Saturday, 26 March 2011
Friendly
Colombia v Ecuador (2-0)
Portugal v Chile (1-1)
Mexico v Paraguay (3-1) , Javier Hernandez scored a brace
USA v Argentina (1-1)
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Saturday, 26 March 2011
Friendly
Colombia v Ecuador (2-0)
Portugal v Chile (1-1)
Mexico v Paraguay (3-1) , Javier Hernandez scored a brace
USA v Argentina (1-1)
United States 1-1 Argentina: Heroic Juan Agudelo Cancels Out Lionel Messi-Inspired Argentina
http://u.goal.com/127100/127115hp2.jpg
Substitute Juan Agudelo was the hero for the Americans, scoring from close in the second half to earn the draw
18-year-old sensation Juan Agudelo caught the headlines yet again with a close-range equaliser for the United States midway through the second half, earning his side a draw against an Argentina outfit that seemed to have the game wrapped up after 45 minutes.
Esteban Cambiasso opened the scoring late in the opening period after the Argentines had dominated proceedings, and in truth they could have gone in at the break with a far greater advantage than a single goal's worth. But the USA battled hard, and Agudelo's equaliser earned them a share of the spoils as the Albiceleste struggled to convert their chances.
Argentina were breathtaking in the first half, controlling the possession and making the Americans look like amateurs with their slick passing play on the edge of the box.
Most of the scoring chances came thanks to Lionel Messi, who sauntered in and out of the American defence at will for the entire 45 minutes.
Seven minutes in the South Americans had their first chance. Angel Di Maria received a pass from Messi outside the area, and the Real Madrid star went into the box, cut to the left and hit a low shot that was saved by Tim Howard.
As the two-time World Cup winners controlled possession, not allowing the United States to have the ball for more than a few seconds, they began playing it to each other with short passes inside the Americans' dangerzone, reminiscent of Barcelona.
27 minutes in, Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi enjoyed a little combination that resulted in the Napoli star getting a decent look at goal that went wide of the post. In fact there were several opportunities of this ilk, but Howard was largely untested.
Di Maria had another tremendous chance when he beat his defender and ran towards the front post, getting within metres of Howard. Di Maria went for the clever chip but it was saved by the goalkeeper.
The Americans had their best chance of the opening half when Jermaine Jones held off Javier Mascherano to play the ball down the line to Donovan. The former Everton player cut at the top of the box and played it to a incoming Dempsey, who took a shot that hit a defender. The ball bounced right back to Dempsey who then aimed for the far post with a placed shot that was saved by Andujar.
Yet first goal finally came in favour of Argentina in the 41st minute when Esteban Cambiasso celebrated his 50th cap with Argentina with an easy finish from close range. Messi played another combination with Lavezzi, who then placed a delicate chip into the box right to Messi's feet, allowing the Barca star to take the ball to the line before passing it in.
Messi's pass went between the legs of Carlos Bocanegra, finding Di Maria at the front post. Di Maria's shot was saved, but the rebound fell right to Cambiasso, who powerfully slammed the ball into the roof of the net for the 1-0 advantage.
In the second half, the United States showed a great deal more fight. After Argentina had two chances early, one by Di Maria that went just over the bar and another by Messi from close that was saved by a sliding Howard, the USA started attacking with larger numbers.
Maurice Edu, who played a little higher up, almost leveled with a low shot in the box that went just wide in a clear signal of intent.
Shortly afterwards USA coach Bob Bradley, who was looking for more in attack in the second half, brought on Juan Agudelo of the New York Red Bulls to accompany Jozy Altidore up top.
The young Colombian-born player rewarded his coach in the 59th minute with the goal. Off a set piece, Landon Donovan sent in a beautiful cross that was headed towards goal by Carlos Bocanegra. Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar made the stop, but the ball bounced right to Agudelo who put it home from close with a soft touch, earning the United States a 1-1 draw.
Agudelo had another chance at a header 71 minutes in but sent the ball over the top of the goal.
The Americans looked more organized in the second half, enjoying a great deal more success down the wings. Sadly for the hosts, though, the final deliveries into the box were almost invariably cleared with ease by Argentina, and as such the game finished 1-1.
Sergio Batista may not be pleased with the result, but his side showed elite creativity, giving the nation hope for the future after a dismal World Cup under Diego Maradona. However, that they conceded in the second period, and had only one goal to show for their dominance, must be a cause for concern.
The United States will admit that they were outplayed in technical terms, but yet again Bradley's men showed bravery and determination in the face of severe difficulty. A draw is the best the hosts could have hoped for, but they fought hard to get it.
Undefeated in their last five contests, USA will take on Paraguay on Tuesday. On the same day a heavily-rotated Argentina side will face Costa Rica.
