Rio-Sao Paulo axis leading title chase
The Brasileirao is well-known for its competitive and well-balanced field, to the extent that selecting a favorite for the title is usually notoriously tough. The 2011 edition has followed that pattern to the letter thus far, with solely eight purposes currently separating leaders Corinthians from sixth-placed Palmeiras because the campaign nears its halfway point.
Intriguingly, a marked geographical trend has also emerged, with the top six places all occupied by sides from the states of Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo since Matchday 11. Both areas are home to Brazil’s biggest supporter bases and their clubs have won more national titles than any other. Yet it remains the first time since the current league championship format was adopted in 2003 that Cariocas and Paulistas have been so dominant. Indeed, of the two states’ top-flight representatives, only 2010 champions Fluminense and Copa Libertadores 2011 winners Santos have drifted off the title pace and currently occupy ninth and 14th spot respectively.
“In recent years there’s been more of an even spread [among the states],” said Ricardo Gomes, whose Vasco da Gama side are fourth but only three points behind O Timão. “But a lot can still happen between now and the end of the season.”
It is not unusual to see Cariocas and Paulistas tussling it out for the title, with clubs from one or other of the two states emerging victorious in the last seven editions: Santos in 2004, Corinthians in 2005, Sao Paulo from 2006 to 2008, Flamengo in 2009 and Flu last year. What does bear noting is the states’ current level of overall dominance, even if, as Gomes admitted, it remains early days.
It’s easier for them to spend more on bringing players in, which means they can assemble a stronger squad with quality players in all positions.
Fabio of Cruzeiro on teams from the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo
Historically, at least two teams from states other than Sao Paulo or Rio have finished in the top six every year since 2003. In addition, with the exception of 2007, a team from another region has finished in the top two – with Cruzeiro coming first in 2003 and second in 2010, Internacional taking second in 2005, 2006 and 2009, and Porto Alegre rivals Gremio finishing runners-up in 2008. Besides which, 2007 and 2008 also ended in the ignominy of relegation to Serie B for Corinthians and Vasco respectively.
Both this illustrious pair have bounced back strongly and, though they are yet to taste Brasileirao glory since returning to the top table, O Timão claimed the Copa do Brazil 2009 and A Gigante da Colina won this year’s tournament. What's more, the Copa has been lifted by Rio or Sao Paulo state clubs every year since 2004, with the exception of the triumph by Pernambuco’s Sport Recife in 2008.
Big teams, big names
Potentially setting these states’ representatives apart is the financial power they wield, with many of the players brought back from foreign shores in recent years making a major impact on their fortunes. For Corinthians, you have prolific striker Liedson and attacking midfielder Alex, as well as former Inter Milan and Brazil powerhouse Adriano lying in wait on the treatment table, while Fla fans are revelling in attacking trio Ronaldinho, Thiago Neves and Deivid. Nor should we forget Renato at Botafogo or even veteran Rivaldo’s influence for Sao Paulo, with the latter club set to be further reinforced by the return of lethal ex-Sevilla hitman Luis Fabiano – another long-term injury absentee.
“Everybody’s working hard and making good signings, bringing in big-name, established players,” said Thiago Neves, before Cruzeiro keeper Fabio, once of Vasco, expanded on the theme: “In budgetary terms, they’re the sides that earn the most money.
“They don’t always make the right moves in the transfer market but, generally speaking, they get it right with the very best players, who end up standing out. It’s easier for them to spend more on bringing players in, which means they can assemble a stronger squad with quality players in all positions."
That said, the likes of Internacional, currently two points behind Palmeiras in seventh, and Cruzeiro, further back in 11th, cannot claim to be short of squad depth or big-game experience. Both have been regular challengers for major honours at home and abroad in recent years - Inter, for example, lifted the 2006 and 2010 Libertadores and the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2006 but are undergoing transitional periods this campaign.
Nor can they be counted out of the race for the Brasileirao 2011 just yet, with over 20 league games still to go and thus over 60 points still to play for. Members of the Rio-Sao Paulo axis, you have been warned.
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Intriguingly, a marked geographical trend has also emerged, with the top six places all occupied by sides from the states of Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo since Matchday 11. Both areas are home to Brazil’s biggest supporter bases and their clubs have won more national titles than any other. Yet it remains the first time since the current league championship format was adopted in 2003 that Cariocas and Paulistas have been so dominant. Indeed, of the two states’ top-flight representatives, only 2010 champions Fluminense and Copa Libertadores 2011 winners Santos have drifted off the title pace and currently occupy ninth and 14th spot respectively.“In recent years there’s been more of an even spread [among the states],” said Ricardo Gomes, whose Vasco da Gama side are fourth but only three points behind O Timão. “But a lot can still happen between now and the end of the season.”
It is not unusual to see Cariocas and Paulistas tussling it out for the title, with clubs from one or other of the two states emerging victorious in the last seven editions: Santos in 2004, Corinthians in 2005, Sao Paulo from 2006 to 2008, Flamengo in 2009 and Flu last year. What does bear noting is the states’ current level of overall dominance, even if, as Gomes admitted, it remains early days.
It’s easier for them to spend more on bringing players in, which means they can assemble a stronger squad with quality players in all positions.
