tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28416750002458469432024-03-19T21:01:22.242-07:00SOCCER LOVERS 4 REALMonye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-54739278941170900662013-03-12T15:00:00.002-07:002013-03-12T15:00:59.885-07:00Magical comeback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media3.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/045/217/size_640x360/2013-03-12_FCB_-_AC_MILAN_002.v1363121402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gol de Messi contra el Milan. FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS-FCB." border="0" height="360" src="http://media3.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/045/217/size_640x360/2013-03-12_FCB_-_AC_MILAN_002.v1363121402.jpg" title="Gol de Messi contra el Milan. FOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS-FCB." width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://media1.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/045/219/size_640x360/2013-03-12_FC_BARCELONA_-_AC_MILAN_-_001-Optimized.v1363124463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="FOTO: GERMAN PARGA - FCB" border="0" height="179" src="http://media1.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/045/219/size_640x360/2013-03-12_FC_BARCELONA_-_AC_MILAN_-_001-Optimized.v1363124463.JPG" width="320" /></a><div class="detail">
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Nobody in the world of football wrote off barcelona but alot of people saw the comeback as a mission impossible. Magical moments as fc barcelona triumphantly rose from the 3 match deadlock to nail an AC milan team that saw themselves in the semi finals.
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Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-9155537694882952532013-02-25T13:56:00.004-08:002013-02-25T13:56:45.269-08:00Pepe plots Barca plight<div class="last">
<a href="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/25/305870header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/25/305870header.jpg" width="250" /></a>Real Madrid defender Pepe says they must play as a team
to beat Barcelona in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on
Tuesday.</div>
The Spanish giants are tied at 1-1 after the first leg at
the Bernabeu in which 19-year old Raphael Varane cancelled out Cesc
Fabregas's opener for Barcelona. <br />
<br />
Pepe believes French centre back Varane can become one of the best defenders in the world. <br />
<br />
"He (Varane) is a really down to earth guy with tremendous quality," the Portugal international said.<br />
<br />
"At
beginning of the season I said that within two years he is going to be
one of the best central defenders in the world. He has helped us a lot
in games and can get even better. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead to Tuesday's return leg at Camp Nou, Pepe called on his side to show unity against the formidable Catalans.<br />
<br />
"We have to play as a team, like we always try to do in every game," he said.<br />
<br />
"If we play as a team we'll definitely have a great chance of getting through the round. <br />
<br />
"As
I've said before the chances we have involve playing as a team. We have
to be faithful to our style of play and do everything the manager asks
of us. <br />
<br />
Pepe struggled to pick a winner from the other Copa del Rey semi-final tie, which Atletico Madrid lead 2-1 from Sevilla. <br />
<br />
"I think that this match will be decided by details as Sevilla and Atletico are two very good sides," Pepe said. <br />
<br />
"May the best team win and meet Madrid in the final."Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-48579710943480934802013-02-25T13:52:00.004-08:002013-02-25T13:52:47.122-08:00Roura reeling at Mallecano appointment<a href="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/25/305887header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/25/305887header.jpg" width="250" /></a>Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura has slammed referee
Alberto Undiano Mallecano ahead of their Copa del Rey clash with Real
Madrid.Mallecano took charge of Barcelona's only La Liga defeat this
season at Real Sociedad, and will officiate again for the semi-final
second leg at Camp Nou on Tuesday.<br /><br />He also refereed the 2011 Copa
del Rey final between Real and Barca, won by Madrid, and the Barca
assistant expressed his disappointment at the decision.<br /><br />"He (Mallecano) is the referee we have for tomorrow, we can't do anything about that," Roura said.<br /><br />"We
are not supposed to judge whether he is a good or a bad referee, but it
is a fact that with him our stats are worse than with anyone else.
