» EURO 2008

Ronaldo Scores His First Goal at Corinthians!

Bruno Romani — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:50:05 +0000

Palmeiras was winning the derby against Corinthians, in a huge mistake by keeper Felipe. Mano Menezes sent Ronaldo to the pitch with 18 minutes into the second-half. The forward tried a few dribbles, was fouled, and even hit the post in a shot from outside the box. It was already a great match for him. But with 1 minute into the stoppage time, this derby became part of history. Corinthians had a corner and Ronaldo scored in the way which we’re not that used to seeing. With a header. The collective explosion of joy was instantaneous. Ronaldo ran towards Corinthians’ fans and climbed the fence. The fans climbed the fence too and it almost collapsed. Globo TV commentators were having an orgasm live – rating audiences for the week are very promising after all! And with that the phenomenon is a little bit closer to the Ronaldo we would like to see. And today, even if a meteor hits the Earth, the main topic of the week on Brazilian press will be Ronaldo. Congrats Ronaldo!

Ronaldo’s Scandal Costs the Job of Football Manager

Bruno Romani — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:39:51 +0000

So Ronaldo’s big party last week cost the job of football manager and ex-Rome defender Antonio Carlos, aka Zago. He is the one who supposedly threw the party and went with Ronaldo to the lovely place of adult entertainment. This Tuesday, he held a press conference and acknowledged the fact that the big night influenced on “his decision to leave”. But he said this wasn’t the only reason. According to him, he was getting pressure from people inside the club.

This is ironic. Antonio Carlos is a childhood friend of Corinthians’ president Andre Sanches, and did a good job last year in forming the squad to play the second division. Antonio Carlos got all the heat because Andre Sanches cannot fire himself. Sanches is said to be another face at the big party, and was getting pressured. He found the easiest way.

Now, Ronaldo has been listed for the bench in Wednesday’s night match against Itumbiara. It will be the debut of his club in the Copa do Brasil. Coach Mano Menezes did that in order to put some pressure on Ronaldo since e was the only not getting any heat. It will be interesting to see if Ronaldo’s return to football take place in a small stadium located in a small city in the state of Goias whose local club has as forwards 39 year-old Tulio Maravilha and ex-Betis and national squad Denilson.

Itumbiara, the club

Roque Satna Cruz???

Ana — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:56:45 +0000

Seriously Blackburn, the least you can do is get your best player’s name right on the shirt… Roque SANTA Cruz. SANTA Cruz.

via globo.com

Ronaldo: Prostitution, Drinks and Weight

Bruno Romani — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 21:17:03 +0000

The tale of decadence which the life of Ronaldo has become does not stop. It’s all over the Brazilian press the newest adventure of the forward. And probably you read somewhere. On Thursday, Corinthians’ players had the day off in Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo. They had to be back to the hotel by 11 pm. Ronaldo got there 5:30 am. The next day, he did not practice – Corinthians says he was supposed to take part on that session anyway. But still, Ronaldo was punished with 10% of his salary.

Now, the details start to emerge in the newspapers and blogs of journalists . Ronaldo went to a night club which is a known place for prostitution (http://www.popsdrink.com.br/) in the town. He spent 2 thousand reais (a little less than a thousand dollars) in drinks. Another, 150 reais (less than 75 dollars) with at least two different girls. Not only did he drink, but rumors say that he was under the effect of more things than alcohol (a reminder: the region of Presidente Prudente is famous for a product that Maradona would have loved back in the day). What’s worse: Andre Sanches, president of Corinthians, and Antonio Carlos Zago, the ex-defender and now a Corinthians official, were with him. The supposed punishment is likely not to happen.

The morning after the great night, there was a lot of confusion and lack of solid information. First, there was a rumor that Ronaldo was going to do a press conference, which never happened. Then, the rumor was that Andre Sanches was going to talk. He declined and supposedly said the official statement saying Ronaldo was punished was enough. Some of the rumors in the press, say Andre Sanches slept at Antonio Carlos’ place to avoid showing up at the hotel after the big party.

Needless to say coach Mano Menezes is angry. Needless to say Ronaldo entered in a black hole. Still, there is no deadline for him to play. In the meantime, Corinthians, who expected to get the biggest contract for sponsorship in Brazil with Ronaldo, found none. Who wants to be associated with this Ronaldo?

This Saturday Ronaldo was caught training. And he doesn’t look good. Sad.

How Do You Know the Brazilian Season Started? Part I

Bruno Romani — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:58:43 +0000

When goals like the one below take place (forward to 1:28). Renato Santiago from my beloved São José scored from the midfield. The match against São Bento was for second division of São Paulo’s state championship, as some of you may known as Campeonato Paulista. The final score was 4-2.

Ball used on EURO 2008 final sold for €10.000

Ana — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:09:18 +0000

Yep. € 10.000. The ball used on the match between Germany and Spain was auctioned by the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung and Adidas. The money is going to Osterreichische Sportshilfe, to help the development of Athletics on the London Olympic games in 2012. Neat!

EURO Afterthought

Ana — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:52:15 +0000

It has been a great month. And it passed quickly. From the rise and fall of the Oranje, to the impressive Russian performance, to a unbelievable Turkey, this EURO cup has had it all. But above all, this EURO reminded us that football cannot be predicted. And that is why it is the beauty it is.

Back a few months ago, everyone was saying that the Czech Republic would win. Mathematicians made up all sorts of crazy numbers that would say the Czechs were the big winners. Now say what? They did not even qualify for quarter-finals.

And what about the Netherlands?

Clearly the top team on EURO ended up losing to a great young Russian squad. When all the odds were against it.

Who could tell Turkey would do so many comebacks and actually lose the match they started winning?

It is a beautiful game isn’t it? There is no way on earth you can tell what will happen. The ones who do it may end up looking like fools.

EURO Photo: Ballack loses yet another final.

Ana — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:46:02 +0000

It truly must be hard to be Ballack today.

Spain takes the EURO 2008 title.

Ana — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:43:09 +0000

Spain beat Germany today, 1 – 0, to take home the EURO title after 44 years of wait. With a spectacular goal by Fernadno Torres on the first half, La Furia managed to keep attacking and keeping Germany out of their own area. Casillas was there when needed (very few times), Senna completely dominated the midfield, and even though the referee was leaning towards Germany, Spain played their own football and deserved victory.

The Germans were caught up trying to start small fights. Ballack had one good chance the entire match but it seemed like nothing that worked on the match against Turkey was working today.

Spain deserves to win not only for today but for the excellent campaign they have had since the beginning of the tournament. They were the most stable squad on the pitch and kept the same performance throwout the entire tournament.

So even though sometimes the best does not win in football, today it did.

EURO Photo: Ops, goal.

Ana — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:05:23 +0000

Güiza scores Spain’s second goal.