IFFHS PRIZES FC BARCELONA | MESSI | INIESTA | BEST IN 2012

The FIFA backed International Federation of Football Statistics & History (IFFHS) has added more trophies for the collection for Spanish Football Club FC Barcelona & its players with the following prizes:

• FC Barcelona was awarded "Best Football Club 2012"
• Lionel Messi the "Best Goalscorer 2012", second year running
• Andres Iniesta the "Best Player maker in World Football", taking over from team-mate Xavi Hernandez who won last year.

However, we all knew this beforehand, right :O)

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FC BARCELONA LEADS FACEBOOK FANS 2012

The Portuguese website "Futebol Finance" has elaborated its particular " Football Facebook Index " , a barometer that examines the scope & scale of Club brands in the social media channels.

The 838 million users of Facebook (2012) now represent nearly 40% of the total number of Internet users on the planet. The 100 clubs that are part of " Football Facebook Index "meet the preference of more than 189 million users, or about 8.3% of the world population with Internet access (2,267 million in December 2011) and about 23% the total number of Facebook users.

The Top Facebook Clubs are FC Barcelona & Real Madrid.

This is how the World Football Clubs stand in this particular social media channel.

1 FC Barcelona Spain +28.811.000 fans
2 Real Madrid CF Spain +26.230.000
3 Manchester United England  +23.729.000
4 Arsenal FC England +9.602.000
5 AC Milan Italy +9.324.000
6 Chelsea FC England +9.307.000
7 Liverpool FC England +8.869.000
8 Galatasaray SK Turkey +6.683.000
9 Fenerbahce SK Turkey +5.495.000
10 Juventus FC Italy +3.414.000

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UEFA XI 2012 | FIVE SPANISH INTERNATIONALS

5.3 million users of the UEFA website have voted for the UEFA XI 2012. Here are their results: Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Thiago, Lahm, Ozil, Xavi Hernandez, Pirlo, Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi.

FC Barcelona has placed four players while Real Madrid also places four players. 

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IFFHS | ANDRES INIESTA BEST PLAY-MAKER 2012

The FIFA backed "International Federation of Football History & Statistics" ( IFFHS ) has named Spanish Football International & FC BARCELONA midfieder ANDRES INIESTA the "Best Football Play-maker in World Football" for 2012. The player was voted by specialist media Football experts & World Football specialists. The below list of Top 15 players is full of Spaniards & Players in the Spanish League.

Worthy recognition for Iniesta a truly outstanding player of Football.

Best Play-maker in World Football according to IFFHS:

1. Andrés Iniesta FC Barcelona 146 votes
2. Xavi Hernández FC Barcelona 128
3. Lionel Messi FC Barcelona 98
4. Andrea Pirlo Juventus 87
5. Mesut Özil Real Madrid 43
6. Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid 34
7. David Silva Manchester City 9
8. Yaya Touré Manchester City 9
8. Neymar Santos 9
10. Steven Gerrard Liverpool 8
11. Zlatan Ibrahimovic PSG 7
12. Xabi Alonso Real Madrid 5
13. Frank Lampard Chelsea 5
14. Juan Mata Chelsea 5
15. Radamel Falcao Atletico de Madrid 5

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IFFHS | FC BARCELONA BEST CLUB IN THE WORLD 2012

The FIFA backed "International Federation of Football History & Statistics" (IFFHS) has acknowledged the SPANISH SOCCER Club FC BARCELONA is the "Best Football Club in The World" for 2012. This his the fourth year straight the Barça finishes on top of the IFFHS Club ladder with most points.

Other Spanish Clubs in the Top 20 are ATLETICO DE MADRID in 3rd place, REAL MADRID in 7th place, ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO in 11th & VALENCIA CF in 12th position.