There's no need to go further: our only league defeat was with this
referee. <br /><br />"And, obviously, we all still have fresh in our memory
the permissiveness he showed in the last cup final we played against
Madrid. We are aware of that, so we can only wish him luck. <br /><br />"The best thing that can happen to a referee is to be completely unnoticed and that his decisions don't mark the game result."<br /><br />Roura condemned some of Real's tackling in the 1-1 first leg draw at the Bernabeu back in January.<br /><br />Despite
the luxury of an away goal, Roura doesn't believe Barca are favourites
to reach the final even though they will host the second leg.<br /><br />"Obviously
I prefer to play this match in Camp Nou because we are going to be with
our fans and that always helps a lot," he said.<br /><br />"But in this
sort of matches to talk about who is favourite is very difficult as they
are used to be very tough ones. In the end little things will decide
everythingMonye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-6439828523738178112013-02-25T13:50:00.001-08:002013-02-25T13:50:22.013-08:00Giggs eyeing 1000th senior appearance<div class="last">
<a href="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/25/305895header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/25/305895header.jpg" width="250" /></a>Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs said Sir Alex
Ferguson has a selection quandary for the Champions League clash against
Real Madrid.</div>
The 39-year-old made his 999th appearance in United's
victory away to QPR on Saturday, and capped a fine individual
performance with his second league goal of the campaign.<br /><br />Giggs
came on for the final 26 minutes of the first-leg 1-1 draw at Bernabeu
two weeks ago, but has hinted at his desire to start the all-important
return tie next Tuesday.<br /><br />"It is a headache for the manager but a good one," Giggs told reporters. <br /><br />"We are not looking too far ahead and we are not getting too excited."<br /><br />On the game, Giggs believes squad rotation is crucial to keep the team's momentum intact.<br /><br />He
continued: "We are in good form and the manager has a big squad to
choose from, which allows him to chop and change and that is all you can
ask for at this stage.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-9498236134772972442013-02-20T09:45:00.000-08:002013-02-20T09:45:08.010-08:00 Osaze warns Keshi to watch his back
Osaze warns Keshi to watch his back
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTB4DUk6madsXCNN1elPsBCKkanTRyzZHJMlIloX-4LApWIhHP58ghMo0249YTcGh26LMthyzhb9EkempA6Yd-knXG1ssIp1oZYu-lKO_IS-S5nJibifjCbtEj2I63PoImfvVOhtA7NtW/s1600/Osaze-Odemwingie.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTB4DUk6madsXCNN1elPsBCKkanTRyzZHJMlIloX-4LApWIhHP58ghMo0249YTcGh26LMthyzhb9EkempA6Yd-knXG1ssIp1oZYu-lKO_IS-S5nJibifjCbtEj2I63PoImfvVOhtA7NtW/s320/Osaze-Odemwingie.png" /></a>
West Brom striker Osaze Odemwingie has warned coach Stephen Keshi he could soon be sacked even after leading Nigeria to AFCON glory.
"A coach the country is praising now will one day be sacked and to his achievements they will say: only one cup? I beg." Odemwingie tweeted.
"Too much corruption in sports these days. Because of few sportsmen who cheat now doping control went from urine to blood test."
Interestingly, Osaze had a public row with Keshi just before the Nations Cup in South Africa when the coach sensationally axed him from the Eagles.
Osaze also said his commitment to his club affected his relationship with former Eagles coach Samson Siasia.
"Very little thing made me fall out with ex-Eagles coach Siasia, and that's club commitment. And that commitment was questioned after," Odemwingie tweeted.
"What did that teach me? You only a good guy and professional when you score and give your teams what they want. They throw us out after."
He added: "When I give all my heart and effort to a team and get overlooked after, how could I possibly be happy? Same in Eagles. Same in WBA. "Well praised and most criticised at the same time. Something is wrong somewhere. And I bet it’s not in my attitude. I believe in transparency.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-7658317248764258312013-02-17T10:24:00.000-08:002013-02-17T10:24:45.897-08:00Tottenham forward Gareth Bale says Cristiano Ronaldo is a more 'complete footballer' than Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
The in-form Spurs attacker, who is rumoured to be a transfer target for both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich this summer, has scored 13 Premier League goals so far this season.
Asked the question "Messi or Ronaldo?" by Life's a Pitch, Bale revealed his admiration for Los Blancos' star.
"For me, personally, I'd say Ronaldo," the 23-year-old Welshman responded.
"He's got the whole package. He's strong, he's powerful, he's pacey, can head the ball, strike the ball. Obviously, you can't say anything bad about Messi, but for the all-round complete footballer, I'd say Cristiano Ronaldo."
The comments are likely to be taken as a welcome sign by Real Madrid that the Wales international would relish the chance to link up with Ronaldo.
According to reports, Los Merengues are expected to challenge Bayern for his signature at the end of the season in a move thought to potentially be worth around 50 million euros.
By then, Bayern will be managed by Messi's former Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola, who is said to also have a great interest in bringing Bale to the Bavarian outfit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOotU5HZo8zApS0bx5AUmGqg0HKRXP5zA-wIfmXFZVvuAjbsV0ihQBtB05gfRlXBN9S2zDoLwEYDcg-TbJ7rpuvoRZlxWphJXlmaz_i1QTBT_xohpA9tSHAWqNZnyGOG__25KHFf6wUKbF/s1600/bale.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOotU5HZo8zApS0bx5AUmGqg0HKRXP5zA-wIfmXFZVvuAjbsV0ihQBtB05gfRlXBN9S2zDoLwEYDcg-TbJ7rpuvoRZlxWphJXlmaz_i1QTBT_xohpA9tSHAWqNZnyGOG__25KHFf6wUKbF/s320/bale.jpg" /></a>Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-89151007082625412972013-02-05T16:51:00.000-08:002013-02-05T16:51:13.527-08:00Messi headlines star-studded Argentinalatan Ibrahimovic will come up against Lionel Messi as Sweden entertain Argentina in Solna on Wednesday.
Ibrahimovic and Messi are widely regarded as two of the world's best forwards and both are in the midst of stellar seasons.
Sweden's Ibrahimovic has scored 22 goals in 27 appearances for French leaders Paris Saint-Germain, while Argentina's Messi has netted a whopping 39 goals in 29 games for Spanish giants Barcelona.
