Fútbolita

Oh dear, it looks like The Dona’s soap opera has resumed for your viewing pleasure! Take out the popcorn from the micro’ cos it now seems that team director Carlos Bilardo, has refused to rule out a ‘strong possibility’ he might return as coach. What was the whole point of making that speech last week then? His daughters Gianinna and Dalma (above) don’t think it’s very funny!

“If Diego comes and talks, I don’t know what can happen. It’s all a question of talking,” Bilardo declared to Todo Noticias. “The possibility of another meeting (between Maradona and the AFA) exists.” Hold on to your seats!

The next Nando Torres of Madrid aka Sergio Canales has arrived for pre-season in Los Angeles! Bershka just called, and incidentally they are looking for a new spokesmodel. Canales’ electric blue shoes are so ferosha and with Potter Perez signing the boy’s cheques now, he’d be able to get them in five different colours. Que suerte!

Speaking of which, we’re always in Bershka (it’s a fashion store from Spain) pretending to fist pump and picking out clothes for the other Sergio… Ramos. It’s a lot of fun!

The complexity of Kun Aguero Papa’s hair, matching shirts and Cesc Bomb’s half-smile will open up a new investigation among all of you, we’re sure. But what’s equally perplexing is the fact that these tipos will make their own cameos in the fourth installment of the film ‘Torrrente‘. The movie is a Spanish comedy which often involves issues like the police, crime and the mafia.

Obviously, director Seguro knew that that they’d both done some singing and acting (not Broadway, but it’s still something). Sure, Kun’s singing suits the Tone Deaf crowd, but Cesc Bomb’s charm will be selling the tickets in no time!

via Marca, SkySports, David Anchuelo

“We did not come here on vacations” said Diego Maradona to Ole after the match. (Source)

History repeats itself, just like four years ago Argentina eliminated Mexico from world cup. Controversial? Maybe so, Argentina’s first goal added to England’s disallowed goal could once again open the debate of the use of technology in football to aide in close calls.

The first clear chance of the match was for El Tricolor; Carlos Salcido took Sergio Romero by surprise and smashed the ball into the crossbar from outside the box. A call for attention to the Argentine goalkeeper, who is one of the most solid goalkeepers in the world cup so far alongside Brazil’s Julio Cesar.

Carlos Tevez, “El Jugador del Pueblo”, opened the scoreboard 26 minutes into the first half. This play is what caused controversy and discontent on the Mexican side. The goal was clearly scored in an offside position, however neither the first official nor his assistants were aware of the situation. The soccer city stadium showed the replay of the goal, unmasking the offside position. FIFA rules do not allow goals to be called back through the use of technology, so the official had no other option but to allow the goal.

7 minutes after, in the 33rd minute Gonzalo Higuain “El Pipita” increased the lead thanks to a Mistake in Mexico’s defensive line. Osorio, made one of the most childish mistakes a defender can make in football, that is playing the ball back without looking. Higuain did not hesitate, he won the position and left Perez behind to clinch the second goal of the night.

After the match Osorio said “it is in human nature to make mistakes”.

Argentina finished the first half with a two goal lead, something that can be hard to turn around in a world cup. The side coached by Diego Maradona was inspired. Carlos Tevez sealed the match for Argentina with a beautiful shot that left Perez with no chance. Carlitos earned the MVP of the match.

El Chicharito Hernandez, one of Mexico’s best players, scored the goal for the honor.

Argentina played well, we were benefited from a bad call from the ref, but we were superior within the 90 minutes. Diego was correct to include Otamendi in the starting eleven, the Velez Sarsfield defender alongside Gabriel Heinze were very solid in defense and showed great projection in offense.

Carlos Tevez proved to be determining in attack, and Gonzalo Higuain with fours goals is the top scorer of the world cup. Messi, once again shined and his goal will have to wait. Will Germany be the game Messi makes his debut on the net this world cup?

After the match, the Argentine public celebrated in EL OBELISCO, here are some images I took of the celebration.

Germany is next. This time we go for revenge, Lehman and his cheat sheet are not around this year. Farewell to My Mexican friends, they played a great match and should be proud of their performance.

Signing off,

Your Argentina Futbolito

There is no room for mistakes; whoever loses this match will return home empty handed. Argentina and Mexico will once again be the protagonists of an electrifying match. Four years ago, in Germany, Argentina defeated Mexico 2-1 in the same instances, that day the hero was Maxi Rodriguez.