Fabio of Cruzeiro on teams from the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo
Historically, at least two teams from states other than Sao Paulo or Rio have finished in the top six every year since 2003. In addition, with the exception of 2007, a team from another region has finished in the top two – with Cruzeiro coming first in 2003 and second in 2010, Internacional taking second in 2005, 2006 and 2009, and Porto Alegre rivals Gremio finishing runners-up in 2008. Besides which, 2007 and 2008 also ended in the ignominy of relegation to Serie B for Corinthians and Vasco respectively.
Both this illustrious pair have bounced back strongly and, though they are yet to taste Brasileirao glory since returning to the top table, O Timão claimed the Copa do Brazil 2009 and A Gigante da Colina won this year’s tournament. What's more, the Copa has been lifted by Rio or Sao Paulo state clubs every year since 2004, with the exception of the triumph by Pernambuco’s Sport Recife in 2008.
Big teams, big names
Potentially setting these states’ representatives apart is the financial power they wield, with many of the players brought back from foreign shores in recent years making a major impact on their fortunes. For Corinthians, you have prolific striker Liedson and attacking midfielder Alex, as well as former Inter Milan and Brazil powerhouse Adriano lying in wait on the treatment table, while Fla fans are revelling in attacking trio Ronaldinho, Thiago Neves and Deivid. Nor should we forget Renato at Botafogo or even veteran Rivaldo’s influence for Sao Paulo, with the latter club set to be further reinforced by the return of lethal ex-Sevilla hitman Luis Fabiano – another long-term injury absentee.
“Everybody’s working hard and making good signings, bringing in big-name, established players,” said Thiago Neves, before Cruzeiro keeper Fabio, once of Vasco, expanded on the theme: “In budgetary terms, they’re the sides that earn the most money.
“They don’t always make the right moves in the transfer market but, generally speaking, they get it right with the very best players, who end up standing out. It’s easier for them to spend more on bringing players in, which means they can assemble a stronger squad with quality players in all positions."
That said, the likes of Internacional, currently two points behind Palmeiras in seventh, and Cruzeiro, further back in 11th, cannot claim to be short of squad depth or big-game experience. Both have been regular challengers for major honours at home and abroad in recent years - Inter, for example, lifted the 2006 and 2010 Libertadores and the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2006 but are undergoing transitional periods this campaign.
Nor can they be counted out of the race for the Brasileirao 2011 just yet, with over 20 league games still to go and thus over 60 points still to play for. Members of the Rio-Sao Paulo axis, you have been warned.
Fergie’s fledglings illuminate England
“You’ll never win anything with kids.” Sixteen years once he initial uttered them, these words still haunt Alan Hansen. The Liverpool legend and tv pundit had meant them as a warning to Alex Ferguson, this once Manchester United – having sold Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis within the summer of 1995 – began the season with a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
Ferguson, rather than buy big, had opted to replace this high-profile trio with players from his youth team, among them Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville. Hansen was unimpressed. The rest, however, is well-documented history, with the team known as ‘Fergie’s fledglings’ ending the season as double winners and starting out on a run of five league titles in six seasons. As Hansen later ruefully reflected: “If you’re going to be wrong, be dramatically wrong.”
Today, similarities with that era are everywhere. Stars and stalwarts, among them Scholes, Edwin van der Sar, John O’Shea and Wes Brown, have departed, and Ferguson – despite being linked with the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Samir Nasri and Luka Modric – has eschewed big-name replacements. Instead, the likes of Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverly, Chris Smalling, and Jonny Evans have been handed starting roles, while United’s only major summer signings – Phil Jones (19) and David De Gea (20) – have served merely to reduce the team’s average age.
Indeed, the team sent out to inflict a 3-0 defeat on Tottenham Hotspur on Monday was the second-youngest of Ferguson’s United tenure, eclipsed only by a second string fielded on the final day of season 2008/09, with the title already won. The team famously written off by Hansen as too youthful was not only older, but had an average age that made them almost 18 months the senior of Fergie’s class of 2011.
If they have the ability and the temperament, there is only one thing you can do and that's play them.
Sir Alex Ferguson on his young players
While doubts are steadily being assuaged by their early season performances, fresh calls for United to spend big were being made as recently as a few weeks ago. Ferguson, for his part, maintained that he was being compelled to choose another path. "This group have such fantastic ability, it forces me to play them really," said the Scot. "It is a very young team at the moment but it's one full of energy and of great ability. I'm enjoying watching them."
United’s clinical dismantling of Spurs was certainly a joy to behold, and much of the post-match praise was lavished on Welbeck, a hitherto unheralded striker who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. With Smalling, Jones and De Gea comfortably securing a clean sheet, and Cleverly intelligent and inventive in midfield, it was no wonder their manager was left purring with satisfaction.
"Our second-half performance was absolutely fantastic,” enthused Ferguson. “I'm pleased with the fact it was the second-youngest side we've put out in the Premier League, because it tells you we still believe in young players. All the fans appreciate that. This is what the club is all about.
“Danny is still only 20 and the lad has a great future. He has always had ability but made slow progress because he had a bit of a knee growth problem, so we knew we had to wait for him. We put him on loan to Sunderland last season and that is when he became a man. He has grown up."
