Pasión Albiceleste

Coloccini to sign with Newcastle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:23:00 +0000

soccernet.com

Fabricio Coloccini could walk out on Deportivo La Coruna if they refuse to allow him to complete a switch to Newcastle United.

Reports suggest Coloccini has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League side who are believed to have met the Spanish club's original asking price of 12 million euros.

But Depor have now said they want €14million for the Argentina international, something which has infuriated Coloccini and his agent Marcelo Lombilla. '(Club president Augusto) Lendoiro has to face up to the music and it is that he should not have asked for two million more from anyone,' Lombilla told Spanish sports daily AS. 'One day he tells me a million will be enough, but he won't accept that, because he thinks there is a million and a half. 'For Coloccini it is a shame that he may miss out on the contract of his life.'

Depor left for a pre-season tour of Venezuela on Monday but Coloccini was not included in the travelling party as the wranglings over his future continue. And Lombilla, who has already had several meetings with Lendoiro, has threatened that the 26-year-old could invoke FIFA's Article 17 and walk out on the club, if they do not facilitate his move to St James' Park. Article 17 would allow Coloccini to buy out the remaining time on his contract. 'We don't want to, but if they are pushing us closer to the edge...' Depor coach Miguel Angel Lotina is more or less resigned to losing Coloccini, and has already started looking for a replacement. 'There are several players who are to our liking,' he said. 'But those that we like the most aren't in the Spanish league. 'We have a good idea more or less, but we will wait to see what happens for definite with Coloccini before we put the names on the table.'

Messi Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:12:00 +0000

Radio Mitre is reporting that Messi's father has spoken to the Olympic team manager Sergio Batista and told him that Messi will be going to the Olympics.

Radio Mitre is also reporting that Messi will give a press conference tomorrow morning in which he will confirm that he will indeed participate in the Olympics.

Maradona: "The national team shirt can not be betrayed"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:03:00 +0000

Diego Maradona has also weighed in on the Messi controversy.

In remarks made to Madrid newspaper MARCA, Maradona said the following:

'The national team shirt can not be betrayed, you have to give your life playing for it."

"We must know how to separate the millions that Barcelona can pay and the glory that can be had by playing for the national team."

Will Messi play in the Olympics?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:05:00 +0000

It's been widely reported that Barcelona has been pressuring Messi into not participating in the upcoming Olympic Games because of the teams Champions League preliminary games that will take place at the same time as the Olympics. It seemed that the issue was settled when FIFA issued a communique last week stating that all club teams must release their players that are under 23 years old that are selected by their national teams to participate in the Olympics.

But, now the new Barcelona manager was quoted as saying that there has not been a final resolution in the Messi situation and that he expects FIFA to side with Barcelona and for Messi to stay with the team instead of going to the Olympics.

The Argentina FA President said that FIFA's rules are clearly on the national team's side and that he fully expects Messi to participate in the Olympics.

Barcelona begins its pre-season training next Monday and Messi is not expected to be there. Or will Lio be there and miss out on the Olympics in order to avoid a big conflict with his club team?

Manchester United to make offer for Aguero

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:08:00 +0000

Tevez & Aguero - Manchester United teamamates?

Will Manchester United pay the rescission clause of 55 million euros and bring Aguero to the Premier League?

espn.com

One of England's top clubs are poised to launch a bid for Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero, the player's agent has revealed.

At just 20 years old, 'El Kun' is already one of Europe's hottest properties, with Atletico having to fight to keep hold of their Argentinian star last summer after he won the Golden Boot and player of the tournament awards at the Under-20 World Cup in Canada.

His stock rose further last season as he netted 20 goals in 37 Primera Liga games while picking up Spain's player of the year award in just his second 12 months on the continent. Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has repeatedly denied ever having received a bid for the striker, but with plenty of interest in the young star reported in January, the capital club felt moved to increase Aguero's buy-out clause to 55million euros.

