World Football Postulant

Yet another rumor surrounding Fluminense attacker Thiago Neves, though there is another suitor mentioned in this one.  This time, it is Manchester City, a team who is still looking for that marquee name after being used by Ronaldinho early this summer.  Neves, who just finished his Olympics commitment to Brazil, would fill that role, even if expectations of him are a bit high at this point.  Atlético Madrid has also been strongly mentioned in some reports, but Neves’s representation is speaking openly about a City move, something that is both a good and a bad sign.

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Argentina’s impressive quarterfinal performance made them slightly favorites to beat an underwhelming Brazil side in today’s Olympic semifinal, but there still seemed to be something missing from a team that was expected to be much more dominant than they have been. With Sergio Agüero’s two goals today, we were shown what that missing element was. The Atlético Madrid star, voted best player in Spain last season, pushed Argentina into the final, one match away from repeating as goal medalists.

The Argentinians will meet Nigeria in a final that was expected to be an encore to the Argentina-Brazil main event, but with the Screaming Eagles beating Belgium 4-1, the final now looks like the main attraction it is supposed to be. Nigeria needed a win over the United States in its last group match to make the medal round, but once there they beat a strong Ivory Coast team 2-0 before dispatching Belgium. Given the United States was undefeated before running into the Nigerians, the Super Eagles have been the tournament’s most impressive team over the last three matches.

If Agüero can play against Nigeria as he did against Brazil, it may not matter. Whereas Lionel Messi carried the Argentinians over the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, Agüero stepped up, scored his first goals of the tournament, and returned the favor against the Brazilians. One (or both) of the two star strikers will need to ascend to similar levels in this weekend’s gold medal match, as Nigeria will be their toughest test of the tournament.

Brazil was not up to that label. Argentina went up 2-0 in the second half on Agüero goals that came six minutes apart, but they were the better team even before breaking through. After the goals, Brazil showed some brief life before becoming frustrated by the Argentinians. That frustration came to a head when Thiago Neves as Lucas Leiva were both sent off for a tackles on Javier Mascherano. For a Brazil side disappointed on again missing out on a gold medal, it was an apt end to their hopes.

Brazil will take on Belgium in the bronze medal game, a rematch of a group phase game the Brazilians won, 1-0.  Their inability to reach the gold medal match will hit Brazil hard, as the team brought the biggest name in the tournament, Ronaldinho, as an overage player in an effort to win their first goal medal.  Although Ronaldinho showed some flashes of his former self, Brazil never played up to their talent.  Dunga’s search for a cohesive lineup over the last two matches failed, and Brazil again missed out on Olympic goal. They not only missed out. They crashed out, losing 3-0 in a match that they rarely contested.

Argentina should not expect such little opposition in the final. Nigeria has come to dub their squad the Dream Team and have high expectations. Their athleticism will keep them in the match, their overage Lokomotiv Moscow star Peter Odemwingie is capable of stealing a winger should the the Nigerians stifle Argentina.

While they should be expected to win their second consecutive gold, the tournament has changed for Argentina. Their toughest match will no long be their semifinal, as was expected three weeks ago. Nigeria will be more than Brazil.

Links
Aguero inspires Brazil demise
Nigeria to meet Argentina
Nigeria reach Olympic final
Argentina routs Brazil to reach another final
Argentina knocks out rivals Brazil
Brazil humiliated by final-bound Argentina
Quick Report: Argentina 3-0 Brazil
Nigeria routs Belgium 4-1 to reach Olympic final
Super Eagles dispatch Belgium
Nigeria 4-1 Belgium: Nigeria reach Olympic final
Nigeria’s four-star show
Nigeria thump Belgium to reach Olympic final
Slick Nigeria crush sorry Belgium
Quick report: Nigeria 4-1 Belgium

Their quarterfinal match-up with Cameroon saw Brazil continue their uninspired Olympics play, needing extra time to beat a team that was reduced to ten men early in the second half.  The sending off came after Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva seemed to simulate an injury, casting a black cloud over a match in which the referee brought out his cards thirteen times.  After a scoreless ninety minutes, Brazil got goals from Rafael Sobis and Marcelo in extra time to put them through to a probable semifinal match-up with Argentina.

Brazil, my pre-tournament pick for gold, looks ripe for the picking, particularly sign Dunga has elected to drop Alexandre Pato from the starting XI while leaving Jô and Thiago Neves out of the lineup.  Neves, who had two goals in Brazil’s final group match (his only start of the tournament), came on in the sixty-sixth minute, though Pato, Jô and Thiago Silva saw no time.

