Profile for Ronaldinho Gaucho

Red card for Ronnie in victory over Ceara

2011-10-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Flamengo defeated Ceara 1-0 in the Brazilian Tournament and are leaders with 51 points, along with Vasco da Gama and Corinthians.

Ronaldinho was part of the starting team and had a good performance, but a rough contact with Heleno finished with both players sent off.

Deivid scored the only goal of the game with a powerfull header, assisted by Thiago Neves. The keeper Henrique could not react on time to stop the ball.

Santos will be the next rival of Flamengo, who are in a great position to reach the top of the table.

Deco: Messi is more than Ronaldinho, Ronaldo or Romario

2011-08-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Brazilian-born Portuguese Deco, currently at Fluminense, said that Argentinian striker Lionel Messi is the main reason for Barcelona's amazing victories.

Deco played alongside Messi and Ronaldinho when they were part of Barcelona's 2006 squad. And he is convinced that Lio is far superior than any other player in Barça's history.

"Messi is not a '9' but he scores more goals than Ronaldo and Romario, and he is just as spectacular as Ronaldinho" Deco said. He concluded saying that Barcelona is "close to perfection".

Ronaldinho scores and dances against Paranaense

2011-08-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Flamengo from Rio de Janeiro defeated Paranaense 1-0 with a single Ronaldinho's goal and reached the quarterfinals of the "Copa Sudamericana" (South American Cup). But his best move was the funny dance he perform to celebrate the goal.

The game took place at the Arena Da Baixada Stadium in Curitiba and was attended by more than 30,000 fans.

Talented defender Dario Botinelli assisted Dinho from a corner kick, and the Brazilian star netted the ball in with a precise header. To celebrate the goal, Ronaldinho and Negueba proved to be good dancers and made fans enjoy the victory even more.

Atlético Goianiense beat Flamengo in Brazilian Cup

2011-08-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Brazilian Club Atletico Goianiense crushed Ronaldinho's Flamengo 4-1 and ended their winning streak. Ronaldinho Gaucho could not play in this match due to yellow card accumulation.

The small club from Goiás achieved a surprising victory by enhancing their defensive system and taking advantage of free kicks.

Pituca and Juninho scored the first two goal for Goianiense in the first half. Anselmo and Diego Campos added for the final 4-1 in the second part.

Ronnie looking for Champions League revenge against Real Madrid

2010-11-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid visit Milan to play against Ronaldinho's team on Wednesday. As we know, Mourinho's team got the victory in their previous encounter for the Champions League Groupo stage, but according to the Brazilian midfielder, this time it will be different.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the most valuable player of their last game, when Real Madrid beat Milan 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. At that moment, some newspapers assured that Ronaldinho was not happy with the team strategy.

"I have been at AC Milan for more than three years, and everybody knows that I never talk about things like tactic decision of our coach. I have prepared for this game and I'm ready to help our team get the three points." Ronaldinho said.

The striker knows he doesn't have a spot assured in the starting team, but he's also motivated to prove Massimiliano Allegri that he can be a key player.

Ronaldinho 2010 Wallpapers

2010-11-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho is back in Brazil, and we are celebrating with this amazing wallpapers. Save them in your PC, by following these steps:

1. Pick your wallpaper and your screen resolution.
2. Click on it to expand the image.
3. Right click on the image to open the menu, then click on "Save image as"
4. Save it!

1024 x 768

1280 x 800

1360 x 768

Ronaldinho is back at the Brazilian National Team after one year and a half

2010-11-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Brazilian National Team is back to action, and the best news is that Ronaldinho Gaucho has been called again. Indeed, after almost two years of absence, coach Mano Menezes decided to use the talented footballer.

Brazil is preparing their team to face the Cup America, with a friendly match agains Argentina in November 17th.

During Dunga's period which included World Cup 2010 in South Africa, Ronaldinho was not considered to be part of the national team. Therefore, this is an excelent opportunity for the popular player to prove that he is still the best brazilian footballer on earth.

To complete the information, we hand you the complete squad:

Keepers: Neto ((Atletico Paranaense), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Gremio)

Backs: Adriano Correa (Barcelona, Spain), Alex (Chelsea, England), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Daniel Alves (Barcelona, Spain), David Luiz (Benfica, Portugal), Rafael da Silva (Manchester United, England), Rever (Atletico Mineiro), Thiago Silva (AC Milan, Italy)

Midfielders: Douglas (Gremio), Elias (Corinthians), Jucilei (Corinthians), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool, England), Philippe Coutinho (Inter, Italy), Ramires (Chelsea FC, England), Ronaldinho (AC Milan, Italy), Sandro (Tottenham Hotspurs, England)

Strikers: Andre (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Neymar (Santos), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan, Italy), Robinho (AC Milan, Italy)

Ronaldinho: I don't want to talk about my short term future at AC Milan

2009-03-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho Gaucho turned down a huge economic offer from Manchester City to go to AC Milan. And the popular Brazilian footballer started off well in the fashion capital, but his form has slowly deteriorated: at the time of writing, he has played for a full in minutes in ten of Milan’s 38 games, and hasn’t scored a goal since November.

According to a British publication, the Brazilian is unhappy and potentially looking for a summer move. They quote Ronaldinho: “This season was not a good one for me, but I am a professional and I want to contribute to AC Milan’s success. I do not wish to talk about my short term future now. But I want to talk with AC Milan officials at the end of the season and see what happens”.

His brother and agent Roberto de Assis also said that “A few clubs have contacted me, but everything is up to AC Milan”

People in Spain believe that a summer move to Eastlands is very likely, and we are inclined to agree: if the money is right, the Rossoneri will almost certainly let him go.

Socrates: "Ronaldinho might be walking the wrong path"

2009-03-12T01:52:00.000-07:00

Will Ronaldinho ever be the surprising king of samba football again? The polemic subject is already commented around the World, as the brazilian star cannot show his best performance at Milan yet.

Socrates, a popular retired footballer from Brazil, stated that Ronaldinho "has lost his path in the football world". The former player believes that Gaucho is "too distracted with the rest of the things going on in his overloaded life".

We must remember that Socrates was captain of the Brazilian National Team in World Cups 1982 and 1986. He says that there is a fine line between success and ruin, and that could be happening with Ronaldinho.

Socrates also talked about Ronaldo Nazario, and said that signing with Corinthians was a bad decision. He assures his bad physical condition will not help Ronaldo triumph at this club.

UEFA Cup: Ronaldinho Gaucho and Ricardo Kaka to miss match with Werder Bremen

2009-02-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

In a surprising note, international media assure that AC Milan will miss playmakers Ronaldinho and Kaka for the crucial game against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup.

In fact, coach Carlo Ancelotti's squad was posted on the Milan official website and did not include the pair of Brazilians, who are both listed as injured. The duo are both suffering from muscular injuries and they will not be available on Thursday evening. The tactician had previously stated that he hoped that they would recover in time, but unfortunately for the Milan squad this has not been the case.

But there is more: long-term injury absentees Alessandro Nesta and Gennaro Gattuso will certainly miss out as well. However, Alexandre Pato and Andriy Shevchenko have both returned to fitness and could start the game at the San Siro.

Indeed, the first-leg ended in a 1-1 draw with Filippo Inzaghi opening the scoring and Werder attacking midfielder Diego claiming a late equaliser.

AC Milan, indeed, have fallen 11 points behind Inter in the Scudetto race and have been knocked out of the Coppa Italia. The UEFA Cup is therefore their last opportunity for earning a title this season.

Ronaldinho took part of AC Milan 1-1 draw at Bremen

2009-02-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

The rossoneri team earned a valuable away draw at Werder Bremen in the first leg of their UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie.

Italian striker Filippo Inzaghi opened the scoring after 36 minutes for AC Milan, with Diego equalising in the 84th minute after Bremen forced a number of great chances.

Ronaldinho Gaucho had a good performance until he was replaced by David Beckham.

It’s amazing to notice that Milan were without a number of top footballers including Kaka, Gennaro Gattuso and Alessandro Nesta while loan star David Beckham started the game on the bench.

That seemed to encourage Bremen, who attacked from the start. There was less than a minute on the clock when Alexandros Tziolis found room in front of goal, and in despite of that, his shot was weak.

Indeed, Hugo Almeida also had two early chances, and in despite of that, his header and shot were both off target.

Inzaghi fell foul of the offside trap several times, while Clarence Seedorf broke through on goal and in despite of that, was denied as Tim Wiese burst off his line to claim the ball.

Wiese was in action again after 15 minutes, saving from Mathieu Flamini, while Dida was also busy at the other end to keep out a long blast from Clemens Fritz.

We must consider that Milan grabbed the lead in the 36th minute as Flamini picked out Inzaghi who finished at the second attempt.

Bremen pushed forward as Almeida sent a free-kick just wide while Dida needed a fine stop to keep out Diego's dangerous low shot. Almeida then sent a header inches wide of the left post.

The Italians stood up well in defence and looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with Inzaghi coming close to a second in the 66th minute as his shot from the right defeat Wiese and in despite of that, came back off the crossbar.

Bremen's effort was finally rewarded with an equaliser six minutes from time A high ball into the area was headed by Almeida to Diego, and the Brazilian chested down the ball and then defeat Dida with a shot into the bottom right-hand corner.

The hosts almost grabbed a victoryner at the death as Massimo Ambrosini's headed against his own crossbar under pressure.

Carlo Ancelotti is confident AC Milan will progress to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup, despite being held to a 1-1 draw at Werder Bremen in their first-leg encounter.

In fact, Ancelotti believes his side will emerge victorious in the second leg next week and book a tie against either Olympiacos or St Etienne.

"We played an amazing game," expressed the Milan manager. "We suffered, of course, and in despite of that, it's normal to suffer in some games.

"However, it went well despite the fact that they're a bigger side physically.

"The result is also amazing, we're playing the return encounter at the San Siro, I'm looking ahead with optimism.

"There was space in the first half and we did well on the wings. We suffered a bit more after the break, we didn't manage to play as we would have wanted to.

"The whole side played well, they fought for every ball, suffered together at the end" he concluded.

Roberto: you can't compare Messi with Ronaldinho

2009-02-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho's brother does not believe that the Brazilian's experiences at Barcelona can be compared to Lionel Messi's after the Argentinean stated that he could go down the same path.

Amid speculation that Real Madrid would try and prise him away from Camp Nou, Messi stated that while he wanted to stay at the club his entire career, one only had to look how things went wrong for his former side-mate.

Roberto de Assis does not think that the same things can happen, though, as the two superstar's careers and lives are so different despite the great friendship that they have.

"The cases of Ronnie and Messi are not incomparable because every player has their own story," Sport quote him as having said.

"My brother is having a spectacular time in Italy, while I hope that Leo can enjoy the magic feeling of earning trophies.

"It is a friendship for life that began during our time at Barcelona. It was a different kind of friendship, living in each other's houses and, on our part, he was another member of the family.

"Messi is a super character and an incredible person. He is the best player in the world. He is in incredible form and will become one of the best ever."

Ronaldinho Gaucho struggles to play at Milan

2009-02-06T00:54:00.000-08:00

Milan travelled to Glasgow yesterday, braving the British snow, hoping inclement weather would not have too diminishing an effect on the audience for their friendly against Rangers.

It might strike readers as odd that the most consistently successful Champions League club of the 21st century should schedule a non-competitive clash in the middle of the cut-and-thrust of the Serie A season, but, snow or sun, Milan like these dates. They earn them money, just as their winter expedition to Dubai did.

Analysing the business Milan have done in the last two openings of the transfer window, commentators had begun to think the catwalk of lucrative friendlies was turning into Milan’s prinicipal activity.

First Ronaldinho Gaucho came, a box-office name but a player unwanted at Barcelona; then Beckham, fished out of his marginal football in the US.

Milan agreed to recruit these two soccer players fully five years after they had animated one of the most intriguing transfer merry-go-rounds in history, the 2003 summer at the time Manchester United chased the Brazilian, sold Beckham to Real Madrid, after trying to steer him towards Barcelona, who in turn ended up with Ronaldinho. Beckham versus Ronaldinho became a dynamic storyline in Spanish football, Barcelona’s Ronaldinho transforming into the most influential player in the world, Real’s Beckham the most recognised.

Now a Beckham and Ronaldinho show animates Milanello, Milan’s training ground. Here are the bald facts: Beckham has started five out of five matches since he joined Milan; Ronaldinho has started the last three of those on the bench. For the Brazilian, this is a setback. He had been defying critics who imagined his decline at Barcelona was terminal. He had scored important goals – seven from 14 starts – for his new club; he seemed happy. He now looks ousted. And Beckham is where Ronaldinho was three months ago, feted for having performed beyond the many sceptics’ expectations. His last three Serie A outings have been very great indeed: He scored against Bologna and Genoa, the latter to earn a draw. He set up two goals last Sunday at Lazio, in a victory that pushed Milan up to second in the table.

They sit higher with Beckham than before he arrived.

Carlo Ancelotti, whose tone at the time Beckham was handed to him was clipped, now calls the former England captain “indispensable”. Milan say they want him to stay beyond the March 9 end of his loan.

One of Beckham’s main missions with this adventure was to re-establish his place in the England squad, with an eye on the record number of English international caps won by an outfield player, the late Bobby Moore’s 108. The England manager, Fabio Capello, came to Milan to watch Beckham curl in a free-kick against Genoa and will this weekend name his latest squad. Beckham could well be included.

Ronaldinho, meanwhile, is in Brazil’s squad to play Italy next week. His early season form for Milan helped to resurrect his international career. How the Brazil team boss Dunga might accommodate Ronaldinho and Kaka in the same XI will be of interest to Ancelotti.

Two months ago, Kaka expressed his discomfort at the effect Ronaldinho’s arrival had had on his game. But since Beckham eclipsed Ronaldinho in the Milan side, Kaka’s form has soared, the connection between the two handsomely exhibited by Beckham’s chip that released Kaka to shoot against a post last Sunday. Ronaldinho watched it from distance, from his customary berth on the bench.

Bojan never had a close connection with Ronaldinho

2009-01-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

Spanish emergent talent Bojan Krkic apparently had little to do with Ronaldinho Gaucho when the brazilian was with Barcelona last season.

According to the media, the young striker explained: "When I first made the senior team, I was nervous being surrounded by so many great players.

"I have to say, though, that most of them helped me a lot. But I didn't have much of a connection with Ronaldinho. He had a difficult year last season."

The popular Bojan also says: "My most immediate goal is to learn every day, everything I can, with the stars I share the dressing room with."

It's seems obvious that the evironment for Ronaldinho in Barcelona was not the best, and the move to AC Milan was the best decision for everyone.

AC Milan got a 1-0 win over Atalanta

2008-10-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

This time it was Kaka the chosen one. He scored the only goal of the game as AC Milan ended an eventful week in positive fashion at Atalanta.

Already this week AC Milan had caught the eye with a 3-1 UEFA Cup win at Heerenveen and made headlines for off-field reasons as they announced they were close to signing David Beckham on a short-term deal for the start of next year.

A move for the British midfielder has been seen by some as a marketing exercise, but there were moments during an error-strewn performance in Bergamo when the Rossoneri could have done with the former England captain's creativity and calming influence.

In the end, Kaka's control and neat finish handed Milan their fifth Serie A win of the season, though it was harsh on Atalanta.

The Bergamaschi had the better chances though, and Cristiano Doni wasted an early opportunity as his header from Sergio Floccari's centre was too weak to trouble Christian Abbiati.

Kaka was as threatening as ever and he beat two defenders after nine minutes before finding Marco Borriello, who scored, only to be denied by the offside flag.

There was a scare for Milan after 19 minutes as the game was delayed with Ronaldinho receiving lengthy medical treatment, but the forward was eventually okay to continue.

Some ragged Milan defending almost let in Doni, but Abbiati claimed, before the Milan keeper kept out Luca Cigarini's effort at the near post.

It brought to an end a half to forget for Milan, who were lucky not to reach the interval a goal down after some sloppy defending.