Both teams have named experienced squads for the clash, with Sweden expected to turn to Genoa's Andreas Granqvist and West Bromwich Albion's Jonas Olsson in hope of stopping Messi.
Argentina will field a host of established stars, including Messi, Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, to compliment the likes of Cristian Ansaldi and Walter Montillo, who have two caps apiece.
Elsewhere, Portugal will seek a return to form against Ecuador in Guimaraes following a string of underwhelming results.
Portugal, who trail Group F leaders Russia by five points in European World Cup qualifying, were held to a 1-1 draw against Gabon last time out.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic will be without goalkeeper Petr Cech when they meet Turkey in Manisa.
Cech injured his finger in Chelsea's English Premier League clash with Newcastle United at the weekend and will be replaced by Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk's Jan Lastuvka in goal.
In other friendly matches, Australia will continue their preparations for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Oman when they take on Romania in Malaga.
Scotland entertain Estonia in Aberdeen, while Austria travel to Swansea to face Wales and Ireland host Poland in Dublin.
Macedonia take on Denmark in Skopje, Switzerland travel to Greece, while Japan are up against Latvia in Kobe.
Albania and Georgia clash in Tirana, Malta face an uphill battle against Northern Ireland, and Belgium meet Slovakia in Brugge.
Croatia take on South Korea in London, while Russia are up against Iceland and Belarus tackle Hungary in Belek.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmBsNd1e2DxTWMpTX3KntyJHzEJF2BC70FnGIJrLNVISS-7fmnE44eKyjmIuYwiv_8EROVFjKPAKqLkFDT4ta12XzFouB9vNW3T2BZXq1q5KlIWdlGljVixzgrkkikeoYSjkqzw_sVeSF/s1600/302906header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmBsNd1e2DxTWMpTX3KntyJHzEJF2BC70FnGIJrLNVISS-7fmnE44eKyjmIuYwiv_8EROVFjKPAKqLkFDT4ta12XzFouB9vNW3T2BZXq1q5KlIWdlGljVixzgrkkikeoYSjkqzw_sVeSF/s400/302906header.jpg" /></a></div>
Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-38403804085458591652013-02-05T16:47:00.000-08:002013-02-05T16:47:33.513-08:00Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is excited by the potential partnership of starlet Neymar and Ronaldinho as they prepare to face England.
The 2014 World Cup hosts take on Roy Hodgson's men at Wembley on Wednesday, with Scolari set to take charge for the first time since being<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMooUsTr1MXtbkZwaJ49If_mrS8bhMytLKpLuiJ5PY49-SMyk5emql76Qoyzx8P3ozM_uOX-1KnNLPahsZXaeLHnF7fVYhUTsYVs3Dcyf4Ms7LqkaBoBiauc_OVecigShWsPzdSDKh4VP/s1600/302967header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMooUsTr1MXtbkZwaJ49If_mrS8bhMytLKpLuiJ5PY49-SMyk5emql76Qoyzx8P3ozM_uOX-1KnNLPahsZXaeLHnF7fVYhUTsYVs3Dcyf4Ms7LqkaBoBiauc_OVecigShWsPzdSDKh4VP/s400/302967header.jpg" /></a></div>
in November.
Despite Neymar and Ronaldinho potentially starting up front for Brazil, Scolari said the duo would be treated no differently.
"For me it's no different having a 21 year-old Neymar and a 32 year-old Ronaldinho. I expect the same from them as everybody else in my team," he said on Tuesday.
"Just because they have all the talent in the world they should behave on the field in the way I want them to, especially when they play for our national team."
Atletico Mineiro attacker Ronaldinho believes it is only a matter of time before Neymar becomes the best player in the world.
"Neymar today is among the best players in the world. I am really happy to play with him again. No doubt that he will be the best player in the world one day," he said.
Ronaldinho will earn his 100th cap for Brazil and said he did not see himself as 'the dad of the group'.
The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner believes his country are capable of winning the World Cup and hopes his experience can help.
"All the players have great quality, but this mix is really important, players with experience and young players," Ronaldinho said.
"I am one of the most experienced and will help in every way I can. I will try to do my best until the World Cup and I hope I can help with my experience.
"And with this team, Brazil has a real chance to be champions in the World Cup."
Brazil and Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar said he had a 'big opportunity' to taste success with the national team.
"I thought a lot before coming to England, but it was designed. I left Inter Milan in a bad situation. My goal was achieved, which was to return to national team," he said.
