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Jul 17, 2014

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed on an equal or greater benefit. Napoleon Hill

This will be tough, even for a person like Lionel Messi - who to his credit keeps his emotions under check at most of the situation. After losing the final it was clear that he never wanted to spend anymore minute on the pitch. But he has to. He was the losing Captain! His colleagues, many who towers him in size couldn't hide their tears. Aguero, Mascherano, Garay, Demechelis all were crying like little children but not Lionel Messi. There was disappointment in the face but no tears. But one look in to those eyes told a different story. Inside we were crying, screaming, breaking down; but still presented an emotionless face. It didn't end their! He has to make that long walk up the stairs twice - first to collect the Golden Ball Award, then to the mandatory medal for the losing team. It was too cruel!

Jul 12, 2014

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. John Quincy Adams

This has to be Lionel Messi's moment of reckoning - the chance to permanently etch his name among the pantheon of the greatest in football. Frankly he don't have to win the World Cup to be considered as one of the greatest of all time; but then some people just wouldn't shut up. So a victory tomorrow night in the final of the greatest competition in the footballing world will silence the critics forever. Or at least for sometime! You cannot judge the greatest players of teams on what they won. In that case the greatest Dutch team ever featuring Cryuff wouldn't make the list. That would be a tragedy. The bigger tragedy would be thinking the likes of Italian team of 2006 or the Brazil of 1994 making the list because they won the damn thing! The same with players. The greatest should be judged on whether they have revolutionized the game or not. In that simple criteria, Messi made the list a long time ago.

Jul 11, 2014

FC Barcelona signs Luis Saurez

FC Barcelona have announced that the club has reached an agreement with Liverpool for signing Uruguayan striker Luis Saurez. The club will be paying €88 Million for signing the controversial striker, who won't be allowed to play any kind of football till the end of October. FIFA has already rejected Luis Saurez appeal against the sanction which was for biting Italian Chiellini. Barca fans are divided about the signing of the controversial striker, but for the time being the Club has looked to other way about Saurez's controversial on-field behaviour. He will travel to Spain next week for the medical and signing a five year long deal. He will be wearing the number 9 shirt at Barca.

You all may have forgot that we had a player named "Isaac Cuenca". It's easy to forget isn't it? Especially when the player missed the majority of season through injury. Now at least he gets to put his career back in shape at a different team where importantly he would get playing time. Isaac Cuenca has joined Deportivo La Coruna on a free transfer after FC Barcelona decided to cancel his current contract. He has been not in our club's plan for a long time and should have been released last season itself. Even though it was late, the club did the right thing by releasing him for free. All About FC Barcelona wishes Isaac Cuenca all the best for his budding career and let he take the La Liga by Storm once again.

Arsenal signs Alexis Sanchez for 42 Million

Arsenal has officially announced the reaching of an agreement between FC Barcelona and themselves for the signing of Star Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez. The deal will fetch FC Barcelona €42 Million Euros, a substantial part of it would be as incentives. We are not yet clear about the fine print, but the initial rumours are we will be paid €30 Million in cash and the rest as incentives which are rumoured to be easy to achieve. Alexis Sanchez was signed by Barca from Udinese in 2011 for a deal with total to €38 Million. Now, selling him for €42 Million sounds like a brilliant deal; especially considering that the player never had the desired impact at Barca. His stocks rose after a brilliant World Cup and Barca may not find a better time to cash on him.

Jul 10, 2014

Finally it will happen - Jonathan Dos Santos will get a chance to do other things than twitter updates. Yes, you heard it right - he decided that he has time left to play football and decided to join Villareal. I was one of the few who was delighted to see him stay last season. But an injury and general reluctance by Tata Martino to use youngsters saw him doing nothing other than social media updates. In one of my previous post 5 Player's who could leave Barca, I have mentioned why he needs to leave this summer itself. Al least he heeded the advice and acted quickly. From what I have heard, Villareal will pay 1.5 Million for the player. There is a bonus of 0.5 Million in the deal which will be paid if Villareal make it into the Champions League next season. It is not clear whether the 0.5 Million is included in the 1.5 Million or additional to it. At Villareal he will be joining Giovani Do Santos, his elder brother - who actually got his career back in shape with a spectacular season with Villareal. These two players are so crucial for the Mexico national team future and hope they fulfill the promise and become a strike force in itself.

