[2011绿茵展望]谁将是91后中的Top Teenage Prospect？

Penelope

Drawing of the 2011 South American Cup will be June 14 28.01.11
CONMEBOL reports that the drawing and presentation of the 2011 South American Cup will take place next Tuesday, June 14 at the CONMEBOL Convention Center, in Luque, Greater Asunción, Paraguay.

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Defeated Deportivo Quito 2-0 at home in the first match of the tournament
Independiente extended its winning streak at the start of the Copa Libertadores 26.01.11
In a match that marked the beginning of the 52nd. edition of the Copa Santander Libertadores of América, Independiente of Argentin (...)

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South American U-20 Peru 2011 - Group B
After beating Ecuador by the minimum difference, Brazil ended as Group B leader (1-0)  26.01.11
Brazil, with an alternate team, today beat Ecuador 1-0 and took the top spot in Group B, qualifying for the final phase of the South American U-20 tournament in Peru.

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South American U-20 Peru 2011 - Group B
Colombia garnered a labored victory over a difficult Bolivia (2-1) 26.01.11
Colombia defeated Bolivia by 2-1 and returned to the qualification area of the final phase of the South American U-20 in Peru, while its rival has very remote options, which depend on the results of other matches.

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South American U-20 Peru 2011 - Group A
With goals from Ferreyra, Argentina beat Chile and is in the Final Round (3-1) 25.01.11
Argentina, with a demonstration of efficiency rather than good football, defeat Chile by 3-1 and confirmed its qualification for the finals of the U-20 South American Championship which takes place in Peru.

thewall

国米有个天才少年巴西人库迪尼奥
米兰现在要引进18岁卢卡斯，同样是巴西人

thewall

视频-米兰新签神童个人集锦 戏耍防守技术不逊帕托


AC米兰在转会市场上一旦开始，就一发不可收……在冬季转会市场上，AC米兰先后引进了卡萨诺、埃马纽尔森、范博梅尔、迪达克，并与2010世界杯的意大利国门马尔凯蒂签下了夏季加盟的协议，与此同时，从南美传来消息，AC米兰以400万的价格签下了圣保罗18岁的攻击型中场卢卡斯-马塞利尼奥。以上是马塞利尼奥个人集锦。
　　年轻的卢卡斯本赛季刚刚晋升到圣保罗的一线队，身披37号球衣，但这位以18岁年龄入选巴西U-20青年队的前腰，已经开始引起了不少球探的关注，国际足联将他列为“2011年值得关注的新星之一”。从视频上看，这位年轻前腰有着令人震惊的足球天赋、爆发力和技术，更有行家认为“他比18岁时的帕托更出色”，他是“圣保罗版的内马尔”。AC米兰抢在他身价飙升和众多豪门伸手之前捷足先登。行动如此之快，是由于此前常驻巴西的球探塞尔吉尼奥对他关注了一个赛季，并向俱乐部举荐了他，在巴西期间，布拉伊达和加利亚尼分别观看并认可了这位球员。
按照贝卢斯科尼旗下的Mediaset电视台的说法，就卢卡斯的转会，圣保罗已经和AC米兰方面已经达成了协议，但由于本赛季AC米兰引进非欧盟球员的名额用在了的罗比尼奥身上，因此卢卡斯更有可能在明年夏天加盟AC米兰。但更加有可能的是，AC米兰会把今年夏天的非欧盟名额用在另一名来自桑托斯的巴西球员甘索身上，而将卢卡斯再租借给圣保罗一年，在2012年再引进这位届时年满20岁的巴西小将。当然，AC米兰也在积极等待着卢卡斯申请葡萄牙护照，如果成功，他可以提前加盟AC米兰。而根据意大利媒体的猜测，甘索和卢卡斯一旦加盟，西多夫和帕托几乎肯定将离队了。
　　一向被称为“老龄军团”的AC米兰，从去年夏天开始，不仅开始投钱，而且在引援政策上也开始偏向年轻人。在从去年夏天到今年冬天的11笔引进中，迪达克21岁，蒙特隆戈、博阿滕和帕帕斯塔索普洛斯是23岁，埃马纽尔森是24岁，罗比尼奥26岁，作为门将，28岁的阿梅利亚还算年轻，而29岁的伊布和28岁的卡萨诺也属当打之年，只有耶佩斯和范博梅尔年龄较大，但其中范博梅尔是签约半年。与此同时，AC米兰还在青年队中引进了18岁的瓦勒尔、17岁的埃利，和16岁的佩特科维奇。如今，加利亚尼在巴西相中的两位球员当中，除了18岁的卢卡斯，年长一些的甘索也仅仅22岁，AC米兰年轻化的决心可见一斑。
　　(沈飞)

