Flamengo Look To Make Ibson Deal Permanent

Ibson joined FC Porto in the winter of the 2004/5 season, and quickly forced his way into the team with several critics voting him Porto’s player of the year for that season.

However, the Brazilian failed to cement his place over the following seasons, particularly due to the arrival of Argentine Lucho Gonzalez, and found himself having to look elsewhere for first team football.

The midfielder joined Flamengo on-loan last summer, a deal which terminates on the 30th June 2008. He has been a key component of the Brazilian side.

Ibson has made it clear that his relationship with current Porto manager Jesualdo Ferreira leaves much to be desired, and it now seems that ‘Fla’ will be attempting to sign him permanently.

Speaking to Portuguese sports daily ‘Record’, Ibsons father Lais Silva commented that if Porto were to allow his son to leave the club for four million euros, Flamengo would buy him permanently.

However, Silva also indicated the complexity of the situation by adding “Ibson's agent (Jorge Mendes) once received a five million euro offer from a Spanish club for him which he presented to Porto officials…an offer they rejected.”

Silva concluded by saying that the players monthly wage would not be a problem for the Brazilian club, stating “His monthly wage doesn’t worry Flamengo, he earns little more than 30,000 euros a month, a wage any club in Brazil can play.”

FC Porto will surely be assessing the situation, and with the possible exit of Lucho Gonzalez in the near future, the club will be looking at suitable replacements.

However, the volatile relationship between Ibson and manager Ferreira indicates that it is unlikely the midfielder will be returning to Porto in the summer, and so the club may well consider a bid from Flamengo.

Milan: Ronaldo Not Signing For Flamengo

The Brazilian striker was yesterday thought to be on his way to the Rio de Janeiro-based club after their Vice-President Kleber Leite said a transfer was on the cards.

"Flamengo have been authorised by AC Milan to start discussions with Ronaldo,” Leite said.

"We've had preliminary conversations, noting that he wants to change the direction of his life."

However a statement today on Milan’s official club website has dismissed these claims:

“A.C. Milan denies to have started a negotiation with Flamengo for the transfer of Ronaldo; therefore also denies to have authorized the same Brazilian club for an eventual agreement with the footballer.”

Ronaldo, whose contract with the Rossoneri runs out in the summer, has played just one game this season, sparking rumours that his contract with the club will not be renewed.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to a host of clubs, including Turkish champions Fenerbahce, who are coached by Brazil and Flamengo legend Zico.

Ronaldo will be free to talk to other clubs in January in view of a Bosman free transfer at the end of the campaign.

Daily Video: Baptista vs Barcelona 23/12/07

Valencia bid for Santos star Kleber

Valencia have made a bid for Santos wing-back Kleber.

The Spanish Liga strugglers have offered around £6 million for the Brazil international, whose father has confirmed Valencia's interest in the local press this week.

Galliani Tells Ronaldo: Get Fit Or You're Off

‘El Fenomeno’ is having a miserable time of things at the moment and has played just one time this season due to injury.

The latest problem occurred while warming up before the Champions League clash with Benfica.

This ruled him out of last week’s FIFA Club World Cup, and will also see him miss this Sunday’s Milan derby.

Ronaldo’s contract with the Rossoneri runs out in June, and there have been strong reports that he will not be offered a renewal unless he can prove his fitness.

"He will have to work hard to regain his place,” said Galliani.

“Next year we will have six attackers. There are already five, the sixth will be Ronaldo, if he is fit. If not him, then there'll be another."

Teenage wonderkid Alexandre Pato will be available to play for Milan from January onwards, following his summer move from Internacional.

The striker has not been eligible thus far as he was still under-18 when the transfer was completed in August.

Robinho Becomes A Father

Globoesporte has revealed that Robson Junior was born in the municipality of Santos, in Sao Paulo, yesterday.

Mother and son are both believed to be doing well, but Robinho will not be re-united with them until after this weekend’s El Clasico clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Robinho found out about his girlfriend’s pregnancy last May and shortly after began dedicating every goal he scored to his unborn child by sucking his thumb.

The 23-year-old also had Robson Junior engraved into his football boots, first showing them off during the Copa America in Venezuela, a tournament he scored six goals in.

Robinho first burst onto the scene as a teenager with Santos and hit the headlines after forming a lethal partnership with fellow star at the time, Diego.

He moved to Real Madrid in 2005, where after a slow start he has exploded into life this season.

The skilful striker debuted for the Brazil national team in 2003, and he has since made 35 appearances, scoring 11 goals.

Argentina Lead Brazil, Italy In 2007 FIFA Rankings

It is the third month on the trot that the Albicelestes have been in first place, after they knocked Italy off their perch back in October.

Due to the lack of international matches over the past month, the top 20 teams in FIFA’s list are identical to those of November.

Brazil are behind Argentina in second, despite thrashing their bitter enemies 3-0 in the final of the Copa America during the summer.

World Champions Italy are in third, while fellow European powerhouses Spain and Germany are fourth and fifth respectively.

The Czech Republic, who may see legendary star Pavel Nedved come out of international retirement in time for Euro 2008, are in an excellent sixth place.

Raymond Domenech’s France are seventh, Portugal are eighth, while Holland and Croatia complete the top 10.

As for the British nations, new England boss Fabio Capello will certainly be looking to improve their position of 12th, just two places above Scotland.

Northern Ireland are in 32nd, the Republic of Ireland in 35th, while Wales are languishing in 57th.


The Top 10:

1) Argentina

2) Brazil

3) Italy

4) Spain

5) Germany

6) Czech Republic

7) France

8) Portugal

9) Holland

10) Croatia

Top Of The Pile

Kaka is almost too good to be true. With his clean-faced good looks it is no surprise when he pulls up his jersey to reveal a T-shirt that reads “I belong to Christ”. Unlike some of his fellow star players, he makes headlines solely with his football, not because of a “colourful” lifestyle. After all, Milan's Brazilian playmaker does proudly boast he was still a virgin on his wedding day.

Kaka also avoids controversy on the pitch. For example, he has never been sent off in five seasons in Serie A.

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite is a supremely appropriate winner of both our own world player of the year award and France Football's Ballon d'Or (now also a world player prize, having formerly been merely for players based in Europe). For once, we have a winner about whom there are no “ifs” and “buts”. Explosively fast (he covers the first 40 metres in 3.8 seconds), beautifully balanced and able to play off either foot, the 25-year-old is a complete player. He is also capable of single-handedly turning big matches – witness his role, including 10 goals, in Milan's triumphant Champions League campaign last season.

All in all, it is hard not to agree with Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi when he says of Kaka: “He plays consistently well, he's a class player who not only wins games for you but also scores wonderful goals. He's a good-looking boy, the sort of boy all mothers and fathers would want as a husband for their daughter.”

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is also a big fan. In September he told World Soccer that if Kaka did not win the Ballon d'Or, he would chain himself to the railings outside the offices of France Football in protest. He also revealed that, such is Kaka's talent, he leaves him to decide for himself where and how to play. “He handles the situations himself,” Ancelotti said, “he decides whether to move forward or back 10 metres. He follows his instinct, and that is just fine by me.”

Kaka has looked like the real thing right from his arrival in Italy in the summer of 2003. Serie A is not an easy league for foreigners to adjust to. The tactical rigour and defensive discipline can smother the talent of even the most creative midfielders. But Kaka's start was so explosive that it effectively spelled the end at Milan for compatriot playmaker Rivaldo and demoted Portuguese star
Rui Costa to second choice.

With other players, this situation could have led to embarrassing public rows, but Rivaldo commented: “This guy is a phenomenon. How could I be jealous of him; I advised the club to buy him.”

Rather than being intimidated by lining up alongside such players as Andrii Shevchenko, Filippo Inzaghi, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, Kaka immediately gave the impression of having played with them all his life. The same could be said of Brazil, when the youngster looked completely and instantly at ease alongside Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Emerson et al.


Kaka's relationship with Milan began in the summer of 2001, when Leonardo, the former Milan and Brazil midfielder, was sent to check him out at Sao Paulo.

This impressed the youngster, whom Leonardo took aside to explain that Milan were “serious” about him, even though the projected transfer date was 2004. In the end, Milan signed him up a year earlier than that, for £6.3million, with Chelsea sniffing around the Brazilian with an offer of higher wages, though Kaka had appeared happy to stay true to the original Milan timeframe.

Throughout this autumn in the face of siren calls from Real Madrid, Kaka has remained remarkably focused on Milan. “I've always said I wanted to become a key player for this club,” he said. “Now, I feel I am a more mature player, and that's one reason why I score more goals. Now, I would like to be the captain of Milan.”

Can the Milan fans believe such sweet-sounding words, or was Kaka merely being diplomatic? With any other player, a pinch of salt would be called for. With Kaka, it might well be true. After all, he just does not fit the footballer stereotype.