Classification:
.1. FC Barcelona (ESP) 307,0 pts.
.2. Chelsea (ING) 279,0
.3. Boca Juniors (ARG) 278,0
.+. Atlético de Madrid (SP) 278,0
.5.Corinthians (BRA) 272,0
.6. Bayern Múnich (GER) 270,0
.7. Real Madrid CF (SP) 259,0
.8. Juventus Turín (ITA) 231,0
.9. Borussia Dortmund (GER) 226,0
10. Olympique Lyon (FRA) 224,0
11. Athletic Club (SP) 220,0
12. Valencia (SP) 219,0


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REAL MADRID | JOSE MOURINHO IFFHS CLUB COACH OF THE YEAR

While Spanish National Football Team Selector Vicente del Bosque was awarded this week FIFA Coach of the Year, the Football Organization backed by FIFA, the "International Federation of Football History & Statistics" ( IFFHS) acknowledged & awarded REAL MADRID CF Coach JOSE MOURINHO is 4th straight "Best Coach of Year at Club level".

The only Spanish Coach in the Top 10 is Pep Guardiola of FC BARCELONA in 4th place, while SPANISH FOOTBALL Club ATLETICO DE MADRID Coach Simeone is 3rd & AHTLETIC CLUB BILBAO Coach Bielsa is 9th. Here is the Top 10 list, 

Classification:

.1. José Mourinho (POR/Real Madrid) 101 points
.2. Roberto Di Matteo (ITA/Chelsea) 99
.3. Diego Pablo Simeone (ARG/Atlético de Madrid) 97
.4. Josep Guardiola (SP/Barcelona) 82
.5. Tite (BRA/Corinthians) 61
.6. Jupp Heynckes (GER/Bayern Múnich) 40
.7. Alex Ferguson (ESC/Manchester United) 27
.8. Jürgen Klopp (GER/Borussia Dortmund) 15
.9. Marcelo Bielsa (ARG/Athletic Club) 12
10. Roberto Mancini (ITA/Manchester City) 11

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LIONEL MESSI IFFHS TOP GOAL SCORER 2012

The "International Federation of Football History & Statistics" (IFFHS) puts Argentine International & FC BARCELONA forward LIONEL MESSI as the "Best Goal-scorer in World Football" for 2012.

The IFFHS takes into account goals scored from the 1st of Jan 2012 - 31st Dec 2012, with National Teams, in Olympic Games & in International Club games ( eg Champions , Europa League & World Clubs ... )

Messi finishes the year Top with 25 goals, ahead of Brazilian Neymar & Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo. This is another "prize" that gives more arguments for Messi to take is 4th FIFA Golden Ball , he is without doubt the "hot favourite". 

Below is the Top 20 "IFFHS Goalgetter" 2012 standings:

Pos. Name. Club/Nation. Total goals. (National Team/Club International comp)


1. Lionel Andrés Messi (FC Barcelona / Argentina) 25 (12/13)
2. Neymar Da Silva Santos Júnior (Santos FC / Brasil) 21 (13/8)
3. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (Real Madrid CF / Portugal) 18 (5/13)
4. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Milan AC / Paris St.Germain FC / Sverige) 17 (14/3)
5. Radamel Falcao (Club Atlético de Madrid / Colombia) 17 (5/12)
6. Mohamed Aboutreika (Al-Ahly SC Cairo / Egypt) 16 (9/7)
7. Klaas Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04 / Nederland) 16 (4/12)
8. Leandro Damião da Silva dos Santos (SC Internacional Porto Alegre / Brasil) 13 (7/6)
9. Didier Yves Drogba (Chelsea FC London / Côte-d'Ivoire) 12 (9/3)
10. Michael Mifsud (Valletta FC / Malta) 12 (6/6)
11. Timotej Matavž (PSV Eindhoven / Slovenija) 12 (2/10)
12. Emmanuel Atukwei Clottey (Berekum Chelsea FC / Ghana) 12 (0/12)
Ricardo Oliveira (Al-Jazeera Abu Dhabi / Brasil) 12 (0/12)
14. Vedad Ibišević (VfB Stuttgart / Bosne i Hercegovine) 11 (6/5)
15. Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior (SC Internacional Porto Alegre /
Chelsea FC London / Brasil) 11 (5/6)
16. Mario Gómez (FC Bayern München / Deutschland) 11 (4/7)
17. Edison Cavani (SSC Napoli / Uruguay) 11 (3/8)
18. Mohamed Salah Ghaly (FC Basel / Egypt) 10 (10/0)
Christopher Grant Wood (Bristol City / New Zealand) 10 (10/0)
20. Oribe Peralta (Club Santos Laguna de Torreon / México)

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MANCHESTER UTD | DE GEA - NANI + 73M€ FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO ?

