Agosto 28, 2009
El ex director técnico de la selección Mexicana, Ricardo Antonio La Volpe se soltó y dejo muchas dudas sobre aquel partido que él dirigió en el 2005 ante Trinidad y Tobago, en el que México ya se encontraba calificado al Mundial de Alemania 2006, mientras que los trinitarios necesitaban de una victoria para aspirar al repechaje, que finalmente los llevaría a la justa mundialista.
El argentino aseguró que la idea era tener la menor cantidad de conflictos posibles. No olvidemos que el presidente de la Concacaf es Jack Warner de origen Trinitario.
"Yo ya sé como pasé una eliminatoria, en la primera fase también se le ganó por primera vez a Trinidad y Tobago, el primer partido, en la primera, no cuando ya estábamos clasificados, que fuimos al ultimo partido para no tener problemas. Diría yo que fuiste justo contra el que hoy maneja la Concacaf, entonces dijimos mira, los menos problemas posibles y andá califícate" señaló el sudamericano.
Ese partido México lo perdió por 2 goles a 1, con dos tantos de Stern John y uno de Jaime Lozano.
El técnico nacional realizó cambios en su alineación titular de cara a ese partido, lo cual es entendible tomando en cuenta que México ya estaba calificado y que quería cuidar a sus jugadores, sin embargo, estas palabras del hoy técnico del Atlas dejan muchas preguntas al aire. México en la era La Volpe terminó siendo cabeza de serie, y aunque no cumplieron con la meta de llegar al famoso quinto partido, sí dejaron muy contento al presidente de Concacaf Jack Warner, quien pudo ver a su selección en la copa del mundo.
Así entonces pareciera que una nueva "mecha" en el fútbol Mexicano se está prendiendo.
No me sorprende lo que dice el bigotón, en el futbol mexicano pasó ésto y siguen pasando muchas cosas más, y las que vienen también. Yo sigo insisitiendo, mientras exista corrupcion y mal manejo de los directivos del futbol mexicano , éste seguirá resagándose de los demás paises.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Jesus Padilla new player for Chivas USA
August 25, 2009
Jesús Padilla and Maicon Santos have been on the Chivas USA roster for just eight days, but already the newcomers are making an impact for the club.
Both players got their first start in Chivas USA's 2-0 victory against Toronto FC on Saturday. Padilla spent 71 minutes on the right flank while Maicon played just more than an hour as a striker alongside Maykel Galindo. Both settled into the team's rhythm quickly, helping to earn the second victory for the Red-and-White in as many games.
"We have a couple of new guys and it's not always easy to gel right away with your teammates," said Chivas USA head coach Preki. "But I thought both of those guys, the longer the game went, they settled in and played better."
Padilla was acquired on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara on August 17.
The 22-year-old was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., but moved to Mexico at the age of 14 to start playing with Guadalajara. He made his professional debut Aug. 8, 2006 in a 1-0 loss to Deportivo Toluca.
"[It was my] first game out. I had to see how they play and get used to it and had to relax a little," said Padilla of his MLS debut.
Preki is pleased with Padilla's debut, and is excited for the young player's continued improvement in red-and-white stripes.
"He's been here for three or four days and he's been trying to settle down," said Preki. "He's a young player who hasn't played a lot of minutes, but he has good offensive instincts and we can only hope that he can get better."
Maicon Santos was born in Paracambi, Brazil and made his professional debut with Rio de Janeiro-based Madureira Esporte Clube in 2004. Since then he has played for clubs in Tunisia, Libya, and Israel, before joining Chivas USA on August 21.
"Maicon is very technically gifted," said Chivas USA striker Maykel Galindo. "I'm happy with the group of forwards that we have here now and I think offense has gotten a lot stronger."
Santos enjoyed a successful debut, notching his first MLS assist on Sacha Kljestan's second goal.
"He's a target guy," said Preki. "He can hold the ball and he's good with his feet. Now the thing for him is to settle in this league and learn about the physicality of this league. If he can do that, I think he'll be an important player here."
Both players will get a crash-course in MLS competition this week, as Chivas USA first take on Real Salt Lake on Wednesday and then the Galaxy on Saturday.
"This is a period of adjustment for us with a few new faces," said Preki. "Hopefully we can survive this period and towards the end of the year we'll be the team that we want to be."
Chivas USA at Los Angeles Galaxy August Wednesday 26 6:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
MLS note
Jesús Padilla and Maicon Santos have been on the Chivas USA roster for just eight days, but already the newcomers are making an impact for the club.
Both players got their first start in Chivas USA's 2-0 victory against Toronto FC on Saturday. Padilla spent 71 minutes on the right flank while Maicon played just more than an hour as a striker alongside Maykel Galindo. Both settled into the team's rhythm quickly, helping to earn the second victory for the Red-and-White in as many games.
"We have a couple of new guys and it's not always easy to gel right away with your teammates," said Chivas USA head coach Preki. "But I thought both of those guys, the longer the game went, they settled in and played better."
Padilla was acquired on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara on August 17.
The 22-year-old was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., but moved to Mexico at the age of 14 to start playing with Guadalajara. He made his professional debut Aug. 8, 2006 in a 1-0 loss to Deportivo Toluca.
"[It was my] first game out. I had to see how they play and get used to it and had to relax a little," said Padilla of his MLS debut.
Preki is pleased with Padilla's debut, and is excited for the young player's continued improvement in red-and-white stripes.
"He's been here for three or four days and he's been trying to settle down," said Preki. "He's a young player who hasn't played a lot of minutes, but he has good offensive instincts and we can only hope that he can get better."
