madristar

Putin: World Cup decision was fair The contest to host the 2018 World Cup was "fair", Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin insisted. The contest to host the 2018 World Cup was "fair", Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin insisted tonight. Putin, who did not go to Zurich until after Russia was declared the winner, said the country was "honoured" by FIFA's decision and dismissed suggestions England's bid was cheated. He told a press conference: "Each bid is very special and significant. "Each bid is a challenge and we are honoured to win in this tough and fair fight." Mr Putin dismissed the suggestion that England had been "cheated" out of holding the World Cup. He replied: "No, I don't think. You know, Great Britain is a great football country and in Russia we have a lot of fans of your football in general and your football players in particular. "Great Britain lost. It lost, but we are waiting for you in 2018 and we will do our best for the football players, for the English football players, for them to realise themselves." Describing the power of football to make a difference in the world "for the better", Putin pledged a successful World Cup in eight years' time. He said: "You can take my word for it that the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be up to the highest standards. "New modern stadiums and facilities will be built in time and to perfection. "We are eager to do our best to secure the comfort and safety of our guests. "Thank you for supporting Russia. "Together let us make sure that football promotes fair play, tolerance, honour." Asked why he did not join the bid team to take part in the presentation, Putin said it was a "complicated" decision which he had made himself.

Venables slams World Cup sham Ex-England manager Terry Venables has hit out at FIFA's World Cup selection process calling it an "utter sham". In his column for The Sun, Venables did not hold anything back as he expressed what undoubtedtly a lot of football fans in England must be feeling right now after their bid garnered a miserable two votes. Venables wrote: "If you had given the script to the director of the new James Bond movie, he would have turned it down and accused it of being too far-fetched." "England beat The Living Daylights out of their rival bids, but were still met by Dr No. Unbelievable. And, if we're being honest, unjust." "We not only best met all of FIFA's critieria for the bid, we also jumped through their hoops, bent over backwards and went way above and beyond the call of duty in an effort to bring the World Cup to our shores for the first time since 1966." Venables went on to state his opinion that: "FIFA led us to believe the bidding countries would be judged on things like stadiums, IT networks, transport links, hotels, training facilities and communications. "That was clearly not so. After all, who in their right mind would score Russia above England in any of those categories? To do so, would be farcical, as anybody who has ever been beyond the old Iron Curtain would tell you. However, Venables did admit he had no problem if FIFA had aimed to give the World Cup 2018 to a nation that had never hosted the competition before - he just wished they would have told the England FA earlier. "It would have saved us £15 million and a lot of heartache," he wrote in his column for the Sun. "Instead, the selection process became a charade - in fact a complete and utter sham. "England never got the 2018 World Cup, because we were never going to get it." On Thursday, Russia and Qatar were announced by FIFA to have won the rights to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Where England's bid went wrong? So, after all the hype and all the expectation, it is Russia who will host the 2018 World Cup. And England's team who once more taste World Cup failure. It is something with which England are not unfamiliar. Not on the field, especially after the shambolic performance in South Africa last summer. Not in the voting chamber, either, considering they were also beaten - by Germany - for the 2006 tournament. You cannot blame the technicalities of England's latest bid. They could not have been more impressive, while the final presentation was impressive. They rolled out support from Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Manchester City's Roberto Mancini and Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson and football folk spanning the generations from Sir Bobby Charlton to Gary Lineker to Alan Shearer. They rolled out Prime Minister David Cameron to confirm England had the "expertise" and "passion" to host a "spectacular" show. They rolled out football's most famous ambassador David Beckham to provide glamour and a 27-year-old in Eddie Afekafe, who works on Manchester City's community programmes, to give a human touch in explaining how football had changed his life. And they rolled out Prince William, who alluded to his wedding to Kate Middleton next year in evidence of England's ability to put on big events. You might rightly have misgivings about a nation's top politician and a future king joining in the horse-trading which goes on at FIFA, but you cannot complain about the weight which was thrown behind England's bid. So why did it fail? The obvious reason is because of the baggage it carried. The Sunday Times cash-for-votes investigation, which saw two FIFA committee members banned, would have been viewed in some perverse quarters as an English attack on FIFA even if it had nothing to do with England's bid and was a commendable example of investigative journalism. Then there was Lord Triesman, who resigned from his position as chairman of the FA and England's 2018 bid after accusing Russia and Spain of plotting to bribe referees at last summer's tournament. And, of course, Monday's BBC Panorama programme earlier this week which accused FIFA committee members of corruption. Why, even on the eve of the vote crowd violence at Birmingham was relayed around the world and into the hotels of FIFA members. None of that can have helped. Perhaps there was a perception of over-confidence, too, in the England bid as well as the fact that in some parts of the world England and the English simply are not viewed that favourably. Whatever, it appears the English bid, despite a late flourish, could not overcome the drip-drip of negativity. It is an almighty shame because a World Cup in 2018 would have provided an opportunity for the renaissance of England football. It would have focused minds and resources on the national team rather than on the relentless pursuit of power and money by the Premier League. It would have given the Football Association a vehicle, too, to restructure itself while giving the nation's schools and footballing youth a boost which money could not buy. Yet, while it was a vote which was tough for football enthusiasts to take, it was also one which brought a cold shower of reality. The fact is that everything does not start and end with England, even if it did give the organised football game to the world. Russia had a compelling argument, at least when it came to the footballing evangelists at FIFA. Their bid included the building of 13 new stadia and new transport links and FIFA saw a chance to hand a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to an undeveloped footballing nation. It is a gamble because of the sheer size of the country and the different time zones. But FIFA saw their votes making change and a difference, rather than the safe, secure home England would have provided. The seasoned observers call it "legacy," something of a buzzword these days at FIFA. It is why South Africa hosted last summer's tournament, why Brazil will host 2014 and why Qatar was chosen for 2022. England could not compete with the attraction of spreading the footballing gospel, nor with taking the tournament to a nation where the World Cup would provide impetus for the regeneration of its impoverished regions. Russia have also never staged the tournament which would also have been a powerful reason in the minds of some of the FIFA committee members. It explains the vote. It does nothing to lessen the disappointment. To be knocked ingloriously out of two World Cups in one year is tough to take.

