Fútbolita

So the boys of Corinthians joined their fans and celebrity friends in yesterday’s centenary celebrations! More than 130,000 people packed the Vale do Anhangabaú, Sao Paulo’s equivalent of the Hyde Park region (or slightly better, amicis?) Que legal! In the midsts of all the celebrations and Lula-loving, somebody forgot to call Pele. How dare they!

According to the Brazilian media, many fans who packed the place “suffered a lot, were overwhelmed by the crowd and tried to break into the press area, but the police acted quickly and prevented them from doing more.”

“This is a wonderful party, just gotta thank you,” said Ronaldo Lima to the adoring crowd. “I will not say too much or I may cry,” he added, singing a congratulatory song for the club.

via Globoesporte

THE DEAL IS DONE. Milan have officially transformed into Brasil FC (now where is Ibracadabra going to fit in?) and all they need now is for Kaka to return and complete the rest of the picture! For our own reasons (he-he), he’d better stay at Real for at least one more season.

“AC Milan communicates it has acquired the player Robinho, outright from Manchester City. The Brazilian has signed a contract with the Rossoneri club for four years,” read a statement which was undoubtedly written by Berlusconi’s annoyed secretary.

Right now, you know that the zany producers of “Chiambretti Night” are also probably scrambling to get Robinho on the show. It’d be the best welcome gift ever!

via AP

What a great day for Neymar! It was his debut for the selecao, and he delivered as promised to the people of Brasil! Hedgehog hairdo scored in a fitting 2-0 victory against the United States. E claro, the other goal was courtesy of Pato whom many of you have missed watching for Brasil. E hora de comemora because it’s a new squad, and we definitely like the style that was on display last night. Fast, free, flowing football that was demonstrated by three attackers – Ganso, Robinho and Neymar – who are Santos’ bros!

In addition, it was also a great start for Manoooo, whom we all know will be facing pressure in the lead up to 2014. He’s already declared that his priority is to make Brasil a more offensive team, which means we won’t be seeing much of Dopey’s ultra-defensive techniques and more exciting stuff from all these caras. And as for Neymar, he knows he’s got it… just take a look at his pose below. Work it!

“The performance was the result of the technical quality of the players. It was facilitated by the (fielding) of three players who work together at Santos. What we did in the two training sessions, mainly on Sunday, was to give a tactical organization, in terms of positioning, which enabled the technical quality to excel,” said Mano after the game.

Parabéns meninos!

via Terra, Gettyimages

Welcome to day 2 of Mano’s Seleção Bootcamp in New Jersey! The image above exudes so much ego that you can even smell Jersey Shore’s resident douche The Situation from ten miles away. Andre (right far end) is dying to know about Pato’s divorce pension but tipo ain’t saying anything for now. Seriously guys, quit the gossip…. concentrar-se na formação!

Anyway, the schedule remained the same yesterday, with some running drills, ball exercises and press calls. No word yet on who’s bunking with who, but you can be assured that Neymar, Ganso and Andre are living the Bro Life and watch episodes of Glee while feasting on popcorn. And since they’re in Jersey Shore, the bell boy probably kept his eyes open for some Snookin’.

As for Curly Fries da Silva, he miraculously recovered from food poisoning and took a later flight to join the squad! Look, he even offered autographs at the hotel lobby. Rafael had better have taken his Futbolita shirt along with him in his luggage. Cos’ that’s the way we roll, OK?

The friendly against the United States will be tomorrow, and our amigas in Brazil tell us that they will not be telecasting the game. Gasp! That’s despicable. This sounds like a job for the CQC crew!

via Terra Brasil, R.Ribeiro

BEM-VINDO to the Selecao Bootcamp, and as we always say, it’s a “tradition of Futbolita’s!” The guys have arrived in Jersey Shore (fist pump!) to train for the friendly against the United States scheduled for tomorrow. Mano Menezes wasted no time and made sure everyone HEARD what he had to say, which obviously meant no late nights and focus, focus, focus!

