Fútbolita

English futbol may be lacking here at Futbolita (that’s because there’s already a plethora of brilliant blogs out there) but it’s been fantastic collaborating with the tipos at the Coral Dugout ! First it was our questions to Terry Butcher and now, Martin Peters from the 1966 England Squad has spoken to us about how he doesn’t want Senor Lampard to score so that he can keep his 80-goal record to himself. Que gracioso!

Of course, we forgive him for not being able to pronounce Futbolita because he reckons that Brasil will go all the way! Peters also thinks that Spain is a talented side, but doesn’t want them to win it. Well, it’s the European thing, y’know!

An old school Peters (center) poses with Geoff Hurst (left) and Bobby Moore (right) - Via The Mirror

In lieu of the England-Slovenia game today, which many of you chicos y litas will be intently watching, we’ve decided to post up our interview with former England captain, Terry Butcher! It’s part of something called The Coral Dugout which we’re working on during this Copa del Mundo. Butcher, who will probably never forgive us if we put him in the same room as The Dona, was sporting enough to talk about Futbolitas and his pick for the World Cup!

Saude to this man!

What’s more important to you America: The NBA Finals or the World Cup?

Now is a time to reflect upon your dedication as a fan, a sports enthusiast, and passionate American.  Every year the NBA season ends with a potential 7 game playoff series which has frequently featured LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Every four years the WORLD gathers together to celebrate the beautiful game of international soccer. This years World Cup, South Africa 2010, is defining history with every minute and every passing second.

Let’s reflect on the World Cup on TV in the US this year (http://www.ndchronicle.com/news/):

• The USA vs. England match attracted a record breaking 17 million American viewers on ABC & Univision combined .
• 4.2 million viewers is the World Cup match average.
• More of the US watched USA vs. England than the first four NBA Finals games (Lakers vs. Celtics).

(photo: USA vs. England at the NIKE Montalban Theater, Los Angeles, CA)

Now that Kobe’s Lakers have won the crown again for the 5th time running, let’s set our clocks for the early 10am EST second round, MUST WIN USA match against Group C leaders, Slovenia. This is Slovenia’s second appearance in the World Cup and the USA’s ninth.  The Yanks visit Ellis Park for the third time ever giving us the upper hand in venue familiarity.

The Lakers may have repeated history, but the U.S. Men’s National team is writing it.

Slovenia will not be an easy match. Coach Bob Bradley gave his perspective on our second round opponent, “Their qualification was strong. They are very well organized. Tactically, I think they are very smart. Their defensive record in qualification is outstanding. And again, they have a good balance in the team. Good movement, good mobility, some dangerous players. Guys that we watched a lot before we came in. We have a great deal of respect for their team.”

As we should. You better believe that Slovenia has a deep respect for us as well. Especially for the USA vs. England ‘Budweiser Man of the Match’ and US goal keeper, Tim Howard. Despite enduring bruised ribs for a large portion of the game, Howard had six crucial saves. He is reported to be match fit tomorrow. Good thing because we need not only his extreme talent but also his intense leadership. (Tim Howard photo: Getty Images)

Team leaders and experience veterans, Howard, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Oguchi Onyewu will guide this team to victory.

So tune in America! Be late to work, stay late if you need to but this is important. Very important… What’s more important to me, you ask?

History in the making. Stars & Stripes! USA!!

Sweet Dreams of Victory!!!

Your USA FUTBOLITA

The big questions this week- Will Fabio Capello stick with Robert Green? Did Emile Heskey do enough to warrant keeping his place in the starting line up? And when will we see Joe Cole get his chance on the big stage? All of these questions have been debated up and down the country for past few days, but ultimately Don Fabio is keeping his cards very close to his chest and once again we will wait until just a couple of hours before kickoff for the answers. People have questioned whether it is right for the manager to keep everyone waiting, and guessing, but as Jamie Carragher told us in his press conference earlier in the week- its pretty normal for a boss to leave it late, so, so be it.

Happy Birthday Fabio

I do feel though, that the disappointment following the draw with the USA has faded slightly, many are saying that the Spain defeat puts our result into perspective, maybe they are right but maybe we shouldn’t sell ourselves short. We shouldn’t have renewed hope because one of the big guns has faltered hence opening up the playing field for us. We have the opportunity now to make a real statement against Algeria and consequently build up some momentum. The good news is Gareth Barry is back fit which should free up both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, hopefully they will have increased opportunity to shine.

