declaró que el equipo se ha relajado tras el partido disputado hoy en el Vicente Calderón, a pesar de la derrota 3-0 frente al Atlético de Madrid.
Los almerienses consiguieron hace tres fechas su permanencia en la primera división de la Liga de España, por lo que el "pentapichichi" expresó:
"La tensión y la preocupación de lo que nos jugábamos lo conseguimos hace tres partidos. No es la misma tensión. El equipo, al lograr la meta (la permanencia) se ha relajado".

El Almería se quedó con 46 puntos, por lo que se ubicó en la décima posición de la tabla, sin embargo, podría moverse de ese lugar porque la fecha concluye hasta mañana.
El técnico mexicano dirigirá un año más al Almería. "Mi contrato es por un año más. Tendré una reunión con el presidente esta semana para la planificación de la próxima temporada", concluyó.

Nota publicada en el periodico As de España

Barcelona 2- 0 Manchester United

2009-05-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2009

Barcelona with a brilliant performance defeated the English team 2-0.

Where did it all go wrong for Manchester United?
Everything was going right until they conceded after ten minutes. The goal itself was a perfect illustration of what went wrong on the night, as Andres Iniesta went through unchallenged and slipped the ball to Samuel Eto'o to score. There was no grit in the midfield and that was where United failed, they just didn't have the tenacity to prevent Barcelona from playing the way they wanted to play.
Beyond that, the goal completely knocked the stuffing out of United and they just never recovered. It was surprising to see this team play with so little character and look so utterly unable to bounce back from a position they have been in many times before.
Was this a case of Sir Alex Ferguson getting his tactics wrong?
We saw Chelsea refuse to let Barcelona play their game, but last night it seemed that United were almost drawn into it. The area that United really suffered was in central midfield where they were overrun by Xavi and Iniesta.
Maybe Ferguson could have played an extra man in there, more of a traditional 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 rather than what he ended up playing. Ferguson suggested afterwards that it had been Ryan Giggs's role to drop back into midfield when United didn't have the ball, but he really didn't do that.
A big factor for the type of game United wanted to play was the absence of Darren Fletcher. He is the kind of player they needed for a game like that. If Fletcher or even the injured Owen Hargreaves had been fit they might have been able to do something along the lines of what Chelsea did. But without him I thought United's two central midfielders in Michael Carrick and Anderson were very poor.
Were you surprised that United seized the initiative rather than sit back and try to hit Barcelona on the counter attack?
Yes, I was. I believed United would have started in a much more cautious manner and look to counter attack with real pace and strength whenever they got the ball. If anything it was the other way round and once they had gone 1-0 down they barely seemed able to retain possession. Their confidence had gone and they almost looked as if they had an inferiority complex next to some of the Barcelona players.
Maybe if United had scored early on and if Nemanja Vidic had managed to tackle Eto'o it would have been a very different game, and we would all have a very different assessment of United and of Ferguson's tactics. But games are changed by goals and I am afraid last night will be remembered as a night when United fell terribly short.
What now for United? How will they recover from this setback?
United have got to remember what they have achieved this season. In some ways it has been a fantastic season, but I have just had a nagging feeling over the past couple of months that they have been running on empty.
They scrapped their way through a lot of their final league games, often getting more than their performances warranted. But when it came to it last night, against a real top-class team, they fell short.
Winning last night would have papered over some cracks. It's not a case of United tearing it up and starting again by any means, but Ferguson will have to look at where they have not been as strong, where their cover hasn't been as good and put that right over the summer.
Some have accused Ferguson of sentimentality in his selection of Giggs and Scholes? Is their time up?
Ferguson said last night that this time last year he had thought Giggs and Paul Scholes would have been phased out over the course of this season. Giggs hasn't been phased out because he has played extremely well, well enough to pick up the PFA Player of the Year, so I don't think we can base any judgment on one extremely poor performance.
But Scholes, and I have been saying this for two or three years now, is the one who looks washed up. He can play brilliantly when United are at home and are going to have a lot of the ball. Then he can sit back, spray passes around and look wonderful. But when United are up against it he has really struggled. He looks like the one who you could see being phased out and not playing very much in what is expected to be his final season.
Once again Ronaldo refused to commit his future to United in the wake of the defeat. Should we expect another summer of speculation?
There have been conflicting noises coming out of the Ronaldo camp over the past couple weeks, but my information has been that he was of a mind to stay and Real Madrid were going to leave him where he was and go for people like Kaka, Franck Ribery, David Villa and Xabi Alonso.
But it is telling in a way that after the final he should say "I don't know, I don't know" when asked about his future. He needs to make his mind up, he messed United around last summer and his views on his future seem to change with the weather.
United need to know where they stand with him. My expectation has been that he will stay but you never know. Maybe a decision will be made for him if Florentino Perez wins the election at Real Madrid and decides the club will be better investing its money elsewhere.
Is there any hint that Barcelona's victory might signal the end of the Premier League's dominance in Europe?
We have to remember that Chelsea came within a minute of beating Barcelona fair and square in the semi-final and indeed should have beaten them.
In some ways Chelsea or Liverpool would have given Barcelona a more difficult game last night. That might sound easy to say in hindsight but Barcelona are a team that is brilliant if you let them play. Real Madrid let them play in La Liga and lost 6-2, United let them play last night and when you give them that freedom they can look brilliant.
However, this is the first time in seven meetings with English opposition that they have played the way they did last night, so maybe United made them look as good as they are, rather than making life difficult for them as Chelsea, Liverpool and previously United have have done.

