Saturday, December 08, 2007

Ronaldinho is 12th in the Golden Ball award

Ronaldinho was twelfth in the Golden Ball award given by the French magazine France Football, which was won clearly by the Brazilian from Milan Ricardo Izecson Dos Santos Leite, better known as ‘Kaká’. The Gaúcho received 18 votes in a classification which, in addition to his Brazilian national team-mate, included Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and Leo Messi from Barcelona, in the places of honour. Kaká’s is the fifth Golden Ball for a Brazilian player in the last 10 years, since Ronaldo won it in 1997 and 2002, Rivaldo in 1999 and Ronaldinho in 2005. “It is a special year for me and this prize is the icing on an impressive year with Milan in which we have won cups and have played good football”, said the player at the prize-winning ceremony in Paris.

Honours even in vibrant derby

FC Barcelona earned a valuable point in the local derby with Espanyol at the Olímpic Estadi, but the visitors certainly had the chances to snatch a victory in what was an intense encounter. The build-up surrounded the fact that both sides are so close in the league table and it was tipped to be one of the best gaesm between the sides for many years. It lived up to its billing after a dramtic opening. In the sixth minute Barça opened the scoring as they gained the early lead that they always seek in order to settle the team down and allow them to play. But there was not much space in midfield and the game was played at a frenetic pace throughout.

Another good start
Just like they did on Tuesday against Lyon, the Blaugrana score early on and it was the same man who added his name to the scoresheet as Andrés Iniesta was int he right place at the right time to beat Carlos Kameni. Lionel Messi, who caused Espanyol problems all night, eased in from the right, skipped past marc Torrejón before crossing to the far post where Andrés Iniesta had the simple task of firing home from close range. Espanyol looked stunned and took their time finding their feet after the early setback.

Messi shines
Messi was Barça's main attacking force as he continued to attack the Blanc i Blau back line down the right flank. The Argentinian created space for himself before shooting wide of the far post before Xavi fired over after being set up by Bojan Krkic in the centre of the area. Barça's next chance came after Messi was fouled on the edge of the area, but Kameni was relieved after Xavi's free-kick came back down off the bar and Bojan then looked to head home the rebound only for his effort to hit the woodwork too.

Off the bar
Víctor Valdés had a relatively untroubled opening period as he was nt called upon to make any dramatic saves to keep Espanyol out. Instead, Barça retained the upper hand and could well have further ahead two minutes before the break as Messi, again, tricked his way through as he passed Marc Torrejón before shooting towards the near post, but Kameni tipped the drive wide.

Raising their game
At the start of the second half, Espanyol raised their game slightly and began to enjoy more possession than they had before the break. The home team's renewed confidence saw them push the visitors back and could have levelled when Daniel Jarque turned in the area before firing just wide of the post. With the opposition coming forward, Rijkaard attempted to shake up his side as he took Bojan Krkic off and introduced Ronaldinho into the fray.

Level pegging
In the 68th minute, Espanyol drew level when Albert Riera was picked out down the left by Clemente Rodríguez and the winger clipped the ball back into the centre of the goal where Corominas hit it first time into the far corner of the net. Barça came back and Ronaldinho had two chances as his free-kick was tipped away by Kameni and the keeper then saved his downward header.

Final efforts
Following the equaliser, FC Barcelona began to take control of the game once again and could have snatched a late winner. Eight minutes from time, Kameni became the home team's hero as he saved from Iniesta and then made a second stop to deny Ronaldinho from close range. Messi had two shots that required more power to trouble the Cameroonian keeper before Espanyol's last chance came when Coro set up Jonathan Soriano, but his drive was kept out by Valdés.

Goals :
0-1 Iniesta (min 6)
1-1 Corominas (min 68)

Barça top group with good football (2-2)

Barça have achieved both of the main objectives from their trip to Lyon. They sealed qualification for the second round and performed well in doing so. Also, Rangers’ loss in Stuttgart (3-2) means they mathematically top the group.

Qualified, leaders and all done in style. Barça come home for Gerland with second round qualification assured, the top spot guaranteed and also outplayed French champions Olympique Lyon for most of Tuesday night’s game. The Blaugrana always looked the better side and went ahead thanks to an early goal from Iniesta, which was immediately cancelled out by Juninho...


Messi put Barça ahead again from the penalty spot in a game where Bojan Krkic was named by Rijkaard in the starting eleven and failed to disappoint, laying on the first goal and being involved in the penalty incident. With the game almost over, Juninho converted a penalty to equalise the game, but this did not mean that Barcelona could not comfortably feel they had been the better side.

All-out football
The game got off to a crazy start. It all started with a beautiful counter attack that saw Messi send the ball down the right to Bojan, who crossed on the first touch to Iniesta, who had no doubts about striking the home beyond reach of Lyon stopper Vercoutre (min 2). It had been a dream start, but the game had hardly restarted before Juninho drove home an inch perfect free kick from 35 metres that Valdes was unable to get a finger to. With matters all square again, the excitement continued with two clear chances, one for each side. In the 15th minute, Fabio Santos broke through on a one on one with Valdés and then Touré brought out the best in the home keeper with an absolute thunderbolt of a shot.

French fancies
The match eased off the pace for the next quarter of an hour, until Olympique had two chances to go ahead with chances that fell to Govou and Juninho, saved by Valdés and then cleared off the line by Abidal respectively. The Brazilian striker was having a lively evening, and soon had another chance with one of his specialist free kicks, this time seeing the ball just skim wide of the post. The French side continued to pile on the pressure, but Barça always looked in control and created plenty of danger thanks to the mobility of the strikers. The Lyon defence occasionally felt the need to resort to dirty tactics to hold Barça at bay, something which infuriated Frank Rijkaard to such an extent that he was shown the red card in the 44th minute.


Barça put on a show
The second half was not as end to end as the first, but started in similar fashion, with a Barça goal. Messi scored from a penalty after he himself had been brought down in the box following a pass from Bojan (min 58). The game continued at a frenetic pace and several Barça players were cautioned by the Italian referee. Lyon were visibly affected by the goal, and there was a muted atmosphere at Gerland as Gudjohnsen had the chance to settle the result with an effort that went just a little too high (min 62). Barça were in clear control by now and a pass from Gudjohnsen’s instep very nearly saw Leo Messi make it three.

Leaders
Ronaldinho came on in the 71st minute. Shortly after, Barça’s dominance was interrupted by a penalty committed by Abidal on Keita. Juninho powerfully stuck the ball into the back of the net (min 79) to set up what would be the final score of 2-2. Nevertheless, the draw, combined with the score of Rangers’ game in Stuttgart (3-2), was a positive one for Barcelona’s interests, for with one game still to play they have already ensured that they will qualify for the next round, and as group leaders too.

Goals :

0-1 Iniesta (min 3)
1-1 Juninho (min 7)
1-2 Messi (p) (min 59)
2-2 Juninho (p) (min 79)

Unquestionable goal spree

Barça are still unbeaten in Nou Camp, having overcome Recreativo with a resounding 3-0. In the second half, goals from Milito, Bojan and Messí proved decisive. It was more difficult than the result would suggest, but once again Barça left no options to their rivals. In the first half Barça were relentless, but didn’t find the way to crack Recreativo’s well-ordered defence. Bojan entrance in the 60th minute was the key, just when his team were putting Recre’s goalmouth under siege.

A goal by Milito from a corner eased Barça’s nerves, and Bojan himself scored a second to raise the level of euphoria. Messi added to the festival by scoring a third from a penalty.

Total domination
From the outset, the game had been dominated by Barça. Rijkaard’s men kept possession against a well-ordered Recre, but they only looked dangerous when they managed to step up the pace. The clearest chances were when Sorrentino deflected a shot from outside the area by Iniesta, and when a Zambrotta shot swerved just wide of goal. Barça found it difficult to create chances, but slowly gained confidence, dominating the game and quickly regaining possession through pressure whenever they lost it.

Looking for the goal formula
With patience and with an unstoppable Messi, Barça began to find the formula to crack Recre’s somewhat outfield defence. The Argentinean brought out the best from Recre’s goalkeeper in a one-on-one. Despite Barça’s domination, half-time arrived without goals.

Nerves begin to show
Soon after the start of the second half, Puyol had to be substituted by Márquez alter a clash with Sinama Pongolle. With the crowd becoming impatient, Messi raised their spirits with a classic move which nearly ended in a goal. Gudjohnsen was then replaced by Bojan in the 60th minute.

Bojan brings joy
In the 63rd minute, Milito blasted the ball into the net from a corner taken by Xavi on the right. The can was now open, and it was down to Bojan to destroy it, scoring from an impeccable pass from Henry. The youngster showed that he forms a great partnership with Henry.

Intense run-up to the end
Alter an over-long delay for a foul which resulted in a yellow card for Touré, Messi proved his worth once play resumed, getting a penalty from a foul on him by Martín Cáceres. The Argentinian star cold-bloodedly put home the third, making the score reflect more what had happened on the pitch. Messi and Henry both came close to making it four. In the end, they didn’t find their prize, but the crowd’s ovation was prize enough, and Barça remain unbeaten in Nou Camp.

Goals :

1-0 Milito (min 63)
2-0 Bojan (min 65)
3-0 Messi (p) (min 81)


Source : FCB

Why are football fans crazy about Ronaldinho?

Who is Ronaldinho? For millions of football fanatics, he is an adoring idol, whose very name brings awe and invokes respect and admiration to this twenty-seven-year-old Brazilian footballer. He is an attacking mid-fielder and plays his game in a thrilling way. His dazzling samba-like dance moments around the ball, his defense-smashing passes, the stunning free kicks and those lovely overhead shots that sends the ball reeling into the goal post have all fascinated and hypnotized millions of football lovers around the world.
When the ball comes to him or when he moves around the ball the adrenaline in spectators rushes to their cheeks in expectation that something dramatic is going to take place. Everything happens in a split-second and then the inevitable beaming big grin baring his buckteeth make him all the more endearing to his fans around the world. This is Ronaldinho for you. This is how he plays his game wearing that disarming smile all through the game. He is a delight to watch. There are some die-hard fans who just cannot imagine a football game without Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho suing his girlfriend

Ronaldinho’s poor performance in the world cup came under severe flak from all quarters and was even attributed reasons for his awful show. He was accused of late night parties and hot romances with the alleged French model, Alexandra Paressant. In fact in the Sun magazine interview, Alexandra Paressant spilled out the beans much to the consternation of Ronaldinho. The sexy model gave juicy details about their all-night flings in the bed like how he used to sneak out of his hotel rooms and come running to her for romping in the bed.

