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Saturday, June 26, 2010
Cristiano Ronaldo world cup pictures
There are new pictures upload from Cristiano Ronaldo Latest match between Portugal against Brazil. Check out the pictures here
WC ‘Blaugrana’ Report: Spain vs. Chile
Read some brief notes about the match after the jump, and add your own thoughts on the game.
Final result: Spain 2-1 Chile.
The Spanish team started the game chaotically. Real chances on goal were lost by Torres, no short passes were played, and the defensive line was a bit shaky. Chile in the first 25 minutes were dominating the Spanish team and almost scored more than one goal before the newly signed Blaugrana player, the fascinating David Villa, took a shot 40 meters from goal and put the ball, which was wrongly parried by Chile’s goal keeper, into the back of the net.
Twelve minutes later, Iniesta scored Spain’s second goal after beautiful short passes played between him and Villa. The 2-0 lead was enough to make La Roja gain confidence, shape, personality and Barcelona-style possession during the last 10 minutes of the first half.
It took the newly substituted Chilean player Roger Millar two minutes after the second half started in order to score the first goal for Chile. The shot from outside the penalty area by Millar was deflected as it hit Pique’s knee and changed direction, deceiving Casillas, into the net.
While Puyol and Pique had a relatively calm night, and Busquets and Xavi were doing their work silently, Iniesta and Villa shined as they both showed motivation to play and score goals.
The Spanish team has qualified along with Chile to the knock-out round where Spain will face Portugal. Although they have qualified, Spain have not really shown their potential as World Cup winners. Coach Vicente del Bosque has been choosing a conservative style of playing that seems unusual for the Spanish team! Although Torres does not look fully fit, and was substituted during the second half, Del Bosque seems to prefer playing another midfielder instead of having Pedro or Llorente helping the lonely David Villa. Thus the Spanish team ends up playing with five midfielders and one striker – even though Chile were playing with ten players! And to win the World Cup, Spain certainly needs to score more goals and Del Bosque has to take risks!
What do you think might be the solution to Spain’s current situation? Is Del Bosque responsible for the current psychological state of what seems like unmotivated Spanish team players? Should Del Bosque choose another tactical formation for the game against Portugal? Will La Roja be able to qualify for the quarter final? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
Barca is my home, Pep is my idol
Fabregas, in an interview with Catalan radio channel Ona FM, assured that, currently, he is not thinking about anything but the World Cup. He also added: “It won’t be a problem if I return to Barcelona because Barca is my home. The people there are always sensational in the way they treat me.”
Fabregas also expressed his admiration for Barcelona’s coach Pep Guardiola, who was one of the club’s important midfielders before becoming their coach.
The Arsenal captain confessed that ”Guardiola has always been my idol since childhood. I played in his position and I noticed him. My coach even gave me a shirt signed by him.”
Fabregas also praised Arsenal’s coach Arsene Wenger, who helped him to become one of football’s leading midfielders.
“He means everything to me. He is the person who put his trust in me,” said Fabregas. “Without him, I don’t know if I would be a professional footballer today. I owe him a lot and I have a special affection for him.”
Brazil vs. Portugal; Ivory Coast vs. North Korea
Group G, Game 3 - Friday, June 25, 2010
Time: 16:00 Convert to local time
Location: Durban Stadium, Durban; Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Stadium Capacity: 62,760; 40,929
Barça players to watch: Dani Alves (Brazil); Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
Current Group Standings (after game 2):
Brazil: 6 points, +3 (already qualified for knock-out stages)
Portugal: 4 points, +7
Ivory Coast: 1 point, -2
North Korea: 0 points, -8
Use the comments section below to add your thoughts and reactions as the game unfolds.
“The defensive midfielder is very important in football”
How are you preparing for the decisive game against Chile?
Like any other final, we can’t fail. The pressure gives us more motivation.
After being questioned about forming a double pivot with Xabi Alonso in the game against Switzerland, did you redeem yourself against Honduras?
For me it was just another game and luckily we won. I tried to help, sometimes it goes well and other times it doesn’t but the important thing is to have the desire, help the team and [your] teammates.
What do you think of Del Bosque saying that if he were a player he’d like to be like you?