Brazil proved to have the easiest group - with Belgium, China, and New Zealand - and found a way to make some of those matches look close.  In their first real competition, against one of the African sides that have been so impressive (all three, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria advancing), Brazil renders and inconclusive result thanks to the sending off.

The Brazilians have the talent to win this tournament, but like Argentina coming out of group A, they have yet to impress.

Links
Brazil sink battling Cameroon
Brazil sink Cameroon in niggly match
Brazil down Cameroon after extra time

Brazil and Argentina clearly have the two best teams in the Beijing Olympics.

The men’s tournament, which starts tomorrow, has had a new spotlight shined on it by Argentina’s desire to defend their gold and Brazil’s quest to capture the one international honor that has alluded them.  With names like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Javier Mascherano, Anderson, Sergio Agüero, Diego, Juan Román Riquelme, Alexandre Pato - this list can go on - football fans have not only had their previously dormant interest in the Olympic tournament fed, but visions of an Argentina-Brazil battle for gold tempts to be the highlight of our footballing summer.

Problem: that gold medal match-up is impossible.

Argentina being in Group A and Brazil in Group C, they are drawn to the team side of the medal round, meaning that if each side wins their quarterfinal match, they will meet in the semifinals.  One of Argentina and Brazil will go on to the gold medal match.  The other will be relegated to the bronze medal match.  The match-up of the summer will take place one step sooner than we would have expected.

It is hard to fault the Olympic organizer’s too much, as they had little way to know that Brazil and Argentina would field such strong squads.  Even if they did suspect players like Ronaldinho would be in Beijing, it would be stretching the idea of equity to gerrymander the draw.  It’s not like the Olympics have a UEFA-esque coefficient system to govern such things.  For anybody who wants to bemoan what will be an anti-climactic gold medal match, know there were no ready solutions, and that we are still likely to see Argentina-Brazil.

Or maybe that should be Brazil-Argentina, reversing the order, because if the pre-tournament friendlies are any indication, Brazil should be considered the prohibitive favorite.  In addition to wanting to win this tournament badly and having the deepest roster (it’s possible both Jô and Thiago Neves will not start), they Brazilians are playing very well.  In friendlies against Singapore and Vietnam, Brazil was sharp, and most encouraging:  Ronaldinho looks in-shape, in-form, and motivated.  He was a maestro in the opponent’s third, consistently creating opportunities for teammates and forming a dynamic midfield with Werder Bremen’s Diego.  Alexandre Pato or Jô will consistently get scoring chances, and even should they not be able to produce, Manchester United’s Anderson and Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva will be lurking outside the box ready to clean-up.

Argentina’s best chance against them in the semifinals will be exploiting an inconsistent center of defence.  Thiago Silva and Breno may be the most talent pair of center backs in the tournament, but against Argentina they will be tasked with stopping the two best strikers in La Liga.  Thiago Silva lacks the experience to contain Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero, while the 18-year-old Bayern Munich protege Breno will be out of his depth.  If Riquelme and Mascherano can maintain some possession against Brazil’s deep midfield, the ball may be at Messi and Agüero’s feet enough to win the match.

That’s the formula.  It remains to be been whether it can be executed.  My prediction after the group-by-group.  In each group, each team plays the other once, with the top two finishers advancing to the medal round.  Wins are worth three points, ties worth one, with the tiebreakers being goal differential, then goals scored.

Group A

Argentina, Australia, Côte d’Ivoire, Serbia

The two best teams are Argentina and the Ivory Coast, with their match to take place tomorrow.  An upset by the Ivorians is not out of the question, though the loser may be better off in the long-run.  The second place finisher in this group be slotted opposite Brazil’s side-of-the-draw in the medal round, meaning an easier path to the gold medal match.  The best team from this group may end up with bronze while the second place finisher, if they can make it past the Netherlands, could win silver.  For those hoping for an Argentina-Brazil final, hope for a draw or loss to Côte d’Ivoire, which features a host of Europe-based players, most-notably Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou.

1.  Argentina
2.  Côte d’Ivoire
3.  Serbia
4.  Australia

Group B

Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, United States

The toughest group in the tournament sees the Netherlands and Nigeria as favorites, though both the United States and Japan could advance.  There is no finishing order to this group that is out-of-the-question, and the sequence in which the teams play their matches could have a subtle, defining effect on who goes through to the medal round.

The Dutch bring an attack the features Liverpool star Ryan Babel along with Feyenoord’s Roy Maakay, one season removed from staring at Bayern Munich.  Their first match will be against the Nigerians, who bring Lokomotiv Moscow’s Peter Odimwingie as their overage striker.  The sleeper in this group, the Japanese, stand a good chance of advancing, being in good form and willing to out-work their groupmates in the conditions of Beijing.  If the Nigerians drop their opening match to the Netherlands, they could crash out with a let-down in their second match against the Japanese.