More than his miserable performance in the World Cup, the interview has caused much heartburn for this magnificent midfielder. In order to clear his name and come clean out of this muck, Ronaldinho decided to sue Alexandra Paressant. He said, “I am very sad to see all these stories about me in the media. Those are nothing but false information about by personal life and about an assumed relationship that could have affected my play during the World Cup. My lawyers will start the suing procedures against Miss Paressant so that my name could be cleared.”

Now it is to be seen whether Alexandra Paressant will defend her statements made in the Sun magazine or soon face the legal wrath initiated by Ronaldinho. Only time will tell.

The truth behind Brazil’s lackluster performance in the 2006 World Cup – Ronaldinho’s flings with Alexandra Paressant?

When Ronaldinho was criticized in the media for his lackluster performance in 2006 World Cup events, not many of his die hard fans took notice of the criticism and thought that losing or winning was all part of the game. But when the Sun magazine exploded with the news that Ronaldinho during World Cup events was sneaking out of his hotel room each night and having wild flings with his girlfriend Alexandra Paressant, the world of football couldn’t just digest it. While the so-called investigative journalists jumped into the fray to find out the truth his fans wondered how could the romantic nights have gone unnoticed by the hot-on-heels paparazzi.

Interestingly Josh Robertson, the editor of the dashing ‘Playboy’ magazine has come out with a stunner. His strenuous investigation led him to believe that it is all fake. He has pored over thousands of photographs while looking into the wives and girlfriends of soccer players during 2006 World Cup events and thoroughly looked into the issue. He finally concluded saying, “There’s no competent news story I can find tying Ronaldinho to Alexandra Paressant. (The Sun doesn’t say how its interview with her came about — she probably just called the paper up and asked to talk to a reporter.)”

In spite of all this, the debate still rages on, whether Ronaldinho had romantic flings with Alexandra Paressant. Only Ronaldinho could tell the truth since the ball is in his court.

Ronaldinho and Barcelona

Barcelona’s fame began to soar after Ronaldinho joined the club in 2003. He scored 14 league goals and led the club from the front; and with an unbeaten 17-match run he inspired Barcelona to finish second in the Spanish League in 2003-2004. Ronaldinho continued his amazing run in the following seasons and led Barcelona to championship wins in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.

When Ronaldinho was in action Barcelona won 81% of points and when he wasn’t playing it dropped to 53%. When Ronaldinho joined in 2003 Barcelona had 103,000 paying affiliates and it grew to 140,000 as of 2006. This phenomenal rise has been attributed to the star performer, Ronaldinho, who won twice the ‘FIFA World Footballer of the Year’, proved time and again that he is the best footballer in the world.

Thanks to Frank Rijkaard, the Barcelona coach who transformed the Brazilian ace into an attacking player, whose job is to create opportunities and score goals rather than breaching the defense and defending. The world’s best footballer is all set to repeat his winning performance for Barcelona this season too.

Barcelona on top of the world

Barcelona has lined up its galaxy of stars for the upcoming season. The star team includes players like Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o, Thierry Henry, Carles Puyol, Yaya Toure, Gabriel Milito, and Eric Abidal. These reigning football superstars have played their smashing games in the last season and spurred the hopes of millions of its fans that it is going to repeat its splendid form in the upcoming season too.

Of late Barcelona has turned out to be the biggest sensation on the football circuit. Thanks to Frank Rijkaard, the Barcelona coach for his farsighted strategies in molding Barcelona to its present status. When Barcelona plays millions of crazy fans flock the stadium and watch their favorite stars in action.

Barcelona’s soaring popularity could be gauged from the fact that more than 800 journalists hailing from some twenty countries have descended from Los Angeles, New York, and Houston and Mexico just to watch Barcelona play its rivals during the last season. Even for the practice matches more than fifty thousand fans flocked to watch the team. But what is surprising is that these die-hard Barca fans paid through their noses to watch the practice matches. This is because the organizers of the tour exploited Barcelona’s soaring popularity and encashed it by fleecing the fans of their cash.

True to the expectations the Barcelona team too never let down its fans and played their games in style

Dual Spanish nationality for Ronaldinho

The Spaniards would be greatly delighted to have Brazilian’s ace midfielder, Ronaldinho in their midst as their own kith and kin with Spanish citizenship being conferred on him. Brazilian dazzling footballer is soon going to receive his Spanish passport that bestows on him the dual Spanish nationality.

The Spanish Football league or La Liga is allowed to recruit only three non-European members under Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rules. These three berths were already occupied by Mexican forward Giovanni dos Santos along with the Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o and Cote d’Ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure.

Now to accommodate this Brazilian ace midfielder, it would not be wise to drop any of these three players and is also not possible legally. The only avenue available to solve this Ronaldinho riddle is to bestow the dual Spanish citizenship on the Brazilian star and free up a slot for a non-European Union player in the squad, reveals a source in the Primera Liga.

In the midst of this high-strung drama, AC Milan big boss, Silvio Berlusconi, a die-hard fan of Ronaldinho is ever ready to bring his idol into his club. But it is highly unlikely that Barcelona would let go the Brazilian football wizard.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Brazil held in Peru, Salas strikes

Kaka produced another superb strike to help Brazil draw 1-1 away to Peru in Sunday's FIFA World Cup qualifiers while Marcelo Salas scored his first international goals for more than two years in Chile's 2-2 away draw to Uruguay.Kaka scored with a 30-metre shot which dipped and swerved away from Peru goalkeeper Diego Penny to give the five-times world champions a halftime lead in Lima before Juan Vargas equalised in the second half.

Salas, Chile's all-time leading scorer who was recalled to the squad in August, took his international tally to 37 goals after scoring twice in 11 minutes in Montevideo.

The former Lazio and Juventus striker stopped playing altogether for the first half of the year after failing to negotiate a new contract with Universidad de Chile but rejoined the Santiago club in July to resume his career.

Uruguay, who had taken the lead through Luis Suarez, snatched a point thanks to a late equaliser from Sebastian Abreu.

Argentina, 3-0 winners over Bolivia on Saturday, are the only team with maximum points after three of the 18 rounds of games in the single South American group.They are followed by Paraguay (7 points), Brazil and Colombia (5), Uruguay and Chile (4), Venezuela (3), Bolivia and Peru (2) and Ecuador (0).



The top four teams qualify directly for the 2010 finals in South Africa and the fifth plays off against the fourth-placed team from the CONCACAF region.

Brazil could have secured all three points with the last move of the game but Juan's header from a Ronaldinho free-kick crashed against the crossbar.

Peru mounted an early barrage on Julio Cesar's goal but Brazil weathered the storm and went ahead with Kaka's third goal of the qualifiers five minutes before half-time. The AC Milan player nearly scored again with a clever chip two minutes later but Peru goalkeeper Diego Penny tipped the ball over.

Peru came back into the game and Vargas equalised with a deflected 25-metre shot in the 71st minute, the first scored by his team and conceded by Brazil in the group."Our performance was very good in the first half but we dropped off in the second, when we lost a lot of balls in the midfield and they were able to hit us on the break," said Brazil coach Dunga.

Suarez gave Uruguay a 41st minute lead after they had dominated the first half in Montevideo before Salas, who scored his last international goal in June 2005, sprang into action.



He equalised by meeting Carlos Villanueva's cross with a diving header in the 59th minute and converted a 70th minute penalty after Matias Fernandez was bundled over by Uruguay captain Diego Lugano.

Abreu salvaged a point for Uruguay with nine minutes left.

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa conceded his team did not deserve to win."If we had won the match, it would not have coincided with what happened on the field of play, for which reason the point which we obtained was valuable to us," said the former Argentina coach.

Source : FIFA

Ronaldinho optimistic of facing Peru

Brazil's Ronaldinho, troubled by an ankle injury, said he was confident of facing Peru in Sunday's FIFA World Cup™ qualifier in Lima.

However, the Barcelona player said he would play only if he was fully fit and that he was not prepared to risk aggravating the injury.


"The ankle is not swollen any more but I still feel some pain," he told reporters. "It's in the final stage of treatment. I've had a big improvement, I'm going to continue the treatment, travel with the team and my thinking is that I will play."

Brazil, who have four points from two games in the South American Zone, also face Uruguay at home on Wednesday. "There has been progress every day since I arrived and I intend to play both games," said Ronaldinho.

"But it's not a question of sacrifice. I want to play well here but I also want to return in good shape for my club. They have called every day to see how I'm progressing, I want to be 100 per cent, without pain and with confidence."

Ronaldinho took part in a practice match for 20 minutes on Thursday, but trained alone in the gymnasium on Friday. Diego, Julio Baptista or Elano are the likely replacements if he cannot play.


Source : FIFA

Everything looks decided

FC Barcelona won 3-0 away to Alcoyano with goals from Henry, Gudjohnsen (p) and Bojan, and as good as sentenced the tie, although there is still the second leg to play at the Camp Nou on January 2. Are going to miss out on a place in the next round. A first half goal from Henry and two late additions from Gudjohnsen and Bojan mean that despite their aggressive attitude to the game, Alcoyano are will only be playing at the Camp Nou for the experience, and not for any realistic hope of qualification.

Barça wholly superior
The game was intense from the outset, with Alcoyano clearly desperate to make a game of it, but nothing they could do was of any trouble to Barça. The visitors took a professional attitude from the start and refused to allow their hosts to get carried away and little by little started pegging Alcoyano back in their own half.

Gudjohnsen and Henry connect
Barça’s dominance finally played dividends with Henry’s opener (min 25), who found the target nicely following a delightful assist from Gudjohnsen. The Icelander and Frenchman have developed a terrific understanding and in the 42nd minute combined again, only for Henry’s effort to hit the post. At half time it was still 1-0, but only Barça looked like scoring any more.

Second hard to find
But despite his excellent first half, Henry made way for Bojan after the break, although the Icelander stayed on and continued to perform well, and almost got his reward in the 50th minute with a shot that missed by inches.

Bojan (57) and Gudjohnsen again (72) also came close, but both strikes went over the bar. Things took a turn for the worse when Giovani was stretchered off.

Gudjohnsen at last
It was all one-way traffic, but the second goal did not arrive until the 80th minute after the home side were reduced to ten men when Baixauli received his second yellow card. Shortly after the referee granted Barça a penalty for handball in the area, and Gudjohnsen coolly converted in the 82nd minute to make it 2-0.

