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CRUZEIRO OR ESTUDIANTES, A GOLDEN CHAMPION WILL BE CROWNED
Author: Latin America Soccer
This Wednesday will be the finals of the 50th version of Copa Libertadores, a half of century of Copa tournament play, a golden mark.
Stadium Mineirao, is located in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, with a capacity for 75,783 fans and inaugurated in 1965, will be the witness for Copa libertadores finals.
Wednesday night, Cruzeiro from Brazil or Estudiantes from Argentina will be crowned champion number 50 of the tournament, where the the first winner of the Cup was Peñarol of Uruguay after defeating Olimpia also from Uruguay.
After last week's tie in the first phase game in La Plata city (Estudiantes home), the title still is up for grabs, although the game is favoring Cruzeiro as they are playing at home, and the Brazilians fans have already made Cruzeiro the champions, the euphoria is in the streets, the matter of the truth is that Alejandro Sabella's team have not lost the battle, but they will have to play a much calculate game and will have to control the ball, concentrate, and take advantage of situations that arise of scoring a goal.
On the other side, Cruzeiro does a good job of controlling the ball, as they are speedy on the lateral sides, with forwards that have speed, as Wellington and Kleber and wingers like Wagner and Ramires.
All in all the game will be a hard fought battle for both sides, as both team demand from each other to play to an ultimate level of soccer, that is the reason they have reached the finals.
The table is set. The party is superb in a city of more that two million people with a tropical climate, who feel a little warmer when the drums are beating. The ambiance is that of a carnival and the fans are ready for this Copa Libertadores final.
Copa Libertadores history
In the 50 years of Copa libertadores history the Argentinean teams have taken the Copa trophy 21 times and the Brazilians 13 times.
Another statistic, the team that has won the most Copa is Independiente of Argentina, with seven trophies in seven finals. This team is the only team with four consecutive cups (72, 73, 74, and 75) . But the most participation by a team is Peñarol with 37, winning 5 Copa Libertadores.
The most goals by a player is Ecuadorian, Alberto Spencer, who played with Peñarol and Barcelona of Ecuador.
COLOMBIAN FALCAO GARCIA HEADED TO OPORTO, PORTUGAL
Author: Latin America Soccer
According to the Portugal press, Falcao Garcia could have been transfer as early as last Friday for 7.5 million dollars to Oporto (Portugal), however River Plate has not confirmed officially that a transfer has been made.
The Portugal press indicated that Falcao has played the last game for River Plate in this past Clausura tournament against Estudiantes de La Plata this past July 4, and that the player had agreed at least four months ago to the transfer with his Argentinean club.
Small minor details are still to be finalized, where also has been rumored the tagging of Ecuadorian Joffre Guerrón to River Plate, from Spain's Getafe (La Liga), and could be confirmed this week even though Nestor Gorosito (River Plate Coach)has not confirmed the tag.
Oporto, in the last few days has transferred, Luis "Lucho" Gonzalez to the France Olympique Marsella and Lisandro Lopez to Olympique Lyon.
Falcao Garcia, 23 yrs old, is River Plate's actual top goal scorer, who made his debut for Millonario in 2001 and a brief sting with Fair Play de Chia second division in his country.
His River Plate debut was in 2005, they were champion of the Clausura tournament in 2008 and has scored 45 goals with River.
With the Colombian national teams, he was champions with the Sudamericano sub'20 in 2005 and is also part of the national team that is trying to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
ITS ALL LIGA DE QUITO, RECOPA CHAMPIONS
Author: Latin America Soccer
There was no doubt in what Liga accomplished, their mission was to win the Recopa tournament and that's what they got by beating International 3-0 in the Recopa Sudamericana, they were the better team, regardless of the altitude of Quito, they were motivated and it showed in how they played.
With goals by Claudio Bieler, Paraguayan Carlos Espinola and Enrique Vera, Liga de Quito made history for Ecuador and their 40,000 fans.
The Ecuadorian team, Copa libertadores champs and runner up in Mundial de clubes in Japan 2008, added another title after they beat the Brazilian team in "Casa Blanca" Stadium.
The game was all of what it was billed to be, both teams came out playing offensive soccer as they each had opportunities to score at the beginning of the match. Inter would come out put pressure on the Copa Libertadores champs, but Liga would settle down and play good defense and counter attack rather exceptionally well.
The visitors were intense in putting pressure on Alexander Dominguez (Liga's goalkeeper) specially by Andres D'Alessandro, Taison and Nilmar and they were dangerous for most of the game, as a shot by Nilmar came close to scoring by hitting the goalpost at the 37th minute of the game.
The home team was efficient, as their passing and controlling of the ball was precised and solid, their maneuvering thru International defense was swift and impressive making their attack to Inter's zone approachable at ease.
After Vera's goal (53m) International came down crumbling as they saw their chances of winning the match go down the drain, the Ecuadorian fans would begin the celebration of a feat that has never been attained in Ecuadorian soccer history, and the shout of "Liga Campeon" was ignited in the entire "Casa Blanca" stadium as fans were worshipping the moment of joy.
HERE WE GO, COPA LIBERTADORES FINALS
Author: Latin America Soccer
 Estudiantes (Argentina)and Cruzeiro (Brazil)will meet this Wednesday for the first phase of the finals in Copa Libertadores, in an ambiance that is mark as a though match and the swine flu epidemic that is hitting Argentina at this moment.
Argentina has reported 80 cases of the swine flu. Until the last moment Cruzeiro tried to postponed the game as they were concerned with the epidemic and the well being of their players. The South America Confederation of Futbol assure that Estudiantes guarantee the health and security of the Brazilian team.
Cruzeiro and Estudiantes were in the same group 5 at the start of the tournament (Cruzeiro won 3-0 at home, and Estudiantes won 4-0 also at home).
