When people name their favorites for the World Cup, Brazil comes up every time. The Seleção conjures up images of excitement and artful soccer. With a record five World Cup titles, it’s the most successful team as well, and is the favorite to add a sixth crown in South Africa in July.

Over the years, Brazil’s success has been defined by two factors: hard work and exceptional talent. While Brazil’s squads are generally solid in every aspect, their attack traditionally has been decisive. Legends such as Pelé, Ronaldo, Romário, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho have done their part to ensure Brazil remains at the top.

In South Africa, that legacy is likely to be picked by Sevilla goal machine Luís Fabiano. With 25 goals in 36 matches with Brazil, “O Fabuloso” is more than capable of taking up the responsibility, and the impact he makes in South Africa could be a key factor in how far Brazil goes.

The 29-year-old is aware of the task, and believes that his recent spectacular form has provided him with the necessary confidence to reach his peak at the World Cup. Fabiano recently took time to discuss Brazil’s World Cup chances, his incredible scoring run and the reason why he turned down several of Europe’s top clubs to remain loyal to Sevilla.

SI.com: That’s quite a draw Brazil will face this summer: Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea.

Fabiano: It’s definitely one of the most difficult groups. I know Ivory Coast very well, because three players from its squad are teammates of mine at Sevilla [Didier Zokora, Koffi Romaric and Arouna Koné]. They have a very strong and fast squad. Portugal has great players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who is one of the best in the world. The only team I don’t know much about is North Korea.

SI.com: Of the three teams, which is the most dangerous and why?

Fabiano: I think Portugal, because it has several great players and is a team that’s more accustomed to participating in major competitions like the World Cup.

SI.com: It seems as if Brazil’s current squad has fewer superstars than it did in the 2006 World Cup. Is that an advantage or a disadvantage?

Fabiano: The stars don’t always win titles. I think the most important thing is the group, unity and competitiveness, and the Brazilian national team has demonstrated this in the last few years.

SI.com: With a teammate blessed with the talent of Kaká, are things much easier on the field?

Fabiano: Without any doubt. He is a player with great vision of the game — he provides superb balls to the forwards so that they can score goals. As well as that, I have a good understanding with him, because we played together at São Paulo in 2001 and ’02.

SI.com: Besides Brazil, which other teams do you feel are candidates to win the World Cup?

Fabiano: Italy and Germany, who both have tradition at World Cups, and then Spain, which has a great team and is playing very well.

SI.com: With five goals, you finished atop the Confederations Cup scoring charts, essentially helping Brazil win the title. Did that tournament give you more confidence ahead of the World Cup?

Fabiano: The entire year of ’09 was excellent for me, and it gave me loads of confidence. The Confederations Cup was perhaps the most important moment, because we won the title and the team performed very well. Confidence is one thing I don’t lack today.

SI.com: In the South American World Cup qualifiers, how did it feel to score two crucial goals against Argentina in Rosario, giving Brazil a historic victory that sealed World Cup qualification?

Fabiano: It was a magical moment. We played at the stadium of our rivals, with a totally unfavorable atmosphere, but we were superior both technically and mentally. It was great to score two goals and to help Brazil win the match, which guaranteed us of World Cup qualification.

SI.com: For many, you’re the successor to Ronaldo on the national team. As much as that’s an honor, does that give you added pressure?

Fabiano: I always say, to wear the No. 9 shirt of the national team — which was worn by great players like Ronaldo, Romário, Careca and many others — is great motivation and it forces you to play with more pride and confidence and it pushes you to perform at your best. Pressure will always exist, but I’m already used to dealing with it.

SI.com: What do think the chances are of Ronaldo being your strike-partner in South Africa?

Fabiano: I think all the strikers who are passing through a good moment have chances of being called up. But I prefer to leave that decision to coach Dunga.

SI.com: Despite missing some time with an ankle injury, you’re in great form with Sevilla this season with eight goals. Is finishing the season as Spain’s top scorer one of your goals?

Fabiano: That was one of my objectives at the start of the season, but it’s more difficult, because I missed lots of matches because of my injury. Despite that, I’ll fight right until the end.

SI.com: Sevilla topped its group in the Champions League, but what can we expect from the round-of-16 matchup with CSKA Moscow in February?

Fabiano: Even if we’re going through a difficult period with lots of ups and downs, I think Sevilla has great chances of advancing to the quarterfinals. But we need to respect CSKA and have to enter both matches very focused.

SI.com: Several big clubs such as AC Milan, Juventus and Chelsea have been after you, but you decided to stay at Sevilla. Why?

Fabiano: To tell you the truth, it wasn’t my decision. I have a contract with Sevilla until 2011 and the interested clubs have to negotiate with Sevilla. From the clubs that you mentioned, the only one that made an official proposal was Milan, but Sevilla considered the offer too low and the negotiations broke down.

SI.com: Who were your soccer idols growing up?

Fabiano: My idol was Romário. In 1994, I was only 13 years old and I followed his performances at the World Cup. He was my player then and I went on to admire him.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

Uruguay and Atletico Madrid superstar Diego Forlan has proved to be one of the best strikers in the world after claiming a second European Golden Boot for his 32 goals with his club side last season. Just moments before Atleti´s crucial Champions League clash with Chelsea the Uruguayan chatted to me about his club´s difficult start to the season, and as well as Uruguay´s hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

1. How does it feel to be the Pichichi and the highest goal scorer of the whole of Europe for a second time?

It is very nice, to have achieved this twice is incredible. As a kid one thinks about these things but then to have achieved them, it isn´t easy.

2. What is happening to Atletico Madrid this season, why is the club in the relegation zone of La Liga?

We are committing errors and we are paying for them, as well as this the few goal scoring opportunities we are creating, we aren´t converting.

3. With you and Aguero Atletico have one of the best strike forces in Europe, but why unlike last season has it been so difficult to score?