The coach saying that makes me very proud. He was as good of a player as he is a coach. He was very important to the sport and it’s always nice to hear things like that but I think he’d say the same thing about all 23 of us.
But it’s difficult for something like that to be said about a defensive midfielder.
The defensive midfielder is very important in football. The fans focus on the midfield and the strikers because they make the goals happen and it’s somewhat normal that people focus more on them. They bring the spectacle with shots and goals, which is the most important thing in football, although you’ve got to value other positions too.
If Del Bosque would like to be like Busquets, would you like to be like Messi?
I’m happy to be myself. There is only one Leo Messi, he’s the best in the world and it’d be very difficult to be like him. I’m happy with my career.
Do you see Touré’s departure to City as a new vote of confidence from the club?
I’ve always felt important. The coaching staff and my teammates have supported me both on and off the pitch. I’ve been able to play a lot and I’m appreciative of that. Touré is a great player and he has helped us a lot. I don’t know if someone else will come to cover for Touré but with the players we have we can compete.
For Touré, your backup, they’ve paid 32 million euros. What would Busquets cost?
I don’t have a price because I’m not on the market. I’m not going to leave because I’m very happy here. The cost of a player is up to the clubs but I wouldn’t leave for any amount.
Touré was your competition, it seems like you’re disappointed that he’s leaving.
We are all teammates, people that have shared a dressing room in a club where there is a very humane treatment, but in football we all know that players come and go. In Barça there is a very good working environment and it makes you enjoy working with everyone. I wish him all the luck in the world, he’s been a very important player and he’s done a lot for Barça. We’ll always remember him as a great player and a great person.
Is it a good idea to change up the team so that there is always competition?
Changing things up is the law of football. A player always plays where he wants to. Touré has decided to leave because he considers it to be in his best interest. You’ve got to respect that and we must move on.
Do you think it was difficult for him to play a secondary role?
We all want to play. It’s true that the seasons are very long and you’ve got to fight in every practice so that the coach gives you an opportunity.
Touré is gone and it looks like Cesc is close to returning. Being in South Africa, do you feel like he’s already part of the Barça team?
We’re very accustomed to having him on the national team. He played at Barça at a young age, he understands the philosophy, he’s got a lot of class and he’s a very important player at Arsenal. He’s one of the best midfielders around and I’m certain he’d add to our quality.
Is it going to be even more difficult to triumph after having won the league with 99 points?
Every season is a new story. We said the same thing last year. There is always pressure and motivation to win titles. We start off every season the same way. You’ve got the obligation to stay in every competition and win trophies.
Does the arrival of Mourinho add to the motivation?
Mourinho is a great coach but playing Madrid is enough of a motivation. It doesn’t matter who the coach is.
Won’t it increase your hunger due to his character?
We’ve always stayed away from his provocations. The most important things are the games and the players. Mourinho is only a coach and we play against players and there is always motivation with Madrid.
Sergi Gómez and Sergi Roberto renew until 2012
Three days after obtaining promotion to the Second Division A with Barca Atletic, Sergi Gomez and Sergi Roberto have sealed their futures as key blaugrana players by signing new contracts, keeping them at the club through 2012.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
WC ‘Blaugrana’ Report: Argentina vs. Greece
Argentina defeated Greece 2-0 with goals from defender Martin Demichelis (77′) and 37 year old striker Martin Palermo (89′). The result meant that the Argentines finished as Group B leaders, with a perfect record in the first phase of the tournament. With the loss, their second in the group phase, Greece was eliminated from the World Cup.
With the team virtually assured of progressing, Maradona fielded a lineup that featured seven changes from the squad that had beaten South Korea a few days before. And frankly, for large stretches of the match, it was obvious that this was the Argentine “B-Team.” A trio of substitutions late in the second period changed the tempo and quality of the Argentine play, however, and ultimately put the Greeks to the sword. Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore injected pace and fluency, and Palermo did what he seems to do best: be at the right place at the right time.
For his part, Messi had a relatively quiet game, struggling to impose himself on the physically imposing Greek defense. But he also sprang into action late in the match, hitting the post with one shot, and forcing the Greek keeper into numerous other saves.
Argentina will next roll into action on Sunday June 27 where they’ll face Rafa Marquez’s Mexico at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. With the Group phase now complete for Maradona’s men, what do you make of their chances against Mexico?
