Snak

Juan Sebastián Verón: "En la carrera de un jugador no se puede pedir más"

LA PLATA -- Juan Sebastián Verón se despidió el sábado del fútbol profesional, le agradeció al público que colmó el Estadio Ciudad de La Plata y elogió su historial como futbolista al asegurar que en la carrera de un jugador "no se puede pedir más".

"La gente hace lo suyo, nosotros teníamos un compromiso difícil. El equipo respondió bien. Estudiantes es mi casa, yo nací acá y me retiro acá. En la carrera de un jugador no se puede pedir más", destacó el talentoso mediocampista, luego de la goleada 3-0 ante San Lorenzo de Almagro.

Y subrayó: "Estoy contento por muchas situaciones. Fue un partido redondo y mejoramos la actuación a comparación de cómo habíamos terminado el año pasado. Este es un gran final".

Después, Verón elogió el trabajo del entrenador Mauricio Pellegrino.

"El trabajo de Pellegrino es muy bueno, sobre todo con los más chicos. Era el técnico que necesitábamos y estábamos seguro de lo que le podía dar al grupo y a la institución", valoró el emblema de los Pincharratas.

Zárate, conforme con el triunfo

BUENOS AIRES -- El delantero de Vélez Sarsfield Mauro Zárate, autor de los dos goles con los que su equipo derrotó este sábado a Colón de Santa Fe por 2-0, de local, aseguró que este éxito les sirve "para terminar mejor" el Torneo Final y minimizó el hecho de ser el goleador del certamen con 11 gritos.

"No tuvimos un buen semestre. Este triunfo nos sirve para terminar mejor el torneo. Y ahora debemos pensar en el próximo certamen", aseguró Zárate.

"No sirve ser el goleador del torneo si el equipo no pelea por nada. Hay que pensar en el futuro", reiteró.

Vélez, con la victoria, quedó a dos puntos de Estudiantes de La Plata, el mejor equipo de la temporada con 60 puntos, que hoy clasificaría a la Copa Libertadores 2015.

"Tenemos que ganar en la última fecha (enfrentarán a San Lorenzo) y ver qué pasa con Estudiantes. Pero los objetivos eran otros", finalizó.

OSELLA: "TENEMOS QUE VOLVER A SER LOS DE ANTES"

El entrenador de Colón de Santa Fe, Diego Osella, admitió que su equipo "sintió el golpe" por haber caído nuevamente a puestos de descenso tras la derrota frente a Vélez Sarsfield por 2-0, en Liniers, y aseguró que la única forma de mantener la categoría es "volver a ser los de antes".

"Esta derrota nos complica. Entramos dormidos, extrañamente en una situación límite como ésta. Sentimos el golpe, pero podemos salir. Tenemos que volver a ser los de antes, volver a ser el equipo de la primera mitad del torneo", detalló Osella.

Es que Colón, con la derrota, cayó a puestos de descenso, ya que Atlético de Rafaela, con el empate 1 a 1 ante Tigre, los alcanzó en la tabla de los promedios. Ambos tienen un coeficiente de 1,230 y deberían jugar un desempate de terminar hoy la temporada.

"En el segundo tiempo nos acomodamos mucho mejor, tuvimos alguna que otra chance de descopntar, pero no pudimos concretarlas", agregó.

Osella consideró que Vélez "manejó el partido y ganó bien" y señaló que "no es casualidad haber perdido los últimos dos partidos".

"Entramos en un bajón futbolístico. Sabíamos que podía pasarnos esto. Lo malo es que fue justo en el final del torneo", se lamentó.

Por último, Osella sostuvo que tiene "fe" para seguir en Primera y que se jugará "todo" frente a Olimpo de Bahía Blanca, en Santa Fe, en la fecha final del certamen.

"Llegamos con chances de salvarnos, algo que no pensábamos en el inicio del torneo. No nos alcanzó con 27 puntos, pero sí con 30. Debemos ganar. Soy optimista", finalizó.

