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Bernard: Felipao´s major selection dilemma

Name: Bernard
Age: 20
Club: Atletico Mineiro
Position: Attacking midfielder
Nationality: Brazilian

Luiz Felipe Scolari´s strategy since returning as Brazil coach in December has been clear. His aim is to form a core of experienced players who are performing well at club level and mould them into a side in time for the upcoming challenges of the Confederations Cup and then, ultimately, the World Cup beyond that. It certainly won´t be an easy task but, given the pressures that the Selecao will face to win the trophy on home turf, it is easy to understand the logic behind his thoughts.

Veterans Fred, Luis Fabiano, Hulk and Ronaldinho were all included in the squad to face England last month, while the Madrid-based duo of Kaka and Diego Costa have been called for upcoming challenges against Italy and Russia. The aim, as begun by former coach Mano Menezes, is to surround the young attacking talents of Oscar, Neymar and Lucas Moura with experienced heads. The return of Kaká to the Brazil squad last October appeared to add a settling influence to a side that had been out of sorts and Scolari will doubtless hope the same occurs once more this month.

Does the insistence on certain age and experience quotas, though, result in the best players being selected? Supporters of Atletico Mineiro attacking midfielder Bernard, in particular, would argue not.

Bernard is the latest potential global star to have emerged from the Brazilian championship. While Neymar, Oscar and Lucas now claim headlines worldwide with the their performances, though, the 5´5” forward´s fame is currently more or less limited to his homeland. However, following some excellent recent performances, it may not remain that way for long. Indeed, it says much of his progress that his absence from the recent national side selection came as somewhat of a surprise to many. Mutterings in the media prior to the announcement indicated that the in-form youngster would be handed his opportunity to impress in Scolari´s side.

That was not to be but Bernard is clearly heading in the right direction. A recent Copa Libertadores hat-trick in his first competitive match outside Brazil was indication of his rise to the top, with Argentina´s Arsenal di Sarandi simply unable to prevent him reaping havoc. The “chiquito fenomeno”, or “little phenomenon”, was the verdict of the Argentine media who were left flabbergasted that such a talent was not involved in the national team setup. An impressive tally of 11 goals and 11 assists in the 2012 Brazilian championship would suggest that their disbelief has sound basis.

There is more than just simple stats to suggest that the Atletico academy product should be afforded a shot at the big time. While primarily an attacking player, Bernard is also a bundle of energy without the ball, relentlessly tracking opponents and seeking to regain possession. His passion and desire can occasionally result in cards being shown for over-eagerness in tackles but these are qualities in which several of his high profile compatriots are lacking. Indeed, at club level, it is the willingness and industry of the youngster that somewhat allows team-mate Ronaldinho to play the game at his own pace. The former Barcelona man has, in turn, played some of his best football of recent years since joining the club.

The duo make an unusual partnership in many ways, but it was their symbiotic relationship that helped inspire Atletico to a second placed finish last season. Ronaldinho, freed up by the unceasing energy of his colleague, was afforded space and time to influence the game in central areas. Despite the decline in his overall abilities, he remains more than capable of dismantling a defence in these conditions. Bernard, in turn, has collected numerous goals courtesy of his colleague´s outstanding talent for threading a ball through the eye of a needle to prove he is more than just a workhorse.

Like nearly all in his position in Brazil, Bernard is capable of improvisation and invention that leave many astounded. He may not delve into his catalogue of tricks with the regularity of some but he is more than capable of pulling off the remarkable. Given his low centre of gravity and searing pace, though, Bernard often favours the more simple approach of embarrassing his adversary in an old-fashioned footrace. Fluid in his positioning, Bernard is one of the more modern playmakers that Brazil has to offer. Besides creativity and intelligence, he offers dynamism, goalscoring and, of course, industry to his side in attacking areas. He is, one might suggest, one of the best suited of the country´s talents regarding the adaptation to the fluid, fast-paced football that is prominent in the upper echelons of European football.

When Bernard´s chance will come is unresolved but there is no doubt that he will eventually force his way into the Selecao reckoning. He may not be the equal of Neymar, who is on a level of his own talent-wise, but there is a growing feeling that he could match the levels of Lucas Moura or Oscar if given the chance to shine. A home-based international against Chile next month may just be his moment in the spotlight.