Maicon Santos was born in Paracambi, Brazil and made his professional debut with Rio de Janeiro-based Madureira Esporte Clube in 2004. Since then he has played for clubs in Tunisia, Libya, and Israel, before joining Chivas USA on August 21.
"Maicon is very technically gifted," said Chivas USA striker Maykel Galindo. "I'm happy with the group of forwards that we have here now and I think offense has gotten a lot stronger."
Santos enjoyed a successful debut, notching his first MLS assist on Sacha Kljestan's second goal.
"He's a target guy," said Preki. "He can hold the ball and he's good with his feet. Now the thing for him is to settle in this league and learn about the physicality of this league. If he can do that, I think he'll be an important player here."
Both players will get a crash-course in MLS competition this week, as Chivas USA first take on Real Salt Lake on Wednesday and then the Galaxy on Saturday.
"This is a period of adjustment for us with a few new faces," said Preki. "Hopefully we can survive this period and towards the end of the year we'll be the team that we want to be."
Chivas USA at Los Angeles Galaxy August Wednesday 26 6:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
MLS note
Saturday, August 22, 2009
American Teenager to play with Arsenal
August 22, 2009
Following the likes of Freddy Adu and Anton Peterlin, 15-year-old Luis Gil is ready to make the jump to Europe to play for Arsenal.
Related LinksIn what is becoming a bit of a trend lately, the big clubs in Europe are noticing the young talent that the United States has to offer and are eagerly signing them up.
The latest team to do so is Arsenal of the English Premier League, who appear ready to sign 15-year-old Luis Gil, a native of Garden Grove, California.
Arsene Wenger and the Gunners have apparently had their eye on Gil for quite some time, with their original interest stemming back to May when the youngster trained with the club.
Reports from tribalfootball.com suggest Gil will sign for Arsenal within weeks and will join up with fellow Academy members immediately.
He previously played club football at Patedores and has been capped for the USMNT at the U-17 level.
Published by Goal.com
Following the likes of Freddy Adu and Anton Peterlin, 15-year-old Luis Gil is ready to make the jump to Europe to play for Arsenal.
Related LinksIn what is becoming a bit of a trend lately, the big clubs in Europe are noticing the young talent that the United States has to offer and are eagerly signing them up.
The latest team to do so is Arsenal of the English Premier League, who appear ready to sign 15-year-old Luis Gil, a native of Garden Grove, California.
Arsene Wenger and the Gunners have apparently had their eye on Gil for quite some time, with their original interest stemming back to May when the youngster trained with the club.
Reports from tribalfootball.com suggest Gil will sign for Arsenal within weeks and will join up with fellow Academy members immediately.
He previously played club football at Patedores and has been capped for the USMNT at the U-17 level.
Published by Goal.com
Friday, August 21, 2009
Entrevista a Hugo Sanchez
Agosto 21, 2009
El entrenador del Almería habló de fútbol con AS, del Real Madrid, de la Liga, de su selección mexicana y por supuesto de su equipo, que cada vez tiene más de su personalidad, de su carácter ganador. Por cierto. No da por cerrado el capítulo de fichajes. Habrá novedades.
Explíqueme su evolución como entrenador desde que llegó al Almería.
Ahora es diferente porque he tenido la oportunidad de hacer una pretemporada y he podido analizar con el presidente, con cierta calma, la salida de algunos jugadores y la llegada de otros. Estoy contento por haber conseguido el gran objetivo de mantener al equipo en Primera en la mejor Liga del mundo. Estoy feliz por estar una campaña más en el club donde yo quería.
¿Le siguen llamando tantos periodistas de todo el mundo pidiéndole entrevistas sin parar como el año pasado?
Me siguen llamando de todos los lados y las tengo que ir administrando. En México hay un gran seguimiento, muy completo y en todo el continente americano, igual.
¿El Almería ya es conocido en su país natal?
Había mucha gente que no sabía donde estaba instalada (la ciudad de Almería) pero ahora ya es un lugar que los mexicanos tenemos como punto de destino y eso es agradable para mí, saber que en el continente americano se está dando a Almería una promoción importante.
¿Le siguen mirando más como ex jugador del Real Madrid que como entrenador?
Hay un poco de todo. Le estoy agradecido a la gente que me recuerda como futbolista. Pero el jugador ya murió. Ahora se está valorando mi capacidad como entrenador y voy en la misma línea.
Hugo Sánchez está en el equipo ideal del Real Madrid del Siglo XX. Con Ricardo Zamora, Di Stéfano...Se lo agradezco a todos aquellos que lo votaron. Para mí es un privilegio y orgullo haber estado en el mejor equipo de la historia.
¿Y qué me dice del actual Real Madrid con los fichajes que ha realizado?
Es algo a lo que nos tiene acostumbrados el Real Madrid. Si no estuviesen los mejores jugadores no sería el Real Madrid. Por eso se ha caracterizado y ahora los madridistas tienen que estar ilusionados... excepto cuando jueguen contra nosotros, ¡je, je!
Usted como delantero, ¿entiende que el Barcelona haya prescindido de Etoo y encima pagando dinero?
Es difícil opinar cuando uno no está dentro. Pero es indudable que Etoo es de los jugadores que cualquier equipo del mundo quisiera tener. Sus razones tendrán.
¿Echará de menos a Álvaro Negredo?
A jugadores como él o como los que estuvieron la temporada pasada, se les echa de menos. El Sevilla ha sido el equipo afortunado y creo que Negredo va a hacerles disfrutar.
¿Es verdad que les pone a los delanteros vídeos con sus mejores goles?
Eso es mentira. Algunos medios de comunicación han inventado eso. Eso es un invento que ha soltado alguien con mala intención. Cada jugador que quiere ver mis goles no tiene más que meterse en internet. Si ellos me los piden, por supuesto que les regalaría alguna colección de los mejores goles que tengo.
