Copa América

[machoman]

Originally Posted by joew2005

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...he-way?cc=4716

Uruguay light the way
July 25, 2011

In the end, it was only a slightly surprising result. The 2011 Copa America might not hv gone the way of holders Brazil or hosts & fav Argentina, but Uruguay were probably the next in line 2 win it. Sunday afternoon's 3-0 win over Paraguay was the result most expected aft the semi-finals, & sees the Celeste lift their 15th Copa, pulling clear of Argentina, who they'd previously been level with on 14 tournament wins.

Absolutely agree that Uruguay deserved to win the the 2011 Copa America.

It would be a gross travesty of justice if Paraguay which played negative, defensive football had prevailed.

[machoman]

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...howing?cc=4716

Argentina sack Batista after Copa exit
July 26, 2011

The Argentinian Football Association has terminated the contract of the Albicelestes' coach, Sergio Batista.

AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo announced the move in the wake of the team's disappointing campaign in the Copa America, @ which they were hosts.

Argentina were eliminated in quarter-finals by Uruguay, who went on 2 lift the trophy with a 3-0 win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires on Sunday evening.

Cherquis Bialo told reporters: ''The national teams committee has decided 2 rescind the contract tat attached Mr Batista with the Argentinian Football Association.

''In a very good natured, mature telephone conversation, Mr Batista & Mr Julio Grondona (the AFA president) talked & Batista left his situation in the hands of the AFA.

''Batista is a man who does not need any explanation. He talked 2 the AFA president & allowed him 2 decide whatever he considers the right thing.''

As Argentina start the 2014 WC qualifying campaign in October, the AFA hope 2 name Batista's successor within a week.

''In the upcoming 7 days, we hope we can reveal the name of the new coach,'' Cherquis Bialo said. ''The candidates' names will be evaluated by the national teams committee.''

Argentina were scheduled 2 play a friendly against Romania next month, but Cherquis Bialo announced it has been cancelled.

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on 27 July 2011.
Next update on 24 Aug 2011.

1. Brazil (Fifa 4)
2. Uruguay (Fifa 5)
3. Argentina (Fifa 10)
4. Chile (Fifa 11)
5. Peru (Fifa 25)
6. Paraguay (Fifa 26)
7. Colombia (Fifa 35)
8. Venezuela (Fifa 40)
9. Ecuador (Fifa 67)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 80)

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...23915&rank=206

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-coach?cc=4716

Sabella named new Argentina coach
July 29, 2011

Alejandro Sabella has been named Argentina's new coach 2 replace Sergio Batista.

Sabella, 56, coached Estudiantes 2 the Copa Libertadores & had been due 2 take charge of Al-Jazira in the UAE b4 Batista's exit, which was prompted by a disappointing Copa America showing.

Jose Luis Meiszner, the general secretary of the Argentine Football Association, told Telam: "The decision has been taken. Sabella is the choice."

Sabella will be instructed 2 make a success of 1 of world football's most talented squads, where he will be able 2 pick fr the likes of Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain & Angel Di Maria, amongst others.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...raguay?cc=4716

Martino quits Paraguay
July 31, 2011

Gerardo Martino stepped down as coach of Copa America runners-up Paraguay on Friday aft 4 years in charge.

Martino, whose side lost 3-0 to Uruguay in last weekend's Copa America final, also guided Paraguay 2 their 1st-ever WC quarter-final in South Africa last year, where they were beaten by eventual winners Spain.

The 48-year-old Argentinian had been linked with the top job in his home country, but the AFA opted instead 4 Alejandro Sabella. It is reported tat Martino is set 2 be replaced by Francisco Arce.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...return?cc=4716

Ronaldinho ready for Brazil return
August 6, 2011

Flamengo playmaker Ronaldinho has outlined his desire 2 become a permanent fixture of the Brazil squad again, insisting he k "make a + contribution 2 the national team".

Ronaldinho, 31, was omitted fr former coach Dunga's 2010 WC squad aft a season in which he failed 2 demonstrate his form & fitness on a regular basis with AC Milan.