Jul 8, 2014

Messi at the World Cup
A leader is a dealer in hope. Napoleon Bonaparte

With a confident 1-0 victory against the Belgians in the Quarter Finals, Argentina has surpassed a huge mental barrier on its own - The Quarter Finals. A look at the rich Argentinian history at the World cup shows that the two time World Champions have stumbled at the last eight more often than any other country. From 1986, when the knock-out stages were officially introduced as we have now, Argentina have exited three times at the Quarter Finals. The two times they managed to get past their Quarter-Final opponents, they have managed to reach the tournament finals. Now that's a nice statistics to focus as Argentina needs a lot of history to back them up when they meet the Dutch on Wednesday. Since the 1990 World Cup, Argentina has never managed to go beyond Quarter Finals. In that sense this team has already succeeded where many of its illustrious predecessors failed. But then for this team led by the Mercurial Lionel Messi anything short of the ultimate triumph is a disaster.

Jul 4, 2014

Messi at the World Cup
It's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome. That's what defines your career. Carlton Fisk

Quarter-Finals, that has been quite a dreaded word in every Argentinian football fans dictionary for some time! There is rather good reason for it too. In three of the last four tournaments they featured, they made unceremonious exit at this stage. And funny Messi was an integral part of all the three. In 2006, José Pekerman's decision not to bring a young Messi drew huge criticism and it's safe to say that it resulted in their exit. In 2010 World Cup it was Messi's inability to inspire his team which resulted in an absolute thumping at the hands of Germany, which also took the only entertainer in the competition, Diego Maradona out of sight. The case was no different in 2011, even though Tevez was one who missed the penalty; Messi's lack of effectiveness was questioned as Argentina failed to make a fist of the challenge thrown by eventual champions Uruguay. So yet another Quarter Final beckons; a chance for Lionel Messi to correct a lot of wrong!

Jul 1, 2014

  • Rumours have become strong about the impending transfer of Luis Saurez to FC Barcelona.
  • FC Barcelona is rumoured to have come to an agreement with the Striker for signing a 5 year Deal.

Finally Luis Suárez issued the much awaited apology for the disgraceful biting incident; it came after a lot of denial, strange excuses and may be even fooling the entire nation to stand behind him. For those who watched the incident (even in real time) there was no doubt about what happened on the night when Uruguay dumped Italy out of the World Cup; unless you were an Uruguayan! It was quite a disgraceful incident and the history of the player suggests that he is a walking danger to fellow players on the pitch. One could argue that his early struggles in his life are the reason for such a volatile character; but for the assaulted player that is not any reason for comfort. The inside story about the sudden U-Turn by the player may have a FC Barcelona dimension to it. Considering just days ago even the President of his country openly supported him, the apology came a bit too early. Am not sure how his supporters should feel about this? After all they were the only one who believed his story of "Losing balance and accidently clashing his face on to Chiellini".

Jun 26, 2014

  • Lionel Messi scored the opening two goals for Argentina against Nigeria.
  • Messi has now equalled Maradona's feat of scoring four consecutive goals for his country.
Sensational Lionel Messi helps Argentina Top the Group
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way John C. Maxwell

They said he is crap as he can't score at the international stage with his country. Once he started doing that, they said he still is crap, since he has only scored once in the World Cup. I am not sure what will be their excuse this time around. But trust me they will find some odd statistics to say he still is crap. "He has not yet scored with his head in a World Cup" could be the ideal line for defense of Lionel Messi haters; don't worry you will most probably here it soon. For those who followed him closely, which most the entire world does; this is not any surprise. He always has done one thing - score goals and tons of them. So Argentina has scored 5 goals in the tournament so far, not surprisingly four of them came from one player - Lionel Messi. The likes of Lavezzi, Aguero, Higuain, Di Maria all are yet to find the net, but no one is worried about that. Messi is scoring for all of them for the time being. Like Barca may Argentina is also realising slowly that you can't escape Messidependencia, not that they are complaining!

Jun 25, 2014

Lionel Messi once again proved the decisive factor scoring two goals. This second of his night was an absolute gem.

Futbol Club Barcelona has made an official announcement about reaching an agreement with Real Sociedad to sign Chilean Goal Keeper, Claudio Bravo. It is speculated that the deal will cost FC Barcelona 12 Million Euros, even though it is not yet clear whether it would be a one time payment or would be linked to incentives. Claudio Bravo, who is currently Captaining the Chilean National team at the World Cup's in Brazil was considered an ideal choice due to his experience in Spain. He has already spend eight seasons in Spain. His performance for Chile in the World cup also shows that he is currently playing at the top of his game. For many Barca fans, this signing sounds like music to ears especially considering he will be replacing Jose Pinto. For all his brave heart performances, Pinto never was able to instill any confidence into the side and fans.