Brazil 2-0 Scotland: Neymar Double Sees Selecao Stroll To Victory
Santos teenager bags a brace as Brazil cruise to a comfortable 2-0 friendly win at the Emirates...
http://u.goal.com/127100/127146_news.jpg
Brazil cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Scotland in today's international friendly at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
In-demand Santos teenager Neymar was the star of the show, scoring either side of half-time to fully outline the huge future he has ahead of him.
It was Scotland who made a blistering start to the match, storming out of the blocks with pace and getting in the Brazilians’ faces. But Brazil gradually felt their way into proceedings, and when they did find their feet from the 15th minute onwards, they threatened to steamroller their opponents.
Jadson fired in an angled drive which Allan McGregor parried, and then Leandro Damiao rose highest to power an Elano corner against the crossbar and over.
Although Damiao was impressing in his first appearance for the Selecao, the undoubted star of the show was prodigious forward Neymar, who was an effulgent presence throughout.
The 19-year-old was tying the Scotland midfield and defence in knots with his sharp turns and sublime touches, and it was no surprise that it was he who opened the scoring three minutes before the break.
Left-back Andre Santos charged into space down the left and slipped the ball inside between Alan Hutton’s legs for the onrushing Neymar, who took a touch before whipping a low shot beyond McGregor’s flailing arms to break the deadlock. The lead was no less than Brazil deserved and left Scotland facing a daunting task in the second half.
Neymar immediately picked up where he’d left off in the first 45, firing against the crossbar with a magnificent effort from 25 yards, just seconds after the restart.
Brazil should have extended their lead in the 53rd minute, but Ramires screwed Dani Alves’ intelligent cut-back high over the crossbar.
Scotland began to force their way back into the game a little after the hour mark, but they struggled to find any fluency in the final third and were restricted to one long-range strike from Adam, which never troubled Julio Cesar.
Adam, in particular, was looking out of sorts for the Scots, and it was he who clumsily tripped Neymar inside the box to hand him the chance to extend Brazil’s lead in the 77th minute.
The 19-year-old made no mistake with the spot-kick, sweeping the ball into McGregor’s bottom right-hand corner.
The match effectively ended there as a contest, and although Scotland leave London with their tail firmly between their legs, they were always likely to be outclassed, and will not be too downhearted by the manner of defeat. Brazil, meanwhile, will be delighted with their days work, and in particular the performance of starlet Neymar – who, if today’s showing is anything to go by, looks set to fulfil all expectations.
:victory: :victory: :victory:
Scotland v Brazil (0-2)
42' http://www.goalzz.com/g.gif Neymar
77' http://www.goalzz.com/g.gif Neymar
Brazil 2-0 Scotland: Neymar Double Sees Selecao Stroll To Victory
Santos teenager bags a brace as Brazil cruise to a comfortable 2-0 friendly win at the Emirates...
http://u.goal.com/127100/127146_news.jpg
Brazil cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Scotland in today's international friendly at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
In-demand Santos teenager Neymar was the star of the show, scoring either side of half-time to fully outline the huge future he has ahead of him.
It was Scotland who made a blistering start to the match, storming out of the blocks with pace and getting in the Brazilians’ faces. But Brazil gradually felt their way into proceedings, and when they did find their feet from the 15th minute onwards, they threatened to steamroller their opponents.
Jadson fired in an angled drive which Allan McGregor parried, and then Leandro Damiao rose highest to power an Elano corner against the crossbar and over.
Although Damiao was impressing in his first appearance for the Selecao, the undoubted star of the show was prodigious forward Neymar, who was an effulgent presence throughout.
The young star was tying the Scotland midfield and defence in knots with his sharp turns and sublime touches, and it was no surprise that it was he who opened the scoring three minutes before the break.
Left-back Andre Santos charged into space down the left and slipped the ball inside between Alan Hutton’s legs for the onrushing Neymar, who took a touch before whipping a low shot beyond McGregor’s flailing arms to break the deadlock. The lead was no less than Brazil deserved and left Scotland facing a daunting task in the second half.
Neymar immediately picked up where he’d left off in the first 45, firing against the crossbar with a magnificent effort from 25 yards, just seconds after the restart.
Brazil should have extended their lead in the 53rd minute, but Ramires screwed Dani Alves’ intelligent cut-back high over the crossbar.
Scotland began to force their way back into the game a little after the hour mark, but they struggled to find any fluency in the final third and were restricted to one long-range strike from Adam, which never troubled Julio Cesar.
Adam, in particular, was looking out of sorts for the Scots, and it was he who clumsily tripped Neymar inside the box to hand him the chance to extend Brazil’s lead in the 77th minute.
