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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Hinchas de Poesia, Odes about the Beautiful game and more...

Football is a sport of passion. Its like an octopus with tentacles extended in everything from politics to sex, the ruler of all sports on this planet. The beautiful game inspires many things and in this case poetry. A few local and New York based writers, poets and perverts have come together to give us Soccer Poetry for the masses. I give you Abel Folgar and Yago S. Cura and their Hinchas de Poesia. (Fans of Poetry)

Why Hinchas de Poesia?
Abel : Hinchas de Poesia is an online literary/arts journal begun by Yago S. Cura in 2009 and edited by himself out of New York City and J. David Gonzalez in Miami. Their aim is to bring to the current fold modern American writers and artists utilizing a broad interpretation of the Americas, from the farthest floe claimed by Canada to the last human post of the Patagonia.

Yago: Abel couldn’t have stated it better. The impetus for the bringing together of the Americas came from Jose Martí and his essay, Nuestra America (1891). In it he says something like there hasn’t been invented the prow which can tackle the clouds of ideas (“No hay proa que taje una nube de ideas”). We wanted Hinchas to be a mongrel enterprise, so that is what we emphasized. But, then Abel came up with the slogan, rabid fans of poetry for casual fans of life, and that also made a lot of sense and sounded much cooler than what I came up with.

Who is involved in this devious scheme?

Abel: the editors are Yago S. Cura and J. David Gonzalez.

Yago: We are all Florida International University. blue-table refugees. Back then, the tables had no die-cast sunbrellas so we would not go to class, sit out there, and work on our champion tans. We are all Miami boys deep down inside; I myself am a Souswesero (Slang for South West Miami) Hammocks Jr., Sunset Sr., F.I.U., and then I jetted. And all three of us have had experiences with the stellar F.I.U. Creative Writing program, especially a professor there, Campbell McGrath.

Why Football (Soccer) related poems?
Abel: Yago’s been a dear old friend from my college days at FIU and aside from common written interests, fútbol is something we’ve both enjoyed our whole lives. Especially when I get to chide him about the Argentine side and their respective club dramas. Maradona’s been excellent cannon fodder for many years. And that’s fine because he’ll give me grief over Venezuela never making a Cup (yet) although my first word was “gol” which I can credit to TV-sitting at a very early age much to my mother’s dismay.

Yago: Because my pops is a Boca Juniors fan, I grew up trying to distance myself from the beautiful game. But, it was always in my family. My cousin Mike went on full scholarship to play goalie for DePaul. And my Tio Pinino and Pops are like two walking Almanacs of soccer. I mean my Pops started going to la Bombonera when he was like eight, and Pinino’s been a homicidal River Plate for ages.

How many poems, what other subjects?

Abel: I guess we both tackle many subjects in our writing, to me poetry’s always been closely related to the world of photography, where a particular incident or moment is captured and interpreted artistically. Personally I challenge myself to write about certain things while still writing about events, both biographical and not, that occur at the moment.

Yago: Abel, doesn’t know it yet but he is going to help me move these zines like hotcakes. Think of us as the Luke Skywalker’s of zine manufacture. We gonna be selling these things out our trunks when the World Cup rolls around. I don’t think either of us know how many poems this will ultimately comprise. We just want to keep the impetus we got going writing odes to fútbolistas. And, if we can sell a couple of zines whilst doing that then it means the American Dream is still intact (Yes, that’s right, the American Dream is on the line here folks, so Abel and I can touch the sky!).

Was this a ploy devised to get you laid?

Abel: Some people pick up guitars or go to law school. I chose to write poems. In retrospect, I should’ve picked up a guitar and gone to law school to help out in that department.

Yago: I am married to a ravenous Panda which has advised me to answer this question with a N/A. However, chicks dig fútbolistas its common knowledge.

What Football (Soccer ) teams or leagues do you follow?

Abel: I’m an avid follower of the sport but I seem to gravitate towards classic matches and players. There’s something about the myth of the sport that lends itself well to poetry. I enjoy writing these odes to big names of the sport because I can have fun with the factual material, for example, in my ode “Ode to Roger Milla, the Comedian” I use the factual goal he scored against Rene “El Loco” Higuita’s keep in the ’94 Cup, which was a phenomenal piece of being in the right place at the right time that ended in disaster (for Colombia) humorously juxtaposed with the idea that maybe Milla told jokes to the entire Argentine side to distract the Albicelestes to defeat in the opening match of Italy ’90. I usually follow Ajax, Inter and Manchester United, and solely to piss off my Peruvian friends I check out their season and root for whichever last place team is there. Same for my Argentine friends, nothing gets a party going like saying Racing’s gonna go all the way.

Yago: My heart is celeste and white, but I will always big up any player on any team that deserves respect. I like Barça because to not like Barça is not necessary. Watching them is like watching those Super Bowl commercials in the 80’s when the Pepsi machine fought the Coke machine for dominance of the soft drink kingdom. For better or worse, Barça is slick and their shit don’t stink. So whiff it in, haters! All seriousness aside, I really like watching Messi play is the real reason I like Barça. My Pops loves Manchester City because Carlos Tevez plays for them. I like a lot of the Argentine club teams (of course) because I know the most about them. However, I am not crazy about Boca, but they have had all sorts of legends rep them. In fact, the majority of the players I have written odes to have played for Boca. I guess that’s saying a lot, and maybe it’s just a coincidence. I moderate a soccer league at the Harlem YMCA and I got to say, most of the African teams are amazing to watch. Even if they don’t have the resources, they muster through because the beautiful game is eminent and that’s just enviable!