This one is a good one. It comes out of the UK via one of the few local media  "The Sun" ( first doubtful source ) & reports that MANCHESTER UNITED would be delighted to have back CRISTIANO RONALDO with the following formula. Offer 73M€ plus goalkeeper DE GEA & NANI. 

David De Gea is tempting for Real Madrid as it is said that Coach Mourinho considers the player the "natural" substitute to Iker Casillas. Nani, is a throw in, as Real Madrid has no place for the forward & if looked at realistically is not of a class level for the Spanish Club. Plus, said this, PARIS ST GERMAIN is reported to see a possible 120M€ transfer payment for Ronaldo as not a problem, so why will Real Madrid get less?

Having said all this, I am still of the idea that the Ronaldo ( via managerJorge Mendes ) PR team is using its powers to rack up rumours from overseas to give the Portuguese more bargaining strength in his contract negotiations. I am not at all convinced that CR7 really wishes to leave Real Madrid at all, his battle is to regain back from the Club full 100% image rights & a wage push up there with his contemporaries.

As written here already, 2013 will be full of stories & transfer formulas concerning Cristiano Ronaldo. Negotiations to renew his contract with Madrid with be a "battle" & in "war" all arms & means will be fair.

Stay tuned!

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VIDEO | BEST GOALS OF THE YEAR

In Football the "Goal" is the soul of the game, the reason of its existence. Checking up on  some dictionary meanings I find:

• The purpose toward which an endeavour is directed; an objective
• The aim or object towards which an endeavour is directed
• A specified structure into which players endeavour to advance a ball, the score awarded for such an act.

This year ( as always ) there have been some spectacular goals scored around the World. A YouTube "aficionado" (fan) has put up a great video highlighting the "Best of the Year". In his selection are LIONEL MESSI & RADAMEL FALCAO. Watch some awesome goals.

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CHELSEA FC NEGOTIATING WITH SEVILLA FC FOR NEGREDO

This rumour has been sounding the past two days. Wanted to wait to make sure that the "whistle" was more than just a sound, & apparently it is now much talked about & indeed very possible. According to Spanish media CHELSEA FC under new Spanish Coach Rafael Benitez is preparing a 18M€ transfer offer for SEVILLA FC & Spanish International forward ALVARO NEGERDO.

The first option, David Villa is not going to happen as FC Barcelona wishes to keep the forward in case of injury to other players this season. With Chelsea FC transferring Sturridge to Liverpool FC, the Club needs another forward to accompany Fernando Torres upfront.

Sevilla FC has a financial issue on hand & values Negredo around 20M€, figures being handled that will help ease economic pressures. Negotiations between both Clubs are in process.

Stay tuned!

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SPANISH FOOTBALL DOMINATES L`EQUIPE BEST XI 2012

French Sports daily "L´Equipe" has put on their front cover their choice of the "Best XI for 2012" & in doing so mentions Spanish Football. Eight members of the elected line-up play in LA LIGA & come from the two big Spanish Clubs: FC BARCELONA & REAL MADRID. 

Jordi Alba, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta & Messi are from Barça, while Casillas, Ramos, Xabi Alonso & Cristiano Ronaldo come from Real Madrid.

The "outsiders" ( no punt intended ) are Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Kompany (Manchester City) & Ramires ( Chelsea FC ).

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CRISTIANO RONALDO NOT TO RENEW WITH REAL MADRID ?

According to Spanish Sports daily "AS", & picked up by various other Sports daily's, CRISTIANO RONALDO has decided not to renew his contract with REAL MADRID which ends 2015. This puts the Spanish Football Club in the following situation; sell their star or risk him leaving for free, & the last option will never be. 

Apparently it's not about the money, Real Madrid will make a new offer which will put the Portuguese star in the top bracket of World Football money earners. It's about emotions, Ronaldo feels that the Club does "protect" him as he wishes. 

The example being used everywhere, & which needs to be confirmed if CR7 felt "hurt", is the UEFA Gala for the Best Player Award. Cristiano watched how FC Barcelona players Messi & Andres Iniesta were accompanied by Barça President Rosell, Football Director Zubizarreta & other top Directives, while Real Madrid sent Emilio Butrageño & ...can't remember his name. This & other actions has let down Ronaldo who feels he doesn't get the tender loving care of the Club & from its President Florentino Perez. 