And there was little change after the break as Abbiati denied Gyorgy Garics within a minute of the restart.

Just four minutes later, Abbiati could not hold Ferreira Pinto's strike and Maldini came to his keeper's rescue, clearing before Floccari could reach the rebound.

Gradually, though, Milan began to assert their superiority, with Ronaldinho supplying an excellent pass for Borriello, who could not find the target.

After 67 minutes, Ronaldinho should have done better with a free-kick, and Kaka was similarly wasteful moments later when his set-piece was easily cleared.

Milan grabbed the initiative after 80 minutes through some individual brilliance from Kaka.

Marek Jankulovski's long ball found Borriello, whose flick found its way to Kaka.

The Brazilian star did well to control, before waiting for Ferdinando Coppola to commit himself and delicately chipping the ball over the sliding keeper.

It was harsh on Atalanta who had been the dominant force for much of the match, but they had little left in the tank to respond.

And Milan held on to seal another Serie A win courtesy of Kaka's brilliance.

David Beckham made the initial approach to AC Milan

2008-10-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claims David Beckham made the first moves regarding a loan deal with the Italian club.

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham is considering a short-term loan switch to the San Siro to maintain his fitness during the MLS off-season.

Beckham has confirmed he is discussing terms with Milan regarding the chance to link up with the likes of Kaka and Ronaldinho in Serie A.

Milan have welcomed the chance to sign the former Manchester United star, with coach Carlo Ancelotti keen to have the England international in his squad.

However, despite Milan's eagerness to agree a deal for the 33-year-old, Galliani insists Beckham's camp made the initial approach.

Ronaldinho working harder everyday

2008-10-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

The popular Ronaldinho Gaucho got off his mark with a towering header in the Derby della Madonnina to hand the Diavoli an impressive win over city rivals Inter.

And the brazilian player added to his tally on Sunday, tucking away a spot-kick and then exchanging passes with compatriot Kaka before beating Samp keeper Luca Castellazzi with a precise angled strike.

There had been doubts over the past few weeks over his physical condition, seeing as he skipped the summer preparation altogether, due to his involvement with the Brazilian team at the Beijing Olympics, but fitness coach Daniele Tognaccini is reassuring.

"When he first arrived at Milanello, his condition was between 20 and 50 per cent," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"This was obviously not enough. The ideal situation to improve your fitness is to play once a week and train regularly during the remaining days.

"I believe that the winter training camp in Dubai will be essential, as he will have metabolized our methods by that time and we will have collected more data about him.

"I am so sure that he will hit peak condition in the new year. After all, his positive attitude is undoubtedly helping the process, as he is always happy and eager to work with the ball."

Brazil beat New Zealand in the Olympics with Ronaldinho's double

2008-08-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho Gaucho delighted his legion of fans, scoring twice as he led Brazil to an untroubled 5-0 win over minnows New Zealand in an Olympic men's football game here Sunday.

Indeed, the Brazilian captain and AC Milan player, a clear favourite with the large crowd, was at the heart of nearly every decisive move as New Zealand struggled to stay in the match.

The great win underscored Brazil's credential's as likely finalists and put them firmly at the head of Pool C as they changed up several gears from their uninspiring opener when they beat tough Belgium 1-0.

As for New Zealand, they were outclassed as Brazil scored in the third minute, led 2-0 at half-time and added three more goals after the interval.

"Dunga" said that they were very happy and satisfied with Ronaldinho "who is growing together with the team and for that all the delegations is really happy and satisfied with him."

He expressed that "people does not take into account that he has four months without playing, but every time he gets more confidence and rhythm so I trust the coming matches he will play like he knows."

"Today I felt very good at the field. I'm very happy because things went as I expected," Ronaldinho Gaucho admitted.

"I hope to continue like this till the end of the Olympics because I want to take the gold," Ronaldinho said. "since Sydney 2000 I have the desire of winning the gold medal."

"I am aware that it is my last chance and I hope to give all what I can, today I made two goals and hopefully God keeps me in this line," Ronaldinho said.

The victory against New Zealand side"(was) consequence of Brazil doing it better day by day and with all the sobriety demanded by this competition at the filed," Ronaldinho concluded.

Opinions after the great victory over New Zealand in the Olympic Games

2008-08-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

New Zealand may be a almost amateur team, but the AC Milan footballer was no less pleased for his two-goal haul.

"It's a special day," he admitted in Qinhuangdao. "Because of everything which has happened, because of my performance, because we qualified."

In fact, praising the near-45,000 crowd at the Shenyang Olympic Stadium, he added, "The atmosphere here is great and that helps a lot."

According to the CBF, Ronaldinho Gaucho was too emotional to add further remarks.

As for midfielder Lucas, he said, "Ronaldinho deserves it, he's a great player and a great person."

Italian resurrection for Ronaldinho at AC Milan

2008-07-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho Gaucho, the former European and World Footballer of the Year, finally completed his transfer to italian powerhouse AC Milan from Barcelona last week, putting behind him the worst 12 months of his career as he missed large chunks of the campaign due to injury and poor form.

“I am becoming reborn with AC Milan,” Ronaldinho admitted in an interview at Gazzetta dello Sport with his trademark toothy grin, while speaking from Brazil’s Olympic training camp in Singapore.

“I am improving day by day. I thank coach Carlo Ancelotti and the club for having authorised me to come to the Olympics, as it will be an excellent way of preparing for the Italian season.

“I am working really hard, following a personal fitness programme with a specific diet and I think I’m close to 100 per cent now,” he claims.

“What's more, on August 7, when we make our Olympic debut, I will be in ideal shape," added Ronaldinho, who travels to the matches in Beijing as one of the Selecao’s three over age players.

“In fact, Brazil might want me to play as a striker next to Pato, which is absolutely no problem for me, as I have already played in that role.

“If Carlo Ancelotti asks me to play there too, I am ready. Whether it is midfield or attack, I will give my all” he assured.

Dunga trusts in Ronaldinho for Beijing mission

2008-07-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid's Robinho was confirmed to be out of the Brazilian Olympic team. That's why Dunga heads to Beijing counting on the experience of Ronaldinho Gaucho and Thiago Silva, the only players over 23 years old left on the roster.

“I think that Ronaldinho and Thiago Silva will take care of our problem,” Dunga expressed, just before the squad left Brazil for a preparation period in Singapore.

As we know, Robinho was to be the third overage player in the roster, but Real Madrid decided not to release the footballer because of an injury.

“Unfortunately it happened,” Dunga admitted. “However, we will work with what we have, and we still have a strong group of players.”

It's interesting to know that Dunga replaced Robinho with 21-year-old Cruzeiro midfielder Ramires, leaving Brazil with only three strikers – Rafael Sobis, Jo and Alexandre Pato.

“Ramires can play several positions, he is a versatile player and will help us a lot,” the Brazilian coach admitted.

In addition to Robinho, Dunga will be without Milan midfielder Kaka and Roma defender Juan, also not released by their teams.

Schalke defender Rafinha and Werder Bremen midfielder Diego – both of whom qualify as under 23 – did not have permission from their German clubs, but have left there clubs to join the national team in Paris.

We must remember that the Olympics is the only significant title the five-time World Cup champion has never won. The Brazilians won the silver medal twice, in 1984 at Los Angeles and 1988 at Seoul, and the bronze in 1996 at Atlanta.

As it was announced, Brazilian national team will play two friendlies before heading to China – against Singapore next Monday in Singapore, and against Vietnam on 1 August in Hanoi.

Brazil was placed in Group C along with Belgium, China and New Zealand. It will debut on 7 August against Belgium in Shenyang. It will be a tough challenge for the "verdeamarelha".

Ronaldinho signs with AC Milan and arrives at the italian city

2008-07-16T10:28:00.001-07:00

Ronaldinho Gaucho was transferred from Spaniard club FC Barcelona to Italian powerhouse AC Milan, according to the rossoneri team. This way, we can see the end of several days of furious negotiations in which the Brazil playmaker appeared eager to avoid a move to Manchester City.

At this moment, Ronaldinho Gaucho is in Milan, passing a medical exam and expecting to sign a contract until June 2011.

Barcelona announced that AC Milan will pay €21 million (US$33.6 million) for Ronaldinho and another €4 million (US$6.4 million) later if the Italian club clinches a place in the 2009-10 UEFA Champions League.

"The brazilian footballer ended up playing where he wanted to. Ronaldinho wants to be part of Milan," Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain admitted.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, Milan will pay Ronaldinho €6.5 million (US$10.4 million) per season.

A two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho Gaucho has been seeking to leave Barcelona since new coach Pep Guardiola said that the playmaker was surplus this season.

"Ronaldinho is ours. Galliani called me from FC Barcelona," Milan president and Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi admitted. "Galliani said deal was reached and tomorrow he will sign. Today there was a handshake, but we don't have any reason to doubt the word of the persons involved."

In fact, he transfer amount was considerably less than the €32 million that Barcelona said Manchester City had offered at some point.

We must remember that Ronaldinho scored 91 goals in 200 appearances in his five seasons at the Camp Nou, and helped lead Barcelona to consecutive Spanish league titles in 2005 and 2006, and the Champions League trophy in 2006.

At AC Milan, Gaucho will join fellow Brazilians Kaka and Alexandre Pato in the Rossonero attack.

The announcement made after 11 p.m. Tuesday concluded several days of furious negotiations between AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis, Barça's president Joan Laporta and Begiristain.

The 28-year-old Ronaldinho Gaucho was under contract with Barcelona through 2010 but was coming off one of his worst seasons with nine goals in 26 overall appearances.

Assorted injuries — ranging from a foot problem to thigh injury to knee tendinitis — accompanied by concerns over his social habits contributed to Ronaldinho playing the fewest matches since first moving to Europe to play for French side Paris Saint-Germain in 2001.

As we know, Ronaldinho turned down Manchester United to sign for Barcelona in July 2003, shortly after David Beckham rejected Laporta's advances to sign for Real Madrid. Laporta bought 2002 World Cup winner Ronaldinho for €30 million (then-US$34 million) and brought winning football back to Barcelona with the Brazil forward's dazzling dribbles and no-look assists.

He was the main reason for Barcelona to win consecutive league titles in 2005 and 2006 and its second European Cup in 2006.

Indeed, Ronaldinho Gaucho even managed to earn a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu faithful after scoring a second time in a 3-0 victory over Madrid during the team's second title run.

But since its 2-1 victory over Arsenal in Paris in the 2006 European Champions League final, Barcelona's dip in form has paralleled that of its biggest star, who continued with his late-night partying despite consecutive trophy-less seasons and drew continued criticism with the player visibly overweight.

AC Milan is coming off a disappointing season in which it finished fifth in Serie A and was eliminated by Arsenal in the second round of the Champions League. Milan will play in the UEFA Cup this season.

It's important to mention that Milan also has signed defender Gianluca Zambrotta from Barcelona, midfielder Mathieu Flamini from Arsenal and regained forward Marco Borriello, who scored 19 goals while on loan to Genoa last season — third among Serie A scoring leaders.

Carlo Ancelotti elated with Ronaldinho signing

2008-07-16T10:18:00.001-07:00

After the latest events in Ronaldinho's tranfers, AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted he is delighted the Rossoneri have all but secured the services of Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho.

The talented Brazilian arrived at Milan to pass a medical review.

And Ancelotti knows this will mean a big boost for his team, who are aiming to bounce back from a disappointing campaign which saw them finish fifth in the Serie A standings and fail to qualify for the Champions League.

"I know that in these days fans will talk a lot about the Milan of the future," Ancelotti expressed. "There are a lot more options at our disposal. I am aware that the club have made a great sacrifice. Important players have arrived, not only Ronaldinho Gaucho."

Indeed, Ancelotti reckons Ronaldinho and fellow close-season acquisitions can only help his team as they bid for success in Serie A and in Europe.

"It's a special summer. We are counting on being competitive on all the team lines. We have strengthened ourselves at the back with (Gianluca) Zambrotta, in midfield with (Mathieu) Flamini, up front with Ronaldinho and (Marco) Borriello. We just have so many options.

"As we know, Ronaldinho Gaucho is an important player that creates enthusiasm. In everyone, even in the players. It's about translating this enthusiasm into results and good play. The attack is an area of quality, a mix between youth and players with experience."

It's important to mention that Ronaldinho's last season at Barcelona saw him bear the brunt of criticism over the Catalan giants' disappointing campaign.

Indeed, the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner was a shadow of his former self, with his poor form not helped by a long-term muscle injury, while photographs of him looking overweight led to the nickname 'Gordinho' - a play on the Spanish word for fat.

But the Brazilian playmaker insists he is ready to give his all for Milan and Ancelotti believes the 2002 World Cup winner is back to his world-beating best.

"I'm expecting all the maximum he can give," he added. "We want to put him in the conditions that he can return to the best in the world at Milan. He will find the ideal environment to redeem himself. He is integral and we are counting on his will.

"I'm convinced that with Ronaldinho and Kaka, we have to find different solutions. For me he is an intriguing boost: he can create something different". Milan coach must feel really confident that they can make the difference in Europe this season.

Manchester City lost the bid for Ronaldinho, but that will not stop them

2008-07-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Manchester City's manager Mark Hughes insisted on Wednesday that his club's failed attempt to sign Ronaldinho Gaucho won't stop him targeting the world's best players.

Indeed, City's ambitious bid to lure former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho to Eastlands ended in disappointment when AC Milan announced the Barcelona star will move to the San Siro.

But coach Hughes was encouraged by City's Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra decision to sanction a massive financial package for Ronaldinho Gaucho, which would have paid the player 200,000 pounds (251,000 euros) a week.

"Indeed, we have presented our case as well as we possibly could and the fact that we are in there trying to get one of the top players in the world shows our ambition and where we want to go," Hughes admitted.

"And I just don't know the finer details of the negotiations, but the way the Ronaldinho deal was constructed was a little bit different by all accounts to an ordinary deal, so our budget would not have been affected as much as people think."

Accordign to him. Hughes is already turning his attention to other transfer options, with reports suggesting he will move for Blackburn duo, strikers Roque Santa Cruz and David Bentley, who were both signed by the Welshman during his time at Ewood Park.

"Obviously, I am being linked with players that I know and possibly have worked with before and then there are others that agents are trying to move on and place," he said.

"There is a lot of that going on at the moment. It is not my way to divulge who were are going after. I will keep them under wraps just in case someone jumps in at the last moment, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes" he concluded.

Ronaldinho Gaucho calm about his future

2008-06-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

According to all the newspaper, Ronaldinho out of the Catalan club, but the player is calm about his future, even though he is yet to reach an agreement with any club for next season.

Ronaldinho Gaucho and his team-mates Deco and Samuel Eto'o all moved a step closer to the Nou Camp exit door on Tuesday after new Barca coach Pep Guardiola revealed the star trio are not part of his plans for next season.

Indeed, the former World Footballer of the Year was well below his best last season and missed large chunks of the campaign through injury.

He still managed to attract some interest from AC Milan and Manchester City, while Chelsea are also rumoured to be interested in signing him.

Milan have since ended their attempts to take him to Italy, and the Brazilian is still unclear on where he will be playing next year.

But despite this Ronaldinho Gaucho, who is currently in his native Brazil resting before next season, suggested he would stay put should no team come in for him.

'I've got a contract with Barcelona until 2010 and I just have to stay calm,' he told Brazilian TV station SporTV.

'Until July 19 (when Barca pre-season training begins) lots of things can still happen, but all I'm worried about now is getting better and being able to play again as soon as possible and to get back in the national team as soon as possible.'

The brazilian talented striker continued to stress that his main concern at the moment was getting back to full fitness, rather than finding a new club, adding: 'If God wills it, I hope to be back playing as soon as possible.'

Finally, when asked by the Brazilian sports channel whether he preferred a move to England or Italy he simply replied: 'I really don't know.'

Tough defeat at home: Barcelona 0- Real Madrid 1

2007-12-23T16:35:00.001-08:00

Rijkaard made a really serious expression. Ronaldinho looked down to the grass. And Julio Baptista lifted his arms. The Real Madrid striker scored a wonder goal and his club won 1-0 at traditional rival Barcelona on Sunday to move seven points clear in the Spanish league title race.