A message to all the boys and girls out there?

Abel: Hinchas de Poesia encourages submissions to the site www.hinchasdepoesia.com and Yago’s blog, http://spicaresque.blogspot.com/ is a good read. The journal has an actual tactile publishing entity, Hinchas Press, that publishes limited edition zines/chapbooks. Of interest to you and your readership would be our chapbook collaboration, BESTIAS INBERBES (Beardless Beasts) , which is a collection of ten odes to fútbolistas, five each and the forthcoming collaboration IL CAPOANNONIERE, also a collabo of ten odes. These are available locally at Books & Books in Coral Gables, from myself and from the website for a measly five dollars US. Thank you and I’d like to see more fans at the Miami FC games.

Yago: Yes, you can either purchase a zine over the Internet, through our website. We have a paypal account set up. Or, you can send me a check or money order (made out to Yago S. Cura) for five bucks to the Invincible Court, 112 W 138th St. #5D, NYC, NY 10030. And, we are always looking to collaborate with other writers, so if you have some odes of your own then please get in touch with us. And if you are ever in New York City on a Wednesday night, from 7-9, or a Sunday afternoon, 12-2, then please come down to Adam Clayton Powell and 135th (2/3 to 135th) and scrimmage with the Harlem YMCA Indoor Soccer League. It is $12, but it’s worth it.

Italy World Cup 2010 fantasy kits

Name: Italy
Federation: Italian Football Federation
Confederation: UEFA (Europe)
Founded: 1898
Kit manufacturer: puma

The team of Italy no need other presentation than the four stars on their crest, representing the four World Cup titles won so far, and this year they must defend the last title. This is my design for Italy, simple, as they use (excepting the sky blue and brown experience). It is based on different shades of blue (panels and stiches) and a touch of gold on trims, numbers, name and puma logos.
Against teams wearing all white, Italy use to play in similar version as this one, all blue.
The away kit, or the second choice is white colour shirt and socks with blue or white short.Italy use to have two sets of kits, blue and white, and they combine the colours as it is needed.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

FC Ethnikos Asteras kits done

Babis, the kits for FC Ethnikos Asteras are done, please contact me on email: iovanovici_zoran@yahoo.co.uk

Friday, January 29, 2010

Everton F.C. fantasy kits

Full name: Everton Football Club
City: Liverpool
League: Premier League
Stadium: Goodison Park
Fouded: 1878
Shirt sponsor: Chang Beer
Kit manufacturer: le coq sportif

Yet another use of the previous template, made for Hibernian. A few changes still, different collar and different back of the shirt. The colour scheme are the classic one for Everton, royal blue shirt and white short and socks.

An all blue kit used for away games.
The away kit is opposite to the home one. The two sets (royal blue and white) can be combined according to need.All white away kit.
The third kit is yellow and black, similar as the last few years third kit, only the black is instead of dark blue. The kit can be used in away games vs Chelsea, Birmingham City Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City.

Miami FC to Hold Tryouts February 20 and 21

You think you've got what it takes to play in a professional Soccer team? Well, Miami FC will Host it's Fourth Annual Open Tryouts February 20 and 21, at Weston Regional Park. The tryout will last from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. with registration taking place from 8-8:30 A.M
We are always looking for talent and South Florida is one of the best places to do that. said Miami FC Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo. Every year we always find at least one player who has been able to earn a spot on the team. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to play at the professional level.

Find more information HERE

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Hibernian fantasy kits

Full name: Hibernian Football Club
City: Edinburgh
League: Scottish Premier League
Stadium: Easter Road
Fouded: 1875
Shirt sponsor: Mc Ewan Fraser, F&C Investments
Kit manufacturer: le coq sportif

Here is the design for Hibernian requested kits. The home kit is green-white-green with dark green horizontal feature on the shirt and back of the short. Instead of white sleeves, as usual for the last years, I try something else, similar to my Arsenal design, only the upper part of the sleeves are white.
An other variant of the home kit, with white socks, used also in the past years.
For the away kit I used only white and dark green.
An all white away kit.
The third kit is all black, with dark green features as on the home kit, and green upper part of the shirt and socks

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

New kits design blog

In the near future will start to post on my new blog: http://footballkitsoftheworld.blogspot.com/
The two blogs will work separately, the first (actual) will continuu with fantasy kits, and the second one will be for real kits. There will be also a request section, and different themes for kits (Champions League Winners, World Cup Winners...), but also other kits from teams I like. Hope to make quality designs and bring pleasure to my viewers.

Shaolin Soccer! This months soccer movie...

Every month we are roaming through the internet in search of Soccer Movies. First it was a BBC documentary about Pele and Garrincha. See it HERE
Then it was the 1981 film staring Stallone, Michael Caine and Pele called Victory

Today we bring you a real gem!

Shaolin Soccer is a 2001 Hong Kong comedy film co-written and directed by Stephen Chow, who also stars in the film. Basically a former Shaolin monk reunites his five brothers, years after their master's death, to apply their superhuman martial arts skills to play soccer and bring Shaolin kung fu to the masses.