Live: Greece vs. Argentina
Group B, Game 3 - Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Time: 20:30 Convert to local time
Location: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Barça player to watch: Lionel Messi (captain of Argentina for this match)
Current Group Standings (after game 2):
Argentina: 6 points, +4
South Korea: 3 points, -1
Greece: 3 points, -1
Nigeria: 0 points, -2
Will Messi score his first goal of this World Cup? Add your comments and reactions below as the game unfolds.
Mexico vs. Uruguay, France vs. South Africa
Group A, Third Game – Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Time: 16:00 Convert to local time
Location: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg (Mexico vs. Uruguay); Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein (France vs. South Africa)
Stadium Capacity: 38,646; 40,911
Barça players to watch: Rafael Marquez (Mexico); Thierry Henry and Eric Abidal (France)
Current Group Standings (after game 2):
Uruguay: 4 points, +3
Mexico: 4 points, +2
France: 1 point, -2
South Africa: 1 point, -3
Use the comment section to share/find links to the game, and to add your thoughts and reactions during and after the match!
WC ‘Blaugrana’ Report: Spain vs. Honduras
Maradona hints Messi may captain Argentina against Greece Read more: http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/maradona-hints-messi-may-captain-argentina-a
“Messi will play, because he always wants to play and I love that,” he told a press conference on Monday.
“We had been thinking of giving him a rest but to have a player of the class of Leo, the best in the world by a long way without doubt, it would have been a sin not to give him to the team, to the people, not give ourselves (the pleasure).
“His moment has come,” the controversial coach told gathered reporters. “When I told him what I told him, he was very emotional. It’s a wonderful thing. We already saw it in training, he’s having a great time training today,” added Maradona at the Loftus Versfeld stadium near Argentina’s tournament base on the eve of the match at Polokwane.
Juan Sebastian Veron, who Maradona confirmed was returning from the calf muscle injury he suffered against Nigeria, would normally captain the side in Javier Mascherano’s absence.
However, holding midfielder Mascherano is one of eight changes Maradona has decided or been forced to make from the team that started in the 4-1 win over South Korea on Thursday.
Asked if he had ever thought of making Messi his captain, Maradona said enigmatically: “You’ll know tomorrow.”
Wing back Jonas Gutierrez is suspended, Mascherano and fullback Gabriel Heinze are on one booking each, while strikers Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain are among the players rested with Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito taking their places.
Argentina lead the group after beating Nigeria 1-0 then South Korea. A draw with Greece will be enough to win it.
If Messi can score his first goal at this World Cup against the nation that conceded the last of Maradona’s 34 international strikes so much the better, added the coach, who began the news conference by showing off a flashy, diamond-studded pair of sunglasses given to him on Father’s Day on Sunday.
“I would love it for Leo to take the baton of the goal in that match,” Maradona said referring to Argentina’s 4-0 win over Greece at the 1994 finals, the teams’ only previous meeting, in which Maradona scored and Gabriel Batistuta got a hat-trick.
“Above all because of the move which started in midfield… I hope Leo can score a similar goal, or better, or one that trickles agonisingly over the line but is a goal.”
Brazil vs. Ivory Coast
Group G, Game 2 - Sunday, June 20, 2010
Time: 20:30 Convert to local time
Location: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Stadium Capacity: 88,460
Barça players to watch: Daniel Alves (Brazil) and Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
After Maicon’s goal against North Korea, will Dani Alves get a chance at right back? Or will he be Dunga’s go-to sub for the right wing? Will Ivory Coast make it out of the group? Share your comments and reactions below.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Portugal Goal Party
Portugal was a stroke of authority to DPR Korea, which won by a convincing 7-0 rout in the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on 21 June. The result leaves the Lusos as second in Group G with a goal difference puts them at the gates of the second round of the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010.
The selection of Carlos Queiroz felt at home in Cape Town, where the home fans fully supported the Europeans. The large colony of descendants of Portuguese immigrants in southern Africa celebrated with euphoria the recovery of his team after a draw in the opener against Ivory Coast on Monday gave a sample of their potential to the North Koreans.