And then there are the Americans.  Top-to-bottom, this team can be seen as having as much talent as any in the group, and unlike many, they are relatively strong at the back.  They’ll be able to compete in each match.

It is still a very tight group, and when considering the individual, team-by-team match-ups, it looks like a tough draw for the United States.  They open against Japan, a team that can out-work anybody but may not get the best of the Americans in an opening match.  If the United States can survive that taxing match, they get the Netherlands in their second match, and the United States has a poor history against skilled European sides.  They will need strong play from their midfield to advance.

In the third game, they have an athletic Nigerian side which will give them problems, though I like them to get a result with the Nigerians having a tough first two matches.  Even with that result, I have the Americans finishing third in the group, a result which forces me to admit that may be overly cautious towards my home country.

The second place team from this group will be matched with the winner of Group A, likely Argentina.

1.  Netherlands
2.  Japan
3.  United States
4.  Nigeria

Group C

Belgium, Brazil, China, New Zealand

Brazil has the easiest group, which includes the host nation.  China is not an international footballing power nor would you expect their U23 side to advance if this tournament were being held in another nation, but defying many logical arguments, the host nation has a way of stepping-up to the occasion in these situations.  Given the expectations that are likely to be placed on all Chinese athletes, the host team should take their task much more seriously than either Belgium or New Zealand.  When China opens the tournament against New Zealand, the visitors may be overwhelmed.  Their match three days later against a Belgium team coming off a pasting from Brazil will determine whether they advance.

The second place team from this group played the winner of Group D in the next round.

1.  Brazil
2.  China
3.  Belgium
4.  New Zealand

Group D

Cameroon, Honduras, Italy, South Korea

Italy has only one overage player to Beijing:  striker Tomasso Rocchi. At this stage of the competition, it is unlikely to matter.  They look to advance with relative ease.  It will be slightly disappointing for Americans to see Giuseppe Rossi in Italian blue.

Their main obstacles will be a Cameroon and South Korea.  Korea, like Japan, will have to be taken seriously by each opponent lest they be run off the pitch.  Cameroon, with Arsenal’s Alexander Song at the back, may be the second most-talented side of the group, but the gap between them and the Koreans may not be enough to overcome what will be a highly organized opponent.

The two sides face each other tomorrow to open their tournaments, with the loser left hoping Honduras, the fourth team in the group, can take points from the other.  If the match ends in a draw, how close Korea and Cameroon can play Italy could determine who moves on, as will their willingness to build a goal differential over the Hondurans.

1.  Italy
2.  South Korea
3.  Cameroon
4.  Honduras

Medal Round

If the above predictions hold, the top half of the draw will see a Italy-China quarterfinal opposite Netherlands-Côte d’Ivoire.  China will end up looking like the beneficiaries of an easy group draw when matched-up against a squad of Serie A-experienced players.  Italy will advance to face the Netherlands, who will have a difficult time with Côte d’Ivoire (who I originally had winning at this stage) before their experienced scorers find their way through a suspect opponent’s back line.

In the semifinal match, the Italian’s overall team strength should see them through to the finals after a relatively easy draw.  They are clearly the best team in their group, will face an upstart host-nation in the quarters, and will have the Netherlands in the semis while the other half of the draw will feature a clash of the titans.  The Dutch will go to the bronze medal game with no easier task then the Italians.  Each side will face either Brazil or Argentina.

Brazil will be annoyed by but have no problem defeating the Koreans.  Argentina, however, will get a rematch with a Japanese side they had trouble with in pre-tournament competition.  I expect the defenders to get through, though, creating the match of the tournament.  I like Brazil to move on, with Argentina going to the bronze medal match.

Even deflated from missing out on a chance at the title, Argentina will defeat the Netherlands to claim the bronze.  It may be an uneventful match defined by a few moments of individual brilliance, but while they may leave disappointed, the 2004 gold medalists will not leave Beijing empty handed.

In the gold medal match, I am tempted to pick Italy, as I think they have the ability to exploit Brazil’s weaknesses in central defense.  With Rossi and overage Tomasso Rocchi as strikers and Robert Aquafresca as a third option, the Italians can make themselves dangerous.  I bring this up because Brazil is not know for consistently playing at their best, particularly under Dunga, as their current standing in World Cup qualifying can attest.