Some real funny scenes can be seen, so bust out the popcorn and enjoy!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Gold Coast United fantasy kits

Full name: Gold Coast United Football Club
City: Gold Coast
League: A-League
Stadium: Skilled Park
Fouded: 2008
Shirt sponsor: Mineralogy, HYUNDAY, Westpac, WAECO, SOLO
Kit manufacturer: Reebok

This is a requested design for Gold Coast United, team from Australia. I made a design based on the Reebok logo, feature that is present on the shirt, short and socks. The colours are yellow with blue. The multitude of sponsors are making the kit a bit coloured, therefor I was not insisted on a complicated design.
The away kit is ll white, as the real one, with blue features.As I saw in Australian League are used two kits, home and away, but I made a third one, all blue with yellow features.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Valencia C.F. fantasy kits

Full name: Valencia Club de Fútbol
City: Valencia
League: La Liga
Stadium: Mestalla
Fouded: 1919
Shirt sponsor: UNIBET
Kit manufacturer: Kappa

This is a design for Valencia C.F., a bit unusual for this club. The home kit is traditional white-black-white, with black diagonal stripes on shirt and hoops on socks.
A second version of the home kit - all white.
The away kit has a combination of two black shades on shirt and socks with orange short.An all black varsion of the away kit.
The third kit is all orange with black diagonal stripes on shirt and hoops on socks. As Valencia us to play in a lot of combinations of colours, this kits can be also combined between them.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Barça dominate Team of the Year

More than 4m votes were cast to produce the 2009 uefa.com users` Team of the Year (©UEFA)
Daniel Alves, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández, Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimović are all in the Team of the Year, as is Andrés Iniesta
Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo
John Terry
Patrice Evra


The uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2009 has been announced, with players from all-conquering European champions FC Barcelona dominating the selection.

Four million votes
More than 4m votes were cast by 320,000 users (a 30% increase on last year), and the resulting dream team features five members of the Barça side that conquered Europe last season, plus another who has joined since. Daniel Alves and Carles Puyol line up at the back, with Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta in midfield behind a front pairing of Lionel Messi and summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimović. For good measure, the man who enjoyed such a memorable debut campaign at the Blaugrana helm, Josep Guardiola, oversees this talented blend.

Spanish flavour
The Spanish flavour continues with Iker Casillas named goalkeeper for the third successive season and Real Madrid CF team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká are deployed in an attack-minded midfield. The Liga monopoly is broken by a pair of English-based players. Manchester United FC's Patrice Evra is at left-back and Team of the Year mainstay John Terry, of Chelsea FC, partners captain Puyol at the heart of the defence. UEFA will present a cheque for €100,000 to one member of the team, to be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Click here to see the star selection and to have your say.

uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2009:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF & Spain); Daniel Alves (FC Barcelona), John Terry (Chelsea FC & England), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona & Spain), Patrice Evra (Manchester United FC & France); Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC/Real Madrid CF & Portugal), Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona & Spain), Kaká (AC Milan/Real Madrid CF), Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona & Spain); Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona), Zlatan Ibrahimović (FC Internazionale Milano/FC Barcelona & Sweden). Josep Guardiola (FC Barcelona)

uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2008:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF & Spain); Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF & Spain), John Terry (Chelsea FC & England), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona & Spain), Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern München & Germany); Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC & Portugal), Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona & Spain), Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal FC & Spain), Franck Ribéry (FC Bayern München & France); Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC & Spain). Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United FC)

uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2007:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF & Spain); Daniel Alves (Sevilla FC), Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan & Italy), John Terry (Chelsea FC & England), Eric Abidal (Olympique Lyonnais/FC Barcelona & France); Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC & Portugal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC & England), Kaká (AC Milan), Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan & Netherlands); Zlatan Ibrahimović (FC Internazionale Milano & Sweden), Didier Drogba (Chelsea FC). Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United FC)

uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2006:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy); Gianluca Zambrotta (FC Barcelona & Italy), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid CF & Italy), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona & Spain), Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern München & Germany); Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC & England), Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal FC & Spain), Kaká (AC Milan), Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona); Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC & France), Samuel Eto'o (FC Barcelona). Frank Rijkaard (FC Barcelona)

uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2005:
Petr Čech (Chelsea FC & Czech Republic); Cafu (AC Milan), John Terry (Chelsea FC & England), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona & Spain), Paolo Maldini (AC Milan); Luis García (Liverpool FC & Spain), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC & England), Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona), Pavel Nedvěd (Juventus & Czech Republic); Samuel Eto'o (FC Barcelona), Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan & Ukraine). José Mourinho (Chelsea FC)

uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2004:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy); Cafu (AC Milan), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea FC & Portugal), Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan & Italy), Ashley Cole (Arsenal FC & England); Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC & Portugal), Maniche (FC Porto & Portugal), Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona), Pavel Nedvěd (Juventus & Czech Republic); Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC & France), Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan & Ukraine). José Mourinho (Chelsea FC)

uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2003:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy); Paulo Ferreira (FC Porto & Portugal), Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan & Italy), Paolo Maldini (AC Milan), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid CF); Luís Figo (Real Madrid CF & Portugal), David Beckham (Real Madrid CF & England), Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid CF & France), Pavel Nedvěd (Juventus & Czech Republic); Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC & France), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United FC & Netherlands). José Mourinho (FC Porto)

uefa.com users' Team of the Year 2002:
Rüstu Reçber (Fenerbahçe SK & Turkey); Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona & Spain), Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan & Italy), Cristian Chivu (AFC Ajax & Romania), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid CF); Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan & Netherlands), Michael Ballack (FC Bayern München & Germany), Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid CF & France), Damien Duff (Blackburn Rovers FC & Republic of Ireland); Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC & France), Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF). Senol Günes (Turkey)

uefa.com users' Team of 2001:
Santiago Cañizares (Valencia CF & Spain), Cosmin Contra (Deportivo Alavés & Romania), Sami Hyypiä (Liverpool FC & Finland), Patrik Andersson (FC Barcelona & Sweden), Bixente Lizarazu (FC Bayern München & France); David Beckham (Manchester United FC & England), Patrick Vieira (Arsenal FC & France), Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid CF & France), Kily González (Valencia CF); Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC & France), David Trezeguet (Juventus & France). Gérard Houllier (Liverpool FC)

By : www.uefa.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Miami FC tryouts, Zinho named to USL top 25, Kartik gets new job and more... by Burrito

Hola Amigos! Burrito here with Futbol news in South Florida and beyond this week!



