MILAN, Oct 5 (Reuters) - AC Milan forward Kaka was named FIFPro World Player of the Year on Friday for inspiring his side to a seventh European Cup win in May.
More than 45,000 professional footballers throughout the world, members of the players' union FIFPro, were invited to vote in the annual awards which are in their third year.
The 25-year-old Brazilian was instrumental in Milan's Champions League triumph, ending up top scorer with 10 goals including three in the semi-final win over Manchester United.
Kaka, the subject of an unsuccessful bid from Real Madrid in the close season, was also a driving force in helping Milan to finish fourth in Serie A last term despite an eight-point deduction for match-fixing.
However, he missed Brazil's Copa America victory in July because he opted out of the tournament to rest.
Last year, Barcelona forward and fellow Brazil player Ronaldinho was named FIFPro World Player of the Year for the second time in succession.
"I am humbled to receive such an honour," Kaka told reporters. "To follow my good friend and such a great player as Ronaldinho makes this a very special award for me. To be recognised by my fellow professional players worldwide is amazing."
Friday 5 October 2007
Kaka named FIFPro World Player of the Year
Kaka hints at Spain move
Brazilian forward Kaka shocked the Milan fans when he said that he could be tempted by a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona as he had always admired Spanish football.
"I already play for a great club like Milan, but one day I would like to play in a great team in Spain, like Real Madrid or Barcelona," he told the website of the Spanish daily newspaper El Pais.
Kaka re-opens the door again for the Spanish giants to make their bids after dumping them in the past summer.
Real Madrid had a special crush on him as president Ramon Calderon seemed ready to splash his cash to bring him at the Bernabeu.
These declarations comes at the worse possible moment especially that the team are 11th in the Serie A table and conceded a disappointing defeat against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.
Dida Set To Start On Sunday After Night Of Shame
Under-fire Milan keeper Dida is set to be thrust right back into the spotlight as Milan have declared him fit to play in their Serie A encounter with Lazio on Sunday.
The Brazilian keeper has become the focal point of much mockery and outrage as he was at fault for both goals in the loss to Celtic on Wednesday, but far worse still he was guilty of a shameful spot of playacting on European football's biggest stage that he will struggle to live down.
While the Celtic players were still celebrating Scott McDonald's 90th minute winner, a home fan ran onto the pitch and tapped the Brazilian keeper near his face while running across his path. The Milan keeper initially gave chase, but then after a couple of strides collapsed in a heap on the turf as if he was just sucker-punched by Mike Tyson. After a delay, he was taken off on a stretcher with an icepack held to the side of his head, even though the replays clearly showed that the contact – although inexcusable – was minimal.
"I think Dida is fit to play for Sunday,” commented Milan sporting director Umberto Gandini, as if there had been any doubt whether Dida had actually sustained an injury.
"It is difficult to understand what happened. But it did not have any influence on the result.
"The incident is unfortunate. We have nothing to say against anyone at Celtic. It was just an insane moment by one single person.
"He was slammed in the neck. I think we should cut this thing (discussion of the incident) out as soon as possible."
Whether Dida will be in a good enough state psychologically to line up for Milan in an important game so soon after his night of shame is another question. Even before the farcical events from Wednesday, the Brazilian keeper already had to contend with persistent pressure from the Rossoneri fans and Italian press due to his susceptibility to making nervous mistakes.
