In FIFA We Trust?

Football has never been immune to scandal and corruption. Whether it’s bribery, match-fixing, betting, or blackmailing, the truth is that behind the scenes, the beautiful game is anything but. Somehow, though, it would be nice to believe that there was some trusted source that could act as a shining beacon in a sport filled with greed and corruption…. say, maybe the sport’s world governing body? You know, that watchdog of goodness, filled with former players and people who are honestly elected by model nations and have only altruistic intentions? Yeah, FIFA… the crown jewel of honesty, model behavior, and respect, right? Oh. Maybe not so much.

So it seems like that stoic portrait of honor and trust is only vaguely believable when there is nothing to be gained. Considering that within 7 months’ time, 2 World Cups were awarded and “elections” will be held for FIFA president, then we shouldn’t expect any kind of good behavior for quite some time, as that is a whole heck of a lot to be gained.

The bribery issues came to the forefront in advance of the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in early December. FIFA President Sepp Blatter, in an attempt to convince us of the impenetrable rock of integrity that FIFA is, moved swiftly to administer justice to the accused. With six FIFA Executive Committee members accused, two were suspended and unable to vote, including FIFA Vice President Amos Adamu. Blatter was careful to not suspend all of them so as to have enough voting members to be able to stay on his timeline for the voting process.

Shockingly, with the elections for FIFA President looming in a couple of weeks, it was revealed this week by Lord Triesman, Chair of the English Football Association, that there are at least four and as many as six more FIFA executive committee members reported to have asked for money or favors in exchange for their vote during the World Cup bidding process. (It was nice of them to stagger the accusations, news organizations really appreciate that kind of thing…maybe they are on the take, too?)

So with this newest round of scandal, it begs the question: can we ever put our trust in this organization? Does the fact that its offices are nestled in a sweet little neutral country known for delicious chocolate and great skiing make up for the ridiculous amounts of power afforded to such a select few? And who do we get to police the police? The European Union says they will step in to audit, etc., but do they have any actual power to do anything? How long can we keep the corruption off of the pitch? Is there something we can do to prevent at least some of the corruption?

One thing is for sure. The credibility of FIFA has never been more pristine. Because when it comes to FIFA, we are guaranteed that someone is going to get greedy and/or power hungry. The question is how far can we keep this corruption from the beautiful game?

Borromeo and Schrock IN, Many OTT and De Jong OUT!

4-2-3-1 is a relatively defensive formation. using 2 holding midfielder not only to screen for defense, but also initiate attacks from rear midfield...

this formation provide large wing spaces for teams to utilize. also the distance could be drawn between the CAM and the target person (#9). therefore a fast #9 could be used very efficiently in 4-2-3-1.
This formation has a clear offensive and defensive zonal for each player. This translates to a player s responsibilities.
This formation is effective for team that adopts a balance defensive-possessive-offensive football philosophy.
Having 2 Central Midfielders(Schrock and Lucena) means opponents would find some difficulties penetrating from the centre. And when the Forward drop down as Attacking Midfielder, this formation put balance in midfield which means opponents would have to fight for space and possession. Having a Centre Forward, this formation promotes counter-attack and through-pass which can be deadly and tiring to opponents.


Weiss needs to concentrate on the defence in 1st half and attack the kuwait squad in late 2nd half.. ganito palagi ginagawa ng mga Giant Team sa europa lalo na pag Underdog sila. Mourinho and winger tactics vs Barca. just like Real Madrid did in barcelona last copa del rey.


if the 1st leg end with a draw, hmmmm I can say "azkals in Round 3"




Both Germany and Holland used the 4-2-3-1 with a False 9 and False 10 combo at the World Cup. Thus their average shape resembled a slanted 4-2-4-0. 
As was mentioned it can used either for possession and attack with a deep playmaker or defense and counter-attack.