However, according to the player's representative, Jose Segui, even that huge sum will not be enough to put off one of the English Premier League's top sides. And while he stopped short of naming names, Segui insisted the interested party was not Chelsea. 'I've received an offer from a big English club and they've asked me to pass that offer on to Atletico Madrid,' Segui told Spanish newspaper AS. 'I can't say anything more until I've spoken to the club about this definite offer. 'I can only say that it's one of the best clubs in Europe and it's not Chelsea.' The belief in Spain is that Manchester United are the club in question, as they are seen by the Spanish media as the only club other than Chelsea capable of affording the player. However, they may face a challenge luring the player to England's North West, as 'El Kun' has repeatedly stated that he is happy with his life in Madrid.

Olympic Squad List Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:25:00 +0000

U-23 manager Sergio Batista is being interviewed on Radio Del Plata and he is saying that Burdisso will probably not participate in the Olympics because of pressures by his club team Inter.

Batista also said that there is a possibility that Heinze will play in the Olympics afterall.

Official Olympic Squad List

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:39:00 +0000

Burdisso will anchor the backline in the Olympics.

U-23 manager Sergio Batista presented the official list of 18 players that will represent Argentina in the upcoming Olympic Games. It still remains to be seen if Gago and Messi will make the trip to China. Both of their club teams have been pressuring the players into not participating in the Olympics.

Argentina Olympic Team:

GK - Oscar Ustari (Getafe)
GK - Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar)

D - Pablo Zabaleta (Deportivo Espanyol)
D - Ezequiel Garay (Real Madrid)
D - Federico Fazio (Sevilla)
D - Nicolás Burdisso (Inter Milan)
D - Luciano Monzón (Boca Juniors)

M - Fernando Gago (Real Madrid)
M - Ever Banega (Valencia)
M - Javier Mascherano (Liverpool)
M - Juan Román Riquelme (Boca Juniors)
M - Angel Di María (Benfica)
M - José Sosa (Bayern Munich)
M - Diego Buonanotte (River Plate)

F - Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
F - Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli)
F - Lautaro Acosta (Sevilla)
F - Sergio Aguero (Atlético Madrid)

Newcastle signs Jonás Gutiérrez

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:59:00 +0000

guardian.co.uk

Argentina winger agrees five-year contract for undisclosed fee

Kevin Keegan today made his first significant signing since returning to the manager's office at Newcastle United last January when Jonas Gutierrez, an Argentina international winger, exchanged Real Mallorca for Tyneside.

Although Newcastle declined to disclose the fee, Manchester City lodged a £7m bid for Gutierrez last season while Portsmouth are said to have been prepared to pay around £8m for a primarily right-sided wide man who will be 25 on Saturday.

Keegan seems simply delighted to have finally reinforced a worryingly shallow squad and today said: "Jonas is a wonderful signing for us. I know lots of other clubs were interested in him but he's a terrific addition to our squad. He's an exciting player and I am sure our fans will enjoy watching him."

Although Gutierrez, who has agreed a five-year contract at St James' Park, was identified as a transfer target and then recruited by Dennis Wise, Newcastle's executive director (football), and his sidekick, Tony Jiminez, Keegan's enthusiasm for a player who won his first senior cap for Argentina against France in February this year appears entirely sincere.

Having subsequently appeared for Argentina against Brazil this summer, Gutierrez has been granted an extended holiday and will not join the rest of Keegan's squad when they reconvene for pre-season training on Monday. However the impending arrival of a player who traditionally celebrates scoring - and he claimed five goals in 95 appearances for Real Mallorca after his move from Velez Sarsfield of Argentina - by pulling a spiderman mask over his face, could well influence James Milner's future on Tyneside.

While Newcastle sources insist Keegan is determined to keep Milner, the England Under-21 international right winger is widely admired and may yet depart St James' Park before the end of August.

"I cannot tell you how delighted I am to be signing for Newcastle," said Gutierrez. "The Premier League is the place to play and I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates. I want to prove myself to my team-mates this season."