Brasileirão 2007 Round 29 Results & Standings
Round 29 Thursday Results
América/RN 3-2 Paraná
Flamengo 1-0 São Paulo
Figueirense 0-0 Internacional
Round 29 Wednesday Results
Palmeiras 2-1 Náutico
Sport 4-0 Goiás
Vasco 0-1 Juventude
Grêmio 2-2 Atlético-MG
Fluminense 1-1 Corinthians
Atlético-PR 2-0 Botafogo
Cruzeiro 0-0 Santos
Brasileirão 2007 – Round 27 Standings
Position / Club / Points / Played / Won / Drawn / Lost / Goals For / Goals Against / Goal Difference
1 São Paulo 63 29 19 6 4 44 10 34
2 Cruzeiro 51 29 16 3 10 64 47 17
3 Santos 48 29 15 3 11 42 34 8
4 Grêmio 48 29 14 6 9 33 29 4
5 Palmeiras 47 29 13 8 8 36 35 1
6 Fluminense 44 29 11 11 7 39 26 13
7 Sport 42 29 12 6 11 46 44 2
8 Botafogo 42 29 11 9 9 45 45 0
9 Vasco 40 28 11 7 10 42 33 9
10 Flamengo 40 28 10 10 8 43 41 2
11 Atlético-PR 38 29 10 8 11 41 44 -3
12 Figueirense 38 29 10 8 11 43 47 -4
13 Goiás 37 29 11 4 14 37 44 -7
14 Internacional 37 29 10 7 12 37 38 -1
15 Náutico 36 29 10 6 13 49 50 -1
16 Atlético-MG 34 29 9 7 13 44 44 0
17 Paraná 34 29 9 7 13 36 47 -11
18 Corinthians 34 29 8 10 11 31 40 -9
19 Juventude 30 29 8 6 15 33 49 -16
20 América-RN 16 29 4 4 21 23 61 -38
Newcastle boss Allardyce remains keen on Edmilson
Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce wants to land Barcelona defender Edmilson in January.
The Evening Chronicle says Allardyce would love to pair Cacapa with fellow Brazilian international Edmilson, who is now nearing fitness at Barcelona following knee surgery.
It was revealed in the close season that Allardyce had made a secret trip to Barcelona to talk to the man who is expected to be the Brazilian World Cup captain in 2010 in South Africa.
This impressed Edmilson, and United went to the front of the queue for his services.
But if Allardyce does not get the backing from the United hierarchy he will lose out on the Barcelona defender to either Inter Milan or Seville.
Thursday 4 October 2007
Gilberto Struggling With Lack Of Starts
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has admitted that his lack of first team football so far this season has been frustrating.
Gilberto have started just four of Arsenal’s games this season so far, even then only two have been in his favoured position in the central midfield.
The Brazilian missed the vast majority of pre-season, having been involved in the Copa America towards the end of the summer. In his absence Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas have formed an excellent partnership that has seen the side go on a nine game winning streak.
The 30-year-old has admitted his frustration, but insists he will respect his manager’s decisions.
“Yes, it has been so frustrating,” Gilberto told Arsenal’s official website. “I am on the bench not because of my quality or something like that but because I came back late. It is so hard.
“The only thing I need to do is do my job, respect the manager's decision, respect the other players and the way they play at the moment.
“Of course, when I have the opportunity I want to do the best I can for the team like I have done but it's a slight difference compared to other years.
“It is the first time I haven't been in the team [since I came here]. I confess to you it has been so hard for me.
“Of course I want to come back and play again in my position central midfield. But you need to respect that Mathieu and Cesc are playing very well.
“It is visible to everybody and I need to respect the manager's decision. I will do my best to return to the team. I will see in the next few games what will happen.”
Marcelo Pleased Patience Is Paying Off
Marcelo has admitted that Real Madrid were not at their best in the Champions League encounter with Lazio, but was pleased to have retained his place in the starting line-up.
The Brazilian full-back has waited patiently to be given a chance and he is pleased that coach Bernd Schuster chose him again after his appearance against Getafe at the weekend
After moving to the Bernabéu in the winter transfer window, the 19-year-old made played just seven times last term and was hopeful of more opportunities this season.
"I have always had faith in myself," Marcelo said. "I wanted a chance and I have been given it.
"Now I just want to keep doing whatever I have to to continue playing."
Despite pleased on a personal basis, the Brazilian admitted that everyone at Madrid is expecting better after a indifferent display against Lazio.
"We know it was not a good match but we have to continue working and thinking about the next game," he added.
Reflecting on coach Bernd Schuster's squad rotation policy, Marcelo stated that he does not believe that the changes are to blame for the slight loss in form of the side.
