Libertadores 2013 is here! Round of 16 analysis

Sorry, Galo!

Oh hi. Long time no see. Jump to read some stuff!

From innovation to stagnation: Felipão is Brazil’s new NT coach

Heaven or hell, the choice is his

New news on the front. A few days ago I reported how Guardiola was willing to take Brazil’s NT coaching gig after Mano Menezes’ political departure from the position. Also, I reported how Guardiola was first in CBF’s shortlist so far, and how popular the move was going to be.

Well, I was a fool and so was the remaining Brazilian fan base who still gives a thought about the Seleção (you guys have no idea how unpopular it has become since the 2002 World Cup): the new Brazilian coach, according to media vehicles who have been mostly spot-on on predicting those kind of moves so far, will be Luiz Felipe Scolari, known as Felipão (or Big Phil for Chelsea fans).

The Ronaldinho bidding war

Where will he end up?

About less than a year ago, I went on to write about Ronaldinho’s problems with Flamengo, and his on and off the pitch troubles. I even doubted that he could return to at least part of the form he showed at Milan, before getting back to Brazil, and also said that it’d too dumb to anyone to look for his services.

Boy, was I wrong!

2012 Brazilian League Team of the Year: Fluminense and Atlético Mineiro domination

Fluminense’s Fred is the best player of the year

Guys, unfortunately I don’t live off this blog. If you ever read my bio on this site, you’re aware I’m currently an Economics student, so I don’t have much spare time to dedicate here. Also, as I’m writing on WordPress, I don’t have AdSense or any other form of profiting off traffic, so my absences are (unfortunately) often. Hopefully I’ll manage one day to squeeze some time from my schedule to write a piece or two per day.

Still, relevant news? CBF’s Team of the Year was announced, and after the jump you’ll find the names.

Guardiola leads race for Brazil’s NT spot

HOPE

The news regarding Pep Guardiola’s interest in taking the now-vacant spot of Brazil’s NT coach seemingly touched not only the hearts of common Brazilians but also the talking heads at CBF as well. Lancenet reports that according to a close person in the works of CBF, Guardiola is first in the list of favored coaches to take the reins at the Seleção after Mano Menezes departure.

Chelsea-bond Wallace can leave Fluminense in January

Wallace leaves Flu

Back in August this year, near the summer transfer window’s end, there were many rumors linking by-then Fluminense right-back prodigy Wallace to several European clubs in Italy and Chelsea back in England. It sounded as though those rumors were dead, but we’ve become aware that a move from Fluminense to London club Chelsea was in the making back in October and that such deal had Wallace moving in to England at the end of the Premier League season for 10m Euros – but Chelsea would only pay 60% of the alleged fee as they’ve gotten 40% of his rights from the Deco transfer to Flu.

But it seems that such move can be done earlier.

Guardiola: “I will be a world champion with Brazil”

Pep Guardiola considering Brazil’s NT gig

More interesting news following the end of Mano Menezes’ tenure with the Seleção. The Brazilian media threw a lot of names around, from the now-government consultant in Sports Ministry Felipão to former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, but a surprising statement from the latter would put him ahead of everyone who has been cited by the pundits so far.

The debacle is (finally) over! Ganso is officially a São Paulo player

He seems happy. Let’s see for how long

Phew. His flight was supposed to be short, but it was longer than we expected. At least, the soap opera has reached its final chapter: Ganso has finally joined São Paulo.

Sep 19, 2012 – Brazil 2 x 1 Argentina, Americas’ Superclassic 2012 1st Leg – Review

That’s support

Guys, you don’t know how hard I try not to be what some call a “Debbie Downer” when I speak about the Seleção. Unfortunately, they make my job so hard that I’m obliged to give you a point of view that is far from the pink filter most people involved in the CBF seem to use to see the world and Brazil NT performances.

Sep 19, 2012 – Brazil x Argentina, Copa Roca 2012 First Leg – Preview

Brazil (?) x Argentina (?)

Back when football was almost entirely an amateur sport, Brazil and Argentina already had an old country rivalry. Political debacles regarding the possession of the territory which is now known as Uruguay was the closest both countries had been to start a true war. There were a few years of both countries “baring” each other until Argentinian president Julio Argentino Roca decided to create a competition which would feature both teams and build more on the mystique of the biggest rivalry in football: the Copa Roca.