Now I'm sure there are people out there that are thinking, Chelsea has a billionaire Russian owner, just give him the money. This is a road with many bumps further down the line. If you give in to players needs, not only will other players see it, but so will other clubs. This is how you end up with ridiculous debts later on. You're going to have to give guys like Cech, Carvalho, and Essien the same amount. Then you try to buy players from other clubs. You're going to be forced to pay such an inflated price that is nowhere near market value just because clubs will think you'll do anything for the player. Is any player worth more than how much Real Madrid paid for Zidane? No. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Messi; as great as they are, they aren't worth more than Kaka and will never control a team the way he did. Then you have to sign the player, you're going to be forced to give them their terms.

You're players end up becoming mercenaries. You will have people not playing for the club because of their love for the club and success, but for their cheque. We've seen it happen for Sheva and there have been claims of that for Deco as well. Chelsea are now an attractive destination. We've got a manager who has a World Cup under his title, we recently made it to the Champions League Final, and we've either won or been runner-up for the Premier League title for four straight seasons. If there is a club that is up and coming where you can enjoy success, Chelsea is the spot. Even Kaka has said that he thinks " Chelsea are the club to be at right now". Although he is not joining Chelsea, that's great news for us and our development as a big club.

We've continuously bought stupidly and this must end. Tal Ben Haim was a pointless buy because he was no better than a young defender and he wasn't going to get much time anyways. Why not give some youth a chance? We bought Malouda to add flair on our left wing but it is as if no one ever watched him play before he was purchased. Malouda quickly moves right into the centre from the left. It could be argued that Deco was a stupid buy as well but I feel that he is probably Chelsea's only and best passer. Shevchenko never made sense for us to buy from day one. Pizarro was a free transfer but even as a third choice striker (at the time there was no Anelka), he's old and was often played as a midfielder. People may say that Nicolas Anelka was a dumb buy as well. I would say that our hands were tied because of the need to have a quality striker during the race for the Premier League title and Champions League fixtures. I just don't feel we should have bought someone with a bad history like his.

Here's a couple of positions we obviously need replacements. Drogba may not leave this season but he will eventually, someone of young class will be neeeded. Shevchenko, Anelka, and Pizarro need to all be shown the door. Lucas Podolski should be bought for our second striker as he is obviously out of place with Toni and Klose at Bayern Munich. He also showed he was a very effective winger down the left side. For our number 3 striker, Dani Guiza because he was La Liga's leading scorer and he was great for Spain in Euro 2008. He could eventually over take Podolski. Di Santo should be our 4th striker. For our winger, Podolski would be able to play the left. Robinho would be a sound winger with great finishing. Robinho would probably cost a lot but would be worth it. How scary is Podolski + Cole, Robinho + Cole, or Podolski + Robinho?

Overall, I just believe Chelsea should be much more careful. The line-up only needs tweaking not a major overhaul. Only our striker position needs an overhaul.

The Portuguese international put Chelsea on alert about his future after EURO 2008, having confessed he wanted to go back with former coach, Jose Mourinho.

Carvalho said he is a huge fan of Scolari, after working for him when he was Portugal coach, and is now happy to stay.

Replacements and more:

Ricardo Carvalho:

Should Ricardo Carvalho leave Chelsea, I think we have a regular replacement in Alex. We have a decent person to cover up our bench with Ivanovic but we would probably have to keep on Ben Haim. I don't want to keep on Ben Haim so we should pick up a 4th string central defender.

Didier Drogba:

I'm not a fan of losing a prolific striker. We were in the hunt for Torres and Villa. Villa isn't a guy we can play a 4-3-3 with. You would want a big target man. Amauri and Gomez would be good immediate replacements. Bafetimbi Gomis of Saint-Ettiene would be a good long term project. If you want to play a 4-4-2 put in Podolski and Villa as one grouping and Anelka and Sheva in on the other group. Someone with the goalscoring capabilities of Drogba will be hard to replace.

Frank Lampard:

Many people think Frank Lampard is irreplaceable. I would beg to differ but I don't want Super Frank to leave. Should he leave he will be difficult to replace. We need a goal scoring midfielder and decent playmaker. Deco can fulfill his playmaking role and Ballack can do playmaking and scoring. We may need some cover when they need resting or injuries. In this situation, we should go after both Diego of Werder Bremen and Rafael Van Der Vaart. Van Der Vaart had a great showing with the Netherlands. He was probably undershadowed for no particular reason by Sneijder, Robben, Van Nistelrooy, and Van Persie. Diego is a great player with scoring abilities and is very young. We may be able to sign him on the cheap because he's Brazilian and he may be undershadowed by European players right now.

Additions:

Bastian Schweinsteiger:

This guy is a quality winger and he works well with Michael Ballack. We could have a real dangerous threat on the wings with Joe Cole. It would take tonnes of pressure off our forwards because of so much danger up front. He had a quality showing against the Portuguese and was very impressive against Scolari's national club. He would be a good grab 15 million Pounds but we probably won't be able to get him for less than 17 million pounds.

Nel big match di ieri sera i tedeschi,più concreti, hanno battuto il Portogallo favorito e passano alle semifinali. Davvero Germania killer, domina nella prima mezz'ora del primo tempo e segna 2 gol su 3 occasioni. Splendida l'azione del primo gol, con doppia triangolazione Ballack-Podolski, l'attaccante del Bayern crossa al millimetro per Schweinsteiger che insacca. Dopo appena 6 minuti Klose fa 2, ancora Schweinsteiger protagonista, punizione perfetta, dormita dei portoghesi e primo gol in Euro08 per Miroslav Klose.

