Lampard has an eye on Brazil

Chelsea star Frank Lampard says he is targeting a few more years playing for England, and thinks Euro 2012 may not be his last major tournament.

Lampard has been in fine form in recent weeks and has been rewarded with the captain’s armband for Saturday’s friendly against Spain in preparation for Euro 2012 – an international tournament he hopes will not be his last.

“I don’t completely accept it (Euro 2012) is my last tournament,” Lampard said.

“By saying that, I’ve certainly not made up my mind up to pull out of contention post-Euros.”

“I’m certainly very realistic. If I feel that it’s beyond me to carry on playing, that it’s detrimental to myself at Chelsea and I’m not offering enough to England, then I’ll make that decision.”

“I won’t accept that yet, but I understand that (the 2014 World Cup in) Brazil is a long way away for me, personally.”

David Beckham appears to have played his last game for England but refuses to rule himself out through retirement, which is something Lampard can identify with.

“At the moment I do. I don’t know if that’s always how I’ll feel,” he said.

“David’s situation is slightly different. He’s been playing in America for a few years now. It’s a different level of football and pace of football.”

“Probably the only time I’d think of extracting myself out of it would be if I wasn’t getting picked enough, and it was common knowledge.”

“It wouldn’t even be worth saying it then, in a way – or if it was beneficial for me to have breaks in mid-season and not to be playing games in the summer time, in terms of prolonging my Chelsea career.”

“At the moment, I can’t see myself retiring. When you’re younger you kind of think you’ll maybe retire at a certain age. You see other players doing it.”

“But, as I’ve got older, I’ve started to realise you’re a long time retired.”

“For all the bits of help you get in terms of fitness by not playing for England, I realise I’ll be sitting there wishing I’d pushed that bit harder, got another 50 caps and worked that little bit more.”

“If I didn’t think I was good enough to be playing, I wouldn’t be here. I’d say ‘don’t bother to pick me because I wouldn’t be helping anyone’.”

View the original article here

Brazil face Copa Libertadores crisis

By Shourin Roy on May 9, 2011 8:12 PM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Only Santos remain in the last eight of the Copa Libertadores as Cruzeiro, Gremio, Fluminese join reigning champions Internacional in failing to advance.

Tim Vickery thinks he knows why this has come to pass. Brazilian clubs have failed to cope with the 4-3-3 system with two wide strikers which have been adopted by their opposition.

Categories: Soccer Teams - Club, Soccer Skills, Soccer Politics, Soccer Players, Soccer History, Soccer Hall of Fame, Soccer Coaches & Coaching, Soccer Culture, Gossip/Trash Talk Tags: Brazil, Copa Libertadores 2011 No TrackBacks

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Blatter urges Brazil to hasten preparations

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has called on 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil to speed up their preparations for the competition.

Speaking on Monday, the 75-year-old warned tournament organisers that they were lagging behind the progress predecessors South Africa had made at the same stage of their preparations for the 2010 edition. Brazil will host the Confederations Cup in 2013 as a warm-up to FIFA’s showcase event the following year, but Blatter is concerned that without improvements, matches may not be able to take place in some major cities.”I would like to tell my Brazilian colleagues about the 2014 World Cup, it’s tomorrow, the Brazilians think it’s just the day after tomorrow,” Blatter said.”We are hoping for a little good faith, things are not advancing very quickly.”"If we compare South Africa and Brazil three years before the World Cup, then Brazil has not got as far as South Africa in its preparations.”"If Brazil keeps going like this there will not be matches in Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo at the Confederations Cup.”Blatter also revealed that he will be announcing a major new anti-corruption plan at the FIFA Congress in June. “I will present something very special there but I will not now disclose the contents – it is to fight corruption, all cheating and discrimination,” he said.The Swiss, who is contesting an election to the presidency against Asian Football Confederation chief Mohammad Bin Hamman, does not believe his age should be a factor in determining the next leader of the game’s governing body.”Age is not a question of a number of years, it’s a question of what you are able to do,” he said. “It is the FIFA Congress which will decide whether I am too old or not.”

Mon 28 March, 2011

Blatter urges Brazil to hasten preparations

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has called on 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil to speed up their preparations for the competition.

