Cristiano Ronaldo Pictures

Cristiano Ronaldo denied stonewall penalty as Man Utd crash out of FA Cup

2008-03-13T03:24:00.000-07:00

Result: Man Utd 0 -1 Portsmouth (Old Trafford)

Harry Redknapp's FA Cup curse struck Manchester United again as Portsmouth won a dramatic quarter-final clash.

Paul Scholes, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves all returned to United's starting line-up after the Champions League victory over Lyon - and they met with stubborn and well-organised Portsmouth resistance.

United were understandably furious after six minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly bundled over by Distin as he raced into the area, but referee Martin Atkinson ignored the appeals, to the clear disgust of Ferguson.

Cristiano ronaldo had latched onto a superb cross-field ball from rooney, only to be blocked by a suspect challenge from Distin, not getting anywhere near the ball and bundling the portuguese striker over.

Pompey rarely threatened, but United keeper Van der Sar was in some discomfort as he scrambled to save a long-range shot from Niko Kranjcar.

United missed a glorious chance to break the deadlock after 18 minutes when Tevez and Wayne Rooney led a counter-attack, but the England striker was blocked by defender Sol Campbell.

The rebound fell for Tevez, but Glen Johnson made a superb recovery to block his goal-bound effort on the line.

James had been well-protected by his defence, but he needed to be sharp to drop to his right and save a low drive from Tevez.

It had been a very satisfactory first half for Portsmouth, but United had a problem in the interval when Van der Sar withdrew through injury and was replaced by Kuszczak.

Pompey almost came unstuck in a goalmouth scramble after 57 minutes, when Tevez was blocked by defenders on the line and Cristiano Ronaldo's subsequent shot snaked just inches wide.

United were taking control, and Evra should have done better than cross behind Tevez after being sent clear into the area by Rooney.

Ferguson made a double change after 67 minutes, sending on Anderson and Carrick for Tevez and Hargreaves.

And Carrick was the central figure in a remarkable escape for Portsmouth three minutes later.

Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliant back-heel played him into area and a goal looked certain as he rounded James, but Distin made a miraculous recovery to make the clearance.

United were turning up the heat, with James stretching to make a superb save from Evra, turning his shot on to the post.

After surviving a second-half siege, Portsmouth broke out to take the lead in remarkable circumstances.

Kranjcar broke down the right and played in substitute Baros, who was felled by Kuszczak. The foul was indeed very harsh, Baros seeming to crash his knee into Kuszczak rather than the other way round.

Nevertheless, the Pole was shown the red card by referee Atkinson despite the fact that Rooney and Anderson were patrolling the goal-line.

Ferdinand went in goal as replacement, but he stood no chance as Muntari drilled home the penalty with the minimum of fuss.

Sulley Muntari scored the winner from the spot with 12 minutes left after Milan Baros was upended by United's substitute keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

Kuszczak, who replaced Edwin van der Sar at half-time, was sent off and Rio Ferdinand took over in goal.

United went close to scoring, Sylvain Distin denying Michael Carrick on the line and Patrice Evra hitting a post.

The surprise win took Portsmouth back to Wembley, for the first time since 1942, for the semi-finals and ended United's hopes of repeating their 1999 treble triumph.

For Redknapp, who has previously knocked United out of the FA Cup with both Bournemouth and West Ham, it was another victory over Sir Alex Ferguson to savour

- The Cristiano Ronaldo Team

image source - bbc sport - http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44478000/jpg/_44478106_ronaldo_getty416.jpg

Advertise here for $$$ - Cristiano Ronaldo Pictures Portugal

2008-03-13T03:11:00.001-07:00

Become a Premium Sponsor at Cristiano Ronaldo Pictures Portugal and have it seen by thousands of web users, targeting your market directly.

Crsitiano Ronaldo Pictures Portugal is viewed by thousands of readers every month and it tailors the needs of the niche soccer fan.

As a result it represents a unique opportunity for those wanting to give their product or service the chance of being squeezed quickly throughout the blogosphere in a viral manner.

Rates:

Link Exchange - Top Right Banner - $10 3 months
125x125 Banner - Premium Spot Right Banner - $10 per month

example banner shown on right -->

Earn $$$ and instant exposure!
Send your inquiries to gurjiblog@gmail.com

Cristiano Pictures - Cristiano Scores against Lyon

2008-03-08T06:11:00.001-08:00

cristiano ronaldo after match champions league

cristiano ronaldo celebrating champions league goal vs lyon

cristiano ronaldo goal vs lyon - champions league

cristiano ronaldo passing - champions league vs lyon

Cristiano Ronaldo Video - scoring against lyon champions league

2008-03-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo goal vs lyon 4/03/08 - Champions League - Old Trafford

Video taken from youtube and all copyrights are open and free to share :)

Cristiano Ronaldo's 30th goal gives Manchester United ticker to quarter-finals

2008-03-05T02:33:00.001-08:00

Result: Manchester United 1 - 0 Lyon (2-1 on aggregate)

Cristiano Ronaldo gave Manchester United the win at Old Trafford sending them to the quarter-finals in a tense Champions League tie.