Il Portogallo finalmente si sveglia, Scolari inserisce Raul Meireles e toglie Joao Moutinho, così Deco, libero da ruoli di interdizione, ispira Ronaldo con un grande lancia al 40', il futuro Pallone d'Oro sbaglia di fronte a Lehmann ma Nuno Gomes sulla ribattuta fa 2 a 1. Si va negli spogliatoi con il Portogallo che riapre la partita, che ricomincia nel secondo tempo sulla falsa riga del primo. Ronaldo finalmente entra in partita, ed il Portogallo si fa pericoloso. Pepe si mangia un gol a porta aperta, e per la solita legge "Gol sbagliato, gol subito", alla prima occasione del secondo tempo ancora punizione di Schweinsteiger (ci sempre 2 anni per scrivere sto cognome) e Michael Ballack chiude virtualmente la partita con un gran colpo di testa, ed anche con uno spintone ai danni di Ferreira. L'arbitro non vede, i portoghesi si lamentano, ma è 3 a 1.

La Germania quindi con il vantaggio di 2 gol può fare il gioco che predilige, ad una ad una escono tutte le punte ed entrano i difensori, il Portogallo prova l'assedio, e riesce ad accorciare le distanze all'87'. Nani fa tutto da solo, si mangia 3 tedeschi, crossa in area ed Helder Postiga di testa insacca. E'ormai troppo tardi però per i portoghesi, Scolari viene eliminato sul più bello e torna a Londra, il Portogallo dimostra ancora una volta di essere una squadra con poca esperienza, troppi solisti e una difesa non proprio impeccabile.

Il Portogallo pecca sicuramente per alcuni episodi clou, il primo gol è solo bravura tedesca, ma il secondo è puramente colpa dei difensori. Non si può lasciare uno come Klose libero di saltare in area. I Portoghesi sicuramente non meritano di uscire così, ma questa sconfitta servirà loro da lezione. La Germania è stata sottovalutata, e tutti noi sappiamo quanto sia pericolosa la squadra di Loew. Ballack re del centrocampo, difende ed attacca, cuce e ricuce una partita che i tedeschi hanno vinto sicuramente lì, a centrocampo. Schweinsteiger batte Ronaldo nella personale sfida sulle fasce, il numero 7 portoghese si vede poco e niente, invece Bastian è sempre presente nelle azioni clou della partita, sicuramente il migliore in campo.

Peccato per Scolari, ma in queste due settimane c'era troppa tranquillità nel ritiro portoghese. Non si parlava d'altro di Real Madrid e Ronaldo, Scolari e Chelsea. In un certo senso, son contento che sia finita così, la stella annunciata Ronaldo ancora una volta ha fallito nell'appuntamento più importante. Bravo, pallone d'oro.

Cronaca della partita.

Portugal se plantó en Ginebra en jornada de reflexión. Sabiendo que es nna selección cuyo único temor es extra-futbolístico, por el ruido mediático que provoca Cristiano Ronaldo, sí. Pero sabiendo que es una selección cuya gran virtud es, precisamente, vivir exclusivamente de lo futbolístico. Tienen de todo: liderazgo (Deco), toque (Moutinho), electricidad (Simao), arrestos (Pepe), jerarquía (Carvalho) y además, un estilo propio (copyright Luiz Felipe Scolari). Suficiente nitroglicerina para que Turquía pudiera frenar la calidad de los asesinos en serie del fado. El gol de Pepe  fue suficiente para tumbar a los de Fatih Terim que, a pesar de su constancia y tesón, están un peldaño por debajo del talento de Portugal, un equipo que, a día de hoy, puede mirarle a los ojos a Brasil, Argentina, Italia o Alemania. Meireles, en el decuento, marcaba la verdadera diferencia entre ambos contendientes. En el otro encuentro de la jornada, en Basilea, Suiza 0 -República Checa 1. Un aburrido partido inaugural que deambuló encorsetado en el primer tiempo, y que tuvo más alegría en el segundo, donde Suiza puso la aventura y Chequia el gol. El gol de Sverkos fue un castigo demasiado severo para el atrevimiento de los anfitriones y un botín demasiado suculento para una República Checa tan certera como mezquina. En el epitafio suizo, sin duda, una fotografía muy cruda: las lágrimas de Frei. Unas lágrimas que fueron las lágrimas de Suiza.

Portugal 2- Turquía 0. El primer acto consistió en un ejercicio de paciencia de turcos y lusos. Turquía basaba su fútbol en la capacidad para contener de Mehmet Aurelio, en los destellos de Kazim-Kazim y en las picaduras de cobra de Nihat a la contra. Argumentos sólidos para que Portugal arrancara en el partido algo incómodo, dubitativo, con cierto respeto en el cuerpo. Sin embargo, con el paso de los minutos, Portugal comenzó a ser protagonista, a entrar en contacto con la pelota y a demostrar que es más que Turquía - porque Portugal es más que Turquía- y que debía ganar. Apareció Moutinho en plan pelotero, Cristiano Ronaldo abrió el campo y estrelló una pelota en el palo, y Simao Sabrosa dejó un par de puñaladas intermitentes que hicieron que los turcos, poco a poco, se fueran aculando. De ahí al final del primer tiempo, el miedo guardó la viña de la selección de Fatih Terim, que fue consciente de estar intentando contener a un equipo más técnico, más fuerte e incluso tan bien organizado como ellos. Al descanso, la tropa de Scolari, el del arte de la guerra, no saciaba su instinto ganador. Turquía alcanzaba los vestuarios con cierto aire de satisfacción: estaban ilesos de un envite harto complicado.  

