Michael Ballack's early goal gave FC Bayern München a victory against German champions Werder Bremen that gives some measure of revenge for conceding the Bundesliga title at the Olympiastadion last season.

Ballack winner
Bremen's 3-1 win in Munich proved the decisive result of 2003/04, but Ballack struck after seven minutes today and the champions are now seven points behind both Bayern and FC Schalke 04, who defeated VfL Bochum 1848. Bayern, who also won 2-1 at Bremen earlier this season, lost striker Roy Makaay to a thigh injury late in the second half.

Schalke success
Schalke, second on goal difference, took all three points from the Ruhr Valley derby at lowly VfL Bochum 1848 thanks to strikes from their Brazilians. Ailton gave the visitors the lead on 30 minutes and Lincoln sealed Schalke's 2-0 win 13 minutes from the final whistle.

Leverkusen loss
Bayer 04 Leverkusen must overturn a 3-1 deficit against Liverpool FC on Wednesday to stay in the UEFA Champions League, and their hopes of playing in that competition next season were hit by a 1-0 loss at Hamburger SV. Daniel van Buyten scored the only goal of the game on 21 minutes to move Hamburg into fifth place, two ahead of Leverkusen.

Stuttgart climb
VfB Stuttgart are up to fourth place, within a point of Bremen, with a 2-1 win against DSC Arminia Bielefeld. Zvonimir Soldo and Cacau gave Stuttgart the lead with Isaac Boakye closing the gap for the visitors. Hertha BSC Berlin can move back ahead of Stuttgart and Hamburg on Sunday if they defeat 1. FC Kaiserslautern.

Freiburg slump
In the battle for survival in the Bundesliga, 1. FSV Mainz 05 took three vital points in their match against SC Freiburg. Having been crushed 7-0 by Bayern in the German Cup on Wednesday, Freiburg were on the wrong end of another disappointing result and were beaten 5-0. FC Hansa Rostock took full advantage and won 1-0 against Hannover 96 to leave Freiburg bottom of the table.

Mönchengladbach win
Mainz's win leaves Bochum five points adrift in the third relegation place behind 1. FC Nürnberg, who play BV Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach also moved away from danger as they beat VfL Wolfsburg 1-0.

Escrito por fraja8 às 16h04
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Chelsea FC moved eight points clear of Manchester United FC with a game in hand at the top of the Premiership as the Londoners won 3-1 at struggling Norwich City FC hours after Sir Alex Ferguson's team had been held 0-0 by ten-man Crystal Palace FC.

United thwarted
In an afternoon kick-off at Palace, Ruud van Nistelrooj and Ryan Giggs both had good chances to score for United but the visitors were thwarted by resolute defending from the relegation-threatened home side, who had Vassilios Lakis sent off in the second half.

Chelsea delight
That was the cue for Chelsea to increase their lead. Joe Cole's left-footed shot on 22 minutes was cancelled out when Leon McKenzie headed in a Darren Huckerby cross four minutes after the hour. But just seven minutes later Mateja Kezman struck from close range and Ricardo Carvalho applied his head to Frank Lampard's centre to remove all doubt eleven minutes from time.

Henry treble
Arsenal, in third place, are within two points of United after beaing Portsmouth FC 3-0 at Highbury thanks to a Thierry Henry hat-trick on 39, 53 and 85 minutes that take his season's league tally to 22.

Blow for Liverpool
Liverpool remain eight points adrift of fourth-placed local rivals Everton FC after losing 1-0 at Newcastle United FC following a 70th-minute Laurent Robert strike. Everton play Blackburn Rovers FC on Sunday, while Liverpool, like Arsenal, Chelsea and United, have a UEFA Champions League match in midweek, but unlike the English top three, the Anfield side lead their tie against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Villa victory
Aston Villa FC dented sixth-placed Middlesbrough FC's hopes of a Champions League campaign and increased their own chances of European football with a 2-0 win, Martin Laursen and Luke Moore scoring second-half goals.

Boost for Southampton
Southampton FC closed the gap to fourth-bottom Palace to two points as Nigel Quashie's first goal for the club ensured a 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur FC. Fulham FC drew their London derby 0-0 with Charlton Athletic FC.

West Brom test
Bottom side West Bromwich Albion FC can move ahead of Norwich if they defeat Birmingham City FC on Sunday while the following evening Manchester City FC are at home to Bolton Wanderers FC.

Escrito por fraja8 às 16h03
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Three days after their surprise French Cup loss to Clermont Foot Auvergne, Olympique Lyonnais fell to a 1-0 defeat at Ligue 1 strugglers SM Caen.

Masure winner
Defending champions Lyon had lost just once in the league before tonight and hold an eight-point lead over Olympique de Marseille. But Florent Malouda shot wide from close-range in the eighth minute and Vincent Planté saved from Sylvain Wiltord just before the half-hour, and then Sébastien Masure struck what proved the winner 18 minutes from time.

Weekend games
Caen have moved up one place to 16th, while Lyon will see their lead reduced this weekend if LOSC Lille Métropole win at SC Bastia on Saturday or Marseille prevail in Sunday's encounter with AS Saint-Etienne.

Escrito por fraja8 às 12h37
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The Contender takes swing at boxing

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Contender is offering $1 million and a four-year contract to the winner of the new NBC reality series. The show's high-powered producers hope they can offer more to boxing itself -- a return trip from its one-way ticket to Palookaville.

Jeffrey Katzenberg of DreamWorks SKG and reality mogul Mark Burnett say they want to restore glory to a sport they contend has fallen into disrepute."There's something very noble and heroic about the sport. We both remember back to the Muhammad Ali era, when I grew up," Katzenberg said, nodding to partner Burnett."To be able to reclaim boxing, both for boxers and for fans, was the thing that inspired us to do this," Katzenberg told The Associated Press.

The series previews 9:30 p.m. EST Monday and 10 p.m. EST Thursday. It moves into its regular 8 p.m. Sunday slot March 13. Sylvester Stallone and real-life champ Sugar Ray Leonard act as hosts and advisers for the contestants, and Stallone is an executive producer with Burnett and Katzenberg.More than boxing is at stake, of course. NBC needs help stopping a ratings tumble, and Katzenberg would like to erase the memory of the animated series Father of the Pride, which bombed for the network. Burnett, king of the reality genre, can enhance a record with few dings in it ("The Restaurant" being one).

The producers say they are untroubled by the failure of another ring reality series, Fox's The Next Great Champ, which beat them to air last year but hit the canvas."Memories are short in television," Burnett said, adding that his series "can't not do well, just because the work is good."

He frequently applies the phrase "movie-driven" to the series and with reason: As with his reality hits including Survivor and The Apprentice, it builds drama with sharp production values, including the cinematography and music (by prominent film composer Hans Zimmer).Unlike most unscripted shows in which emotions may end up bruised, the pain is physical as well: The boxers are all professionals and the punches are real.

"I've been in this business a long time and I thought the fights were as compelling and captivating as any event I've ever seen in boxing," said Dean Lohuis, executive officer of the California Athletic Commission, which supervises full-contact sports.Only about six minutes from the five-round bout that concludes each episode will be shown. The goal is to get viewers -- including non-fans -- to watch and care about the boxers, the producers said.

Stallone kept emphasizing to them that Rocky, the 1976 film he wrote and starred in, was a story told through the eyes of girlfriend Adrian."I would say that single idea is more at the essence of what Mark has done than anything else," said Katzenberg. "You want to see the boxer's story through another's eyes."

The athletes' families are a key and sometimes unlikely part of the storytelling. One fighter brings his young daughter to watch his bout; tucked in her mother's arms, the child cheers him on as blows are exchanged.The stakes are high for the men, some of whom come from hardscrabble backgrounds and represent their family's hope of success. Unlike the pinstriped crowd on "The Apprentice," there's no MBA safety net if they fail.

(One contestant, Najai Turpin, committed suicide last month after filming was over. The producers and a family member said the tragedy was unrelated to the series or its outcome.)Burnett said he and a DreamWorks executive were licensed as boxing promoters in California and Nevada and are acting in that capacity for the fighters in the show.

"We're going to build a legitimate boxing community," said Katzenberg, with limits on how much fighters pay managers and freedom for the men to pick their own bouts.

Now, boxers can end up surrendering a majority of their money to managers and promoters, he said, and they can be shut out of fights if a manager is trying to protect a boxer's record from losses."It's why John McCain is fighting for legislation, to protect these kids in it," said Katzenberg, referring to the U.S. senator's effort to create a U.S. Boxing Commission.

Boxers on The Contender have contracts protecting their share of purses and providing insurance, medical coverage and pensions, the producers said. They get paid an undisclosed amount for each bout in the series.Lohuis, who was on hand to make sure the "Contender" fights were conducted in accordance with state regulations, lauded Burnett and Katzenberg's quest.

The sport is not corrupt, he said, but there are overly powerful promoters and an a confusing array of titles.In the past, "you could go the man on the street and say, 'Who's the middleweight champion?' and he could tell you. That's what made it an important sport," Lohuis said.

One boxing veteran was not impressed when he was told of the producers' aims."They're going to correct all that with their show?" said a skeptical Don Chargin, a Hall of Fame promoter who's been part of boxing since 1945 and is still active. "When you're on the outside looking in, it's easy to criticize."

He said there may be "isolated" cases in which boxers are exploited. But Chargin, 76, argues that the increased number of titles means more opportunity for more boxers."These kind of people talk about the good old days. The good old days were terrible," he said. "It was great that there were only world champions, but if you didn't know the right people you didn't get a chance to fight for a world title."

Sitting in a handsome office on the NBC Universal lot, it seems somewhat incongruous to hear the impeccably dressed Burnett and Katzenberg talk of redeeming a tough sport.What would they say to those who question their ability to make a difference?

"Watch," replied Katzenberg. "Watch."

Escrito por fraja8 às 12h09
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The FK Partizan midfield player Saša Ilic has been suspended for four UEFA club competition matches after UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body found him guilty of spitting at a FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk player during their Round of 32 second leg.

Principles violated
Partizan won the game in the 88th minute to progress 3-2 on aggregate to a tie against PFC CSKA Moskva. However, they will take on the Russian side without Ilic after he was deemed to have "defied the principle of fair play" by "not respecting the opponent". Partizan felt that Ilic was provoked before being dismissed in the 43rd minute but a UEFA statement said "spitting offences can never be the answer to a previous provocation, as they blatantly violate the basic principles of sport".

Carry over
The four-match suspension comes into immediate effect, meaning Ilic will sit out both legs of the tie against CSKA and the quarter-finals should Partizan progress. If the Serbo-Montenegrin team are eliminated, the player's ban will carry over to next season. Partizan have until midnight on Monday to appeal.

'High speed'
Meanwhile, the Parma FC central defender Paolo Cannavaro has been suspended for two games for his tackle on Kevin Kuranyi in the 2-0 defeat of VfB Stuttgart in the second leg of their Round of 32 tie. The Control and Disciplinary Body said the challenge, which earned Cannavaro a red card, was "committed at high speed and with considerable force". He will miss both legs against Sevilla FC.

Parma fined
Parma were also fined nearly €6,000 for having five players booked and one sent off at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion. The club have until midnight on Monday to appeal against both decisions.

Second yellow
Another player handed a two-match suspension was Panathinaikos FC's Ezequiel González. The Argentinian midfield player was shown a second yellow card in the 74th minute of the Round of 32 second-leg loss at Sevilla but refused to leave the field of play. His improper conduct earned González a ban which will carry into next season following Panathinaikos's elimination. The club have until midnight on Monday to appeal.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h49
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at Didier Drogba over the Chelsea striker's boastful claim that the Premiership title race is as good as over.

Drogba: No battle with Man Utd.

Despite United having cut the Blues' lead at the top of the table to six points, albeit having played a game more, Drogba declared: 'We have won the title. This season we are the best.'

Ferguson, however, has warned Jose Mourinho's side not to get over-confident. 'Some Chelsea players have been talking about how they have won the league. That's a bit pre-emptive,' said Ferguson. 'It's a bit bullish with 10 games to go because football can be a cruel game. I don't know whether it is all confidence or bravado, or if they are just trying to convince themselves - but I do know it could backfire on them.'

Chelsea could actually be only three points clear by the time they face Norwich at Carrow Road this evening, with United's match at Crystal Palace being an afternoon kick-off. Ferguson would love to apply even more pressure to the Blues and believes there are still plenty of pitfalls ahead of Chelsea.

'People may say it won't make much difference if we pull the gap back to three points, but the key thing is that it could do and it wouldn't do our confidence any harm, either,' added Ferguson. 'Also they are talking about an easy three points at Norwich, which it may be, but I would never say that when you are playing against teams who are fighting against relegation and trying to survive. 'The one thing you do expect when you are playing these teams is that they are going to fight. 'We are approaching our game against Crystal Palace believing it will be tough. No game is easy at this time of year.'

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h47
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E' l'ora di Roma-Juve

Finalmente va in scena una delle sfide più attese del campionato. Quest'anno, dopo la 'fuga' di Capello a Torino, la gara ha un sapore particolare per i tifosi giallorossi. I tecnici promettono spettacolo e schierano entrambi il tridente

Stadio Olimpico, sabato, ore 20.30: va in scena per la Roma il match dei match, atteso nella parte della Capitale che tifa giallorosso da quel giorno in cui Fabio Capello prese e fuggi' verso l'odiata, odiatissima Juve, portando con se' Emerson, Zebina e tutto il suo staff tecnico.Stadio Olimpico, sabato ore 20.30: va in scena per la Juve una partita chiave per il campionato.

Tornata alla vittoria col Siena con la rinascita di Del Piero, la squadra di Capello e' attesa da una trasferta difficile, e con mezza testa gia' alla gara col Real Madrid di Champions. Stessa partita, due modi di affrontarla profondamente differenti animano la vigilia di questo Roma-Juve, gara principale del ventisettesimo turno del campionato di serie A.

Da una parte una citta' in cerca di riscatto, rivincita, vendetta sportiva verso coloro che considera "traditori". Dall'altra una squadra che teme questa trasferta, che sa quale clima aspettarsi, ma che deve passare oltre per proseguire il cammino.

All'andata, a dispetto di premesse non dissimili, furono quasi baci e abbracci in campo, e i supporter giallorossi non gradirono [tantomeno gradirono il punteggio, 2-0 Juve: Del Piero e Zalayeta]. Stavolta sara' diverso. Del Neri conferma il 4-3-3: Totti, Cassano e Montella tornano a giocare insieme, esaurita la girandola di squalifiche, De Rossi e' in dubbio: pronto Aquilani. Capello non rischiera' Trezeguet e Nedved: spazio ai bomber della gara d'andata accanto a Ibrahimovic.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h39
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Apesar de ter dito que não havia recebido um contato da MSI e que, se tivesse, não tornaria o assunto público, Emerson Leão confirmou nesta sexta-feira uma conversa com um enviado da parceira do Corinthians.

“Houve uma consulta. Definição, nunca. Não tenho nada a esconder. Já havia recebido também uma consulta do Santos anteriormente. Fico feliz pelo interesse, mas eu tenho contrato (com o São Paulo)”, disse Leão, revelando o assunto após desgaste nos bastidores do Tricolor com dirigentes que ficaram sabendo de sua conversa com a MSI.

O técnico do São Paulo, que criticou Wanderley Luxemburgo por ouvir propostas de clubes que já têm treinador, fez questão de frisar que não pretendia sair do Tricolor. Apesar disso, o jornal Folha de S. Paulo publicou na quinta-feira que Leão teria pedido US$ 2,5 por ano para se transferir para o Corinthians, valor que Kia Joorabchian não aceitou pagar.

Garantindo não ter faltado em nenhum momento com a ética profissional, Leão minimizou a consulta da MSI/Corinthians. “Não fui jantar em lugar nenhum. Não fui em nenhum hotel. Um rapaz que é meu amigo, me ligou. Foi até a minha casa como já fez outras vezes como amigo. Lá ele me perguntou se era possível esta transferência”, explicou Leão, garantindo ter informado a diretoria do Tricolor sobre o ocorrido.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h35
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Apesar de não conseguir o desempenho esperado nos primeiros treinos livres de ontem, o brasileiro Tony Kanaan, da equipe Andretti Green, continua otimista para a sessão classificação do GP de Miami, etapa inaugural da IRL 2005, no circuito de Homestead.

"Nós estamos nos esforçando para conseguir um pouco mais de velocidade. O carro está ótimo de guiar, mas temos que acertar isso. Ontem foi um longo dia e tivemos que trabalhar duro por causa da chuva, o que atrapalhou bastante. Eu sei que podemos tirar mais do carro e estou confiante que andaremos forte na classificação", disse o atual campeão da categoria norte-americana.

A partir das 11h20 (horário de Brasília) deste sábado começa o treino livre para os últimos acertos dos carros antes do treino oficial de tomada de tempos marcado para às 13h45. Após o treino oficial, os pilotos voltam para a pista às 16hs.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h31
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Ricardo Mello deixou o Brasil a um ponto da segunda rodada do grupo 2 da Zona Americana da Copa Davis. Em uma partida que havia sido transferida para este sábado, por causa da chuva, ele derrotou o colombiano Michael Quintero por 3 sets a 0, com parciais de 6-3, 6-4 e 6-3.

O jogo havia começado na sexta-feira, logo depois de Flávio Saretta ter batido Pablo González por 3 a 1. No entanto, teve de ser suspensa quando Mello vencia o terceiro set por 1 a 0 no confronto que está sendo realizado no clube El Rancho, em Bogotá. Voltou à quadra central na manhã deste sábado e confirmou a vitória com 6-3.
Essa foi a partida de estréia de Mello, tenista brasileiro mais bem colocado no ranking mundial, na posição de número 54, na Copa Davis. Ele já havia sido convocado em anos anteriores pelo então capitão Ricardo Acioly, mas jamais havia entrado em quadra para atuar.

E logo em sua estréia, Mello se mostrou bem diferente do tenista que costuma ser no circuito internacional. Mais vibrante, estava atento o tempo inteiro ao apoio que a equipe brasileira, de fora da quadra, e o capitão Fernando Meligeni lhe davam.
E, com isso, foi dominante na maior parte do tempo, dando seqüência ao bom momento que vive na carreira. Desde o fim do ano passado, ganhou um título, em Delray Beach, e vem complicando jogos diante de grandes adversários, como Guillermo Coria no Aberto da Austrália, o que o levou a ficar entre os 60 melhores do mundo.

E contra Quintero, apenas número 459 da lista da ATP (Associação dos Tenistas Profissionais), nem precisou jogar todo o tênis que sabe. O colombiano forçava bastante os golpes de direita do fundo de quadra e cometia inúmeros erros. Do outro lado, Mello utilizou seu bom jogo com bolas anguladas e contra-ataques.

Agora, o Brasil depende de apenas mais um ponto para se garantir na segunda rodada, o que pode acontecer ainda neste sábado, com o duelo de duplas. André Sá e Bruno Soares jogam contra Quintero e González. Se passar pelos colombianos, o Brasil pega na próxima etapa o ganhador do duelo entre Bahamas e Antilhas Holandesas.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h28
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Even with case closed, Kobe forever scarred

Civil case timeline ... June 30, 2003: Bryant arrives at Lodge & Spa at Cordillera near Edwards, Colo., a day before knee surgery in Vail. July 1: A 19-year-old employee tells sheriff's deputies Bryant sexually assaulted her. July 18: District Attorney Mark Hurlbert files single count of felony sexual assault. Bryant says he committed adultery but is innocent of assault. Aug. 10, 2004: Accuser files civil lawsuit against Bryant in federal court, seeking unspecified damages for pain, suffering, "public scorn, hatred and ridicule." Sept. 1: Judge dismisses criminal case after prosecution says the alleged victim does not want to participate in the trial. Oct. 6: Judge rejects woman's request to remain anonymous. Nov. 10: Bryant's attorneys argue media organizations, individuals and the Colorado court system share responsibility for causing the woman emotional distress. Nov. 17: Attorneys meet with judge in first hearing in federal court. In a court filing, attorneys indicate they have discussed settlement possibilities. Dec. 1: Accuser's attorneys dispute defense argument that media, others share responsibility for woman's distress, saying the defense just wanted to shift responsibility. Dec. 6: Bryant's attorneys ask judge to prohibit accuser's attorneys from asking him questions about his sex life, ask to delay deposition. Jan. 9, 2005: Accuser's attorney L. Lin Wood says woman decided against filing parallel lawsuit in California. Jan. 12: Bryant's attorneys argue against allowing questioning about his sex life to protect privacy of past sexual partners. Feb. 2: Judge Richard Matsch throws out Bryant's attempt to share blame with media, others; orders both sides to stop including "scandalous" information in public filings; says he hopes for summer trial. March 2: Settlement announced; no terms disclosed.

In this instance, we're talking about the sexual-assault tale involving Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and a young Colorado woman from the summer of 2003. Thursday, the woman filed a motion in Denver to dismiss the civil case against Bryant; six months after criminal charges were dropped. That means the legal stuff that has embarrassed both parties and the Colorado judicial system are history.

Theories will abound forever regarding what happened in that hotel room between Bryant and the starry-eyed woman, then a teenager. And we may never know just how much money Bryant ultimately paid the young woman and her family in a settlement for their silence.

Chances are it wasn't a lump sum, though.

Doesn't a trust sound more practical, so to speak?

What we do know is the multi-million dollar ring Bryant gave to his wife Vanessa as an apology will always be his mid-level exception.

And although this isn't close to being of the same nature as the OJ Simpson double-murder trial, the connotation remains eerily similar for Bryant and his fall from grace in the public eye. Sure, he signed a seven-year, $136 million contract before this season, but he also essentially ran Shaquille O'Neal and Phil Jackson out of town last summer while coercing owner Jerry Buss to make the Lakers Kobe's team.

Well, on the basketball court he got his team.

In the court of law, he found his own justice.

What's he got left?

A reputation that has crushed his off-the-charts popularity to a flat line.

No one will ever mistake Kobe Bryant for Nathaniel Hawthorne's Hester Prynne, but there is little doubt he will endure a scarlet letter of his own the rest of his career.

He's got a better shot at being a Mouseketeer than a marketeer.

The American public is a forgiving one, particularly to our sports heroes. But in some way this is different, the same way Bryant has always been different. As an 18-year-old prodigal son of retired NBA veteran Joe Bryant, he never did fit in and most of it appears to be the manifestation of too much too soon.

Not in the Michael Jackson manner, but symptomatic of the same problem. If you have it all as a kid, then aren't you entitled to whatever you want as an adult?

In the basketball vernacular, Miami Heat president and former Lakers coach Pat Riley always referred to it as the "Disease of me." It's still pervasive in the league, particularly as the players have gotten younger. But it's particularly obvious with Bryant.

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h01
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He has sulked and not shot the basketball for quarters at a time just to prove a point.

The spotlight on Kobe Bryant was never as bright as it was the last 20 months,

On the flip side, he'll often play one-on-five down the stretch of games because the only player he trusts is the man in the mirror.

Welcome to Kobeworld.

Were it not for his eerie Michael Jordan-like skills, size and mannerisms, he wouldn't be such a lightning rod of love/hate in the public eye. But as the Lakers continue their slide this season, which may include failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 1994 and only the second time since 1976, Bryant will be the focal point.

There are those who believe the media and much of the public are too tough on him. Cut him a break. Everyone makes mistakes.

And maybe for some people who shun political correctness, Bryant's biggest mistake was getting caught for the first time. Remember, he's the one who created the squeaky clean image ... the guy who always returned to his hotel room to play on his computer or watch TV while the rest of the Lakers were out clubbing.

Phony is as phony does. Some people believe his sexual romp finally gave the suburban Philly guy street cred. Then that went out the window when it was revealed that he implicated O'Neal to the police for teaching him how to escape from such hotel dalliances unscathed.

Bryant dug himself in so deep with his arrogant self-consumption — not only with the public but other players — that the Lakers no longer are a destination team for free agents. O'Neal is no choirboy by any stretch of the imagination, but his open and ingratiating personality allows you to believe whatever you see and hear.

Whatever happened in that Colorado hotel room will follow Kobe Bryant the rest of his career.

That will never be the case with Bryant. He grew to be too insular as a youngster with his family in Italy, where his dad played for several years, and by the time they moved back to Philadelphia, he was clearly suffering from Riley's Disease.

Given time, public opinion may soften. And when it comes to individual, all-around talent, he is still the best player in the game. But it is already apparent he is not making his teammates better, particularly when you see how his super-talented young teammate Lamar Odom has struggled.

And with the emergence of a new young core of stars led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh and Emeka Okafor — seemingly far more capable of being comfortable with their burgeoning status — Bryant's NBA star will never burn as brightly again.

Yeah, he probably put millions in a trust for the young woman from Colorado just so she would never again discuss what happened that summer night.

The bigger question is will anyone else ever trust Kobe Bryant again?