I don’t claim to be any great tactical authority.  I’m not Zonal Marking, Jose Mourinho, or Andy Townsend.  I do not own a tactics truck, or even an ipad.  But a bit of research and a bit of common sense tells us just where we’ll need to get it right

Luis Suárez double takes Uruguay past Peru and into Copa América final

After four upsets in the quarter-finals, normal service was resumed in the Copa América as Uruguay beat a limited Peru side 2-0 to reach Sunday's final. Two goals in the space of five minutes in the second half from Luis Suárez were enough for Oscar Washington Tabárez's side to make it through, and their task was made easier when Peru's captain, Juan Vargas, was sent off after 69 minutes.

Uruguay knocked out the hosts Argentina in the previous round, but were firm favourites against Peru, who were in their first semi-final since 1997. The match largely went true to form, Uruguay pressing hard in search of an opener and Peru sitting back, content to play on the break. The first half was tight, more notable for several yellow cards for both sides than any free-flowing football.

However the few chances created went Uruguay's way. Early on Suárez demonstrated his threat when he volleyed wide following a free-kick from Diego Forlán. He might have done better. Not long after, Raúl Fernández was called into action, denying the lively Alvaro Pereira from close range after Suárez had flicked on a throw-in.

Gradually Peru grew into the match and their best chance came when Vargas's wonderful cross from the left was just missed by Paolo Guerrero and Luis Advíncula. That was a rare moment of menace from them though, and they had a scare just before half time when Alvaro Pereira poked the ball past Fernández after Diego Lugano had flicked on another Forlán free-kick. Fortunately for Peru, the flag was up for offside, Pereira straying a few yards past the last defender.

The breakthrough was coming though, and Uruguay did not need long to make their dominance count at the start of the second half. After 53 minutes, Forlán had a go from long range. The shot was heading wide of the right post, but Fernandez, having lost his bearings, pushed the ball back out into the six-yard box and from a tight angle, the alert Suárez smashed the rebound past the goalkeeper.

Five minutes later, Suárez did it again. Released by Alvaro Pereira's lovely ball over the top, he rounded Fernández, who had foolishly come racing out of his area, and then slid the ball into the empty net. Uruguay were well worth their lead. Without the injured Jefferson Farfán and Claudio Pizarro, this was a step too far for Peru, who were unable to support the isolated Guerrero. This has been a wonderful tournament for them, but their frustration boiled over when Vargas reacted to provocation from Sebastián Coates and elbowed the defender in the face, earning himself a red card.

Uruguay have won the Copa América 14 times. They will fancy their chances of making it 15 on Sunda

Real Madrid want Arsenal star Robin van Persie

It's the news no Arsenal fan wanted to hear - the bombshell dropped by the Metro to the effect that Robin van Persie is being eyed up by Real Madrid. The Dutch master has been openly critical in recent weeks of Arsenal's transfer policy and it seems that the Spanish giants have got wind of his discontent and are allegedly exploiting it to the full.

The Metro claims that Jose Mourinho is ready to offer the Gunners £30m for van Persie in the hope of enticing him to the Bernabeu. Apparently the Real boss has been an admirer of the striker's since his days in charge at Chelsea and he sees him as a far more efficient goal-scoring machine than either Gonzalo Higuain or Karim Benzema.
Van Persie scored 22 goals in 26 starts last season and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may find it hard to resist an offer of £30m for the striker.
At least Arsenal fans can console themselves with the news that Nicklas Bendtner looks set to leave the club, with the Daily Mail speculating that the 23-year-old - omitted from the Gunners' pre-season tour to Asia - will be on his way to Everton on loan.
Borussia Dortmund have apparently turned down the Dane, presumably having watched tapes of him in action (if that's the right word) last season but the Toffees have expressed an interest.
The Mail also says that Arsenal have agreed terms for Joel Campbell, a 19-year-old striker from Costa Rica striker currently with Deportivo Saprissa. The Gunners will pay the central American club £930,000 with the teenager arriving at the Emirates while he applies for a work permit. Once that is done and dusted he'll be a regular fixture at the Arsenal.