The 19-year-old made no mistake with the spot-kick, sweeping the ball into McGregor’s bottom right-hand corner.
The match effectively ended there as a contest, and although Scotland leave London with their tail firmly between their legs, they were always likely to be outclassed, and will not be too downhearted by the manner of defeat.
Brazil, meanwhile, will be delighted with their days work, and in particular the performance of starlet Neymar – who, if today’s showing is anything to go by, looks set to fulfil all expectations.
Quote:
Originally Posted by reality
:coolthumb::coolthumb:Quote:
Originally Posted by Giggs
thanks giggsQuote:
Originally Posted by Giggs
Brazil dominated match. Neymar scored, he's a gifted striker and clever too.. he know how to get a penalty kick:razz:..
I like Ramires more, His movements were spectacular..
Neymar incident mars Brazil win
Brazil star Neymar is at the centre of a racism row after a banana was thrown on to the field during his country's 2-0 victory over Scotland at the Emirates Stadium
The alleged incident took place as the 19-year-old was preparing to take a penalty to score his second of two goals during Sunday's match.
Speaking afterwards, Neymar accused some spectators of racially abusing him, a claim also made by team-mate Lucas Leiva, who television pictures reportedly showed retrieving the banana.
Neymar said: "I feel great and scored two but what happened with the banana is sad. I don't want to make a big deal of it. I was running down the touchline in the second half and saw it but I didn't see where it came from.''
Santos forward Neymar, who has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, said earlier on Brazilian television channel Sportv: "They were jeering me a lot, even when I was about to kick the penalty. The entire stadium was jeering. This atmosphere of racism is totally sad.
"We leave our country to play here and something like this happens. It's sad. I'd rather not even talk about it, to keep the subject from escalating.''
Sunday's match was played at a neutral venue in England and it is unclear whether the banana was thrown by a supporter of either side or a neutral.
The Scottish Football Association have strongly refuted claims that the Tartan Army had any involvement and a spokesperson said: "There has been no such incident reported to the police or the stadium safety officer.
"In fact, the tens of thousands of Scotland supporters who travelled to the Emirates were commended for their behaviour.
"The Scotland supporters are known the world over for their impeccable behaviour and we have no reason to believe that, after speaking to the relevant authorities, they have been anything other than exemplary.
"The Scotland fans helped create a wonderful spectacle inside the Emirates and throughout London and should be applauded for their support.''
Neyamr's Brazilian team-mate Lucas, who plays his club football at Liverpool, said: "There is no more space for racism in the world. They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most. That has to change. Everybody is equal today. It's a matter of respect.''
It was the third high-profile incident of alleged racism towards a black player in the past eight days.
It was also the second involving a Brazilian and a banana after World Cup-winning left-back Roberto Carlos was subjected to similar abuse before Monday's Russian Premier League between his Anzhi Makhachkala side and Zenit St Petersburg.
That came two days after Port Vale defender Exodus Geohaghon claimed he had been racially abused by his own club's fans as he left the field at the end of last Saturday's League Two defeat at Accrington Stanley.
Brazil manager Mano Menezes and Scotland boss Craig Levein both denied any knowledge of Sunday's incident at the Emirates.
Menezes said: "If it happened, that would be lamentable but it has not been confirmed yet.''
Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband strongly denied the jeering of Neymar was racially motivated.
He said: "The reason Neymar was booed was because we believed he was feigning injury. Racism has no place in the Tartan Army, and if it did, it would be stamped out immediately, because we are self-policing.
"Any suggestion of racism from the Tartan Army today, as far as I am concerned, is absolute tosh. We accept that Brazil played us off the park, and we applauded them for that.''
:spam1: :tiesto:Quote:
Originally Posted by Santino
Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni delighted with 100th career goal
Sao Paulo veteran goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni has expressed his delight with his 100th career goal in the match against rivals Corinthians.
By Stefan Coerts
Mar 28, 2011 12:12:00 AM
http://u.goal.com/127100/127156_news.jpg Sao Paulo shot stopper Rogerio Ceni has expressed his delight with scoring his 100th career goal in the 2-1 win over Corinthians on Sunday.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper found the net with a well-taken free kick to help Sao Paulo to the full three points and Ceni was very pleased with his milestone goal.
"It was beautiful. As a goalkeeper you don't enter the match thinking about scoring a goal, but it happened just as I wanted," said the former Brazil international to Associated Press. "With a free kick, deciding an important match."
"For me, it doesn't matter that it was against Corinthians, but for the fans it must have been important."
Ceni is the highest-scoring goalkeeper of all time with his 100 career goals. Other scoring shot stoppers include the likes of Hans-Joerg Butt, Jose Chilavert and Jorge Campos.