Veteran NBA writer Mike Kahn is a regular contributor to FOXSports.com

Escrito por fraja8 às 11h01
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 Antes del partido de hoy contra el Norwich dijo que “trataré de variar mi conducta, pero no mi personalidad”Pese a la importancia de los tres puntos en juego, el Norwich-Chelsea de esta tarde (18.15 horas/C+ Deporte 1) estará marcado por la declaración de intenciones de Jose Mourinho en su rueda de prensa de ayer: el técnico portugués aseguró que “trataré de cambiar mi comportamiento para adaptarme al fútbol inglés, pero no cambiaré mi personalidad” y, en alusión al gesto que le valió la expulsión en la reciente final de la Copa de la Liga inglesa, agregó que “ahora sé que aquí no puedo mandar callar a nadie”.

'Mou' asimismo destacó que “quizás ustedes no estén acostumbrados a una persona como yo, abierta y sin miedo a decir lo que piensa. ¿Si quiero acaparar los titulares? No, paso de lo que la gente pueda pensar de mí. Yo soy un hombre de grupo y lo único que me importa es el equipo. Todo lo que hago es para apoyar y fortalecer a mis jugadores”.

Drogba: “La Liga es nuestra”

En otro orden de cosas subrayó que “cuando digo que veo al Chelsea claro favorito al título de Liga no es un pecado de soberbia, como lo interpretan ustedes. Yo prefiero rebosar confianza antes de mostrarme dudoso o indeciso respecto al futuro. Los jugadores están tan convencidos de nuestras posibilidades como yo; si les viera dudosos no diría que tenemos el cetro a tiro. Aparte, nuestra postura no implica que ninguneemos al Manchester United, al Arsenal o a los once conjuntos a los que todavía debemos enfrentarnos”. Didier Drogba por su parte reiteró ayer que “la Liga es nuestra. Somos los mejores” y el defensa Glen Johnson le secundó: “Los demás dependen de un tropiezo nuestro, y es difícil que eso se produzca”.

Y mientras Mourinho habló de propósito de enmienda, el Chelsea confirmó ayer que el jueves había enviado un informe oficial a la UEFA sobre los incidentes del descanso del choque contra el Barça del pasado 23 de febrero. El organismo estudiará el dossier el día 24.

Colea el 'caso Mutu'

Todas estas vicisitudes al margen, el Chelsea, que sigue sin el lesionado Arjen Robben, afrontará hoy su primer partido tras adjudicarse el domingo su primer título de la temporada y el último antes de recibir al Barça en los octavos vuelta de la Champions. Por otra parte, los 'blues' solicitan 11 millones de euros en concepto de daños y perjuicios por el 'caso Mutu'; el rumano, ya ex jugador del club inglés, está suspendido hasta mayo por consumo de cocaína

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h56
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Longe de mim ser um xenófobo. Tenho amigos argentinos, uruguaios, italianos e espanhóis. E mais: não sou daqueles sujeitos que vibram como nunca quando o Brasil vence a Argentina. Gosto de ver a Seleção ganhar, mas não comemoro diferente quando vence o vizinho. Respeito os hermanos e tiro o chapéu para eles, porque não é qualquer país que produz talentos extraordinários como Di Stefano, Sivori e Maradona.

Jamais me deixei influenciar pela história de macaquitos para lá e para cá. Mesmo no episódio da "água benta" na Copa de 90 entendi como uma molecagem digna de punição, mas não o encarei como agressão à nação brasileira como quiseram levar a coisa.

Não vejo, porém, com bons olhos a invasão estrangeira no Corinthians. Não por serem argentinos, iranianos ou russos. É pela esquisitice mesmo. Na coletiva de apresentação de Passarella, a presença dos tradutores, um para o técnico e outro para o manda-chuva, me incomodou. Soava como coisa do além, de filme B, de programa de quinta categoria de canais mexicanos.

A parceria com o MSI é estranha do goleiro ao ponta-esquerda. A origem do dinheiro é o xis da questão. Mas não é só isso. Os personagens, principalmente o jovem Kia, caíram de pára-quedas no dia-a-dia do futebol brasileiro. E, também, no dos homens do Ministério Público, da Receita Federal, do Banco Central etc.

A fama de Passarela é de disciplinador. Se fosse um talento como Rinus Michels, que infelizmente morreu anteontem, seria uma maravilha. Juntaria nossa fantasia à criatividade de um treinador. Mas cara fechada, fama de mandão, por aqui não faz sentido. Enfim, é o novo Corinthians, com sede na Marginal do Tietê, que para o tal Kia deve ficar em Buenos Aires.

José Trajano escreve nesta coluna às terças, quintas e sábados

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h52
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Cañizares: "Estoy en mi mejor forma"

¿Será verdad que los jugadores reaccionan cuando les llega el agua al cuello?
El futbolista reacciona cuando tiene capacidad para reaccionar y luego siempre que puede y es necesario. Para que uno reaccione debe tener capacidad para ello y tener armas, por muy mal que esté una situación si no tienes armas no puedes reaccionar.

¿Antes no las había y ahora sí?
No, no estoy diciendo eso. No voy a entrar en comparaciones lo digo ya a la segunda pregunta.

¿Ha sido un cambio por cuestión psicológica o por actitud?
El entrenador ha trabajado muy bien el aspecto psicológico, ha hecho terapia con nosotros para tratar de que busquemos lo que queremos ser o a dónde queremos llegar. Desde la reflexión, el futbolista ha ido encontrando su mejor nivel apoyado en un trabajo que todavía es breve, pero que aporta conceptos tácticos, técnicos y estratégicos que ayudan mucho. No ha habido mala actitud, todo lo contrario. El equipo se dejó la vida, pero faltaban cosas que el equipo encontró contra el Betis. El equipo tuvo actitud, pero no tuvo conceptos ni confianza, ni la mente preparada para la competición.

¿Y el resultado con Antonio López?
La moral del equipo está muy fuerte, el equipo ahora mismo está sonriendo, está feliz, ansioso de jugar a fútbol y es ahí donde viene la esperanza. Hay que seguir la línea que ha marcado el entrenador.

¿Sintió que Ranieri le señalaba con el dedo cuando le mandó al banquillo?
No, no. Soy un jugador más y estoy sujeto a decisiones técnicas, la mayoría de las veces son a mi favor y otras veces son en contra. Yo las respeto siempre porque es mi obligación.

En los últimos siete años no ha visto muchos partidos desde el banquillo ¿cómo los vive?
Como siempre. Preparado por si tienes que jugar. A veces el futbolista que está en el banquillo olvida que en cualquier momento tiene que salir al campo, sobre todo el portero suplente porque no lo hace habitualmente. Mi objetivo es que no me pille desprevenido.

¿Teme que estos bandazos de entrar y salir le pasen factura en la selección?
No, no lo temo y si es así respetaré como siempre la decisión del seleccionador.

¿En su mejor momento habría parado la falta de Assunçao?
En mi mejor momento, quizá la falta de Assunçao habría ido fuera. Los mejores momentos dependen de la suerte, también de uno mismo y del equipo. En esas situaciones el portero puede elegir entre hacer una parada bonita, si adivina la trayectoria, o en que le metan un gol por el centro si se mueve antes. Yo soy de los que opina que cuando se hace un buen lanzamiento hay una zona de la portería a la que me va a ser imposible llegar por mi situación, pero hay otra zona por la que sé que el balón no va a entrar porque soy el responsable.

Entonces, ¿ahora está en su mejor forma?
Sí, plenamente estoy en mi mejor forma. He atravesado momentos difíciles pero ya los he superado. Ante el Betis a pesar de que alguien opine del gol, demostré que estoy en mi mejor forma a la hora de participar en el juego y a la hora de encontrarme con el ritmo adecuado para jugar un partido que no fue nada fácil.

¿Le sorprendió ser suplente en Sevilla?
Hablé con el entrenador y me expuso sus motivos y como siempre estoy obligado a entenderlo obligado a respetarlo y a mantener esa conversación en privado.

¿Y le sorprendería no ser titular ante el Madrid?
Yo ya no me llevo sorpresas. Lo que quiero es que ganemos el partido. Ser titular o no es un problema... Yo ya no busco éxitos personales puesto que no tengo que renovar mi contrato, ni tengo que jugar en otro equipo ni tampoco estoy en el mercado puesto porque ya me han pasado esos años y ahora lo que busco son los objetivos para el club. Si el entrenador cuenta conmigo, le estoy agradecido y le voy a aportar mi mejor trabajo. Si el entrenador considera que hay otro portero, yo estaré a su disposición como lo he hecho cuando he sido suplente en la selección o en el Valencia.

Por su respuesta o está de vuelta o está hablando de que está pensando en retirarse en el Valencia.
Sí, francamente sí. Hoy pienso que me voy a retirar en el Valencia. Tengo dos años de contrato no sé si llegado el momento me encontraré con la forma necesaria o el club lo entenderá así, pero puedo asegurar que estos dos años de contrato que me quedan voy a estar en el Valencia en un 99 por ciento. Dejo el uno por ciento restante por aquellas cosas que el destino tiene y que no puedes controlar hoy.

Recién llegado a Valencia dijo que se sentía más seguro en la portería de Mestalla que en la del Bernabéu, ¿ha cambiado ahora de opinión?
Yo siempre he estado más tranquilo en Valencia que en Madrid, por un montón de circunstancias, dentro y fuera de la portería.

Los partidos Madrid-Valencia en los últimos años han sido por la Liga y este año ‘va a ser que no’.
Los Madrid Valencia han sido partidos muy bonitos y este año va a ser un partido lleno de emoción en el que el Madrid se juega el titulo de Liga y nosotros entrar en la Champions. Tampoco son malos objetivos, no hay que menospreciarlo.

El Madrid llega con muchas bajas.
El Madrid siempre es un gran equipo que depende de sus individualidades y menos del juego colectivo, pero ha sido toda la vida así. No es algo de ahora.

Esta semana el Bernabéu pitó otra vez a Ronaldo, nadie se escapa ya de la censura del Bernabéu.
Yo conozco bien la grada del Bernabéu y desgraciadamente no es demasiado ecuánime. Le tengo mucho respeto, pero lo que se dice justa no me atrevería a decirlo.

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h48
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Briatore: "Mientras esté Schumacher, Alonso nunca irá a Ferrari"

Flavio Briatore se encontraba lleno de energía, tanto que parece imposible que deje la Fórmula 1 esta temporada. Se perdería una personalidad única de este deporte, un hombre que sabe divertirse y que sabe trabajar para un equipo que ha crecido, como Benetton en los 90, a su ritmo y con su dirección. Y no ha parado de crecer. Briatore, tanto manager como director de equipo de Fernando Alonso sigue llamando a las cosas por su nombre.

¿Cómo se puede valorar su influencia en la carrera deportiva de Fernando?
No lo sé, pero creo que he hecho con Fernando lo mejor para él. Al principio ha habido cosas que no le gustaron mucho, sobre todo lo de no estar con nosotros y correr con Minardi, pero eso fue un paso importante en su carrera. Cuando llegó a Renault estuvo un año como piloto de pruebas y eso formaba parte de una estrategia nacida de mi experiencia para fabricar un piloto. Ahora él lo comprende. Creo que su año de pruebas fue muy bueno aunque le hubiese gustado más pilotar, pero no estaba maduro para ello. Lo planificamos juntos y él siempre fue muy correcto e inteligente.

¿Era como tener un caballo joven que quiere correr y tener que sujetarlo con las riendas?
Son jóvenes y mi trabajo es muy difícil. Un piloto se puede quemar rápidamente. Fernando ha llegado a la Fórmula 1 muy joven, con al menos 10 ó 12 años por delante, por lo que no era justo quemar las etapas. Ha llegado cuando tenía 21 años, si hubiera llegado con 40 habría sido diferente. Con su edad se podía realmente hacer un programa y creo que lo hicimos y ahora estamos viendo los resultados. En mi opinión, para Fernando este será su año. Es una verdadera realidad de la Fórmula 1.

En Italia y en España, entre otros países, no se deja nunca de hablar de Fernando y Ferrari...
Absolutamente no, Fernando está en Renault y tenemos que batir a Ferrari, intentar ganarles, Ferrari es un equipo así porque Schumacher ha hecho que sea así. Si quitas a Schumacher, Ferrari no hubiera ganado los mundiales que ha ganado. Estoy convencido de que mientras esté Schumacher, que tiene mucha influencia en el equipo, Fernando nunca irá a Ferrari porque Michael no lo quiere. Esto es seguro. Después ya veremos, puede suceder que Renault sea más fuerte que Ferrari cuando no esté Schumacher, como ahora mismo, que somos más fuertes que Ferrari y juntos podemos batirle.

Cogió a Benetton cuando no era nada y le hizo ganar dos títulos de pilotos con Schumacher y uno de constructores, después ha cogido a Renault y tiene el mismo objetivo, pero ¿hasta cuándo durará la vida de Briatore en Renault?, ¿acabará este año con la llegada del nuevo Presidente Carlos Goshn, o tiene que acabar el trabajo que comenzó?
No creo que sea así. Faure (presidente de Renault F1 Team) me ha ofrecido firmar la renovación del contrato, pero aún no he querido firmarla. En mi opinión, he hecho con Renault lo que había dicho que iba a hacer. Mi obligación era relanzarla, hay que recordar que cuando la cogí en 2001 estaba muy atrás e incluso Fernando con el Minardi estaba delante de ellos. Lo que pasa es que la gente tiene una memoria corta. Ahora estamos en 2005, han pasado cuatro años, acabamos terceros en el Mundial y este año luchamos por ganar carreras, con lo que mi objetivo, que era llevar Renault a lo más alto, lo estoy consiguiendo, cuando nadie creía que podría hacerlo. En este momento es uno de los tres mejores equipos y creo que mi trabajo está bien hecho.

Mucha gente cuando ve su imagen en las fiestas dice que es un ‘playboy’, pero detrás de esa imagen hay un hombre trabajador... ¿Es así?
Sí, pero a la gente no le interesa si yo trabajo quince horas al día, les interesa más si voy a cenar con alguna persona y me sacan fotos. A la gente no le interesa la vida de uno que trabaja en la banca y eso que los que trabajan en banca hacen negocios increíbles, pero eso no es sexy. Yo tengo un trabajo donde se trabaja 12 ó 14 horas al día, los pilotos saben el trabajo que se hace, tenemos casi 1.000 personas detrás trabajando, que hay que conjuntar, con los problemas que eso lleva y sobre todo cuando se trabaja con personas muy competitivas. Después, están los que ven las fotos en el Hola... pero peor para ellos. Yo cuando salgo a cenar por ahí prefiero hacerlo con alguien divertido o una chica guapa, que con alguien que no me divierte o una chica fea.

¿Dónde se encuentra más a gusto: en el paddock o en una fiesta como la boda de Ronaldo?
Hombre, yo voy a fiestas de algunos amigos como Ronaldo y una historia que se contó de esa fiesta sobre una chica que no era amiga de la novia de Ronaldo, pues era todo mentira, pero la prensa brasileña enseguida dijo que yo había hecho entrar a una chica muy guapa en la fiesta. A mí me gusta mucho trabajar, pero a veces hay necesidad de liberar tensiones. Yo tengo locales donde puedo divertirme, en eso no tengo problema, pero el trabajo me lleva el 100 por 100 y si luego hay que hacer una fiesta, pues se hace, y las fiestas las hacemos todos juntos cuando tenemos buenos resultados.

Si se va, la F-1 perdería una figura con una imagen muy popular y carismática...
Puede ser, pero no puedo estar aquí siempre. Se trata de una cuestión de motivación. Por ahora, yo la tengo, pero no sé si seguiré un año más o no, estaré mientras tenga motivación y en la mitad de la temporada ya decidiré qué hago con mi futuro. Lo que está claro es que para trabajar en la Fórmula 1 hay que estar muy motivado y concentrado. Es un trabajo en el que no se puede delegar, hay que dedicarle todo el tiempo y eso a veces es un problema. A mí me gusta mi trabajo y ha habido momentos muy especiales como cuando Fernando ha subido al podio o ha ganado en Hungría. Yo me siento muy bien con la gente del equipo, si no, me quedaría en casa, y con Fernando especialmente bien, es un chico muy joven.

Este año, ¿tres victorias serían un fracaso y seis un éxito?
No lo sé, la línea es muy delgada porque estoy seguro que Ferrari y McLaren están muy cerca. BAR el año pasado hizo una temporada muy buena pero este... la cosa estará entre Ferrari, McLaren y Renault o Renault, Ferrari y McLaren. Estoy muy seguro del trabajo que ha hecho Michelin y tanto Fernando como Fisichella tienen posibilidades, son jóvenes con mucha motivación, el equipo ha trabajado muy duro.

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h39
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Do we need all this sport?
Tiger's got a marvellous idea, but let's apply it to all sports It's time to match the supply to demand, says Jim Litke

Tiger Woods' suggestion that a shorter PGA season would make for a better one is too good to ignore.

Much more of it rolls into the Yankee's coffers than say, the Royals' or the Devil Rays', which means those pinstripes would be even more profitable — not to mention watchable and honourable — if they beat up fewer patsies and faced the Red Sox, Twins and Angels more.

Fact is, you could begin with "Tiger Woods" or "Duke University" or "Shaq" for "Yankees" in the sentence above and it would pretty much hold true. There will always be underdogs, so there will always be upsets, but they will mean more precisely because there will be less. Don't think so? Television ratings have been slipping over the past decade or so for just about every sport except for NASCAR, which is growing, and the NFL, which is holding firm.

Players, owners, league executives, conferences, sanctioning bodies, TV networks and even sportswriters might blush sometimes repeating it, but they'll point out that as long as somebody is paying for the schlock as well as the premium stuff, might as well put it on the tube and in arenas, too.

Maybe. Right now, attendance is still strong in most sports and sponsorship dollars are up, up, up across the board Meanwhile, network TV executives have been promising for 20 years to stop the spiralling rights fees they shell out for sporting events — only to get amnesia on the very day they sit down across a bargaining table to negotiate. And their rationale is that the games that aren't pulling their own financial weight disappear soon enough (remember the XFL)?

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h31
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Se nos gramados o equilíbrio pontua a relação entre Brasil e Argentina, o mesmo não se pode dizer quando o confronto acontece nas areias. Na manhã deste sábado, a seleção brasileira não teve facilidade, mas superou os vizinhos (principalmente o competente goleiro Salgueiro) por 2 a 0, na arena de Copacabana, e chegou à final das Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de futebol de areia. O evento - o primeiro chancelado pela Fifa - acontecerá de 8 a 15 de maio, no Rio de Janeiro.

Apesar da derrota, a Argentina está garantida no Mundial, assim como o Brasil (previamente classificado por ser o país-sede). Os demais classificados da zona sul-americana são Uruguai e Estados Unidos. Os uruguaios, aliás, serão os adversários da decisão, que acontecerá neste domingo, às 10h30.
O magro placar foi uma exceção para a equipe brasileira nestas eliminatórias. Na primeira fase, o quinteto verde-amarelo atropelara Estados Unidos (11 a 2), Canadá (6 a 1) e México (23 a 3).

Ainda recuperando-se de uma lesão na coxa direita, ocorrida logo na estréia das eliminatórias, o atacante Romário desfalcou a equipe, mas esteve na arena para prestigiar os companheiros.

O jogo
Como usualmente acontece, o Brasil começou o jogo imprensando o adversário no campo defensivo. Nos primeiros segundos, Júnior Negão obrigou o goleiro Salgueiro a excelente defesa. Logo em seguida, Benjamin acertou a trave.

Bem postada defensivamente, a Argentina arriscava-se pouco ao ataque. Buru e Jorginho quase furaram o bloqueio aos 9min, mas a trave e Salgueiro impediram a abertura do placar. No minuto final, Bruno quase marcou de cabeça, mas novamente o goleiro rival apareceu com destaque. A chance desperdiçada resultou, pela primeira vez na competição, em um primeiro tempo com o placar da seleção brasileira no zero.
A chuva de gols perdidos continuou no segundo período. Aos 2min, Bruno ajeitou e Neném, de primeira, chutou rente à trave. Na seqüência, Juninho acertou o travessão. Benjamin, aos 6min, driblou um defensor e diante do gol isolou a oportunidade.
A pressão continuou sufocante e o goleiro argentino conseguiu agüentá-la até os 8min do segundo tempo, quando o Brasil abriu o placar.

Benjamin recebeu um passe de calcanhar de Jorginho, driblou Salgueiro e empurrou para o gol vazio. Depois, Buru e Júnior Negão continuaram o massacre, mas a bola insistiu em não entrar.
Aos 15seg do último tempo Jorginho arrematou de longe e Salgueiro continuou sua exibição de plásticas defesas. O clima ameno em que transcorria a partida foi quebrado por entradas ríspidas de parte a parte e pela tradicional catimba argentina.

A seleção azul e branca só ameaçava em chutes de longe, bem interceptados por Robertinho. Por sua vez, o Brasil continuou esbarrando no goleiro. Quando não era Salgueiro, o travessão tratava de impedir o gol. Foi assim aos 5min, no chute de Benjamin.
Quando a partida ganhava ares de dramaticidade, Júnior Negão acertou um belo chute, aos 7min, após lançamento de Benjamin e fez o segundo gol brasileiro. Em meio às provocações dos rivais, os brasileiros responderam fazendo embaixadas e comemorando a classificação para a final.

BRASIL: Robertinho; Júnior Negão, Buru, Benjamin, Jorginho; Entraram: Bruno, Betinho, Juninho e Neném.
Técnico: Índio

ARGENTINA: Salgueiro, Paradisi, Andrade, Petrasso, Hilaire; Entraram: Corrales, Frederic
Técnico: Carlos Eduardo Juarez

Data: 5/3/2005 (sábado)
Local: Copacabana, no Rio de Janeiro

Cartão amarelo: Jorginho (B), Corrales (A), Paradisi (A)
Cartão azul: Jorginho (B), Paradisi (A)
Gols: Benjamin, Júnior Negão

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h26
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THE DAILY STAT: FAVORITE FEMALE SPORTS STARS

The following presents results from an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive in which 2,209 U.S. adults were polled January 11-16.  The first chart lists respondents’ favorite female sports star. The second chart lists the favorite female sports stars among specific demographics. NR =  Not ranked in ’04 (Harris Interactive). 

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h24
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NASCAR BUSCH SERIES, LPGA THIS WEEKEND GOING SOUTH OF THE BORDER

The NASCAR Busch Series and LPGA are both holding events in Mexico City this weekend.  NASCAR’s inaugural Telcel Motorola Mexico 200 will be run at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez road course, while the LPGA holds the MasterCard Classic, its first event in the country since ’75.  Fox has coverage of the Busch race Sunday at 3:00pm ET.

USA TODAY writes in a sports Cover Story that NASCAR and the LPGA “join several U.S. sports leagues trying to capture the attention of Hispanic sports fans at home and abroad.”  NASCAR COO George Pyne: “We’re not going to Mexico City to run a Busch race.  We’re going to Mexico City to build our awareness in the Hispanic community, reach out to them.”  LPGA Commissioner Ty Votaw, whose tour will play in Mexico twice this year, said, “We wouldn’t be in Mexico if it wasn’t for Lorena Ochoa” (USA TODAY, 3/4).

The ST. PETE TIMES reports NASCAR team Owner Felix Sabates, a Cuban-American, “claims he had long lobbied and was rebuffed by former [NASCAR] CEO Bill France Jr. about racing in Mexico but found a more receptive audience in Brian France,” who took over for his father as NASCAR Chair & CEO before last season (ST. PETE TIMES, 3/4).

CBS SPORTSLINE reported Sunday’s race is expected to attract 150,000-200,000 fans, “a record for a Busch Series race.” While “several Hispanic companies have signed one-race deals with NASCAR teams, several of NASCAR’s top sponsors are also along for the ride.” Lowe’s is putting Mexican driver Adrian Fernandez in its Hendrick Motorsports car, and its racing Web site is translated into Spanish this week (CBSSPORTSLINE.com, 3/2).

SPORTING NEWS notes a Busch Series-record $2M purse “helped attract Nextel Cup regulars Rusty Wallace, Elliott Sadler, Jamie McMurray, Michael Waltrip and Kevin Harvick.”  There is no Cup race this weekend (SPORTING NEWS, 3/11 issue).

The ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER noted Fernandez, “an open wheel star who is one of the biggest sports celebrities in Mexico, is among the 10 drivers entered in Sunday’s race who have roots in Mexico.”  Michael Jourdain, who drives a ppc Racing Ford, is “the only Hispanic driver competing full time in the series” (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 3/2).