Tras el descanso, Portugal volvió a afinar su orquesta, y tanto Deco como Moutinho empujaron lo suficiente desde el centro del campo como para armar un fútbol más fluído, que casi siempre encontraba el faro amigo en las botas de Moutinho. Los de Scolari menearon el árbol turco en el primer cuarto de hora, y el gol parecía cuestión de tiempo. Cristiano Ronaldo tuvo un par de opciones, Nuno Gomes estrelló otro balón contra la madera y Simao lanzó alto y flojo un balón que llevaba marchamo de gol. Era la confirmación de que, si uno era turco, había elegido un mal día para dejar de fumar. Portugal era una avalancha y Turquía no tenía respuesta para un aluvión descontrolado. La bisagra de la puerta turca cedió en el minuto 60. En la mejor jugada del encuentro, Pepe - Don José, el de los 30, filete o solomillo caro- tuvo arrestos y fe para irse hacia delante. Encontró espacio, avanzó cual medio llegador, enlazó una pared de primeras con Moutinho - buen futbolista- que le devolvió la pelota en un mano a mano con Demirel. Pepe, con sangre en el ojo, hizo de delantero centro y marcó un señor golazo. Después, los Scolari Boys levantaron el pie del acelerador y Turquía recompuso algo la figura. Empezó a pedirla Emre Belozoglu y sus compañeros empezaron a creer algo más en el empate, pero todo intento otomano fue en vano. Enfrente había un equipo más fuerte, más completo, más duro y con mayor calidad: Portugal, un favorito al título. Meireles, tras toque genial de Moutinho, puso el broche final al partido. 

Suiza 0 - Re. Checa 1. Fiel a la tradición y al peso de la historia, el partido inaugural no ofreció demasiadas cosas. Suiza y República Checa tiraron de manual, dibujaron un partido de mucha pizarra y poca aventura, y hastiaron al personal con una primera aparte encorsetada, conservadora y de más sombras que luces. La República Checa, un equipo con empaque y calidad, no favorita pero sí con trazas de outsider, tuvo un déficit de actitud. Podía, pero no quería. La línea integrada por Jankulovski, Rozehal, Ujfalusi y Grygera - los cuatro zagueros- fueron los dueños de la pelota. Galasek y Polar, por delante de esa línea defensiva, ejercían como parachoques, pero no como directores de juego. Más que nada, porque juego, lo que se dice juego, no existía. El póker de talentosos checos, con Sionko, Plasil, o Jarolim eran meros espectadores. Todo, porque el plan A de Chequia se reducía a un melón de cuarenta metros a la cabeza del gigantesco y jurásico Jan Koller.  Los anfitriones tampoco se sacaban el corsé. Müller y Senderos, los centrales, ejercían su jerarquía desde atrás, y los tipos de calidad, como Barnetta, sufrían ataques de tortícolis y se pasaban el día viendo, con desesperación, como unos y otros reventaban balones y los enviaban a cualquier sitio. Fue entonces cuando algo inesperado hizo saltar por los aires el guión del aburrimiento. Frei, el mejor  y más peligroso suizo, notó que su rodilla crujía. Después abandonaba el terreno de juego entre lágrimas de rabia e impotencia, en una imagen que conmovió el corazón de los aficionados del Sankt Jacob Park. Curiosamente, a raíz de esa lesión, a Suiza le nació la valentía en la caseta. Al mister Koebi Kuhn, le dio un ataque de coraje tras perder a Frei y quiso mandar a hacer puñetas el manual del orden y tiró de un veterano pura sangre Hakan Yakin. Esa decisión fue una bendición, porque Suiza enseñó su mejor fútbol, fabricó jugadas al primer toque y tuvo cuatro o cinco ocasiones de gol cantado. Al otro lado de la ventanilla, los checos seguían haciendo lo posible por perder el partido. Mientras Ujfalusi - un central siempre bien colocado y de manejo aseado de la pelota- mantenía viva la resistencia checa, los suizos habían anulado por completo las apariciones de Jankulovski o Plasil en banda. Suiza no cedía, seguía practicando un fútbol alegre y se animaba a estrechar el cerco sobre Cech, pero no lograba el gol. Y como amor no es literatura si no se escribe en la piel, los compatriotas de Guillermo Tell pagaron el pato. Los helvéticos tiraron mal la línea del fuera de juego, por allí apareció Sverkos llegando en posición correcta y no perdonó (0-1). Minutos después, Cech sacaba una pelota de gol a Barnetta y el remate a bocajarro de otro suizo se estrellaba contra el travesaño. Para colmo, el colegiado Rossetti se tragaba una mano dentro del área de los checos y los rojillos seguían sin encontrar premio a su entusiasmo, mientras las manecillas del reloj (suizo, off course) jugaban en su contra. Desde ahí hasta el final, Suiza percutió contra el área checa con furia pero sin ideas, algo que facilitó la labor a Ujfalusi (Man of the match) y compañía, que resistieron hasta el final del partido. El resultado fue un castigo demasiado severo para el atrevimiento de los anfitriones y un botín demasiado suculento para una República Checa tan certera como mezquina. En el epitafio suizo, sin duda, una fotografía muy cruda: las lágrimas de Frei. Fueron las lágrimas de Suiza.