Brazil has a history of integrating a young player into a World Cup squad in the final months of preparations and Bernard will be hoping that he is afforded a shot at being Brazil´s wildcard selection in 2014. Felipao is known to have made enquiries regarding his readiness for the step up and, should his performances remain at current levels, then there can be no justifiable reason for his continued omission. Scolari knows that Brazil will need experienced heads in 2014 but he will also know that he cannot afford not to select his best players, regardless of age. Bernard is certainly presenting the experienced Brazil manager with a very welcome selection dilemma to consider over the next 15 months. Wise money, though, would be stacked on his inclusion come June 2014.

Leandro: Brazil´s "Little Neymar" back on track

Name: Leandro
Age: 19
Club: Palmeiras (on-loan from Gremio)
Position: Forward
Nationality: Brazilian

He is yet to reach his 20th birthday, yet Palmeiras forward Leandro has already experienced highs and lows that some players will avoid throughout the entirety of their career. With his reputation having lurched between "little Neymar" and "unwanted flop" statuses since his 2011 debut, the Brasilia-born forward continues to divide opinion. For the moment, though, having scored on his international debut for Brazil, against Bolivia, last weekend, Leandro´s status is very much on the rise.

Part of the problem for the striker, born Weverson Leandro Oliveira Moura, has been the speed and confidence with which he arrived on the first-team scene. In 2010, he was playing for small side SE Gama in his home state of Distrito Federal. However, following an encounter with Brasileirao giants Gremio at the 2010 Copa Santiago youth competition, he was offered the chance of a loan move to the Rio Grande do Sul side. Just months later, with a permanent contract already in hand, he was making his debut for the club´s first-team.

The state championships are not to everybody´s preference, but with Gremio also competing in the Copa Libertadores, it was in local competition that Leandro was handed his opportunity. While he may have been an unknown entity initially, his seven goals in just 12 appearances pushed him right to the forefront of the public imagination. Gremio now had their own lightening fast and highly-skilled forward to take on the best in the country, and Leandro quickly became an automatic starter when it came to the opening of the national league season in June.

Given his designated position on the pitch and a shared mohawk hairstyle with Neymar, the comparisons were inevitable. Neymarzinho (Little Neymar) and Neymar do Sul (Neymar of the South) were names frequently used in connection with the Gremio starlet, with expectation as to his future achievements growing by the day. It all, though, proved too much for the player himself and, in 22 league appearances in 2011, he would notch just a solitary goal for the Tricolor cause. A brief return to youth football would follow but, despite success at that level, a first-team return for the 2012 state championship proved a disappointing and fruitless affair.

A year on from his bright emergence onto the scene and Leandro´s status as one of the brightest young talents in Brazil was in tatters. Just one senior goal in 31 appearances left many questioning his worth and, when he was arrested in April 2012 for driving with a false license, there were many who were quick to suggest that the 18-year-old was in the process of dismantling the career that he had only just begun to build. However, the arrival of experienced coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo at the Stadio Olimpico offered Leandro a shot at redemption and, while not hitting the heights of his initial arrival on the scene, he was able to at least return to some sort of form in the 2012 league season.

A loss of form at an early age can destroy a career, so it is to Leandro´s credit that he has fought back stronger. That credit, though, should be extended to Luxemburgo. The former Real Madrid manager was firm with the youngster from the outset, describing the driving license incident as "a giant mess" and later commenting in an overtly critical tone that Leandro "prefers beautiful play to efficiency". The tough love, though, proved effective as his forward scored seven important league goals to help Gremio to Libertadores qualification last campaign.

With that success, though, Gremio´s aspirations for 2012 became bigger and forwards of the likes of Welliton, Eduardo Vargas and Hernan Barcos all began to arrive in Porto Alegre ahead of the shot at Libertadores glory. Leandro was quickly becoming surplus to requirements and, having been involved in Brazil´s universally disappointing performance at the South American Under-20 championship, he was seen as an ideal candidate for a loan move.

