Kaka shook off barracking from Bologna fans to produce a superb goal scoring performance in AC Milan's victory last night.
Gazzetta dello Sport says Kaka was subjected to abusive chants from home supporters, a rare occurrence in Italy.
"It was all very beautiful," insisted Kaka at the final whistle. "I'm happy because Milan are still chasing Inter and Juve, and even for my two goals. In 2009 we are demonstrating consistency."
On his blossoming partnership with Alexandre Pato, Kaka added: "We are improving. With Pato, it is going very well and the second goal, really was very beautiful, it was created from an exchange between us."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/kaka-shrugs-bologna-boos-inspire-ac-milan-victory-224376
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
KAKA NAMED TSN.CA SOCCER PLAYER OF THE WEEK
With the transfer drama behind him, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite or Kaka as he is better known can get back to doing what he does best, scoring goals and capturing awards. The latest is the TSN.ca Soccer Player of the Week.
The Brazilian superstar has been a one man dynamo for Milan since rejecting a move to Manchester City last week and his fingerprints were all over Milan's destruction of Bologna Sunday.
Although David Beckham will likely get the headlines for scoring his first goal since arriving in Italy, it was Kaka who made the difference against Bologna. The 2007 World Player of the year was unstoppable, scoring twice and controlling the play as the Rossoneri continue to gain ground in the race for the Scudetto.
Others up for consideration this week included Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Getafe's Roberto Soldado and Genclerbirligi's James Triosi.
http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=264601&lid=sublink02&lpos=topRelated_soccer
The Brazilian superstar has been a one man dynamo for Milan since rejecting a move to Manchester City last week and his fingerprints were all over Milan's destruction of Bologna Sunday.
Although David Beckham will likely get the headlines for scoring his first goal since arriving in Italy, it was Kaka who made the difference against Bologna. The 2007 World Player of the year was unstoppable, scoring twice and controlling the play as the Rossoneri continue to gain ground in the race for the Scudetto.
Others up for consideration this week included Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Getafe's Roberto Soldado and Genclerbirligi's James Triosi.
http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=264601&lid=sublink02&lpos=topRelated_soccer
Soccer-Ronaldinho recalled by Brazil, Amauri overlooked
Ronaldinho, dropped by Brazil last year following a loss of form, has been recalled by coach Dunga for next month's friendly against Italy in London.
However, there was still no place for Juventus striker Amauri who is embroiled in a controversy over whether he should play for his native Brazil or for Italy, where he has spent most of his career.
Dunga said he was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing forwards.
"We have got Luis Fabiano, who has hit a purple patch, Adriano, Pato, who was in the Olympic team, and Robinho, who has been a regular for a while," Dunga told reporters.
"I have all these to choose from so anyone else is going to have to wait his moment.
"Amauri is a good player and I've been watching him. But in his last two games, maybe because of all the fuss, he hasn't done so well."
Amauri, 28, is applying for an Italian passport and had previously said he would like to play for the world champions if he continues to be overlooked by his home country.
He has scored 11 Serie A goals this season after joining from Palermo.
Forward Ronaldinho, who has been inconsistent for AC Milan, was left out of Brazil's last three games following a dismal display in their goalless draw at home to Bolivia in September.
He missed the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Colombia in October and the friendly against Portugal in November.
The squad also included a call-up for uncapped Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo.
Forward Adriano, banned for three domestic matches on Monday for punching an opponent during an Italian Serie A game on Sunday, was also included.
Brazil face the Italians at Arsenal's Emirates stadium on Feb. 10, the first meeting between the two sides since a 3-3 draw in France in 1997 and only the second since the 1994 World Cup final which Brazil won on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Goalkeeper: Doni (AS Roma), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan)
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Adriano Correia (Sevilla), Maicon (Inter Milan), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Luis¿o (Benfica), Juan (AS Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Anderson (Manchester United), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg), Elano (Manchester City), Julio Baptista (AS Roma), Kaka (AC Milan), Ronaldinho (AC Milan)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/footballNews/idUKN2639223320090126?sp=true
However, there was still no place for Juventus striker Amauri who is embroiled in a controversy over whether he should play for his native Brazil or for Italy, where he has spent most of his career.
Dunga said he was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing forwards.
"We have got Luis Fabiano, who has hit a purple patch, Adriano, Pato, who was in the Olympic team, and Robinho, who has been a regular for a while," Dunga told reporters.
"I have all these to choose from so anyone else is going to have to wait his moment.
"Amauri is a good player and I've been watching him. But in his last two games, maybe because of all the fuss, he hasn't done so well."
Amauri, 28, is applying for an Italian passport and had previously said he would like to play for the world champions if he continues to be overlooked by his home country.
