Venezuela and Uruguay played out the first goalless draw of this year's Copa America on Tuesday, a result that ensured both sides advanced to the quarter-finals from Group A.
With the hosts already through thanks to the previous night's results in Group C -- the first time in Copa America history they have made the last eight -- and Uruguay needing a point, neither team made much effort to win.
"We played intelligently, we knew this result was enough for us to finish top of the group," Venezuela striker Jose Torrealba told reporters.
It was by far the worst game of what has been a hugely entertaining tournament and a huge letdown for a 41,000 sellout crowd, many of whom had queued for hours for tickets.
Venezuela topped Group A with five points, followed by Peru and Uruguay on four apiece, Peru taking second spot on goal difference. Bolivia were last with two points.
Uruguay are certain qualify as one of the best two third-placed teams from the three groups.
Venezuela's top spot means they return to San Cristobal, where they enjoy passionate support, for their quarter-final on Saturday.
Venezuela had two good efforts in the first half as a rocketing Juan Arango free kick forced Fabian Carini into action and the Uruguay goalkeeper then dived bravely at Giancarlo Maldonado's feet.
Uruguay's only shot on goal came in the 52nd minute when Diego Forlan's 25-metre effort dipped over the bar.
For long periods, the teams played the ball sideways and backwards as their opponents sat back and watched.
Venezuela quickened the pace in the last 20 minutes and Jose Torrealba shots over from 20 metres, then Cesar Gonzalez was close with a curling free kick.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Video: Crespo inspires Argentina win
Former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo surpassed Diego Maradona's tally of 34 to move into second place in Argentina's all-time goalscoring charts as Colombia were beaten 4-2 in the Copa America.
His first-half penalty, Juan Roman Riquelme`s brace and a late goal from Diego Milito ensured victory in Maracaibo for the Argentinians, although Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano was concerned by several defensive mistakes.
"We won an important match and played well," he said. "But we have to defend better after a corner-kick. We didn`t expect their first goal.
"It is very difficult to maintain the pace as the temperature makes it very tough. It is hot and we are always trying to attack and have the ball."
Crespo is still 21 goals behind the record of 56 held by Gabriel Batistuta.
Paraguay, who beat the United States 3-1 earlier, top Group C by virtue of goal difference.
His first-half penalty, Juan Roman Riquelme`s brace and a late goal from Diego Milito ensured victory in Maracaibo for the Argentinians, although Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano was concerned by several defensive mistakes.
"We won an important match and played well," he said. "But we have to defend better after a corner-kick. We didn`t expect their first goal.
"It is very difficult to maintain the pace as the temperature makes it very tough. It is hot and we are always trying to attack and have the ball."
Crespo is still 21 goals behind the record of 56 held by Gabriel Batistuta.
Paraguay, who beat the United States 3-1 earlier, top Group C by virtue of goal difference.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Video; Venezuela beat Peru in the Copa America 2007
Venezuela have beaten Peru 2-0 in their second Group A match in the Copa América 2007. Second-half goals from Alejandro Cichero and substitute Daniel Arismendi sealed Venezuela’s second win ever in the South American tournament
Venezuela had a goal ruled-out in the 5th minute after Maldonado was rightly flagged offside after leaping on a rebound, much to the dismay of the home-fans who, to date had only seen their team record one win in their long Copa América history.
Peru then went down to 10-men after Venezuelan striker Giancarlo Maldonado was elbowed by Pedro Garcia, who was shown a straight red-card by the referee in the 15th minute.
This meant that for most of the half Peru were content with defending, except for a brief spell in the middle of the half, when Sanntiago Acasiete had Peru’s only attempt on-target in the first-half, with José Paolo Guerrero shooting wide.
Ricardo David Páez and Fernando de Ornellas both had shots off-target for the hosts, with José Manuel Rey and Juan Fernando Arango both forcing Peru goalkeeper Leao Butrón into saves, but nothing to seriously worry the Peruvians during the first period.
The first-half finished 0-0, with the 10-men of Peru still very much in the game, and with the hosts struggling to find a way through the sturdy Peruvian defence.
Venezuela head coach Richard Páez made his half-time team-talk pay-off shortly after half-time, with his team coming out with far more intent and causing problems for Peru.
Alejandro Cichero opened for the home-side just minutes into the second-half, with a header past the helpless Butrón, with the crowd going wild at the prospect of a win.
Peru's Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro was brought down by Hector Gonzalez in the 61st minute, for what seemed a clear-cut penalty, but the referee waved it away, increasing the tension in the Peru team.
Ricardo Paéz, son of the Venezuelan head coach Richard, was sent-off with only twelve minutes to play, bringing both teams down to 10-men and giving hope to Peru, but their hopes were smashed when, just minutes after coming onto the pitch, striker Daniel Arismendi sealed Venezuela’s win with a brilliant solo goal, only the second win that Venezuela have ever registered in their history in the tournament.
Venezuela now have a great chance to qualify from Group A, as they currently lead Group A on 4 points, ahead of Peru and Uruguay who have 3 points.
Venezuela had a goal ruled-out in the 5th minute after Maldonado was rightly flagged offside after leaping on a rebound, much to the dismay of the home-fans who, to date had only seen their team record one win in their long Copa América history.
