Snak

Jackson y un cumpleñaos feliz

LISBOA -- El ariete colombiano Jackson Martínez, cuyos datos goleadores en el Porto se asemejan a los de su compatriota Radamel Falcao, celebró su 27 cumpleaños como uno de los delanteros de moda del fútbol europeo.

Sus compañeros del Porto le dedicaron en el entrenamiento unos minutos para felicitarle formando un túnel humano donde el chocoano recibió las "caricias" de sus colegas.

En su segunda temporada en "los dragones", Jackson Arley Martínez Valencia (Quibdó, 1986) acumula 37 dianas en 51 encuentros oficiales (0,72 goles de media por partido) que le han acreditado como un ariete apetecible por los colosos europeos.

Poderoso físicamente, de notable técnica y dotado de una soberbia elasticidad, ´Cha-Cha-Cha´, apodo alusivo al mambo con el que su padre conmemoraba los goles cuando era futbolista, marcó el último de sus tantos en el mejor escaparate internacional, La Liga de Campeones.

Ante el Atlético de Madrid, un cabezazo en plancha dio el primer gol al Oporto, que acabó por perder aquel choque 1-2 con un tanto del turco Arda Turan en el minuto 86, y sirvió para que Jackson igualase a Radamel Falcao como goleador colombiano en la máxima competición continental.

"Estoy feliz por el logro personal, por la marca, pero triste por la forma en la que perdimos", aseveró el colombiano después del partido.

En el campeonato, suma cinco redes en seis jornadas, dos menos que su compatriota del Sporting de Lisboa Freddy Montero, el artillero de la Liga lusa.

Religioso y de semblante tranquilo, a "la pantera" colombiana le han llegado a comparar con el liberiano George Weah.

Cerca de renovar su contrato dos años, hasta el 2018, y de aumentar su cláusula en 20 millones, hasta los 60, el delantero podría convertirse en otro pingüe negocio para el Oporto, que pagó en el 2011 nueve millones de euros al Jaguares mexicano por su pase.

Doblete de Montero para Sporting

LISBOA -- El Sporting ganó el sábado en casa 4-0 al Vitória de Setúbal con dos goles del colombiano Fredy Montero y otro del peruano André Carrillo, y se colocó como líder provisional de la Liga lusa, condicionado por el resultado del Porto del domingo.

En la séptima jornada, los Leones suman con esta victoria diecisiete puntos, uno más que los Dragones que se enfrentan este domingo al recién ascendido Arouca.

Montero inauguró el marcador al final de la primera parte con un remate con el pie derecho desde el interior del área y Carrillo redondeó en el minuto 58 el resultado en una jugada combinada con el portugués Adrien Silva.

El delantero colombiano volvió a marcar en el minuto 70 y una falta por manos del defensa paraguayo Javier Cohene provocó el penalti que Silva convirtió en gol en el minuto 74.

Montero, de 26 años, sumó con el doblete nueve tantos en Liga y se mantiene como máximo goleador del campeonato, por delante de su compatriota y jugador del Porto, Jackson Martínez.

Triplete de Ferreyra en Ucrania

MADRID -- El argentino Facundo Ferreyra, que firmó un triplete y el brasileño Alex Teixeira, que anotó dos goles, lideraron la goleada ante el Arsenal Kiev del Shakhtar Donetsk (7-0), que se sitúa segundo en la clasificación de la Liga de Ucrania que lidera el Metalist Kharkiv.

Facundo Ferreyra abrió la cuenta y con Alex Teixeira se repartieron los cinco primeros tantos. Después, el croata de origen brasileño y el brasileño Isinho completaron la cuenta que lleva al rival de la Real Sociedad en la UEFA Champions League hasta los 26 puntos, tres menos que el Metalist Kharkiv, que el domingo visita al Dnipro que entrena el español Juande Ramos.

Además el Hoverla y el Zorya empataron sin goles mientras el Karpaty venció en el campo del Metalurg Zaporizhzhia.

Vi nærmer os ...kampen over dem alle...

River vs. Boca Is Upon Us! The Bubble Superclásico Preview

You might have noticed something extra in the air in Buenos Aires this week. A little more tension than normal, or a frisson of excitement. Could it be linked to the news that Italo-Argentine youngster Mauro Icardi has received his first Argentina call-up for next week’s World Cup qualifier against Peru, thus ensuring that (as long as he gets on the pitch) he’ll never be able to jump ship to the Italian national side? No, it’s not that. The reason for that something extra which you’re currently trying to pretend to me that you’d noticed, even though I’m making it up, is the following word: superclásico.