Man utd and Cristiano Ronaldo did not have it their own way early in the first half with Lyon defending well, getting numbers behind the ball and frustraing the Man utd attack.
The pace of Ronaldo and Nani on either wing always looked their most likely route of finding a way through the visitors' well-organised defence and brought them the best early openings.

Early opportunities soon came thick and fast, first with Fletcher hitting a good chance over the cross bar from 25 yeard and Cristiano Ronaldo had an excellent break down the right flank, leaving Gross in his wake on the floor, although could not pull back a cross of the same quality, with a congested Lyon penalty area.

It looked like the stalemate would extend until half-time but Ronaldo had soon had other ideas.

Nani combined well with Wes Brown down the right flank and although Anderson's shot from his cross was blocked, Ronaldo was first to punce on the loose ball and expertly slotted the ball between the onrushing keeper Coupet and the post.

That goal put United firmly in the driving seat although Lyon refused to lay down without a fight.

Initially, Alain Perrin's side failed to test Van der Sar further with Juninho's shot drifting well wide and Hatem Ben Arfa drilling another effort over.

Benzema was a constant threat, linking up the play, holding the ball, using his pace and played unselfishly throughout the game in a good performance - his highlight setting up a Keida Keita shot which hit the post with Van der Sar beaten.

Manchester United survived that scare and should have extended their margin of victory before the end.
Rooney latched on to a poor Ben Arfa back-pass but was denied by Coupet's smart block - then wasted another golden chance when substitute Carlos Tevez put him clear.

Further goals would have put an undeserved gloss on United's night but Ferguson will be satisfied that his side have progressed despite never fully getting into their stride.

Cristiano picked up a small knock mid-way through the game which seemed to put a halt on his performance, which after the goal, was a very average effort by his standards.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney shone, with very good performances to note from Wes Brown, Evra, Vidic and Tevez made an impact shortly after coming on.

It was by no means United's most stylish victory in Europe,although their manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not mind one bit after seeing his side equal Juventus' Champions League record of 10 straight home wins.

- The Cristiano Ronaldo Team

Man Utd line-up: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Tevez 70), Ronaldo (Hargreaves 90), Rooney, Nani.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Saha, Park, Scholes, O'Shea.

Bookings: Evra, Nani, Fletcher.

Goals: Ronaldo 41.

Lyon line-up: Coupet, Clerc, Squillaci, Cris, Grosso, Ben Arfa, Juninho, Toulalan, Kallstrom (Fred 79), Govou (Keita 67), Benzema.

Subs Not Used: Vercoutre, Bodmer, Delgado, Mounier, Boumsong.

Bookings: Grosso, Squillaci.

Aggregate score: (2-1)

Attendance: 75,521 (Old Trafford)

Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

image source - cristiano and rooney celebrating goal - bbc sports

Rooney and Ronaldo expected to return for Lyon Champions Legaue tie

2008-03-03T03:21:00.000-08:00

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will call on a refreshed Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to fire his side into the Champions League quarter-finals - at the expense of Lyon on Tuesday night. Rooney and Ronaldo were rested in the 3-0 win against Fulham, at craven cottage but are expected to make starts in the crucial champions league tie this Tuesday.

The duo came on as late second-half substitutes as United brushed Fulham aside with a thumping 2-0 victory on Saturday to maintain their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal who are jsut one point ahead at the summit.

The tie against Lyon is finely poised at 1-1, with much credit due to Carlos Tevez who snatched a late equaliser.

Lyon can expect to find the going tough as Manchester united have an impressive Champions League home record, having conceded just one goal in three group games at Old Trafford this season. They also have not lost at home to a French side in European competition with does not spell good news for French Ligue 1 champions.

"We've got to win against Lyon - it's a massive game for the club. All the players realise that," Ferguson told the club's Web site.

"The pleasing thing for me was I was able to use my squad with Tuesday's game with Lyon in mind. It was vital for us to rest Ronaldo and Rooney."

The two teams face tomorrow in what is a crucial tie, with both teams vying for a place in the quarter-finals. This promises to be a very exiting match for fans and an occasion for the players to live up to. - The Cristiano Ronaldo Team

Expected teams as they line up tomorrow:

Manchester United: Edwin van der Sar; Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra; Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves, Anderson; Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs.