The good thing is that this has only just started, it is normal for a team to have these bad moments, the important thing is to overcome them as soon as possible!

4. Atleti are also struggling in the Champions League, how important is the clash with Chelsea on Tuesday?

Obviously the Champions League isn´t easy, but we have hope. We have three group matches left and we have to come out to win them, then we will see…

5. You were just about to sign for Barcelona during the transfer window, but why didn´t you come to an agreement at the end?

I don´t know, there were lots of rumours but there was no official contact, I don´t know.

6. Would you like to continue playing in Spain, or would you prefer to play in Italy or return to England?

I like the Spanish league very much, but if another offer from another league arrives, it will be analysed and we will see…

7. In Spain you have demonstrated that you are one of the best strikers in the world, would you like to demonstrate this in the English Premier League as well?

Not at all, I lived two and a half very good years at Manchester, but I don´t feel that I have to demonstrate anything.

8. For me Alex Ferguson didn´t provide you with sufficient opportunities at Manchester United, despite the fact that when you entered the field you were able to demonstrate your quality, did you see it like this?

I would have liked to have played more, the little that I played I tried to do my best possible. He didn´t allow me to have the continuity that I wanted and that I found in Spain, but it is understandable, there were great players in the squad.

9. Other South Americans like Veron, Heinze, Kleberson and Tevez didn´t find much luck at United despite being huge stars. Does Ferguson have something against South American players?

Not at all, it was he who signed us in the first place.

10. Uruguay are only a step away from qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa, how do Uruguay come into the playoff against Costa Rica?

We are doing well, not long is left, and we hope to qualify. It will be difficult but a nice challenge.

11. What do Uruguay have to do to beat Costa Rica and qualify for the World Cup?

We have to pick up a good away result, that is very important.

12. Do you think the teams from the CONCACAF region have a similar style to the South American teams, or is it very different?

It depends a lot on the style of football of each country.

13. Have you played on an artificial field before, if so how does it feel, do you think it is an advantage for Costa Rica?

I have played there and trained there, it is a little different to a normal grass field. Obviously they are used to it and they know how to play there very well.

14. How did you feel moments before taking the crucial last minute penalty against Ecuador in the recent World Cup qualifier, and how about after you scored it?

I knew the importance of that penalty. Once I converted it, I felt great happiness, my team mates and I.

15. How do you spend your free time?

I like to stay home, to go out to play golf, the cinema, go out to eat, it depends a lot on what I feel like doing.

16. When you turn on your computer what are the first three websites you visit?

Montevideo.com.uy, quenonino.com.uy and ole.com.ar

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

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Few players can compare with the achievements of Martín Palermo. The Boca Juniors striker is 35, yet he continues to be one of the most prolific strikers in all of South America. With 201 goals to his name, Palermo holds the record for the most career goals of Boca’s professional era.

But “The Titan” isn’t sitting back and coasting on that distinction. He’s always looking to surpass himself, even if he already has lifted every possible local and international trophy in existence at the club level. Palermo has been in incredible form since returning from an injury layoff in February, and will be hoping to steer Boca Juniors closer towards what would be a record seventh Copa Libertadores title.

Palermo’s steadiness has paid off in another way, earning him his first national-team call-up in 10 years thanks to an appreciative Diego Maradona (though Palermo won’t play in Wednesday’s friendly against Panama due to Boca’s Libertadores quarterfinal second leg with Defensor Sporting of Uruguay). If Palermo continues to impress at Maradona’s favorite club, it certainly could boost his chances of making the Argentina squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

A classic target man whose best skills don’t appear to be fading, Palermo hopes to end a glorious career at Boca Juniors. But he hasn’t ruled out a long-rumored move to Major League Soccer, where he could team up with former Boca teammate Guillermo Barros Schelotto with the Columbus Crew.

SI.com recently caught up with Palermo to discuss the records he continues to break at Boca, his revitalized national-team aspirations and whether he’d be interested in an American adventure.

SI.com: With more than 200 goals, how does it feel to be Boca’s leading scorer?

Palermo: It is a great honor. I always set myself goals, and this was one of them as soon as I arrived at Boca.

SI.com: What has been your greatest achievement as a player?

Palermo: There have been lots of them, and I can’t single one out. But in this day and age, to stay in the history of such a huge club by being the maximum goal-scorer is one of them.

SI.com: You have won everything with Boca, including the Libertadores, the Intercontinental Cup, the Copa Sudamericana and several Argentine championships. After so much success. how do you continue to be motivated to keep on winning titles?

Palermo: I always think about surpassing what I have already achieved. And this club taught me that you have to think about winning things all of the time. There are always competitions to play, and that implies the possibility to win a new title each time. At Boca, you can never afford to relax.

SI.com: You always score goals in the important matches, like in the recent Superclásico against River Plate and in the Libertadores against Defensor Sporting last week. Do these kinds of matches give you more motivation to score?

Palermo: For me, all of the matches are important, and that is why I want to play all of the matches that I possibly can until the day of my retirement. And if I can score goals in each one of them, even better.

SI.com: Boca is struggling in the Argentine Clausura Championship, but is only a step away from securing passage into the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Does the team have what it takes to be South American champions again this year?

Palermo: Yes, we are focused on achieving this, even if we aren’t at our best level. But in the final instances, the best Boca always appears.

SI.com: Of all of the youngsters Boca has, who do you see as future prospects for the Argentine national team?

Palermo: There are plenty of players in all of the positions. Pochi Chávez, Juan Forlín, Nicolás Gaitán, Pablo Mouche, Lucas Viatri. And on loan in Norway, there is Lucas Pratto, who I think has a great future.

SI.com: You only spent three seasons away from Argentina, in Spain with Villarreal, Real Betis and Deportivo Alavés from 2001 to ’04. Would you have liked to have spent more time in Europe?

