Now to the good stuff and typing a report on a victory over Man United.

These victories for some unknown reason used to happen on a regular basis under Houllier but Rafa just seems to struggle against Manchester United and for me shows them too much respect.

With Torres and Gerrard looking like they were going to be injured for the game i was pondering what the team would be so when i heard that our two talisman players were fit to play i instantly thought Torres upfront with Keane and i would have been tempted to play Gerrard out on the right drifting inside but when i read the team sheet i will openly admit i feared the worst.

We lacked pace throughout the team and after only 3 minuted my fears seemed justified as Man United were passing the ball around with ease and scored through Tevez and at that point it looked like a case of how many as the team in white looked like they could hold onto the ball all game without little pressure.

Something happened though around 20 minutes. I don't know if it was at that point when there was an injury so Rafa took the opportunity to talk to Reira but we then seemed to step up a gear and pressured every single ball and Man United suddenly could not cope with the intensity of the players and we came close to scoring from Kuyt who on reflection will know he should have scored.

We didn't need to stay disappointed for long though as Van der Sar who had dropped an early clanger went one better when he pushed the ball onto Wes Brown and the rebound went straight into the net.

As you would expect Anfield erupted and once again it was set to be another one of those special games at Anfield where the fans were on top form and the players responded to it.

When the half time whistle went with the score at 1-1 it was pretty much a reflection on the game as although Man United had dominated for 20 minutes we had clawed our way back into the game and set ourselves up for a great second half.

What Rafa said to the players at half time i do not know but it must have been something along the lines of 'do not let them have a second on the ball' and 'harrass every player and he will make a mistake'.

What we witnessed in the second half was by fair Liverpools best performance of the season and we would have beaten any team such was our intensity and work rate.

Players such Keane and Kuyt would not allow any of the Man United defenders a chance to clear the ball and Mascherano and Alonso controlled the middle of the park in a way that would be a sacrilege to drop either player to accommodate Gerrard so i think the captain may have to play on the right.

Alber Reira was making his debut for us yesterday and i think he surprised many supporters who were remembering him when he played for Man City but Rafa had said that the winger had matured a lot since then and had 'bulked up' so therefore could handle the physical side of the Premier League and i thought he was superb yesterday.

He went down looking for a free kick too often in the first 20 minutes but i don't think it was any coincidence that once Rafa had had a word he stayed on his feet and gave us an outlet ball down the left and also combined superbly with Aurellio to allow the full back to overlap him whilst Reira cut inside causing problems for Wes Brown.

Talking of the Man United full back he must have thought it was going to get easier for him when Reira was finally subbed only to see his replacement was Ryan Babel who has pace to burn and as we saw yesterday he also has a few tricks up his sleeve as well.

The introduction of Babel gave us that much needed pace and for me it was only a matter of time before we would score and whilst i would have loved it to have been the impressive Keane in these kind of matches you dont care and once again Babel lived up to his billing as 'super sub'.

The goal itself was testament to just how hard we had worked as a team and when Mascherano went on an attacking run he refused to allow Giggs the opportunity to let the ball run out and managed to get the ball to Kuyt who had seen the chance that the ball may run free and as soon as Dirk received the ball Babel was in acres of space and whilst he scuffed the shot it was enough to go into the back of the net and the Kop erupted.

To be honest whilst there was a nervous attack by Man United just before the final whistle i actually thought a 2-1 win to Liverpool flattered the away team as Kuyt will be upset he never scored 2 goals and at the moment Keane just can not buy goal as on another day he would have scored at least one himself.

The performance and scoreline will hopefully now breed confidence throughout the team and with Stoke up next at Anfield there is no reason why we can not cement our place at the top of the league and hopefully take it from there.

The official Headline from Liverpool FC read: "BABEL FIRES WINNER AS REDS GO TOP"

 http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/match/last_match/match_report/index.htm

and the BBC report said "Babel gives Liverpool win over MAN Utd. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez earns his first Premier League victory over Manchester United as Ryan Babel seals the 2-1 win". read the full story here http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7601885.stm,

While Man U's manager, Alex Ferguson, blamed his players for the loss. “My overall view of the match is that Liverpool were the far better team,” he said to MANU TV. Follow this link for their report http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=6618338

Como decíamos, el triunfo de los reds vino en mayor parte gracias al cambio de esquema que Rafa Benitez impuso a los suyos, que se adueñaron del balón y mostraron un juego ampliamente ofensivo. Mientras, el United aguardaba encerrado atrás, a la espera de armar una contra que una y otra vez era destruida por el mediocampo del conjunto de Merseyside y la presión que éstos ejercían sobre los hombres de calidad del contrincante. Fruto de esa presión llegó el empate del Liverpool, con un gol en propia de Wes Brown, gracias a una nueva cantada -y ya van 3 millones- de Edwin Van der Sar.

Por su parte, el sistema que Alex Ferguson plantó en el verde podría calificarse de irrisorio o incluso de inútil. No sabemos qué pasó por la cabeza del escocés justo después del gol de Tévez, pero, desde ese momento, el equipo que se presentó ambicioso en la ciudad de los Beatles se convirtió repentinamente en un conjunto miedoso e inoperante y que podría ser receptor de las duras críticas que los planteamientos de Benitez han recibido en años anteriores en partidos de similares características. Más si cabe en la segunda parte, en la que los red devils plantaron el autobús delante de la portería, intentaron aguantar el aluvión que se les venía encima y, pecando de ilusos, esperaron a que el argentino, el búlgaro o el retrasado mental más famoso del planeta les echara una mano en forma de milagro.

No sucedió así y The Kop pudo festejar siete temporadas más tarde, después de que Babel consiguiera el tanto definitivo en una jugada que, aunque parezca curioso, define al mejor Javier Mascherano. Incansable en la presión, atrevido en el caño a Giggs, sorprendente en su faceta ofensiva y luchador hasta el final.

