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GolTV signs with Kentaro and Torneos y Competencias to offer viewers wide coverage
Whether it's the Spanish La Liga or the Campeonato Paulista, the Gillette Brazil World Tour or the UEFA Europa League, GolTV has it covered!
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:
Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning goalkeeper Marcos retires at 38
The Palmeiras legend decided to call it a day after an accomplished 20-year career.
Marcos, the goalkeeper of Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph in Korea/Japan, announced his official retirement from soccer at the age of 38."He reunited with friends and family and he said that his body indicated that it was time to call it quits," Cesar Sampaio, the director of Palmeiras, the only club that Marcos played for for the duration of his 20-year career, announced to the press.
Palmeiras affirmed that the goalkeeper will play a farewell match at some point of the year, but have yet to announce against which team. Next week the club will setup a press conference in which the player will explain his reason for retirement and what he plans for the future. In recent days Marcos admitted that he would like to remain at Palmeiras, but in a different role.
Santos vs Barcelona Preview
The 2011 FIFA Club World Cup final between Barcelona and Santos is heated up with the thrilling individual battle between Neymar and Lionel Messi.
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
FC Barcelona face Santos in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup final in Yokohama, and the Catalans are willing to prove that the team is as united as ever.
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 stars as Santos reach the final of the Club World Cup after cruising past Kashiwa Reysol on Wednesday.
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
The 2011 FIFA Club World Cup will finally receive the attention it deserves in midweek thanks to the appearances of Brazilian champions Santos and European giants Barcelona.
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
Led by the brilliant Neymar South American champions Santos open their Club World Cup quest against Kashiwa Reysol on Wednesday.
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.
Paulo Henrique Ganso insists on staying at Santos after the FIFA Club World Cup
The classy playmaker has resigned a move to Europe to remain at the Copa Libertadores champions.
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi at their best: Big Week Recap
It has been a great week for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While Ronaldo ensured Portugal qualified for the Euro 2012 finals with ease, Messi netted a goal for Argentina at last.
Earlier this week…
Cristiano Ronaldo proves himself against Bosnia
Before the international session this month, Cristiano Ronaldo had netted four goals in four games for Portugal since August - eventually averaging a goal per game for his country. This was enough for the superstar to be proud of his performance at international level; but it was his achievement on November 15 that sent him to another level under his national team’s jersey.
In an UEFA Euro 2012 play-off match where a non-goalless draw would have been insufficient on aggregate, the playmaker made sure his responsibilities were totally assumed. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a thunderous free-kick after only eight minutes against Bosnia-Herzegovina, before netting an easier goal that bagged him a double.
Venezuela vs Bolivia Report
Venezuela moved joint-top of the South American World Cup qualifiers after claiming a 1-0 victory over Bolivia in San Cristobal.
A first-half strike from Oswaldo Vizcarrondo was enough to give Venezuela a valuable 1-0 victory over Bolivia in a tight 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Pueblo Nuevo stadium in San Cristobal on Tuesday. With the win Venezuela reached seven points, the same amount of points as group leaders Uruguay. For Bolivia the defeat means they remain in bottom-place with only a single point.Bolivia, who drew 1-1 with Argentina in Buenos Aires on Thursday, pushed to the attack immediately from the kick-off as they tried to catch Venezuela by surprise, with a long-range drive from Marcelo Martins Moreno.
Venezuela's first opportunity on goal came in the 5th minute, through Juan Arango and a few minutes later he had another chance that flashed wide. Both sides attacked each other in a frantic opening, with Moreno Martins looking particularly dangerous.
Chile vs Paraguay Report
Chile wiped away the memories from their thrashing to Uruguay with a well-deserved victory over Paraguay in Santiago.
Chile returned to winning ways after beating Paraguay 2-0 in front of 45,000 fans at the Estadio Nacional of Santiago on Tuesday. The Chileans, who had been trounced 4-0 by Uruguay on Friday, put on a good display to end doubts over the capacity of Argentine coach Claudio Borghi.It had been a very difficult week for Chile, not only because of their heavy defeat at the hands of Uruguay, but because Borghi had expelled five players from his squad due to acts of indiscipline. However, they didn't allow this to affect them against Paraguay.
Chile started strongly, and looked extremely dangerous each time Alexis Sanchez touched the ball. The Barcelona winger caused havoc for the Paraguayan defense with his pace and trickery on the ball.
Ecuador vs Peru Report
Edison Mendez and Christian Benitez led Ecuador to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Peru in Quito.
Ecuador defeated Peru 2-0 in Quito with second-half goals from Edison Mendez and Christian Benitez. With the win Ecuador moved within one point of South American World Cup qualifying group leaders Uruguay.The match lacked excitement at the beginning, as both teams were locked in the midfield and hardly created any decent goal-scoring opportunities. Ecuador's best chance to find the back of the net arrived five minutes before the half-time break, but midfielder Segundo Castillo couldn't beat Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez.
Peru came more into the game towards the end of the half, and almost went ahead with good efforts from Juan Vargas and Jefferson Farfan, two of their most dangerous players. Other than that they were restricted to long-range shots on goal.
Colombia vs Argentina Report
Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were on target as Argentina rallied to beat Colombia in Barranquilla on Tuesday.
Argentina came from behind to defeat Colombia 2-1 in an action-packed 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Metropolitano stadium of Barranquilla on Tuesday.Both teams came into the match in need of the three points after picking up disappointing results in home games last week. While Colombia drew 1-1 with Venezuela, the outcome of Argentina's match with Bolivia finished identically.
