Head coach of Portugal Carlos Queiroz announced the 24-man list previous to the world Cup in South Africa, yes 24, meaning only one unfortunate player will be left behind.

The biggest surprise is the absence of Sporting midfielder João Moutinho, a regular in the squad. Also players like Hilario and Quim, both veteran goalkeepers didn't make the cut.

Another surprise is the inclusion of Ze Castro, who admitted this citation called him by surprise, as he was not as regular during the qualifiers.

Despite no playing a game since Decemeber, Pepe was included in the list, and will most likely be part of the starting XI in the world cup.

It is not necessary to mention the fact that all eyes will be set on CR9; the Real Madrid striker needs to have a good world cup if he wants to beat Barcelona striker Lionel Messi in the race for the FIFA world player of the year. Also winning a World Cup if one of the few titles that Ronaldo has not yet achieved, just like Lio.

Goalkeepers:
Eduardo (Sporting de Braga)
Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis)
Beto (Oporto)

Defenders:
Bruno Alves (Oporto)
Rolando (Oporto)
Miguel (Valencia)
Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)
Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea)
Duda (Málaga)
Ricardo Costa (Lille)
Zé Castro (Deportivo de La Coruña)

Mifielders:
Deco (Chelsea)
Pedro Mendes (Sporting)
Miguel Veloso (Sporting)
Pepe (Real Madrid)
Raúl Meireles (Oporto)
Fábio Coentrão (Benfica)
Simão Sabrosa (Atlético de Madrid)
Tiago (Atlético de Madrid)

Forwards:
Danny (Zenit)
Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)
Nani (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Liedson (Sporting)

Portugal releases 24-man list

El Clasico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

This is the most important match of the season for Real Madrid and Manuel Pellegrini. When the newly elected president Florentino Perez started his second “Galactico” project he never imagined that the word “failure” would be linked to it. After almost 250 Million Euros spent in signings (Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Arbelo and Albiol), Real Madrid was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on the hand of the modest French side Lyon and took part of an epic fail when they were sacked of the Copa Del Rey by third division team Alcorcon.

On Saturday Madrid needs to win, if they don’t want to end the year empty handed. Now it is too early to say that losing this match could cost the team the league, but who expects Barcelona to lose if it is not to Real Madrid? And things could get worse if Barcelona wins the UEFA Champions league in the Bernabeu (home of Real Madrid). If this were to happen, we will probably not see the same coach next season, and half of the squad would most likely be negotiated.

Saturdays match will have in the field the two best players in the world: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. We will also have the chance to see most of the Spanish National team: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Albiol, Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta, all we need is Fernando Torres (Liverpool) David Silva, (Valencia) and David Villa (Valencia) and we have the starting XI.

Madrid’s main concern is how to stop Lionel Messi. After an stunning performance against Arsenal, scored 4 goals and got the attention of the press worldwide. Arsenal head coach Wenger said “He is a player from the playstation”, describing his incredible qualities.

Pellegrini has decided to place Arbeloa (a natural right footed) on the left back, to avoid Messi from moving inwards, he has also reinforced the left wing with Brazilian Midfielder Marcelo. However, Pellegrini is not taking measures to cover Xavi and Iniesta, And what about Dani Alves and Maxwell?

Madrid’s hopes lie in the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain, one of the most feared attacking couples in Europe. Guti is playing his last derby, and Pellegrini is putting his job on the line.

It’s the “group” of stars of Real Madrid against the Team of F.C. Barcelona.

El Clasico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

Real Madrid mouthpiece Marca has officially become El Sun. The Madrid rag relegated the news of Lio Messi winning the Balon D'Or on their front page to mentioning that the Merengue players were attacked by "an organized group of fans"with lasers. This affected both Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe.

The Madrid sports daily mentioned that there was a group that obtained laser guns that were "eight times over the legal limit". They also had tripods "set up all over the stadium".

As was not far behind either. They went back into recent events to talk about the impact they had in games ranging from UEFA Champions League to Euro League basketball.

They also crucified Andrés Iniesta for telling Cristiano Ronaldo to be quiet.

This was yet another one of the talking points in the Madrid press as their full assault on the Catalans has begun yet once again. Marca also mentioned that Piqué committed a penalty on Kaká, but referee Unidiano Mallenco (same referee as in their 6-2 debacle last season) was called a "third-rate referee" in the Madrid papers, but their opinion was that he was "hands down the best in Spain" prior to kickoff. Undiano Mallenco did not give out enough cards to Barca players and he did not send off Sergio Busquets "sooner".

In the comments section, there were two comments that were quite funny.

One reader said regarding the issue was "It seems like the lasers at dance clubs don't affect (Ronaldo) so much. Another one said, "Pepe causes injuries as well."