This time, it seems the pundits are willing converts. On Tuesday, The Sun reported that “this young United team could dominate the Premier League for years to come”, while the Daily Telegraph warned pretenders to the Red Devils’ throne that “Ferguson's mix of fledglings and older heads look unstoppable”. Lauding the side’s youthful energy, The Independent even observed that Wayne Rooney, 25, “had the air of a gnarled veteran”.
Even more ominously for the chasing pack, it seems that yet more gems are ready to roll off the Old Trafford production line. Paul Pogba, an elegant and athletic 18-year-old midfielder, is the latest being tipped for greatness, with Ferguson citing his emergence as a factor in declining to pursue Sneijder. Asked recently about the Dutchman, he said: "You can forget anyone you like - I'm happy with the young players I've got.
"If they have the ability and the temperament, there is only one thing you can do and that's play them. There's Pogba, who's showing great promise for us. If we hold him back, what's going to happen? He's going to leave in a couple of years' time when his contract is finished. We'll have to give him opportunities to see how he can do in the first team. He's got the ability, the physique and the athleticism.”
With Ferguson as his manager, Pogba is also likely to have the opportunity to showcase all of the above. And the prospects of United winning nothing? On current evidence, not even Hansen would be bold enough to predict that one.
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Ferguson, rather than buy big, had opted to replace this high-profile trio with players from his youth team, among them Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville. Hansen was unimpressed. The rest, however, is well-documented history, with the team known as ‘Fergie’s fledglings’ ending the season as double winners and starting out on a run of five league titles in six seasons. As Hansen later ruefully reflected: “If you’re going to be wrong, be dramatically wrong.”
Today, similarities with that era are everywhere. Stars and stalwarts, among them Scholes, Edwin van der Sar, John O’Shea and Wes Brown, have departed, and Ferguson – despite being linked with the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Samir Nasri and Luka Modric – has eschewed big-name replacements. Instead, the likes of Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverly, Chris Smalling, and Jonny Evans have been handed starting roles, while United’s only major summer signings – Phil Jones (19) and David De Gea (20) – have served merely to reduce the team’s average age.Indeed, the team sent out to inflict a 3-0 defeat on Tottenham Hotspur on Monday was the second-youngest of Ferguson’s United tenure, eclipsed only by a second string fielded on the final day of season 2008/09, with the title already won. The team famously written off by Hansen as too youthful was not only older, but had an average age that made them almost 18 months the senior of Fergie’s class of 2011.
If they have the ability and the temperament, there is only one thing you can do and that's play them.
Sir Alex Ferguson on his young players
While doubts are steadily being assuaged by their early season performances, fresh calls for United to spend big were being made as recently as a few weeks ago. Ferguson, for his part, maintained that he was being compelled to choose another path. "This group have such fantastic ability, it forces me to play them really," said the Scot. "It is a very young team at the moment but it's one full of energy and of great ability. I'm enjoying watching them."
United’s clinical dismantling of Spurs was certainly a joy to behold, and much of the post-match praise was lavished on Welbeck, a hitherto unheralded striker who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. With Smalling, Jones and De Gea comfortably securing a clean sheet, and Cleverly intelligent and inventive in midfield, it was no wonder their manager was left purring with satisfaction.
"Our second-half performance was absolutely fantastic,” enthused Ferguson. “I'm pleased with the fact it was the second-youngest side we've put out in the Premier League, because it tells you we still believe in young players. All the fans appreciate that. This is what the club is all about.
“Danny is still only 20 and the lad has a great future. He has always had ability but made slow progress because he had a bit of a knee growth problem, so we knew we had to wait for him. We put him on loan to Sunderland last season and that is when he became a man. He has grown up."
This time, it seems the pundits are willing converts. On Tuesday, The Sun reported that “this young United team could dominate the Premier League for years to come”, while the Daily Telegraph warned pretenders to the Red Devils’ throne that “Ferguson's mix of fledglings and older heads look unstoppable”. Lauding the side’s youthful energy, The Independent even observed that Wayne Rooney, 25, “had the air of a gnarled veteran”.
Even more ominously for the chasing pack, it seems that yet more gems are ready to roll off the Old Trafford production line. Paul Pogba, an elegant and athletic 18-year-old midfielder, is the latest being tipped for greatness, with Ferguson citing his emergence as a factor in declining to pursue Sneijder. Asked recently about the Dutchman, he said: "You can forget anyone you like - I'm happy with the young players I've got.
"If they have the ability and the temperament, there is only one thing you can do and that's play them. There's Pogba, who's showing great promise for us. If we hold him back, what's going to happen? He's going to leave in a couple of years' time when his contract is finished. We'll have to give him opportunities to see how he can do in the first team. He's got the ability, the physique and the athleticism.”
With Ferguson as his manager, Pogba is also likely to have the opportunity to showcase all of the above. And the prospects of United winning nothing? On current evidence, not even Hansen would be bold enough to predict that one.
Ahly's iconic warriors back for more
The bedrock of Al Ahly’s legendary success within the CAF Champions League has come back from a uniform forged of star performers, together with their coach, who can perpetually represent an era of over-achievement by the Cairo giants. however as Portuguese boss Manuel Jose and his charges fight for the club's seventh overall continental title, the aspect are making an attempt the tough method of passing the baton between 2 generations.