As always, manos divided themselves into two groups and got to work immediately. This time, there was no gym conditioning (oh damn) and everybody took to the field. Victor, Daniel Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, André Santos, Lucas, Ramires, Ganso and Robinho were in the grey shirts while Henrique, Rever, Marcelo, Ederson,  Neymar, André and Tardelli played with orange vests. And for those of you who were wondering about Rafael Fetus Da Silva, he’s now recovering from food poisoning, so he was unable to answer the call-up.  Que pena!

Anyway, here’s David Luiz getting all brotherly with the trio of Neymar, André and Ganso. They’re all the faces of 2014, so he’d better pick his side soon before it gets too late!

Fotos de R.Ribeiro

Robinho may have been on holiday in South Africa, but he’d better be worried because Neymar is ready to rock the house! Santos emerged winners of the Copa do Brasil last night, despite losing 2-1 to Victoria, simply because they already won the first leg of the match. Muito legal, indeed and Neymar decided to celebrate by wearing a shirt with a message dedicated to his family (“pai, mãe, irmã e amigos após a partida”) and climbed over barricades to celebrate with the fans which was splendid.

Edu Dracena opening the scoring for Santos, but even though Vitoria turned the heat up with goals from Wallace and Júnior, they managed to contain their opponents and duly celebrated in estilo Brasileiro.

Oh, look what we have here! It’s IkerBonero getting it on again in Los Angeles. Wait, isn’t he supposed to be IN preseason training doing drills or something, with the goalkeeping coach?!! That’s right, this is a pretty “old” photo, but it was still worth posting anyway. All you lucky folks from LA probably already witnessed the Pied Piper of Higuain’s double against Club America last night.

Oh dude, es temprano, pero que está listo! (it’s early, but you’re ready). Keep it coming, yeah?

Last season, all eyes were on Antonio Valencia (who quite frankly, hasn’t lived up to his billing). This season, the United aficionados will be screaming Chicharito’s name like he’s the new Jalapeño mixed drink! So of course, tipo will be feeling a tad bit of pressure when the BPL kicks off and your nine million neighbours start unveiling their AON plastered jerseys with their names personalised.

Whatever the case, Chicharito will not tolerate any hatin’ this season because he’s in the fetus clique with the likes of the Da Silva brothers and they all can throw a mean punch when Berbatov walks past. DO NOT MESS!

And as for his teammate, Anderson, we feel truly sorry for him after learning about the car crash, but this is certainly not going to help his career.

via Reuters, AFP, Terra, Hola

Fútbolita had the honor of recently interviewing one of football’s greatest forwards to date, Romario! We’re happy to report that contrary to popular belief, he is one of the most down-to-earth players we’ve met …. but one who also lives up to his reputation!

Romario also received the exclusive Cultzeros-Futbolita tee, (“e muito legal, eu gosto”) and told us about his career, that toe-poke technique of his, Brazil’s World Cup, his relationship with Bebeto and even his son. Don’t worry, we told him that Romarinho ‘e muito fofo’ on behalf of all of you. And despite our Portuguese, he got the message but was quick to add that Romarinho will ‘never’ be the next him.

ASH: Firstly, Romario, please tell us how you mastered that brilliant toe-poke goal technique of yours!

Romario (smiling): It’s a technique that is very special to me. It took many years of training and perfection for me to finally become comfortable and start scoring goals with it! But it’s something that cannot be ‘taught’ – you can either score a goal by the toe poke or not. There is no ‘right way’ to do it and I’m glad to be able to win many matches thanks to it.

ASH: Everybody in Brazil said Felipe Melo was the villain in the game against the Netherlands. Do you agree?

ROMARIO: It is difficult to say. He is clearly one of the best players in the world and a great professional, because to be selected to play for the Brazil team is not easy. But on that day of the quarterfinals, he simply did not perform well for the selecao and was very unlucky with the cards and fouls. There was a lot of pressure but unfortunately, he was blamed for causing our elimination but I will not call him a ‘vilao’ (villain).

