Fútbolita

Felicidades to Raul and Mamen on the birth of their new daughter, Maria Gonzalez Redondo!! Haven’t you heard, Posh Beckham? It’s “Fifth Time Lucky” these days… and you must also spend your days watering Luis Figo’s plants (all his kids are pretty meninas!) Anyway, this Madrid SuperCouple (yes Guti, you could take a leaf out of Raul’s book) who celebrated their tenth year anniversary last July, have been trying for a girl since forever. In Mamen’s own words, the house desperately needed the arrival of another girl.

“I am delighted that it’s a girl. All day I used to see my sons play football, fight and do all those boys things,” she said. Quick! Do you think Maria and Luca Celico Leite (Kaka’s son) have a future together? Or will Enzo Zidane be her knight in shining armour…. Bobojan help us! We want a FlashForward.


So the Brasileirao Awards were held last night (remember last year’s edition) and since we’re on the issue of children here, Hernanes brought his son up to stage to receive his award! Muito adorável!! The entire Flamengo team also went up to stage to celebrate their Championship trophy in front of the other award recipients, of course. We can only imagine the pain of the people on the four (seriously, manos from Gremio, Sao Paulo and Internacional were all there!)

Anyway, Adriano did not attend the event (and immediately after, supermarkets reported an increase in sales of beef) but players were rewarded the gold, silver and bronze awards respectively based on their performances throughout the season.  In the Best Striker category, Adriano came in the first position, followed by Ronaldo Lima and Goias’s Larley. Sao Paulo swept the most number of individual awards, with Hernanes winning the gold trophy for the third year in a row.

Leooonardo! You look like a soap opera star with the hair and flawless face…. He could be one of the doctors on General Hospital with Kayky Brito playing one of his interns. Anyway, the Rossoneri will apparently be in hot water if Real Madrid lose to Marseille later today (and Morientes does not hug his former bestie, Raul). FC Zurich will play his boys today, and unfortunately, they won Matchday 2 at San Siro which makes this even scarier!

“We don’t care what happens in the other game: we want to write our own positive story. I have seen Zürich’s recent results, but I don’t pay attention to them. We know what they are capable of. They will be motivated and we will have to keep our concentration. We are a mature team that has played important games before and we have to keep moving forward,” said Leooooonardo.

Photos via AP, UOL and Hola

So much emotion… havia tanto amor! Even King Churrascaria himself, Adriano, had to choke back his tears after the fans came out to show their support following Flamengo’s win of the Brasileirao Title on Sunday. “I can hardly believe it…I’m remembering all I went through, I don’t even have strength left to celebrate,” said Adriano. “Really, this is a dream, to be a champion again and, above all, to be happy.”

Flamengo came back from a goal down to defeat Gremio 2-1 with goals from David and Ronaldo Angelim. It took 17 years, pessoas... that’s older than Iker Munain‘s entire age.

More than 100,000 fans went crazy at the Maracana – and truth be told, they stole the show. Mengao are very lucky to have some of the most creative fans. These people should be on Project Runway or something. From Barack’s Bro to a dude who looks like a cross between P.Diddy and Flava Flav, they pulled out all the stops to make the finale an occasion to remember!!

Anyway, Adriano has not ruled out a return to Europe next season but he declared that his family has been instrumental in his success at Flamengo. “I’ve had a lot of proposals, I’m not going to lie to anyone about that,” he said.  “But, certainly, what’s important to me today and was always in first place is my happiness. Everything I do from here on will be well thought through,” he said.

Photos via Reuters, AFP

This Flamengo victory reminds me of our amiga, Ana, who is now back in Brazil for the holidays. “Why do you support Sao Paulo? Only geeks support Sao Paulo. Like the fat, white men who wear ties. I love Flamengo… Flamengo is my team!” she once declared. Yes, but we don’t have Churrasco Kings like Adriano and neither do we need to hit every samba school in the nation!

Anyway, the most supported club in Brazil are now one match away from their first Brasileirao title since 1992. After goals from Zé Roberto and Léo Moura in yesterday’s own clasico against Corinthians, they only need to beat Gremio next weekend to secure the trophy. Ah, President Lula must be crying but este é o futebol. Check out the fans below who were all excited about welcoming home their heroes at the airport!

