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.
Yes dear amigas, we had the honour of speaking to a Futbolita Favourite : Senor David Villa himself last Friday! And he knows about all you passionate chicos & chicas and spoke about everything about La Seleccion to his two adorable daughters Zaida and Oyala. Here are excerpts from our interview with him including bits on his love for Valencia and Nando Torres. As usual, we’ll post the full version later. Esperamos que os guste!
“I think it’s wonderful to see more women attending matches every time. Football is a universal sport for both men and women. I think women are very passionate when they are encouraged (to play) on the pitch so it’s also positive for us.”
“I would love for my daughters to come along and see me at the World Cup but that is not possible. Olaya only turns one in the summer and I don’t think it’s good for them to travel so far just to watch me. But I still dedicate every goal I score to them and my parents might come and watch me in South Africa.”
“I think Spain (is in) a tough group as all other groups. When you go to the World Cup final phase, there is no easy group and no easy opponents. We’re playing a few games within a short time and will have to do very well to beat any team. Hopefully, we can win and achieve something important!”
“It’s one of my personal projects. To me, education is very important to children. So from day one, I wanted to build a campus, where we can educate children on the values of coexistence, respect and solidarity. This year marks the third year and we have many people from all around Spain and even abroad,” he explained.
“I only have good things to say about Valencia and its people. I have been here in this city for five years and from day one, I was received with open arms and the fans have shown me their affection every day,” he said. “So yes, they make me feel at home and it is true that this is my second home. I just want to show my appreciation by putting in my best efforts.”
Why so serious, tipo? Worrying about when Dopey will call you up next? Não se preocupe, ele ainda está pensando … and yes, there isn’t much change to the official ‘camisa da selecao’ although Pato claims that it’s a lot lighter in texture. “It really looks good and the body and material greatly facilitates the attacker,” he said. Manos will also be wearing it for the first time next week against Ireland and if you’d like to see the blue shirt, it was launched at Carnaval and looks like this!
Also, our fashion amigos are going to love the fact that this year’s Copa del Mundo jerseys are all made from plastic bottles! Yes, approximately EIGHT bottles were used to make each jersey. How ingenious!
Lastly, the Brazilian press are speculating that Pato looks pissed because he was picked as an ‘emergency option’ for the event in London. Fabulouso, Dani Alves, Adriano and Robinho were not released by their respective teams and feared The Dinho’s appearance would cause a controversy. Esta é a fofoca!
via Nike, Gettyimages, AFP
Yes amigas, we were contacted by the folks at Budweiser to inform you they’re looking for futbolitas (both female & male) to send to the World Cup! Even Guti’s excited about their casting call for their reality web series to be held in South Africa. So if your country is participating in the tournament, you’re at least 25 years old and meet other requirements (below), you qualify! So go ahead and sign up. If not, don’t worry! There’s still the upcoming Fútbolita World Cup which will be equally exciting, prometemos…
Budweiser is looking for passionate fans of each of the 32 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying countries to participate in the ultimate football getaway!
If you are selected to represent your country, you will be flown to Cape Town, South Africa, for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Luxurious accommodations, thrilling excursions, and the opportunity to have the kind of access few fans ever have.
The 32 fans will have the chance to share their passion for their home team with each other and the world, as an award-winning production company films the excitement of the games and the overall FIFA World Cup™ experience. If you think YOU should represent your country in the Bud House, go to budhouse.com to apply. You must be over the age of 25, have or be able to get a valid passport and speak English. We welcome applications from both men AND women!
In all, Sepp Blatter is still the King of Football Douches but at least he’s doing something to limit all our loath for him by 0.03 percent. Like making sure all teams in the Copa del Mundo directly make a contribution to Haiti. Basically, two percent of ticket sales for exhibition matches played between March 1 and June 11 will go to the nation in their recovery proceedings.
Sepp should put his money where his mouth is and donate his entire bank account to the earthquake victims. He doesn’t need it! Este palhaço deve ir para o ZOO.
Photo via Reuters
Keirrison is swapping teams like he’s Beyoncé at the Grammys! From Barcelona to Benfica… and now, taking advantage of the Mutu kerfuffle, he’s PUTTING A RING ON IT with Fiorentina. We suspect his agent once auditioned to be on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” but Regis Philbin aptly said “No” in a deep voice.
Anyway, they asked K9 – or K39 in this case – whether he wanted to emulate Fiorentina’s Edmundo who went home to Brazil for Carnaval in 1999. It also cost him his job as he was asked to leave the club for failing to seek consent. “To me, Carnaval is only on television,” joked Keirrison. Kekekeke, que é uma piada de mau gosto!