That’s right, Argentine football’s bi-annual self-proclaimed Biggest Match In The World is upon us on Sunday afternoon (kick off is at 18:15 local time). For the first time, football fans around the world will be able to watch live, free and legally thanks to the Argentine government’s Fútbol Para Todos program opening up streaming; you’ll be able to watch either via this link, or by navigating to the River v Boca live page on the FPT homepage.

There’s a good chance, though, that you’ll want to have some idea what you’re looking at. For decades, that was an easy one to answer: the two biggest and nearly always best sides in the country going at each other hell-for-leather. For a lot of the last decade, as one or other of the sides slumped, it’s often been a case of one side fighting for the title against another who were distinctly mid-table or worse, or at times, between two mid-table teams.

For the first time in years, this weekend’s super, though, is going to be played between two teams who can claim to be in the title race without too many people smirking behind their backs. Sure, as of Saturday night/Sunday morning, Boca are fourth and River sixth (though Belgrano, who are the side in fifth, have already played this weekend and as such have played one more game than River and Boca), but a win for either side will keep them very much in the race, and with River playing Newell’s next weekend, even a draw wouldn’t entirely rule them out of a charge during the second half of the championship.

I’m not going to give it the big stuff about why this match is so huge or how much passion Argentines have for the fixture, because if you’re that interested you’ve read a million articles along those lines already, and also because The Bubble’s good friend (and mine) Dan Colasimone has recently summarised the reasons very nicely for LandingPadBA. What I’ll do instead here is to look at a few of the key players for each team, so that while you’re glued to the TV/internet stream watching the game, you have some idea of who you’re watching.

We’ll start with the home side, before any Boca fans write in complaining that I’ve put them last because I’m massively biased towards River (although I am).

River Plate

River haven’t really clicked into gear this season, especially in attack, but last week’s performance away to Lanús was impressive, and the 1-0 win they took away from it, whilst involving a very late goal, wasn’t undeserved. It looks like manager Ramón Díaz will be rotating almost his entire midfield, though, with Matías Kranevitter, Leonardo Ponzio and Osmar Ferreyra stepping aside to let Carlos Carbonero, Carlos Ledesma and Ariel Rojas in. That’s a more attacking lineup than the one which took to the field against Lanús. The key players? Read on.

Marcelo Barovero: goalkeeper

Among the best goalkeepers on the continent before River signed him from Vélez Sarsfield in July 2012, Barovero’s grown even more in stature since and has rescued lots of points for the team all on his own this season. Practically always a safe pair of hands at the back, there have even been calls for him to be given a chance in the national team. At only 29, he’s one of the team’s oldest players, but could be just approaching his peak years, given that goalkeepers tend to last longer than their outfield team-mates.

Eder Álvarez Balanta: central defender

When the last superclásico was played, Balanta had only just come into River’s first team due to a horrendous run of injuries to other defenders. Within weeks, he was arguably the first outfield name on the teamsheet, and he’s since become the most important member of River’s defence. He’s barely put a foot wrong during his first six months in professional football, and will almost certainly be in for a move to European football within the next year or so. Him and Barovero combined are the reason Boca will have to ensure they take any chances that come their way.

Manuel Lanzini: playmaker/attacking midfielder

Lanzini seems to have been around forever to those who pay close attention to South American football, and it’s easy to forget he’s still only 20 years old. After mixed success on a year-long loan to Brazil’s Fluminense, he rejoined River at the start of last season and put in mixed performances, though managed to step up on certain big occasions; during the last superclásico, a 1-1 draw in La Bombonera, Lanzini scored the fastest goal in the fixture’s history after just 43 seconds. So far this season he’s shown signs that he’s learned to add consistency to his undoubted talent. If he can continue that run here, it could be very good news for River.

Teo Gutiérrez: striker

The most heralded (and long-awaited) signing of the winter transfer window, lifelong River fan Teo hasn’t quite had the start he’d have liked at the club. He’s scored, it’s true, but only twice, and his only domestic goal for the side so far came in a 2-1 defeat to Colón. Teo is hugely talented and driven, but hasn’t got the longest of tempers (he was forced out of Racing after waving a gun in team-mates’ faces following an argument over his late red card during their clásico defeat to Independiente) and his performances so far have been frustrating. If he’s in the mood, he could be dangerous, but if he’s not, Boca’s defenders might have an easier day at the office than they’re expecting.



