Ronaldo awarded PFA double

Congratulations to Ronaldo both honours are truly deserved and best wishes to Eusebio as he recovers from surgery!

Posted from  Canada

Loved the brazillian comments…

Do you know something nobody has yet though about…? Some sort of football tournement between the portuguese and spanish speaking countries… Could even be in a friendly format… Maybe once every year, 2 years, 4 years, something like that… Or even once every 10 years, but then as a real tournement.

Just imagine, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, almost all the rest of South and Central America, so many others in Africa, the eternally loved East Timor ;-), (…), plus Portugal and Spain…

It would be a great practice/exercise (one cannot argue lack of quality with all of South America plus Portugal and Spain representing Europe) and surelly we’d arguably get to see a more attractive type of football. It would be a great way of keeping technical/pretty football protected in a certain “niche”, to promote African development and to strengthen bonds. It’s a global market that all together makes up for some 600 million people (roughly 200 milion speak portuguese & 400 speak spanish), well above the number of english speaking countries throughout the world, distributed in all the 360 degrees of this globe. In other words, a span that covers 4 continents: the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. I believe this would truelly encompass a larger, maybe even more realistic notion of globalization than the ones we witness today, that really aren’t more than pretty words with old behaviours…

Not to mention the portuguese emigrants, spread out all over the world, who, as usual, are some of the ones that show higher interest in our own culture. A culture that has always had its strongest force in the concept of “mixing”. Culturally, racially (both Goa and Brazil and the african isles are good examples), etc, and that had always distinguished us. This blog is a good example of emigrant interest, where almost everybody is NOT writing from Portugal but from anywhere else…

I see huge advantages for everybody. Both the big American/World football powers (Brazil and Argentina), as well as the average (Portugal and Spain) as well as the smaller (Angola, Cabo Verde), and “the smallest” (East Timor), who represent nations that overall could do with all the help they can get at all levels, with whom we share a past of 500 years, but who also represent emerging economies and attract currently great interest from all the european potentates (as always).

Just look at the example of that friendly match between Brazil and Portugal in London. It wasn’t all that, but somehow it was a show in itself, a show everybody tried to watch. In other words, it was sold out, long before it happened… I cannot understand how Portugal has played so litttle times against Argentina, at least in friendlies.

I think of this concept based on this model: http://www.macau2006.org/pt/index.php

Sri Lanka, for example, was portuguese a long, long time ago. Not for long. The dutch stole it and the english restole it from the dutch, etc… But they also wanted to participate in the games that took place in Macau, last year, arguing historical reasons… Off topic, I must say I’ve started to be fond of cricket, on occasion of the world cup, which is in a way the materialization of some sort of english version of this idea, with a different sport, that grew roots in the countries where England has been.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language

Today, as 500 years ago, I see West holding hands with Far East. From Sao Paulo to Nagasaki, passing by Angola and Goa and Macau. Now through football. Just people who, for the better or the worse, do share a past. And love football. If brazillian food (and accent) is today still a blend of african influences carried by the slaves enriched by eastern spices, if food from GOA is an Asian, european and American blend, not portuguese nor indian like their own/our DNA, where African and Portuguese influences marry, etc, if there is this monumental glue that no force nor propaganda can destroy, in the shape of culture, past and language, now as then, I do not see why footbaal couldn’t be used to again join peoples and cultures. Far and apart geographically but still much closer than many think…

What are your views…?

Posted from  Netherlands

On Eusebio: http://sol.sapo.pt/PaginaInicial/Desporto/Interior.aspx?content_id=30780

Posted from  Netherlands

Now that everybody loves Ronaldo, it’s time to make some money.

Check this out

No, I’m not the one selling this.

Posted from  United States

Pedro P, my friend. You have put some thought into this huh?..I guess you are feeling there is a lack of competitions at hand, do you?..:-)

I suppose that after the Leagues, Euro or WC qualifying matches, CL, UEFA and Copa America are all said and done, it would be nice to see some world class action during the month and a half break the players get.

I say ‘Yeay’ to your proposal, but I think a provision should be made to give California, Florida and the Philippines their old satatus back and be included in the tournament.;-)

Pedro - that’s a great idea in my opinion. It would offer the world another view on the game that’s not filtered through the English media.

It would be a great celebration of culture and footy. They might have to do it at the youth level though. Not sure how the seniors would find the time for another tournament on an already packed schedule.

Posted from  United States

It’s a hat-trick. You can add the PFA Fans’ award to the list.

Eurosport

Posted from  United States

Dear Soze, I didn’t give it all that much thought. It came into my mind for a simple reason, like listening to the man comenting.

For him, a brazillian, that dribble is art. For any english comentator, it’d always be (at the max) a nice but inconsequent dribble… And if he falls, he’s a diver…

This is the fundamental difference!

Anyway, I’d like to see CR playing Messi, Ronaldinho, but mainly, I’d like to see “real football”. Not what is called “European Football”.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6578827.stm

Then they write and racionalize about things they cannot understand, because they are meant to be felt. Not racionalized and analized.