Apart from his openness about his religious faith, there is his background. Kaka, the son of an engineer father and a maths teacher mother, is one Brazilian superstar who does not fit into the cliched role of “poor boy from the favelas”.

Certainly for the time being, it would seem Kaka has decided Milan is the place to be, having grown into his role at the club both literally – he is three centimetres taller and five kilos heavier than when he arrived – and metaphorically.

Inter Milan deal stalls for CSKA star Daniel Carvalho

Inter Milan's signing of CSKA Moscow attacking midfielder Daniel Carvalho has stalled.

Inter had expected to sign the Brazil international as a free agent next month, but it's emerged his contract carries a clause which means he could be tied to CSKA until December 2008, says Gazzetta dello Sport.

The move is still on for Carvalho, but Inter are spending today discussing a fee with CSKA officials as they prepare to welcome the 24 year-old for a medical.

Roberto Carlos still fuming over Real Madrid treatment

Fenerbahce superstar Roberto Carlos says he'd love to draw former club Real Madrid in the Champions League knockouts.

"It would please me to draw Real Madrid and, if I scored a goal, I would celebrate it without any problem, just like (Samuel) Eto'o, (Luis) Figo or any other," said the Brazilian.

Roberto Carlos is convinced he was forced out of Real after his error against Bayern Munich last season.

After that mistake, I was left on the outer. They made me the scapegoat, but my error was not the cause of our elimination. We had 180 minutes to decide that tie."

The wing-back is still angry over the way he was treated by president Ramon Calderon and sports director Predrag Mijatovic.

"That the press criticises you is understandable, but when a director and a president blames a single player it is, at least, ugly, and for that reason I made the decision to leave, because when I needed the aid of some important people at the club, I only found support from my teammates."

Roberto Carlos also admitted he didn't see eye-to-eye with Raul while in Madrid.

"We didn't talk for a long time," he said. "We were never friends.

"My friends were the Brazilians and Sergio Ramos."

Alex: Confusion Over, Title Challenge Back On

After an early season crisis following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, the Blues do seem to be finding their rhythm, and are now between touching distance of Premiership leaders Arsenal - whom they face on Sunday.

Defender Alex, who himself has become a crucial player over the last couple of months, believes that the tricky terrain is duly behind them.

"We went through a very difficult period," he said on the club's official website.

"There was great confusion for everybody. We were all very used to Mourinho and he was a great man who helped me a great deal.

"There was a lot of confusion and it did make a difference. We dropped points, particularly at home when he had some draws.

"But, gradually, we are creeping up and keeping in touch with the leaders, which is the most important thing."

Chelsea are just three points off Arsenal, and can join the Gunners with a win on Sunday.

Should Manchester United play out a draw at Anfield, there could be three teams sharing the lead in what is turning into the most exciting title race in years.

Breno Set To Join Bayern Munich

The Bundesliga giants were keen to bolster their back line and are reported have agreed to pay €12.25m for the 18-year-old, who has yet to represent his country.

Breno was also being watched by Real Madrid, but Bayern have stepped in with a concrete offer and are close to making an official announcement about the player.

German daily Bild claim that the Brazilian is in Bavaria this week to put pen-to-paper on a four-and-a-half year contract.

While Breno cannot play for the club until January 1, Bayern were keen to wrap up the move before Christmas to fend off any competition for his signature.

The 1.87m defender was voted Brazilian football's best newcomer by journalists and was recommended to the club by their former striker and current scout, Giovane Élber.

Kaka Reiterates Real Madrid Dreams

Kaka (pictured) spoke to Marca yesterday in Tokyo as he prepares to contest the Club World Cup semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds today.

Touching on his recent Golden Ball win, the Brazilian said, "Sorry, but I don't think that I'm the best.

"I can be among the three or five best, but not better."

Speaking amidst the opulent surroundings of the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel, the conversation inevitably turned towards transfer rumours.

With admirable patience, the 25-year-old once again restarted that he had no desire to leave AC Milan - but he added a caveat.

"I've got no intention of doing anything to leave Milan, but only God knows the future," he mused.

Later, he added, "As a child, I always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid," before discussing the fortunes of the Bernabeu outfit and the Liga in general.

"Raul hasn't been treated justly of late, and [Iker] Casillas himself could win the Golden Ball," he said.

"Ronaldinho? He is the best in the world, but he's experiencing a very difficult time."

Ronaldo Will Miss Club World Cup

El Fenomeno is out of the Club World Cup.

Ronaldo's injury-stricken start to the season continues apace following the news that he will be unable to face Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-final, nor Boca Juniors or Etoile du Sahel in the final, should Milan qualify.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani explained coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to leave the troubled Brazilian out of his squad.

"Ronaldo feels that he won’t be ready for Sunday['s match with Urawa]," he began.

"I met with him and Ancelotti in his room, and together we came to the decision together that he won’t be on the list of players we can use in the Club World Cup.

"Giuseppe Favalli will take his place and Ronnie will be amongst those who cannot be brought on as replacements."

As such, Ronaldo, who managed seven Serie A goals in 14 appearances last season, will watch from the stands as the Milanese take on Urawa on Thursday morning.

Ronaldo's injury comeback was originally slated for the beginning of the current competitive season, but it's been repeatedly delayed due to fitnss concerns.

Should the Brazilian international recover by the New Year, he may find slotting into the team more difficult thanks to the arrival and eligibility of his young countryman, Pato.

Adriano: I Am Happy Again

‘The Emperor’ arrived in the country last month after being granted leave of absence by Inter to undergo clinical rehabilitation for depression.

Whilst in Brazil, Adriano has been training with Sao Paulo, and it seems that things are going well.

“I am very happy here, this I can say,” was the sole sentence of Adriano to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

Sao Paulo Vice-President Carlo Augusto de Barros e Silva has echoed Adriano’s sentiments.

“When he arrived here he was sad,” said Augusto. “However now he is doing well, he has lost weight and he is happy again because he has re-found his smile.”

Adriano is set to spend Christmas in Brazil, before returning to Milan on January 1. He will then travel with the rest of the Nerazzurri squad for their mid-season training camp in Dubai.

Whether or not the 25-year-old will then be sent out on loan is still up for debate, but a lot it seems depends on how he trains and performs in Dubai.

Kaka "can't hide" Premiership ambition

AC Milan midfield star Kaka admits he has ambitions of playing in England.

The Brazil international has been linked with Chelsea and after winning the Ballon d'Or last week, he told El Pais: "I cannot hide my interest in the Premier League, but I've never spoke about it before.

"It would be great to play in the English League. In England, the stadiums are full and there is always a wonderful atmosphere."

Matuzelam Did Not Betray Shakhtar, Claims Agent

The Brazilian midfielder was introduced at La Romareda in July amid claims by the Ukraine outfit that they had not agreed the deal and FIFA are set to make a decision on the matter.

Shakhtar director general, Sergey Palkin, hit out this week as he accused Zaragoza of stealing the player and claimed that the club and Matuzalem's agent, Filippo Fusco, of pressuring him into a move.

Fusco has now responded and claims that the move was completely above board and that his former club were well aware of his desire to leave, but refused to negitiate.

"Matuzalem did not betray them," he explained.

"Shakhtar is an important club that have spent a lot of money on good players and I have complete respect for them and their fans, that is why Palkin's statement surprised me.

"In the summer, without me being there, he spoke to Matuzelam in Geneva and heard for himself that the player wanted to leave.

"Matuzalem had already decided in February that he wanted to go for personal reasons, but Shakhtar did not not want to sit down and talk.

"Neither Zaragoza nor myself put any pressure on him, but he wanted to leave and I wanted him to be happy.

"In fact, Zaragoza behaved very professionally. They told that they were interested in him and that he would be welcome."

The 27-year-old spent three seasons in Ukraine with Shakhtar after a stint in Italy that saw him appear for Napoli, Piacenza and Brescia, and Fusco believes that he just wanted a change of scenery.

"Matuzalem made it very clear that he wanted to leave Ukraine because that chapter had ended for him, although he really enjoyed it," the agent continued.

"He always treated Shakhtar well and we always told them everything up front."

"Since the start they knew that his desire was to leave and we told to choose which team he could go to in Spain or Italy, but they did not want to.

"The subject of money was never a motivating factor."

Sao Paulo: We Want Adriano

‘The Emperor’ is currently training with the 1993 Intercontinental Cup winners, while he undergoes clinical treatment for depression.

He is due to return to Italy in January, however Sao Paulo would like the forward to stay with them longer so that he can spearhead their quest for Copa Libertadores glory.

“We would like to keep hold of Adriano so he can continue his recovery in Brazil,” Lopes admitted on Radio Bandeirantes.

