Soccer Club

The retirement of Fighter

2011-06-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

The retirement of Fighter

2 weeks ago people around the world got a chance to see the last match of all time superb striker. He is the real fighter for me after many times that he had problems with his knee, but everytime he came back and showed his class again. The best striker played in his last match about 15 mins, his fitness is not in the good condition but he almost scored. Sadly, the shot was saved surprisingly.

“I had three goal opportunities but did not manage to score which would have been a nice present to give back to those who gave me so much,” he said afterwards to fans in a chilly Pacaembu stadium.

Fred’s match-winning goal was set up by the latest Brazilian golden boy Neymar, who has been linked to a move into the English Premier League.

Ronaldo announced his retirement in February citing recurring injury and health problems.

During a glittering 14-year spell in Europe, Ronaldo scored goals at a prolific rate for PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan, before returning to Brazil in 2009.

He won the World Cup with Brazil as a youngster in 1994 and then in 2002 and became the leading scorer in World Cup finals tournaments when he scored his 15th goal at the 2006 tournament in Germany.

He was twice named European Footballer of the Year, in 1997 and 2002, FIFA world footballer of the year in 1996, 1997 and 2002 and finished his international career with 62 goals in 97 appearances.

Here is activities of his career

1976: Born Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, September 22 in Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro.

1990: Signs his first professional contract with Brazilian minnows Social Ramos

1991: Joins Sao Cristovao where he scores 35 goals in 54 games.

1993: Moves to Brazilian top-flight club Cruzeiro and nets 58 goals in 60 games.

1994: March - makes international debut in the 2-1 win over South American rivals Argentina.Part of the Brazil squad that wins World Cup in the United States, although he does not feature.Joins Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for £4million, scoring three goals in the opening two games.

1995: Finishes season as the Eredivisie's top scorer with 30 goals.

1996: Named FIFA World Footballer of the Year.Joins Spanish side Barcelona for £10million after scoring 42 in 43 league games for PSV.

1997: Wins FIFA World Footballer of the Year award again, becoming the only player to win the award in two successive seasons, named European Footballer of the Year by France Football and wins European Cup-Winners Cup in tense final against former club PSV.Joins Italian giants Inter Milan for £19million after scoring 34 goals in 37 league games for Barca.

1998: Scores in Inter's 3-0 win over Lazio in the UEFA Cup final and finishes the season with 34 goals in 47 games.July - Suffers from mysterious illness just hours before Brazil's World Cup final clash against France in Paris. A clearly-shaken Ronaldo plays regardless, as a below-par Brazil side lose 3-0 to the hosts.September - Suffers knee injury which restricts him to only a handful of appearances over the next four years.

2002: June - Scores both goals in the World Cup final as Brazil beat Germany 2-0. Also tournament's top scorer with eight goals.August 31 - Ronaldo signs for Real Madrid, barely an hour before transfer window closes.December 16 - Named winner of European Football of the Year award for the second time. Becomes first player to win FIFA World Player of the Year on three occasions.

2003: April 23 - Scores hat-trick in Real's Champions League quarter-final second leg with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Real lose 4-3 on the night but go through to set up a semi-final against Juventus, which they lose.2004: March - Agrees two-year contract extension with Real.

2006 - Despite being criticised for his conditioning, Ronaldo scores three goals at the World Cup finals in Germany to break Gerd Muller's finals scoring record. Brazil are eliminated by France in the quarter-finals.

2007: January - Joins Serie A giants AC Milan on 18-month contract after falling out of favour with Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello.February - Scores two and sets one up in his first start for Milan, a 4-3 win over Siena.

2008: February - Suffers the third serious knee injury of his career. He goes on to be released when his contract expires in the summer without playing another game.December - Signs for Corinthians.

2009: Helps his new side win the Copa do Brasil and a place in the Copa Libertadores.

2011: February 14 - Announces his retirement from football.

Road to Stars of Bale

2011-06-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Best EPL players 2011

A month ago I talked about best player of EPL season 2011. Today, i wanna focus on his career.

Bale was born in Cardiff to parents Frank, a school caretaker, and Debbie, an operations manager; he attended Eglwys Newydd Primary School at Whitchurch. He is the nephew of former Cardiff City footballer Chris Pike. It was while at this school he first came to the attention of Southampton at nine years old, when he was playing in a six-a-side tournament with his first club, Cardiff Civil Service Football Club. Growing up his football hero was fellow Welshman and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.

Bale then attended Whitchurch High School in Cardiff. This is where, as well as football, he played rugby and hockey and was a distance runner. As a 14 year old he ran the 100 metre sprint in 11.4 seconds. Because of his superior skills, the school's PE teacher, Gwyn Morris, had to write special rules. These restricted Bale to playing one-touch football and not using his left foot. Whilst at Whitchurch, Bale trained at Southampton's satellite academy in Bath, although there was initially some doubt if Southampton would give him a scholarship due to his height.
Despite being only 16 at the time, he helped the school's under-18 side win the Cardiff & Vale Senior Cup. He left school in the summer of 2005 with a Grade A in PE amongst his GCSE results. In his final year at school, he was awarded the PE department's prize for services to sport.

On 17 April 2006, at the age of 16 years and 275 days, Bale became the second youngest player ever to play for Southampton (after Theo Walcott, who was 132 days younger) when he made his debut in the Saints' 2-0 victory against Millwall. On 6 August, Bale scored his first league goal, a free kick, to level the score at 1–1 against Derby County. The final score at Pride Park was 2–2.

He scored again, at St. Mary's, against Coventry City in the team's second game of the 2006–07 season with another free kick. Bale further developed his reputation as a free kick specialist when he struck the post from one against West Bromwich Albion. By 16 December 2006, Bale's goal count had risen to five, thanks to a late equaliser against Sunderland and free-kicks away to Hull and at home to Norwich City.

In December 2006, he won the Carwyn James Award for the BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year, and was named the Football League Young Player of the Year on 4 March 2007. This capped what was described in the local press as an "incredible" first full season as a professional footballer in which he was one of the Saints' "most creative players even (though operating) from the left-back position whilst his defending improved immeasurably as the season progressed."

His final game for Southampton was in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final against Derby County on 12 May 2007. Bale suffered an injury during the second half, preventing him from appearing in the second leg. In total, he made 45 appearances for Southampton, scoring five goals.

On 25 May 2007, Bale signed a four-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur with Spurs paying an initial £5 million for Bale, potentially rising to £10 million based on appearances and success. However, Tottenham paid Southampton an early settlement payment of £2 million in 2008 to reduce the final fee to £7 million and allow the Saints the immediate cash that they desperately needed.