pedro

南青赛进入最后循环赛阶段
今天3场比赛打完了，结果如下
乌拉圭1-0哥伦比亚
阿根廷0-1厄瓜多尔
智利1-5巴西
其中，内尔玛又是梅开二度，进球数达到7个

pedro

阿根廷小将遭遇首败。比赛中，阿劳霍罚丢点球

elite

南美U20锦标赛-桑巴军开场遭点球红牌 阿根廷2-1巴西http://sports.sina.com.cn  2011年02月07日13:13  新浪体育

(点击观看高清组图)

　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日9时10分(秘鲁当地时间6日20时30分)，南美洲U20青年锦标赛决赛圈第3轮开始1场关键较量，阿根廷2比1力擒巴西，积分追平对手。
　　本届比赛也是2011年世青赛和2012年伦敦奥运会男足项目的南美区预选赛。共有6支球队参赛。进行5轮单循环比赛后，冠亚军获得奥运会入场券，积分前4名将入围世青赛。目前乌拉圭积7分已提前锁定前四，巴西和阿根廷同积6分，剩下2轮只要再拿1分，也可进军将在哥伦比亚举行的U20世青赛，奥运会入场券的争夺则会更加激烈。
　　巴西此前两战两胜，国脚内马尔与圣保罗双子星卢卡斯、威廉组成的三叉戟表现抢眼，阿根廷则在揭幕战中0比1不敌厄瓜多尔。为了遏制对手的攻击力，阿根廷主帅佩拉索屯兵中场，只留河床射手富内斯-莫里在前面牵制对手。
　　比赛在雨中进行，巴西一开场就不顺利，中卫乌维尼因伤下场被送往医院。第5分钟，另一名首发中卫胡安又在禁区内击中富内斯-莫里面部，被直接红牌罚下，富内斯-莫里主罚点球命中，攻入他在本届赛事第2球，1比0。以7球排名射手榜首位(包括第1阶段)的内马尔此后险些扳平，但他的射门被安德拉达单手化解。
　　下半时开始后，卢卡斯摆脱两名后卫将球射偏。第55分钟，威廉在门前20米处精彩远射扳平比分，1比1。这粒进球激起了巴西队的斗志，在少打一人的情况下攻势更猛，但阿根廷人第67分钟恢复领先优势，有“瓜拉尼梅西”之称的17岁小个边锋伊图尔韦突破3名后卫推射入网，2比1。但此后伊图尔韦被撞伤下场。内马尔则吃到黄牌，将缺席下轮比赛。终场前5分钟，圣保罗后卫卡塞米罗射中横梁，阿根廷得以保住胜果。
　　(马舸)

elite

　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日，南美U20青年足球锦标赛的一场焦点大战中，阿根廷青年队以2比1击败了巴西青年队。图为巴西门将赛后遗憾不已。

elite

　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日，南美U20青年足球锦标赛的一场焦点大战中，阿根廷青年队以2比1击败了巴西青年队。图为阿根廷球员伊图比与队友庆祝进球。

elite

　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日，南美U20青年足球锦标赛的一场焦点大战中，阿根廷青年队以2比1击败了巴西青年队。图为阿根廷球员伊图比庆祝进球。

elite

　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日，南美U20青年足球锦标赛的一场焦点大战中，阿根廷青年队以2比1击败了巴西青年队。图为阿根廷队9号莫里轻松将点球罚进。