“We did the same with Ricardo Oliveira and he returned to shine in Europe. Adriano is happy with the work and he is getting on well with everyone here.

“However, we have an agreement with Inter that he will return to them in January and for the moment we won’t be making any offers as it isn’t ethical.”

Adriano has had a spectacular fall from grace in the past 18 months and has been a shadow of the once great player ever since his father sadly died.

Adriano Wins Worst Player Award

Troubled Inter striker Adriano has retained the Bidone d’Oro – ‘Golden Bin’ – award for Serie A’s worst player over the last year.

The dreaded annual prize is organised by Italy’s Catersport Radio 2 and has been running since 2003 when former Milan flop Rivaldo was the recipient.

Adriano has been beset by personal problems for the past 18 months and is currently in Brazil receiving clinical treatment for depression.

The 25-year-old picked up almost a fifth of the votes cast, with fellow Brazilian Dida in second following a number of high-profile mistakes.

Indeed the entire top four are Brazilian as the injury-plagued Ronaldo, who has featured just once this season, is in third, with yet another Milan-owned player Ricardo Oliveira just behind him.

Juventus’ Tiago Mendes is fifth following his disastrously expensive move from Lyon in the summer.

Fiery Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano and Inter’s Luis Jimenez, both of whom have been outstanding in recent matches, are sixth and seventh respectively, while another player who has had an upturn in fortunes, Diego Tristan is eighth.

Former Azzurri wing-back Francesco Coco, and yet another Milan player, Alberto Gilardino complete the top 10.

The top 10:

1. Adriano (Inter) 19.98%
2. Nelson Dida (Milan) 10.86%
3. Ronaldo (Milan) 8.48%
4. Ricardo Oliveira (Real Zaragoza) 6.58%
5. Tiago Mendes (Juventus) 5.99%
6. Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria) 5.89%
7. Luis Jimenez (Inter) 5.52%
8. Diego Tristan (Livorno) 4.68%
9. Francesco Coco (Retired) 4.51%
10. Alberto Gilardino (Milan) 3.16%

Robinho: I Rejected Juventus

The skilful attacker started his career with Santos and hit the headlines after forming a lethal partnership with fellow teenage star at the time, Diego.

He moved to Real Madrid in 2005, where after a slow start he has since exploded into life.

“I received an offer from Juventus but I was still very young,” Robinho revealed to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I was still 18-years-old and it was not the right time for me to leave Brazil.”

Robinho was also asked for his opinion on Ronaldinho, Adriano and Ronaldo, three players who for very different reasons are going through some troubled times at the moment.

“They are brothers to me, not friends,” the 23-year-old replied.

“Ronaldinho does not have any problems. Adriano is suffering from some personal problems but he will come back again. Ronaldo for me will always be El Fenomeno. When he is well only Maradona is better than him.”

Robinho was finally asked who the best Brazilian players are that currently play in Europe.

“Kaka is first – that is for sure. He is number one – he is a great person,” he concluded.

Inter Milan's Maicon plays down "world best" tag

Inter Milan star Maicon has played down claims from coach Roberto Mancini that he is "the world's best fullback".

"It is wonderful for me to hear these words from someone who has done so well in Serie A and knows it inside out," said Maicon. "I still have a lot to learn. I have put it into my head that I am strong and will try to prove that on the field to help the team achieve the best possible results."

It was another Brazilian who convinced Maicon to come to Inter, although the one giving the advice may now have changed his mind.

"I thank Adriano, as he is a great friend. He explained to me what the club and the team were like. He also told me to do really well in training, as that is what makes you a first team player," Maicon told Sky Italia.

"I am not the only one who misses him, as all the squad, the club and fans miss Adri too. He is a great player."

Agent: AC Milan president Berlusconi can land Ronaldinho

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has admitted he'd love to sign Barcelona star Ronaldinho in January.

When asked about the rumours that a January swoop would be possible, club patron Berlusconi's response to journalists was clear: "If only!"

Earlier in the day, Italian super agent Enzo Bronzetti told Radio Centro Suono Sport: "Never has a President expressed more desire for a player than Berlusconi has for Ronaldinho.

"There are links with Chelsea and Manchester United, but at Milan there is a hardcore of Brazilians and the Diavolo are in pole position if he chooses to quit Barca.

"It's the fifth year of his contract at the Nou Camp and he wants between £5m and £7m annually, which would be a huge investment for the club."

Kaka Unfazed By Real Madrid Interest

Kaka has shrugged off transfer speculation as his AC Milan side look to clinch the Club World Cup in Japan.

Speculation has been rife that Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is to meet with AC Milan representative Adriano Galliani next Wednesday with a view towards making a move for the Brazilian.

The 25 year old told the Gazetta dello Sport his thoughts on the matter.

"Let it happen - it's not an issue that concerns me," he shrugged.

Of even less concern was a possible move for Ronaldinho, which he said the "club" would comment on, not him.

Indeed, Kaka, entering his fifth season with the rossoneri, was more apt to discuss his own team, not leat Ronaldo.

"He's gone through the toughest moments of this [injury crisis] already when he had knee problems two years ago," noted Ronaldo's countryman.

"I hope he'll come back soon and play a good series of matches.

"Not playing is not ideal for him as it makes him feel like he isn't a part of the team.

"That's why in this trip to Japan we talk a lot, because that way everyone is involved in the team.

"We don't know how long he'll be out for, but we've not given up hope of seeing him in this World competition, but when we do talk with him - which is often - it's not about injuries."

One topic of conversation is most likely the competition itself.

"For we South Americans, this is a very important trophy," Kaka noted earlier, "and my comrades and I will do everything we can to write our names on this trophy and in footballing history."

Milan will face either Iran's Sepahan or Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan in the next round, and Kaka is eager not to enter that game while treating the opposition as an unknown quantity.

"We'll watch the quarter finals between [the two sides] on Monday very closely in order to get a better idea of our opponents," he said.

"A rematch with Boca Juniors in the final? We're thinking solely and exclusively of the semi final at the moment.

"But that said, I don't like revenge. In 2003, Boca won, but that ended there - it's history. Now, we look forward."

Romário Appointed Vasco Coach For 2008

Rádio Tupi broke the news that the 41 year-old - who aims to hang his boots up after playing the Carioca Cup in early 2008 - saw off the challenge of Caio Júnior and Antônio Lopes to step into the void left by the departing Valdir Espinosa at São Januário.

President Eurico Miranda confirmed the deal, giving the veteran number 11 a longer stint as Coach after Romário helmed Vasco to victory over Mexicans América, even though the Brazilian bowed out after a bad first leg loss away at the América redoubt.

“It's an old dream I've had, an idea that's been taking concrete shape since the América match, although it'll be very difficult to convince him to stay on longer than the Taça Guanabara (Guanabara Cup: the first half of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship”, explained Eurico.

The Rio de Janeiro club also plan to play a Dubai-based friendly tournament before the Taça Guanabara competition kicks off, O Baixinho being able to dribble the 30-day interim ban he's been handed down as the match is a friendly and takes place abroad.

Manchester City Plot Adriano Swap Deal

Manchester City moneyman Thaksin Shinawatra is mulling over the possibility of bringing Adriano to the City stadium.

According to the BBC, the ex-Thai prime minister told reporters in Hong Kong, "We're looking to see whether we'll do a swap deal or not.

"Adriano was a top player, but he lost form when his father died, and he put on weight. Now he's returning to form."

The club financier added that coach Sven Goran Eriksson would do well to remove some of the deadwood from the squad in preparation for such moves.

"Dietmar Hamman is getting old," he began as he discussed midfield alterations.

"We're looking at a new midfielder who we think will play very well with Elano. We're going to play in a classic style.

"I never talk to Sven about amounts.

"We'll probably have to sell some of our players and loan some of our players, and we will buy some new players or even loan some new players in this window.

"We're looking for one striker, one midfielder, and maybe a winger."

Adriano has been linked with a move to England before, with West Ham United apparently showing an interest in the summer.

Brasileirão 2007 Stars Stoked To Face Brazil

Dunga has been preparing what is basically the Under 23 Seleção for next year's Olympic Games in Beijing (Peking) next year, although Dunga still has to chose from the Under-23s in Europe plus up to three players who are over 23 years of age.

The match is set to take place this Sunday the 9th of December at the João Havelange Stadium - better known as the Engenhão - and ticket sales have been slow due to the absence of big Brazil names and a lingering expectation that the players will be too tired or too green to put on a great show.

Nevertheless, although some have already bowed out alleging previous commitments, many are thrilled to be able to play against Brazil. “Even though it's going to be a bit of a party atmosphere I'm going onto the pitch with the same determination as if I was wearing a Flamengo shirt”, explained right-back Leonardo Moura.