Final barrage
The third came deep into injury time, and that with Alcoyano down to nine men after Carrión was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Bojan, the same player who scored Barça’s third following a delightful cross from Xavi from the right (94).

In the end Barça came home with a 3-0 advantage that hardly forced the best out of the team, and a place in the next round now seems little more than a formality.



The goals :

0-1, Henry (min 25)
0-2, Gudjohnsen (pen, min 89)
0-3, Bojan (min 94)


Source : FCB

Second defeat of the season

Barca went down to their second defeat of the season at Getafe tonight as Laudrup’s team took advantage of two of the very few chances in the game to win 2-0.

Rijkaard’s men lacked the aggression that a tough away trip like this was always going to demand and once again tasted defeat on the ground that saw their dramatic cup hammering last season. It seemed that few lessons had been learned from that defeat when Getafe went ahead after some poor defending in the first half and Barca were unable to muster any kind of reply to the home team’s determined pressing, even suffering a further goal late on after they had been reduced to 10 men following Zamrotta’s red card.


Slow start
The game got off to a slow start, though Getafe showed that they were willing and able to take the game to their visitors, even dominating at times and forcing Barca to defend deep.

Ulche gave notice of things to come with a good effort on 17 minutes, which Valdes did well to deal with and that seemed to draw some kind of response from Barca as Henry latched onto a precise Iniesta through ball on 23 minutes, only for the keeper to stop his effort with his legs, then soon after Milito also came close, heading a corner inches over the bar.



Getafe make most of their chances
Just as Barca appeared to be about to impose themselves on the game, Getafe scored, Manu taking advantage of slack marking to fire home a flick on from Mario on 27 minutes. It was a body blow to the visitors, who for the rest of the half never looked like turning the game around again.

Changes fail to turn the game around
Trijkaard shuffled the pack at half time, bringing on Zamrotta for Thuram and moving Puyol back into central defence and Barca took control of the game, as Getafe closed up shop, determined to defend their one-goal lead. Unfortunately tonight Barca seemed to lack the spark up front to convert their massive possession advantage into real goal scoring opportunities. Rijkaard again tried to inject some fresh legs, replacing Ronaldinho, who’d suffered a crunching tackle from De La Red, with Giovanni and then Bojan for Messi, but the youngsters were unable to make much impact.



Zambrotta sees red
Getafe slowed the game down with continual interruptions and fouls and Zambrotta lost his nerves with a reckless two footed tackle that saw him given a straight red.

Laudrup’s team took full advantage of the space left down Barca’s right flank and as the game drew to an end they finished off the game with a strike from Albin and sent Barca to their second league defeat this season.



Goals
1-0 Del Moral (min 27)
2-0 Albín (min 90)

Source : FCB

Barça in contro

FC Barcelona comfortably beat Rangers with a domineering display of passing and incisive football to move clear at the top of the group. First half goals from Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi gave the hosts maximum points.

The Blaugrana called for an early goal and they achieved their aim as the deadlock was broken after just six minutes as Rangers set themselves up to defend in numbers. That goal failed to open the visitors up, however, and Barça were forced to continue to look for space in which to create a second. That was eventually found just before the break and left the Scottish side with no way back.


In the second period, the hosts created even more chances as they were bale to relax and produce their trademark attacking football. Rangers maintained their stance and only troubled Víctor Valdés in the closing minutes. The victory saw Frank Rijkaard's side move three points clear at the top of the group and become clear favourites to progress to the next round. The desired startThe first goal of the night arrived after just six minutes when Ronaldinho floated a cross to the far side of the area where Messi arrived unmarked to head back across goal and Henry beat Carlos Cuellár to prod the ball home from point-blank range after it had clipped the inside of the post. It was just the start that the hosts wanted and was an important strike after Barça had failed to find a way through when the teams first met in Glasgow two weeks ago.

In the 17th minute Iniesta ran onto a loose ball after Messi's run was halted, and the Barça midfielder bent a drive just wide of the post from 20 yards out. Ten minutes later Ronaldinho, who was clearly enjoying himself again, made a quick turn of the hips and a realignment of the body to provide himself with the space to send a fizzing drive goalwards, but Allan McGregor was equal to the effort as the Scottish custodian tipped the ball over the bar.



Messi goal
The game remained intense as Rangers sat back and Barça continued to probe. Then, three minutes before half-time the second goal arrived. Ronaldinho played a neat one-two with Messi on the edge of the area to allow the Brazilian to surge forward and shoot. McGregor saved the initial shot with his legs, but was helpless as Messi strode onto the rebound and tucked the ball home from close range.

Further chances
After the break there was little change in the pattern of the game as Barça continued to press forward, while the visitors continued to look to protect their goal. Xavi had two good chances to put the Blaugrana further ahead, but both his efforts were off target, while Messi was denied twice by McGregor.

Carles Puyol was revelling in his role at right-back and spent the majority of the game surging down the flank to play as a second winger and a third goal looked to be on the cards.



Rangers edge forward
That goal never arrived through, despite substitute Bojan Krkic's attempts to break through. The youngster replaced Ronaldinho with 14 minutes remaining and looked lively, despite being unable to make his mark in the Champions League with a goal.

In the closing moments, Rangers finally ventured forward and Jean-Claude Darcheville saw a free-kick saved by Valdés before the Catalan custodian was called on again in injury time to deny Nacho Novo.



THE GOALS :

1-0, Henry (min 6)
2-0, Messi (min 42)


Source : FCB

Barça and Rangers battle for supremacy

Frustrated by Rangers FC's stubborn resistance on Matchday 3, FC Barcelona will try to improve on their 0-0 draw with Walter Smith's side in Glasgow when the top two teams in Group E reconvene at Camp Nou.

Only goal difference separates Barcelona from Rangers at the group summit with the sides both unbeaten with two wins and a draw apiece. Victory for either in Spain would represent a major step towards the last 16 – and in the event of third-placed Olympique Lyonnais losing at home against VfB Stuttgart, would actually secure the winning team a place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage with two games to spare.


Prior to their stalemate at Ibrox, Barcelona had won 2-0 at Stuttgart on Matchday 2, Carles Puyol and Lionel Messi scoring in the second half. Frank Rijkaard's men defeated Lyon 3-0 at home in their opening fixture, Messi and Thierry Henry adding to the lead given them by François Clerc's own goal.

Rangers began their campaign with a 2-1 success against Stuttgart, coming from behind to win through goals from Charlie Adam and Jean-Claude Darcheville. They built on that positive start with a 3-0 victory at Lyon on 2 October, Lee McCulloch, Daniel Cousin and DaMarcus Beasley all scoring as Rangers recorded their first away win in the UEFA Champions League since 2000/01.



Following their unbeaten start, Rangers are on course to register their best points tally in the UEFA Champions League since the introduction of the 32-team group stage. Their best performance to date in terms of points was in 2000/01 when they accrued eight points, having recorded two wins, two draws and two defeats.

Barcelona are one of only two teams in the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League yet to concede a goal along with Arsenal FC.Barcelona have won only once in six previous meetings with Scottish opposition. That victory came on their last visit to Glasgow to face Rangers' neighbours Celtic FC in the UEFA Champions League in September 2004 – Deco, Ludovic Giuly and Henrik Larsson were the scorers in a 3-1 success.

The Spanish club's home record against Scottish teams does not inspire confidence with one defeat and two draws, most recently a 1-1 draw with Celtic in the 2004/05 group stage. Samuel Eto'o opened the scoring for Barcelona in that match only for John Hartson to level for the visitors.



Prior to that draw, they had lost 2-1 to Dundee United FC in the 1986/87 UEFA Cup quarter-final and been held 0-0 by Celtic in the fourth round of the same competition in 2003/04, running out aggregate losers on both occasions.

However, Rangers have a disappointing record in Spain, with two draws and six defeats from eight matches there.

In addition, they have lost five out of seven two-legged ties against Spanish opposition, the most recent reverse coming last season in the UEFA Cup Round of 16, where they lost 2-1 on aggregate to CA Osasuna. Brahim Hemdani's injury-time equaliser earned Rangers a 1-1 first-leg draw prior to their second-leg defeat in Pamplona.

Rangers' most recent UEFA Champions League opponents from Spain were Villarreal CF, whom they met in the first knockout round in 2005/06. The Light Blues fought back twice to salvage a 2-2 draw at Ibrox but a 1-1 draw in Spain left them eliminated on the away-goals rule.



Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram was part of the Parma FC side defeated 2-0 at Rangers, and 2-1 overall, in a UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie in August 1999. More recently, Thuram was in the France team beaten by a Scotland outfit featuring four Rangers players – David Weir, Alan Hutton, Lee McCulloch and Barry Ferguson – in a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying match in Paris in September.

Weir, McCulloch and Ferguson were also in the side that beat Thuram and Henry's France 1-0 in Glasgow in October 2006.

Rangers' Spanish forward Nacho Novo began his career with SD Huesca before leaving his home country to join Raith Rovers FC in 2001.


Source : UEFA

Ronaldinho : "I’m still not 100%"

Speaking the day after scoring two goals in Barça’s 3-0 defeat of Betis, Ronaldinho gives us his thoughts on the start to the season and his own form. He believes he has room for improvement.
In an exclusive interview with Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat, Ronaldinho speaks freely about the criticism he has received recently. He assures us that he’s not worried by it and that his aim is to perform at 100% of his possibilities and stay with Barça.


At home you’re unbeatable. You’re the best team in Europe at home.
"Perfect, isn’t it? Things are going really well at home and now we have to try and be at the same standard in away matches. The objective is to do well at home and away”.

Why does Barça change so much away from the Camp Nou?
"I think it’s normal. The same difficulties that teams have when they play here, we have when we play away. When they play at home, other teams are very motivated and have the support of the fans. All this makes it very difficult for us”.

Rijkaard says you need more mentality. More sacrifice away from home.
"He has a perfect right to say whatever he likes. He’s the coach. It’s true that we’re performing better in every match. You have to listen to him and respect him, and it’s our job to do what he asks”.

Are you starting to get back to the form you were in before the international break?
"Every time you stop, you find it a bit difficult to get back to the same level. Let’s hope the same thing doesn’t happen after the next break. It’s normal when you stop playing regularly with the same team at the same rhythm”.