2007-08

He played his first game for Spurs in a friendly against St. Patrick's Athletic on 12 July 2007, but was substituted on the 80th minute with a minor dead-leg. He made his competitive debut for Tottenham Hotspur on 26 August away against Manchester United. In just his second Spurs appearance, he scored his first goal for Tottenham in the 3–3 draw with Fulham on 1 September when he latched on to Robbie Keane's flick, charged down the left flank unopposed and coolly slotted past goalkeeper Antti Niemi. Bale went on to score again against Arsenal in the North London Derby, scoring a free kick inside the near post. He then scored in the League Cup home tie against Middlesbrough, making it three goals in four starts for the then 18-year-old. He also set up Spurs' goal against Anorthosis Famagusta in the UEFA Cup.

Bale was substituted after sustaining an injury resulting from a tackle from Fabrice Muamba in the league fixture against Birmingham City on 2 December 2007. A scan revealed that Bale had suffered ligament damage to his right ankle, consigning him to an extended period on the sidelines. Spurs' sporting director Damien Comolli announced in February 2008 that Bale would miss the rest of the season through injury.

2008-09

He signed a new four-year deal with the club in August 2008. Bale was given the number 3 shirt for the 2008-09 season, which left previous number 3 Lee Young-Pyo without a squad number. After some poor performances, Bale was dropped in favour of Benoît Assou-Ekotto and the latter remained first-choice for most of the season.

2009-10

After playing a record 24 Premier League games for Spurs without being on the winning side, Bale's first ever involvement in a Premier League victory came against Burnley on 26 September 2009 – more than two years after signing for Spurs – when he came on as an 85th minute substitute. In June 2009, Bale underwent surgery for a knee injury, ruling him out for over two months. He missed pre-season matches and it was projected that he would miss the first few weeks of the 2009–10 season.

On 26 September, he made his comeback as a substitute in the Spurs' 5–0 thrashing of Burnley. However, he endured a frustrating time on the bench as Benoît Assou-Ekotto was in good form. When Assou-Ekotto was sidelined with an injury, manager Harry Redknapp decided to give Bale a chance and he impressed in the Spurs' FA Cup third-round 4–0 win over Peterborough. He finally tasted victory for the first time as a starter in a league game in the 2–0 win over London rivals Fulham on 26 January 2010.

His good form continued and he was named Player of the Round after helping the Spurs to a 3–1 win in the sixth round replay of the FA Cup against Fulham. In April 2010, Bale scored another goal against Arsenal after a pass from Defoe he tapped the ball past the Arsenal keeper. Three days later, Bale slammed in Tottenham's second with his weaker right foot in a 2–1 victory over leaders Chelsea and was named Man of the Match. He was named Barclay Player of the Month for April. He signed a new four-year contract at White Hart Lane on 7 May 2010 as a reward for helping the club reach the Champions League qualification place.

2010-11

On 21 August, Bale scored twice in a 2–1 win at Stoke City, the second of which was a head-high volley into the top right hand corner of the goal. On 25 August, Bale set up all four goals to help Spurs overcome Young Boys 4–0 (6–3 agg.) in a Champions League play-off at White Hart Lane. Although Assou-Ekotto had already returned from injury, Bale continued his good form and cemented his place in the starting eleven, moving forward to left wing to accommodate Assou-Ekotto at left back. On 29 September 2010, Bale scored his first Champions League goal for Tottenham in a 4–1 home win against Dutch champions FC Twente in their second game of the group stages. In recognition, he was named Welsh Player of the Year by the FAW.

On 20 October, Bale scored his first senior hat trick against European champions Internazionale at the San Siro in the Champions League. Tottenham lost the match 4–3, having been 4–0 down inside the first 35 minutes and playing with ten men for over 80 minutes of the match after goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes had been sent off in the eighth minute for a professional foul on Inter's Jonathan Biabiany. In the return match at White Hart Lane on 2 November, Bale provided a man of the match performance, setting up goals for Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko to earn Spurs a memorable 3–1 win. On 4 November, Bale stated that he intended to remain at Tottenham for the remainder of his recently-signed four-year contract, despite reported interest from other clubs.

On 19 March 2011, Tottenham announced Bale had extended his stay at the club until 2015. On 17 April 2011, Bale was honoured with the PFA Player of the Year award, as voted for by his peers. In doing so, he became the only fourth Welsh player to win the PFA Player of the Year award (the others are Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs).

Golden Shoe of EU

2011-06-05T00:54:00.000-07:00

Best award for Goal Scorers

About a week ago after EU football league ended with the celebration of Barcelona, they won european cup again this season. However, the golden shoe award is not possesion of Barca's player this season, but it is belong to their's rival, Real Madrid's player. After Mourinho came to Bernabue, Madrid's fan hope that it'll be success year, but this season, they only got 1 cup. Although they didn't win the best price, all their stars start to make their team work happen. We can see from many goals they worked together until the ball was sent up to the end of the net. When the season ended, they all made 102 goals in total. And 40 from 102 goals is from the most expensive player in this world, Ronaldo.

Don't have a doubt, he won the Golden Shoe award again this season. This is the second time for hime to win this. If team work seems to be good like this next year, he'll be the frst player who win this award 3 times. Then i summarized top goalscorers for famous league in Europe to see who will be the one next year.

English Premier League

1. Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov - 20 goals

3. Robin Van Persie - 18 goals

Spanish La Liga

1. Ronaldo - 40 goals

2. Lioniel Messi - 31 goals

3. Sergio Kun Aguero and Alvaro Negredo - 20 goals

Bundesliga

1. Mario Gomez - 28 goals

2. Papiss Cisse - 22 golas

3. Milivoje Novakovic - 17 goals

Calcio Serie A

1. Antonio Di Natale - 28 goals

2. Edinson Cavani - 26 goals

3. Samuel Eto'o - 21 goals

Finale of 10-11 EPL

2011-05-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

19th winning of Red Army

After the challenge of EPL this season finish, Man UTD made history again. The Red Army celebrated their 19th times winner of this thophy. We can say that this decade is for Man UTD, be cause they won 4 out of 5 lastest year of the league and they have won 12 times since the highest league was changed its name to Premier League.

Overwhelming, many new stars shined this season. I'm so impressed with Javier Hernández. This yesar is the first for him in EPL but Chicharito showed his class with many important goals lead United got the glory again. However, there is one more you can't avoid to see his performance this season. I don't feel surprise when i heard that the Welsh young star won PFA player of the year award. He is the 4th Welshman who got this award following of Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs. The best performance of Bale is the match that he helped Tottenham beat former winner, Inter Milan in UCL. The hat-trick at San Siro is still in my eyes.

The glory is still at Big 4 but i can't beleive that League cup winner finish at 18th position and need to go down to Championship this season. Tottenham failed to get there 4th position but no problem for 5th position after beat Liverpool that fought from nightmare at the beginning of season until finished at 6th position. Sadly, there is no European position for team. Nevertheless, Dalglish proved that he is still in top class manager. I really want to award him as best manager of the year if you think in the same me just comment me somtimes. And i want to congratulate to Man City fans. This season they made ther dream real after spending big bucks for their team.

