#sergio and raul win is all i needed
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Wolves v Man City - Aguero starts after injury
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Wolves v Man City - Aguero starts after injury
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Live Reporting
By Emma Sanders
All times stated are UK
Posted at 20:0720:07
Khan Karn:No way is that a penalty. Mahrez should be booked for diving
22 mins
PENALTY – Man City
Wolves 0-0 Man City
It’s been given! Pep likes VAR again.
22 mins
PENALTY APPEAL
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Riyad Mahrez weaves in and out of challenges as he cuts into the box and gets away from Leander Dendoncker.
He’s about to cut it back when his foot is trodden on. Referee Martin Atkinson points for a goal kick but City’s players are adament it’s a penalty!
Off to VAR we go…
Posted at 20:0420:04
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Clinton Morrison
Former Crystal Palace striker on BBC Radio 5 Live
I can see why Guardiola has substituted Aguero. You would be devastated when you have just come back from injury but you have to do it for the team.
Pep will want more legs in the team and that isn’t Aguero’s game anymore, running into channels and holding the ball up.
Aguero didn’t look happy but accepted it.
19 mins
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Adama Traore with a step over and a ball shift to his right. Benjamin Mendy reads it and blocks the cross. It ends up hitting back off Traore and goes out for a goal kick.
A few moments later, it’s back with Traore and this time he does win a corner.
Posted at 20:0220:02
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
BBC Radio 5 Live
Former Wolves winger Michael Kightly on why Adama Traore’s form has been so good this season:“I think it is his confidence. I played against him when he was at Middlesbrough and he was ridiculously quick – I was reasonably quick as well!
“At that time thought he could be unbelievable but you wondered about his final ball. At the start of his time at Wolves he was in and out of the team but he has been given the licence to do what he does best and he’s full of confidence.
“Everything that Wolves do good comes through him. If he caries on he will end up getting a big move.
“His pace and power is as good as anyone in the league. How many people have got yellow cards against him? That’s because no-one can catch him.”
17 mins
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Jonny makes a good run in between the two centre-backs but Kevin de Bruyne is there to cover.
It bounces through to Claudio Bravo. At least he’s getting a little warm-up…
15 mins
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Joao Moutinho tests Claudio Bravo straight away with a curling free-kick. It lacks power and whip and is a comfortable catch for the City keeper.
That’s the first save under the belt!
Posted at 19:5919:59
Simon Stone
BBC Sport at Molineux
What a big moment.
Not only have City lost their keeper but Sergio Aguero has gone off to make way for Claudio Bravo.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
14 mins
SUBSTITUTION
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Oh no, what a huge shame! It’s Sergio Aguero who is sacrificed. On comes reserve keeper Claudio Bravo.
Aguero is given a sympathetic pat on the head by Pep Guardiola. He’ll be gutted.
Posted at 19:5819:58
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Clinton Morrison
Former Crystal Palace striker on BBC Radio 5 Live
I think it is a red card, he’s definitely caught him. I know Manchester City like to play keeper-sweeper but I think Kyle Walker could have covered.
11 mins
RED CARD – Ederson
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Manchester City are down to 10 men and have lost their keeper!
Diogo Jota is played in over the top and gets a touch on the ball, lifting it over Ederson before going to ground outside the box.
He thinks he’s been clipped but the replay shows Ederson barely moves. Harsh one? I think so.
11 mins
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Both players are being checked over by the medical staff. Leander Dendoncker is still sat on the turf but he is awake and alert.
Benjamin Mendy is up and chatting to his team. He might have cut his lip in the clash.
Posted at 19:5419:54
Christmas fixture woe
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Simon Stone
BBC Sport at Molineux
This is the final match of the Boxing Day programme, so both sides are amongst those who are having to double up in less than 48 hours’ time.
Wolves visit Liverpool on Sunday (16:30 GMT), with Manchester City entertaining Sheffield United slightly later (18:00 GMT) on the same day.
The programme has been condemned by virtually every Premier League manager, with Nuno Espirito Santo and Pep Guardiola amongst the most vocal.
9 mins
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Adama Traore is shoved off the ball by Raheem Sterling but the referee is happy and waves play on.
City look to build an attack down the left but Benjamin Mendy and Leander Dendoncker clash heads. A painful one!
Posted at 19:5219:52
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Clinton Morrison
Former Crystal Palace striker on BBC Radio 5 Live
That was the old Traore there, over-running it. With Jota and Traore, Wolves have loads of pace. They will be good on the counter attack.
7 mins
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
Wolves eventually get the ball and immediately look to go long to Adama Traore. Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi just about deal with it but Raul Jimenez picks up the loose ball in midfield.
He slips it right to Traore but the speedy winger’s touch is too heavy and it’s out for a goal kick.
Posted at 19:5019:50
Harish Lakka:Wolves for all the three points. Leicester and Wolves to make it to Champions League next year, while Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and United fight for Europa League.
Anyone agree?
4 mins
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
A sign of things to come? Man City are controlling possession – just pinging it from side to side.
Wolves’ Romain Saiss puts a bit of pressure on Kyle Walker though and the full-back honks it out for a throw-in.
Posted at 19:4719:47
Post update
Wolves 0-0 Man City
BBC Radio 5 Live
Former Norwich, Millwall and Wales striker Steve Morison on Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero’s future:
“How do you replace Aguero? You don’t. It is not easy to find a 30 goal a season striker. For me he doesn’t get enough credit. He is unbelievable.
“The first thing I tell the youngsters I coach now is ‘go and watch Aguero. Watch where he scores his goals from and how he scores them. Go and watch the best’.
“Pep came in and wasn’t, it looked like at the start, overly happy with him. He wanted to improve him. You’re improving someone who is already very good and that’s amazing to see that he has got better. Now he’s exceptional.”
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Liverpool should thrash Newcastle, right? Not so fast. Your Premier League weekend preview
With international break over, The Exploding Heads predict Liverpool vs. Newcastle and ruin some cake in the process.
Craig Burley and Steve Nicol have different opinions on the significance of Aymeric Laporte’s injury to the Premier League title race.
Shaka Hislop examines whether or not Raheem Sterling has what it takes to become an elite star following his top form for club and country.
Club football is back! Nick Miller gets you ready for all the Premier League action with a new-look weekend preview.
THE WEEKEND’S BIG QUESTIONS
Will Newcastle pull another performance out of the bag against Liverpool?
Newcastle United have a case for being the strangest team in the Premier League. They’re a pretty uninspiring bunch, for the most part, but have nonetheless pulled off two of the most impressive results of 2019, being the last team to beat Manchester City and, of course, claiming an unlikely victory against Tottenham a few weeks ago .
Both of those wins were thanks to solid, stubborn and maybe even boring defensive displays that nevertheless worked, frustrating their superior opponents and nicking the crucial goal. So will they be able to pull off something similar against Liverpool this weekend? You wouldn’t think so facing Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah (assuming they pass to each other) but then again, you wouldn’t have expected them to do it in the other two games either.
Liverpool could be faced with a tough old task on Saturday but should prevail.
Liverpool are dominant at home under Jurgen Klopp but surprisingly, Newcastle have thrived against the Premier League’s top teams in 2019-20.
Can Tottenham get themselves out of their funk?
Instinctively looking at the fixture list, you might assume Spurs vs. Crystal Palace at home is just the game to help them get over whatever funk they appear to be in. But then you remember that remarkably, only Liverpool and City have gathered more points than Roy Hodgson’s side since the start of February. Not quite so straightforward, then.
“Now, for sure, it was so important to be refocused,” Mauricio Pochettino said on Thursday, revealing that he had an hour-long meeting with his squad after they returned from the international break. “It was very good to talk today for nearly one hour and refocus again on our objective.”
There was always a gnawing sensation that Pochettino was using the uncertainty of the transfer window as a smokescreen to deflect attention from deeper problems at Tottenham, but we’ll soon find out whether that’s true or not. If they lose to Palace, he can no longer use the excuse that his players are distracted by events elsewhere.
Will Sanchez Flores make a difference vs. Arsenal?
The dismissal of Javi Gracia by Watford wasn’t that surprising: what was more of a shock was the reappointment of Quique Sanchez Flores. Yet there is some logic to it: Flores’ strength in his previous spell in charge was keeping their defence tight and the Hornets haven’t kept a clean sheet since February.
It’s unreasonable to expect too much this weekend: he’s been back for only a week and many of his squad will have been on international duty. But if he wants an immediate test of his ability to fix things at the back, it will come in the shape of Arsenal with a potential front three of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe. Those three could well be rubbing their hands in glee.
THE GAME YOU’RE NOT PLANNING TO WATCH … BUT SHOULD
If you’ve got room on your DVR or in your busy schedule for one match this weekend away from the title race, we’ve got you covered.
Sheffield United vs. Southampton
You could make a decent argument that this weekend’s tussle at Bramall Lane sees the two most interesting managers in the Premier League face each other.
Chris Wilder and Ralph Hassenhuttl have had massive impacts on their respective clubs: Wilder has taken Sheffield United from perpetual League One frustration to the Premier League, while Southampton resemble a viable top-flight team after the husk of nothingness they’d become with Mark Hughes in charge. The two men have different styles, but this could make for a fascinating clash. We reckon the hosts will edge it.
A TEAM THAT NEEDS A BIT OF LUCK
Luck is everything in sports. Get acquainted with ESPN’s Luck Index as we pick out the team most desperate for good fortune amid a difficult run. Here are the big takeaways from the 2019 edition as explained by Gab Marcotti.
Manchester United: Perhaps we’ve been fooled a little by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assertion that Manchester United are doing all the right things and it will all click soon, but they have arguably been slightly unlucky not to have more than five points to show for their efforts. They are underperforming their xG rate, and only four teams have taken more shots so far.
Do they need luck or just to improve their finishing? Definitely the latter, but a dash of the former would help out, too.
FANTASY FOCUS
Kieran Darcy has some tips for the weekend action. Read his full preview and set your team line-up!
Must-have: Sergio Aguero (Tier 1 forward): Aguero has scored in each of Man City’s first four games and has a league-leading six goals in total. He faces a Norwich side that has already conceded 10, the most in the league.
Worth considering: Mohamed Salah (Tier 1 midfielder): Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are also available in his tier and are averaging more points per game — Sterling has five goals, and De Bruyne leads the league in assists (5) and chances created (16) — but Salah’s track record makes him the better play at home against Newcastle.
Avoid at all costs: Teemu Pukki (Tier 2 forward): Pukki scored five goals in his first three games and has the highest points per game average in his tier, but he’s coming off a scoreless outing against West Ham and now faces Man City.
ONE THING THAT WILL DEFINITELY HAPPEN
Goals, goals, goals at Carrow Road: If you’re hungry for goals this season, Norwich are the team to watch. Their four fixtures have seen 16 go in, second-most in the Premier League so far, and happily enough the only team above them are in town on Saturday as Manchester City come to town. Hopefully we haven’t jinxed this into a 0-0, but expect to see them fly in at Carrow Road this weekend.
MAN TO WATCH
Christian Eriksen: Pochettino insisted this week that Eriksen has always been happy at Tottenham, despite spending most of the summer trying to get out of the club and in all likelihood spending the season running down his contract so he can leave for free next summer. However, with the injury to Giovani Lo Celso meaning the creator most likely to displace him is no longer a factor, the onus will be back on the Dane and the Dane alone to provide Tottenham’s creative spark against Crystal Palace.
Christian Eriksen had hoped to be playing in La Liga rather than the Premier League this season.
STATS OF THE WEEKEND
Information provided by ESPN Stats & Information Group
– Liverpool could set a club record for winning streaks if they beat Newcastle this weekend. Their 12-game run is tied with a similar effort from April to October in 1990. Meanwhile, their ongoing 42-game unbeaten run (32 wins, 10 draws) is second only to Chelsea’s 86-game streak (2004-08) in the Premier League era.
– Manchester United are 1-4-4 in their past nine Premier League games. If they lose or draw vs. Leicester this weekend, it would give the storied club their fewest points in a 10-game league span (seven or eight) of the past 12 seasons. Yet a good sign might be their form vs. the Foxes: United have a 17-game home unbeaten run (13 wins, four draws) in all competitions dating back to Jan. 21, 1998.
– Don’t bet against Palace. They’re averaging 2.08 points per away game in the league dating back to Dec. 22, 2018. Only Man City (2.54) and Liverpool (2.18) have more over the same span. Equally, Harry Kane has averaged 0.25 goals per game against Palace over the past five seasons. It’s his second-worst return against any club over that span: he averages 0.17 goals per game against Newcastle, who beat Spurs 1-0 back in August.
– Will CONCACAF’s big rivals thrive at Molineux on Saturday? Raul Jimenez (Wolves) and Christian Pulisic (U.S.) could become just the second Mexico-U.S. tandem to score in a single match in the Premier League since El Tri international Guillermo Franco and American great Clint Dempsey did it in Fulham’s 3-2 win over West Ham on May 2, 2010.
– Everton love playing on Sundays: they’re unbeaten in the league in 2019 with five wins and two draws when playing on the second day of the weekend.
OUR BOLD/RECKLESS PREDICTIONS
Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle: Another easy home win for Jurgen Klopp
Manchester United 2-2 Leicester: More trouble for the hosts
Brighton 2-1 Burnley: Big home win for relegation battlers
Sheffield United 1-0 Southampton: Wilder prevails in must-see skirmish
Tottenham 2-1 Crystal Palace: Pochettino and co back on track
Wolves 2-3 Chelsea: Defining victory for Frank Lampard?
Norwich 1-5 Manchester City: Look away, Canary fans
Bournemouth 1-2 Everton: Liverpool’s second team keeps winning
Watford 0-2 Arsenal: The Gunners are different this year
Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham: Jack Grealish to make the difference?
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FA Cup wrap: Manchester Metropolis thrash Burnley, Everton shocked in controversial circumstances
WIMBLEDON 4-2 WEST HAM
Manuel Pellegrini stated he felt “ashamed” of his gamers throughout West Ham’s humiliating 4-2 defeat by AFC Wimbledon within the fourth spherical of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Hammers could also be 10th within the Premier League and Wimbledon all-time low of third-tier League One, however that didn’t cease them going 3-Zero down on this all-London tie, with Scott Wagstaff scoring twice after Kwesi Appiah’s opener.