Jun 22, 2014

Lionel Messi wonder goal secured a last gasp victory for Argentina and secured their place in pre-quarters. It took this brilliance from Messi to overcome an almighty Iranian performance. All Iranians should be proud of the efforts from their team. Funny enough with Bosnia losing to Nigeria, both Iran and Nigeria both still can have hopes to qualify.

Jun 21, 2014

Logic! Good gracious! What rubbish! E. M. Forster

Can we call this a Miracle? May be not! Calling this one could be equivalent to demeaning the Costa Ricans. For them this wasn't any miracle; they simply won two matches in which they clearly were the better team. The only problem was that the two sides which lost to them were Italy and Uruguay. And they were made to look pretty ordinary by a Costa Rican team whom many know nothing about. I swear to myself that the only player I knew in the squad was Navas, the Keeper. He has been the best Goal Keeper in La Liga last season. But then having a very good Goalkeeper counts for nothing especially when you are paired with three former Champions - England, Italy and Uruguay; in a group which everyone considered as the "Group of Death". In my preview for both Uruguay, Italy and England I have mentioned how all those teams could murder Costa Rica as in the end everything could come to goal difference. How much more Wrong can I be?

Jun 19, 2014

  • Spain lost 2-0 to Chile ending any World Cup hopes.
  • Both Chile and Netherlands have qualified from Group B.
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it Thomas Paine

For a second time in running, the defending Champion in a World Cup has said good-bye before the tournament has kicked into his third gear. Last World Cup Italy suffered the indignity of exiting in the Group stages, this time Spain continued that tradition. This is the third time in a row this is happening with a European side. In 2002, France ended at the bottom of the Group, 2010 Italy maintained that tradition by securing the bottom place and now it Spain looks to be on course. By current playing form Australia looks more dangerous that Spain. So a bottom place finish is beckoning, will the Spaniards Oblige? May be this is the in-trend with the European World Champions.

Jun 17, 2014

The two images which went viral following Argentina's victory over Bosnia were Messi's Goal and the images of Messi refusing to shake hands with a little kid coming out of the dressing room. The incident happened when Argentina team were lining up for the start of the match with mascots, when one of the youngest one bravely came forward offering his hand to Messi. To his despair, Messi chose to ignore the kid and went ahead shaking hands with the officials. One look at his face will tell you how heart broken he was following that rejection. Watch the video below which will leave you with a heavy heart.

Barcelona futbol Club has made an official announcement about the agreement reached between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC for the signing of central midfielder Ivan Rakitic. Ivan Rakitic, who will officially pen his deal with Barca after he returns from World Cup, will sign a 5 year long deal. As expected and widely speculated, the agreement also sees Barcelona B striker Dennis Saurez joining Sevilla FC for a two year loan. As per the agreement, FC Barcelona will be paying 18 Million Euros for the play maker and another 3 Million in pipeline as incentive. Considering that we managed to sell Cesc Fabregas for 33 Million and sign Rakitic for half the amount, this is an excellent deal. At 18 Million he would be one of the cheapest player available this season.

Jun 16, 2014

  • Brilliant Lionel Messi strike secures Argentina match victory.
  • Despite victory, Tactical formation becomes a head ache for Sabella.
It isn't that they can't see the solution. It is that they can't see the problem. Gilbert K. Chesterton

It's the same story all again. Lionel Messi mesmerised the world once again scoring one of the best goals in the tournament to give Argentina the victory; but that wasn't without the usual criticism. Despite the victory, Argentina struggled to impose their will on the game. They struggled to control the game for long and was pretty lucky to have the lead going in to the break. They didn't deserve the lead at that point of time. As expected many of the criticism were directed at Lionel Messi without much sense. For those who watched the first half properly, it was so easy to identify the problem with the formation. The 5-3-2 formation never suited Argentina's attacking talent and the two forwards , Aguerro and Messi were getting isolated so often. This forced Lionel Messi to drop deep and deep in to the midfield; for some reason people question that also? One has to ask the question What was he supposed to do? He simply had no choice as their was no midfield in the game.

Brilliant goal scored by Lionel Messi in their opening match against Bosnia. This is only his second World cup goal and coming after almost eight years. It was worth the wait!