One thing’s for sure is that the excitement levels are building back here in England; I for one can’t wait for kick off and am going to predict and plucky 3-0 to the Three Lions.

Come on England

PS- Happy Birthday Mr Capello

Signing off

Your England Futbolita.

Photo courtesy of Zimbio Pictures

Going down 1 nil to England in the first 4 minutes was jarring.  Tim Howard’s “time out” was frightening.

But in the end, our focus and competitive spirit earned us a victory… a 1-1 moral victory.

Oh, that and a wobbly Jabulani and bobbled ball thanks to England’s goal keeper, Robert Green.  Clint Dempsey said it himself of his goal, “these balls move so much if you just hit them on goal you’ll have a chance. It’s one of those goals you always say ‘Why can’t I get one like that?’ and I’m happy to have scored in both World Cups I’ve participated in.”

And we’re happy you’ve scored too Clint! It wasn’t pretty but it was intense and exciting. England skipper Steven Gerrard gave England an early lead after catching our defense out of position. We clawed our way through the first half, shutting down Wayne Rooney and enabling Jozy Altidore a couple nail biting opportunities. The equalizer came at 40 minutes when luck was on our side and misfortune rolled in the back of Englands net.

Dempsey capitalized when the ball slipped out from Green’s hands, on an otherwise routine save. The game continued through the second half for us with heart, grit and composure. Especially from Howard. His resilience and leadership gave both USA and England 1 point at the final whistle.

The USA celebrated this draw!

England headed straight for the tunnel, disappointed to say the least. “The idea tonight was to win the game, but unfortunately we have let a poor goal in and we couldn’t go on and get the winner,” said Gerrard.

So yes world, this was a victory for the United States of America. Let’s keep it going!

Today, June 12^the USA will beat England.

And the reason we will win in Rustenburg is simple – we want it more than they do and we play the under dog role better than anyone in football.

This will be my starting XI when we take on England: Howard, Spector, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Holden, Dempsey, Bradley, Donovan, Buddle, & Altidore.

In Tim Howard, we have the best goalkeeper in the world right now. He was outstanding for Everton in the English Premier League, he knows these forwards and he knows how to stop them. Sixteen shutouts is testament to that fact.

Defensively critics have said we are not deep, I can’t disagree. Onyewu’s recovery is still in question but his experience, presence and leadership is necessary. In Jay Demerit we have a tiger that won’t quit. Carlos Bocanegra has been nothing but a leader and Jonathon Spector has proved in the Confederation Cup that he belongs on the world stage.

In the center of the pitch is our heart and strength.

Clint Dempsey is the best attacking midfield player Texas has ever produced and he proved it time and again with Fulham this season. Jose Torres may have come from nowhere but I noticed him two seasons ago and tipped him for international stardom. The coach’s son, Michael Bradley has earned his position through sheer grit, not nepotism.

Landon Donovan is the best player America has ever produced, even better than my co-host Eric Wynalda! He has pace, vision, two great feet and a desire to prove that he is not only the best player on the USMNT but one of the best in the world. Even some of the Brits will be rooting for him… You better believe it!

Then there is our David Beckham… Stuart Holden.

Holden has the ability to single handedly win matches from set pieces. He can whip in the kind of crosses that would make Goldenballs proud.

Upfront it’s about my boys Jozy Altidore and Edson Buddle.

Jozy is a bulldog in the old traditional fashion. Tough, uncompromising and a handful for any defender in the tournament. If he gets hot, watch out. And Buddle, he is hot! Give him and opportunity and he will capitalize!

Look, we have the advantage, we’ve played in Rustenburg. We know the stadium, the fans know us and history is on our side. Today we will shock the World!

The last time we played England in the World Cup, guess who won? That’s right, we did. I hereby invoke the spirits of 1950!

Signing Off xoxo,

YOUR USA FUTBOLITA

Photo courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/photo?slug=r1106363510

Kisses xo Jabulani

The time has come. We have all been anxiously awaiting this day: WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 2010. Four years it’s been since we watched our countries step on the World Cup pitch in Germany. I’ve been making big plans for the USA vs. England match. I’ll gather with over 850 fellow Americans (and some English fans as well) to watch this historical match at the Nike Montalban Theater in Hollywood.

