RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Brazil coach Dunga has criticised the state of the pitch at the Maracana stadium where his side face Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier next month.
"I understand a series of matches has contributed to this but the truth is the pitch is in bad condition, it needs to be repaired," he told reporters after visiting the ground on Thursday.
"When I was a player the Maracana always had an excellent pitch."
The playing surface was used a lot during the Panamerican Games in July, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the men's and women's soccer tournaments.
Since then it has also been used by all four local clubs in the Brazilian championship.
The match on Oct. 17 will be Brazil's first home international for two years and their first at the Maracana since 2000 when they beat Bolivia 5-0.
Brazil kick off their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign against Colombia in Bogota on Oct. 13 or 14.
Friday 21 September 2007
Brazil coach Dunga criticises Maracana pitch
Barcelona players defend under-fire Ronaldinho
MADRID (AFP) — Ronaldinho's teammates at Barcelona have rushed to defend the Brazilian striker after he was jeered by fans earlier this week and accused once again by the Spanish press of being under form.
The 27-year-old ace was whistled by a section of the Nou Camp as he was substituted during the second half the 3-0 Champions League home win against Lyon because of what they felt was a lacklustre performace.
Ronaldinho did not look pleased about being replaced for the third straight match by Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.
"I don't understand why they whistled him. He's the best in the world and a key player in the team," said Argentine striker Lionel Messi.
"He's an incredible player," added Barcelona's new recruit Thierry Henry who acknowledged that Ronaldinho had not been in top form during the team's recent away matches.
The Spanish sports press appear unanimous on their appraisal of Ronaldinho's dip in form, but some appear to believe his star is on the wane.
El Mundo daily on Friday said Ronaldinho is no longer "untouchable" while Barcelona-based La Vanguardia said the player was "in torment".
Ronaldinho could be paying the price for his reported behaviour off the field too.
Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia added that 48 hours before Barcelona's goalless draw against Osasuna at home on Sunday Ronaldinho was seen at a a famous nightclub in the city.
"No one understands" the decline in form of the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year award, conservative daily newspaper ABC added.
Brazil defeats Denmark 1-0 to reach women's World Cup quarterfinals
Brazil fought off a determined Denmark Thursday to set up a quarterfinal clash with Australia at the women's World Cup.
The 1-0 win, coupled with China's 2-0 victory over New Zealand, means that Denmark was eliminated along with the Kiwis.
With star Marta pulling the strings, Brazil dominated Denmark but could not score until the first minute of injury time when substitute Pretinha raced onto a through ball and lifted it over the onrushing Danish goalkeeper Heidi Johansen.
Brazil could have scored more except for poor finishing and great goalkeeping by Johansen.
The pro-Brazilian crowd at the Hangzhou Dragon Stadium oohed and awed each time Marta touched the ball, and she did not disappoint, launching passes around the field and dribbling past defenders.
Halfway through the first half, the FIFA player of the year powered by two defenders only to see her shot bounce off the post.
Marta's best chance came with 20 minutes left in the game when she exchanged passes with a teammate and cracked a low shot which a diving Johansen tipped around her post.
The win means Brazil finished top of Group D with nine points and will play Australia, the second-place finisher in Group C, in the quarterfinal on Sunday.
"It will be a very difficult game as the game was against Denmark. I have a strong belief we can get a good result," Brazilian coach Jorge Barcellos said.
He said Brazil had some problems because he decided to rest defender Aline and midfielder Renata Costa due to worries they would pick up a second yellow card and be forced to sit out the quarterfinals.
Thursday 20 September 2007
Kerlon's `seal dribble' sparks outcry in Brazil
Ingenious or incendiary, promising or provocative, the "seal dribble" is stirring up controversy in Brazil. Cruzeiro playmaker Kerlon, the midfielder at the center of the debate, confounds and irritates opponents by repeatedly bouncing the ball off his head to run past defenders.With the ball out of reach, opposing players find it hard to stop Kerlon, 19, without fouling him. Some players say the move breaks unwritten soccer ethics, and they argue that Kerlon uses the move to show off, not to try to score goals.
"It is a provocation. He may have to be sidelined for several years if he gets kicked in the face," said former Brazil goalkeeper and current Atletico Mineiro coach Emerson Leao.
Kerlon's latest balancing act caused a nationally televised brawl as Cruzeiro beat rival Atletico Mineiro 4-3 in the Brazilian league Sunday. Shortly after Cruzeiro took the lead for good, Kerlon performed the move. Then Atletico defender Coelho leveled him with a hard tackle. Atletico players charged Kerlon, screaming at him and accusing him of provoking them with the dribble. Kerlon's teammates came to his rescue, and the scuffle lasted several minutes.
