Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A Week 22 Results

Juventude 2 - 0 Goias Esporte Clube
Parana Curitiba 2 - 2 Cruzeiro
Botafogo 1 - 1 Flamengo
Figueirense 3 -1 America Natal
Palmeiras 0 - 1 Sao Paulo
SC Internacional 1 - 4 Fluminense
Atletico Mineiro 5 - 2 Corinthians
Sport Recife 2 - 0 Gremio Porto Alegre
Vasco da Gama 4 - 1 Nautico Recife
Santos 3 - 1 Atletico Paranaense

Friday Transfer Gossip

The site will be updated throughout this transfer deadline day as deals involving Latin American players are confirmed, but here are the rumors at the start of the day.

First off, despite reports yesterday of a deal being sealed with Atletico Madrid, it seems Juan Riquelme will be flying into England today. The Daily Mail reports that Everton are hoping to secure the playmaker on a one-year loan deal.

Thiago Motta flew into Madrid last night to complete the formalities of his transfer from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid, according to Marca (Spanish link).

Real Madrid will be busy on the transfer deadline day as they look to sell players in order to fund a move for Daniel Alves. Marca (Spanish link) report that Brazilian left-back Marcelo will be sold to Valladolid, Espanyol or Almeria, while Real are also hoping to offload Julio Baptista for somewhere in the region of 15million Euros. If they are able to, then will then make a last-minute move for Alves, with Chelsea and Liverpool seemingly having given up on signing the Sevilla full-back.

Finally, Alvaro Recoba will join Torino on a one-year loan deal, according to the Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link).

U-17 World Cup: Argentina, Peru through; Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia out

With the round of 16 games complete, only two Latin American teams remain in the U-17 World Cup.

Ghana pulled off the shock of the round, defeating the highly-fancied Brazilians 1-0, despite going down to ten men midway through the first half. Brazil played well, but lacked a cutting edge up front, consigning them to an early exit from the competition.

Peru squeezed past Tajikistan on penalties after tying 1-1 at the end of extra time. Reimand Marco have given them the lead after thirteen minutes, only for Tajikistan to hit back two minutes later. Peru goalkeeper Eder Hermoza saved Tajikstan's first penalty of the shoot-out, and his team-mates did the rest, converting all of their five penalties to book a quarter final berth.

Argentina comfortably disposed of fellow Latin American's Costa Rica 2-0 thanks to a double strike from Gaston Sauro.

Colombia conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 to Nigeria. Santiago Trellez had given the Colombian's the lead after sixty-two minutes but two goals in the last twelve minutes gave the Nigerians victory.

The quarter finals kick off on the 1st September, with the fixtures involving the remaining Latin American teams noted below:

01 September Ghana vs Peru
02 September Argentina vs Nigeria

Both Latin American sides will face tough games in two clashes of footballing culture, pitting technically gifted, short passing sides against strong and pacey African opposition.

If Argentina can progress, they will be starting to wonder whether they can complete the double of winning both the U-17 and U-20 World Cups in the same year.

Argentina Torneo Apertura Week 5 Results

CA Banfield 1 -2 CA Lanus
Colon de Santa Fe 2 - 0 Rosario Central
Olimpo Bahia Blanca 0 -1 CA Tigre
San Lorenzo 4 - 3 Racing Avellaneda
Gimnasia de Jujuy 1 - 0 Arsenal de Sarandi
River Plate 4 - 2 Estudiantes La Plata
Huracan 3 -2 Argentinos Juniors
Independiente 2 -3 Boca Juniors
Newell's Old Boys 2 - 0 Velez Sarsfield
Gimnasia La Plata 2 - 0 San Martin San Juan

Daniel Passarella looks to have saved his job for at least another week after his River side recorded their first victory of the season against reigning Apertura champions Estudiantes.

Elsewhere, Boca Juniors closed the gap at the top of the table to two points after defeating early leaders Independiente 3-2 away from home.

Thursday Transfer Gossip

Transfer news is very slow today, which most of the moves expected to be done on tomorrow's European transfer deadline day.

West Ham are set to make a move for Roma winger Mancini. Sky Sports report that the Brazilian is seen as an ideal replacement for the injured Kieron Dyer and could be one of a number of players the East London club look to sign before tomorrow's transfer deadline.