"There's still one year and five months until the World Cup in Brazil and we all know that there will be big pressure. I think I still have a page open in the Brazilian national team, my story is not over yet and I have a big opportunity."Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-42460642668498740172013-02-04T14:06:00.003-08:002013-02-04T14:06:54.325-08:00<div class="last">
<a href="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/4/302849header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/4/302849header.jpg" border="0" src="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2013/2/4/302849header.jpg" /></a>Harry Redknapp says QPR's January signings do not represent a financial risk to the relegation-threatened side.</div>
Under
chairman Tony Fernandes the Rs have spent heavily in each of the past
four transfer windows yet still find themselves rooted to the bottom of
the Premier League, six points from safety, prompting concerns over the
club's financial health in the event of demotion.<br /><br />Redknapp,
however, insisted that QPR's position has improved since he was
appointed as manager in November with the club unbeaten since New Year,
recording goalless draws against Tottenham and Manchester City and an
away win at Chelsea.<br /><br />"You look at the games we have had since
the turn of the year and you'd take the points that we've got. We gave
everything. I can't get any more out of the players," he said.<br /><br />"The club has invested but they'll get their money back. I haven't brought players in here that we can't give away."<br /><br />The
deadline-day arrival of Anzhi Makhachkala centre-back Chris Samba for
12.5 million pounds raised eyebrows due to a lack of match fitness and
a reported 100,000 pounds-a-week salary.<br /><br />But Redknapp dismissed
these concerns, as well as similar fears over seven million pounds
striker Loic Remy who missed Saturday’s draw against Norwich with a
groin injury.<br /><br />"If things don't go well and they want to get 12m pounds for Samba then they will do - not a danger," he said. <br /><br />"Samba
should be playing for a top-four team. I was trying to sign him for all
the years that I was at Tottenham. He is quick as lightning, strong in
the air and he can play.<br /><br />"When I was at Tottenham we put a ball
behind Samba (then at Blackburn), and Gareth Bale ran on to it. Samba
matched him stride for stride and then pinched the ball off him. <br /><br />"He's lightning quick. He is a monster of a player, the full ticket.<br /><br />"Remy,
for seven million pounds, I don't think he's a problem either. If he
scores a couple of goals, then he's 12m pounds. Tottenham tried to buy
him for 18m pounds last year."<br /><br />QPR have scored just 18 goals
this season - the fewest in the Premier League - and Adel Taarabt’s
missed penalty on Saturday saw the club settle for a point home to
Norwich in the west London side's third goalless draw in five matches.<br /><br />Redknapp
insists, however, he had not wished to retain striker Djibril Cisse,
who joined Qatari club Al-Gharafa on loan during January.<br /><br />"I would have let him go earlier. I had to wait for the window to open," he said.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-59902678017923784782013-02-04T13:59:00.002-08:002013-02-04T13:59:20.044-08:00Buffon happy with classy Juve<div class="last">
<img alt="" height="320" src="file:///C:/Users/Guest/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" width="320" />Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon was pleased with his side's performance in their 2-1 Serie A win over Chievo on Sunday.</div>
Alessandro
Matri and Stephan Lichtsteiner bagged first-half goals for Juve, who
withstood a Chievo fight-back in the second half to claim an important
victory.<br /><br />The win saw the Turin-based club remain three points
clear at the top of the league, while Lazio and Inter Milan – third and
fourth respectively – both lost.<br /><br />Although Napoli are just one win behind Juventus, Buffon's side are already nine points clear of Lazio and 12 of Inter.<br /><br />The goalkeeper was happy with the victory, which was the club's first in four matches in all competitions.<br /><br />"We were good because we managed the game well," Buffon said.<br /><br />"We
weren't too worried that we had to win at any cost from the first
minute, but instead preferred to play our game. We had good possession.
<br /><br />"We didn't give them much, both in the first and second half and we created some important chances to close the match."<br /><br />"Even if it was only by one goal...we beat them."<br /><br />New signing Nicolas Anelka was an unused substitute in the victory.<br /><br />But
the Frenchman – who counts PSG, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool,
Manchester City and Chelsea among his former clubs – is sure to make an
impact after arriving from Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua.<br /><br />Buffon is looking forward to Anelka's contributions and believes he could be a big player in the club's title run-in.<br /><br />"(Nicolas) Anelka has great qualities and experience, because he's a player used to important events," he said.<br /><br />"He
also has enthusiasm because when a player leaves Europe for one or more
years as he did and he then has the chance to come back and play for a
top team like Juventus it could be a great challenge for him. He could
be very helpful here."<br />