Querido Dios… Fernando Gago is simply GAWJUS but too bad he plays like merda! And now even Man City have failed to sign him. The deal only fell through because of the ‘lack of time’ during the transfer window. Shit, Gago can sign for our team anytime he fancies but we can’t afford to pay him 18 million. All he has to do is to sit there, comb his hair and the gate receipts alone will take care of ITSELF!
In general, listening to ArrrrghKon can be quite an experience. Many generally compare the experience to Microwave Throwing (trust us, he once performed right opposite our balcony. To put it kindly, it was hell on Earth) but he’s singing the World Cup theme so you know that at some point, you’re going to be downloading this into your pods and nods! The song is mediocre but the face paint is amazing – so enjoy that instead.
via VEVO, Fiorentina
It’s time to take out those extra Piñatas, futbolitas! We’ve got an exciting year ahead of us and don’t act like as if you’re done with all that confetti ok, por favor. Here’s looking at what we have in store for you this year so read on….
Of course he’s referring to his countryman Ronaldo, not everybody else’s favourite, Greaseano! Seriously now…. what were you thinking, tipos?!
And before we start ranting about how incredibly rude Chelski were to Big Phil (“But they serve raspberry tarts on a silver platter to Didier Drogba, what do you expect?” said a futbolita), we’d better get to the point. The former coach of the selecao has declared that Ronaldo Lima can exorcise his own devils if he wants to and play in the World Cup next year… for the love of Wagner Love!
“If Ronaldo wants to, he can overcome a little bit (of obstacles), return to a fitter weight and still pose a headache to anyone who thinks that he cannot (play in) any competition,” declared Felipão. “Ronaldo is a player who excels. Sometimes, many people think he is finished, but he has a power to overcome much larger obstacles than other athletes.”
Dear Felipão, always the man to have great faith in others!
Check out Jorginho’s intensely confused facial expression there which screams :”Que diabos é Charlize Theron dizendo?” (what the hell is Charlize saying?) Don’t worry, you weren’t the only ones rolling in anguish yesterday during the 192-hour draw proceedings. Grandpa Sepp’s blatant flirting with the linda host was the highlight of the evening. Also, where on Earth was King Pele? He should’ve had his own special segment on stage! How dare they forget about King Pele!
Anyway, the next person to text us with “you’re in the Group of Death” will be strangled with a hot cross bun. Portugal haven’t been that impressive lately (on the brink of not qualifying… and seriously, 6-2 guys?) and as for Ivory Coast, if Drogba wants to dive, then sorry Luisao is going to have to cut that bitch. Do not mess – Brasil is Brasil, at the end of the day, vamos para a próxima rodada.
Also, for an inexplicable reason, Real Madrid made all their World Cup players line-up in a row to take the following photo at the Bernabeu. Dude, Higuain looks like an English gentleman from the 1700-era while Greaseano looks zoned out. Maybe he’s envisioning a separate showdown between Simao’s ass and Luis Fabulouso’s locks next year. Não podemos esperar!
We’re also sad to learn that Dopey has decided to step down as coach of the selecao. Many may have questioned his tactics (and starting line-ups, gah!) but his disciplinarian ways have come a significant way in shaping the current squad. We know all of you want Joel Santana to be the next coach….
Ei tio Parreira… you’re wearing the right colours but you seem confused! Anyway, on the eve of the World Cup draw, the coach of South Africa spoke to Brazilian journalists about possibly playing his home country in later stages of the tournament.
“The World Cup starts now!” he declared.”The people here are already living the World Cup. And I confess that I’m beginning to feel the responsibility. The fans do not want to know if the team is the 85th place in FIFA’s world rankings or 14th in the African rankings. They come to me and say “we want to win”. They want to go to final and to play against Brazil would be a dream.”
Seriously, everyone stepped over his head when Parreira the Parrot was the coach of the selecao. Ronaldo Lima’s girlfriend was allowed on the pitch during their training sessions…como distracção! We would have asked for a personal chef along with that pitch party….
So a sad day has come, and according to reliable sources in Argentina, Gianinna and Kun Aguero have officially parted ways. Kun has already packed his bags and left the family home following allegations that he cheated on his wife with a dancer. So it isn’t just Tiger Woods who should be avoiding the feminism society these days!
Anyway, gossip rags are saying that Kun is “not used to married life” and that the emotional discomfort he is facing at home has led to his dismal performances on the pitch. The main problem was he wasn’t comfortable idea of raising a family yet and while he initially showed good behavior, over time the relationship began to crumble and Gianinna often ‘questioned’ her husband’s frequent nights out.