Speaking on Monday, the 75-year-old warned tournament organisers that they were lagging behind the progress predecessors South Africa had made at the same stage of their preparations for the 2010 edition. Brazil will host the Confederations Cup in 2013 as a warm-up to FIFA’s showcase event the following year, but Blatter is concerned that without improvements, matches may not be able to take place in some major cities.”I would like to tell my Brazilian colleagues about the 2014 World Cup, it’s tomorrow, the Brazilians think it’s just the day after tomorrow,” Blatter said.”We are hoping for a little good faith, things are not advancing very quickly.”"If we compare South Africa and Brazil three years before the World Cup, then Brazil has not got as far as South Africa in its preparations.”"If Brazil keeps going like this there will not be matches in Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo at the Confederations Cup.”Blatter also revealed that he will be announcing a major new anti-corruption plan at the FIFA Congress in June. “I will present something very special there but I will not now disclose the contents – it is to fight corruption, all cheating and discrimination,” he said.The Swiss, who is contesting an election to the presidency against Asian Football Confederation chief Mohammad Bin Hamman, does not believe his age should be a factor in determining the next leader of the game’s governing body.”Age is not a question of a number of years, it’s a question of what you are able to do,” he said. “It is the FIFA Congress which will decide whether I am too old or not.”

Mon 28 March, 2011

Brazil 2-0 Scotland: International Friendly Highlights (Video)

8 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 27th, 2011

Teenager Neymar scored twice to help Brazil ease past Scotland at the Emirates Stadium.

Brazil v Scotland 2-0 Highlights 2011 Video Friendly Emirates

Mar 27, 2011

Brazil v Scotland 2011

27th March, 2011- 27/3/11- Emirates Stadium, London

Final score:- Brazil v Scotland 2-0 ( Neymar

Scotland V Brazil International Friendly: Live Stream

no comments by Mr Neutral on March 27th, 2011

England take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

Watch Scotland v Brazil live streaming with GetSport.TV

Brazil selection delights Jonas

Valencia’s Jonas has credited a January transfer to Spain as the reason for his inclusion in the Brazil squad to face Scotland on Sunday.

The forward has scored one goal since his 1.25 million-euro transfer from Gremio to La Liga club Valencia. And the 26-year-old believes he has already benefitted from the experience of playing in Europe, which played a part in earning international recognition. “Yes, I’m very happy for the call and for joining the national team,” Jonas said. “Now I play in Europe, I’m more prepared, more mature.”"Always when you receive the news that you have been included in the national team, it comes as a surprise, but also as a great satisfaction. So I have to enjoy this moment because it was very difficult to get here.” “I’m … looking forward to gaining the coach’s trust, and also the players’ confidence, of course.”Jonas was delayed in joining the squad ahead of the friendly in London, meaning every player was on hand to greet the latest addition.”Yes I was a bit late,” he said. “Everybody came out to congratulate me so it was great.”"I have to make the most of this time to talk to all my team-mates, and get some advice, especially from those who play in Europe.”"These two days before the match are going to be very important for me. I also want to enjoy each training session we have together and learn from the experienced players.”

Fri 25 March, 2011

Brazil selection delights Jonas

Valencia’s Jonas has credited a January transfer to Spain as the reason for his inclusion in the Brazil squad to face Scotland on Sunday.

The forward has scored one goal since his 1.25 million-euro transfer from Gremio to La Liga club Valencia. And the 26-year-old believes he has already benefitted from the experience of playing in Europe, which played a part in earning international recognition. “Yes, I’m very happy for the call and for joining the national team,” Jonas said. “Now I play in Europe, I’m more prepared, more mature.”"Always when you receive the news that you have been included in the national team, it comes as a surprise, but also as a great satisfaction. So I have to enjoy this moment because it was very difficult to get here.” “I’m … looking forward to gaining the coach’s trust, and also the players’ confidence, of course.”Jonas was delayed in joining the squad ahead of the friendly in London, meaning every player was on hand to greet the latest addition.”Yes I was a bit late,” he said. “Everybody came out to congratulate me so it was great.”"I have to make the most of this time to talk to all my team-mates, and get some advice, especially from those who play in Europe.”"These two days before the match are going to be very important for me. I also want to enjoy each training session we have together and learn from the experienced players.”

Fri 25 March, 2011

Video- Lucas Piazon goal vs Paraguay U-17 for Brazil 2011

Mar 21, 2011

This stunning little Lucas Piazon goal vs Paraguay for Brazil U-17 broke the net of the Paraguayan keeper. You don’t see that happening many times in football when a goal is scored. Lucas Piazon, for the uninitiated, is a football player who will move to Chelsea soon.

Look at the interplay before the Piazon goal against Paraguay- a decent bit of passing in there.

Video- Lucas Piazon goal vs Paraguay- March 2011- breaking the goal net.