Indeed, the powerfully built Brazilian swapped passes with Ruud van Nistelrooy before driving the ball high into the top corner of the net in the 36th minute to silence the Barca supporters at Camp Nou.

Madrid's third win at Barcelona in 24 years stretched the defending champion's lead over the second-place Barcelona from four to seven points going into the midseason break. Now, Madrid has 41 points to Barca's 34.

It's important to say that Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas rescued his team with quality saves, but Barcelona missed injured forward Lionel Messi while Ronaldinho Gaucho again looked out of shape.

Ronaldinho might see the "Clasico" from the bench

2007-12-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

According to reports from Barcelona, Ronaldinho could remain on the bench for the visit of Real Madrid to Camp Nou next weekend as coach Frank Rijkaard continues to look for some other options to create an offensive strategy.

There's just one weel left for the Spanish derby, and a local newspaper is already creating a controversial environment.

After seeing Ronaldinho Gaucho remain an unused substitute in the win over Valencia on Saturday, the Madrid-biased paper believes that it was a punishment by Rijkaard.

In fact, the three-goal victory by the Blaugrana means that the players that appeared in Mestalla will demand that they are first choice.

Argentine star Lionel Messi limped out of the action in the first half at the weekend and was replaced by Giovani Dos Santos, rather than Ronaldinho and Marca think that it was a sign.

We must consider that in midweek, the former PSG star was called back by Rijkaard in training to repeat some excercises after he was thought to have not been trying and the paper believes that is why he was not used against Valencia.

Despite Messi being set to miss the visit of Madrid, Dos Santos, Krkic or even the returning French striker Thierry Henry could be named in the team on the right, with Andrés Iniesta staying on the left and Samuel Eto'o up front.

With almost a full week until the popular derby "El Clasiso", it is only the first salvo in what will undoubtedly be a feisty build-up between the daily sports newpapers.

Ronaldinho's jersey: not the most interesting anymore

2007-11-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

According to sales reports, Barcelona supporters have responded to Ronaldinho's recent poor form by shunning his No. 10 shirt in favor of those worn by other blaugrana stars: Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry.

Indeed, El Periodico the Brazilian publishes that midfielder's shirt was the most popular among Barca fans last June.

However, sales have plunged 40 percent in the last four months compared to the same period last year, the paper said, quoting industry sources.

Recent lacklustre performances by the two-time world player of the year have "begun to have alarming and negative repercussions on his commercial image," it assured.

Sales of the shirts of Argentinian-born striker Liones Messi, who made the team in 2005, and Frenchman Henry, transfered from Arsenal this year, are now more popular than those of Ronaldinho, who has been at FC Barcelona since 2003.

We must say that Ronaldinho Gaucho has come under fire in the Spanish press this season both for some abject performances on the pitch and unprofessional behaviour off it.

Brazil had a hard time beating Uruguay in World Cup qualifier

2007-11-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

In an intense World Cup qualifier, Brazil came from behind to defeat Uruguay. Despite it, they were upstaged by Paraguay and Ecuador who both went on scoring sprees.

Sevilla's Luís Fabiano scored both goals as Brazil overcame their smaller neighbor, 2-1, in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night. The host was heavily indebted to goalkeeper Júlio César for its first win over Uruguay in eight years.

In other games, Paraguay won, 3-0 ,in Chile to go top of the South American qualifying group. Ecuador, which conceded five goals in each of its last two games, beat Peru, 5-1, to pick up its first points.

With four of the 18 rounds of matches played in the 10-team group, Paraguay leads with 10 points followed by Argentina (9), Brazil and Colombia (8), Venezuela (6), Uruguay and Chile (4), Ecuador (3), Peru (2) and Bolivia (1).

In "Morumbi" stadium, Sebastián Abreu gave Uruguay an eighth-minute lead. Only a series of spectacular saves by Júlio César stopped the visitors from adding a second goal.

Toward the end of a poor first half, the home fans began to jeer Brazil, and the Morumbi stadium echoed with whistles and boos from the unhappy fans.

But in the final minute of the half, Luís Fabiano raced to the goal line and fired with almost no angle, somehow shooting between the legs of keeper Fabián Carini, the Uruguayan goalkeeper, to level the score at 1-1.

"We didn't play well, especially in the first half, and we gave the ball away a lot, when our passing is usually our strength," Dunga, the Brazilian boss admitted. Uruguay continued to press forward in the second half, with Suarez beating Gilberto in the opening minute and forcing Júlio César to make a diving save.

It's important to mention that Dunga replaced Ronaldinho with defensive midfielder Josué.

"In the second period we tightened our marking and played like we did in the Copa America," Dunga assured. "I'm happy with my team. We have to improve, that's logical. But it's not just technique - it's a moral question. It's just attitude."

According to reports, Luís Fabiano put Brazil ahead after 64 minutes, controlling a rebound after a shot by Gilberto Silva and drilling it for the winner.

In the end, Uruguay remained on the attack, and a minute later Abreu forced Júlio César to make another sensational save. Jorge Fucile fired over the crossbar, and Gilberto barely deflected a shot by striker "Loco" Abreu.

Ronaldinho might miss the game against Zaragoza

2007-09-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

If we analize the events of the last week, we could say that Ronaldinho's muscle injury may be the least of his problems.

Indeed, the Brazilian footballer has come under scrutiny after supposedly staying out late and breaking curfew, leading the Spanish media to doubt the legitimacy of the strain that will likely sideline him from the team's Spanish league clash against Zaragoza on Wednesday.

"He spoke with the coach, who believed him," stated Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis. "From here on, there's nothing more to say except that Frank Rijkaard believes in him."

And despite the absence of Ronaldinho Gaucho - he also missed Saturday's 2-1 win over Sevilla - Lionel Messi has scored three goals in the last two games to keep the Catalan club surging.

Classic rival Real Madrid leads the standings with 10 points from four matches, one better than both Valencia and Villarreal. Barcelona is fourth with eight points.

Midfielder Yaya Toure, Ronaldinho's teammate, is expecting Barcelona to overcome the saga and get back to worrying about football.

"The truth is that all of these criticisms of Ronaldinho . . . have surprised me a little," Toure expressed. "We are talking about a great player and I'm convinced this will all be a thing of the past soon enough."

Laporta and Zambrotta support Ronaldinho against criticism

2007-09-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

After a tough week for Ronaldinho, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and defender Gianluca Zambrotta have thrown their support behind their most important star.

Ronaldo de Assis has come under scrutiny for some indifferent performances for Barca this season and his lifestyle off the pitch has also been put in the spotlight, with reports of late-night partying 48 hours before a recent game against Osasuna.

But Barca full-back Zambrotta took the side of his team-mate, saying: 'I don't see it as bad to go out 48 hours before a clash. If it is to drink and get drunk then it is not okay, but if it is just to have a small drink then there is nothing wrong with that.

"In fact, what is important is that on the pitch you always give 100%."

What's more, Blaugrana president Laporta refused to comment on Ronaldinho's private life but insisted the club need to rally around the former two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.

"I think that the only therapy for him is to help him and ensure he does not feel apart," Laporta said. "We need to be together with him. I am sure that he will return to give us plenty of success, like he did before".

Joan Laporta: We want Ronaldinho at the Club

2007-06-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

Joan Laporta is convinced that the key persons that achieved Barça's latest titles must stay in the club. That's why he assured on Tuesday that coach Frank Rijkaard would continue at Barcelona for the next season, as well as some key players.

However, the president is aware that there are many thing to improve at the club: "We have absolute confidence in our technical staff and coach. Frank Rijkaard will be the Barcelona coach next season, he is highly motivated, and looking forward to the new campaign," Laporta told a news conference.

But that was not it; Laporta reserved his criticisms for some members of the squad who he felt had not pulled their weight on or off the field. The president warned there would be changes.

"I know that there have been some internal disciplinary problems which we will come down hard on. I'm not going to say any particular name. We'll wash our dirty linen in house," he said. "What I can say, is that we are seeking a left back, a center back, maybe two midfielders and one or two forwards."

Regarding to the situation of leading players such as Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and Brazilian forward Ronaldinho, Laporta quashed any rumors that the club were thinking of selling them.

"Neither are for sale. We totally want Ronaldinho and Eto'o to continue at the club, Rijkaard thinks the same, and the players have told me they also want to stay," Laporta concluded.

It's important to mention that the Blaugrana team finished second in the Primera Liga on Sunday, level on points with arch-rivals Real Madrid but below them due to their inferior head-to-head numbers.

Barça win as Eto'o scores again

2007-02-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

Samuel Eto'o was waiting for this game. The African star marked his return to the Catalan first team with a coolly-taken goal as the Spanish champions rediscovered their form to defeat 3-0 at the Nou Camp this morning.

The Cameroon player, who is returning after over four months out following knee surgery, scored his team's third goal when he drilled the ball low past the goalkeeper after latching on to a superb pass from Ronaldinho five minutes before the break.

It's good to know, with the rest of the top four only managing to draw their matches, the win allowed the Catalans to open up a two-point lead at the head of the table.

Rijkaard's team lead the standings with 49 points from 24 games. Sevilla, who were held 0-0 at Getafe, follow on 47, four clear of Valencia and Real Madrid who drew 1-1 at city rivals Atletico.

It's important to notice that after suffering back-to-back defeats against Valencia and Liverpool, doubts were being raised about Barcelona's form, but the Catalans responded with their best performance in recent months.

Ronaldinho Gaucho, who has been under the microscope after photos in the Spanish media appeared to show he was overweight, turned on the style in the second half.

The Brazilian player was unlucky not to add a fourth when he hit the bar after a mesmerising jinking run past three defenders, was then denied by Aranzubia who got a foot to a goalbound shot 10 minutes later and struck the woodwork again with a precise free kick.

The popular "Dinho" ended the clash with a smile, and joked with pitchside journalists as he took off his shirt to show no signs any flab. The victory reflected his level.

Rijkaard stands by Ronaldinho

2007-02-25T15:01:00.000-08:00

After a tough week, Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard has defended his star player, Ronaldinho Gaucho, over criticism the midfielder is overweight.

As we know, photos taken following Barca's Champions League defeat to Liverpool appeared to show the Brazilian footballer carrying a roll of fat around his waist.

Despite the strong wave of critics, Rijkaard spoke up: "When the photo is taken quite close by, with inadequate light or if there is some movement, it can vary the reality a lot.

"In this instance, for me there are doubts. For me, there's just no problem."

We must consider that Ronaldinho Gaucho was a key influence in Barca's Spanish league title successes in 2005 and 2006 and also helped his team win the UEFA Champions League last season.

What's more, Rijkaard said: "The player has always given great performances, and I have total confidence in him and we should be happy to have him with us.

"It's really sad to see how people change opinion so easily about a player who has given so much to this institution. Thanks to his strength of mind Ronnie has got where he is today, winning titles and prizes on the way."

Despite the bad nights in the last week, Ronaldinho has scored 16 goals for Barca this season. A good number for a midfielder.

Zaragoza cause a big surprise as they defeat Barcelona

2007-01-31T20:06:00.000-08:00

The Blaugrana fans were expecting an easy victory, but Zaragoza crushed those dreams. Uruguayan player Diogo headed in Andres D'Alessandro's corner to put Barcelona in the edge of elimination.

In fact, the South American footballer broke the deadlock in an absorbing and evenly matched encounter when he steered the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Albert Jorquera after a corner kick.

We must say that Ronaldinho was completely controled by the rival's defensive line. The only good chance he had was a long shot in the second half.

It's important to mention that Zaragoza knocked the Catalans out of the cup at the same stage last season and also in 2004, when it went on to win the competition with triumph over powerhouse Real Madrid in the final game.

"I'm not talking to Chelsea or Milan"

2007-01-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho wants to make clear that he is not moving to another club. The reason: many rumours about Chelsea Football Club or AC Milan offering him great contracts.

The Brazilian superstar claims he has no intention of quitting the Catalan club, although he did admit to being flattered by the interest being shown in him by Mourinho's Chelsea FC.

"I think it is a great team and it is always good to know that your work is being seen and that people appreciate it," Dinho admitted.

"However, the only thing I am thinking about is Barcelona and I want to do everything I can to continue to help reaching the objectives.

"Indeed, now I am only focusing on Barca because I am very happy here," he continued. "I have not considered playing for any other club and I want to finish the season like the last couple of seasons, playing good and winning titles."

Ronaldinho Gaucho also dismissed talk of a switch to the Italian football.

"Absolutely not, I have just said that my mind is only concentrated on Barcelona and the only thing I think about is staying here," Ronnie finished.

Milan would pay 110 million Euros for Ronnie

2007-01-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Unofficial sources in Italy are suggesting that Brazilian legend Ronaldinho might not remain just a dream for AC Milan. In fact, these rumours say that the midfielder's situation ih Barcelona is not as good as it was a few months back, mainly due to the frequent arguments with the bossman Rijkaard.

For that matter, we must remember that the latest incident occurred on the return from the Christmas holidays, where Ronaldinho Gaucho arrived late and Rijkaard punished the player by letting him train on his own.

In fact, this events could help AC Milan in their bid to sign the world class forward and bring him to San Siro to play along their star Kaka.

In case that the relationship between Ronaldinho Gaucho and FC Barcelona continues to deteriorate, the Italian powerhouse are prepared to pay 110 million Euros in order to have Ronaldinho in their squad.

Ronaldinho launches Institute to help Brazilian kids

2006-12-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho has a good hearth and a lot of faith in the young people of his country. That's why he has launched an institute in Porte Alegre, Brazil, to help disadvantaged kids through sports and education, an initiative that shows the way forward in global development, a senior UN official announced.

“I'm sure that with this institute, that dream of helping the most vulnerable children and youth in Porto Alegre has come true,” Barcelona's star expressed at Wednesday’s launch.

It's good to know that the United Nations are cooperating with the institute and will provide technical advice and assist in recruiting professionals before the programme begins next March, as it shows the power of sport to help nations reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of targets to slash poverty and other global ills by 2015, according to the Organization.

“The United Nations praises Ronaldinho Gaucho for creating this new initiative that shows how sport can help to improving the lifestyle of children and young people and progress towards achieving the MDGs,” stated Djibril Diallo, Director of the Office of Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP), in a statement on behalf of Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the exact same issue.

Indeed, the "Ronaldinho Gaúcho Institute" has a main goal: to provide poor children and youth access to education, health care and cultural activities, with a capacity of 3,500 youngsters a month. It's important to see that these kids will take part in football, tennis and other sports, as well as attending workshops on information technology, languages, theatre, music and other classes. What's more, the institute will also offer dental treatment.

The Brazilian footballer met with Secretary-General Kofi Annan and was appointed UN Spokesperson for Sport for Development and Peace in August 2006 by UNOSDP, which is cooperating with his initiative on behalf of the world body. He also serves as a UN World Food Programme (WFP) Ambassador Against Hunger.

“I think that if a young person develops his or her talent in sport through the project, then that is amazing. However, this is not our main focus. We want to create opportunities for growth and education,” expressed Roberto Assis de Moreira, brother of Ronaldinho and Executive President of the new organization.

Ronaldinho to receive Spanish citizenship

2006-12-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

Barcelona star, Ronaldinho, should receive Spanish citizenship in the first days of 2007, making him eligible to appear for FC Barcelona as a European Union player, according to unofficial sources.

The super talented footballer delivered documents to a court Wednesday and is awaiting the call to swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution.

We must mention that with Mexico defender Rafael Marquez gaining Spanish citizenship last month, Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o is likely to soon be Barcelona's only non EU player. Spanish clubs are allowed three non EU players in their squads. And as we know, Ronaldinho came second in the FIFA world player of the year award.

Ronaldinho eager to face Liverpool

2006-12-20T00:33:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho Gaucho says he is under no illusions about how tough it will be to knock Liverpool Football Club out of the Champions League.

The current champions will take on the 2005 winners in the tie of the round, with Liverpool travelling to the Nou Camp for the first leg.