Heinze se despidió de Rosario: "Todo lo hice con alma, corazón y sacrificio"

ROSARIO -- El defensor de Newell´s Old Boys Gabriel Heinze afirmó en el día que marcó su adiós del fútbol profesional que todo lo que hizo a lo largo de su carrera lo llevó a cabo con "alma, corazón y sacrificio".

"Todo lo que hice lo hice con alma, corazón y sacrificio. Lo más lindo que le puede pasar a un jugador es brindar buen fútbol y coronarlo con una estrella (por un campeonato), y eso lo conseguí", resaltó Heinze.

A lo largo de la jornada, el "Gringo" vivió momentos especiales. Antes de comenzar el partido ante All Boys, en una pantalla gigante ubicada en la tribuna visitante, se pudo ver imágenes de Heinze a lo largo de su carrera en Europa, y al final otro video mostró a cada uno de sus compañeros, saludándolo a modo de despedida.

"Regresé a mi casa para pelear copas y hacer más grande a Newell´s. En estos momentos quisiera agradecerle a todos mis compañeros, con ellos hicimos un fútbol extraordinario y se merecen todo mi respeto", enfatizó quien con el seleccionado argentino afrontó dos mundiales y fue campeón olímpico en Atenas 2004.

Al finalizar el partido, Heinze recibió una plaqueta de manos del presidente de Newell´s, Guillermo Lorente; el capitán Lucas Bernardi le entregó un cuadro con la camiseta firmada por todos los jugadores, y su mujer e hijos le dieron otro cuadro con la foto del equipo que inició el encuentro ante Newell´s.

"No es un adiós, seguramente nos volveremos a encontrar", concluyó el Gringo.

Brazil Deploys 30,000 Troops to Secure Borders Ahead of World Cup

Brazil began deploying some 30,000 troops Saturday to secure its borders as it prepares to host the World Cup that kicks off next month.

The operation involving the army, navy and air force will extend over the 16,900-kilometer (10,500-mile) frontier separating the South American giant from its 10 neighbors.

The internationally coordinated effort is part of a strategic border security plan announced by President Dilma Rousseff in June 2011.

"It is the single largest mobilization carried out by the state to combat illegal activity from the north to the south of the country," the government said in a statement.

A similar security operation took place ahead of last year´s Confederations Cup, widely regarded as a test run for the World Cup extravaganza that will see football matches held in 12 cities.

That two-week operation netted nearly 19 tonnes of drugs, along with weapons and explosives.

The latest operation will target crimes including drug and arms trafficking, as well as illegal immigration. It will also provide medical care for needy communities.

It will span 710 cities and cover a distance of 110 kilometers from the borders, where security will be stepped up at crossings. Rivers and lakes will also be patrolled.

Globo television showed images of authorities inspecting vehicles, including trucks and passenger buses.

Along Brazil´s border with Argentina, the troop deployment began at midnight, with checkpoints set up near the Uruguaiana International Bridge that links the two countries over the Uruguay River.

The Defense Ministry has not specified how long the operation will last for strategic reasons, with a spokesman telling AFP the military didn´t want to "give advance warning to criminals."

Officials declined to confirm reports that a similar security operation could be carried out during the actual FIFA tournament, which runs from June 12 to July 13.

Brazil expects to welcome more than 600,000 foreign tourists for the massive sporting event, and is anticipating the internal displacement of more than three million locals.

Brazil shares borders with Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

More than half of the border zones pass through rivers, lakes and other waterways.

Mexico Desperate for Leadership, will Settle for Experience

One of the biggest arguments against the Mexican National Team during 2013 was the fact that there was no on field leader to rally the team when things got tough during the final stage of the World Cup qualifiers. During 2011 and 2012 things were all great and players like Giovani Dos Santos played at a high level with no pressure; but in came 2013 where the team was expected to steam roll through CONCACAF opposition, but instead everything wen´t haywire.

The pressure was too much for players and then manager Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre. On the field there was no Cuauhtemoc Blanco, or a Pavel Pardo type of player capable of lifting the team up.