Con esto, los de Anfield se colocan como líderes junto a un Chelsea que hoy amargó el debut de Robinho, que se estrenó con el City con un auténtico golazo que sirvió de poco en la derrota de los suyos por 1-3. El Arsenal, que también venció, sigue a azules y rojos en el tercer puesto -con un punto menos- tras imponerse al Blackburn Rovers a domicilio por un contundente 0-4. El Manchester, decimotercero en la tabla, sigue esperando el regreso de su gran estrella, que, aunque parezca mentira y teniendo en cuenta lo que hemos visto ahora, es el único que puede diferenciarles de otras escuadras que, a priori, demuestran un nivel inferior.

DoKiÈh - 13.09.08

¡Por fin!. Éramos muchos los que pensábamos que el Liverpool debería pelear la Liga junto con Arsenal, Manchester y Chelsea. Por tradición, por historia, por afición pero sobre todo, por presupuesto y por desembolso en fichajes.

Este año se han vuelto a gastar una millonada en Robbie Keane un delantero muy del gusto de Benítez (con gol pero muy trabajador), Riera y Dossena entre otros y a pesar de conseguir 7 puntos en tres partidos, su juego no había sido ni mucho menos bueno.

Pero parece que han cambiado las tornas. Llegaba el peor rival posible, el Manchester United, al que no ganaban en liga desde 2004. Sus dos estrellas, Gerrard y Torres, no jugaban de inicio por arrastrar una lesión y para colmo de males, los Red Devils se adelantaban en el minuto 3 con un gol del argentino Tévez.

Este gol, lejos de hundir a los de Benítez, les espoleó en su moral y su juego. Vimos a un Liverpool desconocido desde que llegó el técnico madrileño a Anfield. Atacando sobre la portería de Van der Sar, pero no a base de coraje, sino con mucha cabeza. El nivel de intensidad era altísimo y los 'reds' le ganaban la partida al United en la línea de medios, con un gran Mascherano, a pesar de cometer un error en el marcaje que costó el gol de Tévez.

Ninguna de las llegadas del Liverpool tenía excesiva claridad, pero en el minuto 28, Van der Sar les echó una mano. El portero del Manchester salió de su portería a por un balón aparentemente fácil y su despeje rebotó en el defensa Brown, que introdujo el balón en su propia portería. Llegaba con mucha suerte, pero el 1-1 era merecido.

En la segunda parte, el único equipo que existió fue el Liverpool. Los de Anfield hicieron gala de una enorme ambición y crearon varias ocasiones claras, sobre todo una de Benayoun que salvó Van der Sar. Me gustaría destacar a Riera, que en el que ha sido su debut, estuvo muy activo durante los 72 minutos que permaneció sobre el césped.

Precisamente por Riera entró el extremo Ryan Babel, y fue el ex del Ajax el que le dio el gol de la victoria a su equipo. Con una presión asfixiante, Mascherano robaba un balón en el área del Manchester y llegaba hasta línea de fondo, su pase llegaba a Kuyt, que a su vez se la daba a Babel. El holandés que venía desde segunda línea, y que acababa de entrar en el campo, introducía el balón en la red. Era el minuto 76 y el Liverpool se adelantaba en el marcador.

A partir de ese instante, los de Benítez se crecieron aún más. Gerrard, que había salido por Benayoun estuvo a punto de marcar en el descuento. El Manchester United no existió durante todo el partido, con sólo dos hombres en medio campo y cuatro delanteros, el equipo estaba roto. Rooney se perdió en la banda izquierda y los de Ferguson acabaron desesperados. Fiel reflejo de esa frustración fue la tarjeta roja que vio Vidic por una durísima entrada a Xabi Alonso.

En el Manchester, hay que destacar el debut de Berbatov, que aunque no logró marcar, fabricó la jugada del gol de los de Ferguson y hay que lamentar la lesión de Carrick, que se quedó en el vestuario en el descanso, fue reemplazado por Giggs y es duda para el partido de Champions frente al Villarreal.

Con esta victoria, el equipo de Benítez presenta su candidatura firme al título de la Premier, ¿será este año?.

PD: Como pitonisto no tengo precio, en la postdata de este post, comenté que creía que Robinho no triunfaría en el City. Esta tarde, debut y gol de falta del brasileño.

Here you can see how the formation lines up.

This is the formation used by many of Europe's top sides for the last 5 years or so.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona are very prominent examples, and in part Liverpool and Arsenal have followed suit. Spain also used this formation in the Euro final.

As you can see the defense is essentially a traditional flat-back-four. The full backs (2 & 3) however, are used in almost a wingback role, offering support to the attacking wingers (7 & 11). For this reason top sides who use this formation have paid lots of money in recent years to find very athletic fullbacks. The signing of Dani Alves to replace the ageing Thuram at Barcelona is a prime example. But also Cole and Bosingwa at Chelsea, Evra at Man Utd, Sagna at Arsenal fill this role. These players are among the fastest in their leagues and they need to be; during the transition from attack to defense, they must recover their defensive position from very high upfield.

This has traditionally worked with two fliers on the wings. Chelsea have tried and tried to find these players, Mourinho signed a rash of players in his time, none of whom really cut it. Duff, Wright-Phillips, Robben, J. Cole, Malouda. Ironically, it is the only player who lacks pace that has been successful in that position for Chelsea. At Utd Ronaldo has of course defined this role, but other players have had limited success, specifically Nani. Barca might have had the strongest side for this formation however, when Ronaldinho was at his peak playing the #11 role, and Messi on the opposite flank (7), both marauding down the wings, with the ability to go outside or cut in. It is role for pacey, tricky wingers, and they must love playing it as they get away with little contribution defensively.

The key to this formation is the central defensive midfield player (4). A role defined by Makelele, although he wasn't the first, and certainly not the last. All major sides looking to use this formation have paid over the odds for their destroyer, but when you consider that he must do the work traditionally done by two players you can understand why. There is no room for a missed tackle when you are the sole player in that penultimate line of defense. This was a role held as I mentioned, by Makelele, but also Mascherano, Viera followed by Flamini, Yaya Toure. It could be to their extreme detriment that Arsenal did not replace Flamini in this year's transfer window. Manchester United have known the importance and difficulty of finding this key player since Roy Keane retired. Currently they rotate Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson and O'Shea in that role. It is a hard-working, no-nonsense job; break up attacks and keep possession with an easy pass.