He has scored 11 Serie A goals this season after joining from Palermo.
Forward Ronaldinho, who has been inconsistent for AC Milan, was left out of Brazil's last three games following a dismal display in their goalless draw at home to Bolivia in September.
He missed the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Colombia in October and the friendly against Portugal in November.
The squad also included a call-up for uncapped Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo.
Forward Adriano, banned for three domestic matches on Monday for punching an opponent during an Italian Serie A game on Sunday, was also included.
Brazil face the Italians at Arsenal's Emirates stadium on Feb. 10, the first meeting between the two sides since a 3-3 draw in France in 1997 and only the second since the 1994 World Cup final which Brazil won on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Goalkeeper: Doni (AS Roma), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan)
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Adriano Correia (Sevilla), Maicon (Inter Milan), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Luis¿o (Benfica), Juan (AS Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Anderson (Manchester United), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg), Elano (Manchester City), Julio Baptista (AS Roma), Kaka (AC Milan), Ronaldinho (AC Milan)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/footballNews/idUKN2639223320090126?sp=true
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Soccer star kaka
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite commonly known as Kaka. The 26 -year- old attacking midfielder expressed his decision to remain at AC Milan. Manchester City had earlier wanted to buy him but their efforts were fruitless.
He was born on April 22, 1982 in Brazil, the Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Brazil and the Serie A club A.C. Milan. He is one of the budding young stars in world football.
The Premier League club was also set to pay Kaka wages of £500,000 a week to quit Milan for Manchester.
Kaká’s younger brother Rodrigo Izecson Dos Santos Leite, known as Digão, followed in his brother’s footsteps and is currently on loan with Serie B team Rimini, after having spent some time in the AC Milan youth squad.
An internet discussion forum explains the nickname as a commonly used shortened form of "Ricardo" in Portuguese.
Kaká is supposed to have got his nickname because his little brother Rodrigo could not pronounce the word "Ricardo" when they were young.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/rainbow/Soccer_star_kaka_78747.shtml
He was born on April 22, 1982 in Brazil, the Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Brazil and the Serie A club A.C. Milan. He is one of the budding young stars in world football.
The Premier League club was also set to pay Kaka wages of £500,000 a week to quit Milan for Manchester.
Kaká’s younger brother Rodrigo Izecson Dos Santos Leite, known as Digão, followed in his brother’s footsteps and is currently on loan with Serie B team Rimini, after having spent some time in the AC Milan youth squad.
An internet discussion forum explains the nickname as a commonly used shortened form of "Ricardo" in Portuguese.
Kaká is supposed to have got his nickname because his little brother Rodrigo could not pronounce the word "Ricardo" when they were young.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/rainbow/Soccer_star_kaka_78747.shtml
Sao Paulo Youth Cup All Around the World
Great soccer final will be broadcast to 60 countries, Jan. 25
The Sao Paulo Youth Cup or Copa Sao Paulo de Juniores -- as it is called in Brazil -- is the most important soccer youth championship here.
The tournament is for teams from every part of Brazil and is famous for revealing Brazil's most amazing talents.Julio Baptista, Robinho and Kaka, are just some of the stars who began their careers in the Sao Paulo Youth Cup.
This year some young talents were tapped before the Cup began: The offensive winger Neymar playing for Santos, Oscar Sao Paulo's midfielder. But all of them have already been eliminated.
The final match is Atletico-PR against Corinthians.
The final is always played on Jan. 25, the date of the foundation of Sao Paulo city. All matches are played in Sao Paulo state and this year is no different. But there is one difference this year; for the very first time the Sao Paulo Youth Cup final will be broadcast in 60 countries. This will give a chance for European countries, or at least 15 of them, to watch who will probably be Brazil's next soccer star.
Both Corinthians and Atletico have good soccer talent to highlight, and I bet that a good part of the most important European soccer managers will be keenly watching this match, on the lookout for the next Brazilian surprise.
http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?at_code=436495&no=384696&rel_no=1
The Sao Paulo Youth Cup or Copa Sao Paulo de Juniores -- as it is called in Brazil -- is the most important soccer youth championship here.
The tournament is for teams from every part of Brazil and is famous for revealing Brazil's most amazing talents.Julio Baptista, Robinho and Kaka, are just some of the stars who began their careers in the Sao Paulo Youth Cup.
This year some young talents were tapped before the Cup began: The offensive winger Neymar playing for Santos, Oscar Sao Paulo's midfielder. But all of them have already been eliminated.
The final match is Atletico-PR against Corinthians.