Sir Alex Ferguson conceded that Manchester United performed poorly last night after his dream of becoming the first manager to retain the Champions League perished at the hands of an outstanding Barcelona team who made history of their own.
Goals in each half, from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi, were enough to give Pep Guardiola’s side a 2-0 victory that their performance merited, making them the first Spanish club to complete a treble of league, domestic cup and European Cup.
However, while Ferguson had the good grace to acknowledge that Barcelona deserved to win, he is likely to be infuriated to learn that his tactics were criticised by Cristiano Ronaldo. “We only had ten minutes [on top] and then we never found ourselves again,” the United forward said. “We were not well, the tactics were not good and everything went wrong.”
Much will be made of Ferguson’s selection, which backfired as United were overrun in midfield, although the Scot defended his decision to deploy Ryan Giggs behind Ronaldo up front and leave Michael Carrick with just Anderson for company in central midfield. “We recognised the strengths of Barcelona with three midfield players,” Ferguson said. “We tried to get Ryan to play towards the front and drop into midfield. He is better at that because he is a natural midfielder, unlike Carlos [Tévez].
“We have done well to get to the final, but we had to win it to change the pattern on teams retaining it. With the players we have we expected to do better, but we could not recover from losing the first goal.”
Without naming names, the United manager was candid about his dissatisfaction with his team’s defending. Eto’o beat Edwin van der Sar at his near post in the tenth minute and Messi was allowed a free header to seal victory 20 minutes from time.
“There is a disappointment in the performance,” Ferguson said. “Some individuals will feel that themselves. Our best performances this season have been when we’ve defended well, but our defending tonight was shoddy. But credit where credit is due. We were well beaten. The better team won and there’s nothing we can do about it now.
“Tonight the disappointment was the use of the ball when we had possession. Normally we are better at that. Maybe we had an off-night. You hope they [Barcelona] make mistakes, but when we did get the ball we didn’t do enough with it.”
Ferguson reacted angrily to questions about his future at the end of a season in which United have become the first English club to win three successive league championships on two occasions. “I don’t understand that question,” he said. “How long have you known me? I don’t like you asking that question. It’s a stupid bloody question.”

