Reply With QuoteThanks Giggs
Brazil to play Scotland as part of Copa America build-up
Five-times world champions Brazil will play Scotland for the first time since the 1998 World Cup when they meet in a friendly at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on March 27, the Scottish Football Association said on Tuesday. "This game will not only capture the imagination of the Scotland support but also the squad, who will relish the prospect of testing their skills against one of the finest international teams in world football," Scotland coach Craig Levein said in a statement.
Mano Menezes's Brazil team are preparing to defend their Copa America title in Argentina in July having lost their last two friendlies 1-0 to both Argentina and France.
"The opportunity to play Brazil was irresistible," added Levein.
Brazil also have a friendly at home on June 4 against the Netherlands, the South American team's conquerors in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa.
© Reuters
Thanks Giggs
Brazilian flavour taking Shakhtar far
Ahead of the second legs of this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16, it may come as a surprise to learn that the team with the largest following on Brazilian shores is not Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Manchester United, but Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
Their lead in the popularity stakes is down to their six Brazilian players - Alex Teixeira, Douglas Costa, Fernandinho, Luiz Adriano, Jadson and Willian - all of whom are midfielders or strikers. And if that were not enough, Shakhtar can also count on the services of Brazilian-born Croatia international Eduardo da Silva as well as Bolivian front-man Marcelo Moreno, who came to prominence at Brazilian club Vitoria.
Enjoying the backing of a solid support infrastructure, which has helped the players adapt and thrive in surroundings far removed from those of their homelands, the South American contingent have become vital cogs in the Miners’ machine. “It’s a big help having a flavour of our country at the club, and we’re a very united group,” attacking midfielder Costa told FIFA.com.
Last eight within their grasp
Next up for Costa and Co is 8 March’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash with Serie A side Roma. Progress to the last eight for Shakhtar, a very real possibility given their 3-2 first-leg victory in Italy, would be a first for the club and vindication of the transfer policy they have pursued over the past decade.
We’re very well looked after. There’s a whole structure in place to allow everything to be done properly and we’ve been able to reflect that out on the pitch.
Costa, Shahktar Donetsk midfielder.
Rather than attempt to sign established European names, the powers-that-be at the Miners have focused primarily on Brazilian-based rising stars, with only ex-Arsenal striker Eduardo signed from a club on the Old Continent. Indeed, Costa came from Gremio, Moreno from Cruzeiro, Fernandinho and Jadson from Atletico Paranaense, Alex Teixeira from Vasco da Gama and Luiz Adriano from Internacional, while Willian was brought in from Corinthians.
Not about to sign these up-and-coming talents and then leave things to chance, Shakhtar have reaped the rewards of the aforementioned support network, as well as a long-term, gradual approach. “Following and then being part of this progression has been really good,” continues Costa, who at 20 is the youngest of the Brazilian contingent, with 28-year-old Eduardo the most senior.
“We’re very well looked after. There’s a whole structure in place to allow everything to be done properly and we’ve been able to reflect that out on the pitch. The club is very well-organised and that approach is now bearing fruit.”
What's more, the side coached by Romanian boss Mircea Lucescu have been performing with style as well as substance, one of the benefits of being “Europe’s most Brazilian side”, as the coach himself put it. The vast majority of Lucescu’s attacking armoury is of South American origin, with no fewer than 12 of Shakhtar’s 15 Champions League goals so far supplied by this crop of players, as well as 32 of their 39-goal Ukrainian league tally.
Taking the next step
Having never previously qualified for the knockout phase of European football’s premier club competition, Shakhtar did so in emphatic fashion this season by winning five of their six Group H encounters to top the section ahead of favourites Arsenal. Yet a feat of this magnitude has been on the cards after the club’s 2009 UEFA Cup triumph and a level of domestic dominance built up over the past ten years.
Winners of their first Ukrainian title in 2002, on the back of five consecutive runners-up finishes, the Miners went on to repeat the feat in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010. They are hot favourites to hold onto their crown this season too, given their 12-point lead over closest pursuers and arch-rivals Dynamo Kiev.
