Cristiano Ronaldo tiñe de rosa sus diez días más negros

Cristiano Ronaldo tiñe de rosa sus diez días más negros

El portugués, muy criticado por su polémica fiesta y por su bajón físico, quiso reivindicarse en Alemania


Un gran pase de Carvajal y una media salida del novato portero germano le permiteron abrir el marcador

Óscar  Zárate

Cristiano Ronaldo buscaba una gran noche para acabar con su mini-crisis (tres partidos consecutivos sin marcar), pero lo más destacable de su actuación fue reivindicarse con un gol ante el mediocre Schalke 0-4, obligado a alinear a su tercer portero. El jovencísimo Timon Wellenreuther, de 19 años, 'colaboró' en el 0-1 con una dubitativa salida en el tanto del luso y se tomó la 'revancha' desviando un obús de falta de CR7, aunque más llamativo fue ver cómo su lanzamiento iba dirigido entre los tres palos. Durante su estancia en el Madrid, la mayoría de los golpes francos del portugués se han estrellado contra las barreras rivales o se han perdido por las 'gallineros' de los estadios.


El gol de CR7 tiñe de rosa sus diez días más negros en el Real Madrid. Su inapropiado guateque de cumpleaños horas después del humillante 4-0 encajado en el Vicente Calderón abrió la caja de los truenos y puso en duda la profesionalidad del 'Balón de Oro', protagonista de un decepcionante arranque en este 2015.


Víctima de un manifiesto bajón físico que la prensa filomadridista ha tratado de enmascarar aludiendo a un supuesto problema emocional por su reciente ruptura sentimental con la modelo Irina Shayk, Cristiano dejó en el campo del Schalke buena parte de su depresión futbolística.


El atacante portugués calmó su ansiedad y recuperó sensaciones ante el equipo alemán -se le vio participativo- y muchos, entre ellos Carlo Ancelotti, ya se apresuran en asegurar que "ha vuelto". Sus números ante el Schalke no fueron precisamente épicos: cinco remates (dos de ellos a puerta), 12 balones perdidos y ninguno recuperado. Está claro que su partido no fue tan de color de rosa como podría parecer, aunque su quinto gol en seis partidos de esta Champions abrió el camino del balsámico triunfo de su equipo.


Efusiva celebración del luso



No fue extraño que CR7 celebrase de forma efusiva su tanto, facilitado por una media salida del meta alemán y un gran pase de Carvajal. El portugués colocó sus dos manos abiertas al lado de sus oídos como respuesta a las numerosas críticas escuchadas por su polémico sarao de cumpleñaos y gritó su ya famoso "¡¡¡uuuuuhhhhh!!!", ante una grada que no dejó de pitarle durante la primera media hora de partido.


Cristiano Ronaldo puso fin de esta forma a un mes de sequía goleadora. No marcaba desde su doblete en Getafe, justo el partido anterior a su expulsión en Córdoba por una agresión a Edimar. El domingo le espera otro equipo franjiverde, el Elche.

Alex Morgan header gives USA narrow win over England

By Glenn Lavery

Alex Morgan’s 50th international goal gave USA a 1-0 win over England Women in a cagey World Cup warm-up match at MK Dons.

Morgan climbed above Three Lions skipper Steph Houghton to glance Lauren Holiday’s cross beyond Karen Bardsley to give Jill Ellis’s side a narrow win in England’s penultimate home game before Canada 2015.

Jodie Taylor had an equaliser incorrectly ruled out for offside after Fran Kirby’s shot bounced back off the crossbar.

The Americans, ranked second in the world, had chances to extend their lead but Bardsley stood firm and England’s backline refused to be breached for a second time.

Before the match, Sampson said his players needed to be smarter when out of possession than they were in the 3-0 defeat by Germany in November, and he made five changes to the team from that game with Laura Bassett, Jo Potter, Jill

Scott, Taylor and Kirby were all handed a place in the starting XI.