West Ham supervisor Pellegrini despatched on substitutes Lucas Perez and Felipe Anderson after the break, with each gamers scoring to make it 3-2.
However Wimbledon teenager Toby Sibbick settled the match simply moments after approaching by heading within the aim that ended all hope of a Hammers fightback two minutes from time.
Scott Wagstaff
MANCHESTER CITY 5-Zero BURNLEY
Metropolis swept previous fellow English Premier League crew Burnley 5-Zero within the fourth spherical of the FA Cup on Saturday, extending its run of wins to eight in all competitions. In that streak, the crew has 33 targets and has not conceded a aim within the final six video games - a primary underneath Guardiola.
Kevin De Bruyne scored one and had a hand in two others, with Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero scoring together with an own-goal.
MILLWALL 3-2 EVERTON
Everton had been shocked 3-2 by Championship Millwall in controversial circumstances. The Toffees led twice at The Den, however had been left to rue the dearth of VAR on the sport as Millwall’s second aim, from Jake Cooper, was allowed to face regardless of coming off the defender’s arm.
Nevertheless, Marco Silva’s males additionally solely have themselves responsible after dire defending noticed them concede from three set items.
Richarlison’s lengthy vary effort squirmed by means of Jordan Archer’s grasp to offer the guests a lead that lasted simply 4 minutes when Lee Gregory’s header levelled in first-half stoppage time.
Substitute Cenk Tosun restored Everton’s benefit earlier than the second of controversy when the ball ricocheted off Cooper’s arm and into an unguarded internet.
Everton’s gamers and supervisor had been livid as replays proven contained in the stadium confirmed the aim ought to have been dominated out for handball, however with VAR not in use, referee Michael Oliver needed to stick by his authentic choice to offer the aim.
The Premier League aspect didn't recuperate their composure and paid a heavy value when Murray Wallace turned residence one other free-kick launched into the Everton field within the 94th minute.
bernardo
SHREWSBURY 2-2 WOLVES
Wolves knocked out Premier League leaders Liverpool within the final spherical, however wanted a late fightback from 2-Zero all the way down to power a replay.
“It’s actual combined feelings. I base myself on performances and that was very, excellent however I'm disillusioned to not win the sport,” stated Shrewsbury supervisor Sam Ricketts.
Greg Docherty smashed the third-tier aspect into the lead simply two minutes into the second-half.
Luke Waterfall gave the Shrews a two-goal lead 19 minutes from time with a towering header from a nook.
They wanted that cushion as Raul Jimenez got here off the bench to offer the Wolves a lifeline and Matt Doherty levelled three minutes into stoppage time to save lots of Nuno Espirito Santo’s aspect.
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UEFA Champions League Final - Wikipedia
Real madrid v liverpool final - Real Madrid vs. Liverpool - Football Match Report - April 7, - ESPN
Updated at 9. Yes they may win the second leg but their high line looks far too dangerous for their own good. I suspect Real madrid v liverpool final fans will use a different adjective. Mane goes over in the D after an excellent run. Fabinho has moved back into defence. Thiago wafts over the bar from the edge of the D. Given their recent home real madrid v liverpool final, they could do with at least one more goal tonight.
He is a quite brilliant allround No9. But it will be a long night for basics Madrid defence. As one might expect, it's been a tentative start but Madrid have had the better of it. They're pressing high, passing quickly and have got a shot away. Real Madrid have faced Liverpool five times sinceincluding the Champions League final in Kiev in In those five duels, Liverpool scored a total of six goals and Real Madrid netted seven.
In the two games Los Blancos hosted Liverpool each team registered a victory apiece. At home this season in the Champions League, Real Madrid have won three out of their four matches.
The season started poorly for their standards, losing to Shakhtar Donetsk at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, but have bounced back with three wins on the spin. On the other hand, Liverpool have been good away from home this campaign in Europe.
The Reds have scored in all their away games in the Champions League this season and they are unbeaten on the road. Real Madrid real madrid v liverpool final be without Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane tonight, but missing central defenders has been a theme for Liverpool all season. Tonight, Ozan Kabak and Nathaniel Phillips are the chosen pairing, but the young duo have been doing well of real madrid v liverpool final. In their four starts together, they have kept four clean sheets and are now the Reds' longest serving centre-back pairing this campaign, with consecutive minutes together.
Vinicius was one real madrid v liverpool final Real Madrid's players in their second leg matchup against Atalanta in their last Champions League outing, with a sizzling performance down the left wing. The Brazilian did just about everything other than score, and the spotlight will once again shine brightly on his dancing feet. But can he turn his real madrid v liverpool final into goals? That's what Real Madrid fans will be asking. The youngster has played nine games in the Champions League this season, but has only scored once.
Dejan Lovren. Virgil van Dijk. Andrew Robertson. James Milner. Jordan Henderson c. Georginio Wijnaldum. Mohamed Salah.
Roberto Firmino. Simon Mignolet. Nathaniel Clyne. Ragnar Klavan. Alberto Moreno. Adam Lallana. Emre Can. Dominic Solanke. Match rules [47] 90 minutes. Penalty shoot-out if scores still level. Seven named substitutes, of which up to three may be used. European Cup era, — Copa del Rey Finals UEFA Champions League He also became the second-youngest player to score a UCL knockout goal for Real Madrid at 20 years and days, and youngest since Raul in Madrid dominated the next exchanges and doubled the lead with help of a ghastly error by Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who, when racing Vinicius to a real madrid v liverpool final through ball down the left, inexplicably played a ball into the path of Asensio with only the keeper to beat.
Asensio's discover here -- a chip over Alisson before smashing home into an empty net -- marked the fourth straight match in which the winger has scored in all competitions. Real madrid v liverpool final have recovered from worse defeats than this, but can they do it without the Anfield factor? We played well but we had difficulties at the start of the second half. In the second half they had one shot and scored. It's tough to take, but that's football.
The ball fell their way and that's that. Real Madrid really haven't missed the Ramos-Varane tandem. Liverpool's early second half zest and sparkle seems to be a little less intense now. Benzema shoots, Alisson saves, it's been a discreet performance from the French striker by his own usual high standards. Twenty left for Liverpool to try and get another goal that would click for source the tie very much alive.
So, just as I fancied the scoreline, Vinicius pops up to see Madrid's two goal advantage restored. Lovely pass from Modric and a neat finish from the Brazilian who tucks the ball into the corner of the Liverpool net.
Asensio breaks and looks to find Vinisius who is free in the box, a poor pass and Trent AA intercepts to clear the danger. Less than half an hour to go in this first leg. The away goal will give the English side some belief and if anything a scoreline looks more likely than The game is very much a solid contest now with the Real madrid v liverpool final we know moving the ball around with poise and purpose.
This is the Champions League tie we wanted and were expecting Playing with a huge sense of belief and verve now. Is this the same Liverpool team we saw in the first half? The Reds have woken up and are taking the game to Real Madrid.
Wijnaldum does well and feeds Jota who strikes on goal with the ball kindly falling for the Egyptian.
Liverpool win a throw after a Robertson freekick.
Vinicius double gives Real Madrid leg up on Liverpool in Champions League
Better from the Premier League side in the opening mninutes of the halkf. What has Klopp said to his side at the interval? Will we see a reap from the Reds? With this adverse scoreline, Klopp's side real madrid v liverpool final do need an away goal. Ramos looking on with those glasses I mentioned earlier from the stand at the Alfredo di Stefano. Liverpool need a goal from somewhere The total attempts in favour of Real Madrid is very much an indicator of what we've seen in the first 45' at Valdebebas.
Madrid struck first with a direct pass from Kroos which was expertly controlled by Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. Less than ten minutes later there was more woe for Liverpool as a real madrid v liverpool final header was latched onto by Asensio who clipped the ball over Find out here now to double the lead for Zidane's liverpol. Salah, Jota and Mane have been real madrid v liverpool final and with this scoreline, Klopp's men desperately finla the livepool goal to keep the tie alive for next week's second leg.
The whistle sounds at the Alfredo di Stefano and the scoreline reflecting the dominance from the home side. Asensio almost makes it three but drives his shot wide, this time explanation an error from Robertson
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Iker Casillas retires as one of Real Madrid’s most famous sons
Iker Casillas was a bored schoolboy, vigilant and tried not to fall asleep when
There was an injury crisis among the keepers of the club and they needed the 16-year-old student to play a champion Competition group match against Rosenborg
His decision to quit just before his 38th birthday means that he falls short of it fulfill his ambition to continue playing until he is 40.
Iker Casillas is forced to withdraw from football after a heart attack "
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The keeper poses with the trophies he has won at Real Madr during a glittering time
& # 39 They took me out of school because of the fact that I could not reach them. Bodo Illgner and Santi Canizares were injured and they needed me as second keeper, & he said of that day in November 1997, in an interview with Sportsmail
Canizares is finally recovering and
& I knew who they were all, but nobody had the idea who I was
He would eventually become one of the most famous club singers who won the European Cup three times. First he was the youngest keeper to reach the 2000 performance against Valencia.
<img id = "i-f82dcb9fa50f2184" src = "https://dailym.ai/2Vvjf5h image-a-12_1558093227370.jpg "height =" 459 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-f82dcb9fa50f2184" src = "https://dailym.ai/2J2OwKp /17/12/13617968-0-image-a-12_1558093227370.jpg "height =" 459 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-f82dcb9fa50f2184" src = "https: //i.dailymail. co.uk/1s/2019/05/17/12/13617968-0-image-a-12_1558093227370.jpg "height =" 459 "width =" 634 "alt =" Casillas won the first of three European cups with a win over Valencia in 2000 in 2000 three European cups with victory over Valencia in 2000 in 2000
Casillas won the first of three European cups with victory over Valencia in 2000 in 2000
<img id = "i-2f9b6064d4b70039" src = "https://dailym.ai/30tqApB" height = "770 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-2f9b6064d4b70039" src = "https: // id ailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/05/17/12/13617986-0-image-a-13_1558093245291.jpg "height =" 770 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-2f9b6064d4b70039" src = "https://dailym.ai/30tqApB" height = "770" width = "634" alt = " Casillas embraces Zinedine Zidane after helping Real to the 2002 Champions League Zinedine Zidane after helping Real to the 2002 Champions League "
Casillas embraces Zinedine Zidane after helping Real to the 2002 Champions League
Two years later he was not supposed to start against Bayer Leverkusen in Hampden but then Cesar Sanchez took a foot injury on Iker – & # 39; Saint Iker & # 39; as admiring supporters would come to call him – came for the last 20 minutes and made three brilliant saves to ensure that Madrid won the final
That was Madrid & # 39; s ninth European Cup and a full 12 years later Casillas would still be in goal when they won their 10th.
As a young keeper, he never played out what he could do with his feet, and he was not someone who
There was no one in the world for pure shot-stopping, one better. And that fundamental strength never mattered more than when Arjen Robben burst in the final of the 2010 World Cup and Casillas came out to deny him with an extended right leg.
When he won his third Champions League in Lisbon, he represented a remarkable comeback. It takes a certain kind of toughness to survive in Real Madrid and when José Mourinho took over the manager, he quickly made it clear that he wanted a new keeper.
Casillas lifts the European Championship
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Casillas cancels the European Championship after Spain ended their 44-year wait for a trophy
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] <img id =" i-56621977993df036 "src =" https://dailym.ai/2uS4u1n 1s / 2 019/05/17/12 / 13617488-0-image-a-16_1558093294249.jpg "height =" 385 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-56621977993df036" src = "https: // i .dailymail.co.uk / 1s / 2019/05/17/12 / 13617488-0-image-a-16_1558093294249.jpg "height =" 385 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-56621977993df036 "src =" https://dailym.ai/2VvWZYT "height =" 385 "width =" 634 "alt = "Casillas & # 39; one-to-one save by Arjen Robben in the 2010 World Cup final proved crucial saving Arjen Robben in the 2010 World Cup final proved crucial
img id = "i-bc4f16b9f279eedc" src = "https://dailym.ai/30oTHdM" height = "859" width = "634" alt = "Casillas shines as he holds up the World Cup after ictory over Holland in Johannesburg"
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Arbeloa, Raul Albiol and Xabi Alonso "
<img id =" i-8a638a534fedf591 "src =" https://dailym.ai/2J2OwKp /17/12/13617474-0-image-a-23_1558093378445.jpg "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" Casillas celebrates with Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol and Xabi Alonso "class =" blkBorder img -share "Casillas celebrates with Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol and Xabi Alonso
their European championship title in 2012" class = "blkBorder img-share" />
<img id = "i-39e162bb9c869678" src = "https://dailym.ai/2Vvr3UO" height = "568" width = "634" alt = "Sp
Spain completed an historic triplicate by defending their title for the European Championship in 2012
When a call from Casillas to Xavi from Barcelona, after another Clasico had descended into an ugly fight, ended in reconciliation, held Mourinho did not like the olive branch that was challenged by one of his players.
The saga took place next to the soap of the & # 39; madrid-mol & # 39; with the main suspect of Casillas in a leaky dressing room giving away the team selections of Mourinho before they were officially announced. the club to buy another keeper and eventually Casillas dropped for 26-year-old reserve team keeper Antonio Adan.
The feud divided supporters with some cleanup with Mourinho against Casillas but then Carlo Ancelotti r
He moved to Porto in 2015 and won the 2017-18 competition there. He moved to Porto in 2015 and won the 2017-18 competition there. I have cleared my life away from the goldfish bowl that can become Madrid.