Finally, thanks to all EPL players that tried so hard to show their best performance and make this interesting challenge this year. I hope next year there will be surprise form QPR and Norwich after their relagation over 10 years ago. Now they are coming back. Let see!!

German Champion 2011

2011-05-15T03:23:00.000-07:00

German Champion 2011

After the unsucessful for long time, this season Borussia Dortmund make the best performance happen. The club had been eight years without finishing in the top three, and nine years without a title. This year, 2011, Youngster team makes surprise after beating Frankfurt into second division with a 3-1 victory at the final round of Bundesliga.

Who is the key player for Dortmund this season?

3 Dortmund stars shine this season including

1. MARIO GOTZE

The 18 years old star was hailed by Matthias Sammer as one of the best talents Germany has ever produced. He made incredible strides this year. he has the composure of a player several years his senior.

When Shinji Kagawa was ruled out for the second half of the season, pundits speculated as to whether BVB would collapse. Gotze stepped into the playmaker's shoes, however, as Dortmund stormed to the title two weeks early. Gotze played an integral role in attack; his perform of 15 assists is impressive, but he was involved in countless other goals, too.

2. MATS HUMMELS

The Bundesliga's best defender in the spring of 2010 has been continued progressing throughout the season. Alongside Neven Subotic, the centre-back has contributed to a defensive record level with the Bundesliga's all-time fewest goals conceded in a season.

Defensively, Hummels needs little introduction: his man-marking ability and positional sense are outstanding. But in addition to his role at the back, the 22-year old is also the first man in Dortmund's attack. He has only assisted one goal, but was only two or three passes removed from many, many and many more.

3. NURI SAHIN

Many doubted him when he said he could play at Bastian Schweinsteiger's level last August, but Sahin went on to out-class the Bayern midfielder twice this season. A naturally elegant player, the Turkey international slotted perfectly into Jurgen Klopp's plans, and blossomed into a world class box-to-box midfielder.

Sahin was without a doubt the Bundesliga's best player in the first half of the season, and while he has come back down to Earth in the last few months, his class has been affirmed with his departure for Real Madrid. Dortmund will sorely miss him next year.

Reference goal.com

Victory of City

2011-05-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

The story of the oldest cup in the world

With the victory of Manchester City this afternoon, it'll be 5th time victory of the clubs. After the highest spending around 300 million pound for player transfer, this is the first cup for them. And also this winning of oldest cup of England after last time won in 1969.

FA cup, or in the full name is The Football Association Challenge Cup, is the knockout competition of English football tounament which is the oldest tournament in this world. The tournament started in 1871-72. The competition will be challenged until May with the FA Cup Final match, which is normally played after English Premier League is over. One interesting point of this tournament is suprising match can be seen all time. It's always happen that smaller club can beat bigger club. Because of this thophy is not for the loser, so in 90 mins there is nothing to lose, just fight.

Suprisingly when i looked back to the statistic of this thophy, the challenge has been held fro over a hundred but the top winner of this is only 11 times winner. So let take a look for the club of most winning this longest story of the cup.

5 times winner - Manchester City, Wanderers F.C. (was an amateur association football club based in London), West Bromwich Albion, and Everton.

6 times winner - Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, and Newcastle United.

7 times winner - Aston Villa and Liverpool

8 times winner - Tottenham Hotspur

10 times winner - Arsenal

11 times winner - Manchester United

The highrst official attendance in final match was recorded in 1923, the number of attendance is around 126,047, but actually people belive that there were anywhere between 150,000 and 300,000 witnesses of the match between Bolton and West Ham.

FIFA coach of the year 2010

2011-05-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

FIFA coach of the year 2010 - Jose Mourinho

The man who brought the big thophy of Europe to Estádio do Dragão in 2004 after Porto won this thophy last time in 1987 and also brought the highest honour of EU clubs to San Siro last year after 45 years without winning. Mourinho, Son of a Portuguese international goalkeeper, enjoyed a modest playing career from 1980 to 1987, before deciding to try his hand at the tactical side of the game.

After spells working as an assistant manager and a youth team coach in the early 1990s, he became an interpreter at Barcelona, he gradually grew into the role of assistant coach, first alongside Bobby Robson and then Louis van Gaal. When he took charge of Porto in 2002, he had less than two years’ experience as a first-team coach in Portuguese football to his name. With the winning of Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, and UEFA Cup in 2003 makes many people around the world then focus on him.

But the legend wouldn't stop, he led Porto to win the greatest prize at Germany after the big win over Monaco. After successful year he moved himself to the bridge of England, Chelsea. The Special One still made his honour in the first year of EPL by winning the league 1st and 2nd year at London. Mourinho surprisingly left Chelsea on 20 September 2007, but he left as the most successful manager in Chelsea's history by wining six thophies.

On 2 June 2008, Mourinho was appointed to San Siro. He didn't take too long to make the legend, he found the big cup of Italy in first year. Shortly after that, in second year he proved that he is the special one, Inter Milan was tripple champion after the winning Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League. This perfect form caused him to win FIFA Ballon d'Or Best Coach of the year 2010.

After these successful stories, he turned to Spain with hopefully bringing the past superb confident to Real Madrid. With the 1st year at the Santiago Bernabéu, he is now won his first trophy in Spanish football as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 1–0 in the Copa del Rey final held at the Mestalla in Valencia ending Real Madrid's eighteen-year-long cup drought.

Short Biography

Born: 26 January 1963, in Setubal

Clubs: Benfica (2000-01), Leiria (2001-02), Porto (2002-04), Chelsea (2004-07), FC Internazionale (2008-10), Real Madrid (2010-now)

Honours:- 2 Portuguese championships (2003, 2004),- 1 Portuguese cups (2003),- 1 Portuguese supercup (2003),- 1 UEFA Cup (2003),- 2 UEFA Champions League titles (2004, 2010),- 2 English Premier League titles (2005, 2006),- 2 English league cups (2005, 2007),- 1 FA Cup (2007),- 2 Serie A titles (2009, 2010),- 1 Italian supercup (2008),- 1 Coppa Italia(2010).

Top EPL Players's APPEARANCES Since 1992-93

2011-05-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Top 10 player's appearance of English Premier League all the time.

With the passage of time after the highest league of English changed to the name of English Premier League. From 1992 to now (2011), it is now 18 seasons of challenge. So one idea happen in my mind after i watched Man UTD game and see the man who i've seen since i was kid. This man is still playing in the important role of team eventhough he is currently 37 years old. Although he is not the one who is the top appearance in EPL, he can hit the record if he still play like this next season. I wish Ryan Giggs could make it real.

10. Alan Shearer - 441 games

Hot shot is great striker of EPL, he won the title a time when he played with Blackburn Rovers before moving to Newcastle and ended his career there.