The USA buzz is sounding hopeful, confident, and intense. With two victories under our belt, 2-1 over Turkey and 3-1 over Australia, we are going into this match with a new level of confidence. US fans our enthused with our attack and our potential. You can’t ignore Edson Buddle and Hercules Gomez! These two WC additions have inspired new energy and a new offensive strategy.  Findley has demonstrated his attacking strengths as well, we just need him to find the back of the net… and he will!

We are setting our alarms anywhere from 1:30am in New York, to 2:30am in Chicago to 4:30am in Los Angeles. I’m not a morning person, but this is the most important event in the world… I don’t mind! I’m rockin’ my Landon Donovan Futbolita top & my USA jersey daily, changing my laces to red, getting ready to do something red, white and blue with my fingers & toes and challenging my English comrades to a verbal battle. Watch out world the USA is ready!  We’re so ready celebs like Brad Pitt and Charlize Theron have joined in support for the USA 2018 or 2022 bid for the World Cup. That’s right, let’s bring it back to the home of the brave… USA!

Signing Off,

Your USA Futbolita!

It’s dominated the back pages, news bulletins and radio phone ins and now the greatest show on earth is finally upon us, the Three Lions bandwagon is rolling on through the streets of England as supporters are hanging out their St Georges flags and I heard on the radio that two young lads have converted their living room into an actual stadium, grass pitch and all…

I haven’t gone to such extremes but I am incredibly excited now that the world cup is finally here. England of course kick off their campaign on Saturday and I will be glued to the big screen, I wish I could be in South Africa, but you can’t have everything!!!

I will of course have an eye on all of the LFC boys with their respective countries and wish El Nino and Co all the best with my adoptive nation Spain, however my heart is obviously with Stevie, Carra et al when they take to the pitch against the USA in Rustenburg. Steven Gerrard’s pride at being handed the captains armband in place of Rio Ferdinand was plain for all to see,

Let’s hope the reds captain fantastic can help guide the England boys to success!!!!

Come on!!!

Signing off

Your England Futbolita

SHE’S a familiar face on the Fox Soccer Channel in the USA and a former U-23 player from the US Women’s team. Say hello to the lovely Temryss Lane, the USA’s Fútbolita del Mundo!

“Futbolita represents the female voice in futbol. I am honored and thrilled to be the USA’s official Futbolita! A lifetime goal of mine is to contribute to the growth and the love of football in America. This gives me the opportunity to show my country how beautiful this game truly is.  Come on America! Get it together! Learn the game and I promise you will love it and never look back!” she said.

ON THE PASSION OF THE AMERICANS…

“WOW! The soccer energy in America (and around the world) is at it’s peak during World Cup years. People are buying Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore jerseys. Bars and energy centers, are setting up camp, arranging their view schedule to accommodate all the matches. Non-soccer fans are feeling the buzz and shift their energy into watching the world’s most celebrated sporting event.  Kids on the soccer field are reppin’ their favorite squads in possibly the best soccer exercise, “World Cup” where you and a partner unify as a “country” to take on other countries to score goals and by process of elimination the last team standing wins the WC.  The soccer world and beyond are teaming at the mouth… waiting to bite into the World’s best game!

HOW IT ALL BEGAN FOR TEMRYSS…

“I grew up in Bellingham, Washington, North of Seattle. I now reside in the City of Angels: Los Angeles, California. Both states have huge participation and followings in football. Football in the United States of America is unique to the rest of the world, we call it soccer. In terms of a spectator sport, soccer comes secondary to the likes of basketball, American football, and baseball. BUT it’s the number one participatory sport that continues to gain momentum on a world scale and in it’s professional ranks.

“Major League Soccer (MLS) and Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) are the USA’s professional leagues that are not necessarily money making ventures but rather a testament to the rest of the world that they yanks are coming! Most people who play in these leagues aren’t making millions of dollars or even hundreds of thousands. Hence, their dedication is to the game and to their passion for playing. Landon Donovan is the USA’s golden child when it comes to soccer heroes. We will depend on him heavily moving into this years WC. GO Yanks!!!”