Kerlon is undeterred by the critics.
"It's my move," he said. "It's not the first time I do it and it won't be the last. ... They'll need to create a new law if they want me to stop."
Marcelo: Roberto Carlos big boots to fill
Marcelo was delighted to make his first competitive start for the season in Real Madrid�s 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen.
The Brazil international left-back has struggled to find a place in coach Bernd Schuster's plans since the German's arrival, but impressed in last night's win.
"For me it was very important to play in this game against Werder. The fans were brilliant with me. Robert Carlos was here for many years and for that reason I have much responsibility when I play on the flank," said Marcelo.
"I believe that I need a little more confidence, but I see it coming. Schuster has given me a great chance."
Goal scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy said: "I enjoy playing in this team with so many offensive players. Clearly, it can be a gamble - especially against a good attacking team, but it is something I am enjoying being involved in."
Inter Milan No1 Julio Cesar: Mancini was angry
Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar admits coach Roberto Mancini was furious in the aftermath of last night's 1-0 defeat at Fenerbahce.
"It didn't go well. With all the players suspended, I thought a draw would've been a good result, but it went this way," said the Brazilian.
"It is possible we didn't see the right approach, as after the final whistle the Coach told us our attitude has to change. Now we will prepare for the next Serie A and European game, we have to improve.
"Mancini was angry, but we all were, as nobody likes to start the Champions League with a defeat. It's only right he was cross with us."
Julio Cesar added: "Last season we had a bad start as well, losing our first few games, but we qualified anyway and so must carry on with our heads held high.
"We have a very strong squad and with these players, we must always believe in our potential.
"I think that the Coach can better explain what went wrong tonight, so I don't like discussing these things."
Furious Robinho blanked Real Madrid TV
Robinho was furious after starting Tuesday night's victory over Werder Bremen on the Real Madrid bench.
Marca says the Brazilian winger was angry, having only played 21 minutes as a second-half substitute. After the match, Robinho blanked all waiting media - including the club's own Real Madrid TV channel.
Wednesday 19 September 2007
Less São Paulo-Boca Than In The Libertadores?
The São Paulo Coach and his Captain are making no bones about the Sudamericana match against Boca Juniors being less of a clash of titans than if the fixture was being played for the more prestigious Libertadores Cup…
Number 1 Rogério Ceni, the main star of the Tricolor Paulista who almost reached the 1000 minute unbeaten mark but was foiled in injury time during the recent Clássico derby against Santos , would prefer a Libertadores clash between the two greats.
“Whenever we meet Boca and São Paulo play great games. It’s just a shame that this isn’t for the Libertadores, but hopefully we’ll meet in the next tournament”, explained the veteran before flying to Buenos Aires. The Copa Sudamericana is seen very much in the same vein as the UEFA Cup: a decaffeinated alternative to a better Cup.
Rogério Ceni underlined that “If it were a Libertadores clash we’d really see what both sides are capable of, but we have to also think about our domestic campaigns and this competition, to be fair, just isn’t at the same level”, he added. Last year São Paulo and Boca Juniors met with the Argentines winning the South American SuperCup 4-3 on aggregate at Morumbi.
Coach Muricy Ramalho is expected to rest some of his habitual first eleven for the upcoming Brasileirão clash against Figueirense at Morumbi, despite having a nine-point edge over second-placed Cruzeiro. “I think the coaching staff will be rotating a few players as we want to win in Argentina but need the three points against Figueirense”, explained midfielder Jorge Wagner.
The Morumbi team headed down with 20 players that didn’t include new reinforcements Danilo Silva and Zé Luís, as well as seleção centre-back Alex Silva, recovering from a muscle strain. Hugo, who received four and a half months of suspension in domestic competition for spitting at a rival, is expected to be fielded as the ban doesn’t cover the Sudamericana.
It Wasn't An Easy Game - Ronaldo
The Brazilian striker praised his team-mates for the performance against Benfica on Tuesday evening which earned the Rossoneri three precious points in their opening Champions League game.
Ronaldo watched Milan play from the stands and was overall impressed with his team-mates for the way they obtained the result even without his services.
"It wasn't an easy game against Benfica," he said, "It was Milan who made it easy."
About his recovery, Ronaldo is still uncertain about his return.
"I don't know if I will be available for the next game," the former Real Madrid player commented.
Even Kaka saw a good Milan side against Benfica.
"We created good chances to win the game with a bigger margin, but we also managed the match well," Kaka said.
"The spirit was good, we have won a difficult game, starting out well. We're improving," concluded the Brazilian who is on his way to win the Golden Ball award.
