First team doctor, Ricard Pruna, has confirmed that Ronaldinho will not play against Mallorca as he is continuing with his recovery from tendonitis in his left knee.
Frank Rijkaard can’t count on Ronaldinho for the league match on Saturday against Mallorca. The Brazilian is still recovering from tendonitis in his left knee, according to first team doctor Ricard Pruna. For this reason Ronaldinho is definitely out of the game against Mallorca on Saturday.
Specific programme
The first team doctor said that “Ronaldinho noticed some problems in his left knee during training on Sunday. An exploration and scan of the knee revealed some inflammation of the tendon”. Ricard Pruna also explained that the number 10 was following “a specific programme of physiotherapy and gym work, and later will do some pitch work with a physio”. According to Doctor Pruna Ronaldinho’s return “will depend on how his problems develop”.
Messi making good progress
In his press conference following the surgery on Albert Jorquera, Ricard Pruna also spoke about Leo Messi’s progress. The azulgrana doctor confirmed that “his revovery is on schedule”. The player was injured on 15 December against Valencia and his recovery was put at one month. “The player should be given the all clear by around 20 January, more or less”, said Doctor Pruna.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Barça in the next round
Barcelona qualified for the next round of the Copa del Rey after they drew at home to Alcoyano in the second leg of the last 32 on Wednesday evening. Santi Ezquerro scored twice as Frank Rijkaard's side progressed after winning the opening leg.
Having secured a three-goal lead in the first match, Barça were able to rest several players and give minutes to the second string and young stars against the third division visitors. On a rain-soaked night in the Catalan capital two early goals put the result of the tie completely beyond doubt. Goalkeeper Oier Olazábal made his first team debut following the injury to Albert Jorquera while Víctor Sánchez also made his first appearance at the highest level.
With the game and the tie won, Barça let their guard down after the break and Alcoyano took advantage as they scored with a penalty before drawing level in the final minute.
Ezquerro bags a brace
Just two minutes of the game had passed when the deadlock was broken as Ezquerro finished off a powerful team move. The forward pounced on the ball to tuck home after a shot from Deco. The hosts could not have asked for a better start, but the Blaugrana continued to push forward and were able to double their lead with ten minutes on the clock. This time Bojan Krkic provided the pass for Ezquerro to tuck home side second of the evening.
Barcelona were never forced to play at their best as they controlled proceedings for the remainder of the opening half. Despite being behind, though, Alcoyano never took their foot off the pedal and forced a series of corners, but were unable to test Olazábal.
Alcoyano come back
After half-time, the game continued along the same lines as the first half. The weather did not help the rhythm of the match and the intensity was missing. That did not stop chances being created as Bojan had an opportunity on the hour mark, but he saw his effort strike the woodwork. Alcoyano then went up to the other end and reduced the arrears as the former Barça player, Perona, netted from the penalty spot after Eidur Gudjohnsen had handled in the area.
Unable to find a third
In the final 15 minutes, Barça looked set to add a third goal, but they were unable to score despite both Bojan and Ezquerro having chances. Then, in the final minute of the game the visitors raised their game one last time and managed to snatch a dramatic equaliser as Arnau scored. The draw for the next round of the Copa del Rey takes place on Friday.
The goals :
1-0, Ezquerro (min 2)
2-0, Ezquerro (min 10)
2-1, Perona (pen) (min 69)
2-2, Arnau (min 90)
Source : FCB
Having secured a three-goal lead in the first match, Barça were able to rest several players and give minutes to the second string and young stars against the third division visitors. On a rain-soaked night in the Catalan capital two early goals put the result of the tie completely beyond doubt. Goalkeeper Oier Olazábal made his first team debut following the injury to Albert Jorquera while Víctor Sánchez also made his first appearance at the highest level.
With the game and the tie won, Barça let their guard down after the break and Alcoyano took advantage as they scored with a penalty before drawing level in the final minute.
Ezquerro bags a brace
Just two minutes of the game had passed when the deadlock was broken as Ezquerro finished off a powerful team move. The forward pounced on the ball to tuck home after a shot from Deco. The hosts could not have asked for a better start, but the Blaugrana continued to push forward and were able to double their lead with ten minutes on the clock. This time Bojan Krkic provided the pass for Ezquerro to tuck home side second of the evening.
