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[Freddy Adu]

Beckham unlikely to require special protection



Major League Soccer has got their Golden Ticket, but before the league can cash in on the full value of David Beckham, he has to make a healthy return to the field.



Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
David Beckham's unlikely to be bothered by physical challenges in MLS.


Beckham already has a gimpy ankle, and the fragility of any sports star is fraught when so much depends on the fitness of that particular player.


When the mere presence of Beckham in a match is such a draw, the worry becomes about whatever factors might keep him off the field. It could be a random injury, it could be his tendency to accumulate cards, or it could be an injury inflicted by opponents.


Inevitably, that raises the issue of whether Beckham will be coddled, protected by referees to the point where any heavy tackle on the greatest acquisition by MLS could see the offending player get sent off. If that does happen, it's likely to be perceived that way.


Teams in smaller markets have long maintained that L.A. has seen distinct advantages go its way in past years.


Sigi Schmid, who went from coaching the Galaxy to a smaller market squad when he took over guiding the Columbus Crew, observed some preference as part of a natural tradition in sports.


"Look at the NBA," Schmid said. "There's senior guys, certain players in the league who get calls in their favor. The same thing sometimes happens in any professional sport. The veterans get some breaks and some calls that might go their way."


Defenders themselves expected such breaks to go Beckham's way.


"We're never going to be in agreement with the referees, and even more so with a guy like Beckham," said Columbus Crew defender Ezra Hendrickson, who won league championships both with the Galaxy and D.C. United. "People will think he's going to get all the calls that he wants."


If such a belief is widespread, there could be retaliatory tackles simply because players are frustrated at the situation that elevates Beckham to some special status.


"Once you step on the field, everyone is a player out there," said Hendrickson. "You don't want to injure anybody. But you don't want to go in soft on a tackle, either, especially as a defender. When I go in for a tackle, I go in for a hard tackle, or they win the tackle and the ball goes the other way and the team is in a bad position."


The players in the league say all the right things about the advantages of having such a well-known player bring new visibility to everyone involved.


"It's a great thing for the league," said Preki, the coach of the Galaxy's in-town rival, Chivas USA. "It's great to get that buzz around L.A. It's great for the sport in the U.S."


Beckham's credentials as a top player are just as burnished as before, given that he's arriving to MLS as a winner in his final season in Spain, where with his help Real Madrid claimed the La Liga title.


"I admire him as a good player," said Chivas USA striker Maykel Galindo. "There's all that other stuff, but for me, he's a great player who has won championships. This is good for the league. It will open doors because so many people will be watching the league."


Yet those in the midst of a MLS match don't have the time to stop and appreciate Beckham's value.


"You don't really think about who it is when you go in for a tackle," said Hendrickson. "You're just out there playing. If it's time for a hard tackle, you make a hard tackle. I don't have time to check the backs of the shirt to see who is playing."


Besides, many players are convinced that Beckham doesn't need particular protection.


"He still has a lot to give to soccer, because he was just champion at Real Madrid," said Chivas USA's Claudio Suarez, a long-time Mexican international. "Even though there's all that marketing around him, it goes along with good football. The most important thing is that you're a good player. I think David is playing well right now."


It's also not as if players in other leagues haven't defended the star physically in the past. Suarez viewed Beckham's U.S. experience as potentially more of the same.


"It's going to be hard for him, because everyone will want to mark him strongly and they'll be very motivated," said Suarez. "It's similar here as it is in England. There's a lot of physical contact. There's no need to protect him a lot."


In fact, given Beckham's own proclivity for sometimes awkward tackles, and occasional cards, what could keep him out of games might be the damage he inflicts on other players.


No matter how much the league might regard Beckham as the new golden goose bringing fans to games, for rivals, he's another obstacle in their way of a win.


"David has played in a lot of big games -- he's going to be fine," said Preki. "I don't think we have many malicious guys in the league. We expect him to play hard, like he did in Europe, and guys are going to play hard back. It's not going to be soft, but it should be fine."


The scrutiny will be not only on Beckham, or on those marking him, but also officiating in MLS, which has ranged all over the map at times. As much as some league observers feel MLS needs an influx of foreign talent to raise the quality, others believe there needs to be an similar importation of officials. Observers are expecting that more pressure than ever will be on MLS referees to prove their quality.


The players, for one, will be paying attention to how games with Beckham involved will be called. For anyone on the field, the most dangerous ref is often considered an unpredictable one.


"I'm sure he's going to get some calls that guys are going to disagree with, but that happens to anyone," said Hendrickson. "As long as the refs are consistent, you can't really complain. I imagine that he's going to get some calls that people will argue and think there's some favoritism, but I think the refs are going to try to do their job to the best of their abilities."

[Freddy Adu]

Revs earn three points in Bulls' ring

Andy Dorman's first-half strike stood up to give Matt Reis his sixth shutout of the year as the New England Revolution defeated the New York Red Bulls 1-0 at Giants Stadium on Saturday night.

Seven minutes before the half, Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph created the game's lone goal with a brilliant diagonal pass to free Dorman down the right side. Dorman collected, took one touch and clinically blasted the ball past Conway into the far side to give his side a lead it would never relinquish.