　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日，南美U20青年足球锦标赛的一场焦点大战中，阿根廷青年队以2比1击败了巴西青年队。图为阿根廷门将安德拉达飞身扑救

elite

　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日，南美U20青年足球锦标赛的一场焦点大战中，阿根廷青年队以2比1击败了巴西青年队。图为巴西队队员庆祝进球。


　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日，南美U20青年足球锦标赛的一场焦点大战中，阿根廷青年队以2比1击败了巴西青年队。图为阿根廷球员一起庆祝胜利，巴西队员则表情黯淡。


　　新浪体育讯　北京时间2月7日，南美U20青年足球锦标赛的一场焦点大战中，阿根廷青年队以2比1击败了巴西青年队。图为阿根廷球员一起庆祝胜利。

elite

Sudamericano Sub-20 Perú 2011 - hexagonal final
Argentina logró mucha más que un gran triunfo ante Brasil (2-1) 06.02.11
La selección albiceleste logró quebrar el invicto de Brasil al derrotarla de 2-1 en el último partido de esta tercera jornada del Hexagonal final. Funes Mori e Iturbe anotaron para Argentina, mientras que que William, en el segundo tiempo, había marc (...)

thewall

South American U20s: Argentina 2-1 Brazil- Iturbe Strikes Again As The Argentine Kids Squeak Home

Juan Iturbe's second half strike inspired Argentina to victory against big rivals Brazil, who could not overcome a resolute 'Albiceleste' defensive effort...

By Daniel Edwards


Juan Manuel Iturbe, Argentina Sub 20

Another excellent goal from Juan Manuel Iturbe steered Argentina to a narrow 2-1 reverse of 10 man Brazil in the South American U20 Championships, inflicting the first defeat of the tournament on their biggest rivals and drawing level in the final group stage. Brazil had drawn level in the encounter with a storming long-range effort from Willian, after Rogelio Funes Mori's penalty had handed Argentina the lead in a gripping encounter in Peru.

Wary of the attacking threat posed by Brazilian prodigies Neymar, Lucas and Willian, Argentina coach Walter Perazzo hedged his bets with a team geared to nullify opponents in the middle. Rogelio Funes Mori started as a lone centre forward in a 4-5-1 set up, with last week's hero Juan Iturbe playing as the link between midfield and attack. Despite the cautious approach however the 'Albiceleste' wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet, thanks to a nightmare start from Brazil.

After seeing centre back Bruno Uvini taken to hospital in the first few minutes, the favourites were dealt a hammer blow when fellow defender Juan stupidly struck Funes Mori in the face as a cross came in. Referee Wilmar Rodan had no hesitation in calling for a penalty and red card, and 'El Mellizo' dusted himself off to convert the kick and notch his second goal of the competition.

After the excitement of the opening 10 minutes the game slowed somewhat, with Perazzo's packed midfield doing an excellent job of crowding out Neymar; the Santos star's frustration began to show with several overly-theatrical falls and hectoring of the referee when things went against him. The 18 year old however did have the best chance of the first half, and it took an excellent one-handed stop from Esteban Andrada to deny him his eighth of the competition from Danilo's cross.

The teams went into half time on a rainy evening in Arequipa with Brazil 1-0 down, and Funes Mori could have made it two just one minute into the second period. The River starlet took advantage of defensive inattention to break through on goal, but his effort was too close to Gabriel and the keeper got his body in the way. The 'Verdeamarelho' also came close in another frenetic opening, but Lucas' could not find a way past the flawless Lanus youngster Andrada.

Sao Paulo's Lucas had started the period like a man possessed, and skinned two Argentina defenders with 54 minutes on the clock only to fire wide. A goal appeared on the cards though, and it arrived seconds later thanks to a stunning strike from Willian. Lucas' Sao Paulo colleague shepherded the ball to within 20 metres of the Argentina net and let rip with a powerful shot, which gave Andrada no chance. The equaliser was merited by the 'Selecao's spirit and willingness to push forward even with a player less, and it was Brazil who looked most likely to take three points with half an hour remaining.

Nevertheless it was the Argentines who pushed themselves back into the lead, with another inspired strike from the 'Guarani Messi' Iturbe. The 17 year old skipped past three defenders and slotted the ball past Gabriel, before jumping into the arms of his coach as he continues to cement his reputation as Argentina's next attacking prodigy.