Boca Juniors

Boca were woeful during the Torneo Final, but have picked up during the first half of the Inicial and are starting to look much more like their old selves again. They have two problems, though; for one thing, their injury list is a lot longer than they’d like, and for another, their away form isn’t good. As such, whilst Ramón Díaz is making changes to River’s midfield out of choice, Carlos Bianchi’s adjustments to Boca’s side are forced. Worryingly, many of those changes are in defence, which has been a problem area for Boca this season.

Agustín Orión: goalkeeper

Yes, it’s easy and perhaps boring to name goalkeepers as key players for both sides, but given Boca’s defensive injury problems it’s hard to argue that Orión—their one (near) constant reference point and custodian—hasn’t had a big role to play so far this season. Not in quite such great form as his opposite number Barovero, Orión has nonetheless shown enough this season to make one feel he’s been a bit unfortunate to have the bunch of headless chickens immediately in front of him that he’s often had to put up with.

Daniel Díaz: central defender

Díaz’s return to defence will be a big boost to Boca. The former Atlético Madrid man is comfortably their best defender, as shown by the fact that in his absence through injury, Carlos Bianchi got so exasperated with the form of his replacements that midfielder Ribair Rodríguez ended up being used at centre back instead. Díaz’s fitness might not be 100%, so his good reading of the game and positioning will be crucial in stifling the runs of Teo and Federico Andrada in the River attack.

Fernando Gago: central midfielder

45 international caps, a career taking in Real Madrid, Roma and Valencia, and only 27 years old—which is to say, still in his peak years—Gago is only playing in the Argentine league because he became a father earlier this year (his wife is former tennis star Gisela Dulko) and the couple wanted their child to grow up in Argentina. He’s an important part of the Argentina side who’ll be aiming to win the World Cup next year in Brazil, so it shouldn’t be any surprise that he’ll be vital in Boca’s midfield for this match.

Juan Román Riquelme: whatever the hell position he wants to take up

Riquelme, on his day, is still capable of things no other player in this league can do. He’s struggled with fitness for the last couple of years—during last year’s superclásico away to River, he had to be taken off injured just six minutes in—but if he stays on the pitch and is in the right mood on Sunday, he could do serious damage. Even if he doesn’t always look pumped up, River’s midfield will still be obliged to watch him, in case he pulls a moment of brilliance out of his hat such as his sublime pass to Emanuel Gigliotti for Boca’s opener in their 2-0 win over Quilmes last weekend. That in itself could free up fellow midfielders like Gago and Juan Sánchez Miño.

Emmanuel Gigliotti: Striker

Scorer of both goals last weekend against Quilmes, Gigliotti will be playing in his first super here, just like River forward Teo Gutiérrez. Less explosive than Teo, Gigliotti is more consistent, and has a solid record—75 goals from 185 appearances is a highly respectable total, and he’s no stranger to scoring against River, having done so during his spell at Colón in 2012-13. Whilst Juan Manuel Martínez will be making runs behind him, it’s Gigliotti who’ll be charged with leading the line, and his duel with Álvarez Balanta could help decide the match.

River

Barovero; Mercado, Maidana, Balanta, Vangioni; Carbonero, Ledesma, Rojas; Lanzini; Teo, Andrada

Boca

Orión; Erbes, Díaz, Pérez, Zárate; Méndez, Gago, Sánchez Miño; Riquelme; Martínez, Gigliotti

Saturday: Omar Asad pays the price for failing Atlas – plus all of the action

Away from the drama of the Súper Clásico there were 5 other Liga MX matches to keep up-to-date with, and with only 4 rounds left of the Apertura it is crunch time for many of the teams involved. Atlas failed to register their first win in 13 games and after this most recent defeat to Cruz Azul, the board wielded the axe and relieved Argentine, Omar Asad of his duties.

Another club in crisis, Pachuca are now 11 without a win. Moments away from a rare victory, Cristian Borja’s last minute equaliser gave Veracruz a share of the points and denied Pachuca. There was a victory for one of the relegation threatened sides though as Atlante came from a goal down to Monterrey to win 2-1 and move off the foot of the table.