• Switzerland v. Czech Republic (11:30 EST)
• Portugal v. Turkey (2:30 EST)

The remaining games in the group will be held on June 11th and 15th.

First In: Portugal. If Christiano Ronaldo wants to make a move to Real, and solidify his Footballer of the Year award, he'll be leg-faking his squad into the quarter finals while the Group A defenders look for their jock straps. Let's also not forget Chelsea center defender Ricardo Carvalho and recent acquisition, José Bosingwa at right defense, both go to show the Portuguese squad's skill in defense in addition to the exciting offensive play.

First Out: Switzerland. Sorry, when you drop a game to the US squad 3-0, I can't see any way that you get past the quality squads in this group.

The second qualification spot is really a toss-up between the Czech Republic and Turkey. The former are playing with pretty much the same squad that failed to the elimination stage in the 2006 World Cup (losing to Ghana and eventual winners Italy), except for injured captain Tomas Rosicky and veteran defender Pavel Nedved.

Turkey could surprise. In qualifying for the finals, they played in a very light grouping, taking second (Greece won). The squad has a number of players with experience in the German Bundesliga. Their coach, Fatih Terim, is the only one to take a Turkish squad on runs into major tournaments (2000 Euro, 3rd at 2002 WC). Because of the importance coaching plays in tournament-type situations, I'll pick Turkey should advance as the second place team. They'll face the winner of Group B (in all likelihood, Germany).

Next, I'll look at Group B.

Moratti é conhecido pelo temperamento forte. Mourinho conhecido pelo perfil único de liderança. Vamos ver se dá certo...

Os M&M's foram apanhados em Paris (como a Gazzetta dello Sport noticiou com esta imagem), num encontro em que (segundo alguma imprensa) ficou definidos alguns destes pontos (e muitos deles muito nos dizem respeito):

- lista de reforços, em que se destacam os portugueses Quaresma (FC Porto), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea) e Deco (Barcelona);

- Samuel Etoo (Barcelona): estarão dispostos a dar 30 milhões;

- Mourinho terá acertado os últimos detalhes do contrato de 27 milhões de euros por três épocas.

É sempre a facturar! Agora que venha o Scudetto e a Champions... no mínimo!

Tor

Edwin van der Saar: Hielt in der zweiten Halbzeit den Angriffswellen Chelseas stand. Rutschte beim Gegentor auf glattem Rasen. Einer von sechs Elfmetern gehalten, ein zweiter ging an den Pfosten. Solide, aber nicht überragend.

Abwehr

Wes Brown: Der Glatzkopf machte in der Abwehr ein gutes Spiel, gewann in der Defensive viele Zweikämpfe und konnte sich auch immer wieder ins Angriffsspiel einschalten. Wurde in der Nachspielzeit zu Gunsten von Anderson ausgewechselt (taktischer Wechsel fürs Elfmeterschießen).

Rio Ferdinand: Mit gewohnt direkter Spielweise und Stärke in den Zweikämpfen ein Turm in der Abwehrschlacht Manchesters in der zweiten Hälfte. Hielt trotz Wadenkrämpfen in der 70. Minute bis zum Abpfiff fünfzig Minuten später durch.

Nemanja Vidic: Neben Ferdinand souverän in der Innenverteidigung. Gute Raumaufteilung zwischen ihm und Ferdinand, die Abstimmung passte.

Patrice Evra: Sorgte immer wieder für Zug nach vorne. Viele Dribblings, viele Pässe, viele Aktionen in der Offensive. Hinten eher selten gefordert.

Anderson: Taktischer Wechsel in Bezug auf das Elfmeterschießen. Traf.

Mittelfeld

Owen Hargreaves: Spielte überraschend. In der ersten Halbzeit immer wieder im gegnerischen Strafraum, wurde aber oft zu hoch angespielt. Ab der 45. Minute dann defensiv gefordert. Traf im Elfmeterschießen.

Paul Scholes: Blutete früh aus der Nase und hatte damit eine Zeit lang zu kämpfen. Kluger Ballverteiler im Mittelfeld, jedoch mit wenig Offensivdruck. Ging in der 87. Minute für den offensiveren Ryan Giggs.

Michael Carrick: Dynamisch zu Beginn, später ruhiger. Oft im Halbfeld unterwegs. Ordentliche Partie. Traf im Elfmeterschießen.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Sprühte in der ersten Hälfte vor Kreativität. Trotz jungen Alters der Mittelfeldmotor von Manchester, dominierte den Spielrhythmus. Des Widerspänstigen Zähmung misslang am Ende: Verschoss seinen Elfmeter, weil er Petr Cech vorführen wollte.

Ryan Giggs: Kam in der 87. Minute für Paul Scholes. Vor allem im Sturm aktiv, rutschte jedoch an einigen guten Möglichkeiten vorbei. Verwandelte den für Manchester entscheidenden Elfmeter sicher.