Both defences came out on top in the opening 20 minutes. Jill Scott sliced a shot wide from the edge of the box and Houghton was required to head clear on a couple of occasions as neither side were able to gain the upper hand or launch a meaningful attack.

But that all changed in the 25th minute when USA took the lead. Morgan got in front of Houghton and Bassett to head Holiday’s cross into the far corner of the net and momentarily silenced a boisterous crowd at stadium:mk.

It was the only clearcut chance of the first half. Holiday had a free-kick comfortably saved, Ali Krieger was denied by Bardsley at the near post and Kirby just failed to reach an Alex Scott cross, but neither goalkeeper was overly tested in a cagey first half.

The hosts started the second half brightly – and they might have been level within ten minutes of the restart had it not been for the assistant referee’s flag.

Kirby was found in space 25 yards from the American goal. She took a touch and thumped a shot against the crossbar. 

Taylor was on hand to convert the rebound but was deemed to be in an offside position, though TV replays suggest the Portland Thorns striker was onside when the initial shot was taken.

USA then went in search of a second with Morgan and the irrepressible Abby Wambach having shots saved by Bardsley.

Sampson made a quartet of attacking substitutions as the game entered its dying embers, with Fara Williams, Lianne Sanderson, Eniola Aluko and Jess Clarke replacing Jordan Nobbs, Taylor, Potter and Bassett.

Williams hit a long-ranger into Ashlyn Harris’s arms as England were unable to find that elusive breakthrough.

They will travel to the Cyprus Cup in two weeks for matches against Australia, Finland and Holland before one last friendly on home soil in April.

England have been drawn in Group F at the World Cup alongside France, Colombia and Mexico.

England (4-4-2): 1 Karen Bardsley (Manchester City); 2 Alex Scott (Arsenal), 5 Steph Houghton (C; Manchester City), 6 Laura Bassett (Notts County), 3 Demi Stokes (Manchester City); 7 Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), 4 Jo Potter (Birmingham City), 8 Jill Scott (Manchester City), 11 Karen Carney (Birmingham City); 9 Jodie Taylor (Portland Thorns), 10 Fran Kirby (Reading).

Substitutes: 14 Alex Greenwood (Notts County) for Stokes 70, 20 Eniola Aluko (Chelsea) for Potter 79, 22 Lianne Sanderson (Arsenal) for Taylor 81, 16 Fara Williams (Liverpool) for Nobbs 81, 19 Jess Clarke (Notts County) for Bassett 90

Substitutes not used: 12 Gemma Bonner (Liverpool), 13 Siobhan Chamberlain (Arsenal), 15 Casey Stoney (Arsenal), 17 Katie Chapman (Chelsea), 18 Jade Moore (Birmingham City), 21 Carly Telford (Notts County).

Head coach: Mark Sampson

USA (4-4-2): 24 Ashlyn Harris; 11 Ali Krieger, 6 Whitney Engen, 4 Becky Sauerbrunn, 25 Meghan Klingenberg; 23 Christen Press, 15 Morgan Brian, 12 Lauren Holiday 10 Carli Lloyd; 20 Abby Wambach (C), 13 Alex Morgan.

Substitutes: 22 Crystal Dunn for Klingenberg 79, 8 Amy Rodriguez for Morgan 89, 5 Kelley O’Hara for Press 90

Substitutes not used: 21 Alyssa Naeher, 7 Shannon Boxx, 9 Heather O’Reilly, 14 Julie Johnston, 16 Lori Chalupny, 17 Tobin Heath, 19 Rachel van Hollebeke, 26 Tori Huster.

Goals: Morgan 25

Head coach: Jill Ellis

Referee: Sandra Bastos (Portugal)

Attendance: 14,369

Real Madrid cruise into final

Real Madrid cruise into final 

UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid proved too strong for CONCACAF Champions League holders Cruz Azul when they defeated the Mexican side 4-0 in their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.