Deportivo Espanyol interested in Buonanotte

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:30:00 +0000

Deportivo Espanyol has set its sights on River Plate's talented 20 year old midfielder Diego Buonanotte who has just completed an outstanding first full season in Argentina and was widely considered the best player in the league as he helped River Plate win the league title.

No official offer has been made yet by Deportivo Espanyol.

elmundodeportivo.es

Buonanotte o Augusto Fernández se postulan como refuerzos para la medular

Aquiles Furlone - 02/07/2008 03:00

El fichaje del mediocentro ofensivo se ha convertido en el objetivo prioritario de la secretaría técnica del Espanyol. Entre los nombres que han entrado en el 'baile' de posibilidades, el mercado argentino no podía quedar al margen y el club donde podría 'pescar' el Espanyol es River Plate, el último campeón de la Liga argentina.

De allí han surgido como opciones dos jóvenes promesas, Diego Buonanotte y Augusto Fernández, ambos con notables cualidades pero de características y condiciones de mercado actuales bien diferentes. El 'enano' Buonanotte, la última gran aparición de la cantera 'millonaria', explotó en la temporada que acaba de finalizar y resultó vital para que el equipo de Diego Simeone acabara dando la vuelta olímpica.

Rápido, hábil, encarador y con buen olfato de gol (fue el 'pichichi' de River en el Torneo Clausura), este talento grande en envase pequeño (mide 1,60 metros y pesa 59 kilos), de sólo 20 años y que disputará junto a Zabaleta y Messi los Juegos Olímpicos, reúne todas las condiciones del prototipo de jugador que busca el Espanyol para la medular.

Sin embargo, su contratación suena a misión imposible. En primer lugar, porque en River no quieren saber nada con desprenderse tan pronto de la última joya. Y luego, porque el dinero con el que cuenta el Espanyol no parece suficiente como para convencer al club argentino de que venda.

El caso de Augusto es totalmente diferente. Después de un par de temporadas en el primer equipo, jugador y directiva coinciden en que ha llegado el momento de saltar a Europa. Y el futbolista está acelerando los trámites para obtener el pasaporte comunitario, lo que facilitaría un traspaso.

Aquí no habría problemas en cuanto a lo que puede ofrecer el Espanyol, ya que con cinco millones sobre la mesa River se desprendería del futbolista. Lo que en cierto modo juega en contra de la operación es que 'el nuevo Lucho González' -así lo llaman por el parecido con su antecesor en River y actual jugador del Porto- no es exactamente el perfil de centrocampista que buscan en Montjuïc.

Aunque se trata de un muy buen futbolista, que además de un gran presente tiene mucho potencial para seguir creciendo, si bien tiene un perfil ofensivo, no es el típico creador que puede asumir la conducción de un equipo.

Las cartas 'argentinas' parecen estar echadas por el lado de River. Será cuestión de tiempo saber si Buonanotte o Augusto Fernández se acaban convirtiendo en el fichaje 'bomba' del Espanyol.

Argentina no longer first in FIFA ranking

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:04:00 +0000

The national team has dropped out of first place in the latest FIFA rankings. Argentina is now ranked the 6th best team in the world. Spain has taken the top spot, at least for now.

The current list is, as usual, very Eurocentric.

It seems absurd to me that Paraguay, who is in first place in the South American WC Qualifying standings, is not even listed in the FIFA rankings. Paraguay is surely a better team than at least 50 percent of the teams that made the ranking.

Also, Brasil is the highest ranked South American team even though they are currently in 5th place in WC Qualifying behind both Paraguay and Argentina.

