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Brazil's Alves targets a place in history

Brazil's Daniela Alves is eager to make history by helping Brazil's women to win their first World Cup on Sunday.


The 'Canarinha' - as Brazil's women are known - reached the final with a superb 4-0 victory over the United States on Thursday and will face defending champions Germany at Hongkou Football Stadium in Shanghai.


Brazil have impressed throughout the tournament, scoring 17 goals in five games and conceding just two.

They are also able to boast one of the players of the tournament in Marta and Alves believes a World Cup victory on Sunday will go a long way to improving women's football in the country.

'Our aim is to write our name in the history books of Brazilian football,' she said.

'We are looking upon this World Cup as the opportunity of a lifetime.

'We really needed this win, and reaching the final can change lots of things in Brazil. Winning it would help Brazilian women's football so, so much.'

Brazil have been strong all over the pitch with their defence shutting out opposing team's chances and their attack breaking quickly to create opportunities.

And Daniela believes it is Brazil's strong team spirit that has helped them through to the final.

'I honestly couldn't tell you what our weak point is,' she added. 'Our greatest strength, though, is that we are a family, not a team.

'We spend more time with each other than our own families, and it's that unity that has taken us to the final.'

Germany's Ariane Hingst, meanwhile, feels her side's record in the tournament so far speaks for itself.

The defending champions set a new record when they reached the final without conceding a single goal in the competition.

'I think the fact that we've played five games without conceding a single goal says it all really,' she said. 'We all help each other along and we've got great faith in each other.

'At least with those results our opponents will not be taking us lightly. It's obvious, though, that the final will not be a walkover.

'The game with Brazil is a tremendous opportunity for many of us.'

Werder Bremen star Diego cools Real Madrid talk

Werder Bremen brazilian star Diego has cooled talk of a move to Real Madrid.
"There was a lot of speculation regarding Real Madrid," Diego told Radio Brasil. "Many things had been said but I never had any contact with anyone linked to that team.

"I am focused on Werder Bremen and I have just renewed my contract here."

However, Diego did confirm there was a clause in his new contract which would allow him to move to a big club at the end of the season.

"I heard that in Spain it is being said that I have a rule in my contract that authorises me to leave to a European giant when the season ends. It's true, but for the moment this isn't something that I have in mind," he added.

Match Highlights : Brazil Vs USA (FIFA Women's World Cup)

Espanyol target Gremio, Cruzeiro starlets

Espanyol are set to be active in the Brazilian transfer market in the coming months.
The Spanish Liga outfit have a partnership arrangement with Gremio which gives them first refusal on the club's academy players. The deal was struck during talks over Eduardo Costa's move to Gremio.

Espanyol sports chief Paco Herrera has sent two of his staff to assess talent at Gremio's academy this week and also on a spying mission for exciting Cruzeiro attacking midfielder Foquinha.

Real Madrid scorer Baptista: I'm winning over Schuster

Julio Baptista believes he is winning over Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster after his goal scoring performance in last night's 2-0 defeat of Real Betis.

"Little by little the coach is beginning to trust me," said Baptista, "and is going to give me more minutes. Every player will get his chance to shine this season and it's important to grab your chance when it comes.

"I am happy to have scored in a game that was very difficult for Real. The important thing is knowing how to live through the bad times, because if you can, then the good ones will soon arrive.

"I know I have to be patient and simply work hard every day in training."

Gaby Heinze added: "I am delighted for Baptista. He works very hard in training and has taken his chance today. He deserved it."

Real Madrid coach Schuster: Robben, Robinho changed game

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster was happy to take credit for last night's victory over Real Betis.

Schuster's decision to introduce wingers Robinho and Arjen Robben changed the game after Betis had done a sterling job in frustrating the hosts.

"The moment Robben and Robinho entered the game was important. After that, we had more speed and more life to win this game. The performances in one against ones were what changed the match. We needed to make these changes because the pace had been too slow up to that point," said Schuster.