This allows for more free reign from the attacking midfielders (8 & 10). And affords the luxury of one or two players who wait for the ball to come to them; a Riquelme type, someone who can make that killer pass for a lone striker, or perhaps round the corner for the pacey winger to latch on to. At Barca this was Deco, now succeeded by Iniesta. At Liverpool Gerrard linked up so well with Torres during his debut season. Fabregas is of course the Arsenal talisman, and Chelsea have used Lampard, who will now take on more responsibility after the arrival of Deco.

The other necessity is a strong front man, a player who can toil away on his own. Drogba, Eto'o and Torres have been the finest examples of this in recent years. Although Tevez has been very effective when used in that role also.

The true beauty of the formation, as I touched upon, is it's flexibility. By dropping deep the two wingers can create a 5 man midfield. By pushing on they create a 3 man attack. You can rotate the forward line until you have a 4-4-2, the 7 or 11 dropping back and the 8 or 10 moving out wide.

I believe this formation is an innovative result of the superior athleticism in the modern game. Now that a few elite players exist who can dominate midfields single-handedly (such as Mascherano) players like Riquelme, who were in the past over-run, now have the free role to perform their artistry and it is making for some thrilling football. I don't expect this trend to die out. Rather that it will gain steam, as teams like Spurs and Man City and Villa all look to transition into this formation.

Do you think there are any problems with this formation? Do you prefer a different formation? Let me know your thoughts and feel free to digress.

Reina såg fortsatt säker ut och sjabblandet i luftspelet lyser härligt med sin frånvaro. Två andra spelare som jag redan varit inne på som jag tycker gjorde en bra match är Mascherano och Lucas. Mascherano vill jag nog påstå är min Man of the Match, han var bra mer eller mindre genom hela matchen, framförallt var det hans defensiv och hans grocjobb som var bra. Offensivt blev det några misstag och några mindre misslyckanden, men det är inte där han har sina kvaliteter och framförallt så hade han trots allt intentioner offensivt, det är mer än vad många andra haft såhär långt under säsongen.

Lucas gjorde en riktigt bra första halvlek, löpte mycket och satte press på Villaspelare, han var bra i sitt positionsspel och sökte ofta öppna ytor, det såg ut som han ville få lite fart i spelet och fart i bollen när han inte själv hade den. Både Gerrard och Alonso har såhär långt sett lite statiska ut och även om det kan finnas förklaringar till det så gillar jag bättre vad både Lucas och Mascherano presterade igår. Lucas mattades dock lite under andra halvlek.

Keane har haft det lite kämpigt att komma in i spelet såhär långt, skulle det då på något sätt hjälpa honom att sätta ut honom på kanten?

Varför byttes Kuyt ut i det skedet av matchen? Varför byttes Aurelio och Benayoun in? Det kändes som märkliga byten och sedan vi gjort dem kändes det lite som vi föll ihop och Villa ägde slutskedet av matchen. Jag kan köpa bytet av Aurelio, men isåfall på bekostnad av Dossena. Dossena gjorde för övrigt en skaplig insats.

Ngog såg het ut sedan han kommit in, men blev snabbt ganska osynlig. Jag tycker dock man ska ha i åtanke att det var hans första Premier League match (relativt svår match dessutom) och att han i ärlighetens namn inte hade så mycket assistans anfallsmässigt sett. Viljan fanns ibland från vissa spelare, men kvaliteten fanns inte där.

Vamos con el partido. Era el duelo en la cumbre, la final anticipada y todos los tópicos que le queráis poner. Era un Brasil-Argentina, y eso se notó para mal. En la primera parte los dos equipos salieron tensos, nerviosos y sin querer correr riesgos debido a lo mucho que se jugaban. Mucho centroocampismo y muchas imprecisiones. Por parte brasileña, Anderson se olvidó de crear fútbol y se pegó como una lapa a Messi, obligando a éste a bajar hasta mediocampo para recibir balones y Diego no estuvo nada acertado durante todo el encuentro.

De los argentinos sólo brilló Di María, muy móvil por el centro y ambas bandas, y provocando varias acciones de peligro y algún destello de Messi. También me gustó Mascherano, un perro de presa fantástico que impidió cualquier atisbo de fantasía de la canarinha y que ha provocado las dos expulsiones brasileñas.

En la segunda parte el partido se activó y para desgracia de Fer y Marc (que le deben haber cogido cariño a la verdeamarela) apareció el 'Kun'. El delantero del Atlético de Madrid, que había estado casi inédito en el primer tiempo desvió un disparo del jugador del Benfica Di María y cambió la trayectoria del balón despistando al nuevo portero del Valencia Renan, que encajaba su primer gol en estos Juegos Olímpicos. Era el minuto 51 y la albiceleste abría el marcador.

El rumbo del partido pudo cambiar si el latigazo del bético Sóbis hubiese entrado en la portería de Romero, pero el balón se estrelló en el poste. Tan sólo 4 minutos después llegó la sentencia Argentina. De nuevo Agüero remataba a placer un pase de la muerte de Garay, tras una jugada de Messi que caracoleó hasta meterse dentro del área y se la cedió al central del Racing de Santander.

Con el 2-0 llegó el único destello de Ronaldinho, y fue, como no, a balón parado. El milanista estrelló un balón en la madera en un libre directo desde unos 30 metros. En esa misma jugada, su compañero de club y selección, Alexandre Pato marcaba pero su gol era anulado por un claro fuera de juego. Ronaldinho, por cierto, ni está ni se le espera. Se confiaba en una resurrección en estos Juegos pero no se ha producido. El de Portoalegre está lento, apático, desganado, desacertado y falto de ritmo. Tiene 'solo' 28 años pero parece que tuviese 40.

