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FIFA International Match Day Content on ESPN Platforms on Wednesday, Feb. 29
Highlights include:
Italy vs.USA live on ESPN2 and ESPN3 beginning at 2:30 p.m. and matches with FIFA No. 1 team Spain and No. 2 Germany, both on ESPN3.
ESPN Deportes, the 24-hour Spanish-language sports network, will provide comprehensive coverage of the FIFA match day with a seven-hour block of live programming that includes two matches – Montenegro vs. Iceland at 11:55 a.m., and Spain vs. Venezuela at 3:30 p.m. – and one-hour editions of ESPN Futbol Center (11 a.m.) and Los Capitanes (2 p.m.).
GolTV signs with Kentaro and Torneos y Competencias to offer viewers wide coverage
It was announced on January 17 that GolTV and Kentaro have come to an agreement which will GolTV to broadcast Gillette Brazil World Tour games and top international soccer matches. Commenting on this feat, GolTV COO Rodrigo Lombello explained:“As all eyes turn to Brazil and excitement builds for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, this agreement allows GolTV to showcase premier friendly and qualifier matches, connecting fans and reinforcing that GolTV is the exclusive destination for those who are just as obsessed with soccer as us.”
In addition to the partnership with Kentaro, GolTV has signed an agreement with Torneos y Competencias. Constantino Voulgaris, executive vice president of programming and business development at GolTV, declared the following:
FIFA authorise Santiago Silva to join Argentine champions Boca Juniors
Uruguayan striker Santiago Silva will be the latest reinforcement of Argentine champions Boca Juniors it was confirmed on Friday. Despite the imminent transfer, the player will only be able to participate in the Copa Libertadores in the first half of 2012.Daniel Angelici, the president of Boca, revealed to Deportivo Telam that "half an hour ago FIFA approved that Silva can play for Boca in the Copa Libertadores."
Silva, 31, has been linked with a move to Boca for several weeks now, but the club were hesitant to purchase the player because they were unsure as to whether FIFA law would permit him to play for a third club within the space of a year.
Landslide win for Messi over Ronaldo and Xavi in 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or triumph
The FIFA Awards gala took place on Monday night without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid. In fact, the stage was set for Messi to create history. The explosive play maker scooped his third straight FIFA Ballon d’Or award to match the record of France’s great Michel Platini.Lionel Messi (44.78%) cruised to an emphatic win against the likes of nominees Cristiano Ronaldo (21.60%) and Xavi Hernandez (9.23%). Brazilian legend Ronaldo handed the prize to La Pulga, who stated afterwards:
“It’s a huge pleasure to win the third time, a big honour. I want to thank the teammates, players and coaches that voted for me. I want to thank my Barcelona and Argentina teammates, without them this would have been impossible.”
FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011: Title holder Lionel Messi’s 2011 year in stats – Debate
Undoubtedly, 2011 was a year filled with excitement for followers of the game. Messi fans would generally not disagree, considering that the Barcelona playmaker also excelled for the Blaugrana.
Looking at the fact that he won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, it is easy to conclude that he clearly deserves to be the Ballon d’Or 2011 winner. But fans interested in international football certainly have a different point of view.
The Copa America was a competition on which all eyes were set; and again, Messi was initially the main man behind the competition’s attraction. Unfortunately though, he was unable to prove himself for his country, leading many spectators to assume that he was simply a good player at club level.
No FIFA Ballon d’Or for award nominee Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday, January 9
The truth is that the Real Madrid and Portugal star winger will not even attend the ceremony. Along with his manager, Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo will remain in Spain to respect the club’s fixture list.Real Madrid actually have a crucial match to play against Malaga in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night. Barcelona, meanwhile, will engage in cup action on Thursday. The timing of the awards night definitely doesn’t interfere with the schedule of FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees Xavi and Lionel Messi.
Speaking about Messi, he is the hot favorite to triumph on Monday night. The skill of the reigning Champions League, La Liga, Spanish Supercopa and FIFA Club World Cup champion is approved by millions of football fans around the globe.
Santos vs Barcelona Preview
Somehow, the Neymar-Messi rivalry has become more notable in recent weeks due to Pele’s controversial statement that placed the Brazilian far ahead of the Barcelona superstar in terms of accomplishment.Pele stated that what made Neymar a more complete player was his ability to score goals and to play well with both feet, on both flanks, and for his club as well as for his country. Hence, Sunday will be a time for correction for Messi in the Club World Cup final.