It was the seventh goal of the year for Dorman, who is the top-scoring midfielder in MLS. With the second assist on the play, veteran New England midfielder Steve Ralston became the all-time assist leader in MLS with 115, one more than former Tampa Bay Mutiny teammate Carlos Valderrama.

The Revs came out like gangbusters from the opening whistle. Red Bulls 'keeper Jon Conway had to come up big just four minutes into the tilt when he stoned the red-hot Dorman, who had been sent through for a one-on-one with New York's backup backstop.

Dorman had another excellent chance to put the visitors ahead seven minutes later when the ball fell to him during a scramble in the Red Bulls' box. The Englishman pounced on it and this time he beat Conway. However, Bulls defender Seth Stammler was there to clear off the line.

New York nearly went ahead against the run of play at the quarter-hour mark. Hunter Freeman's deflected cross fell to Clint Mathis, who volleyed off the post. The rebound caromed off Mathis, but Reis was well-positioned to make the stop.

The home side had another good opportunity to open the scoring in the 28th minute. With two defenders draped on him, Juan Pablo Angel used some nifty footwork to get free, cut the ball back, and fire a shot from the edge of the area that skimmed off Reis's crossbar.

On the stroke of halftime and with the Revs now ahead, Angel had another golden opportunity. Dane Richards served in a cross from the right side, but Angel headed over the top from point-blank range.

After the break the visitors seemed content to sit back a bit with the one-goal lead. Neither team created much offense during the early part of the second half, and as is often the case when these two rivals play, the game evolved into a tight, physical affair. Referee Ramon Hernandez ended up calling 16 fouls and handing out five cautions after the break.

As the clock crept past the 70th minute, the Red Bulls began to show some urgency and press forward in search of the equalizer.

Still, it was the Revs that got the clearest looks at goal. First, Joseph put Taylor Twellman behind Kevin Goldthwaite on the right side and the U.S. international ripped a powerful blast that Conway parried away. A few minutes later, n the 87th, Conway again kept his team in contention by tipping second-half substitute Adam Cristman's 18-yard screamer over the bar.

The game ended on an ugly note. Angel was shown a straight red card by Hernandez after a vicious elbow to the head of Joseph, whom he had battled all night, as the two went up for a 50-50 header.

With the win, the Revs leapfrog New York into first place in the East. Reis's latest clean sheet ties him with Houston's Pat Onstad for tops in the league. And with the defeat, the Red Bulls fell from first to fourth place after D.C. United escaped with a draw against FC Dallas and Kansas City beat Real Salt Lake.

[Freddy Adu]

Revs earn three points in Bulls' ring

Andy Dorman's first-half strike stood up to give Matt Reis his sixth shutout of the year as the New England Revolution defeated the New York Red Bulls 1-0 at Giants Stadium on Saturday night.

Seven minutes before the half, Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph created the game's lone goal with a brilliant diagonal pass to free Dorman down the right side. Dorman collected, took one touch and clinically blasted the ball past Conway into the far side to give his side a lead it would never relinquish.

It was the seventh goal of the year for Dorman, who is the top-scoring midfielder in MLS. With the second assist on the play, veteran New England midfielder Steve Ralston became the all-time assist leader in MLS with 115, one more than former Tampa Bay Mutiny teammate Carlos Valderrama.

The Revs came out like gangbusters from the opening whistle. Red Bulls 'keeper Jon Conway had to come up big just four minutes into the tilt when he stoned the red-hot Dorman, who had been sent through for a one-on-one with New York's backup backstop.

Dorman had another excellent chance to put the visitors ahead seven minutes later when the ball fell to him during a scramble in the Red Bulls' box. The Englishman pounced on it and this time he beat Conway. However, Bulls defender Seth Stammler was there to clear off the line.

New York nearly went ahead against the run of play at the quarter-hour mark. Hunter Freeman's deflected cross fell to Clint Mathis, who volleyed off the post. The rebound caromed off Mathis, but Reis was well-positioned to make the stop.

The home side had another good opportunity to open the scoring in the 28th minute. With two defenders draped on him, Juan Pablo Angel used some nifty footwork to get free, cut the ball back, and fire a shot from the edge of the area that skimmed off Reis's crossbar.

On the stroke of halftime and with the Revs now ahead, Angel had another golden opportunity. Dane Richards served in a cross from the right side, but Angel headed over the top from point-blank range.

After the break the visitors seemed content to sit back a bit with the one-goal lead. Neither team created much offense during the early part of the second half, and as is often the case when these two rivals play, the game evolved into a tight, physical affair. Referee Ramon Hernandez ended up calling 16 fouls and handing out five cautions after the break.

As the clock crept past the 70th minute, the Red Bulls began to show some urgency and press forward in search of the equalizer.

Still, it was the Revs that got the clearest looks at goal. First, Joseph put Taylor Twellman behind Kevin Goldthwaite on the right side and the U.S. international ripped a powerful blast that Conway parried away. A few minutes later, n the 87th, Conway again kept his team in contention by tipping second-half substitute Adam Cristman's 18-yard screamer over the bar.