Being Croatian, you’re one of the few who have the same vision/interpretation of the game. And, on a personal note, if you never had brazillian food, goesa, etc, you never had anything, Soze…

The Past is past, PT is now small, Brazil is a giant (to be, but they will be). But the People, they eat +/- the same, they like +/- similar things and speak the same language…

And, no matter all the differences that 500 years can bring, a portuguese will always feel closer to a brazillian, argentinian, etc, than to an english or dutch.

About California, Philipines and Florida: 1) You must ask Uncle Sepp for Passport related questions… 2) They are on “the other 180 degrees” from where I see it - ask a spaniard, cos he probably knows better than me on that side… 3) As far as I’m concerned, if you wanna play ball, you can name your jersey whatever you want and paint it the colour it makes you happy…

As you, moreover being Croatian, should and do now very well, Soze (more than many), after WW2 it’s been Propaganda for everybody.

The East had theirs, the West too… But WW2 didn’t change absolutelly nothing regarding empires… Only the hands that held them…

Look at the History of Europe (and the World) in the past 2000 years… Do you really think it changed so much…? Only on the outside…

Posted from  Netherlands

I too would love to see CR playing the likes of Messi, Deco, ‘Chupa’…but it looks like this will only happen in the context of CL. CR’s beautiful skill seems to be wasted on the English. I too love the brazillian commentators.. I find myself watching Brazilian TV just for the play-by-play of their local teams.

But I think Luis has it right. The youth level is the place to see starry eyed idealism. They have not yet been tainted by money and media opinion, but are just in persuit of the beutiful game.

In July, the U-20 WC is being held here in Canada.

http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/U20M2007/tournament/0,4829,U20M-2007-11,00.html

I will be attending the games in Toronto, and some in Montreal and Ottawa. I am looking foreward to Potugal vs. Mexico…right up your alley eh Pedro? Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, Spain…who could ask for more. Pure. We are only missing the other Brazilians of Europe…CROATIA!!

Pedro, I’ve been to Brazil several times, but do not think I have ever tried Goesa. I guess it is Goan food? Love the Feijoada, Moqueca, Coxinha or any other kind of salgadinho, and of course the Rodizio.

Will the U-20 WC be televized in the Netherlands? I will be cheering on my adopted homeland. Forca Portugal!

KAKA was better than CR yesterday, for me, but WE STILL WON!!!

Posted from  Netherlands

FORZA MILAN!!!
But I agree about Kaka. He simply is and always will be an outstanding player.

Concerning your proposition, Pedro:
I’m currently sitting here together with a friend from Barcelona. Both of us have been to South America so many times, and we love the continent very much. Much as we love it, our devotion for Europe is even bigger, and so it’s painful and sad to see how fast the inhabitants in South America are forgetting their European roots.
There still are a lot of people who see the whole world as a part of Europe, but even more who are fond of the European Union and want people everywhere else to be that too by supporting them financially and trying to convince them of the ideas of globalization and free market economy.
It’s out of question that the indians’ culture has to be conservated. But while hate is rising on both continents (immigration in Europe / old sores are being opened in South America), such a tournament would be exactly the right sign on a way of co-operation and friendship.
Especially in Brazil, there is ONE word people want to hear and only ONE word they understand: football. I often tried to tell them about the principles of economy. They listen carefully and interested, but they don’t really see any sense in our systems. Just think of your History lessons at school and what you learnt about Ancient Civilisations and their state structures: the differences to European trade tribes are enourmous. And football is the only bridge between two completely dissimilar worlds.

Posted from  Austria

As you surely have noticed, Inter have won their 15th Scudetto and everybody is talking about convincing Luís Figo of renewing his contract.
His interview after the decisive match is at high level as usual, but you can see that now other things are important to him than during his time at Sporting or Real.

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?L=en&N=26264&IDINI=26272

I travelled to Italy for the celebrations because of HIM and then he f**king wasn’t there! I just met disgustingly drunk players full of beer and cake who have nothing in common with the concentrated guys on the pitch who usually fascinate us so much.

Posted from  Austria

Hi Soze and Carlos.

If PT and BR are like two brothers that went their own way a long time ago, if PT and Spain are still today close cousins (but not brothers), CRO and PT are surelly relatives of some sort, as far is football is concerned… The bonds are not historical, but who knows what the future holds… The honour is ours, Soze. Boban and friends will always be Boban and friends…

Anyway, today is a freedom day, for us portuguese. So I’ll take the liberty of writing a bit about PT, while I get to the food. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnation_Revolution

Goesa (food) is a bit like the society itself. It’s not portuguese nor indian, anyway, like most of the places Portuguese stayed in - Macau is different in all aspects but the spirit is there.

It’s the result of the generalised mixing for 400 years. Miscigenation is (one of) our legacy. No other european powers did it and we were (as usual) scum for doing it, in their eyes. Like today, we are the cheats but we are also the ones who know what a ball is…

You don’t find Goesa in the rest of India. Some of my best friends in PT are of goan ascendency, so it’s always a feast when I get to eat the real thing. But there are also good restaurants in Lisbon.