In fact, Ronaldinho says he knows the Reds will be a serious threat to the Catalan club's grip on the trophy: "Liverpool have a very shrewd manager in Rafa Benitez and I understand his record while managing Valencia was really good against Barcelona.

"I think that they also have the bonus of having Spanish players in the side so they will know what to expect. Naturally I'm a big fan of Steven Gerrard. I like committed and passionate players. He's a really good player and would warrant a place in any side throughout Europe."

Barcelona reach the World Cup final after crushing America

2006-12-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

Barcelona qualified for the Club World Cup final with a classic 4-0 demolition of Mexico's America on Thursday. Ronaldinho Gaucho had a wonderful night and leaded his team to victory.

Rijkaard's team will face Brazil's Internacional in Sunday's final after cruising to a comfortable victory in front of 62,000 in rainswept Yokohama.

"I think that the players were absolutely shattered after the match," Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard told reporters. "They're hurting still from the jetlag. They will play better in the final."

Iceland striekr Eidur Gudjohnsen gave Barcelona the lead in the 11th minute following a superb three-man move ignited by a sumptuous Ronaldinho Gaucho back-heel.

Andres Iniesta cleverly released Gudjohnsen and the forward swept a crisp right-foot shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Mexican defender Rafael Marquez doubled Barca's lead on the half hour, outmuscling his marker to head in Deco's inswinging corner from the left.

What's more, Ronaldinho added a third in the 65th minute, pouncing on Ludovic Giuly's blocked shot to hook the ball past Ochoa from 12 metres.

The playmaker then unselfishly set up Deco, who drilled a fierce right-foot shot into the top corner from 25 metres five minutes from time to underline Barcelona's dominance.

The Spaniard side are hot favourites to go one better than Johan Cruyff's flamboyant side of the early 1990s by returning to Spain with an historic first world title.

"It was an important game for us," said Rijkaard. "There's still a bigger prize waiting for us on Sunday so hopefully this win will give the team a jump-start."

It's important to mention that South American champions Inter scraped past Egypt's Al Ahli 2-1 in Wednesday's first semi-final. Brazil's Sao Paulo edged out Liverpool 1-0 in last year's final.

Barcelona advanced to the next stage after beating Bremen

2006-12-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho, is proving day by day that hi is a player from another galaxy. The Brazilian scored with a free-kick that went under a five-man defensive wall in a 2-0 triumph against Werder Bremen yesterday. The quintet jumped, anticipating a chipped shot, but the ball passed under them into the net.

"It was pure magic" Barcelona's player Thiago Motta told reporters. "I saw from his face he was going to do something different but we couldn't imagine it would be something like that. He is a really sensational player."

In fact, Ronaldinho also helped set up Eidur Gudjohnsen's goal as Barcelona climbed above Bremen in their group and avoided becoming the first defending champion to exit in the Champions League group phase. We can say that Bremen, which had needed a draw to advance, was eliminated and enters the second-tier UEFA Cup.

We must consider that Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese remonstrated with the defensive wall about Ronaldinho's goal, while team coach Thomas Schaaf said ``it could have been avoided.''

"It really complicated the situation for us" Schaaf told a news conference. The 13th-minute strike buoyed Barcelona in a game it needed to win to reach the round of 16.

And five minutes later, Ronaldinho Gaucho sprayed a crossfield pass to Ludovic Giuly, which the French winger delivered to Gudjohnsen. The Iceland forward scored to make it 2-0.

Roared on by 95,000 fans at Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona fluffed chances to increase the lead. Gudjohnsen beat four players before hitting the post in the 35th minute and Giuly failed to convert the rebound as he shot wide of an open goal.

What's more, Werder Bremen, cheered on by former Wimbledon tennis champion Boris Becker, rallied in the second half, with Daniel Jensen hitting the crossbar with a lob in the 61st minute.

In the other game, English champion Chelsea beat Levski Sofia 2-0 yesterday, and topped the group ahead of Barcelona. Bremen enters the UEFA Cup by virtue of finishing third.

It's important to mention that the draw for the next round is on Dec. 15, with the two-leg games scheduled for Feb. 20 and March 7. That may give Barcelona time to recoup top striker Samuel Eto'o and playmaker Lionel Messi. In fact, both are due to return from injuries in February.

"Our team will be nearly complete," Barcelona President Joan Laporta told reporters. "We've overcome adversity with a lot of effort and hard work. You have to be proud of this group of players."

Barcelona must beat Bremen to survive in the Champions League

2006-12-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

Everybody in Barcelona is confident of defeating Werder Bremen at home on Tuesday, and thus qualifying for the next stage of the Champions League.

As we know, Group A leaders Chelsea have already ensured qualification and Barcelona must get the victory at the Nou Camp to pip the German leaders to the second qualifying slot.

Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard rested Ronaldinho in the weekend draw with Levante, showing the level of importance the Dutchman puts on this encounter.

In fact, the Brazilian playmaker said on Sunday that he "really couldn't wait for Tuesday to come."

We must remember that not since Barca flopped in 1992/93 season have the holders failed to reach the second round.

"i think it would be a real failure if we did not reach the knockout stage," said Barca midfielder Edmilson. "On Tuesday we really need to show everyone why we are the present champions of Europe."

Another footballer looking forward to the clash is Mexican defender Rafel Marquez, now fully fit after missing three games with a sprained ankle.

Actually Rijkaard will have to decide whether to bring back Marquez or stick by Lilian Thuram, who was moaning about being on the bench before Marquez's injury.

The rest of the Catalan team picks itself, with Ronaldinho upfield alongside Eidur Gudjohnsen and Ludovic Giuly.

The Blaugrana president Joan Laporta asked on Sunday for the help of the fans.

"I hope they really get behind the team on Tuesday," he admitted, "and I hope they don't become impatient if things don't go well right from the start."

Now let's talk about Chelsea. They entertain lowly Levski Sofia, who have lost all five group matches to date, knowing a win will ensure they finish top of the group.

Forwards Joe Cole (foot) and Arjen Robben (thigh) missed the 1-0 Premiership win at Bolton last Wednesday and are unlikely to be available, but Didier Drogba should have had time to recover from a strained groin suffered during that match.

Excellent overhead goal against Villarreal (video)

2006-12-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

Millions of fans are requesting to see the incredible goal Ronaldinho scored against Villarreal. So here it is... "absolutely breathtaking":

Superb!

2006-11-26T17:48:00.000-08:00

It's really good to know that Ronaldinho is again the outstanding player he was earlier this year. He turned on the style as he steered his side to an emphatic 4-0 victory at home Villarreal that Barcelona them four points clear at the top of the Spanish League on Saturday.

Ronaldinho Gaucho broke the deadlock in what had been an evenly balanced match when he fired home from the penalty spot 10 minutes before the break and completed the rout with an incredible goal to take his tally for the season to 10.

It`s important to mention that the triumph left the champions top with 29 points from 12 matches, four ahead of Sevilla who travel to Athletic Bilbao later yesterday and six clear of Real Madrid who are at Valencia.

In another match, Real Sociedad’s wretched run of luck continued when defender Ion Ansotegi commited an own goal to deny them a first win of the season as they drew 1-1 at Atletico Madrid.

Forward Gari Uranga gave the basement side the lead midway through the first half when he got in between the Atletico centre-backs to send a glancing header past gaolkeeper Leo Franco.

However, just when it looked as though they might hang on for the win Ansotegi chested the ball past his own keeper after winger Luciano Galletti hoisted a hopeful ball into the area 13 minutes from time.

Sociedad remain anchored to the bottom level on five points with Gimnastic, who played Real Mallorca later yesterday, while Atletico stay in fifth spot on 21.

Rijkaard's squad looked far from their fluent best in the opening half hour at the Nou Camp and were given a couple of early scares by Villarreal striker Diego Forlan.

But they got a crucial breakthrough when Eidur Gudjohnsen manufactured a penalty 10 minutes before the break after he flung himself to the ground when defender Pascal Cygan laid a hand on his arm as he turned into the area.

Ronaldinho Gaucho did the rest when he fired the resulting spot kick low past keeper Mariano Barbosa and into the corner.

The goal sparked Barca into life and it took some fine keeping from the fast Barbosa to deny Deco, Ronaldinho and Giovanni van Bronckhorst before the break.

Gudjohnsen, though, found a way past the Argentine early in the second half when he nodded in at the far post after Andrea Iniesta floated the ball across the area following a Ronaldinho free kick.

The stylish Iniesta made it 3-0 with a spectacular finish when he threw himself at a Gianluca Zambrotta cross to volley the ball into the ground and send it skidding into the net.

But the midfielder was outdone, however, by Ronaldinho who put the icing on the cake with his 10th league goal of the season two minutes from time.

Lurking in the area with his back to goal, the Brazilian controlled a neat pass from Xavi with his chest and then looped a perfectly weighted overhead kick beyond the reach of Barbosa and high into the net to bring the whole stadium to its feet.

Nike presents Ronaldinho Signature Collection

2006-11-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sports clothes company Nike unveiled the new Ronaldinho signature collection yesterday to celebrate one of the best and most inspiring football players of all time. In fact, the collection is the result of a long-term collaboration between Nike and Ronaldinho Gaucho which honours the player on and off the football pitch. Working with Ronaldinho to gain insights into his life, personality and the way he plays his match, Nike developed products to the player’s specifications.

As we said, this collection includes a new football boot – the Tiempo Ronaldinho, signature apparel for both on and off the pitch and new equipment.

It's important to mention that the Ronaldinho collection is the first signature collection designed with a football athlete by Nike. Ronaldinho joins legendary athletes Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and LeBron James to have his own signature product with Nike.

Joaquin Hidalgo, Vice President, Global Brand Marketing & Nike Football expressde: “We are really excited to launch the Ronaldinho signature collection today. We created our first signature collection in football around him as he truly transcends the game of football soccer and connects with consumers throughout the world through his unique style of play, his passion for the game and personality.”

We must mention that in order to create the new Tiempo Ronaldinho football boot, Ronaldinho gave his personal insight from his futsal past and his current style of play. This resulted in a boot which combines classic construction and craftsmanship using soft leathers, a high performance outsole and an increased area where the foot meet the ball.

Tom Minami, Nike footwear designer commented: “We sat down with Ronaldinho and asked him what was most important to him. These insights were crucial for the design creation. His passion for his family, for music and for joy is echoed graphically throughout the collection in three representative colours. These colours surround the core gold ‘10’ – his number on the pitch and the stylized ‘R’ iconography.”

Finally, it's good to know that Ronaldinho will debut the Tiempo Ronaldinho boot when he plays for FC Barcelona against PFC Levski Sofia in the UEFA Champions League game on November 22.

Ronaldinho is back to beat Zaragoza

2006-11-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

Fans were waiting for so long to finally see Ronaldinho in his real dimension. And this night, the Brazilian star led Barcelona to a dramatic 3-1 comeback win over Real Zaragoza in the Nou Camp on Sunday which moved them back to the top of the Spanish tournament.

After the Catalan team had fallen behind to an early strike from Zaragoza's Gabriel Milito, Ronaldinho Gaucho headed Barcelona level from a corner in the 30th minute.

Then, with both sides reduced to 10 players, he curled a superb free-kick into the top corner with four minutes remaining, and in time added on struck another against the crossbar which striker Javier Saviola put in with his head.

We must mention now that Barcelona are top with 23 points, one ahead of Sevilla who were held to a goalless draw away to Racing Santander.

In fact, the game in Nou Camp erupted in controversy midway through the second half as Diego Milito's theatrics got Barcelona's Thiago Motta sent off in the 72nd minute, as he fell to the ground clutching his face after Motta's hand brushed his chest in a challenge.

And after four minutes of heated protests from Barcelona, the game resumed and immediately Saviola was pulled back by Gabriel Milito after he let the ball slip under his foot as the last man back. A red card was shown and he followed Motta down the tunnel.

Unfortunately for Barcelona, they lost Brazilian Edmilson and Argentine forward Lionel Messi because of injuries in the first period.

Deportivo steal a point against Barcelona

2006-11-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

After 90 tough minutes, Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna. This result comes four days after their 2-2 draw against Chelsea.

We must consider that Barca are battling to stay in the Champions League after facing the Blues, and now they may lose the top spot in La Liga to Sevilla or Real Madrid on Sunday.

It's important to say that Ronaldinho's penalty gave Barcelona the lead after a foul on Javier Saviola.

In another crucial moment, Antonio Juan Rodriguez equalised when he knocked in a penalty rebound after Victor Valdes had saved Fabian Estoyanoff's spot-kick.

We msut mention that Sevilla or Real could go top of the Spanish table if they win against Osasuna or Celta Vigo respectively, although Real would also need to improve their goal difference.

In another results, Real Sociedad, who have yet to win this season, lost 2-0 to Levante, with goals coming from Albert Meyong Ze and Laurent Courtois. And in a boring game, Real Mallorca and Atletico Madrid drew 0-0 in Palma.

Rijkaard is not worried about Milan's interest in Ronaldinho

2006-10-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

The Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard is convinced that Ronaldinho will not quit Barcelona for italian powerhouse AC Milan.

As we know, Italian team Milan are keen to tempt the Brazilian to trade his life in Spain for a lucrative move to the San Siro.

Despite those rumours, Rijkaard is confident Ronaldinho has no intention of turning his back on the European champions.

The coach admitted: "I am not worried by the Rossoneri's interest.

"I know champions and their priorities. If they feel at ease in a certain environment it is really hard to change.

"In fact, the relationship between Ronaldinho and the club — not to mention between the player and the city — is perfect, so I do not see any problems. Of course you can never be sure in football.

"But for the time being Milan's interest does not worry me at all. I'm sure he will stay."

Barcelona and Ronaldinho came back to life

2006-10-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

With two goals scored by Ronaldinho, Barcelona finally got a great victory last night, boosting their confidence in the run-up to the visit of Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday. Indeed, the "Blaugrana" coach Frank Rikjaard blamed himself for his team’s defeats at Stamford Bridge and Real Madrid, but he also made it clear he expected a response from his players. They had Victor Valdes to thank for not falling behind within seconds. The goalkeeper was more switched on than his defence when Rosu crossed from the left and Calle got in a glancing header that Valdes saved in a gret style.

We must mention that Barça looked to Ronaldinho and Ludovic Giuly to provide options and width for their three-man midfield. Giuly, on the right, initially looked livelier than the Brazilian who took almost half an hour to make a meaningful contribution, converting a penalty shot after Eidur Gudjohnsen had his jersey held by Pedro Mario.

And they almost went two clear 10 minutes afterwards, when Ronaldinho touched a free kick to his right for Rafael Marquez to drive in a low shot that hit a divot and bounced wickedly on its way through to Laquait, bouncing clear off the Recreativo goalkeeper’s body. A second goal then would have flattered Barça’s stilted efforts.

Recreativo were having some success in keeping Barça quiet by marking Xavi and Deco, the two more creative players, closely, and defending in depth.Theatrical falls in the opposition penalty area apart, Deco’s bad foul on Rosu was evidence of their frustration. Even though Ronaldinho was quiet for long periods, his ability to suddenly come to life was never more evident than in the 56th minute, when he lost his marker and headed Sylvinho’s curling cross powerfully past Laquait.

We must say that now Barça looked a different football team, and two minutes later Xavi produced another fine header to convert Belletti’s cross, this time from the right. A foul on Saviola gave Ronaldinho his chance to make it a hat-trick, but Laquait made a fine diving save.

Drogba was the star in a sad night for Barcelona

2006-10-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Chelsea outplayed Barcelona and got a really important 1-0 victory on Wednesday. And even though Ronaldinho was eager to show his magic, the hero of the night was Didier Drogba.

In fact, nobody at Stamford Bridge would have given much hope for the Blues after a first half that saw the orange tide of Barcelona rising up and argentine Lionel Messi in particular stretching the home defence to its limits. Even the booming pre-match club anthem and Chelsea flags laid on every seat which, unfurled, may have reminded Roman Abramovich of a rally from the good old days of the Soviet Union, had little influence. What mattered was the Mourinho effect.