¿Cómo motiva a sus delanteros para que sean mejores?
Intento hablar con ellos. Les asesoro y les sugiero situaciones que hay en el campo. Les cuento algunos secretos de mi metodología en el trabajo. Eso les ayuda. Me da gusto.
Sus entrenamientos son muy intensos.
Porque busco la similitud con un partido para que el rival no nos aguante el ritmo.
¿Da por cerrada la actual plantilla con estos 22 jugadores incluido Solari?
Con el presidente estoy en comunicación y esperaremos hasta el último día para saber si hay una modificación.
¿Pueden venir más jugadores, otro delantero?
Preferiría no comentarlo para no herir susceptibilidades. Si nos quedamos así, estaremos preparados para la competición porque contra el Málaga ya dimos una buena imagen.
¿Es cierto que ha convencido a Kalu Uche para que no se vaya?
Siempre deseo que los grandes jugadores permanezcan más tiempo. También entiendo que los futbolistas quieran mejorar. Él cuenta con mi colaboración y apoyo. Si Kalu se queda es porque es bueno para él y para el Almería.
Guilherme tiene pinta de ser todo un cañón...Hay jugadores jóvenes que llevan una línea ascendente. El club invierte en este tipo de futbolistas. Es una política acertada.
¿Le está sorprendiendo David Rodríguez?No. Estuve viendo vídeos sobre él y recabé información.
¿Ha recibido ofertas para entrenar a otros clubes?¡Alguna! Tanto de España como de fuera. Me da gusto saber que tengan interés en mí.
¿El presidente, Alfonso García ya le ha propuesto renovar?Tengo contrato hasta el 30 de junio de 2010. Y espero estar mucho tiempo en Almería.
Y después, al Real Madrid.
¡Vamos a ver, vamos a ver! Siempre, como entrenador aspiras a lo máximo. Y dirigir al Real Madrid es una de mis metas y objetivos. Tendré la paciencia y la tranquilidad para esperar ese momento.
Hablemos un poco de la Liga. ¿Le parece normal que el Real Madrid se haya gastado tanto dinero en un solo jugador como Cristiano Ronaldo o el Barcelona en Ibrahimovic?
Si se pagan esas cantidades es porque se tiene el dinero y el jugador lo vale. Las cotizaciones ahora son diferentes a las que se manejaban antes. Me parece muy bien que la evolución en el fútbol siga y me da mucho gusto ver que parte del fútbol es el desfile de fichajes. El Real Madrid nos tiene acostumbrados a eso y si no fuera eso, no sería el Real Madrid,
¿Piensa que el Real Madrid ha fichado bien?
Sí. Creo que ha acertado con los fichajes. Florentino Pérez es un presidente que tiene muy buena visión y eso es mérito también de la gente que trabaja en el Real Madrid como Valdano y Pardeza. Florentino Pérez está haciendo algo que me está gustando mucho: Se está hablando más del Real Madrid que del triplete del Barcelona.
¿Qué opina de su ex compañero en el Real Madrid Míchel? ¿Tenía pinta de entrenador?
Me da gusto que me haya hecho caso. Estando en el Celaya yo le animaba para que fuera entrenador y él no lo tenía muy claro. Y ahora me agrada ver que está más metido y que cada vez le gusta más. Conociéndole como es él, su carácter y su personalidad, su sabiduría y su interés por todo lo que compete al fútbol, tanto español como mundial le veo que está capacitado y le deseo muchísima suerte.
¿Hasta dónde y puede llegar este Almería?
Nuestro principal propósito es mantener la categoría. Y después me gustaría que igualásemos y superasemos los puntos y clasificación de la temporada pasada. Quedamos en el puesto número once. Y eso no está mal teniendo el presupuesto número 15. Estamos por encima de nuestro potencial.
Ha crecido como entrenador...Llevo un paso ascendente en mi trayectoria.
Entrevista de AS de España
El entrenador del Almería habló de fútbol con AS, del Real Madrid, de la Liga, de su selección mexicana y por supuesto de su equipo, que cada vez tiene más de su personalidad, de su carácter ganador. Por cierto. No da por cerrado el capítulo de fichajes. Habrá novedades.
Explíqueme su evolución como entrenador desde que llegó al Almería.
Ahora es diferente porque he tenido la oportunidad de hacer una pretemporada y he podido analizar con el presidente, con cierta calma, la salida de algunos jugadores y la llegada de otros. Estoy contento por haber conseguido el gran objetivo de mantener al equipo en Primera en la mejor Liga del mundo. Estoy feliz por estar una campaña más en el club donde yo quería.
¿Le siguen llamando tantos periodistas de todo el mundo pidiéndole entrevistas sin parar como el año pasado?
Me siguen llamando de todos los lados y las tengo que ir administrando. En México hay un gran seguimiento, muy completo y en todo el continente americano, igual.
¿El Almería ya es conocido en su país natal?
Había mucha gente que no sabía donde estaba instalada (la ciudad de Almería) pero ahora ya es un lugar que los mexicanos tenemos como punto de destino y eso es agradable para mí, saber que en el continente americano se está dando a Almería una promoción importante.
¿Le siguen mirando más como ex jugador del Real Madrid que como entrenador?
Hay un poco de todo. Le estoy agradecido a la gente que me recuerda como futbolista. Pero el jugador ya murió. Ahora se está valorando mi capacidad como entrenador y voy en la misma línea.
Hugo Sánchez está en el equipo ideal del Real Madrid del Siglo XX. Con Ricardo Zamora, Di Stéfano...Se lo agradezco a todos aquellos que lo votaron. Para mí es un privilegio y orgullo haber estado en el mejor equipo de la historia.