Here’s something I found, although I didn’t read the book (text from the site):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/1QKIU4ZIT0XLI/104-1468638-7752728?ie=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0

“The First Global Village by Martin Page

For Portugal I have chosen as my first book this excellent introduction to Portuguese history, culture, and psyche. It is a book brimming with fascinating detail on the Portuguese contribution to the world. In the opening pages you will discover how they introduced the chilli pepper to India, tea to England, and firearms to Japan whilst leaving the word for ‘thank you’ (’orrigato’ from the Portuguese ‘obrigado’) behind. [We are astounded and somewhat embarrassed to admit that 'The First Global Village' is not one of the millions of books available on Amazon.com or our international sites. American and British publishers, take note!]”

One comment: although a lot of words in japanese come from portuguese, that “arigato” issue is, I believe, more a legend than true.

Please check the comments (and intro’s)… Some are funny…

http://www.indiatravelite.com/goodfood/goacuisine.htm
http://www.indiatravelite.com/goodfood/Fernandosnostalgiagoa.htm
http://www.thokalath.com/goa/cuisine.php
http://www.amazon.com/Portuguese-Empire-1415-1808-World-Move/dp/0801859557
http://www.amazon.com/Food-Portugal-Jean-Anderson/dp/0688134157/ref=pd_sim_b_1/104-1468638-7752728
http://purl.pt/711/1/

Posted from  Netherlands

It seems the competition between Man Utd and Chelsea has turned Jose and CR against each other! Hopefully they can work it out in time to win us a World Cup!! I am sure all would be forgotten when (or if) Jose became the manager of the NT.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1005/1005599_ronaldo_and_jose_at_odds.html?rss=yes

Posted from  Canada

Also very glad to see that Eusebio has been released from the hospital! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Posted from  Canada

Carlos, going back to what you wrote, I feel today Globalization is being mixed up with Standardization… It’s own opposite…

I’ve always wondered why the world maps have the North on top and not South… This shows how “we” see the world…

A Portuguese in Europe feels probably like a South American in the World.

Posted from  Netherlands

Daria, thanks. Didn’t see it yet. This is just the so-called mind games, I guess…

Mourinho also stated, months ago, that CR “falls to easily”. He kept quiet then. Mourinho replies, but in the middle of the speech, he also says CR is probably the best in the world…

They’re both PT abroad… Remember that… They’re probably doing it “for the camera”… I hope… I’d be surprised to see them really clash and I’m still surprised this little “war” only started now… C’mon, it’s backstage “Chelsea vs MU”, at its best…

Posted from  Netherlands

I agree Pedro, in the World Cup and Euro Championships they are a team but in England they are on separate sides and shouldn’t be expected to go easy on each other just because they are both Portuguese (in the same way CR and Rooney were against each other not teammates at the World Cup) The media just loves a story like this particularly when two huge names are involved. As I said before I am sure that if (or when) Jose becomes coach of the NT I am sure all will be well and now that we know Scolari is leaving for sure I am really looking forward to the opportunity to see what Jose can do for the NT.

Posted from  Canada

Hey guys,

It’s gamesmanship pure and simple. I’m sure they both admire each other for their accomplishments. Mourinho would criticize his own mother if she was on an opposing team and it’s good to see Ronaldo finally taking on the media on his own terms. I’m glad he’s speaking his mind. He’s one of the more thoughtful players out there. You’ll never hear him playing bragging games ‘a la Totti’ for example.

Posted from  United States

Let’s all hope that PT in the post-Scolari era keeps it up and that we keep having good players. With or without a striker. This wait for one is almost like waiting for D Sebastiao…

Let’s also hope that, if and when, Mourinho joins the NT he’s still one of the world’s top coaches. It won’t last forever and we all know it.

I don’t really think he’ll be with the NT that soon, unless some twist of events happens…

Posted from  Netherlands

Bob just posted this on theoffside

LINK

Posted from  United States

As for Mourinho’s success rate, I think you’re partially right. I doubt he’ll be able to keep up the trophy collection as in recent years, but that won’t change his qualities as a manager. He may not win as often, but he’s still better at it then 95% of coaches out there. A good manager can improve any team he touches, even if he doesn’t win the Champions’ League every year.

Posted from  United States

Mourinho clearly demonstrated his quality. Several times. And they know it. Whether he will keep the credit in the years to come, god only knows… The facts are there, for who is not affraid of seeing them…

Posted from  Netherlands

It was announced today that CR has also won the Football Writers Award for Footballer of the Year. It is the first time in EPL history that a player has won all three domestic awards in one season. When Andy Gray won the Young Player and Player of the Year awards he was beaten to the Football Writer’s Award by Emlyn Hughes. Congrats to Ronaldo, he deserves all his awards and I am sure they are the first in a career filled with many more, hopefully including a Euro Championship and a World Cup!!

Posted from  Canada

Congrats Cristiano!! You are the best, no nead to say you’re portuguese… ;)…

Cristiano Ronaldo => The best player

F.C. Porto => The best team ever!!

Posted from  Portugal