Palermo: Usually I don’t regret the decisions I make. And particularly, returning to Boca was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Boca is my home, and luckily together we have been able to achieve important things.

SI.com: Your Boca contract expires on June 30. Is there a possibility you’d move abroad?

Palermo: Today my head is only at Boca and hopefully I can end my career here. Everything depends on the directors.

SI.com: At 35, did you think your days with the national team over, or did you have a glimmer of hope that one day you would return?

Palermo: I always had hope, but obviously each time I thought it was more difficult. But I never lost any hope. [Former Argentina coach] Alfio Basile had thought about calling me, but I got injured, and now the call-up from Maradona fills me with pride.

SI.com: It’s still early, but is your objective to earn a place in the World Cup in South Africa next year?

Palermo: Hopefully, yes. Perhaps many thought that I wouldn’t have any more opportunities to wear the shirt of the national team, but here I am. And who is to say that I won’t earn myself a place in the World Cup?

SI.com: Many remember you for missing three penalties in one match against Colombia in the ’99 Copa América. Do you think that might have played into your not receiving another call-up up until now?

Palermo: I don’t know, and it doesn’t worry me much. On that occasion, I took the decision and there was a huge risk. But thankfully Diego gave me another opportunity, and I will try to take full advantage of it.

SI.com: After Argentina was thrashed 6-1 by Bolivia in its last World Cup qualifier last month, what can be expected from Maradona with the national team?

Palermo: From the hard knocks, you always learn things. And Diego is very smart and capable. I think he will achieve great things with the national team, which he already did during his time as a player.

SI.com: What do you know about MLS? Have you seen any games?

Palermo: I’ve seen more matches since the arrival of Guille. I follow him, and from doing that, I have been able to watch several matches — those that are televised in Argentina, of course.

SI.com: If you don’t come to an agreement to renew your contract with Boca, would a possible move to MLS tempt you?

Palermo: It is something I always speak about with my agent [Gustavo Goñi, the same person who negotiated Schelotto's move to Columbus] because there are always rumors. But right now I’m only thinking about what will happen at Boca.

SI.com: Has Guillermo told you anything about MLS?

Palermo: He is very happy and well adapted. Most of all because last year he demonstrated his quality and helped his team win the title.

SI.com: A couple of years ago, it was reported that Guille tried to convince you to join him in Columbus. What happened?

Palermo: There were some talks but nothing came from it.

SI.com: MLS has signed lots of Argentines in the last few years, players of tremendous quality and some with national-team experience. The league also has been linked to others like Juan Sebastian Verón, Ariel Ortega and you. Why do you think Argentine players are so popular?

Palermo: Because the Argentine player generally makes a difference. And Guillermo provided evidence of that with Columbus last year.

Twelve matches without a victory is a tough spell for any team. But for Argentine powerhouse River Plate, one of the world’s most storied and successful clubs, it’s nothing less than a catastrophe.

Los Millonarios find themselves at the bottom of the 20-team Argentine First Division with just one victory. On top of that, they’re on the verge of elimination from the Copa Sudamericana, making it the worst campaign the club has experienced in its 107 years of existence.

Team morale is awful, and to make matters worse, coach Diego Simeone, who only five months ago guided River Plate to the Clausura Championship, affirmed that he will abandon his post if his team fails to advance to the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana after the return leg of its clash with Chivas de Guadalajara in Mexico on Thursday (River is down 2-1 after the first-leg result in Buenos Aires).

“We can’t find many explanations; there are lots of reasons behind it but no single one,” River star striker Radamel Falcao García told me from his hotel room in Guadalajara on Tuesday night. “We haven’t done things well, and we know this. But we are working hard to get things together again.”

“We are very low on the table and it hurts, it affects our self pride,” added the 22-year-old Colombian international. “But what motivates us is that we want to get out of the position where we find ourselves. River isn’t used to being in such a bad situation; we haven’t experienced anything quite like it before. And we want to get out as soon as possible.”

River is in the middle of a massive crisis that seems to have no end. The club has struggled to find any kind of form this season, and to top things off, last month it fell to a frustrating home defeat to archrivals Boca Juniors in the Argentine Superclásico at its very own Estadio Monumental de Nuñez.

“It was a hard defeat to take,” said Falcao, who despite his impressive scoring record against Boca, couldn’t make an impact on the match. “Because Boca is a rival, we always want to beat and they are the main competition we have. It is the match we always want to win, and unfortunately we lost. And the players really felt the defeat,”

The obvious reason for River’s dramatic turnaround was the exodus of several key players after last season’s impressive title run. Bad management led to the departures of talented attackers Alexis Sánchez, Sebastián Abreu (who since returned to the club but is only eligible to play in the Sudamericana), and goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo. Meanwhile, inspirational midfielder Ariel Ortega was controversially loaned out to a second-division club per the demand of Simeone, who wanted him to cure his worsening alcohol addiction.

“They are fundamental players who left, and last season they collaborated in helping us win the title,” said Falcao. “We feel their absences. And the team hasn’t managed to replace them because they were the backbone of the team.”

Falcao, who was River’s top scorer last season with 11 goals, has clearly been affected by the losses, having managed to find the back of the net only twice this season. Since joining River Plate as a 14-year-old (he debuted for the River first team in ’05) Falcao has scored goals on a regular basis. He says River’s dramatic dip in form is the main reason for his lack of goals this season.

“It’s harder to score without a good team effort, but I’m hopeful of getting back to scoring ways in order to help the team,” he explained. “But it doesn’t matter who scores — during this complicated moment we are all hoping to help, we have this mentality. But if I score, it’s even better.”

“El Tigre” must find his scoring touch immediately — in order to reach the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana, River has to score at least two goals at the Estadio Jalisco against Chivas. Simeone’s side has to be highly efficient in front of goal. In Argentina, River played its best soccer of the season. But although it completely dominated its opponents, it failed to capitalize on its many scoring opportunities and ended up losing the match.