Venerable names like Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Aboutrika and striker Emad Moteab have indisputably made their mark on the club's history, but none have as glittering an array of achievement, or as golden a collection of medals, as the giant defender Wael Gomaa, who this year is chasing an unprecedented fifth winners’ medal in the continent’s top club competition. Manuel Jose also has been part of all four of Ahly’s successes in the Champions League over the last decade, and a fifth medal for the pair would secure for them a place in African football’s hall of fame.
Battle continues at the weekend
Al Ahly might have just a single win from three group matches in this year's tournament, and they face a tough away game in Morocco against Raja Casablanca at the weekend, but they must be considered still a strong bet to reach the semi-finals next month – a stage they have reached in five of the last six seasons. Advancement will help keep them on their record-breaking course and strengthen their undisputed position as the most successful club side in Africa.
For years, their side has had a core of long-serving characters on which the foundations of a winning formula have been laid. Players like goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari, defenders Shady Mohamed and Ahmed El Sayed, midfielder Hossam Achour and Mohamed Shawky and Angolan imports Gilberto and Flavio have become household names on the continent through their achievements with the Red Devils.
My best players are getting older and we are not as powerful as in previous years. Manuel Jose, coach of Al Ahly
Gomaa, however, is in a league of his own. He has the added achievement of having won three CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles as well, making him arguably the most successful modern footballer at national team and club level. The 36-year-old also won his 100th cap for Egypt’s Pharaohs in March when they lost to South Africa in a Cup of Nations qualifier. This is besides the considerable achievement in domestic competition where Al Ahly have won an impressive seven league titles in a row.
Unprecedented decade
Ahly's modern march to greatness started in 2001 when they beat South African side Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 on aggregate to win their first Champions League since 1987. But their run of success that began in 2005, and included three titles and a runners-up medal in four years, truly propelled the side to legendary status.
Barakat was the genius behind their success in 2005 and from that winning side against Tunisia's Etoile Sahel in the final, Moteab, Aboutrika and Gomaa also still wear the red of Al Ahly. Barakat had the potential to become the greatest Arab player of all time but has suffered consistent injury worries through the years. His latest affliction is a broken arm, which will keep him out of the club’s next two CAF Champions League encounters.
Moteab is back in scoring form and Aboutrika is attempting to regain his ability to dominate a game, which was most apparent in 2006, when he authored a dramatic winner in the final against another Tunisian side, CS Sfaxien. Ahmed Fathi featured as a substitute in the 2008 final success against Coton Sport of Cameroon but now takes a lead role in the team. He reportedly turned down an offer to play for Queens Park Rangers in England this year to stay in Cairo. After 12 years with Ahly, famed goalkeeper Al Hadari currently plays in Sudan after short side trips through Europe and with two other Egyptian clubs, Ismaily and Zamalek.
Jose, who is in his third stint with the club in the last decade, has proven over the years that a winning team needs a strong spin of reliable performers, allied with craft and speed. But times are changing and Jose said recently: “My best players are getting older and we are not as powerful as in previous years.” It might be that the golden names of Al Ahly are now fast approaching the end of their respective careers, but it would only be a fool who would write them off in this year’s Champions League.
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Venerable names like Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Aboutrika and striker Emad Moteab have indisputably made their mark on the club's history, but none have as glittering an array of achievement, or as golden a collection of medals, as the giant defender Wael Gomaa, who this year is chasing an unprecedented fifth winners’ medal in the continent’s top club competition. Manuel Jose also has been part of all four of Ahly’s successes in the Champions League over the last decade, and a fifth medal for the pair would secure for them a place in African football’s hall of fame.Battle continues at the weekend
Al Ahly might have just a single win from three group matches in this year's tournament, and they face a tough away game in Morocco against Raja Casablanca at the weekend, but they must be considered still a strong bet to reach the semi-finals next month – a stage they have reached in five of the last six seasons. Advancement will help keep them on their record-breaking course and strengthen their undisputed position as the most successful club side in Africa.
For years, their side has had a core of long-serving characters on which the foundations of a winning formula have been laid. Players like goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari, defenders Shady Mohamed and Ahmed El Sayed, midfielder Hossam Achour and Mohamed Shawky and Angolan imports Gilberto and Flavio have become household names on the continent through their achievements with the Red Devils.
My best players are getting older and we are not as powerful as in previous years. Manuel Jose, coach of Al Ahly
Gomaa, however, is in a league of his own. He has the added achievement of having won three CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles as well, making him arguably the most successful modern footballer at national team and club level. The 36-year-old also won his 100th cap for Egypt’s Pharaohs in March when they lost to South Africa in a Cup of Nations qualifier. This is besides the considerable achievement in domestic competition where Al Ahly have won an impressive seven league titles in a row.
Unprecedented decade
Ahly's modern march to greatness started in 2001 when they beat South African side Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 on aggregate to win their first Champions League since 1987. But their run of success that began in 2005, and included three titles and a runners-up medal in four years, truly propelled the side to legendary status.