The game ended on an ugly note. Angel was shown a straight red card by Hernandez after a vicious elbow to the head of Joseph, whom he had battled all night, as the two went up for a 50-50 header.

With the win, the Revs leapfrog New York into first place in the East. Reis's latest clean sheet ties him with Houston's Pat Onstad for tops in the league. And with the defeat, the Red Bulls fell from first to fourth place after D.C. United escaped with a draw against FC Dallas and Kansas City beat Real Salt Lake.

[Freddy Adu]

Twellman, Ralston Added to All-Star Roster
Revs add two more players to the 2007 All-Sar roster, as Taylor Twellman and Steve Ralston are added to the inactive roster

Major League Soccer on Wednesday announced the 14 additional selections for the Sierra Mist All-Star Game, in addition to the MLS First XI, the five players chosen by Steve Nicol and the two Commissioner's Picks originally announced.

Since the MLS vs. the World format was started, the additional selections have been made as the MLS All-Star gameday roster is limited to 18 players. In the case any of the original 18 players were unable to participate, any substitutions would come from the 14 additional selections.

The additional selections are considered MLS All-Stars, and will listed as such in official league records.

The complete list includes Kyle Beckerman (MF, Real Salt Lake); Jim Brennan (DF, Toronto FC); Jeff Cunningham (FW, Toronto FC); Danny Dichio (FW, Toronto FC); Brad Guzan (GK; Chivas USA); Frankie Hejduk (DF; Columbus Crew); Justin Mapp (MF; Chicago Fire); Ben Olsen (MF, D.C. United); Guillermo Barros Schelotto (MF, Columbus Crew); Steve Ralston (MF, New England Revolution); Claudio Reyna (MF, New York Red Bulls); Eddie Robinson (DF, Houston Dynamo); Taylor Twellman (FW, New England Revolution); and Ronald Waterreus (GK, New York Red Bulls)

The 14 additional players earned All-Star recognition based on the four-part voting process that concluded on June 25. Fans' votes comprised 25 percent of the players' totals, while player, coaches/front office and media votes each contributed 25 percent to the final total.
http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news...26331&pcid=115

[Freddy Adu]

U 20 USA-3-Argentina -0/F
U-20 Ladies Blank Argentina 19/07/07
The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Soccer Team picked up an impressive win in its third match of the 2007 Pan American Games, defeating Argentina, 3-0, at João Havelange Stadium and is now virtually assured of a berth in the semifinals.

The USA got goals from midfielder Nikki Washington and forwards Casey Nogueira and Jessica McDonald, the latter four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game.

The USA leads the group with the full nine points from three matches and a plus-11 goal difference. The top two teams in each group cross-over in the semifinals and in order for the USA to miss the last four, they would have to lose to Mexico by three or more goals in the final group match while Argentina would have to beat Paraguay by nine or more goals, both unlikely prospects.

The USA was dealt a blow when leading scorer Lauren Cheney was ejected with a straight red card in the 68th minute after retaliating for a hard foul by the Argentines. Cheney is definitely out for the final group match against Mexico, and the U.S. team awaits word if she will also be forced to miss the semifinal as well should the suspension be increased to two games.

“It was a very good win that hopefully secured our place in the semifinals,” said U.S. forward Kelley O’Hara, who assisted on the USA’s final goal. “We played a different formation (3-4-3) and it work out really well. Even when we went down a man, we stayed in the game mentally and physically and even got another goal. So it was a real good win for us.”

The USA had given up the first goal of the match in its first two games of the tournament during 7-1 and 3-1 wins over Paraguay and Panama respectively, but this time the Americans struck first, getting on the board in the 20th minute through Washington’s first goal of the competition. It started from a throw-in that Cheney collected down the right flank, got end line and cut a pass back to the top of the six yard box for Washington to side-foot home.

The USA made it 2-0 just before halftime as Nogueira hammered a rebound of her own shot past the goalkeeper from just inside the penalty area. It was her second goal of the tournament.

Playing a woman down for the last 22 minutes, the USA did not break, and instead got a clinching goal as McDonald scored her second of the competition, finishing O’Hara’s slotted cross from six yards out after the speedy striker had beaten her defender to the end line.

Argentina has brought its full Women’s National Team to the Pan Am Games and will participating in its first FIFA Women’s World Cup from Sept. 10-30 in China. The U.S. U-20s face Mexico next on July 20 at the famed Maracana Stadium in a match that can be seen on ESPN Deportes.

In Group A action, Canada and Brazil romped to the semifinals as the hosts downed Ecuador 10-0 and the Maple Leafs pounded Jamaica, 11-1. Canada and Brazil meet in the final Group A match on July 20 for first place with the winner likely avoiding the USA in the semifinal.

Sierra Mist Woman of the Match: Rachel Buehler


Scoring Summary:
USA – Nikki Washington (Lauren Cheney) 20th minute.
USA – Casey Nogueira (Unassisted) 44.
USA – Jessica McDonald (Kelley O’Hara) 84.

