As India start their T20 World Cup title defence in less than 72 hours, one is tempted to look at Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir's working relationship which has been fantastic, at least so going by the results -- a whopping 31 wins in 39 games with a winning percentage of 79.48.
Carlos Alberto, who scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history while captaining Brazil to glory in the 1970 final against Italy, has died aged 72 following a heart attack. The marauding right back scored his team's fourth goal in a 4-1 win over Italy in Mexico's Azteca Stadium, a thumping drive that ended a move involving eight players, before hoisting the Jules Rimet trophy as Brazil won the title for the third time. "I am saddened by the death of my friend and brother Carlos Alberto, our beloved Captain, and I remember the times that we were together at Santos, Brazil and the (New York) Cosmos, where we formed a winning partnership," Pele said in one of the many tributes from former greats.
He played 53 games for Brazil and led them to the 1970 World Cup victory after scoring arguably the greatest goals in World Cup football history.
Brazil were winning 3-1 and the 1970 World Cup final against Italy was over as a contest when Carlos Alberto looked up to see the whole of the right wing open to him and started to motor. There were four minutes left on the clock at the Aztec stadium and Brazil's captain really just wanted the game to end. His team mates felt the same way and were knocking the ball about nonchalantly when the marauding full back spotted the chance of a fourth goal, even from way back in his own half.
Emiliano Martinez said he had always wanted to come to India.
His Brazilian fans loved him for his idiosyncratic personality and unapologetic nationalism. He liked to say he was born with victory at his side and was rarely shy to challenge those who said his teams were too defensive.
Habib, who was suffering from dementia and Parkinson's syndrome for the past couple of years, breathed his last in Hyderabad, his birthplace.
Pele's greatest contribution to both soccer and Brazil was to transform his underachieving nation into a footballing superpower.
Pele was eventually convinced to sign a multimillion-dollar deal with US club New York Santos in June 1975, aided by then-Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who wrote a letter to the Brazilian government stressing how important his presence would be for bilateral relations.
The 1970 Brazil side, led by Pele and featuring names such as Gerson, Tostao, Rivelino and Carlos Alberto, is frequently rated the greatest team of all time. They won all seven of their matches in Mexico, culminating with a 4-1 over Italy in the final at the Aztec stadium. The life-size statue of Pele, dressed in the strip worn by the 1970 team, bore a close resemblance to the former Santos and New York Cosmos striker, unlike many of the statues of famous footballers unveiled recently around the globe.
Pitso Mosimane signed a four-year contract on Thursday to be South Africa's new coach, tasked with ensuring the 2010 World Cup hosts qualify for the next edition in Brazil.
Fancy your chops are a designer? Skoda Auto India has a challenge for you. Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com brings us the lowdown.
Winning the World Cup for a sixth time matters more to Brazil than putting on a display of the "beautiful game", Brazil technical director Carlos Alberto Parreira said on Friday.
Former captain and coach Dunga hailed the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari as coach saying he will take Brazil to great success.
Luiz Felipe Scolari took over as the coach of 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil on Thursday, returning for a second stint to lead his country's bid to win a sixth world title on home soil in little more than 18 months' time.
South Africa's all-time leading scorer Benni McCarthy was one of five players cut from the World Cup hosts' squad on Tuesday as coach Carlos Alberto Parreira settled on his 23 players for the June 11-July tournament. The decision to ditch McCarthy was a major surprise but follows criticism concerning the forward's fitness. Parreira also dropped defender Bryce Moon and goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez in two other surprise cuts.
Brazil coach Dunga made it clear that he would not be continuing in the job after his side lost 2-1 to Netherlands in their World Cup quarter-final on Friday.
Diego Forlan shot to the top of the World Cup scorers' chart with two goals in Uruguay's 3-0 win over South Africa on Wednesday.
Brazil continued their dominance over England with a 1-0 friendly win on Saturday but 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa's troubles persisted with a 0-0 draw at home to Japan on coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's second debut. Spain added to Diego Maradona's worries by beating his Argentina side 2-1 thanks to two Xabi Alonso goals, including a late penalty, as the teams already qualified for South Africa began their preparations.
Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira has been appointed South Africa coach for the 2010 World Cup finals, resuming a job he left 18 months ago, the country's football association announced on Friday.
Arsenal's future looks to be in safe hands after a largely teenage side produced a sparkling display to thrash Championship (second division) Sheffield United 6-0 in the third round of the League Cup on Tuesday. Manchester United needed two late goals to beat 10-man Middlesbrough 3-1.
However, there is still no place for strikers Ronaldo and Adriano, both heavily criticised for their performances at the World Cup, former captain Cafu or goalkeeper Dida.
Future World Cup hosts South Africa fielded 10 new caps as they edged past Malawi 5-4 on penalties in their Cosafa Castle Cup Group B semi-final at Swaziland's Somhlolo stadium.
A survey showed 27 percent of those polled thought Ronaldo is the team's best player. Kaka followed with 14 percent and Ronaldinho with 12.
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is satisfied with Ronaldo's recovery from a thigh injury
Parreira, who led a disappointing Brazil side that went out in the quarter-finals against France, said teamwork had prevailed rather than individuals.
Midfielder Edmilson has not played for Brazil since he suffered right knee ligament damage playing for Barcelona and underwent surgery a year ago.
Champions Brazil are determined not to get dragged into a physical battle with Australia
Parreira fielded Adriano and Ricardo Oliveira together in a training session between the first team and the reserves.
Brazil midfielder Kaka said he was not fully fit in the 1-0 quarter-final defeat to France at the World Cup.
The list of the greatest living footballers as nominated by Brazilian legend Pele to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of FIFA.
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