Are you feeling better?
"Each day that goes by, I’m happier. After my injury, I’m feeling good again and I hope to be 100% as soon as possible”.

Does that mean you still don’t feel fully fit?
"No. I’m still not 100%. I want to improve in all aspects. I’m better than before but I’m aware I could be much better”.

We saw you smile yesterday. Does that mean you’re enjoying yourself on the pitch?
"They only film me when I’m not smiling because I’m always happy. But sometimes, people don’t want to see you smiling and don’t show you smiling. But it’s true. I enjoyed myself yesterday and I’m feeling better all the time”.

Was the goal against Valladolid psychologically important in your performance yesterday?
"I don’t think it was fundamental. I’m fitter in every match and that’s good. It’s not the goal that gives me more confidence, especially if you bear in mind that I’m not a player that scores in every match. But it’s great when you find yourself with a good rhythm. If the goals come, then better still. What makes me even happier is scoring from free kicks. It’s something I work on a lot and when it comes off I’m very happy”.

Did you need a performance like that to regain confidence, or for people to have confidence in you again?
"Neither. A player has to check every day if he’s in good shape. That’s a footballer’s life. You have to keep proving every day that you have what it takes to be in the starting line-up, to be an international, to entertain the fans. So that’s my life every day”.



By the way, who did you dedicate the goals to?
"To a great friend, who’s always here for every match (Manel Vich, the Camp Nou announcer). I get on very well with him and yesterday I dedicated my goals to him”.

The second one as well?
Yes, both goals. He’s a great friend”.

You’ve now scored 90 goals for Barça and you’re the top scorer in the squad. This year you’ll reach 100, won’t you?
“Yes? Even I didn’t expect to score so many goals. It’s good and I hope it stays that way”.

Do you think we’re going to see the Ronaldinho of 2 or 3 seasons ago – the player that scored impossible goals?
"You’re always going to see a motivated player, who wants to give 100%, and I hope that’s what everybody comes to see. A Ronaldinho that is always trying to do the best for his team”.

I suppose it’s difficult to be at the same standard. Do you think you set such a high standard that, now that you aren’t matching it, people think it’s not enough”.
"I think there’s criticism and criticism. There’s criticism from people who have never played football and don’t know what’s happening. Criticism from people who played and know how difficult it is and know everything that’s happening. I think I’m playing well but I’m aware I can improve a lot. I want to be where I think I can be”.

Some people say that you need to reinvent yourself as a player, that you can bring other things and be very important for the team.
"The important thing is to keep on innovating and finding a way to surprise. You always look to surprise, with dribbling, a new move, a new pass... As long as I believe I have the creativity for that, that’s what I’ll try and do. I’m never going to lose my characteristics because that’s what I know how to do. I want to mix everything that is innovative with the same things as always”.



Do you think you find it harder to do things that were easy before?
"No, but perhaps the fans expect me to do all the tricks, the opponents as well. If you don’t innovate, they all take the ball away from you. I believe it’s important to innovate in order to avoid repetition”.

How have you been these past few weeks? How do you react to criticism?
"I don’t worry. I always try and give 100% and bring the best to the team”.

Do you feel you’ve been unfairly treated?
"Never. Not at any moment. The fans have always been with me, which is what is important to me”.

Even now when people are talking about your private life?
"People always talk but they haven’t got anything to show. I’ve been here for many years, I’ve always had my way of living, and I’ve behaved the same. So far, nobody’s been able to prove I’ve done something. People always invent loads of stuff. And as they form public opinion, many people end up believing them”.

All your team-mates have defended you in recent weeks. They still consider you to be the leader of the team. Has their support been vital?
"They’re friends and they treat me well. We’re like a family. And that’s normal. When someone’s being criticised or unfairly treated we always defend him, because we want to see everyone at 100%”.

You’ve given a lot to FC Barcelona. The history of the Club has changed a lot in recent years. Do you think people have forgotten that?
"People have always been behind me. They’ve never left me. And that’s what motivates me: to train more and more every day to keep on entertaining. That’s my motivation”.

Are you happy in Barcelona?
"As always”.

As much as before?
"As always. More each day”.

Have you ever thought of leaving?
"Never”.



Team-mates What do you think about Messi being one of the idols of the Camp Nou?
"It’s normal and I’m very happy about it. Being with him and seeing everything that’s happening in his life is perfect. It’s wonderful and being his friend is something that delights me because he’s never changed”.

Why do you think Messi dedicates nearly all his goals to you?
"Because we’re very good friends and we always try and help each other. Both on and off the pitch. Most of the goals we score come from joint moves and we talk a lot about how to do these moves. When it works, it’s fantastic”.

What do you think about the two youngsters, Bojan and Giovani?
"It’s fundamental to have young players. It’s the future of Barça. Let’s hope the same happens to them as happened to Messi. They look good to me; they’re more and more confident. They’re with the squad each day and learning a great deal. They’re looking better and better”.

And the new signings? In particular Abidal and Touré, who were unknown to many of us and yet have become important players.
"They’re both great players. They’re contributing a lot and can contribute even more. They’re adapting to a new rhythm of play, to a team that plays in a different style to all the others, and I believe they still have a lot to give”.

There’s a lack of cohesion between you and Henry. You look for each other but very often the pass doesn’t come. Do you need time?
"It’s normal. Henry changed from a place where he’d been playing for many years and now he’s adapting. He can adapt to anyone. I’m very comfortable with him and each match we play together we know each other better. He’s a very intelligent player and very creative. It’s just a matter of time”.

The 2014 World Cup is going to be held in Brazil. Do you dream of taking part?
"Yes. I can see myself playing there. I imagine myself in form and in shape. My objective is to keep my place in the Brazil team all that time and help my country win another World Cup”.



Source : FCB

Three hard-earned points

Barça have beaten Almeria 2-0 in a slow moving game.

Goals from Henry and Messi, who made his mark in the last quarter of an hour, put the balance in favour of the team who had most chances.


Playing with little vision, and possibly still tired from last week, Barça faced more problems than expected against a plucky Almeria. It’s not that the Andalucian team gave Valdés much work, but Barçá’s lack of fluidity caused some nervous moments in the stands. An opportune goal by Henry near the end of the first half took away any element of surprise, but Barça seemed to be missing Messi during the first 74 minutes. In the end, a goal from a penalty by the Argentinean star ten minutes from the end assured that the three points would stay at home.

Pressure from visitors
Unai Emery’s men began with their ideas clear. Well positioned, they put pressure on Barça’s creation zone. With few opportunities of getting the ball to Xavi or Iniesta, Barça played with patience from the back, and also fought to win the ball in their opponent’s half. Without being offered any verticality, Thierry Henry struggled to get into the game.

Henry opportunistic
Barça’s first chances came with a counter-attack which Ronaldinho played into the hands of Cobeño and two weak shots from Milito after two corners. Almeria had the game as they wanted, with Barça looking uncomfortable. The crowd also began to get impatient, whistling at the Almeria goalkeeper’s attempts to waste time.

Nervousness changed to euphoria in the 37th minute. Giovani won the ball from Almeria’s defence, and when Cobeño tried to neutralise the situation, he left Henry with a dead ball, leaving the Frenchmen to enjoy his fourth league goal (and his first in Camp Nou). The goal came as a relief to Barça, who had been unable till then to break the Andalucians’ defensive wall.



Brave Almeria
Puyol, who had been impeccable on returning to his central position, was substituted by Márquez after half time because of intestinal problems. The Mexican defender, along with Zambrotta and Touré, was back after three weeks out through injury. The game looked open, and the first chance of the second half was a missed header from Crusat (min. 50). This afternoon, Almeria have shown bravery and good footballing taste.

Enter Messi
During the second half, Barça persisted in looking for a second goal. Iniesta had the clearest chance with a shot from the edge of the area which Cobeño saved (min.62). Despite this, Barça’s imprecision continued. Rijkaard modified the midfield, bringing on Gudjohnsen for Touré Yaya. The panorama didn’t change with the Icelandic player and the next one to come on was Messí (min 74).

A calmer end
Giovani won a penalty in the 79th minute and Messí sent Cobeño the wrong way.
The 2-0 lead made the last part of the game calmer, and produced two of the best moves of the game. The first started with Henry and ended with Giovanni just missing. Straight after, a pass from Messi to Henry brought off a good save from Cobeño. These last actions left a better taste in the mouth in a victory which was more complicated than expected.

Goals :
1-0 Henry (min 37)
2-0 Messi (p) (min 79)


Source : FCB

Unrewarded superiority

Barça and Rangers played out a goalless draw at Ibrox Park. Rijkaard’s enjoyed more of the play and the most chances but were out of luck in front of goal.

Playing the ball won over the physical style employed by the Scots, but none of this was reflected on the Ibrox scoreboard. Barça ran the show in Glasgow but failed to transform any of that into goals, but did make it three Champions League games in a row without conceding a goal.


This result leaves the two sides neck and neck at the top of the group with seven points each. The two clubs meet again at the Camp Nou in a fortnight’s time.

Barça impose their style
Rijkaard had already warned about the physical approach Rangers take to their game and responded with an aggressive combination style throughout the first half, which thwarted Rangers and left them with no option other than hopeful high balls into the area.

For most of the game Rangers were held back in their own half, and Puyol, playing in the unfamiliar right back role, was more involved in attacking than defensive duties. The home side opted for long balls, but Milito and Thuram proved impenetrable at the heart of the Barça defence.



Ronaldinho hits the post
The Scots always looked dangerous from dead ball situations, but it was Ronaldinho who came closest to scoring early on with no fewer than three chances. The clearest came in the 23rd minute, when his effort struck the Rangers crossbar.

In the 40th minute, the Brazilian and Puyol both had chances off a corner, and the ball was cleared from the six yard box by a hand in the Rangers defence, but the referee failed to spot the infringement.



All out attacks
After the restart, Barça created even more pressure on a Rangers side that rarely moved out of its own half. Gudjohnsen worked well as a defensive midfielder and also led the team’s attack as they found their way deep into the Rangers half, but rarely caused excessive danger to the well-positioned Scottish defence. In fact the clearest chance was struck by Cuéllar almost into his own net, along with a Henry header that hit the post.



Rangers wake up
Barça faced the most problems in the final quarter of the half when Rangers started playing more practical football. Playing down the wings they won a series of corners, but nothing truly managed to trouble Valdés. The game ended as it had begun, 0-0, and both sides maintain strong positions at the top of Group E.