One of the first things current manager Miguel Herrera did to try and solve this problem was reincorporate a veteran guy like Rafael Marquez. The central defender did improve his game from what he displayed in MLS with the New York Red Bulls, but it is still far from his best days at Barcelona. Despite all of this, his resume alone warrants respect and admiration from his teammates. Other players naturally turn to him for leadership because of his experience, but he is not they type of guy that can push the team forward during the difficult moments as stated by one of Mexico´s biggest leaders Cuauhtemoc Blanco a few months ago to ESPN.

"I´VE KNOWN RAFA FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW. HE IS A VERY ACCOMPLISHED PLAYER, BUT LACKS THAT AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD TO YELL AND WHIP INTO SHAPE THE YOUNGER PLAYERS DURING THE COURSE OF A GAME."
-CUAUHTEMOC BLANCO-

Miguel Herrera also decided to not take advantage of the little time FIFA allotted the teams to test out players. The former Club America manager decided to skip the 30 player roster list and go straight into the final 23-man World Cup squad. In this list some surprising names come up and it is assumed that due to the lack of leadership in the squad, Mexico will be settling for experience.

CARLOS SALCIDO CAME OUT OF NO WHERE

The former Chivas of Guadalajara youth product and current Tigres UANL member was a key part of "Chepo" de la Torre´s squad. Despite being a natural full back, Salcido was a key part of de la Torre´s midfield along with Gerardo Torrado. Salcido was also a big part of the historic Olympic Gold Medal winning Mexico squad in 2012.

He can play center back, right or left back, and defensive midfield. He has played in leagues like Holland´s Everdise and England´s EPL. His experience and his versatility is unmatched by any Mexican player.

GUARDADO´S EXPERIENCE (NOT HIS FORM) BEAT MIGUEL PONCE

One of the biggest battles for a position in Mexico´s World Cup squad was between Bayer Leverkusen´s Andres Guardado and Toluca´s Miguel Angel Ponce.

Ponce has had an amazing last 12 months; he was part of the Olympic Squad in 2012, as well as the young Gold Cup squad in 2013. His transfer from Chivas of Guadalajara to Toluca also saw a rise in form from the 23 year old. He has been a key part of a Toluca squad that reached the CONCACAF Champions League final and that is currently in the Clasura 2014 semifinals fighting out a spot in the final with Leon.

Andres Guardado on the other hand, has had a forgettable last 12-18 months. His free transfer from Deportivo La Coruña to Valencia did not work out as good as each side had hoped. Guardado was first dropped from left winger to left back, and eventually taken off of the starting eleven. His playing time suffered significantly with Valencia, this was evident whenever he came to perform with the Mexican National Team. Despite the lack of playing time, he was still a key part of de la Torre´s squad.

Ponce and Guardado were both fighting for a spot on the plane to Brazil, time on field was always going to be unlikely for both during the tournament as Miguel Layun seems to have that left wing-back position locked down. But Miguel Herrera seems to have opted to have European and World Cup experience sitting on the bench over the higher form of Miguel Ponce.

Mexico´s Miguel Herrera: We can Surprise Anybody

Miguel Herrera, an iron man tackler as a player and fiery competitor as a coach, may have been just the man to rescue Mexico when all seemed lost last year.

And he still believes his team´s underdog status can help create a World Cup shock next month.

Herrera was brought in as the fourth coach in six weeks last year as Mexico appeared on the brink of failing to qualify for the World Cup finals -- a huge shock to the national psyche.

His side made the cut by trouncing New Zealand in an inter-continental playoff.

The 46-year-old coach now hopes the rejuvenated side can make an impact in a tough World Cup Group A against hosts and favorites Brazil as well as Croatia and Cameroon.

In a recent interview with AFP, Herrera said Mexico´s poor qualifying campaign "benefits us because we are no longer seen as a very solid team."

"Maybe some will underestimate us, and this can help us demonstrate that we are alright and that we can surprise anybody," he said.

Herrera was coaching Mexico City´s Club America when he became the national team´s fourth manager in six weeks in October. He guided Club America to victory in the Clausura 2013 national championship.

