RSSHulk Related Content
Compatible: Why transfer target Hulk should choose Barcelona over Real Madrid
Transfer target Hulk could soon wave goodbye to Portuguese football. In his excitement of experiencing new challenges away from Portugal, Hulk must be careful to land at Barca and nowhere else.
Reports in the media claim that Barcelona’s radar is on FC Porto superstar Hulk. We explain why the 25-year-old has more chances of flourishing at Barcelona than at Real Madrid.
Hulk’s quality and the “Ronaldo” factor
Hulk has a good goal ratio. He’s the kind of forward from whom a coach can expect 10 to 20 goals a season. Besides, the Brazilian is also a good assist maker. At Barcelona, Hulk will have more exposure. Depending on how Barcelona may use him, Hulk could support Lionel Messi in the wings or transform into a typical number 9.
FC Porto vs Sporting Braga Report
FC Porto went back to the top of the Liga ZON Sagres with a 3-2 victory over Braga tonight at the Estádio do Dragão.
Hulk was once again the main man for Porto. The Brazilian striker put the Dragons ahead in the 37th minute, heading in a James Rodríguez cross to give the hosts a half-time lead. Hulk added a brilliant second in the 78th minute, curling a 20-yard shot beyond Quim and into the corner of the net with his left foot.
The Porto number twelve was in unstoppable form, and a superb piece of wing play set up a simple goal for substitute Kléber.
Braga were reeling at this point but made the score respectable with two late goals.
FC Porto vs Sporting Braga Preview
While most attention in Portugal this weekend will focus on the Lisbon derby, another mouth-watering contest is in prospect 300 km up the A1 motorway, as FC Porto host fellow northerners Braga.
The pressure alleviated somewhat on Porto coach Vítor Pereira in midweek as a three-game winless run was halted with a crucial victory away at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. It was a solid rather than spectacular performance, with Hulk once again the stand-out player for the Dragons. With new signing Kleber failing to fire, James Rodríguez fading after a promising start to the campaign and Silvestre Varela unable to repeat his form of last season, the burly Brazilian has been the fulcrum of Porto’s attacking game all season.
A goal and an assist in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory in Ukraine exemplified just how important Hulk is to the Portuguese champions.
Gabon vs Brazil Preview
Brazil look to continue with their winning ways in the unveiling of Gabon's new African Cup of Nations stadium.
Five-time world champions Brazil travel to Libreville to take on hosts Gabon in an international friendly match that will celebrate the inauguration of the Stade d'Angondje, the 40,000 capacity stadium that will host the final of the 2012 African Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by the locals.Having lost only once in their last eleven outings, Brazil will try their best to continue with their impressive run of results, even if they will be without several of their key players, including the exciting Santos duo comprised of Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar. Brazil coach, Mano Menezes, solely opted to select foreign-based players for the friendly as he didn't want to affect the performances of clubs with the Brazilian championship reaching its exciting conclusion.
FC Porto vs APOEL Nicosia Report
APOEL continue to cause a sensation in Group G. The 1-1 draw at FC Porto keeps the Cypriot team top of the section.
APOEL proved that their victory over Zenit St. Petersburg and draw away at Shakhtar Donetsk were no fluke results. Hulk put FC Porto ahead on 13 minutes with a 25-yard curling free-kick which Chiotis made a farcical attempt at keeping out. But the lead was short-lived as Ailton worked room for himself and struck a low shot into the corner of the net in the 19th minute.
The impressive Cypriots managed to keep Porto at bay with surprising ease for the rest of the 90 minutes. Only Hulk looked capable of breaching the well-organised defence of the visitors. The Brazilian striker was unlucky to see two exocet shots whistle just the wrong side of the post.
Barcelona vs FC Porto: Team news, players to watch & lost stars ahead of the UEFA Super Cup 2011
Europe’s two champions will battle it out in Monaco for the UEFA Super Cup title; and unsurprisingly, there is nothing to expect other than an exciting game with great names.
Barcelona last participated in the annual contest in 2009, when they narrowly edged past then-Europa League winners Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in extra time thanks to a Pedro goal. For FC Porto, one will have to go back in 2003 to recall their last appearance, which saw them lose by a goal to nil to then-Champions League title holders AC Milan.
Barca obtained their Super Cup tickets after defeating Manchester United 3-1 at the Wembley Stadium on28 May 2011, while the Dragons turned into their opponents subsequent to their 1-0 triumph in last season’s all-Portuguese Europa League final against Sporting Braga on May 18.
Certainly, the teams have enough weapons to hurt each othe. But somehow, it is Porto who appear to have the less advantage.
The 2011 UEFA Super Cup in quotes: What Barcelona and FC Porto have been saying
A lot of things have been said by both Barcelona and FC Porto ahead of the 2011 UEFA Super Cup. Check out the top 10 quotes in the build up to the match.
