Madrid Dreams of Cristiano Ronaldo

When Ramon Calderon first became President of Madrid he promised a huge star would come to play for los merengues. So far the promise of a crack like Kaka, Cesc Fabregas, and Cristiano Ronaldo have been just that, a political promise. With this broken promise the President feels in debt with the fans, and has said that even though it is difficult to bring Ronaldo it is not impossible. As the heat of summer grows more intense so do those transfer rumors and Madrid is always at the center of it all. Madrid have their eyes on the prize and are willing to throw everything out the window to obtain it.

It would not be the first time Real spent an insane amount of money for the 'it' player of the moment. Figo, Beckham, and Zidane are just a few examples of Madrid's tendency to spend big. So it is no surprise that Madrid are willing to offer for Ronaldo 80 million euros surpassing Zidanes transfer fee. If this transfer were to happen it would definitely be the biggest bombshell in the market this summer.

However, this is not as easy as many Madridista's would like it to be. He recently renewed his contract with Manchester until 2012 and it is clear that Manchester is not an institution that sells players, especially not their star players, like Ronaldo. At the current moment Manchester is living through a great moment not only in the aspect of football, but economically as well. Despite Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with his contract it is certain that Manchester can please him. Its all about negotiation.

Yet, Ronaldo cannot help to flirt around with Madrid. With his comments that he would someday like to play in Spain, keep Madrid on their feet. Still, some wonder if this is just a tactic he is using to make Manchester give him what he wants or if this is a real interest that would lead to his departure. Whatever the reason is Madrid will surely be waiting for the moment when he ultimately does decide to join. In the end, contracts can be broken and it all rest in Ronaldo's hands where he will end up.

Rui Costa Retires

This past Sunday Rui Costa gave a final farewell to his fantastic football career. He left like the true champion that he really is with a 3-0 victory against Vitória FC. The ex-Portugese international had this to say after Benfica's victory, "It is over. In the midst of my sadness about retiring, I am overjoyed that it ended this way." After 18 years of football, Rui Costa leaves his fans with many great memories and a sadness for the world of football loses another great.

Shame on You Eto'o and Deco!

As Barcelona dominated a Valencia in turmoil they were all aware that Madrid would inevitably be Champions yet again. Either Sunday against Osasuna or possibly against them in 'El Classico'. Either option was hard to swallow for the frustrated Cule's especially knowing that they may have to honor their eternal rival with a pasillo (opponents line up and applaud the champs). Madrid would seize glory while Barca would have to reminisce of what went wrong in their season. The pasillo almost feels as a final punishment for the Cules. Still, most accepted the fact that they would have to honor the Merengues while Eto'o and Deco took it upon themselves to make sure they missed the invitation by receiving their 5th yellow.

They say it was not intentional and that they had no clue about the number of bookings they had. Statements that not even the azul grana followers believe. First if Barca were already winning by a great margin why bother and make a mistake that will cost you to miss the match and most importantly affect your team. That is what is key in their actions that they were selfish and only cared about their egos and not about the club they represent. As Rijkaard stated that they were fully aware of the number of bookings they had before they went on to field. It is no secret that Eto'o has never been fond of Madrid and it is clear that he probably is the last player that wants to recognize Madrid's championship. Still, he should have put his ego behind him and put the team as the first priority. Obviously, Eto'o and Deco do not have the pants to face Madrid and instead chose to stay in their lush homes back in Barcelona, while the rest of the team with real sportsmanship will go through with the pasillo and play the match agianst the Merengues. Simply put: They are cowards!

Players like Puyol show what sportsmanship is really like. Even though he is not happy about doing the pasillo but feels it is necessary to recognise the champions despite their rivalry. Hats off to Puyol. I have only respect for someone who can put everything behind him for his team. His other teammates should learn a thing or two from the great captain.

Anyway, even without Eto'o or Deco the crowd of El Bernabeau will surely remember them. Especially Eto'o and the crowd will surely send him a message straight from Madrid to Barcelona: 'Eto'o cabron saluda al Campeon!'

Real Madrid Does it Again! Campion!

After 36 games Real Madrid has been crowned this past Sunday as Champs. In just two minutes they showed why they were at the top and how the heart of a champion always prevails. Once again it was twenty year old 'Pipita' Higuian that was the savior of this Madrid scoring another heroic goal. He also hushed his critics and even some fans that said this boy has no goal and he isnt Madrid quality. In the end he became substitute sent from the heavens to give Madrid their 31st title. So those who didnt want him now scream his name in glory. Gracias Pipita!

This of course would not have been possible without Madrid's backbone: Saint Casillas, Don Guti, and the white angel of Madrid, Raul. These players became key in a team filled with youth. Casillas with his show stopping saves made it possible for this team to dream with another league title. Guti for his vision and countless number of smooth passes that led to goal (Guti has the most assistance in goals in La Liga). Finally, what can be said about the Raul that already has not been said. He took this team on his shoulders and carried them to yet another title. The unity and passion of this team all originates from their Captain. Siempre Raul y Siempre Madrid!