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h20
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Pedro tosses caution aside

Shows stuff & stamina in debut as Met

JUPITER, Fla. — Pedro Martinez's debut for the Mets began in the batter's box with a groundout to first, not on the mound, the result of a four-run first inning against Cardinals starter Mark Mulder. Then Martinez's unveiling began in earnest yesterday, as the former Red Sox ace delivered a 60-pitch performance in a 7-5 win. "The uniform is just the uniform," said Martinez, maintaining he was unfazed by the event. "To me it is no different. The colors might look different, but the uniform is just the uniform. Same size, everything." Martinez, lured to Flushing with a four-year, $53 million contract, allowed two runs (one earned) and three hits in three innings while striking out three and walking one. More importantly, he had zip on his fastball and used the opportunity to work out kinks with batterymate Mike Piazza, a fellow Dodgers farmhand at the outset of their careers. "It's not an easy process," Piazza said. "He's very spontaneous out there. If he sees a guy take a swing or react to a certain pitch, he may go away from what he was thinking when we were talking before the game. It's up to me to kind of feel what he wants to do and make it smooth. I don't want him shaking his head nine times an inning." After David Eckstein greeted Martinez with a single under shortstop Jose Reyes' glove, Martinez repeatedly threw to Doug Mientkiewicz at first base, trying to hold Eckstein to a reasonable lead. He struck out Roger Cedeño, who waved at a low-and-away changeup. Then Albert Pujols tattooed a full-count fastball off the right-field wall to place two runners in scoring position. A passed ball charged to Piazza allowed Eckstein to score. And Scott Rolen's groundout to second baseman Kaz Matsui plated Pujols. Piazza said the passed ball was a miscommunication over signs, Martinez delivering a different pitch than he expected, nothing alarming for a spring-training opener. As for Martinez's repeated throws to Mientkiewicz during his three-inning outing, the ace alluded to Piazza's difficulty throwing out runners, though Piazza nailed Reggie Sanders on a stolen-base attempt to end the fourth after Roberto Hernandez had replaced Martinez. "Today I really emphasized holding the runners," Martinez said. "I want to help Mike and actually make a habit of it, because he's going to be behind the plate, behind me, and I'm going to have to help him if I want to have good games and good results." Martinez, who pitched seven scoreless innings in a World Series win against the Cardinals, said that performance felt like it happened yesterday. Unlike Carlos Beltran — who admitted feeling nerves during his Mets' debut like he experiences the first few at-bats of nearly every game — Martinez said he found it easy to remain composed. "Only when I feel like there's something wrong in my family do I get nervous," Martinez said. "Not many things make me nervous. I feel lucky when I'm out there." Sixty pitches are more than most starters throw in their first spring-training outing — Mulder threw 44 — but no one thought it was a big deal. Martinez, despite reports of shoulder weakness with the Red Sox, resumed throwing three weeks after the World Series. "We're not going to get crazy about pitch counts here," Willie Randolph said. "We're going to let him get his work in. If we didn't feel like he was feeling real strong, then we wouldn't have let him pitch that much. "As the season goes on, we'll make some adjustments. We don't worry about that because he's in great shape. You look at him work and see what he does on the side, you know that he has a lot left in the tank. He's not going to break. He'll be fine." Martinez downplayed the afternoon's magnitude. "You know, it doesn't feel (like) anything," he said. "I've done it so many times. It's like, 'Let's go back to the same routine.'"

Escrito por fraja8 às 10h19
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How Did HBC Usurp Roots As Canadian Olympic Sponsor?

Hudson’s Bay Co. (HBC), which signed a deal to replace Roots as the uniform supplier for the Canadian Olympic team, actually “won two separate Olympic prizes that were unveiled on Wednesday as one package,” according to Marina Strauss of the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL. In addition to the uniform supply contract for the ’06 Turin Games, HBC landed a C$100M deal as the Canadian Olympics’ official department store, and the retailer “threw in athletes’ uniforms for three more Games, up to 2012.” VANOC Exec VP/Revenue David Cobb said that the company paid about C$1M for each of the four uniform contracts. The larger sponsorship for the department store designation “was not put out for bids,” and COC spokesperson Jackie DeSouza added that there was no bidding for the ’08, 2010 and 2012 Games “because HBC had thrown in those contracts as part of its wider Olympics sponsorship agreement” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 3/4). Also in Toronto, Dana Flavelle writes while Roots “complained that Canada’s Olympic organizers didn’t give it a chance to bid beyond the 2006 games,” Canadian Olympic execs said that they “made a judgment call” to extend the deal through the 2012 Games. Cobb: “Winning the ’06 games was what gave [HBC] the opportunity to do the next three games. It just didn’t make sense to go back to the other bidders again.” Meanwhile, Roots co-Founder Michael Budman said, “We’ll be a major presence at the 2010 [Vancouver] Olympics with all the other things we’re doing” (TORONTO STAR, 3/4).

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NFLShop.com To Allow “Gay” To Appear On Personalized Jerseys

NFLShop.com Removes “Gay” From List Of Banned Names

NFL execs gave NFLShop.com permission “to sell personalized jerseys with ‘gay’ on the back, removing it from its list of 1,159 banned words and phrases,” according to Michael O’Keeffe of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Jim Buzinski, editor of gay-oriented Outsports.com, said , “I applaud the decision to remove ‘gay’ from the list. But it bothers me that the NFL considers ‘lesbian’ a naughty word and that ‘gay’ was once banned, too.” NFL Manager of Corporate Communications Dan Masonson said Patriots CB Randall Gay has personalized jerseys for sale, and the league used to offer jerseys of former players William Gay and Ben Gay. Masonson: “Gay should never have been in our filter.” However, O’Keeffe notes even though the Jets have a safety named Reggie Tongue, the word “tongue” remains on the list. The issue surfaced after the Super Bowl when Louisiana State Univ. professor Leigh Clemons tried to purchase a jersey of Randall Gay, her former student. In addition, the NFL was hit with “ridicule and protest from Internet bloggers and gay-rights activists,” including Wonkette.com and 365gay.com. 365gay.com columnist Rex Wockner first reported on the issue, but it “really heated up after” Outsports.com picked up the story and reprinted the NFL’s list of banned words. Buzinski: “We got 208,000 page hits. ... That’s about three times what we usually do”

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Searching For Greener Pastures: Nike Debuts New Shoe Line

Nike Marketing To Niche Demographic With Environmentally-Friendly Shoe

Nike in February began selling five models of $65-100 casual shoes and boots, called Nike Considered, which “use environmentally sustainable materials and manufacturing processes,” according to Helen Jung of the Portland OREGONIAN. The line is not designed for heavy-duty hiking or sport and also does not have “the sleek, stylized design that Nike is known for.” But the “unrefined look of the shoes may well be a selling point.” The line is finding space in a range of retailers from REI outdoor stores to Barneys New York. REI spokesperson Mike Foley said the shoes “have an aesthetic about them that’s cool, and it tries to tell a little about the story just in the design of the shoes. They look environmental.” But Sports Executive Weekly Contributing Editor Matt Powell added, “It’s great that Nike is trying to be a good corporate citizen, but the consumer who’s going to appreciate this is relatively small”

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Spons-o-Meter: Pacific Life Open Boasts Impressive Roster

THE DAILY continues “Spons-o-Meter,” a comprehensive list of the official marketing partners of leagues, events and governing bodies. Today: The Pacific Life Open, which begins Monday and runs through March 20. The event is televised on ESPN. Corporate partners receive media benefits that may include ad-supplements with USA Today; ad-pages in Newsweek and Budget Travel. Promotional benefits may include identification on all advertising and promotional materials; newspaper ads; TV spots; billboards; in-broadcast promos; Web site links; booth exhibitor space; pre-, post-event, and on-site promotional programs. Sponsors may also get on-court signage, as well as signage in concourses, on electronic scoreboards and on the tennis garden village video wall. Hospitality benefits may include stadium suite including food and beverage; tickets; hotel room nights; tennis clinics; golf tee times; and valet parking. For Sponsorship inquiries please contact Dir of Sponsorship Sales Greg Fisher, at gfisher@iwtg.net or 760-200-8413. Inquiries may also be addressed to COO Steve Simon, at ssimon@iwtg.net or 760-200-8404. (THE DAILY).

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Michael Jordan Sues MCI Over Ad Deal

Former basketball star Michael Jordan said MCI Inc., the second-largest U.S. long-distance telephone company, owed him $8 million for appearing in the company's ads.

Jordan, 42, signed a 10-year agreement in 1995 to appear in ads for the company, then known as WorldCom Inc. The five-time most valuable player of the National Basketball Assn. was to be paid $2 million a year, but WorldCom stopped paying him in 2002 when it filed for bankruptcy protection, according to papers filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.

The company "failed to make the payment that was due on or before June 30, 2002, shortly before the filing of its bankruptcy petition," Jordan's lawyer Rosanne Matzat said in court papers.

WorldCom filed for bankruptcy protection in July 2002 after an $11-billion accounting fraud that led to criminal charges against former executives including Chief Executive Bernard J. Ebbers. The company exited bankruptcy protection in July renamed MCI, with headquarters in Ashburn, Va.

Though MCI came out of bankruptcy protection, the court still has authority to resolve disputed claims against the company.
Jordan is seeking $2-million payments owed to him from 2002 through 2005, Matzat said in court documents.

MCI is asking the court to throw out the claim. Under federal law, a company in bankruptcy protection can seek court permission to drop contracts.
MCI lawyer Mark Shaiken said in court papers that once MCI rejected the contract, Jordan was obligated to "mitigate his damages by obtaining suitable alternative employment" and that he had refused to do so.

Jordan, who retired from professional basketball in 2003, still earned $35 million through endorsements in 2004, according to Forbes magazine.

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Names & Faces: Powerbar Expands Relationship With Armstrong

PowerBar has inked a three-year extension of its endorsement deal with Lance Armstrong, and has also secured a sponsorship agreement with Armstrong’s Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team. PowerBar plans to integrate Armstrong and the team into its ’05 marketing initiatives, including advertising, Web, promotions and nutrition education programs, and will look to collaborate with other team sponsors on joint marketing efforts (PowerBar).

COVER BOY: USA TODAY SPORTS WEEKLY’s Devin Clancy reports Yankees SS Derek Jeter is on the cover of ESPN/Sega’s “MLB 2K5” videogame. The $20 game features commentary from ESPN’s Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, and contains “classic stadiums, throwback jerseys and options for franchise mode and online play” (SPORTS WEEKLY, 3/2).

JEREMY’S SPOKEN: U.S. Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom, who was banned by the NCAA from playing football for the Univ. of Colorado while accepting endorsement money from his skiing career, appeared by FSN’s “BDSSP” last night. Bloom said he thinks the NCAA will change its policy regarding endorsement income “within the next couple of years, especially with the popularity of the X Games and alternative sports like that. You just see more two-sport athletes, not just football and baseball, and they have to adapt with the times.” Bloom added he is looking for a sponsor for his skiing career. Bloom: “I need a title sponsor leading into the Olympics. I’ve had offers ... and I really want to find the right company.” Bloom has raced with a “For Rent” sticker on his helmet recently (FSN, 3/3).

PILOT PROGRAM: USA TODAY’s Michael Hiestand reports TNT to promote its coverage of the NBA playoffs will put the faces of studio team Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson on the side of a Southwest Airlines plane. Smith will ride on the plane while traveling to games (USA TODAY, 3/4).

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Crystal Clear: Orioles And Clear Channel Continue Deal

Orioles Extend Radio-Rights Deal With Clear Channel

The Orioles and Clear Channel have agreed to air games on WTEM-AM, WTNT-AM and WWRC-AM for the fifth-straight year, according to Eric Fisher of the WASHINGTON TIMES. Terms of the deal were not revealed, but sources said that it “resembles prior ones in which the parties simply split advertising revenues after production costs were paid to Clear Channel.” Fisher writes the deal “has not been a windfall for the Orioles, netting at best a low six-figure sum per year, but it does broaden their exposure” in the DC area. The deal was slowed by “aborted negotiations” between Clear Channel and the Nationals, as well as waiting for WBAL-AM, the Orioles’ flagship station, to renew its contract with the team. The Orioles were also “awaiting final clearance from [MLB] to again pursue the Washington radio market.” The deal “creates a curious situation in which the Orioles retain a strong Washington-area signal while the Nationals do not claim the same in Baltimore.” But the Nationals are close to announcing a “package of deals to expand their radio network and perhaps make themselves more available to some Baltimore-area listeners.” Nationals President Tony Tavares: “We’re looking at about seven deals, and we should ultimately get to about 12 stations (this season)”

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NHL Face-Off, Day 170: Offer To Buy NHL Could Go Up In Value

Bain Capital and Game Plan, which offered $3.5B to purchase the NHL in its entirety and run the league as a single entity, are “prepared to substantially boost [their] offer if club owners also want to sell arenas, sports cable channels and other assets linked with the teams,” according to Westhead & Campbell of the TORONTO STAR. A source said that the $3.5B offer “was just an opening shot,” and that “if owners were interested in negotiating a sale of hockey teams, arenas, and other assets, the ... offer could more than double.” SG Cowen Securities has agreed to “lead a syndicate that would provide $2[B] of debt financing” (TORONTO STAR, 3/4).

SINGLE SCENE: In Toronto, Naylor & Waldie note Game Plan based its model on financial information in the Levitt Report and then approached Bain Capital. Game Plan President Randy Vataha, on the NHL owners who heard the proposal this week: “I think people listened to our presentation very attentitively and there was an acknowledgement that we have identified a lot of the problems they have struggled with. Beyond that, it’s hard to tell. We don’t have any anticipation one way or the other.” A source said that Bain “remains bullish” on the offer. The source: “Bain Capital had talked to the NHL five months ago and then the NHL requested them to come in” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 3/4). Game Plan Chair Robert Caporale said that the NHL “needs to consider a radical solution ‘from a business and financial standpoint — and for the good of the sport” (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/4). Caporale: “When you have owners competing both on the ice and in business, it retards revenue growth and drives up expenses. The individual team ownership system has built-in structural impediments that are immediately solved by the single-entity model” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/4). More Caporale: “Not everything we said in our presentation was flattering because we addressed what we believe are the structural impediments that their current system has and why single-entity would overcome these problems” (N.Y. TIMES, 3/4). Caporale added, “Under our proposal, there would be no such thing as a weak franchise. Every team would have an equal amount of money. Everybody would be on a level playing field. We’d be competing on the ice, but not as a business” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 3/4).

PEDDIE: MLSE President & CEO Richard Peddie said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Exec VP & CLO Bill Daly “have a responsibility to bring” offers like the one made by Bain and Game Plan to the BOG. But Peddie added, “The price is far below what the Maple Leafs are worth, and more importantly, our club is not for sale. Our owners think we’re a very good investment despite the lockout, and we have an owner in Larry Tanenbaum who really likes owning a hockey team. So he’s not interested in selling” (ESPNews, 3/3). Peddie added that it makes little sense to sell the team “since it is the cornerstone of a company that also owns” the Air Canada Centre, the Raptors, the AHL team that will play in Toronto next season and both Leafs TV and Raptors TV. Peddie: “Everything works together and by pulling one major piece out, you lose all that” (TORONTO STAR, 3/4).

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Bruins’ Jacobs Says Nothing Will Come Of $3.5B Bid For NHL

BEARISH: Bruins Owner Jeremy Jacobs, on the offer: “The Bruins aren’t for sale. I talked to a lot of my contemporaries. They didn’t take it terribly seriously. This had been floated a few months ago, and it didn’t get any traction then” (N.Y. TIMES, 3/4). More Jacobs: “It takes a 30-zip vote to do what is being sought. I know there are not 30 votes. It’ll never happen” (BOSTON HERALD, 3/4).

WE WON’T GO: An NHL exec said of the $3.5B offer, “Judging the body language around the table, there was everything from smirks to ‘gee, that’s interesting,’ depending on the different fortunes of the teams. ... [But] nobody’s called and suggested: ‘Should we be giving this a second look.” Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk: “I personally have no interest” (GLOBE & MAIL, 3/4). Red Wings Senior VP Jim Devellano said the Ilitch family, which owns the Red Wings, does not “want to sell. They like their team. So it can’t happen. It won’t work. Once one owner didn’t want to sell, it was over.” But Devils Owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek said, “At some price, the answer is absolutely all 30 owners can agree” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/4). Stars Owner Tom Hicks: “It’s just a company trying to be opportunistic. I would say the Stars alone are worth somewhere between [$250-300M], so it was really just a silly, irrelevant idea.” Stars President Jim Lites said, “Several of the owners are guys who made their money by buying low and selling high. I don’t think they’re going to do it the other way around” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 3/4). Lites, on Kings Owner Philip Anschutz: “He said, ‘I owe my career to buying distressed businesses. I’ve never made any money selling distressed businesses’” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 3/4). Flyers Chair Ed Snider: “We’re not selling. It was an interesting concept, but it’s not doable” (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 3/4). More Snider: “It’s not feasible for Comcast or for me, either” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 3/4). Thrashers co-Owner Bruce Levenson: “I’m interested in owning the [Thrashers] and getting them back on the ice. That’s really my focus.” Former Braves/Hawks/Thrashers President Stan Kasten called the single-entity plan “a cleaner, more efficient way to run a business,” but added the NHL “will continue to be committed to doing things the way leagues have done them for a century” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/4). Panthers Owner Alan Cohen: “I’m not interested in selling the team. Didn’t give it a moment’s thought, actually” (MIAMI HERALD, 3/4). Blue Jackets President & GM Doug MacLean: “There wasn’t much discussion, if any, among any of the owners. I haven’t heard any discussion of it since, and I don’t suspect I’ll hear any in the future” (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 3/4). Devils President & GM Lou Lamoriello: “I have had no conversations since we left with our ownership about it, nor do I think we will” (CP, 3/4). Flames President Ken King: “I was given no instruction from [Flames co-Owners] Harley Hotchkiss or Murray Edwards — who were at the presentation — to look at it any more closely” (CALGARY SUN, 3/4). Hurricanes Owner Peter Karmanos: “The owners thought it was mildly interesting, at best. The ones who should really be concerned about that offer are the union — not the owners, who would get some cash” (DETROIT NEWS, 3/4).

Bid Could Raise Federal Antitrust Issues

PLAYING THE GAME: The WALL STREET JOURNAL’s Fatsis & Berman note if the NHL agrees to the sale, players could argue that “switching a league with individual franchises to a single entity violates federal antitrust laws.” Sports labor attorney Jeffrey Kessler: “You can’t have one person acquire all the competitors.” But a source said that to address potential resistance, the plan “would likely offer equity in the league to players and current team owners” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 3/4). George Washington Univ. labor law professor Charles Craver that that the single-entity plan “would raise issues about labor law and antitrust rules” (N.Y. TIMES, 3/4).

ANALYST REAX: Lehman Bros. Managing Dir Sal Galatioto called the proposal “a flyer, but sometimes flyers work.” But Galatioto said it is “highly unlikely” that the offer would proceed (TORONTO STAR, 3/4). More Galatioto: “It’s incredibly creative, it’s aggressive and I don’t think it will ever work. There are just tremendous hurdles” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 3/4). Smith College sports economist Andrew Zimbalist: “What it does say is that there are people out there that see much more potential and value in hockey if the league is run properly. They think the asset value of the franchises has been so depreciated by mismanagement and the lockout that there’s an opportunity to get a bargain” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/4). Sports Business Group President David Carter said the offer is “titillating for people in the industry. [Bain and Game Plan are] so chock full of high-caliber executives that if they believe they found a way to acquire an undervalued asset, you have to pay attention” (USA TODAY, 3/4). Sportscorp President Marc Ganis: “I think this is very real. They are very serious people with substantial assets” (ESPN.com, 3/4). Ganis: “As the labor situation continues, and the economics of many of the individual teams deteriorates, there may be a number of team owners that are more receptive than they are today” (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/4). More Ganis: “Not only do I think it might germinate, it might start to get some traction” (BOSTON HERALD, 3/4). Ganis added, “There is a scenario down the road where a buyout might happen if a few things occur: continuing labor strife into next year, legal defeats for the NHL, ... losing sponsorships as well as losing ESPN” (N.Y. TIMES, 3/4). Stanford Univ. economist Roger Noll, on a single-entity structure: “You would end up with a serious problem of credibility with the fans” (STAR-TELEGRAM, 3/4).

GET A DEAL! Meanwhile, in Toronto, Steve Simmons reports Tanenbaum during the owners-only portion of Tuesday’s BOG meeting “strongly stat[ed] the position of the Leafs and urg[ed] that a deal with the players must be accomplished.” Tanenbaum then “became a target of verbal abuse from his fellow owners.” Sources described the scene as “pretty ugly” and “nasty business.” Tanenbaum, on reaching a new CBA: “If [the Maple Leafs] were a power of one, we know we could do it. Unfortunately, that’s not the way it works.” Simmons notes at the BOG meetings, “surprisingly some of the Leafs’ staunches critics ... were fellow large-market owners” (TORONTO SUN, 3/4).

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O britânico Bernie Ecclestone, homem-mor da Fórmula 1 atual, acha que o empresário australiano Paul Stoddart deve, de uma vez, vender a equipe Minardi. A nanina escuderia, nascida na cidade italiana de Faenza, vem enfrentando sérios problemas financeiros há tempos.

O ponto máximo da falta de dinheiro aconteceu neste final de semana no GP da Austrália. A Minardi não teve orçamento suficiente para testar e adaptar seus carros ao novo regulamento da F-1. E foi para Melbourne com os carros velhos - usados na temporada do ano passado.

A FIA proibiu a participação da equipe na corrida. Até por uma questão de segurança.

Mas, Paul Stoddart fez questão de entrar com uma ação na Justiça para garantir sua participação na prova. Depois desistiu. Todavia, ele fez uma confusão tão grande que irritou Ecclestone e os dirigentes da FIA.

"Se você não tem condições de manter uma equipe de corrida então é melhor desistir", declarou Bernie Ecclestone para a imprensa inglesa. "Foi o que Eddie (Jordan) fez e o que Paul (Stoddart) deveria fazer", disparou o empresário de 74 anos de idade.

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Javits Center To Host ’05 NFL Draft

NFL Moving Draft From MSG To Javits Convention Center

The NFL announced that the 70th NFL Draft will be held at the Javits Center in N.Y. on April 23-24, ending Madison Square Garden’s 10-year stint as draft host. The one-year agreement includes the creation of the first-ever N.Y.-NFL Draft Host Committee to assist the league in the presentation of the activities around the ’05 draft. The NFL Draft, which has been held in N.Y. since ’65, is televised on ESPN (THE DAILY). In N.Y., Meyers & Saul note NFL VP/PR Greg Aiello said that MSG’s “strident opposition to the Jets’ plan [for a new stadium on the West Side] was a ‘factor’ in the league’s decision to move the draft to Javits.” Aiello: “The contract with the Garden had expired. We had to consider our options.” Javits Center spokesperson Mike Eisgrau estimated the value of the draft to Javits is $300,000-$350,000 (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/4).

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Less Of A Sting: Hornets Unveil New Ticket Plans For ’05-06

Stung By Low Attendance, Hornets Decreasing Some Season-Ticket Prices

The Hornets next season will offer season tickets in the corners of the lower bowl of New Orleans Arena for $999, according to John Reid of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, who notes all season tickets in that area this season cost $1,935. The Hornets will also offer “one of the lowest-priced season tickets in the” NBA — $430 for the upper end zone sections behind the basket. The team’s lowest-priced season ticket this season was $860 in the upper ends. Also, some season tickets for seats in the upper bowl corners, which are now priced at $1,066 will be lowered to $615 next season. A six-game mini-plan for seats in the upper bowl corners will cost $90 next season, down from $138. Hornets CMO Tim McDougall estimated that prices on 2,300-2,400 seats “will be lowered for season tickets.” McDougall said the team wants to “make sure that we have a product in terms of how we package our ticket sales that matches every consumer segment in the market that we can identify.”

JOIN THE CLUB: Reid reports club-seat season-ticket prices will also be lowered, “some by $5 and others by $5.50 per game.” Club and courtside season-ticket holders “will have the option of making one-year” commitments, after previously having to sign three-year deals, and McDougall said that fans who continue to choose the three-year option “will get a [$10-25] discount per game on their tickets.” Reid notes the Hornets for the second consecutive season are ranked next to last in attendance, averaging 13,843 fans per game. The team’s season-ticket base is estimated at 5,500-6,000. The only price increases next season will be for floor and courtside season tickets, for which McDougall said the team already has a waiting list

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Vote On Fowler’s Vikings Bid Not On Owners Meeting Agenda

NFL Finance Committee Unlikely To Vote On Fowler’s Bid Until May

The NFL’s Finance Committee will look at Reggie Fowler’s bid to buy the Vikings for the first time next week, but it is “unlikely the league owners will vote on a deal earlier than May,” according to Craig Harris of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. NFL VP/PR Greg Aiello said that Fowler would not attend next week’s meeting, as it is “not necessary for him to be there.” Aiello: “It’s not unusual. It’s standard procedure.” Aiello added that it is “unlikely that owners will take up the issue at the league’s meeting in Hawaii later this month.” A vote could occur at the next owners meeting in May in DC, or NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue could call a special meeting (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 3/4).