"I do not necessarily see them as a problem," he continued. "This is a talented team. The rotations have no adverse effect."
Finally, Marcelo refused to criticise his team-mates Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben when a journalist asked if he felt their form had dipped.
"Everyone knows what they are capable of," he said. "Players have good and bad matches, but everyone who knows them knows that they can play well and what they can offer."
Wednesday 3 October 2007
Uefa launches investigation after Celtic supporter 'attacks' Dida
Uefa will today launch an investigation into the farcical scenes at the end of Celtic's 2-1 victory over Milan at Parkhead last night when a home supporter raced on to the pitch and appeared to slap the visiting goalkeeper Dida.
Celtic's players and the vast majority of a 58,000 crowd here were celebrating Scott McDonald's winner, with virtually the game's final kick, when a fan ran out from the stand. He ran past Dida in the Milan goal, firstly gesturing in the face of the Brazilian before aiming a playful slap which seemed to connect with the goalkeeper.
The mere fact that a member of the crowd was allowed to get in such close proximity to the players is what will attract Uefa's attention - their delegate, Andreas Akkelides, has already confirmed to Celtic officials that the incident will be included in his report - but there was a large degree of farce associated with Dida's reaction.
The goalkeeper was barely touched and initially started to chase the supporter before dramatically falling to the ground clutching his face. He was then taken from the field on a stretcher and immediately substituted for the reserve goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac. If Uefa applies the same rules of simulation as when a player falls spectacularly without a reason then Dida may also be the focus of attention from European football's governing body given his over-elaborate antics.
Tellingly, last night, senior Milan officials, including Umberto Gandini, the general manager, confirmed to their Celtic counterparts that they will be making no complaint and there is therefore little or no prospect of the match result being overturned. "It had nothing to do with the final result anyway" said the Milan manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
Celtic have promised to launch "a full and immediate investigation" and will await news from Uefa, who are expected to receive the delegate report tomorrow before deciding whether or not to convene their independent disciplinary panel to look further at the case. Akkelides, a Cypriot, refused to comment publicly after the match and the Celtic manager, Gordon Strachan, claimed he did not see the incident.
Celtic have had no recent history of trouble in European competition and their supporters won a Fair Play award from Uefa as recognition of their exemplary behaviour during the run to the Uefa Cup final in 2003.
Strathclyde Police said last night it was investigating the incident. "An incident occurred during the match. Police are investigating but nobody has been detained at present," a spokesman said.
Brazil to set up women's soccer league
BRASILIA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Brazil will set up a domestic women's football league, with the same format of the traditional men's tournament, local press reported here on Friday.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had an evaluation report on women's football clubs on Thursday and the league is set to launch at the end of October, said the news portal Globonews.com.
FIFA President Joseph Blatter was reported to urge the Brazilian to establish a female football league during his visit to the World Cup 2007 in China.
Coelho banned four months for seal dribble foul
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 26 (Reuters) - The row over Cruzeiro forward Kerlon's so-called seal dribble continued on Wednesday when a player who was sent off for fouling him was banned for 120 days.
Atletico Mineiro defender Coelho's crude foul on Kerlon 10 days ago sparked a brawl on the field and a national debate over whether the teenager's cheeky trick was an attempt to belittle his opponents.
"I'm very sad to be remembered for this," Coelho told reporters after being banned by a disciplinary hearing. "Now, we just have to wait for the appeal."
The incident happened late in the game with Cruzeiro winning 4-3.
Kerlon collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, flicked it up and performed his trademark dribble by bouncing the ball on his head as he ran towards goal.
The move sent the Cruzeiro fans wild but was interrupted when Coelho crashed into him and was given a straight red card.
Other Atletico players remonstrated angrily with Kerlon, leading to an angry pushing match which interrupted the game for five minutes.
Atletico coach Emerson Leao warned that Kerlon could get seriously injured if he tried the trick again and said he had broken a code of ethics under which players avoid trying to ridicule the opposition.