9. Phil Neville - 452 games

He's still playing as captain of Everton. Neville won six Premier League titles while he was at Old Trafford. He started training with the Manchester United Academy along with his brother, then later joined as a trainee, making his first-team debut in the 1994–95 season.

8. Jamie Carragher - 454 games

The vice-captian of Red Machine made his professional debut in the 1996–97 season. He has played for Liverpool since he was in youth team. He made his 600th appearance with the team in December 2009.

7. Paul Scholes - 464 games

He is a one-club man, having spent his entire professional career with Manchester United. has since gone on to win nine Premier League medals and scored 102 goals. Scholes announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2010–11 season. However, a month later, Scholes announced he may continue beyond the season.

6. Frank Lampard - 481 games

Vice-captain of the blue is considered to be all time one of the best English footballers.
Lampard began his career with West Ham United under his father Frank Lampard, Sr.'s management. He had secured a place in the first team by the 1997–98 season, and the following season helped the team finish 5th in the Premier League, this is the highest place of West Ham in Premier League. In 2001, he moved to rival London club Chelsea for £11 million.

5. Emile Heskey - 483 games

Heskey started his career with Leicester City in 1995 and in the part of team to win League Cup 2 times in 1997 and 2000. He made an £11 million move to Liverpool in 2000, which, at the time, was the record transfer fee paid by the club.

4. Sol Campbell - 502 games

Big Sol is currently playing for Newcastle United. A central defender has also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Portsmouth in EPL. In 1992 Campbell made his 1st team debut in the game against Chelsea before scoring a goal after coming on as a substitute for Nick Barmby. However, he did not appear again that season.

3. Gary Speed - 535 games

The former popular player of Premier League is current manager of the Wales national football team. Rarely troubled by injury or suspension, he ranked in the top players' appearance in the Premiership at 535 before hitting by James. Speed ever played professionally for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, and Bolton Wanderers in this thophy.

2. Ryan Giggs - 567 games

Giggs made his first appearance when this thophy was named First Division in 90-91. In the following season he was in regular team player. Since 1992 he has been a imtortant part of team and has collected 11 Premier League winner's medals. Rarely to find someone can make it real. He is currently creating the history of EPL again if he still play in superb form next season.

1. David James - 573 games

He hit the all-time Premier League appearance record with 536 appearances on valentine's day 2009, overtaking former Welsh star,Gary Speed. James made his Liverpool debut on 16 August 1992 in a 1–0 league defeat to Nottingham Forest. With this record, He played for 5 clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Machester City and Portsmouth. Maybe he has already stop his record after his team, Portsmouth, droped to English Championship last season. He is now playing with Bristol City.

All time top ten UCL goal scorer

2011-04-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

All time mans of UCL.

When this article appear, it'll the night that Man UTD will face Schalke 04 on semi-final of UCL 2010-11. The inspiration of this article is the man who has been a legend of this cup. I wish tonight he would continue scoring more for his legend. So let see who will be the next legend or he will be the top for next 10-20 years.

Number 10 – Cristiano Ronaldo – 29 Goals

16 goals with Manchester United plus the thophy, and currently found the net 13 times with the big of La Liga, Real Madrid. This is not enough for the Portougese phenom. What the final will be in his career?

Number 9 – Didier Drogba and Fernando Morientes – 33 Goals

The first one is the only fantastic african and Ivory Coast in top ten of this thophy, 33 goals in 63 matches is great statistic for him.

EL moro - Morientes is one of the best players in UCL for me, i still remember the perfect goal he scored for Monaco to win over his former team let Monaco reached final in 2003-2004 before losing FC Porto under the management of Mourinho that time. And also in 2003-2004 he scored 9 goals and was the top goal scorer of the contest.

Number 7 – Lionel Messi, 34 Goals

The Argentinian wonder kid who is the best player of the world now, he made 34 goals in UCL with the age of 23. With 2 times winner and 31 goals in 49 matches, no reason to stop the next legend of this contest. Who will stop him?

Number 6 – Alessandro Del Piero – 41 Goals

World class player who scored 41 goals in UCL is the golden boy of Calcio when i was young. I'm not sure he can bring more score in his career this time but whatever he made his name will be in top ten in next 10 years for sure.

Number 5 – Filippo Inzaghi – 46 Goals

Rank in the 5th position and also leading score in European competition with his 70 goals in Europe. WIth the age of 37, he still playing and making the history of top Italian striker.

Number 4 – Andriy Shevchenko – 48 Goals

If he haven't had nightmare with Chelsea, he would have socred more in UCL. But whatever, 48 goals in UCL guarantree that he is the top of European striker all the time. He made himself well-known in the match he mad his hat-trick in the game of Dynamo Kiev beated Barcelona 4-0 in Spain before move to AC Milan and won the title there.

Number 3 – Thierry Henry – 50 Goals

He almost never had a chance to raise the cup after he missed all the time when he with the Gunner. Finally he made it happen in 2008-2009 with Barcelona. But he already underlined his score card with 50 goals after he moved to the U.S. and end his career there.

Number 2 – Ruud van Nistelrooy – 56 Goals

Who can be top goal scorer in three different domestic leagues in Europe?

Who can be top goal scorer in UCL 3 times?

Who can score 56 goals in 73 matches of UCL?

Rarely to find the answer if he wasn't born.

Number 1 – Raul – 71 Goals

Top of Spain, European and World players all the time. with 3 times winner of UCL. Rank in top goal socorer of UCL, Real Madrid and also Spain. He has been playinh UCl since 1996 and this year (2011) he still score with 3 goals for Schalke 04 bring the team hit the history for apearing in semi-final first time of club. I'll say that he is the man of this thophy.

Copa del Rey droped & damaged

2011-04-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

MADRID -- 18 years without winning, recently Real Madrid won back the Copa del Rey trophy -- coincidently the thophy droped and got crushed under the wheels of a team bus.

Only few hours after beating archrival Barcelona in the domestic cup final in Valencia, Madrid' defender, Sergio Ramos, let the 33-pound cup fall from the top of the team bus during celebrations early Thursday morning in the capital city.

The front right wheel of the bus rolled over the trophy before the driver stopped.
The broken pieces were gathered and returned to the bus, but the trophy did not reappear at the club's traditional celebration spot at the Plaza de Cibeles in central Madrid.
"The cup fell, it fell," Ramos said, according to Europa Press agency. "But the cup is OK."
Later, the Spain defender made light of the incident on Twitter.
"The whole thing about the cup was a misunderstanding, it didn't fall ... it jumped off when it reached Cibeles [the fountain in Madrid where the team celebrates its titles] and saw so many Madrid fans," Ramos tweeted.

"Hahahaha ... but don't worry ... have a good day."