ASH: What were the problems in this Brazilian team? How can Mano Menezes improve on this?

ROMARIO: They need to bring back the Brazilian football style to what it was before. Dunga played a defensive style of football, that is not unique to us and many people disliked it. His methods failed at the World Cup because our players were not used to it. The new coach, Mano (Menezes) needs to encourage the players to attack, keep passing, moving fast, and instill a sense of ‘hunger’ in the new players so that they will want to win the World Cup again. He needs to ‘renovate’ the team, experiment and bring new boys in. And the new coach must also remember that always playing beautiful football is essential to the Brazilians.

ASH: You scored many beautiful goals in your career. Which one is your favourite? We know it’s hard to choose from 1,000 of them!

ROMARIO: Of course, it’s hard to pick just one (laughs). I scored many, many goals and I don’t remember all of them. But if I had to choose, it would be when I scored the two goals against Uruguay (1994 World Cup qualification) to send Brazil to the finals of tournament, which we later won. It was even more special to me because I scored the goals in the Maracana stadium, Brazil’s most historical stadium.
For me, the most beautiful goals I have scored in my career would definitely be for the selecao, and I can’t say it any other way. The feelings are different than playing for a club because you are wearing the green and yellow of your country, and there is always a sense of pride that comes with it.

ASH: What are your plans for Romarinho? (Son) He is now playing for the youth team of Vasco de Gama and has shown a lot of promise. Do you believe he will become the ‘next Romario?’

Romario: For him to become the next Romario will be quite complicated because there is only one Romario and that is me (laughing)! But on the other hand, I want him to have a successful career, play with a lot of heart, develop his style and become his own person and footballer at Vasco, where I started my career. I want Romarinho to score many goals, and I think more importantly, I want him to be able to prove any and all (of his) critics wrong in the future.

ASH: You also play beach football and footvolley. Is this how many footballers – both female and male – in Brazil start their careers in football?

Romario: Ah, definitely. Both games are similar to football and many Brazilians like to spend their time at the beach playing with the ball and it doesn’t matter what game it is, whether football or footvolley. It helps you develop your style of playing, and for me, I started my career mostly playing at the beach. So I’m always happy to play.

ASH : And your son, Romarinho, was seen a lot at the Rio beach with Ronaldinho. Are they good friends?

Romario : Yes, we all are good friends. Romarinho is very close to the nephew of Ronaldinho, Diego, who is in Milan now. And whenever we (or Romarinho) visits Milan, they will visit each other and they will play against each other. Who wins? No one does – it’s a draw!

ASH: What is your relationship with Bebeto (seen above, centre) like now? Do you speak with him? (both players were former adversaries)

Romario : Yes, of course. I speak to him a lot and Bebeto is a great friend of mine. In the past, we had a few problems with each other but it was only because we both wanted to do well for the (national) team. Later, he joined me at America, where he coached for a few games but he still remains a good friend of mine even though I made the decision to sack him (after eight games). Our friendship is still great, and it was a professional decision.

ASH: What about Pele? In the past, he said many things about your attitude that you did not like.

Romario: I respect Pele a lot because he has done a lot for Brazilian football. To me, he is still the best in the game. I regret some of the things I said, but at that time, I was very passionate about playing for Brazil and I was going through a bad time when he said those things. But I will always have respect for him.

ASH : There are many youngsters here in Singapore who want to be as successful as you were in football. What advise do you, Romario, have for them?

Romario: I want to say to them that in order to become the best in football, you must know the basic techniques and if you don’t, be prepared to work hard to ‘perfect’ it. You must always be happy with what you do to. Never play football or do something if you do not feel passionate about it. You must also be disciplined, and be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices. It is not an easy journey.

ASH: As a former World Cup champion, do you believe Spain deserved to win the World Cup?
Romario: As I said before, Netherlands and Spain are two teams close to my heart (he played for both PSV and Barcelona). But Spain deserved to win for the first time because they played beautiful football and were “os melhores” (the best) in the tournament.