Renato mocks Arsenal scoring threat
Sevilla midfielder Renato believes Arsenal are too shot-shy to be a Champions League threat.
The cocky Brazilian said: "Arsenal have a reputation for not scoring as many goals as they should because they often try to walk the ball into the net. They always try to dribble past one more rival or make one more pass. I watched them against Manchester City and felt that.
"They create a lot but have some difficulties scoring. I hope it is the same against us. We were lucky to be drawn in a group with Arsenal. Theoretically there were stronger rivals, like Chelsea and Milan.
"The games against Arsenal will be very tough but it is undeniable we are in a weaker group than some. I think we can fight for first position."
Tuesday 18 September 2007
Zanetti Applauds Adriano Effort
Inter captain Javier Zanetti has praised striker Adriano after the Brazilian returned to the starting line-up during Sunday’s game with Catania.
L’Imperatore has had numerous off-the-field problems over the past 18 months. This led to a severe loss of form and the striker has spent most of the last year on the bench.
Adriano’s name was also not included on the Nerazzurri’s Champions League squad list, meaning he is now ineligible to play in the group-stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
However the player once regarded as one of the world’s most feared strikers returned to the pitch during Inter’s 2-0 win over Catania at San Siro.
“He did well for 90 minutes of running and fighting and we are all very happy for him,” Zanetti told www.inter.com.
“He definitely deserved to score, but at least he has got it into his head that he can still play an important role for this team and that means a lot to us all.”
Coach Roberto Mancini was also pleased with Adriano’s contribution. “He’s working very hard to get the best out of this situation,” Mancio said.
“We will always do everything we can to help him, but it will be a lot easier if he carries on like this. He was unlucky today with the shots he had, but the goals will come.”
Inter, minus Adriano, travel to Istanbul on Wednesday to face Turkish champions Fenerbahce.
Brazil Women set to dance way to quarterfinals at World Cup
Brazil will play full out in its last group match at the women's World Cup even though the South Americans are almost certain of reaching the quarterfinals.
Brazil, which scored nine goals and allowed none in winning its first two games in Group D, would have to lose by a heavy margin to Denmark on Thursday and also see China beat New Zealand by a wide margin to miss out.
The game was to have been played Wednesday but has been pushed back a day because of concerns about Typhoon Wipha, which is expected to hit the Chinese coast near Hangzhou sometime early Wednesday.
China's commercial center of Shanghai, just up the coast from Hangzhou, was evacuating 200,000 people on Tuesday ahead of the expected arrival of the typhoon, potentially the most destructive storm to hit the city in a decade.
"We will try our hardest to win our third game," said Brazilian coach Jorge Barcellos
Barcellos' only worry is yellow cards to Aline, Renata Costa and playmaker Daniela. A second yellow card would mean having to sit out the quarterfinal match.
"I haven't decided yet if they will play. We all know Daniela is an important player to our team," he said.
Two players who will definitely start are Marta, the tournament's co-scoring leader with four, and Cristiane, whose dribbling and long-range shooting have kept other teams off balance.
"I think Marta is the most important player on our team, and if she gets the chance she can win the game," Barcello said.
The Brazilian women play like their male counterparts, who have won an unprecedented five World Cups. They're flashy, open up other defenses with backheel passes and attack with one-on-one superiority.
He said Brazil was always aiming to reach the final, so there is no added pressure after becoming the only team in the 16-country tournament to win both its first two games.
The route to the quarterfinals is a little more complicated for Denmark. The Danes can advance if they beat Brazil and China wins by fewer than five goals. A draw will also do if China loses.
"We're going to prepare meticulously for this game. Even though we know it's going to be tough to beat Brazil, we'll do the best we can," said Denmark coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller.
Heiner-Moller will not be on the sidelines because he will be serving the second game of a suspension handed down by FIFA for coming into "physical contact" with a referee during the opening match against China.
Heiner-Moller said he did not remember giving referee Gyongyi Gaal of Hungary a push on the shoulder.
If Brazil tops Group D, it will probably face Australia or Canada in the quarterfinals in Tianjin on Sept. 23. Those two teams play Wednesday with Australia needing only a draw to grab second place in Group C.
Motta Only Out For A Month
Thiago Motta will only be out for a month after picking up a knee injury in training that was predicted to be see him sidelined for the majority of the season.
Tests have now revealed that he has damaged the meniscus in his knee, but not seriously and he should only be out of action for a month.
Despite the knock not being as bad as first thought, Motta will be frustrated after being plagued by injuries in recent seasons.
Having joined Atlético de Madrid on loan for the season from FC Barcelona, the Brazilian midfielder was hoping for a fresh start in the Spanish capital.