Atletico Madrid look to have tied up a deal to sign Juan Riquelme. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that the player has agreed in principle to a two-year deal, with Atletico just requiring Villarreal to confirm acceptance of their offer.

Wednesday Transfer Gossip

First off, West Ham and Lazio have joined Manchester City in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Adriano. BBC Sport report that all three clubs are interested in a £12million move for the Brazilian, whilst Arsenal have rejected the chance to take him on loan in exchange for an un-named player.

Manchester City are also being linked with Adriano's countryman Thiago Motta. The Daily Mirror reports that City have had a £2,5million bid accepted for the Brazilian, who is searching for regular first team football.

City might struggle to seal a deal however, as Atletico Madrid are also interested in Motta. Marca (Spanish link) report that Atletico see Motta as a replacement for England-bound Peter Luccin and are expected to begin negotiations with Barcelona today.

Finally, The Mirror also reports that Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has warned rival clubs that Julio Arca is not for sale. Arca had been linked with a move to local rivals Sunderland, but Southgate has stated that an offer of £10million would be required to prise the Argentine away from the Riverside.

Dos Santos to be Unleashed?

Whilst the British press have focused on his unlikely looking transfer to Chelsea, the real Ronaldinho news story this week appears to have been glossed over completely in this country.

Yesterday, Ronaldinho was granted dual-citizenship by the Spanish authorities, which essentially means that he is no longer classed as a non-EU player. Each team in Spain are only allowed to register three non-EU players to take part in a matchday squad. The fact that Barcelona had already reached this limit was holding back the introduction of their latest teen prodigy into the squad.

With Ronaldinho now a dual-citizen, the path has been cleared for Barcelona to register teenage Mexican forward Giovani Dos Santos, whether or not his own dual-citizenship application is successful.

Anyone who watched the recent Under 20 World Cup will know what a prodigious talent Dos Santos possesses. A small but deceptively strong player, his inch perfect ball control, great awareness of those around him and ability to strike the ball with both power and accuracy with his left foot, certainly make Dos Santos a menace for any opposition defence to deal with. In a way, words fail to do him justice, so this video may help paint a clearer picture of his talents.



Although Barcelona already have exceptional options in attack, the inclusion of Dos Santos into their matchday squads may just give them that little bit of a suprise factor as Lionel Messi did when he first broke into the first team picture a couple of years ago. After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Racing Santander in their opening Spanish league game, it certainly looks like they need a bit of spark, and Dos Santos might just be the man to give it to them.

Argentina Torneo Apertura Week 4 Results

CA Tigre 0 - 2 Colon de Santa Fe
Racing Avellaneda 2 - 0 Newells Old Boys
Rosario Central 0 - 1 Huracan
Arsenal de Sarandi 0 - 4 CA Banfield
CA Lanus 2 -1 Olimpo Bahia Blanca
Argentinos Juniors 0 - 1 CA Independiente
Estudiantes La Plata 1 -1 San Lorenzo
San Martin San Juan 1 - 0 River Plate
Boca Juniors 2 - 1 Gimnasia La Plata
Velez Sarsfield 4 - 2 Gimnasia de Jujuy

River's defeat to San Martin has heaped pressure onto coach Daniel Passarella, with some sections of the fans, along with various club personnel calling for his head. River face Estudiantes on Wednesday, with anything less than a victory possibly sealing the fate of Passarella.

Former Boca coach Carlos Bianchi has been linked with River, but has moved quickly to dispell such rumours.

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

Manchester City are apparantly at the head of the queue for Adriano's signature. The Daily Mirror reports that the player has rejected a loan move as he is keen to secure a permanent transfer away from Inter Milan. City will have to fork out £10million to take the Brazilian striker to the Eastlands.

Middlesbrough's Julio Arca is unaware of any interest from former club Sunderland. Sky Sports report that Roy Keane's side are thought to be lining up a £5million bid for the Argentine.

Finally, it seems that Liverpool are in discussions to sign Julio Baptista. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Premiership side have offered 20million Euros for the Brazilian forward, and that it is now down to Baptista to decide whether or not he wishes to move back to England, where he was on loan with Arsenal last season.

Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A Week 21 Results

Fluminense FC 1 - 1 Gremio Porto Alegre
Corinthians 0 -3 Cruzeiro
SC Internacional 1 - 0 Atletico Paranaense
Parana Curitiba 3 - 1 Juventude
Figueirense FC 1 -2 Palmeiras Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo FC 5 -0 Nautico Recife
Atletico Mineiro 1 -2 Botofogo
Sport Recife 0 - 0 Vasco da Gama
America Natal 1 - 4 Santos Sao Paulo
Flamengo 3 - 1 Goias Esporte Clube

U-17 World Cup Group Stage Complete

The final matches of the group stages of the U-17 World Cup were played out over the bank holiday weekend.

Argentina drew 1-1 with Spain to secure a second place finish in Group C thanks to a Carlos Benitez strike in the first half.

In the same group, Honduras went home pointless, after losing 2-0 to Syria in their final game.

Haiti were also knocked out, losing 4-1 to Nigeria. Peterson Joseph was their solitary scorer. The result saw them finish bottom of Group D with one point.

In the final group, Trindad and Tobago's leaky defence didn't disappoint, as they conceded another five goals, losing 5-0 to Germany, to give them a record of one scored and fourteen conceded over their three games.

Colombia also lost their final group game, 2-1 to Ghana, but will still progress to the knockout stages as one of the four best third place finishers.

The fixtures for the remaining Latin American teams in the knockout stages are as follows:

29 August - Peru vs Tajikistan
29 August - Ghana vs Brazil
30 August - Argentina vs Costa Rica
30 August - Nigeria vs Colombia

Coverage continues sporadically on Eurosport and always on FIFA.com TV.

Monday Transfer Gossip

Chelsea are being linked with a sensational move for Ronaldinho. The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea officials have met with Ronaldinho's brother and advisor Robert de Assis Moreira twice over the bank holiday weekend to try and sell Chelsea football club to the Brazilian. It seems Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is more than happy to pay the £85million buyout clause in order to capture the former World Player of the Year.

Sky Sports also report that Boca Junior's loan move to Liverpool defender Gabriel Paletta has turned into a permanent deal after Liverpool decided the player was surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Finally, it seems that Adriano could be on his way out of Inter before the transfer window shuts this week. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that Parma are interested in taking the Brazilian on loan, with a number of English clubs, along with Real Madrid thought to be offering around 30million Euros for a permanant transfer.

Saturday Transfer Gossip

First off, Manchester City are thought to be lining up a bid for Julio Baptista. Sky Sports report that City are keen to take the Brazilian, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, for a season-long loan.

Sky Sports also report that Portsmouth have made an offer for CSKA Moscow's Brazilian midfielder Dudu. Valencia are also though to be interested in the player, but it seems that Portsmouth have made the first move and Dudu seems open to the idea of joining the Premier League club.

Finally, Lazio could make a move for Getafe goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Italian side will look to the Argentine keeper for back-up, after failing to obtain an Italian passport for the recently signed Juan Pablo Carrizo.

Brazil, Peru and Costa Rica all through to last sixteen in U-17 World Cup

It has been a successful day for the Latin American teams in action today, as all three made their way into the last sixteen.

Peru edged out Costa Rica at the top of Group A thanks to a eighty-ninth minute strike from Carlos Balazar which gave them a 1-0 victory.

Brazil finished second in Group B after losing 2-1 to England despite taking the lead through Tales after nineteen minutes. England's winner came in stoppage time at the end of the game.

The final games in Groups C and D will be played tomorrow, with Argentina, Honduras and Haiti all mathematically able to qualify for the last sixteen.

U-17 World Cup 2nd Group Games

Argentina got their tournament back on course with a 4-1 victory over fellow Latin American side Honduras. It was Honduras who took a shock lead after 35 minutes, thanks to a Johnny Leveron penalty. Fernando Meza equalised for Argentina in first half stoppage time, with a goal from Alexis Machuca and a double from Nicolas Mazzola after the break enough to record a comfortable victory.