Source : FCB

Ronaldinho is back

Ronaldinho has been named in the squad to travel to Glasgow Rangers for the Champions League encounter this week.

He took part in Sunday morning training, at which Touré and Zambrotta also trained as normal...


The defeat to Villarreal behind them, Barça trained this morning at La Masia, with all thoughts on the Champions league game in Scotland. After the session, Frank Rijkaard announced his squad for the game in Glasgow, in which Ronaldinho comes in for the injured Deco.

Missing players
The first league defeat of the season has brought further bad news for Barça with Deco out injured. The Portuguese player spent the morning doing tests with the medical services. Not only Deco, but also Messi, Henry and Milito were missing, as they were instead working out in the gym with Márquez, all concentrating on physical problems.



Touré and Zambrotta back to normal
The positive note were the returns of both Touré Yaya and Gianluca Zambrotta to normal training. The players that played on Saturday evening only did a gentle warm-down routine, while the other players including Touré and Zambrotta, did a series of circuits and ended up taking shots at Jorquera.

The full squad :
Valdés, Jorquera, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Puyol, Messi, Thuram, Sylvinho, Xavi, Oleguer, Abidal, Milito, Henry, Ezquerro, Gudjohnsen, Giovani, Bojan and Crosas.


Source : FCB

Brazil scramble draw in Colombia

Colombia and Brazil kicked off their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying campaigns with a 0-0 draw in Bogota on Sunday.

The only team to have played at all 18 editions of the FIFA World Cup, Brazil are likely to be happier with the point given that they failed to play the free-flowing football for which they have become renowned.


Despite making wholesale changes from their Copa America Venezuela 2007 squad and fielding an inexperienced team, Colombia had most of the pressure and Brazil became less adventurous as the game went on.

The match kicked off 45 minutes late after a torrential downpour left puddles on the pitch but the water drained away quickly.



Backed by a passionate crowd at the El Campin stadium, Colombia took the game to Brazil and Radamel Falcao went close after a well-worked move from a free-kick in the third minute.

Colombia striker Wason Renteria twice forced Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar to make difficult saves from headers before the break.



Brazil's best first-half effort came when Ronaldinho had a shot from a narrow angle turned around the post by Agustin Julio.

Colombia continued to press forward after half-time and Julio Cesar was forced to parry a long-range shot from substitute Freddy Grisales.



Aldo Ramirez also tested the goalkeeper with a low drive, but Colombia were unable to find their way past a packed Brazil defence.

Midfielder Mineiro had Brazil's only second half scoring chance when his 25-metre drive was turned away by Julio.


Source : FIFA

Barça continue unbeaten against Atlético

FC Barcelona extended their unbeaten start to the new season to nine matches as they beat Atlético de Madrid thanks to goals from Deco, Lionel Messi and Xavi in Camp Nou on Sunday.

The build up the encounter focussed on the two sides that were seen as the in-form teams in the top flight as they both went in search of another win....


Despite a bright opening by Atlético though, it was Barça that stretched their run of consecutive victories to six matches as they ended up as comfortable winners. Three goals capped a confident display in a game that saw Frank Rijkaard's side dictate the pace of play throughout and never really allowed the visitors to create many clear chances to worry Víctor Valdés.

A decisive mistake
In the opening minutes, Atlético's strategy of trying to deny the Blaugana any time or space in which to play looked to be working as they hastled and harried from the start and looked dangerous going forward. Then, in the 15th minute a mistake by Chrsitian Abbiati undid all their good work and allowed Barça to take the lead. Messi cut back inside Mariano Pernía on the right flank before sending a low pass into the area. Abbiati looked set to comfortably collect, but the Italian spilled the ball and Deco was on hand to tuck home from close range.



Ronaldinho and Messi produce the second
Having broken the deadlock, Barça's spirits began to lift and they began to enjoy the game and they added a second goal just five minutes later. Thierry Henry rolled the ball back for Messi who made a sudden surge forward and, after a neat interchange with Ronaldinho, was able to take aim and guide the ball across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

The rhythm of the game was set by the home team and they continued to attack, but the urgency had gone after giving themselves a two-goal cushion and they were able to stroke the ball around. Seven minutes before the break, Ronaldinho was given a golden chance to add a third when Messi's pass along the area was nudged on by Deco, but as the Brazilian met the ball on the left he fired it wide of the near post. Messi then fired a shot straight at Abbiati after receiving the ball on the right of the area thanks to a fine piece of skill from Ronaldinho, who had lifted a pass over the Atlético defence.



A flawless defence
At the start of the second half, the home team almost added a third as Deco forced Abbiati into a save as he drove goalwards, before Gabi Milito was thwarted from close range by Abbiati after Henry's ball had picked out the defender at the bear post. It was not until the 64th minute that Valdés tasted his first action of the period when Maxi Rodríguez's shot looked bound for the top corner only for the Catalan keeper to make a flying save to tip it away. Simão then looked to lob the Catalan keeper from close range, only to see his effort drift wide of the far post. Carles Puyol had an inspiring game at the back as he made several fierce challenges to keep the danger away.

Third strike
There was time for a sudden upturn in pace by the hosts as Deco again tested Abbiati before he set up Messi who saw his effort turned onto the post by the keeper. In the final minute there was some icing added to Barça's cake when Deco and Messi exchanged passes before the Portuguese international slotted the ball down the left for Dos Santos whose first time pass across goal was met by Xavi to put Barça three goals ahead.

Goals :
1-0 Deco (min 15)
2-0 Messi (min 19)
3-0 Xavi (min 89)

Fuente : FCB

Barça’s winning streak continues

Goals from Puyol and Messi brought Barça a crucial victory in Stuttgart in the second round of matches in Champions League Group E. Barça now have six points out six, as do co-leaders Glasgow Rangers, who won in Lyon.
Barça are impressing both at home and abroad. From start to finish this was the kind of football we like to see from the team, and only for a few spells in the first half were Stuttgart able to produce anything of major concern.


Puyol left the pitch early with an injury, but not before he had opened the Barça account, while Leo Messi was on the end of a Henry assist to make it two.

That makes for five wins out of five in all competitions, and if Barça can keep this kind of form up, then there will be a lot to enjoy this season. But injuries are once again putting a dampener on the proceedings, and both Márquez and Puyol were withdrawn with injuries tonight.

Lively start
A shot onto the post by Deco and the early injury to Márquez, who was replaced by Puyol after just 7 minutes, set things up for a dramatic opening period. Barça conjured up a series of delightful combination plays to confound the German midfield and create chance after chance, leaving Stuttgart with no option but to try to keep things as tight as possible at the back.

Ronaldinho, back to his old self in the playmaker role, supplied numerous danger-balls to Messi (min 21) and Henry (min 24), but Schäfer always seemed to be on hand to intervene. Barça were on top, but that lethal touch in front of goal just wasn’t appearing.



Valdés keeps the sheet clean
The game was over half an hour old before Stuttgart finally decided the time had come to launch an attack, and almost got away with it. Mario Gómez had two golden opportunities within a second, but the first struck the bar and second was parried away on the line by a lightning quick Valdés. Ten minutes later, and Stuttgart were at it again, and once more Valdes was the saviour. All of a sudden, the control of the game seemed to have switched to the home side, and the half time break could not have come at a better time.

Puyol scores and goes off
Puyol was the focus of all attention after the restart. He broke the deadlock when pouncing on the end of a Schäfer clearance from a powerful header by Ronaldinho in the 52nd minute. But minutes later, the Barça captain fell awkwardly and asked to be replaced. It was the second forced substitution of the night, and will come as huge frustration to a player that has only just returned from a three-month absence with a leg injury.

A joy to watch
Barça were forced to play an unorthodox back four, but despite several players being in unfamiliar positions, they got the job done in remarkably professional fashion. Messi added the second thanks to an impeccable pass from the by-line by Thierry Henry. That was in the 65th minute, and the next ten minutes or so saw a series of superlative moves from Barça that proved just why this team is so hotly tipped to do well in this year’s Champions League.

For Stuttgart, it was a case of pressing forward in the forlorn hope of salvaging something from a game that was looking increasingly like a lost cause. And indeed it was Barça who enjoyed the last big chance of the night when substitute Bojan broke through one on one with Schäfer deep into injury time, but the German keeper just got his fingertips to the ball to turn it wide for a corner.

It all ended with Barça convincing victors 2-0, and next up is a trip to Glasgow in three weeks time to face a side that currently shares the lead with Barça after Rangers caused the shock of the evening by coming away from Lyon with an emphatic 3-0 win.



The goals :

0-1, min. 52' Puyol
0-2, min. 67' Messi

Fuente : FCB

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Pre-season gets under way

LET'S GO !
The pre-season has started for the 2007-08 squad. The team was divided into four groups for different medical tests and the first training session. Frank Rijkaard’s players met at 9 o’clock in the morning at the Camp Nou, where in morning and afternoon sessions they will take a series of medical tests and also start training. After being divided into four groups, they will also be working out in the gym as well as doing physical work in La Masía...

Reprise de l'entraînement

Après une journée de repos bien mérité, les joueurs du Barça (de retour à Barcelone) se sont entraînés ce lundi à La Masia.


Frank Rijkaard a de nouveau partagé son effectif en plusieurs groupes, altèrnant les exercices de récupération et les tours de terrains. Plus tard en fin de journée, Ronnie et ses coéquipiers se sont livrés à un petit match à onze contre onze dont en voici les compositions:

Belletti, Marc Crosas, Abidal, Motta, Deco, Dimas, Maxi, Giovani, Henry et Bojan.

Zambrotta, Thuram, Oleguer, Sylvinho, Iniesta, Xavi, Touré, Ronaldinho, Eto’o et Ezquerro.

Les 3 gardiens du Barça (Valdes, Jorquera et Oier Olazábal) ont fait un roulement dans les cages des 2 équipes.

Hearts 1-3 Barça

Le FC Barcelone s’est imposé ce samedi en match amical face à Hearts. Les Catalans ont battu 1-3 l’équipe écossaise avec deux buts de Ronaldinho et un de Gio Dos Santos.


Frank Rijkaard n’a pas souhaité innover et a aligné le même onze de départ que lors du match de jeudi dernier, face à Dundee United (0-1). Le trident d’attaque était donc composé de Ronaldinho, Eto’o et Ezquerro, tandis que Yaya Touré, Iniesta et Xavi occupaient le milieu du terrain. En défense, la paire Thuram - Oleguer était accompagnée des latéraux Zambrotta et Silvinho. Victor Valdés gardait les buts.