Kartik gets new chamba

Burrito's Compadre and fellow Miami Ultra, Kartik Krishnaiyer, famous for being the most hated Blogger in the history of the worlds, was named the new NASL Director of Communications and Public Relations! (Ok, maybe he not the most hatted but he take Burritos job so Burrito a little angry!) Kartik will now rule over all bloggers and make fun of them from his new crystal castle in the sky overlooking Brickell Bay while he laugh at us pointing (middle) finger! This is the first step in his quest to take over all Futbol in the world and one day proclaiming himself El Dios de Futbol! Pero seriously, even though he is evil, Burrito wish him the best and will send him a quesadilla in the morning.

To read more here are a few links:

Official NASL Release

Miami Soccer Fan

Inside Minnesota Soccer

MLS Talk



Miami FC Tryouts

Burrito was looking for hot mamacitas on facebook today when he go to Miami FC facebook page (go HERE and join) and see that Futbol Trials for Miami FC will start next month! If you think you can play as good as Burrito then you need to go for it vatos!

Anyone who is interested in the OPEN TRYOUTS feel free to email the club at info@miamifc.com



USL News

USL has a report on the New PDL team the Schulz Academy, based out of the Fort Lauderdale area. They will play in the nine team Southeast Division of the PDL for the 2010 season. To read more go HERE





USL is also unveiling its top 25 USL-1 players of the decade. (That mean in the past 10 years for you dumbasses) Burrito read that one time World Cup Champion midfielder for Brazil and Miami FC and current Blues coach Zinho is listed at No. 23! Zinho is a true futbol hero for Burrito, read more at the USL site.



Team Name Search

Lately Burrito read the new NASL team from Minnesota is still trying to find its name! The National Sports Center Foundation, a non-profit organization that owns the new team, launched a fan vote contest to help choose the new team name. Burrito have good names for them like the "Minnesota Tacos" has a good ring to it si? What about the "Las Chimichangas"! If you got better names here is a link to the naming contest: http://www.nscsports.org/pro_team_name_contest.asp

If you want to name another team this PDL side wants to name their team too: http://www.ocbarons.com/OceanCityBarons/393651.html



Watch Party

Finally, before Burrito go to dog house to sleep and play with chew toy; Burrito want to invite all South Florida Futbol fans to join the Miami Ultras aka Sam's Army Brigade as they host the USA watch party as Burritos Gringos battle Robert Scorca's Catrachos! Come see USA vs Honduras! This Saturday, January 23, 2010 8:30 pm @ Fritz & Franz Bierhaus located at 60 Merrick Way in Coral Gables, FL 33134 call them at 305-774-1883! For more information go to MiamiSoccerFan.com

Perfect night for leaders Barça

FC Barcelona assumed a five-point lead at the Liga summit with a 4-0 victory over their Copa del Rey conquerors Sevilla FC that followed a 1-0 defeat at Athletic Club for nearest rivals Real Madrid CF.

Revenge exacted
The titleholders had a score to settle with Sevilla after being knocked out of the cup on away goals by their fellow UEFA Champions League contenders in midweek. They required the intervention of Julien Escudé's 49th-minute own goal to get their noses in front but doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining courtesy of Pedro Rodríguez's cool chip. Lionel Messi (85, 90+1) then added further gloss, ensuring his side recorded their 14th win in what remains an unbeaten Liga campaign for the Azulgrana.

Early clincher
Victory for Josep Guardiola's team salted Madrid's wounds after they slipped up earlier in the evening. Los Merengues, unbeaten in the league since a 1-0 loss at Barça in November, were undone in just the third minute, UEFA Europa League group stage top scorer Fernando Llorente heading in Francisco Yeste's deflected corner from close range. Athletic climb to seventh with the win but had their night marred in the fifth minute of added time when Carlos Gurpegi was sent off. CA Osasuna are 12th after beating RCD Espanyol 2-0 in the day's other game, Juanfran's low drive and Walter Pandiani's back-post header securing victory inside the opening nine minutes.

©uefa.com 1998-2010. All rights reserved.

Mixed news for Madrid

Real Madrid CF have been dealt a blow with news that in-form striker Gonzalo Higuaín will be out of action for the next three weeks having torn a thigh muscle but there is better news about Kaká.

Liga absence
Higuaín – who has struck 13 goals in 19 appearances in the Liga and UEFA Champions League this term – scored Madrid's opener in last Sunday's 2-0 win against RCD Mallorca but was replaced in the second half and subsequently complained of pain in his left leg. With a scan revealing a small muscle tear, the 22-year-old is now set to miss the January league encounters with Athletic Club, Málaga CF and RC Deportivo La Coruña but should be back when Madrid face Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round on 16 February and 10 March.

