July 28, 2009
“It’s going to be a challenge for sure, but we had the same mentality heading into the 2007 World Cup,” said U.S. goalkeeper Brian Perk, who also played in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. “We didn’t have too much pressure on us in that tournament because of the difficult draw and I think we’re in a similar situation this time. It’s definitely a tough group, but I’m excited and I think my teammates will be as well.”
The U.S. will be competing in its seventh-consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “group of death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.
The U.S. qualified by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.
FIFA U-20 World Cup Group C Schedule
Date........... Match-up..............Venue...........Kickoff (Local/ET)
Sept. 26 USA vs. Germany Mubarak Stadium; ............10 a.m.
Sept. 26 Korea vs. Cameroon Mubarak Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Sept. 29 Germany vs. Korea Mubarak Stadium;........... 10 a.m.
Sept. 29 USA vs. Cameroon Mubarak Stadium; ..............12:45 p.m.
Oct. 2 USA vs. Korea Republic Mubarak Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Oct. 2 Germany vs. Cameroon Ismailia Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
USA 0 - 5 Mexico
July 26, 2009
Mexico snapped a decade victory drought against the Americans in the United States on Sunday with a 5-0 rout for its fifth CONCACAF regional championship. Captain Gerardo Torrado scored on a penalty kick in the 56th minute, then the inexperienced U.S. squad came unglued.
As an overwhelmingly pro-Mexico sellout crowd of 79,156 rocked Giants Stadium, Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela scored 5 minutes apart despite several brilliant saves by Troy Perkins. Indeed, it seemed the goalkeeper was the only American on the field during the 11-minute blitz in which Mexico's attackers could have sprinted all the way back to Azteca Stadium without being touched.
Jose Antonio Castro and Guillermo Franco put the finishing touches on Mexico's first win at the United States since March 1989. Castro scored off a great through-pass from Vela, a substitute who energized Mexico when he entered the game after halftime.
The United States, fielding an inexperienced squad after the top team finished second in the Confederations Cup last month, could not maintain American dominance of its continental rival.
Mexico was 0-9-2 at the United States since its last win, and fell 2-0 in February in a World Cup qualifier. The nations meet again in Mexico City on Aug. 12, but then the full American roster will be on hand, along with several of the players who carried El Tri to this Gold Cup crown.
But that is another story. For now, after a 10-year wait, there was sweet victory in commanding style.
At the final whistle, the green-clad Mexican players stormed onto the field in jubilation, mobbing Dos Santos, who was voted the game's most valuable player. Then they saluted the crowd that made the Meadowlands sound more like Mexico City, making a tour of the pitch with the trophy in hand.
For the Americans, it was a return to reality. After Bob Bradley coached them to a runner-up finish in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, he gave most of the players a pass for the Gold Cup. Still, the untested fill-ins showed versatility and fortitude -- at least until Mexico ran over them in a spectacular 45-minute offensive onslaught.
U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley
On seeing a lot of younger players during this tournament: “I think we’ve had a good chance to see so many different players. I think we’ve got a good, solid nucleus, but we’re always looking for players that we believe are going to move forward and help our team.”
On allowing goals in the second half:
“The second half for us is not what we’re all about. It’s important we can look hard at ourselves and learn from a half like that and use it the right way.”
On if the inexperience of the U.S. players factored into the result:
“The area where we didn’t do well enough was our response to the first goal. I think the first half we played pretty well, and now when the second half starts you obviously want to build on that. We had one very good chance at the start of the second half when Robbie Rogers hit one over. But now, when we get down, your ability to make sure that the game doesn’t become a free-for-all where the other team has all sorts of space and opportunities, where your numbers aren’t good enough in the back when the ball turns over, where you lose bad balls, so there’s a lot of different things there that obviously came into play. I think it’s most important that we can look at those things.”
On how this loss may impact the qualifying match in Mexico City on Aug. 12:
“There’s no doubt that you want competitors and we are competitors. When you have a game that feels like this at the end you don’t forget it. It’s something that we will always on the inside talk about, be honest about, and hopefully we can use it in a way that we’re better from it today.”
On the play of Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos:
“Both are good players. When the game opens up in the second half, they’re the kind of players that can take advantage of the space and in that regard they did very well today.”
On finishing second in the Gold Cup:
“Today was their day. When you have to stand there, whether it’s in the Confederations Cup in South Africa and it’s Brazil, or whether it’s in Giants Stadium and it’s the Gold Cup and it’s Mexico, when you finish second you have to stand there – which is the right thing to do – see the other team get their medals, hold up the trophy, that’s a feeling that as athletes, as competitors it’s a feeling that you don’t like. You hope those are things that help you grow in the future on an individual basis and on a team basis. Like I said, today is their day, they can celebrate. It’s our job to make sure we’re ready for what we already knew was a challenge to play in Azetca. We’ll be ready. It’s 90 minutes and it starts over.”
On if this result is a set-back for the team:
“Everyone reads into it their own way. We know the work going on. We’re honest about every step of the way. People will read into it in different ways, but once again when we go to Azetca, we start over on that day and have a chance to do something the U.S. hasn’t done before.”
On what changed the game:
“The change was the goal. When a goal is scored, now all of a sudden things change in the game. We didn’t do well at that point in terms of our response, our ability to keep control while we pushed for the equalizer. We opened ourselves up. I said it earlier, these are talented players, you open yourself up, you start to give away balls in bad spots, you start to get caught where again you’re all over the field and not solid enough in the back when you lose bad balls, good players make you pay and that’s what happened in the second half.”
U.S. Men’s National Team captain and forward Brian Ching On giving up five goals:
“When it comes down to it we just lost our composure. They're a good team and they punished us. We're a young team and guys played a lot of minutes, but we have no real excuses. They moved the ball around a lot, we were chasing the ball a lot in the second half and it tired us out. I think it was a combination of things but we're not going to sit here and make excuses. We're going to hold our hands up and I'll be the first one to say I didn't do enough.”
On what they’ll take from the game:
You look at anybody in the United States and this loss will anger you. We have to channel that, use it and bring it with us on August 12.
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Stuart Holden On the loss and how the team moves forward: “I think we just put this behind us. Maybe this will give them a little bit of confidence but it will be a different group come August 12. Over the course of the tournament guys have shown well and stated a case to be considered going forward. Today was just not one of those days and we're very disappointed with our efforts. You never like getting beat 5-0.”
http://www.exonline.com.mx/diario/noticia/adrenalina/futbolsoccer/mexico,_campeon_de_la_copa_oro/672476
Mexico snapped a decade victory drought against the Americans in the United States on Sunday with a 5-0 rout for its fifth CONCACAF regional championship. Captain Gerardo Torrado scored on a penalty kick in the 56th minute, then the inexperienced U.S. squad came unglued.
As an overwhelmingly pro-Mexico sellout crowd of 79,156 rocked Giants Stadium, Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela scored 5 minutes apart despite several brilliant saves by Troy Perkins. Indeed, it seemed the goalkeeper was the only American on the field during the 11-minute blitz in which Mexico's attackers could have sprinted all the way back to Azteca Stadium without being touched.
Jose Antonio Castro and Guillermo Franco put the finishing touches on Mexico's first win at the United States since March 1989. Castro scored off a great through-pass from Vela, a substitute who energized Mexico when he entered the game after halftime.
The United States, fielding an inexperienced squad after the top team finished second in the Confederations Cup last month, could not maintain American dominance of its continental rival.
Mexico was 0-9-2 at the United States since its last win, and fell 2-0 in February in a World Cup qualifier. The nations meet again in Mexico City on Aug. 12, but then the full American roster will be on hand, along with several of the players who carried El Tri to this Gold Cup crown.
But that is another story. For now, after a 10-year wait, there was sweet victory in commanding style.
At the final whistle, the green-clad Mexican players stormed onto the field in jubilation, mobbing Dos Santos, who was voted the game's most valuable player. Then they saluted the crowd that made the Meadowlands sound more like Mexico City, making a tour of the pitch with the trophy in hand.
For the Americans, it was a return to reality. After Bob Bradley coached them to a runner-up finish in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, he gave most of the players a pass for the Gold Cup. Still, the untested fill-ins showed versatility and fortitude -- at least until Mexico ran over them in a spectacular 45-minute offensive onslaught.
U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley
On seeing a lot of younger players during this tournament: “I think we’ve had a good chance to see so many different players. I think we’ve got a good, solid nucleus, but we’re always looking for players that we believe are going to move forward and help our team.”
On allowing goals in the second half:
“The second half for us is not what we’re all about. It’s important we can look hard at ourselves and learn from a half like that and use it the right way.”
On if the inexperience of the U.S. players factored into the result:
“The area where we didn’t do well enough was our response to the first goal. I think the first half we played pretty well, and now when the second half starts you obviously want to build on that. We had one very good chance at the start of the second half when Robbie Rogers hit one over. But now, when we get down, your ability to make sure that the game doesn’t become a free-for-all where the other team has all sorts of space and opportunities, where your numbers aren’t good enough in the back when the ball turns over, where you lose bad balls, so there’s a lot of different things there that obviously came into play. I think it’s most important that we can look at those things.”
On how this loss may impact the qualifying match in Mexico City on Aug. 12:
“There’s no doubt that you want competitors and we are competitors. When you have a game that feels like this at the end you don’t forget it. It’s something that we will always on the inside talk about, be honest about, and hopefully we can use it in a way that we’re better from it today.”
On the play of Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos:
“Both are good players. When the game opens up in the second half, they’re the kind of players that can take advantage of the space and in that regard they did very well today.”
On finishing second in the Gold Cup:
“Today was their day. When you have to stand there, whether it’s in the Confederations Cup in South Africa and it’s Brazil, or whether it’s in Giants Stadium and it’s the Gold Cup and it’s Mexico, when you finish second you have to stand there – which is the right thing to do – see the other team get their medals, hold up the trophy, that’s a feeling that as athletes, as competitors it’s a feeling that you don’t like. You hope those are things that help you grow in the future on an individual basis and on a team basis. Like I said, today is their day, they can celebrate. It’s our job to make sure we’re ready for what we already knew was a challenge to play in Azetca. We’ll be ready. It’s 90 minutes and it starts over.”
On if this result is a set-back for the team:
“Everyone reads into it their own way. We know the work going on. We’re honest about every step of the way. People will read into it in different ways, but once again when we go to Azetca, we start over on that day and have a chance to do something the U.S. hasn’t done before.”
On what changed the game:
“The change was the goal. When a goal is scored, now all of a sudden things change in the game. We didn’t do well at that point in terms of our response, our ability to keep control while we pushed for the equalizer. We opened ourselves up. I said it earlier, these are talented players, you open yourself up, you start to give away balls in bad spots, you start to get caught where again you’re all over the field and not solid enough in the back when you lose bad balls, good players make you pay and that’s what happened in the second half.”
U.S. Men’s National Team captain and forward Brian Ching On giving up five goals:
“When it comes down to it we just lost our composure. They're a good team and they punished us. We're a young team and guys played a lot of minutes, but we have no real excuses. They moved the ball around a lot, we were chasing the ball a lot in the second half and it tired us out. I think it was a combination of things but we're not going to sit here and make excuses. We're going to hold our hands up and I'll be the first one to say I didn't do enough.”
On what they’ll take from the game:
You look at anybody in the United States and this loss will anger you. We have to channel that, use it and bring it with us on August 12.
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Stuart Holden On the loss and how the team moves forward: “I think we just put this behind us. Maybe this will give them a little bit of confidence but it will be a different group come August 12. Over the course of the tournament guys have shown well and stated a case to be considered going forward. Today was just not one of those days and we're very disappointed with our efforts. You never like getting beat 5-0.”
http://www.exonline.com.mx/diario/noticia/adrenalina/futbolsoccer/mexico,_campeon_de_la_copa_oro/672476
Friday, July 24, 2009
USA vs Mexico in the final game of Gold Cup
July 24, 2009
The United States and Mexico will square off for the CONCACAF Gold Cup crown for a second time running this Sunday. The host Stars and Stripes made easy work of Honduras in the early semi-final at Soldier Field in Chicago, while Mexico needed extra time and penalties to overcome an inspired Costa Rica in the late game. When the two age-old rivals, both tangled on four regional titles apiece, meet at the Meadowlands on Sunday it will be a replay of the 2007 final, which the USA won.
The Americans took the edge early against a lethargic-looking Honduras, creating chances through Brian Ching and Robbie Rogers. But as the Central Americans forced their way back into the contest, the hosts needed to wait until the stroke of halftime to finally pry open the scoring.
We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final.USA midfielder Stuart Holden
Minutes after Martin Chavez rattled the USA crossbar, Stuart Holden - one of Bob Bradley's top players at these finals - swerved in a dangerous corner-kick with his right foot. Tall defender Clarence Goodson, who plays his club football in Norway, powered a thunderous header home in the 45th minute to take a hard-fought lead into the changing room.
The US came out in the second half looking to extend their lead. Putting good pressure on the Honduran rearguard, they forced Donis Escobar into three good saves in quick succession inside 10 minutes of the restart. However, as the hosts failed to capitalise on their early chances, the Hondurans nearly drew level in the last ten minutes, Carlos Costly forcing keeper Troy Perkins to scramble away the opportunity.
The Americans finished off the job in the 90th minute, when substitute Kenny Cooper poked home his second goal in two games after a great bit of build-up by Holden and Santino Quaranta.
"I'm thrilled we won the game. We played well overall, even though we had some sloppy moments. We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final."
Mexico edge clasico
The second semi-final in Chicago saw Mexico edge Costa Rica on penalties in a classic Latin American showdown. The Ticos began sharper, looking to take the air out of the wildly pro-Mexican crowd, and nearly opened the scoring after 12 minutes. A powerful strike from the edge of the box by Armando Alonso slammed against Memo Ochoa's post, forcing a collective sigh of relief from the stands.