USA -- 1-Alyssa Naeher; 2-Brittany Taylor, 6-Nikki Marshall, 4-Kaley Fountain, 15-Becky Edwards, 10-Michelle Enyeart (16-Lauren Wilmoth, 76), 11-Tobin Heath, 3-Nikki Washington (12-Kylie Wright, 72), 7-Casey Nogueira (9-Jessica McDonald, 79); 8- Lauren Cheney – Capt., 17- Kelley O’Hara.
Subs not used: 5-Teresa Noyola, 13-Lauren Barnes, 14- Gina Dimartino.
Head Coach: Jill Ellis

ARG – 12-Vanina Correa; 2-Eva Gonzalez, 3-Valeria Cotelo, 4-Gabriela Chavez, 6-Celeste Barbitta (14-Catalina Perez, 52); 8-Clarisa Huber (11-Rosana Gomez, 72), 10-Mariela Coronel (7-Ludmilla Manicler, 6, 13-Florencia Quinones, 16-Andrea Susana Ojeba, 17-Fabiana Vallejos, 18-Maria Belen Potassa.
Subs not used: 1-Romina Anabella Ferro, 5-Carmen Ana Brusca, 9-Natalia Gatti, 15-Florenica Mandrile.
Head Coach: Jose Carlos Borello

Misconduct Summary:
ARG – Eva Gonzalez (caution) 27th minute.
ARG -- Catalina Perez (caution) 54.
USA -- Kaley Fountain (caution) 59.
ARG -- Fabiana Vallejos (caution) 67.
USA – Lauren Cheney (ejection) 68.
ARG -- Ludmilla Manicler (caution) 73.
ARG -- Gabriela Chavez (caution) 88.

Referee: Alicio Pena Junior (BRA)
Asst. Referee: Milton Dos Santos (BRA)
Asst. Referee: Aristeu Tavares (BRA)
4th Official: Helber Lopes (BRA)

courtesy of ussoccer.com

[Freddy Adu]

Real Madrid Club de Fútbol

Spain | Madrid | established in 1902

General Information
Name	Real Madrid
Founded	1902
Chairman	Ramón Calderón
City	Madrid
Country	Spain
Web	http://www.realmadrid.com/
Kit	Adidas
Sponsor	Bwin.com
Titles	details

SQUAD
GOAL KEEPER Dudek 1 Casillas	DEFENSE Metzelder Sergio Ramos Drenthe Marcelo Vieira 2 Salgado 3 Pepe 5 Fabio Cannavaro 11 Cicinho	MIDFIELDER 6 Diarra 8 Emerson 8 Júlio Baptista 14 Guti 16 Fernando Gago	FORWARD Saviola Van Nistelrooy 7 Raúl 10 Robinho 20 Gonzalo Higuaín

STAFF

NAME	JOB
Bernd Schuster	Treinador

NATIONALITIES

Country Value Spain 5 (25.0%) Brazil 5 (25.0%) Argentina 3 (15.0%) Holland 2 (10.0%) Germany 1 (5.0%) Portugal 1 (5.0%) Poland 1 (5.0%) Mali 1 (5.0%) Italy 1 (5.0%)

STATS

Item Value Age Average 26.10 Height Average 181 Weight Average 74

[Freddy Adu]

Real Madrid

IN Metzelder Dortmund Pepe FC Porto Saviola Barcelona Dudek Liverpool Drenthe Feyenoord

OUT David Beckham LA Galaxy Roberto Carlos Fenerbahçe Diego López Villarreal Borja Valero Mallorca Raúl Bravo Olympiakos Juan Manuel Mata Valencia Pavón Zaragoza Mejía Murcia Helguera Valencia

[egypt man]

The transfer deal of Mido and Ghaly has been finalized and both players should complete the transfer tomorrow (Wednesday).

According to teamTalk, Birmingham manager Steve Bruce expects to wrap up the signings of Tottenham pair Mido and Hossam Ghaly within the next 24 hours.

This was also confirmed by Hossam Ghaly who spoke to Egyptian TV and revealed that he agreed terms with Birmingham and will travel tomorrow to England to undergo the medical and put pen on paper.

The Egyptian added that he accepted the deal right away as he will play regularly and in his original position at the heart of midfield.
On the other side, Birmingham City chairman David Gold reveaved that working with coach Steve Bruce was the main reason for Mido to accept Blues offer. The chairman described Mido's signing as a fantastic move and a real coup for the club.

Gold described Mido's signing as one of the biggest signings for the club this summer: "It could turn out to be one of the signings of the summer.

"It's not easy to attract quality players here as we are not looked on as a glamorous side. He added

"But this shows Steve is not just well liked, but is respected as well - and that he has the pulling power to attract players like Mido." The Blues boss concluded.

[egypt man]

The transfer deal of Mido and Ghaly has been finalized and both players should complete the transfer tomorrow (Wednesday).

According to teamTalk, Birmingham manager Steve Bruce expects to wrap up the signings of Tottenham pair Mido and Hossam Ghaly within the next 24 hours.

This was also confirmed by Hossam Ghaly who spoke to Egyptian TV and revealed that he agreed terms with Birmingham and will travel tomorrow to England to undergo the medical and put pen on paper.

The Egyptian added that he accepted the deal right away as he will play regularly and in his original position at the heart of midfield.
On the other side, Birmingham City chairman David Gold reveaved that working with coach Steve Bruce was the main reason for Mido to accept Blues offer. The chairman described Mido's signing as a fantastic move and a real coup for the club.