AGENT: BARCA IN FOR NEYMAR

Neymar's agent claims Barcelona are vying with Real Madrid for the player's services.
The 19-year-old Santos forward is one of the hottest properties in the summer transfer market. His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, insists a move to Madrid, long-standing admirers of the player, is Neymar's preference but that Barcelona are the more attractive option for his current club.
Ribeiro claims Barca are prepared to wait until after they and Copa Libertadores winners Santos have competed in the Club World Cup in December, which would enable Santos president Luis Alvaro De Oliveira to honour a pledge he made that Neymar would lead the team at the tournament in Japan before moving to Europe.
Ribeiro told www.as.com: "The exact situation is as follows: Barcelona want him next year and will pay next year, Madrid want him now and are prepared to pay now.
"The main problem is that the kid (Neymar) wants to play in the Club World Cup against Barcelona, and Santos are using their force to make him choose Barca.
"The numbers being talked about by both clubs (Madrid and Barcelona) are good, but Neymar would prefer a move to Madrid."
Ribeiro insists Neymar will make a final decision once Brazil's involvement in the Copa America is at an end.

BRAZIL FOLLOWS ARGENTINA OUT OF COPA AMERICA

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - First it was Argentina, now Brazil has been eliminated from a surprising Copa America tournament.

Brazil lost to Paraguay on penalties in the quarterfinals on Sunday, meaning the tournament will finish without South America's two most important national teams. Host Argentina was knocked out Saturday after losing to Uruguay, also in a penalty shootout.

The semifinals will pit Uruguay against Peru and Paraguay against Venezuela, which advanced to the semifinals for the first time in its history by beating Chile 2-1.

There will be a new South American champion for the first time in at least 16 years. Uruguay won the 1995 tournament at home, and since then Brazil won four titles and Colombia one -- at home in 2001.

The Copa America winner will automatically earn a spot in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Brazil outplayed Paraguay from the start but was not able to capitalize on its scoring opportunities, thanks mostly to a great performance by goalkeeper Justo Villar.

Villar stopped defender Thiago Silva's shot in the shootout and Elano, Andre Santos and Fred also missed for Brazil, giving the Paraguayans a 2-0 victory. Marcelo Estigarribia and Christian Riveros scored to help Paraguay reach the final four for the first time since 1989.

"Brazil should've won after 90 minutes," Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said. "Sometimes we get these results. We played entirely differently from how we wanted to play."

Paraguay will play in the semifinals, despite not having any victories in its four matches so far. It's only shot on goal Sunday didn't come until the 88th minute. Brazil, meanwhile, had several clear scoring chances throughout the match in La Plata.

Brazil was trying to win its third straight Copa America title after having won four of the past five tournaments, and coach Mano Menezes brought a mixed squad of veterans and promising young stars to also prepare for the 2014 World Cup at home.

"It's important to keep our calm after a loss and avoid thinking that it was all negative," Menezes said. "We improved after the (tough) start in the competition and we will continue working hard so we can reach the positive results in the future."

Brazil won only one of its four matches. The team drew with Venezuela and Paraguay before beating Ecuador 4-2 in the group stage.

"It's always disappointing when things don't go our way," Menezes said.

Argentina's exit also was disappointing. Playing at home, and with Lionel Messi, it was trying to end a drought of 18 years without major titles.

In San Juan, Venezuela continued its surprising run by eliminating Chile, which had been playing well and was considered a title favourite.

Oswaldo Vizcarrondo opened the scoring in the 35th minute and Gabriel Cichero scored the winner in the 81st. Chile scored with Humberto Suazo in the 70th.

Both teams finished with 10 players after Chile's Gary Medel was sent off for his second yellow card in the 83rd and Venezuela's Tomas Rincon was shown a red card in second-half injury time

"I am leaving sad," said Chile coach Claudio Borghi. "But I don't feel cheated. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet all the expectations people had."