Although the Mexicans were looking increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack, Costa Rica created the better chances over the course of the first half. Alvaro Saborio, Andy Herron and Alonso all went close to scoring. But Gio dos Santos, Mexico's fleet-footed Spurs man, missed a golden chance for a sucker-punch in the final minute of the opening period when we glanced his free header wide.
The 56th minute brought what looked like a turning point. Mexico were awarded a penalty kick when Costa Rican captain Jose Fernandez handled in the area. Up stepped tournament top scorer Miguel Sabah, but his tame effort was gobbled up by Tico keeper Keylor Navas.
Supersub Guille Franco looked to have saved the day for Mexico late on. Getting on the end of a lofted, hopeful ball from midfield, the Villarreal striker slammed a volley toward goal. The outstanding Navas got a hand to it, but it bobbled over the line all the same making it 1-0 with only seconds to go. Costa Rica were not done yet, though, and Froylan Ledezma chased down a long ball, flicked on by Alvaro Saborio, to guide home the equaliser deep into time-added-on, forcing extra time.
Although both sides went close to scoring in the additional half-hour, a penalty shootout was required to separate the two old rivals. Mexican keeper Ochoa proved the hero on the night, saving from Ledezma as all five of his El Tri teammates hit the net. The USA and Mexico will meet on Sunday in a replay of the 2007 final, where Benny Feilhaber broke the deadlock to force an American win. With both teams balanced on four CONCACAF Gold Cups apiece, the stakes will be high for bragging rights in New Jersey.
The United States and Mexico will square off for the CONCACAF Gold Cup crown for a second time running this Sunday. The host Stars and Stripes made easy work of Honduras in the early semi-final at Soldier Field in Chicago, while Mexico needed extra time and penalties to overcome an inspired Costa Rica in the late game. When the two age-old rivals, both tangled on four regional titles apiece, meet at the Meadowlands on Sunday it will be a replay of the 2007 final, which the USA won.
The Americans took the edge early against a lethargic-looking Honduras, creating chances through Brian Ching and Robbie Rogers. But as the Central Americans forced their way back into the contest, the hosts needed to wait until the stroke of halftime to finally pry open the scoring.
We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final.USA midfielder Stuart Holden
Minutes after Martin Chavez rattled the USA crossbar, Stuart Holden - one of Bob Bradley's top players at these finals - swerved in a dangerous corner-kick with his right foot. Tall defender Clarence Goodson, who plays his club football in Norway, powered a thunderous header home in the 45th minute to take a hard-fought lead into the changing room.
The US came out in the second half looking to extend their lead. Putting good pressure on the Honduran rearguard, they forced Donis Escobar into three good saves in quick succession inside 10 minutes of the restart. However, as the hosts failed to capitalise on their early chances, the Hondurans nearly drew level in the last ten minutes, Carlos Costly forcing keeper Troy Perkins to scramble away the opportunity.
The Americans finished off the job in the 90th minute, when substitute Kenny Cooper poked home his second goal in two games after a great bit of build-up by Holden and Santino Quaranta.
"I'm thrilled we won the game. We played well overall, even though we had some sloppy moments. We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final."
Mexico edge clasico
The second semi-final in Chicago saw Mexico edge Costa Rica on penalties in a classic Latin American showdown. The Ticos began sharper, looking to take the air out of the wildly pro-Mexican crowd, and nearly opened the scoring after 12 minutes. A powerful strike from the edge of the box by Armando Alonso slammed against Memo Ochoa's post, forcing a collective sigh of relief from the stands.
Although the Mexicans were looking increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack, Costa Rica created the better chances over the course of the first half. Alvaro Saborio, Andy Herron and Alonso all went close to scoring. But Gio dos Santos, Mexico's fleet-footed Spurs man, missed a golden chance for a sucker-punch in the final minute of the opening period when we glanced his free header wide.
The 56th minute brought what looked like a turning point. Mexico were awarded a penalty kick when Costa Rican captain Jose Fernandez handled in the area. Up stepped tournament top scorer Miguel Sabah, but his tame effort was gobbled up by Tico keeper Keylor Navas.
Supersub Guille Franco looked to have saved the day for Mexico late on. Getting on the end of a lofted, hopeful ball from midfield, the Villarreal striker slammed a volley toward goal. The outstanding Navas got a hand to it, but it bobbled over the line all the same making it 1-0 with only seconds to go. Costa Rica were not done yet, though, and Froylan Ledezma chased down a long ball, flicked on by Alvaro Saborio, to guide home the equaliser deep into time-added-on, forcing extra time.
Although both sides went close to scoring in the additional half-hour, a penalty shootout was required to separate the two old rivals. Mexican keeper Ochoa proved the hero on the night, saving from Ledezma as all five of his El Tri teammates hit the net. The USA and Mexico will meet on Sunday in a replay of the 2007 final, where Benny Feilhaber broke the deadlock to force an American win. With both teams balanced on four CONCACAF Gold Cups apiece, the stakes will be high for bragging rights in New Jersey.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Oguchi Onyewu will play with AC Milan this season
July 21, 2009
The first U.S.-born player to sign with the prestigious Italian team, Onyewu is eager to prove he belongs at soccer's highest professional level.
And he'll get a first chance, of sorts, when AC Milan played Mexico's Club America in an exhibition at the Georgia Dome.
"Obviously in sports, there's no guarantees," Onyewu said Tuesday night. "I'm certainly under the impression that I'll have to play for my spot. I'm still trying to figure out what I need to do because we have a number of great defenders on the squad, and this is the first day that I actually got involved with the team."
AC Milan organizing director Umberto Gandini, who has hired Brazilian Leonardo as a rookie head coach, hopes Onyewu will be the central piece in a slight rebuilding job for the long-respected team. Captain Paolo Maldini retired when last season ended, and many Milan fans were upset when playmaker Kaka's contract was sold to Real Madrid.
Gandini replaced coach Carlo Ancelotti, who signed with Chelsea, after Milan finished third last season in Serie A. The team also announced that Massimo Ambronsini will replace Maldini as captain.
"We are in a new period," Gandini said. "Therefore we are in a situation with our new coach, Leonardo, to help with ideas and new motivations to develop a new era. We are very proud of our history. We are very confident of our present and working toward the future. Since leaving Clemson after his sophomore season to play professionally in Europe seven years ago, Onyewu believed one day he would become a world-class defender.
Now 27, Onyewu showcased his talent in helping the U.S. national team advance to a FIFA championship game for the first time. Though the Americans lost 3-2 to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, Onyewu played well enough to warrant a contract offer from AC Milan.
He signed a three-year deal earlier this month, but AC Milan had been scouting Onyewu since he emerged with Belgium's Standard Liege in 2004. Despite an unsuccessful 11-game tenure with Newcastle, where he often failed to keep up with the fast pace in the English Premier League, Onyewu returned to Belgium last year and helped Standard Liege's win the Belgian league.
For the United States, Onyewu started all three games at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and showed his talent in the Americans' CONCACAF Gold Cup championships in 2005 and '07.
The Confederations Cup success, however, showed Onyewu that Americans care more about the U.S. national team than he might have realized.
"We received an enormous amount of positive feedback about how we performed in reaching the finals," Onyewu said. "When I arrived back in America, I was overwhelmed with the number of people that were aware of soccer and who I was. Maybe five years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. It's exciting to see that more people are taking interest in the game."
Alexi Lalas, the first U.S.-born player to sign with an Italian team when Padova brought him overseas in 1994, believes Onyewu's time with Milan could boost the Americans' World Cup hopes.
"The only concern that any of us have is that he doesn't play," said Lalas, a former general manager of the Galaxy and a member of the U.S. World Cup teams in '94 and '98. "It's one thing to go to a team like AC Milan, but it does you no good and it does the U.S. national team no good if he's not playing. He's got to get time to gain that experience and hopefully transfer some of that to the national team."
For Onyewu, the last two months have been a whirlwind of first-time experiences. Now he's ready to show what he can accomplish on the field.
"I'm thrilled right now," he said. "Obviously, with the national team to be a part of history and the first to take part in a FIFA final in any organized event and now to be a part of AC Milan is something I've been working toward ever since I first started playing soccer. It paid off."
Note of AP
The first U.S.-born player to sign with the prestigious Italian team, Onyewu is eager to prove he belongs at soccer's highest professional level.
And he'll get a first chance, of sorts, when AC Milan played Mexico's Club America in an exhibition at the Georgia Dome.
"Obviously in sports, there's no guarantees," Onyewu said Tuesday night. "I'm certainly under the impression that I'll have to play for my spot. I'm still trying to figure out what I need to do because we have a number of great defenders on the squad, and this is the first day that I actually got involved with the team."
AC Milan organizing director Umberto Gandini, who has hired Brazilian Leonardo as a rookie head coach, hopes Onyewu will be the central piece in a slight rebuilding job for the long-respected team. Captain Paolo Maldini retired when last season ended, and many Milan fans were upset when playmaker Kaka's contract was sold to Real Madrid.
Gandini replaced coach Carlo Ancelotti, who signed with Chelsea, after Milan finished third last season in Serie A. The team also announced that Massimo Ambronsini will replace Maldini as captain.
"We are in a new period," Gandini said. "Therefore we are in a situation with our new coach, Leonardo, to help with ideas and new motivations to develop a new era. We are very proud of our history. We are very confident of our present and working toward the future. Since leaving Clemson after his sophomore season to play professionally in Europe seven years ago, Onyewu believed one day he would become a world-class defender.
Now 27, Onyewu showcased his talent in helping the U.S. national team advance to a FIFA championship game for the first time. Though the Americans lost 3-2 to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, Onyewu played well enough to warrant a contract offer from AC Milan.
He signed a three-year deal earlier this month, but AC Milan had been scouting Onyewu since he emerged with Belgium's Standard Liege in 2004. Despite an unsuccessful 11-game tenure with Newcastle, where he often failed to keep up with the fast pace in the English Premier League, Onyewu returned to Belgium last year and helped Standard Liege's win the Belgian league.
For the United States, Onyewu started all three games at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and showed his talent in the Americans' CONCACAF Gold Cup championships in 2005 and '07.
The Confederations Cup success, however, showed Onyewu that Americans care more about the U.S. national team than he might have realized.
"We received an enormous amount of positive feedback about how we performed in reaching the finals," Onyewu said. "When I arrived back in America, I was overwhelmed with the number of people that were aware of soccer and who I was. Maybe five years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. It's exciting to see that more people are taking interest in the game."
Alexi Lalas, the first U.S.-born player to sign with an Italian team when Padova brought him overseas in 1994, believes Onyewu's time with Milan could boost the Americans' World Cup hopes.
"The only concern that any of us have is that he doesn't play," said Lalas, a former general manager of the Galaxy and a member of the U.S. World Cup teams in '94 and '98. "It's one thing to go to a team like AC Milan, but it does you no good and it does the U.S. national team no good if he's not playing. He's got to get time to gain that experience and hopefully transfer some of that to the national team."
For Onyewu, the last two months have been a whirlwind of first-time experiences. Now he's ready to show what he can accomplish on the field.
"I'm thrilled right now," he said. "Obviously, with the national team to be a part of history and the first to take part in a FIFA final in any organized event and now to be a part of AC Milan is something I've been working toward ever since I first started playing soccer. It paid off."
Note of AP
El Almeria de Hugo Sanchez se prepara
Julio 21, 2009
El plantel rojiblanco llegó ayer a La Manga Club, en Murcia, e inició los entrenamientos por la tarde. El cuerpo técnico ha preparado tres sesiones diarias que comenzarán a las 08:00 horas con una hora de carrera continua.
El Almería ya está en Murcia.
Los 26 jugadores que actualmente forman la plantilla rojiblanca llegaron a La Manga a las 12:00 horas de ayer, y tras hacer una parada para comer y reposar, volvieron al trabajo después de un día y medio de descanso. Allí usarán las instalaciones del complejo de cinco estrellas en el que se alojan, el Hotel Príncipe Felipe. A los de Hugo Sánchez les espera la concentración más dura de las programadas por el cuerpo técnico para esta pretemporada.
A las 8:00 horas de cada día tendrán que estar listos para acompañar a Hugo Sánchez y al preparador físico, Edu Pons, para realizar carrera continua dentro de las instalaciones del complejo. El primer ejercicio físico del día durará entre una hora y hora y media. Después será turno para fortalecer los músculos con una sesión de gimnasio que se alargará hasta la hora de comer. Y ya por la tarde, a partir de los 19:00 horas, el balón será el protagonista.
Además, durante estos nueve días de estancia en Murcia, el Almería deberá jugar dos encuentros amistosos. El primero de ellos será el lunes próximo frente al Cartagena y el segundo frente al Torrevieja dos días después. No habrá que viajar para ninguno de los dos choques.
La Manga Club está preparada para albergarlos. Para disputar estos dos encuentros ya estará a las órdenes del técnico Kalu Uche, que se incorpora el pasado mañana al trabajo de pretemporada .
Tres canteranos en la expediciónJunto a los 23 jugadores del primer equipo han viajado a La Manga tres futbolistas del conjunto filial del Almería. Se trata de Galán, Trujillo y el tercer guardameta Álvaro García, cuya presencia se podría hacer real en algún encuentro de Primera División. El primero, centrocampista, tiene condiciones de lateral diestro, ya entrenó con el primer equipo durante las últimas semanas de la pasada temporada y puede hacerle falta a Hugo Sánchez, si su experimento con Juanma Ortiz no cuajara. Lo mismo que Trujillo, que ya parte como el cuarto central del equipo y no hay que descartar su participación en la Liga. Ambos han viajado para que se vayan acoplando al ritmo de trabajo del primer equipo rojiblanco y al día a día.