Sturm

Wayne Rooney: Ein Schatten seiner selbst. Ohne gute Torchance. An der Entstehung des Führungstreffers beteiligt, aber oft nicht im Zentrum des Spiels. Machte in der 102. Minute Platz für Nani und war mit sich selbst unzufrieden. Wurde aber auch konsequent von Chelseas Abwehr in Schach gehalten (oft vier Verteidiger gegen die beiden Manchester-Stürmer)

Carlos Tevez: Ließ sich im Gegensatz zu Rooney öfter ins Mittelfeld fallen, um an Bälle zu kommen. Spielte den Ballverteiler, als er merkte, dass es für ihn als reiner Stürmer nicht lief. Ein sehr gutes Spiel, vor allem in der ersten Halbzeit! Traf im Elfmeterschießen.

Nani: Blutjung und sehr dynamisch. Wurde in der 102. Minute eingewechselt und orientierte sich eher Richtung Mittelfeld. Belebende Dribblings, immer wieder schöne Einzelaktionen. Sorgte dafür, dass ManUtd in der Nachspielzeit noch Offensivaktionen zustande brachte. Traf im Elfmeterschießen.

FC Chelsea

Tor

Petr Cech: Gewohnt überzeugend im Tor. Hielt in der ersten Halbzeit immer wieder den Manchester-Sturm auf. Beim Gegentor machtlos. Lag beim Elfmeterschießen oft in der richtigen Ecke.

Abwehr

Michael Essien: Beim Gegentor inkonsequent gegenüber Cristiano Ronaldo. Man merkte, dass er normalerweise nicht in der Abwehr, sondern im Mittelfeld spielt. Steigerte sich später.

Ricardo Carvalho: Verteidigte mit allen Mitteln - nicht immer mit fairen. Einer der Stützpfeiler von Chelseas verändertem Auftreten in der zweiten Halbzeit.

Ashley Cole: Sein Einsatz war wegen einer Knöchelverletzung fraglich, er spielte allerdings durch. Ordentliches Spiel, aber nicht mehr. Traf im Elfmeterschießen.

John Terry: Der Kapitän trieb seine Mannschaft nach der Halbzeit immer wieder nach vorne. Wille zum Sieg erkennbar, schaltete sich aber nicht so oft vorne ein. Verschoss den Elfmeter, der die Entscheidung für Chelsea hätte bedeuten können (weggerutscht auf nassem Rasen).

Mittelfeld

Michael Ballack: Von unglaublichem Siegeswillen getrieben. Der beste Spieler von Chelsea auf dem Feld. Suchte und gewann Zweikämpfe, stoppte ab der Halbzeitpause Cristiano Ronaldo. Traf im Elfmeterschießen sicher. Nach Abpfiff untröstlich. Für mich Man of the Match.

Joe Cole: Baute in der zweiten Halbzeit gewaltig Druck auf die ManUtd-Defensive auf. Ansonsten funktionierendes Rädchen im Chelsea-Mittelfeld. Ging in der 99. Minute für Nicolas Anelka.

Frank Lampard: Erzielte den Ausgleichstreffer alleine vor van der Saar. Machte eine gute Partie. In zweiter Halbzeit weniger Einzelspieler und mehr Teil des Teams. Traf im Elfmeterschießen.

Claude Makelele: Wichtig für das Funktionieren des Mittelfeldes, aber wenig Einzelaktionen. Für ihn kam in der Nachspielzeit Juliano Belletti (taktischer Wechsel fürs Elfmeterschießen).

Florent Malouda: Interpretierte seine Rolle als Bindeglied zwischen Mittelfeld und Sturm sehr ansprechend. Oft am Ball. Suchte die Duelle mit dem Gegner. Sehr dynamisches Spiel! Ging in der 92. Minute, für ihn kam Salomon Kalou.

Salomon Kalou: Brachte frischen Wind in die Nachspielzeit. Dribbelstark, gern am Ball. Traf im Elfmeterschießen.

Juliano Belletti: Taktischer Wechsel fürs Elfmeterschießen. Er traf.

Sturm

Didier Drogba: Kam selten zum Zuge. Von der Manchester-Defensive fast abgemeldet - aber eben nur fast. Wurde oft in Doppeldeckung genommen. Besser als auf der anderen Seite Wayne Rooney, aber schlechter als Tevez.

Nicolas Anelka: Kam in der 99. Minute für Joe Cole. Wirkte behäbig, etwas zu bullig für das Spiel. Unterstützte und entlastete Drogba. Verschoss den entscheidenden Elfmeter.

O guarda-redes Ricardo, um dos 23 convocados pelo seleccionador nacional Luiz Felipe Scolari para representar Portugal no Euro2008, foi o primeiro a chegar a Viseu, onde vai decorrer o estágio da selecção.

À chegada, duas horas antes da hora limite (19h00) imposta para os jogadores darem entrada no Hotel Montebelo, Ricardo disse estar preparado para o desafio do Europeu. “Se estou preparado? todos temos de estar sempre preparados para desempenhar as nossas funções”, afirmou, defendendo que a selecção tem como objectivo “trabalhar com dedicação e, acima de tudo, honrar todos os portugueses”. O guarda-redes disse ainda estar num bom momento da sua carreira: “Estou em grande forma… como se vê”.

A não ser que o seleccionador surpreenda, Ricardo deverá ser titular no Europeu de 2008 e não está, para já, preocupado com o assunto: “O que espero é trabalhar bem. É para isso que estamos cá todos”.

