CZECHO’S SOCCER CORNER

Milan Derby in Massachusetts

U.S. will host the World Football Challenge in July. It’s a four-team, six-city tournament, that includes Chelsea, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Mexico’s Club America. Inter will open the tournament on July 19 against Club America. The Milan derby between AC Milan and Inter Milan will be at Foxborough, Mass, on July 26. The closing match is at the Dallas Cowboy’s new stadium between Chelsea and Club America. All six matches of this summer delight will be televise on ESPN.

Ronaldo won’t go back to Europe

Ronaldo believes that his playing days in Europe are over and he will end his career in Brazil. The 32-year old striker signed a one year contract with the Corinthians after recovering from knee injury. He sustained the injury last year while playing for AC Milan. “I’m going to conclude my career in Brazil and the most natural thing will be to do it with the Corinthians,”said Ronaldo. His main goal  now is to be 100 percent fit and a possible return to Brazil’s National team in time for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. We wish “O fenomeno” all the best.

Brad Friedel’s red card overturned

Aston Villa’s goalie got a red card for a foul on Fernando Torres during Sunday’s match with Liverpool. The club appealed the decision and the FA ruled in a favor of Friedel, saying the goalie was trying to get out of Torres way when Torres tripped over him. This decision didn’t go well with the Professional Game Match Officials Board and they are asking for an explanation. Meanwhile Villa’s coach O’Neil welcomed the ruling saying, “I’m delighted for Brad and pleased with the decision overall.” Friedel joined Villa in July 2008 from the Blackburns.

Villarreal will offer free passes for unemployed fans

Spanish Primera Liga club Villareal came with an interesting idea on how to help fans in times of economic crisis. Season ticket holders who are unemployed will get free passes for next season. According to the club’s president Fernando Roig everyone from the coaching staff, club’s board, players and sponsors will pitch in to pay for that. Refreshing news in times when millions of people have lost their jobs, and going to a sport venue still costs small fortune.

Kaka is 50-50

The Brazilian star Kaka’s chance of playing on Sunday against Ecuador is 50-50 according to the team’s doctor. Kaka hasn’t fully recovered from his foot injury, but the good news is that an examination showed no bone damage. Coach Dunga says, “He won’t be 100 percent, obviously, but he can certainly participate.” Kaka first played for Brazil’s National team in 2002 and scored 23 goals in 62 matches so far.  Brazil lies second in the South American World Cup qualifying group, six points behind leader Ecuador.

USA National Team in Miami

U.S. Men’s National Team arrived in Miami on Monday to begin their preparations for next two World Cup qualifiers. The team is facing  El Salvador on Saturday and Trinidad & Tobago next Wednesday. Coach Bob Bradley has named a roster of 22 players with only 5 of them based in MLS. Bradley will have to do without Everton’s goalie Tim Howard who is serving a one match suspension, but will welcome back from injury Jonathan Spector and Jay DeMerit. ESPN2, Telefutura and Galavision will televise both matches.

USA-El Salvador 7:00 pm, March 28 on ESPN2, Telefutura

USA-Trinidad & Tabago 6:30 pm, April 1 on ESPN2, Galavision