Nota de As
El plantel rojiblanco llegó ayer a La Manga Club, en Murcia, e inició los entrenamientos por la tarde. El cuerpo técnico ha preparado tres sesiones diarias que comenzarán a las 08:00 horas con una hora de carrera continua.
El Almería ya está en Murcia.
Los 26 jugadores que actualmente forman la plantilla rojiblanca llegaron a La Manga a las 12:00 horas de ayer, y tras hacer una parada para comer y reposar, volvieron al trabajo después de un día y medio de descanso. Allí usarán las instalaciones del complejo de cinco estrellas en el que se alojan, el Hotel Príncipe Felipe. A los de Hugo Sánchez les espera la concentración más dura de las programadas por el cuerpo técnico para esta pretemporada.
A las 8:00 horas de cada día tendrán que estar listos para acompañar a Hugo Sánchez y al preparador físico, Edu Pons, para realizar carrera continua dentro de las instalaciones del complejo. El primer ejercicio físico del día durará entre una hora y hora y media. Después será turno para fortalecer los músculos con una sesión de gimnasio que se alargará hasta la hora de comer. Y ya por la tarde, a partir de los 19:00 horas, el balón será el protagonista.
Además, durante estos nueve días de estancia en Murcia, el Almería deberá jugar dos encuentros amistosos. El primero de ellos será el lunes próximo frente al Cartagena y el segundo frente al Torrevieja dos días después. No habrá que viajar para ninguno de los dos choques.
La Manga Club está preparada para albergarlos. Para disputar estos dos encuentros ya estará a las órdenes del técnico Kalu Uche, que se incorpora el pasado mañana al trabajo de pretemporada .
Tres canteranos en la expediciónJunto a los 23 jugadores del primer equipo han viajado a La Manga tres futbolistas del conjunto filial del Almería. Se trata de Galán, Trujillo y el tercer guardameta Álvaro García, cuya presencia se podría hacer real en algún encuentro de Primera División. El primero, centrocampista, tiene condiciones de lateral diestro, ya entrenó con el primer equipo durante las últimas semanas de la pasada temporada y puede hacerle falta a Hugo Sánchez, si su experimento con Juanma Ortiz no cuajara. Lo mismo que Trujillo, que ya parte como el cuarto central del equipo y no hay que descartar su participación en la Liga. Ambos han viajado para que se vayan acoplando al ritmo de trabajo del primer equipo rojiblanco y al día a día.
Nota de As
Monday, July 20, 2009
USA vs Honduras this Thursday
July 20, 2009
After beating Panama in overtime, the U.S. team said its conditioning paid off down the stretch, though Beckerman admitted some fatigue heading into Thursday's semifinal against Honduras.
"This definitely took a lot out of us, and I don't think many of us have played an overtime match in a while," Beckerman said. "We're going to have to really recover quick and get right back to preparing for what will be a really tough game against a team looking for revenge."
"They play hard and have a good group of players," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. " We expect a hard game. In the first game in D.C., we had a good finish to the match after a tough 65 or 70 minutes. That says a lot about their organization and their discipline, and we'd expect another difficult game."
Panama seemed content to play rough, with 20 fouls to just three shots. Honduras, third behind Costa Rica and the USA in World Cup qualifying, should pose more of an offensive threat.
"They've got a good attacking team," defender Jay Heaps said. "They've got some big guys up top, and they like to get the ball up top and move. They don't mess around. They play direct and really get after it."
Given the busy schedule for the USA, which reached the Confederations Cup final last month, the team was allowed to name several alternates. So far, the alternates have been little-used, even as several players have left the tournament squad to rejoin their European teams for the preseason (Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Steve Cherundolo, Michael Parkhurst and Benny Feilhaber).
Bradley said Conrad's injury could force him to call in another player. Jonathan Bornstein was the only defender named among the seven alternates.
Note from usa today
After beating Panama in overtime, the U.S. team said its conditioning paid off down the stretch, though Beckerman admitted some fatigue heading into Thursday's semifinal against Honduras.
"This definitely took a lot out of us, and I don't think many of us have played an overtime match in a while," Beckerman said. "We're going to have to really recover quick and get right back to preparing for what will be a really tough game against a team looking for revenge."
"They play hard and have a good group of players," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. " We expect a hard game. In the first game in D.C., we had a good finish to the match after a tough 65 or 70 minutes. That says a lot about their organization and their discipline, and we'd expect another difficult game."
Panama seemed content to play rough, with 20 fouls to just three shots. Honduras, third behind Costa Rica and the USA in World Cup qualifying, should pose more of an offensive threat.
"They've got a good attacking team," defender Jay Heaps said. "They've got some big guys up top, and they like to get the ball up top and move. They don't mess around. They play direct and really get after it."
Given the busy schedule for the USA, which reached the Confederations Cup final last month, the team was allowed to name several alternates. So far, the alternates have been little-used, even as several players have left the tournament squad to rejoin their European teams for the preseason (Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Steve Cherundolo, Michael Parkhurst and Benny Feilhaber).
Bradley said Conrad's injury could force him to call in another player. Jonathan Bornstein was the only defender named among the seven alternates.
Note from usa today
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Blanco goal, assist and Chicago wins
July 18, 2009
As a starter, Cuauhtemoc Blanco is an exciting player. As a reserve, he might be more dangerous.Blanco, the Chicago Fire's first Designated Player, set up a Patrick Nyarko goal in the 82nd minute then added one of his own with a sublime shot in stoppage time to lead the Fire to a 2-0 win against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at Toyota Park.
Blanco had entered the game in the 60th minute after getting some rest after playing the full SuperLiga game against New England on Wednesday.
Forward Chris Rolfe chased a ball into the right corner against an Earthquakes defender, who in his rush to release the ball sent it out to Blanco in the midfield. Blanco set himself up for the pass over the defense to Nyarko, who sent a one-touch shot past Earthquakes 'keeper Joe Cannon from close range.
Blanco scored himself in stoppage time, taking advantage of a poor clearance by the Earthquakes defense. Wilman Conde raced forward to intercept the ball, playing it to Blanco right on the edge of the area. Blanco stood on the ball before lifting a subtle chip that Cannon could barely get a finger on, the ball just looping over him and settling into the back of the net.
The victory lifted the Fire to a 7-3-7 record (28 points) and kept them in first place in the Eastern Conference. It was only the Fire's second home win in eight games this season. The Earthquakes (3-10-4, 13 points) saw their road record fall to 0-7-2 this season.
Coming off their exhausting SuperLiga game Wednesday in Foxborough, Mass., the Fire started Saturday's game with a much-altered lineup. While Jon Busch remained in goal, the defense in front of him included regular starters Tim Ward and Bakary Soumare along with Daniel Woolard and Dasan Robinson, who has played in only four games and has had two previous starts.
Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop promised a change in the lineup after an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Toronto last week. Joe Cannon remained in goal, and the back line was the same. Antonio Ribeiro returned to the starting lineup in the midfield, and Chris Wondolowski got only his second start at forward.
The game was unusually chippy from the start, and bodies were flying all over the Toyota Park field. Jason Hernandez and Wondolowski of the Earthquakes each received a yellow card in the game's first five minutes.
Blanco finally connected with Nyarko in the 82nd minute to put the Fire into the lead. In the 84th minute, Hamlett used his last substitution to send Conde into the game for Mapp. Yallop followed by sending Quincy Amarikwa into the game for Wondolowski.
The Fire hit the road next week, traveling to Seattle to take on Sounders FC at Qwest Field. The Earthquakes will return home where they will face D.C. United.
Published by Major League Soccer
As a starter, Cuauhtemoc Blanco is an exciting player. As a reserve, he might be more dangerous.Blanco, the Chicago Fire's first Designated Player, set up a Patrick Nyarko goal in the 82nd minute then added one of his own with a sublime shot in stoppage time to lead the Fire to a 2-0 win against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at Toyota Park.
Blanco had entered the game in the 60th minute after getting some rest after playing the full SuperLiga game against New England on Wednesday.
Forward Chris Rolfe chased a ball into the right corner against an Earthquakes defender, who in his rush to release the ball sent it out to Blanco in the midfield. Blanco set himself up for the pass over the defense to Nyarko, who sent a one-touch shot past Earthquakes 'keeper Joe Cannon from close range.
Blanco scored himself in stoppage time, taking advantage of a poor clearance by the Earthquakes defense. Wilman Conde raced forward to intercept the ball, playing it to Blanco right on the edge of the area. Blanco stood on the ball before lifting a subtle chip that Cannon could barely get a finger on, the ball just looping over him and settling into the back of the net.
The victory lifted the Fire to a 7-3-7 record (28 points) and kept them in first place in the Eastern Conference. It was only the Fire's second home win in eight games this season. The Earthquakes (3-10-4, 13 points) saw their road record fall to 0-7-2 this season.
Coming off their exhausting SuperLiga game Wednesday in Foxborough, Mass., the Fire started Saturday's game with a much-altered lineup. While Jon Busch remained in goal, the defense in front of him included regular starters Tim Ward and Bakary Soumare along with Daniel Woolard and Dasan Robinson, who has played in only four games and has had two previous starts.
Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop promised a change in the lineup after an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Toronto last week. Joe Cannon remained in goal, and the back line was the same. Antonio Ribeiro returned to the starting lineup in the midfield, and Chris Wondolowski got only his second start at forward.
The game was unusually chippy from the start, and bodies were flying all over the Toyota Park field. Jason Hernandez and Wondolowski of the Earthquakes each received a yellow card in the game's first five minutes.
Blanco finally connected with Nyarko in the 82nd minute to put the Fire into the lead. In the 84th minute, Hamlett used his last substitution to send Conde into the game for Mapp. Yallop followed by sending Quincy Amarikwa into the game for Wondolowski.
The Fire hit the road next week, traveling to Seattle to take on Sounders FC at Qwest Field. The Earthquakes will return home where they will face D.C. United.
Published by Major League Soccer
Friday, July 17, 2009
Hugo Sánchez: "Nuestro objetivo es la permanencia y luego veremos"
Julio 17, 2009
El entrenador de la UD Almería, Hugo Sánchez, ha declarado que su objetivo primordial es la permanencia, que a su juicio ya es importante para el gran nivel que hay en la competición.
"Luego veremos dónde estamos", añadió, "y si podemos aspirar a algo más, lucharemos por ello".
El entrenador mexicano ha realizado una primera valoración del inicio de los entrenamientos, del equipo y ha precisado: "estamos puliendo la plantilla, y hasta el momento se está componiendo bien; espero que estemos tan fuertes o más que la temporada anterior".
"Los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea"
El técnico del conjunto andaluz ha precisado: "esta semana es un tanto atípica porque estamos teniendo la primera toma de contacto, y realizando las pruebas físicas para ver cómo están los jugadores. La pretemporada de verdad empezará en La Manga", en alusión a dónde se concentrará el cuadro almeriense.
Del plantel, Hugo Sánchez ha manifestado: "los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea en la realidad", y ha eludido dar detalles sobre cesiones o nuevas incorporaciones ya que "yo cuento con todos los jugadores que tienen contrato con el club y están disponibles; todos ellos viajarán el lunes a La Manga".
Preguntado por el calendario de la próxima campaña, el entrenador del Almería ha dicho: "es mejor que el de la campaña anterior porque no nos vamos a tener que enfrentar a todos los grandes de forma consecutiva. Lo del año pasado era muy duro y peligroso, ahora estos partidos van a estar más dispersos".
http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol_internacional/nota/81546
El entrenador de la UD Almería, Hugo Sánchez, ha declarado que su objetivo primordial es la permanencia, que a su juicio ya es importante para el gran nivel que hay en la competición.
"Luego veremos dónde estamos", añadió, "y si podemos aspirar a algo más, lucharemos por ello".
El entrenador mexicano ha realizado una primera valoración del inicio de los entrenamientos, del equipo y ha precisado: "estamos puliendo la plantilla, y hasta el momento se está componiendo bien; espero que estemos tan fuertes o más que la temporada anterior".
"Los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea"
El técnico del conjunto andaluz ha precisado: "esta semana es un tanto atípica porque estamos teniendo la primera toma de contacto, y realizando las pruebas físicas para ver cómo están los jugadores. La pretemporada de verdad empezará en La Manga", en alusión a dónde se concentrará el cuadro almeriense.
Del plantel, Hugo Sánchez ha manifestado: "los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea en la realidad", y ha eludido dar detalles sobre cesiones o nuevas incorporaciones ya que "yo cuento con todos los jugadores que tienen contrato con el club y están disponibles; todos ellos viajarán el lunes a La Manga".
Preguntado por el calendario de la próxima campaña, el entrenador del Almería ha dicho: "es mejor que el de la campaña anterior porque no nos vamos a tener que enfrentar a todos los grandes de forma consecutiva. Lo del año pasado era muy duro y peligroso, ahora estos partidos van a estar más dispersos".
http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol_internacional/nota/81546
Beckham no es bien recibido
Julio 17, 2009
La vuelta del astro inglés David Beckham a la competición de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS) no ha tenido su mejor comienzo, en cuanto a imagen, después de ver como era "abucheado" durante el partido que su equipo, el Galaxy de Los Ángeles, disputó en el Estadio de los Gigantes. El Galaxy, con el delantero Landon Donovan, el gran crítico hasta el pasado lunes del astro inglés, de estrella, ganó por 3-1 al equipo local de los Red Bulls de Nueva York, el peor de la liga, pero Beckham, que hizo su debut esta temporada quedó en un segundo plano y además abucheado.