( Credits of this Piazon goal vs Paraguay 2011 video with Youtube)

The New Brazil Kit is Very Black

4 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 17th, 2011

There is something almost Batman like about this top, don’t you think? We quite like it though. Spotted on Who Ate All The Pies.

Premier League Tickets Available from Tixdaq.com

Adriano: My future is in Brazil

Adriano has revealed that he aims to return to Brazil after his contract at Roma was canceled this week.

The Brazilian had signed a three-year deal with Roma last summer, but the contract was terminated last week.

Adriano says that he wants to return to Brazil despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

“The choice to return to Brazil is the right one,” Adriano told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I have two children, I am with the mother of my children and I miss them a lot. Each time I call them I feel like crying. I can no longer be far away from them and it’s not easy to bring them here.

“I was unlucky at Roma but perhaps it was a sign from God to tell me that it would be better for me to return to Brazil.”

“I hope the fans are not angry with me and I hope they understand who I am. I decided with the club that to end the contract was the best solution for everyone.
“I have not been able to succeed at Roma, mainly due to injuries. Never in my career had I suffered so many injuries.

“Each time I was finding my form I was forced to stop because of a physical problem. I lose so much money but I want to be happy with my family.

“Today I can leave with my head held high. I haven’t treated anyone badly and I have always respected everyone. I leave Roma but I will not stop playing.”

Thu 10 March, 2011

Adriano: My future is in Brazil

Adriano has revealed that he aims to return to Brazil after his contract at Roma was canceled this week.

The Brazilian had signed a three-year deal with Roma last summer, but the contract was terminated last week.

Adriano says that he wants to return to Brazil despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

“The choice to return to Brazil is the right one,” Adriano told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I have two children, I am with the mother of my children and I miss them a lot. Each time I call them I feel like crying. I can no longer be far away from them and it’s not easy to bring them here.

“I was unlucky at Roma but perhaps it was a sign from God to tell me that it would be better for me to return to Brazil.”

“I hope the fans are not angry with me and I hope they understand who I am. I decided with the club that to end the contract was the best solution for everyone.
“I have not been able to succeed at Roma, mainly due to injuries. Never in my career had I suffered so many injuries.

“Each time I was finding my form I was forced to stop because of a physical problem. I lose so much money but I want to be happy with my family.

“Today I can leave with my head held high. I haven’t treated anyone badly and I have always respected everyone. I leave Roma but I will not stop playing.”

Thu 10 March, 2011

Ridiculous Acrobat Physio In Brazil (Video)

4 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on February 25th, 2011

I barely even know what to say.

Premier League tickets available from Tixdaq.com

Friendly preview: France v Brazil

France’s friendly against Brazil on Wednesday will be another test for Laurent Blanc’s side as they continue to rebuild after the World Cup.

The French side were a laughing stock in South Africa at the 2010 World Cup, with a rift between former manager Raymond Domenech and his players – most notably striker Nicolas Anelka – seeing them exit the tournament without a win.

But there have been positive signs since Blanc took over in August, with an impressive 2-1 win over England at Wembley in November capping off a solid first six months in charge for the former Bordeaux manager.

Now – with the friendly against Brazil in Paris ahead of their next Euro 2012 qualifier in March – Blanc believes his side can fare well against the five-time world champions.

“As a player, you don’t have many opportunities to face Brazil in your career,” Blanc said.

“They are one of the two best teams in the world. It’s going to be difficult. Brazil have a multitude of good players.”

“To measure oneself against the best is the best way to make progress. It will be a good gauge.”

Olympique Lyon’s Yoann Gourcuff, Girondins Bordeaux’s Alou Diarra and Loic Remy of Olympique Marseille have all been included in Blanc’s squad despite some lacklustre recent performances in national colours.

But former captain Patrice Evra has been left out of the side, despite completing his five-match ban for his role in the revolt against Domenech in South Africa.

Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has been unable to force his way back into Mano Menezes’ Brazil squad for the friendly, despite making a successful return from a knee injury.

Kaka missed nearly six months of football after sustaining the injury at the World Cup in South Africa, but was left out of Menezes’ side along with Inter Milan defenders Lucio and Maicon.

The coach has instead turned to youth, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Renato Augusto, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Jadson and Dynamo Kiev forward Andre all surprise inclusions in the squad.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar makes his return to the national side for the first time since the World Cup.

No Brazilian-based players have been selected in the squad, meaning Ronaldinho also misses out.

“Our (Brazil-based) players would suffer in the next games and would play rivals in a different form,” Menezes said. “It is important for us to have the same form, the same physical condition.”