Thus, with makeweights needed to ensure Barcos´ arrival at the club, Leandro was one of several players offered on loan to Palmeiras for the season to come.

Once more, then, it seemed Leandro was at a make-or-break point of his career. If he should fail at Palmeiras, playing in Serie B this season, he would quickly have become bracketed with Brazil´s numerous failed youth talents. Just two months on, though, and the picture could not look rosier for the on-loan star. Six goals in just nine appearances have helped force his way into the Palmeiras first-team, while that form has seen Luiz Felipe Scolari reward him with a first international cap. Despite playing just 12 minutes against Bolivia, he found the back of the net once again.

There are young footballers the world over who have experienced a similar stalling of their development in the harsh environment of first-team football, but Leandro is an example to them all. The youngster appears to have put his issues behind him and worked hard on his game, with his visibly increased body mass testament to the hours he has put in behind the scenes.

Palmeiras are in the process of discussing parting with €5 million to secure his signature on a permanent basis and, if he can maintain his form over a longer period, it will be just the start of what should be a promising career. He is no "Neymarzinho", that much is certain, but he might just make himself a very good player in his own right.

Warner resigns as Trinidad security minister

It has not been a very good week for Jack Warner.

Only days after being implicated by CONCACAF for fraudluent activities during his tenure as confederation president, Warner has resigned his position as national security minister of Trinidad & Tobago.

According to the Associated Press, T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said in a statement that Warner offered to resign from her Cabinet. She accepted his resignation. Last June she named Warner as the national security minister, calling him a “man of action.”

“I wish to thank Mr. Warner for his service to the government and people of Trinidad & Tobago,” Persad-Bissessar said, according to AP.

On Friday, CONCACAF released a report charging that Warner and former secretary general Chuck Blazer enriched themselves due to fraudulent practices.

Warner also was a FIFA vice president before he resigned from that post and the CONCACAF position in June 2011.

Beware ‘A Seleção’

Brazil are currently ranked the 19th best team in the world, their lowest ever FIFA ranking. This side, however, is by no means their worst team ever. Currently considered as favorites for glory on home soil at the 2014 World Cup it’s hard to see how they’re ranked 19th.

Their recent results include losing to England but drawing 2-2 with Italy and their last game was a 0-4 thrashing of Bolivia. Lead by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, the former Chelsea manager who was also the last man to lead Brazil to World Cup glory 11 years ago in Yokohama. The Brazilian team finished with a silver medal at London 2012, a team which contained many current first team players such as Neymar, Hulk and Leandro Damiao.

If anyone doubts that Brazil are major contenders for the World Cup, firstly they haven’t a clue about football and secondly all you need to do is look at who they have in their arsenal and then you’ll see why they are a force to fear:

In the goalkeeping department they have one of the stars of QPR’s dismal season in Júlio César, as well as Botafogo’s Jefferson and Valencia’s Diego Alves. All three are top goalkeepers, César has 6 clean sheets for a side sitting 19th at the time of writing. Alves, according to www.lfp.es, has made 78 saves in 22 games. You haven’t got much of a chance of winning anything without a decent goalkeeper and Brazil have 3.

As far as full backs go they have players such as Manchester United player Rafael, Barcelona pair Dani Alves and Adriano as well as Real Madrid player Marcelo. Rafael has scored 3 goals this season, contributing 5 assists and has made 76 Premier League appearances overall for Manchester United. In Alves, Brazil have a man who has made 33 successful crosses in 24 games and has been Barcelona’s right back for years. Adriano although, hasn’t been a first team player for Barcelona has made 17 international appearances and has made 59 appearances in the league for Barca. Marcelo is the only recognized left-sided player that I have mentioned, his one of those players who is good enough to be one of the world’s best but his temperament is a problem. Despite this anyone who Roberto Carlos hails as ‘the best in the world’, Maradona claimed was the ‘third best player in La Liga’ and Paolo Maldini has also praised is clearly a terrific talent, aged just 24 he has made over 150 appearances in the league for Real and has 18 Brazil caps to his name.