Haiti provided a shock result by drawing 1-1 with France. The French took an early lead, but Haiti were able to strike back through a Peterson Desrivieres strike after twenty minutes. Both sides had plenty of chances to add to the scoreline, but some impressive goalkeeping at both ends ensured a point a piece for the two sides.

Trinidad and Tobago's woes continued as they were thrashed 5-0 by a rampant Colombian side. Two goals from Andres Felipe Mosquera, along with single strikes from Santiago Trellez, Edgar Pardo and Ricardo Serna ensured an excellent victory which leaves the Colombians at the head of their group going into the final round of games.

Midweek Results - Argentina and Brazil

A couple of catchup fixtures were played last night, results as follows.

Argentina Torneo Apertura 2007

Gimnasia de Jujuy 2 - 2 River Plate

Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A 2007

Flamengo RJ 4 - 0 Juventude CDS

Friday Transfer Gossip

Chelsea announced the capture of Julio Belletti yesterday afternoon. Sky Sports report that the Brazilian fullback has signed a three-year contract with the West London side.

Lyon have signed Cleber Anderson from Benfica as a replacement for injured defender Cris. Sky Sports report that the Brazilian defender has signed a four year deal with the Portugese side.

Finally, despite interest for Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, Juan Riquelme could still move back to Boca Juniors by the end of the transfer window. Marca (Spanish link) report Boca director Pedro Pompilio as saying that they will make an "important move" for Riquelme before Tuesday.

Thursday Transfer Gossip

Real Madrid have captured the signature of Gabriel Heinze, just days after a Premier League hearing decided that he couldn't move to Liverpool. BBC Sport report that the Argentine defender will sign a four year deal with the Spanish giants.

Julio Belletti looks set to snub Newcastle and instead move to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports. Chelsea have turned their attentions to Belletti after failing to agree a fee with Sevilla for Daniel Alves.

Roma have completed the signing of Cicinho from Real Madrid. Sky Sports report that a £6million deal has been agreed between the two clubs with Cicinho likely to be presented for the media this afternoon.

Sky Sports also report that AC Milan have resurrected their deal for Real Madrid's Emerson. A fee of £3.3million has been agreed and the player is expected in Milan today to agree a two year deal with the Italian side.

Finally, Wigan are interested in signing Diego Placente on a free transfer. The Daily Mail reports that the Argentine defender will fly to England today to discuss a possible deal with Wigan manager Chris Hutchings.

Brazil run riot again in U-17 World Cup

Brazil turned on the style again; following their 7-0 win over New Zealand in their opening group game with a 6-1 demolition of Korea DPR to book their place in the second round.

Brazil were three up within the opening ten minutes, as a strike from Alex, along with a double for Fabio gave them the perfect start to the game. Maicon added a fourth after twenty-two minutes, with Giuliano and Choco adding a further two goals in the second half to secure victory.

Peru and Costa Rica now hold the joint lead of Group A after this morning's games. Peru drew 0-0 with Togo, before Costa Rica beat the hosts Korea Republic two nil, thanks to goals from Marcos Urena and Jessy Peralta.

In yesterday's final game, Trindad and Tobago were thrashed 4-1 by Ghana in Cheonan. Ghana were three nil up by half time, with Tobago never really threatening until Stephan Campbell pulled one back with ten minutes remaining. The fightback never materliased, with Ghana putting the game to rest with a fourth goal five minutes from time.

Tomorrow's fixtures see Haiti take on France in the early kick off, with Argentina facing Honduras in the evening game.

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Juan Riquelme's agent Marcos Franchi has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur have lodged a bid for the Argentine. Sky Sports report that Spurs have offered £10million for the playmaker, with Franchi describing their offer as the only 'serious negotiations' for the player.

Middlesbrough have made a £6.5million offer for Afonso Alves of Heerenveen, according to The Times.

Finally, it seems the deal to take Cicinho to AS Roma is now off. Marca (Spanish link) report that Real Madrid have ended negotiations after manager Bernd Schuster decided that the Brazilian fullback does now enter into his plans for next season.

U-17 World Cup Begins

The U-17 World Cup kicked off on Saturday, with the first round of group games ending this afternoon.

It has been a mixed start for the Latin American teams involved thus far.