Kaká boost
Higuaín's team-mate Kaká is fully fit having struggled with a persistent groin problem for the last few months. The Brazilian returned to action at the weekend for the first time since 29 November and is now looking forward to realising his full potential at Madrid, explaining: "I went through the past seven months playing with this problem; sometimes it got better and sometimes worse but at times it limited how I could play. I stopped everything for the past 42 days and I don't feel soreness any more. Now I'm ready to do the things that everyone is expecting of me."

Higuaín unveils 2010 master plan

Gonzalo Higuaín arrived at Real Madrid CF in 2007 as a promising young attacker with a mere 35 league games for Argentina's CA River Plate under his belt. Without huge fanfare but thanks to a lot of hard work and humility, the player known as 'El Pipita' has since made a name for himself as one of the Liga's most prolific marksmen. The 22-year-old was Los Merengues' top scorer with 22 goals in 2008/09 and has real grounds for optimism in 2010, having already netted eleven times in the top flight this term as well as marking his Argentina debut with a goal. He talks to uefa.com about a memorable last 12 months and his hopes for the coming year.

uefa.com: What was your favourite sporting moment in 2009?

Gonzalo Higuaín: I couldn't say there was just one. making my debut for Argentina, for example, was something very important for me. There was also the achievement of qualifying for the World Cup. I was thrilled to finish as Madrid's top scorer last season, and it's fantastic to see the team growing step by step this term.

uefa.com: How would you define yourself as a player and a person?

Higuaín: I always say the same when asked this question: it's other people who have to express their opinion about me. I leave commenting on these things to everyone else. I'm quite a humble person but one who will never throw in the towel no matter what the circumstances. I think I'm a good professional.

uefa.com: Was the game last season when you hit four goals in the same match against Málaga CF the best of your career to date?

Higuaín: I felt immense happiness. When that happened I thought about my family, my friends and everybody by my side. Furthermore, I was delighted for everyone who came to the Santiago Bernabéu: it was a game in which we'd had to come from behind several times. I hope all the games in which I play will be the best of my career. Having said that, I think that the best is yet to come.

uefa.com: If Madrid reach the UEFA Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabéu, which team would you most like to face?

Higuaín: Honestly, I wouldn't care who we came up against. The only thing I care about is that Real Madrid reaches that final.

uefa.com: When you won your first Liga title in 2007, you scored a goal in the dying seconds against RCD Espanyol that clinched a crucial 4-3 victory. Have you dreamt about scoring in similar circumstances to earn Madrid a tenth European Champion Clubs' Cup?

Higuaín: That moment against Espanyol represented one of the best moments of my life. Of course I've dreamt of doing something similar next May in the final; it would be truly beautiful.

uefa.com: Given your success in the Liga, would it be a bittersweet experience to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final this summer and hit the winner?

Higuaín: First and foremost I'm a professional and I'm going to defend my country and my shirt. Spain is a country I love very much, but I would certainly celebrate scoring.

uefa.com: Would you like to finish your career at Madrid? If you do leave the Santiago Bernabéu one day, how would you like the fans to remember you?

Higuaín: It would be beautiful if I could finish my career here. Real Madrid and this city are like my second home. I would like the fans here to remember me as a player who worked very hard and who was also humble. When you help to win a title, you are normally remembered.

uefa.com: Finally, what are your hopes for 2010?

Higuaín: To win the UEFA Champions League and the Liga with Real Madrid. I also want to compete at the World Cup and to win it. I'd ask for health, hard work and happiness. I would also like to tell the users of uefa.com that I wish them all a happy year ahead and the best of everything.

©uefa.com 1998-2010. All rights reserved.

Lyon hoping things happen in threes

Olympique Lyonnais will look to complete a hat-trick of home victories against Real Madrid CF when the teams contest the opening leg of their first knockout round tie at the Stade de Gerland.

• Lyon beat Madrid on the last two occasions the clubs met in France although the Spanish giants are unbeaten away in this season's UEFA Champions League, including a victory at Olympique de Marseille on their last outing.

• The return of former Lyon favourite Karim Benzema, who left his hometown club for Madrid last summer, provides an intriguing subplot to a contest that pits together the respective coaches, Claude Puel and Manuel Pellegrini, for the second time on the UEFA Champions League stage.

Previous meetings
• The clubs first met in the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League group stage when Lyon defeated Madrid 3-0 at the Stade de Gerland through first-half goals from John Carew, Juninho Pernambucano and Sylvain Wiltord. The return in Madrid finished 1-1.

• The lineups in Lyon on 13 September 2005 were:
Lyon: Coupet, Réveillère, Cris, Caçapa, Berthod, Tiago (Pedretti 86), Diarra, Juninho, Wiltord (Govou 80), Carew (Fred 72), Malouda.
Madrid: Casillas, Salgado, Ramos, Helguera, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, Gravesen (Guti 61), Pablo García, Júlio Baptista, Robinho, Raúl.

• Lyon held the upper hand once more when the clubs met at the same stage the following season, Fred and Tiago hitting the first-half goals that earned a 2-0 home victory before a 2-2 draw in Spain. Mahamadou Diarra, who had lined up against Los Merengues 12 months earlier, scored against his old club as Madrid retrieved a two-goal deficit.

• The lineups at the Gerland on 13 September 2006 were:
Lyon: Coupet, Réveillère, Cris, Müller, Abidal, Tiago, Toulalan, Juninho (Källström 73), Govou (Clerc 82), Fred (Wiltord 78), Malouda.
Madrid: Casillas, Cicinho, Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos, Beckham (Guti 55), Emerson, Diarra, Cassano (Reyes 46), Van Nistelrooy, Raúl (Robinho 69).

