Snak

Hahahhahaa, med 2-2 i 88´ minut i Peru kampen. Han er min nye helt.

Det ser ud til at Jefferson Montero er på vej til Cardiff i premier league. Jeg har ikke set ham for Morelia, men jeg kunne godt lide ham i Betis.

Ja jeg tror han er ved at slå igennem for alvor nu, 5 mål i fem kampe for Monarcas indtil videre - han er vel også en af dem som skal tage over efter Chucho på landsholdet - ellers kommer det for meget til at hænge på Caicedo...

Guzman reveals Barca move ´dream´

Newell´s Old Boys goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman has revealed that it would be "a dream" for him to sign for Spanish champions Barcelona.

Guzman, who played under newly appointed Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino during his spell with Newell´s between 2012 and 2013, has been mooted as a potential replacement for Victor Valdes.

The 27-year-old established himself as a regular under Martino - who guided Newell´s to their sixth Argentine Primera Division title and the semi-finals of the 2013 Copa Libertadores - making 45 appearances for the Rosario club in 2012-13.

Guzman admits he would be delighted to move to Camp Nou, but insists that he is committed to Newell´s as they aim to retain their domestic crown.

"Obviously, it would be a dream, it is clear that I have that illusion," he told Mundo Deportivo.

"To be part of a team like Barca would be very nice, a dream.

"Now my challenge is to sustain what I have been doing at Newell´s.

"After achieving a championship, the most difficult thing is to maintain that level personally and in the team."

Although Guzman is in no rush to reunite with Martino, he was quick to praise the manager who gave him his chance in the first team at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.

"He is a very special technician," Guzman added.

"I have learned a lot from him and his assistants.

"He is a great person, which is perhaps more important than the kind of coach he is. He greatly impressed me and also managed a championship."

lidt flere kampreferater....

Soccer Roundup: U de Chile’s Rubio nets on debut, Española defeated

Titleholder fails to claim a point for the third week running, Católica held by newly promoted Concepción and Colo Colo draws in the Apertura’s third round.

Universidad de Chile 3-0 Cobresal

“La U” registered its first win of the season Friday, downing Cobresal in a dominant display that included an impressive showing from newcomer Rubén Farfán and a goal from debutant Patricio Rubio.

Answerable to some of the most demanding fans in Chilean soccer, this win could not come soon enough for manager Marco Antonio Figueroa. The Chilean will hope this emphatic result, coupled with last week’s 5-0 drubbing of Real Potosí in the Copa Sudamericana, will ease the pain of a pre-season in which “La U” failed to qualify for the Copa Chile knock-out stages.

“La U” swarmed Cobresal from the first whistle. The home side looked particularly dangerous on the right flank, where energetic winger Rubén Farfán is quickly making a name for himself.

Half-an-hour in, the 21-year-old received a throw-in and employed deft ingenuity to flick the ball over two Cobresal defenders, before racing to the byline and hoofing in a looping cross that midfield colleague Ramón Fernández buried with a fine header.

The winger was again in the thick of the action five minutes later. The Cobresal backline failed to clear a cross from the left, that fell to Farfán on the far right of the box. Allowing the ball to bounce before him, Farfán pulled the trigger, sending an unsaveable volley past keeper Sebastián Cuerdo to make it two.

Despite Cobresal defender Wladimir Herrera being sent off after the break, “La U” took its foot off the gas for much of the the second half, going through the motions before the introduction of Patricio Rubio for Bryan Cortés on 68 minutes.

The young Chilean striker was a revelation at Unión Española for the last two seasons, and was signed to diversify “La U’s” reliance on goals from midfield. Rubio looked dangerous from the get go, making probing diagonal runs and begging for the ball.

Celebrations were premature when Rubio netted from an offside position in the 88th, though the player made sure to time his run perfectly four minutes later before side-footing a cool finish beyond Cuerdo to wrap up the scoring.

The Apertura boasts far tougher opposition than Cobresal, though the speed, youth and confidence displayed by the homeside Friday suggest “La U” could finally be emerging from the wilderness.

Iquique 2-1 Unión Española

Last season’s champion Unión Española suffered its third straight defeat Sunday, falling away to Iquique who claimed its first win of the season. This is Española’s worst start to a season in seventeen years, and the first time in history that a team has commenced a title defence with three losses.

In good form or bad, no defence could have been expected to prevent the opener. Receiving a cross several yards outside the area, Iquique striker Jonathan Rebolledo connected with the ball sweetly, sending a ripping, dipping half-volley into the top left on 28 minutes.