The future Porto player subsequently injured himself in a clash following another mazy run and was taken off in some pain, while Neymar talked himself into the referee's notebook and earned himself a one-match suspension for accumulating bookings. Meanwhile Brazil stepped up their efforts for a second equaliser, but struggled to find their way through a determined 'Albiceleste' defensive effort as nine blue and white shirts got behind the ball.

Sao Paulo defender Casemiro came within a hair's breadth of stealing a point for his team when he hit the bar with five minutes on the clock, but Argentina stayed resolute and secured a huge win. The triumph puts them joint second in the final group behind Uruguay, and leaves them a step away from qualifying for this year's Youth World Cup in Colombia. Brazil meanwhile suffer defeat for the first time in the competition, but still look good value to make the world tournament and will hope to down Uruguay to keep the fight for top alive.

pedro

Lucas e Neymar - Brasil x Chile (CBFNEWS)

Barcelona Monitor Brazil Under-20 Stars Neymar And Lucas - Report
Barcelona sent their chief scout to the South American U-20 Championships, where he has been wowed by Brazil's Neymar and Lucas...

By Daniel Edwards
Feb 2, 2011 2:47:00 PM

The stellar performances of Brazil duo Neymar and Lucas in the South American Under-20 Championships have attracted attention from across the Atlantic, with Barcelona reportedly keeping close tabs on the pair's exploits in Peru.

Mundo Deportivo report that the Spanish giants have sent head of the scouting department Albert Valentin to observe the Brazilian side, who remain unbeaten in the tournament and head the final stage after one game. While Argentine stars Sergio Araujo, Rogelio Funes Mori and Juan Iturbe have impressed the official, it is apparently Santos prodigy Neymar and Sao Paulo's Lucas, both 18, who have caught Valentin's eye over the rest.

Neymar was identified in the report as the 'tournament star', and is the runaway top scorer so far with seven goals in five games. The newspaper however did make reference to the forward's "divisive character" and described him as "proud and arrogant". Lucas meanwhile was dubbed a "midfielder with great technical ability", although it was also made clear that despite the close attention there was no immediate suggestion of an approach from the Liga champions.

thewall

Uruguay won and will be in London 2012  

Uruguay returns to the Olympics after 84 years (1-0)
Feb 11 2011

The Uruguayan team reached Thursday night a historic qualification to the Olympic Games, and in which they will be present after 84 years by beating Argentina 1-0 in the penultimate game of the final round of the South American U-20 tournament in Peru.

The 'charrua' (Uruguayans) qualification to London 2012's was due to midfielder Matthias Vecino, who beated Argentine´s goalkeeper Andrada, at minute 65 with a high shot of great technical quality.

Uruguay always showed more

Fully aware of the historic opportunity they faced, it was the Uruguayans who sought the outcome, especially in the second half of a game in which physical deployment prevailed over technique. The Uruguayans, who won Olympic gold medals in 1924 and 1928 editions, had all the merits to achieve a qualification and complicate an Argentina without attitude.

This approach of the two teams was so evident that over the first half there were only two shots on goal of Vecino at minute 14 and minute 45.

Although in the second half the predominance of the defense prevailed over  the offensive attempts, and the Uruguayans were the ones who tried to disturb Andrada. And at minute 61, a swift entry of Luna to the right finished with a pass to Polenta, who failed to shoot on goal.

But three minutes later, Vecino appears and wins Andrada and makes his teammates and the few charrua fans burst with excitement, who watched the match at the Monumental UNSA Stadium of Arequipa.

The Uruguayans ended by resisting with courage the downpour of the Argentinian offensive and imposed their 'grip' to seal a result that has entered the history of 'Uruguayan football. "

The result has also allowed  the 'Celeste'  (Uruguayan team) to add 10 points and consolidated their team in first place for the South American U-20, while Argentina has complicated their aspirations of qualifying for the Olympics.

