Snak

Yeps Husker det godt Samba ...Roberto Rojas og FErnando Astengo, som var viceanfører - det var ham som beordrede dem af banen - han var ellers en suveræn centerforsvarer - en af de bedste i historien for Chile - han spillede faktisk i Brasilien på det tidspunkt I NPATÃO´s Gremio....


Dibben - du skal have scoret dig et par Botas af slangeskind, et ordentlig læderbælte, et par Guyaberas (sp) og en en fed hat...så du kan kører Ranchera-stilen når du kommer retur...;-)

Unhappy Siena striker Zé Eduardo ´ready to accept´ offer from Rio-based club

Siena striker Zé Eduardo has declared that he wants to return to Brazil and is ready to accept an offer from a Rio-based club.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan from Genoa after barely featuring for the club since joining in 2011 due to a series of injuries.

Zé Eduardo has reiterated he is unhappy in Italy and is on the verge of returning to his homeland, where he has previously played for Santos.

He said: "I want to go back home. I have said many times that I have lost my smile in Italy, I’m just not happy.

"I have been presented an offer from a club in Rio and am ready to accept."

The unhappy striker was on the verge of a transfer to AC Milan until he refused to train with the Rossoneri on a trial basis and then joined Siena in the summer.

Zé Eduardo added: "Genoa behaved very unfairly to both me and Alberto Gilardino [Bologna striker]. That’s not to mention Milan.

"I felt they were taking me for a ride, as I was stuck in a hotel like a Big Brother contestant waiting for news."

The Brazilian also had a medical with West Ham United in January 2012 but the proposed loan deal collapsed.

Og så skal vi lige have med at den første finalekamp i Colombia mellem Deportivo independiente Medellín og Millonaríos endte 0-0.

Hjemmeholdet sluttede med 10 mand da midtbanespilleren Jhon Viafara blev smidt ud for dobbelt gult - Der er returkamp i Bogotá i weekenden.

Caribbean cup 2012

Cuba - Jamaica 1-0 (jamaia er ude af Gold Cup)

Martinique - French Guyana 3-1

Martinique qualifies for Gold Cup with win

NORTH SOUND, Antigua - With a 3-1 victory over French Guyana on Wednesday, Martinique captured the Group B title at the Caribbean Cup finals to earn a meeting with Trinidad & Tobago in the competition´s semifinals, plus book a ticket to the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

At Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Les Matinino extended its Caribbean Cup unbeaten streak to nine games (5 wins, 4 draws, 0 losses) and will return to CONCACAF´s showpiece event for the first time since 2003.

The result eliminated French Guyana before the evening´s second game between Jamaica and Cuba.

Playing in their traditional all-white uniforms, an emphatic Martinique established the tenor of how it wanted to the game to be played, not allowing French Guyana the opportunity to dictate the early pace.

The robust and committed, Frederic Piquionne put Martinique ahead in the 11th minute, contouring his body to head a ball past goalkeeper Laurent Pecthy into the net as both crashed to the ground. It was Piquionne´s second goal of the finals, both of which gave his team a 1-0 lead.

Kevin Parsemain, one of the Caribbean Cup´s top players, doubled Martinique´s advantage in the 33rd minute. The 24-year-old forward collected a long ball in an onside position from 20 yards and carried it directly towards goal, easily striking it past a flat-footed Pecthy for his second goal of the finals and 12th in this year´s competition overall.

Gary Pigree, French Guyana´s impressive marksman, was completely marked out of the game; a tactic that was obviously an essential element of the Martinique plan. Without contributions from a player with nine goals in seven Caribbean Cup games, French Guyana had few alternatives.

Parsemain played a role in closing out the Martinique goal account in the 78th minute, delivering a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Anthony Angely, who scored easily to make it 3-0.

Three minutes later, the Jean-Claude Darcheville, 37, netted a consolation goal off a slight deflection. It was the former Bordeaux star´s third goal in six Caribbean Cup games and it was nothing more than what he deserved for his outstanding play.

A suddenly reinvigorated French Guyana tried to maintain the positive play, but the clock and Martinique had the final word.

Martinique will meet Trinidad & Tobago in the semifinals, while Haiti will square-off against Jamaica or Cuba the same day.

Cuba in, Jamaica out of CONCACAF Gold Cup

NORTH SOUND, Antigua - Cuba defeated Jamaica 1-0 on Wednesday at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, eliminating the two-time defending champion from the Caribbean Cup. The result clinched a second-place finish behind Martinique in Group B for the Lions of the Caribbean, who advance to the tournament´s knockout phase and also qualify for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

It was a stunning turn of events for the Reggae Boyz. After all, in October, it became the lone Caribbean side to progress to the hexagonal round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, posting a memorable 2-1 victory over the United States along the way.

Jamaica had reached the quarterfinals in three of the last five Gold Cups and has a Caribbean-record eight appearances in the confederation´s biennial championship.

