Man City's Elano: Everyone told me not to come to England

Manchester City star Elano has revealed he was urged to reject a move to the Premiership by his best friends.

"They told me South Americans - Brazilians - cannot succeed here," he revealed to the Daily Mail. "This football is not for me, they said.

"But I want to meet this challenge. I want to succeed. I want to be the first Brazilian to break that tradition of failure."

Romario fails to lift Vasco

The presence of legend Romario on the bench and the pitch did not save Vasco da Gama from elimination from the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals.

The Brazilian team beat Mexican giants America 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro but exited the tournament 2-1 on aggregate after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg.

Romario agreed to take over the reins on a temporary basis after the dismissal of Celso Roth and, when Leandro Amaral opened the score after only 11 minutes, the appointment was looking like an inspired move by the club.

But a string of fine saves from America goalkeeper Ochoa kept the Brazilians at bay, prompting Romario to bring himself on as a second-half substitute.

Vasco pressed with renewed vigour but could not find a crucial second goal, leaving America to take their place in the semi-finals.

Romario said: "The team showed spirit, it was OK. I'm satisfied with my coaching debut."

On his future, he added: "My commitment was only for this game, but in football you never know what will happen."

Another Brazilian side bowed out in Colombia, as Millonarios beat Sao Paulo 2-0 to complete a 3-0 aggregate win.

With Sao Paulo's minds perhaps on the league title, which they are on the verge of winning, Millonarios took full advantage, controlling the game and bagging two goals courtesy of Ricardo Ciciliano.

The quarter-finals continue when Mexican giants Guadalajara host Argentina's Arsenal after a goalless first leg and Defensor Sporting hosting River Plate in Uruguay in the opening match of their tie.

FIFA Commission Reports Positively On Brazil 2014

The Swiss-based footballing body has received a provisional thumbs-up from the committee that visited Brazil from the 23rd of August to the 1st of September….

According to sections of the report published, Brazil can feel confident about gaining the clearance to prepare for the 2014 tournament.

“The committee has reached a consensus that Brazil is the appropriate choice to be host country for the World Cup 2014”, read the material.

“Brazil has shown a lot of potential and capability and the World Cup in Brazil would bring great benefits to the country”, it continued.

“As much the football community as the population as a whole will gain…in economic spin-off, transport, communications, public services, security and sporting infrastructure terms and we saw first hand the enthusiasm to do that.”

It did, however, also highlight potential pitfalls that need to be filled in. “There is a lack of security in certain parts of the country, but the authorities have the resources and the will to improve that by 2014.”

CBF President Ricardo Teixeira passed the credit on to the potential host cities. “I wasn’t surprised by the report, the host cities all put together great proposals and the credit goes to the people of Brazil”, he explained.

Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo were all visited, while the remaining thirteen candidates all presented multi-media packages to present their case: Belém, Campo Grande, Cuiabá, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Goiânia, Maceió, Manaus, Natal, Recife/Olinda, Rio Branco and Salvador.

The final decision will be announced this coming Tuesday 30/10/2007 when the CBF President, Ricardo Teixeira, will attend along with Seleção Coach Dunga, the legendary Romário and best-selling novelist Paulo Coelho.

Ronaldinho Is Always Asking About Milan - Kaká

Kaká has revealed that Ronaldinho is always asking him questions about AC Milan as speculation continues that the Italian giants could make a mega bid for the Barça star.

Rumours persist that the Rossoneri are desperate to prise the Blaugrana playmaker away from Camp Nou and if they do then they will sign a player who already knows a lot about the club.

According to Kaká, each time the duo are together on international duty, Ronaldinho is keen to know everything about life at the San Siro.

"Every time we meet with the national team he asks me about the team and about the club," he explained.

"What is certain is that he likes us.

"Everyone has feelings for their team in Europe and I know he fine in Barcelona, but he always asks about Milan."

Joan Laporta has hinted that a deal could be reached next summer, as he stated in August that he could not consider allowing the player to leave this season.

Milan supremo Silvio Berlusconi is reported to have reserved a transfer fund for Ronaldinho, while vice-president Adriano Galliani has openly spoken about the player.