Barcelona were never forced to play at their best as they controlled proceedings for the remainder of the opening half. Despite being behind, though, Alcoyano never took their foot off the pedal and forced a series of corners, but were unable to test Olazábal.
Alcoyano come back
After half-time, the game continued along the same lines as the first half. The weather did not help the rhythm of the match and the intensity was missing. That did not stop chances being created as Bojan had an opportunity on the hour mark, but he saw his effort strike the woodwork. Alcoyano then went up to the other end and reduced the arrears as the former Barça player, Perona, netted from the penalty spot after Eidur Gudjohnsen had handled in the area.
Unable to find a third
In the final 15 minutes, Barça looked set to add a third goal, but they were unable to score despite both Bojan and Ezquerro having chances. Then, in the final minute of the game the visitors raised their game one last time and managed to snatch a dramatic equaliser as Arnau scored. The draw for the next round of the Copa del Rey takes place on Friday.
The goals :
1-0, Ezquerro (min 2)
2-0, Ezquerro (min 10)
2-1, Perona (pen) (min 69)
2-2, Arnau (min 90)
Source : FCB
Barça to face Celtic in Champions League
FC Barcelona will meet Glasgow Celtic in the second round of the Champions League.
The first leg will be played at Celtic Park and the return at the Camp Nou.
The first legs will be played on February 20 and the returns on March 4...
The other matches :
Olympique Lyon – Manchester Utd
Schalke - Oporto
Liverpool - Inter
Roma - Real Madrid
Arsenal - Milan
Olympiakos - Chelsea
Fenerbahçe – Sevilla
The first leg will be played at Celtic Park and the return at the Camp Nou.
The first legs will be played on February 20 and the returns on March 4...
The other matches :
Olympique Lyon – Manchester Utd
Schalke - Oporto
Liverpool - Inter
Roma - Real Madrid
Arsenal - Milan
Olympiakos - Chelsea
Fenerbahçe – Sevilla
Barça put on a show
Barcelona produced a domineering display against Valencia in Mestalla and put any talk of away day problems behind them as Samuel Eto'o scored twice in the first half and Eidur Gudjohnsen added a third after the break. Frank Rijkaard's side employed their quick passing football to devastating effect as they recorded their second away victory of the season and added to Valencia's woes in their own stadium. Eto'o was clinical in front of goal, while the defence and midfield looked strong and secure as they prevented Valencia from creating any real chances of note.
Dominating effect
From the start it was clear that Barça were the more confident side as they moved the ball around and looked for ways through the Valencia defence. The home side were forced to sit back and only edge forward when they could on the counter-attack. In the opening half all the best chances came at one end as Santi Cañizares had a busy evening.
Eto’o on form
In the 12th minute, the Blaugrana capitalised on their domination as Messi picked out Eto'o in the area and Cameroonian striker skipped past two defenders before creating space to drive the ball past Cañizares and into the top corner of the net. The strike was Eto'o's first goal in the league this season, after he opened his account in the Champions League in midweek.
A second arrived after 26 minutes and again the same pair created the move. after a superb string of passes, Messi picked up the ball just outside the area before threading it to Eto'o and he hit it first time to leave Cañizares flat-footed and unable to react as the shot flew past him.
Messi injured
There was some bad news in the opening period for Barça as Lionel Messi limped out of the action after picking up an injury three minutes before the break. The Argentinian was replaced by Giovani Dos Santos and is set to miss the visit of Real Madrid next weekend.
Looking for four
Despite having a comfortable lead, the visitors looked to continue pushing forward in the second half and, although Valencia pushed further up the field to try and break up Barça's passing game, a third goal came. Dos Santos picked up a loose ball on the right of the area and edged forward before rolling a pass across goal where Gudjohnsen was able to tap home from close range.
Giovani goes close
In the closing minutes, there were chances for Rijkaard's side to add to their tally as Dos Santos had chance si the 74th and 76th minute, while Bojan Krkic warmed Cañizares' gloves with a shot. While they were unable to find a fourth goal, Barça enjoyed a comfortable victory against a Valencia side that rarely looked likely or capable of causing many problems and confidence is now high in the camp ahead of the visit of Madrid.