Un bon début
Barcelone démarrait très bien la rencontre en dominant facilement son adversaire. Bien en place, l’équipe catalane faisait patiemment circuler le ballon. Pendant le premier quart d’heure, Ronaldinho puis Eto’o étaient sur le point de marquer le premier but.

Comme lors du match de préparation de jeudi, c’est sur penalty que le Barça planta sa première banderille. Bousculé dans la surface, Gianluca Zambrotta permettait à Ronaldinho d’ouvrir le score depuis les 11 mètres. 0-1 à la 20ème minute.

Barcelone s’était à peine repositionné que les Écossais rétablissaient l’égalité au tableau d’affichage. Moins de deux minutes après le but de Ronaldinho, le milieu de terrain Makela envoyait un très bon tir au fond de la cage de Victor Valdés à la suite d’une phase arrêtée.

Heureusement, le Barça réagissait à cinq minutes de la pause. Sur un excellent centre de Silvinho, Ronaldinho reprenait magistralement le cuir de la tête et battait Gordon au second poteau pour le 1-2. Le public du Murray Field Stadium, venu en masse, appréciait le spectacle.

Dos Santos creuse l’écart
Frank Rijkaard réalisa de nombreux changement à l’entame de la seconde période. Jorquera entra pour Valdés dans les buts ; Belletti et Abidal pour Silvinho et Zambrotta en défense ; Deco pour Iniesta au milieu ; et enfin Henry, Dos Santos et Bojan Krkic pour Ronaldinho, Eto’o et Ezquerro en attaque.

Le nouveau trio offensif semblait à son aise et trouva rapidement ses marques puisque, cinq minutes après la reprise, le Barça creusait l’écart avec une troisième réalisation. A la suite d’un bon jeu de passes faisant intervenir Bojan et Henry, Dos Santos permettait au Barça de mener 1-3.

Avec ce bon score en poche, les Catalans baissèrent le rythme au fur et à mesure des minutes. Notons simplement trois bonnes mais infructueuses opportunités de Thierry Henry à la 65ème, 70ème et 88ème minute, ainsi que les débuts prometteurs de Bojan et Dos Santos, très présents devant.

Fin du stage en Écosse
L’aventure écossaise s’achève donc avec cette victoire. Les Barcelonais se rendront la semaine prochaine en Asie pour une grande tournée qui comprendra 3 rencontres. Prochain rendez-vous dimanche prochain : le Barça fera escale en Chine pour jouer face au Beijing Guoan.

Dundee United 0-1 Barça

En stage de préparation en Écosse, le FC Barcelone s’est imposé 0-1 en fin de match et sur penalty face à Dundee United ce jeudi.

Une reprise… c’est toujours difficile. Le FC Barcelone est tout juste parvenu à battre la modeste équipe écossaise de Dundee United en match de préparation ce jeudi soir. Ceux qui attendaient du spectacle ont donc été déçus, mais saluons néanmoins les bonnes premières impressions laissées par les nouveaux venus, comme Thierry Henry qui a participé à toute la deuxième période et qui a marqué sur penalty.

Un trio Ronaldinho, Eto’o, Ezquerro en pointe
Frank Rijkaard avait opté pour un onze de départ composé de Valdés, Zambrotta, Oleguer, Thuram, Sylvinho, Yaya Touré, Iniesta, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Eto'o et Ezquerro. Sur le banc, Henry et Abidal, deux des nouvelles recrues barcelonaises, allaient attendre la seconde période pour obtenir du temps de jeu. Au cœur de nombreuses rumeurs évoquant un départ vers l'AC Milan, Deco était lui aussi sur la touche.

Barcelone dominait les échanges en première mi-temps, mais sans toutefois trouver la faille. Seul un coup franc de Ronaldinho, un tir d’Ezquerro à la demi-heure ou encore une combinaison malheureuse entre l’attaquant basque et Samuel Eto’o en fin de période auraient pu faire mouche lors des 45 premières minutes.

Avec Henry, mais toujours sans but
Match « d’entraînement » oblige, Frank Rijkaard réalisa de nombreux changements à la pause. Valdés, Zambrotta, Silvinho, Xavi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho et Ezquerro laissèrent leur place à Jorquera, Belletti, Abidal, Deco, Krkic, Dos Santos et Henry.

La présence de ‘Titi’ Henry en attaque mais aussi celle d’Éric Abidal au poste de latéral gauche étaient les principales attractions de cette seconde période, aussi pauvre en but que la première.

Très actifs, les deux Français laissèrent une bonne impression à l’issue de la rencontre, notamment concernant Thierry Henry. Au centre de toutes les attentions, l’attaquant des Bleus réalisa une première prestation irréprochable.

Une victoire sur le fil
C’est à quelques secondes du coup de sifflet final que le score a tourné en faveur des Barcelonais. Victime d’une faute dans la surface, Gio Dos Santos offrait à Thierry Henry l’occasion d’inscrire sur penalty son premier but sous ses nouvelles couleurs. Le Français ne manqua pas l’opportunité et envoya en deux temps son tir au fond des filets (0-1).

Le spectacle, ça sera pour une autre fois...
C’était un match d’entraînement et, au vue du tableau d’affichage, les supporters n’ont pas eu grand chose à se mettre sous la dent. On peut donc supposer que le seul homme satisfait de cette rencontre est le coach Blaugrana, très attentif aux premiers pas de ses poulains et qui commence tout doucement à mettre ses schémas tactiques en place. 0-1 score final… le spectacle, ça sera donc pour une prochaine fois.

Ronnie: "J'accepterai d'être remplaçant"

Ronnie veut que le Barça redevienne une équipe de champion. Le Brésilien affirme de nouveau que son désire est de rester sous les ordres de Frank Rijkaard à Barcelone, malgré l'intérêt pressant du Milan AC.


"C'est toujours bon de savoir qu'il y a un intérêt de la part d'un grand club pour moi, mais je suis content içi , je ne pense pas à autre chose qu'au FC Barcelone, c'est là qu'est mon futur" a déclaré aujourd'hui le crack depuis le camp d'entraînement du Barça, en Ecosse. Le brésilien est très motivé pour la saison prochaine, après avoir fait l'impasse sur la Copa America, le crack est en pleine forme: "Depuis mon retour de vacances je me sens très bien, je vais m'entraîner pour être au top pour la nouvelle saison".

Ronaldinho a également parlé de l'arrivée de Thierry Henry dans l'effectif blaugrana. "C'est une personne très simple et très ouverte qui s'adapte rapidement au groupe, il est venu nous aider à atteindre nos objectifs, à savoir gagner des titres" déclare le brésilien. Quant a la possibilité que Frank Rijkaard puisse aligner les 4 attaquants en même temps (Ronnie, Eto'o, Henry et Messi), le 10 du Barça le verrai d'un bon oeil: "Plus il y a de joueurs de qualités dans l'équipe, mieux c'est pour le club" affirme Ronnie, qui accepterait le statut de remplaçant si Rijkaard le décidait: "C'est quelque chose de normal dans le football, ce sont les joueurs qui sont les mieux physiquement qui méritent d'être titulaires".

1er match d'entraînement du nouveau Barça

Après 4 jours d'entraînement, le nouveau Barça s'est enfin livré à un match à 11 contre 11 ce mardi en Ecosse. Henry, Eto'o et Ronaldinho ont joués dans la même équipe.

Les compositions des 2 équipes

Equipe orange: Valdés, Zambrotta, Oleguer, Thuram, Abidal, Iniesta, Touré, Xavi, Henry, Ronaldinho et Etóo.

Equipe jaune: Jorquera, Belletti, Olmo, Marc Valiente, Sylvinho, Marc Crosas, Motta, Deco (Dimas), Giovani, Bojan et Ezquerro (Maxi).


La partie a durée 20 minutes, le score est resté vierge (0-0). L'équipe orange a eu les meilleures occasions, Samuel Eto'o ratant de peu le but en début de match.

En 2e mi-temps Henry et Ronaldinho se sont proccurés les deux plus belles occasions. L'attaquant français a profiter d'un bon mouvement entre Ronaldinho et Xavi pour armer sa frappe, mais la balle est aller s'écraser sur le poteau gauche de Jorquera qui était battu. Ronnie a aussi faillit marqué mais après avoir driblé 3 défenseurs, le crack a vu sa frappe arrêtée de justesse par Jorquera.

Le 1er entraînement du Barça 07/08

Le FC Barcelone version 2007/2008 est en marche. Ce matin les joueurs se sont entraîner pour la première fois.

Tous les joueurs du Barça, sauf Puyol et Edmilson blessés, ainsi que Milito, Messi et Marquez encore en vacances, se sont entraîner ce matin. Plusieurs groupes ont été formés, pendant que certains étaient sur le terrain, d'autres passaient des tests médicaux, et inversement.

Ronnie est de retour

Ronaldinho est arrivé à Barcelone ce vendredi après avoir passé les vacances chez lui, au Brésil. Dès demain, le crack passera des tests médicaux tout comme tous ses coéquipiers du FC Barcelone.


Ronnie en a profité pour parler des nouvelles recrues du club qui sont pour le moment aux nombres de 4, Thierry Henry, Eric Abidal, Yaya Touré et Gabriel Milito. Selon lui, avec ces 4 renforts, le Barça possède cette année "une très grande équipe". Une des questions qui se pose pour cette nouvelle saison 2007/2008 est de savoir si Ronaldinho, Henry, Eto'o Messi peuvent jouer les 4 ensemble sur le terrain.
"Ceci est le choix de l'entraîneur, l'important est que nous ayons une très grande équipe cette année" a déclaré Ronnie à ce sujet. "Les inscriptions sont nombreuses et importantes, j'en suis très satisfait" a admis Ronnie qui se sent prêt pour commencer la saison. "Je suis revenu en forme, je me sens très bien, avec des désirs de jouer à nouveau. Je me suis bien reposé et je suis prêt à travailler de nouveau" affirme le crack.

Nouveau contrat pour Ronnie prévu en 2008

Soriano a expliqué qu'à l'heure actuelle il n'est pas prévu d'effectuer une révision du contrat de Ronaldinho Gaucho.


Dans une interview accordée à RAC1, le vice-président du FC Barcelone, Ferran Soriano, a parlé du futur de Ronaldinho et de sa relation avec le club azulgrana.