Born in the central state of Hidalgo on March 18, 1968, Herrera is the third of five brothers.

As a player nicknamed "Piojo" ("The Louse"), Herrera was a temperamental right-back who was red-carded in 16 league games in a career that started in the 1980s and ended in 2000.

He played for first division teams Atlante, Santos, Queretaro and Toros Neza. He started off as a forward but later moved to defense.

Herrera was called up to the national team in 1993, but he was dropped from the squad for the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

Herrera fell out of favor with manager Miguel Mejia Baron after he was sent off in a qualifier against Honduras for a reckless tackle. His international career ended after 14 games.

Two years after retiring, he became manager of his old team, Atlante. He later coached Monterrey, Veracruz, Estudiantes Tecos and America.

He stood out for his wild touchline celebrations but also his temper, earning a suspensions for run-ins with referees.

When he was hired at Club America, he was asked to manage his anger and concentrate on bringing back silverware to one of Mexico´s most popular teams.

Club America reached the semi-finals in the first two championships he was in charge before finally winning the title last year.

Pachuca Through to the Liga MX Final on Away Goals Over Santos

There was no shortage of jaw dropping moments between Santos and Pachuca in Torreon during the second leg of the semifinal which finished 4-2 in favor of Santos. But the two away goals for Pachuca were the deciding factor allowing the Tuzos to advance to the final on a 4-4 aggregate score.

Santos opened as the stronger team with several attempts before finally getting the first goal. A free kick in the 7th minute came dangerously close to going into Oscar Perez´s net, but the 41 year old keeper swatted with a vertical jump to make the save. Two minutes later, Alonso Escoboza and Oribe Peralta connected in Pachuca´s box for what should have been an easy defeat of Pachuca´s central defenders to beat Perez, but the shot was skied.

A close range header by defender Raul Figueroa got Santos on the board in the 11th minute, when Escoboza´s corner kick sailed into the perfect spot in the box, putting Santos ahead and cutting Tuzos´ aggregate lead 2-1.

Santos had been pressuring, winning turnovers, creating chances, and looking the more threatening team - but the first of their troubles came when Santos goalkeeper Oswaldo Sánchez was shown a straight red and was sent off in the 20th minute. A collision with Pachuca striker Enner Valencia in which Sanchez came in with a high kick and his studs up caused the Ecuadorian to go down with injury. Sanchez was shown the card immediately.

Replacement ´keeper Julio Gonzalez assumed Sanchez´s role, and was directly responsible for Pachuca´s equalizing goal in the 27th minute. He opted for fancy footwork when given the opportunity to clear the ball into Santos´ attacking third, but lost his footing as a charging Valencia was coming straight for him. The Ecuadorian stole the ball from his feet, tapping an easy ball into an empty net.

Pachuca got their second away goal right before the halftime whistle when John Pajoy crossed a ball to the top of Santos 18 yard box, and Dieter Villalpando was able to head it past Gonzalez.

Pachuca found themselves down to 10 men and Santos won a penalty in the second half when Walter Ayovi was shown a red card for a foul on Peralta in the area. Juan Pablo Rodriguez buried it to even the scoreline 2-2.

Santos weren´t planning to go without a fight, and Javier Orozco proved it in the 77th minute with the Guerreros´ third goal of the game.

In second half stoppage time, Figueroa netted his second of the game, bringing the aggregate scoreline level at 4-4.

Santos put up a fight in their last home game of the Clausura and were the better team, but Gonzalez´s goalkeeping error was the deciding factor in this one. Tuzos advance on away goals and will play the winner of Toluca and Leon in the final.


https://www.youtube.com/…s6BRilmFbAo

Olimpo ensure safety and complicate things for Godoy Cruz

Olimpo’s latest victory in Bahía Blanca ensured their safety in the Primera Division while Godoy Cruz will be watching other results nervously this weekend. After a nervy first half, the game came to life in the 52nd minute when Leonardo Gil pounced on Jorge Carranza’s parry. The lead lasted a minute before Julio Rodriguez bundled Godoy Cruz level but before long Olimpo’s dominance told and it was now a familiar source. Adolfo ‘Trencito’ Valencia swivelled in the box to fire past Carranza at his near post and 5 minutes later when Carranza brought down the same player as he rounded him, it provided Jonathan Blanco the opportunity to extend the lead from the penalty spot. Olimpo celebrated their survival but Godoy Cruz could find themselves in the relegation zone coming into the final weekend if there are wins for rivals, Atletico Rafaela, Colón and Quilmes.

