Juan Roman Riquelme scored two goals and set up another with a stunning pass as Argentina routed Peru 4-0 in their Copa America quarter-final on Sunday.
Peru had held out until halftime but Riquelme broke the deadlock with an outstanding goal and then provided an equally impressive pass for Lionel Messi to add the second.
Javier Mascherano and Riquelme added two more as the tournament favourites earned a semi-final tie against Mexico.
Peru were gifted an early chance when Gabriel Heinze gave the ball away on the edge of his own penalty area but Paulo Guerrero's shot went over.
Guerrero was a headache for the Argentina defence and Roberto Ayala was lucky not to be sent off for pulling him down when he had a clear run on goal.
Messi, given a rapturous reception by the crowd, had Argentina's best first-half chances, hitting the post in the 18th minute with a shot that deflected off goalkeeper Leao Butron and then having another cleared off the line by Edgar Villamarin.
Argentina introduced Carlos Tevez for Diego Milito at halftime and shortly after the restart Riquelme, running across the face of the area, collected a pass in his stride and scored with a powerful low drive into the bottom left-hand corner.
Tevez then headed against the crossbar before Riquelme sliced open the Peru defence with a slide-rule pass and found Messi, who eluded Butron to score his first goal of the tournament in the 61st minute.
Mascherano, who scored his first Argentina goal in the 1-0 win over Paraguay on Thursday, hit the target for the second game in a row as he snapped up a rebound in the 75th minute.
Argentina were not finished and scored the fourth goal from a stunning counter attack started by Roberto Abbondanzieri, who raced out of his goal and found Tevez with a pass down the touchline.
Tevez held off his marker and laid the ball off to Riquelme, who nonchalantly added the fourth.
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
United sign Tevez?
Britains Daily Mail are reporting that Alex Ferguson has agreed a deal to SIgn Argentinian Carlos Tevez, whilst the times report it may be a loan deal....
Carlos Tevez last night agreed to join Manchester United in a permanent deal worth more than £20million.
The move will be completed next week, subject to any challenge from West Ham, who still claim to own the registration of the player who saved them from relegation last season.
However, West Ham have no contract with Tevez and his owner, businessman Kia Joorabchian, which has left the player and his representative free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs.
The news, breaking in South America last night, means that United will take their summer buying past the £70m mark, confirming them as the biggest spenders in world football.
Tevez was once fined when playing for Brazil's Corinthians for turning up to an official press conference wearing a Manchester United shirt.
He will fly from Argentina's Copa America base here to join United's pre-season programme.
"He just cannot contain his excitement at the news," a source close to the Argentina camp confirmed. "Tevez has been concerned about his future, worried about where he may play next season and now he is joining the biggest club in the world! This is massive news."
Tevez is best friends with United's Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze and was a guest at their end-of-season title party in a London club.
Days later, Tevez scored at Old Trafford on the final day of the season to give West Ham the 1-0 win that kept them in the Premiership, but his controversial transfer has been the subject of a Premier League investigation, which was concluded on Tuesday.
United were hoping to keep the confirmation of the transfer quiet until the furore died down and the deal will not be officially declared until the middle of next week. The official transfer fee — and wages — are still to be confirmed.
United have already signed Portuguese winger Nani and Brazilian midfielder Anderson on expensive five-year contracts.
The pair join the Premier League champions from Sporting Lisbon and Porto respectively, while England midfielder Owen Hargreaves completed his move from Bayern Munich. The total cost of those deals is £50m.
United have also made Polish keeper Tomasz Kuszczak a full signing after he played last season on loan from second division West Bromwich.
With multi-million pound backing from their American investors, United have been flexing their financial muscle, but the signing of Tevez is their most ambitious.
The little striker has told friends that he is "very excited" about his future, though he has refused to confirm his next destination. Tevez has also been linked with Inter Milan and Arsenal, although West Ham had been hoping to keep him.
Tevez told Sportsmail in an exclusive interview last season: "If I can play at West Ham in such a difficult position, then it's easier to play for a bigger club, with players such as Rooney, Ronaldo or Drogba.
"I would be capable of playing at any English team, because the English game is no longer a problem for me." He then went on to save West Ham, following his controversial "loan" move from Corinthians, a club he joined in a South American transfer record of $22m.
As well as being fined for turning up in an official press conference wearing a United shirt, he was also punished for turning up for a game in Bermuda shorts — and for fighting with team-mates.
Then the goals started and he was branded a hero. The fans copied his braided hair cut, followed his celebration dance craze and bought the replica shirts.
It was claimed that 4,000 were sold at every home game. He was elected captain by his team-mates and he would lead out his team with his baby daughter, Florencia, in his arms, producing a dummy from his sock when he scored a goal.
Then, when a website opened in his name, it broke the previous record held by Ronaldinho by 4,000 hits.