Pre-Match Numbers:

ARGENTINA

June 12  ARG 1:0 NGA
June 17  ARG 4:1 KOR
June 22  GRE 0:2 ARG

Goals in favor: 7 – Goals against: 1 – 2.33 goal ratio (per 90 minutes)

1- Gonzalo Higuain-3 Goals
2- Martin Palermo- 1 Goal
3- Gabriel Heinze-1 Goal
Martin Demichelis-1 Goal

Most active player:

Lionel Messi – 20 shots on goal – 217 passes

MEXICO

The numbers are by  far inferior than those achieved by the Argentine side. During the group stages Mexico obtained 4 points from the possible 9 (1 victory, 1 draw and 1 defeat). In comparison to Argentina, Mexico was only able to find the back of the net in 3 occasions. When it comes to goals against, Mexico has only given up one goal, just like Argentina.

Marquez - 1 Goal
Hernandez – 1 Goal
Blanco – 1 Goal

During the Argentine press conference, we could observe a unstressed Diego Maradona. Despite the fact he did not confirm the lineup, he did mention that Otamendi and Burdisso would play from the start. The inclussion of Burdisso was confirmed with the following statement: “Walter (referring to Samuel) is not 100% ready. It would not be fair to his teammates, if he is not fit to capacity, it could hurt the squad”.

The possible lineup will be:  ROMERO; OTAMENDI, BURDISSO, DEMICHELIS, HEINZE; DIMARIA, MASCHERANO, RODRIGUEZ; MESSI, TEVEZ and HIGUAIN.

Diego has chosen to strengthen the defense with the inclusion of Otamendi, the Velez Sarsfield defender will play his second cap in the FIFA world cup. Once again Diego has chosen to include Di Maria in the starting team, despite the critics he has received, many would like to see Pastore take his place, specially after the match against Greece. In attack, Diego has chosen to line the attacking trio of Messi-Tevez-Higuain. Argentina comes to this match with a highly offensive squad, both Di Maria and Rodriguez are known for their constant threat to the box, leaving Mascherano as the only defensive player in the midfield.

Mexico will rely in the experience of Rafael Marquez, who during this week said he had the formula to stop Lionel Messi. He also went on to say that the Argentine defense is slow.

This match sure promises to be one of the best in the world cup. A rematch 4 years in the making. Hopefully the Argentine side will be victorious.

Signing off,

Your Argentina Futbolito

Palerrrmoooo!!! Palerrrmoooo!!! Palerrrmoooo!!! When Martin Palermo buried the second goal into the net a whole Nation celebrated. “El Titan”, nicknamed for his goal scoring ability, is one of the most beloved characters of Argentine football. Even so that despite the fact he plays for Boca Juniors, his name is chanted by the rival fans. Could you imagine the Camp Nou chanting Cristiano Ronaldo’s name?

” They are things I get to live at my age, in a world cup, scoring a goal, I have no words to describe what I feel. There are too many feelings”, Martin Palermo, during an interview after the game with Telefe Noticias.

This was no ordinary match for the Argentine National team. This very same day, 24 years ago, Diego Maradona had scored two goals that the world of football will never remember, one being the hand of God. Today, in 2010, Diego Maradona qualified the squad to the round of 16 with 9 points, and only one goal against in 3 matches. Impressive for a coach that was highly criticized before the beginning of the world cup.

Lionel Messi, from hereafter referred to as “The Messiah” made his debut as captain of the Argentine National team. He was a constant threat to the Greek defense, who found no other way to stop him but to foul him repeatedly. This caused the rage of Diego Maradona, who constantly screamed at the official of the match.

Argentina once again opened the scoreboard through a set piece. This time it was the chance for Martin Demichelis, the same player whose mistake cost Argentina a goal against South Korea.

Greece showed no response to the goal that was leaving them out of the world cup. A victory against the Argentine side would have given them the qualification to the next round of the tournament.

The moment everyone was waiting for arrived when Martin Palermo was sent into the field. “El Titan” didn’t take long to score his first goal during a world cup. The Messiah, dribbled from right to left and found an opening to unleash a hard shot, the deflection found Martin Palermo, who placed the ball with his right foot into the back of net.