Estudiantes is looking for its fourth title, in almost four decades, which includes a memorable three times champions from 1968 to 1970, while Cruzeiro wants to reach Copa for a third time, after their victories in 1976 and 1997.
Estudiantes will count with all of their starters including Juan Sebastian Veron, who due to an injury was not able to play against Nacional of Uruguay, and defender Christian Cellay, also has recuperated from an injury.
In Cruzeiro it is still no clear who will be along side Kleber, due to Thiago Ribeiro being injured and has not completely heal, but his replacement, Wellington Paulista scored two goals in the semifinals against Gremio in Porto Alegre.
INTER IS BRINGING THE ENTIRE CALVARY
Author: Latin America Soccer
International (Brazil) who took the lead in the Brazilian championship standings, has decided that for now they will forget about their league play and will arrive tomorrow with all of their starters in Quito to play Liga de Quito on Thursday for the second phase of the "Recopa Sudamericana".
Inter, the red team of Porto Alegre, two weeks ago lost (0-1) at home in phase one of the Recopa, will need now to beat Liga de Quito as a visitor in "Casa Blanca" stadium by a margin of more than one goal to be able to win the tournament title, who is represented by Copa Libertadores champion 2008 (Liga de Quito) and Copa Sudamericana champion 2008 (International).
Among the confirmed players for Thursday's game will be Nilmar, the most effective scorer for Inter, who was absent in the first meeting against Liga due to being in South Africa for the Confederation Cup with the Brazil's national team.
Also Ecuadorian winger Luis Bolaños could play in this game, Bolaños is an ex Liga de Quito player.
Nilmar who precisely was the author of two goals with the Porto Alegre team in yesterday's Brazilian league play against Nautico, the score, you guess it 2-0, resulting in the red team jump to the leader board.
Inter, Copa Sudamericana 2008 champions, will be traveling with ease as they will forget for a few days about the Brazilian league, although next Sunday will be visiting a difficult team in Atletico Paraneanse, to defend their top of the lead standings.
One of the doubts of Tite. Inter's coach, for Thursday's game will be if he can count on Sandro, who is healing from a muscular injury, as it will be determined by the Doctors if he can play.
This game should be a good game to watch, as both champions square off.
GOLD CUP IN SHORT
Author: Latin America Soccer
With the spanking of Grenada and playing with substitutes, United States played game 14 with out loosing, it adds up to 12 wins and 2 ties where their last lost was in July 23, 2003 against Brazil (1-2) in Miami. The perfection exists.
Also, thanks to an easy victory against Grenada's debut, Bob Bradley maintains as a coach an ideal record in Gold Cup play, thanks to his great work in 2007 edition and a good start in this 2009 Gold Cup, it counts for seven victories in the same amount of games coached, with an spectacular goal difference of 17 in favor to 3 against.
El Salvador debuted with a valuable victory 2-1 over Costa Rica, cutting a long loosing streak of 12 games against the "Ticos". Its most recent win against Costa Rica was back in May 4, 1997, when El Salvador beat them also 2-1.
With the win the Salvadoreans got their fifth win in 15 games of Gold Cup play, thanks to the 2-1 over Costa Rica, they will be looking for a second victory as they have upcoming games with Canada and Jamaica, a second win is something they have not accomplished in Gold Cup edition, and they have never reached the quarterfinals.
Canada repeated the same dose 18 years later, Canadians and Jamaicans had not met in Gold Cup play since the first edition back in 1991 Gold Cup. In that tournament the Canadians won 3-2, in this edition it was 1-0 win, thanks to a goal by Ali Gerba, a soccer player that has been productive for Canada, as he showed that in the 2007 edition by scoring four goals.
Honduras won a tough battle against Haiti (1-0), with a goal by Carlos Costly. They earned three points in their first game, something they have not made a habit of in past Gold Cup tournament. Honduras had not started with a win since 2000, when they beat Jamaica 2-0.
Guadeloupe wants to repeat, with a victory over Panama 2-1 , the island of Guadeloupe, after they made a good showing in the 2007 edition, where they reached the semifinals, was it a coincidence? at the moment, Guadeloupe has three victories in six games played in Gold Cup, registering a tie and two defeats, both by the minimal margin of 1-0 against Costa Rica and Mexico.
GOLD CUP 2009
Author: Latin America Soccer
The Gold Cup is underway, July 3-26, a Concafac run tournament that will be represented by North America, Central America and Caribbean countries Can Team USA defend its 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup title over the next three weeks in the United States?
Maybe. But it will be a very hard road to glory. And don't worry, there will be plenty of controversy along the way.
Group A
This group is easily the Group of Death.
Costa Rica (7+ points) — The only guarantee in this group is that CONCACAF World Cup qualifying leader Costa Rica will come out the winner with at least seven points.
Jamaica (4+ points) — Jamaica will play with something to prove this Gold Cup after an unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign. With prolific, underrated Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller (who was rarely used for the Reggae Boyz in qualifying), the team will turn some heads and finish second.
El Salvador (4+ points) — The surprise of CONCACAF qualifying will probably come out on the losing end of the dead heat for second. They have handily defeated both Jamaica (without Fuller) and Canada in qualifying, and they will give Costa Rica a run for its money.
Canada (1+ points) — Unlucky draw for the Canucks, who would probably get out of the group in any other edition of this tournament.
Group B
The microcosm of CONCACAF. Two continental powers against two lowly, no-hope minnows.
United States (7+ points) — Expect every formation of no-names possible in routs of Grenada and Haiti. All eyes will be on Freddy Adu against Honduras, an opponent the USA will surely not underestimate this time around.
Honduras (6+ points) — They will look for a similar spark against the United States while overestimating the other two minnows. That doesn't mean they lose to them.
Grenada (1+ points) — Shalrie Joseph and the Caribbean Championship runners-up could make Honduras sweat, but most likely in a losing effort.