Better known for its baseball, Venezuela is unbeaten in four games. It was coming off draws against Brazil and Paraguay and a victory against Ecuador.

"We beat a rival who was in the World Cup," Venezuela coach Cesar Farias said of Chile, which reached the second round last year in South Africa.

Uruguay, now the slight title favourite, will play Peru on Tuesday in La Plata. Paraguay and Venezuela will play Wednesday at Mendoza. Uruguay drew the Peruvians 1-1 when they met in the group stage, while Paraguay and Venezuela drew 3-3.

Argentina Failed to Advance in Semi Finals

Uruguay advanced to the semifinals of the Copa America with a penalty shootout victory over hosts Argentina on Saturday, with Carlos Tevez having his spotkick saved by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in the decider.

The game ended 1-1 after regulation time and there was no addition to that scoreline in extra time. The final tally in the shootout was 5-4 to Uruguay.

Diego Perez gave Uruguay a surprise 1-0 lead in the 6th minute, but Gonzalo Higuain equalized in the 18th. Argentina had a man advantage from the 39th when Perez received his second yellow. But Muslera and Uruguay's rugged defense stopped Argentina, which had a dozen chances in regulation and extra time.

The teams returned to even strength when Argentina captain Javier Mascherano was sent off in the 87th.

Uruguay will face Peru in the semifinals on Tuesday.

On Sunday, Brazil faces Paraguay and Chile plays Venezuela in the remaining quarterfinals.

It's a bitter loss Argentina, which was hoping to win its first major trophy in 18 years; and hoping to do it at home with Lionel Messi, the world's best player. Messi showed flashes, but was unable to deliver for his home nation where he has been often criticized for not performing as well as he does at Barcelona.

Argentina never gelled as a team, winning only one match in four at the tournament. That against an under-23 team that Costa Rica fielded as a guest nation from the CONCACAF region.

The website of the Argentine sports daily ''Ole'' immediatley called the loss ''a national failure. Good-bye to the dream of winning the Copa at home. Not even Messi can save us''

Again, Argentina's smaller neighbor Uruguay was the better side. Last year in the World Cup in South Africa, Uruguay also reached the semifinals with Argentina going out at the quarterfinal stage.

Argentina and Uruguay have each won this event 14 times, and Brazil has won eight. But Brazil has won four of the past five.

''We've managed to reach our first objective, which was to match our results in the last Copa America,'' Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said.

BEST XI OF COPA AMERICA

Best ... through group stage, that is. Check out Joel Richards' and Rupert Fryer's picks: Who made the cut?

Argentina coach Sergio Batista is now likely to come under enormous pressure. Batista replaced Diego Maradona following the World Cup, and immediately after the match was asked if he planned to resign.

''I'm not thinging about that,'' he said. ''It has never crossed by mind. I have to continue on the job. My job started five or six months ago, and I have to continue with my plans. The important thing is the (2014) World Cup.

Pablo Aurrecochea, a Goalkeeper in Funny Kits. Uruguayan goalkeeper Pablo Aurrecochea who is playing for Paraguay’s club Guarani is famous for his hilarious and kind of geeky kits.

Real Madrid Preseason starts with tough session

Real Madrid trained under the supervision of Jose Mourinho in Los Angeles Real Madrid 2011/12 started with a tough training session in Los Angeles supervised by Jose Mourinho at UCLA. New signings Sahin, Callejon, Varane and Coentrao worked out with their teammates for the first time. Close to 200 people supported the squad from the entrance of the facilities; Mourinho got the loudest cheers.

Physical exercises and ball work took centre stage. The players did stretching and muscle strengthening workouts before tackling ball exercises in obstacle courses comprising poles that the players had to avoid with their feet at different paces. Goalkeepers Casillas, Adan, Tomas Mejias and Jesus worked out with Silvinio Louro.