The pictures reflect the happiness of the Argentine public, who cannot wait to face Mexico on sunday. History favors the Argentine squad, but Mexico will be no easy match. During the 2006 world cup, Maxi Rodriguez broke the deadlock in extra time with a goal from another galaxy; hopefully this year we will have a more comfortable win.

Here is what the world press is saying about Argentina:

The Sun - England

Diario Marca - Spain

La Gazetta Dello Sport - Italy

Mexico here we come.

Signing off,

Your Argentina Futbolito

Argentina defeated South Korea 4-1 and established a new national record of consecutive games without seeing a defeat during world cups. The Argentine national side holds an undefeated record of 8 consecutive games.

The record was started by Marcelo Bielsa in Korea-Japan 2002, when Argentine tied 1-1 with Sweden in the last match of the group stages. Jose Pekerman continued the record in Germany 2006; during the group stages Argentine defeated Coat d’ Ivore and Serbia & Montenegro and tied against Holland. In the Round of 16, Argentina defeated Mexico 2-1 with a fantastic goal by Maxi Rodriguez, who can forget that shot that left a whole Nation breathless. In the quarterfinals Argentina was eliminated after a 1-1 draw against Germany. Diego Maradona is now the coach, and victories over Nigeria and South Korea increased the number to 8.

The previous record, of 7 games, was established during the world cup of 1986, in Mexico; year that Argentina obtained their second world cup. Ironically Maradona was in that team as well, he was only 2 years older than Lionel Messi.

The side coached by Diego Maradona proved to be highly superior in every aspect of the game, that was reflected in the result. For this match, Diego made one substitution in regards to the squad that defeated Nigeria on Saturday. Veron, with a muscle strain was replaced by “La Fiera” Maxi Rodriguez.

Right from the start we could observe that it was not South Korea’s intention to attack Argentina. Head coach Huh Jung-Moo, who is remembered by the Argentina public for the brutal fouls against Maradona during the 1986 world cup, lined up the squad in a defensive formation, crowding the midfield in an attempt to control Lionel Messi, Obviously the attempts were in vane.

South Korea attempted to stop Messi in every possible way, even with rugby-like tackles

16 minuted was enough for Argentina to get ahead on the scoreboard. Once again the goal came through a set piece. Lionel Messi executed a free kick from the left side and Park Chu Young deflected the ball into his own net.

In the 24th minute of the match, Walter Samuel was forced to leave the match with what seemed to be a hamstring problem, We are still waiting to hear the official medical release from AFA. Nicolas Burdisso entered the match in his replacement.

The Albicelestes attacking trio (Messi, Tevez and Higuain) was a constant threat to the South Korean defense.  Argentina increased the lead in the 33rd minute through Gonzalo Higuain. Once again, the goal came through a set piece, Lionel Messi played the ball short to Maxi Rodriguez, who dipped the ball into the box. Nicolas Burdisso flicked the ball into the far post to find the head of Gonzalo Higuain.

The match MVP, Gonzalo Higuain, celebrates his first goal of the match.

As the half was coming to an end, Demichelis took his eyes of the ball and gave Park Chu-Young the chance to put the match 1-2. Park was the same player who minutes earlier had scored a goal into his own net.After the match, Javier Mascherano defended his teammate saying “The noise inside the pitch is incredible, is almost impossible to communicate”. Demichelis attributed the mistake to the so controversial “vuvuzuelas”, and went a step further by saying “The goal was unfair, they did not deserve it”.

Park Chu-Young makes up for his mistake and narrows the lead to one goal.

The second half started with no changes in either squad.  Jonas Gutierrez was yellow carded short after the beginning of the half, and will miss out the next match against Greece.

Maradona once again received a stand up applause from the crowd, when he trapped a ball that escaped the field. The Dona showed he hasn’t lost his skills with the ball.

As the half progressed Maradona saw the need for a change, and replaced Carlos Tevez with Sergio Aguero, and we must agree the substitution paid its dividends. Aguero gave the team some fresh air, and played a very important role in the Argentine offense.

3o minutes into the second half, Lionel Messi did what he does best, dribble opponents using his speed. He entered the box and placed a shot that was deflected by the goalkeeper, the rebound fell short and Messi once again attempted on goal, but this time the post denied him a goal, the rebound fell right to the middle of the goal to give Gonzalo Higuain his second goal of the match.