ON HER PASSION FOR THE BEAUTIFUL GAME…

“I’m a footballer, through and through. Soccer is my first love and #1 passion and it has been for my entire life. I grew up playing, keeping up with my older brother and his soccer teammates. My competitive attitude allowed me to cultivate my passion, become an elite player, and eventually a pro. I earned a full-ride soccer scholarship to Arizona State University as a defender then even played in the USA national program (U-23 National Team & USA select) for a short stint. In 2008, I was recruited to play in Damallsvenskan, the women’s professional league in Sweden.

“I’m an American Indian from the Lummi Tribe. I come from a very strong family and culture. Soccer has been a life long career and personal dedication. As a woman in the sports broadcasting business, I look to contribute to the growth of soccer as a culture in the states. Looking future forward, I plan on continuing my soccer broadcast journalism. FUTBOLITA till I die!”

(Temryss with AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta!)

ON HER HOME TEAM….

“LA GALAXY is the team I support.  I live in LA, I attend many games, and have a handful of buddies on the team. It makes the game so much more personal when I have friends out there on the pitch. I see what they’re capable of and know they will win MLS CUP! This season they are leading both the league and the Western Conference with 26 points. They remain undefeated and even have two USMNT members on their roster: Landon Donovan & Edson Buddle. And how could we forget Mr. Beckham? Although he’s injured he still is part of the club. Hopefully he’ll be ready by the playoffs!”

(With the Football Fone-In Crew)

“I am a Futbolita because I live, breath and dream football. It is my life and I will live it forever!”

Temryss, the USA Fútbolita is wearing the Cultzeros/Fútbolita World Cup Tee with Landon Donovan
All photos © Temryss Lane

We’ve been calling him Mickey Mouse Becks for a long time, but the poor mano tore his Achilles tendon last night and has been ruled of the World Cup. For that, we are lighting candles today and sending Oreos with hugs. Oh dios, Becks really wanted to go South Africa. Qué día tan triste!

“In cases (of the) rupture of the Achilles tendon, players go at least five or six months without playing. He is out of the tournament. Tomorrow Beckham will travel to Finland, where he will be operated on,” declared Uncle Fester Galliani.

On a slightly more positive note, Milan won the game 1-0, although they clearly should have done better.

SHE’S known as the female face of Liverpool TV in the UK.
And with her infectious energy in front of the camera, gorgeous looks and a footballing background to boot, Claire Rourke is quite simply the perfect ‘chica’ to front one of the EPL’S most-loved clubs.
Today, we’re delighted to have Senorita Rourke on board as our Official England Fútbolita!

“I am so excited! I love all the build up to football’s showpiece event and now that I am going to be part of it with Futbolita, it’s going to make it all the more entertaining,” said Claire, who started her career at Real Madrid TV.
And like Claire, you could be your country’s voice – updating the world on your nation’s progress – from team selection, opinions and spreading the excitement and cheer throughout the tournament.

Yes, starting from today, we are seeking passionate individuals to represent their countries as a “Futbolita de la Mundo”.

“I cant believe it just a few months away, it seems like we have been counting down to this one forever- maybe its because this is our (England’s) best opportunity for many years!” enthused Claire.

CAREER

Claire’s journey started as early as 2005 when she landed a dream stint as one of the launch anchors at Real Madrid TV.
After graduating from university, she worked in the Spanish capital before accepting a job with LFC TV two years later.
Interestingly, Claire had considered a career as a footballer before she realized the many challenges that came with it.
“I started playing football when I was about 9 for my hometown team, I was lucky that they were one of the best Ladies teams in the country- The Doncaster Belles,” she recalled.
Read the rest of this entry »

The stories are rolling in like hot-fire! All that’s left for John Terry to do is needs to book an air ticket to Madrid ASAP to join Kun Aguero because that’s where cheating douchies go to for help. It’s also where Tiger Woods will check into immediately after his sex rehab and all members will enroll into Kun’s imaginary PhDs for their Womenomics studies which they will fail upon their encounter with the first reading. Pizza will also be on the house (doucheychicken) and perhaps, if they’re lucky, The Dona might hold a workshop for all three of them. Who else is joining the club?

Truth be told, this is just disgusting. How can JT do this to his own amigo? SICK!

Sylvinho reminds us of our best friend’s namorado who is also the World’s Biggest Douche and perhaps that is why we can’t stand this photo. Nevertheless, in an amusing interview with the club’s official TV station, Robinho told the defender how much he appreciated him!