<img id = "i-e322fad6e4af2f6f" src = "https://dailym.ai/30q6LPY image-a-24_1558093396979.jpg "height =" 419 "width =" 634 "alt =" Casillas was frozen by Jose Mourinho after falling out as manager during his spell "Jose Mourinho after falling out of the manager during his spell"
Casillas was frozen by Jose Mourinho after they dropped out of his manager during his spell
] Casillas celebrates the famous statue of Cibeles in Madrid after the Copa del Rey in 2011 "class =" blkBorder img-share "/>
Casillas celebrates the famous statue of Cibeles in Madrid after the Copa del Rey
Casillas embraces Marcelo as Real in barking at their historic Decima in the Champions League "class =" blkBorder img-share "/>
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Casillas lifts up the European Cup after Real & # 39; s extra time win over Atletico Madrid in 2014 "class =" blkBorder img-share "/>
<img id =" i-94dfc8d0b92702ef "src = "https://dailym.ai/2Vvr4YS" height = "413" width = "634" alt = "Casillas lifts the European Cup after Real & # 39; s extra time victory at Atletico Madrid in 2014 "
] Casillas poses with the Copa del Rey after victory over Barcelona on the Mestalla in 2014 "class =" blk
For Sale at the Spanish Embassy in Spain For questions answered in this article,
Casillas poses with the Copa del Rey after the victory over Barcelona in the Mestalla in 2014 [19459105]
Time has washed away all sense of divided opinions in the Spanish capital.
Messages of support flooded with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid, posted on social media: & much strength my friend. I hope you get well soon. "
All his friends in football wanted him to put his health first, even if that meant stopping.
With that first example of Champions League football as a 16- When he came to look at journalists from the hospital last week, he decided to finally draw a line under his remarkable career. Sportsmail : & # 39; I was taken to the rector and before I knew it, I was on a minibus home, where my mother was frantically packing my bag for me & # 39;
just the start of an incredible journey. He now has enough to look back on, and more impressive trophy run than perhaps another keeper in history.
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They have had better nights at Molineux but maybe not for a decade or five. Under the Saturday night lights in front of a full house, Wolves booked their place at Wembley with a 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United thanks to goals from their electric forward pairing of Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota. The victory was thoroughly deserved
The 7.55pm kick-off meant a long wait for the Wolves supporters, although the club did lay on free drinks vouchers to help ease the tension and for once the pre-match lightshow was befitting of an occasion that needed no hype. But if the wait for the game had been long, the wait these Wolves fans have endured for nights like these has been far longer
It is 39 years since the club last won a major trophy and 59 years since their last FA Cup triumph. Wolves have been a sleeping giant since before it was even a cliche. Their fans had not been to Wembley for 30 years prior to the 3-1 win over Tottenham in December. Now they will be returning in April in the hope it will be the first of two more trips ending in old gold glory
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo signed off his programme notes with the message "we do this together", while the motto adorning the Stan Cullis Stand says "the strength of the wolf is in the pack" and the fans were certainly on board. The damp conditions did not dampen the atmosphere as each interception was greeted with loud cheers by the raucous crowd.
The mood was intense but the irony is this Wolves team are set up to contain and control. Their success this season, particularly against strong opposition, has been to know when to sit off and to know when to play. So it was Manchester United who had the ball in the opening stages as Nuno's team seemed happy to settle into their familiar shape.
"In the first half we defended very well," Nuno explained afterwards. "We allowed them possession of the ball but tried to recover in the right areas. The shape worked very well."
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having had his best moments at United by playing counter-attacking football, it made for an awkward game early on, but the biggest error in the first half came from a United defender. Wolves pounced on Chris Smalling's mistake with Ruben Neves putting Jota through on goal only for Sergio Romero to deny him one-on-one.
Any home fears it would be a costly miss were dispelled as Wolves took the game to United after the interval. Jota kept getting on the ball, the wing-backs got forward more and Ruben Neves started spraying passes. As for Romero, he emerged as a man-of-the-match candidate when he produced another stunning stop to tip over Jimenez's header from a corner.
"In the second half, we managed the ball better," said Nuno. "We created problems for them with our movements. And then it's talent. Talent based on organisation."
Joao Moutinho was the man who curled in that corner and his talent shone through as the game went on. What a star he has been for Wolves. His ability to make time where there is none has been a feature of Wolves' play this season and he was excellent again, coming up with tackle after tackle, pass after probing pass. Always making the right decision.
The moment that turned the result Wolves' way came when Moutinho finally found himself with no option but to run at the United defence himself. He probably should have tried it earlier, dancing past a couple of defenders with ease before laying the ball into the path of Jimenez, who engineered the space to score his 15th goal of the season.
The Mexico striker's aeroplane goal celebration in front of Molineux's South Bank even evoked memories of Steve Bull, but by his own admission when addressing the crowd on the pitch before kick-off, even the club's all-time top scorer did not have FA Cup nights like this one.
Wolves are real contenders now and what happened after they went a goal up showed why. Nuno was able to settle into the counter-attacking game that has served them so well against the top-six teams in the Premier League this season. They have a winning record against those sides in all competitions now - four wins, four draws and just three defeats.
Jota, so brilliant since reverting to a central role, doubled the advantage as he beat Luke Shaw before finishing low with his not-so-weaker left foot. That sent Molineux into a stupor and it was ole football against Ole's team from then on. Even Marcus Rashford's stoppage-time goal came too late to trouble them. It was United's second shot on target. Wolves had seven.
The visiting fans had long since made for the exits but it was a different story for the Wolves supporters. They packed out the home ends well beyond the final whistle. They waited for Nuno and gave him his ovation. The waited for Jimenez and captain Conor Coady to finish their interviews on the pitch and saluted them. But how much longer will Wolves have to wait to add to their trophy collection now?
Their record against weaker opponents than an in-form Manchester United will be a concern. Wolves have already lost to Watford at home this season and been beaten at Brighton. As for Manchester City, they are the only top-six team left in the FA Cup and they are also the only top-six team to have beaten Wolves away from Molineux this season.
But as the fans streamed out the ground, that was a worry for another night not this one. "What pleases me is that as I walk down the steps there are people telling me they saw the '50s and the '60s and they are still coming," said Nuno. "To give them back this joy and see our fans going out of the stadium with a smile, with a lot of beer, of course, feels good."
The mantra from the Wolves boss is that "we did it together" but nobody round these parts underestimates his role in all this. They have had better nights at Molineux, but not too many are old enough to remember them. And besides, it's the hope there are even better days to come that is reigniting this famous old club right now.
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Michael Owen believes Liverpool can continue their unbeaten start to the season at the Etihad (Picture: Getty / Metro)The New Year begins with a full set of midweek Premier League fixtures culminating in Thursday’s clash at the Etihad between top-of-the-table Liverpool and champions Manchester City. Michael Owen shares his views exclusively with BetVictor ahead of the first games of 2019. Everton v Leicester City Everton have been far too inconsistent under Marco Silva (Picture: Getty)Both sides had disappointing results at the weekend and Everton have not won at Goodison since they beat Cardiff 1-0 back in November. The Foxes had back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Manchester City over the Festive period before being brought back down to earth by Cardiff at the King Power on Saturday. I feel the points will be shared. Michael’s Prediction: Everton 1-1 Leicester City Arsenal v Fulham Arsenal were thrashed 5-1 by Liverpool on Saturday (Picture: Getty)Arsenal are taken to bounce back from their Anfield mauling when they had their limitations cruelly exposed by a rampant Liverpool side on Saturday evening. Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late winner gave Fulham a much-needed three points against Huddersfield at Craven Cottage, but the Gunners are a different proposition back at the Emirates and they are taken to keep the points from this London Derby. Michael’s Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Fulham Cardiff City v Tottenham Spurs were stunned by Wolves last weekend (Picture: Getty)A great win for Cardiff at the King Power Stadium last weekend, but Spurs are another side who I feel will bounce back having conceded three late goals and all three points to Wolves at Wembley on Saturday. Michael’s Prediction: Cardiff City 0-2 Tottenham Bournemouth v Watford Bournemouth have conceded nine goals in their last two games (Picture: Getty)Five of the seven meetings between the sides in the Premier League have ended in a draw and I feel the spoils will be shared again at the Vitality Stadium midweek. The Cherries have lost eight of their last 10 Premier League games and have conceded at least two goals in each of those defeats including a 4-1 loss at Old Trafford on Sunday. An entertaining draw for me. Michael’s Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Watford Chelsea v Southampton N’Golo Kante was Chelsea’s unlikely matchwinner against Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)Chelsea were narrow but convincing winners at Selhurst Park on Sunday and I feel they will put behind their loss to Leicester in their last home game. The Saints made six changes to the side beaten at home by West Ham when Manchester City were the visitors and I was slightly surprised to see the inform Nathan Redmond left on the bench until the second half. By that time the Saints were 3-1 down – I expect the points to stay in the capital. Michael’s Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Southampton Huddersfield v Burnley The recalled Tom Heaton helped Burnley get back to winning ways against West Ham (Picture: Getty)Huddersfield failed to score in 20 Premier League games in 2018 and I fear the New Year will start with another blank for the Terriers who must be gutted to lose a point, and hand fellow strugglers Fulham three, at Craven Cottage at the weekend. Burnley bounced back from their heavy Boxing Day home defeat to Everton, to pick up maximum points at home to West Ham on Sunday and I feel they will get a draw in a game which is likely to be tight and tense. Michael’s Prediction: Huddersfield 0-0 Burnley West Ham v Brighton Marko Arnautovic’s return to fitness should be a boost to West Ham (Picture: Getty)Brighton have won all three Premier League games played between the clubs, but I expect to see the hosts bounce back from a poor performance and result at Turf Moor on Sunday. The Seagulls have lost seven of their last eight games played in the capital and I don’t expect them to get anything at the London Stadium, although the Hammers have conceded at least once in their last seven home Premier League games. Michael’s Prediction: West Ham 3-1 Brighton Wolves v Crystal Palace Raul Jimenez has been in excellent form for Wolves (Picture: Getty)Wolves have taken 13 points from their last six league games including a tremendous 3-1 win over Spurs at the weekend. Palace have failed to score in nine of their league games so far this season although they did win at the Etihad over Christmas. A home win for me but I don’t expect to see many goals at Molineux. Michael’s Prediction: Wolves 1-0 Crystal Palace Newcastle United v Manchester United Paul Pogba has been back to his very best under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Picture: Getty)Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will become just the second manager in the history of Manchester United – after Sir Matt Busby in 1946 – to win his first four games in charge of the club if his rejuvenated and energetic United side win at St James’s Park on Wednesday. The Magpies have lost seven of their ten home Premier League games so far this season but Rafa Benitez has won his last four home games against Manchester United with Premier League sides in all competitions – 2 x Liverpool, 1 x Chelsea and 1 x Newcastle. It promises to be an electric atmosphere at St James’s Park, but I expect the visitors to maintain their renaissance under Solksjaer and take all three points. Michael’s Prediction: Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United Manchester City v Liverpool Liverpool can take a massive leap towards the title with a positive result at Man City (Picture: Getty)City won the corresponding fixture 5-0 last season, but that comprehensive win, following Sadio Mane’s red card, is their only win in the last 11 games between the clubs. I feel Liverpool will maintain their seven-point lead over City in the title-race by picking up a vital point at the Etihad. Sergio Aguero was back among the goals at St Mary’s on Sunday and the striker has scored in all six home league games against Liverpool. He may continue that sequence against Jurgen Klopp’s side, but I still feel the Reds will do enough to get a draw in what promises to be a cracker. Michael’s Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool Michael’s New Year treble: Wolves, West Ham and Chelsea at 9/2 Michael Owen is a Brand Ambassador for BetVictor. For more of Michaels tip, read his column here. MORE: MANCHESTER UNITED FC Michael Owen's Premier League predictions, including Arsenal, Liverpool & Man UtdRashford makes decision on Utd future after agreeing to transfer talks with Real MadridShock candidate for United job emerges as club look to Austria to replace Jose Mourinho #PremierLeague #ManUtd #MichaelOwen
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United States vs. Peru | 2018 International Friendly Match Preview
October 15, 20189:12AM EDT
United States vs. Peru
International Friendly
Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — East Hartford
Oct. 16 — 7:30 pm ET
WATCH: ESPN2, UniMás, UDN p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px ‘Helvetica Neue’; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
After falling to Colombia, 4-2, on Thursday in Tampa, the US national team will look to bounce back against another South American World Cup squad when they host Peru Tuesday night at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.
Peru is coming off a 3-0 win over Chile at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday night.
“Well, going into these two games, the idea was to get through the first game with a core group. There are plans to make a number of changes for Tuesday,” US interim coach Dave Sarachan said. “And that’s the reason you play these friendlies, to allow certain players opportunities, so we’re going to make a number of changes. We’ll address some of the issues from today and scout Peru. The same fundamentals we’ll apply to the new group this week, so we need to do better in all the areas I talked about.”
United States Outlook
After playing somewhat tentative and trailing after 45 minutes thanks to a sensational James Rodriguez strike in the 36th minute, the USMNT roared back after halftime only to fall short against Colombia, 4-2, Thursday in front of a pro-Colombian crowd at Raymond James Stadium.
Kellyn Acosta of the Colorado Rapids leveled five minutes into the second half and Bobby Wood gave the U.S. a 2-1 lead three minutes later. But Carlos Bacca equalized just three minutes after that, followed by goals by Radamel Falcao and Miguel Borja five minutes apart to lift Los Cafeteros to the win.
“You play against a team like Colombia, who have, obviously, very good players,” Michael Bradley said. “If your reading of certain situations, if the way you deal with certain advantages that they have isn’t good enough, then they can punish you. In moments tonight, they were sharper than we were, but like I said, that’s what nights like tonight are for.
“I thought the response at the beginning of the second half to put the game back on our terms was very good. In all ways, we’ll use this in the right way as we continue to move ourselves forward.”
Peru Outlook
Pedro Aquino struck for a second-half brace to help lift Peru to a 3-0 win over Chile at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Friday night. It was the 78th encounter between the South American rivals, and first on US soil.
Following an own goal by Enzo Roco in the 64th minute, Aquino added an insurance goal in 11 minutes later and the Leon midfielder put in a second goal four minutes from full time. Orlando City SC midfielder Yoshi Yotun and Seattle Sounders FC forward Raul Ruidiaz both started for Peru, which fell to the Netherlands and Germany by matching 2-1 scores last month, while Yordy Reyna of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers midfielder Andy Polo both came off the bench.
“The important thing is to get over the losses,” Peruvian coach Ricardo Gareca said after the match. “Now on to recover and moving on.”
History
The United States are 3-2-1 all-time against Peru. In the last meeting, Toronto FC’s Jozy Altidore scored twice in a come-from-behind 2-1 win for the US at RFK Stadium on Sept. 4, 2015. Tuesday’s match comes 22 years to the day of Peru’s first win in the series, 4-1 in Lima on Oct. 16, 1996.