Though there is disappointment in the Jamaican camp, joy abounds in a Cuban squad that relied on timely scoring and a stingy defense to earn a seventh trip to the Gold Cup. Following a 1-0 loss in its opener to Martinique, Cuba registered single-goal triumphs over French Guyana (2-1) and, of course, Jamaica.

A closely contested first half saw both Cuba and Jamaica create some chances. The difference, though, came in the 57th minute, when Alianni Urgelles volleyed home from just inside the 18-yard box to give his team a lead it would never surrender.

Jamaica was captained by 1998 World Cup veteran Ricardo Gardner, 34, who tried mightily to inspire the Reggae Boyz to victory. Forwards Darren Mattocks and Ryan Johnson were dangerous throughout, but the Cuban backline held firm and simply waited to counterattack when necessary.

Midfielder Ariel Martinez was spectacular for Cuba, dictating pace and pulling the strings like a true maestro. He was in position to grab a deserved goal himself in the 70th minute, but fell just inside the six-yard box after beating a defender.

Shortly after, Jamaican Tramaine Stewart sped down the left flank and fired a shot from an acute angle that went agonizingly close. The 24-year-old could only shake his head in disbelief.

Despite throwing everything into the attack, Jamaica found roadblocks in the form of Cuban goalkeeper Odelin Molina and a defense organized capably by Jorge Corrales.

The semifinal pairings are set from which a new Caribbean champion by will crowned. On Thursday, Group A winner Haiti will meet Cuba, while Martinique will square-off against eight-time champion Trinidad & Tobago.

Botafogo looking to sign Al-Ahli striker Grafite

Botafogo have identified former VFL Wolfsburg striker Grafite as their number one transfer target for next season.

Grafite, 33, is currently playing in the UAE with Al-Ahli after leaving Germany in 2011, but despite his high salary, Botafogo president Mauricio Assumpção is confident they can bring the striker back to Brazil.

"Grafite is a great player, would interest any big club, and with Botafogo is no different," Assumpção told Lancenet!

"It could happen, but it is a difficult negotiation with the wage values."

The tall striker may be reaching the backend of his career but has scored goals whereever he has played and would be a welcome addition to Botafogo, who struggled at times to find the back of the net last season.

As far back as November the president expressed an interest in the former São Paulo striker, saying:

"Graphite is scorer. I do not know how he is, but he knows, and really knows, how to score goals."

As well as his high wage demans, the player is well regarded in the Middle East but their is hope for Botafogo as the player is out of contract in May 2013

Inter target Porto midfielder Fernando - Report

Serie A giants Inter have set the sights on a double swoop of Portuguese champions Porto for midfielder Fernando and defender Rolando.

Italian website Calciomercato are reporting that Inter have sent an agent to Porto to negotiate a transfer for the two players.

It is believed that Portuguese defender Rolando has long been a target of Inter president Massimo Moratti and that Fernando has been identified by young coach Andrea Stramaccioni as the ideal player to add defensive balance to Inter´s midfield.

Porto have previously expressed a desire to keep both players at the club but could be tempted if the right offer is put forward. The report also suggests that Argentine midfielder Ricky Alvarez, who has not enjoyed the greatest time since joining the club last summer, as part of the deal.

Rolando, 27, who was born in Cape Verde, is a tall central defender who has been a key part of the Porto side since joining in 2008 from Belenenses.

While Fernando, 25, joined Porto in 2007 from Brazilian third division side Vila Nova and, after spending one year on loan at Estrela Amadora, quickly become a regular fixture in the Porto team and was key during their Uefa Europa League triumph in 2011.

Chances of Juninho moving to New York increases after Red Bulls release Rafael Márquez

New York Red Bulls have announced they have released Mexican defender Rafael Márquez, a move that has increased speculation that Vasco da Gama captain Juninho Pernambucano is about to join the club.

Juninho, 37, who spent eight successful yeas in France with Olympique Lyonnais, is said to be considering a move away from São Januário given the clubs current financial difficulties.

And by New York Red Bulls releasing the former Barcelona star Márquez, they have freed up one of their designated player spots, Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill occupy the other two, which means they can pay a salary over the MLS wage cap.

“This decision was taken in the interests of both sides. Rafa did a great deal to come here and is a high level player. We would like to thank him for the services he gave to the Red Bulls and wish him luck with the rest of his career,” announced Andy Roxburgh, sporting director of the club.

Márquez is rumoured to be joining Mexican side Leon, while Juninho is due to sit down with Vasco president Roberto Dinamite on Thursday to discuss his future.

Fred on Fluminense: It is the most important team of my career

Brasileirão top-scorer Fred believes that Fluminense are the most important club of his career and has said that he will remember 2012 for the year he became closer to the Rio de Janeiro club.

Fred, 29, has had a stellar 2012, with not only scoring 30 goals in 45 games and winning the Brazilian league title, but was also earned a recall to the Seleção.