The final is always played on Jan. 25, the date of the foundation of Sao Paulo city. All matches are played in Sao Paulo state and this year is no different. But there is one difference this year; for the very first time the Sao Paulo Youth Cup final will be broadcast in 60 countries. This will give a chance for European countries, or at least 15 of them, to watch who will probably be Brazil's next soccer star.
Both Corinthians and Atletico have good soccer talent to highlight, and I bet that a good part of the most important European soccer managers will be keenly watching this match, on the lookout for the next Brazilian surprise.
http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?at_code=436495&no=384696&rel_no=1
Vasco da Gama loses in first game of state tournament
In their first game of the Rio de Janeiro state tournament, the Vasco da Gama soccer team lost on Saturday to Americano by a score of 2-0.
Despite the negative result, the team's head coach, Dorival Junior believes that the game was full of positive results. Critics of the team say that the team will only begin to be competitive in the fourth or fifth round of the state competition.
"In my opinion, I saw more good things than bad things in today's game," said the head coach. "I was disappointed with the result, but I am happy with the team's performance.
"The players played to the best of their ability and made some great individual plays. We played much better in the second half. However, I want my players ready for a long and hard year, rather than a walk in the park."
The club is not distraught with their loss.
Dorival Junior considers the state tournament as a warm up for the 2009 season. He plans on having a great year and hopes to raise the team from the second division of the Brazilian soccer championship. They fell to the second division in 2008 after having placed among the worst four of the tournament.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-01/25/content_10716384.htm
Despite the negative result, the team's head coach, Dorival Junior believes that the game was full of positive results. Critics of the team say that the team will only begin to be competitive in the fourth or fifth round of the state competition.
"In my opinion, I saw more good things than bad things in today's game," said the head coach. "I was disappointed with the result, but I am happy with the team's performance.
"The players played to the best of their ability and made some great individual plays. We played much better in the second half. However, I want my players ready for a long and hard year, rather than a walk in the park."
The club is not distraught with their loss.
Dorival Junior considers the state tournament as a warm up for the 2009 season. He plans on having a great year and hopes to raise the team from the second division of the Brazilian soccer championship. They fell to the second division in 2008 after having placed among the worst four of the tournament.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-01/25/content_10716384.htm
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Pato's early goal holds up as Milan downs Fiorentina
Pato's goal seven minutes into the game was enough to lead AC Milan to a 1-0 win over Fiorentina at the San Siro on Saturday.
The win moves Milan to within six points of leaders Inter Milan and it solidifies the Rossoneri's hold on third place, while Fiorentina remains in sixth place and has lost its last two games.
Milan got out to a great start with Pato scoring his third goal in two games inside of seven minutes.
David Beckham attempted a cross from the left wing that was blocked and the ball fell to Marek Jankulovski, who slipped a pass to Pato inside the box. The young Brazilian then eluded a defender and fired off the far post and into the net to give his side an early lead.
Stevan Jovetic tried to equalize seven minutes later but he hooked a shot just wide from 20 yards before a well-struck shot from Riccardo Montolivo was parried by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.
Beckham almost added to Milan's lead right before halftime when he got into the box on the right and drove a low shot towards the far post that was tipped wide by goalkeeper Marco Storari.
The second half started slowly but a nice ball from Juan Vargas found Mario Santana in front of goal midway through the half. Santana struck the ball first-time but Abbiati reacted well and got enough of the ball to keep it out.
Santana threatened the Milan net again in the 73rd minute when he fired just wide of the right post, but the Viola were unable to muster another significant threat over the final 15 minutes despite the fact that Jankulovski picked up a second yellow card in the 90th minute.
Siena moved seven points clear of the drop zone as Mario Frick scored with 15 minutes to play, handing his side a 1-0 win over second-from-the-bottom Reggina, which is winless in its last six games.
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=soc-ita/news/news.aspx?id=4204424
The win moves Milan to within six points of leaders Inter Milan and it solidifies the Rossoneri's hold on third place, while Fiorentina remains in sixth place and has lost its last two games.
Milan got out to a great start with Pato scoring his third goal in two games inside of seven minutes.
David Beckham attempted a cross from the left wing that was blocked and the ball fell to Marek Jankulovski, who slipped a pass to Pato inside the box. The young Brazilian then eluded a defender and fired off the far post and into the net to give his side an early lead.
Stevan Jovetic tried to equalize seven minutes later but he hooked a shot just wide from 20 yards before a well-struck shot from Riccardo Montolivo was parried by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.
Beckham almost added to Milan's lead right before halftime when he got into the box on the right and drove a low shot towards the far post that was tipped wide by goalkeeper Marco Storari.