The club said Thursday that the trophy will be repaired.
"It is not in good shape, evidently, it was run over by a bus," Madrid spokeswoman Marta Santisteban told The Associated Press. "It has to be fixed."
Once it is whole again, the cup will take its place alongside Madrid's other silverware in its trophy case at the club museum.
Madrid beat Barcelona 1-0 after extra time on Wednesday, with Cristiano Ronaldo's header giving the club its first domestic cup since 1993 and its first trophy of any kind in three years.
Spanish reports said 60,000 fans gathered at Cibeles to celebrate the club's first silverware under coach Jose Mourinho.

"After two complicated years, winning the Copa del Rey is a relief," Madrid captain Iker Casillas said before following the tradition of wrapping a Madrid insignia and club scarf around the Roman goddess that marks the square.

Article from http://espn.go.com

World Cup Part 1

2008-10-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

All-time top goalscorers since World Cup 1930-2006

15 Goals

- Ronaldo (Brazil)

14 Goals

- Gerd Müller (West Germany)

13 Goals

- Juste Fontaine (France)

12 Goals

- Pelé (Brazil)

11 Goals

- Sandor Kocsis (Hungary)

- Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany)

10 Goals

- Helmut Rahn (Germany)

- Teofilio Cubillas (Peru)

- Gary Lineker (England)

- Grzegorz Lato (Poland)

- Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina)

- Miroslav Klose (Germany)

9 Goals

-Roberto Baggio (Italy)

-Paolo Rossi (Italy)

-Uwe Seeler (Germany)

-Jairzinho (Brazil)

-Eusebio (Portugal)

-Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany)

-Vava (Brazil)

-Ademir (Brazil)

-Christian Vieri (Italy)

FIFA 100

2008-10-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

FIFA 100

The "FIFA 100" is the list of 125 football players picked by classical Brazilian footballer Pele.

List of FIFA100

1. Abedi Pele - Ghana
2. Alan Shearer - England
3. Alessandro Del Piero - Italy
4. Alessandro Nesta - Italy
5. Alfredo Di Stefano - Argentina
6. Andriy Shevchenko - Ukraine
7. Bobby Charlton - England
8. Brian Laudrup - Denmark
9. Cafu - Brazil
10.Carlos Alberto - Brazil
11. Carlos Valderrama - Colombia
12. Christian Vieri - Italy
13. Clarence Seedorf - Holland
14. Daniel Passarella - Argentina
15. David Beckham - England
16. David Trezeguet - France
17. Davor Suker - Croatia
18. Dennis Bergkamp - Holland
19. Didier Deschamps - France
20. Diego Maradona - Argentina
21. Dino Zoff - Italy
22. Djalma Santos - Brazil
23. Edgar Davids - Holland
24. El Hadji Diouf - Senegal
25. Emilio Butragueno - Spain
26. Emre Belozoglu - Turkey
27. Enzo Francescoli - Uruguay
28. Eric Cantona - France
29. Eusebio - Portugal
30. Falcao - Brazil
31. Ferenc Puskas - Hungary
32. Francesco Totti - Italy
33. Franco Baresi - Italy
34. Frank Rijkaard - Holland
35. Franky van der Elst - Belgium
36. Franz Beckenbauer - Germany
37. Gabriel Batistuta - Argentina
38. Gary Lineker - England
39. George Best - Northern Ireland
40. George Weah - Liberia
41. Gerd Mueller - Germany
42. Gheorghe Hagi - Romania
43. Giacinto Fachetti - Italy
44. Giampiero Boniperti - Italy
45. Gianluca Buffon - Italy
46. Gianni Rivera - Italy
47. Giuseppe Bergomi - Italy
48. Gordon Banks - England
49. Hernan Crespo - Argentina
50. Hidetoshi Nakata - Japan
51. Hong Myung-Bo - South Korea
52. Hristo Stoichkov - Bulgaria
53. Hugo Sanchez - Mexico
54. Ivan Zamorano - Chile
55. Jan Cuelemans - Belgium
56. Javier Saviola - Argentina
57. Javier Zanetti - Argentina
58. Jay-Jay Okocha - Nigeria
59. Jean-Marie Pfaff - Belgium
60. Jean-Pierre Papin - France
61. Johan Cruyff - Holland
62. Johan Neeskens - Holland
63. Josef Masopust - Czech Repbublic
64. Juan Sebastian Veron - Argentina
65. Junior - Brazil
66. Jurgen Klinsmann - Germany
67. Just Fontaine - France
68. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge - Germany
69. Kenny Dalglish - Scotland
70. Kevin Keegan - England
71. Lilian Thuram - France
72. Lothar Matthaeus - Germany
73. Luis Enrique - Spain
74. Luis Figo - Portugal
75. Marcel Desailly - France
76. Marco van Basten - Holland
77. Mario Kempes - Argentina
78. Marius Tresor - France
79. Mia Hamm - United States (Woman Soccer Player)
80. Michael Ballack - Germany
81. Michael Laudrup - Denmark
82. Michael Owen - England
83. Michel Platini - France
84. Michelle Akers - United States
85. Nilton Santos - Brazil
86. Oliver Kahn - Germany
87. Omar Sivori - Argentina
88. Pablo Figueroa - Chile
89. Paolo Maldini - Italy
90. Paolo Rossi - Italy
91. Patrick Kluivert - Holland
92. Patrick Vieira - France
93. Paul Breitner - Germany
94. Pavel Nedved - Czech Repbublic
95. Pele - Brazil
96. Peter Schmeichel - Denmark
97. Raul - Spain
98. Raymond Kopa - France
99. Rene van de Kerkhof - Holland
100. Rinat Disayev - Russia
101. Rivaldo - Brazil
102. Rivelino - Brazil
103. Rob Rensenbrink - Holland
104. Robert Pires - France
105. Roberto Baggio - Italy
106. Roberto Carlos - Brazil
107. Roger Milla - Cameroon
108. Romario - Brazil
109. Romerito - Paraguay
110. Ronaldinho - Brazil
111. Ronaldo - Brazil
112. Roy Keane - Repubic of Ireland
113. Rui Costa - Portugal
114. Rustu Recber - Turkey
115. Ruud Gullit - Holland
116. Ruud van Nistelrooy - Holland
117. Sepp Maier - Germany
118. Socrates - Brazil
119. Teofilo Cubillas - Peru
120. Thierry Henry - France
121. Uwe Seeler - Germany
122. Willie van de Kerkhof - Holland
123. Zbigniew Boniek - Poland
124. Zico - Brazil
125. Zinedine Zidane France

Ibrahimović - Powerful Swedish Striker

2008-10-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Zlatan Ibrahimović

Last week (4 October 2008) I watched one match Inter beat Bologna 2-1, one of wonder goal from this match made by this Swedish Striker Ibrahimović. Zlatan Ibrahimović was born on October 3, 1981 in Malmö, Sweden. He curent plays for Internazionale in Calcio Serie A, Italy Football League. He began playing football at the age of eight. His decision to drop out of school after the 9th grade and pursue a professional career.