Otro que juega andando, pero sigue siendo clave para su equipo es Riquelme. Él transformó el tercero en un penalti cometido sobre Agüero tras una jugada enorme de Messi. Con el 3-0 los argentinos se sabían finalistas y comenzaron a disfrutar. Bailaron a Brasil y tocaron el balón por todo el campo. Y esto desquició a los brasileños que respondieron con entradas muy violentas. Lucas Leiva y Thiago Neves fueron expulsados y reflejaron la impotencia de la pentacampeona, que salía humillada del clásico.

En la otra semifinal, la sorprendente Nigeria barrió a los belgas por 4-1. Un partido muy entretenido en el que han brillado el jugador del Chievo Verona italiano Victor Obinna (Nsofor en su camiseta) y el mediapunta del Hoffenheim alemán Chinedu Ogbuke (Obasi) que ha marcado dos goles, uno de ellos un misil desde fuera del área.

Aquí os dejo algunos de los goles del Nigeria-Bélgica. El segundo es de Obasi y ojo al de Bélgica, que es espectacular

PD: Y mañana debuta Del Bosque, a ver que tal...

Esse foi o discurso que um amigo meu, Marcus Vinicius de Freitas, fez ao ver o 2º gol da Argentina e do Aguero.

Após isso, aparentemente conformado com a situação, ele falou:

- Gui, vamos jogar Winning Eleven?

E eu, é claro, aceitei.

Mas ainda havia uma pequena esperança em nossos corações que nos fez irmos ao quarto, porém deixarmos a televisão com o volume alto. Talvez esperássemos escutar um gol do Pato ou Ronaldinho, mas não foi isso que aconteceu.

O Galvão falou: -Pênalti para a Argentina.

Eu ainda pensei: "Nossa. O Renan pode pegar e dar o contra-ataque. A gente até pode diminuir o placar!".

Gol do Riquelme.

Acabou.

Feio. Vergonha. Perda de tempo.

E eu ainda perdi de 7x0 no Winning Eleven.

Um abraço

Beijing Olimpiadas 2008 Futbol.
Mascherano: "Tenemos que ser inteligentes y no cometer errores.

"Yo no tengo ninguna duda que Brasil puede llegar a hacer lo mismo que los equipos que enfrentamos hasta ahora en los Juegos. Es más, lo han hecho en los últimos tres partidos y, lamentablemente, les ha dado resultado", señaló el ex River.

 AVISO PATROCINADO

"Si enfrente tenemos un equipo mezquino como lo puede ser Brasil no tenemos que volvernos locos, en todo caso tendremos que ser mezquinos igual que ellos y tener el mismo cuidado de ellos", agregó.

"Nosotros tenemos que ser inteligentes y no cometer errores, porque jugando contra equipos que apuestan todo a una contra, si te equivocás, lo terminás pagando muy caro", analizó el volante sobre el choque del próximo martes, en Beijing.

Sobre la llegada de Diego Armando Maradona, quien viajó a China para alentar a los dirigidos por Sergio Batista, dijo: "Sabemos lo que siente por esta camiseta, los que lo conocemos desde hace tiempo nos sentimos muy bien de que esté acá, pero también sabemos que él nos puede dar el aliento y nada más porque lamentablemente ya no juega", tiró. Fuente: Diario Clarin

ENCUENTRE MAS INFORMACION
SOBRE ESTA NOTICIA Y OTRAS
EN OTROS MEDIOS ONLINE

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LE GUSTARÍA OBTENER UNA LICENCIA POR 90 DIAS
GRATIS DEL MEJOR ANTIVIRUS DEL MUNDO?
HAGA CLIC EL EL BANNER Y VEA LA PROMOCION

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Primero que todo, debo decir que la foto no tiene nada que ver con el articulo. Si usted espera que hable sobre la supremacía femenina en las justas, o los cambios que debe realizar la sociedad china para integrar la mujer en trabajos tradicionalmente ocupados por hombres, este no es el lugar. La puse porque quise. Ahora que me saque eso de encima, hablemos de fútbol.

Hoy, la banca de Argentina le metió dos a Serbia, consolidando al "dream team" como primero en el grupo y evitando un cruce con Brasil hasta las finales. Lavezzi hizo el primero de penal, Mascherano jugo de ultimo hombre, Di Maria botó un penal dos veces y el orgullo de River, el pibe Buonanotte hizo el segundo de tiro libre a lo crack. No surprises. Ahora la albiceleste se cruza con Holanda el sábado, ya con el equipo titular, incluidos Riquelme, Messi y el Kun.

Lo interesante de hoy, es el haber visto el partido al 100% desde la computadora, con acceso gratuito y buena calidad. En Estados Unidos, la transmision del fútbol olímpico es limitada y dado que Argentina iba con la banca, Telemundo transmitió en vivo a Brasil. Eso nos dejaba únicamente el acceso online desde la cadena NBC, que en el momento del juego tenia unos once canales transmitiendo varios deportes simultáneamente. Uno hacia click y aparecia Gago, o click en otro y miraba a un luchador grecorromano.

La calidad de la imagen es muy buena y hasta da la oportunidad de ver cuatro canales al mismo tiempo (cosa que no hice, porque si ya a las seis me levanto medio boludo, viendo cuatro canales se me cae la baba). El servicio es gratuito e incluso la cadena alerta al usuario -ya sea en su casilla de correo o en su celular- sobre el inicio de la transmisión.

Leía ayer que en los televisores de cada cuarto de la villa olímpica (que según los entendidos es la mejor de la historia) se transmite un canal para cada deporte, dejando tanto a periodistas y atletas en posición inmejorable de seguir su deporte de interés. Bueno, creo que este servicio de NBC se le acerca.

Y es que a veces cansa ver a la flaca del volley de playa americana, o a las minúsculas gimnastas chinas en ejercicios de piso. Ahora se que podría optar por ver el lanzamiento de la bala, o a los espadachines franchutes. Esto no implica que lo vaya a hacer, pero tengo la opción. Democracia deportiva.

De acuerdo a mi ranking, el canal que vería menos es el de remo o canotaje. Es casi tan terrible como ver una película muda, pero de las malas. El otro día comencé a ver una competencia y me salí a la mitad. El balonmano esta ahí, no solo porque es malo, sino que es ridículo. Me parece un deporte para que jueguen niñas fresas en escuelas privadas, no en unas olimpiadas. Es casi casi dodgeball o kickball. Si aparece en pantalla, es buen momento para ir al baño, de number two.