---

Photos 2 & 4 © Futbolita
Photos 1 & 3 via SportingHeroes

Ok, forgive us for the lack of a creative title, but like Neymar, we’re kind of surprised at Manoooo Menezes’ 24-man squad for the USA friendly on August 10th. With so many new faces for Seleção Bootcamp, everyone needs to attend Orientation Camp ASAP!  Meninos like Rafael Curly Fries da Silva, Ganso, Pato and (drumroll) Hernanes, also finally received their call-ups after waiting on it forever. This is not to say that all of them deserved it (Lucas??), but it’s a nice technique to soothe the Brazilian public who can’t shut the image of defeat from their minds.

Rafaelito knows it, and he will be throwing a bitchface – like the one below – if you do not agree that he deserved the call-up. Seriously, enough of PS3 and barbecuing in Manchester… it’s time for the real deal. Hopefully, Fabio isn’t jealous because sibling rivalry is hilarious!

FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Victor (Gremio), Renan (Avai), Jefferson (Botafogo)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Rafael (Manchester United), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Marcelo (Real Madrid), David Luiz (Benfica), Henrique (Racing), Rever (Atletico-MG), Thiago Silva (Milan)

Midfielders: Sandro (Internacional), Ramires (Benfica), Lucas (Liverpool), Jucilei (Corinthians), Ganso (Santos), Ederson (Lyon), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Diego Tardelli (Atletico-MG), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Andre (Santos), Neymar (Santos)

Photos via Gettyimages/Reuters

Don’t worry, we haven’t transformed into a Wedding Agency yet. It’s just the season for Baller’ Banquets. All you need to do is to scroll down and you’ll be ready to chuck that useless copy of InStyle Weddings! Last year (during this time), Nilmar, Pato, Lucas and Roberto Carlos all married their partners days apart from one another. One year on, three out of four ain’t so bad.

Baptista’s linda wife is a 2003′s Miss León Silvia Nistal, and although they’re both based in Italy now, the couple originally met in Spain (presumably when he was a Madridista). So of course, they decided to ‘formalize’ things in Madrid. How sweet! Former Arsenal teammate, Cescy and his novia, Carla, were thrilled to attend the ceremony as well.

Of course, it would’ve been sweeter if Baptista had gotten married after winning the World Cup with Brasil. Well, too bad. Manooooo, are you listening?

Fotos via EFE/ HOLA

From the looks of it, all Detinho (next to Ronaldo) wants is a FREE PASS to Mano Menezes‘ next seleção bootcamp! That expression on his face says it all. You could dial an ambulance and you still won’t be able to incept the Menezes/Detinho mind game because dude is dying to go to Granja Comary ASAP. They have a secret pact which does not include Roberto Carlos, infelizmente.

The point of this is to put our hands together, stand in a circle and say “Bem-vindo!!!” to the former Corinthians coach who will needing some of Dopey’s sleeping pills now as the official Brazilian national team coach! E ai MANO?!

Take a good look at the man whose first job is to say “Felipe Melo Who?”

Photos via Mauricio Lima/AFP

Lucio and Juan have been spotted everywhere together in Rio de Janeiro) since their return to the country after Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup (there, we’ve said it). They’ve done everything from hitting up the country’s best Churrascaria restaurants to hanging out with David Brazil, who is the country’s most famous “club promoter” and also BFFS with Ronaldo Lima. Like their Argentinean visitor, The Messiah, Lucio and Juan were also in Barra da Tijuca to soak up the sun… and the sea. Obviously, they didn’t bother to invite Felipe Melo.