“We’re very well placed in the Ukrainian league and we’re having a good campaign in the Champions League too. We’ve got a quality side and we hope to go a long way. We’re aiming to challenge for major honours,” continued Costa.
“All this stems from putting the time in and doing things the right way. We always receive plenty of support in every home game, with our fans packing the place out and cheering us on. This is a football-mad city and the people are happier still thanks to the results we’ve been getting.”
Finishing the job against Roma in Tuesday’s second leg would give the fans even more to celebrate and add a further seal of approval to Shakhtar’s transfer policy. “[Reaching the next round] would be a historic event for our club and for Ukrainian football as a whole,” said club captain and Croatia international Darijo Srna, in Monday’s pre-game press conference. “We’re in with an excellent chance, but we still need to prove ourselves once more here in Donetsk.”
Thanks reality , nice oneOriginally Posted by reality
Brazilian flavour taking Shakhtar far
Ahead of the second legs of this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16, it may come as a surprise to learn that the team with the largest following on Brazilian shores is not Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Manchester United, but Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
Their lead in the popularity stakes is down to their six Brazilian players - Alex Teixeira, Douglas Costa, Fernandinho, Luiz Adriano, Jadson and Willian - all of whom are midfielders or strikers. And if that were not enough, Shakhtar can also count on the services of Brazilian-born Croatia international Eduardo da Silva as well as Bolivian front-man Marcelo Moreno, who came to prominence at Brazilian club Vitoria.
Enjoying the backing of a solid support infrastructure, which has helped the players adapt and thrive in surroundings far removed from those of their homelands, the South American contingent have become vital cogs in the Miners’ machine. “It’s a big help having a flavour of our country at the club, and we’re a very united group,” attacking midfielder Costa told FIFA.com.
Last eight within their grasp
Next up for Costa and Co is 8 March’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash with Serie A side Roma. Progress to the last eight for Shakhtar, a very real possibility given their 3-2 first-leg victory in Italy, would be a first for the club and vindication of the transfer policy they have pursued over the past decade.
Rather than attempt to sign established European names, the powers-that-be at the Miners have focused primarily on Brazilian-based rising stars, with only ex-Arsenal striker Eduardo signed from a club on the Old Continent. Indeed, Costa came from Gremio, Moreno from Cruzeiro, Fernandinho and Jadson from Atletico Paranaense, Alex Teixeira from Vasco da Gama and Luiz Adriano from Internacional, while Willian was brought in from Corinthians.
Not about to sign these up-and-coming talents and then leave things to chance, Shakhtar have reaped the rewards of the aforementioned support network, as well as a long-term, gradual approach. “Following and then being part of this progression has been really good,” continues Costa, who at 20 is the youngest of the Brazilian contingent, with 28-year-old Eduardo the most senior.
“We’re very well looked after. There’s a whole structure in place to allow everything to be done properly and we’ve been able to reflect that out on the pitch. The club is very well-organised and that approach is now bearing fruit.”
What's more, the side coached by Romanian boss Mircea Lucescu have been performing with style as well as substance, one of the benefits of being “Europe’s most Brazilian side”, as the coach himself put it. The vast majority of Lucescu’s attacking armoury is of South American origin, with no fewer than 12 of Shakhtar’s 15 Champions League goals so far supplied by this crop of players, as well as 32 of their 39-goal Ukrainian league tally.
Taking the next step
Having never previously qualified for the knockout phase of European football’s premier club competition, Shakhtar did so in emphatic fashion this season by winning five of their six Group H encounters to top the section ahead of favourites Arsenal. Yet a feat of this magnitude has been on the cards after the club’s 2009 UEFA Cup triumph and a level of domestic dominance built up over the past ten years.
