I am in Portugal. It is after the Euro, so I guess I am here a bit late... However, some of the vestiges are still here, as Portuguese flags are still hanging from balconies as a show of patriotism engendered by the football euphoria of the Euro 2004.
But they strangely seem proud of their second spot; I even saw a t-shirt with the inscription: "Portugal - vice champions of Europe". How good is that? Like Jerry Seinfeld said: "You are the best of all the losers. Ahead of you, nobody lost."
Strange...
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Monday, July 26, 2004
Jurgen Klinsmann, new German coach
Jurgen Klinsmann was a great striker. I particularly remember his great goal against South Corea in USA 1994, when he tipped the ball to himself, turned in one move, and scored. Also, in Italy 1990, when he was a one-man attack, after Rudi Voller had been showed a red card.
Now, Mr. Klinsmann has been selected to succeed Rudi Voller as coach of the nationalmannschaft, whom he will have to lead to a World Cup triumph at home in 2006. He will not face an easy task, just as Mr. Voller did not. Germany is in awful lack of great talent, and is producing no strikers, in spite of the legendary ones they have fostered before, as Mr. Klinsmann himself. It will be interesting though, to see what he can do, with organisation, fight and will, things that have characterized German football before.
I hope he is fortunate, because Germany is always a great footballing nation to confront for anyone.
So from here, congratulations Mr. Klinsmann, and all the best!
Now, Mr. Klinsmann has been selected to succeed Rudi Voller as coach of the nationalmannschaft, whom he will have to lead to a World Cup triumph at home in 2006. He will not face an easy task, just as Mr. Voller did not. Germany is in awful lack of great talent, and is producing no strikers, in spite of the legendary ones they have fostered before, as Mr. Klinsmann himself. It will be interesting though, to see what he can do, with organisation, fight and will, things that have characterized German football before.
I hope he is fortunate, because Germany is always a great footballing nation to confront for anyone.
So from here, congratulations Mr. Klinsmann, and all the best!
Brazilian Greeks
Recently, in Copenhagen, I went to a concert with the marvelous Brazilian musician (and Minister of Culture), Mr. Gilberto Gil. In a rainy night, the crowd was a pleasant mixture of Danes, tourists and expat Brazilians. As a great artist, Mr. Gil played an Argentinian tango, in dedication of their South American brothers. Most Brazilians present at the concert, whistled at this dedicaiton to the neighbors.
This just to show that although I want to love Brazilians, I find it hard to. More so after their undeserved victory against a strong Argentinian side in the Copa America (first time that has ever happened) after penalty kicks.
Brazilians have all the reason to think they are the greatest footballing nation. They are. And tonight, they can formally call themselves Champions of The Americas. Congratulations to the Brazilian players. But Brazil is champion, having played like the Greeks, and making a shame at their own traditions of entertaining attacking football. The only team attacking, was Argentina. What an irony thinking of some of the earlier times when "bilardismo" swept Argentina with a defensive style. The roles have changed.Brazil has been loved for playing delightful and happy football. What an irony that they now are turning into the Greeks of Latin America.
This just to show that although I want to love Brazilians, I find it hard to. More so after their undeserved victory against a strong Argentinian side in the Copa America (first time that has ever happened) after penalty kicks.
Brazilians have all the reason to think they are the greatest footballing nation. They are. And tonight, they can formally call themselves Champions of The Americas. Congratulations to the Brazilian players. But Brazil is champion, having played like the Greeks, and making a shame at their own traditions of entertaining attacking football. The only team attacking, was Argentina. What an irony thinking of some of the earlier times when "bilardismo" swept Argentina with a defensive style. The roles have changed.Brazil has been loved for playing delightful and happy football. What an irony that they now are turning into the Greeks of Latin America.
Friday, July 23, 2004
Argentina-Brazil
Two of the greatest football nations are playing the final of the 41st Copa America on Sunday: Argentina and Brazil. Time for some numbers on the many encounters...
These two great nations have played 90 times before: Argentina has done marginally better with 36 victories, Brazil has 33, while they have tied 21 times.
While Brazil has won the World Championships an amazing 5 times, ahead of Argentinas two victories. However, in the Copa America, Argentina has a confortable lead with 14 victories against Brazil's 6 (Uruguay has 14 victories like Argentina). More interesting though, is that this will be the 9th final of the Copa America where these two giants face each other. But in the previous eight encounters, Argentina has won every time. Last time was in 1991, when Argentina defeated Brazil 3-2 in Santiago de Chile (Notice though, that this was not a final as such, since the tournament was played as a final group stage).
This time, I believe Brazil stands good chances of taking home the trophy. But the Argentines are stable and good. It will be another great encounter to add to the earlier 90!
GO ARGENTINA!!!!
There are plenty of more statistics and information on the excellent
official site of the Copa America 2004.
These two great nations have played 90 times before: Argentina has done marginally better with 36 victories, Brazil has 33, while they have tied 21 times.
While Brazil has won the World Championships an amazing 5 times, ahead of Argentinas two victories. However, in the Copa America, Argentina has a confortable lead with 14 victories against Brazil's 6 (Uruguay has 14 victories like Argentina). More interesting though, is that this will be the 9th final of the Copa America where these two giants face each other. But in the previous eight encounters, Argentina has won every time. Last time was in 1991, when Argentina defeated Brazil 3-2 in Santiago de Chile (Notice though, that this was not a final as such, since the tournament was played as a final group stage).
This time, I believe Brazil stands good chances of taking home the trophy. But the Argentines are stable and good. It will be another great encounter to add to the earlier 90!
GO ARGENTINA!!!!
There are plenty of more statistics and information on the excellent
official site of the Copa America 2004.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Copa América semifinals
After this weekend's quarterfinals, the semifinals are:
July 20th: Argentina-Colombia
July 21st: Brazil-Uruguay
Two classic games:
Argentina-Colombia, is very special for the Colombians, who have a hard time forgetting their legendary 0-5 victory in Buenos Aires in 1993. The games are usually exciting and intense encounters, and this one will be no different. Persnally, it is a special game: I learned all about football when living in Argentina, and my football-heart is thoroughly Argentinian. On the other hand, I am half Colombian...
Brazil-Uruguay: Two world championship winners. Although a long time ago for Uruguay, it is still the smallest country in the world with the greatest footballing traditions. Encounters between these two great nations have always been incredible; just remember the 1950 World Cup final, or the semifinal in the 1970 world cup.
Shame I will not be able to see these amazing games...
July 20th: Argentina-Colombia
July 21st: Brazil-Uruguay
Two classic games:
Argentina-Colombia, is very special for the Colombians, who have a hard time forgetting their legendary 0-5 victory in Buenos Aires in 1993. The games are usually exciting and intense encounters, and this one will be no different. Persnally, it is a special game: I learned all about football when living in Argentina, and my football-heart is thoroughly Argentinian. On the other hand, I am half Colombian...
Brazil-Uruguay: Two world championship winners. Although a long time ago for Uruguay, it is still the smallest country in the world with the greatest footballing traditions. Encounters between these two great nations have always been incredible; just remember the 1950 World Cup final, or the semifinal in the 1970 world cup.
Shame I will not be able to see these amazing games...
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