Fluminense centre-back Thiago Silva was expected to be part of the Seleção Olímpica, but will have to content himself with a place in the Best of Brasileirão squad - albeit with an eye on showing Dunga that he's worthy of a ticket to China next year.

“I expect it to be a great game and will be preparing for the match as if it were the final of the Libertadores Cup and hope that I can demonstrate that I have what it takes not just to be part of the Best of Brasileirão 2007 but the Seleção Olímpica as well”, he explained.

Fiorentina, Palermo go for Internacional star Roger

Fiorentina and Palermo are chasing Internacional de Porto Alegre midfielder Roger.

The 21 year-old is rated "better than Lulinha" by Brazilian agent Sabatino Durante, who confirmed the interest of Fiorentina and Palermo yesterday.

Post-Party São Paulo After New Blood

All four titles up for grabs - the Paulistão 2008 (São Paulo State Championship), Brasileirão 2008 (Brazilian First Division), the Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana - will be demanded by the management next year.

The 2007 experience showed that there's a need to strengthen a squad that's a little threadbare in some areas - and can suffer from the accumulated problems posed by injuries, suspension and transfers - so the aim is to ensure that Muricy Ramalho has ample room to manouvre.

The first moves have been made as right-back Joílson has been brought in from Botafogo to cover the gap that was left after Ilsinho was snapped up by Shakhtar Donetsk in July, and another Botafogo man may arrive in the shape of centre-back Juninho.

The idea is to pre-empt any problems as current first choice Breno is being sounded out by both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, although neither European great has made a concrete proposal as of yet, especially as Alex returns from a loan but Muricy Ramalho doesn't appear to want the back back.

Brasileirão 2007: Know The Best Eleven

It was little surprise that Brasileirão 2007 winners São Paulo was the club that ruled the roost at the Prêmio Craque Brasileirão (Crack Brazilian First Division Player Prize) ceremony at Rio de Janeiro's Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre), although Flamengo did manage to field two players, the other clubs only managing to boast one representative.

The annual event is run by the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol - Confederation of Brazilian Football) and this year has been designed to fit into an end-of-year bash where the theoretical best of the Brazilian League faces the Brazilian Olympic Squad that Dunga chose from young emerging Brazilian talenmts at Maracanã in what seems to be an intriguing - albeit unbalanced - clash.

Rogério Ceni (Goalkeeper), Breno, Miranda (Centre-Backs), Hernanes and Richarlyson (Holding Midfielders) were the five São Paulo players to make it into the first eleven, joined by Coach Muricy Ramalho. Ceni (pictured with the trophy) and Breno also won personal prizes as the keeper was named Rei da Bola (King Of The Ball) and the defender was voted best revelation.

The Tricolor Paulista keeper also received the fan fave title as the player who commands the most respect amongst the more fanatical followers. “This prize (craque da competição - crack player of the championship) is something that I feel honour-bound to share with my team-mates as they deserve it as much or more than I do”, explained a humble Ceni as he won for the second time running.

Flamengo provided Leonardo Moura (Right Wing-Back) and Ibson (Midfield), both players being - along with Seleção Olimpica man Toró and the coveted Renato Augusto - the motors behind taking Fla out of a nosedive towards the Segondona (second division - a.k.a Série B) and lifting the Urubu into a third placed finish and a place in next season's Libertadores Cup. They also won the symbolic "Torcida de Ouro" (Golden Fans) for the (largely) exemplary behaviour of the Fla faithful.

The Coach who saved Flamengo from the drop, Joel Santana, was pipped to the prize of best tactician by Muricy Ramalho, nudging Santana into second and Palmeiras Coach Caio Júnior into third. Other illustrious Coaches were present in the form of Dunga (plus assistant Jorginho) and retired 1970 World Cup winning tactician Zagallo - who won the Jules Rimet trophy twice as a player in 1958 and 1962 before scoring a hat-trick by training the Dream Team in 1970.

Parallel to this implicit World Cup link, the CBF made a point of highlighting the successful 2014 World Cup bid via hairy soap opera actors Tony Ramos and Marcos Palmeira who read out the list (composed by a total of 450 players, ex-players, Coaches, ex-Coaches as well as representatives of the sporting press) as follows:

Brasileirão Best Eleven 2007

Goalkeeper: Rogério Ceni (São Paulo)



Right-Back: Leonardo Moura (Flamengo)



Centre-Back (Right): Breno (São Paulo)


Centre-Back (Left): Miranda (São Paulo)



Left-Back: Kléber (Santos)


Defensive Midfielder (Right): Hernanes (São Paulo)


Defensive Midfielder (Left): Richarlyson (São Paulo)


Inside Right: Ibson (Flamengo)


Inside Left: Valdivia (Palmeiras)




Striker: Acosta (Náutico)


Striker: Josiel (Paraná Clube)



Coach: Muricy Ramalho (São Paulo)

That leaves the teams that will be fielded at the spanking new Engenhão stadium, barring any last-gasp changes as follows: nine Brazilians and two foreigners as Valdívia (Palmeiras) and Acosta (Uruguay; the vice-top-scorer being a late bloomer who's not been seen much in the Celeste shirt) made it into the top eleven.

Possible Line-Ups

BRASILEIRÃO STARS (4-4-2): Rogério Ceni, Leonardo Moura, Breno, Miranda and Kléber; Hernanes, Richarlyson, Ibson and Valdívia; Acosta and Josiel.
Coach: Muricy Ramalho.

BRAZIL - 2008 OLYMPIC SQUAD (4-2-3-1): Renan (Felipe); Apodi (Nei), Breno, Luiz Rhodolfo (Leonardo) and Leonardo (Valmir); Leandro Almeida and Maycon; Toró (Charles), Thiago Neves (Diogo) and Diego Souza (Grêmio); Alexandre Pato (Ramires, Pedro Oldoni, Keirrison)
Coach: Dunga

The São Paulo Contingent

Players such as Rogério Ceni and Breno should already ring bells even for those unaccustomed to keeping tabs with the goings-on in Brazil, while those who've kept up with coverage throughout the year have seen that the other São Paulo players to make it into the list figured prominently in most matches and gained shining reviews and applause from pundits.

João Miranda de Souza Filho, more commonly known as Miranda, earned a foreign move for his sterling showings in the Campeonato Paranaense (Paraná State Championship) playing for Coritiba in 2004. In 2005 Ligue 1 outfit Sochaux snapped him up but the Brazilian had a hard time adjusting to his first foreign affair and was loaned out in 2006, São Paulo FC seeing him as the perfect cost-effective substitute for Diego Lugano (Fenerbahçe).

Weighing in at 77kg and 1.85m the player is nimble enough for aerial play and has shown himself to be good enough to earn a call-up to national level after convincing Dunga that the 23 year-old centre-back just may be a future Brazil player. With the alarming amount of injuries that have hit Brazil recently, Miranda may well be a name to bear in mind.

The last two Tricolor Paulista (Three Colours from São Paulo City) players are both defensive midfielders. Hernanes and Richarlyson supplanted the old São Paulo holding midfield composed of two players who ended up in the Bundesliga and the Seleção: Mineiro (Hertha Berlin) and Josué (Wolfsburg). Many Brazilian experts are tipping both to jump the pond soon.

Richarlyson Barbosa Felisbino, known just by his made-up mangled English name (a common practice in a land where Liverpool club Everton is a common first name and Michael is spelled Maicon or Maycon) actually hails from a footballing family as the 24 year-old player from the northern city of Natal is son of Reinaldo 'Lela' Felisbino, Coritiba's star 1980s left winger.

Not only his father, but brother Alecsandro plays for Cruzeiro and was seen briefly in Europe as a striker for Sporting Clube de Portugal, coming back from the Leões in July but still being able to figure at the top end of the top scorer table topped by Josiel. Richarlyson himself also had a brief stint in Europe, but failed to catch fire at Austrian outfit SV Salzburg on a short loan deal.

A shorter player, similar to a Mineiro whose departure allowed Richarlyson a shot at the big time that he didn't let slide, making up for a three-month forced stoppage in dry dock as the player recovered from a car accident during the Paulistão 2007 (São Paulo State Championship), becoming a key part of the SPFC side that struggled in the first part of the Brasileirão 2007 but went on to stitch together an (almost) record-breaking winning streak.

Richarlyson's year seemed set for a different outcome as at the end of June 2007, the player was 'outed' on the Milton Neves show Debate Bola (Ball Talk) by acidic Palmeiras exec José Cyrillo Júnior to spite the player for not signing for Palmeiras. The plot thickened - and sickened - as original magistrate Manoel Maximiano Junqueira Filho dismissed the ensuing lawsuit, arguing that football is a "virile, masculine sport and not a homosexual one".

The case continues to boil away in the background and Richarlyson has kept submarine silence about his sexual preferences, refusing to add gasoline to the fire with a denial. Fortunately the kerfuffle didn't throw the midfielder off and he's reported to be in talks for a move to AS Roma, possibly as early as January 2008.