Winners of their first Ukrainian title in 2002, on the back of five consecutive runners-up finishes, the Miners went on to repeat the feat in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010. They are hot favourites to hold onto their crown this season too, given their 12-point lead over closest pursuers and arch-rivals Dynamo Kiev.
“We’re very well placed in the Ukrainian league and we’re having a good campaign in the Champions League too. We’ve got a quality side and we hope to go a long way. We’re aiming to challenge for major honours,” continued Costa.
“All this stems from putting the time in and doing things the right way. We always receive plenty of support in every home game, with our fans packing the place out and cheering us on. This is a football-mad city and the people are happier still thanks to the results we’ve been getting.”
Finishing the job against Roma in Tuesday’s second leg would give the fans even more to celebrate and add a further seal of approval to Shakhtar’s transfer policy. “[Reaching the next round] would be a historic event for our club and for Ukrainian football as a whole,” said club captain and Croatia international Darijo Srna, in Monday’s pre-game press conference. “We’re in with an excellent chance, but we still need to prove ourselves once more here in Donetsk.”
nice article!! thanks for sharing..Brazilian flavour taking Shakhtar far
Ahead of the second legs of this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16, it may come as a surprise to learn that the team with the largest following on Brazilian shores is not Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Manchester United, but Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
Their lead in the popularity stakes is down to their six Brazilian players - Alex Teixeira, Douglas Costa, Fernandinho, Luiz Adriano, Jadson and Willian - all of whom are midfielders or strikers. And if that were not enough, Shakhtar can also count on the services of Brazilian-born Croatia international Eduardo da Silva as well as Bolivian front-man Marcelo Moreno, who came to prominence at Brazilian club Vitoria.
Enjoying the backing of a solid support infrastructure, which has helped the players adapt and thrive in surroundings far removed from those of their homelands, the South American contingent have become vital cogs in the Miners’ machine. “It’s a big help having a flavour of our country at the club, and we’re a very united group,” attacking midfielder Costa told FIFA.com.
Last eight within their grasp
Next up for Costa and Co is 8 March’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash with Serie A side Roma. Progress to the last eight for Shakhtar, a very real possibility given their 3-2 first-leg victory in Italy, would be a first for the club and vindication of the transfer policy they have pursued over the past decade.
Rather than attempt to sign established European names, the powers-that-be at the Miners have focused primarily on Brazilian-based rising stars, with only ex-Arsenal striker Eduardo signed from a club on the Old Continent. Indeed, Costa came from Gremio, Moreno from Cruzeiro, Fernandinho and Jadson from Atletico Paranaense, Alex Teixeira from Vasco da Gama and Luiz Adriano from Internacional, while Willian was brought in from Corinthians.
Not about to sign these up-and-coming talents and then leave things to chance, Shakhtar have reaped the rewards of the aforementioned support network, as well as a long-term, gradual approach. “Following and then being part of this progression has been really good,” continues Costa, who at 20 is the youngest of the Brazilian contingent, with 28-year-old Eduardo the most senior.
“We’re very well looked after. There’s a whole structure in place to allow everything to be done properly and we’ve been able to reflect that out on the pitch. The club is very well-organised and that approach is now bearing fruit.”
What's more, the side coached by Romanian boss Mircea Lucescu have been performing with style as well as substance, one of the benefits of being “Europe’s most Brazilian side”, as the coach himself put it. The vast majority of Lucescu’s attacking armoury is of South American origin, with no fewer than 12 of Shakhtar’s 15 Champions League goals so far supplied by this crop of players, as well as 32 of their 39-goal Ukrainian league tally.
Taking the next step
Having never previously qualified for the knockout phase of European football’s premier club competition, Shakhtar did so in emphatic fashion this season by winning five of their six Group H encounters to top the section ahead of favourites Arsenal. Yet a feat of this magnitude has been on the cards after the club’s 2009 UEFA Cup triumph and a level of domestic dominance built up over the past ten years.
Winners of their first Ukrainian title in 2002, on the back of five consecutive runners-up finishes, the Miners went on to repeat the feat in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010. They are hot favourites to hold onto their crown this season too, given their 12-point lead over closest pursuers and arch-rivals Dynamo Kiev.
“We’re very well placed in the Ukrainian league and we’re having a good campaign in the Champions League too. We’ve got a quality side and we hope to go a long way. We’re aiming to challenge for major honours,” continued Costa.
“All this stems from putting the time in and doing things the right way. We always receive plenty of support in every home game, with our fans packing the place out and cheering us on. This is a football-mad city and the people are happier still thanks to the results we’ve been getting.”
Finishing the job against Roma in Tuesday’s second leg would give the fans even more to celebrate and add a further seal of approval to Shakhtar’s transfer policy. “[Reaching the next round] would be a historic event for our club and for Ukrainian football as a whole,” said club captain and Croatia international Darijo Srna, in Monday’s pre-game press conference. “We’re in with an excellent chance, but we still need to prove ourselves once more here in Donetsk.”
Every flight begins with a fall.
Ronaldo Wants To Represent Brazil Talents Lucas And Neymar
Ronaldo is looking to recruit Brazilian prodigies Neymar and Lucas for his new sporting agency...
By Daniel Edwards
Mar 15, 2011 10:27:00 PM
Recently retired football legend Ronaldo has revealed his desire to start representing young Brazilian talents, and set his sights on teenage prodigies Lucas and Neymar as his first clients.
Neymar, of Santos, and Sao Paulo's Lucas are two of the hottest prospects in Brazilian football at the current time, and their potent partnership was a key factor in the Selecao lifting February's South American U20 Championships and qualifying for the Olympic Games.
Former Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan and Inter star Ronaldo knows perhaps better than anyone the pressure on youngsters in the football-mad country, and believes that by entering the notoriously cut-throat business he can help safeguard the futures of such players through his agency '9ine'.
"We are experiencing a large demand from the best athletes in Brazil. At the start we are not going to be able to attend to everyone and we will have to select a few. Neymar and Lucas interest us, because they will be the future of Brazilian football and should be playing in the 2014 World Cup," 'O Fenomeno' told Radio Bandeirante on Tuesday afternoon.
The double World Cup winner went on to reveal that he had already started talking with Lucas' father Jorge Rodrigues, who helps administer the 18-year-old's career along with agent Wagner Ribeiro- also the representative of Neymar
"They got in contact, but nothing is concrete. They only left a message and now I have to wait. We are open but we need to meet with Sao Paulo, without putting any pressure on."
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Friendly
Scotland v Brazil, 14:00 GMT
Thanks Giggs ..
Barcakku pani kodukkaan chance undu....especially the second leg is away from Nou Camp...a very plucky teamBrazilian flavour taking Shakhtar far
Ahead of the second legs of this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16, it may come as a surprise to learn that the team with the largest following on Brazilian shores is not Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Manchester United, but Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
Their lead in the popularity stakes is down to their six Brazilian players - Alex Teixeira, Douglas Costa, Fernandinho, Luiz Adriano, Jadson and Willian - all of whom are midfielders or strikers. And if that were not enough, Shakhtar can also count on the services of Brazilian-born Croatia international Eduardo da Silva as well as Bolivian front-man Marcelo Moreno, who came to prominence at Brazilian club Vitoria.
Enjoying the backing of a solid support infrastructure, which has helped the players adapt and thrive in surroundings far removed from those of their homelands, the South American contingent have become vital cogs in the Miners’ machine. “It’s a big help having a flavour of our country at the club, and we’re a very united group,” attacking midfielder Costa told FIFA.com.
Last eight within their grasp
Next up for Costa and Co is 8 March’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash with Serie A side Roma. Progress to the last eight for Shakhtar, a very real possibility given their 3-2 first-leg victory in Italy, would be a first for the club and vindication of the transfer policy they have pursued over the past decade.
Rather than attempt to sign established European names, the powers-that-be at the Miners have focused primarily on Brazilian-based rising stars, with only ex-Arsenal striker Eduardo signed from a club on the Old Continent. Indeed, Costa came from Gremio, Moreno from Cruzeiro, Fernandinho and Jadson from Atletico Paranaense, Alex Teixeira from Vasco da Gama and Luiz Adriano from Internacional, while Willian was brought in from Corinthians.
Not about to sign these up-and-coming talents and then leave things to chance, Shakhtar have reaped the rewards of the aforementioned support network, as well as a long-term, gradual approach. “Following and then being part of this progression has been really good,” continues Costa, who at 20 is the youngest of the Brazilian contingent, with 28-year-old Eduardo the most senior.
“We’re very well looked after. There’s a whole structure in place to allow everything to be done properly and we’ve been able to reflect that out on the pitch. The club is very well-organised and that approach is now bearing fruit.”
What's more, the side coached by Romanian boss Mircea Lucescu have been performing with style as well as substance, one of the benefits of being “Europe’s most Brazilian side”, as the coach himself put it. The vast majority of Lucescu’s attacking armoury is of South American origin, with no fewer than 12 of Shakhtar’s 15 Champions League goals so far supplied by this crop of players, as well as 32 of their 39-goal Ukrainian league tally.
Taking the next step
Having never previously qualified for the knockout phase of European football’s premier club competition, Shakhtar did so in emphatic fashion this season by winning five of their six Group H encounters to top the section ahead of favourites Arsenal. Yet a feat of this magnitude has been on the cards after the club’s 2009 UEFA Cup triumph and a level of domestic dominance built up over the past ten years.
Winners of their first Ukrainian title in 2002, on the back of five consecutive runners-up finishes, the Miners went on to repeat the feat in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010. They are hot favourites to hold onto their crown this season too, given their 12-point lead over closest pursuers and arch-rivals Dynamo Kiev.
“We’re very well placed in the Ukrainian league and we’re having a good campaign in the Champions League too. We’ve got a quality side and we hope to go a long way. We’re aiming to challenge for major honours,” continued Costa.
“All this stems from putting the time in and doing things the right way. We always receive plenty of support in every home game, with our fans packing the place out and cheering us on. This is a football-mad city and the people are happier still thanks to the results we’ve been getting.”
Finishing the job against Roma in Tuesday’s second leg would give the fans even more to celebrate and add a further seal of approval to Shakhtar’s transfer policy. “[Reaching the next round] would be a historic event for our club and for Ukrainian football as a whole,” said club captain and Croatia international Darijo Srna, in Monday’s pre-game press conference. “We’re in with an excellent chance, but we still need to prove ourselves once more here in Donetsk.”
Ronaldo: Neymar, Ganso And Lucas Are The Future Of Brazilian Football
Ronaldo identified the young trio as the players who represented the future of Brazil for the next 10 years, and selected Neymar as the best...
By Daniel Edwards
Mar 23, 2011 8:00:00 PM
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has highlighted Santos pair Neymar and Ganso and Sao Paulo's Lucas as the future of the Selecao, and admitted that he rated Neymar slightly higher out of the glittering trio.
Since retiring from professional football last month, former Corinthians star Ronaldo has spoken extensively about the next generation of talent coming from the South American country, as he looks to start a new career representing young footballers' business interests. The two-time World Cup winner was in no doubt when asked which young men represented the future for the Verdeamarelho.
"I think that you have to focus on Neymar and Ganso and Lucas: they are three great players and the future of the green and gold," the legend told Sky Sports 24 in Wednesday's interview.
Ronaldo also stated that he believed Italy was the perfect destination for the trio to develop their game when the time was right to leave Brazil, before being pressed to select one youngster he saw as possessing the most potential.
"Now if I have to choose just one I would pick Neymar; he scores a lot of goals and is only 18 years old. Lucas is someone who plays a more liberated game and is extremely quick, while Ganso is a one-off talent who excels at playing a more withdrawn role."
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