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Messi wins Pichichi, Real Madrid enjoy glamorous bash, Falcao downs Villarreal
Champions Real Madrid clinch 100-point mark
Real Madrid won 32 games, drew 4 and lost only 2 in 38 matches. They finished 9 points above bitter rivals Barcelona. An emotional Jose Mourinho declared on Sunday night as the Spanish giants celebrated their La Liga trophy in grand style:
“As the best club in football history, Real Madrid try to win all the titles. This team has made history as the one that secured 100 points and these players are the ones who made that possible.”
In the 2009/10 Spanish Primera Division campaign, Barcelona fell a point short of hitting a century. On Sunday night, Real Madrid celebrated their league triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu in a ceremonious manner with lighting effects and a special performance by Spanish tenor Placido Domingo singing Nessun Dorma.
Radamel Falcao scores twice to lead Atletico Madrid to the Europa League title
Falcao scored twice and Diego scored another as Atletico Madrid won the Europa League by trouncing Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the all-Spanish final in front of over 52,000 fans at the National Arena in Bucharest on Wednesday.Falcao's first goal arrived as early as in the 7th minute, and he doubled Atletico's lead in the 34th minute. Brazilian playmaker Diego sealed the win five minutes from full-time.
Atletico proved far superior to their opponents, with a comprehensive display, as they captured their second title in three seasons, after having beaten Fulham 2-1 in the final of the 2009-10 Europa League.
Falcao, who was the clear man-of-the-match, won consecutive trophies with two different clubs, as it was his winning goal that gave FC Porto the title against Sporting Braga last year.
Bolivia vs Colombia Report
Colombia debuted with a triumph in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, after beating Bolivia 2-1 in La Paz, despite the clear effects of playing at 3,650 metres above sea level. Dorlan Pabon and Radamel Falcao Garcia scored Colombia's two goals at the Hernando Siles stadium.Leonel Alvarez's side started strongly and as early as in the third minute already tested Bolivia goalkeeper Daniel Vaca, through a Teofilo Gutierrez drive.
From the 10th minute onwards, Bolivia dominated their opponents and looked dangerous each time they pushed forward, particularly down both flanks.
2011 summer transfer—10 most expensive signings: Where do Fabregas & co rank?
Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Juan Mata are of course part of this chart. Note that all transfer fees figures are as seen on Futebolbusiness.com.
1) Sergio Aguero—from Atletico Madrid to Manchester City
Kun Aguero cost Manchester City €45M. After several weeks of work behind the scenes, Atletico Madrid and the Sky Blues finally reached an agreement for the star striker who wanted his future sorted as quickly as possible. Sergio Aguero, whose Copa America goals failed to inspire Argentina to glory in July, ended his 5-year spell in the Spanish capital this summer.
At Atletico Madrid, Sergio Aguero made 234 appearances. He scored 102 goals and produced 37 assists. His transfer to Manchester City has proven to be a good one thus far. Sergio Aguero made an instant impact by scoring a formidable brace on his debut as a Sky Blue.
What went wrong with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia & Chile at the Copa America?
How it happened
Argentina had raised early doubts about their chances of winning the competition when Bolivia and Colombia both held them to draws. But having bounced back in style against Costa Rica, hopes got rekindled until Uruguay had the last say in the quarter-finals.
Even Lionel Messi’s majestic performance couldn’t destroy La Celeste Olimpica as Tevez’s penalty miss in the shoot-outs sealed Argentina’s exit. One could now wonder about Sergio Batista’s future with the Albiceleste.
In the meantime, Colombia might find it hard to face reality. What really prevented them from finding their way against Peru? After qualifying from the group stages with 7 points, football fans and pundits had backed the Colombians to maintain their composure and at least reach the semi-finals. The truth, however, is that Los Cafeteros have allowed the Peruvians to keep dreaming at the 2011 Copa America.