Ahora y a como van las cosas, mi canal favorito es el de la natación. Ese muchacho Phelps nada en serio. La verdad todos están nadando como si la piscina tuviera diez metros menos. Los récords mundiales caen como moscas. De hecho no recuerdo haber visto una final donde no se rompa el récord mundial. Es verdaderamente una locura. Me parece que el nuevo trajecito de baño es medio afeminado, pero si los hace nadar así, no hay quejas.

Dado que esta jugando Nalbandian, parto. Esta fue la transmision de hoy.

Batista pone a Mascherano de líbero y cambia casi todo para jugar con Serbia

El técnico de la Selección Olímpica decidió cuidar a Riquelme, Agüero (tienen una amarilla) y Messi para los cuartos de final. Además pasará a jugar con una línea de tres en el fondo con el volante del Liverpool como último hombre. Entonces el equipo para cerrar el Grupo A frente a los europeos (mañana a las 8.45) será Romero; Pareja, Mascherano, Fazio; Zabaleta, Gago, Banega, Di María; Sosa, Buonanotte y Lavezzi.

Sergio Batista conduce con criterio a la Selección Olímpica. No se desespera y espera que crezca el rendimiento del equipo. Pero además demuestra picardía, porque el discurso correcto que emplea al decir que "los suplentes no son suplentes", queda desacreditado con las acciones. Argentina ya se clasificó para los cuartos de final en busca de la medalla de oro en los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing, por eso para cerrar el Grupo A ante Serbia el técnico decidió dar vuelta al equipo.

Sergio Romero; Pareja, Mascherano, Fazio; Zabaleta, Gago, Banega, Di María; Buonanotte, Sosa; y Lavezzi serán los once que saldrán a la cancha mañana (8.45 hora argentina) para enfrentar a Serbia por la última fecha del Grupo de los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing. Leyó bien, Javier Mascherano va de líbero.

Además de cuidar a Riquelme y a Agüero porque tienen una amarilla, el Checho decidió darle descanso a Lionel Messi. Y además aprovecha para que sumen minutos de competencia los que venían haciendo banco ya para que descansen los demás. Pero también ensaya nuevo sistema con una línea de tres en el fondo. Ya lo había anticipado ayer Batista: "Garay necesita descansar después de jugar dos partidos tras seis meses sin fútbol". Entonces para ocupar el puesto de último hombre, con el nuevo esquema, utilizará a uno de los mayores.

Buonanotte y José Sosa serán los encargados de generar juego ante la ausencia de Riquelme. Di María tendrá la chance de jugar desde el arranque tras sus buenas apariciones ante Costa de Marfil y Australia, saltando desde el banco. Lavezzi, con el arco abierto, será el único punta de un equipo que necesita ganar para asegurarse el primer lugar y evitar el cruce con Brasil.
FUENTE CLARIN BEIJING 2008

RECUERDE VISITAR PUBLICAR ONLINE
VEA TODO LO QUE PUEDE HACER POR
SU PAGINA WEB Y SU EMPRESA

Es extraño esto de fútbol olímpico ¿verdad?. Más allá de la polémica de Messi, del TAS, de la FIFA, de Blatter y sus solemnes tonterías, se podría decir que el fútbol está metido dentro de la Olimpiada 'con calzador'. Digo esto porque es la única competición que ya ha comenzado, incluso antes de que se celebre la ceremonia inaugural; la única que tiene un límite de edad, porque al menos 15 de los 18 jugadores que forman cada plantilla deben ser jugadores sub-23; pero sobre todo, porque un deporte como el fútbol, que es el rey indiscutible en Europa y Sudamérica, pasa a un discreto segundo plano cuando llega el acontecimiento deportivo más importante del mundo, los Juegos Olímpicos.

Este papel secundario del fútbol se acentúa más cuando te enteras de que los Juegos ni siquiera están dentro del calendario de competiciones oficiales de la FIFA. Y por este motivo, y según la resolución dictada por el Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo (TAS) los clubes no tienen la obligación de ceder a sus jugadores. Así, esto se convierte en una locura, con casos de 'fuga' sin autorización de los clubes como hicieron los brasileños Rafinha y Diego o con despropósitos como el de Messi, que después de haber hecho el viaje hasta Shanghai donde estaba concentrada Argentina, resultó que debía volver a España para jugar la previa de la Champions con el Barcelona. Al final ha imperdado la cordura y el club catalán ha accedido a que Messi defienda a la albiceleste en los Juegos.

Y vaya si lo ha hecho, en el debut argentino ante Costa de Marfil, 'la pulga' ha abierto el marcador para su equipo con una gran definición tras un espectacular pase de Riquelme, y le ha dado el segundo gol al sevillista de nuevo cuño Lautaro Acosta, cuando el partido ya agonizaba y los marfileños creían tener un punto en su mano gracias al empate que había conseguido Cissé.

A pesar de esta victoria, Argentina ha estado gris, con Agüero desaparecido, sin frescura arriba, con falta de entendimiento evidente entre los medios centros Gago y Mascherano y con una actuación lamentable del espanyolista Zabaleta, hasta ahora siempre cumplidor.

Brasil también ha ganado, pero sufriendo. Bélgica, con una generación muy interesante de jovenes promesas ha puesto en aprietos a una 'canarinha' que ha debutado con toda su artillería pesada. Pero los Ronaldinho, Diego, Pato, Ánderson y compañía fueron incapaces de inquietar la portería belga hasta que el árbitro le mostró una dudosa segunda tarjeta amarilla al central Kompany. Además tuvo que ser Hernanes quien perforase la portería de Bailly en el minuto 80.

La que sí convenció fue Italia, que goleó a Honduras 3-0, y aunque dos de los goles fueron de penalti, y los hondureños fallaron otra pena máxima, a los italianos se les vio muy activos arriba, con un gran Giovinco, con destellos de Giuseppe Rossi y con Acquafresca en un gran momento de forma.