Haiti (0+ points) — A cast of lovable no-names in a shark tank. Nothing to lose, and could definitely shock Honduras or Grenada.
Group C
A similarly predictable group with a slight twist.
Mexico (9 points) — How is it Mexico gets the host's easy-pass group? Expect Carlos Vela and Omar Bravo to compete for the Golden Boot through this group alone. Easy domination for Mexico.
Guadeloupe (4+ points) — Here's a bold prediction. Tiny Guadeloupe finish ahead of Panama in second place. The tiny Caribbean island claims birth or parental lineage rights to Lilian Thuram, Thierry Henry, and Sylvain Distin, and have players all over Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and the rest of Europe.
They had a nice run through the Caribbean Championship, dominating most opponents and placing third in a thriller against Cuba. This team has the potential and pedigree to continue upholding their rising form.
Panama (4+ points) — In contrast, this is a team with older players, broken potential, and declining talent from 2007. Jaime Penedo, who played for Osasuna in 2007 and was Panama's only La Liga player, now plays his club ball in Guatemala.
Blas Perez, the dangerous striker tapped for Real Betis in 2007, plays for Pachuca. Add to these two an undisciplined, chaotic supporting class and no supporting midfielders, and you'll see this team's fall from grace to Guadeloupe soon enough.
Nicaragua (0+ Points) — But that doesn't mean Panama or the rest of the group won't beat up on these first-timers. Like Haiti, Nicaragua will be on damage control and has nothing to lose except all its games in the group stage.
COPA LIBERTADORES, MATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT
Author: Latin America Soccer
Cruzeiro can put Gremio away tonight with a win, tie or looses by one goal margin and advanced to Copa Libertadores finals. As if wasn't tough for Gremio, now Cruzeiro gets Ramires back after a sting with the Brazil national team in South Africa, so we can safely say that Gremio will have to play the match of their life time if they want to continue in Copa Libertadores tournament......
Cruzeiro won the first semifinal encounter with Gremio 3-1. Tonight's match will be at Olimpico stadium and it's schedule to start at 9:50 pm local time.
Ramires missed the match in Belo Horizonte because he was at the Confederation Cup, helping Brazil beat the United States 3-2 in Sunday's final to win its third title.
After starting in four of the five matches the team played in South Africa, Ramires arrived in Brazil on Monday and traveled with Cruzeiro for the decisive Copa Libertadores match against Gremio in Porto Alegre.
The only disadvantage for Cruzeiro will have is playing in Gremio's backyard and in front of 45.000 spectators, that by the way they are Gremio fans, and will be riled up after last week's incident, after winger Elicarlos of Cruzeiro accused forward Maxi Lopez of racism, a Gremio idol.
So let's hold on to our hats, because tonight's match, not only will it bring the other finalist to the Copa, but also the rivalry has been taken to another level and both clubs will be up for this game, as excitement has just build up even more.
Hopefully security will be on their toes and we will have a exciting well played match, so tune in for this one, it will be a dandy and memorable game to watch.
USA IS GAME, BRAZIL IS TALENT
Author: Latin America Soccer
United States was game for the first half of the Confederation Cup and kept Brazil unbalanced for the the first 45 minutes, however the second half Brazil brought out all talent and experience to shattered the Americans dream of a Confederation Cup and a FIFA title by loosing 3-2 to Brazil.......
The United States played the first half of the game like they were possessed and destined to win the match, their offense was on top of their game and they were taking the battle straight up Brazil's face. After the Surprise win over Spain, the North Americans were near writing a historic page in US soccer, with goals by Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan for a 2-0 advantaged, it looked like they would surprise the world again.
But hold up......Brazil turn it around in the second half thanks to one Luis Fabiano who shorten the American lead at the (46m), and scored the the tying goal (74m) and ten minute later (84m) Lucio would put the Brazilians ahead for good and hold off United States for a 3-2 win.
The first goal by the United States came at minute 10 of the match, a center volley by Jonathan Spector to Clint Dempsey who made a quick touch of the ball to surprise Julio Cesar, Brazil's goalkeeper and put the score 1-0 in favor of the Americans.
At the 27m, Landon Donovan stole the ball and passed it to Charlie Davies, who in turn passed it back to Donovan and made a quick stop to turn Ramires around and scored the second tally for the US.
Brazil's talent, experience and well coached was a bit overwhelming for the Americans in the second half as they would approached the Americans zone at will, creating opportunities to eventually score and win the match.
This was Brazil's third Confederation Cup, who won it in 1997, 2005 and 2009.
We can't blame the US for the loss, they put up a valiant effort and made the game interesting and enjoyable to watch, one thing for certain the level of play by the Americans and also the learning experience of this match has helped their game lot more than the loss they received.
USA WILL GO ALL OUT FOR VICTORY
Author: Latin America Soccer
The United States will be playing for the finals of the Confederation Cup against Brazil on Sunday June 28, the game will be played in Johannesburg, South Africa. This game means a lot more to the Americans than it does to Brazil, meaning that a win for the United State would be a greater feat to them than to their opponents.........
Winning for the USA will be a giant step towards next years World Cup 2010 and a win will motivate them to play world class soccer the rest of the way, we have seen that in the Confederation Cup the United States has been the only team to taste winning and loosing on both side of the tournament play, the only team to taste the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, Brazil has only seen the winning side as they have been undefeated in Confederation Cup, only seeing the winning side.
The Americans are hungry, their intensity level and the desire to win has grown immensely since beating Egypt and Spain, they have tasted loosing and winning, this makes this group a dangerous opponent and Brazil will have their hands full with the Americans.
The word is that the Brazilians are hoping that the Americans will come out in this game in the offensive and attack Brazil's zone this would leave the Americans for counter attacks, where the Samba team is really good at, and not played like South Africa did, defensive where Brazil had difficulties counter attacking.