Also, you gotta love Dione (Lucio’s wife) and her choice of shirts. This one reads : “Touch my Toy!” Isso é engraçado!

via EGO

What’s with the reports about Dunga (that’s his daughter, btw, and this is his wife) being ‘sacked’ by the Brazilian futebol federation? Estúpidos! Everybody already knew of his intention to step down as coach during the qualifiers! And obviously, he was going to leave his post regardless of the result. There’s so much ego & merda going on now that some of it needs to be taken care of by Gattuso’s fish restaurant. An escargot would be ideal…

Anyway, HERE’S Dunga’s resignation letter – full of formality and… err, Dunganess. He will be missed! Please bring back Felipão or someone less intimidating – and more huggable – in 2014, so I can make that ‘flight joke’ again and not get stared down.

So Felipe Melo has arrived in his home city of Rio de Janeiro… and received a “welcome” that would make even Hitler shudder in his grave! Evidently, the Brazilian public are now putting the blame of the caras’ elimination in his hands so obviously, poor Melo can kiss his career with the selecao goodbye. There’s not much he can do to regain anyone’s affection – not even if he gets Arjen Robben a slot in “Inside the Actor’s Studio”!

Here’s footage of the players being surrounded by overprotective guards… and supportive fans alike after arriving in Rio. A different batch of players (including Kaka, Juan etc) continued the journey to Sao Paulo. Dias difíceis estão à frente …

There’s not many things that can sum up Brazil’s disappointing defeat to The Netherlands, but this piece of brilliant writing, in my opinion reaches out to all the followers of the Selecao. It is by Marcelo Barreto, a Globo journalist.

Dear Boy,

I saw you crying in the stands of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and it was the first image that caught my eye after Brazil’s defeat yesterday. I do not know if you were consoled, but you were not the first. Your crying made me remember a famous cover of the Evening Journal in 1982. Long ago, when Brazil lost, I was little and I was very sad. This memory made me want to write in his name to the Brazilian children .

You’re too young, and four years still seems a long time. But trust me, four years, passes quickly. In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, you can return to a stadium to see the selecao, close to home , perhaps with your relatives and friends. It’ll be nice .

You are also too young to understand one important thing that many adults do not understand yet: You can not win them all. The world is very large and there are many good balls outside Brazil. Being Brazilian already gives us the privilege of seeing our team be champions more times than any other. Imagine what it means to a child in Holland …

You are also too small to know that football is much more than what we see on the field. Lucky you! Growing up has its benefits but also makes you learn, through the hard way that those guys in your sticker album are people of flesh and blood , with virtues and defects , who hit and miss at times …

The Brazilians, who missed today were once children like you . They dreamed of the World Cup and came close to it. I do not know if you’re angry with Dunga, Felipe Melo, or just sad and think that football is unfair, as I was in 1982. You may still be too young to think about it too, but it’s not about justice.

It took 12 years after that day for me to see the Brazil as champions . Who knows, you can expect that in four years and in Brazil? A Portuguese writer once said: “what is good about defeat is that it is not eternal.”

Soon, I will deal with more adult things , talk of the defeat today on the television and write a post with the numbers game. But I wanted to let you know that we will not let this defeat be eternal.

2014 !

NILMAR HONORATO DA SILVA

Yes, it’s the day of the Brazil-Holland “do or die” match and we’ve promptly lined-up our exclusive interview with Brazilian striking ‘fofo‘ NILMAR. Many of you will be excited to note that he has joined David Villa in the ‘Futbolita lovin’ bandwagon, and yes, he really is one of the nicest ‘manos’ out there, in case you were wondering. The Villarreal striker is also expecting a son next month and spoke about his aspirations for Nilmar Junior. Awww, what is there not to like about Nilmar again?

NILMAR ON FUTBOLITAS

“It is great that there are Futbolitas who play football and support the game! This sport is very healthy and the women give much color to football. Of course, I am in support of this and seeing women playing futebol in the fields gives joy to all.”

NILMAR ON THE SELECAO

“It is a great joy to be called up because it is the dream of any player to play in a World Cup and more so with Brazil, the best selection of all time. In addition, it is more worthwhile to go as a striker, especially since the large number of attackers are Brazilian. It is a dream come true and I am very anxious to to play.”