The second half started slowly but a nice ball from Juan Vargas found Mario Santana in front of goal midway through the half. Santana struck the ball first-time but Abbiati reacted well and got enough of the ball to keep it out.
Santana threatened the Milan net again in the 73rd minute when he fired just wide of the right post, but the Viola were unable to muster another significant threat over the final 15 minutes despite the fact that Jankulovski picked up a second yellow card in the 90th minute.
Siena moved seven points clear of the drop zone as Mario Frick scored with 15 minutes to play, handing his side a 1-0 win over second-from-the-bottom Reggina, which is winless in its last six games.
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=soc-ita/news/news.aspx?id=4204424
Soccer-Brazilian champions Sao Paulo held as season starts
Brazilian champions Sao Paulo were held to a 1-1 draw at home by modest Ituano in the Paulista championship as the 2009 season kicked off on Wednesday.
Striker Hugo gave Sao Paulo a 12th minute lead when he scored with a clinically-taken effort after the ball was laid off by Borges.
However, the visitors levelled when defender Miranda put through his own goal in the 36th minute as he tried to control the ball with his chest.
Sao Paulo, Brazilian champions for the last three years, were jeered off the field by the 11,000 crowd at the Morumbi.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo's Palmeiras made a more impressive start when they beat Santo Andre 1-0, debutant Cleiton Xavier scoring a neat goal in the 43rd minute after striker Lenny prised open the defence.
The Paulista is the largest of the regional tournaments that serve as a prelude to the Brazilian championship.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/UK_WORLDFOOTBALL/idUKSP35180320090122
Striker Hugo gave Sao Paulo a 12th minute lead when he scored with a clinically-taken effort after the ball was laid off by Borges.
However, the visitors levelled when defender Miranda put through his own goal in the 36th minute as he tried to control the ball with his chest.
Sao Paulo, Brazilian champions for the last three years, were jeered off the field by the 11,000 crowd at the Morumbi.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo's Palmeiras made a more impressive start when they beat Santo Andre 1-0, debutant Cleiton Xavier scoring a neat goal in the 43rd minute after striker Lenny prised open the defence.
The Paulista is the largest of the regional tournaments that serve as a prelude to the Brazilian championship.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/UK_WORLDFOOTBALL/idUKSP35180320090122
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Alexandre Pato a Serie A Sensation This Season
Alexandre Pato has become one of Serie A’s most prominent players during the last calendar year. The young Brazilian has just completed his first year at AC Milan and with his lightning speed, unique technical skills, great finishing, and outstanding reading of the game; the forward has done nothing to diminish his €22 million price tag.
Alexandre Pato, whose real name is Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, received his shirt name due to his hometown being Pato Branco—which in both Spanish and Portuguese means “duck.”
Pato started playing futsal at the early age of four and become known in the Parana region due to his unique skills. At the age of seven the young talent switched to football and went off to play for Gremiô Industrial Pato Branquese—a sister club to Gremiô.
However, things haven’t always been easy for "The Duck." In 2000, young Pato at a mere 10 years of age was brought to the doctors with a broken arm. The doctor found something else too—a tumor that would have been cancerous had it not been removed within two months.
It was lucky for both Pato and his family that the doctor was a family friend, as they could not afford the costly operation. The operation was performed for free and it took several years for the prospering talent to fully recover and rehabilitate the arm.
When Pato turned 11 he along with his family decided to put all eggs in one basket by trying out for Internacional—with 83 other boys all fighting for the same spot. He beat all of his competitors—leaving the club with the knowledge that they had stumbled across something amazing.
In 2005, Pato helped Internacional to win the Brazilian U-20 Championship after bagging a brace against Gremiô in the return fixture of the final. That year Internacional also won the Copa Libertadores, which generated a place in the FIFA Club World Cup where the Brazilians surprisingly came to beat Barcelona in the final.
* B/R Ticket Guide
Powered by FanSnap.com
The Brazilian didn’t manage to shine in the final due to the fact that the forward was playing with injury, but that didn’t stop him from running circles around defense stalwart Carles Puyol before he was substituted for team mate Adriano Gabiru who eventually scored the winner.
Pato was deliberately kept in the youth team to keep prying eyes from discovering that blossoming talent and the management was forbidden to talk about their prized asset to the media. It wasn’t until the forward Rafael Sobis left Internacional that Pato at age 17 signed a contract and took the step up to the senior team.
It was from then that the youngster started the fine habit of scoring in his debuts. He presented himself to the club’s supporters by scoring a header in his debut against Palmeiras in the 4-1 win in November 2006. The buzz surrounding the player was unbelievable as he was tipped to becoming one of the world’s most complete players in the coming years.