Su permanencia en Italia para jugar con el AC Milán y por segunda temporada, de las tres que lleva en el Galaxy, llega cuando la competición de liga en la MLS ya se encuentra en la segunda mitad le ha hecho perder imagen e interés entre los aficionados estadounidenses que siguen al deporte del fútbol. Los desplantes "justificados" de Beckham no han gustado para nada y más cuando se ha comprobado que su presencia tampoco ha sido necesaria para el desarrollo del fútbol nacional, como ha demostrado la selección con su brillante actuación en la última Copa Confederaciones.
Las estadísticas tampoco le favorecen al astro inglés que firmó un contrato en el 2007 con el Galaxy por 33,5 millones de dólares y cinco temporadas para llevar disputados sólo 31 partidos, marcado cinco goles y dar 12 asistencias. Demasiado poco para el jugador mejor pagado de la liga, que cobra cinco millones de dólares más que Donovan, que es el que tiene el salario más alto entre los profesionales nacionales.
"Me he dado cuenta que he recibido unos cuantos abucheos por parte de los espectadores", declaró Beckham al concluir el partido en el que salió como titular y jugó 70 minutos. "Era algo que me esperaba". Beckham, de 34 años, en su línea de jugador educado dentro y fuera del campo, admitió que no era lo más agradable, pero que como profesional tenía que estar preparado. "Lo importante es que conseguimos la victoria y el equipo se vio bien en el campo", comenta Beckham. "Creo que mi presencia ayuda para que seamos mejor como conjunto y de eso se trata, de jugar y ganar en grupo".
Beckham admitie que algunas veces los aspectos negativos ayudan a superarse y hacer mejor las cosas, algo que siempre ha tenido en cuenta durante toda la carrera profesional de 17 años. "Algunas veces es constructivo el sentir como te abuchean, porque te dan también la inspiración que necesitas para que puedas superarte como profesional y persona", señala Beckham. Pero para los directivos del Galaxy y especialmente para los de la MLS no es la mejor señal, que en el mercado comercial y de televisión más grande del país, el debut de Beckham, que ellos mismos habían planificado, se haya convertido en un revés tanto de imagen como de la asistencia de espectadores que fueron al campo.
Beckham ya no interesa
Por segunda temporada consecutiva, el fenómeno Beckham dejó de interesar a la audiencia neoyorquina, en referencia con la marca histórica que logró cuando en el 2007 hizo su primera aparición en el Estadio de los Gigantes, nada más llegar procedente de España y de haber ganado la liga con el Real Madrid. En su primera visita de Beckham a Nueva York, Beckham reunió a 66.237 espectadores para verlo en el partido contra los Red Bulls, la mayor entrada que ha registrado en la historia del fútbol de Estados Unidos para un encuentro de liga. Sin embargo, el año pasado ya la asistencia bajo hasta los 46.754 espectadores y la pasada noche se quedaron en 23.238 las personas que pagaron entrada para ver el debut de Beckham con el Galaxy después de haber cumplido con su etapa anual europea. Un descenso del 50 por ciento que con toda seguridad habrá encendido las luces rojas entre los encargados de las finanzas de la MLS y del Galaxy, mientras que para Beckham era algo "normal" dadas las circunstancias de la crisis económica y que no era la primera vez que llegaba al equipo. "Obviamente, el primer año todo fue más espectacular e impresionante", valora Beckham. "Tampoco debemos olvidar que estamos en una recesión y puede tener algo de influencia".
El entrenador del Galaxy, Bruce Arena, también quiso quitarle importancia a la gran disminución de asistencia de aficionados para ver a Beckham y dijo que lo único que contaba era comprobar que con su presencia el equipo iba a ser mejor y su trabajo más fácil. "Creo que seré un mejor entrenador con Beckham en el equipo y que se ha confirmado el buen entendimiento que puede tener en el campo con Landon (Donovan)", señala Arena. "Ambos nos van a ayudar a conseguir el gran objetivo de estar en la fase final cuando concluya la temporada regular", agrega el ex seleccionador nacional.
Nota de AS de España
La vuelta del astro inglés David Beckham a la competición de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS) no ha tenido su mejor comienzo, en cuanto a imagen, después de ver como era "abucheado" durante el partido que su equipo, el Galaxy de Los Ángeles, disputó en el Estadio de los Gigantes. El Galaxy, con el delantero Landon Donovan, el gran crítico hasta el pasado lunes del astro inglés, de estrella, ganó por 3-1 al equipo local de los Red Bulls de Nueva York, el peor de la liga, pero Beckham, que hizo su debut esta temporada quedó en un segundo plano y además abucheado.
Su permanencia en Italia para jugar con el AC Milán y por segunda temporada, de las tres que lleva en el Galaxy, llega cuando la competición de liga en la MLS ya se encuentra en la segunda mitad le ha hecho perder imagen e interés entre los aficionados estadounidenses que siguen al deporte del fútbol. Los desplantes "justificados" de Beckham no han gustado para nada y más cuando se ha comprobado que su presencia tampoco ha sido necesaria para el desarrollo del fútbol nacional, como ha demostrado la selección con su brillante actuación en la última Copa Confederaciones.
Las estadísticas tampoco le favorecen al astro inglés que firmó un contrato en el 2007 con el Galaxy por 33,5 millones de dólares y cinco temporadas para llevar disputados sólo 31 partidos, marcado cinco goles y dar 12 asistencias. Demasiado poco para el jugador mejor pagado de la liga, que cobra cinco millones de dólares más que Donovan, que es el que tiene el salario más alto entre los profesionales nacionales.
"Me he dado cuenta que he recibido unos cuantos abucheos por parte de los espectadores", declaró Beckham al concluir el partido en el que salió como titular y jugó 70 minutos. "Era algo que me esperaba". Beckham, de 34 años, en su línea de jugador educado dentro y fuera del campo, admitió que no era lo más agradable, pero que como profesional tenía que estar preparado. "Lo importante es que conseguimos la victoria y el equipo se vio bien en el campo", comenta Beckham. "Creo que mi presencia ayuda para que seamos mejor como conjunto y de eso se trata, de jugar y ganar en grupo".
Beckham admitie que algunas veces los aspectos negativos ayudan a superarse y hacer mejor las cosas, algo que siempre ha tenido en cuenta durante toda la carrera profesional de 17 años. "Algunas veces es constructivo el sentir como te abuchean, porque te dan también la inspiración que necesitas para que puedas superarte como profesional y persona", señala Beckham. Pero para los directivos del Galaxy y especialmente para los de la MLS no es la mejor señal, que en el mercado comercial y de televisión más grande del país, el debut de Beckham, que ellos mismos habían planificado, se haya convertido en un revés tanto de imagen como de la asistencia de espectadores que fueron al campo.
Beckham ya no interesa
Por segunda temporada consecutiva, el fenómeno Beckham dejó de interesar a la audiencia neoyorquina, en referencia con la marca histórica que logró cuando en el 2007 hizo su primera aparición en el Estadio de los Gigantes, nada más llegar procedente de España y de haber ganado la liga con el Real Madrid. En su primera visita de Beckham a Nueva York, Beckham reunió a 66.237 espectadores para verlo en el partido contra los Red Bulls, la mayor entrada que ha registrado en la historia del fútbol de Estados Unidos para un encuentro de liga. Sin embargo, el año pasado ya la asistencia bajo hasta los 46.754 espectadores y la pasada noche se quedaron en 23.238 las personas que pagaron entrada para ver el debut de Beckham con el Galaxy después de haber cumplido con su etapa anual europea. Un descenso del 50 por ciento que con toda seguridad habrá encendido las luces rojas entre los encargados de las finanzas de la MLS y del Galaxy, mientras que para Beckham era algo "normal" dadas las circunstancias de la crisis económica y que no era la primera vez que llegaba al equipo. "Obviamente, el primer año todo fue más espectacular e impresionante", valora Beckham. "Tampoco debemos olvidar que estamos en una recesión y puede tener algo de influencia".
El entrenador del Galaxy, Bruce Arena, también quiso quitarle importancia a la gran disminución de asistencia de aficionados para ver a Beckham y dijo que lo único que contaba era comprobar que con su presencia el equipo iba a ser mejor y su trabajo más fácil. "Creo que seré un mejor entrenador con Beckham en el equipo y que se ha confirmado el buen entendimiento que puede tener en el campo con Landon (Donovan)", señala Arena. "Ambos nos van a ayudar a conseguir el gran objetivo de estar en la fase final cuando concluya la temporada regular", agrega el ex seleccionador nacional.
Nota de AS de España
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Donovan vs Beckham
July 15, 2009
On the eve of his return to the Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham reaffirmed his commitment to Major League Soccer during a press conference at the team hotel Wednesday afternoon. "I'm very dedicated to the Galaxy, I'm dedicated to the fans," Beckham said. "I've always been very positive and very honest with my play here and also when I went to Milan, I explained to everyone the reasoning behind it. I said to the players and I said to the manager that I would be coming back. Maybe one or two didn't believe me, but at the end of the day I'm here, I'm committed to the team."
It was the third stop of a media tour for Beckham, which included television appearances on NBC's "Today Show" and "Live with Regis and Kelly." He answered a bevy of questions, most involving his decision to go on loan with Milan and the strong likelihood that he will again go on loan ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which could be his last chance to play on the world's stage.
"The England manager has made it very clear to me I need to be playing at a European level," Beckham said. "I'll always regret it if I didn't do everything to give myself the chance to be involved in that."
Time and again, the midfielder, who is the most capped outfield player in England history, said Major League Soccer, and the Galaxy especially, remain a major priority.
"I'm a very honest person," Beckham said. "If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't. I've always been committed to every contract I've had as a soccer player -- Manchester United, Real Madrid, Galaxy and that doesn't change. I'm a very committed person. If people want to question my professionalism and also my commitment, what I will say about that is the fact that I'm willing to travel thousands of miles to play for my country says it all."
Beckham also addressed his relationship with Galaxy star Landon Donovan, who criticized Beckham in a newly published book. Beckham said the two ironed things out at The Home Depot Center following the Galaxy's 1-0 win against Chivas USA in the SuperClasico Saturday night.
"It was actually the manager that brought us together," Beckham said. "We knew that we had to speak once we were back in the same country. ... We sat down, went through everything. Landon apologized and I told him my view on things and it's forgot about."
For Beckham, it is just the latest bit of criticism he's received in his 17-year career.
"I've been criticized by Pelé before," Beckham said. "I've been criticized by George Best before. And these are people I've respected for my entire career, people I look up to. At the end of the day, it's about the criticism and how it affects you and it doesn't affect me."
As for Beckham's influence on the Galaxy, Los Angeles boss Bruce Arena expects it to be nothing but a positive for both his team and Major League Soccer.
"I think if we're going to grow this league we need to grow this league with a good plan in mind and have the ability to attract players of David's visibility," Arena said. "I think David Beckham has only been a plus for the league and I firmly believe when it's all said and done, he's going to be a real plus for the Galaxy."
Beckham, who trained with the Galaxy for the first time this season on Monday in Los Angeles, will make his return Thursday night against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium. It is unclear if Beckham will start or how much time he might see in the match.
Regardless, Beckham said he is enthused about what he's seen from the Galaxy this season.
"It's exciting to see some of the young kids who are coming through," he said. "The game over the weekend was a big game. It's always nice to win those games. I think the manager has agreed that in the first half we looked compact and strong and the second half was a bit messy, but it shows the character of the team that when there was tough times in the game, we came through."
According to Arena, Beckham will boost the Galaxy whenever the famous bender of free kicks steps onto the field.
"I think David will offer us a lot on the field as well as off," Arena said. "The team's been very excited to have David return and obviously over the next couple of weeks, as David starts to get back into form, I think he's going to make a fabulous contribution on the field. He comes in at the right time to help us get a little bit better in the midfield. I believe he will do that and he'll be nothing but a positive addition."
Note from Major League Soccer
On the eve of his return to the Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham reaffirmed his commitment to Major League Soccer during a press conference at the team hotel Wednesday afternoon. "I'm very dedicated to the Galaxy, I'm dedicated to the fans," Beckham said. "I've always been very positive and very honest with my play here and also when I went to Milan, I explained to everyone the reasoning behind it. I said to the players and I said to the manager that I would be coming back. Maybe one or two didn't believe me, but at the end of the day I'm here, I'm committed to the team."
It was the third stop of a media tour for Beckham, which included television appearances on NBC's "Today Show" and "Live with Regis and Kelly." He answered a bevy of questions, most involving his decision to go on loan with Milan and the strong likelihood that he will again go on loan ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which could be his last chance to play on the world's stage.
"The England manager has made it very clear to me I need to be playing at a European level," Beckham said. "I'll always regret it if I didn't do everything to give myself the chance to be involved in that."
Time and again, the midfielder, who is the most capped outfield player in England history, said Major League Soccer, and the Galaxy especially, remain a major priority.
"I'm a very honest person," Beckham said. "If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't. I've always been committed to every contract I've had as a soccer player -- Manchester United, Real Madrid, Galaxy and that doesn't change. I'm a very committed person. If people want to question my professionalism and also my commitment, what I will say about that is the fact that I'm willing to travel thousands of miles to play for my country says it all."
Beckham also addressed his relationship with Galaxy star Landon Donovan, who criticized Beckham in a newly published book. Beckham said the two ironed things out at The Home Depot Center following the Galaxy's 1-0 win against Chivas USA in the SuperClasico Saturday night.
"It was actually the manager that brought us together," Beckham said. "We knew that we had to speak once we were back in the same country. ... We sat down, went through everything. Landon apologized and I told him my view on things and it's forgot about."
For Beckham, it is just the latest bit of criticism he's received in his 17-year career.