Given that Brazil’s roster construction and tournament goals go beyond their match-up with Argentina (even though the fans’ hopes for this tournament may not go much farther), I am not betting on a Brazil let-down after dispatching Argentina.  The program wants a gold medal to complete their trophy case.  There is little reason to think Italy’s Rossi-Rocchi combination more likely to exploit Brazil than Messi-Agüero.

I give the Italians a 2-in-5 chance of winning, so I wouldn’t be shocked Italy shocked the pundants.  I, however, will merely be wrong.

Gold: Brazil
Silver: Italy
Bronze: Argentina

Two weeks ago, there were six teams within four points of first place in Brazil’s top league (the Campeonato Brasileirao Serie A).  After this weekend’s Round 17 action, only three teams can make that claim.  Grêmio were unable to lengthen their two point lead atop the table, but Cruzeiro created a slightly larger cushion between themselves and third.  Though a Palmeiras win keeps the Verdão within striking distance of the top, Grêmio and Cruzeiro’s recent results are starting to distinguish themselves from the rest of the Brasileirao.

On Sunday, both league leaders were tested, each playing a top four side. While Grêmio’s 2-0 victory over formerly third place Vitória might seem the better result when compared to Cruzeiro’s 2-1 win over sinking Flamengo, Mengo was back in form for much of Sunday’s match against A Raposa. From the onset the former league-leaders exhibited an assertiveness and confidence that has been missing during their last five matches. Still, they went into halftime in Rio all even, neither side having scored.

That changed early in the second when, in the 58th minute, Flamengo broke through.  Their persist attack earned a corner, which Vandinho converted.  The hosts went up 1-0, with the forward heading the cross from 15 meters down to the edge of the eight yard box, the ball bouncing into the left side of goal.

The goal released an outpouring of excitement from players and fans - relief at seeing the end of their slide within reach. The Flamengo that won the goal was a throwback to two months ago, when the club was the best in the league, sitting atop the table. A win over Cruzeiro could vault them back into second place, a first step towards reclaiming that spot.

That potential carried Flamengo over the next but of play before Cruzeiro steadied themselves. Once the they regained composure, Cruzeiro struck quickly and gutted their hosts.

In the 67th minute, Guilherme’s (pictured, above) league-leading 10th goal tied the match after Mengo’s normally reliable back line allowed a cross from the right of goal to bounce in the box, right to an unmarked Guilherme, who was able to punch a header into net without a challenge.  It was a mildly embarassing goal that saw an isolated defender standing in front of goal scramble for the league’s leading scorer after realizing (too late) that he was left alone.

Perhaps demoralized at relinquishing control back to A Raposa, Flamengo gave up the winning goal two minutes later. Seconds after being brought on, Cruziero substitute midfielder Rômulo completed a beautiful counterattack that ran from just outside the visitor’s area to the back of Flamengo’s net in less than six seconds.

After a break out of their own end, Guilherme received the ball just outside Flamengo’s area and drew three defenders towards him.  A quick decision and a subtle chip to the streaking Rômulo put the substitute in alone on goaltender Bruno. A clinical finish from the midfielder gave Cruzeiro their margin of victory.

Flamengo’s demoralization was palpable. The energy that filled the stadium after Vandinho’s goal made you believe Mengo’s plight was about to end. Against a strong opponent, the dead ball goal in front of the home fans was the type of event that could serve as an emotional end-point for the slide. In the moments after the goal, you could see the burst return to the hosts’ steps. All the confidence that had dissipated during the five preceding winless matches had been wiped away. To see that feeling leave and then be replaced by the gutted feeling of inevitability that set in after Rômulo’s sudden winner was heartbreaking.

It was only after the dust settled and a resigned Flamengo side left the pitch that you realized how impressive Cruzeiro’s victory had been. There was that point, right after the Mengo goal, where you not only felt the tide go the visitors but you would have understood if Cruzeiro decided that match was not to be. But after a few minutes of letting Flamengo’s energy play-out, Cruzeiro reestablished themselves. Within short minutes they had not only restored order, they had gutted their opponents.

The second, counterattacking goal was indicative of the killer instinct that separates league-title contenders from the merely good clubs. Cruziero - against Flamengo, during their now three match win streak, and for most of the season’s first half - has shown themselves to be contenders.

In the interim, Grêmio continued with their excellent play, discarding Vitória with relative easy. The 2-0 win saw the league leaders in front from the seventeenth minute forward, making Vitória seem the barely-promoted club they are.

Finishing fourth in Serie B last season, Vitória was the last club promoted, making remarkable their previous third place Serie A standing. On Sunday, though, their trip to the Olimpico Monumental saw them out-classed. Goals from William Magrao and Reinaldo helped the league leaders keep their two point lead on Cruzeiro and distinguish the league’s top two from the rest.