Soriano a précisé que cet été, le club blaugrana ne négociera pas le contrat du « Gaucho » en accord avec les parties. Le Barça a en revanche déjà confirmé son accord à Ronaldinho sur son intention d'investir dans la Fondation Ronaldinho, fondée par le barcelonais dans son pays, le Brésil.
De plus, la direction présidée par Joan Laporta établira aussi une importante relation avec le frère et représentant de Ronaldinho, Robert de Assis. ‘Le grand frère’ est le propriétaire d'un petit club à Porto Alegre (le Porto Alegre FC) et le Barça prétend investir dans ce club pour pouvoir profiter du talent des joueurs qui y seront formés et les incorporer par la suite au club azulgrana. De cette manière, le Barça non seulement contrôlerait le marché argentin (où existe déjà un projet similaire), mais pourrait aussi effectuer un contrôle complet du marché brésilien, par l’intermédiaire du frère de Ronnie.

D'autre part, Soriano a signalé qu’en 2008, les parties négocieront les possibilités de changements dans le contrat du Brésilien, ainsi qu'une prolongation du contrat car les réformes du régime fiscal espagnol affecteront directement les footballeurs. De ce fait, Ronnie verrait ses rentrées se réduire. C’est pour cette raison, que le Barça considère 2008 comme l'année idéale pour négocier la continuité du crack brésilien, qui pour sa part a déjà exprimé son intention de rester au Barça.

Le calendrier de la Liga 07/08

Le Barça débutera son aventure en Liga face au Racing Santander à l'extérieur, et la finira à la Nueva Condomina face à Murcia tandis que le premier Clasico aura lieu le 23 décembre au Camp Nou.


Le calendrier de la Liga 2007/2008 a été défini aujourd'hui par la RFEF. Le Barça jouera son premier match au Nuevo Sardinero face à Santander, le 25/26 août. D'autres belles affiches auront lieu lors de la première journée, comme le derby madrilène Real Madrid-Atlético de Madrid, ou encore Valence - Villarreal.

Les 50 ans du Camp Nou seront fêtés face à Séville.
Le premier match du FC Barcelone au Camp Nou se jouera contre l'Athlétic Bilbao, la semaine suivante les blaugranas iront visiter Osasuna, et lors de la journée suivante le Barça aura le droit de fêter les 50 ans du Camp Nou à domicile face au FC Séville, le 23 septembre.

Le Derby
Le 2 Décembre, le Barça passera par Montjuïc pour y affronter l'autre équipe de Barcelone : L'Espanyol. Le match retour au Camp Nou aura lieu lors de la 33ème journée, le 20 avril.

Barça-Real Madrid la veille de Noël
Le Clasico se jouera an premier lieu au Camp Nou, le 23 décembre, juste après Valence-Barça, et peu avant le jour de Noël dans le cadre de la 17ème journée. Le match retour au Bernabéu se déroulera le 7 Mai, à 3 journées de la fin seulement.

Dernière journée face à Murcia
Après le Clasico, le Barça recevra Majorque à la maison et se déplacera à Murcia pour y disputer la dernière journée du championnat.


Le calendrier du Barça

Journée 1: Santander-Barcelone 25/08/07
Journée 2: Barcelone-Bilbao 02/09/07
Journée 3: Osasuna-Barcelone 16/09/07
Journée 4: Barcelone-Seville 23/09/07
Journée 5: Barcelone-Saragosse 26/09/07
Journée 6: Levante-Barcelone 30/09/07
Journée 7: Barcelone-Atl.Madrid 07/10/07
Journée 8: Villarreal-Barcelone 21/10/07
Journée 9: Barcelone-Almeria 28/10/07
Journée 10: Valladolid-Barcelone 31/10/07
Journée 11: Barcelone-Betis 04/11/07
Journée 12: Getafe-Barcelone 11/11/07
Journée 13: Barcelone-Recreativo 25/11/07
Journée 14: Espanyol-Barcelone 02/12/07
Journée 15: Barcelone-Deportivo 09/12/07
Journée 16: FC Valence-Barcelone 16/12/07
Journée 17: Barcelone-Real Madrid 23/12/07
Journée 18: Mallorque-Barcelone 06/01/08
Journée 19: Barcelone-Murcia 13/01/08
Journée 20: Barcelone-Santander 20/01/08
Journée 21: Bilbao-Barcelone 27/01/08
Journée 22: Barcelone-Osasuna 03/02/08
Journée 23: Seville-Barcelone 10/02/08
Journée 24: Saragosse-Barcelone 17/02/08
Journée 25: Barcelone-Levante 24/02/08
Journée 26: Atl.Madrid-Barcelone 02/03/08
Journée 27: Barcelone-Villarreal 09/03/08
Journée 28: Almeria-Barcelone 16/03/08
Journée 29: Barcelone-Valladolid 23/03/08
Journée 30: Betis-Barcelone 30/03/08
Journée 31: Barcelone-Getafe 06/04/08
Journée 32: Recreativo-Barcelone 13/04/08
Journée 33: Barcelone-Espanyol 20/04/08
Journée 34: Deportivo-Barcelone 27/04/08
Journée 35: Barcelone-FC Valence 04/05/08
Journée 36: Real Madrid-Barcelone 07/05/08
Journée 37: Barcelone-Mallorque 11/05/08
Journée 38: Murcia-Barcelone 18/05/08

Copa America: Le Brésil en finale

Vainqueur de l’Uruguay aux tirs au but (2-2, 5 tab à 4), au terme d’une séance à suspense, la Seleçao s’est qualifiée pour la finale de la Copa America où elle pourrait défendre son titre contre l’Argentine, dans un remake de la précédente finale.


Un stade plongé dans le noir
«Cette demi-finale s’annonce très disputée, entre deux formations chargées d’histoire…» Avant la rencontre, Robinho ne s’était pas trompé sur le scénario d’une première demie qui, enfin, aura réinstauré un peu de suspense dans une Copa America jusqu’ici aussi spectaculaire que dénuée de passion. Entre l’Uruguay, 14 titres dans la compétition, et le Brésil, «seulement» 7 couronnes continentales, il aura ainsi fallu une séance de tirs au but à rebondissement pour que le second atteigne la dernière marche et puisse défendre son titre, dimanche, au Maracaibo face au vainqueur du duel entre l’Argentine et le Mexique. Mais décidément, rien n’est simple pour la Seleçao dans cette Copa America, à l’exception toutefois d’un quart de finale expéditif face au Chili (6-1). D’ailleurs, très satisfait de la prestation de ses hommes dans cette rencontre, Dunga avait choisi de reconduire exactement le même onze de départ, avec Julio Baptista placé dans un rôle de faux numéro 10. Et bien lui en prenait puisque le Gunner était à l’origine du premier but des siens. Son débordement sur la droite aboutissait à un centre vers Mineiro qui, dans la surface, butait sur Carini. Mais Maicon, à l’affût, propulsait le ballon au fond des filets (1-0, 13e). Une ouverture du score qui avait pour effet de… plonger une partie du stade dans l’obscurité. Une panne de courant qui durait presque un bon quart d’heure et qui permettait aux Uruguayens de se remettre les idées à l’endroit.

Une séance à rebondissements
Conséquence, la Céleste, bien en place, reprenait le contrôle du milieu de terrain et obtenait la juste récompense de ses efforts dans le temps additionnel de la première période, Forlan profitant d’un mauvais renvoi de Doni du poing pour placer une frappe puissante au fond des filets (1-1, 45+4e). Une égalisation de courte durée cependant puisqu’au bout d’interminables arrêts de jeu, dus à la coupure de courant, Julio Baptista, presque sans le vouloir, redonnait l’avantage aux Auriverde du genou, à la suite d’un coup franc au cordeau de Robinho (2-1, 45+9e). De retour des vestiaires, l’Uruguay accentuait sa pression, mais sans résultat, Doni veillant au grain. Il fallait alors attendre l’entame du dernier quart d’heure pour voir Forlan remiser de la tête un centre dans la surface. Au deuxième poteau, libre de tout marquage, Abreu jaillissait et prolongeait la course du ballon dans la bonne direction (2-2, 75e). Celle de la prolongation d’abord, puis de la séance de tirs au but ensuite puisque la demi-heure supplémentaire, bien qu’intense, ne changeait pas la donne. Une séance complètement folle, débutée par un duel de stars tournant à l’avantage de Robinho, qui convertissait le sien alors que Forlan butait sur Doni. Le Brésil faisait la course en tête jusqu’à ce qu’Afonso loupe le sien, le Parisien Cristian Rodriguez se chargeant alors de remettre les compteurs à zéro (3-3). Dernier tireur, le Bordelais Fernando ratait aussi le sien. La finale au bout du pied, Pablo Garcia craquait et manquait le cadre. Tout se jouait du coup à la mort subite. Gilberto ne tremblait pas. Diego Lugano si, qui expédiait un tir mollasson plein centre, sur un Doni déjà au 7e ciel. Sans convaincre, le Brésil est toujours en vie et attend désormais la finale avec impatience…


Résultat des demi-finales :
Brésil - Uruguay 2-2 (5-4 t.a.b.)

Jeudi
Argentine - Mexique

Eto'o: "Ronnie et moi, nous restons au Barça"

Malgré les nombreuses rumeurs venant d'Italie, Samuel Eto'o a déclaré aujourd'hui qu'il n'avait absolument pas l'intention de quitter le Barça.


"Vous direz à Milan, de ma part ainsi que de la part de Ronaldinho, que nous ne partirons pas du Barça". Samuel Etoo ne pouvait pas être plus clair sur son avenir. Près des terrains du 'Campus Samuel Etoo' où des dizaines de jeunes s'étaient réunis ce lundi, l'attaquant camerounais a réaffirmé son ambition de poursuivre avec le club catalan et espère que la saison prochaine sera meilleure que la précédente. "Je pense que, sur la papier, nous ferons peur. Mais bon, nous allons aussi avoir beaucoup de pression car nous n'aurons pas le droit de perdre un seul match... C'est comme ça, nous avons les meilleurs joueurs, mais au final on peut dire que le football n'est pas une science exacte".

Ronnie et Nike, unis jusqu'en 2016

Nike, qui a déjà prolongé son contrat avec le Barça jusqu'en 2013 et avec la CBF jusqu'en 2018, et s'est assuré de la présence de son crack brésilien jusqu'en 2016...