His partner - in the footballing sense - at the Tricolor Paulista is Anderson Hernanes de Carvalho Andrade Lima, another lengthy name that can be reduced to one keyword: Hernanes. Born on the 29th of May 1985, Hernanes also hails from the northern coast, although instead of Natal the state in question is Recife. Standing slightly taller than Richarlyson, Hernanes has kicked up a small storm since making a first team place his own at the age of 22.

The number 26 started off at minnows Unibol Pernambuco before the almighty São Paulo came knocking to take him to the big city and hone his talent in the junior divisions, although he had to endure a loan deal that sent him down into the second division and industrial suburban São Paulo team Santo André. The time spent at the working class club paid off and Hernanes came back after being one of the highlights of the 'Segundona'.

The Flamengo duo of Leonardo 'Léo' Moura and Ibson also have had a dabble in European football, the former - from the Rio de Janeiro region of Niterói - having played at Dutch club Den Haag in 2000-1 and at Portuguese Arsenalistas Sporting Braga...as well as São Paulo, the latter at FC Porto from 2005-2007 and a man who returned to his beloved Mengão (Big Flamengo) to take the team from the depths of the relegation zone to a stunning third place finish.

Léo is hardly a spring chicken at 29 years of age, but he's far from washed up and may well be a tempting prospect for many clubs who need a solid yet light (66kg) right-back with an attacking bent who can also be improvised in midfield. He's experienced adversity as he was relegated with Palmeiras in 2002 and played alongside Romário at both Fluminense and Vasco.

Ibson is five years younger and has managed to confirm early suspicions that he's capable of organising a defensive midfield with efficiency and aplomb - as well as an intelligent view of how the game is going. At FC Porto he started brightly but fell out of favour under Co Adriaanse and was relegated to a semi-permanent place on the bench due to the arrival of (now Captain) Lucho González and a nagging injury that blighted his 2006.

The others include a familiar face from Dunga's recent Brazil call-ups: Kléber. The left-back came to prominence under Luxemburgo at Corinthians and played for Swiss club Grasshoppers but hopped back to Brazil and Luxemburgo once more - this time at Santos - where he's rapidly filled the void left by Bayern Munich man Zé Roberto. At national level he's yet to recreate the attacking flair that marked his 2007 at club level.

The two foreigners in the list are Chilean number 10 Valdívia and Uruguayan Acosta: both with offers to move to Europe in the New Year - according to the grapevine. The Chilean is a typical classy playmaker with a penchant for acting and exuberant complaints, but excellent passing and finishing skills, whereas the Uruguayan has risen from obscurity to finish second on the top scorer table - just below the final member of the crack squad: Josiel.

Legend Romário Suspended For Doping

The source of the controversy appears to be centred around the use of a substance known as Propecia; a concoction designed to slow down the effects of MPB (Male Pattern Baldness, not Música Popular Brasileira - Brazilian pop music) and which had also been detected in a routine test on Marcão (Internacional) during the Brasileirão (Brazilian First Division) 2007.

O Baixinho (Shorty) has been using the product to avoid his bald spot from spreading into a more Monk-like clearance but the product is also used to mask the use of other prohibited substances such as the steroids used to overcome injuries and regain muscle mass wasted while players are in dry dock - although Romário has denied using anything illicit.

Speaking on TV Globo the player was calm but resigned to the fact that the ban could spell an earlier end to his playing career. "I'm 41 and at my age you can't go without playing for three or four months, so, the way it is right now, I may have played my last game, but I hope that things will be cleared up and people should know there's nothing nasty behind it", he explained.

Just in case he's called for further reference urine and blood tests, Romário has admitted that he's stopped using Propecia - and showed that his sense of humour is still intact. "I've stopped using the product, even if it means that my hair starts falling out again", he ended with a resigned smile - and hope for a speedy and positive resolution to the confusion.

Dunga Leaves Door Open For Roberto Carlos

Currently back in Rio de Janeiro for an official CBF visit to the Instituto Bola para Frente (Advance The Ball Institute) along with fellow 1994 World Cup winners Bebeto and Jorginho, his assistant in the Seleçao, Dunga made it clear that there's no obstacles to stop Roberto Carlos from returning to the national squad.

“It's great that he's shown that he'd like to return to the seleção. Now everybody wants to play for Brazil because we're going in the right direction. The thing now is that a call-up depends very much on how any player is doing at club level”, explained the man who took the discredited seleção over from an eroded Parreira in 2006.

He did emphasise that the competition would be stiff for a place in the sun - even for a man with such a distinguished service record as Roberto Carlos. “Brazil is very well-served for wing-backs [Dunga habitually fields Gilberto and Kléber as left-back and Real; Madrid man Marcelo is also seen as deserving a place in the near future] but a lot depends on how the players perform in the World Cup qualifiers”, underlined the tactician.

Maradona - Kaka Doesn't Deserve The Ballon d'or

As soon as Kaka received the prestigious trophy on Sunday in Paris, a furious debate ensued questioning the merits of the Brazilian superstar receiving the award.

Though his Champions League form was great, the play-maker was practically non-existent through the Serie A season, and there have been calls from various quarters that consistency should be rewarded as opposed to a few glittering performances.

Former Argentinean superstar Diego Maradona - who had made his position clear by backing Lionel Messi - chose to stick to his guns.

“Rooney, Ronaldinho and Messi would have been the worthy winners,” he said.

“It was a tough decision but there is not much separating Kaka from those players. Some are even better.”

"I don't know too well how the election is done but I think that Rooney is better than Kaka.

"Milan is a team that depends all the time on Kaka but that doesn't make him the best player in the world."

'El Diego' also had an opinion on the upcoming World Club Cup that pits his beloved Boca Juniors against AC Milan.

“It’s going to be a difficult match and everyone is predicting Milan to be victorious but Milan are Kaka-dependent,” he stated.

Ballon d'Or winner Kaka: My future is AC Milan

Kaka has pledged his future to AC Milan after winning the Ballon d'Or yesterday.
He leaned over the balcony in Piazza Duomo and showed the Golden Ball to over 2,000 fans who waited for him in the square.


"I want to win a lot more with this club and double all the trophies I have so far, from the Champions League to the Ballon d'Or," he told Italia 1.

"This is my fifth season here. I have had many opportunities to walk away, but it is only normal that a Milan player is highly sought after.

"I want to become the captain of this side and a symbol. My future will be here and I am happy at Milan."

Ricky has been the subject of a series of bids from Real Madrid, going up to a reported £80m, but insists he has no intention of walking away.

"I have a great rapport with my teammates and the club. Why would I want to change?"

AC Milan order Ancelotti: Now turn Pato into Ballon d'Or winner

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani believes they have another future Ballon d'Or winner on their books.
After celebrating Kaka's triumph yesterday in Paris, Galliani immediately put coach Carlo Ancelotti on notice.

"Ancelotti's next challenge is to turn Alexandre Pato into a Ballon d'Or winner," said Galliani.

Barcelona ace Ronaldinho hits back at critics

Barcelona star Ronaldinho has hit out at his critics.
The Brazil international, who has started the last two games for Barca on the bench, said: "Many of these people have never played football, they don't know how it works, yet they have an opinion about me. People listen to them and then suddenly it gets out of control.

"However, those that have played the game, know truly what is happening and so can explain it to the fans."

He added: "I know people ask a lot of me. But I use this as a motivation tool."

Kaka Officially Wins Ballon d’Or

Kaka of AC Milan has won the 2007 Ballon d'Or after picking up 444 points in the final stage of voting.

The Brazilian attacking midfielder has been rumoured for weeks to be a shoe-in for the prestigious World Player of the Year award, but only now is it official that he has done so.

The 25 year old racked up over 150 voting points more than his closest competitor, Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, while Lionel Messi finished not too far behind in third place.

For this edition of the award, 96 journalists voted for their five top players in order of decreasing preference, with five points for their first pick, four for their second choice, and so on to one point.

Only 53 of the journalists were European, giving the France Football award a distinctly international flavour.

European clubs dominated the voting, but Kaka himself is the third Brazilian to win in the past six years, and AC Milan's first winner since Andriy Shevchenko won the award in 2004.

Last year's winner Fabio Cannavaro finished joint 20th with 5 points.