The one team that managed to keep up with Grêmio and Cruzeiro may still prove to be the most dangerous side in the league. Last week, I confessed my bias towards Palmeiras, and although a 2-1 victory at bottom-dwelling Ipatinga is not overwhelmingly impressive, Big Green is the only team at the top that has not lost ground as the league leaders surge.

Palmeiras was more impressive than the score hints, allowing a stoppage time goal at match’s end to belie their holding the lead for all but twelve minutes. Two goals from Jorge Valdivia helped push the Verdão into third place, a Copa Libertadores qualifying position, and a position from which they can threaten the top.

But at the table’s bottom, Fluminense’s remarkable journey from Copa finalists to relegation threats continued with a 2-1 loss to mid-table Internacional. That score was a little deceiving in that Flu’s goal came after some slightly disorganized play in front of Inter’s net saw the ball deflect off multiple bodies and onto the foot of striker Somália. His 70th minute goal pulled Flu within one after two goals in the first 21 minutes had Inter in control of the game. Over the last 20 minutes of the match, Inter dominated possession, never giving their hosts a sniff of a point.  The lost left Fluminense five points back of a safe spot on the spot.

Fluminense looks lost at both ends of the pitch. They are unable to build any consistent threat without Thiago Neves. At the back, they are disorganized without Thiago Silva. Both are in Beijing for three more weeks, and it is not out of the question that either or both of these stars will be in Europe before the end of August. It is hard to imagine what Fluminense would do without either, should the sales go through. Flu is getting nothing from Dodo or Darío Conca, two players who must step-up during the Olympics. If their two Thiagos come back, Fluminense’s only goal for the season will be salvaging enough points to avoid being relegated to Serie B, an unbelievable fall for the near-champions of South America who finished fourth in last season’s Serie A.

Fluminense’s situation is similar to the dire straits the club sat in before getting Thiago Neves on his return Japan two seasons ago. Then, Neves saved the club from relegation.  The next season, Neves would win the Bola de Ouro while helping Fluminense qualify for the Copa.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Neves, who has only been available for five Brasileirao matches this season, will have as much invested in saving Flu as he did two seasons ago, when he was also redefining his career after his Asian failure. With Europe on his horizon, Fluminense needs to consider other places to get their goals.

Juande Ramos came to White Hart Lane representing a complete change in attitude, one that would emphasize a more free-flowing but technical brand of football. He would bring the best parts of his La Liga background (the skilled and technical play) and merge them with what the Premiership is known for (speed, pace, and athleticism). In bringing in Luka Modric and Giovani Dos Santos, Ramos seemed to underscore that message. If nothing else, Spurs would be quicker and more skilled in attack.

To a certain extent, this justified the sale of Robbie Keane. Yes, Keane wanted to leave, but part of what lessened the blow was knowing the money Liverpool would give for him could be put towards Ramos’s renovation. Keane is a great player who could fit in anywhere, but would he play as well off of Modric and Dos Santos as a David Villa or an Andrei Arshavin? Keane is not quite as good a fit for this new approach as Dimitar Berbatov, who may still be able to be convinced to stay on at North London should sufficient talent be brought in and he was the key in pushing the back line.

That plan, in the moments after Keane was sold, seemed to be coming into place. Rumors of Valencia’s willingness to talk David Villa surfaced. Diego Capel from Sevilla had indicated a willingness to soften his stance on not leaving this season. Thiago Neves as still out there, and Andrei Arshavin’s agent had confirmed contact between Tottenham and Zenit.

With so many possibilities out there that would continue the revitalization of Juande Ramos’s team, it was disappointing to see such a conventional move to capture David Bentley. I think Bentley is a fine player, but Spurs must value him much higher than I do, because the reports of £15 to £17 million to capture the right midfielder almost completely exhausts their Keane money. They are still lacking a striker unless they want to move Dos Santos into that role, something which does not seem their Plan A as they continue their Arshavin pursuit today.

There are some that would trade Keane for Bentley plus three to five million pounds. I would not. Even if you grant Bentley the better player of the two, it’s unclear he is the better player for Tottenham. Many of the traits listed in the first paragraph that Ramos has explicitly or implicitly sought throughout the summer are absent from Bentley’s game. He is not the fastest or most athletic player, nor does he play at a great pace. As the featured player in Blackburn’s attack he was able to score five goals and direct pass onto eleven others, but with Modric slated to be the maestro for Spurs, Bentley becomes a role player - a specialist. He will play on the right, cross to Berbatov (should the Bulgarian be kept), take set pieces and corners. Tottenham has just paid over £15 million for a player who will struggle to keep up with the rest of the team and be relegated into a secondary contributor’s role.