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Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-37730041740647994902012-12-25T13:02:00.001-08:002012-12-25T13:02:42.768-08:00Messi ends 2012 with 91 goals<img alt="Messi i Tello, aquest dissabte a Valladolid / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB" src="http://media3.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/038/054/size_640x360/2012-12-22_VALLADOLID-BARCELONA_32.v1356258993.JPG" title="Messi i Tello, aquest dissabte a Valladolid / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB" />Barça’s win at the José Zorrilla (1-3) has produced a number of curiosities, and here is a selection of the best:<br />
- Barça’s spectacular start to the season continues. They have a
total of 49 points from a possible 51, from 16 wins and 1 draw with an
average of 3.35 goals scored per game.<br />
- With two games yet to play before the halfway stage, Barça have
already secured the honorary ‘winter’ title for the nineteenth time. On
11 of the previous 18 times that they have done this, they have gone on
to become league champions.<br />
- FC Barcelona have made 2012 their record breaking year. They have
set Liga records for the most wins (49) and the most goals (175).<br />
- Messi has set the world record for a goals in a single calendar
year, with a grand total of 91, beating the previous all-time best set
in 1972 by Germany and Bayern’s Gert Müller, who got 85. The Argentinian
got 79 goals for Barça and another 12 for his national team.<br />
- Saturday was the first time in this edition of La Liga that Leo
Messi has got one goal and one goal only. That continues his remarkable
record of 26 goals in 17 games so far.<br />
- The Argentinian striker has scored in seven consecutive Liga
matches. That means he is one away from equalling his personal best of
eight in a row.<br />
- Xavi, with five goals, is the team’s fifth highest scorer, after
Messi, Villa, Adriano and Cesc. He got Barça’s third and final goal
against Valladolid.<br />
- Under Jordi Roura, the team enjoyed 66% of the possession and had
11 shots on goal, five of which were on target. Pedro and Messi hit the
woodwork twice.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-83327684884577436312012-12-25T12:59:00.000-08:002012-12-25T12:59:16.540-08:00Treat Me Like Messi Or I QuitCristiano Ronaldo still intends to leave the Bernabeu in the summer unless he gets the full Messi treatment.<br />
<br />
Lionel Messi signed a new contract extension this week that will keep him at Barcelona until 2018, beyond his 31st birthday.<br />
<br />
The deal is expected to be structured so that it increases yearly, rising to £12.5million (net) a year before bonuses.<br />
<img src="http://www.completesportsnigeria.com//uploads/lthumb/cr7.jpg" /><br />
Deal me in: Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading for the Bernabeu exit<br />
<br />
But according to Spanish newspaper Marca, Ronaldo still feels angry
with the club and upset, believing he deserves the special treatment of
superstars like Lionel Messi.<br />
<br />
While Messi has renewed his contract six times during his spell at
Barcelona, Ronaldo has not been offered an improved deal since his £80m
move from Old Trafford in 2009.<br />
<br />
The Portuguese winger was offered - and signed - multiple improved deals during his time under Sir Alex Ferguson.<br />
<br />
Although Ronaldo has scored an amazing 170 goals in 169 games for Real, it is Messi who has stolen the plaudits this year.<br />
<br />
The 25-year-old had already surpassed Gerd Muller's 40-year-old record of 85 goals in a calendar year.<br />
<br />
The pair are both in contention for the FIFA Ballon d'Or crown, alongside Messi's team-mate at Barcelona Andres IniestaMonye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-4856190341113285252012-12-25T12:40:00.000-08:002012-12-25T12:40:40.579-08:00Record-breaking Barcelona can be happy<div class="last">
<img src="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2012/12/23/299555header.jpg" width="250" />Barcelona caretaker coach Jordi Roura was pleased his side continued with business as usual in La Liga on Saturday.</div>
Goals
from Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Cristian Tello helped the Catalan
giants to a 3-1 win over Real Valladolid as they continued their best
ever start to a La Liga season.<br /><br />The match was overshadowed by the ill health of Barcelona's head coach Tito Vilanova.<br /><br />Vilanova
had a cancerous tumour removed from his saliva gland during his time as
Pep Guardiola's assistant last season, and it was announced this week
he required further surgery after a reoccurrence of the issue was
diagnosed.<br /><br />The 44-year-old was operated on and discharged from
hospital hours before the match, and will spend the next six weeks
undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.<br /><br />Barcelona
could easily have been distracted by Vilanova's situation, but they put
in a professional performance at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorilla.<br /><br />"It is true that today the game was a bit special because of the situation surrounding us," Vilanova's assistant Roura said.<br /><br />"But
if we just talk about sport, it was just another match and three more
points. The game was a bit difficult but we managed to finally win it. I
think that in the first part, we dominated the game and we had our
chances. <br /><br />"They had some as well, they could have scored as well,
but they didn't. We were lucky when we scored the first goal. That fact
gave us confidence and in the second part I think we could even scored