Cruzeiro retorted that Kerlon had done nothing illegal and was simply producing the artistry for which Brazilian football has become famous.
Even Brazil coach Dunga joined the debate.
He seemed to side with Coelho, describing the foul as a "normal tackle" and saying he wanted to see Kerlon try the dribble when his team were losing.
Tuesday 2 October 2007
Dunga says qualifiers more difficult than finals
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Brazil coach Dunga said the qualifying competition was more difficult than the World Cup itself on Thursday as he named his squad for the first two games on the road to the 2010 finals in South Africa.
Dunga avoided any surprises in the 22-man squad for next month's matches against Colombia and Ecuador which kick off a marathon 18-match, two-year campaign.
Ronaldinho and Kaka were both included as expected and there was no place for forward Ronaldo, who has not been picked since last year's World Cup and is currently injured.
Brazil, the only team to have played at all 18 World Cups and winners of a record five, begin with a tricky match away to Colombia in Bogota on October 14.
They host Ecuador in Rio de Janeiro three days later in their first home match for two years and their first at the famous Maracana since a 5-0 win over Bolivia in 2000.
Although Brazil have never failed to reach the finals, they have had some tricky moments in the past, especially in the qualifiers for 2002 when they lost six of their 18 matches.
"The qualifiers are much more difficult than the finals," said Dunga. "Everyone wants to beat Brazil, we're the only team that speaks Portuguese, there's the atmosphere, the away games.
"Against Brazil, the other teams play with more determination and they change their characteristics. We have to be ready for any surprise, any difficulty."
"In the finals, we play on neutral grounds and the opponents are more open."
But the coach said he was confident his squad was good enough to keep Brazil's proud record intact.
"This is a group with a strength to revert unfavourable situations, they react positively in difficult moments and they know what they want," he said.
"It's a competitive squad with great quality."
Dunga shrugged off criticism of his forwards, who between them have produced only one of the nine goals Brazil have scored in their last three games.
"There's a big pressure on the strikers to score goals but the team's goal average is good. We play a style where all the players score.
"It doesn't matter who scores, when you pass the halfway line you become a forward."
Despite last week criticising the pitch at the Maracana, he welcomed the return to the famous stadium.
"It's a stage where all the players are happy to perform. There's nothing better than playing at the Maracana," he said.
AC Milan boss Ancelotti: Dida can make Celtic clash
Dida could make a surprise return between the posts for AC Milan in tomorrow night's Champions League clash at Celtic.
The Brazilian has missed Milan's last two games with a shoulder injury and coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "Dida worked quietly yesterday.
"And we'll try him again tonight at the stadium. If he is fit, then he will definitely play from the first minute."
Monday 1 October 2007
Marta vows Brazil will bounce back
Shanghai - Fleet-footed Marta might have been voted player of the tournament but she is crestfallen after missing a vital penalty in the World Cup final against Germany.
The wonder striker, often compared to Ronaldinho and called "Pele in a skirt" by the great Brazilian himself, skipped and danced her way through defences before the rock-solid Germans blunted her edge.
But some of the gloss was taken off when she missed a second-half penalty to level Sunday's match at 1-1. Germany went on to win 2-0.
"We fought really hard to reach this final and just getting there was a historic step for us. Unfortunately we paid a heavy price for our mistakes," she admitted.
"We weren't clinical in front of goal, my luck deserted me from the penalty spot, we hit the woodwork two or three times and we didn't manage to dictate the tempo of the game.
"But that's football. Sometimes, however good you are you don't get what you want and today just wasn't our day."
Marta arrived in China with a host of accolades to her name. After being named Women's World Player in 2006, she followed up by helping the Canarinhas to gold at the recent Pan-American Games.
True to the swaggering style of her compatriots, the 21-year-old lived up to all expectations in China, using her pace and technique to full effect.
Her efforts were rewarded with the Golden Ball award for player of the tournament.
With Brazil going further than ever before at the World Cup, Marta appealed to the Brazilian football authorities to start putting their money where their mouths are and back the game more rigorously.