Photos via UOL/Globo

• There was a time… when Farmer Fred was an incredibly promising striker for the selecao. Now, all we’re left with are memories!!! Isto e triste, but at least Hulk’s around these days. Anyway, speaking of Fred, he helped his home side Fluminense to a nice 3-0 victory over Sport last night. Poor Sport, their beauty queen won the title ‘Musa Brasileirao’ this year but their performances on the field have been dismal.
• Sao Paulo was handed a 3-2 defeat in the hands of Botafogo despite goals from Washington and Jorge Wagner. What’s happening tricolor?! They’re supposed to be formidable… or maybe not. Botafogo were the ones who needed it more to prevent themselves from being relegated. “Next week, we will have a tough match. However, enthusiasm will carry on and will help us to keep from the risk of being lowered into the second division,” said their coach Estevam Soares.
• So Adriano had too much barbecued chicken and wasn’t able to help Flamengo in their goaless draw at the Maracana. They wasted their chance to go top of the table (desculpe, the Lords of KFC were at work). Anyway, Kleberson thinks they still have a good chance. “We haven’t lost anything yet, we had to win our last three matches, we didn’t manage that, but we still managed to get one point closer to Sao Paulo,” he declared. In other words, he means “your drumsticks will not work against Adriano”

via Reuters, Globo

Palmeiras-Corinthians will forever always remind us of that louco Brazilian film, Romeo and Juliet Get Married where the characters come from a family of opposing hardcore supporters. They would’ve loved result in yesterday’s 2-2 draw! Ronaldo Lima scored a double for the Timao while Danilo and Maurício did the favour for Palmeiras. All the goals came in the first half.

In the other game, Nilmar’s former team, Internacional, were unable to pull off a victory against Botafogo. They were down 0-1 in the second minute when Juninho struck for the visiting side. However, Inter still think they can win the Championship.

“It’s no use trying to make excuses. We do not play well. We conceded a goal early. We had a lot of pressure from the fans. We have to recognize that everyone fought to the end to try to break even and turn the game,” said coach Mário Sérgio. Well, at least their fans know how to turn the heat up…literally!

Photos via UOL and Reuters

• Ok, she’s not playing in the Brasileirao … but Marta still led Santos to the first Female Copa Libertadores victory after a convincing 9-0 win over Universidad de Assunción yesterday. Need we say more?
• Flamengo stunned leaders Palmeiras with a neat 2-0 victory thanks to a double (again) from Dejan Petkovic. Well, Vagner Love (remember him?!) missed a penalty for his new side but apart from that, was highly ineffective throughout the game. Someone also forgot to leave ice-cream cones in Adriano’s locker room. Nevertheless, Palmeiras still lead the table at 54 points followed by Flamengo, Goias and Cruzeiro.
• Elsewhere, Corinthians are continuing the disappoint and they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Sport Recife yesterday. Ronaldo, ta me ouvindo??
• In another game, Fluminense and Internacional tied 2-2.

It appears that Santos seems to have a larger army of female supporters as opposed to Palmeiras, but despite seeking divine intervention, they were still unable to pull off a home win against o poderoso! It must’ve been the tia’s hat above. Her friend is reading a cooking magazine…! I want to meet these women, por favor.

Anyway, Palmeiras thrashed Santos 3-1 and the goals all came in the second half. Despite Luizinho’s 54th minute opener for Pele’s beloved team, the Verdão showed them who was king when Diego Souza, Robert and Vagner Love all scored with kisses for their visiting fans. Amazing. Unfortunately, Neymar picked up a yellow card for himself… but that doesn’t mean Juventus and their scouts aren’t watching.

That chica on the extreme right has such a classic facial expression! “UGH” is all she can manage… after all, why is it always so difficult to find hardcore mujers at the front (unless it’s the World Cup). Let’s start a trend, shall we?!

Anyway, the much-awaited Paulista derby between Corinthians and Sao Paulo ended up in a 1-1 draw and Fattynaldo opened the scoring in the 20th minute. He’s arguably the Timao’s lucky charm because he has never lost a game for Corinthians in five classic encounters. The tricolor fought back in the second half with Dagoberto, Hernanes and Borges exchanging passes to squeeze in an equalizer. At the same time, Corinthians created more space for counter-attacks but they couldn’t stop Washington from scoring in the 24th minute of the second half.

• Botafogo’s fans made a banner teasing Fluminense’s injured striker, Fred in their 0-0 home draw yesterday. The striker has been suffering muscular problems in his thigh and hasn’t played a single match since July 23rd. The banner read : “Hey Vilma, where’s Fred?”.
• He may not have scored against Chile last Wednesday (it was Nilmar’s day, pessoas!) but Adriano scored twice on Saturday to lead Flamengo to a 3-0 victory over Sport Recife at the Maracana. Ok, we’ll stop with the barbecue jokes for now. It’s only fair! (Watch the goals below)
• Palmeiras fell to a 3-2 defeat away to Vitoria at the Barradao stadium, but still remain as the league leaders with 44 points.
• Thankfully, Sao Paulo defeated Avaí 2-0 with goals from Dagoberto and Hugo. Yes, the tricolor are back to winning ways and are now level on 43 points with Internacional.