Korea DPR waited well planted in the field lusa initiative that gave the first warnings with a distant shot of Cristiano Ronaldo and a header in the crosshairs of Ricardo Carvalho. The most dangerous attempts of Asians arrived with distant shots of Cha Jong Hyok and An Yong Hak that tested the reflexes of Eduardo, who also wore an auction clearing Hong Yong Jo (18 ').
But the Selecção das Quinas contained the North Korean attack and knew few realize its superiority. Tiago got a great pass inside which culminated Raul Meireles (1-0, 29 ').
Flurry of goals
Rest said the ideas to the Portuguese who left very inspired in the second half, and soon settle the issue at stake here. Simao ladled the seconds between the legs of goalkeeper Korean assistance after Meireles (2-0, 53 ') and immediately increased the distances Hugo Almeida heading in a cross from Fabio Coentrao (3-0, 56').
With the North Koreans admit the obvious superiority of the rival, the Lusos continued to seek goals, enjoying the minutes of good play and generating many times. While Cristiano Ronaldo missed a goal with a shot to the stick, can be awarded half that Tiago scored after a generous pass behind the Real Madrid (4-0, 60 ').
In the final stretch, the Asians failed to pull out of his area to the heated front Lusos. Liedson pounced on a mistake by defender Ri Kwang Chon to make the little hand (5-0, 81 '.) The strangest goal of the match was scored by Ronaldo (6-0, 87 '), who after dominating the ball accidentally with the neck, put an end to their long drought in the shirt of the Portuguese: the striker scoring since February 2009. Tiago completed the bulky marker (7-0, 89 ') to make a new mark in the history of the Selecção das Quinas in World Cup: its biggest victory in this event.
The G Group closes on Friday 25 June at 16:00 (South African time) at two different venues. While Portugal is measured with Brazil at the stadium in Durban, Ivory Coast and will play Korea DPR in the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit.
Portugal Crushed North Korea 7-0
In the first half only saw one of the goals, made the 28 minutes was enough to numb Meireles and Korean team had no reaction. In the second half the team had an almost perfect forcefulness, the 50 'Simao shortly after the 58' Hugo Almeida's header provided the 3-0.
The goal of the brightest star Cristiano Ronaldo is to be expected, while its participation as the fourth goal which attended Tiago. A 80 'Liedson under his goal after a mistake in the defense of North Korea.
At 86 'At last came the turn to Cristiano Ronaldo who, after a fortunate bounce set up the 6-0 and minutes later Tiago established the 7-0 final that leaves a good chance to qualify for the Luso selected in World Cup Group G .
In Portugal it is a match against the powerful and eternal Brazil, will be ranked in a tie and a defeat would leave pending the outcome between North Korea and Ivory Coast, the latter needs a barrage of goals and hope that Portugal lost.
Video Highlights Portugal 7 - 0 North Korea
North Korea looked surprisingly impressive against the Brazilian juggernaut in their first World Cup match last week, while Portugal did not manage a single goal in its scoreless draw with the Ivory Coast. But the Portuguese drought did not last Monday in Cape Town.
Raul Meireles knocked in a goal in the 28th minute, giving Portugal the lead over its Group G rival. Tiago was credited with an assist on the play. Just in case someone not familiar with this tournament thinks Portugal is being unsportsman like by running up the score like that, there is a very good reason for it.
2 teams will advance from Portugal's group and Brazil has already secured one of those slots. If Portugal loses to Brazil in their next game and the Ivory Coast beats North Korea in theirs then they will be tied in tournament points. Which of them advances to the next round would be decided by who has the larger difference in goals for all games in their group. That is, you add up all of a team's goals scored in their 3 group games and subtract the goals scored against them. Whoever has the better difference between Portugal and the Ivory Coast would advance.
As it stands now, the Ivory coast is a -2 difference and Portugal is at +7. Portugal's slaughter of North Korea has made is extremely difficult for Ivory Coast to surpass them.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hércules to join Real Sociedad and Levante in the Spanish first division Read more: http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/hercules-to-join-real-socieda
The final round of games crowned the Basques second division champions with 74 points; three teams followed on 71 points with Betis condemned to remain in the lower league despite their 4-0 victory today over Levante. Looking further down the table, Cádiz, Murcia, Castellón, and Real Unión, the team who sent Real Madrid crashing out of the Copa del Rey in 2008, were each relegated.