Gold described Mido's signing as one of the biggest signings for the club this summer: "It could turn out to be one of the signings of the summer.

"It's not easy to attract quality players here as we are not looked on as a glamorous side. He added

"But this shows Steve is not just well liked, but is respected as well - and that he has the pulling power to attract players like Mido." The Blues boss concluded.

[egypt man]

capello the former real madrid coach said that he only left the the side cos of his problems with ramon calderon
and that in a poll 70m % of the real madrid fands wanted him to stay

[Freddy Adu]

Originally Posted by egypt man

capello the former real madrid coach said that he only left the the side cos of his problems with ramon calderon
and that in a poll 70m % of the real madrid fands wanted him to stay

What team does cappelo coach now?

[egypt man]

dont know but i think he doesnt coach onre at the moment

[Freddy Adu]

Originally Posted by Hyltzn

No one.

I'm sure he'll go and attempt one of the big clubs while they are struggling, such as what he did with Madrid this year...

A while back I thought he was going to sign with Inter but then I thought somebody told me he signed with somebody else.

[Freddy Adu]

Benfica

Simão no Atlético de Madrid

Simão vai jogar no Atlético de Madrid nos próximos cinco anos. O clube espanhol já chegou a acordo com o Benfica para a cedência do passe e a SAD encarnada irá receber 20 milhões de euros mais dois jogadores. A vontade do jogador era sair, o Benfica respeitou essa decisão.

ASF No total, a operação acaba por ultrapassar os 25 milhões da cláusula indemnizatória, valor desde sempre exigido pelos encarnados para autorizar a transferência. Era inevitável. Simão Sabrosa vai ser jogador do Atlético Madrid. Já não marcará presença no treino do Benfica desta manhã, altura em que estará já a caminho da capital espanhola, onde, depois de cumpridos os exames médicos, assinará um contrato válido para as próximas quatro ou cinco temporadas (a duração do vínculo apenas será discutida durante o dia de hoje). Simão parte, mas chegará um substituto de peso que deverá ser anunciado nas próximas 24 a 48 horas e nada terá a ver com os jogadores que chegarão do Atlético. (Leia mais pormenores sobre a transferência de Simão para o Atlético de Madrid em A BOLA de hoje).

[Freddy Adu]

Official Simao sold 25 million euros

20 million euros in cachet and 2 players

it pays to wait, a la Porto
abola.pt - «A BOLA on-line»

LFV promises to have a top player signed in the next 24 to 48 hours

Simao on the way to Madrid for medical test in the morning

[Freddy Adu]

At Madrid reach agreement with Benfica and double the player salary
to 4.8 million euros a year

400 thousand euros a month, a offer the couldn't be refuse
OJOGO ONLINE

Simão no Atlético por 20 milhões de euros
RICARDO LEMOS

Simão Sabrosa será reforço do Atlético de Madrid, num negócio que renderá 20 milhões de euros ao Benfica, mais dois jogadores escolhidos da lista de dispensas do emblema “colchonero”. Ao fim de duas semanas de negociações, os dirigentes do Atlético conseguiram um acordo com o Benfica para a aquisição do camisola 20 da Luz, a quem oferecem um contrato válido pelas próximas cinco temporadas. Há muito que o nome do internacional português estava no topo da lista de prioridades do segundo mais emblemático emblema da capital espanhola, mas as ofertas apresentadas nunca foram ao encontro das pretensões de Luís Filipe Vieira e do próprio Simão – o avançado português só estava na disposição de sair da Luz, caso lhe apresentassem uma proposta irrecusável do ponto de vista financeiro. Os “colchoneros” não facilitaram e ontem, ao final do dia, fixaram a oferta nos 25 milhões de euros e ofereceram, ao atleta, uma verba irrecusável de 400 mil euros por mês, proposta que duplica o vencimento que o atleta aufere no Estádio da Luz – e ele já era o jogador mais bem pago do plantel encarnado.

O internacional português viaja hoje para Madrid, na companhia do empresário Jorge Mendes, que, além de representar o atleta, mediou as negociações entre os dois emblemas, para realizar os habituais testes médicos e assinar o contrato, faltando pouco para se juntar aos portugueses Zé Castro, Costinha e Maniche no Atlético de Madrid.


Voltar a Espanha pela porta grande

Seis anos depois de ter deixado o futebol espanhol e o Barcelona, onde alinhou duas temporadas, Simão volta ao futebol do país vizinho, desta feita para representar o Atlético de Madrid. Na capital de Espanha, o internacional português procurará impor-se, como não foi capaz de fazer na Catalunha, onde teve apenas sucesso relativo. De facto, Simão chegou ao Barcelona com apenas 19 anos, e a verdade é que os catalães não lhe deram o tempo suficiente para crescer enquanto jogador, vendendo-o ao Benfica em 2001. Nas duas temporadas que passou ao serviço dos "blaugrana", o internacional português nunca foi uma aposta consistente de Louis van Gaal, o então treinador do "Barça", que preferia utilizá-lo como extremo-direito, no lugar que antes fora de Figo. Ainda assim, Simão disputou 46 jogos no campeonato espanhol, apontando três golos.