Her team may be at the bottom of the Brasileirao table but Sport Club’s Wanessa Matos is this year’s newly elected Musa do Brasileirão after winning 55% of the votes! The annual “beauty pageant” is held alongside the Brasileirao  and every team in the league submits their own beauty queen.

Wanessa defeated Corinthians’ Siara Pacheco, Santos’ Thalita Wagner and Goiás’ Lucilene Ceatano in a series of ‘challenges’ to take the crown. Last year’s winner was Palmeiras representative, Ariane Gonzalez. “I’m so happy, I don’t even know what to say!” exclaimed Wanessa, 22, after winning. Watch the finals below.

• Back to football, Palmeiras held Sao Paulo to a stalemate (uhhh.. boring!!), but they remain at the top of the championship after Inter (the Brazilian ones) thrashed Goais 4-0.
• Elsewhere, Gremio were held to an entertaining 3-3 draw by Botafogo at the Engenhao stadium in Rio. A double from Jonas and a third from Souza was equalised by Botafogo courtesy of Reinaldo, Victor Simoes and Leandro Guerreiro, who came in three minutes before the final whistle.
• Flamengo cruised past Santo Andre 3-0 at Maracana stadium. Denis Marques, Leo Moura and Ze Roberto scored for the most widely supported club in the country.

via Gettyimages

Oh… you can always count on the Corinthians fans to go all out every week! By that, we mean carrying black balloons and body slamming amidst the sticky crowd. Wouldn’t you like to be there, futbolitas?

Anyway, the Timão fought to a 3-3 draw against Botafogo yesterday and it seemed like the referee left his brains at home.  There was an apparent hand ball in a Botafogo goal and Corinthians had a dodgy penalty ruled in favour of them. Dentinho scored a double for Corinthians while Andre Lima’s handball was allowed.

In another match, Palmeiras defeated Internacional 2-1 thanks to the brilliant Diego Souza. Unfortunately, it’s a sad day because Sao Paulo lost their second spot place to Goais after their loss to Atletico Paranaense. This ends our seven-match winning streak. Damn!!!

• So Corinthians proved that they’re back on their feet (Ronaldo Lima’s still injured, pessoas) yesterday with their 2-1 win over the Nilmar-less Internacional in Porto Alegre. Jean and Jorge Henrique both netted in goals [watch them below.]
• Santos edged Gremio 1-0 at Vila Belmiro stadium behind an 80th-minute header by striker Paulo Henrique, keeping Gremio winless away from home in this year’s competition. There’s something for Pele to smile about.
• Sao Paulo also defeated Fluminense 1-0 thanks to Richarlyson and are now closer to the top of the table. Forca caras!

• Unfortunately Brasileirao’s reigning top scorer, Adriano hasn’t been living up to his name. Instead, the king of churrascarias wasted his chances during Gremio’s 4-1 drubbing of Flamengo yesterday. Goals from Perea, Réver and a double from Jonas chalked up three points for the Gaúchos, who’re now in a better position to secure a spot in the Libertadores. Sorry, Ana…now you can’t make those tricolor jokes at me!
  
• Speaking of Sao Paulo, they’ve extended their winning streak to six games after a 2-1 win over Sport thanks to goals from Washington and Hugggoooooo.
  
• Palmeiras battled to a 1-1 draw against Botafogo who were the first to score in the 23rd minute. Lucio Flavio fed the ball to Andre Lima who blasted it beautifully into the net. [Watch the video below!]
  
• Corinthians, who’re still without the injured Ronaldo, defeated Atletico Mineiro 2-0 at the Pacaembu stadium to end their five-match winless streak. The four-time national champions have not won a game since their 2-1 result against Vitoria on July 23.

via Globo

• Sao Paulo are in the top four of the Brazilian championship after beating Goias 3-1 on Sunday. They’ve won their last five matches and have been unbeaten for the last eight games. Way to go, Tricolor! They started out slow in the early stages of the season and the Libertadores Cup. It’s all smooth now, eh? “The Sao Paulo supporters recognised their team, recognised the football we are delivering and each time I see the Morumbi filling up more,” coach Ricardo said. “It’s been 12 matches in 48 days, in Europe that’s madness.”
• BBQ King Adriano scored his 10th goal of the season to give Flamengo a 1-0 home win over Corinthians in the Maracana. “I missed so many (chances)…I will concentrate more to get it right more,” he said after the game. [See video below]
• Santos drew 2-2 with Avaí. They threw away their early lead, and despite fielding Neymar in the later part of the game, they were unable to get all 3 points. Somewhere, you know Pele is rolling his eyes. Elsewhere, Vitória also managed a 2-2 draw against Fluminense
• Coritiba has sacked their coach Rene Simoes after their 3-1 home defeat in the hands of Cruzeiro. They now lie in 18th place and Rene is the 24th coach to lose his job in the championship this season.