Note from Times of England

Important soccer events

2009-05-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

May 25, 2009

Soccer games to watch in your TV (Pacific Time)

Sat. July 11 Columbus Crew vs Chicago Fire 5:00 p.m. ESPN2/Deportes

Wed. Aug 19 LA Galaxy vs Chicago Fire 6:00 p.m. ESPN2/Deportes

Sat. Aug. 29 Chivas USA vs LA Galaxy 8:00 p.m. ESPN2/Deportes

Sat. Oct. 17 Chicago Fire vs New England Revolution 3:00 p.m. Fox Soccer Channel

Wed. July 29 MLS All-Star Game vs Everton FC 6:30 p.m. TeleFutura

Sun. Sept. 13 New England Revolution vs Chivas USA 12:00 p.m TeleFutura

Sun. Sept. 20 Columbus Crew vs Chicago Fire 12:00 p.m. TeleFutura

Sun. Oct. 18 LA Galaxy vs Houston Dynamo 12:00 p.m. TeleFutura

Sun. Oct. 25 Houston Dynamo vs Chivas USA 12:00 p.m. TeleFutura

Games to qualify for South Africa 2010

06/06/09 19:00 .....San Salvador ............El Salvador- Mexico
06/06/09 19:27...... Chicago...........................USA- Honduras
06/10/09 19:30 San Pedro Sula.................Honduras- El Salvador
06/10/09 20:30 Mexico City...........Mexico- Trinidad and Tobago
08/12/09 TBA...Mexico City...................Mexico- USA
08/12/09 19:30 San Pedro Sula ............ Honduras- Costa Rica
09/05/09 17:57 Sandy ..............................USA- El Salvador
09/05/09 19:30 Tegucigalpa ....Honduras- Trinidad and Tobago
09/05/09 20:00 San Jose ......................Costa Rica- Mexico
09/09/09 TBA.....Mexico City..................Mexico- Honduras
09/09/09 TBA................................Trinidad and Tobago- USA
09/09/09 19:00 San Salvador ............ El Salvador- Costa Rica
10/10/09 TBA............................................Honduras- USA
10/10/09 TBA.......................................Mexico- El Salvador
10/10/09 20:00 San Jose ........Costa Rica- Trinidad and Tobago

Important events in 2009

14-28 June FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 South Africa
03-26 July CONCACAF Gold Cup
24 September - 16 October FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt
24 October - 15 November FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria
04 December Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ South Africa
09-19 December FIFA Club World Cup United Arab Emirates

Gold Cup 2009 Schedule

First Round
Friday, July 3 – Los Angeles (The Home Depot Center)
Canada vs. Jamaica,
Costa Rica vs. El Salvador,

Saturday, July 4 – Seattle (Qwest Field)
Honduras vs. Haiti,
Grenada vs. USA,

Sunday, July 5 – San Francisco (Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum)
Panama vs. Guadeloupe,
Nicaragua vs. Mexico,

Tuesday, July 7 – Columbus, Ohio (Crew Stadium)
Jamaica vs. Costa Rica,
El Salvador vs. Canada,

Wednesday, July 8 – Washington (Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium)
Haiti vs. Grenada,
USA vs. Honduras,

Thursday, July 9 – Houston (Reliant Stadium)
Guadeloupe vs. Nicaragua,
Mexico vs. Panama,

Friday, July 10 – Miami (Florida International University Stadium)
Costa Rica vs. Canada,
El Salvador vs. Jamaica,

Saturday, July 11 – Boston (Gillette Stadium)
USA vs. Haiti,
Honduras vs. Grenada,

Sunday, July 12 – Phoenix (University of Phoenix Stadium)
Panama vs. Nicaragua,
Mexico vs. Guadeloupe,

Quarterfinals
Saturday, July 18 – Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up, TBA (x)
Group B winner vs. Group A/C third-place, TBA (x)

Sunday, July 19 – Dallas (Dallas Cowboys New Stadium)
Group C runner-up vs. Group A runner-up, TBA (y) Group C winner vs. Group A/B third place, TBA

Semifinals
Thursday, July 23 – Chicago (Soldier Field)
Philadelphia quarterfinal winners, TBA (z)
Dallas quarterfinal winners, TBA (z)