Looking at their options in the centre of defence and names like Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Dedé and Dante stand out. Dedé and Dante are perhaps the most unrecognized, Dedé who has been linked with Inter Milan, Manchester United and Liverpool, plays his football for Brazilian side Vasco da Gama. Good in the air and strong, he is a very good player who would make the starting 11 for most if not all Premier League sides. He was chosen by SBT as one of the 100 greatest Brazilians ever. Watch out for Dedé in the future. Dante has been a key part of Bayern Munich’s title winning season this season, making 27 appearances for them this season. He is tall, powerful and good in the air, he has made 2 appearance for Brazil this year. Every Premier League fan will know all about David Luiz, 20 Brazilian caps, 55 Chelsea league appearances and 72 appearances for Benfica. In Thiago Silva, they have one of the best centre backs in world football. His performance in the Champions League against Barcelona earned him many deserved admirers and is the current Brazil captain. Transferred to PSG from AC Milan for €42 million he is aged 28 and has 32 caps for his country, probably the best central defender in the world.

Players such as Zenit’s €60 million man Hulk, Lucas Moura and a lesser known Bernard. The latter is another young talent playing in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A playing for Atlético Mineiro. Aged 20, he has 11 goals to his name from 36 games from the wing. Lucas Moura is a team mate of Thiago Silva having signed for PSG for €45 million. He has 23 caps to his name scoring 3 times at the age of just 20. Despite, not being much of a contributor in the goals department, he makes up for it in the way of assists. Zenit’s Hulk, who may not be a Zenit player for much longer, is the star man on the wing for Brazil. 13 appearances and 4 goals so far for Zenit after scoring 54 goals in just 99 games for FC Porto. He is strong, pacy and has a great free-kick Hulk is a danger man, who despite playing in Russia we may see before 2014 if he, as expected, leaves Zenit.

The central midfielders of the Brazilian team are Paulinho, Kaká, Oscar, Sandro, Ramires and a certain Ronaldinho. Lets start with Ronnie, the star name of the list despite being 33 he will be a contender for the squad in a years time. I don’t need to go into detail about one of the greatest players ever but having made 33 appearances for Mineiro scoring 9 times proves he’s still good enough, as well as 96 caps with 33 goals for Brazil. Ronaldinho, if part of the squad, will be a star man not just for Brazil, but for the entire tournament itself. Paulinho as well as Bernard and Dedé is another Brazil based talent. Playing for Corinthians he is a typical box-to-box midfielder, he has 10 caps for Brazil. Currently being chased by Chelsea, Manchester City and Inter Milan, he has made 85 appearances for Corinthians scoring 19 goals from central midfield. Kaká, despite not living up to his €65 million price tag at Real Madrid, has made 80 appearances in the league for Madrid scoring 22 goals. He has 87 Brazil caps scoring 29 goals. Techincally gifted, a great passer of the ball and has a goal in him. The last 3 are all London based Oscar and Ramires of Chelsea and Sandro of Spurs. Oscar has always struck me as a younger Kaká, an exciting prospect. Ramires is a different kind of centre midfielder, pacy, good on the ball, in my opinion he is like a winger playing the central midfield, running at players beating them and is a very good player. Sandro is a defensive minded player, strong, good on the ball and has developed into a key player for Spurs. He has 17 caps for Brazil and regular member of the side.

Upfront they can call on players like Leandro Damião, Alexandre Pato and of course Neymar. Damião is subject of heavy interest from Spurs, currently playing for Internacional in Brazil he has made 28 goals for Internacional, he has made 15 appearances for Brazil scoring 3 times. Damião is great in the air, a typical poacher Damião is all about goals and this is what he brings to the side. Pato since moving back to Brazil and scoring with his first touch back in his homeland. He made 117 appearances for AC Milan scoring 51 times. He has 23 caps for Brazil scoring on 9 occasions. Neymar is the star man of the side, rated as the finest young talent in world football, and touted as a potential successor to Messi as the world’s greatest player. He has so far scored 14 goals in 17 games in the league and has overall scored 135 goals in 215 games. Aged just 21 and tracked by every team capable of affording such a talent he could be the man to win the World Cup for Brazil.