The Pros and Cons of Sheva’s Return

For the past week or so I have found myself discussing the issue about the “180% chance of Sheva’s return”, and how this could effect Milan. Many tifosi still feel wounded and bitter about his departure but there are also those who are yearning for his comeback. Whatever the feelings fans may have towards Sheva the question that is being asked is, ‘is he really what Milan needs now?’ Will it be a wise decision to bring him back or will this be another bad purchase? To Sheva or not to Sheva? That is the question.Lets start off with the pros. First, if there is any active striker that knows Italian football and better yet Milan’s football, it would have to be Shevchenko. He spent the majority of his stunning career at Milan so there would be no problem of adjusting. If Milan were to purchase another striker they run the risk of having another Oliviera, who never found his way in the style of football. Sheva knows the country, team, and players like the back of his hand. Secondly, it is important to not forget that for many years he made the Rossoneri fans happy with his goals. He clocked in about 200 goals while at the club. His goals would be just want Milan need right now, after all that is the department where Milan are suffering from. Next, many have suggested that Sheva could be a guiding figure for the young Pato and Paloschi. These inexperienced youngsters could learn a thing or two from Sheva. Finally, the weakest argument for his return would be that Milan can sign him for a cheap and reasonable price. They would be able to invest more on other players for other positions.Now lets move on to the negative sides of his signing. So far his time spent with Chelsea has been a complete disappointment. He is a shadow of his former self, as he has been plagued with injuries and a lack of consistency. I just reviewed the number of goals per game ratio and the numbers are not bad. Yet the problem has been that he has played few games and the ones he has taken part of and scored have been against lower ranking teams. The urgency of a striker is now and Sheva is not in form right now. The heads of Milan would be making the same mistake they made with Ronaldo. They cannot take chances to bring another player that is not in form and hope for his recuperation. With what some call the decline of the Milan dynasty, the idea of renovation is ever clearer. What is needed is young blood to rejuvenate the team. Furthermore, Sheva is 33 years old and many feel Milan are taking a step backward and not looking at the future. If Milan want change then Sheva might not be the answer. Lastly, does Sheva really fit in Milan’s scheme? Even Ancelotti stated that he would not be able to play in the current squad and that he is too similar to Pato (an argument I feel is weak as well). Some claim that the similarities are there and even go as far as to say that Pato is a much more complete player than Sheva.On the horizon his return is foreseeable and supporters of the Diavolo will have to accept it. It is clear Sheva wants to return to the arms of his old club and maybe redeem himself for his mistake. Wrong or right, we will just have to wait and see.

Deplorable Milan

After this weekends defeat against Atalanta it is clear that the objective of at least reaching fourth place will not be accomplished. Sunday’s performance proved why Milan are where they are at and not fighting for anything this season. They have the worst home record season since 1981-82 (season in which they were relegated), having only won 4 games. This is not acceptable for any team and especially not Milan. Atalanta came into San Siro and played Milan without respect. They were the victims of a Atalanta that held no mercy to a wounded Milan. They clocked two into the net and everyone at the San Siro where witnesses to a dying Diavoli.
There is no real positive that can be taken out of Milan’s performance for everything was horrible from start to finish. It was an uninspiring Milan who barely could control the ball in their own field. The second half had some improvement with the entrance of the youngster Paloschi. He showed character and determination, which makes one wonder why Ancelotti did not put him in the starting lineup instead of a dreadful Gilardino. With the substitutes Milan had a change of attitude they went to attack, but it was way too late. This brings to mind another question why did they not play like this from the very start? Why wait until your down to two goals to go into the attack. Especially when they are playing in their own turf they should set the pace and the rhythm of a game, but Milan fail to do so in every match.

Ancelloti had stated that Milan need to change the attitude but it will take more than that to save Milan from its accelerated downfall. The team has no identity and every game that passes without Kaka it shows their major dependency for him. Milan’s hope to reach fourth place looks all that much more difficult when we look at their upcoming fixtures against Juventus and Inter, but not only that, now they are sixth place behind Udinese and Fiorentina. There is a need for a reaction but it seems that it will never come and that it is inevitable that Milan will be playing UEFA next season.

Can Spain Be More Than Just Favorites?

Every tournament from the World Cup to Euros, Spain are always placed by the fans and media as the favorites to win it. They do good prior to the tournament and as soon as they reach it they always know how to disappoint. So much so that the only trophies they have managed to win has been the Euro back in 1964 and which was played in their own soil. So after 44 years can Spain live up to the favoritism and once again reach European glory or is this just another failure waiting to happen?
After beating the World Champs Italy with a stunner of a goal by David Villa, everyone in Spain are proclaiming them the team to beat. After all they have been impressive defeating Argentina, France, Greece, and England. Yeah not bad. One was a World Cup winner and the other took second place. However, not that I am a pessimist, but these are only international friendly matches Spain does not play consistently great when the real moments of truth come, for when it really counts.
What can be taken out of these friendly matches is that of their performance and the steps to take to stamping their presence on the upcoming Euro. Yesterdays performance against Italy was very impressive they had control of the ball in the first half and displayed a well organized team. Italy used the match to test the waters with different players and eventually found the rhythm in the second half. They game was even in both ends but only a genius could crack open the match and the was David Villa. With this victory Spain's national side has given their country some hope in triumphing in Switzerland and Austria.
The victory is not the only thing exciting about this Spain but it is also the young blood that the team has. There are very few survivors of the last failure which was the 2006 World Cup, this is basically a new and improved team with few flaws in its scheme.
Casillas even though lately has not been in Superman form he is still number one choice. The defense looks strong with Ramos, Puyol, Marchena and Capdevilla. For me the finest defense for Spain in a long time.
The midfield also does not disappoint being the youngest in Europe and extremely talented. Made up with the likes of Cesc who is having a fantastic season, along with the Azulgrana duo Xavi and Iniesta who both have been Barcelona's best players lately. In the attack two of Europe's finest: Villa and Torres. The possibility of these two playing together is just about impossible as for now 'El Sabio' Aragones chooses to play with a 4-1-4-1 scheme but the idea of just having one of them in the attack brings fear to just about any rival team.
The team itself on paper sounds unstoppable and easily the favorites, but will this translate when it is time to play for the European Cup? This team has it in them to play against the best with no intimidation. It is a young team with talent and potential to go far. Can the young blood of Spain break their long lived curse and finally win or will they crash and burn like the past generation? The national side have been in debt to its people for way too long and maybe just maybe this can be the side that lives up to its hype.