U2 - One : Best FIFA World Cup Moments

World cup predictions: Who will qualify for the 2014 World Cup

The 2014 World Cup will have 33 national teams in participation from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and South America. Predicting who will make up most of these teams for the most part is not actually that difficult.
For European nations will make up the largest number. With them, there is a contingent of teams who consistently qualify for the finals. The world champs, Spain, have a modest group and it would be a shock if they were not there. Add to them, the likes of Germany, Holland, Italy (2006 world champions) and France. Usually, they are bankers to qualify.

 

 

Aside from this European contingent, a few others will likely join them

The Scandinavian teams of Denmark and Sweden have become reasonably steady World Cup teams. They can qualify, and maybe even make some sort of an impact.
Getting beyond Europe, Brazil as hosts, qualify automatically. With world class talent, you cannot expect anything else. The other South American certainty is Argentina. They too, usually qualify for the main event.
Beyond them, predicting the South American teams to join them is a little less straightforward. Paraguay also could make up another South American team along with Uruguay.
North America, you can bet on the Americans to be there. They now boast a solid team, which usually qualifies for the finals. Mexico, have a useful team, and you would not put it beyond them either.
This World Cup will motivate the African nations. I would expect Nigeria to be there, as one of the stronger African nations. Ivory Cost also has a decent team, with a great technique on par with the best. After that, it is tricky, but Cameroon could make up another. In Asia 43 teams competing for 4 or 5 berths, playoff to determine exact number. However, you would bet on the likes of Japan. Also, do not discount the South Koreans who are getting better and Philippines (wetwew). It remains to be seen whether Australia can build on there last performance, but they have some useful players.
Of the Near East, again, not so easy. Iran, have been in the World Cup more recently, along with the Saudis (who were awful). Worth a pun on one of those at least.
Therefore, that leaves a handful of outsiders. Greece, they are a half-decent team now, and should be included. Scotland might well have a chance also, along with the Republic of Ireland. In addition, you can include Croatia from England's group, as well as Russia who now have more self-belief. The Swiss also look solid, and might be able to qualify again.
While I will not attempt to predict all 33 qualifying teams, you can expect the majority of those mentioned above to be there. Most recommended bets to qualify:  Argentina, Spain, Germany and Italy for single or multiple bets. I would call these bankers, while Holland, France and England are not far behind. The Ivory Coast and Nigeria are most definitely worth a flutter also, along with Russia, Croatia, Sweden, America and Mexico. We shall see

Messi-inspired Argentina come to life

Lionel Messi at last came into his own at the Copa America as Argentina beat a defensive Costa Rica 3-0 with two goals from Sergio Aguero to secure second place in Group A on Monday.
Argentina will move to Santa Fe for a quarterfinal on Saturday against the second-placed team in Group C, while group winners Colombia's last-eight match is in Cordoba with the best third-placed team from the three groups.
Messi was supreme laying on chances for the forwards and Argentina should have doubled their tally against a raw, mainly under-23 Costa Rica side that was drafted into the tournament at the last minute after Japan pulled out.
"We needed to regain security as a team, with the ball ... Lionel knows how to overcome these situations and today he showed that on the pitch with a tremendous match, fantastic," coach Sergio Batista told a news conference.
Aguero put Argentina ahead with the last kick of the first half, taking advantage of a deflection from a shot by Fernando Gago to bury the loose ball when the packed Costa Rica defence tried to clear a dangerous move in their box.
The striker also hit the second eight minutes into the second half after being put away by Messi on the left to become the tournament's top scorer with a tally of three.
"The truth is this victory means a lot. It was a final because it was our qualification and we did it," an elated Aguero told a television reporter on the pitch of the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium packed by more than 50,000 fans.
BRILLIANT THIRD GOAL
Messi, finding more space once Argentina were ahead, laid on a string of perfect balls to the strikers, his combination with Angel Di Maria perfect as the midfielder came in from the left to fire the third goal into the roof of the net in the 64th.
"The other two matches were very hard and we couldn't display our game but today the lads had a lot of confidence," Batista said following a 1-1 draw against Bolivia and a goalless stalemate with Colombia.
Argentina were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty just past the hour when Gonzalo Higuain was pulled back but the striker was also guilty of several missed chances. Central defender Nicolas Burdisso had a header from a corner come off the angle of bar and post in the first half.
The only difficult ball Argentina's goalkeeper Sergio Romero had to deal with was a header from an 89th-minute corner that he dived to punch away.
Costa Rica seldom managed to venture into Argentina's half and only came marginally close to a chance in the first half with a shot from outside the box by shaven-headed midfielder Heiner Mora that went just over the bar.
Now the Costa Ricans must wait to see if they squeeze into the last eight as one of the two best third-placed teams.