Match card:

Uruguay 1: Salvador Ichazo, Federico Platero, Diego Polenta, Leandro Cabrera, Maximiliano Olivera, Matthias Vecino(m.78, Matthew Jones), Angel Cayetano, Nicolas Prieto, Adrian Luna (m.84, Sebastian Gallegos) and Luis Camilo Mayada Machado (m.45, Federico Rodríguez). Coach: Juan Verzeri.

Argentina 0: Esteban Andrada; Pezella Germain, Hugo Nervo, González Leandro Pires, Claudio Mosca (m.57, Mauro Diaz), Adrian Martinez, Rodrigo Battaglia (m.71, Bruno Zuculini), Héctor Cardozo, Lucas Rodriguez, Juan Iturbe and Rogelio Funes Mori (m.62, Facundo Ferreyra). Coach: Walter Perazzo.

Goal: Matías Vecino(Uruguay 61 ').
Referee: Raul Orozco (Bolivia) admonished Claudio Mosca, Mauro Nervo and Hugo Diaz.

thewall

Una despedida agridulce. El volante Bruno Zuculini festeja su gol, el segundo de Argentina en la victoria de la albiceleste por 2 a 0 ante Colombia. EFE

thewall

El deshago final. Los chicos de Brasil reciben el trofeo "Juventud de América" y destana la algarabía.

Penelope

Fergie ready to swoop for Juan Manuel Iturbe - the next Lionel Messi
Feb 6 2011 by Alan Nixon, The People

IturbePic

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson is set to snatch the new Lionel Messi from under the noses of the world’s top clubs.
Argentinian wonder boy Juan Manuel Iturbe has been on European sides’ radar for two years despite being just 17.
As soon as he turns 18, Iturbe, in stature the image of Barcelona idol Messi, will sign for Porto, but insiders say his stay there will be a short one – with United ready to come calling as soon as he is acclimatised to European football.
Juventus, Napoli and Atletico Madrid have all offered him a contract so it was seen as something of a surprise when he chose Porto.
The reason, according to agents involved in the race, is that Porto and United have a close relationship and the player will be cleared to head to England as soon as Ferguson thinks he is ready.
Agent Gustavo Mascardi was in Portugal last month to sort out the fees involved in Iturbe’s transfer to Porto. The Portuguese giants are paying a fee of about £800,000 to be split by his former clubs Cerro Porteno of Paraguay and Quilmes of Argentina.
But there is also a signing-on fee for the player’s agent and family of about £400,000 – a clear signal of the kind of hot property Iturbe has become.
Although born in Argentina, Iturbe, seen by Fergie as a natural successor to Ryan Giggs, was raised in Paraguay where he played for top side Cerre Porteno.
With agents swirling around him, his family smuggled him back to Argentina but Cerro Porteno – fearing that he was being sold behind their backs – demanded that he be suspended for a year.
For months Iturbe was only allowed to train with Quilmes in Argentina but also turned out for his adopted country in internationals and dazzled despite a lack of match practice.
Iturbe had turned down Barcelona during his time in Paraguay but agent Mascardi offered his parents £1m to let him own his contract instead.
The deal has similarities with the controversial swoop for striker Bebe, who went from one Portuguese club to another when agent Jorge Mendes took control of his affairs – and then signed for United for £7m.
Insiders claim that Iturbe would cost United at least £10m when he moves, with the cash to be split between the player and the agents involved.
Mendes – also Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent – was the man who steered Brazilian Anderson from Porto to United. He was 18 when he joined the Portuguese side and played just a dozen times for them before moving.

Penelope

Juan Manuel Iturbe - Argentine silky trickster has Europe in his sightsFebruary 06, 2011


Juan Manuel Iturbe

The Argentina U-20 starlet has shown glimpses of his potential with solid Sudamericano U-20 performances.
Buenos Aires-born Juan Manuel Iturbe began his senior career at Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteno in June, 2009.

He made his debut appearance in the Paraguayan Primera Division aged 16 years old, and managed 11 games for the side in his first senior campaign.

Unfortunately for Cerro Porteno , Iturbe could not sign a professional contract with the club before turning 17, and Argentine outfit Quilmes came in for the player and snapped him up on a free transfer in August 2010.