England flop as Russia get World Cup The recriminations over England's humiliating defeat in their attempt to win the 2018 World Cup has begun. Russia won the vote by FIFA's 22-man executive committee in Zurich - leaving England, with just two votes, battered, baffled, and complaining of broken promises. FIFA released the voting figures which showed England won just a single vote apart from Britain's FIFA vice-president Geoff Thompson. In the first round even expected whipping boys Holland/Belgium secured four, Spain/Portugal seven and Russia nine. Russia, who now have huge stadium building project on their hands, then won an outright majority in the second round of voting. In the 2022 contest, Qatar beat the USA in the final round of voting - another controversial decision for a desert country half the size of Wales, with no stadia and where June temperatures can top 50 deg C. Thompson said: "I cannot believe what has happened, and I am naturally very, very disappointed. The votes that were promised clearly didn't materialise. "I never imagined we would go out in the first round." FIFA's decision stunned the England bid team who had allowed themselves to become hopeful that the quality of the bid and the lobbying by Prince William, Prime Minister David Cameron and David Beckham had put themselves in a promising position. Asked if members had "looked him in the eye and lied", bid chief executive Andy Anson admitted: "I am not going to name names because that is not fair on individuals but clearly some people did - we thought we had seven or eight votes." England 2018 leaders last month said that the bid had been damaged by a backlash against corruption investigations into FIFA members by BBC Panorama and the Sunday Times, a view backed up by London mayor Boris Johnson. He said: "Clearly there was a feeling in the England 2018 team that all the furore and all the hoo-hah in the media damaged our chances. "It's very hard to draw any other conclusion after not progressing beyond the first round. Johnson added pointedly: "FIFA can't last in it's current form." Beckham however said he hoped the suggestions about the anti-England backlash over the media were wrong. The England midfielder said: "I've heard the rumours that we lost due to the British press. I hope that isn't the reason. I believe in a free press and they are incredibly supportive of the game I love." Questions are sure to be asked how England 2018 performed so badly - even in the failed 2006 bid they managed five first-round votes. Lord Mawhinney, the former Football League chairman and bid vice-chairman, hinted that the FIFA process needs looking at. "Questions do emerge," said Mawhinney. "There's a temptation to say all sorts of things, but not tonight. "It seems to be a legitimate question if the process should be different next time." Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore said the very fact England had so many top-class stadia already in place appeared to have counted against them. Scudamore said: "Taking the World Cup to two new territories and, in Qatar's case, mentioning Arab countries - that was the driver. "They have decided to take the World Cups to developing areas. "What's gone against us is not having to build 20 new stadia. It almost feels as if we are on standby for when somebody can't host it. "That's all very well - but on that basis we will never get it."