That paragraph may be a bit harsh on Bentley. He may come into his own for Tottenham, but I just don’t see it. Even if Ramos thinks Bentley will shine, when you spend £15 to £18 million you should not have to wish improvement. For that money, you should not be banking on a player whose value to your team is unclear to a random, football-crazy blogger. At that price, some things should be clear.

Ramos should have pushed harder for Diego Capel.  He’s cheaper.  He’s younger.  He’s better.  He will improve more.  He fits in better with what Ramos has said he wants to do.  There is a dynamism to Capel’s game which Bentley will never have.  He is not as good on crosses and set-pieces as Bentley, but if Berbatov moves, Tottenham will not have anybody to target.

Whereas Bentley is a star player for mid-table clubs, Capel will eventually be able to play and star for the best clubs in the world.

Perhaps Sevilla was being too demanding (if they were willing to move him at all), but if reports over the last week were any indication, there was room between player and club for Tottenham to step in.

If they couldn’t get Capel, they should have left the money available to acquire the supporting striker they need. The worst outcome in paying top-dollar for Bentley is not acquiring a less-than-ideal player. Bentley will be fine, but if the fee sent to Blackburn forces a compromise on the striker they need, the one positive from last year about Spurs (their attack) will have been compromised to get the England international.

Spurs fans wait with a cautious optimism, electing to look more at the striker they’re rumored to get than at Bentley, who all the supporters can live with. But instead of looking at that striker, Spurs followers should take a moment to look towards Sevilla and Diego Capel. Even though he plays the opposite side of midfield, he was still a better fit.

This article will be revised for publication on American Soccer Reader later tonight.

Quotes

“Tottenham Hotspur plc is pleased to announce that agreement has been reached with Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of the registration of the England international midfielder, David Bentley, age 23 years, to Tottenham Hotspur FC for a total consideration of 15 million pounds and up to an additional two million payable upon future performances. The player’s contract is for a period of up to six years.” - Tottenham
“I am calm and I am only thinking about succeeding here (Sevilla) at the moment.” - Capel
“The only way that things could change would be if another club and Sevilla came to an agreement.” - Capel
“For sure everybody wants to grow as a footballer, I’m at a great club, but you always have better objectives.” - Capel
“I know there’s something, but Sevilla trust me and I owe them for this confidence.” - Capel
“I had my heart set on Tottenham and I didn’t think about going to any other club.” - Bentley
“I’ve come here with a big price tag and I have to repay Tottenham with all of my heart.” - Bentley
“There are a lot of good players here, you look at (Luka) Modric, Giovani dos Santos and I’m looking forward to fitting in the side somewhere.” - Bentley
“I’m sure he will bring the best ability to our team and we can help him maximise his potential.” - Ramos
“Working under someone like Ramos is great. He’s going to get the best out of me.” - Bentley
“I’ve got a lot of respect for him for what he’s achieved. I’ve talked a lot to the other players about him and I’m sure he’ll push me on to the next level. He’s really good.” - Bentley
“Gazza was my favourite player, all my mates are Tottenham fans and there’s a piece of my heart at this club.” - Bentley
“We can do anything we want and anything we put our minds to. We’ve got a great manager and you can see what he did last season.” - Bentley

Links

Capel not seeking sale
Capel Leaves Next Move In Sevilla’s Hands
Clubs will decide my fate - Capel
£12.5m winger wants to join Spurs
Diego Capel coudl still move to Tottenham
Capel considering Sevilla exit as Spurs hover
Capel confirms Tottenham interest
Sevilla winger reveals Spurs contact
Spurs complete Bentley signing
Spurs unveil Bentley
Bentley says his heart is at Tottenham
Bentley eyes top four spot
Bentley transfer details announced
Spurs splash out on brand new Bentley
Tottenham complete Bentley signing
Tottenham confirm £15m six-year deal for Bentley
Spurs unveil Bentley

The idea of Andrei Arshavin moving from Zenit St. Petersburg to Tottenham in the wake of the Robbie Keane sale has reached an explicit stage, with Arshavin’s agent speaking about Spurs specifically.

Dennis Lachter downplayed the idea that a move is close, but he did continue that Spurs continue to talk to Zenit about the Russian Prince.  He confirmed that Zenit maintains a high price for Arshavin (though it has reportedly dropped slightly) and the gap between it and what Tottenham wants to pay remains significant.

