Don’t you just love how Messi’s casually swinging around his 2008 Olympic Gold Medal as he’s showing it off to the Spanish Press like it’s some old key ring.
Guess after all the drama that was surrounding Messi’s departure for the games, no one is going to hold it against him now that he’s got the Gold in his pocket.
We’re at halftime right now (1am Eastern) in Argentina v Nigeria 0-0. Marcello Balboa is saying Nigeria is playing better, but I disagree and see Argentina building many more chances. I don’t like the cynical play on Messi, and the overall defensive play of Nigeria. Nigeria’s chances have looked weak. It’s hot, it’s humid, Argentina is a little flat sure, and it’s sloppy. But I see Argentina pulling this out 2-0.
Image via The Telegraph
It will be Messi Vs Ronaldinho as Argentina tango’s with Brazil in the Semi-Final’s of the Men’s Olympic Soccer in Beijing at 9am Eastern Time.
With both players scoring twice in the earlier rounds of the competition, Brazil leads the tournament with a team high 11 goals scored while not conceding any, while Argentina has conceded just two.
Surprising side Belgium will take on the Super Eagles from Nigeria in the other Semi-Final from Shanghai after Belgium snuck by the Italians 3-2 (and playing a man down for most of the match) and Nigeria downed Ivory Coast 2-nil.
1996 was Nigeria, 2000 was Cameroon, 2004 was Argentina and 2008 will be….
image via GamesNet
With the continued dramz surrounding clubs letting their players play in Beijing, Messi proved why he is so valuable. In their opening round match against the Ivory coast, the dimunitive playmaker notched one and set up one to beat the Ivory Coast 2-1. Barcelona might be raclling this dude before the Olympics are over, but it’s clear Messi is going to put his stamp on this while he is in Beijing.
FIFA has reiterated it’s stance Wednesday, demanding all players under the age of 23 (or 23 at the time of the Olympics) MUST be released from their club commitments.
“The single judge determined that the international match calendar is not of relevance in establishing whether clubs are obliged to release players,” FIFA said in its statement.
“In view of the longstanding and undisputed practice (since 1988, clubs have always accepted the release of Under-23 players for the competition), he deemed that recourse to customary law is justified.”
FC Dallas is rumored to be attempting to cement their new “relationship” with River Plate by offering former Argentine national and current River Plate striker Ariel Ortega a multi-year deal at $1.5 million per year. Ortega would use up Dallas’ DP slot (with greater success than Denilson, hopefully). Ortega is said to be leaning towards accepting. Ortega would join Dario Sala, Pablo Richetti, and Juan Toja in the FC Dallas lineup of former River Plate guys in Frisco - a team nicknamed “River North” amongst local fans. Ortega is 34, known to be somewhat mercurial and not averse to the occassional post-game adult beverage. He does put the ball in the hole though, and did score River’s only goal in the last Boca-River match.
Image via TheOffsides
Last night The Wifey and I caught up and had dinner with our Argie brethren, Lucas and Andres at Zip Sushi over in the Arts District.
Thankfully this time Lucas kept his shirt on, but I think he convinced The Wifey to let me go to Argie with his this year for the Newell’s v Rosario Central derby.
If you haven’t gotten down there to check the scene out, I definitely suggest it as it’s a pretty amazing place to hang out.
25 year old Argentinian Jonas Gutierrez might be following the path that Scotland’s Andy Webster has forged after buying out the remaining two years on his contract from La Liga’s Real Mallorca and heading to Premiership side Newcastle.
The only problem with that is that the players contract is co-owned 50% with Argentina’s Velez Sarsfield, who are claiming the player was on loan and is owned compensation if the player is to be sold. Since Gutierrez hasn’t been “sold”, Sarsfield want the player back in training camp on July 9th and claiming the player is theirs again due to terms of the original agreement.
Mallorca originally had the chance to sell the player to Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth, but wanted more than the 8 Million Pound that was first offered. After that original amount was turned down, Gutierrez walked in to the directors and dropped the cash to buy out the remaining two years after being there for three years (where the Webster ruling kicks in).
Now Mallorca is playing the cash strapped, poor me club after losing out because of selfishness.
via Sky
“Because of our financial crisis, this could really damage us. In fact, it has come at the worst possible time,” said Grande.
“This matter is not closed because the club has decided to go to FIFA to reclaim our right. The minimum we want to recuperate is the £8million Portsmouth offered us in the winter.”
Is there any chance Mallorca and Velez will get anything? We’ve already seen what can happen when players force the clubs hands after refusing to allow players to move on when the proper offer comes in, rather than being held hostage by the club for more money.
image via Football
Even though there were no goals, Brazil v Argentina is never disappointing.
Up next, September 6th with Chile vs Brazil and Argentinz vs Paraguay.
Are we finally starting to gain just a little respect in the supporters department?
Is American Soccer Cross - Pollination starting to take place in the United States?
FC Uptown
image via Soccer