Colombia vs Peru Preview
Colombia could be regarded as the 2011 Copa America’s best teams so far. They’ve shown some kind of consistency and progress in their form. Remarkably, the Colombians are yet to concede a goal—which explains why they are also yet to lose. It would be cruel for them to face defeat in the knock-out stages of the tournament; that’s when it counts most. “The Colombian fans must stay trustful and calm. We are not the best, we are not the worst and we are not in the final yet,” said a cautious Falcao earlier this week.
“We have just moved into the second stage [of the Copa America] and we need to have our feet on the ground. If we want to aspire to progressing [in Argentina] we have to beat anyone.”
2011 Copa America: Strengths and Weaknesses Of The Eight Survivors
South American powerhouses reacted on time for the last game of the group stage and secured their place among America's fittest eight.Despite their overwhelming attack, Mano Menezes' Canarinha granted far too much space to their rival in the box. Alexandre Pato believes "A new Copa America starts now", but I think the Brazilians have a lot of work to do if they're meant to reach the finals.
I don't think there's any doubt Sergio Aguero should be part of Argentina's starting eleven for the derby against Uruguay. I believe Sergio Batista managed to build a new identity in the last game while sticking to the same scheme, with Fernando Gago and Angel Di Maria controlling the flow of the ball and Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain as alternatives to Lionel Messi in the attack.
Barcelona's star played his best game with La Albiceleste this year as the main engine of the attack, unlike his fellow Blaugrana partner Gabriel Milito, who has not yet been able to recover his form. Having played only 10 games for Barcelona this season, Milito is not the only weakness in the Argentinian defense.
The Brazilians may have avoided Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia at least until the final game, but will the confidence they've gained against Ecuador be enough to help them against Paraguay? Let's not forget Los Guaranies were one minute away from defeating Brazil in the second game, if it wasn't for Fred's equalizer on injury time.
2011 Copa America: Colombia, Chile, Venezuela and Peru Reach The Quarter-Finals
Colombia reaches the second stage with seven points, and leaves Argentina and Costa Rica struggling to secure the last remaining place for the quarter-finals. The winner takes all this Monday in Cordoba.Who could have expected Venezuela as Group B leader? Even if Brazil and Paraguay end up as leaders with five points, the Venezuelan squad has enough points to secure qualification.
Remember that not only the teams finishing first and second in each group advance to the quarter-finals, but also the two best-placed thirds. Anything but a victory leaves Argentina as the worst-placed third, with three points.
Considering Costa Rica lost their opening game, another defeat leaves them with three points. Four points gives automatic qualification at this point, a requirement none of the three alleged candidates (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay) have met so far.
2011 Copa America: Qualification At Stake As Bolivia Faces Group A Leader Colombia
Unlike his fellow Bolivian colleague, Colombian coach Hernan Dario Gomez repeats the same formation for the last game of the group stage. After rescuing an important point against Argentina in the opening game, Bolivia was defeated by Costa Rica 2-0. Only the full scoring can help Bolivia claim their place among America's fittest eight, but the Bolivians have not celebrated a victory in the Copa America since 1997.
Even a defeat by the minimum difference grants Colombia a ticket to the knockouts. Even though he played a significant role in the first two games, we're yet to see the best of Radamel Falcao with Colombia.
Bolillo Gomez has found in the interaction between Abel Aguilar, Freddy Guarin and Dayro Moreno the perfect weapon to pierce any opposing defense. Bolivian defenders must keep them under a close watch, especially when they build the attack from the wings. Their ability to cross a ball becomes deadly when one consider Adrian Ramos or Falcao himself are likely to be lurking into the box.
What can Bolivia do to stop Colombia from bagging the three points? I believe they must meet their rival on equal footing. Juan Carlos Arce was not able to associate as expected with Marcelo Martins against Costa Rica, do you think Quinteros should return to his previous scheme for what could be their last game in the Copa America?
2011 Copa America: Who Is To Be Held Responsible For Argentina, Brazil And Uruguay's Disappointing Opening Game?
Shouldn't Argentina's coach introduce a few modifications in his scheme to face Group A leader Colombia on Wednesday night? What about Mano Menezes, and Oscar Tabarez?It's true we're set to witness a much more aggressive football this week, as Argentina cannot waste a golden opportunity to claim the top position of the group, while Colombia knows a victory (or even a draw, depending on the result of Costa Rica vs Bolivia) could seal Los Cafeteros' qualification for the knockouts.