As he is exactly the same height as Barcelona maestro and compatriot Lionel Messi (1.69m) and shares a similar style of play, he has inevitably been compared with the Spanish La Liga star.

And even though such comparisons are clearly premature, Iturbe has shown precocious skill in his recent performances for Argentina U-20, slaloming to a wondergoal in his side's most recent Sudamericano U-20 victory over Chile U-20.

He has not yet featured for Quilmes, but is currently amidst a successful campaign with his national team as they compete for the Sudamericano U-20 title, having scored twice already in six showings from his midfield position.
As evident in the clip above, Iturbe combines explosive pace with excellent dribbling skills to prove a constant thorn in the side of opposition defenders.

Iturbe was mentioned as a transfer target for Manchester United, Real Madrid and West Ham United early last year.

The Hammers were the most serious, and according to the Daily Mail, offered £2m for the prodigious winger but a move eventually collapsed.

It has recently been suggested that the player has completed a move to Portuguese outfit Porto FC but as of yet there has been no official confirmation.

译文：

马努埃尔-伊图尔贝

[ 2011-02-12, 由 迪桑托 加入, 译自 IMGSouting, 来自 GoalHi.com ]

出生在布宜诺斯艾利斯的胡安-曼努埃尔-伊图尔贝(Juan Manuel Iturbe)2009年在巴拉圭豪门波特诺山丘开始一线队生涯。
他在巴拉圭顶级联赛完成处子秀的时候年仅16岁，在他的第一个赛季出场11次。

对波特诺山丘不幸的是，伊图尔贝在17岁前不能签下职业合同，阿根廷球队基尔梅斯在2010年8月在自由球员市场上签下了他。
他的身高是巴塞罗那大师和演奏家的混合体莱奥内尔-梅西（Lionel Messi ）(1.69m)相同，比赛风格也类似，因为人们不可避免的把他和西甲巨星进行比较。

虽然这些比较有些太早了，但是伊图尔贝还是在最近阿根廷U20的比赛中展示了出色的能力，在南青赛击败智利的比赛中打进一个精彩的进球。

他还没在基尔梅斯证明自己，但是在为国征战南美U20的过程中表现出色，在中场位置上他出场6次打进2球。

正如上边视频展示的那样，伊图尔贝把爆炸般的速度和出色的盘带结合在一起，证明自己可以持续的杀伤对方的防线。今年早些时候曼联、皇马、西汉姆都希望得到他。

西汉姆最有诚意，据每日邮报报道，他们向这名出色的飞翼提出了200万英镑的报价，可惜最后谈崩了。

有报道称他已经被葡萄牙豪门波尔图买下，但是没有官方确认。

Penelope

Cerro Porteno's Juan Manuel Iturbe Ecstatic At Dream Copa Libertadores Start

Juan Iturbe was delighted at making a goal-scoring return to Cerro Porteno in last night's Copa Libertadores clash...

By Daniel Edwards
Feb 18, 2011 2:09:00 PM


Juan Manuel Iturbe, Cerro Porteño

Players

• Juan Manuel Iturbe Arévalo

Argentine prodigy Juan Manuel Iturbe declared himself over the moon at marking his Cerro Porteno return with two goals, as the Paraguayan side eased past Colo Colo in last night's Copa Libertadores clash.

Just two days after agreeing to move back to his first club, 'La Pulguita' came off the bench at half-time and within two minutes found himself on the scoresheet with an excellent one-two and finish. The 17-year-old added another in the final minutes to round off a 5-2 victory for Cerro, and after the game could not hide his joy at a dream start.

"I am overjoyed to have returned home, and what a way to do so. Thanks to God I was able to score twice to help the team win," Iturbe stated in the post-match press conference.

"So happy, this was my dream, to score one or two goals in the Cerro shirt; it was what I wanted most, even more in [home stadium] the 'Olla', because this is the club which I love."

The win gives Cerro the perfect start to their Libertadores campaign, but there is still a long way to go in the tournament and meanwhile the club will try to record their first domestic win of the year against 3 de Febrero this Sunday. Iturbe emphasised that the Paraguayans had to keep calm and take each game as it comes.

"We have to take things step by step and from now only think about Sunday's game," the forward asserted.