During the following year Pato helped the Brazil youth team to a South American Youth Championship title in Paraguy—which also meant automatic qualification to both FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
On Aug. 2 2007, AC Milan paid €22 million for Pato as the club confirmed their latest signing—but with regards to the Italian Football Regulations regarding underage non-European players—he was unable to play official games for his new club until Jan. 3, 2008 when the transfer window would reopened.
On Sept. 4, 2007—the day after his birthday, Pato made his unofficial debut for Milan in a friendly against Dynamo Kiev where he scored a header in the 2-2 draw and gave the Diavolo supporters something to look forward to.
The official debut in the Milan shirt took place on Jan. 13, 2008 and the hype surrounding the player did nothing to stress the forward who loyal to his habit scored in his first official game in the 5-2 win over Napoli.
Approximately two months after his Milan debut the young Brazilian once again scored in a debut. Pato came off the bench and scored the winner with a sublime strike in 72th minute in his first appearance for the Selecão where Brazil hosted Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in celebration of the 1958 World Cup Final between the two nations.
Most people probably remember a certain Pelé attracting global recognition with his inspiring performance during that specific final about 50 years ago.
Pato rounded up his first six months at Milan with 18 appearances and nine goals and quickly became a fan favorite at the San Siro.
During the following summer Pato made three appearances and scored one goal as a part of the Brazil team that won bronze medals in the Beijing Olympics.
The Brazilian has started the 2008-09 in great fashion and already has eight goals to his name. The youngster has scored doubles against both Udinese and Roma this season and is quickly becoming an integral part of the team’s offense.
He has earned the praise of teammates and coaches alike, and keeping his head cool and staying humble with the amount of attention he is receiving simply showcases maturity despite his young age.
The forward has already blossomed into a world-class player and if he continues on the same path, there is not a doubt in my mind that he will one day soon become the best footballer in the world.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/110923-alexandre-pato-a-serie-a-sensation-this-season/show_full
Alexandre Pato, whose real name is Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, received his shirt name due to his hometown being Pato Branco—which in both Spanish and Portuguese means “duck.”
Pato started playing futsal at the early age of four and become known in the Parana region due to his unique skills. At the age of seven the young talent switched to football and went off to play for Gremiô Industrial Pato Branquese—a sister club to Gremiô.
However, things haven’t always been easy for "The Duck." In 2000, young Pato at a mere 10 years of age was brought to the doctors with a broken arm. The doctor found something else too—a tumor that would have been cancerous had it not been removed within two months.
It was lucky for both Pato and his family that the doctor was a family friend, as they could not afford the costly operation. The operation was performed for free and it took several years for the prospering talent to fully recover and rehabilitate the arm.
When Pato turned 11 he along with his family decided to put all eggs in one basket by trying out for Internacional—with 83 other boys all fighting for the same spot. He beat all of his competitors—leaving the club with the knowledge that they had stumbled across something amazing.
In 2005, Pato helped Internacional to win the Brazilian U-20 Championship after bagging a brace against Gremiô in the return fixture of the final. That year Internacional also won the Copa Libertadores, which generated a place in the FIFA Club World Cup where the Brazilians surprisingly came to beat Barcelona in the final.
* B/R Ticket Guide
Powered by FanSnap.com
The Brazilian didn’t manage to shine in the final due to the fact that the forward was playing with injury, but that didn’t stop him from running circles around defense stalwart Carles Puyol before he was substituted for team mate Adriano Gabiru who eventually scored the winner.
Pato was deliberately kept in the youth team to keep prying eyes from discovering that blossoming talent and the management was forbidden to talk about their prized asset to the media. It wasn’t until the forward Rafael Sobis left Internacional that Pato at age 17 signed a contract and took the step up to the senior team.
It was from then that the youngster started the fine habit of scoring in his debuts. He presented himself to the club’s supporters by scoring a header in his debut against Palmeiras in the 4-1 win in November 2006. The buzz surrounding the player was unbelievable as he was tipped to becoming one of the world’s most complete players in the coming years.
During the following year Pato helped the Brazil youth team to a South American Youth Championship title in Paraguy—which also meant automatic qualification to both FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
On Aug. 2 2007, AC Milan paid €22 million for Pato as the club confirmed their latest signing—but with regards to the Italian Football Regulations regarding underage non-European players—he was unable to play official games for his new club until Jan. 3, 2008 when the transfer window would reopened.
On Sept. 4, 2007—the day after his birthday, Pato made his unofficial debut for Milan in a friendly against Dynamo Kiev where he scored a header in the 2-2 draw and gave the Diavolo supporters something to look forward to.