thanks to LoveSergio4

Messi heading to the Emirates Argentina will meet Portugal in a friendly in London early next year. The match will take place at the Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal, on February 9, the Argentina football federation (AFA) have announced. The last time the two countries played each other was back in 1972 when Portugal beat Argentina 3-1 in Rio de Janeiro. Since this summer`s World Cup, both nations have recorded big friendly wins over world champions Spain, with Argentina beating Vicente del Bosque`s men 4-1 in Buenos Aires in September while Portugal were 4-0 victors in Lisbon last month. The AFA also confirmed away friendlies in March against the United States and Costa Rica.

Messi scare for Barcelona Barcelona have confirmed Lionel Messi sat out training due to a thigh problem - but he is expected to be available against Osasuna. The Argentina forward was the only big name absent from the session as compatriot Gabriel Milito returned to training three weeks after suffering an injury in the Copa Del Rey win over Ceuta. The defender trained separately from the rest of the squad, but Messi remained in the treatment room as medical staff attended to what Barca describe as "a minor strain". The 23-year-old missed two matches earlier in the season due to an ankle injury after being caught late by Tomas Ujfalusi towards the end of the 2-1 win away to Atletico Madrid on September 19. Barca will train again tomorrow morning before travelling to Pamplona for the game.

Ozil: I'm hurt by Barca hammering Real Madrid's Mesut Özil admitted that he was hurt by his team’s 5-0 capitulation at the hands of Barcelona during the El Clasico. The German youngster was withdrawn from the fray at the break with Real already trailing 2-0, and he could only watch in dismay as Real eventually crumbled to a 5-0 spanking. In an interview with German paper Bild, the former Werder Bremen player conceded that despite giving their all, it did not prove to be their night. He stated: "I've never lost such an important game so heavily. This defeat hurts. They scored two goals very early, but we never gave up." Commenting on his early substitution, he added: "I feel fine about it. [Jose] Mourinho was trying to change things, and I have full confidence in the coach." Real Madrid will be looking to recover from their derby shock when they face Valencia this weekend.

Maradona irks furious Real Madrid Diega Maradona is apparently not welcomed at Real Madrid after his comments last week offended senior club officials. According to Telam, the 1986 World Cup winning legend infuriated club president Florentino Perez and sporting director Jorge Valdano by praising coach Jose Mourinho for instilling order into the squad which "was a free-for-all" before Mourinho arrived. Matters have been further compounded by Valdano, a former international colleague of Maradona, having a personal dispute with the latter stretching back years ago. However, despite the warmth and respect Mourinho and Maradona shared for each other when the former Argentina boss visited the club last week, word has even circulated that Maradona's presence at Real was to distract the team ahead of their El Clasico clash with Barcelona. Real eventually suffered a massively embarrassing 5-0 defeat to their fiercest rivals on Monday, further adding fuel to the rumours.