Ibrahimović signed his first contract with Malmö FF when his old is fifteen in 1996. He played in youth club of Malmö FF for four season before moved to senior squad in 1999. When he played for senior Malmö FF club many big club in Europe interest in him. He had opportunities to move to bigger. The Arsenal Boss Arsène Wenger wanted Ibrahimović to join Arsenal but Malmö did not allow the transfer. After that on March 22, 2001, a deal between Ajax and Malmö was completed and Zlatan's transfer to Amsterdam.

With Ajax, He be part of Ajax won the 2001-02 Eredivisie title. Ibrahimović first debuted for Sweden on January 31, 2001. He was part of Sweden's 2002 World Cup finals squad and were eliminated in the round of 16 teams by Senegal. His total career with Ajax is 74 games and 35 goals. In 2004 he moved to Italy joined with Juventus. He scored sixteen goals in his first season with Juve. Ibrahimović was voted for the fans' player of the season and the Guldbollen, a prize awarded to the best Swedish footballer of the year. in 2004-05. In following season he be the target player of team, a role that complemented his physical strength.

However, He went scoreless during the 2006 World Cup finals as Sweden were again snuffed out in the round of 16, this time by Germany. After a disappointing run in the 2006 World Cup. After the tournament Juventus were stripped of their last two Scudetti as part of the judgment from the Calciopoli scandal, and were relegated to Serie B. This event Zlatan decided to join with Internazionale in 2006 and won Scudetto with Inter in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

His Career

1999-2001 Malmö FF 40 games 16 goals

2001-2004 Ajax 74 games 35 goals

2004-2006 Juventus 70 games 25 goals

2006-2008 Internazionale 53 games 32 goals

His Honour

Eredivisie : 2001-02, 2003-04

KNVB Cup : 2001-02

Italian Serie A : 2006-07, 2007-08

Italian Super Cup : 2006, 2008

Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year : 2005

Guldbollen : 2005, 2007

UEFA Team of the Year : 2007

Gazza

2008-10-07T03:57:00.000-07:00

Paul Gascoigne Biography

Paul John Gascoigne was born on 27 May 1967 in Dunston, England. Gazza is one of famous English Midfielder who palyed for Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough, Everton, Lazio, Rangers, Everton, Burnley, Gansu Tianma, Boston United and England national team in his career. Gascoigne started playing football when he was 4 years old. When 8 years old he played for his school team. He attracted scouts while playing for Gateshead Boys, and was given a trial at Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Southampton but he failed to impress, afterward Newcastle United signed him as a schoolboy in 1980.

Gazza be captain Newcastle's youth team won FA Youth Cup in 1985. Soon after he signed his first professional contract with The Magpies and be first team player, Newcastle finished 11th in the First Division (English Premier League now) season 1985-86 an he was featured on the front cover of the Rothmans Football Yearbook. At the end of the 1987-88 season, he was named as the Barclays Young Player of the Year and Gascoigne had signed for Tottenham Hotspur, who paid Newcastle a fee of £2.3 million which was then a Engliah transfer record. in September 1988 Gascoigne was first called up to England squad.

In his first and second season with Spur helped Spurs to sixth and third in the First Division, he played total of 75 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals. for international he played in most of matches in the 1990 World Cup Qualiflied with England finishing second in their group. In group stage World Cup held in Italy in 1990 he played all three games as England topped their group but England failed to reach the final. England was knocked by West Germany in semi-final round. However He was named in the tournament All-Star team.

In his third season, he scored 6 goals on the road to the Fa Cup final but fail to win the trophy as he got serious injury in the 1991 FA Cup Final. The injury took him from field in his fourth season. In 1992-93 season, he decided to join with Lazio in Calcio Serie A. First season at Rome, his form was inconsistent. he failed to fully settle in Italy. He played for Lazio 47 games in 3 years. In July 1995, he signed for Rangers F.C. in Scottish Premier League. Rangers won the Scottish Cup, and Gascoigne picked up both the Players' Player of the Year and Football Writers' Player of the Year awards. He became a key of England team in Euro '96, England lost to Germany in semi-final round on the resulting penalty shoot-out once again. Gazza was named to the tournament All-Star squad.

Rangers won the league title again in 1996-97 and also the League Cup. In March 1998 he joined Middlesbrough with £3.4 million in deal. He helped Boro into the Premiership as runners-up. and he joined Everton on 17 July 2000 he played at Goodison Park until 2002 decided to join with Burnley. In 2002, with his career coming to an end, Gascoigne went on trial with D.C. United, but failed to get a contract. In January 2003, he signed a nine-month contact with Gansu Tianma in China as playing and coaching role. In 2005 Gascoigne was signed Boston United. He played 5 games for Boston and that is te end of his career.

Paul Gascoigne Honour

FA Cup winner : 1991

Scottish League Championship winner : 1996 and 1997

Scottish Cup winner : 1996

Scottish League Cup winner : 1997

PFA Young Player of the Year : 1988

BBC Sports Personality of the Year : 1990

Scottish Players' Player of the Year : 1996

Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year : 1996

Inducted into English Football Hall of Fame : 2002

Paul Gascoigne Career

1984-1988 Newcastle United 92 games 21 goals

1988-1992 Tottenham Hotspur 92 games 19 goals

1992-1995 Lazio 43 games 6 goals

1995-1998 Rangers 74 games 30 goals

1998-2000 Middlesbrough 41 games 4 goals

2000-2002 Everton 32 games 1 goal

2001-2002 Burnley 6 games

2002 - 2003 Gansu Tianma 4 games 2 goals

2004-2005 Boston United 4 games

Andrea Pirlo - The World Class Midfielder

2008-10-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

Andrea Pirlo Biography

Andrea Pirlo was born on May 19, 1979 in Flero, Lombardy, Italy, an Italian Star who now plays for A.C Milan in Calcio Serie A, Italy. In his career he won many big title like UEFA Champion League, UEFA Super Cup and World Cup. He is now the best one of midfielder in Europe and World. His strength point is cross ball accuracy to everywhere in the field, his commanding and his freekick.

Pirlo began his professional career with his hometown Brescia from 1994-1998 soon he be the first team regular and his great technique bring him move to Internazionale in 1998 until 2001 he moved to A.C Milan.

At A.C Milan, He's most successful in his life, he got the Scudetto, Coppa Italia, UEFA Super Cup, Champions League titles. For International he got the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Greece and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He plays for Italy U-21 National Team 46 games and scored 16 goals, for senior Italy National Team he plays 52 games and 7 goals.