“He is my teacher (of English). I don’t speak very good English, but he does! I love (him), ” Robinho told his teammate, proceeding to (air?) kiss him Sylvinho the cheek. He then left the room – singing one of Man City’s fan chants. Sylvinho added : “He is a typical Brazilian, you know, Robinho...” É claro!

Watch it here!

And it’s L for Laura Guimarães! Nilmar scored a beauty of a header in Brazil’s 1-0 victory over England yesterday (let’s not talk about that Fabulouso penalty shall we, the sky fell down when that happened!) and aptly dedicated the goal to his wife! Awww … Que romântico… trazer para fora as velas! (bring out the candles).

via Gettyimages/AP

Welcome to Selecao Bootcamp, Uma Tradição Futbolita! Everyone gather yourselves because it’s that time of the year so ya’ll better get excited. Anyway, our manos have landed in Qatar, more specifically, the Four Seasons Hotel where they’re putting up during their stay in Doha. Everyone gathered in the ballroom for a nightcap again, although they had to be considerate because Kaka was around and coach Dopey was just a table away. Of course Elano was on the lookout for vodka, but Robinho made sure he carefully hid it under the table. All this time, Fabulouso pretended not to know….

Also, plenty of awkward and incredibly fofa (cute) photos await you. They all shared stories around the table and cracked jokes. The four “New Kids on the Block”, Fabio Simplício, Carlos Eduardo, Hulk and Michel Bastos were all excited to join their amigos. Felipe Melo is looking fine as usual (despite being bombarded by Italian journos on the plane – true story from his rep who told us this last night!). On the other hand, someone please give Lucas and Josué cotton candy for looking like ballet dancers. The white shirt is too Billy Elliot than Brazilian for Lucas. We’ll ask him if he needs a catalogue soon, para você!

Training starts in a few hours time, so keep close by futbolitas!

Todas as fotos por R.Ribeiro

Bom dia pessoas…! Here are two classic photos for your enjoyment. In the first photo, Fabio Capello aka The World’s Best Coach was seen enjoying a medicinal mud bath with his wife, Laura at a beach in Southern Italy. What’s a medicinal mud bath supposed to be, anyway? It looks terribly painful.

Also, your highness The Dona was spotted looking all prim and comfy at the Italian spa town of Merano with his fiance, Verónica Ojeda. Tio will return to Buenos Aires tomorrow.

Via Ole and 24Sata

"Puji? Seen my fingers lately? Están sucios para mi.." / via FIFA

According to the Daily Star, Cescy could be heading to Barca for €40m…. but the Prince of doughnuts wants you to know that he’s fully committed to the Gunners. How could you accuse him of wanting to join the Spanish Treble Winners next season? That’s not right. He will not be a replacement for the man they didn’t get … Ribery!

In other news, Spain have been knocked off the top spot in FIFA’s world ranking… by none other than Brasil. Who decides those rankings and please explain why England lie in 7th place, one spot above Argentina? Oh yeah, we forgot that winning against the likes of Kazakhstan and Macedonia = The World Cup Trophy itself! Glorious.

Awww, isn’t Lucio just so nice … offering to sign an autograph for that little nina? As one of the few veterans from Uncle Cafu’s World Cup winning squad, he takes on that crucial Capitão role very seriously. Phew! Now, if that role had been given to The Dinho instead, there’d be dodgy girls in thongs waiting at the lift lobby of the hotel. Ok, maybe not after a game but after hours, nothing is impossible.

Anyway, Lucio has been reminiscing about the good old times and the mistakes he made the 2002 World Cup. He was blamed for that fluke Michael Owen goal in the second round of the tournament. No matter though – you and your non-existent gardeners know who won the game at the end of the day. But since you asked for it again, here ya go…

Lucio said : “I know that failure is inevitable. But when I make a mistake, I feel upset that I’ve disappointed my colleagues. That day, God helped me and granted Ronaldinho a goal that caused an upset and led to a goal.”

And with great power comes great responsibility. Lucio, we want to see you holding the cup tomorrow!

Oh, Lula! The first thing he’ll do when he goes back to Brasil is to give David Beckham’s autographed jersey to his neto or grandson.

And that message on the kit has to be a joke, Futbolitas.

“Dear President Lula – In recognition of the friendship in football between England and Brazil. Best wishes, David Beckham.”

Is he referring to the friendship between Ronaldinho and David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup? Ah, of course we remember that friendship!