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Puyol plays down Ramos spat Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has played down the incident at the end of last night's `El Clasico` blockbuster. Sergio Ramos was shown a straight red card after scything down Lionel Messi in the 90th minute of Madrid`s 5-0 defeat at the Nou Camp, and in the ensuing fracas between the rival teams Ramos put his hands into the faces of Barca duo Puyol and Xavi as they remonstrated with him. However, Puyol, who was pushed to the floor by his fellow Spain international, made light of the incident, saying in AS: "These things happen in a game of football. I`ve gone to defend a team-mate of mine because it seemed a very tough tackle. "They are moments of high tension, but what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. I have a very good relationship with Sergio Ramos and it`s already forgotten, I have more important things to think about." Puyol added: "There are always different piques with the players from Madrid because they are our biggest rivals. Put it`s a pique on the field of play. We have many friends in the other camp." Regarding the match, which saw Barca move two points above previously-unbeaten Madrid at the top of the table with their fifth successive Clasico win, Puyol said: "I didn`t expect a thrashing like that. But when you least expect it, it can happen. Now we need to enjoy this victory. "We had a very complete game and played very well. We started very aggressively, playing our football and everything went perfectly."

Press praise brilliant Barca The Spanish press waxed lyrical over Barcelona`s comprehensive 5-0 defeat of arch rivals Real Madrid at the Nou Camp. Words such as `thrashed`, `humiliated` and `ridiculed` were the order of the day for many of Spain's broadsheets. Madrid went into El Clasico still unbeaten in 19 competitive matches under new coach Jose Mourinho and boasting a one-point lead over second-placed Barca at the top of the Primera Division standings, but they were swept aside in stunning fashion by Pep Guardiola`s troops. Goals from Xavi and Pedro put the hosts 2-0 up after 18 minutes and then another of Barca`s World Cup-winning contingent David Villa added a quickfire brace at the start of the second half to make if 4-0 inside an hour. Guardiola`s side, who have now won five successive matches against Madrid - including a similarly emphatic 6-2 mauling at the Bernabeu in 2009, added a fifth goal in stoppage-time through Jeffren before Madrid lost Sergio Ramos to a straight red card for scything down Lionel Messi. This morning`s newspapers in Spain were universal in their reporting of Barca`s overwhelming dominance in what had been one of the most eagerly-awaited Clasicos in recent times. Catalan-based daily Sport`s front page had a picture of a splayed hand with the headline: "5-0. Slap to Mourinho. Thrashing, humiliation and leaders!" It added: "Footballing lesson from Barca to Madrid who received another historic thrashing at the Nou Camp." Sport, who also advertised on its front page t-shirts commemorating the victory, added inside: "Another golden page for Barca. Spectacular game of the Azulgranas which ridiculed their rivals. The humiliation left Mourinho hiding on the bench. The whole world saw how there is still no team like Barca." Sport`s fellow Barcelona-based paper El Mundo Deportivo`s front cover was emblazoned with a huge 5-0 over the picture of Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes and centre-back Gerard Pique holding up their hands up with fingers outstretched in celebration of the result. It`s headline read: "Madrid thrashed!" Spain`s biggest-selling paper, Madrid-based Marca, also praised Barca but pointed an accusing finger at referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez as well. On it`s online edition the headlines were: "Slap to Real Madrid" and "This Barca is a machine". The front cover of its newspaper added: "After 18 minutes it was already 2-0 thanks to the football from another galaxy of Xavi, Villa and SuperMessi. Iturralde denied a penalty from Valdes on CR7 (Cristiano Ronaldo) and an offside of `El Guaje` (Villa) in the third goal. Ramos was sent off for taking out the Argentinian and then lost control." It continued inside, saying: "Memorable symphony. Barca destroy a disappointing Madrid. Lesson of class, intelligence and the precision of their midfielders. The biggest defeat of a team of Mourinho`s". Marca also heaped praise on Barca playmaker Xavi, who has been struggling with an Achilles tendon problem this season but was in stunning form again last night. "Xavi broke the game with 20 minutes of genius," said Marca in giving the Spain international their star man award. "There is no other like him. Xavi was a cyclone. He dominated all aspects of the game; control, passing, precision, acceleration, pausing, pressure and (scored a) goal." Another Madrid-based sports newspaper AS showed a picture of Barca striker Bojan Krkic and Sami Khedira attempting to hold back Ramos as the referee showed him his red card, with the headline: `Thrashed and in tatters`. Ramos was dismissed for his ugly foul on Messi and then shoved Barca captain Carles Puyol and Xavi - both Spain team-mates of the Madrid defender - in the face as he made his way off the pitch. Inside AS it added: "Barcelona danced against a Madrid without soul. They had no answer to the touch football of Barca." In their sports pages, El Pais, the biggest-selling non-sports paper in Spain, spoke of: "An historic Azulgrana festival. Superb footballing lesson from the Azulgrana team who dismantled an impotent Madrid with five goals and claimed the league leadership." El Mundo added on their front page: "Barcelona humiliate Real Madrid once again."