"I've been criticized by Pelé before," Beckham said. "I've been criticized by George Best before. And these are people I've respected for my entire career, people I look up to. At the end of the day, it's about the criticism and how it affects you and it doesn't affect me."
As for Beckham's influence on the Galaxy, Los Angeles boss Bruce Arena expects it to be nothing but a positive for both his team and Major League Soccer.
"I think if we're going to grow this league we need to grow this league with a good plan in mind and have the ability to attract players of David's visibility," Arena said. "I think David Beckham has only been a plus for the league and I firmly believe when it's all said and done, he's going to be a real plus for the Galaxy."
Beckham, who trained with the Galaxy for the first time this season on Monday in Los Angeles, will make his return Thursday night against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium. It is unclear if Beckham will start or how much time he might see in the match.
Regardless, Beckham said he is enthused about what he's seen from the Galaxy this season.
"It's exciting to see some of the young kids who are coming through," he said. "The game over the weekend was a big game. It's always nice to win those games. I think the manager has agreed that in the first half we looked compact and strong and the second half was a bit messy, but it shows the character of the team that when there was tough times in the game, we came through."
According to Arena, Beckham will boost the Galaxy whenever the famous bender of free kicks steps onto the field.
"I think David will offer us a lot on the field as well as off," Arena said. "The team's been very excited to have David return and obviously over the next couple of weeks, as David starts to get back into form, I think he's going to make a fabulous contribution on the field. He comes in at the right time to help us get a little bit better in the midfield. I believe he will do that and he'll be nothing but a positive addition."
Note from Major League Soccer
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Aguirre y la farsa del cuento
Julio 9, 2009
Que asco de Aguirre. Hacer lo que hizo y luego tratar de engañar diciendo más mentiras y diciendo todo lo contrario a lo que vió todo mundo por televisión. Que asco Aguirre. Por que no pides perdón y listo? Atenerte a las consecuencias y ya. Por que tienes que seguir la farsa? Y seguir cometiendo errores para tapar un error? Lo que pasó por tu cabeza, solamente tu lo sabes, pero que diste una patada, si la diste. Que te mereces un gran castigo, te lo mereces. Pero que sigas mintiendo, no se lo merece la inteligencia de los aficionados. Y si alguien te sigue la farsa es que tanto tu como ese alguien me dan asco.
Mi comentario anterior se debe a la mala actitud que tuvo el entrenador de la Seleccion Mexicana al darle una patada a un futbolista rival en el juego en el que Mexico empató a 1 gol con Panamá. Nunca en mi vida habia visto tan grotesca y estupida actitud de un entrenador de una seleccion de cualquier pais. He visto que gritan, que insultan, pero agredir fisicamente a un jugador rival, me parece de lo peor, por lo que significa, un evento en el que tanta gente lo ve y tantos niños lo observan. Lastima por Aguirre que su imagen profesional va a cambiar de aqui en adelante.
http://www.oem.com.mx/esto/notas/n1239328.htm
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/07/10/futbol/1247249861.html
Panama's soccer team huddled on the field after playing Mexico to a 1-1 tie on Thursday night, waiting for the incited fans to leave Reliant Stadium.The Gold Cup match ended in chaos after a confrontation between Mexican coach Javier Aguirre and a Panamanian player triggered fights between fans in the stands.
Tempers flared throughout the match and boiled over in the 80th minute.
Panama's Ricardo Phillips dribbled out of bounds in front of the Mexico bench and when the linesman stopped play, Phillips shoved Aguirre.
Panama coach Gary Stempel said Aguirre hit Phillips first, trying to trip him as he ran by. Aguirre said he was just trying to stop the ball and accidentally made contact with Phillips.
"It was an imprudent act on my part," Aguirre said. "I sincerely regret it. It was a product of passion. The Panamanian team deserves an apology as well."
Players converged in the area and several got into shoving matches. Referee Joel Aguilar ejected Aguirre and whipped out a red card to give to Phillips as fans littered the field with cups of beer and other objects.
Phillips was escorted off the field by a swarm of police — and pelted with beer cups as he ran into a tunnel — and after about 15 wild minutes, play resumed.
A fight then broke out between two fans in the front row across the field from the benches and Houston police officers moved in to separate them. Police handcuffed at least two fans in the area.
"It was a disgrace," Stempel said. "I don't have the words."
Miguel Sabah and Blas Perez scored the goals in the first half.
Even Sabah conceded that his coach made a bad mistake.
"Obviously, he's human like the rest of us," Sabah said. "As a coach, with his experience, it doesn't make much sense. But he's human, and he has our support and we are trying hard to win."
Perez was injured on the field in the 90th minute and medical staff brought out a stretcher. As Perez was carried off the field, Mexican fans unleashed another barrage of cups and beer bottles and Perez fell off the stretcher.
Perez didn't seem as upset as his coach was about how the game ended.
"That's soccer, it's normal," Perez said. "Those things happen."
The game ended about five minutes later and the Panamanian team lingered on the field to let stadium officials drive off the fans.
"The game had to end," Stempel said. "The security and physical integrity of the players was not guaranteed. No coach wants to be a part of this debacle. Mexico has to respond for their actions, not me."
The tie was a disappointing outcome for Mexico, which has won four Gold Cups, the last in 2003. El Tri is facing mounting pressure at home to return to international prominence after some embarrassing recent results. Mexico lost to the United States in the 2007 Gold Cup final and its under-23 team failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics last summer.
Mexico has a key World Cup qualifier Aug. 12 against the United States in Mexico City.
Que asco de Aguirre. Hacer lo que hizo y luego tratar de engañar diciendo más mentiras y diciendo todo lo contrario a lo que vió todo mundo por televisión. Que asco Aguirre. Por que no pides perdón y listo? Atenerte a las consecuencias y ya. Por que tienes que seguir la farsa? Y seguir cometiendo errores para tapar un error? Lo que pasó por tu cabeza, solamente tu lo sabes, pero que diste una patada, si la diste. Que te mereces un gran castigo, te lo mereces. Pero que sigas mintiendo, no se lo merece la inteligencia de los aficionados. Y si alguien te sigue la farsa es que tanto tu como ese alguien me dan asco.
Mi comentario anterior se debe a la mala actitud que tuvo el entrenador de la Seleccion Mexicana al darle una patada a un futbolista rival en el juego en el que Mexico empató a 1 gol con Panamá. Nunca en mi vida habia visto tan grotesca y estupida actitud de un entrenador de una seleccion de cualquier pais. He visto que gritan, que insultan, pero agredir fisicamente a un jugador rival, me parece de lo peor, por lo que significa, un evento en el que tanta gente lo ve y tantos niños lo observan. Lastima por Aguirre que su imagen profesional va a cambiar de aqui en adelante.
http://www.oem.com.mx/esto/notas/n1239328.htm
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/07/10/futbol/1247249861.html
Panama's soccer team huddled on the field after playing Mexico to a 1-1 tie on Thursday night, waiting for the incited fans to leave Reliant Stadium.The Gold Cup match ended in chaos after a confrontation between Mexican coach Javier Aguirre and a Panamanian player triggered fights between fans in the stands.
Tempers flared throughout the match and boiled over in the 80th minute.
Panama's Ricardo Phillips dribbled out of bounds in front of the Mexico bench and when the linesman stopped play, Phillips shoved Aguirre.
Panama coach Gary Stempel said Aguirre hit Phillips first, trying to trip him as he ran by. Aguirre said he was just trying to stop the ball and accidentally made contact with Phillips.
"It was an imprudent act on my part," Aguirre said. "I sincerely regret it. It was a product of passion. The Panamanian team deserves an apology as well."
Players converged in the area and several got into shoving matches. Referee Joel Aguilar ejected Aguirre and whipped out a red card to give to Phillips as fans littered the field with cups of beer and other objects.
Phillips was escorted off the field by a swarm of police — and pelted with beer cups as he ran into a tunnel — and after about 15 wild minutes, play resumed.
A fight then broke out between two fans in the front row across the field from the benches and Houston police officers moved in to separate them. Police handcuffed at least two fans in the area.
"It was a disgrace," Stempel said. "I don't have the words."
Miguel Sabah and Blas Perez scored the goals in the first half.
Even Sabah conceded that his coach made a bad mistake.
"Obviously, he's human like the rest of us," Sabah said. "As a coach, with his experience, it doesn't make much sense. But he's human, and he has our support and we are trying hard to win."
Perez was injured on the field in the 90th minute and medical staff brought out a stretcher. As Perez was carried off the field, Mexican fans unleashed another barrage of cups and beer bottles and Perez fell off the stretcher.
Perez didn't seem as upset as his coach was about how the game ended.
"That's soccer, it's normal," Perez said. "Those things happen."
The game ended about five minutes later and the Panamanian team lingered on the field to let stadium officials drive off the fans.
"The game had to end," Stempel said. "The security and physical integrity of the players was not guaranteed. No coach wants to be a part of this debacle. Mexico has to respond for their actions, not me."
The tie was a disappointing outcome for Mexico, which has won four Gold Cups, the last in 2003. El Tri is facing mounting pressure at home to return to international prominence after some embarrassing recent results. Mexico lost to the United States in the 2007 Gold Cup final and its under-23 team failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics last summer.
Mexico has a key World Cup qualifier Aug. 12 against the United States in Mexico City.
El Almeria comienza el martes la preparación
Julio 9, 2009
El Almería, con la novedad de su último fichaje, el centrocampista colombiano Fabián Vargas, comenzará el próximo martes la pretemporada con una doble sesión de entrenamientos, que realizarán todos los jugadores del plantel en las instalaciones del estadio local de los Juegos Mediterráneos.
El único que no estará será Kalu Uche, que, según precisó el club en su web, se incorporará a la disciplina del equipo el día 23 de julio, por haber estado compitiendo con la selección nacional de Nigeria durante el periodo vacacional. Asimismo, además del ya mencionado centrocampista sudamericano, ex-jugador de Boca Juniors, las novedades serán también el retorno de los futbolistas que la pasada campaña jugaron cedidos en otros clubes.
Como se recordará, estos jugadores son Domingo Cisma, Natalio y David Rodríguez. Los integrantes de la plantilla andaluza trabajarán en tierras almerienses hasta el sábado 18 de julio, después dispondrán de una jornada de descanso el domingo.
Con posterioridad, el lunes 20, marcharán hacia el primer 'stagè de pretemporada, que se prolongará hasta el día 29, en un complejo deportivo situado junto a localidad murciana de La Manga del Mar Menor. Posteriormente, el 31 del mismo mes, la expedición rojiblanca viajará a Gales para afrontar una nueva concentración, esta vez hasta el 8 de agosto.
Durante ese tiempo, el equipo que entrena el mexicano Hugo Sánchez aprovechará para disputar un total de cuatro partidos amistosos ante equipos ingleses de la Premier y de la Segunda División de aquel país.
Nota de As de España
El Almería, con la novedad de su último fichaje, el centrocampista colombiano Fabián Vargas, comenzará el próximo martes la pretemporada con una doble sesión de entrenamientos, que realizarán todos los jugadores del plantel en las instalaciones del estadio local de los Juegos Mediterráneos.
El único que no estará será Kalu Uche, que, según precisó el club en su web, se incorporará a la disciplina del equipo el día 23 de julio, por haber estado compitiendo con la selección nacional de Nigeria durante el periodo vacacional. Asimismo, además del ya mencionado centrocampista sudamericano, ex-jugador de Boca Juniors, las novedades serán también el retorno de los futbolistas que la pasada campaña jugaron cedidos en otros clubes.
Como se recordará, estos jugadores son Domingo Cisma, Natalio y David Rodríguez. Los integrantes de la plantilla andaluza trabajarán en tierras almerienses hasta el sábado 18 de julio, después dispondrán de una jornada de descanso el domingo.
Con posterioridad, el lunes 20, marcharán hacia el primer 'stagè de pretemporada, que se prolongará hasta el día 29, en un complejo deportivo situado junto a localidad murciana de La Manga del Mar Menor. Posteriormente, el 31 del mismo mes, la expedición rojiblanca viajará a Gales para afrontar una nueva concentración, esta vez hasta el 8 de agosto.
Durante ese tiempo, el equipo que entrena el mexicano Hugo Sánchez aprovechará para disputar un total de cuatro partidos amistosos ante equipos ingleses de la Premier y de la Segunda División de aquel país.
Nota de As de España
The Americans beat Honduras 2-0.
July 9, 2009
Quaranta was making his first appearance for the United States in more than three years, and the member of MLS' D.C. United broke a scoreless tie in the 75th minute before his home fans at RFK Stadium
Brian Ching followed Quaranta's goal with a header four minutes later to seal the win.
"To listen to the anthem was very emotional for me," Quaranta said. "It's been a fun, long road back."
The United States, two-time defending champion in the competition contested among the countries of North and Central America and the Caribbean, is 23-0-1 in Gold Cup group play.
The Americans are 2-0 and lead Group B going into their final first-round match against Haiti on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass., where a draw will be enough to clinch the group and move into the quarterfinals.
Honduras (1-1) will face winless Grenada, also in Foxborough.
Haiti (1-1) beat Grenada in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader 2-0.
"I looked to my left and saw Santino making a good run, so I was able to lay off a good ball for him," Davies said. "He was just like, 'Thanks.' I think it was gratifying for him to score in front of the home crowd."
The crowd of 26,079 had a pro-Honduras bent, but there were still enough American fans to loudly cheer Quaranta's goal.
Quaranta was one of several new players on the U.S. roster for the Gold Cup. The Americans have a nearly entirely different roster from the U.S. team that made a surprise run to the Confederations Cup championship game last month; most regulars were given a rest for the Gold Cup.
The Americans last played Honduras on June 6 in a World Cup qualifying match, but the only American who was dressed for that game and Wednesday's match was Benny Feilhaber, who came on in the 64th minute.