Rafa Marquez: I’ll speak to Guardiola about my future after the World Cup Read more: http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/rafa-marquez-ill-speak-to-gu
Marquez has primarily played in Barcelona as a central defender, but injury and age have limited his usefulness in that position, which in Pep’s system often requires pace and perfect positioning. However, Marquez has so far enjoyed an amazing World Cup run as a defensive midfielder, scoring Mexico’s opening goal against South Africa, and stamping his authority on the match against France with a crucial assist and an overall sterling performance.
With the departure of Yaya Toure seeming more and more likely, perhaps there is room in the squad this coming season for a reinvented Marquez after all.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Looking Ahead
Another week of World Cup fever comes to end and fans look ahead to another exciting week that determines the Round of 16. - Photo by Sven Anders
Friday, June 18, 2010
Nesrine Tafesh.. Algerian's fan
I love to add more some special things for this beauty about algeria...We are all algerian in World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
Cheb Khaled FIFA World Cup 2010
Algerian singer Cheb Khaled performs during the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg. South Africa and Mexico play in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Majid Bougherra & Wayne Rooney
Algeria's Majid Bougherra (R) fights for the ball with England's Wayne Rooney during a 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match at Green Point stadium in Cape Town June 18, 2010.
Wahiba Ribery
The wife France's striker Franck Ribery, Wahiba wears an Algerian flag around her waist and France's striker Djibril Cisse, Jude (R) adjusting her hat prior to before the start of the Group A first round 2010 World Cup football match on June 11, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town.
Wayne Rooney tackled by Hassan Yebda and Rafik Halliche
Wayne Rooney of England is tackled by Hassan Yebda and Rafik Halliche of Algeria during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England and Algeria at Green Point Stadium on June 18, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hassen Yebda & Steven Gerrard
England's Steven Gerrard, right, competes for the ball with Algeria's Hassen Yebda, left, during the World Cup group C soccer match between England and Algeria in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, June 18, 2010.
Algeria's midfielder Riad Boudebouz
Algeria's midfielder Riad Boudebouz shoots the ball during the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match England vs. Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town.
David James vs Madjid Bougherra
David James of England falls over Madjid Bougherra of Algeria as he makes a save during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England and Algeria at Green Point Stadium on June 18, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa.
England vs Algeria Opening Ceremony
Algeria and England's national football team players enter the pitch prior to the start of the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match England vs. Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town.
The Algerian national team vs England
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: The Algeria team line up for a group photo during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England and Algeria at Green Point Stadium on June 18, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The England National team vs Algeria.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: The England team line up for a group photo during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England and Algeria at Green Point Stadium on June 18, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Medhi Lacen & Frank Lampard
England's Frank Lampard (L) fights for the ball against Algeria's Medhi Lacen during the 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match at Green Point stadium in Cape Town June 18, 2010.
England vs Algeria
(L-R) Algeria's midfielder Adlane Guedioura, England's striker Peter Crouch, England's defender John Terry, Algeria's defender Rafik Halliche, Algeria's midfielder Hassan Yebda, Algeria's defender Nadir Belhadj, England's defender Jamie Carragher and England's striker Wayne Rooney gesture during the 2010 World Cup group C first round football match between England and Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town.
Algerian fan blows a vuvuzela, Algeria / England
An Algerian fan blows a vuvuzela before the 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match between England and Algeria at Green Point stadium in Cape Town
David Beckham, England vs Algeria
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: David Beckham of England awaits the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England and Algeria at Green Point Stadium on June 18, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Peter Crouch & Nadir Belhadj
England's striker Peter Crouch (R) is challenged for the ball by Algeria's defender Nadir Belhadj during the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match England vs. Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town.
England / Algeria
Algeria's goalkeeper M'bolhi Rais Ouheb (C) saves a shot by England's striker Wayne Rooney during the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match England vs. Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Karim Matmour, England vs Algeria
Algeria's midfielder Karim Matmour (C) advances with the ball past England's midfielder Frank Lampard (L) and defender Jamie Carragher during the 2010 World Cup group C first round football match between England and Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town.
Wayne Rooney & Djamel Abdoun
England's striker Wayne Rooney walks towards Algeria's midfielder Djamel Abdoun to shake hands at the end of the 2010 World Cup group C first round football match between England and Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.