USA has beaten Brazil only one time (1-0 in 1998 Concafac Gold Cup), some folks would say amazing, unbelievable, spectacular, unreal - any adjective would apply.
When the Americans play Brazil in the Confederation Cup final Sunday, they have an opportunity to create an ultimate moment in U.S. soccer. The Americans have never won a FIFA tournament, this would be the first time they have made to a final and a victory over the best team in the world,that's my opinion, would signal that they are closer to becoming a world class team to the likes of Spain, England, Germany, Argentina and of course Brazil.
Brazil has nothing to prove, we all know that they have a good team and they will make the trip to the 2010 World Cup regardless of the outcome of this game, of course they don't want to loose the game, and this is just pride in winning, something that they have been doing for years.
Let's not forget that last week Brazil beat them 3-0 in group play. The lost left them on the verge of elimination, and there were some critics calling for Bradley's job, but now they are a different team, tasting loosing and winning has made them more aggressive and dangerous.
My opinion is that Bradley (USA coach) will have to put together a game plan that will surprise the Brazilians and come out with the victory, and I know this for a fact his players are ready and eager to play this game, Bradley would have to utilize that eagerness and motivation and put a good plan to beat the Brazilians and we can safely say that yes, this will come down down to the coach (Bradley's) game plan.
LIGA DE QUITO BEAT INTERNATIONAL 0-1
Author: Latin America Soccer
Liga de Quito (Ecuador) is enjoying a much victoriuos effort after beating International (Brazil) in Inter's backyard 0-1, Liga suprised Inter and left Porto Alegre with a victory, a goal by Argentinian Claudio Bieler which leaves the Ecuadorian team with one more step to the "Recopa Sudamericana" title.
The next game will be played July 9 in Quito, where the Ecuadorians will have the advantage playing at home. Liga de Quito, Copa Libertadores Champions in 2008 and directed by their Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati, will host International, Copa Suramericana champions 2008, where a winner will be declared.
The goal by Bieler (55m) and the expulsion of Bolivar by a red card placed evidenced of difficulties in one International team that had to played with out their star player Nilmar who at this moment is playing with Brazil's national team in South Africa.
Thursday's result was the first defeat by Inter at home this season, this left the Ecuadorians in a situation of privileged, because a tie in the altitude of Quito will give Liga the Recopa title, and it would be their first.
From the first minute the Copa Libertadores champions left a clear vision of what their purpose was in playing in Porto Alegre: defend themselves with tooth and nail to get a favorable outcome in this game and go back to Quito where they would utilize to their advantage their home turf (la Casa Blanca).
As per Inter, they would start the game with some type of rhythm, without any hurry but being somewhat dominant in controlling the ball, however the dominance of the Copa Sudamericana of 2008 would not bring any success or score, in the first 45 minutes a shot from middle distance by Taison would be the only risky challenge that was put on Liga's goalkeeper.
After that the Brazilians let Liga start controlling the game by putting pressure in the center of the field and they would balance their attack, slowly taking over the game.
CRUZEIRO AND GREMIO SQUARE OFF FOR COPA
Author: Latin America Soccer
Cruzeiro and Gremio, the two champions will meet to see who will be advancing to the finals of Copa Libertadores, at Mineiro de Belo Horizonte stadium, as both teams have the intention of moving on to be the Copa champs.
Both teams have recently been occupied with the Brazilian championship, have turn their attention to one of the most prestige tournaments in South America (Copa Libertadores) as they are preparing to go all out against each other. Gremio has not played their starters recently, as they are going into the game against Cruzeiro to win and not a tie, even thought they are the visiting team
Gremio who won the Cup in 1983 and 1995, had the best campaign in this year's tournament, as they are visitors, it would suggest to plan a different offensive attack in Belo Horizonte, the only doubt that Gremio would have is which alignments will the coach put in place for the offensive attack.
Gremio's coach, Paulo Autuori, has confirmed that one of the starters in front will me the Argentinian Maxi Lopez, but yet to define if he will keep Alex Mineiro as his side companion or will he substitute him for Argentinian German Herrera.
Cruzeiro, has not reached the semifinals since 1997, when they conquered the second of their two Copa titles, there is more doubt in their alignment than Gremio's, but they have the same objective to start the duel for the semifinals with a clear advantage.
Cruzeiro will have to substitute for its play creator, midfielder Ramires, who at the moment is playing with Brazil's national team in South Africa.
All in all Adilson Batista, who's team lost against Barueri, is saying that the lost will not affect his team performance and will be concentrated for today's game.
Players from Cruzeiro, are confident that they will be victorious in tonight's match and see themselves in the finals.
CONFEDERATION CUP BLOWOUT
Author: Latin America Soccer
Brazil ridiculed Italy 3-0 in a Confederation Cup match, yesterday in Pretoria, with goals scored in 7 minutes, of the first half. The Samba team finished the first round as leaders of their group, now they will play in the semifinals against a South Africa team...........
Two of the three goals scored were by Luis Fabiano in minute 37 and 43, the other score was by Giusseppe Dossena at minute 44 of the match, giving Brazil their triumph over a manhandle Italy, the score could have been worse for the Italians as Brazil came several times from scoring again and again.
Italy, the World Cup champs, were dispatched from the tournament, even thought they beat the United States 3-1 in their first game, however their level of play against Egypt (lost 1-0) was bad and against Brazil it was worse.
Before the game Gianluigi Buffon, Italian goalkeeper, assured that they were capable of beating Brazil and Spain in back to back games, well that didn't happen, I guess he should have pay more attention to his goalkeeping instead of his forecasting or handicapping.
Brazil, for their part, they finished with 9 points due to their victories against Egypt (4-3), United States (3-0) and Italy (3-0) by finishing first in their group they get the honors to play South Africa this Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa.