“We played very well against Chivas,” Falcao said. “We had the capacity to set the rhythm of the match. We always tried to find the back of the net, but we couldn’t manage this, and Chivas scored quickly and made it very hard for us to get back into the game.”

But on Thursday, Falcao said, “We hope to play with the same attitude and to be more lethal when presented with opportunities in front of goal.”

River’s only possibility of salvaging something from the season lies with the Sudamericana, a competition in which it reached the finals back in ’03 when it lost to Cienciano of Peru. In last weekend’s league match with Lanús, Simeone reserved his first-choice team in order to enter the clash with Chivas in the best possible condition. If River manages to win the tournament, its season could end on a high note.

“It is one of our season objectives, and it will be very nice to win it,” Falcao said. “But our position on the [league] table isn’t good, and we aren’t happy with that and we will try to get out of the hole and try to finish the season as high as possible on the table, and to win the Copa Sudamericana.”

If River fails to win the tournament, Simeone will be on his way out and the coach will be followed by several others. With the demand for high-quality South American strikers in Europe, Falcao, who rejected a lucrative move to Italian giants AC Milan last year, would surely part ways with River.

“I don’t know, hopefully the coach and the players continue,” he said. “Luck just hasn’t gone our way. We have played poorly, but it isn’t that we aren’t doing well because the team doesn’t want to or because we don’t have the right attitude. We hope we can all continue and find a way to reverse the situation.”

The fact that the Buenos Aires club has produced so many talented players over the years increases Falcao’s chances of moving to one of Europe’s top clubs, especially if River continues with its disastrous form. In recent months, Falcao has attracted the attention of heavyweights Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal and Milan, a team that won’t give up in its attempts to lure the Colombian to the San Siro.

Falcao has played down rumors suggesting that he could be on his way out; however, he admits that he has always dreamt of playing for one of the above clubs, and that one of his career objectives is to succeed in the elite leagues of European soccer.

Although he enjoys watching English soccer, Falcao characterizes himself as a technical player, and for that reason he feels he is better suited for the style of soccer exhibited in Spain’s La Liga. He believes the transition from Argentine to Spanish soccer would be a smooth one, particularly if he joins Spanish champions Real Madrid, one of the frontrunners to secure his signature.

The future of the much sought after striker clearly lies in Europe, but although he is excited about the possibility of moving abroad, he says that right now he’s only thinking about River and he’s looking forward to winning more titles with the club.

“Sometimes you can’t say no because they are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” he said. “But at this moment, I’m only thinking about River, and to win more titles with the club.”

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

When Argentine legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto joined the Columbus Crew in April, he promised to pass on 10 years of experience at Boca Juniors to his new teammates. He has not only managed to do that, he’s also become one of the best players in MLS and is much of the reason why his team is fighting for its first playoff berth in three seasons.

Schelotto’s arrival had an immediate impact on the Crew, and the 34-year-old winger leads the side in both goals and assists, and has been a sparkplug for the team. He’s clearly enjoying his first MLS season, and his sensational form has made him an MVP contender.

But that really depends on whether Columbus can keep up the momentum in a tight race to the postseason. The Crew had lost only once in their last eight matches before last Saturday’s narrow 3-2 defeat to FC Dallas, and they’ll need the inspiration of their main man to get back on track as they look to move up from fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

“Guille” recently took time to discuss what has so far been a remarkable season for him. He also touched on several other important issues, including his views on the league, the rise of its Latin American players and Columbus’ playoff chances. In addition, he gave an insight into Boca’s plans to establish an MLS franchise.

SI.com: How are you finding the level of soccer played in MLS?

Schelotto: Good — it’s at a pretty high level. Hopefully it can continue to improve.

SI.com: What did you expect when you signed for Columbus?

Schelotto: I expected to be playing here on a regular basis, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I looked forward to having an opportunity to keep on playing, and to live in the U.S. It is a very nice experience.

SI.com: You’re having a great season, and lead your team in both goals and assists. Are you happy with your current situation?

Schelotto: Yes, I’m happy with the way things are going, but I’m happier with how the team is playing. We are doing well and have a good chance of making the playoffs. That’s the main objective.

SI.com: Was it difficult to adapt to the style of soccer played in the league?

Schelotto: It took me time, but that is normal. I’ve adapted well to the different style of soccer played here, when compared to the style played back home in Argentina.

SI.com: How are you coping with the language? Do the Latin American players in the team help you?

Schelotto: Yes, they help me. I’m slowly improving with the language. Hopefully I can continue to improve.

SI.com: Do you think MLS’ Latin players are leaving a good impression on the league, and from all of them, which player has impressed you most?

Schelotto: I think their influence on the league is growing. Hopefully more South American players can keep on coming to play here — the best soccer in the world comes from there because of the high-quality players they produce. They can do a lot of good for this league. Juan Pablo Ángel has played well; he has scored lots of goals. Now Cuauhtémoc Blanco is here, and he is already doing very well.

SI.com: What is the biggest difference between American and Argentine soccer?

Schelotto: Here they play with personal man-marking and in Argentina they play in zones. I think this is the biggest difference.

SI.com: Do you feel you have much less pressure, compared to when you played at Boca Juniors?

Schelotto: No, because it’s a different type of pressure. In Argentina, the pressure comes from the people from the outside [the supporters]. But I always try to put pressure on myself to perform, and feel the same pressure to keep on winning.

SI.com: You left Boca as a club idol. Do your teammates at Columbus understand what this means?

Schelotto: My teammates respect me a lot. They’ve treated me very well, but I’m not too sure about that [laughs].

SI.com: Boca is contemplating establishing an MLS franchise — much like Chivas of Guadalajara did with Chivas USA. Do you support that idea?

Schelotto: It’s a good idea, but we first have to find the best area in which to locate the team. But I think it’s a very interesting idea.

