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| [photo by David Cornejo] |
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known commonly as simply Ronaldo, announced that his 18 year career will come to an end today. The reason: fitness. It is hard to play football when your over weight and Ronaldo finally accepted that he was no longer in shape to play the game he loves without the fear of injury.
In his prime Ronaldo was one of the best footballers on the planet. He won his first Ballon d'Or in 1997 at the age of 21. He would win that award again in 2002. He is also one of only two men to have won the FIFA Player of the Year award three times, Zinedine Zidane being the other player to achieve that. On the international level Ronald lifted the World Cup twice, in 1994 and 2002. The record for the most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup is also held by Ronaldo: 15.
Today when you mention Ronaldo people often ask if your referring to Cristiano or "the fat one". Ronaldo is solely to blame for his down fall. I cant help but remember his transvestite adventures a few month prior to his departure from AC Milan to join Corinthians. We wish you the best Ronnie. Stay healthy.
The video below shows Ronaldo's transformation through the years.
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| [photo by sdhansay] |
- by Matt Narvaez, writing from Florida
ESPN2 - France Vs Brazil - 3PM
This game is great matchup of two of soccer’s historic powerhouses. Both will be fielding top flight squads. Brazil will feature the likes of Pato and Robinho for AC Milan up front. Mid field will have EPL players Anderson, Lucas, Ramires, and Sandro. Dani Alves, David Luis, Marcelo, Rafael will be some of the stalwarts in the back. Mano Menezes will also have plenty of fire on the bench to draw from so this should be a formidable test for Les Bleus. The French side will have some familiar names on it. The big man Karim Benzema will have to show some of the form that has been missing this year during at Real Madrid. Also Guillaume Hoarau from PSG and Loic Remy from Marseille will be featured in the attack. Diaby and Malouda will be the big names in the middle of the pitch; while the back line might as well be known as gunners light with 3 players from the London squad called up to hold back the Brazilian onslaught. The French team has been playing well of late. After what was just a humiliating world cup new manager Laurent Blanc has more than righted the ship and well on their way to their rightful place in world football. Notable absences are Ronaldinho, Nelmar, Kaka, and Nilmar for Brazil. Ribery, Evera, Lass, and the internationaly retired Nicolas Anelka. Since this will be airing on the world wide leader plenty of people should have a chance to watch this great international match.
GolTV Argentina vs Portugal 3PM
If a matchup with 2 of the best footballers on the planet right now can’t get you excited I can’t help you. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be squaring off in what has to be the glamour match of the day. German and Italian fans would argue that, but when the last two players that have received the Ballon d'Or are on the same pitch it makes for a special night. Add the fact they are neck and neck for the battle of the Pichichi, it’s definitely one not to be missed. They of course won’t be playing 1 v 1 and both of their nations teams will be fielding impressive squads. Messi will be joined by Milito, Lavezii, and Gaitan in the attacking half. Barcelona teammate and ex Liverpool player Mascherano will be roaming mid field with Inter star Cambiasso, Di Maria and Gago from Real Madrid, Pastore, and Sosa. The back will be anchored by Zanetti, Zabaleta, Milito, and Garay. The men from the Iberian Peninsula should certainly hold their own against the Argentines. Ronaldo will have the Red Devil’s Nani and Danny to send shots at the opposition goal. Manager Paulo Bento will hope Raul Meireles current great play with Liverpool will continue tomorrow. Bosingwa and Bruno Alves will be missing Real Madrid’s Pepe and Carvalho in the back, out due to injury. Hopefully the two main stars can play decent minutes and get an opportunity to display some of the brilliance that they have all year for their clubs.
Other Notable Matches:
Turkey Vs South Korea 1 PM
Denmark Vs England - 2:15 PM on ESPN3
Germany Vs Italy on ESPN3