Strength in depth is key and Brazil certainly have that, experience would come in the form of Ronnie, Kaká, Thiago Silva and Julío César. Star quality, the potential to win a game single-handedly for Brazil come from players like Ronnie, Neymar and Alexandre Pato. In Luiz Felipe Scolari they have a manager that’s been around club and international football and has vast experience, just the man to manage them to success.

In most World Cups there’s a surprise or two, but if you see Thiago Silva lifting the trophy come the 13th July 2014 it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise.

Damião finally heading to Tottenham? Inter want Vagner Love as replacement - report

Internacional are believed to be looking at Vagner Love as a possible summer replacement for striker Leandro Damião, with Lancenet reporting that the long-term Tottenham target will head for the exit doors this summer.

Vagner Love, 28, spent the 2012 season at Flamengo, but ended up returning to Russia at the end of the campaign as the Rubro-Negro failed to meet instalments on his €4 million transfer fee.

It is believed, though, that Dunga has identified the striker as the ideal replacement should Damião depart this summer, as expected.

“Vagner Love was a name mentioned by Dunga,” Inter executive director Newton Drummond confirmed. “Coaches always want top quality players for their teams. However, he cost €4 million for Flamengo and they couldn´t meet it.”

While the transfer of Damião away from the club would bring the financial gains to ensure the signing of Love was affordable, the director admitted that they were worried by the potential for devaluation—given the striker´s age.

Lancenet add that Braian Rodriguez, striker for Chilean side Huachipato in this season´s Copa Libertadores, has also been considered, but has now been ruled out as a possible signing.

Ronaldinho set to captain Brazil for Chile match

Brazil´s national team manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that Atlético Mineiro´s star Ronaldinho Gaúcho will be the team´s captain against Chile.

Ronaldinho, as one of the team´s most experienced players, was also Brazil´s captain in the 4-0 win against Bolivia early this month.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari told reporters during Brazil´s training in Belo Horizonte: "He is so important that I set him as the team´s captain. I hope he has the attitude, leadership and plays the football he knows how to play."

"He was given an opportunity against Bolivia to develop and he will now have a chance against Chile too."

Luiz Felipe Scolari also explained the importance of the game against Chile, he said: "This game against Chile is important because we have another chance to see how some players will perform."

"We will see if some of them deserve to be in the Confederations Cup. We are making our choices depending on several circumstances that lead us to decide what´s better for the team. The game is important for some players that are in my head and others that we can see."

Nårh ja forudsigeligt....

Carlos Slim negocia para comprar a Chivas

Una fuente confió a RÉCORD, que se trata de una oferta real por el conjunto de Jorge Vergara, quien también desea vender a Chivas USA

El rumor ha recorrido una y otra vez los pasillos del futbol mexicano, pero por primera vez el asunto va en serio. Carlos Slim está en pleno proceso de negociación con Jorge Vergara para comprarle Chivas.

Esta vez la operación comercial no es sólo el sueño de algún aficionado o un simple trascendido, se trata de una negociación real, con los equipos financieros de ambas empresas sentados en la mesa analizando a detalle las cuentas y con un proceso de compra-venta con toda la seriedad y secrecía que una transacción millonaria de este tipo amerita.

Por supuesto que ninguna de las dos partes aceptará públicamente las pláticas, pues tienen carácter de confidencial; sin embargo, una fuente cercana a la negociación confió a RÉCORD que el asunto está avanzado, encontrándose en una parte del proceso en la que, si bien no se puede considerar definitiva o irreversible, sí está más cerca de concretarse que de abortarse.

Existe un evidente desgaste de la pareja Vergara-Fuentes por el mal paso del Guadalajara y es claro su creciente desapego al equipo.

Sin embargo, Chivas USA se ha convertido en un problema, pues no es una franquicia que interese, pero Vergara lo mete a la canasta y hasta ha desechado ofertas que no incluían al equipo angelino. Jorge desea vender el paquete completo, pues ya no está cómodo en el mundo del futbol y desea irse, pero no sin antes ganar una buena cantidad.

Se dice que él llegaría a pedir hasta 700 millones de dólares, no los 500 millones que se rumoraron hace unos meses. Pediría 300 millones por Chivas, 200 por el estadio y otros 200 por Chivas USA, siendo este último el que no cuadra en la ecuación.