Andrea Pirlo Career (until 2008)

1994 - 1998 : Brescia 47 games 6 goals

1998 - 1999 : Internazionale 18 games

1999 - 2000 : Reggina ( loan ) 28 games 6 goals

2000 - 2001 : Internazionale 4 games

2000-2001 : Brescia ( loan ) 10 games

2001 - 2008 : A.C. Milan 207 games 30 goals

Andrea Pirlo Honors

Scudetto

winner : 2004

runner-up : 2005

Coppa Italia

winner : 2003

Supercoppa Italia

winner : 2004

UEFA Champions League

winner : 2003,2007
runner-up : 2005

UEFA Super Cup

winner : 2003, 2007

FIFA Club World Cup

winner : 2007

Intercontinental Cup

runner-up : 2003

FIFA World Cup

winner : 2006

UEFA Under-21 European Championship

winner : 2000

Olympic

Bronze Medal : 2004

2006 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament

2006 FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball Award

2006 FIFA World Cup Final Man of the Match

2000 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Top Scorer

2006 FIFPro

Raúl the man of Real Madrid

2008-10-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Raúl González Biography

His Nickname: El Angel de Madrid (The Angel Of Madrid), El capitán, Raulito

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. There are many football club in Madrid, the one of famous club in Madrid and Spain is Real Madrid. Raúl González Blanco (simply known as Raúl) was born on June 27, 1977 in Madrid. He was brought up in a modest quarter of the city, the colony of San Cristobal de los Angeles.

Raúl is a product of Atletico Madrid's youth system but was picked up by rivals Real Madrid. The Spanish football star who plays for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. His honour is a three-time winner of the UEFA Champions League, as well as the competition's all-time leading scorer with 63 goals.

Raúl began 1994-95 season in Madrid's C-team. He scoring thirteen goals in seven games. He became the youngest player who ever to suit up for the senior side, scoring 6 goals in his first 11 games and winning the 1994-95 Spanish league championship in his first season.

He became the first player to score fifty goals in UEFA Champions League and is the all-time leader in UCL appearances with 116. He is currently highest scorer in the Spanish La Liga with 205 goals (1994-2009), and he havn't received a red card at the professional level.

In his international career, Raúl scored 44 goals in 102 caps for Spain. He got his first cap against the Czech Republic in October 1996, and be the team captaincy following the retirement of Fernando Hierro in 2002.

He participated in 3 World Cups competition from 1998 to 2006, along with Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, scoring at least one goal in each competition. Raúl became the eighteenth player ever to score in three different World Cup finals.

Raúl González Honors

Spanish La Liga

Winner : 1994-95, 1996-97, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007–08

Runner-up : 1998-99, 2004-05, 2005-06

Copa del Rey

Runner-up : 2001-02, 2003-04

Spanish Super Cup

Winner : 1997, 2001, 2003, 2008

Runner-up : 1995, 2007

UEFA Champions League

Winner : 1997–98, 1999–00, 2001–02

UEFA Super Cup

Winner : 2002

Runner-up : 1998, 2000

Intercontinental Cup

Winner : 1998, 2002

Runner-up : 2000

Premio Don Balón (Young Player in La Liga) : 1994-95

IFFHS World Goalgetter : 1999

ESM Team of the Year : 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00

Pichichi Trophy : 1999, 2001

UEFA Champions League Top Scorer : 1999-00, 2000-01

FIFA World Player of the Year Bronze Award : 2001

European Footballer of the Year Silver Award : 2001

UEFA Club Football Awards, Best Forward : 2000, 2001, 2002

Best Spanish player in La Liga : 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02

Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano : 2008

Royal Order Gold Medal for Sports Merit : 2006

Name in FIFA 100

New Star Review - KUN AGUERO

2008-09-28T01:21:00.000-07:00

SERGIO KUN AGUERO Biography

Sergio Leonel "Kun" Agüero del Castillo was born on June 2, 1988 in Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentine striker plays for Atlético Madrid in Spanish La Liga. His nickname was born when some classmates noted that his hairdo looked like that of Japanese anime character "Kum Kum".

His career Aguero started playing for Argentine First Division club with Independiente when he was only 15 years and 35 days in a match against San Lorenzo, which younger than Maradona who made his professional debut on October 20, 1976 ten days before his sixteenth birthday. Due to his performance, especially during the Torneo Apertura, young star attracted the interest of several top European clubs.

In May 2006, Kun Aguero was transferred to the Atletico Madrid of Spain, a transfer fee of 20 million euros . He signed a 6-year contract. At the end of the 2007-08 season he finished as the 3rd highest goalscorer in La Liga with 20 goals. He also won the Antonio Puerta Award for the best player in the league for the 2007-08 season. He played for the national youth team and they won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada 2007. Aguero was considered won the Golden Boot for the tournament with his six goals, and the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament. He also won the golden medal in Olympic 2008 in China, Agüero scored 2 goals in the semifinal match against Brazil.

SERGIO KUN AGUERO Honours (Start-2008)

Golden Ball: FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2007

Golden Boot: FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2007

Tuttosport Golden Boy: 2007

FIFA's Young Player of the Year: 2007

Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano - runner up (2007-2008)

Marco Van Basten - Biography

2008-09-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Marco Van Basten

Full name - Marcel van Basten

Date of birth - 31 October 1964

Place of birth - Utrecht, Netherlands

Marco van Basten was born on 31 October 1964 in Utrecht, Netherlands. He started his football career with a local team named EDO at the age of seven. Next year he went to UVV Utrecht but his profressional start in 1981 when he was seventeen-year-old. He was discovered by Ajax's scout. For a great striker, in his debut (3 April, 1982) Van Basten scored a goal victory over NEC Nijmegen.

In 1983 was his debut in the Netherlands national team. Van Basten scored his first goal for Dutch two weeks later in the match against Belgium.

He became top scorer in the following four seasons (1984 - 1987 ). He scored 117 goals from 112 matches in this 4 years. He is the winner of the European Golden Boot in 1985-1986. In 1987 Silvio Berlusconi brought Van Basten to Milan, In his first season Milan won scudetto (Italy league championship) but Van Basten played only eleven games cause an ankle injury. Van Basten scored five goals in Euro 88 (include a spectacular volley at an incredible angle in the final against the Soviet Union) as Netherlands national team won the title.

In 1988-89 season, Van Basten had an excellent season. He got European Footballer of the Year, World Soccer's World Player of the Year and scoring nineteen goals in Serie A as Milan win the European Cup. In World Cup 1990 The Dutch national side had a perform and going out to West Germany in the second round.

In 1990-91 season, Van Basten fell out with Milan's manager Arrigo Sacchi and Berlusconi sacked Sacchi next time. Following season (1991-92) Fabio Capello be new Milan's Manager, Van Basten scoring 25 goals and becoming Serie A top scorer again as Milan won the title whitout losing. In Euro 92' Netherlands reached the semi-final but lost Denmark in penalty shootout, van Basten having his penalty saved by Peter Schmeichel whose be hero in Euro 92'. In November 1992 he scored four goals against IFK Gothenburg, which is still a UEFA Champions League record for the most goals scored by a player in a single match.