The angle of the story that nobody is talking about is Arshavin’s change of heart as it concerns Spurs.  Arshavin had some negotiations earlier this summer with Spurs before his Euro 2008 explosion, after which he seems to indicate Spurs was not a big enough club for him.  But after Barcelona tried to low-ball Zenit and no other top-tier clubs tabled offers, Arshavin’s decided that a move to London an Tottenham is better than stay with Zenit.  At least he gets to move to the Premiership, and there are far worse clubs you could be at than Tottenham.

If Arshavin’s reticence to move to Italy wasn’t such an issue, AS Roma would also be a possibility.  Roma is an elite club, will be playing in the champions league, has players like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, and is a serious threat for their league’s title.  Rome is a beautiful place and Italy has some appreciation for Russian culture.  Still, Arshavin has been adamant that he does not want to move to the Serie A.

At this point, Zenit can hold out, knowing that Tottenham has played their hand in selling Keane.  Daniel Levy wants everybody to believe that Spurs had no choice but to sell, but it’s unlikely the situation is as simple as “mighty” Liverpool forcing Tottenham’s hand.  Spurs acted too early on a deal that could have done as a handshake until they got Arshavin, David Villa, or Thiago Neves.  Now Zenit, who is willing to lose out on an Arshavin deal for asking too much, can exact their fee from Tottenham.  It’s unlikely with Valencia or Fluminense will be selling their target at a discount.

Quotes

“At this point there is some talks with Tottenham, but nothing complete because of the high fee Zenit want for Andrei.” - Lachter
“The gap is huge between the two clubs as Zenit are looking a lot of money for Andrei.” - Lachter
“Juande Ramos very much wants to sign Andrei as he is his number one target and Daniel Levy is doing everthing to make the deal, but it is difficult to agree a fee with Zenit.” - Lachter
“Andrei has made it known he wants to leave Zenit and the player has made his decision - he would like to go to Tottenham.” - Lachter

Links

Spurs in Arshavin talks
Arshavin itching For Spurs Move - Agent
Arshavin agent cools Tottenham talk
Spurs in talks with Arshavin

Fluminense making the Copa Libertadores final gave them leave on a poor Brasileirao start that has had them in nineteenth place for most of the season.  But with their upset loss to Ecuador’s LDU Quito far behind, new reasons for Fluminense’s relegation battle need be used.  There is no shortage of them, be it general performance, their busy schedule, or the Olympics.  Even considering all the excuses, it remains a paradox that a club on the bring of being crowned best team in South America finds itself in a fight to avoid relegation to Brazil’s Serie B.

In explaining Flu’s problems, it’s best to avoid nuance at the start.  They’re playing poorly, particularly in attack.  Lead striker Washington (pictured, above) is a great story (overcoming serious health problems) and is a veteran presence, but he’s also been wildly in efficient and is not posing much of a threat to opponents despite leading the club with five goals.  Combine this with a dip in domestic form and unavailability of star winger Thiago Neves and you have one of the worst attacks in the league, averaging about one goal per match.

The Neves (right) issue can not be understated.  Last year’s Bola de Ouro winner has played in only five of the team’s fifteen matches, within which he’s scored only one goal.  He and star center back Thiago Silva are in Beijing with the Brazil Olympic team, leaving the embattled Tricolor three more weeks without their two best players.  With little contribution offensively coming beyond their forwards (only four goals from non-strikers), the team is highly reliant on Neves for their offense.

Neves, for his part, seems slightly less motivated than last year’s player who had just returned to Brazil from a failed stint in Japan.  Motivated to reestablish his career and value, Neves had 12 goals in 33 league contests while leading Fluminense to a third place finish.  He put himself on the radar of European clubs with that Bola de Ouro-winning performance and his four goals in two legs Copa final effort.  But that Cope output dwarfs what Neves has been able to contribute for his club, a deficiency that’s reflected in the team’s place in the table.

The attention that Neves has garnered over the last season might have him ready to move on.  You don’t have your name associated with the Arsenals and AS Romas or the world, the Londons and Romes, without looking a little beyond your current club.  The Olympics will be another chance for the winger to capture big European clubs’ imaginations, and though he is not currently slated to start for Brazil, one good substitute’s contribution could be enough to convince a club to table an offer.  If that happens, Fluminense might consider whether their chances of avoiding relegation would improve with the Neves distraction having moved on, his former teammates becoming less reliant on him in the process.

Thiago Silva (right) could also find his way to Europe.  It would be a bad decision at this point, as he is relatively new to his center back position, and although he has the raw talent to play in Europe right now, he would stunt his development if he left now.  There is a level of seasoning that he, as a center back, needs before he jumps the Atlantic and starts trying to read European attacks.  Perhaps he won’t be a center back in Europe (with his atleticism, he can play anywhere on the pitch), but he would be selling himself short if he relegated himself to an unrefined, utility role at this point in his development.