FC Barcelona and FC Porto are arguably the two hottest teams in Europe right now. Porto went through an unbeaten run last season and they are keen to put the icing on the cake by stunning UEFA Champions League holders Barcelona in Monaco on Friday night.
The match at the Stade Louis II will certainly not lack excitement with stars like Hulk, Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez expected to deliver a great show. Below, we preview the 2011 UEFA Super Cup’s Barcelona vs FC Porto match in quotes. What have the Catalans and the Dragons been saying?
How prepared are Pep Guardiola’s men? How confident are Porto following the departure of some their key men in the form of striker Radamel Falcao and Andre Villas-Boas? Note that Chelsea target Alvaro Pereira has also been left out from the squad of Porto’s new coach Vitor Pereira.
Transfer news: Unnamed club gave €80M for Hulk but Porto said ‘NO’, agent reveals
Between Europe’s top 3 or 4 clubs, one tried to sign Hulk for €80M, agent Fonseca has revealed.
Among other 25-year-old stars, Hulk is one of the most accomplished players in club football. The Brazilian, who is yet to have a big carrier for the Selecção, has won several trophies at Porto. Last season, Hulk was one of the most influential players in his squad as the Dragons went on to claim their second treble in history. The winger scored 36 goals and made 21 assists in 51 appearances for Porto as he clinched a record 6th Portuguese League Player of the Month award. Evidently, Hulk has become the desire of many top managers around Europe, and as agent Fonseca could confirm while speaking to Record, there’s been a big offer for the player.
Andre Villas-Boas Set To Become Chelsea's New Manager
Both parties have not officially confirmed yet although it is understood that Villas-Boas is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea.
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.
Is Hulk’s Exclusion From Brazil’s Copa America Roster A Mano Mistake?
Forward Hulk is one of the few players in Europe to have enjoyed a perfect campaign. Yet, he won’t be seen in Brazil’s iconic colors during the 2011 Copa America as his name hasn’t been included in Mano Menezes’ man squad for the tournament in July.
The Brazilian international won the treble with FC Porto and stood out as the Dragons’ playmaker throughout the season, alongside Colombian team mate Falcao. Hulk poached as much as 36 goals in total for FC Porto last season. He also made 21 assists in 51 appearances as he hit his personal best in his career as an individual. However, it has been understood that Santos’ Neymar and AC Milan’s Robinho have been ranked ahead of him in Brazil’s pecking order. Interestingly, Hulk’s only memories in the Verde-Amarela jersey come from 2009 when he played some part in Brazil’s international friendly matches against England and Oman.
Hulk: I Will Only Leave For A Bigger And Better Club
Hulk believes that it will take a lot to lure him away from Porto this summer, with speculations on his future already heating up.
Hulk has been watched by numerous big clubs over the past few months after an impressing campaign with the Portuguese outfits as they won the treble. Speculations have bee suggesting that the likes of Manchester City, Spurs and Real Madrid could be in line for his coveted signature. However, the Brazilian striker who is valued very highly by his club has reiterated that it will take a significantly better club for him to be tempted for a move away from Porto.
"I know that a lot has been said and written about my future, but fact is that I will only leave Porto for a team that's significantly better. Porto are a big club and I will not move just anywhere,
Transfer News: Porto Superstars Falcao & Hulk Unfazed By The Charm Of Foreign Giants
Europe’s best clubs are always after the best players but FC Porto’s Falcao and Hulk are not in a hurry to join the world of the elites where Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and co are chiefs.
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:
Anderson: Hulk Will Do Well At Manchester United
Manchester United midfielder Anderson believes that Hulk would be a great player for the Red Devils if they sign him.
Hulk who currently plays for Porto was linked with a January move to the Premier League but the move did not materialize. However, rumors are strong that Manchester United are interested in him. In addition, Manchester United midfielder Anderson feels that Hulk would be a massive boost to the squad's talent."He has quality, would suit English football and I think he is good enough to do well at a big club," Anderson said in the Daily Mirror.
"If it was my decision then I would sign him but Sir Alex Ferguson signs the players and his knowledge would mean he knows all about the player.
FC Porto vs Benfica – The Portuguese Liga Zon Sagres’ Title Decider
FC Porto and Benfica will lock horns on Sunday night in the Portuguese Liga Zon Sagres’ version of El Clasico. The campaign is only entering its 10th match-day, but the title could virtually be decided already.
FC Porto are leading the pace with 25 points in the table thanks to their undefeated record which includes 8 victories out of 9 matches. Benfica, meanwhile, are 7 points behind their bitter rivals ahead of Sunday night’s titanic clash. Porto mathematically have an opportunity to open a 10-point lead over Benfica – something which will all but end the Eagles’ flight, on a psychological point of view especially. Sunday’s visitors have already lost twice away from home this season but since going down 2-1 at Guimaraes back in September, they’ve started building a strong record with 5 wins on the trot. They’ll have to hit victory number 6 if they want to minimize the distance that separates them from Portugal’s Liga Zon Sagres’ leaders FC Porto.