The goals :
0-1, Eto'o (min 12)
0-2, Eto'o (min 26)
0-3, Gudjohnsen (min 61)
Source : FCB
Dominating effect
From the start it was clear that Barça were the more confident side as they moved the ball around and looked for ways through the Valencia defence. The home side were forced to sit back and only edge forward when they could on the counter-attack. In the opening half all the best chances came at one end as Santi Cañizares had a busy evening.
Eto’o on form
In the 12th minute, the Blaugrana capitalised on their domination as Messi picked out Eto'o in the area and Cameroonian striker skipped past two defenders before creating space to drive the ball past Cañizares and into the top corner of the net. The strike was Eto'o's first goal in the league this season, after he opened his account in the Champions League in midweek.
A second arrived after 26 minutes and again the same pair created the move. after a superb string of passes, Messi picked up the ball just outside the area before threading it to Eto'o and he hit it first time to leave Cañizares flat-footed and unable to react as the shot flew past him.
Messi injured
There was some bad news in the opening period for Barça as Lionel Messi limped out of the action after picking up an injury three minutes before the break. The Argentinian was replaced by Giovani Dos Santos and is set to miss the visit of Real Madrid next weekend.
Looking for four
Despite having a comfortable lead, the visitors looked to continue pushing forward in the second half and, although Valencia pushed further up the field to try and break up Barça's passing game, a third goal came. Dos Santos picked up a loose ball on the right of the area and edged forward before rolling a pass across goal where Gudjohnsen was able to tap home from close range.
Giovani goes close
In the closing minutes, there were chances for Rijkaard's side to add to their tally as Dos Santos had chance si the 74th and 76th minute, while Bojan Krkic warmed Cañizares' gloves with a shot. While they were unable to find a fourth goal, Barça enjoyed a comfortable victory against a Valencia side that rarely looked likely or capable of causing many problems and confidence is now high in the camp ahead of the visit of Madrid.
The goals :
0-1, Eto'o (min 12)
0-2, Eto'o (min 26)
0-3, Gudjohnsen (min 61)
Source : FCB
Barca prepare for Valencia test
After being rested on Wednesday against Stuttgart, Messi has been named in the team to travel to Valencia. The Argentinian and the Italian Zambrotta are the main changes to a squad that does not include either Thuram or Marc Crosas.
Messi and Zambrotta come in for Thuram and Crosas with respect to the last FC Barcelona match, with the rest of the squad identical to Wednesday’s.
No Oleguer or Ezquerro
Oleguer and Ezquerro both missed training on Friday due to their recovery programmes. But Henry was present, although he worked out in isolation.
The squad list :
Valdés, Jorquera, Puyol, Márquez, Abidal, Zambrotta, Sylvinho, Milito, Xavi, Iniesta, Touré Yaya, Gudjohnsen, Deco, Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Bojan, Giovani and Messi.
Source : FCB
Messi and Zambrotta come in for Thuram and Crosas with respect to the last FC Barcelona match, with the rest of the squad identical to Wednesday’s.
No Oleguer or Ezquerro
Oleguer and Ezquerro both missed training on Friday due to their recovery programmes. But Henry was present, although he worked out in isolation.
The squad list :
Valdés, Jorquera, Puyol, Márquez, Abidal, Zambrotta, Sylvinho, Milito, Xavi, Iniesta, Touré Yaya, Gudjohnsen, Deco, Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Bojan, Giovani and Messi.
Source : FCB
There’s always football at the Camp Nou
Barça were the better side against Stuttgart in the final, and ultimately irrelevant, game in the Champions league group stage.
In a lively encounter, Giovani, Eto'o and Ronaldinho responded to an early goal from Antonio da Silva.
It was not unlike Saturday’s early setback against Deportivo, as Barça responded with stylish football. Giovani evened affairs in the first half and Eto'o and Ronaldinho added two more to continue Barça’s amazing home form this season.
German surprise
The game got off to an electric start, with Antonio da Silva putting the visitors ahead in the second minute with a splendid free kick that struck the bar and Jorquera’s body before going in. Eto'o almost levelled the game seconds later after taking advantage of a confusion in the Stuttgart defence, but failed to beat Schafer. The visiting keeper was also called upon to defy Xavi’s shot after a great team move in the 11th minute and Giovani and Eto'o both came close before the first quarter of an hour was up.