Costa Rica started their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Togo, after Josue Martinez equalised nine minutes from time.

Peru shocked the host nation Korea Republic by defeating them 1-0 thanks to a first half strike from Carlos Bazalar.

Brazil lived up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites as they thrashed New Zealand 7-0. Seven different players were on the scoresheet for Brazil; first half goals from Fabinho, Lazaro and Giuliano added to in the second half by Fabio, Alex, Lulinha and Junior.

Honduras put up a valiant effort against European Champions Spain, but it wasn't quite enough as they went down 4-2, despite strikes from Christian Martinez and Roger Rojas.

Argentina limped to a disappointing goalless draw with Syria in their opening game; a fine display by the Syrian goalkeeper enough to keep the Argentines at bay.

Haiti were defeated 3-1 by Japan in their first ever U-17 World Cup game. Joseph Guemsly Junior equalised to make it 1-1 with twenty minutes to go, but the Japanese proved too strong with two goals in the last ten minutes enough to secure them victory.

Colombia came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Germany this morning. A Miguel Julio strike had given Colombia the lead early on, before Germany raced into a 3-1 lead. Two second half goals from Cristian Nazarith - the second coming two minutes from time - were sufficent to give the Colombians a well earned point.

Trindad and Tobago are the last Latin American team to play their first round match as they take on Ghana early this afternoon. The game is being shown on British Eurosport from 12:30pm, or is availiable on FIFA.com TV if you cannot get Eurosport.

Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A Week 20 Results

Santos Sao Paulo 2 - 0 Sport Recife
Atletico Parananense 1 -1 Figueirense FC
Gremio Porto Alegre 2 - 0 Parana Curitiba
Nautico Recife 0 -1 Atletico Mineiro
Palmeiras Sao Paulo 2 - 1 Flamengo RJ
Vasco De Gama 2 - 0 America Natal
Juventude CDS 2 - 2 Corinithians SP
Cruzeiro 4 - 2 Fluminense FC
Botafogo 1 - 1 SC Internacional
Goias Esporte Clube 0 - 0 Sao Paulo FC

Argentina Torneo Apertura Week 3 Results

Gimnasia La Plata 0 - 2 Argentinos Juniors
CA Independiente 1 - 0 Rosario Central
Huracan 0 - 0 CA Tigre
Colon de Santa Fe 2 - 1 CA Lanus
Olimpo Bahia Blanca 1 - 0 Arsenal de Sarandi
CA Banfield 1 - 0 Velez Sarsfield
San Lorenzo 1 - 1 River Plate
Gimnasia de Jujuy 2 - 1 Racing Avellaneda
Newell's Old Boys 2 -1 Estudiantes La Plata
Boca Juniors 1 - 0 San Martin San Juan

Monday Transfer Gossip

First off, Barcelona and AC Milan could be involved in the biggest swap deal the sport has ever seen. Marca (Spanish link) report that Club President's Joan Laporta (Barca) and Silvio Berlusconi (AC) have been in talks regarding a possible trade of Ronaldinho for Kaka. It is thought that Berlusconi is the aggressor, but that Laporta is loathe to part with Ronaldinho, due to his cult status with the Barcelona fans.

The News of the World is linking Tottenham Hotspur with a £10.5million move for Juan Riquelme. Considering his previous rejections of other European sides it seems unlikely he would move to Spurs, but they now seem to be battling it out with Atletico Madrid for his signature.

Sunderland want to bring back Julio Arca to the Stadium of Light. The Daily Mail reports that they have made a £5million offer for the Middlesbrough full back.

Finally, The Mail also reports that Derby are set to complete a £2million move for Southampton's Colombian midfielder Jhon Viafara.

Weekend Transfer Gossip

First off, Cicinho is expected to complete his transfer to Roma within the next 48hrs. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that the Italian side will pay Real Madrid 8million Euros for the Brazilian fullback.

Gazzetta (Italian link) also reports that negotiations are continuing between Real Madrid and AC Milan over the transfer of Emerson to the Italian side. It was thought that a one year loan had been agreed, but Madrid now want a permanent transfer and are asking for 11million Euros for the Brazilian midfielder.