Julio Baptista struck one of Real's two goals and Schuster added: "I am happy for him and his goal. He is going to have his minutes."

Raul converted a penalty and his coach added: "It was his decision to take the penalty. It was a decision of a captain."

Can São Paulo Stop Boca Juniors?

The cream of Brazilian ‘futebol’ meets the cream of Argentinean ‘futbol’ for the final decider as São Paulo FC host CA Boca Juniors at Morumbi stadium in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana last sixteen shootout.

The first leg was prefaced by an apparent divergence in approaches to the match as visitors São Paulo seemed to be prioritising the domestic league (The Brasileirão: 'Big Brazilian') while hosts Boca Juniors were taking the clash very seriously indeed.

The Brazilians’ underrating of the Sudamericana (the equivalent of the much-maligned UEFA Cup) was punished by Boca Juniors – who had to play the match at home rather than in Salta after the Brazilians refused to budge from Buenos Aires – with Martín Palermo bagging a brace and Borges getting a potentially useful late consolation.

For the second leg it appears that São Paulo are going to up their efforts after confirming a nine-point lead in the Brasileirão. It seems more of a matter of honour now than a week ago for two reasons that should spice the clash up.

Firstly, despite the claims of indifference the defeat stung as the Tricolor Paulista lost their sixteen-match invincibility, and secondly SPFC want to take revenge for last year’s Boca Juniors celebrations of the Recopa title on the self-same Morumbi stage.

The prize at stake still isn’t as mouth-watering as a Libertadores Cup, but the chance of downing Boca Juniors at home now that the second domestic league title in a row is almost in the bag is still appetising – and the management is pushing for a win.

Nevertheless São Paulo will have to show a lot more than they did in a first leg that was marked by some truly appalling performances. Whoever makes it through will face either Chileans Colo Colo or Colombians Millonarios in the quarter-finals.

Werder Bremen won't block Diego's Real Madrid move

Real Madrid's push for Werder Bremen midfield ace Diego won't be thwarted by the signing of a new contract.

The Brazil international inked a new deal through to 2011 last week, but close friends have told AS that Werder are prepared to listen to offers from Real for the midfielder.

Real coach Bernd Schuster wants to bring Diego to Madrid and the player has already informed Werder chiefs he will seek a move should the Spanish giants formalise their interest. Werder have assured Diego they won't stand in his way should the right offer arrive.

Arsenal's Gilberto: I know Juventus, Valencia want me

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva admits he's aware of interest from Juventus and Valencia.

The Brazilian was overlooked for the captaincy, which has gone to William Gallas, and is unable to break his way into the first-team on a regular basis at the moment.

And he said: "I am not sure if I will re-sign my contract when it runs out in 18 months. I know there has been interest from Valencia and Juventus. We will see but I still have an ambition to win the Champions League with Arsenal."

Henry: Ronaldinho Changed Barcelona's History

Thierry Henry has offered words of support to Ronaldinho as the Brazilian striker endures poor form and injury worries. Speaking to The Times, the former Arsenal man praised 'Dinho's contribution.

Thierry Henry has spoken out in support of his injured teammate Ronaldinho, who will miss tomorrow night's tie with Real Zaragoza.

Speaking to The Times' podcast, the French forward said, "Ronaldinho is an impressive player who changed the history of this club.

"When things aren't going well, it's his image that stands out. I find it an absolute pleasure to play with him.

"I can't explain it. For me, Ronaldinho will always be one of the best players in the history of soccer."

Henry himself suffered through a couple of poor matches as he began his Barcelona career, but insisted that the pressure of performance never got him down.

However, he conceded that Ronaldinho may see things differently with constant media exposure.

"I don't pay attention to whistles when I play, as I'm totally focused in what's happening on the pitch," he remarked.

"But I know what it feels like when everyone expects something impossible from [me or] Ronaldinho."

