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Carlos Bianchi: "La suerte no nos acompaña; todo nos cuesta mucho"

RAFAELA -- El entrenador de Boca Juniors, Carlos Bianchi, confirmó que seguirá al frente del plantel xeneize.

"Tenemos que pensar sobre todo en el partido del domingo", deslizó Bianchi, quien dejó en claro que estará al frente del equipo auriazul en el partido ante el líder del Torneo Final, Estudiantes de La Plata, en La Bombonera.

El Virrey habló tras un nuevo revés de Boca, en la ocasión 1-0 anta Atlético de Rafaela, en el estadio de La Crema.

Bianchi desconoció los dichos del presidente del club, Daniel Angelici, en relación a su continuidad en el cargo y atribuyó la derrota ante Atlético de Rafaela "a la falta de suerte".

"No sé lo que dijo el presidente, no sé de qué se está hablando. Es el peor momento desde que estoy en Boca y ahora tenemos que pensar en el partido del domingo con Estudiantes", sostuvo Bianchi.

Angelici, quien estuvo en la cancha de Rafaela, afirmó: "No me temblaría el pulso si tuviera que echar a Bianchi". Y ante esto Bianchi sólo se limitó a decir que "no sabe nada de rumores" en cuanto a los que circulan en el ambiente futbolístico sobre su continuidad.

Luego el entrenador más ganador en la historia de Boca atribuyó la derrota "a la falta de suerte". "Nos ganaron con un gol de pelota parada en un partido muy parejo, que era para 0 a 0, pero la suerte no nos acampaña", reiteró.

"Todo nos cuesta mucho, cada error lo pagamos con gol. No tenemos derecho a equivocarnos, pero me quedo tranquilo porque la actitud de los jugadores fue buena, dieron todo lo que tenían. Sigo confiando en ellos", precisó.

Y continuó: "Fuimos a buscar el empate en una cancha dífícil y ante un rival complicado. La diferencia estuvo en que ellos concretaron lo que generaron y nosotros no. Tenemos que pensar en el partido del domingo contra el puntero. Y mañana veremos si (Román) Riquelme puede jugar".

Bianchi, por último, dijo con ironía que Boca para ganar tiene que jugar "mejor que el rival, hacer goles y que no le conviertan". Nadie está contento con esta situación. Ni los jugadores ni el cuerpo técnico. Pero hay que trabajar y ganar", sentenció.

Por su parte, el arquero de Boca Juniors, Agustín Orión, sostuvo que la única manera de salir de la crisis futbolística que atraviesa su equipo, que hace tres meses que no suma de a tres, es "ganando", tras la derrota frente a Atlético de Rafaela por 1 a 0, en un partido de la 3ª fecha.

"Tengo mucha bronca e impotencia. No hay excusas. Tenemos que ganar, esto es Boca", disparó Orión.

"No puedo analizar este partido. Estoy muy caliente. De esto salimos ganando", agregó.

El equipo que dirige Carlos Bianchi sumó tan solo un punto sobre nueve posibles en el certamen que lidera Estudiantes de La Plata con puntaje ideal. Justamente, el ´Pincha´ será su rival del domingo.

Chile: Sampaoli convocó a Orellana y Pinilla para jugar con Alemania

SANTIAGO DE CHILE -- El seleccionador de Chile, Jorge Sampaoli, entregó el jueves la nómina de jugadores que militan en el extranjero convocados para el amistoso frente a Alemania del 5 de marzo, en la que se destaca la presencia de los arietes Fabián Orellana, del Celta español, y Mauricio Pinilla, del Cagliari italiano.

El técnico argentino citó a 19 jugadores del extranjero y en los próximos días completará la lista con algunos futbolistas del torneo local para el encuentro contra los germanos, que se disputará en la ciudad de Stuttgart.

La principal novedad es el regreso a la convocatoria de los delanteros Orellana y Pinilla, ausentes en los últimos partidos de la Roja.

La última aparición del ariete del Cagliari fue el 15 de octubre del 2013 en el triunfo por 2-1 ante Ecuador que selló la clasificación al Mundial de Brasil.

Sampaoli quiere analizar distintas opciones en la ofensiva ante la lesión de Humberto Suazo, que fue operado el 20 de enero pasado del hombro y aún estará unos tres meses más de baja.

El seleccionador contará con Alexis Sánchez, del Barcelona; Eduardo Vargas, del Valencia, y Arturo Vidal, del Juventus, los puntales de la Roja que además están pasando por un buen momento en sus respectivos clubes.

También fue convocado Gary Medel, del Cardiff City, de la Liga Premier inglesa, aunque el volante está lesionado y es difícil que pueda jugar algún minuto frente a Alemania.