Peru then went down to 10-men after Venezuelan striker Giancarlo Maldonado was elbowed by Pedro Garcia, who was shown a straight red-card by the referee in the 15th minute.
This meant that for most of the half Peru were content with defending, except for a brief spell in the middle of the half, when Sanntiago Acasiete had Peru’s only attempt on-target in the first-half, with José Paolo Guerrero shooting wide.
Ricardo David Páez and Fernando de Ornellas both had shots off-target for the hosts, with José Manuel Rey and Juan Fernando Arango both forcing Peru goalkeeper Leao Butrón into saves, but nothing to seriously worry the Peruvians during the first period.
The first-half finished 0-0, with the 10-men of Peru still very much in the game, and with the hosts struggling to find a way through the sturdy Peruvian defence.
Venezuela head coach Richard Páez made his half-time team-talk pay-off shortly after half-time, with his team coming out with far more intent and causing problems for Peru.
Alejandro Cichero opened for the home-side just minutes into the second-half, with a header past the helpless Butrón, with the crowd going wild at the prospect of a win.
Peru's Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro was brought down by Hector Gonzalez in the 61st minute, for what seemed a clear-cut penalty, but the referee waved it away, increasing the tension in the Peru team.
Ricardo Paéz, son of the Venezuelan head coach Richard, was sent-off with only twelve minutes to play, bringing both teams down to 10-men and giving hope to Peru, but their hopes were smashed when, just minutes after coming onto the pitch, striker Daniel Arismendi sealed Venezuela’s win with a brilliant solo goal, only the second win that Venezuela have ever registered in their history in the tournament.
Venezuela now have a great chance to qualify from Group A, as they currently lead Group A on 4 points, ahead of Peru and Uruguay who have 3 points.
Rooney Uniteds New number 10
Wayne Rooney recieved the Number 10 shirt from Legend Dennis Law.
"When I was offered the chance to wear the number 10 shirt I jumped at it," says Wayne.
"Some of the game's greatest players have become legends wearing number 10, none more so than Denis Law.
"He was crowned King of the Stretford End during his time at the club and it is a great honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind it."
Rooney's manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne is a worthy addition to the roll-call of players who've worn the iconic red shirt.
"There have been some wonderful footballers who have worn the Manchester United number 10 shirt," says Sir Alex.
"These men have captured the imagination of our fans around the world with their skill and their goals. Wayne is the right man to carry on that tradition and I'm delighted that Denis Law was able to pass on the mantle."
Videos of the 2 great men below:
"When I was offered the chance to wear the number 10 shirt I jumped at it," says Wayne.
"Some of the game's greatest players have become legends wearing number 10, none more so than Denis Law.
"He was crowned King of the Stretford End during his time at the club and it is a great honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind it."
Rooney's manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne is a worthy addition to the roll-call of players who've worn the iconic red shirt.
"There have been some wonderful footballers who have worn the Manchester United number 10 shirt," says Sir Alex.
"These men have captured the imagination of our fans around the world with their skill and their goals. Wayne is the right man to carry on that tradition and I'm delighted that Denis Law was able to pass on the mantle."
Videos of the 2 great men below:
Robinho claims Capello sacking as "normal"!
Despite supporter protests, Real pushed through president Roman Calderon's plans to dismiss Capello as they celebrated a first title victory in four years.
"It's a normal change," shrugged Robinho. "I've never had any problems with any of the coaches I've worked for.
Real Madrid sacked Vincente Del Bosque after a succesful period and have been unsuccessful ever since until Capello, so now they sack him also, perhaps Real will falter again..
Capellos record speaks for itself:
AC MILAN 1991-96:
4 Serie A titles: 91/92, 92/93, 93/94, 95/96
1 European Super Cup: 94
3 Italian Super Cups: 92, 93, 94
1 European Cup: 94
* Also went 58 league games unbeaten between May '91 and March '93
Real Madrid 1996-97:
1 La Liga: 96/97
AC Milan 97-98: no honours
Roma 99-2004:
1 Serie A: 00/01
1 Italian Super Cup: 01
Juventus 04-06:
2 Serie A: 04/05, 05/06
* both titles stripped after match fixing convictions*
Real Madrid 06-07:
1 La Liga: 06/07
TOTALS: 7 Serie A titles
(2 stripped from Juventus)
4 Italian Super Cups
1 European Cup
1 European Super Cup
2 La Liga titles
Friday, June 29, 2007
Newcastle to Sign crocked Edmilson?
Its been reported that Newcastle United are about to sign Edmilson of Barcelona even though he could be out injured for up to 6 months!!
After the Michael Owen debacle its suprising that Newcastle would take the risk, however here is some video of the great man for the fans to saviour.
After the Michael Owen debacle its suprising that Newcastle would take the risk, however here is some video of the great man for the fans to saviour.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Argentina batter USA 4-1
In a game where USA held off Argentina brilliantly, this Copa America match ended up as the others have done, with an abundance of goals.
4-1 was the end scoreline with Manchester Uniteds Heinze getting an assist and West Hams Carlos Tevez scoring a fine goal, Juan Veron formally of Manchester United and Chelsea had a great game running the midfield.
4-1 was the end scoreline with Manchester Uniteds Heinze getting an assist and West Hams Carlos Tevez scoring a fine goal, Juan Veron formally of Manchester United and Chelsea had a great game running the midfield.
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