Española rallied and deserved to tie the game up 12 minutes later, despite the farcical nature of the goal.

A scramble in the box saw Gustavo Canales flop to the ground for a few seconds of theatrical writhing, before an Iquique clearance pinged off the referee and back into the mix, allowing striker Sebastián Jaime to pounce and level the score. Instead of celebrating with his teammates, Canales remonstrated with the referee over the earlier ruckus, and promptly got himself sent off for dissent.

The second half was balanced and cagey. The game looked certain to end a draw before some comical defending allowed a routine Iquique cross to wriggle through to Paraguayan striker Cristián Bogado, who stole the win in the 87th.

Española has now lost as many games as they did during the whole of last season, and a title defense looks beyond the team.

Universidad Católica 1-1 Universidad de Concepción

League leader Católica received its first hiccup of the campaign Saturday, dropping points at home to newly promoted Universidad de Concepción.

Having started the season with two wins, as well as qualifying for the Copa Chile knockout stages and the Copa Sudamericana second phase, a victory for Católica over the southern minnows seemed a foregone conclusion. Accomplished goalkeeping and disciplined defending spoiled the home side´s party.

Concepción keeper Cristián Muñoz denied striker Álvaro Ramos twice and generally frustrated Católica in the first half. Attacking midfielder Milovan Mirosevic was brought on at the break and the tactical change paid dividends when he scored with a low long range effort to put Católica ahead in the 51st minute.

Both sides had chances as the half developed — Muñoz pulled off a fantastic reflex save to stop a close range effort from midfielder Fernando Cordero, and the woodwork delayed Concepción’s eventual equalizer.

The goal came through striker Diego Ruíz who netted from close range in the 85th minute, providing Concepción with its first point of the season. Católica remains top of the table on goal difference.

Antofagasta 1-1 Colo Colo

A late goal salvaged a point for Colo Colo on Sunday, after a fantastic effort from Cristián Canío gave Antofagasta the lead midway through the second half.

Colo Colo looked dangerous going forward in the opening exchanges, and it took a frantic double save from keeper Fernando Hurtado to maintain parity before the break. Canío’s goal came in the 65th — the striker controlled an inswinging cross with the outside of his boot before belting in a volley on the turn.

Substitute Emiliano Vecchio’s volley was equally spectacular, levelling the score from 12 yards out with seven minutes to play. This was Colo Colo’s first point of the campaign, while Antofagasta sits at 10th place on four points.

Audax Italiano 1-1 O’Higgins

Second-placed O’Higgins shared the spoils with Italiano on Saturday, and both teams remain unbeaten in the Apertura.

The home team went ahead midway through the first half when striker Omar Zalazar headed in off a corner. The team gave away the lead in controversial fashion, after the linesman spotted Italiano winger Bryan Carrasco hitting an opposition player in the back while inside the area. O’Higgins striker Pablo Calandria converted the spot kick on 56 minutes and the game ended all square.

Everton 3-1 Rangers

An impressive Everton outfit managed a solid win over Rangers on Saturday to move into third in the league.

The home team quickly took the lead in the sixth minute through midfielder Nicolás Peñailillo. Esteban Ciaccheri headed in the equalizer midway through the second half, though a lovely double from midfielder Ángel Rojas ensured the hosts took all three points. Rangers sit just behind Everton on goal difference.

Unión La Calera 2-1 Ñublense

Ñublense’s problems at the back continued on Sunday, as week defending gifted Unión La Calera its first win of the tournament.

Midfielder Maximiliano Bajter was unmarked when he nodded in a 37th minute opener, and striker Carlos Ross was afforded equal space when he doubled the lead from inside the box after the restart. Striker Lucas Triviño’s weak shot trickled in to give his team hope with ten minutes to go, though the equalizer never came.

Palestino 2-2 Santiago Wanderers

Marcos Sebastián Pol’s fine goalscoring record from last season continued into the Apertura on Saturday. The new Wanderers signing netted twice in an entertaining draw away to Palestino.

The home side went ahead through Sergio López’s strike on 36 minutes, before Pol tied up the game from close range early in the second half. The ex-Cobreloa hitman gave Wanderers the lead through a header in the 62nd minute, though striker Roberto Gutiérrez ensured Palestino a point seven minutes later.

Palestino and Wanderers have five points each, and sit sixth and eighth in the table, respectively.

Huachipato 0-0 Cobreloa

Having secured a place in the second phase of the Copa Sudamericana with a win in Uruguay last week, Cobreloa looked travel weary in a goalless exchange with Huachipato on Sunday.