Después del partido en Stuttgart, la Roja disputará dos otros amistosos en suelo chileno: el 30 de mayo contra Egipto en Santiago y el 4 de junio frente a Irlanda del Norte en Valparaíso.

= CONVOCADOS:

- ARQUERO: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad-ESP).

- DEFENSORES: Gary Medel (Cardiff City-GBR), Marcos González (Flamengo-BRA), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest-GBR), Eugenio Mena (Santos-BRA), Mauricio Isla (Juventus-ITA).

- MEDIOCAMPISTAS: Carlos Carmona (Atalanta-ITA), Marcelo Díaz (Basilea-SUI), Francisco Silva (Osasuna-ESP), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras-BRA), Charles Aránguiz (Internacional-BRA), Arturo Vidal (Juventus-ITA), Felipe Gutiérrez (Twente-NED) y Matías Fernández (Fiorentina-ITA).

- DELANTEROS: Eduardo Vargas (Valencia-ESP), Alexis Sánchez (Barcelona-ESP), Fabián Orellana (Celta-ESP), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari-ITA) y Jean Beausejour (Wigan-GBR).

Venezuela: la lista ante Honduras

CARACAS -- El arquero juvenil José Contreras, del Deportivo Táchira, el defensor Javier González, del Atlético Venezuela, y el delantero Dany Curé, del Caracas, son las caras más llamativas de la convocatoria que hizo hoy el seleccionador interino de Venezuela, Manuel Plasencia, para el amistoso contra Honduras.

Plasencia llamó a siete jugadores ´foráneos´ para medirse frente a su par centroamericano el próximo 5 de marzo en la ciudad hondureña de San Pedro Sula, en partido que sirve a los hondureños como preparación para el Mundial de Brasil 2014.

Los jugadores y el cuerpo técnico ´vinotinto´ partirán el próximo 3 de marzo a Honduras para disputar su primer partido amistoso del año, de cara al nuevo proceso hacia Rusia 2018.

Los arqueros convocados son José Leonardo Morales, del Carabobo, y Contreras, del Deportivo Táchira.

En la línea de defensores, Plasencia llamó a Ruberth Quijada, del Caracas; Javier González, del Atlético Venezuela; Agnel Flores, del Deportivo Táchira; Alexander González, del Aarau suizo; Grenddy Perozo, del Ajaccio francés y Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, del Nantes francés.

Para el centro del campo fueron llamados Edgar Jiménez, del Mineros; Arquímedes Figuera, del Trujillanos; Rómulo Otero, del Caracas; Yohandry Orozco, del Deportivo Táchira; Pedro Ramírez, del Zamora; Alejandro Guerra, del Mineros; Roberto Rosales, del Twente holandés; Josef Martínez, del Young Boys suizo, y Luis Manuel Seijas, del Independiente Santa Fe colombiano.

La delantera la integrarán Dany Curé, del Caracas; Gelmin Rivas, del Deportivo Táchira, y Fernando Aristeguieta, del Nantes francés.

Plasencia sustituyó a César Farías, actual técnico del ´Xolos´ de Tijuana mexicano, quien anunció el pasado 30 de noviembre en una carta su renuncia de la selección de Venezuela, que definirá su próximo seleccionador en mayo próximo.

Mon han kan nå tilbage i landsholdstruppen..?.

Man United linked with Alex Sandro: A risk worth taking?

When Santos parted with a young left-back for a reported fee of 9.6 million euros in the summer of 2011, the move raised barely a whimper in the wider football world. Despite moving to a prestigious club, in FC Porto, then 20-year-old Alex Sandro’s move was somewhat overshadowed by Santos’ capture of the Copa Libertadores, the rise of a global superstar in Neymar and the concurrent 13 million euros move of right-back Danilo to the same club. Having played a largely backup role to 35-year-old Leo, Alex Sandro´s signing was seen by many as the lesser of the two full-back captures and, indeed, a substantial risk at the quoted price.

The diminutive full-back had arrived at Santos just 18 months before his departure, playing much of the 2010 season as first-choice and, in the process, earning a sizeable reputation. But for injury, he would have entered the 2011 under-20 World Cup as first-choice for his country. Sadly, though, he was forced to watch from the sidelines as his colleagues claimed a memorable success and he ultimately headed to Portugal best known for scoring one (admittedly spectacular) goal and little more.