In 1992-93 season, Milan still their unbeaten (going to 58 matches in total before they lost). Van Basten played well and was voted European Player of the Year for a third time (equal the record of Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini). He had troble with ankle injury recurred in a game against Ancona. Van Basten suffered another series of operations and returned to Milan for the final few domestic games before Champions League final that they lost Marseille. Marco tried fighting the injury another two years but eventually was forced to end his career on 18 August 1995, during a Trofeo Berlusconi match. Over 70 000 supporters, including crying Capello, gave him a standing ovation while Van Basten was doing his lap of honour.

After he retired from football he try to management. He took a course with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB). His first stint as a manager was as an assistant to his former teammate John van 't Schip with the second team of Ajax in 2003-04. On 29 July 2004, Van Basten was named the new manager of Netherlands national team.

Under his management, Dutch were unbeaten in their World Cup qualification group and through the group stages at Germany World Cup 2006 but they were knock by Portugal in last 16 teams round. Van Basten had a contact with the KNVB to be manager of Netherlands national team until 2008. The KNVB wished to extend his contract to include the World Cup qualification route to 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. On 22 February 2008 Van Basten signed a four-year contract with Ajax. His last tournament was Euro 2008, where the Netherlands team were beaten by Russia in the quarter finals. Van Basten became trainer of Ajax after Euro 2008.

Marco Van Basten Honours

With Ajax Amsterdam

1. UEFA Cup Winners Cup
Winnner 1 time in 1987
2. Dutch Championship
Winner 3 times in 1981–82, 1982–83, 1984–85
3. Dutch Cup
Winner 3 times in 1983, 1986, 1987

With A.C. Milan

4. European Cup
Winner 2 times in 1989, 1990
5. Intercontinental Cup
Winner 2 times in 1989, 1990
6. European Supercup
Winner 2 times in 1989, 1990
7. Serie A
Winner 3 times in 1987–88, 1991–92, 1992–93
8. Italian Super Cup
Winner 3 times in 1988, 1992, 1993

With Netherlands national team

9. UEFA European Championship
Winner 1 time in 1988

Personal honours

10. FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992
11. World Soccer Player of the Year in 1988, 1992
12. UEFA Best Player of the Year in 1989, 1990, 1992
13. IFFHS Best Player of the Year in 1988, 1989, 1990
14. Onze d'Or in 1988, 1989
15. Onze d'Argent in 1987, 1992
16. Bravo Award in 1987
17. UEFA European Championship 1988 Top Scorer and Best Player with 5 goals
18. European Footballer of the Year in 1988, 1989, 1992
19. Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1984–85
20. FIFA 100 (List of the greatest living footballers picked by Pelé) in 2004
21. European Golden Boot in 1985–86
22. European Silver Boot in 1983–84
23. European Cup Top Scorer in 1989
24. European Cup Silver Top Scorer in 1993
25. Dutch League Top Scorer in 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87
26. Serie A Top Scorer in 1989–90, 1991–92
27. Serie A Silver Top Scorer in 1988–89

Soccer Players Biography - Batigoal !!

2008-09-25T02:33:00.000-07:00

Gabriel Batistuta (Batigoal ) - Biography

Gabriel Omar Batistuta is one of hero in Florence and Argentina. He was born on 1 February 1969 in Reconquista, province of Santa Fe, Argentina. He is also the all time highest scorer for Argentina's national team. The Argentine striker ended his career at Al-Arabi, retiring in March 2005

When he was child he playing with friends on the street in the Grupo Alegria club, he joined the local Platense junior team. While with Platense he was selected for the Reconquista team that won the provincial championship by beating Newell's Old Boys with his 2 goals that attracted attention Newell's Old Boys. He signed professional contact with Newell's Old Boys in 1988.

During his first year with Newell's Old Boys he had a weight problem that slowed him down. At the end of that year he was loaned to Deportivo Italiano, of Buenos Aires. In 1989 Batistuta with River Plate where he scored 17 goals but he was dropped from the squad in the middle of the season cause he had some problem with Daniel Passarella.

In 1990, Batistuta join with Boca Juniors which is River's arch-rivals club. In 1991 Batigoal become the league's top scorer that season and Boca won league championship.

In 1991, Batistuta was played for Argentina in the Copa América and become tournament's top scorer as Argentina won the title. During this competition vice-president of Fiorentina was impressed by his skills and signed him.

In 1994, FIFA World Cup, held in USA, Batistuta scored 4 goals include a hat-trick in Argentina game against Greece. On his way in Fiorentina, He's in best perform. He was the top scorer of the 1994-95 season with 26 goals. In 1995-96 season Fiorentina won the Italian Cup and Super Coppa.

In 1998, He scored 5 goals in France 98', before Argentina lost in the quarter-finals but he did second hat trick of his World Cup career, becoming the 4th player to achieve this and the first who score a hat trick in 2 World Cups.

After start to 1998-99 season, Batistuta suffered an injury that kept him out of action for more than a month. Fiorentina finished in third place, which gave them the chance to Champions League in the following season.

The 2000-01 season, he was transferred to A.S. Roma in a deal worth 35 million US dollars. He scored 20 goals for A.S. Roma in his first season as Roma winning Italian league title (Scudetto).

In 2002, Batistuta announced that he planned to quit the national team after World Cup in Korea and Japan. This tournament Argentina did poor results against Nigeria, England, and Sweden, the team was knocked out in first round. After tournament Batistuta failed to find good form with Roma and was loaned to Internazionale before he decided to departure to Qatari team Al-Arabi Sports Club. In Qatar, he made the record of most goals scored that was held by Qatari Legend Mansour Mouftah with by scoring 24 goals. He scored more than the number of games he played. He was awarded for being the top scorer in all Arab leagues in 2004 with a Golden Boot.

In 2005 Batistuta retired from profressional footballer and now lives Santa Fe, Argentina.

Gabriel Batistuta total career

1988-89 Newell's Old Boys 16 games 4 goals

1989-90 River Plate 7 games 4 goals

1989-91 Boca Juniors 29 games 13 goals

1991-00 Fiorentina 269 games 168 goals

2000-03 Roma 63 games 30 goals

2002-03 Inter Milan 12 games 2 goals

2003-05 Al-Arabi 21 games 25 goals

Gabriel Batistuta Honour

1. First Division Italian Championship (with Roma) 2000-2001.

2. Italian Supercup (with Fiorentina) 1996, (with Roma) 2001.

3. Argentine Football Writers' Footballer of the Year 1998.

4. Italian Cup (with Fiorentina) 1995-1996.

5. Second Division (Serie B) Italian Championship (with Fiorentina) 1993-1994.

6. First Division Top Scorer, 26 goals (with Fiorentina) 1994-1995.

7. Copa América (with Argentina) 1991, 1993.

8. Copa América Top Scorer, 6 goals (with Argentina) 1991

9. Top Scorer of The Qatari League with a record breaking 24 goals.

10. Top Scorer in all Arab leagues, awarded with a Golden Boot.