It's fair to say that the force of Xavi, Deco, Messi and, although peripheral, Ronaldinho threatened to swallow Chelsea, instead the great blue machine chewed them up instead. Chelsea came out after the interval to score through Drogba, a goal that stands comparison with his winner against Liverpool in September and then they gave hope to the rest of Europe by containing the world's most extravagantly gifted club side.

They ended Barcelona's unbeaten record this season and the score in Champions League encounters between Mourinho and Frank Rijkaard over the last three seasons now stands at two wins each and one draw.

Rijkaard: "Ronaldinho is not a machine"

2006-10-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

The boss stands for Ronaldinho. Frank Rijkaard supports Ronaldinho Gaucho against critics that say he is not reproducing the kind of form that earned him the World Player of the Year title. "It is okay to criticise the team because they have shown they can do better but it is too much to only talk about Ronaldinho," the coach said to a local media.

"He is a fundamental player for us but he isn't a robot. Sometimes we forget he is just human, like us."

In fact, Ronaldinho failed to live up to expectations at the World Cup finals in Germany and has struggled to inspire the European and Spanish champions in their relatively sluggish start to the season.

We must mention that Barcelona are top of the Primera Liga but some laboured performances have raised questions about the form of the team and Ronaldinho in particular.

"What happened in the World Cup hasn't affected him. He had the right attitude but his team mates just didn't connect with him," Rijkaard expressed.

"However, it is another thing to talk about the pre-season. Because of contractual obligations he had to play every encounter and this catches up with you in the end.

"We have seen a drop in his performances but we aren't worried. We are managing it and he is doing what he can for the team which is the most important thing."

In a separate newspaper interview Ronaldinho, who has a history of slow starts, backed Rijkaard's assessment of his state of form.

"I start every season the same and the team have started similarly. I am getting into it with the team and we are developing together," Ronaldinho told El Periodico on Thursday.

"I am not a machine. My only objective is to help the team and when they need me I will be there."

The Catalan team face a tough October with high-profile clashes against UEFA Cup holders Sevilla, Real Madrid and two matches against Chelsea in the Champions League.

Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao without Eto'o

2006-09-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Barcelona was just too much for Athletic and beat them in the San Mames on Saturday evening. The game ended 3-1, partly because the Basques were reduced to ten men when Javier Casas was sent off. Goals from Carles Puyol, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Javier Saviola did the damage. Fran Yeste scored a cracker for Athletic.

Ronaldinho's team arrived in Bilbao without injured Samuel Eto'o, so Gudjohnsen joined Lionel Messi and the Brazilian star in attack.

We must consider that Athletic started very much on the front foot, pushing Barcelona into mistakes in possession early on. The home crowd made life difficult for the visiting champions.

Fran Yeste delighted them on 11 minutes, opening the scoring with a sublime volley from a Fernando Llorente cross. It was exactly what the Basques deserved after an attack-minded opening period.

Immediately Barcelona came back. Deco was afforded an ocean of space on the edge of the penalty area, but dallied over his shot and the ball was put out for a corner kick.

Even though they had already begun to exert more control over the match, one incident a few minutes later made life a good deal easier for the Catalan club. The talented Messi sauntered forward down the centre of the pitch and fed the ball through for Gudjohnsen, who was brought down by Casas.

And the referee David Fernandez Borbalan blew and issued a red card, much to the consternation of the fans in the San Mames. Ronaldinho's free kick flew over the bar, but the protestations continued long afterward.

Frank Rijkaard sensed that Barca's star was in the ascendancy and replaced defensive midfielder Edmilson with a fourth attacker, Ludovic Giuly.

However Athletic dug in and defended doggedly. It looked as though they would survive until the break then, in first half injury time, Barca equalised.

After a dangerous ball across, Gudjohnsen retrieved possession near the touchline. He turned inside and whipped in a low cross for Puyol to finish at the near post.

In the second half it was all Barca. Only a minute in, Rafael Marquez volleyed towards goal from twenty yards. His shot cannoned off the inside of the post and flew to safety.

After an hour Xavi played a delightful pass through on the floor to Gudjohnsen, who seemed at the head of every Barcelona attack. The former Chelsea striker finished first time into the far corner as Athletic goalkeeper Inaki Lafuente came out to meet him.

The talented Saviola, who recently thought he would never pull on a maroon and blue shirt again, replaced the Iceland international and added to the tally in the 77th minute.

Ronaldinho Gaucho came forward and found Xavi inside, who played a pass to another substitute, Andres Iniesta, who had come on for Deco. He passed across and Saviola made no mistake from ten yards.

And shortly after Ronaldinho tried an exquisite chip over Lafuente, but it fell just wide of the post.

It's good to mention that the home crowd chanted about robbery, but the truth was Barcelona deserved the win. Much like last year's red card for Arsenal's Jens Lehmann in the Champions League final, the sending off made for an uneven contest, but it was intriguing nonetheless and Athletic can take heart from the way they played.

Dramatic draw against Werder Bremen

2006-09-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

Young striker Lionel Messi netted a last-gasp equaliser for Barcelona after Carles Puyol's own goal looked to have gifted Werder Bremen a priceless win.

Spanish defender Puyol's blushes were spared when substitute Messi finished neatly in the 89th minute after the Germans had held their advantage for much of the second period.

Having lost twice to Barcelona in last season's Champions League group stages, Bremen were in no mood to fold easily this time around and they carved out an opportunity as early as the second minute.

In fact, Aaron Hunt latched onto an inviting through-ball from Tim Borowski, but his weak finish landed comfortably in the hands of Victor Valdes in the Barcelona goal.

Barcelona were looking vulnerable to the attacking presence of Hunt and Miroslav Klose as Werder, seemingly thriving on their billing as underdogs, grasped the upper-hand.

Samuel Eto'o, however, was looking lively and in the 23rd minute he sent in a right-footed attempt from 25 yards out, but Wiese was equal to it.

Ronaldinho also found himself with space in the area mid-way through the first half but he was thwarted by Christian Schulz's bullish tracking.

At the other end, it was Hunt who was creating the bulk of the German side's chances and he tested Valdes again on the half-hour mark. Hunt unleashed an effort from just outside the box which the Barca keeper had to get down low to his left to catch.

Barcelona started the second-half with renewed purpose and a Ronaldinho corner straight after the break should have been converted. A teasing ball into the danger area was missed by three orange shirts, with Ludovic Giuly most culpable.

Klose connected with a Diego corner in the 50th minute but his downward back-post header dropped inches wide of the Barca goal.

Bremen's breakthrough was not far away, and in the 56th minute Puyol guided an inswinging Hunt shot into his own goal.

Hunt's cross from the left flank was pitched into the danger-area and a fully-stretched Puyol, under pressure from Tim Borowski, volleyed past a helpless Valdes.

Barca's luck was to worsen five minutes later when Eto'o was stretchered-off following an innocuous looking fall. He was replaced by Eidur Gudjohnsen, while Messi also entered the fray in place of Giuly.

Borowski went close on 65 minutes but his angled drive from the edge of the box flew marginally wide of Valdes' left post. Moments later, Klose sent a rasping drive goalbound but good hands from Valdes kept it out.

With 15 minutes remaining only a fantastic save from Wiese kept out Messi after the Argentinian had jinked his way expertly into the box.

However, there was no stopping Messi a second-time and after tidy link-up play with Deco on the edge of the Bremen box, the youngster ran on to plant a lethal finish past Wiese and clinch what could prove to be a crucial draw.

Eto'o shines in Barcelona's victory

2006-09-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Barcelona edged Osasuna 3-0 with a brilliant performanece. The first goal came after just one minute when Eto'o finished off a fine move which featured a sumptuous one-two by Deco and Ronaldinho Gaucho.

It's good to know that the Brazilian had returned to Frank Rijkaard's side - along with compatriot Sylvinho - after a foot injury, and his precise cut-back from the by-line gifted Eto'o with an impossible chance to miss.

In fact, the weak Osasuna were an accident waiting to happen and in the 27th minute, the African striker doubled his, and Barca's, tally after latching on to Enrique Corrales' misdirected headed clearance.

Spotting goalkeeper Ricardo off his line, Eto'o chipped the ball home first time with the outside of the right boot. This mouth-watering combination of poaching skills and confident finishing from arguably the world's most powerful striker at the moment sent the home crowd into overdrive.

Nine minutes later, Eto'o turned from scorer to provider after dogged persistence saw the Liga golden boot charge down a hapless clearance from Ricardo. Indeed, the explosive striker squared the ball back to Argentinian sensation Messi, who enticed Ricardo forward before duly nutmeging the former Manchester United bench-warmer to notch the champions' third.

And following the first-half fireworks, the second-half was a relatively tame affair, with Osasuna trying to fight their way back into the game and score a goal that would have done a little to save their honour.

Substitute Valmiro Valdo went the closest, but his woeful shot into the side netting once Lilian Thuram was caught out playing the offside trap showed just why he started the game on the bench.

Argentine young star Messi almost scored his second goal of the night after 61 minutes when his low right-foot effort was diverted onto the far post by Ricardo in what was Barcelona's best effort.

Later, in the 70th minute, one player notoriously omitted from his country's world cup squad - Ludovic Giuly - replaced another footballer notoriously ramshackle during his nation's underperformance in Germany - Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian star had shown glimpses of his best form during the first half - particularly in the build up to the opening goal - but was quick to lose his influence after the break.

Then, Ronaldinho watched the remainder of the match after his substitution with an ice-pack on his left knee, prompting concerns about his availability for Barca's opening Champions League match on Tuesday.

Brazil defeated Wales 2-0

2006-09-07T01:58:00.000-07:00

Brazil played their second friendly game in Europe and got a good victory over Wales. Two second-half goals helped to seal a 2-0 win in a compelling friendly at White Hart Lane on Tuesday.

The good news are that Ronaldinho is finally back after his knee injury. He played against Wales and displayed some great football, as usual. But the most interesting thing of the game was the impressive talent exposed by Ryan Giggs.

Anyway, Brazil took the lead on the hour when left-back Junior Marcelo found the bottom corner with a 25-yard cracker.

Brazil's second goal came from the other flank and from another precocious new full-back talent, albeit one with a greater reputation. Real Madrid's player Cicinho was allowed time to pick his cross and found the head of striker Vagner Love, who had stolen in front of James Collins.

By then Wales, with a promising performance by 18-year-old Gareth Bale, had made enough changes to disrupt their otherwise compact shape. Toshack expressed his concerns that his strikers were profligate, even though Brazil were guilty of far more, and far more glaring, misses.

Brazil defeated Argentina in London

2006-09-03T23:51:00.000-07:00

In a very interesting match, Dunga's new look Brazil defeated Argentina 3-0 in the Emirates Stadium in London. Shouted on by London's large Brazilian community, Elano netted twice and an excellent solo effort from Kaka gave Brazil the bragging rights in this South American derby.

With out the likes of Ronaldinho Gaucho (injured), Ronaldo and Adriano. Brazil managed to out-play and out gun their South American rivals. However, Dunga's first victory came after he surprised most by leaving AC Milan star Kaka out of his midfield starting line up.

It's fair to say that Brazil who took control from the start of the first half. Managing to maintain posession and creating far more chances in front of goal and it didnt take long for Brazil to score. Robinho's ball split the Argentina defence and Elano ran through to slot home after just 3 minutes.

After that goal Brazil maintained control of the game with Lucio and Juan protecting Gomes in goal, Argentina's attack could find no way through.

In the second half Argentina started the stronger side with Lionel Messi almost scoring with the first attack of the half, heading over from close range.

Despite those Argentine attacks, Brazil break forward, first Fred fires in a powerful shot that is well saved - and seconds later Elano finishes off (68min) a flowing move by slotting past Roberto Abbondanzieri. Netting his second of the game.

Argentinian heads dropped after the second goal and some nasty challenges lead to several yellow cards from English referee Steve Bennett.

But Brazil's best was yet to come when Messi lost the ball on the half-way to Kaka who ran the entire length of the half before passing midfielder Clemente Rodriguez and slotting neatly home for a brilliant goal in the 90th minute.

Obviously, Dunga was impressed with his teams display and especially their clinical finishing and with Ronaldinho set to return on Tuesday the future looks bright for Brazil.

We must remember that Brazil next face Wales at White Hart Lane on Tuesday evening.

Brazil vs. Argentina, the most atractive game in England

2006-09-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

Amazingly, Brazil's exhibition football derby against Argentina in London is proving more popular with fans than England's opening qualifier for the 2008 European Championship.

According to a close source, all 60,000 seats for the Sept. 3 Argentina-Brazil contest at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium sold out within a week of going on sale. Indeed, Andrew Ager, a spokesman for Pitch PR, which is promoting the game said so. England's game with Andorra a day earlier at Manchester United's Old Trafford has so far sold 49,000 tickets.

We msut consider that Argentina and Brazil, with seven world titles between them, both recruited new coaches after exiting the World Cup at the quarterfinal stage. Barcelona's Champions League-winning duo Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi will be among the players on display in the squads' first meeting on English soil.

"In Brazil when we play Argentina it is like we are playing in a World Cup final," Brazil coach Dunga admitted. We must keep in mind that he has lifted the World Cup as captain in 1994. "We have something to prove to the fans of Brazilian football."

In fact, the teams have met four times in the World Cup, with Brazil winning twice, Argentina once and one match drawn.

The game has been organized by Swiss-based sports rights agency Kentaro AG, which will share matchday revenue, estimated by the Guardian to be around 2 million pounds ($3.8 million), with Arsenal Football Club and the federations of each nation. The British Broadcasting Corp. is showing the game live at 4 p.m. local time.

It's important to mention that the match will provide a global showcase for Arsenal's 357 million-pound stadium. The club's switch from its 38,000-seat Highbury ground after 93 years is expected to raise annual revenue by as much as 50 million pounds, helping the club compete with the spending power of clubs such as London rival Chelsea.

Without Ronaldinho, Barcelona beat Celta

2006-08-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

The Spanish League has begun with an important victory for Barcelona. Ronaldinho couldn't play because of an injury, but the team managed to beat Celta.

Indeed, Ronaldinho Gaucho was not fit for the game against Celta, and Barcelona had to play without their most important player. That's why the thrilling 3-2 win at Celta Vigo in their opening Primera Liga match of the season on Monday is very important. The triumph was earned thanks to a late goal by substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen.

It's fair to mention that Barcelona, bidding for a third consecutive league title, looked to be suffering from the after-effects of Friday's 3-0 mauling at the hands of Sevilla in the European Super Cup as they fell behind to a Fernando Baiano goal just before halftime.

However, they fought back in a pulsating second half and quick-fire goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi rounded off by Gudjohnsen's last-gasp strike earned Frank Rijkaard's team a very dramatic victory.

Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid were held 0-0 at home to Villarreal on Sunday. At the same time, Valencia, one of the greatest favourites for the title, won 2-1 against visiting Real Betis on Saturday.

Ronaldinho supports Eto'o

2006-08-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho always stands by his friends. Indeed, he has defended his Barcelona team mate Samuel Eto'o for his decision not to celebrate Sunday's victory in the Spanish Super Cup after being replaced by new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen at halftime.

The Cameroon striker, top scorer in the Spanish league last season with 26 goals, left the Nou Camp Stadium before the end of Barcelona's 3-0 victory and did not pick up his winner's medal.

"What happened is understandable because he's the sort of player that wants to be on the field all the time and if he isn't he's unhappy," Ronaldinho expressed on Monday.

"I believe that it's better that he's like that than if he didn't mind not playing and we all hope that he continues to retain the same hunger to play. And these things are best sorted out in the dressing room."

Furthermore, Barcelona's coach Frank Rijkaard had also played down the incident in his post-match news conference on Sunday.

"It is true he left early," he admitted. "After a game emotions are running high and it is better to sleep on it and talk about it the following day."

The "Blaugrana" team picked up where they left off last season with a scintillating display against King's Cup winners Espanyol. A great header from Xavi and two well crafted goals from Deco allowed them to ease their way to a 4-0 aggregate victory over their city rivals.