TAGLIABUE COMFORTABLE WITH FOWLER? Vikings Owner Red McCombs said Tagliabue told owners on Wednesday that he “was very comfortable with Reggie and that the process was moving on through.” McCombs indicated that Tagliabue “talked to Fowler about his finances and about inaccuracies” in his biography. McCombs said Tagliabue “was very comfortable with the answers to all of that.” McCombs added that he is “still making all team decisions, though the [Randy] Moss trade was run by Fowler as a courtesy.” McCombs: “I certainly contacted him to tell him on Randy’s situation that we were in serious discussions. ... He thanked me for sharing that with him” (Shipley & Seeholzer, ST. PAUL PIONEER-PRESS, 3/4)

ONE LESS PROBLEM: In Minneapolis, Randy Furst reports Fowler has settled with Wisconsin-based Cady Cheese Factory on a lawsuit in which the company alleged it was owed $196,201, dating to ’01, from Delicom Foods Inc., one of Fowler’s former businesses (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/4).

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Wishing Upon A Star: Team Tries To Keep Season-Tix Holders

Stars Offering Three Options In Hopes Of Retaining Season-Ticket Holders

The Stars have sent a letter to their roughly 8,000 season-ticket holders offering them three options in hopes of fans maintaining their plans, according to David Wethe of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. Season-ticket holders can choose either to leave their deposits with the team and receive a 15-game package of club-level tickets for the MLB Rangers; leave the deposits and get “a cash reward that amounts to 6[%] of the deposit”; or get the deposits back with 2% interest. So far, about 1,000 have opted for the Rangers plan, 3,200 chose the 6% cash reward, and 1,800 selected to receive a refund. The remaining 2,000 have yet to respond. A survey conducted by the Stars last season showed that “37[%] of their fans had attended at least one Rangers game.” Stars Owner Tom Hicks also owns the Rangers, though Stars Exec VP/Sales & Marketing Geoff Moore said that Hicks “generally tries to keep operations of the teams separate”

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TD Banknorth’s Naming Deal Calls For Return Of “The Garden”

TD Banknorth To Return The “Garden” Name To Building

TD Banknorth’s naming-rights agreement for the FleetCenter calls for the arena to be named the TD Banknorth Garden. Installation of signage will begin in July and be finished by the end of ’05 (TD Banknorth). TD Banknorth CEO William Ryan: “What we really wanted to do was to bring the Garden back. I never really liked the word ‘center.’” But in Boston, Sasha Talcott notes TD Banknorth, which will spend around $6M annually in the deal, “may find that Bostonians will call the arena ‘the Garden,’ dropping any reference to the bank.” Smith College sports economist Andrew Zimbalist: “It’s going to be called the Garden and, thereby, they lose some of the potential value.” But Arnold Worldwide Chair & CCO Ron Lawner, who handles the account of TD Banknorth-rival Citizens Financial Group, said, “It gets them a lot of exposure, and they become part of the community in a quick way.” Talcott notes the new deal is worth around three times the price paid by Fleet in the current deal. Meanwhile, Delaware North is planning $8M in upgrades to the arena, but did not offer specifics. Delaware North Chair & CEO Jeremy Jacobs: “I think you’ll see some brilliant changes in this building” (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/4). FleetCenter President & CEO Richard Krezwick: “We fully expect that fans will shorten the name and Banknorth accepts that” (PORTLAND PRESS HERALD, 3/4).

TERMS: Krezwick said that as part of the deal, the bank receives two luxury suites and “thousands of tickets each year to games, concerts and events” (Scott Van Voorhis, BOSTON HERALD, 3/4). Krezwick added that the deal contains a provision concerning the NHL lockout, but declined to provide specifics (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 3/4).

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Brooklyn State Of Mind: Ratner Moves Closer To New Arena

Nets One Step Closer To Making Move To Brooklyn

N.Y.’s Economic Development Corp. and the Empire State Development Corp. have signed a memorandum of understanding with Nets Owner Bruce Ratner, “kicking off the formal public review” of Ratner’s $2.5B plan to build a new Nets arena in Brooklyn, according to Paul Shin of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. The memo makes minor changes to Ratner’s proposal, which includes a $430M arena designed by architect Frank Gehry and 17 high-rise office and apartment buildings. A source said that the number of apartments “has been increased from the originally proposed 4,500 units by reducing some of the 2.4 million square feet of office and retail space.” Ratner had asked the city and state for $450M in “infrastructure subsidies” to the 21-acre site, but sources said that the two parties will contribute about $100M each (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/4). In N.Y., Charles Bagli notes the proposal must still pass a “lengthy environmental review, condemnation proceedings, approval by the state Public Authorities Control Board and possible lawsuits.” Ratner must also buy or lease the rail yard on which the arena would be built from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. While Ratner “agreed to pay fair market value for the property,” the MTA “reserved its right to hold an auction to determine that value and to sell it to another bidder” (N.Y. TIMES, 3/4).

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Ruling Clears Way For Construction Of MLB Cards’ Ballpark

Court Removes Last Obstacle In The Way Of Ballpark Construction

Barring a successful appeal, the last potential obstacle in the construction of new $398M ballpark for the MLB Cardinals –- “a suit seeking a public vote in St. Louis County on appropriations to pay bonds –- has ended with” Judge Barbara Wallace ruling that a charter amendment “cannot be applied retroactively to the baseball stadium for the Cardinals and only applies if public funds are sought for a future sports facility for professional teams,” according to William Lhotka of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Stadium opponents wanted Wallace “to put a measure on the ballot April 5 that would allow county voters to decide if the county should appropriate annual payments on the $45,760,000 of bonds the county has issued for the stadium.” Wallace, without deciding whether the amendment is constitutional, said it “operates prospectively only, if at all, and therefore does not impact” the bond sales and various agreements between government agencies, the Cardinals and the county. Lhotka noted the county is “appropriating $2.7[M] each year from an existing hotel and motel tax of” 3.5% to pay its $45.7M share of the cost

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h50
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Two Separate Hearings Set On MLB’s Drug-Testing Policy

White Sox’ Thomas Among List Of Players Invited To Steroid Hearing

U.S. House Government Reform Committee Chair Tom Davis (R-VA) and ranking minority member Henry Waxman (D-CA) have asked seven current and former MLBers to testify at a March 17 hearing on MLB’s drug-testing policy that will “focus on how baseball will enforce its new policy and how it will deal with steroid use by players,” according to Jack Curry of the N.Y. TIMES. The players invited to testify include former MLBers Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, Yankees 1B Jason Giambi, Orioles RF Sammy Sosa and 1B Rafael Palmeiro, Red Sox P Curt Schilling and White Sox DH Frank Thomas. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, MLB Exec VP/Baseball Operations Sandy Alderson, MLBPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr and Padres GM Kevin Towers were also asked to attend. Curry notes the participants have been invited, “not subpoenaed, so they can decline.” It will be up to the committee “to decide whether those who appear should be sworn in. If they testify under oath, as Davis indicated they would, they can be held in contempt of Congress if they are not truthful.” Waxman: “Steroid use in America is a significant problem. I believe this hearing will help us learn more about how pervasive it is, steps [MLB] has taken to bring it under control, and any additional steps that may be necessary” (N.Y. TIMES, 3/4).

Selig And Fehr Also Asked To Attend Hearings

ATTENDANCE: In Chicago, Phil Rogers cites an MLB source as saying that Selig “needed more information” before deciding whether he and Alderson would participate (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/4). Canseco’s attorney, Robert Saunooke, said that Canseco “is willing to testify if he is granted immunity,” but added that he “may invoke his right against self-incrimination” if immunity is not given. In N.Y., Brian Costello writes Giambi, due to his involvement with the BALCO grand jury, “would face legal problems if he testifies. He likely will invoke his Fifth Amendment rights not to answer questions” if he attends the hearing (N.Y. POST, 3/4).

SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: The POST’s Costello reports the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection has scheduled an unrelated hearing for next Thursday, but “did not disclose who was invited to testify.” Selig has received a letter requesting his presence (N.Y. POST, 3/4). Also in N.Y., T.J. Quinn reports the subcommittee “might not ask players to testify” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/4).

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h49
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Five Ellerbe Becket Principals Depart For HOK Sport

Orlowski One Of Five Principals Heading To HOK

Ellerbe Becket principals DAVID ORLOWSKI, STEVE HOTUJAC, MICHAEL CLAY, MICHAEL SABATINI and BRAD CLARK submitted their resignations Thursday and have been hired by HOK Sport, Ellerbe Becket Dir of Business Development STUART SMITH confirmed. “HOK has been conducting a national search for experienced professionals for several months and we’re absolutely delighted to have these accomplished individuals join us,” HOK officials said in a statement. “Their combined talents and experience fit very well with our commitment to design excellence and growth. We do not anticipate these individual career moves will impact current projects including Kansas City’s downtown arena. The work of the Downtown Arena Design Team continues without interruption.” Smith said BILL CROCKETT, an Ellerbe Becket Principal based in S.F. and a member of the firm’s BOD, has been named Ellerbe’s National Dir of Sports and will split his time between the West Coast and the K.C. office.

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Depois de oito anos no Sprint-Jeloy, clube da segunda divisão, o jogador norueguês Erik Oslen resolveu pendurar as chuteiras, no mês passado.
Aos 32 anos, decidiu que iria passar mais tempo com a filha.
Mas o Tronvik, time da quinta divisão, após uma semana de negociações, persuadiu o atacante a seguir no futebol em troca de uma pizza por semana.
Kjetil Jensen, do Tronvik, que articulou o negócio, citou outro atacante norueguês, Kenneth Kristensen, que deixou o Vindbjart para ir ao arqui-rival pelo valor de seu peso em camarões.
- Há dois anos tentamos trazer Olsen, afirmando que ele poderia comer todas as pizzas que quisesse. Agora vamos ter a chance de cumprir a palavra.
- Não podia deixar o futebol de repente, e me caiu bem a oferta do Tronvik, disse Olsen.

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h48
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ESPN Sports Poll: Fan Interest In The AFL

The ESPN Sports Poll, a service of TNS Sport, asks all respondents, aged 12+, how interested they are in the Arena Football League. Following are interest levels of the U.S. population, sports fans, avid sports fans, NFL fans, and college football fans for ’04 (ESPN Sports Poll).

Escrito por fraja8 às 09h47
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La Kournikova del golf

Natalie Gulbis, 22enne americana, passeggia sul green ma balza agli onori della cronaca più per gossip che per le sue vittorie

Nel golf, la sua specialità, non ha forse i numeri di Michelle Wie, quindicenne hawaiana in grado di sfidare i colleghi maschi. Quanto a glamour, però, la 22enne Natalie Gulbis ha tutti i numeri per entrare nella classifica delle "Lolite e vincenti", le campionesse dello sport con fisici in grado di rubare la scena ad attrici e modelle

Non a caso dalla stampa sportiva americana, sempre pù intrisa di gossip, è già stata battezzata la "Anna Kournikova del golf". In comune con la tennista ha look (criniera bionda, occhio ceruleo), assenza (per ora) di vittorie vitali nel circuito e un penchant per amoreggiare con colleghi di sport. Se la Kournikova, prima di Enrique Iglesias, era stata sposata con l'hockeista Sergei Fedorov, Gulbis originaria della Lettonia, sarebbe presa da Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback prodigio dei Pittsburgh Steelers di football americano.

Anche la Gulbis, come ogni pinup alla moda, ha aperto un suo sito internet (www.nataliegulbis.com) e ha fatto un calendario, dove nel mese di febbraio posa in pareo sul campo da golf di Lake Las Vegas. Per la cronaca sportiva, nel 2004 la bionda ha vinto un montepremi di 277mila dollari.

Escrito por fraja8 às 00h01
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El Barça de Rijkaard inicia en Pamplona una serie de partidos decisivos en Liga y Champions

Llegar al Bernabéu con la ventaja intacta o aumentada, clave para asegurar el títuloCon el Real Madrid a seis puntos (dos victorias) y cuatro partidos por delante antes del duelo por todo lo alto en el Bernabéu, al Bar ça de Rijkaard le ha llegado la hora de la verdad. El conjunto azulgrana llegó ayer a Pamplona con dos grados de temperatura y unas previsiones meteorológicas poco halagüeñas que amenazan con revivir esta tarde las mismas condiciones del Numancia-Barça. Pero, con mal tiempo o sin él, a los azulgrana no les vale otra cosa que dar su mejor imagen en los próximos partidos, en los que se decidirá la temporada, tanto en la Liga como en la Champions.

La clave del título liguero puede estar en llegar al Bernabéu con una ventaja similar a la actual para intentar sentenciar o, en caso de derrota, mantener el liderato y, a ser posible, el 'goal-average' particular a favor. El Barça ganó por 3-0 al Madrid en la primera vuelta. La misma semana del Real Madrid-Barça se habrán disputado los cuartos de final de la Champions, con lo que será una semana intensa y decisiva a la que el conjunto azulgrana debe llegar con los deberes hechos.

Un triunfo casi imprescindible

Pamplona es el primer partido después de los dos empates consecutivos que ha cedido el once de Rijkaard, en Soria y en casa ante el Espanyol. La reacción es poco menos que imprescindible, especialmente teniendo en cuenta que los siguientes partidos son de una dificultad considerable. Al Barça se le acaba una fase del calendario que teóricamente le era favorable respecto al del Real Madrid. Los blancos, por su parte, jugarán conociendo el resultado del Barça ante Osauna. Un triunfo, pues, es casi innegociable para los azulgrana en El Sadar.

Rijkaard tiene las ideas bastante claras, después de que los inventos con Gerard y 'Maxi' López no surtiesen efecto ante el Espanyol. Giuly es el único de los teóricos titulares que será baja hoy y muy probablemente ante el Chelsea. Andrés Iniesta se perfila como titular en la banda derecha que normalmente ocupa el francés.

El técnico azulgrana quiere que sus jugadores salgan con la tensión al máximo. En todo momento ha mantenido la calma y ha sido quien menos se ha dejado arrastrar por la euforia en los momentos en que el equipo ha estado arriba y con ventaja. Su mensaje fue ayer claro cuando manifestó que es necesario marcar pronto. No quiere que el equipo vuelva a malograr ocasiones como sucedió en el derbi, por mucho Kameni que estuviese delante.

El técnico holandés quiere evitar, asimismo, que sus jugadores salgan al césped del Sadar pensando en el Chelsea. Por muy importante que sea el encuentro del próximo martes. La Liga sigue siendo la principal apuesta del club esta temporada, especialmente teniendo en cuenta la ventaja que todavía conserva el Barça en la clasificación.

Los cracks deben decidir

Estos cuatro partidos que quedan antes de visitar el Bernabéu son decisivos. Las visitas a Pamplona y A Coruña y los partidos del Camp Nou ante Athletic y Betis son cuatro compromisos en los cuales Rijkaard exige a los cracks de la plantilla que asuman la responsabilidad y marquen las diferencias. Es el momento de la temporada en el que no pueden fallar.

En Pamplona, el Barça no estará solo. Normalmente es muy bien recibido por la afición navarra y además contará con el apoyo de las numerosas peñas barcelonistas de la zona, además de muchos aficionados que se acercarán al Sadar a animar al equipo azulgrana por su cuenta. Por otro lado, cerca de un centenar de seguidores han viajado desde Barcelona con la expedición oficial del club barcelonista

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h57
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Rijkaard remarcó la necesidad de batir a Osasuna, aunque dejó claro que no quiere transmitir “ni preocupación ni ansiedad ni miedo”.Tras dos empates consecutivos, el pasado sábado frente al colista Numancia y el martes en el derbi contra el Espanyol, Frank Rijkaard sabe que su equipo no puede encadenar en El Sadar el tercer tropiezo justo antes de afrontar, en la Liga, un calendario durísimo con Athletic, Depor, Betis y Madrid como próximos rivales. “No quiero transmitir ni miedo ni preocupación ni ansiedad, pero el partido contra Osasuna es muy complicado. Tenemos que dar la cara y ganarlo”, remarcó.

El holandés no quiere especular con los seis puntos de ventaja respecto al Madrid. “Quedan muchos partidos y no quiero fijarme en los errores que podemos permitirnos y sí en entrar al campo a ganar en todos”, apuntó el técnico, que descartó las rotaciones: “Necesitamos toda nuestra fuerza para superar a Osasuna. Si el partido va bien y podemos cambiar a algún jugador para que descanse, lo haremos. Pero de inicio no”.

Frank rechazó que este encuentro sea 'trampa', como para él era el de Soria: “Contra el Numancia necesitaba la atención de los jugadores. Pero ahora la dinámica es muy distinta. Salimos de dos empates seguidos y todos somos conscientes de que debemos cumplir con el trabajo. No hay que motivar a los futbolistas, ellos saben lo que se juegan”.

La estrategia 'rojilla'

Rijkaard confía en que los rojillos mantengan su vocación ofensiva en los partidos en El Sadar. “Es un buen equipo. Trabajan como un bloque, con todas las líneas muy juntas, y son peligrosos en los córners y las faltas”, indicó. A Frank le preocupa la estrategia a balón parado del equipo navarro y por esta razón preparó un video con algunas acciones que ayer, antes de partir hacia Pamplona, estudiaron los jugadores azulgrana. De Pablo García, a quien quiso fichar, señaló que “es un buen futbolista, muy importante para ellos”.

Ronaldinho y Giuly

A Rijkaard le preguntaron por Ronaldinho, por el pobre rendimiento que ha ofrecido en los últimos partidos, y Giuly, que sigue lesionado. El técnico no quiere presionar al brasileño. “Nosotros jugamos como un equipo y nunca quiero darle la responsabilidad a un solo jugador, por mucho talento que tenga. Aunque a un equipo le da confianza y tranquilidad saber que puede contar con jugadores que marcan la diferencia, no estoy preocupado porque su actitud es buena y esto siempre es el primer paso para que las cosas salgan bien”, afirmó Frank, que lamentó la mala suerte del francés: “Su ausencia en el extremo debemos resolverla de otras maneras porque cada jugador interpreta el fútbol de una manera distinta. La última lesión es por un golpe fuerte y esto le puede pasar a cualquiera. Pero está trabajando duro para volver lo antes posible y esperamos que sea contra el Chelsea”

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h54
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El presidente permanecerá allí con su esposa e hijos hasta el día del Chelsea-BarçaJoan Laporta está desde ayer por la tarde en Londres. El presidente azulgrana partió hacia la capital inglesa acompañado de su esposa y sus tres hijos poco antes de que el equipo viajase hasta Pamplona, con lo que no coincidió con Frank Rijkaard y los suyos por pocos minutos. Laporta estará junto a su familia en Londres hasta el próximo martes 8 de marzo, el día en que juegan Chelsea y Barça.

El máximo dirigente azulgrana tenía planeado este viaje desde hacía varios días y lo dedicará a hacer turismo junto a los suyos por la capital inglesa hasta el día del partido.

De esta forma, la familia Laporta-Echevarría se unirá al grupo de 3.000 culés que apoyarán al FC Barcelona en Stamford Bridge en el decisivo encuentro de ida de los octavos de final de la Champions. Entre ellos también habrá varios directivos de la entidad azulgrana, aunque está previsto que el grueso de la comitiva del club viaje a Londres el mismo día del partido.

A desconectar

Esta escapada a Londres de Joan Laporta ya estaba prevista, pero igualmente le ha venido muy bien después de haber encajado el pasado jueves en el Palau Blaugrana su primera gran pitada desde que es presidente del Barça.

Estos días en la capital inglesa le irán muy bien para tener la cabeza ocupada en otras cosas, aunque igualmente seguro que está pendiente de la marcha del equipo. Hoy mismo, vía teléfono, seguro que estará pendiente del partido de El Sadar

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h53
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EMPATE NA ALTITUDE

Danilo abre o placar para o São Paulo no primeiro tempo ..o Strongest consegue a virada na etapa final ...mas Grafite define o 3 a 3 no final da partida em La Paz

Treinador do São Paulo não gostou da postura do elenco, mas comemorou invencibilidade na temporada.

SÃO PAULO - O empate com o The Strongest, em La Paz, na estréia da Copa Libertadores da América foi um bom resultado para o São Paulo. Mesmo assim, o exigente técnico Emerson Leão não deixou de criticar a atuação dos seus comandados.

"Pela altitude e por ser estréia, o resultado foi bom. Pela capacidade, não. Eu esperava mais do time. O São Paulo veio aqui [em La Paz] para ganhar, mas errou demais e foi penalizado pelos erros que cometeu", esbravejou Leão.

Apesar de todos os problemas, o técnico do Tricolor comemorou a manutenção da invencibilidade da equipe do Morumbi. Contando a Libertadores, o São Paulo fez 11 jogos, venceu nove partidas e empatou duas.

"Alguns jogadores, individualmente, não renderam o que normalmente rendem. Saímos triste, mas de cabeça erguida e com a invencibilidade mantida", disse o treinador.

Luizão ainda não convenceu treinador

Apesar de ter marcado um gol contra o The Strongest, atacante do São Paulo precisará provar mais para Leão.

SÃO PAULO - O atacante Luizão ainda não convenceu o técnico Emerson Leão de que ele pode ser titular no São Paulo. Autor do segundo gol tricolor no empate por 3 a 3 contra o The Strongest esta noite, em La Paz, o jogador terá de melhora muito ainda, segundo o treinador.

"A gente está trabalhando, está cobrando, mas ele [Luizão] tem que render mais. E ele mesmo saber disso", analisou o comandante do São Paulo.

Enquanto o atacante do Tricolor não render o suficiente para agradar a Emerson Leão, o treinador não pretende mexer no time. Isso significa que assim que Diego Tardelli se recuperar da lesão muscular na coxa, ele ficará com a vaga de Luizão."Penso sempre na equipe. Fico satisfeito quando os atacantes marcam gols, até porque eles são pagos para isso. Mas o time continua o mesmo", garantiu Leão.

O outro lado da moeda
Enquanto Luizão não cai nas graças do treinador do São Paulo, o meia Danilo segue conquistando cada vez mais seu espaço no elenco tricolor. Depois de um início de temporada ruim, ele garantiu a vitória do time contra o arqui-rival Corinthians e marcou o primeiro gol do jogo desta quinta-feira.

"Ele [Danilo] foi bem. É o segundo jogo consecutivo que isso acontece e o segundo que ele marca gol", disse o comandante do clube do Morumbi.

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h47
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Júlio Botelho, o Julinho, um dos melhores e maiores ponteiros direitos da história do futebol brasileiro e do mundo, faleceu aos 73 anos de idade no dia 11 de janeiro de 2003, vítima de problemas cardíacos. Ele estava morando no bairro da Penha, na zona leste de São Paulo. Aliás, ele jamais deixou a Penha: nasceu, morreu e foi sepultado na Penha que tanto amava. Tanto que, a saudade da Penha foi um dos motivos a determinar sua volta ao futebol do Brasil para o desespero dos torcedores da Fiorentina que simplesmente o idolatravam e que continuam a reverenciá-lo. Julinho jamais será esquecido na Toscana.

Nascido no dia 29 de julho de 1929, em São Paulo, Julinho começou a carreira no Juventus, no começo dos anos 50, e depois se transferiu para a Portuguesa. Defendeu a Lusa do Canindé até 1955, ano em que foi negociado com a Fiorentina, da Itália.

Em Florença, o ponta-direita também foi ídolo e até hoje é lembrado pelos torcedores italianos. Retornou ao Brasil em 1958 para defender o Palmeiras, onde ficou até 1967.

Seus principais títulos conquistados por clubes foram: Rio-São Paulo pela Portuguesa (52 e 55), italiano pela Fiorentina (56), paulista pelo Palmeiras (59, 63 e 66), Taça do Brasil pelo Palmeiras (60 e 67) e do Robertão também pelo Palmeiras (1967).

Na Seleção Brasileira, Julinho viveu bons momentos, entre eles na Copa de 1954 (quando fez um gol antológico contra o México, 5 a 0, no dia 16/06/54) e em 1959, quando foi vaiado (por estar no lugar que seria de Garrincha) antes do jogo amistoso contra a Inglaterra, no Maracanã, e saiu de campo absolutamente consagrado. A torcida carioca, naturalmente apaixonada por Garrincha, deu o braço a torcer e dedicou a Julinho uma das maiores ovações que um jogador de futebol recebeu no Maracanã, desde 1950. Herói do jogo, Julinho calou as vaias, acabou com a Inglaterra e os aplausos que recebeu "são ouvidos até hoje" no maior estádio do mundo.