Instead, he is back on the treatment table and will have to regain full fitness before being included in Javier Aguirre's squad again.
Motta has suffered a series of setbacks during the last three years at Barça and led the club to question his strength and physique.
After being told that he was not wanted at Camp Nou any more at the end of last term, Mottsa spent the summer looking to leave on a free transfer.
The Blaugrana insisted on garnering a fee for his services before eventually settling on a loan move with a view to permanent deal with Atlético.
Daniel Alves: Ramos And Wenger Play The Same Attacking Way
Sevilla's Braziian right-back Daniel Alves feels his coach Juande Ramos - a target for Tottenham Hotspur - will show Spurs how to beat Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Sevilla visit the Emirates tommorow to take on Arsenal in a Champions League group match, and their manager Juande Ramos will enhance his reputation at the Gunners' rivals Tottenham if he can mastermind a victory over the Gunners.
Sevilla full-back Daniel Alves, a summer target for Chelsea, believes frustrated Spurs fans will see what they missed out on when Tottenham's attempts to lure Ramos to White Hart Lane foundered three weeks ago, leaving Martin Jol on borrowed time.
Arsenal beat Tottenham 3-1 on Saturday to put further pressure on Jol. Like Sevilla, the Gunners are undefeated so far this season.
Alves said: “Seville play in a very similar style to Arsenal. We are fast, attacking and play the game in a beautiful way and that is because of Jaunde Ramos.
“It is his football philosophy and it is very close to Arsene Wenger’s. I think that will make this match a great occasion. The players are all very happy that our coach decided not to go to Tottenham.
“He is loved and respected at Seville. I think he stayed out of loyalty because we were already preparing for the new season and the time to leave was wrong.
“If Spurs had made their move at the end of last season maybe they would have a new manager now.”
Ramos is the fist coach, and Sevilla the first team, to defend the Uefa Cup successfully. Now they are in the Champions League.
Chelsea target Alves added: “This is a very big moment for us. We are very confident and we are already playing the kind of football that made us the team we were last season.
“Arsenal are a strong side with great young players. They are one of the favourites to win the Premier League and the Champions League — but we have no fear. I saw their match with Spurs last weekend and the way they play is no surprise to us. We play the same style and this has the possibility to be a beautiful contest.
“But we know if we can win at the Emirates then we will have gone a long way to qualifying for the next phase.”
Monday 17 September 2007
Schuster has Real interest in Diego
BERLIN (AFP) — Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster revealed Sunday he is interested in signing Werder Bremen's Brazilian midfielder Diego, just days before Real and Bremen clash in the Champions League.
Schuster, 47, who took over as Real coach in July, has been closely monitoring the form of the 22-year-old and will get a close-up view of the attacking midfielder when Real host Bremen in Tuesday's Champions League group stage clash.
"Diego is a very interesting player, we have spoken to Bremen's management about him this summer, but it is doubtful he will come this season," Schuster told Sunday's edition of Bild newspaper.
"He is very creative and had a superb first season in the Bundesliga.
"South Americans normally need a lot of time to settle into European football, but he has done really well."
Diego joined Bremen from Portuguese side FC Porto last year and with the summer transfer window now closed the earliest he could join the Spanish giants would be January.
However since he will have already played for Bremen in the Champions League he would not then be allowed to play for Real in this season's competition.
AC Milan receive Kaka all-clear for Benfica clash
Kaka has been passed fit for AC Milan's Champions League opener against Benfica this week.
The Brazilian has been nursing a knee strain, but played in a bounce game at Milanello yesterday and scored twice.
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti will also be able to call on Massimo Oddo and Andrea Pirlo, who both missed Saturday's 1-1 draw with Siena.
Sunday 16 September 2007
Brazil coach: Barcelona's Ronaldinho will get back to best
Barcelona star Ronaldinho will return to his very best this season, says Brazil fitness coach Paulo Paixao.
Paixao has known Ronaldinho for over ten years and said: "With more time to work on his fitness, Ronaldinho will again become the one that we all knew.
"He has great pride in himself and I am absolutely certain that he is going to work as hard as ever to get in top shape and return to be the world's best.
"He didn't have a break last season and needs that good preparation to help him handle the extra attention he gets from the opposition."
Dunga rules out Brazil call-up for AC Milan's Pato
Brazil coach Dunga says Alexandre Pato must prove his value at AC Milan before he can think about winning a senior cap.
Dunga explained: "Pato has great promise and an enormous talent. But he has played little since leaving Internacional.
"We must show the National shirt the right respect, we cannot select a player without continuity. There are other players in his position who have been playing longer."