Quanto ao grupo de trabalho, o ex-guarda-redes de Boavista e Sporting, que conta 74 internacionalizações “AA”, não tem dúvidas, “é um grupo que já trabalha há muito tempo, com uma ou outra entrada”. “Isto é a selecção nacional e isso chega”, reforçou.

Ricardo é um dos 18 futebolistas que chega hoje a Viseu, já que cinco estão autorizados a chegar mais tarde, entre eles Cristiano Ronaldo e Nani (Manchester United) e Ricardo Carvalho e Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), que disputam quarta-feira a final da Liga dos Campeões.

O central luso-brasileiro Pepe apenas chega na noite de quarta-feira, já que tem um compromisso - jogo em Riade - com os “merengues”, que, legalmente, só estão obrigados a dispensar o jogador com 14 dias de antecedência.

A selecção portuguesa de futebol inicia hoje um estágio de 13 dias em Viseu, que terminará a 31 de Maio, dia para o qual está agendado o último jogo particular, frente à Geórgia.

No dia seguinte, a comitiva ruma a Neuchatel, o “quartel-general” na Suíça, onde Portugal cumpre os três jogos na fase inicial, frente à Turquia (7 de Junho, em Genebra), à República Checa (11, em Genebra) e à selecção anfitriã (15, em Basileia).

Lista de convocados:

Guarda-redes
Quim – SL Benfica
Ricardo – Bétis de Sevilha
Rui Patrício – Sporting CP

Defesas
Bosingwa – FC Porto
Pepe – Real Madrid
Ricardo Carvalho – Chelsea
Paulo Ferreira –Chelsea
Miguel – Valência
Bruno Alves – FC Porto
Fernando Meira – Estugarda
Jorge Ribeiro – Boavista FC

Médios
Deco – Barcelona
Petit – SL Benfica
Raul Meireles – FC Porto
Miguel Veloso – Sporting CP
João Moutinho – Sporting CP

Avançados
Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester
Nani – Manchester
Simão Sabrosa – Atlético de Madrid
Ricardo Quaresma – FC Porto
Nuno Gomes – SL Benfica
Hugo Almeida – Werder Bremen
Hélder Postiga – Panathinaikos

O guarda-redes Ricardo, um dos 23 convocados pelo seleccionador nacional Luiz Felipe Scolari para representar Portugal no Euro2008, foi o primeiro a chegar a Viseu, onde vai decorrer o estágio da selecção.

À chegada, duas horas antes da hora limite (19h00) imposta para os jogadores darem entrada no Hotel Montebelo, Ricardo disse estar preparado para o desafio do Europeu. "Se estou preparado? todos temos de estar sempre preparados para desempenhar as nossas funções", afirmou, defendendo que a selecção tem como objectivo "trabalhar com dedicação e, acima de tudo, honrar todos os portugueses". O guarda-redes disse ainda estar num bom momento da sua carreira: "Estou em grande forma... como se vê".

A não ser que o seleccionador surpreenda, Ricardo deverá ser titular no Europeu de 2008 e não está, para já, preocupado com o assunto: "O que espero é trabalhar bem. É para isso que estamos cá todos".

Quanto ao grupo de trabalho, o ex-guarda-redes de Boavista e Sporting, que conta 74 internacionalizações "AA", não tem dúvidas, "é um grupo que já trabalha há muito tempo, com uma ou outra entrada". "Isto é a selecção nacional e isso chega", reforçou.

Ricardo é um dos 18 futebolistas que chega hoje a Viseu, já que cinco estão autorizados a chegar mais tarde, entre eles Cristiano Ronaldo e Nani (Manchester United) e Ricardo Carvalho e Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), que disputam quarta-feira a final da Liga dos Campeões.

O central luso-brasileiro Pepe apenas chega na noite de quarta-feira, já que tem um compromisso - jogo em Riade - com os "merengues", que, legalmente, só estão obrigados a dispensar o jogador com 14 dias de antecedência.

A selecção portuguesa de futebol inicia hoje um estágio de 13 dias em Viseu, que terminará a 31 de Maio, dia para o qual está agendado o último jogo particular, frente à Geórgia.

No dia seguinte, a comitiva ruma a Neuchatel, o "quartel-general" na Suíça, onde Portugal cumpre os três jogos na fase inicial, frente à Turquia (7 de Junho, em Genebra), à República Checa (11, em Genebra) e à selecção anfitriã (15, em Basileia).

Lista de convocados:

Guarda-redes
Quim – SL Benfica
Ricardo – Bétis de Sevilha
Rui Patrício – Sporting CP

Defesas
Bosingwa – FC Porto
Pepe – Real Madrid
Ricardo Carvalho – Chelsea
Paulo Ferreira –Chelsea
Miguel – Valência
Bruno Alves – FC Porto
Fernando Meira – Estugarda
Jorge Ribeiro – Boavista FC

Médios
Deco – Barcelona
Petit – SL Benfica
Raul Meireles – FC Porto
Miguel Veloso – Sporting CP
João Moutinho – Sporting CP

Avançados
Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester
Nani – Manchester
Simão Sabrosa – Atlético de Madrid
Ricardo Quaresma – FC Porto
Nuno Gomes – SL Benfica
Hugo Almeida – Werder Bremen
Hélder Postiga – Panathinaikos

I can understand why fans would be angry at him at the time because it could have potentially cost Scotland a place at Euro 2008. However this did not happen; Scotland went on to win the game 3-1 and it had no impact on our hopes of qualification. In fact Andrius Velicka should have had a penalty earlier in the game for a foul by Stephen McManus, proof if any of the thought that these things even themselves out in football. This game also saw Scotland and Birmingham Citys Garry O' Conner also taking a dive however this was overlooked by the press and pundits alike who prefered to abuse Miko.