The home side was the better team for much of the game, and Cobreloa had keeper Sebastían Contreras to thank for the point, as Huachipato’s forwards battered the ball goalward throughout the second half. Huachipato now has its first point and Cobreloa is ninth on the table.

Apertura upcoming fixtures

Aug. 16, 8 p.m: O´Higgins vs. Everton
Aug. 17, 12:30 p.m: Unión Española vs. Huachipato
Aug. 17, 3:30 p.m: Cobreloa vs. Santiago Wanderers
Aug. 17, 3:30 p.m: Universidad de Concepción vs. Palestino
Aug. 17, 6 p.m: Universidad Católica vs. Audax Italiano
Aug. 17, 8:30 p.m: Rangers vs. Unión La Calera
Aug. 18, 3:30 p.m: Ñublense vs. Universidad de Chile
Aug. 18, 4 p.m: Cobresal vs. Antofagasta
Aug. 18, 6 p.m: Colo Colo vs. Iquique

Colombia Primera A Wrap: Atletico Nacional back on top

Apertura champions Atletico Nacional climbed back to the top of the Colombia Primera A with a 2-1 win over Alianza Petrolera.

All goals were scored in the first half with Diego Arias putting Nacional ahead on 17 minutes before David Valencia levelled the game briefly in the 35th minute.

But Nacional striker Wilder Guisao struck four minutes later to complete the scoring and allow his side to leapfrog Junior into the first position in the standings.

Junior had the chance to reclaim their position but stumbled 1-1 at Boyaca Chico.

Midfielder Edwin Cardona had Junior on their way to the win after scoring in the 33rd minute but Johnny Mostasilla restored parity for Boyaca Chico on 58 minutes.

Once Caldas got their first win of the season as they thrashed Deportes Tolima 4-0.

Sergio Herrera scored in the 41st and 67th minutes before late goals to Clemente Palacios and Carlos Robles topped off a huge victory.

Patriotas Boyaca came from behind to defeat Cucuta Deportivo 3-2, with the winner coming two minutes before second-half stoppage time.

After gaining an early lead through Maximiliano Brito, Patriotas found themselves behind at half-time after Cucuta´s Jaime Cordoba and Rodrigo Soria both found the back of the net.

Uruguayan midfielder Jose Tancredi levelled for Patriotas one minute after the restart and Danilo Moreno completed the stunning win in the dying stages.

In other results, Deportivo Quindio remain rooted to the bottom of the table after a 1-1 draw against Atletico Huila, 10-man Medellin overcame La Equidad 2-1 and an 89th-minute penalty stole Envigado a 2-1 victory over Millonarios.

Itagui´s Javier Lopez scored an own goal and was sent off in a 2-1 loss to Santa Fe while a 1-1 draw was fought out between Deportivo Pasto and Deportivo Cali.

El Papa recibió a los seleccionados

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO -- El papa Francisco, el primer pontífice argentino y latinoamericano de la historia, recibió hoy en audiencia privada en el Vaticano a las selecciones absolutas de fútbol de Italia y Argentina, que mañana disputarán en Roma un partido amistoso en su honor.

Ante directivos y jugadores de ambos países, entre ellos el barcelonista Leo Messi, el Papa Jorge Mario Bergoglio, exarzobispo de Buenos Aires y seguidor confeso del equipo argentino San Lorenzo de Almagro, pidió que se elimine toda muestra de "discriminación" de los estadios y que, aunque el fútbol se ha convertido en un negocio, no pierda nunca el carácter deportivo.

"Será un poco difícil para mí animar a una o a otra (selección mañana), pero por suerte es un amistoso. Y que sea verdaderamente así, se los pido", dijo el pontífice a las dos delegaciones en la Sala Clementina del Palacio Apostólico del Vaticano.

"Ustedes, queridos jugadores, son muy populares, la gente los sigue mucho, no solo cuando están sobre el terreno de juego, sino también fuera. Es una responsabilidad social", agregó el pontífice, que dijo que en el fútbol prima la "camaradería" y no hay lugar para el "individualismo", sino para la "coordinación del equipo".

Según el pontífice argentino, los valores de belleza, altruismo y camaradería que se pueden ver en el juego de un equipo de fútbol "se encuentran resumidas en un término deportivo que no se debe abandonar jamás: ´aficionado´, ´amateur´".

"Es verdad que la organización nacional e internacional profesionaliza el deporte y tiene que ser así, pero esta dimensión profesional no debe dejar nunca a un lado la vocación inicial de un deportista o de un equipo, la de ser aficionado", insistió.