Carreira encarnada conta com três títulos

Simão regressou a Portugal em 2001/02, depois de duas épocas ao serviço do Barcelona, e provou desde logo a sua utilidade no Benfica. O camisola 20 assumiu-se imediatamente como titular do clube da Luz e acabou por ostentar a braçadeira de capitão três anos depois, sinal evidente da sua influência no Benfica, onde cumpriu um total de 230 partidas, entre Campeonato, Taça de Portugal, Supertaça e competições europeias. No entanto, o internacional português não se limita a números impressionantes em termos de jogos, revelando também uma capacidade goleadora acima da média. Em seis temporadas ao serviço do emblema encarnado, Simão obteve um total de 95 golos.

O camisola 20 abandona ainda o Benfica com o currículo recheado de títulos, tendo conquistado um Campeonato, em 2004/05, uma Taça de Portugal, em 2003/04, e uma Supertaça, em 2005/06.


Nuno Gomes passa a ser o capitão

Com a saída de Simão para o Atlético de Madrid, Nuno Gomes passa a ser o dono da braçadeira de capitão dentro do plantel encarnado. O avançado já era o primeiro subcapitão de equipa, mas a transferência do camisola 20 permite-lhe a subida ao primeiro posto da hierarquia. Uma ascensão natural, dado que o avançado internacional português vai cumprir a sua nona época – sexta consecutiva – na Luz. No que diz respeito aos subcapitães, estes continuarão a ser Petit e Luisão, por esta ordem. Uma vez que anteriormente estavam definidos quatro possíveis capitães, é provável que venha a ser escolhido um quarto jogador para exercer o lugar, sendo Rui Costa o mais forte candidato.

[Freddy Adu]

Simão Sabrosa será reforço do Atlético de Madrid, num negócio que renderá 20 milhões de euros ao Benfica, mais dois jogadores escolhidos da lista de dispensas do emblema “colchonero”.

[Amo-te Benfica]

I have lost ALL respect I ever had for Simao. He was once my favouite player, but now he can get fucked. If he had gone to one of the best teams in Europe, I'd take iton the chin and think ok, he's done his best for Benfica, he's given everything we just haven't won enough to make him stay. But the fact is, he's gone to a team I consider not better than Benfica. A team that is not even playing Champions League football, if Simao wants to be recognised as one of the best players in Europe, he needs to play in Europes premier competition. This shows a total lack of ambition, he could have furthered his career so much more at a team like Valencia and Liverpool who compete for honours every season. Now, it seems to me that he is a money-grabbing, selfish ****.

I never could have expected this of him, he has been loyal to Benfica throughout, been a great captain and could have ended up as being one of our real legends. I don't see that anymore, not after tthis when he's ditched us for a team like Atletico.

As I said, I would have taken it if he'd gone to a Real Madrid, Liverpool, etc, he didn't exactly lack suitors. But the fact that he has gone for money really disgusts me.

[Freddy Adu]

Alan Smith perto do Middlesbrough

2007-07-25

O Middlesbough já estará em conversações para a aquisição de Alan Smith. O jogador do United não é opção para Alex Fergunson e poderá abandonar os Red Devils de modo a poder jogar com regularidade. Depois das muitas contratações do clube de Cristiano Ronaldo, e agora de Nani, a hipótese ganhou mais consistência. O United deixará sair Smith se algum clube estiver disposto a pagar o preço real do jogador. O treinador do Boro, de acordo com o "Sky Sports" está empenhado em concretizar a transferência, chegando a garantir a titularidade ao internacional inglês. O internacional inglês chegou a ser apontado como alvo do porto, mas deverá jogar esta época na equipa de Rochemback. Publicado por: zerozero.pt

[Freddy Adu]

Alan Smith perto do Middlesbrough

2007-07-25

O Middlesbough já estará em conversações para a aquisição de Alan Smith. O jogador do United não é opção para Alex Fergunson e poderá abandonar os Red Devils de modo a poder jogar com regularidade. Depois das muitas contratações do clube de Cristiano Ronaldo, e agora de Nani, a hipótese ganhou mais consistência. O United deixará sair Smith se algum clube estiver disposto a pagar o preço real do jogador. O treinador do Boro, de acordo com o "Sky Sports" está empenhado em concretizar a transferência, chegando a garantir a titularidade ao internacional inglês. O internacional inglês chegou a ser apontado como alvo do porto, mas deverá jogar esta época na equipa de Rochemback. Publicado por: zerozero.pt

[Freddy Adu]

Alan Smith perto do Middlesbrough

2007-07-25

O Middlesbough já estará em conversações para a aquisição de Alan Smith. O jogador do United não é opção para Alex Fergunson e poderá abandonar os Red Devils de modo a poder jogar com regularidade. Depois das muitas contratações do clube de Cristiano Ronaldo, e agora de Nani, a hipótese ganhou mais consistência. O United deixará sair Smith se algum clube estiver disposto a pagar o preço real do jogador. O treinador do Boro, de acordo com o "Sky Sports" está empenhado em concretizar a transferência, chegando a garantir a titularidade ao internacional inglês. O internacional inglês chegou a ser apontado como alvo do porto, mas deverá jogar esta época na equipa de Rochemback. Publicado por: zerozero.pt