Penelope

Juan Manuel Iturbe: I Will Choose Argentina Over Paraguay

Despite a temporary move back to Cerro Porteno, Juan Iturbe confirmed that his international future is with Argentina and not Paraguay...

By Daniel Edwards
Feb 15, 2011 7:45:00 PM


Juan Manuel Iturbe, Lionel Messi, Argentina

South American Under 20 revelation Juan Manuel Iturbe today confirmed his desire to play for Argentina, officially turning his back on Paraguay.

After a season training in Quilmes without playing, Iturbe has returned to Paraguayan capital Asuncion to train with Cerro Porteno, the team which still holds his playing rights and where he will appear until he can officially transfer to Porto in June, when he turns 18.

The player, dubbed 'La Pulguita' in Argentina for his similar playing style to Lionel Messi, fell out with Cerro and the Paraguayan FA last year in a bitter contract dispute, and despite the temporary switch back to the country in which he was raised the youngster insisted that his future is with the Albiceleste.

"This is a decision that I took as soon as I first put on the Argentina shirt. Paraguay is now a closed chapter in my life," Iturbe told Radio Monumental from Asuncion.

The talented playmaker moved on to refer to the dispute which marred his 2010, and blasted the Paraguay directors for what they put him through.

"I suffered a lot. When I most needed their help, [the FA] were not there for me. In Argentina on the other hand I was brilliantly looked-after. I am very grateful and I cannot go back."

Iturbe was born in Buenos Aires to Paraguayan parents, and moved to Paraguay at an early age but with dual nationality for both the South American nations. After representing the Guaranis at youth level the 17-year-old switched to Argentina in 2010, and confirmed his status as one of football's most promising prospects with a brilliant strike against Chile and a match-winning effort against Brazil.

Penelope

Juan Iturbe Wants To Win The Copa Libertadores With Cerro Porteño

Future Porto player Juan Iturbe will play the Copa Libertadores season with first club Cerro Porteño after coming to an agreement yesterday...

By Daniel Edwards
Feb 16, 2011 11:55:00 PM

New Argentina sensation Juan Iturbe affirmed that he wanted to close out his time at Cerro Porteño by lifting the Copa Libertadores, after agreeing to move back to his first club until the youngster turns 18.

Iturbe started his career at the Asuncion club and appeared in their first team, but walked out in the middle of last year in a dispute over his contract and spent six months training at Primera Division club Quilmes. A FIFA ruling however stated that until his 18th birthday Cerro was the only club for whom the future Porto signing could play competitive football; and on Tuesday 'La Pulguita' agreed a temporary return to Paraguay and was immediately registered as eligible for the Copa.

"My dream is to play for Cerro Porteño and win the Libertadores. Every player dreams of lifting the Copa and this is a brilliant chance I have, I will try to do my best in every training session and if I get to play, I will give everything," the youngster and star of Argentina's Under 20 campaign signalled in a club press conference.

The forward had left Cerro and Paraguay under a cloud and endured a bitter dispute over his contract; he insisted however that anything that happened in the past had been forgotten and that he was fully committed to the 'Azulgrana'.

"I left Cerro in a bad state, but that is behind us. Now that I am back here I am going to try and win things," Iturbe asserted.

Cerro Porteño play Colo Colo tomorrow night in their first Group Stage clash; and having avoided injury in the South American Championships Iturbe is expected to start from the bench.

Penelope

Copa Libertadores 2011: Iturbe Stars in Thrashing of Colo Colo

Often compared to Lionel Messi, Iturbe showed why in Cerro Porteño's 5-2 win over Colo Colo.

By Roger Gonzalez
Feb 18, 2011 3:10:00 AM


Juan Manuel Iturbe, Cerro Porteño

Godoy Cruz 2-1 LDU Quito

The game of the week featured two teams with ample chances of making noise in this year's edition. Check out Daniel Edwards' match report on the game.

Cerro Porteño 5-2 Colo Colo

Superstar youngster Juan Iturbe stole the show in Asuncion, scoring a brace against Colo Colo.

Roberto Nanni opened the scoring, converting on Colo Colo's keeper's error a minute in.