With ten goals in three victories, Brazil scored the most goals in the first round of the Cup, ahead of Spain who had eight goals.
As for the USA team, they plummeted Egypt 3-0, yesterday in Rustenburg, in the last game of Group B, to classify for the semifinals of the Confederation Cup, thanks to Brazil's win and an impressive effort by the Americans, with goals by Charlie Davis (21m), Michael Bradley (63m) and Clint Dempsey (71m), now they will meet the super favorites Spain, winners of Group A, this Wednesday in Bloemfontein.
ANTONIO VALENCIA IN DEMAND
Author: Latin America Soccer
Well, you would think that after all of the spending that Real Madrid has done (Ronaldo and Kaka) they would be quite satisfied, this is not the case, Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia who has been courted by Manchester United for a week o so is now in Real Madrid's radar and possibly a yet to be identified club.
Dan Whelan Wigan's president, who Valencia plays for right now, has said that he will be hearing offers from Manchester United and Real Madrid to see who will tag Valencia for his services.
Whelan will be meeting with both of these clubs in the next three to four days, while there is another team interested in the player services who is not from England.
"We can say where he will play. If Real Madrid offers two more millions pounds more than Manchester United or vice verse, will depend where Valencia wants to play", Whelan was quoted.
Manchester United had made an offer 16 million pounds for the player until Real Madrid entered the picture and so did the other unidentified club. So it seems that Wigan will be trying to get these clubs to pay as much possible for the 23 yr old player.
Valencia started his career with El National (Ecuador) in 2005 and moved to Villareal, from the Spanish league, in the same year. However he was loaned to Recreativo de Huelva for most of 2005-2006.
At the beginning of next season he joined English Premier League Wigan Athletic, were he made his debut August 19 2006, he scored his first goal for Wigan against Manchester City October 21 2006. The loan was extended next season and in January 18 2008 he transferred for an undisclosed fee, signing a three year contract.
BRAZIL'S LETDOWN, SAVED BY KAKA
Author: Latin America Soccer
The South American team started their title defense with a lackluster show in Group B, played this Monday in Bloemfontein (Free State Stadium) South Africa.
Kaka, scored two of the four goals that Brazil scored, The first one in the 5th minute of the match and the second one in the 90th minute, rescue his team from an Egyptian team that was eager to play, and it showed by the Egyptians tying the score within 2 minutes apart (54 and 55), it look like the Brazilian went into a rested mode after the score was 3-1 in favor of the Samba team.
In the first half after Kaka score the first goal, and scores from Luis Fabiano (12) and Juan (37) it seem that Brazil was ready to bombard the Egyptians and follow their the streak of excellent soccer, with wins that had come against Uruguay (4-0) and Paraguay (2-1), putting them on top of the South America World Cup qualifiers standings.
However Egypt responded very quickly with their first goal at the 9th minute of the game by Mohamed Zidan, turning the score even 1-1, that would carry the Egyptians with some type of momentum into the second half, as they scored in the (54) by Mohamed Shawky and again Zidan (55), the star of the game with two goals.
At last the victory would come by a hand check on the ball courtesy of Ahmed Al Muhamadi, with a shot sent by Lucio, which brought the Egyptian expulsion and the penalty shot made by kaka, making the final score 4-3.
Brazil will have to improve from they showed in this game if they want to defend their title, as per Egypt, demonstrated that they can make things difficult for the clubs playing in the Confederation Cup.
WANTED, GUNSLINGERS, APPLY AT REAL MADRID
Author: Latin America Soccer
Manchester United announced that they have accepted Real Madrid 131 million dollars, yes I said 131 $$$$$$$$$, for Cristiano Ronaldo transfer fee, one of the best players in the world. This will open the door for Ronaldo to negotiate his contract with the Spanish club, which Manchester United is hoping to be accomplished by June 30.
Real Madrid has been paying an enormous amount of transfer fees in the last few years to either accommodate their needs or egos, for some of the top players in soccer, after acquiring Kaka and now Ronaldo you can easily say that they have the best club in Europe, in paper anyway.
Ronaldo has been pressuring Manchester United, since June of 2008, to get a transfer to Real Madrid, what he calls a "dream transfer", however Alex Fergunson oppose to the transfer and travel to Lisboa to convince the superstar to stay with the English club.
That didn't stop Ronaldo from having a relationship with the Spaniard club, which irritated Ferguson to the point that he was quoted as saying "I would not even sell Real Madrid a virus" which he also so called them "mafia" mmmmmm.........I wonder what he meant by that quote.
With new management taken over, Real Madrid has change its views in how much money they are willing to spend to hire all of the gunslingers they need to return to the glory days when they were on top of the world or at least in the Spanish league (La Liga).
One thing for sure the offer that the Spanish club has brought to the table surpasses
the offer or transfer fee that they paid for Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, of 75 million dollars back in 2001.
I would say that all of the parties are satisfy, with the sum of "dolares" and caliber of player that is involved, Manchester United could not refuse 131 million dollars, I know I couldn't, and Real Madrid got the player that they want it, to get back to power house status, and Ronaldo got his "dream transfer" which is what he mostly want it.
Compare to the record amount that Real Madrid offer for Ronaldo, I guess they got a bargain for Kaka, only 65 million dollars, wow....huge savings.
Here are some of those transfer and fees over the past years that have made headlines, with Real Madrid leading the way:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR), From Manchester U to R. Madrid (2009): 131 mdd.