The same applies for Group B, as Brazil locks horns with Paraguay this Saturday. Unlike Venezuela, Paraguayan coach Gerardo Martino confessed the Guarani squad "will be aggressive, determined to attack and play the ball whenever possible". He might need the combined strength of Nelson Haedo Valdez, Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz to break the Brazilian defense.
2011 Copa America: Colombia Needs More Cohesion To Maintain Group A's Leadership
Despite showing some signs of clear aerial dominance, Colombia's most aggressive striker Radamel Falcao was unable to successfully lead his team towards a sound victory in their debut match against Costa Rica. Unable to overwhelm their rival from the wings, Colombia could only claim the upper hand last Saturday due to Randall Brenes' early ejection in the 27th minute of the game.
Colombia's back line was hardly compromised by Costa Rica's offense, but Argentina is expected to pose a much greater threat to Gomez's boys next Wednesday. In the first 45 minutes of the game, Costa Rica didn't shoot even once on goal.
Costa Rica's passivity allowed Colombia to assume a much more offensive stance, but it was clearly not enough. Are Falcao and Guarin part of the problem or part of the solution?
2011 Copa America: Can Colombia Claim Group A's Leadership In Jujuy?
"I don't have any doubts. If Colombia does not make it to the knockouts, I'll be gone. I'll be the only responsible for such failure" said Colombia's coach Hernan Dario Gomez days before the kick off. He could have hardly imagined, even in his wildest dreams, that Colombia would have such a golden opportunity to secure qualification. Gomez's boys face Argentina next Wednesday, and a victory will be mandatory to stand the Gaucho squad, desperate to celebrate its first victory in the Copa America.
2011 Europa League top scorer Radamel Falcao, main referent of the Colombian attack, is confident he can successfully lead Colombia towards their second American Cup in less than 10 years. Falcao returns to Argentina after two years, when he left newly-relegated River Plate to join Porto only to become one of Europe's deadliest strikers.
Copa America 2011: Radamel Falcao Profile - Player To Watch
He Who Must Not Be Exempted
Indeed he is a man capable to changing a particular game with goals and galore being a major part of his footballing philosophy. His goal tally for FC Porto speaks for the threat he will bring as the Copa America head closer. We often associate the likes of Wayne Rooney, David Villa and Didier Drogba when we speak about great strikers. But Falcao has often lived behind the shadows of these players and the man that scored goals for River Plate like nobody's business probably has done enough to raise a few million eyebrows that constantly follow the beautiful game.
Despite being goal scoring striker for his club, seven successful strikes in 28 attempts will attract widespread criticism on his inability to convert his club-form for his national team- a 'disease' that seems to be perplexing lots of players that belong to the newer generation. Nevertheless, the Copa America represents a golden chance for Falcao to establish himself internationally. All he needs is support from midfield and you can be pretty sure that the man will tuck in goals.
2011 Copa America: Colombian National Team Profile And History
Third behind Spain and Mexico as the world’s biggest Spanish-speaking nation in terms of its population, Colombia contribute in the development of Latin culture around the globe. With iconic figures such as Juan Pablo Montaya, Sofia Vergara and even better known singer Shakira, the country can only admit that they have some way to go to equal such high standards in the current world of football.
Players like Carlos Valderrama and Rene Higuita as well as the national team’s distinctively passionate supporters, however, all the same lift Colombia’s flag high. Present stars such as FC Porto's treble winner Radamel Falcao have also taken over the torch to keep brightening the positive image of Colombia worldwide.