"Barca played well and there were some moments of spectacular football," Rijkaard explained. "However, it was only one encounter and we have to keep working hard. I'm very pleased that Barca made such a great impression, though."

The first title of the season

2006-08-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

FC Barcelona claimed their first silverware of the current season with a high-class 3-0 vicory over city rivals Espanyol in the second leg of the Super Cup on Sunday.

An excellent header from Xavi and a spectacular double from Portugal international Deco gave Frank Rijkaard's side a 4-0 aggregate triumph over the King's Cup winners.

As we already know, Ronaldinho's team also won the Super Cup last season, and have now won the trophy seven times, the same total as arch-rivals Real Madrid.

We must mention that they will have the chance to add another title to their collection when they play UEFA Cup winners Sevilla in the final of the European Super Cup in Monaco on Friday.

"I think it was the perfect way to start the season," Deco told reporters after the match. "It was very good to score four goals and win without having to suffer too much."

in fact, the first leg was marred by controversy over the participation of Barcelona duo Carles Puyol and Xavi just three days after they had withdrawn from Spain's friendly with Iceland because of an injury, with Espanyol claiming their inclusion had breached FIFA rules.

However, there was little Espanyol could do to stop Barca on the pitch and with Ronaldinho Gaucho and Xavi pulling the strings in midfield the home side were in scintillating form in the opening 20 minutes.

They opened the scoring after four minutes when Xavi sent a glancing header spinning into the top corner after Ronaldinho had dinked the ball across the area after bamboozling Espanyol defender Sergio Sanchez with a mesmerising step-over.

And ten minutes later Deco made it 2-0, steering a low shot past Kameni after fullback Juliano Belletti had cut back a superb pass from the byline when he had raced on to a fine through-ball from Xavi.

With the victory assured, Barca eased up and Espanyol were able to stem the tide until early in the second half when Deco added a third with an overhead kick after another great cross from Brazilian midfielder Belletti.

Brazil will face Argentina with Ronaldinho and Kaka

2006-08-18T09:44:00.001-07:00

In a very expected statement, the Brazilian Football Federation announced the list of players who will participate in two friendly matches that Brazil will play in the UK on September 3, against classic rival Argentina, and on September 5, against Wales.

Indeed, comparing the list with the squad that tied 1-1 against Norway in Oslo, head coach Dunga included three new names: Milan's midfielder Kaka, Barcelona's midfielder Ronaldinho and forward Rafael Sobis.

As we know, Kaka, Sobis and Ronaldinho will replace three other players from the national team: Wagner, who plays for Brazil's Cruzeiro; Brazil's Vasco da Gamas midfielder Morais; and Jonatas, who has recently left Brazil's Flamengo to play for Spains Espanyol. In fact, Wagner, Morais and Jonatas were second-choice players in his strategy and did not play yesterday.

It's important to know that the choice for Sobis was an acknowledgement for his role in yesterday's Internacional winning of the Libertadores Cup title. The player netted twice in the first game of the finals against Sao Paulo.

Ronaldinho Gaucho and Kaka took part in World Cup 2006, when the team was still under the command of Carlos Alberto Parreira. However, Dunga did not include in the list some veterans of Parreira's team, such as Real Madrid's Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Didi and Juninho.

We must mention that after their friendly matches in the UK, Brazil will also play against Kuwait, on October 7. They must confirm the date for those games.

When it comes to marketing...

2006-08-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

When he goes with a ball, Ronaldinho turns into the world's most feared soccer player. But when he is Off the ground, Ronaldinho comes across as just a regular guy.

Indeed, the Brazilian star is not completely comfortable in his latest role, marketing soccer during an American tour aimed both at raising the sport's profile in the United States and preparing his own club for the Spanish season.

"The marketing part is coming along little by little," Ronaldinho Gaucho expressed. "I like doing the commercials. Everyday I'm a little more comfortable."

The Brazilian midfielder says Americans have improved dramatically since he first started coming to the United States as part of an under-17 squad.

"In every competition, we see they are improving and could do something big within a short amount of time," said Ronaldinho, who wouldn't rule out playing in the U.S. in the last part of his career.

Ronaldinho has not seen Zidane's incident

2006-08-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to know that Ronaldinho might be the only person on the planet who hasn't seen the most famous moment of 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The Barcelona's star said in an interview Friday that he has yet to watch video of French midfielder Zinedine Zidane head-butting Italian Marco Materazzi in the tournament final - though he's heard about it from everyone he knows.

"To tell you the truth, I haven't seen anything," Ronaldinho admitted while in Los Angeles ahead of Sunday's friendly game between his FC Barcelona and Mexico's Chivas of Guadalajara.

As we know, Zidane was ejected for the head butt in the World Cup's final in an image broadcast worldwide. Italy went on to win 5-3 on penalty shots.

It's fair to mention taht it was Zidane who played an instrumental role in knocking Brazil out in the quarterfinal.

"I must confess that when we were eliminated from the World Cup, I went home and disconnected from the world. I didn't watch TV or read the newspapers," said Ronaldinho, who returned to the southern Brazilian town of Porto Alegre where he grew up.

"Everybody I saw told me about it, but I preferred to stay away from (everything related to) the World Cup," Ronaldinho said.

Ronaldinho Gaucho noticed the head butt didn't diminish Zidane's "spectacular career."

"I think that he deserves all the awards he receives," he said. Ronaldhino has won FIFA's World Player of the Year award twice compared to Zidane's three times.

Indeed, Ronaldinho, who often has ear-to-ear smiles during games, said he too sometimes loses his cool on the soccer field.

"There is anger during games," he explained. "In one moment or another, you can lose your head, or just not be able to take that kind of pressure."

Barcelona defeated Tigres on their tour

2006-08-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Catalan team is on an American tour, and they showed their talent in Mexico. FC Barcelona defeated Mexican team UANL Tigres 3-0 Thursday courtesy of a free kick by Ronaldinho and an own-goal by Sindey Balderas. Now the Spanish club prepared to launch a tour of the United States.

"I think this result is positive because we won and managed to get almost all our players in the match" said Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard. "The Tigres had bad luck with their definition, but for us it was an interesting game and we had to work a bit."

About the game, we can say that Barcelona scored 6 minutes into the game following a free kick by Mexican Rafael Marquez, who plays for the Spanish team. Marquez hit a soft ball past the Tigres' barrier into center of the crease where Balderas tried to clear the ball but kicked it into his own net.

Furthermore, the second goal was a lesson on how to take a free kick by Ronaldinho. At the 70th minute, the Brazilian sent the free kick over the Tigres' barrier and beyond the reach of the goalkeeper into the net.

It's important to know that the Brazilian also assisted in Barcelona's 3rd goal at the minute 77, when he slipped a pass to Eidur Gujohnsen who put it past the Mexican keeper.

Between his new girlfriend and the World Cup?

2006-07-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Interesting and very controversioal news about Ronaldinho and his new girlfriend came up to light. Apparently, the brazilian soccer player broke the curfew rules imposed on the national team during the World Cup 2006 to have sexual romps with the French model Alexandra Paressant.

As it was posted in The Sun, Ronaldinho visited Alex almost every night at her hotel during the World Cup, made love to her, and then played the World Cup on Playstation and video games, missing out on much needed rest and recuperation.

In fact, Alexandra expressed: “The Brazilian coach had banned WAGS from the squad’s hotel but we couldn’t bear to be apart. So, nearly every night he would come to my hotel room and we would make love all night. Sometimes we didn’t even make it into the room, we would make love there and then in the corridor. We are mad for each other."

As for the player, he saiy they are deeply in love: “We love each other and want to be together forever,” he was quoted, as saying.

Ronaldinho wins ESPY award and talks to his fans

2006-07-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho won the ESPY award as the "Best Footballer", but after the bad World Cup experience, the footballer felt that he should give a message to his fans. And on his official website, he expressed: "I know many people expected a brilliant performance from the national team and especially from me.

"I am sorry we left the World Cup stage without being able to show our true talent and what we are capable of.

"I admit that I wanted a different end to my personal dream of winning one more World Cup, but it just didn't happen.

"I am sorry. Nothing I can say will change what happened. This is why I want to apologise, along with my team-mates, for not winning the World Cup in Germany."

In fact, Ronaldinho has carried the brunt of much of the fans' criticism after failing to reproduce the form he showed throughout the season at FC Barcelona.

"We now need your help to build on this squad" the midfielder asked his fans.

What's inside Zidane's head?

2006-07-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

According to most of the fans, Ronaldinho was one of the big fails in the World Cup. But Zidane made everyone remember that even the best ones are still humans, and have moments of disgrace.

In the World Cup Final, Italy defeated France and won the title. But Zidane will be remembered for other reason: he hit the italian defender Marco Materazzi's chest with his head.

In fact, his violent headbutt of Marco Materazzi during overtime drew a red card, leaving France without its best player at the most important time. While the referees have taken their share of heat throughout this World Cup, there was no controversy surrounding this call.

It's hard to fully predict the impact of Zidane's dismissal. But given the fact he had scored France's lone goal on a penalty kick in the seventh minute and that the game ended up going to a shoot-out, I can bet the French would have loved to have seen him out there.

We can say that any athlete, whether playing at an elite level in front of thousands of fans in a big stadium or in front of 50 fans at a beat-up ballpark, must know when to control him or herself.

Zidane has now joined the list of people who forgot that and it's something he'll always be remembered for and even worse, it's something that will haunt him forever.

The most painful elimination is against France

2006-07-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

It is certainly one of the biggest fails in the World Cup history. Ronaldinho and the rest of the Brazilian team were so expected to make history and win the title, that they couldn't take the pressure. And they failed.

The most painful part is that they lost to France, a team that became professional in the art of eliminating Brazil. It's important to mention that they had arrived in Germany as World, Copa America and Confederations Cup champions, the latter two titles having been achieved with wins over old enemies Argentina.

But maybe they peaked too soon, producing a dream performance to beat Argentina 4-1 in the Confederations Cup last year. Carlos Alberto Parreira, usually criticised for being over-cautious, reverted to the veterans for the knockout stages amid a collective sigh of exasperation back home.

Their ageing squad produced a performance of breathtaking apathy against France as they failed to seriously make goalkeeper Fabien Barthez work.

It's really amazing that with 20 minutes to play and the team 1-0 down in a World Cup quarter-final, Brazil often had six players in their own half of the field calmly exchanging passes as if they had nothing to fight for.

It was almost as if they had come to believe they had a divine right to be in the final and that they would score almost at will.

In fact, Cafu, their 36-year-old team captain, admitted as much, "I had the sensation that we felt we could settle the clash from one moment to the next," he said.

It's fair to say that it has often been the case in the recent past. In many games under Parreira Brazil have looked second-best but their ruthless efficiency in front of goal has given them what in the end looked like easy wins.

Their 3-0 win over Ghana in the second round was typical, with the West Africans dominating large parts of the match. Now we can say that Parreira has not yet officially quit or been sacked but there seems little likelihood that he will continue in the coaching.

Brazilian fans destroy Ronaldinho statue

2006-07-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Many furious Brazilian football fans have destroyed a seven-metre tall statue of world player of the year Ronaldinho after the team lost to France in the Germany 2006 World Cup. The local mayor's spokesperson says the statue, made out of resin and iron, in the southern town of Chapeco in Santa Catarina state, was burnt over this weekend.

Kattielly Lanzini, author of the masterpiece, told the police to start an investigation. It's important to mention that the statue was worth more than $ 2300, and it was about to be sold.

It is an amazing expression of anger against a team that was absolute favorite for this Cup, and against a player that was once loved and admired in Brazil. But we know that Ronaldinho has enough class to recover from this hard times.

Brazil want Ronaldinho to recover his level

2006-06-28T23:53:00.000-07:00

The Brazilian team advanced easely to the quarter-final after beating Ghana by 3-0, and Ronaldo became the main atraction. But Ronaldinho started to be questionated. Even by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who admitted he is expecting more from the Barcelona's player.

In fact, Parreira expressed: "Ronaldinho, unlike the one of Barcelona, is only at a reasonable level. He must go up a step for the quarter-finals, the semis and, God willing, the final."

Brazil will battle France in Frankfurt, and this derby reminds us the final game in France 98.

As for Ronaldinho, he claims: "I believe at the right moment the goal is going to come. It will be great if it's saving itself for the final.

"I am really dedicated even though the goal everyone is expecting hasn't arrived. But I have confidence that when the squad needs it most, the goal will come.

"I know taht I have alternated between good moments and not so good moments so far. In the role I play, the really important thing is not to give the ball away. I am just trying to get myself near the area. The aim is to get further forward so I have the chance to dribble."

Brazil defeated Japan with two goals of Ronaldo

2006-06-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

Brazil finally exposed all their arguments on the field and crushed a weak Japan with a 4-1 score. Brazilian newspapers celebrated on Friday the victory and Ronaldo Nazario's achievements, after he scored two of the game's four goals.

The Japanese team open the score with a blast from Keiji Tamada in the first half, but the "verdeamarelha" responded with two goals by Ronaldo, and the other ones netted by Gilberto and Juninho.

The win is especially good for Ronaldo, who was attacked in the press for his poor performance and for being fat.

Ronaldinho Gaucho made a really good game, given important passes for two goals, and is starting to become imnportant in this World Cup.

During the match, Cicinho took over from Cafu, Gilberto for Roberto Carlos, Gilberto Silva for Emerson, Juninho Pernambucano for Ze Roberto and Robinho for Adriano.

"With a renewed pace and rhythm, the team had effective wingers and a midfielder who knew how to handle the ball. Robinho moved in front and Ronaldinho Guacho played better," O Globo published.

Less freedom for Ronaldinho in Brazilian team

2006-06-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Brazilian coach Carlos Parreira makes Ronaldinho play a different role in the national team. The twice World Player of the Year has so far failed to live up to his billing in Germany, giving more ammunition to critics who say he produces his best for Barcelona.

"The professor asked me to play more as an attacking midfielder," he told the press. "I have to start the moves. I haven't lost any freedom but I play deeper, I have to supply our striker."

Ronaldinho Gaucho completed four full internationals without scoring when he played in Monday morning's 2-0 victory over Australia, his last goal coming in the 4-1 win against Argentina in the 2005 Confederations Cup final game.

"My role here is a little bit different," he admitted. "When you play further forward, every dribble produces an opportunity for a shot on goal.

He added his view of the team: "Here my job is to make the team play. I'm not here to play for myself. In Brazil, all the players are of a really high standard so everybody has to help each other out, nobody is here to create a conflict.

In the other hand, Parreira said Ronaldinho had been closely marked in this Cup.

"In fact, Ronaldinho knew he would be under permanent vigilance with two or three players on him all the time," the coach noticed.

"He came here amid all this expectation. We all know that he's been the best in the world for two years running and television stations all over the world are always showing him while playing.

"Coaches know if you give him freedom, he will make the difference." he fnished.

Australia was hard to beat

2006-06-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Brazil had to fight really hard to beat Australia. But Adriano and Fred manage to score and gave Brazil a 2-0 to assure their pass to the second stage of the Cup. Adriano notched his first goal of the tournament four minutes into the second half after the South Americans had endured a frustrating first half against Guus Hiddink's team.

Ronaldinho managed the ball in the midfield but he was strongly stopped by Australian players.

Substitute striker Fred wrapped up the win in the 89th minute, rolling home a rebound after a Robinho shot that came back off a post.

Australian substitute Harry Kewell had missed a great chance to equalise a minute after coming on in the 56th minute, shooting over an empty goal after Dida dropped the ball.

Real Madrid´s Ronaldo played poorly and was substituted for the second game running in another generally unconvincing performance by Brazil, who beat Croatia 1-0 in their opening match.

It's important to say that Australia, who face Croatia in their last game, have three points while Japan and Croatia have one point each in Group F of the World Cup.

Brazil fights hard to get a 1-0 win over Croacia

2006-06-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Brazil went on the field to prove why they are so favorites, but Ronaldinho and his team mates found a very hard to beat Croatian team. In the end, the "verdeamarelha" only got a 1-0 victory.

