⚽️ ⚽️ Football Thread ⚽️ World of Football ⚽️

[Giggs]

Quite true.. Milito's cool finish in the final saw them beat Bayern Munich..

+1.......................

[Giggs]

Goalkeepers: Victor (Gremio) Jeferson (Botafogo), Neto (Atletico-PR)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Rafael (Manchester United), Adriano Correa (Barcelona), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Thiago Silva (Milan), David Luiz (Benfica) ,Alex Costa (Chelsea), Rever (Atletico-MG)

Midfielders: Lucas (Liverpool), Ramires (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham), Jucilei (Corinthians), Douglas (Gremio), Philippe Coutinho (Inter), Ronaldinho Gaucho (Milan), Elias (Corinthians)

Forwards: Robinho (Milan), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Andre (Dinamo Kiev), Neymar (Santos)

[kallan pavithran]

BUENOS AIRES: Diego Maradona turns 50 on Saturday, an anniversary some feared he might never reach, and after defying death he will not let the small matter of a sacking stand in the way of his next big goal.

In Pics: Argentine legend turns 50

Argentina's greatest player will spend his birthday far from the two things that have dominated his life - soccer and being constantly in the public eye - but they are not far from his mind.

Despite losing his job as coach of his beloved Argentina a few months ago, Maradona still dreams of returning to the helm and avenging the World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Germany in June that cost him his job.

"I know I'll return to the national team some day, it's my destiny. I'm waiting," said Maradona, said in an interview on Friday.

Having once been at death's door with a priest at his bedside and having suffered heart problems, obesity and drug addiction before defying doubters to get the Argentina job in 2008, it would be unwise to write off his chances of returning.

Carlos Bilardo, coach of the Argentina side that won the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, has played a major part in Maradona's life but even he would not venture an opinion on his former captain's future or chances of a comeback.

Bilardo has a part in the choice of Maradona's successor to lead Argentina to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, though only to advise an Argentine Football Association (AFA) selection committee on the candidates.

"I propose and they choose," Bilardo, who is the AFA director of national teams, said of the selection committee meeting he will attend on Monday.

There is no indication that Maradona is on his list, but just as he was called on before to bail out the team when they were in crisis, as a player first ahead of the 1994 World Cup and then as coach two years ago, his supporters will push his case at the first real sign of failure.

True Great:

The stocky Maradona is not short of supporters, a mark of the respect he still commands on the basis of a playing career that marked him out as one of the game's true greats.

Some are in government and Maradona was at President Cristina Fernandez's side on Thursday as the country mourned the sudden death at 60 of her husband, former head of state Nestor Kirchner.

Former Boca Juniors and Argentina team mate and friend Claudio Caniggia said Maradona should never have lost the job in the first place.

"Obviously, there's pain. He still hopes for a chance, but he's well," Caniggia said.

"I'm sure inside himself he thinks he deserves to carry on. I think he deserved to."

Realistically, though, Maradona will have to wait some time before he can credibly be linked with the national coaching job again.

Among the main candidates for the post, Sergio Batista, Maradona's 1986 World Cup-winning team mate, enjoys a head start as the interim coach and the backing of AFA president Julio Grondona, while Alex Sabella of Estudiantes is also in the mix.

Whoever gets the job will have to prove his capacity when Argentina host the Copa America in July. Argentina lost the final to Brazil the last two times it was played in 2004 and 2007. It was also Argentina's last trophy way back in 1993.

A run of bad results could soon have Argentines once again overlooking Maradona's shortcomings and calling for his return.

His drug problems and lavish lifestyle were forgiven by a public who seek a return to the glory days that he inspired -- and they are still waiting for that.

[Giggs]

In Pole Position



Borussia Dortmund have leapfrogged Mainz into top spot in the German Bundesliga after defeating them 2-0 away. Mario Goetze scored for the visitors on 25 minutes and Lucas Barrios netted his side's second midway through the second-half. Mainz are second now, just a point behind Dortmund

[Giggs]

Thanks kallan

[hitman87]

thnx Giggs..

[Giggs]

Ronaldo : I am Just Phenomenal



CRISTIANO RONALDO reckons he is simply phenomenal.
The Real Madrid superstar netted twice against Hercules on Saturday - taking his tally to 10 in four League games.
Ronaldo has 13 goals in nine games in all competitions this term and boasted: "I am in phenomenal shape and on a great run of form.
"I come away happy with everything, for scoring and for winning."
Real are a point clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Barca's Lionel Messi was also on the rampage, netting twice in the 5-0 rout of Sevilla. David Villa ended his month-long barren run with a double - after being the target of jibes from Real boss Jose Mourinho.

[Giggs]

Nani - I'm one of the best



Nani has branded himself one of the world's top players as the row rumbles on over his goal against Tottenham.
Manchester United were leading Spurs through captain Nemanja Vidic's first-half header on Saturday when winger Nani poked in a second for the hosts five minutes from time.
The Portugal international rolled a shot into the net after Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes had thrown the ball onto the ground believing a free-kick had been given after Nani had handled in the box.
However, referee Mark Clattenburg was waving for play to continue and consequently allowed the goal to stand after consulting his assistant, much to the outrage of the visitors.
The strike marked Nani's seventh of the season and fourth in four matches, and the controversy sparked by the goal has not deterred the 23-year-old from singing his own praises.

Complete
"As a player I think I'm close to being as complete as I can be," said Nani. "Now I can say I'm one of the top players in the world.
"I play for the best club in the world and my role in the team is as a decisive player, scoring goals or setting up and so the team can win.
"You have to believe in yourself and believe in your abilities on the pitch. Big games are for big players.
"I want to be one of the best. I'm not scared to play in the big games, they are the most beautiful in football - you play with very high quality.
"Beautiful football, that's what everyone likes. And that helps lift my performance too."

[Giggs]

Set For Argentina Job



Interim coach Sergio Batista could today be confirmed as Diego Maradona's permanent successor as head coach of the Argentina national team, as team manager Carlos Bilardo meets with members of the AFA selection committee to confirm the new trainer. Official confirmation is expected soon...

Teams managed
2000 : Bella Vista
2001–2003 : Argentinos Juniors
2003 : Talleres
2004 : Argentinos Juniors
2004–2005 : Nueva Chicago
2007 : Godoy Cruz
2007– : Argentina U-20 / Olympic
2010 : Argentina

[hitman87]

Something's wrong with Portuguese people..
Mourinho claimed himself as 'the special one'.. I AGREE
Ronaldo claims he's phenomenal.. I PARTIALLY AGREE
Nani claims he's one of the best.. COMPLETELY DISAGREE
Carlos Quiroz claimed he will be next Man Utd coach.. STRONGLY DISAGREE