"There were times in the game we couldn't find the right rhythm," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "But I think there was still a good understanding of pushing the tempo. When we push the game for 90 minutes, we think that's an advantage for us."
Both squads had several opportunities before the United States broke through.
Lineups:
USA: 1-Troy Perkins; 6-Steve Cherundolo (capt.), 4-Chad Marshall, 14-Michael Parkhurst, 2-Heath Pearce; 20-Santino Quaranta, 8-Logan Pause (25- Benny Feilhaber, 64), 5-Kyle Beckerman, 7-Robbie Rogers; 11-Brian Ching (17-Kenny Cooper, 82), 19-Freddy Adu (9-Charlie Davies, 64) Subs not used: 10-Stuart Holden, 16-Jay Heaps, 18-Luis Robles, 21-Brad Evans Head Coach: Bob Bradley
HONDURAS:
22-Donis Escober; 5-Erick Norales, 11-Mariano Acevedo, 2-Osman Chavez, 16-Nery Medina; 14-Carlos Palacios, 23-Roger Espinoza (7-Rigoberto Padilla, 70), 18-Melvin Valladares, 13-Carlos Costly (24-Georgie Welcome, 79); 10-Marvin Chavez (8-Allan Lalin, 65), 15-Walter Martínez (capt.) Subs not used: 3-David Molina, 4-Johnny Palacios, 12-Ricardo Canales, 21-Luis Ramos Head Coach: Reynaldo Rueda
Quaranta was making his first appearance for the United States in more than three years, and the member of MLS' D.C. United broke a scoreless tie in the 75th minute before his home fans at RFK Stadium
Brian Ching followed Quaranta's goal with a header four minutes later to seal the win.
"To listen to the anthem was very emotional for me," Quaranta said. "It's been a fun, long road back."
The United States, two-time defending champion in the competition contested among the countries of North and Central America and the Caribbean, is 23-0-1 in Gold Cup group play.
The Americans are 2-0 and lead Group B going into their final first-round match against Haiti on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass., where a draw will be enough to clinch the group and move into the quarterfinals.
Honduras (1-1) will face winless Grenada, also in Foxborough.
Haiti (1-1) beat Grenada in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader 2-0.
"I looked to my left and saw Santino making a good run, so I was able to lay off a good ball for him," Davies said. "He was just like, 'Thanks.' I think it was gratifying for him to score in front of the home crowd."
The crowd of 26,079 had a pro-Honduras bent, but there were still enough American fans to loudly cheer Quaranta's goal.
Quaranta was one of several new players on the U.S. roster for the Gold Cup. The Americans have a nearly entirely different roster from the U.S. team that made a surprise run to the Confederations Cup championship game last month; most regulars were given a rest for the Gold Cup.
The Americans last played Honduras on June 6 in a World Cup qualifying match, but the only American who was dressed for that game and Wednesday's match was Benny Feilhaber, who came on in the 64th minute.
"There were times in the game we couldn't find the right rhythm," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "But I think there was still a good understanding of pushing the tempo. When we push the game for 90 minutes, we think that's an advantage for us."
Both squads had several opportunities before the United States broke through.
Lineups:
USA: 1-Troy Perkins; 6-Steve Cherundolo (capt.), 4-Chad Marshall, 14-Michael Parkhurst, 2-Heath Pearce; 20-Santino Quaranta, 8-Logan Pause (25- Benny Feilhaber, 64), 5-Kyle Beckerman, 7-Robbie Rogers; 11-Brian Ching (17-Kenny Cooper, 82), 19-Freddy Adu (9-Charlie Davies, 64) Subs not used: 10-Stuart Holden, 16-Jay Heaps, 18-Luis Robles, 21-Brad Evans Head Coach: Bob Bradley
HONDURAS:
22-Donis Escober; 5-Erick Norales, 11-Mariano Acevedo, 2-Osman Chavez, 16-Nery Medina; 14-Carlos Palacios, 23-Roger Espinoza (7-Rigoberto Padilla, 70), 18-Melvin Valladares, 13-Carlos Costly (24-Georgie Welcome, 79); 10-Marvin Chavez (8-Allan Lalin, 65), 15-Walter Martínez (capt.) Subs not used: 3-David Molina, 4-Johnny Palacios, 12-Ricardo Canales, 21-Luis Ramos Head Coach: Reynaldo Rueda
Monday, July 6, 2009
80 thousand Real Madrid fans welcome CR7 or 9
July 6, 2009
With a dash of rock concert thrown in. Eighty thousand Real Madrid fans on Monday night attended the church of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu before 50 or so delirious stage invaders chased him from it. It only served to add to the atmosphere. This was the ascension of Cristiano. Doing a little turn on the catwalk: Cristiano Ronaldo struts his stuff as he is introduced to the Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu Crowd control: around 80,000 fans packed into the Bernabeu to celebrate the unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo as a Manchester United player
After three long years of waiting, Madrid have their man, and their man has Madrid. “This is my new home,” he said. As if the six-year 330,000 US dls-a-week contract was not greeting enough, he has the sight of a stadium genuflecting in his image to greet him. Welcome home.
He has left home before, of course, but he insists it was with the blessing of his scorned father. “It was a happy goodbye,” he said. “Sir Alex Ferguson knew I always wanted to play for Madrid. I went to Manchester and spoke with him and he was happy. The fans, my team-mates and friends, and Sir Alex understand my decision. This is my dream.
“We were joking about me playing against Manchester United in the final at the Bernabeu. He said he would set Patrice Evra against me to kick me out of the game.
“When I said I would stay at United in June, it was because there was no reason to believe I wouldn’t. But things change, presidents, people’s opinions, everything. The clubs reached an agreement and now I’m here, and I’m very happy.”
He will have had few longer days, spending much of his time before his unveiling dotting i’s and crossing t’s. He landed just after midday at Barajas airport, by private jet, before being whisked to the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital in the north of the city to pass his medical before a rather stilted, staged lunch with Florentino Perez.
For a man desperate for adulation, for worship, it was the debut he had dreamed about. Fans queued for hours to get inside, with a further 10,000 locked out when the gates to the stadium shut at 8.40pm. They chanted his name, they cheered the video montages – never again will Stoke City feature so prominently at the Bernabeu – and they waited.
And waited, just as they have since his Madrid dream was first made public in 2006, in the aftermath of Portugal’s fractious win over England in the World Cup. First, Alfredo di Stefano and Eusebio appeared. Then Perez himself, never a man to shun a moment in the limelight, strode out. Then, to the strains of Strauss and Puccini – with a dash of Spanish heavy metal thrown in – Ronaldo, bedecked in white, the No 9 on his back, appeared. The fervour reached religious proportions.
He strode onto the pitch, blinded by thousands of flashbulbs, hugged Perez and stood on stage, to the left of Eusebio and Di Stefano, consciously in the pose of Superman, hands on hips, eyes heavenwards, as Perez introduced “one of the greatest players of all time”.
To the Real Madrid president, his 130 million capture can “make millions of dreams come true,” representing “the unstoppable force of hope.” It was the sort of rhetoric of which such an occasion deserved.
No wonder, when he finally spoke, Ronaldo was forced to wait as the cheers, the chants of “Cristiano” died down. He beamed, soaking up the adulation which, almost as much as the multi-million pound salary, tempted him to leave Old Trafford.
He craves undiluted worship. Now, heightened by the will-he, won’t-he soap opera of the last three years, he has it.
“Good evening,” he said, in accented Spanish. “I am going to speak to you like a friend who is very happy to be here. This is the completion of my boyhood dream, to be a Real Madrid player.”
Not a natural raconteur, perhaps, but he had the crowd in the palm of his hands, leading them in a chorus of Hala Madrid before soaking up the rapturous applause of every corner of the stadium. This was his apotheosis to the galactico pantheon. Not even a boy asked on stage to name his favourite player – the answer, of course, was Kaka – could spoil it.
Nor could chaos. A trickle of fans broke through the security cordon. Ronaldo, initially forgiving, was rushed down the tunnel, although
Di Stefano – and nine European Cups – were forgotten in the rush. Still, they are the past. Ronaldo is the future.
Posted by Thelegraph
With a dash of rock concert thrown in. Eighty thousand Real Madrid fans on Monday night attended the church of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu before 50 or so delirious stage invaders chased him from it. It only served to add to the atmosphere. This was the ascension of Cristiano. Doing a little turn on the catwalk: Cristiano Ronaldo struts his stuff as he is introduced to the Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu Crowd control: around 80,000 fans packed into the Bernabeu to celebrate the unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo as a Manchester United player
After three long years of waiting, Madrid have their man, and their man has Madrid. “This is my new home,” he said. As if the six-year 330,000 US dls-a-week contract was not greeting enough, he has the sight of a stadium genuflecting in his image to greet him. Welcome home.
He has left home before, of course, but he insists it was with the blessing of his scorned father. “It was a happy goodbye,” he said. “Sir Alex Ferguson knew I always wanted to play for Madrid. I went to Manchester and spoke with him and he was happy. The fans, my team-mates and friends, and Sir Alex understand my decision. This is my dream.
“We were joking about me playing against Manchester United in the final at the Bernabeu. He said he would set Patrice Evra against me to kick me out of the game.
“When I said I would stay at United in June, it was because there was no reason to believe I wouldn’t. But things change, presidents, people’s opinions, everything. The clubs reached an agreement and now I’m here, and I’m very happy.”
He will have had few longer days, spending much of his time before his unveiling dotting i’s and crossing t’s. He landed just after midday at Barajas airport, by private jet, before being whisked to the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital in the north of the city to pass his medical before a rather stilted, staged lunch with Florentino Perez.
For a man desperate for adulation, for worship, it was the debut he had dreamed about. Fans queued for hours to get inside, with a further 10,000 locked out when the gates to the stadium shut at 8.40pm. They chanted his name, they cheered the video montages – never again will Stoke City feature so prominently at the Bernabeu – and they waited.
And waited, just as they have since his Madrid dream was first made public in 2006, in the aftermath of Portugal’s fractious win over England in the World Cup. First, Alfredo di Stefano and Eusebio appeared. Then Perez himself, never a man to shun a moment in the limelight, strode out. Then, to the strains of Strauss and Puccini – with a dash of Spanish heavy metal thrown in – Ronaldo, bedecked in white, the No 9 on his back, appeared. The fervour reached religious proportions.
He strode onto the pitch, blinded by thousands of flashbulbs, hugged Perez and stood on stage, to the left of Eusebio and Di Stefano, consciously in the pose of Superman, hands on hips, eyes heavenwards, as Perez introduced “one of the greatest players of all time”.
To the Real Madrid president, his 130 million capture can “make millions of dreams come true,” representing “the unstoppable force of hope.” It was the sort of rhetoric of which such an occasion deserved.
No wonder, when he finally spoke, Ronaldo was forced to wait as the cheers, the chants of “Cristiano” died down. He beamed, soaking up the adulation which, almost as much as the multi-million pound salary, tempted him to leave Old Trafford.
He craves undiluted worship. Now, heightened by the will-he, won’t-he soap opera of the last three years, he has it.
“Good evening,” he said, in accented Spanish. “I am going to speak to you like a friend who is very happy to be here. This is the completion of my boyhood dream, to be a Real Madrid player.”
Not a natural raconteur, perhaps, but he had the crowd in the palm of his hands, leading them in a chorus of Hala Madrid before soaking up the rapturous applause of every corner of the stadium. This was his apotheosis to the galactico pantheon. Not even a boy asked on stage to name his favourite player – the answer, of course, was Kaka – could spoil it.
Nor could chaos. A trickle of fans broke through the security cordon. Ronaldo, initially forgiving, was rushed down the tunnel, although
Di Stefano – and nine European Cups – were forgotten in the rush. Still, they are the past. Ronaldo is the future.
Posted by Thelegraph
80.000 personas aclamaron a Cristiano Ronaldo
Julio 6, 2009
Llegó con esa sonrisa de niño travieso (inquieto) y le aclamaron como a un emperador. Y eso que no hizo más que balbucear dos frases temblorosas, un seco ¡Hala Madrid! y unos breves y nerviosos toques al balón.
El Bernabéu, colmado con 80.000 enloquecidos hinchas, se rindió a los encantos de Cristiano Ronaldo, que no eludió el tópico: "He cumplido mi sueño de niño", dijo. Entonces, como se había anunciado desde mucho tiempo atrás, la simple presentación de un futbolista se convirtió en una pasarela donde desfiló el nuevo mesías blanco.
Apareció con fuerza Cristiano, con el '9' a la espalda, pisando fuerte y regalando aplausos y pulgares al aire. Besó el escudo a petición popular, algo tarde quizá por dificultades en la comprensión del idioma. Se bañó en las multitudes y volvió a enamorar a las cámaras, que para eso es el rey de la fotogenia además de un excelente delantero.
Florentino Pérez, que ha pagado por su flequillo 94 millones, no cabía de gozo en el traje, inusualmente negro para la ocasión. Todo le salió rodado salvo la extraña presencia de Eusebio, mito 'benfiquista' del fútbol portugués, abrumado por el momento y que sólo pudo pronunciar el "muito obrigado" de rigor.
Se repitió el " show" de la presentación de Kaká, con las exhibiciones audiovisuales y los compases de la 'Marcha Radetzky' y el 'Nessun Dorma'. Sólo se omitió el detalle de ocultar el secreto del número y el '9' se vio bien claro desde que Cristiano asomó por el túnel.
Florentino le había presentado como un jugador capaz de "generar ilusiones y sueños en todos los aficionados del mundo". Sin embargo, la mayoría de los presentes no habían esperado horas para ver a un futbolista, sino a un chico de 24 años al que adoran misteriosas razones estéticas.