Thus the man has decided to move on. 

This is an emotional story & is great article writing stuff for papers, apart from good PR if used correctly. I personally feel that the money factor has not disappeared at all & that we are just witnessing a long negotiation process were each party is placing themselves for the final "battle". 

Stay tuned , there will be more emotions coming up soon in the Real Madrid-Ronaldo relationship. 

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NEWS | NEYMAR WARNED ABOUT THE MESSI SHADOW

The news piece comes from Spanish Sports daily "Marca". Said this many may beforehand think that its an anti-Barcelona propaganda effort from the centralist Madrid media source. Noam Chomsky issues aside, the story is about Brazilian star NEYMAR & FC BARCELONA astro LIONEL MESSI

Everyone coincides that the future of Neymar is in European Football, & that Spanish Football Club FC BARCELONA is in the box seat to gain his services. Insiders say that Barça has a pre-contract with Neymar & has already advanced some big money. However, other European Clubs ( Manchester City for example) are attempting to lure Neymar away from Barcelona with bigger promises. 

The latest strategy - true or false is not an issue here - is to remind Neymar that playing in the same Club with Lionel Messi will eclipse & dim out your starlight brightness. There is a list of big time flyers & names that had to leave FC Barcelona due to Messi, with some bad-tongues saying directly due to Messi who requested they leave. The list is impressive Ronaldinho, Eto´o, Ibrahimovic & currently in dire straits David Villa.

The close advisor's of Neymar are suggesting that Barça, Messi & the huge demand of discipline for a 22 year old could be overwhelming & career damaging. Robinho comes to mind immediately when he went off very young to Real Madrid from Santos & crashed. 

Scare tactics? Perhaps. But there is some true in the warnings. Neymar is currently just a star in Brazilian Football, while Messi is a Galaxy that dominates a universe called World Football.

Stay tuned.

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CHELSEA FC TO ASK FC BARCELONA TO LOAN OUT VILLA ?

The English daily "The Sun" has published that CHELSEA FC Spanish Manager Rafael Benitez will ask FC BARCELONA to contemplate & allow Spanish International forward DAVID VILLA to change Clubs until the end of the season. The FC Barcelona player is not playing & Benitez believes he will give top value to Chelsea if given on-loan in the upcoming "Winter Transfer Window". 

The interest by Chelsea FC is not new at all. The rumours intensify on a weekly basis with news coming from the UK & from specialized Football media sources. The current wishes from Chelsea is to get Villa on-loan until the end of this season, with ATLETICO DE MADRID Colombian forward FALCAO being the true objective.

FC Barcelona has already mentioned that Villa will not be transferred or sold. The Club is currently competing in all competitions: Liga, Spanish Cup & Champions League, & a player of his calibre is too good to let go in case other regular players may get injured.

Although David Villa may look forward to a change & Chelsea can imagine the possibility, at this stage it is just rumour & a very difficult wish to came true.
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FIFA RANKING DEC 2012 | SPAIN Nº 1

FIFA has handed in its December 2012 WORLD NATIONS RANKING with SPAIN finishing the year in the Nº1 position. Its the 5th straight year for SPAIN in the number one position & remarkable & historical achievement.

Since the creation of the FIFA ranking system back in 1993 only 7 Nations have occupied the Nº1 position at any one moment: Germany, Brazil, Italy, France, Argentina, Holland & Spain.

The FIFA Top 20 Ranking for December 2012

Dec 2012

	Rnk	Team	Pts	+/- Pos
	1	Spain	1606	0
	2	Germany	1437	0
	3	Argentina	1290	0
	4	Italy	1165	1
	5	Colombia	1164	3
	6	England	1151	0
	7	Portugal	1144	-3
	8	Netherlands	1124	-1
	9	Russia	1070	0
	10	Croatia	1064	0
	11	Greece	1033	1
	12	Switzerland	1004	4
	13	Ecuador	999	4
	14	Côte d'Ivoire	995	1
	15	Mexico	994	-1
	16	Uruguay	975	-5
	17	France	949	1
	18	Brazil	946	-5
	19	Algeria	887	0
	20	Sweden	870	3

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