Neymar adds Brazilian flavour to Barca
BARCELONA, Spain ● Neymar completed his move to Barcelona Monday in a deal that unites the Brazil star with Lionel Messi in a formidable attacking partnership. Neymar signed a five-year contract with club president Sandro Rosell after choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid in an intense bidding war between the fierce Spanish rivals. Formalities done, [...]
First matches in new Brazil 2014 World Cup stadium
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil ● The Arena Castelao, the first of Brazil’s 2014 World Cup stadiums to be completed, held its first matches on Sunday – a doubleheader in the northeastern Copa do Nordeste. But despite the inspiration of having World Cup record goalscorer Ronaldo in the stands of the stadium opened by [...]
Brazil FA blame Rafael for defeat to Mexico
SAO PAULO, Brazil ● A day after Brazil lost the Olympic soccer final to Mexico, the country’s footballing authorities took the unusual step of singling out full back Rafael for his part in the defeat. A loose pass from the Manchester United defender led to Mexico’s first goal after just 29 seconds. Brazil [...]
Honduras shock eliminated Spain
NEWCASTLE, England ● Spain’s bid to add the Olympic title to their World and European crowns ended in acrimony on Sunday after a shock 1-0 defeat by Honduras left them unable to reach the knockout stage. Title favourites Brazil, inspired by dazzling forward Neymar, swept into the quarter-finals after coming from behind to [...]
USA too sloppy to keep up with Brazil
LANDOVER, Md. ● Neymar converted a penalty kick and assisted on goals by defenders Thiago Silva and Marcelo as Brazil took advantage of a sloppy American backline to beat the United States 4-1 in an exhibition game Wednesday night. Neymar, the 20-year-old Santos sensation, put Brazil ahead in the 12th minute after a hand ball [...]
Balotelli wants ‘to be remembered’
ROME, Italy ● Except for his antics on and off the field, Mario Balotelli is also known for his hair styles. Nike jumped at the occasion while creating another ad for the upcoming Euro’s It lets Balotelli visit an old style barber shop in which he is being asked “What do you want?” and Balotelli [...]
100th Career goal Neymar
SAO PAULO, Brazil ● Neymar surpassed 100 career goals with Santos on Sunday, scoring a hat trick to lead the Brazilian club to the final of the Sao Paulo state championship. Santos beat rival Sao Paulo 3-1 to reach its fourth straight final in the Sao Paulo tournament, and will try to win its [...]
Say what, Pele? Neymar better than Messi? Really?
Football legend Pele says Lionel Messi isn’t the best player in the world today – much less of all time. Pele said Wednesday that young Brazilian striker Neymar is better than the Argentina forward, and reiterated that he doesn’t think Messi belongs in the conversation about who is the best player ever. That debate has [...]