El papa dijo a los jugadores que "antes de ser campeones, son siempre hombres, personas", con sus virtudes y sus defectos, con su corazón y sus ideas, con sus aspiraciones y sus problemas.

Por ello, les instó a que, aunque sean "personajes" conocidos, no pierdan nunca su condición de "hombres portadores de humanidad", tanto en el deporte como en la vida, y además les pidió que recen por él, para que pueda "jugar un partido honesto y valiente por el bien de todos" en el terreno de juego en el que le ha puesto Dios.

Las dos delegaciones, que entre jugadores, dirigentes y funcionarios de ambas federaciones de fútbol suman unas 200 personas, llegaron a bordo de ocho autobuses a la Ciudad del Vaticano.

La delegación argentina, de la que participan dirigentes de clubes como el presidente de Boca Juniors, Daniel Angelici, y el vicepresidente del San Lorenzo, Marcelo Tinelli, entregó varios regalos al papa, entre ellos una bandeja de plata y una réplica tallada en madera de la estatua de San Francisco de Asís que se encuentra en la sede de la federación de fútbol en Buenos Aires.

Capitaneados por el presidente de la Federación de Fútbol Argentina, Julio Grondona, también le entregaron una camiseta de la selección "albiceleste" con el nombre de Francisco y firmada por todos los jugadores y el cuerpo técnico argentino.

Además, le obsequiaron con el número de la revista de la Federación de Fútbol Argentina dedicado al papa y una carta con la descripción de las iniciativas de los clubes argentinos en favor de los jóvenes del país, toda vez que los representantes de estos le regalaron además un recuerdo específico, como un libro en el caso del Boca Juniors.

Por su parte, la selección de Italia, país al que Bergoglio se siente muy cercano ya no solo por motivos geográficos, sino también en calidad de obispo de Roma, le entregó al papa una camiseta del combinado "azzurro" y un olivo, símbolo de vida, paz y sencillez, valores que se identifican con la orden franciscana.

Hvor er det stort !!!

PSG set sights on Barcelona defender Dani Alves - report

Paris Saint-Germain have set their sights on signing Barcelona defender Dani Alves, according to L’Equipe.

The French newspaper claims the Ligue 1 winners are desperate to sign the Brazil international, and could make a move within the next two weeks.

However, Barcelona are unlikely to accept any proposals as the two clubs are not on the best of terms this summer.

The Spanish champions recently attempted to sign club captain Thiago Silva but found negotiations with the Parc de Princes side frustrating.

PSG president Sheikh Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated that he would make an offer for Barca star Lionel Messi if the club continued to pursue Silva.

And the multi-billionaire owner also tried to dissuade his European rivals by insisting PSG would stay tracking a number of Barcelona players.

The French outfit have already signed Roma´s highly-rated defender Marquinhos for €35 million.

Vi kan vel godt smide endnu en af de her previews ind...

Season Preview – Argentinian Primera

League: Argentinian Primera – Torneo Inicial 2013

Title Challengers: River, Newell’s & San Lorenzo

Reigning champions Newell’s will once again be among the challengers for the title but have lost key personnel in the form of manager Gerardo Martino to some club called Barcelona (no, me neither?) and prolific Ignacio Scocco to Internacional of Brazil. Alfredo Berti steps up from the reserves to take the reins, ensuring a smooth transition, while the core of the squad remains but replacing Scocco’s goals is crucial to their fortunes. David Trezeguet is a man who knows a thing of two about finding the back of the net and a lot will depend on whether he can stay fit. I have a feeling they will fall just short but could capitalise if their rivals have prolonged Sudamericana campaigns.

Of the pretenders to the throne, last year’s runners-up River look best placed to take the title this time around. They have strengthened wisely with Carlos Carbonero, Osmar Ferreyra and Jonathan Fabbro joining and in Teo Gutierrez they have a potent, if hot-headed, marksman. My dark horse for a title challenge though are San Lorenzo, who went on a brilliant end of season run to finish 4th in the Torneo Final. Some really impressive signings (see further down) have bolstered an already good side and in Juan Antonio Pizzi they have a very good manager. Plus the Pope is a fan.

Chasing Pack: Velez, Lanus, Racing & Estudiantes

Lanus enjoyed a great start to the season and were defensively sound all year but too many draws cost them dear. Losing Guido Pizarro, Mario Regueiro and Oswaldo Vizcarrondo are big blows and although Jorge Ortiz, Leandro Somoza and Lucas Melano are good reinforcements I think they will fall a bit short. Having said that, if new signing Santiago Silva can rediscover his form, his goals should push them on further.