Giovani on target
Ewerthon came close at one point, but it was generally one way traffic in the Catalans’ favour. The side that was already group champion before the game kicked off eventually got their reward when Giovani found the target with a goal that was vehemently protested by the Stuttgart players, who felt the Mexican had scored from a pass delivered by Ronaldinho’s hand. The second half almost started in identical fashion to the first when Antonio da Silva very nearly struck home from a corner.
Eto'o’s first since his comeback
Johan Neeskens, replacing the suspended Rijkaard, sent on Bojan in the second half, a player seeking to become the youngest ever Champions League goalscorer. Barça went ahead twelve minutes into the second half when Xavi stole the ball in midfield and guided it towards Eto'o who hit home with a powerful left-footed strike. The Cameroonian was substituted soon after and left the field to a standing ovation.
Ronaldinho smiles
And then came Ronaldinho’s moment. His involvement in a terrific move in the 67th minute led to a goal that he himself finished off was rewarded with the stadium chanting his name, and the Brazilian almost beat Schafer from a free kick moments later. Barça were in total control, although Ewerthon could have scored from a long shot that struck the bar. All attention had turned to Bojan and whether or not he would be able to score that record-breaking goal, but it wasn’t to be.
Given the lack of anything other than honour being at stake, this was a thoroughly convincing display from Barça as they go unbeaten into the next round of the Champions league.
Goals :
0-1 Antonio da Silva (min 2)
1-1 Giovani (min 35)
2-1 Eto'o (min 57)
3-1 Ronaldinho (min 67)
Source : FCB
In a lively encounter, Giovani, Eto'o and Ronaldinho responded to an early goal from Antonio da Silva.
It was not unlike Saturday’s early setback against Deportivo, as Barça responded with stylish football. Giovani evened affairs in the first half and Eto'o and Ronaldinho added two more to continue Barça’s amazing home form this season.
German surprise
The game got off to an electric start, with Antonio da Silva putting the visitors ahead in the second minute with a splendid free kick that struck the bar and Jorquera’s body before going in. Eto'o almost levelled the game seconds later after taking advantage of a confusion in the Stuttgart defence, but failed to beat Schafer. The visiting keeper was also called upon to defy Xavi’s shot after a great team move in the 11th minute and Giovani and Eto'o both came close before the first quarter of an hour was up.
Giovani on target
Ewerthon came close at one point, but it was generally one way traffic in the Catalans’ favour. The side that was already group champion before the game kicked off eventually got their reward when Giovani found the target with a goal that was vehemently protested by the Stuttgart players, who felt the Mexican had scored from a pass delivered by Ronaldinho’s hand. The second half almost started in identical fashion to the first when Antonio da Silva very nearly struck home from a corner.
Eto'o’s first since his comeback
Johan Neeskens, replacing the suspended Rijkaard, sent on Bojan in the second half, a player seeking to become the youngest ever Champions League goalscorer. Barça went ahead twelve minutes into the second half when Xavi stole the ball in midfield and guided it towards Eto'o who hit home with a powerful left-footed strike. The Cameroonian was substituted soon after and left the field to a standing ovation.
Ronaldinho smiles
And then came Ronaldinho’s moment. His involvement in a terrific move in the 67th minute led to a goal that he himself finished off was rewarded with the stadium chanting his name, and the Brazilian almost beat Schafer from a free kick moments later. Barça were in total control, although Ewerthon could have scored from a long shot that struck the bar. All attention had turned to Bojan and whether or not he would be able to score that record-breaking goal, but it wasn’t to be.
Given the lack of anything other than honour being at stake, this was a thoroughly convincing display from Barça as they go unbeaten into the next round of the Champions league.
Goals :
0-1 Antonio da Silva (min 2)
1-1 Giovani (min 35)
2-1 Eto'o (min 57)
3-1 Ronaldinho (min 67)
Source : FCB
Strong comeback
Barça have won three more points against Deportivo de La Coruña. Rijkaard’s men grew stronger during the game and came back thanks to Ronaldinho and Xavi after being a one down after Cristian’s early goal.
The strong wind and Cristian’s early goal were about to leave Barça in the cold, but they managed to come back and win three more valuable points at Nou Camp. Firstly Ronaldinho, back in the starting 11 and menacing on the left wing, brought it to a draw with a penalty, then, in the second half, Xavi produced the deciding goal.