La Gazetta dello Sport stated on Friday that the Italian outfit may make an offer of around €60m in January, but it is unlikely that Barça would allow him to leave mid-season.

The paper speculates that there could be some movement as Ronaldinho has consistently delayed talks over an extension to his current deal.

Robinho dedicates double to Real Madrid's Schuster

Robinho dedicated his superb double to Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster after last night's 4-2 victory over Olympiacos.

The Brazil international was praised by Schuster at the final whistle and he later said: "I am very happy with my game but mainly for having obtained the three points. On my performance I only can say that I think I did well and it cheers me to have been able to score two goals.

"On the game, I believe that we began well enough, with that first goal from Raul, but soon we lost patience after they equalised.

"I hope to continue this good form in the next games and the performance today against the Greeks I dedicate to our trainer because he has trusted me."

Real teammate Marcelo declared: "Robinho was spectacular, I was behind him and could see how he played. He showed his class and the great soccer player who he is.

"He needed a good game."

Ancelotti grateful to Kaka after AC Milan victory

Carlo Ancelotti admits Champions League football suits his AC Milan team more than Serie A after their dismantling of Shakhtar Donetsk last night.

Milan thumped Shakhtar 4-1 to go top of their group and Ancelotti said: "Everything has not been resolved and we will probably run into certain problems again in the future.

"We have difficulties in certain games. In Europe there are more open teams and we can make the most of the characteristics of our players."

Ancelotti was full of praise for Kaka, who missed Saturday's home defeat by Empoli.

"Kaka did everything and more. He made a lot of mistakes in front of goal, but he was devastating when going forward at pace.

"Everything is so much easier with Kaka. The Ballon d'Or? He certainly did not need confirmation tonight for that award, he has already done more than enough to deserve it and will continue to impress."

Alberto Gilardino was the surprise pick upfront instead of Champions League specialist Filippo Inzaghi, but rewarded Ancelotti with an early brace of headers.

"Today Kaka had great help upfront, as Gilardino aided him in holding up the ball and scored two goals."

AC Milan's Ronaldo: I won't take comeback risks

Ronaldo insists his comeback is on track at AC Milan.

While refusing to put a date on his return, the Brazil striker says he's "close" to returning.

He said: "I am going well, a return is always difficult.

"I'm working well, but there's always some problems. I just ask my fans to still have a little patience. I want more than anything to return to play."

Ronaldo added: "I'm close, I hope I can get back as quickly as possible. But I don't want to risk anything."

Denilson signs 5-year Arsenal deal

Denilson has signed a new five-year deal with Arsenal.

The Brazilian star, 19, joined from Sao Paulo for £3.4million last year. Denilson's impressive appearances in the Carling Cup have been enough to earn him an improved deal.

But he hopes to get a chance in the starting line-up in the league.

Denilson said: "I feel I have already proved myself in the Carling Cup. And I'd like to think my career is not just in the Carling Cup. My aim is to get into the first team for the Premier League and the Champions League.

"The competition is very good. What is important to me is playing. And, without question, I want to be playing in all the tournaments."

Daily Video : Brazilian Yougster Jo Scores For CSKA Moscow Against Inter Milan In The Champions League

Sao Paulo close in on title

Sao Paulo have taken another big step towards the Campeonato Brasileiro title by defeating third-placed Cruzeiro 1-0 to take a 13 point lead at the top.

A 69th-minute goal by midfielder Jorge Wagner gave Muricy Ramalho's side their 20th win this season and they can successfully defend the title on Monday (AEST) if they beat Sport while Palmeiras, Cruzeiro and Santos all lose their games.

"We are within reach of the trophy," said Diego Tardelli, who provided the pass for Wagner to score.

"To pass the ball to a teammate to net a goal is very important. I'm very happy because we are very close to the title."

Sao Paulo lead the championship with 67 points, with Palmeiras in second place with 54 and Cruzeiro third with 53.

Fourth-placed Santos, meanwhile, suffered a big defeat in the battle for the title as they were beaten 1-0 by Figueirense in Florianopolis, with Ramon scoring the winning goal in the 44th minute.

