The Girl with the Goalden Boot

Sunday, July 02, 2006

 

Van Basten needs to go to hell
After the Argentina match Van Basten made another mistake. In his press conference he said he was “disappointed” with Ruud van Nistelrooy. A journalist asked: “Have you told Ruud that?” and he admitted he had not. Van Basten went and apologised to Ruud and Ruud said: “Okay, but please apologise in front of the group.” Van Basten promised but at the next training session said nothing. As it finished Ruud said: “Hey, Marco, didn’t you forget something?” and finally Van Basten had to make his apology. But he “punished” Ruud by refusing to play him against Portugal, even as a substitute. A more experienced coach than Van Basten might have handled things differently. - source

Poor Ruud. He hasn't had much luck with his egotistical managers lately. Van Basten was his childhood hero, how disappointed and hurt Ruud must be... :(

FIFA can't explain red card
Mystery surrounded the dismissal of England striker Wayne Rooney in his side's quarter-final loss to Portugal with senior FIFA officials unsure why Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo showed him the red card.

He was either sent off just after the hour mark for pushing Manchester United club mate Cristiano Ronaldo or for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho before England lost 3-1 on penalties.

The referee does not have to make public why he sends a player off but must include the reason in his official report which is scrutinised privately by the Referees' Committee.

FIFA officials were surprised by the sending off and said they had not yet been informed of the reason by the referee.

The incident occurred near the halfway line with Rooney battling to retain control of the ball and being pursued by defender Carvalho and captain Luis Figo.

The England forward appeared to be pulled back by Carvalho while at the same time Figo wrapped his legs around Rooney who then seemed to tread on his opponent's groin as he tried to disentangle his leg, but with no malicious intent.

Carvalho's reaction prompted Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo to sprint some 40 metres to the referee, apparently to demand a card against Rooney who pushed him and was sent off.

Television pictures appeared to show Ronaldo winking towards the Portugal bench as Rooney made his way off the pitch.

Ronaldo had feigned to head-butt Rooney seconds before the match kicked off as he walked past his club mate to take up his position on the left wing in what appeared another bad-tempered exchange.

As he left the field, Rooney was comforted by captain David Beckham, who was sent off by Elizondo playing for Manchester United in the World Club Championship in Brazil six years ago.

Beckham was also famously sent off in the 1998 World Cup when England lost on penalties to Argentina. - source

If Ronaldo wants to leave MU for Real Madrid, he can go for all I care. What a brat. Bloody useless side-stepping showoff. Sir Alex sided with him when he had an argument with Ruud, and Ruud's career was pretty much screwed from that point.

Lola Nadal 2:05 PM