Final
Sunday, July 26 – New York (Giants Stadium)
Semifinal winners, 3 p.m. (3 p.m. EDT)

Almeria 0 - 3 Español

2009-05-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Mayo 24, 2009

Los goles del uruguayo certifican la salvación perica (Español).
Ha sido Iván Alonso el fichaje más fichaje del Espanyol... no sabría decirles desde cuando. Sí recuerdo que llegó en enero. Buscaban a Nicola Zigic, que no era mal buscar, pero se lo llevó su Racing querido. Acabó llegando el uruguayo desde el Murcia, que le debía una pasta y Pochettino, el hombre milagro, decidió que le valía. Partido a partido se fue haciendo Iván con un hueco en el equipo y peso en el vestuario. Tiene olfato y es buena gente. Ayer remató su media temporada blanquiazul anotando los goles que certificaron la permanencia de su equipo. El 2 de agosto, cuando el club inaugure su nuevo estadio (con el Liverpool) debería hacer el saque de honor. Por lo menos. ¡Ah! Y que le acompañe Coro, que cerró el marcador. Coro, el de los goles clave, se sumó a la fiesta definiendo muy bien ante Alves en una llegada eléctrica de su equipo.
Total, que al Espanyol le sobró una jornada para cantar por fin victoria. Llegó a estar a ocho puntos de la permanencia: ver para creer. Remató la faena ganando en el magnífico Estadio de los Juegos del Mediterráneo a un Almería que siempre dio la cara (lo demuestra que hizo más faltas) y que asustó más de una vez con llegadas de Juanma Ortiz (a los tres minutos le dio al palo) y más tarde con remates de Uche y Negredo que detuvo Kameni. El 0-3 fue seguramente un tanteo exagerado para ellos.

Déjenme que me acuerde de Arconada, al que despidieron en su día, siempre la poca paciencia. Hugo Sánchez remató el trabajo. El Almería no es equipo para pasar apuros... aunque lo entrene yo. Lo tenía todo hecho ayer en una tarde de despedidas. Mané, Bruno, Iriney y Negredo dejarán el equipo. Lo dieron todo y si generaron fútbol y ocasiones para despedirse de su gente con algo más que este 0-3.

Pero ya se sabe que la necesidad agudiza el ingenio y el de Alonso en el remate fue superior al de compañeros y adversarios. El Almería me gusta; quizá estuvo más blandito de lo esperado en esta ocasión y eso precipitó su derrota. En el 0-1 Alonso llegó suelto para engatillar abajo, imposible para el portero. En el 0-2 Carlos García evitó el primer remate de Jarque (en ambas ocasiones tras centros de Nené) e Iván estuvo más listo que nadie para empujar la pelota y a su equipo hacia el éxtasis. El 0-3 fue la guinda; el pastel estaba cocinado.

Apoteósis.
El final fue eso, una apoteósis españolista con abrazos, lágrimas y piña con los aficionados que le acompañaron hasta esta última estación de la Liga. Frente al Málaga será una pachanga, quién lo iba a decir. Para el Almería, tiempo de reflexión para componer el equipo de la próxima temporada cuando volverá a jugarse las habichuelas. La de ésta se las ganó pronto.

Nota del periodico As de España

Soccer games in USA this weekend

2009-05-22T08:23:00.001-07:00

May 22, 2009

Scheduled games for this weekend in USA

Saturday, May 23
New England Revolution at Toronto FC ..........1:00 p.m.
Real Salt Lake at D.C. United ..........................4:30 p.m.
Chivas USA at Kansas City Wizards..................5:30 p.m. FSC, FSE
Los Angeles Galaxy at FC Dallas........................5:30 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes at Houston Dynamo..... 5:30 p.m.
Seattle Sounders FC at Colorado Rapids ..........6:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 24
Chicago Fire at New York Red Bulls.......12:00 p.m. Telefutura