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Ronaldo-less Portugal draw with Cyprus
PORTUGAL: Portugal dropped important points by drawing 4-4 in a goalfest against minnows Cyprus. Cristiano Ronaldo is still recovering from an injury that he picked up in his first match with Real Madrid.
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Cristiano Ronaldo not dating Kim Kardashian
Cristiano Ronaldo and Kim Kardashian are not a pair. In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo is still dating Irina Shayk. Sorry Kim!
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Cristiano Ronaldo out for three weeks
Cristiano Ronaldo picked up an injury during Real Madrid’s bore draw over the weekend. He will miss the first Euro 2012 matches for Portugal and will miss a few Real Madrid matches.
Get well soon Ronny!
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World Cup 2006 Round Up – Quarter Finals
The World Cup is down to eight countries as we approach the business end of the tournament. This is what happened the four quarter finals and who will be squaring off against who in the semis.
In a match billed as the 1990 World Cup final replay, hosts Germany ousted second favourites Argentina on a penalty shoot-out. Roberto Ayala headed Argentina in front four minutes into the second half and Jose Pekerman’s side looked to have booked their place in the last four until leading goalscorer Miroslav Klose levelled 10 minutes from time. No more goals were scored and the impeccable Germans maintained their 100% penalty record in a major finals by defeating their opponents 4-2 from the spot. A large brawl broke out after the final spot kick and Pekermen resigned in the aftermath of defeat.
Italy vs Ukraine was expected to be a low scoring affair but the Italians stepped up a gear and swept the World Cup first timers aside 3-0. Italy were out of the blocks early and Zambrotta broke the deadlock after just six minutes. Luca Toni, tipped by many as a dark horse for the World Cup Golden Boot, finally scored his first of the tournament, heading in after 59 minutes and netted another 10 minutes later to set up a semi-final clash against Germany.
Arguably the biggest shock of the tournament was France against Brazil. The ageing French side who had surprisingly got this far after an unconvincing group stage performance were expected to lose against pre-tournament favourites Brazil. However, an inspired performance by veteran Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry’s goal after 57 minutes was enough to see France through to the final four. Before they met Spain in the second round, France were 20/1 outsiders but now see themselves as 2/1 second favourites behind hosts Germany.
Whereas France’s victory over Brazil was a shock, the most dramatic match of the quarter finals was unquestionably England vs Portugal. England had arguably better of the chances until the crucial turning point after XX minutes when Wayne Rooney was sent off. Rooney apparently stamped on Ricardo Carvalho and Manchester United team-mate Ronaldo gestured to have the striker sent off. Rooney pushed Ronaldo away and duly received his marching orders. Sven Goran Eriksson had no more ideas to call upon, despite banking £25 million during his five year tenure and with the score still 0-0 after 130 minutes, the match was to be decided by the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
Simao scored but Frank Lampard’s was saved by goalkeeper Ricardo. Hugo Viana hit the post and the impressive Owen Hargreaves scored. Armando Petit struck his effort wide but with the chance to put England in front, Steven Gerrard saw his tame effort saved. Helder Postiga converted from the spot but Jamie Carragher saw a third penalty saved by Ricardo. Ironically, it was Ronaldo who netted the third crucial penalty to send Portugal into the semi final by a 3-1 scoreline.
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How To – Step By Step Soccer Moves
Ever wondered what makes great soccer moves actually great? Is it their quickness, is it the outstanding ball control that the dribbler needs to possess in order to pull them off, or is it simply seeing the look on the poor defender’s face when he gets his ankles twisted by the move?
I’ll tell you what makes them great: it’s the countless hours that those outstanding dribblers out there put in their practice that allow them to perform seemingly impossible moves with the ease of a rabbit hopping uphill. If you ever dreamt of being able to perform such great soccer moves, you’ll have to work hard to get them. And you can do so with the help of the following step by step soccer moves guide.
> Step by Step Soccer Moves – The Stepover and Double Stepover
This move has an affinity for players named Ronaldo (or is it vice-versa, I can’t remember), since both of today’s popular Ronaldos, the Brazilian striker – Nazario da Lima – and the Portuguese winger – Cristiano – tend to use it as their trademark move. It’s one of the advanced soccer moves you’ll be practicing, so don’t expect it to be snap-easy to master. Here’s how to perform the stepover, step by step (don’t worry, it takes fewer steps to perform it than the amount of steps in this sentence):
Step 1 – Get the ball close to your feet and have it slowly move forward, towards the direction you’re facing.
Step 2 – With your left foot, hover over the ball in a circular motion and plant it on the left side of the ball.
Step 3 – With the other foot, cut the ball to the right and go past your opponent.
Notes: Obviously, you can switch feet, I just used left first and right for the cut for clearer explanation purposes. If you want to perform a double stepover, or a triple stepover, instead of cutting with the base foot, you can use it to hover over the ball again and so forth.
> Step by Step Soccer Moves – The Sweep
Another advanced soccer move that won’t be easy to master, but then again you’re not here for your average stop and go. This move is extremely spectacular and at the same time effective. It can be used to great effect on the wings, or in the center of the park, to get past your direct opponent. It’s harder to perform on the edge of the penalty area, or inside it, because it’s a lot more crowed there.
This great soccer move doesn’t really have a player that you could say branded it, although Robbie Van Persie of Arsenal recently scored a magnificent goal in a match against Internazionale Milano with the help of a sweep dribble. But here’s the step by step on it:
Step 1 – Position yourself as you would pass the ball or shoot, with your base foot closer to the ball.
Step 2 – With your other foot, simulate a pass or shot.
Step 3 – When your faking foot reaches the ball, drag it along sideways, opposite of your base foot.
Notes: This is so efficient because the opponent will not know if you pass, shoot or dribble until you have already performed the dribble. For this to be completely effective, make sure you sweep the ball across in Step 3, not kick it in that direction, as dragging it gives you some precious time.
These advanced soccer moves are still quite situational, because you’ll need to have your opponents at a certain distance and position. For general purposes, a few easier dribbles such as the V-move, the stop and go or the fake shot will probably work better, but if you can pull off any of the advanced soccer moves above, you’re bound to get a standing ovation and possibly an assist or a goal, because they’re very surprising.
6
Ronaldo to return against Bolton
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return from his injury layoff in Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Bolton Wanderers on September 27.
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Cristiano Ronaldo staying at Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will remain at Manchester United for another season following showdown talks with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Portuguese superstar, who has been a high-profile transfer target for Spanish giants Real Madrid this summer, said: ‘I will remain with Manchester United for at least another year.’
Cristiano Ronaldo is still recovering from foot surgery and is expected to sit out the first few Manchester United matches.
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Cristiano Ronaldo backs Sepp Blatter
Cristiano Ronaldo is in agreement with FIFA president Sepp Blatter statement about players being tied down like slaves with contracts in the modern game. The slavery comment has gotten Blatter into some hot water.
Ronaldo once again confirmed that he would like to move to Real Madrid. However, he made clear that there is not agreement between Real Madrid and himself.
The Portuguese superstar is currently recovering from recent foot surgery.
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Ronaldo has successful operation
Cristiano Ronaldo has undergone a successful ankle surgery yesterday at a hospital in Amsterdam. Ronaldo will have to wait until near the beginning of next season to find out exactly how long he will be sidelined.
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Real Madrid giving up on Ronaldo dream?
Latest news are reporting that Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has given up on his dream signing.
Real Madrid believes that bringing Ronaldo to Spain is just that, a dream.
Hopefully this puts an end to the ongoing saga between Manchester United and Real Madrid.