Nas fotos acima você curte dois momentos inesquecíveis na vida de Julinho Botelho, um tremendo bom caráter que o futebol do mundo jamais irá esquecer: Sua despedida contra o Náutico, no Parque Antártica em 1967, e num restaurante de Firenze, na Toscana, onde “Il Signore Julio Botelho” tinha lugar reservado. Aliás, a placa com a homenagem a Julinho permanece na parede do restaurante de Florença até hoje. Lá, Julinho jamais será esquecido. Nas outras duas fotos, são flagrantes emocionantes que mostram os últimos momentos de Julinho Botelho com a camisa 7 da Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras. Ao final do amistoso interestadual Palmeiras 1x0 Náutico, gol de Zé Carlos contra aos 6´ do primeiro tempo, em 1967, no Palestra Itália lotado, o saudoso ponteiro era cercado pela grande imprensa de São Paulo.

Abaixo você confere Julinho em um dos momentos marcantes de sua carreira. Ele participou do combinado São Paulo/Seleção Paulista em jogo que fez parte da inauguração do estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo, o Morumbi, no ano de 1960. A partida foi contra o Nacional de Montevidéo, a segunda do novo estádio. Palmeiras e Corinthians "enxertaram" aquele Tricolor que bateu o Nacional por 3 a 0, com dois gols de Gino Orlando e um de Canhoteiro.

Na foto histórica veja Julinho Botelho quando começou a carreira, jogando pela Portuguesa de Desportos, seu segundo time.

Em pé: Muca, Djalma Santos, Brandãozinho, Jacó, Ceci e Manduco. Agachados: Julinho Botelho, Renato, Nininho, Pinga e Simão.

Abaixo você confere Julinho Botelho, ao lado do massagista Mário Américo e de Almir Pernambuquinho, em uma das formações da Seleção Brasileira de 1958, comandada por Vicente Ítalo Feola.

Aqui está uma das formações da Seleção Brasileira de 1958, na cidade de Atibaia-SP. Em pé: Djalma Santos, Bellini, Dino Sani, Geraldo Scotto, Vítor, Gilmar e Vicente Feola. Agachados: Mário Américo, Julinho Botelho, Almir, Chinesinho, Delém e Roberto. O mascote da foto, esse garotinho agachado, é o advogado Antonio Carlos Sandoval Catta-Pretta. Da imagem, já morreram: Vítor, Feola, Mário Américo e Julinho.

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h40
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Argentino, que vai a Mogi, ainda não dirige o Corinthians, mas evita 'palpites' para não desconcentrar a equipe.
SÃO PAULO - O técnico-interino Márcio Bittencourt até se mostrou simpático a possibilidade do novo chefe, Daniel Passarella, dar recomendações táticas ao Corinthians já contra o União São João, mas o argentino avisou ao elenco que suas orientações só passarão a valer após o jogo de sábado, para evitar que a equipe perca o foco no jogo marcado para Mogi Mirim -o clube perdeu um mando de jogo.

Quinto colocado do Campeonato Paulista, com 16 pontos, o Corinthians tenta não admitir que a luta pelo título já tenha se despedaçado -o líder, São Paulo, soma 28. E, apesar de já poder dirigir a equipe, Passarella acredita que o melhor no momento é interferir o menos possível no trabalho de Márcio, que definiu a equipe com Roger, Carlos Alberto, Tevez e Gil no setor ofensivo.

"Ele pediu para o time ter uma mentalidade vencedora, preferiu deixar os aspectos técnicos e táticos para o futuro, para evitar que a gente perca o foco amanhã (sábado). Enfatizou o jogo e disse que começa na segunda", revelou Roger, se referindo ao primeiro encontro do elenco com o técnico argentino.

Acompanhado de tradutor, auxiliar-técnico, do diretor Paulo Angioni e do dono da MSI, Kia Joorabchian, Daniel Passarella acompanhou o primeiro treino do Corinthians sentado na tribuna da Fazendinha. Ao final do treino, se reuniu com o elenco e conheceu os jogadores.

Um a um, todos se identificaram ao novo chefe. "A única coisa que ele fez foi cumprimentar os jogadores e desejar boa sorte. Não deu para falar nada", resumiu Carlos Alberto, que volta ao time após ter cumprido suspensão no clássico contra o São Paulo.

Após a apresentação formal, Passarella se reuniu com a comissão técnica e trocou informações com Márcio, que lhe explicou sobre as características dos jogadores e as opções do elenco.O interino, inclusive, manifestou o desejo de contar imediatamente com as orientações de Passarella, que vai a Mogi Mirim para acompanhar a partida. "Se ele estiver lá, poderia opinar". No entanto, o argentino não deve, a princípio, recorrer a um rádio para passar ordens a Márcio Bittencourt.

A maior preocupação de Passarella está centrada no jogo da Copa do Brasil, contra os paranaenses do Cianorte, marcado para o Pacaembu, na quarta-feira. "Depois do jogo vamos conversar para nos adaptar ao jeito dele trabalhar", revelou Márcio.

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h38
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Novas regras + chuva = novo grid. Essa foi a equação que deu a Giancarlo Fisichella, da Renault, a pole-position provisória para o GP da Austrália da Fórmula 1. O italiano marcou o tempo de 1min33s171.

TREINO OFICIAL EM MELBOURNE
Piloto	Equipe	Tempo
1. Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault	1min33s171
2. Jarno Trulli	Toyota	1min35s270
3. Mark Webber	Williams	1min36s717
4. Jacques Villeneuve	Sauber	1min36s984
5. Christian Klien	Red Bull	1min37s486
6. David Coulthard	Red Bull	1min38s320
7. Nick Heidfeld	Williams	1min39s717
8. Jenson Button	BAR	1min41s512
9. Narain Karthikeyan	Jordan	1min44s357
10.Kimi Raikkonen	McLaren	1min44s997
11.Juan Pablo Montoya	McLaren	1min45s325
12.Rubens Barrichello	Ferrari	1min45s481
13.Tiago Monteiro	Jordan	1min46s846
14.Fernando Alonso	Renault	1min47s708
15.Christijan Albers	Minardi	1min49s230
16.Patrick Friesacher	Minardi	1min50s864
17.Ralf Schumacher	Toyota	1min51s495
18.Michael Schumacher	Ferrari	1min57s931
19.Felipe Massa	Sauber	sem tempo
20.Takuma Sato	BAR	sem tempo

Os treinamentos realizados na madrugada deste sábado (horário de Brasília) foram marcados pelas condições adversas do tempo.

A primeira sessão de treinos livres, dominada pelos ferraristas Michael Schumacher e Rubens Barrichello, foi realizada inteiramente sob chuva. Já a segunda sessão, com pista apenas úmida, foi da MacLaren do finlandês Kimi Raikkonen.As condições da pista do autódromo Albert Park foram melhorando gradativamente nas duas horas de intervalo entre os treinos livres e o oficial. Quando Fisichella foi à pista buscar o seu tempo as condições já estavam aceitáveis.

Momentos antes de o grupo de pilotos que poderia tomar a sua posição do italiano ir à pista, a chuva voltou a assolar Melbourne.

Os primeiros prejudicados foram o brasileiro Felipe Massa, da Sauber, que abortou a sua volta, o hexacampeão Michael Schumacher e o japonês Takuma Sato, que acabou batendo. O acidente com o piloto da BAR chegou a interromper o treinamento por alguns minutos.Ironicamente o sol voltou a brilhar logo após a saída de Schumacher da pista, mas não o suficiente para permitir aos outros pilotos tentarem tirar a posição de Fisichella.

O GP da Austrália, que abre a temporada 2005 da Fórmula 1, está estreando as novas regras da categoria, que impôs limitação de uso de motores e pneus e uma nova forma de classificação para o grid de largada. Tudo para tentar barrar o domínio da Ferrari, que massacrou os adversários nos últimos anos.

A definição do Grid passa a ser feita em duas sessões classificatórias, uma no sábado das 13h às 14h locais (exceto nas provas na América do Norte) e outra no domingo às 10h, sempre com voltas lançadas. A ordem de entrada no sábado é inversa ao resultado da corrida anterior (o vencedor será o último a ir para a pista). No domingo, ordem inversa à classificação no sábado (o mais rápido será o último a ir para a pista). Para a formação do grid vale a soma dos tempos. O piloto que não marcar tempo em um dos dois treinos larga no fundo do pelotão.

Outra mudança importante diz respeito aos motores. Cada um terá de durar dois finais de semana de corrida. Em caso de necessidade de troca antes de um GP, o piloto perderá dez posições no grid daquela corrida. No ano passado os motores tinham de durar um fim de semana. Se um piloto abandonar uma prova, ele terá o direito de usar um motor novo na seguinte, que deverá de novo durar mais dois GPs.

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h36
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Chelsea striker Didier Drogba claims his side have already won the Barclays Premiership title despite Manchester United cutting the lead to just six points.

language=JavaScript> Jose Mourinho's men secured their first trophy of the season when they lifted the Carling Cup at the weekend, while rivals United narrowed the gap at the top. The clash against Norwich tomorrow is in the evening, meaning the gap could be just three points when the leaders kick-off at Carrow Road. Despite pressure to win their game in hand, Drogba believes the title has been wrapped up already.

Drogba's comments were echoed by young defender Glen Johnson, who added: 'They are clutching at straws. United wanted us to lose and hit a run of bad form. 'If I was in their shoes I would want us to lose every game and for other teams to make us struggle. The less we struggle, the worse it is for them.'

Barcelona arrive in London next week in the return leg of the crucial Champions League last-16 tie. Chelsea lost the first match 2-1 and were hit with a double disciplinary charge by UEFA for failing to attend the post match press conference and being late out of the dressing rooms for the start of the second-half.

The disciplinary action is a further blow to Chelsea's poor off-the-pitch reputation. The club have denied an Football Association charge of failing to control their fans when violence erupted during their Carling Cup tie with West Ham earlier this season.

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h32
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LONDON, March 4 (Reuters) - Arsenal's Thierry Henry has called a 3,000 euro ($3,964) fine given to Spain coach Luis Aragones for abusive comments about the France striker 'ridiculous' and is urging FIFA to take action.

language=JavaScript> Aragones was fined on Tuesday by the Spanish Football Federation after referring to Henry in an October training session as 'that black shit' in an exchange with his Arsenal team mate Jose Antonio Reyes.

The Spanish federation said Aragones had not broken any anti-racist rules and they did not consider the coach a racist. Aragones criticised the fine, saying he had done nothing wrong.

'It is laughable,' Henry said. 'They fined him for the sake of it, not because they felt he said something wrong. 'In England, I am lucky. I have never had any racism against me and that is fantastic...But it seems other countries are not quite so ready to live in the 21st century.'

Aragones, who apologised for the comment after widespread criticism, said his words had been taken out of context and mistranslated. 'I used the expression 'black shit' when I was talking to Reyes, as a way of saying you are better. It is like a form of motivation. 'If it had been translated correctly it would have said that Henry was phenomenal, but it wasn't,' Aragones said.

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h27
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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho today vowed not change his personality after his Carling Cup final dismissal - but promised there would be no repeat of the controversial 'silence' gesture.

Jose Mourinho: Still learning. (NealSimpson/GettyImages)

Mourinho was sent from the dugout during his side's extra-time victory over Liverpool at Cardiff's Millennium stadium last weekend after pressing his finger to his lips after Steven Gerrard's own-goal equaliser. The Portuguese manager's actions sparked outrage from the Reds fans but Mourinho later claimed the gesture was aimed at the English media in the opposite stand.

The Football Association decided not to punish Mourinho for his misdemeanour but reminded him of his responsibilities instead. However the Chelsea manager maintained today that, while he promised not to repeat the controversial gesture, he would not change his outspoken personality or his beliefs.

And to underline his point, the Chelsea manager yet again decreed his side were on course to lift the Barclays Premiership title - the club's first title success in 50 years.

The Chelsea manager said: 'It is not about my personality. I keep my personality, I don't change it. I am trying to understand what is possible and what is not. 'I know I cannot do that gesture in England. If I do it, the police come and put me in the dressing room and because I don't want to go to the dressing room again, I cannot do it. It is as simple as that - what I can do and what I can't do. 'When I am looking at extra-time on a TV and sending messages on paper to my dug-out, at that moment I feel I cannot do it again because the police will put me out.

'Maybe it is the first time that somebody behaves like me or is not afraid to say what he feels and thinks. If somebody says we are going to be champions - if this is lack of respect or humility to others - then I have to try and understand it. 'In this way I don't change. I just change in matters that are purely forbidden. 'When I show my confidence, I don't think it is something crazy. If, at the end of the season, we don't win the Premiership then you can say I was over-confident. 'I prefer to be over-confident rather than show my players a lack of confidence or indecision.

 'I could not be as confident if I did not have that confidence in my players. When I say I think we are going to win the Premiership, it is not a lack of respect for Manchester United, Arsenal, or the 11 teams we have to play against, it is just our inside mentality. We are going to do it. 'I am a man who works for results. I am not interested in myself or what people think about me. The players know I am a group man, it is not a problem. 'I am not suspended from doing my work in the dug-out and that's all that matters to me. Every country is different and a professional has to adapt to the country. 'I don't think I can arrive in England, change things and put them my way. I have to respect the culture in the country. I have to respect the football culture and what is important for the people who rule football here.'

Chelsea go to Norwich tomorrow with a six-point lead over nearest rivals Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's side can halve that deficit for a brief time if they can overcome struggling Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park earlier in the day. But even though the gap has narrowed, Mourinho believes his side can still afford the luxury of the odd slip-up on the title run-in.

Mourinho added: 'We have six points more than the second team and a game in hand. We can go to seven or nine or keep the six-point gap. Our position is the best one. 'Nobody has such a good position to win the Premiership. Our confidence doesn't change because we have won the Carling Cup. The Premiership is full of surprises. 'Sometimes you drop points where you don't expect to. The game against Norwich will be a difficult one. But our situation gives us space to make mistakes - not many. Not three or four consecutive mistakes but we have a little space to make the odd one. 'Sometimes you win a cup and the next game you are a bit 'over the moon', I don't think this is the case with us.'

Mourinho also applauded Norwich director Delia Smith for her half-time rallying call to the fans against Manchester City on Monday night. The Chelsea boss may even break with tradition and hand her a bottle of Portuguese wine after the game. He added: 'Sometimes, I would like to do what she did because I always feel that crowds can help the team. The lady did it because she was trying to help her team. 'I cannot criticise. I only take a bottle of wine for managers but why not take one for her this time?'

Chelsea are without William Gallas for tomorrow's clash at Carrow Road as the defender is still troubled by the groin injury he sustained in the FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Newcastle.

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h23
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"Mis compañeros estaban muy emocionados por mi gol pero en el vestuario me cargaban. Me decían ''Negro, mirá que el goleador es Palermo'', ja..."

Baiano se ríe con ganas y esa dentadura ideal para el desafío de la blancura parece extenderse por detrás de las orejas. Desde que llegó a Boca sorprendió por su simpatía, su buena onda, esa alegría nao ten fim propia de los brasileños. Mucho más ayer, luego de su noche inolvidable ante el Cristal (primer gol en el club + una muy buena actuación + ovación de los hinchas). Estaba súper feliz y no podía ocultarlo. "Cuando hice el gol fue una emoción muy grande. Me quería abrazar con todos mis compañeros y con la gente. Convertir en mi segundo partido en esta cancha me puso muy contento. Es más, me costó dormir de la alegría que tenía", le confiesa a Olé.

Son las 16.30, falta una hora para el comienzo del entrenamiento y, puntual ante lo pactado, Dermival Almeida Lima (así se llama en realidad) estaciona su auto en el playón del club para la nota. Unos chicos se le acercan para que les firme un autógrafo. Otros le gritan desde la pileta: "Aguante, Bombón". Y él saluda con énfasis (y con una sonrisa, obvio). "Mis compañeros me dicen Negro o Baiano. Y los hinchas me llaman Bombón. Es un apodo que me gusta, je..."

—¿Le dedicaste el gol a Dios?

—Sí, le di gracias al Señor por haberme agraciado con el gol. Como dije siempre, si estoy acá es porque Dios me ha bendecido mucho después de tantas cosas que me han tocado vivir (NdeR: sus padres fallecieron cuando era chico y vivió en una favela junto con sus seis hermanos) y siempre le pido salud para trabajar. Ah, y también se lo dediqué a mi señora Marta, porque el 14 de febrero cumplió años y todavía estoy en deuda con ella, je...

—Tus compañeros te abrazaron mucho. Pero durante los partidos te gritan bastante.

—Es normal. En Brasil también me gritaban. En los partidos es común porque todos queremos ganar y es normal que pase eso.

—Algunos, como Schiavi, te tienen de hijo...

—Pero no son puteadas, como dicen ustedes, sino indicaciones o consejos sobre cómo tengo que marcar porque acá no conozco mucho a los futbolistas. Entonces, mis compañeros me hablan. Pero esos gritos me sirven. Igual, no veo que sea nada personal. Al contrario. Desde que llegué me hicieron sentir cómodo. Creo que les caí muy bien a todos.

—En el ST pateaste dos veces al arco y Palermo todavía está esperando el pase...

—Ja, ja... Sí. Vi que Palermo estaba solo, pero quise romper la red, ja, ja... Si yo fuera un Guille o un Delgado, se la habría pasado. Pero los defensores a veces tenemos ganas de hacer goles...

—¿Te imaginás si hacías dos?

—Una vez sola marqué dos goles en un partido. Si lo hacía, habría sido histórico. Por eso mis compañeros me cargaban en el vestuario con eso de que Palermo es el goleador. Por esas dos chances de gol que fallé.

En su cuarto partido oficial en Boca, el hombre nacido hace 26 años en Capim Grosso, estado de Bahía, debutó en la red. Ya había estado cerca en el partido con el Cuenca, cuando pegó un tiro libre en el palo. Pero además de su buena pegada, otra cosa quedó confirmada ante el Cristal: el cariño de los hinchas. Cada vez que pasaba al ataque, la platea se paraba. Ni hablar luego del gol y de sus dos remates que se fueron cerca. "Olé, olé, olé, olé, Negró, Negró...", fue la ovación.

—¿Podés creer tanto cariño?

—Me cuesta. Lo de la gente es increíble. Desde que llegué que veo que me quieren. En la pretemporada ya firmaba autógrafos. En los amistosos de verano me alentaban. Y el otro día me aplaudieron mucho. Me gustaría que la gente siga contenta conmigo.

—Con Cristal atacaste mucho, ¿qué diferencias encontrás en tu juego entre el fútbol argentino y el brasileño?

—Es muy distinto. Sobre todo, el esquema y la manera de jugar. Yo en Brasil jugaba con tres defensores y prácticamente mi juego era del medio para arriba. No tenía tanta obligación de marca como acá. En Boca, en cambio, defendemos con cuatro y acá soy marcador de punta, no carrilero como en Brasil. Por eso me cuesta defender un poquito y mis compañeros me recuerdan siempre que tengo que marcar, je... En Brasil atacaba más de lo que defendía. Era otra cosa.

—En el juego cambia el esquema. ¿Y el vestuario qué tan distinto es?

—Lógicamente que todavía me estoy terminando de adaptar. Lo que más me costó fue el tema de los besos, ja, ja... En Brasil nadie saluda con un beso, todos se dan la mano. Acá, apenas llegué, me sorprendí mucho con esa forma de saludar. Pero bueno, de a poco me estoy acostumbrando...

—¿El hincha va a seguir viendo goles de Baiano?

—Apuesto que sí. Ojalá Dios quiera. Pero me imagino más metiendo goles de tiro libre, no de jugada. Creo que todavía no vieron al mejor Baiano...

—Muchos dicen que la Bombonera tiembla. ¿Lo viviste?

—Es una experiencia increíble jugar acá. Cuando toda la torcida empezó a gritar, se me pusieron de punta los pelos...

Escrito por fraja8 às 23h16
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There is something extra about a Champions League game if it's knockout and you've lost away and need a win at home - Thierry Henry

For all his success with Arsenal FC, longevity in the UEFA Champions League has proved more difficult for Thierry Henry than outstripping and outfoxing football's most celebrated defences. Indeed, a semi-final appearance with his first team, AS Monaco FC, in 1998 is the closest the quicksilver striker has come to appearing in club football's showpiece fixture.

Chasm
Five years since adding the European crown to the world title won with France, the 27-year-old longs to fill the Champions League-sized chasm in a trophy cabinet decorated with some of the game's most glittering prizes. "Sometimes football is strange," Henry told uefa.com. "We didn't have many stars but I reached the semi-finals with Monaco that season - five years trying with Arsenal and we've never done that."

	Henry on Cole: "He's been tremendous"

Late strike
Twice quarter-finalists, Arsenal are in danger of missing out on that stage again this season following a 3-1 first-leg defeat at FC Bayern München in the last 16. Starved of chances at the Olympiastadion, where Kolo Touré's late strike revived the Gunners, Henry hopes the midweek FA Cup defeat of Sheffield United FC and the Highbury crowd will combine to lift the side for Wednesday's return against the Bundesliga leaders.

Fans important
"There is something extra about a Champions League game if it's knockout and you've lost away and need a win at home," he said. "Then you really need help from the fans." To be classed as a truly great team, many feel that Arsène Wenger's Arsenal have to eliminate Bayern and become the fifth English club to lift the European Champion Clubs' Cup. For Henry, however, that mark was achieved on 15 May 2004.

When you're the first to do something it always makes it extra special Thierry Henry

'Extra special'
That was when Arsenal, combining graft with spellbinding craft, completed the 2003/04 season unbeaten - the first English side since Preston North End FC in 1889 to do so. "If someone does it in the future, we will still go down in history as the first team in the modern game to do it," said Henry. "When you're the first to do something it always makes it extra special." Another first was Henry's retention of England's two Footballer of the Year awards last season, to which he added the ESM Golden Shoe.

uefa.com award
Despite "putting team trophies ahead of individual ones", it is with pride that Henry learns that he is the first man to claim a place in all four editions of the uefa.com users' Team of the Year. "I always explain to people that I just try to be consistent and being nominated every year means I have achieved that consistency," he said.

Calibre
Henry is joined in the illustrious XI by Highbury team-mate Ashley Cole - "it's well deserved for him because he's learned a lot and has been tremendous" - and is partnered in attack by Andriy Shevchenko of AC Milan. The Frenchman feels it is a partnership which would reap rewards, saying: "When you're a certain calibre of striker you can somehow play together."

Henry campaign
While Henry reserves highest praise for Marco van Basten, "the best striker ever", it is the Stand Up, Speak Up anti-racism campaign which rouses his passion. "I started it, I do not front it and I want to make that clear," he said. "Sometimes people think that footballers cannot make decisions or have ideas but this is mine and has nothing to do with marketing. I suffered from racism and when I see [Spain coach] Luis Aragonés talking on TV he wasn't talking about Nike."

Goal solution
Henry, critical of the fines handed out to racists, has his own remedy for silencing them. "I try to raise my game and I've never lost it in the past," he said. "If I did lose it, I would leave my team with ten players and would let myself down too. That's not a solution, scoring goals is."

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h44
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Brazilian legend Romario is keen to see his offspring follow in his footsteps after revealing this week that he plans to have enough children to form a team of his own. The 39-year-old CA Vasco de Gama ace is expecting his sixth child in March - a girl to be named Ivy. But he insists that he wants at least another two boys and has frozen five tubes of his own sperm - which can be frozen for decades - for future usage. "I have two sons and four daughters, I need another two boys for a 4-4 draw," he said. "But you never know, perhaps one day I would love an authentic football team of eleven."

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h42
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Na seqüência, mais um surfista da casa avançou para 3ª fase, pois Daniel Wills derrotou o americano Tim Reyes. Os australianos continuaram vencendo e em seguida, Phil Macdonald eliminou o compatriota Luke Stedman, e Dean Morrison ganhou do americano Shea Lopez.

Paulo Moura foi derrotado por Greg Emslie na 12ª bateria e por fim, em mais um confronto local, Tom Whitaker venceu Toby Martin. Para a madrugada de hoje ainda estão programados os confrontos de Marcelo Nunes, que enfrenta o americano Tim Curran e Raoni Monteiro que pega o também americano Taylor Knok. Para completar as repescagens, Bruce Irons enfrenta Lee Winkler.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h41
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker Dimitar Berbatov is aiming to repeat history next Wednesday as the German side seek to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Liverpool FC in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round.

	Berbatov has scored three goals in this season's Champions League

Double goal
In the 2002 quarter-finals, he scored as Leverkusen defeated the Reds 4-2 after losing the first leg. This time, Berbatov is aiming to emulate the achievement of his former national team coach, Stoicho Mladenov, who scored twice for PFC CSKA Sofia in March 1982 to knock the holders Liverpool out of the same competition.

uefa.com: Do you think you can do what Mladenov did?

Dimitar Berbatov: Why can't I repeat that feat? Liverpool are favourites and the pressure is on them. But the second leg is in Germany and Leverkusen will definitely have a chance of going through. We have also been written off in previous games against the likes of [FC] Barcelona, Juventus [FC] and [RC] Deportivo La Coruña.

uefa.com: Is there something more important for you than goals and victories?

Berbatov: Probably everyone would say health but I will add family. My family - my father, my mother and my brother - are always with me in good and bad times. The goals that I score are very important for me but also make my family happy.