PD: Como veis, aunque sea un fútbol raro, también es muy divertido y siempre se descubren nuevos talentos.

Esas cosas del olimpismo. El punto es que siempre me pareció un poco afeminado que se le entregara al futbolista (o cualquiera que sea el campeón en la rama masculina) una coronita de laurel y un ramo de coloridas flores. Digo, a las muchachas les queda bien, parece mas apropiado, pero al campeón varón macho cabrío que lanza el martillo, deberían darle un puro y un billete de lotería, o algo así. Pero bueno, hay que recordar que los Juegos nacieron en Atenas y los antiguos griegos tenían sus "tradiciones".

De cualquier forma, aquí va de nuevo la Selección Argentina, esta vez a defender el laurel olímpico, ganado hace ya cuatro años por Carlitos Tevez, el Cabezon, el Lucho y todos sus secuaces. Notoria primera medalla de oro en fútbol para un país con tanta historia futbolera, que me alegró hace cuatro veranos en una tarde de fuga de la oficina.

La tarea esta vez recae en el siempre grande Roman Riquelme, el Pulga Messi, Kun Aguero y el Jefecito Mascherano (que de hecho, es el único que repite). Junto a ellos, toda una generación de campeones del mundo sub-20, como Ever Banega, Federico Fazio o el Laucha Acosta, promete darnos una albiceleste tan fuerte -o mas- que la de Atenas.

El grupo pinta fácil, con Costa de Marfil, Australia y Serbia (al que en los dos últimos encuentros oficiales les fueron endosados doce goles argentinos, si doce!) y en cuartos, seria un cruce con Holanda sin estrellas o un EEUU peleador, que quiere entrar al cuadro de medallas. De ahí, el coco carioca, ya sea en semis o en la final. Si Ronaldinho no hace lo que tiene que hacer -dejar al mundo boquiabierto-, veo otro triunfo en la wiki de Messi, Roman y Kun y otra coronita para Mascherano.

Si no me duermo en mis laureles, yo me levanto 6:30 el jueves.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso following rumours that the Spaniard is unhappy with life at the Merseyside club.

Alonso, 26, lost his place in the Liverpool team last season to Argentine defensive midfield star Javier Mascherano.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez changed his side's formation towards the final months of the league campaign which enabled Alonso to partner skipper Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield.

A move to Arsenal could be possible if Gareth Barry completes his move from Aston Villa to the Anfield side with the Gunners rumoured to also be taking up interest in the England international as well, maybe a cover-up for Alonso to the Emirates?

Reports in Spain today though, suggest that Alonso is in 'negotiations' with Gunners' officials - the article published by 'Publico.es' does sound slightly far-fetched.

A couple of questions should be asked though. Firstly, would Liverpool sell to Arsenal? Both clubs are in fierce competition with each other which could prevent a potential move.

Secondly, do the Gunners really need an 'Alonso type of player ?', with Cesc Fabregas (a close pal of Xabi's), Denilson, Diaby, and even Nasri avaliable to play in that holding/offensive role.

Of course there are plenty more questions to be asked & answered, but we want your views on this perculiar yet credible rumour, might there possibly be something in this?

We want your opinions, on Gooner Talk.

Pre-season starts today for Liverpool as the lads return back from their holidays (obviously Euro2008 lads will have longer).

What can we realistically hope for this season ?.

Well personally without get expectations up too high i can not see why a title challenge is not beyond us and like Rafa himself has said if we are in the mix near the end then there is nothing stopping us making a push.

Obviously new top quality players help but even if we were not to sign any players during the summer then i still think we can mount a challenge but the players have to raise their games.

When i look at our team we are extremely strong and only lack strength in the wide areas but even then the players we have there would be more then enough against the majority of the Premier League.

The spine of the team currently is as strong as any in Europe for me. Players such as Reina, Carragher, Agger, Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard and Torres give us a superb platform to build on and that's seven players who should be playing week in week out next season.

When you then add to the spine players like Ryan Babel who hopefully thanks to having a season experience of the Premier League under his belt he will push on and instead of been classed as 'raw talent' he will start and become more consistent.

If Babel does find that next level in his development he will instantly make us more of a threat upfront.

We witnessed at the end of last season Rafa changing to a 4-2-3-1 formation and this allowed us to go on a very good unbeaten run and hopefully Rafa will continue this into next season and sign any new players around this formation.

We have already signed Degen an attacking full back who not many people have seen much of and the reports on him and our record on free transfers suggest he could be more Voronin then Babbel but as is always the case he will get complete support from me and hopefully he will prove to be a success.

Dossena is another player who will complete his transfer this week after the structure of the deal was sorted out and now he has returned from honeymoon i would expect to see him and Degen alongside Rafa at Melwood holding aloft Liverpool scarfs in the near future.

If there is one thing i hope Rafa has learned from last season it is not to over complicate things and stick with a settled side and a settled formation and allow the lads to go out there and win the games and not to be obsessed with avoiding defeat.

Hopefully this season we will have learnt the lesson of last season on how to kill games off as the draws we suffered cost us a title challenge last season and its important we learn to score the second goal in games we are vastly on top but seem to struggle to finish teams off in.

So start of a new season and hopefully the start of a very successful one.

Now as previously mentioned this is my opinion, and yes favouritism will apply because what is opinion without it? Please feel free to whine and challenge in whatever way suits you best, just don't create a free-for-all 'cause I'm not a fan. 

P.S. Please don't bitch about the music in the videos! As much as I do enjoy watching them they aren't made by me, and I personally wouldn't dream of putting any of the following songs in!

10. Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas Soler

Brought up through the Barcelona Youth Academy, Fàbregas is a twenty-one year old central midfielder who has become Arsenal's most lethal playmaker. This Spanish international is one of the most exciting prospects in todays football and is already being compared to fellow Spanish legend Josep Guardiola.