Existen, sin embargo, dos puntos clave para que Slim hiciera de la compra de Chivas un asunto estratégico e incluso de gran importancia en la agenda. El primer asunto tiene que ver con sus planes de competir en la televisión abierta con una nueva frecuencia, tras la reciente aprobación de la nueva Ley de telecomunicaciones.

Ahí entra un tema básico que hace a Chivas clave, pues el Rebaño termina con este torneo su contrato de derechos de transmisión con Televisa, y Slim sabe que el golpe mediático de incorporar los partidos del chiverío sería contundente como ningún otro en el tema de competencia deportiva.

La otra situación que funcionó como catalizador para que el magnate le lanzara una oferta a Vergara es que los dueños del futbol mexicano, empujados por las dos televisoras que ven con mucho peligro la compra de equipos de Slim, están por restringir, ahora sí, la multipropiedad y, atendiendo a una recomendación de FIFA que nunca les había importado mientras eran los únicos en el juego, pedirán que un mismo dueño no tenga varios equipos.

Eso va a pasar muy pronto y el entorno de Slim lo sabe y es consciente de que Pachuca, León y Tecos no tienen el peso suficiente para sentarse en la mesa con verdadero poder a discutir los temas de organización, que hasta ahora son decididos en las oficinas de Televisa y Azteca.

Siendo dueño de Chivas la situación cambia, se tendría al equipo más popular, con todo y sus derechos de transmisión y un elemento de peso para la organización de la Liga.

Los tiempos apremian y la fuente asegura que a la par de los arreglos financieros necesarios para la adquisición, ya hay gente del grupo de Slim analizando la situación deportiva de Chivas para tomar decisiones a tiempo con el fin de fortalecer el equipo y relanzarlo a los primeros sitios.

Monterrey, Santos open CCL final Wednesday

TORREON, Mexico -- There will be no secrets when Monterrey and Santos Laguna meet in the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) final, beginning with the first leg at Estadio Corona in Torreon Wednesday night.

Foes in Liga MX, the teams also competed in last year´s CCL final with Monterrey capturing a second straight title.

As a result, some consider the Rayados the favorite, a sentiment midfielder Walter Ayovi doesn´t share.

"Our entire mindset is we want to win and keep the cup at home," the Ecuadorian said on Monterrey´s official website. "The rivalry, which today represents Monterrey against Santos, both teams are playing very well. They are going through better times than us, but we will fight with the argument that we have to move forward."

Santos won the last league encounter between the two, 1-0, on Friday, with Felipe Baloy scoring the lone goal. The two-legged CCL final was won by Monterrey, 3-2 on aggregate, with Neri Cardozo´s 82nd minute goal in the second leg proving the difference.

"The last matches against Santos has been very even," Monterrey defender Ricardo Osorio said. "Neri´s goal almost at the last minute gave us the championship."

While Monterrey is still fighting for a playoff spot in the Mexican Clausura, the team´s singular focus is on defending its Champions League crown. The Rayados are attempting to become the first team since Cruz Azul from 1969-71 to win three consecutive CONCACAF club championships.

"We are focused and concentrated in the end," added Osorio. "We´re playing for another [FIFA Club] World Cup."

To that point, Monterrey realizes the importance of the road goal and winning away from home. The club has four straight CCL road wins, conceding one or less goals in those games.

"We know the away goal is important," Ayovi said. "We expect opportunities may arise and they can be seized. We know it´s a team that has good defense and is having a great time. The team has enough too, and, hopefully, we will get a good result."

As good as Monterrey has been away, the same is true of Santos at home. The club is riding an 11-game home unbeaten streak in the competition and has scored three or more goals in 14 of its 21 all-time CONCACAF Champions League home games.

Although the away goal is critical in the Champions League final, Santos head coach Pedro Caixinha said his club should be more focused on winning than possibly giving up the away goal.

"We can not be concerned about conceding a goal, but to win is what we will do in every minute the ball is in play," he said at a press conference Tuesday. "We work to win and when a institution is like this, with players who have the quality, ambition, determination and dreams, everything becomes easier."