So I ask the question; why are people still booing the guy? How long until the fans realise that his dive had no bearing on the Scottish campaign? If they cannot get over this I think they need a reality check. Surely the referee was just as much to blame as he gave the penalty. Maybe I’m being naïve but does that not make him just as much of a villain as Miko?

Players dive all the time but are not victimised as much as the Lithuanian internationalist. For instance Nacho Novo was guilty of a blatent dive at the weekend against Hibs but nothing was said. And he is not the only one. Celtics', Shunsuke Nakamura and Hibernians', Benji are well known for going down too easily but they have not become pantomime villains. I believe that the fans need someone to abuse because the Scottish game has very little quality right now (no matter how much the pundits attempt to raise excitment) so they thrive on a player to victimise.

It is not just in the SPL were certain players diving has been glossed over especially if they are one of our own or a player from a top side. Steven Gerrard for instance won a last minute penalty at the start of the 2007 season against Sheffield United and nothing was said, however as soon as a foreigner dives they apparently should be hung out to dry and thrown out of football.

Although he didn’t take a dive a Cristiano Ronaldo found himself in a similar situation to Miko after he was held wrongly responsible for getting Wayne Rooney sent off in the 2006 World Cup and ending their participation in the competion.. The English nation blamed Ronaldo for complaining about a challenge by Rooney on Chelsea’s Ricardo Carvalho which saw Rooney stamp on the Portugal defender. However in this case it cost England a place in the semi final as Portugal eventually went through on penalties. It was thought after this incident that like Miko, Ronaldo would not be able to play in the same team or even the same country as Rooney again. All has since been forgiven after Ronaldo has taken the Premiership by storm and helped lead Manchester United to an impressive double.

So why in one case is a player who according to the English public cost them there best chance of winning the World Cup since 1966 is not getting booed with every touch but Mikoliunas who has had much less impact with Hearts this season is still receiving abuse from the Scottish crowds. I say lets give him a break. Let bygones be bygones and concentrate on keeping talented foreign youngsters in the Scottish game as opposed to hounding them out.

Os resumos dos jogos passam a ficar noutro servidor pois no Youtube são constantemente apagados ao fim de poucas horas. Fica aqui o video:

Right Back
Gary Neville

Just about everyone will tell you that Gary Neville must take this spot. Okay, some pundits will argue that Essien should fill the place at right back, but I've already picked Essien for my central midfield, so I'm just about left with no choice. Neville has had an outstanding season as captain, with excellent delivery from the flanks, diligent work ethics and all-around superb defending. As captain, he's generally come across as the strong and silent type,

Central Defender
Ricardo Carvalho

Hands down the best defender in the Premiership this season. He might lose out a bit when it comes down to winning the headers, but everything else about his game has been so impressive that I'd be surprised if he didn't make most other team of the season features. He reads the game brilliantly, tackles perfectly and even finds the time to come up with a cracking goal or two every now and then. Most will point to the importance of John Terry to this Chelsea side, but this season we've seen that in their lowest, downest times, it's folks like Carvalho who can emerge as heroes.

Central Defender
Jamie Carragher

I've always believed that England is home to lots of good defenders. I mean, even right now, look away from Rio Ferdinand and you have John Terry, Ledley King (quite fantastic), Sol Campbell, and of course Jamie Carragher. Always the unsung hero in Liverpool, whose lack of attacking cohesion has often led the Kop to look to the verve and dynamism of Steven Gerrard, the occasional spark of Peter Crouch and the here-and-there attacking plays from just about anyone and everyone they can find. (I actually find Chelsea more entertaining to watch these days, which is something you wouldn't have even contemplated a year or two ago.)

But if there's one person who has proven to represent Liverpool FC more than their inspirational captain, it's this guy. He's tremendous, yet often overlooked. He's the sole consistent performer in this patches-and-pieces Liverpool side that sometimes doesn't look like a team. While I remember him making the rare error now and then (against Henry in the FA Cup, for instance), I also remember his performances against the likes of Barcelona. Lionhearted and (I imagine) quite the motivation, he makes up the other half of this central defensive partnership for me.

Left Back
Matt Taylor

I actually wanted to go for Nicky Shorey, but I'll stick with Matty Taylor. I think it's obvious I favour the overlooked players when Patrice Evra is my third choice. Efficient and effervescent, I think the thing I remember most about him was all the cracking goals he scored. That said, he has proven to be a tireless worker and an apt defender, and I always love a highly-attacking left back, so this choice was actually easier to make than it might seem.

Goalkeeper
David James

Magnificent. Absolutely magnificent. It's funny how heading to Pompey seems to have this effect on players, and I don't think it's been more pronounced than in the case of David James. There have just about been only two goalkeepers who have been outstanding this season. Petr Cech being the other, but he was injured anyway, and James's revival certainly impressed me more. I mean, that is if you look away from Liverpool's penalty-saving stunts and Van Der Sar's initial invulnerability (he did prove a little unreliable in the second half of the season, as I recall). James has had an amazing season, and he just about deserves this spot.