The results in full:

KAKA (AC Milan, Brazil) - 444 points
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, England) - 277 points
Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina) - 255 points
Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Côte d'Ivoire) - 108 points
Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan, Italy) - 41 points
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid, Netherlands) - 39 points
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Internazionale, Sweden) - 31 points
Francesc 'Cesc' Fabregas (Arsenal, Spain) - 27 points
Robinho (Real Madrid, Brazil) - 24 points
Francesco Totti (AS Roma, Italy) - 21 points
Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla, Mali) - 19 points
Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Brazil) - 18 points
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, England) - 17 points
Juan Roman Riquelme (Villarreal/Boca Juniors, Argentina) - 15 points
Daniel Alves (Sevilla, Brazil) - 14 points
Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan, Italy) - 12 points
Franck Ribery (Marseille/Bayern Munich, France) - 10 points
Paolo Maldini (AC Milan, Italy) - 8 points
Gianluigi Buffon, Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, Italy) Petr Cech (Chelsea, Czech Republic), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan, Italy), Thierry Henry (Arsenal/Barcelona, France) and Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan, Netherlands) - 7 points

Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid, Italy) and Michael Essien (Chelsea, Ghana) - 5 points

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, England) - 4 points

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, Spain) and Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo, Brazil) - 3 points

Younis Mahmoud (Al-Gharafa, Iraq) - 2 points

Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham Hotspur, Bulgaria), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona, Cameroon), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, Wales), Guillermo Ochoa (Club America, Mexico), Carlos Tevez (West Ham United/Manchester United, Argentina) and Robin van Persie (Arsenal, Netherlands) - 1 point

Eric Abidal (Lyon/Barcelona, France), David Beckham (Real Madrid/Los Angeles Galaxy, England), Deco (Barcelona, Portugal), Mahamadou Diarra (Real Madrid, Mali), Diego (Werder Bremen, Brazil), Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen/Bayern Munich, Germany), Florent Malouda (Lyon/Chelsea, France), Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic, Japan), Ricardo Quaresma (Porto, Portugal), Raul (Real Madrid, Spain), Paul Scholes (Manchester United, England), Luca Toni (Fiorentina/Bayern Munich, Italy), Kolo Toure (Arsenal, Côte d'Ivoire), José Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid/Liverpool, Spain) David Villa (Valencia, Spain) - 0 points.

Agent keeps Sao Paulo option for Inter Milan's Adriano

The agent of Adriano won't rule out a deal with Sao Paulo for the Inter Milan striker.
Gilmar Rinaldi said: "Yes, if it pleases everyone, there is a possibility if it is useful for his health. I must add that at the moment the chances are zero, but one thing is clear: If this option appeals to the player and is a good solution for his health, we may seek a solution with the Italian club."

Robinho: I want to be world's best at Real Madrid

Robinho has pledged his future to Real Madrid and declared he wants to be "the best player in the world".

The Brazil international winger said: "I want to play for Real Madrid until the end of my contract. I am happy and I only want to become as important for Real as I am with the Brazilian national team.

"When I was small, I dreamed of being the best in the world. Now it depends on me and counting on a winning team to achieve this goal."

On his life off the pitch, Robinho insisted: "As I spent a lot f time with Ronaldo, people thought that I was doing the same things. But that's not true."

Middlesbrough table bid for Barcelona star Ronaldinho

Middlesbrough have made a concrete bid for Barcelona star Ronaldinho.
DiarioSport says Boro's offer - which is £10 million - is the only formal bid Barcelona have so far received for Ronaldinho.

The Boro bid is said to be so low as their budget to land the Brazil international is dominated by their contract offer to the attacking midfield star.

AC Milan drop Ronaldo contract plans

AC Milan have pulled all plans of drawing up a new contract offer for striker Ronaldo.
Tuttosport says the Brazilian's latest injury setback has alarm bells ringing in Milan's boardroom and no deal will be considered until they have clear answers on the forward's long-term fitness.

Ronaldo comes off contract in June and insisted before his latest injury in Lisbon that he wanted to prove himself worthy of a new deal.

Ronaldinho tells Barcelona pals: I'm the black sheep!

Ronaldinho showed he hadn't lost his great sense of humour at Barcelona training yesterday.
With all the pressure and speculation swirling around him, Ronaldinho managed to get his teammates bursting into laughter after a miss-kick during a drill.

"I am the black sheep!" proclaimed the Brazilian, as he put his hands up in mock apology.

All his teammates appreciated the joke, coming just days after Edmilson's "black sheep" controversy. Edmilson yesterday, meanwhile, was returning to his first full-scale training session at Barca for five months.

Scolari: Barcelona's Ronaldinho already past his peak

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes Barcelona ace Ronaldinho is already past his peak.
Scolari, who won the World Cup with Ronaldinho, said: "He already has reached his maximum point as a soccer player. He played wonderfully well in 2004 and 2005, but already he's dropped a little in his form since 2006. What is clear is that he cannot maintain the same level he has performed at for the past ten years.

"Ronaldinho is never going to obtain what Brazilian and Barcelona fans demand of him. No longer can he beat four players nor will he score four goals in the same game."

Eriksson Hoping To Perform Without Elano

The Swedish manager knows what an impact the Brazilian midfielder has had on the Citizens, but now wants the rest of the players to show that they are not a one-man team.

Elano is sidelined with a hamstring injury and the blow has come just as City were looking to end a poor run of away displays that has seen them pick up just five points from six matches.

"It is pity Elano is not playing because we know what he means to us," Eriksson said.

"He is having a scan and we do not know at the moment how long he will be out for. But that's life. We have to show we can play without him in the side."

Geovanni Deberson or Stephen Ireland will compete to take Elano's spot in the centre for City at Wigan and Eriksson can see the merits of both.

"We have to consider Geovanni or Ireland for Elano's role," he continued. "Ireland is doing well and is in good shape, even though he is in a role that is new to him.

"But he is improving and his two goals gave us four more points."

Eriksson knows that new Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be looking to make a good start and believes that the Latic's league position is a false one.

"It is a big game and a difficult game against them. They are a better team than the table shows," he concluded.

Dunga's Olympic Hopefuls

The Brazil Coach read out the list of 22 players who'll represent the Seleção Olímpica (Olympic Squad) in a friendly that will pit the hopefuls against a compound team of the best of the Brasileirão (Brazilian First Division).

The match has been scheduled to take place at Botafogo's spanking new Engenhão stadium on the 9th of December and the game - albeit a friendly - is bound to be tightly-fought as the freshly called-up names get a rare chance to strut their stuff with an eye on a potential place in Peking.

"It's up to them to show that they have the potential ready to be realised and are fit to represent Brazil by using the Canarinha [Canary Yellow Shirt]. I always say that the Olympic Squad is the same as the main squad in terms of what I expect and the player have a chance."

"In football the real truths are seen on the pitch during competition and the players are the people who get decide if they have got the right stuff to be fielded and are worthy of being called up again", explained Dunga as the list was released in Rio de Janeiro.

Given that all the names - with the conspicuous exceptions of AC Milan's soon-to-play-legally Alexandre Pato and coveted São Paulo centre-back Breno - are all local players, Goal.com provides an accelerated guide to bring those who aren't up to speed with the Brazilian League's latest crop.

Brazil Call-Up List - Peking Olympic Games 2008

Goalkeepers

Renan (Internacional)
Felipe (Santos)

Wing-Backs

Apodi (Vitória)
Leonardo (Portuguesa)
Nei (Atlético Paranaense)
Valmir (Palmeiras)

Centre-Backs

Leonardo (Grêmio)
Breno (São Paulo)
Luiz Rhodolfo (Atlético Paranaense)

Midfielders

Diego Souza (Grêmio)
Charles (Cruzeiro)
Leandro Almeida (Coritiba)
Maycon (Internacional)
Wagner (Cruzeiro)
Thiago Neves (Fluminense)
Diogo (Portuguesa)
Toró (Flamengo)

Strikers

Pedro Ken (Coritiba)
Pedro Oldoni (Atlético Paranaense)
Ramires (Cruzeiro)
Keirrison (Coritiba)
Alexandre Pato (AC Milan)

It's not a vintage according to the local experts. "The highlight really is Alexandre Pato, and of the rest the only names capable of generating whispering anticipation so far are Breno and Diego Souza", commented Lance! columnist Carlos Alencar, correctly, although perhaps a tad unfairly.

Each year sees the great clubs - and increasingly more obscure teams of lesser footballing nations - of the Old World cast their nets over the fertile football fishing ground of South America and catch future stars at ever-younger ages and the pickings are now scarcer.

This hasn't reached overfishing levels although the signs of scarcity are there, not just in the inflated prices paid for embryonic stars but in the paucity of exciting talent that has been grown and is coming to stardom on home soil rather than nurtured in the richest clubs' stables.

Three Brazilian clubs lead the standings as source stars with three players apiece - Coritiba, Atlético Paranaense and Cruzeiro - Portuguesa, Internacional and Grêmio contributing two while the rest - Santos, Vitória, Palmeiras, Fluminense and Flamengo - all chip in with a promise.

The main candidates to hog the limelight may already be in Europe or on their way there, but the following - apart from the self-evident Pato and Breno - but there are other players who could well be able to make a splash at national level.