Barakat was the genius behind their success in 2005 and from that winning side against Tunisia's Etoile Sahel in the final, Moteab, Aboutrika and Gomaa also still wear the red of Al Ahly. Barakat had the potential to become the greatest Arab player of all time but has suffered consistent injury worries through the years. His latest affliction is a broken arm, which will keep him out of the club’s next two CAF Champions League encounters.
Moteab is back in scoring form and Aboutrika is attempting to regain his ability to dominate a game, which was most apparent in 2006, when he authored a dramatic winner in the final against another Tunisian side, CS Sfaxien. Ahmed Fathi featured as a substitute in the 2008 final success against Coton Sport of Cameroon but now takes a lead role in the team. He reportedly turned down an offer to play for Queens Park Rangers in England this year to stay in Cairo. After 12 years with Ahly, famed goalkeeper Al Hadari currently plays in Sudan after short side trips through Europe and with two other Egyptian clubs, Ismaily and Zamalek.
Jose, who is in his third stint with the club in the last decade, has proven over the years that a winning team needs a strong spin of reliable performers, allied with craft and speed. But times are changing and Jose said recently: “My best players are getting older and we are not as powerful as in previous years.” It might be that the golden names of Al Ahly are now fast approaching the end of their respective careers, but it would only be a fool who would write them off in this year’s Champions League.
Cesc stars as Barca reign in Monaco
Cesc Fabregas scored his initial competitive goal for Barcelona because the European champions dismissed Porto 2-0 to win the UEFA SuperCup on Friday. Fabregas, who moved from Arsenal in a very €29million deal earlier this month, was on track 2 minutes from time once impending as a substitute simply eight minutes earlier.
Lionel Messi had put Barcelona ahead in the 39th minute as the Spanish giants added the European SuperCup to their domestic SuperCup triumph of last week. Porto, the UEFA Europa League winners of last season, ended the match with nine men after Rolando and Fredy Guarin were red-carded in the closing stages.
Fabregas's goal was a strike to remember, as was the build-up. Messi chipped the ball over a line of defenders into the path of Fabregas who calmly controlled it on his chest before finishing coolly past Helton in the Porto goal. It was Fabregas's first goal since he scored for Arsenal against Huddersfield in the FA Cup back in January.
It was Messi who had given Barcelona a first-half lead as he stamped his authority on the match at the Stade Louis II. Porto lost the ball in midfield which allowed Messi to glide one way, then the other to deceive Helton and slot his opportunity home.
The Portuguese side, who had won their domestic league without losing a game last season, had two opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, both from free-kicks. But Brazilian striker Hulk, who scored 35 goals in that campaign, missed the target on both occasions.
Porto, now coached by Vitor Pereira after former boss Andre Villas-Boas switched to Chelsea in the summer, were the better side in the early stages of the second half with Victor Valdes pulling off a fine save to deny a long-range Guarin effort.
Messi then had the ball in the net only to be whistled up for offside before Barcelona showed off their strength in depth by introducing new signings Alexis Sanchez, their €26million Chilean striker, as well as Fabregas off the bench. Sanchez looked lively, curling a right-foot effort just wide of the post.
Porto's misery was complete when Rolando was sent-off for chopping down Messi in the 86th minute before Gurain also saw red in the 90th minute for a foul on Javier Mascherano.
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Lionel Messi had put Barcelona ahead in the 39th minute as the Spanish giants added the European SuperCup to their domestic SuperCup triumph of last week. Porto, the UEFA Europa League winners of last season, ended the match with nine men after Rolando and Fredy Guarin were red-carded in the closing stages.
Fabregas's goal was a strike to remember, as was the build-up. Messi chipped the ball over a line of defenders into the path of Fabregas who calmly controlled it on his chest before finishing coolly past Helton in the Porto goal. It was Fabregas's first goal since he scored for Arsenal against Huddersfield in the FA Cup back in January.
It was Messi who had given Barcelona a first-half lead as he stamped his authority on the match at the Stade Louis II. Porto lost the ball in midfield which allowed Messi to glide one way, then the other to deceive Helton and slot his opportunity home.
The Portuguese side, who had won their domestic league without losing a game last season, had two opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, both from free-kicks. But Brazilian striker Hulk, who scored 35 goals in that campaign, missed the target on both occasions.
Porto, now coached by Vitor Pereira after former boss Andre Villas-Boas switched to Chelsea in the summer, were the better side in the early stages of the second half with Victor Valdes pulling off a fine save to deny a long-range Guarin effort.
Messi then had the ball in the net only to be whistled up for offside before Barcelona showed off their strength in depth by introducing new signings Alexis Sanchez, their €26million Chilean striker, as well as Fabregas off the bench. Sanchez looked lively, curling a right-foot effort just wide of the post.
Porto's misery was complete when Rolando was sent-off for chopping down Messi in the 86th minute before Gurain also saw red in the 90th minute for a foul on Javier Mascherano.
FIFA Disciplinary Committee decisions for Germany 2011
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee, following its meeting held these days (25 August 2011) at the house of FIFA in Zurich, took the subsequent choices relating to the cases associated with the adverse analytical findings within the anti-doping tests conducted throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™:
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• Five players from DPR Korea have been guilty of violating art. 5 of the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations and suspended from participating in any competition or match, including domestic, international, friendly and official matches, or other football-related activity or from receiving sport-related financial support as from the respective dates of the provisional measures imposed. Pok Sim Jong, Myong Hui Hong, Un Byol Ho, Un Hyang Ri have been declared ineligible for 18 months and Jong Sun Song for 14 months.