¿Y qué me dice del actual Real Madrid con los fichajes que ha realizado?
Es algo a lo que nos tiene acostumbrados el Real Madrid. Si no estuviesen los mejores jugadores no sería el Real Madrid. Por eso se ha caracterizado y ahora los madridistas tienen que estar ilusionados... excepto cuando jueguen contra nosotros, ¡je, je!
Usted como delantero, ¿entiende que el Barcelona haya prescindido de Etoo y encima pagando dinero?
Es difícil opinar cuando uno no está dentro. Pero es indudable que Etoo es de los jugadores que cualquier equipo del mundo quisiera tener. Sus razones tendrán.
¿Echará de menos a Álvaro Negredo?
A jugadores como él o como los que estuvieron la temporada pasada, se les echa de menos. El Sevilla ha sido el equipo afortunado y creo que Negredo va a hacerles disfrutar.
¿Es verdad que les pone a los delanteros vídeos con sus mejores goles?
Eso es mentira. Algunos medios de comunicación han inventado eso. Eso es un invento que ha soltado alguien con mala intención. Cada jugador que quiere ver mis goles no tiene más que meterse en internet. Si ellos me los piden, por supuesto que les regalaría alguna colección de los mejores goles que tengo.
¿Cómo motiva a sus delanteros para que sean mejores?
Intento hablar con ellos. Les asesoro y les sugiero situaciones que hay en el campo. Les cuento algunos secretos de mi metodología en el trabajo. Eso les ayuda. Me da gusto.
Sus entrenamientos son muy intensos.
Porque busco la similitud con un partido para que el rival no nos aguante el ritmo.
¿Da por cerrada la actual plantilla con estos 22 jugadores incluido Solari?
Con el presidente estoy en comunicación y esperaremos hasta el último día para saber si hay una modificación.
¿Pueden venir más jugadores, otro delantero?
Preferiría no comentarlo para no herir susceptibilidades. Si nos quedamos así, estaremos preparados para la competición porque contra el Málaga ya dimos una buena imagen.
¿Es cierto que ha convencido a Kalu Uche para que no se vaya?
Siempre deseo que los grandes jugadores permanezcan más tiempo. También entiendo que los futbolistas quieran mejorar. Él cuenta con mi colaboración y apoyo. Si Kalu se queda es porque es bueno para él y para el Almería.
Guilherme tiene pinta de ser todo un cañón...Hay jugadores jóvenes que llevan una línea ascendente. El club invierte en este tipo de futbolistas. Es una política acertada.
¿Le está sorprendiendo David Rodríguez?No. Estuve viendo vídeos sobre él y recabé información.
¿Ha recibido ofertas para entrenar a otros clubes?¡Alguna! Tanto de España como de fuera. Me da gusto saber que tengan interés en mí.
¿El presidente, Alfonso García ya le ha propuesto renovar?Tengo contrato hasta el 30 de junio de 2010. Y espero estar mucho tiempo en Almería.
Y después, al Real Madrid.
¡Vamos a ver, vamos a ver! Siempre, como entrenador aspiras a lo máximo. Y dirigir al Real Madrid es una de mis metas y objetivos. Tendré la paciencia y la tranquilidad para esperar ese momento.
Hablemos un poco de la Liga. ¿Le parece normal que el Real Madrid se haya gastado tanto dinero en un solo jugador como Cristiano Ronaldo o el Barcelona en Ibrahimovic?
Si se pagan esas cantidades es porque se tiene el dinero y el jugador lo vale. Las cotizaciones ahora son diferentes a las que se manejaban antes. Me parece muy bien que la evolución en el fútbol siga y me da mucho gusto ver que parte del fútbol es el desfile de fichajes. El Real Madrid nos tiene acostumbrados a eso y si no fuera eso, no sería el Real Madrid,
¿Piensa que el Real Madrid ha fichado bien?
Sí. Creo que ha acertado con los fichajes. Florentino Pérez es un presidente que tiene muy buena visión y eso es mérito también de la gente que trabaja en el Real Madrid como Valdano y Pardeza. Florentino Pérez está haciendo algo que me está gustando mucho: Se está hablando más del Real Madrid que del triplete del Barcelona.
¿Qué opina de su ex compañero en el Real Madrid Míchel? ¿Tenía pinta de entrenador?
Me da gusto que me haya hecho caso. Estando en el Celaya yo le animaba para que fuera entrenador y él no lo tenía muy claro. Y ahora me agrada ver que está más metido y que cada vez le gusta más. Conociéndole como es él, su carácter y su personalidad, su sabiduría y su interés por todo lo que compete al fútbol, tanto español como mundial le veo que está capacitado y le deseo muchísima suerte.
¿Hasta dónde y puede llegar este Almería?
Nuestro principal propósito es mantener la categoría. Y después me gustaría que igualásemos y superasemos los puntos y clasificación de la temporada pasada. Quedamos en el puesto número once. Y eso no está mal teniendo el presupuesto número 15. Estamos por encima de nuestro potencial.
Ha crecido como entrenador...Llevo un paso ascendente en mi trayectoria.
Entrevista de AS de España
Monday, August 17, 2009
4 Round Mexican League
August 18, 2009
This is a note of the last weekend results of the mexican league
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2009/08/17/1445355/jornada-4-recap-mighty-have-fallen
Note by Goal.com
This is a note of the last weekend results of the mexican league
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2009/08/17/1445355/jornada-4-recap-mighty-have-fallen
Note by Goal.com
Beckham and his attitude
August 17, 2009
David Beckham is many things to Major League Soccer – ambassador, future club owner, biggest star, figurehead and highest-paid player. He is also increasingly becoming an embarrassment.