more."<br /><br />The result meant Barcelona entered the winter break having
won 16 of a possible 17 league encounters this season, with the other
result a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid.<br /><br />And Roura was delighted the club's terrific momentum continued right up until their last match of 2012.<br /><br />"As I said before it can't be more grateful for our record this season," he said.<br /><br />"We've
played 17 games and we've won 16 of them. We have just drawn one. I
think this is a really positive thing. We have ended the year very well
so we can take the winter break with a good feeling. I think we can be
very happy."<br /><br />Messi's strike against Real Valladolid meant he
finished the calendar year with an incredible 91 goals, 79 of which came
for Barcelona.<br /><br />Of those 79, 59 were scored in La Liga and 13 in
the UEFA Champions League. He also scored five in the Copa del Rey and
two in the Spanish Super Cup. His other 12 goals were scored for
Argentina.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-2701949837097998782012-12-25T12:36:00.003-08:002012-12-25T12:36:59.604-08:00Barca hegemony worries Cruyff<div class="last">
<img src="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2012/12/24/299622header.jpg" width="250" />Ex-Barcelona star Johan Cruyff has claimed the 16-point
gap between his former club and Real Madrid is dangerous for Spanish
football.</div>
Barcelona have enjoyed a record-breaking start to the La
Liga season under Tito Vilanova, winning 16 of their opening 17 games,
while third-placed Real have been in poor form with the reigning
champions having already lost four matches this campaign.<br /><br />Cruyff
believes the league suffers if 'the suspense is over' and the
65-year-old Dutchman is convinced the title is already decided even
though there are 21 rounds still to be played after the mid-season
break. <br /><br />"It's too much, it's a terrible gap," Cruyff told <i>Le Buteur</i>. "The truth is that it's not good for La Liga. <br /><br />"Perhaps
Barcelona supporters are happy but a championship is valued by the
tension and excitement it creates. "Here (in Spain) the suspense is
over."<br /><br />Barcelona return to action with a local derby against Espanyol on January 5, while Real will host Real Sociedad the day after.<br /><br />Atletico
Madrid sit second in La Liga, nine points behind Barcelona and seven
ahead of their city rivals, and their first game after the break will be
away to Mallorca.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-5528410275657499012012-12-25T12:35:00.001-08:002012-12-25T12:35:30.481-08:00Nigeria omission hurts Nsofor<div class="last">
Nigerian striker Obinna Nsofor is disappointed to have missed out on selection for the Africa Cup of Nations.</div>
Locomotiv
Moscow forward Nsofor was an integral part of Nigeria's team under
Samson Siasia's tenure but has been left on the outer by current coach
Stephen Keshi.<br /><br />"I must confess that I am disappointed that I am not going to South Africa with the team," Nsofor said. <br /><br />"It would have been my wish to go to South Africa and see how we can win the trophy for the third time.<br /><br />"I
was part of the team that played the last game against Guinea before
the last Cup of Nations and the memories of missing out right at the
National Stadium in Abuja is still fresh on my mind.<br /><br />"I scored the first goal in that game but we could not qualify for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon."<br /><br /><img src="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2012/12/25/299661header.jpg" width="250" />Nsofor
added that he is eager to return to the national team and is confident
his chance to play under Keshi for the first time will come.<br /><br />"Yes, I am still waiting for my chance to play under the coach. And I know the opportunity will soon come for me," he said.<br /><br />The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations starts January 19 in Johannesburg.<br /><br />"It
is going to be one step at a time. But I am confident that the present
crop of players are capable of doing the nation proud in South Africa.<br /><br />"There
is this urge to show Africans that the fact that we did not qualify for
the last edition is not a reason why any country should underrate
Nigeria.<br /><br />"Coach Stephen Keshi has done well and the team can go ahead to win the trophy in South Africa."Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-6799524427506384052012-12-25T12:34:00.001-08:002012-12-25T12:34:13.918-08:00Michu gets spain call-up<div class="last">
<a href="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2012/12/25/299656header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.globalsportsmedia.com/news/soccer/2012/12/25/299656header.jpg" width="250" /></a>Spain coach Vicente del Bosque plans to hand an international call-up to Swansea forward Michu.</div>
The
26-year-old Michu has scored an impressive 13 goals in 18 league games
since moving to the Liberty Stadium from Real Vallecano in July.<br /><br /><br />
Del
Bosque says the Premier League's top scorer, as well as Celtic Vigo
striker Iago Aspas, who has been linked with a January move to Swansea,
will make his next squad.<br /><br />"Iago Aspas and Michu will appear," the World Cup-winning boss told Spanish television.<br /><br />Both players will be given their first Spain call-ups in a friendly against Uruguay in Doha on February 6.<br /><br />The
confirmation comes after Del Bosque heaped praise on Swansea's prolific