FIFA Rankings - July 2008

1. Spain
2. Italy
3. Germany
4. Brasil
5. Holland
6. Argentina
7. Croatia
8. Czech Republic
9. Portugal
10. France
11. Russia
12. Romania
13. Cameroon
14. Turkey
15. England
16. Scotland
17. Bulgaria
18. Greece
19. Mexico
20. Ghana

Heinze out of Olympic squad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:32:00 +0000

It appears that Gabriel Heinze will be the second player, after Demichelis, to opt out of joining the Argentina Olympic squad for the games this Summer. According to Madrid newspaper AS,
Real Madrid officials have convinced Heinze to stay home so that he may begin the pre-season preparations with the team and so that he can play in the first two official games of the season (the Super Cup) which will take place in August.

as.com

El Madrid convence a Heinze y no irá a los Juegos Olímpicos

Estará en el Algarve el 14 de julio

Quique Rubio | 02/07/2008

Finalmente Heinze no acudirá a los Juegos Olímpicos. El Madrid ha convencido al argentino para que falte a la cita de Pekín, por lo que podrá comenzar la pretemporada con el resto el próximo 14 de julio en El Algarve. La lesión de Cannavaro ha sido vital en las negociaciones. Heinze es consciente del problema que tiene el conjunto blanco por la recuperación del italiano en el arranque de la temporada y ha decidido centrarse en el Madrid, que disputará sus dos primeros partidos oficiales (la Supercopa) en agosto.

Aimar to sign with Benfica

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:41:00 +0000

It appears that Pablo Aimar will not be playing in Spain's Second Division next season. According to Portugal's A Bola newspaper, Aimar has reached an agreement with Benfica. The contract will be for 3 years. All that remains now is for the transfer to be finalized between his new team and Real Zaragoza.

Valencia to sign Zabaleta

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Valencia has made an offer of 10 million euros for Deportivo Espanyol defender Pablo Zabaleta. The negotiations are near completion and the deal is expected to be announced soon.

sport.es

EL ARGENTINO TIENE TODOS LOS NÚMEROS PARA VESTIR LA CAMISETA DEL VALENCIA

Zabaleta está casi fuera del Espanyol

Habrá traspaso en el vestuario blanquiazul. Todo hace indicar que el argentino ya ha iniciado su cuenta atrás como futuro jugador che

Tomàs Andreu

En las oficinas del área deportiva están tranquilos. A Pedro Tomás se le ve relajado y no hace falta ni hablar de la permanente sonrisa y buen humor que ha acompañado a Daniel Sánchez Llibre durante los últimos días. El presidente no se cansa de repetir que todo transcurre por buen camino, que los números están cuadrados y que la reestructuración de la plantilla se hará en condiciones porque habrá partida necesaria para lo que haga falta. Una promesa fácil de hacer cuando se está jugando con las cartas marcadas. Y es que Dani y Paco Herrera dan por sentado que habrá entre uno o dos traspasos en las próximas semanas. El primero, el de Pablo Zabaleta, está atado y sólo es cuestión de ser discretos y esperar el momento oportuno. El segundo es más complicado pero también se confía en que Albert Riera acabe encontrando acomodo más tarde o más temprano.

El futuro del lateral argentino está sentenciado de no surgir un cambio de planes totalmente improvisto. En condiciones normales, Zabaleta vestirá la camiseta del Valencia a partir de la próxima temporada. El principio de acuerdo se formalizó hace un par de meses, aunque en las últimas semanas se han producido nuevos contactos para confirmar que la operación queda en ‘punto muerto’ a la espera de que se produzcan unos movimientos previos e indispensables para que el conjunto levantino ponga su maquinaria en marcha. En la edición de ayer del rotativo ‘Superdeporte’ se recogía la cita que el director deportivo del Valencia, Juan Sánchez, mantenía con Paco Herrera el pasado 16 de mayo.

El guión está escrito, aunque todo él se encuentra pendiente de resolver un obstáculo inicial: el portugués Miguel. Es conocido que el Valencia ha puesto al lateral portugués en el mercado y que confía en que no tendrá demasiados problemas para buscarle salida y recaudar algunos millones. El recambio, aprobado por Unai Emery, no es otro que Pablo Zabaleta. Desde el Turia se insiste en pedir máxima discreción y negar cualquier noticia ya que podría afectar negativamente a la hora de poner precio a la salida de Miguel.