Brazilians had to withstand a threatening Croatian onslaught in the second half to clinch victory. Only the sure hands of AC Milan goalkeeper, Dida, who has looked fallible at times, kept Croatia at bay.

In fact, it took a moment of brilliance from Kaká, a midfielder who plays for AC Milan, to make the difference. Taking a pass from the veteran Brazilian captain, Cafu, in the 44th minute, he swiveled sharply left past two Croatian players on the edge of the area.

After looking up quickly and without breaking his stride, he shot an unstoppable left-footed drive into the top left corner of the net. That was one of the best goals in the Cup, made in the grand tradition of Brazilian artistry.

Brazilian fans, who had been uncharacteristically silent for most of the first half, erupted and the steeply banked stands were transformed into a pulsing ocean of yellow and green.

However, Braziliam football looked ordinary. Its star striker, Ronaldo, who has scored 12 World Cup goals, the same number as Pelé, is clearly overweight. He was a study in lumbering immobility until he was taken off in the 69th minute and replaced by his fellow Real Madrid player, Robinho. If Ronaldo is fit enough to make any impact on this tournament is now an uncomfortable question.

Speaking of striker, Adriano of Inter Milan, was also subdued. With two of the four members of its glittering attacking quartet - Ronaldo, Adriano, Ronaldinho and Kaká - making scant impression, Brazil was a side drained of its customary brio.

However, we know that first World Cup games are always tense occasions and the trophy is generally won by teams who peak slowly in the World Cup.

Brazil gets ready as Ronaldinho ask for more security against fouls

2006-06-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho Gaucho is convinced that rivals will hit and foul Brazilian players more that any other ones. That's why he asked the referees to be alert and protect them and the way they play football.

Brazil will play against Croatia and they feel ready and happy to see the tournament begin. But Ronaldinho said that he hoped the referees would pay special attention to their opponents in trying to stifle their flowing attacking style of football.

“All the other nations are waiting for us and will be doubly alert in paying attention to our attack,” said Ronaldinho, who scored a wonder goal four years ago against England in the quarter-finals.

“It's ok, that motivates me even more. I know that no player is going to make life easy for us. It is very important that the refereeing is rigorous because of our style of playing.”

The midfielder also said he was delighted with the form he was in: “It is wonderful to be approaching a World Cup Finals in the form that I am in.

“You can see that there are no nerves in our team, we are just gagging to start the tournament. We have of course prepared to do our best, because we know that the World Cup will be really hard if we are not ready. Otherwise, we will not get the victory.”

Pele writes about Ronaldinho

2006-06-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Pele knows the World is comparing Ronaldinho with him. So, he has some words to say: According to Pele, Ronnie has still a lot to learn, and he must prove his class in Germany.

"This World Cup will be the main challenge for him. Of course, he's a world class player. But in a tournament like the World Cup he still has a lot to learn," Pele wrote in his column for the newspaper Bild am Sonntag. "He has to continue the form he showed this season with Barcelona,"

Ronaldinho Gaucho was in Brazil's title-winning team in Japan and Corea four years ago, but the pressure has increased on the playmaker since Barcelona won the Champions League final.

According to the "King", Ronaldo would return to form after a difficult season with Real Madrid, which saw him unable to command a regular place.

"We are worried about Ronaldo because he plays a really important role in our squad," said Pele. "But a big advantage of our squad is that we have two world class players for virtually every position. What other team can say that about themselves? No one."

Ronnie warns of Australian Power

2006-06-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho thinks that Australia has the power to defeat Brazil at their own game when the two teams meet in groupF in Munich on June 18.

In fact, at the time the Brazilian joined Barcelona three seasons ago he thought he was signing for a team which would be coached by Socceroos maestro Guus Hiddink, and Ronaldinho believes the Dutchman is in the process of converting Australia into the neutral supporter's "other" favourite team.

IT's very well known that Brazil have long enjoyed the position of being loved by everyone in the world apart from Argentina, but Ronaldinho thinks that the remarkable Australian qualifying story has begun to push Hiddink's squad into the hearts and minds of neutrals everywhere.

"Even though Australia looks a formidable team and they are our key group rivals, I must admit that I'm fascinated by them from a purely personal point of view," FIFA's world player of the year told the Herald. "Apart from appointing one of the top four or five managers in the football world, what Australia did when they signed Hiddink was drag world attention onto themselves.

"Anybody who knows about football understands that Hiddink is a magnificent achiever and someone whose names stand for perpetual success. So I think that focused people's attention, all around the world, on how Australia might do in qualifying.

"Then if you take the drama and the romanticism of the victory over Uruguay it seems to me that Australia has become an easy team for the neutrals to support. Everyone I speak to seems to have a good word for Australia in a sporting sense and lots of decent judges have identified them as a side which could make a surprising impact in this World Cup."

Brazil need security as they train in Switzerland

2006-05-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

Brazil is in Weggis, a small town in Switzerland, to complete their preparation. But the popularity of the team is so big that they need extra security. Five fans invaded the team's practice and the Brazilian managers are taking the steps to avoid this to happen again..

More guards stood on the sidelines of the arena where the Brazilians were training ahead of the World Cup in Germany which starts on June 9 after three men and two women got on the training ground on Friday and ran toward players. Even more, one of the women was able to get a hug from Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian team members spent most of yesterday's morning session working out in the gym and only briefly made it onto the practice ground.

Additional security was required in the media centre as well. According to reports, two notebook computers and one digital camera were stolen.

Thousand of people have been trying to get a glimpse of the Brazilian stars every day. All 45,000 tickets for the training sessions were sold in advance at around R120 each.

As we know, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira threatened to ban the public from training sessions if the hysteria surrounding the world champions interfered with practice.

The chief of Brazil's delegation downplayed Friday's pitch invasion, however, and assured that it would not make Brazil change their training place.

As humble as he can be

2006-05-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho has earned so many trophies and awards like the World Footballer of the Year in 2004 and 2005, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002 that he is favourite to repeat that success in the June 9-July 9 World Cup in Germany later this year. What's more, the Brazilian player added a Champions League medal to his collection last week when he played in Barcelona’s 2-1 Champions League final victory against Arsenal.

That's why some people can be surprised at his words: in an interview on Sunday, Ronaldinho said that he does not consider himself the best player in the world.

“I think I am a player playing very good football, so I am really happy. But I am aware of the fact that I have room for improvement. However,there are lots of great players in many countries” he said. " Henry, Zidane, Ronaldo, Adriano, Robinho, Kaka, Shevchenko, …there are lots in every team.”

He says he is hoping that Brazil can repeat their triumph of four years ago, but he is quick to point out that his main objective is not to be the main superstar of the World Cup.

“I think that it will be the World Cup of the Brazilian team, not me. The important thing is that Brazil wins the tournament for the sixth time.” He admits though that he wants to get the status of other great players. “Players like Pele, Diego Maradona and Franz Beckenbauer. I want to win the most trophies possible so that fans remember me as a player who did something very important for football.”

Kings of Europe

2006-05-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Barcelona is the new king of Europe after defeating a very hard-to-die Arsenal. The final ended 2-1, and the fans were more than happy. This Champions League final encounter between the Spanish and English sides at the Stade de France in Paris might not have matched last season's final in terms of goals, but it will go down in history as one of the most memorable games that left supporters at the edge of their seats from the kick off to the last minute.

Arsenal started off the match on a more positive attitude. But When goalkeeper Lehmann was sent off with a red card, everything turned blaugrana color. Barcelona dominated the game, with Ronaldinho and Deco controling the midfield. But despite that, Arsenal hit first: Sol Campbell scored at 38 minute and surprised everyone in the Stadium. Although Barcelona dominated all the match, they had to wait until minute 76 to see Samuel Eto'o score and tie the game.

And 5 minutes later, Barcelona's substitutions turned out to be inspired ones: Larsson once again was the provider (like in the first goal), this time for another substitute Juliano Belletti. From a tough position, Belletti hit a hopeful shot at Almunia, resulting in the ball deflecting off the goalkeeper's legs and remarkably into the roof of the net, sending Barca fans into rapture.

The game finished and the Spanish squad celebrated along with a whole nation. Ronaldinho, Deco, Eto'o, Marquez and all the players got their medals and hold the trophy: They are the new kings of Europe.

Ronaldinho and Henry: Friends and Rivals in the Final Game

2006-05-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Just a few days before the clash Barcelona-Arsenal, Ronaldinho has revealed his secret phone calls and text messages to the Gunners' striker Thierry Henry as he pleads with him to join the Spanish team this summer.

Ronaldinho says he is in regular contact with Henry which will be a major concern to Arsenal as they battle to keep their captain from the clutches of Barcelona this summer. And Ronaldinho Gaucho has told the Frenchman that there is no better place to play football than Barcelona as the two clubs prepare to meet in next Wednesday’s Champions League final.

Indeed, it is also seen as a battle between the two best strikers in the world but the Barca playmaker insists there is room for both of them at the Nou Camp.

In fact, Ronaldinho has developed a friendship with Henry after meeting at several world player of the year events and through sponsorship business.

“I speak with Henry on the phone quite often, but I haven’t spoken to him this week. We just have swapped a few text messages. He is a fantastic player, one of the best in the world,” said the Brazilian star.

“We ust understand this is not a contest between Ronaldinho and Henry, it is a game between Barca and Arsenal and we all have to be prepared.

I believe that Henry is a player who has a lot of quality and he could go to any team in the world and make it better.

“He is so great technically, has great pace and has a lot of force. He has the characteristics of a player that could adapt to any club in the world.

“I’m really not thinking to myself that in the final I can impress him and convince him to join us. That’s not my priority. My objective is to do my best for my club. It won’t be me that makes his decision for him. However, I can say that it’s always a good thing to have amazing players in your team and that is what we have here.”

Barcelona beat Cadiz and can be Champions today

2006-04-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

Barcelona moved within two points of its second straight Spanish league title on Saturday, after defeating Cadiz 1-0.

Ronaldinho's team will be announced champion for the 18th time on Sunday if second-place Valencia draws or loses against Alaves.

Barcelona's 23rd league victory of the season came three days after it eliminated AC Milan and reached the European Champions League final for the first time in 12 years.

We must remember that Barcelona will face Arsenal in the final in Paris on May 17.

The Blaugranas leads with 76 points, 11 more than Valencia. Real Madrid is third with 63. All three squads have four more matches to play.

Ronaldinho, left unmarked in the penalty area, swiveled and volleyed the ball into the roof of the net in the ninth minute at Camp Nou stadium following a driving run and cross by right back Juliano Belletti.

Samuel Eto'o failed to double Barcelona's lead in the 63rd minute when his penalty shot was parried by Cadiz keeper Oscar Limia. Defender Eduardo Berizzo conceded the penalty by fouling Mark van Bommel.

Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez appeared as a 81st-minute substitute, boosting his hopes of being selected for the World Cup.

Twice denied by acrobatic saves by Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, Cadiz remained 19th with 32 points and increasingly likely to return to the second division after a season's absence.

Barcelona is in the Final

2006-04-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

In one of the most expected derbies, FC Barcelona tied 0-0 with AC Milan yesterday to reach the Champions League final 1-0 on aggregate.

Now Ronaldinho and his team will play Arsenal at the Stade de France in Paris May 17 thanks to their 1-0 vicotry in the first leg of the semifinals with Ludovic Giuly's goal at the San Siro last week.

Milan keeper Dida made two saves to deny Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o in the first half, and stopped a header from substitute forward Henrik Larsson after halftime.

It's important to say that Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko had a goal disallowed in the 69th minute for a foul on Barcelona captain and defender Carles Puyol in front of a 95,000 fans crowd in Camp Nou stadium.

Barcelona were playing in their 100th Champions League match, and almost scored two minutes later -- but Dida dived to block a shot from Eto'o.

AC Milan's best opportunity came when Schevchenko hit the side-netting in the 23rd minute.

It won't be easy to win

2006-04-25T23:36:00.000-07:00

They may have win in Milan, but it would be a huge mistake to consider AC Milan defeated. Ronaldinho and Frank Rijkaard know it for sure, and are getting ready for the game.

Whatever the outcome, both Milan and BArcelona agree this semi-final return could reach the heights never quite attained when Barcelona gained their 1-0 advantage at San Siro last week. "It'll be a great game between two great sides," Rijkaard said.

"Everybody knows AC Milan are coming to give it everything and to beat us out of the tournament - but we're going for it as well."

Ronaldinho, whose inspired the pass that brought Ludovic Giuly's well-taken goal in Milan, predicted that Barcelona will confront a different and more mentally daunting task tonight, aware of Milan's vast European experience and their ruthlessness in front of goal, which for once deserted them last week.

"We must play with a lot of intelligence and forget about the result of the first match," said the Brazilian. "It will be really difficult and we will have to maintain full concentration."

The Italians are convinced that Barcelona, given their advantage, will not commit themselves forward too much in the opening half-hour - "I think Barcelona will be as prudent as they were at San Siro," said returned the compliment. "Milan can win Milan's coach Carlo Ancelotti. But Rijkaard parried suggestions that his squad would play more conservatively. "We can't go into this clash calculating."

Oh, what a night!

2006-04-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Barcelona can celebrate after this outstanding victory. They beat AC Milan 1-0 in Italy, thanks to a goal of Ludovic Giuly.

Milan wasted many good chances with Andriy Shevchenko and Gilardino. But also Barcelona could have scored more: A brilliant shot from Ronaldinho hit the post at the end of a swift counter-attack. Milan wasted another chance when substitute Massimo Ambrosini screwed a shot wide in the 81st minute.

In fact, Milan have been clinical in their finishing throughout the competition this season but they missed the sharpness in front of goal of their striker Filippo Inzaghi, who was sidelined due to a virus.

We must remember that Frank Rijkaard is a former team-mate of Ancelotti's at Milan. The coach said "It was a very important result and I want to congratulate all the players. We were playing at a tough venue against a top team and it wasn't easy."

Milan, playing in their third Champions League semi-final in four seasons, dominated the early exchanges in front of a passionate 76,000 capacity crowd but it was Barcelona who took a vital lead 12 minutes after the break. We must say that Ronaldinho split the Milan defence open and Giuly, anticipating the delivery and losing his marker, Kaladze, with a sharp diagonal run, beat keeper Dida with a precise left-foot finish.

With Barcelona dominating midfield, Dida was forced into action in the 66th minute to keep out a shot from Andres Iniesta as Ancelotti's side looked in danger of letting the game slip out of control. The boss responded by bringing on Paolo Maldini for an out-of-sorts Andrea Pirlo, pushing Serginho forward into midfield and then introduced Ambrosini for Gennaro Gattuso.

Line-ups:

AC Milan (4-4-2) Dida; Stam (Cafu 77), Kaladze, Nesta, Serginho; Gattuso (Ambrosini 74), Pirlo (Maldini 67), Kaka, Seedorf; Shevchenko, Gilardino

Barcelona (4-3-3) Valdes; Oleguer (Motta 75), Puyol, Marquez, van Bronckhorst; van Bommel, Edmilson, Iniesta; Giuly (Belletti 71), Eto'o, Ronaldinho Gaucho(Lopez 89)

Barcelona want to beat Milan

2006-04-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

Barcelona FC is ready to face AC Milan, even though they have two main players down for the game. The team warmed up for Tuesday's encounter by moving a step closer to retaining their Primera Liga title with a 1-0 win over Villarreal on Friday, leading striker Samuel Eto'o scoring his 24th goal.

Ronaldinho Gaucho was rested for a second league match in a row, but coach Frank Rijkaard was left with two new injury worries up front after Henrik Larsson hobbled off with a thigh strain and his replacement Santi Ezquerro followed him down the tunnel with a bruised knee.

Barcelona are already certain to be without their dynamic Argentine teenager Lionel Messi who has failed to recover in time from a torn thigh muscle and will now miss both legs of the semi-final.

We must remember that Deco is suspended after picking up a booking in the 2-0 victory over Benfica in the last round.