Real Madrid claim "laser attack" at Nou Camp

Humility? Is that the name of a dance club in Madrid?

Doodle of the Day

Cristiano Ronaldo will be upset and maybe use this tidbit as ammunition when the time comes renegotiate. Brazilian sports daily Gazeta Esportiva mentioned that the Portuguese star will be earning less than minimum wage.

Ok, chill. I will be getting flack from both sides that support or criticized this move, so please hear me out. Before I start to get comments about how my math is messed up and worse, let me clear the air. Ronaldo will earn 20% of the Brazilian minimum wage for a minute's work. Yes, one minute. Currently minimum wage in Brazil is at about R$ 465 (US$ 234.42). By the way that is per month that the work force of that country earns by law.

So any of you that read this article, please do not tell him this little tidbit or he might explode. The biggest signing in football history will defintely. You see by the time you finish reading this post Ronaldo would have earned another R$100 (US$ 50). Poor guy, he is going to have to get a part-time job at Paris Hilton's house cleaning her pool just to scrape by now. Maybe he will have to see what his teammates need at home.



Now you see, the time it took you to read this piece, Ronaldo just earned another $US 50. Gosh, this guy must really love the game for the salary that he is earning.

Ronaldo Playing At "Slave Wages"?

"Look at me. Look at me really well. Go crazy with my body. It's clear that I was REALLY born to play at Real Madrid... actually Real Madrid was born for me to play there."

Doodle Of The Day

It was a matter of time before the inevitable happened, but the day has come. Manchester Unied announced earlier on Thursday that reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo will be packing his bags and heading to Real Madrid.

That is the second blockbuster signing of the second Florentino Pérez regime in La Casa Blanca. According to Spanish sports daily As the operation is a done deal but it will not be made official until June 30th.

The £80 million (€93 million, US$131 million) offer is by far the new world record in transfers, surpassing the €75 million that Real Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane back in 2001.

United fans, what will happen to the Red Devils next season without CR7? Madrid fans, do you like what is going on at Valdebebas as the second era of Galácticos is alive and well? Let us know what is YOU think?

The Second Galático Has Landed

It is hard to separate the difference between the bubble that is football at its highest level and the reality of the world right now. I read Spanish news everyday and the headlines are very similar to those here in the United States.

Apparently Real Madrid were the affected by a Madoff-type Ponzi scandal. They seemed to be According to Cadena Ser El Larguero Real Madrid received a €70 million credit from Banco Santander. This money is in an effort to obtain Manchester United star and reigning World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo this coming summer. Based on this line of credit, it seems like the Portuguese international will most likely be wearing white next season.

Part of me says that Madrid is a step closer towards getting their man and this whole saga can come to an end. Another part sees this as the microcosm of why the economies around the world are in the crapper. Although they have seen increased profitability in Chile and the further aperture of the Asian market, things are not so good for them in Spain. The news could not have come out at a worse time when Spain´s economic situation gets more dire by the day for one of the biggest banks in the Europe Union. Banco Santander announced last week that their attributable profit fell and are about to announce the loss of 300 jobs in the consumer finance division as a result of a ¨reorganization¨ that is taking place in that end of the bank.

Part of me wants to say, ¨screw Real Madrid or any other club that gets a line of credit like this¨. Screw the people that approved this loan. Banks like Santander and BBVA are reluctant to lend money to people because of fears that they would have their bottom line affected. This all occurred after Spanish Prime Minister Jose María Rodríguez Zapater scolded them in a

I feel bad for Juan Doe. The one that is struggling to make ends meet. The family that is rejected a loan to buy their house and be able to raise their family with dignity. Worst of all, this money does not stay in Spain. The money is going to England as a pit stop and into the pockets of Manchester United who have to pay off significant interests on the loan that the Glazers got for their hostile take over of the Mancunian side. This could be money that could be helped in generating more jobs in a country that has the highest percentage of unemployment in the entire European Union (over 14%).

I mean now is not the time to use money for matters such as these. The economics of the world do not allow rich bastards like these to use up what little credit and resources there are in order to fulfill these fantasy football circle jerk sessions. Maybe Vicente Boluda should check out the streets of Madrid and other small towns that are being affected by the financial irresponsibility.

What do you think about Madrid´s line of credit for Cristiano Ronaldo?

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Is There Something Morally Wrong With The Madrid Credit?

Part II of MAF's World Best XI will reveal the attacking portion of the team as well as the coach that puts it all together or keeps it together. Let us begin with the right side of the formation.