•The doctor from the DPR Korea Football Association, Ms Jong Ae Nam, has been found guilty of violating art. 12 of the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations and suspended from participating in any match, including domestic, international, friendly and official matches, or other football-related activity or from receiving sport-related financial support for a period of six years as from communication of the decision.
•The DPR Korea Football Association has been ordered to pay a fine of USD 400,000, which exactly corresponds to the prize money the association would have received for their 13th place in the final ranking of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™. Furthermore, the DPR Korea Football Association’s women’s A representative team has been excluded from participating in the next FIFA Women’s World Cup (Canada 2015), including any preliminary competitions related thereto.
•The player Yineth Varon from Colombia has been found guilty of violating art. 5 of the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations and suspended from participating in any competition or match, including domestic, international, friendly and official matches, or other football-related activity or from receiving sport-related financial support for a period of two years.
Schalke cruise, Braga scrape through
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored four goals as well as 2 penalties as Schalke came back from a two-goal first-leg deficit to hammer HJK 6-1 and reach the UEFA Europa League cluster stage.
The Bundesliga aspect had been left reeling last week's loss in Helsinki, however it took Huntelaar solely 1 / 4 of an hour to scale back the deficit from the spot and despite Teemu Pukki's equaliser on the night, he added his second when twenty five minutes.
The second half was all Schalke as Huntelaar added another two to his tally, while Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Julian Draxler added further goals against their shell-shocked visitors to ease through 6-3 on aggregate.
Atletico Madrid left wantaway striker Diego Forlan at home, but it made little difference as they eased to a 4-0 win at Vitoria for a 6-0 aggregate win, with Adrian scoring twice.
Premier League side Fulham went through 3-1 on aggregate despite a 1-0 defeat by Dnipro in Ukraine, while PSV Eindhoven shrugged off last week's goalless draw in Austria by thumping Ried 5-0 at home.
Last year's losing finalists Braga scraped through on away goals after a 2-2 draw with Young Boys of Switzerland. Former European champions Red Star Belgrade were thrashed 4-0 in France by Rennes for a 6-1 aggregate loss.
Poland's Legia Warsaw staged a stunning comeback to beat Spartak Moscow 3-2 in the Russian capital for a 5-4 aggregate win. Legia trailed 2-0 on the night, but capped their recovery with Janusz Gol's injury-time winner.
On a dismal night for Scottish football, Rangers went out 3-2 on aggregate to Maribor after a 1-1 home draw, and Celtic, down to ten men after the second minute dismissal of Daniel Majstorovic, lost 3-1 on the night and on aggregate to Sion.
Two early goals from Joseph Akpala helped Club Brugge to a 2-0 win over Zestafoni and 5-3 aggregate success, while Belgian rivals Anderlecht edged through 4-3 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw with Bursaspor.
Roma crash out
In a stunning upset in the Stadio Olimpico, Peter Stepanovsky scored in the 82nd minute to give Slovan Bratislava a 1-1 draw on the night with Roma and a 2-1 aggregate win.
Simone Perrotta had cancelled out Slovan's slim first-leg advantage with an 11th minute effort, but the home side failed to build on that lead and Stepanovsky's strike embarrassed the Serie A giants.
There were no such problems for Roma's city rivals Lazio, though, who wrapped up a 3-1 win over Rabotnicki in Macedonia for a 9-1 aggregate victory, with Tommaso Rocchi scoring twice.
Tottenham eased through 5-0 on aggregate after a goalless draw at home with Hearts, while Premier League rivals Stoke City and Championship side Birmingham City also progressed with ease over Thun and Nacional respectively.
Shamrock Rovers became the first Irish side to reach the group stages of a European competition as Stephen O'Donnell's extra-time penalty gave them a famous 3-2 aggregate win over Partizan Belgrade.
Sevilla were knocked out after a 1-1 home draw with Bundesliga side Hannover. Mohammed Abdellaoue gave the German side the lead and an Emanuel Pogatetz own goal was not enough for the Spaniards, who went out 3-2 on aggregate.
Ligue 1 side Sochaux were stunned 4-0 at home by Metalist after last week's goalless draw in Ukraine, but Paris Saint-Germain wrapped up a 6-0 aggregate win over Differdange of Luxembourg with a 2-0 home stroll.
Dutch side AZ overturned last week's 2-1 reversal to Norway's Aalesund in style, winning 6-0 in Alkmaar. Martin Hinteregger's strike was not enough for Salzburg, who went out on away goals to Omonia Nicosia despite a 1-0 win on the night.
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The Bundesliga aspect had been left reeling last week's loss in Helsinki, however it took Huntelaar solely 1 / 4 of an hour to scale back the deficit from the spot and despite Teemu Pukki's equaliser on the night, he added his second when twenty five minutes.
Atletico Madrid left wantaway striker Diego Forlan at home, but it made little difference as they eased to a 4-0 win at Vitoria for a 6-0 aggregate win, with Adrian scoring twice.