Match background
• Madrid are seeking a first quarter-final place since 2003/04 and have already won once on French soil this season, coming from behind to defeat Marseille 3-1 in their final group game.

• That success secured them first place in Group C, where they took seven points from a possible nine on their travels.

• Like Madrid, Lyon claimed 13 points in their section but finished second behind Group E winners ACF Fiorentina. The Ligue 1 side have fallen at this stage in the past three campaigns, going down to FC Barcelona 12 months ago.

• Lyon succumbed 6-3 on aggregate to the eventual champions, drawing 1-1 at home before a 5-2 reverse in Spain.

• They had previously overcome another Spanish side, Real Sociedad de Fútbol, 2-0 on aggregate in the last 16 in 2003/04.

• Madrid have lost their last three two-legged contests with Ligue 1 opposition, going down on away goals to AS Monaco FC in the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and losing to Paris Saint-Germain FC in the last eight both in the 1992/93 UEFA Cup and the 1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

• Madrid won the first of their nine European Champion Clubs' Cups against Stade de Reims Champagne in the competition's inaugural season of 1955/56. They defeated the same opponents 2-0 three years later to claim a fourth successive crown.

Team ties
• Madrid coach Pellegrini got the better of his Lyon counterpart Puel when they met previously in the UEFA Champions League in the 2005/06 group stage.

• Pellegrini's Villarreal CF earned a goalless draw at Puel's LOSC Lille Métropole before a 1-0 home win earned Villarreal progress as group winners and eliminated Lille.

• Puel has had little joy against Spanish sides, suffering a 4-2 aggregate defeat by RCD Mallorca in the 1999/2000 UEFA Cup fourth round while at Monaco. With Lille he enjoyed a 1-0 win against Sevilla FC in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup group stage but suffered a round of 16 elimination by the same opponents in the 2005/06 edition.

• The Lyon coach faced Spanish opposition in his first ever European tie as a player, again finishing on the losing side. Puel's Monaco lost 2-0 at Valencia CF in the 1980/81 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup first round before a 3-3 second-leg draw. Nine years later Puel was in the Monaco team that beat Real Valladolid CF on penalties after a 0-0 aggregate draw in the quarter-finals of the same competition.

• A product of the Lyon academy, Benzema spent five seasons in the club's first team, making 112 league appearances and scoring 43 goals. He helped Lyon win four league titles and finished the 20-goal top scorer in Ligue 1 in 2007/08.

• Benzema's fellow Lyon old boy Diarra made 121 appearances for the club between 2002 and 2006 before leaving for the Santiago Bernabéu.

• Madrid's French internationals Benzema and Lassana Diarra could well line up against several national-team colleagues and the international connections do not end there: Lisandro may face fellow Argentinians Gonzalo Higuaín and Fernando Gago, and the same goes for Lyon's Brazil duo Michel Bastos and Cris with Kaká and Marcelo.

• Higuaín has French citizenship having been born in Brest when his father Jorge, also a professional footballer, was playing for Stade Brestois 29.

• Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo have both helped eliminate Lyon from the UEFA Champions League. The former was in the AC Milan side that beat Lyon in the 2005/06 quarter-finals, while Ronaldo scored the only goal when Manchester United FC recorded a home win against Lyon in the last 16 in 2007/08 to complete a 2-1 aggregate success.

• Sidney Govou was in the France side that overcame a Spain team featuring Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Raúl González in the last 16 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

• Casillas, Raúl Albiol and Ramos helped Spain to a 1-0 friendly win against France in February 2008. Lining up for Les Bleus were Lyon midfielder Jérémy Toulalan and Madrid's Lassana Diarra.

• Kim Källström appeared as a late substitute in Sweden's 2-1 loss to a Spain side including Casillas, Ramos and Albiol at UEFA EURO 2008.

• Rafael van der Vaart came off the bench to score in AFC Ajax's 2-0 win at Lyon in the UEFA Champions League group stage in October 2002. He also featured as a substitute in the Netherlands' 4-1 victory against France at UEFA EURO 2008, coming up against Govou, Toulalan and Bafétimbi Gomis while Jean-Alain Boumsong was an unused replacement.

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Spain's leading lights eclipse pack

It was a case of as you were at the top of the Spanish Liga after impressive weekend victories for leaders FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, while there was also joy for Valencia CF as they tightened their hold on third place.

Messi treble
Barça had not won in two games since the turn of the year yet that was soon forgotten as they swept CD Tenerife aside 5-0, with three of their goals coming in the nine minutes immediately before half-time. Lionel Messi was the hosts' chief tormentor, scoring a hat-trick thanks to three Bojan Krkić assists and delivering the free-kick which Carles Puyol glanced in to double the visitors' lead. A late own goal from Ezequiel Luna capped an emphatic victory for the champions.

Prolific Higuaín
Madrid, who defeated RCD Mallorca 2-0 at home, remain two points behind in second. Gonzalo Higuaín's eleventh league goal in as many starts this term – a sumptuous curling effort into the top corner – set Madrid on their way, before Esteban Granero added a second five minutes after the break at a snowy Santiago Bernabéu.

Deportivo rise
Valencia remain six points shy of Madrid following a 3-1 win at bottom-of-the-table Xerez CD, Juan Mata, David Silva and Carlos Marchena on target for the UEFA Europa League contenders. It was all change just below, however, as RC Deportivo La Coruña moved up to fourth courtesy of a 1-0 home victory against ten-man CA Osasuna – who had Javad Nekounam sent off – and defeats for Mallorca and Sevilla FC.