close-season signing for performing so highly at one of the Premier
League's less-fancied clubs.<br /><br />"Michu deserves to be credited for his superb season," Del Bosque said earlier in December.<br /><br />"The way he has stood out in the league at a club like Swansea, which is not one of the top clubs, is exceptional.<br /><br />"He's not an out-and-out striker and has been scoring a lot of goals like he did for Rayo Vallecano."Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-66220373481258039182012-06-30T14:47:00.000-07:002012-06-30T14:47:18.116-07:00WHO WILL CLAIM THE TITLE.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-23666282755041421502012-06-30T14:26:00.000-07:002012-06-30T14:26:57.401-07:00GUARDIOLA BACKS ALBA TO SHINE.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_QbZt6djEF5ZKZSHFTiyZt2-1OhsjbwjTavEz2WxoJjVlYIYYhqcVAOuhTx73hl5sWp09KR50vlcA2wiyohuEMr9nRqzeA_A-1ls3xVXwpJc9TCbdOcjAHjYA9_S3GWsTVXDmbHLTN0a/s1600/coach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_QbZt6djEF5ZKZSHFTiyZt2-1OhsjbwjTavEz2WxoJjVlYIYYhqcVAOuhTx73hl5sWp09KR50vlcA2wiyohuEMr9nRqzeA_A-1ls3xVXwpJc9TCbdOcjAHjYA9_S3GWsTVXDmbHLTN0a/s1600/coach.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has endorsed the club's decision to sign Valencia left-back Jordi Alba.</div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
Barca
announced on Thursday they had reached an agreement worth 14 million
euros for the defender, ending weeks of speculation about the
23-year-old's potential switch to Camp Nou.</div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
Alba, who spent part
of his youth career at the Barca academy, has impressed for Spain at
Euro 2012, and Guardiola has no doubt the defender will be a quality
asset to the club.</div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
"Jordi Alba is a great signing," he told RCTI. </div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
"I will enjoy seeing him at Barca next season because he is a very good player."</div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
Guardiola
reflected on his successful four-year reign at Barcelona and declined
to single out a particular player when asked about the best footballer
he coached.</div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
"I had the privilege to coach an incredible team, with
a philosophy in which everyone believed and with players who are very
talented and wanted to do things better every day," he said.</div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
"That was the secret behind all the successes we had.</div>
<div style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
"The
best player? Everyone is very good. Xavi (Hernandez), Lionel Messi and
Andres Iniesta have a lot of talent, but also Carles Puyol, Victor
Valdes, Thierry Henry or Samuel Eto'o.</div>
<div class="last" style="background-color: #3d85c6;">
"The merits belonged to the squad."</div>Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-4237582614123912402012-06-28T18:03:00.000-07:002012-06-28T18:03:26.571-07:00BALOTELLI CELEBRATES HIS GOAL.<b>M</b>ario Balotelli as we all know is a very controversial player, throughout his last season's campaign with Man city he scored spectacular goals and spectacular attitudes followed them. one thing they all have in common is that 'Super Mario' doesn't celebrate goals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyOWeNh13wvxwgrfq3PQypuCzgmYoXUQbHMFlqApI1kb5h4x10JvSjTwKKRc5pwVfD-b1QVCfUiXo7bsllpfEantT91l0XDZnpKYEohsfT4wAIsScWQ1vC0WBgssCZoxbgWNQTJWeqGBk/s1600/celeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyOWeNh13wvxwgrfq3PQypuCzgmYoXUQbHMFlqApI1kb5h4x10JvSjTwKKRc5pwVfD-b1QVCfUiXo7bsllpfEantT91l0XDZnpKYEohsfT4wAIsScWQ1vC0WBgssCZoxbgWNQTJWeqGBk/s320/celeb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS8xMR-i5kjyC4NapzpBQiuDc5nBZQtYBCPEnAVZDviIY16L_2QriYVbfVlsI77YzEmyMniNhXzA9L4tYQvolbZQx1a7cWHHzhGv3gc_EXmjYdYGlIngNgm1Vw6UoUWxLXAphM_hqzdd-/s1600/celeb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS8xMR-i5kjyC4NapzpBQiuDc5nBZQtYBCPEnAVZDviIY16L_2QriYVbfVlsI77YzEmyMniNhXzA9L4tYQvolbZQx1a7cWHHzhGv3gc_EXmjYdYGlIngNgm1Vw6UoUWxLXAphM_hqzdd-/s320/celeb2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>W</b>e all were shocked at his marvelous performance in the match against Germany, scoring the two goals that led the way to the finals with Balotelli celebrating the first and another Mario display at the second. Are we going to see this changed Ballo in the EPL new season?Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-86126452506537097672012-06-28T17:48:00.002-07:002012-06-28T17:48:34.563-07:00ITALY ALL THE WAY TO THE FINALS.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Di_cDxdODKoRJwkyzdbANdByyOXDK1erRv4DpgHbhsP2W0CBSm3kRGwYkXZr5wyEuALXaDqsKdc6kWAy8GpxQlRhRLDQ1prpGZxdwrwd934uL3d7QhUNDPct5ZRHu06Psl3Sahg-clH1/s1600/balo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Di_cDxdODKoRJwkyzdbANdByyOXDK1erRv4DpgHbhsP2W0CBSm3kRGwYkXZr5wyEuALXaDqsKdc6kWAy8GpxQlRhRLDQ1prpGZxdwrwd934uL3d7QhUNDPct5ZRHu06Psl3Sahg-clH1/s1600/balo.jpg" /></a></div>
A brilliant two-goal performance from Mario Balotelli steered Italy into the Euro 2012 final on Thursday.<br />
The
Manchester City forward hit the headlines for all the right reasons,
opening the scoring with a powerful header before smashing home an
emphatic second to clinch a date with Spain at the Olympic Stadium on
Sunday.<br />
It was a deserved victory for Italy, who could have added
further goals in the second half had they taken one of the numerous
chances afforded to them by Germany's rushes forward to find a way back