Thirty months down the line and the Brazilian is now a regular feature of transfer rumour columns Europe-wide, having consistently impressed for some time. However, it wasn’t an easy adaptation and, indeed, in December 2011 he was nominated by Mais Futebol for the award of worst signing in the Portuguese League. The malaise would continue for much of his first season at the club, with Uruguay’s Alvaro Pereira a formidable contender for a starting spot. But he has not looked back since.

What does Vergara selling Chivas USA mean for Guadalajara?

GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- Jorge Vergara and Angelica Fuentes sold Chivas USA to Major League Soccer on Thursday, ending a rocky relationship that had been the writing on the wall for a long time.

Not since 2009 had the team made the playoffs and there had been a general lack of ideas -- aside from periodic statements about returning the club to its traditional Guadalajara roots -- as well as real investment in the playing staff.

The financial details were not disclosed, but the deal undoubtedly has repercussions for Guadalajara, even if it isn’t 100 percent clear as yet what they are.

First, it once again affirms that Vergara and Fuentes are rational business actors.

“Chivas USA wasn’t a headache, we just got ourselves out of a bad investment,” Vergara Thursday said on ESPN Radio’s "Jorge Ramos & Banda" show.

The investment wasn’t paying dividends and, although Vergara denied it, Chivas USA was a major drag on both him and the Chivas brand in the U.S. -- especially in recent years with the racism lawsuit, the poor performances and low average attendances.

It was bad news on top of bad news, coupled with Guadalajara also suffering on the field, so it made sense for the owners to wash their hands of Chivas USA.

There is also a precedent with Costa Rica’s Saprissa, which Vergara owned for eight years before being bought out in April 2011.

Should a competitive bid come in for Chivas, there isn’t any reason to think they wouldn’t sell, although the numbers would have to matches the owners´ often lofty expectations -- Vergara has said Chivas is worth over $500 million.

On the other hand, this could be a bid from Vergara and Fuentes to retreat to Guadalajara, invest heavily and get the club functioning and competing regularly at the top of the table. Vergara alluded to the diversion of funds from the MLS franchise back to Guadalajara in interviews on Thursday, although he didn’t give details.

The Chivas USA sale comes at a time when Vergara has stated that the sale of second division side Tapatio in 2009 was a huge mistake, and those two events may be relevant.

There has been a clear problem between Chivas winning Under-20 finals and consistently competing at youth level and replicating that success at first-team level. Part of that is the gap that exists between the U-20s (basically the reserve team in Mexico) and the full first team.

The sale of Tapatio shattered that bridge and it would make sense for Chivas’ owners to reinvest some of the money gained through the sale into a farm team, the kind of which helped the likes of Carlos Salcido, Javier Hernandez, Marco Fabian, Jonny Magallon, Omar Bravo and Francisco Rodriguez develop into the top professionals.

But these are turbulent times for Chivas, and Vergara’s words should be taken with a pinch of salt. After all, he said the sale of Chivas USA was nowhere near a reality on Tuesday, yet two days later it was a done deal.

Arabe Unido peaking before CCL quarterfinals

COLON, Panama – A seventh-place finish was not Arabe Unido’s objective when it kicked off the 2013 Panamanian Apertura last July, but the first few weeks of 2014 Clausura have depicted a more agreeable story.

The Expreso Azul is currently firing on all cylinders right before the resumption of CONCACAF Champions League play next month. In the continental competition’s quarterfinals, Alajuelense of Costa Rica will provide the opposition.

Domestically, though both sides have more draws than wins, Arabe shares the top spot with Plaza Amador on 13 points through seven rounds. An impressive 4-2 triumph over then first-place Alianza on Saturday was its best performance of the season.

“This is to have confidence and believe in God,” head coach Jair Palacios was quoted as saying on the Liga Panameña de Fútbol website. “I have a lot of confidence, credibility and faith. That has been key.”

The club’s recent success is even further amplified when the departure of key players such as Alejandro Velez, Jose Gonzalez and Reynaldo Anderson is taken into account.

Gonzalez’s exit was particularly significant, since he scored the goal in Arabe’s 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo on October 24, 2013, that clinched a place in the CCL knockout rounds.

Despite those personnel losses, the 10-time Panamanian champion has recovered its domestic form thanks to in part to the efforts of up-and-coming youngsters like Yoel Barcenas, Luis Fraiz, Abdiel Arroyo (all 20-year-old) and Abdiel Macea (22).

“It is working out with the youth system,” concluded Palacios. “Things are happening little by little.”

Arabe Unido will visit Alajuelense for the first leg of their quarterfinal series on March 10.

Fred ‘very happy’ to be back in the goals for Fluminense

Fred has revealed his happiness after proving he was fit on Wednesday night by scoring in Fluminense’s State Championship match against Macaé.