Malgré sa saison moyenne, Ronaldinho est encore la référence numéro 1 dans le monde du football. Sa participation tant sur et en dehors des terrains est exemplaire. Le brésilien a donc renouvelé son contrat avec Nike jusqu'en 2016. Le '10' azulgrana aura déjà 36 ans et pourrait déjà avoir raccroché les crampons en tant que joueur de football professionnel.


Toutefois, la multinationale américaine veut s'assurer l'image du 'Gaucho', qui sera encore un modèle à suivre même après sa retraite. Comme par exemple Michael Jordan, une des icônes de Nike et loin des terrains depuis 2003, qui s'est vu verser près de 25 millions d’euros en 2006 grâce à son contrat.

Nike, qui a déjà perdu un autre crack du Barça parti chez son "meilleur ennemi" Adidas, Leo Messi a prévu avec le contrat de 'Ronnie' une opération en vue du futur. Nike a également prolongé en octobre son contrat le liant avec le FC Barcelone jusqu'en 2013 pour 150 millions d’euros avec une possible extension de cinq ans. En 2018 se terminera le contrat avec la Confédération Brésilienne de Football, qui aura ainsi accompli plus de deux décennies en collaboration avec Nike. Le Barça, la 'seleçao' et Ronaldinho est un pack que la multinationale américaine veut à tout prix garder en tenant compte en outre le Mondial 2014, qui se tiendra précisément au Brésil et qui pourrait bien être l'un des derniers grands tournois du 'Gaucho '.

Le meilleur but de la Liga 06/07

Le spéctaculaire retourné acrobatique de Ronaldinho réalisé contre Villarreal en novembre dernier a été choisi par la rédaction du site UEFA.com en Espagne comme le plus beau but de la Liga 06/07 comme l'avait annoncé hier le site www.deportesdenavarra.com.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy est 2ème grâce à sa reprise de volée contre Valence, la troisième place revient à Roberto Soldado de Levante qui avait marqué d'une frappe puissante du milieu de terrain. En huitième position se trouve le 3ème but de Lionel Messi inscrit contre le Real Madrid qui avait permis au Catalan d'arracher le match nul 3 à 3 au Camp Nou.



Source: www.elmundodeportivo.es

SANCHEZ Raphael

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Ronaldinho vs Zidane



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Saturday, July 07, 2007

Ronnie ne jouera pas la Copa America




Dunga, le sélectionneur national, a rendu public aujourd'hui une liste de 34 joueurs dont certains sont susceptibles de faire partie de la liste des vingt-trois qui disputeront du 26 juin au 15 juillet prochain la Copa America au Venezuela.


Copyright © SPORT



Dunga a donc accepter la demande de Ronaldinho de ne pas jouer la Copa America puisque le crack du Barça ne fait pas partit de la liste, tout comme Kaka le joueur du Milan AC. La liste définitive sera communiquée à l’issue de la rencontre amicale que disputera la Seleção le 5 juin à Dortmund face à la Turquie.


La liste des 34 joueurs

Gardiens
Diego (Atletico Mineiro-MG)
Doni (AS Roma, Italie)
Hélton (FC Porto, Portugal)

Défenseurs Latéraux
Cicinho (Real de Madrid, Espagne)
Daniel Alves (FC Séville, Espagne)
Gilberto (Hertha Berlin, Allemagne)
Kléber (Santos FC-SP)
Maicon (Inter de Milan, Italie)
Marcelo (Real de Madrid, Espagne)

Défenseurs Centraux
Alex (PSV Eindhoven, Pays Bas)
Alex Silva (São Paulo FC-SP)
Edu Dracena (Fenerbahce, Turquie)
Juan (Bayer Leverkusen, Allemagne)
Naldo (Werder de Breme, Allemagne)
Thiago Silva (Fluminense-RJ)

Milieux
Anderson (FC Porto, Portugal)
Diego (Werder de Breme, Allemagne)
Edmílson (FC Barcelone, Espagne)
Elano (Shaktar Donetsk, Ukraine)
Fernando (Bordeaux, France)
Gilberto Silva (Arsenal, Angleterre)
Josué (São PauloFC-SP)
Júlio Baptista (Arsenal, Angleterre)
Lincoln (Schalke-04, Allemagne)
Mineiro (Hertha Berlin, Allemagne)
Morais (Vasco da Gama-RJ)
Zé Roberto (Santos FC-SP)

Attaquants
Afonso (Heerenveen, Pays Bas)
Carlos Eduardo (Grêmio-RS)
Fred (Lyon, France)
Jô (CSKA Moscou, Russie)
Rafael Sóbis (Bétis, de Séville, Espagne)
Robinho (Real de Madrid, Espagne)
Vágner Love (CSKA Moscou, Russie)

Le Barça fait appel pour le carton de Ronnie




Expulsé à la 40eme minute du match contre Getafe (victoire 1-0 du Barça) samedi pour avoir donné un coup de pied à un joueur adverse (David Belenguer), Ronaldinho pourrait éviter la sanction de deux match de suspension qui plane au-dessus de sa tête et qui le priverait des deux derniers matches de championnat contre l'Espanyol Barcelone et Tarragone.

Copyright © FCB



Son club, le FC Barcelone, va présenter un appel mardi devant la Fédération espagnole de football pour faire annuler son carton rouge. Selon le club catalan, sa star brésilienne n'a fait que se défendre contre les agressions répétées de Belenguer, qui n'a pas été blessé dans cet incident.

Source: www.lequipe.fr

SANCHEZ Raphael

Barça 1-0 Getafe




Le FC Barcelone s’est imposé ce samedi soir au Camp Nou face à Getafe. Au terme d’un match intense en émotions, les Catalans ont résisté malgré l’expulsion de Ronaldinho en fin de première période. 1-0, le but du même Ronaldinho après seulement quelques minutes de jeu permet aux Blaugranas de rester en course pour le titre.

La rencontre de ce samedi soir face à Getafe s’avérait délicate à plus d’un titre pour Barcelone. Tout d’abord parce que le Real Madrid, qui jouait un peu plus tôt dans la soirée, s’était imposé 3-1 sur sa pelouse face au Deportivo La Corogne, ce obligeait les Catalans à gagner, coûte que coûte, sous peine de perdre presque toute option pour le titre. Ensuite parce que, pendant toute la semaine, les rumeurs de primes à la victoire du côté de Getafe allaient bon train. Le Real Madrid aurait, en effet, promis aux joueurs castillans un bonus financier en cas de victoire au Camp Nou…

Rythme et engagement
La rencontre démarra au quart de tour de la part des deux équipes, avec un rythme très soutenu dès les premières touches de balles. D’ailleurs, les spectateurs n’étaient même pas encore tous assis que déjà, après seulement trois minutes de jeu, Ronaldinho ouvrait la marque. Lancé dans l’axe, Eto’o s’engagea jusque dans la surface pour, finalement, trouver le numéro 10 brésilien totalement démarqué sur sa gauche. L’international auriverde avait le but grand ouvert devant lui et ne manqua pas de cadrer son ballon : 1-0... C'était plutôt bien parti !

Le Barça avait sans doute fait le plus dur, et le plus important allait être de gérer le match. Tout se passa à la perfection pendant la première demi-heure, avec des Catalans attentifs et tactiquement bien positionnés. Ronaldinho, Eto’o ou encore Puyol, de la tête, auraient pu doubler la mise, mais les Blaugranas n’étaient pas en réussite.

Ronaldinho voit rouge
Le match prit, à cinq minute de la pause, une tournure dramatique pour le Barça puisque Ronaldinho, rudement mis à terre par Belenguer, répondait d’un coup de semelle à son agresseur. L’arbitre, qui était déjà dépassé par le jeu très physique dans cette rencontre, voyait rouge et renvoya l’astre brésilien aux vestiaires. Et si la sanction était plutôt juste, l’arbitre n’était pourtant pas exempt de tout reproche. Laissant lamentablement le match filer vers des tacles durs et dangereux, Perez Burull se voyait conspuer par les socios azulgranas, dont les mouchoirs blancs étaient de sortie pour une énorme bronca. 1-0 à la pause.





Victoire avec le coeur
La second acte était similaire au premier. Bien que réduits à dix, les Catalans ne semblaient pas éprouver de difficultés à se montrer dangereux sur la pelouse et cherchaient à faire le break. Mais ni le talent de Messi, à nouveau impérial, ni la bonne volonté d’Eto’o ne pouvait faire plier une équipe de Getafe qui, durant presque la totalité de la rencontre, n’a rien montré.

Après tant d’efforts fournis, le dernier quart d’heure de la rencontre devint cauchemardesque pour les Blaugranas. Les fantômes du Bétis Séville et le but dans les derniers instants de la partie refaisaient surface, et le Camp Nou se rongeait les ongles. Pendant près de 15 minutes, les Catalans reculèrent, mis à mal par une équipe de Getafe soudainement dangereuse. Intense en émotions, la fin de la rencontre ne connut finalement pas de surprises, et le Barça, avec le cœur, empochait les trois points. 1-0, score final. Énorme ouf de soulagement dans les travées !

Toujours en vie
Le Barça est donc toujours en vie dans une Liga qui, vraisemblablement, donnera son verdict lors de la prochaine journée, puisque le Real Madrid sera en déplacement du côté du Real Saragosse, soit l’équipe la plus dangereuse d’ici la fin du calendrier.

Prochain rendez-vous… le 10 juin
La Liga s'accorde une pause puisque le prochain match, qui opposera le Barça à l’Espanyol, ne se disputera que le 10 juin prochain. Mais la planète football ne s’arrête pas pour autant. Outre les matches internationaux, il y aura la Coupe de Catalogne, dont le Barça jouera les demi-finales ce jeudi 31 mai face au Nastic de Tarragone.



FC Barcelone: Valdés; Belletti (Oleguer, min.62), Thuram, Puyol, V. Bronckhorst; Xavi, Edmilson, Deco; Messi, Ronaldinho et Eto'o

Getafe: Abbondanzieri; Contra, Belenguer, Pulido, Paredes; Cotelo, Celestini, Casquero, Nacho (Albín, min.60); Maris (Pachón, min.60) et Manu del Moral

Goal: 1-0, Ronaldinho (3')

Arbitre: Pérez Burrull. CJ: Xavi, Deco, Edmilson, Casquero, Belenguer, Nacho, Albín et Pulido. CR: Ronaldinho

Source: www.fc-barcelone.com

SANCHEZ Raphael