Middlesborough look set to fill the gap left by Yakuba by signing Afonso Alves from Heerenveen. Sky Sports report that Boro currently lead the race for the Brazilian's signature, despite interest from sides in Turkey and Germany.

Finally, Manchester United are desperately trying to offload Gabriel Heinze to anyone but Liverpool. The Sunday Express reports that United have offered the defender to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Lyon, but Heinze has refused all of these proposals in favour of a move to Anfield. The Premier League hearing to decide his future will take place tomorrow.

Friday Funnies - Lookalikes - Galligan/Aimar

Zaragoza playmaker Pablo Aimar and Gremlins star Zach Galligan.

Seperated at birth?

Friday Transfer Gossip

First off, despite the Daily Mail's report a few days ago, it seems that Chelsea and Sevilla have not yet reached agreement over the transfer of Daniel Alves. BBC Sport report that the Spanish side have rejected Chelsea's initial offer and are holding out for £25million for the Brazilian.

If they sell Alves, Sevilla are looking to replace him with fellow-Brazilian Cicinho. Marca (Spanish link) report that the player is open to a move, but is also considering an offer from AS Roma.

Fabio Rochemback has been linked with a move to Benfica, however the player's agent Horacio Gagioli has told Sky Sports that a move is unlikely as Middlesborough are happy with the player.

Barcelona have sold Maxi Lopez to FC Moscow for 2million Euros. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Argentine striker has signed a two year deal with the Russian side.

Boca Juniors have signed Leandro Gracian from Mexican side Monterrey. Ole (Spanish link) report that Gracian has been signed to be the team's playmaker, as it looks increasingly unlikely they will be able to sign Juan Riquelme.

Finally, the Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that Juventus are interested in signing Urguayan forward Alvaro Recoba from Inter Milan.

Thursday Transfer Gossip

First off, Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez will play for River Plate this season. Ole (Spanish link) report that the Argentine side have agreed a one-year loan deal with Udinese for the player, but without an option of purchase at the end of the deal.

Juan Veron may join David Beckham in the MLS come January. The Daily Mail reports that the Argentine playmaker has been offered a deal by DC United which he is currently considering.

Finally, AC Milan have confirmed that negotiations to sign Emerson from Real Madrid have broken down. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that Milan wanted an initial loan deal, whilst Madrid were keen to sell the Brazilian outright.

Wednesday Transfer Gossip

Chelsea have clinched the signing of Daniel Alves, according to the Daily Mail. They report that a fee of £21.4million has been agreed and that the transfer is likely to be finalised in time for Alves to make his Chelsea debut against Liverpool this weekend.

Lyon look set to join the race to sign Gabriel Heinze. Sky Sports report that Lyon boss Alain Perrin is interested in the Manchester United defender after his captain Cris suffered a knee injury which will keep him out of action for up to six months.

The Mail also reports that Newcastle are closing in on the £3million transfer of Barcelona full-back Julio Belletti. Allardyce was also interested in Paris St Germain defender Mario Yepes, but has been put off by the £2million price tag the French side have attached to him.

Former Porto, Galatasary and Bolton striker Mario Jardel has moved to the Australian A-League side Newcastle Jets. The Age (Australian link) reports that the Brazilian has signed a one-year incentive based contract as the club's 'marquee player'.

Real Betis have finally completed the signing of Leandro Somoza for 4.5million Euros from Villarreal, as reported by Marca (Spanish link).

Finally, Villarreal chairman Fernando Roig has said that the future of Juan Riquelme will be resolved before the 31 August. Marca (Spanish link) report that Riquelme has received offers from a large number of clubs, both in Europe and further afield, but that he has turned down all of them so far. The move back to Boca Juniors which he craves, seems unlikely at the moment as they cannot afford to pay the transfer fee, so he could spend the entire season in Villarreal reserves if a resolution is not found in the coming weeks.

Bielsa Named As New Chile Boss

Former Argentina manager Marcelo Bielsa was named as the new manager of Chile on Friday.

He takes over from Nelson Acosta, who resigned following the team's exit from the Copa America this summer.