The official debut in the Milan shirt took place on Jan. 13, 2008 and the hype surrounding the player did nothing to stress the forward who loyal to his habit scored in his first official game in the 5-2 win over Napoli.
Approximately two months after his Milan debut the young Brazilian once again scored in a debut. Pato came off the bench and scored the winner with a sublime strike in 72th minute in his first appearance for the Selecão where Brazil hosted Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in celebration of the 1958 World Cup Final between the two nations.
Most people probably remember a certain Pelé attracting global recognition with his inspiring performance during that specific final about 50 years ago.
Pato rounded up his first six months at Milan with 18 appearances and nine goals and quickly became a fan favorite at the San Siro.
During the following summer Pato made three appearances and scored one goal as a part of the Brazil team that won bronze medals in the Beijing Olympics.
The Brazilian has started the 2008-09 in great fashion and already has eight goals to his name. The youngster has scored doubles against both Udinese and Roma this season and is quickly becoming an integral part of the team’s offense.
He has earned the praise of teammates and coaches alike, and keeping his head cool and staying humble with the amount of attention he is receiving simply showcases maturity despite his young age.
The forward has already blossomed into a world-class player and if he continues on the same path, there is not a doubt in my mind that he will one day soon become the best footballer in the world.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/110923-alexandre-pato-a-serie-a-sensation-this-season/show_full
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Brazil has five years to pull off a miracle, get into Cup-hosting shape
Now that the World Cup is a tournament for 32 teams, more countries can qualify, but fewer can play host. South America makes this situation very clear. The continent staged the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and, up until 1978, hosted four of the first 11 -- all in the days when a maximum of 16 teams took part.
Since then, the tournament has grown, first to 24 and then to 32, without returning to the continent of its birth. And six years ago, when FIFA announced that under a rotation system, 2014 would be South America's turn, everyone knew what the outcome would be. CONMEBOL (the South American Federation) almost immediately announced that Brazil was its sole candidate.
Colombia later broke ranks and briefly ran a rival bid, but it was never serious. Its main aim was almost certainly to protect itself from the rise of Venezuela, which was investing heavily in stadiums for the '07 Copa América. It was successful -- Colombia overcame its neighbors to be awarded the 2011 Under-20 World Cup Cup. At the senior level, though, Brazil remains the only South American country that could single-handedly stage a 32-team tournament.
This is a consequence of the continent's economic inheritance. Many South American countries are dominated by one major city -- typically the port through which its raw materials were exported and manufactured produce flooded in. It was a model that left the countries with a big port and an undeveloped hinterland, like a huge head on top of a feeble body.
When Uruguay staged the first World Cup in 1930, the action was restricted to Montevideo. The three stadiums used were all situated in the nation's capital. In '62, Chile used four stadiums in four different cities, but the Nacional in Santiago was the only ground with a capacity of more than 20,000. In '78, Argentina used two stadiums in Buenos Aires as well as four grounds in other cities around the country.
The comparison with Europe is clear. In '34, Italy used eight cities. Four years later, France used nine. In '58, Sweden used 12. Brazil used six in '50, still the most decentralized World Cup ever staged in South America -- although Brazil is sure to break its own record in five years' time.
A country of continental dimensions, Brazil takes up half of South America, and has no problems finding enough potential venues for a World Cup. Eighteen cities are candidates to stage matches in 2014. FIFA originally wanted 10. Brazil has been lobbying hard for 12, and is optimistic of success. Whatever the outcome, it's going to be an ambitious project that will represent a huge opportunity for the development of the Brazilian game.
The '50 World Cup is usually remembered for the defeat that Brazil suffered against Uruguay in the final, the biggest disaster in the country's collective consciousness. But there's another side to the story.
With matches in Porto Alegre and Curitiba in the south, in a new stadium in Belo Horizonte (where the U.S. beat England) in the hinterland and in Recife on the northeastern coast, the '50 World Cup was a genuinely national affair. It helped to strengthen soccer outside the traditional centers of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. When the country at last set up a national championship in '71, the fruits of this process were soon apparent. The major clubs of Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre lost nothing in comparison with the traditional giants.
From a long-term perspective, the '50 World Cup was a raging success. Brazilian soccer now needs to ensure that the same is true in 2014. There's little doubt that Brazil can stage a tournament full of magical moments that will be recalled fondly for many years by the local population, thousands of tourists and billions worldwide watching on TV. But what will be the lasting legacy for the Brazilian game? This is the most important consideration.