Velez had a season to forget but that can mainly be attributed to focussing on the Libertadores and will be back among the top third again. Mauro Zarate is a fantastic signing and should fill the gap left by Facundo Ferreyra. Racing too will be at the top end of the table and have retained the services of all their young stars, only losing Luis Farina to Benfica at the time of writing, with Rodrigo Battaglia also set to join. However, all three clubs Sudamericana commitments mean that it’ll be hard to mount a serious title challenge.

One side I’m expecting to return to form is Estudiantes. Since their 2009 Libertadores and 2010 Apertura title, el Pincha have been in somewhat of a slump. Juan Sebastian Veron’s return from retirement will add some class while Duvan Zapata is one of the most dangerous strikers in the league. Furthermore, they have added Jorge Luna and Matias Aguirregaray among others and I’m expecting bigger and better things in the Torneo Inicial under Pellegrino’s stewardship.

Relegation material: Argentinos Jnrs, Rafaela, Olimpo, Gimnasia LP

The Primera division’s relegation system – based on the average points over three years – isn’t decided until the end of the Torneo Final but a poor Inicial can indicate those likely to be down there slugging it out. How well newly promoted sides Olimpo, Gimnasia LP and Rosario Central do in the Inicial will determine their relegation woes as, with less games to divide their points total by, early wins can potentially put them in a strong position going into the Final. Nevertheless, all will be looking over their shoulders for most of the season though.

Argentinos Juniors survived by the skin of their teeth last year and will need a very good season if they are to steer clear of the drop. While manager Caruso Lombardi is somewhat of a relegation firefighting specialist, he has often struggled to take teams forward and his revamped squad may struggle. Atletico Rafaela will be another side in danger of going down too, while Tigre could get dragged into it if they continue last year’s poor form

The rest of the pack: All Boys, Boca, Arsenal, Godoy Cruz, Belgrano, Colon, Rosario, Quilmes, Tigre

Boca can hardly be any worse than they were last year and should finish top half but their transitional side is unlikely to mount a title challenge straight away. Martin Palermo’s Godoy Cruz had a fantastic season and should be top half too, along with Arsenal who despite losing key players Lisandro Lopez, Carbonero & Ortiz will be absolutely fine.

Quilmes were the surprise package of last season and did fantastically to avoid relegation. However, they have lost key men Martin Cauteruccio and Fernando Elizari so hopes will be pinned on playmaker Miguel Caneo and new signing Joaquin Boghossian and will have to settle for mid-table. Watch out for young striker Diego Diellos who could breakthrough if given the minutes. Belgrano and Colon should be comfortably mid-table. Julio Falcioni’s arrival should keep All Boys difficult to beat and will most likely fill the lower half of the table along with Tigre and Rosario.

The Surprise Package: San Lorenzo or Estudiantes

San Lorenzo are expected to do well but I think they could exceed expectations by finishing top two thanks to their mix of new signings and promising youngsters, while I’m putting my money on Estudiantes to improve significantly and finish top 7. Rosario Central could also cause an upset or two and they’ll be a welcome addition to the top flight, with Nery Dominguez one to keep an eye on.

Top transfers: San Lorenzo, River, Estudiantes, Boca, Trezeguet (but big losses for Newell’s)

As previously mentioned, San Lorenzo have done some fantastic business. Quilmes duo Martin Cauteruccio and Fernando Elizari are great additions and promising players such as Emanuel Mas, Fabricio Fontanini and Juan Cavallaro will bring a youthful vibe to what is already an interesting squad. River’s acquisitions have also been very shrewd and I’m a big fan of Estudiantes new boy Jorge Luna. Trezeguet to Newell’s has the potential to be brilliant, as does the return of Mauro Zarate to Velez on a free.

Liverpool and Tottenham join race for Willian - report

By Callum Fox 2013-08-13 14:20:00

Liverpool and Tottenham have joined the race for Anzhi Makhachkala star Willian according to reports in England.

Reports on Monday suggests that the two Premier League clubs have stepped up their interest in the Brazilian star after Anzhi´s owner declared a fire sale.

Anzhi´s billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov is planning to sell off his most expensive stars and drastically cut the club´s budget, according to AFP.

Kerimov took over the club in January 2011 and initiated a huge spending spree, hoping to turn the side into Russia´s major power.

But Russian publication Sport Express reported that after Anzhi´s 1-0 defeat to Rostov a few weeks ago, Kerimov suffered health issues leading to his decision to reform the club.

According to Sport Express though, Kerimov said he was not selling the club and that former manager Gadzhi Gadzhiev would take over the helm in the near future.