Players to Watch
United States — Aaron Long: The New York Red Bulls defender is having a career year and after watching his first three games with the USMNT as an unused sub, Long could become the 17th player this year to earn his first cap
Peru — Alex Callens: A few days after Ben Sweat made his U.S. debut, his New York City FC teammate could be in line for his 11th all-time appearance in East Hartford. He’s the lone MLS-based player who didn’t feature in Peru’s win over Chile Friday.
United States Roster
Pos. Player Club Caps/Goals GK Brad Guzan Atlanta United 58/0 GK Ethan Horvath Club Brugge 2/0 D John Brooks VfL Wolfsburg 35/3 D Reggie Cannon FC Dallas 0/0 D Cameron Carter-Vickers Swansea City 5/0 D Aaron Long New York Red Bulls 0/0 D Matt Miazga Nantes 10/1 D Antonee Robinson Wigan Athletic 5/0 D Ben Sweat NYCFC 1/0 D DeAndre Yedlin Newcastle United 55/0 M Kellyn Acosta Colorado Rapids 20/2 M Jonathan Amon Nordsjælland 0/0 M Michael Bradley Toronto FC 141/17 M Marky Delgado Toronto FC 4/0 M Julian Green Greuther Furth 13/4 M Fafa Picault Philadelphia Union 2/0 M Kenny Saief Anderlecht 3/0 M Wil Trapp Columbus Crew SC 8/0 M Tim Weah Paris Saint-Germain 6/1 F Andrija Novakovich Fortuna Sittard 3/0 F Josh Sargent Werder Bremen 4/1 F Bobby Wood Hannover 96 42/13
Peru Roster
Pos.
Player Club Caps/Goals GK Patrico Alvarez Sporting Cristal 0/0 GK Jose Carvallo UTC 6/0 GK Pedro Gallese Veracruz 45/0 D Luis Advíncula Rayo Vallecano 72/1 D Alexander Callens New York City FC 10/1 D Nilson Loyola Melgar 5/0 D Johan Madrid Sporting Cristal 0/0 D Christian Ramos Al-Nassr 73/3 D Anderson Santamaria Puebla 11/0 D Miguel Trauco Flamengo 33/0 M Pedro Aquino Leon 18/3 M Horacio Calcaterra Sporting Cristal 3/0 M Andre Carrillo Al-Hilal 52/6 M Wilder Cartagena Veracruz 5/0 M Christian Cueva FC Krasnodar 52/8 M Edison Flores Morelia 35/9 M Paolo Hurtado Konyaspor 35/3 M Sergio Pena Tondela 7/0 M Andy Polo Portland Timbers 18/1 M Renato Tapia Feyenoord 35/3 M Yoshi Yotun Orlando City SC 79/2 F Yordy Reyna Vancouver Whitecaps FC 19/2 F Raul Ruidiaz Seattle Sounders FC 33/4
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United States vs. Peru | 2018 International Friendly Match Preview was originally published on 365 Football
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UEFA Champions League: Chelsea-Real Madrid betting odds, predictions, expert picks
Only a single match separates Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea team from a potential second consecutive UEFA Champions League final for the German, but standing in their way is the formidable and experienced European force that is Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid.The Spaniards remain in with a shout after a 1-1 draw in the first leg and an away goal for Los Blancos at Stamford Bridge could really open things up. With Karim Benzema on song, you would not bet against Real conjuring something up in London, but Christian Pulisic's away goal is a good lifeline for the Blues to have if they do concede. สล็อตโรม่า สล็อต Los Merengues shade it with our experts, but more than one or two believe that Chelsea can get the job done. The important question is whether you do as well, so see how you prediction checks out against CBS Sports' finest.Want more from the world's game? Listen below and follow ¡Qué Golazo! A Daily CBS Soccer Podcast where we take you beyond the pitch and around the globe for commentary, previews, recaps and more. All Champions League games can be viewed live and on demand on Paramount+. Let's get to the predictions:Chelsea vs. Real Madrid Date: Wednesday, May 5 | Time: 3 p.m. ET | Live stream: Paramount+ and CBS Sports Networkheadshot-imageThomas Rongenheadshot-imageFabrizio Romanoheadshot-imageJenny Chiuheadshot-imageสล็อตjdb Luis Miguel Echegarayheadshot-imageJonathan Johnsonheadshot-imageJames Bengeheadshot-imageRoger Gonzalezheadshot-imageSandra Herreraheadshot-imageMike GoodmanPICK team logo1-0 team logo2-1 0-0 team logo2-1 team logo2-1 team logo2-0 team logo1-0 สล็อตcq9team logo2-1 team logo1-0Rongen's take: A lone goal from Karim Benzema will secure another final for Zinedine Zidane and Co. Benz will become the outright fourth top scorer in the competition's history overtaking Raul (71). Pick: Chelsea 0, Real Madrid 1 (Real advance 2-1 on aggregate)Romano's take: Real Madrid's experience will be the real key to this match. A semifinal like a battle, Chelsea know how to defend but Real know how to thrive on European nights. Karim Benzema will be a key factor, too. Pick: Chelsea 1, Real Madrid 2 (Real advance 3-2 on aggregate)Chiu's take: Since Real Madrid were only able to register one shot in the first leg, this could be a good sign for Chelsea keeping a cleansheet. N'Golo Kante proved to be the most important performer for Chelsea. If he continues to get in behind and create attacking possibilities in the second leg, Chelsea will be in good hands. But they have to shut down the Real Madrid midfield (Luka Modric and Toni Kroos) again. You would think I would have learned to not bet against the experience of Real Madrid, especially with Sergio Ramos returning to fitness, but I still see Chelsea making it to the final. Pick: Chelsea 0, Real Madrid 0 (Chelsea advance 1-1 on away goals)Echegaray's take: This prediction is almost a carbon copy of Man City-PSG in the sense that Real Madrid enter this game with a similar predicament as the French side. Los Blancos know that in order to break down Chelsea's formidable unit, they're going to have to gamble and disrupt Thomas Tuchel's well-balanced approach. In other words, they're going to have to go for it. As opposed to Mauricio Pochettino's task, however, this is a more doable situation for Zinedine Zidane because all he needs is a goal, and he can afford to be slightly more patient in his approach. So I am predicting the complete opposite of the first leg in this one. A cautious first half where both teams are feeling each other out, with Real Madrid going for the jugular in the second. I just don't think it's going to happen and just like 2019, we'll have an all-Premier League final once again and Thomas Tuchel will return to the Championship game for the second year in a row. Pick: Chelsea 2, Real Madrid 1 (Chelsea advance 3-2 on aggregate)Johnson's take: Zinedine Zidane and his players get the win to reach the final as Thomas Tuchel's current and former clubs fall just short of a date with destiny. Pick: Chelsea 1, Real Madrid 2 (Real advance 3-2 on aggregate)Benge's take: Chelsea have conceded two goals in the knockout rounds and both of them have been spectacular volleys that deserve to rank among the top goals of the tournament. That is what it takes to breach Thomas Tuchel's defense and for all the attacking quality of Madrid there is no reason to believe the Blues can't replicate their counter-punching excellence from the win over Atletico Madrid. Pick: Chelsea 2, Real Madrid 0 (Chelsea advance 3-1 on aggregate)Gonzalez's take: The Blues' defense delivers once again, keeping Real Madrid from scoring as Timo Werner comes up big in the semifinal to send the Blues through. Pick: Chelsea 1, Real Madrid 0 (Chelsea advance 2-1 on aggregate)Herrera's take: Real Madrid's experience will likely carry them through. Chelsea have been reliant on their defense throughout the season, but when the moment has arrived for them to put up big goals, they simply haven't. Karim Benzema knows how to shine under UCL lights. Pick: Chelsea 1, Real Madrid 2 (Real advance 3-2 on aggregate)Goodman's take: Chelsea, like Manchester City, are masters of defensive possession. Real Madrid are banged up and will struggle to field a coherent starting XI. Karim Benzema is always dangerous but if any team can keep him from getting chances it's Chelsea. The soccer may not be scintillating but Chelsea will get the job done and set up an all England Champions League final. Pick: Chelsea 1, Real Madrid 0 (Chelsea advance 2-1 on aggregate)Thanks for checking us out, and good luck with your picks!
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The Rose of Castile, Part 1 (Reunion)
It was the seventh of December of the year of our Lord 1072 when King Alfonso VI and his royal court, consisting of his sister, the Infanta Urraca, as well a number of prelates, nobles, and their attendants and knights, neared the city of Burgos in the Kingdom of Castile. After years of fratricidal strife between royal brothers García, Sancho and Alfonso, the kingdoms of Leon and Castile was once again united under one ruler. The assassination of Alfonso’s older brother, King Sancho II of Castile, in the city of Zamora, as well as his younger brother’s, King García I of Galicia’s, crumbling support amongst his nobles in Galicia presented Alfonso with the opportunity to consolidate power and crush all dissent over the lands once held by his father, King Fernando I. Thus, Alfonso made the decision to travel from Leon to Burgos with his most trusted advisors for the specific purpose of signing charters marking the formal reconciliation of Castile with its new king.
After days of travel in bitingly cold weather, Don Raul González, a Leonese knight from the House of Banu Goméz, was eager to reach Castile’s capital city. He longed for nothing more than to sit in front of a warm hearth and eat a hot meal. He was tired of war and the near constant campaigning that had taken him away from his family’s estates in Leon for months on end. But now that Alfonso VI was the uncontested ruler of Castile and Leon, he had increasingly felt the compulsion to choose a bride and settle down.
As a member of one of the great noble families of the realm, the only real constraint he had with respect to whom he could marry was that the maiden or widow had to be someone of equal social stature. Although there were more than a few women to choose from, he could not seem to find a woman that suited his needs. Even his growing attachment to the widow Rosa, a woman with whom he had been developing a romantic relationship in recent months, could move him to propose to her. Though the reason for his predicament would not have been obvious to most, those who knew him well were not at all surprised by this turn of events. For, if truth be told, his heart had long ago been captured by a beautiful Castilian girl named Doña Inés Cortés whose beauty and spirit had long ago eclipsed all others in both his mind and heart.
As the city came into view, Raul’s younger brother, Armando, who was riding abreast of him, said, “Do you think the city has changed much since the last time we were here? It holds many fond memories for you, does it not?”
Raul nodded and looked away. Undeterred by his brother’s apparent reticence to continue that line of conversation, Armando asked, “Will you be calling on Don Corto Fernandez and his family once we arrive?”
While Armando waited for a response, Raul and Armando’s primo (cousin), Count Pedro Ansúrez, who was riding just ahead of them, glanced back and said, “I should like to join you if you do. The situation with the nobility in Castile is still quite delicate, especially given the circumstances surrounding Sancho’s demise. Securing the support of his former mayordomo (steward) would greatly assist the king’s effort to ensure the loyalty of the nobles who supported his brother.”
“If I do decide to pay Don Corto a visit, you will certainly be more than welcome to accompany me there,” Raul replied.
Just then, another primo, Don Pedro Múñoz, who was riding next to the Count, joined in on the conversation. “There were rumors that Don Corto’s son, Sergio, was next in line to be Sancho’s alférez (royal military commander).”
“I heard that too,” Raul replied. “He would have been an excellent choice given his skill on the battlefield.”
Grim-faced, the Count replied, “I saw first-hand his exploits in battle alongside Don Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (El Cid). It is not an experience that I would wish to relive anytime soon.”
“But now that Sancho has passed on, surely the Castilians will have little choice but to acquiesce and align themselves with the king,” Armando pointed out.
The Count replied, “Fortunately, Bishop Jimeno of Oca-Burgos and counts Gonzalo Salvadórez and Muño González of Lara have already pledged their support to the king. He is hopeful that Don Rodrigo and the knights who follow him can be persuaded to show their fealty to him as well.”
“And if they do not, what then?”
“Then they will suffer the consequences,” the Count replied matter-of-factly and then asked, “So what are you most looking forward to upon our arrival in Burgos?”
“Getting out of this blasted cold,” Armando exclaimed without hesitation. “Taking a hot bath and eating a warm meal in front of a roaring fireplace will be my first order of business.”
“And you?’ the Count asked, turning to Raul.
Before Raul could answer, Armando interjected, “Isn’t it obvious? He comes to win the heart of none other than the rose of Castile.”
“Ah, I see,” the Count replied with a snicker. “You have some history with the daughter of Don Corto, do you not?” Raul nodded. The Count added, “I have heard that she has spurned the attentions of many well-healed noblemen from Galicia to Catalan.”
“Aye primo, that would not surprise me,” Raul replied with a wistful smile. “Doña Inés was a very headstrong and independent-minded child.”
The Count said, “Even so, she is clearly of marriageable age. Don Corto would be well advised to forge as advantageous an alliance as he can between his daughter and a peer of the realm at the earliest possible opportunity if he wishes to continue to advance his family’s influence and interests.”
“Then there is no time to waste,” Armando said to Raul. “You must plead your cause with her at the earliest possible opportunity.”
“I will do no such thing,” Raul replied. “Did you not hear our primo? Doña Inés already has half the kingdom clamoring for her hand without me adding to her woes.”
“If not her, then who?” Don Pedro asked.
Armando again answered for Raul. “He has been calling on Don Antonio of Palencia’s widow, Doña Rosa.”
“I knew her husband. What is she like?”
Armando said, “She is small…and rather haggard looking, don’t you think?” Raul frowned but said nothing. Armando then asked, “How old did you say she was?”
Eyes narrowing, Raul replied, “One and twenty.”
“Is she really?” Armando asked, feigning shock. “I would have sworn that she was no younger than one and thirty. And that smile,” he added, wincing. “It does so remind me of Fiero…She was a good horse.”
The Count and Don Pedro laughed heartily while Raul glowered in silence.
Although it was becoming patently obvious that Raul was near his boiling point, Armando chose to continue with his verbal onslaught. “Well then, if you are intent on pursuing Doña Rosa, maybe I should call on Doña Inés myself…”
This time, Raul responded swiftly. He unsheathed his sword and placed the blade’s edge underneath Armando’s chin and hissed, “Enough.”