Donde no cuadran las informaciones es en el apartado económico. La noticia de ‘Superdeporte’ apunta a un intercambio simple: piden 10 millones de euros por Miguel y ofrecen la misma cantidad por Zabaleta. Durante los últimos meses se ha hablado de cantidades muy dispares, aunque en Montjuïc siguen con la cantinela de que todo pasa por asumir la cláusula de rescisión del defensa.

En cualquier caso, Paco Herrera está advertido del tema desde hace meses y ya ha preparado la alternativa que considera más razonable. Ayer ya adelantábamos que el nombre de Miguel Torres es el escogido para recalar en el equipo justo en el momento en que se concrete la salida de Miguel y la marcha de Zabaleta.

El polivalente lateral madridista lleva un par de años en la agenda del área deportiva blanquiazul pero no ha sido hasta hace unos días cuando Herrera ha logrado concretar una opción preferencial. El defensa es pieza codiciada por varios clubs de Primera, pero el Espanyol habría tomado la delantera a raíz del traspaso de José Callejón.

It Was 30 Years Ago Today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:31:00 +0000

Argentina won its first World Cup.

Juventus interested in Diego Milito

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:19:00 +0000

Juventus is the latest team to have expressed an interest in signing Diego Milito. The Italian side is willing to pay up to 10 million euros for the transfer. A meeting has been scheduled for next week between Juve officials and Milito's agent, Fernando Hidalgo.

as.com

La Juventus también se interesa por Diego Milito

El Príncipe gusta a Ranieri y su agente se reunirá en Turín

Jorge Solans | 25/06/2008

A Diego Milito le ha salido una nueva novia, más atractiva todavía que las anteriores: la Juventus de Turín. Un intermediario italiano se puso en contacto telefónico hace unos días con el representante del Príncipe, Fernando Hidalgo, para sondear las circunstancias del delantero zaragocista y el propio Hidalgo, que ya tenía previsto viajar esta semana a Italia por otros asuntos, se desplazará hasta Turín para reunirse en los próximos días con representantes de la Vecchia Signora y concretar su interés en cifras.

Claudio Ranieri, entrenador bianconero, sabe que David Trezeguet tiene las maletas casi preparadas para abandonar Delle Alpi, así que ya ha dado órdenes de encontrar un sustituto de garantías. Diego Milito es uno de los arietes que más seduce a Ranieri y sus superiores creen que la operación es factible, teniendo en cuenta que el Zaragoza ya rechazó una oferta por escrito del Nápoles de 10 millones. Además, Manchester City y Tottenham se interesaron por él hace tiempo. Y el Valencia le tanteó la semana pasada a la espera de lo que suceda con Villa.

Aunque la prioridad del Príncipe es quedarse en España, tanto por motivos deportivos como personales, la aparición de la posibilidad turinesa puede cambiar drásticamente el panorama. De hecho, su hermano Gabi ya estuvo a un paso de firmar por la Juve (cuando su idea inicial era la misma que la de Diego) hace un año, antes de irse al Barcelona.

Zanetti: There are short circuits between Messi & Riquelme

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:18:00 +0000

Argentina Captain Javier Zanetti spoke on Radio Latina and said the following:

"There are short circuits that exist between Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquleme but it is something that should not be given so much importance because it is a good group."

"These are all things that are always going to exist. Someone like me who has had so many years in football learned to not give it that much importance."

"In a group of 25 to 30 persons it is difficult that everyone will be in agreement, the most important thing is the respect for each other because everyone has their own way of being."

I find it really interesting that the oldest veterans on the team Zanetti and Veron have admitted publicly that there are differences between Messi and Riquelme but younger players like Messi, Mascherano and Riquelme have denied everything and said that the rift between Messi and Riquelme was invented by the media in Argentina.