Messi, Aguero and Higuain celebrating Argentina's fourth goal.

Three minutes later, Argentina created one of the best collective plays in the match. Higuain received the ball near the edge of the box, he played it to Lionel Messi and quickly moved into space. Messi chipped the ball over the defense to find Sergio Aguero, who slightly dipped the ball over the goalkeeper to assist Gonzalo Higuain on his third goal of the match. The Real Madrid Striker was always in the right position, and became the third player in Argentine history to score a hat-trick in a world cup. The two other players to reach such mark were Guillermo Stabile (1930: Argentina 6 – 3 Mexico) and Gabriel Batistuta in two occasions (1994 – Argentina 4 – 0 Greece, 1998 – Argentina 5 – 0 Jamaica).

Argentina played well, was effective and created hopes in the Argentine Public. The atmosphere in Argentina is incredible, schools admitted students to arrive late, government buildings were closed for the day and highways were empty. The hope to bring the cup back increases as the games go by. We have the best player in the history of football in the bench, and his successor wearing the #10.

Argentina will face Greece on Tuesday. The rivals for the round of 16 are yet to be determined, but it could be Uruguay, Mexico or France. The Argentine public would rather not face Mexico in the round of 16, the first choice would be France, followed by our neighbors, Uruguay.

Signing off,

Your Argentina Futbolito

Last night Buenos Aires suffered a severe power outage, which left more than 250,000 users without electricity, including myself.  The outage was caused by a failure in one of the high tension generators, and it was not fixed until minutes before the match.  Si, everyone was going crazy, the phone lines for the power company collapsed and a lot of people were looking for an alternate place to see the match.

But God listened to the prayers, and I don’t mean Maradona, I mean the superior being. The power was restored minutes before the kickoff, and the Argentine public could now enjoy the match.

The Dona surprised everyone by wearing a suit; yes I am even shocked he put aside the joggings.  Once again he wore two (2) watches, one with the Argentine time and another one with the local time.

Argentina got ahead in the scoreboard six minutes into the match, through a glancing header by Gabriel “El Gringo” Heinze. Set plays will be determining factor for Argentina during the world cup, during this match alone, we were able to witness 5 different set plays.

Messi was very active during the match, pleasing the Argentine public that criticized him so much during the qualifiers. Every time he got the ball, he created opportunities. He took several shots on goal, but Vicente Enyeama did a great job deflecting them, if it wasn’t for him the score could have been different.

The Nigerian side found a weakness on Jonas Gutierrez, who is clearly not a natural defender. However, “El Galgo” had a good game; he joined the offense several times and maintained the composure.

Finishing was the main issue that the Argentine side encountered. Tevez and Higuain worked hard all game, but they could not put the ball in the back of the net. El Pipita blew several chances in front of the goal, but he is not to blame.

In the last 10 minutes of the match Nigeria scared a whole Nation, when they missed two goals with an open goal. After all it seems like D10S is on our side.

Some of the reactions of the fans after the match:

“Messi is looking like the one we see every weekend in Barcelona, if he maintains the level he is sure to earn the Argentine public’s respect”

“The Nigerian goalkeeper was the MVP; otherwise it would have been game over in the first half”

“Even though I don’t find football very entertaining, I watch the world cup, and the love for my Nation kept me going all game”

Of course there are those that criticized the squad as well:

“Jonas was terrible; I think the ref could have taken him 1 on 1”

“ Veron, Verooon… Why is he in the National team again?”

After the game the Argentine public gathered in El Obelisco to celebrate the victory. Tuesday we face the dangerous South Korea, led by Ji-Sung Park. If Argentina obtains a positive result, I can say that we are through the next round.

Signing off

Your Argentina Fútbolito

Yes, Pipita is looking right at YOU and wants you to know that he is Argentina’s World Cup number 9!! Of course, you can argue that  the número principal for the nation is number 10 (The Dona and Messi, anyone?) In addition, friendly games and qualifiers don’t count because their jersey numbers usually picked at random but when you finally head to the world stage, it’s absolutely crucial to make an impact and say “YO SOY HIGUAIN, el numero nueve!” What an honour indeed.

Here’s the complete list of players and their official numbers!