Premier League side Fulham went through 3-1 on aggregate despite a 1-0 defeat by Dnipro in Ukraine, while PSV Eindhoven shrugged off last week's goalless draw in Austria by thumping Ried 5-0 at home.
Last year's losing finalists Braga scraped through on away goals after a 2-2 draw with Young Boys of Switzerland. Former European champions Red Star Belgrade were thrashed 4-0 in France by Rennes for a 6-1 aggregate loss.
Poland's Legia Warsaw staged a stunning comeback to beat Spartak Moscow 3-2 in the Russian capital for a 5-4 aggregate win. Legia trailed 2-0 on the night, but capped their recovery with Janusz Gol's injury-time winner.
On a dismal night for Scottish football, Rangers went out 3-2 on aggregate to Maribor after a 1-1 home draw, and Celtic, down to ten men after the second minute dismissal of Daniel Majstorovic, lost 3-1 on the night and on aggregate to Sion.
Two early goals from Joseph Akpala helped Club Brugge to a 2-0 win over Zestafoni and 5-3 aggregate success, while Belgian rivals Anderlecht edged through 4-3 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw with Bursaspor.
Roma crash out
In a stunning upset in the Stadio Olimpico, Peter Stepanovsky scored in the 82nd minute to give Slovan Bratislava a 1-1 draw on the night with Roma and a 2-1 aggregate win.
Simone Perrotta had cancelled out Slovan's slim first-leg advantage with an 11th minute effort, but the home side failed to build on that lead and Stepanovsky's strike embarrassed the Serie A giants.
There were no such problems for Roma's city rivals Lazio, though, who wrapped up a 3-1 win over Rabotnicki in Macedonia for a 9-1 aggregate victory, with Tommaso Rocchi scoring twice.
Tottenham eased through 5-0 on aggregate after a goalless draw at home with Hearts, while Premier League rivals Stoke City and Championship side Birmingham City also progressed with ease over Thun and Nacional respectively.
Shamrock Rovers became the first Irish side to reach the group stages of a European competition as Stephen O'Donnell's extra-time penalty gave them a famous 3-2 aggregate win over Partizan Belgrade.
Sevilla were knocked out after a 1-1 home draw with Bundesliga side Hannover. Mohammed Abdellaoue gave the German side the lead and an Emanuel Pogatetz own goal was not enough for the Spaniards, who went out 3-2 on aggregate.
Ligue 1 side Sochaux were stunned 4-0 at home by Metalist after last week's goalless draw in Ukraine, but Paris Saint-Germain wrapped up a 6-0 aggregate win over Differdange of Luxembourg with a 2-0 home stroll.
Dutch side AZ overturned last week's 2-1 reversal to Norway's Aalesund in style, winning 6-0 in Alkmaar. Martin Hinteregger's strike was not enough for Salzburg, who went out on away goals to Omonia Nicosia despite a 1-0 win on the night.
Alaba: Music motivates me
In some ways, the lifetime of a diamond is extremely kind of like that of a contemporary footballer. Once discovered, the raw stone is polished to extend its aesthetic and industrial worth, rather just like the several aspiring kids across the world, one or two of whom are noticed by scouts and eventually moulded into professionals. Austria's record caps holder Andreas Herzog recently identified one such jewel in 19-year-old David Alaba: "He's a true gem, a god-send, the foremost proficient young Austrian player of them all!"
In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the Bayern Munich youth graduate revealed his pride at receiving such high praise, but also insisted his development is far from complete. "My family and friends support me and help keep my feet on the ground," said the left-footer. "Of course it's nice to receive such a compliment from Andreas Herzog, but I'm a long way off being a jewel. I can still learn a lot and I have to keep on improving."
Alaba's modesty is no coincidence. Brought up by his Filipino mother and Nigerian father in Vienna, he has first-hand experience of the hardship his parents went through prior to their emigration to Europe. "I've been to the Philippines twice and also to my father's homeland," said the midfielder. "The difference between Nigeria and my life in Austria and Germany is notorious. It was only when I visited these places that I realised how good I've got it. I'm very thankful."
Rapid development
Austria Vienna enabled Alaba to take his first steps on the football ladder, promoting him to the first team at just 15. The player's performances did not go unnoticed, and in the summer of 2008 German giants Bayern Munich enticed him across the border.
"It was always my dream to play for Bayern," he said. "My family have always supported me, so even at 16 it wasn't hard to leave home. The club also made it very easy for me."
It was a step the Austrian would not regret. After playing his way through the club's youth ranks, the likeable all-rounder eventually earned himself a regular starting spot in the reserves before making the transition to the first team in February 2010. At just 17, his appearances in the DFB-Pokal, the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League made him the youngest-ever player to represent the club in all three competitions. Half a year earlier, Alaba had already claimed his first record as the youngest-ever debutant for the senior Austria team, aged just 17 years and 112 days.
"My records are an honour, but I prefer to look to the future," he said. "I want to achieve a lot more and I have some big aspirations. My development has been great and I've taken another major step forward over the past few months. Now I'm looking forward to my next challenge."
If we lose, I like to switch off and listen to relaxing music, so that I can think about what happened. If we win, I like a bit of Usher.