This inner fighting on the national team has been exposed and it's up to Basile, I think, more than the players involved, to find a resolution to it. The sooner, the better. It's troubling to think that the national team would carry this current turmoil into the next World Cup.

Benfica looking to sign Aimar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Benfica is interested in signing Pablo Aimar and has initiated contacts with Real Zaragoza.

Will Portugal be Aimar's next destination?

marca.com

El Benfica espera cerrar en las próximas horas el fichaje de los jugadores del Recreativo de Huelva Carlos Martis y Sinama Pongolle, mientras pregunta al Zaragoza las condiciones para contratar al argentino Pablo Aimar.

El técnico del Benfica, Quique Sánchez Flores, dijo que confía en que el Benfica "haga todo lo posible" para fichar al centrocampista portugués. "Carlos Martis ha hecho una gran temporada en España y vamos a ver si conseguimos traerlo", dijo el técnico en declaraciones publicadas por el diario 'O Jogo. Sánchez Flores destacó la polivalencia de Martins, ya que "puede funcionar como 10, pero también jugar en la banda derecha".

Cuestionado por el delantero francés, el entrenador madrileño dijo que es "muy rápido" y tiene una gran capacidad de desmarque y de crear ocasiones de gol. "Tengo la esperanza de que los dos puedan venir al Benfica", aseguró Quique Sánchez Flores sobre una operación que podría rondar los 10 millones de euros.

Messi Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:41:00 +0000

In today's La Nacion an interview with Lionel Messi

"Those are all lies. They're absurdities that do not deserve a response. I would like to know from where all that came from and what is being sought."

"But I'm not interested in talking about it because it was all invented."

Q - Was the team satisfied with the draw against Brasil?

M - The entire game we were very superior to Brasil, they created one or two scoring chances and the rest was all us. We proved that we can compete against a big team. We could have won the game if I had scored in one of the plays where I was in front of the goal.

Q - What do you think of the arguments that have been made that the team can not defeat Brasil without its stars?

M - When we lose, we don't talk about the Brazilian A team or Brazilian B team. I think we always take the initiative and playing as visitors. We had the clearest scoring chances but we did not have luck in front of the goal. The team was able to control Brasil and create goal scoring opportunities. We weren't able to score but we played well.

Q - The last 3 games the team earned 2 points. How do you see the team going forward?

M - I see it well. With alot of faith in our game. We have great players. Even though some look at the 2 points we earned in these last few games, we are doing well and are close to the first place team. As more games are played we are going to be more secure in how the team functions. I don't think we'll have any problems but anyway that'll be shown in each game. The WC Qualifiers are not easy but we feel calm.

Q - You made your official debut in the 2006 WC Qualifiers, when Argentina was already qualified. Now it is different. Do you feel more pressure?

M - I don't think about the issue of pressure. What I'm experiencing now is without a doubt totally different. When the team was already qualified it played with more calm. Whereas now I'm playing from the start and I hope that I can be in all the WC Qualifiers and be important to Argentina.

Q - In Barcelona and in Argentina you've been in locker rooms with well known players. Are there similarities?

M - No, because with Barcelona I'm there alot more of the time. The only similarity is that in Barcelona there are good individual talents and on the national team too. In every place where I am I try to enjoy the comradarie. And I enjoy every callup alot.

Valencia looking to sign Diego Milito

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Valencia has initiated negotiations with Milito's lawyer and his agent for a possible transfer.

as.com

El Valencia pide a Milito que no firme por nadie

Sánchez habló con su agente, a la espera de qué sucede con Villa

P. Morata | 19/06/2008

"Villa es intransferible", asegura el Valencia día sí y día también. Pero por si a caso, la secretaría técnica tiene un plan B. Juan Sánchez ha contactado en los últimos días con Adrián Faija, abogado de Diego Milito y socio de su agente, Fernando Hidalgo. Según pudo conocer AS, Sánchez se interesó por la posibilidad de que el delantero del Zaragoza no se comprometa con ningún equipo hasta una determinada fecha. Y se le dijo, desde el entorno del futbolista, que era una propuesta razonable. Esta semana, el secretario técnico ché debe concretar con los agentes cuál es la fecha tope hasta la que solicitaría al goleador zaragocista que esperase al Valencia. Juan Sánchez no quiere vender al asturiano pero tiene muy claro que, en caso de que el futbolista prefiera salir y llegue una oferta irrechazable, necesita tener como sustituto un "número uno".