Giants Flamengo went up to sixth in the table thanks to a 2-0 triumph over fifth-placed Gremio.

Souza scored in the 25th minute and Ibson doubled the advantage 15 minutes after the interval as Joel Santana's team, who were battling against relegation just a few rounds ago, are now fighting for a place in next year's Copa Libertadores.

Corinthians remain in the danger zone after losing 1-0 at Nautico with Geraldo scoring the game's only goal from the penalty spot in the last minute.

Elsewhere, Internacional hammered Juventude 3-0 in Porto Alegre.

Abel Braga's side eased to the victory with Magrao opening the scoring in the 24th minute and Fernandao widening the gap seven minutes later.

Fernandao finished the game with a second goal with just two minutes to go at Beira-Rio.

Finally, Atletico Mineiro beat Vasco da Gama 1-0 at Mineirao while Atletico Paranaense saw off already relegated America 2-0.

Fluminense join Riquelme hunt

Brazilian outfit Fluminense have entered in the race to sign Juan Roman Riquelme.

Branco, the football co-ordinator of the Rio de Janeiro-based club, confirmed he wants the Argentina midfielder to play the 2008 Copa Libertadores, for which they qualified by winning the Copa do Brasil.

Riquelme, who is not playing at Villarreal because of differences with club president Fernando Roig and coach Manuel Pellegrini, spent a five-month loan spell at Boca Juniors earlier this year - which cost the Argentinian club around £1million ($A2.47million).

Branco told Radio Globo: "Riquelme is exceptional. He put all Boca on his shoulders to help the team in this year's Libertadores and if he comes, he will help us a lot.

"It's difficult because his transfer value is high, but with the effort of the board and sponsors, the dream can come true.

"He is the kind of player who is worth working hard to sign."

Despite his inactivity at club level, Riquelme scored two superb free-kicks to help Argentina defeat Chile 2-0 in the opening game of the World Cup qualifiers this month and remains the national team lynchpin.

Late Robinho, Baptista charged

Real Madrid have opened disciplinary charges against Robinho and Julio Baptista after their late return from international duty with Brazil last week.

Robinho and Baptista missed training on Friday and were omitted from Madrid's 2-1 loss at Espanyol in the Spanish league the following day.

"The board is very keen to hasten this process and will decide on the case soon," said Madrid in a statement on their website.

The players are each likely to be fined between 3,000 euro ($A4,806) and 4,000 euro ($A6,408), said sports daily Marca.

Robinho was reported to have celebrated into Thursday morning after Brazil's 5-0 win over Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier in Rio de Janeiro.

Madrid coach Bernd Schuster recalled both players to his squad for Madrid's Champions League match against Olympiakos on Thursday (AEST) and said Robinho was ready for the starting line-up.

"It's my job to talk to them. And we have talked. We will try and manage these things better and help in planning trips," said Schuster.

Romário Ready To Field His First Team

Rio de Janeiro living legend Romário has readied his first Vasco first eleven as Coach, the number 11 veteran stepping into the shoes of the departed Celso Roth for the all-important Copa Sudamericana second leg…

Romário has replaced Celso Roth, fired after a series of poor results saw just five points of a potential 30 pocketed and the Gigante Da Colina (Hill Giant) slide down the Brasileirão 2007 (Brazilian first division) table into danger of relegation.

The next challenge is to welcome Mexicans América to the São Januário stadium with the objective of overbalancing the 2-0 deficit that the first leg left before Roth went his separate way. It’s a tough task for a man thrown into the Coach’s shoes by default.

Romário, O Baixinho (Shorty), believes that Vasco can make it – even if he probably won’t field himself from the start as he’s just returned from ankle surgery and a lengthy recovery. “I’m sure that Vasco can overturn this and score three goals”, he stressed.

“We have to accord the visitors our full respect, but, god willing, we’ll be able to keep a clean sheet, win and go through to the semi-finals.” The new Coach may put his chances of becoming a permanent Coach at 1% can count on his team-mates support.