“Put that away,” the Count ordered Raul while Don Pedro took Armando aside.
Once Don Pedro and Armando were out of earshot of the Count and Raul, Don Pedro took the opportunity to admonish his young primo. “What, may I ask, was the point of that? From all that I know, hasn’t Raul always treated you with kindness and consideration.” Armando nodded, looking chastened and solemn. Don Pedro then asked, “Why then, do you insist on tormenting him so?”
“You misconstrue my purpose. I care for my brother a great deal. So much so, in fact, that I cannot in good conscience stand by and watch him make what I know in my heart would be a grave error on his part.”
“And what would that be?”
“Settling for one woman while letting the woman he truly loves slip through his fingers.”
Don Pedro replied, “Armando, you know as well as I that the noble class rarely bases the decision to marry on so fleeting a feeling. We’re a practical lot.”
“That may be true, but even you must admit that there have been exceptions to this rule. My parents, for example, were known to have cared very deeply for one another. And as for Raul, he has been in love with Doña Inés for as long as I can remember. Is it so wrong for me to want more for my brother than an arranged marriage?”
“Love is a delicate matter. It cannot be forced, but if Raul’s feelings for her are as strong as you believe them to be, he will not be able to simply brush them aside in her presence and do nothing.”
“But Pedro, what if…”
Don Pedro raised his hand, stopping Armando mid-sentence. “As your older and infinitely wiser primo, I advise you to listen well to what I am about to say to you. Stop trying to meddle in Raul’s affairs and let destiny take its course. If it is God’s will for Raul marry Inés, it will happen regardless of what you say or do.”
Armando opened his mouth to reply, but then thought better of it, and opted instead to nod and say no more.
As soon as the royal court came upon the Arlanzón River, which was located on the outskirts of Burgos, Raul took his horse for a canter along the river’s edge while the rest of his travel companions continued on into the city. As he spurred Bandido, his chestnut-colored mare forward, he felt his mind begin to drift away from the present moment toward thoughts of Inés.
Raul’s eyes had just settled upon a row of trees with snow-covered branches when he heard the sound of horses’ hooves galloping toward him. As a precaution, he moved off the path he had been taking and hid behind a large tree trunk. It wasn’t long before two riders raced by him. Believing that he recognized the larger of the two, he called out to the man by name. His voice cut through the air like a siren, causing the riders to halt and turn toward him. Slowly, he moved out into the open. As they, in turn, approached, the larger rider motioned to the other one, whose face was hidden by a cap and cloak, to stay well behind him before he turned to Raul and said, “And who, may I ask, are you?”
“Sergio, my friend, do you not recognize me? I was but a boy when last we met. You pulled me out of this very river many summers ago after I had fallen in and nearly drowned. You took me to your home and provided me with shelter and food until my mother came to retrieve me. In all the years hence, I have not forgotten the kindness that you and your family showed me or the bond of friendship we forged from that day hence.”
“My God, Raul, is it really you?” Sergio exclaimed as his guarded expression melted away. “You look almost nothing like the sopping wet boy I remember fishing out of the river. Tell me, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?”
“I am here on the king’s business,” Raul replied as Sergio motioned for the other rider to come closer. “He has come to make peace with the nobles and ask for their fealty.”
Sergio countenance darkened as he turned to one side and spat. “That is quite magnanimous of him, don’t you agree Inés?”
Had Raul heard Sergio correctly? Was this other rider, in fact, Sergio’s hermana (sister) Inés? He could hardly believe his eyes as he watched Inés remove her cap, allowing her long, brown tresses to cascade down her back and shoulders. Being the war-hardened warrior that he was, it amazed him how quickly her presence had left him feeling disarmed and vulnerable. And, in his estimation, even the boyish clothes she wore in no way dimmed her beauty or lessened the powerful attraction he felt toward her.
“It is good to see you again,” Inés said, blushing slightly in the face of Raul’s penetrating stare.
“And I, you,” Raul replied slowly. “Although I must confess that I am a bit perplexed to see you outdoors on such a cold and dreary day such as this.”
“I begged Sergio to come out for a ride with me. I’ve been cooped up indoors and was in desperate need of fresh air. It is not in my nature to be so confined.” As Raul listened to Inés speak, it warmed his heart to know that neither time nor the strictures of society had in any way altered the spirited and unconventional girl he had met and fallen in love with in his youth.
Just then, Raul caught sight of Sergio’s eyes darting from Raul to Inés with knowing amusement. Thankfully, Inés’ brother made no reference to what he had observed and instead said, “My father received an invitation from the king to attend a reception at the castle tomorrow evening. I have heard that nearly every magnate and prelate in the kingdom will be in attendance.”
“Yes, it is to be preceded by a mass at Santa Gadea Church to commemorate the king’s ascension to the throne of Castile. Will your family be there as well?”
Sergio nodded, grim-faced. “You know as well as I that any occasion involving the king is an event that can only be ignored at one’s peril.”
Although it was obvious to Raul that Sergio’s feelings toward the king were ambivalent at best, Raul nonetheless asked him, “Is it true that Don Rodrigo intends to ask the king to swear publicly on holy relics that he had nothing to do with Sancho’s death?”
Sergio’s pursed his lips and, at first, said nothing, while the grip on his horse’s reigns noticeably tightened. Finally, he replied, “I cannot speak for the Cid. All I can say with any amount of certainty is that he will do what he thinks is best for the kingdom and the men he commands.”
Likely sensing the heightened tension in the air, Inés chimed in and asked Raul, “Will you be attending the reception alone?”
“Yes, my lady,” Raul replied, smiling. “And whom, may I ask, will have the pleasure of being your escort?”
“No one,” Sergio replied with a snort. “My padre (father), Don Corto, madrastra (stepmother), Doña Teresa, and abuela (grandmother), Doña Isabel, will be accompanying her there.”
Raul’s grin broadened further at the news. “I am surprised to hear that. I would have thought that a beautiful young lady like you would have had at least a dozen suitors clamoring for the opportunity to be seen with you on their arm.”
Inés’ blushed deepened while Sergio rolled his eyes and said, “Doña Teresa would like nothing better than to see her married off to a rico hombre (magnate). As of this moment, she is intent on pairing Inés off with Don Alonso Muñoz, the oldest son of Count Muño Gonzalez of Lara.”
The news hit Raul like a dagger to the heart. Still, for propriety’s sake, he hid his distress from view with a suitably stolid expression. “Are you amenable to such a union?”
“I hardly know him,” Inés replied, “but my madrastra speaks of his family in the most glowing terms, and she expects that their influence and holdings are likely grow even more now that Alfonso is king.”
As the import of Inés’ words sank in, Raul considered the possibility countering what Don Alonso would likely offer Inés’ family in exchange for her hand in marriage. Although he too was the son of a count, it was his older primo, Pedro Ansúrez, who had inherited the family’s most prized patrimonial lands and titles upon Raul’s father’s death in 1057. Given his present circumstances, he quickly concluded that he had neither the wealth nor the status to compete with the likes of Don Alonso. And so, it was with a heavy heart that he asked, “What is your opinion of him?”
“He seems likeable enough,” Inés replied, “and I suppose that I could grow to care for him in time should our families decide that it is in the best interests of everyone concerned for us to be married.” Raul furrowed his brow while she, in turn, eyed him with speculation. “Why do you ask? Are you aware of some impediment or flaw in his character?”
“No, not at all,” Raul replied with noticeable haste. “I have only ever wished for your happiness. If your heart is set on marrying him, I would be the last man to stand in your way.”
At that point, Sergio chimed in and said, “The hour is late, and I am sure that Raul is quite tired and in need of rest. There will be plenty of time on the morrow to speak of all that he has seen and done since we saw him last. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes, of course,” Raul replied even though he was loathe to be parted from her. “Until tomorrow.”
Raul shook Sergio’s hand and then turned to Inés, who offered him her hand. He gladly took it and placed a gentle kiss on her fingertips before bidding them both farewell.
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Barcelona are losing the ideology that makes them unique
Alejandro Moreno explains what went wrong for La Liga favourites Barcelona in their season opening defeat at Athletic Bilbao.
Twenty-six goals, six red cards, innumerable shots and headers off the woodwork, all three promoted clubs scoring points, none of them defeated and Real Madrid ahead of Barcelona in La Liga for the first time in several hundred days. Oh, and loads of VAR. La Liga is back: bursting with joie de vivre, face bathed in a mischievous smile and strutting around arrogantly after a helluva party at the weekend.
But even after that wildest of parties, we need to do what generations of carousers have found themselves involved in when the return of the work week brings inquests, bemusement and nagging worries. We need to talk about what happened on Friday night, and not just because the champions lost calamitously to an Athletic Club who were brutally intense and incessantly hard-working and who produced what I’m sure will still be a contender for goal of the season come May.
No.
Postmatch at San Mames, Gerard Pique took on the interview duties and really engaged with the subject of why and how Barcelona lost the first La Liga match of a season for the first time in 11 years. Yet I’m going to have to disagree with a fundamental point he made. Pique spoke well and pointed out that the bruising pressure, the cauldron atmosphere and the intensity of desire to topple champions were precisely what he and the gang who’ve won eight of the past 11 La Liga titles expected to experience.
“We weren’t ourselves. They were better than us physically.” No problem there. Apt summary. He also noted, “It’s better to go through this kind of experience now and learn from it than do so at the end of the season.” Fair enough.
There was a good expression in there that — if you didn’t see the 1-0 defeat, carved out via Aritz Aduriz‘s moment of gymnastic brilliance, which combined the aerial elegance of trapeze artists, the chutzpah of a David vs. Goliath and the thunderous punching power of a young Mike Tyson — will help you envisage the pattern of the 90 minutes. It’ll also be a nice phrase for you to store away and impress your friends with.
Pique stated that if Barcelona weren’t on their game, if they were playing, thinking and reacting below par, then any other club in La Liga could “pintar la cara.” It literally means “paint our face.” The purpose is to suggest that if you drop your level even to a minuscule degree, another team can humiliate you, roll all over you, take you apart.
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Even the expression itself, thought of literally, helps tell Pique’s story well. You’ve been at parties when someone is a little inebriated, crashes on a couch and has a moustache painted on them with permanent marker, right? “Pintar la cara:” to humiliate the dopey or the dozy by painting their face. It’s universal.
In Pique’s case, he specified who the dope was … in so many words. The object of his ire was Ousmane Dembele, who’s now out for five weeks with a hamstring strain.
When Athletic take their throw on Barcelona’s left side, Jordi Alba just allows Raul Garcia to fake him out and loses a third of a metre on the wily, old street fighter, and Garcia receives the ball to play a one-two with Ander Capa, who launched the ball at him in the first place. Capa scampers past Dembele — irresistible force and unmoving object. And when Capa crosses exquisitely on the run, there’s Aduriz, who has been gifted a metre and a half too much space by Nelson Semedo.
The 38-year-old Basque legend, whose name was chanted incessantly by the vast ranks of San Mames faithful from the instant he came on the pitch 90 seconds earlier, levitates himself transcendentally and lashes out his right foot. The ball flies diagonally back across the penalty box into the far corner of Marc-Andre ter Stegen‘s goal.
Sheer, sublime brilliance. Heckuva story too.
However, Pique correctly pinpointed that when Alba raced to try to smother Raul Garcia’s flick-on, it left Dembele with increased responsibility. His bovine, “Oh dear, that guy’s running past me” reaction was inadequate, but that’s not the issue. Pique, speaking like a captain, serious about the issue and, like all true competitors, willing to concede that his team had been bested, pointed out that “details are the difference between winning and losing, and one detail, the one-two from the throw-in in the 88th minute … and that’s it, we go home beaten.”
Well, I beg to differ. Dembele failed. It was crucial in the goal. That’s all fine. But the cause of the goal came from a really bad use of possession, the thing that Barcelona were once — indeed, remain — famous for.
Have Barcelona betrayed their ideals on possession?
Let me explain.
At 0-0 and with two minutes, 13 seconds of normal time left, Ter Stegen has the ball at his feet. There’s an organised but not suffocating Athletic press. A pass to Clement Lenglet is shut off by Aduriz, who’ll gradually pull off that man and trot toward the German keeper. The pass down the middle to Ivan Rakitic — or even Rafinha, who moves back to add options — is effectively closed off by Dani Garcia and Oihan Sancet, Athletic’s 19-year-old debutant from whom I expect terrific things.
But Ter Stegen has both Pique and Semedo available to his right. They’re not properly closed down. It’s the obvious move to build from the back through them and either keep possession or build a late attack.
Instead he unloads a long, raking ball to a relatively well-marked Alba high and wide on the left touchline. The effort is lackadaisical, the kind of attention to detail you might see during the warm-up and, even then, receive ribbing from your teammates about. The ball soars over Alba’s head and out for the very throw-in that will result in the winning goal, 28 seconds after Ter Stegen needlessly gifts away possession.
They have the ball, they aren’t under great pressure, the match is almost over, a point is in hand … and it’s all tossed away with the nonchalant “I’ve got more of these” lack of grief when a millionaire drops a €100 note on the pavement.
So if Dembele needed a clip round the ear from Pique, then why didn’t the German? If Ter Stegen takes the correct, obvious, intelligent option with his pass, the odds of Barcelona getting out of San Mames with a draw — perhaps even a smash-and-grab 1-0 win — go up hugely. His culpability is central, more so than Dembele’s.
But this column is neither me picking an argument with Pique for the sake of it nor me trying to be overly critical of Ter Stegen, who regularly pulls Barca out of the muck and is, without question, one of the most gifted keepers in the world. He’s also one of their grittiest competitors.
Not only did his mixture of bemusing decision-making and sloppy technique cost defeat, but also it was symbolic, I thought, in two ways. One, instead of maintaining possession, he kicked it away at a time when your brain needs to be making percentage decisions. That Barcelona’s European campaign came to a spectacularly crashing end — what seems like no more than a week or two ago — because of inattention at a set piece doesn’t seem to have registered with this squad.
Ter Stegen gifted Athletic that dead-ball situation, and just like at Anfield, when Trent Alexander-Arnold fed Divock Origi from that “find the dope” corner kick, Barcelona’s key men all dropped their concentration for a second. Alba, Dembele and Semedo were all found wanting — maybe not by much individually but cumulatively enough for Athletic to snatch three points.