For now, her intention is to stay a while longer with Benjie to save the relationship. But if it does not work out – according to people close to the family – Gianinna could return to Argentina with the child. By the way, what does The Dona have to say about all this and will blood be thicker than water in his team selection? (via La Nacion with thanks to Kickette).
On the eve of the star-studded World Cup Draw, Mickey Mouse’s Muse aka David Beckham remembers Nelson Mandela! What a great PR team he has… “When I was last here with England, I had the honour of meeting Nelson Mandela. That was the highlight of my career; to meet such a great man and a strong man and such a passionate man about sport and life will always stay with me.”
Lastly, your favourite pair of Brazilian gêmeos happened to arrive at the same time as their coach in a UNICEF benefit earlier this week. They tried to tell their older brother to drive slower but…it was too late, and they got out into the pavement at the same time! Look at Rafael’s face. Nós queremos beliscar-la!
It’s Day Three of the festa do samba and while no one brought out the zany birthday cakes yet, Saint Kaka thinks BBQ king Adriano is a joke! Also, poor manos had to do field exercises in the rain again as you can tell from the case of flat hair syndrome.
“I think Brazil’s preparation is different in 2010 compared to 2006. We have peace of mind to train and are prepared to perform well in the World Cup,” he said, referring to that unfortunate Weggis training camp in Switzerland, where even Beyoncé should’ve performed!
Adriano, on the other hand, has told members of the press to ‘give him a little respect’. Oh, desculpe BBQ King! “Dunga always defends me and I know that many things (that are written) are not true. I ask for a little more love. I came here to be happy. I need that respect. I am here to represent Brazil and to regain my happiness,” he implored.
“It’s hard to send my son to school and hear (something bad). Be careful (when you) write certain things in the newspaper because it hurts too much. There’s always a person playing ‘lip service’ to my mother on the street. I have my personal life like everyone else. If these things (said about him) were true, I would not be the league’s top scorer and one of the in best competition. That really hurts. Even in the selection.”
Meanwhile, they’ve uncovered Elano’s Twin in Granja Comary – Sidimar from the U-17 squad! What on Earth… the young defender looks like he can be tipo’s older brother. “My mates call me Elano too (laughing),” said Sidimar, who was pleased with the comparison. The U-17 boys will be competing in Nigeria in the Sub17 World Cup and all of them have been getting front row seats at their seniors’ training sessions. We need that ice-cream truck, pronto!
via Gettyimages
Cescy is disappointed that he didn’t get to start against Belgium but fortunately, este vato has been catching up with episodes of My Little Pony and brimming with positivity. “I would like to play more, but I consider the decisions of Vicente Del Bosque and I respect them,” he said yesterday.
“It is obvious that everyone wants to contribute more, but when you try to take advantage of those minutes (you’re given), you go into the field with the best attitude.”
Indeed – Cescy also warned that no one can intimidate the Gunners or Arshavin’s madcap hair this season – so you’d better watch out. “Clubs try not to let us play our style of football and some use questionable tactics, but we will not be intimidated by anyone.”
Added Uncle Del Bosque : “It’s a pity that after seven wins in seven encounters we still aren’t qualified, and that’s largely because of the pressure from Bosnia.” Spain will play Estonia later today… and these senors only need 1 point to qualify!
via Reuters
Uncle Del Bosque thinks that Spain’s critics need to start eating their paellas and chill out as they prepare to face Belgium in a World Cup qualifier.
“The criticism I take is normal. When you lose, the critic sees fit to criticise. Football is a debate. There is no single thought, no single idea in football,” he said.
Xabi Alonso will also partner Marcos Senna – who was also called up – in midfield. He said : “Today I have been working with Xavi and I think it went well. And when I play with Senna it is no problem either.”
Added Del Bosque : “Marcos is an important player in midfield and was instrumental in the European Championship. It also has much prestige among people around him. Having said that, I would stress that we have found a perfect replacement in the form of Sergio Busquets.”
Greaseano (desculpe, he’s a best seller on Futbolita) is confident of victory in Portugal against Denmark on Saturday in a crucial game where three points are needed to go with chances for the World Cup in South Africa, but Hugo Almeida is calm.
“We still have every chance of qualifying. None of us wants his only experience of the World Cup to be watching it on TV,” Portugal striker Hugo Almeida said.
Added Greaseano “It is true that there is a lot of pressure. (It) is normal because of what is at stake, but I am sure we can win and that my selection will be in the World Cup.”