One man whose been increasingly tipped to shine after a great year is Grêmio 's Diego Souza - a name that may ring a few bells, but it must be taken into account that there are at least two other players named Diego Souza playing in Brazil.

Fluminense's playmaking left-sided midfielder Thiago Neves is also a man who many expect to be a future star buy for a European great, although his somewhat convoluted ownership is the subject of tripartite legal wrangling between Flu, Paraná and Palmeiras.

The Rio de Janeiro-based playmaker is still with Fluminense after signing a contract extension and singing the praises of Coach Renato Gaúcho as the man responsible for ensuring he honed his talent sharp enough to carve a place in the seleção.

In the running for the prize of top Brasileirão 2007 revelation, Neves is seeing the Engenhão game as a fantastic Xmas present. “I think this ends the year on a high note thanks to 'Renato Claus' who's been a sort of Santa and helped me to reach national level."

Speaking after playing at a Maracanã fund raiser for charitable foundation Fundação Gol de Letra, started and run by ex-Brazil players Raí and Leonardo, Neves was clealy excited. "I'm running home to tell everybody about it”, he told the Jornal dos Sports (Sports Journal)

Faded São Paulo greats Portuguesa have finally made it back into the Brazilian elite after five years trawling the lower depths and wing-back Leonardo and attacking midfielder Diogo have been two of the men whose performances have brought many admirers.

Leonardo is being tracked by several Brazilian greats as well as attracting reported interest from PSG although it's the midfielder who's getting the lion's share of applause from pundits - and also was voted best Série B (Brazilian second division) revelation of 2007.

Diogo ended the season as Portuguesa's top scorer, the midfielder seen as bearing a large amount of the credit for helping raise the Canindé club back into the elite. He commented on the recent rise into the limelight after receiving the FBA (Futebol Brasil Associados) prize.

Right-back Nei is tipped by some for a rapid rise into the big time - if he can play his seleção olímpica cards right, and the Furacão flanker is geared up and eager to get stuck in. “It's a dream come true as every Brazilian footballer aims to wear the Canarinha with pride", he gushed.

“Even though it's a dream chance I have the responsibility to convince Dunga that I've got the right ability, attitude and performance to earn a place in the team”, he explained, adding that he was now fully recovered from an injury that cut a chunk out of his season.

“I have had good performances that have attracted attention, but unfortunately I was interrupted by two months out due to injury. The good news is that I've overcome that and look forward to showing that I am up to the task when it comes to playing for the seleção”, he finished

Fellow Atlético Paranaense man Rhodolfo has also been one of the reasons for Dunga's focus on Curitiba and the centre-back was equally starry-eyed. "It is my first cap and I hope I get a chance to play for the seleção and show Dunga that I should be in China next year", he explained.

The attack from Curitiba club Coritiba was also called up as both Pedro Ken and Keirrison (no spelling mistake) also caught Dunga's eye. 19 year-old Keirrison was the Coxa top scorer in the second division with a dozen goals netted - bringing the striker hot on the heels of Diogo in the FBA votes.

All in all it's a list that's a potential chocolate box of variety for fans to look forward to, perhaps containing some jaw-droppingly sweet revelations that linger and leave us wanting more as well as orange cremes that we'd prefer to feed the dog with, but it's worth bearing in mind that the 9th of December is a day to mark in your diary and, just maybe, see some future stars being born.

Ronaldo delighted with winning AC Milan comeback

Ronaldo was delighted to make a winning comeback for AC Milan in their 2-1 victory at Cagliari yesterday.

The Brazilian came through the 90 minutes unscathed and said at the final whistle: "It was important to win. I returned after a long period out and it went well. It is just the beginning, I am happy.

"Certainly I want to play the matches Milan expects from me. I should soon resume training and playing the way everyone expects me to."

Ronaldo added: "I am available for where the coach wants to play me. My role is as the first striker, but if he wants me to play as a second forward, I will do that."

Asked about the prospect of playing with Kaka and Alexandre Pato in the same Milan team, Ronaldo also said: "I think it will be a problem for the coach having so many good players, not all teams have these 'problems'.

"We all do our best because Milan must always be victorious."

Juventus chief Secco admits Diego interest

Juventus sports director Alessio Secco has admitted their interest in Werder Bremen midfielder Diego.

The Bianconeri are planning to cash in on several fringe players in January to fund a major bid for the Brazil international playmaker.

"He's an excellent player," said Secco. "The Brazilian is very strong and influential on the field."

Edu ready for latest Valencia comeback

Edu has declared he's available to Valencia coach Ronald Koeman.

The Brazilian midfielder is delighted with the way his knee has responded during full-scale training and feels confident of making a successful comeback after a year on the sidelines.

The former Arsenal midfielder said: "I would love to start playing and will try to do my best, but I cannot say whether I am fit enough for an entire game.

"I am OK, I feel comfortable and happy, but it does not depend on me to return to the team. As much as I would love to return, I have to respect the opinion of the coach."

Match Highlights : Brazil Vs Uruguay

Jeered Dunga holds up Argentine fans as example

Brazil coach Dunga held up the fans of arch-rivals Argentina as an example after his team were jeered despite beating Uruguay in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.

The jeering began after only 30 minutes, when Uruguay were leading 1-0, and Dunga himself was insulted by the notoriously fickle Morumbi crowd.

Despite turning the game around in the second half, the crowd continued to boo the home side and Ronaldinho and Robinho both went off to whistles when they were substituted.

"We were making a lot of mistakes and we weren't playing well, so it's normal for the crowd to jeer," Dunga told reporters.

"It's not new in Sao Paulo and it doesn't just happen to me, so I know it's not personal. Lots of other coaches have also been booed here.

"But it was a bit strange in the second half when we were winning and some people kept booing.

"In Argentina and Paraguay, the crowd tries to lift their team."
Forward Robinho said he knew what to expect.

"I knew they were very demanding," he said. "It wasn't a surprise for me."

WCQ Match Report : Brazil 2-1 Uruguay

Luis Fabiano scored twice to give Brazil a fortuitous 2-1 win over Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday after the visitors had taken an early lead and dominated the game.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar came to Brazil's rescue several times as they beat their smaller neighbours for the first time since 1999, a run stretching over six matches.

Sebastian Abreu gave Uruguay an eighth-minute lead before Luis Fabiano equalised in the 44th minute and snatched the winner midway through the second half.

An impatient Morumbi crowd jeered Brazil, insulted coach Dunga and booed Ronaldinho and Robinho when they were substituted in the second half. Brazil have eight points from four games in the South American group and Uruguay have four.

"We didn't play well especially in the first half and we gave the ball away a lot, when our passing is usually our strength," Dunga told reporters.

"We will improve and there's no point in changing everything just because of one game. I'm happy with the result and because we overcame our difficulties."

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez was happy with his team's performance but not the result.
"We played a good game, unfortunately it didn't get us anywhere because we were not clinical enough," he said.

Uruguay captain Diego Lugano said: "We played better over the 90 minutes but we lacked experience to kill off the game. It's very difficult with all the forwards that Brazil have."

EARLY WARNING

Uruguay sounded an early warning when Luis Suarez narrowly failed to make contact with Cristian Rodriguez's cross and Ignacio Gonzalez forced a good save from Julio Cesar.

They went ahead in the eighth minute when Maximiliano Pereira skipped past Ronaldinho and crossed to the far post for Abreu to score with a diving header.

Although Kaka had a penalty appeal turned down for Brazil after a typically powerful run, Uruguay continued to create the better chances.

Julio Cesar made difficult saves to keep out shots by Alvaro Gonzalez and Pereira, while Rodriguez fired over from an excellent position after a sweeping move down the left.

The Brazilian crowd grew restless, booing their team and insulting Dunga after only half an hour.

But the hosts equalised out of the blue in the 44th minute when Luis Fabiano scored from a narrow angle with a shot which went through Fabian Carini's legs.

Suarez had an excellent chance to regain the lead for Uruguay early in the second half when he broke down the right but he was foiled by Juan's last-ditch tackle.

Brazil went ahead against the run of play in the 65th minute when Gilberto mis-hit a shot and the ball fell to Luis Fabiano who swept it into the goal.

Uruguay replied immediately and Julio Cesar made a superb save to turn away an Abreu header.

WCQ Result : Brazil 2-1 Uruguay

A Luis Fabiano double helped Brazil to a 2-1 victory against an enthusiastic Uruguay side.

Uruguay who took the lead through striker Abreu's header early in the first half only for Luis Fabiano to equalise squeezing his shot through the keepers legs from a tight angle.

Brazil got their winner midway through the 2nd half as Luis Fabiano fired home Gilberto's miscued shot. It was a patchy display from Brazil who still have not been convincing in any of their qualifiers for the World Cup 2010.