How long ago was it that possession was king at Barca? Not “king” in the sense of lip service and paying homage to the idea without actually enforcing it, but truly “king,” as in never giving it away cheaply. A long time.
Secondly, Ter Stegen’s decision to play high-risk, unnecessarily showy football with 132 seconds of normal time remaining came when Ernesto Valverde had already judged that Sergio Busquets — ordinarily the emperor of “take the ball, pass the ball” (to coin a Pep Guardiola phrase) — should be dropped because he has become prone in recent months to getting ruffled under pressure and giving the ball away.
Huge changes don’t always come explosively. In fact, usually they inch ahead incrementally. Friday felt measurable.
But it’s Week 1. It’s early to judge a squad with new signings and one that was cruelly exposed to this torrid test by a board of directors who thought it was a good idea to pack Valverde’s squad off to the United States in the final 10 days before La Liga kicked off. Madness.
But I’d suggest that Barcelona aren’t just losing concentration on the pitch. They’re insidiously losing their respect for possession of the ball and the ideology behind it.
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Real Madrid’s historic Champions League title obscured by online outrage
There has been so much heated nonsense spoken and written about Real Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League final win over Liverpool in Kiev that there are some missed or ignored items that must be focused on. And they will be here.
Let’s begin with the opening goal.
I’m not contesting that it makes Karim Benzema a footballing genius to have scored it, but the fact that Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius made such an atrocious series of judgmental errors in gifting the holders the lead has obscured credit that needs to flow to the much-maligned striker.
Given how the modern game is officiated, Benzema should have been in a no-win situation. Karius should have known this.
The Frenchman was isolated on the edge of Liverpool’s box. Karius had plenty of options about how to deal with what faced him. Yes, he had every right to try to move the ball sharply to reduce Madrid to nine outfield players by bypassing Benzema. But Karius had a choice of three red shirts, options via which he could have cut his opponent out of the game with just a scintilla more effort and concentration.
With reference to keeper protection in the modern game, had Karius shaped to kick long or tempted Benzema to take another couple of paces towards him, the referee would almost inevitably have called a foul. Keepers get protected in football more than facts and truth do.
Where the credit comes is that once Liverpool’s maladroit goalie makes a bad choice, Benzema reads it.
Look again at what happens.
Karim Benzema’s clever opener set Real Madrid up for a Champions League final win over Liverpool.
Benzema is still a regulation distance away from Karius. The odds are vastly against him, but he not only gambles correctly, he reacts with tremendous agility and speed, but then also gets his leg into a position where he can be strong enough for the rebound to take the ball not only towards the goal but in.
What’s more, to block a keeper throwing out to his right, the obvious foot for the striker to use is his left. But that would have cost Benzema a split-second more to effect. He instinctively raises what has been his planted, standing-weight foot and lunges.
As I say, it’s not an act of genius, but it’s what every single coach, amateur or pro, wishes he could teach his footballers: Stay sharp, think, react quicker than the other guy. Or, as Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley used to teach those Liverpool players who dominated England and Europe: “Find the dope”.
They taught that, especially when the ball goes dead, lesser players breathe out, they relax, they drop their concentration just a millimetre. Shankly and Paisley urged their players to always be waiting for just such an infinitesimal relaxation, and to pounce. It’s what Benzema did, and both of those Liverpool greats would have recognised it.
Karius had the ball in his hands, so he relaxed. He thought that there was no danger. He lost focus by a scintilla. It was enough.
I understand the mawkish horrors of watching someone fail catastrophically on the biggest sporting stage. There will have been huge tracts of the worldwide audience both thrilled with schadenfreude at watching an error of such gigantic proportions, and then instantly contrite with the guilt of having felt the dark emotion of enjoying someone else’s hardship.
One of the most common nightmares is having turned up at a vital exam without studying for it. Another is waking up sweating having dreamt that suddenly you’re naked in public, don’t understand why, and everyone is watching. That’s what Karius actually lived through, in effect.
But there’s no way, in my humble view, that sympathy for or outrage about the “dope” (depending on whether you’re an angry Liverpool fan or not) can detract from appreciations of Benzema’s cat-like agility and anticipation.
By the way, it was his 56th Champions League goal in 87 competition starts. Only three players — Raul, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — have outscored him in this elite tournament. This from a man Sir Alex Ferguson said was “too expensive” when he joined Madrid in 2009 for €30 million, and Gary Lineker recently reckoned was overrated.
Moving on.
There has been some truly ridiculous stuff written about Sergio Ramos in the aftermath of yet another rule-stretching, all-in performance from the Madrid captain.
For example, thanks to one German TV station highlighting it, there has been quite the furore on social media about Ramos clipping Karius a couple of minutes before the opening goal. Some have tried to suggest that A) it was a deliberate action by Ramos, and B) that there was some correlation between that and Liverpool’s keeper making his awful blunder.
What I find stunning is that no one whom I’ve seen catcalling Ramos over that incident has seen fit to note that as the Spaniard runs in towards goal in order to try to connect with a Benzema cut-back, it’s Virgil Van Dijk who shoves Ramos, which results in Madrid’s captain surging towards the ground.
Firstly, does Ramos then knowingly try to “leave one” on Karius once he’s been shoved? You may have a case. But is his proximity to the keeper solely thanks to Van Dijk? Definitely. Had the referee seen Van Dijk’s shove, might it have been a penalty to Madrid? Yes. Finally, does Ramos make enough contact with Karius to have caused the German, who’s up and about pretty instantly, any significant impairment? Do me a favour: Grow up.
Even if, hypothetically, that were the case, then the fault would lie with Van Dijk choosing, illogically, to shove Ramos when Benzema’s cut-back was about to be effectively blocked. So that moment was an instance when a player chooses an action outside the rules, without really having any cognisance of what the ultimate consequence might be.
Which, yes, you’ve guessed it, takes us to the moment when Mohamed Salah’s shoulder is injured thanks to Ramos tugging him to the ground awkwardly.
Sergio Ramos’ competitive nature helped the captain guide Real Madrid to their third straight Champions League crown.
On the idea that Ramos was deliberately trying to injure him, I’m not going to waste much time. Ramos breaks the rules. Ramos is ultra-streetwise. This column is not a defence of the Real Madrid captain; it’s an attempt to bring some football realism into the debate.
Firstly, this was the kind of challenge you see regularly across the European game and that, frankly, wouldn’t usually have serious consequences for either player. This one did, no question, and I fervently wish that Salah had completed 90 vibrant minutes and, for all I care about the matter, scored a hat trick.
Secondly, if you take a snapshot of the instant when the foul is made (with referee Milorad Mazic positioned for a perfect view but not the least bit interested in a booking), then you’ll see a commanding piece of information about why Ramos wouldn’t let go.
He wouldn’t risk the idea of Salah twisting free, or getting up swiftly and taking the ball away from the moment of contact. Salah has made an inside run across the pitch from the right. Ramos has gone with him, but the Egyptian, if he controls and twists with the ball, will have exposed his marker and gained perhaps two yards. Two crucial yards.
If Salah turns with the ball, or gets up quicker than Ramos because the attempted foul fails, then Liverpool are four vs. two. Just think about that: Scoreless against a team that has scary firepower, that has dominated the first 20 or so minutes, and it’s about to be four vs. two.
Roberto Firmino has drifted off Luka Modric and Casemiro, James Milner is wide right unmarked (surprise, surprise) by Marcelo, and Sadio Mane is being watched by Dani Carvajal, who is accompanied only by Raphael Varane. Is a definite goal on the cards given the distance involved? No, that’s a little too strong. But is it the kind of situation against which Madrid will have coached, video-analysed and, frankly, prayed to avoid? Yes.
So Ramos commits a foul, no question. And he won’t let Salah go, no question. But the aim is to prevent a disastrous situation, not to injure.
Do guys like Ramos accept one less dangerous opponent on the pitch as a bonus for foul play? Yes. Was his action one any hard-nosed, serial winner would have taken? Yes.
If you say no, then you’re either partial or dreadfully lacking information. I’ve been watching them do it all my life, and some of them — just for information — played for Liverpool.
But there was much more either missed, obscured or ignored by the contentious nature of what happened and by the shimmering beauty of Gareth Bale’s first goal.
In comparison to Karius, Keylor Navas’ two terrific opening-minutes saves from Trent Alexander-Arnold? The first brave and athletic, the second so superb through a cluster of legs and bodies.
Left-back Marcelo yet again changing a big Champions League match, this time with a right-footed cross. There are still so many players earning vast sums, particularly in the UK, despite having one good foot and are like flamingos with the other — good for standing. Marcelo is routinely roasted by the under-informed in the UK media, continuously pointed out as only a liability because his defensive GPS long ago broke down. Yet his right-footed cross that Bale described as “at a perfect height” was the penultimate moment in a 20-pass move back and forward across the pitch for Madrid’s all-time great goal.
Twenty passes. Please, let that not be obscured.
Andy Robertson’s outrageous penalty-box block to prevent Ronaldo scoring? It was a tackle for the ages. Athletically constructed, clinically executed and, temporarily, it kept Liverpool with just a glimmer of opportunity. Why has it not been the subject of adoration from everyone who witnessed the game, professionally or as fans?
Because we live in an age where outrage, complaint, vilification and raw emotion too often govern over honest, sang-froid, clinical analysis.
Graham Hunter covers Spain for ESPN FC and Sky Sports. Author of “Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World.” Twitter: @BumperGraham.
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Actual Madrid v Liverpool: Sergio Ramos - the Actual talisman who can harm Liverpool
Actual Madrid v Liverpool: Sergio Ramos - the Actual talisman who can harm Liverpool
Actual Madrid v Liverpool: Sergio Ramos – the Actual talisman who can harm Liverpool
Ramos has a particular bond with the followers – as he confirmed after the semi-final win over Bayern Munich
It was the second that stated every thing concerning the relationship between Sergio Ramos and Actual Madrid.
There he was, the 32-year-old defender, veteran of greater than 150 caps for Spain, winner of nearly each honour within the recreation, in among the many followers, singing and celebrating with them.
The second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Actual Madrid and Bayern Munich had completed half an hour earlier on the Bernabeu, the Spanish group by to their third successive remaining after a 4-3 aggregate victory.
The Grada Followers – the supporters’ group who occupy the seats behind the South Finish aim – had been nonetheless there and when Ramos heard, he and his team-mates left the dressing room to hitch them.
Ramos jumped over the ads behind the aim, grabbed the microphone and led the remaining 2,000 followers to sing “Reyes de Europa, somos los Reyes de Europa!” (We are the kings of Europe!), a chant reserved for memorable Champions League victories.
Ramos even began one other Bernabeu favorite, “Cómo no te voy a querer” (How may I not love you).
It was a second that exemplified the deep connection he has developed with most Actual Madrid supporters.
Solely a choose few Actual Madrid legends have managed to construct such a exceptional emotional attachment with the followers.
Ramos has reached the degrees of ahead Raul Gonzalez, who celebrated with a bullfighting routine, and even the much-missed Juanito.
Juanito is a Actual Madrid legend. Tragically killed in a automotive crash on the age of 37 in 1992, followers liked him a lot that he is remembered on the seventh minute of each match on the Bernabeu with a music that merely consists of his nickname, “Illa, Illa, Illa, Juanito Maravilla” (Vel, vel vel, Johnny Marvel).
His feisty temperament, his want to win and love for the membership noticed the followers take him to their coronary heart.
It’s now the identical for Ramos, but it surely has not all the time been that approach.
The positional swap that noticed Ramos reborn
Ramos arrived from Sevilla for 27m euros in 2005 when he was simply 19.
“No defender on the earth is price all that cash,” Sevilla’s president Jose Maria del Nido famously remarked after the transaction was full.
Banners proclaiming affection for Ramos are commonly seen on the Bernabeu
Ramos’ lack of tactical self-discipline led a sizeable a part of the Bernabeu devoted to surprise at first whether or not he was severe sufficient for Actual Madrid.
At all times proficient and impressively match, one thing nonetheless appeared barely off to the eyes of the typical fan.
Ramos spent most of his first six years on the Bernabeu enjoying as an attacking full-back.
At instances he starred in moments of glory – such because the sequence of comebacks on the finish of the 2006-07 season that gave Actual Madrid one other La Liga title.
However he was additionally concerned in disaster – a superb instance being his defensive efficiency within the 6-2 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in 2009, the place he chased the shadows of Thierry Henry & co.
Nonetheless, Ramos’ place at Actual modified without end in October 2011.
Jose Mourinho used him as a centre-back in a match in opposition to Espanyol to cowl for the injured Ricardo Carvalho.
Ramos began the following seven matches in that place and Actual Madrid conceded simply as soon as.
“That was the important thing for Sergio to turn into the participant we all know as we speak,” stated Fernando Hierro, one other Actual Madrid legend from whom Ramos inherited Actual Madrid’s quantity 4 shirt.
“He’d performed as a centre-back earlier than, however simply as a stand-in. Due to these few matches in a row, he began to develop a tactical consciousness he did not have as a full-back, gained significance within the central axis of the group, turned extra vocal along with his team-mates. That transfer made him click on.”
The transfer turned him right into a extra targeted, reliable defender who turned a frontrunner on the again.
Ramos is a pure chief, a attribute that the majority of his coaches have been fast to focus on.
Sevilla’s Joaquin Caparros stated: “You may see he was a frontrunner since he was a child.”
Former Actual Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti even went a bit additional: “Ramos has every thing that Italian Paolo Maldini had: his persona, his technical abilities, his capacity to guide on and off the pitch.”
‘A defender with a striker’s soul’
After which there are the objectives.
Numerous them and never simply any sort of objectives, as Ramos has all the time discovered a technique to rating a number of each season. He is now reached 77 objectives in his profession, a quantity that would simply attain three digits earlier than he retires.
Ramos has scored a collection of essential objectives – scoring in two Champions League finals in opposition to Atletico Madrid
However the latter years of Ramos’s profession has seen him rating an unbelievable variety of essential, game-changing and, in some instances, season-defining objectives.
You may argue it began on the Allianz Area in Munich, in 2014, when Ramos scored two headers within the area of 4 minutes that noticed Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich lose another Champions League semi-final.