US women stun brazil with epic comeback, 5-3 on penalty kicks, advance to World Cup Semi Final

If you missed today’s Women’s World Cup quarterfinal between the US and Brazil, you missed one of the most dramatic games in US Soccer history — men’s or women’s. A match on par with the US-Algeria from World Cup 2010, US-Colombia from World Cup 1994 and the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final — it was that good (the game will be re-aired on ESPN2 at midnight, if you want watch it in its entirety).

After playing most of the second half with 10 players (even Julie Foudy and Ally Wambach kept saying 10-men), and overcoming some questionable calls, US striker Abby Wambach scored a late equalizer in the 122nd minute — the latest goal in Women’s World Cup history — to tie the game at 2-2 and take the game to penalty kicks. In the spot kick session, the US cooly slotted home all five shots and Hope Solo came up with one key save to finish off an improbably comeback. Bravo ladies, one for the ages.

After the men’s disappointing performance in the Gold Cup Final, the women’s success (so far) is a much needed boost to keep soccer’s summer momentum going. The US will play France in the semifinals this Wednesday.

Post-game thought on the controversial refereeing.

The controversial calls against the US on Rachel Buehler’s red card and the encroachment call on Hope Solo’s penalty kick save were certainly harsh, and could have gone the other way, but from a neutral perspective they were hardly gaffes. Buehler perhaps only deserved a yellow, rather than a red, for her foul on Marta, but the US can only blame themselves for encroaching into the box on the ensuing PK.

While the calls were certainly controversial, the ESPN broadcast team lost their heads a bit with rage. Expecting former national team players, like Brandi Chastain andJulie Foudy, and former coach Tony DiCicco, to be neutral is impossible, as broadcasters, though, they owe the audience their best effort. Instead, they made little effort to help the audience see the game from a more informed perspective and acted as cheerleaders. Ian Darke tried his best to stay neutral, but even he seemed to get infected by the American fever.

Real Madrid v LA Galaxy on July 17, 2011

The LA Galaxy have announced that it will play Real Madrid on July 16th and the LA Coliseum. Kick off is 7 p.m. – Buy LA Galaxy v Real Madrid Tickets

“We are very excited to once again welcome back Real Madrid along with manager José Mourinho and their cadre of international talent to Los Angeles,” Galaxy President Tom Payne said. “Last year more than 89,000 fans witnessed these two clubs face off and the excitement for this rematch, at the historic Coliseum, will surely capture the attention of all sports fans in Southern California.”