2. Zinedine Zidane (FRA), From Juventus to R. Madrid (2001): 75 mdd.
3. Kaká (BRA), From Milán to Real Madrid (2009): 65 mdd.
4. Luis Figo (POR), From FC Barcelona to Real Madrid (2000): 61 mdd.
5. Hernán Crespo (ARG), From Parma to Lazio (2000): 56 mdd.
6. Gaizka Mendieta (SPA), From Valencia to Lazio (2001): 48 mdd.
7. Rio Ferdinand (ENG), From Leeds United to Manchester U. (2002): 47 mdd.
8. Andreï Shevchenko (UCR), From Milán to Chelsea (2006): 46 mdd.
9. Juan Sebastian Verón (ARG), From Lazio to Manchester U. (2001): 46 mdd.
10. Ronaldo (BRA), From Inter de Milan to Real Madrid (2002): 45 mdd.
ECUADOR KEEPS ON DREAMING
Author: Latin America Soccer
With goals by Walter Ayovi and Pablo Palacios, Ecuador defeated Argentina 2-0 moving up to 20 points in World Cup qualifying standings. Ecuador came out the gate like a thoroughbred dominating the game wire to wire and scoring in the second half as Argentina ran out of gas (perhaps the altitude), they never put the guard down and with hustle and good soccer they took the three points they needed to keep on dreaming.
First half play the "tricolor" maneuver through and got to Argentina's area with plenty opportunities but they were unable to put the ball in the net. Carlos Tenorio in less than ten minutes created two scoring chances, however at the 17 minute he came out of the game due to his injured back, his replacement young Jefferson Montero.
Lionel Messi was the only danger that Ecuador faced, as he came close to scoring several times, but Elizaga, Ecuador's goalkeeper, would stop Messi's shots dead on his tracks. As Elizaga was stopping Messi, he also stop a penalty kick from Tevez, that was called by the Chilean referee on Elizaga, after that stoppage Ecuador gained momentum.
The second half is when Ecuador did all of the damage, as Argentina tired out, the Ecuadorians kept coming and then it happened, Walter Ayovi missile shot got by Andujar who did not have a chance to stop it at the 73rd minute. In other times Ecuador would have stay back and played defense to maintain the 1-0 lead, not this time, they recognized that Argentina was out of gas and they took advantage of it, the second goal came at the 83rd minute by Pablo Palacios who had come in the second half for Christian Noboa.
With the win Ecuador has placed themselves in a good situation to qualify for the World Cup.
DATE 14 SOUTH AMERICA WORLD CUP QUALIFYERS
Author: Latin America Soccer
Last week's qualifying round brought hope for teams in the Conmebol standings, some countries have for sure classify for a ticket to South Africa, others are hanging around with hope of making the trip to the African nation. So we are going to take a look at tonight's qualifying round to see who's hope will come true.
Brazil vs Paraguay, will play for the leader board in the standings, these two teams appear to be headed to South Africa, althought with five games left they will not be slacking, but maintaining the lead will be the goal for these two teams.
Brazil is coming of the rolling of Uruguay 4-1, in Montivideo, something that it took 33 years to accomplish, for Brazil a win will help them prepare for their next meeting who will be against Argentina, so a win is important to them and their coach Dunga.
For Paraguay loosing will easily put them in fourth place, their lost against Chile was noted by the media as a total setback and they can't afford another setback. Going to Brazil's turf will be a difficult feat, on the positive Salvador Cabañas will be back in the line up something they miss last round.
Ecuador vs Argentina, Argentina's win was considered very much a failure for them, they were manhandle the first half of their encounter with Colombia, the ability for Maradona to coach the team against Colombia was doubted by the media and also accepted by Maradona as his fault, in not being able to maximize the team's abilities and play with the squad they brought.
Argentina needs a win to be able to go into the showdown with Brazil in September, a lost will give other teams to catch them and perhaps pass them. At first Maradona was going to sit Messi for this game due to the yellow card that he already has, but he has decide to let Messi play and take a chance in Messi not getting another yellow card.
For Ecuador there was a light o hope after beating Peru 2-1, they stand tied with Uruguay at 17 points, however the goal difference is the tie breaker, putting Uruguay ahead of them. Its plain and simple, to continue that hope they must win the game against Argentina, a lost or tie would complicate things for them.
On the positive note Ecuador will be arming their squad with all of the world Cup experienced players, players like Ivan Hurtado and Geovanny Espinoza, who were missing in last week's game.
Colombia vs Peru, Colombia will play their last cards like is going out of style against Peru, even thought Peru is in last place they are not taking them lightly. After a good showing against Argentina, again just a good showing, Colombia would need to win all the home games they have left, Peru, Ecuador and Chile, and get at least three points in their visiting games in Uruguay and Paraguay for a slim chance of making the trip to South Africa.
For Peru, the agonizing taught that they have five games left to play and they are sitting in last place with little or none chance making it to the World Cup will be the longest five games of their life.
No chance for Peru.
Chile vs Bolivia, Chile has 23 points in the standings, will use an offensive scheme to get the win, against Bolivia, and depending in other results could very well be a top of the leader board in the standings.
Chile has had an offensive minded attack since Marcelo Bielsa took over the national team as their coach, his line ups have been that of an attacking line ups and has been taking the game to their opponents. Their 3-2-2-3 lines have worked very well and will look for a win against somewhat depleted Bolivia.
Bolivia, after the lost to Venezuela at home is not looking very well, in the game against Venezuela two of their top players were lost to expulsions Marcelo Martins and Leonel Reyes and will not play in this game.
Venezuela vs Uruguay, after Venezuela's win over Bolivia, they will be enter this game with momentum against a much needed to win Uruguay. The Venezuelans will play against Uruguay with respect, for a couple reasons Uruguay needs the win and after the humiliation they received from Brazil 4-0 they are motivated. Venezuela will probably counter attack the Uruguayan offense, thinking the Uruguayans might be a little too aggressive.
Uruguay, at the moment they are sitting in fifth spot, and the last spot for a chance to qualify for the World Cup. They will be aggressive and offensive minded, a word of caution they are playing away and mistake could cost them as Ecuador is looking at their backs for them to fall.