Argentina started strongly, controlling the flow of the game as they tried to dominate their opponents. The Argentines played attractive one-touch soccer, and looked dangerous each time they moved forward, however, their attackers, particularly Lionel Messi, couldn't break through the resilient Colombia defense.
Venezuela vs Bolivia Preview
Venezuela will aim to continue their impressive winning streak against Bolivia when playing on home turf.
Venezuela are expected to grab all three points when they tussle with Bolivia in Round 4 of the South American 2014 World Cup qualifiers at the Pueblo Nuevo stadium in San Cristobal on Tuesday.The Venezuelans, who obtained a valuable 1-1 draw with Colombia in Barranquilla on Friday, take on a Bolivia side that also picked up a 1-1 draw, however, against South American giants Argentina at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
Cesar Farias, the coach of Venezuela, is expected to make a couple of changes to confront the clash with Bolivia. According to reports he will provide Juan Guerra and Luis Manuel Seijas with starts. After the result with Colombia, Seijas declared that if Venezuela don't claim the three points against Bolivia, the point in Barranquilla "won't be worth anything."
Chile vs Paraguay Preview
Chile will look to rebound from their thrashing at the hands of Uruguay with a tricky test against Paraguay in Santiago.
Chile will be desperate to wipe away the horrible image they left against Uruguay on Friday, when they entertain Paraguay at the Estadio Nacional of Santiago on Tuesday. The Chileans know that anything less than the three points will mount heavy pressure on the squad and in particular on coach Claudio Borghi.The Chileans came into the qualifiers with a strong reputation for playing swift attacking soccer, however, after three rounds of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers they have shown everything but that. Apart from their 4-2 win over Peru in Santiago, they suffered two heavy defeats, 4-1 against Argentina and 4-0 against Uruguay.
Despite this, they come into their clash with Paraguay with high spirits, as they intend to claim a much-need victory that would go a long way in healing some of the pain suffered.
Ecuador vs Peru Preview
Peru's 'fantastic four' will intend to inflict a rare home defeat upon Ecuador in the altitude of Quito on Tuesday.
Both Ecuador and Peru will be after the three points when they clash in Round 4 of the South American 2014 World Cup qualifiers at the Olimpico Atahualpa stadium in Quito on Tuesday. Both teams have started their campaigns with mixed results and will be looking for a boosting win that would steer them closer towards group leaders Uruguay.Having narrowly missed out on the 2010 World Cup, Ecuador are desperate to return to the world stage and in order to achieve this they know that they have to continue to win their home games. Having beaten Venezuela comfortably in Quito in their opening World Cup qualifier, Ecuador are well aware that they are capable of inflicting defeat upon the Peruvians as well.
Colombia vs Argentina Preview
Argentina will be pressured to return home with the three points against Colombia in Barranquilla.
Colombia and Argentina clash in a highly anticipated 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Metropolitano Roberto Melendez stadium of Barranquilla on Tuesday. As is generally the case when both sides meet, the encounter is expected to be very exciting as both have plenty to prove, especially after having claimed highly frustrating home draws last week against teams that they would normally beat.Both teams will be hoping to turn the page on last week's results, to confront a difficult match that could be won by either side. Likewise, both Colombia and Argentina have made modifications coming into the match, with defenders Amaranto Perea and Martin Demichelis, who were responsible for the goals conceded by their sides, out for the game. While Perea will miss the match due to suspension, Demichelis was dropped by Alejandro Sabella.
Paraguay vs Ecuador Report
Paraguay record their first three points of the qualifiers with narrow win over Ecuador in Asuncion.
Paraguay defeated Ecuador 2-1 on Friday to record their first three points of their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion.After a slow and rather ordinary start to the match, as the minutes ticked by Paraguay came more and more into the match, controlling their rivals with dominant passing and aggressive soccer.
Ecuador looked switched off, however, each time Antonio Valencia moved forward he created problems for the Paraguay defense. The Manchester United winger looked very dangerous in an attacking sense, however, often he was provided with little help from his team-mates.
Colombia vs Venezuela Report
Colombia were held to a frustrating draw by Venezuela in a match played under torrential rainfall.
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Colombia could only afford a 1-1 draw with Venezuela in the third round of South American qualifying for Brazil 2014 at the Metropolitano stadium in Barranquilla on Friday. Despite torrential rainfall, Colombia started strongly and went ahead in the 11th minute when after a fine interchange of passes, Freddy Guarin sent a long-range missile into the top right hand corner of Renny Vega's goal. Guarin dedicated the goal to Atletico Madrid striker Falcao, who missed the match due to injury.
Venezuela tried to react after conceding the goal, particularly through Cesar Gonzalez and Juan Arango, who both looked very lively. Colombia for that matter intended to double their advantage and would have done so had Vega not kept out goal-bound efforts from Jackson Martinez, Dorlan Pabon and Teofilo Gutierrez.
Uruguay vs Chile Report
The extraordinary Luis Suarez scores four goals as Uruguay slaughter Chile in Montevideo.
Uruguay hammered Chile 4-0 in the third round of the South American World Cup qualifiers on Friday, with four goals from an absolutely spectacular Luis Suarez. Uruguay proved far superior to their opponents and could have won the match by an even greater difference.Uruguay, who lifted the Copa America for the fifteenth time in July, once again demonstrated why they are currently amongst the best teams of the world. Even without the injured Diego Forlan, Uruguay produced electric attacking soccer, and not once allowed Chile to get into the game.
As was expected, the match commenced with an intense pace as both teams went looking for an early goal. Uruguay looked particularly dangerous each time they moved forward with Suarez and Edinson Cavani being their main danger men.