"We've proven that we're getting better every year despite not having a national league championship in Brazil," she said.
"The players do everything in their power to keep playing. Some have a club side, others don't and train by themselves.
"I think that if there were more incentives and support available then Brazil could go even further.
"Now more than ever the Brazilian authorities need to do something for us in return, so we can take on the big teams like Germany and the USA on an equal footing. Those teams have the full support of their countries."
She added that she hoped her performances would encourage young girls all over the world to take up the game to help lift it to another level.
"I'd say to them that if they have a dream, if they enjoy football and really want to play, then they shouldn't give up," she said.
"Women's football can be a struggle, but us Brazilians are here fighting to open up more opportunities and smooth the path for them." - Sapa-AFP
Eriksson tips Elano to be Man City great
Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson believes Elano Blumer can emerge as a club great after his performance in their 3-1 defeat of Newcastle United.
The Brazil international delivered a footballing masterclass at Eastlands this afternoon, playing a major role in one Manchester City goal, then rocketing home another as the Blues maintained their 100% home record with a 3-1 win over Newcastle.
Eriksson plucked Elano from relative obscurity at Shakhtar Donetsk during the early weeks of his stint as City boss and already the £8million fee is looking like a major bargain.
Elano's silky skills and sumptuous passing game were too much for the Magpies and, as Eriksson observed, the 25-yard free-kick that flew into the top corner of returning keeper Shay Given's goal four minutes from time was total perfection.
"It is impossible to hit the free-kick any better than that," enthused Eriksson. "A centimetre either way and it hits the bar or the post.
"Elano is a great footballer. He can do a little bit of everything. I have worked with other top-class creative players in the past; people like Baggio and Mancini, but he is right up there with them."
Eriksson revealed he spoke to Brazil coach Dunga - who played under the Swede at Fiorentina - before making his move for the 26-year-old, who has not disappointed in City's electrifying start to the season.
"When he came here, he was not physically 100%," said Eriksson.
"He was a long way off because he hadn't done anything after the Copa America until he joined us.
"But now he is getting physically stronger and getting better and better.
"Every time he gets the ball you have the feeling something will happen."
Juan: Roma paid for inexperience
Juan admits Roma are still naive in big games.
Reflecting on Saturday night's defeat by Inter Milan, the Brazilian said: "It's difficult to play ten against eleven. But we had a chance after halftime.
"We fought to get back to 1-1 and a team with more experience would have played for the draw."
Rijkaard adds Ronaldinho to Barcelona squad
After a series of thrilling performances, Barcelona have been handed a further boost with Ronaldinho added to their squad for the Champions League clash with Stuttgart.
The Brazilian has missed the last three games for Barca with injury, but coach Frank Rijkaard has decided the time is right to bring him back into his squad.
Fit-again captain Carles Puyol said: "I do not understand the criticism against him, because Ronaldinho is genuine, is most important, is the flag of Barca.
"We all have good and bad days, but he has never hid and always fights for the team."
Real Madrid coach Schuster: Robinho must do more
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster admits Robinho must improve some parts of his game if he is going to be a first team regular this season.
The Brazilian winger was influential as a second-half substitute in Real's defeat of Betis on Thursday night, but is likely to be on the bench again for tonight's match against Getafe.
"He can be an important player," said Schuster, "but he needs to find something.
"He can be successful. He needs to find some balance in his game. He'll get his chance through the season. With Arjen Robben, we have two wingers of similar style and that will be important this season."
Sunday 30 September 2007
Brazil World Cup 2010 Qualifiers squad against Ecuador and Colombia
Ecuador (Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro)
Colômbia (Bogotá, Colombia)
Brasil:
Goalkeepers: Doni, Júlio César;
Defenders: Lúcio, Juan, Alex Silva, Alex;
Maicon, Daniel Alves, Gilberto, Kléber;
Midfielders: Mineiro, Josué, Gilberto Silva, Fernando, Elano, Júlio Baptista, Diego, Kaká, Ronaldinho Gaúcho;
Forwards: Vágner Love, Afonso, Robinho.