Olympique Lyon: Gregory Coupet; Francois Clerc, Cris or ean-Alain Boumsong, Sebastien Squillaci, Fabio Grosso; Hatem Ben Arfa, Kim Kallstrom, Jeremy Toulalan, Juninho, Sidney Govou, Karim Benzema.

image source - rooney and ronaldo - telegraph.co.uk

Fergie praises phenomenal Ronaldo

2008-03-03T02:57:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferugson has described Cristiano's Ronaldo scoring rate as "phenemonal" as the Manchester United winger attempts to break the 30-goal mark in all club competitions.

Ronaldo, 23, has been a constant threat to defenders throughout the season, with great form in the Premier league, champions league (at one time being level with zlatan imbrahimovic) although currently is joint second with Gerrard and Ibrahimovic with Lionel Messi leading the pile.
Cristiano has also got his scoring boots on in the FA Cup, scoring twice to send Tottenham Hotspur crashing out of the domestic cup.

Ronaldo has already eclipsed his total of 23 goals last season, and proved he is an exceptional attacking force with another flurry of goals and assists this season.

Ferguson said, “Cristiano has played as a centre forward a couple of times and scored four goals in two games.

“That is a great strike rate, but to score those goals as a wide player is phenomenal.

“It is a superb achievement and he has cast any doubts aside about whether he could repeat last season’s total."

Ferguson remains confident that he has the squad to cope with a hectic schedule of league, Champions League and FA Cup games.

He said, “It is not easy but we have the experience and hopefully the strength of our squad this season will mean something and help us.”

Manchester United face Lyon on Tuesday night, with an away goal from the 1-1 draw in France, Man Utd head to Old Trafford with in a strong position. They will be looking to take full advantage of home support and their fantastic record at home in the Champions league.

Cristiano will be looking for a more impressive role in the crucial tie at Old Trafford, and as you expect, we will be covering the game in full in-depth analysis and we, like many other fans, will be hoping for Man Utd to make it through to the quarter-finals.

- The Cristiano Ronaldo Team

image source - Cristiano ronaldo celebrating - shoot.com

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

2008-03-02T05:05:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, or Cristiano ronaldo as he is better known, was born in Madeira, Portugal in 1985.

Cristiano's second given name "ronaldo" is relatively rare in Portugal. His parents named him after former US President and Hollywood actor, Ronald Reagan due to their love of his films and not his political views.

He began kicing a football back when he was just three, and his favourite boyhood team was SL Benfica even though he would later player for their rivals, Sporting Lisbon.

Ronaldo joined Sporting's other youth players who trained at the Alcochete, the club's "football factory," where he received first-class instruction. In his first few months in Lisbon, he was taunted from the rest of the local players as they had taunted him over his Madeiran accent.

However, Ronaldo eventually went on to become the only player in Sporting’s history to play for the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, B team and first-team within a season.

Sporting fought off interest from Liverpool, and Gerard Houillier who ahd spotted the 16 year-old, but Sporting declined the offer stating he needed more time to develop into a top footballer.

However, he came to the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2003, when Sporting beat Manchester United 3-1 in the inauguration of the Alvalade XXI stadium in Lisbon.
Ronaldo demonstrated his ability to play on both wings. His performance in the match impressed the Manchester United players, who urged their manager to buy the winger, as they would rather he was on their side than facing them.

Ferguson decided that he wanted Ronaldo for his team, who were in the market for a right-sided midfielder with the departure of David Beckham to Real Madrid; Ronaldo was signed for a fee of £12.24 million, becoming the club's first ever Portuguese player.

Ronaldo was handed the number 7 shirt on his arrival, a shirt number that has belonged to some of the greatest Manchester United legends, such as George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and Beckham.

Ronaldo initially asked for the number 28 which he wore at Sporting, as he did not want the pressure of living up to the expectation linked to the number 7 shirt. "After I joined, the manager asked me what number I'd like. I said 28. But Ferguson said 'no, you're going to have No. 7' and the famous shirt was an extra source of motivation. I was forced to live up to such an honour"

Cristiano Ronaldo has since settled into Machester United extremely well, with last seaons being his best so far. Ronaldo won PFA Players player of the year 2007 and PFA young player of the year.

On December 17 2007, it was officially announced that Ronaldo came in third in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards, finishing behind Kaka and Messi.

In the 2008 season, Cristiano thus far has led the scoreboard table as of 1/03/08 with 21 goals, just ahead of Arsenal's Emmaneul Adebayor, a remarkable figure considering Cristiano is a winger

- The Cristiano Ronaldo Team

some of this article was adapted from a Wikipedia article which can be found at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo