Angola vs Mali | Africa Cup of Nations 2010 | Group Stages | Preview
Sunday, the curtain will be drawn on the 27th Orange CAF Nations Cup final in Luanda Angola.while the Angolans will be expecting their team to make it to the final of the competition and even win the cup, the Malians are not under such a pressure and this suits them fine.
Since October 10, 2008, when they were eliminated from the first round of the CAN-Nations Cup qualifier, came out second of group 3 behind Benin, the Angolans have not gotten involved in major competitions contending itself instead with friendly matches that have not really brought out the best in the team.in July, the authorities recruited the Portuguese Manuel Jose hoping that his superlative showing with the Egyptian club Al Ahly will rub off on the team.
Under him the team played a total of nine matches, won two against Togo and Malta, drew six and lost one against Estonia on December 30 in Portugal where they were in camp. if the attack can be said not to be potent with seven goals, the defense can be credited with conceding just five goals.
Angola, world cup qualifiers in 2006 are looking forward to another glorious dawn in their football, despite the pressure that goes with host countries. The Eagles of Mali on the other hand, too long in the shadows of African football, are targeting this competition to satisfy the yearnings of a hungry country. so far the Spanish based trio of Mahamadou Diara, Seydou Keita, Frederic Kanoute have not risen to the expectations of taking Mali to great heights.
It is hoped that unlike what happened in 2008 when they had to bow out in a group involving Nigeria, Benin and Cote d’Ivoire, this time around the memories of 1972, finalist and 1994 and 2002 semi finalist will push them even further.
Meanwhile, the Malians are no strangers to opening matches. in 1994 they spoilt the party for host Tunisia when they won 2-0, and in 2002 before their public they rallied back through Seydou Keita to level a George Weah goal. Just back from a four nation playing tour against North Korea, Iran and Qatar the Eagles lost 0-1 against the Pharaohs of Egypt. All is set for a match that will also determine the preparedness of the host to organise the competition.
Drenthe press conference
Royston Drenthe said he was happy to see Pepe at Valdebebas again. The Dutchman also mentioned he believes Mallorca will play a strong game on Sunday.
How was Pepe today?
I’m very happy to see him smile again. He was joking around. I think he’s better and that everything is going well.
Sergio Ramos is suspended for the match. Do you think you could make the starting eleven?
Lass will also miss the game, but it’s up to the coach to decide. If I happen to play, I will do my best for my team and I will prove I always want the best for us. This is a large squad, so we’ll see what happens. It’s still too soon to know.
It seems Barcelona are having a bad start to the new year…
That’s easy to say. It’s what people said about us last year. Barcelona losing to Sevilla is something that can happen because the latter is a good team. I believe every side can lose a game.
You’ve been here for some years now and you’ve always been a very nice guy. Are you happy in 2010?
I’m nearly 23 years old and I feel happy about everything. I like to train and play every day, and my family is with me. That’s important because I wouldn’t be able to play football if it wasn’t for them. I will be able to show who I am in 2010.
Pepe to Realmadrid.com
Pepe returned to Valdebebas to meet with the Medical Staff and the Club’s physiotherapists. The player expressed the excitement and anxiousness he feels for beginning his recovery programme.
How do you feel?
I feel very well. I’m happy because I’m recovering well from surgery. I am rather anxious to begin my recovery programme.
How have your first days back at work been like?
I began working after I had surgery. The following day I started exercising to recover mobility on my knee as soon as possible. I’m gradually recovering my strength and I expect to stop using crutches in one or two weeks. The important thing is that everything went fine and that I’m motivated to get back into shape.
What have your team-mates said to you?
They have great hearts. They teased me a bit about my hair… They’ve always supported me and they seem to be happy to see me recover from my injury.
What did the doctor say when you talked to him?
He says I’m fine and that my recovery is going according to the schedule we devised. I have to hear from the physiotherapists and start tackling the recovery strategy they’ve set for me.
Are you psychologically stronger now?
I once said the messages of support that were sent to the Club’s website would help me gather strength. The support from my team-mates also did. I will work hard for all their sakes. I will always smile and be as joyful as possible. I just want things to go as well as they’ve done so far.
What are your goals for the new year?
I want to work, work and work some more. I just think about recovering my strength and grow confident during my recovery.
Granero press conference
Esteban Granero addressed the media following the training session attended by 2,300 fans on Epiphany.
What did the Three Magi bring you?
I still don’t know because I left home very early. I will enjoy this day soon, when I return home.
Did you watch Barcelona’s game? Did you enjoy watching them lose?
I watched it. It’s good to watch two of our direct opponents in La Liga clash. It was a very even game and Sevilla eventually earned a tight victory. Both teams are strong, so anything can happen in the return leg.
Lass and Ramos are suspended for the next match. There are bound to be several changes on the lineup. Van der Vaart is niggled. Do you hope to make the starting eleven?
I always have hopes to make the lineup. I think I’m doing a good job. I will make good use of the chances I get. I think I’m fulfilling my part of the bargain. I’m working well and I know I will be ready for when the time comes.
Why do you think you’re finding it so hard to play even as a substitute? Raul sometimes is a first option as a midfielder instead of you…
If it were easy to find a spot here this team wouldn’t be as great as it is. Raul came on instead of me the other day because he is a decisive player capable of tilting the scales towards us at any moment. I think I’m doing well and I will perform at a high level whenever I get my chance. That’s all that matters to me. I feel the coach has faith in me too. I’ve spoken a lot with him and he trusts me, but it’s hard to play regularly on this team and I’m still growing as a player. I’m happy so far.
How did it feel to train with so many people on the stands?
It was beautiful. Kids were very excited. I think it’s good to do this once in a while. It is better to prepare the way we normally do, but it’s nice to do this on special days like today.
Albiol to AS
Raul Albiol talked to AS about the great moment he’s having at Real Madrid and shared his wishes for 2010.
It was important for me to realise that this team is like a family. I think that could be key to our success. I am devoted to doing a good job. This is my first year here and there is much I have to prove.
We are all responsible for the good work we’re doing. We are pressurising well in attack and our midfielders are performing well. We’ve all understood that we all have to help out. We can do even better in every position. We have to stay focused for the entire 90 minutes.
We’ve improved considerably in the past few months and, although we need to do better, we feel capable of overtaking Barcelona. The rivalry between both teams is beautiful, especially after everything they achieved last year. We want to be champions again. I’ve asked the Three Kings to help me win La Liga, the Champions League and my home town’s (Villamarchante) 24 Hour Trophy.
Pepe is one of the best centre backs in the world. We’ll have to do his job. It will be hard to cover his absence.
Loan Watch: Negredo scores the winner at Camp Nou
Substitute Alvaro Negredo made no mistake from the spot to put Sevilla in control ahead of next week’s second leg at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as Sevilla stunned holders Barcelona with a 2-1 win at Camp Nou in the first leg of their Copa del Rey fifth round tie.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Alcorcon 2-1 Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla wanted their fifth straight victory, but Alcorcon were a hard team to beat and ended up winning the match 2-1. Local player Iñigo Lopez scored the opener. Juan Carlos equalised for the Whites on the 84-minute mark, but David Sanz netted the victory strike for Alcorcon in extra time.
Notes: Second Division B, Group II, Matchday 19.
Venue: Santo Domingo Stadium.
Post-match comments
Manuel Pellegrini believes the match against Osasuna was “even.” Garay, Albiol and Ramos were happy with the team’s performance, but they all added how disappointing it was not to take three points that would have made them leaders tonight. Marcelo and Arbeloa were satisfied with the team’s performance despite the draw.
Pellegrini:
The game was even. We neither won a point nor did we lose two. We always knew this is a tough venue. The match was very intense and Osasuna did a good job, especially in the first half, during which we were less creative. We had clearer chances to score in the second half, but the game was rather balanced and even overall.
We did well in defence because Osasuna practically posed no threat. We could have sentenced the match better in attack if we had made better use of the chances we had.
Garay:
We could have taken three points, but this is a complicated venue and the game was rather of a stop-start nature. We must now focus on taking three points in our next game.
This is a bitter result because a victory would have made us leaders. I think the draw was unfair on us.
I’m happy for being a starter, but I think about the team as a whole and about earning three points against Mallorca.
Osasuna 0-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid had the difficult task of becoming leaders in La Liga with a victory at Reyno de Navarra Stadium against Osasuna. The Whites dominated the match and had practically all the clear chances seen in the encounter, but the final score was a 0-0 draw.
Manuel Pellegrini’s lineup was the same as in the clash with Zaragoza, except for Xabi Alonso, who took Mahamadou Diarra’s place tonight. Van der Vaart (4′) and Higuain (5′) had the first chances in the game, while Aranda and Camuñas had shots on Casillas’ goal on the 18-minute mark.
Real Madrid dominated, but neither side had any clear chances for several minutes until Flaño missed a header under pressure from Alonso (31’). The Whites responded with a spectacular play from Arbeola, who dribbled past defenders with step-overs. He passed the ball to Van der Vaart, whose shot was grabbed by keeper Ricardo. Nekounam had a great chance from a header close to half-time, but Casillas pulled rank and made a spectacular save. The ball then landed at Aranda’s feet, but Garay stepped in in time to clear it.
The Madridistas were way more energetic in the second half. They made several steals in midfield and reached Osasuna’s goal more often. Cristiano Ronaldo dribbled past two defenders and pulled off a powerful shot that Ricardo cleared with his fists (47’). Ronaldo again tried to score from a shot from outside the box, but he was off target.
The Whites’ dominance steadily grew. Ronaldo had a free-kick in the 57th minute, but the ball hit the stands. Higuain then had the clearest chance in the game when Flaño opened up the way for him by slipping. The Argentine faced Ricardo alone, but the keeper made a magnificent save, sending the ball over the crossbar (64’). Pellegrini decided to bring on Benzema and Raul for Van der Vaart and Higuain, respectively, while Masoud and Ruper came on to strengthen Osasuna’s game.
The locals never gave up, but they hardly proved to be dangerous. Their only clear chance came from a header on the goal-line by Flaño that Casillas failed to reach in time but that Marcelo managed to clear (61′). Cristiano had another chance from a free-kick before the end of the game, but failed to score. In the end, Real Madrid dominated and Osasuna stood firm, resulting in a 0-0 draw.
Lineups:
Osasuna: Ricardo, Azpilicueta, Roversio, Miguel Flaño, Monreal, Puñal, Nekounam, Juanfran (Rúper 80′), Camuñas (Calleja 93′), Aranda (Masoud 64′), Pandiani;
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Raúl Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Lass, Marcelo (Granero 83′), Van der Vaart (Benzema 64′), Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín (Raul 73′);
Referee: Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz.
Booked: Nekounam, Pandiani, Masoud, Sergio Ramos, Lass, Arbeloa;
Notes: La Liga, Matchday 16. Sergio Ramos and Lassana Diarra received a fifth booking each and will miss the match against Mallorca.
Venue: Reyno de Navarra Stadium.
Osasuna vs Real Madrid | Spanish Primera Division | Matchday 16 | Preview
La Liga returns following its Christmas break, and Real Madrid are set to face Osasuna at Reyno de Navarra Stadium tonight at 21:00 CET. A victory would make the Whites leaders on the table.
Rafael van der Vaart, who was niggled throughout the week, has recovered in time for the match. Xabi Alonso has also returned to the squad list after missing the team’s previous game due to a suspension. Pepe, Guti and Van Nistelrooy are injured and Mahamadou Diarra is currently with Mali playing in the African Cup.
Strikers Carlos Aranda and Walter Pandiani missed Osasuna’s clashes with Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao, but they will be ready to face Real Madrid. Coach Jose Antonio Camacho will have more problems in defence given that he won’t be able to use Josetxo Romero (suspended) and the injured Oier Sanjurjo and Sergio. Nevertheless, important men like Azpilicueta, Monreal, Aranda and Delporte have recovered in time for the fixture.
Real Madrid and Osasuna have faced each other 62 times, resulting in 37 victories for the Whites, 13 draws and 12 victories for Osasuna. The Madridistas have scored 128 goals against Osasuna and conceded 63.
Real Madrid won the 2007/08 league title thanks to defeating Osasuna in Pamplona, while the latter team managed to stay in the First Division last season thanks to defeating the Whites.
SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Ramos, Albiol, Arbeloa, Marcelo, Metzelder, Garay
Midfielders: Gago, Lass, Xabi Alonso, Granero, Drenthe, Van der Vaart
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Benzema, Higuain
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini gave his first press conference of 2010 the day prior to the match against Osasuna in Pamplona.