FORWARDS:
On the right side, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Everyone knows about the year he had with Manchester United and the trophies he won. As much as I don't like his attitude, his numbers are undeniable. He singlehandedly carried the goal scoring load while Rooney and whomever else Sir Alex put in the lineup struggled. 42 goals in 49 games all from a right wing position. Can't have a 2008 World XI without Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the middle, Mohamed Aboutrika

The Egyptian playmaker had a great year. He was instrumental in Al-Ahly winning its record 6th African club championship and led Egypt to the 2008 African Cup of Nations trophy as well. Aboutrika scored the trophy winning goal in the final against Cameroon. He is consistently tagged as the best African player playing in Africa despite a poor showing in the FIFA Club World Cup. Aboutrika will have to continue to play well for The Pharoahs in their march toward South Africa 2010.

On the left, Joffre Guerron.

Guerron made his name on the right side but since Cristiano Ronaldo is there and we couldn't leave the face of Ecuador's 1st ever Libertadores champion on the bench, I put him on the left. He's a professional he should be effective either way. Guerron was named the player of the Copa Libertadores as Liga De Quito made history. He was shockingly left off the ballot when El Pais named Juan Sebastian Veron as South American Player of the Year. Guerron was MAF choice for the title of "Rey del Fútbol de América" and an easy selection for MAF World XI.

STRIKERS:
Lucas Barrios


Who? Those who know South America & more specifically Chile know who he his. This year for Chilean super club Colo Colo, the Argentinean striker scored 37 goals in 38 appearances and was the leading goal scorer in both Clausura & Apertura tournaments leading Colo Colo to the Clausura title. He was named by the IFFHS as the Best Goalscorer in the World for 2008 quite easily making him one striker on the MAF World XI.

David Villa

The Valencia striker was the leading scorer of Euro 2008 and for the 07-08 season finished 5th in the Pichichi standings with 18 goals in 27 La Liga appearances. Villa currently sits 2nd on the Pichichi list for 08-09 with 12 goals in 16 games for Los Che. He is the best Spanish striker right now, one of the Top 5 in Spain, and one of the Top 10 in the world. Villa has been rumored with a move to Manchester City to join fellow Spanish striker, Fernando Torres in the English Premiership. Wherever he plays he's gonna be a consistent goal scoring monster.

DT/Coach:
This position was a decision between former Liga De Quito coach Edgardo Bauza, Spain's Euro 2008 winning coach Luis Aragones, and Manchester United's legend Sir Alex Ferguson. Finally, the coach of the WCB World XI is:

Edgardo Bauza

The man known as El Patón was the mastermind behind Liga De Quito's historic Copa Libertadores win. As a player he was best known as a defender for Rosario Central in the late 70s & early 80s and was part of the Argentina 1990 World Cup squad that lost to West Germany in the final. Ironically, he guided Liga past two Argentine squads on his path to the Libertadores title beating Estudiantes in the Round of 16 and San Lorenzo in the quarters. Bauza famously couldn't watch the PK shootout at the Maracana where his keeper Jose Cevallos saved 3 of 4 PKs to seal history as they defeated Rio's Fluminense in the final. Bauza resigned his post after the FIFA Club World Cup where Liga finished 2nd but his icon status with Los Albos is secure.

So the Mad About Futbol World XI formation is:
Casillas
Dani Alves - Vidic - Puyol
Xavi - Battaglia
C.Ronaldo - Aboutrika - Guerron
L. Barrios - D. Villa

So there it is. The Best XI from all over the world for 2008. Its going to be interesting to see who is going to make the Best XI for 2009. Whomever makes the lineup you better believe they are going to be amazing. Enjoy 2009! Peace!

'08 MAF World Best XI - Part II

Its the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season is the only time of the year when you are nice to people you don't like and the whole thing about being naughty or nice doesn't matter cause you will still receive gifts. I've been more naughty than nice this year, especially that one night at Club Madonna's. Anyway, I'm thankful that i'll be receiving gifts but I'm still a bit greedy hoping that these Christmas wishes will come true.

Wish #1:



Stop the negative press about South Africa's preparations for the 2010 World Cup. There is a sense of prejudice and anti-African sentiment when a negative report or story about South Africa's preparations is written. If you love The Great Tournament, then you want to see South Africa host this historic World Cup.

Wish #2:



For Barcelona to win the treble this year. Its painful as a Barca fan to suffer through 2 straight trophy less seasons. Not to mention the cloud of Real Madrid, its 9 European Cups and fafillion La Liga titles lingering overhead. I want their lead in La Liga to extend to 24 points by the end of the season and for Real Madrid to qualify for the UEFA Cup or Europa League or whatever its gonna be called.