Jun 14, 2014

  • Spain's alternative playing style fail big time against Netherlands
  • Spain needs to win their rest of two match and hope other results go their way to qualify

No one expected such a result; forget the thrashing. The worst many of us was expected was a a tight defeat which could have been the result of the Dutch seizing the important moments. But this was hiding in every way. It was so surprising to see a team which looked pretty assuring in the first half to just wilt down completely in the second half. Had it not be for some late saves by Casillas, the scoreline would have looked even worse. The line-up looked brilliant for the Spanish but it never combined from the beginning. And it all went down hill once David Silva failed to increase the lead to 2-0 after an exquisite through ball from Iniesta put him through. Dutch equalised soon and that momentum they multiplied and carried in to the second half big time.

Jun 13, 2014

Neymar started his World Cup campaign in some style scoring two goals and securing Brazil a vital three points. In the match between two teams which everyone expect to come through the Group, the Barca striker's actions were decisive. In his first World Cup match, Neymar secured himself the first yellow card of 2014 World Cup and then helped Brazil comeback from behind. Along with Oscar, he was the best player wearing the reverred yellow jersey on the field. Usually the opening match of a World Cup will see a conservative match. But this one was different, it was thoroughly entertaining, made by both team's deficiencies.

Chelsea today made the official announcement of signing Cesc Fabregas as expected. This deal was in the pipeline for sometime, only to be delayed after Manchester United showed some interest. But finally Cesc decided to join Chelsea, which will grant his European football action. The total proce of the deal will be 33 Million, in which 3 Million is in form of performance bonuses. After it emerged that Barca is going to sign Rakitic soon, it was expected that Cesc fabregas will be allowed to leave. Once the Croatian arrives, the Spaniard will fall down the pecking order. That forced Barac to find another destination for Cesc Fabregas and Mourinho grabbed the player. I have to admit that Mourinho signing Cesc fabregas is somewhat a surprise to me, as he is not in the mould of midfielders the Portuguese like.

Jun 12, 2014

World Cup 2014 will kick off tonight with a mouth-watering match between host Brazil and Croatia. With that a month long festival of football will officially begin. New heroes will emerge along with some greats who will consolidate their place in history books. This promises to be one of the most exciting Football World Cup with so many teams featuring excellent attacking talents. The top contenders Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany, Uruguay, Italy, Belgium etc. all have an exciting attacking line-up. That could make this World Cup one of the most entertaining in living memory. Last World Cup in South Africa had its fair share of criticism especially about being negative, but this one at least on paper looks more promising. I don't think many team will try playing a defensive style especially considering where the World Cup is taking place. For all the entertainment Brazilian players have provided us, this World Cup is obligated to return in kind.

Jun 11, 2014

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. Jim Rohn

A look through the odds set by the leading betting houses would give a picture of the front runners at this World cup. It does not surprise anyone to see Brazil placed on the top, with an odd of 3/1. Argentina surprisingly (at least for me!) is placed second at 4/1 ahead of Germany at 6/1 and Spain at 13/2. One may argue about placing Argentina ahead of Germany and Spain (may be the location being in South America mattered) but there is no argument about Brazil being favourites. They have been the favourites from the time they thrashed Spain at last year's confederation cup. Many pundits believe that they have got the most balanced squad in the competition and some even believe that they will just annihilate every opposition in the path.

Jun 10, 2014

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. Marcus Aurelius

The rumours are buzzing around about a deal between Sevilla and Barca for the potential signing of Ivan Rakitic. Catalan radio station, RAC1 has broke this story and what we are made to belive is that only few details are left to close this deal. Ivan Rakitic, who have a 40 Million buyout clause would join Barca for 15 Million + another 5 Million in bonus deal. This is made possible due to a clause in Rakitic current deal with Sevilla, which lowers his buyout clause if FC Barcelona or Real Madrid comes caling for his service. Both of them had arrived, and it is reported that the midfielder chose the Catalan giants ahead of the current UEFA Champions League winner. If the reported price is correct, then it's one hell of a grab for FC Barcelona and a huge loss for Sevilla.

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. Winston Churchill

Again those damn lies! It's just don't stop wouldn't it? Then this is transfer window is all about, at least for Sport and MundoDeportivo. Yesterday they were at it again; the front page was full of stories about Marco Reus arrival to Barca. This was supposed to complete in a matter of days, or so did they say. The way it was put forward, especially the ferocity made it a believable one to many. But all those dreams have just thrashed by a clear cut statement from Borussia Dortmund. One has to question whether the way the Spanish media was building up this story forced the German club to make an official statement. Dortmund's Sporting Director Michael Zorc made it crystal clear what he thought about these rumours when popped the question :

Firstly, Marco Reus has himself said he will play next season at Dortmund. And secondly, it would be of no use to make an offer because we have no intention of letting Marco go.Michael Zorc, Borussia Dortmund Director

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