Holding midfielder Perdigão was enthusiastic. “This is incredible and it’ll be a new personal best if I can be the one who passes to a Coach to score the winning goal”, joked the Vascaíno.

Andrade hoped that Vasco can repeat the elimination of Argentineans Lanús – who arrived with the same edge after the last sixteen first leg was won 2-0 in Argentina but Vasco recovered composure – and the classification – back at São Januário.

“Against Lanús it was the same thing and we must do what we did now versus América and get the upper hand back. I just hope that Leandro [Amaral, striker] can score another late winner to put us through again”, argued Andrade.

Romário is showing himself to be a realist and prefers to start the match with Alan Kardec in what could have been his own starting place in attack alongside Leandro Amaral, but is expected to come on in the second half.

CBF Confident Of Brazil 2014 Confirmation

The President of the CBF, Ricardo Teixeira, is confident that Brazil’s candidacy for the World Cup 2014 will prove successful as FIFA get ready to announce the national that will host the World Cup after South Africa…

Next Tuesday (30/10/07) Zurich will be the scene where Sep Blatter announces the winning candidate for the 2014 edition of the FIFA World Cup and the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol – Brazilian Football Confederation) President is certain that the Cup will be back in Brazil 64 years after the last edition.

Ricardo Teixeira is banking on the strong case he sees that Brazil made – as well as the fact that the home of O Jogo Bonito is the only remaining candidate. “We did our homework well by preparing the ground and hosting the FIFA committee and now the final word is with FIFA, but we are confident in Brazil”, explained Teixeira.

Seleção Coach Dunga, and striker-cum-stand-in-Coach Romário will be with the exec as well as best selling author Paulo Coelho; all of whom were present in Switzerland for the formal handing in of Brazil’s candidacy.

“The Brazilian people deserve to host another World Cup Finals [the other was back in 1950 when a newly-built Maracanã saw Uruguay turn over Brazil in the infamous Maracanaço Final] and I’m sure it’ll be one of the grandest and most beautiful in the history of the game”, added the exec.

AC Milan keeper Dida has suspension halved

AC Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida has had his Champions League ban reduced to one game after a successful appeal.

The Brazilian originally received a two-match suspension for his theatrics at Celtic, but that punishment was halved yesterday.

"The decision was reached after discussions between the two sides. I have no other comment," Diavolo lawyer Leandro Cantamessa stated on the club's official website.

Chelsea, Man City contact Real Madrid's Baptista

Chelsea and Manchester City have made contact with the representatives of Real Madrid attacking midfielder Julio Baptista.

DiarioSport says Real are ready to sell Baptista in January and the Brazil international's agent, Herminio Menendez, has spoken with representatives of Chelsea and City in recent days.

Italian trio AC Milan, Inter and Juventus are also in the frame.

Palermo have agreement for Lulinha

Palermo have clinched an agreement for Corinthians star Lulinha.

Palermo sports chief Rino Foschi was in Brazil last week and it's emerged last night that a deal has been struck with Corinthians for the Brazil U17 captain.

The 17 year-old midfielder has been likened to AC Milan star Kaka and has already made his first team debut for Corinthians this season.

Barcelona's Ronaldinho trains on his own

Barcelona ace Ronaldinho trained on his own yesterday after he arrived late from international duty with Brazil.

Ronaldinho missed Barca's defeat at Villarreal due to his late return and had a morning session at La Masia on his own before retiring to the gym. The Brazilian has spoken with coach Frank Rijkaard and is expected to be available for this week's Champions League clash with Rangers.

Liverpool boss delighted with Leiva derby impact

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was delighted with the cameo of Lucas Leiva at the end of yesterday's dramatic 2-1 derby defeat of Everton.

The winner came after Steven Gerrard was substituted for Brazilian Leiva - a decision which may have raised one or two eyebrows.

Benitez explained: "We weren't keeping the ball very well and were in too much of a hurry sometimes with our final pass.

"I put Lucas on because he is a very good player who can pass the ball well for us.

"In the end, Lucas helped us win the game by having the shot that led to our winning penalty."