OLIMPO 3 – 1 GODOY CRUZ

https://www.youtube.com/…aUp-Q6lCz6Y

Saprissa er costaricansk mester...

Costa Rica Primera Division: Deportivo Saprissa 1 Alajuelense 0 (1-0 agg)

https://www.youtube.com/…1U1U2LrPdqk

Deportivo Saprissa claimed a record 30th Costa Rican title after edging Alajuelense 1-0 in the second leg of the Torneo de Verano final.

After a scoreless draw in Monday´s opening leg, Hansell Arauz was the hero as Saprissa defeated their arch-rivals by a solitary goal in the Primera Division decider at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Ayma on Saturday.

Arauz struck five minutes before the half-time break to give the home side the lead, which proved to be enough at the full-time whistle as the Costa Rican giants triumphed by the same scoreline on aggregate.

Not only did Ronald Gonzalez Brenes´ men win their first championship since taking out the 2010 Clausura title, they also overhauled Alajuelense as the most successful club in the Costa Rican Primera Division.

Saprissa have clinched 30 championships since the league was formed in 1921, one more than Alajuelense.

Paraguay Division Profesional Wrap: Libertad extend lead

Antonio Bareiro scored late on as Libertad overcame 10-man Sportivo Luqueno to extend their lead atop of Paraguay´s Division Profesional.

The first-half substitute completed his double in the 90th minute to lift Libertad to a 3-2 victory at the Estadio Dr. Nicolas Leoz on Friday.

https://www.youtube.com/…c7W-GvLKVac

Libertad are 11 points clear at the summit after 13 rounds following Olimpia´s 1-1 draw at home to fourth-placed Guarani.

https://www.youtube.com/…WNaIKgYJq2s

Pedro Sarabia´s men had won seven consecutive games at home prior to kick-off but that run threatened to come to an end when Sportivo Luqueno hit the front early.

Veteran Brazilian striker Rodrigo Teixeira was on target to give the visiting team a seventh-minute lead.

However, Sportivo Luqueno were dealt a major blow on the half-hour mark when midfielder Robert Aldama received his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Libertad made the most of their numerical advantage, with Rodrigo Lopez restoring parity from the penalty spot five minutes before the half-time break.

Bareiro, who replaced Jorge Moreira in the ninth minute, put the home side ahead just 10 minutes after the interval.

Sportivo Luqueno equalised 12 minutes later thanks to Matias Lequi, who made no mistake from the spot.

But Bareiro struck during the closing stages as Libertad downed their eighth-placed opponents in cruel fashion.

Elsewhere over the weekend, Nacional Asuncion missed the chance to move second in the standings after they were beaten 1-0 by Rubio Nu.

https://www.youtube.com/…UhiUtgAd9lQ

Nacional Asuncion, who have a game in hand, were triumphant midweek against Arsenal in their Copa Libertadores quarter-final tie.

But they failed to produce the goods at home to Rubio Nu, with Maximiliano Lugo´s 14th-minute goal proving to be the match winner.

Nacional Asuncion remain in fifth spot on 20 points, just one ahead of Rubio Nu, who rose to sixth.

Cristian Ovelar bagged a brace as third-placed Sol de America recorded their third win on the bounce, accounting for strugglers Deportivo Capiata 3-0.

In other results, General Diaz edged 12 de Octubre 1-0, who slid to the foot of the table following 3 de Febrero´s 1-1 draw with Cerro Porteno.


https://www.youtube.com/…VLug7q7CVUA