Ronaldinho was almost non-existent as he was replaced in the 60th minute with Robinho suffering the same fate 10 minutes later.

Full match report to follow....

Brazil coach rules out drastic changes for Uruguay match

SAO PAULO: Brazilian national coach Carlos Dunga stood up for the team’s superstars on Monday in the face of criticism in the media, and he ruled out any drastic changes for today’s match against Uruguay in Sao Paulo.

“We have two days to train and play ... I do not think we should modify the team all the time, because the players would then lose their self-confidence. If within five or six games things are not going well, then we will have to make changes,” the coach said in a press conference in Sao Paulo.

On Sunday Brazil drew 1-1 against Peru in Lima, and the winners of five World Cups are now third in South America’s qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with five points in three games. Argentina top the table with nine points, while Paraguay have seven.

Dunga tried to defend his players – particularly Ronaldinho and Robinho – from the criticism of the Brazilian media.

The coach noted that these players, along with fellow superstar Kaka, are not to blame for the lack of attacking effectiveness shown by Brazil in two away games in the qualifiers. Brazil drew 0-0 in Colombia and also failed to win in Peru.

“We do not just depend on the three, we have to have collective play. We will only solve our problems in the team if we think jointly,” said Dunga.

He admitted that he has not yet had time to set up a tactical scheme for the national team. However, Dunga expressed great confidence that the problems shown so far will be overcome.

“The longer we train together, the better we will be,” he said.

Dunga stressed that he is not worried about Brazil’s current third place in the qualifiers.

“We played two games away and one at home. The important thing is to qualify, to secure a spot in the World Cup.

“When that has been achieved, we will think about getting to the top. In 2002 we qualified third and we became world champions. And in 2006 we qualified first and we did not win the Cup,” Dunga recalled.

He declined to give hints as to the team’s starting line-up against Uruguay, but he noted the only sure absence is that of the central defender Lucio, Brazil’s captain, who is suspended for one game after his second booking of the series in the qualifiers.

Breno upset with Real Madrid age demands

A move by Real Madrid may have left them on the outer in the battle for Sao Paulo defender Breno.

The 18 year-old Brazilian has Real, Bayern Munich and AC Milan chasing his signature and it's emerged that the Spanish club actually demanded he undergo an X-Ray examination to prove his age.

"If Real really want me," said Breno, "I shouldn't have to undergo any examinations. They can just try for another defender.

"As far as I'm concerned, there's no problem. I am sure of my age."

Tottenham boss Ramos makes Real Madrid's Baptista priority signing

Real Madrid attacking midfielder Julio Baptista is a priority target for Tottenham boss Juande Ramos.

Marca says Baptista is the one player Ramos wants to sign from the Primera Liga, having worked closely with the Brazilian when the pair were together at Sevilla.

Spurs will offer £5 million for Baptista in January, but Real won't sell for anything less than crazy money. Real coach Bernd Schuster wants a deep squad list as they continue to be alive in all three competitions this season.

That won't put off Ramos, however, and if a deal can't be closed for the winter market, he will return next summer to bring Baptista to White Hart Lane.

Match Highlights : Peru Vs Brazil

WCQ Match Report : Peru 1-1 Brazil

Kaka scored a stunning 30-metre goal as Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by a feisty Peru in Sunday's World Cup qualifier.

Kaka, who scored twice in last month's 5-0 thrashing of Ecuador, was on target in the 40th minute to give Brazil the lead in the South American group match.

Underdogs Peru hit back in the 71st minute when Juan Vargas scored with a deflected shot from outside the area, the first his team have scored in the group and the first conceded by Brazil.

Brazil almost snatched a winner when Juan headed against the crossbar from a free kick in the last move of the game.

Brazil have five points from three games, four points behind leaders Argentina, and Peru two after three games of the marathon, two-year qualifying campaign.

"Our performances was very good in the first half but we dropped off in the second, when we lost a lot of balls in the midfield and they were able to hit us on the break," said Brazil coach Dunga. "Football depends on goals. There's no point in creating chances if you don't put them away."

Peru, who last qualified for the World Cup in 1982, subjected Brazil to some intense early pressure when Vargas went close with a low left-foot shot from outside the area while Jefferson Farfan fired over on the edge of the penalty area.

Brazil weathered the storm and had a series of chances. Maicon headed wide from a free kick before Robinho had his shot charged down by Diego Penny. Vagner Love, who had won possession on the edge of the penalty area, then shot just wide of the post.

Kaka, however, broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when he was found by Miniero and the AC Milan player's dipping 30-metre shot swerved away from Penny's reach.

Kaka nearly added another two minutes later with a chip which Penny turned over.
The second half got off to a slow start as Brazil tried to slow the game down and frustrate the hosts.

Brazil were close to a second when Penny turned Ronaldinho's free kick around the post and saved another in a scramble following the resulting corner.

Peru equalised in the 71st minute when Juan Vargas met a half clearance with a low left-foot shot from 25 metres which took a deflection off Lucio on its way into the goal.

Farfan set up a clear chance for a Peru winner when he found Claudio Pizarro free on the edge of the area but the Chelsea striker's first touch let him down and he lost the ball.

Brazil finished on the attack and Juan, who had a superb game in defence, was foiled by the crossbar deep into injury time.

WCQ Result : Peru 1-1 Brazil

Brazil drew their 3rd qualifying game to Peru 1-1 as a fired up Peru equalised in the 71st minute to gain a point.

Kaka opened the scoring in the 40th minute thanks to quick control and a superb out- swerving shot from 25 yards out to give Brazil the lead. Brazil were hustled and harried by Peru throughout the game and although Juan hit the bar in the dying seconds of the game, a draw was a fair result.

Full match report to follow...

Brazil braced for 'war' in Peru

LIMA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Brazil expect a rough ride when they visit Peru for Sunday's World Cup qualifier, with Kaka preparing for "war".

Peru failed to score in their opening two games of the competition last month but are hoping for a morale-boosting win against the five-times world champions.

Peru go into the match with one point while Brazil, fresh from a 5-0 drubbing of Ecuador, have four.

"All games away from home are like a war, everyone wants to beat Brazil," said Kaka.

"It's the game of their lives, a chance for them to be remembered for beating Brazil."

Ronaldinho has been given only a 70 percent chance of playing by team doctor Jose Luis Runco because of an ankle injury.

Forward Julio Baptista said Brazil would be happy just to get the win.

"People always expect us to put on a show but it's not always possible to get a score like that," he said.

"The most important thing is to bring home three points."

Peru goalkeeper Leao Butrao may miss the game with a heavy cold but German-based striker Paolo Guerrero is set to return after injury.

Peru, a South American soccer powerhouse in the 1970s, have not qualified for a World Cup since 1982 but their players are focused on winning at the Monumental stadium.

"We have very good players and we have to reflect this on the field. The match obliges us to go in hard when there's a 50-50 ball," said Italian-based Juan Vargas.
Striker Claudio Pizarro said Peru would not simply try to avoid defeat.

"Anything can happen and we're going for a win. We're not in a situation where we can settle for a draw, we have to look for a win," he said.

Brazil leaves for World Cup qualifier against Peru, but Ronaldinho doubtful

Ronaldinho travelled with the Brazilian team to Peru on Friday, but the status of his injured ankle was still uncertain ahead of the team's upcoming World Cup qualifier.

Ronaldinho did not take part in the squad's final scrimmage on Friday, doing weight training, while the starting team played against the reserves at Brazil's mountain training camp in Teresopolis, near Rio.

Manchester City's Elano took Ronaldinho's place on the "A" team. On Thursday, Diego of Germany's Werder Bremen got the nod to replace Ronaldinho, who practised for 20 minutes and then left the field, nursing his ankle.

Ronaldinho, who twice was named FIFA's player of the year, hurt his right ankle in a game for Barcelona and was listed as questionable for Sunday's game.

"We're following it day by day. Yesterday I was supposed to play only 20 minutes and I did," he said in a televised interview Friday.

Ronaldinho star said he felt better and was hopeful he can be ready for Sunday's game.

"Today it's not so swollen," he said. "We're in the final phase of treatment. I still don't have full confidence, and in some movements it still hurts, but there's still time until the game. ... I think I'm going to play."

Dunga hasn't said whether he would pick Elano or Diego - who were teammates with star striker Robinho when Santos won the Brazilian championship title in 2002 - as replacement. The two have different styles - Elano strengthens the defence, while Diego makes the team more offensive.

Team physician Jose Luiz Runco said Ronaldinho would play only if he's in condition to practise with the team Saturday in Peru.

Brazil tied Colombia 0-0 and routed Ecuador 5-0 in its two previous qualifiers. The five-time World Cup champions trail leader Argentina by two points in the 10-nation South American qualifying tournament.