Something that instantly strikes me about Fàbregas is how he instantly fits into the stereotypical Arsenal mould of 'skill over strength'. Rather then make huge tackles or exert himself unto other players Fàbregas prefers to pass and keep the tempo rolling - having one of the most important roles in the game helps him define exactly how Arsenal play. Admittedly Fàbregas wasn't initially blessed with the scoring edge Arsenal are so fond of, but as he has aged he has progressed his game into a more aggressive style of football, yet still incorporating the traditional skill over style Arsenal have traditionally retained for so long. 

With his attacking powers unleashed it is no wonder that Fàbregas has become one of Arsenal's set piece takers; the first choice free-kick and corner taker. In the future I can see Fàbregas become even more of a household name than he already is and really being one of the driving forces of football - a truly wonderful player.

9. Sergio Ramos García

This Spanish centre-half is still only twenty-two years of age yet in his remarkable three seasons at Real Madrid has scored a total of fourteen goals. Perhaps not impressive in comparison to your Rooney's and Ronaldo's, but for a twenty-two year old defender it say that its a damn good tally.

Ramos has everything you'd use when creating a perfect defender - his capability to play out-of-position roles (al'a full back and further up into defensive midfield), remarkable pace and the physical strength to make him an imposing threat to attackers. Pace seems to be one of Ramos' strongest assets and I think this pretty much speaks for itself when you consider his outstanding runs up and down the right flank.

Ramos is still however very young, but that makes him all the more exciting when you consider just how far his abilities will increase with his age. A constant threat to opposing forwards and goalkeepers alike, Ramos is a versatile player whose style never fails to impress me - I'm just glad he never did become that bullfighter...

8. Javier Mascherano

Liverpool's answer to Hargreaves. Alongside fellow Argentine Tevez created mass controversy with his transfer spectacularé, but unlike Tevez barely played for the Hammers - instead went straight to the kops.

Mascherano is not another 'love of West Ham' preach esque entry, far from it - he only played five games for us and at the time I really did not rate him. It wasn't until Benetiz unveiled the true form that lied beneath this mysterious Argentine that I saw just what a player he really was. Swapping from club to club so frequently clearly didn't damage Mascherano in the slightest as he maintains his inept ability as a defensive midfielder.

What I like about Mascherano's playing style is his concept of the game. He can make the tackles, he can obstruct the forwards and create havoc in any area of the pitch - but with his perception of what the game around him it makes him a truly deadly player to face. Kudos to you Tommy!

7. Lionel Andrés Messi

Approaching his twenty-first birthday, Argentine starlet Messi has been hailed by Maradona as his "successor". A cunning player who is able to play either on the wing or as a deep lying forward; he is Barcelona's trump card.

Messi is the sort of versatile player who can completely swing a game in his teams favour. What I believe about Messi is that he is too relied on, and I know this obviously isn't his fault, but I prefer watching teams that can play as a unite rather than an individual. Do not get me wrong, Messi is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best footballers ever, literately ever - I just don't enjoy him as much as the previously mentioned.

You have to feel for Messi though, being diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency at the age of eleven isn't nice for anybody. Clearly this hasn't affected his career either, as he has come out as this literal football monster. I can see Messi maintaining his standard of play for a few years and then completely surpassing his own, and anybody else's level - he just needs to find a team that he can play alongside and rely on as much as they will him.

6. Petr Čech

Petr Čech the guardian of Stamford Bridge. This Czech international currently holds three world records, a Czech professional league record of not conceding a goal in 855 competitive minutes, an English Premiership record of not conceding a goal in 1,025 minutes, and the most clean sheets accomplished in a single Premier League season (25), set during Chelsea’s 04/05 title-winning campaign.

Keepers are generally forgettable characters in football, yet they have arguably the hardest job in the game. Čech is a keeper who has come back after sustaining a savage injury via a brutal tackle from Reading's Steven Hunt been able to play to the same, if not better, standard than before. Throughout the whole of this campaign he has been brilliant, I do not care what anybody says about him; being injury played and then coming on for massive matches with excellent performances. Not only is he an adapt keeper but also a true sportsman, even after being in a team with prima donna of the century Drogba, he still will run out of his box at site of any injury unheeding of the team.

As much as I despise Chelsea with every bone in my body I do not repent in saying that Petr Čech is a fucking awe inspiring footballer.

5. Carlos Tevez

Following what could possibly the most controversial transfer saga to date, at the beginning of the 07/08 season Argentine international Carlos Tevez signed the dotted line for Manchester United.

Tevez is my all time favourite player; end of. Being a West Ham fan, watching my clubs fate lie on the shoulders of one single player was an incredible experience; emphasised all the more so through his on pitch competence and proficiency. This man managed to save a team in need of saving in what seemed a completely impossible situation, despite being ignored by former manager Alan Pardew. To also have the grace to come back on pitch as a respected player and give a brilliantly dignified response just goes to show why my love of this player is so substantial - oh, and not to mention he is a shitting good player too.

What I first noticed about Tevez is his confidence, despite not being the most imposing striker he is still able to fight through defenders until the very last minute, never afraid to take a shot in the most diverse situations - which usually hit those fine white lines. His inclination for the game is also outstanding, Tevez is an intelligent player who can read out situations well, an example is his supporting of Rooney despite predominantly playing a centre forward role himself. Not only that, but he is also one of the most hard working players we have to date and truly gives his all which is shown through his consistency on the pitch and personal reactions.

Tevez is a fine player, and I expect much more will come of this, as quoted by Diego Maradona, "Argentine prophet for the 21st century".

4. Daniel Alves da Silva

A Brazilian right back capable of playing on the right wing too. Alves plays for Sevillia where he is most probably most remembered for his public war of words against the Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido due to Alves' dream to move and Del Nido's urgency to keeping the best players he can for the mediocre Sevillia.

What I like most about Alves is his complexity when playing. Due to his adapt ability to play dual roles he becomes a real threat to both strikers and defenders alike. Possessing the burlesque stature of the stereotypical full back yet combining the physique of a modern day winger makes him a truly minatory opponent.

