Copa America 2011 -Argentina

Few days time it will be action packed Latin American Football tournament.It’s the most important football event in Latin America, and this time around, it’s Argentina’s turn to host and provide all those excitement and passion that the Copa America has duly done all the time.

GROUP A

A group made up of Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia and Costa Rica doesn’t sound too intriguing but indeed there’s a lot to offer in Group A. The host nation will certainly head the lot as favorites to top the group while Bolivia do not have the talent to match the rest in the group- leaving them to battle for pride.

The interesting one will be the combat for second spot with Colombia and Costa Rica both looking to establish themselves. Costa Rica were invited to join after Japan pulled out last month due to the massive earthquakes that hit the nation.

GROUP B

In Group B, Brazil are definitely carrying the ‘favorites’ tagline over their shoulders and much will be expected from Mano Menezes’ improving Samba Boys.  The interesting battle will be for second spot with Ecuador and Paraguay both aiming to make the knockout rounds. Antonio Valencia will be the main attraction in the Ecuador team while Roque Santa Cruz is expected to lead the line for the Paraguayans, who reached the quarter-finals of last year’s World Cup. Venezuela meanwhile, can spring an upset but much of their chances will depend on how they fare against Brazil in the opening match.

GROUP C

Every tournament provides a so called ‘Group of Death’ and Group C can certainly be regarded as one. Chile, Mexico and Uruguay will face-off against each other. The Uruguayans are being  as possible favorites with Diego Forlan, Edison Cavani and Luiz Suarez all supplying ammunition up-front. The Chileans have been a joy to watch and Humberto Suazo should be a threat up forward. Mexico will be bringing a youthful squad brimming with talent, looking to continue their good history in the Copa America.Nothing much to say about Peru should be regarded as negligible, being arguably the worst team in South America. Jefferson Farfan will be key for them though.

David De Gea

De Gea, 20, has long been expected to complete a move to Old Trafford and, following the conclusion of his successful European Under-21 Championship campaign with Spain, he is now due to complete the switch, which will reportedly cost £17.8 million. De Gea is a product of Atletico youth system. I would not jump into conclusion to say he gonna be the permanent replacement to Van der Sar. One season is not enough, this boy need to prove he can achieve milestones in the club. Hope the deals closes soon, and De Gea can blend into the team.

Champion League Final 2011

The 2010-11 Champions League is down to just two teams, and it’s a fixture that has the soccer world captivated, as Barcelona takes on Manchester United at Wembley on May 28 to claim Europe’s biggest prize.

Man United looks stronger compare to the 2008 teams. They surely look weak if head to head comparison done. However the team has changed a lot since 2008. Manchester United and Ferguson seen many great players comes in and out, but the team spirit still the same, the departures of many great player have liberated the team such as the players supports each other more often, each of them believe they are the key difference to the team. What makes a club without much world class player win the EPL title and go the finals of Champions League. Without doubt the last world class player wear the Man Utd jersey was Christiano Ronaldo, he left but Man Utd still flying high.

Looking at the Previous Final in Rome 2008, saw a Lionel Messi inspired Barca outplay United, and the Spanish side will go into this encounter as favorites. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will have learnt their lesson from the heartache of defeat at the final hurdle.

So it will be, “Rooney against Messi, old man Ferguson against young man Guardiola, organised physicality against skilful ballwork, a Manchester United team who have reached three finals in the past four years against a Barcelona team who have played in three of the past six. On 28 May at Wembley football will celebrate by showing the very best of itself.

EL CLASICO MONTH

The Champion League Semis will be between Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both the teams will be in Copa del Rey Final on 20th April 2011. Wait, before that they have to settle a duel in La Liga first on 16 th April 2011 at Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid. What i can conclude from the fixtures is that in another 15 days, we will be seeing Four El Clasico match. These matches would determine how many silverware these teams can win. So it’s a title contender match plus El clasico. Saturday’s clash might define La Liga, but it’ll be just the beginning of a restless fight.

Barcelona are ahead oh Real about 8 points and both team have another 7 matches but indeed Barcelona have 8 points advantages.They could rest some of their stars and go full force in Copa Del Rey and Champions League. It’s been 30 La Liga matches since Barcelona was lastly defeated. Pep Guardiola’s Blaugranas have only fell once in La Liga this season with newly  promoted Hercules.
Mourinho’s Galacticos, on the other hand, have already been defeated thrice. Barca have held the upper hand in recent clashes between the two, winning each of the last five meetings, while the Catalan giants have also left their arch rivals lagging well behind in the race for honours over the last few years. The heavy 5-0  defeat at Nou Camp should have been a lesson for Real Madrid and Barca should not fall to complacency.

What the football fans around the globe can expect is there will be no compromise in all aspects of football when it comes to El Clasico. This could be a historical month for El Clasico match. Lets see how the players , coaches, referees, fans and importantly managers handle these massive match.

Adios

El CLASICO FEVER

Sat

UPDATES:

First El Clasico: LA LIGA

It was a wonderful match for Ronaldo and Messi as both enters the scoresheet by completing penalty. Barca played well and had the most of the ball possession, but Madrid tries to penetrate the defence better than Barca. It was a tremendous match and Messi played a superb game yesterday night.

SECOND EL CLASICO:

Copa Del Rey The extra time header by Ronaldo gave Madrid thier first trophy this season. Ronaldo definitely will be in high morale after delivering the cup to the Mourinho side. Mathematically Madrid still have the chance of winning a treble while Barcelona Barcelona will fight for the double. Lets wait and see the next two El Clasico in Champions League.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EL CLASSICO

Lionel Messi struck twice late on as Barcelona took a huge step towards the Champions League final with a 2-0 semi-final, first leg win over 10-man Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Barca in the brink to Wembley.

ULTIMATE EL CLASSICO

Barcelona comfortably advanced to the Champions League final following a 1-1 draw at home to fierce rivals Real Madrid at Camp Nou.The Catalans will now look for a repeat of their 1992 triumph and a fourth European Cup success in total as they return to Wembley on May 28.

HOT MATCH PREVIEW: MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

This week would be 2nd leg match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United again in Champion League. With a goal advantage from Stamford Bridge a draw is enough to gain a spot in the Semis.

United come into the match having won their past six matches in all competitions. The home side currently top the Barclays Premier League with a seven-point cushion over their nearest title-contending

rival Arsenal FC. The Reds also have a FA Cup semi-final derby versus  Manchester City on Saturday at Wembley. With a slight advantage over Chelsea in this current tie and with the Champions League final

also being at Wembley, United chase the audacious ambition of a treble, a feat the club famously achieved in 1999. The Last Champions League won in 2008 with the infamous penalty miss by Terry.

Premier League title as much as 18 times and one more title old record will be vanished.  The dream of getting a treble will be closer if they could draw or win at their home ground.

At the other side Chelsea too have a dream to win the Champion League for the first time after a miss in 2008 Moscow Finals. Past 6 years, Chelsea are quite impressive in Champions league by reaching four

semi-finals. However they will be playing in devils playground with a goal disadvantage. Lets see the outcome on Wednesday Morning MARCH 13 @2:45am Malaysia time.