“Brazilian teams are playing Copa Libertadores matches the same day. Anyway, we are not going to France with a weak team at all.”

Tue 8 February, 2011

Friendly preview: France v Brazil

France’s friendly against Brazil on Wednesday will be another test for Laurent Blanc’s side as they continue to rebuild after the World Cup.

The French side were a laughing stock in South Africa at the 2010 World Cup, with a rift between former manager Raymond Domenech and his players – most notably striker Nicolas Anelka – seeing them exit the tournament without a win.

But there have been positive signs since Blanc took over in August, with an impressive 2-1 win over England at Wembley in November capping off a solid first six months in charge for the former Bordeaux manager.

Now – with the friendly against Brazil in Paris ahead of their next Euro 2012 qualifier in March – Blanc believes his side can fare well against the five-time world champions.

“As a player, you don’t have many opportunities to face Brazil in your career,” Blanc said.

“They are one of the two best teams in the world. It’s going to be difficult. Brazil have a multitude of good players.”

“To measure oneself against the best is the best way to make progress. It will be a good gauge.”

Olympique Lyon’s Yoann Gourcuff, Girondins Bordeaux’s Alou Diarra and Loic Remy of Olympique Marseille have all been included in Blanc’s squad despite some lacklustre recent performances in national colours.

But former captain Patrice Evra has been left out of the side, despite completing his five-match ban for his role in the revolt against Domenech in South Africa.

Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has been unable to force his way back into Mano Menezes’ Brazil squad for the friendly, despite making a successful return from a knee injury.

Kaka missed nearly six months of football after sustaining the injury at the World Cup in South Africa, but was left out of Menezes’ side along with Inter Milan defenders Lucio and Maicon.

The coach has instead turned to youth, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Renato Augusto, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Jadson and Dynamo Kiev forward Andre all surprise inclusions in the squad.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar makes his return to the national side for the first time since the World Cup.

No Brazilian-based players have been selected in the squad, meaning Ronaldinho also misses out.

“Our (Brazil-based) players would suffer in the next games and would play rivals in a different form,” Menezes said. “It is important for us to have the same form, the same physical condition.”

“Brazilian teams are playing Copa Libertadores matches the same day. Anyway, we are not going to France with a weak team at all.”

Tue 8 February, 2011

Chelsea Star Hopes to Follow his Roots and Play in Brazil

no comments by Jack Atchinson on February 8th, 2011

Chelsea midfielder wants to finish his career by swapping Stamford Bridge for samba football.

Chelsea tickets available at Tixdaq.com

Watch Fulham v Chelsea live streaming with GetSport.TV

New Brazil kit a bottler

Five-time world champions Brazil will take to the field in 2011 wearing a Nike shirt made from recycled plastic bottles.

The yellow, green, blue and white colours of the Brazil national strip were made famous throughout the world by the exploits of Pele and his teammates at the 1970 World Cup.

And kit manufacturers Nike have now released a new take on the iconic shirt – one that will allow the players to do their bit for the environment while representing their country.

“These shirts were developed and manufactured with threads from recycled plastic bottles,” Nike Marketing Director Thiago Pinto said.

“The shirt’s cloth maintains its technologic characteristics, being able to ease the sweat evaporation and preserve its lightness and shape.”

“For each jersey, around eight plastic bottles are eliminated from the environment. Therefore, each time a Brazilian player walks into a field, we are sure that he has the best technology to improve his performance and also that he is working for sustainability, as he removes these dangerous elements from nature.”

Wed 2 February, 2011

New Brazil kit a bottler

Five-time world champions Brazil will take to the field in 2011 wearing a Nike shirt made from recycled plastic bottles.

The yellow, green, blue and white colours of the Brazil national strip were made famous throughout the world by the exploits of Pele and his teammates at the 1970 World Cup.

And kit manufacturers Nike have now released a new take on the iconic shirt – one that will allow the players to do their bit for the environment while representing their country.

“These shirts were developed and manufactured with threads from recycled plastic bottles,” Nike Marketing Director Thiago Pinto said.

“The shirt’s cloth maintains its technologic characteristics, being able to ease the sweat evaporation and preserve its lightness and shape.”

“For each jersey, around eight plastic bottles are eliminated from the environment. Therefore, each time a Brazilian player walks into a field, we are sure that he has the best technology to improve his performance and also that he is working for sustainability, as he removes these dangerous elements from nature.”

Wed 2 February, 2011

Comment on Brazil World Cup star agrees move to Juventus by the_real_deal

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