Y ese jugador indiscutible es el argentino, muy por encima de Dani Güiza. Sus cifras realizadoras son, simplemente, demoledoras. En tres temporadas en el equipo aragonés ha marcado 53 goles en la liga española, los mismos que Eto?o, por ejemplo. Sólo el propio Villa, con 58 goles ha marcado más que él en el último trienio en la liga de los ases.

A favor del Valencia juega que Diego Milito no quiere salir de España y que estaría encantado de enrolarse en las filas valencianistas. De hecho, es el propio futbolista quien abandera la idea de esperar una oferta ché antes que emigrar al fútbol italiano, donde se encuentran la mayor parte de sus pretendientes. El último en sumarse, tras un primer intento del Nápoles, es la Juventus, que cerca de desprenderse de David Trezeguet se ha fijado en él. Fernando Hidalgo tiene previsto desplazarse a Turín para reunirse con los directivos de la vecchia signora. Falta saber si lo hará con intención de cerrar la operación o sólo a escuchar, tal y como le ha pedido el Valencia.

El máximo accionista del Valencia, Juan Soler, ya se interesó en su día, personalmente, por la contratación de Diego Milito. Fue en la primavera de 2006, tras completar una primera temporada imperial en el Zaragoza, en la que consiguió 15 goles. A Soler le gustaba la idea de juntar en Valencia a Milito y a Ewerthon, en aquel entonces muy cotizado jugador de banda derecha. Finalmente, el Valencia fichó a Fernando Morientes.

Messi receives ovation from Brasil fans

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:42:00 +0000

Lio Messi was widely applauded by the Brasil fans during the WC Qualifying game which has caused a great deal of ire among the Brasil players.

So, Messi is a favorite among Brasil's fans.

What if Lio wore the other shirt?

What would he look like?

He would not look good at all.

Fortunately, Messi is ours.

Made in Argentina

Keeping up appearances?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:02:00 +0000

Last night in Brasil, Riquelme having a warm moment with Messi.

Argentina-Brasil Lineup Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:11:00 +0000

Though this isn't official, Radio Mitre is reporting that Jonas Gutierrez will replace Maxi Rodriguez in the starting lineup and that Zanetti will move to the right midfield spot with Mascherano & Gago in the central midfield.

Also, Julio Cruz will replace Sergio Aguero in the starting lineup.

UPDATE - 7:50 PM EDT

The Official Lineup for tonight's game:

GK - Abbondanzieri
D - Burdisso
D - Coloccini
D - Heinze
M - Zanetti
M - Mascherano
M - Gago
M - Gutierrez
M - Riquelme
F - Messi
F - Cruz

Argentina vs Brasil

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:14:00 +0000

There's not a whole lot to say beforehand about an Argentina-Brasil game other than it is the biggest game in world football.

The news around tonight's game though has been marred by the news that's been widely reported of a rift between Lio Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme.

It remains to be seen what kind of an impact the controversy that has ensued will have on the team tonight.

Argentina is looking to bounce back from its very poor performance against Ecuador and end the latest stage of its WC Qualifying campaign on a very high note with a win over Brasil.

The starting lineup has not been confirmed yet and there are question marks on each line.

Either Gonzalo Rodriguez or Coloccini will replace Demichelis who will not be available because of yellow card accumulation.

If Mascherano plays he will move to the right side of the midfield with Gago in the central midfield spot.

If Aguero is fully recovered from his injury he will play if not then there's the possibility that Julio Cruz will join Messi upfront.