Beckham appears to think his superstar status should give him preferential treatment, given his reaction to his first MLS red card on Saturday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder was banished from the field after a foolish studs-up challenge on the Seattle Sounders’ Peter Vagenas.
Instead of accepting responsibility for his actions, Beckham once again resorted to his tired old line of blaming the game officials, in this case referee Ricardo Salazar.
While no one can argue that MLS officiating is generally poor, Beckham’s reckless tackle would have earned him his marching orders in England, Italy or any other league. His demented lunge, with his foot raised nowhere near the ball, could have caused Vagenas severe damage and had no place on a professional soccer field.
Beckham’s anger is commonplace these days. Even though he has performed well for an improving Galaxy team since returning to the United States last month, he clearly doesn’t want to be in America and is hankering for a switch back to the Italian Serie A with AC Milan.
That ire has manifested itself in arguments with supporters, and that did little more than provide comedic value at the expense of the England star.
However, actions like those witnessed on Saturday must not be tolerated.
Even if Beckham has no respect for MLS, he needs to respect the sport that has brought him fame and fortune.
Note by Martin Rogers of Yahoo
David Beckham is many things to Major League Soccer – ambassador, future club owner, biggest star, figurehead and highest-paid player. He is also increasingly becoming an embarrassment.
Beckham appears to think his superstar status should give him preferential treatment, given his reaction to his first MLS red card on Saturday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder was banished from the field after a foolish studs-up challenge on the Seattle Sounders’ Peter Vagenas.
Instead of accepting responsibility for his actions, Beckham once again resorted to his tired old line of blaming the game officials, in this case referee Ricardo Salazar.
While no one can argue that MLS officiating is generally poor, Beckham’s reckless tackle would have earned him his marching orders in England, Italy or any other league. His demented lunge, with his foot raised nowhere near the ball, could have caused Vagenas severe damage and had no place on a professional soccer field.
Beckham’s anger is commonplace these days. Even though he has performed well for an improving Galaxy team since returning to the United States last month, he clearly doesn’t want to be in America and is hankering for a switch back to the Italian Serie A with AC Milan.
That ire has manifested itself in arguments with supporters, and that did little more than provide comedic value at the expense of the England star.
However, actions like those witnessed on Saturday must not be tolerated.
Even if Beckham has no respect for MLS, he needs to respect the sport that has brought him fame and fortune.
Note by Martin Rogers of Yahoo
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Mexico 2 - USA 1
August 12, 2009
Bob Bradley: "I Think It's A Tight Game And A Fair Score"
U.S. coach Bob Bradley called the 2-1 loss to Mexico a "fair score" but couldn't hide his disappointment with the loss.
A disappointed Bob Bradley addressed the media immediately after the United States Men's National Team's difficult 2-1 loss to Mexico in Estadio Azteca.
"I think it's a tight game and a fair score," the American coach told reporters. "It's a tough loss to have so many guys work so hard and then give up a late goal. The feeling inside is one of great disappointment."
When asked if he was expecting a loss in the venue where the U.S. has never won, he answered simply: "No."
After Charlie Davies gave the Americans their first ever lead in Mexico's national stadium, El Tri began to dominate, but Bradley believed his squad could find a goal.
"We still felt when the game was 1-1 that we could get opportunities down the stretch," he said.
The second half insertion of Stuart Holden and Benny Feilhaber in the 58th minute and Jozy Altidore in the 76th gave the U.S. some much needed fresh legs, which Bradley pointed out.
"Yes, we were pleased with the timing of the subs, with the energy that they brought on," the coach said. "When we made our last sub with Jozy, we felt like there was an opportunity to get a goal. I think both teams were still thinking about a win there."
The game-winning goal, scored by Miguel Sabah, was clearly fresh in Bradley's mind as he sat on the podium in the bowels of the stadium.
"When they started coming down that side, Dos Santos pulled out wide," he recalled. "There was a moment when Landon [Donovan] hesitated because I think he thought Carlos [Bocanegra] was going to hold inside more. Carlos got sucked out a little bit towards [Giovanni] Dos Santos and that left a gap. When Landon hesitated, that created a space for [Efrain] Juarez to dribble through. Jay DeMerit came over and got a good tackle, and obviously the ball went right to [Miguel] Sabah."
Bocanegra agreed with his coach's assessment.
"Me and Landon maybe got a little confused at the end," the U.S. captain told Goal.com after the game. "Maybe should've stayed inside and pushed [Juarez] wide, but those split-second decisions sometimes cost you."
The coach declined to comment on the officiating of the match.
Despite the loss, Bradley reserved some praise for Azteca, a stadium where he hadn't previously coached.
"Like everyone says, it's a magnificent soccer stadium," he admitted. "The size of the stadium, the crowd, the atmosphere, the players, coaches, fans. It's special."
Then he added: "But that doesn't change..."
Sometimes disappointment can't be put into words.
Published by Goal.com
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-08-12-usa-mexico_N.htm
Bob Bradley: "I Think It's A Tight Game And A Fair Score"
U.S. coach Bob Bradley called the 2-1 loss to Mexico a "fair score" but couldn't hide his disappointment with the loss.
A disappointed Bob Bradley addressed the media immediately after the United States Men's National Team's difficult 2-1 loss to Mexico in Estadio Azteca.
"I think it's a tight game and a fair score," the American coach told reporters. "It's a tough loss to have so many guys work so hard and then give up a late goal. The feeling inside is one of great disappointment."
When asked if he was expecting a loss in the venue where the U.S. has never won, he answered simply: "No."
After Charlie Davies gave the Americans their first ever lead in Mexico's national stadium, El Tri began to dominate, but Bradley believed his squad could find a goal.
"We still felt when the game was 1-1 that we could get opportunities down the stretch," he said.