SI.com: What does that mean for the growth in popularity of MLS in Argentina?

Schelotto: It will without doubt make a huge difference. But first I think soccer over here has to affirm itself, and then perhaps it will become more popular around the world.

SI.com: Do you think the Argentine community in the U.S. will support a Boca USA if it happens?

Schelotto: I think the Boca fans will follow the team, but I’m not sure about the Argentina fans. Because they are so passionate about the rivalries between their soccer teams — I don’t think they will support Boca.

SI.com: Assuming it happens, do you see yourself becoming part of it and playing for that team?

Schelotto: If this project becomes a reality, definitely. But first there’s a lot of work to be done.

SI.com: There’s a big possibility that Juan Sebastián Verón and Martín Palermo could play in MLS soon — would you recommend it to them?

Schelotto: They are two very high-profile soccer players and they’ve done a lot of good for their teams. And yes, I would recommend them to play here because they are reaching the end of their careers, and it’s very difficult to enjoy playing soccer in Argentina like you can over here.

SI.com: Columbus is having a very good run, losing only once in its last eight matches. Does the team have what it takes to reach the playoffs?

Schelotto: If we continue to play like this, yes, it’s possible that we’ll qualify. I think our chances are 50-50, but it only depends on us.

SI.com: Rather surprisingly, you didn’t make the MLS All-Star team. Do you think you deserved to be there?

Schelotto: I’m not too sure what the selection criteria were for this. But I’m OK with the fact that I wasn’t chosen.

SI.com: MLS is definitely increasing in popularity, but what needs to be done for it to be considered one of the best leagues in the world in the future?

Schelotto: I think they have to administer the league better, and should try to further develop the ideas that they already have. They should carefully select the players that play in the league, both those they bring in from overseas, and the ones they select from their universities. Everyone has to work harder.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

When Uruguay faces Brazil in Tuesday’s Copa América semifinal, there’s no doubt it will be the clear underdog. The Uruguayans struggled in the group phase, scoring only once in three matches, and it wasn’t surprising that no one gave them a chance against undefeated Venezuela in the quarterfinals.

But as has happened so often in the past, Uruguay proved everyone wrong, overwhelming the much fancied hosts 4-1 with a sensational display from Diego Forlán. The star striker scored twice in the victory, further demonstrating that he is a player that rises on the big occasion.

Uruguay, which beat Brazil to win its last Copa América in 1995, will rely on Forlán’s big-match temperament in order to overcome the Brazilians once again and book its ticket to the final of the competition against the winner of Argentina and Mexico, who clash on Wednesday.

I caught up with a confident Forlán on the eve of the encounter. We discussed Uruguay’s sudden revival in the competition, what can be expected against Brazil and if the team has what it takes to win a record 15th title.

SI.com: Uruguay was impressive against Venezuela. What did you like best about your team?

Forlán: The manner in which the team played, we were very good defensively and we also did very well in midfield and in the attack.

SI.com: Uruguay has now reached the semifinals of the Copa América four times in a row. What does that say about Uruguayan soccer?

Forlán: The most important thing is that we are doing things better, and it’s good to be in the top four teams of South America, taking into account that Brazil and Argentina are there. For us to reach this stage allows us to realize that we are doing things well.

SI.com: After both teams’ emphatic victories in the quarterfinals, what can we expect of Uruguay against Brazil in Tuesday’s semi?

Forlán: We hope that it will be a good match, and hopefully we will win. It’s likely to be a difficult match because we are up against Brazil. But there are 90 minutes to play and many things can happen in that time. That is the reason why soccer is so nice, because you can’t be sure who will win even if there is a clear favorite.

SI.com: Which players have impressed you most in the Copa América?

Forlán: I think they have been Brazil’s Robinho, Argentina’s Juan Román Riquelme and Lionel Messi, Mexico’s Nery Castillo and our own Cristian “Cebolla” Rodríguez.

SI.com: Argentina is considered the overwhelming favorite to win the title — do you agree?

Forlán: They are huge candidates, they always have been and now they are playing very well and they have an excellent squad. But that doesn’t mean they will win it — like I told you a few questions back, the nice thing about soccer is that the favorite doesn’t always win and I feel the four teams who are in the semifinals all have the same possibilities.

SI.com: Do you think Uruguay has what it takes to win its 15th Copa América?

Forlán: To do this we only have to win two matches, but two very important matches, so many things can happen. We, like the rest of the teams, have a good chance to win it.

SI.com: Uruguay promised a lot before the Copa América, but lost 3-0 against Peru in its debut. How did that loss affect the team?

Forlán: It was tough on us, because we knew that it could happen but we didn’t expect to lose by such a margin. Despite the defeat we were aware that we still had two more group matches to play and if we won them we’d have the opportunity to reach the next phase.

SI.com: You were unable to demonstrate your class in the first round, but in the quarterfinals against Venezuela you showed why you are one of the best strikers in the world. Do you think the reason was because of Álvaro Recoba‘s absence, or just because you were unlucky in the other matches?

Forlán: This is a team sport, and I’m not the best player because I scored twice; and I wasn’t the worst when I didn’t score and didn’t play well. Much of this depends on the way the team plays, and if the team plays badly it makes it difficult for one.

SI.com: The Copa América in Venezuela has surprised everyone for its good organization, outstanding stadiums, huge attendances and most of all the soccer. Is there anything else that has impressed you?

Forlán: The organization is good, as have been the stadiums and the hospitality of the Venezuelan people, not to mention the huge crowds. This is great because the tournament is seen in all parts of the world.

SI.com: After the Copa América you will leave your club team, Villarreal, for Atlético Madrid. Does that give you further motivation to win the Copa with your national team?