	Berbatov is enjoying playing under Hristo Stoitchkov

uefa.com: How does it feel to score against such great clubs as Real Madrid CF, Manchester United FC and Barcelona?

Berbatov: It's incredible. It is like being drunk with joy. But I am always very happy whether I score against Real Madrid or some smaller club.

uefa.com: Who are the best strikers in Europe now?

Berbatov: First, I have to say that my childhood hero was Marco van Basten - he was fantastic. But now there are some fantastic players. We start with Ronaldo, then we may go to Ruud van Nistelrooij and then to Thierry Henry. The Frenchman is so fast and you can never catch him, even with a car!

uefa.com: How do you feel when you see a Bulgarian flag when playing for Leverkusen?

Berbatov: I am really proud. When we played against Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this season, there was a Bulgarian flag right behind the goal when I scored. When I scored, I was in the eyes of those Bulgarian fans and they were also happy because of me. That makes me really proud.

uefa.com: What has Hristo Stoitchkov changed as coach of Bulgaria?

Berbatov: I do not want to make any comparisons with his predecessors. Everyone knows who Stoitchkov is. He is respected all over the world. He is unbelievable. He makes you feel that he is one of us. He talks with us as a friend. He has changed the mood in the team.

uefa.com: What do you think you can learn from Stoitchkov?

Berbatov: We are completely different types of player. But I would like to take part of his winning mentality.

uefa.com. Have you already thought about life after football?

Berbatov: No. It's too early for me. I only think about football. I still have a lot of dreams and I hope they will come true. Probably one day I will start my own business. Maybe it will again be something connected with football. But who knows?

uefa.com: You are a very good painter. Do you intend to stage your own exhibition one day?

Berbatov: Why not? Some day it may happen. It may be my business one day.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h24
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By Paolo Menicucci

	Kaká was on the mark against Inter

Victories against Manchester United FC and FC Internazionale Milano ended a perfect February for AC Milan. The Rossoneri won every game they played last month, muscling their way to the top of the Serie A table and putting themselves in the driving seat to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Fantastic February
After losing two consecutive games against AS Livorno Calcio and Bologna FC at the end of January, the Italian champions responded to early and inappropriate talk of a crisis with the 4-1 defeat of FC Messina Peloro, before adding four more straight Serie A wins and a mightily impressive 1-0 success at Old Trafford.

Shevchenko injury
Milan's winning streak is even more considerable as coach Carlo Ancelotti has been without the 2004 European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko for most of the month. The Ukrainian striker, who has scored 14 goals in Serie A this season, suffered a shin injury at the end of January and then fractured his cheekbone two games after his return.

Crespo revival
In the absence of Shevchenko and long-term injury victim Filippo Inzaghi, most of the pressure rested on Hernán Crespo's shoulders and the Argentinian striker, on loan from Chelsea FC, repaid the faith of his coach by scoring a last-minute winner against S.S. Lazio and netting the deciding goal in Manchester.

'Confidence boost'
"Obviously the goal at Old Trafford was special considering the stadium where we were playing and the importance of the game," Crespo said. "We still haven't won anything because there are 90 minutes still to play, but performing that well against a side like United was surely a great boost for the whole team."

Winning streak
Another crucial factor behind Milan's winning streak is undoubtedly the great form of central defenders Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta: the Rossoneri have not conceded a goal in their last four games. "Our central defenders are holding up brilliantly," said Ancelotti after the 1-0 victory against Inter.

Rub of the green
Still, a few critics claimed Milan have had the rub of the green over the last few weeks, winning games with last-gasp strikes against Lazio and Cagliari Calcio, an own goal at Reggina Calcio, Roy Carroll's error in Manchester and Kakà's lucky deflection against Inter.

'Good fortune'
"We're riding our luck at the moment," said the Brazilian, whose third goal in four Milanese derbies ended Inter's unbeaten run this season. "We're getting the points despite not playing at our best. It can only be a positive thing. Personally, however, I finally got a bit of good fortune with this goal after hitting the woodwork many times this season."

Fortune favours the brave and we have to put ourselves in these positions to earn the lucky breaks Carlo Ancelotti

'Table toppers'
Meanwhile, Ancelotti insists Milan have earned their share of good luck. He said: "Fortune favours the brave and we have to put ourselves in these positions to earn the lucky breaks. The only thing that matters, however, is that we're at the top of the table level on points with Juventus [FC] and we are also doing well in the Champions League."

Built to win
Milan are still on track for a fantastic treble this season after a great cup run which sees them face Udinese Calcio in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on 16 March after winning 3-2 in the first leg at the San Siro. "This is a squad built to go all the way in every competition," added Ancelotti. "We want to win everything this season. I cannot say if we will, but we are certainly playing to win everything."

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h23
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Libor Sionko has been nicknamed 'Mr UEFA Cup' in Austria after his two goals propelled FK Austria Wien to a 2-1 win over Athletic Club Bilbao in Spain and a place in the last 16 of the competition.

Zaragoza mission
The goals were the Czech international's fourth and fifth in this season's competition and set up another meeting with Spanish opposition in the form of Real Zaragoza in the next round. And Sionko believes Austria can go even further. He told uefa.com: "We are one of the strongest teams left in this year's UEFA Cup. We can do more and we already beat Zaragoza this season in the group stage. Why not again? Everything is possible and I'm ready for it."

Personal best
Sionko is now just one goal shy of his all-time European record of six goals for AC Sparta Praha in the UEFA Champions League. But Sionko says: "I'm not thinking about my records. If you don't think about, it works out anyway." And Sionko is keen to deflect the credit for last Sunday's victory. "OK, I scored the goals on Sunday but our defence played great. Unbelievable. I'm really proud of our success."

Dream double
Sionko made the switch to Austrian football last summer, trading Sparta for Grazer AK and he enjoyed instant success by winning the league and cup double. But he moved on to Vienna after only six months and his absence is still keenly felt in Graz.

Graz grief
Grazer coach Walter Schachner said. "Libor was one of the main reasons for our big success with the double last year. The team is missing him. I am missing him. He is a really great player." Sionko has no regrets. He said: "The time in Graz with the double was a great time for me, but I've got better opportunities with Austria Wien."

Dream come true
The Czech is clearly enjoying his Austrian adventure. He said: "I have had a superb year in Austria so far, winning all three national titles. The double with Grazer AK and the Super Cup with Austria Wien. Now we are in the round of 16 in the UEFA Cup. This is like a dream come true."

Coach praise
Not surprisingly, the affection is mutual. Coach Lars Söndergaard said. "Libor is a very easy person with a lot of discipline. He gives every match 120 per cent and works hard for the team. He is mentally strong and has up to three maybe four chances every match because of his enormous running ability."

Dynamic role
Sports director Günter Kronsteiner, who brought Sionko to Austria Wien, said: "He has done a lot for Austria Wien in this short time and the whole team accepts him as a perfect worker. He is a dynamic type with an enormous will for victory. And he is always good for a laugh, which is very important for the team atmosphere. I always wanted him and I'm happy we got him."

Lazio blow
It has not always been plain sailing for Sionko and the move to Austria was a last chance of a career abroad for the midfielder. He told uefa.com: "In 1998, S.S. Lazio wanted me but I ruptured my ligaments and that was that." Typically, Sionko recovered and in 1999 his goal at the Olimpico stadium knocked Lazio out of the Champions League.

Aiming high
Now Mr UEFA Cup's focus is fixed firmly on Austria Wien: "If you beat Bilbao you can also beat Zaragoza which we have done. With a bit of luck we can go through. Of course we're not thinking of winning the cup, but who knows?"

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h23
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By Andrew Warshaw

	Collina shows his authority

One of the longest established rules of football is that the referee's decision is final. But what if an incident occurs on the pitch after he has blown the final whistle?

New rule
Until now, the man in the middle has been powerless to act once he has officially ended the game. The law states that as soon as the referee has terminated the match, he cannot change a decision.

Extended authority
But the law is about to change. From next season, the referee will have the authority to impose red and yellow cards right up until the moment he actually leaves the pitch. The rule is specifically designed to put to an end to the arguing, swearing, pushing and shoving that has increasingly infiltrated the game.

Ten match ban
The English Football Association has already advised clubs that they risk being fined in future whenever their players abuse referees. Only this week, Southampton FC's David Prutton was banned for ten matches for manhandling the referee when sent off during last weekend's fixture against Arsenal FC.

Hopefully, it will stop the kind of shenanigans we have seen all too often at the end of matches Irish FA's Jim Boyce

Landmark ruling
Prutton's act of folly occurred during the 90 minutes but all too often it is at the end of matches, when players assume they cannot be sanctioned, that they let off steam. As a result, a landmark ruling has now been made by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game's rule-making body, to extend the power of officials, allowing them to produce post-match cards instead of just reporting the incident. "It's an important rule change," said Jim Boyce, head of the Irish Football Association. "Hopefully, it will stop the kind of shenanigans we have seen all too often at the end of matches."

Two metre retreat
Another significant innovation was a new rule to stop players encroaching at throw-ins. The proposal was put forward by the Scottish Football Association and is designed to stop the thrower from being impeded by an opponent. It is a practice all too commonly seen at matches throughout Europe. From next season, players will have to retreat at least two metres whenever their opponents have a throw-in, or risk being booked.

Peru experiment
The topic which dominated last week's IFAB meeting, however, was the debate around an experimental introduction of a new microchipped ball to improve goalline technology. The microchips will be used for the first time at the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru.

Dangerous tackles
And in another move to clean up the game, football's law-makers have taken further steps to outlaw foul play. Until now, only dangerous tackles from behind constituted "serious foul play" but that will be extended from this summer to include dangerous challenges from the side and the front as well.

Helping officials
"Anything that can help the referee manage what can sometimes be explosive situations and make interpretation of the law more clear to the watching public can only be a good thing," said English Football Association (FA) chief executive Brian Barwick.

Dissent rule ousted
Not every innovation stands the test of time, however. The IFAB has decided players will no longer be penalised for showing dissent towards referees by having free-kicks moved forward ten metres. The punitive measure, copied from rugby union, has been in use in English football for four years but has now been consigned to the scrapheap.

'Lone voice'
FA executive director David Davies could not hide his disappointment, viewing the decision as a backward step. "We have been a lone voice on this but apparently the rule is not understood by non-rugby playing parts of the world," he said.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h21
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É pouco provável que aconteça, mas Robinho disse nesta sexta-feira que não vê problemas em seguir o conselho de Pelé, que na noite de quinta pediu ao jogador que, como ele, fizesse o seu "pé de meia" com a camisa do Santos.

O nome do atacante santista é envolvido desde o ano passado em uma série de especulações que o ligam à Europa, particularmente ao Real Madrid. Para a imprensa local, o contrato de cinco temporadas já estaria assinado por cerca de US$ 18 milhões e o atleta se apresentaria em julho.

Apesar do assédio europeu, Robinho admite seguir passos do Rei e ficar por mais tempo no futebol nacional

"Particularmente eu acho que dá para fazer independência aqui no Brasil sim. É só trabalhar direito e ter a cabeça no lugar. E eu espero ficar por muito tempo no Santos e ganhar títulos, que é o que todo jogador quer", afirmou.

Robinho aproveitou para confirmar a dedicatória ao Rei quando marcou o segundo gol santista sobre o Danubio, na partida válida pela Copa Libertadores da América e vencida pelos donos da casa por 3 x 2.

"A presença do Rei é sempre muito boa. Eu fiz o gol e comemorei como ele. Eu espero ficar no Santos por muito tempo, como ele disse. A minha cabeça está aqui", garantiu.

Ainda se referindo a Pelé, Robinho chegou a dizer que precisa de muita evolução em seu jogo para se firmar como um jogador completo. Ao contrário do ídolo, ele reconheceu dificuldade em arrematar bolas de cabeça e com a perna esquerda.

"Temos que melhorar muito ainda. E eu tento isso sempre. Acho que preciso aprimorar o meu cabeceio e a finalização de esquerda. E eu não posso me contentar com dois ou três gols. Irei buscar sempre mais", avisou.

Robinho reverencia Pelé em comemoração de gol contra o Danúbio: socos no ar após balançar as redes

O clássico com o Palmeiras neste domingo também teve um espaço reservado nas palavras do camisa 7. E, sobre o duelo da 11ª rodada do Campeonato Paulista, projetou tropeço para o rival.

"Se não somarmos os três pontos, podemos nos distanciar ainda mais do São Paulo. Não podemos perder pontos neste jogo. Deixaremos que eles tropecem. Mas é um clássico contra um time de tradição, e precisamos respeitar", argumentou.

Ainda sobrou tempo para Robinho dizer o que pretende fazer neste domingo. O seu retrospecto contra o Verdão é bem equilibrado: uma vitória, uma derrota e dois empates.

"Todos os jogos são importantes, mas em um clássico, dependendo do que você fizer, acaba ficando marcado para a vida toda. Eu quero manter a minha média de gols e, claro, desempatar este confronto pessoal", finalizou o artilheiro do Paulista com 10 gols.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h19
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As league and cup competitions all over Europe head towards an exciting climax, the fight against racism on and off the pitch continues. Since the November international between Spain and England in Madrid, marred so badly and unexpectedly by racist chanting, some steps have been taken, particularly in Spain, and this should be applauded. Nevertheless those who spend their lives fighting racism, and those whose lives are affected by it, will tell you how far we still have to go.

Deportivo fined
This week the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) fined RC Deportivo La Coruña €600 after fans racially abused Real Madrid CF's Roberto Carlos. Deportivo thus joined Getafe CF, Málaga CF, Albacete Balompié and Club Atlético de Madrid who have been fined similar amounts for similar incidents this season. However, Spain's United Against Racism in Football group described the decision to fine Atletico €600 as "ridiculous". The RFEF handed out a minor punishment because it deemed the club had done all it could by asking the fans to stop the abuse over the public address system.

Encouraging signs
The fact that more incidents are being reported both in the press and by officials is encouraging, but no one can doubt that journalists, governing bodies, clubs and police have an increasingly important and responsible role to play. Leading Spanish referee Eduardo Iturralde González recently told Spanish sports daily Marca: "Those people who should be facing up to this problem are not doing so. Of course I notice it when I am on the pitch. You hear everything there. And I'll tell you one thing, the day a black player decides to walk off the pitch, I'll go with him."

Aragonés fined
Also this week, Spain coach Luis Aragonés was fined €3,000 by his federation for using racially abusive language in reference last year to Arsenal FC striker Thierry Henry, who has subsequently launched a high-profile campaign across the continent called Stand Up, Speak Out.

'Questions have to be asked'
But once again there were those who were not satisfied with the size of the fine. Leon Mann of the British anti-racism organisation Kick it Out said: "We are not surprised by this pitiful fine. Questions have to be asked as to why the fine is only €3,000 when it took such a lengthy process to get to this decision, and why someone found guilty of a racist comment is still in a job."

Clubs could be excluded
UEFA's director of communications, William Gaillard, told the BBC today that clubs could be excluded from UEFA competitions if their fans are found guilty of racist behaviour. "There is no limit to the actions that we will take," he said. "We are ready to exclude a team from our competitions if we have repeat offenders."

'Consciousness gap'
As far as Spain in particular was concerned, Gaillard said. "I think the Spanish FA is gradually becoming aware that there is a problem and it has to be tackled seriously. I think there was probably a consciousness gap. I think football has been targeted by small extremist groups in Spain and some organisational measures are needed."

Henry solution
The last word, for the time being, goes to Henry. The striker told uefa.com: "You see the fines which are handed out - it's like catching a burglar and just saying 'don't do it again'. You think he won't do it again? In England it's amazing how things have changed. Before people were scared and women and kids didn't go to matches because of violence. Now if someone does something bad you see security moving in and people are banned for life. If you see someone banned then that's the incentive for you to stop. That can be the solution, ban people for life and it won't go on further."

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h18
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With the freezing conditions showing no signs of abating it will not be a weekend for the faint-hearted in the English Premiership. And with invaluable points on offer in the race for the title, the top three will be praying to emerge unscathed as they seek to overcome UEFA Champions League deficits in midweek.

Johnson threat
Manchester United FC travel to resurgent Crystal Palace FC hopeful of maintaining some pressure on Chelsea FC who sit six points clear at the top. Palace striker Andrew Johnson has 18 goals this season but faces a United defence which has been breached only 17 times in the Premiership.

High praise
Forwards Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have been in fine form for United, helping them narrow the gap to Chelsea during Ruud van Nistelrooij's recent absence. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose team visit AC Milan on Tuesday trailing 1-0, said: "They are both fantastic. We are very fortunate to have two young players who I think in the next few years will be world-class."

Canaries challenge
Chelsea are 2-1 down against Barcelona but first make the trip to another struggling side, Norwich FC, on Saturday. Arjen Robben is not yet back to fitness for Chelsea, who won the English League Cup last Sunday, and Norwich striker Darren Huckerby faces a late test on a hamstring strain.

Wenger worries
Before Arsenal FC attempt to turn around FC Bayern München's 3-1 advantage, they must welcome Portsmouth FC to Highbury, with Patrik Berger set to feature for the visitors after illness. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is waiting for a fitness test on Thierry Henry's achilles tendon, so Quincy Owusu-Abeyie may start after an impressive showing against Sheffield United FC in the FA Cup.

Souness test
Liverpool FC, 3-1 up against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in their Champions League tie, are away to a Newcastle FC side with Patrick Kluivert available after a knee injury. Having lost to Chelsea in extra time in the League Cup final, Liverpool are now hoping to rein in fourth-placed neighbours Everton FC, who play Blackburn Rovers FC on Sunday.

Neighbours meet
Elsewhere on Saturday, ninth-placed Charlton Athletic FC entertain London rivals Fulham FC, while a day later bottom team West Bromwich Albion FC welcome Birmingham City FC. Monday's game pairs Manchester City FC with Bolton Wanderers FC.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h16
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Besiktas JK visit the Ali Sami Yen stadium on Saturday night intent on claiming their 100th victory over Istanbul rivals Galatasaray SK.

Title chase
Galatasaray have dropped to third place in the Turkish Superleague after losing at Samsunspor last week, and with the gap between them and leaders Fenerbahçe SK now at five points, victory is essential if they are to stay in title contention. But Besiktas, ten points behind Galatasaray in fourth, are enjoying a revival and will make life hard for Gheorghe Hagi's men.

European ambition
The return of former player Riza Çalimbay has lifted Besiktas, who have won all four Superleague matches since the 42-year-old replaced Vicente Del Bosque as coach at the end of January. A fifth straight victory would reinforce their ambitions of a European place next season.

Good omens
And the omens are good for Çalimbay's team. Galatasaray have not beaten Besiktas in five attempts, their last success coming on 9 March 2002, 1-0 at the Ali Sami Yen. "I see this match as a final, so I'm not going to select any player who is not 100 per cent, physically or mentally," said Çalimbay, who is without leading scorer John Carew through suspension. "We cannot afford to lose. I have confidence in my side and we are thinking only about winning."

Hakan is back
Striker Arif Erdem spoke for the hosts, saying: "We want to win to stay on the trail of Fenerbahçe. We don't want another slip like against Samsunspor last week." Galatasaray's chances are helped by the availability of talisman Hakan Sükür who was rested for the midweek Turkish Cup tie against Diyarbakirspor. He may well be needed.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h15
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All eyes will be on the Olympiastadion on Saturday when Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern München encounter reigning champions Werder Bremen.

Decisive win
In Munich last May, Bremen clinched their fourth title with a 3-1 win at Bayern. Ivan Klasnic, an injury doubt tomorrow with a thigh strain, Johan Micoud and now departed Ailton put Bremen three up by half-time with Roy Makaay's goal scant consolation. However, Bayern did win 2-1 at Bremen in October.

Kahn warning
Bayern and FC Schalke 04 are four points clear of third-placed Bremen but captain Oliver Kahn has issued a warning to any team-mates complacent after crushing SC Freiburg 7-0 in the German Cup on Wednesday. "Bremen are our biggest rivals at the moment," the goalkeeper said. "They seem to have the ability to score four or five goals in every Bundesliga match. In my opinion they are more dangerous than Schalke."

'Not scared'
Indeed, Bremen midfielder Ludovic Magnin is optimistic of repeating 2004's Olympiastadion success. "We respect Bayern but we are not scared of them," he said. "We won there last season and we are capable of winning there again."

Ruhr derby
With their main title rivals colliding and one side definitely dropping points, Schalke could be the big winners if they take all three at local rivals VfL Bochum 1848. The home team are in the relegation zone and Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick declared: "Bochum have not dealt with pressure well this season and they are under a lot of pressure to beat us."

Leverkusen ambition
Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who like Bayern and Bremen are in UEFA Champions League action in midweek, travel to Hamburger SV with coach Klaus Augenthaler insisting they can close the eight-point gap to the leaders. "We want to make up lost ground," he said. Also on Saturday, VfB Stuttgart - level with Leverkusen - welcome a DSC Arminia Bielefeld side fresh from reaching their first cup semi-final, and VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach play VfL Wolfsburg.

Relegation rivals
Lower down, 1. FSV Mainz 05 can move further away from the relegation zone when they meet second-bottom SC Freiburg, and basement team FC Hansa Rostock go to Hannover 96. On Sunday, fourth-placed Hertha BSC Berlin welcome 1. FC Kaiserslautern and struggling 1. FC Nürnberg play BV Borussia Dortmund.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h15
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Primera División leaders FC Barcelona and second-placed Real Madrid CF both face difficult trips on Saturday with the gap between the two having been reduced to six points over the past week.

El Sadar test
Frank Rijkaard's Barça have drawn their last two games but remain in pole position. They visit CA Osasuna's El Sadar stadium, where there are never easy pickings, though Barcelona did win there last season. Ludovic Giuly has still not overcome a back injury, while the hosts can count on forward Mohammed El Yaagoubi after his two-match ban was cut.

Raúl Bravo bullish
Madrid, fresh from beating Real Betis Balompié on Wednesday, travel to Valencia CF. Defender Raúl Bravo, who has been deputising for the injured Míchel Salgado, warned that Madrid have the leaders in their sights. "Last week people were saying we had thrown any chance of winning the league, but now we are back in the chase," he said.

Caneira ruled out
Iker Casillas, who sustained a groin strain against Betis, should be fit but Zinedine Zidane and Raúl González are rested ahead of next week's UEFA Champions League tie at Juventus FC and Michael Owen misses out with a stomach bug. For fifth-placed Valencia, Rubén Baraja and Carlos Marchena return from suspension but left-back Marco Caneira is injured.

Sevilla trip
UEFA Cup contenders Sevilla FC, in fourth, go to Club Atlético de Madrid in Saturday's other game. Sevilla have striker Daniel Alves banned and left-back Adriano Correia sidelined, yet recover Fernando Sales and Jesús Navas from minor injuries. Atlético, in eighth, miss playmaker Ariel Ibagaza who has torn a muscle.

Closely-packed group
Villarreal CF, above Sevilla on goal difference, are at bottom club CD Numancia on Sunday. RCD Espanyol, who claimed their first point at Camp Nou in 19 years on Tuesday, entertain Bernd Schuster's Levante UD, while Betis - one point behind Espanyol in seventh - are at home to Getafe CF.

Remaining action
Elsewhere, RC Deportivo La Coruña meet Málaga CF, Athletic Club Bilbao welcome Albacete Balompié, Real Zaragoza play Real Racing Club Santander and lowly RCD Mallorca take on Real Sociedad de Fútbol.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h14
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This weekend Fabio Capello returns to the Stadio Olimpico for the first time since leaving AS Roma for Juventus FC last summer, and the Bianconeri coach can expect a hot reception. Emerson and Jonathan Zebina, who followed Capello from Rome to Turin, must also prepare for a lively Saturday night.

Positive precedent
Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero, who could start alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack, is looking forward to the reunion. "We played well against [AC] Siena last Sunday, which is a good sign ahead of two really big matches in our season - against Roma and then against Real Madrid [CF] in the [UEFA] Champions League," he said.

Totti returns
For the visitors, Pavel Nedved remains sidelined with a head injury and David Trezeguet may be benched after a bout of flu. Roma, on the other hand, recover captain Francesco Totti from suspension. Nevertheless, the Giallorossi, in seventh, have lost two of their last three games, and Juventus will fancy their chances as they strive to keep pace with joint-leaders AC Milan. The Rossoneri, level on 57 points with Juve, visit bottom club Atalanta BC the same evening.

Nesta focus
Carlo Ancelotti's side are on a four-match winning streak and welcome back Jaap Stam from a hamstring strain. Although Cafu is suspended, and Filippo Inzaghi and Andriy Shevchenko sidelined, Alessandro Nesta is in determined mood, saying: "We are at the stage of the season where every single match must be played like a final."