his wife is like a man,sorry

Stunned Valdano accepts defeat Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano described his side`s 5-0 mauling at the hands of Barcelona as "very disappointing". Mourinho suffered his heaviest-ever loss as coach, lost his unbeaten record as Madrid boss and saw his team surrender top spot in the Primera Division to Barca after slumping to a comprehensive defeat at the Nou Camp. It was a chastening experience for the new-look Madrid side - which included five players aged 23 or under in last night`s starting line-up and four players making their Clasico debuts - but Valdano feels it can be used as part of the learning curve. "It`s been a game which will help us understand football at the highest level and to continue maturing. Madrid is a team for men and situations like this test your manliness. We will all know how to overcome this situation," he said. The former Argentina international added: "We went into the game with the least goals conceded (six) and most scored (33), meaning we had played impeccably. "We have very good players, a competent coach and this cannot be a decisive blow (in title race) in the 13th week of the season." Madrid, who had won 15 and drawn the other four of their opening 19 games under Mourinho, could hardly have had a worse start at the Nou Camp after conceding twice in the opening 18 minutes, Xavi and Pedro Rodriguez on the mark for Barca. There was no way back for the visitors after that and a brace from David Villa and a late goal from substitute Jeffren completed a one-sided scoreline that might have been even bigger. That was the fifth successive Clasico defeat for Madrid, who also saw Sergio Ramos sent off in stoppage-time for a bad foul on Lionel Messi. Valdano said on his club`s website: "We didn't expect such a large margin of defeat and we are very disappointed. "We were very uncomfortable against an opponent that enjoyed playing from the very start. We applaud Barcelona and we hope that we can give an exhibition of football in the return match."

Higuain ruled out for two months? Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain could be out for two months if a specialist confirms he needs to undergo surgery on his back problem. Higuain, Madrid's top scorer for the past two seasons who missed Monday's 5-0 defeat to Barcelona with the injury, has been diagnosed with a herniated disc. Madrid have agreed that the Argentina international, who has scored seven times in La Liga this season, needs an operation but have decided to consult a specialist for a second opinion before sending the 22-year-old under the knife. Dr Carlos Diez, Real Madrid's medical chief, said in a statement on his club's website: "The player met with a specialist, the coach, the fitness trainer and the entire medical staff. After a period of five to six weeks, during which no improvement was seen, we all agree that he should have surgery. "Now we must now decide what specialist to see for a second opinion, and if we are all in agreement, proceed with the operation. Should this be the case, Higuain will be unable to participate in sport for approximately two months."