Real Madrid made it 21 consecutive wins in competitive matches as they triumphed comfortably in what was their first ever official meeting with Cruz Azul. First-half goals from Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema gave Madrid the commanding lead. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas saved Cruz Azul captain Gerardo Torrado's penalty before the break to thwart any potential comeback from the Mexican side.

Gareth Bale and Isco then ensured Carlo Ancelotti's men will be heading to Saturday's final with goals in the second half. Real will now face the winner of San Lorenzo and Auckland City in the showpiece event on Saturday, while Cruz Azul will play the loser in the match for third place.

In front of a festive crowd at Le Grand Stade de Marrakech, Madrid started out on the front foot when Dani Carvajal crossed from the right wing to find Karim Benzema on the far post. Benzema then cushioned a header towards the six-yard box where Ronaldo was waiting to pounce, only for Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jose Corona to make a crucial reflex save.

The Liga MX side responded with a chance of their own five minutes later when Joao Rojas dribbled past Marcelo on the right wing only for Casillas to make a clearance. Benzema responded with a chance of his own in the 11th minute only to see his shot hit the side netting. 

Benzema and Co did not have to wait long for the opener when Toni Kroos' free-kick from the right wing evaded Corona and found the head of Sergio Ramos, bringing back memories of the defender's goal in the UEFA Champions League final last summer. 

Rojas continued to cause Marcelo problems and the winger almost equalised when his left-footed shot was blocked by goalscorer Ramos with a sliding tackle. But just when Cruz Azul's belief began to show, Madrid got on the scoresheet once again. 

Carvajal was able to get free on the right wing and finish off a long solo run with a chipped cross that found the onrushing Benzema who volleyed into the net from five metres out to give Madrid the 2-0 lead.

Real Madrid looked to be running away with the tie until Ramos fouled Hugo Pavone inside the penalty box. Captain Torrado then stepped up to take the spot kick, but shot was saved by Casillas to dash any hopes of a Cruz Azul comeback. 

Madrid then used the momentum provided by Casillas' save to score their third unanswered goal on the night. Ronaldo was able to look up and find Bale after a swift run on the left wing. The Welshman was left unmarked and found the net with his header, giving Los Blancos the 3-0 lead. 

Cruz Azul had their chances after Bale's dagger, but it was Isco's goal after an effective counter-attack led by Ronaldo that completely dashed any hopes for the Mexicans.

O líder goleia em Ipurua e continua imparável

CRÓNICA | ALBERTO NAVARRO

O bis de Cristiano Ronaldo e os golos de James e Benzema garantiram a décima quarta vitória consecutiva. 

• LIGA BBVA
• JORNADA 

IPURUA

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O líder da Liga visitou Ipurua pela primeira vez na história do campeonato, e não falhou no regresso da competição após a paragem para os compromissos internacionais. Os brancos, com Modric como baixa, ampliaram o registo de vitórias consecutivas, e já somam 14. Falta uma para igualar o recorde. A equipa teve de trabalhar desde o início perante um Eibar que corria muito, e que apenas respirava aproveitando as reduzidas dimensões do terreno de jogo. 

Talvez por isso, e já ultrapassado o primeiro quarto de hora, a jogada mais perigosa aconteceu num lance de bola parada. Bale marcou a falta, e apesar da meritória intervenção de Irureta, o esférico acertou na trave. Foi o primeiro aviso porque na ocasião seguinte aconteceu o primeiro para os brancos, que voltaram a demonstrar o tremendo momento. Cristiano Ronaldo meteu o pé antes que a bola se perdesse pela linha de fundo aos 23', e fez uma assistência para James, que cabeceou ao segundo poste. O mais difícil já estava alcançado. 