The second half insertion of Stuart Holden and Benny Feilhaber in the 58th minute and Jozy Altidore in the 76th gave the U.S. some much needed fresh legs, which Bradley pointed out.
"Yes, we were pleased with the timing of the subs, with the energy that they brought on," the coach said. "When we made our last sub with Jozy, we felt like there was an opportunity to get a goal. I think both teams were still thinking about a win there."
The game-winning goal, scored by Miguel Sabah, was clearly fresh in Bradley's mind as he sat on the podium in the bowels of the stadium.
"When they started coming down that side, Dos Santos pulled out wide," he recalled. "There was a moment when Landon [Donovan] hesitated because I think he thought Carlos [Bocanegra] was going to hold inside more. Carlos got sucked out a little bit towards [Giovanni] Dos Santos and that left a gap. When Landon hesitated, that created a space for [Efrain] Juarez to dribble through. Jay DeMerit came over and got a good tackle, and obviously the ball went right to [Miguel] Sabah."
Bocanegra agreed with his coach's assessment.
"Me and Landon maybe got a little confused at the end," the U.S. captain told Goal.com after the game. "Maybe should've stayed inside and pushed [Juarez] wide, but those split-second decisions sometimes cost you."
The coach declined to comment on the officiating of the match.
Despite the loss, Bradley reserved some praise for Azteca, a stadium where he hadn't previously coached.
"Like everyone says, it's a magnificent soccer stadium," he admitted. "The size of the stadium, the crowd, the atmosphere, the players, coaches, fans. It's special."
Then he added: "But that doesn't change..."
Sometimes disappointment can't be put into words.
Published by Goal.com
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-08-12-usa-mexico_N.htm
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
"Cuau" Blanco in FIFA Soccer 10 video game
August 11, 2009
Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Chicago Fire will be featured on the front packs of FIFA Soccer 10, the next chapter in the internationally acclaimed videogame franchise from EA SPORTSTM .
Blanco joined EA SPORTS officials in Mexico City Monday for the announcement just two days before he joins the Mexican National Team for a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the U.S. Men's National Team on August 12.
The popular Chicago midfielder and two-time MLS All-Star won five MVP awards in the Mexican Premier League prior to joining the Chicago Fire. Blanco has represented Mexico at two FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002), and is the second leading goal scorer of all time for the Mexican national team.
At Monday's press conference EA Sports cited Blanco's well-known and unique Cuauhtémiña (CWAU-te-MEEN-YA), or "Blanco Bounce" move where he jumps with the ball held between his feet to escape defenders, which will be a featured skill move in FIFA Soccer 10.
Blanco will be joined on the cover by midfielder Sacha Kljestan of Chivas USA, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2008. In his third year in MLS, Kljestan led Chivas USA in scoring, was named Team MVP, chosen as an MLS All-Star, and played for the United States Olympic Team.
The spotlight will also shine on Chelsea's world-class attacking midfielder Frank Lampard who will be featured on FIFA Soccer 10 packaging in North America and around the world. Lampard is just the second midfield player in the history of English Premier League to score more than 100 goals.
Responding to consumer feedback from more than 400 million online games played* last year, FIFA Soccer 10 will deliver gameplay refinements and innovations that will make it the most complete and intelligent simulation of soccer. The first-ever true 360° dribbling system gives players finer control of the ball, enabling them to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. A new Freedom in Physical Play concept enables players to perform wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender. Master the game before stepping on the pitch in a new practice arena that enables users to design free kicks for different dead ball situations. Record and test plays before taking them onto the pitch with Customizable Set Pieces.
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER
Chicago Fire Soccer was founded on October 8, 1997 as a Major League Soccer expansion team. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural season in 1998 and was crowned the champion of U.S. Soccer's national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. In June 2006, the Fire moved into its world-class home of TOYOTA PARK, located in Bridgeview, IL.
Note published by MLS
Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Chicago Fire will be featured on the front packs of FIFA Soccer 10, the next chapter in the internationally acclaimed videogame franchise from EA SPORTSTM .
Blanco joined EA SPORTS officials in Mexico City Monday for the announcement just two days before he joins the Mexican National Team for a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the U.S. Men's National Team on August 12.
The popular Chicago midfielder and two-time MLS All-Star won five MVP awards in the Mexican Premier League prior to joining the Chicago Fire. Blanco has represented Mexico at two FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002), and is the second leading goal scorer of all time for the Mexican national team.
At Monday's press conference EA Sports cited Blanco's well-known and unique Cuauhtémiña (CWAU-te-MEEN-YA), or "Blanco Bounce" move where he jumps with the ball held between his feet to escape defenders, which will be a featured skill move in FIFA Soccer 10.
Blanco will be joined on the cover by midfielder Sacha Kljestan of Chivas USA, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2008. In his third year in MLS, Kljestan led Chivas USA in scoring, was named Team MVP, chosen as an MLS All-Star, and played for the United States Olympic Team.
The spotlight will also shine on Chelsea's world-class attacking midfielder Frank Lampard who will be featured on FIFA Soccer 10 packaging in North America and around the world. Lampard is just the second midfield player in the history of English Premier League to score more than 100 goals.
Responding to consumer feedback from more than 400 million online games played* last year, FIFA Soccer 10 will deliver gameplay refinements and innovations that will make it the most complete and intelligent simulation of soccer. The first-ever true 360° dribbling system gives players finer control of the ball, enabling them to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. A new Freedom in Physical Play concept enables players to perform wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender. Master the game before stepping on the pitch in a new practice arena that enables users to design free kicks for different dead ball situations. Record and test plays before taking them onto the pitch with Customizable Set Pieces.