Subs
Petr Cech, Steven Gerrard, Carlos Tevez, Nemanja Vidic

Manager
Sir Alex Ferguson

Who else?

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Here is the Odds and Sods roundup of the 2006-7 season.

Starting XI

Didier Drogba, Chelsea

This one was pretty much a no brainer. He had 32 goals in all competitions, including 20 in the Premier League. Arguably the best striker in the world this season, he was the difference between Chelsea finishing 2nd and 4th.

Dimitar Berbatov, Tottenham Hotspur

The Bulgarian had twenty-three goals for Spurs this season in all competitons, showing no difficulty at all adjusting to the Premier League. Not much in the way of pace, but he is a first-class finisher. Purchased for 10.9m GB, he has most likely tripled his value.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United

Another no brainer.  He had 23 goals and 20 assists out of the midfield this season.  His flair and stepovers were actually productive.  He may be the best player in the world right now, and the scary part is he is still developing.

Michael Essien, Chelsea

He probably could be in the All-Premiership list at multiple positions.  He was excellent playing out of position in Central Defense and at Right Back.  In his natural midfield position, he was an absolute beast and an engine driving the Blues forward.  He also had arguably the best goal of the season with his late equaliser against Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta, Everton

The Spaniard is the most underrated player in the Premiership.  He was absolutely outstanding in the midfield, contributing nine goals and numerous man of the match performances.  Without him, Everton do not qualify for Europe.

Ryan Giggs, Manchester United

What a long strange trip it's been, but Ryan Giggs is still the best left winger in England.  He turned out a vintage performance this season and was a key component of Manchester Utd's multi-pronged dynamic midfield attack.  Led the Reds to their 9th Premiership Title during his career.

Steve Finnan, Liverpool

It is hard to believe that there could be an UNDERrated Liverpool player, but Finnan manages to get overlooked time and again.  The Irishman is the only player in the Premiership to have worked his way up through every level of English football from the Conference to the Premiership.  He does a fabulous job of getting down the wings getting crosses into the box.

Ricardo Carvalho, Chelsea

Often christened "the master of the dark arts," the Chelsea defender held down the fort for much of the season as injuries ravaged the rest of Chelsea's back four.  Expert at crafty play and antagonizing opposing strikers, his absence was felt palpably against Liverpool in the Champions League and may affect Chelsea's ability to compete in the FA Cup Final as well.

Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United

His partnership with Rio Ferdinand in central defense provided the backbone for Manchester United's title run and gave Paul Scholes and Co. the freedom to drift forward.  The Serb showed incredible strength and tackling ability, and had a magnificent first season in the Premiership.  Sir Alex will attempt to keep him from jumping ship to Juve.

Patrice Evra, Manchester United

He was quite simply the best Left-Back in the Premiership and gave a truly world-class performance, unlike Cashley "The Best Left-Back in the World" Cole.

Marcus Hahnemann, Reading

Cech is without a doubt a class above the rest, but can't be considered as he missed so much of the season.  The Three Americans (Howard, Friedel, and Hahnemann) were the best over the course of the season.  Hahnemann gets the edge because he was a leader on a young team and was a huge part of Reading's surprising success.

An interesting sub-plot after the disappointing England showing in the World Cup is that there are no England National Team players on that list.  Lampard arguably could have been considered, had he not gone MIA the last two months of the season, but besides him no one.

Honorable Mention Subs Bench

Brad Freidel, Blackburn

Gary Neville, Manchester United

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool

Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal

Bennie McCarthy, Blackburn

Player of the Year: Didier Drogba, Chelsea

Drogba gets the slight edge over Ronaldo in our book.  Ronaldo had career performances from his teammates, while Drogba often dragged Chelsea by himself kicking and screaming.

Young Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United

Apologies to Cesc Fabregas

Manager of the Year: Steve Coppell, Reading

Most Entertaining Side: Reading

Least Entertaining Side: Manchester City

Apologies to Wigan Athletic, Sheffield United, Watford, and Fulham

Best Signing: Dimitar Berbatov, Tottenham Hotspur

Worst Signing: Andriy Shevchenko, Chelsea

30 m GBP transfer fee, 30 appearances, 4 goals

Best Dressed: Thierry Henry, Arsenal

Spent a lot of time sitting in the stands, and looked sharp every time.

Worst Dressed: Alan Curbishley 

Is a tie too much to ask?

Most Pies Eaten: Mark Viduka, Middlesbrough

Apologies to Fat Frank and Baptista

Best Selling Swimsuit Calendar: Freddie Ljungberg, Arsenal

Worst Selling Swimsuit Calendar: Ivan Campo, Bolton

Apologies to Sam Allardyce

Most Unintentionally Funny Goal Celebration: Tie, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson

Most Unintentionally Amusing Player Column: Kevin Nolan, BBC

Anger Management Award: Joey Barton, Manchester City

Apologies to Craig Bellamy

Ibsen Award: Frank Lampard, Chelsea

Apologies to rest of Chelsea Lockeroom

Bipolar Award for Consistent Inconsistency: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United

Cro-Magnon Award: Jamie Carragher, Liverpool

Peter Crouch Award: Peter Crouch, Liverpool

Best Hair: Joleon Lescott

Apologies to David James

Best Beard: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United