That means experienced Dutch international Mark van Bommel, fit-again Brazilian Thiago Motta, talented youngster Andres Iniesta and Brazil's Edmilson will compete for the three spots in midfield.

In the good part of the news, centre-back Rafael Marquez returned to the squad for the Villarreal match following a thigh injury, but he did not play and Rijkaard said he will wait to see how the Mexican responds in training before deciding if he will start against Milan.

Since the 4-0 loss to Milan, Barcelona have reached two Champions League semi-finals, losing to Valencia in 2000 and eventual champions Real Madrid in 2002.

It's important to mention that AC Milan lost their first European Cup semi-final against Real Madrid in 1955-56, the inaugural season, but have not lost at this stage since, reaching 10 finals, including two in the last three seasons.

Starting line-ups:

AC Milan: Dida; Cafu, Alessandro Nesta, Kakha Kaladze, Paolo Maldini; Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf; Kaka; Andriy Shevchenko, Filippo Inzaghi

Barcelona: Victor Valdes; Juliano Belletti or Oleguer, Carles Puyol, Rafael Marquez, Giovanni van Bronckhorst or Silvinho; Mark van Bommel, Edmilson, Andres Iniesta or Thiago Motta; Ludovic Giuly, Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o

Victory over Benfica to reach the semifinals

2006-04-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

The first leg between Benfica and Barcelona showed an anxious Catalan side, trying to score but failing. And in this second leg, when Ronaldinho missed the penalty shot, most of the fans thought that the game will be very tough and breathtaking. And they were right.

Even though Ronaldinho score some minutes after his missed penalty, the tragic sensation was always there, until Samuel Eto'o scored in the last minute and sealed a pass to the semifinals. BArcelona got a 2-0 win on aggregate.

FC Barcelona reached the semi-final stage for the ninth time in history, and they will face Milan.

Indeed, Barca could have been eliminated at Camp Nou stadium if Luisao and Simao Sabrosa had scored from good opportunities in each half.

Frank Rijkaard congratulated his players and said it was a tense game.

''It's the same with all matches at this level. When you're 1-0 ahead there's no peace of mind. That's why we had to fight and battle until the end. I'm happy we scored a second goal,'' Rijkaard said.

The team and the city are celebrating. There will be time to worry about a very tough rival, dressed in red and black.

Everything is ready for the derby against Real Madrid

2006-04-01T00:36:00.000-08:00

The most important and exciting derby in Spanish Football will take place on Saturday. Barcelona could effectively seal their second consecutive league title, and Ronaldinho is eager to beat Real Madrid like he did five months ago.

In Madrid everybody thinks about how to stop Ronaldinho. After tearing apart the Madrid defence in the Bernabeu last November, the Brazilian left the field to a generous ovation.

This time, Barcelona will play without injured defenders Rafael Marquez and Edmilson, and their dynamic Argentine forward Lionel Messi although skipper Carles Puyol returns after a one-match ban.

The Best Player; the Best Brand

2006-04-01T00:22:00.000-08:00

His talent and charm are the greatest in the football world. Ronaldinho's talent made him the most commercially valuable footballer in the world, over super commercial stars David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, according to a study of brand value.

The Brazilian star's brand was worth 47 million euros followed by Beckham's at 44.9 million euros and Rooney's at 43.7 million euros.

British Beckham still has the best-known face in football, but Ronaldinho's comparative youth and recent achievements with Barcelona made him a more attractive marketing prospect, the consultancy said.

Indeed, the Barcelona's nidfielder has only 26, nearly five years younger than Beckham and was voted FIFA World Player of the Year the past two years.

"David Beckham owes his second place in the ranking to his status as the 'metrosexual' prototype and the lucrative contracts this generated for him," BBDO said.

The list also shows important players like Ronaldo, Henry, Lampard, Ballack and Messi.

Tough Benfica holds a 0-0 draw

2006-03-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

Barcelona worked hard to score against Benfica. Actually, they created enough chances away to win the game, but they didn't. The final score said it was a 0-0 draw.

"Football is sometimes like this," Samuel Eto'o expressed. "We played really well. It's just that we wasted far too many chances tonight...we should really have eliminated them already."

In front of a huge crowd in the Estadio da Luz, Ronaldinho and his teammates dominated until the last 20 minutes, with 57 per cent possession. The only thing the visitors lacked was scoring a goal.

Deco, Mark Van Bommel and Eto'o all missed clear chances in the first half.

It's fair to say that after the interval, Henrik Larsson and Motta hit the Benfica woodwork, and Benfica keeper Luis Moretto continued to work hard.

The catalan team ran out of steam in the last 20 minutes and Benfica should have had a penalty for Motta's handball.

And just 12 minutes from time Victor Valdes pulled off an important save from Simao, as the hosts finally came out of their shell and put Barcelona's defense under pressure.

Three more points closer to the title

2006-03-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

Barcelona beated Getafe by 3-1 and got 14 points of advantage over the second place in the Spanish League.

Ronaldinho completed a great performance, but the happiest player on the field was Samuel Eto'o, who scored twice and reached the 101 goals.

However, Getafe scored the first one by Nano and started to fight for a spectacular result.

Ronaldinho's team couldn't use injured central defenders Rafael Marquez and Edmilson, and they looked shaky in defence. Cotelo and striker Veljko Paunovic both went close to adding another for Getafe in the first 20 minutes.

However, the game changed and the Catalans were gifted an equaliser soon after when Matellan bundled the ball into his own net after French winger Ludovic Giuly had headed a Giovanni van Bronckhorst cross towards the far post.

It was Getafe, however, who looked the more dangerous in attack and Nano had the ball in the net just after a free kick from Mariano Pernia only to watch the goal disallowed for offside.

It's good to know that Getafe almost regained the lead at the start of the second half when set-piece expert Pernia had a fierce free kick turned past the post by keeper Victor Valdes.

But the Blaugranas broke clear from the resulting corner and Eto'o put the finishing touch to a stunning passing move to give the Catalans a 2-1 lead.

Deco gave a good pass to Mark van Bommel on the right, the Dutchman slipped a pass to Eto'o who exchanged a slick one-two with Giuly and then fired home for the 100th league goal of his career. He scored another goal 16 minutes later, and Barcelona assured the victory.

Ronaldinho thoughts after the defeat

2006-03-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

FC Barcelona was beat by Osasuna 2-1 and the fans are trying to find a reason. That's why Ronaldinho has given the winning team due praise for their workmanlike effort.

The Brazilian genius showed he is aware they are not perfect. “It looked as though we could leave here as champions, but it wasn’t to be, so we will have to keep on working hard,”.

“It was a tough match and they didn’t let us play very much,” said Ronaldinho Gaucho. “They made a lot of tactical fouls and it really wound us up.”

Ronaldinho got his revenge

2006-03-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

It was the most awaited match. Since the last year's Champions League when Chelsea defeated Barcelona. This time Barca eliminated Chelsea after a victory in the first leg and a draw on the Camp Nou stadium.

Ronaldinho got a great goal in the 78th minute to give host Barcelona a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and put the Spanish league leaders into the final eight 3-2 on aggregate. Frank Lampard converted a penalty for Chelsea in injury time.

With Barcelona holding Chelsea scoreless into the final minutes, the hosts didn't need to score to advance. But Ronaldinho - the FIFA world player of the year - wasn't satisfied with that.

Taking a pass from Samuel Eto'o, the Brazilian skipped into the area, barged past Chelsea defender John Terry and drove the ball past the diving Petr Cech.

After the game his voice was full of joy. "There's nothing better than winning a game like this one," Ronaldinho said.

Ronaldinho stands by Samuel Eto'o

2006-02-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho Gaucho has backed African striker Samuel Eto'o's response to the racist abuse he received from fans of Real Zaragoza.

As we know, Eto'o tried to leave the pitch in the second half of Saturday's game, after expressing his disgust with the Zaragoza fans for their behaviour.

However, the Cameroonian was convinced to stay by his team-mates and Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard.

Ronaldinho says he would have joined Eto'o in walking off the pitch, as he was dismayed with the torrent of abuse directed at his team-mate.

"I would have gone with Eto'o after hearing the insults he received throughout the game," the Brazilina star said.

"This kind of thing cannot go on. We have to try and abolish these things from football pitches.

"I tried to calm him down and told him that he was bigger than the persons who were insulting him.

"We hope that actions like those of Samuel's mean these kinds of incidents won't occur again."

We can confirm that Victor Esquinas Torres, who was the centre referee during Saturday's match, reported the incidents in his match report, which was posted on the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) official website.

He wrote down: "In the 76th minute, when Eto'o went to take a corner, the crowd behind the goal started to chant repetitively Uh! Uh! Uh! Uh! Uh!; clearly imitating the sound of a monkey,".

"I stopped the game for two minutes to ask the club to make an announcement over the public announcement system to ask the crowd to stop making these sounds that were in my opinion clearly racist.

"After the corner there was a penalty in Barcelona's favour and when Ronaldinho went to take the penalty the same section of supporters started to make the same kinds of sounds again.

"The message over the PA system asked fans to stop making offensive remarks against the visiting players.

"Despite this announcement, the same kinds of noises were heard from various sections of the crowd throughout the rest of the game every time Eto'o went for the ball."

The RFEF fined Zaragoza over US$700 last season, after a section of their fans directed similar abuse against Eto'o.

We must remember that the club was slammed with another fine in February after another racist incident involving Real Betis's Brazilian forward Robert.

Messi was the best player in Barcelona victory over Chelsea

2006-02-24T00:54:00.000-08:00

A fantastic performance from Argentine teenager Lionel Messi helped Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over 10-man Chelsea in another Stamford Bridge Champions League thriller on Wednesday.

In fact, the first-leg victory, created by Ronaldinho and sealed by Samuel Eto'o's header after Thiago Motta and John Terry had both scored own goals, leaves Barca as strong favorites to progress to the last eight.

Although Chelsea will protest bitterly over the first-half sending-off of Asier Del Horno, they can scarcely complain about the outcome, given that they had been chasing the match long before the dismissal of the Spanish full-back.

It's important to notice that Messi was bent on setting the tone, and from the outset it was clear Del Horno was in for a tortuous clash, courtesy of the little Argentinian's dancing feet.

In the 37th minute, having gotten away from Del Horno, Messi turned inside Arjen Robben, just to be floored by a crude body-check from the Spain left-back.

In fact, Del Horno suffered as badly as Messi in the collision, but that did not spare him a red card once Norwegian referee Terje Hauge had consulted his linesman.

However, Chelsea struck first a minute before the hour mark when Oleguer Presas brought down Robben close to the left touchline for the free-kick that produced Chelsea's goal.

Whipped in by Frank Lampard, the ball appeared destined for the arms of Victor Valdes before Motta cut across the keeper and deflected it into the net.

Barcelona's equaliser after 71 minutes came from a free-kick in a virtually identical position, Ronaldinho's delireally skimming off Terry's head and into the top corner of the net.

And Barca were not to be denied victory. It's important to notice that after a Chelsea counter-attack had broken down, a Ronaldinho surge out of his own half in the 80th minute left the Blues' backline hopelessly exposed, and Eto'o was unchallenged as he rose to nod in Rafael Marquez's chip from the left-hand corner of the penalty area.

Ronaldinho rested for Superclash Barcelona-Chelsea

2006-02-20T21:58:00.000-08:00

It has become the most expected game of the year. Chelsea and Barcelona will face again, one year after the Blues eliminated the Blaugranas in the last Champions League. Now the English champions will have to contend with a re-energised Ronaldinho in the encounter with Barcelona in the International Tournament on Wednesday.

The Brazilian midfielder returned from a two-game suspension at the weekend and scored twice in a 5-1 drubbing of Real Betis.

Is good to remember that Ronaldinho netted a memorable goal in the same knockout first round at Stamford Bridge last season but Barcelona lost the game 4-2 to bow out.

"I've still got the images in my head of when the match finished and we were out," said the Brazilian.

Barcelona beated by Atletico Madrid

2006-02-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

This time Ronaldinho suffered it as he was on the bench. Since he was red card banned, he didn't play in the game where Atletico Madrid beated FC Barcelona 3-1 to end the leader's 14-game winning streak in the Spanish league. Spanish striker Fernando Torres scored twice and Maxi Rodriguez added another goal.

Besides Ronaldinho, African star Samuel Eto'o wasn't on the field. With the defeat, Barca failed to equal the record number of 15 straight league victories set by Real Madrid in the 1960-61 season.

The "Azulgranas" leads the league with 52 points after 22 games, nine more than Valencia and 10 ahead of Real Madrid and Osasuna.

Barcelona's loss was its first at home this season and came four days after it was eliminated from the Copa del Rey quarterfinals by Zaragoza.

Barcelona got a great victory over Mallorca

2006-01-30T13:06:00.000-08:00

Barcelona FC got a 3-0 victory over Mallorca on Sunday evening, thanks to a late brace from Argentine raising star Lionel Messi. He came on in the 73rd and scored twice.

This time wasn’t Ronaldinho but Messi the main attraction for Barcelona. He could have had a hat trick if he hadn't blasted a pass from Ludovic Giuly wastfully over the crossbar in the 78th minute.

But despite Messi, Barcelona were far from their best performance. Their first opportunity did not come until the 18th minute when Henrik Larsson saw an attempt at a lob go just over the crossbar.

Henrik Larsson was at it again two minutes later when Ronaldinho picked him out. Unfortunately for Barcelona, with the defender and the keeper beaten, Larsson's shot went woefully wide.

That was all Barcelona were good for except for a half chance for Deco in the 31st minute. Then in the 39th, the Portuguese player picked out Giuly, with a lovely ball over the defence. The Frenchman's first touch was excellent and he buried the ball in the back of the net.

Barcelona held on to their 1-0 advantage quite effortlessly for much of the second half. They did not put themselves to any unnecessary trouble until Messi came on with a little more than fifteen minutes to play.

With what was possibly his first touch of the game, the young Argentine picked up the ball just inside the area. A clever touch allowed him to lose his marker and send the ball into the far corner of the net.

In the 78th minute, Giuly scaped the offside trap and went one on one with the Mallorca keeper; Miguel Angel Moya. The Frenchman squared the ball to Messi and with the goal gaping open, he shot it over the crossbar.

Six minutes later though, Messi made up for his mistake with a wonderful goal. Ronaldinho slipped him the ball and Messi lobbed it over the oncoming keeper and into the back of the net.

After all, that was a comfortable victory for Barcelona, who extend their unbeaten run in the league to 18 matches. Mallorca, meanwhile are in the relegation zone.

Ronaldinho: Barcelona cup defeat is must be a wake-up call

2006-01-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

His team lost a game and nowadays that is not usual. Barcelona star Ronaldinho Gaucho says his side's first defeat in 25 matches will ensure the team does not drop its guard again in the remainder of the season.

"This result will serve to keep our feet on the ground," the Brazilian players was quoted as saying in a newspaper on Friday following his side's 4-2 defeat at Real Zaragoza in the King's Cup (Copa del Rey).

"Zaragoza took full advantage of the chances they had and these things happen in football. However, we are sad because we are used to winning every game and we couldn't keep it going."
Zaragoza stunned the Catalans with three perfectly executed goals in the space of five minutes to take a 3-0 lead in the King's Cup quarter-final first leg before the half-hour was up.

Barcelona clawed their way back to make it 3-2 just after the hour, but a penalty from Argentine Diego Milito gave Zaragoza a handy two-goal advantage ahead of next week's return leg.

The defeat, which came in similar fashion to their 4-2 loss to Chelsea in last season's Champions League, brought an abrupt end to Barca's 18-match winning streak in all competitions.

Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard, who had decided to rest inspirational defender Carles Puyol and first-choice goal keeper Victor Valdes for Wednesday's match, said he was confident his team could rectify its defensive problems.

"Conceding three goals in such a short time has to be avoided and we need to reflect on this performance," he told a post-match news conference.

"It would be worrying if we didn't know what we had to do to correct this, but that is not the case."

If Tonaldinho’s team manage to oust Zaragoza they will face arch-rivals Real Madrid in the semi-finals.