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER
Chicago Fire Soccer was founded on October 8, 1997 as a Major League Soccer expansion team. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural season in 1998 and was crowned the champion of U.S. Soccer's national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. In June 2006, the Fire moved into its world-class home of TOYOTA PARK, located in Bridgeview, IL.
Note published by MLS
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tim Howard interview
August 10, 2009
Everton's No1 Tim Howard will line up between the posts for his first taste of qualifying at the fabled Azteca on 12 August, when the USA renew their tense rivalry with Mexico. The 30-year-old shot stopper will take his position at the base of a wall of anger and contempt, with approximately 110,000 animated Mexican fans sending shock waves of noise and bile his way for a full 90 minutes.
Like Tony Meola, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller before him, Howard is preparing to accept one of the toughest assignments in all of world football: Mexico at their Estadio Azteca. Chating with the New Jersey native, who was recently voted top keeper at the FIFA Confederations Cup, ahead of this, the latest CONCACAF Clasico.
Last time we spoke was over a month ago after the loss to Brazil in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Looking back, with a bit more perspective, what are your feelings about it?Tim Howard: To be honest, my feelings haven't changed much. We did some really good things against some really good teams [beating Egypt and Spain before surrendering a 2-0 lead against Brazil]. But on the other side we learned some harsh lessons. We played some of the best teams in the world and when you mistakes against those kinds of teams, you get opened up in a hurry.
Up next is a date with Mexico, currently struggling in fourth place in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. What makes the USA-Mexico rivalry so intense and so heated?It's all about the passion of the fans. For so long Mexico dominated our region, dominated us. Now, and for some time, we have been the dominant team. So there's a lot of anger and hurt feelings between the two of us. Let's face it, for they kicked our butts for a long time. And when the tide turned, they didn't like it. Why would they? It's just a pure and natural rivalry.
Where would you rate this rivalry, this Clasico, between the two nations in the scope of world football?Most people around the world, in Europe and elsewhere, can't really understand just how big this thing is here. It's quite simply massive. That's the case with most of these great rivalries. How can you really know how special River-Boca or Celtic-Rangers or Barcelona-Real Madrid is unless you've been there and felt it?
You were in goal the last time USA met Mexico, a comprehensive 2-0 win in Columbus in February. Does that game, and that result, matter now?In some ways, yes, it does. It was the last time we met with our full teams and we certainly got the better of them on the day. Maybe the Mexicans will feel that having won the CONCACAF Gold Cup [Mexico beat an experimental USA squad 5-0 in the final in New Jersey last month] will swing the balance back in their favour, but that's more useful for a story or an article than what's going to happen out on the field.
When you, as an experienced professional, walk out of the tunnel on a big derby day, whether it's Everton-Liverpool or USA-Mexico, does it feel differently, or can you bury those feelings?As a human being, you can't completely control your feelings. These are special days for players. If games like this didn't have special meaning then no one would get excited about them; they'd just be like any other game. You can't always put your finger on what it is you're feeling on, but it's a special thing.
Coach Bob Bradley brought a highly experimental squad to the Gold Cup, and they were hammered in the final by Mexico, a slightly less experimental side. Do you think the El Tri attackers will have grown in confidence as a result?There's no doubt that the Mexican players will be feeling good about themselves. Our rivalry is so tense, that every little thing is important. It doesn't matter if it's the first team or the second team; it's the shirt that's important. But the ball's in our court now and we'll try to set things right.
I don't need to tell you that no USA team has ever won at the Estadio Azteca. Is the possibility of making history something that weighs on you and your teammates before a game like this? Practically no one but Mexico wins at the Azteca [only Costa Rica, in 2001, have ever won a qualifier in Mexico City]. But I've always had this feeling that this group of players, this US team, can do something special there. You might hear me telling a different story on the 13th, after the game, I'm not making any predictions, but this group of players is bold and will put history to the side.
Note published by FIFA
Everton's No1 Tim Howard will line up between the posts for his first taste of qualifying at the fabled Azteca on 12 August, when the USA renew their tense rivalry with Mexico. The 30-year-old shot stopper will take his position at the base of a wall of anger and contempt, with approximately 110,000 animated Mexican fans sending shock waves of noise and bile his way for a full 90 minutes.
Like Tony Meola, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller before him, Howard is preparing to accept one of the toughest assignments in all of world football: Mexico at their Estadio Azteca. Chating with the New Jersey native, who was recently voted top keeper at the FIFA Confederations Cup, ahead of this, the latest CONCACAF Clasico.
Last time we spoke was over a month ago after the loss to Brazil in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Looking back, with a bit more perspective, what are your feelings about it?Tim Howard: To be honest, my feelings haven't changed much. We did some really good things against some really good teams [beating Egypt and Spain before surrendering a 2-0 lead against Brazil]. But on the other side we learned some harsh lessons. We played some of the best teams in the world and when you mistakes against those kinds of teams, you get opened up in a hurry.
Up next is a date with Mexico, currently struggling in fourth place in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. What makes the USA-Mexico rivalry so intense and so heated?It's all about the passion of the fans. For so long Mexico dominated our region, dominated us. Now, and for some time, we have been the dominant team. So there's a lot of anger and hurt feelings between the two of us. Let's face it, for they kicked our butts for a long time. And when the tide turned, they didn't like it. Why would they? It's just a pure and natural rivalry.
Where would you rate this rivalry, this Clasico, between the two nations in the scope of world football?Most people around the world, in Europe and elsewhere, can't really understand just how big this thing is here. It's quite simply massive. That's the case with most of these great rivalries. How can you really know how special River-Boca or Celtic-Rangers or Barcelona-Real Madrid is unless you've been there and felt it?