The Brazilian striker had endured a difficult start to the season and some were questioning whether he would be included in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad for Brazil’s friendly fixture against South Africa in March.

However, Lance believe he will be named in Scolari’s squad and state that an announcement will occur over the next three days to confirm the final members of the friendly squad.

After Fred scored on Wednesday night he took to his social network page to thank everybody for the support but also reveal that he God played a part.

He said: “I’m very happy! Thanks for the affection you all have supported me. I’m feeling better and better on the field and I know that I can evolve increasingly.

“God helps those who work and do there best. Today (Wednesday) was another step in that journey, this is just the beginning.”

It is believed that Fred has been attending services at church’s and he has thanked God numerous times recently on his Instagram page.

His apparent new found faith may or may not have helped him on Wednesday night but at least Brazil fans know he is back in the goals again.

Bayern’s Dante discusses his position in Scolari’s Brazil team

Brazilian Dante has been talking to Lance about the World Cup and his rivals for a starting position in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad.

The Bayern Munich defender has been colossal for the German side this season to show everyone again how talented he is.

Thiago Silva and David Luiz are believed to be Scolari’s first choice pairing but Dante insists he is just trying to work as hard as he can to ensure he impresses the Brazil head coach.

“I think Thiago Silva and David Luiz are already proven just by the fact they have been regulars for so long,” said Dante.

“I’m glad I managed to gain the confidence of the coach but I have to keep working to not lose my place.”

The 30-year-old also spoke about other central defenders vying for his role in the Brazil squad.

He listed various players who will all be trying to take his position in Scolari’s squad, Dante added: “We have some names of good centre backs.

“Réver, Dedé, Marquinhos, Miranda, Henrique. Everyone is doing a great job. I am in that category. I think here we have not one but two places at stake.”

If Dante continues impressing for Bayern he will certainly be selected in Brazil’s final World Cup squad.

Palmeiras’s Kardec insists rumours of a first Brazil call-up will not effect him

Alan Kardec has been talking about speculation linking himself with a place in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil squad.

Kardec has been a revelation since moving to Palmeiras on loan and reports are building suggesting that the Benfica loanee will be included in the Brazil team for the friendly against South Africa, which is finalised on Monday.

The 25-year-old spoke with Lance and admitted he is trying to not let the speculations influence him yet.

“People keep telling me from the outside but I try to maintain my emotional balance and stay grounded,” admitted the former Vasco da Gama striker.

“I must do what I have done so far, it’s worked at the club. Palmeiras are ahead of everyone. The club opened the door for me in the middle of last year and I was part of a victorious squad.

“We won Serie B and have continuity at work. The committee gives me a lot of confidence.”

Kardec went on to add that he will not be having sleepless nights over whether or not he gets the call.

He added: “I feel very happy and will always do everything so that I can have good results here.

“If that happens things like selection will happen naturally. This will not give me sleepless nights, of course it generates some anxiety and expectation, it’s natural.

“Can I get my first call now or will it be further ahead. These things will happen at the right time.”

@ Viola m.fl.

No real surprises in latest Argentina squad but Lisandro López gets a shot

There were very few surprises in Alejandro Sabella’s latest squad for the upcoming friendly against Romania on March 5th. Despite media claims there were still no places for the likes of Carlos Tevez, Esteban Cambiasso or Malaga keeper, Willy Caballero and instead perhaps the only surprise was the inclusion of Getafe defender, Lisandro López. The former Arsenal centre back moved to Benfica last year and has impressed during his season long loan with Getafe and so Sabella has rewarded him with a call-up. It is no secret that the defence is the area that Sabella is still experimenting with so López’s inclusion makes him a real possibility for the World Cup. Gino Peruzzi also returned to the squad for the first time since his move to Catania.


Squad for Romania

Goalkeepers:

Mariano Andujar (Catania)
Sergio Romero (Monaco)

Defenders:

Lisandro López (Getafe)
Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan)
Federico Fernandez (Napoli)
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
Ezequiel Garay (Benfica)
Marco Rojo (Sporting Portugal)
José Basanta (Monterrey)
Nicolas Otamendi (Atlético Mineiro)

Midfielders:

Javier Mascherano (Barcelona)
José Sosa (Atletico Madrid)
Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
Augusto Fernández (Celta Vigo)
Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan)
Gino Peruzzi (Catania)
Lucas Biglia (Lazio)

Forwards:

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Rodrigo Palacios (Inter Milan)
Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli)
Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint Germain)

It is also worth noting that some of the players that currently play in Argentina will be added to this squad, notably, Agustin Orion, Fernando Gago, Ever Banega and Maxi Rodriguez.