A lot of people proclaim he isn't the player that they expected him to become, yet I really cannot comprehend this; if anything he is much more developed and superior to what I assumed anyway. Rumours are flying all over the place that United are interested in signing him as a replacement Neville - if true, United truly will have the best defence in footballing history.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

This Portuguese international really needs no introduction, known throughout the world as Ronaldo, this versitile young man is capable of playing either as a dual sided winger or even up front. Currently playing at Manchester United where he recently surpassed former United legend George Best's thirty-two goal record as a midfielder and fell short by two of other united forward legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy's by two.

Now Ronaldo was unavoidable in making an appearance in this list, and I'm sure a lot of you are in shock that he isn't number one. An underlying reason for this is his inconsistency, with the amount of chances he makes it is simply inevitable that he will score, but I personally believe he should score more.

What I like most about Ronaldo is his cockiness. Now a lot of people happily slander him for this, yet I think it adds to his character - compare him to fellow winger and team mate Giggs; Ronaldo is more entertaining. His ability by far compensates this as well, I feel that it contributes toward his style. Another thing I really enjoy about Ronaldo is how we, the fans, have been able to watch him mature and grow. Ferguson signed him and immediately gave him the heroic No.7 jersey, this sparked off so much hysteria about a player who was literately unknown. Perhaps this spurred Ronaldo on into playing with the elegance he is so gifted with today, almost a talisman baring his true talent.

He is a Marmite amongst footballers, loved or hated by the millions. I however love him, world cup incident aside, he is a beautiful footballer and has given football a face again. 

2. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

Known to the majority simply as Kaká. This twenty-six year old attacking midfielder currently plays for A.C. Milan where he's met the net 54 times, as well as his national team Brazil.

Now a lot of people will argue over this, naming Kaká over Ronaldo 'n all - however I do have to disagree. Kaká is such a rare sportsman, someone who is so quaint yet so tactful with a football at his feet; a true role model. Kaká's openness to religion and avoidance of tabloid debaucheries truly make him an inspiration when compared to ninety-percent of his competitors.

His playing style is also something to be in awe of, his capability to maintain a ball perfectly whilst undergoing constant attacks from teams that solely focus on attacking him is incredible. Definitely blessed with pace, all the skills and tricks (which, are what seem to credit toward a players likeability these days) as well as the sheer dominance over the net; combining Brazilian flair with European directness  -  Kaká simply is one of the best, a true gentlemen amongst footballers.

1. Sergio Leonel "Kún" Agüero del Castillo

Better known as Sergio Aguero or "Kún" to the Spaniards and Argentineans, the 19-year old starlet from Argentina currently playing for Atlético Madrid.

Now I do not care what anybody says here. You can sit back and moan on about how it should be Ronaldo, Messi or Kaka - no. Agüero is without a doubt the finest striker the world has seen in a long time. We have been stuck with Rooney and Eto'os' wearisome performances for too long now and it is time we all moved on and realised that there is talent outside what we know.

Agüero not only possesses incredible pace, but also impeccable shooting capabilities and an overall superb interception of the game as a whole. What adds to my profounded likening of this particular player is his age - 19 years old and the third highest goal scorer in one of the best leagues the world has to offer! After having such a poor previous season where he was frequently neglected for Mista, he has come back despite all the controversy over his talent and teamed up with a completely foreign player (Forlan) and created this prolific partnership in which he has truly shown his true abilities.

Agüero deserves my No.1 spot, just as much as he deserved the Antonio Puerta Award for the Best "La Liga" player for the 07/08 season that he recently won. All I can say is wait until Agüero reaches his peak; I'd sure hate to be a keeper.

Boca arrived in Rio and had an immediate coach transfer to the Maracanã, where Riquelme, who's been unwell in recent days with something that, from the presence of the word 'gastro' in the reports, I'm guessing is a nasty stomach bug, told reporters; 'At times I feel bad, but I'm only thinking about tomorrow's match.' In spite of his not being 100%, he'll be in the starting lineup for the Xeneize. 'We know it's going to be very complicated, we're playing against a great team,' said Riquelme in a sentence entirely free of any of the normal banal fripperies players come out with prior to such occasions (ahem). 'We have to be really well prepared. It's normal that they're feeling confident [after the 2-2 draw in the first leg].' Why does anyone bother asking players questions prior to big continental matches?

Of course, there was no Riquelme to talk bland non-thoughts into microphones for the national side in San Diego on Tuesday, so instead the job went to a man who's often got something to say to his team-mates on the pitch, Javier Mascherano. El Jefecito told the Argentine, Mexican and American press, regarding both Wednesday's match and the game against the USA on Sunday; 'I believe it's important for the coach, to try out something different and take his conclusions.' For once he may actually have a point - these dates have been circled for a while as two matches that should help Alfio Basile work out what the bloody hell he'll do if Riquelme's unavailable for the selección in a competitive match.

'We're thinking about tomorrow. We've played Mexico far more than we have the United States in recent times. But they're two very good teams who deserve respect, and these matches will give us a lot of pointers to work towards the upcoming World Cup qualifiers [against Brazil and Ecuador later in the month],' the Liverpool midfielder told reporters.

Check the site tomorrow for the lineups of both matches.

Confusão com preparador físico, Tevez e Mascherano no Corinthians? Lá está ele.

Briga com atacante marfinense lá pelas bandas da Alemanha? Olha só, quem será? Mais uma vez, ele.

Relógio voa “involuntariamente” na concentração do São Paulo e vai parar na cabeça de quem? Dele, claro.

Diálogo embaraçoso, comprometedor e polêmico com tietes num elevador:

- Manda um beijo pro Fábio. E outro pro Marcelo Moreno.
- Que negócio é esse de mandar beijo pra homem? Aqui não tem nenhum Richarlyson, não.

Do nada, a cena vai parar na internet e vira pauta na mídia. Tchan, tchan, tchan... Será que ele está no bolo de novo? Na mosca!

Pois é, Carlos Alberto é mesmo um espertão.

Exemplo de como não se administrar a imagem de um jogador de futebol ou simples injustiçado pelo destino traiçoeiro?

De todo jeito, essa história lembra a de um certo mamute, tão esperto e sagaz quanto o menino inocente, Carlos Alberto.

http://rolablog.zip.net/