Losing sequence
Sevilla had impressed in midweek when they defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou in the Copa del Rey, but it is in the league where there they need to find form. They suffered a third successive reverse at the hands of 12th-placed Real Racing Club, for whom 18-year-old Sergio Canales scored twice in a 2-1 win at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Elsewhere, Club Atlético de Madrid prevailed 4-0 at Real Vallodolid CF, with Diego Forlán and Sergio Agüero among the scorers.

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Albania hopes to Real Madrid

All prepared for the dispute of the third edition of Taci Oil Cup before the KS Ersek Gramozi
Alberto Navarro (www.realmadrid.com)

The Klubi Sportiv Gramozi Ersek will be the team that will meet Real Madrid in Albania on Wednesday (Spanish 18:00, LaSexta live). A set-average young age of 21 years-chaired by businessman rezarta Taci. Founded in 1925 and currently located in the eleventh position in the Premier League Fantasy-Albania, the home side was strengthened for this season with two Albanian players: midfielder Bejollari (KS Kastrioti) and striker Armando Sadiku (KS Merrill Turbine ). Because of the large hosting the meeting, this third edition of the Taci Oil Cup live on the national stadium in Tirana, Qemal Stafa Stadium.

The Taci Oil Cup enters the picture. Real Madrid will be the guest at the third edition of a tournament that benefited from the presence of AC Milan in the previous two occasions. Whites, on his first visit to Albania, will try to add this trophy to their already extensive showcases.

The opponent: A young group with international reinforcements
Rezarta Taci, director general of the International Oil Taci oil company, owns the adversary of the Madrid fans. Founded in 1925, Ersek Gramozi Klubi Sportiv two seasons ago ascended to the First Division of Albania after winning the title in the Second Division Champions. Last season ended the Superliga Kategoria Superiore of Albania or fourth-competition consists of twelve teams, and currently occupy the eleventh place after seventeen matches played, three wins, six draws and eight defeats.

With an average age of 21 years, the team managed by Mustafa Albanian Taci was strengthened for this season with two local players: midfielder Olsi Bejollari (KS Kastrioti) and striker Armando Sadiku (KS Turbina Merrill). Not only are Albanian footballer in their ranks, we may also find Dos Santos and Brazilian-Juriander among others, highlights the backs Kosovar L. Kukaj and S. Macedonian Babajan-and usually start out midfielders A. Shaqiri, A. Grosherski.

The last official game played dating back to the home side on 24 December. The KS Gramozi Ersek was defeated (1-0) in his visit to Besa Kavajë in second. The next league match is played at home against Apolonia in fourth place, on 23 January.

Stage: talisman for the national team
The great success of the shock that the party will not dispute the renewed Fush Sportive Ersek, stronghold of the local regular viewers -6000 capacity (2,000 seats) - but to be played at the national stadium facilities officially named Tirana Qemal Stafa Stadium. It is in this arena surrounded by an athletics track where, besides the selection of Albania, contest their respective home games sets of KS Dinamo Tirana and KF Tirana-first and third place respectively.

Named after a local hero in World War II, the Qemal Stafa can boast of being the largest field -19,600 spectators. Founded in 1947, is, in turn, a stadium for the national team talisman of Albania. Not surprisingly, the selection Albanian came to be unbeaten at home since September 2001 to October 2004. To give more merit to this feat goes without saying that, at that time, went through this feud selections of the likes of Russia, Sweden, Greece, European Champion in 2004 -.

The authority to strike

The visit Madrid Mestalla with the firm intention of achieving a victory that will allow further distance itself from Valencia and immersed in their fight for League

Alberto Navarro (www.realmadrid.com)

All will live a great match at the Mestalla (22:00 pm laSexta, Telemadrid, TV3, Channel 9 and IB3). Real Madrid and Valencia three points separating them in the classification-faced at a meeting of top-flight. Men who directs Manuel Pellegrini, is unbeaten in its last five against Valencia-efrentamientos seek authority to strike at the stadium in his most direct pursuer in order to meet the target set until end of year: achieve success in the two games remaining by-play next Saturday (22:00) Real Zaragoza visit the Bernabeu. Valencia could not travel to the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka injured. By contrast, the Madrid fans pull themselves unable to play Lass-to Almeria to be punished "for a party that will be special for the Valencian Raul Albiol. Silva will be low on the premises.

A second round by

El Real Madrid buscará ante el O. Marsella finalizar la fase de grupos como líder
Laura Navas (Marsella, Francia) (www.realmadrid.com)

El pasado 15 de septiembre el Real Madrid iniciaba en Zúrich (Suiza) su andadura por la presente edición de la Champions League. Tres victorias, un empate y una derrota después, los blancos esperan sellar en Marsella su pasaporte a los octavos de final de la máxima competición europea a nivel de clubes. Las cábalas son fáciles ya que el Real Madrid depende de sí mismo. Ganando al Olympique de Marsella, los madridistas consolidarían su liderato en el Grupo C y estarían en el bombo de los cabezas de serie en el sorteo que se celebrará en Nyon (Suiza) el próximo 18 de diciembre.