The possibility exists that the opportunity might be wasted. The story of the Pan-American Games, staged by Rio de Janeiro in '07, illustrates the dangers. The authorities basked in an orgy of self-congratulation, the event went way over budget, huge sums of public money were spent -- and the legacy was deeply disappointing. None of the promises on transportation infrastructure were transformed into reality and the sporting installations that were built for the games aren't considered successful.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_vickery/01/06/brazil.2014/?eref=sircrc
Since then, the tournament has grown, first to 24 and then to 32, without returning to the continent of its birth. And six years ago, when FIFA announced that under a rotation system, 2014 would be South America's turn, everyone knew what the outcome would be. CONMEBOL (the South American Federation) almost immediately announced that Brazil was its sole candidate.
Colombia later broke ranks and briefly ran a rival bid, but it was never serious. Its main aim was almost certainly to protect itself from the rise of Venezuela, which was investing heavily in stadiums for the '07 Copa América. It was successful -- Colombia overcame its neighbors to be awarded the 2011 Under-20 World Cup Cup. At the senior level, though, Brazil remains the only South American country that could single-handedly stage a 32-team tournament.
This is a consequence of the continent's economic inheritance. Many South American countries are dominated by one major city -- typically the port through which its raw materials were exported and manufactured produce flooded in. It was a model that left the countries with a big port and an undeveloped hinterland, like a huge head on top of a feeble body.
When Uruguay staged the first World Cup in 1930, the action was restricted to Montevideo. The three stadiums used were all situated in the nation's capital. In '62, Chile used four stadiums in four different cities, but the Nacional in Santiago was the only ground with a capacity of more than 20,000. In '78, Argentina used two stadiums in Buenos Aires as well as four grounds in other cities around the country.
The comparison with Europe is clear. In '34, Italy used eight cities. Four years later, France used nine. In '58, Sweden used 12. Brazil used six in '50, still the most decentralized World Cup ever staged in South America -- although Brazil is sure to break its own record in five years' time.
A country of continental dimensions, Brazil takes up half of South America, and has no problems finding enough potential venues for a World Cup. Eighteen cities are candidates to stage matches in 2014. FIFA originally wanted 10. Brazil has been lobbying hard for 12, and is optimistic of success. Whatever the outcome, it's going to be an ambitious project that will represent a huge opportunity for the development of the Brazilian game.
The '50 World Cup is usually remembered for the defeat that Brazil suffered against Uruguay in the final, the biggest disaster in the country's collective consciousness. But there's another side to the story.
With matches in Porto Alegre and Curitiba in the south, in a new stadium in Belo Horizonte (where the U.S. beat England) in the hinterland and in Recife on the northeastern coast, the '50 World Cup was a genuinely national affair. It helped to strengthen soccer outside the traditional centers of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. When the country at last set up a national championship in '71, the fruits of this process were soon apparent. The major clubs of Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre lost nothing in comparison with the traditional giants.
From a long-term perspective, the '50 World Cup was a raging success. Brazilian soccer now needs to ensure that the same is true in 2014. There's little doubt that Brazil can stage a tournament full of magical moments that will be recalled fondly for many years by the local population, thousands of tourists and billions worldwide watching on TV. But what will be the lasting legacy for the Brazilian game? This is the most important consideration.
The possibility exists that the opportunity might be wasted. The story of the Pan-American Games, staged by Rio de Janeiro in '07, illustrates the dangers. The authorities basked in an orgy of self-congratulation, the event went way over budget, huge sums of public money were spent -- and the legacy was deeply disappointing. None of the promises on transportation infrastructure were transformed into reality and the sporting installations that were built for the games aren't considered successful.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_vickery/01/06/brazil.2014/?eref=sircrc
Brazilian Soccer Star Marta Going to Los Angeles
The Brazilian star Marta has bid farewell to her Swedish club team and is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Sol of the new Women’s Professional Soccer league. An announcement could come on Monday in Switzerland, where Marta is one of five finalists for FIFA’s women’splayer of the year award.
Marta, 22, whose full name is Marta Vieira da Silva, has played for Umea IK in Sweden since 2004 but turned down a new contract to accept a three-year, $1.5 million deal with the Sol, according to the Expressen, a daily newspaper in Stockholm.
“We’re in a great place with it, but I don’t want to say anything without having a signed document,” Charlie Naimo, the Sol’s general manager, said Thursday in a telephone interview from Chula Vista, Calif., where he was scouting players at a United States national team under-23 training camp. “I will say that that’s a lot of money to be throwing around and that a figure of $500,000 a year is ridiculous. But from our perspective, we’re cautiously optimistic and we like our position.”
Marta, a skillful and creative left-footed player who is comfortable as either a striker or a midfielder, has played 45 times for Brazil’s women’s national team, most recently in the gold medal game at the Beijing Olympics, a 1-0 overtime loss to the United States. She has twice been named FIFA’s women’s player of the year and is expected to walk away with her third trophy at a banquet Monday night in Zurich.