"Sí, sí, sí, Cristiano ya está aquí", se coreó con entusiasmo en Chamartín, casi haciendo imposible los esfuerzos del ídolo para enhebrar un discurso con sentido. Llegaron las recurrentes gestos para la galería: fotos con niños, las firmas de camisetas y balones a la grada, disputados por algunos en furaz rapiña.
No cabía más felicidad en el Bernabéu, quizá porque muchos lo pisaban por primera vez y además tenían ante las narices a su ídolo, ahí, a pocos metros. Y Florentino ya tenía de blanco a Cristiano, la piedra angular de su nuevo Madrid, indiscutible redentor de un proyecto que él mismo presentó con escasa modestia como una "imparable fuerza de ilusión y sueños".
Un poderío equiparable al exhibido por los guardias de seguridad que se emplearon a la carrera para evitar los abrazos fuera de guión de algún espontáneo. Se zafó como pudo Cristiano, que cambió el blanco de la camiseta por un terno tabaco con el que enfrentarse a los periodistas.
En la sala de prensa se le vio relajado, dominador de la situación, sólo fatigado en los últimos compases de una comparecencia que se extendió durante más de 50 minutos. Desparramó miradas cómplices y respuestas en tres idiomas, algunas tan interesantes como su verdadera preferencia por el simbólico dorsal.
"Yo quería el '7', pero el '9' está bien, es un número mítico aquí", aludió en referencia a Ronaldo Nazario de Lima o Alfredo di Stéfano, con el que había compartido confidencias minutos antes. Aunque lo políticamente correcto no escondía la larga sombra de Raúl, capitán y líder de un vestuario donde no piensa tener ningún problema. "Sé que es un grupo de gente muy abierto y sé que no voy a tener problemas con ellos. Nunca los he tenido y no los voy a tener ahora", espetó.
Su mejor confidente en esas intimidades se llama Pepe, compañero en la selección portuguesa, que también le ha explicado que la Cibeles es una céntrica fuente de la capital donde el equipo celebra sus títulos. Al principio dudó cuando le preguntaron por la diosa, pero reaccionó con reflejos y salió airoso ante los que dudaban de su madridismo sincero.
También hubo quien no se creyó mucho sus palabras sobre el presunto acuerdo firmado con Ramón Calderón hace un año. Recurrió a la sonrisa, eludió el tema con la misma rapidez con que esquivó una pregunta sobre el pago de impuestos, y se limitó al acuerdo rubricado con Florentino. "Firmé y estoy aquí, feliz", subrayó.
Menos claro quedó su vínculo con el nuevo entrenador, Manuel Pellegrini. "No he tenido la oportunidad de hablar con él. No lo conozco bien, pero sus métodos son muy buenos", concluyó en apabullante contradicción. Y cuando le pusieron en la tesitura de la belleza o los resultados, se quedó sin dudar con las victorias. Porque además de presentaciones, el Madrid jugará (y tratará de ganar) competiciones oficiales.
Llegó con esa sonrisa de niño travieso (inquieto) y le aclamaron como a un emperador. Y eso que no hizo más que balbucear dos frases temblorosas, un seco ¡Hala Madrid! y unos breves y nerviosos toques al balón.
El Bernabéu, colmado con 80.000 enloquecidos hinchas, se rindió a los encantos de Cristiano Ronaldo, que no eludió el tópico: "He cumplido mi sueño de niño", dijo. Entonces, como se había anunciado desde mucho tiempo atrás, la simple presentación de un futbolista se convirtió en una pasarela donde desfiló el nuevo mesías blanco.
Apareció con fuerza Cristiano, con el '9' a la espalda, pisando fuerte y regalando aplausos y pulgares al aire. Besó el escudo a petición popular, algo tarde quizá por dificultades en la comprensión del idioma. Se bañó en las multitudes y volvió a enamorar a las cámaras, que para eso es el rey de la fotogenia además de un excelente delantero.
Florentino Pérez, que ha pagado por su flequillo 94 millones, no cabía de gozo en el traje, inusualmente negro para la ocasión. Todo le salió rodado salvo la extraña presencia de Eusebio, mito 'benfiquista' del fútbol portugués, abrumado por el momento y que sólo pudo pronunciar el "muito obrigado" de rigor.
Se repitió el " show" de la presentación de Kaká, con las exhibiciones audiovisuales y los compases de la 'Marcha Radetzky' y el 'Nessun Dorma'. Sólo se omitió el detalle de ocultar el secreto del número y el '9' se vio bien claro desde que Cristiano asomó por el túnel.
Florentino le había presentado como un jugador capaz de "generar ilusiones y sueños en todos los aficionados del mundo". Sin embargo, la mayoría de los presentes no habían esperado horas para ver a un futbolista, sino a un chico de 24 años al que adoran misteriosas razones estéticas.
"Sí, sí, sí, Cristiano ya está aquí", se coreó con entusiasmo en Chamartín, casi haciendo imposible los esfuerzos del ídolo para enhebrar un discurso con sentido. Llegaron las recurrentes gestos para la galería: fotos con niños, las firmas de camisetas y balones a la grada, disputados por algunos en furaz rapiña.
No cabía más felicidad en el Bernabéu, quizá porque muchos lo pisaban por primera vez y además tenían ante las narices a su ídolo, ahí, a pocos metros. Y Florentino ya tenía de blanco a Cristiano, la piedra angular de su nuevo Madrid, indiscutible redentor de un proyecto que él mismo presentó con escasa modestia como una "imparable fuerza de ilusión y sueños".
Un poderío equiparable al exhibido por los guardias de seguridad que se emplearon a la carrera para evitar los abrazos fuera de guión de algún espontáneo. Se zafó como pudo Cristiano, que cambió el blanco de la camiseta por un terno tabaco con el que enfrentarse a los periodistas.
En la sala de prensa se le vio relajado, dominador de la situación, sólo fatigado en los últimos compases de una comparecencia que se extendió durante más de 50 minutos. Desparramó miradas cómplices y respuestas en tres idiomas, algunas tan interesantes como su verdadera preferencia por el simbólico dorsal.
"Yo quería el '7', pero el '9' está bien, es un número mítico aquí", aludió en referencia a Ronaldo Nazario de Lima o Alfredo di Stéfano, con el que había compartido confidencias minutos antes. Aunque lo políticamente correcto no escondía la larga sombra de Raúl, capitán y líder de un vestuario donde no piensa tener ningún problema. "Sé que es un grupo de gente muy abierto y sé que no voy a tener problemas con ellos. Nunca los he tenido y no los voy a tener ahora", espetó.
Su mejor confidente en esas intimidades se llama Pepe, compañero en la selección portuguesa, que también le ha explicado que la Cibeles es una céntrica fuente de la capital donde el equipo celebra sus títulos. Al principio dudó cuando le preguntaron por la diosa, pero reaccionó con reflejos y salió airoso ante los que dudaban de su madridismo sincero.
También hubo quien no se creyó mucho sus palabras sobre el presunto acuerdo firmado con Ramón Calderón hace un año. Recurrió a la sonrisa, eludió el tema con la misma rapidez con que esquivó una pregunta sobre el pago de impuestos, y se limitó al acuerdo rubricado con Florentino. "Firmé y estoy aquí, feliz", subrayó.
Menos claro quedó su vínculo con el nuevo entrenador, Manuel Pellegrini. "No he tenido la oportunidad de hablar con él. No lo conozco bien, pero sus métodos son muy buenos", concluyó en apabullante contradicción. Y cuando le pusieron en la tesitura de la belleza o los resultados, se quedó sin dudar con las victorias. Porque además de presentaciones, el Madrid jugará (y tratará de ganar) competiciones oficiales.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Real Madrid to sign two and release 10
July 4, 2004
Real Madrid need to sign two more players and off-load about 10 to round off their summer transfer dealings, according to club president Florentino Perez.
The nine-times European champions have already splashed around £200 million on bringing striker Karim Benzema, winger Cristiano Ronaldo, playmaker Kaka and defender Raul Albiol to the Bernabeu.
"Now we need to calm down a little because squads usually have around 25 players and ours now has some 35," Perez told Spanish television station Cuatro.
Karim Benzema joins Real Madrid after snubbing Manchester United"We need to concentrate our efforts on convincing some players that they will have to leave. It should not be forgotten there is a World Cup next summer and all our players want to play in it.
"If players aren't going to have the chance to participate here they'll want to do it somewhere else, to be able to make it to the World Cup.
"As to new signings, I think with two more we would have sufficient."
Perez was asked about Real's interest in Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
"They are both great players but their clubs don't want to sell them, though in the world of football situations can change," he added.
Real have already sold Javier Saviola, while the Dutch contingent of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Royston Drenthe and Klaas Jan Huntelaar are all reportedly on the market.
Note from the Telegraph
Real Madrid need to sign two more players and off-load about 10 to round off their summer transfer dealings, according to club president Florentino Perez.
The nine-times European champions have already splashed around £200 million on bringing striker Karim Benzema, winger Cristiano Ronaldo, playmaker Kaka and defender Raul Albiol to the Bernabeu.
"Now we need to calm down a little because squads usually have around 25 players and ours now has some 35," Perez told Spanish television station Cuatro.
Karim Benzema joins Real Madrid after snubbing Manchester United"We need to concentrate our efforts on convincing some players that they will have to leave. It should not be forgotten there is a World Cup next summer and all our players want to play in it.
"If players aren't going to have the chance to participate here they'll want to do it somewhere else, to be able to make it to the World Cup.
"As to new signings, I think with two more we would have sufficient."
Perez was asked about Real's interest in Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
"They are both great players but their clubs don't want to sell them, though in the world of football situations can change," he added.
Real have already sold Javier Saviola, while the Dutch contingent of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Royston Drenthe and Klaas Jan Huntelaar are all reportedly on the market.
Note from the Telegraph
Cristiano Ronaldo "I can live with it"
July 4, 2009
CRISTIANO RONALDO insists that the 130 million Real Madrid paid for him is a "fair price" and he is delighted to be the most expensive player in the world. Ronaldo will put the finishing touches on his move from Manchester United on Monday night when he is officially unveiled as the Spanish giants' latest signing.
It took an astronomical fee to persuade M. United to part with the FIFA World Player of the Year and Madrid have come in for criticism for spending so much money during a recession.
But Ronaldo believes Madrid are justified in paying the fee - and he feels he can live up to the price tag.
He said: "It's a fair figure. If Manchester United and Real Madrid agree this amount, then there is nothing more to say.
"The great players cost a lot of money and if you want them you have to pay it. I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the world.
"I respect everyone's opinions but If Real Madrid have paid so much money, it's because they wanted me and have considered it a fair price.
"I'm going to try to do everything to play very well and I will show that the money they are paying for me has been a good decision."
Madrid have already presented Kaka and Raul Albiol following their moves from AC Milan and Valencia, while Lyon striker Karim Benzema is close to completing his switch to Madrid as Real's spending spree rapidly approaches the 270 m mark.
But Ronaldo's signing has captured the world's attention and imagination as Madrid finally got their man this summer to end a transfer saga lasting more than two years.
Ronaldo is the centrepiece of Florentino Perez's Madrid revolution, as the returning president looks to take the fallen giants back to the top of world football.
Last season, Madrid had to look on in envy as arch-rivals Barcelona won an unprecedented treble of Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League - and it has been a long time since the Whites made any waves in Europe.
Not once in the last five years have nine-time European champions Madrid managed to get past the last 16 in the Champions League - and with next season's final being held at the Bernabeu, they will be desperate to go all the way.
Much will be demanded of Ronaldo but the Portugal international is confident he can deal with the expectations.
He said: "I've been used to having pressure for a long time - in this sense, I'm calm.
"This price tag isn't something I'm going to think about when I go out on to the pitch, so it's not going to affect me.
"I know that they are going to demand a lot of me to be successful at the club and I know that I'm going to have much more pressure than at Manchester United, because I was there for many years. But it means a new challenge and is going to help me be the best footballer.
"As well as that, Spain is a different league - with different players, a different club - and this is going to motivate me to continue working hard and winning things."
Ronaldo revealed that United boss Alex Ferguson will always hold a special place in his heart.
Ron added: "He's been my father in sport, one of the most important factors and most influential in my career.
"I have to thank him for all that he taught me. He's been fundamental.
"I'll always have great affection for him and he will occupy a special place in my heart."
Ronaldo explained why his move to Real did not go ahead last summer despite fevered speculation.
He said: "All the big players have to live with speculation. Last summer a lot of things were written, but life is like that. Simply, I decided to wait a season more and I think that I took the correct decision."
He admitted it came as a relief when the move was finally confirmed. "It was an indescribable feeling. Honestly, I felt very relieved. Things had finally been resolved and I was very happy, because everybody knew that I wanted to play at Real Madrid.
"When I signed for Manchester United, I was eager to play there for their history and for all the titles that they'd won.
"But I also hoped to some day play at Real Madrid, because they've always had great players. Now, I can say that I have fulfilled a dream to be part of the two best clubs in the world."
Tuesday's unveiling of Kaka drew around 55,000 fans to the Bernabeu to welcome the Brazilian.
That is all set to be dwarfed on Monday night, though, when Ronaldo is introduced, with suggestions that there will not be an empty seat.
Ronaldo said: "It will be a very special day for my family, my friends and for me. I only hope that things go well. I hope I can experience a day as nice as Kaka did.
"To have 40,000, 50,000 or 60,000 people at your presentation is something incredible and special. I know that it's going to be a great moment in my life."
Published by the Telegraph
CRISTIANO RONALDO insists that the 130 million Real Madrid paid for him is a "fair price" and he is delighted to be the most expensive player in the world. Ronaldo will put the finishing touches on his move from Manchester United on Monday night when he is officially unveiled as the Spanish giants' latest signing.