The team that wins the two-legged CCL final books its ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco in December. Monterrey has been there the last two years. Santos wants to get there this year.

"Our dream is that experience," said Santos´ Colombian forward Carlos Darwin Quintero, the Champions League´s second all-time leading scorer with 16 goals. "It would be very emotional, very nice to represent Mexico there, but first you have to play the games."

Although players on both sides have contested CCL finals before, there are still pregame nerves, according to Osorio.

"The final is something special," Osorio said. "I have played in a few, but it is always exciting. There´s nervousness before the match and you want it to start. It is very emotional and that is what we picked our careers, to see that there was a great game and you left everything on the field."

All-Time CONCACAF Club Champions

Mexico´s Cruz Azul and Club America have won the CONCACAF club championship a record five times each. Monterrey is aiming for its third title, when it visits Santos in the first leg of 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League final on Wednesday.

CONCACAF CLUB CHAMPIONS

CONCACAF Champions Cup (1962 - 2008)
1962: CD Guadalajara (Mexico)
1963: Racing Club Haïtien (Haiti)
1967: Alianza FC (El Salvador)
1968: CD Toluca (Mexico)
1969: CD SC Cruz Azul (Mexico)
1970: CD SC Cruz Azul (Mexico)
1971: CD SC Cruz Azul (Mexico)
1972: CD Olimpia (Honduras)
1973: SV Transvaal (Suriname)
1974: CSD Municipal (Guatemala)
1975: Atlético Español (Mexico)
1976: CD Aguila (El Salvador)
1977: Club América (Mexico)
1978: Universidad de Guadalajara (Mexico), CSD Comunicaciones (Guatemala), Defence Force (Trinidad & Tobago)
1979: CD FAS (El Salvador)
1980: Pumas (Mexico)
1981: SV Transvaal (Suriname)
1982: Pumas (Mexico)
1983: Atlante FC (Mexico)
1984: Violette AC (Haiti)
1985: Defence Force (Trinidad & Tobago)
1986: LD Alajuelense (Costa Rica)
1987: Club América (Mexico)
1988: CD Olimpia (Honduras)
1989: Pumas (Mexico)
1990: Club América (Mexico)
1991: Puebla (Mexico)
1992: Club América (Mexico)
1993: Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica)
1994: CS Cartaginés (Costa Rica)
1995: Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica)
1996: CD SC Cruz Azul (Mexico)
1997: CD SC Cruz Azul (Mexico)
1998: D.C. United (USA)
1999: CID Necaxa (Mexico)
2000: Los Angeles Galaxy (USA)
2002: Pachuca CF (Mexico)
2003: CD Toluca (Mexico)
2004: LD Alajuelense (Costa Rica)
2005: Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica)
2006: Club América (Mexico)
2007: Pachuca CF (Mexico)
2008: Pachuca CF (Mexico)


CONCACAF Champions League (2009 - present)

2009: Atlante FC (Mexico)
2010: Pachuca CF (Mexico)
2011: CF Monterrey (Mexico)
2012: CF Monterrey (Mexico)

Brazilian Ministry of Sports want domestic football calendar to follow European season

The Brazilian Ministry of Sports plan to change the Brazilian football calendar so that it follows the European season.

The football season is played in Brazil from January to December, but leaves little room for the clubs to play friendly games abroad as the pre-season in most countries coincide with the middle of the season in Brazil.

The idea is to take advantage of the 2014 World Cup to implement the change, as Brazil´s season will have to stop anyway during the tournament.

If their plan is implemented, Brazilian football season will start in August and end in May, allowing the clubs to have a longer pre-season period, and also allowing them to play friendlies in Europe before the season starts.

It would also solve the problem of players leaving the clubs during the middle of the season, as players would instead leave mainly before the start of the season.

The idea has its own issues though, as Brazil is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the European calendar would increase the amount of games played during the Summer.

Brazilian FA president José Maria Marin also opposes to this idea, he said in January: We have to accept our reality, as it´s what we have, we can´t follow other countries´ calendars, like that of Europe."

"I won´t create false expectations that we will change the calendar. Brazil is a huge country, a continent and that has to be taken into account, 83% of European countries would fit in our country."