Then came his memorable equaliser after 92:48 minutes of the ultimate in opposition to Atletico Madrid that very same season, the one which led him to tattoo ’92:48′ on his physique.
“I am pondering of beginning him as a striker,” stated Ancelotti, solely half-jokingly.
Ramos scored once more in the 2016 Champions League final in opposition to Atletico, and within the subsequent Supercup remaining in opposition to Sevilla, then within the Membership World Cup semi-final and the ultimate.
Sergio Ramos – what he has received with Actual La Liga 4 Champions League 3 Tremendous Cup 3 Uefa Tremendous Cup 3 Copa del Rey 2
His equaliser at Barcelona’s Camp Nou throughout a key La Liga match final season – one other key aim within the dying minutes of the match – gave the group a much-needed draw to maintain pushing for a title they might find yourself successful.
That 12 months noticed Ramos rating 10 instances in 44 matches, exceptional numbers for a defender.
“Ramos’ objectives are illogical, however soccer is not logical,” noticed Ancelotti.
The assumption that Ramos will rating when the group wants a aim most is the rationale behind Ramos’ tribute music on the Bernabeu.
“Si marca un gol, si marca un gol, si Sergio Ramos marca un gol” (“Sure, rating one aim, sure, rating one aim, sure Sergio Ramos rating a aim” sung to the tune of ‘When the saints go marching in’).
It’s all the time chanted when Actual Madrid are about to take a set-piece.
Ramos describes himself as a “defender with a striker’s soul”, one which idolised no apart from Argentine striker Claudio Caniggia when he was youthful.
The person who can break Liverpool’s hearts?
Sergio Ramos along with his spouse – Spanish TV star Pilar Rubio – and two of his youngsters after the 2017 Champions League remaining
Ramos, a father of three who’s married to the Spanish TV star Pilar Rubio, is way from good.
He has been despatched off 24 instances, missed 5 penalties for Madrid, the newest simply two weeks in the past in Sevilla, and famously dropped the Copa del Rey trophy off the celebration double-decker bus, which then ran over it, again in 2011.
However even his shortcomings have turn into positives within the eyes of the followers, since they’re seen as by-products of his starvation to win and his authenticity.
His affair with Manchester United, who nearly signed him in the summertime of 2015, turns into a case of “Sergio noticed the sunshine” among the many followers and become another excuse to root for the skipper.
And in Kiev on Saturday he may additional strengthen his bond with the membership’s followers if he can hold Liverpool’s much-vaunted ahead line in examine.
Removed from good, Ramos has seen purple greater than 20 instances in his Actual Madrid profession
Mohamed Salah will attempt to make the most of left-back Marcelo’s tendency to push ahead.
Will probably be left to Ramos, who performs alongside Marcelo in Actual’s again 4, to cowl for the Brazilian and deal with the Egyptian star.
Ramos is just not as quick as he was once, and in a earlier encounter when Salah performed for Rome in 2016, the Egyptian confirmed that he was remarkably faster than Ramos.
Nonetheless, the Spanish defender has improved positionally the longer he has performed within the centre of defence and, in line with his personal phrases, he’s not afraid of Salah: “He is simply one among 11 gamers,” Ramos stated when requested concerning the striker.
Salah, then with Roma, and Ramos have met earlier than within the Champions League
Zinedine Zidane’s rotation coverage has helped Ramos attain the tip of the season in nice form, having been commonly rested in La Liga matches this season.
And maybe Liverpool’s deal with Ramos ought to be additional up the sphere.
The defender has not scored within the Champions League since he struck in opposition to Apoel Nicosia in a bunch match again in September. However who could be in opposition to him scoring on Saturday?
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Liverpool v Spurs best bets and odds plus Premier League predictions including Salah in a 22/1 shot
Liverpool-host Tottenham in the Premier League match
Liverpool-Tottenham, best bets and chances plus Premier League predictions, including Mohamed Salah in a 22/1 treble and how to win with Man United of the weekend
Mohamed Salah, Raul Jimenez and Luka Milivojevic all score to 22/1
Published: 12:01 GMT, March 29, 2019 |
The city is kicking things off with a trip to Fulham at the start of the Saturday, while Jurgen Klopp & # 39; Reds host Tottenham in the Sunday weekend game.
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Elsewhere one team could disappear through the trapdoor
Here is our guide for the nine games on Saturday and Sunday.
Fulham against Man City – Saturday 12.30 pm
The biggest mismatch of the bookmakers' weekend ensures that the Premier League is operational again and gives Manchester City the chance to take the pole position to win back, at least for a day. They are no better than 1/6 to defeat 22/1 shots of Fulham and go back to the top, as Liverpool only plays on Sunday. There are not many gamblers in the world, but there are many other gamblers in the world. ). The Cottagers also have two goals in each of their last 11 Premier League games. As for the visitors, the highest scorers of the competition, some of their recent results were non-City-like (a few 1-0s and the Swansea comeback) but there was also the seven-goal thump of Schalke. This is an opportunity for Pep Guardiola to lower his foot for the last few stages and one that he should take. City is 2/1 minus three on the handicap.
<img id = "i-db70727cfdd48892" src = "https://ift.tt/2FFsUjV image-a-11_1553859709155.jpg "height =" 424 "width =" 634 "alt =" Sergio Aguero will expect his sentence when Man City takes over Fulham "
<img id =" i-db70727cfdd48892 "src =" https: //i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/03/29/11/11612036-6864225-image-a-11_1553859709155.jpg "height =" 424 "width =" 634 "alt =" Sergio Aguero will have plenty of opportunities expect to find its way when Man City takes over Fulham "
Brighton [from
Brighton / Southampton
The break was a bad timing for Brighton when they went over the international fourteen days of three wins – two in the league and a shootout win over Millwall in the FA Cup: only three of their last 12 in all competitions were handled by more than the strange goal and the close encounter would be on this the cards can stand. The draw (11/5) seems to be the best bet and with Saints throwing away more points of leading positions than a team in the league (20 this season and five fall over their last three away games) a look at the 16/1 different companies) for the side of Ralph Hasenhuttl to lead the way during the break and the game to end the entire square.
Burnley v Wolves
Burnley is in a dangerous position, 17th in the list, only two points better than Cardiff having played a game more, and on a losing run with four games. The good news for them is that wolves usually lose their way – 11 games in a row now that their net has been waved – but the bad news is that Nuno & # 39; s men are not bad at the other end and as a result they only lost one of their last 12 in all competitions. Raul Jimenez can receive a lot of honor. Last weekend, he scored for Mexico in a win over Chile, which had stopped four in its five games for Wolves in the break. He is 11/5 (multiple companies) at any time or 6/1 with bet365 for the opener. He is 3/1 in the score-win double.
Crystal Palace against Huddersfield
Here is one for statistics enthusiasts. The home team never scored in seven top flights between these teams. Hope in Huddersfield? The sloppy home record of Palace might give them something, but even at 15/2 and against such hospitable hosts, the prize for a victory wins little appeal. The Terriers have been so bad that they could make the curtain for their Premier League adventure disappear before the end of March – depending on other results. That would put them on par with the dreadful Derby team of 2007-08, corresponding to their record of sinking after 32 games.
Leicester against Bournemouth
It is usually a close affair between these two in the Premier League – five of the seven meetings have ended in a draw – and the Cherries will do well if they are in the get close to another. Huddersfield, three weeks ago, remains the only team they have defeated in seven games since the end of January while Brendan Rodgers sees a third spin victory after losing his debut dugout for Leicester. In a shadow under Leicester, evens are worth supporting while being 11/4 to take it with a goal margin and 12/5 to win with both scoring teams. An interesting thing about the King Power is the 24/5 to send off in the race. The foxes have received a red card from the league five, while Bournemouth's opponents have had more than any other side this season – six
Man Utd v Watford
Sportsmail published the statistics that showed how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revived Manchester United after the reign of Jose Mourinho, and earned a crack in the full-time job. It is not surprising that the former attacker has been attacking since his arrival in December, but the figures at the back raised some eyebrows. Solskjaer's & # 39; s United is second only to Liverpool in the awarded goals since taking the lead, compared to 16th in the division in that card under Mourinho. So the clean slate on Saturday then? They are 31/20 to win without giving in, but they have only kept two clean sheets in their last eight. And Solskjaer described Watford and Wolves as the & # 39; best of the rest & # 39; outside the top six. Spot-on, Ole, they are in eighth and seventh place respectively. United win is no better than 9/20 and worth staying on any acca. United are 15/2 to win 2-1 and 11/1 to win 3-1.
Paul Pogba returns to Manchester United's top-four push after leading role for France "
Paul Pogba returns to the top four of Manchester United after the lead role for France
West Ham v Everton – Saturday 5:30 pm
Everton sent Chelsea back to London with their tails between their The last time out when an impressive victory for Marco Silva side led them to the disappointment of throwing away a two-goal lead earlier to Newcastle in the match, but when they go to the capital themselves, things often take a They were winless in 10 visits, losing seven and pulling three since beating Crystal Palace in January 2017. They scored twice at St. James and three times at Cardiff during their previous road trip they are worth to to score. But West Ham is unbeaten at home in six and every score here draws at 7/2. You can get 12/1 it ends 2-2
Cardiff v Chelsea – Sunday 2.05pm
Cardiff increased their survival gain with a much needed victory over West Ham previous timeout and could escape the bottom three with a win on Sunday. It's a big question, but stranger things have happened. They've lost 16 in a row against the big six and have been hammered home by Everton and Watford in recent weeks, but they will be delighted by the recent Chelsea motion sickness. The Blues have lost four of the five league games near Stamford Bridge in 2019 and Neil Warnock & # 39; s side, physically and organized, will cause their chances of trouble.
Liverpool vs. Tottenham – Sunday 4:30 PM
Traces are used to their new home prior to their grand opening next midweek against Palace but before that they have not been to a happy hunting ground. Their last win at Anfield was in 2011, one of only two in the Premier League, and they travel north with the second worst point (seven) of games between the big six this season – Man United has taken six . Liverpool has collected 13 of such games and must be supported to win them. They are 8/13 but they win the 5/2 and both teams score well since Liverpool has handed in six of the five home games this year – the same amount as in the previous 17 on Merseyside.
Harry Kane will lead the Spurs line when traveling to Anfield this weekend Harry Kane will lead the Spurs line when they do this weekend travel to Anfield "
Harry Kane will lead the Spurs line when traveling to Anfield this weekend HOMES : Palace, Leicester, Sheff United, Aston Villa, Tranmere
]: Brighton v Southampton, St. Mirren v Dundee, Hearts v Aberdeen Various books
ANYTIME SCORERS : Salah, Jimenez, Milivojevic [1] 9459040] 22/1
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Brazil has committed to an 'extreme measure' to combat crime in Rio — and it could be a model for the rest of the country
Brazil's legislature has approved the military intervention in Rio de Janeiro decreed by President Michel Temer last week.
Deployments of troops to Rio are not new, but the latest measure gives the military control of public security there.
The intervention has brought a new round of warnings about relying on the military for civilian security operations.
On Tuesday, hours after Brazil's lower house of congress overwhelmingly backed the military's takeover of public security in Rio de Janeiro, the Senate gave the measure final approval, voting 55 to 13 in favor.
"Together, the police and the armed forces will combat and confront those who have kidnapped our cities," President Michel Temer said on Friday, when he signed the decree deploying the military to Rio. "I know it's an extreme measure but many times Brazil requires extreme measures to put things in order."
Gangs have "virtually taken over" Rio's metropolitan area, home to 12 million of the state's 17 million people, Temer said. The state's governor will retain control of the government, but the military will report to an army general who will report to Temer, which will ensure civilian oversight of the armed forces, the president has stressed.
It is the first military intervention since Brazil's military dictatorship fell in 1985.
Rio de Janeiro has been plagued by worsening violence for several years, and Temer's decree came just a few days after the end of Rio's famed Carnival celebration, which was marked by violence and displays critiquing the government's response to it.
Television networks showed footage of shootouts between gangs and of young men attacking tourists in areas usually considered safe, including Ipanema beach. Three military police officers were killed. The state governor admitted that his administration was not prepared to provide security and said authorities confiscated an "incredible" number of firearms.
The state government initially said crime went down during this year's festivities, but data obtained by Rio newspaper O Dia indicated that even as homicides declined, robberies and car thefts increased.
'A steep deterioration'
2018 has gotten off to a violent start for Rio. There were 688 shootings in the state in January — many in the sprawling, often poor and marginalized neighborhoods known as favelas, where authorities have little presence.
Violence in Rio is not as severe as in other parts of the country — in 2016 it was 11th among states in Brazil in terms of homicide rate. But it is one of Brazil's most well-known locales, and insecurity there has intensified in recent years — especially after hosting the 2016 Olympics.
In the years after Rio was awarded the 2016 games, the state government invested heavily in security. In 2008, it implemented Pacification Police Units, sending police into communities where gangs and violence were problems. They were to be followed by social programs meant to reincorporate the community into the city and establish bulwarks against criminal influence.
The UPP program was "initially very successful in bringing areas under state control, where previously drug traffickers were the primary organization," Thomaz Favaro, a regional analyst for Control Risks, told Business Insider in a January interview. "And over a period of time this strategy did prove partially successful. It did bring crime down. It did allow the government to regain control of some of these favelas."
But as Rio started to struggle financially amid a broader recession in Brazil, the initiative faltered. It was hamstrung by budget cuts, while police have found themselves going without supplies, and, in some cases, pay. (The state and police were also criticized for failing to fully implement and adjust to the programs.)
"Over the last two, three years with dwindling resources for public-security forces, the drug traffickers have been able to regain control over some of these areas. So you're already seeing that in some areas where the government had the upper hand, it no longer has" it, Favaro said. "And that's leading to a steep deterioration of the security environment in Rio de Janeiro."
Recent years have seen numerous military deployments to Rio — thousands of troops flooded parts of the city on several occasions last year — but their presence has done little to reduce crime and insecurity, while reports of abuses have increased.
Shootouts, between police and criminals and between rival criminal groups, are common, forcing residents to take cover. Deaths from stray bullets have increased considerably.
'What will the Army will do? Shoot?'
