CZECHO’S SOCCER CORNER
Diego Maradona-Argentina Football Association
Maradona may be out of his new job as a coach of Argentina before he even coaches his first match. He is in a headlock with Argentina’s Football Association president Julio Grondona over choosing his assistant. Maradona wants Oscar Ruggeri as his new assistant, a choice Grondona is not happy with. According to Argentine media he gave Grodona an ultimatum and he could possibly resign if he doesn’t have his way. Maradona was named the new coach last week to replace Alfio Basile.
FIFA-Teams Ranking
FIFA released their monthly soccer world ranking and Spain retained the number one spot. Germany is back to number two bumping Italy, while England returned to the top ten for the first time since June. First non-European country is Brazil in fifth place falling one spot…more rankings.
Gamba Osaka-AFC Champions
Gamba Osaka beat Adelaide United 2-0 and qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008 tournament. Gamba opened the score in the 5th minute from Brazilian striker Lucas Severino. Same player added a second goal ten minutes later. In the second half, the home team tried to open the game and score but Gamba’s defense was on their guard. Gamba won 5-0 on aggregate and will join the likes of Manchester United, Mexican Pachuca or Waitakere United from New Zealand in next month’s tournament.
Real Madrid - Ruud van Nistelrooy
Bad news for Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. He will have to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He visited his doctor in Colorado who recommended surgery. Dr. Richard Steadman operated on Nistelrooy’s knee with success back in 2000. The 32-year-old Dutchman will be out for two months giving coach Schuster, who has been under lot of pressure lately, even more worries. A man who scores 60 goals in two years with Real is hard to replace, but again there is always the possibility that Ronaldo will come. Maybe?!
Curling Cup-Graveyard for favorites
Harry Redknapp came, saw and won. Second match against Liverpool and second win. This was his biggest victory so far after taking over Tottenham 18 days ago. Four goals in Liverpool’s net speaks for itself. Chelsea lost on a penalty shoot-out against the Coca-Cola Championship club Burley. The hero of the match was Burley’s goalie Brian Jensen who saved two penalty kicks. The match ended 1-1 in regular time. Tottenham and Burley will join Man Utd, Arsenal, Stoke, Derby, Watford and Blackburn in the quarterfinals.
Landon Donovan-Player of Year
LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan was named the Honda Award player of year for the fifth time in his career. Finishing second and third in player of year award were Everton goalie Tim Howard and Fulham striker Clint Dempsey. The 26 year old leading scorer for Galaxy is in Germany on 10 days training mission with Bayern Munich. He doesn’t hide his desire to try his luck in Europe once again. He played in Bundesliga twice before but failed both times.