1 – Diego Pozo, 2 – Martín Demichelis, 3 – Clemente Rodríguez 4 – Nicolás Burdisso, 5 – Mario Bolatti, 6 – Gabriel Heinze, 7 – Ángel Di María, 8 – Juan Sebastián Verón,

9 – Gonzalo Higuaín, 10 – Lionel Messi, 11 – Carlos Tévez, 12 – Sergio Romero, 13 – Walter Samuel, 14 – Javier Mascherano, 15 – Nicolás Otamendi, 16 – Sergio Agüero, 17 – Jonás Gutiérrez, 18 – Martín Palermo, 19 – Diego Milito, 20 – Maxi Rodríguez, 21 – Ariel Garcé, 22 – Javier Pastore, 23 – Mariano Andújar.

via Gettyimages

Ok, we’re pretty thrilled to see Pied Piper of Higuain in The Dona’s preliminary World Cup list because like all other consistent players, he deserves it! Of course, Kun Aguero Papa was called up, and so was Maxi Rodriguez, and it’s also interesting to note that The Dona called up more domestic-based players this time in his midfield line-up.

Here’s the full list… a little less surprising that Dunga’s, but at least the Argentinean futbolitas we know are happy with the call-ups. Still, The Dona will be fine-tuning this list in a few weeks, depending on his mood and empanados at home, of course!

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Mariano Andujar (Catania/Italy), Diego Pozo (Colon)

Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich/Germany), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan/Italy), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille/France), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle/England), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell’s Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool/England), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos/Greece), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool/England), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina/Italy), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di Maria (Benfica/Portugal), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle/England), Javier Pastore (Palermo/Italy)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid/Spain), Diego Milito (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City/England), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid/Spain), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Spain), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli/Italy)

Oolala, here we go again… another controversy that involves CaveMan Dona here and the Argentinean national team! If he could produce and star in his own soap opera, top TV networks from all over the world would pay big bucks to see it. They could even get Carlito Tevez to do one of his favourite cambia songs. Una receta para el éxito!

Anyway, Alfio Basile’s son is accusing The Dona of holding conspiracy theories and plotting against his father (who was the previous coach) to become coach of Argentina. “I know everyone in the world of football, but few dare to say it. Maradona did a lot to be on the team,” said Basile’s son on Monday.

The Dona is disappointed : “I know Alfito and I can understand that he’s saying these things because he is hurt that his father lost a place, a place for all who love football in Argentina (which is) very important,” said Maradona. “But I cannot accept what he says – no way. I am disappointed, I am saddened. And it hurts me.”

via OLE

Amazing! This is where Iniesta, Puyolita, Pique the Pout, tio Del Bosque, Ramos the Raver, David Villa, Xavi etc will bunk at during the World Cup in South Africa. Looking at the beauty of it, you’d half expect an angel to float out with a tray of donuts. Visitors can also expect Bobojan to sleepwalk in the middle of the night (oh, please call him up Del Bosque!) and probably a mini Kinder Bueno vending machine for Cescy. There has to be a mud spa somewhere in there…

Meanwhile, the Argentineans will be basking in the sunlight with baskets of empanados in the University of Pretoria! The Dona chose a slightly more educational setting to set up base, because well, you know, the Messiah probably whispered it to him in passing. Kun asked for one nearer to the discotheques and as we speak, millions of students are applying to do their exchange at University of Pretoria! (In case you haven’t seen Brazil’s...)

Photos via Globoesporte

These stories have no relation to each other – although Kun does qualify as a perro for what he did to Giannina! (¿quién se cree que es?) The photo of Aguero showing off his ink is pretty ancient, especially since he’s had that tattoo forever. Tipo, the whole black skull “rebel” shirt does NOT fit your image!

Anyway, The Dona got bitten by a dog on his own turf of Bela Ezeiza on Monday after he tried to kiss it (for real). You know Mezgaya tried to send the dog as a gift to rekindle their musical friendship, but it failed. The Dona then spent the night in Sanatario de los Arcos, a private clinic in the Palermo neighbourhood with his girlfriend, Veronica Ojeda, where he was discharged from in the last few hours.

foto via Joana (gracias!)

Bom dia, futbolitas! It was the Madrid derby last night with plenty of thrills and spills! It was, of course, only natural that the Pied Piper of Higuain had to feature in this one with the likes of Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa. There was nothing from Senor Kun, however (OK, estamos justo really, he did help Reyes to score the second goal for Atletico!) but you know The Dona failed to send him a congratulatory text message when he checked his phone!