Brazil's current political environment — Temer has single-digit approval ratings and politicians are gearing up for elections in October — has led to suspicions that Temer's latest moves in Rio are politically motivated. (Though military intervention is broadly popular, among Rio residents and Brazilians more generally.)
Temer's government has touted federal intervention as the best way to address the situation there and gone further in recent days, suggesting the city and policies pursued there could serve as a model for other parts of the country.
"It's important to understand that Rio de Janeiro is a laboratory," Institutional Security Minister Sergio Etchegoyen said on Monday, after a meeting with Temer to discuss the intervention, according to the Associated Press. "It's the outward manifestation of a structural crisis."
"I believe that this is one more step along the road of being able to restore security, order and, above all, confidence to residents of Rio de Janeiro state," said Wellington Moreira Franco, the secretary-general of the presidency. "This spirit is being mobilized so that ... this conversation, this methodology can spread throughout Brazil."
Despite the government's assurances about civilian oversight of the military, its deployment to Rio and suggestions it could take a larger role elsewhere have raised concerns about abuses and its past ineffectiveness — especially after Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said authorities would seek broader warrants that could list an entire street or even neighborhood rather than just an address.
"The Army does not have the capacity and training to address a security problem that exists in Rio. Public security depends mainly on investigations, and the Army does not investigate," Ignacio Cano, a sociologist at the Violence Analysis Laboratory at Rio's state university, told O Dia after the decree was announced. "When it arrives in the community, what will the Army will do? Shoot?"
Even the commander of Brazil's army, Gen. Eduardo Villas Boas, has cautioned against relying on the military for civilian security, saying in January that such operations could deepen corruption among soldiers. The "simple deployment of the armed forces does not have the capacity, in and of itself, to resolve the public security issues" facing Brazil, he said.
During an event with Temer over the weekend, Rio de Janeiro state Gov. Luiz Fernando Pezão praised the federal response, but stressed the need for additional measures. "But we need a lot of jobs, that economic activity grows," he said to the president. "We'll only win the war for public security with work permits."
"The federal government currently just provides emergency support for the states who are struggling the most with the security situation. Rio is one of them," Favaro said in January, explaining that public security has typically been the remit of state governments. (Though the military police, who handle street patrols and make arrests, are somewhat insulated from civilian oversight.)
"I think sort of the lack of new initiatives, fresh initiatives, even dedication to specific concerns is certainly one of the key reasons why the security environment hasn't improved," Favaro said.
SEE ALSO: Brazil is taking an 'extreme measure' to confront crime in Rio — the first time it's done so since the country's dictatorship fell
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NOW WATCH: The Rio Olympics were only a year ago, but the venues look like they've been deserted for decades
from All About Law http://www.businessinsider.com/brazil-military-intervention-rio-security-national-model-2018-2
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Other countries are still trying to figure out what Trump means to them
By Erin Cunningham, Joshua Partlow, Simon Denyer, Michael Birnbaum and Carol Morello, Washington Post, April 28, 2017
Much of the world is in a quandary, still unsure what to expect from the administration of President Trump. The Chinese are unexpectedly hopeful. Europeans, less so. And Mexico remains wary, if less frightened than when Trump took power on Jan. 20.
“We can’t keep assuming there is now an established order,” says Sergio Aguayo, a Mexican political analyst. “There will likely be more turbulence to come.”
In capitals around the world, foreign leaders are trying to figure out exactly what the administration’s foreign policy positions are and how to best engage with a president who has embraced being unpredictable.
Here are reports on the perspective in four key regions around the globe as Trump mark’s his 100th day in office.
Trump vowed to stay out of Syria. Then he dropped a bombshell. Of the many things President Trump was expected to do in his first 100 days, launching an attack on Syria’s military certainly wasn’t one of them. Throughout his campaign, Trump praised Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for “killing ISIS,” a common acronym for the Islamic State, but also vowed to keep the United States out of the Syrian civil war.
So when Trump ordered missile strikes at a Syrian air base on April 7 in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack by the Syrian government just days earlier, he took many in the region, and the world, by surprise.
Some of Assad’s regional rivals, including leaders in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, welcomed the U.S. assault as long overdue.
Others, such as Iran, were unsurprisingly critical. And Egypt, a U.S. ally, urged all sides to show restraint.
Although the strike appears to have been an isolated incident--a swift answer to a single attack, divorced from broader strategy in Syria--it was also a reminder that Trump’s approach to the region remains unpredictable. The shifts have left some befuddled over how the president crafts Middle East policy.
The ongoing turmoil will challenge the already chaotic decision-making process of the Trump administration, said Ayham Kamel, Middle East and North Africa director at Eurasia Group, a political risk firm. And among the region’s leaders, “there is certainly concern over process,” he said.
Middle East governments “want to understand” how Trump moved so quickly from one position to the other on Syria. And even among those who welcome the tougher policies, “there are whispers regarding what the U.S. president might demand [from them] in the future,” Kamel said.
Trump, for instance, cozied up to Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, inviting him to the White House and keeping quiet about his government’s human rights abuses. But privately, he pressed Sissi to release an Egyptian American aid worker, Aya Hegazy, after she had spent nearly three years in jail.
In Turkey, the government initially welcomed the Trump presidency, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly expressed faith that his nation’s relationship, which frayed under President Barack Obama, would improve. But Trump has shown little interest in ending the U.S. military’s cooperation with Kurdish militias in Syria, where both are battling the Islamic State. That policy has angered Turkey, which sees the Kurdish militants as a threat, and the tensions are once again boiling over. This week, Turkey carried out airstrikes on U.S.-allied Kurdish militias in Syria.
“There’s a feeling in Washington that Turkey is an important ally that needs to be accommodated,” Kamel said. But “I don’t think that this administration is willing or will be willing to change its alliance with Kurdish forces.”-- Erin Cunningham, in Istanbul
Mexico braced for a coming storm. Now it is exhaling a bit. Donald Trump’s presidential victory pushed Mexico’s panic button. The value of the peso tumbled. Analysts warned of recession, unrest, a populist anti-American tidal wave that would sweep the nation.
For the first weeks of Trump’s presidency, Mexico was in the crosshairs as much as any country in the world. Fearing that Trump would tear up NAFTA, deport millions, and start breaking ground on the border wall--all campaign promises--Mexicans swapped out top diplomats and began preparing for calamity.
The temperature has lowered since those frantic first weeks, when President Enrique Peña Nieto canceled a visit to Washington after Trump tweeted that Mexico should pay for the wall. Since then, the value of the peso has recovered, the stock market has risen, and cautious optimism is creeping back into the public debate.
The North American Free Trade Agreement remains the key issue for Mexico. The United States receives the bulk of Mexico’s exports, and the Peña Nieto administration is a strong believer in free trade. A draft Trump administration proposal on NAFTA revisions that surfaced in March gave Mexico hope that the changes might be relatively modest. Then this week, Trump threatened to withdraw from the trade agreement before quickly reversing himself after speaking with Peña Nieto and the prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, saying he will now instead push hard to renegotiate the deal.
In other ways, Trump has backed off, refraining from attacking Mexico on Twitter. Top Mexican officials have repeatedly met with their American counterparts.
Mexico has also tried to make new friends. The government has had talks with Argentina, Brazil and others to increase trade ties in an effort to become less reliant on the United States.
“The Mexican government has adapted to the Trump storm,” said Raul Benitez Manaut, a professor who specializes in security issues at Mexico’s National Autonomous University. “Trump was very aggressive with Mexico in the beginning, but the level of violence has lowered now that NAFTA is in the hands of negotiators.”
A Trump administration that appeared like an out-of-control freight train a few months ago now seems to be moving at the speed of a hand-trolley.
The vast budgetary and logistical hurdles involved in building a border wall reassure Mexican officials that this project is still a long way from reality. Ramping up deportations has also been slowed down by the capacity of the immigration court system and the number of customs and Border Patrol officials.
“Mexico right now is much calmer, the elites are calmer,” said Sergio Aguayo, a political analyst and professor at the College of Mexico. Trump’s team “is becoming aware of the enormous complexity involved with building a wall, imposing tariffs, deporting millions, and the one who in reality has changed is Trump.”-- Joshua Partlow, in Mexico City
China feels as if it has ‘declawed’ a tough-talking new president. As far as China is concerned, President Trump is quite simply the best American leader since Richard Nixon.
That’s the verdict of Shen Dingli, one of China’s leading foreign policy experts.
The first 100 days of the Trump administration have been a testing time for China but ultimately a successful one. Threats to impose steep trade tariffs and declare China a currency manipulator have come and gone, a flirtation with Taiwan was worrying but short-lived. These days, the new chemistry, the new bromance, is with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The weather vane has twisted from daggers drawn to hands grasped in friendship, according to a cartoon in China Daily. “Demonstrating his love again, China has never seen an American president so clingy,” the nationalist Global Times newspaper wrote, its tone simultaneously appreciative and mocking.
Trump says China is cooperating with American efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear program, but there are clearly limits to the pressure Beijing will bring to bear on Pyongyang.
Trump campaigned on the idea that China was a threat and that America’s allies in Asia were not paying their way. As president, he has done an about-face, adopting an approach not dissimilar to that of his predecessor--support for Japan and South Korea, and engagement with China--albeit with one crucial difference.
There is no more talk of norms, ideals and values, experts say, words that China hates and is very happy not to be hearing. Ideology moves to the back burner, pragmatism to the front, crowed the People’s Daily, the Communist Party newspaper.
That means a few things. One is that the United States won’t be making as much fuss about human rights--although it won’t have escaped Beijing’s notice that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson didn’t attend the launch of the State Department’s annual human rights report or that the embassy in Beijing didn’t sign a joint protest by 11 nations about the torture of lawyers.
It also means that American commitment to international law in the South China Sea and its support for allies that share its values appear shakier, more liable to be bargained away by a president who sees foreign policy in transactional terms, as a series of deals.
A billionaire with an ego, advised by a small coterie of confidants and family members: China deals with that kind of leader all over the world, and it knows how to do it.
“There is prevailing confidence among the Chinese that they have declawed Trump,” said Yanmei Xie, a China policy analyst at Gavekal Dragonomics.
“They feel certain they’ve concocted a winning formula, which includes currying symbolic favors to sate his ego, buttering up members of his family, and letting professionals in the U.S. foreign policy and business establishment school him on the paramount importance of stable U.S.-China relations.”--Simon Denyer, with Luna Lin, in Beijing
Europe copes with an unusual chill from across the Atlantic. E.U. officials held crisis meetings. They studied their legal options. And they decided they could reject President Trump’s pick to become U.S. ambassador to the European Union if that still-unnamed person wants to break up their struggling 28-nation bloc.
A hundred days into the Trump presidency, E.U. leaders in Brussels are struggling to accommodate a new U.S. leader who has few of the pro-European inclinations of his post-World War II predecessors. In this leafy capital beset by anxiety over Brexit--which Trump supported--and populist insurgents elsewhere in Europe, cocktail chatter quickly turns to Trump’s latest proclamation-by-tweet. Betting on whether Trump makes it to the end of his first term is a popular parlor game.
People are calmer than they were in January, when European Council President Donald Tusk lumped Trump with radical Islam, the Kremlin and China as one of the main threats facing Europe.
Trump seems “to put into question the last 70 years of American foreign policy,” Tusk wrote then.
Since then, officials have welcomed visits from Vice President Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. But many here are still struggling to square those officials’ mostly soothing messages with Trump’s more belligerent ones. Pence and Mattis were both offering reassurance at the Munich Security Conference in February when Trump called the news media the “enemy of the people,” a phrase with Stalinist resonance that undid much of their efforts.
Leaders shook their heads when Trump recently called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him on a referendum victory that critics say turns him into a dictator. (European leaders, by contrast, condemned Erdogan’s crackdown against his critics ahead of the vote.)
Europeans hope to get a direct read when Trump makes his first foreign trip to Brussels at the end of May to meet with the leaders of other NATO nations. That summit has been compressed into a single dinner, plus a ribbon-cutting at the glassy new NATO headquarters, to appeal to Trump’s short attention span and love for real estate.--Michael Birnbaum, in Brussels
Put ‘on notice’ by White House, Iran treads with greater caution. Since reaching a nuclear deal with six world powers in 2015, Iran is believed to have conducted more than a dozen ballistic missile tests. Only one came after President Trump took office, and none after his then-national security adviser Michael Flynn put Iran “on notice.”
Early this month, Iran released on bail a dual-national U.S. citizen convicted of aiding the enemy, namely the United States.
And Iran’s foreign minister reacted to a tongue-lashing from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with a relatively mild admonition that the United States must meet its commitments under the nuclear deal.
None of this means Tehran has reined in behavior that Washington considers provocative and threatening, including support for the Syrian government and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
But it suggests Iran is taking a cautious approach to the new president, who campaigned vowing to scrap the nuclear deal.
While the White House weighs its policy options, it has acknowledged that Iran is keeping its promises under the nuclear deal in which Iran pledged never to build nuclear weapons. But Trump and Tillerson have expressed alarm at Iran’s growing influence in the region and support for terrorism in backing Hamas and Hezbollah.
It’s clear Tehran understands that the Obama era of wary cooperation on one issue, its nuclear program, is at a crossroads. For now, it is waiting and watching.
“Tehran’s assessment of the Trump administration is that it doesn’t have a solid strategy,” said Seyed Hossein Mousavian, who was a member of Iran’s negotiating team that agreed in 2003 to suspend uranium enrichment and is now a scholar at Princeton. “So Iran will be patient to see what the strategy will be.”
Beyond Tehran’s uncertainty about U.S. policy, Tehran may also be perplexed by Trump himself.
“Like everyone else, they have no idea who this guy is,” said Mark Dubowitz, head of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a critic of the nuclear deal. “Could he be capable of ignoring them for four years, or walking away from the deal, or sinking an Iranian attack boat in the Gulf? Because of their uncertainty, they’re a little more cautious in their behavior.”
The lull may not last. On May 19, Iran holds presidential elections that will reflect to some extent whether Iranians think they have benefited from the nuclear deal’s sanctions relief. And Congress is considering legislation to impose more non-nuclear sanctions on Iran, which Tehran has said it would consider a violation of the agreement.--Carol Morello, in Washington
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