“The the truth is that I feel enormous pride whenever I wear the Brazil shirt, and without a doubt the most special moment with the selection is now, during the World Cup.”

NILMAR ON HIS WIFE AND SON

“I wanted Laura (his wife) to accompany me to South Africa, although it will be difficult because of my unborn son. As for my son, the truth is that I would prefer if he likes football like me, but more importantly, he grows up to be what he want to be!”

NILMAR ON THE SELECAO’S FUN-LOVING NATURE

“I have a good relationship with most of the players on the selecao like Luis Fabiano, Kaka and Julio Cesar. I get along great with everyone and that is very important. A good relationship among the players will go a long way in our World Cup campaign.”

NILMAR ON BRAZIL BECOMING A GLOBAL POWER..

“We have the highest expectations of becoming a great global power. It is true that there are very good teams that play at a high level, such as Spain, Italy or Argentina. But Brazil is always a candidate in the world cup and there is no exception this year . We are confident that we will do well because we have a great squad.”

Enjoy Nilmar’s hat-trick against Chile in last year’s WCQ!

So, the manos have arrived in Port Elizabeth for tomorrow’s exciting quarterfinal game and as usual, were greeted with much love and affection! All their rooms in their new crib offers an ‘oceanic view’ and although they were a little sad to leave their friends in Johannesburg, the selecao looks forward to a new adventure. As you may know, this is a crucial time for the squad so every small detail matters.

“We are sad that we have to leave Fairway Hotel (in Jo’burg). We were treated very well there and had all the best available facilities,” Lucio said.

Meanwhile, the louco fans gathered themselves outside the new hotel to welcome the boys. You know you love the “Conjoined Shirts” that we’ve been seeing a lot this Copa del Mundo. They’re absolutely spankin’!!

Photos via R.Ribeiro, UOL esporte

BEM VINDO to the Matchday edition of Seleção Bootcamp! Don’t you love it that everybody has their headphones on in the morning? What could fofo Nilmar possibly be listening to? Lady Gaga? Meu Deus, we bet it’s Bebel Gilberto…. or Sergio Mendes! In the last two days, the guys have been training at 4:30pm everyday and attending the compulsory press conferences. At every World Cup, teams have to follow a specific FIFA protocol, and it’s no different with the selecao. Everybody has to face the press and if you’re lucky, you get the jokers Luisao or even Julio Cesar, as he proved other day. Or if you want to throw daggers at someone, Felipe Melo will be the man for you – but he won’t take it lightly!

Anyway, caras face off against Portugal today and we feel like we’ve been waiting for this one since FOREVER. Listen Greaseano, please play nice today ou eu vou mandar uma garrafa de GASOLINA para a sua casa em Madrid. Your stepovers can be nice to watch, but today, you won’t be the only one doing it because Robinho is IN THE HOUSE. Forcaaaaaa and BEIJOS to you from the squad….!

via AFP, R.Ribeiro

Your manos are back and ready as ever for the game against Greaseano’s Army on Friday! Yes, it’s the return of Selecao Bootcamp, a Futbolita tradition! Of course, it doesn’t matter what the outcome against Portugal is because they’ve already qualified and the probability of fielding the subs (Graças a Deus, Nilmar!) is very high. Obviously, Luisao is dying to play as well but everyone has had enough of his jokes! NAO é engraçado cara!!!

Nevertheless, Dopey rounded up the entire gang yesterday before training and made sure that they listened to what he had to say. There was a warm-up session led by Senhor Paixao (again) while the starting eleven who played on Sunday were forced to do aerobic exercises. Ramalho made the goalkeepers train with him as well (who knows? Doni might get to start on Friday!)

Anyway, Kaka who is now enjoying his 7-day holiday was in full-praise of Elano’s third goal, which for the record was “muito legal”. He said : “Elano’s gol was also very cool, because that was a classic pass.”

via R.Ribeiro