While Flu could get just sort of £10 million for him, the club needs him to hold together their defence, an unexpected positive this season after the back line was picked apart by LDU.  ilva, if he stays through the end of this season, could also make himself a good amount of money through continued improvement in his position, enabling his club to demand a higher fee and him to ask for a better salary.  While Fluminense might want to move Neves and force some of the underperforming attackers to lift the level of their games, Silva is critical to Flu’s recovery from this horrible start.

The Copa Libertadores disappointment seems to have created a hangover that Fluminense has never been able to shake.  Not taking the domestic schedule seriously at the Brasileirso’s onset, their loss to LDU gave them license to continue their uninspired play.  There were signs of life two weeks ago, when Flu garners consecutive victories over Atletico Paranaense and (impressively) Vitoria, that the club ma have turned a corner.  Shortly after Flu lost Neves and Silva to the Olympics, and momentum ceased last week with one point in two matches.  Beijing has given the Tricolor a reason to carry on with their post-Copa malaze.

Neves and Silva will return in late August, at which point Fluminense should still be in a relegation position.  The club will only need a small run to avoid relegation, though their stars will be on the end of a busy season which will have had them play the Libertadores, Olympics and their regular club schedule.  Brazilian football can be a very arduous endeavor for players, some of whom will play eighty matches over a calendar year.  Neves and Silva will be amongst the busiest.

Fluminense is both reliant on their stars and needs other players to step-up.  Argentine Darío Conca (pictured) has only one goal in seven matches.  He’s capable of more, particularly since he takes many of the team’s spots.  Washington needs to be more efficient, as his goal rate belies the number of opportunities he gets.  Dodo (four goals) must continue contributing, and another player from behind the strikers must provide more of a threat.  The back line has been decent, with Flu only allowing 21 goals through the first 15 rounds.  Goals is what the team needs, whether they come from Neves or not.

At first I wasn’t going to post anything about this, but I can’t get it out of my mind.  Over the last two days, with Thiago Neves and Andrei Arshavin being linked with White Hart Lane, I’ve joked that every player with a pulse has been said to be talking about a move towards Tottenham.  Then a couple of minutes ago I started reading reports of David Villa moving from Valencia to Spurs.

This is getting insane!  The most insane part, though:  One of these moves will happen.

Right now, players are using Spurs as a stepping stone to a true first tier club.  Perhaps Spurs will break into the top four this season and be considered an elite team next season, but right now they’re not.  Clubs and agent are using the interest and rumors they’re generating to renegotiate deals or create an urgency with the clubs they really want to move to.  But at some point, after the player market starts thinning out, Spurs will become frustrated by their failings and completely overspend for some name, any elite name that will lend credibility to all these pursuits.  It might be Arshavin.  It might be Neves, or it might be Villa.  But I have a feeling it will be somebody.

Until that point comes in two or three weeks, we will have to deal with the insanity of a new star, each day, being linked to Spurs.

Fun.

Quotes

“Many clubs have contacted me to ask about the chances of a player who is guaranteed to score goals in England. I am convinced that if Spurs were to present an offer to Valencia, they will study the subject.” - Jose Luis Tamargo, representative of David Villa

Links

Spurs bid for Villa?
Villa To Be A Hotspur

Wanted to give a short update on an item I posted yesteday.  In it, I noted that a couple of blog-type sources had relayed Tottenham’s interest in Brazil-Fluminense star Thiago Neves - the it-boy ever since he scored a hat-trick in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final.  While no major source had reported the bid, I wanted to record the news because there is a lot of interest in Neves.  I said I would follow up.

I took some time to look around this morning, and it does not appear any reliable source is running bid news.  Goal.com picked up the story, which is to say the story exists.  Given that the bidding team is Tottenham and Tottenham has had every player with a pulse linked with a move to White Hart Lane, this Neves rumor doesn’t seem that strong.

Clubs are likely to use next month’s Olympics as a second trial for the 23-year-old winger.  Those in need of a left wing or second striker could jump is the Brazilian has a strong tournament.  Whether he gets much playing time is the question.  If any single player has been hurt by the inclusion of an overage Ronaldinho in the squad, it’s Neves, who would have stood to play in a similar position to the former World Player of the Year.

Neves should still get plenty of playing time, especially in the group stages where he should start at least once again some of the speed bumps.  But in what is becoming a much anticipated match-up between Brazil and Argentina, Neves is unlikely to get the call over Ronaldinho, Jô, or Alexandre Pato.

Links

Spurs eager for a Brazilian