Uruguay will be with out the services of Sebastian Eguren for yellow cards and Maximiliano Pereira expulse in a game with that was played before with Brazil.
WILL MESSI BE A NO SHOW AGAINST ECUADOR?
Author: Latin America Soccer
The Argentinean national team will face a though game against Ecuador in Quito, for the 14 date in South Africa 2010 World Cup qualifying round, They will be with out superstars Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Aguero, as per Diego Maradona.
The only sure one will be (goalkeeper) Mariano Andujar, anticipated Maradona, he will probably introduces a different line up from the one that beat Colombia.
Maradona is concerned with what happened in Bolivia (lost 6-1) and the altitude in Quito is in back of his mind and does not want to repeat Bolivia again , however some of the Ecuadorian players have commented that most of them play abroad and are also not in altitude shape.
Messi's profile as the best player in the world with Barcelona, will be a reserve to assure his presence in the game with Brazil in September.
Mascherano, captain for Argentina and Liverpool player, will be substituted due to accumulations of yellow cards, while Aguero has a leg injury. The absenteesen of these palyers has opened the door for Nicolas Burdisso (Inter of Milan) and Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico of Madrid). Other players that will be summoned could be Diego Milito (Genova) and Gonzalo Bergessio (San Lorenzo).
The defense will be reinforce with Emiliano Papa (Velez Sarsfield), but there is a decision that Maradona has to make and that is will he keep Juan Veron (Estudiantes de la Plata) who is a hustler but lacks organizer skills or give the responsibilities to Fernando Gago (Real Madrid).
One comment that Maradano made "playing against Ecuador will be a hard feat to accomplish, after all they fabricated 18 goal plays against Brazil, the question will be to stay back and counter attack".
ECUADOR BETTING THE RANCH AGAINST PERU
Author: Latin America Soccer
Yesterday's results from the Conmebol qualifying games has brought life back to some of the teams in the standing. Ecuador travelled to lima to meet Peru for today's qualifying South American World Cup qualifier, Ecuador can benefit and gain 3 points with a win, coupled that with the teams that lost yesterday it could get very interesting. At this moment they sit in 7Th place with 14 points in the standings, if they can gain those three points they will be tie for fifth place with Uruguay which will make the next Tuesday's game against Argentina, in Quito, very critical.
The Ecuadorian team, before leaving Ecuador, were very optimistic about winning in Lima with the team they are bringing. Due to the suspension that some of the players have encountered and will not be able to play, Sixto Vizuete has made a line up of young talented players to replace these absent players, Jefferson Montero, Marcelo Fleitas, Jorge Guagua and goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga, with this move Vizuete looses experience but gains young talent with plenty desire to strive for excellence and a win.
Vizuete is not hiding anything from the press, as he put it "there is no secret, they know who were are bringing" he also is banking in the players that he brings performed at a top level of soccer for their country and is relying on these players to get those three points that they need.
Ecuador will be playing for their life in this game and will put the ranch on the line to win the match, the players know it and with win they will be motivated to play an Argentina team full of superstars next Wednesday, June 10 in Ecuador.
LATIN AMERICA WORLD CUP QUALIFYERS
Author: Latin America Soccer
Today there will be plenty Latin America Teams trying to move in the standings to qualify for South Africa 2010 World Cup.
Some of the games that will be in actions will be Brazil going up against Uruguay in Montevideo, a place were Brazil has not won in 33 years. Brazil will try to break the tabu by winning in Uruguay. Players like Kaka (Brazil) Diego Forlán (Uruguay) will be in the field for their respective teams.
Paraguay will host Chile, Paraguay is at top of the standings a win for surely will help them classify for the World Cup......
Chile has not won in Paraguay in 30 years, missing will be Salvador Cabañas (America, Mexico) he is suspended for acquiring two yellow cards, however Chile will have Humberto Suazo in the field. Marcelo Bielsa, Chile's coach, feels confident that his team will be energized to play a top level game and come out with the win.
Argentina will host Colombia, Argentina will try to forget last round loss to Bolivia by trying to get a win over Colombia. Maradona, Argentina's coach has summoned his top guns for this game, Messi, Tevez, Aguero, etc, etc, etc. So we can say Maradona wants to win.
Honduras will visit United States in Chicago, Honduras will have a fans flocking in Chicago, United States could use a little support after the 3-1 loss to Costa Rica.
Mexico will visit El Salvador, Mexico has a new coach Javier Aguirre, Aguirre changed goalkeeper calling Oscar Perez and leaving Oswaldo Sanchez out to shake the team, they are currently in fourth place in the standings.
Here is the rest of the schedule for both South and North America Latin soccer:
| Sat., Jun. 6 | | Uruguay vs. Brazil |
| | Argentina vs. Colombia | | | Bolivia vs. Venezuela | | | Paraguay vs. Chile |
| Sat., Jun. 6 | | El Salvador vs. Mexico | | | United States vs. Honduras | | | Trinidad-Tob. vs. Costa Rica |
BIRMINGHAM TAGS CHRISTIAN 'CHUCHO' BENITEZ
Author: Latin America Soccer
Ecuadorian foward Christian Benitez will unite with Birmingham City for a record sum that will be paid to Mexican club Santos Laguna de Torreón, was announced by the premier English club.
Birmingham, has just finished advancing to the premier league, topping the maximum category in English soccer, informing in their web site (www.bcfc.com) that Benitez, 23yrs old , will submit to a physical next week after agreeing to the terms of his new contract.
"The Blues" broke a record for the transfer of Benitez, one of the more prominent talents in World soccer, indicated Birmingham.
The English club has not disclose the amount of how much it will cost them for the services of the Ecuadorian player, but the scoop is that the amount is 13.7 million dollars or 9.6 million euros. It would be more than they paid for foward Emile Heskey in 2004.