A nine-time European champion and 31-time champion of Spain’s La Liga, Real Madrid recently won the Copa del Rey and currently sit in second place in La Liga while also advancing to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. Now in his first season as the club’s head coach, Jose Mourinho has a wealth of talent at his disposal including Portuguese internationals Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Coentrao, Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe, German internationals Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, as well as Iker Casillas, Jose Callejon, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol and Alvaro Arbeloa, all of whom were members of Spain’s winning team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The Galaxy first played Real Madrid on July 18, 2005 at The Home Depot Center, losing 2-0 behind goals from Michael Owen and Roberto Soldado in front of a capacity crowd. The two sides met again last year in front of more than 89,000 fans on August 7 at the Rose Bowl. The Galaxy led that game 2-0 at halftime on goals from Todd Dunivant and Landon Donovan, only for Real to score three unanswered goals in the second half, two from Gonzalo Higuain and one from Xabi Alonso, to claim a 3-2 win. This game is also expected to see Galaxy midfielder David Beckham face his former team for the first time since joining the Galaxy in 2007.

 

Get to know Real Madrids new Players.

Do you want to know who are the Real Madrid new players? Mourinho has already made negotiations to get the best players and had signed their contracts.


Nuri Sahin 22-year-old Turkish footballer who was born in Germany. You can see him in the picture above. This midfielder plays for the Turkish National Team and has been playing for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesleague. Mourinho agreed his tranfer for 10 million and they signed a six-year contract. This Real Madrid new player is eager to start playing and wants to be in the first pre-season match on July 10. Also, he wants to learn Spanish asap.

Hamit Altintop: 28-year-old German-born Turkish footballer, as well as Nuri Sahin. This midfielder is a versatile midfielder who can play at any spot of the field. TheReal Madrid new player played for Schalke 04 and after for Bayern Munich in the German Bundesleague. He has a twin which is also a footballer called Halil Altintop. 

Jose Callejon: 24-year-old player born in Granada. He is one of the players from the Real Madrid youth ranks. He started in the B team in 2007. As well as Hamit Altintop, he has a twin brother, and both of them left Madrid to play in RCD Espanyol, where he had played for four years. Now he is back to Real Madrid but this time he will play in the first team and has signed a contract for five years.

Raphael Varane:  Manchester United have missed out on one of their summer targets as RC Lens defender Raphael Varane, as the Frenchman has penned a six-year deal at Real Madrid, the club have confirmed.

The Under-21 international passed a medical at Real earlier on Monday and has penned a contract until 2017 with the club.

Varane, who made his professional debut for Lens only last year, has established himself as one of France's most promising youth players despite his club being relegated to Ligue 2.

Upon arriving at the Spanish capital's airport, Varane said he was "very happy" to sign for Real Madrid, who finished second in La Liga last season.

His transfer, which is believed to be valued at around €10 million [£9.1m] , is likely to pave the way for the exit of Ezequiel Garay, for whom Madrid have already received offers.

Varane has become Real Madrid's fourth signing of this summer, following in the footsteps of Nuri Sahin, Hamit Altintop and Jose Maria Callejon.




 Fabio Coentrao : somewhat unsettled career finally 
blossomed as Coentrao sealed a move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2011 after a few impressive seasons with Benfica.

Prior to his wonderful campaign in 2009-10, Coentrao's career had stagnated. Purchased by Benfica in 2007 following some dazzling performances for Rio Ave, he spent consecutive loan spells with Nacional, Real Zaragoza and his first club before reaching a crossroads. In the summer of 2009, though, Benfica coach Jorge Jesus shifted Coentrao into a defensive role and he responded with some brilliant performances for the Double-winning side.

After appearing in all four of Portugal's games at the 2010 World Cup finals, earning rave reviews in the process, Coentrao signed a new deal with Benfica which tied him to the club until 2016. However a €30 million bid from Real Madrid saw him leave and begin a new chapter of his career.

  The Madridista Club is getting one of the best players in the world!

Lionel Messi is an easy target for Argentina's collective failings

Jonathan Wilson: When the albiceleste underperform with Messi in the side, he's the one blamed. Against Colombia, they underperformed again

He had his opportunity. With 10 minutes to go, Argentina won a free-kick by the right corner of the Colombia box. Lionel Messi stepped up. This was his chance to silence the grumblers, to mark his return to his home province with a deft assist, or perhaps even a goal. For a left-footer, the angle seemed inviting. He approached the ball – one step, two steps, three. Back went the left-foot, and ballooning high and wide went the ball, neither shot nor cross nor anything other than an indication of the lack of confidence that seems to submerge his game every time he pulls on the albicelesteshirt. As he trudged off at the final whistle after a goalless draw against Colombia, a smattering of boos rippled across the Estanislao López.