But the 2-time World Player of the Year was given hope of reigniting his international career by current Selecao boss Mano Menezes, when he was selected 4 a friendly against Argentina last November & despite not featuring since, Ronaldinho believes he still has plenty 2 offer @ the highest level.

"My objective is 2 do my best with Flamengo & if the coach needs me I will be ready," Ronaldinho said. "It's the moment I've been dreaming of (2 return 2 the Brazil squad). Physically, I'm in top form.

"Fr now until the WC alot of things k happen, but I believe I k make a + contribution 2 the national team."

Ronadinho has been plying his trade back in Brazil since January aft returning 2 his homeland with Flamengo & he remains an extremely popular figure among the country's football fans.

Question marks remain over his off-field activities but a memorable hat-trick against Santos last month provided a reminder of wat he is capable of on the pitch.

Brazil's next game is against Germany in Stuttgart on August 10 as the 2014 WC hosts begin a 3-year run of friendlies in the lead up 2 the tournament.

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on 24 Aug 2011.
Next update on 21 Sept 2011.

1. Uruguay (Fifa 5)
2. Brazil (Fifa 6)
3. Argentina (Fifa 9)
4. Chile (Fifa 11)
5. Paraguay (Fifa 25)
6. Peru (Fifa 26)
7. Colombia (Fifa 35)
8. Venezuela (Fifa 44)
9. Ecuador (Fifa 66)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 85)

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...23915&rank=207

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on 21 Sep 2011.
Next update on 19 Oct 2011.

1. Uruguay (Fifa 4)
2. Brazil (Fifa 7)
3. Argentina (Fifa 10)
4. Chile (Fifa 14)
5. Paraguay (Fifa 24)
6. Colombia (Fifa 32)
7. Peru (Fifa 35)
8. Venezuela (Fifa 47)
9. Ecuador (Fifa 69)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 81)

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...23915&rank=208

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on 19 Oct 2011.

1. Uruguay (Fifa 4)
2. Brazil (Fifa 5)
3. Argentina (Fifa 10)
4. Chile (Fifa 16)
5. Paraguay (Fifa 28)
6. Colombia (Fifa 30)
7. Peru (Fifa 32)
8. Venezuela (Fifa 40)
9. Ecuador (Fifa 52)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 115)

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/ran...ble/index.html

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...months?cc=4716

Colombia dismiss Alvarez
December 14, 2011

Leonel Alvarez has been sacked as Colombia coach aft 4 months @ the helm.

Alvarez, 46, took up the reins following the resignation of Hernan Dario Gomez in August, & won the 1st of his 3 WC qualifiers - 2-1 in Bolivia - b4 a 1-1 draw against Venezuela & a 2-1 defeat against Argentina.

Federacion Colombiana de Futbol president Luis Bedoya revealed the organisation's 7-man board had reached a unanimous decision 2 terminate Alvarez's contract.

A statement read: "With respect 2 the senior Colombia team, president Bedoya announces the unanimous decision of the federation's executive committee 2 terminate, as of tis date, the employment contract of Leonel Alvarez."

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on Dec 2011.

1. Uruguay (Fifa 4)
2. Brazil (Fifa 6)
3. Argentina (Fifa 10)
4. Chile (Fifa 13)
5. Paraguay (Fifa 24)
6. Peru (Fifa 35)
7. Colombia (Fifa 36)
8. Venezuela (Fifa 39)
9. Ecuador (Fifa 42)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 108)


http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/ran...ble/index.html

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on JAN 2012.

1. Uruguay (Fifa 4)
2. Brazil (Fifa 6)
3. Argentina (Fifa 10)
4. Chile (Fifa 12)
5. Paraguay (Fifa 27)
6. Peru (Fifa 34)
7. Colombia (Fifa 35)
8. Venezuela (Fifa 41)
9. Ecuador (Fifa 42)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 109)


http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/ran...ble/index.html