Madrid hovering around Almeida Real Madrid have identified Werder Bremen frontman Hugo Almeida in a bid to boost their striking options. According to a report in Bild newspaper, the Portuguese forward is under consideration within the Madrid hierarchy as Los Blancos assess their offensive firepower following an injury to Argentine sharpshooter Gonzago Higuain. In fact, Almeida has already admitted that he would jump at the chance to join the Jose Mourinho revolution at Madrid. "I still have not had any contact with them," Almeida said. "But it would be a dream to play for Real Madrid. "For me, this is the biggest club in the world with the best coach and best players." In fact, Almeida is already attracting interest from Italy and Portugal respectively, with the likes of Lazio and Juventus along with Porto and Sporting Lisbon circling around the Bremen striker.

They like their freedom and are not very welcoming to change, at least in this department. So, an Aquarian might face a lot many conflicts in his love life, even though he/she might be a terribly romantic person.

UEFA add salt to Mourinho's wounds Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's week just got worse as he was handed a one-match Champions League ban by UEFA. Mourinho got the ban and a fine after UEFA found him guilty of improper conduct relating to the recent dismissals of players Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos. Mourinho has been banned from the touchline for two UEFA competition matches - the second of which is suspended for three years - with the club fined 120,000 euros after the two players seemed to deliberately incur second bookings, therefore wiping out previous cautions ahead of the Champions League knockout stage. The Portuguese coach will consequently only miss the dead rubber against Auxerre, providing he does not breach UEFA rules within "a probationary period of three years". While Mourinho has also been fined to the tune of 40,000 euros, the players involved have escaped with only financial penalties by UEFA's control and disciplinary body. Alonso and Ramos - who both received second yellow cards for conspicuous time wasting - must pay 20,000 euros each. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas and his reserve Jerzy Dudek, who seemed to pass on messages, must pay 10,000 euros and 5,000 euros respectively. The one-match bans automatically handed to Alonso and Ramos for the dismissals will stand. UEFA's statement today said: "Following the opening of disciplinary proceedings concerning the improper conduct of Real Madrid CF coach Jose Mourinho and players Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas and Jerzy Dudek during the UEFA Champions League Group G game against AFC Ajax in Amsterdam on Tuesday 23 November, the UEFA control and disciplinary body dealt with the case today and decided the following: "The Spanish club's coach Jose Mourinho has been suspended from coaching activities for two UEFA club competition matches, of which the second is deferred for a probationary period of three years. He was also fined 40,000 euros. "Players Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were fined 20,000 euros, Iker Casillas was fined 10,000 euros and Jerzy Dudek was fined 5,000 euros. "The red cards given to Alonso and Ramos stand, and they have therefore been suspended for one UEFA club competition match. "The control and disciplinary body has decided to fine Real Madrid CF 120,000 euros. "An appeal may be lodged against the ruling within three days of the dispatch of the reasoning for the decision."

Jose Mourinho Astrologically He is an aquarian,the holder of the following characteristics These people first make sure they know what is expected from them in any task before actually taking up that task. Then they go about their work in a distinctive way. It’s not that they have no respect for the rules; they just wanna do things their way, without any intervention. So the superiors need to stay away from their area and not worry about the quality of output, because it will be assuredly top notch. They are very reliable and will give each task their most, unless you stick your head in and tell them it’s not the way to do it. Generally speaking, Aquarians are not too involved in petty organizational politics and quarrels. If they are ill-treated, they rise above personal battle and try to resolve issues with their flair and ability. If they have a promotion or increment coming their way, they accept it with poise and the confidence that they can take up the added responsibility. So whatever might be a situation, they have the ability of not get distracted and go about their work in a simple and straightforward fashion. To add to this, they have a great amount of resilience. They can practically work all day. The only thing is that they will prefer taking a coffee break or doing nothing at all in stead of doing something that they consider to be a waste of time, a petty formality. All these qualities make Aquarians stand out in a crowd – their dedication, their concentration, and above all their different and sometimes peculiar way of working. These things come very naturally to them, so they get noticed by superiors without actually realizing it.

