Qatar appoint third coach of 2011
Qatar have appointed their third coach of 2011 after Brazilian Sebastiao Lazaroni replaced Serbian Milovan Rajevac.
Rajevac, who coached Ghana at the 2010 World Cup, replaced Bruno Metsu four months ago but was fired after Qatar lost the second leg of their World Cup preliminary tie 2-1 to Vietnam last month. Qatar still reached the next round of the World Cup qualifying campaign after winning the first leg 3-0.
Lazaroni, coach of Brazil at the 1990 World Cup, has previously coached Qatari club Qatar SC.
Goal of the day: Matias Urbano
Suberb technique from Matias Urbano of Union Santa Felipe against Union La Calera in Chile.
Blunder of the day: Manuel Neuer, Bayern v Gladbach
An unfortunate start to his Bayern career for Germany’s most expensive goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. His misjudgement allowed Monchengladbach forward Igor de Camargo to score the only goal of the game against Bayern on the opening weekend of the Bundesliga season.
Macedonia spring surprise by hiring Toshack as national coach
John Toshack, who quit as Wales coach last year following defeat by Montenegro in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, is back in football as the new national coach of Macedonia.
Toshack was the surprise choice to manage Macedonia, who will face Wales in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, which kick off in autumn 2012.
Quote of the day: Franz Beckenbauer on Mario Gotze
“It is not possible to stop Mario Goetze,” said Franz Beckenbauer in his latest column in Germany’s Bild newspaper. “He has the same assets as Messi.”
“There is no one playing better than him..He runs through opponents as though they aren’t there. He is an instinctive footballer, just like Messi.”
So no pressure on 19-year-old Gotze, who is set to win his seventh cap for Germany in Wednesday’s friendly against Brazil.
Real Madrid sign seven-year-old
Argentinan sports daily Ole is claiming a world exclusive – the first interview with a seven-year-old called Leo Angel Coira, who has reportedly been signed by Real Madrid.
Not surprisingly, Coira says his idol is another Leo – Lionel Messi – and says he has already visited Madrid’s training. Real reportedly saw off interest from city rivals Atletico to sign the youngster.
Porto carry on in Portugal
Carry on as you will: Porto opened a new era under coach Vitor Pereira by winning the Portuguese Supercup, their third successive victory in the competition, after being Guimaraes 2-1.
Rumour of the day 1: Bradley to coach Egypt?
Former United States coach Bob Bradley is in talks to become the new national coach of Egypt. Bradley is reportedly on a shortlist alongside former Montenegro manager Zoran Filipovic and former Colombia coach Paco Maturana.
Rumour of the day 2: Fernando to Roma
Roma are interested in Porto’s defensive midfielder Fernando. The Brazilian was omitted from Porto’s squad to play Guimaraes in the Portuguese Supercup at the weekend.
Flamengo take over at the top in Brazil
Flamengo are the new leaders of the Brazilian championship after a 1-0 victory at Coritiba at the weekend took them ahead of Cortinthians, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Atletico Paranaense. Former national team star Ronaldinho played a crucial role in Flamengo’s victory, crossing for substitute Jeal’s headed winner in the 89th minute.