Forlán: I will always be motivated to win the Copa América with the national team, moving to Atlético doesn’t make any difference — I already have the motivation as soon as I put on La Celeste.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

Uruguay prides itself on a glorious past. Its national team won two World Cups (in 1930 and 1950) during a time when it contested for every major international trophy. But the situation has changed drastically. Since it last won the Copa América in 1995, Uruguay has nothing to be proud of.

But over the past few years, the national team has improved in many aspects, and this year’s Copa América is a great opportunity for La Celeste to put all its hard work into practice. With many players excelling in the top European leagues, Uruguay has one of the strongest squads in the competition, and its recent good form suggests it could contest for the title.

Inter Milan’s Álvaro Recoba is undoubtedly Uruguay’s main inspiration, and the talented striker is looking forward to demonstrate to the world why his team should be considered one of the deadliest on the continent.

I caught up with Recoba just before the Copa América began (he sat out injured during Uruguay’s shock 3-0 defeat to Peru on Tuesday). He told me exactly what we can expect from them in Venezuela, and why they haven’t been able to perform on the big stage in recent competitions.

SI.com: Uruguay has won the Copa América 14 times before, but what can we expect this time around?

Recoba: For us to have a good tournament, and to try to go as far as possible. If we reach the final stages of the competition we won’t look back, and will try to make it 15 titles. This is our main objective, and hopefully we can achieve it.

SI.com: As a 31-year-old veteran, what does playing the Copa mean to you?

Recoba: Well, it will be my last. I don’t think I’ll be able to play next time, so I’m looking forward to it, and am hoping to play to the best of my ability. It will be my last opportunity to impress for the national team, so hopefully I can help us win it.

SI.com: Does this make you feel that you have more responsibilities than other members of the squad?

Recoba: It does — I am one of the players with most experience with the national team. Many of the younger guys in the squad haven’t played a Copa América before, so we [the older players] will try to pass our experience onto them. I feel there’s a good balance between youth and experience.

SI.com: Who are the main candidates to win the title in Venezuela?

Recoba: Like always, the same ones, Argentina and Brazil. I think they are the most difficult teams for their players and history, but when taking a look at the squad we have, I think we can match them. If we hit top form at the right time we could be unstoppable.

SI.com: With Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela, Uruguay’s group can’t be too difficult, can it?

Recoba: I don’t think it will be easy. The group is quite assessable for us but it isn’t easy. In competitions like these, all the teams are difficult, so first we have to play the matches and then we’ll see.

SI.com: Uruguay has an abundance of highly skilled players, but why is it so difficult for the national team to win something?

Recoba: I think the reason is because we have had lots of problems in the past. All the other teams [in the continent] have improved enormously, but we haven’t. Gradually things have been improving for us and hopefully this Copa América is the start of a new beginning for the national team.

SI.com: Everyone is aware of your incredible quality, but why has it been so long since you’ve turned out on a regular basis for Inter Milan?

Recoba: Last year I had some physical problems and was unable to train normally. But for a couple of months now I’ve been feeling really good, and have gotten into much better shape. I’ve been working very hard for this, and will be in my best form during the Copa América.

SI.com: There’s no doubt Uruguayan soccer has been affected by internal problems. But have you seen a change of attitude from the national team’s squad members since Oscar Washington Tabárez was appointed as manager?

Recoba: I have, there has been a change. We have been doing things right for the last few years now, but haven’t had much luck. We have some world-class players that are taking things very seriously, and with some luck, everything should work out for us.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

If any Manchester United team in recent years has what it takes to win the club’s first major trophy since 2004, this year’s edition is it.

The Red Devils have been sensational, and everything seems to indicate that they could repeat the achievements of the most successful season in club history: the ’98-99 season treble of the English Premier League title, the Champions League title and the FA Cup. That squad had enormous depth — as does this season’s team, which means England and the rest of Europe should take them very seriously.

Man Utd’s biggest test of the season comes on Wednesday, when it travels to the Stadio Olimpico to face AS Roma in the first leg of its UEFA Champions League quarterfinal matchup.

That game will make a huge impact on the remainder of the season, as Argentine left back Gabriel Heinze explained to me days before the vital clash. The former United player of the year is a top target of many of Europe’s other big clubs, but if he moves on at the end of the season, the 28-year-old is hoping to leave Old Trafford with a Champions League title.

SI.com: What are you expecting from Roma?

Heinze: We can expect anything — they’re in the quarterfinals for a reason. I think the odds are 50-50, because Roma is a good team, and they will try to make life difficult for us. The match itself will be highly disputed and played very aggressively. I think it is up to Manchester United to pick up a positive result in Rome, so that it can then decide the series at Old Trafford.

SI.com: Man Utd is still on track for the treble. What has the club done differently compared to the last couple of seasons?

Heinze: I think it has a lot to do with the quality of the youngsters in the squad. The mixture between the young and the more experienced has made the team very strong, and has created a great atmosphere within the group. The quality of the squad is amazing, and that is why we are doing well in the Champions League. But our objective is to win all three competitions.

SI.com: Cristiano Ronaldo has been unstoppable this season. Are things made easier with him on the field?

Heinze: He is an outstanding player and can change the course of a game in an instant. I’m not sure if it is any easier with him on the field, but we know that Cristiano is capable of deciding a match.

SI.com: You made a huge impact on the Premiership in ’04-05, your first season in England, when you were voted player of the year by your fellow players and United fans. That same year, you were also voted the best-ever defender in the history of Paris Saint-Germain. How did those achievements make you feel?

Heinze: It’s something that I take with great pride, because it’s not easy to achieve — especially for a foreigner, as both the English and French leagues are very competitive. I will be grateful for all the support I received at PSG and Manchester United for my entire life. I do appreciate this and feel obligated to give my maximum when I play for the club.

SI.com: What has been your most important achievement as a player?

Heinze: I think the most important thing is to continue to play for a big club, and to keep on playing soccer at the highest level. I don’t think it’s only about titles, I feel it’s more about keeping motivated. I play for a big club and I’m part of the Argentine national team, and for me that’s most important.