Even if nothing changes Pele’s opinion, both players should at least prove themselves in a game on which all eyes will be set. Below, we look at both players’ run in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup so far:
Barca’s Pedro to dedicate 2011 FIFA Club World Cup title to Villa and Tito
With their only aim being to win the Club World Cup title once again, Barcelona are not ready to let anything get on their way. Key player Pedro Rodriguez declared that the announcement of David Villa’s injury came as the “worst news in the world”.Even so, the team is prepared to make the best out of what some would consider as bad luck: “Villa’s injury motivates us more, because he really wanted to win this title for the first time,” Pedro told the press.
But the club’s assistant manager is also in the players’ minds. Tito Vilanova underwent surgery in November following a problem with his parotid gland.
Kashiwa Reysol vs Santos Report
Neymar took advantage of his Club World Cup debut by scoring an extraordinary goal to lead Santos to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Kashiwa Reysol, a result that sent the Brazilians into the final of the competition which takes place on December 18.Santos' opponents in the final will either be European champions Barcelona or Asian champions Al Sadd, who face-off in Yokohama on Thursday.
Both teams pushed to the attack immediately from the kick-off in a swift beginning to the game at the Toyota stadium. Teenage prodigy Neymar almost gave Santos an early lead in the 4th minute, but his close-range effort struck the left post, to the relief of the locals.
Barcelona and Santos rock 2011 FIFA Club World Cup semis with Final prospect
Santos will lock horns with Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol in the first semi-final match of the competition. The match is due to take place at 5:30am EST (10:30am GMT) on Wednesday.
The Japanese contenders had a hard time against Monterrey last Sunday. Extra-time and penalties were needed to see Kashiwa Reysol through.
That game tested the mentality of the Sun Kings who, once again, explained why Asian football should not be overlooked by the majority of world football’s avid followers. But how would 120 minutes of action affect Kashiwa Reysol’s fitness status against Santos?
Kashiwa Reysol vs Santos Preview
Santos and Kashiwa Reysol lock horns at the Toyota stadium on Wednesday for a place in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. All eyes will be glued on Santos prodigy Neymar, who along with classy playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso and scoring-machine Borges, will be called upon for Santos' attacking firepower.Neymar, in particular, has attracted the attention of several of Europe's top clubs, due to his consistently brilliant performances in the Brazilian championship and in the Copa Libertadores, where he played a key role as Santos edged Penarol of Uruguay 2-1 to win their third title.
The Brazilian international will be hoping to be in top form against Kashiwa Reysol in order to lead Santos to what could possibly be a final showdown against European champions FC Barcelona.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo & Xavi make 2011 FIFA Ballon d’or shortlist
Portugal and Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina and Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi and Spain and Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez have been nominated above the rest to make the Ballon d’Or’s three-man shortlist. The announcement was made on Monday morning by France Football director Francois Moriniere and FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke. Lionel Messi, who is the hot favorite to grab the prize, could emulate Michel Platini’s record of three consecutive Ballon d’Or triumphs. His team mate from Catalonia, Xavi Hernandez, has never won the award despite receiving worldwide praises for his majestic attitude on and off the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, succeeded in the voting of the 2008 edition.
Paulo Henrique Ganso insists on staying at Santos after the FIFA Club World Cup
Santos playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso has affirmed that he will be prepared to reopen talks about extending his Santos stay at the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place in December.There has been ongoing speculation about a future move to Europe for Ganso, however, the 22-year-old admitted that his priority is to remain at Santos, particularly because he wants to help the club retain their Copa Libertadores title in 2012.
Ganso has attracted the attention of several of Europe's top clubs, including AC Milan, Manchester United and both Barcelona and Real Madrid. But he is likely to stay put for now because he has a contract with Santos that currently runs until 2015.
2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or favorite and Ronaldo rival Messi unsure about winning prize
“There is still a lot of time before the ceremony and I am not thinking about it. I am not sure if I will win it or not. Last season, I did not know it until the last moment,” Lionel Messi told the press this week.Spain’s Xavi and even Uruguay and Liverpool’s Luis Suarez are some of Messi’s strongest competitors among the 23-man shortlist. Above all, there is Copa del Rey and Pichichi winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fans of Lionel Messi are hoping that the player maintains his rank as the world's best for years to come. However, La Pulga doesn't assimilate individual rivalry with football. Pursuing his statements, he declared:
FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011 award shortlists for men’s player and coach of the year revealed
Most football fans are particularly interested in the player award nomination. Lionel Messi, who is the reigning champion, is poised to retain his title. However, his 2011 Copa America fiasco with Argentina could cost him a ball made of gold. A potential contender would be Luis Suarez. The ex-Ajax striker was controversially omitted from the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or award list.Expectedly, Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been named alongside Messi whereas Sergio Aguero, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez are the only English Premier League-based players in the list.