Tevez received 16,000 hits and the local newspapers called it "the birth of Tevezmania". It sounds like a marketing dream for Manchester United.
West Ham last night confirmed the free transfer signing of former England goalkeeper Richard Wright, who left Everton at the end of last season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94zFA2szc_I
Carlos Tevez last night agreed to join Manchester United in a permanent deal worth more than £20million.
The move will be completed next week, subject to any challenge from West Ham, who still claim to own the registration of the player who saved them from relegation last season.
However, West Ham have no contract with Tevez and his owner, businessman Kia Joorabchian, which has left the player and his representative free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs.
The news, breaking in South America last night, means that United will take their summer buying past the £70m mark, confirming them as the biggest spenders in world football.
Tevez was once fined when playing for Brazil's Corinthians for turning up to an official press conference wearing a Manchester United shirt.
He will fly from Argentina's Copa America base here to join United's pre-season programme.
"He just cannot contain his excitement at the news," a source close to the Argentina camp confirmed. "Tevez has been concerned about his future, worried about where he may play next season and now he is joining the biggest club in the world! This is massive news."
Tevez is best friends with United's Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze and was a guest at their end-of-season title party in a London club.
Days later, Tevez scored at Old Trafford on the final day of the season to give West Ham the 1-0 win that kept them in the Premiership, but his controversial transfer has been the subject of a Premier League investigation, which was concluded on Tuesday.
United were hoping to keep the confirmation of the transfer quiet until the furore died down and the deal will not be officially declared until the middle of next week. The official transfer fee — and wages — are still to be confirmed.
United have already signed Portuguese winger Nani and Brazilian midfielder Anderson on expensive five-year contracts.
The pair join the Premier League champions from Sporting Lisbon and Porto respectively, while England midfielder Owen Hargreaves completed his move from Bayern Munich. The total cost of those deals is £50m.
United have also made Polish keeper Tomasz Kuszczak a full signing after he played last season on loan from second division West Bromwich.
With multi-million pound backing from their American investors, United have been flexing their financial muscle, but the signing of Tevez is their most ambitious.
The little striker has told friends that he is "very excited" about his future, though he has refused to confirm his next destination. Tevez has also been linked with Inter Milan and Arsenal, although West Ham had been hoping to keep him.
Tevez told Sportsmail in an exclusive interview last season: "If I can play at West Ham in such a difficult position, then it's easier to play for a bigger club, with players such as Rooney, Ronaldo or Drogba.
"I would be capable of playing at any English team, because the English game is no longer a problem for me." He then went on to save West Ham, following his controversial "loan" move from Corinthians, a club he joined in a South American transfer record of $22m.
As well as being fined for turning up in an official press conference wearing a United shirt, he was also punished for turning up for a game in Bermuda shorts — and for fighting with team-mates.
Then the goals started and he was branded a hero. The fans copied his braided hair cut, followed his celebration dance craze and bought the replica shirts.
It was claimed that 4,000 were sold at every home game. He was elected captain by his team-mates and he would lead out his team with his baby daughter, Florencia, in his arms, producing a dummy from his sock when he scored a goal.
Then, when a website opened in his name, it broke the previous record held by Ronaldinho by 4,000 hits.
Tevez received 16,000 hits and the local newspapers called it "the birth of Tevezmania". It sounds like a marketing dream for Manchester United.
West Ham last night confirmed the free transfer signing of former England goalkeeper Richard Wright, who left Everton at the end of last season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94zFA2szc_I
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Video: Venezuala and Uruguay advance in Copa America
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Man Uniteds Anderson Brazil match review
Quick review of Anderson in tonights Copa America match:
Mexico went 2 goals ahead with a great goal from man of the match Castillo and a fantastic free kick.
Anderson on for the 2nd half, playing in centre right midfield as an attacking midfielder shirt number 20, first effort ran at players but gave ball away on 47 minutes.
A minute later he turned his man and ran again at the defence with good balance before giving a foul away to the diving marquez, on 50 received a great crossfield pass on the edge of the penalty area before shooting wide, cacho almost added a 3rd for mexico on 56 with a bullet header saved by the keeper, before robinho was also denied by the mexican keeper from close range, anderson floated a perfect pass over to Alves who volleyed brilliantly but was again denied by the keeper.
Andersons movement was very good but Brazil look a disjointed team.
Anderson was denied by a deflection from Marquez on 58 when he was unlucky not to score but then faded quite a bit in the game and showed no energy and little movement towards the end, this reflected the whole Brazil performance.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
United Confirm deal for Nani and also for Anderson
Manchester United today confirmed on the website that they had meetings in Portugal and have agreed deals for both Nani and the man dubbed the new Ronaldinho.. Anderson.
The deals are expected to cost in the region of 50 million Euros for the pair but the signings have not yet been made....
The deals are expected to cost in the region of 50 million Euros for the pair but the signings have not yet been made....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