SI.com: It has been difficult for South American players to settle in the Premiership in the past, but in fact you had no problems adapting. What did you do differently?

Heinze: It isn’t easy, and it wasn’t easy for me. I think it depends a lot on the club, the manager and your teammates. In that sense I thank God for having a good coach [Alex Ferguson] that had confidence in me, and to the players that immediately made me feel part of the team. I think that was fundamental for my success, and feel that in the long run, South Americans can adapt to any league in any country. But every player needs time.

SI.com: You emerged from the youth system at Newell’s Old Boys, which has also produced other Argentine stars such as Lionel Messi, Walter Samuel, Santiago Solari and Maxi Rodríguez. What is it about Newell’s youth system that makes it so effective?

Heinze: Back then, Jorge Griffa was in charge of the club’s youth system. He was a former player in Europe, and I think he was one of the best youth developers around. The academy was very effective. The reason is that it had a great team of former players that coached the kids. They taught us all kinds of things, including how to develop as a person. I think this is why so many players were formed at that time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist anymore and things have changed. I think it was one of the best soccer academies in South America.

SI.com: Argentina was eliminated from last year’s World Cup in the cruelest of circumstances, after a penalty shootout defeat to Germany in the quarterfinals. What can we expect from Alfio Basile‘s side at June’s Copa América in Venezuela?

Heinze: As you said, there is a new manager and he has his own style. Argentina’s objective is to be the champion, nothing less. Argentina needs to win a title, period. Our main objective is to play very good soccer at the Copa América and finish as the champions.

SI.com: Juventus appears to be leading Real Madrid and Inter Milan in the race to sign you for next season. Are you interested in moving to one of these clubs, or would you prefer to continue at Manchester United?

Heinze: I always have the same answer. All I want to do is to play soccer. I know that there’s interest from other big clubs that want me and I am very grateful and proud of this. But from now to the end of the season, I will keep doing my best for Manchester United. But at the end of the season, I will sit down to discuss my future and our season objectives. For now I’m only thinking about Manchester United.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

How do you explain Villarreal’s inconsistency? Less than 12 months ago, the modest Spanish club tore up Europe, advancing all the way to the UEFA Champions League semifinals before a last-minute loss to Arsenal.

Much of that shocking run can be attributed to the extraordinary effort by Diego Forlán, a former cult hero at Manchester United whose record-breaking 25 goals for Villarreal in 2004-05 won him the European Golden Boot and again attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs. Villarreal resisted the big-money temptation, and set its sights on winning a major title.

But things haven’t gone exactly to plan. Forlán has struggled, while Villarreal has flirted with relegation this season. The Uruguayan star has had a late-season renaissance recently, however, helping the Yellow Submarine go undefeated in its past four matches.

A good ending to the season could send Villarreal into UEFA Cup play next season, but a lot of that will depend on Forlán, who has become an irreplaceable figure at El Madrigal.

I recently caught up with him and we talked about Villarreal’s sudden revival, the highs and lows of his career and the expectations leading up to Uruguay’s Copa América campaign.

SI.com: How has Villarreal managed to improve so much in the last few weeks?

Forlán: It’s difficult to say because we didn’t know why we were playing badly. But the good thing is that we count on a squad with plenty of quality and we knew that sooner or later things would turn out for us, now we must maintain our level.

SI.com: You scored two outstanding goals from outside the box in successive weeks. Have you been practicing from out there?

Forlán: I always liked shooting from outside the area. The thing is that when I played closer, I rarely had the opportunity to shoot, but now I move down the field a bit more to receive the ball and that gives me more opportunities to shoot.

SI.com: Juan Román Riquelme recently returned to Boca Juniors on loan. Do you miss his assists?

Forlán: Who doesn’t miss him? He’s a great player, and a player like him will always be missed — even more so for a forward.

SI.com: Villarreal made some good signings this season. Why hasn’t the club been able to play to its full capacity?

Forlán: Some players got injured, and that affected us a lot. We hope that now that they’re better, the club will return to playing the same way it had been before.

SI.com: Many say the success of Villarreal is up to you.

Forlán: It depends on everyone. We are a team and if we all play well, it will be easier to win and to score goals.

SI.com: How good is your new signing, much-hyped 20-year-old Chilean midfielder Matías Fernández?

Forlán: I think he’s a great player. He’s very young and shouldn’t be rushed. In Chile, there’s lots of expectation for his performance and development. Hopefully they work with him with patience because he only recently arrived at a very competitive league, that isn’t the same as playing in South America. But the most important thing is that he’s a great player.

SI.com: Do you think Villarreal has what it takes to qualify for next season’s UEFA Cup?

Forlán: It won’t be easy. A few weeks ago, we were thinking about trying to avoid relegation, but after some good results we are calmer. We must continue to play well and keep winning and then we can see in which position we are.

SI.com: What has been your most important achievement as a player?

Forlán: I’ve won titles with Manchester United [English Premier League and FA Cup], and at a personal level, having been the European Golden Boot winner.

SI.com: Which players did you look up to when you were growing up?

Forlán: The players that I liked most were Romário and Marco van Basten.

SI.com: When did you know you wanted to be a soccer player?

Forlán: When I was small I always liked playing sports, especially tennis. I played lots of tennis, and it came to a point that I was almost going to stick with tennis. But at the end I decided to go with soccer and here I am. I think I made my decision when I was 15 years old.

SI.com: In the ’04-05 season you were the top scorer of the Spanish league with 25 goals, and joint highest scorer in Europe along with Arsenal’s Thierry Henry. Will you be able to repeat that?

Forlán: It won’t be easy, and it wasn’t easy to accomplish. Keep in mind that I play at a small club, and things are harder. I don’t think about achieving it again, but I enjoy playing and the good thing is that I already achieved it, and no one can take it away from me. It will stay registered in the history of soccer, and I am very proud of that.