“Fluminense is today the most important of my career,” he told Globo Esporte.

“To be here is to be different. Besides the titles and honours, I also speak of the things that happened to me professionally. I am living the best moment of my career.”

The former Lyon striker also reached the landmark figure of 100 goals for Fluminense this season and, with the player settled at the club and loving life in Rio, Fred can see himself playing for Flu for a lot longer yet.

“I imagine that´s what will happen. This is the design for my future. I think I can play at a high level until 34, 35 years.

“Even more so with the project that Fluminense have today, everything is very well organised. But this will also depend on other factors too.”

El BielsistaDarío Franco er ny manager for La U

Darío Franco quiere repetir éxitos

SANTIAGO DE CHILE -- El argentino Darío Franco, el enésimo discípulo de Marcelo Bielsa que ha cruzado la Cordillera de Los Andes, es el nuevo técnico de la Universidad de Chile, a la que llega con el objetivo de repetir los éxitos recientes de su compatriota Jorge Sampaoli.

El entrenador, que fue presentado hoy en las instalaciones del cuadro azul, ficha por un año de contrato por una cantidad que ronda los 600.000 dólares, la mitad de lo que cobraba Sampaoli, recientemente nombrado seleccionador de Chile.

Cuando era jugador, Franco (1969) coincidió en Newell´s Old Boys en 1991 con el actual entrenador del Athletic de Bilbao, venerado en Chile por su gran campaña con la Roja.

En el Newell´s, Franco no sólo se destacó como futbolista, sino que Bielsa le encargó la confección de informes sobre rivales y posteriormente, hace dos años acudió a una pasantía con Bielsa en la sede de la Roja, según señala hoy el diario La Tercera.

A pesar de su inexperiencia como entrenador, los dirigentes de la Universidad de Chile han depositado sus esperanzas en Franco, después de que el técnico de la Unión Española, José Luis Sierra, otro de los candidatos, decidiera renovar con su actual club.

El gran objetivo del nuevo preparador de la U será intentar volver a poner al club entre los más grandes de Sudamérica, como ocurrió con Sampaoli, cuando ganaron una Copa Sudamericana (2011) y, en el plano local, dos Aperturas (2011 y 2012) y un Clausura (2011).

La aventura del cordobés en los banquillos comenzó en febrero de 2006 en el Monarcas Morelia mexicano, equipo del que fue capitán y con el que logró un campeonato invernal en el año 2000 como delantero.

Su paso por los ´Purépechas´ fue breve, tan solo cinco meses, al ser despedido en julio tras caer con el Pachuca en primera ronda del torneo Clausura mexicano.

Apenas terminó su etapa en Monarcas, el argentino naturalizado mexicano fue contratado en septiembre por el Tecos de Guadalajara (UAG), en el que en 32 partidos ganó ocho encuentros, empató once y cayó trece veces.

En agosto de 2007, cuando se habían disputado tres encuentros del torneo Apertura, la goleada infligida por el Atlante (3-0), sumado a otra abultada derrota y a un empate previos, cerraron la etapa de Franco en Guadalajara.

El Atlas fue el último equipo del cordobés por tierras aztecas, entre septiembre de 2008 y enero de 2009.

En Argentina, el exjugador del Zaragoza dirigió al San Martín de San Juan y al Instituto de Córdoba, ambos en segunda división.

En el primero, a pesar de mantener al conjunto en cuarta posición, no pudo completar el torneo, mientras que en el Instituto de Córdoba llegó a disputar la promoción para ascender, aunque cayó ante San Lorenzo de Almagro, y fue despedido en el siguiente torneo.

La U de Chile comenzará su pretemporada el 27 de diciembre y Franco contará con los refuerzos de su compatriota Ramón Fernández, procedente de O´Higgins; Isaac Díaz, goleador del Ñublense, y César Cortés, hasta ahora delantero del Huachipato, flamante campeón del torneo Clausura 2012, también presentados este jueves.

Willian José confirms move to Grêmio

Willian José took time in the aftermath of São Paulo’s controversial Copa Sul-Americana victory on Wednesday night to announce that he will be playing for Grêmio next season.

Willian José, 21, who was believed to have already agreed to join Santos, will fly to Porto Alegre on Thursday or Friday to put pen to paper on an 18-month contract.

“I am very happy to have spent two years in São Paulo. Now it is time to move to Grêmio. Hopefully I will be very happy there too,” he told a reporter from Fox Sports.

The striker, who spent most of the season as a backup for Luis Fabiano, was often booed by fans at Morumbi, despite an impressive haul of 15 goals in 44 games for São Paulo.

Grêmio coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo is believed to have identified the player to new president Fabio Koff, who after finding out the striker had yet to agree a deal with Santos, moved to bring the player to Porto Alegre.

Grêmio are well stocked with strikers after signing Kleber and Marcelo Moreno last season, but after a number of injuries the club decided to invest in Willian José, as they also see his potential for the future.