Inter Milan president: Adriano on right road

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is delighted with the form of Adriano.

The Brazilian striker again showed good touch in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Livorno and Moratti said: "He's on the right road for the second-half of the championship. I see that there is a motivation inside him to do well and he's recovering his confidence.

"He has the possibility to do well and I hope that in January he can become part of the Champions League squad."

Daniel Alves admits form struggle

Sevilla fullback Daniel Alves admits a hectic preseason has affected his early form.

The Brazilian missed out on a move to Chelsea and also was interesting Real Madrid in the final weeks of the summer market.

"You do not know the preseason that I have experienced. I have not been able to work with normality and now I am trying to recover my match fitness," said Alves.

Barcelona, Villarreal tracking Afonso Alves

Barcelona and Villarreal are keeping tabs on Afonso Alves' situation at Heerenveen.

The Brazil international striker, who missed out on a big-money move away over the summer, is becoming increasingly isolated at his Dutch club.

Barca and Villarreal are among suitors prepared to move for the Alves when the market reopens in January.

Elano: Easy to settle at Man City

Elano is delighted with the way he has quickly settled at Manchester City.

"I've settled well in Manchester," the former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder told City's website, "my family are extremely happy here. I've been working hard since I came, but the whole system at the club is very professional, from the coaches to everyone that works behind the scenes at the training ground. I couldn't be happier with the way it is going for me here but I'm trying to improve.

"This league is the best I've played in, it's watched all around the world so I'm happy to be playing here. The defences here are more professional, more physical and advanced than what I have played against before. The game in Brazil and elsewhere is more classical and a bit lazier, here everyone works a lot harder so I'm having to work hard as well."

Much was made in the media of the make-up of Sven-Goran Eriksson's new-look City squad, but Elano, who has compatriot Geovanni alongside him at the club, says that language has been no barrier.

"There has been no problems with the languages, if you are a good footballer and you work with the kind of players we have here, you'll never have any problems about that."

Denilson enjoying life at Arsenal

Denilson says he is loving his life at Arsenal.

The Brazilian midfielder told the Sunday Mirror: "I loved it and I loved Arsenal. I know many Brazilians go to Spain or Portugal when they come to Europe, but for me it was always England, nowhere else. Why Arsenal? I loved to watch players like Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.

"I loved the style. It is where I wanted to be."

One of the first to greet him on his arrival was World Cup winner Gilberto Silva.

Denilson revealed: "It was the first time I had spoken to him.

"I didn't contact him to find out what it was like in England and ask if I would adjust or anything like that. That was my decision and I've not one regret."

The cash shelled out by Arsenal is looking money well-invested - but the Brazilians were hoping that they would collect more.

He added: "They were very protective about me. I think they wanted to keep me for another two or three years."

Real Madrid's Baptista wants Premiership return

Real Madrid attacker Julio Baptista is eyeing a return to the Premiership.

He told the News of the World: "My experience at Arsenal was bitter-sweet. I should have played more but Wenger did not have confidence in me.

"In the end I was almost the last choice.

"I have the quality to triumph in England and would like to put the record straight if another club are prepared to give me a chance."

But Baptista thinks the Gunners are title contenders this season.

He added: "Fabregas is the best midfielder in the Premiership and Robin van Persie is a perfect substitute for Thierry Henry."

Amauri won't rule out Palermo stay

Amuari insists his long-term future could be with Palermo.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini admitted last week they would struggle to hold onto the Brazilian next season, but Amauri said: "I want to take Palermo into the Champions League.

"If we did that, then I would have no problem staying in Sicily."

Ronaldo desperate to get back for AC Milan

Ronaldo admits he's desperate to pull on an AC Milan shirt again.
The Brazil international striker, after watching Milan draw 1-1 with Parma yesterday, said: "When I'm not playing, I'm never happy. Everything I could do about my injuries, I've done, now I just need to be calm.

"The season has only just begun, I hope to return soon so I can give my best to the Milan team."