Mourinho hoping for immediate response All eyes will be on Jose Mourinho to see how he recovers with Real Madrid after their 5-0 mauling against Barcelona. Heading into the first 'El Clasico' of the season against bitter rivals Barca at the Nou Camp, Mourinho boasted an unbeaten record as coach of Madrid, with 15 wins from 19 games in all competitions. That success left Madrid with a one-point lead over Barca at the top of the Primera Division and through to the last 16 of the Champions League and Copa del Rey. However, Madrid lost both first place in La Liga and their unbeaten record under Mourinho, and the question now is how the big-spending capital club will bounce back from being what the Spanish press described as 'humiliated', 'thrashed' and 'ridiculed' by their biggest rivals. Madrid do not return to training until tomorrow, but they will not have long to lick their wounds as they face a busy December with five games in 18 days - including testing Primera Division clashes with Valencia and Sevilla, plus the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie against Levante. For Mourinho though, the sooner his side get back into action the better. Following last night's thrashing - which was the heaviest defeat of his coaching career - the former Chelsea and Inter Milan coach said: "We must have character. "You cannot cry when you concede four or five goals. You must be anxious to return to work and win the next match. I wish the Valencia match was tomorrow and not Saturday. After such a bad match you must go right back to work, play and win." Mourinho has been keen to stress throughout his side's impressive start to the season that new-look Madrid will be a work in progress for the foreseeable future, and last night's match showed the Whites are not the finished product yet. General director Jorge Valdano believes the heavy defeat could serve as a valuable lesson to Mourinho's developing side - which included five players aged 23 or under in last night's starting line-up and four players making their Clasico debuts "It's been a game which will help us understand football at the highest level and to continue maturing. Madrid is a team for men and situations like this test your manliness. We will all know how to overcome this situation," Valdano said. Barca's win puts them in pole position in the Primera Division standings and also, if recent history is anything to go by, on course to retain their title. In the last six seasons the winner of the first Clasico of the campaign would go on to end the season as champions. However, both Madrid and Barca have been keen to play down the importance of last night's result with regards to the title race. Valdano, whose club have gone two years without any silverware while in the same time watching Barca claim eight trophies, said: "We have very good players, a competent coach and this cannot be a decisive blow (in the title race) in the 13th week of the season." Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso added: "We did not expect this, but there is still a lot of season left and nothing has finished. We are not happy, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions. We must only look towards the future." Barca captain Carles Puyol, meanwhile, said in AS: "This victory is only worth three points. "I'm convinced that we are (both) going to continue on the same line because Madrid have a great team."

Higuaín may have to have surgery for a herniated disc, after tests yesterday confirmed this injury. Pipita, Mou and the team’s medical staff will meet with a specialist to determine the best course of action. Right now, Gonzalo’s back is not responding to treatment and so other options are needed. If he does indeed have to undergo surgery, he could be out two to three months. The original Pipa, who went to the hospital with his son, told Argentine radio that it started off as a pain and got worse, and that the family is going to Argentina to consult with specialists and get a second opinion. He also revealed that Gonzalo had been playing hurt since the game against Milan at the Bernabéu, and that he can’t move normally at the moment. Mou also accompanied his beloved Gonzalo at the hospital.