[Freddy Adu]

Alan Smith perto do Middlesbrough

2007-07-25

O Middlesbough já estará em conversações para a aquisição de Alan Smith. O jogador do United não é opção para Alex Fergunson e poderá abandonar os Red Devils de modo a poder jogar com regularidade. Depois das muitas contratações do clube de Cristiano Ronaldo, e agora de Nani, a hipótese ganhou mais consistência. O United deixará sair Smith se algum clube estiver disposto a pagar o preço real do jogador. O treinador do Boro, de acordo com o "Sky Sports" está empenhado em concretizar a transferência, chegando a garantir a titularidade ao internacional inglês. O internacional inglês chegou a ser apontado como alvo do porto, mas deverá jogar esta época na equipa de Rochemback. Publicado por: zerozero.pt

[Freddy Adu]

MILANELLO - Clarence Seedorf gave an interview to the microphones of Milan Channel. Here is what the Dutch midfielder had to say: Clarence Seedorf received the highest civil honorification, that of Commander in the Order of the Yellow Star, from the Suriname President Ronald Venetiaan. "I'm very happy and very proud. I am very close to my nation, Suriname, which is going through a difficult period. I'm proud to be able to participate in the life of the Country, to its growth, especially for the youth. Through the Foundation, already in October, various projects connected to the sport will begin." What did it mean to bring the Champions League cup around the world? "I've had the honor of bringing the Cup in various places, you cannot imagine the joy of the people, especially in the poorer areas the joy was so immense that it also gave me a lot. I felt their happiness but also the feeling of taking part in something grand: they followed our games during the year and it was a great pleasure to participate in these emotions." There is a lot of enthusiasm about going back to work: "I always say we are like a family, the fact we stay together for more than half a year makes us a family. In this team, every year the relationships within the dressing room get better and stronger, which is wonderful." Would Clarence Seedorf enjoy participating in the Olympics? "Yes, with Holland other than projects started a few months ago with the Foundation, on the footballing front I'm planning to participate in the next tournament being played and also at the Olympics. The Olympics, for me, remain a dream: I hope to participate and help the team out in one way or another. I hope I'm able to play but I also go very willingly as an Ambassador. The Olympics are a unique, special event, I have never participated to such an event and it's a dream come true." On the preparations: "Every year I see myself better: that is a good thing. The data say that, I am very happy, I'm doing well and now I'm working to get in the right shape to start off the new season. We have time now, unlike last year, we have a whole month to prepare for the Montecarlo game." Among the pre-season appointments of Milan there is also Real Madrid, an old acquaintence of Clarence Seedorf: "It's always nice to play games against strong teams. Real Madrid have something special, I had many good years there, playing against them will be exciting and Milan will prepare as well as possible." On the transfer campaign: "It's already being talked about in the newspapers a lot. We have to concentrate on the work, try to get everyone in form in order to be in form to face a very long season."
http://www.soccerforums.com/forums/a....html#post5870

[Oscar Cardozo]

Beletti on loan from Barcelona, I like the kid Di Maria was very impressived with
U 20 Argentina world cup team
OJOGO ONLINE
Belletti e Di Maria são reforços
RICARDO LEMOS

Belletti, defesa-direito do Barcelona, e Di María, avançado esquerdino dos argentinos do Rosário Central, serão jogadores do Benfica, estando previsto que, no início da próxima semana, já comecem a trabalhar sob as ordens de Fernando Santos na Caixa Futebol Campus, no Seixal. Segundo O JOGO apurou, o defesa brasileiro, com estatuto de comunitário, uma vez que tem passaporte italiano, será emprestado um ano pelos catalães, num negócio que há alguns dias estava a ser tratado entre os presidentes dos dois clubes. Belletti, que defrontou o Benfica na época de 2005/06, nos quartos-de-final da Liga dos Campeões, acabou mesmo pode ser determinante na carreira dos "culés", uma vez que apontou o golo vitorioso na final contra o Arsenal. O ingresso do experiente defesa (tem 31 anos) permitirá ao treinador encarnado ter uma opção mais do que válida para um posto em que apenas contava com Nélson.

Di María é um jovem esquerdino que despontou para a ribalta recentemente, ao sagrar-se, no Canadá, campeão do mundo de Sub-20, ao serviço da Argentina. Com apenas 19 anos, o avançado esteve em destaque ao apontar três golos na competição (frente a Panamá, Polónia e Chile, sendo que, neste jogo, se tratou de um tento memorável), tendo despertado o interesse do Arsenal, clube com o qual os responsáveis do Rosário Central mantinham negociações. Os encarnados, no entanto, foram mais céleres nas conversações e acertaram a aquisição do avançado, que irá assinar um contrato válido pelos próximos cinco anos – os valores da operação ainda não são conhecidos.

Em poucas horas, os responsáveis encarnados asseguram dois reforços de peso para o plantel encarnado, permitindo a Fernando Santos ter mais soluções, e conseguem amenizar de forma assinalável (com a aquisição de Di María) a saída ciclópica de Simão para o Atlético de Madrid.


