Luiz Felipe Scolari made official his 23-man list for the upcoming Euro 2008. His midfield is one to envy with players like Simão Sabrosa, Nani, Ricardo Queresma, and yes, Cristiano Ronaldo. The backline looks really solid with Chelsea duo Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho teaming up with Real Madrid's Pepe and Stuttgart's Fernando Meira. Keepers: Quim (Benfica), Ricardo (Real Betis-ESP), and Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon) Defenders: Bruno Alves (Porto), Fernando Meira (Stuttgart-GER), Jorge Ribeiro (Benfica), Bosingwa (Chelsea-ENG), Pepe (Real Madrid-ESP), Miguel (Valencia-ESP) Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea-ENG), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea-ENG) Midfielders: Deco (FC Barcelona-ESP), Petit (Benfica), João Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon), Miguel Veloso (Sporting), Raul Meireles (Porto), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United-ENG), Nani (Manchester United-ENG), Ricardo Quaresma (Porto), Simão (Atlético Madrid-ESP) Forwards: Hélder Postiga (Panathinaikos- GRE), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen-GER), Nuno Gomes (Benfica)<< MORE >>

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In a span of 72 hours Nacional was left out of both the Copa Libertadores and the domestic tournament. Peñarol seemed doomed just two weeks ago, but now they are even with River Plate atop the standings. The <em>Carbonero's </em> 4-2 win against Nacional in the 183rd edition of this rivalry put them closer to ending that dryspell. If there was any indication as to how important this game was to the <em>Carbonero</em>, one need to go no further than expression on Mario Saralegui's face as soon as the final ...<< MORE >>

Estudiantes got over a huge hurdle at home as they beat an inspired Boca side.  Although their stories in the Copa Libertadores went in opposite directions, the Xeneizes were poised to be strong on both fronts.  Meanwhile Estudiantes wanted to continue their winning ways as the La Plata derby nears. 

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Who would of thought that after Roma were eliminated from the Champions League, without Francesco Totti, that Roma would be on the verge of overtaking Inter on the last week of Serie A.

Still the Milanese have the advantage as they will play a Parma side that are fighting for the first division lives. 

The neroazzurro draw against Siena and Roma's win against Atalanta set the stage for the following scenarios...


Inter win title if...
  -   They beat Parma
  -   They draw, and Roma lose or draw against Catania
  -   They lose and Roma draw (head-to-head and GA tiebreaker favor Inter)

Roma win ...<< MORE >>

If there is a rivalry in the world that is just as intense as any of the other ones mentioned around the world, this one can be at the top of the list.

Well got that out of the way and now we can talk more about the task at hand. This is one of the most anticipated clásicos of the past few years as both of these country’s most popular teams are in the middle of the title battle. There is also added pressure to win for both sides as River Plate won 2-1 on Saturday against Fénix to remain a top the standings.Maybe it was my comments a few days ago that became the kiss of death. Maybe it was their attitude. Maybe it was the field. Well that is besides the point because the Uruguayan media’s incessant talk about their “lack of imagination” at the Morumbi that led to their eventual elimination.

Whatever it was, Nacional were knocked off their high horse in a matter of days. Their loss to Sao Paulo in the Copa Libertadores deflated El Bolso and are now facing the prospect of having to get off the mat quickly in order to face arch-rival Peñarol at the mythical Estadio Centenario. Add to it the fact that River Plate won in painful fashion against Fénix 2-1 and the loser of this match could be virtually out of the title race.

Meanwhile, Peñarol are on a roll and seem to be on a mission to win a title that is absent in the trophy case for almost five years. Even with their most elegant acquisitions, Peñarol seem to win their games on “balls” as of late, which is an intangible that is often thrown around in the sports scene in recent years. Yet let’s not count out Nacional as their team is just as talented as Peñarol’s. Even though they have players that are extremely talented, Peñarol still edges them out as their squad has more veterans compared to a squad that is adequately mixed with players like Bruno Fornaroli and Richard Morales.

I refuse to use any stats because this is a Clásico. There are no numbers that can tilt the scales in any way. But if we are to look at recent form, it favors the aurinegros.

        

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