by unamadridista Originally, Iker was scheduled to speak, but Sergio asked the club to allow him to talk to the press. During the press conference, he revealed that he had spoken yesterday with Puyol and Xavi to ask them to apologize, and he also asked everyone for their forgiveness for his expulsion. He also recognized that his tackle against Messi was “a bad image for children,” that he was wrong to do so and that his intention was not to injure the player. He added that, Barcelona played a great game, and the only thing left to do is congratulate them, because things turned out well for them and we had one of those rare days where nothing worked in our favor.” And he wouldn’t be Sergio without also saying that he didn’t like some of the actions of the Barcelona coach and players. As for Madrid, Sergio said that the team was hurt after the game for letting down the escudo that they defend, the shirt they wear, and that they didn’t like the image they projected, or the suffering of madridistas: “it gets to you. Now is the time to bring out the pride that has always personified Real Madrid. There have been good and bad moments, and Madrid has always come out on top. We didn’t lose the Liga, it was only three points. We have to continue working hard with a lot of responsibility and humility. We have to be more united than ever, to be a piña and to keep going forward.” He also touched upon his red card record, pointing out that he had never injured anyone in his expulsions, and a lot of them were double yellows, not straight reds, for protesting or wasting time. He revealed that he was worried about the image he’s giving to kids, and asked for their forgiveness as well. Sergio also said the club did well in appealing UEFA’s decision, because “we didn’t do anything bad. We weren’t seeking to receive those cards, but each person can think what they like.” And, he also threw his support behind Xavi for the Ballon d’Or: “he’s one of the best candidates and a deserved winner, not only now, but for the last several years. I hope a Spaniard wins it, and hopefully it will be Xavi, whom I have a lot of affection for.” I’m really happy that Sergio took the initiative to speak out, I like what he said, I like that he accepted responsibility and I think he’s learned a valuable lesson, so we can only expect good things from our segundo capitán from now on.

Cristiano Ronaldo Astrologically Cristiano is an aquarian,associated with the following qualities individualistic, assertive, independent, humanitarian, inventive, original, eccentric, opinionated, intellectual, idealistic, cool, friendly, detached ( he is 99.99% the same as far as i know ) The symbol for Aquarius is the Water Bearer, symbolically and eternally giving life and spiritual food to the world. The water from the vessel washes away the past, leaving room for a fresh, new start. The sign of Aquarius is forward-looking and growth-oriented. Concerned with equality and individual freedom, Aquarius seeks to dispense its knowledge, and its vision of equality and individuality, to all. One of the standout characteristics of those born under the Sun Sign of Aquarius is their unwillingness to follow the beaten track. With advancement and progress on their minds, there can be an irreverence to old and outdated ways of thinking and doing things. Many Aquarians aim to free themselves of personal and social conditioning. Although open to change in theory, Aquarians can be surprisingly stubborn. Their idealism runs strong, but they can be very fixed in their opinions. Often a bit aloof and even standoffish, Aquarians nonetheless are usually well-liked. They are curious and observant, and tolerant in a broad sense. Prejudice and bias is offensive to the typical Aquarius. Aquarians are generally very clever, witty, and intellectual. They value progress and frankness. It's difficult to throw Aquarians for a loop—they're generally on top of things. There is a bit of reformer in Aquarius. They'll try to get you to see through superficiality, and encourage you to be open and forthright. "Be true to yourself" and "Don't follow the crowd" are mottos we easily associate with this sign. Aquarians need space and value personal freedom. Any attempt to box them in will likely fail. They'll happily return the favor; and they will treat people from all walks of life as equals. Equality and fairness are hallmarks of the sign. If you're quirky and "different", all the better. Troublsome areas:Anatomy: Ankles, shins, circulation ( notice how he got an ankle injury yesterday) Compatibility SUN AQUARIUS-CAPRICORN (Irina is capricorn) Both of you invest a lot of time in work and career and your talents and interests complement each other nicely. CAPRICORN brings practicality, objectivity, persistence, reliability, and tenacity, while AQUARIUS brings greater ingenuity, sensitivity to current trends, an awareness of the complexities and intricacies inherent in any situation, and the ability to reach out to a lot of people. A problem in your relationship is that it may become very focused on outer things and not enough on each other, allowing you to become a bit detached and aloof from each other, and the domestic and romantic aspect of your relationship could be weak. Hopefully both of you have other astrological factors (which would be discussed elsewhere in this report) to provide warmth, emotional sensitivity, and romantic attraction to your relationship. Sun signs are semi-sextile. You don't really understand each other's styles of expressing emotions. Your relationship requires some adjustments.(how true!!)