into the match.<br />
Mesut Ozil ensured a nervy finish to the encounter
with a penalty in second-half stoppage time, but there was to be no
miracle for Germany, who bowed out at the semi-final stage for the
second major tournament in a row.<br />
It was Germany who threatened
first only six minutes in, after Mats Hummels' scrambled shot was
blocked on the line by Andrea Pirlo, allowing Gianluigi Buffon to
smother.<br />
Italy's skipper nearly forced an own goal moments later
after inadvertently diverting a Jerome Boateng cross into Andrea
Barzagli, but the deflection rolled just wide of the post.<br />
Riccardo
Montolivo blasted into the arms of Manuel Neuer from the edge of the
box, but the Germany keeper was forced to work much harder by Antonio
Cassano, whose curler towards the bottom corner was tipped away.<br />
Italy started to ask questions of the suspect German defence. Then, with 20 minutes gone, they carved them apart.<br />
Chiellini
fed Cassano on the overlap down the left, and the Milan forward
delivered a superb cross into the heart of the area, where Balotelli
rose above Holger Badstuber to head Italy into the lead.<br />
Italy
were buoyed by the goal, with Germany still unable to shake off the
erratic edge to their play. Montolivo's hesitation allowed Badstuber to
strip him of possession deep inside the area, but the new Milan signing
would make a far more decisive contribution with 36 minutes gone.<br />
His
searching ball over the top caught the German back line out completely
and released Balotelli, who stormed towards goal and smashed an
unstoppable finish high into the back of the net.<br />
The Manchester
City man was booked for ripping his shirt off in a passionate
celebration, but there were no such signs of desire from Germany.<br />
Germany's Phillip Lahm should have done a lot better after the restart, blasting over from wide out.<br />
Marco
Reus was next to try his luck with a powerful free-kick from 20 yards
out, but Buffon was equal to it and managed to punch over the crossbar.<br />
Then it was Italy's turn.<br />
A
sweeping break just past the hour mark saw Alessandro Diamanti slip in
Claudio Marchisio behind Badstuber, but his finish was driven the wrong
side of the post.<br />
The Juventus midfielder spurned an even greater
chance with a quarter of an hour to play, when Badstuber's slip allowed
him with a clear sight on goal, but he disappointingly dragged his shot
wide.<br />
Substitute Antonio Di Natale wasted another chance on 82
minutes after being put one-on-one with Neuer, but with all the time in
the world to pick his spot, he instead found the side netting.<br />
<div class="last">
Germany
were handed a late lifeline after Balzaretti's handball was spotted in
the box, giving Ozil the chance to bury from the spot.</div>Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-36393348314555251802012-06-28T17:41:00.003-07:002012-06-28T17:41:23.802-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLnpzanEi7dk77AfrBrPEkHVf2fr99DUYJEEIrHNDuqAuLAsFZgxyWaYrbGSXGHDzI0YL_yOfuQ5wkiQp15S-r_XOlYj73tVGbI2N8pGTlVAoGjG_gLCbQafg1j_C6kDVfN1sv2eACknS/s1600/12427408180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLnpzanEi7dk77AfrBrPEkHVf2fr99DUYJEEIrHNDuqAuLAsFZgxyWaYrbGSXGHDzI0YL_yOfuQ5wkiQp15S-r_XOlYj73tVGbI2N8pGTlVAoGjG_gLCbQafg1j_C6kDVfN1sv2eACknS/s320/12427408180.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
Barcelona have announced on their official website that they have agreed a fee with Valencia for the signing of Jordi Alba.<br />
The Blaugrana had long been linked with a move for the left-back, and
are now one step closer to completing the deal after negotiating a 14
million euros fee.<br />
"Barcelona announce that today an agreement with Valencia has been
reached for the transfer of Jordi Alba, pending a medical examination.
The player will undergo in Barcelona next week," an official statement
reads.<br />
medical next week, and sign a five-year deal upon successful completion of his physical examination. Jordi was a product of the la masia. its like <b>B</b>arca wants all their lads back.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-35762647155652661222012-06-28T09:31:00.000-07:002012-06-28T09:31:05.529-07:00THE WORLD BEST PLAYER 2012. With the exit of portugal from the Euro 2012 final contest. Do you think cristano Ronaldo has a chance of clinching the ballon d'or award? The last international competition Lionel Messi participated in was the last years Copa america and he was not exceptional. Ronaldo led portugal to the semi finals and scored 3 goals in the campaign will this be enough to counter Lionel Messi's brilliant season?Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-84822957065300485592012-06-28T09:09:00.000-07:002012-06-28T09:09:40.077-07:00EURO 2012 SEMI FINALS Last night we saw Spain the defending champions battling it out with portugal. The decider being the Penalty Shoot out. Do you think Spain has the chance of doing it again with Germany or Italy as the title contenders.Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2841675000245846943.post-81536075378236461682012-06-27T14:09:00.001-07:002012-06-27T14:09:09.132-07:00HOT AND NEW.In the world of soccer we have several idols, views, perceptions and opinion about the Game. SOCCER LOVERS4 REAL gives u d platform 2 share, debate and show the world what you think about the Game. I welcome you soccer lovers to SOCCER LOVERS 4 REAL. <br />
<br />Monye Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422683354268742191noreply@blogger.com1