Bielsa's first game in charge of his new side will, ironically, be away to Argentina on the 13th October this year, as the qualifying tournament for the 2010 World Cup kicks off.

Bielsa certainly has work to do to stamp out the indiscipline that ruined their Copa America campaign, but with talented players such as Mark Gonzalez, Humberto Suazo and Matias Fernandez, amongst others, at his disposal, Chile have a very good chance of qualifying.

Having taken three years out after resigning as Argentina manager, I'm sure Bielsa feels he has a point to prove. As long as he can win over the Chilean press early in his reign then I see no reason why he can't be a great success.

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Boca Juniors have agreed a loan deal for Liverpool defender Gabriel Paletta. Ole (Spanish link) report that the former Banfield player will join the Buenos Aires club on a one year loan.

Jonas Gutierrez looks certain to stay with RCD Mallorca for at least one more season. Marca (Spanish link) report that Velez Sarsfield still own 50% of the rights to the player and do not wish to sell these rights as they hope for the player to play for them from June 2008 onwards.

Finally, Matias Vidangossy will play for Almeria next season. Marca (Spanish link) report that the young Chilean midfielder will join the newly promoted club on a one year loan from fellow Primera Liga side Villarreal.

Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A Update

The Brazilian league season reached its half way point this weekend just gone, with reigning champions Sao Paulo currently leading by seven points from Botafogo, with Cruzeiro, Vasco da Gama and Palmeiras also in close attendance.

America Natal currently prop up the table, with Flamengo, Juventude and Nautico Recife occupying the other relegation places.

Unlike Argentina, Chile and a number of other South American leagues, the Brazilian league is run as a full league season rather than being split into two seperate opening (Apertura) and closing (Clausura) leagues.

For British viewers interested in catching up with the latest action from the Brazilian league, Sky Sports show highlights in their program 'Foot Brazil', which is shown on Sky Sports 1, Wednesdays, at the following times:

09:30
12:00
14:00
15:30

The program usually consists of 'extended highlights' of the week's big game and showing goals from all the other games played that week. It is definitely worth watching if you're a fan of the Brazilian game.

Argentina Torneo Apertura Week 2 Results

Here are the results from week 2 of the Apertura.

Arsenal de Sarandi 2 - 0 Colon de Santa Fe
San Martin San Juan 1 -2 San Lorenzo
Rosario Central 2 - 2 Gimnasia La Plata
Velez Sarsfield 3 - 0 Olimpo Bahia Blanca
Racing Avellaneda 0 -1 CA Banfield
Estudiantes la Plata 1 - 0 Gimansia de Jujuy
CA Tigre 0 -3 CA Independiente
CA Lanus 1 - 1 Hurucan
Argentinos Juniors 3 - 2 Boca Juniors

River Plate's game with Newell's Old Boys was postponed due to the perceived threat of violence outside the ground, due to the ongoing deadly feud between former Los Borrachos Del Tablon leaders Alan Schlenker and Adrian Rousseau.

River's next fixture is away to San Lorenzo next weekend and is expected to go ahead.

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007

The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007 kicks off on the 18 August in Suwon, as the best young players from all over the world gather in Korea for the tournament.

Eight Latin American teams are in action in Korea, with Brazil among the favourites to go home victorious.

Eurosport are expected to provide coverage in the UK, although if the U-20 World Cup is anything to go by there will probably not be showing every game.

FIFA.com TV is probably going to be the best place to catch coverage of all the games, but I will post up confirmation of the Eurosport/FIFA TV schedules as and when they become available.

As you can imagine, almost all of the players on show still play for teams within their own countries, although there are a few exceptions, such as Brazilian full-back Fabio, who is owned by Manchester United.

Here are links to the squad lists for each of Latin American teams involved in the competition.

Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Haiti
Honduras
Peru
Trindad and Tobago

Stay tuned for more coverage once the event kicks off next week.

Monday Transfer Gossip

First off, Valencia are interested in bringing Inter Milan forward Adriano to the Mestalla. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that the Spanish side have offered 15million Euros for the talented, if somewhat inconsistent Brazilian. Inter are thought to be holding out for 25million Euros.

Gabriel Heinze has hit out at Manchester United for blocking his potential move to rivals Liverpool.