Basile will use a 4-3-1-2 formation with the following lineup:

GK - Abbondanzieri
D - Zanetti
D - Burdisso
D - Gonzalo Rodriguez/Coloccini
D - Heinze
M - Mascherano
M - Gago
M - Maxi Rodriguez
M - Riquelme
F - Messi
F - Aguero/Cruz

VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Verón: Messi is just as important as Riquelme

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:11:00 +0000

In an interview today on TyC Sports, Juan Sebastian Verón talked about the Riquelme-Messi controversy.

"I was surprised to hear what was said. I never saw any tensions, never saw a fight. I'm sure there are differences between them, mostly because of the age difference, differences of opinion but the objective is to win."

"These type of issues always come to light when players who are stars in their club teams, get together in the national team. I don't know what is being sought with this. Representing the country needs to be what everyone desires but it doesn't seem to be that way."

"Since I've been on the national team Grondona has always been inside the locker room before and after the games. and he talks with everyone not just with Messi."

"There are always going to be these kind of disputes because it involves two strong personalities, with influence within the team. In 1986 there was a dispute between Passarella and Maradona and we ended up world champions."

"Messi is just as important as Riquelme. Everyone is needed, Messi, Riquelme, Tevez, Aguero and the rest."

"Riquelme is not a complicated person, he doesn't speak to one person and not to another or does so behind anyone's back. He's a calm person, I don't see him as a trouble maker."

---------------

An interesting side note, Verón, who is recovering from an injury did not travel to Brasil with the team while Demichelis and Cambiasso, who are also not eligible to play against Brasil did accompany the team.

It seems to me that someone with the experience that Verón has and who is looked at as one of the leaders on the team should have traveled to Brasil to provide moral support and more importantly to provide leadership and help in maintaining team unity at this critical moment when the team is dealing with the explosive news of the Riquelme-Messi infighting and all the controversy that has ensued.

Mascherano Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:18:00 +0000

Javier Mascherano spoke to ESPN about the game tonight.

Q - How do you anticipate a game against such an important opponent such as Brasil?

M - We've already faced them in the previous WC Qualifiers and we know it is difficult but it is a great motivation to play in such an important game and every player wants to play in this game.

Q - It's been 4 years since you made your debut against Brasil in a WC Qualifying game, at the time you had only played in a few games with River Plate, what did you think it would be like to play against, say, Ronaldo, who you had seen alot on TV?

M - Well, when you play against such important players and for the first time, those are things that make you grow. Now at this moment I'm a little more used to such duels, to playing against important players but it hasn't changed my way of thinking from 4 years ago, now of course I have more experience, but with the same eagerness to play.

Q - What are the things that motivate you to come to the national team after playing in the Premier League and everything you experienced in the last 6 months, besides the Argentina shirt, but rather the possibility of being once again a part of the national team?

M - For everybody it is important, I think, in a players career to play for your country, for your national team it is the most important thing you have and of course, it is a priority. I think that the day when you no longer want to do that, it is not an obligation. You say it and give the opportunity to another player but as long as you are eager to do it, it is a beautiful thing. In such a short career you have to take advantage of every moment.

Q - You have now surpassed 20 games with the national team, Do you feel you are an unquestionable model of this new group even though there are very important players like you on this team?

M - No. More than anything we follow the path set by the more experienced players. At no moment did I feel or feel now that I'm an unquestionable model but yes I do feel important because my teammates make me feel that way, like everyone that is here feels important. But the place of unquestionable model belongs to other people that handle that role very well.

Q - What do you feel about the opportunity to play in a game like this, for example in the way that these WC Qualifying games are played, playing well with your club team and then returning to the national team?

M - It is always like that. You get used to it. In this case it is a little strange because the Premier League season is over but I'm continuing to play but otherwise you continue to play in the Premier League, you go back and forth with the national team and everyone returns to their club team. The truth is that things don't really change that much. I'll say it again. One is here with the national team because you want to and are eager to be here and everyone that is here is proud and feels a great joy.