You ended 2009 with good performances and excellent results. Will the team benefit from the league stoppage?
A week off is of no relevance on a physical level. Psychologically speaking, we wish to keep the same spirit we showcased against Zaragoza and during the entire semester. We want to do this against a complicated opponent like Osasuna.
How does Kaka feel?
Luckily, he feels well. He trained normally this week, but he isn’t quite ready to play yet. He has recovered from his injury.
Have the rotations you used at the start of the season now come to an end?
We played eight games in September, October and December. It was impossible to face them with a standard lineup. Rotations were necessary. Since our elimination from the Copa del Rey, we’ve been able to use less rotations. We have to try to get the squad ready for March and April, which will be the deciding months in the championship. There are many players on his team who are currently at a great level, even if they don’t play much right now.
Does it worry you to sustain so many injuries?
We gradually sustain less injuries. Kaka has recovered and we hope Guti and Van Nistelrooy rejoin the team on Wednesday. We knew Diarra wouldn’t be available at this stage. Pepe is really our only seriously injured man, but we knew he wouldn’t be available for this match.
Back to business – Osasuna pre-preview
Firstly, Happy New Year to all.
Finally we have some Real football to look forward to. After a good end to 2009, we enter 2010 with lots of hopes and expectations – a case that wasn’t exactly a year ago. Anyhoo, thats that and we have a whole new year ahead. On Matchday 16 we visit the Reyno de Navarra to face the 12th placed Osasuna side. Although we have enjoyed a fair amount of success in Pamplona (think #31) Osasuna are definitely a force to reckon.
Coached by Jose Antonio Camacho and starring Pandiani, Osasuna make a formidable line up especially at home. With Ricardo, Azpilicueta and Monreal they not only have of a strong line of defence but the wing-backs also add great depth to the team by helping out in attack. In the center of the defense is Josetxo, who is unavailable and will likely be replaced by Sergio Fernandez, and Miguel Flaño. The Osasuna midfield has Nekounam, Masoud, Juanfran who can be a handful while both attacking and defending. It was recently announced that Portillo has signed for Hercules, thus taking the former Madridista out of the equation. Pandiani, Aranda and Camuñas can be deadly in attack if given room to work with.
But then Real Madrid are far better.
Lass to AS
Lass talked to AS about his career, Pellegrini, Xabi Alonso and his wishes for 2010.
Makelele was my role model when I started. He also had a difficult career. I played with him for a long time at Chelsea and on the French national team, and I learned a lot from him. I’ve reached this far thanks to my hard work, but he helped me improve considerably. He is like an older brother to me. What I most admire about him is that he is a great professional.
I’ve gone through a lot to be where I am today. I know how difficult life can be. Mourinho has been very important in my life because he supported me. Everything I’ve done since I was 12 has allowed me to play for Real Madrid today, but I also know that my own efforts could make me play in the Third Division in the future. I use what I’ve got and thank God for everything I’ve achieved. I enjoy what I have because you never know what’s going to happen… Look at what’s happened to Pepe…
Team of the Decade
Now that we have all the nominees it is only fair that I follow the tradition and announce the 16-man Squad List that would be Real Madrid’s Team of the Decade.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Cesar Sanchez;
Defenders: Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Fernando Hierro, Fabio Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos;
Midfielders: Claude Makelele, David Beckham, Luis Figo, Robinho, Zinedine Zidane, Guti;
Forwards: Raul, Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Gonzalo Higuain;
Starting XI: Casillas; Salgado, Hierro, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Makelele; Beckham, Figo; Zidane; Raul, Ronaldo;
There weren’t too many tough decisions to make except for whether to choose Pipita or Helguera in the final 16 and that of whether Sergio Ramos should be there in the starting XI or not. And I am sure no decision of mine needs any kind of justification.
Happy New Year to all.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Just another Madridista
Higuain to uefa.com
Higuain is the talk of the town in European football circles. The striker sat down with Uefa.com for an interview in which he reviewed his favourite moments of 2009.
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January 7, 2010 | Categories: Comments | Tags: Gonzalo Higuaín | 1 Comment »