O primeiro golo
A resposta do Eibar não se fez esperar, mas Casillas, especialista no frente a frente, resolveu a situação. Capa centrou aos 31' e o capitão do Real Madrid esteve melhor que Saúl Berjón. O jogo estava vibrante e agora era a vez dos brancos criarem perigo. Isco centrou para o segundo poste de zona frontal da área, Benzema passou o esférico de cabeça e Ramos, na marca do pénalti, encontrou um inspirado Irureta ao seu remate de pé esquerdo, aos 36'. 

QUINTO GOLO DE JAMES RODRÍGUEZ NA LIGA, TODOS COMO VISITANTE.

Ainda antes do intervalo, o Real Madrid aumentou a vantagem. A jogada começou no lado direito, um filão para o ataque branco na primeira metade, e foi de belo efeito. Tabela entre Carvajal e Bale, que devolve de calcanhar ao companheiro, o centro atrasado do internacional espanhol é aproveitado por Cristiano Ronaldo para bater Irureta, aos 43'. O português, que marcou a todos as equipas contra quem jogou na Liga, marcava pelo décimo primeiro jogo consecutivo no campeonato, e amplia os espectaculares registos goleadores que o colocam no lugar mais alto da classificação do Pichichi.

Grande solidez defensiva 
A bola também foi do Real Madrid no início da segunda metade, e a primeira jogada de perigo foi para os brancos. James marcou a falta aos 53', e Ramos, de cabeça, voltou a rematar da marca de pénalti, mas encontrou de novo Irureta. Os brancos estavam seguros defensivamente e a esse sacrifício defensivo acrescentaram uma entrega espectacular. Assim aconteceu o terceiro golo ao minuto 69. Marcelo recuperou uma bola que parecia perdida, e desta vez não foi Cristiano Ronaldo mas James, quem evitou que a bola ultrapassasse a linha de fundo. Benzema só teve de encostar. 

Não foi o último golo. Esse aconteceu aos 83'. Cristiano Ronaldo marcou uma falta que embateu no braço de Albentosa dentro da área. Fernández Borbalán apontou para a a marca do castigo máximo, e o português transformou em golo. Ninguém na história tinha marcado 20 golos, tantos quantos soma o português, nas primeiras 12 jornadas. O líder não falhou e deu uma lição de sacrifício, entrega e segurança defensiva num campo complicado tanto pelas reduzidas dimensões como pela entrega do adversário. 

Liverpool Ladies see off Linkopings

Liverpool Ladies see off Linkopings

Natasha Dowie's late strike ensured that Liverpool Ladies will travel to Sweden next week with a 2-1 advantage over Linkoping from the first leg of their last-32 UEFA Women's Champions League tie.


Liverpool opened the scoring at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes, when Fara Williams' corner was only half-cleared and the ball dropped to Gemma Davison whose shot went in via a fortunate deflection.

Linkopings pressed forward and threatened the home goal but Kristine Minde's effort was well saved by the Reds' American keeper Libby Stout.

However, Minde was not to be denied and minutes later she danced through the Liverpool defence before slotting the ball past Stout to equalise and grab a vital away goal for the Swedish side.

The second-half saw the return to action of German winger Nicole Rolser following injury and she went close to putting the home side in front but her close-range effort hit the visitors' crossbar.

Stina Blackstenius was denied by a decent stop from Stout before Dowie grabbed the winner with 20 minutes left when the ball dropped to her in the box after Lucy Bronze's shot was blocked. 

Jack Grealish discussing new deal at Aston Villa

Jack Grealish discussing new deal at Aston Villa

Jack Grealish has been allowed to leave the Republic of Ireland U21 squad to discuss a new contract at Aston Villa.


The 19-year-old has withdrawn from international duty in an effort to resolve outstanding issues regarding his domestic future.

He is expected to commit to an extension at Villa Park, allowing him to remain at the club he supported growing up and one that has nurtured him through their academy system.


Grealish has been billed as an exciting prospect since breaking into the senior fold and Paul Lambert is eager to tie him to fresh terms.

England are also hoping that the talented midfielder can be persuaded to switch allegiance before making a competitive senior appearance for Ireland, with U21 coach Gareth Southgate looking to bring him into his ranks.