Marta’s friend and teammate at Umea, central defender Johanna Frisk, 22, has also left the club and is close to signing a contract with the Sol, Naimo said. The W.P.S. is a seven-team league scheduled to begin play in late March when the Sol host the Washington Freedom in the league’s inaugural game, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
“I’m confident it’s not a done deal, but it looks good,” Naimo said. “We’re in the same boat with all five of our international players: we have soft agreements. But until we have something signed, there’s nothing binding.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/sports/soccer/09soccer.html?ref=sports
Marta, 22, whose full name is Marta Vieira da Silva, has played for Umea IK in Sweden since 2004 but turned down a new contract to accept a three-year, $1.5 million deal with the Sol, according to the Expressen, a daily newspaper in Stockholm.
“We’re in a great place with it, but I don’t want to say anything without having a signed document,” Charlie Naimo, the Sol’s general manager, said Thursday in a telephone interview from Chula Vista, Calif., where he was scouting players at a United States national team under-23 training camp. “I will say that that’s a lot of money to be throwing around and that a figure of $500,000 a year is ridiculous. But from our perspective, we’re cautiously optimistic and we like our position.”
Marta, a skillful and creative left-footed player who is comfortable as either a striker or a midfielder, has played 45 times for Brazil’s women’s national team, most recently in the gold medal game at the Beijing Olympics, a 1-0 overtime loss to the United States. She has twice been named FIFA’s women’s player of the year and is expected to walk away with her third trophy at a banquet Monday night in Zurich.
Marta’s friend and teammate at Umea, central defender Johanna Frisk, 22, has also left the club and is close to signing a contract with the Sol, Naimo said. The W.P.S. is a seven-team league scheduled to begin play in late March when the Sol host the Washington Freedom in the league’s inaugural game, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
“I’m confident it’s not a done deal, but it looks good,” Naimo said. “We’re in the same boat with all five of our international players: we have soft agreements. But until we have something signed, there’s nothing binding.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/sports/soccer/09soccer.html?ref=sports
Determined Milan Desperate For Victory Against Roma – Pato
The young Brazilian is confident that his side will be at their best this weekend against Roma.
The Serie A resumes this weekend, and undoubtedly the match of the opening round of 2009 sees Milan travel to Rome to face the Giallorossi, in what is certain to be an intriguing contest.
The Rossoneri are third in the league at present, and can ill afford to drop any points in this clash, if they wish to keep up with Inter and Juventus, who are both ahead of them in the standings.
In the lead up to the big match, the club’s young Brazilian striker, Alexandre Pato, has given his thoughts on the pulsating fixture.
“It will be a beautiful match between two great teams,” Pato said in an interview with Sky.
“We were happy with 2008, and we are hungry for more this year, and that starts this weekend against Roma.
“We are determined to do well and we will continue to give our all in every match we play,” he added.
The 19-year-old striker concluded the interview by making a comment on the club’s new arrival David Beckham, a player whomo he has great admiration for.
“Beckham’s arrival has been great for the club, and as I have seen him train and play, I can tell that he is very strong, not only on the field, but also off it.
“For me it is a great pleasure to train with him and with all of my team mates.
“I am happy to be here. It's great, we are strong, and I look forward to my future in Milan,” he concluded.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1708/ac-milan/2009/01/10/1053230/determined-milan-desperate-for-victory-against-roma--pato
The Serie A resumes this weekend, and undoubtedly the match of the opening round of 2009 sees Milan travel to Rome to face the Giallorossi, in what is certain to be an intriguing contest.
The Rossoneri are third in the league at present, and can ill afford to drop any points in this clash, if they wish to keep up with Inter and Juventus, who are both ahead of them in the standings.
In the lead up to the big match, the club’s young Brazilian striker, Alexandre Pato, has given his thoughts on the pulsating fixture.
“It will be a beautiful match between two great teams,” Pato said in an interview with Sky.
“We were happy with 2008, and we are hungry for more this year, and that starts this weekend against Roma.
“We are determined to do well and we will continue to give our all in every match we play,” he added.
The 19-year-old striker concluded the interview by making a comment on the club’s new arrival David Beckham, a player whomo he has great admiration for.
“Beckham’s arrival has been great for the club, and as I have seen him train and play, I can tell that he is very strong, not only on the field, but also off it.
“For me it is a great pleasure to train with him and with all of my team mates.
“I am happy to be here. It's great, we are strong, and I look forward to my future in Milan,” he concluded.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1708/ac-milan/2009/01/10/1053230/determined-milan-desperate-for-victory-against-roma--pato
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