FC Barcelona in India

Joan Laporta touched down in Bangalore on the early hours of Thursday, en route to Ananthapur. Mr.Laporta has arrived in India to formally inaugurate the FC Barcelona Academy, at Bathlapalli - the first in Asia which has been operational for more than a year. He also will be laying foundation stone for a branch of the academy in Atmakur on Friday. The Bathlapalli centre is operational with about 100 kids, all aged between 6 to 16 years. Laporta said that "It's our contribution to the social integration of some of the most disadvantaged children. We aim to provide education in computer science, English and mathematics. We also provide sports training and nutrition. We're using football as a tool to better the lives of the less fortunate." The branch at Atmakur is expected to be operational from January, 2010. Both ventures are partnered by the Rural Development Trust (RDT), an Anantapur-based NGO.

There hasn't been too much hype about his arrival. I was also pleasantly surprised to see his interview in two of the elading newspapers - The Hindu and The Times of India. The lack of interest is pretty normal in India where football is not as popular as Cricket. But the new generation with the access to Cable Television, are very much interested in Football. But the interest is more towards EPL, because of that only Lampard was voted as the most creative midfielder bu Goal.com Indian fans. Lampard is a great midfielder who can score but I don't think that creating scoring chances is not one attribute that you associate with him. FC Barcelona has been avoiding India for long, and it is really heartening to see Barca taking interest in India. I would seriously love to see the FC Barcelona team tour the sub-continent in near future. To take the sport to the people we need to have more involvement from the higgest clubs in Europe at the highest level. What I mean by the highest level is that we need the stars to come to India to wake up the interest. In India, Football is popular in Kerala, West Bengal, Goa, Sikkim and in the Urban centres. Hope the visit of Laporta brings more attention to the game in India and more attention to India in FC Barcelona.

International Results

This mid week has been a quite one for FC Barcelona, but not for our players. Many are performing their international duties mostly in Europe. Majority of the game in which FC Barcelona players are involved are friendlies, barring the Mexico vs USA match. The first FC Barcelona player to take part in action in the mid week friendlies was Dani Alves. Alves came as a substitute in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Italy at the Emirates Stadium in England. Spain, who is the #1 team according to FIFA did total justification to their ranking witha 2-0 victory over England. This one was the most talked friendly of this week and didn't dissappoint anyone. As expected Spain controlled the game after a small hickup in the begining. The midfield consisting of Xavi and Iniesta never let England take control of the game. David Villa scored the first one after getting past the English central defenders. The second goal came in the second half from Fernando Llorente, who came in for Fernando Torres. Fernando Llorente jumped high to direct a Xavi free kick into goal. Xavi was unarguably the best player on the pitch; but the one on whom all the attention will be pinned after the game would be David Villa. Valencia's financial crisis may force them to sell the Spanish international. Last season noone was ready to meet their asking price. But if he keep on churning out goals like these, there will be more than one suitors for him.

Another high profile match was the clash between Argentina and France at the Marseille. Diego Maradona continued his winning streak as a coach with a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Jonas Gutierrez and Lionel Messi. The sixty thousand fans gave a warm welcome to the Argentinian coach. May be it's kind of a surprise as the players usually overshadow the coaches, but then this is El Diego. One thing is for sure Lionel Messi and all the budding stars will stay firmly rooted to the ground in the presence of Maradona. In more of an even sided match, France would be unlucky not to have scored. Henry, Anelka all had early chances; but the best French player on the field was once again Frank Ribery. This is one player I would love to see moving to Barca in the summer - FC Barcelona's Summer Traget. He was overshadowed only by Messi who lighted the stadium with his brilliance.

USA hosted Mexico in the FIFA qualifying match which ended half an hour befor. The script went hobbibly wrong for Mexico who lost coutesy of two goals from Bradley. To make matter worse, Barca defender Marquez was sent off in the match for charging onto opposition goal keeper. Another major story in the footballing world has been the appointment of Guus Hiddink as Chelsea interim coach. The Magician Guus Hiddink, will have a tough task especially with handling both Russia and Chelsea, add to it the reported rumours of infighting in the Chelsea team. It is also to be seen what tactics Guus introduces in Chelsea. One thing is for sure that Guus will play the game in the right way.

FC Barcelona vs Sporting Gijon Pictures