He added : “I am the same Cristiano, with the same commitment and desire to win. What is happening is we are at the beginning of the season and it is normal that I’m still not 100%. It is a matter of time and work to get to my level, which most probably will be even higher than what I’ve displayed so far.” Hmmm…
Ah, an exciting week of international futbol is finally upon us as our hombres prepare to face The Dona’s Argentina on Saturday! Yesterday, the Brazilian Bombshells eagerly assembled at the Tom Jobin International Airport (in Rio) before proceeding to Granja Comary. On arrival, everyone received a welcome snack before heading to bed. Yes, it’s beginning to sound a lot like pre-school…
As you can probably tell, manos were excited to meet each another again (Julio Baptista and Lucas both look thrilled). Barbecue King, Adriano, was also delighted to be back with the selecao but admitted that he "only personally knows Nilmar and Victor" from Dopey’s current squad. Uh, no problem. He’ll make friends just as long as he doesn’t locate an All-You-Can-Eat buffet spread in Rosario.
The players also attended a commercial event for Gillette last night and Julio Cesar, Felipe Melo, Adriano, Juan and Lucio were on hand to test their new series of razors. "Drawing with Argentina will be good enough. If we win, it will have to be with a beard, hair and moustache," joked Julio Cesar as he tried to shave( seriously???). But the worst line had to come from Adriano who was asked by former model, Monique Evans, if any of his girlfriends had ever shaved him. "Not yet, but if you want to…" he replied, laughing. Have you seen Monique Evans?
We’re supposed to be reading on feminism theories but unfortunately, this stunning photo of the Porto Elizabeth stadium in South Africa has distracted us. Doesn’t this make you all excited for Copa del Mundo?!
Anyway, Porto Elizabeth stadium is the fifth one to be completed in time for the tournament and will be able to hold 48,000 fans. It will host eight games, a quarter-final and the third/fourth playoff (oooh, wonder who’ll be playing that one!)
The city is on the coast of South Africa in the eastern province – one of the popular tourist destinations in the country. It also boasts lovely beaches and is one hour away from Jeffreys Bay, another city famous for its waves and surf championships. The question is.. are you ready?!
Is South Africa ready to host futbol’s biggest tournament next year? According to reports in Brazilian newspapers, they have good stadiums, excited fans and roads in “reasonable conditions.” As such, South Africa is closing on a “friendlier note” to host the games, a sentiment that wasn’t the case last year.
However, there are still some serious areas that are lacking, particularly South Africa’s approach towards security, transportation and accommodation. All these factors posed problems to the players, tourists and journalists who came for the competition.
“In South Africa, it is rare to see people walking the streets at night. Even hotel staff recommends that tourists do not leave the hotel on foot at any time of the day. A group of Brazilian journalists found their car surrounded by five bandits who broke the glass of the vehicle and stole the driver’s mobile phone,” observed a reporter.
There are also insufficient hotels and accommodation for travelling fans. For example, more than 15,000 Englishmen travelled to South Africa to see the sport and they couldn’t find places to stay as the hotels had already been taken up by locals and the delegations.
Well, the country still has more than 300 days to improve their policies. We don’t want people killed next year and this looks inevitable!
Mexico’s latest boyband, is that you? By the looks of it, only Deportivo’s Andres Guardado (extreme left) stands a good chance of becoming a new member of the pop group RBD. His hair sealed the deal!
Anyway, Mexico are slated to meet Honduras today in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Having lost to El Salvador 2-1 (watch that crazy video) via a controversial penalty on Saturday, El Tri are looking to salvage themselves and obtain qualification to South Africa. It won’t be an easy feat though, as only one point separate both teams and with the 40-year football war etched in their minds, the rivalry will be intense!
“Did you see that?!” screams Robinho. Of course we did.
After 33 years, Brazil finally achieved their first victory in Uruguay with goals from Dani Alves, Juan, Luis Fabiano and Kaka (via a penalty) yesterday. The 4-0 victory puts Brazil at the top of their group with 24 points.
“The whole world knows about the talents of the Brazilian player when he can combine this natural dedication to (control) the ball. In football there is no alternative. To decide, you must first have ball possession – or else you can’t say anything about this talent,” said Dunga.
“The commitment that the players showed during training showed results. Elano’s intersection was excellent and Juan received well – as seen during practise.”
Photos : AFP, gettyimages and R.Ribeiro
14 states in Brasil were officially announced as host cities of the 2014 World Cup yesterday. As expected, everyone from the selected cities were muito feliz and wanted to celebrate!
There was samba in Salvador, mini-concerts in Porto Alegre, Recife and Manaus and big turn-outs at the stadiums in Sao Paulo and of course Rio’s Maracanã (above). Also, check out the folks from Cuiabá celebrating in the video below!
The chosen states to host games for the 2014 World Cup are Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Cuiabá, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and São Paulo.
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