Photo via LatinContent Editorial/ Adhil Rangel

Ah, how typical of Hernanes to break out into a dance halfway during Sao Paulo’s training session! It could just be one of Ricardo Gomes’ ‘tactics’ to loosen things up in the team. You can always count on Hernanes to make everyone feel like they’re in the middle of a circus.

Unlike previous coach Mauricy Ramalho, Gomes actually makes the effort to make the subs feel at home! Why didn’t they export him to Real Moneda in place of Grey Eyes Pellegrini? Over there, their subs there get a lifetime’s supply of DVD rentals and popcorn.

Defender Andre Dias has already observed a positive change within the group. “Ricardo’s using a tactic that’s never been done before. He talks a lot, and we get to know each other better. That is cool, different. I’ve never worked with anyone like that before. It is important to see that the substitutes are just as important as the starting eleven,” Dias told Globo.

The Tricolor are scheduled to play Coritiba this weekend. And as a bonus, here’s Hernanes with his wife and son!

One of Brazil’s most promising strikers, Keirrison, may very well become a Barça player next season! Not surprising as he’s been on the radar of some of the top European clubs all season. In this case, the deal will only go through if his representative, Marcos Malaquias, reaches an agreement with Laporta’s Men In Black.

However, Palmeiras must agree to let Keri go – a prospect which may be easier than expected. After all, Palmeiras fans have been unhappy with the striker, pointing accusatory fingers at him for the club’s failures after eliminations from the Paulista Championship and Copa Libertadores. Oh, they even nicknamed him Pipokeirrison!

If Keirrison goes to Europe, there’s a better chance of obtaining a spot in the highly competitive selecao. You know Dopey prefers hardworking, “Champions League” types and Keirrison will fit in well the Catalan giants.

Barbecue king, Adriano, celebrated his ‘return’ to football by scoring in Flamengo’s 2-1 victory over Atlético-PR yesterday. To be quite honest, even our 2 year old cousin would’ve been able to score a goal like that as well. The commentator went delirious – and out of breath. If Adriano hadn’t converted, it would’ve been a disaster.

Anyway, he still has time to practise his shots. After all, he ain’t part of Dopey’s Brasil squad that will meet later today.

In other games, Paulo Henrique Lima scored goal for Santos as they thrashed Corinthians 3-1. And finally, three-time defending champions Sao Paulo enjoyed their first win of the tournament by hammering Cruzeiro 3-0 at the Morumbi. Ah – about time, eh tipos?!

¿Que hubo amigos?! We’re back with some Brasileirao highlights from the weekend’s games! Corinthians (who failed in their quest to sign Guti. Really?) defeated Barueri 2-1, thanks to goals from Souza and Jean. Ronaldo Lima was rested in the game due to a muscle injury he picked up. He’s likely to barbecue be rested for Wednesday’s Brazilian cup game against Vasco.

Unfortunately, Santos reduced Fluminense to batter thanks to a 4-1 victory at the Maracana. Well, fluzão had better believe that they made a good investment in Adriano – something we know you are struggling to believe.

Gremio (see below) also defeated Botafogo 2-0 at the Olimpico stadium and the game saw the debut of new coach Paulo Autuori while Internacional came away with a 1-0 victory away at Goiás thanks to a goal from Taison.

Today is a very important day for the seleção because Dunga is slated to announce the official squad list for the qualifiers and the Confederations Cup! We know right…. it’s almost like American Idol!

Anyway, Nilmar has told the Brazilian press that he hopes to be called up to the national team. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for mano too. Surely, there’s gotta be space for him after Adriano freaked out and did the unthinkable.

“Dunga should have already decided who he’s going to call up. I am thinking about (Internacional’s game). I must do well in the game too, because it is my last chance to prove myself to the coach,” he said.

His club has also graciously backed him. “He is a great striker and he deserves to be in the Brazilian team. I say that although it could mean a loss for (Internacional).”