Goals galore
After losing their season's unbeaten record against Milan last week, FC Internazionale Milano host US Lecce on Sunday with goals in store. Serie A top scorers Inter have found the net 47 times, while Zdenek Zeman's Lecce boast a tally of 45. Third-placed UC Sampdoria can further their Champions League ambitions when they welcome AC Chievo Verona, who have lost three consecutive games.

European race
Udinese Calcio and US Città di Palermo are also in the hunt for Champions League football, both lying just one point behind fourth-placed Inter. Udinese entertain Bologna FC, and Palermo go to AS Livorno Calcio.

Relegation fight
UEFA Cup contenders Parma FC are only one point above the relegation zone and face Cagliari Calcio. ACF Fiorentina, a point better off than Parma, are at home to Reggina Calcio, while Siena and Brescia Calcio, third and second from bottom respectively, go head-to-head in a relegation six-pointer.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h14
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Ronaldo sofre pior vaia da torcida do Real Madrid

Público está ressentido pelo casamento com Cicarelli na França

Diego Torres
Em Madri

Raúl Bravo se colocou na pele da estrela: "Todos sofremos situações como a que Ronaldo passou em determinado momento; eu também já vivi isso". O lateral, que a única coisa que tem em comum com Ronaldo é o corte de cabelo e o modelo de camiseta, teve palavras de apoio para o gênio brasileiro, que na última quarta-feira (2/3) sofreu a pior vaia desde que joga no Real Madrid. O time venceu o Bétis por 3 a 1 em casa.

Reuters Vida pessoal pode ter afetado seu prestígio junto à torcida madrilenha

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h11
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¿Qué le pasa a Adriano?

"Aunque lo veamos tan grande y fuerte, no nos tenemos que olvidar de que tiene 23 años recién cumplidos. Es un chicos de oro, muy sensible, no es nada fácil asimilar todo lo que le ha pasado en los últimos meses. No es un robot. Es normal que haya bajado el ritmo . Todos los jugadores han estado en el banquillo, excepto Maradona , que tenía la titularidad asegurada aunque no estuviera al cien por cien. Además, Adriano no hizo vacaciones porque jugó la Copa América. Es un auténtico profesional, se está entrenando bien y sabemos que dentro de poco volverá a marcar goles. Nuestro problema no es Adriano. "

Escrito por fraja8 às 20h33
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- Hablamos el mismo día que firmó por el Real Madrid, aquí en la televisión. Estaba muy ilusionado en todos los sentidos. ¿Se han cumplido tus expectativas?- Sí, he disfrutado jugando para el Real Madrid, la afición es fantástica. La gente sabe que hemos tenido algunas dificultades, pero ahora estoy jugando un buen fútbol, y eso es muy importante. Mi mujer y mi familia están contentos. Queremos criar a nuestros hijos en España. Brooklin está muy contento en el colegio, tiene muchos amigos. Cada día nos viene con una nueva frase en español, es muy feliz.

- Al llegar al equipo, ¿qué es lo que más le llamó la atención del Club y del vestuario? - No me sorprendió nada, sabía que eran grandes jugadores. Bueno, como personas son mejores de lo que yo pensaba. Eso es lo que la gente desde fuera no ve, no saben el ambiente que tenemos en el vestuario, cómo somos cuando estamos juntos, y eso es lo más importante. Para mí son unos jugadores increíbles. Con diferentes caracteres, son los mejores futbolistas del mundo, pero además son muy buenas personas. Eso se agradece mucho.

- ¿Le sorprendió algún jugador? - Conocía a casi todos antes de llegar al equipo. Pero Guti es uno de esos jugadores que te sorprende por su goles, cómo aprovecha los pases. La gente en España lo sabe, pero en Inglaterra no le conocen y no se dan cuenta de que es un excelente jugador.

- Hablemos de sus primeros seis meses en el equipo. Fueron una especie de cuento de hadas. Llegó a decir que jugó entonces su mejor fútbol. - Creo que en el Manchester jugué muy bien. Luego vine al Madrid y quizás la afición no esperaba que jugara tan bien, pero jugué un buen fútbol. La percepción que tenía la gente de mí como jugador y como persona era probablemente diferente de la que tengan ahora, eso espero. Es verdad que disfruté mucho los seis primeros meses, fue algo increíble, mi primer partido en la Liga, mi primer partido en el Bernabéu.

- Y su primer gol. - Sí, no pude haber empezado mejor. Pero después de esas navidades me lesioné y cuando volví a jugar no tenía la misma forma física. No acababa de recuperar mi juego, las cosas ya no iban tan bien en el terreno de juego. Pero esta temporada estoy jugando mucho mejor, estoy luchando y trabajando duro. Eso es algo que siempre he procurado hacer, esforzarme en cada partido y ser honrado en el campo.

- ¿Qué recuerdos especiales guarda de esos comienzos en el Real Madrid? - Tengo muchos recuerdos de aquella época. El día que firmé para el equipo fue muy especial para mí y para mi familia, es un recuerdo imborrable. Cuando pisé el césped del Bernabéu por primera vez, cuando marqué mi primer gol. También los recuerdos que tengo con Roberto Carlos, Zidane o Ronaldo celebrando las victorias es algo que llevo muy dentro de mí. Los jugadores son estupendos y saber, por ejemplo, que con un pase mío Zidane va a conseguir un gol precioso es una sensación irrepetible. Es lo maravilloso de jugar en este equipo y con estos jugadores, hasta que no juegas con ellos no te das cuenta de lo buenos que son.

- ¿En qué ha mejorado desde su llegada?  He tenido que mejorar en general como jugador, en la Liga se juega un fútbol diferente. En Inglaterra el juego es más frenético, más intenso. En el Real Madrid el tiempo de posesión del balón es más largo. La técnica tiene que ser perfecta porque el campeonato es muy exigente.

- Su primer toque de balón es impresionante. - Sí y eso es algo que siempre he trabajado especialmente, desde que tenía 8 ó 9 años con mi padre, él siempre me insistía mucho en ese aspecto. El control del balón, el primer contacto con él es crucial. Creo que he mejorado en ese tipo de cosas.

- Su juego con la pierna izquierda también ha mejorado sensiblemente.
- Siempre he jugado bien con la izquierda, puedo hacerlo en determinados momentos cuando esnecesario. Recuerdo un par de partidos en el Bernabéu en que hice varios pases con la izquierda a Roberto Carlos y a Zidane.

- Y ha ayudado más en tareas defensivas, que no era su punto fuerte.  Si, por momentos he tenido que jugar también en defensa. Pero los defensas y los centrocampistas me han ayudado mucho. He mejorado ese aspecto de mi juego y lo he disfrutado mucho, es una nueva experiencia

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h53
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- La temporada pasada no fue muy buena para el equipo. Este año parece que el equipo ha cambiado, aunque los jugadores son básicamente los mismos. - Se trata de confianza. Tenemos un entrenador nuevo que sabe lo que quiere, dónde quiere llegar y lo que tiene que hacer. Confía en los jugadores, nos ha dicho lo que quiere de nosotros, los jugadores le respetamos y al mismo tiempo necesitamos que nos respeten.

- ¿Se necesita entonces mano dura? - No exactamente. Lo que necesitamos es trabajar duro, que se tenga confianza en nuestro juego. Luxemburgo me ha hecho sentirme muy seguro y no sólo ha trabajado conmigo, lo ha hecho con todos. Me ha ayudado poniéndome en la alineación del equipo, pero yo también me he esforzado. Me he dado cuenta de que si no trabajo duro no estaré de titular. También en los tiros libres, en algunos detalles de mi juego defensivo y en saber cuál es mi posición en el equipo. Me ha movido ligeramente hacia la derecha. Ahora sé cuál es mi lugar en el terreno de juego, mi papel en el equipo, necesitaba saberlo.

- ¿Qué ha cambiado Luxemburgo? - No es sólo él, son los dos entrenadores. Han traído la diversión y la sonrisa al equipo y eso era precisamente lo que necesitábamos, ir a entrenar a diario con optimismo. Yo lo siento así y creo que el resto de la plantilla disfruta también de los entrenamientos, se divierten viniendo todos los días a trabajar a tope.

- ¿Insiste mucho en los aspectos tácticos? - Sí, pero sin llegar a extremos. Nos cuenta lo necesario sobre los jugadores del rival, sus posiciones, pero no insiste en ello todos los días. Estudiamos la táctica dos días a la semana, no más. Las cámaras del Bernabéu graban nuestros movimientos durante el partido y después analizamos la posición del equipo y de cada jugador. Así vemos los errores que hay que corregir. Es una gran ayuda.

- ¿Cuál es la posición ideal de Beckham? - En el Manchester jugué en la derecha mucho tiempo y lo disfruté muchísimo. Siempre he dicho que me gusta jugar en el centro, pero no que sea mi mejor posición. No importa donde me guste jugar. Con tal de ser titular jugaría en cualquier posición.

- Ahora ha decidido reducir sus contratos de publicidad. - A principios del año pasado tenía unos once patrocinadores, ahora sólo cuatro. Tengo contratos a largo plazo con ellos, algunos de 5 años. Ni los patrocinadores ni las actividades comerciales afectan a mi juego en el campo. Nunca lo han hecho y nunca lo harán.

- ¿Cree que su mejor juego está aún por llegar? - Tengo 30 años. Creo que todavía me quedan algunos años de muy buen fútbol. Quiero seguir jugando a este nivel y creo que puedo hacerlo. Creo que mi mejor fútbol todavía está por llegar. He jugado muy bien en diferentes momentos. El comienzo de 2005 ha sido toda una grata sorpresa para mí.

- Y el futuro, ¿cómo lo ve? - He firmado por cuatro años con el Real Madrid. Cuando dejé el Manchester pensé que terminaría mi carrera en el Real Madrid y eso es precisamente lo que quiero cumplir. Voy a quedarme aquí todo el tiempo que pueda, jugando a este alto nivel. Esta es mi segunda temporada, me quedan varios años de buen fútbol por delante. El Real Madrid es uno de los mejores equipos del mundo y quiero brindarles mi fútbol al mejor nivel mientras pueda. Quiero retirarme aquí.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h43
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Coaching Carousel

Is success based on skill, luck or both?

Management can be a lot like musical chairs: Stop in the wrong place at the wrong time and you'll end up with your rear end on the concrete. Consider the strange stories -- independent yet intersecting -- of Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez and Claudio Ranieri.

Last season Ranieri guided Chelsea to second place in the Premiership (the club's best finish in 49 years) and the semifinals of the Champions League. It wasn't enough to avoid getting fired, however, sending him Valencia's way to replace Benitez.

All Benitez did last year was win La Liga (his second Spanish crown in three years) and the UEFA Cup. Yet -- guess what? -- it wasn't enough to keep his job. Valencia didn't even bother offering him a new deal until the spring and, even then, it limited his powers in terms of buying and selling players. So Benitez bolted for Liverpool, taking on an enormous reconstruction job after seven years of Gerard Houllier-inspired follies.

The careers of two of these men crossed last Sunday, when Liverpool lost the English League Cup final to Chelsea, which is coached by Mourinho, the man who replaced Ranieri. The Portuguese Mourinho got the Chelsea gig after winning the Portuguese league and the Champions League with Porto. Of the three managers, he is the only one who actually made an upward, move rather than a lateral one.

At first glance, Mourinho's career prospects are head and shoulders above the other two. But that only tells part of the story.

True, Mourinho's Chelsea not only won the League Cup -- it sits atop the English Premiership while Valencia and Liverpool both are mired in fifth place. But Mourinho spent five times as much money on signings as the other two coaches and, with the exception of Ricardo Carvalho (who, at $38 million, didn't come cheap), most of them (Didier Drogba, Thiago, Paulo Ferreira, Mateja Kezman) have been rather humdrum.

Indeed, Chelsea's best players this season either came through the ranks (such as John Terry) or were signed by none other than Ranieri: Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele and Damien Duff, as well as Petr Cech and Arjen Robben, who were bought last winter, when Ranieri was still in charge.

But for all of Ranieri's prowess on the transfer wire for Chelsea, his activities at Valencia have been less than impressive. It's not so much that he signed bad players, it's just that he brought in guys who didn't fit, such as Stefano Fiore, for whom there was no logical place in the formation, or Bernardo Corradi, who appears unsuited to La Liga. Indeed, if Ranieri usually plays with a single front man -- he already has Mista, who scored 19 goals last year -- was it really necessary to spend another $35 million for two more strikers like Corradi and Marco Di Vaio?

So Ranieri is not a transfer genius. But if Valencia is worse now than a year ago, it's because Benitez, the true master, is no longer there. Of course, what does one make of Benitez's spell at Liverpool?

The Reds are not just 25 points behind Chelsea; they're fifth, a full eight points behind crosstown rival Everton, a club that was on the verge of bankruptcy last summer. Apart from Xabi Alonso (currently injured) and Fernando Morientes, Benitez's signings -- Josemi, Luis Garcia, Mauricio Pellegrino and Antonio Nuñez -- largely look like duds. Benitez may have plenty of mitigating reasons -- an unreal succession of injuries, the continuing controversy surrounding his best player, Steven Gerrard, and the difficult job of sorting through the mess he inherited from Houllier -- but the simple truth is that Liverpool is lower in the table now than it was under Houllier. And that is not a good thing.

So what does all this mean? Simply that assessing managers is far from simple, and often fraught with contradictions. They all make mistakes, sometimes egregious ones. Still, they're not as incompetent as they sometimes appear and, clearly, they're not as bright as they would like us to think. We're supposed to judge them by their results, but even these often are down to elements largely outside their control, such as players, referees and sheer dumb luck (or lack thereof).

Maybe a manager's single biggest skill is simply being in the right place at the right time...

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h36
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With the passing of Rinus Michels, the football family has suffered the loss of a legend who played an essential role in putting Dutch football on the map by introducing the world to Total Football.

Total Football
In 1974 he was the mastermind behind the Netherlands' electrifying FIFA World Cup campaign, taking his team to the final where they lost 2-1 to host nation West Germany. Michels had introduced the concept of Total Football at AFC Ajax, and it reached its peak at the World Cup. The Oranje may have lost the final, but they won many fans with their free-flowing, fluid style of play.

'Football is war'
His demanding 4-3-3 system called on players of exceptional quality to interchange positions and press high up the field, and for all outfield players to be able to participate in attacks. Attack-minded full-backs roamed the flanks and even a 'flying' goalkeeper was encouraged to take part in the passage of play. Michels also made his most famous statement at this time: "Football is war."

Joined Ajax aged 12
Michels was born in 1928, only a few hundred metres from the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium, venue for that year's Olympic Games. He was passionate about football from a young age and played on the streets until being invited to join the Ajax youth set-up in the summer of 1940. Michels developed into a head-strong striker and made his debut for Ajax against ADO Den Haag on 9 June 1946. He scored five times in a memorable 8-3 victory.

Capped five times
Ajax were the only club he would play for, making his final appearance on 16 March 1958 having registered 120 goals in 257 league games. Michels also collected five caps for the Netherlands until a back complaint forced him to retire. After his playing career he became a gymnastics teacher at the JC Amman school for deaf children, and also coached the JOS amateur side in Amsterdam.

European champions
In January 1965 he returned to Ajax as first-team coach, and after saving Ajax from relegation in his first season in charge he brought glory to the Amsterdam club. Michels led Ajax to the Dutch championship in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1970, the Dutch Cup in 1967, 1970 and 1971 and then capped it all by winning the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1971, the first of three consecutive European successes for Ajax.

EURO triumph
In 1971 he left for FC Barcelona, coaching the Catalan club to the Spanish title in 1974 before going on to greater things with the Dutch national team that summer. But despite worldwide praise for the Dutch approach, legendary players such as Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Willem van Hanegem, Rob Rensenbrink and Johnny Rep failed to lift the World Cup. However, Michels would get his reward at the 1988 UEFA European Championship, also played in Germany. In the semi-finals he provided a release for lingering Dutch frustrations by defeating Germany, and then turned the Netherlands orange with a 2-0 final victory over the USSR.

Hard-line approach
'The General', as Michels was known - feared for his hardline approach and praised for his dry humour - ended his club coaching career in 1989 at German side Bayer 04 Leverkusen. He had also coached Los Angeles Aztecs and 1. FC Köln between 1978 and 1983. After the 1992 European Championship in Denmark, where his team lost on penalties in the semi-finals against the eventual winners, Michels quit coaching although he remained involved with the Royal Netherlands Football Association. He watched every Ajax home match he could, with his wife Will Hulsbosch by his side until she passed away on 2 November 2003.

'If I had a tail, I would wag it'
At the 50th anniversary of professional football in the Netherlands last year, current Netherlands coach Marco van Basten presented Michels with the award for best coach during that period. Michels said then: "I am especially happy with the fact I have been able to help make the Dutch way of playing famous all over the world. If I had a tail, I would wag it," Michels added, showing he had lost none of his much-loved sense of humour.

Marinus Hendrikus Jacobus Michels
Born: 09/02/28, Amsterdam
Died: 03/03/05, Aalst (Belgium)
For UEFA: Member Technical Development Committee 1990-1992
Vice-chairman Technical Development Committee 1992-2004
Special Adviser from 2004
Member Fun Football Committee 1996-2000
Expert adviser to the Jira Commission, 1998-2000
UEFA Order of Merit (Ruby) 2002
Member of Technical Study Group for various European Championships
Named FIFA Coach of the Century in 1999

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h28
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Holders SL Benfica clinched the last remaining spot in the Portuguese Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 home win against SuperLiga strugglers SC Beira-Mar tonight.

Pereira pounces
The goal for Giovanni Trapattoni's side came not long before the half-hour as Nuno Gomes found winger João Pereira, who sprinted down his flank, cut in and beat Czech goalkeeper Pavel Srnícek with a powerful shot from close range. There was no way back for Beira-Mar, now concentrating on climbing off the foot of the SuperLiga.

Tuesday draw
Benfica, aiming to become the first team to win the Portuguese Cup 25 times, join Vitória FC, Boavista FC and second division CF Estrela da Amadora - who ousted Os Belenenses on penalties on Wednesday - in the last-four draw, to be made on Tuesday at Portuguese Football Federation headquarters in Lisbon.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h24
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PSV Eindhoven had few problems reached the Dutch Cup semi-finals as they defeated sole second division survivors TOP Oss to set up a last-four meeting with Feyenoord, who also won through tonight.

Robert's stunning debut
Brazilian winter signing Robert made a stunning debut for the Eredivisie leaders with four goals, but it was Michael Lamey who put PSV ahead on two minutes. Then Robert began to endear himself to the Eindhoven faithful, converted an eleventh-minute penalty and adding another goal in the 26th minute. DaMarcus Beasley made it four only 13 minutes later, and Robert's treble was completed not long before the hour mark. Leon van Dalen then pulled one back, but Mark van Bommel had the last word late on.

Feyenoord through
Feyenoord saw off NAC Breda 4-0 with Salomon Kalou opening the scoring after being sent clear on visiting goalkeeper Davy Schollen just prior to half-time. Early in the second period, Romeo Castelen was brought down in the box and Dirk Kuijt had no problem in converting the penalty. Kalou's deflected shot increased the lead on the hour and three minutes from the end Kuijt joined his team-mate on two goals.

Semi-final draw
In the semi-finals, Willem II will play fellow Wednesday night winners AFC Ajax on 20 April, with Feyenoord taking on PSV the following day.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h24
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Kaiser: "No me asusta dirigir a Corinthians, pero reconozco que Brasil debe ser uno de los lugares más difíciles del mundo para entrenar"
"Brasil es el seleccionado más difícil del mundo para entrenar porque hay que ganar todos los partidos. Después vienen los de Italia y Argentina con un poco menos de presión. No es lo mismo dirigir los de Inglaterra o Alemania, donde hay más paciencia"Los objetivos en este momento son el campeonato brasileño y clasificar a la Copa Sudamericana de este año y la Libertadores del 2006"

Logo no início da conversa, o ex-treinador da seleção argentina fez questão de negar que tenha tido problemas com brasileiros durante sua carreira no futebol. Passarella, inclusive, ressaltou que trabalhou muito bem com brasileiros em sua passagem como técnico do Monterrey (México). “Esse problema é uma inverdade. Treinei dois brasileiros no México e os dois jogavam. Quando um deles se transferiu para o Atlas, pedi para a diretoria a contratação de outro. Meu pedido foi atendido e fomos campeões. Não tive problemas com brasileiros no Monterrey”, afirmou Passarella, negando também atritos com Sócrates em 1984 e 85, quando jogaram juntos na Fiorentina (Itália).

O novo comandante do Timão demonstrou estar ciente da responsabilidade de se treinar um clube como o Corinthians, mas ressaltou possuir a capacidade de lidar com a pressão da torcida. “O Corinthians é um clube muito grande e que tem uma pressão enorme, mas não me assusto com desafios. Tem uma torcida imensa e fiel, e assumo esse time com muita garra e vontade”, afirmou.

Apesar de suas principais conquistas terem sido alcançadas como jogador, o argentino destacou que tem toda a bagagem necessária para levar o Corinthians aos títulos sonhados por torcedores e dirigentes. “Estou capacitado para assumir o Corinthians e dar alegria à torcida. Estou ciente da responsabilidade e farei de tudo por esse time”, comentou. “Vou mandar cortar o cabelo de todos”, brincou o técnico, antes de completar. “Não tenho preconceito nenhum quanto a isso. Todo chefe quer dedicação total de seu time. Os jogadores devem ter a consciência da responsabilidade de defender um grande clube”.

Depois de explicar que suas equipes têm como principais virtudes técnica e dinâmica, Passarella confirmou que comandará o primeiro treino do Timão nesta sexta-feira. Apesar disso, não estará à frente do time na partida contra o União São João, domingo, pelo Campeonato Paulista. Se o confronto contra o Cianorte for confirmado para a próxima quarta-feira, o técnico fará sua estréia à frente do Corinthians no compromisso da Copa do Brasil. Passarella assinou contrato válido até 31 de dezembro, com a possibilidade de renovação por mais um ano.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h15
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Iraniano que comanda a MSI se irritou com as perguntas sobre problema com Tite e ainda reclamou dos jornalistas.

SÃO PAULO - A confusão envolvendo Kia Joorabichian, Paulo Angioni e Tite após a derrota para o São Paulo ganhou enorme proporção com a demissão do treinador na última segunda-feira. Tanto que na apresentação de Daniel Passarella, novo comandante do Corinthians, o assunto fez parte da pauta. E irritou o iraniano que comanda a MSI.

Quando o técnico argentino foi questionado pelos repórteres presentes à coletiva se aceitaria a interferência de dirigentes no seu trabalho, Kia esperou a resposta de Passarella e pegou o microfone para dar a sua versão do fato."Não conversei com o Tite no vestiário [após a derrota para o São Paulo]. O que aconteceu foi uma discussão minha com o [Paulo] Angioni sobre o futuro do time. Gosto muito do Tite, mas infelizmente as coisas não deram certo para nós", desmentiu o iraniano.

Depois de negar o bate-boca com Tite, Kia voltou a reclamar do tratamento da imprensa brasileira com ele e repetiu que não interfere no trabalho de ninguém."Existe um exagero nessa história [briga com Tite]. Durante os últimos três meses tenho sofrido ataques constantes da imprensa, mas estou aqui por um motivo muito mais sério e maior, que é fazer do Corinthians um time campeão. Nunca interferi no trabalho de ninguém", finalizou Kia.

Vale lembrar que logo no início da parceria entre Corinthians e MSI, o técnico Tite chegou a declarar que não trabalharia com Kia, que tinha procurado por Vanderlei Luxemburgo por não querer que o gaúcho no comando do Timão.

Escrito por fraja8 às 19h13
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Real Madrid CF will have to wait until next season to see Jonathan Woodgate in action after the club's €22m summer signing admitted temporary defeat in his fight against a persistent thigh injury.

Five more months
English international Woodgate has yet to play a competitive match for Madrid since his August transfer from Newcastle United FC because of the injury to his left thigh. And the defender must now wait at least another five months after club doctors ruled him out of the remainder of the current campaign.

'Not the end of me'
"The doctors have told me that I am out for the rest of the season," said the 25-year-old former Leeds United AFC player. Woodgate ripped muscle fibres in the injured thigh in the build-up to last summer's UEFA European Championship. His failure to overcome the problem has raised doubts about his long-term future, but the centre-back insisted that "the injury will not be the end of me". He stated: "I am determined to play at the top again."

Escrito por fraja8 às 18h00
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Nike cautious with $40M investment

Kobe Bryant's marketability might have taken a big hit, but don't be surprised if the Los Angeles Lakers guard is seen pitching shoes in the near future.

A reported resolution of the civil suit faced by Bryant could clear the way for his re-emergence on the advertising scene. Sources told ABC News on Tuesday that Bryant has agreed in principle to a settlement with the woman who accused him of sexual assault. Days before Bryant's June 2003 encounter with the woman, Nike had signed the Laker to a five-year contract worth at least $40 million.

