Superclasico – Full Schedule This Weekend in Argentina Apertura

The Argentina Apertura is in full swing this weekend, with El Superclasico on Sunday.

San Lorenzo is in action on Friday, while on Saturday, Independiente visits Godoy Cruz and Estudiantes de La Plata visit Lanus.

River needs a win at home on Sunday against Boca, or their arch rivals will be seven points clear with a half-game in hand.

Friday:
Gimnasia La Plata v San Lorenzo
Nueva Chicago v Rosario Central

Saturday:
Arsenal Sarandi v Quilmes
Argentinos Jrs. v Gimnasia Jujuy
Godoy Cruz v Independiente
Lanus v Estudiantes de La Plata
Vélez Sarsfield v Banfield

Sunday:
Racing Club v Colon de Santa Fe
Newell’s Old Boys v Belgrano
River Plate v Boca Juniors

Related:
Fernando Gago, Boca Juniors Star Is Real Madrid Target – 04.10.06
Palacio Goal, Boca Juniors v Velez Sarsfield, 01.10.06 GOLAZO! – 03.10.06
Boca Juniors Unbelievable 3 – 2 Comeback Win Against Velez Sarsfield – 02.10.06
Boca Juniors Drop First Leg Match to Nacional 2 – 1 – 29.09.06
Boca Juniors’ Officials Consider Replacing La Bombonera – 27.09.06
Shopping – Boca Jerseys and Footballs
Tienda – Boca Jersey – en Español
Jerseys – River Plate

David Beckham, England Absence Surprises Macedonia

Steve McClaren’s dropping of former England captain David Beckham surprised Macedonia coach Srecko Katanec.

Katanec stated, “If I was in McClaren’s position, without a shadow of a doubt Beckham would be in the team.”

Macedonia defender Aleksandar Vasoski was also incredulous, saying, “For me he is a hero, a legend. I marked him when we played England in 2003 and it was one of the greatest moments of my life.”

Beckham has not been called-up to play for England since last summer’s World Cup.

BBC – Full Story

Related:
David Beckham to Retire in Two Years Time at Real Madrid – 04.10.06
David Beckham Not Finished at Real Madrid – 03.10.06
David Beckham, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Raul, All Left Out of Euro Qualifiers – 29.09.06
David Beckham Goal, Jose Reyes Goal, Real Madrid v Real Sociedad, 17.09.06 Video – 18.09.06
Merchandise – David Beckham Soccer Balls and Shirts

Chelsea and Real Madrid Dispute, Bust-Up Over Transfer Fees

In a BBC Five Live interview, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon accused Roman Abramovich of inflating transfer fees with his casual spending, calling it “very dangerous.”

Chelsea director of communications Simon Greenberg has fired back, “we are completely transparent about our accounts, which is something that cannot be said for many top European clubs. Including, I would say, Real Madrid.”

Real Madrid has paid two of the all-time biggest transfer fees. Zinedine Zidane’s transfer fee from Juventus, in 2001, was 44 million pounds, and Luis Figo from Barcelona cost the Spanish giants 37 million pounds.

This past summer, Chelsea is estimated to have paid nearly 31 million pounds for Andriy Shevchenko.

english.people.com.cn – List of Chelsea Signings and Transfer Fees Since Abramovich in 2003

Related:
Merchandise – Real Madrid
Merchandise – Chelsea

Fernando Torres, Atletico Madrid Deny Manchester United Down Payment

Atletico Madrid sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch lashed out at rumours that star striker Fernando Torres is on his way to England.

Manchester United are rumoured to have made a 5 million pound down-payment for the Spanish international.

Pitarch emphatically told Sky Sports, “I insist that we have not received any proposition from United.”

Related:
Fernando Torres, Manchester United’s Alleged Swoop
Merchandise – Man United
Jersey – Atletico Madrid

Mexico, National Teams Change To adidas From Nike

Mexico national teams will now wear adidas.

For the last four years, Nike sponsored all age groups, both male and female.

The eight-year deal is for an undisclosed amount.

IHT.com – Full AP Story

Related:
Mexico Merchandise
Mexico – Tienda – en Español

Fabien Barthez, France Goalkeeper Retires From Football

France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has announced his retirement from football.

The 1998 World Cup winner was unable to find a club following this years’ World Cup in which he helped France reach the Final.

The 35 year-old was looking for a return to his first club, Toulouse, but they were not interested.

Barthez left Olympique Marseille at the end of last season.

BBC Full Story

FoxSoccer.com – Full Story

Related:
World Cup 2006 Merchandise
Claude Makelele France Call-ups Continue