Bilhete de identidade

Nome: Juliano Haus Belletti
Data de nascimento: 20 de Junho de 1976 (31 anos)
Naturalidade: Cascavel
Nacionalidade: brasileira (passaporte italiano)
Posição: lateral-direito
Altura: 1, 79 m
Peso: 74 kg
Palmarés: Campeão do Mundo (2002), Liga dos Campeões (2005/06), campeão de Espanha (2004/05 e 2005/06), Supertaça de Espanha (2005/06 e 2006/07), vencedor do Torneio Rio-São Paulo (2001) e campeão estadual (1994 e 1999, campeão mineiro; 1998, 2000 e 2002, campeão paulista)
Clubes representados: Cruzeiro (1994 e 1995), São Paulo (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 e 2002), Atlético Mineiro (1999), Villarreal (2002/03 e 2003/04), Barcelona (2004/05, 2005/06 e 2006/07).


Bilhete de identidade

Nome: Ángel Fabián Di María
Data de nascimento: 14 de Fevereiro de 1988 (19 anos)
Naturalidade: Rosário (Santa Fé)
Nacionalidade: argentina
Posição: avançado (esquerdino)
Altura: 1,79 m
Peso: 64 kg
Estreia na I Divisão: 14 de Dezembro de 2005 (Rosário Central – Independiente)
Títulos conquistados: campeão do Mundo Sub

[Freddy Adu]

Palermo
July 22: Palermo 15-0 Nockberge
July 25: Kaernten 1-3 Palermo
August 4: Udinese-Palermo
August 9: Palermo-Lecce
August 19: Palermo-Real Zaragoza

[Freddy Adu]

Kaka's Brother Joins Milan Squad

The famous family atmosphere at the Milanello is no longer a figure of speech now that Kaka’s younger brother Rodrigo Leite - or Digao as he prefers to go by – has officially joined the squad.

The 21-year-old defender underwent his first training for Milan yesterday, where he was visibly relishing the chance to play along side his much adored older brother and boyhood idol Paolo Maldini.

Milan had actually signed the lanky defender in 2005, but immediately sent him on loan to gain experience at Rimini, who have since been promoted to Serie B.

Digao certainly will bring down the median age of the Rossoneri defense, but is not expected to feature much in his first season amongst the big boys.

The more cynical amongst the Italian press have been suggesting that the only reason he is at the club is to increase the comfort level for Kaka, thus reducing the chances of him being tempted by a mega-contract offer by Real Madrid down the line.

[egypt man]

martin petrov the bulgarian and atletico madrid playmaker has made a move to the citizens this will surely get the man city going after a dissapointing season maybe the problem is that they have too many foreign players

[egypt man]

martin petrov the bulgarian and atletico madrid playmaker has made a move to the citizens this will surely get the man city going after a dissapointing season maybe the problem is that they have too many foreign players

[egypt man]

marca the spanish news paper said that josse antonio reyes will be stayin in real madrid (just sayin arsenal r idiots now they only have adebayor van persie and batista and adebayor is useless so its really just the other 2)

the news papert also said that real have almost come to a conclusion with signing arjen robben for almost 41 million dollars and said that real will introduce him and drenthe in the followin 2 weeks
(again i most say that chelsea are idiots if u see robben with holland ull know what i mean i mean its like hes the only guy who plays in the team and in chelssea mouriinho just puts him on the bench)

[Freddy Adu]

2007 Power Rankings: Week 16
Rank (Last Wk)		Team	W-D-L	Comment
	1 (1)	Houston	10-4-5	The Dynamo's shutout streak finally ends, but the their unbeaten streak is now at 11 games.
	2 (2)	New England	7-6-3	A draw with high-flying Houston isn't awful, but Steve Nicol's team must be better at home.
	3 (4)	Dallas	9-3-6	A difference-making attacker is on the way -- and it may be Brazil's Denilson.
	4 (5)	Kansas City	7-5-5	Please keep all flammable materials away from Eddie Johnson.
	5 (6)	New York Red Bulls	8-3-6	A win over struggling D.C. United can't hide all the blemishes on Bruce Arena's team.
	6 (3)	DC United	7-3-6	Fred sees red with a needless late challenge.
	7 (8)	Columbus	6-7-5	Guillermo Barros Schelotto has been the Crew's savior this season.
	8 (7)	Chivas USA	7-3-5	The Goats look to shed their road jinx against the Red Bulls this Thursday.
	9 (9)	Toronto FC	5-4-8	TFC have competed well this year, but a playoff spot seems unlikely.
	10 (10)	Los Angeles	3-4-5	Wake us up when the focus returns to soccer.
	11 (11)	Colorado	4-6-8	Rapids haven't won since May, so the trade for Mehdi Ballouchy had better work.
	12 (12)	Chicago	4-4-8	Cuauhtemoc Blanco scores in an exhibition -- first chance in MLS comes this week in Toronto.
	13 (13)	Real Salt Lake	1-6-8	RSL uses 22 players in weekend friendly against Everton, but none named Freddy Adu. Hmmm.