“We scored three goals but the worrying thing is that our opponents, almost without reaching our goal, scored twice,” tío Pellegrini said after the game.

I’ve also added a photo of Marcelo the Ballerina as a bonus! For that alone, Dopey should summon him to Seleção Bootcamp!

Arsenal may have lost to Porto last night but Senor GuapoVela here needs to work harder if he wants to intimidate the linesman. Pippo Inzaghi gives part-time classes on that when no one is looking, so tipo Carlos better sign up pronto before all the slots get filled up! Luca Toni already graduated with honours two seasons ago but Pippo never mentioned a money back guarantee. A Sneaky man!

Anyway, the Gunners are now mulling over their 2-1 loss to Hulkamania Porto. Yeah, Fabianski probably needs to find a watering hole asap after yesterday’s performance. Gooners, if you see him walking in the streets of London today, do not hesitate to hand him a lawnmower and a Spandau Ballet CD. He will immediately do a back-pass with those things… you’ll see!

Our dear amis at SambaFoot finally presented Fabulousooooo with his “Best European Footballer in Europe” or Samba d’Or award at the Sevilla HQ on Monday. And thanks to many of your votes, he won it! My my, doesn’t it look muito legal? Je veux que le prix! Of course he didn’t juggle this ball…

It was pretty interesting to hear Fabulouso speaking about his family. “(My family) is not used to calling me before the games. Usually, they call me (after) to know how was the game. My mother never watches the games, she is too nervous,” he said. “She is afraid I will get hurt. One day, I left the field injured, having seizures during a game between Palmeiras and Ponte Preta. I had to leave in an ambulance. After that, it was very difficult for her to watch a game.” (Read the full interview)

The Dona has already decided on 50% of his World Cup list and says that he will tell the players after Argentina’s friendly with Germany next month.

The Messiah, Carlito Tevez, Pied Piper of Higuain and Kun were all called up for the game, leaving no space for Boca’s Martin Palermo. Futbolitas, it’d be a shame to leave him out of the WC squad seeing that he played a HUGE role in Argentina’s qualification in the first place. But as they say, competition is incredibly tough… Prepárense, muchachos!

via Ole, SambaFoot, Reuters

It’s time to check in on Deportivo’s Filipe Luis who is suffering from a fracture in his right leg. He was recently discharged from the hospital and almost everyone – especially Pepe - sent flying kisses and wishes. Que doce! “Unfortunately, I could not fight for a place in the seleção, but the Brazilian team is in my heart and I certainly have hope for the group. When I was there (at bootcamp), I was always treated very well and those and were great moments of my life. I have many friends in the seleção and will be here rooting for everyone,” he said.

Cue the Forrest Gump music now… those are pretty sad words, my friend. Also, Filipe bears an uncanny resemblance to Maxi Lopez but there’s no sign of a blooming Argie-Brazilian Bromance yet because The Dona would be crossed.

Just pretend that you can spot Geri The Pout Piqué from here because the man is standing at attention! Even Puyolita couldn’t be arsed to pose for the group photo…he was too happy smiling away. Anyway, Barca played a friendly against a lower-tier side, Reus Deportiu over the week in aid of the Haiti earthquake victims. You can’t go wrong with something like this. Such a warmhearted gesture from Los Cules!!

Mama Palermo!! Are our eyes playing tricks again… why does Argentina’s away kit look so much like Japan’s? But well, to be honest these electric blue tones are a lot more feroshaaaaa then the light-blue of their home kit. It brings out the colour of their hair, no? And Veron, this does not apply to you. Sin embargo, te ves mejor calvo…. Speaking of which, Martin Palermo really did score against Jamaica in a friendly last night while Ignacio Canuto netted in the other. Yes, yes, competition is heating up.

Look, it’s Sevilla’s Renato Dirnei (who last won the Confederations Cup with Brazil in 2005!) celebrating Sevilla’s entry into the King’s Cup final. Well, they lost to Getafe 0-1 but no matter… they’re all going to meet the Spanish King!! You know Fabulouso’s preparing his speech RIGHT NOW. “Sua Alteza, o rei…” (Your highness..). Sevilla’s opponents will be the winners of the Atletico-Racing clash tonight.

via Reuters, AP, El Mundo Deportivo