Interestingly, young Brazilian star Neymar is part of it. Copa America hero Diego Forlan and Anzhi Makhachkala’s Samuel Eto’o have been included as well.
Brazil become 2011 FIFA U-20 champions, Mexico take bronze
Golden Ball and Golden Shoe winner Henrique didn’t steal the show as many were expecting. Instead, Oscar came to Brazil’s rescue with a hat-trick that stunned Portugal’s seemingly invincible Mika.
The Brazilian match hero put his side in front as early as inside the 5th minute but Alex and Nelson Oliveira rekindled the Portuguese’s hopes. With a quarter of an hour to go in normal time, Portugal looked to have one hand on the 2011 FIFA U-20 title.
However, Oscar’s skill and ambitious spirit proved that any defense can be troubled. A 78th minute equalizer sent the match into extra-time where Portugal couldn’t find the means to get another goal. Oscar turned up one more time with a 111th minute wonder strike—arguably the best of the tournament—as Brazil edged the 5-goal thriller.
FIFA U-20 final: Brazil vs Portugal & super facts to better bet on the result
On Saturday night in Colombia, the Estadio Nemesio Camacho will be the venue for the FIFA U-20 Brazil final. The public will be offered 90 or 120 minutes of exciting football. And who knows? There might be penalties too to separate the winners from the losers.
The Brazil vs Portugal final will feature two teams with a completely different style of play. Scoring goals is Brazil’s routine, but Portugal’s untouched defense has created uncertainty over the possible result. Which team will return home with the 2011 FIFA U-20 trophy? Which team will end the night with sorrow?
Betting on the score line ahead of a final becomes so much better when you are well aware of the history and facts involving the two teams involved. The facts below related to finalists Brazil and Portugal could help you analyze both teams to make correct predictions.
FIFA U-20 Final: Hosts coach Eduardo Lara hoping Brazil beats Portugal
Speaking to FIFA.com ahead of the great showdown, Eduardo Lara analyzed Brazil, Portugal and the tournament as a whole. The Colombia manager was quoted as saying:“I think that both Brazil and Portugal have had an excellent tournament and have shown they deserve to get this far. It’s hard to know what’ll happen on Saturday because finals are unpredictable, but let’s hope the teams put on a great show.”
Portugal haven’t been very effective in front of goal but their defense has remained solid. Brazil, however, have proved to be deadly towards the last moments of a match. Against the Mexicans, a double from Henrique 10 minutes from time made the trick. Coach Eduardo Lara continued:
FIFA U-20 Third-place final—Mexico vs France: “Devastated” Mexicans want bronze
With 10 minutes of normal time remaining in the semis against Brazil, Mexico were perhaps thinking of regenerating their strength to play extra-time football. But Henrique’s late goals for Brazil forced the Mexicans to settle for Saturday’s third-place final.Playmaker Ulises Davila couldn’t hide his frustration during an interview with FIFA.com ahead of Mexico vs France. He revealed the team’s disappointment at missing out on a date with Portugal by declaring:
“We’re devastated. Our goal was to reach the final and we didn’t make it. That’s why there wasn’t exactly a party atmosphere in the dressing room.
FIFA U-20 World Cup semis: Brazil vs Mexico and France vs Portugal in quotes
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At this stage of the competition, losing hurts probably the most! The stage for the final showdown is so near and no team wants to miss out on the dream of being crowned 2011 FIFA U-20 champions. Brazil, Mexico, France and Portugal all have a genuine chance of making their nations proud.
The reality, however, remains this way: only 2 teams will make it to the final and only 1 of the 4 teams will win the title. Tonight, the 2011 FIFA U-20 semi-finals will get underway. The quarter-finals stage is now gone and it produced some great results.
Brazil ousted pre-tournament favorites Spain. Amat and current top scorer Vazquez became the victims of Gabriel’s splendid goalkeeping as the Brazilians won 4-2 on penalties after playing a 2-2 draw. Elsewhere, Portugal had triumphed in spot-kicks against Argentina in dramatic fashion.