Benitez whose father Hermen 'La Pantera' Benitez is the all time scorer in Ecuadorian soccer championship with 191 goals, will sign a contract for three years.
The South American player, who campaign in the World Cup in Germany 2006 with the national team , scored 31 goals in 58 games in the last two seasons with Mexican first division Santos Laguna de Torreón.
Benitez recently had shoulder surgery and will not play for Ecuador in the upcoming qualifying rounds against Peru June 7 and Argentina June 10.
Birmingham was also confident that they would be able to get the player working permits due to that the player had played 85% of his competitive games with Ecuador in the last two years, a number that meets the requirements.
BOLIVIA LOOKING TO REPEAT LAST QUALIFYING VICTORY
Author: Latin America Soccer
The entire National team for Bolivia started to train Monday for their meeting with venezuela on Saturday in La Paz for the World Cup qualifiers 2010.
The club directed by Erwin "Platini" Sánchez will unite all of the 27 players called up in La Paz, where he will start the training in Hernando Siles stadium, 3600 meters above sea level where the match will take place against Venezuela.
Last Thursday some of the players, that play abroad and had no games to play with their respective clubs, had started their training, the rest of the players that play nationally and abroad had to finish their league play this past weekend before they were able to meet up with the rest of the national team, which is today.
Trought out the day players will be arriving from the Bolivian teams and abroad, players like scorer Marcelo Martins, from Werden Bremen of Germany, Juan Manuel Peña, from Celta de Vigo Spain, and Pablo Escobar, from Santo André Brazil.
The only concern that has presented for Sánchez in the last few hours for call ups was Christian Vargas, from Blooming de Santa Cruz, he will be replacing Luis Gatty Ribeiro, Real Potosi, who has an injury that will not allow him to participate against Venezuela.
Bolivia is coming into this game after trouncing Diego Maradona's Argentina team 6-1 in the last World Cup 2010 qualifier, back in April 1 2009.
The "Verdes" (greens) after the last 2 qualifying games are in eighth place with 12 points, while Venezuela is in ninth place with 10 points.
The qualifying of South America teams for the World Cup will only allow the top four teams to the 2010 World Cup, and the fifth place team will have to play a team from Concafac qualifier to gain birth to the World Cup.
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| 1. |  | Paraguay | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 19 | 9 | 10 | 24 | 5-0-0 | 2-3-2 | | 2. |  | Brazil | 12 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 19 | 5 | 14 | 21 | 3-3-0 | 2-3-1 | | 3. |  | Chile | 12 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 20 | 3-1-2 | 3-1-2 | | 4. |  | Argentina | 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 18 | 13 | 5 | 19 | 4-2-0 | 1-2-3 | | 5. |  | Uruguay | 12 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 21 | 10 | 11 | 17 | 3-2-0 | 1-3-3 | | 6. |  | Colombia | 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 14 | 3-1-2 | 0-4-1 | | 7. |  | Ecuador | 12 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 14 | 19 | -5 | 14 | 3-4-1 | 0-1-3 | | 8. |  | Bolivia | 12 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 19 | 25 | -6 | 12 | 3-2-1 | 0-1-5 | | 9. |  | Venezuela | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 27 | -15 | 10 | 2-0-3 | 1-1-4 | | 10. |  | Peru | 12 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 26 | -15 | 7 | 1-4-1 | 0-0-6
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DIEGO FORLÁN WINS SCORING TITLE
Author: Latin America Soccer
Uruguayan foward Diego Forlán , Atlético Madrid from Spain, has for the second time won "el botin de oro" in European soccer, was announce by his club this Sunday.
His nearest competitor Marc Janko, Salzburgo of Austria, did not score Sunday as his team was defeated 4-1, and couldn't surpass Forlán 32 goals in the Spanish league.
The Uruguayan, who converted his last goal on Saturday in a victory for his team in the final game of the Spanish tournament, assure himself of the prestigious prize.
Forlán, who just turn 30 yrs old, won the "Botín de Oro" in 2004-2005 along with Thierry Henry, who at the time was a foward for Arsenal, after scoring 25 goals for Villareal.
Atlético Madrid qualified next season for the "Liga de Campeones" after beating Almeriá on Saturday, a game were Forlán scored the third goal for his team and number 12 in eight meetings, 
PACHUCA AND PUMAS FOR ALL THE MARBLES
Author: Latin America Soccer
Pachuca and Pumas will play for the finals of the Clausura 2009 tonight, Hidalgo stadium will crown who will be the Mexican champions.
Pachuca will need to win by 2 goals in order to be champion, (they lost 1-0 in the first leg), they must motivate themselves to play their best soccer of the season in order to achieve the ultimate crown in Mexican soccer. The winner would have accomplished their 6th Mexican title in club history.
The big obstacle for Pachuca will be to win as a visitor, at Pumas, however winning as a visitor is something Pachuca has already experienced, they beat Monterrey in 2004 Clausura. Still the feat will be difficult to accomplished.
Pumas will have to defend that one goal advantaged they have, Enrique Meza, Pumas coach, will come out for sure with a defensive plan to stop Pachuca in its track. Pumas has more advantages than Pachuca, one is that they are playing at home, which is the biggest advantage, second they have an experienced coach in Meza, in the occasions that Meza has had a team in first place he has never been defeated in the championship game and Pumas also knows how to win the championship at home (they have done it against San Luis and America).
Tonight's game will have plenty of ambiance as these two club have never met for the championship, but both coaches have met before for the championship (they met in 1997 as Ricardo ferretti guided Chivas and Enrique Meza guided " Los Toros de Neza", which was one by Meza's team).
Several players from Pachuca and Pumas could reach historic milestones, Gabriel Caballeros would be seven time Mexican champion if Pachucas wins, as other players with multiple wins under their belts.
The game will be at 7:05 pm Mexican time, at stadium Hidalgo. 
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