Wish #3:



For Cristiano Ronaldo to admit that he does not want to play for Manchester United anymore. The world's most arrogant player wants to play for Real Madrid. He has yet to come out and pledge his undying devotion to Old Trafford. I already transferred him to Real Madrid in FIFA 09. Its getting annoying to hear all this speculation, Man U is the faithful wife, Real Madrid is the freaky mistress and Cristiano is the husband who is afraid to admit that he wants to leave his wife for the freak.

Wish #4:



That Sylvie Van der Vaart, model wife of Real Madrid midfielder Rafael, be loaned to Club America of Mexico or some 1st division Mexican team so that we can see her in a tight and skimpy Porrista outfit before every Mexican League match. "Hot" is not the word to describe this woman's sex appeal. WOO! If I was Rafael, Sylvie would have had 5 or 6 kids by now. It would be impossible to focus on playing ball.

Wish #5:

VS.

Please put the Italian Serie A back on GOL TV. Fox is screwing up coverage of one of the great leagues in all of sports. This past Sunday, Fox Soccer Channel had Milan-Udinese live and then Fox Sports Espanol at halftime showed the 1st half of the same game on delay. On both Fox channels the same game was on simultaneously, with about 30 minutes game time difference. That's ridiculous and the weekly wrap up show, Serie A Weekly is nothing but a music video of soccer highlights, its a 30 minute YouTube clip. "Ciao, Italia", the 1 hour weekly wrap up show that was on GOL TV had commentary and game highlights of every match of the week with standings and the leading goal scorers chart at the end. Much like "Ole, La Liga" for Spain. Per Favore, ritorna calcio italiano alla GOL TV.

Wish #6:



That Ronaldo changes his mind and plays for SC Internacional of Porto Alegre. We know all know that the World Cup's all-time leading goal scorer recently signed with Corinthians and rumors are swirling that Juan Sebastian "La Brujita" Veron may join Timão as well. Instead, Ronaldo & Veron should sign for O Colorado. It would be intriguing to see Ronaldo up top with Nilmar and Veron acting as Andres D'Alessandro's midfield enforcer for the newly crowned Copa Sudamericana champs. Its not going to happen but a squad with those players would form the #1 challenger to São Paulo for the 2009 Brasileirão title.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Happy Holidays to you and yours. Celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa safely and I hope your Christmas wishes come true.

Christmas Dreams For The Great Game

We are coming up on that time of the year when the next three months we will dress up as someone or something, eat some turkey or some bird till we get fat, and open some presents from our families that we will probably return 2 weeks later. It is also the time when the major awards in football will be awarded.



The Ballon D'Or given to the European Player Of The Year and FIFA World Player Of The Year have been "kissing cousins" since the FIFA award's inception in 1991. In fact, 10 of the last 17 Ballon D'Or winners have won the FIFA award including the last 3 winners. Only 3 times since 1991 has the Ballon D'Or winner not finished in the Top 3 of the FIFA award voting. It is likely this year once again, the winner of the Ballon D'Or will also win the FIFA P.O.Y., so let's look at the 3 best candidates.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese superstar was a virtual lock for both awards at the end of the club season. His play carried Manchester United to the Premiership and a 3rd European Cup. He scored in the Champions League final but got cute with a PK, lucky for him John Terry messed up too. 42 goals in 49 total matches is a great feat but his steam ran out at the 2008 European Championship where he was ineffective to say the least. Maybe he was tired from the club season, whatever the case his lock on both awards were broken.

Iker Casillas

The Real Madrid goalkeeper is the best at his position in the world right now. He also has a double winning La Liga with Los Merengues and then capturing the European Championship with Spain. He was brilliant in Euro 2008 keeping a clean sheet throughout the knockout stage and his PK saves versus Italy in the quarters propelled Spain to the title. In addition, who knows how many points he saved Real Madrid throughout the course of the La Liga season.

Xavi

Xavier Hernández Creus does not have as much hardware as the Ronaldo or Casillas this year but he is just as valuable. The man known as Xavi won the European Championship with Spain and was named the player of the tournament. He didn't win anything with Barca but they might be in the UEFA Cup if it weren't for him. He scores timely goals and is the prototypical midfielder connecting the defense to the offense. That is why the Blaugrana will lock up the Catalan star contractually for the rest of his career.

Since we're lumping both the FIFA P.O.Y. & Ballon D'Or together, the winner should be:
Iker Casillas


Cristiano Ronaldo is a VERY close 2nd, Iker gets the nod because he did it at both the club and national team levels. If there were no international competitions this year than Ronaldo is a runaway winner but that's not the case. Show the netminders some love, its hard being a good keeper at Real Madrid besides no keeper has won either award.

Award Winners - Part II. Next up the candidates for South American Player Of The Year.

'08 Ballers Of The Year - Part I