That is a matter for a later date, though, with the youngster currently focused on talks that will prolong an agreement at Villa that is due to expire at the end of the season.

Ireland’s U21 boss Noel King said: “The facts are that he is in contract talks with Aston Villa and they have reached an important stage.

“His deal is up at the end of the year and his future is of paramount importance to him. So you can see why they would want to sort that matter out.

“I accept Jack’s reasons for withdrawing and understand it. I have no issue with it.”

Franz Beckenbauer wants FIFA to publish Michael Garcia's report into World Cup bidding process

Franz Beckenbauer wants FIFA to publish Michael Garcia's report into World Cup bidding process

Former FIFA member Franz Beckenbauer has called for a report into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process to be published, saying: "I have nothing to hide".


FIFA's chief ethics investigator Michael Garcia was tasked with investigating allegations of corruption and has delivered his final report, but the organisation's president Sepp Blatter last month rejected calls to make the findings public.

Garcia, FA chief Greg Dyke and UEFA president Michel Platini have all called for its publication, and it is now the job of FIFA's top ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert to rule whether any individuals are guilty of wrongdoing.

Beckenbauer - a FIFA member in 2010 when Russia and Qatar were chosen as hosts - initially refused to co-operate with Garcia, claiming his request to be interviewed in German was turned down.

But he later agreed to be questioned, and the World Cup-winning player and manager stands by what he told the investigator - that he was never offered an incentive to vote one way or another.

He said: "I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be published, but that's a decision for FIFA. But personally there is nothing to hide, and if you have nothing to hide then you can publish and divulge it.

"A lot of things have happened over the past few years, all the suspected sleaze. These are accusations, there is no evidence to my knowledge."

Asked directly whether he had been offered a bribe he said: "That's a clear no. How shall I say this? Nobody approached me directly, nobody offered me anything in order to influence my vote, no this did not happen."

He added: "It was a secret ballot and I have to observe this agreement made at the time. I was surprised too that Qatar was chosen, that was my first reaction. The bid was very good by Qatar, like all the others."

Joe Bennett sees long-term future at Aston Villa

Joe Bennett sees long-term future at Aston Villa

Joe Bennett remains convinced that his long-term future lies at Aston Villa despite heading out of the club on loan.

The 24-year-old joined Sky Bet Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long agreement over the summer.

Being deemed surplus to requirements at his parent club would suggest that his days at Villa Park may be numbered.

Bennett is refusing to see his situation that way, though, with there still two years left to run on his current contract.

He intends to honour that agreement and will look to use a stint in the second tier as an opportunity to prove his worth to Paul Lambert and the Villa coaching team.

Bennett said: “I think my long-term future is definitely with Villa.

“You never know what could happen. Brighton could get promoted and things could change.

“I could have a good season, go back to Villa and then play next season.

“At the moment I am just focusing on playing well and we’ll see what happens at the end.”

Angelo Henriquez eager to impress Manchester United staff

Angelo Henriquez eager to impress Manchester United staff

Angelo Henriquez hopes an outing on British shores will help him to catch the eye of parent club Manchester United.

The 20-year-old Chilean will be in Glasgow on Thursday for a Europa League clash with Celtic.

He will be turning out for loan employers Dinamo Zagreb, having agreed a season-long deal over the summer.

Henriquez is aware that he needs to make the most of his time away from Old Trafford, having previously taken in spells at Wigan Athletic and Real Zaragoza.

He needs to show those on the coaching staff at United that he has a future in England, with Sir Alex Ferguson having invested £3.5million in his potential back in 2012.

The highly-rated South American is confident he has what it takes to make a positive impact at a Premier League heavyweight, but is also aware that fierce competition for places may force him to look elsewhere.

Henriquez said: “I don’t think it was a backwards step in my career (joining Dinamo) but a good chance to play and get experience of European football.