The Champions, a scene

Real Madrid hosts FC Zurich at the Bernabeu, where he can secure a move to second round
Carlos Cristobal (www.realmadrid.com)

Only four days after his last match, Real Madrid back to the Bernabeu. It will do another big night, as all in the Champions League anthem is heard in the Real Madrid stadium. From 20:45 hours (Autonomic; delayed on Real Madrid TV at 00:00 pm), Manuel Pellegrini's team played against FC Zurich to take a giant step towards the knockout stages. A key party in which the Chilean coach will be without Cristiano Ronaldo after over a month and a half. This is the last great incentive for a party full of them.

Start the race to the Bernabeu

Real Madrid opens at the Zurich this edition of the Champions

Laura Navas (Zurich, Switzerland) (www.realmadrid.com)

How he wanted to hear and the anthem, of seeing the ball in play from the stars, to enjoy duels unique gift that only Europe, of seeing Real Madrid this dress uniform ... Champions can not wait. And especially, how I want to dream about that historic final hosted by the Santiago Bernabéu on 22 May. Has arrived at the premiere. Finally he raises the flag to a career background that includes 13 major obstacles before it can lift the coveted trophy. Real Madrid and Zurich in Europe cut the ribbon with a duel of those that must be won to warm up the muscles on the asphalt ...

It may sound a cliché. Maybe so. But true. The illusion is an element of the new Real Madrid kit for this. You see it in the face of incombustible Raul, the racial Casillas, Kaka's angelic, the timid Benzema, the Christian road, the young Pirate ... Anyway if you have won a Champions, or both. Or none. Everyone starts from zero. Because they know that this Real Madrid only worth keep adding titles and conquests. This team has started strong in the National League Championship and wants to do the same at Champions, where eager to polish his plate XX century best club in Europe.

And perhaps there goes the greatest danger of the Madrid fans. In its supreme quality in addition the obligation to re-position to Real Madrid at the top of Europe and the irrepressible desire to do so in style. With a historic final this season playing at home. And that brings us to the Letzigrund Stadion. 20:45 hours. Two teams and one anthem. The touch football and that is establishing Pellegrini attack is measured by a team that debuted in the current Champions League and whose greatest danger will be hidden in the illusion, pride and desire to put it on the lawn.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Players from last year that Miami FC needs to Re-sign

Miami FC staff is working diligently and against the clock to give the fans a competitive team and while we all hope among the players signed will be a superstar that will make us keep coming back to games, we realize there is also some need for continuity. Here is a list of Players from last year that I think Miami FC needs to keep as the base for this coming year.

Paulo Araujo Jr. Forward began his career with the Ituano club in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C, before signing with Miami FC in 2009. Scored his first career professional goal on June 20, 2009, in a game against Cleveland City Stars. Before an injury hit him at the end of the season Paulo Jr. was the best player on the field.

Cristiano "Kaka" Dias Defender, began his playing career in his native Brazil, and has played for several lower-division Brazilian clubs, including São Carlos, São Bento, Osasco, and Desportivo Brasil

Pat "the Man" Hannigan, Goalkeeper, Hannigan was drafted by the MetroStars as the sixth pick of the third round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft but was not offered a contract by the team, and instead signed with Irish side Bray Wanderers. He returned to the U. S. in 2006 to play for the Rochester Rhinos in 2006, he moved on to Miami FC in 2007. Last year he was solid at goal he is a must sign!

Aaron King Forward, The Los Angeles Galaxy picked King in the 4th round in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. The Galaxy sent King to the Colorado Rapids in 2007. Played ten games, scoring two goals, with the Colorado Rapids reserve team. The Charleston Battery signed King after he impressed the team at trials. After two seasons he scored 21 goals in 51 games. In January 2009, King signed with the Carolina RailHawks. With Miami FC he only played 5 games but scored 3 times! Miami Fans would love to see what he can do in a full season.

Jarryd Goldberg, Midfielder, we recently posted an interview with him. Check it out HERE
Goldberg is a work horse, battling every ball with heart and mind. We need more players like him.

Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Defender, Voted Miami Ultras Fan Club player of the year. Kirby was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft by Los Angeles Galaxy, and was offered a contract, but was released in order to make roster room for David Beckham. He then signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division, playing five games at the end of the season. Kirby was arguably the best player on the field last year. Not signing him would be a sin!

Tim Merritt, Midfielder, he silently worked the midfield recovering balls for Miami FC. Merritt was drafted by DC United in 2005, and has also played for the Carolina Dynamo of the PDL. He also played for FSV Oggersheim in Germany.

Brian Shriver Forward, played college soccer at the University of North Carolina, Shriver was drafted in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas in the 2nd round, 27th overall. Despite being offered a developmental contract by the MLS club, he rejected it to continue his studies in North Carolina. Brian is rumored to have been in the plans of the Tampa Bay Rowdies for 2010. he played only 6 games with Miami but made an impresion with the fans.

Honorable mention:
Players which had their moments were Leo Inacio, Jack Traynor, Walter Ramirez and Alen Marcina

Players we will miss:
Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze, multi position player who held his own as a defender but prefers being at Forward. Signed with the MLS bound Vancouver Whitecaps.

Gale Agbossoumonde, Defender, Now playing in S.C. Braga of the Portuguese Liga Played a few games with Miami FC and we were able to see a star on the rise. Solid in the back except for one blunder. See the video HERE

Diego Serna, Forward, He needs no introduction to the knowledgeable Miami Soccer fan. Diego started off last season on fire but soon fizzled out. Mysteriously was dropped from the team before the season was over. Many of us wouldn't mind seeing him in Miami FC Blue again for one last time.

Do you agree with the players I picked? Any you would add or take out?

All pictures by Robert Scorca