SI.com: What are the main differences between soccer in Spain and England?

Forlán: In England they go faster from one goal to the other, but I always say it depends a lot on the manager that you have and the idea and the system he wants to employ.

SI.com: Why did you have difficulty adapting to English soccer?

Forlán: I always felt good — what happened is that as soon as I arrived, I wasn’t a starter and didn’t come on very often. That makes your adaptation and confidence much harder than if you initially start off playing regularly.

SI.com: Many Uruguayans are doing well in Europe. But why is it so difficult for the national team to win something?

Forlán: That’s a difficult question to answer. We all ask ourselves that. Hopefully we can change this situation. Luckily the organization of things is much better, so we can hope for a good Copa América.

SI.com: Are you motivated by the opportunity to take part in the Copa América and in 2010 World Cup qualifying?

Forlán: I’m always motivated by playing for the national team and even more so in tournaments of this magnitude. As a child you always dream about playing in these types of tournaments and putting on the shirt of your country.

SI.com: Many clubs are fighting over you, including Barcelona, and some English clubs, too. Do you see yourself at Villarreal next season?

Forlán: For now I’ve got a contract with Villarreal until 2010. All the rest are rumors.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

The surprise team of Europe? Easy. It’s Sevilla FC. The Andalusian powerhouse may have missed out on a fabulous opportunity to take back first place in La Liga last Sunday, but the Sevillistas are still a serious threat to win their first Spanish championship in more than 60 years, beating out perennial powers Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia.

Sevilla’s hard-working squad has top-to-bottom quality, but Brazilian defender Daniel Alves is the standout. He has been outstanding this season, following up on a campaign in which he won MVP on the way to Sevilla’s shock UEFA Cup title, the team’s first-ever European hardware.

But the 23-year-old isn’t sitting back on those achievements — he wants more, and is eager to keep proving himself with the Brazilian national team. Widely regarded the best right back in the world, he’s destined for greater things. I recently caught up with the acclaimed Brazilian a few days before Sevilla’s must-win UEFA Cup match against Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.

SI.com: Sevilla is having an outstanding season. What have been the club’s main strengths?

Daniel Alves: I think the work we put in. The team plays well as a unit. We never sit back, and always try to go forward. We have good players, but the most positive thing is that our fans are right behind us. Everyone at the club is behind us, and this helps us play better.

SI.com: Do you have what it takes to win the league?

Daniel Alves: The championship is clearly there to be won. We are definitely going to fight for it. We have some tough matches coming up against Real Madrid and Valencia, both away from home. We are well aware that we have a good opportunity to win the league. We are the leaders of the competition, and hopefully we can win it.

SI.com: Sevilla has been a big surprise the last couple of seasons. What has the club done differently compared to in the past?

Daniel Alves: I think the club has grown a lot. We won our first international title last year, and it had been a long time since the club last won a trophy. We have improved enormously, and must keep growing. This season we have been very consistent. Hopefully we can win the league title. I think that’ll be the icing on the cake.

SI.com: Many consider you the best right back in the world at the moment. Did you expect this recognition so early on in your career?

Daniel Alves: You never expect that kind of recognition. I’m very happy. Things have turned out very positively for me, and I hope to continue to make the most of it. I try to improve every day, and hopefully I can continue to live up to the reputation I have already made.

SI.com: At only 23, you’re one of Brazil’s most promising players. What can we expect from you this year?

Daniel Alves: I hope to gain some valuable experience with Sevilla and the national team. We have an objective that is to obtain qualification to the Champions League for next season, so that’s also important. I hope to help Sevilla win another title, whether it be the UEFA Cup again or the league championship.

SI.com: Which players did you look up to when you were growing up?

Daniel Alves: Cafú has always been my main reference. When I was in Brazil, I supported the team he played for, São Paulo. He always played well there, and I also liked watching him play for Brazil. I’ve always liked the way he plays.

SI.com: You’ve been tipped to succeed him as right back for the Brazilian national team. How does it feel to have that responsibility?

Daniel Alves: What can I say, it’s an honor. He’s a player with lots of experience at the highest level. But I think it will be difficult to substitute him because all he has done in his sporting career, for soccer in Brazil and in Europe. Cafú is a great player with lots of experience. To achieve what he has already done will be very difficult, but I will continue to work hard.

SI.com: Does the possibility to take part in the Copa América and in World Cup qualifiers motivate you?

Daniel Alves: Of course, those are the main objectives I have. Playing for Brazil has always been a dream of mine, and I’m very happy to have been selected for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies. It’s now up to me. It’s a great opportunity to do well with the national team, and hopefully I can play the Copa América and the World Cup qualifiers.

SI.com: What can we expect from Brazil in Venezuela?

Daniel Alves: There’s going to be strong competition. But we are always one of the favorites, and anything but the title will be considered as failure. Brazil has had big changes since the World Cup, and we are improving every game. In order to win it, we must be better than the rest of the participating teams.

SI.com: Last week’s 2-2 draw at home to Shakhtar Donetsk put Sevilla in a difficult position to advance to the UEFA Cup quarterfinals. Do you still believe you can win back-to-back titles?

Daniel Alves: Well, it wasn’t the best result. But the team showed it’s capable of overcoming difficulties. We played well. I think we are in a difficult situation, but we still have possibilities of advancing. We’ll do our best to win the match, and then we’ll see. I think we have a good chance of winning the title again.

SI.com: Sevilla president José María del Nido recently valued you at more than $26 million. Several top clubs are still fighting over you, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool and AC Milan.

Daniel Alves: At the moment, I’m just thinking about Sevilla. It’s different because at this club, I have the possibility to fight for important things. But being recognized by those teams is very important for me. Hopefully one day I can play for one of those clubs.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com