“Dinamo is a special challenge for me because I know the club aspires to be the best in Croatia and that will help me achieve my goal.

“I have constant contact with people from Manchester United.

“Not (Louis) van Gaal, but people from Carrington, the coaches. They want to know every detail – from the intensity of training here, diet, life in Zagreb. With that amount of care for a year, I know I’m still being followed by United.”

However, on rumours that Dinamo will look to make his move permanent next summer, Henriquez added: “I heard about this idea but I honestly do not know what to say.

“Should I wait for the end of the season and draw the line and see where we are?

“Basically, I would not mind staying in Dinamo because it’s a great club and if things go well I would love to stay here after the expiry of the loan.”

Boucaud delight at call-up

Boucaud delight at call-up

Dagenham midfielder Andre Boucaud has spoken of his delight at being called up by Trinidad & Tobago.

The 29-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Caribbean side so far and is eager to add to that total in the coming weeks.

"Playing international football is huge, whatever nation or country it is," Boucaud told the official club website.

"A couple of months ago we played against Argentina and played against Messi.

"If I didn't play for Trinidad and Tobago, playing international football, I'd never have got that opportunity, so I'm grateful."

The call-up means he will miss two matches for Dagenham but Boucaud insists he is willing to fight for his place when he returns.

"It is always hard missing those games, I'm confident I can come back and prove myself again in training," he added.

Simon Mignolet must start to make 'big saves' for Liverpool

Simon Mignolet must start to make 'big saves' for Liverpool

By Jamie Carragher



Jamie Carragher says Liverpool may need to look for another goalkeeper if Simon Mignolet fails to improve.

The Belgium international, signed from Sunderland for £9million in 2013, established himself as the club’s first choice goalkeeper last season as Brendan Rodgers’ side came within three points of winning the Premier League title.

Former defender Carragher says Mignolet failed to make any “defining” saves during that period and his failure to keep out Alvaro Negredo’s winner at Manchester City last December could have made a big difference.

And the Sky Sports pundit says he should have got closer to saving Phil Jagielka’s last-gasp equaliser for Everton at Anfield on Saturday.

Carragher told Monday Night Football: “I think the best goalkeepers who win big trophies make big saves at big moments. That was a big moment. It’s not a massive mistake, but can he do better?


“Everyone always talks about Steven Gerrard slipping and costing Liverpool the league and you can never look at one individual and one mistake, but Demba Ba still had to go through. You’re looking at your keeper and thinking: ‘Come on, win us the league. Make that save that’s going to be a defining moment in the season.’

“Against Manchester City Liverpool lost 2-1 and if he’d made the save from Negredo then that’s two points off City and another one for Liverpool.

“I think of Joe Hart. After the Chelsea game, Man City had a tough game at Everton and they won 3-2. Joe Hart had to make a save from Naismith, flicking his left hand out and that wins them the league.

“We can all talk about goalscorers, players who win the league and make a big difference, but goalkeepers make a massive difference and at those big moments you’ve got to make big saves.

“Up until now in his Liverpool career he hasn’t made those big saves. If it continues I can see Liverpool looking for another goalkeeper.

“There was talk of Victor Valdes because he is a free agent, but he has got to improve.”

Gary Neville believes Mignolet would have stopped Jagielka’s Merseyside derby goal if he hadn’t adopted an unusually low stance when then the shot was struck.

The Sky Sports expert says the goalkeeper made similar mistakes last season, allowing Aaron Ramsey to score for Arsenal and Negredo to score for Man City – and says he needs to stop crouching down so far.

“I’d seen it last season and didn’t mention it then and then I saw it on Saturday on thought that it’s a pattern,” Neville added.

“It’s a technical error for me, the way in which he is crouched down, and that’s the reason I mention it.

“It’s three goals in big games. There might be more, but those are the three that I remember, particularly on Saturday because it was such a big moment in the game.”

Manchester United bounced back from last weekend's heavy defeat to Leice...