It's not Messi's fault, of course. Tevez, however popular he may be, was no more effective. This is an environment in which no player looked comfortable, anxious with the expectation and burdened by a tactical system that seems to suit nobody. As against Bolivia, Batista switched to a 4-2-1-3 late on, but Messi looked as uncomfortable as an enganche as he had as a false nine. This is a collective failure, tactical and mental, and ultimately Batista must take responsibility. It is Messi, though, the pibe with the European manners, who provides the easier target.

Real Madrid 2011 - 2012 La Liga Schedule

1st LEG	2nd LEG	MATCH
WEEK 1 21 August  2011	WEEK 20 22 January 2012	Real Madrid  vs Athletic Bilbao
WEEK 2 28 August 2011	WEEK 21 29 January 2012	Zaragoza vs Real Madrid
WEEK 3 11 September 2011	WEEK 22 5 February 2012	Real Madrid vs Getafe
WEEK 4 18 September 2011	WEEK 23 12 February 2012	Levante vs Real Madrid
WEEK 5 21 September 2011	WEEK 24 19 February 2012	Racing Santander vs Real Madrid
WEEK 6 25 September 2011	WEEK 25 26 February 2012	Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano
WEEK 7 2 October 2011	WEEK 26 4 March 2012	Espanyol vs Real Madrid
WEEK 8 16 October 2011	WEEK 27 11 March 2012	Real Madrid vs Betis
WEEK 9 23 October 2011	WEEK 28 18 March 2012	Malaga vs Real Madrid
WEEK 10 26 October 2011	WEEK 29 21 March 2012	Real Madrid vs Villarreal
WEEK 11 30 October 2011	WEEK 30 25 March 2012	Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid
WEEK 12 6 November 2011	WEEK 31 1 April 2012	Real Madrid vs Osasuna
WEEK 13 20 November 2011	WEEK 32 8 April 2012	Valencia vs Real Madrid
WEEK 14 27 November 2011	WEEK 33 11 April 2012	Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
WEEK 15 4 December 2011	WEEK 34 15 April 2012	Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid
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Endless Draw for Argentina.

Argentina's passage to the knock-out stage of the Copa America is in jeopardy after the hosts were held to a 0-0 draw by Colombia on Wednesday, in another disappointing performance by Lionel Messi and his big-name teammates.

                                                           Messi against Falcao


The match was similar to Argentina's 1-1 draw in its opening game against Bolivia, with coach Sergio Batista sticking with nearly the same starters, led by a misfiring Messi and Carlos Tevez.
Argentina's two star forwards were outplayed by Colombia strikers Radamel Falcao and Dayro Moreno, who had more chances and perhaps should have given their team victory.

 

Argentina has two points from two games in Group A. Colombia leads the group with four from two games. Bolivia (1 point from 1 game) and Costa Rica (0 points from 1 game) will play Thursday. The top two teams in the group advance automatically to the quarterfinals while the best two third-place teams from the three groups also advance.

Lineups:
Argentina: Sergio Romero, Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Burdisso, Gabriel Milito, Javier Zanetti, Ever Banega (Gonzalo Higuain, 72), Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso (Fernando Gago, 61), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Sergio Aguero, 61), Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez.
Colombia: Luis Martinez, Camilo Zuniga, Luis Perea, Mario Yepes, Pablo Armero, Carlos Sanchez, Dayro Moreno, Abel Aguilar, Freddy Guarin, Adrian Ramos (Elkin Soto, 89), Radamel Falcao (Teo Gutierrez, 87).