Both Eto'o and Deco had good games, and Barça came back from being a goal down for the first time this season.
Early shock
In the 2nd minute, ex-“blaugrana” Cristian surprised Valdés with a shot from 25 metres out that crossed the penalty area and dipped into the top left-hand of the goal. An opposing team hadn’t scored in Nou Camp since September 26th. This wasn’t in the script, and Barça were slow to react. They had possession, but they weren’t able to move the ball around quickly enough due to Deportivo’s strong pressure.
Ronaldinho equalises
Barça first real chance came in the 22nd minute, when a deflected Ronaldinho free-kick resulted in a goal-mouth scramble that nearly ended in a goal with Puyol and Eto’o coming close. Deportivo quickly responded when Xisco had a clear chance, but headed just over the crossbar. Lotina’s men imposed a slow pace on the game which affected Barça until the 40th minute, when Cristian committed a clear foul on Iniesta inside the area for a penalty, and Ronaldinho dummied the keeper, slipping the ball into the right of the net.
Insistent domination
Deco came on for Zambrotta in the second half, and the Portuguese player brought more depth to Barça’s game, and nearly scored in the first minute after a one-two with Eto’o ended in a corner. Depor slowly began to lose strength after their first-half effort, and Barça began to gain territory.
Xavi finishes things off
Iniesta almost got Barça’s second in the 56th minute after some great play with Ronaldinho. The game had become dominated by Barça, and in the 64th minute, Bojan came on for Eto'o. Six minutes later Xavi resolved the game, when the ball fell to his feet after Múnua had got a right hand deflection to a great cross from Puyol out on the right. With the score at 2-1, Barça were looking for the third to put themselves at ease. They didn’t find it, but the score was enough to maintain their unbeaten run at Nou Camp.
Goals :
0-1 Cristian (min 2)
1-1 Ronaldinho (p) (min 40)
2-1 Xavi (min 70)
Source : FCB
The strong wind and Cristian’s early goal were about to leave Barça in the cold, but they managed to come back and win three more valuable points at Nou Camp. Firstly Ronaldinho, back in the starting 11 and menacing on the left wing, brought it to a draw with a penalty, then, in the second half, Xavi produced the deciding goal.
Both Eto'o and Deco had good games, and Barça came back from being a goal down for the first time this season.
Early shock
In the 2nd minute, ex-“blaugrana” Cristian surprised Valdés with a shot from 25 metres out that crossed the penalty area and dipped into the top left-hand of the goal. An opposing team hadn’t scored in Nou Camp since September 26th. This wasn’t in the script, and Barça were slow to react. They had possession, but they weren’t able to move the ball around quickly enough due to Deportivo’s strong pressure.
Ronaldinho equalises
Barça first real chance came in the 22nd minute, when a deflected Ronaldinho free-kick resulted in a goal-mouth scramble that nearly ended in a goal with Puyol and Eto’o coming close. Deportivo quickly responded when Xisco had a clear chance, but headed just over the crossbar. Lotina’s men imposed a slow pace on the game which affected Barça until the 40th minute, when Cristian committed a clear foul on Iniesta inside the area for a penalty, and Ronaldinho dummied the keeper, slipping the ball into the right of the net.
Insistent domination
Deco came on for Zambrotta in the second half, and the Portuguese player brought more depth to Barça’s game, and nearly scored in the first minute after a one-two with Eto’o ended in a corner. Depor slowly began to lose strength after their first-half effort, and Barça began to gain territory.
Xavi finishes things off
Iniesta almost got Barça’s second in the 56th minute after some great play with Ronaldinho. The game had become dominated by Barça, and in the 64th minute, Bojan came on for Eto'o. Six minutes later Xavi resolved the game, when the ball fell to his feet after Múnua had got a right hand deflection to a great cross from Puyol out on the right. With the score at 2-1, Barça were looking for the third to put themselves at ease. They didn’t find it, but the score was enough to maintain their unbeaten run at Nou Camp.
Goals :
0-1 Cristian (min 2)
1-1 Ronaldinho (p) (min 40)
2-1 Xavi (min 70)
Source : FCB
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)
Source : FCB
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)
Source : FCB
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)
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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