But charges were soon filed and, once the case hit the courtroom, sponsors that had established a relationship with Bryant, including the shoe and apparel giant, were cautious not to use him in advertising. As a result, one of the NBA's most dynamic stars has not appeared in a television advertisement in the past 20 months.

If the settlement between Bryant and his accuser is finalized, the seven-time All-Star would emerge from both a criminal and civil trial without being convicted. It might not only prevent Nike from invoking a potential morals clause to devalue the deal, but could make it more comfortable for executives to go forward with him.

Despite its $40 million investment, the company has held Bryant from its advertising, instead concentrating on the beginnings of its seven-year, $90 million deal with LeBron James.

Though Bryant didn't appear in television or print advertising last season, Nike still put him in a new shoe, which many Bryant fans knew was the Air Huarache 2K4. The shoe sold very well.

The shoe Bryant is wearing this season, the Air Huarache 2K5, debuts in three colors in three weeks.

While Nike is not expected to put Bryant in commercials immediately, shoe retailing sources, who previously had indicated Nike would not use Bryant for the rest of the basketball season, now say they've been told the shoe company still might use Bryant in the near future. Despite his off-court troubles, many in Nike's core young market still support Bryant.

"We have maintained that there has been no change in the status of Kobe's contract with us and we look forward to continuing to work with him," Nike spokesman Rodney Knox said.

Bryant's last spot was a Sprite commercial shown in July 2003. His contract with the Coca-Cola brand expires this season and, with James now the NBA face of the brand, it's unlikely Bryant will appear in another commercial for the soft drink.

In the midst of his legal battles, some brands Bryant endorsed opted not to renew him in 2004, including McDonalds and Nutella. Bryant's agent Rob Pelinka was not available for comment as to Nike's future plans with his client.

Sports memorabilia company Upper Deck and basketball maker Spalding have continued their relationship with the Lakers guard, though Bryant can no longer be found on the Spalding Web site. He is not included in the set of 10 players featured on the company's new "jersey" balls.

Escrito por fraja8 às 16h45
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Após desencontros de informações e atraso no anúncio, o Corinthians confirmou na tarde desta quinta-feira a contratação do técnico argentino Daniel Passarella, que irá comandar a equipe por um ano, com prioridade de renovação por mais um ano.

O acerto chegou a ficar ameaçado, quando o Corinthians teve de atrasar o início da entrevista coletiva que iria sacramentar a contratação, já que as negociações se estenderam até o ponto que Passarella entrou em acordo com o Corinthians e a parceira MSI. Seu salário foi estipulado em US$ 100 mil (R$ 264 mil).

Aos 51 anos, Passarella volta a dirigir uma equipe após 14 meses, já que seu último trabalho foi no Monterrey, do México, onde conquistou o título nacional antes de deixar o clube, em janeiro de 2004.

DANIEL PASSARELLA

Nome completo: Daniel Alberto Passarella Nascimento: Chacabuco, Argentina, 25/5/1953 Posição: Zagueiro Clubes em que jogou: River Plate (1974 a 1982), Fiorentina-ITA (1982 a 1986), Internazionale-ITA (1986 a 1988) e River Plate (1988-89) Títulos: Campeão argentino (1975, 1979, 1981), metropolitano (1975, 1977, 1979/80), do Mundo (1978 e 1986) Clubes como treinador: River Plate, seleção da Argentina, seleção do Uruguai, Parma e Monterrey (MEX) Títulos como treinador Campeão argentino com o River (1990-91-93) e mexicano com o Monterrey (2003)

Escrito por fraja8 às 16h26
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Análisis del partido
“Estoy contento con el resultado y con el rendimiento del equipo. Esta victoria es importante porque nos enfrentamos a un buen equipo”.

Ronaldo y Casillas
“Lo que he hablado con Ronaldo es personal. No me han dolido los silbidos del público, pero deben entender que estaba intentando las cosas; Ronnie lo ha intentado todo. Llevo muchos años en el fútbol se que estas cosas forman parte de este deporte. Lo que tiene que hacer él y todos es trabajar mucho y entrenar mucho, así volverá a ser el que era. No tengo ninguna duda de que lo conseguirá. Respecto a la lesión de Casillas, veremos mañana lo que dice el Cuerpo Médico”.

Se aprieta la Liga
“La Liga está más animada ahora. Nunca he dicho que estuviéramos fuera. Ahora tenemos una desventaja de seis puntos, pero tenemos que seguir recortando y haciendo las cosas como ahora”.

¿Piensa ya en el Barcelona?
“Antes de pensar en ese partido está el Valencia, la Juve… Ese partido está muy lejos. Todavía no puedo pensar en ello. Tengo otras cosas en la cabeza”.

Riesgos defensivos
“Tenía a Beckham y a Gravesen en el centro, para mí el Betis no ha estado muy suelto, pero asumimos riesgos porque hay que llegar arriba. Me gusta analizar el partido de todos, no sólo lo que ha hecho Beckham”.

Escrito por fraja8 às 16h23
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2006 Wembley FA Cup final set for May 13

LONDON, March 3 (Reuters) - The 2006 FA Cup final, the first match scheduled for the new Wembley Stadium, will be played on Saturday May 13, the Football Association said on Thursday.

The final will be the last game of the English domestic season barring the lower league playoffs, providing a boost for England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who had asked for ample preparation time for the 2006 World Cup should his side qualify. The England team would now have a four-week break between the FA Cup final and the start of the tournament in Germany.

"

The FA believes it is crucial to allow the national team to be given equal preparation time to every other team competing in Germany next summer," the FA said in a statement on its website.

The FA has also moved to help English clubs playing in Europe next season by scrapping FA Cup replays in the fifth and sixth rounds for sides still competing in the UEFA Cup, and the sixth round for teams still involved in the Champions League. Ties in the relevant rounds involving clubs still in Europe will be settled in the original match using extra time and penalties if required.

Escrito por fraja8 às 16h14
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Can you describe what you remember from the FIFA World Youth Championship Mexico 1983?
It was a very impressive, well organised championship and we played a number of fascinating games.
As far as I know it still is  the tournament with the highest average number of spectators per match in the history of the FIFA World Youth Championship.

Do you remember how the Dutch team prepared for the event?
First we played an international tournament in the Netherlands before we travelled to Mexico. We arrived in Mexico approximately eight days before the opening match. So we had time to recover from the eight hours'  time difference and to get used to the circumstances.

Did you have any idea of your opponents' strengths and weaknesses? Did you get to see video tapes of them or is that something that developed in recent years?
We only knew the Scottish team, one of the other European participants. No, we did not have any video tapes of the potential opponents. We only saw parts of the previous tournament in 1979 when Diego Maradona was the rising star.

Did you know any of the teams or any of the individual players before the FIFA World Youth Championship started in 1983?
No, we had no idea what sort of opposition we would meet or who the outstanding players were with each team. It was all a surprise.

How much attention did the people in Mexico pay to the FIFA World Youth Championship and what about the attention of the Dutch media for your performances 22 years ago?
The tournament was very popular among the Mexicans, which was shown by the huge crowds. The Dutch media were very reluctant to follow the Dutch National team on a trip to Mexico. If I remember correctly only the national football magazine and the national television broadcaster made the trip to Mexico. The reason for being there was mainly Gerald Vanenburg. He was the only player in his club's first team at that time and by far the most interesting player of us all.

Who was the brightest star of Dutch football at the time?
Gerald Vanenburg, He was the only one playing at top level at that time. The other players were on the way up but had not reached the level that Gerald had reached before we went to Mexico.

Why did he not become the great star he promised to be?
I do not agree with the premise that Gerald did not become a star. Vanenburg has had a very decent  career, He played for Ajax and PSV, he won the European Cup with PSV in 1988  and was a member of the Dutch National team that won the European title in 1988 as well. Not many players can say that.  But in 1983 he was announced as the "new Maradona" and in that way he failed to live up to the expectations.

Did some of the players have you met in Mexico strike you as special talents and did you follow them throughout their career?
Yes, Brazilian Bebeto and Oleg Protasov from Russia were very impressive. It  took only a few minutes to tell that they were outstanding among a whole lot of very talented players.

Is there anything that you will always remember from Mexico in 1983?
That is without a doubt the goal of Mario Been in the match versus Brazil.  It was an amazing goal that was shown all over the world. And I will never forget the game against Argentina, which we lost narrowly in the dying seconds of the match. What a disappointment!

Why was this one-off experience so valuable for the rest of your career?
It was the experience of participating in such a great event in another continent. Being together for such a long time with the best players from your own country and playing the best opponents from all over the world made it an experience that I will always treasure. Participating in events like these help a young player to mature and also teach him what is needed to become a successful professional player.

Have football fans in the Netherlands got any idea what will be happening on 10 June when the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 kicks off?
I have the idea that they still underestimate the size and impact of the event  People do not realise that it is an extraordinary chance to see the most talented players at work. But I am sure that people will get more excited in the next few months, especially if the Dutch team do well.

Do you intend to watch a number of matches of the FIFA World Youth Championship?
Of course my assistant John van 't Schip and myself will attend a couple of matches and enjoy the atmosphere and the quality shown by the young players.

Do you know any of the Dutch players in particular ?
I know almost all the players, as I worked with the Ajax youth department where a fair number of players got their education. I will continue to follow them with great interest.

What are the chances from the Dutch U-20 team?
The Dutch have a strong side and can certainly cause the occasional surprise. With the support from the home crowd they can rise to the occasion.

Will you make a contribution to the preparations of the Dutch National team?
We would certainly love to share our experiences of a big tournament like this with the current generation of players. If it is good for them, it is good for us as well.  

Why should the fans come in large numbers to the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005?
People have the chance to see the future top players. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Afterwards they will regret not having been there.

Who is your bet for the title?
I am sure one of the South American teams will end up as winners

Escrito por fraja8 às 15h54
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Não foi a mesma coisa. É bem verdade que o mau tempo também não colaborou, mas a simples ausência de Romário já era motivo para afugentar os torcedores da arena montada na praia de Copacabana, local o qual estão sendo realizadas as Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de futebol de areia.

Sem o Baixinho, que sofreu uma lesão na coxa e dificilmente voltará a atuar no torneio, os torcedores não demonstraram o mesmo entusiasmo nesta quarta-feira que fora mostrado na terça, dia da estréia da seleção brasileira e quando as arquibancadas, lotadas e recebendo um público de cinco mil pessoas, reverenciaram o atacante.

Desde cedo, os poucos torcedores presentes lamentavam a ausência do centroavante, que apesar de não ser o principal jogador do time brasileiro, é sempre um chamariz. "Sou Romário futebol clube. Sem ele a seleção perde o seu brilho maior. O Baixinho é um ídolo nacional, indispensável para atrair público. Vai fazer muita falta", lamentava o estudante de direito Eduardo Cruz, 23 anos e que costuma acompanhar a seleção desde os tempos de Júnior, Edinho, Zico e cia.

Igualmente tristes com a ausência do atacante estavam seus companheiros de seleção. Mesmo há pouco tempo fazendo parte do elenco, Romário já é querido e muito respeitado por todo o grupo, que contava com o Baixinho para esta fase antes da Copa do Mundo, que será disputado em maio, também em Copacabana."Isso é péssimo para nós. Nem só por ele não jogar, mas a simples presença dele anima todo mundo. Estamos muito tristes, pois contávamos com ele, que é nosso amigo e iria nos ajudar muito com os gols dele", disse o goleiro Robertinho, que, no entanto, mantém a esperança de ver o craque em ação no fim-de-semana:"Ele tem as curas dele, milagrosas. Com o Romário tudo é possível. Vamos torcer para que ele se recupere até as semifinais".

Igualmente chateado estava Júnior Negão. Atleta mais experiente da seleção brasileira, com 39 anos e desde 1994 no time, o jogador explica a satisfação que é atuar ao lado Romário."Ele é um cara bom, tranqüilo, nosso amigo. É sempre um prazer jogar com um craque. Pena que ele se machucou, mas vamos torcer para estar logo com a gente", disse Júnior Negão, que com a ausência do Baixinho voltou a ser o capitão brasileiro e fez um gol na goleada por 6 a 1 contra o Canadá, nesta quarta.

Mas não foram só os jogadores brasileiros que lamentaram a lesão de Romário. Atletas das seleções rivais também gostariam que o centroavante estivesse presente, para abrilhantar ainda mais o espetáculo."Ele é um grande jogador e vai fazer falta. Com ele, o público comparece mais e tudo fica mais bonito", disse o argentino Hilaire.

Entretanto, não teve ninguém que sofreu mais com a ausência do astro do que Francisco Ferreira, ambulante e que vende os tradicionais biscoitos Globo nas arquibancadas. Sem a presença do ídolo, o vendedor amargava enorme prejuízo.
"Pô, quando cheguei aqui, não sabia que ele não iria jogar. Na terça-feira vendi tudo antes do jogo e ainda pude sentar para ver a partida. Mas hoje [quarta] só vendi dois pacotes até agora. Se ele não vier na quinta-feira também, nem venho trabalhar. Estou pegando chuva à toa", reclamou Francisco, 48 anos e que há 12 anos trabalha nas areias de Copacabana. >makeFooter('');

Escrito por fraja8 às 15h51
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O Manchester United deslocou o Boca Juniors do topo da lista mundial de clubes elaborada pela IFFHS (Federação Internacional de História e Estatística do Futebol) em fevereiro.

O Santos é o único clube brasileiro entre os dez primeiros classificados, aparecendo na nona posição. Este mês aconteceram grandes mudanças na classificação mundial, devido aos resultados dos campeonatos nacionais.Segundo a IFFHS informou nesta quinta-feira, apenas duas equipes, entre os cem primeiros colocados, conseguiram manter em fevereiro o mesmo lugar de janeiro: o Valência, em 4º lugar, e o ucraniano Dnepr Dnepropetrovsk, na 61ª posição.

Veja os dez primeiros classificados:

1. Manchester (ING), 277 pontos
2. Boca Juniors (ARG), 274
3. Newcastle (ING), 267
4. Valencia (ESP), 250
5. Villarreal (ESP), 247
6. Monaco (FRA), 243
6. Inter de Milão (ITA), 243
8. Milan (ITA), 237
9. Santos (BRA), 232
10. Chelsea (ING), 222

Escrito por fraja8 às 15h46
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Aspettando Roma-Juve

A due giorni dal big match dell'Olimpico l'ex giallorosso Emerson dribbla le polemiche e ridimensiona l'importanza del risultato: ''Sarà solo una tappa verso lo scudetto''

A due giorni dal big match tra Roma e Juve, l'illustre ex Emerson dribbla le polemiche sul trasferimento dalla Capitale alla Torino bianconera che lo ha reso nemico giurato di una tifoseria un tempo pazza per lui.

Emerson legge diversamente la partita, la considera una "tappa" verso traguardi ambiziosi che ai tempi giallorossi gli sono sfuggiti: "Non e' che finora abbia vinto molto, e' chiaro che non voglio mollare nessun traguardo: mi prendo sia lo scudetto che la Champions. Certo, diventare campioni in Europa è più difficile, perche' le avversarie sono tutte fortissime. Ma anche in campionato il discorso sarà chiuso solo all'ultima giornata. Quando vincemmo il titolo con la Roma, avevamo un vantaggio molto ampio, ma alla fine arrivammo un solo punto sopra la Juve".

Un atteggiamento, come piu' volte lo ha definito lui stesso, da professionista. Non c'e' tempo ne' voglia per pensare all'acredine che condisce il match dei grandi ex, perche' oltre al suo, sabato all'Olimpico andra' in scena anche il ritorno di Capello, il tecnico che ha fatto grande la Roma e che da Roma e' scappato di notte, secondo la versione dei fedelissimi giallorossi: "Il clima della partita e' effettivamente agitato. Ma la colpa e' un po' di tutti, a cominciare da noi giocatori. Penso alla poca collaborazione che offriamo agli arbitri. In Italia ogni fallo diventa un caso, e' questo che aizza l'animo dei tifosi. Altrove, ad esempio in Inghilterra, la situazione e' diversa".

Serra invita tutti alla calma

Il Prefetto di Roma lancia un appello in vista del big match Roma-Juve: 'Isolate i tifosi che vengono allo stadio a cercare violenza'

Un appello a giocatori, stampa, societa' sportive e tifosi per rasserenare gli animi in vista del 'big-match' di sabato sera tra Roma e Juventus e' venuto oggi dal Prefetto di Roma, Achille Serra al termine del comitato provinciale per l'ordine e la sicurezza pubblica.

"Mi appello ai giocatori - ha detto il Prefetto Serra - affinche' in campo abbiano un comportamento consono alla difficolta' e alla tensione che certamente e' da prevedere. la replica ad un fallo, ad esempio, puo' contribuire ad aumentare la tensione sugli spalti: non ce lo possiamo permettere".

Il prefetto ha poi rivolto un appello particolare ai tifosi ai quali ha chiesto di isolare quelle 200-300 persone che vengono allo stadio a cercare violenza. L'odierna riunione del comitato alla quale hanno preso parte il Questore Marcello Fulvi ed i vertici dei Vigili Urbani, Carabinieri e Vigili del Fuoco e' stata occasione per mettere a punto un 'piano' per la partita che si terra' sabato sera allo Stadio Olimpico. In particolare ai Vigili Urbani andra' il compito di far rispettare il divieto di vendita di bevande in un raggio di 200 metri compresa l'area di Piazza Mancini.

Escrito por fraja8 às 15h25
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Passarella es el nuevo técnico del Corinthians

El Kaiser llegó a un acuerdo con el club brasileño y ya es el entrenador del Timao. Passarella dirigirá a dos compatriotas: Carlos Tevez y Sebastián Domínguez.

Daniel Passarella, ex técnico de Argentina, Uruguay, River, Parma y Monterrey, llegó hoy a un acuerdo con Corinthians y será presentado esta tarde como nuevo entrenador del popular club brasileño, según informaron voceros del grupo inversor Media Sports Investment. El Kaiser será acompañado en sus nuevas funciones por Alejandro Sabella como ayudante técnico, y pasará a dirigir Carlos Tevez y a Sebastián Domínguez.

Ayer, al arribar a San Pablo, Passarella había afirmado que estaba "muy cerca" de acordar con Corinthians. El principal obstáculo de la negociación era la pretensión del Kaiser de ganar 100 mil dólares mensuales y contar con un contrato que prevea una multa ante un eventual despido. El salario del anterior entrenador, Adenor Bacci, Tite, quien dejó su cargo luego de la derrota ante el San Pablo el domingo pasado, no llegaba a la mitad de esa cifra. De todos modos, no se informó aún cuánto ganará Passarella.

Tarea dura tendrá el Kaiser: el alejamiento de Tite y los gritos en el vestuario del titular del MSI, el iraní Kia Joorabchian, tras la última derrota, provocaron un extendido enojo entre los jugadores. Varios futbolistas están molestos, además, por las preferencias de Joorabchian hacia determinados futbolistas, como Tevez. Los principales objetivos de Passarella para este año serán recomponer el vestuario, ganar la Copa do Brasil, que otorga una plaza para la próxima Copa Libertadores de América, y el Campeonato Brasileño, que comienza en abril

Escrito por fraja8 às 15h12
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Queen Pin

Long the domain of men with bulging waistlines, bad comb-overs and porn-star mustaches, competitive bowling is forging a new reputation on campus: the Next Big Thing in women's sports

I had to look. If not in the name of journalism, then out of respect for Kingpin.

In the film, you'll recall, Woody Harrelson attempts to sell a bowling-alley manager a gross of fluorescent condoms and is told that the alley's men's room doesn't have a novelty vending machine anymore. Harrelson looks at the manager in disgust and says, "And you call yourselves a bowling alley?"

So when I found myself at Don Carter's All-Star Lanes in Baton Rouge -- which also calls itself a bowling alley -- I had to investigate. In the men's room I learned that the All-Star Lanes also has legitimacy issues, at least according to Kingpin standards. In fairness, however, when you see the rest of the joint, with its neon bowling balls and garish casino-surplus carpeting, it would be hard to accuse the management of putting on airs.

Curiosity appeased, I went back to work, walking past Cub Scout Pack 20 on its Saturday outing, past an eight-year-old's birthday party, past the teenagers twisting away on the Dance Dance Revolution machines in the arcade and back to watching the new Vanderbilt women's bowling team compete in its first big tournament, the Southern Invitational.

That's right, women's bowling. It's the fastest-growing sport in the NCAA. Six years ago there were only five varsity teams; now the number is up to 46. And given both the relative ease of starting a program and the number of schools still trying to get into compliance with Title IX, the total will no doubt increase. In other words, if you're angling for an athletic scholarship, you might want to pick up the game posthaste.

Women's bowling has long been the province of lower-profile institutions; nearly three quarters of the NCAA-member teams are at historically black colleges, and 17 are at non-Division I schools. But an increasing number of major powers now want in. Brian Reese, director of sports operations at Vanderbilt, the second big-conference school to field a bowling team, after Nebraska, has been asked by a few administrators from Big 12 universities about the logistics of starting a program. "I think it's an up-and-coming sport that people are going to pay a lot more attention to," Reese says. "If schools are going to be looking at adding sports, this is going to be a popular one."

The big attraction? Athletic departments have one eye on bowling's streamlined costs and the other on a fairly attainable prize: the opportunity to win an NCAA title. The NCAA mandates a minimum of 40 teams in order to hold a championship, and bowling crossed that threshold last year. In the inaugural championship last spring, Nebraska beat Central Missouri State.

At the Southern Invitational it was hard to avoid the thought that somebody was slumming it: With its big-conference provenance, Vanderbilt had the sharpest-looking team in the 18-school field, wearing black tops that fit better than the other teams' baggy men's shirts. What really makes the Commodores noteworthy, though, is that none of these students knew they would be varsity athletes when they showed up for school last August. At an SEC institution, that doesn't happen very often.

Vanderbilt, it turns out, needed to add a women's varsity sport to meet gender-equity requirements. Athletic department officials considered volleyball, softball and swimming. "But when we looked at building or renovating facilities to accommodate those sports, they just weren't very cost-conscious options for us," Reese says. "That's the reason we looked at bowling." The school could rent local lanes for practices and competitions, and the sport doesn't require much equipment or a large coaching staff, either. So Vanderbilt decided to step boldly into the land of The Big Lebowski.

Putting the program together was a mad scramble. John Williamson, the baseball team's operations manager and a rec-league bowler, was hired as coach three weeks into the fall semester. To drum up candidates he placed ads in school publications and hung flyers in sororities and around campus. He also e-mailed the 30 members of the school's bowling club. Williamson had 12 roster spots to fill, and exactly that many women showed up for an informational meeting on Sept. 20. "We didn't have any kind of tryout," Williamson said. "We kept them all." This first season the team is divvying two scholarships among its athletes, dispensing the funds in the form of a meal plan that includes dinner at the school's deluxe, athletes-only dining hall. (This is no small benefit, given that training table chef Majid Noori is practically a celebrity on campus.) Vanderbilt will increase the number of scholarships as the program develops, Reese says.

The other perk the keglers enjoy as varsity athletes is working out in the athletic department's weight room with its strength coaches -- which raises the somewhat touchy question of exactly what condition one needs to be in to bowl. Sophomore Jessica Tower was a nationally competitive youth gymnast; bowling is less intense, to put it kindly. "So much of gymnastics was working out, but we didn't work out at all last semester," Tower says of her new teammates. Many schools let their athletes handle (or not handle) their own conditioning.

At the Southern Invitational there were all types of bodies, from petite to XXXL. Vanderbilt's team was among the most svelte; its best bowler, sophomore Christine Luce, stands 5'1" and weighs 93 pounds -- not much heavier than the four 15-pound bowling balls she hauled to Baton Rouge.

Bowling advocates like to point out that their sport is a highly democratic one: You frequently hear the phrase "anyone can do it." But the same phrase reminds people that bowling is not only less expensive, but it's also less physically rigorous than the sports Vanderbilt passed up. Brittany Jackson, an athletic-looking freshman who bowled for her high school team, was heckled by a friend on the men's soccer team who, every time he saw her last semester, would shout, "Bowling's not a sport!"

It's a different sport, at least. How many athletes do you see munching down snack-bar French fries during a game, as the St. Peter's team did in Baton Rouge? Some bowlers wore makeup, and one even put glitter on her face. At most athletic events the P.A. announcer will tell you the score; here the announcements were more along the lines of "Janice, you're needed at the snack bar."

Escrito por fraja8 às 15h09
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New Raiders WR Randy Moss is all smiles at his introductory press conference.

Clippers G Lionel Chalmers doesn't let Shawn Bradley stop him from dishing the rock.

Magic G Steve Francis wears a scowl as he throws down a dunk.

Greg Norman and his caddy wait in the scrub on the eighth hole during the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Georgia Tech G Jarrett Jack contorts his body as he attemtps a one-handed shot.

Tony Armas Jr. throws a pitch during the Washington Nationals first-ever game.

Escrito por fraja8 às 15h05
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