It took an astronomical fee to persuade M. United to part with the FIFA World Player of the Year and Madrid have come in for criticism for spending so much money during a recession.
But Ronaldo believes Madrid are justified in paying the fee - and he feels he can live up to the price tag.
He said: "It's a fair figure. If Manchester United and Real Madrid agree this amount, then there is nothing more to say.
"The great players cost a lot of money and if you want them you have to pay it. I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the world.
"I respect everyone's opinions but If Real Madrid have paid so much money, it's because they wanted me and have considered it a fair price.
"I'm going to try to do everything to play very well and I will show that the money they are paying for me has been a good decision."
Madrid have already presented Kaka and Raul Albiol following their moves from AC Milan and Valencia, while Lyon striker Karim Benzema is close to completing his switch to Madrid as Real's spending spree rapidly approaches the 270 m mark.
But Ronaldo's signing has captured the world's attention and imagination as Madrid finally got their man this summer to end a transfer saga lasting more than two years.
Ronaldo is the centrepiece of Florentino Perez's Madrid revolution, as the returning president looks to take the fallen giants back to the top of world football.
Last season, Madrid had to look on in envy as arch-rivals Barcelona won an unprecedented treble of Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League - and it has been a long time since the Whites made any waves in Europe.
Not once in the last five years have nine-time European champions Madrid managed to get past the last 16 in the Champions League - and with next season's final being held at the Bernabeu, they will be desperate to go all the way.
Much will be demanded of Ronaldo but the Portugal international is confident he can deal with the expectations.
He said: "I've been used to having pressure for a long time - in this sense, I'm calm.
"This price tag isn't something I'm going to think about when I go out on to the pitch, so it's not going to affect me.
"I know that they are going to demand a lot of me to be successful at the club and I know that I'm going to have much more pressure than at Manchester United, because I was there for many years. But it means a new challenge and is going to help me be the best footballer.
"As well as that, Spain is a different league - with different players, a different club - and this is going to motivate me to continue working hard and winning things."
Ronaldo revealed that United boss Alex Ferguson will always hold a special place in his heart.
Ron added: "He's been my father in sport, one of the most important factors and most influential in my career.
"I have to thank him for all that he taught me. He's been fundamental.
"I'll always have great affection for him and he will occupy a special place in my heart."
Ronaldo explained why his move to Real did not go ahead last summer despite fevered speculation.
He said: "All the big players have to live with speculation. Last summer a lot of things were written, but life is like that. Simply, I decided to wait a season more and I think that I took the correct decision."
He admitted it came as a relief when the move was finally confirmed. "It was an indescribable feeling. Honestly, I felt very relieved. Things had finally been resolved and I was very happy, because everybody knew that I wanted to play at Real Madrid.
"When I signed for Manchester United, I was eager to play there for their history and for all the titles that they'd won.
"But I also hoped to some day play at Real Madrid, because they've always had great players. Now, I can say that I have fulfilled a dream to be part of the two best clubs in the world."
Tuesday's unveiling of Kaka drew around 55,000 fans to the Bernabeu to welcome the Brazilian.
That is all set to be dwarfed on Monday night, though, when Ronaldo is introduced, with suggestions that there will not be an empty seat.
Ronaldo said: "It will be a very special day for my family, my friends and for me. I only hope that things go well. I hope I can experience a day as nice as Kaka did.
"To have 40,000, 50,000 or 60,000 people at your presentation is something incredible and special. I know that it's going to be a great moment in my life."
Published by the Telegraph
Friday, July 3, 2009
USA wants more victories
July 3, 2009
USA is hosting the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup from 3 to 26 July. The Americans shocked the world to pick up silver at the FIFA Confederations Cup, the hosts now line up hoping to win their third regional title on the bounce. In their way will be the usual challenge of arch-rivals Mexico, in-form Costa Rica and Honduras and a raft of lesser lights looking to spring surprises.
USA coach Bob Bradley touted the accomplishments of his first team in South Africa, telling they had "opened eyes and done a lot for soccer in the United States." Now the tainer has another test before him: keeping the Stars and Stripes firmly entrenched as the major power in the CONCACAF Zone.
Originally Bradley had intended to use only four players from his Confederations Cup squad - Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Heath Pearce and Luis Robles - in the regional finals, but he announced on Thursday that he would be taking advantage of a special CONCACAF provision to expand his squad list from 23 to 30, helping to ease the stress of playing back-to-back tournaments.
The last-minute additions to the US team are: strikers Conor Casey and Jozy Altidore, midfielders Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber and Sacha Kljestan, defender Jonathan Bornstein and goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Bradley's men will open their account against Grenada on 4 July, Independence Day. The Grenadians are coached by Tommy Taylor and are the smallest-ever side to take part in the region's showpiece. Largely amateur, the Spice Boyz do have a few professionals in US-based Shalrie Joseph and Byron Bubb.
Despite expectations back home in Honduras, Catracho Coach Reynaldo Rueda will be without speed merchant David Suazo, creator Amado Guevara, top scorer Carlos Pavon and English Premier League duo Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa.
Central American toppers Costa Rica, over in Group A, will be fancying their chances this time around. Rodrigo Kenton's youthful outfit currently rule the roost in the final round of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup , in first place by two clear points. They recently defeated a full-strength USA 3-1 in San Jose, forcing pundits to sit up and take notice of the side. "We are going to this Gold Cup with the aim of taking the title, and I think it's a realistic one," the coach recently said, though not bringing his full side, Kenton is using a good number of first teamers, most notably veteran Walter Centeno and young creator Celso Borges.
In the section alongside the Ticos are El Salvador, Canada and Caribbean champs Jamaica. Although the Canucks famously won the competition back in 2000, the Salvadorans and the Reggae Boyz will be the ones in with a shout of making the larger waves. Carlos de los Cobos' Cuscatlecos are still alive in South Africa 2010 qualifying and the tricky Jamaicans are looking to rebuild with a youthful, largely local squad.
Mexico, like the hosts Americans, are sending an inexperienced side to these finals. Without Rafa Marquez, Pavel Pardo and Andres Guardado, coach Javier Aguirre will rely on young guns like Gio Dos Santos and Carlos Vela. Also in the team are Jonny Magallon, Omar Bravo and Memo Ochoa. Mexico have not won the title since 2003 and will be desperate to reclaim a piece of their fading reputation as regional kings. El Tri, who have never failed to reach the quarter-finals, are up against Guadeloupe, a tiny French holding in the Caribbean that shocked the last finals in 2007 by reaching the last four, Central American minnows Nicaragua and 2005 runners-up Panama.
This Gold Cup, the tenth instalment since renaming the old CONCACAF Championship, will run through most of July in 13 US cities. The top two finishers from each group, plus the two best third-place teams, move into the last eight. The final will be played on 26 July in New York.
Group A Canada Costa Rica El Salvador Jamaica
Group B Grenada Haiti Honduras United States
Group C Guadeloupe Mexico Nicaragua Panama
USA is hosting the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup from 3 to 26 July. The Americans shocked the world to pick up silver at the FIFA Confederations Cup, the hosts now line up hoping to win their third regional title on the bounce. In their way will be the usual challenge of arch-rivals Mexico, in-form Costa Rica and Honduras and a raft of lesser lights looking to spring surprises.
USA coach Bob Bradley touted the accomplishments of his first team in South Africa, telling they had "opened eyes and done a lot for soccer in the United States." Now the tainer has another test before him: keeping the Stars and Stripes firmly entrenched as the major power in the CONCACAF Zone.
Originally Bradley had intended to use only four players from his Confederations Cup squad - Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Heath Pearce and Luis Robles - in the regional finals, but he announced on Thursday that he would be taking advantage of a special CONCACAF provision to expand his squad list from 23 to 30, helping to ease the stress of playing back-to-back tournaments.
The last-minute additions to the US team are: strikers Conor Casey and Jozy Altidore, midfielders Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber and Sacha Kljestan, defender Jonathan Bornstein and goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Bradley's men will open their account against Grenada on 4 July, Independence Day. The Grenadians are coached by Tommy Taylor and are the smallest-ever side to take part in the region's showpiece. Largely amateur, the Spice Boyz do have a few professionals in US-based Shalrie Joseph and Byron Bubb.
Despite expectations back home in Honduras, Catracho Coach Reynaldo Rueda will be without speed merchant David Suazo, creator Amado Guevara, top scorer Carlos Pavon and English Premier League duo Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa.
Central American toppers Costa Rica, over in Group A, will be fancying their chances this time around. Rodrigo Kenton's youthful outfit currently rule the roost in the final round of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup , in first place by two clear points. They recently defeated a full-strength USA 3-1 in San Jose, forcing pundits to sit up and take notice of the side. "We are going to this Gold Cup with the aim of taking the title, and I think it's a realistic one," the coach recently said, though not bringing his full side, Kenton is using a good number of first teamers, most notably veteran Walter Centeno and young creator Celso Borges.
In the section alongside the Ticos are El Salvador, Canada and Caribbean champs Jamaica. Although the Canucks famously won the competition back in 2000, the Salvadorans and the Reggae Boyz will be the ones in with a shout of making the larger waves. Carlos de los Cobos' Cuscatlecos are still alive in South Africa 2010 qualifying and the tricky Jamaicans are looking to rebuild with a youthful, largely local squad.
Mexico, like the hosts Americans, are sending an inexperienced side to these finals. Without Rafa Marquez, Pavel Pardo and Andres Guardado, coach Javier Aguirre will rely on young guns like Gio Dos Santos and Carlos Vela. Also in the team are Jonny Magallon, Omar Bravo and Memo Ochoa. Mexico have not won the title since 2003 and will be desperate to reclaim a piece of their fading reputation as regional kings. El Tri, who have never failed to reach the quarter-finals, are up against Guadeloupe, a tiny French holding in the Caribbean that shocked the last finals in 2007 by reaching the last four, Central American minnows Nicaragua and 2005 runners-up Panama.
This Gold Cup, the tenth instalment since renaming the old CONCACAF Championship, will run through most of July in 13 US cities. The top two finishers from each group, plus the two best third-place teams, move into the last eight. The final will be played on 26 July in New York.
Group A Canada Costa Rica El Salvador Jamaica
Group B Grenada Haiti Honduras United States
Group C Guadeloupe Mexico Nicaragua Panama
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
El delantero frances Benzema ya es jugador del Real Madrid
Julio 1, 2009
El Real Madrid pagará 35 millones de euros al Olympique de Lyon
Es el cuarto refuerzo de Florentino Pérez tras los fichajes de Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo y Albiol
Karim Benzema ya es jugador del Real Madrid. Tal y como adelantaba hoy el diario MARCA, el acuerdo con el Olympique de Lyon iba a ser cuestión de horas y éste ya se ha cerrado después de que la entidad que preside Florentino Pérez decidiera aumentar en tres millones de euros su oferta por el delantero, hasta los 35 millones de euros, y el club francés ceder en sus pretensiones -en un principio solicitaba 40 millones por el joven futbolista. Entre hoy y mañana, el Real Madrid hará oficial su incorporación, pese a que el Olympique lo ha negado en diversos medios de comunicación franceses. En cambio, el representante de Benzema ha confirmado que el acuerdo entre los clubes es total. De hecho, el nuevo futbolista del Real Madrid podría viajar en breve a la capital de España.
El jugador lionés, que en diciembre cumplirá 22 años, se convierte así en el cuarto refuerzo de la segunda etapa en la presidencia del Real Madrid de Florentino Pérez tras los fichajes de Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo y Raúl Albiol. Benzema es un viejo sueño del Real Madrid, que en anteriores ocasiones ya había mostrado su interés por fichar a la joya del Olympique de Lyon.
Considerado junto a Sergio Agüero como uno de los futbolistas con mayor proyección del mundo, también había despertado el interés de otros grandes clubes de Europa como el Barcelona.
La llegada de Benzema, por otro lado, parece cerrar definitivamente las puertas del Real Madrid a David Villa, que hace dos semanas estuvo muy cerca de vestir de blanco.
Nota publicada por Marca de España
El Real Madrid pagará 35 millones de euros al Olympique de Lyon
Es el cuarto refuerzo de Florentino Pérez tras los fichajes de Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo y Albiol
Karim Benzema ya es jugador del Real Madrid. Tal y como adelantaba hoy el diario MARCA, el acuerdo con el Olympique de Lyon iba a ser cuestión de horas y éste ya se ha cerrado después de que la entidad que preside Florentino Pérez decidiera aumentar en tres millones de euros su oferta por el delantero, hasta los 35 millones de euros, y el club francés ceder en sus pretensiones -en un principio solicitaba 40 millones por el joven futbolista. Entre hoy y mañana, el Real Madrid hará oficial su incorporación, pese a que el Olympique lo ha negado en diversos medios de comunicación franceses. En cambio, el representante de Benzema ha confirmado que el acuerdo entre los clubes es total. De hecho, el nuevo futbolista del Real Madrid podría viajar en breve a la capital de España.
El jugador lionés, que en diciembre cumplirá 22 años, se convierte así en el cuarto refuerzo de la segunda etapa en la presidencia del Real Madrid de Florentino Pérez tras los fichajes de Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo y Raúl Albiol. Benzema es un viejo sueño del Real Madrid, que en anteriores ocasiones ya había mostrado su interés por fichar a la joya del Olympique de Lyon.
Considerado junto a Sergio Agüero como uno de los futbolistas con mayor proyección del mundo, también había despertado el interés de otros grandes clubes de Europa como el Barcelona.
La llegada de Benzema, por otro lado, parece cerrar definitivamente las puertas del Real Madrid a David Villa, que hace dos semanas estuvo muy cerca de vestir de blanco.
Nota publicada por Marca de España
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