David Alaba
In order to continue his development, stock up on positive energy and give himself the best possible chance of achieving his many goals, Alaba dedicates every spare minute to his other passion in life: music. Rather than the diamond-studded earrings some of his contemporaries opt for, the Bayern youngster is far more likely to been seen wearing his headphones. A quick internet search for 'David Alaba' online reveals the Austrian is also a keen singer.
"Music plays a very important role in my life," he explained. "Before matches I always try to get in the mood by listening to music that motivates me. After a game it depends on the result. If we lose, I like to switch off and listen to relaxing music, so that I can think about what happened. If we win, I like a bit of Usher."
Alaba's behind-the-wheel rendition of Justin Bieber's 'Baby' has attracted almost 80,000 hits and was recorded by Ryan Babel, a former team-mate at Hoffenheim, where the Austrian midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan. His performances in Sinsheim were sufficiently impressive for new Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes to insist upon the youngster's immediate return.
"David has a lot of ability and a great future," said the veteran tactician, explaining that Alaba was now a firm part of his first-team plans. The 19-year-old appears to have taken on the challenge, despite only starting Bayern's first few games of the season as a substitute. Even so, Heynckes is renowned for his ability to make all his players feel involved: "Perhaps David isn't a back-up option any more. Maybe he's a starter."
Focus on EURO 2012
Alaba is already an established player for Austria, who are currently in the middle of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012. Dietmar Constantini's side occupy fourth place in Group A and remain in with a chance of a play-off berth.
"We've got a very good, young team which is hungry for success," said Alaba. "We've been unfortunate recently and our performances haven't always been the best, but we're focusing on the task in hand and concentrating fully on our upcoming matches."
Though he is yet to decide what he will do once his playing days are over, Alaba revealed he "thoroughly enjoyed" helping to coach the Bayern U-11 team a couple of years ago. Maybe one day he himself will be the one shaping rough diamonds into the jewels of the future.
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Alaba's modesty is no coincidence. Brought up by his Filipino mother and Nigerian father in Vienna, he has first-hand experience of the hardship his parents went through prior to their emigration to Europe. "I've been to the Philippines twice and also to my father's homeland," said the midfielder. "The difference between Nigeria and my life in Austria and Germany is notorious. It was only when I visited these places that I realised how good I've got it. I'm very thankful."
Rapid development
Austria Vienna enabled Alaba to take his first steps on the football ladder, promoting him to the first team at just 15. The player's performances did not go unnoticed, and in the summer of 2008 German giants Bayern Munich enticed him across the border.
"It was always my dream to play for Bayern," he said. "My family have always supported me, so even at 16 it wasn't hard to leave home. The club also made it very easy for me."
It was a step the Austrian would not regret. After playing his way through the club's youth ranks, the likeable all-rounder eventually earned himself a regular starting spot in the reserves before making the transition to the first team in February 2010. At just 17, his appearances in the DFB-Pokal, the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League made him the youngest-ever player to represent the club in all three competitions. Half a year earlier, Alaba had already claimed his first record as the youngest-ever debutant for the senior Austria team, aged just 17 years and 112 days.
"My records are an honour, but I prefer to look to the future," he said. "I want to achieve a lot more and I have some big aspirations. My development has been great and I've taken another major step forward over the past few months. Now I'm looking forward to my next challenge."
If we lose, I like to switch off and listen to relaxing music, so that I can think about what happened. If we win, I like a bit of Usher.
David Alaba
In order to continue his development, stock up on positive energy and give himself the best possible chance of achieving his many goals, Alaba dedicates every spare minute to his other passion in life: music. Rather than the diamond-studded earrings some of his contemporaries opt for, the Bayern youngster is far more likely to been seen wearing his headphones. A quick internet search for 'David Alaba' online reveals the Austrian is also a keen singer.
"Music plays a very important role in my life," he explained. "Before matches I always try to get in the mood by listening to music that motivates me. After a game it depends on the result. If we lose, I like to switch off and listen to relaxing music, so that I can think about what happened. If we win, I like a bit of Usher."
Alaba's behind-the-wheel rendition of Justin Bieber's 'Baby' has attracted almost 80,000 hits and was recorded by Ryan Babel, a former team-mate at Hoffenheim, where the Austrian midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan. His performances in Sinsheim were sufficiently impressive for new Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes to insist upon the youngster's immediate return.
"David has a lot of ability and a great future," said the veteran tactician, explaining that Alaba was now a firm part of his first-team plans. The 19-year-old appears to have taken on the challenge, despite only starting Bayern's first few games of the season as a substitute. Even so, Heynckes is renowned for his ability to make all his players feel involved: "Perhaps David isn't a back-up option any more. Maybe he's a starter."
Focus on EURO 2012
Alaba is already an established player for Austria, who are currently in the middle of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012. Dietmar Constantini's side occupy fourth place in Group A and remain in with a chance of a play-off berth.
"We've got a very good, young team which is hungry for success," said Alaba. "We've been unfortunate recently and our performances haven't always been the best, but we're focusing on the task in hand and concentrating fully on our upcoming matches."
Though he is yet to decide what he will do once his playing days are over, Alaba revealed he "thoroughly enjoyed" helping to coach the Bayern U-11 team a couple of years ago. Maybe one day he himself will be the one shaping rough diamonds into the jewels of the future.
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