You were in goal the last time USA met Mexico, a comprehensive 2-0 win in Columbus in February. Does that game, and that result, matter now?In some ways, yes, it does. It was the last time we met with our full teams and we certainly got the better of them on the day. Maybe the Mexicans will feel that having won the CONCACAF Gold Cup [Mexico beat an experimental USA squad 5-0 in the final in New Jersey last month] will swing the balance back in their favour, but that's more useful for a story or an article than what's going to happen out on the field.
When you, as an experienced professional, walk out of the tunnel on a big derby day, whether it's Everton-Liverpool or USA-Mexico, does it feel differently, or can you bury those feelings?As a human being, you can't completely control your feelings. These are special days for players. If games like this didn't have special meaning then no one would get excited about them; they'd just be like any other game. You can't always put your finger on what it is you're feeling on, but it's a special thing.
Coach Bob Bradley brought a highly experimental squad to the Gold Cup, and they were hammered in the final by Mexico, a slightly less experimental side. Do you think the El Tri attackers will have grown in confidence as a result?There's no doubt that the Mexican players will be feeling good about themselves. Our rivalry is so tense, that every little thing is important. It doesn't matter if it's the first team or the second team; it's the shirt that's important. But the ball's in our court now and we'll try to set things right.
I don't need to tell you that no USA team has ever won at the Estadio Azteca. Is the possibility of making history something that weighs on you and your teammates before a game like this? Practically no one but Mexico wins at the Azteca [only Costa Rica, in 2001, have ever won a qualifier in Mexico City]. But I've always had this feeling that this group of players, this US team, can do something special there. You might hear me telling a different story on the 13th, after the game, I'm not making any predictions, but this group of players is bold and will put history to the side.
Note published by FIFA
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Donovan wants victory
August 9, 2009
Donovan: U.S. Not Going To Azteca For Just One Point
U.S. striker Landon Donovan breaks his self-imposed silence about next week’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico, and he is as defiant as ever.
Maybe it was his first-half golazo that staked the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. Maybe it was the fact that the win was LA’s fifth in six games. Whatever it was, Landon Donovan was feeling confident on the eve of reporting to the United States National Team camp in Miami ahead of next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico.
“We’re not going [to Mexico City] for a point,” Donovan said. “We’re going there to win the game and we’re going to keep playing the way we’re playing.”
One can assume Donovan meant the form of the U.S. squad that reached the final of the Confederations Cup in June, not the one that lost 5-0 to Mexico in the final of the Gold Cup last month.
“I was sitting on my bed, not too happy,” Donovan said about how he felt while watching the Gold Cup defeat. “I think the frustrating part was the naivete to let it get away like that. Because there are implications beyond just losing that game. There are historical implications, confidence implications for them and for us, and it made it a little more difficult on everybody in U.S. soccer.”
The trophy provided El Tri, currently in fourth place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal, with a massive boost ahead of the U.S. game. Not that they needed it. Mexico has never lost to the U.S. at Azteca Stadium; the two have shared the points only once, a scoreless draw in a World Cup qualifier in 1997.
“The difficulty [of playing at Azteca] is everything but the soccer,” Donovan said. “They use all of the outside influences to their advantage but that’s not an excuse anymore for us. We’re not going to use it as an excuse.”
The Los Angeles captain, who had refused to talk about the Mexico game all week while he was still with his club, went further in his explanation of el Tri’s home-field advantage. He explicitly declared that Azteca is the only place the Mexicans have an advantage.
“When we play Mexico anywhere else in the world, I have no doubt we beat them,” he said.
That could be true—until this year’s Gold Cup final, the U.S. had not lost to Mexico outside of Mexico City since 1999—but unfortunately for Donovan, the game is not anywhere else in the world. It’s at Azteca.
Published by Goal.com
Donovan: U.S. Not Going To Azteca For Just One Point
U.S. striker Landon Donovan breaks his self-imposed silence about next week’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico, and he is as defiant as ever.
Maybe it was his first-half golazo that staked the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. Maybe it was the fact that the win was LA’s fifth in six games. Whatever it was, Landon Donovan was feeling confident on the eve of reporting to the United States National Team camp in Miami ahead of next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico.
“We’re not going [to Mexico City] for a point,” Donovan said. “We’re going there to win the game and we’re going to keep playing the way we’re playing.”
One can assume Donovan meant the form of the U.S. squad that reached the final of the Confederations Cup in June, not the one that lost 5-0 to Mexico in the final of the Gold Cup last month.
“I was sitting on my bed, not too happy,” Donovan said about how he felt while watching the Gold Cup defeat. “I think the frustrating part was the naivete to let it get away like that. Because there are implications beyond just losing that game. There are historical implications, confidence implications for them and for us, and it made it a little more difficult on everybody in U.S. soccer.”
The trophy provided El Tri, currently in fourth place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal, with a massive boost ahead of the U.S. game. Not that they needed it. Mexico has never lost to the U.S. at Azteca Stadium; the two have shared the points only once, a scoreless draw in a World Cup qualifier in 1997.
“The difficulty [of playing at Azteca] is everything but the soccer,” Donovan said. “They use all of the outside influences to their advantage but that’s not an excuse anymore for us. We’re not going to use it as an excuse.”
The Los Angeles captain, who had refused to talk about the Mexico game all week while he was still with his club, went further in his explanation of el Tri’s home-field advantage. He explicitly declared that Azteca is the only place the Mexicans have an advantage.
“When we play Mexico anywhere else in the world, I have no doubt we beat them,” he said.
That could be true—until this year’s Gold Cup final, the U.S. had not lost to Mexico outside of Mexico City since 1999—but unfortunately for Donovan, the game is not anywhere else in the world. It’s at Azteca.
Published by Goal.com
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