Andre Villas-Boas Set To Become Chelsea's New Manager
After weeks of intense speculation and rumors, Chelsea have apparently found their perfect replacement for Carlo Ancelotti. Andre Villas-Boas is set to be unveiled as the man to take the helm at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea have been eyeing Guus Hiddink prior to this but the Dutchman is seemingly keener on a Sporting Director role. So Roman Abramovich jumped at the chance of bringing in Villas-Boas, who previously worked at the club as an assistant to Jose Mourinho.
According to The Guardian, Chelsea have already agreed to pay the £13.2m release clause in Villas-Boas' contract with Porto. He will reportedly earn £4.4m a season; the exact salary that Mourinho received during his time with the Blues.
Hero Falcao Makes FC Porto 2010/11 UEFA Europa League Champions
With Andre Villas-Boas at the head of FC Porto’s club, pundits had tipped the giants of Portugal to escape the tricks of minnows Sporting Braga. In addition to the coach factor, the combination of Hulk and Falcao made Porto even more favourites to triumph in Dublin.
Indeed, they lived up to expectations with birthday boy Helton enjoying a great night by keeping a clean sheet. At the other end of the pitch, a minute before half-time, Colombian star Falcao was there to complete Guarin’s cross with a solid header. This saw the Porto striker finish the European season with 17 goals in 14 matches—6 more goals than Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi who is second in the chart, and 2 more than former record-holder Jurgen Klinsmann.
Transfer News: Porto Superstars Falcao & Hulk Unfazed By The Charm Of Foreign Giants
The amazing performances of both Hulk and Falcao have put giant teams on the alert. Lately, Colombian striker Falcao has been strongly associated to a transfer from the Estadio do Dragão to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu as Portuguese media O Jogo reported.It is believed that Real Madrid are preparing to offer €25M to get the signature of the striker who has a €30M buy-out close. However, record-breaker Falcao insists that these claims are not distracting him one bit as life at Porto is his only focus right now. The Colombian, who is now the only player in the history of the UEFA Europa League to have hit 17 goals in a single season, was quoted by The Guardian as saying:
Villarreal vs FC Porto Report
Villarreal won the second leg 3-2 in the Estadio El Madrigal, but it was not enough to recover from their 5-1 first leg hammering in Portugal last week.Villarreal knew they needed goals and adopted an attacking mentality right from the kickoff. First Cani forced a save form Helton, then Giuseppe Rossi just failed to convert a Marco Ruben cross.
The early pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Cani forced home another Ruben cross to give Villarreal a 1-0 lead on the night. Rossi then fired into the side netting in an impressive opening spell for the Spanish club.
Porto responded in fine fashion and took the wind out of the home crowd’s sails when Hulk breezed by Javier Matilla and hit a speculative shot that deflected off defender Mateo Musacchio and into his own net. Two minutes later Hulk exposed Matilla again but this time his shot was saved by Helton.
Villarreal vs FC Porto Preview
Villarreal took a first leg lead but were then buried beneath a Fredy Guarin strike and a four goal wonder show from Colombian goal machine Falcao.Villarreal striker Nilmar has been a star performer in the tournament so far and is not ready to concede defeat just yet. The Brazilian told UEFA.com his team have a chance “to make history” ahead of the second leg, and he also explained that “in football anything can happen and we must go out and create as many chances as we can.”
Any hope that Porto will lose focus ahead of the second leg appear to have been squashed by Falcao, who responded to his four goal haul by proclaiming “I’m not done yet.” The tournaments leading goal scorer also told the official UEFA website that “despite this big win, we have to remain focused and calm because there’s a second game to come and it will be difficult for sure.”
FC Porto vs Villarreal Report
Falcao cancelled out Cani’s opener before Fredy Guarin gave Porto a 2-1 lead. The Colombian striker then completed his four goal salvo in the second half gave Porto a convincing lead ahead of the second leg.It was Villarreal who started on the front foot with Nilmar creating the first opening after seven minutes, the chance went astray when the Brazilian’s shot was saved comfortably by Helton. Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi then bore down on goal but was denied by a good Rolando tackle.
Villarreal took the lead on the stroke of half-tine when Nilmar’s teasing cross was finished by Cani to send the Spanish club into half-time with a 1-0 lead.