Saturday’s results and a point for Pumas today would leave Chivas propping up the table. At the top of the table, Toluca won in Nuevo Leon against Tigres and Leon defeated Puebla at home as both sides try and keep pace with America.


ATLANTE 2 – 1 MONTERREY

A blow for Monterrey’s hopes of reaching the playoffs and a surprising victory for Atlante. Monterrey actually led through Jesus Zavala’s close range header but they allowed Atlante back in. Uruguayan and former Boca midfielder, Walter Erviti fired in the equaliser after 54 minutes and with 20 minutes remaining, Alberto Garcia pounced on some sloppy defending to poke in the winner. Atlante held on for all 3 points in their bid to avoid the drop.


http://www.youtube.com/w…_K4GbuAv-jI

PACHUCA 1 – 1 VERACRUZ

Pachuca’s woeful run continues and they will be disappointed to have conceded such a late equaliser but had Veracruz striker, Cristian Llama brought his shooting boots they could have been behind early. Argentine, Llama squandered a great opportunity in the 8th minute when through on goal and minutes later saw a header come back off the inside of the post.

In order to try and show some more attacking intent, Enrique Meza sent on Fernando Cavenaghi and Daniel Ludueña. However, the opening goal came from defender, Daniel Arreola, his venemous shot from distance left Edgar Hernandez no chance.

Despite seeing Leiton Jimenez sent off for picking up his second yellow card, Veracruz continued to search for an equaliser. Their efforts were rewarded with just minutes remaining, Cristian Borja slotting home, Llama’s cutback.

http://www.youtube.com/w…o0A9KYfwiCE

TIGRES 1 – 2 TOLUCA

Toluca’s place in the liguilla is all but assured after yesterday’s win in Nuevo Leon. Tigres dominated the first half but found themselves behind at half time when Wilson Mathias took advantage when Enrique Palos could only parry the initial effort.

Tigres’ evening got even worse just seconds into the second half after Jose Torres was sent off but minutes later they drew level. Set piece specialist, Juninho curled in a trademark freekick. Things could have been even better but Alan Pulido hit the woodwork after following up Guido Pizarro’s effort.

With 10 minutes remaining, Toluca punished the home side. Pablo Velázquez got his head on the end of a Edgar Benitez’s flick into the six yard box and gave Toluca the win.

http://www.youtube.com/w…Xv_J8wznjoU


LEON 3 – 1 PUEBLA

Despite playing with 10 men for the majority of the game, Leon managed to defeat Puebla 3-1. Rafa Marquez was at the centre of the action early on, as his penalty put Leon in front before being sent off in giving away a penalty with only 28 minutes on the clock. Matías Alustiza converted from the spot to end the first half all square.

In spite of the numerical disadvantage, second half strikes from Luis Montes and Mauro Boselli gave Leon the win and took them to second in the table.

http://www.youtube.com/w…EAerSxKSjWU


ATLAS 1 – 2 CRUZ AZUL

Results have eventually cost Omar Asad his job at Atlas, and despite some improved performances and the undoubted passion of the Argentine, there is no escaping the record of 0 wins in 13 games this season.

The home side actually took the lead courtesy of Arturo Gonzalez’s left foot shot from outside the box but the blame will lie with goalkeeper, Jesus Corona, who allowed the ball to squirm beyond him.

Argentine forward, Mariano Pavone equalised on the brink of half time with a neat turn and shot inside the box and just after the break, Joao Rojas put them in front.

Atlas never really reacted to falling behind and limped to defeat.

http://www.youtube.com/w…bj1TkkeessU

FLA:

Paulo Victor

Leo Moura
Chicão
André Santos
Wallace

João Paulo
Carlos Eduardo
Elias
Amaral

Hernane
Paulinho


VASCO

Diogo Silva

Cris
Fágner
Jomar
Y. Yotún

Juninho Pernambucano
Pedro Ken
Fillipe Soutto
Jhon Cley

Marlone
Edmilson

FLA er startet bedst i BRasilia og presser Vasco tilbage...5 min.

Frisparkforsøg fra Juninho ....stadgvæk 0-0...

25 min spillet - Flam med mest boldbesiddelse, halve chancer og Leo Moura kan stadigvæk ikke slå et indlæg...0-0

gult kort til juninho for et prof. frispark på paulinho...