Juan Castillo went to grab a bouncing, long ball inside the box when he failed to gain possession after colliding with a defender. Nanni kept after it, placing the ball home with an easy touch for the early advantage.

Julio Daniel Dos Santos put in an open header five minutes later to send the fans into a frenzy.

The visitors responded with a breathtaking goal by Cristobal Jorquera, who drilled a ball into the top of the net from inside the box to make it 2-1.

Then, Iturbe worked his magic.

Off a combination with Jonathan Fabbro, Iturbe received a high ball in the box as he was running towards the front post. He took one touch to his right with his left foot, and finished with the same foot to the near post.

The 17-year-old sensation added another goal in the 85th minute to put it away.

The Paraguayans sit in first place in Group 5 with three points.

Gremio 3-0 Oriente Petrolero

Gremio demolished Oriente Petrolero in Porto Alegre in Thursday night's match 3-0 for a well-deserved three points.

Douglas opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, placing the ball with his left foot to the right side of the goal.

Early in the second half, Gilson tapped home an easy one after Oriente keeper Hugo Suarez failed to hold on to the ball after a shot. Gilson placed it home with one touch from six metres out.

Douglas added his second goal in the 70th minute, finishing off a diagonal pass from the end line to beat Suarez.

With the victory, Gremio sits in first place in Group 2.

Leon de Huanuco 1-2 Atletico Junior
Former Once Caldas star John Viafara, who led them to the Copa Libertadores title in 2004, scored the opening goal for Atletico Junior in a comfortable 2-1 win in their first match in Group 2.

Luis Paez received the ball on the top of the box and touched the ball back to an oncoming Viafara. The Colombian scored a magnificent strike, remenisicent of his world-class goal against Boca in the final seven years back.

21 minutes in, Viafara drilled a right footed shot to the left side of the goal from 20 metres out.

Carlos Bacca scored in the middle of the second half for the 2-0 advantage off a clever pass from Juan Valencia. Bacca poked the ball past the keeper and put it away after Valencia's tricky through ball.

The Peruvian side would get a late goal from Carlos Elias, but it was not enough as the Colombians secured three points .

Junior are tied with Gremio with three points but are behind the Brazilians based on goal differential.

pedro

Sao Paulo Price Starlet Lucas At €95.3 Million To Ward Off Real Madrid & Manchester United - Report

Feb 19, 2011 12:09:00 PM

Lucas da Silva - São Paulo (Luiz Pirez/VIPCOMM)

Brazilian starlet Lucas has been given a €95.3 million (£80 million) price tag in an effort to disinterest Manchester United and Real Madrid, according to reports.
Talksport claim the two clubs have monitored the 18-year-old, who has put in a string on influential performances for Brazil during the South American Youth Championship.

Lucas is tied to a deal at Sao Paulo until 2015, which enables the Brazilian outfit to cash in on the starlet.

"This is satisfactory for both parties and the deal has also increased his wage substantially,” said Lucas' agent Wagner Ribeiro.

pedro

埃弗顿新星杰克罗德威尔成为曼联追逐目标？

Manchester United Set For £15m Swoop For Everton's Jack Rodwell - Report

Feb 19, 2011 2:50:00 PM


Jack Rodwell, Everton (Getty Images)

Manchester United have again been linked with a move for Everton starlet Jack Rodwell with the Daily Mail reporting they will bid £15 million for the teenager in the summer.
The Red Devils have long been linked with the youngster and Sir Alex Ferguson admitted recently that he was interested in signing a player in January but had been forced to delay any potential transfer until the summer, with the Mail now claiming that Rodwell is the player concerned.
The 19-year-old signed a five-year contract at Goodison Park just over a year ago and therefore will not come cheap particularly as David Moyes will be unwilling to let one of his star players leave Goodison Park.
Rodwell has made 14 appearances for Everton this season but is currently out of the side with an injury sustained whilst representing the England U21s against Italy on 9 February. The teenager injured his groin and is not expected to be back fit for another 4-6 weeks.
He posted on his Twitter account at the time: "Four to six weeks out. Gutted, but will come back stronger.”